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The etiological significance of neurological disorders in autism is debated, but it is clear that they complicate support provision and clinical management, and can have negative impact on outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis explored the full range of co-occurring neurological disorders in autism. We estimated the odds of having neurological complications compared to the general population and other neurodevelopmental conditions, as well as the overall prevalence of different neurological disorders. Seventy-nine articles were eligible for the systematic review, including 28 case-control studies, 43 prevalence studies, and 8 cohort studies. Findings were heterogeneous across studies. Overall, autistic individuals were significantly more likely than the general population to exhibit epilepsy, macrocephaly, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, migraine/headache, and congenital abnormalities of the nervous system, with prevalence estimates ranging from 1.1% (0%-3.3%; hydrocephalus) to 14.2% (11.3%-17.2%; epilepsy). Epilepsy was also more common in autism than in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 4.06 [2.81-5.88]). Findings indicate that awareness of neurological disorders and neurological check-ups are indicated in autism to ensure adequate physical health care and support. Prospective studies of neurological disorders in children diagnosed with or at risk of autism might further enhance our understanding of causal pathways.

This paper presents a method for the study of the influence of stability of a power transformer on the power system based on the vibration principle. Traditionally, the EMD and EEMD algorithms are employed to test the box vibration signal data of the power transformer under three working conditions. The proposed method utilizes a partial EMD screening along with MPEEMD method for the online monitoring of power transformer. A complete online monitoring system is designed by using the STM32 processor and LabVIEW system. The proposed system is compared with EMD and EEMD algorithms in terms of the number of IMFs obtained by decomposition, maximum correlation coefficient, and mean square error. The inherent mode correlation, when compared with the mean square error of the reconstructed signal, shows that the reconstruction error of MPEEMD algorithm is 4.762×10−15 which is better than the traditional EMD algorithm. It is observed from the results that the proposed method outperforms both EMD and EEMD algorithms.

As noise brings great error in the analysis of metallographic images, an adaptive weighted mean filtering method proposed to overcome the shortcomings of the standard mean filtering method.

We live in a digital world surrounded by digital content in the form of images, videos, and much more which consume extensive power. With the extensive use of digital content in portable gadgets power consumption has been critical issue to act upon. The multiplier is the core component used in image processors and digital signal processors and by altering the properties of the multiplier system provides superior performance. In this work, we analyse the combined effect of the Self-Bias Transistor (SBT) Technique and Vedic multiplication algorithm on a multiplier unit realised using reduced transistor technique on conventional adders and CMOS array Multiplier units. Simulation results display the 76.5%, 80.15% and 84.21% drop in power consumption of 4-bit, 8-bit and 16-bit SBT based Vedic multiplier at 45 nm technology node respectively. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is also presented at 100 nm and 65 nm technology nodes. Further, the effect of the SBT-based Vedic multiplier on the delay and power-delay product is explored at 100 nm, 65 nm and 45 nm technology. It is found that SBT-based multipliers are power efficient on Gate Diffusion Input-based multipliers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Mobility prediction and fault tolerance are extremely difficult due to underwater characteristics. Energy drain is one of the major causes for node faults. Hence, in this research article, a hybrid optimization algorithm is developed for fault‐tolerant and accurate localization in UWSN. In this technique, Artificial Butterfly Optimization (ABO) algorithm is applied for finding the distance between the anchors and the sensors. Each non‐localized node runs ABO algorithm for finding the distance amid the anchor or beacon nodes. Then, applying Quaternion‐based Backtracking Search Optimization (QBSA) algorithm, non‐localized sensor nodes are localized and to decrease the localization error based on the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), battery energy, and distance parameters. Aqua‐Sim a tool kit of NS2 is an open‐source software developed for Underwater Wireless Sensor Network research, and this proposed algorithm will be implemented using this software. By simulation results, it is shown that the proposed optimization algorithm reduces the localization error, latency, and cost and energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paddy crop is the most essential and consumable agricultural produce. Leaf disease impacts the quality and productivity of paddy crops. Therefore, tackling this issue as early as possible is mandatory to reduce its impact. Consequently, in recent years, deep learning methods have been essential in identifying and classifying leaf disease. Deep learning is used to observe patterns in disease in crop leaves. For instance, organizing a crop's leaf according to its shape, size, and color is significant. To facilitate farmers, this study proposed a Convolutional Neural Networks-based Deep Learning (CNN-based DL) architecture, including transfer learning (TL) for agricultural research. In this study, different TL architectures, viz. InceptionV3, VGG16, ResNet, SqueezeNet, and VGG19, were considered to carry out disease