bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Discriminating In Vitro Dissolution Method for Oral Formulations Containing Satranidazole
Authors: Pawar Harshal Ashok , Joshi Pooja Rasiklal
Published: April 2014

The development of a meaningful dissolution procedure for drug products with limited water solubility has been a challenge to the pharmaceutical industry. Satranidazole (BCS Class II drug) is a new nitroimidazole derivative with potent antiamoebic action. There is no official dissolution medium available in the literature. In the present study, parameters such as saturation solubility in different pH medium, dissolution behavior of formulations, influence of sink conditions, stability, and discriminatory effect of dissolution testing were studied for the selection of a proper dissolution medium. Results of solubility data revealed that solubility of Satranidazole decreases with an increase in pH. Satranidazole showed better sink condition in 0.1 N HCl as compared to other media. The drug and marketed formulations were stable in the dissolution media used. An agitation speed of 75 rpm showed a more discriminating drug release profile than 50 rpm. Using optimized dissolution parameters (paddle at 75 rpm, 900 mL 0.1 N HCl) greater than 80% of the label amount is released over 60 minutes. UV-spectroscopic method used was validated for the specificity, linearity, precision, robustness, and solution stability. The method was successfully applied to granular formulations and also to marketed tablets containing 300 mg Satranidazole.
Normal Hyperbolicity and Continuity of Global Attractors for a Nonlocal Evolution Equations
Authors: da Silva Severino Horácio , Ferreira Jocirei Dias , Bezerra Flank David Morais
Published: April 2014

We show the normal hyperbolicity property for the equilibria of the evolution equation∂m(r,t)/∂t=-m(r,t)+g(βJ*m(r,t)+βh),  h,β≥0,and using the normal hyperbolicity property we prove the continuity (upper semicontinuity and lower semicontinuity) of the global attractors of the flow generated by this equation, with respect to functional parameterJ.
Kinematic Analysis of the Upper Limb Motor Strategies in Stroke Patients as a Tool towards Advanced Neurorehabilitation Strategies: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Aprile Irene , Rabuffetti Marco , Padua Luca , Di Sipio Enrica , Simbolotti Chiara , Ferrarin Maurizio
Published: April 2014

Advanced rehabilitation strategies of the upper limb in stroke patients focus on the recovery of the most important daily activities. In this study we analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively the motor strategies employed by stroke patients when reaching and drinking from a glass. We enrolled 6 hemiparetic poststroke patients and 6 healthy subjects. Motion analysis of the task proposed (reaching for the glass, bringing it to the mouth, and putting it back on the table) with the affected limb was performed. Clinical assessment using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity was also included. During the reaching for the glass the patients showed a reduced arm elongation and trunk axial rotation due to motor deficit. For this reason, as observed, they carried out compensatory strategies which included trunk forward displacement and head movements. These preliminary data should be considered to address rehabilitation treatment. Moreover, the kinematic analysis protocol developed might represent an outcome measure of upper limb rehabilitation processes.
Identification of Osteosarcoma-Related Specific Proteins in Serum Samples Using Surface-Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Gu Jianli , Li Jitian , Huang Manyu , Zhang Zhiyong , Li Dongsheng , Song Guoying , Ding Xingpo , Li Wuyin
Published: April 2014

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor. To identify OS-related specific proteins for early diagnosis of OS, a novel approach, surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) to serum samples from 25 OS patients, 16 osteochondroma, and 26 age-matched normal human volunteers as controls, was performed. Two proteins showed a significantly different expression in OS serum samples from control groups. Proteomic profiles and external leave-one-out cross-validation analysis showed that the correct rate of allocation, the sensitivity, and the specificity of diagnosis were 100%. These two proteins were further identified by searching the EPO-KB database, and one of the proteins identified as Serine rich region profile is involved in various cellular signaling cascades and tumor genesis. The presence of these two proteins in OS patients but absence from premalignant and normal human controls implied that they can be potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of OS.
A Color Gamut Description Algorithm for Liquid Crystal Displays inCIELABSpace
Authors: Sun Bangyong , Liu Han , Li Wenli , Zhou Shisheng
Published: April 2014

Because the accuracy of gamut boundary description is significant for gamut mapping process, a gamut boundary calculating method forLCDmonitors is proposed in this paper. Within most of the previous gamut boundary calculation algorithms, the gamut boundary is calculated inCIELABspace directly, and part of inside-gamut points are mistaken for the boundary points. While, in the new proposed algorithm, the points on the surface ofRGBcube are selected as the boundary points, and then converted and described inCIELABcolor space. Thus, in our algorithm, the true gamut boundary points are found and a more accurate gamut boundary is described. In experiment, a ToshibaLCDmonitor’s 3DCIELABgamut for evaluation is firstly described which has regular-shaped outer surface, and then two 2D gamut boundaries (CIE-a*b*boundary andCIE-C*L*boundary) are calculated which are often used in gamut mapping process. When our algorithm is compared with several famous gamut calculating algorithms, the gamut volumes are very close, which indicates that our algorithm’s accuracy is precise and acceptable.
Disturbance Attraction Domain Estimation for Saturated Markov Jump Systems with Truncated Gaussian Process
Authors: Liu Yanqing , Yin Yanyan , Liu Fei , Teo Kok Lay
Published: April 2014

