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Background and Objectives: A nosocomial infection (NI) is defined as an infection occurring in a patient after 48 hours of hospitalization or up to 72 hours after discharge from the hospital, which was not present or incubating at the time of admission. NIs increase hospital mortality, decrease patient satisfaction, reduce hospital productivity, and increase health system costs. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of NIs in Iranian hospitals. Methods: This study was performed using a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Seven electronic databases and two search engines were searched using appropriate key words to identify research studies on NIs published in Persian and English languages from April 1997 to March 2019 in Iran. Finally, 15 empirical studies out of 89 records were reviewed. Data were analyzed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Results: The studies reported a prevalence of 0.32% to 9.1% for NIs in Iranian hospitals. The pooled prevalence of NIs in Iranian hospitals was 0.01 % (95% CI 0.0% - 0.02%). The most common type of infection was urinary tract infection and the most common microorganism was Escherichia coli. The highest rate of nosocomial infections was seen in the intensive care unit, internal medicine ward and hematology ward. Suction was the most important risk factor for nosocomial infections. Conclusion: The prevalence of NIs in Iranian hospitals is low according to the published studies. Appropriate strategies should be implemented to prevent and control NIs.

Understanding the mechanisms of proton energy deposition in matter and subsequent damage formation is fundamental to radiation science. Here we exploit the picosecond (10^-12 s) resolution of laser-driven accelerators to track ultra-fast solvation dynamics for electrons due to proton radiolysis in liquid water (H2O). Comparing these results with modelling that assumes initial conditions similar to those found in photolysis reveals that solvation time due to protons is extended by > 20 ps. Supported by magneto-hydrodynamic theory this indicates a highly dynamic phase in the immediate aftermath of the proton interaction that is not accounted for in current models., Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures

In this study, the physico-chemical properties, separation performance and antifouling ability of mixed matrix PES-based nanofiltration membranes decorated by (Fe3O4–polyvinylpyrrolidone) composite nanoparticles were investigated. The morphology of resulted membranes was characterized by scanning electron microscopy)SEM), scanning optical microscopy (SOM) and 3D surface images. The effect of incorporated nanoparticles on membrane properties and performance was determined using water contact angle, water content, membrane pore size and porosity, tensile strength, water flux, salt rejection and BSA solution filtration. The membrane water content was enhanced slightly by embedding Fe3O4/PVP up to 0.1 wt.% in membrane body and then reduced again by more NPs ratio. The water contact angle also decreased from 65.18° for neat membrane to 50.5° for the modified ones. All mixed matrix membranes showed higher water flux compared to pristine membrane that measured 3.14 (L/m2 h) for bare membrane and 9.96 (L/m2 h) for the superior ones. Salt rejection measured 82% for the pristine membrane whereas that was between 77%–90% for the nanocomposite membranes. Membrane tensile strength also improved by increase of composite NPs ratio into the polymer matrix. The nanocomposite membranes showed more BSA solution flux and outstanding antifouling properties compared to bare ones. The FRR measured ∼ 46.2% for bare membrane whereas that was ( ∼ 69.9% to ∼ 89.5%) for the nanocomposite membranes.

In this research, stir cast Al-0.65Mg-0.15Sn-0.05Ga-xZrO2 (wt.%) reinforced alloys containing micro-additives of ZrO2 nanoparticles are fabricated to be used as an anode in aluminum batteries. The mean size of the ZrO2 particles was 40 nm and the amount of addition varies from 0.05 to 0.8 wt.%. Electrochemical characterization of the reinforced alloys was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and corrosion behavior were evaluated using self-corrosion rate, hydrogen evolution, and anode efficiency measurements in 3 wt.% NaCl solution. The microstructure of the reinforced alloys was also studied using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and undissolved particles were analyzed by energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Since a portion of the ZrO2 nano-particles enters the grain boundaries during solidification of the alloy, the improper dissolution of the anode is reduced by suppression of non-coulombic loss in these points. Hence, the hydrogen evolution and corrosion current density of the reinforced alloys decreased and the anode efficiency increased by the addition of ZrO2 nano-particles to the Al-0.65Mg-0.15Sn-0.05Ga (wt.%) alloy which in case of using reinforced anodes in an aluminum battery, energy dissipation would be reduced. In general, the addition of ZrO2 nanoparticles resulted in a reduced non-coulombic loss, which occurs due to self-corrosion and enhances the efficiency of the reinforced anodic alloys, especially in higher current densities. The severity of these changes is augmeted by increasing the amount of ZrO2 nano-particles in the reinforced alloys.

