Scaling and universality at ramped quench dynamical quantum phase transitions.

The nonequilibrium dynamics of a periodically driven extended XY model, in the presence of linear time dependent magnetic field, is investigated using the notion of dynamical quantum phase transitions (DQPTs). Along the similar lines to the equilibrium phase transition, the main purpose of this work is to search fundamental concepts such as scaling and universality at the ramped quench DQPTs. We have shown that the critical points of the model, where the gap closing occurs, can be moved by tuning the driven frequency and consequently the presence of or absence of DQPTs can be flexibly controlled by adjusting the driven frequency. We have uncovered that, for a ramp across the single quantum critical point, the critical mode at which DQPTs occur is classified into three regions: the Kibble-Zurek (KZ) region, where the critical mode scales linearly with the square root of the sweep velocity, the pre-saturated (PS) region, and the saturated (S) region where the critical mode makes a plateau versus the sweep velocity. While for a ramp that crosses two critical points, the critical modes disclose just the KZ and PS regions. On the basis of numerical simulations, we find that the dynamical free energy scales linearly with time, as approaches to DQPT time, with the exponentν=1±0.01for all sweep velocities and driven frequencies.

Improvement of performance and sensitivity of 2D and 3D image reconstruction in EIT using EFG forward model.

This paper presents a pure element-free Galerkin method (EFGM) forward model for image reconstruction in 2D and 3D electrical impedance tomography (EIT) using an adaptive current injection method. In EIT systems with the adapting current injection method, both static and dynamic images can be reconstructed; however, determination of electrode contact impedances in the complete electrode model is difficult and the Gap model is used. In this paper, in the EIT forward problem a weak form functional based on the Gap model and a pure EFGM approach are developed, and in the EIT inverse problem, Jacobian matrix is computed by the EFGM, and a fast integration technique is introduced to calculate the entries of the Jacobian matrix within an adequate computation time. The influence of increasing the density of nodes at and near the electrodes with steep electric potential gradients on the accuracy of FEM and EFGM forward solutions is investigated, and the performance of the image reconstruction algorithm with the proposed fast integration technique is examined. The numerical results reveal that the proposed EFGM forward model with the fast integration technique has an efficient performance both in terms of mean relative imaging errors and computational time.

On the icephobicity of damage-tolerant superhydrophobic bulk nanocomposites.

To address the increase in demand for superhydrophobic and icephobic surfaces with greater mechanical robustness, we fabricated damage-tolerant, abrasion-insensitive, and icephobic superhydrophobic bulk nanocomposites using a facile, cost-effective, industrially applicable, and environmentally benign strategy. We prepared nanocomposites composed of high-temperature vulcanized silicone rubber through the highly controlled incorporation of nanosized fumed silica and microsized aluminum trihydrate particles. The produced nanocomposites did not require additional processing, such as sand abrasion or plasma treatment, to acquire their superhydrophobic properties. The extended roughness throughout the whole bulk of the nanocomposites imparted the volumetric superhydrophobicity and resistance to mechanical damage. The presence of micro-nanoparticles also enhanced the thermal stability and icephobic properties of the silicone rubber. The icephobic behavior of the developed nanocomposites was assessed based on freezing delay and push-off tests both of which denoted improved icephobic properties, i.e., high freezing delay time and low ice adhesion strength. We verified the extended duration of superhydrophobicity within the bulk nanocomposite using sandpaper abrasion, severe cutter scratching, tape peeling, and water-jet impacts. This study represents the first evaluation, to the best of our knowledge, of the icephobic properties of both the surface and bulk of the produced nanocomposite subjected to several cycles of sandpaper abrasion. Interestingly, even after multiple abrasion cycles, the samples demonstrated considerably low ice adhesion strength confirming their bulk icephobicity. In a nutshell, our findings are very promising for the fabrication of mechanically robust icephobic materials.

