bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Survey on Formation Control Algorithms for Multi-AUV System
Authors: Li Xin , Zhu Daqi , Qian Yuang
Published: October 2014

With the development of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) application techniques, formation control of multiple AUVs becomes a worldwide research focus. In this paper, first, formation control methods are summarized as: virtual structure method, behavior-based method, leader–follower method and artificial potential field method. Second, the peculiarities and difficulties of formation control especially for multi-AUV system are analyzed based on the research and development status in this area. The critical technical problems are summarized into three aspects: problem of AUV's dynamic complexity; problem of environmental complexity; problem of severe underwater communication constraints. Finally, the major development trends of multi-AUV system are discussed.
Geomechanical modelling of CO
2
geological storage with the use of site specific rock mechanics laboratory data
Authors: Olden Peter , Jin Min , Pickup Gillian , Mackay Eric , Hamilton Sally , Somerville James , Todd Adrian
Published: October 2014

Many diverse challenges – political, economic, legal and technical – face the continued development and deployment of geological storage of anthropogenic CO
2
. Among the technical challenges will be the satisfactory proof of storage site security and efficacy. Evidence from many past geotechnical projects has shown the investigations and analyses that are required to demonstrate safe and satisfactory performance will be site specific. This will hold for the geomechanical assessment of saline aquifer storage site integrity where, compared to depleted hydrocarbon fields, there will be no previous pressure response history or rock property characterization data available.

The work presented was carried out as part of a project investigating the improvement in levels of confidence in all aspects of saline aquifer site selection and characterization that could be expected with increasing data availability and in-depth analysis. Attention focused on the geomechanical modelling and the rock mechanics data used to populate models of two storage sites in geological settings analogous to those where CO
2
storage might be considered. Coupled geomechanical models were developed from reservoir simulation models initially incorporating generic rock mechanical properties and then laboratory-derived site-specific properties. The models were run in various configurations to investigate the effect of changing the rock mechanical properties on the geomechanical response of the storage systems.

Modelling results showed that the pressure response at one site due to low injectivity caused significant potential for fault reactivation. Increasing the number of injection wells, thereby reducing the individual rates needed to deliver the target capacity, reduced the injection pressures and ameliorated, but did not eliminate, this adverse response.
Exploiting Representations from Statistical Machine Translation for Cross-Language Information Retrieval
Authors: Ture Ferhan , Lin Jimmy
Published: October 2014

This work explores how internal representations of modern statistical machine translation systems can be exploited for cross-language information retrieval. We tackle two core issues that are central to query translation: how to exploit context to generate more accurate translations and how to preserve ambiguity that may be present in the original query, thereby retaining a diverse set of translation alternatives. These two considerations are often in tension since ambiguity in natural language is typically resolved by exploiting context, but effective retrieval requires striking the right balance. We propose two novel query translation approaches: the
grammar-based
approach extracts translation probabilities from translation grammars, while the
decoder-based
approach takes advantage of
n
-best translation hypotheses. Both are
context-sensitive
, in contrast to a baseline
context-insensitive
approach that uses bilingual dictionaries for word-by-word translation. Experimental results show that by “opening up” modern statistical machine translation systems, we can access intermediate representations that yield high retrieval effectiveness. By combining evidence from multiple sources, we demonstrate significant improvements over competitive baselines on standard cross-language information retrieval test collections. In addition to effectiveness, the efficiency of our techniques are explored as well.
Patent Query Formulation by Synthesizing Multiple Sources of Relevance Evidence
Authors: Mahdabi Parvaz , Crestani Fabio
Published: October 2014

Patent prior art search is a task in patent retrieval with the goal of finding documents which describe prior art work related to a query patent. A query patent is a full patent application composed of hundreds of terms which does not represent a single focused information need. Fortunately, other relevance evidence sources (i.e., classification tags and bibliographical data) provide additional details about the underlying information need. In this article, we propose a unified framework that integrates multiple relevance evidence components for query formulation. We first build a query model from the textual fields of a query patent. To overcome the term mismatch, we expand this initial query model with the term distribution of documents in the citation graph, modeling old and recent domain terminology. We build an IPC lexicon and perform query expansion using this lexicon incorporating proximity information. We performed an empirical evaluation on two patent datasets. Our results show that employing the temporal features of documents has a precision enhancing effect, while query expansion using IPC lexicon improves the recall of the final rank list.
Effects of acute lipid overload on skeletal muscle insulin resistance, metabolic flexibility, and mitochondrial performance
Authors: Dubé John J. , Coen Paul M. , DiStefano Giovanna , Chacon Alexander C. , Helbling Nicole L. , Desimone Marisa E. , Stafanovic-Racic Maja , Hames Kazanna C. , Despines Alex A. , Toledo Frederico G. S. , Goodpaster Bret H.
Published: October 2014

