Identification of generator criticality and transient instability by supervising real-time rotor angle trajectories employing RBFNN.

Identification of transient stability state in real-time and maintaining stability through preventive control technology are challenging tasks for a large power system while integrating deregulation constraints. Widely employment of the phasor measurement units (PMUs) in a power system and development of wide area management systems (WAMS) give relaxation to monitoring, measurement and control hurdles. This paper focuses on two research objectives; the first is transient stability assessment (TSA) and second is selection of the appropriate member for the control operation in unstable operating scenario. A model based on the artificial machine learning and PMU data is constructed for achieving both the objectives. This model works through prompt TSA status with radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) and validates it with PMU data to determine the criticality level of the generators. To reduce the complexity of the model a transient stability index (TSI) is proposed in this paper. A RBFNN is used to determine the transient stability aspects like stability status of system, coherent group and criticality rank of generator and preventive control action, following a large perturbation. PMUs measure post-fault rotor angle values and these are used as input for training RBFNN. The proposed approach is demonstrated on the IEEE 10-generator 39-bus, 16-generator 68-bus and 50-generator 145-bus test power systems successfully and the effectiveness of the approaches is discussed.

Insights into the nanoscale lateral and vertical phase separation in organic bulk heterojunctions via scanning probe microscopy.

Solution processed polymer (donor) and fullerene (acceptor) bulk heterojunctions are widely used as the photo active layer in organic solar cells. Intimate mixing of these two materials is essential for efficient charge separation and transport. Identifying relative positions of acceptor and donor rich regions in the bulk heterojunction with nanometer scale precision is crucial in understanding intricate details of operation. In this work, a combination of Ar(+)2000 gas cluster ion beam and scanning probe microscopy is used to examine the lateral and vertical phase separation within regio-regular poly(3-hexylthiophene)(P3HT):phenyl-C60-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) bulk heterojunction. While the Ar(+)2000 gas cluster ion beam is used as a sputter tool to expose the underneath layers, scanning probe microscopy techniques are used to obtain two-dimensional (2D) electrical maps (with sub-2 nm lateral resolution). The electrical mapping is decoded to chemical composition, essentially producing lateral and vertical maps of phase separation. Thermal stress causes large PCBM-rich hillocks to form, and consequently affecting the balance of P3HT:PCBM heterojunctions, hence a negative impact on the efficiency of the solar cell. We further developed a method to analyze the efficiency of exciton dissociation based on the current maps and a loss of 20% in efficiency is observed for thermally degraded samples compared to fresh un-annealed samples.

Forskolin: upcoming antiglaucoma molecule.

Forskolin is the first pharmaceutical drug and product derived from a plant to be approved in India by the DCGI in 2006. Forskolin (7beta-acetoxy-8, 13-epoxy-1a, 6ß, 9a-trihydroxy-labd-14-en-11-one) is a diterpenoid isolated from plant Coleus forskohlii (Lamiaceae). It is a lipid-soluble compound that can penetrate cell membranes and stimulates the enzyme adenylate cyclase which, in turn, stimulates ciliary epithelium to activate cyclic adenosine monophosphate, which decreases intraocular pressure (IOP) by reducing aqueous humor inflow. The topical application of forskolin is capable of reducing IOP in rabbits, monkeys, and humans. In its drug interactions, forskolin may act synergistically with epinephrine, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Whereas the effects of anti-clotting medications like warfarin, clopidogre, aspirin, anoxaparin, etc., may be enhanced by forskolin. Forskolin is contraindicated in the medications for people with ulcers as forskolin may increase acid level. Forskolin has a very good shelf-life of five years. Recently, its Ophthalmic inserts and in situ gels for sustained and delayed-release drug delivery systems were tested in New Zealand Albino Rabbits for its antiglaucoma efficacy. This drug review explains Forskolin as a drug, its antiglaucoma potential and recent findings of forskolin as an antiglaucoma agent. The literature search method used for this review was different databases and search engines like PubMed, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Google, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPA).

