bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performing the City’s Urban Imaginary – the New Taipei City Museum of Art
Authors: Mersmann Birgit
Published: October 2018

Aspiring global cities, such as Taipei City in Taiwan, seek to accumulate cultural capital. For future-oriented local and global self-representation, they design cutting-edge contemporary museums. This paper analyzes the “urban imaginary” as constructed by new urban museumscapes. Choosing a case-study approach, it explores the embedding of a vanguard art museum project in Taiwan – the New Taipei City Museum of Art in Taipei – into long-term urban planning strategies. In order to understand the purpose and process of how the new museum of contemporary art. is devised as a public space of cultural self-representation and urban identity building, the study monitors the complete design process from the city government’s urban and institutional planning strategy to the architectural design. Evidence shows that the pathways of urban place-making for art and through art and design in Taipei are strongly determined by the historical role and current geopolitical repositioning of the city.
Cricoteka – Theatrical Dimension of Architecture
Authors: Romaniak Ewa Maria
Published: October 2018

The paper concerns the analysis of the building of Cricoteka in terms of theatricality, which is the role of architecture in the performance of city life. It discusses such aspects as the transfer of the idea of theatre onto architectural form, the dialogue with the viewer, the place of the building in the city and the influence of the object on the environment by generating tension between individual elements of composition solids. Theatrical dimension of architecture might be understood as a spectacle, invented and robust physiognomy, but also intriguing visual appeal. Through the versatile architectural costumes the architecture puts on, especially contemporary architecture, which stands out from the other buildings, tends to be incomprehensible to its recipients. Aiding the comprehension of the message, as well as its conscious shaping by the authors, is key to mutual understanding and establishing the dialogue. The detailed analysis of the building’s interior, which is the key aim of a project of Cricoteka, remains out of scope of this work.
Sleep in the City. Private Experience of Beauty and Its Urban Implications
Authors: Pokorski Bartosz
Published: October 2018

In my paper I try to trace and understand the reasons for the birth of the 24/7 world as it is described by Johnatan Crary in his book 24/7 Late Capitalism and the Ends of Sleep. He proposes a grim vision of late capitalism in which sleep deprivation and the disintegration of public and private spaces will become a market necessity. My attempt to understand is supported on two other authors. First, Hannah Arendt provided me with an analysis of origins, transformations and somewhat present version of the relation of private and public spheres. Second, Fredrich Schiller delivered an interesting theory on the aesthetic ideal, art, beauty and human experience of beauty. These three analyzes stand as basis for my attempt to present a proposal to overcome the crisis described by Crary and the answer is related to the issue of aesthetic experience of street art in urban space.
Presentación
Authors: Nóbile Carla
Published: October 2018

Tenemos el agrado de presentar el séptimo número de Anales de Investigación en Arquitectura, una publicación de carácter anual de la Cátedra de Historia y Teoría de la Arquitectura de la Facultad de Arquitectura de la Universidad ORT Uruguay. En esta edición nos acompañan investigadores nacionales e internacionales. Ms. Lucas Longoni indaga sobre la producción de la vivienda social en Argentina a través de la obra de STAFF. Ms. Carla Urbina desarrolla el paisaje como experiencia de transformación cultural. Por su parte Ms. Mariana Rodríguez Orte analiza el jardín botánico como imagen de la artificialidad y heterotopía de la ciudad contemporánea. Y finalmente Ms. Valentina Vincent aborda la relación existente entre la movilidad y las características físicas de la ciudad haciendo hincapié en el caso de Montevideo.

Asimismo, continúa la difusión de trabajos correspondientes a egresados recientes de la Facultad de Arquitectura en una reformulación en formato artículo de su memoria final de carrera. Contamos en este número con la participación del arquitecto Emiliano Rodríguez investigando sobre el fenómeno de la Diagramanía y su pertinencia en la producción arquitectónica contemporánea. A su vez, las arquitectas Victoria Fernández y María José Palomino trabajan en la presencia de la arquitectura moderna latinoamericana en la historiografía internacional.

El Consejo Editorial y la Dirección reiteran su invitación a los investigadores a presentar sus trabajos que posibiliten, en próximas entregas, una vez analizados y evaluados, acrecentar el intercambio conceptual y la difusión de la arquitectura latinoamericana.
Latinoamérica en la historia de la Arquitectura Moderna
Authors: Fernández Victoria , Palomino María José
Published: October 2018

El presente artículo se propone analizar el lugar de Latinoamérica en la historiografía de la arquitectura moderna y su evolución a través del tiempo. Los pioneros historiadores que abordaron esta temática construyeron la idea de un movimiento de características universales, que partió en realidad de la consideración de un limitado sector geográfico. Pero progresivamente se hizo más difícil darle la espalda a esta región del mundo cuya arquitectura moderna comenzaba a destacar tanto cualitativa como cuantitativamente. De manera selectiva e inexacta comenzó a inmiscuirse esta región en una producción historiográfica cuyo origen era principalmente europeo y norteamericano.

