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The nanometer-scale spatial organization of immune receptors plays a role in cell activation and suppression. While the connection between this spatial organization and cell signaling events is emerging from cell culture experiments, how these results translate to more physiologically relevant settings like the tumor microenvironment remains poorly understood due to the challenges of high-resolution imaging in vivo. Here we perform super-resolution immunofluorescence microscopy of human melanoma tissue sections to examine the spatial organization of the immune checkpoint inhibitor programmed cell death 1 (PD-1). We show that PD-1 exhibits a variety of organizations ranging from nanometer-scale clusters to more uniform membrane labeling. Our results demonstrate the capability of super-resolution imaging to examine the spatial organization of immune checkpoint markers in the tumor microenvironment, suggesting a future direction for both clinical and immunology research.

Groundwater is an essential natural resource and it has a significant role in the development of dry lands. It is the main source of fresh water in arid and semi-arid regions. The present study investigates groundwater potentiality in the western part of Assiut Governorate, Egypt using advanced remote sensing and geospatial techniques along with hydrological data and field validation. The adopted method provides a low-cost and highly effective tool that can be combined with the conventional land-based approach for mapping Groundwater Potentiality. The study aims to determine the groundwater probability and recharging zones based on the contribution of some physiographic variables that influence groundwater storage. Therefore, multi-sensors remote sensing data from ASTER, Landsat-8, MODIS, Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), and Radarsat-1 were accustomed to extract several geospatial thematic layers (variables). These layers include elevation, slope, curvature, drainage density, topographic wetness index, surface roughness, frequency of thermal anomaly, accumulated precipitation, Land Use/Land Cover (LULC), and lineament density. The produced layers are then scaled and weighted based on their contributions to the recharge of near-surface (unconfined) groundwater aquifers through infiltration and percolation processes. The Simple Additive Weight (SAW) method was utilized to aggregate all the weighted layers for creating the Groundwater Potentiality map. This aggregated grouped map was then classified into 5 classes, from very high to very low groundwater potentiality zones. The results show that the high Groundwater Potentiality was associated with low terrain, high surface ruggedness, high drainage and lineament densities, and relatively close to thermal anomalies in wadi deposits, and adjacent sandy areas. The remote sensing results were validated using comprehensive field observations including, pumping tests, water wells data, and vegetation patterns in the study area. The study concluded that a groundwater possibility map based on geospatial techniques and remote sensing data can provide a robust tool in groundwater exploration, and consequently, it can be adopted elsewhere in arid regions.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has created a crisis in public health. Because, the 3CLpro, the main protease of SARS-CoV-2, possesses a critical role in coronavirus replication, many efforts have been devoted to developing various inhibitors to prevent the fast spread of COVID-19. In the current work, a number of various pyridazino[4,5-b]quinoxalin-1(2H)-one derivatives bearing thiadiazine and thiadiazole fragments has been prepared via a straightforward and practical strategy involving the reaction of 2-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-formylquinoxaline 1,4-dioxide with thiocarbohydrazide under reflux conditions. To determine the bioavailability of pyridazino[4,5-b]quinoxalin-1(2H)-one derivatives, Lipinski’s rule of five has been carried out. Regarding this rule, none of the synthesized compounds exhibit any deviation from Lipinski’s rule of five. Furthermore, molecular docking and molecular dynamics approaches have been implemented to figure out the potential interactions of products with SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The outcomes of molecular docking studies demonstrate that the phenyl and nitrophenyl substituted pyridazino[4,5-b]quinoxalin-1(2H)-one show the lowest binding affinity among the other compounds, indicating a favorable orientation in the active site of the chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease. In addition, the MD simulation performed to evaluate the stability of the protein–ligand complex represents that the average binding energy of the nitrophenyl complex is less than that of the phenyl complex. Therefore, according to the in silico results, the inhibitory effect of the nitrophenyl complex is more significant than the phenyl complex. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Discussions about the proper relationship between humans and animals can easily degenerate into what the Universal House of Justice calls “the all too common tendencies . . . to delineate sharp dichotomies . . . and engage in intractable debate that obstructs the search for viable solutions” (29 November 2017). This paper first uses an exegetical approach to discern a Bahá’í framework governing the treatment of animals, and our relationship to the natural world more broadly. Next, a self-reflexive examination of the author’s own relationship with animals is used to demonstrate how such a framework can directly inform the individual’s way of being in the world, in a manner that is both faithful to the Bahá’í teachings on the subject, and responsive to differences in individuals’ circumstances. Finally, it suggests that by presenting an internally coherent position in which an ethics of kindness and justice flows from underlying ontological principles, this framework hold promise for transcending the dichotomy between domination-themed narratives that assign purely instrumental value to the natural world, and materialistic narratives that deny any unique status to the human being.

