Optimizing the remeshing procedure by computational cost estimation of adaptive fem technique

The objective of adaptive techniques is to obtain a mesh which is optimal in the sense that the computational costs involved are minimal under the constraint that the error in the finite element solution is acceptable within a certain limit. But adaptive FEM procedure imposes extra computational cost to the solution. If we repeat the adaptive process without any limit, it will reduce efficiency of remeshing procedure. Sometimes it is better to take an initial very fine mesh instead of multilevel mesh refinement. So it is needed to estimate the computational cost of adaptive finite element technique and compare it with the FEM computational cost. The remeshing procedure can be optimized by balancing these computational costs

Plant regeneration through indirect organogenesis of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.)

To establish an effective protocol for plant regeneration through indirect organogenesis, effects of explants type, culture media and plant growth regulators on callus induction and shoot regeneration of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) were investigated. Three different explants (root, nodal and internodal segment), two different media [Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) and Gamborg's B5 (B5)] and different plant growth regulators (6-benzylaminopurine (BA), thidiazuron (TDZ), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)) with different concentration (0.2, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mgL-1) for shoot and root induction were chosen. The results show that nodal segment was the best explant for callus induction (69.4%) when cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1 mgL-1 TDZ and MS was the best medium to induce callus formation (74.6%). The highest shoot multiplication (66.9%) was observed on MS medium with 0.2 mgL-1 TDZ. Regenerated shoots were rooted in vitro on MS containing 1.5 mgL-1 IBA. Also, plantlets with well developed root and shoot systems were acclimatized inside the green house and 80% of the plantlets survived on transfer to garden soil. This protocol provides a basis for future studies on genetic improvement.Key words: Chestnut, node, internode segment, indirect organogenesis, callus formation, shoot regeneration

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of a GA-repeat in human GPM6B leads to disruption of neural cell differentiation from NT2 cells

The human neuron-specific gene, GPM6B (Glycoprotein membrane 6B), is considered a key gene in neural cell functionality. This gene contains an exceptionally long and strictly monomorphic short tandem repeat (STR) of 9-repeats, (GA)9. STRs in regulatory regions, may impact on the expression of nearby genes. We used CRISPR-based tool to delete this GA-repeat in NT2 cells, and analyzed the consequence of this deletion on GPM6B expression. Subsequently, the edited cells were induced to differentiate into neural cells, using retinoic acid (RA) treatment. Deletion of the GA-repeat significantly decreased the expression of GPM6B at the RNA (p < 0.05) and protein (40%) levels. Compared to the control cells, the edited cells showed dramatic decrease of the astrocyte and neural cell markers, including GFAP (0.77-fold), TUBB3 (0.57-fold), and MAP2 (0.2-fold). Subsequent sorting of the edited cells showed an increased number of NES (p < 0.01), but a decreased number of GFAP (p < 0.001), TUBB3 (p < 0.05), and MAP2 (p < 0.01), compared to the control cells. In conclusion, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of a GA-repeat in human GPM6B, led to decreased expression of this gene, which in turn, disrupted differentiation of NT2 cells into neural cells.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Formulating a Conceptual Model of Wisdom Based on Islamic Sources: Grounded Theory

