180 research outputs found
Apterogyna oshaibahi Soliman & Gadallah, sp. nov.
No full text<i>Apterogyna oshaibahi</i> Soliman & Gadallah, sp. nov. <p>(Figs 23−27)</p> <p> <b>Material examined.</b> Holotype ♀: Egypt, Wadi Digla, Cairo [29°57'30''N, 31°20'06''E], 20.xi.2014 (leg. Ahmed M. Soliman) [CUE]. Paratype 1 ♀: Egypt, Wadi Digla, Cairo [29°57'30''N, 31°20'06''E], 5.xi.2010 (leg. Ahmed M. Soliman) [CUE].</p> <p> <b>Description</b>. FEMALE (holotype). Body length 7 mm. <i>Colour</i>. Red, except flagellum of antenna light brown; coxae and T6 reddish brown, the latter with darker longitudinal ridges; prosternum, mesepisternum, T1 laterally, T2−T5 and metasomal sterna black; mid and hind tibial spurs waxy white; eye black. <i>Pubescence.</i> Face, vertex and scape of antenna clothed with recumbent white setae (Fig. 24); clypeus, occiput and basal third of mandible with erect white setae; mesosoma, legs and metasoma clothed with long erect and fine whitish setae, denser on metasomal terga than elsewhere. T1, T2 with moderately-developed tuft of white setae apicomesally (Fig. 26); metasomal segments 3−5 with apical fringe of such setae, well-developed on T3.</p> <p> <i>Head</i>. In dorsal view 1.2 × as broad as pronotum, abruptly convergent behind eyes; in frontal view distinctly transverse, its width 1.6 × head height; vertex flattened when seen from frontal view, impunctate, strongly sloping posteriorly; face superficially sparsely and finely punctate (nearly smooth and polished); eye small, subspherical, distinctly prominent, with middle-transversal axis located above midline between free margin of clypeus and vertex; malar space as long as LED; distance between antennal tubercles as long as tubercle length; clypeus gently convex; gena with weakly developed tubercle at the level of lower ocular margin; mandible slender, edentate (Fig. 24). Scape of antenna gently convex; F1 scarcely longer than F2; F2 as long as F3. Palpal segments slender.</p> <p> <i>Mesosoma</i>. Dorsally foveate-reticulate (foveae larger on dorsal face of propodeum than elsewhere) (Fig. 25); pronotum with anterior face gently declivous and posterior margin feebly concave, longitudinally ridged laterally; propodeal posterior face gently declivous, smooth and shiny. Mesopleuron smooth anteriorly and coarsely punctate posteriorly; metapleuron longitudinally coarsely ridged. Mesosternum polished and impunctate.</p> <p> <i>Metasoma</i>. T1 widened posteriorly (pear-shaped), slightly longer than its maximal width, superficially foveate, with apicomesal setal tuft 0.7 × as wide as that on T2 (Fig. 26); T2 bell-shaped, 0.7 × as long as broad, coarsely reticulate-foveate (Fig. 26); T3 with superficial sparse punctures progressively vanishing towards posterior margin; T4, T5 narrow and puncticulate; T6 subtriangular, with longitudinal interrupted ridges, bordered laterally with sharp evenly spaced teeth progressively reduced in size distally (Fig. 27). S1 smooth posteriorly, with superficial sparse punctures anteriorly; S2 and S3 sparsely punctate, punctures contiguous laterally; S4, S5 smooth; S1−S5 with a row of sparse punctures along their apical margin; S6 smooth except for few punctures apicolaterally.</p> <p>MALE unknown.</p> <p> <b>Distribution.</b> Egypt: Wadi Digla.</p> <p> <b>Remarks.</b> <i>Apterogyna oshaibahi</i> is nearest to <i>A. olivieri</i> except for the following: body with scattered setae (while dense in <i>A. olivieri</i> especially on head); mesosomal dorsum with scattered erect setae (with dense recumbent setae intermixed with erect ones in <i>A. olivieri</i>); setal tufts on T1 and T2 moderately-developed (well-developed in <i>A. olivieri</i>). A new species also resembles <i>A. mateui</i> but differ in the following: metasomal T2 coarsely reticulatefoveate, T3 with scattered superficial punctures (Fig. 26) (T2–T3 with oblong punctures and few ridges in between in <i>A. mateui</i>).</p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> This species is named in honour of the late Prof. Alaa Din A. Oshaibah professor of the first author).</p>Published as part of <i>Soliman, Ahmed M., Gadallah, Neveen S., Al-Shahat, Ahmed M. & Pagliano, G., 2015, The genus Apterogyna Latreille, 1809 in Egypt, with three new species (Hymenoptera: Bradynobaenidae: Apterogyninae), pp. 209-220 in Zootaxa 3905 (2)</i> on pages 215-218, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3905.2.3, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/241302">http://zenodo.org/record/241302</a>
A New Design Methodology for Time-Based Capacitance-to-Digital Converters (T-CDCs)
