Apparent Weekly and Daily Earthquake Periodicities in the Western United States

Analysis of apparent seismicity rate (ASR) using magnitude ≥1 earthquakes located in the western United States confirmed the existence of prominent spectral peaks with periods of 1 and 7 days. The number of recorded earthquakes on Sundays for the duration of 1963-2008 is about 5% higher than that on weekdays, and, more significantly, there is a 9% increase of ASR in the early morning compared with that in the middle of the days. Significant similarities in the spatial distributions of the weekly and daily variations suggest that the two types of variations have the same sources and both originate from periodic variations in cultural noise that lead to periodic variations in the detectability of the seismic networks. Comparisons with freeway traffic flow data suggest that traffic flow on the freeways is not the only significant factor in the observed periodicities. Instead, ambient noise from all the ground traffic, operating machineries, and building shaking is probably the major cause of the observed apparent periodicities. The observed temporal variations in ambient noise as reflected by the ASR can be used as objective guidelines for choosing the best time/day for noise-sensitive scientific experiments

Production and characterization of antimicrobial active substance from some macroalgae collected from Abu- Qir bay (Alexandria) Egypt

The antimicrobial activity of three different macroalgal species [Jania rubens (Linnaeus) Lamouroux; Ulva fasciata Delile and Sargassum vulgare C. Agardh] belonging to Rhodophyta, Chlorophyta and Phaeophyceae, respectively, were collected seasonally in 2007 to 2008 from Abu-Qir bay (Alexandria, Egypt). The different macroalgal species were tested against pathogenic microbes such as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus aureus as gram-positive bacteria, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae as gram-negative bacteria and one yeast strain, Candida albicans. The influence of sampling season on the antimicrobial activity of the collected seaweeds showed strong activity in spring followed by winter, summer and autumn, respectively. However, the strongest antimicrobial activity was recorded in 70% acetone extract of U. fasciata collected during winter against all the tested microorganisms. This extract was purified using column chromatography (CC) and thin layer chromatography (TLC). The nature of this purified antimicrobial material was detected using different chemical analysis (UV, IR,1H NMR and MS) which indicated that it is an aromatic compound and has different active groups (-NH2, -C=O, -NO2, phenyl ring and -CH3). The molecular weight of the compound was determined (662) and its structure was characterized as a derivative of phthalate ester [(E)-1-(10-acetamido-2-nitrodec-9-enyl) 2-(10-acetamido-2-nitrodecyl) 4-methylphthalate]. This is the first evidence of the isolation of phthalate esters derivative from green seaweeds (U. fasciata) that has broad antimicrobial activity.Key words: Antimicrobial, pathogenic microbes, season, seaweeds

In vitro screening of antimicrobial activity of extracts of some macroalgae collected from Abu-Qir bay Alexandria, Egypt

Ethanol, methanol and acetone extracts of nine marine macroalgae (Rhodophyta, Chlorophyta and Phaeophyta) from Abu-Qir bay (Alexandria, Egypt) were evaluated for antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion methods against pathogenic microbes (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus aureus as gram-positive bacteria, and (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae as gram-negative bacteria) and one yeast strain Candida albicans. All pathogenic microorganisms were obtained from Culture Collection of Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University. The best results were obtained by acetone extracts with inhibition activity (36.7%), followed by the methanol extracts (32.9%), and then ethanol extracts (30.2%) for all tested microorganisms. The tested species of Chlorophyta were the most active followed by Rhodophyta and Phaeophyta. The most active seaweeds was Ulva fasciata (chlorophyceae) against all tested microorganisms.Key words: Seaweeds, antimicrobial activity, extracts, pathogenic microbes

Adverse effects of energy drink on rat pancreas and the therapeutic role of each of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and Nigella Sativa oil

Background: Energy drinks have been observed to threaten public health leading to many medical problems. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have broad prospects in tissue regeneration. Nigella Sativa (NS) possess great therapeutic properties for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Materials and methods: Forty adult male albino rats were divided into: control group and treated group. The treated group was further subdivided into: energy drink subgroup 2a, BMSCs-injected subgroup 2b, NS-injected subgroup 2c. Histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical assessment was performed. Results: Administration of energy drink revealed that it adversely affected the pancreatic cytoarchitecture. BMSCs and NS have been similarly observed to significantly ameliorate the histological, biochemical and immunohistochemical changes induced by energy drink. Conclusions: The extent of pancreatic regeneration, exerted by each of BMSCs and NS oil, is nearly similar but the effect of BMSCs is more superior; however, NS could be privileged to BMSCs as a line of treatment being easily accessible and of lower cost

