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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) continues its significant health and economic impact globally. Despite the success of spike-protein vaccines in preventing severe disease, long-lasting protection against emerging variants and the prevention of breakthrough infections and transmission remain elusive. We generate an intranasal live-attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, CDO-7N-1, using codon deoptimization. CDO-7N-1 shows highly attenuated replication and minimal or no lung pathology in vivo over multiple passages. It induces robust mucosal and systemic neutralizing antibody and T-cell subset responses, in mice (female K18-hACE2 and male HFH4-hACE2 mice), hamsters, and macaques triggered by a single immunization. Mice and hamsters vaccinated with CDO-7N-1 are protected from challenge with wild-type (WT) SARS-CoV-2 and other variants of concern. Serum from vaccinated animals neutralizes WT SARS-CoV-2, variants of concern (beta and delta), variants of interest (omicron XBB.1.5) and SARS-CoV-1. Antibody responses are sustained and enhanced by repeated immunization or infection with WT SARS-CoV-2. Immunity against all SARS-CoV-2 proteins by CDO-7N-1 should improve efficacy against future SARS-CoV-2 variants. Current SARS-CoV-2 vaccines require several injections for optimal immune protection. Here, the authors report an intranasal live-attenuated vaccine that induces long-term immunity following a single dose and protects from SARS-CoV-2 wildtype and variants in non-human primate and small animal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Adequate iron transportation from the mother across the placenta is crucial for fetal growth and establishing sufficient iron stores in neonates at birth. The past decade has marked significant discoveries in iron metabolism with the identification of new players and mechanisms. Immunohistochemical studies rendered valuable data on the localization of substantial iron transporters on placental syncytiotrophoblasts. However, the function and regulation of maternal-placentofetal iron transporters and iron handling is still elusive and requires more attention. Methods: A thorough literature review was conducted to gather information about placental iron transfer, the role of regulators and maintenance of iron homeostasis. Results: The role of classical and new players in maternal-fetal iron transport and the regulation in the placenta has been addressed in this review. Animal and human studies have been discussed. The role of placental iron regulation in thalassemia and hemochromatosis pregnancies has been reviewed. Conclusions: The current advances that highlight the mechanisms of placental iron regulation and transport in response to maternal and fetal signals have been presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cbl-b is a RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase that is expressed in several immune cell lineages, where it negatively regulates the activity of immune cells. Cbl-b has specifically been identified as an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy due to its role in promoting an immunosuppressive tumor environment. A Cbl-b inhibitor, Nx-1607, is currently in phase I clinical trials for advanced solid tumor malignancies. Using a suite of biophysical and cellular assays, we confirm potent binding of C7683 (an analogue of Nx-1607) to the full-length Cbl-b and its N-terminal fragment containing the TKBD-LHR-RING domains. To further elucidate its mechanism of inhibition, we determined the co-crystal structure of Cbl-b with C7683, revealing the compound's interaction with both the TKBD and LHR, but not the RING domain. Here, we provide structural insights into a novel mechanism of Cbl-b inhibition by a small-molecule inhibitor that locks the protein in an inactive conformation by acting as an intramolecular glue. Structural and biophysical characterization of a small molecule binding to Cbl-b E3 ligase reveals an intramolecular glue mechanism locking the protein in an inactive state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged usage of traditional nanomaterials in the biological field has posed several short- and long-term toxicity issues. Over the past few years, smart nanomaterials (SNs) with controlled physical, chemical, and biological features have been synthesized in an effort to allay these challenges. The current study seeks to develop theranostic SNs based on iron oxide to enable simultaneous magnetic hyperthermia and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), for chronic liver damage like liver fibrosis which is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. To accomplish this, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were prepared, coated with a biocompatible and naturally occurring polysaccharide, alginate. The resultant material, ASPIONs were evaluated in terms of physicochemical, magnetic and biological properties. A hydrodynamic diameter of 40 nm and a transverse proton relaxation rate of 117.84 mM−1 s−1 pronounces the use of ASPIONs as an efficient MRI contrast agent. In the presence of alternating current of 300 A, ASPIONs could elevate the temperature to 45 °C or more, with the possibility of hyperthermia based therapeutic approach. Magnetic therapeutic and imaging potential of ASPIONs were further evaluated respectively in vitro and in vivo in HepG2 carcinoma cells and animal models of liver fibrosis, respectively. Finally, to introduce dual imaging capability along with magnetic properties, ASPIONs were conjugated with near infrared (NIR) dye Atto 700 and evaluated its optical imaging efficiency in animal model of liver fibrosis. Histological analysis further confirmed the liver targeting efficacy of the developed SNs for Magnetic theranostics and optical imaging as well as proved its short-term safety, in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E3 ubiquitin ligases are critical to the protein degradation pathway by catalyzing the final step in protein ubiquitination by mediating ubiquitin transfer from E2 enzymes to target proteins. Nedd4 is a HECT domain-containing E3 ubiquitin ligase with a wide range of protein targets, the dysregulation of which has been implicated in myriad pathologies, including cancer and Parkinson's disease. Towards the discovery of compounds disrupting the auto-ubiquitination activity of Nedd4, we developed and optimized a TR-FRET assay for high-throughput screening. Through selective screening of a library of potentially covalent compounds, compounds 25 and 81 demonstrated apparent IC50 values of 52 µM and 31 µM, respectively. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis confirmed that 25 and 81 were covalently bound to Nedd4 cysteine residues (Cys182 and Cys867). In addition, 81 also adducted to Cys627. Auto-ubiquitination assays of Nedd4 mutants featuring alanine substitutions for each of these cysteines suggested that the mode of inhibition of these compounds occurs through blocking the catalytic Cys867. The discovery of these inhibitors could enable the development of therapeutics for various diseases caused by Nedd4 E3 ligase dysregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that occurs due to insufficient level of dopamine in the human brain. This disease may occur predominantly in elder people. There exists no definite procedure to diagnose PD. It is diagnosed based on the symptoms, clinical trials, and number of laboratory tests. In this research paper, machine learning techniques are used to predict PD and help the medical practitioner to recommend personalized drugs for the patients. In this research paper, appropriate features are selected through rough set theory, and principal component analysis is used for dimensionality reduction. The performance is experimented using deep neural network, random forest, and SVM classifiers. The efficiency of the proposed approach is measured through confusion matrix, accuracy, precision, and recall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel framework for a robust motion control scheme of an eight-thruster underwater vehicle. It combines a model-free approach intertwined with a model-based approach such as sliding mode control (SMC) to counter the unknown disturbances and decouple them to provide better tracking. A proportional-integral (PI) control-like structure is taken as the first sliding surface. A proportional derivative (PD) control-like structure is proposed as the second sliding surface for trajectory tracking. This motion control works for any fully actuated or over-actuated vehicle. Initially, the dynamic model and vehicle configuration are presented. Then the vehicle's closed-loop behavior is studied in the presence of underwater currents. Later, the study considers external disturbances and compensates them with the help of a nonlinear disturbance observer. Lyapunov's direct method and Barbalat's lemma ensure the asymptotic convergence of tracking errors. The proposed controller performance is evaluated using a detailed comparison study with different model-free and model-based controllers from the literature. Later, the control scheme's effectiveness is demonstrated numerically with the help of computer-based simulations. The robustness against the parameter uncertainties, underwater currents, and unknown disturbances is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tubulins are the highly conserved subunit of microtubules which involve in various fundamental functions including brain development. Microtubules help in neuronal proliferation, migration, differentiation, cargo transport along the axons, synapse formation, and many more. Tubulin gene family consisting of multiple isotypes, their differential expression and varied post translational modifications create a whole new level of complexity and diversity in accomplishing manifold neuronal functions. The studies on the relation between tubulin genes and brain development opened a new avenue to understand the role of each tubulin isotype in neurodevelopment. Mutations in tubulin genes are reported to cause brain development defects especially cortical malformations, referred as tubulinopathies. There is an increased need to understand the molecular correlation between various tubulin mutations and the associated brain pathology. Recently, mutations in tubulin isotypes (TUBA1A, TUBB, TUBB1, TUBB2A, TUBB2B, TUBB3, and TUBG1) have been linked to cause various neurodevelopmental defects like lissencephaly, microcephaly, cortical dysplasia, polymicrogyria, schizencephaly, subcortical band heterotopia, periventricular heterotopia, corpus callosum agenesis, and cerebellar hypoplasia. This review summarizes on the microtubule dynamics, their role in neurodevelopment, tubulin isotypes, post translational modifications, and the role of tubulin mutations in causing specific neurodevelopmental defects. A comprehensive list containing all the reported tubulin pathogenic variants associated with brain developmental defects has been prepared to give a bird's eye view on the broad range of tubulin functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable and renewable sources of nanomaterial synthesis are a demanding approach. This work provides new insight into the versatile applications of materials derived from vermicompost. The report explains the simultaneous conversion of vermicompost to hydrophilic and stable carbon quantum dots (CDs) and hydrochar. The as-prepared CDs exhibit broad range emission spectrum from blue (400) to red (600 nm) with excitation dependent emission phenomenon. The films prepared using the CDs showed higher cellular uptake and intracellular localization. The FTIR results supported the existence of hydroxyl, amine, carboxylate and carbonyl groups on the surfaces of the CD. The zeta potential value of CDs was − 38.5. The ion absorption was tested for different cations and was maximum for Fe3+ ions, even for micromolar solutions. The hydrochar produced was used for adsorption of methylene blue dye from water and it was found that 80% of dye was removed after 12 h. of treatment. Thus, we suggest vermicompost as a promising alternative for nanomaterial synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper describes the green synthesis of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from the flowers of L. nepetifolia. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have gained more interest from researchers due to their wide applications from biological activity to energy storage system. The synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and examined by using Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction analysis, Dynamic Light Scattering analysis, Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, BET, XPS, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Thermogravimetric Analysis. The photocatalytic studies were followed using methylene blue (MB) dye by ZnO nanoparticles by using sunlight as a source. The degradation of MB dye is found to be 90% within 70 min. Then the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles help to evaluate the antioxidant activities against Nitric oxide, Hydrogen peroxide, and DPPH free radicals. Moreover, the synthesized ZnO NPs show good biocompatibility nature, and the electrochemical analysis of reduced Graphene Oxide with Zinc oxide (rGO-ZnO) nanocomposite shows that the prepared rGO-ZnO nanocomposite has a high specific capacitance of about 667 F g−1 in comparison with the pure Zinc oxide nanoparticles (200 F g−1) and has good cycling stability over 1000 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Efficient attribute selection technique for leukaemia prediction using microarray gene data" has been retracted by the publisher due to concerns about compromised editorial handling and peer review processes. The investigation found issues with inappropriate references and the article not being within the scope of the journal or guest-edited issue. The authors did not respond to correspondence regarding the retraction. [Extracted from the article]

The article titled "Parkinson's disease prediction and drug personalization using machine learning techniques" has been retracted by the publisher due to concerns about compromised editorial handling and peer review processes, inappropriate references, and being out of scope for the journal. The authors M. Sharmila Begum and A. Balajee disagree with the retraction, while Shajahan Basheer did not respond to correspondence. The publisher was unable to confirm contact details for S. Kulothungan and D. Santhakumar. [Extracted from the article]

Vanillin (VAn), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde, is a natural organic compound classified as a phenolic aldehyde. It is the primary component responsible for the distinctive vanilla flavor and aroma found in vanilla beans. Beyond its culinary applications, VAn is utilized in the fragrance and cosmetic industries due to its pleasant scent. In this study, VAn was employed as a precursor for the in situ functionalization of redox-active catechol on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)–modified electrode surface, designated as GCE/MWCNT@VAn-Redox, where VAn-Redox represents the redox-active product of VAn. This modified electrode functions as a surface-confined redox-active molecular species capable of efficiently electrocatalytically reducing hazardous Cr(VI) species in aqueous solutions. The chemically modified electrode (CME) exhibited a well-defined redox peak at a standard electrode potential, E° = 0.6 V vs Ag/AgCl, with a surface-excess value (Γ) of 14.2 × 10−9 mol·cm−2 in a pH 2 HCl + KCl environment. Characterization of the modified electrode was performed using various techniques, including FE-SEM, UV–Vis, Raman, FT-IR, HRMS (organic extract), and control electrochemical experiments. Amperometric i-t and batch injection analyses (BIA) were employed to evaluate the electrocatalytic reduction, transforming the screen-printed CME into a sensitive electrochemical sensor for toxic Cr(VI) species. Notably, this innovative electrode demonstrates no interference with dissolved oxygen or various biochemicals, such as mercury, calcium, zinc, sulfate, chloride, iodide, H2O2, cysteine, glucose, and urea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) is widely used prior to major liver resection to reduce the risk of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of PVE using absolute ethanol. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing preoperative PVE between February 2003 and February 2020 at a high-volume tertiary institution were retrospectively reviewed. Hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (FLR) was determined by comparing volumetric data using semi-automated software on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging before and after PVE. Efficacy of absolute ethanol was evaluated by the percentage increase in the FLR volume and the ratio of the FLR to the total liver volume (TLV). Technical success and complications following PVE were evaluated. Feasibility of hepatectomy following PVE and the incidence of PHLF were determined. Results: Sixty-two patients underwent preoperative PVE using absolute ethanol. The technical success rate was 95.2%. Median time interval between PVE and follow-up imaging was 34 days (range 6–144 days). The mean increase in FLR volume and ratio of the FLR to TLV were 43.6 ± 34.4% and 12.3 ± 7.7% respectively. Major adverse events occurred in 3 cases (4.8%) and did not preclude consideration of surgery. Forty-two patients (67.8%) proceeded to surgery for intended hepatectomy of which 36 patients (58.1%) underwent liver resection. Major post-operative complications occurred in 4 patients (11.1%) and there were no cases of PHLF. Conclusion: Preoperative PVE with absolute ethanol is effective and safe in inducing hypertrophy of the FLR before partial hepatectomy to prevent PHLF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are excellent specimen