bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is It Truly Improvisational Exercise Push Students’ Speaking Ability
Authors: Aswad Muhammad
Published: June 2018

Improvisational exercises is a technique which consist three steps, they are preparation, modelling, and playing, that is preparation the teacher presents exercises, the students practice (modelling), and then procedure (playing)and the it provides three main goals; (1) the students pronounciation improve, (2) proper use of grammatical structure is reinforced, (3) vocabulary practice in enhanced. With this background, this research was quasi-experimental, with non-equivalent control group design. The sample consisted of two classes of students enrolled in 2013/2014 academic year, which one group was taken to be an experimental and the other to be a control group. The data obtained through the test were analysed by using statistical analysis. In conducting the research, the researcher used improvisational exercise technique to evaluate the students’ speaking performance which covered by three components of speaking, such as: fluency, accuracy, and comprehensibility. The research findings shows thatthe use of improvisational exercise technique (presentation, modelling, and playing) in teaching speaking can improve the speaking performance of the eight year students of  SMP Negeri 2 Majene significantly after being given treatment. The mean score of experimental group in post-test and control group were significantly different. The mean score of post-test in experimental group (3.36) was higher than control group (3.00).Thus, it is recomended for all English teacher to improve the students ability in speaking.
The Effectiveness of Suggestopedia Method with Wordwall Picture in Increasing Vocabulary Mastery with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Merlin D Merlin D , Larekeng Siti Hajar
Published: June 2018

This study investigates the effects of Suggestopedia method with wordwall picture in increase the vocabulary mastery students of SMPLB Negeri Parepare in academic year 2016/ 2017. This method engages the students’ attentions and various fun learning activities which decreased the students’ boredom during their learning. Wordwall picture provides the students’ illustrations and ideas in their minds. It applied mixed methods research design quantitative and qualitative approaches with single group interrupted time-series design. The population are who students with learning disabilities of SMPLB Parepare in academic year 2016/2017 which consist of 11 students and the sample constitútes consist of 5 students.  This research  used sampling as  a technique of sampling. Based on the quantitative analysis, the result showed that 1) student test were significant accorbing to the questionnaire, the result show thet the students motivation incresed. It means that suggestopedia method with wordwall picture affected the students vocebulary mastery in learning. The result also proved that students interest in learning english has a significant relationship or influence with students vocebulary score. 2) The qualitative data from questionnaire showed that students’ motivation increased. It means that Suggestopedia method with wordwall picture affected the students vocabulary, mastery in learning, it proved that Suggestopedia Method with Wordwall Picture able to increase the interest in learning English of the students with disabilities learning of SMPLB Parepare;
EUROPEAN GENOCODES OF NATIONAL CULTURES. IN VARIETATE CONCORDIA
Authors: Patrakov Vladimir Petrovich
Published: June 2018

This paper has summarized the foundations of the author’s interdisciplinary concept of national cultures genocodes (NCG), which represents synthesis of of the Hegelian doctrine about national spirits (Volksgeist), the Jung’s theory of the collective unconscious, system of hexagrams of the Ancient Chinese Book of Changes and Girt Hofstede’s measurements of national cultures. There are generic genes (archetypes) and species ones in the national genocodes. Generic genes are the cornerstone of 6 cultural kingdoms, and specific genes — separate national cultures. All countries measured by Hofstede are divided into 6 cultural kingdoms. Kingdoms of Qian, Creative (USA, Canada, Australia, Poland and Scandinavia), Lee, Radiance (Western Europe) and Gen, Keeping Still (Japan) have an individualistic genocode. Kingdoms Zhen, Arousing (Russia, the Balkans, Greece, Turkey, Central Asia), Dui, Joyous (Africa, Latin America, Middle East) and Kun, Receptive (China, India and Southeast Asia) have a collectivist genocode. The basis of European civilization is the generic genes of the kingdoms of Lee, Qian and Zhen. The interaction between the generic and species genes of these kingdoms, their complementarity or conflict lies at the heart of alliances or wars between states. It has been shown that the greatest conflicts are observed between countries with individualistic and collectivist cultures, therefore the Balkan countries, Greece, Turkey and Russia throughout history were in a varying degree unfavorable relations with the Western European countries. But studying NCG will allow to minimize tension between countries, to understand a role and the place of each country in the World and in particular the European Cultural Space, to lay a way to the long-term union of peoples and states.
Réseau national Réa-Raisin de surveillance des infections acquises en réanimation adulte
Authors: Lepape A. , Machut A. , Savey A. ,   Comité de Réa-Raisin
Published: June 2018

Les patients de réanimation sont parmi les plus exposés aux infections secondaires, en particulier du fait de la présence de dispositifs invasifs et de la gravité de leur état.

Objectifs: Décrire le réseau Réa-Raisin, réseau de surveillance des infections acquises en réanimation adulte en France, et les principaux résultats.

