bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Erythropoietin facilitates definitive endodermal differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells via activation of ERK signaling
Authors: Kaitsuka Taku , Kobayashi Kohei , Otsuka Wakako , Kubo Takuya , Hakim Farzana , Wei Fan-Yan , Shiraki Nobuaki , Kume Shoen , Tomizawa Kazuhito
Published: March 2017

Artificially generated pancreatic β-cells from pluripotent stem cells are expected for cell replacement therapy for type 1 diabetes. Several strategies are adopted to direct pluripotent stem cells toward pancreatic differentiation. However, a standard differentiation method for clinical application has not been established. It is important to develop more effective and safer methods for generating pancreatic β-cells without toxic or mutagenic chemicals. In the present study, we screened several endogenous factors involved in organ development to identify the factor, which induced the efficiency of pancreatic differentiation and found that treatment with erythropoietin (EPO) facilitated the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into definitive endoderm. At an early stage of differentiation, EPO treatment significantly increased Sox17 gene expression, as a marker of the definitive endoderm. Contrary to the canonical function of EPO, it did not affect the levels of phosphorylated JAK2 and STAT5, but stimulated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt. The MEK inhibitor U0126 significantly inhibited EPO-induced Sox17 expression. The differentiation of ESCs into definitive endoderm is an important step for the differentiation into pancreatic and other endodermal lineages. This study suggests a possible role of EPO in embryonic endodermal development and a new agent for directing the differentiation into endodermal lineages like pancreatic β-cells.
Time compression of visual perception around microsaccades
Authors: Yu Gongchen , Yang Mingpo , Yu Peng , Dorris Michael Christopher
Published: March 2017

Even during fixation, our eyes are in constant motion. For example, microsaccades are small (typically <1°) eye movements that occur 1~3 times/second. Despite their tiny and transient nature, our percept of visual space is compressed before microsaccades (Hafed ZM, Lovejoy LP, Krauzlis RJ. Eur J Neurosci 37: 1169–1181, 2013). As visual space and time are interconnected at both the physical and physiological levels, we asked whether microsaccades also affect the temporal aspects of visual perception. Here we demonstrate that the perceived interval between transient visual stimuli was compressed if accompanied by microsaccades. This temporal compression extended approximately ±200 ms from microsaccade occurrence, and depending on their particular pattern, multiple microsaccades further enhanced or counteracted this temporal compression. The compression of time surrounding microsaccades resembles that associated with more voluntary macrosaccades (Morrone MC, Ross J, Burr D. Nat Neurosci 8: 950–954, 2005). Our results suggest common neural processes underlying both saccade and microsaccade misperceptions, mediated, likely, through extraretinal mechanisms.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here we show that humans perceive the duration of visual events as compressed if they are accompanied by microsaccades. Despite the tiny and transient nature of microsaccades, time compression extended more than ±200 ms from their occurrence. Moreover, the number, pattern, and temporal coincidence of microsaccades relative to visual events all contribute to this time misperception. Our results reveal a detailed picture of how our visual time percepts are altered by microsaccades.
The neural control of interlimb coordination during mammalian locomotion
Authors: Frigon Alain
Published: March 2017

Neuronal networks within the spinal cord directly control rhythmic movements of the arms/forelimbs and legs/hindlimbs during locomotion in mammals. For an effective locomotion, these networks must be flexibly coordinated to allow for various gait patterns and independent use of the arms/forelimbs. This coordination can be accomplished by mechanisms intrinsic to the spinal cord, somatosensory feedback from the limbs, and various supraspinal pathways. Incomplete spinal cord injury disrupts some of the pathways and structures involved in interlimb coordination, often leading to a disruption in the coordination between the arms/forelimbs and legs/hindlimbs in animal models and in humans. However, experimental spinal lesions in animal models to uncover the mechanisms coordinating the limbs have limitations due to compensatory mechanisms and strategies, redundant systems of control, and plasticity within remaining circuits. The purpose of this review is to provide a general overview and critical discussion of experimental studies that have investigated the neural mechanisms involved in coordinating the arms/forelimbs and legs/hindlimbs during mammalian locomotion.
Comparative Evaluation of Sulfur Compounds Contents and Antiobesity Properties of Allium hookeri Prepared by Different Drying Methods
Authors: Yang Min Hye , Kim Na-Hyun , Heo Jeong-Doo , Rho Jung-Rae , Ock Kwang Ju , Shin Eui-Cheol , Jeong Eun Ju
Published: March 2017

