bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess Feasibility and Treatment Effect of a Web-Based Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Program in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Siengsukon Catherine F. , Beck Eber Silveira , Drerup Michelle
Published: June 2020

Background: At least 40% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience chronic insomnia. Recent studies indicate that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is an effective treatment for insomnia symptoms in individuals with MS. CBT-I delivered using web-based applications has been shown to be effective and may increase access to CBT-I for individuals with MS who have mobility difficulties, fatigue, or live in rural areas. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and treatment effect of CBT-I delivered using a web-based application with or without biweekly phone calls to improve sleep quality and fatigue in individuals with MS and symptoms of insomnia.

Methods: Forty-one individuals with MS and symptoms of insomnia were randomized into either a group that participated in a 6-week web-based CBT-I program (wCBT-I) or a group that participated in a web-based CBT-I program and received biweekly support phone calls (wCBT-I+PC). Participants completed surveys online to assess insomnia severity, sleep quality, fatigue, sleep self-efficacy, depression, anxiety, and motivation to change their sleep behavior.

Results: The overall retention rate was 48.8%, and the adherence rate was 96.34%. Both groups had a significant improvement in insomnia severity, sleep quality, anxiety, and sleep self-efficacy. Only the wCBT-I group had a significant improvement in depression and fatigue.

Conclusions: Web-delivered CBT-I is feasible and effective in improving sleep outcomes and concomitant symptoms in individuals with MS. Web-based CBT-I may increase the accessibility of CBT-I treatment and provide a stepped-care approach to treating chronic insomnia in individuals with MS.
Road Safety Assessment Considering the Expected Fatal Accident Density
Authors: Jasiūnienė Vilma , Vaiškūnaitė Rasa
Published: June 2020

Network-wide road safety assessment throughout the whole network is one of the four road infrastructure safety management procedures regulated by Directive 2019/1936/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 Аmending Directive 2008/96/EC on Road Infrastructure Safety Management and one of the methods for determining the direction of investment in road safety. So far, the implementation of the procedure has been lightly regulated and adapted using various road safety indicators. The paper describes the evaluation of road accident data that is one of the criteria for conducting a network-wide road safety assessment. Taking into consideration that networkwide road safety assessment is a proactive road safety activity, the paper proposes to conduct road safety assessment considering the expected fatal accident density. Such assessment makes it possible to assess the severity of accidents, and the use of the predicted road accident data on calculating the introduced road accident rate contributing to the prevention of accidents. The paper describes both the empirical Bayes method for predicting road accidents and the application of one of the road safety indicators – the expected fatal accident density – to determine five road safety categories across the road network. The paper demonstrates the application of the proposals submitted to Lithuanian highways using road accident and traffic data for the period 2014–2018.
Effects of Carbon Fibre on Performance Properties of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Geckil Tacettin , Ahmedzade Perviz
Published: June 2020

In this study, the effects of carbon fibre on improving the performance characteristics of asphalt mixtures were investigated. To this end, four percentages of carbon fibre (0%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.7% by weight of bitumen) were used as an additive in asphalt mixtures. The mechanical properties of prepared mixture specimens were investigated using tests such as Marshall Stability and flow, Indirect Tensile Stiffness Modulus, Creep Stiffness, Indirect Tensile Strength, and moisture resistance. The results of tests applied to asphalt mixtures showed that the carbon fibre additive increased the resistance to shear stress by 25%, the fatigue life by 51% at 40 °C and the permanent deformation resistance by 2.25 times at 60 °C. It also improved the resistance of mixtures to moisture damage by increasing the durability and cohesion of asphalt mixtures. Experimental results indicated that the carbon fibre provided a positive contribution to the performance properties of asphalt pavements.
Use of Plastic Wastes and Reclaimed Asphalt for Sustainable Development
Authors: Hayat Umar , Rahim Abdur , Khan Ammad Hassan , Rehman Zia Ur
Published: June 2020

The increased cost of virgin material, declining resources and increasing plastic wastes have turned the research momentum towards sustainable and green pavements. Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) from the construction industry and plastic wastes disposal is the main problem for Pakistan as well as other developing countries in the face of fewer funds for the construction, repair, and rehabilitation of the extensive road network. In this research, the attempt has been made to study the use of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement and plastic wastes to counter these issues. Virgin binder was modified with three different contents (2%, 4%, and 6%) of Polyethylene Terephthalate and three contents (20%, 30%, and 40%) of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement. Conventional properties of the modified binder were determined by penetration and softening point. At the same time, thermal stability was checked by Thermal Gravimetric Analysis, and resistance against rutting was evaluated with the help of Dynamic Shear Rheometer. It is observed that modified binder remains stable up to a temperature of 470 °C and showed improved resistance against rutting. Marshall mix properties were determined and compared to specifications of the National Highway Authority of Pakistan. Optimum Marshall stability was observed with 4% Polyethylene Terephthalate, and 30% Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement, while flow and air voids remained in limits. As per the results, utilisation of plastic wastes in asphalt pavements enhances the performance and helps to reduce the environmental pollution and landfill problems due to Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement and plastic wastes.
HA stabilization promotes replication and transmission of swine H1N1 gamma influenza viruses in ferrets
Authors: Hu Meng , Yang Guohua , DeBeauchamp Jennifer , Crumpton Jeri Carol , Kim Hyunsuh , Li Lei , Wan Xiu-Feng , Kercher Lisa , Bowman Andrew S , Webster Robert G , Webby Richard J , Russell Charles J
Published: June 2020