Computed tomographic features of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia in three groups of Iranian patients: A single center study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The pivotal role of chest computed tomographic (CT) to diagnosis and prognosis coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is still an open field to be explored. This study was conducted to assess the CT features in confirmed cases with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospectively, initial chest CT data of 363 confirmed cases with COVID-19 were reviewed. All subjects were stratified into three groups based on patients' clinical outcomes; non-critical group (n=194), critical group (n=65), and death group (n=104). The detailed of CT findings were collected from patients' medical records and then evaluated for each group. In addition, multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors according to CT findings in three groups of patients with COVID-19. RESULTS: Compared with the non-critical group, mixed ground-glass opacities (GGO) and consolidation lesion, pleural effusion lesion, presence of diffuse opacity in cases, more than 2 lobes involved and opacity scores were significantly higher in the critical and death groups (P<0.05). Having more mixed GGO with consolidation, pleural effusion, lack of pure GGO, more diffuse opacity, involvement of more than 2 lobes and high opacity score identified as independent risk factors of critical and death groups. CONCLUSION: CT images of non-critical, critical and death groups with COVID-19 had definite characteristics. CT examination plays a vital role in managing the current COVID-19 outbreak, for early detection of COVID-19 pneumonia. In addition, initial CT findings may be useful to stratify patients, which have a potentially important utility in the current global medical situation.

[Computed tomographic features of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia in three groups of Iranian patients: A single center study]. / Características en tomografía computarizada de la neumonía por coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) en tres grupos de pacientes iraníes: estudio de un solo centro.

Introduction and Objectives: The pivotal role of chest computed tomographic (CT) to diagnosis and prognosis coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is still an open field to be explored. This study was conducted to assess the CT features in confirmed cases with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Retrospectively, initial chest CT data of 363 confirmed cases with COVID-19 were reviewed. All subjects were stratified into three groups based on patients' clinical outcomes; non-critical group (n=194), critical group (n=65), and death group (n=104). The detailed of CT findings were collected from patients' medical records and then evaluated for each group. In addition, multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors according to CT findings in three groups of patients with COVID-19. Results: Compared with the non-critical group, mixed ground-glass opacities (GGO) and consolidation lesion, pleural effusion lesion, presence of diffuse opacity in cases, more than 2 lobes involved and opacity scores were significantly higher in the critical and death groups (P<0.05). Having more mixed GGO with consolidation, pleural effusion, lack of pure GGO, more diffuse opacity, involvement of more than 2 lobes and high opacity score identified as independent risk factors of critical and death groups. Conclusion: CT images of non-critical, critical and death groups with COVID-19 had definite characteristics. CT examination plays a vital role in managing the current COVID-19 outbreak, for early detection of COVID-19 pneumonia. In addition, initial CT findings may be useful to stratify patients, which have a potentially important utility in the current global medical situation.

Molecular identification of aviadenoviruses in broiler chickens suspected to inclusion body hepatitis in Golestan province, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) are distributed widely throughout the world, and domestic avian species of all ages are susceptible. Fowl aviadenoviruses (FAdVs) can be separated into 5 different species (A-E) with various genotypes and 12 serotypes. Some geno- or serotypes induce hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HPS), inclusion body hepatitis (IBH), and adenoviral gizzard erosion (AGE). AIMS: Detect FAdVs serologically and molecularly and sequencing of FAdVs in broiler flocks in Golestan province. METHODS: From December 2017 to June 2018 liver tissues and blood samples were collected from 31 broiler flocks suspected of IBH. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied on liver samples and the positive samples were sequenced and antibody against FAdVs was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Out of 31 flocks, the titers of 29 flocks (93.5%) were high in ELISA test for FAdVs and 22 flocks (70.96%) were positive in PCR test. Sequence analysis indicated the isolates belonged to D and E genotype of adenovirus. CONCLUSION: Inclusion body hepatitis caused by FAdVs, are spreading increasingly in broiler flocks of Golestan province and more attention and surveillance programs of breeder and broiler farms are needed to develop preventive measures. Moreover, vaccination of poultry farms in Iran should be considered by more complement studies.

Level of play and coach-rated game intelligence are related to performance on design fluency in elite soccer players.

Executive brain functions are innate mechanisms for regulating behavior. While the impact of suboptimal executive functions has been characterized in patients, their contribution to individual success has not been elucidated. We set out to understand how executive functions relate to successful human behavior by examining their relation to game intelligence in sport - the ability to read a game and quickly adapt the behavior. In elite soccer players (n = 51), those playing in national teams (national team players) significantly outperformed those only playing at premier league level (premier league players) in Design Fluency (DF), a complex visuo-spatial executive function test that includes measures of creativity and cognitive flexibility. Their result showed a moderate correlation with coach rated game intelligence, remained also when correcting for low level cognitive capacity and was most evident when considering cognitive flexibility. DF capacity also correlated with number of assists made during the season but not with number of made goals during the same period, linking the fast planning of several steps in DF to fast planning of several steps in the soccer game. Altogether, our data suggests that DF capacity relates to success in soccer both on a subjective and on an objective level.

