Image enhancement using fusions by Wavelet Transform, Laplacian Pyramid and combination of both.

This paper represents idea of combining multiple image modalities to provide a single, enhanced image is well established different fusion methods have been proposed in literature. This paper is based on image fusion using wavelet transform, laplacian pyramid and combination of laplacian pyramid and wavelet transform method. Images of same size are used for experimentation. Images used for the experimentation are standard images and averaging filter is used of equal weights in original images to burl. Performance of image fusion technique is measured by mean square error, normalized absolute error and peak signal to noise ratio. proposed method is compared with wavelet transform method and laplacian pyramid method, from the performance analysis it has been observed that MSE is decreased in case of all three the methods where as PSNR Increased, NAE decreased in case of laplacian pyramid and Combination of laplacian pyramid and wavelet transform where as constant for wavelet transform method

Broad-tailed force distributions and velocity ordering in a heterogeneous membrane model for collective cell migration

Correlated velocity patterns and associated large length-scale transmission of traction forces have been observed in collective live cell migration as a response to a "wound". We argue that a simple physical model of a force-driven heterogeneous elastic membrane sliding over a viscous substrate can qualitatively explain a few experimentally observed facts: (i) the growth of velocity ordering which spreads from the wound boundary to the interior, (ii) the exponential tails of the traction force distributions, and (iii) the swirling pattern of velocities in the interior of the tissue.Comment: 7 pages and 5 figure

Study of perinatal outcome of labour complicated with meconium stained liquor

Background: Meconium stained amniotic fluid occurs in 9 to 20% of deliveries. It has long been implicated as a factor influencing foetal wellbeing during the intrapartum and postpartum period. Many authors have suggested that the type and the time of passage of meconium are most significant factors affecting foetal outcome. This study was carried out to find out the effect of meconium stained liquor during labour and its perinatal outcome.Methods: This prospective cross sectional and comparative study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital over a period of 1 year. The study group comprised of 118 women having MSAF during labour and the comparative group of 118 women with clear amniotic fluid which were randomly selected. The demographic data, obstetrical history, intrapartum findings and Apgar score were documented on predesigned proforma. Data collected was analysed using student t-test, chi square test, Z test for comparison of proportions and coefficient of variation for comparison of consistency of distributions.Results: Out of 1192 cases studied 118 cases showed presence of meconium stained liquor (9.89%). Caesarean section was performed in 41.52% cases with meconium stained liquor versus 31.35% in clear liquor group. Apgar score at 1 minute was significantly lower in meconium stained liquor (p0.05).Conclusions: Meconium staining is a commonly observed phenomenon. labour complicated with thick meconium stained liquor should ideally be categorised in to high risk obstetrics and managed in tertiary care with consultant obstetrician, consultant neonatologist and NICU in order to improve the perinatal outcome

Role of hysterolaparoscopy in management of infertility a retrospective clinical analysis

Background: Diagnosis and treatment of infertility is an elaborate process. The goal of treating clinician is to decide upon the plan of management best suited to the couple by selecting relevant investigations and procedures from available options. Objective was to determine the role of hysterolaparoscopy in the management of infertility.  Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary canter (Department of reproductive medicine and surgery) over a period of 12 months-January 2019 to December 2019. Women aged 20-40 years with primary or secondary infertility, except male factor infertility, undergoing hysterolaparoscopy were included. Results: Out of 41 cases, 71.84% patients had primary infertility. Common laparoscopic abnormalities were adhesions (36.5%) and endometriosis (17.07%) Hysteroscopy revealed polyps (9.7%) and intrauterine synechia (4.8%) as common pathologies. The diagnosed pathologies were dealt surgically in the same sitting. Plan of infertility treatment could be outlined in all patients based on intraoperative findings. Conclusion: Hysterolaparoscopy serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purpose. Various pelvic, peritoneal, tubal, endometrial and uterine factors can be diagnosed and treated at the same time. The clinician has to be well versed and skilled in selecting and performing the appropriate surgery. Clinical information gained from hysterolaparoscopy helps in decision making and designing individualized, evidence-based treatment plan can for the patients

Water Quality Impacts of Naturals Riparian Grasses Part 2: Modeling Effects of Channelization on Sediment Trapping

A methodology is developed to determine expected sediment trapping in riparian vegetative filter strips considering channelization of flow. The framework consists of defining the channel network stochastically, with deposition/detachment in each channel being modeled deterministically. The two approaches were then combined to develop a model which could predict expected trapping efficiencies for vegetative filters under known field conditions. The model was then extended to include conditions such as rainfall on the filter so as to make it applicable to generic field situations. Field and laboratory studies were conducted to collect and estimate data to develop and evaluate the model. sediment concentrations were measured for natural vegetative filters located on a slope of 8.7%, subjected to inflows from upslope bare soil plots. Surface elevations were measured for the filter. Flow networks and channel shapes were defined by applying the digital elevation model to the micro-relief data. Actual distributions and standard fitted distributions for channel flows and channel shapes were developed. Model evaluation was done for selected values of Manning\u27s n to give predicted filter trapping efficiencies within 2% of the observed, indicating model validity. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the general model and the fitted probability distributions

Design and Test of a Deployable Radiation Cover for the REgolith X-Ray Imaging Spectrometer

