Automated detection of exudates and macula for grading of diabetic macular edema

Medical systems based on state of the art image processing and pattern recognition techniques are very common now a day. These systems are of prime interest to provide basic health care facilities to patients and support to doctors. Diabetic macular edema is one of the retinal abnormalities in which diabetic patient suffers from severe vision loss due to affected macula. It affects the central vision of the person and causes total blindness in severe cases. In this article, we propose an intelligent system for detection and grading of macular edema to assist the ophthalmologists in early and automated detection of the disease. The proposed system consists of a novel method for accurate detection of macula using a detailed feature set and Gaussian mixtures model based classifier. We also present a new hybrid classifier as an ensemble of Gaussian mixture model and support vector machine for improved exudate detection even in the presence of other bright lesions which eventually leads to reliable classification of input retinal image in different stages of macular edema. The statistical analysis and comparative evaluation of proposed system with existing methods are performed on publicly available standard retinal image databases. The proposed system has achieved average value of 97.3%, 95.9% and 96.8% for sensitivity, specificity and accuracy respectively on both databases.     

Probiotics for cure of Helicobacter pylori infection: A review

Human physiology normally contains pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms in the gastrointestinal flora. Disturbance of these microorganism balance results in the formation of infection. Extensive use of antibiotics for cure of these disturbances like Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection leads to patient discomfort and associated side-effects. There is a need to adopt adjunct or alternative approach in order to minimize such conditions. Probiotics is one of the potential therapies to cure gastrointestinal discomforts especially associated with H. pylori. It competes through non-immune and immune systems. This review article concludes that probiotics are used to eradicate the infection at increased rate, and decreased associated side-effects are caused by triple therapy. A proper evaluation of these probiotics is demanded before their use in future as a commercial product. Furthermore, their effect on immune system requires more research work so that their usage for other chronic disorders can also be considered.     

Technical Relevance of Polymer/Cement/Carbon Nanotube Composite: Opportunities and Challenges

The polymer/cement/carbon nanotube composites are known for piezoelectric properties in intelligent structures. Polymers are also used to fulfill deficiencies in carbon nanotube/cement mortars. High-impact polystyrene has replaced sand to enhanced properties like energy consumption, waste disposal, and environmental pollution. Spray-applied fire-resistive material in engineered cementitious composite may overcome drawbacks of conventional brittle composite. Carbon nanotube is used as nanofillers in ordinary Portland cement due to superior mechanical properties. Cementitious polymer/carbon nanotube composite has potential to determine heat-dependent and self-sensing capacity of composites. Smart properties of composites are measured using conductivity measurement. Polymers are also used for making better carbon nanotube dispersion.     

Synthesis and Properties of MoSi2–MoB–SiC Ceramics

MoB and SiC particulate reinforced MoSi₂ matrix composites were synthesized in situ from Mo, Si, and B₄C powder mixtures by self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis (SHS). The SHS MoSi₂–MoB–SiC products were vacuum hot‐pressed (HPed) at 1400°C for 90 min to fabricate high‐density (> 97.5% relative density) bulk composites. Microstructure refinement and improvements in the Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of the HPed composites were observed with increasing B₄C content in the reaction mixture. The HPed composite of composition MoSi₂–0.4MoB–0.1SiC exhibited grain size of 1–5 μm, Vickers hardness of 12.5 GPa, bending strength of 537 MPa, and fracture toughness of 3.8 MPa.m^1/2. These excellent mechanical properties indicate that MoB and SiC particulate reinforced MoSi₂ composites could be promising candidates for structural applications.     

N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Modulate In-Vitro T Cell Function in Type I Diabetic Patients

In this work, we assessed the in-vitro effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6n-3) (final concentration, 15 microM) on T cell blastogenesis, interleukin-2 and -4 (IL-2, IL-4) secretion, fatty acid composition and intracellular oxidative status in type I diabetic patients with or without complications. Con A stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, glucose uptake, intracellular reduced glutathione levels and catalase activity were lower in diabetics as compared to controls, regardless to the presence of complications. EPA and DHA diminished T-lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 production but enhanced IL-4 secretion in both diabetic and control groups. No changes in the levels of reduced glutathione and in the activities of catalase and SOD were observed in control T cells cultured in the presence of EPA and DHA. However, in diabetic patients, addition of n-3 PUFA to culture induced an increase in T cell levels of reduced glutathione and hydroperoxide, and in activities of catalase and SOD. Low levels of arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6) were found in plasma membrane phospholipids of lymphocytes from diabetic patients compared to controls. Incubation of lymphocytes with EPA and DHA was associated with an incorporation of these fatty acids in membrane phospholipids. In conclusion, the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA on T cell functions in type I diabetes could be attributed to their suppressive action and modulation of cytokine secretion, and to the improvement of intracellular oxidative status.     

