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Metasurface coatings on a free-standing SiN thin film membrane are fabricated on a Si substrate using masked lithography and CMOS-compatible surface micromachining. The result is a band-limited absorber for the mid-IR, which is part of a microstructure that is attached to the substrate by long and slender suspension beams to provide thermal isolation. As a residual of the fabrication, the regular pattern of sub-wavelength unit cells of 2.6 μm side length, which defines the metasurface, is interrupted by an equally regular array of sub-wavelength holes of 1–2 μm diameter and at 7.8–15.6 μm of pitch. This array of holes is essential for enabling access of the etchant and attack of the underlying layer during fabrication, which ultimately results in the sacrificial release of the membrane from the underlying substrate. As the plasmonic responses of the two patterns interfere, a maximum is imposed on the hole diameter and a minimum on the hole-to-hole pitch. However, the hole diameter should be sufficiently large to allow access of the etchant, while the maximum spacing between holes is set by the limited selectivity of the different materials to the etchant during sacrificial release. The effect of the parasitic hole pattern on the spectral absorption of a metasurface design is analyzed by simulations of the responses of combined holes–metasurface structures. Arrays of 300 × 180 μm2 Al-Al2O3-Al MIM structures are mask-fabricated on suspended SiN beams. The results show that the effect of the array of holes can be disregarded for a hole-to-hole pitch larger than 6 times the side length of the metamaterial until cell, while the diameter of the hole should remain smaller than about 1.5 μm, and their alignment is critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the existence and uniqueness of solutions for a coupled system of fractional differential equations with three-point generalized fractional integral boundary conditions within generalized proportional fractional derivatives of the Riemann-Liouville type. By using the Schauder and Banach fixed point theorems, we study the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the aforesaid system. Finally, we present an example to validate our theoretical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the experiment was to determine the appropriate time of calcium bolus (CB) administration on performance and health of primiparous fresh cows. Two - hundred fourteen primiparous cows were randomly assigned to one of four treatments immediately after calving: 1) control group without receiving CB (CON); 2) CB immediately after calving (BL0); 3) CB 24 h after calving (BL24); 4) two CBs immediately and 24 h after calving (BL0,24). Milk production and milk composition were recorded monthly (based on scheduled farm milking recording) and there were six records for each cow. Serum total calcium (tCa) concentrations was determined at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 168 h after calving. The prevalence of diseases and reproductive performance were recorded for 210 DIM. Total calcium concentration was significantly lower in total period in BL24 treatment (P < 0.01). Also serum total calcium concentration in BL0 and BL0,24 groups increased significantly at 24 h after calving (P = 0.03), but was lower for BL24 cows after 72 h of calving (P < 0.01) compared with CON and BL0 treatments. Serum ß-hydroxybutyrate concentration in control group tended to be greater (P = 0.06) at 7 DIM compared to all treatments. Average milk yields were not different among treatment groups but treatment by time interaction was significant (P = 0.03), thereby in the first milk record BL0 and BL0,24 cows had greater milk production (P = 0.03) and tended to produce more at third record (P = 0.09). Treatments had no effect on milk compositions, reproductive performance and diseases incidence. Only, the days to the first artificial insemination tended to be reduced for BL24 cows compared with others (P = 0.08) and pregnancy at second artificial inseminations tended to be less for control compared with CB supplemented cows (P = 0.09). The subclinical hypocalcemia incidence at 24 h after calving was lower in BL0 treatment (P = 0.03). Based on the results of this study, supplementing at least one CB immediately after calving in primiparous cows could increase the blood calcium concentration and cause them to peak earlier. • Oral Ca bolus administration immediately following calving resulted in increased concentrations of Ca at 24 h after calving. • Average milk yield increased in the first and third milk record in BL0 and BL0,24 treatments. • Calcium bolus had no effect on the incidence of diseases and culling. • Cows treated with oral Ca bolus tended to have higher pregnancy at second artificial inseminations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Y 2 O 3 nanopowders were synthesized by the hydrothermal treatment of Y(NO 3 ) 3 ·6H 2 O and citric acid (CA) as Y +3 and the capping agent, respectively. The effect of different CA:Y +3 mol ratios, heat