We hypothesized that acute lipid-induced insulin resistance would be attenuated in high-oxidative muscle of lean trained (LT) endurance athletes due to their enhanced metabolic flexibility and mitochondrial capacity. Lean sedentary (LS), obese sedentary (OS), and LT participants completed two hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp studies with and without (glycerol control) the coinfusion of Intralipid. Metabolic flexibility was measured by indirect calorimetry as the oxidation of fatty acids and glucose during fasted and insulin-stimulated conditions, the latter with and without lipid oversupply. Muscle biopsies were obtained for mitochondrial and insulin-signaling studies. During hyperinsulinemia without lipid, glucose infusion rate (GIR) was lowest in OS due to lower rates of nonoxidative glucose disposal (NOGD), whereas state 4 respiration was increased in all groups. Lipid infusion reduced GIR similarly in all subjects and reduced state 4 respiration. However, in LT subjects, fat oxidation was higher with lipid oversupply, and although glucose oxidation was reduced, NOGD was better preserved compared with LS and OS subjects. Mitochondrial performance was positively associated with better NOGD and insulin sensitivity in both conditions. We conclude that enhanced mitochondrial performance with exercise is related to better metabolic flexibility and insulin sensitivity in response to lipid overload.
A Hybrid Structural Health Monitoring System for the Detection and Localization of Damage in Composite Structures
Authors: Barazanchy Darun , Martinez Marcias , Rocha Bruno , Yanishevsky Marko
Published: October 2014

A hybrid structural health monitoring (SHM) system, consisting of a piezoelectric transducer and fiber optic sensors (FOS) for generating and monitoring Lamb waves, was investigated to determine their potential for damage detection and localization in composite aerospace structures. As part of this study, the proposed hybrid SHM system, together with an in-house developed algorithm, was evaluated to detect and localize two types of damage: a through thickness damage (hole of 2 mm in diameter) and a surface damage (2 mm diameter bore hole with a depth of 0.65 mm) located on the backside of the plate. The experiments were performed using an aircraft representative composite plate skin, manufactured from carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP).
Myanmarese Neuropathy: Clinical Description of Acute Peripheral Neuropathy Detected among Myanmarese Refugees in Malaysia
Authors: Fu Liong Hiew , Santhi Datuk Puvanarajah , Shanthi Viswanathan , Mohd Hanip Rafia
Published: October 2014

Background. Since 2008, we have observed an increasing number of Myanmarese refugees in Malaysia being admitted for acute/subacute onset peripheral neuropathy. Most of them had a preceding history of starvation. Methods. We retrospectively studied the clinical features of all Myanmarese patients admitted with peripheral neuropathy from September 2008 to January 2014. Results. A total of 24 patients from the Chin, Rohingya, and Rakhine ethnicities (mean age, 23.8 years; male, 96%) had symmetrical, ascending areflexic weakness with at least one additional presenting symptom of fever, lower limb swelling, vomiting, abdominal pain, or difficulty in breathing. Twenty (83.3%) had sensory symptoms. Ten (41.6%) had cranial nerve involvement. Nineteen patients had cerebrospinal fluid examinations but none with evidence of albuminocytological dissociation. Neurophysiological assessment revealed axonal polyneuropathy, predominantly a motor-sensory subtype. Folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies were detected in 31.5% of them. These findings suggested the presence of a polyneuropathy related to nutrition against a backdrop of other possible environmental factors such as infections, metabolic disorders, or exposure to unknown toxin. Supportive treatment with appropriate vitamins supplementation improved functional outcome in most patients. Conclusion. We report a spectrum of acquired reversible neurological manifestations among Myanmarese refugees likely to be multifactorial with micronutrient deficiencies playing an important role in the pathogenesis.
A Multisensor Analysis of the Life Cycle of Bow Echo over Indian Region
Authors: Dutta Devajyoti , Sarma Diganta Kumar , Sharma Sanjay
Published: October 2014

This study deals with the life cycle of bow echo events on October 24 and 26-27, 2006, from Doppler weather radar (DWR) observations supported by Radiosonde and National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). The cell bow echo (CBE) on October 24 evolved from two small isolated cells with radar reflectivity ≥40 dBZ. The vertical structure consists of one single mature cell with 20 dBZ echoes reaching up to 10 km while 40 dBZ echoes extended uniformly from ground to ∼5 km height. The radial velocity shows a high value >−15 m/s towards the radar at the upper height (about 6 to 11 km); the lower height is predominant with velocity away from the radar (about 5 to 15 m/s). The squall line bow echo on October 26 and 27 has its origin over ocean and moved towards the radar site and decayed thereafter. The radar reflectivity pattern for this squall line showed it to be a trailing stratiform type squall line with length of ∼200 km. The echo top height was more than 12 km in height. Strong inflow cases were observed from both radiosonde and radar.
Scrotal Circumference and Its Relationship with Testicular Growth, Age, and Body Weight in Tho Tho (Bos indicus) Bulls
Authors: Perumal P.
Published: October 2014

