Locally periodic unfolding method and two-scale convergence on surfaces of locally periodic microstructures

In this paper we generalize the periodic unfolding method and the notion of two-scale convergence on surfaces of periodic microstructures to locally periodic situations. The methods that we introduce allow us to consider a wide range of non-periodic microstructures, especially to derive macroscopic equations for problems posed in domains with perforations distributed non-periodically. Using the methods of locally periodic two-scale convergence (l-t-s) on oscillating surfaces and the locally periodic (l-p) boundary unfolding operator, we are able to analyze differential equations defined on boundaries of non-periodic microstructures and consider non-homogeneous Neumann conditions on the boundaries of perforations, distributed non-periodically

Cell Nuclei Segmentation In Noisy Images Using Morphological Watersheds

A major problem in image processing and analysis is the segmentation of its components. Many computer vision tasks process image regions after segmentation, and the minimization of errors is then crucial for a good automatic inspection system. This paper presents an applied work on automatic segmentation of cell nuclei in digital noisy images. One of the major problems when using morphological watersheds is oversegmentation. By using an efficient homotopy image modification module, we prevent oversegmentation. This module utilizes diverse operations, such as sequential filters, distance transforms, opening by reconstruction, top hat, etc., some in parallel, some in cascade form, leading to a new set of internal and external cell nuclei markers. Very good results have been obtained and the proposed technique should facilitate better analysis of visual perception of cell nuclei for human and computer vision. All steps are presented, as well as the associated images. Implementations were done in the Khoros system using the MMach toolbox.3164314324Costa, J.A.F., Andrade Netto, M.L., Parts classification in assembly lines using multilayer feedforward neural networks Proc. of the 1997 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man., and Cybernetics, , Orlando, Florida, October 12-15Gonzaga, A., Costa, J.A.F., Moment invariants applied to the recognition of objects using neural networks (1996) Proceedings of SPIE, 2847, pp. 223-233. , Applications of Digital Image Processing XIX, Andrew G. Tescher, EditorMascarenhas, N.D.A., Velasco, F.R.D., (1989) Processamento digital de imagens. 2a. Ed., , I Escola Brasileiro-Argentina de Informática. Buenos Aires: Ed. KapeluszSilver, D., Object-oriented visualization (1995) IEEE Camputer Graphics and Applications, 15 (3), pp. 54-62. , MayBallard, D., Brown, C., (1982) Computer Vision, , Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.JKass, M., Witkin, A., Terzopoulos, D., Snakes: Active contour models (1988) Int'l. J. Computer Vision, 1 (4), pp. 321-331Choi, C., Jennings, A., Learning to segment using fuzzy boundary cell features (1996) Proc. of Complex Systems ConferenceHasegawa, A., Cullen, K.J., Man, S.K., Segmentation and analysis of breast cancer pathological images by na adaptive-sized hybrid neural network (1996) Proc. SPIE, 2710, pp. 752-762. , Medical Imaging: Image Processing, Murray H. LoewKenneth M. HansonEdsBarrera, J., Banon, G.J.F., Lotufo, R.A., Mathematical morphology toolbox for the KHOROS system (1994) Conf. on Image Algebra and Morphological Image Processing V, Intl. Symposium on Optics, Imaging and Instrumentation, , SPIE's Annual Meeting, 24-29 July. San Diego, USAMatheron, G., (1975) Random Sets and Integral Geometry, , John Wiley and Sons, New YorkSerra, J., (1982) Image Analysis and Mathematical Morphology, , Academic Press, LondonGiardina, C.R., Dougherty, E.R., (1988) Morphological Methods in Image and Signal Processing, , Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJHaralick, R.M., Sternberg, S.R., Zhuang, X., Image analysis using mathematical morphology (1987) IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, 9, pp. 532-550Dougherty, E.R., An introduction to morphological image processing (1992) SPIE Tutorial Text, TT09Heijmans, H.J.A.M., (1994) Morphological Image Operators, , Academic Press, BostonBeucher, S., Lantuéjoul, C., Use of watersheds in contour detection (1979) Proc. Int'l Workshop Image Processing, Real-Time Edge and Motion Detection/Estimation, , Rennes, France, Sept. 17-21Najman, L., Schmitt, M., Geodesic saliency of watershed contours and hierarchical segmentation (1996) IEEE Trans. Pattern Anal. Machine Intell., 18 (12), pp. 1163-1173Vincent, L., Sollie, P., Watersheds in digital space: An efficient algorithm based on immersion simulations (1991) IEEE Trans. on Pattern Anal and Machine Intell., 13 (6), pp. 583-598Michael, W.H., William, E.H., Watershed-driven relaxation labeling for image segmentation (1994) Proceedings ICIP-94, 3, pp. 460-463. , IEEE International Conference on Image ProcessingPerry, S., (1996) Fast Interactive Segmentation for Content Based Retrieval and Navigation, , mini-thesis submited for transfer of registration from MPhil to PhD., University of Southampton, UK, OctoberMeyer, F., Color image segmentation (1992) 4th International Conference on Image Processing and its Applications, pp. 303-306. , IEE, Conference Publication No. 354Beucher, S., Segmentation tools in mathematical morphology (1990) Proceedings SPIE, 1350, pp. 70-84. , Image Algebra and Morphological Image Processing(P.D. Gader, ed.)Haris, K., Efstratiadis, S.N., Maglaveras, N., Pappas, C., Hybrid image segmentation using watersheds (1996) Proc. SPIE Vol. 2727, Visual Communications and Image Processing '96, 2727, pp. 1140-1151. , Rashid AnsariMark J. SmithEdsMeyer, F., Beucher, S., Morphological segmentation (1990) J. Visual Comm. & Img. Repr., 1, pp. 21-46Lotufo, R., Trettel, E., Image segmentation by mathematical morphology - Laboratory notes (1996) Brazilian Workshop'96 on Mathematical Morphology, , São Paulo, Feb 27 - March 1Barrera, J., Banon, G.J.F., Lotufo, R.A., Hirata R., Jr., (1997) MMach: A Mathematical Morphology Toolbox for the KHOROS System, , Tech. Report RT-MAC-9704. IME/University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. MayRasure, J., Jordán, R., Lotufo, R., Teaching image processing with khoros (1994) 1994 IEEE Conf. on Image Processing, , ftp://ftp.dca.fee.unicamp.brRasure, J., Williams, C., An integrated data flow visual language and software development environment (1991) Journal of Visual Languages and Computing, pp. 217-246Konstatinides, K., Rasure, J., The khoros software development environment for image and signal processing (1994) IEEE Trans. on Image Processing, 3 (3), pp. 243-252. , MayJordan, R., Lotufo, R., (1994) Digital Image Processing with Khoros 2.0, , World Wide Web (WWW) CoursewareRasure, J., Kubica, S., Tutorial: The Khoros application development environment (1993) VI Simpósio Brasileiro de Computação Gráfica e Processamento de Imagens, , Recife, P

