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Silicon is known to improve resistance against salinity stress in maize crop. This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of silicon application on growth and salt resistance in maize. Seeds of two maize genotypes (salt-sensitive ‘EV 1089’ and salt-tolerant ‘Syngenta 8441’) were grown in pots containing 0 and 2 mM Si with and without 50 mM NaCl. After detailed investigation of ion concentrations in different maize organs, both genotypes were further selected in hydroponic experiment on basis of their contrasting response to salinity stress. In the second experiment, pre-germinated seedlings were transplanted into nutrient solution with 0 and 60 mM NaCl with and without 2 mM Si. Both genotypes differed significantly in their response to salinity. Silicon addition alleviated both osmotic and oxidative stress in maize crop by improving the performance of defensive machinery under salinity stress. Silicon application also improved the water-use efficiency in both tested genotypes under both normal and salinity stress conditions. In conclusion, this study implies that the silicon-treated maize plants had better chance to survive under salinity conditions and their photosynthetic and biochemical apparatus was working far better than that of silicon-non-treated plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation was conducted at Gemmeiza, Agric. Res. Station, El Gharbia Governorate, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Egypt, during the period between 2014 and 2015 summer seasons to evaluate eight selected teosinte genotypes. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replicates. The data measured were fresh yield (fr) and dry yield (dy) over the consecutive cuts. Plant height (ph), stem dimeter (SD), number of leaves on the main stem (NL), leaf area per plant, dry matter (DM), fresh yield, dry yield, fresh leaves / stem (%) and dry leaves / stem (%) and were recorded at cutting time. Heritability estimate, in the broad sense (h2b), on mean basis for traits, were carried out. Genotypes 3 and 4 were the superior to the other tested genotypes in morphological characters in both seasons. The heritability was high in fresh yield (fy) (99.9%) and dry matter (DM) (99.8%), followed by plant height (99.5%) and leaf area (99.5%). (SDS PAGE) official sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was employed to detect variation in total soluble protein content technique among the eight genotypes of teosinte; namely, 1, 2, 3, 4, , 6, 7 and 8 genotypes. Different protein fragmentation was recorded for the teosinte genotypes, which ranged from 21 to 16 for 1, 2, 3 and 4 genotypes repectively, with molecular weight (MW) ranged from 154 to 7 kda. It was found that similarity and dissimilarity, for protein patterns of teosinte genotypes, showed that 3 and 4 genotypes showed the same protein patterns, with almost protein loci and molecular weights, with 18 and 16 protein bands. According to electrophoretic study. Phyllogenetic tree was constructed and indicated a clear genetic base from SDS PAGE analysis, high similarity percentage i.e. (94.5%) for genotype 3, and the lowest similarity percentage (76.2%) for the fist genotype. The genotypes were divided into three main groups; i.e., the genotypes (1, 8), were in one group, while genotype (2) was in the second group and (3, 4, 5, 6 and 7) genotypes were in third group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation was carried out to identify and evaluate Medicago sativa and Trifolium alexandrinum probability for breeding program based on two bar-coding genes (rbcl and Cox1 genes). Identification of Medicago sativa Baladi 1 was performed through rbcl and Cox1 genes. Medicago sativa Baladi 1 was identified as Medicago sativa voucher G00199095 ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL) gene, partial cds; chloroplast (Sequence ID: KJ204375.1) and Medicago sativa voucher Ahrendsen_23 for rbcl and Cox1 genes respectively. Identity values were recorded with 90% of identity for alfalfa, Baladi 1 Genotype ribulose - 1/5 - bisphosphate carboxylase / oxygenase large subunit (rbcl) gene (sequences ID: KJ206375.1) also, identity values were recorded with 91.24% of identity for alfalfa Baladi 1 Genotype, cytochrome c oxiddase bubunit I gene (cox 1) (sequence ID: KJ 204375.1). Trifolium alexandrinum Helaly genotype was identified as Trifolium alexandrinum (Sequence ID: HM850407.1) and Trifolium alexandrinum voucher K-016Hv (Sequence ID: KU234213.1) as rbcl and Cox1 genes respectively. Affiliation of genetic origin was detected for Trifolium alexandrinum with 100 % of similarity with origin source which indicate highly possibility for applying breeding programs comparing with Medicago sativa which reflect the lowest genetic similarity with origin source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Present study was carried out to imploy the polyacry lamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) characterization of Serw 1, as a parent, Gemmiza 1 as a mother varieties and their first generations polycrosses a long 50,100, 150 and 200 meter distances from the parent variety (Serw 1). To determine isolation distance (50m) between cultivated Egyptian clover, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS - PAGE) was employed to detect variation in total soluble protein content technique among five distances of Egyptian clover namely, 200m 150, 100, 50m and Gemmiza 1 distance. After detection of isolation distance with 50m, different protein fragmentation was recorded for the cultivars which ranged from sixteen to eleven for distance 100, 200m and Gemmiza 1; respectively, with molecular weight ranged from 207 to 46 KDa. Finding of similarity and dissimilarity for protein patterns of cultivated Egyptian clover showed that, distances No. Serw 1 and 50m showed same protein patterns with almost protein loci and molecular weights with fourteen protein bands. According to electrophoretic study, phyllogenetic tree was constructed and indicated clear genetic base for distances Serw 1 and 50m which belongs to the same subgroup. Our previous findings detected isolation distance with 50m could cause genetical mixing probability between Serw 1 and 50m cultivars which represented as male and females; respectively. A chart of minimum recommended isolation distances for Egyptian clover, the chart includes three minimum distances recommendations: - Isolation distance of 200m for foundation