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Deep Learning, a buzz in the artificial intelligence field, is the subset of machine learning. It teaches computers to learn from examples in order to perform a task that is intuitive to humans. It is also known as a deep neural network or deep neural learning. In deep learning, neural networks have a significant role. These are a set of algorithms that we implement to identify relevant relationships in datasets, and they follow the process that imitates the human brain. Neural networks depict the behavior of the human brain and enable computer algorithms to identify trends. It also solves complex problems in the domain of machine learning, AI, and data science.Deep learning deploys artificial neural networks to recognize the hidden patterns of data in the dataset provided. These algorithms are trained over an adequate amount of time and applied to a data set. more...

A novel ligand N,N'-bis(N″,N″-diethyl carbamoyl) piperazine (BDECP), L1, is synthesized as a selective precipitant for hexavalent actinyl (UO22+ and PuO22+) ions from an aqueous nitric acid medium. The ligand BDECP forms an infinite one-dimensional coordination polymer with uranyl nitrate and behaves as a bridging bidentate neutral donor. There is an alternate repetition of [UO2(NO3)2] and BDECP units as evidenced by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Uranyl ion (UO22+) can be precipitated in >99% yield from an aqueous nitric acid medium. L1 shows fast kinetics of precipitation of uranyl ion as compared to those of other reported ligands like N-alkyl pyrolidone and N-(1-adamantyl) acetamide. Avrami's coefficient, obtained from the Avrami-Erofe'ev equation, shows that the precipitation mechanism is controlled by the phase boundary and not governed by diffusion. Theoretical studies of the uranyl complex of L1 show that there is no thermodynamic preference for L1 as compared to other potential amide-based precipitants. The principal factors that govern the fast kinetics of precipitation are the aqueous solubility and higher charge density on the amide oxygen of L1. more...

Mutations in the FOXF1 gene, encoding the mesenchymal Forkhead Box (FOX) transcription factor, are linked to Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia with Misalignment of Pulmonary Veins (ACDMPV), a severe congenital disorder associated with the loss of alveolar capillaries and lung hypoplasia. While proangiogenic functions of FOXF1 have been extensively studied, the role of FOXF1 in mesenchymal-epithelial signaling during lung development remains uncharacterized. Herein, we utilized murine lung organoids to demonstrate that the S52F FOXF1 mutation (found in ACDMPV patients) stimulates canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling in type 2 alveolar epithelial cells (AEC2s), leading to increased proliferation of AEC2s and decreased differentiation of AEC2s into AEC1s. Alveolar organoids containing Foxf1WT/S52F lung fibroblasts and wild-type epithelial cells grew faster on Matrigel and exhibited AEC2 hyperplasia. AEC2 hyperplasia and loss of AEC1s were found in the lungs of Foxf1WT/S52F embryos, a mouse model of ACDMPV. Activation of canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling in AEC2s of lung organoids and Foxf1WT/S52F mice was associated with decreased expression of non-canonical WNT5A ligand in lung fibroblasts. Mechanistically, FOXF1 directly activates the Wnt5a gene transcription through an evolutionarily conserved +6320/+6326 region located in the first intron of the Wnt5a gene. Site-directed mutagenesis of the +6320/+6326 region prevented the transcriptional activation of the Wnt5a enhancer by FOXF1. Treatment with exogenous WNT5A ligand inhibited the effects of the S52F FOXF1 mutation on canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling in alveolar organoids, preventing aberrant AEC2 cell expansion and restoring differentiation of AEC1s. Activation of either FOXF1 or WNT5A may provide an attractive strategy to improve lung function in ACDMPV patients. more...

The Electricity Demand Prediction (EDP) and Generation Expansion Planning (GEP) make a real-world planning problem more optimal. In this study, the EDP problem has been solved using the optimizatio... more...