Molecular identification of reovirus in broiler type flocks in Golestan province, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Avian reovirus (ARV) has a global distribution in nature and most clinical signs are found in broiler type chickens. AIMS: This study was conducted to detect and identify reovirus infections from vaccinated breeder chickens and their progenies. METHODS: A total of 20 tissue and blood samples were collected from vaccinated broiler breeders and their progenies with gastrointestinal or performance problems during peak production. Antibody titers were measured by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests. RNA extraction from tissue samples was performed and cDNA was prepared and directly used in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Nucleotide sequences were bilaterally determined using internal primers. The analysis of the nucleotide sequences and their related amino acids was performed by the specialized Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis software (6th version). RESULTS: The virus variant was detected in two vaccinated broiler breeders and five broiler flocks. The vaccine strains in breeder flocks included S1133, SS412, 1733, 2408 belonging to genotype 1 from the reovirus phylogenetic tree. Sequence 7 from the isolated reovirus based on the σC revealed that they were different from the reovirus vaccine, and that 6 isolates belonged to genotype 1 of the phylogenetic tree while 1 isolate belonged to branch 4 of the phylogenetic tree. CONCLUSION: The study showed that the new reovirus strain isolated from vaccinated birds differs from common strains used in the vaccines. It is therefore essential to prevent the effects of the field reovirus on the performance of industrial poultry, by updating and inventing new commercial vaccines, live and killed, against the reovirus.

Geometrically frustrated anisotropic four-leg spin-1/2 nanotube.

We develop a real space quantum renormalization group (QRG) to explore a frustrated anisotropic four-leg spin-1/2 nanotube in the thermodynamic limit. We obtain the phase diagram, fixed points, critical points, the scaling of coupling constants and magnetization curves. Our investigation points out that, in the case of strong leg coupling, the diagonal frustrating interaction is marginal under QRG transformations and does not affect the universality class of the model. Remarkably, the renormalization equations express that the spin nanotube prepared in the strong leg coupling case goes to the strong plaquette coupling limit (weakly interacting plaquettes). Subsequently, in the limit of weakly interacting plaquettes, the model is mapped onto a 1D spin-1/2 XXZ chain in a longitudinal magnetic field under QRG transformation. Furthermore, the effective Hamiltonian of the spin nanotube inspires both first and second order phase transitions accompanied by the fractional magnetization plateaus. Our results show that the anisotropy changes the magnetization curve and the phase transition points, significantly. Finally, we report the numerical exact diagonalization results to compare the ground state phase diagram with our analytical visions.

Experimental Infection of Turkeys with A Virulent Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated from Broiler Chickens.

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious infection of many avian species, mainly chickens and turkeys, with a devastating impact on worldwide poultry production. The ND accounts for heavy losses in Iranian poultry flocks. There are some reports regarding the epidemiology of this infection in Iran. This study was performed to investigate the infection of turkeys with a Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolated from a broiler chicken flock in southwestern Iran during 2013. For the purpose of the study, 70 day-old Wishard bronze poults were allocated into two groups of control (n=25) and infected (n=45). At 32 days of age, each bird in the infected group was inoculated with 0.1 mL (50 &mu;L per eye) of NDV-infected allantoic fluid through an ocular route and received 105 EID50 of viral inoculum. On the other hand, the birds in the control group were inoculated with phosphate buffered saline by the same route. Swab samples were taken from both groups at different time points, namely from 1 to 21 days postinoculation, and verified for NDV infection by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Both groups were also examined serologically by haemagglutination inhibition test. Clinically, the infected turkeys exhibited anorexia, severe depression, sitting on the hock joint, white to greenish (sometimes bloody) diarrhea, neurological disorders, and mild respiratory problems. Out of 45 inoculated birds, 9 (20%) cases died. Based on RT-PCR, virus shedding was observed in the challenged birds 3-8 days postinoculation. The NDV was detected more in tracheal swabs (50%) than in cloacal swabs (12.5%). The infected birds showed a high seroconversion. Therefore, the NDV circulating in Iranian chicken flocks has the potential to cause a serious illness in commercial turkeys. The vaccination of turkeys, as well as biosecurity, should be considered carefully to prevent the ND outbreaks in the future.