Purpose/objective(s) Until recently, the standard of care for patients (pts) with locally advanced, unresectable, stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been platinum-based concurrent chemoradiation (cCRT); however, the 5-year OS rates are poor (13-36%; Goldstraw et al. J Thorac Oncol 2015). Durvalumab (anti-PD-L1) monotherapy was recently approved for pts without progressive disease (PD) after cCRT. However, long-term OS data are not yet available and further evaluation of novel cancer immunotherapy combinations should be explored. Targeted inhibition of a novel checkpoint TIGIT/PVR, by the anti-TIGIT antibody tiragolumab, may amplify the anti-cancer activity of anti-PD-L1/PD-1 antibodies. In the phase II CITYSCAPE study (NCT03563716), tiragolumab plus atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1) was well tolerated and improved ORR compared with atezolizumab alone (31.3 vs 16.2%) in 1L pts with PD-L1+ (TPS ≥1%) metastatic NSCLC; with greater benefit in the PD-L1-high (TPS ≥50%) subset. We hypothesize that tiragolumab plus atezolizumab may provide greater clinical benefit vs single-agent anti-PD-L1 as maintenance therapy in pts with unresectable, stage III NSCLC who have not progressed after platinum-based cCRT. SKYSCRAPER-03 (NCT04513925) will determine if tiragolumab plus atezolizumab provides superior clinical benefit to durvalumab in this setting. Current data suggests that cCRT upregulates PD-L1 expression, potentially enabling PD-L1 low or negative tumors to derive benefit, so outcomes will be evaluated in all-comer (ITT) and PD-L1+ sub-populations. Materials/methods Eligible pts (≥18 years) must have unresectable, stage III NSCLC without PD after ≥2 cycles of platinum-based cCRT per NCCN/ESMO guidelines, and without an EGFR mutation or ALK rearrangement; known PD-L1 status; ECOG PS 0-1. Approximately 800 pts will be randomized 1:1 to receive tiragolumab 840mg IV plus atezolizumab 1680mg IV Q4W or durvalumab 10mg/kg IV Q2W / 1500mg IV Q4W. Treatment will continue for up to 13 cycles of 28 days, or until unacceptable toxicity or symptomatic deterioration due to PD; in pts with radiographic PD (per RECIST v1.1) treatment may continue if evidence of ongoing clinical benefit. Stratification factors include PD-L1 status, histology (squamous vs non-squamous), staging (IIIA vs IIIB or IIIC) and ECOG PS (0 vs 1). Primary endpoint is independent review facility-assessed PFS in the ITT and PD-L1+ (TC ≥1%) populations. Secondary endpoints include investigator-assessed PFS, OS, ORR and DoR. Safety and biomarker analyses will be performed. Recruitment is ongoing. Results forthcoming CONCLUSION: forthcoming.

New journal of physics 22(10), 103023 (2020). doi:10.1088/1367-2630/abbae8, Published by IOP, [London]

Eco-friendly hydroxyapatite-based coating modified by polyvinylalcohol (PVA) was used as a protective layer for Mg AZ31 substrates. Anti-corrosion performance of coatings was examined in both sodium chloride 3.5 wt% and simulated body fluid (SBF) solutions. The best performance against corrosion was achieved in the one-step process with a PVA concentration of 0.05 wt% and an immersion time of 60 min. The FE-SEM images also have shown that the irregularity of morphology was evident for the samples treated longer than 60 min. The results showed that the HA+PVA 0.05 wt% coated AZ31 Mg alloy causes less corrosion of Mg in the SBF solution.

