bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF INTEGRATED ISLAMIC COMMERCIAL AND SOCIAL FINANCE FOR CURBING CREDIT CYCLES AND ACHIEVING MACROPRUDENTIAL OBJECTIVE
Authors: Widodo Arif
Published: June 2018

It is widely believed that Islamic finance is inherently stable since the principle of risk-sharing and linking the financial to real counterpart in particular through its social finance are applied, hence the financial stability may successfully be attained. If mimicking the conventional finance, Islamic model will probably be facing instability, following the financial cycle. There has been a growing literature discussing credit cycle in mainstream perspective since 2008 global financial crash. However, it is quite rare to find study, in macro context, on credit cycles and the effectiveness of integrated Islamic commercial and social finance in achieving macroprudential objective: curtailing excessive credit. This study is designed to empirically examine the characteristics of cycles stemming from conventional and Islamic credit whether both have similar trend and also to investigate how the integrated Islamic commercial and social finance may be effective to hamper such cycles. By employing Hodrick-Presscot Filter, Markov Switching and Vector Error Correction Model, this study demonstrates that, in terms of cycle, Islamic model cycle has certain similarities with conventional counterpart since it functions under similar financial environment despite the fact that Islamic has less amplitude compared with conventional credit. Both credit and financing cycles tend to grow rapidly (excessive) several months before global financial crisis happened in 2008. This means that, in a dual banking system, credit and financing boom may precede financial crisis. Moreover, it is apparent also that the integrated Islamic finance is proven to be effective in curbing credit growth due to the effectiveness of both macroprudential instrument applied in banking sector and social finance in safeguarding financial stability.
Keywords:  Credit cycle, Macroprudential policy, Markov Switching, HP filter
JEL Classification: E32, E51, G29
DO YOU CAPTURE FINANCIAL CRISIS?
Authors: Mukhlisin Murniati Mukimni , Komalasari Ratna
Published: June 2018

This article summarizes the multitude of empirical studies in the area of Islamic banking and finance with purpose to analyze impact of Islamic banking and finance studies to practice by mapping research direction and the depth of the study. The studies are categorized based on research paradigm, countries being researched, methods employed, and results that lead to policy direction in the particular period. The research found that the research direction of the papers under study mostly employ positivist paradigm with countries being researched are generally Malaysia, Pakistan, Indonesia and UAE. It documents that the papers did not link directly to the future policy directions ie. to predict and prepare for financial crisis, rather they merely responded to the undergoing policies or themes of the journals. This review provides insights for understanding the importance of guiding future policy direction in the area of Islamic banking and finance by publishing more research policy papers authored by both academics and professionals.
DUAL MONETARY INSTRUMENTS’ IMPACT ON THE PERFORMANCE AND STABILITY OF JAKARTA ISLAMIC INDEX
Authors: Azizi Bazari
Published: June 2018

The monetary instruments and capital market are closely related as these tools are operating in the money market. The influence of the monetary policy to the stocks and indexes’ performance has been the research interest in the previous literature. The monetary policies along with its’ instruments are transmitted not only in banking lending channel to affect the economic growth but also in the balance sheet channel. However, the conventional tools and policies are not adhering the sharia tenets. Hence, the sharia-compliance monetary system is emanated in Muslim majority countries, including Indonesia. Additionally, this establishment of policy is coupled with the emergence of the Islamic capital market in Indonesia. Thus, the analysis of the impact of either Islamic or conventional monetary system on the Islamic capital market in Indonesia that represented by the Jakarta Islamic Index (JII) is essential to look at its’ furthers effect on financial market growth.This study examines the impact of the Islamic and conventional monetary variables on the performance of the Jakarta Islamic Index in Indonesia. It also investigates the stability of the JII under the occurrence of the shock derived from the monetary instruments. Monthly closing value of the JII, conventional or interest rate, Islamic policy rate, and monetary base are assessed to address the research objectives in this paper. This study employs the VAR-VECM and Granger analysis to analyse the phenomenon. The monetary policy transmission mechanism through the financial market channel is the main channel that will be investigated in this paper. The study comprises of introduction, literature review, methodology, and lastly the discussion and conclusion.
EVALUATION OF TAKĀFUL OPERATORS’ EFFORTS IN REALISING MAQASID AL- SHARĪʿAH
Authors: Hasan Rashedul , Ahmad Abu Umar Faruq , Nordin Haziq Bin
Published: June 2018

Takāful has emerged as a Sharīʿah-compliant alternative to conventional insurance, which is embedded in realising its underlying maqasid (goals or objectives) of Sharīʿah. Contrary to previous studies that attempted to provide evidence that takāful products are compliant with the Sharīʿah in practice of takāful operators (TOs), this paper seeks to take a different approach to investigate their compliance with the fulfilment of  the three broad categories of  maqasid  al-Sharīʿah. In light of the theoretical perspectives of maqasid, each objective was operationally defined for statistical analysis. Six TOs from Malaysia were selected, and five-years’ data (2011-2015) have been collected from World Bank’s websites and annual reports. Secondary data were analysed through balanced panel data approach. Hausman test results indicate that fixed effect model is more appropriate in explaining the explored phenomena. Taxes paid by TOs were found to have a significant positive impact on economic growth and poverty alleviation while payment of zakah found to have a negative impact. The prohibition of riba (interest) should not be the only decisive difference between Islamic finance and its conventional counterpart. Islamic banks (IBs) and TOs are accountable toward Allah, and thus their activities should be directed toward the fulfilment of maqasid al-Sharīʿah. While earlier published literature has explored efficiency and profitability of TOs, the current paper has attempted to focus on the ability of TOs in serving the maslaha (public interest/common good of the community).
Morphological and Histological Study of the Forebrain (Cerebrum) in a Wild Bird Species (Columba livia domestica) (Gmelin, 1789)
Authors: Al-Nakeeb Ghazwa D. , Jasim Noor Naeem
Published: June 2018

