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The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) exhibits geographic variability and phylogenetic intraspecific relationships. Previous morphological studies have suggested the existence of multiple lynx subspecies, but recent genetic research has questioned this classification, particularly in Central Asia. In this study, we aimed to analyse the geographic and genetic variation in Central Asian lynx populations, particularly the Turkestan lynx and Altai lynx populations, using morphometric data and mtDNA sequences to contribute to their taxonomic classification. The comparative analysis of morphometric data revealed limited clinal variability between lynx samples from the Altai and Tien Shan regions. By examining mtDNA fragments (control region and cytochrome b) obtained from Kazakhstani lynx populations, two subspecies were identified: L. l. isabellinus (represented by a unique haplotype of the South clade, H46) and L. l. wrangeli (represented by haplotypes H36, H45, and H47 of the East clade). L. l. isabellinus was recognized only in Tien Shan Mountain, while Altai lynx was likely identical to L. l. wrangeli and found in northern Kazakhstan, Altai Mountain, Saur and Tarbagatai Mountains, and Tien Shan Mountain. The morphological and mtDNA evidence presented in this study, although limited in sample size and number of genetic markers, renders the differentiation of the two subspecies challenging. Further sampling and compilation of whole-genome sequencing data are necessary to confirm whether the proposed subspecies warrant taxonomic standing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Golden jackal (Canis aureus) is one of the most common canid in Iran and can be found in habitats from Southeast Asia to Europe. Its rapid range expansion into Europe is indicated by the single haplotype (H1) of the mtDNA control region. H1 is the pioneer haplotype that expanded its range to Europe. Haplotypes from Turkey to Europe (western dispersal) and India (eastern dispersal) were identified before, while Iranian haplotypes are not known. Here, we completed its haplotype distribution from India to Europe by collecting samples from Iran. Results show that H1 is the most frequent Iranian haplotype compared to the five other haplotypes, and its most eastern distribution is in northeastern Iran. The phylogenetic tree and median-joining network indicate that all haplotypes are monophyletic, but Indian and Eurasian haplotypes are almost exclusive. We considered Oriental (Indian haplotypes + H13 from southeastern Iran) and Palearctic (others) haplogroups to explain haplotype distribution based on a median-joining network. The Oriental haplogroup is probably adapted to India towards southeastern Iran, while the Palearctic haplogroup is responsible for the current range expansion from Iran to Europe. The distribution and frequency of haplotypes indicate the rapid large-scale expansion, and unique haplotypes for specific geographic regions might be related to local adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The short-term therapeutic impacts of stem cells and their derivatives were frequently reported in preclinical investigations of ischemic stroke (IS); however, several drawbacks including accessibility, abundancy, and ethical concerns limited their clinical application. We describe here for the first time the therapeutic potential of human hair follicle-derived stem cells (hHFSCs) and their conditioned medium (CM) in a rat model of IS. Furthermore, we hypothesized that a combination of cell therapy with repeated CM administration might enhance the restorative efficiency of this approach compared to each treatment alone. Middle cerebral artery occlusion was performed for 30 min to induce IS. Immediately after reperfusion, hHFSCs were transplanted through the intra-arterial route and/or hHFSC-CM administered intranasally. The neurological outcomes, short-term spatial working memory, and infarct size were evaluated. Furthermore, relative expression of seven target genes in three categories of neuronal markers, synaptic markers, and angiogenic markers was assessed. The hHFSCs and hHFSC-CM treatments improved neurological impairments and reduced infarct size in the IS rats. Moreover, molecular data elucidated that IS was accompanied by attenuation in the expression of neuronal and synaptic markers in the evaluated brain regions and the interventions rescued these expression changes. Although there was no considerable difference between hHFSCs and hHFSC-CM treatments in the improvement of neurological function and decrement of infarct size, combination therapy was more effective to reduce infarction and elevation of target gene expression especially in the hippocampus. These findings highlight the curative potential of hHFSCs and their CM in a rat model of IS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main properties of the logamediate inflation driven by a non-canonical scalar field in the framework of DGP braneworld gravity are investigated. Considering high energy conditions, we analytically calculate the slow-roll parameters. Then, we deal with perturbation theory and calculate the most important respective parameters, such as the scalar spectral index and the tensor-to-scalar ratio. We find that the spectrum of scalar fluctuations is always red-tilted. Also, we understand that the running in the scalar spectral index is nearly zero. Finally, we compare this inflationary scenario with the latest observational results from Planck 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aims to classify the eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) based on the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) vascular density maps using a supervised machine learning algorithm. Methods: OCTA vascular density maps (at superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and total retina (R) levels) of 148 eyes from 78 patients with