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HbF induction is an appropriate strategy to ameliorate the severity of β-thalassemia symptoms. Hydroxyurea (HU) is the most common chemical agent introduced as an HbF inducer but responsiveness to HU is variable and the introduction of HbF inducers alternative to HU with low cytotoxicity has been a crucial challenge. Resveratrol is an HbF inducer agent that may have favorable effects on the differentiation of hematopoietic erythroid progenitors (HEPs). The present study aimed to investigate the effect of resveratrol on γ-globin, stress response, and anti-apoptotic gene expression among hydroxyurea (HU)-responders and HU-nonresponders (HU-NR). Four cases of HU-R and four cases of HU-NR were studied. HEPs of the patients were cultured, and the expression of γ-globin, Foxo3, and Bclxl was assessed. Moreover, the differentiation and apoptotic rate of the cells were investigated using flow cytometry analysis. In three cases, the γ-globin gene expression increased after resveratrol treatment. All of the HU-NR patients were also non-responders to resveratrol (Res-NR). The expression of Foxo3 and Bclxl genes was higher in responders to resveratrol (Res-R) compared to non-responders (Res-NR). The rate of apoptosis in Res-R patients was also lower than in Res-NR. Responders to resveratrol also had a higher rate of HEP maturation. The cells of both HU–NR and Res-NR patients could not adapt to stress conditions and proceed to the erythroid differentiation. In conclusion, resveratrol increased the γ-globin expression in HEPs of β-thalassemia patients. The response was observed only in R-HU patients with similar cellular pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractSulfur mustard (SM) exposure has delayed harmful effects, including premature biological aging. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of aging markers (i.e., ANRIL, P16INK4a, TBX2, and TERRA) and assess their correlation with the severity of SM exposure in the long term. The study was conducted on two volunteer groups. 1) SM-exposed group, exposed to SM once in 1987 during the war; divided into three subgroups based on the injury severity, asymptomatic (without any clinical signs), mild, and severe; 2) Non-exposed group. In the SM-exposed group, ANRIL transcript was decreased, especially in subgroups of mild and severe. TBX2 transcript was also decreased in the total SM-exposed group. This decrease was more significant in the mild and severe subgroups than in asymptomatic ones. P16INK4a transcript was increased in the SM-exposed group, especially in the asymptomatic subgroup. The increase in TERRA transcript was also significant in all subgroups. There was a positive correlation between the TERRA transcript and the severity of injury, while this correlation was negative for the ANRIL. It is concluded that the delayed toxicity of SM may be associated with dysregulation of aging markers leading to premature cellular aging. These markers’ alterations differed according to the severity of SM injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its rarity, pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH) presents a significant diagnostic challenge. Due to its similarity to other pulmonary vascular diseases, such as pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, it is characterized by abnormal pulmonary capillary proliferation, which is a rare cause of primary pulmonary hypertension. This case was the first reported instance of PCH in Shahid Rajaee Heart Hospital in Tehran, Iran, in 2023, which was confirmed by genetic testing. It highlighted the importance of considering PCH among the differential diagnoses for pulmonary hypertension, even in adolescent patients. The 13-year-old patient's main complaints were progressive exertional dyspnea and chest pain. He had no previous medical history and had not taken any pharmaceutical or herbal medications. Critical clinical findings included a heart murmur, an electrocardiogram revealing right ventricular hypertrophy, and echocardiogram evidence of pulmonary hypertension. The main diagnosis was PCH, as shown by CT findings of pulmonary artery dilatation and diffuse nodular ground glass opacities. Genetic tests indicated pathogenic EIF2AK4 mutations and suspicion of PCH. Therapeutic intervention included vasodilator therapy, which exacerbated the patient's condition. This case emphasized the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for rare causes of pulmonary hypertension, such as PCH. The outcome was to prepare the patient for lung transplantation. To differentiate PCH from other pulmonary vascular diseases, a combination of clinical presentation, radiologic studies, genetic analysis, and response to treatment is required to determine appropriate management, particularly lung transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiocyanate functionalized carbon quantum dots (SCN-CDs) were produced via microwave synthesis using tree leaves called feijoa as a green material. The products were analyzed using spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, including high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), spectrofluorometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). SCN-CDs with blue emissivity were used to detect ascorbic acid (Ascor) in aquatic environments. The selectivity of SCN-CDs was reasonable, and the sensitivity was excellent. Cu(II) interaction with the SCN-CDs via static quenching mechanism leads to the SCN-CDs' fluorescence (FL) being quenched, and Ascor's reduction capacity recovers the SCN-CDs/Cu(II) FL, resulting in a switch-off-on sensor for Ascor detection. As a rapid and sensitive turn-on sensor, the limit of detection (LOD) of SCN-CQDs/Cu(II) for Ascor detection was 0.69 µM. Ascorbic acid (Ascor) is detected by thiocyanate functionalized carbon dots (SCN-CDs). SCN-CDs fluorescence was quenched by Cu(II) ions, resulting in static quenching, and Ascor recovered the fluorescence of SCN-CDs/Cu(II) by reducing Cu(II) ions to Cu(I) ions. Ascor was detected with a low detection limit (0.69 µM), good selectivity, and fast response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We studied the clinical and molecular features of a family with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Background A very heterogeneous disease affecting the heart muscle, HCM is mostly caused by variants in the proteins of sarcomeres. The detection of HCM pathogenic variants can affect the handling of patients and their families. Methods Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed to assess the genetic cause(s) of HCM in a consanguineous Iranian family. Results Missense likely pathogenic variant c.1279C>T (p.Arg427Cys) within exon 7 of the LMNA gene (NM_170707) was found. The segregations were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction–based Sanger sequencing. Conclusions Variant c.1279C>T (p.Arg427Cys) in the LMNA gene seemed to have been the cause of HCM in the family. A few LMNA gene variants related to HCM phenotypes have been recognized so far. Identifying HCM genetic basis confers significant opportunities to understand how the disease can develop and, by extension, how this progression can be arrested. Our study supports WES effectiveness for first-tier variant screening of HCM in a clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The beam-plasma particles distribution function is one of the parameters which plays an important role in the energy-traveling mechanism of the relativistic electrons generated by the laser-plasma interaction in the Inertial Confinement Fusion Plasma. This paper investigates an analytical expression of the beam-plasma particles distribution function effect such as the Kappa, Semi-relativistic Maxwellian and bi- Maxwell distributions on the Weibel electromagnetic instability growth rate in strongly coupled plasmas under the low-frequency wave condition. The obtained results show that the maximum growth rate of the beam- plasma particles with semi-Maxwell distribution function is based on the temperature anisotropy parameter, density gradient, quantum and relativistic parameters has the highest possible value compared to the other two beam-plasma particles distribution functions. Also, the bi-Maxwellian distribution function has a more stable growth rate than the Kappa and the semi-Maxwell distribution functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major cause of sudden cardiac death and heart failure. Up to 50% of all DCM cases have a genetic background, with variants in over 250 genes reported in association with DCM. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) is a powerful tool to identify variants underlying genetic cardiomyopathies. Via WES, we sought to identify DCM causes in a family with 2 affected patients. Methods: WES was performed on the affected members of an Iranian family to identify the genetic etiology of DCM. The candidate variant was segregated via polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing. Computational modeling and protein-protein docking were performed to survey the impact of the variant on the structure and function of the protein. Results: A novel single-nucleotide substitution (G > A) in exon 9 of MED12, c.1249G > A: p.Val417Ile, NM_005120.3, was identified. The c.1249G > A variant was validated in the family. Bioinformatic analysis and computational modeling confirmed that c.1249G > A was the pathogenic variant responsible for the DCM phenotype. Conclusion: We detected a novel DCM-causing variant in MED12 using WES. The variant in MED12 may decrease binding to cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8), affect its activation, and cause alterations in calcium-handling gene expression in the heart, leading to DCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invention of Chirped Pulse Amplification lasers along with the development of fast ignition methods have made fuels such as proton–boron-11 seem promising nuclear fusion energy sources because of their lack of high-energy neutrons and abundance of constituent isotopes. This paper investigates the transport of charged particles in proton–boron-11 fuel. In this study, the confinement parameter has been estimated as ρ R = 1 2 g/cm2 with the help of a proton driver in the fast ignition method for proton–boron-11 fuel pellets, with a ratio of boron-11 to proton = 0. 3. Subsequently, using the Li–Petrasso stopping-power model, the energy deposition coefficients of the accelerated proton-beam driver were calculated by the Target Normal Sheath Acceleration method with 1 MeV energy. The obtained results show that at a temperature of about 65 keV, the proton-beam driver with 1 MeV energy deposits about 85% of its energy in the hot spot area of 2.5 μ m depth from the surface of the fuel pellet to ignite the proton–boron-11 fuel pellet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the unique affinity of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in patients, the foremost recent evidence indicated that ACE1 and ACE2 polymorphisms could affect the susceptibility of individuals to SARS-CoV-2 infection and also the disease outcome. Here, we aimed to assess the possible association between two polymorphisms and the severity of disease in patients. In the present study, 146 patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to the Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences hospitals between March 2020 and July 2020 were enrolled in this case–control study. The patients were divided into four groups based on clinical symptoms and severity of the diseases (mild, moderate, severe, and critical). After DNA extraction, the ACE gene I/D polymorphism (rs4646994) and ACE2 gene polymorphism (rs2285666) were genotyped using Gap-PCR and PCR–RFLP techniques, respectively. Then, five samples from each obtained genotype were confirmed by Sanger sequencing technique. Data were analyzed with SAS software version 9.1 using appropriate statistical procedures. The ACE gene I/D polymorphism (rs4646994) genotypes were classified into three types: I/I, I/D, and D/D. Our finding indicated that the prevalence of ACE1 D/D genotype was significantly higher in severe and critical COVID-19 patients (P = 0.0016). Additionally, the analysis revealed a remarkable association between rs4646994 SNP and the HB and ESRI levels in patients (P < 0.05). Although the ACE2 rs2285666 SNP was not related to the severity of disease, this variant was significantly associated with ALT, ESRI, and P. These results provide preliminary evidence of a genetic association between the ACE-D/D genotype and the D allele of ACE1 genotype and the disease severity. Therefore, our findings might be useful for identifying the susceptible population groups for COVID-19 therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast ignition (FI) by the laser-accelerated ion beams is an advanced possible remedy to produce high energy in inertial confinement fusion. Low-divergence high-power beams can now be produced due to new technological advances in laser–plasma accelerators. Using the Deira-4 simulation code, conditions optimal for the ignition of deuterium–tritium (D-T) pellets by the aluminium heavy ion beam were investigated in this work. The results show that an aluminium ignitor beam with 1.4 GeV energy can provide hot-spot optimal ignition conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a genetic heart disorder characterized by progressive heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Over 250 genes have been reported in association with DCM; nonetheless, the genetic cause of most DCM patients has been unknown. The goal of the present study was to determine the genetic etiology of familial DCM in an Iranian family. Methods: Whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify the underlying variants in an Iranian consanguineous family with DCM. The presence of the candidate variant was confirmed and screened in available relatives by PCR and Sanger sequencing. The pathogenic effect of the candidate variant was assessed by bioinformatics analysis, homology modeling, and docking. Results: One novel likely pathogenic deletion, c.884_886del: p.Lys295del, in F-box only protein 32 (muscle-specific ubiquitin-E3 ligase protein; FBXO32) was identified. Based on bioinformatics and modeling analysis, c.884_886del was the most probable cause of DCM in the studied family. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that variants in FBXO32 play a role in recessive DCM. Variants in FBXO32 may disturb the degradation of target proteins in the ubiquitin–proteasome system and lead to severe DCM. We suggest considering this gene variants in patients with recessively inherited DCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a report of a novel variant of the α1-globin gene--(α1) α51 Gly ≯ Cys (CE9), c.154 GGC ≯ TGC, named Hb Mazandaran, which was observed in an Iranian family. This variant gives rise to a previously undescribed haemoglobin variant that was undetectable by capillary haemoglobin electrophoresis (CE). This variant was detected in two cases in combination with β-globin mutation, and it does not seem to be associated with severe haematological abnormalities in the carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The psychometric function characteristics (e.g. threshold and slope) of the time-compressed words have not been investigated in previous studies to compile psychometrically homogeneous word lists. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate psychometric function characteristics of monosyllabic time-compressed Persian words to develop psychometrically equivalent time-compressed word lists. Methods: Two hundred most common monosyllabic words in Persian language were timecompressed at a rate of 40%-85% and presented to 21 participants with normal hearing at a fixed intensity level. The threshold and slope of the psychometric function for all words were determined using the logistic regression. The compression ratio (CR) for 5%-95% correct recognition was predicted based on the psychometric function fitted to the measured correct recognition score. Results: Mean CR 50% of the words was in a range of 53%-78%. The mean CR 50% and slope were not significantly different between consonant-vowel-consonant and consonantvowel-consonant-consonant words. The predicted CR for 5%-95% correct recognition varied from 61.5% to 88.4%. The final result was two 50-word lists of monosyllabic words with the same mean threshold and slope. Conclusion: Persian time-compressed monosyllabic words have different CR 50% and slope that may interact with their intelligibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active microcantilevers with on-chip sensing and actuation provide significant advantages in tapping mode Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Collocated transduction allows for effective manipulation of cantilever dynamics through feedback control, enabling higher scan rates. However, the adjacency of the sensing and actuation electrodes is known to result in a high level of feedthrough, leading to a low imaging resolution. Readout circuit noise further deteriorates the imaging precision. Here, we investigate the noise sources that affect AFM microcantilevers with collocated aluminum nitride (AlN) actuator–sensor pairs. We reported these cantilevers in earlier work and demonstrated that they display a very low level of feedthrough between the actuation and sensing electrodes. We present a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) sensing method that enables us to demonstrate high-resolution AFM on a calibration grating with nm-step silicon carbide (SiC) terraces. Measuring the Lorentzian response of the cantilever's Brownian motion with the on-chip active sensor at resonance enables us to calibrate the dynamic stiffness at the first fundamental resonance mode, without utilizing an optical sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Considering the essential interactions in active site of and pharmacophore hybridization strategy, a novel series of 1,3-diphenyl pyrazole-thiosemicarbazone hybride were designed and synthesized. • Lead candidates, 6g and 6n demonstrated IC 50 values of 2.09 and 3.18 µM, respectively, approximately 5–8 times more than that of kojic acid as standard (IC 50 = 16.38 ± 1.66 µM). • 6g and 6n exhibit a mixed type of inhibition, primarily noncompetitive inhibition. • In vitro melanin content of 6g- or 6n-treated melanoma cells resulted in significant efficacy in melanin reduction. • The DPPH assay result revealed that a reasonable mechanism of tyrosinase inhibition of these derivatives is independent of a redox effect. • The molecular docking simulation was performed to check the binding profile against target enzyme. This study reports the Design Hypothesis of a novel series of 1,3-diphenyl pyrazole-thiosemicarbazone as novel tyrosinase inhibitors (TYRI). The designed compounds were prepared and their TYRI activity and mechanisms were studied. The results showed that the selected compounds exhibited potent tyrosinase inhibitory activities greater than that of kojic acid (KA). Lead candidates, denoted as 6g and 6n, with a para-hydroxyphenyl group attached to the 3-position of the pyrazole ring demonstrated IC 50 values of 2.09 and 3.18 µM, respectively. The potency of these compounds was approximately 5–8 times higher than that of KA. The in vitro melanin content of 6g or 6n-treated melanoma cells resulted in significant efficacy in melanin reduction. The DPPH assay result revealed that the tyrosinase inhibition mechanism for these derivatives was independent of a redox effect and corresponded to the interaction with tyrosinase. According to the Lineweaver-Burk plot, the most potent compounds, 6g and 6n, exhibit a mixed type of inhibition, primarily noncompetitive inhibition. In silico molecular docking studies were employed to determine the binding mode and explore the Design Hypothesis in detail. The results suggested that these compounds could be considered promising leads for the further development of novel inhibitors to treat disorders related to tyrosinase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the many polymers introduced for bone tissue engineering, natural polymers have more advantages due to their high biocompatibility and biodegradability, despite their low mechanical properties. Herein, gelatin nanofibers with and without magnesium oxide (MgO) and graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles were fabricated by electrospinning. The fabricated gelatin and gelatin/GO/MgO nanofibers were examined using scanning electron microscopy, protein adsorption, cell attachment and viability assays. The results revealed that biological behaviours of the gelatin nanofibers significantly improved while incorporated with MgO and GO nanoparticles. In the following, osteosupportive capacity of the fabricated scaffolds was investigated by Alizarin‐red staining, alkaline phosphatase activity, and calcium content, and bone‐related gene and protein assays. The results revealed that the highest osteogenic differentiation potential of human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) was detected while these cells were cultured on the gelatin/GO/MgO nanofibers. However, these makers in the hiPSCs cultured on the gelatin nanofibers were also significantly increased in comparison with the cells cultured on the tissue culture plates as a control. In conclusion, the results revealed that predictable disadvantages in gelatin nanofibers can be greatly improved by the addition of MgO and GO nanoparticles, and the resulting composite scaffold could be a potential candidate for use in bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of fast ignition scheme, self‐generated magnetic fields via beam resistive filamentation have a significant role in the angular divergence of the relativistic electron beam, which can be affected by the intensity of other self‐generated magnetic fields. In this context, the effects of pressure gradient sources arising from temperature and density gradient of the pellet along the beam flow direction are investigated. The results showed that the resistive filamentation instability can be strongly amplified compared to the fully homogeneous plasma. In this respect, for the distance away from the critical surface, the instability is protected for a longer wave number. Also, the beam and plasma properties such as the beam relativistic factor, the beam number density, and the degree of the plasma temperature anisotropy might be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dichotic listening deficit (DLD) is a common sign in children showing learning problem and is identified during auditory processing assessment. A dichotic listening training program was developed in which the weak ear lags behind the strong ear in time and has certain practices for switching attention between the ears and auditory memory. Purpose The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment program on dichotic performance of primary school children showing DLD. Research Design A pre/post clinical trial without control study. Study Sample Twenty-five primary school children, aged 7 to 12 years (mean = 9.3 years), showing DLD. Data Collection and Analysis Several primary schools referred the children with learning difficulty to us. We defined learning difficulty as a score of 2 and loweron a five-point scale in at least two primary school courses in the current semester. The children with DLD participated in listening practices three times a week for 10 weeks, each session lasting for 30 minutes. The practices started with one pair of dichotic digits and ended in practice with sentences. The weak ear lag varied from 100 to 1,000 milliseconds. In the last stage of the practices, the precued and postcued directed response aimed at strengthening auditory memory and switching attention between the ears. The results obtained by the tests of dichotic digits, competing words, and competing sentences before and after the intervention were compared using paired t-test. Hedges's g was calculated as the effect size. Results Comparison of the results of pretraining and those of posttraining revealed that the average dominant ear (DE) and nondominant ear (NDE) scores in dichotic listening tests improved significantly with medium-to-large effect sizes. It was also found that the mean change in the NDE score of the children was significantly greater than that of the DE score for all the tests. Conclusions Dichotic interaural time difference training that employed dichotic lag phenomenon followed by directed response practices significantly improved the DE and the NDE scores of the