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Ensuring functional correctness is achieved through formal verification. As circuit complexity increases, limiting the upper bounds for time and space required for verification becomes crucial. Polynomial Formal Verification (PFV) has been introduced to tackle this problem. In modern digital system designs, approximate circuits are widely employed in error resilient applications. Therefore, ensuring the functional correctness of these circuits becomes essential. In prior works, it has been proven that approximate circuits with constant cutwidth can be verified in linear time. However, extending binary logic verification to Multi-Valued Logic (MVL) introduces challenges, particularly regarding the encoding of MVL operators. It has been shown that MVL circuits with constant cutwidth can be verified in linear time using Answer Set Programming (ASP), due to the ASP encoding capabilities of MVL operators. In this paper, we present a PFV approach of MVL approximate circuits with constant cutwidth using ASP. We then demonstrate that the verification of MVL approximate circuits with constant cutwidth can be achieved in linear time. Finally, we evaluate various MVL approximate circuits with constant cutwidth across different logic levels to show the efficacy of our approach.

Infection by human herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 (HSV‐1/2) is common globally though with wide regional variability. Seroepidemiology of HSV‐1/2 infections is of utmost importance in formulating control strategies, but there is a paucity of data from many regions of India. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anti‐HSV‐1/2 antibodies in Uttarakhand and adjoining areas and to study its pattern and distribution in different subgroups. Serum samples from 322 cases were subjected to ELISA test to check for the presence of anti‐HSV‐1/2 IgG and IgM antibodies. Sociodemographic and clinical information were extracted from medical records. The association of seropositivity and associated factors was analyzed using Fisher’s exact test. The overall HSV‐1/2 seropositivity was observed to be 46.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40.5–51.4). Total IgM and IgG were found in 6.2% (95% CI: 3.6–8.8) and 45.3% (95% CI: 38.1–48.9) cases, respectively. No significant difference between seropositivity of males and females was observed (45.7% in males versus 46.2% in females; pvalue: 0.928). Seroprevalence increased with age in both genders but was more pronounced in males (pvalue: <0.001), while 50.6% of women in the reproductive age group (18–30 years) were found to be seropositive. Females from Uttarakhand, compared to adjoining states (pvalue: 0.041) and both men and women residing in hilly terrain compared to plains (pvalue: 0.018; pvalue: 0.030), showed significantly lower prevalence, while urban‐dwelling men showed higher seropositivity (pvalue: 0.048). Thus, HSV‐1/2 seroprevalence is lower in this region, especially in young, rural, and hill dwellers, indicating majority are vulnerable to acquiring new infections. More awareness among high‐risk groups and implementation of targeted public health policies can help control the disease burden.

Cell membrane‐coated biomimetic nanosystems have been recognized as promising drug delivery vehicles in recent years for the management of diverse skin conditions. Nanoparticles (NPs) coated with biomembranes, derived from either cell membranes or subcellular structures (e.g., extracellular vesicles), offer an opportunity to combine the biological interfacial characteristics of the coating alongside with the internal core component at the nanoscale. The biomimetic coating enhances the biocompatibility of NPs and their interaction with the skin, improving skin affinity, contact, and retention. This coating also enables the controlled release of drugs and provides skin‐targeting capabilities, which collectively improve the effectiveness, safety, and stability of topical and transdermal formulations. In this context, the current review delves into the recent progress in using biomimetic NPs for skin therapeutics. Specifically, it examines the various types of coatings, including their origins, heterogeneous functions, and surface molecular repertoires, in great detail. Additionally, this review presents the methods of preparing and characterizing biomimetic‐coated NPs. Furthermore, the potential of bioinspired NPs in treating a range of skin‐related conditions has been meticulously explored. Last, the toxicological aspects of these NPs have been thoroughly examined to provide a thorough summary of the evolution of biomimetic‐coated nanosystems for skin applications. In this review the authors highlight the potential of biomimetic nanoparticles, coated with cellular membranes or extracellular vesicles, with a view to different applications at the skin level, such as melanoma, acne, wound healing, and even in the treatment of bacterial infections, the latter being a very important aspect relevant given the growing resistance to antibiotics, which has been increasing exponentially and which makes the success of treatments very difficult. Furthermore, this review addresses security aspects and future perspectives that are absent in the literature. The present review provides a generalized view of the various types of nanoparticles and the various types of membranes that can be used, as well as some studies that prove the good results of applying these nanostructures to different clinical problems at the skin level.

