Felix: A Topology based Framework for Visual Exploration of Cosmic Filaments

The large-scale structure of the universe is comprised of virialized blob-like clusters, linear filaments, sheet-like walls and huge near empty three-dimensional voids. Characterizing the large scale universe is essential to our understanding of the formation and evolution of galaxies. The density range of clusters, walls and voids are relatively well separated, when compared to filaments, which span a relatively larger range. The large scale filamentary network thus forms an intricate part of the cosmic web. In this paper, we describe Felix, a topology based framework for visual exploration of filaments in the cosmic web. The filamentary structure is represented by the ascending manifold geometry of the 2-saddles in the Morse-Smale complex of the density field. We generate a hierarchy of Morse-Smale complexes and query for filaments based on the density ranges at the end points of the filaments. The query is processed efficiently over the entire hierarchical Morse-Smale complex, allowing for interactive visualization. We apply Felix to computer simulations based on the heuristic Voronoi kinematic model and the standard $\Lambda$CDM cosmology, and demonstrate its usefulness through two case studies. First, we extract cosmic filaments within and across cluster like regions in Voronoi kinematic simulation datasets. We demonstrate that we produce similar results to existing structure finders. Filaments that form the spine of the cosmic web, which exist in high density regions in the current epoch, are isolated using Felix. Also, filaments present in void-like regions are isolated and visualized. These filamentary structures are often over shadowed by higher density range filaments and are not easily characterizable and extractable using other filament extraction methodologies.Comment: 14 pages, 9 figures, 2 tables. Accepted for publication in IEEE Transactions on Visualization & Computer Graphics. A detailed description of the project, including the software and the supplementary material is available at http://vgl.serc.iisc.ernet.in/felix

Monitoring on impact of insecticides on mortality of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) in front of beehives

The present study investigated effect of pesticide usage and public awareness on honey bee mortality. The experiments were conducted at three different sites at Maharashtra, India with domesticated bee hives of Apis mellifera L. The maximum bee mortality during 51st week of 2012-13 (1559.10 bees/hive/week) clearly indicated towards the direct and indirect effect of insecticides in general at study site I (Case I). Similar experiments were repeated at other two different sites during 2013-14. Farmers (Case II and III) were aware of beekeeping and ill effects of pesticides. Farmers followed some precautionary measures to combat with the bad effect of insecticides on bees. As a result there was less mortality of bees. The experiments revealed that farmers should be aware of bee conservation and precautionary measures to combat with the bad effect of insecticides on bees

Method and Apparatus for Automated Isolation of Nucleic Acids from Small Cell Samples

RNA isolation is a ubiquitous need, driven by current emphasis on microarrays and miniaturization. With commercial systems requiring 100,000 to 1,000,000 cells for successful isolation, there is a growing need for a small-footprint, easy-to-use device that can harvest nucleic acids from much smaller cell samples (1,000 to 10,000 cells). The process of extraction of RNA from cell cultures is a complex, multi-step one, and requires timed, asynchronous operations with multiple reagents/buffers. An added complexity is the fragility of RNA (subject to degradation) and its reactivity to surface. A novel, microfluidics-based, integrated cartridge has been developed that can fully automate the complex process of RNA isolation (lyse, capture, and elute RNA) from small cell culture samples. On-cartridge cell lysis is achieved using either reagents or high-strength electric fields made possible by the miniaturized format. Traditionally, silica-based, porous-membrane formats have been used for RNA capture, requiring slow perfusion for effective capture. In this design, high efficiency capture/elution are achieved using a microsphere-based "microfluidized" format. Electrokinetic phenomena are harnessed to actively mix microspheres with the cell lysate and capture/elution buffer, providing important advantages in extraction efficiency, processing time, and operational flexibility. Successful RNA isolation was demonstrated using both suspension (HL-60) and adherent (BHK-21) cells. Novel features associated with this development are twofold. First, novel designs that execute needed processes with improved speed and efficiency were developed. These primarily encompass electric-field-driven lysis of cells. The configurations include electrode-containing constructs, or an "electrode-less" chip design, which is easy to fabricate and mitigates fouling at the electrode surface; and the "fluidized" extraction format based on electrokinetically assisted mixing and contacting of microbeads in a shape-optimized chamber. A secondary proprietary feature is in the particular layout integrating these components to perform the desired operation of RNA isolation. Apart from a novel functional capability, advantages of the innovation include reduced or eliminated use of toxic reagents, and operator-independent extraction of RNA

AYURVEDIC INTERVENTION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF INFERTILITY W.S.R. TUBAL INFERTILITY- A CASE SERIES