El lugar de América Latina en estas historias creció de manera relevante, después de evidenciada la crisis de la arquitectura moderna como la habían concebido los pioneros. Desde el propio ámbito latinoamericano comenzó a desarrollarse una historiografía que se propuso comprender su arquitectura a partir de la consideración de las particularidades locales y en el ámbito internacional se realizaron revisiones de las historias oficiales que progresivamente fueron mitigando la sesgada mirada centro- periferia bajo la que se había considerado hasta entonces la arquitectura de la región.
Jardín botánico, heterotopía y ciudad
Authors: Rodríguez Orte Mariana
Published: October 2018

Esta investigación analiza el fenómeno de los jardines botánicos a la luz de las reflexiones acerca de heterotopía que hace Michel Foucault, y lo contrapone con fenómenos de la ciudad contemporánea. Se expone la dualidad en la que la existencia del jardín botánico como paisaje artificial escondería la verdadera artificialidad y heteropía de la ciudad en su conjunto. Para eso, se reflexiona acerca de los jardines botánicos como imagen reflejada de la realidad y como la recreación yuxtapuesta de realidades descontextualizadas y deslocalizadas. La ciudad contemporánea es vista de forma análoga al jardín botánico, bajo la premisa de hiperrealidad de Baudrillard, donde se conjugan contradicciones y realidades aumentadas, y donde se exponen cuestionamientos acerca de las verdades preestamblecidas y envasadas
Forma urbana y movilidad sustentable: reflexiones sobre Montevideo.
Authors: Vincent Valentina
Published: October 2018

El siguiente artículo plantea reflexiones sobre la relación entre las características de la forma física de la ciudad y la movilidad. La movilidad sustentable (aquella que prioriza los modos activos y el transporte colectivo) tiene un rol prioritario en el futuro de la planificación urbana. En la literatura, se ha estudiado ampliamente la relación entre la forma urbana y la movilidad. Varios autores plantean cuáles son las variables de la forma urbana que impactan en la movilidad, y qué se puede hacer a través del diseño para fomentar una movilidad sustentable. También se ha evaluado la importancia de tener en cuenta los factores actitudinales y cómo, si es posible, redireccionar los comportamientos de los ciudadanos hacia tendencias sustentables. Por medio del caso de Montevideo, se ejemplificará la relación de las características físicas de la ciudad con la movilidad. A su vez, se analizarán los objetivos y estrategias que plantean los planes desarrollados por el gobierno municipal con respecto al desarrollo urbano y movilidad, y se realizarán reflexiones en base a la literatura planteada
An Implementation Model for Collaborative Applications
Authors: Cortes Mauricio , Mishra Prateek
Published: October 2018

A major challenge in building groupware systems is to provide support for control and coordina-

tion of users actions on shared resources. This support includes the maintenance of the current state of the collaborative multi-user environment such as control of group interaction rules and coordination of users actions or tasks.

We propose an extension of the visual presentation/underlying data model currently followed when developing interactive single user applications. We claim that groupware systems require two additional components: user-related data and group interaction rules. The former component maintains information about active users, their roles, and privileges. While the latter keeps the state of the current collaborative environment to control and coordinate user actions. Furthermore, our approach allows developers build each system component separately, promoting the decom- position of the application’s computational objects and its collaborative environment specifica- tion.
Firewall Monitoring
Authors: Leiss Ernst L. , You Jianyu
Published: October 2018

Securing resources against unauthorized access and/or use is a major concern of every organization that uses computer networks. To protect internal networks from external attacks, firewalls are utilized since they restrict network access while letting legitimate users have unencumbered access. Firewalls are also used to log security auditing information about connections and operations. We describe a monitor database gateway (MDBG) designed and implemented to replace older forms of firewall logging by a database system. SQL commands can be used to retrieve logged information instead of ad hoc scripts. The database application al- lows secure access from other components of a firewall through the Ker- beros authentication as well as other authentication methods. If the underlying database changes, only a small portion of the MDBG must be modified; the code for the other components of the firewall remains un- affected.
User-Level Parallel File I/O
Authors: Leiss Ernst L. , Wang Yili
Published: October 2018

Parallel disk I/O subsystems are becoming more important in today’s large-scale parallel machines. Parallel disk systems provide a significant boost in I/O performance reducing the gap between processor and disk speeds. We describe a Unix-like file I/O user interface, implemented in a parallel file I/O subsystem on an MIMD machine, the nCUBE 2. Based on message passing, we develop parallel disk read/write algorithms to achieve higher parallelism when more disk drives are used. We use the closed queuing network model to analyze the effect of some tunable system parameters for our parallel file system. We then performed simulation experiments in order to obtain more realistic performance data, by comparing the original vendor-supplied file system with ours. The results indicate that the speedup in I/O performance is almost equal to the number of disk drives we use. Thus, our user-level parallel file I/O approach will provide scalable I/O performance.
Pi+-Calculus: A Calculus for Concurrent Processes with Constraints
Authors: Diaz Juan Francisco , Rueda Camilo , Valencia Frank D
Published: October 2018

The Pi-calculus is a formal model of concurrent computation based on the notion of naming. It has an important role to play in the search for more abstract theories of concurrent and communicating systems. In this paper we augment the Pi-calculus with a constraint store and add the notion of constraint agent to the standard Pi-calculus concept of agent. We call this extension the Pi+-calculus. We also extend the notion of barbed bisimulation to define behavioral equivalence for the Pi+-calculus and use it to characterize some equivalent behaviors derived from constraint agents. The paper discusses examples of the extended calculus showing the transparent interaction of constraints and communicating processes.
A Practical q -Gram Index for Text Retrieval Allowing Errors
Authors: Navarro Gonzalo , Baeza-Yates Ricardo
Published: October 2018