Characterization of oil shale residue and rejects from irati formation by electron paramagnetic resonance

In this study, sedimentary organic matter of oil shale rejects, calschist, shale fine and the so called retorted shale from Irati formation was characterized. EPR was used to analyse the samples regarding loss of signal in g = 2.003 associated to the organic free radical with the calcined samples and washing with hydrogen peroxide. The radical signal was detected in all samples, however, for the calschist and shale fine samples another signal was identified at g = 2.000 which disappeared when the sample was heated at 400 ºC. Hydrogen peroxide washing was also performed and it was noted that after washing the signal appeared around g = 2.000 for all samples, including retorted shale, which might be due to the quartz E1 defect

Alterações na ultra-estrutura de genótipos de soja em resposta ao fornecimento de manganês em solução nutritiva

The deleterious effects of Mn stress on many species have been studied, mainly concerning biochemical, physiological and growth parameters of plants. However, there are few studies relating the anatomical and ultrastructural changes in response to manganese (Mn) nutritional disorders, This study examined the leaf ultrastructure of Mn-inefficient (IAC-15, Santa Rosa) and Mn-efficient (IAC-Foscarin 31) soybean (Glycine max L.) genotypes in response to three rates of Mn (0.5, 2 and 200 µmol L-1) in the nutrient solution. Symptoms of Mn deficiency developed 12 days after transplanting in IAC-15 and Santa Rosa, followed by IAC-Foscarin 31 on the 15th day. Only IAC-15 and Santa Rosa leaves showed symptoms of Mn toxicity. The Mn concentration in leaves ranged from 8.6 (deficiency) to 886.3 mg kg-1 d.w. (toxicity). There were no changes either in stomata length or stomata number per unit of leaf surface. Cytoplasm disorganization was observed in IAC-15 under Mn-excess. In this case, the cytoplasm was amorphous, densely stained and extensively disorganized, with increased vacuolation. Mn effects were not found in mitochondria and nucleus in any of the genotypes tested. Under all Mn concentrations, many lipid globules were observed in the IAC15 chloroplasts. There was an increase in the number of plastids as well as in the size of starch grains within IAC-Foscarin 31 chloroplasts as Mn concentration in the nutrient solution increased. Genotypes had marked differences in the ultrastructure organization, mainly in leaf chloroplasts grown under conditions of both Mn deficiency and toxicity (the most sensitive genotype was IAC-15).Os efeitos negativos provocados tanto pela deficiência quanto pela toxidez de manganês (Mn) no desenvolvimento das plantas têm sido avaliados, considerando-se os aspectos bioquímicos e produtivos da parte aérea, particularmente, onde os sintomas visuais são manifestados. Entretanto, há poucas informações na literatura abordando as alterações anatômicas e de ultra-estrutura, em relação ao suprimento de Mn. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram avaliar os efeitos do fornecimento de três doses de Mn (0,5; 2 e 200 µmol L-1), em solução nutritiva, nas ultra-estruturas de folhas de cultivares de soja Glycine max (L.): Santa Rosa, IAC-15 e IAC-Foscarin 31, contrastantes quanto à aquisição e ao uso do Mn. Os sintomas visuais de deficiência foram observados primeiramente em Santa Rosa e IAC-15 (ineficientes), os únicos a exibirem sintomas de toxidez. As concentrações de Mn nas folhas com sintomas variaram de 8,6 (deficiência) a 886,3 mg kg-1 (toxidez). Não houve alterações no comprimento e no número de estômatos nos limbos foliares. Em condição de toxidez, constatou-se no IAC-15, citoplasma desorganizado, vacuolado em excesso e denso evidenciando alterações nas membranas dos tilacóides. Não ocorreram alterações ultra-estruturais nas mitocôndrias e no núcleo das células dos três genótipos. Constatou-se presença de glóbulos de lipídios nos cloroplastos do cultivar IAC-15, em todas as condições de fornecimento de Mn. Houve aumento no número de plastídeos e grãos de amido, bem como no tamanho destes no IAC-Foscarin 31 com o suprimento de Mn. Os genótipos, tanto na condição de deficiência quanto de excesso, exibiram distintos graus de organização das ultraestruturas, notadamente, os cloroplastos. O IAC-15 exibiu maiores alterações das ultra-estruturas em função das desordens nutricionais em manganês

