bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor Microenvironment: Involved Factors and Signaling Pathways in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Ghaderi Madeh , Niknejad Azadeh
Published: July 2021

Context: Metastasis is a main cause of death in patients with cancer, whereby tumor cells withdraw from the primary site of the tumor mass and produce secondary tumor mass in new sites. Primary tumor cells depart collectively and individually to invade closed and distant sites. Evidence Acquisition: This review considers TME-derived factors that actuate signaling pathways to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) was the main resource. Google Scholar and Scopus were other databases for finding articles. Keywords that were inserted into the search box of databases to identify related articles were ‘metastasis’, ‘invasion’, ‘epithelial-mesenchymal transition’, ‘EMT’, ‘tumor microenvironment’, ‘TME’, ‘TME cells’, and ‘signaling pathway in EMT’. Titles and abstracts of the articles were studied to choose the right articles. Finally, 107 articles were selected to study in detail and use as references. Results: EMT is a type of metastasis that deprives epithelial single-cells of their characteristic features and acquires mesenchymal features facilitating the departure from the primary tumor mass. During EMT, cell-adhesion and apical-basal polarity rapture and cells obtain movement capability. The tumor microenvironment (TME) leads EMT through secretion factors and signaling pathways. As a result of activating these pathways, transcription factors that abolish epithelial gene expressions and augment mesenchymal gene expression are induced. Conclusions: In this review, recent research published in TME and EMT fields were highlighted and critically appraised. Effect of factors-derived TME cells on EMT were manifested that propose favorite targets for a therapeutic goal to inhibit metastasis. However, data about the effect of the combination of TME cells on metastasis have a small part in the literature.
A Case Report of ROHHAD Syndrome in an 8-year-old Iranian Boy
Authors: Amjadipour Abolfazl , Shahkar Lobat , Hanafi Faridreza
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Rapid-onset obesity concurrently with hypoventilation, hypothalamic, autonomic dysregulation (ROHHAD) is an uncommon disease that presents with multiorgan disorders during early childhood, with fewer than 100 cases reported around the world. We aim to present a case of ROHHAD syndrome admitting with rare neurologic symptoms. We also present our treatment regimen. Case Presentation: An 8-year-old boy was admitted to our department with ataxia and gait disturbance that led us to the final diagnosis after a thorough investigation. He had multiple admissions and was treated for other diagnoses. His first symptoms started from age 5 with obstructive apnea. He underwent an adenectomy surgery at that time, but the symptoms continued. A year after the surgery, he was admitted again due to his somnolence but was diagnosed only with hypothyroidism and anemia. At the age of 7 years and 8 months, he was admitted to our department with ataxia and abnormal gait from the past year with instability and numerous falls. He also had shown hyperphagia that had been resulted in 10 kilograms of weight gain in six months. He was experiencing gradual behavioral symptoms, including episodes of self and hetero aggression and impulsivity. His other symptoms included fatigue, somnolence, gastrointestinal dysmotility, hyperhidrosis, central hypothyroidism, polyuria, precocious puberty, and rapid obesity. His laboratory investigation revealed hyperprolactinemia. Conclusions: Our case indicates that ROHHAD is a complex disease with divergent signs and symptoms that needs to be kept in mind for diagnosis and should be treated with a high level of collaboration of various medical specialties. Since late diagnosis of this syndrome leads to a magnificent increase in morbidity and mortality rates, it is vital to pay extreme attention to this syndrome. The diagnosis should be considered even more in children over two years old with rapid-onset obesity, which is accompanied by other symptoms. Here, our patient's complaint was ataxia that revealed the underlying cause after investigation.
Mild Symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a 3-Days-Old Newborn with Congenital Heart Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Etemadimanesh Azin , Ghasemi Ali , Khodabandeh Mahmoud , Eshaghi Hamid
Published: July 2021

Background: SARS-CoV-2 as a member of Coronavirus family, caused a global pandemic in late 2019 and raised concerns about its morbidity and mortality among immune-deficient individuals. Till now, several pediatric cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 have been reported, and some have noted susceptibility to infection in infants and young children, especially those with congenital comorbidities. In this report, we discuss the clinical course, administered treatments, and outcomes of SARS-COV-2 infection in an infant suffering from cardiovascular comorbidity. Case Presentation: We describe a newborn referred to hospital 72 hours postpartum, diagnosed with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD), and subsequently found to be infected with the SARS-COV-2 virus. The patient presented with tachypnea, lethargy, and a history of recent fever and myalgia in his father. He received intravenous fluid and antibiotic therapy based on an established protocol for COVID-19 treatment by Iran health ministry and was discharged after five days of hospitalization without further complications. Two weeks after discharge, he was referred to the cardiac surgery department for surgical treatment after obtaining a negative result for nasopharyngeal sample SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. Conclusions: Mild symptoms and no need for excessive oxygen supports in the current case demonstrate pediatrics patients with COVID-19 have a better prognosis and fewer complications compared with adults, even at early childhood and with the presence of serious cardiac complications.
The Impact of Foreign Ownership in Czech Football
Authors: Özaydın Selçuk
Published: July 2021

