Three segmentation techniques to predict the dysplasia in cervical cells in the presence of debris

Multimedia Tools and Applications - Cervical Cancer is one of the most pandemic causes of cancer related death in females. Pap smear test is one of the most commonly used screening test for the...     

Perceptual validity in animation of human motion

The crucial concept of modeling and synthesis/control of human motion (including face and body) for animation has been widely studied and explored in the literature. In this regard, the audience's perception of generated or recorded animation scenes is of critical importance. In this paper, we explore and conceptualize the general notions that need to be taken into account for human motion to maintain perceptual accuracy. We propose a paradigm called Perceptual Validity composed of four major components, which are discussed in detail. The model is concerned with different aspects of the scene such as correct illustration of the stimuli, context, and local/global relations of various visual cues present in human motion. Satisfying all the proposed principles, based on the literature, seems compulsory and vital for synthesis of perceptually valid animation scenes of human motion. We investigate the relative significance of the different components of the paradigm using feedback from expert animators and conduct a case study on one of the components of the paradigm. For further evaluation and exploration, Disney's principles of animation are discussed and compared against our proposed paradigm. We argue that while there are significant parallels and overlaps, our model is only focused on and more inclusive towards human motion and can therefore provide a valuable set of guidelines for animators in the field of character animation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of variation of root post in different layers of tooth: linear vs nonlinear finite element stress analysis

The objective of this study was to obtain an accurate stress distribution pattern on different domains of a post- and core-treated tooth, taking into account the nonlinear properties of the periodontal ligament (PDL). Linear stress and deformation analysis was carried out using four posts, different in constitution and shape. Accurate three-dimensional models of a restored tooth with different layers were prepared using CAD modeling software. The study was carried out using a cast metal post and core assembly, a glass fiber, a carbon fiber, and a titanium post with a composite resin core. For each restoration, parallel, tapered and threaded posts were modeled. However, PDL exhibits nonlinear properties ensuring a uniform stress distribution in the tooth structure. Hence, accurate results could be expected by simulating the model for the nonlinear properties of PDL. Owing to computational difficulties, a simplified model was prepared in the ANSYS environment and nonlinear stress analysis was carried out. The results indicate that for optimum strength, rigidity and flexibility, tapered fiber posts with a composite resin core cemented to the root are desirable. Under similar loading conditions, in the case of nonlinear analysis, the stresses decreased by approximately 25% and the deformation increased by approximately 50% as compared with those in case of linear static analysis for an endodontically treated maxillary central incisor. Thus, stress distribution within the restored tooth and surrounding tissues can be better anticipated by a dentist. From the results of this study, the dimensions of a post could be modified, to further reduce stress in the oral cavity and thereby reduce the risk of root and post fractures.     

Effect of flaxseed flour addition on physicochemical and sensory properties of functional bread

The importance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in health and nutrition is well recognised. Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) has recently gained a lot of attention as functional food because of its unique nutrient profile. In the present work efforts were made to develop omega-3 enriched functional bread using raw and roasted ground flaxseed flour. Initially optimisation of each bread ingredient viz., salt, sugar, and shortening, GMS, yeast and water was carried out on the basis of sensory overall acceptability score. The standardised bread was incorporated with raw and roasted ground flaxseed (5, 10, and 15 g/100 g) flour. The effect of flaxseed incorporation on bread dough rheology parameters viz., dough stickiness and water absorption was studied. Increase in water absorption and dough stickiness was observed with increased flaxseed level. Further breads were evaluated for sensory parameters, colour and texture. The crumb softness increased with increase in flaxseed level. Bread was optimised at 10(g/100 g) flaxseed level based on sensory evaluation.     

