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(E)-2-(4-methylbenzylidene)-N-phenylhydrazine-1-carbothioamide was synthesized by reacting chalcone with phenylthiosemicarbazide in ethanolic sodium hydroxide. The resulting compound, C15H15N3S, was characterized using various spectroscopic techniques, including single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The molecule has an E configuration around the central C=N double bond and crystallizes in the triclinic system, with space group . The asymmetric unit contains two independent molecules of phenylthiosemicarbazide and phenylhydrazine, both of which are non-planar. The crystal structure is stabilized by C–H⋯S and N–H⋯S hydrogen bonds, which connect the molecules to form a three-dimensional network. The availability of efficient donors and acceptors for hydrogen bonding results in a well-connected three-dimensional structure. Furthermore, Hirshfeld surface analysis was conducted to examine the potential hydrogen bonding and the location of atoms in the compound. This analysis revealed the numerical ratio of hydrogen bonding and the atoms with potential to form these Furthermore, Hirshfeld surface analysis was conducted to examine the potential hydrogen bonding and the location of atoms in the compound. This analysis revealed the numerical ratio of hydrogen bonding and the atoms with potential to form these contacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to excessive formaldehyde (FA) has harmful effects on mammalian tissues. The aim was to investigate levels of oxidative stress in rat kidney due to chronic mild FA exposure. Sixteen female adult albino Wistar rats divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental animals were exposed to FA by inhalation to 10 ppm FA for 12 weeks, subchronic exposure. Kidney tissue Thioredoxin Interacting Protein and Nuclear factor-?B p105 levels were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The glutathione, malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation protein products levels were measured with the spectrophotometric methods. Serum albumin, creatinine, and urea concentrations were measured with enzymatic colorimetric assay. Compared to the control group, kidney GSH concentrations were significantly decreased in the FA group (P=0.015), while serum MDA concentration showed a significant increase (P=0.002). There was also a statistically insignificant decrease in tissue TXNIP and MDA and insignificant increase in tissue NF-кB p105 and AOPPs concentrations. Moreover, there was a strong positive correlation between tissue MDA and NF-кB p105 (r=0.841, P=0.001). Formaldehyde appears to cause cellular toxicity through oxidative damage because of disruption to oxidant/antioxidant system homeostasis. Subchronic administration of mild dose FA via inhalation to rats does not affect particular parameters on the apoptotic pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase transformation characteristics and isothermal oxidation behavior of ternary Ni50Ti49Ta1 (at.%) and Ni50Ti47Ta3 (at.%) alloys were investigated through differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis techniques in addition to surface morphology captured by scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the ambient temperature and chemical composition are important factors in the oxidation behavior of the alloys in oxygen atmosphere. The oxidation constants were linearly increased with oxidation temperatures ranging between 850 and 1150 °C. The activation energies were determined to be 283.54 kJ/mol and 249.38 kJ/mol for the Ni50Ti49Ta1 (at.%) and Ni50Ti47Ta3 (at.%) alloys, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though cellular automata (CA) is a discrete model, the behaviors at many iterative times can be a close a continuous system. After modelling the CA structure, one of the important tasks is able to move forwards and backwards on CA to understand their behaviors. This happens if CA is to be a reversible one. In this paper, it is studied main theoretical views of 2D hybrid-linear periodic CA over the ternary field, i.e. Z3 or three states case. Here, we set up a relation between reversibility of CA and characterization of 2D hybrid linear CA with this special boundary conditions by using of the matrix algebra theory. For given special transition (information) rule matrices, it is proved that which hybrid 2D CAs are reversible or not. In other words, the reversibility problem of 2D hybrid, linear CA with periodic boundary is resolved completely over ternary field. It is believed that these type of CAs could be found many different real life applications in special case situation e.g. computability theory, mathematics, theoretical biology, image processing area, textile design, video processing, DNA research and microstructure modelling, etc. in near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate main theoretical aspects of two-dimensional linear-hybrid cellular automata with periodic boundary condition over the Galois field GF(2). We focus on the characterization of two-dimensional hybrid linear cellular automata by way of a special algorithm. Here we set up a relation between reversibility of cellular automata and characterization of two-dimensional hybrid linear cellular automata with a special boundary conditions, i.e. periodic case. The determination of the characterization problem of special type of cellular automaton is studied by means of the matrix algebra theory. It is believed that this type of cellular automata could find many different applications in special case situations, e.g. image processing area, textile design, video processing, DNA research, etc., in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, there are studied main theoretical views of two-dimensional (2D) linear uniform cellular automata with reflective boundary condition over the ternary field, i.e. three