bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Scan Strategy on Thermal Properties and Temperature Field in Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Mirkoohi Elham , Sievers Daniel E. , Garmestani Hamid , Liang Steven Y.
Published: August 2019

Temperature field is an essential attribute of metal additive manufacturing in view of its bearings on the prediction, control, and optimization of residual stress, part distortion, fatigue, balling effect, etc. This work provides an analytical physics-based approach to investigate the effect of scan strategy parameters including time delay between two irradiations and hatching space on thermal material properties and melt pool geometry. This approach is performed through the analysis of the distribution of material properties and temperature profile in three-dimensional space. The moving point heat source approach is used to predict the temperature field. To predict the temperature field during the additive manufacturing process some important phenomena are considered. 1) Due to the high magnitude of temperature in the presence of the laser, the temperature gradient is usually high which has a crucial influence on thermal material properties. Consequently, the thermal material properties of stainless steel grade 316L are considered to be temperature-dependent. 2) Due to the repeated heating and cooling, part usually undergoes several melting and solidification cycles. This physical phenomenon is considered by modifying the heat capacity using the latent heat of melting. 3) The multi-layer aspect of metal AM process is considered by incorporating the temperature history from the previous layer since the interaction of the successive layers has an impact on heat transfer mechanisms. 4) Effect of heat affected zone on thermal material properties is considered by the superposition of material properties in regions where the temperature fields of two consecutive irradiations have an overlap since the consecutive irradiations change the behavior of the material properties. The goals are to 1) investigate the effects of temperature-sensitive material properties and constant material properties on the temperature field. 2) Study the behavior of thermal material properties under different scan strategies. 3) Study the importance of considering the effect of heat affected zone on thermal material through the prediction of melt pool geometry. 4) Investigate the effect of hatching space on melt pool geometry. This work is purely employed physics-based analytical models to predict the behavior of material properties and temperature field under different process conditions, and no finite element modeling is used.
POTENSI GANGGUAN AREA ON STREET PARKING PADA KAWASAN KOMERSIAL TERHADAP KINERJA JALAN (LOKASI JALAN PEMUDA KOTA MAGELANG)
Authors: Burhani Muhammad Anwan , Yudana Galing , Rahayu Paramita
Published: August 2019

Kota merupakan konsentrasi penduduk dalam suatu wilayah geografis tertentu yang mampu menghidupi dirinya sendiri melalui kegiatan ekonomi. Kawasan Pecinan telah dikenal secara luas di Indonesia sebagai domain ekonomi atau pusat aktivitas komersial. Jalan Pemuda di Kota Magelang merupakan kawasan pemukiman tionghoa atau pecinan dengan aktivitas komersial yang berkembang pesat. Perkembangan aktivitas komersial ini manimbulkan tarikan pergerakan yang tinggi. Konsekuensinya permintaan parkir pada kawasan komersial tersebut meningkat. On street parking terjadi karena tidak adanya fasilitas off street parking atau fasilitas parkir yang tersedia tidak dapat memenuhi kebutuhan yang ada. On street parking di Jalan Pemuda adalah on street parking terpanjang dan paling masif di Kota Magelang. Selain itu Jalan Pemuda adalah jalan utama Kota Magelang yang melintasi pusat kota dan merupakan penghubung dua pusat kegiatan nasional (PKN) yaitu Kota Yogyakarta dan Kota Semarang. Oleh sebab itu memahami potensi gangguan on street parking yang masif terhadap kinerja jalan pada kawasan seperti ini adalah hal penting. Motode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah analisis deskriptif kuantitatif dengan menggunakan 4 variabel on street parking dan 2 variabel kinerja jalan serta proses analisis triangulasi untuk mengetahui potesi gangguan on street parking pada kawasan komersial terhadap kinerja jalan. Triangulasi metode pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan observasi lapangan, wawancara dan kuesioner. Hasil dari penelitian ini mengungkapkan bahwa on street parking di Jalan Pemuda Kota Magelang memberikan tingkat gangguan yang tinggi terhadap kinerja jalan. Oleh sebab itu sangat penting untuk mencari alternative lokasi off street parking untuk mengakomodasi parkir di Jalan Pemuda untuk menghindari kemacetan di jalan utama Kota Magelang.

Kata Kunci : kawasan komersial, kinerja jalan, on street parking.
FAKTOR-FAKTOR PEMILIHAN LOKASI SHOPPING MALL DI KOTA SURAKARTA
Authors: Hall Darryl , Astuti Winny , Rini Erma Fitria
Published: August 2019

