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Mental retardation, characterized by impaired intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour, often involves chromosome anomalies. While conventional karyotyping detects some anomalies, a significant portion remains undetected due to limitations in resolution. Array-based Comparative Genomic Hybridization (aCGH) provides higher resolution and is increasingly used for diagnosis. This study aims to assess CNVs in children with intellectual disabilities using aCGH. Fiftyfour children with intellectual disabilities were selected and blood samples were obtained. DNA was extracted and analyzed using aCGH. The study was conducted at Banaras Hindu University, India, following ethical guidelines. 54 samples, 38 showed abnormal karyotypes. The remaining 16 underwent aCGH, revealing CNVs across various chromosomes. CNVs impacted genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., FCGR3B, CFHR3, CFHR1), immune response (e.g., HLA-DRB6, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQA1) and metabolic pathways (e.g., UGT2B17). Chromosomes 1, 9 and 21 exhibited multiple CNVs, suggesting their involvement in intellectual disability. In conclusion, this study underscores the genetic complexity of intellectual disability, highlighting the importance of CNV analysis for diagnosis and understanding disease pathogenesis. Further research and larger-scale studies are needed to elucidate the specific contributions of CNVs to intellectual disability and inform clinical management and therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of aluminium AA7075 and AA7075/SiC composite foams employ the stir casting method, incorporating calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as a blowing agent at a concentration constituting 2.5wt. % of the alloy. Notably, no viscosity-enhancing component was included in the process. The compressive parameters, including the yield strength (σc), plateau stress (σpl) and energy absorption (Eab), of the foam materials were examined to investigate the influence of Silicon Carbide (SiC) on the microstructure, namely the cell size and cell wall thickness. The incorporation of Silicon Carbide particles (SiC) into the cell wall imparts enhanced hardness and strength. The findings indicate that the inclusion of SiC particles may enhance the mechanical properties like σc, σp and Eab, of composite foams. The porosity of the composite foam increases from 59.07% to 68.68% with the incorporation of SiC particles. The cell dimensions fluctuated between 1.12 and 1.45mm as the relative density of the AA7075/SiC composite foam decreased from 0.4 to 0.31. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, AA7075/SiC/TiB2 closed-cell aluminium hybrid composite foams (AHCFs) with different densities were fabricated by top-loaded bottom-pouring stir casting technique. This technique uses oyster-shell powders (CaCO3 2.5 wt% of composite with 60 μm size) as blowing agents and no viscosity-enhancing ingredient. The silicon carbide (SiC 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 wt% with 25 μm) and titanium diboride (TiB2 3 wt% with particle size 15 μm) are used as primary and secondary reinforcement agents. It has been noted that the addition of TiB2 and SiC enhanced the mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity, yield strength, and plateau strength) of AHCFs. The energy absorption capacity of AHCFs increases with the addition of SiC up to 3 wt%, and a further increase in SiC content leads to the reduction. It is observed that density and cell wall thickness increase with increasing the wt% of SiC and pore size, porosity decrease with an increase in wt%. of reinforcement. It is also noted that stirring temperature also strongly influenced the microstructural properties of AHCFs, and 750 °C of stirring temperature is sufficient for aluminium foaming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses the issue of iterative learning control for a specific category of discrete linear singular time-delay systems. A new iterative learning control algorithm based on the p-accelerated normal S-iteration method is proposed, and convergence analysis of the corresponding learning control algorithm is studied. With certain assumptions, the proposed algorithm guarantees that the output of the system converges to the desired output trajectory within a finite time interval. The theoretical analysis is supported by numerical examples. The results indicate that the p-accelerated normal S-iterative learning control algorithm outperforms both the first-order PD-type iterative learning control and second-order PD-type iterative learning control algorithms for discrete linear singular systems theoretically and numerically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers wanted to develop skin liposomal formulations that would carry 5-fluorouracil to the cancer site in an adjuvant way, as well as enhancing the health of basal cell carcinoma patients who were experiencing unfavorable consequences. Using Strat-M films in vitro, the detailed skin-damaging potential of the synthesized skin liposomes and the sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil were evaluated. It was found that the Korsmeyer-Pepas condition was the best one for controlling drug administration. Additionally, it is unknown if it might irritate skin. The vitality and hemolytic potential of the cytostatic effect on the