schoolchildren with DLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Performing a neutronic model of Fusion Driven Subcritical Spent Fuel Burner Reactor (FDS-SFB). • A comparative study between Th-fuel & U-fuel cycle to investigate the transmutation efficiency of a PWR discharged spent fuel. • Applying SuperMC code for all the simulations and calculations. • ENDF/B-VII neutron cross-section library for needed cross-sections. • Great efficiency for the Th-fuel cycle than the U-fuel cycle. In this study, Fusion Driven Subcritical Spent Fuel Burner Reactor (FDS-SFB), designed by the Frontier Development of Science Team (FDS Team) in the first decade of this century, has been neutronically modeled to compare the effect of using the thorium fuel cycle, instead of the uranium fuel cycle, on the transmutation of long-lived hazardous radwaste (including 241Am, 243Am, 244Cm, 237Np, 238Pu, 241Pu, 242Pu). Furthermore, the neutronic spectrum of the different parts of the FDS-SFB, and the variation of the effective multiplication factor (k eff) of the system have been also investigated to study effects of changing the fuel cycle. For these purposes, SuperMC code has been applied for the simulations and performing the Monte Carlo and Monte Carlo-deterministic coupling calculations. ENDF/B-VII neutron cross-section library was used for applying needed cross-sections. The spent fuel used in the modeling had been discharged from a standard, 33,000 MWD/MTU, Pressurized-Water Reactor (PWR). After ten years of the FDS-SFB operation it was found that, for all of the loaded long-lived radwaste, the thorium fuel cycle had a much better efficiency in the transmutation process. The Monte Carlo-deterministic calculations indicated that the final mass differences between the transmuted radwaste i.e. 241Am, 243Am, 244Cm, 237Np, 238Pu, 241Pu, and 242Pu, in both uranium and thorium fuel cycles were 582.3 kg, 51.2 kg, 48.2 kg, 611.6 kg, 427.2 kg, 1320.3 kg, and 357.4 kg, respectively. Considering the total amount of the radwaste loaded in the FDS-SFB, the thorium fuel cycle, with a 3398 kg difference, had considerably better efficiency than the uranium fuel cycle in the incineration of the loaded long-lived radwaste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is known as a primary genetic heart disease that leading to the myocardial deposition of fibrofatty tissue in right ventricular (RV) wall. Sometimes, it occurs in the left ventricular (LV) subepicardial wall. This study introduces a child referred to our hospital with influenza-like symptoms and ventricular tachyarrhythmia, followed by cardiac failure. However, in our subsequent evaluation, there was evidence of severe LV and RV dysfunction based on the echocardiography. Moreover, cardiac magnetic resonance showed not only the major criteria of ARVC but also those of Lake Luise seen in myocarditis. Regarding the deteriorating condition during the hospital course, he was later scheduled for heart transplantation. Finally, the histopathological study of explanted heart revealed RV myocyte atrophy with the infiltration of fibrofatty tissue in myocardium diagnostic of ARVC, resolving dilemma between ARVC and myocarditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Evaluation of word recognition score requires multiple lists that must be similar in terms of difficulty level. There is currently no such word lists for the Persian language. The aim of this study was to construct several lists of Persian monosyllabic words with psychometric homogeneity. Methods: The most common monosyllabic words were collected from a book of Persian word frequency. The selected monosyllabic Consonant-Vowel-Consonant (CVC) words were presented randomly to 30 normal hearing participants with the age range of 18 to 25 years. The presentation level was from 0 to 40 dB in 8 dB increments. The characteristics of psychometric function were determined for all words using the logistic regression. Results: The Persian CVC monosyllabic words have different difficulty levels with threshold varying from 2.8 to 37.2 dB HL and the slope from 2.3 to 16.4 %/dB. Conclusion: The final result of the present study is three full lists of monosyllabic words with CVC syllabic structure that have the same mean threshold and slope of psychometric function. The 25-word half-lists of each full list are similar in terms of psychometric characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The connection of the left coronary artery to the pulmonary artery may be asymptomatic due to high pulmonary vascular resistance in the context of left‐to‐right shunts. Before the repair of the mentioned anomalies, coronary anatomy must be defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utility power lines voltage levels vary in different geographical locations, ranging from 208 to 480 Vrms. Power factor correction (PFC) converters are typically designed for a particular input voltage and do not accept a wide range of line voltages. This results in multiple product designs and revisions and increased production costs to accommodate the various ac voltage levels used around the world. A PFC converter capable of coping with a wide input voltage range, from 90 Vrms up to 530 Vrms, would significantly decrease costs and streamline development. In this article, an extended input voltage range PFC converter is proposed, which provides a high and almost flat efficiency curve throughout the entire operating voltage range with an 800 VDC bus voltage. The proposed converter has a flexible bridgeless structure with simple control, low-current ripples, low common mode noise, and startup inrush current handling capabilities. Theoretical analysis and waveforms are discussed and experimental results for a 2-kW prototype are given, thereby validating the expected behavior. The operation of the proposed extended input voltage range PFC converter is also compared to the traditional totem-pole PFC showing more than 1% efficiency improvements at full load and a higher power factor in the proposed design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript presents a novel microcantilever with an embedded piezoelectric sensor-actuator pair for dynamic atomic force microscopy (AFM). The transducer pair is constructed from a two-layered AlN stack. Stacking the piezoelectric transducers in this manner leads to a minimal feedthrough from actuation to sense electrode, granting a high dynamic range frequency response for dynamic mode AFM. The cantilever’s design allows for dual mode operation at 1st and 2nd resonance modes. High resolution tapping mode imaging results are reported, while the cantilever is operated at these modes. A feedback control loop is used to modify quality factor of the 1st mode of the cantilever, using a positive position feedback (PPF) controller. A faster response time is achieved by reducing the ${Q}$ -factor, enabling the cantilever to track the topography at a higher scan rate. Results of bimodal AFM imaging are reported, using amplitude changes of the 1st mode for surface topography, while material properties are encoded in phase changes of the 2nd mode. [2020-0096] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) are used to find the latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) cases in the candidates of heart transplantation. Therefore, this study aimed to compare TST and IGRA to diagnose LTBI in pediatric heart transplant candidates. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was performed on 50 children, who were candidates for heart transplantation, of whom 42 cases underwent heart transplantation in Shahid Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical, and Research center, Tehran, Iran, from 2016 to 2017. Results: Participants of the study included 24 male patients (%48) (p‐value = 0.67). The mean age of the patients was 8.18 ± 4.27 years (1‐16 years). According to the results, IGRA was negative in all patients, and no indeterminate result was reported, while the purified derivative test (PPD) was positive in three (6%) cases. In comparison with QFT, an accuracy of 94% was achieved for TST to diagnose Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Conclusions: It seems that TST can still be used as an accurate test for screening LTBI in pediatric candidates for heart transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Viola odorata extracted syrup on the quality and patterns of sleep in patients with depression or obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) as add-on therapy. Design: A pilot double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Settings/Location: Psychiatric Clinic of Imam Hossein Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Subjects: Participants were 16–15 years of age with mild and moderate depression or OCD having insomnia. Interventions: This pilot study was conducted on patients with insomnia divided into two groups with depression (40 patients) or OCD (43 patients). Each group randomly assigned into two arms with the same conditions at baseline. The intervention arm daily received 5 mL V. odorata syrup every 12 h for 4 weeks, and the control arm received 5 mL placebo syrup every 12 h for 4 weeks. None of the participants was deprived of their routine treatment for depression or OCD. Outcome measures: The scores of insomnia symptoms were evaluated using total score of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the scores of its components, the depression score using the final Beck depression inventory-II (BDI-II) score, and OCD score using the Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (YBOCS). Results: The total PSQI score was found to be improved significantly in the intervention arms with depression or OCD (p < 0.001) compared with the corresponding control arms. Significant improvements were also observed in the final mean difference of BDI-II (p = 0.009) and YBOCS (p = 0.001) scores in the intervention arms. Conclusions:V. odorata syrup significantly improved insomnia symptoms and the scores of depression and OCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Density functional theory calculations were performed to explore four octahedral energetic complexes including [CoCl2 (ANQ)2], [Co (ANQ)2(H2O)2]2+, [CuCl2 (ANQ)2], and [Cu(NO3)2 (ANQ)2], (ANQ = amino nitroguanidine). In this work, an attempt has been made to present useful structural data in order to investigate and predict the explosive properties of these complexes. In this regard, interaction energy (IE), natural bond orbital (NBO), atoms in a molecule (AIM) as well as the three-dimensional Hirshfeld surface analysis and the two-dimensional fingerprint plots, charge transfers, HUMO-LUMO gap, oxygen balance (%OB) amounts, and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) maps were utilized to assign intermolecular interactions, bond lengths, the nature of metal-ligand bonds, and energies in subject compounds. The results reveal that among the five applied levels of theory, interaction energies obtaining from M06-2X/Def2TZVP were in excellent compliance with the experiments. Additionally, the N⋯O interaction, oxygen balance, density, and HOMO–LUMO gap were the most contributing factors in assigning sensitivity and detonation properties. In general, the sensitivity and detonation properties are increased in the following order: ANQ < complex1 < complex3 < complex2 < complex4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a novel approach to fundamentally eliminate electrical feedthrough (cross-talk) signal in self-sensing piezoelectric microcantilevers, used in dynamic mode atomic force microscopy (AFM). The probe is an Si microcantilever on which a two-layer piezoelectric stack transducer is microfabricated. The top transducer in the stack functions as an actuator, while the bottom transducer is used as a deflection sensor. This arrangement leads to a collocated actuator-sensor pair that co-exist on the same surface area. We report experimental results that establish the sensor’s ability to capture the full dynamic range of the cantilever with minimal feedthrough from the actuator. [2019-0143] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Tinnitus functional index (TFI) has been introduced as a standard self-assessment questionnaire for the evaluation of tinnitus severity and its negative consequences with enough sensitivity to detect the outcomes of treatment. The purpose of this study was to translate the original tinnitus functional index into Persian and to evaluate its reliability in a military population. Methods: The translation was performed in accordance with the Principles of Good Practice for the Translation and Cultural Adaptation Process for Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures. 32 military and veteran men with tinnitus aged 22-74 years participated in the current study. The participants completed the Persian version of the TFI and the second re-evaluation session was conducted over the telephone 10-14 days later. Both relative and absolute reliability indices were computed. Results: Intraclass correlation coefficient(2,1) with consistency definition for the TFI subscales varied from good to excellent. The agreement between the TFI total scores in the evaluation and re-evaluation using Bland-Altman analysis was acceptable and only one case was not located within the limits of agreement. Conclusion: Initial evaluation of the Persian version of TFI shows acceptable results in terms of reliability. The evaluation of the Persian TFI in different populations of patients with tinnitus and its validity would facilitate its clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Digits are suitable speech materials for evaluating recognition of speech-in-noise in clients with the wide range of language abilities. Farsi Auditory Recognition of Digit-in-Noise (FARDIN) test has been developed and validated in learning-disabled children showing dichotic listening deficit. This study was conducted for further validation of FARDIN and to survey the effects of noise type on the recognition performance in individuals with sensory-neural hearing impairment. Methods: Persian monosyllabic digits 1-10 were extracted from the audio file of FARDIN test. Ten lists were compiled using a random order of the triplets. The first five lists were mixed with multi-talker babble noise (MTBN) and the second five lists with speech-spectrum noise (SSN). Signal- to- noise ratio (SNR) varied from +5 to -15 in 5 dB steps. 20 normal hearing and 19 hearing-impaired individuals participated in the current study. Results: Both types of noise could differentiate the hearing loss from normal hearing. Hearingimpaired group showed weaker performance for digit recognition in MTBN and SSN and needed 4-5.6 dB higher SNR (50%), compared to the normal hearing group. MTBN was more challenging for normal hearing than SSN. Conclusion: Farsi Auditory Recognition of Digit-in-Noise is a validated test for estimating SNR (50%) in clients with hearing loss. It seems SSN is more appropriate for using as a background noise for testing the performance of auditory recognition of digit-in-noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boost-based converters are used in a variety of non-isolated step-up applications, such as power factor correctors, because of their simplicity. The power density of these converters can be increased in higher switching frequencies, which reduces the size of the magnetic elements. This increases the switching losses, but that can be solved by soft-switching techniques. This paper proposes a resonant bridgeless power factor correction converter that provides soft switching for all of the semiconductors. The proposed structure can provide zero voltage switching for the switches and zero current switching for the diodes. In the proposed structure, the input current is inherently sinusoidal with low total harmonic distortion, even with small inductances. Therefore, a high input power factor is achieved without requiring a current control loop in the circuit. This reduces the complexity of the control circuit. An experimental prototype has been constructed to investigate the validity of the claims. Experimental results show near-unity power factor, as well as $\text{2}\%$ efficiency improvement at full load when compared to a conventional interleaved boost converter with the same components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) as the most frequent form of knee arthritis is one of the most annoying complications amongst