Measurements of branching fractions, absolute transition probabilities and J-file sum rule for the 4p(5)5p -\u3e 4p(5)5s transitions array in neutral krypton

We present new results of transition rates for twenty two electric dipole transitions of neutral krypton associated with the 4p55p→4p55 s configurations-based levels covering the wavelength region from 500 to 1000 nm using a krypton filled hollow cathode discharge lamp coupled with a set of four miniature spectrometers. The branching fractions of various dipole allowed transitions were extracted using the observed line intensity ratios, whereas, the absolute values of the transition probabilities were deduced from the measured branching fractions in combination with the known lifetimes of the upper levels. The experimental data are in good agreement with that calculated in the intermediate angular momentum coupling scheme. In addition, line strengths for all the transitions have been extracted using the measured transition probabilities. The J-file sum rule was also tested for each level attached to the 4p55p→4p55 s configurations based on the recently measured and calculated normalized multiplet strengths

A Rare Presentation of Cardiac Aspergilloma in an Immunocompetent Host: Case Report and Literature Review

Cardiac aspergilloma is exceptionally rare with only a handful of cases reported and majority of them being in immunocompromised patients. Here, we present a case of cardiac aspergilloma involving the right and left ventricle in an immunocompetent patient that initially presented with acute limb ischemia. He was later found to have a cardiac mass with histopathological diagnosis confirming Aspergillus species. Despite aggressive medical and surgical interventions, the patient had an unfavorable outcome due to low suspicion of invasive fungal endocarditis given his immunocompetent status. Cardiac aspergilloma should remain in the differential diagnosis of immunocompetent patients as early clinical suspicion will result in early treatment and decreased mortality. Novel therapies are required to decrease mortality in the future from this fatal disease

Photoexcitation and photoionization from the 2p53p[5/2]2,3 levels in neon

We present measurements of the excitation spectra from the 2p53p [5/2]3,2 levels in neon using two-step laser excitation and ionization in conjunction with an optogalvanic detection in dc and rf discharge cells. The 2p53p [5/2]3,2 intermediate levels have been approached via the collisionally populated 2p53s [3/2]2 metastable level. The Rydberg series 2p5(2P3/2)nd [7/2]4 (12 ⩽ n ⩽ 44), 2p5(2P3/2)ns [3/2]2 (13 ⩽ n ⩽ 35) and the parity forbidden transitions 2p5(2P3/2)np [5/2]3 (13 ⩽ n ⩽ 19) have been observed from the 2p53p [5/2]3 level, whereas the 2p5(2P3/2)nd [7/2]3 (12 ⩽ n ⩽ 44), 2p5(2P3/2)ns [3/2]2 (13 ⩽ n ⩽ 35), and 2p5(2P1/2)nd′ [5/2]3 (9 ⩽ n ⩽ 12) Rydberg series have been observed from the 2p53p[5/2]2 level in accordance with the ΔJ = ΔK = ± 1 selection rules. The photoionization cross sections from the 2p53p [5/2]3 intermediate level have been measured at eight ionizing laser wavelengths (399, 395, 390, 385, 380, 370, 364, and 355 nm) and that from the 2p53p [5/2]2 level at 401.8 nm. These measurements are in excellent agreement with the experimental values reported in the literature, while the experimental data lie much below the theoretically calculated photoionization cross sections curve

Evaluation of Silicon Supplementation for Drought Stress under Water-Deficit Conditions: An Application of Sustainable Agriculture

Drought is a key abiotic stress that confines agriculture development worldwide. Silicon (Si) is commonly considered to be a valuable element for resistance against drought and for sustainable agriculture. To investigate the morpho-physiological and biochemical characteristics of Gerbera jamesonii plants, a pot experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions and exposed to water stress (60% FC) and well-watered (100% FC) conditions. Foliar application of Si was carried out after ten days (48 days after sowing) of drought treatment and was repeated weekly, while well-water was regarded as control. Water deficiency significantly abridged the morphological attributes, pigments, and stress-related metabolites and negatively affected the photosynthetic apparatus in drought-stressed gerbera plants. However, Si supplementation by 40 mg L-1 produced increased leaf area (31%), stem length (25%), flower diameter (22%), plant fresh biomass (17%), total chlorophyll (48%), and concentration of carotenoids (54%) in water-stressed plants. Similarly, the accretion of a total free amino acid (41%) and the activities of peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, glycinebetaine, total soluble proteins, total free proline, and malondialdehyde were enhanced by 44%, 31%, 53%, 33%, 330%, 61%, 51%, and 66%, respectively, under drought stress in comparison with control conditions. Meanwhile, the photosynthetic rate (89%), the transpiration rate (12%), and stomatal conductance (55%) were significantly enhanced in water-deficit gerbera leaves with Si supplementation. This study proposes that the foliar application of Si is a viable and convenient method of improving the performance of elegant gerbera flower plants in regions of the world that are facing severe water deficiency