Foreign ownership in European football has been rapidly increasing especially in the last two decades. Although the main interest for the foreign investors are the teams of Big 5 leagues, there are some occasional surprises. One of the surprises is the oldest football team in Czech football, SK Slavia Prague. This study investigates the impact of Slavia’s takeover on Czech First Division. First a stochastic frontier analysis is conducted and efficiency scores are estimated. The results indicate that Slavia’s athletic efficiency has improved significantly after the takeover. The transfer activity in the league increased greatly thanks to Slavia’s additional funds allocated to transfers and also it should be noted that Slavia’s domestic transfers have created an opportunity for the other teams to improve their finances. Finally, the overall competitive balance in the league improved after the takeover despite Slavia’s dominance in the league after the takeover.
Frozen Embryos Are Not Research Material
Authors: McDonald Derek ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: July 2021

At least one million human embryos are currently in cryopreservation in the United States alone. The Catholic Church expressly denounces this practice, but there is no satisfying solution. New arguments have arisen in the scientific community that these embryos should be made available for research, reflecting a utilitarian view of human life, which is counter to Catholic teaching on human dignity and must be resisted by the faithful. Instead, the solution to cryopreservation must respect the lives of these embryos and give others the opportunity to learn from and pray for them.
Reading the First Epistle of John with the Method of Formal Indication
Authors: Clemons Matthew ,   Heidegger Circle
Published: July 2021

This presentation has two tasks. First, following Heidegger’s presentation of the method of formal indication in his 1920-21 lectures on the Pauline Epistles, I draw out two possible meanings for the method. On the one hand, formal indication could be a hermeneutic tool, a use of the how indicated in language to guide one in understanding the original relation in experience as original relation (enacted). On the other hand, formal indication could be the enacting of the original relation myself, in other words, appropriating the original relation in my own life as something to be enacted by me. The second task of the presentation is to read the First Epistle of John in the context of formal indication and these two possibilities, highlighting the affinities between the Epistle and the early Heidegger’s method and ultimately arguing that the dialogical imperative in John presents its necessary foil.
Understanding and Dealing with Climate Grief
Authors: Salin Aurélien ,   National Philosophical Counseling Association
Published: July 2021

Confronted with the reality that our environment is (almost literally) dying, we must navigate feelings of grief and mourning. In this article, I set out to understand the emotion of climate grief, using the LBT model of emotions. I define climate grief as an emotion whose object is the loss of the local and global ecosystems as we rely on, value and relate to them. The rating of climate grief is strongly negative, such that we bleakly perceive our existence and our survival as an ecosystem. In addition, I explore how self-defeating practical syllogisms can transform the healthy emotional grieving process into a destructive process. In particular, I investigate the LBT fallacies of "awfulizing", "damnation" and "can'tstipation". Finally, I propose a set of "climate-friendly virtues" (courage, respect and self-control) and look at what all of us can do to mobilize our emotions of climate grief toward healthy, positive and sustainable action.
Perfectionism and the Pandemic
Authors: Cohen Elliot ,   National Philosophical Counseling Association
Published: July 2021

This paper presents some of the behavioral and emotional challenges many of us have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic; the emotional reasoning that has or can undermine rational coping; and how the philosophical practice approach of Logic-Based Therapy & Consultation (LBTC) can help.
Does Developing Moral Thinking Skills Lead to Moral Action?
Authors: Tillmanns Maria ,   National Philosophical Counseling Association
Published: July 2021

This paper explores the relationship between thinking and acting morally. Can we transfer critical thinking skills to real life situations? Philosophical practice with clients as well as with school children creates a context for not only being a critical and reflective thinker but also a self -critical thinker and self -reflective thinker. In his book On Dialogue, David Bohm explores the notion of proprioception of thinking; focusing on thinking as a movement. The tacit, concrete process of thinking informs our actions in a way that rational thinking by itself cannot. We can try to impose rational thinking on our tacit, concrete process of thinking but knowing how to be just abstractly, for example, does not necessarily make us act justly in the moment. Philosophical practice puts us in touch with our own tacit, concrete process of thinking. Through dialogue (Bohm, Buber) we become more than skilled rational thinkers ; we become skilled thinking beings.
A ética do cuidado de si: ensaio sobre um paradigma de discernimento e convivência
Authors: Streck Gisela Isolde Waechter , Barbosa Giorlando Laranjeira
Published: July 2021

Neste ensaio são apresentadas reflexões que visam fomentar um sistema ético, numa perspectiva que encarne a linguagem essencial que insere a pessoa em toda a sua complexidade nas decisões e ações, evidenciando a ética do cuidado como paradigma moral. Nessa perspectiva, há uma inclinação insistente, de forma verificada, pelas emoções que ampliam o conceito de justiça para além da cognição, haja vista que a verdadeira justiça e o discernimento decorrem do cuidado, quando relacionado às dimensões eu-tu-nós, o que integra e amplia a visão desse princípio, que só se completa enquanto princípio válido no cuidado de si e do outro. Assim, mais que uma análise descritiva, este texto revela esse paradigma como técnica aplicada em sua essência para a resolução de conflitos pessoais, sociais, institucionais e religiosos – com leveza, razão e sem negligenciar os sentimentos da pessoa ou feri-la em sua dignidade e autonomia.
Predominantly linear summation of metabotropic postsynaptic potentials follows coactivation of neurogliaform interneurons
Authors: Ozsvár Attila , Komlósi Gergely , Oláh Gáspár , Baka Judith , Molnár Gábor , Tamás Gábor
Published: July 2021