Pandemic influenza A viruses can emerge from swine, an intermediate host that supports adaptation of human-preferred receptor-binding specificity by the hemagglutinin (HA) surface antigen. Other HA traits necessary for pandemic potential are poorly understood. For swine influenza viruses isolated in 2009–2016, gamma-clade viruses had less stable HA proteins (activation pH 5.5–5.9) than pandemic clade (pH 5.0–5.5). Gamma-clade viruses replicated to higher levels in mammalian cells than pandemic clade. In ferrets, a model for human adaptation, a relatively stable HA protein (pH 5.5–5.6) was necessary for efficient replication and airborne transmission. The overall airborne transmission frequency in ferrets for four isolates tested was 42%, and isolate G15 airborne transmitted 100% after selection of a variant with a stabilized HA. The results suggest swine influenza viruses containing both a stabilized HA and alpha-2,6 receptor binding in tandem pose greater pandemic risk. Increasing evidence supports adding HA stability to pre-pandemic risk assessment algorithms.
The mitochondrial paradox
Authors: Penman Sophie L , Jensen Rebecca L , Kiy Robyn T , Chadwick Amy E
Published: June 2020

A structural motif that is found in two cancer drugs may be responsible for their ability to tackle cancers and for the side-effects caused by the drugs.
When the Old Woman Speaks in Soueif’s “Her Man” and “The Wedding of Zeina” and Rifaat’s “Bahiyya’s Eyes”
Authors: Adnan Al-Khayyat Amal
Published: June 2020

This paper compares between the voices of three old women characters in three short stories by two Arab women writers. The stories are Ahdaf Soueif’s “Her Man” and “The Wedding of Zeina” (from the same story collection Aisha) and Alifa Rifaat’s “Bahiyya’s Eyes” from her story collection Distant View of a Minaret. The paper reveals, from a feminist perspective, how the women characters are positively or negatively influenced by the way patriarchy perceives them and relates this perception to Jacque Lacan’s theory of the gaze. It also shows how each one of the old women characters seeks to pass her understanding to the upcoming generation and demonstrates how her voice turns out to be either one of patriarchy or resistance. The paper finds that although the voices of the three old women in the three short stories differ in their representation, they can be placed in the same boat as the female character who listens to the old woman’s voice does not act passively in any of them.
PASSADO, PRESENTE E FUTURO DO ENSINO DE LÍNGUAS NO BRASIL: MÉTODOS E POLÍTICAS
Authors: Grilli Marina
Published: June 2020

Este trabalho revisita a história do ensino de línguas no Brasil sob um olhar questionador. O objetivo é fornecer subsídios para um posicionamento histórico-crítico dos professores de línguas no Brasil. A introdução contribui para situar a época em que essas reflexões estão sendo realizadas, entre novos movimentos de globalização facilitados pelas novas tecnologias, de um lado, e o desmonte da educação pública brasileira, de outro lado. A seguir, delineamos um panorama histórico do ensino de línguas no país, situando três aspectos em paralelo: as línguas ensinadas nas escolas desde o início da colonização, as políticas linguísticas concernentes a esse ensino e os métodos de ensino de línguas vigentes em cada época. Então, observamos algumas relações entre esses aspectos e as condições atuais de ensino de línguas nas escolas brasileiras. Na conclusão, defendemos uma mudança de perspectiva acerca do ensino de línguas hegemônicas na escola.
ESTUDOS SOBRE EXPRESSÕES NÃO-MANUAIS DA LIBRAS: CONSTATAÇÕES E PERSPECTIVAS
Authors: De Souza Diego Teixeira , Fronza Cátia de Azevedo
Published: June 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é fornecer um panorama de estudos que buscam esclarecer e/ou desvendar as funções exercidas pelas expressões não-manuais da Libras. Para isso, criaram-se oito palavras-chave que possibilitaram o encontro de cinquenta e quatro trabalhos que investigaram direta ou indiretamente essa especificidade da língua. Os dados foram tabulados de acordo com o ano de publicação e tema desenvolvido, o que possibilitou vermos que as informações apresentadas pelos estudos são circulares e trazem poucas novidades, muitas vezes, apenas retomando as já existentes. Há necessidade de mais pesquisas voltadas às expressões não-manuais da Libras a fim de se saber mais sobre esse aspecto.
ГОРЯЧИЕ ЭКЗОПЛАНЕТЫ, НОВЫЙ КЛАСС ПЛАНЕТ, НАБЛЮДАТЕЛЬНЫЕ ПРОЯВЛЕНИЯ И МЕТОДЫ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ, "Земля и Вселенная"
Authors: ШАЙХИСЛАМОВ Ильдар Фаритович , ХОДАЧЕНКО Максим Леонидович
Published: June 2020

В настоящее время обнаружение и изучение экзопланет является одной из самых бурно развивающихся отраслей астрофизики и астрономии, которая к тому же стимулирует другие области физики, химии и астробиологии. Значительная часть астрономических наблюдений активно переключилась на эту область. Были специально созданы и успешно проработали на орбите такие телескопы как CoRoT и Kepler, которые открыли тысячи экзопланет. Планируется также запуск Российской ультрафиолетовой обсерватории «Спектр-УФ». Благодаря космическому телескопу им. Хаббла были получены уникальные данные о транзитах экзопланет в ультрафиолетовом диапазоне длин волн. Все больше рабочего времени наземных телескопов посвящаются наблюдениям экзопланетных атмосфер, и в последнее время были получены высококачественные спектры поглощения в линиях видимого и инфракрасного диапазонов. На следующие ТО лет запланирован ввод в эксплуатацию гигантских наземных телескопов, которые тоже будут нацелены на изучение экзопланет. Эта активность связана с тем, что данная область знаний только формируется, и в ближайшие годы будет сделано большое количество фундаментальных открытий и создан задел на многие годы вперед.
РИМСКИЕ СОЗВЕЗДИЯ: ТЕМНОЕ ПРОШЛОЕ, КОРОТКАЯ ЖИЗНЬ, "Земля и Вселенная"
Authors: КАЗАКОВ Евгений Викторович
Published: June 2020