treatment time, and calcination temperature was investigated in order to determine their influence on the morphology, particle size and phase of Y 2 O 3 nanopowders. The narrow size distribution of particles was obtained with CA:Y +3 mol ratio=1.6, heat treatment time of 6 h, and a calcination temperature at 900 °C for 90 min. Then, the synthesized Y 2 O 3 nanopowder was consolidated by the spark plasma sintering technique at 1500 °C with a heating rate of 100 °C/min and held for 8 min before turning off the power. As a result, the ceramic prepared with 3 mm thickness got the highest transmission of 80% at 2.5–6 µm wavelength. The highest density and the grain size of yttria ceramic were 99.58% and 1–1.2 µm at 1500 °C, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the Ni-B-AlO composite was successfully coated on the surface of Ck45 steel by elecroless method. X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized in order to investigate and identify the coating properties. Wear behavior of the coating was studied by the pinon- disk test. Corrosion behavior of the Ni-B and Ni-B-AlO coatings was investigated by using Tafel polarization diagrams in the 3.5% NaCl solution at room temperature. The obtained data demonstrate that the addition of AlO nanoparticles to the coating has resulted in improving the tribological behavior of the coating due to the presence of the composite nanoparticles. Also, the results of electrochemical testing show that corrosion resistance of the electroless Ni-B coating with AlO nanoparticles has dramatically increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, it has been attempted to investigate and compare the wear behavior of 4 types of electroless nickel-phosphorous coating (with 4, 5, 9, and 12 wt % P) at 250°C. Changes of the phosphorous deposition were controlled through the manipulation of pH in plating bath. All samples were heated at 400°C for an hour under argon gas atmosphere. Later on, after the heat treatment, the coating structures were investigated via X-ray diffraction test. Moreover, the hardness and wear behavior of coatings over sliding distance of 1000 meters were measured via Vickers micro-hardness measurement and pin-on-disk test with 10 N load, respectively. Additionally, the worn surface was investigated through SEM. The results illustrated that the higher the phosphorous proportion, the longer the amount of intermetallic phases, and the lower the coating wear. It has been determined that the highest and lowest wear resistance happened in Ni-3.5% P coating and Ni-12% P coating respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a 200 kW horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) blade is designed using an efficient iterative algorithm based on the blade element momentum theory (BEM) on aerodynamic of wind turbines. The effects of off-design variations of wind speed are investigated on the blade performance parameters according to constant rotational speed of the rotor. The performance parameters considered are power coefficient, axial and angular induction factors, lift and drag coefficients on the blade, angle of attack and angle of relative wind. At higher or lower wind speeds than the designed rated speed, the power coefficient is reduced due to considerable changes in the angle of attacks. Therefore, proper pitch control angles were calculated to extract maximum possible power at various off-design speeds. The results showed a considerable improvement in power coefficient for the pitch controlled blade as compared with the baseline design in whole operating range. The present approach can be equally employed for determining pitch angles to design pitch control system of medium and large-scale wind turbines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

These days, the trend in every manufacturing industry including welding is to automate the processes in order to increase productivity. To achieve this objective, it is therefore necessary to make use of models to relate the input parameters with the responses. This paper reports on the applicability of fuzzy logic to predict the weld bead penetration in submerged arc welding process as affected by input welding parameters. Fuzzy logic is a computer technique which allows expressing, evaluating, and simplifying complexities in regard to the relationships in a process by describing the dependencies between output and input parameters in a linguistic form. To develop the fuzzy logic model, the arc voltage, welding current, welding speed, electrode stick-out, and thickness of TiO nanoparticles were taken as the input parameters and the weld bead penetration as the response. In order to generate experimental data, a five-level five-factor rotatable central composite design of experiments was employed. Experiments were performed, and the weld bead penetrations were measured. The predicted results using fuzzy logic were compared with the experimental ones. The correlation coefficient value obtained was 99.99 % between the measured and predicted values of weld bead penetration. The results show that the