A cost-efficient and effective alternative counter electrode (CE) to substitute an available commercial counter electrode (CE) to make DSSCs efficient, platinum (Pt)-based CEs for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are required. We show the development of molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) incorporated with graphitic carbon nitrides (g-C3N4) thin films with various aspect ratios was fabricated by chemical vapor deposition method on FTO glass substrate. Polycrystalline nature and uniform nanograins are uniformly deposited on the smooth surface of the 2D nanosheets of g-C3N4, which is confirmed by XRD, Raman, SEM, and TEM analysis. DSSC containing with MoTe2/g-C3N4 CE showed high-power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.21%, which is imminent that of DSSC with Pt/FTO CE (6.56%) and bare MoTe2 CE (5.88%). Moreover, the optimized MoTe2/g-C3N4 CE showed good electrocatalytic activity, highly reduction towards I3−, and longer electron life span than compared with other CEs. The reduced cost and excellent electrocatalytic behavior of the thin film MoTe2 create them a substitute CE for DSSCs. more...

A power system planning must involve the Electricity demand forecasting (EDF) and Generation expansion planning (GEP) for better operation. The optimal plan should consider both qualitative and quantitative factors such as error, cost and reliability of the power system. In this study, EDF and GEP problem have been solved till the year 2030 for Tamil Nadu, an Indian state. The formulation of EDF problem has been modeled based on the input variables such as population, Gross State domestic product (GSDP) and per capita income, and has been solved using Genetic algorithm (GA), Artificial immune system (AIS) and Differential evolution (DE). While analyzing the results of EDF problem, DE provides optimal result with Minimum mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Continually, short term (6-year) and long term (12-year) GEP problem have been solved using DE by considering minimization of cost and environmental effects as the main objectives. To achieve these objectives, Renewable Energy Sources (RES) have been integrated in different penetration levels such as 0–10%, 10–20%, 20–30%, 30–40%, and 40–50% on GEP problem and its impacts have been investigated. The results of DE have been validated with Dynamic Programing (DP). The outcomes of the study have assisted the power system planners while decision making in introducing Renewable Energy Sources (RES) on a real-world power system. more...

Background: Having experienced more than a year of pandemic, a variety of applications such as online classrooms, virtual office meetings, conferences, online games, Social media & Networks, Mobile applications, and many other infotainment areas have made humans live with gadgets and respond to them. However, all these applications have an impact on human behavioral transformation. It is very significant for employers to understand the emotions of their employees in the era of online office & work from home concept to increase productivity. Learning and identifying emotions from the human face has its application in all online portals when physical contact could not be achieved. Ojbective: Human Facial emotions can be learned using enormous feature descriptors that extract image features. While local feature descriptors retrieve pixel-level information, global feature descriptors extract the overall image information. Both of the feature descriptors quantify the image information, however, they don’t provide complete and relevant information. Hence, this research work aims to improve the existing local feature descriptor to perform globally for emotion recognition. Method: Our proposed feature descriptor, Patch-SIFT collects features from multiple patches within an image. This strategy is evolved to globally apply the local feature descriptor as a hybridization paradigm. The extracted features are trained and tested on an ensemble model. Findings: The Proposed Feature descriptor (Patch-SIFT) performance with ensemble model is found to produce an improved accuracy of 98% compared with existing feature descriptors and Machine learning classifiers. Novelty: This research work tries to evolve a new Feature descriptor algorithm based on SIFT algorithm for an efficient emotion recognition system that works without the need for any additional GPU or huge dataset. Keywords Classification, Ensemble, Feature descriptor, Patch­SIFT more...

This work presents the enhanced area-efficient Multi-channel MEMS (Micro-Electrical Mechanical System) piezoelectric cantilever device (PCD) for a fully cochlear implantable sensor that works within the audible frequency range of 300-4800 Hz. The sound pressure level (SPL) of 95 dB, 100 dB, and 110 dB input is given in order to resonates the audible frequency range of the device which is placed on the eardrum. This stimulates the auditory nerve via the cochlea to send information to the brain. As a result, the Multi-channel MEMS piezoelectric cantilever device generates the highest potential voltage of 870 mV at 110-dB SPL and is detected under the excitation of 300 Hz. The output parameters such as von Mises stress, displacement, and the complete frequency bandwidth performance are analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics. more...

