bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxonomic and functional divergence of tree assemblages in a fragmented tropical forest
Authors: Sfair Julia C. , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , Santos Bráulio A. , Tabarelli Marcelo
Published: May 2016

Tropical forests are being exposed to increasing levels of habitat loss and fragmentation, threatening the maintenance of global biodiversity. However, the effect that land‐use change may have on the spatial dissimilarities in taxonomic and functional composition of remaining assemblages (i.e., taxonomic/functional β‐diversity) remains poorly understood. We examined a large vegetation database from an old and severely fragmented Atlantic forest landscape to test two alternative hypotheses: (1) tree assemblages experience a taxonomic and functional homogenization (reduced β‐diversity) between forest fragments and along forest edges, or alternatively, (2) these edge‐affected forests show increased taxonomic and functional differentiation (increased β‐diversity) when compared to forest interior (reference) stands. Taxonomic and functional β‐diversity were examined via novel abundance‐based metrics and considering functional traits related to plant dispersion, recruitment, and growth. Overall, taxonomic β‐diversity among fragments was significantly higher than among edge and reference plots. Edge plots also showed higher β‐diversity than reference plots, but only when considering dominant species. In functional terms, β‐diversity among reference plots was also lower than among forest fragments and among edge plots. These patterns support the landscape‐divergence hypothesis, which postulates that variable human disturbances among forest fragments and along forest edges can lead to contrasting trajectories of vegetation changes, thus increasing the compositional and functional differentiation of tree communities in these emerging environments. Our results also show that such differentiation can preserve landscape‐wide biodiversity, thus overriding negative effects of habitat fragmentation on local (α) diversity. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that forest fragments and forest edges can be more valuable for maintaining species diversity and ecosystem function in fragmented tropical landscapes than previously thought.
Plant species richness enhances nitrogen retention in green roof plots
Authors: Johnson Catherine , Schweinhart Shelbye , Buffam Ishi
Published: May 2016

Vegetated (green) roofs have become common in many cities and are projected to continue to increase in coverage, but little is known about the ecological properties of these engineered ecosystems. In this study, we tested the biodiversity–ecosystem function hypothesis using commercially available green roof trays as replicated plots with varying levels of plant species richness (0, 1, 3, or 6 common green roof species per plot, using plants with different functional characteristics). We estimated accumulated plant biomass near the peak of the first full growing season (July 2013) and measured runoff volume after nearly every rain event from September 2012 to September 2013 (33 events) and runoff fluxes of inorganic nutrients ammonium, nitrate, and phosphate from a subset of 10 events. We found that (1) total plant biomass increased with increasing species richness, (2) green roof plots were effective at reducing storm runoff, with vegetation increasing water retention more than soil‐like substrate alone, but there was no significant effect of plant species identity or richness on runoff volume, (3) green roof substrate was a significant source of phosphate, regardless of presence/absence of plants, and (4) dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN= nitrate + ammonium) runoff fluxes were different among plant species and decreased significantly with increasing plant species richness. The variation in N retention was positively related to variation in plant biomass. Notably, the increased biomass and N retention with species richness in this engineered ecosystem are similar to patterns observed in published studies from grasslands and other well‐studied ecosystems. We suggest that more diverse plantings on vegetated roofs may enhance the retention capacity for reactive nitrogen. This is of importance for the sustained health of vegetated roof ecosystems, which over time often experience nitrogen limitation, and is also relevant for water quality in receiving waters downstream of green roofs.
Assessing bias and knowledge gaps on seed ecology research: implications for conservation agenda and policy
Authors: Ribeiro Guilherme V. T. , Teixido Alberto L. , Barbosa Newton P. U. , Silveira Fernando A. O.
Published: May 2016

Sampling biases permeate ecological research and result in knowledge gaps that have vital consequences for conservation planning. The consequences of knowledge gaps on species identity and distribution (the Wallacean and Linnean shortfalls, respectively) have become apparent recently, but we know little about the extent that research biases and knowledge gaps on traits that influence species’ niches (the Hutchinsonian shortfall) affect conservation policy. To examine whether knowledge of species’ traits based on seed ecology is geographically, phylogenetically, and ecologically biased, we retrieved research data on seed germination, seed dormancy, seed dispersal, seed banks, seed predation, and seed removal from a database of 847 papers, 1648 species, and 5322 cases. Brazil was selected as a model system for megadiverse, undersampled countries. Kernel density maps showed that research was geographically biased towards highly populated sites, with vast areas remaining historically unexplored. We also show that research was clustered into protected areas. We detected a significant positive phylogenetic bias at genus‐level, indicating research concentration in few genera and lower relative bias rates for many herbaceous genera. Unexpectedly, information on seed banking was available for only 74 (3.4%) of threatened species, which suggests that information deficits are highest for species with critical needs for ex situ conservation strategies. Tree, fleshy‐fruited, and biotic dispersal species were disproportionately overstudied. Our data indicate that information deficits on seed ecology preclude our ability to effectively restore ecosystems and to safeguard endangered species. We call for a systematic improvement of environmental agenda in which policy makers and scientists target sites, clades, and functional groups historically neglected. Lessons from developed countries and collaborative efforts will be important for megadiverse, underdeveloped countries to achieve the targets of international agreements that depend on seed ecology knowledge aiming to secure biological diversity and ecosystem services.
Bacterial endosymbionts protect aphids in the field and alter parasitoid community composition
Authors: Rothacher Lukas , Ferrer‐Suay Mar , Vorburger Christoph
Published: May 2016