Lokasi merupakan penentu daya tarik suatu pasar modern. Menurut (Berman & Evan, 2001), faktor yang menentukan lokasi optimum suatu retail/perdagangan yaitu aksesibilitas, specific site, kebijakan zonasi dan secara lebih detail (Marlina, 2008) dan (Kwak & dkk, 2013), menjelaskan bahwa faktor pemilihan lokasi yang mempengaruhi investor dalam menentukan lokasi Shopping Mall adalah Kesesuaian Aturan Zonasi, Aksesibilitas, Harga  Tanah, Ketersediaan Jaringan Prasarana, Kesesuaian kondisi geologi dan hidrologi, Jarak jangkauan customer, dan Tenant Mix. Shopping Mall umumnya merupakan bangunan besar, tertutup lantai lebih dari satu dengan luas minimal 9200 m2. Karakteristik utama Shopping Mall adalah merupakan pusat perbelanjaan dalam satu atap atau one stop (Levy & Weitz, 2009). Perkembangan penanaman modal di Surakarta sebagai Trade Centre membuat banyak investor yang menanamkan modalnya dibidang perdagangan. Salah satu jenis perdagangan yang sedang berkembang di Kota Surakarta adalah Shopping Mall. Perkembangan Shopping Mall diawali pada tahun 2004 ketika Solo Grand Mall berdiri, selanjutnya Solo Square pada tahun 2006 dan Solo Paragon pada tahun 2010. Ketiga Shopping Mall ini memiliki faktor pemilihan lokasi yang sama yaitu memilih lokasi di bagian selatan Kota Surakarta. Sehingga penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui Faktor Prioritas yang mempengaruhi pemilihan lokasi Shopping Mall di Kota Surakarta dengan menggunakan analisis prioritas dalam Analytic Hierarchi Process. Berdasarkan hasil analisis AHP, faktor yang menjadi prioritas bagi Shopping Mall di Kota Surakarta secara berurutan yaitu Peraturan Zonasi Daerah Setempat, Konsumen dan Ketersediaan Moda Transportasi, Tingkat Arus Lalu Lintas, Kemudahan Dicapai dari Fasilitas Umum, Ketersediaan Jaringan Listrik, Biaya (Harga Lahan), Ketersediaan Jaringan Drainase, Kesesuaian Kondisi Geologi dan Hidrologi, Suspicient, Generative, dan yang terakhir adalah Lokasi dan Jarak dengan Pesaing
Database of Crustal Deformation Observed by SAR: Improving Atmospheric Delay Mitigation for Satellite SAR Interferometry and Developing L-Band Multi-Type Portable SAR
Authors: Ozawa Taku , Aoki Yosuke , Okuyama Satoshi , Wang Xiaowen , Miyagi Yousuke , Nohmi Akira ,   National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED) 3-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0006, Japan,   Earthquake Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan,   Meteorological Research Institute, Ibaraki, Japan,   Southwest Jiaotong University, Sichuan, China,   Alouette Technology Inc., Tokyo, Japan
Published: August 2019

Spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and ground-based radar interferometers (GBRIs) can be used to detect spatially detailed crustal deformations that are difficult to detect by on-site observations, the Global Navigation Satellite System, tiltmeters, and so on. To make such crustal deformation information readily available to those engaged in evaluating volcanic activities and researching the mechanisms, we are preparing a database within the Japan Volcanological Data Network data sharing system to store crustal deformation detected by spaceborne SAR and GBRIs (Subtheme 2-1, Project B, the Integrated Program for Next Generation Volcano Research and Human Resource Development). In this study, we examined methods to reduce atmospheric delay noise in SAR interferometry using the numerical weather model and determined the methods for resampling the analytical values of the numerical weather model and estimating atmospheric delay to efficiently determine atmospheric delay. We show that the atmospheric delay can be estimated with higher accuracy by properly combining the isobaric surface and ground surface data of the mesoscale model (MSM) provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency. We are developing a multi-type portable SAR system as a GBRI system such that it would allow campaign observations whenever increased volcanic activities are observed and acquire crustal deformation with a higher temporal resolution than spaceborne SAR for storage in the database. This system employs L-band radar, which has a higher penetrability against vegetation. Two modes of observations are possible: ground-based SAR and car-borne SAR. The prototype was fabricated to conduct experiments necessary to develop a working model. The experimental observations was carried out around Asama volcano, and we confirmed that clear fringe was obtained.
Late Pleistocene–Holocene Volcaniclastic Ejecta Along the Southern Apron of the Esan Volcanic Complex, Japan
Authors: Miura Daisuke , Furukawa Ryuta , Arai Ken-ichi ,   Osaka Prefecture University 1-1 Gakuencho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan,   Geological Survey of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Ibaraki, Japan,   Asia Air Survey Co., Ltd., Kanagawa, Japan
Published: August 2019

The Esan volcanic complex (EVC), northern Japan, is an active volcanic complex. The EVC represents a potential threat owing to its close proximity to inhabited areas, and abundant phreatic deposits occur around its volcanic aprons. Eleven samples of black paleosol and charcoal were collected from trenches dug at two sites (A and B) for the purpose of 14C dating. Sites A and B are located 2.6 km and 2.2 km from the source crater, respectively, and the deposits at these sites represent a proximal facies. At least 11 (at site A) and 12 (at site B) volcaniclastic units are identified. A newly identified Holocene phreatic unit (Es-0) is dated at ca 11 ka and is older than the EsMP unit that is a Holocene lava-dome building episode at ca 9 ka. Holocene phreatic episodes Es-1 and Es-3 can be divided into three and five subunits, respectively, and include a pyroclastic surge deposit that would have posed a threat to current local communities. The sequence of Holocene eruptions includes at least 11 tephra events over 11,000 years. The material ejected during phreatic explosions is characterised by highly heterogeneous grain size. Therefore, grain size analysis of erupted phreatic material might not effectively discriminate the processes of deposition, in contrast to such analysis of magmatic ejecta. The topography of the EVC largely constrains the area of deposition of phreatic ejecta.
Effects of Supervised Early Resistance Training versus standard care on cognitive recovery following cardiac surgery via median sternotomy (The SEcReT study): Protocol for a randomised controlled pilot study
Authors: Pengelly Jacqueline Marie Stacey , Royse Alistair , Bryant Adam , Williams Gavin , Tivendale Lynda , Dettmann Tim , Canty David , Royse Colin , El-Ansary Doa
Published: August 2019

