bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress Analysis on Single Cobalt/Chrome Prosthesis With a 15-mm Cantilever Placed Over 10/13/15-mm–length Implants: A Simulated Photoelastic Model Study
Authors: Gastaldo José Fábio Guastelli , Pimentel Angélica Castro , Gomes Maria Helena , Sendyk Wilson Roberto , Laganá Dalva Cruz
Published: June 2014

The aim of study was to assess the stress around 10/13/15-mm implants in the mandibular area with a 15-mm cantilevered acrylic-resin–coated prostheses following the application force, using the photoelasticity method. Three photoelastic mandibular models were created containing 10-, 13-, and 15-mm implants in length and 3.75 mm in diameter. The implants had bore internal hex connections and were placed parallel to the intermental region. Abutments with 1-mm high cuffs were placed over the implants, and a single cobalt/chrome metallic prosthesis with a 15-mm cantilever, coated with thermoplastic acrylic resin, was placed on top. Loads of 1.0 and 3.0 bars were applied, and the images were photographed and assessed by photoelasticity method. The greatest stress levels were observed for the 10-mm implants. The stress pattern was the same regardless of implant length; only the magnitude of the stress along the implant body revealed changes. Increased implant length played a role in reducing stress on the investigated area of the model, and the 15-mm implants exhibited the best performance in regard to stress distribution. The highest stress levels were found in the implants closest to the cantilever and the central implant. The longest implants were more favorable in regard to the stress distribution on the peri-implant support structures in the 15-mm cantilevered prosthesis under loads.
Review of Current Literature
Authors: Rutkowski James L.
Published: June 2014

Controversial Issues in Implant Dentistry. Hernández Alfaro F. Hanover Park, Ill: Quintessence Publishing, 2013.
Performance of reinforced soil walls during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake
Authors: Kuwano J. , Miyata Y. , Koseki J.
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT: The 2011 Tohoku earthquake off the Pacific coast of Japan (Mw = 9.0) contained a huge source region of approximately 450 km by 200 km and caused extensive damage to various structures. Damage caused by the tsunami was tremendous and many lives were lost. In addition to the damage to concrete structures, seawalls were seriously damaged, probably as a result of scouring. On the other hand, some reinforced soil walls were barely damaged, although they were inundated by the tsunami. This paper briefly reviews the reinforced soil walls in Japan and then summarises the seismic performances of approximately 1600 walls in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. It also reports some case histories for the reinforced soil walls that were subjected to the direct impact of the earthquake (shaking) and the tsunami. Although seismic motion was much higher than the design value for a wide area and the impact of the tsunami was not considered in the design, fewer than 1% of the walls were seriously damaged and more than 90% showed no damage. However, some damage was found at the backfill and facing panels where the soil was not properly covered and protected against erosion by the tsunami.
Rebar corrosion in cracked RC prisms located in harsh marine environment
Authors: Ahmadi Babak , Ramezanianpour Ali Akbar , Sobhani Jafar
Published: June 2014

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the corrosion activity of cracked flexural reinforced concrete elements in a marine environment. Some non-destructive test results of a comprehensive research project are presented and discussed. Corrosion activity of 24 cracked reinforced concrete prisms under sustained loading and 12 uncracked reinforced concrete prisms are assessed using three non-destructive testing methods. The specimens are located in the tidal zone of a field exposure station on the south coast of Iran. The results obtained during 14 months of exposure are presented and discussed in this study. It is found that the corrosion of rebar in the cracked zone initiates shortly after exposure to sea water and declines over the exposure period. Also, the corrosion of steel reinforcement in the cracked zone becomes more severe by increasing crack width/cover ratio. Furthermore, the corrosion current density and electrical resistivity results are more sensitive to the distance between testing point and crack point compared to the half-cell potential results.
Phytoplankton functional group dynamics explain species abundance distribution in a directionally changing environment
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Han , Miki Takeshi , Chang Chun-Wei , Ishikawa Kanako , Ichise Satoshi , Kumagai Michio , Hsieh Chih-hao
Published: June 2014

The mechanism underlying species abundance distribution (SAD), particularly the characteristics of “excess of rare species,” remains controversial. The current equilibrium theory cannot explain the transient dynamics of SAD, which is essential for predicting biodiversity response to environmental changes. Using a unique 32‐yr‐long phytoplankton community data set from a pelagic site of Lake Biwa, Japan, we show that the dynamics of functional groups driven by environmental variation explain the excess of rare species over time. First, most of the rare species belong to the littoral group supplied through dispersal, whereas the common species belong to the pelagic group. Second, the littoral group was negatively influenced by environmental changes (i.e., lake warming, water‐level manipulation, and partial re‐oligotrophication), mechanistically explaining truncation of the excess of rare species in the SAD associated with biodiversity loss in Lake Biwa. Our findings imply the significance of an ecological trait‐based approach for SAD theory and managing biodiversity in a changing environment.
Animal Models for Studying Pathophysiology of Hemodialysis Access
Authors: J.I Rotmans
Published: June 2014

