On the Number of Nonnegative Solutions to the Inequality a1 +....ar < n

In this paper, we present a simple and fast method for counting the number of nonnegative integer solutions to the equality a1x1+a2x2+: : :+arxr = n where a1; a2; :::; ar and n are positive integers. As an application, we use the method for finding the number of solutions of a Diophantine inequality

The effect of Migri-Heal® on nitric oxide production in an in vitro inflammatory model of primary microglial cells

Background: Recently, much attention has been directed towards considering activated microgelial cells as putative targets for treatment of neurological disorders. MigriHeal® as a novel herbal remedy was introduced for the treatment of migraine headaches. The previous researches has shown that MigriHeal® extracts can decrease NO in an in vitro inflammatory model. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of MigriHeal® on NO generation from LPS- stimulated microglia cells.Materials and Methods: Neonatal rat primary microglial cells were isolated from the mixed glial cultures and the purity of the cultures was determined by immunocytochemistry. Microglial cells were pretreated with Migri-Heal® and activated by 1μg/ml LPS. Subsequently, NO levels in the culture supernatants were measured by a griess reaction. Our results showed that Migri-Heal® 50μg/ml significantly reduced NO level in inflamed microglia in a dose-dependent manner. Results: The results showed that different concentrations of Migri-Heal® had no prominent effect on cell viability in presence of LPS as compared with the control group. In addition, the pretreatment of microglia cells with Migri-Heal® can prevent from a morphological changes of the cells into the round and phagocytic shape. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that MigriHeal® might have NO scavenging properties. Integrative studies are warranted to uncover the novel pharmacological insights of this herbal remedy as an putative therapeutic approach against diseases - associated with inflammation

Quasi-static compression tests of overwrapped composite pressure vessels under low velocity impact.

Pressure Vessels are being utilised in different applications that are indispensable including automobile, aerospace, underwater vehicles, oil and gas, chemical engineering among other applications. However, there is lack of knowledge on the influence of induced damage and the resulting performance of such vessels under quasi-static loading and axial compression. Specifically, the vessels studied in this study is made up of a high-density polyethylene liner and glass fibre overwraps. Therefore, this research investigated the load bearing capacities and the energy absorbed of the indented vessels in axial and hoop directions to determine the resistance of the vessels after such damaged using experiment, and damage characterisation microscopy, non-destructive testing and analysis. Quasi-static transverse and axial compression testing was performed on composite cylinders made of polyethylene liner and glass fibre overwraps. Both quasi-static and axial compression tests were performed with the Instron Machine 3382, quasi-static compression was performed at speed of 500 mm/min, while the axial compression test was performed at speed of 2.5 mm/min. The results for the damage profile and the effect on compressive strength of the composite damaged and two non-damaged cylinders was found to be relatively similar. Additionally, the results demonstrate that the quasi-static compression have little or no influence on the axial strength of the cylinders. The microscopic and Dolphicam2 results for damage characterisation on the cylinders revealed fibre break and delamination. On the other hand, visual examination results show local bucking and brooming failure at the bottom of the cylinders

Life balance of mothers of children with cerebral palsy

Purpose: Having the child with Cerebral palsy is a very stressful experience for the family that could affect daily patterns and routines, habits, needs and occupational performances of all family members specially mothers. This study aimed to investigate life balance of mothers of children with Cerebral palsy (MCCPs) based on the Life Balance Model. Method: Fifty MCCPs aged 3 to 9 years with sample convenient method participated in this descriptive and cross-sectional study. The Severity of cerebral palsy was determined by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) and the life balance of mothers was evaluated by Persian version of the LBI (P_LBI). The collected data were evaluated and analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The total mean score of LBI and its subscales showed that there is no balanced or very balanced life in mothers and they could be categorized to unbalanced (n = 21) and very unbalanced (n = 29). The total mean score of LBI was 1.46. χ2 test revealed statistically significant difference between two categories (unbalanced and very unbalanced) of mothers regarding GMFCS level (p = 0.009). Also, the total mean score of LBI and its subscales showed no significant difference between two categories (unbalanced and very unbalanced) regarding mother job and age and child age (p > 0.05) but it has significant difference regarding mother education (p = 0.009). Evaluation of the results of LBI and its different subscales indicated that the life balance at balanced or very balanced levels was not observed in any of the studied mothers, and they could be categorized in 2 groups of unbalanced (21 mothers ) and very unbalanced (29 mothers) (Table 2). Discussion: Based on the result of this study, mothers of Cerebral Palsy do not experience balanced life and this feeling of unbalance is related to the level of their child’s disability. Thus, it is necessary to consider this fact in family-centered evaluations and Occupational therapy interventions

Prevalence of Psychiatric Symptoms and Mental Health Services in Students with Specific Learning Disabilities in Tehran, Iran

Children with specific learning disabilities are at a greater risk of mental health problems than their non-disabled peers. Further interventions and research will be required. This is a cross-sectional study. A sample of 107 students (7 to 11 years old) with specific learning disabilities were randomly selected from educational and rehabilitation settings in Tehran. The Child Symptom Inventory-4 (CSI-4) (parent checklist) was administered. Among children studied, 86 subjects (82.8 %) in some of the categories of psychiatric symptoms gained scores above the cut-off point. The most prevalent psychiatric symptoms were related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. There were not any statistically significant differences between the genders. In addition to direct education, 15 subjects (14 %) were receiving medication, 2 subjects (1.9 %) were receiving only occupational therapy, 2 subjects (1.9 %) were receiving only speech therapy, and 5 subjects (4.7 %) were receiving both occupational and speech therapy. The emphasis on considering co-morbid symptoms and usage of mental health services are important issues for students with specific learning difficulties