It has become increasingly evident that many organisms rely on microbial symbionts for defense against natural enemies, but the ecological importance of defensive symbionts for natural communities still needs to be investigated. A well‐known example is Hamiltonella defensa, a heritable endosymbiotic bacterium commonly found in aphids. Laboratory experiments have shown that H. defensa strongly protects aphids against parasitic wasps (parasitoids), although this protection is not equally effective against different species of parasitoids, or even different genotypes of the same species. These results suggest that H. defensa plays an important role in reducing aphid mortality by parasitoids and presumably affects the community composition of parasitoids relying on aphids as a resource. However, there is little evidence that this is indeed the case under natural conditions. We tested this in a field experiment with black bean aphids (Aphis fabae) by setting up replicated field plots with genetically identical aphids that did or did not harbor H. defensa and following their colonization by natural enemies over a growing season. We observed a clear reduction in parasitism of symbiont‐protected aphids, particularly by the parasitoids posing the highest risk. However, protected aphids did not develop larger populations than unprotected ones, possibly reflecting the balancing effect of costs associated with harboring H. defensa. We also observed shifts in the parasitoid species composition on aphids protected by H. defensa, showing that defensive symbionts have the potential to alter the diversity and structure of food webs, with likely consequences for their function and stability.
Membaca Metode Penafsiran Al-Qur’an Kontemporer di Kalangan Sarjana Barat Analisis Pemikiran Angelika Neuwirth
Authors: Fina Lien Iffah Naf’atu
Published: May 2016

This article examines Western scholar thoughts on methods of Qur’anic exegesis. It specifically analyzes Angelika Neuwirth’s thoughts as one of the leading western scholars on the Qur’an. She is considered the pioneer of academic-dialogic approaches to the Qur’an. She offers reading the Qur’an from the period of pre-canonization to conceive of the ways in which the Qur’an in the time of its revelation interacted with its surroundings. To understand this, she looks at relevant united verses as an integral unit that keeps important processes of communication during the lifetime of the Prophet. She concludes that these types of the verses are represented by the Meccan verses, not all verses of the Qur’an. Her study provides a new path in contemporary Qur’anic studies especially in the efforts to “revive” the codified Qur’an.
Las deficiencias más significativas de macro y micro nutrientes en adolescentes que viven con el VIH/sida en terapia anti-retroviral
Authors: Bissigo Pereira Fernanda , Miraglia Fernanda , Barbosa Schmitz Caroline , Oliveira da Silva Carmem Lúcia , Ramos Lazzarotto Alexandre
Published: May 2016

Objetivo: identificar la ingestión alimentaria de macro y micronutrientes en adolescentes viviendo con VIH/sida que usan terapia anti-retroviral y compararlos a las Dietary Reference Intakes.Metodología: estudio transversal realizado con adolescentes de ambos sexos con VIH/sida, en el que se evaluó la composición dietética de macro y micronutrientes a través del recordatorio alimentario de 24h.Resultados: 39 adolescentes con una edad promedio de 15 años, un 51,3% del sexo masculino. Los participantes consumieron menos calorías totales en la dieta, fibra total (g/d), vitaminas liposolubles (A, D, E, K), vitamina B5 (mg/d), vitamina B9 (mg/d), vitamina C (mg/d), calcio (mg/d), fósforo (mg/d), potasio (mg/d) y magnesio (mg/d) que lo recomendado. Los porcentajes de ingestión por debajo de lo recomendado representaron el 79,5% para las calorías, el 82,1% para la fibra total, el 89,7% para la vitamina A, el 100% para la vitamina D, el 87,2% para la vitamina E, el 100% para la vitamina K, el 71,8% para la vitamina B5, el 82,1% para la vitamina B9, el 76,9% para la vitamina C, el 92,3% para el calcio, el 61,5% para el fósforo, el 97,4% para el potasio y el 76,9% para el magnesio. Los participantes consumían más carbohidratos (g), proteínas (g), vitaminas B2 (mg/d), B3 (mg/d), B8 (mg/d) y sodio (g/d) de lo recomendado, representando porcentajes por encima de la ingestión del 92,3% para los hidratos de carbono, del 64,1% para las proteínas y la vitamina B2, del 56,4% para la vitamina B3, del 82,1% para la vitamina B8 y del 59% para el sodio. Los demás nutrientes estaban dentro de lo recomendado por las DRIs.Conclusión: el consumo alimentario fue inadecuado en comparación con lo recomendado por las Directrices Internacionales de Nutrición.
Asociación entre nutrientes y hemoglobina glicosilada en diabéticos tipo 2
Authors: Durán Agüero Samuel , Fernández Godoy Eloina , Carrasco Piña Elena
Published: May 2016