Méthodes: Il s’agit d’une surveillance par patient, avec recueil de caractéristiques individuelles, de l’exposition aux dispositifs invasifs et des infections liées à l’intubation et aux cathéters. Les caractéristiques de cette surveillance sont : surveillance perannuelle depuis 2015, inclusion après un séjour de 48 heures au moins et suivi limité au séjour de réanimation. Les définitions des infections ont été établies par consensus et sont disponibles sur le site de Santé publique France ; elles sont compatibles avec les définitions européennes de l’European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Résultats: Depuis 2004, 362 066 patients ont été surveillés, représentant plus de 45 % des lits de réanimation. Les caractéristiques des patients révèlent une légère augmentation de la gravité. On note également une nette augmentation de l’utilisation du site jugulaire interne et une diminution récente du taux d’intubation. L’infection la plus fréquente est l’infection pulmonaire devant les bactériémies liées aux cathéters. L’écologie bactérienne s’est modifiée avec une diminution des infections àStaphylococcus aureusrésistant à la méticilline et une augmentation des entérobactéries productrices de BLSE.

Conclusion: Les données du réseau Réa-Raisin constituent une référence à la fois au niveau national, avec près de 50 % des lits de réanimation en France et au niveau local, permettant à chaque service de suivre ses résultats.
Second Language Vocabulary Learning From Context Clues: A Review of Research in the Past Decade and Implementation in Digital Environment
Authors: YU Xiaoli , ALTUNEL Veysel
Published: June 2018

This
article reviews empirical studies from the past decade in learning second
language (L2) vocabulary from context clues. Previous studies conclude that
guessing unknown words from context clues is not an effective vocabulary
learning strategy. Rather, it should be employed as a complementary approach.
In alignment with this standpoint, review of the most recent empirical studies
reveals that merely relying on context clues does not lead to the most
effective L2 vocabulary learning. The learning result highly correlates with
the learners’ language proficiency. However, recent studies did not downplay
the role of incidental vocabulary learning from reading. More researchers
explore the appropriate types of vocabulary for inferring from the contexts and
the corresponding pedagogical strategies. This article concludes with
pedagogical implications of teaching L2 vocabulary in digital environment.
A Content Analysis of Studies related to Technology and Multimedia in Biology Education
Authors: BÜYÜKKOL KÖSE Emine , ÇETİN Gülcan , YÜNKÜL Eyup
Published: June 2018

With the spread of use of
education technologies in all areas, the way of using these technologies and
the consequences of use of these technologies have gradually gained importance.
In this respect, the present study aimed at presenting the results of content
analysis on the articles related to educational technology in Biology education
in Scopus database between 2013 and 2017. A total of 55 papers were examined to
determine the concept list, top journal list, research methods and models,
participants, data collection tools and in these articles. The study is
considered to be important since it tried to reveal the studies related to
educational technology in biology education. The results of the study revealed
a considerable increase in the number of studies involving the use of education
technologies in biology teaching especially in 2017. It is seen in these
studies that the quantitative research design was favored more as the research
method; that the participants were mostly undergraduate students; and that
pretest-posttest and scales were among the most popular data collection tools.
Lastly, academic performance was the most common dependent variable in the
studies.
On the Concentration and Phase-relation Dependence of Seebeck Coefficient and the Contact Angle in Metallic Solutions
Authors: Szabo Attila , Hambalgo Akos , Megyer Gergo , Lovas Antal
Published: June 2018

The focus of this paper is the deeper understanding of the effect of the change in the electronic structure on the wetting angle and transport properties. For this purpose, using the alloys from the earlier study, the thermopower has been measured and the Seebeck coefficient has also been determined in room temperature (solidified state). During the experiments in both case the modification of the electronic structure were performed by alloying on a way, that the investigated systems are terminal (α) solutions in solid state. The concentration dependence of property changes are interpreted on the bases of free electron model elaborated earlier for this alloy types. This prediction fits well also to the concentration dependence of heat of formation in these alloys. Similar concentration dependence has been also found between the Seebeck coefficient, the resistivity and the heat of mixing in α-phase Fe-Ni alloys. The shift of thermopower were also monitored in order to detect the crystallization (first oreder transformation) starting form amorphous Fe-B alloys.
Human Depotentiation following Induction of Spike Timing Dependent Plasticity
Authors: Pedroarena-Leal Nicole , Heidemeyer Larissa , Trenado Carlos , Ruge Diane
Published: June 2018

Depotentiation (DP) is a crucial mechanism for the tuning of memory traces once LTP (Long Term Potentiation) has been induced via learning, artificial procedures, or other activities. Putative unuseful LTP might be abolished via this process. Its deficiency is thought to play a role in pathologies, such as drug induced dyskinesia. However, since it is thought that it represents a mechanism that is linked to the susceptibility to interference during consolidation of a memory trace, it is an important process to consider when therapeutic interventions, such as psychotherapy, are administered. Perhaps a person with an abnormal depotentiation is prone to lose learned effects very easily or on the other end of the spectrum is prone to overload with previously generated unuseful LTP. Perhaps this process partly explains why some disorders and patients are extremely resistant to therapy. The present study seeks to quantify the relationship between LTP and depotentiation in the human brain by using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the cortex of healthy participants. The results provide further evidence that depotentiation can be quantified in humans by use of noninvasive brain stimulation techniques. They provide evidence that a nonfocal rhythmic on its own inefficient stimulation, such as a modified thetaburst stimulation, can depotentiate an associative, focal spike timing-dependent PAS (paired associative stimulation)-induced LTP. Therefore, the depotentiation-like process does not seem to be restricted to specific subgroups of synapses that have undergone LTP before. Most importantly, the induced LTP seems highly correlated with the amount of generated depotentiation in healthy individuals. This might be a phenomenon typical of health and might be distorted in brain pathologies, such as dystonia, or dyskinesias. The ratio of LTP/DP might be a valuable marker for potential distortions of persistence versus deletion of memory traces represented by LTP-like plasticity.
Biosensors for Non-Invasive Detection of Celiac Disease Biomarkers in Body Fluids
Authors: Pasinszki Tibor , Krebsz Melinda
Published: June 2018