Introduction: Mild cognitive impairment is considered a precursor to dementia and significantly impacts upon quality of life. The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment is higher in the post-surgical cardiac population than the general population, with older age and co-morbidities further increasing the risk of cognitive decline. This significantly impacts upon quality of life. Exercise improves neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity and inflammatory and neurotrophic factor pathways, which may help to augment the effects of cognitive decline. However, the effects of resistance training on cognitive, functional and overall patient-reported recovery have not been investigated in the surgical cardiac population. This study aims to determine the safety and feasibility of early moderate intensity resistance training in people undergoing cardiac surgery via a median sternotomy, compared to standard care. The effect of this exercise program on cognitive and functional recovery will also be examined.

Methods: This study will be a prospective, pragmatic, pilot randomised controlled trial comparing a standard care group (low-intensity aerobic exercise) and a moderate-intensity resistance training group. Participants aged 18 years and older with coronary artery and/or valve disease requiring surgical intervention will be recruited pre-operatively and randomised 1:1 to either the resistance training or standard care group post-operatively. Feasibility and safety will be assessed through recruitment and retention rates; exercise program adherence; dropout rate; exercise and session stoppages due to pain, any adverse event or incident; and, any major adverse cardiac and cerebral events. Secondary measures include cognitive function, muscular strength, physical function, multiple-domain recovery, balance and patient satisfaction. Assessments will be conducted at baseline (pre-operatively) and post-operatively at 2 weeks, 8 weeks, 14 weeks and 6 months.

Discussion: The results of this study will inform the safety and feasibility of early intervention resistance training for patients following cardiac surgery. In addition, this study will provide insights into the effect of resistance training on postoperative cognitive recovery to inform rehabilitation guidelines.

Trial registration: This trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), ID: ACTRN12617001430325p. Registered on 9 October 2017. Universal Trial Number (UTN):U1111-1203-2131.

Keywords: Median sternotomy, resistance training, cognition, cardiac surgery, recovery, rehabilitation, exercise
Economic Thresholds of Wheat Streak Mosaic in the Texas High Plains
Authors: Mulenga Brian P. , Brorsen B. Wade , Epplin Francis M. , Workneh Fekede , Rush Charles M.
Published: August 2019

Core Ideas

Expected wheat yield declines exponentially with increasing wheat streak mosaic severity.

For reflectance readings taken on 27 April, 4 May, and 10 May, economic threshold reflectance values are 8.3, 9.5, and 9.4, respectively.

At the threshold infection severity expected grain yield is approximately 1910 kg ha−1.

Wheat growers could potentially save resources by discontinuing input applications and introduce cattle for grazing.

Wheat streak mosaic (WSM), caused by Wheat streak mosaic virus, is the most widespread and economically important virus disease affecting winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Great Plains of the United States. Using reflectance data from a hand‐held hyperspectral radiometer and yields from a field experiment, this study estimated economic thresholds of WSM beyond which it is uneconomical to continue with mid‐season input applications. Disease severity assessments based on reflectance measurements were taken from 99 plots across the field at three time points, namely 27 April, 4 May, and 10 May in the 2015–2016 wheat season. A log‐linear regression model of yield on reflectance indicates potential yield losses of up to 35% for every unit increase in infection severity (as measured by reflectance readings). Using regression and partial budget analysis, results show varying thresholds of WSM depending on the date of disease severity assessments. The 27 April assessment had the lowest threshold when compared with the other assessment dates. Threshold analysis indicates potential to save resources by discontinuing mid‐season input applications and introducing cattle for grazing, in about 14% of the sampled plots, but only 1% if grazing was not possible.
Compost Amended with N Enhances Maize Productivity and Soil Properties in Semi‐Arid Agriculture
Authors: Iqbal Shahid , Arif Muhammad Saleem , Khan Haroon Zaman , Yasmeen Tahira , Thierfelder Christian , Li Tang , Khan Sehroon , Nadir Sadia , Xu Jianchu
Published: August 2019

Declining soil fertility and crop yields are common in arid and semi–arid areas. Sustainable technologies that halt or reverse this trend are required to ensure food security. The use of compost for soil amendment should build soil resilience to drought. However, manure (which is a raw material in compost production) is used as a fuel in many semiarid regions of the world. To encourage farmers to change from using manure or composts as fuel to adopting them as soil additives, it will be necessary to demonstrate the production benefits associated with such additives. A 2‐yr field experiment was conducted in a semi‐arid (steppe) desert environment in Pakistan on sandy‐loamy soils. Poultry manure compost (PMC), pressmud compost (PrMC), and urea (U) were compared in a maize–maize (Zea mays L.) cropping system. The PMC and PrMC application increased soil organic carbon (SOC) and N as well as the soil's moisture content, but decreased the soil electrical conductivity (ECe) and pH after 2 yr. Replacing 25% of the U with PMC increased the mineral N and mean crop growth rate by 46%, the net assimilation rate by 30% and the yield by 219%, compared to the control. These results were comparable to applications of U alone and PMC with urea in a 25:75 application ratio. These results demonstrate that in semiarid regions, adding manure or compost as a soil additive improves the soil's yield potential.