With the evolution of wireless communication networks (WCNs), the absolute fulfillment of security occupies the fundamental concern. In view of security, we have identified another research direction based on the attenuation impact of rain in WCN. An approach is initiated by an eavesdropper in which a secure communication environment is degraded by generating artificial rain (AR), which creates an abatement in the secrecy rate, and the cybersecurity gets compromised. By doing so, an attacking scenario is perceived, in which an intruder models a half-duplex (HD) attack. HD specifies the attack on the downlink instead of targeting both uplink and downlink. This allows the attacker to alleviate the miss rate of the attacking attempts. The layout for the HD attack is explained using radio resource control (RRC) setup. Further, we have determined and examined the performance parameters such as secrecy rate, energy efficiency, miss rate, and sensitivity in the presence of AR. Further comparison of rural and urban scenarios in the presence and absence of AR is carried out concerning the variation in secrecy rate with respect to the millimeter-wave frequencies and distance. Lastly, the methodology of the HD attack is simulated, revealing that the HD attack maintains a low miss rate with improved performance as compared to the performance and miss rate attained by the full-duplex attack.

This research showcases a methodology for crafting highly intricate hydrocarbazole spirooxindole frameworks endowed with three consecutive stereocenters. Achieved through a trienamine‐catalyzed remote [4+2]‐annulation reaction, the method's significance is underscored by synthesizing an extensive array of library molecules (up to 27 examples). These compounds mimic natural products, exhibit good yields (up to 85 %), exceptional diastereo‐, enantiomeric ratios (up to 17 : 1 dr, 99.9 : 0.1 er). The practicality of our strategy is further exemplified by successfully synthesizing a hexahydroepoxyethanocarbazole spirooxindole scaffold viaa sequential [4+2]‐annulation/‐reduction/epoxidation‐cyclization reaction, achieving a 75 % overall yield, maintaining an excellent stereoselectivity (99.5 : 0.5 er). We report the asymmetric synthesis of hydrocarbazole spirooxindoles with three contiguous stereocenters viatrienamine‐catalyzed remote [4+2]‐annulation reaction.

• Human health risk due to REMs in mine water and effluent. • Processing of monazite effluent to reduce human health risks. • Amberlite IR120 Na used to recuperate light REMs. • Significantly enriched the REMs in solution for recovery. • Pure REMs oxides can be prepared from enriched solution of REMs by precipitation. Improper disposal of effluent generated in rare earth mining areas and ore processing industries results in loss of REMs and miserably affects the ecosystem. Thus, their appropriate treatment is required, which can be achieved via environmentally feasible processes. In this connection, systematic scientific adsorption studies were carried out to separate REMs using cationic resin, Amberlite IR120 Na from the effluent generated during monazite processing for REMs recovery. To optimize feasible conditions for REMs recovery, bench scale studies were carried out varying different process parameters viz. pH, contact time, resin dose, etc. It was observed that adsorption of 92.63% La, 92.79% Ce, 91.45% Nd, 90.95% Pr and 95.09% Sm was achieved at aqueous/ resin (A/R) ratio 25 mL/g, pH 1.3 and contact time 10 min. Loading capacity of resin was found to hold 48.57 mg REMs/g resin. The adsorption data followed the second order reaction ((t/q) = (1/h) + (1/q e)(t)) and Langmuir adsorption isotherm (1/q = [(1/k 1 q m)(1/C e)] + (1/q m)). The loaded REMs was effectively eluted using 15% H 2 SO 4 in 10 min. The REMs enriched solution was treated to get pure REM oxides as precipitate. This technical application will be useful for REMs recovery as well as to mitigate environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The determination and implementation of most appropriate communication technology for the various communication networks in the smart grid network infrastructure are of prime importance as described in recent patents. The communication technologies used are dependent on the different applications of the wireless sensor networks (WSN) discriminated with respect to reliability, latency, data payloads and sampling rates deployed in the smart grids. Traditionally, the network infrastructure constitutes of three main layers, e.g. wide area networks (WAN) intra-connected by wires and optical fibers, neighborhood area networks (NAN) and home area networks (HAN) founded on the IEEE 802.11 protocol (Wi-Fi) as implemented in Model II. Methods: This paper attempts to implement the neighborhood area network (NAN) and home area networks (HAN) by using IEEE 802.15.4 protocol as Model I, to prolong the network lifetime and to reduce the average end to end delay. Results: The performance is evaluated by thoroughly analyzing the average end-to-end delay with respect to the packet interval, throughput, energy consumption, packet reception rate and network lifetime with respect to the packet size. The simulations are performed on QualNet 6.1 simulator. The results illustrate that the use of ZigBee significantly increases the network lifetime alongwith the reduction in average end to end delay making it suitable for real-time data monitoring for longer duration. Conclusion: The objective of this work is to determine the influence of IEEE 802.15.4 on the performance of WSNs in electric grids and to draw the attention of researchers in this area. The main objective to determine an appropriate communication model for the HANs and NANs in the smart grid has been successfully achieved. It is concluded that for the non-delay critical and real time monitoring IEEE 802.15.4 is most suitable having lower delay and longer network network lifetime.

