Enhancement of Performance Metrics of Heterogeneous Wireless Camera Sensor Network with Functionalization of Extensive Zonal Stable Election Protocol using Threshold Amplification and Residual Energy

We report a new improved energy competent and optimized data packet flow protocol with Hierarchical Clustering utilized in Wireless camera Sensor Network.The existing Extensive Zonal Stable Election Protocol has been modified along with the threshold parameters amplification and residual energy. It incorporates dynamic hybrid method with finite number of Member Sensor nodes (MSN) in proximity with the base station share their data directly , while the rest of the farther nodes form a cluster for data transference using Cluster Head. The performance metrics accompanied by heterogeneity, longer network survival and better throughput have been improved. The network field was divided into 4 zones with a gateway for defined region 2, 3, and 4. The criterion for zone division remained on the energy status (residual) of the MSNs and distance from the BS and the formulated field characteristics in the simulation were kept unknown. The obtained results demonstrate that our proposed modified version of EZSE protocol considerably performs better than existing EZ-SEP, Z-SEP, SEP, LEACH, Mod-Leach protocols during entire stability timeframe. The notable achievement is also reported in throughput as the same is enhanced more than  by ~ 39%, 43%, 49% ,56%, 53% while total packets communicated with base station has been increased more than by ~ 127%, 131%, 147%, 151%, 148% stability of the network is also improved more than by ~ 37%, 42%, 45%, 49%, 51% with the corresponding increase in the heterogeneity of networks

The conformational phase diagram of charged polymers in the presence of attractive bridging crowders

Using extensive molecular dynamics simulations, we obtain the conformational phase diagram of a charged polymer in the presence of oppositely charged counterions and neutral attractive crowders for monovalent, divalent and trivalent counterion valencies. We demonstrate that the charged polymer can exist in three phases: (1) an extended phase for low charge densities and weak polymer-crowder attractive interactions ($CE$), (2) a collapsed phase for high charge densities and weak polymer-crowder attractive interactions, primarily driven by counterion condensation ($CCI$), and (3) a collapsed phase for strong polymer-crowder attractive interactions, irrespective of the charge density, driven by crowders acting as bridges or crosslinks ($CCB$). Importantly, the simulations reveal that the interaction with crowders can induce collapse, despite the presence of strong repulsive electrostatic interactions, and can replace condensed counterions to facilitate a direct transition from the $CCI$ and $CE$ phases to the $CCB$ phase.Comment: 12 pages, 10 figure

A Novel Dimer-Tetramer Transition Captured by the Crystal Structure of the HIV-1 Nef

HIV-1 Nef modulates disease progression through interactions with over 30 host proteins. Individual chains fold into membrane-interacting N-terminal and C-terminal core (Nefcore) domains respectively. Nef exists as small oligomers near membranes and associates into higher oligomers such as tetramers or hexadecamers in the cytoplasm. Earlier structures of the Nefcore in apo and complexed forms with the Fyn-kinase SH3 domain revealed dimeric association details and the role of the conserved PXXP recognition motif (residues 72–78) of Nef in SH3-domain interactions. The crystal structure of the tetrameric Nef reported here corresponds to the elusive cytoplasmic stage. Comparative analyses show that subunits of Nefcore dimers (open conformation) swing out with a relative displacement of ∼22 Å and rotation of ∼174° to form the ‘closed’ tetrameric structure. The changes to the association are around Asp125, a conserved residue important for viral replication and the important XR motif (residues 107–108). The tetramer associates through C4 symmetry instead of the 222 symmetry expected when two dimers associate together. This novel dimer-tetramer transition agrees with earlier solution studies including small angle X-ray scattering, analytical ultracentrifugation, dynamic laser light scattering and our glutaraldehyde cross-linking experiments. Comparisons with the Nefcore—Fyn-SH3 domain complexes reveal that the PXXP motif that interacts with the SH3-domain in the dimeric form is sterically occluded in the tetramer. However the 151–180 loop that is distal to the PXXP motif and contains several protein interaction motifs remains accessible. The results suggest how changes to the oligomeric state of Nef can help it distinguish between protein partners