The present study deals with the morphological and histological aspects of the forebrain(Cerebrum) in the Columba livia domestica (Gmelin, 1789) to identify the histoarchitecture of its layers. This bird' has a large head found as perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The morphological results reveal that for brain (Cerebrum) pear shaped, its outer surface is smooth without folds or deep grooves. Cerebrum is made up of two regions, the Pallium and the Subpallium. The Cerebral cortex includes four layers of hyperpallium (Wulst) , Dorsolateral corticoid area (CDL), Hippocampus, Piriform cortex. The internal cortex of cerebrum consists of Dorsal Ventricle ridge which includes the mesopallium, nidopallium, and archospallium. All these regions includes Pyramidal cells, which have different sizes and densities, as well as many other neurons and Neuralgial. The Subpallium is divided to Striatum which is consisted of nerve fibers of nerve cells and the Palldium, which is the deepest part of the brain with light- color.
The Effect of Gas Flow on Plasma Parameters Induced by Microwave
Authors: Mazhir Sabah N. , Abdullah Nada A. , Al-Ahmed Hazim I. , Harb Noha H. , Abdalameer Nisreen K.
Published: June 2018

In this paper, construction microwaves induced plasma jet(MIPJ) system. This system was used to produce a non-thermal plasma jet at atmospheric pressure, at standard frequency of 2.45 GHz and microwave power of 800 W. The working gas Argon (Ar) was supplied to flow through the torch with adjustable flow rate by using flow meter, to diagnose microwave plasma optical emission spectroscopy(OES) was used to measure the important plasma parameters such as electron temperature (Te), residence time (Rt), plasma frequency (?pe), collisional skin depth (?), plasma conductivity (?dc), Debye length(?D). Also, the density of the plasma electron is calculated with the use of Stark broadened profiles
Community Consensus: Volunteerism - The SPE Strength That Lets Me Sleep Soundly at Night
Authors: Spady Darcy
Published: June 2018

President's column

We have a strong future, thanks to hard-working young members

What keeps you awake at night?

That is a question often posed by one of my favorite SPE presidents ever, Helge Hove Haldorsen. Of course, he was usually referring to an area of risk or danger. I ask that question of myself often. Sometimes I even answer myself.

But today I want to turn that question around—what helps you sleep at night? For me, it’s knowing that the future of SPE is safe in the hands of the Millennial generation. Yes, the Millennials. Contrary to what you may have been led to believe, our young professionals are enterprising volunteers. Globally, this group is bringing volunteerism to new heights because they believe in blending their personal and professional lives to help others.

Recently, I witnessed one of the best volunteerism demonstrations across our organization: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) section’s Annual Technical Symposium and Exhibition hosted yearly in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. It dawned on me while attending the ATS&E that a worry over the supposed lack of global volunteerism is not something that keeps me awake at night. In fact, SPE’s volunteer culture helps me to sleep at night.

Over these past 5 years, I have served on SPE’s international board first in the capacity of Canadian regional director and now as 2018 president. I cannot recount the number of vigorous (not necessarily rigorous) discussions over the state of volunteerism, mostly in the negative. The narrative often goes like this:

The _____ conference has been going for 10 years (or 20, or 30), and this same group of volunteers has run it. Now that they are all retiring or moving away, there is no way this conference can continue.

Or:

With the reduction in regional directors and/or SPE staff, there is no way this event can continue. The new generation just does not understand volunteerism.

And the best one of all (one that I am guilty of saying):

With the spreading of SPE to all parts of the globe where national companies dominate, how are we ever going to have volunteer events?

All I can say is wrong, wrong, and wrong. I can clearly say that volunteerism is alive and well everywhere in the SPE world. Today’s youth—both professionals and students—embrace volunteering, but they make it their own. It may not be the way we in the older generations define volunteering; however, not only does it work, but their methods also succeed. Let me give some examples.
Technology Focus: Coiled-Tubing Applications (June 2018)
Authors: Crabtree Alex
Published: June 2018

Technology Focus

Coiled-tubing drilling (CTD) was a very active area of operations years ago, but it seems to have gone through a lull recently, certainly in terms of active geographic areas. However, if the papers presented at the SPE/ICoTA Coiled Tubing and Well Intervention Conference and Exhibition this March are anything to judge by, then CTD seems to be regaining some interest in the broader market.

The application of CTD in the papers featured in this issue and in the recommended additional reading highlight its use in more niche areas. 

Paper SPE 189904 details the use of CTD to access marginal and bypassed reserves. Although the fields may be marginal, the effect within the US is not. As stated in the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission’s 2012 report, “The hypothetical elimination of $30.8 billion in marginal oil and natural gas production in 2012 would trigger an estimated direct loss of 95,442 jobs and $4.62 billion in earnings within the oil and natural gas industry.” Accessing these potential resources spawned several projects sponsored by the US Department of Energy in the mid-1990s.