fuzzy logic is an accurate and reliable technique used in predicting the weld bead penetration due to its low error rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical diagnosis of the myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) has previously been based on clinical data and bone marrow morphology due to lack of specific molecular markers. The discovery of JAK2 V617F mutation has shed light on understanding of the molecular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of the myeloproliferative disorders. The thrombopoietin receptor gene (MPL) is expressed in megakaryocytes and exhibits the gain of function point mutation in ∼5% of MPDs. Several research groups have used real-time PCR to detect and quantify the presence of JAK2 V617F mutation. We report here a highly specific real-time assay based on the TaqMan® technology to detect the MPL W515L mutation with high sensitivity from the patient's blood. This assay can be easily performed together with the JAK2 V617F mutation assay on the same real-time PCR reaction plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attraction of leukocytes to tissues is essential for inflammation and the initiation of the autoimmune reaction. The process is controlled by chemokines, which are chemotactic cytokines. We investigated whether human chemokine receptor gene polymorphisms, namely CCR5-Δ32 and CCR2-64I, are associated with susceptibility to autoimmune Addison's disease. Genotyping was performed in 56 patients and 127 healthy controls by a new method using pyrosequencing for CCR2-64I and by polymerase chain reaction and detecting gel for CCR5-Δ32. None of the CCR2 or CCR5 alleles was found to be associated, either positively or negatively, with disease risk. Our results indicate that the CCR2-64I and CCR5-Δ32 gene polymorphisms do not play a major role in conferring genetic risk for, and/or protection against, autoimmune Addison's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resistive particulate matter sensor is a simple device that transduces the presence of soot through impedance change across inter-digital electrodes (IDEs). We investigate the information provided by impedance spectroscopy over the frequency range from 100 Hz to 10 kHz for two purposes. The first is to investigate the opportunities for an improved sensor response to particulate matter (PM), based on the additional information provided by the measurement of both the in-phase (resistive) and out-of-phase (capacitive) components of the change in impedance over this frequency range as compared to DC resistance measurement only. Secondly, the origin of the capacitive response of the device is investigated from the perspective that soot on the device is in the form of bendable dendrites that grow in three dimensions. An IDE structure with the housing acting as an additional suspended electrode for introducing a controllable vertical electric field component has been used for this purpose. The formation of dipoles, due to bending of the charged dendrites, is found to be the source of the capacitive response. Simulation of electrostatic soot deposition reinforces dendritic self-assembly mechanisms, driven by charged particle trajectories along electric field lines. Optical microscopy confirms that dendrites growing out of the substrate plane are sensitive to electric and flow forces, bending when force balances are appropriate. We also apply impedance spectroscopy under varying electric field strengths, showing that capacitive response is only observed when conditions are conducive to dendrite bending in response to the applied AC electric fields. • Impedance spectroscopy in the 100 Hz to 10 kHz frequency range is applied to an IDE. • The change in capacitance of the IDE is more gradual with PM deposit as resistance. • A model for soot dendrite growth is validated by spectral permittivity measurement. • Electrophoresis results in preferred soot deposition at IDE surface irregularities. • A vertical electric field component results in vertical growth of soot dendrites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of a planar periodic structure formed with two different microstrip line sections is presented. Closed-form expressions for the A BCD parameters of a structure with N unit cells are derived. The input-output characteristics of the structure are very similar to a bandpass/bandstop filter. Numerical results for the normalized output power provide good agreement with the measured data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design, fabrication and characterization of a linear-variable optical-filter (LVOF) that will be used in a micro-spectrometer operating in infrared (IR) for natural gas composition measurement. An LVOF is placed on top of an array of detectors and transforms the optical spectrum into a lateral intensity profile, which is recorded by the detectors. The IR LVOF was fabricated in an IC-compatible process using a photoresist reflow technique, followed by transfer etching of the photoresist into the optical resonator layer. The spectral range between 3 to 5 µm contains