Micro Grids are going to replace the traditional concept of electrical networks in order to satisfy the increasing needs in terms of flexibility, accessibility, reliability, and quality of the power supply. Economy and energy efficiency are the paradigms followed to exploit the available distributed energy resources (DERs), guaranteeing technical and environment-friendly standards. Obviously, the path to Micro Grids is complicated by the increasing heterogeneity of Micro Grid components, such as renewable, storage systems, fossil- fueled generators, and controllable loads [1]. Fortunately, the synergic interaction between DERs and information and communication technologies (ICT) foster the coordination among different infrastructures, promoting the development of Smart Grids at both theoretical and practical levels. The major highlights of utilizing micro grid are the capacity to self-heal from power quality (PQ) issues, efficient energy management, incorporation of automation based on ICT and smart metering, integration of distributed power generation, renewable energy resources, and storage units [2]. The advantages contribute to maintain good PQ and to maintain the reliability. In this regard, the concept of micro grid is brought to the stage as one of the main building blocks of the future smart grids [3]. more...

Severe asthma is a chronic airway disease that exhibits poor response to conventional asthma therapies. Growing evidence suggests that elevated hypoxia increases the severity of asthmatic inflammation among patients and in model systems. In this study, we elucidate the therapeutic effects and mechanistic basis of Adhatoda vasica (AV) aqueous extract on mouse models of acute allergic as well as severe asthma subtypes at physiological, histopathological, and molecular levels. Oral administration of AV extract attenuates the increased airway resistance and inflammation in acute allergic asthmatic mice and alleviates the molecular signatures of steroid (dexamethasone) resistance like IL-17A, KC (murine IL-8 homologue), and HIF-1α (hypoxia-inducible factor-1α) in severe asthmatic mice. AV inhibits HIF-1α levels through restoration of expression of its negative regulator—PHD2 (prolyl hydroxylase domain-2). Alleviation of hypoxic response mediated by AV is further confirmed in the acute and severe asthma model. AV reverses cellular hypoxia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in human bronchial epithelial cells—evident from bioenergetic profiles and morphological analysis of mitochondria. In silico docking of AV constituents reveal higher negative binding affinity for C and O—glycosides for HIF-1α, IL-6, Janus kinase 1/3, TNF-α, and TGF-β—key players of hypoxia inflammation. This study for the first time provides a molecular basis of action and effect of AV whole extract that is widely used in Ayurveda practice for diverse respiratory ailments. Further, through its effect on hypoxia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, the study highlights its potential to treat severe steroid-resistant asthma. more...

Arranging and enhancement of small-scale lattices in determined zone examined in this paper miniaturized scale framework is associated with and without grid to meet the load profiles, particular micro grid arrangements with age from sustainable power sources are developed. Better examinations are then conveyed utilizing HOMER vitality programming to decide cost of economy, measuring, and locating and framework designs. Micro grid is likewise associated with the network because of shortage of supported sustainable power sources. This paper shows a short differentiate among the assorted cost types of gear, control the board and launches for every one of the setups. The improvement result shows the most reduced expense per unit and it allots the positioning for every framework. more...

Background COVID-19 pneumonia has been associated with severe acute hypoxia, sepsis-like states, thrombosis and chronic sequelae including persisting hypoxia and fibrosis. The molecular hypoxia response pathway has been associated with such pathologies and our recent observations on anti-hypoxic and anti-inflammatory effects of whole aqueous extract of Adhatoda Vasica (AV) prompted us to explore its effects on relevant preclinical mouse models. Methods In this study, we tested the effect of whole aqueous extract of AV, in murine models of bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis, Cecum Ligation and Puncture (CLP) induced sepsis, and siRNA induced hypoxia-thrombosis phenotype. The effect on lung of AV treated naïve mice was also studied at transcriptome level. We also determined if the extract may have any effect on SARS-CoV2 replication. Results Oral administration AV extract attenuates increased airway inflammation, levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), IL-6, HIF-1α and improves the overall survival rates of mice in the models of pulmonary fibrosis and sepsis and rescues the siRNA induced inflammation and associated blood coagulation phenotypes in mice. We observed downregulation of hypoxia, inflammation, TGF-β1, and angiogenesis genes and upregulation of adaptive immunity-related genes in the lung transcriptome. AV treatment also reduced the viral load in Vero cells infected with SARS-CoV2. Conclusion Our results provide a scientific rationale for this ayurvedic herbal medicine in ameliorating the hypoxia-hyperinflammation features and highlights the repurposing potential of AV in COVID-19-like conditions. more...