seed. - Isolation distance of 150m for registered seed. - Isolation distance of 100m for certified seed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollination behaviour and extent of self-incompatibility were studied in Egyptian clover, an important fodder legume cultivated in Egypt. The effect of pollination mode on quantitative and qualitative parameters of Egyptian clover seed yield has been studied at Gemmiza Research Station during 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 winter seasons. Maximum seed setting percentage (80.5%) was recorded with first hybrid Carniolan bees pollination and 6 frame colony (BP - six f) followed by frame colony (BP- four F) with seed setting percentage (73.1 %) and two frame colony (BP-two F) with seed setting percentage (71.6%). Maximum seed yield (2346.6 seeds) was observed with treatment BP- 6 F followed by BP- 4 F (2250.0 seeds ) and BP - 2 F(1826.6 seeds). Still the lowest seed yield was found with the without insect pollination (WIP) treatment. Also, minimum 1000 - seed weight with WIP was observed (2.56g). The 1000 seed weight of BP - four F, six F and BPtwo F were 3.56, 3.30, 3.80g, respectively. The highest seed germination percentage (95.7%) was recorded with BP- six F and the lowest germination percentage (38.5 %) was found with WIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ideally, healthcare systematic reviews ( SRs) should be beneficial to practicing professionals in making evidence-based clinical decisions. However, the conclusions drawn from SRs are directly related to the quality of the SR and of the included studies. The aim was to investigate the methodological quality and key descriptive characteristics of SRs published in prosthodontics. Methodological quality was analysed using the Assessment of Multiple Reviews ( AMSTAR) tool. Several electronic resources ( MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and American Dental Association's Evidence-based Dentistry website) were searched. In total 106 SRs were located. Key descriptive characteristics and methodological quality features were gathered and assessed, and descriptive and inferential statistical testing performed. Most SRs in this sample originated from the European continent followed by North America. Two to five authors conducted most SRs; the majority was affiliated with academic institutions and had prior experience publishing SRs. The majority of SRs were published in specialty dentistry journals, with implant or implant-related topics, the primary topics of interest for most. According to AMSTAR, most quality aspects were adequately fulfilled by less than half of the reviews. Publication bias and grey literature searches were the most poorly adhered components. Overall, the methodological quality of the prosthodontic-related systematic was deemed limited. Future recommendations would include authors to have prior training in conducting SRs and for journals to include a universal checklist that should be adhered to address all key characteristics of an unbiased SR process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide-scale penetration of distributed-generation (DG) units into a weakly meshed distribution system is one of the major concerns for power system engineers in recent years. As grid standards limit voltage control operation of small DG units, a lack of sufficient reactive power support brings the problem of slow voltage recovery and this leads to the usage of expensive flexible ac transmission system (FACTS) devices, such as a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM). In this paper, a systematic methodology has been developed for fast voltage recovery at the DG bus. This methodology reduces the number as well as the rating of STATCOMs through the tuning of control parameters. The STATCOM rating at selected locations has been tested and verified to be adequate at various dispatch levels of DG units. Additional benefits of STATCOM tuning on the damping of weak modes have also been studied. An IEEE industrial test system has been used for validating the methodology, providing grid compatible voltage recovery and satisfactory damping performance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper reports a study on the surface plasmon effect of Ag nanoplates on electroluminescent property of polymer light emitting diodes. The diode is a single layer light emitting device made of poly [9,9-di-(2-ethylhexyl)-fluorenyl-2,7-diyl] (PEHF). 5 wt.% of Ag nanoplates were incorporated into the PEHF layer. The results showed that the electroluminescence intensity of the diodes is increased by 51.85%, compared with the device without the Ag nanoplates. The enhancement is due to the coupling process between the Ag surface plasmon with the emission light from the PEHF. The occurrence of the coupling process was proved firstly based on the fact that the exciton lifetime of the PEHF:Ag layer is shorter than that without Ag, as measured by time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. Secondly, the PEHF photoluminescence peak at 425 nm is overlaping with the surface plasmon absorption peak of Ag nanoplates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As maize is a chilling-sensitive crop, low temperatures during the early stages of development can be injurious to crop growth and development. Prime mechanism behind chilling-induced damage is oxidative stress. This study was undertaken to improve the chilling tolerance in hybrid maize by seed priming with KCl. For priming, seeds of the maize hybrid Hycorn 8288 were soaked in 50, 100 and 150 mg l−1 aerated solution of KCl for 24 h and then re-dried close to original weight. Primed and untreated seeds were sown at 27 °C (optimal temperature) and at 15 °C (chilling stress) under controlled conditions. Seed priming improved the performance of maize under both normal and stress conditions. It was found that the chilling tolerance in maize is well associated with the enhanced capacity of the anti-oxidative system. Priming with KCl significantly improved the chilling tolerance mainly by the activation of antioxidants including catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes. KCl treatments also improved the germination rate and time, root and shoot length, and fresh and dry weights of seedlings compared with control. Soluble sugars and α-amylase activity determined as general metabolic indicators of stress were also improved by seed priming with KCl. Other possible bases of chilling tolerance in