old peoples. There are different pharmacological and non-pharmacological remedies which could be applied for treatment of knee OA. It's while, significant side effects mostly in patients who are older are the dangerous limiting factors. Integrative, supplementary, traditional remedies have been applied from long time ago in treatment of such chronic diseases like OA. Various topical and oral remedies have been presented in treatment of OA worldwide. In spite of the fact there are multiple remedies for reduction symptoms of patients who suffer from disorders and related inabilities which could enhance their life quality. Remedies which have been applied for a long time for treatment of OA have newly discovered to induce injury to some patients. On the other side, additional knowledge about alternative and supplementary remedies is a main way for enhancing health of patients who suffer from OA disorders. Zingiber zerumbet (Z. zerumbeton) is a kind of herb of the ginger family and is a natural compound with various biomedical characteristics like anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effect. However, Z. zerumbet could be applied for reduction of OA symptoms because of its circulatory stimulant and anti-inflammatory effects. Anyway, up to now there is not any methodical literature review for evaluating the Z. zerumbet clinical effectiveness productiveness in treatment of OA. The main aim of the current study is to review scientific resources around therapeutic effectiveness of Zingiber zerumbet in treatment of adverse symptoms of OA disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The Acceptable Noise Level (ANL), which is an effective clinical tool for quantitative assessment of noise tolerance, is affected by some known variables related to both subject and testing materials. The present study examined how the characteristics of different babble noises may affect the ANL results in normal adult listeners. Methods: Forty Persian listeners with normal hearing participated. In addition to typical ANL testing with 12-talker noise, the ANL was obtained in 8 different conditions varying in number of talkers from 2 to 10 in the babble noises presenting forward and backward. Results: There was a significantly lower ANL for 2-talker babble compared to 4, 8, 10, and 12-talker babble in both forward and backward noise conditions. With the increase in talkers in noise, the ANL becomes worse but reaches almost a plateau with more than 4 talkers in babble noise. There was a statistically significant difference between 2-talker forward and 2-talker backward noises, with no difference for the other conditions. Conclusion: This finding that the ANL is affected by the number of talkers in babble noise and by the forward and backward background noise suggests that informational masking and listening in dip mechanisms are involved in ANL for normal hearing people at least. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Novel tacrine-coumarin hybrids were designed, synthesized and evaluated. • All compounds were evaluated for their AChE and BChE inhibitory activities. • Compound 8e and 8m showed the most potent anti-AChE and anti-BChE activity (IC 50 = 27 nM and 6 nM, respectively). • Compound 8e also showed good BACE1 inhibitory activity and neuroprotectivity. • Compound 8e significantly improved the learning and memory impairment in rat induced by scopolamine. Abstract A new series of tacrine-coumarin hybrids linked to 1,2,3-triazole were designed, synthesized, and tested as potent dual binding site cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Among them, compound 8e was the most potent anti-AChE derivative (IC 50 = 27 nM) and compound 8m displayed the best anti-BChE activity (IC 50 = 6 nM) much more active than tacrine and donepezil as the reference drugs. Compound 8e was also evaluated for its BACE1 inhibitory activity and neuroprotectivity against PC12 cells exposed to Aβ 25-35 which indicated low activity. Finally, in vivo studies by Morris water maze task showed that compound 8e significantly reversed scopolamine-induced memory deficit in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zirconium carbide nano powder was synthesized and used as a new ceramic solid acid catalyst for esterification reaction of acetic acid. The catalytic active atoms and centers and the types of associated orbitals in Lewis acid catalytic reaction were determined based on calculated electronic band structure and partial electronic density of state (PEDOS) of ZrC. The conversion percentage of acetic acid to ethyl acetate was measured by the by titration of residual acetic acid. The ZrC has a very good performance as a solid acid catalyst in the conversion of acetic acid to ethyl acetate. [Display omitted] • Nano ZrC powder was synthesized and used as a new ceramic solid acid catalyst for esterification reaction of acetic acid. • The catalytic active atoms and the types of associated orbitals in Lewis acid catalytic reaction were determined. • The ZrC has a very good performance as a solid acid catalyst in the conversion of acetic acid to ethyl acetate • The new catalyst, showed the conversion percentage of 97.7%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Computed tomography (CT) imaging has a large portion in the dose of patients from radiological procedures; therefore, accurate calculation of radiation risk estimation in this modality is inevitable. In this study, a method for determining the patient-specific effective dose using the dose-length product (DLP) index in lung CT scan using Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is introduced. Methods: EGSnrc/BEAMnrc MC code was used to simulate a CT scanner. The DOSxyznrc simulation code was used to simulate a specific voxelized phantom from the patient's lungs and irradiate it according to X-ray parameter of routing lung CT scan, and dose delivered to thorax organs was calculated. Three types of phantoms were simulated according to three different body habits (slim, standard, and fat patients) in two groups of men and women. A factor was used to convert the relative dose per particle in MC code to the absolute dose. The dose was calculated in all lung organs, and the effective dose was calculated for all three groups of patient body habits. DLP index and volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) were extracted from the patient's dose report in the CT scanner. The DLP to effective dose conversion factor (k-factor) for patients with different body habitus was calculated. Results: Lung radiation dose in slim, standard, and fat patients in men was 0.164, 0.103, and 0.078 mGy/mAs and in women was 0.164, 0.105, and 0.079 mGy/mAs, respectively. The k-factor in the group of slim patients, especially in women, was higher than in other groups. Conclusions: CT scan dose indexes for slim patients are reported to be underestimated in studies. The dose report in CT scan systems should be modified in proportion to the patient's body habitus, to accurately estimate the radiation risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) reduces audibility and causes distortion, which result in difficulty with speech processing, especially in noisy environments. One of the new speech-in-noise tests is the Words-in-Noise (WIN) test. This study aimed to further investigate the Signal-to-Noise Ratio 50% (SNR-50) in subjects with mild to severe SNHL and different configurations using the Persian version of the WIN test compared to normal-hearing people. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 54 patients with SNHL aged 17-75 years and 49 normal-hearing people aged 20-48 years. The auditory recognition in the presence of multi-talker babble noise was evaluated by the Persian version of the WIN test (named ARWIN). Results: The mean SNR-50 in the normal-hearing group was 2.56±1.2 dB, which increased significantly in subgroups with mild (10.13±4.8 dB), moderate (14.51±4.7 dB) and moderate-to-severe (16.61±4.3 dB) SNHL (p<0.001). Conclusion: People with SNHL need more SNR by nearly 4-6 times than the normalhearing group for recognition of monosyllabic Persian words in the presence of multi-talker babble noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are more than 400 different variations on a-globin protein, and most of them are not associated with noticeable clinical manifestation. Hemoglobin (Hb) is an oxygen-transporting protein and Hb Daneshgah-Tehran is an a-globin variant that for the first time was reported from Iran in a case with normal haematological indices. The capillary electrophoresis of an 8-year-old-girl with normal hematological parameters showed a peak in the location of Hb S (19.2%) with small amount of Hb A2 variant. The sequencing analysis indicated that the patient was heterozygote for Hb Daneshgah-Tehran (HBA1:c.218A>G p.His72Arg). Alpha and beta thalassemia are common health problems in north of Iran, and about 15% of Mazandarani people are carriers for alpha globin gene deletions, hence premarital screening program can help diagnosis of common and rare hemoglobinopathies. This case was the first report on Hb Daneshgah-Tehran from Mazandaran and the second one from Iran. The presented case showed that Hb Daneshgah-Tehran had haematological indices in normal range, and for the detection of this Hb variant, electrophoresis and PCR sequencing methods should be applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: According to the literature, optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be used measure radiation absorbed dose. This study was carried out to design a computed tomography system for the calculation of absorbed dose and optimization of dose delivery in radiotherapy using gel dosimeters. Material and Methods: An advanced charge-coupled device based OCT system was developed in laboratory with the capability for high resolution three-dimensional (3D) radiation dosimetry using gel dosimeters. The OCT system was compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a standard system to investigate its accuracy. Additionally, a number of parameters were checked for assessing the performance of the system. Results: Developing an advanced OCT system, the calibration curve was drawn for OCT and MRI and the received dose values were compared. The amounts of dose obtained from OCT and MRI were 1.98 and 2 Gy respectively with a relative difference of 2%. Conclusion: The quality of treatment can be improved using OCT system in radiotherapy dosimetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitors have become interesting target for treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A series of dual binding site BuChE inhibitors were designed and synthesized based on 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-carbazole attached benzyl pyridine moieties. In-vitro assay revealed that all of the designed compounds were selective and potent BuChE inhibitors. The most potent BuChE inhibitor was compound 6i (IC 50  = 0.088 ± 0.0009 μM) with the mixed-type inhibition. Docking study revealed that 6i is a dual binding site BuChE inhibitor. Also, Pharmacokinetic properties for 6i were accurate to Lipinski's rule. In addition, compound 6i demonstrated neuroprotective and β-secretase (BACE1) inhibition activities. This compound could also inhibit AChE-induced and self-induced Aβ peptide aggregation at concentration of 100 μM and 10 μM respectively. Generally, the results are presented as new potent selective BuChE inhibitors with a therapeutic potential for the treatment of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a new class of dew point meters using Thin-film Piezoelectric-on-Silicon (TPoS) resonators. The proposed approach utilizes microelectromechanical resonant balances coupled with a cooling element in which a standard chilled surface technique is used to deposit layers of moisture on the resonator surface. Reducing the temperature causes the resonance frequency of the resonator to increase due to its negative temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF). However, when the temperature of the cooled resonator reaches the dew point (DP) of the surrounding environment, a thin layer of frost starts to form on the resonator surface causing an abrupt negative shift in the resonant frequency due to mass-loading. Therefore, the resonance frequency will be at its maximum value when the dew or frost starts to form i.e., at DP. A custommade setup which includes a MEMS dew point sensor head, a dew point generator and a measurement/control/data collection interface is assembled to enable automated measurements. Using the proposed setup, dew points as low as -41 °C i.e., a dry air containing 145 ppmv H 2 O, are measured with a standard deviation of 0.1 °C. Long-term reliability and accuracy of the sensors presented here are investigated by conducting 35,000 cycles of uninterrupted measurements. The long-term stability, precision, and durability of the presented dew point meters make them suitable solutions for a wide variety of industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core/shell composites of CuC2O4·2H2O@AP and ZnC2O4·2H2O@AP were prepared from metal oxalates on suspended AP particles in ethanol. CuO and ZnO nano-metal oxides as the nano-catalysts were made from CuC2O4·2H2O and ZnC2O4·2H2O simultaneously by thermal decomposition of AP. The particle size of CuO nano-particles was very finer, and the ZnO particles showed a considerable growth during formation. The kinetic triplet of activation energy, frequency factor, and model of thermal decomposition of pure AP, CuC2O4·2H2O@AP, and ZnC2O4·2H2O@AP composites were estimated by applying three model-free (FWO, KAS, and Starink) and model-fitting (Starink) methods. Based on the thermal analysis, the CuC2O4@AP composite has better catalytic performance and the thermal decomposition temperature of AP decreased to about 126.44 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel methodology is introduced for the synthesis of novel 5-methyl-8H-isoquinolino[1,2-b]quinazolin-8-one derivatives based on an efficient immobilized palladium catalyzed intramolecular carbon–carbon bond formation. The novel catalyst is fabricated by immobilization of Pd on phosphinite polyethyleneimine functionalized Fe3O4@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles (denoted as Pd@OPPh2–PEI–mSiO2 NPs). In this catalyst, PEI moieties act as both a water dispersant and base in the reaction. In the key step, 3-allyl-2-(2-bromophenyl)-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones (3a–i) were synthesized via a cyclization reaction between N-allyl-2-aminobenzamides and 2-bromobenzaldehyde. The latter obtained materials then underwent an intramolecular carbon–carbon bond formation in the presence of the Pd@Ph2PO–PEI–mSiO2 catalyst to give 5-methyl-13,13a-dihydro-8H-isoquinolino[1,2-b]quinazolin-8-ones (4a–i). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel series of coumarin-pyridinium hybrids were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) using Ellman’s method. Among synthesized compounds, 1-(3-fluorobenzyl)-4-((2-oxo-2 H -chromene-3-carboxamido)methyl)pyridinium bromide ( 7l ) was found to be the most active compound toward AChE (IC 50  = 10.14 µM), 1-(3-chlorobenzyl)-3-((2-oxo-2 H -chromene-3-carboxamido)methyl)pyridinium bromide ( 7g ) and 1-(2,3-dichlorobenzyl)-3-((2-oxo-2 H -chromene-3-carboxamido)methyl)pyridinium chloride ( 7h ) depicted the best BChE inhibitory activity (IC 50 s = 0.32 and 0.43 µM, respectively). Although most compounds showed moderate to good anti-AChE activity, their anti-BChE activity was more significant and compound 7g was found as the most selective BChE with SI of 101.18. Also, kinetic study of the compounds 7g and 7l displayed a mixed type inhibition for both AChE and BChE. Furthermore, they were evaluated against β-secretase; however, they showed low inhibitory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evaluation of dichotic listening to digits is a common part of many studies for diagnosis and managing auditory processing disorders in children. Previous researchers have verified test--retest relative reliability of dichotic digits results in normal children and adults. However, detecting interventionrelated changes in the ear scores after dichotic listening training requires information regarding trial-totrial typical variation of individual ear scores that is estimated using indices of absolute reliability. Previous studies have not addressed absolute reliability