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Low visibility conditions due to fog affect air traffic and, in some cases, are the leading cause of aviation accidents. Accurate forecasting of fog can lead to a significant reduction of human and financial losses. Numerical weather prediction (NWP) models have limitations in simulating fog accurately for operational purposes. However, recent studies have confirmed that ensemble‐based forecasts are effective in fog forecasting. In this study, a multi‐physics ensemble prediction system (EPS) was used to simulate the occurrence of several radiation, cloud base lowering (CBL), and advection fog events that occurred at Arak, Ardebil, Hamedan, Orumiyeh, Rasht and Shahrekord airports located across Iran, during January and December 2015. The multi‐physics EPS including a reference deterministic forecast consists of 16 different configurations of the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model and was run from 12 UTC 12 January to 12 UTC 16 January 2015 and from 00 UTC 27 December to 12 UTC 31 December 2015 to simulate fog occurrences at six airports. SW99 and G2009 visibility algorithms were applied to the EPS outputs to predict the fog. The advantages of probabilistic fog forecasting in this study were shown by comparing the reference forecast and the ensemble‐based forecasts of fog events. The results showed that by considering a probability threshold of 37.5%, 50% and 62.5% for the ensemble forecasts, the EPS outperformed the deterministic fog forecasts obtained from a deterministic reference forecast. Such that, with 37.5% and 50% probability thresholds, the equitable threat score (ETS) was much higher than the ETS for the reference deterministic fog forecast. Also, the EPS with 37.5% and 50% probability thresholds could correctly predict 3 and 4 (out of 10) more fog events compared with the reference deterministic forecast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of this study was to detect selection signatures considering cows from the German Holstein (GH) and the local dual‐purpose black and white (DSN) population, as well as from generated sub‐populations. The 4654 GH and 261 DSN cows were genotyped with the BovineSNP50 Genotyping BeadChip. The geographical herd location was used as an environmental descriptor to create the East‐DSN and West‐DSN sub‐populations. In addition, two further sub‐populations of GH cows were generated, using the extreme values for solutions of residual effects of cows for the claw disorder dermatitis digitalis. These groups represented the most susceptible and most resistant cows. We used cross‐population extended haplotype homozygosity methodology (XP‐EHH) to identify the most recent selection signatures. Furthermore, we calculated Wright's fixation index (FST). Chromosomal segments for the top 0.1 percentile of negative or positive XP‐EHH scores were studied in detail. For gene annotations, we used the Ensembl database and we considered a window of 250 kbp downstream and upstream of each core SNP corresponding to peaks of XP‐EHH. In addition, functional interactions among potential candidate genes were inferred via gene network analyses. The most outstanding XP‐EHH score was on chromosome 12 (at 77.34 Mb) for DSN and on chromosome 20 (at 36.29–38.42 Mb) for GH. Selection signature locations harbored QTL for several economically important milk and meat quality traits, reflecting the different breeding goals for GH and DSN. The average FST value between GH and DSN was quite low (0.068), indicating shared founders. For group stratifications according to cow health, several identified potential candidate genes influence disease resistance, especially to dermatitis digitalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We propose a computationally efficient and statistically principled method for kernel smoothing of point pattern data on a linear network. The point locations, and the network itself, are convolved with a two‐dimensional kernel and then combined into an intensity function on the network. This can be computed rapidly using the fast Fourier transform, even on large networks and for large bandwidths, and is robust against errors in network geometry. The estimator is consistent, and its statistical efficiency is only slightly suboptimal. We discuss bias, variance, asymptotics, bandwidth selection, variance estimation, relative risk estimation and adaptive smoothing. The methods are used to analyse spatially varying frequency of traffic accidents in Western Australia and the relative risk of different types of traffic accidents in Medellín, Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The objective of genome mapping is to achieve valuable insight into the connection between gene variants (genotype) and observed traits (phenotype). Part of that objective is to understand the selective forces that have operated on a population. Finding links between genotype–phenotype changes makes it possible to identify selective sweeps by patterns of genetic variation and linkage disequilibrium. Based on Illumina 50KSNP chip data, two approaches, XP‐EHH (cross‐population extend haplotype homozygosity) and FST (fixation index), were carried out in this research to identify selective sweeps in the genome of three Iranian local sheep breeds: Baluchi (n = 86), Lori‐Bakhtiari (n = 45) and Zel (n = 45). Using both methods, 93 candidate genomic regions were identified as harboring putative selective sweeps. Bioinformatics analysis of the genomic regions showed that signatures of selection related to multiple candidate genes, such as HOXB9,HOXB13,ACAN,NPR2,TRIL,AOX1,CSF2,GHR,TNS2,SPAG8,HINT2,ALS2,AAAS,RARG,SYCP2,CAV1,PPP1R3D,PLA2G7,TTLL7 and C20orf10, that play a role in skeletal system and tail, sugar and energy metabolisms, growth, reproduction, immune and nervous system traits. Our findings indicated diverse genomic selection during the domestication of Iranian sheep breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the effects of thermal cycling loading on the failure analysis of polymer matrix composites (PMCs) pipes are investigated. The [902/±30/902]T ring specimens were loaded using developed thermal cycling apparatus and tested using NOL‐ring tensile testing method. The specimens are categorized to un‐notched and different diameter open‐hole specimens. The rings subjected up to 200 thermal cycles between 0°C and 50°C with constant cooling/heating rates of 17°C/min. Then the tensile strength of carbon/epoxy laminated composite materials was obtained using tensile testing. The results showed that tensile strength of un‐notched and open hole specimens were decreased under thermal cycling. Also, thermal wrapping and fracture analysis of the specimens are studied. Finally, some suggestions are presented in the Conclusion section. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3140–3146, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Integrating the plant and controller designs reduces the unnecessary interactions, which increases the overall control cost. This is the main concern of the plant‐controller codesign (PCCD) theory that is extensively covered in the literature for linear plants. However, in the presence of input saturation, linear methods are not valid anymore. Indeed, for attaining the optimal controller with input saturation, the Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman equation should be satisfied. In this paper, an iterative technique is proposed for solving the linear PCCD problem with input saturation. In order to achieve the optimal design, the plant is updated using the necessary condition for optimality expressed by sensitivity equations appended to the Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman equation. Results indicate that the PCCD improves the control effort and reduces the overall performance index significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of pentoxifylline on complications of prolonged usage of morphine upon the testis and sperm parameters of rats. In this study, forty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups ( n = 8) and treated for 56 days to only saline, only morphine, only pentoxifylline, pentoxifylline + morphine and naltrexone + morphine. The diameters of seminiferous tubules, the maturity of germ line epithelium and sperm parameters were evaluated. The expression of inflammatory-related factors in testis tissues were also investigated at gene and protein levels. The data were calculated by one-way ANOVA test followed by Tukey's post hoc test using SPSS software for windows (version 20). Seminiferous tubule diameter, the maturity of spermatogonia and sperm parameters were significantly decreased in morphine group in comparison with control, pentoxifylline and pentoxifylline + morphine groups ( p < .001). The expression of anti-inflammatory markers, at both gene and protein levels, was significantly increased in testis of morphine-treated rats in comparison with other groups ( p < .001). Chronic morphine administration induces destructive effects on male reproductive system by regulating inflammatory responses. Pentoxifylline recovers the destructive effects of morphine on male reproductive system by inhibiting TLR (Toll-like receptor) activity, as an anti-inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, epoxy powder as a matrix was combined with different contents of silicon-aluminum-oxygen-nitrogen (SiAlON) nanoparticles using a planetary ball mill. Pure epoxy and nanocomposite powders were applied on the surface of plain carbon steel components by the electrostatic spraying method. Curing of the coatings was done in an oven or microwave for the appropriate time. The coating structure and morphology of the SiAlON nanoparticles were studied by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The corrosion properties of the coatings were assessed by immersion, Tafel polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests in 3.5% NaCl solution. The results show that addition of 10 wt % SiAlON nanoparticles markedly increases the corrosion resistance of epoxy coatings. Thus, it can be inferred that the corrosion rate of these coatings is 15 to 18 times lower than that of pure epoxy