Core Ideas

Less/no burning qualities manure can solve the conflict in using manure for energy.

Compost can reverse soil fertility and maize yield decline in semiarid areas.

Compost with urea at 25:75 can reduce 25% use of harmful mineral fertilizer.
Relationship of Drone‐Based Vegetation Indices with Corn and Sugarbeet Yields
Authors: Olson Dan , Chatterjee Amitava , Franzen Dave W. , Day Stephanie S.
Published: August 2019

Successful adoption of drone‐based remote sensing depends on changes in sensitivity over vegetation indices (VIs) and growth stage(s). During 2017–2018, experiments were conducted to relate between vegetation indices and corn (Zea mays L.) and sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) yields in western Minnesota. Aerial images were collected using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a passive light optical sensor (Micasense RedEdge). Using Pix4D software, spectral reflectance data were derived from flights at V6 and VT growth stages of corn, and V10 and V15 growth stages of sugarbeet in 2017. In 2018, images were collected every week from the V4 to R2 growth stages in corn, and from the V4 to V15 stages in sugarbeet. In addition to red normalized vegetation index (RNDVI) and red edge normalized vegetation index (RENDVI), crop height was determined from UAV based digital terrain and digital surface models. Yield prediction (YP) model was derived from the linear regression between crop yield and vegetation indices. For corn‐YP model, R2 value increased over the growing period and optimized at the R1 growth stage. Considering 3 site‐years, RENDVI was the best predictor for corn YP than other VIs based on the maximum R2 value. For sugarbeet YP, model R2 value declined over the growing season and optimized at V7 or V10 growth stages. Considering 4 site‐years, RNDVI was best related to root yield and recoverable sugar yield. Drone‐based remote sensing can be successfully used for corn and sugarbeet YP. Drone‐based remote sensing has potential in corn and sugarbeet YP, but it varied over growing seasons.

Core Ideas

Drone‐based passive optical sensor can be used to predict crop’s yield.

Red‐ and red edge‐normalized vegetation index and crop height are potential indices.

Red edge normalized vegetation index best correlated with corn yield.

Red normalized vegetation index best correlated with root yield prediction.

Over growing season predictability improved for corn but declined for sugarbeet.
Thermal conformal blocks
Authors: Gobeil Yan , Maloney Alexander , Ng Gim Seng , Wu Jie-qiang
Published: August 2019

We study conformal blocks for thermal one-point-functions on the
sphere in conformal field theories of general dimension. These thermal
conformal blocks satisfy second-order Casimir differential equations and
have integral representations related to AdS Witten diagrams. We give an
analytic formula for the scalar conformal block in terms of generalized
hypergeometric functions. As an application, we deduce an asymptotic
formula for the three-point coefficients of primary operators in the
limit where two of the operators are heavy.
Predictive models for wastewater flow forecasting based on time series analysis and artificial neural network
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Li Zhong , Snowling Spencer , Siam Ahmad , El-Dakhakhni Wael
Published: August 2019

Wastewater flow forecasting is key for proper management of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, to predict the amount of incoming wastewater in WWTPs, wastewater engineers face challenges arising from numerous complexities and uncertainties, such as the nonlinear precipitation-runoff relationships in combined sewer systems, unpredictability due to aging infrastructure, and frequently inconsistent data quality. To address such challenges, a time series analysis model (i.e., the autoregressive integrated moving average, ARIMA) and an artificial neural network model (i.e., the multilayer perceptron neural network, MLPNN) were developed for predicting wastewater inflow. A case study of the Barrie Wastewater Treatment Facility in Barrie, Canada, was carried out to demonstrate the performance of the proposed models. Fifteen-minute flow data over a period of 1 year were collected, and the resampled daily flow data were used to train and validate the developed models. The model performances were examined using root mean square error, mean absolute percentage error, coefficient of determination, and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency. The results indicate that both models provided reliable forecasts, while ARIMA showed a slightly better performance than MLPNN in this case study. The proposed models can provide useful decision support for the optimization and management of WWTPs.
Pharmacological Advances in the Treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Gil-Martínez María , Santos-Ramos Paz , Fernández-Rodríguez Maribel , Abraldes Maximino J. , Rodríguez-Cid Maria José , Santiago-Varela María , Fernández-Ferreiro Anxo , Gómez-Ulla Francisco
Published: August 2019