In this research, the electrochemical properties of a stir cast Al-0.65Mg-0.15Sn-0.05Ga (wt.%) alloy as an anode material in 3 wt.% NaCl solution was examined by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The corrosion behavior of the material was also evaluated using self-corrosion rate, hydrogen evolution, open circuit and closed circuit potentials, and anode efficiency measurements. In addition, the microstructure of the material was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the intermetallic particles were analyzed by energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The results showed that tin inclusions were formed within the grains and along the grain boundaries and the dissolution of aluminum substrate was occurred preferentially around these particles leading to form round pits. The dissolution of alloy was accompanied by hydrogen gas evolution from cathodic tin particles. Polarization measurements showed active behavior with considerably negative corrosion potential value without any passive region. The obtained impedance results showed an increase in the impedance values due to the coverage of anode surface by reaction products during immersion. A sample of the alloy which was subjected to homogenizing annealing at 570 °C showed more active behavior by providing more negative open and closed circuit potential values and improved anode efficiencies at higher impressed currents, but evolved higher amounts of hydrogen compared to the as-cast anode.

In this work, LaNi5 and LaNi3.94Al1.06 alloys were prepared by vacuum induction melting method. Then, samples were hydrogenated under 50 bar hydrogen gas pressure. The structural properties of samples, before and after hydrogenation, were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that all of the samples are single phase with a hexagonal crystal structure (CaCu5 type). The magnetic measurements indicated that as-prepared samples were weak ferromagnetic or paramagnetic which became ferromagnetic after the hydrogenation process. These variations were attributed to the decomposition of nickel magnetic phase from the alloys. Substitution of Al for Ni in the as-prepared sample reduces the magnetic susceptibility from 4.8−6 to 4.1 × 10−6 emu/g Oe. The Law of Approach to Saturation was used for investigating the magnetic anisotropy of the hydrogenated samples in high magnetic field. In the hydrogenated samples, magneto-crystalline anisotropy is increased when the Ni magnetic metal is replaced with the Al nonmagnetic inclusion. All of these measurements were carried out at room temperature.

Importance: Cancer and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are now widely recognized as a threat to global development. The latest United Nations high-level meeting on NCDs reaffirmed this observation and also highlighted the slow progress in meeting the 2011 Political Declaration on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases and the third Sustainable Development Goal. Lack of situational analyses, priority setting, and budgeting have been identified as major obstacles in achieving these goals. All of these have in common that they require information on the local cancer epidemiology. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study is uniquely poised to provide these crucial data. Objective: To describe cancer burden for 29 cancer groups in 195 countries from 1990 through 2017 to provide data needed for cancer control planning. Evidence Review: We used the GBD study estimation methods to describe cancer incidence, mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost, and disability-Adjusted life-years (DALYs). Results are presented at the national level as well as by Socio-demographic Index (SDI), a composite indicator of income, educational attainment, and total fertility rate. We also analyzed the influence of the epidemiological vs the demographic transition on cancer incidence. Findings: In 2017, there were 24.5 million incident cancer cases worldwide (16.8 million without nonmelanoma skin cancer [NMSC]) and 9.6 million cancer deaths. The majority of cancer DALYs came from years of life lost (97%), and only 3% came from years lived with disability. The odds of developing cancer were the lowest in the low SDI quintile (1 in 7) and the highest in the high SDI quintile (1 in 2) for both sexes. In 2017, the most common incident cancers in men were NMSC (4.3 million incident cases); tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer (1.5 million incident cases); and prostate cancer (1.3 million incident cases). The most common causes of cancer deaths and DALYs for men were TBL cancer (1.3 million deaths and 28.4 million DALYs), liver cancer (572000 deaths and 15.2 million DALYs), and stomach cancer (542000 deaths and 12.2 million DALYs). For women in 2017, the most common incident cancers were NMSC (3.3 million incident cases), breast cancer (1.9 million incident cases), and colorectal cancer (819000 incident cases). The leading causes of cancer deaths and DALYs for women were breast cancer (601000 deaths and 17.4 million DALYs), TBL cancer (596000 deaths and 12.6 million DALYs), and colorectal cancer (414000 deaths and 8.3 million DALYs). Conclusions and Relevance: The national epidemiological profiles of cancer burden in the GBD study show large heterogeneities, which are a reflection of different exposures to risk factors, economic settings, lifestyles, and access to care and screening. The GBD study can be used by policy makers and other stakeholders to develop and improve national and local cancer control in order to achieve the global targets and improve equity in cancer care. © 2019 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Objectives To use the estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 to describe patterns of suicide mortality globally, regionally, and for 195 countries and territories by age, sex, and Socio-demographic index, and to describe temporal trends between 1990 and 2016. Design Systematic analysis. Main outcome measures Crude and age standardised rates from suicide mortality and years of life lost were compared across regions and countries, and by age, sex, and Socio-demographic index (a composite measure of fertility, income, and education). Results The total number of deaths from suicide increased by 6.7% (95% uncertainty interval 0.4% to 15.6%) globally over the 27 year study period to 817 000 (762 000 to 884 000) deaths in 2016. However, the age standardised mortality rate for suicide decreased by 32.7% (27.2% to 36.6%) worldwide between 1990 and 2016, similar to the decline in the global age standardised mortality rate of 30.6%. Suicide was the leading cause of age standardised years of life lost in the Global Burden of Disease region of high income Asia Pacific and was among the top 10 leading causes in eastern Europe, central Europe, western Europe, central Asia, Australasia, southern Latin America, and high income North America. Rates for men were higher than for women across regions, countries, and age groups, except for the 15 to 19 age group. There was variation in the female to male ratio, with higher ratios at lower levels of Socio-demographic index. Women experienced greater decreases in mortality rates (49.0%, 95% uncertainty interval 42.6% to 54.6%) than men (23.8%, 15.6% to 32.7%). Conclusions Age standardised mortality rates for suicide have greatly reduced since 1990, but suicide remains an important contributor to mortality worldwide. Suicide mortality was variable across locations, between sexes, and between age groups. Suicide prevention strategies can be targeted towards vulnerable populations if they are informed by variations in mortality rates. © Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited.

High power laser science and engineering 7, e62 (2019). doi:10.1017/hpl.2019.48, Published by Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge

Background and aims: Skin cancer is the most common cancers. Repeated exposure to sunlight causes high levels of cancer and climate change including changes in the ozone layer along with changes in personal and social habits. Given the importance of farmerschr('39') health and increase their skin cancer, the study aimed to determine the factors preventing skin cancer in farmers city Tuyserkan on protection motivation theory was done in 2014. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 200 peasant farmers from 18 to 60 years, Tuyserkan city where the sun had Using a cluster of four health centers and rural health houses Were selected. Using a questionnaire, which was based on protection motivation theory, Collected through interviews with farmers and were analyzed using SPSS 21. Results: Farmers who use sunscreen, hats, gloves and clothing worn used Respectively, 31.5, 53.5, 3, and 65%. and 81% of farmers do not use eyeglasses. Among Agricultural work experience and average score reward structures and perceived severity a significant correlation was found. Also Between preventive behaviors and the mean score of the fear structure, intensity and reward and motivation, perceived protection there was a significant correlation. Conclusion: With regard to the theory solidarity structures associated with the use of means of protection against the sunchr('39')s rays, Education and health promotion programs designed to increase the incentives for farmers to use the theory of protection is emphasized.