Palynological investigation of some selected species of family Fabaceae from Pakistan,using light and scanning electron microscopy techniques

Pollen morphology of 11 species of family Fabaceae that is, Trifolium alexandrinum, Trifolium resupinatum, Arachis hypogaea, Lathyrus aphaca, Medicago lupulina, Vicia sativa, Lathyrus odoratus, Pongamia pinnata, Melilotus indicus, Medicago polymorpha, Medicago sativa from Pakistan has been investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy. Pollen were generally tricolporate, radially symmetrical, isopolar, elliptic in equatorial view and triangular in polar view under LM. Results showed that pollens were per‐prolate (T. alexandrinum), prolate (T. resupinatum, V. sativa, L. odoratus, Melilotus indicus, M. polymorpha, M. sativa) and sub‐prolate (A. hypogaea, L. aphaca, M. lupulina, P. pinnata). The larger polar/equatorial (P/E) ratio was found in T. alexandrinum (2.26 μm) and the smallest was found in M. lupulina (1.21 μm). The exine of T. resupinatum was 3.00 μm in thickness while others posses smaller exine thickness. The larger pore diameter was found in P. pinnata (16.01 μm) while others have smaller. The length of colpi was larger in Arachis hypogaea (32.24) while others posses smaller. Eight types of surface ornamentation (Psilate, faintly rugulate). Perforate and rugulate to verrucate have been observed under SEM. The pollens were europalynous type. Pollen morphology proved to be useful for the specific delimitation and serve as a tool for the identification and classification of taxa at specific and generic levels and can also be used as a key for the taxonomic features. Diversity in exine sculpture is helpful indicative characters for the isolation of closely related species. Hence, it is clear that both qualitative and quantitative characters of pollen can be useful for differentiating between taxa at specific level.     

Micromorphology,pharmacognosy, and bio‐elemental analysis of an important medicinal herb: Verbascum thapsus L.

The present study was conducted on characterization of morpho‐anatomical, phytochemical, and bio‐elemental analysis of root, stem, and leaf of Verbascum thapsus. Morphologically Verbascum is a biennial plant that flowers for a month and a half in mid‐ to late summer. Various organoleptic features of root, leaf, and stem were recorded. Anatomically the T. S of the root, stem, and leaf showed a typical dicot histological differentiation. Leaf possessed anomocytic stomata, crescent shape vascular bundles, and covered with long and stellate type trichomes while, stem contained collateral type of vascular bundles and a well‐developed pith to store phytochemicals responsible for various pharmacological activities. The powder drug study through scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of various types of tissues. Branched, tree like and stellate trichomes in root and leaf help in absorption and reduce loss of water. These anatomical features are responsible for the survival of the plant as biennial. Four macro elements (Na, K, Ca, and Mg) and seven microelements (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Cd) and their concentrations in ppm were also studied using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Phytochemical screening of methanolic extract showed existence of various secondary metabolites, while mucilage and anthraquinones was not detected. The present study helps to understand the taxonomic identification of the plant based on morpho‐anatomical features and throws the attention of the researchers to carry out the work for developing its various formulations, which can ultimately be beneficial for the human beings as well as animals.     

Discrete‐time Lyapunov stable‐staggered estimator MIMO adaptive interference cancelation with experimental verification

Adaptive interference cancelation is of vital importance in a broad array of scientific and engineering disciplines. In this paper we develop a closed‐loop discrete‐time interference cancelation algorithm. The novel features of this algorithm are its ability to deal with multiple channels being affected by interferences with different frequency spectrums. Also we provide a proof of Lyapunov stability of closed‐loop system and asymptotically perfect interference cancelation for a class of interference signals. Furthermore, we introduce a new approach for updating the estimator through the use of staggered estimate. The goal of staggered estimation is to minimize the total number of estimates/calculations done within a time period while ensuring that there is no estimator aliasing. Finally, the proposed algorithm is implemented on an TMS320C6713 DSP Kit and an experimental verification is obtained. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Laser nitriding of tool steel: thermal stress analysis

In this paper, bees algorithm (BA) has been used for determine the optimal number of material handling equipment (MHE) used on the production centers. The unmet demands become zero at the end of the planning horizon, i.e., the part demands are totally satisfied through the horizon. The newly developed model provides network information, such as unmet demands and number of loaded and empty of MHE at any given time and centers. Consequently, the model provides a tool for helping managers with planning and decision-making in manufacturing systems. Computational tests showed that small-sized instances can be solved by the exact approach in a fair amount of central processing unit time, but it is not feasible for medium and large-sized instances. To tackle this problem, a bees algorithm is proposed to solve the model. The algorithm is a search procedure inspired by the way honeybees forage for food. The results obtained show the robust performance of the bees algorithm.     

Structural stability of silver under single-chamber solid oxide fuel cell conditions

In the present study, structural stability of silver under single-chamber conditions has been examined. Micro-tubular cells made of conventional solid oxide fuel cell materials (Ni-YSZ/YSZ/LSM) with silver paste and silver current-collecting wires (for both electrodes) were prepared. The cells were operated with methane/air mixture of 25/60 mL min⁻¹, furnace temperature of 750 °C, and at an operating voltage of 0.5 V. The results showed increasing porosity in the current-collecting silver wire with time, leading to rupture, finally. It is postulated that the porosity formation could be due to the formation of silver oxide which is highly unstable (volatile) at operating temperature considered in this study. Furthermore, vaporization and melting of silver due to cell overheating under mixed-reactant conditions is expected. Based on experimental evidences, it is concluded that silver may not be a good choice to be employed under the above specified operating conditions, as it lacks long-term structural stability.