چکیده مقاله

We determine the MS̄ charm quark mass from a charmonium QCD sum rules analysis. On the theoretical side we use input from perturbation theory at O(α_s³). Improvements with respect to previous O(α_s³) analyses include (1) an account of all available e ⁺ e ^- hadronic cross section data and (2) a thorough analysis of perturbative uncertainties. Using a data clustering method to combine hadronic cross section data sets from different measurements we demonstrate that using all available experimental data up to c.m. energies of 10.538 GeV allows for determinations of experimental moments and their correlations with small errors and that there is no need to rely on theoretical input above the charmonium resonances. We also show that good convergence properties of the perturbative series for the theoretical sum rule moments need to be considered with some care when extracting the charm mass and demonstrate how to set up a suitable set of scale variations to obtain a proper estimate of the perturbative uncertainty. As the final outcome of our analysis we obtain {m̄_c}({{m̄_c})=1.282 ± ({0.006)} _stat± ({0.009)_syst ± ({0.019) _pert± ({0.010)} α_s ± ({0.002) GG {GeV}. The perturbative error is an order of magnitude larger than the one obtained in previous O(α_s³) sum rule analyses. © 2013 SISSA, Trieste, Italy.

چکیده مقاله

Background. Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease that can adversely affect the quality of life of patients. Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the quality of life in patients with acne vulgaris. Methods. This study was carried out on 70 patients with acne vulgaris (28 males, 42 females). All the patients filled out two Persian versions of questionnaires: short form 36 (SF-36) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). The obtained data were analyzed by using SPSS software (version 17). Results. The scores for physical functioning, social functioning, and bodily pain domains in patients were over 70%, but the scores for role physical, general health, vitality, role emotional, and mental health in patients were under 70%. Scores on the DLQI in patients with acne vulgaris ranged from 0 to 22 (mean ± SD, 8.18 ± 4.83). After comparing mean score of DLQI with respect to gender and age, it was found that the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. Conclusion. Acne vulgaris has a significant effect on the quality of life. There was not any significant gender or age related difference in QOL. © 2013 Reza Ghaderi et al.

چکیده مقاله

The aim of this study was to compare the performance of three in-house diagnostic tests, that is, histopathology, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), for the diagnosis after experimental infection with Toxocara cati. Twenty Mongolian gerbils and Wistar rats were divided into ten groups (n = 2 /group). Toxocara cati infections were established in Mongolian gerbils and Wistar rats by administering doses of 240 and 2500 embryonated Toxocara cati eggs by gavage, respectively. Tissue sections were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin and observed under the light microscope. Sera and vitreous fluid collected from separate infected groups were tested against Toxocara cati antigens, for 92 days postinfection. Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks, and aqueous fluids belong to the animals. The histopathology test gave negative results among the groups of animals examined between 5 and 92 days postinfection. The ELISA results showed that anti-Toxocara antibodies have risen between 7 and 61 days postinfection in sera and vitreous fluid in the animals infected, respectively. Analysis of PCR products revealed positive band (660 bp) in the orbital tissue infected Mongolian gerbils at 5 days postinfection. Of the three evaluated methods, the PCR could be recommended for scientific and laboratory diagnoses of toxocariasis in experimentally infected animals. © 2013 Mohammad Zibaei et al.

چکیده مقاله

Now a day, many progresses in both Information Technology and Power System Operation domains lead to outspread their applications in power distiibution systems. Convergence of utility business information technology (IT) and power system operation technology (OT) are bringing new protocols, analysis and performance challenges for interoperable end to end security risk management systems. Unified risk management approaches are critically needed to effectively guide resource allocations, identify best practices on the basis of practical and meaningful benchmarks and demonstrate various regulatory and business compliances for both the control systems and business domains. Implement an appropriate security system on the network has the advantage that at anytime, depending on the alert, network will go to a secure position in terms of both topology and information system. This paper presents essential characteristics and properties for security risk management approaches in the context of the smart power grid. The work is typically illustrated using the network architecture of Shiraz Power Distribution System.