detection in paddy plants. The approach started with preprocessing the leaf image; afterward, semantic segmentation was used to extract a region of interest. Consequently, TL architectures were tuned with segmented images. Finally, the extra, fully connected layers of the Deep Neural Network (DNN) are used to classify and identify leaf disease. The proposed model was concerned with the biotic diseases of paddy leaves due to fungi and bacteria. The proposed model showed an accuracy rate of 96.4%, better than state-of-the-art models with different variants of TL architectures. After analysis of the outcomes, the study concluded that the anticipated model outperforms other existing models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this reported work, two dual notched bands from 3.39 GHz to 3.92 GHz and from 4.43 GHz to 5.48 GHz for the WiMAX band (3.3–3.8 GHz) and for (lower) WLAN band (5.15–5.35 GHz) MIMO antenna with adjacent/orthogonal orientations has been investigated. Also, the proposed antenna is capable of controlling these notched bands whenever the need for power saving arises by reconfiguring them using PIN diodes. The issue of isolation between the radiating elements has been overcome by placing the radiating structures in the adjacent and orthogonal arrangement. The proposed antenna is characterized proving an average gain of 4.15/4.37 dBi and maximum radiation efficiency of 91/87% for adjacent/orthogonal orientation. The proposed antenna also shows good agreement with simulated and measured impedance bandwidth, diversity performances in terms of ECC, DG, TARC, and CCL for which values are well below the permissible range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous advancements in Information and Communication Technology, healthcare data is stored in the electronic forms and accessed remotely according to the requirements. However, there is a negative impact like unauthorized access, misuse, stealing of the data, which violates the privacy concern of patients. Sensitive information, if not protected, can become the basis for linkage attacks. Paper proposes an improved Privacy-Preserving Data Classification System for Chronic Kidney Disease dataset. Focus of the work is to predict the disease of patients' while preventing the privacy breach of their sensitive information. To accomplish this goal, a metaheuristic Firefly Optimization Algorithm (FOA) is deployed for random noise generation (instead of fixed noise) and this noise is added to the least significant bits of sensitive data. Then, random forest classifier is applied on both original and perturbed dataset to predict the disease. Even after perturbation, technique preserves required significance of prediction results by maintaining the balance between utility and security of data. In order to validate the results, proposed method is compared with the existing technology on the basis of various evaluation parameters. Results show that proposed technique is suitable for healthcare applications where both privacy protection and accurate prediction are necessary conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bilayer split-ring chiral metamaterial converts the linearly polarized wave, into a nearly perfect left or right-handed circularly polarized wave. The proposed antenna is intended to operate at center frequency of 5.80 GHz with switchable polarization capability. The polarization re-configurability is achieved by electronically switching of two PIN-diode pairs, which are embedded into bilayer split-ring Chiral Metamaterial. The optimized length of rectangular patch is 16 mm and width is 12.1 mm. Two types of radiation characteristics offered by the proposed antenna; left hand circularly polarized in mode 1 and right hand circularly polarized in mode 2. Measured results show that its impedance bandwidth is 155 MHz from 5.70 to 5.855 GHz for both mode 1 and mode 2. The measured axial-ratio bandwidth is 100 MHz from 5.75 to 5.85 GHz for mode 1 and 110 MHz from 5.73 to 5.84 GHz for mode 2. Antenna has LHCP gain of 2.52 dBi and RHCP gain of −23 dBi in mode 1. RHCP gain of 2 dBi and polarization purity of about −20 dBi is obtained in mode 2. The proposed antenna has simple structure, low cost and it has potential application in field of wireless communication (i.e., WiMax, WLAN etc.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN) are rare melanocytic proliferations of the skin. These may be associated with benign neuroid proliferations, lipomas and abnormalities such as spina bifida. Major concern with GCMN is risk of neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM), melanoma, or other complications. We report a case of a 4- year-old girl with an extensive hyperpigmented plaque that covered her entire trunk involving almost 50% of her body surface area, highly suggestive of a giant congenital melanocytic nevus. Multiple neuroid proliferations were present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The etiological significance of neurological disorders in autism is debated, but it is clear that they complicate support provision and clinical management, and can have negative impact on outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis explored the full range of co-occurring neurological disorders in autism. We estimated the odds of having neurological complications compared to the general population and other neurodevelopmental conditions, as well as the overall prevalence of different neurological disorders. Seventy-nine articles were eligible for the systematic review, including 28 case-control studies, 43 prevalence studies, and 8 cohort studies. Findings were heterogeneous across studies. Overall, autistic individuals were significantly more likely than the general population to exhibit epilepsy, macrocephaly, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, migraine/headache, and congenital abnormalities of the nervous system, with prevalence estimates ranging from 