Brain tumor discovery and its segmentation from the magnetic resonance images (MRI) is a difficult task that has convoluted structures that make it hard to section the tumor with MR cerebrum images, different tissues, white issue, gray issue, and cerebrospinal liquid. A mechanized grouping for brain tumor location and division helps the patients for legitimate treatment. Additionally, the method improves the analysis and decreases the indicative time. In the separation of cerebrum tumor, MRI images would focus on the size, shape, area, and surface of MRI images. In this chapter, the authors have focused various supervised and unsupervised clustering techniques for identifying brain tumor and separating it using convolutional neural network (CNN), k-means clustering, fuzzy c-means grouping, and so on. more...

Accurate estimate of fetal maturity could provide individualized guidance for delivery of complicated pregnancies. However, current methods are invasive, have low accuracy, and are limited to fetal lung maturation. To identify diagnostic gestational biomarkers, we performed transcriptomic profiling of lung and brain, as well as cell-free RNA from amniotic fluid of preterm and term rhesus macaque fetuses. These data identify potentially new and prior-associated gestational age differences in distinct lung and neuronal cell populations when compared with existing single-cell and bulk RNA-Seq data. Comparative analyses found hundreds of genes coincidently induced in lung and amniotic fluid, along with dozens in brain and amniotic fluid. These data enable creation of computational models that accurately predict lung compliance from amniotic fluid and lung transcriptome of preterm fetuses treated with antenatal corticosteroids. Importantly, antenatal steroids induced off-target gene expression changes in the brain, impinging upon synaptic transmission and neuronal and glial maturation, as this could have long-term consequences on brain development. Cell-free RNA in amniotic fluid may provide a substrate of global fetal maturation markers for personalized management of at-risk pregnancies. more...

Preterm birth is often associated with chorioamnionitis and increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Preterm birth also leads to cerebellar underdevelopment but the mechanisms of disrupted cerebellar development in preterm infants are little understood. Here, we leveraged single-nuclei RNA-sequencing of the cerebellum in a rhesus macaque model of chorioamnionitis and preterm birth, to show that chorioamnionitis leads to Purkinje cell loss and disrupted maturation of granule cells and oligodendrocytes in the fetal cerebellum at late gestation. Purkinje cell loss is accompanied by decreased sonic hedgehog signaling from Purkinje cells to granule cells, which show an accelerated maturation. Chorioamnionitis also accelerated pre-oligodendrocyte maturation into myelinating oligodendrocytes, confirmed by increased expression of myelin basic protein in the cerebellum of chorioamnionitis-exposed fetuses. These findings are consistent with reported histopathological findings in individuals with autism and suggest a novel mechanism through which perinatal inflammation contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders. more...

We determine the Verma multiplicities of standard filtrations of projective modules in integral atypical blocks in the BGG category O for the orthosymplectic Lie superalgebras osp ( 3 | 4 ) by way of translation functors. We then explicitly determine the composition factor multiplicities of Verma modules using BGG reciprocity. more...

We aim to compare the functional and anatomical outcomes of temporalis muscle fascia graft with that of full thickness composite tragal island cartilage graft in patients who are undergoing Type 1 Tympanoplasty. This is a prospective study conducted on 60 patients. Patients who underwent type 1 tympanoplasty were included in the study. Patients were divided into Group A (temporalis fascia graft) and Group B (tragal island cartilage) with 30 patients in each. Out of the 60 patients, 18 females and 12 males belonged to Group A, 20 females and 10 males belonged to Group B. The mean age group was between 31 and 40 yrs in both the groups. The mean hearing gain and ABG closure for Group A was 13.83 ± 8.11 and 13.39 ± 7.44 and in Group B it was 11.17 ± 4.06 and 11.5 ± 5. The graft uptake rate of Group A was 90% and Group B was 96.67%. The wound healing rate of Group A was 93.33% and Group B was 100%. The mean duration of surgery in Group A was 97.5 ± 17.16 and in Group B was 81.33 ± 11.14. Both the groups had significant post-operative improvement in hearing. No significant results found between both the groups in terms of hearing gain, air-bone gap closure, wound healing and graft uptake rate except lesser duration of surgery in group B. We conclude that tragal island cartilage graft is a better choice in Type 1 Tympanoplasty. more...

