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In this paper, we study quantum correlations in a Heisenberg XYZ model with the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction based on the Sharma–Mittal quantum discord and its limiting cases. The results obtained show that the Sharma–Mittal quantum discord is a faithful quantifier and that the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction significantly enhances quantum correlations within the bipartite system. In contrast, temperature has the opposite effect, leading to a reduction in the quantity of quantum correlations in the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing evidence links obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to cognitive decline. Autonomic dysfunction assessed by heart rate variability is a promising early biomarker of cognitive impairment in populations without major neurocognitive disorder (MND). We aimed to determine whether nocturnal pulse rate variability (PRV) extracted from oximetry signal and OSA severity could predict MND onset among older OSA patients. Methods: This study relied on data collected within the multicenter longitudinal Pays de la Loire Sleep Cohort, linked to health administrative data to identify new‐onset MND. We included patients ≥60 years with newly diagnosed OSA, and no history of MND or atrial fibrillation. Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to evaluate the association of MND with indices of PRV and OSA severity generated from sleep recordings. Results: After a median follow‐up of 6.8 [4.7–9.4] years, 70 of 3283 patients (2.1%) had been diagnosed with MND. In multivariable Cox models, MND incidence was associated with age (p < 0.0001), depression (p = 0.013), and PRV assessed by the root mean square of the successive normal‐to‐normal (NN) beat interval differences (RMSSD; p = 0.008) and standard deviation of NN beat intervals (SDNN; p = 0.02). Patients with the highest quartile of RMSSD had a 2.3‐fold [95%CI 1.11–4.92] higher risk of being diagnosed with MND. Indices of OSA and nocturnal hypoxia severity were not associated with MND. Conclusions: Within a large clinic‐based cohort of older patients with OSA, we found an association between oximetry‐based indices of PRV and the onset of MND. Nocturnal oximetry‐derived PRV indices could allow the early identification of OSA patients at higher risk of MND. See related Editorial by Miner et al. in this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We considered the two-qubit Heisenberg XXZ spin chain in the presence of Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya and Kaplan–Shekhtman–Entin–Wohlman–Aharony interactions in thermal equilibrium. As discord-type quantifiers of thermal non-classical correlations, we used trace distance discord and local quantum uncertainty. Depending on the thermal state of the system considered, the explicit analytical expressions of the suggested quantifiers are derived and their behaviors with respect to the various parameters of the system are examined. The results obtained showed that the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya and Kaplan–Shekhtman–Entin–Wohlman–Aharony interactions considerably improve the quantum correlations contained in the bipartite system while the temperature tends to decrease their quantity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural, electronic and mechanical properties of ZrCo 1 − x Ir x Sb Half-Heusler alloys with varying x concentrations (x = 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.375, 0.5, 0.625, 0.75, 0.875, and 1) were studied by performing the exchange-correlation (XC) energy evaluated using the local density (LDA) and generalized gradient (GGA) approximations. The calculated lattice constant, bulk modulus, and band gap energy of the ternary alloy show good agreement with previous theoretical predictions. The results indicate that an increase in Ir atom concentration in the alloy leads to an enlargement of the lattice constant (from 6.10 to 6.36 Å) and bulk modulus (from 138.09 to 149. 70 GPa), resulting in increased volume and hardness of the compound. Moreover, the Engel-Vosko generalized gradient approximation (EVGGA) and modified Becke-Johnson (mBJ) schemes were employed to improve the calculations of the band structure and density of states. The studied alloys exhibit semiconductor characteristics, with a direct band gap for both x = 0.75 and x = 0.875 concentrations and an indirect band gap for the rest of the concentrations. The computed elastic constants for ZrCo 1 − x Ir x Sb alloys satisfy the requirements for mechanical stability. The VRH approximations have been used to determine the bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio and Hardness. In addition, we also determined the anisotropy factor, sound velocities and Debye temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of aluminum-based alloys and the corrosion resistance are related to the microstructural parameters. The Al-13 wt.