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Identifying deformational mechanisms and associated structures at various scales, ranging from regional‐scale structures to microscopic fabric, is crucial for the assessment of tectonic development. Thirty‐three samples were taken from the Qazzaz metamorphic core complex to estimate the finite strain for felsic and mafic minerals. These samples included gneisses rocks, monzogranite, and metavolcano–sedimentary rocks for both the Thalbah and Bayda groups. Using the Rf/j and Fry methods, the axial ratios (XZ) range about 2.20 to 7.10 and 1.90 to 9.10, respectively. For various rock units, the strain measurements show moderate to highly deformation. Most of the observed samples show shallow WNW dipping along a N to WNW trend of finite strain (X). The short axes (Z) based to be subvertical foliation related with a subhorizontal foliation. The results demonstrate that contacts generated at semi‐brittle to ductile deformation and that the strain of magnitude has the same value for different lithologic units. It concluded that nappe generation in orogens results from pure shear deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising antimicrobial resistance crisis has diminished the effectiveness of traditional antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria. This study addresses this urgent challenge by exploring the antibacterial potential of novel quinolone derivatives (1–33). Using computational in silico modeling to simulate biological interactions, we aimed to identify candidates with potent antibacterial activity. A total of 33 quinolone derivatives were assessed for their physicochemical properties and effectiveness against a range of clinically relevant pathogens, including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis. Molecular docking studies identified compounds 28, 29, 32, and 33 as having notable binding affinities, particularly against MRSA. Further molecular dynamics simulations of compound 29 confirmed its favorable stability and potential for disrupting MRSA, reinforcing the docking results and showing strong alignment with in vitro findings. These findings position compound 29 as a promising lead for developing alternative MRSA therapies and underscore the need for further in vivo studies to evaluate its therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat engines are considered a valuable resource for the modern society. The development of these systems leads to the production of heat engines with high efficiency despite their small size, called quantum heat engines. Among these, the quantum Otto cycle which is considered a fundamental thermodynamic cycle in classical heat engines, has also found applications in the realm of quantum heat engines. In this paper, we consider three InAs quantum dots as a working substance, which allows the engine to operate at very small scales, in the presence of an electric field, and the Förster mechanism, which describes the transfer of energy between quantum dots and thus affects the engine's behavior. In this regard, we study the behavior of the work performed by the engine and the entanglement in the system as the Förster parameter is varied. We found a significant link between the engine's work performance, the system's entanglement, and the Förster interaction. At a critical Förster interaction value, which depends on the excitons frequencies, we observe a sharp inflection in work output. This transition coincides with the system reaching maximum entanglement after a separable state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ragahama Formation comprises a siliciclastic continental deposits followed by marine carbonates, representing prograding alluvial fans from adjacent high hinterlands seaward into lagoons and fringing reef environments. The present work aimed to document the facies development and sedimentology of the Raghama carbonates exposed along the eastern coastal plain of the Red Sea, northwestern Saudi Arabia. Four stratigraphic sections were measured and sampled (D1–D4) and thin sections and major and trace element analyses were prepared and applied for petrographic and geochemical approaches. The carbonates were subdivided into three successive fore-reef, reef-core, and back-reef depositional facies. Sandy stromatolitic boundstone, microbial laminites, dolomitic ooidal grainstone, bioclastic coralline algal wackestone, sandy bioclastic wackestone, and coral boundstones were the reported microfacies types. Petrographic analysis reveals that the studied carbonates were affected by dissolution, dolomitization, and aggrading recrystallization, which affects both the original micrite matrix and grains or acts as fracture and veinlet filling leading to widespread vuggy and moldic porosity. No evidence of physical compaction, suggesting rapid lithification and recrystallization during early diagenesis and prior to substantial burial and intensive flushing by meteoric waters. Most of the original microstructure of corals were leached and destructed. This is indicated by the higher depletion in Sr and Ca levels and increase in Mg, Na, Fe, and Mn levels, especially in section D1, in comparison with the worldwide carbonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a systematic workflow for estimating hydrogen storage capacity for a smooth energy transition from natural gas market to hydrogen market to achieve net-zero emissions. The workflow establishes maximum and minimum thresholds for hydrogen storage and considers appropriate storage techniques, including underground or surface facilities. The technique assesses environmental footprint of each storage technique and evaluates associated emission reductions. We apply this workflow to energy market in Alberta and project minimum and maximum storage thresholds of 0.28 and 5 megatonne/year (Mt/year) by 2050. Under three distinct storage scenarios, the storage capacity necessitates 128 salt caverns, 10 million compressed gas tanks, or 78,150 cryogenic liquefied tanks. Salt cavern storage emerges as a promising choice owing to its relatively lower emissions of 0.16 MtCO 2 e/year and a land footprint of 2.56 km2. The net emission reduction achieved is 1.47 MtCO 2 e/year, equivalent to 0.8% of Canada's target emission reduction of 190 MtCO 2 e/year by 2050. • A workflow is developed to forecast required hydrogen storage capacity in Alberta. • Salt caverns emerge as a reliable and practical technique for large-scale hydrogen storage. • The workflow projects the required number of salt caverns for hydrogen storage. • Supplying stored hydrogen to market reduces 1.5 megatonne/year of GHG emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors present a novel self‐diplexing antenna (SDA) designed using substrate‐integrated waveguide (SIW) technology. The antenna features a planar‐backed cavity with a radiating slot and two input ports tuned to produce two resonances in the operating band for enhanced bandwidth. The design is simple and easy to implement, with similar radiation characteristics across the bandwidth. Experimental validation of the antenna shows good agreement with simulated matching, with two operating frequency channels in the X‐band (8.21−8.47 GHz and 9.42−9.764 GHz). The SDA's stable wideband performance makes it suitable for various wireless access points and applications. Overall, the study contributes a new SDA design with improved bandwidth and radiation features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested the ability of Wigner function to reveal and capture the quantum entanglement presents in two coupled semiconductor InAs