ahmed abdallah

Neurodegenerative diseases are a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with oxidative stress, inflammation, and protein aggregation representing the main underlying mechanisms that ultimately lead to cell death. Ethanol has shown strong neurodegenerative consequences in experimental animal brains. Statins are a class of lipid-lowering drugs with many pleotropic effects. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore the modulatory effect of simvastatin (10 mg·kg–1·day–1) before and after the development of neurodegeneration (for 55 and 25 days, respectively) on redox state, caspase-3 expression, p-protein kinase B (p-Akt), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in ethanol-induced (15% ethanol solution for 55 days) neurodegeneration. Seventy female Albino Swiss mice were included and randomly divided into five groups: C, control group; E, ethanol group; ES, group treated with simvastatin from the first day of ethanol intake; E + S, group treated with simvas...

Page 1. Conference Committee Members and Reviewers Ali Abdallah, London South Bank University, United Kingdom Kevin Adams, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren, United States Yamine AIT Ameur, LISI, France Hernan Astudillo, Universidad Tecnica Federico, Santa Maria, Chile Howard Barringer, University of Manchester, United Kingdom Bernd Becker, Institute of Computer Science, Germany Saddek Bensalem, Université Joseph Fourier, France Markland Benson, NASA, United States Nikolaj Bjorner, Microsoft Research, United States ...

Machine Learning (ML) for information security (InfoSec) utilizes distinct data types and formats which require different treatments during optimization/training on raw data. In this paper, we implement a malicious/benign URL predictor based on a transformer architecture that is trained from scratch. We show that in contrast to conventional natural language processing (NLP) transformers, this model requires a different training approach to work well. Specifically, we show that 1) pre-training on a massive corpus of unlabeled URL data for an auto-regressive task does not readily transfer to malicious/benign prediction but 2) that using an auxiliary auto-regressive loss improves performance when training from scratch. We introduce a method for mixed objective optimization, which dynamically balances contributions from both loss terms so that neither one of them dominates. We show that this method yields performance comparable to that of several top-performing benchmark classifiers.

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] The reliability-based design (RBD) approach that separately accounts for variability and uncertainty in load(s) and resistance(s) can be incorporated into the design of shallow foundations on jointed rock masses resulting in a consistent process to design foundations with a known reliability (probability of failure) and optimum cost. The strength of jointed rock masses is a function of the intact rock strength and the rock mass classification parameter, in particular, classification systems using dominant failure criteria. A comprehensive review of the rock mass classification systems is performed. Correlations between the classification systems related to foundations are presented. Rock quality designation (RQD), the rock mass rating (RMR), and the geological strength index (GSI) systems were chosen for the reliability-based analysis performed in this research. Several failure criteria are considered; however, the well-known Hoek and Brown failure criterion is selected to estimate the jointed rock mass strength and deformation. The key factors used in the selection of the method and the criterion used in the design of shallow foundations at strength and service limit states were: the abundance of available data, they are accepted in practice and contain parameters are most often available. Methods and correlations used in the estimation of the elastic deformation modulus for jointed rock masses are presented and evaluated. Methods, which are functions of the intact rock strength property (Uniaxial Compressive Strength, UCS) and the intact rock deformation modulus (Ei) accompanied by the rock mass rating, rock quality designation, and the geological strength index are selected. Methods used to predict the elastic settlement are reviewed and typical values for the elastic property, Poisson's ratio, are provided. A reliability-based design technique was used in this research to account for loads and strength uncertainties. Three main parameters are required to perform the reliability-based design analyses: the failure criteria, the statistical distribution for the design parameters, and the targeted probability of failure. The analyses cover a wide range of probabilities of failure (10E-2 to 10E-4). The Monte Carlo simulation technique, (preferred and recommended by AASHTO), was used to numerically estimate the probability of failure and then compared to targeted levels of reliability. In many cases, the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of the intact rock and the rock quality designation are the only available design parameters. For this reason, in addition to the availability of data, the bearing capacity model by Zhang and Einstein (2010) was used in the calibration of the RBD. The model estimates the rock mass bearing capacity as a function of the intact rock compressive strength and the rock quality designation. The product of the calibration procedure is in the form of design charts that are used directly in the design of shallow foundations on jointed rock masses. Good engineering judgment and a secondary rock classification parameter are recommended when using the method by Zhang and Einstein. The empirical equation provided by Carter and Kulhawy (1988), is widely used in the determination of the ultimate capacity of jointed rock masses and was selected for the RBD. The model provides the ultimate bearing capacity of jointed rock masses as a function of the intact rock strength and two additional classification parameters estimated from the classification systems (RMR and GSI). Design charts are produced. Because of the lack of the available data and the need for many test results, a numerical assessment was utilized to develop new equations as functions of the geological strength index (GSI), the intact rock strength parameter, intact rock compressive strength (UCS), and the intact rock material modulus (mi). Four different equations were produced according to the range of the value of the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS). The equations were tested and verified against the most widely used methods in practice in addition to the available testing results reported in the literature. The equations were then used in the RBD analyses, and design charts are provided to be used along with the equation for the reliability-based design of shallow foundation on jointed rock masses. For weak rocks, two different approaches were used in the RBD. The first was the model by Zhang and Einstein (1998) which is a function of the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS). The second approach is a modified version of the equations developed in this dissertation as a result of correlating the equations to the available ultimate capacities for weak rock formations. Design charts are also provided for the reliability-based design of shallow foundations on weak rock. The design of shallow foundations includes the design at the strength limit…