Despite the nutritional and medicinal values of Allium hookeri, its unique flavor (onion or garlic taste and smell) coming from sulfur containing compounds limits its usage as functional food. For comparative study, A. hookeri roots were prepared under two different drying conditions, namely, low‐temperature drying that minimizes the volatilization of sulfur components and hot‐air drying that minimizes the garlic odor and spicy taste of A. hookeri. In GC/MS olfactory system, the odorous chemicals and organosulfur compounds such as diallyl trisulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, and dipropyl trisulfide were significantly decreased in hot‐air drying compared to low‐temperature drying. The spiciness and saltiness taste were noticeably reduced, while sourness, sweetness, and umami taste were significantly increased in hot‐air dried A. hookeri according to electronic tongue. Although the content of volatile sulfur components was present at lower level, the administration of hot‐air dried A. hookeri extract (100 mg/kg p.o.) apparently prevented the body weight gain and improved insulin resistance in C57BL/6J obese mice receiving high fat diet. Results suggested that the hot‐air dried A. hookeri possessing better taste and odor might be available as functional crop and bioactive diet supplement for the prevention and/or treatment of obesity.
Novel Methods for Measuring Depth of Anesthesia by Quantifying Dominant Information Flow in Multichannel EEGs
Authors: Cha Kab-Mun , Choi Byung-Moon , Noh Gyu-Jeong , Shin Hyun-Chool
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we propose novel methods for measuring depth of anesthesia (DOA) by quantifying dominant information flow in multichannel EEGs. Conventional methods mainly use few EEG channels independently and most of multichannel EEG based studies are limited to specific regions of the brain. Therefore the function of the cerebral cortex over wide brain regions is hardly reflected in DOA measurement. Here, DOA is measured by the quantification of dominant information flow obtained from principle bipartition. Three bipartitioning methods are used to detect the dominant information flow in entire EEG channels and the dominant information flow is quantified by calculating information entropy. High correlation between the proposed measures and the plasma concentration of propofol is confirmed from the experimental results of clinical data in 39 subjects. To illustrate the performance of the proposed methods more easily we present the results for multichannel EEG on a two-dimensional (2D) brain map.
Flexoelectric Effect on Vibration of Piezoelectric Microbeams Based on a Modified Couple Stress Theory
Authors: Li Xingjia , Luo Ying
Published: March 2017

A novel electric Gibbs function was proposed for the piezoelectric microbeams (PMBs) by employing a modified couple stress theory. Based on the new Gibbs function and the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, the governing equations which incorporate the effects of couple stress, flexoelectricity, and piezoelectricity were derived for the mechanics of PMBs. The analysis of the effective bending rigidity shows the effects of size and flexoelectricity can greaten the stiffness of PMBs so that the natural frequency increases significantly compared with the Euler-Bernoulli beam, and then the mechanical and electrical properties of PMBs are enhanced compared to the classical beam. This study can guide the design of microscale piezoelectric/flexoelectric structures which may find potential applications in the microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).
Searches for the Anomalous FCNC Top-Higgs Couplings with Polarized Electron Beam at the LHeC
Authors: Wang XiaoJuan , Sun Hao , Luo Xuan
Published: March 2017

We study the single top and Higgs associated productione-p→νet-→νehq-(h→bb-)in the top-Higgs FCNC couplings at the LHeC with the electron beam energy ofEe=60 GeV andEe=120 GeV and combination of a 7 TeV and 50 TeV proton beam. With the possibility ofe-beam polarization (pe=0,±0.6), we distinct the cut-based method and the multivariate analysis- (MVA-) based method and compare with the current experimental and theoretical limits. It is shown that the branching ratioBr(t→uh)can be probed to 0.113 (0.093%), 0.071 (0.057%), 0.030 (0.022%), and 0.024 (0.019%) with the cut-based (MVA-based) analysis at (Ep,Ee) = (7 TeV, 60 GeV), (Ep,Ee) = (7 TeV, 120 GeV), (Ep,Ee) = (50 TeV, 60 GeV), and (Ep,Ee) = (50 TeV, 120 GeV) beam energy and 1σlevel. With the possibility ofe-beam polarization, the expected limits can be probed down to 0.090 (0.073%), 0.056 (0.045%), 0.024 (0.018%), and 0.019 (0.015%), respectively.
Impact on Autophagy and Ultraviolet B Induced Responses of Treatment with the MTOR Inhibitors Rapamycin, Everolimus, Torin 1, and pp242 in Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Xu Song , Li Li , Li Min , Zhang Mengli , Ju Mei , Chen Xu , Gu Heng
Published: March 2017

The mechanistic target of Rapamycin (MTOR) protein is a crucial signaling regulator in mammalian cells that is extensively involved in cellular biology. The function of MTOR signaling in keratinocytes remains unclear. In this study, we detected the MTOR signaling and autophagy response in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT and human epidermal keratinocytes treated with MTOR inhibitors. Moreover, we detected the impact of MTOR inhibitors on keratinocytes exposed to the common carcinogenic stressors ultraviolet B (UVB) and UVA radiation. As a result, keratinocytes were sensitive to the MTOR inhibitors Rapamycin, everolimus, Torin 1, and pp242, but the regulation of MTOR downstream signaling was distinct. Next, autophagy induction only was observed in HaCaT cells treated with Rapamycin. Furthermore, we found that MTOR signaling was insensitive to UVB but sensitive to UVA radiation. UVB treatment also had no impact on the inhibition of MTOR signaling by MTOR inhibitors. Finally, MTOR inhibition by Rapamycin, everolimus, or pp242 did not affect the series of biological events in keratinocytes exposed to UVB, including the downregulation of BiP and PERK, activation of Histone H2A and JNK, and cleavage of caspase‐3 and PARP. Our study demonstrated that MTOR inhibition in keratinocytes cannot always induce autophagy, and the MTOR pathway does not play a central role in the UVB triggered cellular response.
A New Sutureless Illuminated Macular Buckle Designed for Myopic Macular Hole Retinal Detachment
Authors: Bedda Ahmed M. , Abdel Hadi Ahmed M. , Lolah Mohamed , Abd Al Shafy Muhammad S.
Published: March 2017