Repositioning of the global epicentre of non-optimal cholesterol

High blood cholesterol is typically considered a feature of wealthy western countries1,2. However, dietary and behavioural determinants of blood cholesterol are changing rapidly throughout the world3 and countries are using lipid-lowering medications at varying rates. These changes can have distinct effects on the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, which have different effects on human health4,5. However, the trends of HDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels over time have not been previously reported in a global analysis. Here we pooled 1,127 population-based studies that measured blood lipids in 102.6 million individuals aged 18 years and older to estimate trends from 1980 to 2018 in mean total, non-HDL and HDL cholesterol levels for 200 countries. Globally, there was little change in total or non-HDL cholesterol from 1980 to 2018. This was a net effect of increases in low- and middle-income countries, especially in east and southeast Asia, and decreases in high-income western countries, especially those in northwestern Europe, and in central and eastern Europe. As a result, countries with the highest level of non-HDL cholesterol—which is a marker of cardiovascular risk—changed from those in western Europe such as Belgium, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Malta in 1980 to those in Asia and the Pacific, such as Tokelau, Malaysia, The Philippines and Thailand. In 2017, high non-HDL cholesterol was responsible for an estimated 3.9 million (95% credible interval 3.7 million–4.2 million) worldwide deaths, half of which occurred in east, southeast and south Asia. The global repositioning of lipid-related risk, with non-optimal cholesterol shifting from a distinct feature of high-income countries in northwestern Europe, north America and Australasia to one that affects countries in east and southeast Asia and Oceania should motivate the use of population-based policies and personal interventions to improve nutrition and enhance access to treatment throughout the world.</p

Whole-genome sequencing reveals host factors underlying critical COVID-19

Critical COVID-19 is caused by immune-mediated inflammatory lung injury. Host genetic variation influences the development of illness requiring critical care1 or hospitalization2,3,4 after infection with SARS-CoV-2. The GenOMICC (Genetics of Mortality in Critical Care) study enables the comparison of genomes from individuals who are critically ill with those of population controls to find underlying disease mechanisms. Here we use whole-genome sequencing in 7,491 critically ill individuals compared with 48,400 controls to discover and replicate 23 independent variants that significantly predispose to critical COVID-19. We identify 16 new independent associations, including variants within genes that are involved in interferon signalling (IL10RB and PLSCR1), leucocyte differentiation (BCL11A) and blood-type antigen secretor status (FUT2). Using transcriptome-wide association and colocalization to infer the effect of gene expression on disease severity, we find evidence that implicates multiple genes—including reduced expression of a membrane flippase (ATP11A), and increased expression of a mucin (MUC1)—in critical disease. Mendelian randomization provides evidence in support of causal roles for myeloid cell adhesion molecules (SELE, ICAM5 and CD209) and the coagulation factor F8, all of which are potentially druggable targets. Our results are broadly consistent with a multi-component model of COVID-19 pathophysiology, in which at least two distinct mechanisms can predispose to life-threatening disease: failure to control viral replication; or an enhanced tendency towards pulmonary inflammation and intravascular coagulation. We show that comparison between cases of critical illness and population controls is highly efficient for the detection of therapeutically relevant mechanisms of disease