Despite extensive efforts, most approaches to reduce arteriovenous (AV) access-related complications did not results in substantial improvement of AV access patency thus far. Part of this disappointing progress relates to incomplete understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of hemodialysis access failure. In order to unravel the pathophysiology of hemodialysis access failure, animal models that closely mimic human pathology are of utmost importance. Indeed, it is impossible to study the extremely complex response of the AV access at a molecular and cellular level in great detail in dialysis patients. Over the past decades, numerous animal models have been developed in an attempt to unravel the vascular pathology of AV access failure and to design new therapeutic strategies aimed to improve durability of these vascular conduits. While large animals such as pigs are suitable for intervention studies, murine models have the greatest potential to gain more insight in the molecular mechanisms underlying AV access failure due to the availability of transgenic mice. In the present review, we describe several existing models of AV access failure and discuss the advantages and limitations of these models.
Application and relational database co-refactoring
Authors: Macek Ondrej , Richta Karel
Published: June 2014

A refactoring of application persistent objects affects not only the source
code but the stored data as well. The change is usually processed in two
steps: refactoring and data migration, which is ineffective and error prone.
We provide a formal model for solution which is capable to migrate database
according to a refactoring in the application code. The feasibility of the
change and its data-secure processing is addressed as well.
Enteric coating of granules containing the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus
Authors: Pyar Hassan , Peh Kok-Khiang
Published: June 2014

In the present study, a capsule formulation composed of enteric coated granules of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4962 was developed using Eudragit L30D-55 as enteric polymer. Optimization of the capsule formulation was achieved with a maximum viable cell count after 2 h of incubation in acid medium and disintegration time of 1 h in buffer pH 6.8. The amount of Eudragit L30D-55 in the capsules correlated with gastric juice resistance. The best protective qualities against artificial gastric juice were observed when capsules were prepared from granules composed of L. acidophilus, corn starch, lactose monohydrate, polyvinylpyrrolidone and coated with 12.5 % (m/V) of Eudragit L30D-55. Capsule formulation of L. acidophilus in edible broth medium suspension serves as a cheap alternative to the expensive freeze-drying procedure for preparing L. acidophilus. In addition, the enteric coating using Eudragit L30D-55 could protect probiotics from the acidic gastric environment and enhance the bioactivity of probiotics along with replacement of pathogenic microbes in human intestine
Evaluation of chitosan based vaginal bioadhesive gel formulations for antifungal drugs
Authors: Şenyiğit Zeynep Ay , Karavana Sinem Yaprak , Eraç Bayri , Gürsel Özge , Limoncu Mine Hoşgör , Baloğlu Esra
Published: June 2014

The aim of the present study was to evaluate chitosan as a vaginal mucoadhesive gel base for econazole nitrate and miconazole nitrate. To this aim, different types of chitosan with different molecular masses and viscosity properties [low molecular mass chitosan (viscosity: 20,000 mPa s), medium molecular mass chitosan (viscosity: 200,000 mPa s), high molecular mass chitosan (viscosity: 800,000 mPa s)] have been used. First, rheological studies were conducted on chitosan gels. Mechanical, syringeability and mucoadhesive properties of chitosan gels were determined. Release profiles of econazole nitrate and miconazole nitrate from chitosan gels were obtained and evaluated kinetically. In addition, anticandidal activities of formulations were determined. Finally, vaginal retention of chitosan gels in rats was evaluated by in vivo distribution studies. Based on the results, it can be concluded that gels prepared with medium molecular mass chitosan might be effectively used for different antifungal agents in the treatment of vaginal candidiosis, since it has high mucoadhesiveness, suitable mechanical and release properties with good vaginal retention
Computational design of drug candidates for influenza A virus subtype H1N1 by inhibiting the viral neuraminidase-1 enzyme
Authors: Tambunan Usman Sumo Friend , Parikesit Arli Aditya , Dephinto Yonaniko , Sipahutar Feimmy Ruth Pratiwi
Published: June 2014

It is critical to seek potential alternative treatments for H1N1 infections by inhibiting neuraminidase-1 enzyme. One of the viable options for inhibiting the activity of neuraminidase- 1 is peptide drug design. In order to increase peptide stability, cyclization is necessary to prevent its digestion by protease enzyme. Cyclization of peptide ligands by formation of disulfide bridges is preferable for designing inhibitors of neuraminidase-1 because of their high activity and specificity. Here we designed ligands by using molecular docking, drug scan and dynamics computational methods. Based on our docking results, short polypeptides of cystein-arginine-methionine-tyrosine- -proline-cysteine (CRMYPC) and cysteine-arginine-aspargine- phenylalanine-proline-cysteine (CRNFPC) have good residual interactions with the target and the binding energy ΔGbinding of -31.7402 and -31.0144 kcal mol-1, respectively. These values are much lower than those of the standards, and it means that both ligands are more accessible to ligand-receptor binding. Based on drug scan results, both of these ligands are neither mutagenic nor carcinogenic. They also show good oral bioavailability. Moreover, both ligands show relatively stable molecular dynamics progression of RMSD vs. time plot. However, based on our metods, the CRMYPC ligand has sufficient hydrogen bonding interactions with residues of the active side of neuraminidase-1 and can be therefore proposed as a potential inhibitor of neuraminidase-1
Synthesis and preliminary ex vivo evaluation of the spasmolytic activity of 1,3-thiazolium- and 1,3,4-thiadiazolium-5-methylthio- and 5-thioacetate derivatives
Authors: Luis José A. S. , Aquino Thiago M. De , Lira Bruno F. , Filho Petrônio F. A. , Scotti Marcus T. , Scotti Luciana , Moura Ricardo O. De , Junior Francisco J. B. Mendonça
Published: June 2014