Stability-indicating method for simultaneous estimation of olmesartan medoxomile, amlodipine besylate and hydrochlorothiazide by RP-HPLC in tablet dosage form.

A simple, specific, accurate and precise stability-indicating reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for simultaneous estimation of olmesartan medoxomile (OLME), amlodipine besylate (AMLO) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in tablet dosage form. The method was developed using an RP C18 base deactivated silica column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) with a mobile phase consisting of triethylamine (pH 3.0) adjusted with orthophosphoric acid (A) and acetonitrile (B), with a timed gradient program of T/%B: 0/30, 7/70, 8/30, 10/30 with a flow rate of 1.4 mL/min. Ultraviolet detection was used at 236 nm. The retention times for OLME, AMLO and HCTZ were found to be 6.72, 4.28 and 2.30, respectively. The proposed method was validated for precision, accuracy, linearity, range, robustness, ruggedness and force degradation study. The calibration curves of OLME, AMLO and HCTZ were linear over the range of 50-150, 12.5-37.5 and 31-93 µg/mL, respectively. The method was found to be sensitive. The limits of detection of OLME, AMLO and HCTZ were determined 0.19, 0.16 and 0.22 µg/mL and limits of quantification of OLME, AMLO and HCTZ were determined 0.57, 0.49 and 0.66, respectively. Forced degradation study was performed according to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines.

Reversal of CRF- and stress-induced anorexia by an ayurvedic formulation

Trikatu churna is one of the commonly used Ayurvedic formulations in the traditional system of medicine in India for the treatment of agnimandya, i.e. anorexia. Trikatu contains equal amounts of finely powdered rhizomes of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) and fruits of Piper longum L. and Piper nigrum L. (Piperaceae). The chief objective of the study was to determine the antianorectic effects of three drugs individually and to compare these effects with the effect of Trikatu. The activity of the drugs was studied after anorexia was induced in rats by (1) physical stress arising from immobilization for 60 min; (2) intraperitoneal injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 μg/kg body weight); and (3) intraperitoneal administration of fluoxetine (8 mg/kg body weight). Similar doses of the extracts were tested on freely feeding rats and on rats that had been deprived of food for 20 h. Corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF, 0.3 μg/rat) can induce anxiogenic-like behavior and reduced food intake. This model was also studied, and the results were compared. The components of Trikatu churna failed to individually reverse the inhibition of feeding. In contrast, Trikatu churna pretreatment reversed stress-, fluoxetine- and CRF-induced anorexia. The study provides strong evidence of the synergistic action of Ayurvedic formulas and also proves the ability of Trikatu churna to reduce stress and CRF-induced anorexia.

Development and Validation of HPTLC Method for Simultaneous Determination of Amlodipine Besylate and Metoprolol Succinate in Bulk and Tablets.

A simple, selective, precise high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method for simultaneous determination of amlodipine besylate and metoprolol succinate in bulk and pharmaceutical combined dosage form was developed and validated. The method employed HPTLC aluminum plates precoated with silica gel 60F-254 (10×10) as the stationary phase. The solvent system consisted of toluene:ethyl acetate:methanol:triethylamine (4:1:1:0.4 v/v/v). The system was found to give a compact spot for amlodipine besylate (R(f) = 0.39±0.02) and metoprolol succinate (R(f) = 0.59±0.02). Densitometric analysis of amlodipine besylate and metoprolol succinate was carried out in the absorbance mode at 254 nm. Linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed good linear relationship with r(2) = 0.9990±0.0013 with respect to peak area in the concentration range 400-1400 ng per spot for amlodipine besylate and r(2) = 0.9993±0.0013 with respect to peak area in the concentration range 3800-13300 ng per spot for metoprolol succinate. The method was validated for precision, recovery and robustness. The limits of detection and quantitation were 39.99 and 121.20 ng per spot for amlodipine besylate and 234.31 and 710.03 ng per spot for metoprolol succinate, respectively. Statistical analysis proved that the method is selective, precise and accurate for the estimation of amlodipine and metoprolol.