Young man with acute onset nausea, vomiting, joint pain, abdominal pain, fever and weight loss was found to have gait ataxia and positive Brucella titres. He deteriorated despite appropriate antibiotics and developed confusion and disorientation. Lumbar puncture revealed lymphocytosis with high protein and low glucose. MRI showed diffuse demyelination. Pulse steroids resulted in rapid clinical, biochemical and radiological recovery.

Background: Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) is the most common surgery for cancer breast that is associated with marked postoperative pain. Effective control of this pain suppresses the surgical stress response and decreases the opioids and general anesthetics' needs. This study compared the erector spinae plane (ESP) block and the pectoral plane (PECS) block effects on the opioid consumption postoperatively, stress response, fentanyl needs intraoperatively, pain scores, and incidence of complications in female patients subjected to MRM surgery. Patients and Methods: Fifty patients were allocated randomly and divided into two groups. Forty-seven patients were included in the final analysis after exclusion. ESP block group (E group, n = 24) received 20 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine plus 0.5 μ/kg dexmedetomidine that was injected in-between erector spinae muscle and transverse process. PECS block group (P group, n = 23) received 30 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine plus 0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine divided into 10 mL that was injected between the two pectoralis muscles in the interfascial plane and the other was 20 mL injected between the serratus anterior and the pectoralis minor. Results: Postoperative morphine consumption and stress hormone level in P group were significantly lower than E group. The pain scores and number of patients requested analgesic postoperatively showed significantly higher values in E group. Hemodynamic parameters, fentanyl needed intraoperatively and the incidence of postoperative complications recorded no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that PECS block provides better quality of analgesia than ESP block in patients subjected to MRM operations.

Certain cytosine-rich (C-rich) DNA sequences can fold into secondary structures as four-stranded i-motifs with hemiprotonated base pairs. Here we synthesized C-rich TINA-intercalating oligonucleotides by inserting a nonnucleotide pyrene moiety between two C-rich regions. The stability of their i-motif structures was studied by using UV melting temperature measurements and circular dichroism spectra at different pH values under noncrowding and crowding conditions (20% poly(ethylene glycol)). When TINA ((R)-3-((4-(1-pyrenylethynyl)benzyl)oxy) propane-1,2-diol) is inserted, the oligonucleotides could form an i-motif at a higher pH than observed for the corresponding wildtype oligonucleotide.

A comprehensive theoretical conformational analysis of the anti-HIV Nikavir prodrug was carried out; this prodrug has noticeable advantage over the approved drug AZT. The whole conformational parameters (χ, α, β, γ, δ, ϕ, P and νmax) were analysed as well as the NBO natural atomic charges. The calculations were carried out by means of DFT/B3LYP and ab initio MP2 methods with full relaxation of all geometrical parameters. The search located at least 67 stable structures, 4 of which were within a 1 kcal/mol electronic energy range of the global minimum. By MP2 it corresponds to the calculated values of the exocyclic torsional angles χ = -108.0°, β = 14.5°, γ = 76.7° and ε = 71.5°. The results obtained are in accordance to those found in related anti-HIV nucleoside analogues. Comparisons of the conformers with those determined in the common anti-HIV drug AZT were carried out. A detailed analysis of the lowest vibrations (<200 cm(-1)) in the best conformer of Nikavir was carried out. The most stable hydrated cluster of this conformer with 20 explicit water molecules was determined. Calculations in five of its 6'-derivatives were performed to identify structural trends that might correlate with the anti-HIV activity of these compounds. Ten structure-activity relationships/tendencies were established that can help for the design of new drugs. Several recommendations for this design were expressed.

Abstract: This thesis intends to contribute towards the realization of improved embedded design tools and techniques with the introduction and development of empirically based design methodologies. These methodologies introduced here take advantage of ...

The analysis reflects on the ergonomical criteria for a humane working atmosphere in developing constructions while respecting and paying close attention to the physical, mental, and stressful demands of the work environment. It describes effective ...

