(R1464) Stability of the Artificial Equilibrium Points in the Low-Thrust Restricted Three-Body Problem with Variable Mass

In this article, we have investigated the existence and stability of the artificial equilibrium points (AEPs) in the low-thrust restricted three-body problem with variable mass. In this model of the low-thrust restricted three-body problem, we have considered both the primaries as point masses. The mass of the spacecraft varies with time according to Jeans’ law (1928). We have introduced a new concept for creating the AEPs in the restricted three-body problem with variable mass using continuous constant acceleration. We have derived the equations of motion of the spacecraft after using the space-time transformations of Meshcherskii. The AEPs have been created by cancelling the gravitational and centrifugal forces with the constant continuous low-thrust at the non-equilibrium points. The positions of these AEPs will depend not only on magnitude but also on the constant directions of the low-thrust acceleration. We have analyzed the linear stability of the AEPs and found that all the AEPs are unstable. Finally, we have drawn the zero velocity curves (ZVCs) to determine the possible regions of motion in which the spacecraft is free to move

CREDIT POINTS EXCHANGE

The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for establishing a credit exchange platform that allows users to effectively utilize the unused credit points. In an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses aggregating the credit points accumulated on multiple credit cards using the credit exchange platform. Further, the disclosure suggests allowing the users to redeem the aggregated credit points or sell them to a different user, resulting in effective and best use of the credit points

In vitro release behavior of paclitaxel and carboplatin from poly(l-lactide) microspheres dispersed in thermosensitive biodegradable gel for combination therapy

The objective of the current work was to design an injectable, sustained release formulation of a combination of anticancer drugs, carboplatin and paclitaxel, for localized delivery. In this combination formulation, carboplatin was encapsulated into poly(L-lactide) (PLA) microspheres and paclitaxel was dissolved in thermosensitive biodegradable gel of PLGA-PEG-PLGA (poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide- polyethylene glycol- poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide)); no external solvent like cremophorEL was used in the formulation, further, these carboplatin microspheres were dispersed in the gel containing paclitaxel to achieve a single delivery system. The combined formulation was assessed for various parameters for sustained release of both the drugs. Release profiles of carboplatin from PLA microspheres; paclitaxel from hydrogel alone and in combination with carboplatin and carboplatin microspheres dispersed in paclitaxel loaded gel were studied. In vitro release of both the drugs from PLGA-PEG-PLGA hydrogel showed that carboplatin was released with 40-50% burst release and paclitaxel was released in biphasic manner for 50-60 days. Initial burst of carboplatin was controlled by incorporating it in PLA microspheres which were then dispersed in paclitaxel loaded hydrogel and the new formulation did not exhibit any burst release of the drug. Release pattern of combination formulations revealed that the two drugs were co-eluting from a single delivery system and the rate of release of each of the individual drugs was significantly affected.Thus, a novel injectable combination formulation for sustained and simultaneous delivery of carboplatin and paclitaxel was developed which provided sustained release of each of the drugs and could be further explored in tumor models.Keywords: Thermosensitive hydrogels, Microspheres, controlled release, combination chemotherapy

Cystic tuberculosis of the scapula in a young boy: a case report and review of the literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Tuberculosis of the flat bones is rare and only a small percentage involves the scapular bone.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report a rare case of tuberculosis of the scapula in a 14-year-old. Diagnostic clues include lytic areas with low density seen in the body of the scapula involving a glenoid margin associated with typical clinical features. Treatment should include a regimen of four antitubercular drugs along with surgical debridement if required.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Although rare, tuberculosis should be suspected in patients presenting with a chronic sinus in the scapular region, particularly in the developing world.</p

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Persicaria maculosa aqueous extract against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

The consolidated hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant activity of Persicaria maculosa Gray were assessed against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) instigated hepatic harm in Wistar albino rats. Aqueous extract of P. maculosa at a dosage of 400 mg kg-1. Every 14 days, a portion of one's body weight was administered orally. The generously raised serum marker catalysts for example, ALT, ALP, AST, total bilirubin and the cell reinforcement proteins, for instance, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase were discovered as a result of CCl4 treatment. Following administration of plant extract, the levels of the previously mentioned enzymes were brought close to approaching regularity. At a dose of 100 mg/kg, silymarin was used as a standard reference drug in the study. The results of this study demonstrated unequivocally that Persicaria maculosa has a potent hepatoprotective effect in rats against CCl4-induced hepatic damage. Histopathological changes were also seen in livers of animals that received drugs. Simultaneous organization of silymarin altogether diminished the medications-induced biochemical and histological changes toward normalcy.

