bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased Association of Deamidated αA-N101D with Lens Membrane of Transgenic αAN101D vs. Wild Type αA Mice: Potential Effects on Intracellular Ionic Imbalance and Membrane Disorganization
Authors: Srivast Om , Srivast Kiran , Joseph Roy , Wilson Landon 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: We have generated mouse models by inserting the human lens αA-N101D transgene in CRYAAN101D mice, and human wild-type αA-transgene in CRYAAWT mice. The CRYAAN101D mice developed cortical cataract at about 7-months of age relative to CRYAAWT mice. The objective of the study was to determine the following relative changes in the lenses of CRYAAN101D- vs. CRYAAWT mice: age-related changes with specific emphasis on protein insolubilization, relative membrane-association of αAN101D vs. WTαA, and changes intracellular ionic imbalance and membrane organization. Methods: Lenses from CRYAAWT and CRYAAN101D mice were compared for an age-related protein insolubilization. The relative lens membrane-association of the αAN101D and WTαA in the two types of mice was determined by immunohistochemical-, immunogold-labeling-, and western blot analyses. The relative levels of membrane-binding of recombinant αAN101D and WTαA was determined by an in vitro assay, and the levels of intracellular Ca 2+ uptake and Na, K-ATPase mRNA were determined in the cultured epithelial cells of the two types lenses. Results: Compared to the lenses of CRYAAWT, the lenses of CRYAAN101D mice exhibited: (A) An increase in age-related protein insolubilization beginning at about 4-months of age. (B) A greater lens membrane-association of αAN101D relative to WTαA during immunogold-labeling- and western blot analyses, including relatively a greater membrane swelling in the CRYAAN101D lenses. . (C) During in vitro assay, the greater levels of binding αAN101D to membranes relative to WTαA was observed. (D) The 75% lower level of Na,K-ATPase mRNA but 1.5X greater Ca 2+ uptake were observed in cultured lens epithelial cells of CRYAAN101D than those of CRYAAWT mice. Conclusions: The results show that an increased lens membrane association of αAN101D relative WTαA in CRYAAN101D mice than CRYAAWT mice, which causes intracellular ionic imbalance, and in turn membrane swelling leading to cortical opacity.
Is Vulnerability Factors Discourages Women-Empowerment? The moderating role of Environmental, Health, Economic and Political Vulnerability between Microfinance Institutions and Women-Empowerment
Authors: Hameed Waseem Ul 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Women-empowerment is still a problematic area in most of the developing countries including Pakistan. The women contribution is limited and not well acknowledged in various developing countries. As the women contribution in Pakistani economy is only 25-30% which is quite low as compared to most of the developing as well as developed countries. Various studies addressed the women-empowerment; however, literature is missing to consider the role of various vulnerability factors such as health, environment, economic/social and political. Microfinance institutes are working; however, the result is limited. It is due to the various vulnerability factors which effect negatively on women empowerment and decreases the positive role of microfinance institutes. Therefore, the prime objective of this study is to examine the role of vulnerability factors and microfinance institutes in women-empowerment.Methods Cross-sectional research design was selected, and survey was carried out to collect the data from female clients of microfinance institutes. Primary data were analyzed by using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).Results Findings of the study revealed that vulnerability factors such as women health, environment, economic/social conditions and political conditions decrease women-empowerment. However, microfinance institutes are most significant to enhance women-empowerment. Services of microfinance institutes such as micro-credit, micro-saving and micro-insurance has significant positive relationship with women-empowerment.Conclusion Various vulnerability factors such as women health vulnerability, environment vulnerability, economic/social vulnerability and political vulnerability should be managed to increase women-empowerment. Microfinance institutes is one of the solutions to handle these vulnerabilities through various services. Therefore, the current study is significant for microfinance institutes, state bank of Pakistan and government of Pakistan while making the strategies to enhance women-empowerment.
Increased Respiratory Morbidity in Individuals with Interstitial Lung Abnormalities
Authors: Hoyer Nils , Thomsen Laura H. , Wille Mathilde M.W. , Wilcke Torgny , Dirksen Asger , Pedersen Jesper H. , Saghir Zaigham , Ashraf Haseem , Shaker Saher B. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) are common in participants of lung cancer screening trials and broad population-based cohorts. They are associated with increased mortality, but less is known about disease specific morbidity and healthcare utilisation in individuals with ILA.Methods We included all participants from the screening arm of the Danish Lung Cancer Screening Trial with available baseline CT scan data (n=1990) in this cohort study. The baseline scan was scored for the presence of ILA and patients were followed for up to 12 years. Data about all hospital admissions, primary healthcare visits and medicine prescriptions were collected from the Danish National Health Registries and used to determine the participants’ disease specific morbidity and healthcare utilisation using Cox proportional hazards models.Results The 332 (16.7%) participants with ILA were more likely to be diagnosed with one of several respiratory diseases, including interstitial lung disease (HR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.8–13.3, p=0.008), pneumonia (HR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.4–2.7, p<0.001), lung cancer (HR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.8–4.0, p<0.001) and respiratory failure (HR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1–3.0, p=0.03) compared with participants without ILA. These findings were confirmed by increased hospital admission rates with these diagnoses and more frequent prescriptions for inhalation medicine and antibiotics in participants with ILA.Conclusions Individuals with ILA are more likely to receive a diagnosis and treatment for several respiratory diseases, including interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, lung cancer and respiratory failure during long term follow-up. The broadly increased respiratory morbidity can help explain the increased mortality in this population.
Simulation on metro railway induced vibration. Part II: effect of corrugated rail
Authors: Zhang Hougui , Ren Zhou , Wu Qiong , Yang Jie 
Published: November 2019