maize included maintenance of high tissue water contents, reduced electrolyte leakage and carbohydrate metabolism. Seed treatment with 100 mg l−1 KCl was the best treatment to improve the performance of hybrid maize both under normal and chilling stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abiotic stresses, including chilling, impede the plant growth and development mainly by oxidative damage. In this study, seed priming with CaCl2 was employed to reduce the damage caused by chilling stress in hybrid maize. Maize hybrid (Hycorn 8288) seeds were soaked in 50, 100 and 150 mg l−1 (ppm) aerated solution of CaCl2 for 24 h and dried. Treated and untreated seeds were sown at 27 °C (optimal temperature) and 15 °C (chilling stress) under controlled conditions. Seed priming with CaCl2 significantly reduced the chilling damage and improved the germination rate, root and shoot length, and seedling fresh and dry weights. Activities of antioxidants, including catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase, were also improved. Soluble sugars and α-amylase concentrations determined as general metabolic indicators of stress were also increased by seed priming with CaCl2. Priming also improved the performance of maize at optimal temperature. Maintenance of tissue water contents, reduction in membrane leakage and increase in antioxidant activities, and carbohydrate metabolism seemed to induce chilling tolerance by CaCl2. Seed priming with 100 mg l−1 CaCl2 was the optimal concentration in improving the performance of hybrid maize both under optimal and stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth and development is hampered by various environmental stresses including chilling. We investigated the possibility of improving chilling tolerance in hybrid maize by glycinebetaine (GB) seed treatments. Maize hybrid (Hycorn 8288) seeds were soaked in 50, 100 and 150 mg l−1 (p.p.m.) aerated solution of GB for 24 h and were dried back. Treated and untreated seeds were sown at 27 °C (optimal temperature) and at 15 °C (chilling stress) under controlled conditions. Germination and seedling growth was significantly hindered under chilling stress. Moreover, chilling stress significantly reduced the starch metabolism and relative water contents (RWC), and increased the membrane electrolyte leakage. However, activities of antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase) were increased under stress conditions. Seed treatments with GB improved the germination rate, root and shoot length, seedling fresh and dry weights, leaf and root scores, RWC, soluble sugars, α-amylase activity and antioxidants significantly compared with untreated seeds under optimal and stress conditions. Induction of chilling tolerance was attributed to maintenance of high tissue water contents, reduced membrane electrolyte leakage, and higher antioxidant activities and carbohydrate metabolism. Seed treatment with 100 mg l−1 GB was the best treatment for improving the performance of hybrid maize under normal and stress conditions compared with control and other levels used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimum temperature for maize germination is between 25 and 28 °C. Poor and erratic germination at suboptimal temperature is the most important hindrance in its early sowing. This study was conducted to induce chilling tolerance in hybrid maize ( Zea mays L.) by seed priming with salicylic acid (SA) and to unravel the background biochemical basis. For seed priming, maize hybrid (Hycorn 8288) seeds were soaked in 50, 100 and 150 ppm (mg l−1) aerated solutions of SA for 24 h and were dried back. Treated and untreated seeds were sown at 27 °C (optimal temperature) and at 15 °C (chilling stress) under controlled conditions. Performance of maize seedlings was hampered under chilling stress. But seed priming with SA improved the seedling emergence, root and shoot length, seedling fresh and dry weights, and leaf and root score considerably compared with control both at optimal and chilling temperatures. However, priming in 50 mg l−1 SA solution was more effective, followed by priming in 100 mg l−1 SA solution. Seed priming with SA improved the chilling tolerance in hybrid maize mainly by the activation of antioxidants (including catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase). Moreover, maintenance of high tissue water contents and reduced membrane permeability also contributed towards chilling tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacological relief of neuropathic pain is often insufficient. Electrical neurostimulation is efficacious in chronic neuropathic pain and other neurological diseases. European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) launched a Task Force to evaluate the evidence for these techniques and to produce relevant recommendations. We searched the literature from 1968 to 2006, looking for neurostimulation in neuropathic pain conditions, and classified the trials according to the EFNS scheme of evidence for therapeutic interventions. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is efficacious in failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type I (level B recommendation). High-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may be better than placebo (level C) although worse than electro-acupuncture (level B). One kind of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has transient efficacy in central and peripheral neuropathic pains (level B). Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) is efficacious in central post-stroke and facial pain (level C). Deep brain stimulation (DBS) should only be performed in experienced centres. Evidence for implanted peripheral stimulations is inadequate. TENS and r-TMS are non-invasive and suitable as preliminary or add-on therapies. Further controlled trials are warranted for SCS in conditions other than failed back surgery syndrome and CRPS and for MCS and DBS in general. These chronically implanted techniques provide satisfactory pain relief in many patients, including those resistant to medication or other means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tremor in multiple sclerosis is considered to be a persistent and progressive sign. We describe five patients with multiple sclerosis in whom upper limb tremor severity gradually decreased over a period of several years after deep brain stimulation. In every case this attenuation of tremor was accompanied by increasing pyramidal weakness in the relevant