Summation of ionotropic receptor-mediated responses is critical in neuronal computation by shaping input-output characteristics of neurons. However, arithmetics of summation for metabotropic signals are not known. We characterized the combined ionotropic and metabotropic output of neocortical neurogliaform cells (NGFCs) using electrophysiological and anatomical methods in the rat cerebral cortex. These experiments revealed that GABA receptors are activated outside release sites and confirmed coactivation of putative NGFCs in superficial cortical layers in vivo. Triple recordings from presynaptic NGFCs converging to a postsynaptic neuron revealed sublinear summation of ionotropic GABAA responses and linear summation of metabotropic GABAB responses. Based on a model combining properties of volume transmission and distributions of all NGFC axon terminals, we predict that in 83% of cases one or two NGFCs can provide input to a point in the neuropil. We suggest that interactions of metabotropic GABAergic responses remain linear even if most superficial layer interneurons specialized to recruit GABAB receptors are simultaneously active.
Living with relatives offsets the harm caused by pathogens in natural populations
Authors: Bensch Hanna M , O'Connor Emily A , Cornwallis Charlie Kinahan
Published: July 2021

Living with relatives can be highly beneficial, enhancing reproduction and survival. High relatedness can, however, increase susceptibility to pathogens. Here, we examine whether the benefits of living with relatives offset the harm caused by pathogens, and if this depends on whether species typically live with kin. Using comparative meta-analysis of plants, animals, and a bacterium (nspecies = 56), we show that high within-group relatedness increases mortality when pathogens are present. In contrast, mortality decreased with relatedness when pathogens were rare, particularly in species that live with kin. Furthermore, across groups variation in mortality was lower when relatedness was high, but abundances of pathogens were more variable. The effects of within-group relatedness were only evident when pathogens were experimentally manipulated, suggesting that the harm caused by pathogens is masked by the benefits of living with relatives in nature. These results highlight the importance of kin selection for understanding disease spread in natural populations.
Cdc4 phospho-degrons allow differential regulation of Ame1CENP-U protein stability across the cell cycle
Authors: Böhm Miriam , Killinger Kerstin , Dudziak Alexander , Pant Pradeep , Jänen Karolin , Hohoff Simone , Mechtler Karl , Örd Mihkel , Loog Mart , Sanchez-Garcia Elsa , Westermann Stefan
Published: July 2021

Kinetochores are multi-subunit protein assemblies that link chromosomes to microtubules of the mitotic and meiotic spindle. It is still poorly understood how efficient, centromere-dependent kinetochore assembly is accomplished from hundreds of individual protein building blocks in a cell cycle-dependent manner. Here, by combining comprehensive phosphorylation analysis of native Ctf19CCAN subunits with biochemical and functional assays in the model system budding yeast, we demonstrate that Cdk1 phosphorylation activates phospho-degrons on the essential subunit Ame1CENP-U, which are recognized by the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex SCF-Cdc4. Gradual phosphorylation of degron motifs culminates in M-phase and targets the protein for degradation. Binding of the Mtw1Mis12 complex shields the proximal phospho-degron, protecting kinetochore-bound Ame1 from the degradation machinery. Artificially increasing degron strength partially suppresses the temperature sensitivity of a cdc4 mutant, while overexpression of Ame1-Okp1 is toxic in SCF mutants, demonstrating the physiological importance of this mechanism. We propose that phospho-regulated clearance of excess CCAN subunits facilitates efficient centromere-dependent kinetochore assembly. Our results suggest a novel strategy for how phospho-degrons can be used to regulate the assembly of multi-subunit complexes.
Structure of Escherichia coli respiratory complex I reconstituted into lipid nanodiscs reveals an uncoupled conformation
Authors: Kolata Piotr , Efremov Rouslan G
Published: July 2021

Respiratory complex I is a multi-subunit membrane protein complex that reversibly couples NADH oxidation and ubiquinone reduction with proton translocation against transmembrane potential. Complex I from Escherichia coli is among the best functionally characterized complexes, but its structure remains unknown, hindering further studies to understand the enzyme coupling mechanism. Here, we describe the single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the entire catalytically active E. coli complex I reconstituted into lipid nanodiscs. The structure of this mesophilic bacterial complex I displays highly dynamic connection between the peripheral and membrane domains. The peripheral domain assembly is stabilized by unique terminal extensions and an insertion loop. The membrane domain structure reveals novel dynamic features. Unusual conformation of the conserved interface between the peripheral and membrane domains suggests an uncoupled conformation of the complex. Considering constraints imposed by the structural data, we suggest a new simple hypothetical coupling mechanism for the molecular machine.
Will Magnetic Properties near Pressure Induced Quantum Critical Phenomena Be Elucidated?
Authors:   The Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, Uwatoko Yoshiya
Published: July 2021

Hiraoka et al. developed an opposed anvil-type pressure cell for magnetization measurements which combines a large sample space and is capable of generating higher pressures up to 6.3 GPa.
Assessment of the Vulnerability of the Shallow Aquifer of the City of Sarh in Chad, using the Drastic Approach
Authors: Hamit Abderamane , Abdallah Mahamat Nour , Abderamane Moussa , Brahim Tan-IM Abdallah , Bakay Bakhit Diki , Aingar Beni , Oumar Djibrine Terab , Julius Lotodingao Laoukoura
Published: July 2021