We propose an indexing technique for approximate text searching, which is practical and powerful, and especially optimized for natural language text. Unlike other indices of this kind, it is able to retrieve any string that approximately matches the search pattern, not only words. Every text substring of a fixed length q is stored in the index, together with pointers to all the text positions where it appears. The search pattern is partitioned into pieces which are searched in the index, and all their occurrences in the text are verified for a complete match. To reduce space requirements, pointers to blocks instead of exact positions can be used, which increases querying costs. We design an algorithm to optimize the pattern partition into pieces so that the total number of verifications is minimized. This is especially well suited for natural language texts, and allows to know in advance the expected cost of the search and the expected relevance of the query to the user. We show experimentally the building time, space requirements and querying time of our index, finding that it is a practical alternative for text retrieval. The retrieval times are reduced from 10% to 60% of the best on-line algorithm.
Organik Düzenleyici Uygulamalarının Yapay Yağış Koşullarında Toprakların Bazı Fiziksel Özellikleri ve Toprak Kaybı Arasındaki İlişkiler Üzerine Etkileri
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Nutullah , ÖZTÜRK Elif , KOP DURMUŞ Ömrüm Tebessüm
Published: October 2018

Bu çalışmada ahır gübresi, çeltik kavuzu kompostu
ve çöp kompostu uygulamalarına bağlı olarak erozyona karşı duyarlılığın
değerlendirilmesinde kullanılan bazı toprak kalite parametreleri ve yüzey
akışla oluşan toprak kaybı arasındaki ilişkiler irdelenmiştir. Çalışmada Samsun
ili Minöz Havzası’nda yayılım gösteren Entisol ve Inceptisol olarak
sınıflandırılan topraklar kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada simülasyon ve toprak
kalitesinin belirlenmesi amacıyla her iki toprak için iki farklı deneme
kurulmuş, kontrol örneği iki farklı toprak grubu için tek hazırlanmış ve
örneklere organik madde içeriğini % 2, % 4 ve % 6 miktarında artıracak şekilde 3
farklı dozda organik düzenleyici uygulanmıştır. Deneme sonucunda topraklara
uygulanan organik düzenleyicilerin toprakların bazı fiziksel özelliklerini iyileştirdiğini
ve erozyona karşı duyarlılığı düşürerek yüzey akışla meydana gelen toprak
kayıplarını azalttığı tespit edilmiştir. Düzenleyicilerin erozyonla oluşan
toprak kayıplarını azaltma etkinliği uygulama dozları arasında farklılık
göstermekte olup en düşük kayıplar maksimum doz uygulamalarında elde
edilmiştir. Çöp kompostu yüzey akış kayıplarını azaltmada; çeltik kavuzu
kompostu ve ahır gübresinden daha etkili olmuştur. Erozyona duyarlılık
parametrelerinin tahmin gücünün düşük yağış yoğunluklarında daha belirgin
olduğu belirlenmiştir.
“Aleksandr Semenovich Rokk”: chief commander of The Workers' and Peasants' Red Army S.S. Kamenev and his surroundings in the novel by M.A. Bulgakov “The Fatal Eggs”
Authors: Kolchanov Vladimir Viktorovich
Published: October 2018

The historical and political prototypes are the material for the creation of bright and memorable images in the novel by M.A. Bulgakov “Fatal eggs” are described: A.S. Rokk (chief commander of the Workers' And Peasants' Red Army S.S. Kamenev), Polaitis (Marshal M.N. Tukhachevsky), Shchukin (A.I. Egorov), “red-moustached driver” (a talented scientist-inventor, engineer of III rank P.K. Oshchepkov). We determine theatrical and genre sources that influenced the creation of images: mystery, farce, buffo, pantomime. The text satirical and grotesque nature the is investigated. In the framework of the farce and buffo the First Moscow process where the prototypes are is considered. The composition and genre issues are touched upon, the problem of attribution of the story is raised. To the source base of the work are added: occult novel by A. Crowley “Moonchild”, stories by A. Schnitzler “Rock”, U. Allen “Fatal Experience”, R. Market “Invention of Professor Carter”, R. Presber “Last Feast of the Last of Birkovich”, B. Lavrenev “The Child Gregory”. References to the iconic systems of the Egyptian “Book of the Dead” and the collection of Arab fairy tales “One Thousand and One Nights” are used.
Integrative character of communication and organizing role of the category of person in the context of anthropocentrism
Authors: Sharandin Anatoliy Leonidovich
Published: October 2018

Considered the problem of relations between such concepts as integration of language levels, category of person and anthropocentrism in the context of the ideas of professor S.G. Ilyenko. This is not accidental, since this problem is presented in her works as having a methodological character in connection with the recognition of anthropocentrism and integration as the main principles of the description of the language system. The key and organizing role in their interrelation is played by the category of the person which in various forms of its realization is present at different language levels and in communicative activity of the person as a whole. This allows us to consider the concept of integrative communicative space, which is represented as a unity created by the interaction of different types of knowledge: 1) knowledge obtained as a result of reflection and interpretation of reality; 2) knowledge of the language system used as a means of cognition of this reality and communication. As a result, communication is the highest level that allows you to compare information at different levels, and forms on their basis integrative unity, the integrity of which ensures the implementation of the language of its main function – communicative.
The Shortest Path to a Professional Doctorate
Authors: Deon Kidd Vasco
Published: October 2018