Minimally invasive surgery does not improve the outcome in a model of retroperitoneal murine neuroblastoma

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for cancer patients has become widely accepted in general surgery, however, it has not completely replaced the standard open operative procedures in pediatric oncology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the host relationship following MIS in a murine model of retroperitoneal neuroblastoma (NB) Immature, 5- to 7-week-old male A/J mice weighing 18-23 g were inoculated with either C1300 or TBJ NB in the left retroperitoneal space. At 4 days (early stage) or 11 days (late stage) following tumor inoculation, the animals underwent a laparotomy or pneumoperitoneum with carbon dioxide under general inhalational anesthesia. Animal survival, tumor growth, and postoperative changes in body weight were observed. In the model of subcutaneous TBJ NB, distant metastases following the laparotomy or MIS technique were also evaluated. Each surgical group had a sample size > or = 12, and data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and the chi-square test where appropriate. P < 0.05 was considered to be significant. There were no significant differences in animal survival, tumor growth, or distant metastases among surgical groups in any combination of type and stage of tumor. The only salutary influence of MIS was seen in a model of early-stage NB, where the decrease in body weight on postoperative day 7 was preserved when compared to post-laparotomy weight loss. We conclude that when compared to conventional laparotomy, the MIS access technique does not influence the outcome in a model of retroperitoneal murine NB.     

A first-principles thermodynamic approach to ordering in binary alloys

The communication reviews the augmented space based approaches to thermodynamics and ordering of binary alloys. We give several examples of metallic alloys to illustrate our methodology.     

Benign metastasizing chondroblastoma: a case report

Treatment of interdigital tinea pedis often involves long-term therapy with topically applied preparations. Effective oral preparations, such as the allylamine terbinafine (Lamisil), taken over a shorter period, could provide a useful therapeutic alternative. A total of 269 patients from five centres with clinically diagnosed interdigital tinea pedis were entered into this double-blind, randomized, double-dummy, parallel-group study comparing oral terbinafine 250 mg once daily for 1 week with 1% clotrimazole (Canesten) cream applied twice daily for 4 weeks. Of these, 137 patients were evaluable for efficacy (confirmed dermatophyte infection by microscopy and culture): 63 terbinafine and 74 clotrimazole. At week 4, the mycological cure rates (negative culture at week 1 and negative results on microscopy and culture at week 4 onwards) were very similar (71% for clotrimazole and 72% for terbinafine). There was a faster response rate in the terbinafine group with respect to signs and symptoms at week 1. Both treatments were equally well tolerated; adverse events occurred equally in the two groups. In conclusion, oral terbinafine in a single daily dose of 250 mg for 1 week is as effective and as well tolerated as 1% clotrimazole cream applied twice daily for 4 weeks in the treatment of interdigital tinea pedis.     

Characterization of platelet-reactive antibodies in children with varicella-associated acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

Urinary excretion of trypsin inhibitor increased after injection of a carcinogen, N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine, into Syrian hamsters. Two inhibitors were purified to apparent homogeneity from urine collected during the course of the carcinogenesis experiment. Their complete amino acid sequences were determined by Edman degradation of the intact proteins and partially degraded fragments. One corresponded to a hamster liver cDNA clone that hybridized with human bikunin probe [Ide et al, (1994) Biochim, Biophys. Acta 1209, 286-292], except that the protein sequence lacked C-terminal serine and the other was trypstatin, the C-terminal half of the bikunin molecule. Three proteins containing covalently linked bikunin were also identified in pooled blood plasma. They were all dissociated into heavy and light chains by treatment with chondroitinase ABC or 50 mM NaOH, but not by heating at 100 degrees C in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and dithiothreitol, N-terminal amino acid sequence analyses of the native chains and partially degraded fragments thereof revealed that these proteins are (i) human-type inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor, consisting of heavy chains 1 and 2 and bikunin, (ii) bovine-type inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor, consisting of heavy chains 2 and 3 and bikunin, and (iii) pre-alpha-trypsin inhibitor, consisting of heavy chain 3 and bikunin. Heterodimer of bikunin/heavy chain 1 or bikunin/heavy chain 2 was not detected. These results suggest that the composition, and hence function, of the inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor family differs considerably from species to species.