quantum dots that independently interact with dephasing reservoirs. In this respect, we analyze their evolution against the temperature parameter as well as against the dimensionless time in both Markovian and non-Markovian environments. Further, we compare their amounts and their behaviors under the Förster interaction effect. In particular, we show that for large values of dimensionless time and at higher temperature, unlike the full disappear of entanglement the positive part of Wigner function still survives. Moreover, we show that the Wigner function volume is influenced by the variation of the Förster interaction, the temperature and the non-Markovianity degree. Nevertheless, its ability to reveal the quantum entanglement presents inside two coupled semiconductor quantum dots is still kept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) as adjuncts to mechanical debridement (MD) for the treatment of peri-implantitis. The present study is based on the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the peri-implant inflammatory parameters (modified plaque index [mPI], modified gingival index [mGI], probing depth [PD]) and crestal bone loss (CBL) following MD either with PBMT or PDT in patients with peri-implantitis.Methods: Forty-nine patients with peri-implantitis were randomly categorized into three groups. In Groups 1 and 2, patients underwent MD with adjunct PBMT and PDT, respectively. In Group 3, patients underwent MD alone (controls). Peri-implant inflammatory parameters were measured at baseline and 3-months follow-up. P-values < 0.01 were considered statistically significant.Results: At baseline, peri-implant clinicoradiographic parameters were comparable in all groups. Compared with baseline, there was a significant reduction in mPI (P< 0.001), mGI (P< 0.001) and PD (P< 0.001) in Groups 1 and 2 at 3-months follow-up. In Group 3, there was no difference in the scores of mPI, mGI and PD at follow-up. At 3-months follow-up, there was no difference in mPI, mGI and PD among patients in Groups 1 and 2. The mPI (P< 0.001), mGI (P< 0.001) and PD (P< 0.001) were significantly higher in Group 3 than Groups 1 and 2. The CBL was comparable in all groups at follow-up.Conclusion: PBMT and PDT seem to be useful adjuncts to MD for the treatment of peri-implant soft-tissue inflammation among patients with peri-implantitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methylation at C5 position of cytosine (5 mC) is the most abundantly occurring methylation process at CpG island, which has been well known as an epigenetic modification linked to many human diseases. Recently, another methylation approach has been discovered to show that DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) promote the addition of the methyl group at position 3 to yield 3 mC. The existence of 3 mC can cause severe damages to the DNA strand, such as blocking its replication, repair, and transcription, affecting its stability, and initiating a double-strand DNA break. To gain a deeper insight into the formation of 3 mC, we have performed density functional theory (DFT) modeling studies at different levels of theory to clearly map out the mechanistic details for this new methylation approach. Our computed results are in harmony with pertinent experimental observations and shed light on a crucial off-target activity of DNMTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two brachiopod species, Terebratulina tenuistriata (Leymerie, 1846) and Orthothyris pectinoides (von Koenen, 1984), have been recorded for the first time from the Middle Eocene (Late Lutetian) nummulitic limestone beds in the Darnah Formation at the Wadi Darnah area in Northeast Libya. These brachiopod species are associated here with Nummulites discorbinus (Schlotheim), Nummulites praelyelli (Boukhary and Kamal), and Nummulites bullatus (Schaub) and are widely distributed on this Middle Eocene Nummulites carbonate platform. The two recorded species are common in the Eocene rocks of Europe and the Arabian Gulf. In northern Africa, the brachiopod species Terebratulina tenuistriata (Leymerie) was only recorded from the Middle Eocene (Bartonian) of Egypt, while Orthothyris pectinoides (von Koenen) is firstly recorded from the Middle Eocene of the southern Tethyan Province (NE Libya) in the present work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims were to: (1) investigate the parental difficulties toward their ASD children dental care and, (2) analyze factors influencing their access to such services. Questionnaires were completed by 142 mothers of ASD children. Children aged between 2.5 and 14 years old, with 3.9:1 male to female ratio. 68.3% perceived difficulties in finding dental care. Most barriers were: Cost (75.4%), finding a dentist to treat ASD child (74.6%), and behavior of their ASD child (45.1%). There was no difference among age and "difficulty finding dental care" (p = 0.429). Having medical insurance and previous bad experience showed significant effects on the difficulty in finding dental care (p < 0.05). Children with ASD and their parents encounter various barriers to dental services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5-(Diethylammoniothio)-1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid (8) was obtained in good yield from the reaction of 5-bromo-1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid (5) and 1,3-diethylthiourea. The obtained product has been characterized using different techniques including single-crystal X-ray diffraction, FTIR, MS and NMR spectroscopy. For this reaction, a detailed computational study of the reaction steps has been performed using density functional theory (DFT). Both thermodynamic and kinetic parameters were calculated. Step B is the most favorable reaction with an activation energy of 33 kJ mol−1 using the solvation model that based on the solvent model density (SMD) calculated at B3LYP/6-31G(d). The rate-determining step of the most plausible mechanism involves the formation of C-S bond via proton transfer to oxygen (intramolecular attraction) with an activation barrier of 33 kJ mol-1 using the solvation model that based on density (SMD) solvent model calculated at B3LYP/6-31G(d). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Espanola Formation of the Paleoproterozoic Huronian Supergroup is a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic succession that is well exposed in the Bruce Mines-Elliot Lake Area, Ontario, Canada. The siliciclastic portion of the formation is mainly dominated by shale with subordinate content of wake and arkose. Elemental geochemical analysis of the rocks was conducted in order to decipher their provenance, paleo-weathering conditions, and plate tectonic setting. The analyzed Espanola Formation samples display steep REE distribution patterns with high LaN/YbN ratios ranging from 3.68 to 20.83 (average LaN/YbN = 16.4), and are characterized by consistently negative Eu anomalies (average Eu/Eu* = 0.69). Furthermore, on the La-Th-Sc ternary model, the samples cluster around the average granodiorite and tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) compositions with a clear linear trend toward felsic sources. A similar distribution and trend are also displayed on the Co/Th and La/Sc ratio plot. Such geochemical characteristics indicate derivation from an exposed upper continental crust of granodioritic and TTG compositions, namely the Archean Superior Province to the north, with minor contributions from mafic volcanic and/or sedimentary rocks, as further demonstrated by provenance discriminant models (La-Th-Sc and Co/Th-La/Sc). The source rocks were subjected to