Seven new compounds have been synthetized in satisfactory yields (51-78 %) through the treatment of mesoionic 1,3-thiazolium-5-thiolate (4a-d) and 1,3,4-thiadiazolium- 5-thiolate (10a,b) with chloroacetic acid or methyl iodide: 1,3,4-thiadiazolium-5-methylthio- (11) and 5-thioacetate (12). The structure of the title compounds was elucidated by elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The newly synthesized compounds 5a, 6a, 11 and 12 were evaluated for their ex vivo spasmolytic potential on four isolated smooth muscles (rat aorta and uterus, guinea pig ileum and trachea) and compared with scopolamine. Some of the compounds exhibited potent spasmolytic activity equal to or stronger than scopolamine
An assessment of four running tests used in military training
Authors: Tomczak Andrzej , Stupnicki Romuald
Published: June 2014

Study aim: contemporary military activities call for extremely high coordinative motor skills, especially precision, attention focusing and motor adjustment. No obligatory tests assessing those skills are presently used by Polish armed forces. The aim of this study was thus to set up a procedure of assessing running skills involving coordination and motor adjustment, possible to be of military use.

Material and methods: a group of 68 male students aged 22–25 years (23.42 ± 2.1 years) volunteered to participate in the study. The following tests were applied: 15-m sprint, shuttle run 3 × 5 m, 15-m slalom run and 15-m squat (on all fours). The tests were applied twice. The sums of all 4 velocities served as the dependent variable; its total variance was partitioned into percent contributions of the standardised results of 4 running tests.

Results: it turned out that the total variance was explained in 95% by the 15-m sprint and 15-m squat nearly by half the contributions of the other two variables being non-significant. Two indices were constructed: Speed-strength index (W1) and Speed-agility index (W2).

Discussion: the proposed indices representing the speed-strength and speed-agility potentials seem to adequately reflect running-related features required of soldiers performing field tasks. Those indices may also find use in monitoring motor skills of team game players, including their selection.
Multivariate Extreme Value Theory - A Tutorial with Applications to Hydrology and Meteorology
Authors: Dutfoy Anne , Parey Sylvie , Roche Nicolas
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we provide a tutorial on multivariate extreme value methods which allows to estimate the risk associated with rare events occurring jointly. We draw particular attention to issues related to extremal dependence and we insist on the asymptotic independence feature. We apply the multivariate extreme value theory on two data sets related to hydrology and meteorology: first, the joint flooding of two rivers, which puts at risk the facilities lying downstream the confluence; then the joint occurrence of high speed wind and low air temperatures, which might affect overhead lines.
Forensic Fiction and the Normalization of Surveillance
Authors: Hausken Liv
Published: June 2014

This essay investigates forensic fiction as a trend in televised crime fiction and argues that this trend or subgenre is particularly interesting if we are to understand how surveillance is portrayed in contemporary society. The essay looks particularly into an extremely popular example of forensic fiction, namely CSI and its two spin-offs CSI: NY and CSI: Miami. Through a discussion of the conceptions of knowledge, crime and power, which seem to come forth in the three CSI series, the present article argues that the particular blend of technological optimism, positivism and moralism that can be witnessed in forensic fiction in general, and in CSI in particular, is important to understanding how popular culture lends a certain normalization of surveillance to everyday life
The Americanization of Danish Journalism
Authors: Rasmussen Anders Bo
Published: June 2014

This article provides two examples of the Americanization of Danish journalism through an examination of Danish journalists’ adaptation of New Journalism and investigative journalism as seen through the pages of the Danish Union of Journalists’ periodical Journalisten. The article answers Daniel Hallin and Paolo Mancini’s call for more “concrete” studies of the Americanization process. The study demonstrates how news media in the United States, in the two examples provided, have served as an important source of methodological inspiration for Danish journalists from the late 1960s forward
Criticism of the Police in the News
Authors: Pollack Ester , Allern Sigurd
Published: June 2014