The effect of suction/injection on transient free-convective flow bounded by two infinite vertical parallel porous plates in the presence of thermal radiation is investigated numerically as well as analytically. The transient mathematical model has been solved using the implicit finite difference method while the steady state version of the physical situation has been solved using perturbation method. During the course of numerical computation, an excellent agreement was found between transient solution at large value of time and steady state solution. In addition, it was found that the time required to reach steady state is directly proportional to the Prandtl number of the working fluid for fixed values of other controlling parameters.

Ghaghara river samples were analysed to determine their quality and fitness for household, agriculture, and industrial use. In Ghaghara River, the cations were present in order of Ca2+> Mg2+> Na+ >K +,and anions were in order of HCO3–> SO42−> Cl−> NO3–> F−. Gibbs's diagram indicated that carbonate and silicate weathering significantly influence the Ghaghara River ion chemistry. Piper trilinear diagrams indicated that Ca2++ Mg2+exceeded the Na++ K +, and anions of weak acids dominated over the anions of strong acids, indicating Ca-HCO3type of water. Based on the WQI values, the water quality class varied from 'unsuitable for drinking' to 'excellent' quality, and the parameter of concern was pH and fluoride ion concentration as they exceeded their permissible limits in the post-monsoon season, thereby negatively affecting the WQI values to unsuitable category. The computed value of the agriculture indices, including the Sodium absorption ratio (SAR), Sodium percentage (Na %), Kelly ratio (KR), Permeability Index (PI) value, Magnesium absorption ratio (MAR), and Potential salinity (PS), indicated that water quality was suitable for agriculture use. The Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) values indicated that 39% of the collected samples were unsuitable due to scale formation problems. Ryznar Stability Index (RSI) values indicated that the water of the Ghaghara River is corrosive and unsuitable for industrial use.

AbstractThe effect of hydraulic retention time (HRT) and influent alkalinity on the performance of bio-electrochemical system assisted anaerobic baffled reactor (BES-ABR) was investigated in this study. The results indicated that as the HRT and influent alkalinity increase, COD removal efficiencies were enhanced correspondingly. The maximum COD removal efficiency of 97.4% was obtained at HRT of 48 h and COD of 4,000 mg/L. The maximum COD removal efficiency of 87.5% was obtained at influent alkalinity of 1,300 mg CaCO3/L and COD of 5,000 mg/L. Analysis of microbial community suggested that electrogenic micro-organisms were responsible for the better performance and stability of the system. The establishment and performance of this novel and efficient partial two-phase separation of BES-ABR strongly depended on the regulation of HRT and influent alkalinity.

The central nervous system (CNS) shows dynamic immune and inflammatory responses to a variety of insults having crucial implications for reactive gliosis. Glial cells in the CNS serve not only as the source, but also as targets of proinflammatory mediators. Undoubtedly, these cells efficiently work towards the disposal of tissue debris and promotion of wound healing as well as tissue repair. However, these non-neuronal glial cells synthesize and release numerous inflammatory mediators, which can be detrimental to neurons, axons, myelin, and the glia themselves. While an acute insult is typically transient and unlikely to be detrimental to neuronal survival, chronic neuroinflammation is a long-standing and often self-perpetuating response, which persists even long after the initial injury or insult. It can serve as a point of origin for diverse neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease. Accumulating evidence demonstrates the contribution of metabolic dysfunction and mitochondrial failure to the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative conditions are also characterized by increased oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stresses and autophagy defects. Furthermore, neuroinflammatory conditions are accompanied by an alteration in glial energy metabolism. Here, we comprehensively review the metabolic hallmarks of glia-mediated neuroinflammation and how the glial metabolic shift orchestrates the neuroinflammatory response and pathophysiology of diverse neurological disorders.

The paper gives the analysis of extending the implementation of Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchical protocol from the 2D plane to the 3D space in wireless sensor network, having various sensor nodes spread in a particular geographical area or region for collecting the application specific data. The comparison has been shown between the implementation of homogeneous LEACH in 2D plane and 3D space, emphasizing on a node observed from three dimensions, which is more suitable for practical scenarios.