Celiac disease is a chronic gluten-initiated autoimmune disorder that predominantly damages the mucosa of the small intestine in genetically-susceptible individuals. It affects a large and increasing number of the world’s population. The diagnosis of this disease and monitoring the response of patients to the therapy, which is currently a life-long gluten-free diet, require the application of reliable, rapid, sensitive, selective, simple, and cost-effective analytical tools. Celiac disease biomarker detection in full blood, serum, or plasma offers a non-invasive way to do this and is well-suited to being the first step of diagnosis. Biosensors provide a novel and alternative way to perform conventional techniques in biomarker sensing, in which electrode material and architecture play important roles in achieving sensitive, selective, and stable detection. There are many opportunities to build and modify biosensor platforms using various materials and detection methods, and the aim of the present review is to summarize developments in this field.
Stainless Steel Surface Coating with Nanocrystalline Ag Film by Plasma Electrolysis Technology
Authors: Lin Ah-Der , Kung Chi-Liang , Cao You-Qing , Hsu Chao-Ming , Chen Cheng-Yi
Published: June 2018

This paper describes the use of a plasma electrolysis technique to apply a nanosilver coating to the surface of stainless steel to achieve hydrophobic properties. We propose an experimental reaction system, which includes stainless steel 316 as the two electrodes and an aqueous solution of potassium nitrate (KNO3), silver nitrate (AgNO3), and ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) as the electrolyte. Better results with a stainless steel surface coated by nanocrystalline Ag film are obtained using optimal parameters chosen through one-factor-at-a-time experiments. The main parameters consist of electrode distance, KNO3 concentration, and AgNO3 concentration. The experiment focuses on analyzing the impact of the plasma electrolysis technique on processing time. Variations in KNO3 concentration show that 3 wt.% yields the worst result because it causes an uneven surface, whereas 5 wt.% gives excellent results because it creates an even, porous surface and the highest contact angle. An AgNO3 concentration of 0.03 wt.% yields the best contact angle. With the same processing time, silver sediment increases as the KNO3 concentration increases. With respect to variation in electrode distance, we find that when the distance is set at 20 mm, the contact angle exceeds 100° and results in hydrophobic properties on the specimen surface, while other distances yield a contact angle below 80°, resulting in hydrophilic surfaces. The SEM (scanning electron microscope) results show that the surface of the specimen is full of crater-like cavities that directly affect the contact angle. In this experiment, the contact angle yielding optimum hydrophobic properties is 134° ± 10°. Finally, using distribution patterns obtained by elemental analysis, the experimental results lead to an evenly distributed silver coating on the surface of specimens subjected to plasma electrolysis treatment. The study confirms that plasma electrolysis can be used to coat nanosilver onto stainless steel 316.
Screening-Level Safety Assessment of Personal Care Product Constituents Using Publicly Available Data
Authors: Fung Ernest S. , Drechsel Derek A. , Towle Kevin M. , Hoang Melinda T. , Novick Rachel M. , Poteete Cayla , Paustenbach Dennis J. , Monnot Andrew D.
Published: June 2018

Organizations recommend evaluating individual ingredients when assessing the safety of personal care or cosmetic products. The goal of this study was to present a screening-level safety assessment methodology to evaluate the safety of a product by identifying individual ingredients, determining their frequency of use in on-market products, and examining published safe-level-of-use information for each ingredient. As a case study, we evaluated WEN by Chaz Dean (WCD) cleansing conditioners since there have been claims of adverse health effects associated with product use. We evaluated 30 ingredients in three on-market WCD cleansing conditioners. We then analyzed the National Library of Medicine’s Household Products Database and the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep Cosmetic Database, two of the largest publicly available databases, for other on-market personal care and cosmetic products that contained these ingredients. Safe-level-of-use information for each ingredient was obtained by reviewing peer-reviewed literature, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) generally recognized as safe (GRAS) database, available Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) publications, and available product safety publications. The results of this analysis showed that more than 20,000 personal care and cosmetic products contained one or more of the evaluated ingredients used in WCD cleaning conditioners. Published safety information was available for 21 of the 30 evaluated ingredients: seven identified ingredients were designated as GRAS by the FDA and 16 ingredients had safe-level-of-use information available from the CIR. This study presents a screening-level safety assessment methodology that can serve as an initial screening tool to evaluate the safety of an ingredient intended for use in personal care and cosmetic products before a product is launched onto the market. This study provides evidence that the evaluated WCD cleansing conditioner ingredients are commonly used in other personal care and cosmetic products, and ingredients with available safety information are generally considered safe for the intended use. The scope of this analysis is limited to frequency of use information and available toxicological data. Additional testing including in silico, in vitro, and clinical studies may be needed to evaluate the potential toxicity of an ingredient.
Life Cycle Analysis of Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Power Generation in the Context of Southeast Asia
Authors: Wang Yabo , Nian Victor , Li Hailong , Yuan Jun
Published: June 2018