Mediated descriptions of reality are tremendously important to the way the public - and policymakers - perceive the police. The present article analyses how leading news outlets reported and commented on complaints against the Norwegian police during the period 2005-2008. The study is based on content analyses of press and television coverage, with special emphasis on a publicly debated police action in which a student of African origins lost his life. In most cases, news coverage of the police and the investigators of the police is event-driven, and the picture of the police seldom points to institutional or organizational problems. The story is too often one about individual wrongdoings alone. Unfortunately, such media pictures matter and influence policy decisions, especially when they become the point of departure for political debate
Electric Field Distribution in Hybrid Solar Cells Comprising an Organic Donor Polymer and Amorphous Silicon
Authors: Schaefer S. , Albrecht S. , Neher D. , Schulze T. F. , Conrad E. , Korte L. , Rech B. , Wördenweber J. , Gordijn A. , Scherf U. , Dumsch I.
Published: June 2014

We present a study on the performance and analysis of hybrid solar cells comprising a planar heterojunction between between a conjugated donor polymer, P3HT or PCPDTBT, and hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H). A comparison of the modeled absorption spectra of the layer stack with the measured external quantum efficiency is used to investigate the contribution of the inorganic and organic material to the photocurrent generation in the device. Although both materials contribute to the photocurrent, the devices exhibit poor quantum efficiencies and low short circuit currents. Bandstructure simulations of the hybrid layer structure reveal that an unfavorable electric field distribution within the planar multilayer structure limits the performance. Using electroabsorption measurements we can show that the electric field is extremelyweak in the amorphous silicon but strong in the organic material. The situation changes drasticallywhen the conjugated polymer is p-doped. Doping not only increases the conductivity of the organic material, but also restores the electric field in the amorphous silicon layer. Optimized hybrid solar cells comprising thin doped P3HT layers exhibit energy conversion efficiencies (ECE) up to 2.8 %.
The Impact of the Place of Residence on Middle School Pupils' Attitudes towards Physical Culture
Authors: Dziubiński Zbigniew , Magdziarz Beata
Published: June 2014

Introduction. Differences and inequalities connected with the place where a person lives are a subject of interest to social sciences, sociology in particular. Empirical findings indicate that residents of urban and rural areas differ significantly in terms of such variables as physical development, health condition, life expectancy, affluence, education level, access to power, cultural capital and so on. It is interesting to check whether the above regularity also applies to young people's attitudes towards physical culture. The aim of this study was to examine attitudes which middle school pupils (ages between 13 and 16) in Poland's urban and rural areas held to physical culture. Material and methods. The study involved a survey conducted between 10th November 2011 and 10th March 2012 on a purposive sample of 336 children. They were pupils aged 13-16 in two middle schools in Świętokrzyskie province: the Jan Karski no. 4 Middle School in the city of Kielce and the John Paul II Middle School in the village of Masłów, Kielce county. The diagnostic poll method was used in the study and an original, categorised poll was the research tool. The surveying technique was an auditorium questionnaire. Results. After analysis, empirical data obtained from the survey shows that the place of residence causes slights differences in middle school pupils' attitudes towards physical culture. The data allows for the conclusion that pupils from urban areas possess a little better knowledge of physical culture than their peers from rural areas. Pupils from villages have, in turn, a slightly more positive emotional approach to physical culture than pupils in cities. Urban middle school pupils manifest more positive behaviours within physical culture than rural pupils. The place of residence does not cause such striking differences in attitudes to physical culture as it does in other social and cultural variables, such as affluence, education level, access to power, health condition, fitness, participation in culture and so on.
The Place of Tourism in Promotional Policy of Communes from Eastern Poland
Authors: Zalech Mirosław
Published: June 2014

Introduction. Promotion in managing local government units constitutes a significant element of communication with various groups of stakeholders, mainly with inhabitants and tourists. This instrument is playing a more and more significant role in the competition for limited resources. Therefore, its significance for territorial marketing is growing. The aim of the study was to identify the directions and range of promotional activity undertaken by communes taking into account their type and financial resources devoted to fulfilling tasks within this area and to define their competitive position. Material and methods. The research was conducted in compliance with the principles of indirect measurement method and data were collected with the use of a questionnaire. Additionally, statistical methods and the author's own method of “assessing promotional position” of local government units were used. The analysis included results obtained from 50 communes from eastern Poland (27 rural, 10 urban and 13 urban-rural communes). Results and conclusions. The research made it possible to identify the competitive position of a commune concerning its promotional activity aimed at inhabitants and tourists, taking into account its territorial range. Additionally, differences in using particular promotional tools were revealed and differences concerning the territorial range and segments which the activities undertaken by the communes are aimed at were noted. The calculations showed the correlation between money spent on promotion by the examined units and their general revenue.
Bilinear characterizations of companion matrices
Authors: Lin Minghua , Wimmer Harald K.
Published: June 2014

Companion matrices of the second type are characterized by properties that involve bilinear maps.
Irrigation network design and reconstruction and its analysis by simulation model
Authors: Čistý Milan , Bajtek Zbynek , Becová Anna
Published: June 2014