samples and 8 to 11 times lower than coatings with 20 wt % SiAlON. The higher corrosion resistance of nanocomposite coatings can be attributed to the barrier properties of SiAlON nanoparticles. The tribological performance of the coatings was studied with the pin-on-disk test. The results of wear testing show that the samples containing 10 wt % SiAlON provide about five times more wear resistance than pure ones and about two times more than coatings with 20 wt % SiAlON. However, the coefficient of friction for nanocomposite coatings is reduced about 50% compared to the pure sample. Also, the curing process in either regime (oven or microwave) has the same effect on the corrosion and wear properties, and the coatings are completely crosslinked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most prevalent malignancy among children and makes up 23% of total childhood cancers worldwide. Pre-B ALL is one of the most common ALLs, comprising about 80% of childhood cases. A variety of genes are involved in metabolizing carcinogens. These gene polymorphisms can result in less efficient or overly-down metabolic pathways, which may contribute to the susceptibility to develop cancer. Glutathione S-transferase omega (GSTO) is a new known class among GSTs superfamily. GSTO1 and GSTO2 polymorphisms have been reported to be related to several types of disease. We assessed the association between GSTO1 and GSTO2 polymorphisms and childhood pre-B ALL risk in Iran. Methods This case-control study analyzed GSTO1 A140D (rs. 4925) and GSTO2 N142D (rs. 156697) gene polymorphisms using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method, in 100 patients and 120 healthy controls. Results The genotype frequencies were not significantly different between patients and healthy controls. Odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) for mutant homozygotes were 1.54 (0.628-3.778) and 0.791 (0.349-1.793) for GSTO1 A140D and GSTO2 N142D, respectively. Conclusion This study found no significant association between Pre-B ALL and GSTO1 A140D and GSTO2 N142D polymorphisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The single phase CGS nanoparticles were synthesized by solvothermal method. The optimal annealing regime of synthesis stage was determined as 180 °C for 12 h followed by an extra annealing at 230 °C for 12 h. The phase improvements were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. Grain size ranging from 20-50 nm was obtained by SEM and TEM images and confirmed by Scherrer's formula. Band gap of 2.48 eV and a broad PL spectrum peaking at 3.16 eV were resulted respectively from studies on UV-Visible absorption and photoluminescence (PL) patterns of the synthesized nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kinetic and thermodynamic effects of three typical low-dosage imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) on methane hydrate formation and dissociation were investigated, considering the anion nature and subcooling and/or overpressure driving forces. Isochoric hydrate formation and dissociation data were obtained by the modified slow step-heating method. ILs proved to have a dual effect on both formation and dissociation of methane hydrate including thermodynamic and kinetic inhibition. Kinetic modeling of methane hydrate inhibition by low-dosage ILs was performed. Kinetic analysis showed that IL inhibitors mainly cause a delay in the nucleation or hydrate growth step. The related inhibition mechanism was resolved regarding the ionic nature and electrostatic interactions of ILs with water molecules. Two binomial exponential kinetic relations were derived and used for simple methane hydrate formation in the presence of ILs as kinetic hydrate inhibitors. The proposed relations can serve for a quick estimation of the nature, extent, strength, and effectiveness of ILs on various gas hydrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time-dependent isochoric formation of methane hydrate was investigated in the presence of low-dose poly(ethylene oxides) (PEOs). The effect of different molecular weights of PEO on methane hydrate nucleation time and storage capacity was studied and compared. Kinetic measurements revealed a dual effect of PEO, including inhibition and stabilization effects, on methane hydrate formation. The nature and type of the effect arises from the difference in molecular weights and concentration ranges of PEOs. These parameters directly affect the nucleation time and storage capacity of methane hydrate. Generally, in comparison with pure water, PEO improved the storage capacity of methane hydrate. PEO (1000 kD) at a concentration of 0.5 wt % exhibits a significant kinetic inhibitory performance. However, it was an efficient low-dosage hydrate stabilizer at a concentration of 0.25 wt %, along with producing gas-rich methane hydrate suitable for gas fuel storage and transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate mineral contents of meat (longissimus dorsi thoracis muscle) and liver in 350 river buffalos (Bubalus bubalis ) grazed on natural pastures in terms of gender and age. According to the