First Light Curve Analysis of NSVS 8294044,V1023 Her,and V1397 Her Contact Binary Systems

The first photometric light curve investigation of the NSVS 8294044,V1023 Her,and V1397 Her binary systems is presented.We used ground-based observations for the NSVS 8294044 system and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite data for V1023 Her and V1397 Her.The primary and secondary times of minima were extracted from al the data,and,by collecting the literature,a new ephemeris was computed for each system.Linear fits for the O-C diagrams were conducted using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method.Light curve solutions were performed using the PHysics Of Eclipsing BinariEs Python code and the MCMC approach.The systems were found to be contact binary stars based on the fillout factor and mass ratio.V1023 Her showed the O’Connell effect and a cold starspot on the secondary component was required for the light curve solution.The absolute parameters of the system were estimated based on an empirical relationship between orbital period and mass.We presented a new T–M equation based on a sample of 428 contact binary systems and found that our three target systems were in good agreement with the fit.The positions of the systems were also depicted on the M–L,M–R,q–L_(ratio),and M_(tot)–J_(0)diagrams in the logarithmic scales.

Combinational therapy with Myc decoy oligodeoxynucleotides encapsulated in nanocarrier and X-irradiation on breast cancer cells

The Myc gene is the essential oncogene in triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC).This study investigates the synergistic effects of combining Myc decoy oligodeoxynucleotides-encapsulated niosomes-selenium hybrid nanocarriers with X-irradiation exposure on the MDA-MB-468 cell line.Decoy and scramble ODNs for Myc transcription factor were designed and synthesized based on promoter sequences of the Bcl2 gene.The nanocarriers were synthesized by loading Myc ODNs and selenium into chitosan(Chi-Se-DEC),which was then encapsulated in niosome-nanocarriers(NISM@Chi-Se-DEC).FT-IR,DLS,FESEM,and hemolysis tests were applied to confirm its characterization and physicochemical properties.Moreover,cellular uptake,cellular toxicity,apoptosis,cell cycle,and scratch repair assays were performed to evaluate its anticancer effects on cancer cells.All anticancer assessments were repeated under X-ray irradiation conditions(fractionated 2Gy).Physicochemical characteristics of niosomes containing SeNPs and ODNs showed that it is synthesized appropriately.It revealed that the anticancer effect of NISM@Chi-Se-DEC can be significantly improved in combination with X-ray irradiation treatment.It can be concluded that NISM@Chi-Se-DEC nanocarriers have the potential as a therapeutic agent for cancer treatment,particularly in combination with radiation therapy and in-vivo experiments are necessary to confirm the efficacy of this nano-drug.

Targeted anti-tumor synergistic effects of Myc decoy oligodeoxynucleotides-loaded selenium nanostructure combined with chemoradiotherapy on LNCaP prostate cancer cells

In the present study,we investigated the synergistic effects of targeted methotrexate-selenium nanostructure containing Myc decoy oligodeoxynucleotides along with X-irradiation exposure as a combination therapy on LNCaP prostate cancer cells.Myc decoy ODNs were designed based on the promoter of Bcl-2 gene and analyzed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics assays.ODNs were loaded on the synthesized Se@BSA@Chi-MTX nanostructure.The physicochemical characteristics of nanostructures were determined by FTIR,DLS,UV-vis,TEM,EDX,in vitro release,and hemolysis tests.Subsequently,the cytotoxicity properties of them with and without X-irradiation were investigated by uptake,MTT,cell cycle,apoptosis,and scratch assays on the LNCaP cell line.The results of DLS and TEM showed negative charge(−9 mV)and nanometer size(40 nm)for Se@BSA@Chi-DEC-MTX NPs,respectively.The results of FTIR,UV-vis,and EDX showed the proper interaction of different parts and the correct synthesis of nanoparticles.The results of hemolysis showed the hemocompatibility of this nanoparticle in concentrations less than 6 mg/mL.The ODNs release from the nanostructures showed a pH-dependent manner,and the release rate was 15%higher in acidic pH.The targeted Se@BSA@Chi-labeled ODN-MTX NPs were efficiently taken up by LNCaP cells by targeting the prostate-specific membrane antigen(PSMA).The significant synergistic effects of nanostructure(containing MTX drug)treatment along with X-irradiation showed cell growth inhibition,apoptosis induction(~57%),cell cycle arrest(G2/M phase),and migration inhibition(up to 90%)compared to the control.The results suggested that the Se@BSA@Chi-DEC-MTX NPs can potentially suppress the cell growth of LNCaP cells.This nanostructure system can be a promising approach for targeted drug delivery and chemoradiotherapy in prostate cancer treatment.