Purpose The currently used scheme for radioligand therapy (RLT) of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) consists of 4–6 cycles of 6.0–7.4 GBq [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 each. This standard treatment scheme has proved safe and effective resulting in objective response in most patients with no significant toxicity. Many patients, however, show high-volume residual tumor burden after the sixth cycle and may benefit from treatment continuation. Extended treatment with additional cycles has been withheld due to concerns on potential increased toxicity. Methods Twenty-six patients with high-volume residual tumor burden (according to CHAARTED) after standard RLT with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 and no alternative treatment option received additional RLT cycles reaching a median of 10 (range 7–16) cycles with a mean activity of 7.4 ± 0.9 GBq per cycle. Response assessment with [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT was done every 2–3 cycles or if disease progression was clinically suspected or based on change in PSA value (according to the PCWG3 criteria). Toxicity was measured using routine blood work up including blood counts, liver and renal function, and was graded according to CTCAE v5.0 criteria. Survival outcome was calculated based on the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Further PSA decline of 33 ± 28% during the extended treatment was observed in 21/26 (81%) patients, whereas 5/26 (19%) patients showed a PSA increase; correspondingly in 11/21 patients with an initial response (PR or SD) to extended cycles, treatment was discontinued due to progressive disease, whereas six (23%) patients achieved low-volume residual disease. Two (8%) patients died without showing progression, and two (8%) patients are still under therapy. The median progression-free survival was 19 (95% CI: 15–23) months, and the overall survival was 29 (95% CI: 18–40) months. Grade ≥ 3 hematological toxicities occurred in 4/26 (15%) patients during treatment extension, and nephrotoxicity (grade ≥ 3) was observed in 1/26 (4%) patient during the follow-up. Conclusion Extended radioligand therapy is a feasible treatment option in patients with high-volume residual tumor after the completion of standard treatment with six cycles of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617. Improved survival and the acceptable safety profile warrant further investigation of the concept of additional cycles in selected patients.

Discussions about the proper relationship between humans and animals can easily degenerate into what the Universal House of Justice calls “the all too common tendencies . . . to delineate sharp dichotomies . . . and engage in intractable debate that obstructs the search for viable solutions” (29 November 2017). This paper first uses an exegetical approach to discern a Bahá’í framework governing the treatment of animals, and our relationship to the natural world more broadly. Next, a self-reflexive examination of the author’s own relationship with animals is used to demonstrate how such a framework can directly inform the individual’s way of being in the world, in a manner that is both faithful to the Bahá’í teachings on the subject, and responsive to differences in individuals’ circumstances. Finally, it suggests that by presenting an internally coherent position in which an ethics of kindness and justice flows from underlying ontological principles, this framework hold promise for transcending the dichotomy between domination-themed narratives that assign purely instrumental value to the natural world, and materialistic narratives that deny any unique status to the human being. This paper had its origins in a presentation offered at the 2020 Annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, but expands considerably on the arguments in that talk, both in terms of breadth and depth. My thanks to Roshan Danesh, Nilufar Gordon, Mahtab Sabet, and two anonymous reviewers, for their generous feedback and encouragement.

I investigate the impact of voter turnout on top marginal tax rates in OECD countries between 1974 and 2013. I find that higher turnout leads to higher taxes for top earners, a result broadly consistent with the median voter theorem. Using novel survey data, I confirm that individuals in all but the wealthiest income bracket prefer higher taxes on the rich more than they prefer greater government spending in the economy. In line with these preferences, I find that turnout has a significantly negative effect on top income shares but no effect on the size of government or on public welfare expenditure. An instrumental variables approach confirms my findings. Overall, the paper is the first of its kind to link turnout to measures of redistribution that affect top earners and to preferences for redistribution.