Coal remains a major source of electricity production even under the current state of developments in climate policies due to national energy priorities. Coal remains the most attractive option, especially to the developing economies in Southeast Asia, due to its abundance and affordability in the region, despite the heavily polluting nature of this energy source. Gasification of coal running on an integration gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power generation with carbon capture and storage (CCS) represents an option to reduce the environmental impacts of power generation from coal, but the decarbonization potential and suitability of IGCC in the context of Southeast Asia remain unclear. Using Singapore as an example, this paper presents a study on the life cycle analysis (LCA) of IGCC power generation with and without CCS based on a generic process-driven analysis method. We further evaluate the suitability of IGCC with and without CCS as an option to address the energy and climate objectives for the developing economies in Southeast Asia. Findings suggest that the current IGCC technology is a much less attractive option in the context of Southeast Asia when compared to other available power generation technologies, such as solar photovoltaic systems, coal with CCS, and potentially nuclear power technologies.
Lateral Sinus Floor Elevation Performed with Trapezoidal and Modified Triangular Flap Designs: A Randomized Pilot Study of Post-Operative Pain Using Thermal Infrared Imaging
Authors: Scarano Antonio , Lorusso Felice , Arcangelo Merla , D’Arcangelo Camillo , Celletti Renato , De Oliveira Pablo Santos
Published: June 2018

Purpose: Post-operative pain and swelling are frequently observed after sinus lift procedures. The aim of the present study was the clinical evaluation of swelling and pain of two different sinus flap lift techniques using a visual analogue scale (VAS), verbal rating scale (VRS), and infrared thermal imaging (i.e., thermography). Materials Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 15 patients (30 sinuses in total) randomly allocated into two groups. For the sinuses of Group I a trapezoidal flap was used, while for Group II a modified triangular flap without anterior release was utilized. Postoperative pain was scored by means of a 100-mm VAS ranging from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain imaginable), and was recorded at 2, 4, 6 and 14 days after surgery. Swelling was recorded by a verbal rating scale (VRS) and was classified into four categories: a score of 1 referred the absence of swelling, patients with intra-oral swelling in the surgical zone scored 2, any extra-oral swelling in the surgical zone scored 3, and intense swelling exhibited by extra-oral swelling extending beyond the surgical zone scored 4. The facial temperature was recorded before and after sinus augmentation, and at 2, 4, 6, and 14 days post-surgery to check the course of healing. Results: In Group I pain intensity was recorded at 2 days after surgery with a mean score of 38.67 ± 6.4 mm. Swelling was greater at 2 and 4 days, and was absent at day 6. The facial temperature difference before and after the procedure was 4.737 °C ± 0.37. In Group II the pain score were lower than in Group I (p < 0.05). The score for swelling was 2 on the first and second days, and was reduced on day 4. After the second day the difference in temperature was significantly reduced as compared to the day of surgery (0.77 °C); at 2 and 4 days no difference was registered. Conclusions: The results of this clinical study show the significant effectiveness of the modified triangular flap in the sinus lift procedure for reducing pain and swelling.
A Semi-Empirical Performance Study of Two-Hop DSRC Message Relaying at Road Intersections
Authors: Nguyen Hieu , Noor-A-Rahim Md. , Liu Zilong , Jamaludin Dayana , Guan Yong Liang
Published: June 2018

This paper is focused on a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication system operating at a road intersection, where the communication links can be either line-of-sight (LOS) or non-line-of-sight (NLOS). We present a semi-empirical analysis of the packet delivery ratio of dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) safety messages for both LOS and NLOS scenarios using a commercial transceiver. In a NLOS scenario in which the reception of a safety message may be heavily blocked by concrete buildings, direct communication between the on-board units (OBUs) of vehicles through the IEEE 802.11p standard tends to be unreliable. On the basis of the semi-empirical result of safety message delivery at an intersection, we propose two relaying mechanisms (namely, simple relaying and network-coded relaying) via a road-side unit (RSU) to improve the delivery ratio of safety messages. Specifically, we designed RSU algorithms to optimize the number of relaying messages so as to maximize the message delivery ratio of the entire system in the presence of data packet collisions. Numerical results show that our proposed relaying schemes lead to a significant increase in safety message delivery rates.
Recent Advances in the Treatment of Scedosporiosis and Fusariosis
Authors: McCarthy Matthew W. , Katragkou Aspasia , Iosifidis Elias , Roilides Emmanuel , Walsh Thomas J.
Published: June 2018

