The use of isolates with efficient antagonistic activity represents a potentially effective and alternative disease management strategy to replace health hazardous chemical control. In this context, twenty isolates were...The use of isolates with efficient antagonistic activity represents a potentially effective and alternative disease management strategy to replace health hazardous chemical control. In this context, twenty isolates were obtained from tomato rhizosphere and evaluated by their antagonistic activity against four fungal pathogens ( f. sp. , , and ). The production of extracellular cell wall degrading enzymes of tested isolates was also measured. All the isolates significantly reduced the mycelial growth of tested pathogens but the amount of growth reduction varied significantly as well. There was a positive correlation between the antagonistic capacity of isolates towards fungal pathogens and their lytic enzyme production. The isolates were initially sorted according to morphology and based on the translation elongation factor 1-α gene sequence similarity, the isolates were designated as , , , and . PCA analysis explained 31.53, 61.95, 62.22 and 60.25% genetic variation among isolates based on RAPD, REP-, ERIC- and BOX element analysis, respectively. - gene, encoding a squalene epoxidase has been used for the first time for diversity analysis of antagonistic from tomato rhizosphere. Phylogenetic analysis of -1 gene sequences revealed close relatedness of -1sequences with earlier reported sequences of , and However, -1 gene also showed heterogeneity among some antagonistic isolates and indicated the possibility of occurrence of squalene epoxidase driven triterpene biosynthesis as an alternative biocontrol mechanism in species.
BACKGROUND: Diets with increasing levels of energy were fed for 42 days to 200, 1-day old male broiler chickens to evaluate growth performance, carcass characteristics and chemical composition of meat. The study was perf...BACKGROUND: Diets with increasing levels of energy were fed for 42 days to 200, 1-day old male broiler chickens to evaluate growth performance, carcass characteristics and chemical composition of meat. The study was performed in the subtropical area of northeastern Mexico. Treatments diets (T) for starter and finisher phases had apparent metabolizable energy (AME; kcal/kg) of: 2960 and 3040 (T1); 3000 and 3080 (T2); 3040 and 3120 (T3); 3080 and 3160 (T4), respectively. Within each of the growing phases the four treatment diets were formulated to contain similar levels of crude protein, amino acids, and other nutrients. In a completely randomized design, birds were allocated to the four treatments with five replicates (floor pens) of 10 birds each. The trial was divided in two phases (starter and finisher) of 21 days each (42 days total). RESULTS: Weight gain was not influenced by energy level; however, feed conversion efficiency was improved in the diets with 3040 and 3120 kcal/kg AME (T3; P < 0.05). There was no influence of treatment on total carcass weight or carcass cuts (P > 0.05). Meat from breast muscle had similar crude protein percentages among treatments; ether extract was higher in T1 than T4 (P < 0.05). The percentages of water, ether extract, ash and crude protein in thigh meat were not significantly different (P > 0.05) among treatments. CONCLUSIONS: For this study carried out in a dry tropical area, the moderate increase in dietary energy concentration (diet with 3040 and 3120 kcal/kg AME, T3) enhanced feed conversion efficiency of broiler chickens.
Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS), a hemostatic agent of plant origin, has been registered for the prevention of clinical hemorrhages. Currently there is no data regarding the ultrastructural analysis of ABS at the tissue lev...Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS), a hemostatic agent of plant origin, has been registered for the prevention of clinical hemorrhages. Currently there is no data regarding the ultrastructural analysis of ABS at the tissue level. The aim of this study is to assess renal tissue effects via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses for the ABS and ABS nanohemostat (formed by the combination of self-assembling peptide amphiphile molecules and ABS). SEM experiments were performed with FEI Nova NanoSEM 230, using the ETD detector at low vacuum mode with 30 keV beam energy. SEM analyses revealed that significant erythroid aggregation are present inside the capillary bed of the renal tissue. However, neither the signs of necrosis nor any other sign of tissue damage are evident in the surrounding renal tissue supplied by the microcapillary vasculature. Our study is important for several reasons. Firstly, in our study we used ABS nanohemostat which was recently developed. This study adds valuable information to the literature regarding ABS nanohemostat. Secondly, this study is the first ultrastructural analysis of ABS that was performed at the tissue level. Thirdly, we disclosed that ABS nanohemostat could induce vital erythroid aggregation at the renal tissue level as detected by SEM. Lastly, we detected that ABS nanohemostat causes no harm to the tissues including necrosis and any other detrimental effects.