The REgolith X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) instrument contains a one-time deployable radiation cover that is opened using a shape memory alloy actuator (a "Frangibolt") from TiNi Aerospace and two torsion springs. The door will be held closed by the bolt for several years in cold storage during travel to the target asteroid, Bennu, and it is imperative to gain confidence that the door will open at predicted operational temperatures. This paper briefly covers the main design features of the radiation cover and measures taken to mitigate risks to cover deployment. As the chosen FD04 model Frangibolt actuator has minimal flight heritage, the main focus of this paper is the testing, results and conclusions with the FD04 while discussing key lessons learned with respect to the use of the FD04 actuator in this application

A GIS based Screening Tool for Locating and Ranking of Suitable Stormwater Harvesting Sites in Urban Areas

There is the need to re-configure current urban water systems to achieve the objective of sustainable water sensitive cities. Stormwater represents a valuable alternative urban water source to reduce pressure on fresh water resources, and to mitigate the environmental impact of urban stormwater runoff. The selection of suitable urban stormwater harvesting sites is generally based on the judgement of water planners, who are faced with the challenge of considering multiple technical and socio-economic factors that influence the site suitability. To address this challenge, the present study developed a robust GIS based screening methodology for identifying potentially suitable stormwater harvesting sites in urban areas as a first pass for then more detailed investigation. The study initially evaluated suitability based on the match between harvestable runoff and demand through a concept of accumulated catchments. Drainage outlets of these accumulated catchments were considered as potential stormwater harvesting sites. These sites were screened and ranked under screening parameters namely demand, ratio of runoff to demand and weighted demand distance. The methodology described in this paper was successfully applied to a case study in Melbourne, Australia in collaboration with the local water utility. The methodology was found to be effective in supporting the selection of priority sites for stormwater harvesting schemes, as it provided the basis to identify, short-list and rank sites for further detailed investigation. The rapid identification of suitable sites for stormwater harvesting can assist planners in prioritising schemes in areas that will have the most impact on reducing potable water demand. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd

Activation of TRPV4 by mechanical, osmotic or pharmaceutical stimulation is anti-inflammatory blocking IL-1β mediated articular cartilage matrix destruction

Objective: Cartilage health is maintained in response to a range of mechanical stimuli including compressive, shear and tensile strains and associated alterations in osmolality. The osmotic-sensitive ion channel Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is required for mechanotransduction. Mechanical stimuli inhibit interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mediated inflammatory signalling, however the mechanism is unclear. This study aims to clarify the role of TRPV4 in this response. Design: TRPV4 activity was modulated (GSK205 antagonist or GSK1016790A (GSK101) agonist) in articular chondrocytes and cartilage explants in the presence or absence of IL-1β, mechanical (10% cyclic tensile strain (CTS), 0.33Hz, 24hrs) or osmotic loading (200mOsm, 24hrs). Nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and sulphated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) release and cartilage biomechanics were analysed. Alterations in post-translational tubulin modifications and primary cilia length regulation were examined. Results: In isolated chondrocytes, mechanical loading inhibited IL-1β mediated NO and PGE2 release. This response was inhibited by GSK205. Similarly, osmotic loading was anti-inflammatory in cells and explants, this response was abrogated by TRPV4 inhibition. In explants, GSK101 inhibited IL-1β mediated NO release and prevented cartilage degradation and loss of mechanical properties. Upon activation, TRPV4 cilia localisation was increased resulting in HDAC6-dependent modulation of soluble tubulin and altered cilia length regulation. Conclusion: Mechanical, osmotic or pharmaceutical activation of TRPV4 regulates HDAC6-dependent modulation of ciliary tubulin and is anti-inflammatory. This study reveals for the first time, the potential of TRPV4 manipulation as a novel therapeutic mechanism to supress pro-inflammatory signalling and cartilage degradation

PCR-SSCP and Sequencing of CXCR2 Receptor Gene in Vrindavani Cattle

Genetic markers associated with inflammatory responses during mastitis could aid in the selection of diseased cattle. One potential marker is CXCR2, a chemokine receptor required for neutrophil migration to infection sites. The objective of this experiment was to identify genetic polymorphism of CXCR2 gene and associate it with subclinical and clinical mastitis. Ninety five Vrindavani crossbred cows (42-mastitis tolerant and 53-clinical mastitis) that completed at least two full lactations were taken for study. Blood of selected crossbred cows was collected, and genomic DNA was isolated by phenol chloroform method. The DNA of good quality having OD ratio (260/280 nm) between 1.7-1.9 were used for further analysis. PCR-SSCP technique was used to reveal the polymorphism in 269bp fragments of CXCR2 gene. The 269 bp fragment of CXCR2 gene was found to be monomorphic in all the DNA samples of crossbred cows

Purification and Characterization of a Mitogenic Lectin from Cephalosporium, a Pathogenic Fungus Causing Mycotic Keratitis

Ophthalmic mycoses caused by infectious fungi are being recognized as a serious concern since they lead to total blindness. Cephalosporium is one amongst several opportunistic fungal species implicated in ophthalmic infections leading to mycotic keratitis. A mitogenic lectin has been purified from the mycelia of fungus Cephalosporium, isolated from the corneal smears of a keratitis patient. Cephalosporium lectin (CSL) is a tetramer with subunit mass of 14 kDa, agglutinates human A, B, and O erythrocytes, and exhibits high affinity for mucin compared to fetuin and asialofetuin but does not bind to simple sugars indicating its complex sugar specificity. CSL showed strong binding to normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to elicit mitogenic activity. The sugar specificity of the lectin and its interaction with PBMCs to exhibit mitogenic effect indicate its possible role in adhesion and infection process of Cephalosporium