upper limb. In two patients this attenuation of tremor remained after stimulation was permanently switched off. In one other patient, where upper limb strength remained normal, tremor severity gradually worsened in spite of continuing stimulation. There was a highly significant difference (p = 0.0007) between the changes in intention tremor severities when the arms with increasing pyramidal weakness (n = 9) were compared to those in which normal strength was retained throughout follow-up period (n = 3); intention tremor decreased in the former and increased in the latter by means of –3.66 and +4.0 points of a 0–10 tremor scale respectively. There was also a significant correlation (0.699; p = 0.0359) between decreasing upper limb strength and decreasing intention tremor severity for the upper limbs of patients that had undergone contralateral DBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific research involving non-human primates has contributed towards many advances in medicine and surgery. This review discusses its role in the progress made towards our understanding of Parkinson's disease and its treatment. Established medical treatments like dopamine agonists continue to need primate models to assess their efficacy, safely, and mechanism of action. The recently developed treatment of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus required validation in primates before entering the clinic. Controversies surrounding future treatments such as gene therapy show the need for properly evaluated preclinical research using appropriate animal models before progression to clinical trials. Research on primates has played—and continues to play—a crucial part in deepening our understanding of Parkinson's disease, improving current therapies, and developing new treatments that are both safe and effective. In animal research, the ‘three Rs’ of humane technique—reduction, refinement, and replacement—should be adhered to. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, we discuss the construction of second-order three-point finite difference method based on non-uniform mesh for a class of singular two-point boundary value (BV) problem This is the method and its second-order convergence for various α ∈ (0, 1) are illustrated by a numerical example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was developed as a supportive therapy for severe respiratory failure. It has been shown to be life-saving in neonates and children with isolated respiratory failure, however, its usefulness in adults remains controversial. We report the successful use of ECMO in an adult patient with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure secondary to diffuse alveolar hemorrhage from Wegener granulomatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Among the various clinical forms of cerebral palsy (CP), dystonia may occur alone or combined with other manifestations (e.g. spasticity). Considering the evidence that suggests extrapyramidal components of CP may be partially responsive to deep brain stimulation (DBS), this study aims to assess the effect of DBS in patients with dystonic cerebral palsy. Design: A case report detailing the effects of globus pallidus internus (GPi) DBS in a child with dystonia associated with cerebral palsy. Subject: A 6-year-old boy diagnosed with cerebral palsy since infancy. Six months prior to surgery he began to experience severe worsening of generalized dystonic spasms requiring hospital admission and administration of intravenous benzodiazepenes for relief of his symptoms. Outcome measures: Comparison of frequency and severity of dystonic spasms before and after surgery. Results: The severe episodes of spasm were noted to be absent immediately after surgery. The administration of midazolam and lorazepam was decreased from regular to occasional use. Conclusions: GPi DBS appeared to be effective in reducing the degree of dystonic spasms in this case. DBS may potentially play an important future role in the amelioration of extrapyramidal manifestations of cerebral palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use parametric cubic spline functions to develop a numerical method for computing approximations to the solution of a system of second-order boundary-value problems associated with obstacle, unilateral, and contact problems. We show that the present method gives approximations which are better than those produced by other collocation, finite-difference, and spline methods. A numerical example is given to illustrate the applicability and efficiency of the new method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approach for predicting the response of non-ductile reinforced concrete (RC) frames subjected to seismic loading is proposed. A beam-column element is developed based on component tests. The main characteristic of the developed element is its ability to represent the drop in the strength of non-ductile RC members after reaching the ultimate strength level. The term softening is used to define the reduction in the component strength capacity under cyclic loading after reaching the ultimate strength limit. Moment and deformation capacities of the frame members are estimated. The analytical predictions are compared with experimental measurements of the response of members of non-ductile frames. The approach is applied to study the seismic response of a three-storey non-ductile frame. The response calculated using the softening model is compared with the prediction using traditional models that do not represent the strength softening of the frame members. It is concluded that ignoring the strength softening underestimates the deformation as members of the frames pass their ultimate strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted in the greenhouse to determine the effectiveness of three species of vesicular-arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizal fungi in an oxisol subjected to simulated erosion using cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp, cv. California Black Eye'] as an indicator host. Inoculation of the eroded soil resulted in increased VA mycorrhizal colonization of roots without enhancing shoot P concentration and dry matter yields. Inoculation of the uneroded soil, however, led to significant improvement in infection level as well as in symbiotic effectiveness. Based on the results of this study, it appears that the lack of expression of mycorrhizal effectiveness in the eroded soil is a result of nutrient deficiency. The