to encounter cytogenetic and mutagenic agents and they are widely employed in environmental monitoring studies. This study aims to synthesize iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) using Roselle hibiscus fruit extract through an environmentally acceptable and adopting commercially viable technique. The nature of synthesized IONPs was analysed by using UV–Vis, FT-IR, HR-TEM, EDX, Raman, SEM, XRD, and VSM. Crystalline structure, phase, and formation of IONPs have been confirmed by XRD. Further HR-TEM discloses the size of the particle as ~ 27 nm and its spherical morphological structure. FT-IR reports a sharp peak at 550 cm−1 which represents the Fe–O band vibration. SAED image shows the crystalline nature, with that EDS also indicating the presence of IONPs. However, the antioxidant activity of Roselle hibiscus fruit extract with various concentrations was studied using DPPH, hydroxyl, and nitric oxide radicals. The photo-catalytic behaviour of synthesized IONPs was evaluated by dye degradation of methylene blue. The complete degradation of the MB dye took 130 min. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of synthesized IONPs was examined and finally cytotoxicity was assessed by haemolytic activity. In addition to the above mention biological applications, Pb+2 and Cd+2 were recovered from wastewater. The percentage recovery of lead and cadmium ion was 91% at 300 min and 62% at 120 min, respectively. The equilibrium report of ion adsorption was recounted by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDVs) on highways are among the major passengers and freight traffic carriers that occupy any space available on the roadway. The movement of HDVs under the mixed traffic environment causes higher levels of interaction between vehicles due to their physical and operational characteristics. Besides, the HDVs operating at less than their desired speed on the highway lanes cause a mixed traffic platoon formation. The primary purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of multi-class HDVs on the speed and flow rates of each highway lane under platooning conditions. In this study, traffic data was collected using an Infra-Red (IR) sensor-based device at six highway sections in India. The simultaneous equations approach is used to model the traffic speeds for determining the Dynamic Passenger Car Unit (DPCU). The speed-flow plots are established for Median Lane (ML) and Kerb Lane (KL), a minute before the arrival of HDVs (state A) and a minute after the arrival of HDVs (state B) at the IR sensor detection point, to quantify the impacts of HDVs on the speed and traffic flow rate. The study findings reveal that the speed and flow in ML and KL reduce significantly due to the influence of multi-class HDVs in the general traffic mix. Also, the speed and flow rate in ML and KL decreased with an increase in the percentage of multi-class HDVs. However, this effect was found to be comparatively higher in the ML than that in the KL. Finally, this study sets out recommendations to mitigate the adverse impacts of multi-class HDVs on the highways to enhance the speed and flow rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a complete exergy analysis and exergy destruction of a finned acrylic solar still (SS) at 1, 2, and 3 cm salt water depth (Wd). The coefficients of heat transfer of salt water–glass have been computed for evaporative, convective, and radiant heat transfer. Also, thermal efficiency, exergy loss of basin, saltwater, and glass was determined. The maximum hourly output of a finned acrylic SS at 1, 2, and 3 cm Wd was1.23, 0.93, and 0.81 kg, respectively. The daily yield of 5.67, 5.16, and 4.41 kg was collected from the finned acrylic SS at 1, 2, and 3 cm salt Wd, respectively. For the finned acrylic SS at 1 cm Wd, the maximal exergy loss of the basin, saltwater, and glass was 604.3, 92.8, and 141.8 W/m2, respectively. The thermal and exergy efficiency of the finned acrylic SS at 1 cm Wd is 42.54 and 3.83%, respectively, while at 2 cm salt Wd, it is 37.92 and 3.22% and for 3 cm Wd is 31.2 and 2.7%. According to the findings, the exergy loss of saltwater in finned acrylic SS at 1 cm Wd is minimal when compared to the exergy loss of saltwater in finned acrylic SS at 2 and 3 cm Wd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early diagnosis and therapy of liver fibrosis is of utmost importance, especially considering the increased incidence of alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver syndromes. In this work, a systematic study is reported to develop a dual function and biocompatible nanoprobe for liver specific diagnostic and therapeutic applications. A polysaccharide polymer, pullulan stabilized iron oxide nanoparticle (P-SPIONs) enabled high liver specificity via asialogycoprotein receptor mediation. Longitudinal and transverse magnetic relaxation rates of 2.15 and 146.91 mM−1 s−1 respectively and a size of 12 nm, confirmed the T2 weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) efficacy of P-SPIONs. A current of 400A on 5 mg/ml of P-SPIONs raised the temperature above 50 °C, to facilitate effective hyperthermia. Finally, a NIR dye conjugation facilitated targeted dual imaging in liver fibrosis models, in vivo, with favourable histopathological results and recommends its use in early stage diagnosis using MRI and optical imaging, and subsequent therapy using hyperthermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial disorders have been an enigma for a long time due to the varied clinical presentations. Although a genetic confirmation will be mandatory most of the time, half the number of Leigh syndrome would be negative for genetic mutations. There are a growing number of mutations in clinical practice, which escape detection on routine clinical exome sequencing. Imaging would render help in pointing towards a mitochondrial disorder. There are a few case reports which brief about specific mitochondrial mutations and their specific imaging appearance. This article tries to