Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive functions at a higher level than normal aging. Although the apolipoprotein (APOE) gene is a major risk factor in developing AD, other genes have also been reported to be linked with complex phenotypes. Therefore, this genome-wide expression study explored differentially expressed genes as possible novel biomarkers involved in AD. The mRNA expression dataset, GSE28146, containing 15 sample data composed of 7 AD cases from the hippocampus region with age-matched control (n = 8, >80 years), was analyzed. Using “affy” R-package, mRNA expression was calculated, while pathway enrichment analysis was performed to determine related biological processes. Of 58 differentially expressed genes, 44 downregulated and 14 upregulated genes were found to be significantly (p < 0.001) altered. The pathway enrichment analysis revealed two altered genes, i.e., dynein light chain 1 (DYNLL1) and kalirin (KLRN), associated with AD in the elderly population. The majority of genes were associated with retrograde endocannabinoid as well as vascular endothelial growth factors affecting the complex phenotypes. The DYNLL1 and KLRN genes may be involved with AD and Huntington’s disease (HD) phenotypes and represent a common genetic basis of these diseases. However, the hallmark of AD is dementia, while the classic motor sign of HD includes chorea. Our data warrant further investigation to identify the role of these genes in disease pathogenesis.

Electrostriction phenomena and mathematical modeling in respect of capacitive sensor filled with elastic dielectric material have been described. A comparative theoretical analysis of the traditional air gap capacitive sensor with the electrostriction based solid-state capacitive sensor has been carried out thoroughly. Difficulties and limitations with air gap capacitive sensor are highlighted. Solid-state capacitive sensor with elastic dielectric material sandwiched between the compliant electrodes exhibits higher mechanical and electrical stability, sensitivity, higher tolerance with environment and withstands large load in comparison to the air gap capacitive sensor. An experimental setup with proper solution has been described for the measurement of relative capacitance variation. An alternative method of current-mode bridge has also been suggested for the purpose of sensing pressure and strain with high accuracy.

The Rapti a foothills-fed river is emerging from the Lesser Himalayan zone of southern Nepal. It has shifted its course at its foothills and middle reaches several times and has been affecting many localities in the last few decades. Keeping this in view a severely affected 94 km. long stretch of Rapti river flowing in the Shravasti district of eastern Uttar Pradesh was selected for the study of channel dynamics. In the present work, the geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) techniques were used to evaluate the river shifting and assessment of related effects on the adjacent landscapes between the years 1980 to 2020. Satellite image of Landsat and Sentinel was also used to determine the spatio-temporal changes occurring in the river channel for the last forty years. The river channels, their centre lines and bars were digitized in a GIS environment and all channels were divided into four reaches, viz. A, B, C and D. Twenty cross-sections perpendicular to the centre line representing the position of the channel in the year 1980 were drawn. The sinuosity index, measurements of the channel migration, channel width and bank line shift of the channel were calculated. The sinuosity indices of the river channels for the years 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020 were computed as 1.52, 1.47, 1.47, 1.70 and 1.48, respectively. Temporal changes in sinuosity exhibit the meandering pattern of the river channel. Overlayed active channel centre lines of the years 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020 show the migrational trend of the river channel. The maximum migration has occurred along reaches A and D. The extensive migration and sedimentation in the channel also alter the channel width that varies significantly along reaches A and C. Apart from this, the geomorphic features viz. channel migration, bank line erosion, abandoned channels, expansion of meanders, oxbow lake, chute cut off, neck cut off, etc. were identified as indicators of active erosion on the flood plain of the Rapti. It has been observed that river migration and bank line erosion are severely affecting the many rural settlements situated in the active flood plain. This study infers that the Rapti river channel has been migrating frequently for the last forty years and is increasing the vulnerability of flood hazards in its active flood plains.

Methylation of adenosines at N6 position (m6A) is the most frequent internal modification in mRNAs of the human genome and attributable to diverse roles in physiological development, and pathophysiological processes. However, studies on the role of m6A in neuronal development are sparse and not well-documented. The m6A detection remains challenging due to its inconsistent pattern and less sensitivity by the current detection techniques. Therefore, we applied a sliding window technique to identify the consensus site (5′-GGACT-3′) n ≥ 2 and annotated all m6A hotspots in the human genome. Over 6.78 × 10⁷ hotspots were identified and 96.4% were found to be located in the non-coding regions, suggesting that methylation occurs before splicing. Several genes, RPS6K, NRP1, NRXN, EGFR, YTHDF2, have been involved in various stages of neuron development and their functioning. However, the contribution of m6A in these genes needs further validation in the experimental model. Thus, the present study elaborates the location of m6A in the human genome and its function in neuron physiology.

India, which is in the mid latitude region, has extremly hot summers on its plains. In Northern and Central region of the country the maximum day temperature often goes beyond 45°C. The temperature inside the buildings, which generally have horizontal RCC roof, is unbearable without air conditioning. The steep rise in the cost of electricity has driven architects and builders to use passive cooling techniques in the construction. In this paper we examine the present methods that use an insulation layer to reduce the heat flux entering the living space bringing out their merits and demerits. Further we present an innovative approach in roof design that incorporates a layer of fly ash pieces which works as a porous insulation layer. The method has been implemented in a residential building in Delhi (28.380N). The experimental results demonstrate that the layer provides excellent insulation and it also shows structural stability