Age-related macular degeneration is an acquired degenerative disease that is responsible
for severe loss of vision in elderly people. There are two types: dry age-related
macular degeneration and wet age-related macular degeneration. Its treatment has been improved
and tries to be tailored in the future. The aim of this review is to summarize the pharmacological
advances in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Regarding dry
AMD, there is no effective treatment to reduce its progression. However, some molecules
such as lampalizumab and eculizumab were under investigation, although they have shown
low efficacy. Herein, in an attempt to prevent dry AMD progression, the most important studies
suggested increasing the antioxidants intake and quitting the smoke habit. On the other
hand, wet AMD has more developed treatment. Nowadays, the gold standard treatment is
anti-VEGF injections. However, more effective molecules are currently under investigation.
There are different molecules under research for dry AMD and wet AMD. This fact could
help us treat our patients with more effective and lasting drugs but more clinical trials and
safety studies are required in order to achieve an optimal treatment.
Hyaluronic Acid Modified Risedronate and Teriparatide Co-loaded Nanocarriers for Improved Osteogenic Differentiation of Osteoblasts for the Treatment of Osteoporosis
Authors: Abourehab Mohammed A.S.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Owing to its multifactorial intricate pathogenesis, combined therapeutic regimen is considered
appropriate for the treatment of osteoporosis. However, a multi-drug regimen is also associated with
adverse effects due to the non-specific distribution of drugs. Therefore, the present study aims for efficient codelivery
of risedronate (RDN) (a potent bone anti-resorptive drug) and teriparatide (TPD) (anabolic agent) as
hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified chitosan nanoparticles (NPs).

Methods:

RDN/TPD NPs were synthesized using the high- pressure homogenization – solvent evaporation technique.
The fabricated NPs were then characterized and optimized for suitable physicochemical characteristics.
The optimized NPs were then evaluated for bone remodeling potential via assessment of time-mannered modulation
in proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of osteoblasts.

Results:

Results showed that HA-RDN/TPD NPs exhibited excellent physicochemical characteristics (nanoscopic
size, stable zeta potential, high entrapment efficiency, and smooth spherical shape) and remained stable upon
storage in the refrigerator. Assessment of various aspects of the cell growth cycle (i.e., proliferation, differentiation,
and mineralization) evidenced promising bone regeneration efficacy of HA-RDN/TPD NPs.

Conclusion:

This new strategy of employing simultaneous delivery of anti-resorptive and bone-forming agents
would open new horizons for scientists, researchers, and healthcare providers as an efficient pharmacotherapy for
the treatment of osteoporosis.
Evaluation of the Effect of Nanoparticles Zinc Oxide/Camellia sinensis Complex on the Kidney of Rats Treated with Monosodium Glutamate: Antioxidant and Histological Approaches
Authors: El-Shenawy Nahla S. , Hamza Reham Z. , Al-Salmi Fawziah A. , Al-Eisa Rasha A.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are robustly used biomedicine. Moreover, no study has been conducted to explore the consequence of green synthesis of ZnO NPs with Camellia sinensis (green tea extract, GTE) on kidneys of rats treated with monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Methods:

Therefore, the objective of the research was designed to explore the possible defensive effect of GTE/ZnO NPs against MSG-induced renal stress investigated at redox and histopathological points.

Results:

The levels of urea and creatinine increased as the effect of a high dose of MSG, in addition, the myeloperoxidase and xanthine oxidase activates were elevated significantly with the high dose of MSG. The levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants (uric acid, glutathione, and thiol) were decreased sharply in MSG-treated rats as compared to the normal group.

Conclusion:

The data displayed that GTE/ZnO NPs reduced the effects of MSG significantly by reduction of the level peroxidation and enhancement intracellular antioxidant. These biochemical findings were supported by histopathology evaluation, which showed minor morphological changes in the kidneys of rats.
Antibacterial and Potential Antidiabetic Activities of Flavone C-glycosides Isolated from Beta vulgaris Subspecies cicla L. var. Flavescens (Amaranthaceae) Cultivated in Egypt
Authors: Mohammed Hala S. , Abdel-Aziz Marwa M. , Abu-Baker Marwa S. , Saad Amal M. , Mohamed Mona A. , Ghareeb Mosad A.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Diabetes mellitus is the most common disease in Egypt. In this context, Beta
vulgaris subspecies cicla L. var. flavescens is an edible plant that has been used in traditional medicine
as a therapy for treating some diseases.

Objective:

The current study was performed to evaluate the antibacterial and potential anti-diabetic
activities of different extracts and isolated flavone C-glycoside compounds isolated from Beta vulgaris
subspecies cicla L. var. flavescens leaves.

Methods:

Phytochemical investigation of n-butanol extract led to the isolation of five phytoconstituents.
Their structures were determined by spectroscopic tools, including 1D-NMR (1H- & 13C-NMR)
and 2D-NMR (HMQC & HMBC) besides the comparison of the data with the literature. The extracts
and phytoconstituents were evaluated in vitro for their activity against some bacterial pathogens, which
represent prominent human pathogens, particularly in hospital settings. The antibacterial activity was
examined against three Gram-positive bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis
& Enterococcus faecalis) and five Gram-negative ones (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus
vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis & Salmonella typhimurium) relative to Ciprofloxacin
as a reference drug. Furthermore, the in vitro antidiabetic activity (Type II) was evaluated using the
alpha-glucosidase inhibitory assay.

Results:

Five flavone C-glycosides namely; Apigenin 8-C-β-D-glucopyranoside (vitexin) (1), 2''-Oxylopyranosylvitexin
(2), acacetin 8-C-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), acacetin 8-C-α-L-rhamnoside (4), and
6,8-di-C-β-D-glucopyranosylapigenin (vecinin-II) (5) were isolated from n-butanol extract of B. vulgaris
subspecies cicla L. var. flavescens. Compound 1 showed a promising antibacterial activity
against most of the test bacterial strains with respect to the minimum inhibitory concentration values
(MIC) ranged from 1.95 to 15.63 µg ml-1. On the other hand, compounds 1 and 3 demonstrated superior
antidiabetic activities with IC50 values of 35.7 and 42.64 µg ml-1, respectively, while an inferior potential
antidiabetic activity was recorded for compound 4 (IC50 = 145.5 µg ml-1) in comparison with
Acarbose as a reference drug.