Over the last decade, there has been a rise in, and surge in demand for, postprofessional doctorate degree programs (e.g., the doctor of medical science [DMSc] degree), and the potential benefits of such degrees warrant additional investigation. This article chronicles the path that the Arrowhead Orthopaedic Surgery PA Fellowship program took as an early adopter of the doctorate option for PA fellows. In this article, the pros and cons and the potential benefits of doctorate degrees for PAs in orthopaedic surgery postgraduate PA education training programs are discussed.
Изучение вертикального распределения зоопланктона Запорожского водохранилища для расчёта зарыбления пёстрым толстолобиком
Authors: Яковенко В. А. , Зайченко Е. Ю.
Published: October 2018

Описывается вертикальное распределение зоопланктона, что актуально для уточнения расчёта зарыбления Запорожского водохранилища пёстрым толстолобиком. Водохранилище ― водоём комплексного использования, и одним из приоритетных его назначений является вылов рыбы. Зоопланктон ― важнейший компонент кормовой базы рыб. Именно поэтому для повышения эффективности использования кормовой базы водохранилища путём зарыбления необходимы точные показатели количественного развития зоопланктона. Они в значительной степени зависят от глубины участков водоёма и могут существенно изменяться на разных слоях водной толщи. В то же время практически все исследования Запорожского водохранилища направлены на изучение показателей развития зоопланктона в поверхностном слое, что может искажать точность расчётов зарыбления водоёма рыбами-планктофагами. Поэтому целью работы было не только изучение вертикального распределения зоопланктона Запорожского водохранилища, но и расчёт его продукции и соответствующих норм зарыбления водоёма пёстрым толстолобиком. В летний и осенний периоды установлено неоднородное вертикальное распределение зоопланктона в обеих частях водохранилища. В верхней части водоёма максимум показателей развития зоопланктона отмечен в поверхностном и придонном слоях, в нижней ― в поверхностном слое и на глубине 10 м. Поскольку условия верхней части водохранилища неблагоприятны для пёстрого толстолобика, а расчётная величина плотности посадки (0,3 экз.·га-1) пренебрежимо мала, зарыбление указанным планктофагом данной части водоёма не предусматривается. При расчёте зарыбления на основе продукции зоопланктона в поверхностном слое, а не во всём столбе водной толщи, полученная почти двукратная переоценка (избыток составит 246,8 тыс. экз.) приведёт к экономическим убыткам в связи с отходом зарыбляемого материала вследствие недостатка пищевых ресурсов. Для эффективного использования зоопланктона как кормовой базы целесообразно зарыбление нижней части водохранилища двухлетками пёстрого толстолобика в количестве 19,1 экз.·га-1.
Первое обнаружение калкана Scophthalmus maeoticus (Scophthalmidae) в приустьевом взморье р. Дон
Authors: Куцын Д. Н. , Старцев А. В.
Published: October 2018

Цель данной работы — описать первый случай регистрации калкана Scophthalmus maeoticus (Pallas, 1814) в приустьевом взморье р. Дон (47°3′57′′N, 39°12′39′′E) и проанализировать его в контексте роста солёности Азовского моря. Материалом послужили два экземпляра калкана, отловленных 16.07.2016 и 01.09.2016 ставной сетью с ячеёй 55 мм. В статье приводятся основные меристические и пластические признаки пойманных особей в сравнении с таковыми из литературных источников. Солёность вод Азовского моря оценивали путём ежегодного мониторинга на трёх гидрометеопостах в дельте Дона и в восточной части Таганрогского залива. Проанализирована динамика солёности Азовского моря и Таганрогского залива. Обнаружение калкана в приустьевом взморье р. Дон является свидетельством трансформации ихтиоценов в связи с осолонением Азовского моря до 12,5 ‰ и Таганрогского залива — до 6 ‰ и хорошо согласуется с тенденцией увеличения доли морских и солоноватоводных видов при уменьшении численности аборигенных полупроходных форм.
Fish larvae as food item of planktonic predator (Chaetognatha)
Authors: Vdodovich I. V. , Podrezova P. S. , Klimova T. N.
Published: October 2018

Photos of predation of sagitta (Chaetognatha) to fish larvae are presented for the first time for the Black Sea. While analyzing ichthyoplankton samples obtained in May and November in 2017 (94ᵗʰ and 98ᵗʰ cruises of RV “Professor Vodyanitsky”) several sagittas were found with their guts containing fish larvae. Fish larvae seem to have been captured by sagittas in the same way as sagittas in cannibalism cases, with both folding in half at the spot of capture. The data obtained allow us to assume sagittas in conditions of high abundance of eggs and fish larvae in the plankton to be not only a food competitor of larvae and juveniles of fish, as a fodder plankton consumer, but an active predator, being able to play a significant role in the elimination of ichthyoplankton.
Uterine Rupture in Subsequent Pregnancy in a Patient with Previous Uterine Manipulator Associated Uterine Perforation
Authors: Bagli Ihsan , Dogan Yasemin , Erkilinc Selcuk , Tahaoglu Ali Emre
Published: October 2018