Dynamical Quantum Phase Transition and Quasi Particle Excitation.

Dynamical phase transitions (DPTs) are signaled by the non-analytical time evolution of the dynamical free energy after quenching some global parameters in quantum systems. The dynamical free energy is calculated from the overlap between the initial and the time evolved states (Loschmidt amplitude). In a recent study it was suggested that DPTs are related to the equilibrium phase transitions (EPTs) (Heyl, M. et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 135704 (2013)). We here study an exactly solvable model, the extended XY model, the Loschmidt amplitude of which provides a counterexample. We show analytically that the connection between the DPTs and the EPTs does not hold generally. Analysing also the general compass model as a second example, assists us to propound the physical condition under which the DPT occurs without crossing the equilibrium critical point, and also no DPT by crossing the equilibrium critical point.

Identification of polcalcin as a novel allergen of Amaranthus retroflexus pollen.

INTRODUCTION: Amaranthus retroflexus (Redroot Pigweed) is one of the main sources of allergenic pollens in temperate areas. Polcalcin is a well-known panallergen involved in cross-reactivity between different plants. The aim of this study was the molecular cloning and expression of polcalcin, as well as evaluating its IgE-reactivity with A. retroflexus sensitive patients' sera. METHODS: Allergenic extract was prepared from A. retroflexus pollen and the IgE-reactivity profile was determined by ELISA and immunoblotting using sera from twenty A. retroflexus sensitive patients. Polcalcin-coding sequence was amplified by conventional PCR method and the product was inserted into pET-21b(+) vector. The recombinant protein was expressed in E. coli BL21 and purified by metal affinity chromatography. The IgE-binding capability of the recombinant protein was analyzed by ELISA and immunoblotting assays, and compared with crude extract. RESULTS: Of 20 skin prick test positive patients, 17 patients were positive in IgE-specific ELISA. Western blotting confirmed that approximately 53% of ELISA positive patients reacted with 10kDa protein in crude extract. The A. retroflexus polcalcin gene, encoding to 80 amino acid residues was cloned and expressed as a soluble protein and designated as Ama r 3. The recombinant polcalcin showed rather identical IgE-reactivity in ELISA and western blotting with 10kDa protein in crude extract. These results were confirmed by inhibition methods, too. CONCLUSION: The recombinant form of A. retroflexus polcalcin (Ama r 3) could be easily produced in E. coli in a soluble form and shows rather similar IgE-reactivity with its natural counterpart.

Immunohistochemical observation of local inflammatory cell infiltration in the host-tissue reaction site of human hydatid cysts.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of local immune cell infiltration in human cystic echinococcosis (CE) by identifying the subtypes of immune cells using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Fifty surgically removed hydatid cyst samples and surrounding tissues were collected from patients referred to Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. IHC was performed on the surrounding host tissue of hydatid cysts using anti-human CD3, CD19, CD8, CD4, CD68, CD56, Ki-67 and Foxp3 (forkhead box P3) antibodies. The results were then compared to hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic hepatitis. In the host-tissue reaction site of liver hydatid cysts, a distinct pattern of local immune cell response, which outwardly consisted of a pack of the fibrous elements, a layer of palisading macrophages, an eosinophil-containing layer and a layer of accumulated lymphocytes, was observed. However, in some cases there were no positive cells for CD56+ natural killer cells and Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. The CD3+ T cells were the predominant inflammatory cells in all groups, followed by CD19+ B cells. It can be concluded that different immune cells are involved in the local response to human hydatid cysts.