The present study was undertaken to assess the relationship between the scrotal circumference and testicular parameters with body weight and age in Tho Tho bulls (Bos indicus), which were maintained at around the villages of National Research Centre on Mithun (ICAR), Jharnapani, Nagaland, India. A total of 32 Tho Tho bulls were selected and divided into four groups according to their age and each group consisted of 8 bulls, namely, Group I: 18–24 months (n=8), Group II: 25–36 months (n=8), Group III: 37–48 months (n=8), and Group IV: 49 months and above (n=8). The scrotal circumference and testicular parameters were measured with caliper and tape and age of animals was calculated with dental formula. The body weight of bulls was estimated with Shaeffer’s formula. Result revealed that the scrotal circumference was highly correlated with testicular parameters and body weight compared to age. Compared to exotic cattle (Bos taurus), Tho Tho bull’s testicular parameters and scrotal circumference were lower. The results of the present study in Tho Tho bulls revealed that scrotal circumference is a useful indicator and is an important selection criterion to determine the testicular development and breeding soundness in young bulls as it is highly correlated with tesicular parameters.
Clinical Applications of Procalcitonin in Pediatrics: An Advanced Biomarker for Inflammation and Infection—Can It Also Be Used in Trauma?
Authors: Koutroulis Ioannis , Loscalzo Steven M. , Kratimenos Panagiotis , Singh Sabina , Weiner Evan , Syriopoulou Vassiliki , Theocharis Stamatios , Chrousos Georgios
Published: October 2014

Background. Procalcitonin is a small molecular peptide that has gained increased support as an adjunct diagnostic marker of infection in the adult population; the concordant body of evidence for the use of procalcitonin in pediatric populations is far less complete. Objectives. Our objective is to review the current evidence supporting the utilization of procalcitonin in children in a variety of clinical scenarios including SIRS, sepsis, burns, and trauma and to identify existing knowledge gaps. Methods. A thorough review of the literature was performed utilizing PubMed. We focused on using meta-analysis from adult populations to review current practices in interpretation and methodology and find concordant pediatric studies to determine if the same applications are validated in pediatric populations. Results. Current evidence supports the usage of procalcitonin as both a sensitive and a specific marker for the differentiation of systemic inflammatory response syndrome from sepsis in pediatrics with increased diagnostic accuracy compared to commonly used biomarkers including complete blood counts and C-reactive protein. Conclusions. Although the body of evidence is limited, initial observations suggest that procalcitonin can be used in pediatric trauma and burn patients as both a prognostic and a diagnostic marker, aiding in the identification of infection in patients with extensive underlying inflammation.
Microplate Agglutination Test for Canine Brucellosis Using Recombinant Antigen-Coated Beads
Authors: Castillo Yussaira , Tachibana Masato , Kimura Yui , Kim Suk , Ichikawa Yasuaki , Endo Yasuyuki , Watanabe Kenta , Shimizu Takashi , Watarai Masahisa
Published: October 2014

Brucella canis, a facultative intracellular pathogen, is the causative agent of canine brucellosis. The diagnosis of canine brucellosis is based on bacteriological examination and serological methods, including agglutination and gel diffusion tests. In this study, four recombinant antigens, heat shock protein 60, rhizopine-binding protein, Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase, and hypothetical protein (Ag 4), were constructed. These antigens were coated on latex beads and their usefulness in the serological diagnosis of canine brucellosis was examined. All recombinant antigens showed specific reaction with sera from B. canis-infected dogs in Western blotting. In a microplate agglutination test, mixing sera from B. canis-infected dogs, but not sera from B. canis-free dogs, with single or multiple antigens-coated latex beads produced clear agglutination. Moreover, the antigen-coated latex beads did not show nonspecific agglutination in hemolyzed serum samples. A survey of canine serum samples conducted by the microplate agglutination test using single antigen-coated latex beads showed that this method would be useful in the serological diagnosis of canine brucellosis. Further investigations using more serum samples are required to confirm the usefulness of our method.
Intestinal Protozoal Parasites in Diarrheal Children and Associated Risk Factors at Yirgalem Hospital, Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Firdu Teshome , Abunna Fufa , Girma Mekonnen
Published: October 2014

Aim. A case-control study was conducted to determine the prevalence of G. lamblia, Cryptosporidium, spp and E. histolytica/dispar in diarrheal children at Yirgalem Hospital from February 2011 to August. Subjects and Methods. A total of 230 children participated in the study of which 115 (50%) were cases and 115 (50%) were controls. A single stool sample was collected and examined by direct saline wet mount, formol-ether concentration, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen. Results. Eighty-four (36.52%) were positive for at least one intestinal parasites (57 (49.56%) from diarrheal children and 27 (23.47%) out of nondiarrheal children). The prevalence of G. lamblia, Cryptosporidium spp, and E. histolytica/dispar was 15.65%, 9.56%, and 4.35% in children with diarrhea and 1.74%, 5.21%, and 1.74% in those without it, respectively. Cryptosporidium spp and E. histolytica/dispar revealed higher infection in males (10.81% and 5.4%, resp.) than in females (7.32% and 2.43%, resp.). G. lamblia infection was higher in females (29.27%) than in males (8.11%). Cryptosporidium spp infection was higher in the age groups of ≤4 years old (53.84%). Significant difference was seen between 10 and 13 (7.69%) years old. Higher prevalence of E. histolytica/dispar was found in 5–9 years (85.71%) than ≤4 years old (14.28%). Conclusion. Cryptosporidium spp, E. histolytica/dispar, and G. lamblia were higher in children with diarrhea than in those without it.
Existence of Multiple Solutions for a Quasilinear Biharmonic Equation
Authors: Pan Wen-Wu , Yu Cheng-En
Published: October 2014