In silico Prediction and Validations of Domains Involved in Gossypium hirsutum SnRK1 Protein Interaction With Cotton Leaf Curl Multan Betasatellite Encoded βC1

Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) caused by viruses of genus Begomovirus is a major constraint to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) production in many cotton-growing regions of the world. Symptoms of the disease are caused by Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMB) that encodes a pathogenicity determinant protein, βC1. Here, we report the identification of interacting regions in βC1 protein by using computational approaches including sequence recognition, and binding site and interface prediction methods. We show the domain-level interactions based on the structural analysis of G. hirsutum SnRK1 protein and its domains with CLCuMB-βC1. To verify and validate the in silico predictions, three different experimental approaches, yeast two hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation and pull down assay were used. Our results showed that ubiquitin-associated domain (UBA) and autoinhibitory sequence (AIS) domains of G. hirsutum-encoded SnRK1 are involved in CLCuMB-βC1 interaction. This is the first comprehensive investigation that combined in silico interaction prediction followed by experimental validation of interaction between CLCuMB-βC1 and a host protein. We demonstrated that data from computational biology could provide binding site information between CLCuD-associated viruses/satellites and new hosts that lack known binding site information for protein–protein interaction studies. Implications of these findings are discussed

Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (Abernethy malformation): An international observational study

Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (CEPS) or Abernethy malformation is a rare condition in which splanchnic venous blood bypasses the liver draining directly into systemic circulation through a congenital shunt. Patients may develop hepatic encephalopathy (HE), pulmonary hypertension (PaHT), or liver tumors, among other complications. However, the actual incidence of such complications is unknown, mainly because of the lack of a protocolized approach to these patients. This study characterizes the clinical manifestations and outcome of a large cohort of CEPS patients with the aim of proposing a guide for their management. This is an observational, multicenter, international study. Sixty-six patients were included; median age at the end of follow-up was 30 years. Nineteen patients (28%) presented HE. Ten-, 20-, and 30-year HE incidence rates were 13%, 24%, and 28%, respectively. No clinical factors predicted HE. Twenty-five patients had benign nodular lesions. Ten patients developed adenomas (median age, 18 years), and another 8 developed HCC (median age, 39 years). Of 10 patients with dyspnea, PaHT was diagnosed in 8 and hepatopulmonary syndrome in 2. Pulmonary complications were only screened for in 19 asymptomatic patients, and PaHT was identified in 2. Six patients underwent liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma or adenoma. Shunt closure was performed in 15 patients with improvement/stability/cure of CEPS manifestations. Conclusion: CEPS patients may develop severe complications. Screening for asymptomatic complications and close surveillance is needed. Shunt closure should be considered both as a therapeutic and prophylactic approach

Integrated management systems to control biotic and abiotic stresses in cool season food legumes

Yield losses in cool season food legumes result from several biotic and abiotic Stresses. The most important of these stresses on five cool season food legume crops are listed. and recent progress in research to alleviate some of these is reviewed Although i t is possible to control some stresses by the use of such inputs as agricultural chemicals, economic.............................

Blood lead, cadmium and mercury among children from urban, industrial and rural areas of Fez Boulemane Region (Morocco): Relevant factors and early renal effects