Soft Magnetic iron powder material and electromagnetic devices based on it underwent prominent development. Basis for soft magnetic composites is tightly packed iron powder using a die into a solid material. However, the properties will in most cases be different from those obtained from compaction and machining process. This paper addresses the development of a switched reluctance machine (SRM) employing pre-form iron powder blanks (Somaloy 1000 3P) of low mass density to address the vibration and acoustic noise issues. This can be a fast and low cost approach which aim to machine the components from a pre-form blank. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) study has been conducted to determine key parameters which can be validated through experiments on the prototype motor. more...

In the world of increased emission norms, gaseous fuel is more effectively used in decreasing the emissions and increased power output. Therefore LPG fueled HCCI for diesel engine is a challenging as well as an exciting idea to de investigated for better NOX emission and fuel consumption. LPG is made to attain its self-ignition temperature by preheating the intake air, which mixes with LPG in the intake manifold. The homogenous charge is to be prepared by manifold induction of LPG. Pilot injection of diesel initiates the combustion process later on the premixed and preheated intake air and LPG is introduced into combustion chamber. This project is concerned with the intake air preheating on the performance of HCCI with LPG fuel under varying load condition. Performance test are planned to be conducted in a single cylinder diesel engine modified into an HCCI engine. The homogeneous charge was prepared by port fuel induction method. It was found that by adopting this methodology the NOX significantly over a reasonable load range. Intake air preheating reduces the HC emission over all load range. more...

Composites are produced when two materials are joined to give a combination of properties that cannot be attained in the individual materials. Composite materials are widely used nowadays in various fields due to their unique property in weight reduction, high strength & rigidity and low cost. In the present communication it deals with fabrication and investigation of hybrid natural composite made from kenaf fibers and flax fibers as reinforcement with epoxy resin as matrix. The objective is to evaluate the mechanical properties such as tensile strength and impact strength and to utilize this composite in real life applications example field of manufacturing welding shield to produce advanced properties. It includes 5 layers of fibers and matrix, here fibers include 3 layers of glass fiber to increase strength. The process is done by hand layup method. more...

Fused filament fabrication is played a crucial role in manufacture of components with high quality. In additive manufacturing, fused filament fabrication (FFF) is an effective method to fabricate metal and non metals. Polypropylene (PP) consists of more gorgeous substance properties. It is a rigid and crystalline thermoplastic material. It is added to the aluminium 6061 alloy through fused filament fabrication technique. The adhesive strength between polypropylene and aluminium 6061 is evaluated through peel test. The adhesive strength is depends on the control factors such as peel angle, speed and peeling force. The desirable adhesive strength is analyzed by signal to noise ratio which is derived from Taguchi method. The involvement of each factor on peel strength or adhesive strength can be determined through variance analysis. more...

The transesterified corn oil, as a biofuel over Direct Injection (DI) single-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine, has been studied in this research. The Compression Ratio (CR) on performance parame... more...

Delta Sigma Modulator (DSM-∆∑) is a high-precision information converter that examines the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) in Radio Frequency Transmitter (RFT). This paper proposes an advancement model alongside with ∆∑ model for the designing process. The predictable result is low Over Sampling Rate (OSR) DSM, which would benefit fast, high-multifaceted nature computations, primarily required for wireless applications. The enhanced DSM is a non-ideal second-order feed-forward signal processing. The enhancement of the DSM in Multipoint Random pursuit (MPRS) significantly improves coefficients of DSM to investigate the SNR and Nyquist rate. The advantage of multi-point in DSM is relatively easy for implementation on complex problems, with black-box function evaluations. This optimal DSM will deliver low OSR for wireless applications. This low OSR assumes a prevalent job in the sign preparation, and it impacts the general multifaceted nature and cost of the productive ∆∑ converter. From the results of the SNR 68.28 dB, the sampling rate is 64–256, and finally, frequency is 1.92. This enhanced model executed using MATLAB reenactments and the outcomes guarantee a decrease in OSR by SNR rate. This model contrasted with other ordinary and versatile modulators. To examine the adequacy of the work, the yield signal data transmission seen to build multiple times with no expansion in the inspecting recurrence. more...

