An efficient face recognition system using local binary pattern.

Facial recognition is a critical and prominent aspect of current research into image processing and computer vision, with particular applications including confront location, confront acknowledgement and outward appearance investigation. A basic advancement towards fruitful facial picture examination is to infer a viable facial portrayal from the first face pictures. Local Binary Patterns (LBP) have recently gained increased attention as an approach for facial depiction. Neighborhood double example (LBP) is a nonparametric descriptor, which proficiently abridges the nearby structures of pictures. In this paper, there will be a complete overview of LBP and an explanation of extentions of that concept. LBP-based facial picture examination is broadly evaluated, while its fruitful expansions (which manage different aspects of facial picture investigation) are additionally featured

Chemical Enrichment at High Redshifts

We have tried to understand the recent observations related to metallicity in Ly $\alpha$ forest clouds in the framework of the two component model suggested by Chiba & Nath (1997). We find that even if the mini-halos were chemically enriched by an earlier generation of stars, to have [C/H] $\simeq$ -2.5, the number of C IV lines with column density $>10^{12} cm^{-2}$, contributed by the mini-halos, at the redshift of 3, would be only about 10% of the total number of lines, for a chemical enrichment rate of $(1+z)^{-3}$ in the galaxies. Recently reported absence of heavy element lines associated with most of the Ly $\alpha$ lines with H I column density between $10^{13.5} cm^{-2}$ and $10^{14} cm^{-2}$ by Lu et al (1998), if correct, gives an upper limit on [C/H]=-3.7, not only in the mini-halos, but also in the outer parts of galactic halos. This is consistent with the results of numerical simulations, according to which, the chemical elements associated with the Ly $\alpha$ clouds are formed in situ in clouds, rather than in an earlier generation of stars. However, the mean value of $7 \times 10^{-3}$ for the column density ratio of C IV and H I, determined by Cowie and Songaila (1998) for low Lyman alpha optical depths, implies an abundance of [C/H] =-2.5 in mini-halos as well as in most of the region in galactic halos, presumably enriched by an earlier generation of stars. The redshift and column density distribution of C IV has been shown to be in reasonable agreement with the observations.Comment: 23 pages, 6 figures, To appear in Astrophysical Journa

Selection of chromosomal DNA libraries using a multiplex CRISPR system.

The directed evolution of biomolecules to improve or change their activity is central to many engineering and synthetic biology efforts. However, selecting improved variants from gene libraries in living cells requires plasmid expression systems that suffer from variable copy number effects, or the use of complex marker-dependent chromosomal integration strategies. We developed quantitative gene assembly and DNA library insertion into the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome by optimizing an efficient single-step and marker-free genome editing system using CRISPR-Cas9. With this Multiplex CRISPR (CRISPRm) system, we selected an improved cellobiose utilization pathway in diploid yeast in a single round of mutagenesis and selection, which increased cellobiose fermentation rates by over 10-fold. Mutations recovered in the best cellodextrin transporters reveal synergy between substrate binding and transporter dynamics, and demonstrate the power of CRISPRm to accelerate selection experiments and discoveries of the molecular determinants that enhance biomolecule function

Nitrite contents in various masticatories prevailing in the state of Assam – a pilot study

Background: The habit of using masticatories is quite common among the population of the state Assam. There are numerous types of masticatories available throughout the state, most of which include areca nut in different forms, accompanied with beetle leaves and tobacco leaves and other associated substances added for flavor. Aim: To determine the level of nitrite present in different types of masticatories prevailing in the state.  Materials & Methods: The classical Griess method was used for the estimation of nitrite in different types of these masticatories prevailing in the state Assam (n=35) using the basic diazotization principle and spectrophotometric determination. Statistical Analysis used: The results obtained were analyzed statistically by using SPSS V.16 software. Results: The result of the study indicate the amount of nitrite in different types of these masticatories, among which highest levels of nitrite was found in raw areca nut with beetle leaves without lime. The presence of lime decreases the amount of nitrite (p<0.05) whereas, the presence of beetle leaves and unprocessed areca nut increases the amount of nitrite (p<0.05) in the masticatories used by the people of the state. Conclusion: From the study conducted, it can be concluded that the presence of lime reduces the amount of nitrite in the masticatories, whereas the presence of beetle leaves and unprocessed areca nut contribute higher amount of nitrite in the masticatorie

Polishing of Black and White CVD Grown Polycrystalline Diamond Coatings

Microwave plasma CVD growth can produce black and white varieties of polycrystalline diamond (PCD), depending on their as-grown purity. These two types of PCDs have been polished by mechanical and chemo-mechanical polishing respectively. It has been observed that initial roughness of 2.21μm for white PCD can be brought down to 175 nm after 70 hours of combined polishing, whereas, 85 hours of combined polishing could bring down the high initial roughness of 11.2μm for black PCD down to 546 nm at the end. Although, the material that was removed during polishing was higher for the black variety of PCD but it had lower polishing rate of 4nm/hr than white PCD (13nm/hr) during chemo-mechanical polishing. Such differential polishing rate was due to harder top polished surface of the black diamond than the white diamond. The nanoindentation study on the polished PCD surfaces revealed that the black PCD has a final nanohardness of 32.58±1 GPa whereas the white variety PCD had a polished surface nanohardness of 28.5±2 GPa. More conversion of diamond surface into harder amorphous sp3 than softer graphite during polishing action may have resulted such slow rate of anisotropic polishing for black diamond than white diamond

Intergalactic UV Background Radiation Field

We have performed proximity effect analysis of low and high resolution data, considering detailed frequency and redshift dependence of the AGN spectra processed through galactic and intergalactic material. We show that such a background flux, calculated using the observed distribution of AGNs, falls short of the value required by the proximity effect analysis by a factor of $\ge$ 2.7. We have studied the uncertainty in the value of the required flux due to its dependence on the resolution, description of column density distribution, systemic redshifts of QSOs etc. We conclude that in view of these uncertainties the proximity effect is consistent with the background contributed by the observed AGNs and that the hypothesized presence of an additional, dust extinct, population of AGNs may not be necessary.Comment: To be published in the Journal of Astronomy and Astrophysics aasms, 2 figures, 2 tables. Paper replaced to include the figure

Microstructural and Elemental Characterization of Root Canal Sealers Using FTIR, SEM, and EDS Analysis

Background: Root canal sealers and repair materials should have the desirable physical, chemical, and biological characteristics, and an antibacterial effect if possible. There is little information available on the biocompatibility of new sealers on the market. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) can offer trustworthy data to examine chemical structures; another technique for revealing the elements in the constituents that may contribute to the cytotoxicity of these sealers is scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with the goal of elemental mapping utilizing energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Methodology: All the root canal sealers were mixed as per the manufacturers’ instructions and allowed to set in molds for 24 h. Then, the samples were placed into an incubator (Memmert GmbH + Co. KG, Schwabach, Germany for 72 h, in a moist environment to allow complete chemical setting of the sealers. The organic and inorganic components of the sample were identified using FTIR with the wavelength length in the infra-red region measuring 400–450 nm. The finely crushed samples were coated with gold metal; following that, the sealer samples were examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at 5000×, 10,000×, and 20,000× magnification, followed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results: The surfaces of BioRoot and DiaRoot sealers revealed a relatively uniform distribution of irregular micro-sized particles aggregated in clusters, with the particle size ranging from 1 to 65 µm and 0.4 to 55 µm, respectively. OneFill, iRoot, and CeraSeal demonstrated irregularly shaped particles with particle sizes of 0.5 to 105 µm, 0.5 to 195 µm, and 0.3 to 68 µm, respectively. The EDX microanalysis revealed that oxygen, calcium, and carbon were found in all the tested sealer materials. Silicone and zirconium were absent in DiaRoot, but DiaRoot contained fluoride and ytterbium. Moreover, aluminum was noted in DiaRoot, One Fill, and CeraSeal, and chloride was only observed in BioRoot. FTIR analysis revealed strong absorption bands at 666 cm−1 and 709 cm−1 in BioRoot. Bands at 739 cm−1, 804 cm−1, 863 cm−1, 898 cm−1, and 1455 cm−1 were observed in DiaRoot. Bands at 736 cm−1 and 873 cm−1 in OneFill suggested the presence of C-H bending. Similarly, bands were observed at 937 cm−1, 885 cm−1, 743 cm−1, and 1455 cm−1 in iRoot, representing C-H stretching. Conclusions: All root canal sealers had diverse surface morphologies that contained irregular, micro-sized particles that were uniformly distributed, and they lacked heavy metals. All the experimental sealers comprised mainly calcium, oxygen, and carbon

Knowledge, perception and practice towards oxytocin stability and quality: A qualitative study of stakeholders in three resource-limited countries

Background: Oxytocin is the gold standard drug for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage, but limitations in cold chain systems in resource-constrained settings can severely compromise the quality of oxytocin product available in these environments. This study investigated the perspectives and practices of stakeholders in low and lower-middle income countries towards oxytocin, its storage requirements and associated barriers, and the quality of product available. Methods: Qualitative inquiries were undertaken in Ethiopia, India and Myanmar, where data was collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs). A total of 12 FGDs and 106 IDIs were conducted with 158 healthcare providers (pharmacists, midwives, nurses, doctors and obstetricians) and 40 key informants (supply chain experts, program managers and policy-makers). Direct observations of oxytocin storage practices and cold chain resources were conducted at 51 healthcare facilities. Verbatim transcripts of FGDs and IDIs were translated to English and analysed according to a thematic content analysis framework. Findings: Stakeholder awareness of oxytocin heat sensitivity and the requirement for cold storage of the drug was widespread in Ethiopia but more limited in Myanmar and India. A consistent finding across all study regions was the significant barriers to maintaining a consistent cold chain, with the lack of refrigeration facilities and unreliability of electricity cited as major challenges. Perceptions of compromised oxytocin quality were expressed by some stakeholders in each country. Conclusion: Knowledge of the heat sensitivity of oxytocin and the potential impacts of inconsistent cold storage on product quality is not widespread amongst healthcare providers, policy makers and supply chain experts in Myanmar, Ethiopia and India. Targeted training and advocacy messages are warranted to emphasise the importance of cold storage to maintain oxytocin quality

Whole-genome sequencing to determine origin of multinational outbreak of Sarocladium kiliense bloodstream infections

We used whole-genome sequence typing (WGST) to investigate an outbreak of Sarocladium kiliense bloodstream infections (BSI) associated with receipt of contaminated antinausea medication among oncology patients in Colombia and Chile during 2013-2014. Twenty-five outbreak isolates (18 from patients and 7 from medication vials) and 11 control isolates unrelated to this outbreak were subjected to WGST to elucidate a source of infection. All outbreak isolates were nearly indistinguishable (≤5 single-nucleotide polymorphisms), and >21,000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were identified from unrelated control isolates, suggesting a point source for this outbreak. S. kiliense has been previously implicated in healthcare-related infections; however, the lack of available typing methods has precluded the ability to substantiate point sources. WGST for outbreak investigation caused by eukaryotic pathogens without reference genomes or existing genotyping methods enables accurate source identification to guide implementation of appropriate control and prevention measures. © 2016, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All rights reserved