relatively low to moderate chemical weathering as reflected by their generally low chemical index of alteration values (average CIA = 62.90). Tectonic discriminant models (K2O/ Na2O-SiO2 and SiO2/Al2O3-K2O/Na2O) indicate significant contributions of siliciclastic sediments from sources within a stable passive continental margin, with minor contributions from an active continental margin and continental island arcs. The Zr/Sc-Th/Sc model further confirms that the composition of the analyzed Espanola Formation siliciclastic samples was mainly controlled by tectonic setting and provenance with minimal influence of sediment recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of brown grease using pyrolysis reactions represents a very promising option for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals. Brown grease forms a mixture of alkanes, alkenes, and ketones at a temperature above 300°C at atmospheric pressure. This work is a computational study of the detailed reaction mechanisms of brown grease pyrolysis using DFT methodology. Prior experimental investigations confirmed product formation consistent with a set of radical reactions with CO2 elimination, as well as ketone by product formation, CO forming reactions, and formation of alcohols and aldehydes as minor byproducts. In this work, computational quantum chemistry was used to explore these reactions in greater detail. Particularly, a nonradical pathway formed ketone byproducts via the ketene, which we refer to as Pathways A1 and A2. Radical formation by thermal decomposition of unsaturated fatty acids initiates a set of reactions which eliminate CO2, regenerating alkyl radicals leading to hydrocarbon products (Pathway B). A third pathway (Pathway C) is an alternative set of radical reactions, resulting in decarbonylation and formation of minor byproducts. The results of the calculations are in good agreement with recent experimental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed computational study of the dehydrogenation reaction of trans-propylamine (trans-PA) in the gas phase has been performed using density functional method (DFT) and CBS-QB3 calculations. Different mechanistic pathways were studied for the reaction of n-propylamine. Both thermodynamic functions and activation parameters were calculated for all investigated pathways. Most of the dehydrogenation reaction mechanisms occur in a concerted step transition state as an exothermic process. The mechanisms for pathways A and B comprise two key-steps: H2 eliminated from PA leading to the formation of allylamine that undergoes an unimolecular dissociation in the second step of the mechanism. Among these pathways, the formation of ethyl cyanide and H2 is the most significant one (pathway B), both kinetically and thermodynamically, with an energy barrier of 416 kJ mol−1. The individual mechanisms for the pathways from C to N involve the dehydrogenation reaction of PA via hydrogen ion, ammonia ion and methyl cation. The formation of α-propylamine cation and NH3 (pathway E) is the most favorable reaction with an activation barrier of 1 kJ mol−1. This pathway has the lowest activation energy calculated of all proposed pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was aimed to study the most important economic variables affecting of the production capacity of poultry meat in Al-Ahsa governorate by estimating the parameters of the production functions, the quantitative and value costs of the broiler farms,. The economic analysis method used a sample of 33 meat projects in the eastern region, representing 35.9% of the total number of projects in the Eastern Region and 92 projects till 2017. was divided into three categories, the first capacity (less than 150 thousand chickens), consisting of 16 projects representing 48.5% of the total sample farms and the second capacity (150 thousand to 300 thousand chickens), consisting of 10 projects representing 30.3% And the third (more than 300 thousand chickens) and consists of 7 projects representing 21.2% of the total sample farms, the results showed that the amount of feed and the number of chicks in the study sample ranked first and second in the total cost items of the first, second and third production capacity, representing about 63.6%, 64.8% and 63.1% (18.4% and 18.7%) with an average of about 63.9% and 18.4% respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was aimed at conducting a financial evaluation of sheep feeding systems in Al-Ahsa in KSA to identify the feasibility of investing in these projects. By field study, identified two systems for fattening the first system of fattening for 4 months, 3 cycles a year, and the second system of fattening for 6 months, two cycles a year. Secondary data collected by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the annual statistical book, a random sample of sheep breeders in Al-Ahsa governorate. The criteria for financial evaluation of projects are used. The results showed that the system of fattening for 4 months better than the other system, where the internal rate of return (IRR) for the first system 84% compared to 62% for the second, respectively. While the ratio of revenues to the cost of the two systems amounted to about 1.27, while the net present value amounted to 2592, 2160.7 thousand riyals respectively. In the absence of support, the preference of the fattening system are also shown for 4 months, with an internal rate of return of about 44% compared to 34% for the fattening system for 6 months. The study recommends directing the largest amount of Saudi investment to agricultural investment, particularly in the field of animal production, and encouraging investment in red meat manufacturing, to reduce reliance on imports from unsafe external sources and to achieve an appropriate level of food security in red meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, accurate electron channelling contrast imaging (A-ECCI) assisted by high resolution selected area channelling patterns (HR-SACP) was used to characterize the structure of a complex low sub-grain boundary in a creep deformed uranium dioxide (UO 2) ceramic. The dislocations were characterized using TEM-style g · b = 0 and g · b × u = 0 contrast criteria. Misorientations across the boundary were measured using HR-SACPs with 0.04° precision and high accuracy EBSD. The boundary was determined to be asymmetric and mixed in nature, composed of two distinct regions with different dislocation morphologies and a misorientation below 0.5°. The A-ECCI, HR-SACP, and HR-EBSD results are consistent, confirming A-ECCI as a powerful tool for characterizing even complex dislocations structures using scanning electron microscopy. This is particularly true for UO 2 , since this material is very difficult to thin, which makes TEM examination of sub-boundaries over the scale of several micrometers difficult. Furthermore, in this study, the change in dislocations arrangement along the breath of the complex low angle sub-grain boundary is related to the misorientation across the boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As far as potential toxic elements (PTEs) have definite numerous adverse impacts on soil ecosystems; there is an urgent need for proper indicators to monitor their remediation process. Certainly, monitoring soil remediation process would enable assessing the efficiency of varied remediation techniques. Remediation of soil ecosystem pollution using protocols of chemical remediative amendments, i.e., (elemental sulfur, rock phosphate, bentonite and kaolinite) and biological remediative amendments, i.e., (Thiobacillus