A nonsense mutation in S-antigen (p.Glu306*) causes Oguchi disease

Contains fulltext : 110974.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)PURPOSE: Genetic studies were performed to identify the causative mutation in a 15-year-old girl diagnosed with congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) presenting Mizuo-Nakamura phenomenon, a typical Oguchi disease symptom. The patient also had dural sinus thrombosis (DST), thrombocytopenia, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: Mutation analysis was done by sequencing two candidate genes, S-antigen (SAG; arrestin 1), associated with Oguchi type 1, and rhodopsin kinase (GRK1), associated with Oguchi type 2. In addition, the C677T variation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene was also screened in the family, to determine its probable association with hyperhomocysteinemia in the patient. RESULTS: Sequencing of the SAG and GRK1 resulted in identifying a novel homozygous nonsense mutation (c.916G>T; p.Glu306*) in SAG, which in unaffected siblings either was present in a heterozygous state or absent. The C677T heterozygous allele in the MTHFR gene was found to be associated with hyperhomocysteinemia in the patient and other family members. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of Oguchi type 1 in a Pakistani patient due to a nonsense mutation (c.916G>T; p.Glu306*) in SAG. The neurologic and hematological abnormalities likely are not associated with the SAG variant

Constitutive expression of SlMX1 gene improves fruit yield and quality, health-promoting compounds, fungal resistance and delays ripening in transgenic tomato plants

Tomato is one of the major economically domesticated crops, and it is extensively used in different ways and purposes worldwide. Cell metabolism is the central core of all the biological processes to sustain life including cell growth, differentiation, maintenance, and response to environmental stress. To evaluate how genetic engineering can improve tomato fruit metabolome, the transcriptomic and metabolomic datasets of two transgenic tomatoes (SlMX1 overexpression and RNAi lines) have been compared with wild-type. The combined results demonstrated that the constitutive expression of SlMX1 not only increased trichome formation, carotenoids, and terpenoids as has been stated in several studies, but has also up- and down-regulated the expression of multiple genes related to cell growth (cell wall turnover), primary (carbohydrates, vitamins, and phytohormones), and secondary (phenylpropanoids, carotenoids, and terpenoids) metabolism, cell signaling, and stress responses. These changes in gene expression due to the constitutive expression of SlMX1 promote the most important agroeconomic traits such as fruit yield and quality, biosynthesis of health-promoting phytochemicals (including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins), and finally, activate resistance to Botrytis cinerea and repress the expression of over-ripening-related genes, thus extending the fruit shelf-life. In conclusion, the traits improvement achieved by SlMX1 overexpression can be harnessed in molecular breeding programs to engineer fruit size and yield, induce health-promoting secondary metabolites, promote fungal resistance, and finally extend the fruit shelf-life.Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431E 2018/07Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431D2017/18Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. EQC2019-006178-

On beta-time fractional biological population model with abundant solitary wave structures

Abstract The ongoing study deals with various forms of solutions for the biological population model with a novel beta-time derivative operators. This model is very conducive to explain the enlargement of viruses, parasites and diseases. This configuration of the aforesaid classical scheme is scouted for its new solutions especially in soliton shape via two of the well known analytical strategies, namely: the extended Sinh-Gordon equation expansion method (EShGEEM) and the Expa function method. These soliton solutions suggest that these methods have widened the scope for generating solitary waves and other solutions of fractional differential equations. Different types of soliton solutions will be gained such as dark, bright and singular solitons solutions with certain conditions. Furthermore, the obtained results can also be used in describing the biological population model in some better way. The numerical solution for the model is obtained using the finite difference method. The numerical simulations of some selected results are also given through their physical explanations. To the best of our knowledge, No previous literature discussed this model through the application of the EShGEEM and the Expa function method and supported their new obtained results by numerical analysis

Antibiotics and over the counter medication use and its correlates among Arab pregnant women visiting a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background and Objective: The use of over the counter medications (OTCMs) is a common practice globally. OTCMs are of special concern among pregnant women as they pose risk to the mother and fetus. The objective was to assess the use of OTCMs by pregnant woman, and factors associated with it. Methods: A cross-sectional study, using a structured self-administrated questionnaire was conducted at the obstetric and antenatal clinics at King Khalid University hospital, Riyadh. 354 pregnant women were surveyed. Result: About 32% of the study participants used OTCMs without prescription at least once during their last pregnancy. The most commonly used OTCM was Paracetamol (22%). Pharmacists were the main source of knowledge (53%) for the participants. Correct knowledge regarding the drugs was associated with the usage of OTCM drug. Conclusion: Use of OTCMs and antibiotics during pregnancy is a common practice among Saudi pregnant women. General awareness regarding OTCMs use during pregnancy without prescription needs to be raised in the community. Pharmacists and media can help in providing accurate knowledge.Hafsa Raheel, Sulaiman Alsakran, Abdulkhaliq Alghamdi, Majed Ajarem, Salman Alsulami, Afzal Mahmoo