bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influences of density on growth and reproduction in mooseAlces alces
Authors: Ferguson Steven H. , Bisset Alan R. , Messier François
Published: May 2018

We test whether high moose density results in smaller moose, slower growth rates, lower reproductive rates, and more variable year‐to‐year population size by comparing demographic characteristics of 15 Canadian mooseAlces alcespopulations that spanned a range of population density (0.08–4.5 moose/ km2). Density negatively affected growth rate, reproductive rates and recruitment. We argue that primary productivity, measured as percent forest cover, and natural predation link density to reproduction in moose. Populations that lived in greater forest cover and experienced greater natural predation were associated with more predictable year‐to‐year variation in population size. In contrast, moose populations living in areas of low forest cover and low natural predation experienced greater density independent food limitation and greater unpredictability in population size. Thus, moose populations living in areas of low primary productivity and low natural predation show less persistence and require greater conservation efforts.
FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF BLANK DESIGN OPTIMAL TO PRODUCE A TRIANGLE CUP BY DEEP DRAWING PROCESS
Authors: Aljabiri Shakir
Published: May 2018

The production process of a triangle cup is very difficult method, due to the occurrence violent deformations at a narrow places of the forming region, as a result of non-uniform distribution of hoop compressive stresses and radial tensile stresses, so expected a lot of problems which accompany the forming. The most important is the surplus metal that composed at cup corners, because of the non-homogeneous flow of metals during entry into the die, so appear ears at the upper edge of the cup. To reduce that defect as little as possible, simulation model has been built by program (ANSYS 15) of deep drawing, and modify the blank from circular shape to triangular shape with a gradient corner radii (20, 28, and 35)mm. It was placed at opposite place to the draw tool form.The effect of the blank form on the required drawn force, distribution of thickness and strains that associated with the forming process were also studied. To make comparison between the experimental results and the results of simulation, it was manufacturing drawing tool with the same specifications of the simulation model. The practical and simulation results showed that the low radii corners of triangular blank lead to failure of deep drawing, especially at radii corners (20 and 28)mm. While the best shape of the cup by used blank with corner radius 35mm, that required less force of drawing, and better distribution of the metal thickness and the strains.
Development and Validation of Dual Wavelength UV Spectrophotometric Method for simultaneous estimation of Cilnidipine and Olmesartan Medoxomil in Tablet dosage form
Authors: Soni Isha J. , Panchal Hiral J.
Published: May 2018

A simple and economical dual wavelength spectrophotometric method has been developed for the simultaneous estimation of Cilnidipine and Olmesartan Medoxomil in their tablet dosage form. The principle for dual wavelength method is “the absorbance difference between two points on the overlain spectra is directly proportional to the concentration of the component of interest”. From the UV absorption spectrum of Cilnidipine, three wavelengths were selected, which were 282.99, 337.85 and 352.92 nm. At 352.92 nm only Cilnidipine has reasonable absorbance, so it was selected for the estimation of it from combination drug product. At these two wavelengths absorbance for Cilnidipine was found to be same i.e. absorbance difference was zero for any concentration, while for Olmesartan Medoxomil concomitantly increase in absorbance difference with increase in its concentration. So, 282.99 and 337.85 nm wavelengths were selected for the estimation of Olmesartan Medoxomil from its combination drug product. The method involved solving of an equation based on measurement of absorbances at two wavelengths 282.99 and 337.85 nm. Regression analysis of Beer’s plots showed good correlation in concentration range of 10-60 μg/ml for Cilnidipine and 20-120 μg/ml for Olmesartan Medoxomil. The suitability of this method was for quantitative determination of Cilnidipine and Olmesartan Medoxomil was proved by validation and recovery study. The proposed method was found to be simple, rapid, economical, accurate and reproducible for the routine analysis of both drugs in tablet dosage forms.
Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: a great diagnostic challenge
Authors: Singla Deepak Kumar , Rana Parveen , Thami Gaurav , Agrawal Nivesh , Garg M. K.
Published: May 2018

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is a rare chronic inflammatory lesion of breast which presents as a spectrum of diseases and is diagnosed only histological. It is often a diagnosis of exclusion in most of the cases. Medical and surgical treatments have been tried with varied success rates and till today no standard protocol could be made in its management though excision remains the treatment of choice in refractory cases which is associated with morbidity more due to psychological factors. In the present case, medical treatment was tried in the initial phase followed by wide excision.
Immunoformatics and Molecular Simulation Study Unfold the Immunological Repertoire of Sabia Virus Glycoprotein G1
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Mijanur , Nasiri Mukaddim Ahmed , Fatima Nusrat
Published: May 2018