Species of Scedosporium and Fusarium are considered emerging opportunistic pathogens, causing invasive fungal diseases in humans that are known as scedosporiosis and fusariosis, respectively. These mold infections typically affect patients with immune impairment; however, cases have been reported in otherwise healthy individuals. Clinical manifestations vary considerably, ranging from isolated superficial infection to deep-seated invasive infection—affecting multiple organs—which is often lethal. While there have been a number of advances in the detection of these infections, including the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), diagnosis is often delayed, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. Although the optimal therapy is controversial, there have also been notable advances in the treatment of these diseases, which often depend on a combination of antifungal therapy, reversal of immunosuppression, and in some cases, surgical resection. In this paper, we review these advances and examine how the management of scedosporiosis and fusariosis may change in the near future.
An Investigation of the Wear on Silicon Surface at High Humidity
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Guo Jian , Xu Lin , Cheng Guanggui , Qian Linmao
Published: June 2018

Using an atomic force microscope (AFM), the wear of monocrystalline silicon (covered by a native oxide layer) at high humidity was investigated. The experimental results indicated that tribochemistry played an important role in the wear of the silicon at different relative humidity levels (RH = 60%, 90%). Since the tribochemical reactions were facilitated at 60% RH, the wear of silicon was serious and the friction force was around 1.58 μN under the given conditions. However, the tribochemical reactions were restrained when the wear pair was conducted at high humidity. As a result, the wear of silicon was very slight and the friction force decreased to 0.85 μN at 90% RH. The slight wear of silicon at high humidity was characterized by etching tests. It was demonstrated that the silicon sample surface was partly damaged and the native oxide layer on silicon sample surface had not been totally removed during the wear process. These results may help us optimize the tribological design of dynamic microelectromechanical systems working in humid conditions.
Fatigue Behavior of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Bars after Elevated Temperatures Exposure
Authors: Li Guanghui , Zhao Jun , Wang Zike
Published: June 2018

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars have been widely applied in civil engineering. This paper presents the results of an experimental study to investigate the tensile fatigue mechanical properties of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars after elevated temperatures exposure. For this purpose, a total of 105 GFRP bars were conducted for testing. The specimens were exposed to heating regimes of 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 and 350 °C for a period of 0, 1 or 2 h. The GFRP bars were tested with different times of cyclic load after elevated temperatures exposure. The results show that the tensile strength and elastic modulus of GFRP bars decrease with the increase of elevated temperature and holding time, and the tensile strength of GFRP bars decreases obviously by 19.5% when the temperature reaches 250 °C. Within the test temperature range, the tensile strength of GFRP bars decreases at most by 28.0%. The cyclic load accelerates the degradation of GFRP bars after elevated temperature exposure. The coupling of elevated temperature and holding time enhance the degradation effect of cyclic load on GFRP bars. The tensile strength of GFRP bars after elevated temperatures exposure at 350 °C under cyclic load is reduced by 50.5% compared with that at room temperature and by 36.3% compared with that after exposing at 350 °C without cyclic load. In addition, the elastic modulus of GFRP bars after elevated temperatures exposure at 350 °C under cyclic load is reduced by 17.6% compared with that at room temperature and by 6.0% compared with that after exposing at 350 °C without cyclic load.
Chemistry and Biological Activities of the Marine Sponges of the Genera Mycale (Arenochalina), Biemna and Clathria
Authors: El-Demerdash Amr , Tammam Mohamed A. , Atanasov Atanas G. , Hooper John N. A. , Al-Mourabit Ali , Kijjoa Anake
Published: June 2018

Over the past seven decades, particularly since the discovery of the first marine-derived nucleosides, spongothymidine and spongouridine, from the Caribbean sponge Cryptotethya crypta in the early 1950s, marine natural products have emerged as unique, renewable and yet under-investigated pools for discovery of new drug leads with distinct structural features, and myriad interesting biological activities. Marine sponges are the most primitive and simplest multicellular animals, with approximately 8900 known described species, although more than 15,000 species are thought to exist worldwide today. These marine organisms potentially represent the richest pipeline for novel drug leads. Mycale (Arenochalina) and Clathria are recognized marine sponge genera belonging to the order Poecilosclerida, whereas Biemna was more recently reclassified, based on molecular genetics, as a new order Biemnida. Together, these sponge genera contribute to the production of physiologically active molecular entities with diverse structural features and a wide range of medicinal and therapeutic potentialities. In this review, we provide a comprehensive insight and up-to-date literature survey over the period of 1976–2018, focusing on the chemistry of the isolated compounds from members of these three genera, as well as their biological and pharmacological activities, whenever available.
Evaluation of needs for therapeutic monitoring of digoxin in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Penkauskaitė Justina , Mačiulaitis Romaldas , Varanavičienė Birutė , Milvidaitė Irena , Tarutienė Birutė
Published: June 2018