The present study tried to achieve a conceptual model of wisdom and examine its validating through three methods of linguistic semantics, grounded theory, and survey descriptive method. By reviewing the concept of wisdom in the fields of vocabulary and psychology, 23 primary concepts related to wisdom were identified in Islamic sources. After analyzing content validity, nineteen concepts were left out of 23 concepts. In the phase of collecting the documents, there were 2149 data resulted from seeking the data related to nineteen concepts which were screened in the two stages of book weakness and the lack of conceptual relevance. It resulted in omitting 1039 documents and leaving 1110 Islamic data as well as twelve concepts for modeling. These concepts, including reason (Aghl), intellect (Hekmat), distinction (Tamiz), knowledge (Marefat), science (Elm), mental processing (Pardazesh Zehni), understanding (Fahm), insight (Basirat), acumen (Ferasat), perspicacity (Kiasat), Fiqh, ingenuity (Fetanat), and sagacity (Zekavat), were analyzed using grounded theory in the four stages. By the judgmental sampling, 1276 primary open codes, 344 centralized open codes, 84 axial codes, and 19 core categories were identified. The proportionality among the core categories and comparing them with the documents showed that Islamic wisdom consists of ten conceptual elements, including knowledge (Danesh), distinction (Tamiz), mental processing (Pardazesh Zehni), control (Mahar), certainty in action (Etghan dar Amal), perspicacity (Kiasat), acumen (Ferasat), insight (Basirat), Fiqh, and cleverness (Tizfahmi). These elements were analyzed by eleven experts and Content Validity Index (CVI). In addition, the experts confirmed the validity of elements

Evaluation of Rigid Ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) accessions for clodinafop-propargyl Resistance using bioassay in Petri dish and pot

Three rigid ryegrass accessions with possible resistance to clodinafop-propargyl, anacetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor (group 1) herbicide were identified in Farsprovince fields. Greenhouse studies and seed bioassay experiments were conducted toconfirm clodinafop-propargyl resistance in Lolium rigidum L. In Petri dish seed bioassay testwere determined the coleoptiles length of accessions (as % of untreated control), ID50(dosage required to inhibit coleoptile length by 50%), the degree of resistance in S and Raccessions. In greenhouse experiments to determine the degree of resistance, accessions wereexposed to clodinafop-propargyl at 4-leaf stage. Four weeks after spraying was calculated thedry weight of accessions (%), plant survival of each accession (% of untreated control) andevaluation was performed according to EWRC. Then, the responses of accessions exposed to0.25 to 32 times the recommended dosage of clodinafop-propargyl was measured and thedegree of resistance in S and R accessions was identified. Results of bioassay andgreenhouse studies revealed that in both experiments and for parameters measured FR1accession showed more resistance than the other accessions, followed by FR7 and Saccessions, respectively. So these two methods tested can be used to help assess the degree ofresistance and reached the same result with two methods

Effect of Water Deficit Stress on Seedling Biomass and Physio-Chemical Characteristics in Different Species of Wheat Possessing the D Genome

Wild relatives of wheat serve as an extraordinary source of variability for breeding programs due to their capabilities to respond to various environmental stresses. Here, we investigated some species possessing a D genome (T. aestivum, Ae. tauschii, Ae. crassa and Ae. cylindrica) in terms of relative water content (RWC), stomatal conductance (Gs), relative chlorophyll content, initial fluorescence (Fo), maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), maximum primary yield of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fo), as well as shoot fresh and dry biomasses under control and water deficit conditions. Our results revealed that water deficit negatively affected all traits; shoot fresh weight, Gs and RWC showed the highest reduction compared to the control condition. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified two PCs that accounted for 53.36% of the total variation in the water deficit conditions. Correlation analysis and PCA-based biplots showed that stress tolerance index (STI) is significantly associated with Fv/Fm and Fv/Fo under water stress conditions, suggesting that these are the best parameters to evaluate when screening for tolerant samples at the seedling stage. We identified 19 accessions from Ae. crassa and one from Ae. tauschii as the most tolerant samples. In conclusion, Ae. crassa might provide an ideal genetic resource for drought-tolerant wheat breeds

Effect of Water Deficit Stress on Seedling Biomass and Physio-Chemical Characteristics in Different Species of Wheat Possessing the D Genome