Sabia virus Glycoprotein G1 (GP1) is a peripheral membrane protein involved in viral adsorption and consequential pathogenic infection. Glycoprotein G1 (GP1) was subjected to immunoformatic and molecular simulation study to predict effective B-cell and T-cell epitopes with knowledge-based exploration of probable immunological responses the epitopes may elicit. The linear and conformational epitopes of GP1 for B-cell were predicted by immunoformatic tools housed in IEDB recourse. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell epitopes were predicted exploiting IEDB recourse tools whereas CD8+ T cell epitopes were severed further by immune response evoking ability of epitope-MHC complex. Contribution of GP1 to innate antiviral response was evolved by interferon (IFN)-gamma inducing and imitation capacity by immunoformatic and docking study respectively. The results of the B-cell epitope analysis suggest the occurrence of potential linear and conformational epitope with cross-reactivity. A range of T-cell epitopes were assumed to be involved in MHC class I and MHC class II molecule dependent antigen presentation. Glycoprotein G1 (GP1) may induce the IFNgamma but its IFN-gamma mimicking ability (confirmed by docking study) that adduces a prompt immune defense. Therefore, inherent immunological repertoire of GP1 epitopes can be taken in to advantage in future immunization regiment development against Sabia virus.
Phytochemistry, pharmacology and traditional uses of Leptadenia pyrotechnica- An important medicinal plant
Authors: Verma Nishant , Jha K. K. , Chaudhary Sudhir , Singh Omvir , Kumar Arvind
Published: May 2018

Traditional Systems of medicines always played important role in the global health. In the traditional health medicinal plants providing a new areas of drug research. The demand for plant based medicines, food supplement, health products, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics are increasing in both developing and developed countries due to the growing recognition that the natural products are non toxic, have less side effects and easily available. Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forsk.) commonly known as Kheep belonging to family Asclepiadaceae. Leptadenia pyrotechnica leafless much branched shrub. All parts of Leptadenia pyrotechnica are used in traditional medicines. The present article gives an account of updated information on its phytochemistry pharmacological properties. Ethnomedical uses say to possess significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anthelmentic, antilipoxygenase, cytotoxic, antitumour, hypolipidemic and anti atherosclerotic activity. The present review contains wide number of isolated chemical constituents and various ethnomedical and traditional uses of Leptadenia pyrotechnica. It include information about historical background, conceptual basis, different disciplines studied in the systems, research and development aspects, drug manufacturing aspects and impact of globalization.
In Silico Modeling and Immunoinformatics Probing Disclose the Epitope Based PeptideVaccine Against Zika Virus Envelope Glycoprotein
Authors: Florian Daga Dadjo , Shawan Mohammad Mahfuz Ali Khan , Al Mahmud Hafij , Hasan Md. Mahmudul , Parvin Afroza , Rahman Md. Nazibur , Badier Rahman S. M.
Published: May 2018

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an aedes mosquito borne pathogen belonging to the member of flaviviridae subgroup is the causative agent of an emerging disease called Zika fever, known as a benign infection usually presenting as influenza like illness with cutaneous rash. Due to recent epidemic outbreaks it is realized as a major health risk which need enhanced surveillance, but no attempt has been made to design an epitope based peptide vaccine against Zika virus. Viral envelope proteins are derived from host cell membrane proteins with some viral glycoproteins and are used to cover their protective protein capsid, help the viruses to enter host cells and help them to avoid the host immune response. In this study, amino acid sequence of ZIKV envelope glycoprotein was obtained from a protein database and examined with in silico approaches to determine the most immunogenic epitopes for B cell and T cell which could induce humoral as well as cell mediated immune response. Both the linear and conformational epitopes for B cell were predicted by immunoinformatics tools housed in IEDB resources. The peptide sequence DAHAKRQTVVVLGSQEGAV from position 121 and peptide sequence from 117-137 amino acids were predicted as most potential B cell linear and conformational epitopes respectively. Epitopes for CD4+ and CD8+ T cell were also predicted by using tools within IEDB resource and peptide sequence MMLELDPPF from position 250-258 amino acids was predicted as most immunogenic CD8+ T cell epitope with immune response evoking ability prediction score (I pMHC) of 0.09139 and conservancy of 52.17%. The innate immune response for ZIKV envelope glycoprotein was determined by interferon (IFN)-gamma effectuation and mimicking capacity by immunoinformatics and molecular docking study respectively. However, this is an introductory approach to design an epitope based peptide vaccine against Zika virus; we hope this model will be very much helpful in designing and predicting novel vaccine candidate.
Development of quality control parameters for the standardization of Leaves and bark of Sida acuta Burm.f
Authors: Semwal Alok , Kumar M. Senthil
Published: May 2018

Sidha acuta Burm. f belonging to family Malvaceae is a terrestrial, erect shrub which is up to 155 cm tall. The plant is native to Mexico, Central America and Himalayan region of India but has spread throughout the tropics and subtropics. Sida acuta Burm. f is widely distributed in pantropical areas and is widely used as traditional medicine in many cases. Among illnesses the plant is may be used alone or in combinations with other plants to cure fever, skin diseases, snake bites, Hemorrhoids, impotency and for boils and eye cataracts. Although the plant has been screened and suggested for various therapeutic activities its photocomposition remained unrevealed because of very restricted amount of research work carried out. Thus it was thought worthwhile to explore this endangered plant on the basis of various standardization parameters. The present research work deals with the collection, identification, extraction, pharmacognosical and phytochemical investigation of Leaves of Sidha acuta Burm. f.
Evaluaton of hypoglycaemic and wound healing activities of Tiliacora acuminata
Authors: Manda Ram Mohan , Valusa Vishwanath , Karka2 Srinivas Reddy , Parshaboina Vamshi Krishna , Seru Ganapaty
Published: May 2018