thiooxidans, Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, phosphate dissolving bacteria and Pseudomonas fluorescens) were evaluated under field conditions in a heavy metals contaminated soil ecosystem cultivated with the hyper accumulator turnip. Results showed a significant decrease in the hazards of PTEs in the studied soil ecosystem represented by decreasing Zinc equivalent (ZE) values from 854.5 ppm in the uncultivated control soil to 498.3 ppm in the cultivated control soil. Application of the treatment (T7), was the best treatment applied, this treatment decreased ZE value to 104.2 ppm. Significant negative correlations were detected between dehydrogenase activity (DHA) as a biological indicator for the whole microbial activity in the soil ecosystem and Zn Equivalent (ZE) as a chemical indicator parameter in both treated and untreated soils. The results of this work imply that the used treatments significantly returned the contaminated soil to a healthy soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of the anti-Criegee intermediate (anti-CI) of β-pinene with prevalent atmospheric species has been investigated using quantum-chemical calculations. The calculations predict that the ozone addition to CI occurs with a Gibbs energy of activation (ΔG‡) of 77 kJ mol−1. The CI reaction with CH4, C2H6, NH3, and chlorinated ethanes is not energetically favored and has high barriers in the range of 253 to 362 kJ mol−1. The more probable reaction with SO2 forms a secondary ozonide (SOZ) intermediate with a barrier of 9 kJ mol−1, while the ΔG‡ to dissociation is 101 kJ mol−1. Among the reactions studied, the one with N ̇ O had the lowest ΔG‡ for its rate-determining step. The ΔG‡ values of the first step addition of O3, NH3, SO2, and N ̇ O do not exceed 84 kJ mol−1. In contrast to previous predictions, the N ̇ O reaction with the CI did not proceed through cyclic adduct formation. The findings agree with previous studies which found that CIs act as oxidizing agents, converting SO2 to SO3, and N ̇ O to N ̇ O2. Thus, the CIs of biogenic compounds should be added to the list of atmospheric oxidizing agents along with O3, NO3, and OH radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, quarkonium dissociation is investigated in an anisotropic plasma in the hot and dense media. For that purpose, the multidimensional Schrödinger equation is solved analytically by Nikiforov-Uvarov (NU) method for the real part of the potential in an anisotropic medium. The binding energy and dissociation temperature are calculated. In comparison with an isotropic medium, the binding energy of quarkonium is enhanced in the presence of an anisotropic medium. The present results show that the dissociation temperature increases with increasing anisotropic parameter for 1S state of the charmonium and bottomonium. We observe that the lower baryonic chemical potential has small effect in both isotropic and anisotropic media. A comparison is presented with other pervious theoretical works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variance components and genetic parameters for growth traits were estimated for Barki lambs using the average information REMLF90 (AIREMLF90). A total of 3205 Barki lambs’ records over the period from 1984 to 2017 from experimental Borg Al-Arab station belonging to Animal Production Research Institute (APRI) were analyzed by fitting Random Regression Model (RRM) with Legendre polynomials (LPs) for body weight traits from birth up to 480 days. Gender, type of birth, year, season and age of dam were considered as fixed effects in addition to the fixed regression on Legendre polynomials, while random regression of additive genetic and permanent environmental effects were considered as random factors in the model. The results showed that all fixed factors and some interactions were significant for all studied traits (P<0.05). Quadratic equation was the best description for growth curve. Additive genetic and permanent environment variances ranged from 0.88 to 6.08 and from 0.88 to 15.33 for birth and thirteen months weights, respectively. Additive genetic and permanent environment covariances ranged from 0.05 to 16.06 and from 0.08 to 9.20 for birth with six months weights and for weaning with ten months weights, respectively. Direct and total heritabilities ranged from 0.05 to 0.41 and from 0.08 to 0.74 for four months and birth weights, respectively. Additive, genetic and phenotypic correlation coefficients were the lowest between birth weight with other studied traits and the highest between ten months weight with other studied traits. Phenotypic variances were oscillated between 2.27 for birth weight to 22.56 for seven months weight, while, residual variances were oscillated between 0.06 for birth weight to 14.05 for four months weight. Therefore, ten months of age recommended to be the best criterion for selecting Egyptian Barki lambs for meat production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 30-year-old female presented to the rheumatology outpatient clinic of the Internal Medicine Department, Ain Shams University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, complaining of a large right leg ulcer consistent with pyoderma gangrenosum. There was history of recurrent attacks of bleeding per rectum of one-year duration. During hospitalization she noticed blurring of vision in the left eye with diffuse blackish discoloration of the feet and toes, consistent with small-vessel vasculitis. Colonoscopy with biopsy and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease-ulcerative colitis (IBD-UC). Meanwhile, the patient fulfilled the SLICC classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): recurrent oral ulcers, positive antinuclear antibody testing, proteinuria >0.5 gm/24-hour urine, positive test for lupus anticoagulant and consumed C3 complement component. Herein we report a rare case of coexistence of SLE and IBD-UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrosion of prestressed concrete tendons is a huge problem that must be addressed since it can cause serious damages. This corrosion involves the synergetic effect of applied stress and aggressive environment which accelerate the material damage. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the efficiency of phosphate-based inhibitor Na 3 PO 4 ·12H 2 O against prestressed steel corrosion in chloride contaminated concrete pore solution under stress conditions. Emphasis is placed on the effect of this inhibitor on the critical [Cl − ]/[OH − ] ratio for prestressing tendons corrosion initiation. The study was carried out using electrochemical techniques and Acoustic Emission (AE). Then samples surfaces were observed by Optical Microscope (MO) and analyzed by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The obtained results indicate on one hand that the mechanical stress decreases the value of the critical [Cl − ]/[OH − ] ratio. On the other hand the incorporation of trisodium phosphate inhibitor (TSP) enhances the critical [Cl − ]/[OH − ] ratio and increases both of E pit and E cor values for a given ratio which suggests an anodic protection mechanism of the inhibitor. Acoustic emission evolution recorded along with the anodic polarization revealed a longer period of time for inducing the damage of the specimen when inhibitor is added. EDX analysis showed that phosphate ions are likely to form compounds that block anodic sites which help to delay prestressed steel corrosion initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report the bimolecular reaction of trifluoromethylhydroxycarbene conformers and the water-mediated mechanism of the 1,2-proton shift for the