Playing against the rhythm: the intersection of gender and performative space in Iran

Since the Iranian Revolution of 1979, women have been legally prohibited from singing or playing a musical instrument solo in public. The government has sought to control women’s performative space by using concepts of permissibility and ideological compatibility. In the past decade, however, Iran has seen the birth of an underground music culture, in which women sing and play illegally. Underground and diasporic female musicians have carved new spaces that subvert state regulations on cultural purity and nationalism, deterritorializing and deconstructing notions of national space and culture. Women musicians have thus demonstrated the failure of the state to successfully regulate performative space

Aluminum-carbon nanotube nanocomposite for silicon solar cell back metallization

With the global push towards having thinner silicon solar cells, the bowing problem arising from the thermal mismatch between the Aluminum electrode and the Silicon wafer in the cell becomes more critical. The thinner the cells the more the bowing and the higher the probability of cracking and hence yield losses and lower cell efficiency. The main objective of this work was to explore the effect of introducing CNT into the composition of the Al paste in order to reduce the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) of the resulting composite and hence reduce the bowing problem. Two types of samples were produced: Cylindrical and Wafer samples. The first consisted of 26 compacted and sintered at 500oC powders of the following consistencies: Un-Milled Al, Milled Al, 2%, 5% and 10% CNT-Al. CTE was measured by a Dilatometer DIL 801, TA instruments device. Electrical Performance was measured for the same samples via varying the voltage and measuring the current, then calculated the resistance taking the latter as an indicator for the Resistivity. In both tests, it was found that the 10% CNT-Al samples gave the highest results: in terms of CTE, it resulted in around 20% reduction, and in case of electrical performance, it increased the resistivity by around 3.8%. For the wafer samples, Un-Milled Al, Milled Al and 10% CNT-Al powder-based pastes were prepared using a patented recipe that was modified for the current work, and then the pastes were printed using Spin Coating technique on 9 wafers which were heated at 160oC for around 3 hours. A Contactless Wafer Geometry Gauge device was used to measure the bow and warp. Bow results were inconclusive, however the warping revealed promising results as it was clearly shown that the 10% CNT-Al paste caused the lowest warp per unit thickness of paste printed, average warp to Al paste layer thickness ratios for all 3 pastes were 0.59, 0.35 and 0.24 for the Un-Milled Al, Milled Al and 10% CNT-Al pastes respectively. SEM images of the Top & cross-sectional views of the wafer showed that while the Un-Milled Al and 10% CNT-Al wafers provided an almost uniform layer, the thickness of the layer of the Milled Al paste was relatively irregular due to employing irregular techniques of printing and un-even powder particle size

Characterization of pathogenic auto-antibodies directed against desmoglein 3 and desmocollin 3 in sera of pemphigus patients.