AIP Advances 10(3), 035023 (2020). doi:10.1063/1.5117236, Published by American Inst. of Physics, New York, NY

Hot electrons role in shock generation and energy deposition to hot dense core is crucial for the shock ignition scheme implying the need for their characterization at laser intensities of interest for shock ignition. In this paper we analyze the experimental results obtained at the PALS laboratory and provide an estimation of hot electrons temperature and conversion efficiency using a semi analytical approach, including Harrach-Kidder's model., Has been accepted in Physics of Plasma journal

Background: Efforts to establish the 2015 baseline and monitor early implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlight both great potential for and threats to improving health by 2030. To fully deliver on the SDG aim of “leaving no one behind”, it is increasingly important to examine the health-related SDGs beyond national-level estimates. As part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2017 (GBD 2017), we measured progress on 41 of 52 health-related SDG indicators and estimated the health-related SDG index for 195 countries and territories for the period 1990–2017, projected indicators to 2030, and analysed global attainment. Methods: We measured progress on 41 health-related SDG indicators from 1990 to 2017, an increase of four indicators since GBD 2016 (new indicators were health worker density, sexual violence by non-intimate partners, population census status, and prevalence of physical and sexual violence [reported separately]). We also improved the measurement of several previously reported indicators. We constructed national-level estimates and, for a subset of health-related SDGs, examined indicator-level differences by sex and Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintile. We also did subnational assessments of performance for selected countries. To construct the health-related SDG index, we transformed the value for each indicator on a scale of 0–100, with 0 as the 2·5th percentile and 100 as the 97·5th percentile of 1000 draws calculated from 1990 to 2030, and took the geometric mean of the scaled indicators by target. To generate projections through 2030, we used a forecasting framework that drew estimates from the broader GBD study and used weighted averages of indicator-specific and country-specific annualised rates of change from 1990 to 2017 to inform future estimates. We assessed attainment of indicators with defined targets in two ways: first, using mean values projected for 2030, and then using the probability of attainment in 2030 calculated from 1000 draws. We also did a global attainment analysis of the feasibility of attaining SDG targets on the basis of past trends. Using 2015 global averages of indicators with defined SDG targets, we calculated the global annualised rates of change required from 2015 to 2030 to meet these targets, and then identified in what percentiles the required global annualised rates of change fell in the distribution of country-level rates of change from 1990 to 2015. We took the mean of these global percentile values across indicators and applied the past rate of change at this mean global percentile to all health-related SDG indicators, irrespective of target definition, to estimate the equivalent 2030 global average value and percentage change from 2015 to 2030 for each indicator. Findings: The global median health-related SDG index in 2017 was 59·4 (IQR 35·4–67·3), ranging from a low of 11·6 (95% uncertainty interval 9·6–14·0) to a high of 84·9 (83·1–86·7). SDG index values in countries assessed at the subnational level varied substantially, particularly in China and India, although scores in Japan and the UK were more homogeneous. Indicators also varied by SDI quintile and sex, with males having worse outcomes than females for non-communicable disease (NCD) mortality, alcohol use, and smoking, among others. Most countries were projected to have a higher health-related SDG index in 2030 than in 2017, while country-level probabilities of attainment by 2030 varied widely by indicator. Under-5 mortality, neonatal mortality, maternal mortality ratio, and malaria indicators had the most countries with at least 95% probability of target attainment. Other indicators, including NCD mortality and suicide mortality, had no countries projected to meet corresponding SDG targets on the basis of projected mean values for 2030 but showed some probability of attainment by 2030. For some indicators, including child malnutrition, several infectious diseases, and most violence measures, the annualised rates of change required to meet SDG targets far exceeded the pace of progress achieved by any country in the recent past. We found that applying the mean global annualised rate of change to indicators without defined targets would equate to about 19% and 22% reductions in global smoking and alcohol consumption, respectively; a 47% decline in adolescent birth rates; and a more than 85% increase in health worker density per 1000 population by 2030. Interpretation: The GBD study offers a unique, robust platform for monitoring the health-related SDGs across demographic and geographic dimensions. Our findings underscore the importance of increased collection and analysis of disaggregated data and highlight where more deliberate design or targeting of interventions could accelerate progress in attaining the SDGs. Current projections show that many health-related SDG indicators, NCDs, NCD-related risks, and violence-related indicators will require a concerted shift away from what might have driven past gains—curative interventions in the case of NCDs—towards multisectoral, prevention-oriented policy action and investments to achieve SDG aims. Notably, several targets, if they are to be met by 2030, demand a pace of progress that no country has achieved in the recent past. The future is fundamentally uncertain, and no model can fully predict what breakthroughs or events might alter the course of the SDGs. What is clear is that our actions—or inaction—today will ultimately dictate how close the world, collectively, can get to leaving no one behind by 2030. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license