Introducción: la hiperglicemia es la característica principal de la diabetes (DM). La restricción de CHO en la dieta presenta el mayor efecto en la disminución de los niveles de glucosa en sangre tanto en DM 1 y 2.Objetivo: asociar la ingesta de macro y micronutrientes con el control metabólico de pacientes con diabetes tipo 2.Material y métodos: se entrevistó a 714 pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 de ambos sexos, entre 27 y 90 años, en centros de salud familiar de Santiago de Chile. Se les aplicó una encuesta alimentaria y una evaluación antropométrica. Se realizó prueba de regresión logística, se estimó además el valor del Odds Ratio (OR) y su correspondiente intervalo de confianza (IC).Resultados: el IMC promedio fue de 30,8 ± 5,7 kg/m2, el 29,8% de los sujetos tenía una HbA1c compensada. Se puede observar que solo la ingesta elevada de carbohidratos (percentil 75) se asoció con un incremento en el riesgo de tener HbA1c elevada OR = 2,7 (IC 95% 1,5-4,8; p < 0,001).Conclusiones: la ingesta elevada de carbohidratos de rápida absorción, altos en sacarosa y bajos en fibra se asocia como factor de riesgo en el incremento de HbA1c. La ingesta total de energía y el patrón de alimentación saludable se debe priorizar sobre la distribución de macronutrientes. Es importante la asesoría de un experto en nutrición especializado en diabetes quien, en colaboración con el equipo médico, debe determinar el tratamiento para cumplir con los objetivos individuales del paciente.
Diseño de un programa de educación nutricional destinado a mujeres saharauis residentes en los campamentos de Tinduf (Argelia)
Authors: Arroyo-Izaga Marta , Andía Muñoz Virginia , Demon Geert
Published: May 2016

Introducción: la población saharaui residente en los campamentos de Tinduf (Argelia) se considera vulnerable desde el punto de vista nutricional.Objetivos: evaluar los hábitos dietéticos de un grupo de mujeres emigrantes saharauis con el fin de obtener datos para diseñar un programa de educación nutricional (EN) destinado a mujeres residentes en los campamentos.Métodos: la información sobre hábitos dietéticos se registró a través de historias dietéticas. Los resultados de ingesta de macro y micronutrientes se compararon con los rangos aceptables de distribución y los requerimientos medios estimados. También se recogieron datos demográficos, socioeconómicos y sobre salud. Análisis estadístico: SPSS vs 22.0. A partir de los datos obtenidos y de la revisión de los programas de salud llevados a cabo en campamentos y de otros programas de EN se diseñó un programa específico.Resultados: la alimentación en campamentos se caracterizó por ser deficitaria en energía y por un bajo consumo de fibra (6,1 [2,8] g/día), de ácidos grasos monoinsaturados (6,9 [2,9]% del valor calórico total) y de la mayoría de los micronutrientes. El aumento en la disponibilidad de alimentos tras emigrar a España incrementó la ingesta calórica, pero la dieta siguió siendo inadecuada. El programa de EN diseñado se basó en la formación de formadoras. En este manuscrito se proporciona información detallada sobre la organización y el material a emplear en esta intervención educativa.Discusión y conclusión: la alimentación de las mujeres saharauis en campamentos y tras emigrar a España fue inadecuada, lo que corrobora que la aculturación puede estar asociada a cambios no saludables. Cabe esperar que el programa de EN diseñado contribuya a mejorar su bienestar nutricional.
To eat or not to eat meat. That is the question
Authors: Celada Paloma , Bastida Sara , Sánchez-Muniz Francisco J.
Published: May 2016

La carne es un alimento muy bien aceptado por sus propiedades organolépticas. Es fundamental en el desarrollo del ser humano por su alto valor nutritivo. Fuente importante de minerales, vitaminas y proteínas de elevada calidad. Su importancia nutricional está en consonancia con su repercusión económica. En este artículo, y a la luz del comunicado recientemente emitido por la OMS sobre el peligro para la salud, particularmente de cáncer, del consumo elevado de carne roja y/o procesada y dada la alarma social ocasionada, pretendemos matizar algunos aspectos. Se revisan a) el consumo actual de carnes y derivados en España; b) su contribución en macro/micronutrientes a las ingestas recomendadas; c) el aporte obligado de aditivos (p.ej. nitratos y nitritos) para garantizar la seguridad alimentaria y su ingesta diaria. Se comentan los riesgos del consumo elevado de los productos cárnicos así como los usos culinarios más adecuados para reducir la formación de compuestos tóxicos (p.ej. N-nitrosocompuestos). Dada la enorme variedad de productos cárnicos ofertados, se concluye que cualquier generalización sobre el consumo de carne y derivados sería totalmente inadecuada y se resaltan las ventajas de consumirlos en el marco de una dieta tipo mediterránea, rica en verduras, frutas y compuestos bioactivos.
Protection by polyphenol extract from olive stones against apoptosis produced by oxidative stress in human neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Cortés-Castell Ernesto , Veciana-Galindo Carmen , Torró-Montell Luis , Palazón-Bru Antonio , Sirvent-Segura Elia , Gil-Guillén Vicente , Rizo-Baeza Mercedes
Published: May 2016