No full textThis paper introduces a 9-bit time-based capacitance-to-digital converter (T-CDC). This T-CDC adopts a new design methodology for parasitic cancellation with a simple calibration technique. In T-CDCs, the input sensor capacitance is first converted into a delay pulse using a capacitance-to-time converter (CTC) circuit; then this delay signal is converted into a digital code through a time-to-digital converter (TDC) circuit. A prototype of the proposed T-CDC is implemented in UMC 0.13 μm CMOS technology. This T-CDC consumes 8.42 μW and achieves a maximum SNR of 45.14 dB with a conversion time of 1 μs that corresponds to a figure of merit (FoM) of 16.4 fJ/Conv.A preliminary version of this work is published in ICM 2017 conference [14]. This research was partially funded by ONE Lab at Cairo University,Zewail City of Science and Technology, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
A Low-Power Time-Domain Comparator for IoT Applications
No full textThis paper introduces a low-power time-domain comparator with a modified current starved inverter circuit. The proposed comparator converts the analog input voltage into a time delay that creates a phase difference between the input signal and the reference signal. Then a phase detector is utilized to determine either the input signal is leading or lagging compared to the reference signal. Moreover, the power optimization is achieved by limiting the short circuit power (PSC) that passes through both charging and discharging phases. A prototype of the proposed comparator is designed and simulated in 0.13 µm CMOS technology where it draws 0.6 µA from a 1 V supply with a sampling rate equals 10 MHz. Moreover, the simulation results of the proposed comparator offer a FoM of 60 fJ/conversion step. Finally, the proposed time-domain comparator circuit is compatible with wide range of applications (i.e., internet of things (IoT) sensors and integrated DC-DC converters).This research was partially funded by ONE Lab at Cairo University, Zewail City of Science and Technology, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Simulation Use in Respiratory Therapy Programs in Saudi Arabia: Results of a National Survey
No full textHajed M Al-Otaibi,1,2 Nabeela Abdullah Al-Abdullah,3 Abdulrahman A Naqru,4 Mohammed A Boukhari,5 Ahmed M Almohaimeed,2 Abdulaziz J Alzhrani6 1Department of Respiratory Therapy, Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 2Respiratory Therapy Unit, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Public Health, Faculty of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 4Respiratory Therapy Department, Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 5Respiratory Therapy Department, Andalusia Group Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 6Respiratory Therapy Department, Bugshan Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Hajed M Al-Otaibi, Department of Respiratory Therapy, Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80200, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia, Email [email protected]: The use of simulation-based methods for teaching and learning in the education of health professions is increasing, but its prevalence in Saudi Arabia among respiratory therapy programs has yet to be investigated. The purpose of this study is to identify the use of simulation-based learning (SBL) in respiratory therapy programs in Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed by sending Google forms survey via Email to directors of respiratory therapy programs in Saudi Arabia (N=16) to evaluate how each one used simulations as an educational tool.Results: The survey was returned with a total response of 12 out of all 16 program that were initially contacted (75% response rate). Among the respondents, approximately 75% of the programs are using SBL, while high-fidelity simulation is used by all programs. The present data show that 67% of the respiratory therapy programs has a space for simulation within the department, while 33% utilizes institutional simulation centers. For short simulation scenarios, debriefing is not conducted in 67% of the programs. There is acceptance by program directors that simulation hours should be counted towards clinical hours. About 67% of respondent programs have mandatory simulation learning activities, and 100% agree that simulations should be used more. However, lack of training and shortage of staff are among barriers to increase the use of SBL.Conclusion: SBL is commonly used and relatively varied among respiratory therapy programs. However, it requires some improvements in several aspects, including the use of debriefing and increasing the number of properly trained staff.Keywords: respiratory therapy, simulation, debriefing, medical education, Saudi Arabi
Synthesis and X-Ray Structural Analyses Combined Anticancer Efficacy and Molecular Docking for N-Aryl-(2-pyridyl)aldimines
