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The hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb). Ser.), an ornamental plant, has good marketing potential and is known for its capacity to change the colour of its inflorescence depending on the pH of the cultivation media. The molecular mechanisms causing these changes are still uncertain. In the present study, transcriptome and targeted metabolic profiling were used to identify molecular changes in the RNAome of hydrangea plants cultured at two different pH levels. De novo assembly yielded 186,477 unigenes. Transcriptomic datasets provided a comprehensive and systemic overview of the dynamic networks of the gene expression underlying flower colour formation in hydrangeas. Weighted analyses of gene co-expression network identified candidate genes and hub genes from the modules linked closely to the hyper accumulation of Al3+ during different stages of flower development. F3′5′H, ANS, FLS, CHS, UA3GT, CHI, DFR, and F3H were enhanced significantly in the modules. In addition, MYB, bHLH, PAL6, PAL9, and WD40 were identified as hub genes. Thus, a hypothesis elucidating the colour change in the flowers of Al3+-treated plants was established. This study identified many potential key regulators of flower pigmentation, providing novel insights into the molecular networks in hydrangea flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gradual degeneration of the striatum and loss of nigral dopamine cells are characteristic of Parkinson's disease. Nowadays, combination therapy for neurodegenerative disease is considered. This study aimed to investigate the effects of melatonin and dopaminergic neurons derived from adipose tissue stem cells (ADSCs) in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease was induced in rats using neurotoxin 6-Hydroxydopamine. The treatment was performed using melatonin and dopaminergic neurons transplantation. Subsequently, behavioral tests, western blot analysis for Caspase-3 expression, GSH (Glutathione) content and stereology analysis for the volume and cell number of substantia nigra and striatum were performed. Treatment with melatonin and dopaminergic neuron transplantation increased the number of neurons in substantia nigra and striatum while the number of glial cell and the volume of substantia nigra and striatum did not show significant change between groups. Western blot analysis for caspase 3 indicated the significant differences between groups. The results also indicated the increased level of glutathione (GSH) content in treatment groups. this study showed that combination therapy with melatonin and dopaminergic neurons could greatly protect the neurons, reduce oxidative stress and improve the symptoms of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoporosis is one of the most prevalent bone diseases which is preventable. Implementing educational programs is an important step in prevention of chronic diseases in the community setting. One of the theories used for predicting behavior and performing educational intervention is theory of planned behavior (TPB) which predicts the intention of an individual toward doing a specific behavior. This study was conducted to assess the effect of educational intervention based on TPB on behavioral responses of premenopausal women in prevention from osteoporosis in Fasa city, Iran.Methods: This study is a quasi-experimental study performed on 200 women aging from 35 and 55 years who referred to health centers in Fasa city; iran in 2019. Simple random sampling was applied to assign participants to control and intervention groups (100 participant for each group). Data were gathered by a "valid" and "reliable" questionnaire arranged based on the constructs of TPB, nutrition performance and physical activity. An educational program on osteoporosis prevention was conducted. educational intervention was performed in six sessions through group discussions and educational films and booklet for experimental group and then the changes in the scores of the two groups were evaluated and compared. Obtained data were analyzed by SPSS-22 software through Chi-square, independent t-test, paired t-test and ANOVA tests.Results: The mean ages of studied participants in experimental and control groups were respectively 43.39 [Formula: see text] 5.20 and 42.94 [Formula: see text] 5.52. In experimental group, the average scores of knowledge [2 weeks (31.12 [Formula: see text] 4.20) and 2 months (39.04 [Formula: see text] 4.10) after educational intervention (p < 0.001)], constructs of theory of planned behavior [attitude construct: 2 weeks (89.32 [Formula: see text] 9.22) and 2 months (98.57 [Formula: see text] 9.13) after educational intervention (p < 0.001), Subjective norms construct: 2 weeks(88.39 [Formula: see text] 8.84) and 2 months (122.57 [Formula: see text] 8.58) after educational intervention (p < 0.001), Perceived behavioral control construct: 2 weeks (88.56 [Formula: see text] 8.38) and 2 months (120.15 [Formula: see text] 8.33) after educational intervention (p < 0.001), Behavioral intention construct: 2 weeks (54.44 ± 4.72) and 2 months (60.26 [Formula: see text] 4.12) after educational intervention (p < 0.001)], nutrition performance [2 weeks (19.88 ± 2.56) and 2 months (24.14 [Formula: see text] 2.36) after educational intervention (p < 0.001)] and physical activity [2 weeks (16.75 [Formula: see text] 1.42) and 2 months (18.94 [Formula: see text] 1.68) after educational intervention (p < 0.001)] had more significant enhancement than control group 2 weeks and 2 months after educational intervention.Discussion: TPB was effected in nutrition performance and physical activity in osteoporosis prevention of subjects. This theory can be used as a framework for designing and performing educational intervention for preventing osteoporosis and promoting women's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this study is to assess the application of high-order compact finite-difference schemes for the solution of the Euler equations in conjunction with the compressible vorticity confinement method on both uniform Cartesian and curvilinear grids. Here, the spatial discretization of the governing equations is performed by the fourth-order compact finite-difference scheme and the temporal term is discretized by the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. To stabilize the numerical solution, appropriate dissipation terms are applied and a detail assessment is performed to study the effects of the values of confinement and dissipation coefficients on the solution to reasonably preserve the structure of vortical flows. The accuracy and performance of the proposed solution procedure by applying the fourth-order compact finite-difference scheme are also examined by comparison with the solution obtained by the second-order central finite-difference scheme. Low-pass high-order filters are also applied to the fourth-order compact finite-difference scheme to investigate the performance of the vorticity confinement with the filtering scheme. The advection of a 2D isentropic vortex and a shock–vortex interaction problem are two test cases simulated for the assessment of the present solution methodology. The study shows that the high-order compact finite-difference schemes in conjunction with the vorticity confinement method can reasonably preserve the structure of vortical flows in coarse uniform Cartesian and curvilinear grids. Indications are that the present solution methodology is accurate and effective for solving compressible flow problems with vortical structures when coarse grids are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Oligocene Nasrand intrusive rocks (NIRs), located in the central part of the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic arc, are mainly composed of granite and subordinate diorite and gabbro. These rocks are characterized by the enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREEs), Nb‐Ta negative anomalies, and high LILE/HFSE, suggesting a subduction‐related origin. The felsic rocks with granite compositions have high SiO2 content (69.77–77.88 wt.%), low Mg# (0.02–0.43), low Nb/Ta, and Zr/Hf (Avg: 12.53, and 33.08, respectively). The initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio and εNd(t) values in felsic rocks range from 0.70577 to 0.70576 and 0.4 to −0.3, respectively. These data suggest that these felsic rocks originated from juvenile crust by heat rising from basaltic magmas in an orogenic setting. The mafic‐intermediate rocks and dikes are gabbro, gabbroic diorite, and monzodiorite, with low SiO2 content (48.08–56.11 wt.%) and high Mg# (0.37–0.68), with average ratios of Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf are 27.88 and 39.84, respectively. The initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio and εNd(t) values for mafic‐intermediate rocks and dikes are 0.70583 to 0.70476 and −0.1 to +2.6, respectively. These characteristics indicate magma from a mantle source that had undergone minor mixing with juvenile crust. It seems mantle‐derived juvenile magma underplating played an important role in the crustal growth in the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic belt during the Ediacaran to Early Cambrian, relative to other time frames. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopes, integrated with bulk-rock major, trace element, and isotopic compositions of amphibolites from the Makran ophiolitic mélange complex (OMC), carry implications on the evolution of the Neo-Tethys Ocean. Field and petrographical-geochemical data confirm these amphibolites as products of the metamorphism of a mafic protolith. Zircons from the amphibolites have U-Pb ages of Late Early Permian (273 Ma) to Late Triassic (210 Ma), and their εHf(t) values vary from +6.32 to +15.4. The Makran amphibolites are geochemically similar to transitional- or enriched-MORBs. The 143Nd/144Nd(t) ratios for amphibolites range from 0.51260 to 0.512551, and 87Sr/86Sr(t) from 0.704433 to 0.706244. The Pb-isotope composition of these rocks is radiogenic, ranging from 15.61-15.64 for 207Pb/204Pb(t), 18.98-19.21 for 206Pb/204Pb(t) and 38.88-39.36 for 208Pb/204Pb(t). The isotopic and geochemical signatures of these rocks suggest that they were most likely formed during continental rifting and originated from a relatively enriched mantle source. This is also attested by their high zircon Ce/Ce* ratios. We interpret these amphibolites related to the Permian-Triassic plumes that triggered Gondwana rifting to open the Neo-Tethyan Ocean before metamorphosed, fragmented, and accreted into the Makran accretionary complex probably during Early to Late Cretaceous time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PVC-based heterogeneous type cationic membranes were constructed by incorporation of copper oxide nanoparticles to enhance the antimicrobial and electrochemical behaviors of them in water treatment. The SOM and SEM/EDX indicated uniform structure for the fabricated membranes. Contact-angle results showed improvement of membrane surface hydrophilicity in presence of CuO NPs. Water uptake also changed by incorporation of CuO. According to 3D surface results, composite membranes showed rougher surface in comparison with pristine ones. The potential, t-number and permselectivity enhanced initially up to 1%wt CuO concentration and then declined by further CuO from 1 to 4%wt. All mentioned parameters increased again at 8%wt nanoparticles concentration. Ionic flux promoted for blended membranes up to 2%wt CuO and then declined by growing CuO. Blended membrane containing 0.5%wt CuO with lowest electrical resistance (< 9.6 Ω.cm2) and (> 94%) selectivity showed more appreciate act compared to reported ones. The CuO induced-ion exchange membranes exhibited superior antibacterial effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development is a process involving major changes in social structures, popular attitudes of the people, national institutions, accelerating economic growth, reducing inequalities and eradicating absolute poverty. Social development is one of the four dimensions of sustainable development. Direct and indirect impacts of the social development can affect the other dimensions of sustainable development. Hence, it is important to understand the factors affecting social development. The aim of this study was to investigate the social development of rural women by ICTs processes in rural areas. The statistical population of this study consisted of 5018 women that have been lived in rural areas in Shahreza Township in Iran, to be using Cochran formula, 190 rural women selected and the satisfied random sampling used for select of samples. This study was conducted to examine the validity of the questionnaire using Cronbach's Alpha Coefficients for the different sectors after a preliminary study for each of the indices greater than 0.7 were calculated separately. Regression analysis results obtained show that the three variables: rural women's economic independence, awareness about ICT services and the amount use of the ICT services that provided for rural women by rural ICT offices, entered in the regression analysis and explain 59% of the variable affect the social development of rural women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of genetic diversity using molecular markers is one of the primary and important steps in breeding programs. In this study, genetic diversity of 52 barley lines evaluated using 68 SSR primer pairs and 47 primer pairs produced clear and polymorphic banding pattern. In general, 153 polymorphic alleles detected. The number of observed polymorphic alleles varied from 2 to 9, with an average of 3.26 alleles per locus. Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) ranged from 0.07 to 0.81, with an average of 0.45. In this research, SSR markers differentiated the studied lines efficiently. Using cluster analysis, studied barley lines divided into two groups. Genetic diversity was relatively corresponding with geographical origins, because the lines related to a country somewhat diverged from each other. Two-rowed Iranian and Chinese barleys classified in one subgroup. Also, most six-rowed barleys classified in one subgroup. Association mapping analysis was used to identify candidate genes for drought escape in barley lines and 16 informative markers were identified after which confirmation in other tests could be suitable for marker assisted breeding drought escape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing subunit vaccines is one of the strategies to address influenza infection. Recent innovations have focused on high doses of vaccine antigens and immune enhancers or adjuvant to induce more robust and long-lasting immune responses. Here, an effect of the B cell-activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) to increase the magnitude and durability of immune responses of the recombinant HA1 (rHA1) protein against the H1N1 influenza virus was studied. The HA1 protein and the effector domain of BAFF-R were expressed in the pET-28a (+) vector. Eight-week-old BALB/c mice were equally grouped into five groups (n=20). The 15 and 25 μg/μL of rHA1 were mixed with 2 μg/μL of rBAFF-R and injected three times for vaccinated groups. Three control groups were received normal saline and two concentrations of rHA1. The ability of rBAFF-R in eliciting HA-specific antibody response and stimulating T lymphocyte proliferation to induce the cell-mediated immunity was assayed. Induction of protection was evaluated following the challenge with PR8 strain. Analysis of immune responses showed that the co-administration of rBAFF-R with rHA1 boosted HI responses to the antigen in mice, whilst it was not able to promote the T cell proliferation responses against influenza. Compared to rHA1alone, the rBAFF-R/rHA1 generated efficient protection for the animals. There were no significant differences in eliciting the immune responses in mice immunized with the lower dose of rHA1 than that with the higher dose. The data indicate the rBAFF-R can enhance the primary and memory immune responses to protect against influenza infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The affordable grid resolutions in conventional large-eddy simulations (LESs) of high Reynolds jet flows are unable to capture the sound generated by fluid motions near and beyond the grid cut-off scale. As a result, the frequency spectrum of the extrapolated sound field is artificially truncated at high frequencies. In this paper, a new method is proposed to account for the high frequency noise sources beyond the resolution of a compressible flow simulation. The large-scale turbulent structures as dominant radiators of sound are captured in LES, satisfying filtered Navier-Stokes equations, while for small-scale turbulence, a Kolmogorov's turbulence spectrum is imposed. The latter is performed via a wavelet-based extrapolation to add randomly generated small-scale noise sources to the LES near-field data. Further, the vorticity and instability waves are filtered out via a passive wavelet-based masking and the whole spectrum of filtered data are captured on a Ffowcs-Williams/Hawkings (FW-H) surface surrounding the near-field region and are projected to acoustic far-field. The algorithm can be implemented as a separate postprocessing stage and it is observed that the computational time is considerably reduced utilizing a hybrid of many-core and multi-core framework, i.e. MPI-CUDA programming. The comparison of the results obtained from this procedure and those from experiments for high subsonic and transonic jets, shows that the far-field noise spectrum agree well up to 2 times of the grid cut-off frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultrasensitive novel electrochemical nano-biosensor for rapid detection of insulin antibodies against diabetes antigens was developed in this research. The presence of insulin antibodies has been demonstrated to be a strong predictor for the development of type 1 diabetes in individuals who do not have diabetes but are genetically predisposed. The proposed nano-biosensor fabrication process was based on the optimized sequential electropolymerization of polyaniline and electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles on the surface of the functionalized gold electrode. The morphological and chemical characterization of the modified electrode was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and micro Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, the role of each component in the modification of the electrode was studied by electrochemical methods systematically. After immobilizing insulin antigen and blocking with bovine serum albumin, the nano-biosensor was used for determining different concentrations of insulin antibody under the optimal conditions. This nano-biosensor could respond to insulin antibody with a linear calibration range from 0.001 ng ml−1 to 1000 ng ml−1 with the detection limit of 0.017 pg ml−1 and 0.034 pg ml−1 and selectivity of 18.544 μA ng−1 ml.cm−2 and 31.808 μA ng−1 ml.cm−2 via differential pulse voltammetry and square wave voltammetry, respectively. This novel nano-biosensor exhibited a short response time, high sensitivity, and good reproducibility. It was successfully used in determining the insulin antibody in human samples with a standard error of less than 0.178. Therefore, the nano-biosensor has the potential for the application of early detection of type 1 diabetes. To our best knowledge, label-free electrochemical detection of insulin antibody based on immunosensor is developed for the first time. [Display omitted] • The label-free electrochemical immunosensor for rapid detection of insulin antibody related to type 1 diabetes. • The controllable electrochemical procedure for fabrication of nano-biosensor substrate to improve accuracy, and stability. • The parameters optimization: electrodeposition cycles, immobilization concentration and time of antigen, and response time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that significantly affects the quality of life of patients. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) transplantation in decreasing inflammation and cell death in brain cells, thus reducing seizure damage. We induced seizures in rats using intraperitoneal injections of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). In the PTZ + DPSC group, we conducted bilateral hippocampal transplantation of DPSCs in PTZ-lesioned rat models. After 1 month, we performed post-graft analysis and measured some behavioral factors, such as working memory and long-term memory, using a T-maze test and passive avoidance test, respectively. We investigated the immunohistopathology and distribution of astrocyte cells through light microscopy and Sholl analysis. Additionally, we employed the Voronoi tessellation method to estimate the spatial distribution of the cells in the hippocampus. Compared to the control group, we observed a reduction in astrogliosis, astrocyte process length, the number of branches, and intersections distal to the soma in the hippocampus of the PTZ + DPSC group. Further analysis indicated that the grafted DPSCs decreased the expression of caspase-3 in the hippocampus of rats with induced seizures. Moreover, the DPSCs transplant protected hippocampal pyramidal neurons against PTZ toxicity and improved the spatial distribution of the hippocampal neurons. Our findings suggest that DPSCs transplant can be an effective modifier of astrocyte reactivation and inflammatory responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a controller for dc–dc converters to achieve fast load-transient responses. The controller is developed for both continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) of operation. The main idea is developed for buck converters, but it is shown that the proposed controller can be applied to other topologies, such as the noninverting buck–boost converter. The controller derivation, analysis, and experimental verifications are provided in both CCM and DCM, and its performance is compared with other methods. The main advantage of the proposed controller is that it minimizes the recovery times associated with load-transient responses in dc–dc converters while maintaining component sizes and other system parameters within the acceptable range. The proposed controller can be used to minimize load transients in electronic portable devices and electric vehicle charging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a power transfer matrix model and multivariable control method for a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) wind energy system. The power transfer matrix model uses instantaneous real/reactive power components as the system state variables. It is shown that using the power transfer matrix model improves the robustness of controllers as the power waveforms are independent of a dq frame of reference. The sequential loop closing technique is used to design the controllers based on the linearized model of the wind energy system. The designed controller includes six compensators for capturing the maximum wind power and supplying the required reactive power to the DFIG. A power/current limiting scheme is also presented to protect power converters during a fault. The validity and performance of the proposed modeling and control approaches are investigated using a study system consisting of a grid-connected DFIG wind energy conversion system. This investigation uses the time-domain simulation of the study system to: 1) validate the presented model and its assumptions, 2) show the tracking and disturbance rejection capabilities of the designed control system, and 3) test the robustness of the designed controller to the uncertainties of the model parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While steer-by-wire (SBW) systems benefit from improved performance and comfort, they require a large number of sensors impacting whole system reliability. In order to address this challenge fault tolerance property against sensor faults has to be improved. Application of redundancy for the sensors is the best solution proposed so far. This paper proposes a novel solution of analytical redundancy based on various position estimation methods for both electrical motor and steering wheel position sensors. Three different estimation techniques including extended programmable cascaded low-pass filter (EPCLPF), stator flux linkage estimator using stator currents, as well as stator flux linkage estimator using stator voltages are proposed for this purpose. The faulty sensors are recognized using a voting technique in which a comparison between the sensors' outputs with the estimated values is made. In this way, the SBW system reliability is highly improved with no additional cost and space. Simulation and experimental results are presented to confirm the presented fault tolerant SBW system capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the first chemical synthesis of lipid II. Purification of biosynthetic enzymes used in the biosynthesis of bacterial cell wall; Increase of bacterial resistance to cell wall active agents; Management of bacterial infections in hospital and outpatient settings.

Discusses the total synthesis of lipid I, a membrane-associated intermediate in the bacterial cell wall biosynthesis pathway. Retrosynthetic analysis; Bacterial resistance mechanisms; Development of chemotherapeutic agents with novel modes of action.

Groundwater level observations due to the lack of synoptic water-level measurements are often available with irregular time intervals. The results lead to an inaccurate understanding of the parameters affecting groundwater level changes and their time delays. This paper presents a simple and low-cost approach to interpolate the irregular, periodic intervals of recorded groundwater level data for the Najafabad aquifer located in central Iran. Forty-six monitoring wells with an average of 20 years of data were used for this study. Piecewise cubic Hermite interpolating polynomial (PCHIP), cubic spline, linear, and nearest neighbor are the selected interpolation methods. Cross-validation with leave-one-out technique was also applied to evaluate the accuracy of the methods under three conditions, including low, average, and high groundwater level decline. The analysis proved that (1) PCHIP interpolation showed a high performance in all of the groundwater level decline conditions (0.22 < RMSE < 0.59 and 0.72 < R2 < 0.98). (2) Under slight and without abrupt fluctuations of groundwater level conditions, cubic spline showed a better performance than the linear interpolation (R2 = 0.98, RMSE = 0.49 for cubic spline and R2 = 0.98, RMSE = 0.51 for linear). The selected approach reduces the uncertainty in the study of issues such as changes in groundwater recharge and storage, groundwater flow directions, surface–groundwater interaction, and groundwater modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental healthcare is the costliest and single most source of the financial barrier to seeking and use of needed healthcare. Hence, this study aims to analyses impact of out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for dental services on prevalence catastrophic healthcare expenditure (CHE) among Iranian households during 2018.Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis to determine the prevalence rate of CHE due to use of dental healthcare services among 38,858 Iranian households using the 2018 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) survey data of Iran. The WHO approach was used to determine the CHE due to use of dental care services at the 40% of household capacity to pay (CTP). Multiple logistic regression models were used to obtain the odds of facing with CHE among households that paid for any dental healthcare services over the last month while adjusting for covariates included in the model. These findings were reported for urban, rural areas and also for low, middle and high human development index HDI across provinces.Results: The study indicated that the prevalence of CHE among households that used and did not used dental services over the last month was 16.5% (95% CI: 14.9 to 18.3) and 4.3% (95% CI: 4.1 to 4.6), respectively. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for the covariates revealed that the prevalence of CHE for the overall households that used dental healthcare service was 6.2 times (95% CI: 5.4 to 7.1) than those that did not use dental healthcare services. The urban households that used dental healthcare had 7.8 times (95%CI: 6.4-9.4) while the rural ones had 4.7 times (95% CI: 3.7-5.7) higher odds of facing CHE than the corresponding households that did not use dental healthcare services.Conclusions: The study indicates that out-of-pocket costs for dental care services impose a substantial financial burden on household's budgets at the national and subnational levels. Alternative health care financing strategies and policies targeted to the reduction in CHE in general and CHE due to dental services in particular are urgently required in low and middle income countries such as Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new fault diagnosis method for detecting the rotor eccentricity faults including static, dynamic and mixed eccentricity is proposed for brushless doubly‐fed induction machines (BDFIMs). BDFIMs are attractive alternatives for the conventional doubly‐fed induction generator (DFIG) for offshore wind power generation; therefore, paying attention to their fault detection is essential. Existing fault detection methods for conventional induction machines cannot be directly applied to the BDFIM due to its special rotor structure and stator winding configurations as well as complex magnetic field patterns. This article proposes a novel fault detection method based on motor current signal analysis to determine stator current harmonics, induced by the nested‐loop rotor slot harmonics (NRSHs), as fault indices. The analysis is performed under healthy conditions and with different types of rotor eccentricity. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is carried out to confirm the practicability of the proposed technique with various fault intensities and load conditions. Analytical winding function approach, finite element analysis and experimental tests on a prototype D180 BDFIM are used in this study to validate the proposed fault detection technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): The contribution of classic progesterone receptors (PR) in interceding the neuroprotective efficacy of progesterone (P4) on the prevention of brain edema and long-time behavioral disturbances was assessed in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Materials and Methods: Female Wistar rats were ovariectomized and apportioned into 6 groups: sham, TBI, oil, P4, vehicle, and RU486. P4 or oil was injected following TBI. The antagonist of PR (RU486) or DMSO was administered before TBI. The brain edema and destruction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) were determined. Intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and beam walk (BW) task were evaluated previously and at various times post-trauma. Long-time locomotor and cognitive consequences were measured one day before and on days 3, 7, 14, and 21 after the trauma. Results: RU486 eliminated the inhibitory effects of P4 on brain edema and BBB leakage (P<0.05, P<0.001, respectively). RU486 inhibited the decremental effect of P4 on ICP as well as the increasing effect of P4 on CPP (P<0.001) after TBI. Also, RU486 inhibited the effect of P4 on the increase in traversal time and reduction in vestibulomotor score in the BW task (P<0.001). TBI induced motor, cognitive, and anxiety-like disorders, which lasted for 3 weeks after TBI; but, P4 prevented these cognitive and behavioral abnormalities (P<0.05), and RU486 opposed this P4 effect (P<0.001). Conclusion: The classic progesterone receptors have neuroprotective effects and prevent long-time behavioral and memory deficiency after brain trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Known as a main neural MAP (microtubule associated protein), tau protein contributes to stabilizing microtubules involved in cellular transmission. Tau dysfunction is mainly associated with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). In these patients, all the six tau isoforms, which are in hyperphosphorylated form, are first aggregated and then polymerized into neurofibrillary tangles inside the brain. Tau protein detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is significantly correlated with AD and is well recognized as a hallmark of the disease. Served for detection of analytes of interest, biosensor device comprises a physical transducer and a keen biological recognition component. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations may be performed through analyzation of the data, which is gathered by measurable signals converted from biological reaction. Antibodies, receptors, microorganisms, nucleic acids, enzymes, cells and tissues, as well as some biomimetic structures, normally constitute the biosensor biological recognition part. Production of nanobiosensor, which was made possible through several accomplishments in nano- and fabrication technology, opens up new biotechnological horizons in diagnosis of multiple diseases. In recent years, many researches have been focused on developing novel and effective tau protein biosensors for rapid and accurate detection of AD. In this review, tau protein function and correlation with AD as well as the eminent research on developing nanobiosensor based on optical, electrochemical and piezoelectric approaches will be highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel strategy for optimization of hybrid system of dynamic adsorption/depth filtration. • Fixed bed column/dead-end filtration hybrid separation system was employed for MB removal. • Performance of the hybrid system was optimized using central composite design algorithm. • Feed flowrate was the most affecting variable based on the Pareto sensitivity analysis. • Superiority of the hybrid system performance compared to individual systems at optimum conditions was approved. This work investigates the performance and optimization of a hybrid process consisting of a fixed-bed adsorption (FBA) column and a dead-end filtration (DEF) cell for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from water. Granular activated carbon and cellulose acetate depth filter sheets were used as adsorbent and filter medium, respectively. Effects of four operation parameters (initial concentration, feed flowrate, bed length, and filter type) on the MB removal rate (RR) were investigated using breakthrough data analysis and response surface methodology. This RR (mass of MB removed per second) captures the removal capacity and separation rate, simultaneously. The maximum RR was found theoretically equal to 3.875 s−1 at the optimized conditions of initial concentration =39.86 mg/L, flowrate = 1.15 L/min, bed length =29.95 cm, and filter type = OS100, and validated with the experimental data with 99% agreement. The performance of the hybrid process operating at the optimal operation conditions was found to be superior to those of the individual FBA column and DEF cell. After 100 s from the process commencement, the RR obtained with the hybrid process was about 64% higher than that obtained with the FBA column and 30% higher than that obtained with the DEF cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a clear violation of women's rights and can have adverse and irreversible health effects as well. Worldwide, more than 200 million women and girls have undergone FGM/C. Utility value of FGM/C has not been estimated yet, so we designed this study to extract the health utility value of FGM/C for the first time in the world.Methods: In a cross-sectional study in Iran, 125 girls and women who underwent FGM/C procedure were examined by the trained midwives in order to determine its type. In addition, a questionnaire was completed for identifying the socio-demographic factors and extracting the health utility of these individuals. Health utility was measured using Time Trade-off method and also to determine the effects of the socio-demographic factors on the health utility a two-limit censored regression model was applied.Results: The mean and median of the health utility of women with FGM/C were 0.971 (SE: 0.003) and 0.968 (IQR: 1-0.95), respectively. Number of non-traders was 58 (46.4%) who reported perfect health utility. However, the mean of health utility among traders was 0.946 (SE: 0.002). Only type 1 (Clitoridectomy) and type 2 (Excision) FGM/C were seen in this study. Women with Type 1 FGM/C had significantly lower health utility value (Mean: 0.968, Median: 0.957) than their type 2 counterparts (Mean: 0.987, Median: 1.00). Moreover, women in the age group of 31-45 years (Mean: 0.962, Median: 0.956), single (Mean: 0.950, Median: 0.954), divorced (Mean: 0.951, Median: 0.950), employed (Mean: 0.959, Median: 0.956), and with supplementary insurance (Mean: 0.962, Median: 0.950) had significantly lower health utility than their counterparts.Conclusion: FGM/C affects physical and psychological well-being of these individuals, resulting in a lack of personal and marital satisfaction, which ultimately leads to a 3% reduction in their health related quality of life. Therefore, preventing from this practice is very important and should be considered by health system policy makers more than before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress causes physiological changes, and changes in hematological parameters and hormonal levels in the human body, known as thermal strain. This