diabetic retinopathy (45 PDR and 103 NPDR) was used to classify the images to NPDR and PDR groups based on a supervised machine learning algorithm known as the support vector machine (SVM) classifier optimized by a genetic evolutionary algorithm. Results: The implemented algorithm in three different models reached up to 85% accuracy in classifying PDR and NPDR in all three levels of vascular density maps. The deep retinal layer vascular density map demonstrated the best performance with a 90% accuracy in discriminating between PDR and NPDR. Conclusions: The current study on a limited number of patients with diabetic retinopathy demonstrated that a supervised machine learning–based method known as SVM can be used to differentiate PDR and NPDR patients using OCTA vascular density maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We report follow-up data from an ongoing prospective cohort study of COVID-19 in pediatric kidney transplantation through the Improving Renal Outcomes Collaborative (IROC). Methods: Patient-level data from the IROC registry were combined with testing, indication, and outcomes data collected to describe the epidemiology of COVID testing, treatment, and clinical outcomes; determine the incidence of a positive COVID-19 test; describe rates of COVID-19 testing; and assess for clinical predictors of a positive COVID-19 test. Results: From September 2020 to February 2021, 21 centers that care for 2690 patients submitted data from 648 COVID-19 tests on 465 patients. Most patients required supportive care only and were treated as outpatients, 16% experienced inpatient care, and 5% experienced intensive care. Allograft complications were rare, with acute kidney injury most common (7%). There was 1 case of respiratory failure and 1 death attributed to COVID-19. Twelve centers that care for 1730 patients submitted complete testing data on 351 patients. The incidence of COVID-19 among patients at these centers was 4%, whereas the incidence among tested patients was 19%. Risk factors to predict a positive COVID-19 test included age > 12 years, symptoms consistent with COVID-19, and close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Conclusions: Despite the increase in testing and positive tests over this study period, the incidence of allograft loss or death related to COVID-19 remained extremely low, with allograft loss or death each occurring in < 1% of COVID-19-positive patients and in less than < 0.1% of all transplant patients within the IROC cohort. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the functional and anatomical outcome of fluorescein angiography (FA) versus indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) guided photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of non-resolving central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). In this prospective interventional case series, all patients with non-resolving CSCR, defined as persistent SRF involving subfoveal area for at least three months, were nonrandomly assigned to receive either FA or ICGA-guided half dose PDT. Baseline and 4 months post-treatment data including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the status of foveal subretinal fluid, subfoveal choroidal thickness, choroidal vascularity index, pigment epithelial detachment area, treatment and PDT spot numbers were collected. Thirty-six eyes were included; 24 received ICGA-guided and 12 received FA-guided PDT. Overall, improvement in BCVA and choroidal parameters were observed in all patients. There was no significant difference in baseline parameters as well as follow-up measurements between groups. However, the mean total energy dose and spot number in the IGCA-guided PDT were significantly higher than the FA-guided PDT group (P = 0.001). Both FA-guided and ICGA-guided half-dose PDT were effective in the treatment of non-resolving CSCR, with favorable functional and anatomical outcome. In FA group, PDT with smaller spot sizes and fewer numbers of spots were applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we study a constant-roll inflationary model in the context of the DGP brane-world cosmology caused by a quintessence scalar field. We determine an analytical solution for the Friedman equation coupled to the equation of motion of the scaler field. The evolution of the primordial scalar and tensor perturbations is also studied. To check the viability of the model we use numerical approaches and plot some figures. Our results for the scalar spectral index and the tensor to scaler ratio show good consistency with observations for given values of model parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the rate and risk factors for primary failure and recurrence after intravitreal anti-VEGF injection in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: This retrospective study was performed on 865 eyes from 441 patients with retinopathy of prematurity receiving intravitreal bevacizumab from 2012 to 2019. Medical records of patients were evaluated. Results: Mean gestational age (GA) and birth weight of patients were 28 ± 2 weeks and 1121 ± 312 g, respectively. Thirty-five eyes (4.04%) had a primary failure, including 18 eyes from 187 eyes in zone 1 (9.6%) and 17 eyes from 678 eyes in zone 2 (2.5%). The mean time of retreatment was 16.64 ± 13.68 days in eyes without regression ROP. The remaining 830 eyes (95.95%) were included in recurrence analysis. The recurrence occurred in 33 eyes (3.97%) of them in 20 patients, with the meantime of 77.52 days after the first treatment (IVB). The presence of plus disease, history of oxygen therapy or phototherapy, and GA less than 32 were associated with significantly increased prevalence of treatment failure. The risk factors predicting recurrence are lower birth weight, zone 1 pretreatment, history of intubation, anemia, and sepsis. Conclusion: Intravitreal anti-VEGF is a successful treatment for ROP with a low rate of primary failure and recurrence. Awareness of risk