recommended anti-tumor therapy were also examined in in vitro investigations. Our findings suggest that a sodium alginate and hyaluronic acid crosslinked gel containing AS1411 aptamer liposomes coated with 5-fluorouracil is the optimal liposome solution. This liposome characterization appears to have good biological safety implications and may be exploited as a different approach to basal cell carcinoma skin treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminium foams have been manufactured and discovered to have a variety of uses in automotive and structural applications. However, due to their varied characteristics, it is difficult to choose an appropriate material. In this context, the selection of material for good properties is a challenging task. This study attempted to identify materials from various combinations employing the Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) technique based on their mechanical and physical properties. Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS) is a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique employed for evaluating the ranking order of the aluminium composite foam’s formulations based on performance measures. The composite foam with 2.5 wt.% of Calcium carbonate as foaming agent demonstrated the best combination of mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The second-order ILC algorithm is studied for a class of linear discrete-time switched systems with model uncertainties, external noises and the time-delay for tracking reference trajectory by taking advantage of super-vector representation. This study is based on the assumption that the systems operate under finite intervals. A sufficient condition for convergence of the algorithms is deduced when the model uncertainties and external noises are absent. Then the convergence is analysed, when the model uncertainties are present but the external noises are absent and the robustness against the bounded external noises is discussed. The analysis manifests that the second-order ILC algorithm is feasible and effective when it is imposed on the linear switched systems specified by the arbitrarily present switching rules when they are imposed on the system. We have presented a simulation example to illustrate effectiveness of the proposed second-order ILC algorithm in the study of robustness of the considered SISO linear discrete time-invariant time delay switched system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallic foams are popular due to their high strength-to-weight ratio. Moreover, foams are excellent vibrations damper, which attracted attention of researchers. This study investigated the improvements in the characteristics of metal foams for the structural applications. The metal foams were fabricated by stir casting method using calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as foaming agent. The metallic foam generated are aluminium hybrid composite foam (AHCF) with densities varying between 0.88 and 1.14 g/cc. Developed AHCF was characterised for their physical and mechanical properties like density, porosity, three-point bending, compression and hardness followed by microstructural investigation. Results show that the percentage of the weight (wt.%) of the foaming agent plays a significant role in deciding the density, compressive strength, bending strength and the hardness of AHCF. The study reveals that compressive strength, flexural strength and the hardness of AHCFs increased with their density. AHCF exhibits lower density and higher specific strength when compared to aluminium (AA7075). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Er3+-Yb3+ doped 22[3SrO.2TiO2].30[2SiO2.B2O3] glass and glass-ceramics are developed and investigated for their electrical properties. The degree of crystallization is varied by means of crystallization temperature ranging from 600 to 1000°C. In glass-ceramic samples, two major crystalline phases, Sr3Ti2O7 and TiO2, are confirmed by diffraction analysis. The best crystallized glass-ceramic (crystallization temperature 950°C) sample shows 100-1 50 times lower impedance in temperature range, 200-300°C, than the uncrystallized glass. Electrical relaxation corresponding to the crystalline phase can be isolated in frequency domain. The glass-ceramic shows a 10-100 times higher dielectric constant than the glass in lower frequency range. This dielectric constant and dissipation factor increase with increasing temperature beyond a threshold value. Curie temperature was not visible in the measured temperature range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tantalum (Ta5+) doped CaCu3Ti4−x Ta x O12 (x =0.05 and 0.10) ceramics were prepared by semi-wet route using solid Ta2O5 powder and metal nitrate solutions. Powder X-ray diffraction confirmed the major phase formation of cubic CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramic in the doped samples sintered at 900°C for 6h. Microstructure has been studied using field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The grain size is in the range of 150nm to 1μm for both compositions. Dielectric constant of the samples increases with increasing tantalum concentrations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: CaCu2.9Fe0.1Ti4O12 (CCFTO) has been prepared by a novel semi-wet route and its dielectric properties have been studied in the temperature range 300–500K. It is found that dielectric constant (ɛ) decreases drastically in