Objectives. To collect the data about the consumption of digoxin, evaluate the tendencies towards usage of this drug during 2004–2007, and to find departments, which cover the main part of digoxin consumption in a tertiary hospital. To evaluate the intensity of serum digoxin concentration measurements during 2005–2007. Material and methods. Our study was carried out in a tertiary hospital with 2600 beds and 63 departments. Consumption of digoxin is expressed in defined daily doses per 100 occupied beds daily during 2004–2007. All serum concentration measurements in 2005–2007 were evaluated. Results. The main consumers of digoxin in 2007 were the Units of Endocrinology, Pulmonology and Immunology, Cardiology II, Neurosurgical Reanimation and Intensive Care, Neurology, Eye Disorders I, Intensive Care Unit of Cardiology; they consumed 51.05% of total digoxin. In total, 58 digoxin measurements were performed in 2005, 89 in 2006, and 64 in 2007. The intensity of serum concentration measurements for digoxin is 1/147 (one measurement for 147 defined daily doses) in 2005, 1/89 in 2006, and 1/107 in 2007. These results show that intensity of serum digoxin concentration measurements is low. Conclusions. Twenty-two out of the 63 departments cover 90% of digoxin consumption per year. The changes in digoxin consumption were not statistically significantly different in 2004– 2007. There was a tendency towards an increase in serum digoxin concentration measurements during the 3-year period. Digoxin concentration outside therapeutic ranges was established in about half of all cases in 2005–2006, but there was an increase in normal serum concentration in 2007.
Infusion solutions of gelatin derivates
Authors: Adukauskienė Dalia , Mažeikienė Sandra , Veikutienė Audronė , Rimaitis Kęstutis
Published: June 2018

Besides crystalloids, colloids are used for the treatment of hypovolemia and shock. They are high-molecular-weight proteins of bovine origin with properties of more rapid replacement of circulating blood volume. Iso-oncotic character provides the volume effect (»100%) close to the volume intravenously infused with the duration of action for 2–4 hours. Gelatin solutions are excreted with urine and feces in unchanged form without prolonged fixation in organism. Even in case of acute renal failure, gelatin peptides do not accumulate due to increased activity of proteolytic enzymes; therefore, they are the first-choice colloids. Gelatin solutions do not change coagulation as other colloids; just they may cause hemodilution as crystalloids do, so they are safe in case of hemorrhage and thrombocytopenia. There is a decreased risk of bleeding when gelatin solutions are used in surgery as compared with other colloids; in addition, they protect from hypotension due to vasodilatation in epidural or spinal analgesia. Gelatin solutions may cause compensatory hyperemia and increase of cardiac output, cardiac index, myocardial contractility, mean arterial blood pressure, and diuresis; in addition, oxygen delivery to the tissues improves. The dosage depends on clinical condition of a patient, and it is suggested to be 100–2000 mL and even more, for isovolemic hemodilution – 20 mL/kg of body weight. Adverse reactions such as anaphylactoid or anaphylactic to gelatin derivates are rare and similar to other colloids.
Tumor and immunity
Authors: Kazbarienė Birutė
Published: June 2018

System of organism defense is an important complex of interrelated cellular, molecular, genetic, and other components, which regulate homeostasis of host. Experimental and clinical data show that immune system functions are significant, but also a complicated question in cancer development. It is very important to investigate and understood how immune system coordinates the response to cancer cells. Our understanding about innate and adaptive immunity functions and interaction with transformed cells is constantly changing. Different responses of these system components can promote, reduce, or inhibit tumor development. It is established that malignant cells develop into invasive cancer with interaction with tumor microenvironment, which is influenced by inflammation. Clinical and experimental studies have revealed the link between inflammation and cancer risk. Many cancers develop in the sites of inflammation. Activation of humoral and cellular immunity may predispose to neoplastic or cancer development. Despite the scientific progress, understanding of the immune system mechanisms responding to malignance remains insufficient.
Assessment of Metal Flow Balance in Multi-Output Porthole Hot Extrusion of AA6060 Thin-Walled Profile
Authors: Xue Xin , Vincze Gabriela , Pereira António B. , Pan Jianyi , Liao Juan
Published: June 2018

For the porthole hot extrusion of a thin-walled tube based on metal flow, the role of the die’s structure should be focused on to achieve precision formation, especially for multi-output extrusion and/or complex cross-sectional profiles. In order to obtain a better metal flow balance, a multi-output porthole extrusion die was developed, including some novel features such as a circular pattern of the portholes with a dart-shaped inlet bridge, a buckle angle in the inlet side of the upper die, a two-step welding chamber, and a non-uniform bearing length distribution. Through the use of thermo-mechanical modeling combined with the Taguchi method, the underlying effects of key die features were investigated, such as the billet buckle angle, the porthole bevel angle, the depth of the welding chamber, and the type of bridge on the metal flow balance. The experimental validation showed that the developed numerical model for the multi-output porthole extrusion process had high prediction accuracy, and was acceptable for use in an industrial extrusion with a complex section.
Machining Distortion of Titanium Alloys Aero Engine Case Based on the Energy Principles
Authors: Wang Zibiao , Sun Jianfei , Chen Wuyi , Liu Liangbao , Wang Rongqiao
Published: June 2018