Aim: to observe the effect of propolis and its nano counterpart when used as final irrigation materials and compare them to the conventionally used EDTA and saline on the clinical outcomes of necrotic mature anterior teeth with apical periodontitis after treating them using regenerative endodontic procedure. Methodology: 84 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. Access cavity was prepared, rubber dam isolation was done. Mechanical preparation was performed up to #60 using K-files. Final irrigation procedure was done as follows: Group A (Control ): Final irrigation was done using saline (3ml/min) followed by 17% EDTA solution (20 mL/canal, 5 min). Group B (comparator 1): Final irrigation was done using propolis[1] irrigation (20 mL/canal, 5 min). Group C (comparator 2): Final irrigation was done using Nano-propolis[2] irrigation (20 mL/canal, 5 min). Bleeding was then induced, PRF was placed in the canals, followed by Collacote[3] and Bio-dentine[4] placement. Patients were recalled after 6 and 12 months. Teeth were checked for sensibility using electric pulp tester and thermal tests. All data was analysed using Kruskal Wallis test. Results: All of the 84 patients (100%) within the 3 groups showed both clinical success and survival. Using Kruskal Wallis, there was no statistically significant difference among the three groups (p=1). Two teeth in the nano propolis group responded positively to thermal test at 12 months follow up. None of the teeth in the three tested groups (100%) responded to the electric pulp test at 12 months. There was nostatistically significant difference between the three groups(p=1) Conclusion: within the limitation of the study, single visit regenerative endodontics can be used to treat necrotic mature teeth with apical periodontitis and a periapical lesion. Key words: Regenerative endodontics, single visit regeneration, propolis, Nano-propolis, Platelet-rich fibrin [1] Propolis: Imtinan/Cairo, Egypt [2] Nanopropolis: NanoTech/Cairo/Egypt [3] Collacote: Collacote/Zimmer/Indiana /USA [4] Biodentine: Acrostone/Cairo/Egypt

To evaluate whether enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) was associated with reduced length of stay (LOS) after urgent or emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).A retrospective analysis of an institutional database for urgent or emergency isolated CABG before versus after ERAS. Propensity matching identified comparable subpopulations pre- versus post-ERAS. Interrupted time series analysis was used to evaluate LOS.At a tertiary care teaching hospital.A total of 1,012 patients undergoing urgent or emergent CABG-346 from 2016 to 2017 (pre-ERAS), and 666 from 2018 to 2020 (post-ERAS). Emergent CABG was performed within 24 hours, and urgent CABG was performed during the same hospitalization to reduce clinical risk.None.Propensity-matched post-ERAS (n = 565) versus pre-ERAS patients (n = 330) demonstrated reduced LOS (9 [8-13] v (10 [8-14] days p = 0.015), increased likelihood of extubation within 6 hours (46.0% v 35.8%, p = 0.003), shorter ventilation time (6.3 [5.1-10.2] v (7.2 [5.4-12.2] hours, p = 0.003), reduced morphine milligram equivalent use on postoperative days 1 and 2 (69.6 ± 62.2 v 99.0 ± 61.6, p0.001), and increased intraoperative ketamine use (58.8% v 35.2%, p0.001). There were no differences regarding reintubation, intensive care unit readmission, or 30-day morbidity. Adjusted segmental regression (n = 1,012) for LOS demonstrated reduced mean LOS of approximately 2 days after ERAS (βEnhanced recovery after surgery was associated with reduced LOS after urgent or emergency CABG without adverse effects on prolonged ventilation, reintubation, intensive care unit readmission, or 30-day outcomes.

Increased bleeding risks have been documented in patients exposed to P2YClinical outcomes were assessed in 2075 isolated CABG patients, including 375 who had received P2YP2YClopidogrel exposure within 5 days of CABG is an independent predictor of BARC-4 bleeding, whereas major ticagrelor bleeding effects are confined to drug exposure within 3 days of surgery.

The main purpose of this article is to study the impact of knowledge management practices (KMPs) on innovation performance of an Iranian leading private bank known as Bank Pasargad. To assess the impact of independent factor (KMP) on the dependent factor (innovation performance), a questionnaire containing 52 questions is designed and distributed among 237 experts and managers of the Iranian Bank Pasargad headquarters. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses are used to analyze the research data. The proposed conceptual model of the research is studied using the structural equation modeling technique. Results obtained from testing the main hypothesis shows that KMPs positively and significantly affect innovation performance. Also, scrutiny of the subhypotheses revealed that KMP subconstructs, namely, top management measures, strategic knowledge management, knowledge-driven employment, knowledge-driven training, knowledge-driven performance evaluation based on IT, and knowledge sharing using IT, positively and significantly affect innovation performance in the surveyed bank.