Большая Медведица, Орион, Андромеда, Лира - знакомые нам созвездия, описанные астрономами Древней Греции. Как видели небо их западные соседи, римляне Были ли у них свои, римские созвездия Что рассказывают о них латинские учебники астрономии
ГЕПАТОТОКСИЧЕСКИЕ РЕАКЦИИ У БОЛЬНЫХ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗОМ НА ОСНОВНЫЕ ПРОТИВОТУБЕРКУЛЕЗНЫЕ ХИМИОПРЕПАРАТЫ. СОСТОЯНИЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Авербах Михаил Михайлович
Published: June 2020

В обзоре представлены имеющиеся к настоящему моменту научные данные, отражающие представления о морфологии, лабораторной диагностике, некоторых генетических дефектах метаболизма и иммунопатологических реакциях при возникновении гепатотоксических реакций на лечение изониазидом, рифампицином и пиразинамидом. Возникновение реакции на изониазид чаще связано с генетически обусловленными дефектами N-ацетилтрансферазы 2 (NAT2) и аллелью цитохрома Р450 CYP2 Е1 с 1 /с 1, а на рифампицин в цитохроме Р450 (CYP3 А4). Для пиразинамида достоверных данных о возможных генетических дефектах пока нет. Приводятся данные об изучении различных лабораторных показателей ферментов в качестве возможных новых маркеров гепатотоксических реакций. Анализируются исследования об иммунологической диагностике с помощью реакции бласттрансформации и определения цитокинов для подтверждения наличия гепатотоксической реакции на изониазид, рифампицин, пиразинамид и этамбутол.
ХИРУРГИЧЕСКОЕ ЛЕЧЕНИЕ БРОНХО ПЛЕВРАЛЬНЫХ ОСЛОЖНЕНИЙ ПОСЛЕ ПНЕВМОНЭКТОМИИ У БОЛЬНЫХ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗОМ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Гиллер Дмитрий Борисович , Кесаев Олег Шамильевич , Эргешов Атаджан Эргешович , Короев Вадим Валерьевич , Глотов Алексей Александрович , Гаджиева Патимат Гаджиевна , Глотов Егор Максимович , Имагожев Якуб Пириханович , Пехтусов Вадим Александрович , Нематов Одилжон Низомидцинович
Published: June 2020

Цель исследования: повышение эффективности хирургического лечения бронхоплевральных осложнений после пневмонэктомий у больных туберкулезом (ТБ) за счет разработки современных показаний, тактики, техники лечения и методики послеоперационного ведения. Материалы и методы. Проанализированы истории болезней 114 пациентов, которым были выполнены различные варианты хирургических вмешательств по поводу бронхоплевральных осложнений после пневмонэктомий в период с 2004 по 2010 гг. на базе Центрального НИИ туберкулеза РАМН и в период с 2011 по 2017 гг. в клинике фтизиопульмонологии Первого МГМУ им. И.М. Сеченова. Для более объективной оценки результатов исследования в зависимости от наличия или отсутствия бронхиального свища пациенты были разделены на две группы: I группа - пациенты с эмпиемой и бронхиальным свищем, II группа - пациенты с эмпиемой без бронхиального свища. Результаты. В I группе в результате хирургического лечения добиться ликвидации эмпиемы и бронхиального свища удалось в 57 (86,4%) случаях, у пациентов II группы постпневмонэктомическая эмпиема была излечена во всех случаях. Госпитальная летальность в I группе составила 9% (6 случаев), во II группе случаев госпитальной летальности не было. Таким образом, общая эффективность лечения бронхоплевральных осложнений составила 92,1%. Заключение. Развитие бронхоплевральных осложнений после пневмонэктомий является тяжелой клинической ситуацией, требующей сложных, часто многоэтапных хирургических вмешательств. Однако с применением рекомендованной тактики и техники хирургического лечения возможно достижение высокой эффективности при низких показателях рецидивов и летальности.
РАЗЛИЧНЫЕ АСПЕКТЫ ВНУТРЕННЕЙ КАРТИНЫ БОЛЕЗНИ У ПОДРОСТКОВ, БОЛЬНЫХ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗОМ ОРГАНОВ ДЫХАНИЯ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Золотова Наталья Владимировна , Ахтямова Альмира Ахнафовна
Published: June 2020

Цель исследования - изучение различных компонентов внутренней картины болезни (ВКБ) у подростков, больных туберкулезом органов дыхания (ТОДІ, а также у родителей пациентов. В исследование были включены 83 пациента в возрасте 13-17 лет, получавших лечение по поводу ТОД в подростковом отделении ФГБНУ «ЦНИИТ» в период с 2016 по 2019 гг., а также 41 родитель пациентов. Изучение различных аспектов ВКБ проводилось при поступлении на стационарное лечение с помощью специально разработанной анкеты. В результате исследования установлено, что на этапе подготовки к лечению интеллектуальный уровень ВКБ у опрошенных характеризуется недостаточной осведомленностью о заболевании, сроках и особенностях лечения, при этом содержит благоприятную оценку перспектив лечения. Мотивационный уровень ВКБ у подростков характеризуется негативным отношением к собственному статусу пациента с заболеванием «туберкулез». В структуре ВКБ у подростков и их родителей наиболее выражен и эмоциональный компонент, который отличается напряженным отношением к предстоящей противотуберкулезной химиотерапии, страхом перед изменением положения в привычной социальной среде, восприятием болезни как преграды к достижению значимых целей.
РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ ИММУНОДИАГНОСТИКИ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗА У ПАЦИЕНТОВ ПУЛЬМОНОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО ОТДЕЛЕНИЯ ОБЩЕСОМАТИЧЕСКОГО СТАЦИОНАРА, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Небесная Екатерина Юрьевна , Бахшиева Лейла Ильгамовна , Багишева Наталья Викторовна , Дубровская Ирина Игоревна , Зенкова Людмила Алексеевна , Мордык Дмитрий Иванович , Моисеева Марина Викторовна
Published: June 2020