To report a case who experienced uterine rupture at 38th week of gestation and had a history of manipulator associated uterine rupture. A 25 years old primigravid woman at 38 weeks of gestation was referred to our hospital with the signs of active labor. Heavy lower abdominal cramps and signs of acute abdomen suggested uterine rupture and emergent cesarean section was performed. A 3 cm in size and circular in shape uterin rupture at the fundus that was imitative of enlarged previous manipulator associated rupture was observed. A manipulator associated uterine rupture should be repaired when encountered in reproductive ages in order to prevent a possible uterine perforation during subsequent pregnancy.
A Systematic Review on Anti-diabetic Properties of Chalcones
Authors: Rocha Sonia , Ribeiro Daniela , Fernandes Eduarda , Freitas Marisa
Published: October 2018

:

The use of anti-diabetic drugs has been increasing worldwide and the evolution of
therapeutics has been enormous. Still, the currently available anti-diabetic drugs do not present
the desired efficacy and are generally associated with serious adverse effects. Thus, entirely
new interventions, addressing the underlying etiopathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus,
are required. Chalcones, secondary metabolites of terrestrial plants and precursors of the
flavonoids biosynthesis, have been used for a long time in traditional medicine due to their
wide-range of biological activities, from which the anti-diabetic activity stands out.

:

This review systematizes the information found in literature about the anti-diabetic properties
of chalcones, in vitro and in vivo. Chalcones are able to exert these properties by acting in
different therapeutic targets: Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 (DPP-4); Glucose Transporter Type 4
(GLUT4), Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), α-amylase, α-glucosidase, Aldose Reductase
(ALR), Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), Peroxisome Proliferator-activated
Receptor-gamma (PPARγ) and Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP)-activated Protein Kinase
(AMPK). Chalcones are, undoubtedly, promising anti-diabetic agents, and some crucial
structural features have already been established. From the Structure-Activity Relationships
analysis, it can generally be stated that the presence of hydroxyl, prenyl and geranyl groups
in their skeleton improves their activity for the evaluated anti-diabetic targets.
Autologous Blood for Conjunctival Autograft Fixation in Primary Pterygium Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zein Hossam , Ismail Ammar , Abdelmongy Mohamed , Elsherif Sherif , Hassanen Ahmad , Muhammad Basma , Assaf Fathy , Elsehili Ahmed , Negida Ahmed , Yamane Shin , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M. , Kadonosono Kazuaki
Published: October 2018

Objective: The study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled
trials comparing the efficacy and complications of autologous blood versus using fibrin glue and surgical
sutures for conjunctival autograft fixation in primary pterygium surgery.

Design:

Systematic review with quantitative meta-analysis.

Methods:

Four authentic databases have been searched using relevant keywords. Eligible studies were obtained,
and their data were extracted into an online form. Analysis was done using Review Manager for windows. Dichotomous
outcomes were reported as risk ratio, while continuous data were reported as mean difference.

Results:

Seven studies were included in the analysis. Most of the included studies were of moderate quality according
to Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool. There was no difference between the three techniques in recurrence
rates (Risk Ratio (RR) 0.80, 95% CI [0.45 to 1.44], p= 0.46). Graft retraction and displacement were more
profound in the autologous blood group vs fibrin glue and suture groups (RR 3.22, 95% CI [1.48 to7.02], p=
0.003) and (RR 5.27, 95% CI [2.24 to 12.38], p> 0.001) respectively. In terms of operative time, fibrin glue took
shorter while suturing took longer time compared to blood coagulum (Mean Difference (MD) =1.57, 95% CI
[0.90, 2.25], p> 0.00001) and (MD -20.47, 95% CI [-38.05 to -2.88], p =0.02).

Conclusion:

Autologous blood for conjunctival autograft fixation in primary pterygium surgery was associated
with lower graft stability than fibrin glue or sutures. However, it did not account for higher recurrence rates than
the fibrin glue or sutures. Patient satisfaction and postoperative symptoms are relatively better in the blood coagulum
group than the other techniques. The overall quality of evidence is low. Further well designed randomized
controlled trials are still needed.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Physical Activities as an Effective Intervention Tool - A Mini-Review
Authors: Klimova Blanka , Maresova Petra , Kuca Kamil
Published: October 2018

Background:

There are a few risk factors which definitely have an impact on the development
of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Those include genetics, gender, age, diabetes, head injuries, and lifestyle.
Physical activity together with a healthy diet is part of people’s lifestyle. At present, there exist
several research studies showing that the physical activities can be a good intervention tool in the delay
of cognitive decline in AD.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to discuss a relationship between the physical activities and the delay
and/or maintenance of cognitive decline in AD and the types of physical activities which are especially
suitable for this delay.

Methods:

The method of this review study consists of a method of literature review analysing the data
contained in the world’s prestigious scientific databases: PubMed, Springer, Web of Science and Scopus
in the period of 2010 - 2015. In addition, a method of comparison of different research studies discussing
various aspects and factors of the correlation of physical activities and AD is used.

Results:

The findings of this review confirm that in most cases, physical activities have a positive effect
on the improvement of cognitive decline in AD.