Natural products particularly plant origin have played a vital role in prevention and mitigation of human diseases. The present study was carried to evaluate the antihyperglycaemic and wound healing activity of the leaf Extracts of Tiliacora acuminate (Lam) on rats, the aqueous leaf extract was found to produce significant reduction of blood glucose concentration between 2-4 h of administration in alloxan induced hyperglycaemic rats at tested dose levels. However, in normoglycaemic animals, the extract at 400mg/kg produced significant reduction of blood glucose between 2-4 h of administration. In the wound healing studies, the leaf juice was found to be more active than the extract.
A review: Gastroretentive drug delivery system (grdds)
Authors: Jassal Meenakshi , Nautiyal Ujjwal , Kundlas Jyotsana , Singh Devendra
Published: May 2018

One novel approach in this area is GRDDSs (Gastro Retentive Drug Delivery System).
GRDDSs can improve the controlled delivery of drugs that have an absorption window by
continuously releasing the drug for a prolonged period of time before it reaches its absorption
site.The purpose of writing this review was to investigate, compile and present the recent as
well as past literatures in more concise way with special focus on approaches which are
currently utilized in the prolongation of gastric residence time. These includes floating
system, swelling and expanding system, bio/mucoadhesive system, high density system and
other delayed gastric emptying devices. The present review addresses briefly about the
classification, formulation consideration for GRDDS, factors controlling gastric retention,
merits, demerits and applications of gastroretentive drug delivery systems.
Ingredients identification and quality control evaluation of phalakalyan ghrita: an ayurvedic formulation
Authors: Shivshankar Rajput , Shweta Mata , Dei L. P. , Harisha C. R. , Shukla V. J.
Published: May 2018

Infertility is defined as failure to conceive within one year or more than one year of regular and
unprotected coitus. It is the most sensitive and cumbersome problem which haunts every
couple. Total 10-15% of world population affected due to this problem. Among them Female
is directly responsible about 40%. The sub factors of female infertility are Ovarian,
Endometrial, Tubal and Uterine etc. In Ayurved so many formulation are given for Infertility.
Phalakalyana Ghrita (PKG) is a commonly used and prescribed Ayurvedic poly herbal
formulation in all types of Infertility. However, till date no published data is available on its analytical profile. The main aims and objectives of this study are to develop the
pharmacognostical and phytochemical profile of PKG. The pharmacognostical study reveals
the presence of Lignified fibres, Prismatic crystals, Borderpitted vessels, Rhomboidal crystal, Scleroids, Stone cells etc. Pharmaceutical analysis showed that the loss on drying value was 0.47% w/w, Specific gravity was 0.9133, Refractive index was 1.46, Iodine value was 48.56,
Saponification value was 227.05, and Acid value was 1.29. HPTLC fingerprinting profile of
PKG revealed 10 spots at 254 nm and 5 spots at 366nm.
In-silico designing of NKK: A better ligand than Aciclovir against Herpes Simplex Virus
Authors: . Neelabh , Jeswara K. K. , Kumari A. , Singh K.
Published: May 2018

Aciclovir is the best dr thymidine kinase made by the HSV. In the current study we have successfully designed a drug candidate “NKK”, which is far more efficient than aciclovir in terms of binding energy and physiochemical properties again used softwares viz. Autodock 4.0, FireDock and Hex dock in order to demonstrate that “NKK” is a better ligand than aciclovir with respect to aforesaid properties.
Anti-cancer efficacy and mechanisms of usnic acid
Authors: Kumar Kunal , Mishra Jai PN , Singh Rana P
Published: May 2018

Cancer is the second deadly disease after cardiovascular diseases. The presently available therapeutic strategies of cancer are insufficient for the cure and betterment of cancer patients. Herein, we have reviewed the therapeutic potential of a lichenic secondary metabolite, the usnic acid, with special emphasis on its anti-cancer efficacy and associated mechanisms. Usnic acid has various biological activities that have been explored and it is utilized by humans from ancient times throughout the globe. A summary of the anti-cancer properties of usnic acid in different cancer types and models is presented. Usnic acid has shown to inhibit the cancer cell proliferation by suppressing the clonogenic potential, decreasing the expression of PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen), and activating the tumor suppressor genes. Primarily, usnic acid induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cells that lead to DNA damage, further causing the activation of DNA damage response that finally initiates the apoptotic pathways. The ROS induction was found to activate the JNK pathway. It also depolarizes the mitochondrial membrane, induces the release of cytochrome-c, and activates the caspase cascade and cleavage of PARP that ultimately results in programmed cell death of cancer cells. Overall, this lichen metabolite has a strong efficacy against cancer cells, which warrants further investigation for its potential clinical uses.
Spices and condiments: safer option for treatment of hyperlipidemia
Authors: Pandit R , Khatri I , Sawarkar S
Published: May 2018

Hyperlipidemia is a lipoprotein metabolic disorder characterized by high serum Low density Lipoprotein and blood cholesterol. It is a major risk factors in the development and progression of atherosclerosis that eventually lead to cardiovascular diseases. This poses a major problem to majority of society because of the close correlation between cardiovascular diseases and lipid abnormalities. There are various features which are associated directly or indirectly as etiological factors viz. heredity, age, obesity, sex, diet, physical inactivity, hypertension, lifestyle disorders and various stress factors. For alleviation and treatment there are many ways such as allopathic medications, alternative systems like Ayurvedic, Diet control, lifestyle discipline etc. Recently Spice therapies are seen useful and effective. In India, Ayurveda and other Indian literature mentions the use of various plants and spices. Spices in diet are useful as they play effective role in the functioning of various body systems such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and nervous system. Along with proper food habits, diet which contains variety of spices which have been proved as hypolipidemic, can be effective in controlling hyperlipidemia. Spices used in day-to-day life as food, can also be used in the treatment of various human ailments. Along with the taste, flavor, colour and preservative property, spices also possess hypolipidemic effects. This review is focused mainly on the beneficial hypolipidemic effect of five spices (Dill, Garlic, Fenugreek, Ginger, Coriander) in the management of hyperlipidemia. This article is based on the traditional knowledge, mechanism of action for hypolipidemic activity and some experimental scientific studies done to support the use of these spices in the management of hyperlipidemia.
Simultaneous Spectrophotometric Estimation of Telmisartan and Amlodipine Besylate in Tablet Dosage Form
Authors: Gupta N. K. , Peepliwal A. , Rathore D. S. , Gupta P.
Published: May 2018

A simple, accurate and reproducible spectrophotometric methods have been developed for the simultaneous estimation of Telmisartan (TEL) and Amlodipine Besylate (AML) in combined tablet dosage forms. The method involves determination using the simultaneous equation method, the sampling wavelengths selected are ‘TLM’ = 297nm.and ‘AML’ =238nm., over the concentration ranges of 8-48μg/ml for ‘TEL’ and 1-6 μg/ml for ‘AML’ respectively. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness and application for assay as per ICH guidelines. The proposed method is simple, economical, accurate and precise, and could be successfully employed in routine quality control for the simultaneous analysis of Telmisartan (TEL) and Amlodipine Besylate (AML).
The efficacy of polyherbal formulation of Moringa oleifera, Viola odorata, Allium sativum against microbes- synergistic effect
Authors: SD Jagadeesh Singh , Singh Meenakshi P , R Rajesh
Published: May 2018

The purpose of our present study is to test antimicrobial and antifungal activity of polyherbal formulations. The testing of the antimicrobial activity on polyhernal formulation was done against gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and gram negative (Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli,) bacteria. The testing of antifungal activity was done against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans with different combinations of polyherbal formulation. The microorganism to be tested was grown in relevant nutritional media. The solvent used for the extraction of Moringa oleifera, Viola odorata, Allium sativum was methanol. These methanolic extracts of chosen plants were further used in specific proportions for the preparation of polyherbal formulation (PF-1, PF-2, and PF-3). The resultant compositions were further used to check the efficacy against selected experimental microorganisms. PF-3 showed the significant high zone of inhibition against all the experimental microorganisms as compared to the other two combinations PF-1 and PF-2. Thus, the result has revealed that the antimicrobial activity is due to the synergistic effect of secondary metabolites present in these selected plants.
Studies on antidiabetic activity of Acacia ferruginea DC. stem bark
Authors: Deb Jhuma , Singh Anoop , Rathore Devendra Singh , Dash Gouri Kumar , Deb Nilip Kanti
Published: May 2018

The methanol extract of Acacia ferruginea (Family- Mimosaceae) was studied for possible antidiabetic activity on normoglycaemic, OGTT and alloxan induced diabetic rats at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o. The acute toxicity studies were carried out on Swiss albino mice to determine the LD50 values. The experiments were performed as per OECD guidelines. The results of the normoglycaemic, OGTT and hyperglycaemic studies revealed that the extract exhibited reduction in blood glucose concentration in a dose dependant manner as compared to the standard drug metformin (250 mg/kg, p.o.). The acute toxicity studies revealed no signs of mortality in animals treated with a single dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight. Preliminary phytochemical studies of the methanol extract revealed presence of alkaloids, steroids, triterpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, gums and mucilages, proteins and amino acids. The present study justifies the use of the plant for treating diabetes as suggested in folklore remedies.
TOPSIS YÖNTEMİ İLE ORGANİZE SANAYİ BÖLGELERİNİN YATIRIM ORTAMININ DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ: İBBS DÜZEY 3 ÜZERİNE BİR UYGULAMA
Authors: YALÇINKAYA Yalçin , DULUPÇU Murat Ali , BAYKUL Ayşegül
Published: May 2018

Organize
Sanayi Bölgeleri (OSB) sundukları idari, teknik ve altyapı hizmetleri ile
sanayi işletmelerine bir arada faaliyet gösterebilecekleri bir zemin
hazırlamaktadır. Bölgelerde, yatırımların işbirliği içerisinde yapılacağı;
altyapı, ulaşım, enerji gibi hizmetlerin tek elden yönetildiği, üretim
maliyetlerini azaltacak ve kaliteyi artıracak bir ortam bulunmaktadır.
Bölgelerin sundukları hizmetlerin çeşitliliği ve sahip oldukları özelliklerin
farklı olması, yatırımcıları Organize Sanayi Bölgesi tercihi konusunda
zorlamaktadır. Bu çalışmada; ulaşım, altyapı ve teşvik kriterleri kullanılarak
Organize Sanayi Bölgeleri yatırım ortamı açısından değerlendirilmiştir. Yapılan
bu değerlendirmenin yatırımcılara tercih konusunda yol gösterici olacağı
düşünülmektedir. Değerlendirmede, Entropi yöntemi ile çoklu kriterler
ağırlıklandırılmış; TOPSIS yöntemi ile de alternatifler sıralanmıştır.
Factors Predicting Sustained Implementation of a Universal Behavior Support Framework
Authors: McIntosh Kent , Mercer Sterett H. , Nese Rhonda N. T. , Strickland-Cohen M. Kathleen , Kittelman Angus , Hoselton Robert , Horner Robert H.
Published: May 2018

