VANT-GAN: adversarial learning for discrepancy-based visual attribution in medical imaging

Visual attribution (VA) in relation to medical images is an essential aspect of modern automation-assisted diagnosis. Since it is generally not straightforward to obtain pixel-level ground-truth labelling of medical images, classification-based interpretation approaches have become the de facto standard for automated diagnosis, in which the ability of classifiers to make categorical predictions based on class-salient regions is harnessed within the learning algorithm. Such regions, however, typically constitute only a small subset of the full range of features of potential medical interest. They may hence not be useful for VA of medical images where capturing all of the disease evidence is a critical requirement. This hence motivates the proposal of a novel strategy for visual attribution that is not reliant on image classification. We instead obtain normal counterparts of abnormal images and find discrepancy maps between the two. To perform the abnormal-to-normal mapping in unsupervised way, we employ a Cycle-Consistency Generative Adversarial Network, thereby formulating visual attribution in terms of a discrepancy map that, when subtracted from the abnormal image, makes it indistinguishable from the counterpart normal image. Experiments are performed on three datasets including a synthetic, Alzheimer’s disease Neuro imaging Initiative and, BraTS dataset. We outperform baseline and related methods in both experiments

EVALUATION OF OIL BASED AVIAN INFLUENZA VACCINE (H5NI) PREPARED WITH DIFFERENT CONCENTRATIONS OF ADJUVANT

Bird flu vaccine from H5N1 strain of avian influenza virus was prepared with two concentrations of adjuvant (Montanide ISA 70MVG). Two vaccines (I and II) were prepared containing 50 and 60% Montanide, respectively. Immune response of both the vaccines as single, as well as booster, dose was evaluated in layer birds through haemagglutination inhibition test. Single dose of both vaccines showed poor immune response, while booster dose gave better response with both the vaccines. However, the vaccine prepared with 60% Montanide provided better immune response compared with the vaccine containing 50% montanide

Reducing machining distortion in AA 6061 alloy through re-heating technique

Solution-treated AA 6061 alloy contains residual stresses which cause unwanted deformation during the machining operation rendering the parts unacceptable for use. Usually for AA 6061 alloy, stress relieving is performed by re-heating the parts at 343°C for 1 h. This stress relieving is however accompanied by a considerable loss of material strength which subsequently reduces the functionality of the parts. This paper is based on an effort to evaluate the effectiveness of lower re-heating temperatures for stress relieving without significant loss of strength. Temperatures within the range of 200–343°C were used and treated samples were tested for both the strength and machining distortion. The experimental results indicate 60% reduction in machining distortions with 21% decrease in the strength

A methodology for flexibility analysis of pipeline systems

Pipeline systems serve a crucial role in an effective transport of fluids to the designated location for medium to long span of distances. Owing to its paramount economic significance, pipeline design field have undergone extensive development over the past few years for enhancing the optimization and transport efficiency. This research paper attempts to propose a methodology for flexibility analysis of pipeline systems through employing contemporary computational tools and practices. A methodical procedure is developed, which involves modeling of the selected pipeline system in CAESAR II followed by the insertion of pipe supports and restraints. The specific location and selection of the inserted supports is based on the results derived from the displacement, stress, reaction, and nozzle analysis of the concerned pipeline system. Emphasis is laid on the compliance of the design features to the leading code of pipeline transportation systems for liquid and slurries, ASME B31.4. The discussed procedure and approach can be successfully adjusted for the analysis of various other types of pipeline system configuration. In addition to the provision of systematic flow in analysis, the method also improves efficient time-saving practices in the pipeline stress analysis

TiO2 encrusted MXene as a High-Performance anode material for Li-ion batteries

TiO2 has the potential to be a viable anode material for high-power lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the lower electronic conductivity of TiO2 limits its practical applications. Here, the synthesis of novel TiO2 decorated Ti3C-MXene anode for LIBs using in-situ hydrolysis is discussed. MXenes are well known for their outstanding structural stability and superior electronic conductivities; thus, using MXenes as a host material for TiO2 may improve its structural and electrical characteristics. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM & TEM) examination revealed that the in-situ method resulted in a uniform and comformal coating of TiO2 (27.5 nm) on the inner and outer surfaces of MXene surfaces. BET analysis revealed that the larger surface area of MXene-TiO2 nanocomposite enhanced the active sites for lithium intercalation, which improved electrochemical performance. Furthermore, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis revealed faster kinetics for MXene-TiO2 materials when compared to the TiO2 anode. Compared to pristine TiO2 anode, 5 wt% MXene-TiO2 nanocomposite showed significantly better electrochemical performance, with an electrochemical capacity of around 200 mAhg?1 at 0.1C. Nanocomposites based on MXene-TiO2 exhibit outstanding electrochemical performance, indicating the potential for using MXene-based nanocomposites as an anode in high-performance lithium-ion batteries.Statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors. Microstructural analyses (FE-SEM and HR-TEM) were accomplished at the Central Laboratory Unit (CLU), Qatar University, Doha, Qatar. Funding: This work was supported by Qatar National Research Fund (a member of the Qatar Foundation) [NPRP Grant # NPRP11S-1225-17128]; the Qatar University Internal Grant, [QUCG-CENG-20/21-2].Scopu

Frequency and amplitude measurement of a cantilever beam using image processing: with a feedback system