unimolecular trans -conformer by using quantum chemical calculations. The CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ//MP2/cc-pVDZ potential-energy profile of the bimolecular reaction of cis - and trans -trifluoromethylhydroxycarbene, shows the lowest gas-phase barrier height of 13 kJ mol −1 compared to the recently reported value of 128 kJ mol −1 for the unimolecular reaction. We expect bimolecular reactions of carbene’s stereoisomers will open a valuable field for new and useful synthetic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-body effects are studied for both asymmetric nuclear matter and pure neutron matter to calculate the nuclear Equation of State (EOS). The Brueckner-Hartree-Fock (BHF) approximation is used using CD BonnB and Argonne V18 potentials. A two-body density dependent Skyrme potential is added to reproduce the empirical saturation point. Good agreement is obtained in comparison with exact calculation including three-body forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoterpenes are prevalent organic compounds emitted to the atmosphere, via biogenic activities in various types of plants. Monoterpenes undergo atmospheric decomposition reactions derived by the potent atmospheric oxidizing agents, OH, O3, and NOx. This review critically surveys literature pertinent to the atmospheric removal of monoterpenes by ozone. In general, the ozonolysis reactions of monoterpenes occur through the so-called Criegee mechanism. These classes of reactions generate a wide array of chemical organic and inorganic low vapor pressure (LVP) species. Carbonyl oxides, commonly known as Criegee intermediates (CIs), are the main intermediates from the gas-phase ozonolysis reaction. Herein, we present mechanistic pathways, reactions rate constants, product profiles, thermodynamic, and kinetic results dictating the ozonolysis reactions of selected monoterpenes (namely carene, camphene, limonene, α-pinene, β-pinene, and sabinene). Furthermore, the unimolecular (vinyl hydroperoxide and ester channels) and bimolecular reactions (cycloaddition, insertion, and radical recombination) of the resulting CIs are fully discussed. The orientations and conformations of the resulting primary ozonides (POZs) and CIs of monoterpenes are classified to reveal their plausible effects on reported thermokinetic parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)embedded poly (N-vinylpyrrolidone/dextran) hydrogels were prepared by gamma radiation. Highly stable and uniformly distributed AgNPs have been obtained within hydrogel networks as nanoreactors via in situ reduction of silver nitrate using sodium borohydride as reducing agent. The formation of AgNPs has been confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy measurements show a distinct characteristic absorption peaks around 420 nm, indicating the formation of AgNPs. X-ray diffraction analysis and dynamic light scattering demonstrated that the hydrogels have regulated the AgNPs size to a nanoscale. The combination of the AgNPs with doxorubicin (DOX) as a model of antitumor drug forms a new biocompatible nanodrug. Our results show that the AgNPs effectively increased survival rate and decreased tumor volume of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma–bearing mice more than the DOX-treated group and enhanced the cytotoxicity of DOX in different human cancer cell lines (HepG2, T47D, and PC3). DOX-AgNPs decreased malondialdehyde and total nitrate/nitrite levels and increased superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content in the rat cardiac tissues compared with the DOX-treated group. In conclusion, DOX-AgNPs improved therapeutic index and reduced DOX-induced cardiotoxicity via preservation of cardiac markers, which represents a promising candidate for cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The penetration of chloride ions by diffusion has become among the most important factors that lead to concrete reinforcement deterioration. To solve the corrosion problem and achieve the expected service life of reinforced concrete structures, many procedures can be employed such as the use of corrosion inhibitors. In this paper a phosphate based inhibitor (Na 3 PO 4 ·12H 2 O) has been used to study its effectiveness against corrosion and its influence on chloride ions diffusion. This study has been conducted in steady-state conditions using a specific diffusion cell. This simple and effective technique was complemented by the use of a non-destructive method for measuring the concentrations of free chloride ions, diffused through the mortar containing or not phosphate inhibitor, which is the specific chloride electrode (ORION 96-17). The Inhibitor effect, the period and the chloride corrosion threshold of steel reinforcement has been followed using electrochemical techniques. Characterization methods were employed in order to study the behavior of the mortar in absence and presence of phosphate inhibitor. From these methods, it was possible to calculate the evolution of chloride diffusivity over the whole range of chloride concentrations. Results show that the addition of phosphate inhibitor in mortar can reduce significantly the corrosion rate of steel reinforcement in chloride solution, and also increases the critical period of pitting initiation from 30 to 100 days. In these conditions, the calculated chloride diffusion coefficient was estimated at 0.103 × 10 −11 m 2 /s, value obviously lower than that obtained in the case of the mortar without inhibitor (0.22 × 10 −11 m 2 /s), during the same period. Thus it can be concluded that the presence of this phosphate inhibitor in mortar reduces the chloride diffusion rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed computational study of the deamination reaction of melamine by OH-, nH2O/OH-, nH2O (where n = 1, 2, 3), and protonated melamine with H2O, has been carried out using density functional theory and ab initio calculations. All structures were optimized at M06/6-31G(d) level of theory, as well as with the B3LYP functional with each of the basis sets: 6-31G(d), 6-31 + G(d), 6-31G(2df,p), and 6-311++G(3df,3pd). B3LYP, M06, and ωB97XD calculations with 6-31 + G(d,p) have also been performed. All structures were optimized at B3LYP/6-31 + G(d,p) level of theory for deamination simulations in an aqueous medium, using both the polarizable continuum solvation model and the solvation model based on solute electron density. Composite method calculations have been conducted at G4MP2 and CBS-QB3. Fifteen different mechanistic pathways were explored. Most pathways consisted of two key steps: formation of a tetrahedral intermediate and in the final step, an intermediate that dissociates to products via a 1,3-proton shift. The lowest overall activation energy, 111 kJ mol−1 at G4MP2, was obtained for the deamination of melamine with 3H2O/OH−. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of automation controllers for irrigation systems using saline water in irrigated agriculture, as a means of its disposal, was evaluated in a field experiment that was conducted in three successful seasons (2012, 2013, and 2014) at sites at the National Research Center (NRC) farm, Egypt. The purpose of the research was to study the effect of injected saline water (0, 15, and 30%), using three automation controller drip irrigation systems [surface drip (SD) and subsurface drip at both 10-cm (SSD10) and 20-cm (SSD20) soil depths] on the vegetative growth and water productivity (WP) of a wheat variety (Triticum aestivum L. CV. Gemmaiza 9). The results showed that subsurface drip irrigation (SSD20) has a preemptive effect on both wheat grain and straw yield, and the percentage of the increase was 7.11 and 6.12%, respectively, as compared with an automation controller (SD) irrigation system. Additionally, the percentage of the increase was 1.68 and 1.83% compared between automation controller (SSD20) and both (SSD10; SD) irrigation systems for grain and straw yield, respectively. Increasing water salinity to 14.82% reduced WP and straw 11.62 and 16.23%. The reductions were 37.52 and 39.79% of saline water, and 30.23% for same sequences. Responses of wheat growth to water deficits vary depending on the wheat species and growth stages of the plants being used. A highly positive correlation coefficient was attained among wheat plant characteristics, except for water consumption during the growing season of the wheat plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High resolution selected area channeling pattern (HR-SACP) assisted accurate electron channeling contrast imaging (A-ECCI) was used to unambiguously characterize the structure of a low angle grain boundary in an interstitial-free-steel. The boundary dislocations were characterized using TEM-style contrast analysis. The boundary was determined to be tilt in nature with a misorientation angle of 0.13° consistent with the HR-SACP measurements. The results were verified using high accuracy electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), confirming the approach as a discriminating tool for assessing low angle boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collection of selected area channeling patterns (SACPs) on a high resolution FEG-SEM is essential to carry out quantitative electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI) studies, as it facilitates accurate determination of the crystal plane normal with respect to the incident beam direction and thus allows control the electron channeling conditions. Unfortunately commercial SACP modes developed in the past were limited in spatial resolution and are often no longer offered. In this contribution we present a novel approach for collecting high resolution SACPs (HR-SACPs) developed on a Gemini column. This HR-SACP technique combines the first demonstrated sub-micron spatial resolution with high angular accuracy of about 0.1°, at a convenient working distance of 10 mm. This innovative approach integrates the use of aperture alignment coils to rock the beam with a digitally calibrated beam shift procedure to ensure the rocking beam is maintained on a point of interest. Moreover a new methodology to accurately measure SACP spatial resolution is proposed. While column considerations limit the rocking angle to 4°, this range is adequate to index the HR-SACP in conjunction with the pattern simulated from the approximate orientation deduced by EBSD. This new technique facilitates Accurate ECCI (A-ECCI) studies from very fine grained and/or highly strained materials. It offers also new insights for developing HR-SACP modes on new generation high-resolution electron columns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, and its incidence is increasing. Despite advances in medical science, the treatment of colon cancer still poses a significant challenge. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of Adiantum pedatum (AP) extract and/or piceatannol on colon cancer induced via phenylhydrazine (PHZ) in terms of the antioxidant and apoptotic pathways and histopathologic changes in the colons of male albino rats. The rats were randomly divided into eight groups: control, AP extract, piceatannol (P), PHZ, PHZ and AP treatments, PHZ and P treatments, PHZ and both AP and P, and PHZ and prophylaxis with both AP and P. The results demonstrated that PHZ induced oxidative damage, apoptosis, and histopathological changes compared to the control group. However, the administration of AP or P or AP + P as therapy or prophylaxis significantly ameliorated these changes and upregulated the colonic mir-145 and mRNA expression of P53 and PDCD-4 while downregulating the colonic mRNA expression of PI3K, AKT, c-Myc, CK-20, SOX-2, OCT-4, and NanoG compared to the PHZ group. These findings suggest that the candidate drugs may exert their anti-cancer effects through multiple mechanisms, including antioxidant and apoptotic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-destructive, comprehensive dislocations characterization in fine grained Interstitial-Free Steel was realized for the first time by Accurate Electron Channeling Contrast Imaging “A-ECCI” in a Scanning Electron Microscope. Conventional Transmission Electron Microscopy g·b =0 invisibility criterion and trace analysis were applied to determine Burgers vectors and line directions in this bulk material. This approach relies on the live collection of High Resolution Selected Area Channeling Patterns “HR-SACPs” using an innovative procedure to rock the beam with a remarkable spatial resolution of about 1μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the conventional design of home security systems, only the property is typically monitored, without taking into consideration the physical control aspects of the house itself. Besides, the term security is not strictly well defined in view of the fact that there is usually a time delay between the alarm system going on and actual arrival of the security personnel. This paper presents the development of a home security and monitoring system that is suitable where the traditional security systems that are mostly concerned about curbing burglary, gathering evidence against trespassing and so on fail. The design and implementation details of this new home control and security system which is based on field programmable gate array has been discussed in the subject paper. The user here can interact directly with the system through a web-based interface over the Internet, while home appliances like air conditioners, lights, door locks, and gates are controlled remotely through a user-friendly web page. An additional feature that enhances the security aspect of the system is its capability to monitor entry points such as doors and windows so that in the event of any breach, an alerting email message could be sent to the home owner instantly. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Glutamineapopular nutritional supplement, non-toxic aminoacid, and an essential interorgan and intercellular ammonia transportercandestroy the neurons’ mitochondria. When glutamine enters (likea Trojan horse) into the mitochondria, in the presence of glutaminase,it reacts with water and yields glutamate and excess ammonia whichopens gates in the membrane of the mitochondria and thereby destroysit. The mechanistic details underlying the molecular basis of thecatabolic production of excess ammonia remain unclear. In the presentpaper, both 5-oxoproline-mediated and direct pathways for glutaminedeamidation are studied using wave function and density functionaltheories. The mechanisms are studied both in the gas phase and inaqueous solution using the polarizable continuum model (PCM) and solventmodel on density (SMD) solvation models. Among three glutamine deamidationpathways, a two-step pathway, GDB, shows the lowest gas phase barrierheight of 189 kJ/mol with the G3MP2B3 level of theory. Incorporationof solvent through PCM and SMD models reduces the barrier height to183 and 174 kJ/mol, respectively. For the hydrolysis of 5-oxoproline,a two-step mechanism, pathway PH-B, provides a lower gas phase energybarrier (187 kJ/mol) compared to one-step (201 kJ/mol) and three-step(227 kJ/mol) pathways at G3MP2B3. Although direct hydrolysis withOH–, pathway DHE, has the lowest gas phase barrierof 