Quantitative Determination of Ciprofibrate in Tablets by Derivative UV Spectroscopy and RP-HPLC Method.

A derivative UV spectrophotometric and a reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of ciprofibrate in tablets was developed. The first-order derivative UV spectrophotometric method was found to be accurate with 100.57±0.97 recovery and precise with a coefficient of variation of 1.44. These results were compared to those obtained by reference methods, zero-order UV spectrophotometric method and a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method. A reversed-phase C(8) column with methanol:water (90:10, v/v, pH 3.7) mobile phase was used and the detector wavelength was set at 232 nm. Calibration solutions used in HPLC were ranging from 2 to 12 µg/ml. An ANOVA test (P = 0.0226, F = 4.935) showed that the results obtained with the derivative UV spectrophotometric method were comparable to those obtained using reference methods.

Development and validation of zero and first-order derivative area under curve spectrophotometric methods for the determination of entacapone in bulk material and in tablets.

AIM: The aim of this work is to establish two simple, economical, and rapid spectrophotometric methods for the quantification of entacapone in bulk material and in tablets. Further, this study is designed to validate the developed methods as per ICH guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In Methods I and II, a stock standard solution was prepared by dissolving 10 mg of entacapone in 100 mL of 10% v/v acetonitrile to obtain a concentration of 100 µg/mL. After suitable dilution, 10 µg/mL of entacapone was prepared and scanned in the UV-visible range 500-200 nm; entacapone showed a maximum absorbance at 384.40 nm. In Method I, area under curve (AUC) of the zero-order spectrum was recorded between 348.00 and 410.20 nm. While, in Method II, zero-order spectra were derivatized into first-order, and the AUC was recorded between 386.40 and 460.20 nm. For a linearity study, series of dilutions were prepared from stock solutions. RESULTS: In Method I, and II, entacapone followed linearity in the concentration range of 2-12 µg/mL and 5-30 µg/mL with (r(2)>0.999). The amounts of entacapone estimated by both these methods were found to be 99.24 ± 0.054 and 98.68 ± 1.04, respectively. CONCLUSION: The developed methods are simple, precise, rugged, robust, and economical. Both these methods can be used for routine analysis of entacapone from its tablet formulation.

Synthesis of 2, 3-disubstituted-Quinazolin-4-(3H)-ones.

The present review covers a concise account of the synthesis of bioactive 2, 3-disubstituted-quinazoline-4(3H)-ones and the recent developments in the area of versatile quinazolinones with a special emphasis on new synthetic routes and strategies.

Anemia, inflammation and health-related quality of life in chronic kidney disease patients.

BACKGROUND: There is controversy regarding whether an incremental increase in hemoglobin levels is associated with improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). We hypothesized that HRQOL in anemic CKD patients has a multifactorial etiology, including the effects of anemia and inflammation. METHODS: 69 non-dialysis CKD patients over 18 years of age with a mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 43.7 ± 28.8 ml/min/1.73 m2 were divided into anemic and non-anemic cohorts. Kidney disease quality of life (KDQOL) was prospectively recorded using Short Form (SF)-36 components of KDQOL-SF-™ version 1.3 questionnaire. Inflammation was assessed by using a composite of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in the upper two quartiles. RESULTS: Anemic patients had significantly worse SF-36 components of KDQOL-SF-™ version 1.3, including SF-12 mental component (p = 0.02), role emotional (p = 0.002) and physical function (p = 0.01) compared to patients without anemia. However, in multiple linear regression models, adjusted for GFR, age, gender and inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, ferritin, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α, anemia predicted mental components of SF-36 (SF-12 mental component (p = 0.02) and role emotional (p = 0.04)) but not physical components (SF-12 physical component (p > 0.05) and physical function (p > 0.05), supporting the multifactorial nature of reduced HRQOL in anemic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced HRQOL in anemic patients is likely related to both anemic and inflammatory status. Prospective studies will be needed to evaluate whether modulating the inflammatory state independent of changes in the hemoglobin concentration improves physical components of HRQOL.