В статье рассмотрены проблемы раннего выявления туберкулеза (ТБ) и роль реакций на пробы Манту с 2 ТЕ и с диаскинтестом в дифференциальной диагностике ТБ у пациентов, госпитализированных в пульмонологическое отделение многопрофильного стационара по неотложной помощи. Проанализированы 103 медицинские карты стационарных больных (форма 003/у) и проведен сравнительный анализ полученных результатов, на основании которого прослеживается существенная связь между положительными результатами реакций на пробу Манту с 2 ТЕ и с диаскинтестом, и частотой выявления ТБ.
КУЛЬТУРАЛЬНЫЙ МЕТОД ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ МИКОБАКТЕРИЙ. ДЕКОНТАМИНАЦИЯ ОБРАЗЦОВ ДИАГНОСТИЧЕСКОГО МАТЕРИАЛА, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Севастьянова Элина Викторовна , Ларионова Елена Евгеньевна , Андриевская Ирина Юрьевна , Смирнова Татьяна Геннадьевна
Published: June 2020

Проведен обзор существующих методов предпосевной обработки диагностического материала для культурального исследования на микобактерии (МБ). Изложены основные принципы и рекомендации по предобработке диагностического материала. Приведены наиболее актуальные методики деконтаминации поступающих в лабораторию образцов.
Modulated Feedback and Coupling Time Delays, and All-to-all Chaos Synchronisation in a Network of Networks: One of the Simplest Cases
Authors: M. Shahverdiev E. , A. Bayramov P. , A. Nuriev R. , H. Hashimova L. , V. Qocayeva M.
Published: June 2020

The study reports on all- to- all chaos synchronisation in a network of networks based on the Ikeda model. The study considered one of the simplest cases. It found the existence and stability conditions for such a synchronisation regime. Numerical simulations validated the analytical findings. The results can be of certain importance in achieving high- level output for the coupled systems and information processing.
In vitro UV-Visible and FTIR Spectroscopy Study of Low Power He-Ne Laser Irradiation on Human Blood
Authors: Haimid Mohammed Ali , Marouf Ali A. S. , Abdalla M. D.
Published: June 2020

Laser irradiation has biostimulating effect in various cell types low power laser radiation is used clinically for skin and vascular disorders.

Aims: To investigate the effect of (He-Ne) laser (λ= 632nm, power=1mW) on human whole blood, after irradiated to different times from 10 min to 50 min.

Study Design:  Human Whole Blood Irradiated to (He-Ne) laser(λ= 632nm, power=1mW). 

Place and Duration of Study: Soba Hospital, Khartoum- Sudan, Institute of Laser, Sudan University of science and technology (SUST), February 2018.

Methodology: Blood samples were taken from healthy volunteers; blood sample irradiated to (He-Ne) laser and control compared; FTIR and UV-Vis spectrophotometer were used to study laser radiation effect

Results: FTIR spectra and UV-vis absorption spectra of blood samples are compared before and after irradiated to He-Ne laser shows increases absorption for 10, and 40 min  but it decreases as the exposure time at 30,20 and 50 minutes. This fluctuation of light absorption is known as a biphasic response.

FTIR spectra of non exposed blood showed the peaks due to O-H (free group), C=O (amide I group), N=O (nitro group), and C-H (aromatic group). N-H (Amino acid (amide II). For all exposure time He-Ne laser (λ= 632nm, power=1mW) irradiation, showed significant changes. Increased in transmittance at different exposure time for all groups (C=O, O-H, N=O, C-O & C-H, N-H) and indicates significant decreasing in their concentration.

Conclusion: The laser radiation causes changes in the structure and conformational changes in the polypeptide and absorption of blood samples decreased due to increasing ligand electronegativity.
Theoretical Verification of Formula for Charge Function in Time q = c * v in RC Circuit for Charging/Discharging of Fractional & Ideal Capacitor
Authors: Das Shantanu
Published: June 2020

Objective of this paper is verification of newly developed formula of charge storage in capacitor as   q = c*v, in RC circuit, to get validation for ideal loss less capacitor as well as fractional order capacitors for charging and discharging cases. This new formula is different to usual and conventional way of writing capacitance multiplied by voltage to get charge stored in a capacitor   i.e. q = cv. We use this new formulation i.e.   q = c*v in RC circuits to verify the results that are obtained via classical circuit theory, for a case of classical loss less capacitor as well as fractional capacitor. The use of this formulation is suited for super-capacitors, as they show fractional order in their behavior. This new formula is used to get the ‘memory effect’ that is observed in self-discharging phenomena of super-capacitors-that memorizes its history of charging profile. Special emphasis is given to detailed derivational steps in order to clarity in usage of this new formula in the RC circuit examples. This paper validates  the new formula of   charge   storage  in  capacitor i.e. q = c*v.
Matched Filter Based Detection over Time Varying Fading Channels with Reduced Complexity
Authors: Israil Mohd
Published: June 2020

