Free vibration analysis of multi-cracked micro beams based on Modified Couple Stress Theory

In this article, the size effect on the dynamic behavior of a simply supported multi-cracked microbeam is studied based on the Modified Couple Stress Theory (MCST).  At first, based on the MCST, the equivalent torsional stiffness spring for every open edge crack at its location is calculated; in this regard, the Stress Intensity Factor (SIF) is also considered for all open edge cracks. Hamilton’s principle has been used in order to achieve the governing equations of motion of the system and associated boundary conditions are derived based on the MCST. Then the natural frequencies of multi-cracked microbeamare analytically determined. After that, the Numerical solutions have been presented for the microbeam with two open edge cracks. Finally, the variation of the first three natural frequencies of the system is investigated versus different values of the depth and the location of two cracks and the material length scale parameter. The obtained results express that the natural frequencies of the system increase by increasing the material length scale parameter and decrease by moving away from the simply supported of the beam and node points, in addition to increasing the number of cracks and cracks depth

Formulation, characterization and evaluation of vildagliptin and metformin combined tablets

The current study was conducted to formulate and assess combined vildagliptin (VD) and metformin hydrochloride (MET) tablets. The formulations were developed by wet granulation to overwhelm the reduced compressibility of MET powder. Polymers like Kollidon K30 and K90 were used to prepare formulations. Micromeritics characteristics of blends were assessed. Subsequently, the tablets that had been manufactured were assessed for post-compression characteristics. The composition formula F7 was optimal due to having the best hardness, friability and good dissolution

Formulation, characterization and evaluation of vildagliptin and metformin combined tablets

The current study was conducted to formulate and assess combined vildagliptin (VD) and metformin hydrochloride (MET) tablets. The formulations were developed by wet granulation to overwhelm the reduced compressibility of MET powder. Polymers like Kollidon K30 and K90 were used to prepare formulations. Micromeritics characteristics of blends were assessed. Subsequently, the tablets that had been manufactured were assessed for post-compression characteristics. The composition formula F7 was optimal due to having the best hardness, friability and good dissolution

Developing Applicable Scenarios to Install and Utilize Solar Panels in the Houses of Abu Dhabi City

This study examines the utilization of solar panels in the houses of Abu Dhabi city. A presentation of applicable solar power scenarios is displayed on a global scale. Furthermore, solar power applications in Abu Dhabi city are briefly demonstrated. In light of the depleting state of oil-backed energy sources, this study further investigates the social acceptance of homeowners in Abu Dhabi to install solar panels in their private houses, and identifies the main reason and the optimal scenario to achieve it. Importantly, this research solidifies the objectives with a related survey that was sent to 216 interested individuals residing locally in Abu Dhabi city, over a time period of 2 months. The survey, in the main, presents four scenarios that could stimulate interested individuals to change to the use of independent solar power systems in their houses. The results are displayed in detail to show the different opinions of homeowners in the city of Abu Dhabi, and an in-depth discussion follows afterwards, proving a high interest in solar power. The results of the survey emphasize that the most preferred scenario is to have authoritative financial support in the process of solar panel implantation. The conclusion confirms that the rising social acceptance status along with the elected scenario could stimulate the possession and utilization of solar panels in private villas and houses in Abu Dhabi city

GPNMB methylation: a new marker of potentially carcinogenic colon lesions

Abstract Background Epigenetic plays an important role in colorectal neoplasia process. There is a need to determine sound biomarkers of colorectal cancer (CRC) progression with clinical and therapeutic implications. Therefore, we aimed to examine the role and methylation status of Glyco Protein Non-Metastatic GPNM B (GPNMB) gene in normal, adenoma and CRC in African American (AA) patients. Methods The methylation status of 13 CpG sites (chr7: 23287345–23,287,426) in GPNMB gene’s promoter, was analyzed by pyrosequencing in human CRC cell lines (HCT116, SW480, and HT29) and microdissected African American paraffin embedded samples (20 normal, 21 non-advanced adenoma (NA), 48 advanced adenoma (AD), and 20 cancer tissues. GPNMB expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on tissue microarrays (TMA). Correlations between GPNMB methylation and expression with clinicopathological features were analyzed. GPNMB functional analysis was performed in triplicates using cell proliferation, migration and invasion assays in HCT116 colon cell line after stable transfection with a GPNMB-cDNA expression vector. Results GPNMB methylation was lower in normal mucosa compared to CRC samples (1/20 [5%] vs. 18/20 [90%]; P  0.05) compared to the mock-transfected cells. Conclusion Our data indicate a high methylation profile leading to a lower GPNMB expression in adenoma and CRC samples. The functional analysis established GPNMB as a potential tumor suppressor gene. As such, GPNMB might be useful as a biomarker of adenomas with high carcinogenic potential

Identification of novel mutations by exome sequencing in African American colorectal cancer patients.

<p>BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to identify genome-wide single nucleotide variants and mutations in African American patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). There is a need of such studies in African Americans, because they display a higher incidence of aggressive CRC tumors.</p> <p>METHODS: We performed whole exome sequencing (WES) on DNA from 12 normal/tumor pairs of African American CRC patient tissues. Data analysis was performed using the software package GATK (Genome Analysis Tool Kit). Normative population databases (eg, 1000 Genomes SNP database, dbSNP, and HapMap) were used for comparison. Variants were annotated using analysis of variance and were validated via Sanger sequencing.</p> <p>RESULTS: We identified somatic mutations in genes that are known targets in CRC such as APC, BRAF, KRAS, and PIK3CA. We detected novel alterations in the Wnt pathway gene, APC, within its exon 15, of which mutations are highly associated with CRC.</p> <p>CONCLUSIONS: This WES study in African American patients with CRC provides insight into the identification of novel somatic mutations in APC. Our data suggest an association between specific mutations in the Wnt signaling pathway and an increased risk of CRC. The analysis of the pathogenicity of these novel variants may shed light on the aggressive nature of CRC in African Americans. Cancer 2014. © 2014 American Cancer Society.</p