Conclusion:

B. vulgaris L. is an edible plant, which could be used as a natural source of antibiotic and
hypoglycemic drugs.
Recent Progress in Gene Therapy and Other Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Beta Thalassemia
Authors: Hamed Eman M. , Meabed Mohamed Hussein , Aly Usama Farghaly , Hussein Raghda R.S.
Published: August 2019

Beta-thalassemia is a genetic disorder characterized by the impaired synthesis of the betaglobin
chain of adult hemoglobin. The disorder has a complex pathophysiology that affects multiple
organ systems. The main complications of beta thalassemia are ineffective erythropoiesis, chronic hemolytic
anemia and hemosiderosis-induced organ dysfunction. Regular blood transfusions are the
main therapy for beta thalassemia major; however, this treatment can cause cardiac and hepatic hemosiderosis
– the most common cause of death in these patients. This review focuses on unique future
therapeutic interventions for thalassemia that reverse splenomegaly, reduce transfusion frequency, decrease
iron toxicity in organs, and correct chronic anemia. The targeted effective protocols include
hemoglobin fetal inducers, ineffective erythropoiesis correctors, antioxidants, vitamins, and natural
products. Resveratrol is a new herbal therapeutic approach which serves as fetal Hb inducer in beta
thalassemia. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative therapy for beta thalassemia
major and is preferred over iron chelation and blood transfusion for ensuring long life in these
patients. Meanwhile, several molecular therapies, such as ActRIIB/IgG1 Fc recombinant protein,
have emerged to address complications of beta thalassemia or the adverse effects of current drugs. Regarding
gene correction strategies, a phase III trial called HGB-207 (Northstar-2; NCT02906202) is
evaluating the efficacy and safety of autologous cell transplantation with LentiGlobin. Advanced
gene-editing approaches aim to cut DNA at a targeted site and convert HbF to HbA during infancy,
such as the suppression of BCL11A (B cell lymphoma 11A), HPFH (hereditary persistence of fetal
hemoglobin) and zinc-finger nucleases. Gene therapy is progressing rapidly, with multiple clinical trials
being conducted in many countries and the promise of commercial products to be available in the
near future.
Advances in the Discovery of PDE10A Inhibitors for CNS-Related Disorders. Part 2: Focus on Schizophrenia
Authors: Świerczek Artur , Jankowska Agnieszka , Chłoń-Rzepa Grażyna , Pawłowski Maciej , Wyska Elżbieta
Published: August 2019

:

Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental disorder with relatively high prevalence (~1%), during which positive manifestations (such as psychotic states) and negative symptoms (e.g., a withdrawal from social life) occur. Moreover, some researchers consider cognitive impairment as a distinct domain of schizophrenia symptoms.

:

The imbalance in dopamine activity, namely an excessive release of this neurotransmitter in the striatum and insufficient amounts in the prefrontal cortex is believed to be partially responsible for the occurrence of these groups of manifestations. Second-generation antipsychotics are currently the standard treatment of schizophrenia. Nevertheless, the existent treatment is sometimes ineffective and burdened with severe adverse effects, such as extrapyramidal symptoms. Thus, there is an urgent need to search for alternative treatment options of this disease.

:

This review summarizes the results of recent preclinical and clinical studies on phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A), which is highly expressed in the mammalian striatum, as a potential drug target for the treatment of schizophrenia. Based on the literature data, not only selective PDE10A inhibitors but also dual PDE2A/10A, and PDE4B/10A inhibitors, as well as multifunctional ligands with a PDE10A inhibitory potency are compounds that may combine antipsychotic, precognitive, and antidepressant functions. Thus, designing such compounds may constitute a new direction of research for new potential medications for schizophrenia. Despite failures of previous clinical trials of selective PDE10A inhibitors for the treatment of schizophrenia, new compounds with this mechanism of action are currently investigated clinically, thus, the search for new inhibitors of PDE10A, both selective and multitarget, is still warranted.
Mild Parkinsonian Signs in a Hospital-based Cohort of Mild Cognitive Impairment Types: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Camarda Cecilia , Torelli Paola , Pipia Carmela , Battaglini Iacopo , Azzarello Delia , Rosano Rosamaria , Ventimiglia Caterina Claudia , Sottile Gianluca , Cilluffo Giovanna , Camarda Rosolino
Published: August 2019

Background:

Mild Parkinsonian Signs (MPS) have been associated with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) types with conflicting results.

Objective:

To investigate the association of individual MPS with different MCI types using logistic ridge regression analysis, and to evaluate for each MCI type, the association of MPS with caudate atrophy, global cerebral atrophy, and the topographical location of White Matter Hyperintensities (WMH), and lacunes.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was performed among 1,168 subjects with different types of MCI aged 45-97 (70,52 ± 9,41) years, who underwent brain MRI. WMH were assessed through two visual rating scales. The number and location of lacunes were also rated. Atrophy of the caudate nuclei and global cerebral atrophy were assessed through the bicaudate ratio, and the lateral ventricles to brain ratio, respectively. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes were also assessed. Using the items of the motor section of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and gait/balance/axial dysfunction were evaluated.