Challenges in high speed data transmission technology over time varying fading channels is addressed in this paper. More precisely, the signal processing at the receiver side has to be analyzed for such systems, as it is well known that the mobile radio channels are characterized by frequency selective fast fading is typically introduced error in the received signal. Thus, the performance of the receiver severely degraded because of such factors. Specifically, this paper deals with the detection using a matched filter followed by low weight near maximum likelihood detector (NMLD) for the application of digital signal processing in outdoor vehicular radio environments. Nearly Maximum Likelihood Detection depends on the length of the stored vectors as well as depends on the numbers of the stored vector. In [1] complexity is reduced by reducing the stored vectors, in this paper same NMLD used but the complexity of the matched filter is reduced by some variance. Finally, the bit error rate (BER) is measured with signal to noise ratio.
Assessment of Indoor and Outdoor Background Ionizing Radiation Level in School of Marine Technology, Burutu, Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Esi Oghenevovwero E. , Edomi Ovie , Odedede Peter O.
Published: June 2020

The ionizing radiation has the tendency of causing damage to man and its environments, hence the assessment of indoor and outdoor background ionizing radiation level in Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, Delta State, Nigeria, was carried out using well calibrated and tested radiation meter (Digilert 100). The study was done in a period of ten calendar months. The purpose of this study is to obtain baseline data for indoor and outdoor Background Ionizing Radiation (BIR) level and health effect on man and the environment. For the indoor and outdoor measurement, readings were taken in three consecutive times in one location at a height of 1 meter above the ground for each point. The geographical positioning system (GPS) was equally employed in determining the coordinates of the area. The results from BIR measurement revealed that indoor readings range from 0,009 mRhr-1 to 0,019 mRhr-1 with a mean value of 0,015 mRhr-1 and for the outdoor ranges 0,010 mRhr-1 to 0,020 mRhr-1 with a mean value of 0,014 mRhr-1. The radiation health parameters calculated, for dose rate and Annual Effective Dose Equivalent (AEDE) have their mean values to be 1,135 mGyr-1 and 1,035 mGyr-1 for indoor and 0,635 mSvyr-1 and 0,145 mSvyr-1 for outdoor respectively. But the mean values of Excess Lifetime Cancer Risks (ELCR) for indoor and outdoor are 1,729 and 0,394 respectively. The deviation in BIR level and its radiological parameters are attributed to oil and gas activities in the study areas. The implication is that the area is radiologically unhealthy, the effect may not be significant but long term exposure may be dangerous. Therefore, it is imperative for radiation protection agencies to swing into regulatory action and there should be monitoring of the environment in order to reduce pollution.
Assessment of Gamma Radiation 232Th, 226Ra and 40K in Nassarawa, Nigeria
Authors: Rilwan U. , Umar I. , Ngari A. Z. , Abdullahi H. A. , Aboh H. O.
Published: June 2020

This study assessed gamma radiation from 232Th, 226Ra and 40K. Twelve soil samples collected from the study area were analyzed using Nal (TI) detector. Mean concentration for 40K, 232Th and 226Ra were found to be 483.97±7.32 Bq/kg, 28.43±5.30 Bq/kgS and 66.84±2.02 Bq/kg respectively. Absorbed Dose Rate ranged from 44.85 nGy/h to 90.71 nGy/h with a mean of 73.68 nGy/h. Effective Dose Rate ranged from 0.055 to 0.111 msv/yr with a mean of 0.090 mSv/y. The Internal and External Hazard Indices ranged from 0.271 to 0.533 Bq/kg with the mean of 0.435 Bq/kg and 0.289 to 0.675 Bq/kg with the mean of 0.512 Bq/kg respectively. It can thus be concluded that the radiation dose of the study area is minimal and seems to have low exposure for the inhabitants in and around the contaminated areas. It is therefore recommended that regular radiation monitoring exercises should be conducted on the processing sites to prevent the inhabitants of the area from high radiation exposure due to direct inhalation of finely divided particulates and dust comprised of the above-mentioned radionuclides.
Evaluation of Radiation Hazard Indices in Mining Sites of Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Rilwan U. , Umar I. , Onuchukwu G. C. , Abdullahi H. A. , Umar M.
Published: June 2020

This work evaluates the radiation hazard indices from some selected mining sites in Nasarawa West, using Sodium Iodide Thallium Gamma Spectrometry. Raeq ranged from 100.39-197.40 Bq/Kg with a mean 161.44 Bq/Kg, which is lower than the average of 370 Bq/Kg. The GADR ranged from 44.85 nGy/hr-90.71 nGy/hr with the mean 73.68 nGy/hr. which is also below the average of 89 nGy/hr for soil. The AGED ranged from 315.77 mSv/yr-640.91 mSv/yr with the mean 519.19. Which is above the threshold value of 300 mSv/yr. ACI ranged from 0.73-1.45 with the mean value 1.18 which is above the standard of unity. The AEDE (outdoor) ranges from 0.055 mSv/yr-0.111 mSv/yr with the mean 0.090 mSv/yr which is above the 0.07 mSv/yr standard permissible limit. The AEDE (indoor) ranged from 0.220 mSv/yr-0.445 mSv/yr, with the mean value 0.361mSv/yr. This is below the 0.45 mSv/yr threshold. The ELCR ranged from 00.770-1.558 with the mean value 1.265 and from 0.193-0.389 with the mean value 0.317 for outdoor and indoor respectively, which exceed the 0.29 X 10-3 threshold limit. The External  and  Internal  Hazard  indices ranges from 0.271-0.533 and 0.289-0.675 as well as mean values 0.435 and 0.512 respectively, which are  below the threshold. Therefore, there may be serious radiological effects to the populace.
Structural Investigation of Udi LGA of Enugu State, South Eastern Nigeria Using High Resolution Bouguer Gravity and Landsat Data
Authors: Nwankwo C. N. , C. Ene E.
Published: June 2020

