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When projects suffer noncompletion, state highway agencies (SHAs) may trigger liquidated damage (LD) provisions, and at times, contractors may challenge their enforceability. Normally, to be compensated for the costs expected during the delay, states design the LD schedules by associating LD rates to specific contract sizes. A review of the literature found that states varied significantly in the LD schedule designs. However, no studies have explored the relationship between the LD rates and contract sizes (LDR-CS) across states. Exploring this relationship could lead to identifying the underlying model of the relationship, explaining how states vary the LD rates against contract sizes, running comparative analyses of the states' LD schedules, and designing optimal LD schedules, among other potential benefits. To realize these benefits, the objectives of this work were to (1) statistically explore and characterize the LDR-CS relationship, and (2) develop a representative model of the relationship. To achieve these objectives, descriptive, box–whisker, and cluster analyses were performed to characterize the relationship, and regression analysis was utilized to search for the best-fit representation model. The relationship was found to be challenging; it had a unique L-shape, and was modeled successfully only using transformed nonlinear regression. The research results could facilitate performing LD comparative analysis among states, help SHAs assess and build confidence in their LD rates, and help update and optimize LD schedule designs. This work contributes to the body of knowledge with new statistical dimensions to comprehend the LDR-CS relationship, providing tables, charts, and transformed nonlinear models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SNHL in children is an important issue. Cochlear implant is a highly technological device that is surgically inserted in the cochlea to solve this issue. To evaluate types of anomalies of the inner ear in children with sensorineural hearing loss in a tertiary care hospital and confirm that the routine MRI, MR cisternography and HRCT provides the surgeon with the imaging finding and criteria of patients candidates for CI. Patients and method: 600 patients with SNHL underwent HRCT and MRI. CT examinations were normal in 457 patients (76.2%) and 143 patients (23.8%) with inner ear anomalies. MRI examinations were normal in 440 patients (73.3%) and had inner ear anomalies in 160 patients (26.7%). 3D bFFE and 3D DRIVE was summarized. The 3D bFFE sequence was statistically significantly better than the 3D DRIVE for the demonstration of the cochlear vestibule. Superior, inferior vestibular nerves and facial nerves while 3D DRIVE is superior to 3D bFFE in the visualization of the semicircular canals. HRCT and MRI provide accurate anatomical delineation of complex inner ear structures and 3D improves pre-implant evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Butyric acid and its derivatives support the immune system, lessen inflammation, and lessen oxidative stress in broilers in addition to preserving gut homeostasis and epithelial integrity. Broiler performance has also been demonstrated to rise with the addition of nucleotides to the diet. Aim: The purpose of the study was to ascertain the effects of butyric acid and nucleotides added to feed on the overall performance, immunity, oxidant/antioxidant enzyme levels, intestinal histology, and hepatic functions of broilers. Methods: Four experimental groups of thirty chickens, each were used in the present study. The groups were assigned as a control group that received normal diet without additives, butyrate (B) group received the diet supplemented with butyric acid (250 g/ton feed), nucleotides (N) group received the diet supplemented with nucleotides (200 g/ton feed), and the fourth group received the diet supplemented with a combination of butyrate and nucleotide (BN) (250 g/ton B feed, and 200 g/ton N feed, respectively). Necrotic enteritis was produced in ten birds from each group to assess the immune-modulatory effect of these supplements, antioxidant status, intestinal histology, and liver functions were measured in all experimental groups. Results: The addition of butyric acid and nucleotides to feed enhanced body weight, growth performance, hepatic functions, and antioxidant capabilities. Histological sections of the gut from challenged or unchallenged (with necrotic enteritis) groups in the BN group showed considerable improvement, as shown by strong proliferation in intestinal crypts and villus enterocytes. Conclusion: Nucleotides and butyric acid can be added to broiler feeding regimens to enhance growth and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contractors tend to challenge the enforceability of liquidated damages (LDs), claiming they are unreasonable, excessive, penalty statements, or concurrently caused. States customarily assert that the LD rates are a genuine reflection of the expenses expected to be suffered when a project gets delayed due to noncompletion. While there are common practices among the states for articulating LD specifications, which generally follow the Federal Code of Regulations, there are no published studies that assist states in comparing their LD rates to those of other states so that the LD rates might be defended. Further, there are no studies that offer models that would uncover the relationship between the LD rates and the contract sizes so that the LD rates might be justified. This work addresses such gaps in the body of knowledge (BOK) in LDs. With emphasis on the working-days (WD) LD rate schedules, the objectives of this work are to characterize the LD rate schedules across the states and to model a formula(s) that would represent the relationship between the WD LD rates and the contract amounts. The data set for the work represents the LD schedules in the standard specifications of all departments of transportation in the United States. Descriptive and cluster statistical analyses were used for the LD rate characterization. For model development, several linear and nonlinear regression models were employed. The results highlighted considerable LDs variability in the smaller contract sizes and exceptional LD rates stability in the larger sizes. Despite the economic differences among the states, it is found that the LD rate is, on average, 0.02 ¢/$ for projects $20 million or above. Below that, the rate increases between 0.03 ¢/$ and 0.18 ¢/$ until the contracts reach $750,000. LD rates tend to decrease sharply with the increase in contract sizes, forming an L or reverse J shape. This pattern proved complex, and only nonlinear regression with transformed variables successfully modeled it. Credible models were obtained after satisfying the least-squares regression assumptions. The work contributes to the BOK by adding a new statistical dimension to understanding LDs and developing regression model(s) that explain the relationships between the LD rates and the contract sizes. The work should help SHAs create, evaluate, and justify their LD rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Usually, neuromuscular blocking drugs are used for facilitating tracheal intubation but sometimes limitations exist as in procedures where neuromuscular monitoring is required or that of short duration. So, using an alternative method is important for providing good intubating conditions. Methods: Eighty-eight patients in Zagazig University hospitals were randomly divided into two equal groups, group-M (Magnesium group) and group-P (high dose of propofol group). Group (M) received Magnesium sulfate (40 mg/kg), Fentanyl (2 µg/kg) and Propofol (2 mg/kg). Group (P) received Fentanyl (2 µg/kg), and Propofol (3 mg/kg). An assessment of the quality of intubation conditions and hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation was done. Results: Group (M) had a better intubation score and a less hemodynamic response to endotracheal intubation than group (P). Conclusion: Intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate (40 mg/kg) before induction leads to better intubation score and a less hemodynamic response to endotracheal intubation than a high dose of propofol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact low-loss microstrip diplexer with four controllable transmission zeros (TZs), all less than 41 dB, is presented. The diplexer circuit consists of two coupled gap bandpass filters with a T-junction as a combining circuit. Channels' filters metalize SIW resonators loaded with metamaterial cells