The aim of this study was to investigate student satisfaction with virtual education based on their health-oriented lifestyle behaviours. The present study was a descriptive correlational study. The statistical population included all undergraduate students in engineering and psychological fields at Islamic Azad University of Shahre Rey during the second semester of 2020-2021. Of these students, 188 (93 engineering students and 95 psychology students) were randomly selected. To collect the data, an instrument for measuring satisfaction with virtual education as well as the measurement scale for health-oriented academic lifestyle behaviours (Salehzadeh et al., 2017) were used. Findings revealed that the components of a health-oriented lifestyle as a whole explain 37.4% of the variance in student satisfaction with virtual education. The relationship between health-oriented lifestyle facilitators (academic optimism, mastery goal orientation, and academic resilience) and student satisfaction with virtual education was positive and significant. The relationship between health-oriented lifestyle inhibitor components (learned helplessness and procrastination) and student satisfaction with virtual education was negative and significant. The relationship between effort withdrawal and student satisfaction with virtual education was not significant (p>0.05). There was no difference between the components of a health-oriented lifestyle and student satisfaction with virtual education according to educational groups. Accordingly, creating a resilient educational environment, trying to participate, and teaching towards meaningful and problem-based learning will prevent students from avoiding virtual education.

The improved oil recovery (IOR) is a way of enhancing the reservoir properties with the use of nanomaterials to detach the oil molecule from the trapped zone. The polarization effect on reservoir sandstone under an electric double layer is one of the major research interests. The nanoparticles agglomeration such as graphene nanofluid due to poor dispersion in reservoir zone can be a major challenge that can lead to low reservoir permeability are well elucidated. This study investigated the influence of graphene nanofluid on the ionic polarization under an electric double layer in reservoir sandstone. Saturated Berea sandstone was used to investigate the interaction of ionic species on reservoir sandstone with the aid of Field-emission microscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive X-ray mapping (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectral analysis, and Core flooding experiment. This research gives information on the adsorption of ions within an electric double layer and its polarization mechanisms. It was revealed from the experimental result that ionic polarization occurs at 9.97 GHz with a 5.8nm wavelength shift which improves the mobility of the reservoir and in turn increases oil recovery factors. Graphene nanoparticles show a positive effect on both reservoir oil viscosity and stabilization characteristics of drilling fluids, wettability alteration, interfacial tension, and improving the emulsion Keywords: Nanomaterials, Sandstone, Electric double layer, Graphene

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) often extract similar features from successive video frames due to having identical appearances. In contrast, conventional CNNs for video recognition process individual frames with a fixed computational effort. Each video frame is independently processed, resulting in numerous redundant computations and an inefficient use of limited energy resources, particularly for edge computing applications. To alleviate the high energy requirements associated with video frame processing, this paper presented similarity-aware CNNs that recognise similar feature pixels across frames and avoid computations on them. First, with a loss of less than 1% in recognition accuracy, a proposed similarity aware quantization technique increases the average number of unchanged feature pixels across frame pairs by up to 85%. Then, a proposed similarity-aware dataflow improves energy consumption by minimising redundant computations and memory accesses across frame pairs. According to simulation experiments, the proposed dataflow decreases the energy consumed by video frame processing by up to 30%.

Garra rezai, new species, is described from the Chooman, a tributary of the Lesser Zab in Iran, and from headwaters of the Yanarsu, a tributary of the upper Tigris in Turkey. It is distinguished from its congeners in the Garra variabilis species group by having two pairs of barbels, a well-developed mental disc, 35–40 total scales along the lateral line, 15–19 scales along the predorsal midline, and 15–18 circumpeduncular scales. It is further characterised by having ten diagnostic nucleotide substitutions and the K2P genetic distances with the closest species i.e. G. klatti, G. kemali and G. variabilis as 11.9, 12.0, and 13.7%, respectively in the mtDNA COI barcode region.

