Search

The issue of security in fog has several challenges and one of which is to create a secure channel that connects fog layer to the end devices. Therefore, efficient and secure key distribution is very important to create this channel. One solution is key pre-distribute that the keys generation and distribution between nodes are before the network establishment. This article presents an algorithm for key pre-distribution in fog networks that focuses on the relationship between end devices and the fog layer. The proposed scheme is a hybrid scheme that uses the K-MEANS algorithm for nodes hierarchical clustering. Then the residual design is used to generate the key chain and BIBD design is used for key pre-distribution in headers. The proposed method is completely independent of the mobility model of and its communication and computation overheads are of the order of O(q). Also, the network connectivity is above 0.8 and close to the BIBD design, which is a fully connected KPS, and the probability of capturing the entire network in case of capturing the nodes is almost equal to 0. In the proposed method for a network with size N, the size of the key chain is N 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study describes the successful development of a TiO2 ceramic substrate with a protective nano-Al2O3 coating using two different coating techniques: microwave combustion and polymeric methods. The coated ceramics demonstrate enhanced corrosion resistance compared to the uncoated substrate. The optimal TiO2 substrate was prepared by firing it at 1000 °C. This was done to give the desired physical properties of the TiO2 substrate for the coating procedures. Nano-Al2O3 powder was coated onto the surface of the TiO2 substrates. The TiO2 substrates with the Al2O3 coating were then calcined (heat-treated) at 800 and 1000 °C. The structures, morphology, phase composition, apparent porosity, bulk density, and compressive strength of the substrate and coated substrate were characterized. Upon firing at 1000 °C, it was discovered that the two phases of TiO2—rutile and anatase—combine in the substrate. Once the substrate has been coated with nano Al2O3 at 1000 °C, the anatase is transferred into rutile. When compared to the substrate, the coated substrate resulted in a decrease in porosity and an increase in strength. The efficiency of the ceramic metal nanoparticles Al2O3 as a good coating material to protect the TiO2 substrates against the effect of the corrosive medium 0.5 M solution of H2SO4 was measured by two methods: potentio-dynamic polarization (PDP) and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results indicated that the corrosion rate was decreased after the substrate coated with alumina from (67.71 to 16.30 C.R. mm/year) and the percentage of the inhibition efficiency recorded a high value reaching (78.56%). The surface morphology and composition after electrochemical measurements are investigated using SEM and EDX analysis. After conducting the corrosion tests and all the characterization, the results indicated that the coated TiO2 substrate prepared by the polymeric method at 800 °C displayed the best physical, mechanical, and corrosion-resistant behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesized heterocyclic compound: 5-[4-bromobenzylidene amino)-1, 3, 4-thiadiazole-2-thiol abbreviated as BATT possessed good antibacterial activity for various Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In addition to potent antitumor activity to breast cancer, for the first time, the novelty of this study is facile low-cost formulation of safe antitumor drug delivery system (DDS) for breast cancer from such simple heterocyclic compound. Heterocyclic compound is efficiently and spontaneously incorporated into MMT clay polymer matrix forming novel therapeutic nanocomposite DDS for breast cancer. BATT successfully intercalates MMT clay polymer matrix. Electron donation ability of nanocomposites is confirmed by cyclic voltammetry in terms of small peak-to-peak redox potential Δ E peak . Adsorption of BATT on clay is carried out by batch adsorption method. Better adsorption strength at low pH 2 decreased with increasing pH. Adsorption data are analyzed by multiple mathematical models. MMT clay is an efficient carrier polymer heterogonous adsorbent for BATT at optimum conditions: contact time 2.0 h, pH 2 and initial concentration up to 1200 ppm. Adsorption rate constant, k2 equals 14.6 × 10–3 and qe 19 mg g−1 (R2 0.999). pH of zero charge of MMT at pH 3 reflected adsorption mechanism of MMT. At pH 2, BATT is loaded on MMT by physi- and chemisorption. At pH 4, BATT is loaded on MMT by chemisorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to describe: 1) the effect of self-efficacy on the performance of the driving teacher, 2) the effect of work motivation on the performance of the driving teacher, and 3) the effect of self-efficacy and work motivation on the performance of the driving teacher. This research design is in the form of an explanation. The subjects of this study were all teachers in Mandailing Natal Regency, totaling 60 people. The instrument of data collection was through a questionnaire. Data analysis used inferential statistical analysis with multiple linear regression analysis. Based on the results of data analysis, the coefficient of Freg = 0.809; sig. 0.450. the higher the selfefficacy and the higher the work motivation, the higher the performance. On the other hand, the lower the self-efficacy and the lower the work motivation, the lower the performance of the driving teacher. Based on the results of this study, it can be stated that the hypothesis proposed in this study is accepted. The results of this study also prove that self-efficacy and work motivation contribute 36.186% to performance. This means that the two variables (self-efficacy and work motivation) contribute 36.186% to the high and low performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to in vivo and in vitro evaluate the remineralization potential and shear bond strength (SBS) of experimentally prepared tri-calcium aluminate (C3A)-modified glass ionomer cements on sound and artificial caries-affected dentin (CAD). A pure tricalcium aluminate (C3A) phase prepared via solid state reaction at elevated temperature from chemically pure calcium carbonate and alumina, to formulate ceramic composite of composition: 75% C3A, 15% CaSO4·2H2O and 10% Bi2O3. The influence