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Synthesis and consolidation of (Zr,Ti)C were investigated in the present work. ZrC–TiC powder mixture was synthesized at 1650°C for 90 min by the carbothermal method. The prepared powder mixture was hot‐pressed at 1800 C for 60 min under a pressure of 40Mpa and then heat‐treated at 2100 C for 60 min. There were ZrC‐rich and TiC‐rich phases together with zirconium oxide phases in powder mixture and hot‐pressed samples, while there were no oxide phases in the heat‐treated sample and only ZrC‐rich and TiC‐rich phases were present in the sample. The FESEM image of the fracture surface of the samples shows that the porosity of the samples decreases with increasing temperature. Relative density, microhardness, and flexural strength increased from 93.8% to 98.6%, from 15.26 to 21.41 GPa, and from 185.02 to 220.69 MPa, respectively, with increasing temperatures from 1800 C to 2100 C. In contrast to these properties, the fracture toughness of the samples was reduced from 3.71 to 3.47 MPa·m1/2. The investigation of oxidation behavior also showed that oxidation is influenced by oxygen diffusion and exhibits nonlinear behavior as a function of time. With increasing oxidation temperature of hot‐pressed and heat‐treated samples from 600 to 1000°C, parabolic oxidation rate constants (kp) increased from .267 to 11.793 and from .367 to 10.993, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Controlled trials have demonstrated successful weight loss associated with certain weight management medications (WMMs). However, there are limited real‐world data on prescribing patterns and efficacy and safety profiles of WMMs in Veterans Affairs (VA) patients. Objective: To evaluate: utilization patterns of WMMs liraglutide, naltrexone/bupropion, orlistat, phentermine, phentermine/topiramate, and semaglutide; weight loss at three, six, twelve, and more than 12 months; safety; and treatment barriers. Methods: A retrospective, cross‐sectional medication use evaluation (MUE) was conducted using electronic health records of outpatient Veterans newly initiated on WMMs at 37 VA Medical Centers between 1 March 2020 and 31 March 2022. Chart review was used to identify WMM utilization and capture rates of clinical response, defined as 5% and 10% or greater weight loss at the final weight, adverse drug events (ADEs), non‐adherence, and discontinuations. Site‐specific surveys evaluated local practices and barriers. Results: Among 1959 eligible Veterans, semaglutide, phentermine/topiramate, and orlistat were most frequently prescribed. The clinical response was highest among phentermine/topiramate, liraglutide, and semaglutide. Naltrexone/bupropion and phentermine demonstrated the highest and lowest ADE rates, respectively. Potential barriers to WMM utilization and successful treatment by site reports were drug shortages, patient perceptions of therapeutic course, personal preferences, and VA WMM use criteria. Conclusions: Smaller weight loss and higher discontinuation rates were observed relative to clinical trials. The MUE data allow for better assessment of benefits and risks for Veterans prescribed WMMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing burn scars in children presents significant challenges. This study investigates effective treatment methods for burn scars, focusing on efficacy, safety, standard protocols and tolerability. Major databases such as PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were thoroughly searched up to August 2024, emphasizing procedural treatments for burn scars in children. Key data collected included participant demographics, sample sizes, intervention methods, follow‐up protocols, treatment effectiveness and reported adverse events. A total of 256 children were assessed, with all procedural treatments yielding satisfactory outcomes. Among the various methods, trapeze‐flap plasty and percutaneous collagen induction showed improvements in all patients. In the laser treatment group, which included 161 children, the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score reduction ranged from 55.55% to 76.31%, with outcomes rated as good (24.61%) to excellent (60%). Laser treatment using local anaesthesia proved to be well tolerated by children. Our findings indicate that various methods—including trapeze‐flap plasty, percutaneous collagen induction, phototherapy and fractional CO2 laser—demonstrate a relatively good response and an acceptable safety profile. Notably, light‐based therapies/lasers may serve as safe, effective and tolerable options for scar treatment in this age group, often eliminating the need for general anaesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is one of the most common causes of scarring hair loss caused by immune‐mediated inflammation resulting in atrophy and scaling. The key to preventing this irreversible hair loss is diagnosing and starting treatment at the earliest possible stage. As there is no definite cure for LPP, the therapy could be challenging. In the study, we conducted a single‐blinded randomized clinical trial to evaluate the therapeutic effects, safety, and tolerability of platelet‐rich plasma versus topical clobetasol in the treatment of LPP. Method: A randomized single‐blinded controlled clinical trial was conducted in 24 LPP patients referring to our dermatology clinic between August 2022 and March 2023. Patients in the control group were treated with topical clobetasol 0.05% applied at night, and patients in the case group, in addition to topical clobetasol, received three sessions of PRP injection monthly. Both groups were assessed 1, 2, and 6 months after the start of the study by the Lichen Planopilaris Activity Index (LPPAI), physician and patient satisfaction, tolerability, and recording adverse effects. Results: The average age in the clobetasol and PRP groups was 43.75 ± 13.51 and 42.75 ± 9.67, respectively (p = 0.83). In terms of gender, all 12 cases (100%) in the clobetasol group and 9 cases (75%) in the PRP group were female (p = 0.21). Both PRP and topical clobetasol effectively reduced LPPAI in the first 2 months; however, after 6 months, the LPPAI significantly increased in the clobetasol group (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in LPPAI between the two groups at the beginning of the study and after 1 month. However, the mean LPPAI score in the clobetasol group was significantly higher than in the PRP group at 2 and 6 months after the start of the study (p = 0.01). Patient satisfaction with treatment increased in both groups during follow‐up sessions, but at the end of the follow‐up period, it was significantly higher in the PRP group (p = 0.03). Finally, the study did not have any serious adverse effects, and the pain experienced during PRP injection was tolerable for the patients. Overall, treatment tolerability was excellent in both groups. Conclusion: Given the different efficacy profiles, PRP could be considered a new and effective choice for the treatment of LPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neotethyan Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone of western Iran has recorded major magmatic activities due to its continental arc tectonic setting during the Mesozoic. The Varcheh mafic intrusions were less‐studied plutons in the northern Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone (SSZ). Field evidence, petrography, geochemistry and U–Pb geochronological data were used to determine petrographic composition, geochemical nature, crystallization age and also to suggest a conceptual tectonomagmatic model for their emplacement. Small plutonic bodies are dominantly composed of monzogabbro that have intruded into the Cretaceous sedimentary rocks. Based on U–Pb zircon datings, these rocks have crystallized at 125–118 Ma in late Early Cretaceous (Barremian–Aptian), and are older than the supposed ages reported on geological maps. Varcheh rocks are not just typical calc‐alkaline rocks and some show alkaline affinity. Negative anomalies in Nb–Ta–Ti and enrichments in some large‐ion lithophile elements on spider diagrams are consistent with a subduction‐zone setting. Potential deep source for magma generation is partial melting of subcontinental lithospheric mantle wedge above a subducting slab of oceanic lithosphere. The spaces for the Varcheh mafic intrusions are accommodated by dominant dextral strike‐slip movement in a continental arc experiencing extension during late Early Cretaceous subduction. According to the zircon U–Pb geochronology results in this paper and previous U–Pb ages in the northern part of the SSZ, the mid‐Cretaceous magmatism reveals a significant NW‐ward younging trend and migration of the magmatic arc from the Barremian–Aptian in south‐east to the Albian–Cenomanian in the north‐west. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of molecular weight and crystallinity of polylactic acid (PLA) on the morphology and crystallization behavior of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)/PLA blends. Utilizing a solution casting method, we discovered that the molecular characteristics of PLA significantly influence the thermal and structural properties of the blends. The lower molecular weight and amorphous PLA notably broadened the temperature range for PHB's banded spherulite formation, indicating enhanced miscibility. In contrast, semicrystalline PLA variants produced smaller spherulites within large PHB matrices. The high molecular weight PLA had an unusual, relatively low melting point which led to a competition between the molecular weight effect and the supercooling effect regarding the isothermal crystallization kinetics. The blend morphology was observed in thin films in which the usual crystal formation of PHB was severely hindered in the presence of crystalline PLA but could form thin lamellae when the PLA was amorphous. At ultra‐thin thickness, where crystallization is impossible, the amorphous co‐continuous structure of the blends was revealed by melting the film. Our research contributes to the development of advanced biodegradable materials for environmental sustainability, emphasizing the intricate interplay between polymer blend components that can be tuned for specific applications. Highlights: The study explores the blend morphology and crystallization of PLA/PHB.The temperature range for PHB's spherulite formation broadens with PLA.PLA's partial miscibility with PHB shifted Tg and caused delayed Tm of PHB.Usual PHB crystal formation is hindered with crystalline PLA.Thin PHB lamellae formed within amorphous PLA and observed via AFM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is one of the most common alopecia among men and women worldwide. It is a nonscarring alopecia that has a characterized pattern. In female pattern AGA, the hairline is stable but general thinning occurs most notably in the frontal region. In male‐pattern AGA, the hairline is receding and the thinning is most notable in the frontotemporal region. AGA has a complex pathogenesis and relation of subcutaneous fat in the scalp region and the miniaturization of terminal hair follicles is vague. In this study, subcutaneous fat in the frontal scalp an important region for AGA is compared to the occipital scalp that is spared in AGA. Method: Our study is a cross‐sectional study that has four groups. Male patient, female patient, male control, female control. Every group has 15 individuals. All of the people in the study are those referred to Rasoul Akram's dermatology clinic. The severity of alopecia is classified by Norwood scaling for male pattern AGA and Ludwig scaling for female pattern AGA. Subcutaneous tissue in the frontal and occipital regions is measured by ultrasonography. For evaluating the effect of aging on subcutaneous fat thickness, we subdivided any group into more than 40 years old and between 20 and 40 years old and compared these two subgroups. Results: The mean age of the three groups of male patient, female patient, and female control is 40 y/o and the mean age of male control is 41 y/o. The mean subcutaneous fat layer thickness in frontal region in male patients group is 6.0 mm (more than 40 y/o = 6.6 mm, between 20 and 40 y/o = 5.5 mm), in female patients group 5.1 mm (more than 40 y/o = 5.7 mm, between 20 and 40 y/o = 4.6 mm), in the male control group is 4.4 mm (more than 40 y/o = 4.7 mm, between 20 and 40 y/o = 4 mm) and in the female control group is 4.1 mm (more than 40 y/o = 4.5 mm, between 20 and 40 y/o = 3.6 mm). The mean subcutaneous fat layer thickness in the occipital region in the male patient's group is 6.4 mm (more than 40 y/o = 6.7 mm, between 20 and 40 y/o = 6 mm), in the female patient's group 6.1 mm (more than 40 y/o = 6.5 mm, between 20 and 40 y/o = 5.7 mm), in the male control group is 6.3 mm (more than 40 y/o = 6.8 mm, between 20 and 40 y/o = 5.7 mm) and in the female control group is 6.2 mm (more than 40 y/o = 6.6 mm, between 20 and 40 y/o = 5.8 mm). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the subcutaneous fat layer in the frontal region in both males and females is thicker in AGA patients than healthy group and the more severe the AGA, the thicker is subcutaneous layer in the frontal region. In the male patients group, the subcutaneous fat layer in the frontal region is thicker than in the female patients group but in the male and female control groups is not so different. The subcutaneous fat layer in the occipital region is thicker in older individuals in both patients and control groups but is not different when compared to AGA patients and control individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Eye plaque radiation therapy is the treatment of choice for small‐ and medium‐sized choroidal melanomas. This study investigated the dose distribution around eye plaques containing 125I seeds to treat ocular melanoma using Monte Carlo N‐Particle eXtended (MCNPX) and Plaque Simulator (PS) software. Methods: Dosimetry evaluation and comparison of the resulting isodose curves for 125I COMS plaques were performed using the MCNPX code. The isodose curves and dose distributions were calculated using PS treatment planning for a 125I COMS plaque. Results: In the validation, the maximum relative difference between the results of this study and those reported in other literature was approximately 9%–10% for the COMS plaques. The dose distributions of MCNPX were lower than those of PS with a relative difference of approximately 27.7%–35.4%. The dose distribution may differ depending on the 125I source spectra and seed design used in the two methods. In addition, the dose algorithm used in PS made a major contribution to the relative differences between the results. Conclusion: The PS did not provide accurate details of dose distribution near the surface of the plaque insert. The source parameters used in each program should be studied more carefully to determine the source of the differences in the estimated dose values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Severe acne breakouts often lead to atrophic acne scars, which affect millions of people worldwide and can significantly affect a person's self‐confidence and self‐image. Given the difficulty in treating atrophic acne scars, this study aims to investigate the efficacy of topical phenytoin in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Method: This split face clinical trial on 25 patients between the ages of 18 and 40 involved the application of microneedling on one side of the face, with three sessions taking place over the course of a month. On the other side, a 1% phenytoin cream was administered three times daily for 1 week following the microneedling procedure. Baseline information was collected for all patients, and follow‐up assessments were conducted during the treatment sessions and 2 months after the last session. The assessments included evaluating the number and area of pores and spots, determining scar severity, assessing patient satisfaction, and recording any potential complications. Results: Among patients, 20 individuals (80%) were females, and the average age of the participants was 35.96 ± 9.23. In terms of the fine pore area, despite the fine pore count, both groups showed improvement over time (p: 0.03 vs. 0.06). Also, regarding large pore count and area, and the count and area of spots, both groups showed improvement over time (p: 0.001). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). On the other hand, when it comes to acne scar grade and patients' satisfaction, the phenytoin group outperformed the control group in all follow‐up sessions and this difference was found to be significant (p: 0.001). It is worth noting that no complications were observed among any of the patients. Conclusion: It appears that combining phenytoin cream with microneedling has a more effective therapeutic outcome in enhancing atrophic acne scars, when compared to microneedling alone, and this method can be regarded as a viable alternative in treating these types of scars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells derived from adipose tissue and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) are among novel treatments for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). We aimed to investigate the effect of adding SVF to PRP and compare it to administering PRP injection alone. Methods: Eighteen patients were randomly divided into two groups of nine. The PRP group was treated with PRP at all three visits at 1‐month intervals, while the SVF‐PRP group received an SVF injection on the first visit and a PRP injection on the second and third visits. Each group was evaluated at baseline and 20 weeks after the therapy's initiation. Results: Changes in mean hair diameter and hair count compared to baseline were significant in both groups. The PRP group experienced a greater increase in mean hair count than the SVF‐PRP group, and the SVF‐PRP group had a marginally greater increase in hair diameter than the PRP group. These differences were not statistically significant compared to each other. The patient and physician assessment scores exceeded the mean (on a scale from 0: poor to 3: excellent) in both groups. Conclusion: Adding one SVF injection to two PRP treatment sessions versus three PRP injections alone had no significant difference in evaluated variables. If additional research demonstrates the same results, we suggest that multiple SVF injection sessions may be required to produce a statistically significant difference compared to PRP injection alone. Moreover, considering lower cost and greater accessibility of PRP, it can be used before SVF in the treatment of AGA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dark under‐eye circles or periorbital hyperpigmentation constitute a prevalent and challenging cosmetic problem with diverse etiologies and types. While modifying exacerbating habits can provide partial relief for the pigmentary and vascular factors associated with this condition, and despite the abundance of available treatment options, there is currently a lack of gold‐standard evidence‐based treatments proposed for curing this disorder. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of carboxytherapy in treating periorbital hyperpigmentation. Material and Methods: In this 4‐week single‐arm clinical trial, 20 eligible Iranian patients with symmetric periorbital hyperpigmentation received weekly intradermal carboxytherapy. The treatment involved administering 10–20 mL of CO2 at a rate of 20 mL/min and a temperature of 15°C for a duration ranging from a few seconds to 1 min. Follow‐up assessments were conducted 1 month after the final session. The primary outcome was defined as the changes in ΔE or the variations in pigmentation observed between the orbital and extra‐orbital skin before and after the trial. Results: The patients reported satisfaction with the statistically significant reduction in hyperpigmentation achieved through carboxytherapy in the lateral (p = 0.002), middle (p = 0.001), and medial (p = 0.001) regions of the periorbital area. The total response rate of the patients was estimated at 20%. Patient satisfaction exceeded ΔE changes, with no significant linear relationship (p = 0.084). Conclusion: Carboxytherapy can be proposed as an effective and safe treatment for periorbital hyperpigmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In two studies, we examined the effects of algorithm‐based (vs. recruiter‐based) evaluations of an asynchronous video interview and a personality inventory on applicant reactions. In line with our expectations, we found several negative applicant reactions to the use of algorithms. Specifically, in Study 1 (N = 172), informing participants that an algorithm, rather than a recruiter, had analysed their interview and personality inventory increased feelings of emotional creepiness, and reduced fairness perceptions, perceived predictive validity and feedback acceptance. In Study 2 (N = 276), we were able to replicate these effects for fairness perceptions and perceived predictive validity. Furthermore, in both studies, algorithm‐based evaluations negatively affected feedback acceptance, organizational attraction and job acceptance intentions through fairness perceptions. However, in contrast with our expectations, selection decision favourability did not influence the impact of evaluation source (recruiter vs. algorithm) on applicant reactions. In Study 2, we also found some tentative evidence that applicant reactions to algorithm‐based evaluations are not affected by the type of information source (i.e. verbal vs. nonverbal cues) on which the algorithm is based. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells, transforms chemical energy to electricity. The main issue of SOFC's is the thermal stress caused by high operating temperature (700–1000°C). Thermal stress leads to crack initiation and propagation that in turn leads to gas leakage, structure instability and abrupt termination of the fuel cell (estimated in our previous work; 1.5% displacement of cathode electrode and the lifetime decreases by 40%–50%). The purpose of the current study is to show the influence of helium gas cooling system on SOFC cell performance. Using the coupled governing nonlinear differential equations, heat transfer, fluid flow, mass transfer, mass continuity, tortuosity effects and momentum. An in‐house computer code based on finite element method (FEM), computational structural mechanics, and the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was utilized. The temperature and stress distribution are calculated using the Navier–Stokes thermo‐fluid, Darcy and energy models. The Results demonstrate that there is a high thermal stress and displacement in the absence of He gas cooling system, but in the case of He cooling system, thermal stress is much less and no displacement is noticed, which leads to an increase of the fuel cell's lifetime up to 35%–40%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building models is essential for understanding the functions and dynamics of microbial communities. Metabolic models built on genome‐scale metabolic network reconstructions (GENREs) are especially relevant as a means to decipher the complex interactions occurring among species. Model reconstruction increasingly relies on metagenomics, which permits direct characterisation of naturally occurring communities that may contain organisms that cannot be isolated or cultured. In this review, we provide an overview of the field of metabolic modelling and its increasing reliance on and synergy with metagenomics and bioinformatics. We survey the means of assigning functions and reconstructing metabolic networks from (meta‐)genomes, and present the variety and mathematical fundamentals of metabolic models that foster the understanding of microbial dynamics. We emphasise the characterisation of interactions and the scaling of model construction to large communities, two important bottlenecks in the applicability of these models. We give an overview of the current state of the art in metagenome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, focusing on the reconstruction of genomes in microbial communities. Metagenomics benefits tremendously from third‐generation sequencing, and we discuss the opportunities of long‐read sequencing, strain‐level characterisation and eukaryotic metagenomics. We aim at providing algorithmic and mathematical support, together with tool and application resources, that permit bridging the gap between metagenomics and metabolic modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South Caspian Basin, the northern Alborz Mountains, the Gorgan plain and the Moghan plain constitute the northernmost and youngest petroleum system in Iran. This region was part of the Paratethys realm from Oligocene to Pliocene time. The Oligocene – Miocene Maikop/Diatom Total Petroleum System of the South Caspian Basin produces major volumes of hydrocarbons in Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, and the Iranian sector of the basin has consequently undergone exploration due to its generally similar geology. The 20 km thick, dominantly Cenozoic sedimentary cover in the basin is reduced to less than 3 km in the northern foothills of the Alborz Mountains, and scattered surface oil seepages in the latter region are believed to be generated by Cretaceous and Miocene source rocks. In the Moghan plain to the southwest of the South Caspian Basin, anticlinal folds of Oligo‐Miocene Zivar Formation sandstones may be prospective for hydrocarbon exploration. Mud volcanoes in the Gorgan plain and in adjacent offshore regions at the SE margin of the South Caspian Basin are associated with hydrocarbon seepages, and appear to be sourced by Cretaceous and Cenozoic shales and mudstones. Major structural features in the southern part of the South Caspian Basin include Cenozoic mud diapirs, folds and gravity structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levofloxacin, the optical S‐(‐) isomer of ofloxacin, is a broad‐spectrum antibacterial agent widely used to control various infections caused by Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. While the COOH group is necessary for antibacterial activity, its modification can offer anticancer activity to the fluoroquinolone framework. Therefore, several levofloxacin carboxamides 11a‐j and 12 containing 5‐substituted‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole residue were synthesized and screened in vitro for their anticancer activity. The in vitro MTT viability assay revealed that the most compounds had significant activity against cancer cells MCF‐7, A549, and SKOV3. In particular, the 3‐chloro‐ and 4‐fluoro‐ benzyl derivatives (11b and 11h), with IC50 values of 1.69–4.76 μM were as potent as or better than doxorubicin. It should be noted that the mother quinolone levofloxacin showed no activity on the tested cancer cell lines. The SAR analysis demonstrated that the 3‐chloro or 4‐fluoro substituent on the S‐benzyl moiety had positive effect on the activity. Further in vitro evaluations of the most promising compounds 11b and 11h by flow cytometric analysis and comet test revealed the ability of compounds in the induction of apoptosis and blockage of the cell proliferation at the G1‐phase by nuclear fragmentation and DNA degradation in cancer cells. The obtained results demonstrated that the alteration of 6‐COOH functional group in the levofloxacin structure and conjugation with a proper heterocyclic pharmacophore is a good strategy to obtain new anticancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Geographer is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Fault‐related folds are present in most tectonic settings and can serve as structural traps for hydrocarbons. These structures have therefore been widely studied by both structural and petroleum geologists using a range of techniques. Approaches include field‐ and seismic‐based methods, and numerical and analogue modelling. Geomechanical models attempt to examine the mechanical and geometric features of folds. This study investigates the effects of variations in a range of parameters, including detachment and ramp geometry, friction coefficient and internal friction angle, on the geometry and development of detachment folds and fault‐bend folds. For this purpose, we ran seven series of numerical, 3D elastic‐plastic finite element models using ABAQUS software (26 model runs in all). Each model set‐up consisted of five layers whose mechanical properties were based on those of stratigraphic units in the Zagros fold‐and‐thrust belt, SW Iran. The models were labelled series A to F and series H. Models in series A investigated the impact of concave, convex, wavy and oblique detachment surfaces on the development of detachment folds; those in series D examined the role of ramp dip and of listric, oblique and wavy ramps on the development of fault‐bend folds. Models in series B and E, and series C and F, examined the effects of variations in the friction coefficient and of the internal friction angle, respectively, on the development of these two classes of folds. Finally, hybrid models in series H were provided to evaluate the results. Major results were as follows. Firstly, the geometry of modelled detachment and fault‐bend folds was found to be influenced by the geometry of the associated ramps and detachment faults. Thus the crests of anticlines and the trough lines of synclines were located at points of maximum curvature and at inflexion points on a wavy detachment fault or wavy ramp, respectively. Second, two important additional factors controlling fold style were identified: the friction coefficient, and the presence of along‐strike geometric variations in the ramp or the detachment fault. Layers with low friction coefficients and high internal friction angles formed detachment folds with thick hinges