This paper investigates the disturbance attraction domain estimation of saturated Markov jump systems with truncated Gaussian process. The aim is to estimate the disturbance domain of attraction so that the state is maintained in a neighbour around the origin by a state feedback controller regardless of bounded disturbance. The problem is formulated as parameter‐dependent linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The optimal disturbance attraction domain is obtained through searching for most appropriate auxiliary parameters in the defined
domain. A numerical example is presented to show the potential application of the results.
Amelioration of Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rat by the Administration of Methanol Extract ofMuntingia calaburaL. Leaves
Authors: Mahmood N. D. , Mamat S. S. , Kamisan F. H. , Yahya F. , Kamarolzaman M. F. F. , Nasir N. , Mohtarrudin N. , Tohid S. F. Md. , Zakaria Z. A.
Published: April 2014

Muntingia calaburaL. is a tropical plant species that belongs to the Elaeocarpaceae family. The present study is aimed at determining the hepatoprotective activity of methanol extract ofM. calaburaleaves (MEMC) using two models of liver injury in rats. Rats were divided into five groupsn=6and received 10% DMSO (negative control), 50 mg/kg N-acetylcysteine (NAC; positive control), or MEMC (50, 250, and 500 mg/kg) orally once daily for 7 days and on the 8th day were subjected to the hepatotoxic induction using paracetamol (PCM). The blood and liver tissues were collected and subjected to biochemical and microscopical analysis. The extract was also subjected to antioxidant study using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-(DPPH) and superoxide anion-radical scavenging assays. At the same time, oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) and total phenolic content were also determined. From the histological observation, lymphocyte infiltration and marked necrosis were observed in PCM-treated groups (negative control), whereas maintenance of hepatic structure was observed in group pretreated with N-acetylcysteine and MEMC. Hepatotoxic rats pretreated with NAC or MEMC exhibited significant decreaseP<0.05in ALT and AST enzymes level. Moreover, the extract also exhibited good antioxidant activity. In conclusion, MEMC exerts potential hepatoprotective activity that could be partly attributed to its antioxidant activity and, thus warrants further investigations.
Influence of Impurities on the Luminescence of Er3+ Doped BaTiO3 Nanophosphors
Authors: Webler G. D. , Zapata M. J. M. , Maciel G. S. , Patra A. , Hickmann J. M. , Alencar M. A. R. C.
Published: April 2014

The influence of the presence of barium carbonate (BaCO3) phase on the luminescence properties of barium titanate nanocrystals (BaTiO3) powders was investigated. Structural and optical characterizations of erbium (Er3+) doped BaTiO3 synthesized by the sol‐emulsion‐gel were performed. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray powder diffraction, we identified the presence of impurities related to BaCO3 and quantified its fraction. It was observed that the presence of BaCO3 phase, even at low levels, depletes significantly the infrared‐to‐visible upconverted luminescence efficiency of the produced nanopowders.
Fault Isolation for Nonlinear Systems Using Flexible Support Vector Regression
Authors: Liu Yufang , Jiang Bin , Yi Hui , Bo Cuimei
Published: April 2014

While support vector regression is widely used as both a function approximating tool and a residual generator for nonlinear system fault isolation, a drawback for this method is the freedom in selecting model parameters. Moreover, for samples with discordant distributing complexities, the selection of reasonable parameters is even impossible. To alleviate this problem we introduce the method of flexible support vector regression (F‐SVR), which is especially suited for modelling complicated sample distributions, as it is free from parameters selection. Reasonable parameters for F‐SVR are automatically generated given a sample distribution. Lastly, we apply this method in the analysis of the fault isolation of high frequency power supplies, where satisfactory results have been obtained.
Optimal Kalman Filtering for a Class of State Delay Systems with Randomly Multiple Sensor Delays
Authors: Chen Dongyan , Xu Long
Published: April 2014

The optimal Kalman filtering problem is investigated for a class of discrete state delay stochastic systems with randomly multiple sensor delays. The phenomenon of measurement delay occurs in a random way and the delay rate for each sensor is described by a Bernoulli distributed random variable with known conditional probability. Based on the innovative analysis approach and recursive projection formula, a new linear optimal filter is designed such that, for the state delay and randomly multiple sensor delays with different delay rates, the filtering error is minimized in the sense of mean square and the filter gain is designed by solving the recursive matrix equation. Finally, a simulation example is given to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed filtering scheme.
Numerical and Experimental Study of Pump Sump Flows
Authors: Chuang Wei-Liang , Hsiao Shih-Chun , Hwang Kao-Shu
Published: April 2014

The present study analyzes pump sump flows with various discharges and gate submergence. Investigations using a three‐dimensional large eddy simulation model and an acoustic Doppler velocimeter are performed. Flow patterns and velocity profiles in the approaching flow are shown to describe the flow features caused by various discharges and gate submergence. The variation of a large‐scale spanwise vortex behind a sluice gate is examined and discussed. The suction effect on approaching flow near the pipe column is examined using numerical modeling. To gain more understanding of the vortices variation, a comparison between time‐averaged and instantaneous flow patterns is numerically conducted. Additionally, swirl angle, a widely used index for evaluating pump efficiency, is experimentally and numerically examined under various flow conditions. The results indicate that the pump becomes less efficient with increasing discharge and gate submergence. The fluctuation of the free surface over the pump sump is also discussed.
Characterization of Affinity-Purified Isoforms ofAcinetobacter calcoaceticusY1 Glutathione Transferases
Authors: Chee Chin-Soon , Tan Irene Kit-Ping , Alias Zazali
Published: April 2014