% Si alloy showed a smaller CTE than that of Al, due to the precipitation of a finely dispersed Si phase in the α-Al matrix. The difference of CTE and structures between Al matrix and Si particles produces a stress, thus increasing the dislocation density, while the Si particles improve the alloy hardness. The second part of this work is dedicated to the photo-electrochemical exploitation of CdS, n-type semiconductor for the cathodic protection of Al-13 wt.% Si alloy in seawater, one of the most corrosive media. The corrosion was significantly inhibited by short-circuiting the alloy to CdS irradiated by visible light (λ < 520 nm). The electrode potential of Al-13 wt.% Si is cathodically shifted under illumination, confirming the photo-electrochemical protection where the corrosion current density diminishes from 2.6 (in the dark) to 1.7 µA cm−2 under sunlight (103 mW cm−2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The healthy adherer effect has gained increasing attention as a potential source of bias in observational studies examining the association of positive airway pressure (PAP) adherence with health outcomes in OSA. Is adherence to PAP associated with healthy behaviors and health care resource use prior to device prescription? Data from the Institut de Recherche en Santé Respiratoire (IRSR) des Pays de la Loire Sleep Cohort were linked to health administrative data to identify proxies of heathy behaviors, including adherence to cardiovascular (CV) drugs (medical possession ratio), cancer screening tests, influenza vaccination, alcohol and smoking consumption, and drowsiness-related road accidents during the 2 years preceding PAP onset in patients with OSA. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the association of heathy behaviors with subsequent PAP adherence. Health care resource use was evaluated according to subsequent PAP adherence. We included 2,836 patients who had started PAP therapy between 2012 and 2018 (65% of whom were PAP adherent with mean daily use ≥ 4 h/night). Being adherent to CV active drugs (medical possession ratio ≥ 80%) and being a person who does not smoke were associated with a higher likelihood of PAP adherence (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.15-1.77 and OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.10-1.71, respectively). Patients with no history of drowsiness-related road accidents were more likely to continue PAP (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.04-1.87). Patients who were PAP adherent used less health care resources 2 years before PAP initiation than patients who were nonadherent (mean number of outpatient consultations: 19.0 vs 17.2, P =.003; hospitalization days: 5.7 vs 5.0; P =.04; ED visits: 30.7% vs 24.0%, P =.0002, respectively). This study indicated that patients who adhere to PAP therapy for OSA were more health-seeking and used less health care resources prior to device initiation than patients who were nonadherent. Until the healthy adherer effect associated with PAP adherence is better understood, caution is warranted when interpreting the association of PAP adherence with CV health outcomes and health care resource use in nonrandomized cohorts. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of tracheal sounds and nasal pressure sensor (TS-NP) allows the same detection of apneas and hypopneas as the recommended American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) method for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis, i.e., the combination of an oronasal thermistor and nasal pressure sensor (Therm-NP). Materials and methods: Polysomnographic recordings of 33 patients (6 females; mean age 52.9 ± 10.3 years; mean body mass index, BMI, 30.0 ± 5.2 kg/m2) were analyzed to compare detection of apneas by two different methods of combined airflow signals: a) Therm-NP and b) TS-NP. The two scoring methods were performed randomly and independently of each other. Respiratory event detection results and apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) obtained using Therm-NP signals as a reference were compared to those obtained by TS-NP signals. Results: The number of respiratory events scored using Therm-NP was 7268, while it was 7329 with TS-NP. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of TS-NP with respect to Therm-NP were 93.0 and 90.6, respectively. The average AHI for all patients was 29.8 ± 22.9 for Therm-NP and 30.0 ± 22.6/h for TS-NP. With the Therm-NP as a reference detection, a kappa statistic value of 0.86 for TS-NP revealed a high agreement for classifying OSA into the severity classes mild, moderate, and severe. However, 55% of total events scored by Therm-NP were hypopneas while 59% of events scored by TS-NP were apneas. Conclusion: These results show that TS-NP reliably detects the same number of respiratory events as Therm-NP, despite a difference in the apnea to hypopnea ratio between the two methods. The use of TS does not modify AHI calculations and guarantees accurate sleep apnea diagnosis and severity assessment. Thus, TS can be used as a substitute for an oronasal thermistor in sleep recording systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new metamaterial-inspired high frequency surface wave