Wild relatives of wheat serve as an extraordinary source of variability for breeding programs due to their capabilities to respond to various environmental stresses. Here, we investigated some species possessing a D genome (T. aestivum, Ae. tauschii, Ae. crassa and Ae. cylindrica) in terms of relative water content (RWC), stomatal conductance (Gs), relative chlorophyll content, initial fluorescence (Fo), maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), maximum primary yield of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fo), as well as shoot fresh and dry biomasses under control and water deficit conditions. Our results revealed that water deficit negatively affected all traits; shoot fresh weight, Gs and RWC showed the highest reduction compared to the control condition. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified two PCs that accounted for 53.36% of the total variation in the water deficit conditions. Correlation analysis and PCA-based biplots showed that stress tolerance index (STI) is significantly associated with Fv/Fm and Fv/Fo under water stress conditions, suggesting that these are the best parameters to evaluate when screening for tolerant samples at the seedling stage. We identified 19 accessions from Ae. crassa and one from Ae. tauschii as the most tolerant samples. In conclusion, Ae. crassa might provide an ideal genetic resource for drought-tolerant wheat breeds

Progress report towards preventing cow rabies in Mallard, Iran: policies and monitoring measures

Rabies is one of the most common viral and fetal diseases between humans and animals known as a zoonotic disease. Approximately 99% human rabies deaths occur in developing countries. Health care and follow up programs conducted for all the rabies cases are one of the important priorities for health care system in Iran to prevent the rabies incidence. The purpose of this study is to describe the cow rabies status and the health care programs conducted to the successful elimination of this deadly disease in one of the largest cowsheds in Mallard city in Iran during 2014. After founding the rabies incidence in one of the largest cowsheds in Mallard city in Iran, the crisis committee was held immediately and control measures including isolation, complete quarantine, vaccination of residents, and other sanitation measures were achieved in cooperation with the responsible organizations. During this incidence, 23 calves, cows and heifers were died. By conducting an integrated program and method, the numerous stakeholders contributed to the successful elimination of this fatal disease. In order to control the rabies, it is essential to educate the public on the prevention of the disease, especially in areas where the disease is more prevalence. Therefore, cooperation between the institutions involved in the disease control and planning for emergency disease eradication are essential to prevent the rabies infection among pets, especially livestoc

Content Analysis of Teleconsultation Enquiries in Positive Health Club, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran

Objective: With the availability of specialists and the overflowing information in public and social networks, individuals have easy access to information about HIV and AIDS. However, medical counselling and healthcare settings still have an essential role. The aim of the present study was to analyze phone enquiries directed to the Positive Club of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran; this analysis was based on demographic features of participants.Design/Methodology/Approach: In this cross-sectional study, 5255 questions were extracted and coded from the Positive Club's counselling questionnaires; the coding procedure was based on Huber and Gilapsy's decimal classification. Data were processed by descriptive statistics and SPSS software.Findings: A majority of callers were men (59.43%), most callers were aged between 26 and 30 years, and HIV transmission and high-risk sexual behaviours were among frequently asked questions (47%).Originality/Value: Taking into account that most callers were concern about transmission via sexual contact (anal, vaginal, and oral) rather than injection and its related equipment, it seems reasonable to assume that HIV transmission flow may shift from shared injection equipment to high-risk sexual behaviors

The Effects of Transdermal Estrogen Delivery on Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women: A Meta-analysis

Abstract Due to its minimal systematic adverse effects, transdermal estrogen is widely used for the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The present meta-analysis aimed to clarify the effects of transdermal estrogen on bone mineral density (BMD) of postmenopausal women. Studies were identified by searching electronic databases including Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase , and CINAHL databases, and also the Sciences Citation Index. Systematic review of articles was published between January 1989 to February 2016.Reference lists of the included articles were also evaluated and consultations were made with relevant experts. While 132 studies included the desired keywords, only nine clinical trials met the inclusion criteria and were finally reviewed. The pooled percent change in BMD was statistically significant in favor of transdermal estrogen. According to resulting pooled estimate, lumbar spine BMD one and two years after transdermal estrogen therapy was respectively 3.4% (95% CI: 1.7-5.1) and 3.7% (95% CI: 1.7-5.7) higher than the baseline values. The test for heterogeneity was not statistically significant based on the I 2 heterogeneity index. One-two years of transdermal estrogen delivery can effectively increase BMD and protect the bone structure in postmenopausal women