Certain studies have suggested that the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) -857 C/T polymorphism is associated with risk of ankylosing spondylitis. However, the conclusions remain controversial. Therefore, we performed a me...Certain studies have suggested that the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) -857 C/T polymorphism is associated with risk of ankylosing spondylitis. However, the conclusions remain controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to provide a more precise conclusion. Such databases as PubMed, Embase, CBM, CNKI, and Wanfang Data were searched to identify relevant studies up to August 26, 2015. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the association between TNF-α -857 C/T polymorphism and ankylosing spondylitis susceptibility. A total of 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, an elevated risk between TNF-α -857 C/T polymorphism and ankylosing spondylitis was observed in three genetic model (T vs. C: OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.19-2.92; CT vs. CC: OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.49-4.23; TT + CT vs. CC: OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.40-4.30), except in homozygote model (TT vs. CC: OR 2.41, 95% CI 0.96-6.06) and recessive model (TT vs. CT + CC: OR 1.54, 95% CI 0.71-3.35). Sensitivity analysis showed the overall results were robust. Subgroup analyses according to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and ethnicity showed that the increased risk of ankylosing spondylitis were predominant in Asian population. This meta-analysis indicated that TNF-α -857 C/T polymorphism might increase the susceptibility of ankylosing spondylitis, especially in Asians. Further studies were needed to verify the conclusion.
Calcification of the ligamentum flavum (CLF) can cause myelopathy due to spinal cord compression. Only several cases in Caucasian patients have been described. Neurological deterioration can only be stopped by surgical d...Calcification of the ligamentum flavum (CLF) can cause myelopathy due to spinal cord compression. Only several cases in Caucasian patients have been described. Neurological deterioration can only be stopped by surgical decompression. We report a 63-year-old Caucasian woman presenting with progressive pins-and-needles sensations in both hands, worsened by painful paresthesia in both lower extremities. MRI showed a dorsal compressive mass extending from C2 to Th3 vertebrae with myelopathy at the level of C6. A laminectomy was performed, which improved clinical symptoms. Histological examination showed CLF. Early recognition of CLF and early spinal cord decompression are needed to improve neurological outcome.
BACKGROUND: Vascular anomalies accompanied with the diploic veins are rare. Among them, sinus pericranii, which is characterized by abnormal connections between intra- and extracranial venous systems, is relatively commo...BACKGROUND: Vascular anomalies accompanied with the diploic veins are rare. Among them, sinus pericranii, which is characterized by abnormal connections between intra- and extracranial venous systems, is relatively common. Besides sinus pericranii, a few cases of subepicranial varix with connections to diploic veins have been reported, but these varices had no connections to intracranial venous sinuses. Herein, we present a rare case of an expanding venous sac in the diploe which communicated with the intracranial sinus but not with the extracranial venous systems. CASE PRESENTATION: An adult woman presented to us with a minor transient headache. Although no abnormal appearances were found on her scalp, imaging studies showed a club-shaped venous sac in the left parietal diploe that communicated with the superior sagittal sinus and diploic veins on the medial and lateral sides, respectively. It was revealed that the lesion had expanded as compared with a previous computed tomography image. Surgery was performed to intercept venous supply from the diploic veins, and the lesion was filled with thrombi. In a follow-up of 15 months, there was no recurrence of abnormal venous flow. Histological examination showed the endothelial lining in the membranous wall of the sac, which is typically observed in sinus pericranii. However, no communication with the pericranial veins of the scalp was identified on the imaging studies and intraoperative observation. Accordingly, it was diagnosed as another entity "intradiploic varix". CONCLUSIONS: The abnormal connection between the intracranial and the diploic venous systems via the large venous sac was surgically treated. It was pathologically similar to sinus pericranii, but anatomically considered to be another form of venous anomaly. In cases of expanding lesions, surgical treatment is recommended.
BACKGROUND: Ankle injuries are among the most common injuries in children. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacies of two percutaneous fixation methods after closed reduction in physeal ankle fractures. METHO...BACKGROUND: Ankle injuries are among the most common injuries in children. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacies of two percutaneous fixation methods after closed reduction in physeal ankle fractures. METHODS: We reviewed the cases of 24 patients with a mean age of 12.29 years; 16 were male, and 8 were female. Only patients with fractures of Salter-Harris types 2, 3, and 4 with displacements greater than 2 mm were included in the study. Patients were treated with closed reduction manipulation and percutaneous screw fixation. For each patient, either cannulated or headless full threaded compressive screws were used for percutaneous fixation. Radiological and clinical healing time, range of motion (ROM), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and physeal arrest were then measured. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 13 months. The mean time until cast removal was 3.5 weeks (range 2-5). A full ROM was achieved at an average of 5.7 weeks postoperatively (range 4-8). The radiologic healing time was 6.1 weeks (range 4-7). The patients' clinical healing time averaged 6.8 weeks (range 5-8). Differences in radiologic healing time (p = 0.487), clinical healing time (p = 0.192), AOFAS score (p = 0.467), and complication rate (p = 0.519) between patients who received the headless compressive screw and those who received the cannulated screw for fixation were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate good clinical results with closed reduction and the percutaneous screw fixation method. Both cannulated and headless compressive screws can be used safely as a treatment method in physeal ankle fractures.