antenna is designed. An artificial magnetic conductor surface is introduced into the near field region of a vertical meander monopole antenna to improve its electromagnetic performances, where a split ring resonator-cell is selected as an artificial magnetic conductor. The return loss, the radiation pattern, the electric field distribution and efficiency are evaluated through the finite element method (FEM simulations). The designed antenna has advantages of low cost, small size, and light weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Erodium glaucophyllum is a common Mediterranean herb known for its health benefits. In this study, Erodium extracts obtained from different extraction methods (conventional vs ultrasound-assisted extraction) and extraction solvents (aqueous and hydroethanolic) were evaluated in microbiological media to determine their effects on bacteria (Salmonella enterica , Staphylococcus aureus , Listeria innocua , Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus casei) and antiviral activity (hepatitis A virus and murine norovirus). Both, the extraction method and solvent were found to be important contributing factors. Ultrasound-assisted extraction yielded the highest level of desirable Erodium -extracted phenolic compounds. Hydroethanolic extracts exhibited the highest level of bioactivity on the tested bacteria and also showed the highest antiviral activity against hepatitis A virus and murine norovirus. Erodium glaucophyllum extracts may have potential use as a food or dietary supplement. Highlights • Erodium glaucophyllum extracts can be used as food and dietary supplements in order to promote health benefits • Erodium glaucophyllum bioactivity profile is influenced by the extraction methodology (CE vs UAE) • Erodium glaucophyllum bioactivity is dependent on the type of solvents used in the extraction • Erodium extracts exhibited antibacterial and antiviral activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The beneficial effects of olive leaves are known from ancient times. In this regard, both the olive leaves and the different preparations obtained from them (e.g. infusions, extracts) have been traditionally used for the treatment of various diseases or to alleviate the symptoms associated with different pathologies. In addition, the use of olive leaves extracts as nutraceuticals along today's continuous usage in cosmetics and medicine is common. Scope and approach Most of the health-related benefits of olive leaves have been associated to their high content in antioxidant bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, etc., being oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol some of the phenolic compounds which have attracted more interest by the both the scientific community and industry (food, pharmaceutical, among others). In this regard, olive leaves can be used to prevent oxidation processes as well as for other several applications in food industry such as to enhance the nutritive value of foods by delivering important nutrients to consumer's diets. At this stage of development, the implications of the extracts obtained from olive leaves and/or the isolated compounds on gut microbiota is scarce and limited. Key findings and conclusions In the present review, the main extraction techniques (conventional and innovative), the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of the compounds found in olives as well as their impact on gut microbiota will be discussed. Highlights • Olive leaves (OL) used in the human diet as an extract, a herbal tea and a powder. • OL rich source of antioxidant bioactive compounds (eg. oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol). • There is a need to optimize extraction processes according to targeted compound. • Different biological activity according to the targeted polyphenols. • OL important role preventing oxidative stress and risk of developing chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter comments on the letter by Abdulghani Sankari [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical teratomas are extremely rare germ cell tumours and it is much more common in newborn than adults, and in contrast to the paediatric cases adult teratomas have been highly malignant. Cervical teratoma incorporates lesions arising in the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck. This tumor can reach enormous size and cause airway obstruction and patients should be quickly treated. Surgery is the primary modality of treatment as malignant transformation can occur. Hereby, we present a case of benign teratoma of neck in adult which was completely misdiagnosed preoperatively due to its rare occurrence in adults.Even though cervical teratoma of adult is extremely rare, it should be considered as an important differential diagnosis in patient of midline cystic neck swelling. Preoperative radiological investigations requires high index of suspicion. Complete surgical resection is recommended. We believe that upper cervicotomy approach is a safe and effective method for the treatment of mature cervical teratoma with a few protruding