the absorption peaks for hydrocarbons, carbon-monoxide and carbon-dioxide. The resulting optical absorption is utilized to measure the gas concentrations in a sample volume. Two LVOF structures were designed and fabricated on silicon wafers using alternate layers of sputtered silicon and silicon-dioxide as the high- and low- refractive index materials. These filters consist of a Fabry–Pérot resonator combined with a band-pass filter designed to block out-of-band transmissions. Finally, the filters were fully characterized with an FTIR spectrometer and showed satisfactory agreement with the optical thin-film simulations. The characterization showed a spectral resolution of 100 nm, which can be further improved with signal processing algorithms. This method makes it possible to fabricate small and robust LVOFs with high resolving power in the IR spectral range directly on the detector array chip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the consequences of Neo-Tethys ocean subduction beneath the Central Iranian Micro-continent (CIMC) is the development of rare gabbroic intrusions in the Malayer–Boroujerd Plutonic Complex (MBPC) located in the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone (SaSZ) of the Zagros Orogenic belt. The MBPC is a suite of extensive felsic and lesser mafic magmatic products in the northern SaSZ with geochemical signatures of arc-like magmatism during the Middle Jurassic (Ghorveh–Aligudarz arc) and intraplate type in the Late Eocene. Middle Jurassic gabbros (non-cumulate and cumulate) have low-Ti concentrations (< 1 wt.%) and quite uniform isotopic compositions (initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr: 0.7035–0.70593 and εNd(t): − 6.18 to − 0.7), enriched LILE relative to HFSE, variable fractionation between the LREE and HREE ((La/Yb) cn : 2.27–7.45) and both negative to positive Eu anomalies. These distinctive features of arc-type magmatism are consistent with a subduction-modified mantle source for these rocks. Trace element and REE models indicate ~ 15% melting of a metasomatized amphibole-bearing garnet-spinel lherzolite (garnet:spinel ~ 7:3) in the sub-arc mantle wedge. The cumulate gabbros and non-cumulates belong to common liquid line of descent, with complementary trace element patterns. Much of the variation between samples can be modeled by fractional crystallization (FC) of a common parent; only one cumulate gabbro from this suite exhibits isotopic evidence of contamination, probably by Rb-depleted crustal materials. The Late Eocene gabbros have relatively high-Ti (> 1 wt.%) and display isotopically depleted Sr–Nd values (initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr: 0.7044–0.7087, ε Nd (t): 1.9 –+3.2, barring one crustally-contaminated sample). OIB-like trace element characteristics such as enriched HFSE, and only minor enrichment of LILE and LREE, reflect a within-plate character and asthenospheric source. Trace element modeling indicates small degree melting (f melting : 0.05) of upper mantle lherzolite (garnet:spinel ~ 3:1) followed by higher degree melting (f melting : 0.15) at shallower depths (garnet:spinel ~ 4.5:2). The Eocene parental magma underwent FC of olivine and clinopyroxene. We propose that Eocene asthenospheric upwelling was triggered by slab tearing in response to slab-rollback, which is elsewhere reported to have triggered a ‘flare-up’ of extension-related magmatism across Iran. Three stages of tectono-magmatic evolution in the Ghorveh–Aligudarz arc segment of the N-SaSZ are represented by: 1) arc-like magmatism during active subduction of the Neo-Tethys seaway at Middle Jurassic, 2) magmatic quiescence during an interval of shallow-angle or highly oblique subduction during the Cretaceous–Paleocene, and 3) asthenosphere melting during slab tearing shortly before the onset of the Arabia–Eurasia collision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A generic method to reduce the in-line flow dependence of thermal conductivity detectors (TCDs) is presented. The principle is based on a dual-MEMS device configuration. Two thin-film sensors on membranes in parallel in the gas stream on the same chip are differentially operated. Both micro-TCDs are designed to be identical in terms of contact with the main gas flow, however a different depth of the detection chamber results in a different response to the thermal conductivity of the sample gas. Static and dynamic simulations have been performed to characterize the design of the fabricated structures. Devices have been fabricated in a MEMS process using a combined surface- and bulk micromachining process. The devices have been characterized statically and dynamically. Measurements on prototypes show that depending on the range of gases, device size and flow range device the effect of flow on the thermal conductivity can be reduced by a factor 4–15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease of unknown origin that is characterized by noncaseating granulomatous lesions. Primary otolaryngologic manifestations of sarcoidosis are not commonly seen. The documented incidence of parotid gland involvement (either primary or secondary) is only 6%. Extrapulmonary involvement can be present in up to 30% of patients with sarcoidosis and can present at the same time as pulmonary sarcoidosis. We report a case involving a patient with primary unilateral parotid sarcoidosis who returned with bilateral recurrence approximately 4 years after a total unilateral parotidectomy. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the second reported case in the English-language literature of primary parotid sarcoidosis that is the sole manifestation of the disease. We also discuss methods of diagnosis and treatment of head and neck manifestations of sarcoidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its generally favorable prognosis at primary diagnosis, recurrence of endometrial cancer remains an important clinical challenge. The aim of this study was to analyze the value of molecular classification in recurrent endometrial cancer. This study included patients with recurrent endometrial cancer who underwent primary surgical treatment between 2004 and 2015 at the Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden and the Bern University Hospital, Switzerland (KImBer cohort) with molecular classification of the primary tumor. Out of 594 molecularly classified endometrial cancer patients, 101 patients experienced recurrence, consisting of 2 POLE mut, 33 MMRd, 30 p53abn, and 36 NSMP tumors. Mean age at recurrence was 71 years and mean follow-up was 54 months. Overall, median time to first recurrence was 16 months (95% CI 12–20); with the shortest median time in MMRd patients, with 13 months (95% CI 5–21). The pattern of recurrence was distinct among molecular subgroups: MMRd tumors experienced more locoregional, while p53abn cases showed more abdominal recurrences (P =.042). Median survival after recurrence was best for MMRd cases (43 months, 95% CI 11–76), compared to 39 months (95% CI 21–57) and 10 months (95% CI 7–13) for the NSMP and p53abn cases respectively (log-rank, P =.001). Molecular classification is a significant indicator of survival after recurrence in endometrial cancer patients, and patterns of recurrence differ by molecular subgroups. While MMRd endometrial cancer show more locoregional recurrence and the best survival rates after recurrence, p53abn patients experience abdominal recurrence more often and had the worst prognosis of all recurrent patients. [Display omitted] • The pattern of recurrence in endometrial cancer differs among the molecular subgroups. • Molecular classification of the primary tumor in endometrial cancer is a significant predictor of survival after recurrence. • MMRd endometrial cancer patients experience more locoregional recurrences and show the best survival after recurrence. • p53abn endometrial cancer patients have the worst survival rate after recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased seed germination and seedling growth in soils infected with damping-off pathogen, Pythium ultimum, especially under saline conditions, are important goals in safflower breeding programs. Seeds of four safflower varieties were cultured on germination media moistened with solutions of NaCl containing 105 zoospores of the pathogen per ml. NaCl concentrations were adjusted to produce salinities 0, -10, -14 and -18 bar. Analysis of variance indicated that the interactive effects of salinity, cultivar and pathogen significantly altered seed germination and seedling dry weight. In the absence of P. ultimum, increasing salinity significantly reduced seedling dry weight, but in pathogen-inoculated media, different values were observed. In the absence of salinity, the germination rate of inoculated seeds was 16.3% lower than that of non-inoculated seeds, whereas in a saline bed, the pathogen increased seed germination about 3.1 %. This finding clearly indicates that sodium chloride can reduce the pathogenesis of P. ultimum on safflower seedlings. The results showed that the presence of NaCl in the environment prevented rotting effects of the pathogen on seeds but intensified the mortality effect on seedlings. The simultaneous effects of salinity and pathogen reduced the usual adverse effects of either factor when applied separately. Thus, depending on amount of NaCl and/or Pythium infection present, different varieties are recommended to achieve an acceptable establishment and production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of rhinogenic headaches remains a subject of much debate. While many authors have reported good results in treating these headaches with endoscopie sinus surgery, few have attempted to establish objective criteria for identifying the best surgical candidates. We conducted a study of 33 adults with rhinogenic headaches to determine if three elements of the history and/or five aspects of computed tomography (CT) would predict which patients might benefit from the minimally invasive sinus technique (MIST) as the primary treatment modality for their headaches. Postoperative follow-up interviews revealed that endoscopie surgery was widely successful, as 28 patients (84.8%) reported improvement. However, we were unable to find any statistically significant history or CT parameters that predicted surgical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a typical autoimmune disease and results from the destruction of insulin-producing β cells of the pancreas. It develops in the presence of genetic susceptibility, even though more than 85% of patients with T1DM do not have a close relative with the disorder. The etiology of T1DM is complex, and both genetic and environmental factors play important roles. A permissive genetic background is required for the development of the islet autoimmune process. The strongest genetic association idengified is that with HLA class II genes located on the short arm of chromosome 6. It is well known that both HLA DRB1*04-DQA1*0301-DQB1*0302 (DR4-DQ8) and DRB1*03-DQA1*0501-DQB1*0201 (DR3-DQ2) are positively, and DRB1*15-DQA1*0102-DQB1*0602 is negatively, associated with T1DM. However, only a minority of the subjects carrying the high-risk haplotypes/genotypes develops the disease, which suggests that additional genes play a crucial role in conferring either protection or susceptibility to T1DM. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain–related A (MICA) is located in a candidate susceptibility region and activates natural killer (NK) cells, T cells and γδ CD8 T cells by its receptor NKG2D. The polymorphism of the MICA gene is associated with T1DM in different populations as demonstrated in several papers published in the last 7 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring the ethanol/water ratio in biofuel of high ethanol content, such as E85, is important when used in a flex-fuel engine. A capacitive probe is generally used for measuring the ethanol/gasoline ratio. However, the water content in E85 biofuel cannot be disregarded or considered constant and full composition measurement of biofuel is required. Electric impedance spectroscopy with a customized coaxial probe operating in the 10 kHz to 1 MHz frequency range was investigated. An in-depth investigation of the electrical impedance domain has led to the conclusion that additional information is required to unambiguously determine the composition of the ternary biofuel mixture. Among the different options of measurement domains and techniques, optical absorption spectroscopy in the UV spectral range between 230 and 300 nm was found to be the most appropriate. The typical absorbance in the UV range is highly dominated by gasoline, while ethanol and water are almost transparent. This approach is experimentally validated using actual fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: WHO HCV elimination targets include increased diagnosis (90%) and treatment uptake (80%) by 2030. This study evaluated the impact of a microelimination intervention among people who use drugs in Rafsanjan, Iran. Methods: This observational study is evaluating an intervention to scale-up of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment to reduce HCV RNA prevalence (i.e. microelimination) in Rafsanjan, Iran (population 200, 000). Between October 2019 and April 2021 (18 months), participants are recruited from one prison, 35 OAT clinics, four residential addiction treatment centers, one HIV clinic, and a newly established HCV clinic (integrated within existing HIV services). All people attending the study sites are invited to participate. Intervention entails on-site rapid HCV antibody testing, venepuncture sampling for HCV RNA testing (if antibody positive), and DAA dispensing for people with HCV. The uptake of HCV diagnosis and treatment and HCV RNA prevalence are compared at baseline and 12 months post-intervention. Results: During October 2019-March 2020, 3, 648 people were enrolled. Median age was 40 years (IQR 33-48), majority were male (95%), and reported a history of drug use (injecting and/or non-injecting, 89%). Overall, 6% reported a history of injecting drug use (IDU); of whom, 8% reported injecting in the past year. HCV antibody prevalence was 7% (241/3, 648), including 58% (119/206), 4% (108/2, 920), and 3% (14/414) among people with a history of IDU, non-injecting drug use, and no drug use, respectively. Among those with detectable HCV RNA (181/241), 97% initiated DAA therapy, including 98% (94/96), 96% (71/74), and 100% (11/11) among people with a history of IDU, non-injecting drug use, and no drug use, respectively. Conclusion: This initiative developed a multi-stakeholder collaboration and implemented Rafsanjan’s first HCV program within six months. The preliminary findings, including feasibility of recruitment model and high treatment uptake, are encouraging with regard to HCV micro-elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 200 iron deposits with about 4 billion tons of iron ore have been discovered in Iran. Major iron oxide districts comprise the Bafq-Posht-e-Badam back arc district in Central Iranian microcontinent, the Ac Kahoor and Hormoz districts in the Zagros mountain range, the Gol-e-Gohar and Hamekasi deposits in the Sanandaj–Sirjan magmatic–metamorphic zone and