results thus suggest the importance of restoring lost nutrients before the benefits of VA mycorrhizal inoculation could he effectively exploited for a successful establishment of a mycorrhizal cowpea in eroded soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Akinesia is the mostdisabling symptom of Parkinson's disease. The neuralmechanisms underlying itprobably involve the descending projections of the basalganglia to the brain stem as itimproves after a pallidotomy or subthalamic nucleotomy but not after a thalamotomy. We describe the effects of lesioning the pedunculopontine nucleus in the normal primate in generating an akinetic syndrome. The possible clinical implications of this study are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, nickel sulphide (NiS)–reduced graphene oxide (rGO) (NiS–rGO) has been used as a cathode in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The cathode has been prepared via liquid phase deposition technique assisted with modified Hummer’s method and spin-coating technique. The effect of annealing temperature on the properties of NiS–rGO has been reported. The influence of temperature on performance of the device utilizing NiS–rGO cathode has also been investigated. The annealing temperature ranges from 320 to 400°C. The sample shows minor phase of NiS and rGO. The device using the cathode annealed at 380°C produced the best power conversion efficiency (η) of 0.50%. This champion device also yielded the highest Voc of 0.72 V. This is because this device owns the lowest sheet resistance (Rs) of 11.50 Ω per square. The photovoltaic result of this work signifies that NiS–rGO has the potential as a substitution for platinum as cathode for DSSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with interferon beta (IFN beta) develop antibodies to the drug. Neutralising antibody (NAB) assays for IFN beta are expensive and the clinical relevance of the results has been debated.Objective: To establish a cheap, sensitive, and reliable assay for antibodies to (125)I-IFN beta, and to correlate levels of antibodies with clinical response to IFN beta treatment.Methods: We established a radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) using (125)I-IFN beta. We tested NAB positive sera, healthy control sera, and serial samples of 33 IFN beta-1b treated MS patients from the Vancouver cohort of the Berlex pivotal trial who had a high incidence of NABs.Results: We found that the RIPA was highly sensitive for the detection of antibodies to IFN beta-1a and -1b, and that there was a strong correlation between reactivity of NAB positive sera for (125)I-IFN beta-1b and for (125)I-IFN beta-1a. The RIPA was more sensitive and consistent than the NAB. Moreover, there was a trend towards poorer MRI outcomes in RIPA positive patients, but not in NAB-positive patients.Conclusions: The RIPA assay is sensitive and easy to perform. It should be of value in assessing the clinical impact of IFN beta antibodies, and its use could help target expensive INF beta treatments to those who will respond best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on long lasting antalgic effects of daily repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in neuropathic pain. A predictive test to improve outcome would have been invaluable in selecting patients for such procedures. In a study, procedures. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in single sessions were reported to have a predictive effect. However, it goes further. Prolonged and significant pain relief can be achieved with repetitive TMS. In this series the majority had head, face, and arm pain, either from trigeminal neuralgia or stroke. This may well establish higher frequency TMS as an effective methodology of screening patients for implantation of motor cortex stimulation and since the effects are rather prolonged, may even prove to be a methodology that may be useful as an outpatient treatment for certain pain patients.

Herpesvirus colitis is a known cause of morbidity and mortality amongst immunosuppressed individuals. We present a case of HSV colitis following a diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease and methylprednisolone therapy. Diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining and supported by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of cutaneous vesicles. The patient recovered following three weeks of acyclovir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a tunable CRLH ZOR based on the latest resurgent of ferroelectric materials. It is known that for most resonant structures, attainment of optimal performance requires some level of additional tuning through either mechanical means (i.e., with tuning screws) or other coupling mechanisms. Therefore, incorporation of electronic tuning into high temperature superconductor (HTS) material components without degradation of performance is very attractive. The result will be low-loss microwave components that could be fine-tuned for optimal performance, with the additional attribute of being tunable over a broadband frequency range. The dielectric properties of the ferroelectric thin film, and the thickness of the ferroelectric film, play a fundamental role in the frequency or phase tunability and the overall insertion loss of the circuit. The main driving force toward using the ferroelectric is the potential for substantial miniaturization of microwave components and systems and the potential for integration with microelectronic circuits due to the development of thin and thick film ferroelectric technology. The ZOR is designed, and simulated by the rull-wave analysis software. The response shows a variation of electromagnetic characteristics with the applied electric field, ferroelectric thickness and the operating temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Belle II experiment located at KEK, Japan takes data from asymmetric e + e − collision provided by the SuperKEKB accelerator. The Silicon Vertex Detector (SVD), which is part of the Belle II Vertex Detector (VXD), has been operating smoothly and reliably since the start of data taking in March 2019. In this article, we report on the performance of the SVD in terms of the large signal-to-noise ratio, the good hit position resolution as well as the good hit-time resolution. New algorithms based on hit-time information are under development to improve robustness of tracking performance within the anticipated high background environment. The Background situation of