A well re-entry and sidetrack CTD operation in New Zealand is reviewed in paper SPE 189930. A niche CTD application in Australia is explored in paper SPE 189918, which revisits the placement of the coiled-tubing reel directly above the injector, with some new, unique features.

Another operational area that is enjoying a continued level of high activity is milling with coiled tubing. This is being combined increasingly with real-time downhole telemetry made available at surface. Real-time communication with coiled-tubing bottomhole assemblies has enabled engineers and operations personnel to evaluate and optimize milling through increased understanding and interpretation of data streams. Papers SPE 189910 and SPE 189942 both detail such applications, each using differing telemetry methods.

In the oil and gas industry in general, a considerable focus is being placed on well abandonment and its associated cost, especially offshore. Around the globe, well operators are developing alternatives to using traditional rigs, and, in many instances, coiled tubing is being used to perform partial or full well plugging. Alternative well-plugging materials and methods continue to be developed that could be used with coiled tubing. A 13-well, 10-month campaign of well abandonment in Norway is reviewed in paper SPE 189956.

Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org.

SPE 189918 The Coiled-Tubing-Drilling Rig for Mineral Exploration by S. Soe, Deep Exploration Technologies Cooperative Research Centre, et al.

SPE 189930 Coiled-Tubing Drilling: Case Study, New Zealand by Soheil Kariminejad, Tag Oil, et al.

SPE 189942 First Time Coiled-Tubing Milling in 7-in.-Monobore Gas Well Using Downhole Real-Time Measurements by W.R. Tapia, Schlumberger, et al.
Engineering Approach To Designing Fluid Diverters: Jamming and Plugging
Authors: Wilson Adam
Published: June 2018

This article, written by Special Publications Editor Adam Wilson, contains highlights of paper SPE 187433, “An Engineered Approach To Design Biodegradable Solid-Particulate Diverters: Jamming and Plugging,” by Mojtaba P. Shahri, Jian Huang, SPE, Clayton S. Smith, SPE, and Francisco E. FragachÁn, SPE, Weatherford, prepared for the 2017 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, USA, 9–11 October. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

Fluids introduced into a reservoir for stimulation typically take the path of least resistance and, therefore, frequently go into areas with open flow paths. In many cases, those areas are not the targets of stimulation. To maximize contact between the fluid and intact rock, existing fluid paths must be plugged to divert the fluid. A typical fluid-diversion application can be divided into three steps: placement downhole, downhole plugging/diversion, and corresponding stimulation. The aim of this paper is to review and identify critical parameters controlling the downhole plugging/diversion step.

Jamming and Plugging Efficiency

Successful diversion can be designed and achieved upon full understanding of the jamming and plugging mechanisms that occur at the entrance of existing flow paths. An understanding of the underlying physics of this process allows a system to be modeled that uses the minimal amount of material to create temporary but stable seals that can withstand significant pressure differentials even at flow path openings that are several times larger than the mean particle size. Many complex factors affect diversion efficiency, and they all can be adjusted to minimize flow into existing and highly conductive flow channels. Two major mechanisms control the success of the diversion process: jamming and plugging.

In the first stage of fluid diversion within an opening, a stable and jammed structure should be formed by the larger of the particles, which are progressively deposited from a flowing system. In the jamming stage, an initial stable structure is established around an opening (e.g., a perforation during fracturing, a natural fissure, or wormhole during acidizing). The so-called jammed state refers to a configuration in which relatively large particles provide support for one another, remain immobile, and do not pass through the existing opening. As shown in Fig. 1a, the passage of sheep through a gate and the possibility of jamming can be used as an analogy. The size, number, shape, and rate of sheep passing through the gate can determine the possibility of jamming for a specific gate size. Although the passing of relatively large particles (the sheep) is restricted in this stage, fluids and smaller particles (small lambs) can still move through the opening (gate) by using the space between the large particles. Therefore, jamming does not necessarily restrict fluid nor, hence, pressure communication.
Technology Focus: EOR Operations (June 2018)
Authors: Goodyear Stephen
Published: June 2018

Technology Focus

Carbon-dioxide (CO2) injection is a successful enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) technology that has been deployed extensively in the Permian Basin of West Texas, enabled by CO2 mostly produced and transported from naturally occurring CO2 reservoirs in Colorado and New Mexico.

Further expansion of CO2 EOR has been limited by the availability of affordable CO2 rather than the existence of suitable target reservoirs for redevelopment with CO2 EOR. The US Department of Energy estimates that 67 billion STB of economically recoverable next-generation CO2-EOR oil exist in US conventional reservoirs, with significant potential identified in other oil provinces around the world.

This situation may be about to change. On 9 February, Congress passed and the president signed into law a budget agreement that included language to expand a 2009 tax credit for CO2 capture and storage known as 45Q. The key provisions are that, for stored CO2, the tax credit rises to $50 per tonne in 2027, while, for EOR, the equivalent value is $35. The amounts will be adjusted for inflation after 2026. The tax credit is per tonne of CO2 captured as long as it can be established that the CO2 was stored. The tax credit is transferable, hence nontax-paying entities or entities that have no tax liability can benefit from the program. The credit goes to the facility that captures the CO2 and is available for the first 12 years of operation. There is no cap on the arrangement for the tax-credit projects coming online after 2018 or for which construction has started before 2024.