Color Doppler US and tri-phasic CT in differentiating benign from malignant portal vein thrombosis (PVT)

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the efficacy of color Doppler US and tri-phasic CT in discriminating benign from malignant PVT. Patients and methods: This study included 30 patients presented ultrasonically with PVT and referred for color Doppler US and Tri-phasic CT examination for discriminating the benign from malignant PVT. The color Doppler US and tri-phasic CT results were compared and correlated with available histopathological results in the patients who had FNAC. Results: Those 30 patients were classified according to US, Tri-phasic CT, lab., findings into two groups: G.(A) included 16 patients with malignant PVT and G.(B) included 14 patients with benign PVT. Intrathrombus pulsatile flow was depicted in 12 patients with malignant PVT (12/16) (75%), while non-depicted in 14 patients with benign PVT with 100% specificity. On tri-phasic CT, neovascularity and an early arterial enhancement of PVT were depicted in 14 cases with malignant PVT with 87.5% sensitivity and non-depicted in 14 benign cases with PVT with 100% specificity. Conclusion: Distinguishing benign from malignant PVT in patients with HCC is required to determine the management plan. The color Doppler study of PVT should be an essential step in evaluation of patients with HCC. The combination of Color Doppler US and tri-phasic CT is common and essential for more accurate evaluation and differentiation of benign from malignant PVT

EFFECT OF BIO-FERTILIZATION AND GROWING MEDIA ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF MORINGA OLEIFERA TREES

The experimental trial was consummated at the nursery of Ornamental Horticulture Department, Fac. Agric., Cairo University, Giza, Egypt during two successive seasons of 2014 and 2015 to study the effect of growing media (sand, clay and mixture (sand + clay at 1:1 v/v) and bio-fertilization (microbine, green power and potasiomag) with 200 ml/pot on the chemical composition of Moringa oleifera (chlorophyll a, b, a + b, carotenoids, carbohydrates and mineral elements (N, P and k %). The results showed that the highest leaf contents of chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids, carbohydrates and leaf N, P and K % were obtained from the most suitable media (sand + clay at 1:1 v/v) combined with biofertilization (microbine, green power and potasiomag)

Dialyzer reuse; effect on efficiency and biocompatibility

Fifteen patients on maintenance haemodialysis were studied before and after reuse of cuprophane hollow-fiber dialysers to assess its biocompatibility and efficiency.There was a significant increase in hematocrit value and hemoglobin level by the end of dialysis. Also, there was a significant decrease in total leukocyte (neutrophilic & eosinophilic) and platelet counts with a peak at 15 minutes after the start of dialysis, then there was a gradual increase till the end of dialysis reaching near the predialysis value.These changes occurred both in the first use and the reuse sessions. The decrease in the neutrophilic count with the reused dialyzer was significantly less compaired to first use dialyzer. The terminal complement complex (TCC) significantly increased and reached its maximum after 15 minutes, then it began to decline till the end of the dialysis. Similarly, these changes were significantly less in the reuse dialyzers. No correlation was found between the changes of the TCC and the decrease in different cellular elements.There was an increase in plasma bicarbonate and pH by the end of dialysis. Also,  hypoxia and hypocapnea occured shortly after the start of dialysis session with acetate dialysate, but they returned to their predialysis values at the end of both dialysis sessions. This can be attributed to the loss of carbon dioxide into the dialysate with subsequent hypoventilation.The clearances of urea, creatinine and phosphorus showed insignificant difference between the new and reused dialyzers at zero and 4hr time with significant decrease by the end of dialysis in both dialysis session. This could  be explained by keeping the surface area of the reused dialyzers within the acceptable values (80-100%) of the first use dialyzer.It can be concluded that reused dialyzers were to some extent more hemocompatible than the first use dialyzers. Complement activation is not the sole factor for the biocompatible reactions during dialysis. Reuse of dialyzers can  be a safe procedure by adopting appropriate sterilization, reprocessing and storage techniques and limited number of reuse