No full textThe reaction of 2-amino-4,6-dimethylpyridine with 4cyanobenzaldehyde, salicylaldehyde or 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde furnished the corresponding -aryl-(2-pyridyl)aldimines in very good yields. The synthetised Schiff bases were characterized by FT-IR, H, C, DEPT-135 and [H,C]-HSQC NMR spectroscopy, HRMS and elemental analyses. Additionally, the structure of 2-(()-(4,6-dimethylpyridin-2-ylimino)methyl)phenol was unambiguously determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Hirshfeld analysis of molecular packing was performed. The most common intermolecular interaction is the hydrogen-hydrogen (56.8 %) contacts while the most significant interactions are the O…H (6.5 %) and C…C (4.2 %) contacts. DFT calculated geometric parameters and NMR chemical shifts are well correlated with the experimental data. This compound has a net dipole moment of 2.4261 Debye. The MCF-7 growth was suppressed by -aryl-(2-pyridyl)aldimines more than that for T47D cell line. The IC values of 4-(()-(4,6-dimethylpyridin-2-ylimino)methyl)benzonitrile against MCF-7 and T47D cell lines were the lowest and it is considered the most promising candidate as anticancer agent. Furthermore, this study conducted a molecular docking of benzonitrile-based Schiff base onto DNA duplex to explore a potential molecular mechanism for the robust anticancer activities of this Schiff base adduct. The molecular docking results indicate that benzonitrile-based Schiff base exhibits characteristics of a potential DNA minor groove binder
Latitudinal variation in the symbiotic dinoflagellateSymbiodiniumof the common reef zoantharianPalythoa tuberculosaon the Saudi Arabian coast of the Red Sea
No full textAim
The Red Sea presents an ideal setting to explore the variability of Symbiodinium over environmental, latitudinal and geographical gradients. We used sequences from two molecular markers to examine genetic diversity of Symbiodinium associated with the widely distributed zoantharian Palythoa tuberculosa in the northern and central Red Sea.
Location
Northern and central Red Sea.
Methods
Specimens (n = 329) were collected from 15 locations. Sequence data from nuclear ribosomal ITS2 (n = 269) and chloroplast minicircle psbAncr (n = 173) were phylogenetically analysed (maximum likelihood, neighbour joining), and Symbiodinium types identified for each P. tuberculosa colony. To establish whether environment was a strong predictor of Symbiodinium psbAncr lineage, SST, chlorophyll-a, salinity, and depth data were fit into a multinomial logistic regression using the package VGAM in the R statistical environment.
Results
Based on ITS2 and psbAncr results, P. tuberculosa colonies were shown to be in symbioses with Symbiodinium clade C (n = 172) and clade D (n = 1). Within clade C, four psbAncr lineages were observed; closely related lineages designated Pt-1-a and Pt-1-b, and closely related lineages Pt-3-a and Pt-3-b. By location, Pt-1-a dominated the sites within the Gulf of Aqaba (c. 86%, 37/43 colonies). At the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba, Pt-3-a dominated (c. 88%, 15/17), while the more southern remaining sites in the Red Sea were dominated by Pt-3-b (c. 78%, 89/113).
Main conclusions
Multinomial logistic regression analyses established that predictions based on the combination of temperature, chlorophyll-a and salinity accurately reflected symbiont distributions in the central and northern Red Sea. Palythoa tuberculosa host Pt-1-a in the coldest region, the Gulf of Aqaba (annual average SST = 24.5–25.0 °C), while immediately to the south Pt-3-a dominates (SST = 26.0–26.5 °C), with warmest southern sites dominated by Pt-3-b (SST > 26.5 °C). The Gulf of Aqaba is a unique environment, and more research on Symbiodinium outside the Gulf is required to understand symbiont diversity patterns within the Red Sea.This research was supported by award No. 1389-CRG1 and baseline funding from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to M.L.B. The following people are thanked for logistical support: A. Magnum Kattan, J. Bouwmeester, L. Chen, J. DiBattista, A. Gusti, A. Macauley, C. Nelson, M. Priest, and T. Sinclair-Taylor of KAUST, and the crew of the MY ‘Dream Master’. J.P. Hobbs and D. Uyeno are thanked for sampling help. The first author was additionally supported in part by the International Research Hub Project for Climate Change and Coral Reef/Island Dynamics at the University of the Ryukyus. S. Guindon is thanked for advice with PhyML, K. Takishita for phylogenetic analyses and T. Soliman for help with PopART. Seven referees’ comments greatly improved the manuscript
Synthesis of N-(Anthracen-9-ylmethyl)-N-methyl-2-(phenylsulfonyl)ethanamine via Microwave Green Synthesis Method: X-ray Characterization, DFT and Hirshfeld Analysis
No full textN-(Anthracen-9-ylmethyl)-N-methyl-2-(phenylsulfonyl)ethanamine 3 has been synthesized via the aza-Michael addition approach by reaction of the corresponding amine with the vinyl sulfone derivative under microwave conditions. The structure of the aza-Michael product 3 is elucidated by X-ray crystallography. The study of molecular packing by employing the Hirshfeld analysis indicates that the percentages of O…H, C…H and H…H contacts are 16.8%, 34.1% and 48.6%, respectively, where the O...H hydrogen bonds have the characteristics of short and strong contacts while the C...H contacts are considered weak. Density functional theory (DFT) investigations show that the aza-Michael product 3 is polar with a net dipole moment of 5.2315 debye