the SVD has been constantly monitored and no degradation in performance is observed so far. To investigate the SVD performance at high luminosity runs in the future, simulation as well as an irradiation campaign are launched and their results are summarized. During the first long shutdown of the Belle II experiment, which starts from June 2022, the VXD has been refurbished with a new two-layer DEPFET pixel detector located inside the SVD. All the delicate phases of the disassembly, re-assembly and installation of the new VXD have been successfully completed. The new VXD commissioning phase began in Sept 2023 to get ready for beam operation starting in early 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study, consisting of two independent experiments, was conducted to evaluate the role of seed priming with ascorbic acid (AsA) in drought resistance of wheat. In the first experiment, seeds of wheat cultivars Mairaj-2008 and Lasani-2008 were either soaked in aerated water (hydropriming) for 10 h or not soaked (control). In the second experiment, seeds of same wheat cultivars were soaked in aerated (2 m m) AsA solution (osmopriming) or water (hydropriming) for 10 h. In both experiments, seeds were sown in plastic pots (10 kg) maintained at 70 % and 35 % of water-holding capacity designated as well watered and drought stressed, respectively. Both experiments were laid out in a completely randomized design with six replications. Drought caused delayed and erratic emergence and disturbed the plant water relations, chlorophyll contents and membranes because of oxidative damage; however, root length in cultivar Lasani-2008 was increased under drought. Hydropriming significantly improved the seedling emergence and early growth under drought and well-watered conditions; however, improvement was substantially higher from osmopriming with AsA. Similarly, osmopriming with AsA significantly improved the leaf emergence and elongation, leaf area, specific leaf area, chlorophyll contents, root length and seedling dry weight. Owing to increase in proline accumulation, phenolics and AsA, by seed priming with AsA, plant water status was improved with simultaneous decrease in oxidative damages. These improved the leaf emergence and elongation, and shoot and root growth under drought. However, there was no difference between the cultivars in this regard. In conclusion, osmopriming with AsA improved the drought resistance of wheat owing to proline accumulation and antioxidant action of AsA and phenolics, leading to tissue water maintenance, membrane stability, and better and uniform seedling stand and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The data collected by the L3+C muon spectrometer at the CERN Large Electron–Positron collider, LEP, have been used to search for short duration signals emitted by cosmic point sources. A sky survey performed from July to November 1999 and from April to November 2000 has revealed one single flux enhancement between the 17th and 20th of August 2000 from a direction with a galactic longitude of (265.02±0.42)° and latitude of (55.58±0.24)°. The energy of the detected muons was above 15GeV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An obituary for neurosurgeon Anthony David Hockley is presented.

Substantial damage sustained during several recent earthquakes was non structural in nature. The economic consequence in terms of non structural component damage far exceeded the structural damage. Currently, there are several analytical studies that address the interaction between non structural components or Secondary systems (S-systems) and the main supporting structure or Primary system (P-system). Only a few of these analytical approaches have been proposed to evaluate and characterize the response of the S-systems attached to torsionally coupled P-systems. In addition, the experimental verification for the analytical approaches is scarce. In the current study, the results and observations of an experimental research program conducted to characterize the behavior of both stiffness eccentric and mass eccentric torsionally coupled Primary-Secondary systems (PS-systems) are presented. From this experimental investigation it was found that the torsional yielding of the primary system has significant implications on the deamplification of near tuned secondary system response. The location of the S-system mounted on the P-system affects the peak response amplification, and interaction with the coupled P-system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) has recently been shown to effectively ameliorate medically intractable axial symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). The effects of DBS are not limited to the targeted structure, but will affect the distributed anatomical networks to which the target structure belongs. Therefore, understanding the anatomical connections of the PPN will help elucidate treatment effects. Furthermore, establishing the topography of cortical and sub-cortical connections of the PPN in the human brain could aid accurate targeting of critical pathways in DBS. This article summarizes the connections of the PPN and the distribution of these connections within this nucleus (topography) as previously determined using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in healthy human volunteers and in a primate Macaca mulatta brain. These findings highlight DTI as a useful tool for surgical targeting for DBS of the PPN, and also show that DTI can be used to accurately probe the anatomy of the human and monkey brain in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non-uniform mesh difference scheme using cubic spline in tension is presented to solve a class of non-turning point singularly perturbed two point boundary-value problems for second-order ordinary differential equations with a small parameter multiplying the highest derivative subject to Dirichlet-type boundary conditions. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method, two numerical examples have been solved and the results are presented along with their comparison with those obtained with and without variable mesh. This paper is a continuation of the previous work [Aziz, T. and Khan, A. (2002). A spline method for second order singularly-perturbed boundary-value problems. J. Comput. Appl. Math. , 147 (2), 445-452.] given for uniform mesh case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we use parametric quintic splines to derive some consistency relations which are then used to develop a numerical method for computing the solution of a system of fourth-order boundary-value problems associated with obstacle, unilateral, and contact problems. It is known that a class of variational inequalities related to contact problems in elastostatics can be characterized by a sequence of variational inequations, which are solved using some numerical method. Numerical evidence is presented to show the applicability and superiority of the new method over other collocation, finite difference, and spline methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Achieving resourceful, beneficial and cost-effective water purification techniques for the public is the important to human existence and growth, because the management of water at present is a global issue. Water is the main resource vital for supporting all human actions, so its provision in preferred quantity and quality is of highest significance. Water contamination effects drinking water quality which subsequently damages health of humans. The current research mainly focuses on evaluating the drinking water quality in Shorkot City of Jhang district and its potential effects on human health. The objective of the research was to find out the spatial distribution of water contaminants and their concentration in the ground water quality and analyze the impact of drinking water on the health of humans of study area besides to identify the main waterborne diseases. Different analyses comprising of physical, chemical and microbiological examinations were performed on the water samples collected from 45 areas of the study area. Locations of these samples were noted with the help of Global Positing System (GPS). Data was presented by Geo Statistical Analysis technique in ArcGIS10x. The interpolation of the consequences of drinking water sample points was observed by Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) methods. The concentration of TDS 62%, Alkalinity 12%, turbidity 6%, calcium 62%, magnesium 6%, hardness 44% and chloride 28% values exceeds as compared to WHO proposed standard limit. Similarly, the value of PH 100% remains under the permissible limit and Electrical conductivity 100% values exceed as compared to WHO proposed standard limit values. Survey results showed that higher concentration of calcium, TDS, chloride, magnesium, turbidity, Alkalinity, Electrical conductivity and hardness cause Dysentery, Typhoid, Cholera, Diarrhea, Gastroenteritis, Hepatitis, Scabies, Kidney stone, Asthma, Cancer, Heart diseases. Quality of water becomes worse due to agricultural substances, untreated industrial discharge and urban effluent that effect on their health. It is hoped that, results of this research will provide worthwhile perceptions for safe water provision for the people of the study area and justifiable management of resources of drinking water to decrease the human health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper shows the hardware and the procedure utilized to test all components of the readout system (cables, FADC boards, junction boards) of the Belle II Silicon Vertex Detector after the series production. For the FADC board special testing hardware and firmware were designed and created to check all digital and analog inputs and outputs as well as all data interconnections on the board. The main FPGA on the FADC board generates digital signals which are converted to periodic analog differential alternating voltages up to 40 MHz on the FADC board tester, which then are fed into the analog inputs of the FADC board. Histograms and scans of the samples are recorded by using random equivalent-time sampling or sequential equivalent-time sampling, allowing to characterize the behavior of the system with a much higher bandwidth than the ADCs could do with conventional measurements. Small changes of parameters of the assembly (like using a cable of different length) lead to significant changes of the measured values, creating a sensitive testing instrument. The shapes of the distributions are analyzed and compared to references by software which then decides if a test is passed or not. The commissioning setup of the whole readout chain, with all the final components including the final detector, has been tested in three phases. The respective graphs of the signal-to-noise ratios of the strips of a detector module and histograms of the noise development of the whole detector show very high consistency of the SVD readout system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Belle II Silicon Vertex Detector (SVD) was installed recently and has been prepared for physics run at SuperKEKB factory, Tsukuba, Japan. For a reliable operation and data taking of the SVD, a sophisticated and robust run and slow control system has been implemented, which utilizes the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) framework. EPICS uses client/server and publish/subscribe techniques to communicate between the various sub-systems and computers. The information exchange between the different pieces of software and computers is done by process variables (PVs). These PVs are provided by input/output controllers (IOCs), which communicate and interface with the hardware components. The Belle II SVD slow and run control comprises five groups of subsystems, which are SVD DAQ controller, Flash ADC controller, environmental monitors and interlocks, power supplies and EPICS infrastructure services. In this paper we describe the tasks and the implementation of the individual sub-systems, the interaction between them and the global Belle II run and slow control as well as the first experience from commissioning and initial operation of the SuperKEKB accelerator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB collider of KEK (Japan) will accumulate 50 ab−1 of e+e- collision data at an unprecedented instantaneous luminosity of 8 ⋅ 1035 cm−2s−1, about 40 times larger than its predecessor. The Belle II vertex detector plays a crucial role in the rich Belle II physics program, especially for time-dependent measurements. It consists of two layers of DEPFET-based pixels and four layers of double sided silicon strip sensors (SVD detector). We report here results of the standalone commissioning of the SVD and highlights from the first cosmic runs acquired in Belle II. We also report on reconstruction performances of a reduced-scale version of the SVD operated during the accelerator commissioning in 