of artificial saliva solution on the hydration characteristics and microstructure of the synthesized composite was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, FTIR spectral analysis, pH determination and scanning electron microscope (SEM) in comparison with distilled water curing medium. Modified cements of C3A glass ionomers (C3A-CGIC) were prepared by addition of the experimentally prepared C3A to the powder component of the conventical glass ionomer cement (CGIC). Five and 10 wt% of C3A- CGICs powder were prepared and compared to CGIC. Cements were applied in prepared class V cavities in rabbits' teeth either to sound or artificial CAD. All rabbits were killed after 15 days, and then, Ca and P wt% were evaluated at the cement–dentin interface using Energy-Dispersive X-ray Analysis. Specimens for SBS evaluation were prepared for the tested cements bonded either to sound or artificial CAD, then tested using universal testing machine. Results: The XRD results indicate that there is an acceleration effect on the hydration reactions and decrease in the rate of conversion process of C3A phase composite due to the presence of free ions in saliva solution which was emphasized by the results of the IR spectral bands of the hydrated paste samples. The SEM micrographs showed a more-dense microstructure with large accumulations of aluminate hydrate crystals of samples cured under saliva solution. Results of the prepared C3A-CGICs showed that 10wt% C3A-GIC group had the highest statistically significant mean Ca, P wt% and SBS values on CAD compared to 5wt% C3A-GIC and CGIC. Conclusions: 10 wt% C3A-GIC has a remineralizing effect on artificial CAD under in vivo conditions, plus its improved bonding to dentin compared to CGIC. Thus, it might be promising restorative/base with advanced remineralization potential and adequate bond strength to both sound dentin and CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we discuss some new Hilbert-type dynamic inequalities on time scales in two separate variables. We also deduce special cases, like some integral and their respective discrete inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use the properties of superquadratic functions to produce various improvements and popularizations on time scales of the Hardy form inequalities and their converses. Also, we include various examples and interpretations of the disparities in the literature that exist. In particular, our findings can be seen as refinements of some recent results closely linked to the time-scale inequalities of the classical Hardy, Pólya-Knopp, and Hardy-Hilbert. Some continuous inequalities are derived from the main results as special cases. The essential results will be proved by making use of some algebraic inequalities such as the Minkowski inequality, the refined Jensen inequality, and the Bernoulli inequality on time scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By utilizing the precepts related to the punctuation of time scales T , we present some nouveau forms in quotients for Hardy's and related inequalities on time scales. In particular, some recent results for the Pólya-Knopp, Hardy-Hilbert, and Hardy-Littlewood-Pólya-type inequalities are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of indigenous endophytic bacteria (IEB) isolates as PGPR and resistance induction has been conducted to wilt in tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill). This study aimed to obtain the best endophytic bacteria isolates in increasing the resistance of tomato plants to B. tabaci. The research used a completely randomized design (CRD) with ten treatments and three replications. The treatment consisted of eight isolates of IEB, positive controls (without using insecticides), and negative controls (using insecticides). The study was conducted at the Microbiology and Greenhouse Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Andalas from May to July 2018. The parameters observed were the number of individuals who survived per day and the length of days needed to develop per stage. The results showed that EPL 1.1.4 and KLE 3.3 isolates inhibited egg laying, whereas EI.AB 2.1, EI.AB 1.2, KLE 3.3, and SNE 2.2 inhibited the development of B. tabaci. There was no difference in the length of day between IEB isolates and controls. EI.AB 2.1 showed the most significant adverse effect on the success of B. tabaci life with a value of lx = 0.0 achieved on nymph of instar 3. The result indicated that IEB could be developed in increasing the tomato plants resistance to B. tabaci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hypertension is highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD), posing a significant but modifiable risk for adverse clinical outcomes. This study explored the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in older Irish adults with CKD. Methods Data were analysed from participants in Wave 1 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) who were aged 50 years and older. CKD was defined as eGFR <60 ml/min/1.72 m2, hypertension defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg and/or self-reported use of antihypertensive medication. Participant awareness and treatment of hypertension was based on self-report and SBP/DBP <140/90 mmHg. Multivariable logistic regression examined relationships with awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension expressed as adjusted odds ratios. Results Prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in participants with CKD than without (81.9% vs 59.7%, P < .001). Among hypertensive individuals, 70.1% (95% CI: 65.8–74.1) were aware, 83.5% (95% CI 80.0–86.6) were on treatment, yet blood pressure control <140/90 mmHg and SBP <120 mmHg were achieved in only 49.3% (CI 44.0–54.7%) and 17.9% (CI 14.4–22.1), respectively. In multivariable analysis, advancing age 1.05 (CI 1.01–1.10), obesity 6.23 (CI 2.51–15.5), diabetes 5.78 (CI 1.55–21.5), and cardiovascular disease 9.89 (CI 3.27–29.9) were associated with higher odds of treatment, while cardiovascular disease 2.35 (CI 1.39–3.99) and combination antihypertensive therapy 1.76 (CI 1.03–3.01) were associated with blood pressure control. Conclusion The prevalence of hypertension is substantial in older Irish adults with CKD; however, control is poor. Approximately, one-third of participants were unaware of their hypertensive status and approximately one-fifth were untreated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, some