Using three critical points theorems, we prove the existence of at least three solutions for a quasilinear biharmonic equation.
Ethnopharmacological Significance of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Jahan Rownak , Al-Nahain Abdullah , Majumder Snehali , Rahmatullah Mohammed
Published: October 2014

Eclipta alba can be found growing wild in fallow lands of Bangladesh where it is considered as a weed by farmers. Traditional medicinal systems of the Indian subcontinent countries as well as tribal practitioners consider the plant to have diverse medicinal values and use it commonly for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory tract disorders (including asthma), fever, hair loss and graying of hair, liver disorders (including jaundice), skin disorders, spleen enlargement, and cuts and wounds. The plant has several phytoconstituents like wedelolactone, eclalbasaponins, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, luteolin, and apigenin. Pharmacological activities of plant extracts and individual phytoconstituents have revealed anticancer, hepatoprotective, snake venom neutralizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Phytoconstituents like wedelolactone and ursolic and oleanolic acids as well as luteolin and apigenin can form the basis of new drugs against cancer, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, skin diseases, and liver disorders.
Musculoskeletal Strength, Balance Performance, and Self‐Efficacy in Elderly Ving Tsun Chinese Martial Art Practitioners: Implications for Fall Prevention
Authors: Fong Shirley S. M. , Ng Shamay S. M. , Liu Karen P. Y. , Pang Marco Y. C. , Lee H. W. , Chung Joanne W. Y. , Lam Priscillia L. , Guo X.
Published: October 2014

Objectives. To (1) compare the bone strength, lower limb muscular strength, functional balance performance, and balance self‐efficacy between Ving Tsun (VT) martial art practitioners and nonpractitioners and (2) identify the associations between lower limb muscular strength, functional balance performance, and balance self‐efficacy among the VT‐trained participants. Methods. Thirty‐five VT practitioners (mean age ± SD = 62.7 ± 13.3 years) and 49 nonpractitioners (mean age ± SD = 65.9 ± 10.5 years) participated in the study. The bone strength of the distal radius, lower limb muscular strength, functional balance performance, and balance self‐efficacy were assessed using an ultrasound bone sonometer, the five times sit‐to‐stand test (FTSTS), the Berg balance scale (BBS), and the Chinese version of the activities‐specific balance confidence scale, respectively. A multivariate analysis of covariance was performed to compare all the outcome variables between the two groups. Results. Elderly VT practitioners had higher radial bone strength on the dominant side (P < 0.05), greater lower limb muscular strength (P = 0.001), better functional balance performance (P = 0.003), and greater balance confidence (P < 0.001) than the nonpractitioners. Additionally, only the FTSTS time revealed a significant association with the BBS score (r = −0.575,  P = 0.013). Conclusions. VT may be a suitable health‐maintenance exercise for the elderly. Our findings may inspire the development of VT fall‐prevention exercises for the community‐dwelling healthy elderly.
A Single Surgeon’s Experience with Open, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Partial Nephrectomy
Authors: Klaassen Zachary , Kohut Robert M. , Patel Dhruti , Terris Martha K. , Madi Rabii
Published: October 2014

Objective. To report the perioperative outcomes of patients treated with partial nephrectomy by a single surgeon using three surgical modalities—open, laparoscopic, and robotic. Methods. Between August 2006 and February 2012, 106 consecutive patients underwent open partial nephrectomy (OPN) (n=23), laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) (n=48), and robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) (n=35) by a single surgeon. Clinical variables, operative parameters, and renal functional outcomes were analyzed. Results. Preoperative patient characteristics were similar except for baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which was highest in the RPN group (P=0.004). Surgery time was longest in the RPN group (244 minutes) and shortest in the OPN group (163 minutes, P<0.0001). Patients who had OPN had the highest incidence of 30-day complications (30%), while the RPN approach had the lowest (14%, P=0.008). Conclusions. When performed by a single surgeon, robotic partial nephrectomy appears to be associated with fewer complications than both open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Kidney function was not affected by surgical approach.
Ichnocarpus frutescens Ameliorates Experimentally Induced Convulsion in Rats
Authors: Singh Narendra Kumar , Laloo Damiki , Garabadu Debapriya , Singh Tryambak Deo , Singh Virendra Pratap
Published: October 2014