Detection of Newcastle Disease, H9N2 Avian Influenza, and Infectious Bronchitis Viruses in Respiratory Diseases in Backyard Chickens in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2014-2015.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV), avian influenza virus (AIV), and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) are the most prevalent viral pathogens in the Iranian poultry industry. This study aimed to reveal the presence of these viruses in the backyard chickens in Ahvaz, located in the Southwest of Iran. A total of 100 chickens with respiratory signs and mortality were examined by taking the blood samples as well as tracheal and cloacal swabs. Most of the chickens had not received any vaccine. The blood samples were assessed for the antibodies against NDV and AIV by haemagglutination inhibition test, and against IBV by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The swab samples were utilized for molecular detection using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Based on the results of the serologic test, 77%, 45%, and 38.4% of the birds were positive for NDV, AIV, and IBV, respectively. In the RT-PCR, 95% of the birds were positive for one of the three viruses. The detection rates of NDV, AIV, and IBV were 60%, 34%, and 55%, respectively. The coinfections of AIV/NDV, AIV/IBV, NDV/IBV, and AIV/NDV/ IBV were observed in 13%, 4%, 23%, and 7% of the sampled chickens, respectively. The results demonstrated that the Iranian backyard chickens were infected with NDV, AIV, and IBV. This could pose a threat to the commercial poultry; therefore, preventive measures need to be implemented in this regard.

An Investigation into Enterobacteriaceae Responsible for Early Mortality in Japanese Quail Chicks and Their Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns.

Quail is an alternative source of protein for humans. These birds can be affected by common bacterial infections. Bacterial contamination of egg is the most common cause of mortality in Japanese quail chicks. In order to study the role of some members of Enterobacteriaceae responsible for early mortality in Japanese quail chicks, 100 dead or moribund quail chicks were obtained from 10 different farms in Ahvaz, Iran. Samples were taken from the liver and yolk sac of the birds and bacterial isolation from samples was conducted by streaking them on MacConkey, Brilliant Green, Salmonella-Shigella and Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate agar plates. The plates were incubated at 37 &deg;C for 24-48 hours, and by standard biochemical tests bacterial isolates were identified. Final confirmation of Salmonella serotypes was performed by Razi Institute. All the isolates were examined for susceptibility to 12 different antibiotics (Padtan-Teb Co., Tehran, Iran) by the disk diffusion (Kirby Bauer) method. The results showed that 78% of the quail chicks were infected. The isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (44%), Klebsiella pneumonia (8%), Salmonella serovar ruzizi (5%), Salmonella serovar typhimurium (3%), Enterobacter cloacae (4%), Enterobacter aerogenes (4%), Proteus vulgaris (5%) and Proteus mirabilis (5%). One hundred percent susceptibility was observed to gentamycin, soltrim, tetracycline, fosfomycin, florfenicol, cephalexin and ceftriaxone. E. coli isolates were susceptible to soltrim and ceftriaxone, Salmonella isolates were susceptible to fosfomycin, Enterobacter isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone and Proteus and Klebsiella isolates showed susceptibility to ceftriaxone. It is concluded that the members of Enterobacteriaceae family, specifically the genera Escherichia and Salmonella, are the major causes of early mortality in newly-hatched Japanese quail chicks.

Genetic characterization of Echinococcus granulosus strains isolated from humans based on nad1 and cox1 gene analysis in Isfahan, central Iran.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a medically important parasite-caused human disease. Humans may acquire the infection accidentally by ingestion of E. granulosus eggs. The parasite has a broad range of hosts and genotypes, which may affect its aetiological and biological characteristics. The present study aimed to determine the genetic characteristics of human isolates of E. granulosus in Isfahan, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, 50 surgically removed hydatid cysts were collected from hospitalized patients in Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, over a period of 2 years (2015-2017). DNA was extracted from cyst material, and polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were performed targeting cox1 and nad1 genes. Amplicons were sequenced directly and the resulting sequences were aligned and analysed. Phylogenetic and genetic diversity analyses were also performed. Among the isolates, 43 (86%), 3 (6%) and 4 (8%) out of 50 were E. granulosus (G1), E. granulosus (G3) and E. intermedius (G6), respectively. In total, nine and eight haplotypes were identified by nad1 and cox1 gene analysis, respectively. The haplotype diversity index was higher by cox1 gene analysis (0.547) in G1 strains compared with nad1 (0.433). The G1 genotype was the most predominant isolate from human cases of CE, and the presence of G6 is indicative of an important role of camels in the development of human CE in Isfahan. This is the first report of the G3 genotype causing human CE in Isfahan. Moreover, cox1 gene analysis enables a higher resolution of the genetic diversity of the E. granulosus population compared with nad1 gene analysis.