Conclusion:

Although physical activities seem to be beneficial for people with AD, more convincing
results, particularly in the area of specific types of exercises and their impact on slowing down the cognitive
decline, respectively AD, are needed.
Design, Synthesis and Antileishmanial Activity of Naphthotriazolyl-4- Oxoquinolines
Authors: Oliveira Vanessa G. , dos Santos Faiões Viviane , Gonçalves Gabrieli B.R. , Lima Miriam F.O. , Boechat Fernanda C.S. , Cunha Anna C. , de Andrade-Neto Valter V. , de C. da Silva Fernando , Torres-Santos Eduardo C. , de Souza Maria Cecília B.V.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Leishmaniasis is a neglected public health problem caused by several protozoanspecies
of the genus Leishmania. The therapeutic arsenal for treating leishmaniasis is quite limited,
raising concerns about the occurrence of resistant strains. Furthermore, most of these drugs were developed
more than 70 years ago and suffer from poor efficacy and safety and are not well adapted to the
needs of patients. Therefore, research on novel natural or synthetic compounds with antiparasitic activity
is urgently needed. In this paper, we evaluated the effect and the mechanism of action of
naphthotriazolyl-4-oxoquinolines on promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis.

Materials and Methods:

The naphthotriazolyl-4-oxoquinoline derivatives were obtained in good to
moderate yields via the [3+2] cycloaddition reaction between 1,4-naphtoquinone and azido-4-
oxoquinoline derivatives. HMPA at 100°C was established as the best solvent and temperature condition
for this reaction. The structures of the compounds were confirmed by spectral analyses (infrared spectroscopy,
one- and two-dimensional ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and high-resolution mass spectrometry).
The compounds exhibited promising activities with IC50 values ranging from 0.7 to 2.0 µM
against intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis. The most selective compound was the Npentyl-
substituted derivative, which showed a Selectivity Index (SI) of 8.6, making it less toxic than
pentamidine (SI 4.5).

Results:

Our results demonstrated that all compounds, except the N-propyl-substituted derivative, induce
ROS production by parasites early in the culture. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated that the
most selective compound was able to interfere with sterol biosynthesis in L. amazonensis.

Conclusion:

The naphthotriazolyl-4-oxoquinoline derivatives were obtained in good to moderate yields.
These conjugates have potent in vitro antileishmanial activity involving at least two different mechanisms
of action, making them promising lead compounds for the development of new therapeutic alternatives
for leishmaniasis.
Treatment of Toxoplasmosis and Neosporosis in Farm Ruminants: State of Knowledge and Future Trends
Authors: Sánchez-Sánchez Roberto , Vázquez Patricia , Ferre Ignacio , Ortega-Mora Luis Miguel
Published: October 2018

Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are closely related protozoan diseases that lead to important
economic impacts in farm ruminants. Toxoplasma gondii infection mainly causes reproductive failure in
small ruminants and is a widespread zoonosis, whereas Neospora caninum infection is one of the most
important causes of abortion in cattle worldwide. Vaccination has been considered the most economic
measure for controlling these diseases. However, despite vaccine development efforts, only a liveattenuated
T. gondii vaccine has been licensed for veterinary use, and no promising vaccines against
neosporosis have been developed; therefore, vaccine development remains a key goal. Additionally,
drug therapy could be a valuable strategy for disease control in farm ruminants, as several drugs that
limit T. gondii and N. caninum proliferation and dissemination have been evaluated. This approach may
also be relevant to performing an initial drug screening for potential human therapy for zoonotic parasites.
Treatments can be applied against infections in adult ruminants to minimize the outcomes of a
primo-infection or the reactivation of a chronic infection during gestation or in newborn ruminants to
avoid infection chronification. In this review, the current status of drug development against toxoplasmosis
and neosporosis in farm ruminants is presented, and in an effort to promote additional treatment
options, prospective drugs that have shown efficacy in vitro and in laboratory animal models of
toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are examined.
Extracellular Vesicles and Insulin Resistance: A Potential Interaction in Vascular Dysfunction
Authors: Sáez Tamara , Toledo Fernando , Sobrevia Luis
Published: October 2018

Insulin resistance plays a key role in cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders. In states of insulin resistance several circulating factors may contribute to a defective insulin sensitivity in different tissues, including the vasculature. One of these factors influencing the vascular insulin resistance are the extracellular vesicles. The extracellular vesicles include exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies which are released to the circulation by different vascular cells. Since the cargo of extracellular vesicles seems to be altered in metabolic complications associated with insulin resistance, these vesicles may be candidates contributing to vascular insulin resistance. Despite the studies linking insulin resistance signalling pathways with the vascular effect of extracellular vesicles, the involvement of these structures in vascular insulin resistance is a phenomenon that remains unclear.
Beyond PD-1/PD-L1 Axis Blockade: New Combination Strategies in Metastatic Melanoma Treatment
Authors: Giunta Emilio Francesco , Argenziano Giuseppe , Brancaccio Gabriella , Martinelli Erika , Ciardiello Fortunato , Troiani Teresa
Published: October 2018

:

Metastatic melanoma treatment has dramatically changed in the last few years, having a
breakthrough with the introduction of targeted agents and immunotherapy. PD-1/PD-L1 pathway
is one of the physiologic mechanisms of peripheral immune tolerance, but it also represents a
mechanism of tumor immune escape. PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors represent new immune-checkpoint
drugs currently used in metastatic melanoma treatment.

:

Resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 axis blockade, which is the main cause of therapeutic failure during
therapeutic use of these drugs, could be linked to several mechanism of immune escape. In fact,
other inhibitory receptor such as CTLA-4, LAG-3, TIM-3 and TIGIT might be co-expressed on T
cells, deleting the effect of anti-PD-1/PD-L1; overexpression of the enzyme IDO could cause immunosuppression
through the depletion of tryptophan in the tumor microenvironment; defective c
ostimulation (through reduced activity of 4-1BB and OX40 receptors) could result in T-cell
energy.

:

Combination of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 with drugs targeting inhibitory or costimulatory receptors, intracellular
pathways, enzymes or neoangiogenesis could be a possible strategy to overcome resistance
to single PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Clinical trials evaluating combination therapies have already
showed interesting results, although most of them are still on going.
The Predictive Role of Abdominal Fat Parameters and Stone Density on SWL Outcomes
Authors: Kaya Coskun , Kaynak Yurdaer , Karabag Aral , Aykaç Aykut
Published: October 2018

Background:

Our aim was to detect the role of radiological abdominal fat parameters by
tomography and stone density by plain X-ray on extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)
stone-free rate.

Methods:

The patients who had undergone SWL for a single opaque renal stone < 2 cm in diameter
and proximal ureteric stone < 1 cm in diameter were collected retrospectively. The characteristics
of patients and stones were recorded. The stone attitude, HU, abdominal fat parameters, paraperirenal
fat area, perirenal infiltration and severity of hydronephrosis with pre-treatment Non-
Contrast Computed Tomography (NCCT) and stone density with radiography were evaluated by a
radiologist. Four weeks after the last SWL; all patients were evaluated by plain X-ray and categorized
as Stone Free (SF) and Residual Fragment (RF) group.

Results:

51 patients with renal stones and 88 patients with proximal ureteral stones were included
in the study. 24 (47%) and 63 (71%) patients were classified as SFfor renal and ureteral stones respectively.
Only stone size was an independent predictor for stone-free rates after SWL for renal
and proximal ureteral stones on multivariate analysis. The Receiver Operating Characteristic
(ROC) curves for renal calculi revealed that creatinine level, stone size, stone attitude, Houns-Field
Unit (HU) and Skin-to-Stone Distance (SSD) were the predictive factors for the SWL outcome (p<
0.05). The ROC curve for ureteral calculi demonstrated that HU, stone size and attitude were the
predictive factors (p< 0.05).

Conclusion:

All abdominal fat parameters and the stone density were not related to SWL failure. A
large follow-up with more patients is essential to confirm the role of radiological parameters on the
outcome of SWL.
State-of-the-art MR Imaging of Uncommon Hepatocellular Tumours: Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Combined Hepatocellularcholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Anysz-Grodzicka Agnieszka , Podgorska Joanna , Cieszanowski Andrzej
Published: October 2018

Background:

Fibrolamellar Carcinoma (FLC) and Combined Hepatocellular-
Cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) are rare primary liver tumours, which are related to different clinical
settings. In both tumours, correlation with clinical data and laboratory tests are extremely
important.

Discussion: Typically, FLC is diagnosed in young patients without any chronic disease and with
normal biochemical tests, whereas CHC arises in cirrhotic patients with elevated tumour markers:
AFP and/or CA 19-9.

The review describes epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenesis, radiological features and treatment of
these tumours.

Imaging features typical for FLC are: The presence of central scar, calcifications, the large size,
heterogeneous and early contrast-enhancement.

Conclusion:

The diagnosis of CHC may be suggested in case of elevation of both AFP and CA 19-
9 or inconsistency between elevated tumour markers and imaging findings (i.e., elevated CA 19-9
and radiological features of HCC, or elevated AFP with imaging findings characteristic of ICC).
Synthesis and Characterization of SnO2-TiO2 Nanocomposites Photocatalysts
Authors: Messaadi Charfeddine , Ghrib Taher , Jalali Jalila , Ghrib Mondher , Alyami Alanood Abdullah , Gaidi Mounir , Silvan Miguel Manso , Ezzaouia Hatem
Published: October 2018

Background: The photocatalytic activity of SnO2-TiO2 nanocomposites was successfully
assessed after synthesis by Sol-Gel method, deposition on porous silicon material and annealing at
400, 600 and 800oC temperatures, with surface grain size in the range between 5 and 12 nm. The
photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution scanning electron microscopy
(SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) and mass
spectroscopy (MS). The photocatalytic assessment suggests that this SnO2-TiO2 photocatalyst presents
important photocatalytic efficiency to methyl blue (MB) at low annealing temperature.

Methods: In this work, sol-gel method is used to prepare SnO2-TiO2 nanocomposites; which were
deposited on porous silicon, annealed at different temperatures and investigated to understand their
structural, morphological, optical and physical properties. Their photocatalytic activity was evaluated
by using the degradation of MB under irradiation with UV light.

Results: The intensity of the characteristic absorption band of methyl blue at 655 nm decreased significantly
with the increasing irradiation time. Meanwhile, a change in color of the solution occurred;
turning from blue to colorless after 20 min of irradiation, and thus indicating the gradual decomposition
of methyl blue molecules during UV light irradiation in the presence of the prepared SnO2-TiO2.
As expected, no degradation of the SnO2-TiO2 nanocomposites occurred under control experimental
conditions. The MB degradation efficiency was reported by C/C0 quantity; where C and C0 correspond
respectively to its concentration at time t and initial concentration. In the presence of photocatalysts,
it can be clearly deduced that after irradiation for 20 min, the C/C0 of the MB value was
about 0% with the prepared and untreated nanocomposites of SnO2-TiO2 and remains constant when
using a SnO2-TiO2 nanocomposite treated at 800°C.