Purpose. To report the anatomic and visual results of a new sutureless illuminated macular buckle designed for patients with macular hole retinal detachment related to high myopia (MMHRD).Design. Prospective nonrandomized comparative interventional trial.Methods. Twenty myopic eyes of 20 patients (mean age, 51.4 years; range, 35–65 years) presenting with MMHRD with a posterior staphyloma, in whom the new buckle was used, were evaluated. The buckle used was assembled from a 5 mm wide sponge and a 7 mm wide silicone tire; it was fixed utilizing the sterile topical adhesive Histoacryl Blue (B Braun, TS1050044FP) which polymerizes in seconds upon being exposed to water-containing substances. The primary outcomes measured included aided visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings. The mean follow-up period was 6 months.Results. Postoperatively, the MH closure was identified by OCT in 8 (40%) eyes. The mean BCVA increased from 0.11 to 0.21 (p<0.005). The axial length of the eyes included decreased from 30.5 mm preoperatively to 29.8 mm (p=0.002) postoperatively.Conclusion. Preparation of the new sutureless macular buckle is simple and easy. Illumination of the terminal part of the buckle ensures proper placement. Histoacryl Blue is effective in fixing the buckle in its place for at least 6 months with no reported intra- or postoperative complications.
[Retracted] Molecular Hydrogen Effectively Heals Alkali‐Injured Cornea via Suppression of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Cejka Cestmir , Kossl Jan , Hermankova Barbora , Holan Vladimir , Cejkova Jitka
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of molecular hydrogen (H2) on the healing of alkali‐injured cornea. The effects of the solution of H2 in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or PBS alone topically applied on the alkali‐injured rabbit cornea with 0.25 M NaOH were investigated using immunohistochemical and biochemical methods. Central corneal thickness taken as an index of corneal hydration was measured with an ultrasonic pachymeter. Results show that irrigation of the damaged eyes with H2 solution immediately after the injury and then within next five days renewed corneal transparency lost after the injury and reduced corneal hydration increased after the injury to physiological levels within ten days after the injury. In contrast, in injured corneas treated with PBS, the transparency of damaged corneas remained lost and corneal hydration elevated. Later results—on day 20 after the injury—showed that in alkali‐injured corneas treated with H2 solution the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, peroxynitrite, detected by nitrotyrosine residues (NT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) expressions were very low or absent compared to PBS treated injured corneas, where NT and MDA expressions were present. In conclusion, H2 solution favorably influenced corneal healing after alkali injury via suppression of oxidative stress.
Evaluation of Mobile Phone and Cordless Phone Use and Glioma Risk Using the Bradford Hill Viewpoints from 1965 on Association or Causation
Authors: Carlberg Michael , Hardell Lennart
Published: March 2017

Objective.Bradford Hill’s viewpoints from 1965 on association or causation were used on glioma risk and use of mobile or cordless phones.Methods.All nine viewpoints were evaluated based on epidemiology and laboratory studies.Results.Strength: meta-analysis of case-control studies gave odds ratio (OR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31–2.76 with highest cumulative exposure. Consistency: the risk increased with latency, meta-analysis gave in the 10+ years’ latency group OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.20–2.19. Specificity: increased risk for glioma was in the temporal lobe. Using meningioma cases as comparison group still increased the risk. Temporality: highest risk was in the 20+ years’ latency group, OR = 2.01, 95% CI =1.41–2.88, for wireless phones. Biological gradient: cumulative use of wireless phones increased the risk. Plausibility: animal studies showed an increased incidence of glioma and malignant schwannoma in rats exposed to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. There is increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from RF radiation. Coherence: there is a change in the natural history of glioma and increasing incidence. Experiment: antioxidants reduced ROS production from RF radiation. Analogy: there is an increased risk in subjects exposed to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields.Conclusion.RF radiation should be regarded as a human carcinogen causing glioma.
The Impact of the Menstrual Cycle on Perioperative Bleeding in Vitreoretinal Surgery
Authors: Lin Zhong , Moonasar Nived , Wu Rong Han , Seemongal-Dass Robin R.
Published: March 2017

Purpose.To investigate the effect of menstrual cycle on perioperative bleeding of primary vitreoretinal surgery.Methods.Data on female patients who had vitrectomy surgery was retrospectively collected. Exclusion criteria were history of trauma, vitreous hemorrhage, previous vitreoretinal surgery, diabetic retinopathy, endophthalmitis, acute retinal necrosis, single vitreous opacity, and use of antiplatelet agents. Perioperative bleeding was defined as hemorrhage in the iris, vitreous, choroidal, retina, or subretina during surgery or up to one day postoperatively. 69 patients had surgery during the perimenstrual phase (group M, days 1–7 and days 21–28) and 86 during periovulatory phase (group O, days 8–20) were enrolled.Results.The proportion of operative bleeding in group M (14.5%) and group O (10.5%) was not found to be significantly different (p=0.45). No postoperative bleeding was recorded in both groups. The univariate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of perimenstrual phase for operative bleeding were 0.69 (0.26–1.81). After adjusting for patients’ age, vitreoretinal diseases, and surgeons, the multivariate OR and 95% CI were 0.71 (0.27–1.86).Conclusion.This study suggests that the timing of the menstrual period does not affect perioperative bleeding for primary vitreoretinal surgery. Menstruation appears not to be a contraindication for vitreoretinal surgery.
Joint Optimized CPU and Networking Control Scheme for Improved Energy Efficiency in Video Streaming on Mobile Devices
Authors: Jo Sung-Woong , Chung Jong-Moon
Published: March 2017