Glutathione transferases (GST) were purified from locally isolated bacteria,Acinetobacter calcoaceticusY1, by glutathione-affinity chromatography and anion exchange, and their substrate specificities were investigated. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that the purified GST resolved into a single band with a molecular weight (MW) of 23 kDa. 2-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis showed the presence of two isoforms, GST1 (pI 4.5) and GST2 (pI 6.2) with identical MW. GST1 was reactive towards ethacrynic acid, hydrogen peroxide, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, andtrans,trans-hepta-2,4-dienalwhile GST2 was active towards all substrates except hydrogen peroxide. This demonstrated that GST1 possessed peroxidase activity which was absent in GST2. This study also showed that only GST2 was able to conjugate GSH to isoproturon, a herbicide. GST1 and GST2 were suggested to be similar to F0KLY9 (putative glutathione S-transferase) and F0KKB0 (glutathione S-transferase III) ofAcinetobacter calcoaceticusstrain PHEA-2, respectively.
A Two-Level Task Scheduler on Multiple DSP System for OpenCL
Authors: Tian Li , Meng Cai , Zhou Fugen
Published: April 2014

This paper addresses the problem that multiple DSP system does not support OpenCL programming. With the compiler, runtime, and the kernel scheduler proposed, an OpenCL application becomes portable not only between multiple CPU and GPU, but also between embedded multiple DSP systems. Firstly, the LLVM compiler was imported for source-to-source translation in which the translated source was supported by CCS. Secondly, two-level schedulers were proposed to support efficient OpenCL kernel execution. The DSP/BIOS is used to schedule system level tasks such as interrupts and drivers; however, the synchronization mechanism resulted in heavy overhead during task switching. So we designed an efficient second level scheduler especially for OpenCL kernel work-item scheduling. The context switch process utilizes the 8 functional units and cross path links which was superior to DSP/BIOS in the aspect of task switching. Finally, dynamic loading and software managed CACHE were redesigned for OpenCL running on multiple DSP system. We evaluated the performance using some common OpenCL kernels from NVIDIA, AMD, NAS, and Parboil benchmarks. Experimental results show that the DSP OpenCL can efficiently exploit the computing resource of multiple cores.
Efficacy of Physiotherapy for Urinary Incontinence following Prostate Cancer Surgery
Authors: Rajkowska-Labon Elżbieta , Bakuła Stanisław , Kucharzewski Marek , Śliwiński Zbigniew
Published: April 2014

The study enrolled 81 with urinary incontinence following radical prostate-only prostatectomy for prostatic carcinoma. The patients were divided into two groups. The patients in Group I were additionally subdivided into two subgroups with respect to the physiotherapeutic method used. The patients of subgroup IA received a rehabilitation program consisting of three parts. The patients of subgroup IB rehabilitation program consist of two parts. Group II, a control group, had reported for therapy for persistent urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy but had not entered therapy for personal reasons. For estimating the level of incontinence, a 1-hour and 24-hour urinary pad tests, the miction diary, and incontinence questionnaire were used, and for recording the measurements of pelvic floor muscles tension, the sEMG (surface electromyography) was applied. The therapy duration depended on the level of incontinence and it continued for not longer than 12 months. Superior continence outcomes were obtained in Group I versus Group II and the difference was statistically significant. The odds ratio for regaining continence was greater in the rehabilitated Group I and smaller in the group II without the rehabilitation. A comparison of continence outcomes revealed a statistically significant difference between Subgroups IA versus IB. The physiotherapeutic procedures applied on patients with urine incontinence after prostatectomy, for most of them, proved to be an effective way of acting, which is supported by the obtained results.
Geodynamic Framework of Saline Systems in Eastern Tunisia: Saline Depressions Inherited from the Triassic Intrusions and/or the Messinian Salinity Crisis
Authors: Essefi Elhoucine , Touir Jamel , Tagorti Mohamed Ali , Yaich Chokri
Published: April 2014

Based on the geodynamic context, two hypotheses of origin of salt in the subsurface of the Sahel area are worth being defended. The first suggests that the halokinesis activities, namely, of the Triassic evaporitic sedimentation, may still be until now influencing the functioning of the saline systems in the Sahel. The second integrates the Sahel area geodynamic evolution in the framework of the convergence between African and Eurasian plates. It suggests a link between the blockage of the subduction between African and Eurasian plates in North Tunisia, the Messinian Salinity Crisis, and eventually the concrete opening and evolution of the playa during the Quaternary. Such a suggestion is materialized by a geodynamic model relating successively these events. This scenario suggests that the Messinian Salinity Crisis constituted huge quantities of salt and/or salty water. This saline subsurface reserve is until now influencing the Sahel behavior as a whole. Through groundwater convergence, huge quantities of salt are accumulated within depressions of the Sahel area. Currently, the convergence of the plate between African and Eurasian plates results in a tectonic activity within these saline systems materialized by the formation of fault spring mounds along preferential orientation ensuring the surface-subsurface connectivity.
Cyanoacrylate Injection Compared with Band Ligation for Acute Gastric Variceal Hemorrhage: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Observational Studies
Authors: Ye Xiaohua , Huai Jiaping , Chen Yanping
Published: April 2014