The demography (3.4%) and the development of anthropic activities in the city of Sarh, constitute a risk of groundwater pollution. That is why a vulnerability map is determined to contribute to the protection of groundwater resources against possible pollution for future decision and allocation of land and activities. The present study interested the city of Sarh and had the objective to elaborate a vulnerability map to pollution by applying the DRASTIC method. The data required for this study are summarized in seven critical factors specific to the model applied (depth of the water table, net recharge, aquifer lithology, soil type, topography (slope), unsaturated zone lithology and hydraulic conductivity). They were acquired from several sources and converted by the GIS into thematic maps. For each critical parameter, a coefficient and a weight were assigned according to its importance in the DRASTIC model. The resulting map shows three classes of vulnerability; 36% of the Sarh region has very low vulnerability, 35% has low vulnerability and 29% has medium vulnerability.
Evaluation of the Leaf Extracts of Kalanchoe pinnata and Kalanchoe daigremontiana Chemistry, Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activity
Authors: Quintero Edmond J. , León Estela Guerrero De , Morán-Pinzón Juan , Mero Aldahir , León Edwin , Cano Laura P. Patiño
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical components and evaluate the biological activity of the extracts from the leaves Kalanchoe pinnata and Kalanchoe daigremontiana, which are cultivated in the province of Chiriqui, Republic of Panama. Phytochemicals components, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were studied. The composition of the obtained petroleum ether, ethanol and aqueous extracts was analyzed by phytochemical screening. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was studied using three in vitro model systems (DPPH radical scavenging assay, nitric oxide radical scavenging assay, and superoxide radical scavenging activity). The anti-inflammatory activity of these species was studied using an in vivo model (ʎ-carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats). Phytochemical analysis of the extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, triterpenes, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins and glycosides. The greatest radical inhibitory effect was observed in the DPPH model where the ethanolic extracts of both species developed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect, the K. pinnata extract reached a maximum inhibitory effect of 49.5 ± 5.6% (2000
Economical Efficacy of Weed Management Options in Groundnut + Pigeonpea Relay Intercropping System
Authors: Nakala Varsha , Mathukia R. K.
Published: July 2021

Aims: To evaluate the effect of different weed management options on the economics in groundnut + pigeonpea relay intercropping on medium black clayey soils of Junagadh .

Study Design: Field experiment was conducted at Junagadh during kharif 2019-20 and 2020-21 in Randomized Block Design with three replications to evaluate the effect of different weed management options on the economics in groundnut + pigeonpea relay intercropping on medium black clayey soils. The treatments comprised of: pendimethalin 0.9 kg ha-1 as PE fb interculturing and hand weeding at 45 DAS, pendimethalin 0.45 kg ha-1 + oxyfluorfen 0.09 kg ha-1 as PE fb interculturing and hand weeding at 45 DAS), interculturing and hand weeding at 15 DAS fb sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% (ready mix) 1 kg ha-1 at 45 DAS as POE, interculturing and hand weeding at 15 DAS fb quizalofop p ethyl 40 g ha-1 at 45 DAS as POE,  interculturing and hand weeding at 15 DAS fb propaquizafop 70 g ha-1 at 45 DAS as POE, pendimethalin 0.9 kg ha-1 as PE fb sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% (ready mix) 1 kg ha-1 at 45 DAS as POE, pendimethalin 0.9 kg ha-1 as PE fb quizalofop p ethyl 40 g ha-1 at 45 DAS as POE, pendimethalin 0.9 kg ha-1 as PE fb propaquizafop 70 g ha-1 at 45 DAS as POE (T8), weed free, and unweeded control (T10).

Place and duration of the study: Instructional Farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during kharif seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21.

Methodology: on the basis of prevailing local charges. The gross realization in terms of rupees per hectare. A net return of each treatment was calculated by deducting the total cost of cultivation from the gross returns.

Result: Significantly higher amount of gross returns were recorded with the weed free treatment (T9), which was closely followed by interculturing and hand weeding at 15 DAS fb sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% (ready mix) 1 kg ha-1 at 45 DAS as PoE (T3). Statistically higher net returns and higher net returns and B:C ratio were registered with interculture and hand weeding at 15 DAS fb sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% (ready mix) 1 kg ha-1 at 45 DAS as PoE (T3).
Net Carbon Flux of a Higher Education Institute: Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
Authors: Premarathne N. M. K. C. , Bandara A. M. K. R. , Herath H. M. T. R. , Silva H. T. O. P. De
Published: July 2021

Aims: To account the synthesis of carbon sequestration, carbon emissions, and net carbon flux with respect to an agricultural higher education institute in a tropical region.

Place and Duration of Study: Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, between May 2019 and August 2019.

Methodology: The onsite carbon flux estimated for emissions and fixations by considering the Faculty of Agriculture (FoA) and the farm premises as a closed system. Net carbon flux is the difference between CO2 sequestered and the total CO2 emissions. The carbon flux was calculated as Δ CO2 = ET +RH + EF- ST. Where; ET is CO2 emission from vehicles, RH is CO2 emission from human respiration, EF is CO2 emission from farm operations and ST is sequestered carbon in trees and turfs. As the carbon sinks; all palm trees, turf and large trees were used. The tillage methods, land-use practices, crop management practices in the farm were considered as carbon sources. And also, the respiration of faculty staff and students and transportation within the faculty were considered as sources of carbon. All the measurements in data collection, estimations of carbon storage and emissions were estimated as per the available methods and equations used in similar studies.