The present work aims to synthesize CuWO4 particles via the traditional solid-state reaction method and to study the electrochemical performance of the electrode material for energy storage application. Pseudocapacitive charge storage mechanism is involved in the electrochemical redox reaction. The structural analysis was carried out using X-ray diffraction analysis which confirms the triclinic CuWO4 obtained. The presence of functional groups of Cu–O and W–O vibrations was confirmed by FTIR spectra. Surface morphology study revealed that the particles are uniformly arranged in the form of microspheres in different sizes. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were performed to study the energy storage applications. It is noticed that CuWO4 annealed at 500 °C showed higher-specific capacitance of 168.08 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. From the EIS analysis, the solution resistance and charge-transfer resistance were measured. more...

In this present work, improved photocatalytic activity and antibacterial properties of zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles using plant extract of Acalypha indica (A:ZnS) and Tridax procumbens (T:ZnS) via novel green synthesis route had been reported. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to investigate the crystal structure, surface morphology, and elemental composition analysis, respectively. The optical properties and functional group analysis of the samples were done using UV–visible, photoluminescence, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The influence of Acalypha indica (A:ZnS) and Tridax procumbens (T:ZnS) plant extract concentration on the structural, surface morphology, optical, antibacterial, and photocatalytic activity has been systematically investigated. XRD results are suggested that ZnS hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure formed during biosynthesis process. TEM and SAED images show the hexagonal- and spherical-shaped structure in morphology with average diameter around 5–20 nm which is good agreement with the grain size calculated from XRD. Optical properties were found to have considerable red shift in the absorption edge and decreasing band gap was observed for A:ZnS/T:ZnS (2.96 eV) when compared to pure ZnS (3.36 eV). The antibacterial properties of ZnS/A:ZnS/T:ZnS nanoparticles were investigated using in vitro disk diffusion method against human pathogenic microorganisms. The inhibition zone of biosynthesized ZnS nanoparticles increased by increasing plant extracts concentration. This result conformed that A:ZnS/T:ZnS nanoparticles have more potential as antibiotic when compared with pure ZnS. Besides, Biosynthesized T:ZnS (40 ml) nanoparticles showed high surface area (131.84 m2/g) and larger pore size (12.15 nm) than pure ZnS sample; this high surface area may offer more active sites to enhance photocatalytic ability. The dye degradation properties of methylene blue dye (MBD) were investigated using the ZnS/A:ZnS/T:ZnS nanoparticles under visible light irradiation. The results show that T:ZnS (40 ml) has excellent photocatalytic performance towards MBD such as high degradation efficiency (98%) and more cyclic stability than other ZnS samples. The role of plant extract on dye degradation properties was discussed based on the possible inhibition of photogenerated electron–hole pair recombination during dye degradation under visible light irradiation. more...

Herein, we report a successful approach for the vertically aligned ZnO nanorod arrays (ZNAs) deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate by hydrothermal process. TiO2 nanoparticles were grown on the ZNAs by dip-coating. ZNAs and TiO2 nanoparticles (TNPs)-decorated ZNAs (TNPs@ZNAs) were used as a photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells. The influence of bath temperature for the attainment of uniform decoration of TiO2 nanoparticles onto ZnO nanorod arrays and the photovoltaic performances of the assembled dye-sensitized solar cells were studied. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the TNPs@ZNAs arrays prepared at a bath temperature of 120 °C can reach 4.47%, representing better improvement when compared with ZNAs photoanode (3.15%). more...

The worldwide socioeconomical burden associated with chronic respiratory diseases is substantial. Enzymes involved in the metabolism of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) are increasingly being implicated in chronic airway diseases. One such enzyme, CD38, utilizes NAD to produce several metabolites, including cyclic ADP ribose (cADPR), which is involved in calcium signaling in airway smooth muscle (ASM). Upregulation of CD38 in ASM caused by exposure to cytokines or allergens leads to enhanced calcium mobilization by agonists and the development of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to contractile agonists. Glucocorticoids and microRNAs can suppress CD38 expression in ASM, whereas cADPR antagonists such as 8Br-cADPR can directly antagonize intracellular calcium mobilization. Bronchodilators act via CD38-independent mechanisms. CD38-dependent mechanisms could be developed for chronic airway diseases therapy. more...