Concentration, Distribution and Comparison of Total and Bioavailable Heavy Metals in Top Soils of Bonab District in Zanjan Province

Heavy metal contamination of soils is a widespread problem in Zanjan province located in North West Iran due to natural pedo geochemical background and anthropogenic sources. The province is highly polluted by some heavy metals due to the presence of mineral resources notably Lead and Zinc, their improper utilization, and also the development of a number of related industries. Bonab district was selected for detail study and the objectives of the study were set to evaluate the total as well as bioavailable fraction of heavy metals in surficial soils within the studied area. 72 soil samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metal contamination by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The obtained results when compared with WHO and USEPA standards show a very high concentration of some toxic metals. Soils were basically polluted by Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd. Bioavailable fraction of studied metals were also measured with formation of metal complex with Diethylene tri amine penta acetic acid (DTPA) agent. To find the share of the anthropogenic sources in the contamination of soils, the Enrichment factor (EF) and Geological Accumulation Index were measured and the distribution maps were drawn using Arc GIS (9.3). Highest concentrations of some toxic metals were found as isolated patches around the Bonab Industrial Town as well as within and around the most populated areas of the district notably Zanjan city indicating its anthropogenic origin.

注入系统压缩性和粘性流体流动对水压致裂破碎压力影响的模拟

基于水压致裂数据估计岩体的最大应力主要取决于对破裂的确定和二次破裂压力。这种估计的误差可归结于注入系统压缩性,耦合粘性流体在水压裂隙中的流动和裂隙通过井孔周围变化的应力场的增长。这些机制的作用还没有很好的定量化。本文中的两个数值模型为评估非理想条件下与破裂压力分析有关的误差提供了一个基本工具。这两个数值模型是注入系统的压缩性和各向异性的岩石应力场中粘性流体在从井孔扩展的水压裂隙中的流动。为了保证足够的精确性,结果对于相关的无量纲参数值采用基于模型的标准,当这些标准在现场条件下满足不了时,模型可以进一步应用获得一级校正,来解释压缩性、粘度和近井孔的影响。

Fatty liver index vs waist circumference for predicting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

AIM: To determine the discriminatory performance of fatty liver index (FLI) for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).METHODS: The data of 5052 subjects aged over 18 years were analyzed. FLI was calculated from body mass index, waist circumference (WC), triglyceride, and gamma glutamyl transferase data. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between FLI and NAFLD. The discriminatory performance of FLI in the diagnosis of NAFLD was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Area under the curves (AUCs) and related confidence intervals were estimated. Optimal cutoff points of FLI in the diagnosis of NAFLD were determined based on the maximum values of Youden’s index.RESULTS: The mean age of men and women in the study population were 44.8 ± 16.8 and 43.78 ± 15.43, respectively (P = 0.0216). The prevalence of NAFLD was 40.1% in men and 44.2% in women (P < 0.0017). FLI was strongly associated with NAFLD, so that even a one unit increase in FLI increased the chance of developing NAFLD by 5.8% (OR = 1.058, 95%CI: 1.054-1.063, P < 0.0001). Although FLI showed good performance in the diagnosis of NAFLD (AUC = 0.8656 (95%CI: 0.8548-0.8764), there was no significant difference with regards to WC (AUC = 0.8533, 95%CI: 0.8419-0.8646). The performance of FLI was not significantly different between men (AUC = 0.8648, 95%CI: 0.8505-0.8791) and women (AUC = 0.8682, 95%CI: 0.8513-0.8851). The highest performance with regards to age was related to the 18-39 age group (AUC = 0.8930, 95%CI: 0.8766-0.9093). The optimal cutoff points of FLI were 46.9 in men (sensitivity = 0.8242, specificity = 0.7687, Youden’s index = 0.5929) and 53.8 in women (sensitivity = 0.8233, specificity = 0.7655, Youden’s index = 0.5888).CONCLUSION: Although FLI had acceptable discriminatory power in the diagnosis of NAFLD, WC was a simpler and more accessible index with a similar performance.