As a result, the US now has a carbon-pricing mechanism that could well be enough to unlock a wave of innovative CO2-capture projects and lead to a significant expansion in CO2 EOR, ultimately leading to new infrastructure, storage sites, and technology improvements that give birth to a CO2-capture industry.

Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org.

SPE 185526 Surveillance and Initial Results of an Existing Polymer Flood: A Case History From the Rayoso Formation by L.A. Martino, YPF, et al.

SPE 188363 A Field Case Study of an Interwell Gas Tracer Test for Gas-EOR Monitoring by Modiu Sanni, Saudi Aramco, et al.

SPE 185734 Case Histories of Solvent Use in Thermal Recovery by Bita Bayestehparvin, University of Calgary, et al.
Niko Županić and Historical Anthropology of the Balkan Peoples
Authors: Milosavljević Monika
Published: June 2018

Before the World War I, in his works on the historical anthropology of the Balkan peoples, Niko Županić laid down the theoretical and methodological foundations of the research into the population of the region from the prehistoric to the modern times, thus establishing a kind of long-lasting continuity. It is possible to assume that his doctorial studies of philosophy in Vienna, as well as specialization in anthropology in Munich and Zurich, have profoundly influenced the way in which Niko Županić conceptualized the study of the Balkan peoples. However, this was not a simple idea transfer, but a process of modification, in accordance to the understanding of his own identity and the political circumstances of Županić’s work. His research into peoples is particularly important in the light of perseverance of culture-historical paradigm in the Serbian/Yugoslavian archaeologies.
Kaolen Türü Killi Zeminlerin Dayanım Özelliklerinin Melamin Formaldehit Sıvı Polimeri Kullanarak İyileştirilmesi
Authors: SAYGILI Altuğ
Published: June 2018

Zemin
iyileştirme yöntemleri, şehirler ve endüstri bölgelerinde artan yapılaşma
ihtiyacı sonucunda daha çok alan kullanımı gereksinimi nedeniyle gün geçtikçe
uygulamalarda tercih edilen yöntemlerden biri haline gelmiştir. Bir diğer
tercih sebebi ise yeni geliştirilen yöntem ve malzemeler ile geleneksel
yöntemlere göre daha ekonomik ve hızlı çözümlerin elde edilebilmesidir. Dünyada
son yıllarda kimyasal stabilizörlerin, taşıma kapasitesi, şev duraylılığı ve
erozyon gibi problemli durumlarda, zemin iyileştirme uygulamalarında kullanımı,
ekonomik oluşu, kolay uygulanması ve erken dayanım kazanma nedenleri ile
giderek artış göstermektedir. Bu çalışmada sıvı haldeki melamin formaldehit
polimerinin, kaolen türü killerin dayanım özellikleri üzerindeki etkisi incelenmiştir.
Sıvı melamin formaldehit polimerinin optimum su muhtevasında sıkıştırılmış kaolen
örnekler içerisine eklenerek serbest basınç dayanımlarındaki değişimler araştırılmıştır.
Sıvı polimer yüzde 3, 6, 9 ve 12 oranlarında örneklere optimum su muhtevasını
geçmeyecek şekilde, su ile yer değiştirerek eklenmiş ve hazırlanan polimer
katkılı örnekler 3, 7, 14 ve 28 gün boyunca küre tabii tutulmuşlardır. Kür
süresi sonunda serbest basınç testlerine tabii tutulan farklı yüzdeler ile
stabilize edilmiş örneklerde, polimer katkı oranı ve kür süresi arttıkça
dayanımlarda ciddi artışlar tespit edilmiştir. Elde edilen bu sonuca göre melamin
formaldehit sıvı polimer katkısı zemin iyileştirme yöntemi olarak killi
zeminlere uygulanabilecektir.
ETİYOPYA KADIN HAKLARI HUKUKU
Authors: GELETU Foziya Feleke
Published: June 2018

Etiyopya, uluslararası insan hakları ve kadın hakları belgelerinin çoğunu
onaylamıştır. 1995 Etiyopya Anayasası’nda genel olarak eşitlik ilkesi ve özel
olarak kadın hakları ilkeleri yer almaktadır. Etiyopya Anayasası ülkenin en
yüce kanunu olduğundan toplumsal cinsiyet eşitliği ve kadın haklarına ilişkin
anayasal ilkeler ile çelişen herhangi bir yasa ve hükümet kararının hiçbir
etkisi yoktur. Bu
çalışmanın amacı, Etiyopya kanunlarını Anayasa’daki toplumsal cinsiyet eşitliği
ilkesi ile kadın haklarına uygunluğu açısından analiz etmektir. Bu çerçevede
Gözden Geçirilmiş Aile Kanunu ile Ceza Kanunu’nun kadın haklarına ilişkin olan
hükümleri ele alınmıştır. Çalışmada ulaşılan sonuç, adı geçen iki temel yasanın
da kadın haklarının hayata geçirilmesine yönelik olarak önceki kanunlara göre
bazı iyileştirmeler içerdiği, fakat buna rağmen Etiyopya’nın taraf olduğu
uluslararası antlaşmaların gerektirdiği seviyede bir kadın hakları koruması
sağlama noktasında hâlâ yetersiz olduklarıdır. Bu
çalışmanın paydaşlara kadın haklarının Etiyopya’daki durumu hakkında bilgi
vermesi ve ayrıca Etiyopya’da kadın haklarıyla ilgili daha ileri çalışmalar
için bir referans belge olarak kullanılması beklenmektedir.
Behavioural and emotional response of ponies being accustomed to a new task: Work on the treadmill
Authors: JANCZAREK IWONA , WILK IZABELA , LISS MARTA , POMORSKA-ZNISZCZYŃSKA AGNIESZKA , RAKOWSKA ALICJA , BEREZNOWSKI ANDRZEJ , BRZOZOWSKA KARINA
Published: June 2018