study was conducted to determine the effect of exposure to heat stress on hematological parameters and oxidative stress in the bakers of Shahroud City, Iran. A total of 163 bakery workers (exposed group) and 135 office workers (unexposed group) with a minimum of 1-year working experience were selected. Exposure to heat stress was measured using ISO-7243 criteria on the hottest days of the year (late July and August). Wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) was calculated based on indoor environments. Oxidative stress indices including malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the bakers' and office workers' serum and hematological parameters were measured. Statistical analysis was done through independent t -test, and multivariate linear regression using SPSS v24. Analysis of hematological parameters showed that about 70% and 68% of the bakers had abnormal mean cell volume (MCV) and white blood cell (WBC) count, respectively, while only around 12% of them had abnormal mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The counts of red blood cells (RBC), WBC, lymphocytes (LYM), and MCV showed significant differences in different occupational groups (p < 0.05). The levels of MDA and NO were significantly higher in bakers with WBGT more than the threshold value (p < 0.05). The WBGT index for assessing heat stress can be used as a predictor variable for MDA and NO levels. In addition, heat stress exposure could be a risk factor for abnormal WBC, RBC, LYM, and MCV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a growing interest in assessing the condition and quality of life in older adult population, and factors contributing to it. In this context, fear of falling syndrome is introduced as one of the main factors that can affect the quality of life in the general adult population. However, little is known about the relationship between fear of falling and other disorders in older adults, particularly among the Middle East population. Here we investigated the associations between fear of falling and anxiety and depression disorders. A standardized questionnaire was used to assess sociodemographic variables and physical health condition. Subsequently, fear of falling and anxiety and depression scales were assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale International and the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, respectively. Our results highlighted the high risk of having anxiety and depression disorders among older adults. The findings also indicate that physical and mental health disorders play a significant role in incident fear of falling. Therefore, improving mental health might lend controlling fear of falling syndrome, which then preventing falls incident and subsequent injury in older adult population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Once blackouts occur the system operators should re‐energise the affected system in the shortest time. To attain this, restoration plans should be developed beforehand. A deliberate restoration plan considers the supply duration of the cranking power to non‐black‐start units (NBSUs), besides the static and dynamic constraints of the power system. Hence, there should be a method to estimate the restoration duration of NBSUs considering the failure in breakers operating mechanism and the stochastic nature of restoration actions. Accordingly, in this study, generally distributed transition stochastic Petri net is employed to calculate the supply duration of NBSUs, critical loads and the execution time of restoration actions. This is significant because the planners can validate their restoration plans from the NBSUs critical times' point of view or determine energisation time of critical loads. The proposed method has been applied in three test cases, two of these are used for benchmarking, and the other one is a part of Iran bulk power system, which includes a real black‐start test. The results show the effectiveness of the method in estimating the restoration duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic relatedness among 18 strains of Agaricus bisporus was assessed based on the fragment pattern analysis obtained by the amplification of genomic DNA by BOX, ERIC (ERICIR-I/ERIC2) and REP (REP1RI/REP2I) gene sequences. Based on the banding patterns of PCR-amplified products, eight putative groups among the 18 commercial and wild strains were recognized. REP-PCR generated multiple distinct products showing considerable variability among the strains with ERIC and REP elements successfully enabled detection of wild and commercial A. bisporus. Strains originating from the same geographical location were not always genetically related. To our knowledge, this was the first relevance study of biodiversity in commercial and native populations of A. bisporus by using the REP-PCR technique. The results confirmed the usefulness REP-PCR typing in intraspecific genetic variation assessments of the button mushroom. High level of Iranian wild strains distance with the commercial cultivars approves their importance as a promising new source of diversity in A. bisporus breeding program. • Genetic relatedness of Agaricus bisporus wild strains was assessed by (Rep-PCR) fingerprinting. • Rep-PCR typing was confirmed useful to study intraspecific genetic variation of the button mushroom. • High level of Iranian wild strains distance with the commercial cultivars was demonstrated. • Strains originated from the same geographical origin were not always genetically related. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise, emitted by wind turbines, is one of the main health risk factors which has been recently considered in many researches. Noise annoyance is among the most important human responses to noise. The aim of this work was to modeling of annoyance due to noise at workplace coming from wind turbines in workers. All workers of a wind power plant consisted the study sample. The equivalent noise level was measured using a task-based method. Moreover, data related to noise annoyance and noise sensitivity were acquired by standardized methods. Based on the results, noise exposure, noise sensitivity, visibility, age, and experience affected noise annoyance. According to path analysis, the most indirect and direct effect on noise annoyance were attributed to noise exposure. Age, sensitivity, and noise exposure were positively associated to annoyance. It can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between age, experience, sensitivity to noise, and exposure to the wind turbine noise with noise annoyance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among noise exposure, sensitivity, and noise annoyance with job satisfaction and job stress among the workers of a textile industry. In this study, Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity Scale, Noise Annoyance Questionnaire (recommended based on ISO 15666-2003), Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Job Stress Questionnaire, and Job Satisfaction Scale were used to determine the degree of noise sensitivity, noise annoyance, occupational stress, and job satisfaction, respectively. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the mean of job satisfaction, job stress, noise sensitivity, and noise annoyance between case and control groups. The results of multivariate analysis of covariance showed that noise exposure, noise sensitivity, and noise annoyance can justify 0.09, 0.19, and 0.06 of the variance of job stress, respectively. These variables also could justify 0.09, 0.12, and 0.05 of the variance of job satisfaction, respectively. Noise sensitivity had the greatest effect on increasing the occupational stress and job satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lower Cretaceous siliciclastic fluvial to shallow marine Shurijeh–Shatlyk formations together form one of the main reservoir successions in the Kopeh Dagh–Amu Darya Basin (NE Iran, Turkmenistan, and north of Afghanistan). Sedimentary facies and thickness changes in the Shurijeh–Shatlyk formations show complex variations throughout the basin, which highlight the importance of understanding the controlling factors on facies distribution and depositional setting for future hydrocarbon exploration. Integration of 3D seismic data, 13 boreholes, and five surface stratigraphic sections led to identification of lithofacies and facies associations. The results allow subdivision of this siliciclastic succession into four stratigraphic units (A, B, C, and D). Our study indicates that base‐level changes interacted with palaeotopography inherited from Middle Jurassic basin rifting, Upper Jurassic carbonate reefs/patch reef distributions, and reactivation of the deep basin faults, to control the Shurijeh–Shatlyk depositional setting and sedimentary facies distribution. Our findings show that the Aghdarband and Badkhyz–Maimana palaeo‐highs affected the Kopeh Dagh–Amu Darya Basin throughout deposition of the Shurijeh–Shatlyk formations. Allogeneic processes and active tectonics, related to the Valanginian Late Cimmerian Orogeny, caused a base‐level fall, exposure of Upper Jurassic carbonate sediments, and deposition of a carbonate pebbly conglomerate unit in the western part of the study area. This base‐level fall led to the deposition of thick evaporites in the western area and conglomerate in the eastern parts of the Kopeh Dagh. Due to a Hauterivian sea‐/base‐level rise, several deltas formed in