Analytical study of care quality and moral distress in clinical situations and patient care

Objective: Nursing profession conventionally meets a high standard of ethical behavior and action. One of the ethical challenges in nursing profession is moral distress. Nurses frequently expose to this phenomenon which leads to different consequences such as being bored by delivering patient care that decline care quality and make it challenging to achieve health purposes. This study was conducted to investigate the association between the aspects of moral distress and care quality.Methods: In this descriptive–analytical study, 545 nurses of intensive and cardiac care units and dialysis and psychiatric wards were recruited by census sampling. Three questionnaires, Sociodemographics, Moral Distress Scale, and Quality Patient Care Scale, were distributed among the participants and collected within 9 months. Data analysis was conducted by descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and the least significant difference in SPSS 13.Results: Investigating moral distress domains(ignoring patient, decision-making power, and professional competence) and care quality domains(psychosocial, physical, and communicational) demonstrated that in being exposed to moral distress, ignoring patient had no effect on psychosocial domain(P=0.056), but decision-making and professional competence of moral distress had positive effect on psychosocial, physical(bodily), and communication domains of care quality.Conclusions: Because moral distress domains are effective on patient care quality, it is recommended to enhance the knowledge of nurses, especially beginners, about moral distress, increase their strength alongside standardizing nursing services in decisionmaking domains, improve the professional competence, and pay attention to patients.

Essential oil composition of two Scutellaria species from Iran

Objective:Medicinal plants Scutellaria multicaulis and Scutellaria bornmuelleri belong to the Scutellaria genus and Lamiaceae family,and are widely used in traditional Iranian medicine.This study aims to characterize promising bioactive phytochemicals found in the aerial parts of S.multicaulis and S.bornmuelleri.Methods:Accordingly,volatile oils were obtained by hydrodistillation of S.multicaulis and S.bornmuelleri leaves and stems,and then analyzed by gas chromatographyemass spectrometry(GC/MS).Results:A total of 88 components,representing 92.4%of the oil(oil yield determined to be 0.53%,v/w),were identified in the essential oils of S.multicaulis.The main group was sesquiterpene hydrocarbons(24%),with a-himachalene(7.2%),a-longipinene(6.8%),and a-copaene(3.2%)as the main components.A total of 89 chemicals,representing 83.2%of the essential oil(oil yield determined to be 0.31%,v/w),were detected in the essential oil of S.bornmuelleri.The main components were steroids,such as 14-b-H-pregna(32.9%),hydrocarbons(22.5%),sesquiterpenes(11.4%),and monoterpenes(4.6%),which were considered minor constituents.The contents of sesquiterpene and monoterpene hydrocarbons present in S.multicaulis and S.bornmuelleri were 24%and 7.1%,respectively.However,the contribution of oxygenated monoterpenes(4%)and sesquiterpenes(4.3%)in both species was less than 5%.Conclusion:As the first report on the chemical composition of S.multicaulis and S.bornmuelleri,this study showed that the major compounds were steroids and sesquiterpenes.