Development and validation of RP-HPLC method for estimation of ethacridine lactate in bulk and in pharmaceutical formulation.

A new simple, precise, accurate and selective RP-HPLC method has been developed and validated for estimation of Ethacridine lactate in pharmaceutical formulation. The method was carried out on a Qualisil RP C-18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column with a mobile phase consisting of methanol: water (60:40 v/v), pH adjusted to 2.8 with ortho-phosphoric acid and flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Detection was carried out at 271 nm. The retention time for ethacridine lactate was found to be 4.41 min. The ethacridine lactate followed linearity in the concentration range of 2- 12 µg/mL (r(2)= 0.9980). The amount of the drug estimated by proposed method was found to be in good agreement with label claim. The developed method was validated for sensitivity, accuracy, precision, ruggedness and robustness. The LOD and LOQ were found to be 0.11 and 0.33 µg. The proposed method can be used for routine analysis of ethacridine lactate in bulk drug and pharmaceutical formulation.

Spectrophotometric determination of ethacridine lactate in infusion.

AIM: A simple, rapid, selective, accurate, and precise UV spectrophotometric method has been developed for the estimation of ethacridine lactate from bulk and pharmaceutical formulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Appropriate aliquot portions of stock standard solution of ethacridine lactate were transferred into five separate 10 ml volumetric flasks, and the volume was adjusted to the mark with double distilled water to obtain concentrations of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 µg/ml. The λmax of ethacridine lactate in double distill water was found to be 271 nm with an apparent molar absorptivity of 59.781 × 10(3) l/mol cm. The drug follows linearity in the concentration range 2-12 µg/ml with a correlation coefficient value of 0.998. RESULTS: The proposed method was applied to pharmaceutical formulation and % amount of drug estimated 99.71% was found to be in good agreement with the label claim. The accuracy of the method was checked by recovery experiment performed at three different levels, i.e., 80%, 100%, and 120%. The % recovery was found to be in the range 99.26-100.25%. The low values of % RSD are indicative of the accuracy and reproducibility of the method. The precision of the method was studied as intraday, interday variations and repeatability. The % RSD value less than 2 indicates that the method is precise. Ruggedness of the proposed method was studied with the help of two analysts. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that the method could be used for the routine estimation of ethacridine lactate from tablet formulations.

Optimizing conditions for gallic acid extraction from Caesalpinia decapetala wood.

Caesalpinia decapetala is a wild plant found in the Sub-Himalayan tract and planted in hedges throughout in India. The bark of Caesalpinia decapetala is a rich source of tannins. It has been used in treatment of jaundice, stomach disorders and biliousness. The leaves and root are used as purgative and emmenagogue. The process described in this paper outline the extraction of gallic acid from Caesalpinia decapetala which is used as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Optimization of various solvent extraction parameters was performed to assess maximum yield of gallic acid from Caesalpinia decapetala wood. The extraction parameters optimized are solvent, temperature and time for extraction. Optimization was carried out by performing different sets of experiments. The most suitable conditions for extraction of gallic acid were found to be extraction at temperature (65-70(o)C), extraction time 48 hours and solvent composition Ethanol: Water (70:30). At these optimum extraction parameters the maximum yield of gallic acid obtained is 17.85%.

Diuretic activity of squamate mistletoe, Viscum angulatum.

