49 research outputs found
A new species of Aleurolobus Quaintance et Baker (Homoptera, Aleyrodidae) from Southern Europe.
No full textAleurolobus teucrii n. sp. is described from southern Italy and the Maltese Islands (Central Mediterranean). The species seems to be monophagous on Teucrium fruticans L. A key to the European species of this genus (A. niloticus Priesner et Hosny, A. olivinus (Silvestri), A. wunni (Ryberg) and A. teucrii n. sp.) is provided.peer-reviewe
Constructing initial solutions for the multiple vehicle pickup and delivery problem with time windows
No full textAbstractThe Multiple Vehicle Pickup and Delivery Problem with Time Windows (MV-PDPTWs) is an important problem in logistics and transportation. However, this problem is characterized by having a large number of constraints that are difficult to deal with in a solution algorithm. Indeed, merely constructing a feasible solution to this hard problem is a challenge in itself. In this research, we compare several construction algorithms that generate initial feasible solutions to the problem. The suggested algorithms all utilize a simple routing heuristic to create individual vehicle routes. The algorithms differ, though, in whether routes are generated sequentially or in parallel. They also have different criteria for selecting requests and the routes in which they will be inserted. Inserting a request in a route is either based on a first acceptance criterion, in which a request is inserted in the first route where a feasible insertion is found, or a best acceptance criterion, in which a request is inserted in the estimated best route for insertion. Experimental results on several benchmark problem instances indicate that the sequential construction heuristic may be the most suitable construction algorithm for this problem, in terms of simplicity of coding, solution quality as well as processing speed.1This paper is part of the PhD thesis of the first author (Hosny, 2010), and it is an expanded version of the MIC2009 conference paper (Hosny and Mumford, 2009).
Phenacoccus halli Ezzat 1962
No full text<i>Phenacoccus halli</i> Ezzat, 1962 <p>(Figure 29, after Mohammed et al. 1995)</p> <p> <b>Taxonomy.</b> <i>Phenacoccus halli</i> Priesner and Hosny 1935. Type data. EGYPT: Giza, Pyramids, on roots of <i>Anthemis</i> sp., 10.iv.1930, collector unknown; lectotype and paralectotype designated by Mohammed et al. 1995: 501; Ezzat 1962d: 163-164.</p> <p> <b>Hosts in Egypt.</b> <i>Anthemis</i> sp. (Priesner and Hosny 1935).</p> <p> <b>Distribution in Egypt.</b> Pyramids (Priesner and Hosny 1935; Ezzat 1962d).</p> <p> <b>Remarks.</b> Mohammed et al. (1995) provided a description and illustration of this species. Ezzat (1962) credited Priesner and Hosny (1935) with the authorship of the species; however, the paper he referred to has no mention of this species. Based on Ezzat’s (1962d) brief description of the species, he is considered the author of the species.</p>Published as part of <i>Evans, Gregory A. & Abd-Rabou, Shaaban, 2023, The mealybugs (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) of Egypt, pp. 1-83 in Insecta Mundi 2023 (999)</i> on page 22, DOI: <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/10832115">10.5281/zenodo.10832115</a>
Comparative analysis of mediastinal fat-associated lymphoid cluster development and lung cellular infiltration in murine autoimmune disease models and the corresponding normal control strains
No full textWe previously discovered mediastinal fat-associated lymphoid clusters (MFALCs) as novel lymphoid clusters associated with mediastinal fat tissue in healthy mice. However, no data about their morphology in immune-associated disease conditions, and their relationship with lung infiltration, is available to date. In the present study, we compared the morphological features of MFALCs in 4-month-old male murine autoimmune disease models (MRL/MpJ-lpr mice and BXSB/MpJ-Yaa mice) with those of the corresponding control strains (MRL/MpJ and BXSB/MpJ, respectively). In addition, we analysed their correlation with lung infiltration. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry for CD3, B220, Iba1, Gr1 and BrdU was performed to detect T cells and B cells, macrophages, granulocytes and proliferating cells, respectively. The spleen weight to body weight ratios and anti-double-stranded DNA autoantibody titres were found to be significantly higher in the autoimmune models than in the control strains. Furthermore, the autoimmune model presented prominent MFALCs, with a significantly greater ratio of lymphoid cluster area to total mediastinal fat tissue area, and more apparent diffused cellular infiltration into the lung lobes than the other studied strains. Higher numbers of T and B cells, macrophages and proliferating cells, but fewer granulocytes, were observed in the autoimmune models than in the control strains. Interestingly, a significant positive Pearson's correlation between the size of the MFALCs and the density of CD3-, B220- and Iba1-positive cells in the lung was observed. Therefore, our data suggest a potentially important role for MFALCs in the progression of lung disease. However, further investigation is required to clarify the pathological role of MFALCs in lung disease, especially in inflammatory disorders
Accuracy of the Hololens 2’s infrared cameras in the context of surgical navigation
No full textPatient and instrument tracking are fundamental parts of surgical navigation systems. Traditional surgical navigation systems rely on stationary cameras for tracking and stationary screens for presenting information. An increased mental load is exerted by surgeons as they switch focus between the surgical site and the presented data. By projecting the required data on the patients anatomy, augmented reality surgical navigation would allow surgeons to navigate seamlessly during surgical procedures. In this paper, an augmented reality tracking algorithm for the Hololens 2 will be presented and tested against state of the art optical tracking. The algorithm is based on the use of reflective markers, which are extensively used in medical applications. An accuracy of 1.04mm was found in optimal conditions using the presented method. The presented tracking method is less accurate and less consistent than state of the art optical tracking methods with a minimum median accuracy of 25mm.CSE3000 Research ProjectComputer Science and Engineerin
Evaluation of the comparative accuracy of the complement fixation test, Western blot and five enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for serodiagnosis of glanders
No full textCharacterization of mouse mediastinal fat-associated lymphoid clusters
No full textThe association between adipose tissue and immunity has been established and fat-associated lymphoid clusters (FALCs) are considered as a source of immune cells. We discovered lymphoid clusters (LCs) in mouse mediastinal fat tissues (MFTs). In Th1-biased C57BL/6N (B6), Th2-biased DBA/2Cr (DBA) and autoimmune-prone MRL/MpJ (MRL) mice strains, LCs without a fibrous capsule and germinal center were observed in white-colored MFTs extending from the diaphragm to the heart. The number and size of the LCs were larger in 12-month-old mice than in 3-month-old mice in all of the examined strains. Moreover, B6 had an especially large number of LCs compared with DBA and MRL. The immune cells in the LCs consisted of mainly T-cells and some B-cells. The majority of T-cells were CD4+ helper T (Th) cells, rather than CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells and no obvious immune cell population difference was present among the strains. Furthermore, high endothelial venules and lymphatic vessels in the LCs were better developed in B6 mice than in the other strains. Interestingly, some CD133+ hematopoietic progenitor cells and some c-Kit+/CD127+ natural helper cells were detected in the LCs. BrdU+ proliferating cells were more abundant in the LCs of B6 mice than in the LCs of the other strains and the number of BrdU+ cells increased with age. This is the first report of LCs in mouse MFTs. We suggest that the mouse genetic background affects LC size and number. We term the LCs "mediastinal fat-associated lymphoid clusters". These clusters can be considered as niches for Th cell production
Genetic factors derived from the MRL/MpJ mouse function to maintain the integrity of spermatogenesis after heat exposure