Conclusion: This research has successfully synthesized the SnO2-TiO2 nanocomposite photocatalysts
by Sol-Gel process and deposited by spin–coating technique on porous silicon substrates. Besides, all
structural, optical and catalytic properties were studied and CO related. The obtained material was
annealed at three different temperatures 400°C, 600°C and 800°C. It is denoted that its grain size
increases from about 5 nm to 12 nm with the annealing temperature. The photocatalytic effect has
been tested on the MB solution, which demonstrates that the nanometric grain size enhances the adsorption
properties and achieves a good photocatalytic performance at a low temperature.
Spectroscopic and In Silico DNA Binding Studies on the Interaction of Some New N-Substituted Rhodanines with Calf-thymus DNA: In Vitro Anticancer Activities
Authors: Ali Imran , Lone Mohammad N. , Alothman Zeid A. , Badjah Ahmad Y. , Alanazi Abdullah G.
Published: October 2018

Background:

In this era of science, cancer is a black dot on the face of humankind. Consequently, the search of promising anticancer agents continues.

Aims:

Here we designed and synthesized new N-substituted rhodanines (RD1-7), evaluated their multispectroscopic interaction with calf thymus DNA, in silico and anticancer studies against MDA-MB-231cancer cell line.

Methods:

By MTT assay rhodanine RD1 was found to be the most potent with IC50 value of 72.61 μM. In addition, DNA binding studies (UV-vis and fluorescence) revealed strong binding affinity of RD1-7 with DNA (Kb in the range of 1.5-7.4 × 105 M-1). Moreover, molecular docking study, experimental DNA binding and anticancer studies are all well agreed to each other.

Results:

It was observed that H-bonding and hydrophobic attractions were responsible for stability of DNAcompound adducts. Besides, the reported rhodanines (RD1-7) were found as minor groove binders of DNA. Concisely, RD1-7 indicated promising pharmacological properties and hence, shows auspicious future for the development of novel anticancer agents.

Conclusion:

The reported rhodanines showed excellent anticancer properties. Therefore, the described rhodanines may be used as potential anticancer agents in the future.
Novel Compound from Flowers of Moringa oleifera Active Against Multi- Drug Resistant Gram-negative Bacilli
Authors: Mandal Santi M. , Chakraborty Subhanil , Sahoo Santanu , Pyne Smritikona , Ghosh Samaresh , Chakraborty Ranadhir
Published: October 2018

Background:

The need for suitable antibacterial agents effective against Multi-drug
resistant Gram-negative bacteria is acknowledged globally. The present study was designed to
evaluate the possible antibacterial potential of an extracted compound from edible flowers of
Moringa oleifera.

Methods:

Five different solvents were used for preparing dried flower extracts. The most effective
extract was subjected to fractionation and further isolation of the active compound with the
highest antibacterial effect was obtained using TLC, Column Chromatography and reverse phase-
HPLC. Approaches were made for characterization of the isolated compound using FTIR, NMR
and Mass spectrometry. Antibacterial activity was evaluated according to the CLSI guidelines.

Results:

One fraction of aqueous acetic acid extract of M. oleifera flower was found highly
effective and more potent than conventional antibiotics of different classes against Multi-drug resistant
Gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB) when compared. The phytochemical analysis of the
isolated compound revealed the presence of hydrogen-bonded amine and hydroxyl groups
attributable to unsaturated amides.

Conclusion:

The present study provided data indicating a potential for use of the flowers extract
of M. oleifera in the fight against infections caused by lethal MDR-GNB.

Recommendations:

Aqueous acetic acid flower extract of M. oleifera is effective, in-vitro, against
Gram-negative bacilli. This finding may open a scope in pharmaceutics for the development of
new classes of antibiotics.
Finite Element Simulation, Analysis and Research on the Influence of 3D Printing Parameters on Forming Precision
Authors: Baoqing Zhang , Farid Mohammad Imran , Shuo Yu , Cong Cao , Zhang Shaoze
Published: October 2018

Background:

3D printing technology is an emerging technology based on additive ideas.
Desktop-level 3D printers molded by Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) are widely used. However,
their printing accuracy is relatively low accompanied by severe warpage, which limits its application
scope and fields. Therefore, analysis of the cause of warpage in the printing process and optimization,
has important practical significance for promoting the application of FDM printers.

Methods:

The goal of this work is to improve the forming precision of 3D prints, through the finite
element analysis software ANSYS, utilizing the life and death component innovation and coupling
the temperature field and stress field of printing speed, one of the key factors affecting the forming
precision. After the calculation and analysis, the following conclusions can be drawn: In testing with
other conditions unchanged, when the printing speed is gradually increased, the accuracy of the print
is improved first and then decreased. This method provides a new way to analyze the influence of
other factors on the forming accuracy and also provides a new way to get the best print parameters
under the combined action of many factors. We reviewed several patents related to 3D printing, its
optimization, formulations, precision and accuracy in respective field.

Results:

So, to achieve the best results, layer thickness has great influence on the molding precision.
Finally, the results were obtained by finite element analysis, finding the best printing accuracy of the
print parameters and verifying them by conducting actual printing.

Conclusion:

The research shows that the thickness of the layer has the greatest influence on the
printing accuracy in the process parameters studied.