Loschmidt Echo Revivals: Critical and Noncritical.

A quantum phase transition is generally thought to imprint distinctive characteristics on the nonequilibrium dynamics of a closed quantum system. Specifically, the Loschmidt echo after a sudden quench to a quantum critical point-measuring the time dependence of the overlap between initial and time-evolved states-is expected to exhibit an accelerated relaxation followed by periodic revivals. We here introduce a new exactly solvable model, the extended Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model, the Loschmidt echo of which provides a counterexample. A parallell analysis of the quench dynamics of the three-site spin-interacting XY model allows us to pinpoint the conditions under which a periodic Loschmidt revival actually appears.

Validation and development of MTH1 inhibitors for treatment of cancer.

BACKGROUND: Previously, we showed cancer cells rely on the MTH1 protein to prevent incorporation of otherwise deadly oxidised nucleotides into DNA and we developed MTH1 inhibitors which selectively kill cancer cells. Recently, several new and potent inhibitors of MTH1 were demonstrated to be non-toxic to cancer cells, challenging the utility of MTH1 inhibition as a target for cancer treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human cancer cell lines were exposed in vitro to MTH1 inhibitors or depleted of MTH1 by siRNA or shRNA. 8-oxodG was measured by immunostaining and modified comet assay. Thermal Proteome profiling, proteomics, cellular thermal shift assays, kinase and CEREP panel were used for target engagement, mode of action and selectivity investigations of MTH1 inhibitors. Effect of MTH1 inhibition on tumour growth was explored in BRAF V600E-mutated malignant melanoma patient derived xenograft and human colon cancer SW480 and HCT116 xenograft models. RESULTS: Here, we demonstrate that recently described MTH1 inhibitors, which fail to kill cancer cells, also fail to introduce the toxic oxidized nucleotides into DNA. We also describe a new MTH1 inhibitor TH1579, (Karonudib), an analogue of TH588, which is a potent, selective MTH1 inhibitor with good oral availability and demonstrates excellent pharmacokinetic and anti-cancer properties in vivo. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that in order to kill cancer cells MTH1 inhibitors must also introduce oxidized nucleotides into DNA. Furthermore, we describe TH1579 as a best-in-class MTH1 inhibitor, which we expect to be useful in order to further validate the MTH1 inhibitor concept.

EIT image reconstruction based on a hybrid FE-EFG forward method and the complete-electrode model.

This paper presents the application of the hybrid finite element-element free Galerkin (FE-EFG) method for the forward and inverse problems of electrical impedance tomography (EIT). The proposed method is based on the complete electrode model. Finite element (FE) and element-free Galerkin (EFG) methods are accurate numerical techniques. However, the FE technique has meshing task problems and the EFG method is computationally expensive. In this paper, the hybrid FE-EFG method is applied to take both advantages of FE and EFG methods, the complete electrode model of the forward problem is solved, and an iterative regularized Gauss-Newton method is adopted to solve the inverse problem. The proposed method is applied to compute Jacobian in the inverse problem. Utilizing 2D circular homogenous models, the numerical results are validated with analytical and experimental results and the performance of the hybrid FE-EFG method compared with the FE method is illustrated. Results of image reconstruction are presented for a human chest experimental phantom.

Indirect role of microRNAs and transcription factors in the regulation of important cancer genes: A network biology approach.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although the mechanisms of gene regulation in cancer have been the subject of intense investigation during the last decades, the precise role of regulatory processes in cancer is largely unknown. More specifically, it is not completely understood how microRNAs and transcription factors regulate and influence the cancer-related processes. In the present study, using cancer-specific biological networks we examine the role of microRNAs and transcription factors (TFs) in regulation of important cancer genes. The importance measures which are used in this study consider both network structure information and biological data on miRNA- and TF-based gene regulation. By analyzing cancer-specific PPI, signaling and metabolic networks, it was shown that microRNAs and transcription factors tend to regulate those genes which are in the neighborhood of important components of cancer-specific PPI, signaling, and metabolic networks. The role of microRNAs was found to be particularly important, which confirms our previously-published results on the importance of microRNAs in detecting important network components. Moreover, we highlight that the miRNAs appear to apply their function via regulating the "neighbors" of important cancer genes, which implies their indirect role in cancer, and presumably, in fine-tuning the effect of other cancer-related genes.