No full textMRL/MpJ mice possess highly heat-shock-resistant spermatocytes (HRS) in comparison with C57BL/6 mice. This resistance depends on the MRL/MpJ-type loci at the 81 cM region of Chromosome (Chr) 1 and the 40 cM region of Chr 11. To evaluate the functions of these loci in detail, we examined the histopathological changes resulting from experimental cryptorchidism or transient scrotal heat stress (SHS) in the testes of C57BL/6-based congenic strains (B6.MRLc1, B6.MRLc11, and B6.MRLc1c11) carrying the MRL/MpJ-derived loci responsible for HRS. Among cryptorchid testes from congenic strains, those in B6.MRLc1c11 mice showed the highest heat resistance, indicating that the genetic interactions between MRL/MpJ-derived HRS loci on Chrs 1 and 11 may be important for maintaining spermatogenesis under continuous testicular hyperthermia. In contrast, immediately after SHS induction, germ cell loss via apoptosis was inhibited in B6.MRLc11 and B6.MRLc1c11 mice, similar to that in MRL/MpJ mice. However, this HRS phenotype was not observed in C57BL/6 or B6.MRLc1 mice after SHS induction. Furthermore, testicular calcification owing to long-term damage by SHS induction was inhibited in all congenic strains in comparison with that in C57BL/6 mice, indicating that each MRL/MpJ-derived locus on Chrs 1 and 11 acted independently to facilitate the recovery of heat-induced testicular damage by inhibiting calcification. B6.MRLc11 and B6.MRLc1c11 mice showed greater recovery in spermatogenesis than B6.MRLc1 mice 60 days after SHS induction. Therefore, the MRL/MpJ-derived HRS locus on Chr 11 might play an important role in recovery from heat stress damage. On the basis of these results, we concluded that MRL/MpJ-derived loci on Chrs 1 and 11 cooperatively or independently regulate testicular heat sensitivity depending on the various heat stresses
Immune-associated renal disease found in caspase 3-deficient mice
No full textCaspase (CASP) 3 is known as a representative effector CASP of apoptosis and recently as a mediator in inflammatory cell death called pyroptosis. Interestingly, homozygotes of Casp3 knockout (KO) mice with 129-background show complete embryonic lethality; however, some of those with C57BL/6 (B6)-background (B6.129S1-Casp3(tm1Flv)/J) survived at a lower rate (KO, 11%; WT, 22%), developing immune abnormality-associated renal phenotypes. Homozygotes of Casp3 KO mice with B6-background that survived for 8-12 months showed abnormality in the kidney and spleen but not in other organs. Briefly, these Casp3 KO kidneys showed proliferative glomerular lesions characterized by increased cells, matrices, immune complex depositions containing IgA and complement 3 in the mesangial area, podocyte injuries and inflammatory cell infiltrations in the tubulointerstitium. However, severe membranous lesion or renal dysfunction was not observed. Increased expression of inflammation-associated gene sets and inflammatory Casps, including Casp12, was observed in these Casp3 KO kidneys. Moreover, these Casp3 KO mice showed mild splenomegaly compared with WT mice. Thus, the long-surviving Casp3 KO mice with B6-background developed renal lesions with altered immune conditions. CASP3 deficiency and aging factors could affect this phenotype by altering the function and/or development of each cell in the kidney and immune organs
An experimental study of menopause induced by bilateral ovariectomy and mechanistic effects of mesenchymal stromal cell therapy on the parotid gland of a rat model
No full textThe current study was conducted on a menopause rat model induced by ovariectomy to assess the histological and immunohistochemical alterations in the parotid glands and to verify the efficiency of human umbilical cord derived-mesenchymal stromal cell (hUCB-MSCs) in treating this condition. Eighteen adult female rats were equally divided into three groups: sham-operated (SHAM), ovariectomized (OVX) and OVX injected with hUCB-MSCs (OVX + hUCB-MSCs). At 3 months post-ovariectomy, the salivary flow rate and size of the parotid glands were measured. The parotid glands were histologically investigated via H&E stained sections. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis for human CD105, human CD34, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), single strand DNA (ssDNA), caspase 3, aquaporin (AQP)1, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and mouse CD34 were performed. The OVX group showed interstitial hemorrhage, dispersed acini and intracytoplasmic vacuoles in the acinar cells. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining revealed a significant decrement in the number of ssDNA positive apoptotic cells, but a significant increment of PCNA positive proliferating cells, AQP1 positive blood capillaries, alpha-SMA positive myoepithelial cells and endogenous CD34 positive hematopoietic progenitor cells in the OVX + hUCBMSCs group as compared with the OVX group. These findings suggest a potential regenerative therapy of MSCs to injured parotid gland structures. However, further investigations are required to illustrate the mechanism of hUCB-MSCs mediated parotid gland regeneration. (C) 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved
