On a common circle: natural scenes and Gestalt rules

To understand how the human visual system analyzes images, it is essential to know the structure of the visual environment. In particular, natural images display consistent statistical properties that distinguish them from random luminance distributions. We have studied the geometric regularities of oriented elements (edges or line segments) present in an ensemble of visual scenes, asking how much information the presence of a segment in a particular location of the visual scene carries about the presence of a second segment at different relative positions and orientations. We observed strong long-range correlations in the distribution of oriented segments that extend over the whole visual field. We further show that a very simple geometric rule, cocircularity, predicts the arrangement of segments in natural scenes, and that different geometrical arrangements show relevant differences in their scaling properties. Our results show similarities to geometric features of previous physiological and psychophysical studies. We discuss the implications of these findings for theories of early vision.Comment: 3 figures, 2 large figures not include

Operationalising a macroprudential regime: goals, tools and open issues

Artículo de revist

Effects of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy

Background: Thrombocytopenia defined as platelet count of less than 1,50,000/cu.mm. Thrombocytopenia is divided according to severity into mild moderate and severe types. Multiple factors are responsible.Methods: This is a retrospective study of one-year period including 120 pregnant patients irrespective of their gestational age at civil hospital Ahmedabad. Etiology of this condition are identified and analyzed.Results: Gestational Thrombocytopenia is the most common etiology. This condition is self-limiting usually.Conclusions: Platelet count estimation should be a routine at first antenatal visit for timely diagnosis and to achieve favorable fetomaternal outcome.

ANTIHISTAMINIC ACTIVITY MODELS

Histamine is referred to as common allergic reactions and symptoms. Most of them are compared to histamine intolerance. Some common responses involved with this intolerance may vary but include headaches or migraines, nasal congestion or sinus problems, fatigue, hives, digestive problems, irregular menstrual cycle, nausea, and vomiting. Histamine is derived from a natural amino acid, S-histidine, through the histidine decarboxylase/ aromatic decarboxylase catalysis. Histamine is the compound that the mast cell generates for the immune response. Histamine promotes gastrointestinal secretion and induces capillary dilation, bronchial smooth muscle constriction, and reduced blood pressure. Antihistamines are medicinal products to treat allergic rhinitis and allergies. This includes the in vitro animal model and in-vivo tissue preparation antihistaminic activity. Animal models are significant instruments for understanding the pathological process of human illnesses in experimental medical science. Medicines associated with antihistamine include antiallergy, antivertigo, antimigraine, sedatives, antiemetic, etc. Elderly people are much more likely than youthful people to develop sleepiness from the use of antihistamines. The most common drugs used are cetirizine, levocetirizine, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, loratadine, cimetidine, and fexofenadine. Animal models include histamine-induced bronchoconstriction, passive paw anaphylaxis, milk-induced leukocytosis and eosinophilia, clonidine, and haloperidol-induced catalepsy. While tissue models include isolated goat, and guinea-pig trachea chain preparation, as well as an isolated guinea pig, rat, mice ileum tissue preparation, and the dose-response curve of histamine, were plotted. The focus of the study had been on herbal plants and medicinal products, as they can effectively boost a variety of circumstances without significant adverse side effects. We can assess antihistaminic activity by using plant extracts or any synthetic drug

Model-Based Fault Diagnosis: Performing Root Cause and Impact Analyses in Real Time

Generic, object-oriented fault models, built according to causal-directed graph theory, have been integrated into an overall software architecture dedicated to monitoring and predicting the health of mission- critical systems. Processing over the generic fault models is triggered by event detection logic that is defined according to the specific functional requirements of the system and its components. Once triggered, the fault models provide an automated way for performing both upstream root cause analysis (RCA), and for predicting downstream effects or impact analysis. The methodology has been applied to integrated system health management (ISHM) implementations at NASA SSC's Rocket Engine Test Stands (RETS)

Evaluation of the Hindi version of the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy among pregnant and postnatal women in urban India

Background: Valid and reliable measures such as London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy (LMUP) are imperative for understanding fertility-related behaviors and estimating unintended pregnancy. The aim of this study was to validate the LMUP in the Hindi language for a wider reach in India. Methods: An interviewer administered version of the LMUP was translated and pretested in Hindi. The LMUP was field tested with married women in the reproductive age group across forty informal settlements in Mumbai in the post intervention census of a cluster randomized control trial to improve the health of women and children. Analyses involved the full sample and sub-groups according to time-from-conception. Reliability (internal consistency) was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, inter-item correlations, and item-rest correlations. Construct validity was assessed by hypothesis testing and confirmatory factor analysis. Results: 4991 women were included in the study (1180 were pregnant, 2126 in their first- and 1685 in their second postnatal year). LMUP item completion rates were 100 % and the full range of LMUP scores was captured. Reliability: the scale was internally consistent (Cronbach’s α = 0.84), inter-item correlations were positive, and item-rest correlations were above 0.2 for all items except item six (0.07). Construct validity: hypotheses were met, and confirmatory factor analysis showed that a one-factor model was a good fit for the data, confirming unidimensional measurement. The sub-group analysis (by pregnant, first-, and second postnatal year) showed that the psychometric properties of the LMUP were similar across the groups. In terms of LMUP scores, the women in the postnatal groups were very slightly, but significantly, more likely to have an LMUP score of 10 + compared to pregnant women; the difference between the first and second postnatal year was not significant. Conclusions: The Hindi LMUP is valid and reliable measure of pregnancy intention that may be used in India. Trial Registration: This study is registered with ISRCTN, number ISRCTN56183183, and Clinical Trials Registry of India, number CTRI/2012/09/003004