BACKGROUND: Kashin-Beck Disease (KBD) is an endemic osteoarthropathy in areas which extend from the North-East to the South-West of China. Most of the patients with KBD suffer multiple dysfunctions in major joints causin...BACKGROUND: Kashin-Beck Disease (KBD) is an endemic osteoarthropathy in areas which extend from the North-East to the South-West of China. Most of the patients with KBD suffer multiple dysfunctions in major joints causing decreased health status. However because of their low education level and unique living habits, it is hard to find tools to measure the health-related quality of life (HRQOL). European quality of life (EQ-5D-3L) patient-reported instrument is widely used to measure HRQOL. This study aimed to establish the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the EQ-5D-3L for evaluating HRQOL of KBD individuals in rural area. METHODS: 368 individuals who were suffering from KBD were recruited through stratified multistage random sampling from Shaanxi province, China. The EQ-5D-3L and the WHOQOL-BREF were administrated in each individual by face to face interview. Test-retest reliability was assessed at 10-14 days intervals. The test-retest reliability was measured by calculating the Kappa coefficients for EQ-5D-3L five dimensions. For the EQ VAS, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was computed. Convergent and divergent analysis, construct validity was established using Spearman's rank correlation between the EQ-5D-3L and the WHOQOL-BREF. Known groups' validity was examined by comparing groups with a priori expected differences in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). RESULTS: For 362 individuals (98%), comprehensive data of all the EQ-5D-3L dimensions were available. Kappa values of the EQ-5D-3L five items ranged from 0.324 to 0.554. ICC of the EQ VAS was 0.497. For convergent validity, the three items (self-care, usual activity, and mobility) of EQ-5D-3L, index scores, and VAS showed moderate correlations with the physical health domain of the WHOQOL-BREF (r absolute value ranged from 0.339 to 0.475). For divergent validity, the 5 items of EQ-5D-3L showed weak or no correlations with environment and social relationship domains of WHOQOL-BREF. The Chinese EQ-5D-3L clearly demarcated between groups which were reporting severe disease degree, poorer general health, more number of painful joints with worse HRQOL. CONCLUSIONS: The EQ-5D-3L Chinese Version demonstrated fair to moderate levels of test-retest reliability and adequate construct validity in KBD individuals in China.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of tibial pilon fractures treated with arthroscopy and assisted reduction with an external fixator. METHODS: Thirteen patients with tibial pilon fract...OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of tibial pilon fractures treated with arthroscopy and assisted reduction with an external fixator. METHODS: Thirteen patients with tibial pilon fractures underwent assisted reduction for limited lower internal fixation with an external fixator under arthroscopic guidance. The weight-bearing time was decided on the basis of repeat radiography of the tibia 3 months after surgery. Postoperative ankle function was evaluated according to the Mazur scoring system. RESULTS: Healing of fractures was achieved in all cases, with no complications such as severe infection, skin necrosis, or an exposed plate. There were 9 excellent, 2 good, and 2 poor outcomes, scored according to the Mazur system. The acceptance rate was 85%. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopy and external fixator-assisted reduction for the minimally invasive treatment of tibial pilon fractures not only produced less trauma but also protected the soft tissues and blood supply surrounding the fractures. External fixation could indirectly provide reduction and effective operative space for arthroscopic implantation, especially for AO type B fractures and partial AO type C1 fractures.
During the latest episode of general election held in Malaysia, it is observed that the FBMKLCI index was lifted 62.52 points in a day soon after the announcement of election outcome. Moreover, the index registered a hig...During the latest episode of general election held in Malaysia, it is observed that the FBMKLCI index was lifted 62.52 points in a day soon after the announcement of election outcome. Moreover, the index registered a highest gain of 96.29 points in the middle of the intra-day trade. This suggests that investors who had got the right direction could make profitable intra-day trading the next trading day of the general election date. Results from statistical analysis uncover significant before-election-effect and after-election-effect from the most recent general elections held in Malaysia. Different subsets of macroeconomic variables are found to have significant role on stock market return depending on the market situation. Remarkably, when there was close fight between the two major political parties during the 2008 and 2013 election years, political uncertainty showed up its negative and significant role in influencing the stock market return. The major implication of these findings is that while investors may seek abnormal returns before and after the next general election, which is around the corner, they will have to pay attention on the influence of macroeconomic variables and political uncertainty on stock market return during the election year.