and thin limbs; conversely, layers with high friction coefficients and low internal friction angles created detachment folds with thick limbs and thin hinges. Application of the results to modelling of the Ahwaz anticline in the Dezful Embayment, SW Iran, was successful, and in general the modelled structure was consistent with that observed in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Diabetes is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The interpretation of low-temperature thermochronology (LTT) data in magmatic and metallogenic provinces requires a knowledge of the geothermal field through time. There, the challenge is differentiating rapid cooling following transient perturbations of the geotherms (reheating) from exhumational cooling induced by erosion during tectonic uplift or normal faulting. The Takab Range Complex (NW Iran) is a basement-cored range of the Arabia-Eurasia collision zone that experienced voluminous Eocene to Miocene magmatism and mineralization. Our new apatite and zircon (U-Th-Sm)/He and apatite fission track data, together with field observations, a dedicated numerical thermal model, and a re-evaluation of available geochronology data document the occurrence of a complex geological and thermal history including: (a) late Cretaceous-Paleocene exhumation possibly controlled by regional contractional deformation followed by Eocene deposition; (b) Oligocene to possibly early Miocene (29 to 22-20 Ma) exhumation of basement rocks from 13 to 8 km of depth, most likely through normal faulting during a thermal anomaly that led to migmatization and partial melting; (c) early to late Miocene (~22-20 or earlier to 11-10 Ma) regional subsidence with deposition of an up to ~2- to 3-km-thick Oligo-Miocene sedimentary sequence in association with the emplacement of shallow intrusions, which led to a partial to total reset of our LTT systems sometime between 18 and 13 Ma; and (e) erosional exhumation after 11-10 Ma with the development of a transpressional system and a master, right-lateral, strike slip fault (Chahartagh Fault). Our data highlights the impact of magmatic reheating on LTT ages in areas affected by intense magmatism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac troponin C (cTnC) is the critical Ca2+‐sensing component of the troponin complex. Binding of Ca2+ to cTnC triggers a cascade of conformational changes within the myofilament that culminate in force production. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)‐associated TNNC1 variants generally induce a greater degree and duration of Ca2+ binding, which may underly the hypertrophic phenotype. Regulation of contraction has long been thought to occur exclusively through Ca2+ binding to site II of cTnC. However, work by several groups including ours suggest that Mg2+, which is several orders of magnitude more abundant in the cell than Ca2+, may compete for binding to the same cTnC regulatory site. We previously used isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to demonstrate that physiological concentrations of Mg2+ may decrease site II Ca2+‐binding in both N‐terminal and full‐length cTnC. Here, we explore the binding of Ca2+ and Mg2+ to cTnC harbouring a series of TNNC1 variants thought to be causal in HCM. ITC and thermodynamic integration (TI) simulations show that A8V, L29Q and A31S elevate the affinity for both Ca2+ and Mg2+. Further, L48Q, Q50R and C84Y that are adjacent to the EF hand binding motif of site II have a more significant effect on affinity and the thermodynamics of the binding interaction. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first to explore the role of Mg2+ in modifying the Ca2+ affinity of cTnC mutations linked to HCM. Our results indicate a physiologically significant role for cellular Mg2+ both at baseline and when elevated on modifying the Ca2+ binding properties of cTnC and the subsequent conformational changes which precede cardiac contraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Alopecia areata (AA) in its extensive and severe forms is treatment‐challenging, especially in pediatrics. Method: A PRISMA‐compliant systematic review of seven electronic databases was searched by the terms "alopecia areata," "pediatric," "topical immunotherapy," "Anthralin," and "light therapy" from inception until March 2021. All the alternative names of the disease and therapies have been included in the search terms. 790 articles went to title abstract review by two independent reviewers. In the subsequent level, a review of the full text of studies was conducted. Results: Finally, 10 relevant articles in terms of content structure, subject coverage, and purpose, were selected for further review. The highest percentages of complete hair regrowth were 79.6% and 63.61% by SADBE (topical immunotherapy) and laser therapy. By Anthralin (contact sensitization), the complete response rate was below 50% (between 30 and 35%). Regarding average response, the most effective methods were local immunotherapy (with an average effectiveness of 53.8%), laser therapy (52.55%), and the use of Anthralin‐induced contact dermatitis (30.86%), respectively. However, recurrence rate—after treatment with induced contact dermatitis by topical medications like Anthralin (contact sensitization)—was lower (mean 43.53%) in comparison with local immunotherapy (57%). In topical immunotherapy, light base therapy, and contact sensitization, the highest percentage of complete hair regrowth and the average response rate were (63.61% and 52.55%), (79.6% and 53.8%) and (32% and 30.8%), respectively. These methods are considered safe in children. Conclusion: A high and more than 50% efficacy in hair regrowth could be expected by topical immunotherapy and light/laser therapy method. No serious side effects have been observed by these methods that are well tolerated in children. Therefore, a combination of local immunotherapy and light/laser therapy could be suggested for the treatment of extensive AA in children. The use of Anthralin could be associated with a lower but more durable response. These points are important for patient selection in individualized situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Melasma is common, chronic and treatment‐challenging cosmetic concern and the aim of this study was to systematically evaluate clinical studies assessing the treatment of melasma through needling while focusing on efficiency, safety, and recurrence. Method: After e‐search a total of 54 articles were reviewed and 12 published articles (February 2011‐September 2020) in terms of content, topic, and purpose, were finalized. Articles were open pilot trials, case reports, case series, retrospective studies, quasi‐experimental trials, randomized clinical trials, and split face comparative studies. Results: The highest decrease in MASI score was 85.71% and allocated to microneedling method following only 3 sessions with an interval of 30 days. On the other hand, the lowest decrease in this score was 3.7% and allocated to microneedling treatment and its use for vitamin C delivery at the end of the fourth week of treatment. No side effects were reported in included studies, and the various needling methods used were safe. Recurrence after treatment was reported in none of these articles, and only one of them reported a 4% recurrence in the second phase of treatment, but no recurrence was reported in the last phase of that study. Conclusion: Non‐aggressive microneedling with topical depigmenting agents was more effective than topical depigmenting agents alone, so that the mean MASI score was significantly higher than those who used lightening serum alone. So needling can be suggested as an effective and safe method with low recurrence rate for the treatment of melasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Melasma is a common hyperpigmentation disorder. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of Nd‐Yag fractional 1064 plus microinjection of tranexamic acid versus Nd‐Yag fractional 1064 plus oral tranexamic acid in patients with melasma. Materials and methods: This is a prospective, randomized study with a sample size of 40 patients, 20 in each treatment arm, which was done six times with 2‐week intervals. Twenty patients were administered localized microinjections (4 mg/ml) of tranexamic acid and Q‐switched 1064 laser every 2 weeks in one arm, while in the other arm, 20 were given oral tranexamic acid 250 mg three times a day and Q‐switched 1064 laser every 2 weeks per visit. Results: Twenty‐one patients with mean SD 40.52+‐4.95 y/o were treated with oral tranexamic acid, and 20 patients with 43.3+‐5.87 y/o treated with microinjection of tranexamic acid were analyzed. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics at the baseline (p > 0.05). The patients MASI score and ∆E decrease over the study period in both treatments significantly (p < 0.001). However, patient's MASI score (p = 0.99) and ∆E (p = 0.53) did not differ significant between the two group over the time. Satisfaction (p = 0.41) and complication during the study period (p = 0.09) were not significantly different between the two group. Conclusion: The combination treatment method can be a viable option for Middle Eastern patients having melasma disorder, and tranexamic acid appears to be an effective and safe treatment for melasma, irrespective of its route of administration. Tranexamic acid can increase the permeability locally by non‐invasive methods such as microneedling which is less painful than microinjection and can also increase patient satisfaction. Although the oral method is more tolerable for the patient, it may have systemic side effects, and its combination with Q‐switch laser increases its effect regardless of the type of prescription. Therefore, it is recommended to use of this drug topically (cream or lotion) by non‐invasive methods like microneedling to reduce pain and laser treatment in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degradable polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels are excellent vehicles for sustained drug release due to their biocompatibility, tunable physical properties, and customizable degradation. However, protein therapeutics are unstable under physiological conditions and releasing degraded or inactive therapeutics can induce immunogenic effects. While controlling protein release from PEG hydrogels has been extensively investigated, few studies have detailed protein stability long‐term or under stress conditions. Here, lysozyme and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) stability were explored upon encapsulation in PEG hydrogels formed through Michael‐type addition. The stability and structure of the two model proteins were monitored by measuring the free energy of unfolding and fluoresce quenching when confined in a hydrogel and compared to PEG solution and buffer. Hydrogels destabilized lysozyme structure at low denaturant concentrations but prevented complete unfolding at high concentrations. ADH was stabilized as the confining mesh size approached the protein radius of gyration. Both proteins retained enzymatic activity within the hydrogels under stress conditions, including denaturant, high temperature, and agitation. Conjugation between lysozyme and PEG‐acrylate was identified at long reaction times but no conjugation was observed in the time required for complete gelation. Studies of protein stability in PEG hydrogels, as the one detailed here, can lead to designer technologies for the improved formulation, storage, and delivery of protein therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complete rock strength envelopes spanning both the tensile and compressive stress domains are essential to engineering design in Rock. However, the exact shape of the envelope in the tensile zone is not known. The major impediment to establishing the true profile of the envelope is the inherent difficulties in conducting tension tests under confinement. In this study, we use the confined Brazilian test to investigate the impact of confining pressure on tensile strength, the failure mechanism, and the brittle‐ductile transition. By applying a constant confining pressure, a state of triaxial stress is created in the disc such that the disc center is under three nonzero and unequal principal stress components. By increasing the confining pressure, the least principal stress changes from tensile to compressive so that rock failure can be observed over a wide range of stress conditions. Four lithologies have been tested in this study, including limestone and three sandstones. Experimental results suggest that the complete strength envelope resembles an offset parabola opening to the right with its vertex above the horizontal axis in the σ1−σ3domain. The tensile strength shows a pronounced increase under confinement. For all lithologies tested, tensile fracturing disappears as the confining pressure increases, with the stress‐displacement curves exhibiting typical brittle‐ductile transitions and a change in failure mode from extension to shear. Observation of the progressive increase in the fracture angle with confining pressure also provides laboratory evidence for the continuous transition of failure from extension to shear. Plain Language Summary: We have carried out confined Brazilian tests and investigated the impact of confining pressure on tensile strength, the failure mechanism, and brittle‐ductile transition. Four rock types have been tested, including limestone and three sandstones. Experimental results show that the complete strength envelope resembles an offset parabola. The tensile strength increases with confinement. Tensile fracturing disappears as the confining pressure increases, with the stress‐displacement curves exhibiting typical brittle‐ductile transitions and a change in failure mode from extension to shear. Key Points: Complete strength envelope resembles an offset parabola opening to the right with its vertex above the horizontal axis in the σ1–σ3 domainThe tensile strength shows a pronounced increase under confinementFirst set of brittle‐ductile‐brittle transition curves in tension are obtained [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are pieces of evidence regarding the association between melasma and metabolic syndrome. To assess the prevalence and grade of nonalcoholic fatty liver and lipid profile status in patients with melasma, we designed this case‐control study. Methods: This study was performed on 30 consecutive women with melasma who referred to the dermatology clinic of the hospital as the case group and 34 healthy women. For all participants, serum lipid profiles and liver enzymes were checked. Also, the existence of fatty liver was assessed by ultrasonography. Results: Except for serum level of LDL (low‐density lipoprotein) that was significantly higher in the melasma group than in the healthy group (104.23 ± 25.00 mg/dl versus 89.85 ± 23.00 mg/dl, p = 0.020), the level of other parameters including other lipid profiles, blood sugar, or liver enzymes was similar in both groups. In ultrasonography, the overall prevalence of fatty liver was 23.3% in the melasma group and 20.6% in the control group, and no difference was found between the two groups in grade of fatty liver (p = 0.791). Conclusion: The study showed a higher serum LDL level in patients with melasma compared to women without melasma, but there was no difference between the groups in prevalence or grade of fatty liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Due to COVID‐19, innovative, virtual educational methods are being developed to provide students with learning experiences comparable to established clinical practices. Our objective was to produce the Periodontal Senior Case Clinical Challenge (PSCCC) that would provide fourth‐year students an alternative for senior case presentations and would be a formative assessment for which student opinions would be provided and analysed. The PSCCC would utilise an online, case‐based, written, clinical assessment and follow‐up, structured discussion to challenge students to demonstrate ability to apply didactic periodontal knowledge to patient‐based experiences. We hypothesised the PSCCC would provide effective learning and a formative assessment. Material and Methods: Relevant didactic resources were distributed to 48 students for independent review. The PSCCC was delivered in two sections, (1) a case‐based assessment via a virtual classroom with written student responses, and (2) oral discussions conducted via virtual meetings that were moderated and assessed by ten periodontists, with the collaboration of nine residents. A voluntary six‐statement survey was used to evaluate the students' opinions of the PSCCC. The scores for 75% (36/48) of students who participated were evaluated for statistical and clinical importance. Results: The value of our PSCCC was supported by 91.7% (33/36) of the analyses (p <.0008). Discussion: The PSCCC was a successful alternative pathway to assess students' clinical and didactic integrated knowledge in periodontics. It provided a unified vision of treatment of the selected case, building on all aspects of the students' periodontal education whilst allowing interaction in a simultaneous, three‐tiered educational approach, involving dental students, periodontal residents and faculty. Conclusion: In support of our hypothesis, for each of the 6 statements, ≥94.44% (34/36) of the scores given by the students were considered exceptionally strong clinical support for our pedagogical strategy that combines educational resources and can be successfully implemented in other programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, near‐fully dense ZrB2–SiC–VC (75‐20‐5 vol%) composite was manufactured through hot pressing at 1850°C under the pressure of 40 MPa for 60 min. Then the oxidation examination of the composite was carried out under different durations and temperatures. The microstructure and phase evolution after hot pressing and oxidation processes were examined by scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffractometry. The VC addition led to the formation of ZrC and VSi2 phases, which assisted the densification of the composite by removing ZrO2 from the particles' surface. The oxides of ZrO2, SiO2, ZrSiO4, V2O5, and VO2 formed distinct layers on the sample during the oxidation at 1700°C for 4 h with a parabolic regimen and activation energy of 177.5 kJ/mol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strain‐softening models have proved effective in treating fracturing under mechanical load. However, these models tend to suffer from mesh‐size dependency due to failure in preserving the fracture energy. The Virtual Multi‐Dimensional Internal Bond Model (VMIB) is derived from a particle‐based constitutive law at the micro scale that is implemented in a 3D Finite Element Method (FEM), in which material softening and energy dissipation occur in the "representative elementary volume". However, according to the classic fracture mechanics theory, energy dissipation is due to the creation of new fracture surfaces instead of homogenized softening within the volume element. Therefore, the dissipated strain energy has to be consistent with the fracture energy during failure process. We present an improved VMIB model to bridge the energy storage in a volume and dissipation over a fracture surface. This is accomplished by developing a 3D virtual bond potential that incorporates the material fracture energy and eliminates the mesh‐size sensitivity. The virtual bond potential considers both the critical fracture energy and element size. The 3D model is calibrated and verified simulations of a group of three‐point‐bend tests. Then, by incorporating the coupled three‐dimensional element partition method, the model is applied to a series of laboratory scale fluid pressurized fracturing experiments. Multiple fracture propagation from