A Hybridized GA with LP-LP Model for the Management of Confined Groundwater.

A novel hybrid methodology is introduced in this paper for the optimal solution of the groundwater management problem. The problem to be addressed is the optimal determination and operation of a predefined number of wells out of a priori known set of potential wells with fixed locations to minimize the pumping cost of utilizing a two-dimensional (2D) confined aquifer under steady-state flow condition. The solution to this problem should satisfy a downstream demand, a lower/upper bound on the pumping rates, and a lower/upper bound on the water level drawdown in the wells. The problem is solved by hybridizing a genetic algorithm (GA) which suggests the candidate configurations for the operational wells and a hybrid linear programming (LP-LP) approach with the duty of finding the optimal operation policy of the candidate wells defined by their pumping rates. Two different codings, namely binary and integer codings, are used for the GA and their performances are compared. The ability of the proposed hybrid method is tested against two benchmark problems: (1) finding the optimal configuration and pumping rates of a predefined number of wells out of potential wells and (2) finding the optimal number, configuration and pumping rates of the operating wells out of potential wells and the results are presented and compared with the available ones showing superior efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method.

Assessment of welders exposure to carcinogen metals from manual metal arc welding in gas transmission pipelines, iran.

BACKGROUND: Welding can produce dangerous fumes containing various metals especially carcinogenic ones. Occupational exposure to welding fumes is associated with lung cancer. Therefore, welders in Gas Transmission Pipelines are known as a high-risk group. This study was designed to determinate the amounts of metals Cr, Ni, and Cd in breathing zone and urine of welders and to assess the possibility of introducing urinary metals as a biomarker due to occupational exposure. METHODS: In this cross sectional study, 94 individuals from Gas Transmission Pipelines welders, Iran, Borujen in 2011 were selected and classified into 3 groups including Welders, Back Welders and Assistances. The sampling procedures were performed according to NIOSH 7300 for total chromium, nickel, and cadmium and NIOSH 7600 for Cr+6. For all participants urine samples were collected during the entire work shift and metals in urine were determined according to NIOSH 8310. RESULTS: Back Welders and Assistances groups had maximum and minimum exposure to total fume and its elements, respectively. In addition, results showed that there are significant differences (P<0.05) between Welders and Back Welders with Assistances group in exposure with total fume and elements except Ni. Urinary concentrations of three metals including Cr, Cd and Ni among all welders were about 4.5, 12 and 14-fold greater than those detected in controls, respectively. Weak correlations were found between airborne and urinary metals concentrations (R2: Cr=0.45, Cd=0.298, Ni=0.362). CONCLUSION: Urinary metals concentrations could not be considerate as a biomarker for welders' exposure assessment.

Multilocus analysis of nucleotide variation in Drosophila madeirensis, an endemic species of the Laurisilva forest in Madeira.

Drosophila madeirensis is an endemic species of Madeira that inhabits the island Laurisilva forest. Nucleotide variation in D. madeirensis is analysed in six genomic regions and compared to that previously reported for the same regions in Drosophila subobscura, an abundant species in the Palearctic region that is closely related to D. madeirensis. The gene regions analysed are distributed along the O(3) inversion. The O(3) arrangement is monomorphic in D. madeirensis, and it was present in ancestral populations of D. subobscura but went extinct in this species after the origin of the derived O(ST) and O(3+4) arrangements. Levels of nucleotide polymorphism in D. madeirensis are similar to those present in the O(ST) and O(3+4) arrangements of D. subobscura, and the frequency spectrum is skewed towards rare variants. Purifying selection against deleterious nonsynonymous mutations is less effective in D. madeirensis. Although D. madeirensis and D. subobscura coexist at present in Madeira, no clear evidence of introgression was detected in the studied regions.

Studies of the species barrier between Drosophila subobscura and D. madeirensis V: the importance of sex-linked inversion in preserving species identity.

The X chromosome is known to exert a disproportionately large effect on characters related to post-zygotic reproductive isolation. There is also growing evidence about the important role of the chromosomal regions with reduced recombination (such as inversions) in maintaining the identity of closely related species. Using molecular markers, we examine the effect of different regions of the X chromosome on determination of hybrid traits (viability, testes size, sperm motility and morphological anomalies) in hybrid males between Drosophila madeirensis and Drosophila subobscura. The preponderant effect of a region localized inside the A2 inversion in the X chromosome in all hybrid traits is identified. Other marked regions exert a weaker influence or only influence some of the hybrid trait. Our results confirm the crucial role of sex-linked chromosomal inversion in preserving the identity of species with incomplete reproductive isolation. The specific genomic make-up of parental lines used to perform crosses has a great effect on hybrid fitness.