of thiophene derivatives were prepared and characterization spectroscopically by FT-IR, 1HNMR and physical properties. The thiophene compounds have medicinal and biological activitiesas reported in this work. Therefore the effect of these compounds was studied on human serum acetylthiocholine esterase activity. The results concluded that the better embarrassment percent was establish at concentrations (10-3) M designed for each compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work describes the synthesis of Schiff bases (2-8), pyrazoles and (9-18) derivatives from chalcones (1), (2E)-1-(4-aminophenyl)-3-(2-furyl)prop-2-en-1-one, and some biological studies of these compounds against (gram +ve) bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis), and (gram -ve) bacteria (Escherichia coli and Klebsiellapneumniae); and antifungal actioncontra (Candida albicans). Series of biologically active substituted Schiff bases(2-8) were synthesized from chalcone (1) and different substituted aldehyde compounds in the presence of piperidine as catalysis and ethanol as a solvent. Some of Schiff bases compounds on reaction with phenylhydrazine or hydrazinehydrate in ethanol as a solvent give pyrazole derivative (9-18). The homogeneity of all the newly synthesized compounds has been checked by TLC. The chemical structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by FTIR, 1HNMR spectroscopic analysis, and the data are in accord with the assigned structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the advantages of numerical simulation to improve the process of copper electroforming are demonstrated. In this regard, the finite element model of copper electroforming for a rotating cone electrode was first prepared and then, the effect of the key parameters, such as applied current density, solution conductivity, electrode spacing, and anode height, on the uniformity of the thickness was investigated. The model combines tertiary current distribution with Bulter–Volmer electrode kinetics and computational fluid dynamics at the turbulent condition. In order to validate the model, a cone‐shaped shell was produced by electroforming method in the laboratory. The obtained results illustrate that the tertiary current distribution model on the rotating cone cell cathode is accurate and efficient for the electroforming process simulation and it can be used for parametric studies. Moreover, the effect of the current density on the morphology and properties of the electroformed layer was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of some common combination of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) on growth performance, gut health, and meat quality was evaluated during the medication and withdrawal period in broilers. A total of 540 male Arbor Acre broilers at 0 D of age were randomly assigned to 5 treatments, with 6 replicates of 18 chicks. Broilers received diets during the medication period (0 to 42 D) as follows: NC (control diet without AGP), EN (NC + enduracidin 8 ppm + colistin sulfate 8 ppm), BZ (NC + bacitracin zinc 40 ppm + colistin sulfate 8 ppm), CT (NC + chlortetracycline 50 ppm + colistin sulfate 8 ppm), and VG (NC + virginiamycin 20 ppm + colistin sulfate 8 ppm). Broilers were switched to the same finisher diet without AGP during the withdrawal period (43 to 49 D). The feed:gain ratio in EN, BZ, CT, and VG groups were significantly decreased by 0.07, 0.10, 0.06, and 0.05 during 0 to 42 D (P < 0.05), but increased by 0.19 (P > 0.05), 0.33 (P > 0.05), 0.49 (P < 0.05), and 0.69 (P < 0.05) during the withdrawal period, respectively. The jejunum villus height (VH) increased in EN group (P < 0.05) and crypt depth (CD) reduced in BZ, CT, and VG groups (P < 0.05) at 42 D, while jejunum VH increased in EN and BZ groups (P < 0.05) at 49 D compared to NC group (P < 0.05). Meat quality detection at 49 D found all AGP groups with the higher cook loss of the breast muscle, while CT group with the higher cook loss of thigh muscle. Consequently, the overall effects of 4 AGP combinations in the whole period were not significant on growth performance. Their poor growth performance during the withdrawal period should be partly attributed to the falling off a cliff of most digestive enzyme activities from 42 to 49 D. Attention should be paid to the adverse effects of AGP supplementation on meat quality, especially cook loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic liver disease has caused increasing numbers of deaths worldwide. Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome, one of the chronic liver diseases in laying hens, has great similarity to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in humans. It is characterized by the pathological accumulation of liver fat. Non-invasive techniques are needed for early identification of fibrosis. As primary de novo lipogenesis in the liver of chicken is similar to that of humans, mature chicken is an ideal animal model for the understanding of NAFLD. This study was aimed to evaluate the relationships between gut microbiota and natural chronic liver disease (i.e. non-alcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH] and fibrosis stages) in a well-characterized laying hen population. One hundred 20-wk-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were used and fed with basal diets until 52 wk of age. At the end of the experiment, birds were killed for sampling blood, liver, and cecal contents, and then classified by liver histology measurement into different groups. We investigated microbial community structure of cecum using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Subjects in stage 0 fibrosis without NASH were classified as low NAFLD (Group A), subjects in stage 1–2 fibrosis with mild to moderate NASH were defined as low NASH (Group B), and subjects in stage 3 fibrosis were defined as severe NASH (Group C). The abundance of Firmicutes was reduced in Groups B and C (P < 0.001), whereas opposite results were observed for the abundance of Bacteroidetes. Additionally, the families Bacteroidaceae, Ruminococcaceae Lachnospiraceae, and lactobacillae were significantly different between groups of differing fibrosis stages (P < 0.001), driven entirely by alterations of Bacteroides and lactobacillus and lachnospiraceae genera (P < 0.001), were observed. Results indicated that cecal dysbiosis was linked with the severity of fibrosis and NASH; importantly, increased