Video streaming service is one of the most popular applications for mobile users. However, mobile video streaming services consume a lot of energy, resulting in a reduced battery life. This is a critical problem that results in a degraded user’s quality of experience (QoE). Therefore, in this paper, a joint optimization scheme that controls both the central processing unit (CPU) and wireless networking of the video streaming process for improved energy efficiency on mobile devices is proposed. For this purpose, the energy consumption of the network interface and CPU is analyzed, and based on the energy consumption profile a joint optimization problem is formulated to maximize the energy efficiency of the mobile device. The proposed algorithm adaptively adjusts the number of chunks to be downloaded and decoded in each packet. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the energy efficiency when compared with the existing algorithms.
Homeobox B9 Mediates Resistance to Anti-VEGF Therapy in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Carbone Carmine , Piro Geny , Simionato Francesca , Ligorio Francesca , Cremolini Chiara , Loupakis Fotios , Alì Greta , Rossini Daniele , Merz Valeria , Santoro Raffaela , Zecchetto Camilla , Zanotto Marco , Di Nicolantonio Federica , Bardelli Alberto , Fontanini Gabriella , Tortora Giampaolo , Melisi Davide
Published: March 2017

Purpose: The identification of predictive biomarkers for antiangiogenic therapies remains an unmeet need. We hypothesized that the transcription factor Homeobox B9 (HOXB9) could be responsible for the tumor resistance to the anti-VEGF agent bevacizumab.

Experimental Design: HOXB9 expression and activation were measured in eight models of colorectal and pancreatic cancer with different resistance to bevacizumab. Serum levels of Angiopoietin-like Protein (Angptl)2, CXC receptor ligand (CXCL)1, IL8, and TGFβ1 in tumor-bearing mice were measured by multiplex xMAP technology. HOXB9 expression was measured by immunohistochemical analysis in 81 pretreatment specimens from metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Differences in progression-free survival (PFS) were determined using a log-rank test.

Results: HOXB9-positive tumors were resistant to bevacizumab, whereas mice bearing HOXB9-negative tumors were cured by this agent. Silencing HOXB9 in bevacizumab-resistant models significantly (P < 0.05) reduced Angptl2, CXCL1, IL8, and TGFβ1 levels, reverted their mesenchymal phenotype, reduced CD11b+ cells infiltration, and restored, in turn, sensitivity to bevacizumab. HOXB9 had no prognostic value in patients treated with a first-line chemotherapeutic regimen noncontaining bevacizumab. However, patients affected by an HOXB9-negative tumor had a significantly longer PFS compared with those with an HOXB9-positive tumor if treated with a first-line regimen containing bevacizumab (18.0 months vs. 10.4 months; HR 2.037; 95% confidence interval, 1.006–4.125; P = 0.048).

Conclusions: These findings integrate the complexity of numerous mechanisms of anti-VEGF resistance into the single transcription factor HOXB9. Silencing HOXB9 could be a promising approach to modulate this resistance. Our results candidate HOXB9 as predictive biomarker for selecting colorectal cancer patients for antiangiogenic therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4312–22. ©2017 AACR.
Pre-Low Raising in Japanese Pitch Accent
Authors: Lee Albert , Prom-on Santitham , Xu Yi
Published: March 2017

Japanese has been observed to have 2 versions of the H tone, the higher of which is associated with an accented mora. However, the distinction of these 2 versions only surfaces in context but not in isolation, leading to a long-standing debate over whether there is 1 H tone or 2. This article reports evidence that the higher version may result from a pre-low raising mechanism rather than being inherently higher. The evidence is based on an analysis of F0 of words that varied in length, accent condition and syllable structure, produced by native speakers of Japanese at 2 speech rates. The data indicate a clear separation between effects that are due to mora-level preplanning and those that are mechanical. These results are discussed in terms of mechanisms of laryngeal control during tone production, and highlight the importance of articulation as a link between phonology and surface acoustics.
The Effect of Focus and Phrase Position on East Norwegian Lexical Tonal Accents
Authors: Kelly Niamh E. , Smiljanic Rajka
Published: March 2017

Two experiments examined the acoustic correlates of the disyllabic tonal accent contrast in the Trøndersk dialect of Norwegian, and how narrow focus and phrasal position shape the contrast. Production results showed that both tonal accents have a high-low (HL) pitch contour, with different timing. In narrow focus, the pitch contrast was enlarged through asymmetrical F0 changes. When at the right edge of an accent phrase (AP), the accents were shown to have a higher L, lower AP H% tone, shorter stressed vowel, and longer final vowel. The alignment changes reflected tonal crowding while segmental modifications were due to the phrase-final lengthening in AP-final position. This work contributes to the literature on prosodic typology as well as on the implementation of prosodic focus and sentence intonation in languages with lexical pitch contrasts.
Specialty-Based Variation in Applying Maternal-Fetal Surgery Trial Evidence
Authors: Antiel Ryan M. , Flake Alan W. , Johnson Mark P. , Khalek Nahla , Rintoul Natalie E. , Lantos John D. , Curlin Farr A. , Tilburt Jon C. , Feudtner Chris
Published: March 2017