A novel Plasmodium falciparum rhoptry associated adhesin mediates erythrocyte invasion through the sialic-acid dependent pathway

Erythrocyte invasion by Plasmodium falciparum merozoites is central to blood-stage infection and malaria pathogenesis. This intricate process is coordinated by multiple parasite adhesins that bind erythrocyte receptors and mediate invasion through several alternate pathways. P. falciparum expresses 2700 genes during the blood-stages, of which the identity and function of many remains unknown. Here, we have identified and characterized a novel P. falciparum rhoptry associated adhesin (PfRA) that mediates erythrocyte invasion through the sialic-acid dependent pathway. PfRA appears to play a significant functional role as it is conserved across different Plasmodium species. It is localized in the rhoptries and further translocated to the merozoite surface. Both native and recombinant PfRA specifically bound erythrocytes in a sialic-acid dependent, chymotrypsin and trypsin resistant manner, which was abrogated by PfRA antibodies confirming a role in erythrocyte invasion. PfRA antibodies inhibited erythrocyte invasion and in combination with antibodies against other parasite ligands produced an additive inhibitory effect, thus validating its important role in erythrocyte invasion. We have thus identified a novel P. falciparum adhesin that binds with a sialic acid containing erythrocyte receptor. Our observations substantiate the strategy to block P. falciparum erythrocyte invasion by simultaneously targeting multiple conserved merozoite antigens involved in alternate invasion pathways

Successfully treated synchronous double malignancy of the breast and esophagus: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>The incidence of multiple primary cancers is reported to be between 0.3% and 4.3%. The second primary lesion is identified either simultaneously with the primary lesion (synchronous) or after a period of time (metachronous). Few cases of metastasis of breast carcinoma to the esophagus and vice versa have been reported in the past.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report an extremely rare case of a 55-year-old Indian woman who had carcinomas in both the esophagus and the breast simultaneously. She was treated successfully using combined modalities of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Cases of synchronous double malignancies can be treated by dealing with the malignancy in the two sites as independent carcinomas. We have to take into consideration the total dose of radiation to a critical organ as well as the effect of the total dose of toxic chemotherapeutic drugs on our patient.</p

Tuberculous extensor tenosynovitis of the wrist with extensor pollicis longus rupture: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>The tendon sheaths constitute an uncommon target of extra-articular tuberculosis.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present a rare case of tuberculous tenosynovitis of the wrist involving the extensor tendon with rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon in a 55-year-old Indian man.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Prompt surgical debridement and tissue diagnosis are essential for the diagnosis and treatment of this type of infection. With an accurate and timely diagnosis, appropriate surgery and antituberculous treatment may eradicate these infections and prevent complications.</p

Optimasi Portofolio Resiko Menggunakan Model Markowitz MVO Dikaitkan dengan Keterbatasan Manusia dalam Memprediksi Masa Depan dalam Perspektif Al-Qur`an

Risk portfolio on modern finance has become increasingly technical, requiring the use of sophisticated mathematical tools in both research and practice. Since companies cannot insure themselves completely against risk, as human incompetence in predicting the future precisely that written in Al-Quran surah Luqman verse 34, they have to manage it to yield an optimal portfolio. The objective here is to minimize the variance among all portfolios, or alternatively, to maximize expected return among all portfolios that has at least a certain expected return. Furthermore, this study focuses on optimizing risk portfolio so called Markowitz MVO (Mean-Variance Optimization). Some theoretical frameworks for analysis are arithmetic mean, geometric mean, variance, covariance, linear programming, and quadratic programming. Moreover, finding a minimum variance portfolio produces a convex quadratic programming, that is minimizing the objective function ðð¥with constraintsð ð 𥠥 ðandð´ð¥ = ð. The outcome of this research is the solution of optimal risk portofolio in some investments that could be finished smoothly using MATLAB R2007b software together with its graphic analysis

Search for heavy resonances decaying to two Higgs bosons in final states containing four b quarks

A search is presented for narrow heavy resonances X decaying into pairs of Higgs bosons (H) in proton-proton collisions collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC at root s = 8 TeV. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb(-1). The search considers HH resonances with masses between 1 and 3 TeV, having final states of two b quark pairs. Each Higgs boson is produced with large momentum, and the hadronization products of the pair of b quarks can usually be reconstructed as single large jets. The background from multijet and t (t) over bar events is significantly reduced by applying requirements related to the flavor of the jet, its mass, and its substructure. The signal would be identified as a peak on top of the dijet invariant mass spectrum of the remaining background events. No evidence is observed for such a signal. Upper limits obtained at 95 confidence level for the product of the production cross section and branching fraction sigma(gg -> X) B(X -> HH -> b (b) over barb (b) over bar) range from 10 to 1.5 fb for the mass of X from 1.15 to 2.0 TeV, significantly extending previous searches. For a warped extra dimension theory with amass scale Lambda(R) = 1 TeV, the data exclude radion scalar masses between 1.15 and 1.55 TeV