The simulation of a complete manufacturing process to produce an aero engine case, including forging, rolling, and machining processes, is analyzed via finite element software. The deformation of the turning and drilling processes is quantitatively studied using the energy principles. Firstly, simulations of multi-stage forging of aero engine case and machining-induced residual stress are conducted and verified via the residual stresses test in order to provide the initial elastic strain energy condition prior to machining processes. The effects of blank forging-induced residual stress and machining-induced residual stress on the deformation of titanium alloys aero engine case are investigated. Secondly, a potential energy expression for the machining processes is developed. The predicted results of turning and drilling simulations indicate that there is an optimal process in which the deformation and potential energy decline rapidly compared with the other processes and finally, gradually stabilize at the end of the process.
A Mosaic of Colors: Investigating Production Technologies of Roman Glass Tesserae from Northeastern Italy
Authors: Maltoni Sarah , Silvestri Alberta
Published: June 2018

In the current study, a set of 60 glass tesserae from two disrupted Roman mosaics located in Pordenone and Trento (northeastern Italy) are analyzed, with the aim of investigating the coloring and opacification techniques, with a focus on the causes of specific textural features. All the available colors and textures were selected for archaeometric analyses, in order to guarantee the full characterization of both assemblages and comparisons between the two sites. The applied analytical protocol comprises micro-textural and preliminary chemical characterizations of the tesserae by means of OM and SEM-EDS, mineralogical analysis of the opacifiers by XRD and chemical analysis of the glassy matrices by EPMA; in addition, on specific tesserae, micro-Raman spectroscopy, FORS, and EPR were also performed to clarify the type of opacifer, coloring ion and oxidation state, respectively. Results show that both the base-glass and the coloring/opacification techniques identified are consistent with the presumed Roman dating of the mosaics. All the tesserae are natron-based and chemically comparable with major Roman compositional groups, except for red samples. Antimony-based opacifiers are identified in most of the blue, turquoise, white, yellow and green tesserae, and copper-based opacifiers in the red ones; cobalt and copper are the most frequent ionic colorants used to obtain various shades of blue, turquoise and green colors. Despite the general comparability of both assemblages with the published data on glass tesserae coeval in age, the present study shows differences in the technological solutions used for obtaining the same color, and less common coloring and opacification techniques in three samples from Pordenone. The banded textures of some tesserae were also carefully investigated, and multiple factors influencing the changes in color (different distribution or relative abundance of opacifiers, crystal size, micro-texture, chemical composition of glassy matrix) are identified.
Temporal Evolution of Calcite Surface Dissolution Kinetics
Authors: Bibi Irshad , Arvidson Rolf S. , Fischer Cornelius , Lüttge Andreas
Published: June 2018

This brief paper presents a rare dataset: a set of quantitative, topographic measurements of a dissolving calcite crystal over a relatively large and fixed field of view (~400 μm2) and long total reaction time (>6 h). Using a vertical scanning interferometer and patented fluid flow cell, surface height maps of a dissolving calcite crystal were produced by periodically and repetitively removing reactant fluid, rapidly acquiring a height dataset, and returning the sample to a wetted, reacting state. These reaction-measurement cycles were accomplished without changing the crystal surface position relative to the instrument’s optic axis, with an approximate frequency of one data acquisition per six minutes’ reaction (~10/h). In the standard fashion, computed differences in surface height over time yield a detailed velocity map of the retreating surface as a function of time. This dataset thus constitutes a near-continuous record of reaction, and can be used to both understand the relationship between changes in the overall dissolution rate of the surface and the morphology of the surface itself, particularly the relationship of (a) large, persistent features (e.g., etch pits related to screw dislocations; (b) small, short-lived features (e.g., so-called pancake pits probably related to point defects); (c) complex features that reflect organization on a large scale over a long period of time (i.e., coalescent “super” steps), to surface normal retreat and step wave formation. Although roughly similar in frequency of observation to an in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) fluid cell, this vertical scanning interferometry (VSI) method reveals details of the interaction of surface features over a significantly larger scale, yielding insight into the role of various components in terms of their contribution to the cumulative dissolution rate as a function of space and time.
The Effects of Thiamine on Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Liu Xiaowen , Montissol Sophia , Uber Amy , Ganley Sarah , Grossestreuer Anne V. , Berg Katherine , Heydrick Stanley , Donnino Michael W.
Published: June 2018

(1) Background: Thiamine is an important cofactor for multiple metabolic processes. Its role in cancer has been debated for years. Our aim is to determine if thiamine can convert the cellular metabolic state of breast cancer cells from anaerobic to aerobic, thus reducing their growth. (2) Methods: Breast cancer (MCF7) and non-tumorigenic (MCF10A) cell lines were treated with various doses of thiamine and assessed for changes in cell growth. The mechanism of this relationship was identified through the measurement of enzymatic activity and metabolic changes. (3) Results: A high dose of thiamine reduced cell proliferation in MCF7 (63% decrease, p < 0.0001), but didn’t affect apoptosis and the cell-cycle profile. Thiamine had a number of effects in MCF7; it (1) reduced extracellular lactate levels in growth media, (2) increased cellular pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activities and the baseline and maximum cellular oxygen consumption rates, and (3) decreased non-glycolytic acidification, glycolysis, and glycolytic capacity. MCF10A cells preferred mitochondrial respiration instead of glycolysis. In contrast, MCF7 cells were more resistant to mitochondrial respiration, which may explain the inhibitory effect of thiamine on their proliferation. (4) Conclusions: The treatment of MCF7 breast cancer cells with 1 μg/mL and 2 μg/mL of thiamine for 24 h significantly reduced their proliferation. This reduction is associated with a reduction in glycolysis and activation of the PDH complex in breast cancer cells.
Modulation of Rat Hepatic CYP1A and 2C Activity by Honokiol and Magnolol: Differential Effects on Phenacetin and Diclofenac Pharmacokinetics In Vivo
Authors: Kim Sang-Bum , Kim Kyu-Sang , Ryu Heon-Min , Hong Seong-Ho , Kim Bo-Kyoung , Kim Dae-Duk , Park Jin Woo , Yoon In-Soo
Published: June 2018