Introduction: The Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS) compared prenatal with postnatal surgery for fetal myelomeningocele (MMC). We sought to understand how subspecialists interpreted the trial results and whether their practice has changed. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional, mailed survey of 1,200 randomly selected maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) physicians, neonatologists, and pediatric surgeons. Results: Of 1,176 eligible physicians, 670 (57%) responded. Compared to postnatal closure, 33% viewed prenatal closure as “very favorable” and 60% as “somewhat favorable.” Most physicians reported being more likely to recommend prenatal surgery (69%), while 28% were less likely to recommend pregnancy termination. In multivariable analysis, neonatologists were more likely to report prenatal closure as “very favorable” (OR 1.6; 95% CI: 1.03-2.5). Pediatric surgeons and neonatologists were more likely to recommend prenatal closure (OR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.3-3.3, and OR 2.9; 95% CI: 1.8-4.6) and less likely to recommend termination (OR 3.8; 95% CI: 2.2-6.7, and OR 4.7; 95% CI: 2.7-8.1). In addition, physicians with a higher tolerance for prematurity were more likely to report prenatal closure as “very favorable” (OR 1.02; 95% CI: 1.00-1.05). Discussion: In light of the MOMS trial, the vast majority of pediatric subspecialists and MFMs view prenatal MMC closure favorably. These attitudes vary by specialty and risk tolerance.
Enhancement of Healing of Long Tubular Bone Defects in Rabbits Using a Mixture of Atelocollagen Gel and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate
Authors: Park Ho Youn , Shetty Asode Ananthram , Kim Jang Mook , Kim Young Ju , Jang Jae-Deog , Choi Nam Yong , Lee Jae Ho , Kim Seok Jung
Published: March 2017

We evaluated the bone-forming potential of a mixture of atelocollagen and bone marrow aspirate concentrate which was transplanted into bone defects. Radial shaft defects of about 10 mm in size were created in 30 New Zealand white rabbits. Ten rabbits in the control group were not treated further, 10 rabbits in the first experimental group (E1) received an atelocollagen injection, and 10 rabbits in the second experimental group (E2) received an injection of a mixture of atelocollagen and bone marrow aspirate concentrate. The groups were compared radiologically at 8 weeks. Osteogenesis in group E2 progressed more rapidly than that in the other groups, and osteogenesis in group E1 progressed faster than that in the control group. Thus, the administration of a mixture of atelocollagen and bone marrow aspirate concentrate in bone defects was found to enhance bone defect healing.
Long-Term Remission following Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in a Patient with Multiple Nonleukemic Myeloid Sarcoma and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Liang Yun , Gao Jie , Wu Dan , Li Shu , Chen Hang , Ding Luyin , Tong Jiefeng , Xu Yang
Published: March 2017

Multiple nonleukemic myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare form of MS that is developed in multiple anatomic sites other than bone marrow at diagnosis, without a preceding myeloid neoplasm. The prevalence, prognosis, and optimal management of multiple nonleukemic MS have not been addressed. The role of allogenic or autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for nonleukemic MS is also less well defined. We present a case of MS characterized by systemic lymphadenopathies and multiple effusions, which presumably had a very poor prognosis. The patient was treated with acute myeloid leukemia-type induction chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, and, unexpectedly, she has remained disease free for more than 6 years. We also reviewed the literature on this rare disease, and found that multiple nonleukemic MS was associated with younger age and a worse prognosis when compared with the overall nonleukemic MS population. We suggest that autologous HCT represents a valid option for young patients with chemosensitive disease and should be performed at the status of minimal residual disease-negative complete remission.
Why Early Prevention of Childhood Obesity Is More Than a Medical Concern: A Health Economic Approach
Authors: Sonntag Diana
Published: March 2017

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity are a non-deniable health concern with increasing economic attention. Summary: International studies provide robust evidence about substantial lifetime excess costs due to childhood obesity, thereby underscoring the urgent need to implement potent obesity prevention programs in early childhood. Fortunately, this is happening more and more, as evidenced by the increase in well-conducted interventions. Nevertheless, an important piece of the puzzle is often missing, that is, health economic evaluations. There are 3 main reasons for this: an insufficient number of economic approaches which consider the complexity of childhood obesity, a lack of (significant) long-term effect sizes of an intervention, and inadequate planning of health economic evaluations in the design phase of an intervention. Key Messages: It is advisable to involve health economists during the design phase of an intervention. Equally necessary is the development of a tailored toolbox for efficient data acquisition.
Breast Milk Polyamines and Microbiota Interactions: Impact of Mode of Delivery and Geographical Location
Authors: Gómez-Gallego Carlos , Kumar Himanshu , García-Mantrana Izaskun , du Toit Elloise , Suomela Jukka-Pekka , Linderborg Kaisa M. , Zhang Yumei , Isolauri Erika , Yang Baoru , Salminen Seppo , Collado M. Carmen
Published: March 2017