EVALUATION OF THE SYNERGISTIC ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF SELENIUM NANOPARTICLES AND ROSEMARY OIL AGAINST ASPERGILLUS FUMIGATU AND KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE RECOVERED FROM RESPIRATORY INFECTION IN CATTLE IN GIZA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

Synergistic and single antimicrobial activities of green synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and rosemary oil were investigated against predominant causes of respiratory diseases in cattle as Aspergillus fumigatus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The prevalence rates of A. fumigatus were 14.28%, 12%, and 32% in the nasal swab, drinking water, and animal ration, respectively. While, Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from examined nasal swabs, water, and rations at the rates of 17.4%, 0%, and 8%, respectively. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Se-NPs was 0.4 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml against A. fumigatus and Kl. pneumoniae, respectively. On the other hand, the inhibitory concentration of Rosemary against A. fumigatus and Kl. pneumoniae was 0.75 mg/ml and 1.0 mg/ml, respectively. The synergistic therapy of SeNPs dispersed with Rosemary oil reduced the MIC of SeNPs against A. fumigatus and Kl. pneumoniae was 0.1mg/ml and hence can be used as alternatives to their single forms in successful disease therapy. Moreover, these synergisms are essential to overcome the microbial resistance against the traditional antibiotics and decrease the concentrations used of nanoparticles to avoid their toxicity for animals

Efficiency of shape memory alloy seismic restrainers for several conditions of bridge joints

Movement joints are needed in bridges to accommodate longitudinal expansion and contraction. Enough joint width needs to be available to accommodate not only longitudinal expansion but also expected movements of joints during earthquakes. This may result in excessive joint openings. Devices that can dissipate energy have been suggested to reduce joint displacements. Shape memory alloy (SMA) is one of these energy dissipation devices, which is well known for its ability to return to its natural shape after being deformed. Several cases of bridges and different conditions of seismic events are modeled and tested using developed software programs in MATLAB to show the efficiency of using SMA inside bridge joint openings. These models include the case of two adjacent frames with SMA inside them (2�frames), the case of multi�frames with constant hysteretic SMAs between every two of them (N�frames), the case of multi�frames with constant hysteretic SMAs taking the delay of seismic forces between frames into consideration (delay), and the case of variable masses of bridge frames. Also, parametric studies are performed to show the impacts of all parameters of bridge frames and SMA retrofit devices on seismically joint openings. The results show that the superelastic SMA device plays a huge role in controlling bridge opening and enables limiting the joint width of all models during earthquakes with different values reaching 60% in some cases depending on bridge frame properties, ground motion characteristics, and the hysteretic properties of SMA devices

Estimation of hospital admission respiratory disease cases attributed to exposure to SO2 and NO2 in two different sectors of Egypt

Air Q 2.2.3 was used to predicted hospital admissions respiratory disease cases due to SO2 and NO2 exposure in two sectors of Egypt during December 2015 to November 2016. Levels were 19, 22 \u3bcg/m3 at Ain Sokhna sector and 92, 78 \u3bcg/m3 at Shoubra El-Khaima sector for SO2 and NO2, respectively. These levels were less than the Egyptian Permissible limits (125 \u3bcg/m\ub3 in urban and 150 \u3bcg/m\ub3 in industrial for SO2, 150 \u3bcg/m\ub3 in urban and industrial for NO2). Results showed that relative risks were 1.0330 (1.0246 - 1.0414) and 1.0229 (1.0171 - 1.0287) at Ain Sokhna sector while they were 1.0261 (1.0195 -1.0327) and 1.0226 (1.0169 - 1.0283) at Shoubra El-Khaima sector for SO2 and NO2, respectively. The highest cases of HARD were found in Shoubra El-Khaima sector; 311 cases at 120 - 129 \u3bcg/m3 of SO2 and 234 cases at 120 - 129 \u3bcg/m3 of NO2. While, in Ain Sokhna, HARD were 18 cases at 50 - 59 \u3bcg/m3 of SO2 and 15 cases at 60 - 69 \u3bcg/m3 of NO2. The excess cases found in Shoubra El-Khaima sector as compared to those in Ain Sokhna sector, may be attributed to the higher density of population and industries in Shoubra El-Khaima sector