In this 3-year prospective study, we tested the extent to which school-, practice-, and district-level variables predicted sustained implementation for schools in various stages of implementation of school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS) Tier 1 (universal) systems. Staff from 860 schools in 14 U.S. states completed a research-validated measure of factors associated with sustained implementation of school interventions during Year 1 of this study. Analyses included multigroup structural equation modeling of school and district implementation fidelity data. Results indicated that adequate implementation fidelity and better Team Use of Data for decision making in Study Year 1 were the strongest predictors of sustained implementation in Year 3. In addition, the number of other schools in the district adopting SWPBIS was a similarly strong predictor. A critical mass of schools implementing was also predictive, especially for schools earlier in implementation. School characteristics were not predictive, except for grade levels served, which was an inconsistent predictor by stage.
Comunicación corta: estudio cualitativo de la inclusión del conejo a huertos familiares de Yucatán, México
Authors: Cruz-Bacab Luis Eliezer , Sandoval-Castro Carlos , Aguilar-Cordero Wilian , Aguilar-Caballero Armando Jacinto , Pantoja-Núñez Gabriel Iván
Published: May 2018

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar cualitativamente la inclusión del conejo a huertos familiares, en dos comunidades de Yucatán, México. Las familias participantes recibieron cuatro conejos. Se obtuvo información cualitativa de la inclusión de los conejos, mediante técnicas participativas en cada comunidad. Los resultados fueron analizados mediante análisis de varianza y prueba no paramétrica de Mann – Whitney – Wilcoxon. La comunidad de Santa Elena presentó mayor inclusión del conejo al huerto familiar en comparación con Ucú (P<0.05). Estudios cualitativos permiten identificar especies de interés para la comunidad y su viabilidad para ser incluidas al huerto familiar. Santa Elena presentó un mayor grado de inclusión del conejo al huerto familiar.
Structural, elastic, electronic and magnetic properties of quaternary Heusler alloy Cu2MnSi1-xAlx (x = 0 - 1): First-principles study
Authors: Benichou Boucif , Nabi Zakia , Bouabdallah Badra , Bouchenafa Halima
Published: May 2018

We investigate the structural, elastic, electronic and magnetic properties of the Heusler compounds Cu2MnSi, Cu2MnAl and Cu2MnSi1-xAlx quaternary alloys, using the full-potential linear-augmented plane-wave method (FP-LAPW) in the framework of the density functional theory (DFT) using the generalized gradient approximation of Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (GGA-PBE). Our results provide predictions for the quaternary alloy Cu2MnSi1-xAlx            (x = 0.125, 0.25, 0.375, 0.5) in which no experimental or theoretical data are currently available. We calculate the ground state’s properties of Cu2MnSi1-xAlx alloys for both nonmagnetic and ferromagnetic configurations, which lead to ferromagnetic and metallic compounds. Also, the calculations of the elastic constants and the elastic moduli parameters show that these quaternary Heusler alloys are ductile and anisotropic.
Newton’s law of cooling with fractional conformable derivative
Authors: Ortega Abraham , Rosales J. Juan
Published: May 2018

The fractional conformable derivative and its properties have been introduced recently. Using this derivative we obtain a new class of smooth solutions for the Newton’s law of cooling in terms of a stretched exponential function depending on the fractional order parameter 0 < γ ≤ 1. In addition, the convection coefficient of fractional order k(γ) can be calculated easily. Also, it is shown, that in the particular case γ = 1 these solutions become the ordi- nary ones.
Breaking Barriers and Coded Language
Authors: Bunting Thomas D.
Published: May 2018

Drawing on recent literature on political spectatorship, I
show how sport, and baseball in particular, can both illuminate and shape
American politics. Following the history of racial segregation and immigrant
assimilation in baseball, one sees that it mirrors American race politics on
the whole. I argue that Jackie Robinson and the desegregation of baseball
changed both American politics and the horizons within which citizens think.
Although it is tempting to focus on this positive and emergent moment, I
argue that for the most part, looking at the history of race in baseball shows
instead coded language that reinforces racial stereotypes. This example of
baseball and race shows how powerful spectatorship can be in the democratic
world. Spectatorship need not be passive but can be an important
sphere of activity in democratic life.
2,234 Descriptions of Democracy
Authors: Gagnon Jean-Paul
Published: May 2018

In 2010 Milja Kurki explained that although scholars recognize
that democracy is described in a variety of ways, they do not typically engage
with its many and diverse descriptions. My aim in this agenda-setting research
note is to tackle this quandary by first providing a minimum empirical account
of democracy’s descriptions (i.e., a catalogue of 2,234 adjectives that have
been used to describe democracy) and secondly by suggesting what democracy
studies may gain by compiling this information. I argue that the catalogue
of descriptors be applied in four ways: (1) drilling down into the meaning of
each description, (2) making taxonomies, (3) rethinking the phenomenology
of democracy, and (4) visualizing democracy’s big data. Each of the four applications
and their significance is explained in turn. This research note ends by
looking back on the catalogue and its four applications.
Le Coup de Sirocco
Authors: Sibelman Simon
Published: May 2018