the basin, which form the main reservoir zone in the Murgab Depression and Khangiran Field in Turkmenistan and Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Variation analysis of Prunus scoparia by molecular marker. Abstract Evaluation of spatial and non-spatial distribution is of great importance for protection of plant's genetic resources. Prunus scoparia , a wild almond species, is an important economically and ecologically food resource plant in Iran with specific characteristics such as self-compatibility, resistant to drought and fungus, bitterness as well as small nuts. This wild species can provide an enlarged gene pool and may be considered as a valuable germplasm source for breeding the cultivated almond. In this study, the conservation planning and genetic variation of 158 Prunus scoparia accessions was investigated with the aid of 36 SSR markers to reveal genetic distinctness and structure. The molecular markers studied showed quite high level of genetic diversity on the basis of N a = 6.47, H o = 0.603 and H e = 0.737. The result of Neighbor net analysis was not in parallel with STRUCTURE data as classified samples into two and 12 main groups, respectively. On the other hand, the results of GENELAND analysis ensured the population classification and the genetic relatedness between populations from STRUCTURE analysis due to use of geographical data. All samples were grouped based on their geographical location. Moreover, utilization of GIS data accompanied by appropriate number of SSR markers could provide the possibility of prioritizing of distribution regions in natural and unnatural environments. The species distribution modeling would also help gain comprehensive information on conservation strategies of this wild almond species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Quality of Working Life (QWL) is a vital concept in the employees' life which can confirm the efficiency of the organisation and job satisfaction of employees. Aim: The present study investigated the interactive effects of background variables (job and demographic characteristics) and workload parameters on the Work-Related Quality of Life (WRQoL) among nurses working in highly complex hospital units (ICU, CCU and Emergency). Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2017, among all male and female volunteer nurses (n=840). For this purpose, NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and WRQoL were used. A general questionnaire was also used to collect the job and demographic information of nurses. The statistical analyses were performed through MANOVA, tests between-subject's effects, Box's M, pair-wise comparisons, Bonferroni method, and multiple regression. Results: The findings indicated that the difference in mean score of WRQoL was statistically significant in all groups of the studied background variables except gender and Body Mass Index (BMI). The relationship between the variables of age, work experience, and the number of patients per shift and scores of work-related quality of life was statistically significant. Also, based on the results of multivariate regression analysis, the variables of overtime hours, the number of patients per shift, age, and the level of workload remained in the regression model and their coefficients of influence were estimated -43%, -23%, -19%, and -15%, respectively. Conclusion: The results indicated the simultaneous effect of the studied variables on the nurses' WRQoL. Of these, the variables of overtime hours, the number of patients per shift, age, and workload level were finally kept in the regression model to explain the most percentage of changes in the WRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for the trace determination of cadmium ions in water, human urine and human blood serum samples using ultrasonic‐assisted dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction (UA‐D‐μSPE) was developed. Silica‐coated magnetic nanoparticles were coated with polythiophene, and the resulting sorbent was characterized using thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and X‐ray diffraction. Following UA‐D‐μSPE, cadmium ions were quantified using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. A Box–Behnken design was used for optimization of important sorption and desorption parameters in UA‐D‐μSPE: in the sorption step, pH of solution, sorption amount and sonication time for sorption; in the desorption step, concentration of eluent, volume of eluent and sonication time. The optimum conditions for the method were: pH of solution, 7.5; sonication time for sorption, 3 min; sorption amount, 35 mg; type and concentration of eluent, HCl and 1.1 mol l−1; volume of eluent, 360 μl; sonication time for desorption, 110 s. Under the optimized conditions the limit of detection and relative standard deviation for the detection of cadmium ions by UA‐D‐μSPE were found to be 0.8 ng l−1 and <6%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to examine emotional intelligence components and the impact of education in residents on emergency medicine wards. Materials and Methods: The study consists of two descriptive and interventional parts. The first part aimed to determine the IQ in emergency department residents and the second part -- the effect of education on emotional intelligence of residents. To collect the required information, Sheering Emotional Intelligence Inventory was used. SPSS version 16 was used for data analysis. Results: Among the components of emotional intelligence in 120 residents of emergency medicine, the highest mean score was that for self-awareness (mean and standard deviation at 24.8 ± 3.7), and the lowest score was for social skill (mean 16.2, SD ± 3.4). There was no significant difference between the components of emotional intelligence in the intervention group and the control group before an educational intervention (P = 0.05), but after the intervention the difference between the groups became significant (P ≤ 0.05). Discussion: The descriptive findings of this study showed that among the emotional intelligence components, self-awareness and social skills of the residents had the highest and the lowest mean scores, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that teaching emotional intelligence to emergency medicine residents had a significant role in increasing their emotional intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, switchable solvent-based liquid phase microextraction was developed for preconcentration of cadmium ions and its detection by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (neocuproine) was used as a complexing agent in the developed sample preparation method. Conversion features of triethylamine and protonated triethylamine bicarbonate were used as a switchable solvent pair. Protonated triethylamine bicarbonate as polar form of switchable polarity solvent was successfully synthesized from triethylamine via proton transfer reaction and used for microextraction of hydrophobic cadmium complex with 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline at pH 7.0. The factors influencing the extraction procedure were investigated and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, limit of detection, limit of quantification, and enrichment factor for the proposed method were 0.02, 0.1 µg L, and 54.2, respectively. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.1-60 µg L with a correlation of determination ( r ) of 0.99. The relative standard deviation for determination of 40 µg L of Cd (II) was 3.1% ( n = 6). The intraday and inter-day precisions for real samples analysis were in the range of 4.4-5.6 and 4.9-5.7%, respectively. The proposed method was applied for the determination of cadmium in baby food samples with satisfactory analytical results. In comparison with other methods, the proposed method is very easy, rapid, simple, and sensitive for determination of cadmium at trace levels in complex matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key feature in more than twenty amyloid-related diseases is the aggregation of intra-and/or extracellular misfolded proteins as amyloid fibrils. Therefore, preventing or reversing amyloid aggregation by using of small molecules is considered as useful approaches to the treatment of these diseases. We have evaluated the ability of safranal and crocin, to inhibit amyloid self-assembly of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL), as an in vitro model system. Structural properties of HEWL in the presence of these compounds were investigated individually using thioflavin T, anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid fluorescence assays, far-UV circular dichroism and scanning electron microscopy as well as docking method. Our results showed that incubation of HEWL with either crocin or safranal at various concentrations leads a significant inhibition in the rate of amyloid formation. Docking analysis revealed crocin and safranal interact with the central hydrophobic region of lysozyme through van der Waals interaction. Hydroxyl group in crocin through hydrogen bonds connected to the several hydrophilic amino acids of lysozyme, while in safranal there are just one aldehyde group that through hydrogen bonds connected to aspartic acid in lysozyme. It can be concluded that both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups contribute to lower lysozyme fibril accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Due to adverse