Background. Cyanoacrylate injection (GVO) and band ligation (GVL) are effective treatments for gastric variceal hemorrhage. However, data on the optimal treatment are still controversial.Methods. For our overall analysis, relevant studies were identified from several databases. For each outcome, data were pooled using a fixed-effect or random-effects model according to the result of a heterogeneity test.Results. Seven studies were included. Compared with GVL, GVO was associated with increased likelihood of hemostasis of active bleeding (odds ratio [OR] = 2.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19–4.51) and a longer gastric variceal rebleeding-free period (hazard ratio = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.24–0.56). No significant differences were observed between GVL and GVO for mortality (hazard ratio = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.43–1.02), likelihood of variceal obliteration (OR = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.52–1.54), number of treatment sessions required for complete variceal eradication (weighted mean difference = −0.45; 95% CI = −1.14–0.23), or complications (OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.48–2.19).Conclusion. GVO may be superior to GVL for achieving hemostasis and preventing recurrence of gastric variceal rebleeding but has no advantage over GVL for mortality and complications. Additional studies are warranted to enable definitive conclusions.
Repeatability of Ocular Measurements with a Dual-Scheimpflug Analyzer in Healthy Eyes
Authors: Lopez de la Fuente Carmen , Sanchez-Cano Ana , Segura Francisco , Fuentes-Broto Lorena , Pinilla Isabel
Published: April 2014

Purpose. To assess the repeatability of the Galilei dual Scheimpflug analyzer (GDSA) in anterior segment examination.Methods. Fifty-two eyes from 52 healthy volunteers were prospectively and consecutively recruited. Anatomic, axial, refractive, and instantaneous parameters were measured with GDSA to provide a complete characterization of the anterior segment. Repeatability was assessed calculating intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and coefficient of variation (COV).Results. Correlation among repeated measurements showed almost perfect reliability (ICC > 0.81) for all parameters except thinnest central corneal thickness (CCT) (0.78), corneal thickness average out (0.79), and posterior axial curvature average out (0.60). Repeatability was excellent (COV<10%) for all parameters except anterior chamber volume and, superior iridocorneal angle and eccentricities. In these last three parameters, repeatability limits were excessively high compared to the mean.Conclusions. GDSA in healthy young persons had an almost perfect correlation in measuring anatomic, axial, instantaneous, and refractive parameters with greater variability for peripheral terms. Repeatability of anatomical parameters like pachymetry, anterior chamber, or iridocorneal angle and eccentricity were limited. In healthy young persons, the other evaluated parameters had very good repeatability and their limits of agreement showed excellent clinical results for this device.
Analytical Solution of Nonlinear Dynamics of a Self-Igniting Reaction-Diffusion System Using Modified Adomian Decomposition Method
Authors: Shirly Peace Felicia , Sathiyaseelan Narmatha , Rajendran Lakshmanan
Published: April 2014

A mathematical model of the dynamics of the self-ignition of a reaction-diffusion system is studied in this paper. An approximate analytical method (modified Adomian decomposition method) is used to solve nonlinear differential equations under steady-state condition. Analytical expressions for concentrations of the gas reactant and the temperature have been derived for Lewis number (Le) and parametersβ,γ, andϕ2. Furthermore, in this work, the numerical simulation of the problem is also reported using MATLAB program. An agreement between analytical and numerical results is noted.
Tumor and Endothelial Cell Hybrids Participate in Glioblastoma Vasculature
Authors: El Hallani Soufiane , Colin Carole , El Houfi Younas , Idbaih Ahmed , Boisselier Blandine , Marie Yannick , Ravassard Philippe , Labussière Marianne , Mokhtari Karima , Thomas Jean-Léon , Delattre Jean-Yves , Eichmann Anne , Sanson Marc
Published: April 2014

Background.Recently antiangiogenic therapy with bevacizumab has shown a high but transient efficacy in glioblastoma (GBM). Indeed, GBM is one of the most angiogenic human tumors and endothelial proliferation is a hallmark of the disease. We therefore hypothesized that tumor cells may participate in endothelial proliferation of GBM.Materials and Methods.We usedEGFRFISH Probe to detectEGFRamplification and anti-CD31, CD105, VE-cadherin, and vWF to identify endothelial cells. Endothelial and GBM cells were grown separately, labeled with GFP and DsRed lentiviruses, and then cocultured with or without contact.Results.In a subset of GBM tissues, we found that several tumor endothelial cells carryEGFRamplification, characteristic of GBM tumor cells. This observation was reproducedin vitro: when tumor stem cells derived from GBM were grown in the presence of human endothelial cells, a fraction of them acquired endothelial markers (CD31, CD105, VE-cadherin, and vWF). By transduction with GFP and DsRed expressing lentiviral vectors, we demonstrate that this phenomenon is due to cell fusion and not transdifferentiation.Conclusion.A fraction of GBM stem cells thus has the capacity to fuse with endothelial cells and the resulting hybrids may participate in tumor microvascular proliferation and in treatment resistance.
3D-Printed Biopolymers for Tissue Engineering Application
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Cui Rongrong , Sun Lianwen , Aifantis Katerina E. , Fan Yubo , Feng Qingling , Cui Fuzhai , Watari Fumio
Published: April 2014