Solid phase extraction for monitoring of occupational exposure to Cr (III).

Chromium is an important constituent widely used in different industrial processes for production of various synthetic materials. For evaluation of workers' exposure to trace toxic metal of Cr (III), environmental and biological monitoring are essential processes, in which, preparation of samples is one of the most time-consuming and error-prone aspects prior to analysis. The use of solid-phase extraction (SPE) has grown and is a fertile technique of sample preparation as it provides better results than those produced by liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). SPE using mini columns filled with XAD-4 resin was optimized regarding to sample pH, ligand concentration, loading flow rate, elution solvent, sample volume, elution volume, amount of resins, and sample matrix interferences. Chromium was retained on solid sorbent and was eluted with 2 M HNO(3) followed by simple determination of analytes by using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Obtained recoveries of metal ion were more than 92%. The optimized procedure was also validated with three different pools of spiked urine samples and showed a good reproducibility over six consecutive days as well as six within-day experiments. Through this study, suitable results were obtained for relative standard deviation, therefore, it is concluded that, this optimized method can be considered to be successful in simplifying sample preparation for trace residue analysis of Cr in different matrices for evaluation of occupational and environmental exposures. To evaluate occupational exposure to chromium, 16 urine samples were taken, prepared, and analyzed based on optimized procedure.

Lack of congruence between morphometric evolution and genetic differentiation suggests a recent dispersal and local habitat adaptation of the Madeiran lizard Lacerta dugesii.

Genetic differentiation among nine populations of the endemic lizard Lacerta dugesii Milne-Edwards 1829 (Lacertidae) from four groups of islands constituting the Archipelago of Madeira, was investigated by protein electrophoresis at 23 enzyme loci. Among twenty polymorphic loci, the total genetic diversity was due primarily to intra-population variation. The allele and genotypic frequencies among populations showed some heterogeneity, allowing the species to present a structuring pattern compatible with their geographical clustering. Some evidence suggests that selection acting on some loci in different ecological conditions may be responsible for the clustering of the populations studied. There was no apparent isolation effect expected under an "island" model of population divergence, and no correlation was found between genetic and geographic distances among populations. Morphological variation of the proposed three L. dugesii subspecies is not congruent with the allozyme analysis. This most probably suggests a rapid colonization of the islands followed by a strong effect of selection operating over the morphological characters used to define the subspecies.

Outcomes of cataract surgery: implications for the developing world.

Cataract surgery has virtually eliminated cataract blindness in the developed world. However, in the economically developing areas of the world it is a staggering and escalating problem where it is the leading cause of blindness affecting 16-20 million people. Outcomes research has clearly shown that modern cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation is a safe and effective means of restoring visual function and improving vision-related quality of life. Several recent developments provide hope in the global fight against cataract blindness: decrease in the cost of modern surgery; available models of infrastructure development; and a global plan for the elimination of avoidable blindness.

Studies of the species barrier between Drosophila subobscura and D. madeirensis. III. How universal are the rules of speciation?

The prevalence of Haldane's rule and the large effect of the X chromosome are examined by analysing the genetics of seven abnormal characters in interspecies hybrids between D. subobscura and D. madeirensis. In two cases Haldane's rule is not obeyed (viability and abnormality of the head). In all characters except the abnormal abdominal tergites, an important effect of the X chromosome is observed. There is an asymmetry in the importance of the effect of the X chromosome. The X of D. madeirensis origin induces abnormality mostly in a mixed background. The Y chromosome plays an important role in determining male sterility.

Studies of the species barrier between Drosophila subobscura and D. madeirensis. I. The genetics of male hybrid sterility.

The genetics of hybrid male sterility between Drosophila subobscura and D. madeirensis were studied with the help of 20 markers in backcross males. A major effect resides in the sex chromosomes: backcross males with the X and Y of different origin (mad X-sub Y or sub X-mad Y) have very small and empty testes. In compatible combinations testes are of normal size but males may be sterile or fertile depending on the genetic constitution of their autosomes. Six autosomal factors affecting hybrid male fertility could be postulated. This estimation is based on the assumption of the absence of interaction between viability and fertility. The presence and the mode of such interaction may modify the number of sterility factors.

Studies of the species barrier between Drosophila madeirensis and Drosophila subobscura. II. Genetic analysis of developmental incompatibilities in hybrids.