The focus of this study is to investigate the structures peculiar in Udi, Enugu State, Nigeria. This was achieved by delineating the regional from the residual, determining the lateral and sedimentary thicknesses of causative structures with their lateral boundaries and corresponding lineaments. Regional-residual separation was employed on the aerogravity dataset while Georeferencing and creation of new coordinate system was undertaken on the Landsat data. Causative sources with short and long wavelength trending in the NE-SW, NNE-SSW, E-W, WNW-ESE, N-S and NW-SE directions were found to exist within the study area as qualitative analysis was applied on the aerogravity and landsat data. The NE-SW and NW-SE trends are possible oil and gas rich belt within the area. Quantitatively, two depth source models D1 and D2 were identified. D1 depicting depth to deeply seated sources varies from 0.00071 to 0.0044 km with true thickness of 0.01 km. The shallow related sources expressed using D2 lies between 0.0014 to 0.0034 km with true value of 0.0005 km. If other conditions like structural features and depth parameters are met, a true sedimentary thickness of 0.01 km shows that the area will encourage mineral and water exploration rather than hydrocarbon exploration.
Investigation of the Effect of Highway Runoff along Lagos-Badagry Expressway Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Physiochemical Methods
Authors: Ogungbe A. S. , Olajuwon O. O. , Adegbola R. B. , Alabi A. A. , Onori E. O. , Ogabi C. O. , Afolabi T. O.
Published: June 2020

Geophysical and physiochemical investigations were carried out along Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Southwest, Nigeria on three locations dominated by highway runoff, with a view to monitoring the effect of highway runoff on nearby groundwater. The locations were: Iyana Isashi, Iyana Era and Agbara. An overview of the subsurface resistivity distribution was achieved employing Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) using Schlumberger array and Two-dimensional (2D) resistivity imaging (Wenner array). The ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 was used for both VES and 2D resistivity surveys and the data were analysed using IPI2win and RES2DINV, respectively. The VES results showed up to four geoelectric layers consisting of sand, clayey sand, clay and sandy soils. The resistivity at Agbara was found varying from 3.52 Ωm - 11 Ωm. This low resistivity value showed a high level of infiltration of highway runoff into the subsurface, thereby causing contamination of the groundwater. Iyana Isashi and Iyana Era have a relatively moderate resistivity values ranging from 103 Ωm to 178 Ωm. Physiochemical analysis of groundwater samples collected at the study locations revealed high electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and pH values. The results of the borehole sample taken at 32 m away from the profile point at Agbara produced higher values of electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids than those of other locations, hence validating the electrical resistivity surveys, indicating that the groundwater sample from the survey point at Agbara is contaminated.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) and rheumatic diseases
Authors: Carvalho Jozélio Freire de
Published: June 2020

At the end of December 2019, a new viral infection never before described appeared in the city of Wuhan, Hubei province, China, leading to a percentage of cases of severe respiratory failure. It was very quickly investigated and its etiological agent was discovered, being a new betacoronavirus, called Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus 2 Syndrome (SARS-Cov 2), to differentiate it from the SARS-Cov,  reported in the period from 2000 to 2004, and another similar disease also caused by coronavirus, after ten years - Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-Cov). The disease caused by the virus came to be called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19). After leaving China, this disease spread to several countries in the world, culminating in March, when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a state of pandemic (1). The coronavirus is characterized by presenting RNA with a single helix and on its viral surface presents, to electron microscope, a structure that look like a crown, hence the name corona. A probable mutation happened from wild sources, which could be the origin of bats or snakes. Eating meat from the wild animal market, a tradition in China, was once again responsible for a major epidemic (1).
Modulation of the relative trypsin sensitivities of the core histone ‘tails’
Authors: Harborne Nerina , Allan James
Published: July 2002

The order in which the core histone tails in chicken erythrocyte chromatin are attacked by trypsin has been reinvestigated. Results are presented to demonstrate that in the absence of linker histones H1 and H5 the relative order of core histone degradation by trypsin can be altered by changing the salt environment. In native chromatin, the presence of linker histones H1 and H5 inhibits this salt‐dependent transition.
Conformation of antibiotic X‐537A (lasalocid‐A) and its calcium complex in acetonitrile solvent using circular dichroism spectroscopy
Authors: Vishwanath C.K. , Easwaran K.R.K.
Published: July 2002

The calcium binding characteristics of antibiotic X‐537A (lasalocid‐A) in a lipophilic solvent, acetonitrile (CH3CN), have been studied using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The analysis of the data indicated that in this medium polar solvent, X‐537A forms predominantly the charged complexes of stoichiometries 2:1 and 1:1, the relative amounts of the two being dependent on [Ca2+]. The conformation of the complexes, arrived at on the basis of the data, seem to indicate a rigid part encompassing Ca2+, liganded to 3 oxygens of the molecule, viz., the carbonyl, the substituted tetrahydrofuran ring and the substituted pyran ring oxygens (apart from possibly, the liganding provided by nitrogen atoms of the solvent molecules), and a flexible part consisting of the salicylic acid group of the molecule.
Effect of S‐100 protein on assembly of brain microtubule proteins in vitro
Authors: Donato Rosario
Published: July 2002