Effect of 8-week and 12-week triple therapy (doxycycline, rifampicin, and gentamicin) on brucellosis: A comparative study

Objective:To compare the effect of 8-week and 12-week of triple therapy (doxycycline, rifampicin, and gentamicin) on brucellosis. Methods: This parallel clinical trial was conducted on 339 brucellosis patients who were divided into 2 groups. The first group (175 patients) received doxycycline (100 mg/12 h) for 8 weeks, rifampicin (600 mg/d) for 8 weeks, and gentamicin (5 mg/kg/d) for 7 d, while in the second group (164 patients), doxycycline and rifampicin treatment were prolonged to 12 weeks, along with gentamicin therapy for 7 d. The patients were followed-up for six months after the treatment. Baseline information, clinical manifestations of the patients were collected, and serological tests for brucellosis were performed after the treatment. Results: The mean age of the patients was (45.95 ± 18.65) years, and 56.9% of the patients were male. In total, 73.5% of the patients were residents in rural areas and the majority of them were farmers and ranchers (34.6%). The 3-month relapse rates of the two groups were 11.42% and 6.70%, respectively (P=0.132). Moreover, the 6-month relapse rate of the two groups was 6.3% and 2.4%, respectively (P=0.085). In the two groups, both treatments could reduce serological titers based on Wright and 2ME tests (P<0.05). Conclusions: The efficacy of 8-weeks and 12-weeks triple therapy (doxycycline, rifampicin, and gentamicin) is similar in terms of brucellosis relapse. The 8-week triple therapy including doxycycline, rifampicin, and gentamicin can be considered as an effective approach for the treatment of brucellosis.

Modeling the complex and long term swelling behavior of argillaceous rocks

The swelling behavior of argillaceous rocks is a complex phenomenon and has been determined using a lot of indexes in the literature. Determining the required modeling indexes that need to be performed requires expensive tests and extensive time in different laboratories. In some of the cases, it is too diffi- cult to find a relation between the effective variables and swelling potential. This paper suggests a method for modeling the time dependent swelling pressure of argillaceous rocks. The trend of short term swelling potential during the first 3 days of the swelling pressure testing is used for modeling the long term swelling pressure of mudstone that is recorded during months. The artificial neural network (ANN) as a power tool is used for modeling this nonlinear and complex behavior. This method enables predicting the swelling potential of argillaceous rocks when the required indexes and also correlation between them is unattainable. This method facilitates the model of all studied samples under a unique formulation.

Prevalence of West Nile virus in Mashhad,Iran:A population-based study

Objective:To evaluate the prevalence of West Nile virus seropositivity in the general population of Mashhad.Northeast of Iran.Methods:One hundred and eighty two individuals living in the city of Mashhad were studied using cluster sampling method.Both IgM and IgG antibodies against WNV were detected by ELISA method.Results:In this study,the overall IgG seroprevalence of positive West Nile virus was 11%;however.IgM antibody was not found in the participants.Conclusions:Our study suggested that the prevalence rate of West virus is considerable in Mashhad city.It seems necessary for clinicians and health care workers to be aware of WNV infection in the Northeast Iran.

Protective Effect of Ozone against Hemiscorpius lepturus Envenomation in Mice

Objective Scorpion （Hemiscorpius lepturus） stings are a public health concern in Iran, particularly in south and southwestern regions of Iran. The gold standard for the treatment of a scorpion sting is anti-venom therapy. However, immunotherapy can have serious side effects, such as anaphylactic shock （which can sometimes even lead to death）. The aim of the current study was to demonstrate the protective effect of ozone against toxicity induced by Hemiscorpius lepturus （H. lepturus） venom in mice. Methods Eight hours after the injection of ozone to the experimental design groups, the male mice were decapitated and mitochondria were isolated from five different tissues （liver, kidney, heart, brain, and spinal cord） using differential ultracentrifugation. Then, assessment of mitochondrial parameters including mitochondrial reactive oxidative species （ROS） production, mitochondrial membrane potential （MMP）, ATP level, and the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria was performed. Results Our results showed that H. lepturus venom-induced oxidative stress is related to ROS production and MMP collapse, which is correlated with cytochrome c release and ATP depletion, indicating the predisposition to the cell death signaling. Conclusion In general, ozone therapy in moderate dose can be considered as clinically effective for the treatment of H. lepturus sting as a protective and antioxidant agent.