results, there were significant differences (P < 0.0001) in the mineral concentrations between meat and liver except for sodium. Potassium occurred in the highest concentration in the meat followed by sodium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron and copper. In the liver, potassium was the most abundant mineral followed by sodium, iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc and copper. Gender did not have any significant effect (P > 0.05) on the mineral contents of the meat and liver except for iron (P < 0.001). Age affected all mineral concentrations in the meat and liver. Sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium contents of meat increased (P < 0.001) with age. In the liver all of the measured minerals, except for magnesium, were increased significantly (P < 0.001) with age. However, the iron, zinc and copper contents of muscle and the magnesium content of liver were decreased with age (P < 0.001), respectively. Our findings showed that meat and liver of buffalo are suitable sources of iron, potassium and zinc. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Muscle is a dynamic tissue that performs mechanical, biological and chemical functions. Muscle development and its chemical and physical properties are affected by age, nutrition, hormonal status and disease. The mineral composition of meat from buffaloes grazed on natural pastures could be suitable as an alternative red meat for human consumption. The buffalo meat and liver are rich and good sources of potassium, zinc and iron. Buffalo meat has higher contents of iron than cattle meat and is recommended to be considered in iron scarce diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress during pregnancy is common and may have side effects on mother and baby. Mean ALP was significantly different in terms of perceived stress levels and increased with increasing stress levels. Conclusions ALP levels differed significantly in terms of perceived stress levels and increased with increasing stress levels in pregnant women. [Extracted from the article]

Targeted treatment of cancer is one of the most paramount approaches in cancer treatment. Despite significant advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment methods, there are still significant limitations and disadvantages in the field, including high costs, toxicity, and unwanted damage to healthy cells. The phage display technique is an innovative method for designing carriers containing exogenic peptides with cancer diagnostic and therapeutic properties. Bacteriophages possess unique properties making them effective in cancer treatment. These characteristics include the small size enabling them to penetrate vessels; having no pathogenicity to mammals; easy manipulation of their genetic information and surface proteins to introduce vaccines and drugs to cancer tissues; lower cost of large-scale production; and greater stimulation of the immune system. Bacteriophages will certainly play a more effective role in the future of medical oncology; however, studies are in the early stages of conception and require more extensive research. We aimed in this review to provide some related examples and bring insights into the potential of phages as targeted vectors for use in cancer diagnosis and treatment, especially regarding their capability in gene and drug delivery to cancer target cells, determination of tumor markers, and vaccine design to stimulate anticancer immunity., (© 2023 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.)

Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the flexural strength and Weibull characteristics of 3 different resin-ceramic materials with a zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate material after thermal-cycling., Material and Methods: Four different computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing restorative materials (Vita Enamic, Lava Ultimate, Crystal Ultra, and Vita Suprinity) were tested. A total of 40 Ø12×1.2-mm disks were prepared and divided into 4 groups (n = 10). Their flexural strength was evaluated after 5000 thermal-cycles with a 4-point biaxial flexure test using a universal testing machine. The Weibull modulus and probability of failure were also determined from the biaxial flexural strength data. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and the Tukey pairwise comparison test (α = 0.05)., Results: Significant differences were found among the materials in terms of biaxial flexural strength (p < 0.05). Vita Suprinity had the highest mean ±standard deviation flexural strength (289.1 ± 15.1 MPa), and Vita Enamic had the lowest (100.0 ± 3.2 MPa). The highest Weibull modulus was calculated for Crystal Ultra, followed by Vita Enamic, Lava Ultimate, and Vita Suprinity., Conclusion: Vita Suprinity had the highest flexural strength when compared with the other materials tested. Crystal Ultra had the highest flexural strength among the resin-ceramic materials. The highest Weibull modulus was calculated for Crystal Ultra and the lowest for Vita Suprinity., (© 2022 by the American College of Prosthodontists.)