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) represents the most frequent clinical type of the pemphigus group of autoimmune bullous skin disorders. There is substantial evidence that blister formation in pemphigus patients is mediated by auto-antibodies (auto-Abs) targeted against certain desmosomal cadherins, namely desmoglein1 (Dsg1) and desmoglein3 (Dsg3). Several pathogenic epitopes of Dsg3 are located at the amino-(NH2)-terminal end of the Dsg3 ectodomain, namely the extracellular domain 1 (EC1). On the other hand a great number of pemphigus patients exhibit auto-Abs directed against the more carboxy-(COOH)-terminal epitopes of Dsg3, e.g. within the EC4- and EC5-domain and these domains may play an essential role in maintaining desmosomal adhesion. Some pemphigus patients exhibit additional or solely auto-Abs against other desmosomal cadherins, especially desmocollin 3 (Dsc3). However, the pathogenic relevance of Dsc3-reactive immunoglobulin G (IgG) has not been directly shown. This study aimed to first establish a method to specifically isolate Dsg3-reactive IgG from PV sera and to further investigate their pathogenic capacity using a keratinocyte based in vitro assay. This method was further applied to sera of four Japanese patients suffering from atypical pemphigus all of them exhibiting a positive IgG reactivity against Dsc3. Sepharose based affinity chromatochraphy columns coated with recombinant baculovirus produced proteins of the extracellular domains of Dsg3 and Dsc3, respectively, were used to specifically isolate auto-Abs from pemphigus sera. Affinity purified IgG fractions were subsequently tested for antigen specificity using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting (IB). Reactivity with native Dsg3- and Dsc3-protein, respectively, was proven by immunofluorescence (IF) on cultured human keratinocytes, monkey esophagus and frozen sections of normal human skin. Finally, a keratinocyte based so-called dissociation assay served to investigate the in vitro pathogenicity of the affinity purified IgG fractions. Eight Dsg3-reactive PV patients showed Dsg3-domain-specific auto-antibodies by ELISA. Four of these patients were selected for further investigation based on their antibody profile, i.e. their epitope specificity. Two patients (#1 and #8) exhibited IgG directed against Dsg3EC1 and Dsg3EC4. Patient #2 exclusively expressed auto-Abs directed against Dsg3EC1 whereas patient #6 showed IgG reactivity against Dsg3EC4, only. Serum IgG was then affinity purified using the respective recombinant Dsg3-subdomains. Antigen specificity of the eluted IgG-fractions was subsequently verified by IB and ELISA. Isolated IgG fractions showed a characteristic intercellular staining pattern by IF using cultured human keratinocytes indicating positive reactivity with native Dsg3-protein. Finally Dsg3-, Dsg3EC1- and Dsg3EC4-specific IgG caused keratinocyte dissociation which was comparable to the positive control, a monoclonal antibody (AK23) directed against the NH2-terminus of Dsg3. These techniques were then applied to the sera of four atypical, i.e. two pemphigus vegetans and two pemphigus herpetiformis patients, in order to isolate Dsc3-specific IgG. All but one of these patients, who showed additional Dsg1 reactivity, exhibited IgG reactivity exclusively against Dsc3 but no other desmosomal cadherin. From all sera IgG fractions were successfully isolated and antigen specificity to Dsc3 was verified. Dsc3-reacitve IgG showed a characteristic intercellular staining pattern by IF on cultured human keratinocytes, monkey esophagus and human skin. Finally all isolated IgG fractions were able to induce loss of keratinocyte adhesion in vitro.Taken together this data strongly suggests a significant acantholytic effect of IgG directed against COOH-terminal epitopes of Dsg3 in addition to the well known pathogenic epitopes at the NH2-terminus of this auto-antigen. Moreover Dsc3-reactive IgG isolated from patients with atypical pemphigus variants proved to be pathogenic in vitro. For the first time these results directly show the acantholytic effect of Dsc3-reactive IgG and provides evidence for the pathogenic relevance of Dsc3-IgG in pemphigus patients lacking reactivity against other desmosomal cadherins. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which auto-Abs directed against COOH-terminal epitopes of Dsg3 induce acantholysis. The pathogenic relevance of other epitopes of Dsg3 needs to be addressed. Finally screening of pemphigus patients’ sera for Dsc3-reactive IgG should provide further knowledge about their correlation with atypical pemphigus variants

COMPARING THE PATTERNS OF ENAMEL ETCHING BY TWO IRANIAN ACID-ETCHES AND ONE FOREIGN STANDARD ACID-ETCH IN VITRO

Abstract. Introduction: One of the main steps in composite restorations is enamel etching to create a strong bond between composite resin and dental surfaces and prepare these surfaces. This increases the bonding surface and the grip of composite resins, and improves the margin bonding of restorations. Given the fact that today there are various acid-etches with different features in the dental market, the answer to this question that which one of the different types of acid-etches used provides better etching pattern and greater bond strength in development of composite resin adhesion to dental surfacecompared to others is uncertain, therefore, we decided to conducted a study with the aim of comparing the patterns of enamel etching by two Iranian acid-etches and one foreign standard acid-etch in Vitro. Materials and Methods: In this study, 20 extracted human maxillary premolars that were free of decays and fractures were selected, and after cleaning them with Pumice powder, they were stored in 0.2% Thymol solution at room temperature. Prior to acid-etching, the teeth were  divided into two groups of 10. The labial surfaces of teeth were polished, and then, with a nail polish, the labial surface ofeach tooth was divided into two distinct mesial and distal parts. In one group, the mesial part of each tooth was etched by standard acid (Ultradent) and the distal part of each tooth was etched by an Iranian acid (Kimia), and in other group, it was etched by another Iranian acid (MorvaBon). Both groups were etched according to the manufacturer's instructions. After washing the acids for 20 seconds, and also drying them up for 20 seconds, the etching patterns developed in the SEM study center was investigated and compared. Findings: The etched enamel surfaces by two type of acids showed corrosionaround the prisms and no coverage in the center of prisms (Type 2 pattern) in the middle 1/3 and incisal 1/3, however, the cervical 1/3 was developed in most samples of type 3 pattern. In some areas, the Iranian acid also did not create a pattern associated with the shape of the prisms. One of the morphological differences observed in regions etched with the foreign acid in comparison to the Iranian acid was the better order and arrangement of etching pattern induced by the foreign acid.Another difference was the formation of more sediments in the sections etched by the Iranian acid, which may reduce the resin grip to enamel, and the last difference was more corrosion of foreign acid measured by an image analysis machine. Discussion and conclusion: In present SEM study, the corrosion from the Iranian acid was visually more than foreign acid, thus, it is necessary to study the chemical composition of Iranian acid and make necessary amendments. Also, studies on thebond strength of resin to enamel and the degree of microleakage in applications of Iranian acid seems necessary.Keywords: Acid etch, Etching pattern, Ename