factors for treatment failure and recurrence may help clinicians to schedule more vigilant approach in susceptible cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To present long-term visual and structural outcome of treatment in two forms of flat irregular pigment epithelial detachment (FIPED): avascular (aFIPED) and vascularized (vFIPED) in eyes within pachychoroid spectrum. Prospective interventional case series. FIPED were classified into two subgroups; aFIPED and vFIPED based on OCTA. aFIPED underwent PDT, and vFIPED underwent either PDT, IVB, or combination of PDT&IVB. Vision, subretinal or intraretinal fluid, and choroidal biomarkers such as choroidal thickness, area, choroidal vascular index (CVI), and PED area were measured at baseline and last follow-up. Fifteen eyes with aFIPED were followed for a mean of 14.7 ± 10.8 months. Their vision improved, (0.44 ± 0.37–0.33 ± 0.40 LogMAR, p = 0.009) with significant reduction of fluid, choroidal area, thickness, PED area and increase in CVI. Twenty eyes with vFIPED were followed for a mean of 16.5 ± 8.2 months. The same pattern of choroidal alterations without visual improvement was observed in eyes underwent PDT alone. Combination therapy resulted in improvement of vision (0.38 ± 0.10–0.23 ± 0.17 LogMAR, p = 0.006) with reduction of choroidal area and thickness, with an increase in CVI. IVB alone could not change vision or choroidal structure. Single session PDT may lead to sustained visual improvement and structural change in eyes with aFIPED. Combination of PDT and IVB may be a better choice in eyes with vFIPED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction of nitrile imines with 2,2-dimethyl-5-[(4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl)methylene]-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione tends to form the reverse-orientation products under ultrasound irradiation in EtOH in the presence of Et3N. Evidence for the structure of product 5b was obtained from single-crystal X-ray analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines vented-type water tree and electrical tree in an XLPE-insulated cable, as well as the effect of rejuvenation fluid on the medium-voltage 20 kV XLPE cable insulation. Initially, laboratory specimens are placed under a scanning electron microscope and imaged to determine the dimensions and characteristics of water treeing and electrical treeing. Then, these specimens are immersed in the rejuvenation fluid, and their dielectric properties are evaluated over a 1-month period. The obtained results are analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics software, and the outputs are discussed and examined. The initiation of vented-type water tree and its growth from a water filled cavity near an impurity was studied by building electric field simulation model and finite element analysis. The moisture in environment is gathered at the impurities or defects of cable insulation and the water filled cavities are formed under the action of alternating Maxwell stress. Although the field around the water tree is relatively low, if the cable is subjected to high stress (such as lightning strikes), the field at the ends of the cavities can intensify even further. In such cases, it can lead to the formation of electrical tree that can cause the XLPE breakdown. Therefore, stopping the growth of water trees and controlling them can be crucial for improving the electrical performance of water tree aged cables. One way to control water trees is by injecting a rejuvenation fluid into the cable (rejuvenation technique). The main components of the rejuvenating fluid include siloxanes and catalysts that react with water molecules and form oligomers, filling the water tree areas. This chemical reaction decomposes water molecules, leading to improved insulation performance. The objective of this article is to study the initiation of water tree and investigate the intensified electric field around vented-type water tree and how it can lead to electrical tree, as well as the role of the rejuvenation material in improving cable performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is one of the widespread felids in Eurasia; however, relatively little is known about the Asian subspecies, and especially the Iranian populations, which comprise the most southwestern part of its range. The current study aimed to assess the phylogenetic status of Iranian populations relative to other populations of Eurasia, by sequencing a 613 bp fragment of the mitochondrial control region. In total, 44 haplotypes were recorded from 83 sequences throughout Eurasia, two of which were found in Iran. The haplotype (H1) is dominant in all Iranian lynx populations and identical to specimens from SW Russia and central China. The second haplotype (H2) is unique and was recorded only from Ghazvin Province in the central Alborz Mountains. Both haplotypes occur in Ghazvin Province. The phylogenetic tree and a median-joining network identified four clades (i.e., East, West 1, West 2, and South). These results are congruent with previous studies and suggest that Eurasian lynx was restricted to the southern part of its range during the glacial maxima and expanded from there to East Asia and to Europe during several independent re-colonization events. The Caucasus region most like plays an important role as a refugium during glacial cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the alteration of choroid in patients with very severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) or early proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) following panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). Methods: Thirty-nine eyes of 21 patients with very severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) (19 eyes) and early proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (20 eyes) were recruited. Enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography at baseline, 1, and 6 months after