Potentially Toxic Element Concentration in Fruits Collected from Markazi Province(Iran): A Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment

Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the concentration of potentially toxic elements(PTEs)such as arsenic(As),cadmium(Cd),mercury(Hg),and lead(Pb)in fruit samples collected from Markazi Province,Iran.A probabilistic health risk assessment due to ingestion of PTEs through the consumption of these fruits was also conducted.Methods The concentration of PTEs in 90 samples of five types of fruits(n=3)collected from six geographic regions in Markazi Province was measured.The potential health risk was evaluated using a Monte Carlo simulation model.Results A significant difference was observed in the concentration of PTEs between fruits as well as soil and water samples collected from different regions in Markazi Province.The order of PTE concentration in the soil and water samples was as follows:Pb>As>Hg>Cd.Furthermore,the highest level of transfer factor for Cd and Hg correlated with the grape.The estimated daily intake for adults and children was lower than the recommended tolerable daily intake.Conclusion The population in Markazi Province,Iran,is not at considerable noncarcinogenic or carcinogenic risk due to the ingestion of PTEs through the consumption of the examined fruits.

Kinetic Analysis of Isothermal Leaching of Zinc from Zinc Plant Residue

The sulfuric acid leaching of zinc plant residues was studied in an attempt to find a suitable hydrometallurgical method for zinc recovery. The parameters evaluated consist of reaction time, Solid-to-liquid-ratio, reaction temperature, agitation rate and pH. The results of kinetic analysis of the leaching data under various experimental conditions indicated that there is a reaction controlled by the solution transport of protons through the porous product layer with activation energy of about 1 kJ/mol for different constant solid to liquid ratios. Based on the shrinking core model (SCM), the following semiempirical rate equation was established:1-3(1-a)2/3+2(1-a)=0.001187×[H+]0.016×[(S/L)]-1.34×exp(-1/RT) ×t. On the other hand, activation energy was obtained from a model-free method using isothermal measurements. Values for activation energy were calculated as a result of the conversion function with an average of 2.9 kJ/mol. This value is close to that determined previously, using shrinking core model (SCM).

Human chorionic gonadotropin in vitro: Effects on rat sperm motility and fertilization outcome

Objective:To investigate the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the motility of rat sperm and the fertilization rate following in vitro fertilization. Methods: hCG concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 ng/mL with incubation time of 1 h and 2 h were used in medium to study sperm motility. Then, 25 and 100 ng/mL of hCG with incubation time of 2 h were applied for in vitrofertilization. After 6 h, the number of two pronuclei was counted. Obtained data was subjected to one way ANOVA and Bonferroni-Dun hoc-post test.Results:Total motility and progressive motility of sperms were increased significantly (P<0.05) in hCG experimental group with concentration of 25 ng/L and incubation time of 2 h compared to control group, however, total motility and progressive motility of sperms were decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing dose of hCG. Fertilization rate was decreased significantly (P<0.05) in hCG experimental group with dose of 100 ng/mL compared to 25 ng/mL and control group. Conclusions:The effect of hCG on the rat sperm motility and the rate of their fertility is dose-dependent so that hCG with dose of 25 ng/mL leads to an increase in rat sperm motility and to some extent fertilization rate.

通过核独立化学位移(NICS)计算研究二价三、五、七元环C_2H_2M,C_4H_4M and C_6H_6M(M=C,Si,Ge,Sn and Pb)的芳香族特性(英文)

The aromatic character of divalent three, five and seven-membered rings C2H2M, C4H4M and C6H6M(M=C, Si, Ge, Sn and Pb) is investigated through magnetic and geometric criteria by Density Functional Theory (DFT )method using 6-311++G(3df,2p) basis set of the GAUSSIAN 98 program. The result of Nucleus-independent Chemical Shifts (NICS) (0.5) calculations show an aromatic character for singlet state of C2H2M(M=C, Si, Ge, Sn and Sn) and nonaromatic character for triplet states of C2H2M(except M=Ge and Pb). NICS (0.5) calculations show nonaromatic character for the singlet state of C4H4C and antiaromatic character for C4H4M(M=Si, Ge, Sn and Pb). In contrast, NICS (0.5) calculations indicate antiaromatic character for the triplet state of C4H4C and nonaromatic character to C4H4M(M=Si, Ge, Sn and Pb). NICS (0.5) calculations show a slightly homoaromatic character for the singlet state of C6H6M and anti-aromatic character for triplet state of C6H6M.