First principles study of the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of the (111), (110) and (001) surfaces of rocksalt sodium sulfide (rs-NaS) are reported. The results show that the bulk half-metallicity of this compound is well preserved on the surfaces considered here except for Na-terminated (111) surface. The spin-flip gap at the S-terminated (111), (001) and (110) surfaces are close to the bulk value. Using ab-initio atomistic thermodynamics, we calculate the surface energies as a function of chemical potential to find the most stable surface. We find that the Na-terminated (111) surface is the most stable one over the whole allowed range of chemical potential, while the surface energies of the (001) and (110) surfaces approach the most stable surface energy at the sulfur rich environment. We have also calculated the interlayer exchange interaction in bulk and Na-terminated (111) surface by classical Heisenberg model and we found that the surface effects do not change these kinds of interactions significantly.

The electronic and magnetic properties of CsS in CsCl structure have been investigated. Comparisons between the total energies of CsS in different structures such as CsCl, zinc-blende, rocksalt, wurtzite and NiAs show that the CsCl structure is the most stable. Also we have done the full relaxation of atomic positions and cell parameters and we find out that CsCl with lattice parameter of 4.24 A is the most stable structure of CsS. According to our calculation in GGA approximation, CsS in CsCl structure is a half-metallic ferromagnet with a magnetic moment of 1 μ B per formula unit and half-metallic gap of 0.4 eV. We also consider CsS under stress and it is found that it preserves the half-metallicity up to lattice compression of 40%. The electronic and magnetic properties of (0 0 1), (1 1 0) and (1 1 1) surfaces of CsS in CsCl structure are also studied to find the robustness of half-metallicity at the surface. We find out that the half-metallicity of bulk CsS is lost only in Cs-terminated (0 0 1) surface but it is preserved in all of the other surfaces. In addition, we study the properties of CsS in GGA + U approximation and we realize that it is still a half-metal with a larger half-metallic gap of 1.76 eV. Finally, the Curie temperature is estimated in mean field approximation and it is found to be much more than the room temperature. All of the above properties cause the CsS compound to be a promising candidate for spintronic applications.

The structural, electronic and magnetic properties of the low index (111), (110) and (001) surfaces of the rocksalt Potassium Sulfide (rs-KS) are investigated by using pseudo-potential calculations in the framework of spin density functional theory. The results show that the bulk half-metallicity of this compound is well preserved on its low index surfaces. The spin flip gap at the studied surfaces is close to the bulk value except for the potassium terminated (111) surface which exhibits about half of the bulk spin flip gap. The calculated surface energies in the framework of ab-initio atomistic thermodynamics indicate that the potassium terminated (111) surface of KS has the lowest energy over entire allowed range of the chemical potentials, while the surface energy of the (001) and (110) surfaces approaches the surface energy of the stable surface at the sulfur rich environment. In the framework of the Heisenberg model, it is argued that the surface effects have small effects on the interlayer exchange interaction in the stable K-terminated (111) surface, compared with the bulk KS.

We consider the dynamic version of the maximum flow network interdiction problem; that is, we assume a positive number is assigned to each arc which indicates the traversal time of the flow through that arc. We also assume that an intruder uses a single resource with limited budget to interrupt the flow of a single commodity through the network within a given time limit of T. A new formulation based on the concept of Temporally Repeated Flow (TRF) is presented. The problem is then solved using Benders' decomposition. Another solution method, based on the most vital arcs in a network is also discussed. Finally, some computational results are reported.