PRP was employed to measure choroidal parameters including total choroidal area (TCA) and choroidal vascular index (CVI). Results: In eyes with very severe NPDR, subfoveal TCA decreased non-significantly at month 1, which increased significantly at month 6 (539 ± 131µm2, 502 ± 134µm2, and 598 ± 168µm2 at baseline and months 1 and 6, respectively; P = 0.003). Subfoveal CVI increased at month 1 and then decreased at month 6 (68.25 ± 3.05, 69.74 ± 3.62, and 67.84 ± 1.77 at baseline and months 1 and 6, respectively; P < 0.001). A reverse pattern occurred in eyes with early PDR, a non-significant increase in TCA at month 1 followed by a decrease at month 6 (497 ± 95µm2, 514 ± 133µm2, and 425 ± 95µm2 at baseline and months 1 and 6, respectively; P = 0.011). CVI decreased at month 1 and remained relatively stable at month 6 (69.34 ± 3.11, 68.33 ± 3.41, and 68.50 ± 5.04 at baseline, and months 1 and 6, respectively; P = 0.023). Alteration of choroidal thickness was not statistically significant in both groups. Conclusion: Eyes with very severe NPDR and early PDR exhibit a reverse pattern regarding choroidal indices after PRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two populations of a new species of stubby root nematode, Trichodorus cadusiensis n. sp., were recovered from the rhizosphere of oak and plane trees in undisturbed natural forests of Gilan province, north Iran. The new species was illustrated and described based upon morphological and molecular characters. It is mainly characterized by having 592–949 μm long males having a 48–57 μm long onchiostyle, three ventromedian cervical papillae (CP) anterior to secretory-excretory pore (S-E pore), spicules ventrally curved, 34–48 μm long with a widened manubrium, an indented portion anterior to middle of spicules, with or without bristles, and widened blade. The females have a 715–887 μm long body, 49–57 μm long onchiostyle, S-E pore at about middle of narrow part of pharynx and triangular closely adjoining pars refringens vaginae pieces 3–4 μm wide with blunt tips. The new species was morphologically compared to those species of the genus having similarities in males in spicules shape/ornamentation and number of ventromedian cervical papillae, and in females in the shape of pars refringens vaginae pieces, or close phylogenetic relationships viz., T. andalusicus, T. asturanus, T. azorensis, T. beirensis, T. gilanensis, T. iranicus, T. lusitanicus, T. similis, T. velatus and T. viruliferus. In molecular phylogenetic analyses using maximal number of partial large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU D2-D3) sequences of Trichodoridae, the included sequences of Trichodorus occupied three different placements. The new species formed a clade with T. similis and T. gilanensis in LSU tree with 0.85 Bayesian posterior probability (BPP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of current study was to evaluate different optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) metrics in eyes with diabetic retinopathy with and without diabetic macular edema (DME). In this retrospective study, macular OCTA images of eyes with non-proliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathy were evaluated. Vascular density, vascular complexity and non-perfusion densities were compared between eyes with and without DME. One-hundred-thirty-eight eyes of 92 diabetic patients including 49 eyes with DME were included. In multivariate analysis, the presence of DME was positively associated with geometric perfusion deficit (GPD) in superficial capillary plexus (SCP), capillary non-perfusion (CNP) of SCP, and GPD in deep capillary plexus (DCP) (all P < 0.05). In eyes with DME, central foveal thickness was associated with VD ratio (SCP/DCP) (P = 0.001) and FAZ area (P = 0.001). In conclusion, in eyes with diabetic retinopathy, the presence of DME was associated with more extensive capillary non-perfusion compared to those with no macular edema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic, several cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) have been reported in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. Methods: Consecutive patients with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as clinical and radiological characteristics of CVST, were reported from three teaching hospitals in the South West, North West, and the center of Iran between June and July 2020. We also searched the abstract archives until the end of August 2020 and gathered 28 reported cases. The diagnostic criteria for SARS-CoV-2 infection were determined according to SARS-CoV-2 detection in oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal samples in clinically suspected patients. Demographics, prominent COVID-19 symptoms, confirmatory tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosis, the interval between the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and CVST, clinical and radiological features of CVST, therapeutic strategies, CVST outcomes, rate of hemorrhagic transformation, and mortality rate were investigated. Results: Six patients (31–62 years-old) with confirmed CVST and SARS-CoV-2 infection were admitted to our centers. Four patients had no respiratory symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Five patients developed the clinical manifestations of CVST and SARS-CoV-2 infection simultaneously. Three patients had known predisposing factors for CVST. Despite receiving CVST and SARS-CoV-2 infection treatments, four patients died. SARS-COV-2 associated CVST patients were older (49.26 vs. 37.77 years-old), had lower female/male ratio (1.42 vs. 2.19), and higher mortality rate (35.29% vs. 6.07%) than CVST not associated with COVID-19. Conclusions: The role of SARS-CoV-2 as a "cause" versus an "additive contributor" remains to be elucidated. Practitioners should be aware of the possibility of CVST in SARS-CoV-2 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five populations of a new dagger nematode