provide a comprehensive review on the imaging-genomic correlation of mitochondrial disorders with an objective of performing a specific genetic testing to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tandem solar cells have spurred much interest among the researchers because they provide an efficient way to harvest an extensive spectrum of solar emission by integrating two or more subcells with varying bandgap. However, the understanding related to working phenomenon of the interfacial layer integrating the absorption layers in a tandem solar cell lags and these interlayer plays a significant role in achieving higher efficiency. In this manuscript, we inquire the aspect of the p-type and n-type conducting region creating an interlayer and several significant factors of the tandem cell-like interfacial engineering, optical optimisation and incident photon to current efficiency and PCE characteristics. Closer investigation of the interlayer, consisting of the n-type nanocrystalline semiconductor materials like TiO2/ZnO/SnO2 and a p-type hole mobility layer explains the ohmic contact phenomenon through the metal/semiconductor interface. Here, we determine that a higher efficiency tandem solar cells with a power conversion efficiency of about 8.2% can be attained through an effective interlayer attribute and different absorption bands for electron generation. The understanding experienced in this manuscript can be constructive in enhancing the efficiency of the tandem solar cells further with wider bandgap polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are various adult-onset leukodystrophies described in the literature. Brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested diffuse symmetric periventricular and deep white matter hyperintensities with a posterior predominance and sparing of U fibers. Here, we review a patient who had a reversible form of adult-onset leukoencephalopathy resulting from MTHFR deficiency and the characteristic imaging findings associated with this condition. 2) implied a significant reduction in white matter hyperintensities, except for persistent posterior white matter hyperintensities, and there was a complete resolution of the spinal cord hyperintensities. [Extracted from the article]

This study aims at discovering the effect of the trochoidal loop spacing parameter on Surface Roughness (SR), Specific Cutting Energy (SCE) and Temperature (T) during flat end milling operations. Twenty experimental runs were conducted based on the face centered central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM). Artificial Neural Network (ANN) prediction modelling was created using four learning algorithms such as Batch Back Propagation Algorithm (BBPA), Quick Propagation Algorithm (QPA), Incremental Back Propagation Algorithm (IBPA) and Legvenberg–Marquardt back propagation Algorithm (LMBPA). The results were compared based on the value of Root mean square (RMSE) obtained for each learning algorithm and it was identified that LMBPA model produced least RMSE value. The predictive LMBPA neural network model was found to be capable of better predictions of surface roughness, temperature and specific cutting energy within the trained range. The Genetic algorithm(GA) gives the optimum parameters for conformation test and they are cutting speed of 41 m/min, feed rate of 136 mm/min and trochoidal loop spacing of 1.3 mm and error percentage between experimental and GA predicted values is 3.60% for surface roughness, 3.15% for specific cutting energy and 3.89% for temperature was found to be minimal. Scratches and serrated boundaries at both side of the chips were observed and laces, chip adhesion and side flow marks were found on machined surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic devices comprising bonded organic compounds are getting advanced at a tremendous speed as a result of their distinguished electrical behaviour and photonics tendency along with simple processing conditions. In this regard, here we report on the fabrication of an efficient solution-processed small molecule solar cells based on the combination of DTS[PTTH2]2 as a donor and PC71BM as an acceptor. The active layer configurations were framed through solvent engineering concepts implementing a blend of different additive concentrations through the spray-coating technique. The optical absorption phenomenon was investigated through the UV–visible spectrum for the wavelength sweep ranging from 300 to 900 nm. Studies related to the surface pattern, phase separation and morphology were carried out through Scanning electron microscopy and Atomic force microscopy. JV values were analysed through solar simulator under illumination mode. IPCE analysis and ageing studies were performed for better device analysis. The efficiency of about 8.16% is achieved for the particular active layer configuration holding 0.3% DIO additive with improved stability and photovoltaic parameters. These results provoke the progression of organic solar cells and also explain that the cells fabricated through small molecule-based donors using the spray-coating method can contend readily with the polymeric counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classification of cancers is one of the most vital functions of Microarray data analysis. The classification of the gene expression profile is treated as a NP-Hard problem since it is a very demanding job. Compared to the individual search utilized by conventional algorithms, the population search utilized by Evolutionary Algorithm (EA) is visibly more beneficial. In feasible search areas, EA algorithms also are more likely to detect various optimums instantly. Evolutionary techniques which are inspired by nature perform exceptionally well and are extensively used for Microarray data analysis. Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) is a distinct intelligent optimization algorithm based on iterative optimization which uses ideas like evolution and group. ACO algorithm was developed by studying how ants identify paths while food foraging. Ant Lion Optimization (ALO) algorithm is proposed and employed as muted selection process and the ant lions to hunt process is simulated. A hybrid ant lion mutated ant colony optimizer technique is proposed in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semilunar granule cells (SGCs) have been proposed as a morpho-functionally distinct class of hippocampal dentate projection neurons contributing to feedback inhibition and memory processing in juvenile rats. However, the structural and physiological features that can reliably classify granule cells (GCs) from SGCs through postnatal development remain unresolved. Focusing on postnatal days 11–13, 28–42, and > 120, corresponding with human infancy, adolescence, and adulthood, we examined the somato-dendritic morphology and inhibitory regulation in SGCs and GCs to determine the cell-type specific features. Unsupervised cluster analysis confirmed that morphological features reliably distinguish SGCs from GCs irrespective of animal age. SGCs maintain higher spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current (sIPSC) frequency than GCs from infancy through adulthood. Although sIPSC frequency in SGCs was particularly enhanced during adolescence, sIPSC amplitude and cumulative charge transfer declined from infancy to adulthood and were not different between GCs and SGCs. Extrasynaptic GABA current amplitude peaked in adolescence in both cell types and was significantly greater in SGCs than in GCs only during adolescence. Although GC input resistance was higher than in SGCs during infancy and adolescence, input resistance decreased with developmental age in GCs, while it progressively increased in SGCs. Consequently, GCs' input resistance was significantly lower than SGCs in adults. The data delineate the structural features that can reliably distinguish GCs from SGCs through development. The results reveal developmental differences in passive membrane properties and steady-state inhibition between GCs and SGCs which could confound their use in classifying the cell types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous inflammation-driven malignancy, which, despite significant advances in management, continues to portend a poor prognosis. Recent advances in basic and translational research have increasingly defined the role of the tumor microenvironment in the development and progression of HCC and facilitated the development of novel molecular targets. The hepatoma microenvironment is characterised by an immunosuppressive milieu of immune cells and tumor vasculature that is both structurally and functionally abnormal. Normalising the tumor microenvironment by adopting a multipronged approach that targets both carcinogenic processes and the immunosuppressive milieu has been supported by pre-clinical and clinical data. In this review, we summarise the current understanding of the hepatoma microenvironment, its influences and dynamic interactions with tumor cells, the vasculature and the gut. Finally, we discuss how manipulating the tumor microenvironment continues to shape the evolving landscape of HCC therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent advancements in today's medical sciences regarding Data Analytics have made it possible for the use of efficient techniques for analysis. For prognosis, diagnosis and cancer treatment, a microarray-based gene expression profiling is considered. Informative genes causing cancer are determined through the deoxyribonucleic acid microarray technique. Dimensionality is the utmost concern while working with multi-dimensional data analysis which acts as a barrier in extracting information from a dataset which leads to costly computational complexity. Thus, an imperative task in the selection of relevant features in the analysis of cancer microarray datasets is crucial towards effective classification. This work focuses on variable selection techniques by utilizing effective correlation for attribute selection along with ant colony optimization. The criterion of a given classifier is maximized through wrapper-based attribute selection, and so it needs efficient searching techniques in finding optimal feature combinations. A new wrapper-based selection technique which uses ant lion optimization (ALO) in finding optimal feature set is proposed in this work which maximizes classification performance. The natural shooting procedure of ant lions is imitated in the proposed ALO algorithm. Support vector machine technique was utilized for the classification of chosen marker genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cortical ependymomas are uncommon lesions. We report a cortical ependymoma displaying an unusual imaging pattern. The lesion demonstrated a T1 hyperintense rim and limited perilesional edema but lacked contrast enhancement. T1 hyperintense rim and stalk-like ventricular extension of FLAIR hyperintensity have previously been considered pathognomonic of angiocentric glioma. Hence, we conclude that the radiologists should be aware of this uncommon imaging pattern of cortical ependymoma. The condition warrants prompt surgical management in view of the increased potential for higher grade transformation, unlike grade I roman numeral may be given angiocentric gliomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the timing and repercussion of the subprime crisis of 2008–09 in a regime-switching model. The interdependence and co-movement of financial markets in different countries has been enhanced due to the globalization of international trade, and investment trends can spread globally as a result of investors owning international portfolios. This study uses a regime-switching model to illustrate the timing of the crisis regime and calm regime for United States (US) stock index returns and the corresponding impact on Indian stock index returns. The Indian stocks investigated are classified into "remote" and "reachable" stocks, and different effects are found for these two types. It is found