Viscum angulatum Heyne ex DC (Viscaceae) is a leafless hemiparasitic shrub traditionally used in Asian countries for the treatment of hypertension. In the present study, the methanol extract of the whole plant was examined for diuretic activity in rats. The activity was evaluated using parameters such as urine volume after 5, 19, and 24 h and urine sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations. The extract was further scrutinized for polyphenolic compounds and triterpenoids. The extract demonstrated a significant increase in and dose-dependent effect on urine excretion volume in comparison to the normal group in the tested range of 100-400 mg/kg. The extract demonstrated comparable saluretic and higher natriuretic activity (Na(+)/K(+)) compared to the furosemide treated group. However, the Cl(-)/Na(+) + K(+) ratio, which indicates carbonic anhydrase mediated activity, remained unaffected. HPLC and quantitative analysis of the extract revealed that polyphenolic compounds and the triterpenoid, oleanolic acid, are the major phytochemicals, and are proposed to be responsible for the observed diuretic effect. Oleanolic acid has been reported to possess diuretic activity with significant potassium loss in rats. In contrast to pure oleanolic acid, the extract demonstrated a valuable potassium-sparing effect. This suggests modulation of the diuretic effect of oleanolic acid by polyphenolics present in the extract. The observed dose-dependent potassium-sparing diuretic effect is a hereto unreported property of this plant.

Diuretic and natriuretic activity of two mistletoe species in rats.

In different cultural groups, the hemiparasitic plants of the families Loranthaceae and Viscaceae (mistletoes) are frequently used in the treatment of hypertension and/or as diuretic agents. However, it remains unclear as to what commonality makes them diuretic agents or a remedy for hypertension. In this article, the diuretic activity of methanol extracts of Viscum articulatum (VA) Burm. f. and Helicanthus elastica (HE) (Ders.) Dans. in rats is reported. The extracts were administered orally at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg to rats that had been fasted and deprived of water for 18 hours. Investigations were carried out for diuretic, saluretic and natriuretic effects. The polyphenolic and triterpenoid contents were determined quantitatively using chemical assays and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, respectively. The extracts of VA and HE demonstrated significant and dose-dependent diuretic activity in rats. It was found that while VA mimics the furosemide pattern, HE demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in diuresis, along with an increase in potassium-sparing effects. Phytochemical analysis revealed that polyphenolics and triterpenoids, such as oleanolic acid and lupeol, are the major phytochemicals involved. It was also found that in different combinations, these phytochemicals differed in the way they influenced the electrolyte excretion. A higher content of polyphenolics in association with lower triterpenoid content was found to favor potassium-sparing effects.

Immunomodulatory activity of Toxicodendron pubescens in experimental models.

BACKGROUND: Toxicodendron pubescens is a botanical name of Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus tox). This plant is widely used in its homeopathically diluted form in the treatment of inflammatory and edematous conditions. In this study, various dilutions of Rhus tox including its crude form have been evaluated for their effects on immune response in the in vivo and in vitro experimental models. METHODS: Rhus tox in the form of mother tincture, 6cH, 30cH, 200cH and 1000cH dilutions was tested through in vivo models including sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) induced cellular and humoral immune response in C57/BL6 mice. The effects of Rhus tox dilutions were also evaluated in vitro on the functions of human polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells such as phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Candida albicans, chemotaxis, and reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) dye. RESULTS: Rhus tox was found to intensify SRBCs induced antibody titer and delayed type hypersensitivity response in mice. Even higher dilutions such as 200cH and 1000cH were found to affect the immune response; however, the crude form, mother tincture, 6cH and 30cH dilutions revealed more potent effects than the 200cH and 1000cH dilutions. In in vitro assays, all the dilutions exerted stimulation of phagocytosis, candidacidal activity and chemotaxis of human PMN cells. The NBT dye reduction assay revealed that oxidative processes in the PMN cells are accelerated in the presence of Rhus tox. This study shows that Rhus tox possesses immunostimulatory activity in its crude form as well as in homeopathically diluted forms. These effects appeared to be concentration dependent as higher dilutions had less potent effects.

Quantitative determination of levofloxacin hemihydrate in bulk and tablets by UV-spectrophotometry and first order derivative methods.