into the superior mediastinum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layer-by-Layer (LbL) coatings are promising tools for the biofunctionalization of biomaterials, as they allow stress-free immobilization of proteins. Here, we explore the possibility to immobilize phosvitin, a highly phosphorylated protein viewed as a model of bone phosphoproteins and, as such, a potential promotive agent of surface-directed biomineralization, into biomimetic LbL architectures. Two immobilization protocols are attempted, first, using phosvitin as the polyanionic component of phosvitin/poly-(l-lysine) films and, second, adsorbing it onto preformed chondroitin sulfate/poly-(l-lysine) films. Surprisingly, it is neither possible to embed phosvitin as the constitutive polyanion of the LbL architectures nor to adsorb it atop preformed films. Instead, phosvitin triggers instant massive film disassembly. This unexpected, incidentally detected behavior constitutes the first example of destructive interactions between LbL films and a third polyelectrolyte, a fortiori a protein, which might open a route toward new stimuli-responsive films for biosensing or drug delivery applications. Interestingly, additional preliminary results still indicate a promotive effect of phosvitin-containing remnant films on calcium phosphate deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper was presented by Abdelkebir Khatibi at the colloquium 'Entre Psychanalyse et Islam' in 1989 at the College International de Philosophie. Khatibi, taking up Freud's propositions in Moses and Monotheism that Moses was an Egyptian, and Christ a murderer and that Islam, lacking a murder, is an abbreviated repetition of the Jewish religion, subjects Freud's account of monotheism to a deconstructive reading. Khatibi reads the dismissal of Islam as an abbreviated version of the Jewish religion as symptomatic of the dismissal of difference that lies at the origin of monotheism. Following Freud, who wrote that the origin was the mythical account of a borrowing of names, and reconsidering his account of the Islamic imaginary as merely an abbreviated repetition, Khatibi takes up this question of frontiers at the origin of monotheism in order to challenge psychoanalytic theory as an exercise of a 'frontierial' position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the effect of intentional leaks in industrial masks on performance of bilevel pulmonary ventilators. Methodology-wise, the researchers used seven interfaces that were connected to four ventilators and the lung model was set with a respiratory rate of 15 cycles per minute. Based on the results, they concluded that mask intentional leaks can impair the effectiveness of ventilation.

Abstract: In this investigation, the mixed aqueous electrolyte system of nitrate and sulfate with common ammonium cation has been studied with the hygrometric method at the temperature 298.15K. The water activities of the system [yNH4NO3 +(1− y)(NH4)2SO4](aq) are measured at total molalities from 0.4molkg−1 up to saturation for different ionic-strength fractions y of NH4NO3 with y =0.2, 0.5 and 0.8. The obtained data allow the deduction of osmotic coefficients. The experimental results are compared with the predictions of the Zdanovskii–Stokes–Robinson (ZSR), Leitzke and Stoughton (LSII), Kusik and Meissner (KM), and Pitzer models. From these measurements, new Pitzer mixing ionic parameters are determined and used to predict the solute activity coefficients in the mixture. The obtained results are used to calculate the excess Gibbs energy at total molalities for different ionic-strength fractions y. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polysomnography (PSG) is necessary for the accurate estimation of total sleep time (TST) and the calculation of the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI). In type III home sleep apnea testing (HSAT), TST is overestimated because of the lack of electrophysiological sleep recordings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of a novel automated sleep/wake scoring algorithm combining a single electroencephalogram (EEG) channel with actimetry and HSAT signals. The study included 160 patients investigated by PSG for suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Each PSG was recorded and scored manually using American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) rules. The automatic sleep/wake‐scoring algorithm was based on a single‐channel EEG (FP2‐A1) and the variability analysis of HSAT signals (airflow, snoring, actimetry, light and respiratory inductive plethysmography). Optimal detection thresholds were derived for each signal using a training set. Automatic and manual scorings were then compared epoch by epoch considering two states (sleep and wake). Cohen's kappa coefficient between the manual scoring and the proposed automatic algorithm was substantial, 0.74 ± 0.18, in separating wakefulness and sleep. The sensitivity, specificity and the positive and negative predictive values for the detection of wakefulness were 76.51% ± 21.67%, 95.48% ± 5.27%, 81.84% ± 15.42% and 93.85% ± 