There are many problems related to pipe network rehabilitation, the main one being how to provide an increase in the hydraulic capacity of a system. Because of its complexity the conventional optimizations techniques are poorly suited for solving this task. In recent years some successful attempts to apply modern heuristic methods to this problem have been published. The main part of the paper deals with applying such technique, namely the harmony search methodology, to network rehabilitation optimization considering both technical and economic aspects of the problem. A case study of the sprinkler irrigation system is presented in detail. Two alternatives of the rehabilitation design are compared. The modified linear programming method is used first with new diameters proposed in the existing network so it could satisfy the increased demand conditions with the unchanged topology. This solution is contrasted to the looped one obtained using a harmony search algorithm
The Research of Historical Trusses in Northern Regions of Slovakia
Authors: Korenková Renáta , Krušinský Peter
Published: June 2014

The blanket research of historical trusses in the territory of Slovakia has been running at our department since 2008. This research is done as teamwork in cooperation with experts from the field of conservation, and it is mainly focused on typology, construction, and the current technical and constructional state of investigated trusses. The long-time support of the grant scheme from the Ministry of Culture allows to get a fair amount of different data related to individual buildings and structures, which enables to carry out the in-depth research. In terms of their conservation and maintenance with an effort to extend their lifetime (the oldest known historical trusses in Slovakia are those of the 13th century), it is necessary to look into the microclimate impact of the under-roof space on wooden roof structures as well as to monitor the contemporary constructional and technical condition of a roof structure itself. The suitable microclimate in the under-roof space is influenced by a number of marginal conditions, constructional solutions of roof details, proper space ventilation etc
Precipitation of heavy metals from acid mine drainage and their geochemical modeling
Authors: Petrilakova Aneta , Balintova Magdalena , Holub Marian
Published: June 2014

Geochemical modeling plays an increasingly vital role in a number of areas of geoscience, ranging from groundwater and surface water hydrology to environmental preservation and remediation. Geochemical modeling is also used to model the interaction processes at the water - sediment interface in acid mine drainage (AMD). AMD contains high concentrations of sulfate and dissolved metals and it is a serious environmental problem in eastern Slovakia. The paper is focused on comparing the results of laboratory precipitation of metal ions from AMD (the Smolnik creek, Slovakia) with the results obtained by geochemical modeling software Visual Minteq 3.0.
Kryptonim „Naukowiec”. Przyczynek do biografii profesora Zygmunta Mańkowskiego/ Under the Codename “Scholar” (Naukowiec). A Contribution to the Biography of the Professor Zygmunt Mańkowski
Authors: Zaporowski Zbigniew
Published: June 2014

Zygmunt Mańkowski (1926-2012), Full Professor, was an eminent historian who spent almost his entire professional career at the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin. He specialized in the Second World War with particular emphasis on the German occupation of the Lublin area. The issue of the resistance movement, in particular his studies on the Home Army, made him the object of interests of the Security Service (Służba Bezpieczeństwa). The authorities took a negative approach to his scientific area of research, as the priority was given to the research on communist resistance movement. Mańkowski was kept under surveillance for eight years (1968-1976). The surveillance process can be divided into several stages. The most important and, at the same time most dangerous one, was the period of the first three years. At that time he had his house bugged, the workplace search was conducted and his correspondence was monitored. All these actions were secret and considered unlawful even in the light of the communist rules. Subsequently, the hostile actions against Mańkowski decreased, but he was still surrounded by secret communist collaborators. During the whole period of his surveillance there were 24 of them. However, his anti-regime activities have never been proven. He remained at the university where he worked for the benefit of science.
Weighted sub-Bergman Hilbert spaces
Authors: Nowak Maria , Rososzczuk Renata
Published: June 2014

We consider Hilbert spaces which are counterparts of the de Branges-Rovnyak spaces in the context of the weighted Bergman spaces A
Is a Good Teacher a Good Teacher for All? Comparing Value-Added of Teachers With Their English Learners and Non-English Learners
Authors: Loeb Susanna , Soland James , Fox Lindsay
Published: June 2014

Districts, states, and researchers are using value-added models with increasing frequency to evaluate educational policies and programs, as well as teachers and other educators individually. Despite their prevalence, little research assesses whether value-added measures (VAM) are consistent across student subgroups. Are teachers who are effective with one group of students also effective with others? If they are not, then it may be worthwhile to develop separate measures of teacher effectiveness for different student groups; if they are, a single average measure will likely suffice. Our article uses data from a large urban district with a considerable English learner (EL) population to compare teachers’ VAM with ELs to the same teachers’ VAM with non-ELs. We find that teachers who are effective with ELs also tend to be effective with their non-ELs and vice versa. We also, however, find evidence that some teachers are relatively more effective with ELs than with non-ELs, and that this increased efficacy is predicted by a teacher’s fluency in students’ home language and whether he or she possesses a bilingual teaching certification.
Comparative Structural Dynamics of the Janj Mixed Old-Growth Mountain Forest in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Are Conifers in a Long-Term Decline?
Authors: Keren Srdjan , Motta Renzo , Govedar Zoran , Lucic Radovan , Medarevic Milan , Diaci Jurij
Published: June 2014