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, idiopathic, inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the innermost layers of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Assessment of intestinal inflammation in UC is crucial and still remains a difficult challenge for the clinician. Although endoscopic modalities with biopsy sampling seem to be the most reliable method for estimating disease severity, they are invasive and costly. Apart from endoscopic interventions, disease severity can be assessed using both laboratory studies and non-invasive imaging tests. C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cells (WBCs), acid glycoprotein, platelet count and albumin are in common use but have only modest accuracy in reflecting UC disease activity. Therefore, adjunctive use of additional serum markers that will be more sensitive and specific for determination of disease activity and achieving diagnostic accuracy is strongly needed in daily clinical practice. Aim of the Work: to investigate the diagnostic utility of beta 2 microglobulin (B2-M) levels and analyze this correlation with the activity of ulcerative colitis disease. Patients and Methods: a case control study that was conducted at the Gastroenterology Clinic, Internal Medicine Department, Ain Shams University during the period of January to July 2018. 60 patients were recruited for the study. They were divided as follows; Group "A": 40 patients newly diagnosed as ulcerative colitis based on colonoscopy and biopsy, subdivided as follows; 20 patients with active ulcerative colitis and 20 patients with inactive ulcerative colitis. Group "B": 20 healthy individuals free from any systemic diseases serving as a control group. Results: in this study, the serum levels of serum B2-microglobulins were highest in patients with active ulcerative colitis compared to those with inactive ulcerative colitis and the control groups. Also B2-microglobulins values become higher with higher number of presenting symptoms and endoscopic activity, which becomes higher in severe disease. Conclusion: our results revealed that serum B2-microglobulin was simple and non-invasive marker that could be helpful for differentiating active UC from inactive disease. Moreover, it was more helpful when used together with serum laboratory inflammatory indices (ESR and CRP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Belle II experiment comes with a substantial upgrade of the Belle detector and will operate at the SuperKEKB energy-asymmetric e + e − collider with energies tuned to ϒ (4 S) resonance s = 10. 588 GeV. The accelerator has successfully completed the first phase of commissioning in 2016 and the first electron–positron collisions in Belle II took place in April 2018. Belle II features a newly designed silicon vertex detector based on DEPFET pixel and double-sided strip layers. Currently, a subset of the vertex detector is installed (Phase 2 of the experiment). Installation of the full detector (Phase 3) will be completed by the end of 2018. This paper describes the Phase 2 arrangement of the Belle II silicon vertex detector, with focus on the interconnection of detectors and their integration with the software framework of Belle II. Alignment issues are discussed based on detector simulations and first acquired data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A closed-loop deep brain stimulation system is presented. • Neural connectivity features are explored to improve classification. • A stream clustering approach is proposed. • Performance of the proposed model achieves a 100% of accuracy. Abstract Idiopathic Parkinsons disease (PD) is currently the second most important neurodegenerative disease in incidence. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) constitutes a successful and necessary therapy; however, the continuous stimulation it provides can be associated with multiple side effects. DBS uses an implanted pulse generator that delivers, through a set of electrodes, electrical stimulation to the target area, normally the Sub Thalamic Nucleus. Recently, Closed-loop DBS has emerged as a promising new strategy, where the device stimulates only when necessary, thereby reducing any adverse effects. Here, we present a Closed-loop DBS system for PD, which is able to recognize, with 100% accuracy, when the patient is going to enter into the tremor phase, thus allowing the device to stimulate only in such cases. The expert system has been designed and implemented within the data stream mining paradigm, suitable for our scenario since it can cope with continuous data of a theoretical infinite length and with a certain variability, which uses the synchronization among the neural population within the Sub Thalamic Nucleus as the continuous data stream input to the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) syndrome, genetic testing offers early diagnosis, stratifies the risk of developing medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and informs the timing of thyroidectomy. The efficacy of treatment, which depends on timely and safe surgery, is not well established. Methods: This was a retrospective review of diagnostic and clinicopathological outcomes of prophylactic thyroidectomy in children with MEN2 between 1995 and 2013 in the UK. American Thyroid Association (ATA) 2009 guidelines were used as a benchmark for adequate treatment. Results: Seventy‐nine children from 16 centres underwent total thyroidectomy. Thirty‐eight patients (48 per cent) underwent genetic testing and 36 (46 per cent) had an operation performed above the age recommended by the ATA 2009 guidelines; pathology showed MTC in 30 patients (38 per cent). Late surgery, above‐normal preoperative calcitonin level and MTC on pathology correlated with late genetic testing. Twenty‐five children had lymphadenectomy; these patients had more parathyroid glands excised (mean difference 0·61, 95 per cent c.i. 0·24 to 0·98; P = 0·001), and were more likely to have hypocalcaemia requiring medication (relative risk (RR) 3·12, 95 per cent c.i. 1·54 to 6·32; P = 0·002) and permanent hypoparathyroidism (RR 3·24, 1·29 to 8·11; P = 0·010) compared with those who underwent total thyroidectomy alone. Age did not influence the development of complications. Conclusion: Late genetic testing may preclude age‐appropriate surgery, increasing the risk of operating when MTC has already developed. Early genetic testing and age‐appropriate surgery may help avoid unnecessary lymphadenectomy and improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]