In view of the lack of research on the behaviour of horses working on mechanical treadmills, this study was aimed at assessing the behaviour of ponies on the treadmill and at analysing their heart rate variability in order to describe characteristic types of their behavioural and emotional response. The study was conducted on nine Felin ponies, which were being accustomed to working on a mechanical treadmill for three consecutive days. Their heart rate variability parameters were measured and their behaviour was assessed while the animals were stabled, when they were walking onto the treadmill, during treadmill work and as they walked off the treadmill. The results obtained were used to describe behavioural and emotional response patterns of the horses being accustomed to working on the treadmill. The results were subjected to multivariate analysis of variance (repeated measures), t-Tukey’s test and Spearman’s rank correlations. It was found that the proposed method of describing the types of emotional and behavioural response of ponies indicates the need to assess their level of being accustomed to working on the treadmill by observation of their behaviour combined with simultaneous measurement of their heart rate parameters. The use of both methods is necessary especially when ponies are entering the treadmill and during their work on the treadmill, which are the two most difficult stages for the animals. It is also worth remembering that ponies should first be accustomed to the new environment and only later to working on the treadmill. A three-day period of adaptation to the new environment may be insufficient. Care should be taken especially on the second day of getting ponies accustomed to the treadmill, which can be regarded as critical. A positive finding is that the increased emotional arousal/excitability of ponies trained for treadmill work is short-lived.,.
The application of ensemble precipitation forecasts to reservoir operation
Authors: Peng Anbang , Zhang Xiaoli , Peng Yong , Xu Wei , You Fangfang
Published: June 2018

Although inflow forecasts are useful information that can be used for improving reservoir operation efficiency, uncertainty is still a challenge for getting sound operation results. Ensemble precipitation forecasts can take uncertainties under consideration, so they have been a research topic for improving reservoir operations. In this paper, a rainfall–runoff model, combined of a multiple linear regression model (for non-flood seasons) and the Xinanjiang model (for flood seasons), for inflow forecasts and a stochastic dynamic programming model for reservoir operations are developed in order to effectively use the ensemble precipitation forecast. To explore the best way for using the ensemble precipitation forecast, two post-processing techniques, i.e., ensemble forecast averaging (EFA) and interval value (IV), are tested. The ensemble precipitation forecast from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) was chosen due to its high accuracy, and the Huanren reservoir, located in China, was used to test the newly developed models. The results show that, compared with the traditional rule curve, hydropower generation increases by 4.86% and 4.55%, respectively, when EFA and IV are used, which indicates that the use of ensemble forecasts facilitates considerable improvements in operating performance.
The LDL-Receptor and its Molecular Properties: From Theory to Novel Biochemical and Pharmacological Approaches in Reducing LDL-cholesterol
Authors: Petroglou Dimitrios , Kanellos Ilias , Savopoulos Christos , Kaiafa Georgia , Chrysochoou Anastasios , Skantzis Panagiotis , Daios Stylianos , Hatzitolios Apostolos I. , Giannoglou Georgios
Published: June 2018

Background:

The Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Receptor (LDL-R) is a transmembrane protein playing a crucial role in effective lipid homeostasis. Various therapeutic agents have been used in the management of dyslipidemias, however, the outcome of therapeutic target is debated.

Objective:

The aim of this review is to summarize and fully understand the current concept regarding LDL-R and its molecular properties, metabolic pathway, factors affecting LDL-R activity and all available pharmacological interventions. Additionally, non-lipid related properties of LDL-R are also referred.

Methods:

Literature from the PubMed database was extracted to identify papers between 1984 to 2017 regarding LDL-R and therapeutic agents on dyslipidemia management.

Results:

We analyzed basic data regarding agents associated with LDL-R (Sterol Regulating Element-Binding Proteins - SREBPs, Protein ARH, IDOL, Thyroid Hormones, Haematologic Disorders, Protein convertase subtilisin kexintype 9 - PCSK-9, ApoC-III) as well as non-lipid related properties of LDL-R, while all relevant (common and novel) pharmacological interventions (statins, fibrates, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants and PCSK- 9) are also referred.