The deterioration of running surface, including out-of-round wheels and corrugated rails. The effect of out-of-round wheels on simulation of rail dynamic behavior was presented in a companion paper [1]. In this paper, the effect of corrugated rails was discussed. Considering a perfect round wheels moving on different irregularities rail surface, including perfect smooth rail, irregularities generated from a US PSD, measurement data from corrugated rails. Calculation result indicated that (1) the traditional used irregularity generated from US-PSD would not satisfy the requirement simulation on rolling noise and vibration generation in high frequency range; (2) corrugated rail plays the dominant role on the vibration which obviously related to its typical wavelength.
Effect of in-wheel motor suspension system on electric vehicle ride comfort
Authors: Quynh Le Van , Cuong Bui Van , Liem Nguyen Van , Long Le Xuan , Thanh Dung Pham Thi 
Published: November 2019

This paper presents the effect of in-wheel motor (IWM) suspension system on electric vehicle (EV) ride comfort. To analyze the impact on the vehicle ride comfort caused by IWM suspension system, a dynamic model of quarter vehicle is established with the combination of IWM and road surface roughness excitations. The weighted root-mean-square (r.m.s.) acceleration of the vertical vehicle body (awbz) according to the international standard ISO 2631-1 (1997) is selected as an objective function to analyze the effect of IWM suspension system when the road surface and IWM mass conditions change. The study results indicate that the effect of IWM suspension system on the EV ride quality is significant and the value of awbz reduces by 8.6 % in comparison to without IWM suspension system. The IWM suspension system has significantly improved the EV ride quality when the road surface and IWM mass conditions change.
Production of activated carbon from poultry feathers for waste water treatment
Authors: Chiramba Rue , Charis Gratitude , Fungura Nonhlanhla , Danha Gwiranai , Mamvura Tirivaviri 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Contamination of water bodies by heavy metal ions is a challenge many developing nations like Zimbabwe face, with negative environmental and socio-economic repercussions. Treating affected bodies usually requires a costly consignment of chemicals and activated carbon. This research investigates the possible use of an abundant waste resource – poultry feathers – to make activated carbon for heavy metal ion removal. Poultry consumption in this nation generates more than five million tonnes of feathers a year, with very few uses of this by-product. This research was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of activated carbon synthesized from poultry feathers with sodium hydroxide as the activating agent. It was tested for removing heavy metal ions from waste water at Lake Chivero and the experimental work done showed that it had a removal efficiency as high as 97%, with a high affinity for lead ions as compared with chromium ions. Upon characterization, the activated carbon showed an iodine number of 520 mg and it worked best at a pH value of 8. The efficiency removal also increased with increasing adsorbent concentration as well as contact time up to a period where these factors ceased to be the limiting factors of the reaction.
Identification of Inhibitors Based on Molecular Docking: Thyroid Hormone Transmembrane Transporter MCT8 as a Target
Authors: Shaji Divya 
Published: November 2019

Aims:To identify natural inhibitors against MCT8 for Allan-Herndon-Dudley Syndrome.Background:Monocarboxylate Transporter 8 (MCT8) is a Thyroid Hormone (TH) transporter which is highly expressed in the liver and brain. Mutations in the MCT8 gene (SLC16A2) cause a syndrome of psychomotor retardation in humans, known as Allan–Herndon–Dudley syndrome (AHDS). Currently, no treatment is available for AHDS. Therefore, there is a need to discover new inhibitors of MCT8 for treating AHDS.Objective:Considering the importance of natural compounds in drug discovery, this study aimed to identify potential natural inhibitors against MCT8.Methods:As Protein-ligand interactions play a key role in structure based drug design, this study screened 24 natural kinase inhibitors and investigated their binding affinity against MCT8 by using molecular docking. The modelled 3D structure of MCT8 docked with 24 compounds using PyRX through Autodock Vina. Drug-likeness studies were made using Swiss ADME and Lipinski’s rule of five was performed. Triac, desipramine and silychristin were used as the positive controls. Binding energies of the selected compounds were compared with that of positive controls.Result:The results showed that emodin exhibited best binding energy of −8.6 kcal/mol followed by helenaquinol, cercosporamide and resveratrol. Moreover, it was observed that emodin and helenaquinol exhibit higher binding energy than the positive controls. Cercosporamide and resveratrol exhibited higher binding energy than triac and desipramine and showed the binding energy similar to silychristin.Conclusion:This study reveals that these compounds could be promising candidates for further evaluation for AHDS prevention.
A Systematic Methodology for Pre-Reconstruction Planning in Post Conflict Scenarios
Authors: Al-Chaar Ghassan , Calfas George 
Published: November 2019