1.1% (0%–3.3%; hydrocephalus) to 14.2% (11.3%–17.2%; epilepsy). Epilepsy was also more common in autism than in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 4.06 [2.81–5.88]). Findings indicate that awareness of neurological disorders and neurological check-ups are indicated in autism to ensure adequate physical health care and support. Prospective studies of neurological disorders in children diagnosed with or at risk of autism might further enhance our understanding of causal pathways. Neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and cerebral palsy, have been reported to occur among individuals with autism beyond chance and may have an impact on daily living across the lifespan. Although there has been research investigating neurological disorders in autism, the findings are not always conclusive. Previous summaries of existing studies have not evaluated the full range of neurological disorders. This study aimed to comprehensively explore the neurological problems appearing in autism to provide updated information that is needed for better healthcare and support in this population. We looked at already published studies focusing on risk or frequency of neurological disorders in autism. Our results suggest that individuals with autism are more likely than the general population to have a range of neurological disorders, including epilepsy, macrocephaly, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, migraine/headache, and inborn abnormalities of the nervous system. In order to provide individualized healthcare and support of high quality to individuals diagnosed with autism, health care professionals and other support providers need to be attentive to neurological complications. To further improve our understanding about the link between autism and neurological disorders, future research should follow the neurological health of children who are diagnosed with or are at increased likelihood of autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of gammadion chiral metamaterial for converting linearly polarized waves to circularly polarized waves is presented in this paper. First of all, a traditional rectangular microstrip patch antenna has been designed at resonance frequency of 5.15 GHz, which gives linear polarization. The linearly polarized waves are allowed to feed gammadion chiral metamaterial, which is placed at a height of 33 mm above the reference antenna. The gammadion chiral metamaterial produces two special effects that are responsible for polarization rotation: circular dichroism and optical activity. As a result of these effects, the necessary conditions for circularly polarized radiation are fulfilled, and linear antenna is converted to the circularly polarized antenna. This method gets rid of designing of complicated feeding structure that is necessary for circular polarization. The role of gammadion chiral metamaterial to convert linear polarization to circular polarization has been described. The antenna is fabricated, and the measurement of return loss, axial ratio, radiation patterns, etc. is also carried out. Simulation and measurement results agree with each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Six samples of rare earth (Sm3+ and Gd3+) co-doped lead alumino phosphate glasses of composition (58.2–2 x)PbO-40P 2 O 5 − 1.8Al 2 O 3 -xSm 2 O 3 -xGd 2 O 3 (where x = 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 mol%) were synthesized and explored for its scintillation properties. Prepared samples are found to have high density and better radiation shielding properties than halide scintillator and some conventional concretes and alloys. Optical characterization of samples confirms strong sensitivity for absorbing UV–visible radiation and enhanced luminescent properties due to energy transfer/energy down conversion process from Pb2+ to Gd3+ and then to Sm3+. Prepared samples when stimulated with high energy radiations under proper design suggest their possible use as high energy radiation detection and phosphors in scintillation counters for gamma-rays and X-rays detection. The synthesized glass systems are promising materials for developing optoelectronic devices like lasers and optical amplifiers, and gamma rays shielding material for radioactive waste encapsulation and detection of radiations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a condition that has plagued humanity for thousands of years, with the first depictions dating back to ancient Egyptian times. However, not until recent decades have biological therapeutics been developed and refined enough to safely and effectively combat cancer. Three unique immunotherapies have gained traction in recent decades: adoptive T cell transfer, checkpoint inhibitors, and bivalent antibodies. Each has led to clinically approved therapies, as well as to therapies in preclinical and ongoing clinical trials. In this review, we outline the method by which these 3 immunotherapies function as well as any major immunotherapeutic drugs developed for treating a variety of cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven rare earth (Sm 3+ , Eu 3+ and Nd 3+ ) doped lead alumino phosphate glasses were prepared. The protective and sensing measures from gamma rays were analysed in terms of parameters viz. density (ρ), refractive index, energy band gap (E g ), mean free path (mfp), effective atomic number (Z eff ) and buildup factors (energy absorption EABF as well as exposure buildup factor EBF). The energy dependent parameters (mfp, Z eff , EABF and EBF) were investigated in the energy region from 15 keV to 15 MeV. EABF and EBF values were observed to be maximum in the intermediate energy region. Besides, the EABF and EBF values for the prepared samples are shown to have strong dependence on chemical composition of the glass at lower energy, whereas, it is almost independent of chemical composition in higher energy region. The prepared glass samples are found to have potential applications in radiation shielding