Background/Aims: The aim of the present study was to identify and quantify the polyamine levels in human milk obtained from different countries and through different modes of delivery, and to investigate their association with breast milk microbes. Methods: Mature breast milk samples were obtained from 78 healthy mothers after 1 month of lactation from 4 different geographical locations: Finland, Spain (Europe); South Africa (Africa); and China (Asia). Polyamines were determined using HPLC after dansyl derivatization and milk microbiota was obtained by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: The mean values of polyamines in breast milk were 70.0, 424.2, and 610.0 nmol/dL for putrescine, spermidine and spermine, respectively, and 1,170.9 nmol/dL of total polyamines. The levels of putrescine were significantly higher in Spain (p < 0.05) and spermidine levels were significantly higher in Finland (p < 0.05) compared with other countries. Cesarean delivery had an impact on polyamine levels and it was related to an increase in the putrescine concentration being significant in Spanish samples (p < 0.01). Furthermore, putrescine levels were correlated positively with Gammaproteobacteria (r = 0.46, p < 0.001), especially with Pseudomonas fragi (r = 0.40, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results demonstrate significant effect of geographical variations in human milk polyamine concentrations, being correlated with human milk microbiota composition. These differences may have an impact on infant development during lactation.
The Interplay between Maternal Nutrition and Stress during Pregnancy: Issues and Considerations
Authors: Lindsay Karen L. , Buss Claudia , Wadhwa Pathik D. , Entringer Sonja
Published: March 2017

Background: Several studies about humans and animals have separately examined the effects of prenatal nutrition and stress on fetal development, pregnancy, and birth outcomes, and subsequent child health and disease risk. Although substantial evidence from non-pregnant literature supports the presence of bidirectional interactions between nutrition and stress at various psychological, behavioral, and physiological levels, such interaction effects have not yet been systematically examined in the context of pregnancy. Summary: This paper discusses the multifaceted and multilevel relationship between nutrition and stress. It then reviews the currently available observational and experimental evidence in animals and humans regarding the interplay between maternal psychosocial stress, dietary intake, and nutritional state during pregnancy, and implications for maternal and child health-related outcomes. Key Messages: During pregnancy, maternal psychosocial stress, dietary behavior, and nutritional state likely regulate and counter-regulate one another. Emerging evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may attenuate maternal psychosocial stress, and that high maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index exacerbates unhealthy dietary behaviors under high-stress conditions. Longitudinal studies are warranted in order to understand the interplay between prenatal psychosocial stress, diet, and stress- and nutrition-related biomarkers to obtain further insight and inform the development and design of future, more effective intervention trials for improved maternal and child health outcomes.
Dietary Intakes of Arachidonic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid in Early Life - With a Special Focus on Complementary Feeding in Developing Countries
Authors: Forsyth Stewart , Gautier Sheila , Salem Jr. Norman
Published: March 2017

Background: In developing countries, dietary intakes of arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in early life are lower than current recommended levels. This review specifically focusses on the contribution that complementary feeding makes to ARA and DHA intakes in medium- to low-income countries. The aims of the review are (1) to determine the availability of ARA and DHA food sources in developing countries, (2) to estimate the contribution of complementary feeding to dietary intakes of ARA and DHA in infants aged 6-36 months, and (3) to relate the dietary ARA and DHA intake data to key socioeconomic and health indicators. Summary: The primary dietary data was collected by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) using Food Balance Sheets, and fatty acid composition was based on the Australian food composition tables. There is evidence of wide variation in per capita dietary intake for both DHA and ARA food sources, with low intakes of meat and seafood products being highly prevalent in most low-income countries. In children aged 6-36 months, the supply of ARA and DHA from the longer duration of breastfeeding in low-income countries is counterbalanced by the exceptionally low provision of ARA and DHA from complementary foods. The lowest tertile for ARA intake is associated with higher percentages of childhood stunting, birth rate, infant mortality, and longer duration of breast feeding. Key Message: In developing countries, intakes of DHA and ARA from complementary foods are low, and public health organisations need to adopt pragmatic strategies that will ensure that there is a nutritional safety net for the most vulnerable infants.
The Placenta, Maternal Diet and Adipose Tissue Development in the Newborn
Authors: Symonds Michael E. , Bloor Ian , Ojha Shalini , Budge Helen
Published: March 2017

Background: A majority of adipose tissue present in the newborn possess the unique mitochondrial protein, uncoupling protein (UCP1). It is thus highly metabolically active and capable of producing 300 times more heat per unit mass than any other organ in the body. The extent to which maternal obesity and/or an obesogenic diet impacts on placental function thereby resetting the relative distribution of different types of fat in the fetus is unknown. Summary: Developmentally the majority (if not all) fat in the fetus can be considered as classical brown fat, in which UCP1 is highly abundant. In contrast, beige (or recruitable) fat which possess 90% less UCP1 may only appear after birth, as a majority of fat depots undergo a pronounced transformation that is usually accompanied by the loss of UCP1. The extent to which this process can be modulated in a depot-specific manner and/or changes in the maternal metabolic environment remain unknown. Key Messages: An increased understanding of the mechanism by which offspring born to mothers possess excessive adipose tissue could enable sustainable interventions designed to promote the abundance of UCP1 possessing adipocytes. Ultimately, this would increase their energy expenditure and improve glucose homeostasis in these individuals.
Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia: Patient Outcomes Using Open Surgical Revascularization
Authors: Wagenhäuser Markus U. , Meyer-Janiszewski Yvonne K. , Dueppers Philip , Spin Joshua M. , Floros Nikolaos , Schelzig Hubert , Duran Mansur
Published: March 2017

