Human-mobility-based sensor context-aware routing protocol for delay-tolerant data gathering in multi-sink cell-phone-based sensor networks

Ubiquitous use of cell phones encourages development of novel applications with sensors embedded in cell phones. The collection of information generated by these devices is a challenging task considering volatile topologies and energy-based scarce resources. Further, the data delivery to the sink is delay tolerant. Mobility of cell phones is opportunistically exploited for forwarding sensor generated data towards the sink. Human mobility model shows truncated power law distribution of flight length, pause time, and intercontact time. The power law behavior of inter-contact time often discourages routing of data using naive forwarding schemes. This work exploits the flight length and the pause time distributions of human mobility to design a better and efficient routing strategy. We propose a Human-Mobility-based Sensor Context-Aware Routing protocol (HMSCAR), which exploits human mobility patterns to smartly forward data towards the sink basically comprised of wi-fi hot spots or cellular base stations. The simulation results show that HMSCAR significantly outperforms the SCAR, SFR, and GRAD-MOB on the aspects of delivery ratio and time delay. A multi-sink scenario and single-copy replication scheme is assumed

Hierarchical fusion using vector quantization for visualization of hyperspectral images

Visualization of hyperspectral images that combines the data from multiple sensors is a major challenge due to huge data set. An efficient image fusion could be a primary key step for this task. To make the approach computationally efficient and to accommodate a large number of image bands, we propose a hierarchical fusion based on vector quantization and bilateral filtering. The consecutive image bands in the hyperspectral data cube exhibit a high degree of feature similarity among them due to the contiguous and narrow nature of the hyperspectral sensors. Exploiting this redundancy in the data, we fuse neighboring images at every level of hierarchy. As at the first level, the redundancy between the images is very high we use a powerful compression tool, vector quantization, to fuse each group. From second level onwards, each group is fused using bilateral filtering. While vector quantization removes redundancy, bilateral filter retains even the minor details that exist in individual image. The hierarchical fusion scheme helps in accommodating a large number of hyperspectral image bands. It also facilitates the midband visualization of a subset of the hyperspectral image cube. Quantitative performance analysis shows the effectiveness of the proposed method

Roles of the Sarcoplasmic/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, Plasma Membrane Ca2+-ATPase and Na+/Ca2+ Exchanger in Regulation of Heart Rate in Larval Drosophila

We investigated the roles of three regulatory proteins that impact [Ca2+]i within cardiac myocytes of Drosophila melanogaster. The NCX (Na+/Ca2+ exchanger), PMCA (plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase) and SERCA (sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase) were compromised by ionic, pharmacological, mutationalmanipulation, and with a combination of approaches, while heart rate (HR) was monitored. A decrease in SERCA function reduced HR more for intact larva in comparison to a dissected larva. Dissected preparations were used to expose the heart directly to agents. A compromised PMCA also reduced HR; however, attenuated NCX function by low [Na+]○ increased HR. KBR7943, a blocker of Ca2+ entry via NCX, exposure increased HR. A combined loss of function in all three channels did not show a significant change in HR. The results indicate that NCX and PMCA are important in regulating HR, whereas SERCA does not have as pronounced role for dissected preparations. However, with intact preparations the loss of SERCA function by a mutation does have a significant impact on HR. Pharmacological approaches to alter PMCA and SERCA paralleled the results obtained by ionic and mutational approaches. To further understand the pacemaker activity, intracellular recordings were obtained. Mapping of action-potentials in myocytes revealed that the caudal region of the heart has large amplitude potentials and is likely to contain the pacemaker cells. The Drosophila heart can serve as a genetic model in understanding regulation of ionic currents for pacing cells of various types

12-(4-Methoxy­phen­yl)-10-phenyl-3,4,5,6,8,10-hexa­azatricyclo­[7.3.0.02,6]dodeca-1(9),2,4,7,11-penta­ene

In the title compound, C19H14N6O, the fused 12-membered tetra­zolo/pyrimidine/pyrrole ring system is almost planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.013 Å). The 4-methoxy­phenyl and phenyl substituents on the pyrrole ring are both twisted with respect to the fused-ring system [dihedral angles = 25.39 (18) and 36.42 (18)°, respectively]. Intra­molecular C—H⋯N inter­actions occur. In the crystal, mol­ecules pack into layers in the ac plane and these are connected along the b axis via C—H⋯π and π–π [centroid–centroid separation = 3.608 (3) Å] inter­actions