species were recovered from natural grasslands and forests of north and northwest Iran, and described based upon morphological and molecular data in present paper. Xiphinema hyrcaniense n. sp. is characterized by 3.9–5.5 mm long females, having 102–142 μm long odontostyle, 64–88 μm long odontophore, guiding ring located at 115–147 μm distance from anterior end, two equally developed genital branches having crystalloids in tubular part of uteri and pseudo-Z-organ at their junction with pars dilatata uteri, short, rounded to dorsally more convex tail with a mucro or in few specimens, without it. Common males with 72–95 μm long spicules and four juvenile developmental stages. The new species is similar to six known species belonging to artificial morphospecies group 5, especially looking closest to X. montenegrinum in its general morphology, but could be separated by ontogenesis of tail shape and morphometric indices. In molecular phylogenetic analyses using partial large subunit, and internal transcribe spacer 1 ribosomal DNA (LSU D2-D3 and ITS1 rDNA) sequences, the new species formed a clade with X. cretense and Xiphinema sp. in LSU; and in ITS1 tree, with X. dentatum and X. paradentatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2: SARS-CoV-2), which originated from Wuhan, China, has spread to the other countries in a short period of time. We report a 47-year-old male who was admitted to our hospital due to suffering from progressive vertigo and ataxia for 7 days prior to the admission. Neurological examination revealed cerebellar dysfunction, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) depicted edema of the cerebellar hemisphere associated with leptomeningeal enhancement. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed mild lymphocytic pleocytosis, elevated protein, and lactate dehydrogenase. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal and CSF specimens. As a result, treatment with lopinavir/ritonavir was initiated, and patient symptoms and signs improved significantly during the course of hospitalization. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of acute cerebellitis associated with COVID-19 disease which is reported in the literature so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to collect the data on the occurrence of seizures in patients with COVID-19 and to clarify the circumstances of the occurrence of seizures in these patients. Methods: All consecutive patients who referred to healthcare facilities anywhere in Fars province (located in South Iran with a population of 4.851 million people) from February 19 until June 2, 2020, and had confirmed COVID-19 by positive result on polymerase chain reaction testing and seizure were included. Results: During the study period, 6,147 people had confirmed COVID-19 in Fars province, Iran; 110 people died from the illness (case fatality rate 1.79%). During this time period, five people had seizures (seizure rate 0.08%). In four patients, seizure was one of the presenting manifestations, and in one person, it happened during the course of hospital admission. Two patients had status epilepticus. All patients experienced hypoxemia and four of them needed respirator. Two patients had related metabolic derangements and one had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocytic pleocytosis. Brain imaging was abnormal in three patients. Four patients died. Conclusion: New-onset seizures in critically ill patients with COVID-19 should be considered as acute symptomatic seizures and the treating physician should try to determine the etiology of the seizure and manage the cause immediately and appropriately. Detailed clinical, neurological, imaging, and electrophysiological investigations and attempts to isolate SARS-CoV-2 from CSF may clarify the role played by this virus in causing seizures in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Dolichodorus was discovered from a natural forest in Gilan province, north Iran, in association with an oak tree. The recovered population represents a new species, and was described and illustrated based upon morphological and molecular data, as D. rex n. sp. It is characterized by 2171–3275 μm long females having offset crown-like cephalic region with well sclerotized cephalic framework, raised perioral disc apparently with a small raised oral plate, 118.5, 130.0 μm long stylet, its conus ca. 55% of the total length and three posteriorly sloping knobs, 291–316 μm long pharynx with a short overlap, secretory-excretory pore at slightly variable position (one-two annuli posterior, or four annuli anterior to metacorpus base), vulva sunken in body, at %50 of the body length, vagina heavily sclerotized with two drop-like refractive pieces close to the vulval opening, 78–104 μm long tail with proximal convex conoid, and conical distal part with pointed to blunt tip; and a 2634 μm long male with 108.5 μm long stylet, 291 μm long pharynx, 20 μm long tail and 53 μm long spicules. In molecular phylogenetic analyses using partial sequences of the small, and D2-D3 expansion segments of the large subunit ribosomal DNA, the new species formed a clade with two other currently sequenced species of the genus in both phylogenies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstarct: The glassy carbon electrode was modified by gold nanoparticles (AuNps)–Fe3O4 beads/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Surface morphology characterization of the bare and modified electrodes was characterized by scanning electron microscopy technique. This modified glassy carbon electrode was applied for electro-catalytic determination of loratadine. The modified electrode lowered the reduction overpotential of loratadine with the enhancement of its peak current; this behavior was attributed to the electro-catalytic activity of the modified electrode toward loratadine electro-reduction. Various parameters, such as pH of the working solution, amounts of MWCNTs, Fe3O4 beads and AuNps affecting the