Conclusion:

LDL-R and its molecular properties are involved in lipid homeostasis, so potentially sets the therapeutic goals in cardiovascular patients, which is usually debated. Further research is needed in order to fully understand its properties, as well as to find the potential pharmacological interventions that could be beneficial in cholesterol homeostasis and various morbidities in order to reach the most appropriate therapeutic goal.
Is Statin Therapy Safe and Effective in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease?
Authors: Raman Venkatesh K. , Geladari Eleni , Papademetriou Vasilios
Published: June 2018

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with dyslipidemia and increased cardiovascular risk. This
elevated risk for cardiovascular events exists even in the largest subpopulation with milder stages of CKD, prior
to the development of significant reductions in renal excretory function. Statin therapy is a critical component of
primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention efforts for at-risk patients. Efficacy in the CKD population,
however, has appeared less robust across the spectrum of CKD, particularly in hemodialysis patients. This article
will review the current state of knowledge on statin therapy in CKD, effects on renal outcomes, safety in this
population and alternative lipid therapies.
Current Perspectives Regarding Stem Cell-based Therapy for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kwak Kyeong-Ah , Kwon Ho-Beom , Lee Joo Won , Park Young-Seok
Published: June 2018

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Conventional treatment has a limitation of
very narrow therapeutic time window and its devastating nature necessitate a novel regenerative approach. Transplanted
stem cells resulted in functional recovery through multiple mechanisms including neuroprotection, neurogenesis,
angiogenesis, immunomodulation, and anti-inflammatory effects. Despite the promising features shown
in experimental studies, results from clinical trials are inconclusive from the perspective of efficacy. The present
review presents a synopsis of stem cell research on ischemic stroke treatment according to cell type. Clinical trials
to the present are briefly summarized. Finally, the hurdles and issues to be solved are discussed for clinical application.
Theranostics of Gold Nanoparticles with an Emphasis on Photoacoustic Imaging and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Liu Yi , Ma Wenhui , Wang Jing
Published: June 2018

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are promising biomedical agents in terms of both imaging and therapy,
exhibiting excellent physical and chemical characteristics. The actions of AuNPs can be remotely controlled
using strong near-infrared (NIR) light, associated with minimal lateral invasion. Employing the photoacoustic
(PA) principle, AuNPs integrate imaging and temperature control, affording both diagnosis and treatment mediated
by NIR light. We here review recent progress in the theranostic field employing AuNPs to both PA and
photothermal ends.
The Effect of Single and Double Acetylation of Lysine Residues on Structural and Dynamical Features of Human Splicing Factor TDP-43 - A Statistical Ensemble Analysis
Authors: Makhouri Farahnaz Rezaei , Ghasemi Jahan B.
Published: June 2018

Background:

The acetylated inclusions containing TDP-43 are found in the spinal cord of
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, suggesting that aberrant TDP-43 acetylation and
resulting disruption of RNA binding are linked to onset and progression of TDP-43 proteinopathy.

Methods:

Here, the consequences of TDP-43 acetylation at Lys145 within the RRM1 domain and
Lys192 within the RRM2 domain were studied using experimentally verifiable molecular models, in
which lysine residues (K) were substituted with glutamine (Q) as an acetylation mimic (K→Q) and
with arginine (R) as a non-mimic (K→R) mutant. We used a series of computer simulations to
characterize the impact of lysine acetylation on TDP-43 function and TDP-43 association with target
RNA.

Results:

Using snapshots collected from the MD simulation trajectories, the cross-correlation and
principal component analyses (PCA) were applied to shed light on the dynamic discrepancy among
the ten studied systems and to discern TDP-43 subdomains that exhibit conformational plasticity in
response to acetylation mimic and non-mimic mutations. Moreover, we also investigated the global
network parameter, betweenness, to model communication pathways and identify a network of
critical mediating nodes involved in long-range signaling. These nodes describe the functionally
significant TDP-43 residues involved in TDP-43 regulation.

Conclusion:

The identification of the critical nodes and optimal path mediating the dynamical
network communication could offer new strategies to manipulate TDP-43 function. Disrupting a
specific network communication could represent a rational approach to the design of drugs with
improved potency and selectivity.
Prediction and Targeting of Interaction Interfaces in G-protein Coupled Receptor Oligomers
Authors: Schiedel Anke C. , Kose Meryem , Barreto Carlos , Bueschbell Beatriz , Morra Giulia , Sensoy Ozge , Moreira Irina S.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Communication within a protein complex is mediated by physical interactions
made among the protomers. Evidence for both the allosteric regulation present among the protomers of
the protein oligomer and of the direct effect of membrane composition on this regulation has made it
essential to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism that drives oligomerization, the type of interactions
present within the complex, and to determine the identity of the interaction interface. This
knowledge allows a holistic understanding of dynamics and also modulation of the function of the resulting
oligomers/signalling complexes. G-Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs), which are targeted by
40% of currently prescribed drugs in the market, are widely involved in the formation of such physiological
oligomers/signalling complexes.

Scope:

This review highlights the importance of studying Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) by using a
combination of data obtained from cutting-edge experimental and computational methods that were developed
for this purpose. In particular, we focused on interaction interfaces found at GPCR oligomers as
well as signalling complexes, since any problem associated with these interactions causes the onset of
various crucial diseases.