operated at zeroth order mode for compactness and low loss operation. For each channel, a fractional bandwidth of 1.9% is obtained. Also, two TZs at both sides of the resonant frequency are obtained by mixed electric and magnetic coupling between channels' resonators. Design methodology for filtering response and placing TZs at certain frequencies are discussed in detail. There is a good agreement between simulation and measurement with isolation better than 40 dB. Moreover, the diplexer has a small size of (1.1×1.43 λg2). Lower and higher TZs are located at 4.75 and 5.69 GHz, for the lower channel, and at 5.4 GHz and 6.2 GHz for the higher channel, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study for fabrication, physical, FTIR spectroscopy, ultrasonic waves, and mechanical properties of quaternary B2O3–Bi2O3–NaF–ZrO2 glasses was introduced. The fabricated glasses have the chemical formula 65B2O3–25NaF–(10-x)Bi2O3–xZrO2; x = 0 (Zr0), 2 (Zr2), 4 (Zr4), 5 (Zr5), and 6 (Zr6) mol% and produced via the melt quenching process. The longitudinal VL and shear VS velocities were measured using ultrasonic flaw detector. FTIR spectra were recorded in the wavenumber range 400–1550 cm−1. The density of the fabricated glasses reduces linearly from 3400 ± 6 (kg/m3) for Zr0 sample with free ZrO2 to 3099 ± 4 (kg/m3) for Zr6 sample with highest content of ZrO2. The oxygen packing density (OPD) rises from 74,742 to 82,980 kg atom/m3 when increasing content of ZrO2 from 0 to 6 mol%, respectively. The number of N3 was increased which the number of N4 decreased with ZrO2 concentration which confirms that the decreasing formation of BO4 units with ZrO2 content. Both VL and VS are persistently increasing for all range of the studied samples; such a behavior is ascribed to increments in number of strong Ø’s units. The insertion of ZrO2 in glasses network leads to improve their elastic moduli. Higher values of Debye temperature (θD) are found with increasing ZrO2 content that means higher thermal energy needed for excitation the corresponding vibrational mode. Makishima–Mackenzie values of Young (YM) and bulk (BM) moduli were in good agreement with the experimental results. Therefore, the increasing trends of YM and BM are similar to those of Young (Y) and bulk (B) moduli assuring the effect of [ZrO6]2− on introducing strengthened bonds into borate lattice. In addition, the microhardness (Hv) was found to increase with ZrO2 content; therefore, the glass system gets harder and stiffer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a novel design of compact tunable monopole antenna array, employing composite right/left handed (CRLH) feeding network. The feeding network configuration is coplanar waveguide (CPW). A graphene sheet is placed beneath the CRLH cell to achieve the tunability behavior in the antenna design. The antenna array configuration achieves the tunability function with an accepted gain. The surface conductivity of the graphene sheet is tuned by changing the applied DC bias voltage. The DC voltage changes the chemical potential of the graphene sheet. The antenna array is tuned from 2.5–2.46, 2.43, and 2.42 GHz when the chemical potential of graphene is changed from 0.0, 0.15, and 0.2 eV, respectively. The array antenna has a reasonable gain of 5.34 dB without placing the graphene sheet. By placing the graphene and changing the chemical potential, the array gain values become 4.42, 3.82, and 3.74 dB at the specified chemical potential. The radiation properties of the array are studied at the desired resonant frequency. The proposed design can be fabricated by using the transparent transfer process. All the presented designs are verified using the electromagnetic solver CST Studio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a matter of course, the private party in public–private partnerships (PPPs) assumes the responsibility for roadway safety management (RSM). However, because most PPPs are performance-based, public highway agencies must articulate the specifications and methods they develop to enforce RSM practices. Despite the increased interest in PPPs in recent decades, little has been published on developing and propagating the RSM practices used with this delivery system. To fill this research gap and explore RSM practices in PPPs, this work took a synthesis research approach, using content analysis to critically review and analyze 16 PPP agreements in seven states and provinces leading in PPP contracting in North America. The study discovered several methods and organized them under five mechanisms: Mechanism 1, integrating roadway safety into project performance specifications and initiating new tools such as safety compliance orders; Mechanism 2, imposing nonconformance monetary deductions based on point and classification systems; Mechanism 3, regulating safety payments on the basis of crash statistics; Mechanism 4, promoting safety initiative programs; and Mechanism 5, enforcing administrative countermeasures such as work suspension and default/termination triggers for persistent developer noncompliance. Mechanisms 1 and 5 were the default mechanisms in all toll- and availability-based projects, whereas Mechanism 2 was common in availability-only projects. The research reviewed the RSM packages in the PPP agreements, elucidating the particulars of the RSM mechanisms, highlighting RSM design considerations, presenting implementation guidelines, and articulating research needs. The research results were validated against PPP highways in five other states and provinces. This synthesis research provides highway agencies with an extensive practice review to support RSM package design for future PPP projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a compact novel simple design of ultra‐wide bandpass filter with high out of band attenuation is presented. The filter configuration is based on combining an ultra‐wide band composite right/left‐handed (CRLH) band pass filter (BPF) with simple uni‐planar configuration of complementary split ring resonator (UP‐CSRR). By integrating two UP‐CSRR cells, the ultra‐wideband CRLH filter roll‐off and wide stopband attenuation are enhanced. The filter has 3 dB cutoff frequencies at 3.1 GHz and 10.6 GHz with insertion loss equals 0.7 dB in average and minimum and maximum values of 0.48 dB and 1.05 dB, respectively over the filter passband. Within the passband. The transition band attenuation from 3 dB to 20 dB is achieved within the frequency band 1.9 GHz to 3.1 GHz (48%) at lower cutoff and the frequency band 10.6 GHz to 11.4 GHz (7%) at upper stopband. Moreover, the filter has a wide stopband attenuation >20 dB in frequencies 11 GHz to 13.6 GHz (21%) and ends with 3 dB cutoff frequency at 14.8 GHz. Furthermore, the designed filter size is very compact (23 × 12 mm2) whose length is only about 0.17 λg at 6.85 GHz. The filter performance is examined using circuit modeling, full‐wave simulations, and experimental measurements with good matching between all of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic rheumatic disease characterized by symmetrical, often erosive and deforming poly-arthritis with extra-articular manifestations in 10–20% of patients, especially those with high titers of rheumatoid factor. Extra articular pathology includes bursitis, tendonitis and neuritis, which results from entrapment, nerve ischemia due to vasculitis or drugs used to treat this condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compression neuropathy associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Aim of the Work: To evaluate the efficacy of Neural Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma in treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome secondary to rheumatoid arthritis. Patients and Methods: Ninety patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) that were all fulfilling the 2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for RA. All were over the age of sixteen years at time of diagnosis, complaining of burning pain or paresthesia in the median nerve distribution of the hand. They were recruited from Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department at Al-Hussein and Sayed Galal University Hospitals during the period from December 2018 to July 2019. Results: Neural Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) have improved all measured parameters like visual analogue scale (VAS), nerve conduction studies and neuromuscular ultrasonography parameters in carpal tunnel syndrome secondary to rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusion: Neural Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma proved to be effective treatments of carpal tunnel syndrome secondary to rheumatoid arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2‐Chloroquinoline‐3‐carboxaldehyde and 1,3‐diphenylpyrazole‐4‐carbaldehyde were condensed with thiocarbohydrazide and malonic acid hydrazide derivatives. The condensation products obtained were converted into pyrazolidinoquinoline, pyrazoloquinoline, pyrrazolyl tetrazine, and thiazolidinone derivatives. The structures of all the products obtained were elucidated from their analytical and spectral data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To validate a prediction model for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) that incorporates variables available at admission for delivery among Middle Eastern women.Methods: The present prospective cohort study enrolled women at 37weeks of pregnancy or more with cephalic presentation who were willing to attempt a trial of labor (TOL) after a single prior low transverse cesarean delivery at Al-Jahra Hospital, Kuwait, between June 2013 and June 2014. The predicted success rate of VBAC determined via the close-to-delivery prediction model of Grobman et al. was compared between participants whose TOL was and was not successful.Results: Among 203 enrolled women, 140 (69.0%) had successful VBAC. The predicted VBAC success rate was higher among women with successful TOL (82.4%±13.1%) than among those with failed TOL (67.7%±18.3%; P<0.001). There was a high positive correlation between actual and predicted success rates. For deciles of predicted success rate increasing from >30%-40% to >90%-100%, the actual success rate was 20%, 30.7%, 38.5%, 59.1%, 71.4%, 76%, and 84.5%, respectively (r=0.98, P=0.013).Conclusion: The close-to-delivery prediction model was found to be applicable to Middle Eastern women and might predict VBAC success rates, thereby decreasing morbidities associated with failed TOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the torrential rainfall and its consequent surface runoff in the Sahara is a crucial issue for better flood protection and water management plans. This is often hampered by the lack of appropriate in situ measurements. Even now the satellite-derived rainfall suffers from great uncertainty. Thus, we adjusted the data obtained from real-time satellite rainfall coverage (HYDIS) using the in situ observed rainfall (Robs). Hydro-morphological parameters were then integrated with the empirical curve number (CN) approach to estimate the surface runoff in Qena, Egypt during the 28 January 2013 flash flood event. We deduced that the study area received a total precipitation (∑Rcum) of ∼35.6 × 106 [mm] and a total rain volume (∑Rvol) of ∼88.9 × 109 [m3] mainly from wadi Qena (89.8%). The majority of the rainfalls fell at light intensity (<2.5 [mm hr−1]). The estimated total surface runoff (∑Qsur) was 26.5 × 106 mm and the total runoff volume (∑Qvol) was 66.2 × 106 [m3]. The total surface transmission losses (∑Tlos) were calculated as 9.1 × 106 [mm], which represents about 25.6% of the total precipitation (∑Rcum) and creates substantial opportunities for alluvial aquifer recharge. The total surface runoff (∑Qsur) and flood magnitude were generally low, therefore, flood influences were restricted to the destruction of some roads in Qena but no fatalities were involved, nevertheless. Most of the running water was contained by El Sail Canal and poured into the Nile River. It is expected that the applied method in this study will be helpful for our understanding and quantification of flood hydrology and contribute to better risk management plan in the arid and hyper-arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new diplexer design of a new-coupled composite right/left-handed (CRLH) resonator to serve the LTE applications. The realization of the diplexer is designed as coupled two zeroth order π-CRLH resonators to represent with zero electrical length and hence attaining a significant size reduction. The filters are designed to achieve a desired frequency bandwidth of 4% ∼16.7 Q-factor and ∼0.066 coupling coefficient at a centre frequency of 2.1 and 2.6 GHz with transmission zeros. The diplexer exhibits a rejection level of 15–20 dB while maintaining insertion loss of 1 dB for the Tx and Rx bands. The circuit design concepts are verified using equivalent circuit simulations, full electromagnetic simulations and experimental measurements. In conclusion, a good agreement is perceived between the measured and simulated data with size compactness of 30 × 60 mm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of the present study is to discover the relationship between QT dispersion and severity of CAD as detected by SYNTAX score in stable patients who suffered acute MI. Methods The present study includes 50 patients admitted to Al-Azhar Assuit university hospital and Sohag cardiac center by acute MI. Results The patient age group ranged from 49 -70 years with a mean ± SD (58.8 ± 10.1). 60% were males and 40% were females.. There was no significant difference found between the two studied groups regarding male gender (p-value 0.564). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding hypertension (p-value 0.774), smoking (p-value 0.569) and dyslipidemia (p-value 0.508). There is no significant difference between the two study groups regarding the troponin (p-value 0.610) and LDL (p-value 0.557). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the echocardiographic data (EF p-value 0.243) (RWMA p-value 0.529). There was highly significant difference between the two group studies regarding the localization of the vessels lesion (p-value<0.001). There was highly significant difference between the two study groups regarding the mean of SYNTAX score (p-value<0.001). Conclusion The study found that patient with prolonged QTc dispersion >60 milliseconds had more severe involvement of the coronary arteries by atherosclerosis compared to patient with QT c dispersion < 60 milliseconds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was undertaken to prospectively analyse, at a mean five-year follow-up, the clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes in patients who developed postoperative acute septic knee arthritis following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstring autograft. We also assessed the effect of multiple arthroscopic debridement and graft retention on the functional outcomes in comparison with the matched control group. Methods: From a consecutive case series of 2,560 ACL-injured patients who were treated with arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, we report on 24 cases with postoperative septic knee arthritis. These patients were individually matched for age, sex, comorbidity, body mass index (BMI) and preinjury Tegner activity scale in a ratio of 1/1. Clinical, laboratory, synovial fluid analysis and culture were performed. Arthroscopic debridement and graft retention was done for all cases, in addition to antibiotic therapy IV. A detailed physical examination, KT1000 laxity testing, Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity level scale, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were completed. Results: In all cases, treatment of infection was successful after a median of three (range one to six) repeated arthroscopic graft debridement and retention, in addition to antibiotic therapy IV. At an average of five years follow-up, two patients had over five millimetres manual maximum side-to-side difference in laxity. There were no significant differences between groups regarding Lysholm score, IKDC and KOOS. Median final Tegner activity score was 5.5 versus 7 in the control group ( p = 0.004). Complications included graft rupture in three patients, loss of range of motion in five, Sudeck's atrophy in one and moderate joint narrowing in two. There were no recurrences of septic arthritis or bone infection. Conclusion: Graft retention seems not only possible but appropriate in view of the experience presented in this article for postoperative septic knee arthritis using hamstring autograft. A potential residual complication is arthrofibrosis, which deserves maximum attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current investigation is concerned with the histological features of Senna occidentalis (L.) Link (coffee senna plant). The anatomical structure of different vegetative and reproductive organs was investigated weekly or fortnightly, according to the investigated organ, throughout the growing season. Organs studied included the main root, main stem (represented by shoot apex, apical, and median