Objectives: To describe blood lead (Pb-B), cadmium (Cd-B) and mercury (Hg-B) levels in children living in urban, industrial and rural areas in Fez city (north of Morocco) and to identify the determinants and some renal effects of exposure. Material and Methods: The study was conducted from June 2007 to January 2008 in 209 school children (113 girls, 96 boys), aged 6-12 years, from urban, industrial and rural areas in Fez city. Interview and questionnaires data were obtained. Blood and urinary samples were analyzed. Results: The mean of blood lead levels (Pb-B) in our population was 55.53 μg/l (range: 7.5-231.1 μg/l). Children from the urban area had higher blood lead levels (BLLs) mean (82.36 μg/l) than children from industrial and rural areas (48.23 and 35.99 μg/l, respectively); with no significant difference between boys and girls. BLLs were associated with traffic intensity, passive smoking and infancy in the urban area. The mean of blood cadmium levels (BCLs) was 0.22 μg/l (range: 0.06-0.68 μg/l), with no difference between various areas. Rural boys had higher BCLs mean than rural girls, but no gender influence was noticed in the other areas. BCLs were associated with the number of cigarettes smoked at children's homes. The blood mercury levels (BMLs) mean was 0.49 μg/l (range: 0.01-5.31 μg/l). The BMLs mean was higher in urban and industrial areas than in the rural area with no gender-related difference. BMLs were associated with amalgam fillings and infancy in the urban area. About 8% of the children had BLLs ≥ 100 μg/l particularly in the urban area, microalbuminuria and a decrease in height were noticed in girls from the inner city of Fez and that can be related to high BLLs (89.45 μg/l). Conclusions: There is a need to control and regulate potential sources of contamination by these trace elements in children; particularly for lead

Effect of Carnitine and herbal mixture extract on obesity induced by high fat diet in rats

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Obesity-associated type 2 diabetes is rapidly increasing throughout the world. It is generally recognized that natural products with a long history of safety can modulate obesity.</p> <p>Aim</p> <p>To investigate the development of obesity in response to a high fat diet (HFD) and to estimate the effect of L-carnitine and an Egyptian Herbal mixture formulation (HMF) (consisting of T. chebula, Senae, rhubarb, black cumin, aniseed, fennel and licorice) on bodyweight, food intake, lipid profiles, renal, hepatic, cardiac function markers, lipid Peroxidation, and the glucose and insulin levels in blood and liver tissue in rats.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>White male albino rats weighing 80-90 gm, 60 days old. 10 rats were fed a normal basal diet (Cr), 30 rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks during the entire study. Rats of the HFD group were equally divided into 3 subgroups each one include 10 rats. The first group received HFD with no supplement (HFD), the 2^ndgroup HFD+L-carnitine and the third group received HFD+HMF. Carnitine and HMF were administered at 10^thweek (start time for treatments) for 4 weeks.</p> <p>Body weight, lipid profile & renal function (urea, uric acid creatinine) ALT & AST activities, cardiac markers, (LDH, C.K-NAC and MB) the oxidative stress marker reduced glutathione (GSH), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) catalase activity, in addition to glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance in serum & tissues were analyzed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Data showed that feeding HFD diet significantly increased final body weight, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, & LDL concentration compared with controls, while significantly decreasing HDL; meanwhile treatment with L-carnitine, or HMF significantly normalized the lipid profile.</p> <p>Serum ALT, urea, uric acid, creatinine, LDH, CK-NAC, CK-MB were significantly higher in the high fat group compared with normal controls; and administration of L-carnitine or herbal extract significantly lessened the effect of the HFD. Hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and high insulin resistance (IR) significantly increased in HFD in comparison with the control group. The treatment with L-carnitine or HMF improved the condition. HFD elevated hepatic MDA and lipid peroxidation associated with reduction in hepatic GSH and catalase activity; whereas administration of L-carnitine or herbal extract significantly ameliorated these hepatic alterations.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>HFD induced obesity associated with a disturbed lipid profile, defective antioxidant stability, and high values of IR parameters; this may have implications for the progress of obesity related problems. Treatment with L-carnitine, or HMF extract improved obesity and its associated metabolic problems in different degrees. Also HMF has antioxidant, hypolipidaemic insulin sensitizing effects. Moreover HMF might be a safe combination on the organs whose functions were examined, as a way to surmount the obesity state; and it has a distinct anti-obesity effect.</p