6.23% respectively. Compared with HSAT signals alone, AHI increased by 22.12% and 27 patients changed categories of OSA severity with the automatic sleep/wake‐scoring algorithm. Automatic sleep/wake detection using a single‐channel EEG combined with HSAT signals was a reliable method for TST estimation and improved AHI calculation compared with HSAT. Statement of Significance: The reference standard for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) management is in‐laboratory polysomnography (PSG), but this method is expensive and time consuming. Type III home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) is an accepted alternative in adult patients with high clinical probability of moderate to severe OSA and no significant comorbidities. However, HSAT underestimates OSA severity by using total recording time rather than total sleep time for apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) calculation. In 160 patients investigated for clinical suspicion of OSA, a fully automated analysis of single‐lead EEG channel (FP2‐A1) combined with HSAT signals was reliable for sleep/wake identification and improved AHI calculation. This could decrease the number of PSGs needed for a therapeutic decision in patients with borderline AHI and/or comorbid insomnia [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to examine the quality of breast milk in Kenitra city (Morocco), regarding its levels of essential elements Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn) and heavy metals chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd), besides carried out the inter-element correlation and investigated their association with some sociodemographic parameters of lactating women. For this, a total of 95 (n = 95) samples of breast milk were collected, at the second postpartum month from mothers in five governmental health care centres in Kenitra. After total mineralisation, human milk sample analysis was conducted by using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) for the essential elements detection, and heavy metal quantification was performed by using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer with a graphite furnace. Mean levels of Fe, Cu and Zn were 0.43, 0.26 and 6.11 mg/L, while the main concentrations of Cr, Pb and Cd were 8.84, 3.20 and 0.60 µg/L, respectively. Statistical analysis had proved a highly significant correlation between surveyed elements, especially between Cu and Zn, Pb and Cd, besides the strong relationship between the essential elements mentioned before and the heavy metals. Moreover, breast milk elements are most affected by sociodemographic parameters, principally the body mass index (BMI) of mothers, dietary habits and newborn gender. Moreover, 6.46% and 27.37% of samples are exceeded the recommended limits for Cd and Pb, respectively, which verify the low contamination of surveyed breast milk samples. Whereas, the mean values of Cr and Zn were above the limits recommended by the word human organisation, but so far there are no reports of adverse effects on newborns at those reported doses. These data justify the requirement to set surveillance policies by health organisations with the purpose of limit maternal and foetal exposure to heavy metals and strengthen health education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel- aluminium bronze (NAB) is one of the well-known copper-based alloys; it is a well-recognized material in the marine environment thanks to its good corrosion and wear resistance along with its high strength. In this paper, the effect of film-forming potential on the electrochemical behavior of NAB alloy in 0.1 M Na 2 SO 4 solution was evaluated. The study of the stability of passive films formed on NAB alloy was investigated using potentiodynamic and potentiostatic polarizations, Mott–Schottky (MS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis. The compositions of the passive films were determined by scanning electron microscope (SEM), UV–vis–NIR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). All electrochemical tests revealed that the anodic potentials had a strong influence on passive films formed on NAB alloy. At intermediate frequencies above 450 mV SCE , the corrosion process is controlled by the adsorption/desorption process along with charge transfer and diffusion processes. Mott–Schottky analysis indicated that the donor density is in the range of 1021 cm−3 and increased with an increase in the film-forming potential. Moreover, the SEM analysis showed that the NAB alloy suffered a severe corrosion attack of the copper-rich α phase leading to the retention of the κ phases of the as-cast NAB in the passive films. The passive films were grown on the NAB alloy and displayed n-type semi-conductor behavior, which is entirely predictable from the main Cu and Al oxide in the film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents experimental results concerning the ultrasonically-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from Erodium glaucophyllum roots. A comparison with conventional methodology is presented, and thereby the phytochemical