bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization Gold Nanoparticles Using Extracts of Sarang Semut (Myrmecodia pendans) For Sensing of Glucose
Authors: Suciati Andi , Wahid Wahab Abdul , Taba Paulina 
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Gold nanoparticles have been synthesized with simple and relatively safe method by using kaemferol and quercetin containing aqueous extract of Myrmecodia pendans (sarang semut plant). Under this method, it was able to obtain AuNPs and measured the size. The formation of the nanoparticles were identified by the color change (yellow to red) occurred in the chloroauric acid solution after additional aquoeos extract of sarang semut plant. The UV-Visible spectra and particle size analyzer indicated the successful formation of AuNPs with wavelength of 521.5 nm which was stable for 4 days, evidenced by the presence of particles with a size 53.2 nm. XRD analysis showed the difractogram peak of gold nanopartcle. The result of SEM analysis indicated gold nanopartcle surface with spherical and rod-like shapes. Glucose sensor utilized gold nanopartcle as catalyst with measurement range 2–5 mM and regresision 0,868, detection limit of sensor was in concentration 2-5 mM was 7,5 mM with sensitivity 0,736 A.mM-1.mm-2. Glucose concentration obtained in blood serum was 78,48mg/dL. Gold nanoparticles is promising to detect blood sugar with simply, securely, low cost without using enzyme and harmful material.
Non-compliance and its associated factors among hypertensive patients taking anti-hypertensive treatment visiting Gimbi general hospital,Western Ethiopia:cross-sectional study
Authors: Bekele Firomsa , Fekadu Ginenus , Dugassa Dinka , Bekele Kumera 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Objective: Hypertension is defined as a persistent systolic blood pressure reading of 140 mm Hg or greater and/or a diastolic blood pressure reading of 90 mm Hg or greater. Poor adherence to anti-hypertensive therapy is one of the biggest obstacles in therapeutic control of high blood pressure and usually associated with bad outcome of the disease and wastage of limited health care resources. The study was aimed to assess the patient compliance and associated factors of anti-hypertensive treatments
Result: The study showed that the overall level of compliance was 106(83.46%) and non-compliance level was 21(16.54%). Among 127 respondents 52 (40.95%) were males and 75 (59.05%) were females. Majority of respondents 113(88.98%) were taking treatments as prescribed and 106(83.36%) had regular follow up. In this study 45 patients never forget to take their medication and 82(64 57%) respondents were stopped their medication due to different reason from this, 64(34.8%) were due to improvement from illness and 37(20.1%) due to lack of money.
Keywords: Hypertension, Hypertensive treatment, Adherence, Compliance
Effect of Acupuncture on Lung Cancer-Related Fatigue: Study Protocol for a Multi-center Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Zhaoqin , Li Shanshan , Wu Luyi , Qi Qin , Liu Huirong , Jin Xiaoming , Tian Jianhui , Zhang Ming , Ma Xiaopeng , Sun Deli , Xu Shifen , Wu Huangan 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Background

Fatigue is one of the primary symptoms of lung cancer patients, with a prevalence of 88.0% in cancer survivors, and even higher post resection surgery. Effective fatigue control after lung cancer surgery is important for patient recovery and quality of life. Some studies have shown that acupuncture might be effective in treating cancer-related fatigue, however, randomized controlled trials of suitable sample size are limited.

Method/Design

This is a multi-center, patient-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT). A total of 320 eligible patients will be recruited in four centers (Shanghai Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital and LongHua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine) and randomly assigned to either the acupuncture group or the sham acupuncture group in a 1:1ratio. Treatment will be given twice per week for 12 sessions. Treatment will consist of acupoints GV20, GV29, CV12, CV6, CV4, and bilateral LI4, LR3, SP6, ST36. The primary outcome will be assessed using the Chinese version of Brief Fatigue Inventory-Chinese (BFI-C), the secondary outcomes will be measured by European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD). The primary outcome will be assessed at all main points (baseline, the 3rd week, the 6th week and follow-ups), the secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline and the 6th week. Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis will be used in this RCT.

Discussion

This trial protocol provides an example of clinical application for the management of lung cancer-related fatigue using acupuncture treatment. If the acupuncture treatment protocol confirms that acupuncture is an effective and safe option for lung cancer-related fatigue, it can be adopted as a standardized treatment.
Corneal Langerhans Cell And Endothelium Changes In Patients With Herpetic Keratitis During Acute Phase Of The Disease And After 6 Months
Authors: Danileviciene Vilija , Zemaitiene Reda , Gintauskiene Vilte Marija , Nedzelskiene Irena , Zaliuniene Dalia 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Purpose. To describe corneal morphological changes by evaluating Langerhans cell (LC) and endothelium cell density using in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) in herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis during acute phase of the disease and after 6 months, to compare with contralateral eyes, controls with previous history of herpes labialis and healthy controls.

Methods

A prospective clinical study included 79 patients with herpetic eye disease, 101 healthy patients with previous history of herpes labialis but no history of herpetic eye disease, and 89 patients with no history of any HSV diseases. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination including LSCM of the central cornea, using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III Rostock Cornea Module. After 6 months, the same ophthalmological examination was performed for patients with herpetic eye disease. Serology tests of the serum to detect HSV 1/2 IgG and IgM using Virion Serion ELISA classic kit were performed.

Results

HSV affected eyes showed an increase in LC density when compared with contralateral eyes, herpes labialis, and healthy control groups (357.9±308.7 vs. 197.1±258.5 vs. 62.9±72.6 vs. 81.7±88.3) (p<0.05). Higher LC density and less density of corneal sub-basal nerve parameters were found (p<0.05). Endothelium density in HSV affected eyes did not differ from the contralateral eyes, but it was lower when comparing with herpes labialis patients and healthy controls (2300.7±530.6 vs. 2343.3±543.7 vs. 2672.9±268.1 vs. 2620.9±347.1) (p<0.05). After 6 months, LC density in HSV affected eyes decreased but did not reach those of healthy controls (p<0.05).

Conclusions

LSCM reveals a significant increase of LC and decrease of endothelium cell density in HSV affected corneas. The decrease in LC density is a clear, indirect sign of recovery, which can be used in clinical practice.
Agro‐Economic Returns were Reduced for Four Years after Conversion from Perennial Forage
Authors: Miller P.R. , Bekkerman A. , Holmes J.A. , Jones C.A. , Engel R.E. 
Published: June 2019

Perennial crops are increasingly converted to annual cropping systems as Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts expire. We compared crop yields and net returns across 2013–2018 for no‐till pulse crop‐wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (P‐W) systems, preceded either by 10 yr of P‐W or 10 yr of perennial cropping (P‐WPer) at Bozeman, MT. The perennial mixed species planting, dominated by alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), was split into unharvested and annually harvested treatments 2005–2012. The 2013–2018 experimental design included both systems replicated as main plots, with 50 and 100% recommended available N rates as subplots. Precipitation was below average during three of the first four growing seasons, followed by two wetter than average years. The P‐WPer system had generally lower soil moisture and equal or greater nitrogen supply than the P‐W. ‘Haying off’ (reduced harvest index) occurred in wheat grown 2 and 4 yr after conversion from perennial to annual cropping, which reduced grain yield, and increased grain protein. Crop yield losses in the P‐WPer system averaged 0.84 Mg ha–1 (28%) over 4 yr and two N rates. After adjusting grain prices using historical discounts and premiums for test weight and protein content at Montana grain elevators, P‐WPer net returns were reduced for four consecutive years in three economic scenarios, and for 2 yr in a fourth scenario by a 4‐yr cumulative average of (USD) $731 ha–1 (45%). We conclude annual crop yield and economic returns were compromised for 4 yr following 10 yr of an alfalfa‐dominated perennial cropping system.Core Ideas