Background: Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) is a rare disease. Open treatment (OT) remains a valuable treatment option. We analyzed patient outcomes after OT and investigated health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: Data were analyzed retrospectively. The investigation period was from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2014. We investigated mortality and patency rates using Kaplan-Meier analysis. HRQoL was measured using a 36-item health survey. Various statistical methods were employed. Results: A total of 100 patients (celiac trunk [TC: n = 23], superior mesenteric artery [SMA: n = 26], or both [n = 51]) were included. Median follow-up was 5 ± 35 months. One-year survival rate for TC was 75 ± 11%, for SMA: 79 ± 10%, and for both: 96 ± 3%. TC 5-year survival was 75 ± 11% (SMA: 57 ± 16%: both: 80 ± 8%). Obesity and the length of hospital stay were independently associated with patient survival (p < 0.05). Primary 1-year patency rate was 60 ± 13% for TC (SMA: 86 ± 10%; both: 71 ± 8%) and secondary 1-year patency rate was 84 ± 9% for TC (SMA: 100%; both: 79 ± 7%). HRQoL was inferior compared to the German normative data (p < 0.05). Conclusion: CMI overlaps between gastrointestinal and vascular surgery. OT is safe, and simultaneous revascularization of the TC and the SMA does not affect mortality. Patients would not necessarily benefit from OT in terms of HRQoL.
The Role of Dietary Experience in the Development of Eating Behavior during the First Years of Life
Authors: Nicklaus Sophie
Published: March 2017

Infants are born equipped to ingest nutrients, but because of the transitions in the mode of feeding in the first years (from “tube” feeding in utero to eating table foods with the family), they have to learn how, what and how much to eat. Eating behavior established during early years may follow throughout childhood; therefore, it is fundamental to understand the most important drivers of the early development of eating behavior. Beyond the first flavor discoveries during the gestational and lactation periods (through the infant's exposure to flavors from foods of the mother's diet), the most important phases for learning food preferences and appetite control may be the beginning of complementary feeding (CF). Infants discover the sensory (texture, taste and flavor) and nutritional properties (energy density) of foods that will ultimately compose their adult diet. This brief review shows that several feeding practices influence the development of eating behavior: breastfeeding; repeating the presentation of a food, even if it seems initially disliked; introducing a variety of different foods rapidly in the CF process; offering foods in an appropriate way to make their sensory characteristics appealing to infants. More research is needed to understand in a combined way the effectiveness and long-term effect of these practices to promote healthy eating behaviors.
The Self Exitated Induction Generator with Observation Magnetizing Characteristic in The Air Gap
Authors: Gunawan Ridwan , Yusivar Feri , Budiyanto Budiyanto
Published: March 2017

This paper discusses the Self Exitated induction Generator (SEIG) by approaching the induction machine, physically and mathematically which then transformed from three-phase frame abc to-axis frame, direct axis and quadratur-axis. Based on the reactive power demand of induction machine, capacitor mounted on the stator of the induction machine then do the physical and mathematical approach of the system to obtain a state space model. Underknown relationships, magnetization reactance and magnetizing current is not linear, so do mathematical approach to the magnetization reactance equation used in the calculation. Obtained state space model and the magnetic reactance equation is simulated by Runge kutta method of fourth order. The equation of reactance, is simulated by first using the polynomial equation and second using the exponent equation. The load voltage at d axis and q axis using the polynomial laggs 640µs to the exponent equation. The polynomial voltage magnetitude is less than 0.6068 volt from the exponent voltage magnitude
Design and Analysis of Drive System with Slip Ring Induction Motor for Electric Traction in India
Authors: Sekara Nagamani Chandra , R Somanatham , U Chaitanya Kumar
Published: March 2017

The use of Squirrel Cage for Traction has revolutionised the motive power of a Locomotive. The Asynchronous Motor is rugged with high starting Torque, has a very smooth Voltage and Speed control as compared to a DC Series Motor. When looking at the Traction perspective, a Slip Ring Induction Motor can be an alternative to the Squirrel Cage Motor as it has higher starting Torque and better efficiency than a Squirrel Cage Motor. the Slip Power Recovery scheme also plays a proactive role as ther can be substantial savings of energy in case of a Slip Ring Induction Motor. A detailed design and analysis of a Drive System with Slip Ring Induction Motor for Electric Traction is presented in this Research Paper
FPGA Based V/f Control of Three Phase Induction Motor Drives Integrating Super-Lift Luo Converter
Authors: P Elangovan , Mohanty Nalin Kant
Published: March 2017