First principles calculations, based on spin density functional theory (SDFT) as implemented in the PWscf code of the QUANTUM-ESPRESSO package, are performed to study electronic and magnetic properties of CaC/GaAs(001) heterojunction. We simulate the interface of CaC in Zinc-Blende (ZB) structure and GaAs semiconductor to see whether this electrode could be a good choice for spin current injection or not. For this purpose, we calculate the spin-polarized density of states for ZB–CaC, in-plane strained ZB–CaC (tetragonal phase) and also for ZB–CaC/GaAs(001) heterojunction. It is shown that ZB–CaC, is a half-metal ferromagnet with large half-metallic gap. The half-metallicity is found to be robust with respect to the lattice deformation to the tetragonal phase and is maintained in the range of 0.59

This work analyzes the X-ray, EUV and UV emission apparently coming from the Earth-facing (dark) side of Venus as observed with Hinode/XRT and SDO/AIA during a transit across the solar disk occurred in 2012. We have measured significant X-Ray, EUV and UV flux from Venus dark side. As a check we have also analyzed a Mercury transit across the solar disk, observed with Hinode/XRT in 2006. We have used the latest version of the Hinode/XRT Point Spread Function (PSF) to deconvolve Venus and Mercury X-ray images, in order to remove possible instrumental scattering. Even after deconvolution, the flux from Venus shadow remains significant while in the case of Mercury it becomes negligible. Since stray-light contamination affects the XRT Ti-poly filter data from the Venus transit in 2012, we performed the same analysis with XRT Al-mesh filter data, which is not affected by the light leak. Even the Al-mesh filter data show residual flux. We have also found significant EUV (304 A, 193 A, 335 A) and UV (1700 A) flux in Venus shadow, as measured with SDO/AIA. The EUV emission from Venus dark side is reduced when appropriate deconvolution methods are applied; the emission remains significant, however. The light curves of the average flux of the shadow in the X-ray, EUV, and UV bands appear different as Venus crosses the solar disk, but in any of them the flux is, at any time, approximately proportional to the average flux in a ring surrounding Venus, and therefore proportional to the average flux of the solar regions around Venus obscuring disk line of sight. The proportionality factor depends on the band. This phenomenon has no clear origin; we suggest it may be due to scatter occurring in the very long magnetotail of Venus., This paper has been accepted in The Astrophysical Journal

In order to study the germination characteristics of dodder (Cuscuta campestris) under drought and salinity stress conditions, two laboratory's experiment were conducted. Experiments were conducted in completely randomized design with 4 replications. The treatments, for salinity and drought stress were six potential levels (0,-3, -6, -9, -12 and -15 bar) of NaCl and five potential levels (0, -3, -6, -9 and -12 bar) of PEG 6000 respectively. Results showed that increasing drought and salinity stress significantly germination rate and germination percentage, plumule and radicle length, plumule of Dodder and its radicle fresh weight decreased. However ratio of radicle to plumule and root to shoot were increased (P≤0.01). It seems that among the characters, plumule length is more sensitive to drought and salinity stresses. In addition, germination of dodder was tolernt to drought stress more than salinity stresses.

By combining a Fabry–Perot (FP) cavity with a slot cavity, a compact filter structure is proposed. The peak resonance wavelength is determined by applying the FP resonance condition of the FP cavity. The relationship between filtering wavelength and cavity parameters is investigated. The results show that the filtering wavelength can be manipulated by changing the nanocavities' parameters. By using the finite difference time domain method, the theoretical predictions are confirmed. An intersection structure for nanoplasmonic waveguides is proposed and designed by utilizing two perpendicular filters. In addition to having compact dimensions, the proposed arrangement provides higher throughput and low cross talk. The proposed structure can be useful for designing compact integrated nanoplasmonic circuits.