Regression of conifers in European mixed old-growth mountain forests has been observed for a long period and studied from different aspects. Old-growth (OG) forests in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) have not experienced heavy air pollution and chronic overbrowsing that have affected many other European OG forests, while climatic and anthropogenic disturbances have been well documented. We analysed stand structure in the Janj OG forest, compared it with inventories of Lom and Perucica OG forests (BiH) and with earlier inventories of the same reserves. At present, OG forest Janj is characterized by a high growing stock (1215 m3∙ha−1). This is due to good site quality, prevalence of conifers (84%) and dominant endogenous processes in recent decades. In all three OG forests, indicators of structural change exhibited progression of European beech over time. Historical evidence revealed the occurrence of warm summers and droughts followed by bark beetle outbreaks in the 1920s, 1940s and early 1950s, which in turn influenced a marked conifer decline. It seems likely that repeated canopy opening released waves of European beech regeneration. These stand structural changes have delayed the rejuvenation of conifers and can help explain the early observations of conifer decline.
The Calcium Phosphate Matrix of FGF-2-Apatite Composite Layers Contributes to Their Biological Effects
Authors: Mutsuzaki Hirotaka , Ito Atsuo , Sogo Yu , Sakane Masataka , Oyane Ayako , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: June 2014

The purpose of the present study was to fabricate fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2-apatite composite layers on titanium (Ti) pins in one step at 25 °C using a supersaturated calcium phosphate (CaP) solution, and to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and biological effects of the coated Ti pins compared with coated Ti pins fabricated at 37 °C. Ti pins were immersed in a supersaturated CaP solution containing 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 µg/mL FGF-2 at 25 °C for 24 h (25F0.5, 25F1.0, and 25F2.0) or containing 4.0 µg/mL FGF-2 at 37 °C for 48 h (37F4.0). Except for the 25F0.5, the chemical compositions and the mitogenic activity levels of FGF-2 of the composite layers formed by these two methods were similar, except for the Ca/P molar ratio, which was markedly smaller at 25 °C (1.55–1.56 ± 0.01–0.02, p = 0.0008–0.0045) than at 37 °C (1.67 ± 0.11). Thus, either the apatite was less mature or the amount of amorphous calcium phosphate was higher in the composite layer formed at 25 °C. In vivo, the pin tract infection rate by visual inspection for 37F4.0 (45%) was lower than that for 25F1.0 (80%, p = 0.0213), and the rate of osteomyelitis for 37F4.0 (35%) was lower than that for 25F0.5 (75%, p = 0.0341). The extraction torque for 37F4.0 (0.276 ± 0.117 Nm) was higher than that for 25F0.5 (0.192 ± 0.117 Nm, p = 0.0142) and that for 25F1.0 (0.176 ± 0.133 Nm, p = 0.0079). The invasion rate of S. aureus for 37F4.0 (35%) was lower than that for 25F0.5 (75%, p = 0.0110). On the whole, the FGF-2-apatite composite layer formed at 25 °C tended to be less effective at improving fixation strength in the bone-pin interface and resisting pin tract infections. These results suggest that the chemistry of the calcium phosphate matrix that embeds FGF-2, in addition to FGF-2 content and activity, has a significant impact on composite infection resistance and fixation strength.
Triterpenoid Saponins from Stauntonia chinensis Ameliorate Insulin Resistance via the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase and IR/IRS-1/PI3K/Akt Pathways in Insulin-Resistant HepG2 Cells
Authors: Hu Xin , Wang Sha , Xu Jing , Wang De-Bing , Chen Yu , Yang Guang-Zhong
Published: June 2014

Inflammation and oxidative stress play crucial roles in the etiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, we examined the anti-diabetic effects of triterpenoid saponins extracted from Stauntonia chinensis on stimulating glucose uptake by insulin-resistant human HepG2 cells. The results showed that saponin 6 significantly increased glucose uptake and glucose catabolism. Saponin 6 also enhanced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and activated the insulin receptor (IR)/insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. Therefore, our results suggest that saponins from S. chinensis improve glucose uptake and catabolism in hepatic cells by stimulating the AMPK and the IR/IRS-1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. The results also imply that saponins from S. chinensis can enhance glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity, representing a promising treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Innovation in Medicine
Authors: Litscher Gerhard
Published: June 2014

Medicine and innovation: these terms have always been inseparable. In each phase of medical history, the continuous expansion of medical knowledge and the development of technical solutions have gone hand in hand. Interdisciplinarity has also played an important role since the beginning. Integrative medicine has become the driving force behind the latest innovations in medicine over recent years. [...]
The Edible Brown Seaweed Ecklonia cava Reduces Hypersensitivity in Postoperative and Neuropathic Pain Models in Rats
Authors: Kim Jae , Lim Dong , Cho Suengmok , Han Daeseok , Kim Yun
Published: June 2014