چکیده مقاله

In this study a new constitutive equation, using the extrapolation of dynamic recovery (DRV) flow stress curve and kinetic equation for dynamic recrystallization (DRX), has been developed. This model is expressed in terms of characteristic points such as critical stress, critical strain, DRX steady state stress, and DRV saturation stress. Moreover, this analysis was done for the stress-strain curves under hot working condition for Ti-IF steel, but it is not dependent on the type of material and can be extended for any condition that a single peak dynamic recrystallization occurs. The results indicate that the stress-strain curves predicted by this model are in a good agreement with experimentally measured ones at all deformation conditions. © 2013 by ASME.

چکیده مقاله

The single top production proceeds through different channels at LHC. The t-channel production which has a cross section at the level of one third of the t̄t, can be regarded as a source of light charged Higgs boson through top quark decay to charged Higgs. Due to the low jet multiplicity and characteristic kinematic features of this process, a signal selection can be designed to extract charged Higgs signal from the background processes. In this paper, taking MSSM as the theoretical framework, the light charged Higgs signal from single top events is analyzed. The charged Higgs is assumed to decay to τν and the hadronic decay of τ leptons is analyzed. Different charged Higgs mass hypotheses are analyzed and a scan over the parameter space (m _H ±, tanβ) is performed. It is shown that this process has the potential to exclude large areas of parameter space, while with enough data, a 5σ discovery would also be possible. Finally 95% C.L. exclusion and 5σ contours are provided for different integrated luminosities of LHC. © 2013 SISSA, Trieste, Italy.

چکیده مقاله

We provide the first reference values for bone mineral content and bone mineral density according to age and sex in Iranian children and adolescents. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was high, and levels of physical activity were low in our sample. Multiple regression analyses showed age, BMI, and Tanner stage to be the main indicators of bone mineral apparent density. Purpose: Normal bone structure is formed in childhood and adolescence. The potential determinants which interact with genetic factors to influence bone density include gender, nutritional, lifestyle, and hormonal factors. This study aimed to evaluate bone mineral content (BMC) and the bone mineral density (BMD) and factors that may interfere with it in Iranian children. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 476 healthy Iranian children and adolescents (235 girls and 241 boys) aged 9-18 years old participated. BMC and BMD of the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total body were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry using a Hologic Discovery device, and bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) of the lumbar spine and the femoral neck were calculated. Results: We present percentile curves by age derived separately for BMC, BMD, and BMAD of the lumbar spine, left femoral neck, and total body excluding the head for boys and girls. Maximum accretion of BMC and BMD was observed at ages of 11-13 years (girls) and 12-15 years (boys).The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was high and physical activity was low in our participants. However, in multiple regression analyses, age, BMI, and Tanner stage were the main indicators of BMD and BMAD Conclusion: These normative data aid in the evaluation of bone density in Iranian children and adolescents. Further research to evaluate the evolution of BMD in Iranian children and adolescents is needed to identify the reasons for significant differences in bone density values between Iranian populations and their Western counterparts. © 2013 International Osteoporosis Foundation and National Osteoporosis Foundation.

چکیده مقاله

In this work, a new model for dual-beam mode-mismatch thermal lens spectroscopy is presented. The model was based on a new analytical solution of time-dependent heat equation for finite radius cylindrical samples exposed to TEM₀₀ excitation laser beams. The Fresnel diffraction integration method was used to calculate time-dependent on-axis probe beam intensity. All aberrations in thermal lens were taken into account. The model yields accurate values for absorption coefficient and thermal diffusivity of methylene blue aqueous solution. Furthermore, the optimized mode-mismatched version of this model when applied to pure water as a very low absorbent yields its absorption coefficient and thermal diffusivity values close to literature data. In contrast to traditional model, this model does not need to omit any term in its theory to fit the experimental data. © 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.

چکیده مقاله

Background. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy has been widely used to treat renal stones. The procedure is relatively safe with minor complications. Case. The patient is a 32-year-old man who presented with left sided pleural effusion after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Results. The pleural effusion study revealed an exudative fluid rich in eosinophils (30%). So, the diagnosis of eosinophilic pleural effusion as a complication of lithotripsy was made. Conclusion. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy should be regarded as an etiology of unexplained eosinophilic pleural effusion after this procedure. © 2013 Maral Mokhtari et al.