Background: Postoperative biomechanics after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) are an outcome of interest, but correlation with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) remains unclear. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between changes in hip biomechanics in FAIS patients after hip arthroscopy and changes in PRO scores. We hypothesized that gait analysis would demonstrate significant correlations between pre- and postoperative changes in biomechanics and changes in PRO scores. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: FAIS patients without dysplasia or arthritis who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for labral repair and femoroplasty underwent preoperative and 1-year postoperative 3-dimensional motion tracking and biomechanical testing during normal gait. Joint kinematics calculated included flexion/extension (sagittal plane), abduction/adduction (frontal plane), and internal/external rotation (transverse plane). Peak hip angles and moments were compared between baseline and 1-year postoperative measures. At baseline, 1-year, and 2-year postoperatively, patients completed the following PRO surveys: 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS). Joint kinematics that significantly improved 1 year after surgery were assessed for correlations with PRO scores. Results: A total of 10 patients (12 hips) were enrolled prospectively. PROs significantly improved at 1 and 2 years postoperatively compared with baseline values for HOOS, mHHS, and SF-12 Physical Component Score, with all patients achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) on the HOOS Sport/Recreation and Quality of Life subscales. From preoperatively to 1-year postoperatively, significant improvements were seen in peak hip abduction angle (from −2.3° ± 1.8° to −4.6° ± 1.8°; P = .0058) and peak hip extension moment (from −1.03 ± 0.19 to −0.85 ± 0.20 N·m/kg; P = .014); however, there were no significant correlations between these changes and the pre- to postoperative changes on any PRO scores. Conclusion: Gait analysis of FAIS patients after hip arthroscopy demonstrated small, albeit significant, changes in postoperative hip kinetics and kinematics; however, these changes did not correlate with the large, clinically significant improvements in PROs at 1 year after surgery. Clinical Relevance: The results of this study suggest that the degree of improvement in short-term PROs after hip arthroscopy for FAIS may not be related to small changes in biomechanics postoperatively. more...

The factors driving therapy resistance in diffuse glioma remain poorly understood. To identify treatment-associated cellular and genetic changes, we analyzed RNA and/or DNA sequencing data from the temporally separated tumor pairs of 304 adult patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wild-type and IDH-mutant glioma. Tumors recurred in distinct manners that were dependent on IDH mutation status and attributable to changes in histological feature composition, somatic alterations, and microenvironment interactions. Hypermutation and acquired CDKN2A deletions were associated with an increase in proliferating neoplastic cells at recurrence in both glioma subtypes, reflecting active tumor growth. IDH-wild-type tumors were more invasive at recurrence, and their neoplastic cells exhibited increased expression of neuronal signaling programs that reflected a possible role for neuronal interactions in promoting glioma progression. Mesenchymal transition was associated with the presence of a myeloid cell state defined by specific ligand-receptor interactions with neoplastic cells. Collectively, these recurrence-associated phenotypes represent potential targets to alter disease progression. more...

G-force is a fundamental force controlling human cells. Cancer is one of the 4 major health challenges in the Space missions. Cancer in Space project evaluates the reaction of human cancer cells to the conditions of the space flights, including an exposure to high g-forces.Explore an impact of 10 g force on the oncogenic properties of human breast adenocarcinoma cells MCF-7.Cells were exposed to 10 g force for 10 days, as part of a 6-week simulation of conditions of a space flight. Then the cells were cultured for one week under normal culture conditions, before performing tests. Cell proliferation, cell viability, cell-cell contact inhibition, migration, and invasiveness were measured. Immunoblotting was used to evaluate expression of proteins.Proliferation, cell-cell interaction and formation of 3D structures, migration, and invasiveness of cells exposed to 10 g were compared to parental cells cultured at 1 g condition. 10 g exposed cells showed a higher propensity for cell-cell contact inhibitions and lower for 3-dimensional growth in dense culture. This correlated with the decrease of proliferation in a dense culture as compared to the parental cells. The decrease of migration, adherence to a surface, and invasiveness was observed for cells subjected to the hypergravity, as compared to the parental MCF-7 cells. Enhanced expression of E-cadherin and phosphorylated pY576-FAK were observed in 10 g exposed cells but no impact on the expression of Erk, pErk, FAK and p53 was detected.The prolonged exposure of MCF-7 cells to 10 g force targets cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions. more...