The significance of Elementary Positive Output Super-Lift Luo Converter (EPOSLLC) in constant Voltage/Hertz (V/f) controlled Induction Motor (IM) drive is presented. The traditional IM drive which integrates phase controlled rectifier or boost converter in the facade end upshot tribulations like DC link fluctuations and deprived DC link voltage level. To overcome the problem, the conventional DC-DC converter is replaced with Proportional plus Integral (PI) controlled EPOSLLC in the front end of IM drive that produce the DC link voltage in geometric progression. The Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) of the suggested system renders both open loop and closed loop V/f control scheme for IM by feedback regulated Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) technique. Simulation and experimental works are conceded and results presented to demonstrate the viability of the proposed approach. Simulation is carried out using MATLAB /SIMULINK software and the experimental setup is built with Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Spartan-6 processor. The anticipated EPOSLLC is found fit for V/f controlled IM drives considering the DC link Voltage, Speed response of IM and Total Harmonic Distorion (THD) in IM current.
Structure of 15-Level Sub-Module Cascaded H-Bridge Inverter for Speed Control of AC Drive Applications
Authors: Uthirasamy R. , Ragupathy U. S. , Naveen R.
Published: March 2017

This paper deals with the implementation of a single phase 15-level Sub-Multilevel Cascaded H-Bridge Inverter (SMCHBI) for variable speed industrial drive applications. It consists of sub-multilevel modules and H-bridge inverter configuration. Sub-multilevel switches synthesize stepped DC link voltage and current from the DC sources. H-bridge inverter switches renovate stepped DC link voltage and current into sinusoidal waveform. Compared with conventional Cascaded Multilevel Inverter (CMLI), the proposed system employs the reduced number of power switches, DC sources and gate driver requirements. The proposed system not only reduces the overall system cost but also reduces the voltage stress across the inverter switches. The proposed system does not required additional resonant soft switching circuits for Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) of inverter. In the proposed method, variable frequency method is adopted for the speed control of industrial induction motor drives. A prototype model of 15-level SMCHB is developed and the performance of the systems is validated experimentally.
Buck-Boost Control of Four Quadrant Chopper using Symmetrical Impedance Network for Adjustable Speed Drive
Authors: Dash Saswati Swapna , Nayak Byamakesh
Published: March 2017

This paper proposes buck-boost capabilities of four quadrant chopper for wide range speed control of DC motor drives using symmetrical impedance network called Z-source network. By controlling the shoot through duty ratio from 0 to 0.5 and non-shoot through techniques, the Z-source four quadrant choppers can produce any desired DC voltage across the DC motor. The switching patterns for both buck and boost operations are presented to achieve four modes of operation of DC motor. As a result, the proposed model will have ride through capability during voltage sags, manage during voltage swells, used in any types of DC voltage sources such as fuel cell and solar cell and improve the reliability by reducing EMI noise. Analysis and simulation results are presented to demonstrate these new findings.
Experimental Evaluation of Torque Performance of Voltage and Current Models using Measured Torque for Induction Motor Drives
Authors: Alsofyani Ibrahim M. , Sutikno Tole , Alamri Yahya A. , Idris Nik Rumzi Nik , Nordin Norjulia Mohamad , Wangsupphaphol Aree
Published: March 2017

In this paper, two kinds of observers are proposed to investigate torque estimation. The first one is based on a voltage model represented with a low-pass filter (LPF); which is normally used as a replacement for a pure integrator to avoid integration drift problem due to dc offset or measurement error. The second estimator used is an extended Kalman filter (EKF) as a current model, which puts into account all noise problems. Both estimation algorithms are investigated during the steady and transient states, tested under light load, and then compared with the measured mechanical torque. In all conditions, the torque estimation error for EKF has remained within a narrow error band and yielded minimum torque ripples, which motivate the use of the EKF estimation algorithm in high performance control drives of IMs for achieving high dynamic performance. 
Fuzzy Based Analysis of Inverter Fed Micro Grid in Islanding Operation-Experimental Analysis
Authors: Teekaraman Yuvaraja , Mani Gopinath
Published: March 2017

Islanding operation in essence connotes isolating part of a power system not unlike distributed generation. This thesis puts forward fuzzy logic controller for inverter fed micro-grid in islanding operations which is assessed using hardware implementation. It’s assisted by power electronics which imparts the control and flexibility essential for the micro grid concept. A correctly designed controller guarantees that the micro grid can meet its utility’s demands. The efficacy and robustness is deliberated in the design of fuzzy system. The testing is performed by employing hardware components namelyATMEGA-328microcontroller, TLP250 opto-coupler and a MOSFET circuit. The test results demonstrate very good consistency and show noteworthy implications of the control of micro grid using inverters and fuzzy controllers.
Power Control of Wind Turbine Based on Fuzzy Sliding-Mode Control
Authors: Khalfallah Tahir , Cheikh Belfedal , Tayeb Allaoui , Champenois Gerard
Published: March 2017

This paper presents the study of a variable speed wind energy conversion system (WECS) using a Wound Field Synchronous Generator (WFSG) based on a Fuzzy sliding mode control (FSMC) applied to achieve control of active and reactive powers exchanged between the stator of the WFSG and the grid to ensure a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) of a wind energy conversion system. However the principal drawback of the sliding mode, is the chattering effect which characterized by torque ripple, this phenomena is undesirable and harmful for the machines, it generates noises and additional forces of torsion on the machine shaft. A direct fuzzy logic controller is designed and the sliding mode controller is added to compensate the fuzzy approximation errors. The simulation results clearly indicate the effectiveness and validity of the proposed method, in terms of convergence, time and precision.