One-Pot Synthesis, X-ray Single Crystal and Molecular Insight of Enaminone-Based β-Morpholino-/N-Methylpiperazinyl-/Pyrrolidinylpropiophenone
No full textOne-pot synthesis of three enaminones, (E)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-morpholinoprop-2-en-1-one 1, (E)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)prop-2-en-1-one 2, and (E)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)prop-2-en-1-one 3 were achieved. The synthetic protocol via three components reaction of p-chloroacetophenone with DMFDMA (N,N-dimethylformamid-dimethylacetal) and the corresponding secondary amines (morpholine/N-methylpiperazine/pyrrolidine) in dioxane under heating for 2.5–4 h at 102 °C yielded the requisite enaminones. This protocol has the advantage of no separation of intermediate, no need for column purification with quantitative yield for the target compounds. The chemical features of the β-enaminones 1–3 were assigned by NMR. β-Enaminones 1, and 2 were assigned by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The intermolecular interactions in the crystal structures were analyzed quantitatively using Hirshfeld analysis. The Cl…H and O…H hydrogen bonds are common in both compounds while the C-H…π and N…H contacts are more significant in 2 than 1. DFT studies were investigated to show the electronic and spectroscopic properties (NMR and UV-Vis) of the studied systems
Bond strength and elemental analysis of oxidized dentin bonded to resin modified glass ionomer based restorative material
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the influence of hesperidin application on the bonding of resin-modified glass ionomer-based restorative material to dentin treated with oxygen-induced endodontic irrigants. One hundred human permanent molars were categorized into five groups (n= 20/group), treated with various irrigants as follows: Group C; distilled water (control group), Group SH; 5.25% NaOCl, Group SH+H; 5.25% NaOCl + 5 % hesperidin, Group HP; 10% H2O2, Group HP+H; 10% H2O2 + 5 % hesperidin. Specimens were bonded with RMGI based restorative material. For each group, half of the specimens were evaluated for µSBS by a universal testing machine and the other half for dentin ion uptake by EDX. Additional ten specimens (n=2/per group) were prepared for the micro-morphological analysis under SEM. Hesperidin groups improved the µSBS, with a significant effect for HP+H group (p<. 05). Dentin ion uptake was significantly (p<. 05) improved in hesperidin groups. In conclusion, Application of hesperidin in conjunction with RMGI based restorative material improved the dentin bond strength and ion uptake; this could be a promising approach to aid dental practitioners in their decisions, regarding which restorative material to use especially in caries susceptible patients
Synthesis of Enaminones-Based Benzo[d]imidazole Scaffold : Characterization and Molecular Insight Structure
No full text(E)-1-(1H-Benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-3-(dimethylamino)prop-2-en-1-one 2 was synthesized by one-pot synthesis protocol of 2-acetyl benzo[d]imidazole with dimethylformamide dimethylacetal (DMF-DMA) in xylene at 140 °C for 8 h. Reaction of enaminone derivative 1 with acetylacetone in the presence of AcOH/NH4OAc under reflux afforded the cyclized pyridino-benzo[d]imidazole derivative 3. The latter compound was converted into the corresponding β-enaminone 4 with DMF-DMA. The single crystal X-ray diffraction technique eventually confirmed the assigned chemical structure of the N-alkyl-β-enaminone 2 and pyridino-benzo[d]imidazole derivative 3. N-alkyl-β-enaminone 2 crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/n with unit cell parameters of a = 9.8953(3) Å, b = 5.7545(2) Å, c = 21.7891(7) Å, and β =100.627(2)°, and with one molecule per asymmetric unit. On the other hand, compound 3 crystallized in the orthorhombic crystal system and space group P212121 with unit cell parameters of a = 6.82950(10) Å, b = 8.00540(10) Å, c = 22.4779(2) Å, and also with one molecule per asymmetric unit. Based on Hirshfeld analysis, the H...H (51.3%), O...H (10.0%), N...H (10.3%), and C...H (27.6%) contacts in 2 and the H...H (46.8%), O...H (9.9%), N...H (13.0%), and C...H (21.6%) in addition to the C…C (6.7%) interactions in 3 are the most important towards crystal stability via molecular packing. The main difference is the presence of π–π interaction among the molecular units of 3 but not in 2. The calculated 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts showed good agreements with experimental data. Electronic properties and reactivity parameters of both compounds are also calculated and compared.peerReviewe
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