Objetivo: evaluar la actividad protectora del extracto de un subproducto como son los huesos de aceitunas, mediante su capacidad de inhibir la apoptosis en la línea celular humana de neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y inducida con H2O2.Material y métodos: se han cultivado 20.000 cel/pocillo, iniciando diferenciación con ácido retinoico y, una vez diferenciadas las células, se ha inducido la apoptosis con H2O2 con extracto y sin presencia del mismo. Finalmente se efectúa la extracción de cDNA y el análisis de los genes proapoptótico Bax y antiapoptótico Bcl-2. La cuantificación de la expresión génica se realiza frente al gen marcador GAPDH.Resultados: la viabilidad celular con el extracto es del 97,6% (SD 5,7) con 10 mg/l y 62,8% (SD 1,2) a 50 mg/l, utilizando 10 mg/l para el ensayo de biomarcadores. Las células de la línea SH-S diferenciadas con ácido retinoico (10 μM), muestran una clara apoptosis al ser tratadas con H2O2 150 μM, con una relación Bax/Bcl2 de 3,75 (SD 0,80) frente a las células diferenciadas control y sometidas a H2O2 y con extracto que tienen la misma relación de 1,02 (SD 0,01-0,03).Conclusión: el extracto de huesos de aceitunas presenta una actividad antiapoptótica frente a la provocación de la muerte celular por peróxido de hidrógeno, preservando a las células de neuroblastoma humano SH-SY5Y en su estado de normalidad, al defenderlas del estrés oxidativo que produce un significativo aumento de la relación de genes apoptóticos frente a antiapoptóticos (Bax/Bcl2).
A Survey on Design and Optimization of Microstrip Patch Antenna
Authors: Kansal Shrutika , Kumar Ashok
Published: May 2016

Microstrip patch antenna is among the important elements of modern wireless communication systems and hence its designing and optimization has become an important aspect for improving the overall performance of the system. In this paper microstrip patch antenna geometry has been discussed along with the performance analysis of various papers over which the survey was conducted. The main objective behind writing this paper is to provide researchers with background of microstrip patch antenna geometries and optimization techniques so as to make it easier for researchers to choose the method best suited to their aims. Future scope of the study is also given which will help in further advancements in the optimization of microstrip patch antenna.
Control of disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursors by soil aquifer treatment (SAT): what length of hydraulic retention time (HRT) is necessary?
Authors: Phattarapattamawong Songkeart , Takabe Yugo , Echigo Shinya , Itoh Sadahiko
Published: May 2016

The study attempted to determine the hydraulic retention time (HRT) required for soil aquifer treatment (SAT) to reclaim water as potable water in an aspect of controlling disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursors. In order to evaluate the removal of DBP precursors, the uniform formation condition was used to estimate the formations of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). Effluent water from anaerobic-anoxic-oxic processes (A2O water) was fed through soil columns at different HRTs. Sand with low organic content and less specific surface area was selected to represent the ‘worst available case’ of subsurface environment in Japan. Overall, annual data (n ≥ 14) indicated that the average concentrations of THMs and HAAs for water passed through SAT with HRT less than 7 days were below the standard of drinking water. However, risks of exposure to THMs and HAAs were observed. Increasing HRT to 30 days resulted in the concentrations of regulated THM and HAA species lower than the 10% of the drinking water standard values, except for dichlorobromoform. Therefore, a treatment unit for bromide ion removal (e.g., anion exchanger) prior to chlorination is recommended to lower the risk levels of exposure to dichlorobromoform.
Thermodynamic Equilibrium Calculations on Cd Transformation during Sewage Sludge Incineration
Authors: Liu Jing‐yong , Huang Limao , Sun Shuiyu , Xie Wuming
Published: May 2016

Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations were performed to reveal the distribution of cadmium during the sewage sludge incineration process. During sludge incineration in the presence of major minerals, such as SiO2, Al2O3 and CaO, the strongest effect was exerted by SiO2 on the Cd transformation compared with the effect of others. The stable solid product of CdSiO3 was formed easily with the reaction between Cd and SiO2, which can restrain the emissions of gaseous Cd pollutants. CdCl2 was formed more easily in the presence of chloride during incineration, thus, the volatilization of Cd was advanced by increasing chlorine content. At low temperatures, the volatilization of Cd was restrained due to the formation of the refractory solid metal sulfate. At high temperatures, the speciation of Cd was not affected by the presence of sulfur, but sulfur could affect the formation temperature of gaseous metals.
The effect of shoulder on the strength of the oval tenon-mortise joint
Authors: Dzincic Igor , Nestorovic Biserka , Dacic Vojislav
Published: May 2016

This paper presents the results of a parallel examination on the strength of
oval tenon-mortise joints in two groups of test joints. Joints from group A
were made with both shoulders of tenon, while joints from group B were made
without the lower shoulder. Examination of strength was conducted on a chair
joints rear leg-rail. The results of the examination indicated that joints in
group A (oval tenon with the upper and lower shoulder) had a higher average
bending moment capacity in comparison with the joints in group B (oval tenon
without the lower shoulder). However, the significance of difference in
strength between the two groups of joints was not confirmed by the
statistical analysis.
The influence of Dupuytren's disease fingers contracture degree on surgical treatment outcome
Authors: Stepic Nenad , Koncar Jovana , Rajovic Milica
Published: May 2016