internodes), different foliage leaves developed on the main stem and on lateral shoots (including lamina and petiole), epidermal peel and trichomes, flower buds, fruits, and seeds. Histological features of various organs of the coffee senna plant were analysed microscopically and photomicrographed. Moreover, ultrastructural features of the seed coat were investigated by scanning electron microscope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To assess the standard practice of care of surgeons regarding surgical antibiotic prophylaxis, to identify gaps, and to set recommendations. Methods. A retrospective analysis of data obtained from different surgical units in a single center in Qatar over a 3-month period in 2012. A total of 101 patients who underwent surgery and followed regimes for surgical prophylaxis as per hospital guidelines were included in the study. Results. The overall use of antibiotic was 89%, whereas the current practice did not match the recommended hospital protocols in 53.5% of cases. Prolonged antibiotics use (59.3%) was the commonest reason for nonadherence followed by the use of an alternative antibiotic to that recommended in the protocol (31.5%) and no prophylaxis was used in 9.2% of cases. The rate of compliance was significantly higher among clean surgery than clean contaminated group (P = 0.03). Forty-four percent of clean and 65% of clean-contaminated procedures showed noncompliance with the recommended surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis hospital guidelines. Conclusion. Lack of adherence to hospital protocols is not uncommon. This finding remains a challenge to encourage clinicians to follow hospital guidelines appropriately and to consistently apply the surgical antibiotic prophylaxis. The role of clinical pharmacist may facilitate this process across all surgical disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two common approaches have been used by governments for the implementation of public-private partnerships (PPPs): a finance-based approach that aims to use private financing to satisfy infrastructure needs, and a service-based approach that aims to optimize the time and cost efficiencies in service delivery. The implementation of PPPs, however, may suffer from legal, political, and cultural impediments. In the United States, the federal government enabled a number of acts to ease the impediments and promote PPPs for infrastructure development. Based on a detailed analysis of PPPs in the United Kingdom and British Columbia, Canada, this paper describes principles that would characterize the implementation of PPPs at the program level (e.g., whether the implementation is successful). The principles pertain to the: availability of a PPP legal framework and implementation units; perception of the private finance objectives, risk allocation consequences, and value-for-money objectives; maintenance of PPPs process transparency; standardization of procedures; and use of performance specifications. Guidelines for successful implementation are explained and discussed in the context of the United States PPPs experience and impediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, modules which are subisomorphic (in the sense of Goldie) to their pure-injective envelopes are studied. These modules will be called almost pure-injective modules. It is shown that every module is isomorphic to a direct summand of an almost pure-injective module. We prove that these modules are ker-injective (in the sense of Birkenmeier) over pure-embeddings. For a coherent ring R, the class of almost pureinjective modules coincides with the class of ker-injective modules if and only if R is regular. Generally, the class of almost pure-injective modules is neither closed under direct sums nor under elementary equivalence. On the other hand, it is closed under direct products and if the ring has pure global dimension less than or equal to one, it is closed under reduced products. Finally, pure-semisimple rings are characterized, in terms of almost pure-injective modules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a single high-dose rosuvastatin versus atorvastatin preloading in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI.) Methods: A total of 99 patients presented with STEMI and were randomly divided into three groups—a control group (n = 33) with no statin treatment, an atorvastatin group (n = 33) with a single 80 mg atorvastatin dose and the rosuvastatin group (n = 33) with a single 40 mg rosuvastatin dose in the emergency room (ER) prior to PCI. Post-interventional thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade and corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) were recorded, and ST-segment resolution was measured. Results: CTFC was significantly lower for the atorvastatin group (p-value < 0.01) than in the control group. A final TIMI flow grade 3 was achieved in 32 (97.0%) patients in the rosuvastatin group and 28 (84.8%) patients in the atorvastatin group compared with only 25 (75.8%) patients in the control group (p = 0.014). Peak CK-MB in the rosuvastatin group (263.2 [207.2–315.6]) and the atorvastatin group (208 [151.0–314.1]) was lower compared to that in the control group (398.4 [303.9–459.3]); p < 0.001. Conclusions: A single extensive dose of lipophilic atorvastatin prior to primary PCI in STEMI patients showed better improvement in microvascular myocardial perfusion compared to hydrophilic rosuvastatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) hold great potential for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to their multielectron conversion reactions, yet face challenges of poor intrinsic conductivity, sluggish diffusion kinetics, severe phase transitions, and structural collapse during cycling. Herein, a self-templating strategy is proposed for the synthesis of a class of metal cobalt-doped NiSe nanoparticles confined within three-dimensional (3D) N -doped macroporous carbon matrix nanohybrids (Co-NiSe/NMC). The cation defect engineering within the developed Co-NiSe and 3D N -doped carbon plays a crucial role in enhancing intrinsic conductivity, reinforcing structural stability, and reducing the barrier to sodium ion diffusion, which are verified by a series of electrochemical kinetic analyses and density functional theory calculations. Significantly, such cation defect engineering not only reduces overpotential but also accelerates conversion reaction kinetics, ensuring both exceptional high-rate capability and extended durability. Consequently, the optimally engineered Co-NiSe/NMC demonstrates a remarkable rate performance, delivering 390 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1. Moreover, it exhibits an unprecedented lifespan, maintaining a remarkable capacity of 403 mAh g−1 after 1400 cycles and 318 mAh g−1 after 4000 cycles, even at high rates of 1.0 and 2.0 A g−1, respectively. This work marks a substantial advancement in achieving both high performance and prolonged cycle life in sodium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flexible paper based and dual-band antenna is designed for UMTS service (1.9 GHz) and WiMAX services (5.8 GHz). Flexible paper is used as a substrate for the printed antenna. Expanded graphite ink is used to enable printing the antenna on the substrate. The antenna has been designed, simulated, fabricated, and measured. Steps of preparing the conductive printed ink and fabrication of the antenna have been discussed. The conductivity of the printed antenna is measured to be 1 × 104 S/square and the thickness is also measured with an average of 30 µm. Through the whole paper, good agreement between simulated and measured results is satisfied. In addition to the achieved flexibility, the antenna has demonstrated good measurement results. First, the antenna has a bandwidth of 300 MHz at 1.9 GHz and 400 MHz at 5.8 GHz with fractional bandwidth of 15.7% and 6.8% at the both bands, respectively. Second, the measured antenna radiation pattern has indicated that it is omnidirectional at 1.9 GHz and approximately omnidirectional at 5.8 GHz. Third, The antenna gain is 1.266 dB and 0.512 dB at the two bands, respectively. Finally, the antenna's efficiency at the both bands is 35% and 55%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Friction stir processing (FSP) is the most effective severe plastic deformation process for creating materials with very fine grains and good properties. The target of the present research is to investigate the influence of FSP on the microstructure and mechanical properties of homogenized 2024 aluminum alloy with and without rare-earth (RE) and thermomechanically treated conditions (TMT). The rare-earth elements used were Ce and La in the form of a master alloy containing (50% Ce + 50% La). The casting of 2024 aluminum alloys, both with and without (Ce + La), was carried out using the conventional stir cast technique. Part of the obtained alloys was homogenized, whereas the other part was thermomechanically treated (TMT). The homogenized 2024 material was exposed to FSP with multiple passes (one, two, and three) to obtain the suitable pass number. After that, the best pass number was performed on the 2024 aluminum alloy refined with RE (Ce + La) and TMT materials. The microstructures in different conditions (homogenized and stir friction) were examined by optical and scan microscopes attached with EDS and Map analyzer. At the same time, a tensile test was conducted to assess the mechanical properties. The findings indicated that the microstructures were significantly refined after adding RE (Ce + La) or applying the TMT technique. Whereas, the microstructures were greatly improved after applying FSP to both conditions. Ultra-fine grains were observed for both TMT and RE-containing alloys after FSP. On the other hand, the results of mechanical properties were significantly increased after applying multiple passes of FSP. The optimum results were obtained when two passes of stir friction were applied to the TMT alloy condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiazole and thiazolidinone recur in a wide range of biologically active compounds that reach different targets within the context of tumors and represent a promising starting point to access potential candidates for treating metastatic cancer. Therefore, searching for new lead compounds that show the highest anticancer potency with the fewest adverse effects is a major drug-discovery challenge. Because the thiazole ring is present in dasatinib, which is currently used in anticancer therapy, it is important to highlight the ring. In this study, cycloalkylidenehydrazinecarbothioamides (cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclooctyl, dihydronapthalenylidene, flurine-9-ylidene, and indolinonyl) reacted with 2-bromoacetophenone and diethylacetylenedicarboxylate to yield thiazole and 4-thiazolidinone derivatives. The structure of the products was confirmed by using infrared (IR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray analyses. The antiproliferative activity of the newly synthesized compounds was evaluated. The most effective inhibitory compounds were further tested in vitro against both epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAFV600E) targets. Additionally, molecular docking analysis examined how these molecules bind to the active sites of EGFR and BRAFV600E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: early cancers are managed by single modality treatment (surgical excision of the primary tumor or radiotherapy (3DCRT, IMRT or brachytherapy)) with or without elective neck dissection. While locally advanced resectable disease is managed by surgery (excision of the primary tumor with modified radical neck dissection) followed by postoperative radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. This should be considered for cases with adverse pathological features. Purpose: this is a retrospective study to analyze the epidemiological, pathological and clinical factors in cancer oral tongue and correlate them to clinical outcomes [response to treatment and survival rates (disease free survival, progression free survival and overall survival)] to explore best options of care for the patients. Patients and Methods: at the Department of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Ain Shams University Hospitals and Nasser Institute, Cancer Center; patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of oral tongue cancer were included in this retrospective analysis. The study included 40 cases from Nasser Institute, Cancer Center and 18 cases from Ain Shams University Hospitals. The study period was 6 years from January 2011 to December 2016. Results: fifty eight recorded cases were included in the study and subsequent descriptive analysis was performed. One patient who didn't receive any treatment was omitted from the study. Conclusion: as regard treatment; most of the patients underwent surgery followed by adjuvant concurrent chemo radiotherapy especially in patients with close or positive surgical margins or patients who didn't undergo LN dissection. This affected DFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular variability among female morphotypes (smooth, knobbed and linguiform B) and male of Haemonchus longistipes from Camelus dromedarius were analyzed by means of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) using 5 selected decamer primers. Results showed that primers OPA-04 and OPC-1 showed monomorphic bands for female morphotypes and male worms. In contrast, primers OPB-03, OPB-18, and OPD-05 yielded polymorphic bands among female morphotypes and male worms. A number of bands amplified by each primer varied from two to ten bands and ranged from 200 to 1750 bp. Band frequency per H. longistipes worm and per primer was estimated. The neighbor-joining clustering data based on pairwise distances among female morphotypes and male indicated that each sample had its own genetic peculiarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: the use of antidiabetic drugs to control gestational diabetes was controversial. Some studies suggest a possible link between the use of oral antidiadetics and fetal anomalies, fetal macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycemia whereas others have demonstrated no such relationship. Objective: This study aims to assess the efficacy of metformin in controlling maternal blood glucose level compared to insulin in women with GDM. Patients and Methods: The present study included 116 pregnant women who have been diagnosed as gestational diabetics before 34 weeks gestation with singleton pregnancy. They had FBG level ranging from 90-169 mg/dl or 2-hour postprandial blood glucose level ranging from 110-176 mg/dl. The exclusion criteria include pregnant women with preexisting DM and underlying diseases known to affect fetal growth, preeclampsia, unbalanced chronic disease, twin pregnancy, or refused to participate. Results: Comparison of the baseline characteristics was performed between 2 groups and there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding maternal age, gravidity, parity, GA at time of diagnosis, GA at beginning of treatment, and BMI at time of diagnosis. Analysis of the results revealed that metformin was an effective medication for control of blood glucose in women with GDM who failed to achieve euglycemic with diet only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the long-term dynamical evolution of space debris and the development of optical measurements help us to avoid collision risks caused by these objects. In this work we studied the longterm evolution of space debris orbits, in GEO and MEO regions, under the effect of natural perturbations. The perturbations considered are the Earth's gravitational field, luni-solar attraction and solar radiation pressure as well. To characterize and track the space debris we used the optical space surveillance system (OSTS) constructed by the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysical (NRIAG). To better understanding the long-period dynamics we carried out several numerical explorations on space debris with small area-to-mass ratio (between 0.009mm²/kkkk and 0.09mm²/kkkk). We found that zonal potential and solar radiation pressure play an important role in the dynamics of the problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent quaternary lithium-zinc borate glasses with Y3+ ions with chemical formula 15Li 2 O–15ZnO-(70-x)B 2 O 3 -xY 2 O 3 , where x = 0.0 (BLZY0.0), 0.5 (BLZY0.5), 1.0 (BLZY1.0), 1.5 (BLZY1.5), 2.0 (BLZY2.0), and 2.5 (BLZY2.5) mol% has been prepared. The linear optical properties as well as gamma-ray attenuation capabilities of these glasses have been examined. The direct band gap (E o p t i c a l g a p d i r e c t) was reduced from 4.3 to 3.35 (eV) and the indirect band gap (E o p t i c a l g a p i n d i r e c t) was reduced from 3.09 to 2.82 (eV) by insertion of Y3+ ions. The recorded values of Urbach's energy (ΔE) were 0.718, 0.45, 0.37, 0.36, 0.33, and 0.26 eV for BZLY0.0, BZLY0.5, BZLY1.0, BZLY1.5, BZLY2.0, and BZLY2.5 respectively. The refractive index (n) values varied between 2.11 and 2.308 for direct transition, while between 2.37 and 2.45 for indirect