3D printing technology has recently gained substantial interest for potential applications in tissue engineering due to the ability of making a three-dimensional object of virtually any shape from a digital model. 3D-printed biopolymers, which combine the 3D printing technology and biopolymers, have shown great potential in tissue engineering applications and are receiving significant attention, which has resulted in the development of numerous research programs regarding the material systems which are available for 3D printing. This review focuses on recent advances in the development of biopolymer materials, including natural biopolymer-based materials and synthetic biopolymer-based materials prepared using 3D printing technology, and some future challenges and applications of this technology are discussed.
Hedging Long‐Term Exposures of a Well‐Diversified Portfolio with Short‐Term Stock Index Futures Contracts
Authors: Liu Yufang , Zhang Wei-Guo , Chen Rongda , Fu Junhui
Published: April 2014

It is difficult for passive portfolio strategy to manage the long‐term exposure of a well‐diversified portfolio because stock index futures contracts have a finite life limited by their maturity. In this paper, we investigate the problem of the rollover hedge strategy for the long‐term exposure of a well‐diversified portfolio. First, we consider the rollover hedge strategy for the well‐diversified portfolio when the portfolio is not adjusted during the period. In order to obtain the optimal solution of the proposed model, the auxiliary models are constructed using the equivalent transformation technique. Moreover, dynamic programming is employed to derive the optimal positions of stock index futures contracts for the long‐term exposure of the well‐diversified portfolio. In addition, we extend the result to the case of the rollover hedge strategy with transaction costs and derive the optimal number of stock index futures contracts.
Analysis and Mathematical Model for Restitution of Voltage Using Dynamic Voltage Restorer
Authors: Gopinath C. , Yaashuwanth C. , Ramesh R. , Maglin J. R. , Bosco Raj T. Ajith
Published: April 2014

Voltage sag and swell have a major concern in the distribution systems. In order to mitigate the voltage sag and swell, a custom power device called dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) is used. The proposed system is a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell based DVR. The energy from the fuel cell is stored in the super capacitor to restitute the voltage. In this proposed DVR, Z‐source inverter is used instead of traditional inverter because of buck‐boost and shoot through capability. The simulation is performed using three controller topologies: PI controller, synchronous reference frame controller and fuzzy controller and the results are verified using Matlab‐Simulink environment.
Salidroside Stimulates Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Protects against H2O2-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Xing Shasha , Yang Xiaoyan , Li Wenjing , Bian Fang , Wu Dan , Chi Jiangyang , Xu Gao , Zhang Yonghui , Jin Si
Published: April 2014

Salidroside (SAL) is an active component ofRhodiola roseawith documented antioxidative properties. The purpose of this study is to explore the mechanism of the protective effect of SAL on hydrogen peroxide- (H2O2-) induced endothelial dysfunction. Pretreatment of the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with SAL significantly reduced the cytotoxicity brought by H2O2. Functional studies on the rat aortas found that SAL rescued the endothelium-dependent relaxation and reduced superoxide anion (O2∙-) production induced by H2O2. Meanwhile, SAL pretreatment inhibited H2O2-induced nitric oxide (NO) production. The underlying mechanisms involve the inhibition of H2O2-induced activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and Akt, as well as the redox sensitive transcription factor, NF-kappa B (NF-κB). SAL also increased mitochondrial mass and upregulated the mitochondrial biogenesis factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in the endothelial cells. H2O2-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, as demonstrated by reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and ATP production, was rescued by SAL pretreatment. Taken together, these findings implicate that SAL could protect endothelium against H2O2-induced injury via promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and function, thus preventing the overactivation of oxidative stress-related downstream signaling pathways.
In VitroLarvicidal and Antioxidant Activity of Dihydrophenanthroline-3-carbonitriles
Authors: Bharathi A. , Roopan Selvaraj Mohana , Rahuman Abdul Abdul , Rajakumar Govindasamy
Published: April 2014

Many naturally occurring and synthetic compounds containing dihydrocyanopyridine and cyanopyran moiety show pharmacological properties. The aim of this study is to investigate the larvicidal and antioxidant potential of dihydrophenanthroline-3-carbonitrile derivatives4a–f. A novel series of 2-amino-10-chloro-4,12-diphenyl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydrobenzo[j][1,7]phenanthroline-3-carbonitrile derivatives were synthesized by reacting different substituted acridine chalcones through Michel addition. The compounds were synthesized in excellent yields and the structures were corroborated on the basis of FT-IR,1H NMR,13C NMR, and ESI Mass analysis data. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for larvicidal activity againstAedes aegyptiandCulex quinquefasciatuslarvae. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was studied by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay method. From the antioxidant assay, the compound4cwas reported with profound antioxidant potential.
A Game Theory Approach to Fair and Efficient Resource Allocation in Cloud Computing
Authors: Xu Xin , Yu Huiqun
Published: April 2014