Targetry of MoO_3 on a copper substrate for the no-carrier-added ^(94m)Tc production via ^(94)Mo(p,n)^(94m)Tc reaction

94mTc was produced via natMo(p, xn)94mTc reaction. Deposition of MoO3 on Cu substrate was carried out via two special sedimentation methods for the production of 94mTc. The 533 mg of MoO3, 600 μL of collodium (nitrocellulose) and 3 mL of acetone were used to prepare a MoO3 layer of 11.69 cm2 and 45.81 mg·cm-2. Also, a MoO3 layer was prepared by 533 mg of MoO3, 71.188 mg of methylcellulose and 4 mL of water. The targets were checked by SEM and thermal shock test.

Analysis of Spatial Autocorrelation Patterns of Heavy and Super-Heavy Rainfall in Iran

Rainfall is a highly variable climatic element, and rainfall-related changes occur in spatial and temporal dimensions within a regional climate. The purpose of this study is to investigate the spatial autocorrelation changes of Iran＇s heavy and super-heavy rainfall over the past 40 years. For this purpose, the daily rainfall data of 664 meteorological stations between 1971 and 2011 are used. To analyze the changes in rainfall within a decade, geostatistical techniques like spatial autocorrelation analysis of hot spots, based on the Getis-Ord Gi statistic, are employed. Furthermore, programming features in MATLAB, Surfer, and GIS are used. The results indicate that the Caspian coast, the northwest and west of the western foothills of the Zagros Mountains of Iran, the inner regions of Iran, and southern parts of Southeast and Northeast Iran, have the highest likelihood of heavy and super-heavy rainfall. The spatial pattern of heavy rainfall shows that, despite its oscillation in different periods, the maximum positive spatial autocorrelation pattern of heavy rainfall includes areas of the west, northwest and west coast of the Caspian Sea. On the other hand, a negative spatial autocorrelation pattern of heavy rainfall is observed in central Iran and parts of the east, particularly in Zabul. Finally, it is found that patterns of super-heavy rainfall are similar to those of heavy rainfall.

Controlling the Goos-H?nchen Shift via Incoherent Pumping Field and Electron Tunneling in the Triple Coupled InGaAs/GaAs Quantum Dots

We study the controlling of the Goos-Hanchen （GH） shifts in reflected and transmitted light beams in the triple coupled InGaAs/GaAs quantum dot （QD） nanostructures with electron tunneling and incoherent pumping field. It is shown that the lateral shift can become either large negative or large positive, which can be controlled by the electron tunneling and the rate of incoherent pump field in different incident angles. It is also demonstrated that the properties of the OH shifts are strongly dependent on the probe absorption beam of the intracavity medium due to the switching from superluminal light propagation to subluminal behavior or vice versa. Our suggested system can be considered as a new theoretical method for developing a new nano-optoelectronic sensor.

Optimizing feature vectors and removal unnecessary channels in BCI speller application

In this paper we will discuss novel algorithms to develop the brain-computer interface (BCI) system in speller application based on single-trial classification of electroencephalogram (EEG) signal. The idea is to employ proper methods for reducing the number of channels and optimizing feature vectors. Removal unnecessary channels and reducing feature dimension result in cost decrement, time saving and improve the BCI implementation eventually. Optimal channels will be gotten after two stages sifting. In the first stage, the channels reduced up to 30% based on channels of the important event related potential (ERP) components and in the next stage, optimal channels were extracted by backward forward selection (BFS) algorithm. Also we will show that suitable single-trial analysis requires applying proper feature vector that was constructed by recognizing important ERP components, so as to propose an algorithm to distinguish less important features in feature vectors. F-Score criteria used to recognize effective features which created more discrimination between different classes and feature vectors were reconstructed based on effective features. Our algorithm has tested on dataset II of BCI competition III. The results show that we achieve accuracy up to 31% in single-trial, which is better than the performance of winner who is in this competition (about 25.5%). Also we use simple classifier and few channels to compute output performances while more complicated classifier and all channels are used by them.