135 kJ/mol, the solvent has little effect on the barrier. For thedirect hydrolysis with OH–/H2O, pathwayDHF, the overall barrier is 143 kJ/mol, in the gas phase at G3MP2B3.In aqueous solution, the overall barrier decreases to 76 and 75 kJ/molwith PCM and SMD, respectively, at B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p), making thisthe most plausible mechanism. Compared to PCM, SMD predicts lowerbarriers for nearly all pathways investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of nuclear matter are studied in the frame of the Brueckner theory. The Brueckner-Hartree-Fock approximation plus two-body density-dependent Skyrme potential which is equivalent to three-body interaction are used. Various modern nucleon-nucleon potentials are used in the framework of the Brueckner-Hartree-Fock approximation, e.g.: CD-Bonn potential, Nijm1 potential, and Reid 93 potential. These modern nucleon-nucleon potentials fit the deuteron properties and are phase shifts equivalent. The equation of state at T = 0, pressure at T = 0, 8, and 12 MeV, free energy at T = 8 and 12 MeV, nuclear matter incompressibility, and the symmetry energy calculation are presented. The hot properties of nuclear matter are calculated using T-approximation method at low temperatures. Good agreement is obtained in comparison with previous theoretical estimates and experimental data, especially at low densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Campanian to Maastrichtian Aruma Formation represents a distinctive depositional system of the carbonate-dominated ramp along the Arabian plate. Sedimentologic characteristics and stratigraphic relations are integrated with carbon and oxygen stable-isotope data to interpret the depositional environments in a sequence stratigraphic framework. One siliciclastic facies association (FA1) and eight carbonate microfacies (MF 1–8) belonging to four facies belts (FB1–4) were identified. Facies characteristics support accumulations on a carbonate ramp environment that extends from offshore/outer ramp to middle and inner ramp settings. Stable-isotope data are correlated to the oscillating global sea-level curve and global excursions' events in order to refine the sequence stratigraphy of the Aruma Formation. Carbon-isotope chemostratigraphy shows remarkable long-time excursions, which are correlated to the two global negative excursions (Late Campanian event "LCE" and Campanian–Maastrichtian boundary event "CMBE") as well as the positive δ13 C excursion of Middle Maastrichtian event "MME" and the uppermost negative δ13 C excursion toward the K–Pg boundary. The negative shift in the δ13 C values associated with relatively positive values in the δ18 O herald three marked sea-level falls, which can be coincided with global sequence boundaries. The merged surfaces TS1/SB1 and TS2/SB2 can be correlated to the Campanian events KCa3 (80 Ma) and KCa6 (75.4 Ma), respectively. The coplanar surface TS3/SB3 matches well with the Maastrichtian event KMa3 (69.4 Ma). The positive values of δ13 C and/or negative values of δ18 O coincide with periods of maximum transgressions. The minor pulses are mostly attributed to cyclic fourth-order sequences. The established sequence stratigraphic architecture and depositional model of the outcrop data herein will be useful in regional correlations with analogous subsurface successions along the Arabian plate and enhancement of potential petroleum explorations. • Facies analysis shows that the Aruma Fm was deposited on a regional carbonate ramp. • Chemostratigraphy reveals remarkable excursions, coinciding with the K2 global events. • Late Campanian to Middle Maastrichtian "LCE, CMBE and MME" events were documented. • Aruma Fm (second-order sequence) comprises three main third-order sequences. • The reported sequences herald Campanian to Maastrichtian global sea-level pulsations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deamination of adenine is one of several forms of premutagenic lesions occurring in DNA. In the present study, mechanisms for the deamination reaction of adenine with OH−/ nH2O ( n = 0, 1, 2, 3) and 3H2O were investigated. HF/6-31G(d), B3LYP/6-31G(d), MP2/6-31G(d), and B3LYP/6-31+G(d) levels of theory were employed to search for and optimize all geometries. Energies were calculated at the G3MP2B3 and CBS-QB3 levels of theory. The effect of solvent (water) was computed using the polarizable continuum model (PCM). Intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) calculations were performed for all transition states. Five pathways were investigated for the deamination reaction of adenine with OH−/ nH2O and 3H2O. The first four pathways ( A- D) are initiated by deprotonation at the amino group of adenine by OH−, while pathway E is initiated by tautomerization of adenine. For all pathways the next two steps involve formation of a tetrahedral intermediate followed by dissociation to products via a 1,3-proton shift. Deamination with a single OH− has a high activation barrier (190 kJ mol−1 using the G3MP2B3 level) for the rate-determining step. The addition of one water molecule reduces this barrier by 68 kJ mol−1 at the G3MP2B3 level. Adding additional water molecules decreases the overall activation energy of the reaction, but the effect becomes smaller with each additional water molecule. The most plausible mechanism is pathway E, the deamination reaction of adenine with 3H2O, with an overall G3MP2B3 activation energy of 139 and 137 kJ mol−1 for the gas phase and PCM, respectively. This barrier is lower than that for the deamination with OH−/3H2O by 6 and 2 kJ mol−1 for the gas phase and PCM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:Frontal sinus surgery continues to challenge even the most experienced endoscopic sinus surgeon. Revision frontal sinus surgery is even more challenging. The use of stents in frontal sinus surgery has long been described, as an attempt to decrease the incidence of synechiae and stenosis.Method:This study included five patients who had previously undergone functional endoscopic sinus surgery but suffered recurrence of frontal sinusitis. Two had bilateral disease. Double J stents were used after endoscopic frontal sinusotomy. The stents were left in place for six months.Results:Four of the 5 patients (6 out of 7 sinuses) had a patent frontal outflow tract after 10 to 36 months’ follow up.Conclusion:Double J stents can be used as frontal sinus stents. They are well tolerated by patients, easily applied, and self-retaining with no need for sutures. The length of the stent can be altered according to the patient's anatomy and pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The nucléon properties due to the restoration of the chiral symmetry at nonzero temperature T are investigated within the framework of the linear a model. The field equations are solved using the coherent-pair approximation. In this approach, the quantum fields are treated in a nonperturbative fashion. We minimize the expectation value of the chiral Hamiltonian using the ansatz of the coherent-pair ground-state configuration. The obtained results show that the nucléon mass and mean-square radius of the proton and the neutron increase monotonically with the temperature T and that the pion-nucleon coupling constant g&ldquor;NN decreases with temperature values that are near the value of the critical temperature Tc. The nucléon mass and mean-square radius of the proton are examined in the (x, T) plane, showing a sensitive dependence on the coherence parameter x. This means that an increase of both the coherence parameter x and the temperature T leads to an increase in the values of