A high point for numerous Jewish visitors to Paris remains a casual stroll along the Rue des Rosiers in the Marais district. For the better part of a century, this winding medieval street has represented the symbolic core of the Parisian Jewish community and, indeed, of all of French Jewry. Promenading along the dank, dimly lite street, one proceeds past a parade of shops that not only serve the sundry needs of the Jewish community but also provide intriguing clues to certain historical and sociological dimensions of that community.
Editorial
Authors: Friedlander Albert H.
Published: May 2018

European Judaism is almost forced to turn to the German scene from time to time. The various shifts and changes in this heartland of Europe require continuous observation, even though each observer brings a different point of view to this periodical. There is too much to report, and we can only gain glimpses of what may be emerging. However, the very difference of these reports, which often disagree with each other, ultimately result in a richer panorama that will challenge our readers. Of course, the writings may reflect more of each author's 'personal agenda': that, too, may be enlightening.
Two of the Same Kind?
Authors: Dilling Matthias
Published: May 2018

In 2017, the AfD became the first party explicitly positioned to the
right of the CDU/CSU to enter the Bundestag since 1957. As the AfD was
founded by former CDU members and rose against the backdrop of Merkel’s
European and refugee policies, the AfD may appear primarily to threaten the
CDU/CSU. I argue that this view is overly simplistic. Analyzing the AfD’s platform,
survey data, and factionalism, I find: (1) while the AfD started as a conservative
challenger to the Christian Democrats, it moved away from this
platform toward becoming a populist radical right party; (2) this transformation
is reflected in its vote base, which includes characteristics associated with
social conservatism but also encompasses nativist, populist, and even leftwing
elements; (3) the AfD has so far been unable to integrate these different
positions and stop forces pushing it away from being an option for discontented
Christian Democrats.
Pointing Fingers at the Media?
Authors: Beyer Alexander , Weldon Steven
Published: May 2018

The 2017 Bundestag election and the breakthrough of the far-right
Alternative for Germany (AfD) will likely long be remembered as a pivotal
moment in German politics. One of the key questions in the aftermath of this
breakthrough is what role the mainstream media played in this party’s success.
Drawing on online data from the four largest German news outlets,
Google-trend searches, and Twitter, we examine the media coverage landscape
over the course of the election campaign, focusing on the coverage of
the AfD relative to other parties and its key issues of immigration and
Euroskepticism. Our results indicate that the AfD did indeed face a favorable
media environment, especially in the final month of the campaign. Further
analysis, however, suggests that the media was in many ways simply responding
to public interest and demand—immigration, especially, was a highly
salient issue throughout the campaign, something that was a significant departure
from recent elections.
In vivo Detection of Amyloid Plaques in the Mouse Brain using the Near-Infrared Fluorescence Probe THK-265
Authors: Okamura Nobuyuki , Mori Masanori , Furumoto Shozo , Yoshikawa Takeo , Harada Ryuichi , Ito Satoshi , Fujikawa Yosuke , Arai Hiroyuki , Yanai Kazuhiko , Kudo Yukitsuka
Published: May 2018

Noninvasive detection of amyloid-β (Aβ) deposits in the brain would be beneficial for an early and presymptomatic diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We developed THK-265 as a candidate near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) probe for the in vivo detection of amyloid deposits in the brain. The maximal emission wavelength of THK-265 was greater than 650nm and it showed high quantum yield and molar absorption coefficients. A fluorescence binding assay showed its high binding affinity to Aβ fibrils (Kd = 97 nM). THK-265 clearly stained amyloid plaques in AD neocortical brain sections and showed a moderate log p value (1.8). After intravenous administration of THK-265 in amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) transgenic mice, amyloid deposits in the brain were clearly labeled with THK-265. Furthermore, in vivo NIRF imaging demonstrated significantly higher fluorescence intensity in the brains of AβPP transgenic mice than in those of wild-type mice. As THK-265 showed profound hyperchromic effect upon binding to Aβ fibrils, good discrimination between AβPP transgenic and wild-type mice was demonstrated even early after THK-265 administration. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity of THK-265 correlated with amyloid plaque burden in the brains of AβPP transgenic mice. These findings strongly support the usefulness of THK-265 as an NIRF imaging probe for the noninvasive measurement of brain amyloid load.
Impact of Executive Dysfunction on Verbal Memory Performance in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Gleichgerrcht Ezequiel , Torralva Teresa , Martinez Daniel , Roca María , Manes Facundo
Published: May 2018