Results:

Bradykinesia, and gait/balance/axial dysfunction were the MPS more frequently encountered followed by rigidity, and tremor. MPS were present in both amnestic and non-amnestic MCI types, and were associated with WMH, lacunes, bicaudate ratio, and lateral ventricles to brain ratio.

Conclusion:

MPS are present in both amnestic and non-amnestic MCI types, particularly in those multiple domain, and carrying the APOE ε4 allele. Cortical and subcortical vascular and atrophic processes contribute to MPS. Long prospective studies are needed to disentangle the contribution of MPS to the conversion from MCI to dementia.
Association of Arterial Hypertension with Hepatobiliary Pathology: The Occurrence of Comorbidity and Features of Metabolic Processes
Authors: Viktorovna Sevostyanova E. , Alekseevich Nikolaev Y. , Yakovlevich Polyakov V. , Michailovich Mitrofanov I.
Published: August 2019

:

Comorbidity of hypertension and hepatobiliary pathology has negative medical and
social consequences, including an increase in the indicators of hospital admissions, disability and
mortality.

Objective:

The aim was to study the occurrence of hypertension combined with hepatobiliary
diseases depending on social status, gender and age in 2003-2017 and their influence on indicators
of metabolic processes in patients with a therapeutic profile.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study using the inpatients’ medical record database of the clinic of
Federal Research Centre for Basic and Translational Medicine (Novosibirsk, Russia), which
collects demographics, diagnoses (using ICD-10 codes), procedures and examinations of all
inpatients from 2003-2017 was conducted. The incidence of comorbidity of hypertension and
hepatobiliary pathology depending on age, gender and social status, based on the analysis of 13496
medical records was examined. A comparative analysis of biochemical parameters characterizing the
main types of metabolism (lipid, protein, carbohydrate and purine) was carried out in 3 groups of
patients: with hypertension; with hepatobiliary pathology, and with a combined pathology.

Results:

During the years 2003-2005, there was the greatest frequency of this comorbidity in workers,
in women, in the age group 60 years and older. In 2009-2017, the highest incidence was observed
in the male administrative staff. In patients with this comorbidity, more pronounced changes
in carbohydrate, protein, lipid and purine metabolism were found in comparison with groups of
patients with isolated diseases.

Conclusion:

The results highlight the need to improve the system of prevention and treatment of
comorbidity taking into account sex, age, occupation and features of metabolism.
Network-Pharmacology and DFT Based Approach Towards Identification of Leads from Homalomena aromatica for Multi-Target In-Silico Screening on Entamoeba histolytica Proteins
Authors: Goswami Ashis Kumar , Sharma Hemanta Kumar , Gogoi Neelutpal , Gogoi Bhaskar Jyoti
Published: August 2019

Background:

Entamoeba histolytica is the primary protozoan that causes amoebic dysentery
and is prioritized as the third most prevalent protozoan causing parasitosis. Drug of choice in
amoebic dysentery is metronidazole but it has unpleasant side effects with reports of development
of resistance in certain cases. Homalomena aromatica Schott. is a plant which is used in different
ethnomedicinal practices of South-east Asia to treat stomach ailments against intestinal parasites.

Objective:

the present study, a docking weighted network pharmacology-based approach was
employed to understand the effects of a library of 71 natural molecules reported from Homalomena
aromatica with reference to four proteins of Entamoeba histolytica namely thioredoxin reductase,
cysteine synthase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and ornithine decarboxylase.

Method:

Molecular docking of the phytoconstituents of H. aromatica was performed in Biovia
Discovery Studio 2017 R2 software suite on the selected proteins of E. histolytica. A connection
was established between the proteins and molecules through network pharmacology weighted docking
studies with the help of Cytoscape V3.4.0 software to select three molecules namely HM 7, HM
23 and HM 24 on the basis of the generated network between the molecules and targets. Quantum
mechanics based Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis was performed on the filtered molecules
to ascertain their viability with respect to LUMO-HOMO orbital energies of the filtered molecules.

Results:

On the basis of the docking studies of the natural molecules on the selected protein targets,
a network of molecules was built. DFT based minimum energy gap was analysed to further ascertain
the most potential inhbitors. Three molecules from H. aromatica; 3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-
yl acetate, α -methyl-α-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-oriranemethanol, and 7-octadiene-2,6-diol-2,6-
dimethyl were predicted to be potential lead molecules against amoebiasis.

Conclusion:

The present study provides important evidence for the development of new drug molecules
to treat amoebiasis.
A Rare Case of Drug-Induced Erectile Dysfunction with Secukinumab Solved After Switch to Ixekizumab in A Psoriatic Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Dastoli Stefano , Iannone Luigi Francesco , Bennardo Luigi , Silvestri Martina , Palleria Caterina , Nisticò Steven Paul , De Sarro Giovambattista , Russo Emilio
Published: August 2019

Background:

Psoriasis is a cutaneous inflammatory condition characterized by an altered
turnover of keratinocytes leading to scaly patches. Secukinumab and ixekizumab are two biologic
drugs inhibiting interleukin-17.