of dichotic listening results. Purpose: To compare the results of the Persian randomized dichotic digits test (PRDDT) and its relative and absolute indices of reliability between typical achieving (TA) and learning-disabled (LD) children. Research Design: A repeated measures observational study. Study Sample: Fifteen LD children were recruited from a previously performed study with age range of 7-12 yr. The control group consisted of 15 TA schoolchildren with age range of 8-11 yr. Data Collection and Analysis: The Persian randomized dichotic digits test was administered on the children under free recall condition in two test sessions 7-12 days apart. We compared the average of the ear scores and ear advantage between TA and LD children. Relative indices of reliability included Pearson's correlation and intraclass correlation (ICC2,1) coefficients and absolute reliability was evaluated by calculation of standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) using the raw ear scores. Results: The Pearson correlation coefficient indicated that in both groups of children the ear scores of test and retest sessions were strongly and positively (greater than 10.8) correlated. The ear scores showed excellent ICC coefficient of consistency (0.78-0.82) and fair to excellent ICC coefficient of absolute agreement (0.62--0.74) in TA children and excellent ICC coefficients of consistency and absolute agreement in LD children (0.76-0.87). SEM and SEM% of the ear scores in TA children were 1.46 and 1.44% for the right ear and 4.68 and 5.47% for the left ear. SEM and SEM% of the ear scores in LD children were 4.55 and 5.88% for the right ear to 7.56 and 12.81% for the left ear. MDC and MDC% of the ear scores in TA children varied from 4.03 and 3.99% for the right ear to 12.93 and 15.13% for the left ear. MDC and MDC% of the ear scores in LD children varied from 12.57 and 16.25% for the right ear to 20.89 and 35.39% for the left ear. Conclusions: The LD children indicated test--retest relative reliability as high as TA children in the ear scores measured by PRDDT. However, within-subject variations of the ear scores calculated by indices of absolute reliability were considerably higher in LD children versus TA children. The results of the current study could have implications for detecting real training-related changes in the ear scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation and catalytic effect of Mn3O4 spinel nanoparticles on thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) were investigated and compared to two manganese precursors of MnC2O4·2H2O and Mn(acac)3. The catalytic effects of two coated precursors on AP thermal decomposition were measured by differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The MnC2O4·2H2O@AP composite showed a decrease in the decomposition temperature of AP from 428.35 to 310.93 °C in one step, whereas for the Mn(acac)3@AP composite, the thermal decomposition was seen in two steps at 288.04 and 323.875 °C. The kinetic triplet of activation energy (Ea), frequency factor (log A) and model of mechanism function [f(α)] of thermal decomposition for pure ammonium perchlorate, MnC2O4·2H2O@AP and Mn(acac)3@AP were investigated via two model-free (FWO, KAS and Starink) and model-fitting (Starink) methods at different conversions of α(α = 0.05-0.95). Also, the thermodynamic parameters were obtained via activation energy and frequency factor for different concentrations of catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy is a very cost efficient energy in terms of construction and maintenance that has no pollution and can be found everywhere. So, various converter topologies are used as an interface converter for solar panels. The boost converter is the conventional converter used in photovoltaic (PV) application. But, it has several problems such as instability in Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM), input inrush currents, short circuit protection and etc. These problems, lead to use Z-Source and quasi Z-Source Converter (qZSC) which have higher gain compared to traditional boost converter, lower current ripple at the input without using any extra filters, buck and boost capability, lower output ripple and higher reliability. In this paper a soft switching technique for qZSC converter with coupled inductor and without any auxiliary switch is proposed for PV application. By adding an auxiliary circuit, which includes a coupled inductor, diode and capacitor, soft switching condition is provided for all semiconductor elements of the proposed converter. The proposed converter is theoretically analyzed and to confirm the validity of the theoretical analysis, it is simulated by ORCAD and a laboratory prototype is built. The proposed converter shows six percent efficiency improvement in comparison with hard switching counterpart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the primary tools used in text processing tasks such as information retrieval, text extraction, and text mining, is a corpus that is enhnaced by linguistic tags. In a corpus development effort, the role of a POS-tagger is to assign a linguistic tag to every textual token. POS annotation relies heavily on a tagset based on a linguistic theory. Text processing in Persian, too, follows this common practice. Several tagsets have been introduced, so far, to annotate Persian corpora. However, each tagset has followed a specific standard and linguistic theory. The resulting tagsets contain a limited number of tags, which renders them inadequate for a larger scope of research. This study is inspired by EAGLES, MULTEXT-East, positional tagset standards to produce a comprehensive standard positional tagset for Persian. The proposed tagset is also informed by the existing Persian tagsets. The proposed Persian Positional Tagset (PPT) is designed to be used for morphological, lexical, and syntactic annotations of Persian corpora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexation of copper(II) perchlorate with aminoguanidine hemesulfate (AGHS) yield related mononuclear complex bis(aminoguanidine)copper(II) perchlorate; [Cu(AG)2](ClO4)2 (I). The characterization of complex I was done by elemental analysis, electronic spectra, IR studies, and X-ray diffraction. From analytical data, a stoichiometry of 1:2 of metal to ligand was determined for the complex. The structure consists of centrosymmetric square planar [Cu(AG)2]2+ cations and perchlorate counterions. The CuII atom is four-coordinate by two imine N atoms and two amine N atoms from two aminoguanidine ligands, forming a slightly distorted square-planar coordination. In the crystal structure, molecules are linked through intermolecular N-H···O hydrogen bonds, forming a network. The thermal decomposition process of this complex was investigated through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the sensitivities toward impact and friction were assessed using a BAM drophammer and a BAM friction tester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this pared, an efficient method is introduced for the synthesis of 3-alkyl-2-(((4-(2-oxopropyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)alkyl)thio)-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one derivatives. These novel products have both 1,2,3-triazole and quinazolinone in their structures. For the synthesis of these products, a novel catalyst is designed, synthesized, and characterized by the immobilization of copper onto modified magnetic iron oxide. The catalyst (denoted: Cu@Py-Oxa@SPION) was characterized by several characterization techniques. In this regard, 16 3-alkyl-2-(((4-(2-oxopropyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)alkyl)thio)-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one derivatives were synthesized in high isolated yields (77–86%). As an advantage, the catalyst is highly recoverable and its activity has not decreased after 7 sequential runs. The method is very efficient for the synthesis of the products in high isolated yields under mild reaction conditions in a green solvent. The scope of the method is broad and several examples were successfully synthesized using starting materials with different functional groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]