Aim:
This study aims to assist in planning the preliminary phases of pre-reconstruction. The pre-reconstruction phase is critically important to the success of any reconstruction effort.

Background:
The period of reconstruction following armed civilian conflict, military operation or natural disaster is a critical window of opportunity to bring stability and normalcy to a region. Stability not only depends on resilient infrastructure, but also on reliable political systems, a national identity, and an able population to sustain the economy and system of governance.

Methods:
It presents three foundational dimensions that contribute to creating and fostering a successful post-conflict or post-disaster environment: political reality awareness, cultural property protection, and capacity building. This study also presents a methodology that quantitatively assesses the specific elements that contribute to the success or failure of a planned reconstruction effort.

Results:

An in-depth understanding of the three dimensions of Political Reality, Cultural Property Protection, and Capacity Building is necessary to ensure a stable environment for any reconstruction operations to succeed without unpredicted obstacles.

Conclusion:
A systematic methodology of assessing the potential outcomes of an effort can guide planners to evaluate the appropriateness of the effort for the scenario as well as the probability of it achieving success.
Knowledge and Practices of Triage Amongst Nurses Working in the Emergency Departments of Rural Hospitals in Limpopo Province
Authors: Phukubye Thabo Arthur , Mbombi Masenyani Oupa , Mothiba Tebogo Maria 
Published: November 2019

Background:
Many deaths in hospitals occur within 24 hours of admission. Some of these deaths could be prevented if the patients were effectively triaged, identified quickly, and treatment initiated without delay. Triage and emergency care have always been weak and under-emphasized components of healthcare systems in rural areas of Limpopo Province, and yet, if well organised, it could lead to saving many lives and reducing the ultimate costs of care. There have been few studies, and there is little information focusing on nurses’ knowledge about triage in rural hospitals.

Objective:
This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of triage amongst nurses working in the Emergency Departments (ED) of the Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Methods:
By employing a quantitative, non-experimental research method, 84 nurses working in the Emergency Departments, completed and submitted structured questionnaires. The validity and reliability were ensured by pre-testing the data collection instrument on respondents who were not part of the main study. Data were analyzed by using the SPSS version 25, Excel computer programs and score methods.

Results:
The findings indicate that there is a correlation between triage knowledge and job title (p-value = 0.046). Registered nurses, specialty nurses, and enrolled nurses, were found to know more than auxiliary nurses. However, the study discovered that, among the nurses with knowledge, 61% exercised poor triage practice, while only 30% showed evidence of good practice.

Conclusion:
The study aims at defining triage knowledge and practice amongst nurses in the Emergency Departments. The results indicate that nurses have knowledge regarding triage but have difficulty in converting their factual knowledge into practice, as they scored poorly on questions about the practice. In addition, there emerged a significantly positive relationship between triage knowledge and job titles. The study recommends the development of strategies to enhance the conversion of factual knowledge into practice regarding triage in the ED. This could be implemented through sustainable training courses regarding triage for all the categories of nurses.
Grewia asiatica Mucilage: A Smart Gelling Polymeric Material for Pharmaceutical Applications In Vitro Studies
Authors: Gupta Nitin , Kulkarni Giriraj T. , Kumar Pravin , Awasthi Rajendra 
Published: November 2019

Background:
Natural plant-based materials have several advantages. They are biodegradable,
biocompatible, non-toxic, cost-effective, environment friendly, easily available, and can undergo
chemical modification.

Objective:
Grewia asiatica extracts contain various phytoconstituents and have therapeutic benefits
such as antimicrobial and anti-diabetic properties. They form colloidal dispersions and make a highly
viscous gel in water. Considering these properties of Grewia asiatica mucilage, the present work was
aimed to investigate its application in the formulation of gel for the topical delivery of diclofenac sodium.

Method:
Gel formulations were prepared with and without penetration enhancers using 1% w/w diclofenac
sodium as a model drug. The formulations were subjected to different evaluation tests like
physical characterization, pH, spreadability, skin irritation, gel retrogradation, drug content and in vitro
drug diffusion. The in vitro diffusion of the drug from different formulations was compared with the in
vitro drug release profile of the marketed formulation (Omni gel, Cipla, India). To assess the release
mechanism, the in vitro release data was analyzed using Korsmeyers-Peppas’ equation.