closely‐staged cluster from a laboratory test is simulated. The comparisons between numerical and experimental results indicate that the model captures the fractures growth influenced by the stress boundary conditions and the stress shadow. The predicted breakdown pressure reasonably agrees with the experiment data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Measurements of breast arterial calcifications (BAC) can offer a personalized, non‐invasive approach to risk‐stratify women for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. We aim to detect and segment breast arterial calcifications in mammograms accurately and suggest novel measurements to quantify detected BAC for future clinical applications. Methods: To separate BAC in mammograms, we propose a lightweight fine vessel segmentation method Simple Context U‐Net (SCU‐Net). Due to the large image size of mammograms, we adopt a patch‐based way to train SCU‐Net and obtain the final whole‐image‐size results by stitching patchwise results together. To further quantify calcifications, we test five quantitative metrics to inspect the progression of BAC for subjects: sum of mask probability metric (PM), sum of mask area metric (AM), sum of mask intensity metric (SIM), sum of mask area with threshold intensity metric TAMX, and sum of mask intensity with threshold X metric TSIMX. Finally, we demonstrate the ability of the metrics to longitudinally measure calcifications in a group of 26 subjects and evaluate our quantification metrics compared with calcified voxels and calcium mass on breast CT for 10 subjects. Results: Our segmentation results are compared with state‐of‐the‐art network architectures based on recall, precision, accuracy, F1 score/Dice score, and Jaccard index evaluation metrics and achieve corresponding values of 0.789, 0.708, 0.997, 0.729, and 0.581 for whole‐image‐size results. The quantification results all show >95% correlation between quantification measures on predicted masks of SCU‐Net as compared to the groundtruth and measurement of calcification on breast CT. For the calcification quantification measurement, our calcification volume (voxels) results yield R2‐correlation values of 0.834, 0.843, 0.832, 0.798, and 0.800 for the PM,AM,SIM,TAM100,TSIM100 metrics, respectively; our calcium mass results yield comparable R2‐correlation values of 0.866, 0.873, 0.840, 0.774, and 0.798 for the same metrics. Conclusions: Simple Context U‐Net is a simple method to accurately segment arterial calcification retrospectively on routine mammograms. Quantification of the calcifications based on this segmentation in the retrospective cohort study has sufficient sensitivity to detect the normal progression over time and should be useful for future research and clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HMS can have neurologic MS like manifestations. It is urgent to do more research and report probable unknown associations of HMS for its better management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Practitioner Messages: Iranian nurses can face difficulties in identifying and reporting suspected child abuse.Education can support Iranian nurses to identify and report suspected child abuse; learning from the government's approved Bill on the Protection of Children and Adolescents (PCA) and adhering to the PCA is therefore timely.The educational programme presented here showed promise in promoting nurses' knowledge and skills with respect to recognising and reporting child abuse in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the ocular safety of intravitreal carboplatin and digoxin injections as a new intravitreal chemotherapy option for retinoblastoma tumor vitreous seeds. Eighteen rabbits were divided randomly into three groups to receive intravitreal injection of Digoxin (6 rabbits), Carboplatin (7 rabbits), or Saline (5 rabbits). In every group, one eye randomly treated with 10 µg Digoxin in 0.1 cc or 1 µg Carboplatin or Saline, and the contralateral eye was considered as the control. All groups underwent three consecutive injections of the drugs with 1-week intervals. Baseline electroretinography (ERG) was recorded from both eyes of all the animals prior to injection and was repeated 1st day, 1st week, and 1st month after the last injection. All rabbits were sacrificed 1 month after the last injection, and histological studies were done. Mean a and b wave amplitudes decreased significantly at 1st day, 1st week, and 1st month after the last intravitreal injection of 10 µg Digoxin in comparison with other groups (p-value: .02). Contradictory, 1 µg Carboplatin injected eyes had minimal ERG changes. There were some nonspecific ERG changes with unclear clinical significance in non- injected contralateral control eyes of Digoxin and Carboplatin groups in comparison with the control eyes of the Saline group. Histological studies revealed considerable neural retinal atrophy in injected eyes of the Digoxin group. Intravitreal 10 µg Digoxin might have more local ocular toxicity in comparison with intravitreal Carboplatin in albino rabbit eyes. Future studies should assess the induced toxicity of intravitreal injection of these drugs on the non- injected contralateral eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modified pseudospectral (PS) method is presented based on direct Legendre interpolation for unconstrained optimal control problems (OCP). The conditions for the convergence of the proposed PS method are provided and it is proved that the method possesses the spectral accuracy for solutions in appropriate Sobolev spaces. Different from existing convergence results in the literature, in this new analysis neither special cases of the problem nor relaxing the discretized dynamics is considered. Moreover, the proof does not use necessary conditions of optimal control. An iterative procedure is then proposed for nonlinear OCPs. The nonlinear problem is first replaced with a sequence of linear‐quadratic OCPs by utilizing the quasilinearization technique. Then, this sequence of problems are successively solved using the modified PS method. In some nonlinear OCPs where the resulting nonlinear programming problem is dense, the PS method becomes computationally intractable. In such a this problems, the iterative PS method reduces the computational complexity and saves work. In addition, a new efficient costate estimation procedure is derived by employing the necessary optimality conditions. This new costate estimation method is flexible in that it allows us to define three different schemes based on the structure of the problem. Several examples of varying complexity are included to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intermontane Tarom Basin of NW Iran (Arabia‐Eurasia collision zone) is located at the transition between the Iranian Plateau (IP) to the SW and the Alborz Mountains to the NE. This basin was filled by upper Cenozoic synorogenic red beds that retain first‐order information on the erosional history of adjacent topography, the vertical growth of the plateau margin and its orogen perpendicular expansion. Here, we perform a multidisciplinary study including magnetostratigraphy, sedimentology, geochronology and sandstone petrography on these red beds. Our data show that Eocene arc volcanism in the region terminated at 38‐36 Ma, while intrabasinal synorogenic sedimentation (endorheic conditions) occurred from at least 16.2 to <7.6 Ma, implying that the red beds are stratigraphically equivalent to the Upper Red Formation. After 7.6 Ma, the basin experienced intrabasinal deformation, uplift and erosion with the establishment of external drainage. Fluvial connectivity with the Caspian Sea, however, was interrupted by at least four episodes of basin aggradation. During endorheic conditions, the basin fill did not reach the elevation of the plateau interior and hence the Tarom Basin was never integrated into the plateau. Furthermore, our provenance data indicate that the northern margin of the basin (Alborz Mountains) experienced a greater magnitude of Miocene deformation and erosional exhumation than the southern one (IP margin). This agrees with recent Moho depth estimates, suggesting that crustal shortening and thickening cannot be responsible for the vertical growth of the northern margin of the IP, and hence surface uplift must have been driven by deep‐seated processes. Key Points: The red beds of the Tarom Basin are > ∼16.2 to < ∼7.6‐My‐old and are stratigraphically equivalent to the Upper Red FormationOver the last 38‐36 Ma the basin experienced alternating stages of internal and external drainage without being integrated in the plateauDeep seated processes rather than shortening and thickening are responsible for the vertical growth of the Iranian Plateau margin [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We hypothesized that: (1) fetal frontal horn (FH) morphology and their proximity to the cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) can assist in suspecting complete agenesis of the corpus callosum (cACC) and partial agenesis of the corpus callosum (pACC) earlier than known indirect ultrasound (US) findings; (2) FHs assist in differentiating a true CSP from a pseudocavum; and (3) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful in learning FH morphology and pseudocavum etiology. Methods: Thirty‐two patients with cACC and 9 with pACC were identified on an Institutional Review Board–approved retrospective review. Of the 41 cases, 40 had prenatal US, and 21 had prenatal MRI; 17 had follow‐up neonatal US, and 14 had follow‐up neonatal MRI. Variables evaluated retrospectively were the presence of a CSP or a pseudocavum, ventricle size and shape, and FH shape (comma, trident, parallel, golf club, enlarged, or fused). Displacement between the inferior edge of the FH and the midline or cavum/pseudocavum was measured. Results: Fetal FHs had an abnormal shape in 77% ≤20 weeks' gestation, 86% ≤24 weeks, and 90% >24 weeks. Frontal horns were laterally displaced greater than 2 mm in 85% ≤20 weeks, 91% ≤24 weeks, and 95% >24 weeks. The CSP was absent in 100% of cACC cases and 78% of pACC cases, and a pseudocavum was present in 88% of cACC cases and 78% of pACC cases across gestation. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed US pseudocavums to be focal interhemispheric fluid or an elevated/dilated third ventricle. Conclusions: Frontal horns assist in assessing ACC ≤24 weeks and throughout gestation. Pseudocavums, often simulating CSPs, are common in ACC. Frontal horn lateral displacement and abnormal morphology, recognized by MRI correlations, are helpful in differentiating a pseudocavum from a true CSP. A normal CSP should not be cleared on screening US unless normally shaped FHs are seen directly adjacent to it. Access the CME test here and search by article title. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mélanges are formed by sedimentary, tectonic and diapiric processes and are generally found in collisional belts. The Zagros Orogeny provides an intriguing geological laboratory for the study of mélange‐forming processes during the progressive tectonic evolution of the Neotethys Ocean. Different types of tectonic and sedimentary mélanges occur in specific structural positions within the Zagros orogenic belt in the Neyriz Region (Iran). Based on their block‐in‐matrix fabrics, and tectonostratigraphic positions, we differentiated 14 different mélange types, which mark different episodes of the tectonic evolution of the Neyriz Region from the Cretaceous subduction to the Miocene collision. The Cretaceous subduction stage is recorded by volcanic‐sedimentary mélanges (Mv). Sedimentary mélanges characterized by megabreccia from the Cretaceous limestone (Ms1) and Eocene polymictic megabreccia (Ms2) represent epi‐nappe mélanges formed during the Palaeocene–Eocene in wedge‐top basins. The ophiolite emplacement in the Oligocene resulted in local extensional tectonics in the upper part of the ophiolitic nappe, and deposition of a polymictic megabreccia (Ms3, Ms4). As the final production of the Neotethys Ocean closure and the Eurasian‐Arabian collision, the sedimentary mélanges characterized by different types of chaotic rock units (Ms5, Ms6, Ms7 and Ms8 facies) were developed in front of the Cretaceous–Eocene nappes due to growth of the orogenic wedge in the Miocene. Our findings indicate that the recognition and distinction of different types of mélange may provide additional constraints for a better understanding of the tectono‐sedimentary evolution of the Neotethyan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Converting chemical energy into electricity is done by an electrochemical device known as a fuel cell. Thermal stress is caused by high operating temperature, between 700 and 1,000°C, of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Thermal stress is the main cause of crack initiation and crack propagation. This phenomenon may cause gas leakage, structure instability and cease operation of the SOFC before its lifetime. The aim of this study is to present a method that predicts the initiation of cracks in an anisotropic porous planar SOFC. The coupled governing nonlinear differential equations are solved numerically as for heat transfer, fluid flow, mass transfer, mass continuity, and momentum. An in‐house computer code which is based on computational fluid dynamics, computational structural mechanics and extended finite element method is utilized and developed. This code, according to Darcy and Navier–Stokes thermofluid model, determines the temperature and stress distribution. The results show that the highest thermal stress occurs at the upper corners of cathode and at the lower corners of the anode. The maximum temperature occurs at the middle of the electrolyte cathode and electrolyte anode, while the maximum pressure occurs at the middle of the upper and lower section of the anode and cathode. In addition, the thickness of the cathode electrode at the left side is increased by 1.5%. Finally, the crack initiation occurs at the left side between the upper and lower corners of the cathode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Two‐dimensional hydraulic fracturing simulations using the cohesive zone model (CZM) can be readily found in the literature; however, to our knowledge, verified 3D cohesive zone modeling is not available. We present the development of a 3D fully coupled hydro‐mechanical finite element method (FEM) model (with parallel computation framework) and its application to hydraulic fracturing. A special zero‐thickness interface element based on the CZM is developed for modeling fracture propagation and fluid flow. A local traction‐separation law with strain softening is used to capture tensile cracking. The model is verified by considering penny‐shaped hydraulic fracture and plain strain Kristianovich‑Geertsma‑de Klerk hydraulic fracture (in 3D) in the viscosity‐ and toughness‐dominated regimes. Good agreement between numerical results and analytical solutions has been achieved. The model is used to investigate the influence of rock and fluid properties on hydraulic fracturing. Lower stiffness tip cohesive elements tend to yield a larger elastic deformation around the fracture tips before the tensile strength is reached, generating a larger fracture length and lower fracture pressure compared with higher stiffness elements. It is found that the energy release rate has almost no influence on hydraulic fracturing in the viscosity‐dominated regime because the energy spent in creating new fractures is too small when compared with the total input energy. For the toughness‐dominated regime, the released energy during fracturing should be accurately captured; relatively large tensile strength should be used in order to match numerical results to the asymptotic analytical solutions. It requires smaller elements when compared with those used in the viscosity‐dominated regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging using exogenous contrast has gained much attention as a technique for enhancing visualization of vasculature using untargeted agents, as well as for the detection and localization of cancer with targeted agents. In order to address the emerging need for standardization of NIRF imaging technologies, it is necessary to identify the best practices suitable for objective, quantitative testing of key image quality characteristics. Toward the development of a battery of test methods that are rigorous yet applicable to a wide variety of devices, we have evaluated techniques for phantom design, measurement, and calculation of specific performance metrics. Methods: Using a NIRF imaging system for indocyanine green imaging, providing excitation at 780 nm and detection above 830 nm, we explored methods to evaluate uniformity, field of view, spectral crosstalk, spatial resolution, depth of field, sensitivity, linearity, and penetration depth. These measurements were performed using fluorophore‐doped multiwell plate and high turbidity planar phantoms, as well as a 3D‐printed multichannel phantom and a USAF 1951 resolution target. Results and Conclusions: Based on a wide range of approaches described in medical and fluorescence imaging literature, we have developed and demonstrated a cohesive battery of test methods for evaluation of fluorescence image quality in wide‐field imagers. We also propose a number of key metrics that can facilitate direct, quantitative comparison of device performance. These methods have the potential to facilitate more uniform evaluation and inter‐comparison of clinical and preclinical imaging systems than is typically achieved, with the long‐term goal of establishing international standards for fluorescence image quality assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate prenatal imaging findings supporting a diagnosis of suspected septo‐optic dysplasia (SOD) by fetal ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or both. Methods: A retrospective review identified 11 patients with SOD: 9 had a clinical diagnosis of SOD postnatally, and 2 were terminated on the basis of suspicious prenatal imaging. Prenatal and neonatal imaging of the cavum septi pellucidi (CSP), frontal horns (FHs), and lateral ventricles was evaluated. Results: The appearance of the CSP varied on US and MRI. Complete ("fused") FHs or partial absence of the CSP was reported in 6 of 11 patients by fetal US and 7 of 8 patients by fetal MRI. The diagnosis of SOD was prospectively suspected prenatally in 6 of 11 and in an additional 5 of 11 cases retrospectively. Fetal MRI incorrectly initially reported normal morphologic abnormalities for 2 cases with partial absence of the CSP, whereas US accurately identified the morphologic abnormalities in 1 of these cases before MRI. Imaging features were first suggested at anatomic US (4 patients) and follow‐up prenatal US (2 patients). Neonatal imaging was concordant in all 9 live births: 5 completely absent CSP, 3 partially absent CSP, and 1 completely present CSP. Clinical manifestations included optic nerve hypoplasia (9 of 9), panhypopituitarism (5 of 9), and neurodevelopmental delays. Conclusions: Primary imaging features of SOD are "continuous" FHs with complete or partial absence of the CSP. Septo‐optic dysplasia can be suspected in utero and can appear isolated but has substantial associated central nervous system anomalies identified on fetal MRI or after birth. Partial absence of the CSP can be a prenatal sign of suspected SOD, although fetal MRI lacked the spatial resolution to identify it accurately in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fault/fracture slip and seismicity caused by fluid injection are of major interest to subsurface science and engineering. However, some fundamental aspects of the temporal and spatial evolutions of induced seismicity remain unresolved. In this paper, we present the results of a laboratory injection‐induced shear test