that shocks originating in the US can be transferred to the Indian reachable market as a result of foreign investors. There is, however, a less persistent impact on remote stocks. Accordingly, the study contributes to the literature on the material impacts of the crisis resulting from liquidity constraints and fear of contagion among investors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) guidelines recommend ultrasound screening in high-risk patients. However, in some patients, ultrasound image quality is suboptimal due to factors such as hepatic steatosis, cirrhosis, and confounding lesions. Our aim was to investigate an abbreviated non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (aNC-MRI) protocol as a potential alternative screening method. Methods: A retrospective study was performed using consecutive liver MRI studies performed over 3 years, with set exclusion criteria. The unenhanced T2-weighted, T1-weighted Dixon, and diffusion-weighted sequences were extracted from MRI studies with a known diagnosis. Each anonymised aNC-MRI study was read by three radiologists who stratified each study into either return to 6 monthly screening or investigate with a full contrast-enhanced MRI study. Results: A total of 188 patients were assessed; 28 of them had 42 malignant lesions, classified as Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System 4, 5, or M. On a per-patient basis, aNC-MRI had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 97% (95% confidence interval [CI] 95–98%), not significantly different in patients with steatosis (99%, 95% CI 93–100%) and no steatosis (97%, 95% CI 94–98%). Per-patient sensitivity and specificity were 85% (95% CI 75–91%) and 93% (95% CI 90–95%). Conclusion: Our aNC-MRI HCC screening protocol demonstrated high specificity (93%) and NPV (97%), with a sensitivity (85%) comparable to that of ultrasound and gadoxetic acid contrast-enhanced MRI. This screening method was robust to hepatic steatosis and may be considered an alternative in the case of suboptimal ultrasound image quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the Truss Model proposed by Panagiotou et al. (ACI Struct J 109(2):205–214, 2012) for modeling reinforced concrete coupled structural walls. The model is validated with the landmark seismic testing of two 1:4 scale seven-story test specimens reported in Santhakumar (The ductility of coupled shear walls. Dissertation, University of Canterbury 1974) and in Paulay and Santhakumar (J Struct Div 102(1):93–108, 1976). The first specimen, Wall A, incorporated conventionally reinforced coupling beams whereas the second specimen, Wall B, incorporated diagonally reinforced coupling beams. These two specimens attained roof drift ratios of at least 1.7% before initiation of lateral strength degradation. Coupling beams in specimen Wall A exhibited significant strength degradation due to sliding shear, whereas coupling beams in specimen Wall B maintained the capacity throughout. We compare key overall and local responses reported for the two specimens with those computed with the Truss Models, as well as responses that could be only computed. In the latter, we show that when the beams effectively coupled the walls, the shear force at the wall base was mainly resisted by the wall being compressed. Moreover, the analysis shows that the first level coupling beams develop greater shear forces than the other beams despite all beams were identically reinforced. This is caused by the restraint provided by the fixed-base walls and by the kinematics of the strongly coupled walls. The Truss Model captures these responses because it explicitly considers the axial-flexure-shear interaction of RC walls and beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internet of things (IoT) is a very unique platform which is getting very popular day by day. The very reason for this to happen is the advancement in technology and its ability to get linked to everything. This feature of getting linked has in itself provided multiple opportunities and a vast scope of development. The fact that technology in various fields has evolved through the years, is the reason why we observe a rapid change in the shape, size and capacity of various instruments, components and the products used in daily life. And this benefit of simplified technology when accompanied by a platform like IoT eases the work as well as benefits both the manufacturer and the end user. The Internet of Things gives us an opportunity to construct effective administrations, applications for manufacturing, lifesaving solutions, proper cultivation and more. This paper proposes an extensive overview of the IoT technology and its varied applications in life saving, smart cities, agricultural, industrial etc. by reviewing the recent research works and its related technologies. It also accounts the comparison of IoT with M2M, points out some disadvantages of IoT. Furthermore, a detailed exploration of the existing protocols and security issues that would enable such applications is elaborated. Potential future research directions, open areas and challenges faced in the IoT framework are also summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) have an increased risk of gastric cancer, and gastrointestinal lymphoma, yet screening for premalignant gastric lesions is rarely offered routinely to these patients. Proposed screening protocols are not widely accepted and are based on gastric cancer risk factors that are not applicable to all CVID patients. Fifty-two CVID patients were recruited for screening gastroscopy irrespective of symptoms or blood results and were compared to 40 controls presenting for gastroscopy for other clinical indications. Overall, 34% of CVID patients had intestinal metaplasia (IM), atrophic gastritis or moderate to severe non-atrophic gastritis, which can increase the risk of gastric cancer, compared to 7.5% of controls (p < 0.01). Focal nodular lymphoid hyperplasia, a precursor lesion for gastrointestinal lymphoma, was seen in