The paper investigates some classes of real number sequences over 2-normed spaces defined by means of Orlicz functions, a bounded sequence of strictly positive real numbers, a multiplier and a normal paranormed sequence...The paper investigates some classes of real number sequences over 2-normed spaces defined by means of Orlicz functions, a bounded sequence of strictly positive real numbers, a multiplier and a normal paranormed sequence space. Relevant properties of such classes have been investigated. Moreover, relationships among different such classes of sequences have also been studied under various parameters and conditions. Finally, the spaces are investigated for some other useful properties. The conclusion section provides many interesting facts for further research.
Based on conventional approaches for the integration of resistive-type superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) on electric distribution networks, SFCL models largely rely on the insertion of a step or exponential...Based on conventional approaches for the integration of resistive-type superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) on electric distribution networks, SFCL models largely rely on the insertion of a step or exponential resistance that is determined by a predefined quenching time. In this paper, we expand the scope of the aforementioned models by considering the actual behaviour of an SFCL in terms of the temperature dynamic power-law dependence between the electrical field and the current density, characteristic of high temperature superconductors. Our results are compared to the step-resistance models for the sake of discussion and clarity of the conclusions. Both SFCL models were integrated into a power system model built based on the UK power standard, to study the impact of these protection strategies on the performance of the overall electricity network. As a representative renewable energy source, a 90 MVA wind farm was considered for the simulations. Three fault conditions were simulated, and the figures for the fault current reduction predicted by both fault current limiting models have been compared in terms of multiple current measuring points and allocation strategies. Consequently, we have shown that the incorporation of the - characteristics and thermal properties of the superconductor at the simulation level of electric power systems, is crucial for estimations of reliability and determining the optimal locations of resistive type SFCLs in distributed power networks. Our results may help decision making by distribution network operators regarding investment and promotion of SFCL technologies, as it is possible to determine the maximum number of SFCLs necessary to protect against different fault conditions at multiple locations.
Location based services (LBS) provided by wireless sensor networks have garnered a great deal of attention from researchers and developers in recent years. Chirp spread spectrum (CSS) signaling formatting with time diffe...Location based services (LBS) provided by wireless sensor networks have garnered a great deal of attention from researchers and developers in recent years. Chirp spread spectrum (CSS) signaling formatting with time difference of arrival (TDOA) ranging technology is an effective LBS technique in regards to positioning accuracy, cost, and power consumption. The design and implementation of the location engine and location management based on TDOA location algorithms were the focus of this study; as the core of the system, the location engine was designed as a series of location algorithms and smoothing algorithms. To enhance the location accuracy, a Kalman filter algorithm and moving weighted average technique were respectively applied to smooth the TDOA range measurements and location results, which are calculated by the cooperation of a Kalman TDOA algorithm and a Taylor TDOA algorithm. The location management server, the information center of the system, was designed with Data Server and Mclient. To evaluate the performance of the location algorithms and the stability of the system software, we used a Nanotron nanoLOC Development Kit 3.0 to conduct indoor and outdoor location experiments. The results indicated that the location system runs stably with high accuracy at absolute error below 0.6 m.
We consider a class of second-order Emden-Fowler equations with positive and nonpositve neutral coefficients. By using the Riccati transformation and inequalities, several oscillation and asymptotic results are establish...We consider a class of second-order Emden-Fowler equations with positive and nonpositve neutral coefficients. By using the Riccati transformation and inequalities, several oscillation and asymptotic results are established. Some examples are given to illustrate the main results.
In this article we develop a model for determining the appropriate level of inspection sampling for any manufacturing process. The model is useful for manufacturers, who naturally are concerned with profits and therefore...In this article we develop a model for determining the appropriate level of inspection sampling for any manufacturing process. The model is useful for manufacturers, who naturally are concerned with profits and therefore with minimizing the cost of production. The model design aims to reduce total manufacturing cost and has general applicability to various manufacturing operations. The model considers the interests of consumers, who wish to minimize the cost of production while simultaneously ensuring the final product is of high quality. The cost parameters for production, the acceptance test, and admissible strategy are applied in the model. The cost components are formulated along with the minimization of the expected cost, and we used the repairable systems to guarantee the maintenance and sustainability of the economic system. We also discuss the assumptions and their appropriateness, as well as the application of the model to burn-in of system components.