Background Particulate matter (PM) pollution is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, causing substantial disease burden and deaths worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the global burden of cardiovascular diseases attributed to PM from 1990 to 2019. Methods and Results We used the GBD (Global Burden of Disease) study 2019 to investigate disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and deaths attributed to PM as well as its subgroups. It was shown that all burden measures' age-standardized rates for PM were in the same decreasing trend, with the highest decline recorded for deaths (-36.7%). However, the all-age DALYs increased by 31%, reaching 8.9 million in 2019, to which YLLs contributed the most (8.2 million [95% uncertainty interval, 7.3 million-9.2 million]). Men had higher deaths, DALYs, and YLLs despite lower years lived with disability in 2019 compared with women. There was an 8.1% increase in the age-standardized rate of DALYs for ambient PM; however, household air pollution from solid fuels decreased by 65.4% in the assessed period. Although higher in men, the low and high sociodemographic index regions had the highest and lowest attributed YLLs/YLDs ratio for PM pollution in 2019, respectively. Conclusions Although the total age-standardized rate of DALYs for PM-attributed cardiovascular diseases diminished from 1990 to 2019, the global burden of PM on cardiovascular diseases has increased. The differences between men and women and between regions have clinical and policy implications in global health planning toward more exact funding and resource allocation, in addition to addressing inequity in health care access.

The heterogeneity of climate and different agro-ecological conditions in Iran have resulted in development of 27 indigenous sheep breeds. Wild Asiatic mouflon (Ovis orientalis) is believed to be the ancestor of Iranian sheep. Evaluation of genetic diversity and population structure within and among domestic breeds has important implications for animal breeding programs and genetic resources management. Based on 50K SNP genotype data, we studied the genetic diversity of five indigenous Iranian sheep breeds: Afshari (n = 37), Moghani (n = 34), Qezel (n = 35), Zel (n = 46) and Lori-Bakhtiari (n = 46), and Asiatic mouflon (n = 8) sampled from Iran. Furthermore, genetic diversity and the breed admixture of Iranian sheep were assessed on a larger geographic scale using a reference panel comprising: three indigenous Afghan breeds - Arabi (n = 15), Balouchi (n = 15) and Gadik (n = 15); three indigenous breeds from Turkey and Cyprus - Cyprus Fat Tail (n = 30), Karakas (n = 18) and Norduz (n = 20); and three commercial European breeds - Suffolk (n = 19), Comisana (n = 24) and Engadine Red Sheep (n = 24). The results revealed that the investigated breeds are divided into five genetically distinct clusters according to their geographic origin. Afshari was closest to the local mouflon population and showed signs of mouflon admixture. Qezel was identified as a hybrid sheep breed. Much evidence supported the Afghan breeds being identical. Inbreeding values, which were estimated based on ROHs, were highest for Suffolk (F ROH  = 0.0544) and lowest for Balouchi (F ROH  = 0.0078). In conclusion, analysis of selected breeds from neighboring countries along with Asiatic mouflon gave a deeper insight into the evolutionary history and origin of Iranian sheep with important implications for future breed management., (© 2020 Stichting International Foundation for Animal Genetics.)

Background: Currently, there is an increasing interest in noninvasive imaging of cardiovascular system such as computed tomography coronary angiography (CCTA). The risks of radiation-induced cancer and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) have always been regarded as concerns which increased demand for CCTA using reduced radiation dose and iodine intake. We aimed to evaluate the image quality and radiation dose of CCTA by modifying tube voltage and concentration of contrast media., Methods: The present study includes 105 patients who underwent CCTA for clinical indications. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria in terms of patient's weight, body mass index, calcium score, and stenting were used. First group of patients scanned by 120 kV and 370 mg I/mL contrast medium, compared with second and third groups for which scanning was performed using 100 kV and 370 mg I/mL and 100 kV and 300 mg I/mL, respectively. Image quality was evaluated both subjectively and objectively. The effective dose and iodine intake were also measured., Results: Using low kV protocols led to radiation dose reduction up to 38% and applying low contrast medium concentration with consequent reduced iodine intake up to 21%. Moreover, there were significant differences in image quality of new scanning protocols., Conclusion: Reduction in tube voltage with lowering of contrast medium concentration can reduce radiation dose and iodine intake with acceptable image quality., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a clinical diagnosis of massive abdominal swelling by a gelatinous material, produced usually from an ovarian or appendiceal primary. It is a rare entity that is usually histologically benign but behaves clinically in a malignant fashion with recurrent growth, although not demonstrating histological stromal invasion. The disease remains localized to the peritoneal cavity and the clinical course is one of repeated episodes of intestinal obstruction caused by extrinsic compression that seem only to be relieved by surgical debulking. Variable responses have been obtained with adjuvant chemo-, radio- and immunotherapy, but these isolated responses are unable to be reproduced and so there is no accepted adjuvant treatment for this disease.