Results:
The mucilage showed good gelling behavior in 5.50, 5.75, 6.00, 6.25 and 6.50% concentrations.
All the formulations followed the anomalous transport mechanism of drug release. The formulation
BP3 showed 90% of drug release after 5.2h of dissolution study, which was similar to the marketed
formulation. Hence, formulation BP3 was ideal among all the formulations.

Conclusion:
It might be concluded that, the Grewia asiatica mucilage may be used as a natural polymeric
material for gel formulation.
MODELLING OF EXTERNAL FIRE PROTECTION WATER SUPPLY SOURCES IN THE SUBSTANTIATION OF SPECIAL TECHNICAL CONDITIONS
Authors: Stepanov O. I. , Khudyakova S. A. 
Published: November 2019

Objectives This paper sets out to provide a theoretical substantiation of the placement of external fire-prevention water supply sources when designing unique construction objects, for which standard requirements of fire safety cannot be applied. Problematic situations arising during the design of unique construction objects, which relate to the provision of the required level of fireextinguishing substances supply, are described.Method A model constructed on the basis of graph theory is presented for the preliminary calculation of the location of external fire-fighting water supply sources that takes the equipment of fire-rescue units into account. The utility of developing a universal mathematical model for the preliminary definition of arrangement parameters of sources of external fire-prevention water supply when designing construction objects is substantiated.Results Examples of preliminary calculation of the number of external fire-fighting water supply sources are given considering the shape of the building perimeter. Additional factors determining the distances from external fire-fighting water supply sources to the projected objects are given.Conclusion A conclusion regarding the adequacy of the proposed model is formulated and directions for future research indicated that allows the applicability of the model to be specified for the calculation of the projected objects, which differ in terms of dimensions given in the plan by above-normative characteristics.
EXPRESS MONITORING OF THE MAIN PARAMETERS OF CLOUDS FROM THE EARTH’S SURFACE
Authors: Yakunin A. G. 
Published: November 2019

Objectives The paper proposes a technique that allows the main types of clouds and cloud cover parameters (ceiling, direction and speed of cloud movement) to be determined at minimum cost via observations from the Earth’s surface. The aim is to avoid using meteorological information derived from official sources, which may not always be available for a specific place and time of observation.Method The method is based on the well-known Ippolitov formula that connects air humidity on the Earth’s surface with the cloud ceiling, whose empirical coefficients depend on the type of the cloud cover. In order to determine this type, a method based on elliptic cloud contour approximation is proposed.Results Additional classification features were the number of approximating ellipses in the image frame, the proximity of their mutual location, the total area that they occupy in the frame and the area occupied by the largest ellipse. The speed and direction of the clouds are determined through shifting the common key points in image frames obtained over a small fixed time interval. Each point is described by a descriptor calculated using the SURF method from the open image processing library OpenCV.Conclusion Despite the simplicity of the required software and hardware (web camera, humidity sensor, and OEM – Arduino module), this method provides a definition of these parameters with an error within 20%. Monitoring systems based on this method may be used in private automatic weather stations, such as the Wunderground, for obtaining more information that could improve the accuracy of weather forecasts, as well as for research in meteorology and climatology.
DEVELOPMENT OF COMPOSITIONS OF FILLED INSULATORS BASED ON SECONDARY RAW FOR MONOLITHIC HIGH-STRENGTH CONCRETE
Authors: Alaskhanov A. Kh. , Murtazaeva T. S. , Saidumov M. S.-A. , Omarov A. O. 
Published: November 2019

Objectives Development of compositions filled with binders based on recycled materials for monolithic high-strength concrete.Method The research methods adopted in the work are based on the theoretical principles and laws of designing and optimizing polydisperse multicomponent systems, the phase and structure formation of clinker minerals, the logic of mathematical calculations, the technological features of the structure formation of composite masses, the theoretical principles of controlling the rheological processes of mixes. All experimental data presented in the work were obtained according to the methods of current regulatory documents (GOST, recommendations, etc.).Result The paper provides an analysis of the experience of using recycled materials in the form of products of demolition of buildings and structures, the technology for producing secondary raw materials for concrete on their basis. Formulations filled with binders with an activity of 60-71 MPa with finely dispersed mineral fillers from concrete scrap and brick combat with a ratio of 70:30%, respectively, were developed and investigated.Conclusion The optimal formulations of highly mobile concrete mixtures were designed using local natural and technogenic raw materials with a grade of P5 cone sediment and persistence for more than 8 hours to obtain high-strength classes of compressive strength up to B60-B80 with unique operational properties.