S‐100 protein inhibits the assembly of brain microtubule proteins in vitro in the presence of 10 μM free Ca2+. The S‐100 effect is generally greater on the rate than on the extent of assembly, and even greater as the microtubule protein concentration decreases and the time of preincubation between S‐100 and microtubule proteins before GTP addition increases, at a given S‐100/tubulin dimer molar ratio. The S‐100 effect is greatly enhanced in the presence of physiological concentrations of K+ and is completely reversed by EGTA.
Modulation of isocitrate dehydrogenase activity in Acinetobacter calcoaceticus by acetate
Authors: Reeves H.C. , O'Neil S. , Weitzman P.D.J.
Published: July 2002

The addition of acetate to a culture of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus grown in medium containing limiting succinate as the sole carbon and energy source leads to an increase in the specific activity of isocitrate dehydrogenase. This is in contrast to similar studies with several other microorganisms in which acetate induces an ATP‐dependent phosphorylation and concomitant decrease in the specific activity of this enzyme.
Functional groups on ‘Z’ DNA recognized by monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Lee Jeremy S. , Woodsworth Mary L. , Latimer Laura J.P.
Published: July 2002

Both brominated poly[d(GC)] and poly[d(Gm5C)] form stable left‐handed Z‐DNA structures at physiological ionic strengths. These two antigens were use to prepare monoclonal antibodies from immunized mice. The specificity of the antibodies was studied in detail with a solid‐phase radioimmune assay as well as by means of competition experiments. Both immunogens produced several relatively non‐specific antibodies but two types of very specific antibody were also distinguished. The first binds poly[d(Gm5C)] but not brominated poly[d(GC)] while the other has the opposite specificity and will only bind the brominated polymer.
Biosynthesis of intestinal microvillar proteins
Authors: Cowell Gillian M. , Danielsen E.Michael
Published: July 2002

Using alkaline extraction to separate cytoskeletal and membrane proteins of intestinal microvilli, the kinetics of assembly of these two microvillar protein compartments was studied by pulse‐chase labelling of pig small intestinal mucosal explants, kept in organ culture. Following a 10 min pulse of [35S]methionine, the membrane proteins did not appear in the microvillar fraction until after 40–60 min of chase. In contrast, the cytoskeletal components, of which the 110‐kDa protein and villin were immunologically identified, were expressed in the microvillar fraction immediately after the 10 min pulse. These different kinetics of appearance indicate that the two microvillar protein compartments have separate mechanisms of biosynthesis and microvillar expression.
α‐Allenyl putrescine, an enzyme‐activated irreversible inhibitor of bacterial and mammalian ornithine decarboxylases
Authors: Danzin Charles , Casara Patrick
Published: July 2002

α‐Allenyl putrescine
Enzyme‐activated irreversible inhibitor
Suicide substrate
Ornithine decarboxylase
Polyamine
Stereochemistry
Monensin‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms of cell‐matrix adhesion
Authors: Niven Veronica M. , Aplin John D.
Published: July 2002

Attachment and spreading of human FL cells on a subcellular matrix (SCM) preparation made by treating confluent cell monolayers with deoxycholate are insensitive to the presence of monensin. However, if the cell suspension is surface‐iodinated prior to adhesion using the LPO/H2O2 system, cell spreading on SCM is inhibited by 1 μM monensin. The suggested interpretation is that cell surface components required for cell spreading on SCM are inactivated by iodination and need replacement from intracellular reserves by a monensin‐sensitive pathway. This pathway is not required in the absence of iodination when sufficient surface components (or a monensin‐independent pathway of surface expression) are available. Support for this interpretation is obtained by means of double‐iodination experiments in which surface‐labelled cells adhere and spread, are detached and labelled a second time and then allowed to adhere again to SCM. Cell spreading in the second case is inhibited by ~ 80%, suggesting that both previously expressed and newly recruited receptors are inactivated.
Preparation and characterization of trypsin‐nicked ovotransferrin
Authors: Ikeda Hiroshi , Nabuchi Yoshiaki , Nakazato Katsuyoshi , Tanaka Yuichi , Satake Kazuo
Published: July 2002

The N‐ and C‐domains isolated from ovotransferrin (Tf) with trypsin could be separated from each other and from intact Tf by HPLC with a TSK‐GEL G‐3000SWG‐0.1% SDS system. The analytical method revealed that Fe (III)‐saturated Tf (Fe2Tf) of 77 kDa was hydrolyzed by trypsin preferentially at the portion connecting both domains. The main product was a nicked Fe2Tf, in which the two fragmented domains of 35 kDa each were still bound together non‐covalently and showed a notable cooperativity on their denaturation.
Amino acid sequence of bovine protein Z: a vitamin K‐dependent serine protease homolog
Authors: Højrup Peter , Jensen Margit S. , Petersen Torben E.
Published: July 2002

The amino acid sequence of protein Z has been determined from sequence analysis performed on fragments obtained by chemical and enzymatic degradations. The polypeptide consists of a single chain containing 396 amino acid residues (Mr
43 677). Comparison with the vitamin K‐dependent plasma proteins reveals an extensive homology. The N‐terminal part, containing 13 γ‐carboxyglutamic acid and one β‐hydroxyaspartic acid residue, is extensively homologous to and of similar length to the light chain of factor X. The remainder of protein Z is homologous to the serine proteases and of similar size to the heavy chain of factor Xa, but of the active site residues only aspartic acid‐102 is present. Histidine‐57 and serine‐195 are replaced in protein Z by threonine and alanine, respectively. The physiological function of protein Z is still uncertain.
Synthesis of a nonacosapeptide (β‐fragment) corresponding to the N‐terminal sequence 1–29 of human liver metallothionein II and its heavy metal‐binding properties
Authors: Okada Yoshio , Ohta Noriya , Yagyu Masami , Min Kyong-Son , Onosaka Satomi , Tanaka Keiichi
Published: July 2002