states spin case or Z3. We set up a relation between reversibility of cellular automata and characterization of 2D uniform linear cellular automata with this special boundary conditions by using of the matrix theory. In near future, these cellular automata can be found in many different real life applications, e.g. computability theory, theoretical biology, image processing area, textile design, video processing, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shape-memory properties of NiTiHfPd and NiTiHfPd polycrystalline alloys were determined through superelasticity and shape-memory tests in compression. It has been revealed that the NiTiHfPd has a maximum transformation strain of 3.8 % and work output of up to 30 J cm, while the NiTiHfPd has a maximum transformation strain of 2.6 % and work output of up to 20 J cm at 700 MPa. Two-way shape-memory strains of 0.6 and 0.85 % were obtained in NiTiHfPd and NiTiHfPd alloys, respectively. The NiTiHfPd showed superelasticity at 90 °C with recoverable strain of 3.1 %, while high hardening of NiTiHfPd limited its superelastic behavior. Microstructure of the NiTiHfPd alloy was revealed by transmission electron microscopy, and effects of composition on the lattice parameters of the transforming phases and martensite morphology were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NiTiHf-based shape memory alloys have been receiving considerable attention for high temperature, high strength and two-way shape memory applications since they could have transformation temperatures above 100uC, shape memory effect under high stress (above 500 MPa) and superelasticity above 100uC. Moreover, their shape memory properties can be tailored by microstructural engineering. However, NiTiHf-based alloys have some drawbacks such as low ductility and high slope in stress induced martensite transformation region. In order to overcome these limitations, studies have been focused on microstructural engineering by aging, alloying and processing. It has been revealed that microstructural control is crucial to govern the shape memory properties (e.g. transformation temperatures, matrix strength, shape recovery strain, twinning type, etc.) of NiTiHf-based alloys. A summary of the most recent improvements on selected NiTiHf-based systems is presented to point out their significant shape memory properties, effects of alloying, aging and microstructure of transforming phases and precipitates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung Ivabradine rescues vascular abnormalities in a mouse model of muscular dystrophy Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects boys, initiated by the absence of dystrophin and is mainly differentiated by skeletal muscle degeneration and cardiac dysfunction. However, recent studies have underlined the importance of vascular abnormalities such as augmented arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction in the progression of cardiac complications in DMD. Several pleiotropic effects of ivabradine have been identified, including the reduction of vascular complications in coronary artery and ischemic heart disease patients. Nevertheless, whether chronic ivabradine treatment could improve the vascular complications in DMD is largely unknown. Methods In this study, vascular abnormalities in both dystrophin and utrophin deficient (mdx-utr KO) mice were examined, a severe and progressive animal model of DMD. Mice (4-6 weeks old) were subjected to ivabradine (10 mg/kg/day in drinking water) or vehicle treatments for 3 to 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment, aorta and lung tissue were collected to assess the vascular reactivity by wire myograph and the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity was measured in lung tissue respectively. Results Comparable with DMD patients, mdx-utr KO mice also exhibit vascular abnormalities and cardiac fibrosis. Ivabradine-treated mice showed a significantly improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation (p<0.05) and decreased vascular stiffness compared to vehicle-treated animals (p<0.01). In addition, lung ACE activity was significantly reduced in the treated mice in comparison to the control group (p<0.01) indicating less activation in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which causative plays role in the progression of vascular and cardiac dysfunction. Conclusions In conclusion, our study shows for the first time the beneficial effects of chronic ivabradine treatment on the progression of cardiac vascular complications in DMD and this may present a novel therapeutic approach. Further studies are needed to clarify the underling signalling mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Ni45.3Ti39.7Hf10Pd5 alloys have transformation strain of up to 4.6% and work output of up to 29Jcm−3. [•] The alloy showed good superelastic behavior at 90°C with recoverable strain of 4.3%. [•] The alloy exhibited 1.6% two-way shape memory strain after a simple training procedure. [•] The formation of 〈011〉 type II twins in martensite plates results in large transformation strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of aging on the shape memory properties of [111] oriented Ni45.3Ti29.7Hf20Pd5 single crystals were investigated under compression. Thermal cycling under stress and superelasticity experiments were conducted after 3h aging at 550 and 600°C and were found to be dependent on aging condition. Reversible strain of up to 2.2% and a work output of 33Jcm−3 were possible at an ultra-high stress level of 1500MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The superelastic behavior of an NiTiHfPd single-crystal shape memory alloy in compression along the [111] orientation was investigated as a function of temperature. In the range of −30 to 70°C, a perfect superelastic loop with 4.2% transformation strain was attained. In addition, this material