levels of serum AST, alkaline phosphatase, and uric acid were accompanied with liver fibrosis and NASH severity. Collectively, these data highlight the role of gut-liver axis and associations between the gut microbiota and fibrosis and NASH severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ban on the use of antibiotic feed additives as growth promoters compelled the researchers for exploring the future utility of other alternatives. This experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of acidified drinking water on growth performance, gastrointestinal pH, digestive enzymes, intestinal histomorphology, and cecum microbial counting of the broiler chicken. A total of 540 one-day-old male broilers (Arbor Acre) were randomly assigned to 5 treatments, with 6 replicates of 18 chicks per replicate. Broilers received diets and water as follows: NC (negative control, basal diet, normal water), PC (positive control, basal diet + 8 ppm colistin sulfate + 8 ppm enduracidin, normal water), A1 (basal diet, continuous supply of acidified water during whole experiment period), A2 (basal diet, intermittent acidification of water during 0 to 14 d, 22 to 28 d, and 36 to 42 d), and A3 [basal diet, intermittent acidification of water (24 h/d from 0 to 14 d and from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on d 15 to 42)]. During the entire period, the acidified groups (A1, A2, and A3) and PC group showed improve on weight gain, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio compared to NC group (P < 0.05). The pH in crop, proventriculus and ileum at 43 d declined by 0.04, 1.03, 1.23; 0.55, 0.69, 0.70; and 0.63, 0.74, 1.21 in A1, A2, and A3 group, respectively. There was a significant decline of lipase activity in the PC and acidified groups compared to NC group. The A2 group had higher villus height in jejunum than NC group. The PC and acidified groups reduced (P < 0.05) the total aerobic bacteria count of cecum when contrasted to NC group. Therefore, we conclude that acidified drinking water can improve growth performance, compensate for gastric acidity, and control pathogenic bacteria in broilers and may be considered as a potential alternative to improve production parameters. Discontinuous supply of acidified water had the same or even better influence on broilers compared to continuous supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films with thickness 40 μm are irradiated with 3 keV argon ion beams with different fluence ranging from 0:5 × 1018 ions.cm-2 to 2 × 1018 ions.cm-2 using locally designed broad ion source. The changes in the PET structure are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. The XRD patterns show that the peak intensity decreases with irradiation and the particle size decreases from 65.75 Å for the un-irradiated to 52.80 Å after irradiation. The FTIR indicates partial decrease and reduction in the intensity of the bands due to the degradation of the polymer after ion irradiation. The optical energy band gap decreases from 3.14 eV to 3.05 eV and the number of carbon cluster increases from 119 to 126 after ion irradiation. The results show a slight increase in the electrical conductivities and the dielectric constant (ϵ). The results indicate the effectiveness of using PET films as capacitors and resistors in industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria is the leading cause of illness and death in Sudan. The entire population is at risk of malaria epidemics with a very high burden on government and population. The usefulness of forecasting methods in predicting the number of future incidences is needed to motivate the development of a system that can predict future incidences. The objective of this paper is to develop applicable and understood time series models and to find out what method can provide better performance to predict future incidences level. We used monthly incidence data collected from five states in Sudan with unstable malaria transmission. We test four methods of the forecast: (1) autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA); (2) exponential smoothing; (3) transformation model; and (4) moving average. The result showed that transformation method performed significantly better than the other methods for Gadaref, Gazira, North Kordofan, and Northern, while the moving average model performed significantly better for Khartoum. Future research should combine a number of different and dissimilar methods of time series to improve forecast accuracy with the ultimate aim of developing a simple and useful model for producing reasonably reliable forecasts of the malaria incidence in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necrotic enteritis causes significant economic losses to the poultry industry which is always increased in chickens exposed to feed contaminated with aflatoxins. So we had done this study to investigate the effect of C. perfringens on broiler chickens alone and in combination with aflatoxins compared with control negative group. A total of 106 samples (43 liver and 63 intestinal samples) collected from 38 flocks of diseased broiler chickens suffering from diarrhea were examined for C. perfringens isolation and revealed the presence of C. perfringens with percentage of 51.1 % and 80.9% in liver and intestine respectively with total percentage 66%. Aflatoxin was prepared at concentration 250 ppb\kg ration. During the experiment we examined 100 commercial broiler chickens which were divided to four groups: control group (A), group (B), infected with C. Perfringens type A via oral gavages by inoculation of 1ml of 6x108cfu daily for 3 consecutive days [16th-17th -and 18th days of age], group fed aflatoxins at dose 250 ppb from the first day till 28 days old (C) and group both infected with C.perfringens and aflatoxin fed with the same doses mentioned before (D). Aflatoxin decreased gain and feed intake and resulted in increased mortality, higher lesion scores and increased liver and kidney functions. Inducing necrotic enteritis concurred with aflatoxicosis increased lesion scores and decreased feed intake and gain more than aflatoxin alone. The great intervals proved the severe negative impact of aflatoxin on broiler performance which increased a lot when complicated with clostridial infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low pathogenic avian influenza virus (AIV) serotype H9N2 affected many commercial flocks in the Middle East