Results: The total CO2 equivalent was 771.82 Mg. The total CO2 emission was 164.9 Mg. Therefore, the Net carbon flux was found as 606.92 Mg for the faculty in 2019.

Conclusion: The faculty is a green one which has a positive net carbon flux. The methodology used in the study can be applied for assessment of carbon stock in other educational institutes in Sri Lankan context with special reference to agricultural education.
Analyzing the Role of Increasing Water Pollution on Species-Richness, Interspecific-Competition and Abundance-Unevenness in Reef-Associated Fish Communities, off Jakarta Bay (Indonesia)
Authors: Béguinot Jean
Published: July 2021

Not far from the exceptionally rich ‘Coral Triangle’ on the one hand but, on the other hand, exposed to strongly varying degree of anthropogenic environmental stresses, the reef-associated fish assemblages all along ‘Seribu Islands’ (off Jakarta Bay) are, thus, confronted to both positive and negative ecological influences. As such, these fish assemblages offer especially interesting opportunities to analyze these opposite ecological influences, at both the descriptive and the functional points of views. The least-biased numerical extrapolation of a series of recently reported – yet incomplete – samplings has allowed a sub-exhaustive account of both the estimated total species-richness and the completed distribution of species abundances – including the set of those rarer species which had remained unrecorded. Thanks to this numerically completed information, it became possible to tackle some important issues – which otherwise would have remained difficult to address properly. First, a remarkably good correlation was highlighted between the distance of fish assemblages to Jakarta Bay (distance considered as a reliable surrogate to the improvement of environmental conditions for fish assemblages) and a theoretically derived index characterizing the accommodation capacity of sites for fish assemblages. This good correlation suggests that this index offer a way to reliably accounts for the “environmental quality” of marine waters, as appreciated by fish communities. In quite another respect, comparing primary and secondary-feeding guilds, provides still further empirical support to a seemingly common trend according to which the guild of secondary-feeders features usually more species-rich, while exhibiting less interspecific competition intensity at niche overlaps, than does the primary-feeders guild.
Hematological and Histopathological Profiles of Swiss Albino Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei upon Treatment with Cooked Tetracarpidium conophorum Seed Ethanol Extract
Authors: Ebenezer Dada , Temiloluwa Oladipo Faith
Published: July 2021

Aim: This study was conducted to verify the hematological and histopathological outcome of cooked ethanol seed extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum in swiss albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei (NK65).

Study Design: Descriptive study.

Methodology: Standard methods were conducted to determine the phyto-chemical profile of cooked T. conophorum seed ethanol extract, hematological, histopathological indices and biochemical assay. Mice were assembled into five groups (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) of seven each. The mice in group 4 were treated with a customary antimalarial drug (chloroquine as positive control) at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight, while mice in groups 3, 2 and 1 was administered with increasing dosages (200, 400, 800 mg/kg body weight) of seed extracts for four consecutive days respectively.

Results: The qualitative phytochemical screening of T. conophorum seed extract revealed the presence of bioactive components such as saponin, tannins, flavonoid, terpenoid. Saponin (16.82 mg/100 g) was the highest occurring phytochemical followed by terpenoid (10.39 mg/100 g), glycoside (5.9 mg/100 g), tannin (2.8 mg/100 g) and flavonoid (1.17 mg/100 g), while steroid only had a trace presence. Hematological parameters revealed mice in all groups do not possess significantly different mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Mice in group 5 (infected and not treated) demonstrated lowest values of hemoglobin, platelet, and packed cell volume with a significantly lower % eosin. There was considerable decrease in the levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase in group 5 compared to mice in groups 1, 2, and 3.

Conclusion: Ameliorative effects of seed extract were observed on the liver and kidney of mice at dose levels (200 mg/kg) used, but the 400 mg/kg restored the kidney but had adverse effect on the liver. This study therefore shows that cooked T. conophorum is generally less effective and could not be employed for treatment of malaria.
A Literature Review on the Development of Remote Sensing in Damage Detection of Civil Structures
Authors: Ghaedi Khaled , Gordan Meisam , Ismail Zubaidah , Hashim Huzaifa , Talebkhah Marieh
Published: July 2021

Remote sensing technologies have a direct impact on gaining structural damage information due to their powerful flexibilities, such as wide field of view, non-contact, low cost, and fast response capacities. It is because remote sensing is often applied to monitor near-real-time damage for large-scale events. Therefore, diverse types of remote sensing data became available and various methods have been designed and reported for structural damage assessment. In this line, a number of remote sensing procedures have been proposed to develop an extensive range of temporal, spectral, and spatial parameters. In this study, a comparative review is conducted in order to present the applied remote sensing-based damage detection approaches in buildings and bridges. It should be noted that the survey is supported by an extensive list for up-to-date references. Based on this review, it can be concluded that remote sensing has widely attracted attentions in different structural engineering fields due to its ability in providing fast response in terms of continuous monitoring for large areas after a natural hazard.
Investigation on the Flexural Modulus of Silicon Dies to Improve Die Mechanical Modeling Accuracy
Authors: Talledo Jefferson
Published: July 2021