Post-Transfusion Purpura: A Case Report of an Underdiagnosed Phenomenon

Post-transfusion purpura is a rare transfusion-related complication that often goes undiagnosed. It is due to alloimmunization against platelet antigens which leads to acute profound thrombocytopenia following the transfusion of any platelet-containing product (red blood cells or platelets). It is commonly seen in multiparous women. Here, we report a case of post-transfusion purpura in a 56-year-old multiparous woman who developed acute thrombocytopenia seven days following a packed red blood cell transfusion. We will discuss the clinical presentation, diagnosis, workup and treatment of this rare disease. It is important to recognize this entity separately and to include it in the differential diagnosis of acute thrombocytopenia after a recent blood transfusion. Treatment for this condition consists of intravenous immunoglobulins, corticosteroids or plasmapheresis

Beer Potomania: A Challenging Case of Hyponatremia

Beer potomania is a syndrome of hyponatremia associated with excessive beer drinking. Little or no salt content of beer results in marked reduction in the solute load to the kidney. This leads to impaired water clearance and dilutional hyponatremia. A 66-year-old man with history of alcoholism and alcoholic cardiomyopathy presented to the emergency room with tremors of his upper and lower extremities. He had a significant history of alcohol consumption, usually drinking 4 - 5 cans of beer per night for the past 34 years. In addition, he had consumed a fifth of a vodka bottle the day before presentation. He had a pattern of often skipping meals though was compliant with both his diuretics medications: furosemide 40 mg once daily and spironolactone 25 mg daily. On physical exam, he was euvolemic. Neurological exam revealed resting tremors of both his hands. Labs were remarkable for plasma sodium of 122, brain natriuretic peptide of 474, serum osmolality of 268, urine osmolality of 223, and urine sodium of 20. Patient was assessed to have moderate euvolemic hypotonic hyponatremia. The combination of euvolemic hyponatremia with history of excessive beer drinking made beer potomania very likely. His urine osmolality and urine sodium, however, were higher than expected in beer potomania. These could be explained by the two diuretics that the patient was taking. Patient was managed with fluid restriction, appropriate nutritional and sodium intake and withholding of his diuretics. Plasma sodium slowly corrected to 130 over the course of 3 days. This case illustrates the condition beer potomania, an infrequent cause of hyponatremia. Findings in hyponatremia do not always point in one direction, especially with the concomitant use of diuretics. Recognition of beer potomania is critical as it is associated with serious neurologic sequelae that should be part of counseling against alcohol abuse

Combination targeted pulmonary hypertension therapy in the resolution of Dasatinib-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Dasatinib is a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but known complication. The mainstay of treatment is cessation of Dasatinib, and while clinical improvement is rapid, complete hemodynamic resolution of pulmonary hypertension (PH) still remains exceedingly uncommon. We present a case of Dasatinib-induced PAH in a woman with chronic myeloid leukemia, who demonstrated rapid and complete clinical and hemodynamic resolution following treatment with combination pulmonary vasodilator therapy using an endothelin receptor antagonist and a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor. This case suggests there may be an association between the use of targeted PH medication in combination and the complete resolution of dasatinib-associated PAH, but further investigation is required

A Critical Appraisal of Extracorporeal Photopheresis as a Treatment Modality for Acute and Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Although significant advances have been made in the biologic understanding of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and its treatment options, GVHD remains the single most challenging obstacle to the success of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) due to high risk of disabling morbidity and mortality. Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has promising effects in controlling steroid-refractory GVHD, both acute and chronic, and it has been studied extensively. Its putative immunomodulatory mechanisms, while not immunosuppressive, position ECP as an attractive treatment strategy for GVHD patients who are already receiving global immunosuppression. However, ECP is relatively underutilized due in part to limited access and time commitment. Here, we review the recent findings on the ECP efficacy in both acute and chronic GVHD, primarily for steroid-refractory status, and we critically appraise its benefits. We also explore salient considerations on the optimal use of ECP in the treatment of refractory GVHD

Structural Equation Modeling to Analyze Person-Organization Fit and Organizational Effectiveness

Efficient management and leadership can be achieved via precise planning for selection, recruitment, and optimization of the labor force. One of the major goals in labor force selection and recruitment is the fit between people and an organization. This phenomenon is known as person-individual fit. In this research, the authors collected data via a survey aimed at exploring the relationship between person-individual fit and organizational effectiveness at the University of Isfahan. The research hypotheses were tested through variables such as environmental congruence, KSA (knowledge/skills/abilities) congruence, goals congruence, values congruence, and personality congruence, as dimensions of person-individual fit. The aim of this study is developing and practical and from the procedure implemented is introducing-analyzing. The sample studied in this study is the mangers and employers of the university in Isfahan. A stratified random sampling method was used based the Morgan table and a sample size of 120 was chosen from among 150 persons. The results revealed that there is a significant relationship between dimensions of person-individual fit and organizational effectiveness