exhibited an ultrahigh yield strength of more than 2500MPa and an exceptional damping capacity of 44Jcm−3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic individuals are at significantly greater risk of developing heart failure (HF) independent from other risk factors such as coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCP) is defined as ventricular dysfunction in the absence of hypertension, coronary artery and valvular heart disease, which increases the risk of HF. Due to better understanding of its pathophysiology and clinical importance, DCP is more frequently recognized in daily practice. The most important mechanisms of DCP are hyperglycemia, insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia, abnormal fatty acid metabolism, increased apoptosis, cardiac autonomic neuropathy and local renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) overactivation. Echocardiography is the most frequently used diagnostic method for the detection of this pathology. Currently, although there is no specific treatment for DCP, strict glycemic and concomitant risk factor controls seems to be the most important target strategy for prevention of the progression and treatment of DCP. In this article, we aim to provide an extensive review on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, management of DCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an earlier study, the authors presented a characterisation of the FC-0205 Ancorsteel powders containing 0·6 and 1·0% Acrawax to define the evolution of the failure line and cap surface of the modified Drucker/Prager cap model during compaction. Using the results of that study (i.e. FC-0205 material parameters), this paper presents sensitivity and uncertainty analysis of the microstructure-property relationships for powder metallurgy compaction. It is found for all of the responses of interest (the compressibility curve, the interparticle friction, the material cohesion, the cap eccentricity and the elastic modulus) that the most dominant parameter is the initial (or tap) density. It is also observed that the uncertainty in output parameters for the case of 1% wax is much larger than those for the case of 0·6% wax, due to the large uncertainty in the failure stress (in particular, the compressive failure stress). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to discover how the measures that improve aircraft structural safety compare with each other in terms of effectiveness. The safety measures we include here are a load safety factor of 1.5, conservative material properties, redundancy, certification tests, error reduction, and variability reduction. We consider a static point stress design with a simple redundancy model. We model individual errors in calculation (loads, stresses, failure) and in geometry and variability in loading, material properties, and geometry. We use a probabilistic model based on assumed uniform distribution for errors as we often have only upper limits on errors. For variabilities we also use some lognormal distributions. We find that error reduction is more effective than certification testing, which is more effective than using an extra load safety factor. Variability reduction is found to be a very effective way of reducing the probability of failure (more effective than error reduction), but it should be accompanied with an increased B-basis value. In addition, certification testing is found to be effective when errors are large, whereas structural redundancy is found to be more effective when errors are low. We also find that as safety measures are added and the probability of failure is reduced, the uncertainty in that probability of failure increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design and analysis of modern engineering systems are complicated, mostly relying on computational analyses codes and hence often computationally expensive. Meanwhile, improved computer-aided design and numerical simulation methods are used extensively in the design process. Even continuing growth of computing power and speed, computationally cheap and reliable models or simulation techniques are not available, at least as ready-to-use computer analysis codes. The necessity of tolerance analysis takes important place at the same time with improved CAD and computer based process planning, because of high quality production requirements, and reduces manufacturing costs. Simulation based design and optimization becomes the only option to meet the specifications, and improves the system reliability. In the last few decades, the use of surrogate models has achieved significant advantages, because they provide fast computation and design investigation as they replace computationally expensive to run computer analyses with cheap to run approximations. Surrogate models also simplify the integration of analyses codes to optimization and reliability assessment studies. In this paper, response surface and Kriging surrogate models are used within a Monte Carlo simulation framework for tolerance analysis. As an illustrative example problem, tolerance analyses of a clutch assembly with nonlinear objection function are used. The effects of the surrogate model parameters (e.g., the use of different regression polynomials) and the number of training points on tolerance analysis are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of chemical composition on the structural, functional and mechanical properties of hafnium palladium (HfPd) alloy system were investigated. Five selected compositions of Hf50-xPd50+x (x = − 0.5, 0, 0.5, 2.5 and 5) alloys were studied to reveal their potentials as high-temperature shape memory alloys to be employed in the applications to operate above 400 °C. All the alloys showed reversible phase transformations at temperatures above 400 °C. The large hysteresis of more than 120 °C was observed for HfPd alloys which is higher