After the Fukushima nuclear accident, safety of nuclear power plants (NPPs) is widespread concerned. The reliability of reactor protection system (RPS) is directly related to the safety of NPPs, however, it is difficult...After the Fukushima nuclear accident, safety of nuclear power plants (NPPs) is widespread concerned. The reliability of reactor protection system (RPS) is directly related to the safety of NPPs, however, it is difficult to accurately evaluate the reliability of digital RPS. The method is based on estimating probability has some uncertainties, which can not reflect the reliability status of RPS dynamically and support the maintenance and troubleshooting. In this paper, the reliability quantitative analysis method based on extenics is proposed for the digital RPS (safety-critical), by which the relationship between the reliability and response time of RPS is constructed. The reliability of the RPS for CPR1000 NPP is modeled and analyzed by the proposed method as an example. The results show that the proposed method is capable to estimate the RPS reliability effectively and provide support to maintenance and troubleshooting of digital RPS system.
Molodtsov introduced the concept of soft sets, which can be seen as a new mathematical tool for dealing with uncertainty. In this paper, we initiate the study of soft normed rings by soft set theory. The notions of soft...Molodtsov introduced the concept of soft sets, which can be seen as a new mathematical tool for dealing with uncertainty. In this paper, we initiate the study of soft normed rings by soft set theory. The notions of soft normed rings, soft normed ideals, soft complete normed rings are introduced and also several related properties and examples are given.
We introduce and study -commuting permutations. One of our main results is a characterization of permutations that -commute with a given permutation. Using this characterization, we obtain formulas for the number of perm...We introduce and study -commuting permutations. One of our main results is a characterization of permutations that -commute with a given permutation. Using this characterization, we obtain formulas for the number of permutations that -commute with a permutation [Formula: see text], for some cycle types of [Formula: see text]. Our enumerative results are related with integer sequences in "The On-line Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences", and in some cases provide new interpretations for such sequences.
BACKGROUND: (Fabricius) (Dermaptera:Chelisochidae) is an important predator of (Walker) (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae). For better use of the natural enemy, a biological study on was conducted, particularly its developmental...BACKGROUND: (Fabricius) (Dermaptera:Chelisochidae) is an important predator of (Walker) (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae). For better use of the natural enemy, a biological study on was conducted, particularly its developmental duration, survival, fecundity and sex ratio. And the feeding capacity of against was also studied under laboratory conditions. RESULTS: The biological study on was revealed that female adults usually lay eggs in egg masses. The number of eggs per female averaged 140.17 eggs, and the incubation period was 7.50 days. The duration of nymphal development included four instars. The immature period was 83.95 days. The longevity of males and females was 58.60 and 93.55 days, respectively. The results from the study on the feeding capacity of using as food revealed that adults could consume 11.08, 7.87, 7.09, 6.82 and 5.89 first-to-fifth-instar larvae, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: showed a huge amount of predation on this pest at all larval stages, implying a significant potential for the use of in controlling .
BACKGROUND: In the past few decades, a significant volume of work has been carried out on various aspects of the state estimation problem to estimate an optimum state vector of the power system. This problem has been foc...BACKGROUND: In the past few decades, a significant volume of work has been carried out on various aspects of the state estimation problem to estimate an optimum state vector of the power system. This problem has been focused on, in previous studies regarding the computational efficiency and numerical robustness in view to find point estimates for system state parameters. This current investigation, constructed confidence intervals for the unknown state parameters of the system. The research indicates that confidence intervals can yield addition useful information about the estimated parameters. METHODS: The feasible interval estimates for the system state parameters have been modelled in this study by considering the random uncertainty in the processing measurements. The statistical assumptions of the measurement errors have been utilized to characterize the probabilistic behavior of the estimated parameters in terms of confidence intervals. The Gauss-Newton algorithm has been adopted for maximizing the likelihood function of the processing measurements and obtaining the confidence intervals. RESULTS: The usage of the confidence intervals was demonstrated through Monte Carlo experiments on a real dataset of the 6-bus and IEEE 14-bus power systems for both small and large sample sizes. The confidence intervals were constructed for the test networks for the sample of measurements 18, 28, 44 and 68 based on the redundancy ratio R. The proposed interval estimates outperformed for the sample sizes of 28 in the 6 bus and 68 in the IEEE 14-bus systems, respectively. The poor performance for the constructed interval estimates have been reported even for the large sample sizes in the existence of contaminated measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study show that the method is effective and practically applicable in the state estimation of a power system. The constructed confidence intervals for the system state parameters adequately perform for the lager sample size. However, the existence of the gross errors in the processing measurements had severe effect on the performance of the proposed interval estimates.