چکیده مقاله

The tremendous progress on nanoparticle research area has been made significant effects on the economy, society, and the environment. Silver nanoparticle is one of the most important particles in these categories. Silver nanoparticles can be converted to the heavy silver metal in water by oxidation. Moreover, in the high amounts of silver concentration, they will be accumulated in different parts of the plant. However, by changing the morphology of the plant, the production will be harmful for human consumptions. In this study, nano-powders with average 50 nm silver particles are mixed with deionized distilled water in a completely randomized design. Seven treatments with various concentrations of suspension silver nanoparticles were prepared and repeated in four different parts of the plant in a regular program of spraying. Samples were analyzed to study the growth indexes and concentration of silver in different parts of the plant. It was observed that with increasing concentration of silver nanoparticles on cucumber, the growth indexes (except pH fruit), and the concentration of silver heavy metal are increased significantly. The incremental concentration had the linear relationship with correlation coefficient 0.95 and an average of 0.617 PPM by increasing of each unit in one thousand concentration of nanosilver. Although, by increasing concentration of silver nanoparticles as spraying form, the plant morphological characteristics were improved, the concentration of silver heavy metal in various plant organs was increased. These results open a new pathway to consider the effect of nanoparticles on plant's productions for human consumptions. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

چکیده مقاله

Background: Cancer registries help to decrease the burden of cancers by collecting accurate and complete data. We aimed to measure the completeness of coverage of information recorded between 2000 and 2009 in a cancer registry program in Fars province, southern Iran. Methods. The cancer registry program run by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences was investigated in two periods: pathology-based data from 2000 to 2007 and population-based data from 2007 to 2009. Completeness of yearly coverage was measured as the number of reported cases of cancer in each year divided by estimated cases based on 107.3 new cases per 100 000 individuals. The percentage of complete data registration (patient's name, age, gender, address, phone number and father's name) and correct cancer encoding was calculated for each year and compared to the maximum acceptable error rate for each item. Results: A total of 29 277 non-duplicate cancer records were studied. Completeness of coverage varied from 22.68% in 2000 to 118.7% in 2008. Deficiencies in patients' demographic data were highest for name in 2002 (0.09%), age in 2006 (2.36%), gender in 2001 (0.06%) and father's name in 2001 (52.5%). Incomplete address (99.7%) and missing phone number (100%) were most frequent in 2000, and deficiencies in encoding information were highest in 2008 (6.36%). Conclusions: The cancer registry program in Fars province (southern Iran) was considered satisfactory in terms of completeness of coverage and information about age. However, it was deficient in recording patients' phone number and address, and father's name. The error level for cancer encoding was unacceptably high. Enhancing hardware and software resources, education and motivation in all public and private sectors involved in the cancer registry program, and greater attention to epidemiological research are needed to increase the quality of the cancer registry program, including its completeness. © 2013 Lankarani et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

چکیده مقاله

Background: Primary adenocarcinoma of thymus is extremely rare. Case presentation. This is a case of primary adenocarcinoma with intestinal differentiation and focal mucin production in the thymus. Thymic cyst was associated with this tumor. Intestinal differentiation was confirmed by immunohistochemical stain with positivity for CDX-2, CK20, villin, MOC31 and focal positivity of CK7. Array comperative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis showed a complex pattern of chromosomal imbalances including homozygous deletion at the HLA locus in chromosomal region 6p21.32. Conclusion: This rare tumor shows a similar genetic aberration with other studied thymic epithelial tumors. © 2013 Maghbool et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

چکیده مقاله

Background. Misclassification of exposure variables in epidemiologic studies may lead to biased estimation of parameters and loss of power in statistical inferences. In this paper, the inverse matrix method, as an efficient method of the correction of odds ratio for the misclassification of a binary exposure, was generalized to nondifferential misclassification and 2 × 2 × J tables. Methods. Simple estimates for predictive values when misclassification is nondifferential are presented. Using them, we estimated the corrected log odds ratio and its variance for 2 × 2 × J tables, using the inverse matrix method. A two-step weighted likelihood method was also developed. Moreover, we compared the matrix and inverse matrix methods to the maximum likelihood (MLE) method using a simulation study. Results. In all situations, the inverse matrix method proved to be more efficient than the matrix method. Matrix and inverse matrix methods for nondifferential situations are more efficient than differential misclassification. Conclusions. Although MLE is optimal among all of the methods, it is computationally difficult and requires programming. On the other hand, the inverse matrix method with a simple closed-form presents acceptable efficiency. © 2013 Bijan Nouri et al.