Conclusion:

In order to have a holistic mechanistic understanding of allosteric PPIs that drive the
formation of GPCR oligomers and also to determine the composition of interaction interfaces with respect
to different membrane compositions, it is essential to combine both relevant experimental and
computational data. In this way, efficient and specific targeting of these interaction interfaces in oligomers/
complexes can be achieved. Thus, effective therapeutic molecules with fewer side effects can be
designed to modulate the function of these physiologically important receptor family.
Aspirin Hypersensitivity in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention. What Should We be Doing?
Authors: Kassimis George , Raina Tushar , Alexopoulos Dimitrios
Published: June 2018

Aspirin plays a pivotal role in the management of patients with Coronary Artery Disease
(CAD) with well-recognised benefits of reducing recurrent myocardial infarction and minimising the
risk of stent thrombosis for those undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). Dual antiplatelet
therapy is mandated for patients undergoing PCI and typically consists of aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor
antagonist. Aspirin hypersensitivity poses a significant clinical dilemma, as the safety and efficacy of
oral antiplatelet combinations that exclude aspirin have not been validated. Although, genuine hypersensitivity
to aspirin is encountered infrequently, it can be challenging when managing patients with concomitant
CAD given the paucity of safe and effective alternatives. Aspirin desensitization is a potential
and safe option but may not always be practical. This review aims to highlight the challenges of aspirin
hypersensitivity in patients undergoing PCI and propose a treatment algorithm to address this issue in
clinical practice.
Use of Monoclonal Antibodies to Prevent the Sexual Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1
Authors: Anderson Deborah J. , Politch Joseph A. , Vaca Gabriela B. , Kadasia Kadryn , Whaley Kevin J.
Published: June 2018

Passive immunization has been used since the late 1800’s to prevent and treat human
infectious diseases. Administration of animal immune sera and human immunoglobulin has given
way to the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for passive immunization, and highly potent broadly
neutralizing anti-HIV antibodies (bNAbs) are now being considered for HIV therapy and prophylaxis.
Recent studies have shown that systemic and topical administration of bNAbs can effectively inhibit
HIV/SHIV mucosal transmission in macaques and in humanized mice, and selected bNAbs are
currently being tested in clinical trials for safety and efficacy in humans.

In this review, we outline strategies for the selection, engineering and manufacture of human bNAbs
to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV, describe the proof-of-concept animal studies that have
demonstrated mAb-mediated protection against mucosal HIV transmission, and review clinical trials
currently underway to test the safety and efficacy of mAb-based HIV prevention in humans.
Mucosal Vaccine Approaches for Prevention of HIV and SIV Transmission
Authors: Kozlowski Pamela A. , Aldovini Anna
Published: June 2018

Optimal protective immunity to HIV will likely require that plasma cells, memory B cells and memory T cells be stationed in mucosal tissues at portals of viral entry. Mucosal vaccine administration is more effective than parenteral vaccine delivery for this purpose. The challenge has been to achieve efficient vaccine uptake at mucosal surfaces, and to identify safe and effective adjuvants, especially for mucosally administered HIV envelope protein immunogens. Here, we discuss strategies used to deliver potential HIV vaccine candidates in the intestine, respiratory tract, and male and female genital tract of humans and nonhuman primates. We also review mucosal adjuvants, including Toll-like receptor agonists, which may adjuvant both mucosal humoral and cellular immune responses to HIV protein immunogens.
Visible Vessels of Vocal Folds: Can they have a Diagnostic Role?
Authors: Turkmen Hafiza Irem , Karsligil Mine Elif , Kocak Ismail
Published: June 2018

Background:

Challenges in visual identification of laryngeal disorders lead researchers
to investigate new opportunities to help clinical examination. This paper presents an efficient and
simple method which extracts and assesses blood vessels on vocal fold tissue in order to serve
medical diagnosis.

Methods:

The proposed vessel segmentation approach has been designed in order to overcome difficulties
raised by design specifications of videolaryngostroboscopy and anatomic structure of vocal
fold vasculature. The limited number of medical studies on vocal fold vasculature point out that
the direction of blood vessels and amount of vasculature are discriminative features for vocal fold
disorders. Therefore, we extracted the features of vessels on the basis of these studies. We represent
vessels as vascular vectors and suggest a vector field based measurement that quantifies the
orientation pattern of blood vessels towards vocal fold pathologies.

Results:

In order to demonstrate the relationship between vessel structure and vocal fold disorders,
we performed classification of vocal fold disorders by using only vessel features. A binary tree of
Support Vector Machine (SVM) has been exploited for classification. Average recall of proposed
vessel extraction method was calculated as 0.82 while healthy, sulcus vocalis, laryngitis classification
accuracy of 0.75 was achieved.

Conclusion:

Obtained success rates showed the efficiency of vocal fold vessels in serving as an
indicator of laryngeal diseases.
Computed Tomographic Angiography for Risk Stratification in Patients with Acute Chest Pain - The Triple Rule-out Concept in the Emergency Department
Authors: Monica Marton-Popovici , Merkely Béla , Szilveszter Bálint , Drobni Zsófia Dora , Maurovich-Horvat Pál
Published: June 2018

Background:

Acute chest pain is one of the most common reasons for Emergency Department
(ED) visits and hospital admissions. As this could represent the first symptom of a lifethreatening
condition, urgent identification of the etiology of chest pain is of utmost importance in
emergency settings. Such high-risk conditions that can present with acute chest pain in the ED include
Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS), Pulmonary Embolisms (PE) and Acute Aortic Syndromes
(AAS).

Discussion:

The concept of Triple Rule-out Computed Tomographic Angiography (TRO-CTA) for
patients presenting with acute chest pain in the ED is based on the use of coronary computed tomographic
angiography as a single imaging technique, able to diagnose or exclude three lifethreatening
conditions in one single step: ACS, AAS and PE. TRO-CTA protocols have been
proved to be efficient in the ED for diagnosis or exclusion of life-threatening conditions and for
differentiation between various etiologies of chest pain, and application of the TRO-CTA protocol
in the ED for acute chest pain of uncertain etiology has been shown to improve the further clinical
evaluation and outcomes of these patients.