including Egypt beginning from the last decade. Therefore, the present study was an attempt to better understand the situation of H9N2 virus in Egypt as well as to assess the pathogenicity of Egyptian H9N2 avian influenza virus in experimentally infected commercial broiler chickens. Out of 100 examined broiler flocks, 32 flocks were detected to be infected with LPAI H9N2 (32%). The phylogenic analysis revealed that, all the H9N2 virus isolates in this study were belonging to viruses from G1 lineage with more close relationship to the Israeli strains. After challenge, respiratory manifestations (rals, sneezing with nasal and ocular discharge), whitish to greenish diarrhea, depression and anorexia were noticed with 20% mortality. Furthermore, the virus caused remarkable decrease in the average body weight (290g) in the infected group compared to the uninfected group. High viral RNA was detected in tracheal swabs through 1 to 15 days' post infection (dpi) by RT-qPCR, in which, the copy number was 1.152 x 104 copies, 7.89 x 103 & 5.2 x 102 copies / 200 μl dilutions at 4th day, 11th and 15th day post challenge, respectively. On histopathological examination, lymphocyte depletion in the thymus, follicular atrophy and cystic follicles in the bursa of Fabricius were seen which lead to immunosuppression. This study indicated that the H9N2 virus isolated from a natural outbreak was of low pathogenicity under experimental conditions. Continuous shedding by the infected birds by oral and cloacal routes without any clinical signs might cause undetected spread of the virus under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are among the most aggressive cancers characterized by a high propensity to invade, metastasize and relapse. We previously reported that the TNBC-specific inhibitor, AMPI-109, significantly impairs the ability of TNBC cells to migrate and invade by reducing levels of the metastasis-promoting phosphatase, PRL-3. Here, we examined the mechanisms by which AMPI-109 and loss of PRL-3 impede cell migration and invasion. AMPI-109 treatment or knock down of PRL-3 expression were associated with deactivation of Src and ERK signaling and concomitant downregulation of RhoA and Rac1/2/3 GTPase protein levels. These cellular changes led to rearranged filamentous actin networks necessary for cell migration and invasion. Conversely, overexpression of PRL-3 promoted TNBC cell invasion by upregulating matrix metalloproteinase 10, which resulted in increased TNBC cell adherence to, and degradation of, the major basement membrane component laminin. Our data demonstrate that PRL-3 engages the focal adhesion pathway in TNBC cells as a key mechanism for promoting TNBC cell migration and invasion. Collectively, these data suggest that blocking PRL-3 activity may be an effective method for reducing the metastatic potential of TNBC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

nsecticidal activities of four compounds namely Profenofos, Esfenvalirate, Flufenoxuron and Spinosad were evaluated either separately or in mixture with fungicides or IGRs against the 2nd instar larvae of the cotton leaf, worm S.littoralis by using semi field bioassays technique throughout 2012 and 2013 seasons. The results indicate that mortality % of all tested insecticides at recommended rate alone at zero time after application was 87.75, 87.75, 85.71 and 93.87% larval mortality and residual effects after 15-days of treatments were 26.53, 22.44, 32.65 and 34.69 % larval mortality for profenofos, esfenvalirate, spinosad, and flufenoxuron respectively. Also, at half recommended rate at zero time mortality % was 51.02, 51.02, 53.03 and 51.02% larval mortality and residual effect reached 20.40, 12.24, 12.24 and 12.24 at 15-days after treatments with the same insecticides respectively. Interestingly, the same insecticides in combination with tested fungicides or insect growth regulator at half recommended rate were the most effective treatments giving excellent control and better results than that obtained by using full and half recommended rate alone against the 2nd instar larvae of S.iittoraiis throughout the two seasons. Fore, example, profenofos alone at half recommended rate at zero time interval caused 51.02 but recording 83.6, 95.91 and 91.83 % mortality when mixed with (difenoconazol, (penconazol) and (flufenoxuron) at half-recommended rate in the same period respectively. Also, esfenvalirate at half rate alone caused 51.02% mortality but recording 93.87, 91.83 and 89.75 % mortality when mixed with (difenoconazol), (penconazol) and (flufenoxuron) at half-recommended rate in the same period after treatment. Concerning, spinosad at half recommended rate alone at zero-time resulted in initial kill of 51.02% larval mortality, but caused 87.75, 91.83 and 93.87 % mortality when mixed with (difenoconazol), (penconazol) and (flufenoxuron) in the same period after treatment respectively. Moreover flufenoxuron alone gave 53.03 % mortality increased to 93.87, 93.87 % mortality when mixed with difenoconazol, penconazol, respectively. Generally, mixtures containing insecticides and EBI fungicides or IGRs at low rate were the most effective treatments of the tested insecticides giving excellent control and better results than that obtained by using full and half recommended rate of all compounds alone against the 2nd instar larvae of S.iittoraiis. It could be concluded that both EBI fungicides and IGR appeared promising in combination with insecticides as result of significant increasing its initial kill and residual effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weirs are small overflow dams used to alter and raise water flow upstream and regulate or spill water downstream watercourses and rivers. This paper presents the application of artificial neural network (ANN) to determine the discharge coefficient (Cd) for a hollow semi-circular crested weirs. Eighty five experiments were performed in a horizontal rectangular channel of 10 m length, 0.3 m width and 0.45 m depth for a wide range of discharge. The results of examination for discharge coefficient were yielded by using multiple regression equation based on dimensional analysis. Then, the results obtained were also compared using ANN techniques. A multilayer perceptron MLP algorithm FFBP network was developed. The optimal configuration of ANN was [2,10,1] which gave mean square error (MSE) and correlation coefficient (R) of 0.0011 and 0.91, respectively. Performances of ANN model reveal that the Cd could be better estimated by the ANN technique in comparison with Cd obtained using statistical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was earlier reported that the bromination of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline with NBS would give 4,6,8-tribromoquinoline. This reaction was reinvestigated, and the structure was assigned to be 3,6,8-tribromoquinoline. Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions of this molecule allowed for a convenient synthesis of 3,6,8- triarylquinolines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Controversy regarding single versus double layer intestinal anastomosis goes as back as 1887. Interrupted single layer is now widely considered to be the gold standard for intestinal anasotmosis. Objective: To evaluate the safety, cost effectiveness, morbidity & mortality of single layer interrupted intestinal anastomosis in comparison with double layer. Patient and methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted from December 2009 to January 2012 at Surgical Department, Tikrit Teaching Hospital. All patients requiring both elective and emergency small bowel intestinal anastomosis including gastro-intestinal and ileo-colic anastomosis were included. Total of sixty- four patients were included in this study. They were divided into two groups A and B. In group A, 28 patients were included in whom single layer interrupted extra mucosal anastomosis was done with 2/0 vicryl. In group B 36 patients underwent conventional double layered anastomosis with 2/0 vicryl. Results: Anastomotic leakage in single layered group was 3.6%, while in double layered group was 4.7%. Average time for the construction of the single layer anastomos is 20 min and in double layer was 35 min per operatively. Moreover, suture material consumption was more in two layered technique. The mean of hospital stay was 5.2 ±1.5 days in single layered group while it was 7.5± 1.8 days in double layered group. Conclusions: Single-layer serosubmucosal (extramucosal) technique is safe, easy & faster to perform, simply to taught, cost effective and with less anastomosis related morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rationale: Depression and anxiety are more strongly associated with quality of life (QOL) than seizure frequency in several populations with epilepsy. However, QOL is culturally determined and may be influenced by cultural values and norms as well as local policies and resources. The goal of this study is to investigate the impact of neuropsychiatric symptoms and seizure severity on QOL and employment in people with epilepsy living in Jordan. Methods: Seizure severity and complications, antiepileptic drug side effects, social stigma, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and mental health (MH-SF36) and physical health (PH-SF36) domains of QOL were assessed in 45 adult patients with epilepsy in a university neurology clinic. Multivariate regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between these variables and the quality of life of Jordanians with epilepsy. Results: Neuropsychiatric symptoms, seizure frequency, and history of injury due to seizure were associated with the MH-SF36. However, earlier age of seizure onset, longer duration of epilepsy, unemployment, and history of chronic disease was associated with lower PH-SF36 scores. Furthermore, there were no differences in QOL, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and seizure frequency in Jordanians who were employed versus unemployed in this study. Conclusions: Neuropsychiatric symptoms were significantly associated with mental health-related QOL measures, but not with physically-related QOL measures, in Jordanians with epilepsy. For studies across populations, it is critical to separate mental health from physical health QOL measures. Furthermore, regional differences in culture and policy may more strongly influence employment status than individuals'' experiences of epilepsy, neuropsychiatric symptoms, or QOL in some populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Poly (sodium 10-undecenyl sulfate) (poly SUS), poly (sodium 10-undecenyl leucinate) (poly SUL), and their five molecular binary mixed micelles with varied SUS:SUL composition were prepared. The purity of these molecular micelles was confirmed by elemental analysis. Their partial specific volume, aggregation number, methylene selectivity, polarity, phase ratio, mobility, and elution window values were determined using a variety of analytical techniques. These molecular micelles were then evaluated as pseudostationary phases in micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) for separation of benzene derivatives with a wide range of chemical properties. Elemental analysis results reveal that the ratio of the two surfactants in the binary mixture does not change significantly during the polymerization process. Poly SUS was found to have the lowest partial specific volume and it increases gradually with an increase of SUL mole fraction. Poly SUL was found to provide the most hydrophobic environment for test solutes. Based on the retention results, the strength of interaction between the molecular micelles and the analytes was found to follow the following order: NHB>HBA>HBD. This order indicates that the hydrophobic interaction plays a major role in retention of benzene derivatives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Arylated xanthones were prepared by site-selective Suzuki–Miyaura reactions of the bis(triflate) of 1,3-dihydroxyxanthone. The first attack occurs at the sterically less encumbered position 3. The site-selectivity is in contrast to the bis(triflate) of 1,3-dihydroxyanthraquinone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Poly(sodium 10-undecenyl sulfate) (poly-SUS), poly(sodium N-undecenyl leucinate) (poly-SUL) and their five molecular binary mixed micelles with varied SUS:SUL composition were prepared and used as pseudostationary phases in micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC). Linear solvation energy relationships (LSERs) model and free energy of transfer studies were used to characterize the retention behavior and the selectivity differences among the seven surfactant systems. System constant differences and regression models for varied benzene derivative compounds are used to establish the selectivity differences of the seven pseudostationary