On‐demand resource management is a key characteristic of cloud computing. Cloud providers should support the computational resource sharing in a fair way to ensure that no user gets much better resources than others. Another goal is to improve the resource utilization by minimizing the resource fragmentation when mapping virtual machines to physical servers. The focus of this paper is the proposal of a game theoretic resources allocation algorithm that considers the fairness among users and the resources utilization for both. The experiments with an FUGA implementation on an 8‐node server cluster show the optimality of this algorithm in keeping fairness by comparing with the evaluation of the Hadoop scheduler. The simulations based on Google workload trace demonstrate that the algorithm is able to reduce resource wastage and achieve a better resource utilization rate than other allocation mechanisms.
An Obstacle Avoidance Scheme Maintaining Connectivity for Micro-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Choi Hyo Hyun , Choi HyunSoo , Choi Myungwhan , Shon Taeshik , Park ByoungSeob
Published: April 2014

This paper suggests an obstacle avoidance scheme that enables a group of micro-UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) to avoid colliding with an obstacle that is found in the course of the flight. This scheme considers a method for UAVs to avoid colliding with such obstacles and a plan of action for when the UAVs in the group lose connectivity during flight. The main goal is for UAVs to reach the target without colliding with any obstacles. To achieve this goal, directly after the UAVs avoid the obstacle at a raised altitude above it, they fly at a higher altitude for a while and then descend to their original height. When this approach is judged to be inefficient because the height of the obstacle is too high, the UAVs divide into two groups and move to either side of it while continuing to fly at the same altitude, thereby avoiding the obstacle. Afterwards, they gather into one group again. We verify the proposed scheme and do the performance evaluation by ns-2.
Fixed Point Theorems for Hybrid Rational Geraghty Contractive Mappings in Orderedb-Metric Spaces
Authors: Zabihi Farzaneh , Razani Abdolrahman
Published: April 2014

We introduce the new notion of a hybrid rational Geraghty contractive mapping and investigate the existence of fixed point and coincidence point for such mappings in orderedb-metric spaces. We also provide an example to illustrate the results presented herein. Finally, we establish an existence theorem for a solution of an integral equation.
1-Quasiconformal Mappings and CR Mappings on Goursat Groups
Authors: Wu Qing Yan , Fu Zun Wei
Published: April 2014

We show that 1-quasiconformal mappings on Goursat groups are CR or anti-CR mappings. This can reduce the determination of 1-quasiconformal mappings to the determination of CR automorphisms of CR manifolds, which is a fundamental problem in the theory of several complex variables.
Color Image Scrambling Technique Based on Transposition of Pixels between RGB Channels Using Knight’s Moving Rules and Digital Chaotic Map
Authors: Diaconu Adrian-Viorel , Costea Alexandru , Costea Marius-Aurel
Published: April 2014

Nowadays, increasingly, it seems that the use of rule sets of the most popular games, particularly in new images’ encryption algorithms designing branch, leads to the crystallization of a new paradigm in the field of cryptography. Thus, motivated by this, the present paper aims to study a newly designed digital image scrambler (as part of the two fundamental techniques used to encrypt a block of pixels, i.e., the permutation stage) that uses knight’s moving rules (i.e., from the game of chess), in conjunction with a chaos‐based pseudorandom bit generator, abbreviated PRBG, in order to transpose original image’s pixels between RGB channels. Theoretical and practical arguments, rounded by good numerical results on scrambler’s performances analysis (i.e., under various investigation methods, including visual inspection, adjacent pixels’ correlation coefficients’ computation, key’s space and sensitivity assessment, etc.) confirm viability of the proposed method (i.e., it ensures the coveted confusion factor) recommending its usage within cryptographic applications.
High-Dimensional D. H. Lehmer Problem over Quarter Intervals
Authors: Zhang Tianping
Published: April 2014

The high-dimensional D. H. Lehmer problem over quarter intervals is studied. By using the properties of character sum and the estimates of DirichletL-function, the previous result is improved to be the best possible in the case ofq = p, an odd prime withp≡1(mod 4), which is shown by studying the mean square value of the error term.
Simple and Robust Analysis of Cefuroxime in Human Plasma by LC-MS/MS: Application to a Bioequivalence Study
Authors: Hu Xingjiang , Huang Mingzhu , Liu Jian , Chen Junchun , Shentu Jianzhong
Published: April 2014

A simple, robust LC-MS/MS assay for quantifying cefuroxime in human plasma was developed. Cefuroxime and tazobactam, as internal standard (IS), were extracted from human plasma by methanol to precipitate protein. Separation was achieved on a Zorbax SB-Aq (4.6×250 mm, 5 μm) column under isocratic conditions. The calibration curve was linear in the concentration range of 0.0525–21.0 μg/mL (r=0.9998). The accuracy was higher than 90.92%, while the intra- and interday precision were less than 6.26%. The extraction procedure provides recovery ranged from 89.44% to 92.32%, for both analyte and IS. Finally, the method was successfully applied to a bioequivalence study of a single 500 mg dose of cefuroxime axetil in 22 healthy Chinese male subjects under fasting condition. Bioequivalence was determined by calculating 90% Cls for the ratios ofCmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞values for the test and reference products, using logarithmic transformed data. The 90% Cls for the ratios ofCmax(91.4%~104.2%), AUC0-t(97.4%~110.9%), and AUC0-∞(97.6%~111.1%) values were within the predetermined range. It was concluded that the two formulations (test for capsule, reference for tablet) analyzed were bioequivalent in terms of rate and extent of absorption and the method met the principle of quick and easy clinical analysis.
Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence Associated with Carbohydrate Intake and Tissue Expression of IGFI Receptor
Authors: Emond Jennifer A. , Pierce John P. , Natarajan Loki , Gapuz Laarni R. , Nguyen John , Parker Barbara A. , Varki Nissi M. , Patterson Ruth E.
Published: April 2014

Background: The insulin-like growth factor-I (IGFI) receptor is a potential target for breast cancer treatment and may be influenced by dietary intake.