The present study was carried out to evaluate the anticonvulsant activity and probable mechanism of action of the methanol root extract from I. frutescens (MEIF) using different experimental animal models. Anticonvulsant activity of the single dose of MEIF (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated in maximal electroshock- (MES-), pentylenetetrazole- (PTZ-), and isoniazid- (INH-) induced convulsions models in rats. The levels of γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), glutamate, GABA-transaminase (GABA-T) activity and oxidative stress markers were measured in pretreated rat’s brain homogenate to corroborate the mechanism of observed anticonvulsant activity. MEIF (200–400 mg/kg, p.o.) protected the animals in all the behavioral models used. Pretreatment of MEIF (200–400 mg/kg, p.o.) and diazepam (1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) to the animals in INH-induced convulsion model showed 100% and 80% protection, respectively, as well as significant restoration of GABA and glutamate level in the rat’s brain. MEIF and vigabatrin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced the PTZ-induced increase in the activity of GABA-T (46%) in the brain. Further, MEIF reversed the PTZ-induced increase in lipid peroxidase (LPO) and decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. The findings of this study validate the anticonvulsant activity of I. frutescens.
A Low-Dimensional Radial Silhouette-Based Feature for Fast Human Action Recognition Fusing Multiple Views
Authors: Chaaraoui Alexandros Andre , Flórez-Revuelta Francisco
Published: October 2014

This paper presents a novel silhouette-based feature for vision-based human action recognition, which relies on the contour of the silhouette and a radial scheme. Its low-dimensionality and ease of extraction result in an outstanding proficiency for real-time scenarios. This feature is used in a learning algorithm that by means of model fusion of multiple camera streams builds a bag of key poses, which serves as a dictionary of known poses and allows converting the training sequences into sequences of key poses. These are used in order to perform action recognition by means of a sequence matching algorithm. Experimentation on three different datasets returns high and stable recognition rates. To the best of our knowledge, this paper presents the highest results so far on the MuHAVi-MAS dataset. Real-time suitability is given, since the method easily performs above video frequency. Therefore, the related requirements that applications as ambient-assisted living services impose are successfully fulfilled.
Influence of Sulfur Induced Stress on Oxidative Status and Antioxidative Machinery in Leaves ofAllium cepaL.
Authors: Chandra Neelam , Pandey Nalini
Published: October 2014

A pot culture experiment was carried out to assess the effect of sulfur stress on growth, oxidative status, and antioxidative metabolism. Onion plants were treated with three different levels of sulfur, namely, 1.0, 4.0, and 8.0 mM S L−1. Plants raised with 4.0 mM S L−1represent sufficient growth for the best vegetative yield. Plants supplied with 1.0 and 8.0 mM S L−1showed retarded growth, chlorosis, and reduction in biomass and photoassimilatory pigments. Tissue sulfur concentration and cysteine were increased with increasing sulfur supply. Carbohydrates (sugars and starch) were accumulated in sulfur stressed plants. Hydrogen peroxide levels were increased in sulfur stressed plants. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels were also increased which was an indicator of lipid peroxidation. Enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) and nonenzymatic (asorbate) antioxidative components were enhanced in sulfur stressed plants. Glutathione was increased with increasing sulfur supply. The present study showed that the adverse effects of inadequate sulfur supply result in irregular metabolic activities and antioxidant machinery.
Hand Hygiene Practices in Medical Students: A Follow-Up Study
Authors: Salati Sajad Ahmad , Al Kadi Azzam
Published: October 2014

Objective. The study was conducted to study the impact of various measures instituted to improve hand hygiene practices of the medical students after having documented poor hand hygiene awareness and compliance in a study conducted in 2012. Methods. A self-designed questionnaire based on World Health Organization’s concept of “Five Moments for Hand Hygiene” was used to evaluate the awareness of the indications of hand hygiene. Compliance was observed during Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) sessions. Fifty-one students participated voluntarily in the study. Results. The awareness and compliance of hand hygiene among the medical students in 2014 had shown statistically significant improvement (P<0.005) as compared to figures of the study conducted in 2012. Conclusion. Dedicated multifaceted intervention can improve the hand hygiene practices in medical students.
Advances in Instrumental Analysis of Brominated Flame Retardants: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Abou-Elwafa Abdallah Mohamed
Published: October 2014

This review aims to highlight the recent advances and methodological improvements in instrumental techniques applied for the analysis of different brominated flame retardants (BFRs). The literature search strategy was based on the recent analytical reviews published on BFRs. The main selection criteria involved the successful development and application of analytical methods for determination of the target compounds in various environmental matrices. Different factors affecting chromatographic separation and mass spectrometric detection of brominated analytes were evaluated and discussed. Techniques using advanced instrumentation to achieve outstanding results in quantification of different BFRs and their metabolites/degradation products were highlighted. Finally, research gaps in the field of BFR analysis were identified and recommendations for future research were proposed.
Sublingual Delivery of Frovatriptan: An Indication of Potential Alternative Route
Authors: Verma Hitesh , Verma Surajpal , Prasad Shyam Baboo , Singh Harmanpreet
Published: October 2014

Frovatriptan, a 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor agonist, is used for the treatment of acute migraine attack. This molecule is classified into second line therapy because of its slow onset of action (peak response obtained after 4 hours of administration) and low bioavailability (25%). Moreover, its therapy is the most costly among all triptans. Attempt has been made in present work to suggest a way out to fasten its onset of action and to enhance its bioavailability. Prepared tablets were evaluated by physicochemical tests, in vitro permeation studies, ex vivo permeation studies, and histopathological studies. Suitable mathematical calculations were performed to calculate the minimum amount of bioavailability that could be enhanced. Tablets containing chitosan (5% w/w) were found to give optimum results. Prepared tablets can double the bioavailability of frovatriptan and can initiate its response within 10 minutes of its administration. Suggestive alternative has the potential to increase the efficacy of frovatriptan for treating acute migraine attack.
Ionic Liquids: Synthesis and Applications in Catalysis
Authors: Ratti Rajni
Published: October 2014

