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This article aims to investigate the generative process of urban development using simulation methods. The open-source platform OpenSim was used to allow participants to build immersive virtual environments representing the ancient town of Hoian, Vietnam. Patterns and urban properties are implemented as rules of generative process in urban design. This research not only corroborates Alexander’s methods but significantly improves his and colleagues’ method in providing a clear approach in generative process in urban design. Through the immersive environment of OpenSim, communities are able to establish effective public participation in planning their neighborhood as well as build and test urban codes.

Leaves of Combretum quadrangulare Kurz showed potent α-glucosidase inhibition. Two new cycloartane-type triterpenes, combretic acids D and E were isolated from the bioactive fraction. The chemical structures were determined using NMR and MS methods. Combretic acid D represents for the first cycloartane having a dihydrofuran ring in the side chain. Combretic acids D and E showed significant α-glucosidase inhibition, with IC 50 values of 13.9 and 30.7 μM, respectively. Combretic acid D was determined to be a non-competitive type in the kinetic study. The docking study in combination with dynamic simulations of this compound provided the molecular understanding of α-glucosidase inhibition.

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