Methods: Nested, case–control study of 265 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors; primary breast cancer tissue was stained to determine IGFI receptor status. Change in carbohydrate intake from baseline to year 1 of study was estimated from 24-hour dietary recalls. Breast cancer recurrence cases (91) were matched to two controls (n = 174) on disease and study characteristics and counter matched on change in carbohydrate intake. Weighted conditional logistic regression models fit the risk of recurrence on IGFI receptor status and dietary change.

Results: Half of the tumors were IGFI receptor positive. Increased risk of recurrence was associated with IGFI receptor–positive status [HR 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2–2.5] and, separately, with a stable/increased intake of carbohydrates (HR 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3–5.0). There was a borderline significant interaction between those two variables (P = 0.11). Specifically, carbohydrate intake had no significant impact on risk of recurrence among women who were receptor negative, yet increased the risk of recurrence by more than 5-fold among women who were receptor positive (HR 5.5; 95% CI, 1.8–16.3).

Conclusions: Among women whose tumor tissue is positive for the IGFI receptor, reducing carbohydrate intake after diagnosis could reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence. These findings need replication in a larger sample.

Impact: This is the first study to suggest that it may be possible to personalize dietary recommendations for breast cancer survivors based on molecular characteristics of their primary tumor tissue. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(7); 1273–9. ©2014 AACR.
Antibody-Based Delivery of IL2 and Cytotoxics Eradicates Tumors in Immunocompetent Mice
Authors: Gutbrodt Katrin L. , Casi Giulio , Neri Dario
Published: April 2014

Antibody–drug conjugates are increasingly being used for cancer therapy, but little is known about their ability to promote anticancer immunity, which may lead to long-lasting remissions. We investigated the therapeutic effect of antibody-based pharmacodelivery of cemadotin, a cytotoxic drug, and IL2, a strong proinflammatory cytokine. Using the F8 antibody, which selectively localizes to the tumor neovasculature, combination treatment led to tumor eradication, in a process dependent on CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells in the C1498 syngeneic mouse model of acute myelogenous leukemia. The clinical combination of antibody–drug conjugates and antibody–cytokine proteins should be facilitated by their orthogonal toxicity profiles. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(7); 1772–6. ©2014 AACR.
Emerging Directions in the Genetics of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Tucker Nathan R. , Ellinor Patrick T.
Published: April 2014

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and is associated with increased morbidity. As the population ages and the prevalence of AF continues to rise, the socioeconomic consequences of AF will become increasingly burdensome. Although there are well-defined clinical risk factors for AF, a significant heritable component is also recognized. To identify the molecular basis for the heritability of AF, investigators have used a combination of classical Mendelian genetics, candidate gene screening, and genome-wide association studies. However, these avenues have, as yet, failed to define the majority of the heritability of AF. The goal of this review is to describe the results from both candidate gene and genome-wide studies, as well as to outline potential future avenues for creating a more complete understanding of AF genetics. Ultimately, a more comprehensive view of the genetic underpinnings for AF will lead to the identification of novel molecular pathways and improved risk prediction of this complex arrhythmia.
Mathematical Approaches to Understanding and Imaging Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Trayanova Natalia A.
Published: April 2014

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in humans. The mechanisms that govern AF initiation and persistence are highly complex, of dynamic nature, and involve interactions across multiple temporal and spatial scales in the atria. This article aims to review the mathematical modeling and computer simulation approaches to understanding AF mechanisms and aiding in its management. Various atrial modeling approaches are presented, with descriptions of the methodological basis and advancements in both lower-dimensional and realistic geometry models. A review of the most significant mechanistic insights made by atrial simulations is provided. The article showcases the contributions that atrial modeling and simulation have made not only to our understanding of the pathophysiology of atrial arrhythmias, but also to the development of AF management approaches. A summary of the future developments envisioned for the field of atrial simulation and modeling is also presented. The review contends that computational models of the atria assembled with data from clinical imaging modalities that incorporate electrophysiological and structural remodeling could become a first line of screening for new AF therapies and approaches, new diagnostic developments, and new methods for arrhythmia prevention.
EHD3-Dependent Endosome Pathway Regulates Cardiac Membrane Excitability and Physiology
Authors: Curran Jerry , Makara Michael A. , Little Sean C. , Musa Hassan , Liu Bin , Wu Xiangqiong , Polina Iuliia , Alecusan Joseph S. , Wright Patrick , Li Jingdong , Billman George E. , Boyden Penelope A. , Gyorke Sandor , Band Hamid , Hund Thomas J. , Mohler Peter J.
Published: April 2014

Rationale
:

Cardiac function is dependent on the coordinate activities of membrane ion channels, transporters, pumps, and hormone receptors to tune the membrane electrochemical gradient dynamically in response to acute and chronic stress. Although our knowledge of membrane proteins has rapidly advanced during the past decade, our understanding of the subcellular pathways governing the trafficking and localization of integral membrane proteins is limited and essentially unstudied in vivo. In the heart, to our knowledge, there are no in vivo mechanistic studies that directly link endosome-based machinery with cardiac physiology.