Ionic liquids have emerged as an environmentally friendly alternative to the volatile organic solvents. Being designer solvents, they can be modulated to suit the reaction conditions, therefore earning the name “task specific ionic liquids.” Though primarily used as solvents, they are now finding applications in various fields like catalysis, electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and material science to mention a few. The present review is aimed at exploring the applications of ionic liquids in catalysis as acid, base, and organocatalysts and as soluble supports for catalysts.
Convergence of Gossip Algorithms for Consensus in Wireless Sensor Networks with Intermittent Links and Mobile Nodes
Authors: Wu Shaochuan , Zhang Jiayan , Hou Yuguan , Bai Xu
Published: October 2014

We study the convergence of pairwise gossip algorithms
and broadcast gossip algorithms for consensus with
intermittent links and mobile nodes. By nonnegative matrix
theory and ergodicity coefficient theory, we prove gossip algorithms
surely converge as long as the graph is partitionally
weakly connected which, in comparison with existing analysis, is
the weakest condition and can be satisfied for most networks.
In addition we characterize the supremum for the mean squared
error of convergence as a function associated with the initial states
and the number of nodes. Furthermore, on the condition that the
graph is partitionally strongly connected, the rate of convergence
is proved to be exponential and governed by the second largest
eigenvalue of expected coefficient matrix. For partitionally strongly
connected digraphs, simulation results illustrate that gossip
algorithms actually converge, and broadcast gossip algorithms
can converge faster than pairwise gossip algorithms at the cost
of larger error of convergence.
Stability-Indicating HPLC Method for the Simultaneous Determination of HIV Tablet Containing Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate, and Rilpivirine Hydrochloride in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms
Authors: Venkatesan S. , Kannappan N. , Mannemala Sai Sandeep
Published: October 2014

A simple, accurate, rapid, and stability-indicating RP-HPLC method for a combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, emtricitabine, and rilpivirine has been developed and subsequently validated in commercial tablets. The proposed HPLC method utilizes Phenomenex Gemini C18 column (150 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm) and mobile phase consisting of MeCN, potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (20 mM, pH 3.3), and triethylamine 58.72 : 41.23 : 0.05 (v/v) at a flow rate of 1.7 mL/min. Quantitation was achieved with UV detection at 270 nm. The method was validated in terms of accuracy, precision, linearity, limits of detection, limits of quantitation, and robustness. This optimized method has been successively applied to pharmaceutical formulation and no interference from the tablet excipients was found. TDF, EMT, and RPV and their combination drug product were subjected to acid, base, neutral hydrolysis, oxidation, dry heat, and photolytic stress conditions and the stressed samples were analyzed by the proposed method. As the proposed LC method could effectively separate the drugs from its degradation products, it can be employed as stability-indicating method for the determination of instability of these drugs in bulk and commercial tablets.
Benzoyl Peroxide Oxidation Route to the Synthesis of Solvent Soluble Polycarbazole
Authors: Boddula Rajender , Srinivasan Palaniappan
Published: October 2014

Carbazole was oxidized by benzoyl peroxide in presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid to polycarbazole salt at room temperature for the first time. Polycarbazole salts were synthesized via solution and emulsion polymerization pathways. Polycarbazole bases were prepared by dedoping from polycarbazole salts. Formation of polycarbazoles was confirmed from infrared, electronic absorption and EDAX spectra. Polycarbazole salt was obtained in amorphous nature in semiconductor range (10−5 S/cm), which was found to be soluble in less and high polar solvents. Polycarbazole salt prepared by emulsion polymerization pathway showed mixture of shapes with microrod, sphere, and pores, whereas its corresponding base showed only micropores structure. On the other hand, polycarbazole salt and its corresponding base prepared by solution polymerization pathway showed flake-like morphology. Higher thermal stability was obtained for polycarbazole salt prepared by emulsion polymerization pathway than that of the salt prepared by solution polymerization pathway.
Lymphocyte Invasion in IC10/Basal-Like Breast Tumors Is Associated with Wild-Type TP53
Authors: Quigley David , Silwal-Pandit Laxmi , Dannenfelser Ruth , Langerød Anita , Vollan Hans Kristian Moen , Vaske Charles , Siegel Josie Ursini , Troyanskaya Olga , Chin Suet-Feung , Caldas Carlos , Balmain Allan , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Kristensen Vessela
Published: October 2014

Lymphocytic infiltration is associated with better prognosis in several epithelial malignancies including breast cancer. The tumor suppressor TP53 is mutated in approximately 30% of breast adenocarcinomas, with varying frequency across molecular subtypes. In this study of 1,420 breast tumors, we tested for interaction between TP53 mutation status and tumor subtype determined by PAM50 and integrative cluster analysis. In integrative cluster 10 (IC10)/basal-like breast cancer, we identify an association between lymphocytic infiltration, determined by an expression score, and retention of wild-type TP53. The expression-derived score agreed with the degree of lymphocytic infiltration assessed by pathologic review, and application of the Nanodissect algorithm was suggestive of this infiltration being primarily of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Elevated expression of this CTL signature was associated with longer survival in IC10/Basal-like tumors. These findings identify a new link between the TP53 pathway and the adaptive immune response in estrogen receptor (ER)–negative breast tumors, suggesting a connection between TP53 inactivation and failure of tumor immunosurveillance.

