Analysis and classification of malignancy in pancreatic magnetic resonance images using neural network techniques

Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) is a computerized way of detecting tumors in MR images. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been generally used in the diagnosis and detection of pancreatic tumors. In a medical imaging system, soft tissue contrast and noninvasiveness are clear preferences of MRI. Inaccurate detection of tumor and long time consumption are the disadvantages of MRI. Computerized classifiers can greatly renew the diagnosis activity, in terms of both accuracy and time necessity by normal and abnormal images, automatically. This article presents an intelligent, automatic, accurate, and robust method to classify human pancreas MRI images as normal or abnormal in terms of pancreatic tumor. It represents the response of artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector machine (SVM) techniques for pancreatic tumor classification. For this, we extract features from MR images of pancreas using the GLCM method and select the best features using JAFER algorithm. These features are analyzed by five classification techniques: ANN BP, ANN RBF, SVM Linear, SVM Poly, and SVM RBF. We compare the results with benchmark data set of MR brain images. The analytical outcome presents that the two best features used to classify the MR images using ANN BP technique have 98% classification accuracy.     

Erratum to: Malaria infected erythrocyte classification based on a hybrid classifier using microscopic images of thin blood smear

Multimedia Tools and Applications -     

Oligomeric Composition of Polyols From Fatty Acid Methyl Ester: The Effect of Ring‐Opening Reactants of Epoxide Groups

Commercial availability of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) from palm oil targeted for biodiesel offers a good feedstock for the production of structurally well‐defined polyols for polyurethane applications. The effect of molecular weight (MW), odd and even carbon numbers, and the linear and branched structure reactants used in the ring‐opening reaction of epoxidized fatty acid methyl ester (E‐FAME) on the properties of polyols was investigated. Conversions of E‐FAME to PolyFAME polyols were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared analysis, oxirane oxygen content, and hydroxyl number. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) calibrated against polyether polyols as a standard and vapor pressure osmometry were used for MW determination. GPC chromatograms of PolyFAME polyols clearly demonstrated the formation of oligomers during ring‐opening reactions. MW, and odd and even carbon numbers in a structure of linear diols and branched diol used in the syntheses of PolyFAME polyols did not have an effect on crystallinity, glass transition, or melt temperatures measured using Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). PolyFAME polyols ring‐opened with water, methanol, and 1,2‐propanediol contained secondary hydroxyl groups, whereas PolyFAME polyols ring‐opened with linear diols contained a mixture of primary and secondary hydroxyl groups. It was found that the concentration of primary hydroxyl groups increased significantly by increasing the number of carbons from C2 to C3 in the linear diols. The viscosity of PolyFAME polyols also increased with the MW of linear diols used in the E‐FAME ring‐opening reaction. These findings would be beneficial for formulators in choosing the most cost effective polyols for polyurethane formulations.     

Biological decolourization of C.I. Direct Black 38 by E. gallinarum

In the present study, an Enterococcus gallinarum strain was isolated from effluent treatment plant of a textile industry based on its ability to decolourize C.I. Direct Black 38 (DB38), a benzidine-based azo dye. Effects of dye concentration and medium composition on dye decolourization were studied. The strain was found to decolourize DB38 even under aerobic conditions. Kinetics of DB38 decolourization was also examined, and V(max) and K(s) of decolourization were found to be higher in Luria broth (12.8 mg l(-1)h(-1) and 490.6 mg l(-1)) than in minimal medium (4.09 mg l(-1)h(-1) and 161.84 mg l(-1)). However, decolourization rate/biomass was found to be higher in minimal medium than in Luria broth, indicating greater decolourization efficiency of biomass in the former. The study also revealed biodegradation of DB38 to benzidine and its further deamination to 4-aminobiphenyl (4-ABP) by the culture. Ammonia released during this process was used as nitrogen source for growth of the culture.     

Effect of SBS and HDPH polymer on rheological properties of asphalt

The present work discusses the combined effect of High Density Polyethylene Homo polymer and Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene on properties of Viscosity Grade 30 asphalt commonly used in India. Six blends of binders were prepared using varying percentages of both polymers and were evaluated for rheological properties. Use of both polymers leads to higher viscosity, while blending with HDPH polymer only leads to marginal increase in viscosity when compared to unmodified binder. Comparison of dynamic modulus and phase angle master curves indicated, significant differences were found among master curves obtained with different aging conditions when compared to unaged condition especially at lower reduced frequencies.     