composition and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of extracts are evaluated. The phenolic profile of Erodium extracts was analyzed by TOF–LC–MS–MS. The identification of phenolic compounds revealed that the major component was (+)-gallocatechin in the aqueous extracts obtained for the different extraction methodologies. The highest quantity of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity was found in the hydroethanolic extract obtained by conventional extraction (29.22–25.50 mg GAE/g DM; 21.174 mM Trolox equivalent). The highest content of carotenoids, varying from 0.035 to 0.114 mg/g dry matter, was reached by ultrasonic-assisted extraction. Furthermore, Erodium extracts showed a potent inhibition of the inflammatory reaction by means of the inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). The extracts obtained when ultrasound extraction was combined with ethanol:water (50:50, v/v) presented the greatest inhibition (92%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediterranean plants, such as fig and olive leaves, are well-known to exert beneficial effects in humans because of the presence of a wide range of bioactive compounds. However, scarce information regarding the impact of extraction methods, such as ultrasound and types of solvents, on their profile of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds is provided. In addition, no information is available on the effects of extraction methods and solvents on the inhibition of pathogenic bacteria or promoting probiotic growth. In this scenario, this study was aimed to study the effects of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and solvent on the phenolic profile (Triple TOF-LC-MS/MS), antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds of olive and fig leaves. Results showed that UAE extracted more carotenoids compared to conventional extraction, while the conventional extraction impacted on higher flavonoids (olive leaves) and total phenolics (fig leaves). The antioxidant capacity of aqueous extract of fig leaves was three times higher than the extract obtained with ethanol for conventional extraction and four times higher for UAE. In general terms, hydroethanolic extracts presented the highest bacterial growth inhibition, and showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity. In conclusion, these side streams can be used as sources of bioactive compounds for further development of high-added-value products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of corrosion inhibitors is a critical measure in the preservation of metals. In this research, the performance of two hydrazone derivatives, N′-[(E)-furan-2-ylmethylidene]− 2-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)propanehydrazide (NFH) and 2-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)-N′-[(E)-thiophen-2-ylmethylidene]propanehydrazide (NTH), was evaluated for their ability to inhibit corrosion of carbon steel in a 1.0 mol/L HCl solution. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Potentiodynamic Polarization (PDP), and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) were employed to assess the compounds' inhibition performance. The experimental results demonstrated that the efficiency of the inhibitors improved with increasing concentration. NFH reached a 90% threshold, while NTH peaked at 93%. This superior performance of NTH was attributed to its thiophene group, in contrast to the furan moiety in NFH. PDP data revealed that both compounds acted as mixed inhibitors, inhibiting both anodic and cathodic reactions. The EIS results indicated a significant increase in polarization resistance, accompanied by a reduction in the values of effective double-layer capacitance, due to the adsorption of inhibitor molecules. The adsorption of inhibitor molecules conformed to the Langmuir isotherm model, suggesting a combined physicochemical mode of interactions with the carbon steel, which was corroborated by potential of zero charge (PZC) analysis. SEM-EDX analysis confirmed the thiazole derivatives' capacity to protect the metal against corrosion. Quantum Chemical Calculations (QCCs) along with Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations elucidated the reactivity descriptors and the optimal adsorption configurations on the Fe(110) surface. This exploration underscores the significance of the thiophene moiety in enhancing the adsorptive and corrosion inhibitory properties of the hydrazones, thus providing strategic insights for their future refinement and application. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Morocco, Leishmania infantum species is the main causative agents of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). However, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) due to L. infantum has been reported sporadically. Moreover, the recent geographical expansion of L. infantum in the Mediterranean subregion leads us to suggest whether the nonsporadic cases of CL due to this species are present. In this context, this review is written to establish a retrospective study of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis in northern Morocco between 1997 and 2018 and also to conduct a molecular study to identify the circulating species responsible for the recent cases of leishmaniases in this region. Data concerning leishmaniases cases were collected from the Epidemiology and Disease Control Directorate from 1997 to 2018. Human samples obtained from peripheral laboratories were examined using PCR-ITS1 method. The ITS1 products were subjected to digestion with the restriction endonuclease Mn1-I. Between 1997 and 2018, a total of 1,255 cases of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis were recorded in Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Region, i.e., 1.56% of the reported cases in Morocco (1,255/80,299). Concerning the geographical study covering the period 2007-2018, 79.5% (105/132) of the sectors were affected by leishmaniases. The molecular results showed that Humans were found to be infected with the L. infantum species with a high infection rate compared to L. tropica infection. Moreover, molecular characterization using ITS1 PCR-RFLP showed that the density of L. infantum was significantly higher (n = 68/81; 84%) than that of L. tropica (n = 13/81; 16%) (P-value 9.894e-10). While regarding visceral leishmaniasis, L. infantum was the only species responsible of this form. These findings of this study showed the emergence of L. infantum in Morocco and suggest that this species might be more prevalent than previously thought. Furthermore, the molecular determination of L. infantum will be helpful for control strategies by taking into consideration the reservoir of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a technique to suppress the surface wave propagation modes and consequently to increase the gain of a rectangular microstrip antenna fed by a coaxial probe using a new electromagnetic band gap structure (EBG). The EBG structure consists of perforated cylindrical holes periodically distributed around the perimeter of two ellipses with different radius. The antenna design and the parametric analysis of the band gap structure and their integration are carried out. The performance of the proposed antenna using a full-wave method are presented and compared to conventional microstrip antenna operating at the same frequency. Obtained results show a gain enhancement of 1.9 dB in the E-plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a strategic importance for the steel rolling industry to get a better understanding of the strip–roll interaction to improve roll-gap models, increase strip quality and decrease roll degradation. This requires roll-gap sensors able to measure this interaction under industrial rolling conditions and in real time in order to propose a feed-back control of process parameters. To reach these goals, this paper proposes a new roll-gap friction sensor based on an inverse method that interprets optical fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) strain measurements under the roll surface (fully embedded), which enables to evaluate contact stresses with very short computation times, compatible with real time interpretation. This elastic inverse method is analytical and relies on plane-strain and isothermal assumptions. The experimental apparatus is detailed, technical issues are clearly exposed as well as calibration procedures. Several pilot cold rolling tests have been performed at various rolling speeds and different strip thicknesses in order to demonstrate the industrial feasibility. Resulting evaluations of contact stresses are then compared with numerical simulations. Reasonable agreement is obtained for normal stress (i.e., pressure) but not for shear stress (only an order of magnitude is obtained). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During noninvasive ventilation, nonintentional leaks have a detrimental effect on the efficacy of ventilation. A wide range of industrial masks are available, with intentional leaks of different importance. The potential impact of this variability in intentional leaks on performances of bilevel ventilators has not been assessed.Objective: To measure intentional leaks in seven different industrial masks and determine whether higher leaks modify ventilator performance and quality of ventilation.Methods: Seven interfaces connected to four ventilators, the VPAP III ST (ResMed; NorthRyde, Australia), the BiPAP Harmony (Respironics; Monroeville, PA), the SmartAir ST (Covidien/Airox; Pau, France), and the GoodKnight 425 ST Bilevel (Covidien/Tyco-Nellcor/Puritan Bennett; Pleasanton, CA), were adapted on a mannequin connected to a lung model (ASL5000, IngMar Medical; Pittsburgh, PA). Inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) and expiratory positive airway pressure were 14 and 4 cm H(2)O, respectively. The lung model was set with a respiratory rate of 15 cycles per min and a duration of inspiration of 1 s in three simulated conditions (normal, restrictive, and obstructive). Inspiratory trigger delay and effort, capacity to achieve and maintain IPAP, expiratory cycling and tidal volume were analyzed for all masks and