as well as radiation sensing, which further find numerous applications in the field of medicine and industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insecticidal potential of cells and acid-precipitated biomolecules (APB) of Bacillus vallismortis (Roberts) (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) R2 was evaluated against polyphagous pest Spodoptera litura. The intact cells of isolate R2 and its APB preparation significantly increased larval mortality. Both cells and APB significantly delayed the development and reduced adult emergence of S. litura. The toxicity of isolate R2 was evident from the emergence of morphologically deformed adults with crumpled and underdeveloped wings. The nutritional physiology of larvae fed on APB-supplemented diet was also adversely affected resulting in significant reduction of relative growth and consumption rate as well as efficiency of conversion of ingested and digested food. Thus, the intact viable cells and APB of B. vallismortis R2 may serve as environmental-friendly alternatives to chemical insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ribose-5-phosphate isomerase B from Leishmania donovani (LdRpiB) is one of the potential drug targets against visceral leishmaniasis. In the present study, we have targeted several conserved amino acids for mutational analysis (i.e. Cys69, His11, His102, His138, Asp45, Tyr46, Pro47 and Glu149) to gain crucial insights into their role in substrate binding, catalysis and conformational stability of the enzyme. All the eight LdRpiB variants were cloned, sequenced, expressed and purified. C69S, H102N, D45N and E149A mutants exhibited complete loss of enzyme activity indicating that they are indispensable for the enzyme activity. Kinetic parameters were altered in case of H138N, H11N and P47A variants; however Y46F exhibited similar kinetic behaviour as wild type. All the mutants except H138N exhibited altered protein structure as determined by CD and fluorescence spectral analysis. This data was supported by the atomic level details of the conformational changes and substrate binding using molecular dynamic simulations. LdRpiB also exhibited activity with D-form of various aldose substrates in the order of D-ribose > D-talose > D-allose > D-arabinose. Our study provides insights for better understanding of substrate enzyme interactions which can rationalize the process of drug design against parasite RpiB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Europium doped phosphate glasses were synthesized by employing melt-quench technique. Structural characterizations were determined from XRD and FTIR Spectroscopy. XRD patterns revealed the amorphous structure of the synthesized glasses. The formation of phosphate structural units were confirmed from FTIR analysis. The effect of addition of heavy metal oxide (HMO) on physical properties viz density (ρ), molar volume (V m), oxygen molar volume (V o), oxygen packing density (OPD) and Polaron radius (r p) were studied. The ρ and V m of the synthesized glasses shows an increasing trend with an incorporation of HMOs as per their atomic number. The mechanical characterizations viz. packing factor (V t), total dissociation energy per unit volume (G t), Young's modulus (E), Bulk modulus (K), Shear modulus (S), Poisson's ratio (μ), longitudinal modulus (L) and hardness (H) of the synthesized glasses were obtained using Makishima and Mackenzie (MM) model. Photon interaction characterizations for the glasses were obtained using Monte Carlo simulation code FLUKA and also using WinXCom database. The neutron shielding characteristics for the glasses were obtained for thermal as well as fast neutrons. Further, the effect of HMOs on different properties have been discussed to check the feasibility of glasses in radiation shielding and sensing applications. • Synthesized five Eu3+ doped HMO phosphate glasses. • Recorded and analysed XRD and FTIR spectra to observe structural properties. • Physical properties viz ρ , V m , V o , OPD and r p of the synthesized glasses were studied. • The mechanical characteristics viz. V t , G t , E, K, S, μ, L and H of the synthesized glasses were obtained. • Evaluated radiation shielding efficacies for neutral beams (photons and neutrons). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we have investigated the antileishmanial potential of mianserin, an antidepressant. Mianserin was found to inhibit both the promastigote and amastigote forms of the parasite in a dose dependant manner. The IC50 values for promastigotes and amastigotes were 21 μM and 46 μM respectively. Interestingly, mianserin failed to inhibit THP-1 differentiated macrophages up to 100 μM concentration thus, exhibiting parasite selectivity. When mianserin was incubated with recombinant Leishmania donovani 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) enzyme, it exhibited an IC50 value of 19.8 μM. Inhibition kinetics revealed competitive mode of enzyme inhibition as the Km increased with no change in Vmax. Further structural investigation of enzyme-inhibitor interaction revealed quenching of HMGR tryptophan intrinsic fluorescence with a Ksv value of 3.025 ± 0.37 M-1 and an apparent binding constant of 0.0954 mM. We further estimated ergosterol levels which is a major component of Leishmania cell membrane. It is synthesized by HMGR enzyme, the first rate limiting enzyme of the sterol biosynthetic pathway. Analysis of ergosterol levels by HPLC revealed ~2.5-fold depletion in mianserin treated promastigotes with respect to untreated parasites. This data was further validated by exogenous supplementation of mianserin treated cells with ergosterol and cholesterol. Reversal of growth inhibition was observed only upon ergosterol addition though it was refractory to cholesterol supplementation. Overall, our results demonstrate the possibility of repositioning of an antidepressant for the treatment of Visceral Leishmaniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]