The genetic analysis of two abnormal characters, extra sex combs and abnormal head shape in hybrids between Drosophila madeirensis and Drosophila subobscura, revealed a major effect of the X chromosome in both cases. Autosomes also play a role in determining these abnormalities, the E chromosome in case of extra sex combs, the E and O chromosomes in case of abnormal head shape. Autosomes do not cause the two abnormal characters, without interacting with the X chromosome.

Ophthalmologic findings in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Forty-one homosexually active men had ophthalmologic and immunologic evaluations. Four of eight with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) had abnormal ocular findings that included cotton-wool spots, retinal hemorrhages, cytomegalovirus, retinitis and conjunctivitis due to cytomegalovirus, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The other four patients with AIDS and 33 homosexual male controls had normal ocular examinations. Patients with AIDS and abnormal eye findings had a notably lower total leukocyte count, absolute lymphocyte count, percentage T-helper lymphocytes, helper-suppressor lymphocyte ratio, hematocrit level, and platelet count than patients with AIDS and normal results on eye examination or controls. All patients with AIDS and abnormal eye examination results died; the four other patients with AIDS and normal eye findings remain alive. These observations suggest that ophthalmologic abnormalities are common in patients with AIDS, are associated with severe immunoregulatory abnormalities, and carry a poor prognosis.

Conjunctival inflammation and amyloidosis in allergic granulomatosis and angiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome).

A 37-year-old woman developed nodular, waxy conjunctival lesions associated with the exacerbation of Churg-Strauss syndrome. Conjunctival and skin biopsy specimens demonstrated a diffuse inflammatory process composed of eosinophils, plasma cells, lymphocytes, and focal collections of histiocytes. There were amyloid deposits in the conjunctiva and skin. To our knowledge, this is the first report of conjunctival changes and amyloidosis associated with the Churg-Strauss syndrome.

Effect of three nematicides on the growth of some phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi.

The effect of three nematicides, aldicarb, fensulfothion, and phenamiphos at four concentrations (1, 5, 25, and 125 ppm) was tested on the growth of five bacteria, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Corynebacterium fascians, Erwinia carotovora, Pseudomonas solanacearum, and Streptomyces scabies and four fungi, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum, Fusarium solani, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerotium bataticola. Of the bacteria, P. solanacearum was most affected by the chemicals at all concentrations, while E. carotovora was least affected. Fensulfothion was generally the most effective nematicide on the bacteria tested, while phenamiphos was the least effective. Similarly, the effect of the chemicals on the fungi tested varied greatly. F. solani and R. solani were generally most affected, followed by F. oxysporum, while S. bataticola was least affected. Of the chemicals tested, phenamiphos was generally the most effective, followed by fensulfothion, while aldicarb was the least effective.

The stimulatory effect of kojic acid on the production of aflatoxin by isolates of Aspergillus flavus Link.

Kojic acid at the levels of 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0% (w/v) was incorporated in the growth media of Aspergillus flavus. In the presence of 0.01% of kojic acid, isolates I, II, and III produced 157, 113, and 135% aflatoxin, respectively, as compared to the control. At the highest level of kojic acid, i.e. 1%, aflatoxin production was inhibited to 74% in isolate I, but was little affected in isolate II (104%) and strongly inhibited in isolate III (54%). Kojic acid, at a concentration of 0.1%, was still stimulatory to isolate II, while it was inhibitory to isolates I and III. The dry weight of mycelia of the three isolates was not affected by kojic acid addition.

Toxicity of Aspergillus flavus cultures isolated from Egypt.

Aflatoxin produced by 61.14% of the Aspergillus flavus cultures, isolated from Egypt. A wide potential range for aflatoxins B and G groups was obvious among the isolates. The concentration of aflatoxin B, produced by toxigenic cultures, ranged from 1,500 to 81,000 p.p.b. (mug/kg substrate), corresponding to 1,900 to 184,000 p.p.b. for aflatoxin G. However, 7.59% of the isolates produced more than 50,000 p.p.b. of aflatoxins B + G.

[Aspergillus flavus Link -- a new parasite on Tetralonia lanuginosa Klug]. / Asperigillus flavusLink als neuer Parasit auf Tetralonia lanuginosa Klug

The wild type bee Tetralonia lanuginosa, that plays an important role in fertilization of Vicia faba in Egypt, is often attacked by Aspergillus flavus strains. This infection causes up to 50 per cent decay of the bee nymphs and/or pupae.