electrochemical performance of the modified electrode toward loratadine determination were optimized. The linear response of the modified electrode toward loratadine concentration using hydrodynamic amperometry method was between 0.05–5 μM with a detection limit of 0.04 μM (S/N = 3). The modified electrode figures of merit were high repeatability, reproducibility, long-term life time and low response time (<3 s). The practicability of this proposed method was examined by loratadine content quantification in commercial pharmaceutical samples, human blood serum and urine samples and satisfactory results were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To perform vector analysis of changes in corneal astigmatism and evaluate changes in corneal topographic parameters following the lateral tarsal strip (LTS) procedure in patients with involutional ectropion or entropion. Methods: Nineteen eyes of 15 patients (10 eyes with ectropion and 9 eyes with entropion) were included in this prospective nonrandomized interventional case series. Corneal topographic measurements (Tomey TMS 4a topographer, Tomey Corp, Nagoya, Japan) were performed at the baseline and 3 months after the LTS procedure. Relevant changes in the topographic astigmatism magnitude or axis (defined as a change more than 0.2 D or a shift in the axis greater than 10°, respectively) were analyzed following surgery. Polar astigmatic vector analysis was performed using the Astig PLOT software to calculate surgically induced astigmatism (SIA). Results: There were no significant changes in average keratometry, steep and flat meridian keratometric values, absolute cylinder, surface regularity index and surface asymmetry index after the surgery (All P > 0.05). A relevant change in the magnitude of astigmatism and an axis change greater than 10° occurred in 14 (73.6%) and 10 (52.6%) of the operated eyes, respectively. Polar vector analysis revealed that SIA was 0.47 ± 1.34 D at 91 ± 23°, indicating induction of "with the rule" astigmatism following the surgery. Conclusion: The LTS procedure for the correction of involutional ectropion or entropion could induce relevant changes in corneal astigmatism, sufficient to affect visual function in short term. Longer-term follow-up is required to further characterize the effect of LTS procedure on the corneal topographic features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A carbon nanotube/chitosan-ferrocene nanocomposite (CNTs/Cs-Fc) was synthesized and its competence as an electrode material for a supercapacitor was studied. Chitosan (Cs) was functionalized with 4-bromobutylferrocene and then the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were modified by ferrocenyl-based chitosan to obtain the desired CNTs/Cs-Fc system. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used for characterization of the CNTs/Cs-Fc nanocomposite. The FT-IR and XRD patterns of the CNTs/Cs-Fc nanocomposite show that the Cs-Fc moieties have successfully been functionalized on CNTs. The morphology of the CNTs/Cs-Fc nanocomposite was shown by the SEM analysis. The existence of carbon, nitrogen, iron and oxygen elements in the CNTs/Cs-Fc nanocomposite were demonstrated by the use of the EDX spectrum. The cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used for the investigation of the electrochemical performance of the papered nanocomposite. A 1 M sulfuric acid solution was used as an electrolyte. The specific capacitances (Csp) calculated at a current density of 1 A g−1 were found to be 75 and 695 (F g−1) for the CNTs and the CNTs/Cs-Fc nanocomposite, respectively. The CNTs/Cs-Fc nanocomposite retained 99.93% after 2000 cycles of cyclic voltammetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fractional lasers such erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) are among popular options for facial rejuvenation. Lasers with infrared wavelength ranges such as long pulse Nd:YAG have been used in nonablative rejuvenation of skin with variable outcomes. In this study, we plan to compare safety and efficacy of fractional Er:YAG and long pulse Nd:YAG for facial rejuvenation applying objective and subjective measurements. Twenty-five patients with Glogau photo aging scale of II to IV were recruited in this randomized face-split double-blind controlled trial. Individuals received three monthly treatments on two sides of the face; one side was treated by fractional Er:YAG laser and the other side by long pulse Nd:YAG laser. Outcomes were evaluated by two blinded dermatologists, patient satisfaction reports and objective measurements of cutaneous resonance running time (CRRT). Both modalities significantly improved periorbital wrinkling, nasolabial folds, dyschromia and skin laxity, and sagging of jowls (p value < 0.05), with no noticeable difference between two lasers. Mean CRRT values decreased significantly after treatment with both lasers. The downtime was significantly lower for the Nd:YAG-treated side. Fractional Er:YAG laser and long pulse Nd:YAG has comparable effects in facial rejuvenation but little to no downtime of the latter makes it popular for many patients. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: IRCT2015120320468N3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iran with its highly structured landscape, such as the Zagros Mountain Range that stretches across the country from East to West, is home to at least three different gazelle species. For some of them, intraspecific genetic patterning is to be expected, as different populations show different pelage coloration or body sizes, e.g., in the Persian gazelle (G. subgutturosa). This species is especially interesting due to its taxonomic history, as it was considered to be conspecific with sand gazelle (G. marica) from Arabia until recently. G. marica and G. subgutturosa were even thought to intergrade/hybridize in a broad region from the Euphrates/Tigris basin to the Zagros Mountains. This area is inhabited by small gazelles that seem to be intermediate in size and other characters between the two species. However, so far all molecular studies showed that the mitochondrial haplotypes of gazelles in this supposed hybrid zone only belong to G. subgutturosa. We collected samples from four populations of Persian gazelles in Iran, in the eastern part of the Zagros Mountains. In two of these locations, we found mitochondrial haplotypes of G. marica , including one potentially pure natural population in Bushehr Province, and one reintroduced mixed population with G. marica and G. subgutturosa haplotypes in Khuzestan Province. It might therefore be possible that G. marica , which is phenomically most similar to G. subgutturosa , exits in Iran as a fourth gazelle species besides G. subgutturosa, G. bennettii , and G. arabica. We strongly recommend that future conservation management decisions, especially animal translocations, should be based on genetic analyses of the populations under consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a shelf retail decision making model is proposed and examined the effect of different factors such as vertical and horizontal location, product cross elasticity, the number of items in eye-level, etc. The success of a retailer depends on his/her ability to adapt environmental changes through continuous decision making about how much and which product, should be placed from which horizontal level of which shelf, and with what display orientation. In this paper, shelves are considered 3-dimensionally, and in addition to the length and width of the shelves, the depth of the shelves is also effective in decision making. The height of the shelves has been considered as a variable, and its optimal value would be obtained by solving the proposed mathematical model. Considering the third dimension of shelf makes it possible to use the back space of shelves for the purpose of holding the inventory. In this paper, two display orientations for the items are considered and each orientation can have a different effect on selling the product. Items can be stacked on the shelves, but the note is that it is not possible to stack some of the item. By considering the third dimension, the total inventory and inventory of each product in the store can be obtained. For solving the model, genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed and the Taguchi method is applied for tuning parameter of the GA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of cores on the chip increases rapidly; therefore, scalability is the most important design choice. Mesh-based Networks-on-Chip (NoC) are the most widely used topologies as a scalable alternative for traditional shared bus in many-core chips today. As the NoCs diameter increases, the low-latency communication between cores is becoming more important to ensure sustained scalability, and higher performance. In the ideal network, the low-load network latency between a source and destination is almost equal to single cycle. In this work, we propose a router for network-on-chip called Bypass router that leads to create a single-cycle data path all the way from the source to the destination. We do not use any additional control links in the network; instead the proposed router is compatible with all topologies and deterministic routing algorithm. We also propose a new routing algorithm to use the advantages of our router design. The area consumption is also reduced on $$ 4\times 4, 8\times 8, 16\times 16 $$ mesh topologies, compared to SMART network (Krishna et al. IEEE 19th international symposium on high performance computer architecture (HPCA2013), ). System simulations with Noxim simulators demonstrate at mean 60 % reduction in latencies across synthetic traffic patterns compared to a baseline router. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon-ceramic electrode modified with 1-allyl-3-methyl imidazolium tetraflouroborate ionic liquid was constructed. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis), proved that the deposition of ionic liquid on the surface of carbon-ceramic electrode caused formation of graphene nanoplatelet-like structures on its surface. This electrode was used for simultaneous electrochemical determination of sunset yellow (SY) and tartrazine (Tz). Operational parameters such as pH of solution and ionic liquid volume which affected the analytical performance of modified electrode were optimized. The present electrode exhibited linear response to SY and Tz in concentration range of 1 × 10-1.5 × 10 M and 1 × 10-2 × 10 M with a detection limit of 7.3 × 10 M and 8.1 × 10 M, respectively. The high repeatability, reproducibility, long-term life time, and low response time (<3 s) are advantages of modified electrode. The modified electrode was successfully applied for simultaneous determination of SY and Tz in different food samples, and the results were in good agreement with those obtained from HPLC method. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fracture network modelling plays an important role in many application areas in which the behaviour of a rock mass is of interest. These areas include mining, civil, petroleum, water and environmental engineering and geothermal systems modelling. The aim is to model the fractured rock to assess fluid flow or the stability of rock blocks. One important step in fracture network modelling is to estimate the number of fractures and the properties of individual fractures such as their size and orientation. Due to the lack of data and the complexity of the problem, there are significant uncertainties associated with fracture network modelling in practice. Our primary interest is the modelling of fracture networks in geothermal systems and, in this paper, we propose a general stochastic approach to fracture network modelling for this application. We focus on using the seismic point cloud detected during the fracture stimulation of a hot dry rock reservoir to create an enhanced geothermal