the frequency range 100Hz to 1MHz. Complex plane impedance and modulus analysis was done to understand this drastic decrease in ɛ. Oxidation state of various ions was studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The decrease in the permittivity of CCFTO can be attributed to two factors: the suppression of the Ca/Cu disorder in CCFTO which is observed in CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) and the absence of the grain boundary internal barrier layer capacitance mechanism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A typical composition of the system Ce1 − x Gd x O2 − δ with x =0.15 (CGO15) has been synthesized by auto-combustion method. DTA/TGA of the precursor compound indicated the completion of reaction at about 270°C. Greater than 95% of the theoretical density has been achieved by sintering at 1300°C for 10h. Single phase formation in as-burnt stage has been confirmed by its powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. The structural morphology was studied employing bright field transmission electron micrograph (BFTEM) and high resolution transmission electron micrograph (HRTEM). BFTEM image indicates that particles are highly agglomerated and appear to be dispersed in amorphous matrix. Also BFTEM image reveals that the average particle size is 26±5nm. The presence of amorphous phase in as-prepared ash was also confirmed by HRTEM and selected area diffraction (SAD). The scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the thermally etched system shows grains having an average size of 400nm. Impedance measurements have been made in the frequency range 1Hz to 1.3MHz between 200 and 500°C and the total conductivity was measured. An enhanced conductivity value is observed which may make this system suitable for application as a solid electrolyte material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Present investigation provides experimental studies on cylindrical dielectric resonator antennas (CDRAs) fabricated from (Zn1−x Mg x )TiO3 (ZMT) ceramic material with different substitution of Mg in place of Zn (x =0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5) along with measurement of material permittivity in C-band of microwave frequencies. The dielectric properties of the ZMT ceramic materials with different x values (x =0.1–0.5) have been measured at microwave frequencies using Hakki–Coleman method modified by Courtney. The value of dielectric constant and loss tangent decreases with the increase in Mg content. The dielectric constant is minimum for x =0.3 and loss tangent is minimum for x =0.5. The variations of return loss and input impedance versus frequency and radiation patterns of CDRAs at their respective resonant frequencies are studied experimentally. The measured results for resonant frequency and return loss bandwidth of the CDRAs are also compared with theoretical ones. The measured resonant frequencies of all the four CDRAs are nearly in agreement with respective theoretical values and the values of input resistance at respective resonant frequencies of the CDRAs match well with the coaxial feed impedance of 50Ω. The designed CDRAs have broad beam, low side lobe and cross-polarized lobe levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Aims: Neural tube defects (NTDs) occur when the neural tube fails to close within 28 days of human embryonic development. This results in central nervous system disorders like anencephaly, spina bifida, and encephalocele. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to minimize their impact on an individual's health and well-being. The present study aims to define the association between prenatal exposure to trace elements (Cu and Zn) and the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the MTHFR gene involved in folate metabolism pathways in neural tube defects in children and their mothers., Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 331 participants (90 NTD cases, 88 healthy mothers, 85 NTD children, and 68 healthy children) from antenatal check-ups in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Pediatric Surgery for Neural Tube Defects in the Outpatient Department (OPD) and Inpatient Department (IPD). Assessed Cu and Zn concentrations and their associations. Genomic DNA was extracted, and real-time PCR was used to determine genotypes. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry measured trace elements. Statistical analyses included Chi-Square tests, odds ratios, and Mann-Whitney U tests., Results: Significant associations were found between MTHFR C677T genotypes and NTD risk in mothers (p = 0.0491) and children (p = 0.0297). Allelic frequency analysis indicated a T allele association with NTD risk in children (p = 0.0107). Recessive models showed significant associations in mothers (p = 0.0169) and children (p = 0.1678). Cu levels differed significantly between NTD cases and controls (p < 0.0001), with MTHFR genotypes influencing Cu levels. Zinc levels also varied significantly (p < 0.0001)., Conclusion: This study reveals complex associations between MTHFR C677T genotypes, trace element concentrations, and NTD risk in mothers and children. This targeted approach allows healthcare providers to identify at-risk pregnancies early, enabling personalised interventions like folic acid supplementation and counselling to moderate neural tube defect (NTD) risk in a future pregnancy., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)