Background/Aim. Dupuytren?s disease is a progressive disease of the palmar
and digital fascial structures, with functional limitations. There are no
clear recommendations about the optimal time of surgical repair, concerning
the hand impairment. The aim of our study was to investigate the relation
between finger?s contracture degree and success of surgical treatment of the
Dupuytren's disease. Methods. This prospective analysis included 60 patients
operated on due to Dupuytren?s contracture. According to preoperative
contracture degree of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and metacarpophalangeal
(MCP) joint, patients were divided into three groups: the group 1: < 15?, the
group 2: 15?30? and the group 3: > 30?. All the patients underwent operation
of partial palmar fasciectomy. Postoperative improvement was expressed with
contracture reduction INDEX. Results. There were 60 patients with 85 fingers
affected. The groups 1, 2 and 3 had 22 (37%), 37 (62%) and 26 (43%) fingers
with MCP contracture and 32 (37.4%), 24 (28.2%) and 29 (34.1%) fingers with
PIP contracture, respectively. Postoperative contractures of MCP joint in
these groups were 0, 0.135? and 5?, and of PIP joint 0, 2.08 ? and 16.89?,
respectively. After six months all MCP contractures resolved, while PIP joint
contracture in the group 3 remained 13.62?. The reduction INDEX was 98.85%,
97.62% and 75.52% in the groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. There was a
statistically significant difference in the INDEX value between the groups (p
= 0.0001). Conclusion. The degree of PIP joint contracture is related to the
outcome of surgical treatment of Dupuytren?s disease. Optimal results are
achieved when contracture degree is between 15? and 30?. Surgical treatment
of MCP joint contracture is successful regardless of the preoperative joint
contracture degree.
Prevalence of dental caries in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Djordjevic Vladan , Jovanovic Mila , Milicic Biljana , Stefanovic Vesna , Djukic-Dejanovic Slavica
Published: May 2016

Background/Aim. It is considered that over 450 million people worldwide
suffer from some form of mental disorder. Previous studies in other countries
have shown that schizophrenia is among the most frequent. Oral health is
significant for general health and should not be separated from mental
health. Studies in other countries have shown an increased incidence of
carious and extracted teeth, and less incidence of filled teeth in this group
of psychiatric patients. The aim of this study was to establish condition of
the existing teeth, to determine the prevalence of caries and to consider
possible risk factors that contribute to the current oral health status of
hospitalized patients with schizophrenia. Methods. The study comprised 190
patients with schizophrenia, hospitalized at the Clinic for Psychiatric
Disorders ?Dr. Laza Lazarevic? in Belgrade, and 190 mentally healthy patients
at the Clinic for Periodontology and Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dental
Medicine in Belgrade. The decayed, missing, filled (DMF) index,
sociodemographic and economic characteristics were registered in both groups,
as well as characteristics of the primary disease of hospitalized patients
with schizophrenia. Results. The value of DMF index (representing the sum of
carious, extracted and filled teeth), in the hospitalized patients with
schizophrenia was 18.57 ? 7.07 and 12.47 ? 5.64 in the healthy group (p =
0.000). The structure of the DMF index in the study group showed that caries
and extracted teeth dominated with 88.1%; in the control group, filled teeth
dominated with 55.6%, which was a statistically significant difference for
all the three observed variables. Conclusion. Hospitalized patients with
schizophrenia had twice as many caries and extracted teeth, and five time
less filled teeth than healthy people. The patient?s age and taking
antiparkinsonics were established as predictors of the increased DMF index in
hospitalized patients with schizophrenia.
Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients without gastric symptoms suffering from recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A pilot study
Authors: Latkovic Marina , Ranin Lazar , Teodorovic Nevenka , Andjelkovic Marko
Published: May 2016

Background/Aim. Helicobacter (H.) pylori is a widespread bacterium and its
involvement in pathogenesis of gastric diseases is well-known. However, H.
pylori role in etiology of other histologically similar conditions,
especially recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is still controversial.
Research regarding H. pylori and its association with RAS, as well as the
treatment options were always conducted on patients with diagnosed gastric
problems. The aim of this study was to determine whether H. pylori is present
in the oral cavity of patients suffering from RAS but without any symptoms or
medical history of gastric disease. Methods. A total of 15 patients with RAS
participated in the study. None of the participants suffered from any
gastrointestinal disorders. Two dental plaque samples from each participant
were collected. The first was analyzed using rapid urease test and the second
one was put in transport medium and sent for cultivation. The sensitivity of
H. pylori to antibiotics was established using disk diffusion method of
sensitivity testing for every patient individually and adequate therapy was
prescribed. Results. Before the treatment the mean annual recurrence rate of
RAS was 8.1 ? 2.1, with the average number of lesions being 3.9 ? 1.9. During
the 12-month observation period after the eradication therapy, none of the
patients reported recurrence of aphthous lesions. The treatment was
successful in all cases. Conclusion. This study shows that RAS can be
effectively treated by successful eradication of oral H. pylori, and that RAS
could be possibly considered as an early warning sign of potential gastric
infection by H. pilory.
Quality of life in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sarac Sanja , Milic Rade , Vasiljevic Mira , Sarac Momir
Published: May 2016