also the Sangan deposit east of Central Iran. Several smaller iron ore deposits are distributed in the Alborz–Azarbaijan magmatic belt. There is a significant correspondence between the distribution of these deposits and main suture zones in the Iran plate composite. Stratiform iron deposits with a volcano-sedimentary origin are common features of the rifting phases of the future Prototethys and Neotethys oceans. Kiruna-type iron oxide deposits of the Zanjan area, and Fe skarn and iron oxide–copper–gold deposits in the Khaf–Bardaskan–Kashmar district are associated with subduction of Neotethys Ocean. Kiruna-type deposits within the Kashmar–Kerman magmatic arc are related to the Prototethys. Different geotectonic scenarios and their evolution explain the distribution patterns of most of the Fe and Fe–Mn deposits in Iran. Stratiform volcano-sedimentary Fe- and Fe–Mn deposits are related to the rift basin, and other types of Fe and Fe–Mn deposits such as the Kiruna-type deposits, skarn and iron oxide–copper–gold deposits in Iran are related to basin closure and plate collision. Magmatism in the subduction zone produced the magmatic and hydrothermal fluids, which caused Fe and Fe–Mn mineralisation in Central Iran microcontinent, Sanandaj–Sirjan magmatic–metamorphic zone, Alborz–Azarbaijan magmatic belt, east of Central Iran and the Lut blocks. The Central Iran microcontinent (Khaf–Bardaskan–Kashmar district), east of Central Iran, the Sanandaj–Sirjan zone and the Alborz–Azarbaijan belts are the most prospective districts for Fe and Fe–Mn exploration. Based on the age data on the studied deposits, favourable time periods for the largest Fe and Fe–Mn mineralising events in Iran were the Neoproterozoic–lower Cambrian (volcano-sedimentary and Kiruna-type deposits), upper Paleozoic–lower Mesozoic (volcano-sedimentary iron deposits) and Cenozoic (Kiruna type, iron oxide–copper–gold deposits and especially skarn deposits). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background:Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) is mainly initialised by receptor tyrosine kinase gene mutations. Although the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate considerably improved the outcome of patients, imatinib resistance still remains a major therapeutic challenge in GIST therapy. Herein we evaluated the clinical impact of microRNAs in imatinib-treated GISTs.Methods:The expression levels of microRNAs were quantified using microarray and RT-qPCR in GIST specimens from patients treated with neoadjuvant imatinib. The functional roles of miR-125a-5p and PTPN18 were evaluated in GIST cells. PTPN18 expression was quantified by western blotting in GIST samples.Results:We showed that overexpression levels of miR-125a-5p and miR-107 were associated with imatinib resistance in GIST specimens. Functionally, miR-125a-5p expression modulated imatinib sensitivity in GIST882 cells with a homozygous KIT mutation but not in GIST48 cells with double KIT mutations. Overexpression of miR-125a-5p suppressed PTPN18 expression, and silencing of PTPN18 expression increased cell viability in GIST882 cells upon imatinib treatment. PTPN18 protein levels were significantly lower in the imatinib-resistant GISTs and inversely correlated with miR-125a-5p. Furthermore, several microRNAs were significantly associated with metastasis, KIT mutational status and survival.Conclusions:Our findings highlight a novel functional role of miR-125a-5p on imatinib response through PTPN18 regulation in GIST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses the relapse of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) on patient after being treated with all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and chemotherapy.

• Proposing a dipole plasma antenna in VHF band with kinetic method to analyze the plasma environment. • The radial charge distribution as a zeroth-order Bessel function of the first type investigated in a plasma tube with DC and AC excitations. • Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) numerical method is used to solve transactions. • Fluid method and CST Microwave Studio software are used to validate the results. In this paper, a dipole plasma antenna element in the VHF band with DC or AC excitation is investigated using kinetic method. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) numerical method is employed to solve the equations. To validate the results, the parameters obtained for the antenna parameters including S 11, input impedance and radiation pattern are compared with the results obtained from CST software as well as the fluid method. The S 11 of the antenna is presented for the frequency range of 150 to 300 MHz, with −10 dB bandwidth of 95 MHz It is observed that at central frequency of 210 MHz, S 11 is equal to −34 dB and the antenna input impedance has only real part equal to 160 Ω. In addition, the radiation pattern of the antenna is calculated and it is observed that the orientation of the directivity of the antenna is equal to 2.09 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Proposing a dipole plasma antenna in VHF band with kinetic method to analyze the plasma environment. • The radial charge distribution as a zeroth-order Bessel function of the first type investigated in a plasma tube with DC and AC excitations. • Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) numerical method is used to solve transactions. • Fluid method and CST Microwave Studio software are used to validate the results. In this paper, a dipole plasma antenna element in the VHF band with DC or AC excitation is investigated using kinetic method. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) numerical method is employed to solve the equations. To validate the results, the parameters obtained for the antenna parameters including S 11, input impedance and radiation pattern are compared with the results obtained from CST software as well as the fluid method. The S 11 of the antenna is presented for the frequency range of 150 to 300 MHz, with −10 dB bandwidth of 95 MHz It is observed that at central frequency of 210 MHz, S 11 is equal to −34 dB and the antenna input impedance has only real part equal to 160 Ω. In addition, the radiation pattern of the antenna is calculated and it is observed that the orientation of the directivity of the antenna is equal to 2.09 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a high-performance epoxy nanocomposite with dual active/barrier protection ability based on calcium zinc phosphate (CZP) nanopigment was fabricated. Then chemistry, morphology, and anti-corrosion ability of the commercial zinc phosphate (ZP) and CZP pigments were studied. By electrochemical techniques, the inhibition potency of the CZP nanopigment was examined in a NaCl solution on mild steel (MS) substance and compared with that of ZP. Results revealed a higher corrosion inhibition degree of the CZP compared to the ZP. The growth of a protective layer on the metal coupons exposed to the CZP extract was illustrated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The reinforcement effects of CZP and ZP pigments on the epoxy composites' corrosion resistance were proved by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and salt spray test results. The better protection properties of the CZP loaded coating (23,600 MΩ cm2) compared with the unfilled coating (0.014 MΩ cm2) and the one loaded with ZP (0.26 MΩ cm2) were understood from the EIS test results. [Display omitted] • Calcium zinc phosphate (CZP) nanopigment was synthesized and characterized. • Inhibitive power of CZP nanopigment was studied in details. • The CZP extract behaves as a mixed-type inhibitor in 3.5% NaCl solution. • Dual active/barrier inhibition performance was proved through electrochemical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the fabrication of MgF 2 and MgO thin-film-based optical filters and compares the optical transmission of the filters over UV. The MgF 2 thin-films were deposited by use of an e-beam technique and their optical properties were characterised by ellipsometry. The effect of substrate temperature on the optical properties was studied. The MgF 2 optimum refractive indices were obtained with a substrate temperature between 200 °C and 300 °C. Optical simulations were performed to compare the performance of MgF 2 and MgO in the fabrication of near-UV narrow bandpass optical filters. While MgO-based optical filters result in a higher transmittance peak intensity, especially at 350 nm, the MgF 2 optical filters are narrower, present lower values of FWHM, a mean value of 20 nm. This feature could be especially relevant for specific applications on fluorescent optical sensors. Finally, a Fabry-Perot based on a MgF 2 /TiO 2 optical filter was deposited, using an e-beam technique for the MgF 2 thin-films and RF-sputtering technique for the TiO 2 thin-films. The MgF 2 /TiO 2 optical filter peak transmittance is approximately 70% close to 400 nm, as expected. The results are discussed with focus on applications in fluorescent optical sensors for peaks at 350, 370, 380 and 400 nm, respectively. • MgF 2 /TiO 2 UV optical filter fabrication. • Comparison between MgO/TiO 2 and MgF 2 /TiO 2 UV optical filters. • The MgF 2 /TiO 2 UV optical filter was optically; morphologically and chemically characterized. • The recipe for fabrication of MgF 2 is presented with most updated results in comparison with the references. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of low-grade B-cell lymphoma consistent with marginal-zone lymphoma has proven to be challenging when the disease involves the hard palate. The diagnosis is complicated by the nonspecific nature of the presenting symptoms and a difficult-to-differentiate histologic picture. We describe a case of low-grade B-cell lymphoma of the hard palate with a delayed presentation. We also compare the features of this case with the features of the small number of other such cases that have been reported in the literature. Finally, we review the etiology of low-grade B-cell lymphoma, we discuss its radiologic and pathologic features, and we briefly describe the treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]