Ten years of perennial forage generally reduced economic returns for 4 yr of subsequent annual cropping by an average of 45%.
Grain yield was more negatively affected by perennial cropping than protein yield.
Long‐term assessment may be required to capture economic benefits of improved soil quality.
Quantified Effects of Particle Refractive Index Assumptions on Laser Diffraction Analyses of Selected Soils
Authors: Pachon Julio C. , Kowalski Kayci R. , Butterick Joshua K. , Bacon Allan R. 
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas
Particle refractive index (RI) assumptions are evaluated across the fine earth fraction of diverse soils.
Effects of RI assumptions are most pronounced for particle diameters of 0.5–1.5 and 100–600 μm.
Effects of RI assumptions are highly dependent on the textural properties of a soil.
Quantified uncertainty derived from RI assumptions are presented.
Forthcoming method standardization of laser diffraction requires quantification of RI assumption effects.
The use of laser diffraction (LD) to conduct soil mechanical analysis is rapidly growing across a variety of disciplines. Almost always these techniques require a particle refractive index (RI) assumption. Here, for the first time, we quantify the effects of this assumption across the entire fine earth fraction (FEF) in soils with diverse pedogenic, textural, and mineralogical properties. While most discussions of RI emphasize clay‐sized particle sensitivity, we demonstrate that the effects of particle RI assumption are often bimodal across the FEF, with pronounced modes in the 0.5‐ to 1.5‐ and 100‐ to 600‐μm diameter regions. The uncertainty derived from particle RI assumptions averages 5.7 ± 2.9 (mean ± 95% CI), 1.9 ± 1.6, and 4.0 ± 1.6% (v/v) for estimates of clay, silt, and sand concentration respectively, and 14.5 ± 6.3, 0.20 ± 0.04, and 0.10 ± 0.05 µm for estimates of the mean diameter of all soil particles, clay‐sized particles, and sand‐sized particles respectively across our samples. We expose a close relationship between particle RI assumption derived error and the textural properties of samples (i.e., coarse vs. fine‐textured), and utilize this relationship to provide first‐order constraints that quantitatively inform forthcoming LD analyses of soils about the effects of particle RI assumptions. Generally, uncertainty derived from particle RI assumption is similar in magnitude to that of a full process replicate and is minute compared to inter‐soil variability. We suggest that quantitative inquiries evaluating particle RI assumptions across the entire FEF, and in edaphically diverse samples, are too rare. Such work fundamentally informs broader discussions of methodological standardization of LD mechanical analyses.
Impacts of Soil Physicochemical Properties and Temporal‐Seasonal Soil‐Environmental Status on Ground‐Penetrating Radar Response
Authors: Sarkar Reshmi , Paul K. B. , Higgins Todd R. 
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas
Ground‐penetrating radar response changes with electrical conductivity and organic matter of same soils.
Ground‐penetrating radar responses changes with soil temperatures diurnally and precipitation seasonally.
Ground‐penetrating radar response is strongly related to clay content and daily volumetric water content of soils.
Irrespective of clay content, response varies with electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity or clay‐mineral types.
The impacts of soils' heterogeneity due to temporal (ET)‐ and seasonal (ES) changes from minute variations in precipitation (as rain, ice, and snow) and air temperatures (P+TA) on the ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) responses (RGPR) are not rigorously tested. We aimed to understand how environmental changes (ET and ES) can be accountable to alter RGPR and help relate to real‐time (TR) soil environmental status. Soil moisture (volumetric water content, VWC), temperature (TS), and electrical conductivity (EC) in every 30 min were recorded by soil sensors daily in different seasons to match the diurnal and seasonal changes. Readings of GPR alerts from six soil types of various GPR‐suitability classes were recorded two to three times daily. Changes in P+TA, which changed physicochemical soil properties (PCSP) temporally and impacted RGPR up to 76%. The RGPR, which was negatively corelated with clay (R = –0.89) and organic matter (OM) (R = –0.91) percentages, remained low in soils when cation exchange capacity (CEC) is also high. The RGPR which were pronounced after rain, during fall, in sandy soils, and in case of neutral to basic pH impacted by narrow‐range VWC variations on sandy but broad range on clay soils. Soils of same clay percent and similar OM acted differently if they have differential CEC and pH values. Ninety‐six percent of RGPR, which is impacted by electric resistances and bonding nature of water and soils, were explainable if interactions of clay, OM, and VWC at TR are considered. Future insights on influences from freeze–thaw cycles and specific silica‐mineral types of soils are required.
Temperature Regime of a Charcoal‐Enriched Land Use Legacy Soil
Authors: Schneider Anna , Hirsch Florian , Raab Alexandra , Raab Thomas 
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas
Soil monitoring shows a modified temperature regime in a relict charcoal hearth.
Effects are related to the low thermal conductivity of the technogenic horizon.
Effects of the thermal properties of this horizon propagate to deeper soil areas.
The addition of charcoal to soils can distinctly alter the soil's physical and chemical properties. Such effects occur in soils deliberately amended with charcoal (“biochar”) and as a land use legacy in historic charcoal hearth sites. One aspect of soil property modification induced by charcoal addition that has rarely been studied is the effect on soil temperature and thermal properties. The objective of this study was to characterize the soil temperature regime of a relict charcoal hearth (RCH) site compared with a reference forest soil. Soil temperatures were monitored at three depths in two profiles over a period of 1 yr. Samples from both profiles were analyzed to characterize the bulk density, soil organic matter (SOM) content, charcoal content and thermal conductivity of the soils. The monitoring results reveal distinct differences between the temperature regimes of the profiles, with the RCH soil exhibiting higher daily and seasonal temperature variations at a depth of 15 cm but lower variations at a depth of 80 cm than the reference soil. The laboratory results show that these differences are related to a clearly lower thermal conductivity in the RCH soil, which is associated with the low bulk density and high contents of SOM. The results confirm that charcoal addition can clearly affect soil temperature, and they show that the effects can propagate beyond the charcoal‐amended soil horizons. The observed modifications in the soil temperature regime might contribute to several poorly understood effects of charcoal addition on biogeochemical processes in soils.
The stability of Fe5O6 and Fe4O5 at high pressure and temperature
Authors: Hikosaka Koutaro , Sinmyo Ryosuke , Hirose Kei , Ishii Takayuki , Ohishi Yasuo 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The oxygen fugacity in the interior of the Earth is largely controlled by iron-bearing minerals. Recent studies have reported various iron oxides with chemical compositions between FeO and Fe3O4 above ~10 GPa. However, the stabilities of these high-pressure iron oxides remain mostly uninvestigated. In this study, we performed in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements in a laser-heated diamond-anvil cell (DAC) to determine the phase relations in both Fe5O6 and Fe4O5 bulk compositions to 61 GPa and to 2720 K. The results show that Fe5O6 is a high-temperature phase stable above 1600 K and ~10 GPa, while FeO + Fe4O5 are formed at relatively low temperatures. We observed the decomposition of Fe5O6 into 2FeO + Fe3O4 above 38 GPa and the decomposition of Fe4O5 into FeO + h-Fe3O4 at a similar pressure range. The coexistence of FeO and Fe3O4 indicates that none of the recently discovered compounds between FeO and Fe3O4 (i.e., Fe5O6, Fe9O11, Fe4O5, and Fe7O9) are formed beyond ~40 GPa at 1800 K, corresponding to conditions in the shallow lower mantle. Additionally, as some superdeep diamonds have genetic links with these high-pressure iron oxides, our results give constraints on pressure and temperature conditions of their formation.
Antihyperglycemic Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Foeniculum vulgare in Normal and Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: El-Ouady Fadwa , Lahrach Nadia , Ajebli Mohammed , Haidani Ahmed E. , Eddouks Mohamed 
Published: June 2019