Background: It is necessary to help type 2 diabetic patients solve diabetes problems by identifying factors affecting healthy lifestyle and self-care indicators that can be improved using different psychological approaches. This research aimed at determining the effectiveness of the acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention on healthy lifestyle and self-care indicators in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up with a control group. The statistical population of the study consisted of patients with type 2 diabetes in the age range of 30-60 years at the Diabetes Clinic of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in 2019. The sample included 40 patients with type 2 diabetes selected by a convenient sampling method and assigned to ACT (n=20) and control (n=20) groups using a simple randomization method. ACT training was performed in 9 sessions for 90 minutes. Data were collected through the lifestyle questionnaire and self-care behavior questionnaire and analyzed by the multivariate analysis of covariance using SPSS 22. Results: The findings indicated that ACT was effective in increasing healthy lifestyle (P=0.022) and selfcare indices (P

This paper aims at investigating the use of high frequency resistance welding (HFRW) to deploy energy saving technology in power plants industry. The new approach of dissimilar welds A240TP409 finned and 2¼ Cr-1 Mo seamless tube under various conditions of high frequency resistance welding (HFRW) are found in power plant boilers and reducing energy costs is possible through the use of finned tubes. HFRW have accom-plished on samples by changing multiple parameters including current of welding, electric potential, travel speed and fin pitch. Microstructural evolution in weld bond, hardness and tensile strength tests revealed that metallurgical bonding more than 90 % was measured at the weld interface and the average of tensile strengths were more than 275MPa, with setting on appropriate welding parameters and optimum pressure. Since the pitch and fin thickness can be severely reduced, the output transfer surface treatment in final process can be dramatically diminished. Lastly, a well-engineered approach to the design of the best conditions of finned tube welding bond is discussed in modern combined cycle power plant (CCPP).

Purpose. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two types of therapeutic exercise: core stability exercises and movement control exercises in pain and function. Methods. Thirty-five patients were diagnosed and referred to physiotherapy as CMLBP, their age ranged from 25–40 years old, patients divided randomly into two groups and assessed for their current level of pain using a visual analog scale (VAS) and for disability using Oswestry disability index (ODI) before and after the study. Both groups received a well-documented fully supervised exercise program as group I movement control exercise, and group II received core stability exercises. Results. Showed significant effect of both exercise approaches on reducing pain level and restoring function. Although the group I exercises showed to be more effective in reducing pain than group II, their difference regarding improving function was non-significant. Conclusion. Conservative forms of treatment (therapeutic exercises) still prove it is a successful, cost-effective treatment of choice in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain. Movement control exercises are superior in reducing pain to core stability exercises.

يهدف البحث إلى التعرف على : معرفة تأثير وحدات تعليمي وفق انموذج مكارثي في تعلم بعض مسكات المصارعة للطلاب. يهدف البحث إلى التعرف: إعداد وحدات تعليمي وفق انموذج مكارثي في تعلم بعض مسكات المصارعة للطلاب. وتعرف على تأثير الوحدات تعليمية وفق انموذج مكارثي تعلم بعض مسكات المصارعة. في ضوء أهداف البحث يضع الباحثان الفروض التالية. هناك تأثير ايجابي بين الاختبارات القبلية والبعدية لعينة البحث في تعلم بعض المسكات المصارعة. تم استخدام المنهج التجريبي وتم اختيار عينة البحث من طلاب المرحلة الثانية بقسم التربية البدنية وعلوم الرياضية كلية التربية الأساسية جامعة المستنصرية وأسفرت النتائج إن لفاعلية انموذج مكارثي تأثيرا ايجابيا في تعلم الأداء مسكات المصارعة، وقد تم التوصية ضرورة اتباع المدرسين اساليب حديثة وعديدة للتعلم ومنها انموذج مكارثي.

The rapid advancement in information technology, communication, and electronic devices elevates the need to develop suitable materials for microwave absorption (MA) which should have the properties of an ideal microwave absorber. Porous activated carbon from agricultural wastes has piqued the interest of MA researchers due to their distinct properties such as good specific surface area, high dielectric loss, good electrical conductivity, and low density. Herein banana peel activated carbon was prepared by activating banana peel precursor with KOH and carbonizing at different temperatures. The difference in the porous structure with varying carbonization temperature was visible in the FESEM image, validated by BET analysis. The Banana Peel Activated carbon samples exhibited good microwave absorption performance, with BP-AC700 displaying a minimum Reflection Loss (RL) of −40.62 dB at 10.72 GHz & 3.0 mm thickness. In addition, the obtained effective absorption bandwidth of 3.5 GHz spanned through the X band frequency. This exceptional microwave absorption was attained due to the sample's good conductive loss and Porous favourable morphology. This study inspires the development of future facile functional agricultural waste-derived microwave absorbers.