This paper presents experimental studies performed on a natural swelling soil. Initially, the soil fabric was studied by a mercury porosimetry test, revealing a clear bimodal pore distribution that corresponds to micro- and macrostructural levels. The water-retention curve of the soil was then determined using two suction-imposition techniques: the osmotic and the vapour equilibrium methods. During the main testing program, three successive wetting and drying cycles were applied in a suction range between 0 and 2 MPa under different values of constant vertical net stress using osmotic oedometers. The test samples showed cumulative swelling strains during the cycles. The volumetric strains reached an equilibrium stage, indicating an elastic behaviour of the samples at the end of the suction cycles. Based on these results, the parameters of an elastoplastic model for swelling unsaturated soils (BExM) were derived. This model, implemented in a finite element code (Code_Bright), was app...

Background Stomach cancer is a curative disease in early stages. The optimal extent and approach for gastric resection are still evolving. Patients and Methods In this study, we examined the value, as well as, the predictors of omental disease spread, retrospectively, in a group of patients with gastric cancer who attended the Oncology

Background: Regional nodal recurrence (RNR) in patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has increased. Variable immunohistochemical (IHC) markers have been studied for predicting the likelihood of PTC for recurrence. We aimed to clarify the IHC expression of p53, Ecadherin and BRAF as potential markers of RNR in PTC. Method: 145 (73 study group and 72 control group) patients with PTC were analyzed retrospectively between January 2010 and June 2017. Further classification to a specific histological variant was done, and IHC expression of p53, Ecadherin and BRAF was analyzed both in the primary tumor and in nodal recurrence. Results: Regarding the risk of RNR, we found certain clinicopathologic features as elder age ≥55 years, tumor size > 1 cm, presence of microscopic extrathyroid extension, presence of lymphovascular emboli, and conventional papillary subtype. Furthermore, IHC results for negative E-cadherin, and positive P53 and BRAF are significant risk factors, while radioactive iodine (RAI) adjuvant therapy decrease recurrence risk. Conclusion: We found several risk factors for RNR in PTC diagnosed patients, all of which are easily achievable in clinical settings. In this regard, we suggested that patients with specific clinicopathologic and im-munohistochemical features have strict follow up for early detection of RNR as it has a great impact on their survival.

This paper presents the possible effects and restrictions that may arise in the field of industrial construction due to compliance with relevant construction codes and regulations, as well as the ways they can be favourably handled in the design of industrial buildings. Designs should be based primarily on human design factors, while considering the human as the centre of the work environment. Design parameters should be described as a function of both the physical and psychosocial attributes of a person as well as the technical and economical aspects in the design of industrial construction. This paper is an examination of the connection that exists between design law (codes and regulations) and industrial construction. The relevant construction laws and regulations are described, including standards and codes of practice that designing and supervising engineers are obliged to observe. Possible solutions and consequences of development in the production, constructional, and ergonom...

This paper deals with new realisations of research, scientific development, managerial and economic optimisations – a prefabricated building systems. In the literature, all scientific fields are worked out based on efficiencies, costs, benefits, choice of execution design, technical demands, aesthetical point of view, as well as the total economics. In the present example of a school building for communities in developing countries, the following criteria have been regarded: the optimal superstructure of prefabricated concrete building systems; the particularity of developing countries (eg the climate, the political and economic conditions); the time for construction and necessary innovative developments for an economically optimised superstructure. In addition, alternative construction methods and costs for a simple but variable system which can be adapted to changing functions are suggested.

Diabetic patients are claimed to have high risk of delayed gastric emptying; however, the evidence concerning residual gastric volume in fasting diabetic patients is not consistent. The aim of this work is to evaluate residual gastric volume in fasting diabetic patients for elective surgery. Fifty patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia were included in the study. The study included 25 patients with at least 6-year history of diabetes and 25 healthy controls. Gastric ultrasound was performed to measure antral cross-sectional area in semi-sitting and right lateral positions. Nasogastric tube was inserted after induction of anaesthesia to aspirate and calculate the volume of gastric contents. Both study groups were compared according to antral cross-sectional area, residual gastric volume, risk of aspiration, in addition to demographic data. The diabetic group showed higher median (quartiles) antral cross-sectional area (13.8 [9.5-19.5] mm versus 8.8 [5.5-10.5] mm , P < 0.001), and higher calculated gastric residual volume, (177 [96-275] mL versus 83 [50-109] mL, P < 0.001) compared to the control group. The diabetic group also showed higher aspirated volume through the nasogastric tube compared to the control group (150 [85-210] mL versus 75 [35-87] mL, P < 0.001). The correlation was very good between calculated residual gastric volume using ultrasound measures and volume of aspirated gastric contents through nasogastric tube. Patients with long standing diabetes showed higher residual gastric volume compared to healthy controls after fasting 8 hours for elective surgery.