eight CVID patients (16%), one of whom was diagnosed with gastrointestinal lymphoma on the same endoscopy. High-risk gastric pathology was associated with increased time since diagnosis of CVID, smoking, Helicobacter pylori, a low-serum pepsinogen I concentration, and diarrhea, but not pepsinogen I/II ratio, iron studies, vitamin B12 levels or upper gastrointestinal symptoms. There was a lower rate of detection of IM when fewer biopsies were taken, and IM and gastric atrophy were rarely predicted by the endoscopist macroscopically, highlighting the need for standardized biopsy protocols. The prevalence of premalignant gastric lesions in patients with CVID highlights the need for routine gastric screening. We propose a novel gastric screening protocol to detect early premalignant lesions and reduce the risk of gastric cancer and gastric lymphoma in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Underweight (BMI < 18.5) and obese (BMI ≥ 30) patients may not tolerate coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery as well as other patients. High and low body mass indices seem to pose a substantial risk of developing post-operative pulmonary complications in subjects undergoing cardiac surgery. To what extent body mass index (BMI) influences postoperative pulmonary complications has not yet been defined.Methods: Patients posted for CABG were divided into 4 groups based on the BMI. Before and after the surgery chest physiotherapy was administered; pulmonary function tests (PFT) were performed preoperatively and on the 7th postoperative day. Six-minute Walk test (6MWT) was performed preoperatively and postoperatively on the 5th day. The values were analysed and compared among the groups.Results: Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), Forced vital capacity (FVC) and Vital Capacity (VC) were significantly lesser in underweight and obese groups (p = 0.001). In 6MWT the maximum reduction in the distance covered was in the underweight group.Conclusion: The underweight group experienced the greatest reduction in pulmonary function test values and 6MWT values after CABG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the hypothesis that high Ca influx during traumatic brain injury induces the activation of the caspase-1 enzyme, which triggers neuroinflammation and cell apoptosis in a cell culture model of neuronal stretch injury and an in vivo model of fluid percussion injury (FPI). We first established that stretch injury causes a rapid increase in the intracellular Ca level, which activates interleukin-converting enzyme caspase-1. The increase in the intracellular Ca level and subsequent caspase-1 activation culminates into neuroinflammation via the maturation of IL-1β. Further, we analyzed caspase-1-mediated apoptosis by TUNEL staining and PARP western blotting. The voltage-gated sodium channel blocker, tetrodotoxin, mitigated the stretch injury-induced neuroinflammation and subsequent apoptosis by blocking Ca influx during the injury. The effect of tetrodotoxin was similar to the caspase-1 inhibitor, zYVAD-fmk, in neuronal culture. To validate the in vitro results, we demonstrated an increase in caspase-1 activity, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in fluid percussion-injured animals. Our data suggest that neuronal injury/traumatic brain injury (TBI) can induce a high influx of Ca to the cells that cause neuroinflammation and cell death by activating caspase-1, IL-1β, and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. We conclude that excess IL-1β production and cell death may contribute to neuronal dysfunction and cognitive impairment associated with TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of emerging economies with developed economies has changed the behaviour of interest rates and exchange rate fluctuation. The current study tries to analyse the implication of expectation hypothesis (EH) and term structures of interest rates between India and US. Using vector auto regressive estimates, the study tries to test the dynamic interdependence of interest rates on exchange rate fluctuation. Further, the study estimates Granger causality tests and Impulse Response Functions to test the behaviour of interest rate movements for a period of nineteen years ranging from June 1996 to June 2015.The empirical results of the study show evidence in line with the existence of EH in the case of emerging market. Nevertheless, in the case of advanced economies we do not find any evidence for EH. The findings revealed that the spread between long and short rate of India is influenced by short-term interest rates and past values of Indian spread. This implies that the fluctuations in the long rate over the short rate evidenced the strong presence of EH as far as emerging economy is concerned.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in Indian market, which tests the role of EH in interest rate fluctuations along with exchange rate. Since majority of the studies on term structure of interest rates focus on developed markets, the present study is an attempt to test the causal relationship between developed and developing economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, Puccinia psidii, which causes rust on species of Myrtaceae, has spread rapidly to new areas and is now widespread. Quarantine has done little to prevent its movement through the Americas, the Pacific, Africa, and in this report, South-East Asia. Puccinia psidii is reported for the first time from Indonesia on two genera of Myrtaceae, namely Eucalyptus and Melaleuca. Its identity was confirmed using morphology, a molecular barcode comparison to an epitype specimen, and with a molecular phylogenetic approach. Comparison of seven microsatellite markers indicates that the rust genotype in Indonesia and Australia is identical. The potential impacts of P. psidii in South-East Asia to the natural environment and plantation forestry are discussed in light of this first report from the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]