conducted on a rough granite fracture with concurrent acoustic emission (AE) monitoring. The results demonstrate a sequence of aseismic‐seismic‐aseismic fracture motion during fluid injection. It is observed that the temporal evolution of AE/microseismic activities was accompanied by the changes of slip velocity, stress drop, and friction coefficient. The seismic slip phase consists of three subphases, namely, a first quasi‐static slip, a dynamic slip, and a second quasi‐static slip. The dynamic slip occurred with an AE mainshock, simulating earthquake instability triggered by injection in deep crystalline rocks. In addition, slip heterogeneity controlled by the fracture surface roughness is directly evidenced by the spatially heterogeneous distribution of AE hypocenters and fracture surface topography. Plain Language Summary: Inducing fracture slip, dilation, and propagation to create a highly conductive fracture network by injection has been viewed as an effective reservoir stimulation approach for subsurface energy extraction. Fault/fracture slip can cause seismic/microseismic events, which can be used to estimate the stimulated volume. There are also some concerns regarding seismic hazard related to fluid injection. In order to better understand the underlying physics of fault slip and induced seismicity, we performed laboratory experiments. Here, we report results from an injection‐induced shear test conducted on a rough granite fracture, in which the fracture deformation, fluid flow, and acoustic emission were all concurrently measured. Our results demonstrate that faults/fractures may slip in different modes (from creep, slow quasi‐static slip, to fast dynamic slip) during fluid injection and each slip mode is reflected by a different AE/microseismic response and frictional behavior (slip weakening or slip strengthening). Moreover, it is observed that the spatially heterogeneous distribution of induced AE events is directly linked with the fracture surface topography and the shear‐induced asperity damage, indicating the controlling effect of surface topography on fault slip heterogeneity. Key Points: A laboratory injection‐induced shear test has been conducted on a rough granite fracture with concurrent acoustic emission monitoringAseismic‐seismic transition accompanied by temporal evolution of slip velocity, stress drop, and friction coefficient has been observedThe link between slip heterogeneity and fracture roughness is revealed by AE hypocenters distribution and fracture surface topography [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The hydraulic fracturing technique has been widely applied in many fields, such as the enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), the improvement of injection rates for geologic sequestration of CO2, and for the stimulations of oil and gas reservoirs. The key points for the success of hydraulic fracturing operations in unconventional resources are to accurately estimate the redistribution of pore pressure and stresses around the induced fracture and predict the reactivations of preexisting natural fractures. The pore pressure and stress regime around hydraulic fracture are affected by poroelastic and thermoelastic phenomena as well as by fracture opening compression. In this work, a comprehensive semi‐analytical model is used to estimate the stress and pore pressure distribution around an injection‐induced fracture from a single well in an infinite reservoir. The model allows the leak‐off distribution in the formation to be three‐dimensional with the pressure transient moving ellipsoidically outward into the reservoir from the fracture surface. The pore pressure and the stress changes in three dimensions at any point around the fracture caused by poroelasticity, thermoelasticity, and fracture compression are investigated. With Mohr‐Coulomb failure criterion, we calculate the natural fracture reactivations in the reservoir. Then, two case studies of constant water injection into a hydraulic fracture are presented. This work is of interest in the interpretation of microseismicity in hydraulic fracturing and in the estimation of the fracture spacing for hydraulic fracturing operations. In addition, the results from this study can be very helpful for the selection of stimulated wells and further design of the refracturing operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the evidence related to the effect of upper limb motor recovery on submovement characteristics, including duration, amplitude, overlap, interpeak distance, and the number of submovements in stroke patients using a meta-analysis.Type Of Study: Meta-analysis.Literature Survey: The literature search was restricted to articles written in English published from inception to October 2018 in Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, IEEE Explore, MEDLINE, CDSR, Scopus, Compendex, Wiley Online Library, Springer Link, and REHABDATA.Methodology: Studies were included if they encompassed adult participants with a clinical diagnosis of stroke who underwent upper limb rehabilitation and if they assessed and reported submovement characteristics as the outcome measures in pre- and posttreatment stages. Changes in submovement characteristics between pre- and postinterventions were compared using the standardized mean difference (SMD). Finally, a test for heterogeneity and publication bias was implemented for all meta-analyses.Synthesis: Among the 188 retrieved articles, seven of them (one randomized controlled trial, six pre-post) involving 259 patients were selected for meta-analysis. Based on the results, the overall observed changes in all meta-analyses were statistically significant. In total, submovement amplitude (SMD 0.624, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.356, 0.893]), duration (SMD 0.61, 95% CI [0.332, 0.888]), and overlap (SMD 0.928, 95% CI [0.768, 1.088]) increased whereas interpeak distance (SMD -0.278, 95% CI [-0.42, -0.137]), and the total number of submovements (SMD -0.804, 95% CI [-1.069, -0.538]) decreased.Conclusions: The submovements appeared to become longer, fewer, and more overlapped with motor recovery. Based on the results, the ability of the neural system to blend submovements increased in both acute/subacute and chronic patients during recovery. Therefore, assessing the submovements during recovery can be a new quantitative measure of motor improvement, providing another means of comparing rehabilitation interventions and individualizing therapy for stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Decreased well‐being in medical careers has resulted in increased burnout, errors, and patient mortality rates. However, while well‐being and burnout of providers and medical residents has been studied previously, it is difficult to apply this information to pharmacy residents as the programs are different in time, focus, and requirements. In addition, differences in resident demographics and goals further elucidate difficulties in applying these findings to well‐being of pharmacy residents. With residency program directors (RPDs) often having the first and most frequent contact with pharmacy residents, ensuring these individuals better understand resident well‐being could facilitate increased well‐being and satisfaction, as well as stronger connections to the program itself. Objective: The primary objective was to identify discrepancies between residents and RPDs in the perception of resident well‐being. Methods: This was a pilot cohort study. Resident and RPD responses were solicited utilizing Listservs of RPDs in 15 states, as well as platforms such as the North Carolina Association of Pharmacist's Residency Community. Results: Residents reported a statistically significant lower overall well‐being, with only 49.1% of respondents reporting a "good" or "great" level of well‐being, as compared with 80.1% of RPDs reporting their residents' well‐being as "good" or "great" (P <.001). Secondary end points, such as perception of communication, relationships, and emotional health, revealed similar significant results of RPDs' higher perception of resident well‐being in comparison with resident responses. Of the 15 secondary end points evaluated, 13 showed residents reporting a lower well‐being score compared with the RPDs' perception. Conclusion: There is a large disparity between residents' perception and RPDs' perception of well‐being. This disparity should be viewed as an opportunity to foster conversation, improve well‐being, and implement change in pharmacy residencies across the country. Further studies could be beneficial in understanding specific, successful initiatives that promote higher well‐being scores among pharmacy residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hot pressing process of monolithic Al2O3 and Al2O3‐SiC composites with 0‐25 wt% of submicrometer silicon carbide was done in this paper. The presence of SiC particles prohibited the grain growth of the Al2O3 matrix during sintering at the temperatures of 1450°C and 1550°C for 1 h and under the pressure of 30 MPa in vacuum. The effect of SiC reinforcement on the mechanical properties of composite specimens like fracture toughness, flexural strength, and hardness was discussed. The results showed that the maximum values of fracture toughness (5.9 ± 0.5 MPa.m1/2) and hardness (20.8 ± 0.4 GPa) were obtained for the Al2O3‐5 wt% SiC composite specimens. The significant improvement in fracture toughness of composite specimens in comparison with the monolithic alumina (3.1 ± 0.4 MPa.m1/2) could be attributed to crack deflection as one of the toughening mechanisms with regard to the presence of SiC particles. In addition, the flexural strength was improved by increasing SiC value up to 25 wt% and reached 395 ± 1.4 MPa. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations verified that the increasing of flexural strength was related to the fine‐grained microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]