Two simple, rapid, accurate and economical 'UV Spectrophotometry' and 'First Order Derivative' methods have been developed for determination of levofloxacin hemihydrate in bulk and tablets. In (10% v/v) acetonitrile, the lambdamax of the drug was found to be 288 nm. The same spectrum was derivatised into first order derivative, using UV probe software of instrument (Shimadzu-2450), at Deltalambda=4. The amplitude of the trough was recorded at 297 nm. In both the proposed methods, levofloxacin hemihydrate follows linearity in the concentration range 2-12 microg/ml with a correlation coefficient of 0.9999. Assay results were in good agreement with label claim. The methods were validated statistically and by recovery studies. The relative standard deviation were found to be less than 2% with excellent precision and accuracy.

Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Caesalpinia pulcherrima wood.

Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the methanolic and aqueous extracts of Caesalpinia pulcherrima wood were studied in in vitro models. Both extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity, as evidenced by the low IC50 values in both 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide and superoxide scavenging methods; the values were found to be less or comparable to those of gallic acid, the standard used. To determine the cytotoxic activity, extracts were tested for toxic effects to brine shrimp larvae. In this assay, the methanolic extract had little effect, but aqueous extract was relatively toxic. The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities may be attributed to the total phenolic content in the wood.

Formulation and evaluation of oral mucoadhesive multiparticulate system containing metoprolol tartarate: an in vitro-ex vivo characterization.

The aim of the present study was to prepare mucoadhesive multiparticulate system for oral drug delivery using ionic gelation technique. Microspheres composed of various mucoadhesive polymers including HPMC of various grades like K4M, K15M, K100M, E50LV, Carbopol of grades 971P, 974P and polycarbophil were prepared. In this technique cross linking of sodium alginate with calcium chloride was done which retarded the release of drug from the mucoadhesive polymer. In the present work Metoprolol tararate was used as a model drug. Interaction studies performed using FTIR spectroscopy revealed that there was no drug to polymer interactions. The preliminary mucoadhesive strength studies performed for various polymers using rotating cylindrical method showed that HPMC had greater mucoadhesive properties than carbopol and polycarbophil. Microspheres so prepared were discrete, bulky, free flowing and showed an average encapsulation efficiency ranging from 50-60%. Particle size of the microspheres, as determined by the optical microscopy was found to be between 400-650 microm. The prepared formulations also exhibited a good mucoadhesive strength which was determined in in vitro conditions through falling film technique and was compared with ex vivo studies. The microspheres so prepared also exhibited a good swelling index which confirmed the strong mucoadhesive property of the formulation. Metoprolol release from the multiparticulate system was regulated and extended until 12 hours and exhibited a non fickian drug release kinetics approaching to zero order, as evident from the release rate exponent values which varied between 0.57 to 0.73. The stability studies performed on the optimized batches at 40 degrees C /75% RH for 90 days indicated no significant change in the physicochemical properties.

Topical delivery of flurbiprofen from pluronic lecithin organogel.

The purpose of this research is to formulate and evaluate the suitability of pluronic lecithin organogels containing flurbiprofen for topical application. Four formulations were developed using flurbiprofen, lecithin, Pluronic F127, isopropyl palmitate, water, sorbic acid and potassium sorbate were coded as FL1, FL2, FL3 and FL4. All the formulations carried 30% w/w of lecithin phase and 70% w/w of Pluronic phase. The formulated organogels were evaluated for appearance and feel psychorheologically, in vitro diffusion study, drug content, viscosity and pH. Release of flurbiprofen from all formulations was monitored via dialysis membrane-70 and Wistar rat skin as a semipermeable membrane into phosphate buffer saline (0.2 M, pH 7.4) using Keshary-Chien diffusion cell. The viscosities of different formulations were determined by using Brookfield Viscometer at 25 degrees . An attempt has been made to explore the potential of pluronic lecithin organogels for topical delivery of flurbiprofen.