system; these seismic points are the conditioning data in the modelling process. The seismic points can be used to estimate the geographical extent of the reservoir, the amount of fracturing and the detailed geometries of fractures within the reservoir. The objective is to determine a fracture model from the conditioning data by minimizing the sum of the distances of the points from the fitted fracture model. Fractures are represented as line segments connecting two points in two-dimensional applications or as ellipses in three-dimensional (3D) cases. The novelty of our model is twofold: (1) it comprises a comprehensive fracture modification scheme based on simulated annealing and (2) it introduces new spatial approaches, a goodness-of-fit measure for the fitted fracture model, a measure for fracture similarity and a clustering technique for proposing a locally optimal solution for fracture parameters. We use a simulated dataset to demonstrate the application of the proposed approach followed by a real 3D case study of the Habanero reservoir in the Cooper Basin, Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A proposal to study the original and new agegraphic dark energy in DGP braneworld cosmology is presented in this work. To verify our model with the observational data, the model is constrained by a variety of independent measurements such as Hubble parameter, cosmic microwave background anisotropies, and baryon acoustic oscillation peaks. The best fitting procedure shows the effectiveness of agegraphic parameter n in distinguishing between the original and new agegraphic dark energy scenarios and subsequent cosmological findings. In particular, the result shows that in both scenarios, our universe enters an agegraphic dark energy dominated phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon-ceramic electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes-ionic liquid (MWCNTs-IL) nanocomposite was constructed. This electrode was used for electrochemical determination of food dyes Sunset Yellow (SY) and tartrazine (Tz). The modified electrode based on high surface area and high ionic conductivity of nanocomposite exhibited electrocatalytic effect for oxidation of SY and Tz; also, oxidation peak potentials of SY and Tz effectively separated on modified electrode, and their simultaneous determination was possible. Operational parameters, such as the amount of MWCNTs in suspension, IL volume, solution pH, and scan rate, which affect the analytical performance of determination, were optimized. The present electrode behaved linearly to Sunset Yellow and tartrazine in the concentration range of 4 × 10 to 1.1 × 10 M and 3 × 10 to 0.7 × 10 M with a detection limit of 10 M (0.045 mg L) and 1.1 × 10 M (0.59 mg L), respectively. The proposed method was successfully utilized for simultaneous determination of SY and Tz in different food samples, and the obtained results were in good agreement to those obtained by HPLC method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fracture network modeling is an essential part of the design, development and performance assessment of Enhanced Geothermal Systems. These systems are created from geothermal resources, usually located several kilometers below the surface of the Earth, by establishing a network of connected fractures through which fluid can flow. The depth of the reservoir makes it impossible to make direct measurements of fractures and data are collected from indirect measurements such as geophysical surveys. An important source of indirect data is the seismic event point cloud generated by the fracture stimulation process. Locations of these points are estimated from recorded micro-seismic signals generated by fracture initiation, propagation and slip. This point cloud can be expressed as a set of three-dimensional coordinates with attributes, for example Se={( x, y, z); a| x, y, z∈ R, a∈ I}. We describe two methods for reconstructing realistic fracture trace lines and planes given the point cloud of seismic events data: Enhanced Brute-Force Search and RANSAC. The methods have been tested on a synthetic data set and on the Habanero data set of Geodynamics' geothermal project in the Cooper Basin of South Australia. Our results show that the RANSAC method is an efficient and suitable method for the conditional simulation of fracture networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose in this paper an interacting holographic dark energy (IHDE) model in chameleon-tachyon cosmology by interaction between the components of the dark sectors. In the formalism, the interaction term emerges from the scalar field coupling matter Lagrangian in the model rather than being inserted into the formalism as an external source for the interaction. The correspondence between the tachyon field and the holographic dark energy (HDE) densities allows to reconstruct the tachyon scalar field and its potential in a flat FRW universe. The model can show the accelerated expansion of the universe and satisfies the observational data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work the uranyl hexacyanoferrate (K2UO2[Fe(CN)6]) is deposited on the palladized aluminum (Pd-Al) electrode from a $$ {\text{UO}}_{2}^{2 + } + {\text{Fe}}\left( {\text{CN}} \right)_{6}^{ - 3} $$ solution. Then the anodic stripping chronopotentiometry (ASCP) was used to strip the K2UO2[Fe(CN)6] from the Pd-Al surface. The operational conditions including: pH, K3Fe(CN)6 concentration, deposition potential, deposition time and stripping current were optimized. The ASCP calibration graph was linear in concentration range 10–460 μM. of $$ {\text{UO}}_{2}^{2 + } $$ and the detection limit was 8.5 μM. The interference of some concomitant ions during the deposition process of K2UO2[Fe(CN)6] was studied. The proposed method was successfully applied for analysis of some uranium mineral ores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-021-02272-1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]