The huge prevalence of pesticides in freshwater sources has led to a current demand for a modified polymer membrane with greater hydrophilic and antifouling qualities. Filtration of those pesticides using membranes remains a challenge due to fouling effects. Here, a ultrafiltration poly(ether ether) sulfone (PEES) polymer membrane was customized by the addition of a biocompatible poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic acid) (PMVEAMA) copolymer and by the inclusion of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The PEES/PMVEAMA/AgNPs polymer membrane was designed by the phase inversion method to efficiently separate proteins and pesticides. The synthesized membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which revealed the membranes’ pore formation, functional group, and crystalline nature. The incorporation of 1.5 wt % AgNPs elevates the performance of the polymer membrane. The modified membrane exhibited a significant increase in contact angle (67°), water content (77%), porosity (83.9%), and flux (329 Lm–2h–1). The PEES/PMVEAMA with 1.5 wt % AgNPs exhibited a molecular cutoff of 8000 Da and accelerated the rejection of pentachlorophenol from 49 to 69%. Meanwhile, the PEES/PMVEAMA/AgNPs hybrid membrane showed a flux recovery ratio of 93% for bovine serum albumin and 95% for pentachlorophenol. Significantly, the AgNPs-functionalized polymer membrane displayed reduced irreversible fouling (4.2% for pentachlorophenol and 6.2% for albumin). Thus, the current study provides a novel perspective that the integration of biobased PMVEAMA and Ag-NPs has enhanced the membrane’s antifouling performance and hydrophilicity and also increased its separation of proteins and pesticides from aqueous solutions.

Diabetic neuropathy subsequent to chronic high blood glucose-induced nerve damage is one of the most frustrating and debilitating complications of diabetes, which affects the quality of life in patients with diabetes. Approximately 60–70% of patients with diabetes suffer from a distal symmetrical form of mild to severe neuropathy that progresses in a fiber-length-dependent pattern, with sensory and autonomic manifestations predominating. High glucose and oxidative stress-mediated damage in neurons and glial cells, as well as neuroinflammation and crosstalk between these disease processes, have garnered immense attention as the essential mechanisms underlying the development and progression of diabetic neuropathy. Although the metabolic causes of diabetic neuropathy are well understood and documented, treatment options for this disorder are still limited, highlighting the need for further studies to identify new molecular and therapeutic targets. This review covers recent advances in our knowledge of the pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy, discusses how persistent hyperglycemic conditions and malfunctioning glia drive disease progression, and finally explores the possibilities and challenges offered by several potential novel therapeutic targets for both preventing and reversing diabetic neuropathy.

Nocardiaspp. are aerobic, Gram‐positive, catalase positive, and non‐motile actinomycetes. They are associated with human infections. However, some species produce important natural products, degrade toxic chemicals, and are involved in biotransformation of valuable products. The lack of robust genetic tools has hindered detailed studies and advanced research. This unit describes the major genetic engineering approaches using Nocardiasp. CS682 as a prototype. These methods will certainly help in understanding the basis of their pathogenicity as well as biosynthetic and biotransforming abilities. It can be expected that knowledge of the biochemistry behind their pathogenicity will be crucial in developing effective treatment strategies. These genetic tools can be utilized to develop rational metabolic engineering approaches for crafting host strains with higher production or biotransformation ability. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Glia-mediated or glia-propagated inflammation, which acts as the central component in the progression of several brain diseases, is a milestone in the pathophysiological process contributing to the onset or progression of neurodegeneration. Excessive and prolonged neuroinflammation compromises cell and brain function, resulting in fatal brain anomalies. Glial research has garnered attention recently following breakthroughs in neuroinflammation-targeting therapeutics. Activation of microglia and astrocytes, and the attendant expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, is often associated with disease-, trauma-, and toxicant-induced damage to the central nervous system. A cause-andeffect relationship exists between neuroinflammation and neurotoxic outcomes. In clinical settings, pharmacological antagonists and immunosuppressive regimens can be used to prevent proinflammatory responses and attenuate subsequent neurotoxicity. Current research is focused on the exploration of existing drugs approved for other clinical purposes and on the development of novel synthetic compounds that may selectively downregulate neuroinflammation. The development of innovative therapeutic classes based on targeted selection of glial activation pathways and glia-mediated pathophysiology seems to be a promising approach, and may lead to more effective prevention and treatment of neuroinflammation and resulting maladies. This review focuses on recent patents and emerging therapeutics related to the management of glia-mediated neuroinflammation.