Conclusion:

This review aims to summarize the main indications and techniques used in TRO protocols
in EDs, and the role of TRO-CTA protocols in risk stratification of patients with acute chest
pain.
Halilectin-3, a Lectin from the Marine Sponge Haliclona caerulea, Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in Human Breast Cancer MCF7 Cells Through Caspase-9 Pathway and LC3-II Protein Expression
Authors: do Nascimento-Neto Luiz G. , Cabral Maria G. , Carneiro Romulo F. , Silva Zelia , Arruda Francisco V.S. , Nagano Celso S. , Fernandes Alexandra R. , Sampaio Alexandre H. , Teixeira Edson H. , Videira Paula A.
Published: June 2018

Background:

An ideal strategy for cancer treatment is the specific induction of tumor cell death, sparing
normal cells. Marine sponges are rich biological reservoirs of biomolecules, especially lectins, which have attracted
considerable attention due to potential biological effect on human cells. Lectins are proteins that bind specific
carbohydrate signatures and some gained further interest for their capacity to bind tumor associated carbohydrates
antigens and induce tumor cell apoptosis.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the antitumor potential of H3, a lectin, recently reported from marine sponge
Haliclona caerulea on the human breast cancer cell line MCF7.

Results:

H3 reduced MCF7 cell viability with an IC50 of 100 µg/ml, without a significant effect on normal cells. At
24 h, H3 induced a significant arrest in the G1 cell cycle phase. Consistently, almost 50% of the cells were in early
apoptosis and showed remarkable increased expression of caspase-9 (CASP 9). H3 impaired dramatically the
adhesiveness of MCF7 cells in culture. Assays conducted with Lysotracker Red probe showed increased organelle
acidity, suggesting autophagic cell death, which was further supported by increased expression of microtubuleassociated
protein light chain 3 (LC3) and observable conversion of LC3-I in LC3-II by western blot.

Conclusion:

The apoptotic effect of H3 may be related to a balance between apoptotic and autophagic cell death,
mediated by increased expression of CASP 9 and LC3-II. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report about a
sponge lectin triggering both apoptosis and autophagy in MCF7 cell.
An Overview of Natural Plant Products in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Rawat Divya , Shrivastava Somi , Naik Rayees A. , Chhonker Saurabh K. , Mehrotra Aditi , Koiri Raj K.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Liver cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause
of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Among the liver cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma has been reported to be
responsible for 85-90% of primary liver cancer and it is the second most common cause of cancer mortality with
700,000 deaths documented annually. The major risk factors of HCC include chronic infections with the hepatitis
B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) virus, chronic liver diseases, alcoholism as well as dietary carcinogens, such
as aflatoxins. Highest incidence rates are estimated to occur in Asia and Africa.

Objective:

The effectiveness of current man-made agents in treating chronic liver disease is not satisfactory and
they have uninvited side effects. Herbal medicines are extensively used all over the world; however, there is still
a vast gap in their acceptance by the scientific community. Plants are rich in secondary metabolites and phytochemicals
obtained from both, dietary and non-dietary sources. Natural plant products are potent therapeutic as
well as chemopreventive agents for numerous chronic diseases like cardiovascular, metabolic, neurodegenerative
and neoplastic diseases.

Results:

Dietary phytochemicals such as curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, silibinin, N-trans-feruloyl octopamine,
lycopene, emodin, caffeine, urolithin A and Phloretin have been found to be useful for the treatment of
HCC and other diseases. According to recent reports 60% of the anticancer medication in current use has been
obtained from natural sources.

Conclusion:

Thus, derivatives from plants have played an essential role in cancer prevention due to their pleiotropic
abilities to scavenge free radicals, inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis.
Artepillin C Induces Selective Oxidative Stress and Inhibits Migration and Invasion in a Comprehensive Panel of Human Cervical Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Souza Raquel P. , Bonfim-Mendonça Patrícia S. , Damke Gabrielle M.Z.F. , de-Assis Carvalho Analine R.B. , Ratti Bianca A. , Dembogurski Djaceli S. O. , da-Silva Vânia R.S. , Silva Sueli O. , Da-Silva Denise B. , Bruschi Marcos L. , Maria-Engler Silvya S. , Consolaro Marcia E.L.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Artepillin C (3,5-diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid) is the main bioactive component of
Brazilian green propolis, and possesses, among other things, anticancer properties. However, to the best of our
knowledge, there are no studies of artepillin C in cervical cancer.

Method:

To explore a new therapeutic candidate for cervical cancer, we have evaluated the effects of artepillin
C on cellular viability in a comprehensive panel of human cervical cancer-derived cell lines including HeLa
(human papillomavirus/HPV 18-positive), SiHa (HPV 16-positive), CaSki (HPV 16- and 18-positive) and C33A
(HPV-negative) cells compared to a spontaneously immortalized human epithelial cell line (HaCaT).

Results:

Our results demonstrated that artepillin C had a selective effect on cellular viability and could induce
apoptosis possibly by intrinsic pathway, likely a result of oxidative stress, in all cancer-derived cell lines but not
in HaCaT. Additionally, artepillin C was able to inhibit the migration and invasion of cancer cells.

Conclusion:

Thus, artepillin C appears to be a promising new candidate as an anticancer drug for cervical cancer
induced by different HPV types.