Image processing techniques can be utilized in analyzing amplitude and frequency of vibrating structures. It is a form of non-contact method which is suitable for cases where application of contact devices could alter the frequency of structure. This paper covers the study based on vision system that performs amplitude and frequency measurement of a cantilever beam in near real time, using image processing and computer vision toolbox in MATLAB. The vision system then detects changes in amplitude followed by feedback mechanism to ensure operation at resonance frequency. The system includes a high speed camera which is able to detect amplitude and frequency of cantilever beam vibrating at a frequency with the help of mechanical exciter. The high speed camera captures images of the beam, that are processed by a MATLAB script for evaluation of amplitude and frequency. To locate amplitude of the vibrating beam, centroid recognition technique is used which tracks the centroids of the beam in consecutive frames and plots number of pixels moved by the centroid with respect to time. Later, frequency is found out on the basis of intensity change over the time. Amplitude analysis is done at different frequencies which are automatically adjusted with the help of microcontroller to determine the resonance point. Exciter continues to vibrate at the resonant frequency until a change in amplitude is detected, implying the formation of crack. At which point the system adjusts its vibrating frequency accordingly to adjust with the new resonant frequency. This paper covers proper experimental procedure backed with the results

Study of J/ψJ/\psi and ψ(3686)→Σ(1385)0Σˉ(1385)0\psi(3686)\rightarrow\Sigma(1385)^{0}\bar\Sigma(1385)^{0} and Ξ0Ξˉ0\Xi^0\bar\Xi^{0}

We study the decays of $J/\psi$ and $\psi(3686)$ to the final states $\Sigma(1385)^{0}\bar\Sigma(1385)^{0}$ and $\Xi^0\bar\Xi^{0}$ based on a single baryon tag method using data samples of $(1310.6 \pm 7.0) \times 10^{6}$ $J/\psi$ and $(447.9 \pm 2.9) \times 10^{6}$ $\psi(3686)$ events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The decays to $\Sigma(1385)^{0}\bar\Sigma(1385)^{0}$ are observed for the first time. The measured branching fractions of $J/\psi$ and $\psi(3686)\rightarrow\Xi^0\bar\Xi^{0}$ are in good agreement with, and much more precise, than the previously published results. The angular parameters for these decays are also measured for the first time. The measured angular decay parameter for $J/\psi\rightarrow\Sigma(1385)^{0}\bar\Sigma(1385)^{0}$, $\alpha =-0.64 \pm 0.03 \pm 0.10$, is found to be negative, different to the other decay processes in this measurement. In addition, the "12\% rule" and isospin symmetry in the $J/\psi$ and $\psi(3686)\rightarrow\Xi\bar\Xi$ and $\Sigma(1385)\bar{\Sigma}(1385)$ systems are tested.Comment: 11 pages, 7 figures. This version is consistent with paper published in Phys.Lett. B770 (2017) 217-22

Observation of Ds+→pnˉD^+_s\rightarrow p\bar{n} and confirmation of its large branching fraction

The baryonic decay $D^+_s\rightarrow p\bar{n}$ is observed, and the corresponding branching fraction is measured to be $(1.21\pm0.10\pm0.05)\times10^{-3}$, where the first uncertainty is statistical and second systematic. The data sample used in this analysis was collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII $e^+e^-$ double-ring collider with a center-of-mass energy of 4.178~GeV and an integrated luminosity of 3.19~fb$^{-1}$. The result confirms the previous measurement by the CLEO Collaboration and is of greatly improved precision, which may deepen our understanding of the dynamical enhancement of the W-annihilation topology in the charmed meson decays

Observation and study of the decay J/ψ→ϕηη′J/\psi\rightarrow\phi\eta\eta'

We report the observation and study of the decay $J/\psi\rightarrow\phi\eta\eta'$ using $1.3\times{10^9}$ $J/\psi$ events collected with the BESIII detector. Its branching fraction, including all possible intermediate states, is measured to be $(2.32\pm0.06\pm0.16)\times{10^{-4}}$. We also report evidence for a structure, denoted as $X$, in the $\phi\eta'$ mass spectrum in the $2.0-2.1$ GeV/$c^2$ region. Using two decay modes of the $\eta'$ meson ($\gamma\pi^+\pi^-$ and $\eta\pi^+\pi^-$), a simultaneous fit to the $\phi\eta'$ mass spectra is performed. Assuming the quantum numbers of the $X$ to be $J^P = 1^-$, its significance is found to be 4.4$\sigma$, with a mass and width of $(2002.1 \pm 27.5 \pm 21.4)$ MeV/$c^2$ and $(129 \pm 17 \pm 9)$ MeV, respectively, and a product branching fraction $\mathcal{B}(J/\psi\rightarrow\eta{}X)\times{}\mathcal{B}(X\rightarrow\phi\eta')=(9.8 \pm 1.2 \pm 1.7)\times10^{-5}$. Alternatively, assuming $J^P = 1^+$, the significance is 3.8$\sigma$, with a mass and width of $(2062.8 \pm 13.1 \pm 7.2)$ MeV/$c^2$ and $(177 \pm 36 \pm 35)$ MeV, respectively, and a product branching fraction $\mathcal{B}(J/\psi\rightarrow\eta{}X)\times{}\mathcal{B}(X\rightarrow\phi\eta')=(9.6 \pm 1.4 \pm 2.0)\times10^{-5}$. The angular distribution of $J/\psi\rightarrow\eta{}X$ is studied and the two $J^P$ assumptions of the $X$ cannot be clearly distinguished due to the limited statistics. In all measurements the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figures and 4 table