Intestinal infection causing diarrheal disease is a dominant contributor to high morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This intervention study aimed to assess the response of specific anti-microbial and anti-retroviral therapy (ART) on enteropathogens identified in HIV/AIDS adult subjects from northern India. Seventy five ART naive (group 1) and seventy five ART adherent (group 2) HIV/AIDS adult subjects with diarrhea were enrolled. Stool samples from all subjects were examined for enteropathogens by wet mount, staining methods, culture and ELISA. Subjects with enteropathogens were started on specific therapy as per National AIDS Control Organisation, Government of India's guidelines. Follow-up stool samples were examined after 2-4 weeks of completion of therapy for persistence/clearing of enteropathogens. CD4+ T lymphocyte count was done for all subjects. At enrollment, group 1 had 26.13% bacterial, 57.66% parasitic & 16.22% fungal pathogens while group 2 had 11.9%, 69.05% & 19.05% pathogens, respectively. Parasitic diarrhea was more common than bacterial diarrhea. The coccidian parasites (Cryptosporidium spp. & Isospora belli) were the common parasites identified. Clearance of enteric pathogens was significant after specific anti-microbial therapy (p = 0.0001). Persistence of enteropathogens was seen primarily for coccidian parasites. Clearance of enteropathogens after specific therapy and the diagnostic yield of stool specimens were influenced by the CD4+ counts. Immune competence coupled with specific anti-microbial therapy displays the best response against enteric pathogens.

Melt quenched sulphide glass of system Na2S-P2S5has been synthesized by taking equimolar quantities of Na2S and P2S5. The glass sample was characterized by XRD, DTA/TG, dilatometery and impedance spectroscopy. The XRD pattern of the sample showed a broad halo indicating its amorphous nature. The DTA curve showed different crystallization temperatures (Tc) at different heating rates. Crystallization kinetics of the synthesized sample was studied using Kissinger's model. The glass transition temperature of the present glass was lower than the silicate glasses. Based on DTA/TG results, the glass sample was heated at 400°C for 4 h to get the glass-ceramic composite. Room temperature conductivity of the glass-ceramic composite was observed to be 1.43 × 10–5S.cm–1with activation energy 28 kJ.mol–1.

Metabolism is involved directly or indirectly in all processes conducted in living cells. The brain, popularly viewed as a neuronal–glial complex, gets most of its energy from the oxygen-dependent metabolism of glucose, and the mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) plays a key regulatory role during the oxidation of glucose. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (also called PDC kinase or PDK) is a kinase that regulates glucose metabolism by switching off PDC. Four isoforms of PDKs with tissue specific activities have been identified. The metabolisms of neurons and glial cells, especially, those of astroglial cells, are interrelated, and these cells function in an integrated fashion. The energetic coupling between neuronal and astroglial cells is essential to meet the energy requirements of the brain in an efficient way. Accumulating evidence suggests that alterations in the PDKs and/or neuron-astroglia metabolic interactions are associated with the development of several neurological disorders. Here, the authors review the results of recent research efforts that have shed light on the functions of PDKs in the nervous system, particularly on neuron-glia metabolic interactions and neuro-metabolic disorders.

This is a review on nanotechnology in general and particularly it occupies different systems of ocular drug delivery. This review specially focuses on US Patents of nanoparticles for ocular drug delivery. Nanotechnology is one of the best approaches to overcome challenges of conventional ocular drug delivery. In spite the number of products related to nanotechnology available in market is very less and ophthalmic product related to nanotechnology is still in its earlier stage. FDA website notes that only 21 ocular drugs were approved in the last 10 years; 30 new drugs, if one looks back to 1995. No ocular drugs were approved in 1995 or 2003. It is proved that efficiency of nanoparticles for ocular drug delivery is much better than other novel drug delivery systems in terms of dose, stability, cell targeting, particle size etc. Nanohydrogel, lipid nanoparticles, nanosuspension, etc. are being used successfully in ocular nanotechnology. Even cyclodextrins, soft lenses are also used fruitfully for the same purpose. Some aspects associated with these techniques for ocular delivery are discussed in this review.

Dry methane fermentation is an innovative anaerobic digestion technique to treat solid bio-wastes without dilution for potential energy recovery with nutrient rich fertilizer and sustainable waste management. Although dry anaerobic fermentation offers great advantages like utilization of wastes in its produced form, high organic loading rate, no liquid effluent and comparable amount of biogas production with wet fermentation, commercial dry anaerobic digestion is scarcely used so far. In order to develop feasible dry fermentation process, it is important to review the optimization techniques and suggested possible areas where improvements could be made, including the reactor configuration, mixing, feed stocks, co-digestion, pretreatment and environmental conditions within the digester.