A nonacosapeptide (β‐fragment) corresponding to the N‐terminal sequence 1–29 of human liver metallothionein II was synthesized by the fragment condensation method. The Cd‐binding ability of the β‐fragment was much stronger than that of cysteine as thionein and synthetic α‐fragment corresponding to the C‐terminal sequence 30–61 of human liver metallothionein II. Both the α‐ and β‐fragments bound preferentially to Cu ions rather than Cd ions.
Osmotic effects on bacterial transport and energetics
Authors: Erecińska Maria , Deutsch Carol J.
Published: July 2002

Paracoccus denitrificans suspended in media containing 20–300 mM NaCl swelled progressively as the salt concentration was decreased. The increase in intracellular water volume was accompanied by an enhancement of respiration and a stimulation of the rates of net potassium and α‐aminoisobutyric acid accumulation. It is postulated that influx of water and consequent lowering of intracellular solute concentration trigger transport mechanisms which are destined to restore the original ion and metabolite balance. Since a number of transport reactions operate against the electrochemical gradient of their substrates, energy utilization increases. The increased ATP usage and lowering of [ATP] stimulates the activity of the respiratory chain and increases oxygen uptake and energy production.
Synergism in mosquitocidal activity of 26 and 65 kDa proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis crystal
Authors: Wu D. , Chang F.N.
Published: July 2002

Synergism
Mosquitocidal activity
Crystal protein
Characteristics of two types of legumin genes in the field bean (Vicia faba L.var. minor) genome as revealed by cDNA analysis
Authors: Wobus Ulrich , Bäumlein Helmut , Bassüner Ronald , Heim Ute , Jung Rudolf , Müntz Klaus , Saalbach Gerhard , Weschke Winfriede
Published: July 2002

Nucleotide sequence analysis of cDNA clones coding for field bean legumin precursor polypeptides revealed two different types, called A and B. Although homologous, both types differ in several sequence characteristics. Comparison with similar data from soybean and recent findings from pea leads to the following conclusions: (i) the two types of legumin genes described represent two subfamilies, A and B, which are probably of widespread occurrence; (ii) legumin genes or subunits can best be placed in either subfamily A or B by sequence homology, in addition B‐type subunits contain generally fewer (or none at all in V. faba) Met residues as compared to A‐type subunits; (iii) members of one subfamily from different species are more homologous than members of either subfamily within a species, therefore the two subfamilies must have arisen long before speciation of the genera Glycine, Pisum and Vicia; (iv) during speciation members of the B‐subfamily diverged significantly more than members of the A‐subfamily.
High homology is present in the primary structures between murine senile amyloid protein (ASSAM) and human apolipoprotein A‐II
Authors: Yonezu Tomonori , Higuchi Keiichi , Tsunasawa Susumu , Takagi Shigeyuki , Sakiyama Fumio , Takeda Toshio
Published: July 2002

The primary structure of a murine senile amyloid protein (ASSAM) was determined. The protein consists of a single polypeptide chain of 78 amino acid residues. The amino‐terminus is blocked with pyrrolidone‐carboxylic acid. The sequence diners from that of the known murine amyloid A protein and is highly homologous to human apolipoprotein (apo) A‐II. The result indicates that the putative precursor of the senile amyloid protein is apo A‐II in mice.
Volatile anesthetics depress the depolarization‐induced cytoplasmic calcium rise in PC 12 cells
Authors: Kress Hans G. , Eckhardt-Wallasch Heike , Tas Piet W.L. , Koschel Klaus
Published: July 2002

In the rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC 12, the effects of four volatile anesthetics (halothane, isoflurane, enflurane, methoxyflurane) on the K+‐evoked intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) rise were investigated using the Ca2+‐sensitive fluorescence dye fura‐2. The [Ca2+]i rise was depressed, at clinical concentrations, by all anesthetics with almost identical aqueous IC50 values. The study extends to neuronal cells the observation made previously in cardiac tissue that volatile anesthetics may interfere with Ca2+ fluxes through voltage‐gated channels.
Etoxadrol‐meta‐isothiocyanate: A potent, enantioselective, electrophilic affinity ligand for the phencyclidine‐binding site
Authors: Thurkauf Andrew , Mattson Mariena V. , Huguenin Philip N. , Rice Kenner C. , Jacobson Arthur E.
Published: July 2002

Etoxadrol‐meta‐isothiocyanate (2S,4S,6S‐2‐ethyl‐2‐(3‐isothiocyanatophenyl)‐2‐piperidyl)1,3‐dioxolane, 4a) has been synthesized and characterized as an irreversible ligand for the phencyclidine (PCP)‐binding site. It is the first chiral electrophilic affinity ligand for this site to have been described. This affinity ligand is based upon etoxadrol, a 1,3‐dioxolane known to have PCP‐like effects in vivo and in vitro. Etoxadrol‐meta‐isothiocyanate was found to be four–five times more potent in vitro than metaphit (1‐[1‐(3‐isothiocyanatophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine), the only previously known electrophilic affinity ligand for the PCP‐binding site. The binding was shown to be highly enantioselective for etoxadrol‐meta‐isothiocyanate (4a). The 2R,4R,6R‐enantiomer of 4a was essentially inactive. The ability of the 2S,4S,6S‐enantiomer (4a) to interact with the benzodiazepine, muscarinic, and mu opioid receptor systems was also examined, and it was found not to interact with these receptor systems. It seems likely that 4a will prove to be a valuable tool in the study of structure and function of the PCP‐binding site.