It is currently accepted that there is a subset of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) who show executive functioning (EF) impairments even in the earlier stages. These patients have been shown to present distinct psychiatric, behavioral, occupational, and even histopathological profiles. We assessed thirty patients with AD on two tasks of verbal memory (Logical Memory – LM, and the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Task – RAVLT), as well as classical tests of EF. AD patients were classified into either a spared EF (SEF) group if they showed impaired performance (z < −1.5 SD) in none or only one of the executive tests, or into an impaired EF (IEF) group if they showed impaired performance on two or more tasks of EF. Their performance was compared with fourteen healthy controls. SEF showed significantly more years of education than IEF, but the groups did not differ significantly on age, gender, mood symptoms, or performance on general screening tests or attentional tasks. With education as a covariate, both AD groups differed from controls on all measures of memory, but a significant difference was found between SEF and IEF patients only on the recognition phases of both logical memory (p < 0.01) and RAVLT (p = 0.02). Recognition scores significantly correlated with performance on executive tasks. Early AD patients who preserve their EF seem to have an advantage in their ability to recognize information that has been previously presented over patients with impaired EF. Such advantage seems to be strongly associated with executive performance.
Shape Abnormalities of the Striatum in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: de Jong Laura W. , Ferrarini Luca , van der Grond Jeroen , Milles Julien R. , Reiber Johan H.C. , Westendorp Rudi G.J. , Bollen Edward L.E.M. , Middelkoop Huub A.M. , van Buchem Mark A.
Published: May 2018

Postmortem studies show pathological changes in the striatum in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we examine the surface of the striatum in AD and assess whether changes of the surface are associated with impaired cognitive functioning. The shape of the striatum (n. accumbens, caudate nucleus, and putamen) was compared between 35 AD patients and 35 individuals without cognitive impairment. The striatum was automatically segmented from 3D T1 magnetic resonance images and automatic shape modeling tools (Growing Adaptive Meshes) were applied for morphometrical analysis. Repeated permutation tests were used to identify locations of consistent shape deformities of the striatal surface in AD. Linear regression models, corrected for age, gender, educational level, head size, and total brain parenchymal volume were used to assess the relation between cognitive performance and local surface deformities. In AD patients, differences of shape were observed on the medial head of the caudate nucleus and on the ventral lateral putamen, but not on the accumbens. The head of the caudate nucleus and ventral lateral putamen are characterized by extensive connections with the orbitofrontal and medial temporal cortices. Severity of cognitive impairment was associated with the degree of deformity of the surfaces of the accumbens, rostral medial caudate nucleus, and ventral lateral putamen. These findings provide evidence for the hypothesis that in AD primarily associative and limbic cerebral networks are affected.
Ultrafiltrate of Blood Plasma Modulates Amyloid-β Aggregation
Authors: Nowicka Aleksandra , Szczepankiewicz Andrzej A. , Jaklewicz Andrzej , Filipek Anna , Barcikowska Maria , Elbaum Danek
Published: May 2018

Several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), have etiology connected to abnormal protein self association. Copper-induced striking differences in amyloid-β40 aggregation, distinct from spontaneous self association, prompted us to study whether amyloid-β40 aggregation could be applied to differentiate between platelet poor plasma ultrafiltrates obtained from AD and control samples. We report, based on 20 AD and 18 age-matched controls, a significant difference in the concentration of short fibers induced by ultrafiltrated plasma from AD compared to control samples. The observed effect was independent of copper and other EDTA chelatable ions.
Ghrelin Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction and Neurodegeneration in Intrahippocampal Amyloid-β1-42 Oligomer-Injected Mice
Authors: Moon Minho , Choi Jin Gyu , Nam Dong Woo , Hong Hyun-Seok , Choi Young-Ju , Oh Myung Sook , Mook-Jung Inhee
Published: May 2018

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive deficits, neuroinflammation, and loss of neurons. Recently, it has been shown that ghrelin, a 28 amino acid peptide hormone produced from the stomach and hypothalamus, has been reported as a potential therapeutic agent for several neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD), stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury. Here we determined the effects of ghrelin on memory impairments and neuropathological changes in an AD mouse model induced by intrahippocampal injection of amyloid-β oligomers (AβO). We report that ghrelin: 1) rescues memory deficits in mice injected with AβO in the hippocampus; 2) decreases AβO-induced microgliosis in hippocampus; 3) attenuates hippocampal neuronal loss mediated by AβO; 4) prevents AβO-associated synaptic degeneration including cholinergic fiber loss. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that ghrelin can ameliorate AβO-induced cognitive impairment associated with neuroinflammation and neuronal loss. These results suggest that ghrelin may be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of AD.
Folic Acid Plus α-Tocopherol Mitigates Amyloid-β-Induced Neurotoxicity through Modulation of Mitochondrial Complexes Activity1
Authors: Figueiredo Cláudia P. , Bicca Maíra A. , Latini Alexandra , Prediger Rui Daniel S. , Medeiros Rodrigo , Calixto João B.
Published: May 2018

Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been attributed to amyloid-β (Aβ) toxicity. The pathophysiology of AD is complex and involves several different biochemical pathways, including defective Aβ protein metabolism, neuroinflammation, oxidative processes, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In the current study, we assessed the molecular mechanisms, mainly the modifications in the activity of mitochondrial complexes, whereby the association of folic acid and a-tocopherol protects mice against the Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. Oral treatment with folic acid (50 mg/kg) plus a-tocopherol (500 mg/kg), once a day during 14 consecutive days, protected mice against the Aβ1–40-induced cognitive decline, synaptic loss, and neuronal death. However, chronic treatment comprising folic acid plus a-tocopherol was ineffective on Aβ-induced glial cell activation, suggesting that the effect of this treatment is independent of anti-inflammatory features. Interestingly, the results obtained in our study suggest that mitochondrial energy metabolism is impaired by the Aβ peptide, and upregulation of mitochondrial genes may be a compensatory response, as demonstrated by the increase in mitochondrial complexes I, II, and IV activity, in the hippocampus of mice, after Aβ1–40 injection. Of note, the chronic treatment comprising folic acid plus a-tocopherol prevented the increase in the activity of mitochondrial complexes I and IV induced by Aβ1–40. Together, these results show the antioxidant effect of the combination of folic acid and a-tocopherol, as observed by the decrease in NO generation from iNOS and nNOS, preventing an increase in the activity of mitochondrial complexes, mainly I and IV, and the neuronal death induced by the Aβ1–40 peptide.
A Gene Expression Pattern in Blood for the Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Booij Birgitte Boonstra , Lindahl Torbjørn , Wetterberg Peter , Skaane Nina Voss , Sæbø Solve , Feten Guri , Rye Phil D. , Kristiansen Lena Iren , Hagen Nina , Jensen Marianne , Bårdsen Ken , Winblad Bengt , Sharma Praveen , Lönneborg Anders
Published: May 2018

A whole genome screen was performed using oligonucleotide microarray analysis on blood from a large clinical cohort of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and control subjects as clinical sample. Blood samples for total RNA extraction were collected in PAXgene tubes, and gene expression analysis performed on the AB1700 Whole Genome Survey Microarrays. When comparing the gene expression of 94 AD patients and 94 cognitive healthy controls, a Jackknife gene selection based method and Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) was used to develop a disease classifier algorithm, which gives a test score indicating the presence (positive) or absence (negative) of AD. This algorithm, based on 1239 probes, was validated in an independent test set of 63 subjects comprising 31 AD patients, 25 age-matched cognitively healthy controls, and 7 young controls. This algorithm correctly predicted the class of 55/63 (accuracy 87%), including 26/31 AD samples (sensitivity 84%) and 29/32 controls (specificity 91%). The positive likelihood ratio was 8.9 and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC) was 0.94. Furthermore, the algorithm also discriminated AD from Parkinson's disease in 24/27 patients (accuracy 89%). We have identified and validated a gene expression signature in blood that classifies AD patients and cognitively healthy controls with high accuracy and show that alterations specific for AD can be detected distant from the primary site of the disease.
Gerontechnology for Demented Patients: Smart Homes for Smart Aging
Authors: Frisardi Vincenza , Imbimbo Bruno P.
Published: May 2018

In an aging world, maintaining good health and independence for as long as possible is essential. Instead of hospitalization or institutionalization, the elderly with chronic conditions, especially those with cognitive impairment, can be assisted in their own environment with numerous ‘smart’ devices that support them in their activity of daily living. A “smart home” is a residence equipped with technology that facilitates monitoring of residents to improve quality of life and promote physical independence, as well as to reduce caregiver burden. Several projects worldwide have been conducted, but some ethical and legal issues are still unresolved and, at present, there is no evidence of the effects of smart homes on health outcomes. Randomized controlled trials are needed to understand the plus and minuses of these projects, but this will only be possible with a widespread proliferation and penetration of smart homes in the social network.
The γ-Secretase Modulator CHF5074 Restores Memory and Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity in Plaque-Free Tg2576 Mice
Authors: Balducci Claudia , Mehdawy Bisan , Mare Lydia , Giuliani Alessandro , Lorenzini Luca , Sivilia Sandra , Giardino Luciana , Calzà Laura , Lanzillotta Annamaria , Sarnico Ilenia , Pizzi Marina , Usiello Alessandro , Viscomi Arturo R. , Ottonello Simone , Villetti Gino , Imbimbo Bruno P. , Nisticò Giuseppe , Forloni Gianluigi , Nisticò Robert
Published: May 2018

Abnormal amyloid-β (Aβ) production and deposition is believed to represent one of the main causes of Alzheimer's disease (AD). γ-Secretase is the enzymatic complex responsible for Aβ generation from its precursor protein. Inhibition or modulation of γ-secretase represents an attractive therapeutic approach. CHF5074 is a new γ-secretase modulator that has been shown to inhibit brain plaque deposition and to attenuate memory deficit in adult AD transgenic mice after chronic treatment. To date, it is not known whether the positive behavioral effects of this compound also occur in young transgenic mice without plaque deposition. Here, we evaluated the effects of acute and subchronic treatment with CHF5074 on contextual and recognition memory and on hippocampal synaptic plasticity in plaque-free Tg2576 mice. We found that at 5 months of age, contextual memory impairment was significantly attenuated after acute subcutaneous administration of 30 mg/kg CHF5074. At 6 months of age, recognition memory impairment was fully reversed after a 4-week oral treatment in the diet (≈60 mg/kg/day). These cognitive effects were associated with a reversal of long-term potentiation (LTP) impairment in the hippocampus. A significant reduction in brain intraneuronal AβPP/Aβ levels and hyperphosphorylated tau, but no change in soluble or oligomeric Aβ levels was detected in Tg2576 mice showing functional recovery following CHF5074 treatment. We conclude that the beneficial effects of CHF5074 treatment in young transgenic mice occurred at a stage that precedes plaque formation and were associated with a reduction in intraneuronal AβPP/Aβ and hyperphosphorylated tau.