than most of the other conventional high-temperature SMAs. Thermal hysteresis increases with Pd content, as it was 124 °C for Hf51.5Pd49.5 alloy and 158 °C for the Hf45Pd55 alloy. The alloys do not show superelasticity and have very low recoverable strain. It was also shown that hardness increased (to above 400 HV) with increasing Pd content. The alloys fail when they are compressed up to 1500 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The use of ChrX-STRs is enormous in forensic case as these have proven to be powerful tools, mainly in deficiency paternity cases when the disputed child is female, and also some special cases involving blood relatives, incest cases, fetal typing in abortion material. The Mentype® Argus X-8 kit is a commercial multiplex system which contains Amelogenin for gender determination as well as gonosomal STR markers (DXS8378, HPRTB, DXS7423, DXS7132, DXS10134, DXS10074, DXS10101 and DXS10135). Validation studies were being performed on blood obtained from the volunteers in Turkish population. In this study, some parameters were taken under consideration for validation like DNA extraction using different protocols, quantitated by using commercially available Invitrogen Qubit Fluorometer, reaction volume validation of Master Mix and the analysis of female/male, female/female and male/male mixtures were performed. The conditions were optimized and validated using GenAmp 9700 and reducing reaction volume from 25μl to 12.5μl and 6.5μl. After reducing the total volume of the reaction, the results were same and there was no effect on peak height and quality when analyzed on ABI 310 genetic analyzer. 2 paternity cases were also performed which gave the same power of discrimination as has been mentioned in Mentype® Argus X-8 kit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of serum cholinesterase (SChE) activity and S100B protein in the evaluation of patients with acute organophosphate (OP) poisoning. Patients with acute OP poisoning admitted to the emergency department were included in this cross-sectional study. Twenty healthy volunteers served as controls. The SChE activity and serum S100B were determined on admission. Patients were divided into two groups (low severity and high severity). Thirty-six patients diagnosed with acute OP poisoning were enrolled. Serum S100B concentrations were higher in patients than in the control group (p < 0.05). In the high-severity group, the SChE levels were lower and the S100Bs levels were higher than in the low-severity group. The SChE level was not different between survivors and nonsurvivors. S100B levels were higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors. According to receiver–operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cutoff value of serum S100B level to predict mortality was 236.5 pg/mL, with 71.4% sensitivity and 89.7% specificity. Our data suggest that initial SChE level is related to the clinical severity but not with mortality. S100B may be a useful marker in the assessment of clinical severity and prediction of mortality in acute OP poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To analyse the epidemiological and clinical features of children with Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in north-eastern Turkey. Methods: A retrospective study of demographic features and physical and laboratory findings in 21 children with CCHF is described. Clinical course, treatment modalities and outcome were analysed. Results: Most patients were admitted in June and July 2008; most were from the Gumushane and Kelkit valleys and half of them lived in rural areas. Mean (SD) age was 10.3 (3.9) years and the disease was more common in males (71.4%). Approximately 70% had a history of tick bite. The main symptoms were fever (17, 80.9%), nausea (11, 52.3%), malaise (10, 47.6%) and headache (7, 33.3%). At initial examination, approximately 70% of patients had leukopenia and 65% had thrombocytopenia. Anaemia developed during follow-up in six patients. Liver involvement was seen in 12 patients and one patient had acute tubular necrosis. Six patients had haemophagocytosis. Patients were hospitalised for a median 8 days (range 3–22) and nine patients had bleeding from various sites approximately 3–5 days after hospitalisation. Subcutaneous haematoma (6), especially epistaxis and at venepuncture sites (6) were the most common sites of bleeding. Pulmonary haemorrhage developed in two patients and they required ventilatory support. Overall mortality related to CCHF was 4.7% (one patient). Conclusion: Early diagnosis of CCHF and early referral to specialised centres are important for outcome. Exceptional epidemics may be seen in future owing to ecological and environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A drop test simulation of the mechanical structure of a redesigned dishwasher is performed by using a detailed finite element (FE) model. The nonlinear explicit FE code LS-DYNA® is used for the drop impact simulations. The FE model is validated through real tests of two drop scenarios (vertical and inclined to the side). An optimization study is performed in order to determine the optimum design variables for better crash performance. The effects of geometric parameters and material properties on the weights of certain components (ie, dogleg plate and bottom foam) are investigated. A surrogate-based optimization approach is used to find optimum values for the dogleg plate thickness, bottom foam density and increment of the bottom foam height to minimize the weights of both components. Two different surrogate models are used to predict optimization problem constraints that have a crucial role in the crash performance of the dishwasher mechanical structure and packaging module: the polynomial response surface and radial basis functions. The results showed that the dogleg plate mass can be slightly reduced and the bottom foam