Background/Aim. As lung cancer is considered the greatest contributor to
death among all cancer types any help might be valuable in the assessment of
treatment effects. The aim of this study was for assess the quality of life
(QoL) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with
gemcitabine- cisplatin regimen as the first line of chemotherapy. Methods.
The QoL was assessed using certified Serbian translations of the European
Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality Life Questionnaire
Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Lung Cancer Module (QLQ-LC13) - version 3. The
questionnaire was used before starting treatment and after the completion of
the 2nd and the 4th cycle of chemotherapy. The questionnaire scales and
single items were compared in order to assess the impact of treatment on the
QoL. Results. A total of 60 patients started and 51 completed all
questionnaires. There were no changes in the global health status score
between the baseline, the 2nd and the 4th cycle of chemotherapy (42.78 ?
15.76, 45.56 ? 17.59, 48.20 ? 19.24, respectively; p = 0.1). Social function
score, symptom scores: nausea and vomiting, pain, appetite loss,
constipation, diarrhea and financial difficulties score differed
significantly among chemotherapy cycles, indicating improved or worsened the
QoL. In the lung cancer symptom score a significant difference between
measurements was observed in cough, alopecia, chest pain and in using
analgesics. Conclusion. Monitoring of changes in the QoL among patients with
locally advanced and metastatic NSCLC showed that chemotherapy did not
decrease the global health status but led to significant changes in the
social and financial functioning of patients. Some symptoms associated with
the disease reduced in the intensity but some new occurred as a result of
chemotherapy. Using questionnaires to assess the QoL helped in easier
identification of adverse effects and specific problems for adequate
treatment.
Forces and moments delivered by novel, thinner PET-G aligners during labiopalatal bodily movement of a maxillary central incisor: An in vitro study
Authors: Elkholy Fayez , Schmidt Falko , Jäger Rudolf , Lapatki Bernd G.
Published: May 2016

Objective: To evaluate whether overloading of teeth can be avoided by utilizing aligners with reduced thicknesses of 0.4 mm or 0.3 mm.

Materials and Methods: The experimental setup included an acrylic maxillary jaw model with tooth 11 separated and fixed via a 3-D force-moment transducer to a hexapod for experimental movement. Aligners tested were fabricated on duplicate stone models using commercially available polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G) foils with thicknesses between 0.5 and 0.75 mm, and novel 0.4-mm- and 0.3-mm-thick foils. With the test aligner seated, 11 was bodily displaced in a labiopalatal direction in the range of ±0.25 mm while all six force-and-moment components exerted on this tooth were registered.

Results: With the thinnest commercially available 0.5-mm aligner, median forces of −7.89 N and 8.37 N were measured for the maximum 0.25-mm movement of 11 in a labial and palatal direction, respectively. In comparison, force values were 35% and 71% lower for the novel aligners with a thickness of 0.4 mm and 0.3 mm, respectively.

Conclusions: Novel “leveling” aligners with reduced thickness may reduce overloading of individual teeth during aligner therapy. Due to form instability of 0.3-mm aligners, we suggest a novel sequence of 0.4–0.5–0.75 mm for aligner systems using several foil thicknesses for load graduation within single setup steps. This would combine low stiffness of the initial aligner and relatively constant load increases throughout the treatment.
Eating Behavior, Low-Frequency Functional Mutations in the Melanocortin-4 Receptor (MC4R) Gene, and Outcomes of Bariatric Operations: A 6-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Bonnefond Amélie , Keller Ramsi , Meyre David , Stutzmann Fanny , Thuillier Dorothée , Stefanov Dimitre G. , Froguel Philippe , Horber Fritz F. , Kral John G.
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

Data on the effects of eating behavior and genetics on outcomes of gastrointestinal surgery for diabesity have been sparse, often flawed, and controversial. We aimed to assess long-term outcomes of bariatric operations in patients characterized for eating behavior and rare mutations in the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene, which is strongly implicated in energy balance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Between 1996 and 2005, 1,264 severely obese Swiss patients underwent current laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, gastroduodenal bypass, or a hybrid operation. Of these, 872 patients were followed for a minimum of 6 years and were screened for MC4R mutations. Using regression models, we studied relationships between eating behavior and MC4R mutations and postoperative weight loss, complications, and reoperations after 6 years.

RESULTS

At baseline, rare functional MC4R mutation carriers exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of binge eating disorder (BED) or loss-of-control eating independent of age, sex, and BMI. Six years after bariatric surgery, the mutation carriers had more major complications than wild-type subjects independent of age, baseline BMI, sex, operation type, and weight loss. Furthermore, high baseline BMI, male sex, BED, and functional MC4R mutations were independent predictors of higher reoperation rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Sequencing of MC4R and eating typology, combined with stratification for sex and baseline BMI, might significantly improve patient allocation to banding or bypass operations for diabesity as well as reduce both complication and reoperation rates.
Bariatric/Metabolic Surgery to Treat Type 2 Diabetes in Patients With a BMI <35 kg/m2
Authors: Cummings David E. , Cohen Ricardo V.
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

Global usage of bariatric surgery has been dictated for the past quarter century by National Institutes of Health recommendations restricting these operations to individuals with a BMI ≥35 kg/m2. Strong evidence now demonstrates that bariatric procedures markedly improve or cause remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), in part through weight-independent mechanisms, and that baseline BMI does not predict surgical benefits on glycemic or cardiovascular outcomes. This impels consideration of such operations as “metabolic surgery,” which is used expressly to treat T2DM, including among patients with a BMI <35 kg/m2 who constitute the majority of people with diabetes worldwide. Here, we review available evidence to inform that consideration.