Here by introducing an I-shape structure to break the symmetry of a thin metallic film, the contributions of Fabry–Perot (FP) resonance-like modes and surface plasmon polariton (SPP) resonance-like are determined. The finite difference-time domain (FDTD) simulation is utilized to provide a clear picture of the electromagnetic field distribution and transmission profile. The FP matrix method is employed to specify the contribution of FP resonance. Some of the predicted resonances of the FP matrix method coincide with the simulation result which is labeled as FP resonance-like modes. The remaining resonance modes in transmission profile are considered as SPP resonance-like modes. Our results provide explicit evidence that both FP resonator modes and SPP resonance are responsible for extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) through a subwavelength aperture.

The magnetic properties of MS (M = Li, Na, K) compounds in a Wurtzite structure at zero pressure are investigated by using first principle calculations and the pseudopotential self-consistent method based on density functional theory. It is shown that MS compounds in Wurtzite structure are half-metallic ferromagnets with a magnetic moment of μB per formula unit and half-metallic gaps of 0.24, 0.52, and 0.62 eV for LiS, NaS, and KS, respectively. We also consider the effect of pressure on the half-metallicity of these compounds and we find that LiS, NaS, and KS in Wurtzite structure maintain their half-metallicity up to lattice compressions of 9%, 37%, and 60%, respectively, and as a result one can grow them over the semiconductors in Wurtzite structures that are produced experimentally. These properties cause Wurtzite MS compounds to be appropriate choices to create useful devices in spintronics.

Introduction: Mycophenolic acid(MPA), a fungal mycotoxin, is produced by Penicillium brevicompactum and is used for the synthesis of immunosuppressive drugs in pharmaceutical industries. The present study was conducted to evaluate the possibility of mycophenolic acid(MPA) production by standard strains of P. brevicompactum at laboratory level. Methods: Three strains of P. brevicompactum were provided from microbial culture collections. To stimulate MPA production, barley was used as culture medium, and dry heat, wet heat, and gamma radiation were used to sterilize the culture medium. Samples were taken from the culture medium at different intervals, and their MPA level was assessed by HPLC method. Results: P. brevicompactum strain which was prepared from Finland(VTT D-061157) was able to produce MPA more than two other strains(from Germany and Iran). The amount of MPA enhanced linearly until day 10, and after that became relatively constant. Gamma radiation was a suitable method to sterilize the substrate, and nylon bags were evaluated as an easy and cheap container for growing the fungus. Conclusion: Production of MPA with simple and cheap culture media to provide primary substance for immunosuppressive drugs such as mycophenolate mofetile and sodium mycophenolate would be possible.

In order to examine of the weed damage on corn and determination of the most suitable index for corn (Zea mays L.) yield reduction in field condition and multi-species weed competition, an experiment as an interval mapping was carried out in the researching field of Mashhad University during 2008-2009. Treatments were complete control (pre-planting Treflan and hand weeding), no control (no herbicide), broadleaf control (pre-emergence 2-4, D and hand weeding), and grasses control (pre-planting Tapik and hand weeding). 480 destructive and non-destructive quadrates with 20×70 cm2 in dimension were determined in the field. At 4-8 leaf stages, density of weed species was separately counted and leaf area index and dry mater of all species were separately measured. To compare and evaluate of the coefficient of inter-specific and intra-specific competitions, leaf area ratio as independent variable and reciprocal weight of both weeds and corn as dependent variable were measured. Results showed that reciprocal weight of single plant and leaf area ratio had high correlation (r2=99%) with yield loss and coefficients of competition. Based on reciprocal weight equation and equation coefficients, it was observed that the weed interference effects on the corn yield can be divided into two groups: inhibition (positive sign) and stimulation (negative sign), which Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) had a simulative effects on the corn yield, while inhibition effects of Prostate amaranth (Amaranthus blitoides S.Wats.), common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.), Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) and Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli L.) resulted in reduction of corn yield, therefore, weeds have positive effects on corn by inhibition effect on other weeds that were inhibition effect on corn. Also the negative effect of broad-leaved and grasses weeds alone more than total impact on the yield.