The current study was designed to investigate whether edible brown seaweed Ecklonia cava extracts exhibits analgesic effects in plantar incision and spared nerve injury (SNI) rats. To evaluate pain-related behavior, we performed the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal hypersensitivity tests measured by von Frey filaments and a hot/cold plate analgesia meter. Pain-related behavior was also determined through analysis of ultrasonic vocalization. The results of experiments showed MWT values of the group that was treated with E. cava extracts by 300 mg/kg significantly increased; on the contrary, number of ultrasonic distress vocalization of the treated group was reduced at 6 h and 24 h after plantar incision operation (62.8%, p < 0.05). Moreover, E. cava 300 mg/kg treated group increased the paw withdrawal latency in hot-and cold-plate tests in the plantar incision rats. After 15 days of continuous treatment with E. cava extracts at 300 mg/kg, the treated group showed significantly alleviated SNI-induced hypersensitivity response by MWT compared with the control group. In conclusion, these results suggest that E. cava extracts have potential analgesic effects in the case of postoperative pain and neuropathic pain in rats.
Antimicrobial Activity of Resveratrol Analogues
Authors: Chalal Malik , Klinguer Agnès , Echairi Abdelwahad , Meunier Philippe , Vervandier-Fasseur Dominique , Adrian Marielle
Published: June 2014

Stilbenes, especially resveratrol and its derivatives, have become famous for their positive effects on a wide range of medical disorders, as indicated by a huge number of published studies. A less investigated area of research is their antimicrobial properties. A series of 13 trans-resveratrol analogues was synthesized via Wittig or Heck reactions, and their antimicrobial activity assessed on two different grapevine pathogens responsible for severe diseases in the vineyard. The entire series, together with resveratrol, was first evaluated on the zoospore mobility and sporulation level of Plasmopara viticola (the oomycete responsible for downy mildew). Stilbenes displayed a spectrum of activity ranging from low to high. Six of them, including the most active ones, were subsequently tested on the development of Botrytis cinerea (fungus responsible for grey mold). The results obtained allowed us to identify the most active stilbenes against both grapevine pathogens, to compare the antimicrobial activity of the evaluated series of stilbenes, and to discuss the relationship between their chemical structure (number and position of methoxy and hydroxy groups) and antimicrobial activity.
Methods of Increasing the Performance of Radionuclide Generators Used in Nuclear Medicine: Daughter Nuclide Build-Up Optimisation, Elution-Purification-Concentration Integration, and Effective Control of Radionuclidic Purity
Authors: Le Van , Do Zoe , Le Minh , Le Vicki , Le Natalie
Published: June 2014

Methods of increasing the performance of radionuclide generators used in nuclear medicine radiotherapy and SPECT/PET imaging were developed and detailed for 99Mo/99mTc and 68Ge/68Ga radionuclide generators as the cases. Optimisation methods of the daughter nuclide build-up versus stand-by time and/or specific activity using mean progress functions were developed for increasing the performance of radionuclide generators. As a result of this optimisation, the separation of the daughter nuclide from its parent one should be performed at a defined optimal time to avoid the deterioration in specific activity of the daughter nuclide and wasting stand-by time of the generator, while the daughter nuclide yield is maintained to a reasonably high extent. A new characteristic parameter of the formation-decay kinetics of parent/daughter nuclide system was found and effectively used in the practice of the generator production and utilisation. A method of “early elution schedule” was also developed for increasing the daughter nuclide production yield and specific radioactivity, thus saving the cost of the generator and improving the quality of the daughter radionuclide solution. These newly developed optimisation methods in combination with an integrated elution-purification-concentration system of radionuclide generators recently developed is the most suitable way to operate the generator effectively on the basis of economic use and improvement of purposely suitable quality and specific activity of the produced daughter radionuclides. All these features benefit the economic use of the generator, the improved quality of labelling/scan, and the lowered cost of nuclear medicine procedure. Besides, a new method of quality control protocol set-up for post-delivery test of radionuclidic purity has been developed based on the relationship between gamma ray spectrometric detection limit, required limit of impure radionuclide activity and its measurement certainty with respect to optimising decay/measurement time and product sample activity used for QC quality control. The optimisation ensures a certainty of measurement of the specific impure radionuclide and avoids wasting the useful amount of valuable purified/concentrated daughter nuclide product. This process is important for the spectrometric measurement of very low activity of impure radionuclide contamination in the radioisotope products of much higher activity used in medical imaging and targeted radiotherapy.
Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on the Level of Circulating High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Chen Neng , Wan Zhongxiao , Han Shu-Fen , Li Bing-Yan , Zhang Zeng-Li , Qin Li-Qiang
Published: June 2014