RESULTS

A meta-analysis of the 11 published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) directly comparing bariatric/metabolic surgery versus a variety of medical/lifestyle interventions for T2DM provides level 1A evidence that surgery is superior for T2DM remission, glycemic control, and HbA1c lowering. Importantly, this is equally true for patients whose baseline BMI is below or above 35 kg/m2. Similar conclusions derive from meta-analyses of high-quality nonrandomized prospective comparisons. Meta-analysis of all pertinent published studies indicates that T2DM remission rates following bariatric/metabolic surgery are comparable above and below the 35 kg/m2 BMI threshold. The safety, antidiabetes durability, and benefits on other cardiovascular risk factors from bariatric/metabolic surgery appear roughly comparable among patients with a BMI below or above 35 kg/m2. Further studies are needed to extend long-term findings and measure “hard” macrovascular/microvascular outcomes and mortality in RCTs.

CONCLUSIONS

Extant data, including level 1A evidence from numerous RCTs, support new guidelines from the 2nd Diabetes Surgery Summit that advocate for the consideration of bariatric/metabolic surgery as one option, along with lifestyle and medical therapy, to treat T2DM among patients with a BMI <35 kg/m2.
Ethnic Considerations for Metabolic Surgery
Authors: Morton John Magaña
Published: May 2016

Obesity and diabetes represent twin health concerns in the developed world. Metabolic surgery has emerged as an established and enduring treatment for both obesity and diabetes. As the burden of obesity and diabetes varies upon the basis of ethnicity, it is also apparent that there may be differences for indications and outcomes for different ethnic groups after metabolic surgery. Whereas there appears to be evidence for variation in weight loss and complications for different ethnic groups, comorbidity remission particularly for diabetes appears to be free of ethnic disparity after metabolic surgery. The impacts of access, biology, culture, genetics, procedure, and socioeconomic status upon metabolic surgery outcomes are examined. Further refinement of the influence of ethnicity upon metabolic surgery outcomes is likely imminent.
Comparing biometry in normal eyes of children with unilateral cataract/corneal disease to age-matched controls
Authors: Gul Adem , Cinal Adnan , Caglar Cagatay , Yasar Tekin , Kilic Adil
Published: May 2016

Objective: To compare ocular biometry and central corneal thickness of unaffected healthy eyes of pediatric patients with monocular cataracts/corneal opacities and age- matched controls.Materials and methods: We studied 329 eyes of 329 children who were between 1 and 12 years old. The study group (n: 164) consisted of healthy fellow eyes of children operated for unilateral congenital/traumatic cataract and corneal laceration. Axial length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, vitreous chamber depth, and central corneal thickness were measured by ultrasound biometry/ pachymetry. Results: Axial length was 22.16 mm in the study group and 21.99 mm in the control group. Anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and vitreous chamber depth results were 3.35; 3.64 and 15.20 in the treatment group and 3.20; 3.63, and 15.15 mm in the control group, respectively. The axial length and all the components, i.e. anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and vitreous chamber depth are higher in the unaffected healthy eyes of the pediatric patients than that of the control group but only the difference in the anterior chamber depth was statistically significant. The central corneal thickness was 548 microns and 559 microns in the study and the control groups, respectively, and the difference was found to be significant. Conclusion: Greater anterior chamber depth was chiefly responsible for the overall increase in the axial length in the study group. The central corneal thickness was significantly thinner in the study group than that of the control group.
Media Archaeology, Cultural Techniques, and the Middle Ages: An Approach to the Study of Media before the Media
Authors: Born Erik
Published: May 2016

This article surveys recent work in media archaeology, explicates the related theory of cultural techniques, and considers the utility of these recent developments in new German media theory to the analysis of medieval and early modern mediality. In doing so, the article also attends to disciplinary similarities between media studies and medieval and early modern studies. The aim of the article is neither to suggest a hybridization of these fields nor to systematize the approaches of media archaeology and the study of cultural techniques, but rather to highlight productive points of contact, contention, and possible exchange, and to indicate avenues for future research on insufficiently studied topics in medieval and early modern mediality. As a point of reference for this theoretical overview, the article focuses on Nicholas of Cusa’s treatise On the Vision of God (De visione Dei, 1453) and mentions other examples from medieval German literature and culture where relevant.
Epigenetic Inheritance and Its Role in Evolutionary Biology: Re-Evaluation and New Perspectives
Authors: Burggren Warren
Published: May 2016

Epigenetics increasingly occupies a pivotal position in our understanding of inheritance, natural selection and, perhaps, even evolution. A survey of the PubMed database, however, reveals that the great majority (>93%) of epigenetic papers have an intra-, rather than an inter-generational focus, primarily on mechanisms and disease. Approximately ~1% of epigenetic papers even mention the nexus of epigenetics, natural selection and evolution. Yet, when environments are dynamic (e.g., climate change effects), there may be an “epigenetic advantage” to phenotypic switching by epigenetic inheritance, rather than by gene mutation. An epigenetically-inherited trait can arise simultaneously in many individuals, as opposed to a single individual with a gene mutation. Moreover, a transient epigenetically-modified phenotype can be quickly “sunsetted”, with individuals reverting to the original phenotype. Thus, epigenetic phenotype switching is dynamic and temporary and can help bridge periods of environmental stress. Epigenetic inheritance likely contributes to evolution both directly and indirectly. While there is as yet incomplete evidence of direct permanent incorporation of a complex epigenetic phenotype into the genome, doubtlessly, the presence of epigenetic markers and the phenotypes they create (which may sort quite separately from the genotype within a population) will influence natural selection and, so, drive the collective genotype of a population.
Maximum Power Output of Quantum Heat Engine with Energy Bath
Authors: Liu Shengnan , Ou Congjie
Published: May 2016