transition. Numerically, the linear attenuation coefficient (μ) was found equal to 33.573, 34.417, 35.221, 36.095, 37.012, and 37.918 cm−1 at 0.015 MeV, while equal to 0.050, 0.051, 0.052, 0.054, 0.055, and 0.057 cm−1 at 15 MeV for BLZY0.0, BLZY0.5, BLZY1.0, BLZY1.5, BLZY2.0, and BLZY2.5, respectively. The half value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP) are found to take the order BLZY2.5 < BLZY2.0 < BLZY1.5 < BLZY1.0 < BLZY0.5 < BLZY0.0.In conclusion, the prepared glasses can be applied for optical and gamma-ray shielding applications. • B 2 O 3 –Li 2 O–ZnO glasses doped with Y+3 ions have been fabricated. • Linear optical characteristics were measured. • Gamma-ray attenuation capabilities were examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of using the lactoperoxidase enzyme system (LPS) on improving the keeping quality and increasing the shelf life of raw milk. Fresh milk samples were obtained after morning milking from Butana cows at different stages of lactations. The milk samples were cooled immediately before transported to the laboratory, where they were divided into two groups (control and treated), then each group was subdivided into four sub-groups and kept at 5±2°C, 13±2°C, 25±2°C and 37±2°C temperatures. All samples were subjected to microbial examinations (total bacterial count, psychrotrophic bacterial count, coliform count and yeast and mould counts), acidity and clot-on-boiling test during the period of storage. The results showed significant (P<0.05) variations between the control and LPS treated milk samples on total bacterial count, psychrotrophic bacterial count, coliform count and yeast and mould counts. Moreover the data revealed that cows' milk samples from different stages of lactation treated with LPS showed longer shelf life and better keeping quality during all storage degrees of temperature compared with the controlled samples under the same conditions. The study concluded that although the LPS activity is affected by the storage temperature of the milk, it is useful in prolonging the shelf life of raw milk. Hence it could be applied in hot areas like Sudan in order to utilize the huge quantity of the milk produced in the traditional systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spinal Anesthesia is a common type of anesthesia used during many surgical procedures. This regional technique can be accomplished by administering an intrathecal dose of hyperbaric local anesthetic solution. The local anesthetic within the subarachnoid space can block sensory, motor and sympathetic pathways. Objectives: The Purpose of this study was to find out the effectiveness of prophylactic administration of intravenous ondansetron for attenuation of spinal anesthesia induced hypotension in non-obstetric spinal anesthesia surgeries. Patients and Methods: Therefore, A prospective double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study was found to be the most suitable design in order to achieve the study objectives. A total of 90 patients males & females included in the study, aged 20-40 years, and were divided equally into two groups: Group A received 8mg ondansetron diluted in volume of 10cm normal saline 5 minutes prior to spinal anesthesia. Group B received a placebo of 10cm normal saline 5 minutes prior to spinal anesthesia. Results: There was no statistically significant difference found between the two studied groups regarding demographic data, anthropometric measures, ASA score and total time of surgery. There was statistically significant increase in the incidence of hypotension immediately after spinal and at 5 min in placebo group than ondansetron group with p-value = 0.026 and 0.014 respectively. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that, among patients who received spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine for elective for surgeries below umbilicus, prophylactic intravenous ondansetron 8mg iv 5 mins prior to spinal anesthesia reduced spinal anesthesia induced hypotension decreases in SBP, MAP, and heart rate. Ondansetron did not have a significant effect on DBP. Ondansetron did not have a significant effect on DBP. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was lower following the administration of ondansetron, and vasopressor use and dosages were reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a rule-based expert system named EFSIS-ES (Engineering Factors of Sprinkler Irrigation System -Expert System) had been built, verified and validated. Therefore, the aims of this research were to build, verify and validate an expert system for making a decision for the normal user to maximize system efficiency of sprinkler irrigation. The inputs data included location data, climate data, pump data, crop data, soil data and sprinkler system data. The outputs of the expert system were number of the sprinklers on a lateral, number of laterals in the irrigation system, length of each lateral, main line length, irrigation frequency, required pump power, total dynamic head (TDH) and pump discharge output. Results showed high correlation (R² = 0.9927) between the EFSIS-ES program and the designed spreadsheet in regard to irrigation frequency. It could be indicated high correlation (R² = 0.9999) between the EFSIS-ES program and the designed spreadsheet regarding pump power. The regression coefficient (R² ) was 0.9983 between EFSIS-ES program and SSSDPS Expert regarding total dynamic head (TDH). It could be indicated high correlation (R² = 0.9979) between EFSIS-ES program and SSSDPS Expert regarding pump discharge output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel electrostatic micro-tweezers to manipulate particles with diameters up to 14 μ m. The tweezers consist of two grip-arms mounted to an electrostatically actuated initially curved micro-beam. It exploits bistable equilibria, resulting from a snap-through instability, to close the separation distance between the two arms allowing them to grasp a large range of objects. The tweezers offer further control beyond the snap-through point, via electrostatic actuation, to increase pressure on larger objects or grasp smaller objects. The tweezers are fabricated in a p-type Silicon on Insulator (SOI) wafer. Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is utilized to derive the governing equation of motion taking into account the arms' rotary inertia and the electrostatic fringing field. A reduced-order model (ROM) is developed utilizing two, three and five symmetric modes in a Galerkin expansion. A finite element model (FEM) is also developed to validate the ROM and to study the arm tips' separation as a function of actuation voltage. The five-mode ROM is found to be convergent and accurate except in the vicinity of the snap-through saddle-node bifurcation. Our analysis shows that the tweezers can manipulate micro-particles with diameters ranging from 5 to 12 μ m with an operating voltage range limited by the snap-back voltage 100. 2 V and the pull-in voltage 153. 2 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The timing of initiation of Norepinephrine (NEP) in septic shock is controversial. We evaluated the impact of early NEP simultaneously with fluids in those patients. We randomized 101 patients admitted to the emergency department with septic shock to early NEP simultaneously with IV fluids (early group) or after failed fluids trial (late group). The primary outcome was the in-hospital survival while the secondary outcomes were the time to target mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 65 mmHg, lactate clearance and resuscitation volumes. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the baseline characteristics. NEP infusion started after 25 (20–30) and 120 (120–180) min in the early and late groups (p = 0.000). MAP of 65 mmHg was achieved faster in the early group (2 [1–3.5] h vs. 3 [2–4.75] h, p = 0.003). Serum lactate was decreased by 37.8 (24–49%) and 22.2 (3.3–38%) in both groups respectively (p = 0.005). Patients with early NEP were resuscitated by significantly lower volume of fluids (25 [18.8–28.7] mL/kg vs. 32.5 [24.4–34.6] mL/kg) in the early and late groups (p = 0.000). The early group had survival rate of 71.9% compared to 45.5% in the late group (p = 0.007). NEP started after 30 (20–120 min) in survivors vs. 120 (30–165 min) in non-survivors (p = 0.013). We concluded that early Norepinephrine in septic shock might cause earlier restoration of blood pressure, better lactate clearance and improve in-hospital survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2(5H)‐furanone bearing two furyl rings was synthesized. The behavior of this furanone toward some nitrogen nucleophiles, namely, hydrazine hydrate, benzylamine, and ammonium acetate, was studied. The nitrile group at position‐3 of the furanone was utilized to construct thiazolidine ring by the action of thioglycollic acid. The acid hydrazide synthesized from the previous step was allowed to react with some carbonyl compounds, namely, acetonylacetone, acetylacetone, ethyl acetoacetate, ethyl cinnamate, diethylmalonate, phthalic anhydride, benzil, and 4‐methoxybenzaldehyde, to form pyrrole, pyrazole, and pyrazolopyridazine ring systems bearing two furyl groups. The structures of all the products obtained were illustrated from their analytical and spectral data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the rising trend of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, there is also a rise in chronic complications like chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD). Cardiovascular complications remain the most common cause of death among ESRD patients and those on hemodialysis (HD). Hemodialysis patients behave in a distinct way that they are relatively more prone for bleeding than thrombotic manifestations. In recent days, abnormalities in platelet parameters are found to be an effective tool in risk stratification of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to develop coronary artery disease. Platelet parameters are considered as inflammatory markers. The present study was taken to find the association of various platelet parameters among hemodialysis patients and CKD patients. Objectives: The aim was to study the platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT) and platelet large cell ratio (PLCR) among ESRD patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and compare with CKD patients and healthy age and sex matched controls. Methods: The present study was done on three groups. Group 1 included 20 healthy individuals from hospital staffs and healthy volunteers matched for age and sex, Group2 included 60 CKD patients and Group 3 included 40 ESRD patients on maintenance HD. Results: The mean values of platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet count, plateletcrit ratio (PCT) and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) were found to be higher in CKD and ESRD patients when compared to healthy controls. PDW, PCT and L-PCR attained statistical significance, while MPV did not. Conclusions: Abnormality in platelet parameters can be used as a predictor of underlying inflammation and severity of atherosclerosis as all these parameters are lesser than that observed in control population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial for successful therapy. The present work examined the value of ultrastructural morphometric image analysis of hepatocyte nuclei in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) versus HCC cases with chronic HCV and the corresponding surgical tumor-free safe margins (TFMs), to highlight any early predictive signs of neoplastic cellular transformation. This work also performed an immunohistochemical assessment of cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and Ki-67-positive cells to visualize any associated proliferative activity in the examined groups. The results showed significant decrease in the hepatocyte nuclear surface areas in the HCC and TFMs versus those in the HCV cases. The hepatocyte nucleolar surface area was significantly increased in the HCC cases versus that in the HCV cases. This increase was associated with a significant increase in Ki-67-positive cells in the HCC cases compared to those in the other groups. Conversely, the mean number of CK 19-positive cells was significantly reduced in the HCC cases compared to the cell numbers in TFMs and HCV cases with severe hepatic fibrosis. Liver progenitor cells (LPCs) were discerned in the reactive ductules and canaliculo-ductular junctions that characterized TFMs. LPCs were sporadically distributed in the liver lobules and reactive bile ductules in the HCC samples. In conclusion, CK 19 represents an important marker for distinguishing between dysplastic and malignant liver nodules. Electron microscopic morphometric image analysis may be considered as adjunct factor for assessing hepatocyte malignant transformation. Wider scale studies are needed to authenticate these results. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A series of ( Z)-methyl 2( Z)-3-substituted-2-(cycloalkylidenehydrazono)-4-oxothiazolidin-5-ylidene)-acetate derivatives were synthesized via condensation alkylidene- N-substituted hydrazinecarbothioamides with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate. The synthesized compounds were characterized by using different spectroscopic methods and confirmed by single crystal X-ray analysis. The behavior of (cyclic-alkylidene) hydrazinecarbothioamides in cyclization was presented. The mechanism of transformation of ( Z)-methyl 2-(( Z)-3-(cyclopentylideneamino)-4-oxo-2-(phenylimino)thiazolidin-5-ylidene)acetate ( 14) into the more stable ( Z)-Methyl 2-[( Z)-2-(cyclopentylidenehydrazono)-4-oxo-3-phenylthiazolidin-5-ylidene]acetate ( 5a) was discussed and confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient route for the synthesis of (E)-2-(2-(2-nitrobenzylidene)-hydrazinyl)-4-phenylthiazol-3-ium bromide, (E)-2-(2(substituted benzylidene)hydrazinyl)-4-phenylthiazoles and (E)-4-(4-bromophenyl)-2-(cycloalkylidenehydrazono)-3-phenyl-2,3-dihydrothiazoles by reaction of 1-aryl-2-bromoethanones with 2-(1-substituted methylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamides and cycloalkylidene-N-phenyl-hydrazinecarbothioamides. The structure of the products has been confirmed by using IR, NMR, mass spectrometry and single-crystal X-ray analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aryl thiosemicarbazones react rapidly in a facile procedure with dimethyl acetylene-dicarboxylate to give substituted (ylidene) hydrazono(4-oxothiazolidin-5-ylidene) acetates in high yields. The synthesised compounds were characterised by spectroscopic methods and the structures confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Several mechanistic options involving nucleophilic interaction are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substituted spiro-heterocycles containing 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione, were formed at room temperature via the reaction of N-cycloalkylidene hydrazinecarbothioamides 2 with benzo- as well as naphthoquinone derivatives. 2,3-Dithioxo-1,4-naphthalene-1,4-dione was synthesized upon heating compounds 2 with 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone. The synthesized compounds were characterized by using different spectroscopic methods and confirmed by single crystal X-ray analyses. Rationales for the role of benzo- and naphthoquinone derivatives as well as the conversions are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, aims and objectives Pharmacists are expected to play an important role in applying pharmacogenomics discoveries to patient care. Despite the increased attention to genetic research in Qatar, clinicians' attitudes towards the application of pharmacogenomics are not yet explored. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness and attitude of pharmacists compared with doctors towards pharmacogenomics and its implications by submitting an electronic-based survey to all pharmacists and doctors currently working in a large medical corporation in Qatar. Methods A cross-sectional survey instrument was developed based on literature review. Eligible participants were pharmacists and doctors currently practicing in Hamad Medical Corporation hospitals in Qatar. The survey comprised questions on demographic and professional characteristics. It also evaluated the awareness, attitudes and challenges towards pharmacogenomics and its application. Results We collected 202 surveys, 108 (53.2%) of which were pharmacists and the remaining 94 (46.5%) were doctors. The overall participants' mean total awareness score percentage was low (39% ± 22) and there were no difference between the mean score achieved by pharmacists and doctors. Pharmacists had significantly more positive attitudes than doctors towards: (i) taking the responsibility of applying pharmacogenomics to drug therapy selection, dosing and monitoring; (ii) perceiving a positive role of pharmacogenomics testing on the control of drug expenditure; and (iii) their willingness to participate in pharmacogenomics-related training sessions. Both pharmacists and doctors perceived lack of knowledge and guidelines as