چکیده مقاله

Alachlor, an aniline herbicide widely used in corn production, is frequently detected in water resources. The main objectives of this research were focused on isolating bacterial consortium capable of alachlor biodegradation, assessing the effects of carbon and nitrogen sources on alachlor biodegradation and evaluating the feasibility of using bacterial consortium in soil culture. Kavar corn field soil with a long history of alachlor application in Fars province of Iran has been explored for their potential of alachlor biodegradation. The influence of different carbon compounds (glucose, sodium citrate, sucrose, starch and the combination of these compounds), the effect of nitrogen sources (ammonium nitrate and urea) and different pH (5.5-8.5) on alachlor removal efficiency by the bacterial consortium in liquid culture were investigated. After a multi-step enrichment program 100 days of acclimation, a culture with the high capability of alachlor degradation was obtained (63%). Glucose and sodium citrate had the highest alachlor reduction rate (85%). Alachlor reduction rate increased more rapidly by the addition of ammonium nitrate (94%) compare to urea. Based on the data obtained in the present study, pH of 7.5 is optimal for alachlor biodegradation. After 30 days of incubation, the percent of alachlor reduction were significantly enhanced in the inoculated soils (74%) as compared to uninoculated control soils (17.67%) at the soil moisture content of 25%. In conclusion, bioaugmentation of soil with bacterial consortium may enhance the rate of alachlor degradation in a polluted soil. © 2013 Dehghani et al.

چکیده مقاله

The majority of previous studies on surface charge characteristics were done on tropical and subtropical soils. Information of such studies in the arid regions is limited. A study was conducted to investigate the relation between soil chemical and mineralogical properties and surface charge characteristics of an arid region in Southeastern Iran. Eight soil pedons, representing the alluvial and the colluvial deposits, were described, and their mineralogical and physicochemical properties were examined. The common clay minerals in the studied area are smectite, palygorskite, kaolinite, chlorite, and illite. The point of zero charge (pH 0) values are low (2.85-3.35) in all soils mostly affected by organic carbon (OC) and free iron oxide (Fe d). pH 0 has a significant negative correlation with pH under field conditions (r = - 0.45, P < 0.05). The point of zero net charge (PZNC) levels for all the soils were <2, due to the excess negative charge in these soils. The estimated PZNC values were less than pH 0 in all soils because of the high permanent negative charge in these soils. The permanent negative charge (σ p) of the soils studied is high and it has a significant positive correlation with pH, CEC, Na, Mg, SAR, clay content, palygorskite, OC, and Fe d. © 2013 A. H. Moghimi et al.

چکیده مقاله

Background and Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the effect of noise exposure on blood pressure and heart rate of steel industry workers. Materials and Methods. In the present cross-sectional study, 50 workers were selected from a steel company in Fars province, Iran, and exposed to 85, 95, and 105 dB noise levels for 5 minutes. The participants' blood pressure and heart rate were measured using Beurer BC16 pulse meter both before and after the exposure. Results. The study results showed no significant difference in blood pressure and heart rate before and after the exposure. However, the workers' systolic blood pressure had increased compared to before the exposure; of course, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Besides, although the subjects' heart rate had reduced in comparison to before the exposure, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion. No significant change was observed in blood pressure and heart rate after acute exposure to 85, 95, and 105 dB noise levels. © 2013 Zahra Zamanian et al.

چکیده مقاله

Motivated by the E ₈×E ₈ heterotic string theory, we obtain topological black hole solutions of Einstein-Maxwell gravity with additional corrections. We consider the Gauss-Bonnet (GB) and (F_μν F^μν)² terms as an effective quartic order Lagrangian of gauge-gravity coupling and investigate geometric and thermodynamic properties of the black hole solutions. We also analyze the effects of the GB term as well as the correction of Maxwell field on the properties of the solutions. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg and Società Italiana di Fisica.