Objective
:

To define the in vivo roles of endosome-based cellular machinery for cardiac membrane protein trafficking, myocyte excitability, and cardiac physiology.

Methods and Results
:

We identify the endosome-based Eps15 homology domain 3 (EHD3) pathway as essential for cardiac physiology. EHD3-deficient hearts display structural and functional defects including bradycardia and rate variability, conduction block, and blunted response to adrenergic stimulation. Mechanistically, EHD3 is critical for membrane protein trafficking, because EHD3-deficient myocytes display reduced expression/localization of Na/Ca exchanger and L-type Ca channel type 1.2 with a parallel reduction in Na/Ca exchanger–mediated membrane current and Ca
v
1.2-mediated membrane current. Functionally, EHD3-deficient myocytes show increased sarcoplasmic reticulum [Ca], increased spark frequency, and reduced expression/localization of ankyrin-B, a binding partner for EHD3 and Na/Ca exchanger. Finally, we show that in vivo EHD3-deficient defects are attributable to cardiac-specific roles of EHD3 because mice with cardiac-selective EHD3 deficiency demonstrate both structural and electric phenotypes.

Conclusions
:

These data provide new insight into the critical role of endosome-based pathways in membrane protein targeting and cardiac physiology. EHD3 is a critical component of protein trafficking in heart and is essential for the proper membrane targeting of select cellular proteins that maintain excitability.
Cannabis Use: Signal of Increasing Risk of Serious Cardiovascular Disorders
Authors: Jouanjus Emilie , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Micallef Joelle ,   The French Association of the Regional Abuse and Dependence Monitoring Centres (CEIP‐A) Working Group on Cannabis Complications*
Published: April 2014

Background

Cannabis is known to be associated with neuropsychiatric problems, but less is known about complications affecting other specified body systems. We report and analyze 35 recent remarkable cardiovascular complications following cannabis use.

Methods and Results

In
F
rance, serious cases of abuse and dependence in response to the use of psychoactive substances must be reported to the national system of the
F
rench Addictovigilance Network. We identified all spontaneous reports of cardiovascular complications related to cannabis use collected by the
F
rench Addictovigilance Network from 2006 to 2010. We described the clinical characteristics of these cases and their evolution: 1.8% of all cannabis‐related reports (35/1979) were cardiovascular complications, with patients being mostly men (85.7%) and of an average age of 34.3 years. There were 22 cardiac complications (20 acute coronary syndromes), 10 peripheral complications (lower limb or juvenile arteriopathies and Buerger‐like diseases), and 3 cerebral complications (acute cerebral angiopathy, transient cortical blindness, and spasm of cerebral artery). In 9 cases, the event led to patient death.

Conclusions

Increased reporting of cardiovascular complications related to cannabis and their extreme seriousness (with a death rate of 25.6%) indicate cannabis as a possible risk factor for cardiovascular disease in young adults, in line with previous findings. Given that cannabis is perceived to be harmless by the general public and that legalization of its use is debated, data concerning its danger must be widely disseminated. Practitioners should be aware that cannabis may be a potential triggering factor for cardiovascular complications in young people.
Acalypha subgenus Linostachys (Euphorbiaceae, Acalyphoideae): a global review
Authors: MUÑOZ-RODRÍGUEZ PABLO , CARDIEL JOSÉ MARÍA , ATHA DANIEL
Published: April 2014

A critical review of Acalypha subgenus Linostachys (Euphorbiaceae: Acalyphoideae) worldwide is presented. As a result 28 species, 6 of which were not previously recognized within the subgenus, are accepted and 5 new synonyms are proposed. Comprehensive nomenclatural information is supplied and 16 lectotypes and one neotype are designated. An identification key and geographic information, including a distribution map of the subgenus, are also provided. This is the first treatment of subgenus Linostachys since Pax and Hoffmann’s monograph in 1924.
The Madagascan endemic myrmicine ants related to Eutetramorium (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): taxonomy of the genera Eutetramorium Emery, Malagidris nom. n., Myrmisaraka gen. n., Royidris gen. n., and Vitsika gen. n.
Authors: BOLTON BARRY , FISHER BRIAN L.
Published: April 2014

The monophyletic group of myrmicine ant genera related to Eutetramorium is described and its taxonomy is documented. The group is endemic in Madagascar and contains five genera: Eutetramorium Emery, 1899 (3 species, 1 of which is new); Malagidris nom. n., a replacement name for Brunella Forel, 1917, junior homonym of Brunella Smith, G.W. 1909 (Crustacea) (6 species, 5 of which are new); Myrmisaraka gen. n. (2 species, both new); Royidris gen. n. (15 species, 11 of which are new); Vitsika gen. n. (14 species, all of which are new). Keys to the worker caste are provided for all genera, and provisional keys to known males are given for Malagidris and Vitsika.