phases. The cavity formation and dispersion interaction (the v system constant) and the hydrogen-bonding acidity (the b system constant) of the surfactant systems were found to have the most significant influence on selectivity and MEKC retention. The molecular micelle with sulfate head group, poly-SUS, was found to be more hydrogen-bond acidic than the molecular micelle with leucinate head group, poly-SUL. The other system constants (a, s and e) have modest effect on the retention and selectivity of the benzene derivatives. The model intercept coefficients (c system constants), which are negative for all surfactant systems have unusually large values. The free energy changes of transfer for the functional groups studied have all negative values except phenol and benzyl alcohol. Selectivity differences between pseudostationary phases were also compared by plotting the log k values against each other and were found to agree well with LSER results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was designed to detect reticulo-endotheliosis virus (REV) as a contaminant in fowl pox vaccines. A total of 30 fowl pox vaccine samples were examined for the presence of REV using both in vitro and in vivo methods. In in vitro testing, the fowl pox vaccine samples were inoculated into chicken embryo fibroblast cultures prepared from specific-pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs, and the cultures were examined using PCR to detect REV. In in vivo testing, each fowl pox vaccine sample was inoculated into 5-d-old specific-pathogen-free chicks, which were kept under observation for up to 12 wk postinoculation; serum samples were collected at 15, 30, and 45 d postinoculation for the detection of REV-specific antibodies using ELISA. Tissue samples were collected at 8 and 12 wk postinoculation for histopathological examination. Of the tested vaccines, only one imported vaccine sample tested positive for REV using PCR. Serum samples collected from chicks infected with the PCR-positive vaccine batch also tested positive for REV-specific antibodies using ELISA. Histopathological examination of the liver, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius demonstrated the presence of tumor cells in these organs, confirming the results obtained using PCR and ELISA, and indicating that the sample was contaminated with REV. These data clearly indicate that the screening of all commercial poultry vaccines for viruses is an important factor in assuring the biosafety of animal vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We give existence, nonexistence and multiplicity results of nonnegative solutions for Dirichlet problems of the form where Δ is the p-Laplacian ( p > 1), g is nondecreasing, superlinear, and possibly convex, λ > 0, and f ∈ L (Ω), f ≥ 0. New information on the extremal solutions is given. Equations with measure data are also considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health is a low priority in most countries around the world. Minimal research and resources have been invested in mental health at the national level. As a result, WHO has developed the Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS) to encourage countries to gather data and to re-evaluate their national mental health policy. This paper demonstrates the utility and limitations of WHO-AIMS by applying the model to four countries with different cultures, political histories and public health policies: Iraq, Japan, the Philippines and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. WHO-AIMS provides a useful model for analysing six domains: policy and legislative framework; mental health services; mental health in primary care; human resources; education of the public at large; and monitoring and research. This is especially important since most countries do not have experts in mental health policy or resources to design their own evaluation tools for mental health systems. Furthermore, WHO-AIMS provides a standardized database for cross-country comparisons. However, limitations of the instrument include the neglect of the politics of mental health policy development, underestimation of the role of culture in mental health care utilization, and questionable measurement validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date palm leaves were compounded with polypropylene (PP) and UV stabilizers to form composite materials. The stability of the composites in natural weathering conditions of Saudi Arabia and in accelerated weathering conditions was investigated. The composites were found to be much more stable than PP under the severe natural weathering conditions of Saudi Arabia and in accelerated weathering trials. Compatibilized samples are generally less stable than uncompatibilized ones as a result of the lower stability of the maleated polypropylene. Irgastab and Tinuvin are found to be efficient stabilizers for PP/cellulose fibre composites. In addition to enhanced stability imparted by the presence of the fibres in the composites, enhanced interfacial adhesion resulting from oxidation of the polymer matrix can be the source of retention of mechanical strength. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The streptozotocin-induced diabetic (STZ-DB) rat model is associated with fetal hyperglycemia, but with low to normal plasma insulin concentration. Because surfactant protein (SP) mRNA content in fetal rat lung is decreased in STZ-DB pregnancy, we investigated the effect of increasing concentrations of glucose on SP gene expression in lung organ cultures SP mRNA content (SP-A, SP-B, SP-C) was assessed by Northern blot analysis in fetal day 20 lung explants (term=22days) cultured for 44 hours in medium containing 10, 25, 50, or 100mM glucose. Our findings were (1) No consistent alteration in SP-A mRNA content was observed at different glucose concentrations (P>.05); (2) SP-B and SP-C mRNA content were reduced in a dose-dependent manner when glucose concentration was increased from 10 mM to 100 mM. The mRNA content, compared to 10 mM glucose, decreased to 50-60% at 25mM glucose, to 20-25% at 50 mM glucose, and to lower than 10% at 100 mM glucose (P<.01). These findings indicate that the decrease in SP-B and SP-C mRNA in fetuses of STZ-DB rats may be, in part, due to a direct effect of hyperglycemia, whereas the decrease in SP-A mRNA content in STZ-DB rats appears to be due to other effects of diabetes in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subclavian