Honokiol (2-(4-hydroxy-3-prop-2-enyl-phenyl)-4-prop-2-enyl-phenol) and magnolol (4-Allyl-2-(5-allyl-2-hydroxy-phenyl)phenol) are the major active polyphenol constituents of Magnolia officinalis (Magnoliaceae) bark, which has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (Houpu Tang) for the treatment of various diseases, including anxiety, stress, gastrointestinal disorders, infection, and asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate the direct effects of honokiol and magnolol on hepatic CYP1A and 2C-mediated metabolism in vitro using rat liver microsomes and in vivo using the Sprague-Dawley rat model. Honokiol and magnolol inhibited in vitro CYP1A activity (probe substrate: phenacetin) more potently than CYP2C activity (probe substrate: diclofenac): The mean IC50 values of honokiol for the metabolism of phenacetin and diclofenac were 8.59 μM and 44.7 μM, while those of magnolol were 19.0 μM and 47.3 μM, respectively. Notably, the systemic exposure (AUC and Cmax) of phenacetin, but not of diclofenac, was markedly enhanced by the concurrent administration of intravenous honokiol or magnolol. The differential effects of the two phytochemicals on phenacetin and diclofenac in vivo pharmacokinetics could at least be partly attributed to their lower IC50 values for the inhibition of phenacetin metabolism than for diclofenac metabolism. In addition, the systemic exposure, CL, and Vss of honokiol and magnolol tended to be similar between the rat groups receiving phenacetin and diclofenac. These findings improve our understanding of CYP-mediated drug interactions with M. officinalis and its active constituents.
Comparison of Strategies to Overcome Drug Resistance: Learning from Various Kingdoms
Authors: Ogawara Hiroshi
Published: June 2018

Drug resistance, especially antibiotic resistance, is a growing threat to human health. To overcome this problem, it is significant to know precisely the mechanisms of drug resistance and/or self-resistance in various kingdoms, from bacteria through plants to animals, once more. This review compares the molecular mechanisms of the resistance against phycotoxins, toxins from marine and terrestrial animals, plants and fungi, and antibiotics. The results reveal that each kingdom possesses the characteristic features. The main mechanisms in each kingdom are transporters/efflux pumps in phycotoxins, mutation and modification of targets and sequestration in marine and terrestrial animal toxins, ABC transporters and sequestration in plant toxins, transporters in fungal toxins, and various or mixed mechanisms in antibiotics. Antibiotic producers in particular make tremendous efforts for avoiding suicide, and are more flexible and adaptable to the changes of environments. With these features in mind, potential alternative strategies to overcome these resistance problems are discussed. This paper will provide clues for solving the issues of drug resistance.
Synthesis of Magnetic Wood Fiber Board and Corresponding Multi-Layer Magnetic Composite Board, with Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing Properties
Authors: Lou Zhichao , Zhang Yao , Zhou Ming , Han He , Cai Jiabin , Yang Lintian , Yuan Chenglong , Li Yanjun
Published: June 2018

With the rapid growth in the use of wireless electronic devices, society urgently needs electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing material with light weight, thin thickness, wide effective absorbing band width, and strong absorption capacity. Herein, the multi-layer magnetic composite boards are fabricated by hot-pressing magnetic fiber boards and normal veneer layer-by-layer. The magnetic fibers obtained using in-situ chemical co-precipitation are used to fabricate magnetic fiber board by hot-pressing. The magnetic wave absorbing capacities of the magnetic fiber boards obtained with 72 h impregnation time exhibit strongest adsorption capacities of −51.01 dB with a thickness of 3.00 mm. It is proved that this outstanding EMW absorption property is due to the strongest dielectric loss, the optimal magnetic loss, and the dipole relaxation polarization. Meanwhile, the EMW absorbing capacities of the corresponding multi-layer composite magnetic board increases from −14.14 dB (3-layer) to −60.16 dB (7-layer). This is due to the generated multi-interfaces between magnetic fiber board and natural wood veneer in the EMW propagation direction, which significantly benefit multireflection and attenuation of the incident waves. The results obtained in this work indicate that natural wood fibers are of great potential in the fabrication of magnetic multi-layer boards treated as EMW absorbers via a low cost, green, and scalable method.