ventilators in the three simulated lung conditions.Results: The level of intentional leaks in the seven masks ranged from 30 to 45 L/min for an IPAP of 14 cm H(2)O. Importance of leaks did not influence trigger performances. However, capacity to achieve and maintain IPAP was significantly decreased with all ventilators and in all simulated lung conditions when intentional leaks increased. This led to a maximum reduction in delivered tidal volume of 48 mL. Expiratory cycling was not affected by the level of intentional leaks except in obstructive lung conditions.Conclusion: Mask intentional leaks can impair efficacy of ventilation, especially when > 40 L/min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pentamidine treatment has been used successfully to establish immune cellular responses in recovered dogs. In this paper, we examined the appearance and disappearance of antibodies over time against crude Leishmania antigens and purified gp63 or gp70 proteins in sera from cured dogs using a Western blotting technique.Following the treatment, a pattern of antibody specificities to parasite antigens was observed in the sera of cured dogs. Antibodies to gp63 and gp70 were maintained after cure. In addition, the reaction with a 26 kD band observed during the clinical phase was no longer recognized by sera taken from recovery dogs. Interestingly, two proteins, 85 and 110 kD, not observed during the patent phase were detected by sera taken from treated dogs. Such patterns of antibody specificities to various parasite antigens might represent a useful parameter to determine the actual phase of the disease process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• UAE limited the extraction of polyphenols from thyme and rosemary. • UAE improved the extraction of carotenoids from thyme and rosemary. • Aqueous extracts with UAE stimulated the activity of L. casei and Bifidobacterium. • Thyme aqueous extract with UAE inhibited Salmonella enterica growth rate. • UAE improved the aqueous extraction of antimicrobial compounds from thyme. Mediterranean herbs, specially thyme and rosemary, are important ingredients in food preparation and more recently have been studied as natural sources of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to study the effect of matrix (thyme vs. rosemary), and extraction protocol (conventional extraction vs. ultrasound assisted extraction) solvent composition (water vs. 50:50 ethanol:water solution) on the extraction of high value compounds (phenolic compounds, flavonoids and carotenoids) and also explore the antioxidant, antimicrobial (Listeria innocua , Staphylococcus aureus , and Salmonella enterica), probiotic (Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium lactis), and anti-inflammatory activities. The phenolic, flavonoid and carotenoid content of extracts was greatly influenced by extraction conditions wherein the ultrasound pre-treatment improved the extraction of carotenoids but induced the opposite effect for polyphenols and flavonoids in both herbs. Only the aqueous extract of thyme obtained from ultrasound pre-treatment was the only extract that inhibited the growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria, stimulated the probiotic bacteria and achieved high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Moreover, this extract also was rich on phenolic compounds (such as p-coumaric acid 4- O -glucoside, kaempferol 3- O -rutinoside, feruloyl glucose, and 4-vinylguaiacol) and carotenoids. Therefore, ultrasound extraction of bioactive compounds with water as solvent could be explored in food and pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistical analysis approaches have been developed to predict the biological response to nanoparticles, especially quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models. But one major limitation remains the quantitative lack of data to build accurate models. The aim of this study was to investigate if simple alternative mathematical models could rank nanoparticles in a very binary way (i.e., toxic or not) in case of small dataset. We synthesized and characterized 25 nanoparticles from 6 metal (hydr)oxide families with particle size and shape tuning. We assessed their toxicity on RAW 264.7 cells and investigated relationships with both physicochemical and dimensional descriptors. A simple partial least square (PLS) regression analysis allowed ranking nanoparticles with respect to their toxicity, without false-negative results. But this model was not predictive due to the specific response of each family to dimensional parameters variations. A classification tree extracted the same main bulk descriptor as PLS, but interestingly showed the relevance of dimensional descriptors for the second and third node. We thus recommend the development of family-specific models and propose the combination of these two simple methods as pre-screening tools, a compromise to bridge the gap between case-by-case studies (expensive and time-consuming) and sophisticated nano-QSAR models (not suitable for small datasets). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]