steal syndrome is characterized by the vertebral artery flow inversion as a result of a stenotic lesion in the origin of the subclavian artery. Subclavian origin stenting is an important armamentarium of neurointerventional surgeons. A 79-year-old patient presented with left arm claudication and dizziness while exercising, alongside upper extremity coolness at rest. Examination revealed blood pressure difference of 15 mm Hg in the left arm when compared with the right, with Doppler ultrasonography demonstrating reversal of flow in the left vertebral artery. Aortic arch run with pigtail catheter demonstrated the extent of stenosis and served as a roadmap for stent deployment. Placement of a long sheath across the subclavian stenosis into the aortic arch allowed atraumatic delivery and precise deployment of the covered stent (Video 1). No neurologic deficits were reported postoperatively, with Doppler ultrasonography revealing anterograde flow in the left vertebral artery demonstrating resolution of subclavian steal syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rationale: As electronic health record (EHR) systems become more available, they will serve as an important resource for collecting epidemiologic data in epilepsy research. However, since clinicians do not have a systematic method for coding psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), patients with PNES are often misclassified as having epilepsy, leading to sampling error. This study validates a natural language processing (NLP) tool that uses linguistic information to help identify patients with PNES. Methods: Using the VA national clinical database, 2200 notes of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who completed video electroencephalograph (VEEG) monitoring were reviewed manually, and the veterans were identified as having documented PNES or not. Reviewers identified PNES-related vocabulary to inform a NLP tool called Yale cTakes Extension (YTEX). Using NLP techniques, YTEX annotates syntactic constructs, named entities, and their negation context in the EHR. These annotations are passed to a classifier to detect patients without PNES. The classifier was evaluated by calculating positive predictive values (PPVs), sensitivity, and F-score. Results: Of the 742 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who received a diagnosis of epilepsy or seizure disorder by VEEG, 44 had documented events on VEEG: 22 veterans (3.0%) had definite PNES only, 20 (2.7%) had probable PNES, and 2 (0.3%) had both PNES and epilepsy documented. The remaining 698 veterans did not have events captured during the VEEG admission and/or did not have a definitive diagnosis. Our classifier achieved a PPV of 93%, a sensitivity of 99%, and a F-score of 96%. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the YTEX NLP tool and classifier is highly accurate in excluding PNES, diagnosed with VEEG, in EHR systems. The tool may be very valuable in preventing false positive identification of patients with epilepsy in EHR-based epidemiologic research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A triboelectric energy harvester design scaled down to MEMS size. • Structurally optimized for maximum average power and power density. • High operating frequency (1.15 kHz) and wide operating bandwidth (920 Hz). • Output average power 0.179 μW, peak power 0.597 μW and power density 2.64 mWcm−3. • Acceleration normalized power density 30.3 μWcm−3/g2 and sensitivity 43 mV/g A novel triboelectric energy harvesting (TEH) and sensing system scaled down to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) size is presented. The design is structurally optimized for harvesting the highest average power and power density while ensuring the structural robustness. Unlike traditional triboelectric energy harvesters, this design results in a high operating frequency with a wide bandwidth. Adoption of MEMS fabrication techniques including the use of spin-coated Teflon AF rather than a Teflon sheet, adaptation of UV-LIGA (Ultra-Violet Lithographie, Galvanoformung, Abformung) with modifications and implementation of a thick polyimide sacrificial layer make the fabrication process unique. If excited by ±9.33 g external vibration with a frequency of 1.15 kHz, the TEH can generate 0.179 μW average power and 0.597 μW peak power at an optimum resistive load of 256 kΩ. The peak surface power density, volumetric power density and acceleration-normalized volumetric power density reach 3.98 μWcm−2, 2.64 mWcm-3 and 30.3 μWcm-3/g2, respectively. While the surface power density of the presented TEH is moderate, the volumetric power density and acceleration-normalized volumetric power density are quite competitive among the state-of-the-art designs. The TEH also demonstrates a wide operating frequency bandwidth of 920 Hz. If operated as an accelerometer, the device shows a linear sensitivity of 43 mV/g. Although the simulation predicts the optimum operating frequency and load resistance of the system to be at 800 Hz and 10 MΩ, respectively, the experimental results demonstrate these values to be at 1150 Hz and 256 KΩ. A few fabrication anomalies, most notably the notching in the Teflon layer and bowing of the proof-mass, are responsible for this deviation. In addition, a distortion is observed in the simulated output voltage profile which is not present in the experimental output voltage profile due to the presence of the parasitic capacitance in the experimental circuit. The aforementioned triboelectric energy harvester can have specific applications in the sensor and actuator systems in the aircraft industry as well as in the automobile industry, micro-robotic systems, prosthetic systems, and sensor nodes in the internet of things (IoT) due to its operating frequency and bandwidth range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate some new generalizations and refinements for Hölder's inequality and it's reverse on time scales through the diamond- α dynamic integral, which is defined as a linear combination of the delta and nabla integrals, which are used in various problems involving symmetry. We develop a number of those symmetric inequalities to a general time scale. Our results as special cases extend some integral dynamic inequalities and Qi's inequalities achieved on time scales and also include some integral disparities as particular cases when T = R . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]