effects of pentavalent antimonial treatment of visceral leishmaniasis using herbal medicines has received a lot of attention. In this study, we evaluated inhibitory activity of Pelargonium roseum essential oil on growth of Leishmania infantum promastigotes, and compared it with that of Glucantime. Methods: Inhibitory effects of different concentrations (1, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 μL/ml) of P. roseum essential oil on the growth of L. infantum promastigotes were studied by MTT assay after 24 and 48 hours. All the data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. The effect of the essential oil was later compared with that of standard dose of Glucantime. Results: After 24 hours, different concentrations of the essential oil had no significant inhibitory effect on promastigotes of L. infantum. After 48 hours, all concentrations except for 1μL/ml showed significant anti-leishmanial activity. In addition, the lowest concentration that had significant inhibitory effect on L. infantum promastigote was 5 μL/ml. Conclusion: The essential oil of P. roseum has favorable inhibitory activity on the growth of L. infantum promastigotes after 48 hours. This indicates the therapeutic potential of this plant for treatment of leishmaniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The versatility of Hsp90 can be attributed to the variety of co-chaperone proteins that modulate the role of Hsp90 in many cellular processes. As a co-chaperone of Hsp90, Cpr7 is essential for accelerating the cell growth in an Hsp90-containing trimeric complex. Here, we report the crystal structure of Cpr7 at a resolution of 1.8 Å. It consists of an N-terminal PPI domain and a C-terminal TPR domain, and exhibits a U-shape conformation. Our studies revealed the aggregation state of Cpr7 in solution and the interaction properties between Cpr7 and the MEEVD sequence from the C-terminus of Hsp90. In addition, the structure and sequence analysis between Cpr7 and homologues revealed the structure basis both for the function differences between Cpr6 and Cpr7 and the functional complements between Cns1 and Cpr7. Our studies facilitate the understanding of Cpr7 and provide decent insights into the molecular mechanisms of the Hsp90 co-chaperone pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) infection causes economic losses in the poultry industry. Outbreaks of the infection in commercial poultry are controlled by using attenuated live vaccines. The genomic and antigenic characteristics between virulent and vaccine strains of ILTV are very similar, thus the differential diagnosis of ILTV strains is targeted in controlling programs. Here, the chicken embryonic neural stem (cENS) cell serves as a host model to study virulence characteristics of ILTVs. The susceptibility of cENS cells to different ILTV strains infection was investigated by analyzing the impact of infection on cell death, virus latency, and determining the host cell responses. We found that cENS cells are highly susceptible to vaccine strain ILTV infection. Upon infection, the strain showed faster replication kinetics in cell culture and marked cytopathic effects with affecting the expression of cellular neuropeptide Y (NPY). Virulent strain was able to enter cENS cells, but no infectious virus was produced at third passage. The establishment of latency state was confirmed by molecular detection of viral ICP4 gene and virus reactivation assay. In contrast to vaccine strain, transcription level of cellular NPY was also upregulated significantly following virulent strain infection. The difference expression pattern of NPY in ILTV strains-infected cells is most closely with the presence of CPE in culture. The neural stem cell system may provide the most relevant tool for differential diagnosis of ILTV strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A fully-coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical approach was developed to study injection-induced seismicity and permeability enhancement in low permeable reservoirs. • Fracture deformation and transport processes were modeled using thermo-poroelastic displacement discontinuity method combined with Galerkin and Petrov Galerkin finite element methods. • Constitutive behavior of fault friction was captured using rate-and-state friction model incorporating aging law for history of sliding. • Traffic Light System-based injection protocols yield higher potential in enhancing the fault permeability. • Volume-Controlled fluid injection are far more effective in reducing the seismic risk. In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the induced seismicity associated with geothermal systems. However, understanding and modeling of injection-induced seismicity have still remained as a challenge. This paper presents a two-dimensional fully thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) coupled boundary element approach to characterize the fault response to forced fluid injection and assess the effect of different injection protocols on seismic risk mitigation as well as permeability enhancement. The laboratory-derived rate-and-state friction law was used to capture the frictional paradigm observed in mature faults produced in granite rocks. All phases of stick-slip cycles, including aseismic slip, propagation of dynamic rupture, and interseismic periods, were simulated. The modeling results showed that the residual values of effective normal stress and static shear stress after a particular event completely dominate the constitutive behavior of fault friction during the next seismic event. The seismic energy analyses indicated that there is a negative correlation between the seismic magnitude and the total injected volume, such that a prolonged monotonic injection eventually results in the steady slip, rather than the seismic slip. Several fluid injection protocols were designed based on a volume-controlled (VC) approach and traffic light systems (TLS) to explore their effectiveness on the seismic risk mitigation and permeability enhancement. The results showed that cyclic injection based on TLS is the most effective approach for irreversible permeability enhancement of faults through promoting slow and steady slips. Our numerical simulations also revealed that fluid extraction (backflow-fixing bottom hole pressure at atmospheric pressure), regardless of the injection style, can considerably reduce the seismicity-related risks by preventing the fast-accelerated fracture slip during the post-injection stage. This study presents novel insights into modeling the rate-and-state governed faults exposed to forced fluid injection, and provides useful approaches for shear stimulation of faults with reduced seismic risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drought stress is one of the most important abiotic stresses and the main constraint to rice agriculture. MicroRNA-mediated post-transcriptional gene regulation is one of the ways to establish drought stress tolerance in plants. MiRNAs are 20–24-nt regulatory RNAs that play an important role in regulating plant gene expression upon exposure to biotic and abiotic stresses. Methodology/Principal Findings: In this study, we applied a partial root drying system as well as a complete root drying system to identify miRNAs involved in conditions of drought stress, drought signaling and wet signaling using high-throughput sequencing. To this end, we produced four small RNA libraries: (1) fully-watered (WW), (2) fully-droughted (WD), and split-root systems where (3) one-half was well watered (SpWW) and (4) the other half was water-deprived (SpWD). Our analysis revealed 10,671 and 783 unique known and novel miRNA reads in all libraries, respectively. We identified, 65 (52 known + 13 novel), 72 (61 known + 11 novel) and 51 (38 known + 13 novel) miRNAs that showed differential expression under conditions of drought stress, drought signaling and wet signaling, respectively. The results of quantitative real-time PCR showed expression patterns similar to the high-throughput sequencing results. Furthermore, our target prediction led to the identification of 244, 341 and 239 unique target genes for drought-stress-, drought-signaling- and wet-signaling-responsive miRNAs, respectively. Conclusions/Significance: Our results suggest that miRNAs that are responsive under different conditions could play different roles in the regulation of abscisic acid signaling, calcium signaling, detoxification and lateral root formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low-frequency noise generated by wind turbines is known as one of the risk factors for health. The aim of this study was to study the noise effect of wind turbine on the general health of staff at Manjil wind farm. For this purpose, workers were divided into three groups: maintenance, security, and office staff. Equivalent sound levels were measured for each group. Individual's health data were assessed using the 28-item General Health Questionnaire. Pearson correlation, analysis of variance, and multiple regression tests were used for data analysis in the R software. Statistical analysis results showed that the noise exposure is significantly correlated to all sub-scales of general health, except for depression. The low-frequency noise from wind turbines can cause harmful effects on the health of workers that are too close to the wind turbine and receive very intense noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Niyasar