major challenges towards the application of pharmacogenomics in Qatar. Conclusion Despite doctors' and pharmacists' low level of awareness towards pharmacogenomics, they both have positive attitudes towards the clinical implications of pharmacogenomics. Pharmacists are more motivated to learn about pharmacogenomics and are more willing to take initiatives in its clinical application and patient education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of substituted ethylidenehydrazinylidene-1,3-thiazol-4-ones and dimethyl 2-{[4-1(-[5-(2-methoxy-2-oxoethylidene)- 4-oxo-3-phenyl-1,3-(thiazolidin-2-ylidene]hydrazonylidene}ethyl)phenyl]aminofumarate were synthesised by condensation of substituted ethylidene-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamides with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate. The synthesised compounds were characterised by spectroscopic methods and confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Some of the prepared compounds were screened for their in vitro antibacterial activity against different strains of microorganisms, compound 3b exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to ciprofloxacin with MIC value of 1.12 μg mL-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies analytically and numerically the spring softening and hardening phenomena that occur in electrostatically actuated microelectromechanical systems comb drive resonators utilizing folded suspension beams. An analytical expression for the electrostatic force generated between the combs of the rotor and the stator is derived and takes into account both the transverse and longitudinal capacitances present. After formulating the problem, the resulting stiff differential equations are solved analytically using the method of multiple scales, and a closed-form solution is obtained. Furthermore, the nonlinear boundary value problem that describes the dynamics of inextensional spring beams is solved using straightforward perturbation to obtain the linear and nonlinear spring constants of the beam. The analytical solution is verified numerically using a Matlab/Simulink environment, and the results from both analyses exhibit excellent agreement. Stability analysis based on phase plane trajectory is also presented and fully explains previously reported empirical results that lacked sufficient theoretical description. Finally, the proposed solutions are, once again, verified with previously published measurement results. The closed-form solutions provided are easy to apply and enable predicting the actual behavior of resonators and gyroscopes with similar structures.\hfill[2011-0007] [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Annulatascus nilensis sp. nov., from freshwater habitats in Egypt, is described, illustrated and compared,to other species in the genus. Phylogenetic analyses of its LSU rDNA sequence with similar fungi placed the new,species in the genus Annulatascus (Annulatascaceae, Sordariomycetidae incertae sedis). Annulatascus nilensis is,characterized by immersed ascomata with an ascomatal neck oriented horizontally to the substrate surface, asci,with a long, narrow stalk and massive bipartite apical ring, and 5-11-septate, hyaline ascospores surrounded by a,large irregular, granular sheath that is not seen in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Curcumin is an inducer of heme oxygenase enzyme-1 (HO-1) that is involved in erectile signaling via elevating cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)levels. Aim. To assess the effect of oral administration of a water-soluble long-acting curcumin derivative on erectile signaling. Methods. Two hundred and thirty six male white albino rats were divided into four groups; group 1 (N = 20) includes control. Group 2 (N = 72) was equally divided into four subgroups; subgroup 1 received pure curcumin (10 mg/kg), subgroup 2 received the long-acting curcumin derivative (2 mg/kg), subgroup 3 received the long-acting curcumin derivative (10 mg/kg), and subgroup 4 received sildenafil (4 mg/kg). Subgroups were sacrificed after the first, second, and third hour. Group 3 (N = 72) was equally divided into the same four subgroups already mentioned and were sacrificed after 24 hours, 48 hours, and 1 week. Group 4 (N = 72) was subjected to intracavernosal pressure (ICP) measurements 1 hour following oral administration of the same previous doses in the same rat subgroups. Main Outcome Measure. Cavernous tissue HO enzyme activity, cGMP, and ICP. Results. In group 2, there was a significant progressive maintained elevation of HO activity and cGMP tissue levels starting from the first hour in subgroups 3 and 4, whereas, the rise in HO activity and cGMP started from second hour regarding the other rat subgroups. Sildenafil effect decreased after 3 hours. In group 3, there was a significant maintained elevation of HO activity and cGMP tissue levels extended to 1 week as compared to controls for all rat subgroups that received both forms of curcumin. In group 4, long-acting curcumin derivative exhibited more significant potentiation of intracavernosal pressure as compared to control and to the pure curcumin. Conclusion. Water-soluble long-acting curcumin derivative could mediate erectile function via upregulating cavernous tissue cGMP. Abdel Aziz MT, El Asmer MF, Rezq A, Kumosani TA, Mostafa S, Mostafa T, Atta H, Abdel Aziz Wassef M, Fouad HH, Rashed L, Sabry D, Hassouna AA, Senbel A, and Abdel Aziz A. Novel water-soluble curcumin derivative mediating erectile signaling. J Sex Med 2010;7:2714–2722. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin exerts a hypoglycemic action and induces heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1).We evaluated the effect of curcumin on isolated islets of Langerhans and studied whether its action on insulin secretion is mediated by inducible HO-1. Islets were isolated from rats and divided into control islets, islets incubated in different curcumin concentrations, islets incubated in hemin, islets incubated in curcumin and HO inhibitor, stannous mesoporphyrin (SnMP), islets incubated in hemin and SnMP, islets incubated in SnMP only, and islets incubated in 16.7 mmol/L glucose. Heme-oxygenase activity, HO-1 expression, and insulin estimation was assessed. Insulin secretion, HO-1 gene expression and HO activity were significantly increased in islets incubated in curcumin, hemin, and glucose compared with controls. This increase in insulin secretion was significantly decreased by incubation of islets in SnMP. The action of curcumin on insulin secretion from the isolated islets may be, in part, mediated through increased HO-1 gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Heme oxygenase (HO) enzyme catalyzes oxidative degradation of heme to biliverdin and carbon monoxide (CO). CO shares many properties with nitric oxide (NO) including the activation of soluble guanyl cyclase. Aim. To assess cavernous tissue HO activity and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels in response to oral phosphodiesterse type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Methods. Seven hundred twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into six groups, were investigated. Group 1, controls; group 2 received sildenafil citrate orally; group 3 received vardenafil hydrochloride; and group 4 received tadalafil. Group 5 was subdivided into three equal subgroups, received the same dose of each drug added to the HO inhibitor, Zn protoporphyrin. Group 6 was subdivided into three equal subgroups, received the same dose of each drug added to the NO inhibitor, L-nitroarginine methylester. Eight rats from each group/subgroup were sacrificed at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 18, 24, and 36 hours, respectively. Main Outcome Measures. HO enzyme activity assay and cGMP tissue levels in dissected rat cavernous tissues. Results. Both cavernous tissue HO enzyme activity and cGMP levels were increased significantly in sildenafil-, vardenafil-, and tadalafil-treated rats compared with the controls, with significant decreases after either HO or NO inhibition. Cavernous tissue HO enzyme activity and cGMP showed a positive significant correlation ( r = 0.854, P < 0.001). Conclusion. The effects of PDE5 inhibitors in cavernous tissue are partly mediated through HO enzyme activity. Abdel Aziz MT, Mostafa T, Atta H, Rashed L, Marzouk SA, Obaia EM, Sabry D, Hassouna AA, El-Shehaby AM, and Abdel Aziz AT. The role of PDE5 inhibitors in heme oxygenase–cGMP relationship in rat cavernous tissues. J Sex Med 2008;5:1636–1645. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]