Vitamin D might elicit protective effects against cardiovascular disease by decreasing the level of circulating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), an inflammatory marker. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the association of vitamin D supplementation with circulating hs-CRP level. A systematic literature search was conducted in September 2013 (updated in February 2014) via PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane library to identify eligible studies. Either a fixed-effects or a random-effects model was used to calculate pooled effects. The results of the meta-analysis of 10 trials involving a total of 924 participants showed that vitamin D supplementation significantly decreased the circulating hs-CRP level by 1.08 mg/L (95% CI, −2.13, −0.03), with the evidence of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis suggested a higher reduction of 2.21 mg/L (95% CI, −3.50, −0.92) among participants with baseline hs-CRP level ≥5 mg/L. Meta-regression analysis further revealed that baseline hs-CRP level, supplemental dose of vitamin D and intervention duration together may be attributed to the heterogeneity across studies. In summary, vitamin D supplementation is beneficial for the reduction of circulating hs-CRP. However, the result should be interpreted with caution because of the evidence of heterogeneity.
Affine Transform to Reform Pixel Coordinates of EOG Signals for Controlling Robot Manipulators Using Gaze Motions
Authors: Rusydi Muhammad , Sasaki Minoru , Ito Satoshi
Published: June 2014

Biosignals will play an important role in building communication between machines and humans. One of the types of biosignals that is widely used in neuroscience are electrooculography (EOG) signals. An EOG has a linear relationship with eye movement displacement. Experiments were performed to construct a gaze motion tracking method indicated by robot manipulator movements. Three operators looked at 24 target points displayed on a monitor that was 40 cm in front of them. Two channels (Ch1 and Ch2) produced EOG signals for every single eye movement. These signals were converted to pixel units by using the linear relationship between EOG signals and gaze motion distances. The conversion outcomes were actual pixel locations. An affine transform method is proposed to determine the shift of actual pixels to target pixels. This method consisted of sequences of five geometry processes, which are translation-1, rotation, translation-2, shear and dilatation. The accuracy was approximately 0.86° ± 0.67° in the horizontal direction and 0.54° ± 0.34° in the vertical. This system successfully tracked the gaze motions not only in direction, but also in distance. Using this system, three operators could operate a robot manipulator to point at some targets. This result shows that the method is reliable in building communication between humans and machines using EOGs.
Fusion of Smartphone Motion Sensors for Physical Activity Recognition
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad , Bosch Stephan , Incel Ozlem , Scholten Hans , Havinga Paul
Published: June 2014

For physical activity recognition, smartphone sensors, such as an accelerometer and a gyroscope, are being utilized in many research studies. So far, particularly, the accelerometer has been extensively studied. In a few recent studies, a combination of a gyroscope, a magnetometer (in a supporting role) and an accelerometer (in a lead role) has been used with the aim to improve the recognition performance. How and when are various motion sensors, which are available on a smartphone, best used for better recognition performance, either individually or in combination? This is yet to be explored. In order to investigate this question, in this paper, we explore how these various motion sensors behave in different situations in the activity recognition process. For this purpose, we designed a data collection experiment where ten participants performed seven different activities carrying smart phones at different positions. Based on the analysis of this data set, we show that these sensors, except the magnetometer, are each capable of taking the lead roles individually, depending on the type of activity being recognized, the body position, the used data features and the classification method employed (personalized or generalized). We also show that their combination only improves the overall recognition performance when their individual performances are not very high, so that there is room for performance improvement. We have made our data set and our data collection application publicly available, thereby making our experiments reproducible.
Application of an Electrochemical Immunosensor with a MWCNT/PDAA Modified Electrode for Detection of Serum Trypsin
Authors: Yi Qiang , Liu Qicai , Gao Feng , Chen Qingquan , Wang Guina
Published: June 2014

Objective: To establish an electrochemical immunosensor for the determination of serum trypsin levels using a multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-composite-modified electrode. Method: A MWCNT composite coated on the surface of bare gold electrodes was used for fixation of an anti-trypsin antibody. The assembly process and the performance indicators, including sensitivity, linear range of detection, anti-jamming performance, and stability, of the electrochemical immunosensor were examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results: With optimized experimental conditions, the difference of the current value measured by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) showed a linear relationship with the concentration of serum trypsin within 0.10–100 ng/mL. The detection limit for trypsin using this sensor was 0.002 ng/mL. Conclusions: The electrochemical immunosensor built using the MWCNT-composite-modified electrode is simple to operate and has a fast response time, along with a wide linear range, high sensitivity, and accuracy, making it suitable for serum trypsin detection.
Understanding Digital Health as Public Pedagogy: A Critical Framework
Authors: Rich Emma , Miah Andy
Published: June 2014

This paper argues on behalf of a public pedagogy approach to developing a critical understanding of digital health technologies. It begins by appraising the hitherto polarised articulations of digital innovation as either techno-utopian or techno-dystopian, examining these expectations of technology and considering the tensions between them. It subsequently outlines how a public pedagogy approach can help mediate between these views, offering a more contextualised, socio-political perspective of mHealth. This approach teases out the nuances of digital health by engaging with the complexities of embodied learning. Furthermore, it urges caution against viewing these pedagogical forces as one of transference, or simple governance. To this end, we therefore contextualise our critique of digital health, within an attempt to reconstitute an understanding of public pedagogies of technology.