Medial-based deformable models in nonconvex shape-spaces for medical image segmentation

We explore the application of genetic algorithms (GA) to deformable models through the proposition of a novel method for medical image segmentation that combines GA with nonconvex, localized, medial-based shape statistics. We replace the more typical gradient descent optimizer used in deformable models with GA, and the convex, implicit, global shape statistics with nonconvex, explicit, localized ones. Specifically, we propose GA to reduce typical deformable model weaknesses pertaining to model initialization, pose estimation and local minima, through the simultaneous evolution of a large number of models. Furthermore, we constrain the evolution, and thus reduce the size of the search-space, by using statistically-based deformable models whose deformations are intuitive (stretch, bulge, bend) and are driven in terms of localized principal modes of variation, instead of modes of variation across the entire shape that often fail to capture localized shape changes. Although GA are not guaranteed to achieve the global optima, our method compares favorably to the prevalent optimization techniques, convex/nonconvex gradient-based optimizers and to globally optimal graph-theoretic combinatorial optimization techniques, when applied to the task of corpus callosum segmentation in 50 mid-sagittal brain magnetic resonance images.     

The effect of genotype and environmental conditions on grain physiochemical properties of Syrian durum wheat cultivars

The physical and chemical characteristics of five Syrian durum wheat cultivars grown under varying environmental conditions were investigated. Two cultivars were grown under irrigated conditions whilst two were grown under rainfed conditions in five different locations. A known cultivar (Sham‐1) was grown alongside the samples in all locations as a control. Test weight, 1000‐kernel weight, the degree of vitreousness, protein content, starch content, amylose content and starch pasting properties were determined for the samples. The effect of the environmental factors and their interaction (site × irrigation) showed that the irrigation factor was more responsible for physical quality variations than the site factor (for instance, site variation of the irrigated conditions was responsible for 61% of the total quality variation and 34% of total quality variations in the rainfed conditions). Starch composition was influenced more by site variations than irrigation, whereas cultivar factor mainly influenced starch quantity, chemical composition and pasting properties (for instance, variations were mostly affected by cultivar (63%) more than site (15%) in the irrigated lands). The interaction of cultivar and site demonstrated significant effects on the degree of vitreousness, amylose content and starch pasting properties.     

Molecular structure and anti-proliferative effect of galangin in HCT-116 cells: In vitro study

Food Science and Biotechnology - Galangin is a naturally occurring plant flavonoid with potential anticancer activity. In present work, the Becke three-parameter hybrid exchange functional method...     

Comprehensive assessment for motor and visually impaired people using a hierarchical model

Universal Access in the Information Society - The evolution of various modern technologies has inspired researchers to assess the effectiveness of these technologies for people with diversified...     

Segmentation of intra-retinal layers from optical coherence tomography images using an active contour approach

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive, depth-resolved imaging modality that has become a prominent ophthalmic diagnostic technique. We present a semi-automated segmentation algorithm to detect intra-retinal layers in OCT images acquired from rodent models of retinal degeneration. We adapt Chan-Vese's energy-minimizing active contours without edges for the OCT images, which suffer from low contrast and are highly corrupted by noise. A multiphase framework with a circular shape prior is adopted in order to model the boundaries of retinal layers and estimate the shape parameters using least squares. We use a contextual scheme to balance the weight of different terms in the energy functional. The results from various synthetic experiments and segmentation results on OCT images of rats are presented, demonstrating the strength of our method to detect the desired retinal layers with sufficient accuracy even in the presence of intensity inhomogeneity resulting from blood vessels. Our algorithm achieved an average Dice similarity coefficient of 0.84 over all segmented retinal layers, and of 0.94 for the combined nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, and inner plexiform layer which are the critical layers for glaucomatous degeneration.     

Technology adoption: breaking down barriers using a virtual reality design support tool for hybrid concrete

The use of hybrid concrete technologies as a viable solution to traditional frame design has been inhibited by a general lack of information. The uptake of this technology has therefore been slow and parochial, as designers have tended to stay loyal to ‘traditional’, tried and tested technologies—their ‘comfort zone’. This research identifies the barriers associated with technology adoption at industry, organization and individual levels; and uses hybrid concrete as the core context for discussion. The role of an enabling design support tool (HyCon) is presented, which can allow designers to overcome these inhibitors by providing an immersive, interactive and information‐rich environment through which design solutions can be explored. This collaborative research project describes a ‘proof of concept’ design support tool to promote the use of hybrid concrete in structural frames. It encompasses knowledge creation, application and sharing functionality, to envision support and use of this new technology—thereby promoting organizational learning. Research findings note that, while design tools have a valuable role to play, it is also important to appreciate that the uptake of any new technology is a social phenomenon, and that subsequent adoption/uptake requires careful embedding and augmentation into company organizational systems in order to leverage advantage.     

Restoring lost cognitive function.

A prosthetic device that functions in a biomimetic manner to replace information transmission between cortical brain regions is considered. In such a prosthesis, damaged CNS neurons is replaced with a biomimetic system comprised of silicon neurons. The replacement silicon neurons would have functional properties specific to those of the damaged neurons and would both receive as inputs and send as outputs electrical activity to regions of the brain with which the damaged region previously communicated. Thus, the class of prosthesis proposed is one that would replace the computational function of the damaged brain and restore the transmission of that computational result to other regions of the nervous system.