Objective:

We report the first case, according to Naranjo score, of a secukinumab-induced erectile
dysfunction with severe plaque psoriasis that disappeared after switching to another anti IL17 drug
(ixekizumab).

Methods:

A 45 years old man experienced erectile dysfunction during treatment with an anti-IL17.
The adverse effect appeared after 60 days of treatment with secukinumab and rapidly disappeared after
discontinuation of the drug. All necessary urologic exams were carried out. Re-administration of
secukinumab, due to the exacerbation of psoriasis, caused the same sexual dysfunction after 60 days.

Results:

Switching to ixekizumab lead to a resolution of the erectile dysfunction and a complete
skin clearance.

Conclusion:

We describe for the first time a sexual dysfunction possibly due to secukinumab and
its resolution after the switch to another similar but different drug, highlighting the potential difference
between anti-IL17A drugs.
New Derivatives of Bacteriopurpurin with Thiolated Au (I) Complexes: Dual Darkand Light Activated Antitumor Potency
Authors: Grin Mikhail A. , Tikhonov Sergei I. , Petrova Albina S. , Pogorilyy Victor A. , Noev Аlexey N. , Tatarskiy Victor V. , Shpakovsky Dmitry B. , Milaeva Elena R. , Kalinina Elena V. , Chernov Nikolai N. , Shtil Аlexander А. , Mironov Andrey F. , Kaprin Andrey D. , Filonenko Elena V.
Published: August 2019

Background::

Conventional antitumor Photosensitizers (PS) are normally low toxic in the dark whereas light activation triggers massive cell death (photodynamic therapy, PDT).

Objective::

To expand the therapeutic potential of PS to dual potency cytocidal agents, taking advantage of the use of bacteriopurpurin for a deeper tissue penetration of light, and suitability of the tetrapyrrolic macrocycle for chemical modifications at its periphery.

Methods::

Conjugation of a pro-oxidant thiolate Au (I) moiety to the bacteriopurpurin core and evaluation of cytotoxicity in cell culture and in vivo.

Results::

New water-soluble derivatives showed micromolar cytotoxicity for cultured human tumor cell lines in the dark, including the subline with an altered drug response due to p53 inactivation. Cellular PDT with the selected conjugate, thiolate Au (I)-dipropoxybacteriopurpurinimide (compound 6) with two triphenylphosphine Au fragments, triggered rapid (within minutes) cell death. Damage to the plasma membrane (necrosis) was a hallmark of cell death by compound 6 both in the dark and upon light activation. Furthermore, one single i.v. injection of compound 6 caused retardation of transplanted syngeneic tumors at the tolerable dose. Illumination of tumors that accumulated compound 6 significantly synergized with the effect of 6 in the dark.

Conclusion::

Complexes of virtually non-toxic, photoactivatable bacteriopurpurin with the gold-containing organic moiety are considered the dual potency antitumor agents, tentatively applicable for intractable tumors.
A Comprehensive Review on Pharmacological Properties of Abrus precatorius L.
Authors: Chopra Vijay , Shriwastva Aishwarya , Khatik Gopal L. , Vyas Manish , Yadav Pramod , Prajapati P.K. , Tomar Bhupendra
Published: August 2019

Background:

Abrus precatorius L. (A. precatorius) is a valuable plant from the family Fabaceae which is a pea family. It is commonly known as Gunja or Jequirity, significantly found throughout India mainly Himalaya to Southern India and Ceylon. It is considered a poisonous plant due to the presence of abrin.

Objective:

A. precatorius has many pharmacological and biologically active constituents, such as alkaloids, glycosides and flavonoids situated in different parts of the plant. The objective of this review is to provide a retrospective study based on its anticancer potential.

Results:

Recent studies of A. precatorius are based on the isolation, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of different secondary metabolites. These constituents possess significant cytotoxic properties against various cancer cell lines including breast, lung, liver, ovarian, prostate and leukaemia. A. precatorius is also reported to have anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, abortifacient, antioxidant, anthelmintic activity, antifertility, nephroprotective, and immunomodulatory activities.

Conclusion:

The present review summarizes the anticancer potential of A. precatorius and its constituents. However, extensive research is required to establish it as a potent chemotherapeutic agent.
A Historical Data Based Ensemble System for Efficient Stock Price Prediction
Authors: Dwivedi Vijay K. , Gore Manoj M.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Stock price prediction is a challenging task. The social, economic, political,
and various other factors cause frequent abrupt changes in the stock price. This article proposes a
historical data-based ensemble system to predict the closing stock price with higher accuracy and
consistency over the existing stock price prediction systems.

Objective:

The primary objective of this article is to predict the closing price of a stock for the next
trading in more accurate and consistent manner over the existing methods employed for the stock
price prediction.

Method:

The proposed system combines various machine learning-based prediction models employing
Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression regularization technique
to enhance the accuracy of stock price prediction system as compared to any one of the base
prediction models.

Results:

The analysis of results for all the eleven stocks (listed under Information Technology sector
on the Bombay Stock Exchange, India) reveals that the proposed system performs best (on all defined
metrics of the proposed system) for training datasets and test datasets comprising of all the
stocks considered in the proposed system.

Conclusion:

The proposed ensemble model consistently predicts stock price with a high degree of
accuracy over the existing methods used for the prediction.