The difference between quantum isoenergetic process and quantum isothermal process comes from the violation of the law of equipartition of energy in the quantum regime. To reveal an important physical meaning of this fact, here we study a special type of quantum heat engine consisting of three processes: isoenergetic, isothermal and adiabatic processes. Therefore, this engine works between the energy and heat baths. Combining two engines of this kind, it is possible to realize the quantum Carnot engine. Furthermore, considering finite velocity of change of the potential shape, here an infinite square well with moving walls, the power output of the engine is discussed. It is found that the efficiency and power output are both closely dependent on the initial and final states of the quantum isothermal process. The performance of the engine cycle is shown to be optimized by control of the occupation probability of the ground state, which is determined by the temperature and the potential width. The relation between the efficiency and power output is also discussed.
Experimental Study of Natural Convection Cooling of Vertical Cylinders with Inclined Plate Fins
Authors: Lee Jong , Kim Hyun , Kim Dong-Kwon
Published: May 2016

In this paper, natural convection from vertical cylinders with inclined plate fins is investigated experimentally for use in cooling electronic equipment. Extensive experimental investigations are performed for various inclination angles, fin numbers, and base temperatures. From the experimental data, a correlation for estimating the Nusselt number is proposed. The correlation is applicable when the Rayleigh number, inclination angle, and fin number are in the ranges 100,000–600,000, 30°–90°, and 9–36, respectively. Using the correlation, a contour map depicting the thermal resistance as a function of the fin number and fin thickness is presented. Finally, the optimal thermal resistances of cylinders with inclined plate fins and conventional radial plate fins are compared. It is found that that the optimal thermal resistance of the cylinder with inclined fins is 30% lower than that of the cylinder with radial plate fins.
Model for Energy Analysis of Miscanthus Production and Transportation
Authors: Sopegno Alessandro , Rodias Efthymios , Bochtis Dionysis , Busato Patrizia , Berruto Remigio , Boero Valter , Sørensen Claus
Published: May 2016

A computational tool is developed for the estimation of the energy requirements of Miscanthus x giganteus on individual fields that includes a detailed analysis and account of the involved in-field and transport operations. The tool takes into account all the individual involved in-field and transport operations and provides a detailed analysis on the energy requirements of the components that contribute to the energy input. A basic scenario was implemented to demonstrate the capabilities of the tool. Specifically, the variability of the energy requirements as a function of field area and field-storage distance changes was shown. The field-storage distance highly affects the energy requirements resulting in a variation in the efficiency if energy (output/input ratio) from 15.8 up to 23.7 for the targeted cases. Not only the field-distance highly affects the energy requirements but also the biomass transportation system. Based on the presented example, different transportation systems adhering to the same configuration of the production system creates variation in the efficiency of energy (EoE) between 12.9 and 17.5. The presented tool provides individualized results that can be used for the processes of designing or evaluating a specific production system since the outcomes are not based on average norms.
Combined Turbine and Cycle Optimization for Organic Rankine Cycle Power Systems—Part B: Application on a Case Study
Authors: La Seta Angelo , Meroni Andrea , Andreasen Jesper , Pierobon Leonardo , Persico Giacomo , Haglind Fredrik
Published: May 2016

Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) power systems have recently emerged as promising solutions for waste heat recovery in low- and medium-size power plants. Their performance and economic feasibility strongly depend on the expander. The design process and efficiency estimation are particularly challenging due to the peculiar physical properties of the working fluid and the gas-dynamic phenomena occurring in the machine. Unlike steam Rankine and Brayton engines, organic Rankine cycle expanders combine small enthalpy drops with large expansion ratios. These features yield turbine designs with few highly-loaded stages in supersonic flow regimes. Part A of this two-part paper has presented the implementation and validation of the simulation tool TURAX, which provides the optimal preliminary design of single-stage axial-flow turbines. The authors have also presented a sensitivity analysis on the decision variables affecting the turbine design. Part B of this two-part paper presents the first application of a design method where the thermodynamic cycle optimization is combined with calculations of the maximum expander performance using the mean-line design tool described in part A. The high computational cost of the turbine optimization is tackled by building a model which gives the optimal preliminary design of an axial-flow turbine as a function of the cycle conditions. This allows for estimating the optimal expander performance for each operating condition of interest. The test case is the preliminary design of an organic Rankine cycle turbogenerator to increase the overall energy efficiency of an offshore platform. For an increase in expander pressure ratio from 10 to 35, the results indicate up to 10% point reduction in expander performance. This corresponds to a relative reduction in net power output of 8.3% compared to the case when the turbine efficiency is assumed to be 80%. This work also demonstrates that this approach can support the plant designer in the selection of the optimal size of the organic Rankine cycle unit when multiple exhaust gas streams are available.