the nucléon mass and the mean-square radius of the proton. This is evidence for the quark-gluon deconfinement phase transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Under physiological conditions, maintenance of skeletal mass is the result of a tightly coupled process of bone formation and bone resorption. Disease states, osteoporosis included, arise when this delicate balance is disrupted such as in menopause. The aim of the present work was to study the effect of leptin supplementation on bone metabolism in ovariectomized adult female rats, by measuring indices of bone biomarkers. Material and methods. Forty adult female albino rats were chosen as an animal model for this study and divided into the four equal groups (n=10/group): Group I (control SHAM-operated group), Group II (ovariectomy group). Group III (alendronate group): Ovariectomized rats that received alendronate 0.1 mg/kg body weight i.p. daily for eight weeks. Group IV (leptin group): Ovariectomized rats that received leptin (10µg/kg body weight) i.p. daily for eight weeks. The obtained serum is required for determination of: Serum osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, calcium and phosphorus levels. Results. The obtained data revealed that: Treatment with alendronate or leptin caused significant decrease of serum osteocalcin, specific bone alkaline phosphatase and urinary deoxypyridinoline levels compared to ovariectomy group. Conclusions. The results obtained in the present study provide evidence that daily administration of leptin contributes significantly to improve the bone biomarkers of ovariectomy in rats. Leptin prevents ovariectomy induced increases in bone turnover in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy per particle, symmetry energy, pressure, and free energy are calculated for symmetric nuclear matter using BHF approach with modern nucleon-nucleon CD-Bonn, Nijm1, Argonne v, and Reid 93 potentials. To obtain saturation in nuclear matter we add three-body interaction terms which are equivalent to a density-dependent two-nucleon interaction a la Skyrme force. Good agreement is obtained in comparison with previous theoretical estimates and experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In automotive industry, engine vibration isolation has been a challenging task, and given the emergence of new vehicles with more stringent performance characteristics, engine vibration isolation has become an even more demanding issue. Most engine mounts are passive — that is, their parameter values and characteristics are fixed — and as a result, they may not properly attenuate the complicated vibration transmitted from the engine. In this paper, the development of a new active mount is described. This paper describes modeling, development, and experimental analysis of an active engine mount, which is specifically designed to address the Variable Displacement Engine (VDE) isolation problem. An electromechanical actuator is fabricated and retrofitted inside the inertia track plate of a hydraulic engine mount. The plunger of the electromechanical actuator moves upon receiving the signal from the controller, and it changes the dynamic performance of the mount accordingly based on frequency, amplitude, and phase of the activation signal. Experimental results are presented for different control signals. Simulated and experimental results are compared to validate the mathematical model. The experimental results demonstrate the performance of the designed active engine mount to deal with complicated vibration patterns, specifically those created by VDEs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Engine mounts are used in the automotive industry to isolate engine and chassis by reducing the noise and vibration imposed from one to the other. This paper describes modelling, simulation and design of a semi-active engine mount that is designed specifically to address the complicated vibration pattern of variable displacement engines (VDE). The ideal isolation for VDE requires the stiffness to be switchable upon cylinder activation/deactivation operating modes. In order to have a modular design, the same hydraulic engine mount components are maintained and a novel auxiliary magneto-rheological (MR) fluid chamber is developed and retrofitted inside the pumping chamber. The new compliance chamber is a controllable pressure regulator, which can effectively alter the dynamic performance of the mount. Switching between different modes happens by turning the electrical current to the MR chamber magnetic coil on and off. A model has been developed for the passive hydraulic mount and then it is extended to include the MR auxiliary chamber as well. A proof-of-concept prototype of the design has been fabricated which validates the mathematical model. The results demonstrate unique capability of the developed semi-active mount to be used for VDE application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of lactate dehydrogenase (LD) isoenzyme activity profile in uterine fluid and transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) in detection of endometrial cancer in women with postmenopausal bleeding. Study Design: Prospective controlled clinical study. Methods: One hundred twenty postmenopausal women with one or more episode of vaginal bleeding were studied. Endometrial thickness was classified as >5 mm or <5 mm on TVS. LD isoenzyme activity profile was described as normal or abnormal. LD isoenzyme profile was subsequently related to histopathological diagnosis. Results: Endometrial carcinoma was found in 10 out of 120 patients (8.3%). Sixty-seven patients (56%) were found to have endometrium >5-mm thickness on TVS. LD isoenzyme activity profile was abnormal in 22 (18.3%) cases. Histopathological diagnosis in these cases revealed 10 endometrial cancer and 12 benign endometrium. LD isoenzyme activity profile has 100% sensitivity, 90.1% specificity, 45.4% positive predictive value, 100% negative predictive value, and 88.6% accuracy. Conclusion: LD isoenzyme profile of uterine fluid could be added as a marker for endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women with vaginal bleeding and endometrial thickness >5 mm on transvaginal ultrasound. Uterine fluid sampling is easy, highly reliable, minimally invasive, with high patient compliance, and can be performed as an office procedure. Furthermore, this method is insensitive to endometrial thickness, amount of sample, sampling device, and dilution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The emission spectra and the lifetime of the lasing transition 4I13/2→4I15/2 in Er3+-doped TeO2-ZnO binary glass have been studied. The investigation includes Raman scattering spectroscopy as well as optical absorption, luminescence, and lifetime measurements techniques. The influence of erbium concentration on the line-shape of this electron transition has been analyzed. It was observed that the increasing of Er3+ ion concentration, in the 0.2–4mol% range, results in a structural changes and a significant spectral broadening of the 1.53μm emission band. Reabsorption has been evoked to explain the broadening of the 4I13/2→4I15/2 emission line. In the paper, is also reported the effect of the erbium content on the emission intensity of the 4I13/2→4I15/2 transition as well as on the lifetime of the 4I13/2 level. Based on the electrical–dipole interaction theory, the luminescence concentration quenching mechanism by hydroxyl groups is analyzed. The data suggest that <10% of hydroxyl groups are coupled to erbium ions in the zinc tellurite glass network. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]