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Background: Tendon injury is one of the orthopedic conditions poses with a significant clinical challenge to both the surgeons and patients. The major limitations to manage these injuries are poor healing response and development of peritendinous adhesions in the injured area. This study investigated the effectiveness of a novel collagen implant on tendon healing in rabbits. Results: Seventy five mature White New-Zealand rabbits were divided into treated (n = 55) and control (n = 20) groups. The left Achilles tendon was completely transected and 2 cm excised. The defects of the treated animals were filled with collagen implants and repaired with sutures, but in control rabbits the defects were sutured similarly but the gap was left untreated. Changes in the injured and normal contralateral tendons were assessed weekly by measuring the diameter, temperature and bioelectrical characteristics of the injured area. Clinical examination was done and scored. Among the treated animals, small pilot groups were euthanized at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 60 (n = 5 at each time interval) and the remainder (n = 20) and the control animals at 120 days post injury (DPI). The lesions of all animals were examined at macroscopic and microscopic levels and the dry matter content, water delivery and water uptake characteristics of the lesions and normal contralateral tendons of both groups were analyzed at 120 DPI.No sign of rejection was seen in the treated lesions. The collagen implant was invaded by the inflammatory cells at the inflammatory phase, followed by fibroplasia phase in which remnant of the collagen implant were still present while no inflammatory reaction could be seen in the lesions. However, the collagen implant was completely absorbed in the remodeling phase and the newly regenerated tendinous tissue filled the gap. Compared to the controls, the treated lesions showed improved tissue alignment and less peritendinous adhesion, muscle atrophy and fibrosis. They also showed significantly better clinical scoring, indices for water uptake and water absorption, and bioelectrical characteristics than the controls. Conclusion: This novel collagen implant was biodegradable, biocompatible and possibly could be considered as a substitute for auto and allografts in clinical practice in near future. © 2013 Meimandi-Parizi et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

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Background. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health disorder affecting 13% of women in developed communities. The present study reviews available epidemiological publications on PPD-related aspects in Iranian women to help policy makers and health workers to design preventative strategies and further researches. Materials and Methods. A systematic review was constructed based on the computerized literature valid database. The 95% confidence intervals were calculated by random effects models. Metaregression was introduced to explore and explain heterogeneity between studies. Data manipulation and statistical analyses were performed using Stata 11. Results. Overall, 41 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of PPD in Iran was 25.3% (95% CI: 22.7%-27.9%). Amongst subgroups of unwanted delivery, illiterate, housewives, and having history of depression the prevalence was 43.4% (35.6-51.1), 31.6% (18.1-45.0), 30.7% (25.2-36.3), and 45.2% (35.4-53.1), respectively. Conclusions. Interventions that would specifically target women with a prior history of depression, illiterates, housewives, or women with unwanted pregnancies could be helpful to decrease the prevalence of postpartum depression in Iran. © 2013 Yousef Veisani et al.

چکیده مقاله

Purkinje fibers or Purkinje cardiomyocytes are part of the whole complex of the cardiac conduction system, which is today classified as specific heart muscle tissue responsible for the generation of the heart impulses. From the point of view of their distribution, structure and ultrastructural composition of the cardiac conduction system in the ostrich heart were studied by light and electron microscopy. These cells were distributed in cardiac conducting system including SA node, AV node, His bundle and branches as well as endocardium, pericardium, myocardium around the coronary arteries, moderator bands, white fibrous sheet in right atrium, and left septal attachment of AV valve. The great part of the Purkinje fiber is composed of clear, structure less sarcoplasm, and the myofibrils tend to be confined to a thin ring around the periphery of the cells. They have one or more large nuclei centrally located within the fiber. Ultrastructurally, they are easily distinguished. The main distinction feature is the lack of electron density and having a light appearance, due to the absence of organized myofibrils. P-cells usually have two nuclei with a mass of short, delicate microfilaments scattered randomly in the cytoplasm; they contain short sarcomeres and myofibrillar insertion plaque. They do not have T-tubules. © 2013 Paria Parto et al.