Implications: The association of lymphocytic invasion of ER-negative breast tumors with the retention of wild-type TP53 implies a novel protective connection between TP53 function and tumor immunosurveillance. Mol Cancer Res; 13(3); 493–501. ©2014 AACR.
Sensitizing B- and T- cell Lymphoma Cells to Paclitaxel/Abraxane–Induced Death by AS101 via Inhibition of the VLA-4–IL10–Survivin Axis
Authors: Danoch Hila , Kalechman Yona , Albeck Michael , Longo Dan L. , Sredni Benjamin
Published: October 2014

Cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy is a major concern in clinical oncology, resulting in increased tumor growth and decreased patient survival. Manipulation of apoptosis has emerged as a new therapeutic strategy to eliminate cancer cells. The focus of this study resides within a novel approach to target survivin, an integrator of both cell death and mitosis. This protein plays a pivotal role in the resistance of tumors to chemotherapy, especially to paclitaxel. The data herein demonstrate an indirect repression of survivin in both B- and T-cell lymphoma and human NHL by the nontoxic tellurium compound, AS101 [ammonium trichloro(dioxoethylene-o,o′)tellurate], via inhibition of tumor autocrine IL10–STAT3–Survivin signaling. As a result of survivin abrogation, sensitization of lymphomas to paclitaxel or to Abraxane, the new albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation of paclitaxel, occurs both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, inhibition of lymphoma cell IL10 secretion is mediated by inactivation of the VLA-4 integrin, recently shown to be an important target of AS101. This activity is followed by inhibition of the PI3K–AKT axis that mediates IL10 suppression. Because a wide variety of lymphomas and other tumor types express VLA-4 and secrete IL10 in an autocrine manner, inhibition of survivin with a small nontoxic agent has vast clinical significance in modulating chemosensitivity in many tumor types.

Implications: Combination therapy with AS101 and paclitaxel has novel therapeutic potential targeting deregulated active pathways in lymphoma, overcoming endogenous resistance to apoptosis. Mol Cancer Res; 13(3); 411–22. ©2014 AACR.
Too Difficult to Stop: Mechanisms Facilitating Relapse in Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Garbusow Maria , Sebold Miriam , Beck Anne , Heinz Andreas
Published: October 2014

Background: In alcohol and other substance dependencies, patients often suffer relapse despite better knowledge and their intention to remain abstinent. A variety of neurotransmitter systems and their respective alterations due to the chronic drug intake are involved in mechanisms that facilitate relapse. It has been postulated that these neurotransmitter systems are related to changes in motivational and learning mechanisms, and engender a shift from goal-directed to habitual behavior in dependent patients that facilitates drug-seeking behavior. Methods: We review learning mechanisms facilitating relapse, as identified and tested to date. We focus on studies examining the interaction between alcohol-related changes in monoaminergic neurotransmission and their respective effects on pavlovian and operant learning mechanisms in alcohol dependence. Results: Animal experiments and first human studies suggest that chronic alcohol intake impairs goal-directed behavior and facilitates habitual drug intake. Key symptoms of alcohol dependence such as tolerance development, withdrawal, craving and reduced control of alcohol intake can be explained by alcohol-induced alteration of dopaminergic neurotransmission and its GABAergic and glutamatergic modulation and their respective effects on pavlovian and operant conditioning as well as pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer. Conclusion: Chronic alcohol intake impairs neurotransmitter systems that regulate prefrontal-striatal circuits and interfere with goal-directed decision-making and the acquisition of new, non-drug-related behavior patterns. Alcohol craving induced by pavlovian conditioned cues can facilitate habitual drug intake. Such learning mechanisms and their alterations by chronic alcohol intake might be targeted by specific interventions.
Effects of a Rivastigmine Patch on Self-Care Activities in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease plus Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Kim Yong Kyun , Lim Kil-Byung , Lee Sang Chul , Park Jin-Woo , Lee Hong-Jae , Kwon Bum Sun , Lee Ho Jun
Published: October 2014