mass can be significantly reduced in order to obtain the optimum dishwasher configuration and better crashworthiness. The weights of the dogleg plate and bottom foam could be lowered by as much as 5.95 and 24.8 %, respectively. Finally, multi-objective optimization is performed by minimizing a composite objective function that provides a compromise between the weights of both components. The results showed that weight reductions of 2.3 and 21.5 % could be obtained for the dogleg plate and bottom foam, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to compare an Apple iOS mobile operating system application for audiological evaluation with conventional audiometry, and to determine its accuracy and reliability in the initial evaluation of hearing loss. Methods: The study comprised 32 patients (16 females) diagnosed with hearing loss. The patients were first evaluated with conventional audiometry and the degree of hearing loss was recorded. Then they underwent a smartphone-based hearing test and the data were compared using Cohen's kappa analysis. Results: Patients' mean age was 53.59 ± 18.01 years (range, 19-85 years). The mobile phone audiometry results for 39 of the 64 ears were fully compatible with the conventional audiometry results. There was a statistically significant concordant relationship between the two sets of audiometry results (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Ear Trumpet version 1.0.2 is a compact and simple mobile application on the Apple iPhone 5 that can measure hearing loss with reliable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Swiss National Foundation The development of novel adjuvant angiogenic therapies to restore the low-perfused microvascular network upon myocardial infarction (MI) is crucial to avoid a possible end-stage heart failure. Of the current adult cell-based therapies, human adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction cell (SVF) has vast reparative potential, principally due to: 1) its heterogeneous composition rich in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), endothelial cells (EC), pericytes and hematopoietic cells, among others. In vitro engineering of SVF-based patches under unidirectional flow, applied by the help of a perfusion-based bioreactor, was found to increase certain cellular SVF subgroups such as pericytes, compared to static culture. In this study, we aimed at studying the potential of SVF-based engineered tissues in a model of chronic MI in nude rats. Human SVF cells were isolated upon liposuction and cultured on 3D collagen sponges (8 mm diameter, 3 mm thickness) either under constant unidirectional perfusion or in static condition for 5 days. Patches were characterized in terms of cellular composition prior to implantation. MI was induced by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery in male nude rats. Cardiac MRI was performed 4 weeks after MI; prior to the suture of patches and before sacrifice (4 weeks after implantation). Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was the surrogate marker and primary end point for cardiac pump function. Controls included untreated MI animals. Following perfusion culture, SVF cells were composed with a statistically superior percentage of pericytes, identified as CD45- CD34- CD146+ compared to static culture (28.06±10.03 and 3.37±2.50, respectively, p<0.0007). The presence of other cell subpopulations was similar in the patches generated in perfusion or static culture. While the percentage of EF at the time of sacrifice resulted to be not statistically different between static and perfusion-based patches, statically generated constructs showed a general trend of decrease in the % EF before and after treatment (rat 1: 61.96 vs 52.90; rat 2: 55.39 vs 53.00; rat 3: 52.34 vs 50.62, respectively). Perfusion-cultured patches, instead, rather improved the cardiac function, measured as % EF (rat 1: 51.82 vs 58.72; rat 2: 51.66 vs 60.45; rat 3: 53.50 vs 52. 36, respectively for 4 weeks following MI and 4 weeks following treatment). When comparing the ratio of the % EF 8 weeks and 4 weeks between static or perfusion-based patches and the untreated controls, rats treated with patches generated under perfusion resulted to show higher levels of % EF, with an almost statistically difference (p=0.0556), compared to the control group. The observed results showed the great potential of human SVF-based patches in the improvement of the heart pump function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1H NMR spectra of epoxy-fused cyclopentane derivatives have been computationally investigated with density functional calculations in order to unravel the shielding effect of the epoxy ring on the1H NMR chemical shifts of N-substituted epoxy-fused cyclopentane-3, 5-diol derivatives. Both1H NMR chemical shifts and spin–spin coupling constants have been calculated with the WP04/cc-pVTZ level of theory in solution. The WP04/cc-pVTZ// B3LYP/6-31+G(d) methodology has been found to reproduce the best experimental results on epoxy-fused cyclopentane derivatives. This study is expected to lead experimentalists in their endeavour to characterize epoxy-fused cyclic systems with ease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we have investigated the influence of different types of doping elements on magnetic properties of M-type BaFeO samples. It was observed that NbO addition increases the coercive field, the remanence magnetization ( M), and saturation magnetization ( M) values by about 27 %, 47 %, and 53 %, respectively. In the same manner, MnO also improves the magnetic parameters significantly. The M and M values show increments up to 40 % in magnitude. On the other hand, the best magnetic properties were achieved by the addition of CuO to the BO doped BaFeO. These materials have M and M values up to ∼34 emu/g and ∼62 emu/g, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]