plutonic complex, one of the Cenozoic magmatic assemblages in the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt, was the subject of detailed petrographic and mineralogical investigations. The Niyasar magmatic complex is composed of Eocene to Oligocene mafic rocks and Miocene granitoids. Eleven samples, representing the major rock units in the Niyasar magmatic complex and contact aureole were chosen for mineral chemical studies and for estimation of the pressure, temperature, and oxygen fugacity conditions of mineral crystallization during emplacement of various magmatic bodies. The analyzed samples are composed of varying proportions of quartz, plagioclase, K-feldspar, hornblende, biotite, titanite, magnetite, apatite, zircon, garnet, and clinopyroxene. Application of the Al-in-hornblende barometer indicates pressures of around 0.2 to 0.4 kbar for the Eocene-Oligocene mafic bodies and around 0.5 to 1.7 kbar for the Miocene granitoids. Hornblende-plagioclase thermometry yields relatively low temperatures (661-780 °C), which probably reflect late stage re-equilibration of these minerals. The assemblage titanite-magnetite-quartz as well as hornblende composition were used to constrain the oxygen fugacity and H2O content during the crystallization of the parent magmas in the Miocene plutons. The results show that the Miocene granitoids crystallized from magmas with relatively high oxygen fugacity and high H2O content (~5 wt% H2O). The Miocene granitoids show similar range of oxygen fugacity, H2O contents and mineral chemical compositions, which indicate a common source for their magmas. Although the crystallization pressures of the Miocene plutons discriminate various categories of plutonic bodies emplaced at depths of about 5.7-6.5 km (Marfioun pluton), about 4.2 km (Ghalhar pluton) and 1.9-2.3 km (Poudalg pluton), they were later uplifted to the same level by vertical displacement of faults. The emplacement depths of the Niyasar plutons suggest that the central part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt has experienced an uplift rate of ca. 0.25-0.4 mm/yr from the Miocene onwards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Frequent nursing errors are considered as factors that affect the quality of healthcare of patients. Capable nurses who are compatible with work conditions are more focused on their tasks, and this reduces their errors and cognitive failures. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between work ability index (WAI) and cognitive failures (CFs) as well as some factors that affect them in nurses working in the ICU, CCU, and emergency wards. Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted with 750 nurses at educational hospitals affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2015. A questionnaire of work ability index and cognitive failures was used to collect data. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20 and the Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, chi-squared, ANOVA, and the Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Using the Pearson correlation test, the results of this study showed that there is a significant, inverse relationship between WAI, personal prognosis of work ability, and mental resources with CFs along with all its subscales in nurses (p < 0.05). In addition, there was an inverse and significant relationship between the total score of CFs and the estimated work impairment due to diseases (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation of CFs with age and experience, while WAI was inversely related to age, work experience, and body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05). WAI and CFs were related significantly to working units (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Considering the results obtained in this study, WAI and the cognitive status of nurses were lower than the specified limit. It is suggested that the work ability of nurses be improved and that their CFs be reduced through various measures, including pre-employment examinations, proper management of work-shift conditions, and using engineering and administrative strategies to ensure the safety of hospitalized patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Administration of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in combination with estrogen (E2), could be an effective in the treatment of menopausal diabetes. • Combined treatments of SERMs and E2 were more effective than the effects of E2 or SERMs alone. • E2 or SERMs have beneficial effects on cardiovascular system by improving inflammatory balance and reducing Ang II levels. The beneficial effects of the administration of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and estrogen (E2), alone or in combination with each other, have been reported in postmenopausal diabetic cardiovascular dysfunction. In the present study, we determined the mechanism of action of SERMs and E2 on inflammatory balance, angiotensin II (Ang II) serum levels, and glycemic profile in a postmenopausal diabetic rat model. Ovariectomized rats with type 2 diabetes received daily SERMs (tamoxifen and raloxifene) and E2 for one month. After treatment, cardiovascular risk indices, glycemic profile, and serum Ang II, TNF-α and IL-10 levels were measured. Type 2 diabetes caused an abnormal glycemic profile, which was exacerbated by ovariectomy. All treatments inhibited the effects of diabetes and ovariectomy on the glycemic profile, with combined treatments (SERMs + E2) showing stronger effects. Cardiovascular risk indices that became abnormal by diabetes and worsened by ovariectomy were improved in all treatment modalities. Also, combined treatment reduced serum Ang II, TNF-α, and the ratio of TNF-α to IL-10, indicating an improvement in inflammatory balance. Our study showed the administration of SERMs and E2, alone or in combination, could be an effective alternative in the treatment of menopausal diabetes, and generally, the beneficial effects of combined treatments were more effective than the effects of E2 or SERMs alone. It appears that E2 or SERMs benefit the cardiovascular system by improving inflammatory balance and reducing Ang II levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential effect of flagellin as adjuvant in Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine on the cellular and humoral immunity in chickens. Fifty-six specific pathogen-free chickens were assigned to seven groups of eight chickens and immunized twice with a two-week interval, intramuscularly. Group 1, received phosphate buffered saline as control (C), groups 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were immunized with inactivated NDV [Ag], Ag + full FliC protein [AgF], Ag + truncated Flic protein [AgT], Ag + native Flic protein [AgN], commercial NDV vaccine [Vac] and Vac + N [VacN], respectively. After 45 days, spleen and bursa of Fabricius samples were collected and analyzed by flow cytometry and responses in control/vaccinated chickens were studied by immunophenotyping. Humoral response was also, evaluated by ELISA during the experiment. Results showed that immunized chickens with Ag + flagellin proteins had significantly higher frequency of circulating CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in bursa of Fabricius in AgF, AgT and AgN, respectively, compared with other groups. Similar results were observed for spleen; however, the highest frequency of circulating CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells belonged to AgT and AgF, respectively. ELISA results showed that all flagellin-adjuvanted groups had higher antibody titers than other groups with the highest antibody response in VacN. It can be concluded that flagellin may induce both humoral and cellular immune responses against ND and is suggested for use as an efficient adjuvant. • Flagellin-adjuvanted groups had higher frequency of CD4 and CD8 T cells. • All flagellin-adjuvanted groups had higher antibody titers than other groups. • Native flagellin enhanced antibody response in commercial vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The full-length non-structural (NS) gene of seven H9N2 isolates (2008-2012) was amplified and genetically analyzed. The NS gene of these isolates belongs to the Y439 sublineage and with an average of 96.4 % identity clustered into two subgroups largely based on their time of isolation. The Ka/Ks ratio was calculated at 0.38 for subgroup 1 and 0.42 for subgroup 2 indicates that purifying selection dominates the evolution of the NS H9 in Iran. The third position of codons values, ranging from 0.371 to 0.392, confirms that synonymous codon usage in NS of the H9N2 viruses was less biased. To investigate the evolution of the NS gene of H9N2 viruses isolated from Asia, phylogenetic analysis was conducted. The results showed that Y439 sublineage with various clusters circulated in Korea, the Middle East, and Pakistan, whereas G1 sublineage existed in China. Homology analysis showed that the NS gene of Korea and Israel isolates grouped into distinct clusters, while most of Iranian isolates were closely related to the Pakistan viruses. Prediction of RNA pseudoknot within NS1 gene using RNA folding path showed eight patterns with different free energy levels. Estimation of free energies suggests destabilization of the pseudoknot and changes in RNA secondary structure may be subject to evolution of NS gene in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]