Counterfeit drugs in India: significance and impact on pharmacovigilance

Counterfeit drugs have emerged as a major global problem. This issue has been brought to the centre of the Indian media due to the death of 15 women attending a sterilization camp in Chhattisgarh. India’s pharmaceutical industry exports drugs worth 15 billion dollars, which means a high prevalence of counterfeiting in India’s drug industry has global repercussions. However, accurate figures on the extent of counterfeit drugs in India are not available. The scientific literature as well as media reports often quotes figures of 10-35%, though studies done by the Indian Government dispute this. Counterfeit drug numbers have been known to be under represented by Governments due to fear of undermining their economy and health systems. On the other hand, rival companies in other countries may have an incentive to over hype India’s counterfeit problem to dent India’s growing status as the leading global supplier of generic medicines. Lack of clear definitions and differences between laws of countries further complicate reporting. A high prevalence of counterfeit drugs has a large impact on both health and economic indicators. Additionally, counterfeit drugs provide significant challenges to Pharmacovigilance programmes. Hence, here we discuss the significance of use of counterfeit drugs in India and challenges faced by Pharmacovigilance due to the extensive use of counterfeit drugs

Synthesis and biological activity of substituted benzo[b]thiophenes, benzothieno[2, 3-d] pyridines, benzothieno [2,3-d]pyrimidines and benzothieno [2, 3-d] pyrazoles

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Knowledge, attitude and practice among consumers about adverse drug reaction reporting

Background: Background: Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting by consumers is quite low in India. Assessing knowledge and attitude of consumers regarding ADR reporting and observing practice of ADR reporting among them can help explore probable causes for underreporting of ADRs by consumers.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital using investigator-administered questionnaire and interviewing indoor patients of Surgery, Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Dermatology departments. The questionnaire was prepared to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of consumers about ADR reporting. Data was analysed using mean, standard deviation and percentages.Result: A total of 820 consumers of medicines were included. It was found that 32.2% consumers were not aware that a drug can produce adverse effects. After being explained about adverse drug reactions, 94.6% consumers felt that adverse drug reactions should be reported. However, 98.8% consumers were not aware of Pharmacovigilance Programme of India. After consulting about consumer reporting programme, majority of respondents (96.1%) felt that the direct consumer reporting programme helps reporting of ADRs. Moreover, 93.7% of consumers were willing to use it to report ADRs in future. Consumers preferred the Telephonic method with a Toll free number for ADR reporting followed by informing a health care professional.Conclusion: Poor knowledge and awareness about ADR reporting is the major factor for low to nearly absent ADR reporting by consumers in India

Salmonella Degrades the Host Glycocalyx Leading to Altered Infection and Glycan Remodeling.

Complex glycans cover the gut epithelial surface to protect the cell from the environment. Invasive pathogens must breach the glycan layer before initiating infection. While glycan degradation is crucial for infection, this process is inadequately understood. Salmonella contains 47 glycosyl hydrolases (GHs) that may degrade the glycan. We hypothesized that keystone genes from the entire GH complement of Salmonella are required to degrade glycans to change infection. This study determined that GHs recognize the terminal monosaccharides (N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), galactose, mannose, and fucose) and significantly (p < 0.05) alter infection. During infection, Salmonella used its two GHs sialidase nanH and amylase malS for internalization by targeting different glycan structures. The host glycans were altered during Salmonella association via the induction of N-glycan biosynthesis pathways leading to modification of host glycans by increasing fucosylation and mannose content, while decreasing sialylation. Gene expression analysis indicated that the host cell responded by regulating more than 50 genes resulting in remodeled glycans in response to Salmonella treatment. This study established the glycan structures on colonic epithelial cells, determined that Salmonella required two keystone GHs for internalization, and left remodeled host glycans as a result of infection. These data indicate that microbial GHs are undiscovered virulence factors

Heterocyclic compounds. Part XVIII. Condensation of cyclic-β-ketonic esters with methyl-β-resorcylate and resacetophenone in presence of anhydrous aluminium chloride

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