Mechanical modeling of integrated circuit (IC) dies is commonly performed using the mechanical properties of the bulk silicon material. However, modeling results such as die deflection and the actual results were observed to have significant difference. This paper discusses the investigation done on the flexural modulus of actual IC dies used in package assembly manufacturing. Results were then compared with the modulus of the bulk silicon die or mirror die. The measurement of flexural modulus was done using the standard 3-point bend test. It was found out that the flexural modulus of the actual IC die is significantly lower than the flexural modulus of the bulk silicon or dummy die. Even with the actual IC die, the flexural modulus of the active side is also lower than the back side. From this study, it can be concluded that mechanical modeling involving IC dies could be improved by characterizing the properties of the actual die used. The common practice of using the properties of the bulk silicon die in mechanical modeling would not provide accurate results.
An Optimised Traffic Control Scheme with Preference to Emergency Vehicles Leveraging RFID
Authors: Akpado Kenneth , Usoro Samuel , Ezeani Nneka
Published: July 2021

Emergency Vehicles (EV) such as ambulances, fire fighting vehicles, Road safety vehicles and other emergency vehicles encounter delays on their missions at traffic light control points due to traffic jams. The direct consequence of these delays results in unwarranted loss of lives and properties.  This research work proposes and implements an improved traffic control system with preference to emergency vehicles leveraging RFID technology and a novel Dynamic Traffic Sequence Algorithm (DTSA). Atmega 328 was used to actualize the novel DTSA, control the RFID and the entire traffic control system. The distance of RFID signal transmitted by the emergency vehicle was determined by physically measuring the distance of clearer signal obtained at various distances from the test bed. MATLAB was used to plot the response time of the RFID, thereby helping in the choice of RFID used. It was observed at 100 meters distance between the RFID transmitter in the emergency vehicle (EV) and the traffic light system, a clearer signal was obtained. Therefore at 100 meters the emergency vehicle will be detected and the traffic system will reset its normal routine to give right of way to the particular lane that the emergency vehicle is detected. Comparing the old and the new system it was observed that in the new system the EV will be 12minutes faster than the EV in the old system. From the result obtained, the RFID best suited for this application is active RFID. The results obtained proved that the system will effectively mitigate and almost completely eradicate the delay encountered by emergency vehicles at traffic control points.  The system will be deployed in any many cities in Nigeria that have traffic control systems installed.
The effect of TiO2 Nanoparticles in Epoxy Paint Formulation on Metal Surfaces
Authors: Hai Le Huy , Truc Le Mai Xuan , Trung Nguyen Quoc
Published: July 2021

Currently, epoxy paint is being widely used in the industry. Nanotechnology can create many small nanometer-sized materials with many applications, it has brought many outstanding properties to epoxy paints. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of TiO2 nanoparticles in epoxy paint formulation towards metal surface. We created a sample of two-component epoxy paint, part A is epoxy resin, anti-sedimentation, dispersant substance, foam breaking agent, cover substance, solvent, other additives, and part B is a curing agent for epoxy resins.  Methods of analyzing the properties of the epoxy paint film are based on Vietnam standards. TiO2 nanoparticles are a good coating substance in epoxy paint. The study results showed that TiO2 nanoparticles have increased the properties of the epoxy paint film, improving the Impact and Glossy of the epoxy paint film. TiO2 nanoparticles increases from 1% to 6% by weight, the impact increased by about 18.75%.  (80 to 96 kg.cm), Glossy 600 increased by about 12.79% (80 to 97). Adding TiO2 nanoparticles to epoxy paint has increased Impact and Glossy for the paint film. The higher the rate of TiO2 nanoparticles, the better the properties of the epoxy paint film. Therefore, TiO2 nanoparticles are a good coating in epoxy paint, it improves the properties of the paint film. Because the cost of nanomaterials is higher than that of normal coating materials, the nanomaterial should only be added with a ratio of about 2-5% by weight.
Studies on the substrate for hepatic lipogenesis in the rat
Authors: Geelen Math J.H. , Hindriks Georg A.
Published: July 2002

The contribution of hepatic glycogen to lipogenesis was studied in isolated, intact rat hepatocytes. To establish its importance as a substrate for lipogenesis, the glycogen of isolated hepatocytes was prelabelled with 14C from glucose. Evidence is presented that neither glucose nor glycogen constitute major sources of carbon for de novo synthesis of fatty acids and that less than 1 % of glycogen is converted into fatty acids.
An abundant ubiquitous glycoprotein (GP100) in nucleated mammalian cells
Authors: Koch G.L.E. , Smith M.J. , Mortara R.A.
Published: July 2002

Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis with the 125I‐Con A overlay and affinity purification with Con A‐agarose revealed the presence of an abundant ubiquitous 100‐kDa glycoprotein (GP100) in nucleated mammalin cells. The amount in cultured human and murine cells varies from 3 to 20 × 106 molecules per cell making GP100 the most abundant glycoprotein in nucleated cells. Peptide mapping shows that it is different from erythrocyte Band III protein. Several properties of GP100 suggest that it could play a structural role in nucleated cell membranes.
gp 140, the C3d/EBV receptor (CR2), is phosphorylated upon in vitro activation of human peripheral B lymphocytes
Authors: Barel Monique , Vazquez Aimé , Charriaut Christiane , Aufredou Maria Thérèse , Galanauc Pierre , Frade Raymond
Published: July 2002

gp 140, the C3d/EBV receptor (CR2), is a specific marker of human B lymphocytes. Very recent data suggest that CR2 is a membrane site involved in early B cell activation. These properties of CR2 led us to analyze the molecular events associated with gp 140. We analyzed whether in some conditions of B lymphocyte activation, CR2 could be phosphorylated. We have found that when highly enriched peripheral B cells were cultured for 48 h with anti‐μ Ab and/or SAC, in order to provide an optimal activating signal, phosphorylation of the CR2 was induced.
Changes in the guanine nucleotide‐binding proteins, Gi and go, during differentiation of 3T3‐L1 cells
Authors: Gierschik Peter , Morrow Bernice , Milligan Graeme , Rubin Charles , Spiegel Allen
Published: July 2002

Differentiation of 3T3‐L1 cells from fibroblasts to adipocytes is accompanied by increased adenylate cyclase response to lipolytic agents. We used pertussis toxin and specific antibodies to measure the inhibitory guanine nucleotide‐binding protein, Gi, and the novel G‐protein, Go, in membranes from 3T3‐L1 cells. Pertussis toxin‐dependent labeling of a 39–40 kDa protein showed an initial 30% rise, followed by an 80% fall during differentiation. Immunoblots showed that 3T3‐L1 cells contain Go, as well as Gi, and that changes in the former parallel the changes in pertussis toxin labeling. Changes in Gi and Go may contribute to altered adenylate cyclase response during 3T3‐L1 cell differentiation.
Receptor‐mediated ADP‐ribosylation of a phospholipase C‐stimulating G protein
Authors: Gierschik Peter , Jakobs Karl H.
Published: July 2002

In membranes of myeloid differentiated HL 60 cells, the chemotactic peptide FMLP stimulates phospholipase C via a pertussis toxin‐sensitive G protein. FMLP markedly stimulates the cholera toxin‐dependent ADP‐ribosylation of a 40 kDa protein in these membranes. This effect of FMLP is inhibited by GTP and GTP[S], and is almost completely abolished in membranes of pertussis toxin‐pretreated HL 60 cells. Treatment of HL 60 membranes with cholera toxin and NAD markedly inhibits FMLP‐stimulated high affinity GTPase. These results suggest that a 40 kDa G protein sensitive to both pertussis and cholera toxin functionally interacts with the formyl peptide receptor of HL 60 cells and, thus, very likely is the G protein that stimulates phospholipase C in this system.
Molecular cloning, cDNA structure and predicted amino acid sequence of bovine 3β‐hydroxy‐5‐ene steroid dehydrogenase/Δ5‐Δ4 isomerase
Authors: Zhao Hui-Fen , Simard Jacques , Labrie Claude , Breton Nathalie , Rhéaume Eric , Luu-The Van , Labrie Fernand
Published: July 2002

We have used our recently characterized human 3β‐hydroxy‐5‐ene steroid dehydrogenase/Δ5‐Δ4‐isomerase (3β‐HSD) cDNA as probe to isolate cDNAs encoding bovine 3β‐HSD from a bovine ovary λgtll cDNA library. Nucleotide sequence analysis of two overlapping cDNA clones of 1362 bp and 1536 bp in length predicts a protein of 372 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 42093 (excluding the first Met). The deduced amino acid sequence of bovine 3β‐HSD displays 79% homology with human 3β‐HSD while the nucleotide sequence of the coding region shares 82% interspecies similarity. Hybridization of cloned cDNAs to bovine ovary poly(A)+ RNA shows the presence of an approximately 1.7 kb mRNA species.
Transient shift of diacylglycerol and inositol lipids induced by interferon in Daudi cells
Authors: Cataldi A. , Miscia S. , Lisio R. , Rana R. , Cocco L.
Published: July 2002

The effect of human recombinant DNA interferon‐α type A on inositol lipid and diacylglycerol metabolism was investigated in Daudi lymphoma whole cells and isolated nuclei. In isolated nuclei after 90 min of interferon treatment an enhanced rate of PIP2 phosphorylation and an increase of DAG mass were observed. In whole cells, after 1 min of interferon treatment, there was a rapid and transient shift of DAG mass apparently not related to inositol lipid modifications, thus indicating the presence in nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments of inositol lipid fractions with different metabolic features in response to interferon‐α.
Crosslinking of Dam methyltransferase with S‐adenosyl‐methionine
Authors: Wenzel Caroline , Moulard Maxime , Lobner-Olesen Anders , Guschlbauer Wilhelm
Published: July 2002