Synthesis and characterization of polymer supported vitamin B12 model compounds

A series of polymer supported cobalt complexes have been synthesized by the reaction of Co(II)‐SALEN (salicylaldehyde ethylenediimine) and other variations thereof with the chelating resin containing vinyl pyridine. The polymer supported complexes have been characterized by electronic and infrared spectra. The presence of polymer supports has a marked influence on the UV–visible bands observed in the electronic spectra of cobalt complexes. These polymer supported complexes are also investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The electronic spectral data and cyclic voltammetric data for free complexes and polymer supported complexes are compared. The discernible differences in the spectral and electrochemical data suggest the presence of pentacoordinate cobalt in the polymer matrix. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Phyto‐fabricated silver nanoparticles inducing microbial cell death via reactive oxygen species‐mediated membrane damage

Eco‐friendly synthesis of the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has a number of advantages like simplicity, biocompatibility, low toxicity in nature over their physical and chemical methods. In the present study, the authors report biosynthesized AgNPs using the root extract of the perennial plant ‘Spiny gourd’ (Momordica dioica) and investigated their anti‐bacterial application with mechanistic approaches. Different biophysical techniques such as UV‐Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, TEM, SAED, and DLS were employed for AgNPs characterization. The synthesized AgNPs were polydispersed, crystalline in nature, with anionic surface (−22.3 mV), spherical in shape with an average size of 13.2 nm. In addition, the AgNPs were stable in room temperature and in different biological buffers. The anti‐bacterial activities of AgNPs were studied with respect to the pathogens such as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus (Gram‐positive), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella planticola (Gram‐negative), and Candida albicans. Also, mechanistic studies of AgNPs such as protein leakage assay, nucleic acid leakage assay, ATP leakage assay, ROS accumulation, determination of biofilm degrading activity, measurement of potassium, showing that the synthesized AgNPs are capable of containing a potential application in the antimicrobial therapeutic agents and the pharmaceutical industry.     

Modification of cement mortars by polymer latex

The polymer systems of vinyl latex, epoxy latex/resin, and phenol formaldehyde were used to modify sand-cement mortar at room temperature. The compressive strength increased with an increase of the latex/resin concentration, with the addition of CaCl₂ or CaCO₃, and with the addition of superplasticizer. Tensile and flexural strengths also increased with polymer incorporation. The porosity of the modified mortar decreased with the addition of resin. The percentage of water absorption and acid solubility were found to decrease for the latex/resin modified samples. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 63: 1251–1257, 1997     

Morphology,thermomechanical properties,and biodegradability of low density polyethylene/starch blends

The biodegradability of low density polyethylene (LDPE)/starch and LDPE/starch/starch acetate (STAc) blends was tested and observed to be dependent on STAc content. The binary and ternary blends containing up to a maximum concentration of 30% starch were examined for their thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties. The blends with no STAc or 2.5% STAc show almost no adherence of two phases. With 10% STAc, dispersion of starch was observed to increase with some adherence to LDPE. Tensile strength, elongation at break, and Izod impact strength of the blends decreased with increased starch content. However, incorporation of STAc along with starch improved all these properties, particularly elongation at break and toughness. The melt flow index was also improved on partial substitution of starch by STAc. Maximum biodegradability was observed for the blends containing 30% (starch + STAc). Cell growth was observed to increase with increasing concentration of (starch + STAc) in the blends. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 2791–2802, 1999     

Thermo-mechanical treatments of Sc- and Mg-modified Al–Cu alloy welds

High-strength heat-treatable aluminum alloy AA2219 finds application in aerospace industries. Though it has good weldability, with alternating current–tungsten inert gas welding, the joint efficiency obtained is only 40%, particularly in thicker plates. In the present study, an attempt has been made to improve the weld metal properties by modifying the chemistry of fusion zone and post-weld thermo-mechanical treatments. Fillers were made through casting route by melting conventional 2319 filler with Sc and Mg. Two levels of Sc (0.3% and 0.6%) and four levels of Mg (0.3% to 0.6%) were varied. Compressive deformation was done on the fusion zone of the weld to get three levels of percentage of reduction (4%, 8%, and 12%). As welded specimens and welds after compressive deformation, those were subjected to post-weld aging treatments at 190ºC for different periods up to 100 h. Compressive deformation on the welds made with modified filler of 2319 with Sc and Mg resulted in significant improvement in the weld metal strength.