Background:
Diabetes mellitus is associated with high blood glucose levels due to insulin
shortcoming (insulinopenia) or defective insulin action. The objective of the study was to investigate
the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of Foeniculum vulgare in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat.

Methods:
The effects of the leaves aqueous extract (LAE) of Foeniculum vulgare (F. vulgare) at a
dose of 10 mg/kg on blood glucose levels were evaluated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-
induced diabetic rats. Histopathological changes were also evaluated in liver in STZ-induced rats.

Results:
Single oral administration of F. vulgare LAE reduced blood glucose levels 6 h after administration
in STZ diabetic rats (p<0.0001). Furthermore, blood glucose levels were decreased in
both normal (p<0.05) and STZ diabetic rats (p<0.0001) after the fifteenth day of treatment. During
this test, both groups did not show any significant change in their body weight. Moreover, this
aqueous extract improved oral glucose tolerance in diabetic rats and revealed a positive effect on
liver histology. On the other hand, the extract used in this experiment showed an inhibitory concentration
(IC50) of 50% of free radicals with a concentration of 43±1.19 µg/ml. While the synthetic
antioxidant (BHT) had an IC50 equal to 22.67±2.17µg /ml.

Conclusion:
This study demonstrates the antihyperglycemic, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects
of the leaves of F. vulgare in normal and diabetic rats.
The Morosophistic Discourse of Ancient Prose Fiction
Authors: Gunderson Erik 
Published: June 2019

This essay explores a set of connections between philosophy and prose fiction. It combines a somewhat Foucauldian outlook on the question of genealogical filiation with a Bakhtinian interest in polyphony and heteroglossia. This is an overview of the various possibilities for the emplotment of the story of knowledge. The structural details of these plots inform the quality of the knowledge that eventuates from them. In coarse terms, I am asking what it means to insist upon the novelistic qualities of Plato while simultaneously thinking about the Platonic qualities of novels. This highly selective survey starts with classical Athens, touches upon Plutarch and Lucian, and then lingers with narrative prose fiction more specifically by examining the texts of Chariton, Achilles Tatius, Heliodorus, Apuleius, and Petronius.
Competition, Narrative, and Literary Copia in the Works of Boncompagno da Signa and Guido Faba
Authors: Newman Jonathan Michael 
Published: June 2019

This study argues for the importance of competitive discourse in placing the study of the ars dictaminis within the cosmopolitan tradition of humanistic Latin literature in the Middle Ages, particularly as it is expressed in the writing of Boncompagno da Signa and Guido Faba at Bologna in the first decades of the thirteenth century. Examining cultural links and similarities to the competitive literary culture of twelfth century humanism in France and northern Europe (especially the Goliardic poets), it also compares the function and relative prestige of ars dictaminis to other studies at Bologna, especally canon law. This comparison focuses in particular on the respective ways each discipline employs narrative fictions, and this comparison establishes the humanistic literary character of the cultivation of ars dictaminis. Ronald Witt has argued that the textual culture of Bologna in Boncompagno's day is dominated by a practical legal orientation, but this study would qualify that claim by exploring the literary copiousness of Boncompagno's writing and the literary character of several of his works, including the Rota Veneris; it likewise links this literary performance to a pattern of competitive discourse that elevates ars dictaminis above other disciplines, Bologna above other studia, and Boncompagno above other masters. The study then turns to the work of Guido Faba, especially the Summa dictaminis and Dictamina rhetorica to explore how Guido deepens and broadens Boncompagno's competitive discourse, especially through the epistolary narrative sequences of the Dictamina rhetorica.