Background/Aims: In dementia patients, a deficit in activities of daily living (ADL) is one of the main problems. Our objective was to assess ADL using the Korean Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) plus cerebrovascular disease (CVD) treated with a rivastigmine patch for 24 weeks in an open-label, observational study. Methods: 29 patients were enrolled who met the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association (NINCDS/ ANDRA) criteria and had a score of 10-26 on the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE). After the rivastigmine patch had been applied for 24 weeks, changes in self-care activities were assessed using the K-MBI. Results: The average age of the patients was 62.8 years, and they had an average K-MMSE score of 16.2. Patients showed a mean improvement of 21.9 points, as compared with the baseline K-MBI score of 30.3 (p < 0.05). Significantly better outcomes were seen in secondary outcome variables, for example the K-MMSE and backward digit span. The most frequent adverse events were skin problems, such as itching sensation (10%). Conclusion: In this multicenter, open-label, observational study, the rivastigmine patch was associated with improvements in ADL in patients with AD plus CVD.
Surgical Treatment of MRI-Negative Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Based on PET: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Feng Rui , Hu Jie , Pan Li , Shi Jiali , Qiu Chun , Lang Liqin , Gu Xin , Guo Jun
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Using retrospective and comparative methods, we aim to discuss the surgical treatment of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-negative temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) presented with positive positron emission tomography (PET) results. Methods: From the viewpoint of semiology, demography, surgical treatment and prognosis evaluation, we compared 19 MRI-negative, PET-positive TLE patients to 41 TLE with hippocampal sclerosis patients, and then statistically analyzed the differences between these 2 cohorts. Results: Under intraoperative electrocorticography monitoring, all patients underwent successful standard anterior temporal lobectomy. It appears that there is no significant difference between the surgical outcome of MRI-negative/PET-positive TLE (Engle class I: 68.4%, Engle class I + II: 84.2%) and TLE with hippocampal sclerosis (Engle class I: 68.3%, Engle class I + II: 80.5%). The analysis also shows that to some extent MRI-negative, PET-positive TLE might be distinct from TLE with hippocampal sclerosis as a clinical entity, i.e. the former is not a subtype of the latter. History of febrile convulsion and occurrence of secondary generalized tonic-clonic seizure may possibly differentiate them from each other. Conclusion: Successful resective surgery of MRI-negative TLE based on PET can yield similar favorable results to TLE with hippocampal sclerosis. This study demonstrates that with reasonable presurgical workup, such TLE subtypes can be surgically treated without invasive intracranial electrode implantation.
Laser Ablation as Treatment Strategy for Medically Refractory Dominant Insular Epilepsy: Therapeutic and Functional Considerations
Authors: Hawasli Ammar H. , Bandt S. Kathleen , Hogan R. Edward , Werner Nicole , Leuthardt Eric C.
Published: October 2014

Since its introduction to neurosurgery in 2008, laser ablative techniques have been largely confined to the management of unresectable tumors. Application of this technology for the management of focal epilepsy in the adult population has not been fully explored. Given that nearly 1,000,000 Americans live with medically refractory epilepsy and current surgical techniques only address a fraction of epileptic pathologies, additional therapeutic options are needed. We report the successful treatment of dominant insular epilepsy in a 53-year-old male with minimally invasive laser ablation complicated by mild verbal and memory deficits. We also report neuropsychological test data on this patient before surgery and at 8 months after the ablation procedure. This account represents the first reported successful patient outcome of laser ablation as an effective treatment option for medically refractory post-stroke epilepsy in an adult.
Comparing the Ambulatory Care and Outcomes for Rural and Urban Patients With Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Tran Christopher , Wijeysundera Harindra C. , Qui Feng , Tu Jack V. , Bhatia R. Sacha
Published: October 2014

Background—

Little is known about variations in the quality of ambulatory care between urban and rural communities for patients with stable ischemic heart disease. The objectives of this study were to understand the effect of rurality on variations of ambulatory processes of care and outcomes for patients with stable ischemic heart disease.

Methods and Results—

A population-based cohort study was conducted, which included all Ontario patients with stable ischemic heart disease confirmed on cardiac catheterization between October 1, 2008, and September 30, 2011. Patients were categorized as rural or urban based on the Rurality Index for Ontario score. Ambulatory processes of care of interest were diagnostic testing, medication usage, and access to general/speciality physicians over a 1-year time-horizon. Primary outcome was 1-year mortality. Secondary outcomes included 1-year myocardial infarction, repeat cardiac/all-cause hospitalization, and emergency department visits. The cohort consisted of 38 804 patients, of whom 34 949 (90%) were urban and 3855 (10%) were rural patients. After risk-adjustment, rural patients had lower rates of cholesterol assessment (odds ratios 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38–0.44;
P
<0.001), hemoglobin A1C assessment (odds ratios 0.41; 95% CI, 0.38–0.44;
P
<0.001), and statin use (odds ratios 0.67; 95% CI, 0.57–0.79;
P
<0.001) compared with urban patients. Rural patients had fewer total ambulatory physician visits (rate ratio 0.76; 95% CI, 0.75–0.78;
P
<0.001)), primary care (0.76; 95% CI, 0.74–0.78;
P
<0.001), and cardiology visits (0.71; 95% CI, 0.68–0.74;
P
<0.001) over 1 year. Emergency department utilization was higher among rural patients (odds ratios 1.82; 95% CI, 1.70–1.96;
P
<0.001), but myocardial infarction, hospitalization, and mortality rates were similar.

Conclusions—

Despite variation in ambulatory processes of care between urban and rural patients with stable ischemic heart disease, there were no outcome differences.