Highly purified DNA‐adenine methyltransferase was irradiated in the presence of different concentrations of radiolabelled S‐adenosyl‐methionine (AdoMet) with a conventional Mineralight UV‐lamp from several minutes up to 1 h while incubating in ice. Incorporation of radioactivity was monitored by electrophoresis of the crosslink between S‐adenosyl‐methionine and Dam methylase on SDS‐polyacrylamide gels followed by fluorography. Crosslinking reached a maximum in presence of 10 μM S‐adenosyl‐methionine; it was inhibited in the presence of substates which competitively inhibit methylation of DNA by Dam methylase, like sinefungin or S‐adenosyl‐homocysteine, but not in the presence of non‐inhibitors like ATP or S‐isobutyl‐adenosine. The crosslink obtained was resistant against a wide range of even drastic conditions commonly used in protein and peptide chemistry. Proteins which do not bind S‐adenosyl‐methionine, as well as heat activated Dam methylase were not photolabelled. After limited proteolysis the radioactive label appeared only in certain of the peptides obtained. From Western blots carried out with polyclonal antibodies produced against a synthetic peptide corresponding in its sequence to amino acids 92‐106 of the Dam methylase, the crosslinking of AdoMet could be tentatively mapped at a position after amino acid 106.
The haemoglobin‐like protein (HMP) of Escherichia coli has ferrisiderophore reductase activity and its C‐terminal domain shares homology with ferredoxin NADP+ reductases
Authors: Andrews Simon C. , Shipley Darren , Keen Jeffrey N. , Findlay John B.C. , Harrison Pauline M. , Guest John R.
Published: July 2002

Three soluble ferrisiderophore reductases (FsrA, FsrB and FsrC) were detected in Escherichia coli. FsrB was purified and identified as the haemoglobin‐like protein (HMP) by size and N‐terminal sequence analyses. HMP was previously isolated as a dihydropteridine reductase and is now shown to have ferrisiderophore reductase activity. Database searches revealed that the C‐terminal region of HMP (FsrB) is homologous to members of a family of flavoprotein oxidoreductases which includes ferredoxin NADP+ reductase (FNR). The combination of FNR‐like and haemoglobin‐like regions in HMP (FsrB) represents a novel pairing of functionally and structurally distinct domains. Structure—function properties of other FNR‐like proteins, including LuxG and VanB, are also discussed.
Phosphorylation of smg p21B in rat peritoneal mast cells in association with histamine release inhibition by dibutyryl‐cAMP
Authors: Izushi Keiji , Shirasaka Taihei , Chokki Manabu , Tasaka Kenji
Published: July 2002

IP3 formation and histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells stimulated by compound 48/80 were dose‐dependently inhibited by Bt2cAMP. These inhibitions were restored to the control level in the presence of H‐8, a protein kinase A inhibitor. The 22 kDa protein in mast cells was revealed as a markedly phosphorylated protein by incubating with Bt2cAMP, and this phosphorylation was also diminished by H‐8. The 22 kDa phosphoprotein of rat mast cells comigrated with phosphorylated smg p21B, purified from human platelets and phosphorylated by protein kinase A in cell‐free system, in both one‐ and two‐dimensional PAGE analysis. Moreover, 22 kDa protein in mast cells was identified as smg p21B by immunoblot analysis using an antibody against smg p21B. From the present study, it became clear that smg p21B is phosphorylated by means or protein kinase A system in rat peritoneal mast cells, and it was assumed that phosphorylated smg p21B plays some important role in the suppression of IP3 formation and histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells.
Role of the carboxy terminal region of β tubulin on microtubule dynamics through its interaction with the GTP phosphate binding region
Authors: Padilla Rodolfo , Otin Carlos López , Serrano Luis , Avila Jesús
Published: July 2002

The dynamic instability of microtubules depends on the GTP binding to tubulin, the rate of hydrolysis of GTP bound to tubulin molecules, at the microtubule caps, and on the affinity and exchange rate of tubulin for GTP versus GDP. It has been demonstrated that the binding of microtubule‐associated proteins (MAPs) such as Tau or MAP2 notably enhances microtubule stability in vivo. These MAPs bind to the tubulin carboxy terminal domain. Consequently, an attractive hypothesis to explain the modulation of microtubule dynamics by MAPs is that the carboxy terminal domain of tubulin interacts with a region close to the GTP binding site, preventing the binding of GTP or exchange of GDP for GTP. By carrying out a combined analysis of crosslinking and limited proteolysis, an intramolecular interaction between the carboxy terminus and the tubulin region containing the GTP binding site in β tubulin has been observed. It is proposed that this interaction modifies the binding of GTP to the tubulin β‐subunit and, therefore, affects tubulin assembly dynamics. This suggests a molecular explanation for the effect of MAPs in facilitating tubulin polymerization through the regulation of the interaction of GTP.
Two sites in the third inner loop of the dopamine D2 receptor are involved in functional G protein‐mediated coupling to adenylate cyclase
Authors: Maiek Daria , Münch Gerald , Palm Dieter
Published: July 2002

Synthetic peptides, corresponding to the amino acid sequences of the N‐ and C‐terminal parts of the 3rd intracellular loop of the dopamine D2 receptor, attenuate dopaminergic adenylate cyclase inhibition in membranes. Both peptides also activate directly GTPase activity in membranes. We suggest a functional model for Gi‐coupled receptors where two sites in the 3rd inner loop compose the links for the receptor‐G protein interaction thus providing the tools for a selective and adjustable response. Functional coupling was not affected by a peptide representing the insert in the long form of the dopamine D; receptor (D2(long)). The selectivity pattern of conventional G protein‐linked receptors also sheds some light on the recently observed interaction of β‐amyloid protein precursor (APP) complexes with G proteins.