Tubal infertility is considered as second most contributing factor in female fertility. In these cases results are very encouraging not only for removal of blockage but also for enhance the conception rate through Ayurvedic management. Mainly Vata and Kapha are responsible for tubal blockage so in these patients Apamargakshara Taila was selected for Uttarabasti because of its Vata-Kapha Shamaka and Lekhana property and Phalakalyana Ghrita was prescribed to patients for augment the conception. In these cases HSG and USG were used as diagnostic tool and to assess the results of management. Here, all three patients reported tubal blockage before treatment and the normal study was found on HSG after two sitting of Uttarabasti and also getting pregnancy after one month course of Phalakalyana Ghrita. In these cases very encouraging results were reported and it can be a standard treatment for management of female Infertility w.s.r. tubal blockage in future in routine Ayurvedic Gynecological practice. During follow-up of patients; no any abnormality was reported clinically as well as on USG

Meander Line Antenna for LTE Communications

Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a fourth generation standard for wireless communications of high data speed at the user terminal. This evolved technology needs a cutting edge system component to be designed for the node B (Base station) and the user mobile device. In any wireless device, the perform ance of radio communications depends on the design of an efficient antenna. Achieving Long Term Evolution (LTE) frequency bands (the second generation (2G), third generation (3G), and the proposed fourth generation (4G) frequency bands) using a small - size antenna in a compact device remains a major technical challenge. Antenna is an inseparable part of these systems. Meander line antenna is the most usage of antenna that use in design of these applications. The Objective of Paper is to design a meander line antenna for WLAN application that is 2.4 GHz has been achieved. The meander line microstrip antenna has been designed, constructed, and measured. The microstrip element is quarter wavelength at the design frequency. The properties of antenna like return l oss, bandwidth and radiation pattern have been measured. The design starts with calculation of dimension like the width, effective dielectric constant of microstrip line and length of antenna. Thus by using HFSS Version 11 the antenna has been designed and simulated. As the result, the antenna can radiate the signal at WLAN frequency and provide good return loss bandwidth and sufficient gain. The antenna can operate less than - 10db that is 2.4GHz with at s11 measured at - 35.5 db.After finish with the simulat ion, the design has been fabricated on FR4 substrate using the etching technique. Finally the design has been tested with network analyz

Postoperative Catheter induced bacteriuria in obstetrics and gynaecological cases

Background: Urinary tract infection is one of most common nosocomial infection and prolonged bladder catheterization is frequent cause. These infections increase hospital stay of patients, morbidity and financial burden. This study was performed to determine rate of catheter induce bacteriuria, most common organisms isolated, rate of bacteriuria associated with duration of catheterization and type of surgery (Elective or Emergency).Methods: This is prospective observational study done over a period of one year from 2015 January to 2016 January and 599 patients enrolled. The variables studied are rate of catheter induce bacteriuria, most common organisms isolated, rate of bacteriuria associated with duration of catheterization and type of surgery (Elective or Emergency).Results: Rate of catheter induce bacteriuria was 34.5%, most common organisms isolated were E. coli, Enteroccocus, MR CONS, Candida albicans, Klebsiella, streptococci. Bacteriuria was 10.5% when duration of catheterization was less than 12 hrs and 73.9% when duration of catheterization was more than 36 hrs. Also, bacteriuria was more in emergency cases.Conclusions: It is better to avoid catheterization, duration of catheterization should be reduced so that it reduces catheter induced bacteriuria and associated morbidity, prolonged hospital stay and financial burden

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of pentagalloyl glucose administration on aortic expansion in animal models

Background: The aim of this systematic review was to pool evidence from studies testing if pentagalloyl glucose (PGG) limited aortic expansion in animal models of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods: The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO. The primary outcome was aortic expansion assessed by direct measurement. Secondary outcomes included aortic expansion measured by ultrasound and aortic diameter at study completion. Sub analyses examined the effect of PGG delivery in specific forms (nanoparticles, periadventitial or intraluminal), and at different times (from the start of AAA induction or when AAA was established), and tested in different animals (pigs, rats and mice) and AAA models (calcium chloride, periadventitial, intraluminal elastase or angiotensin II). Meta-analyses were performed using Mantel-Haenszel’s methods with random effect models and reported as mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Risk of bias was assessed with a customized tool. Results: Eleven studies reported in eight publications involving 214 animals were included. PGG significantly reduced aortic expansion measured by direct observation (MD: −66.35%; 95% CI: −108.44, −24.27; p = 0.002) but not ultrasound (MD: −32.91%; 95% CI: −75.16, 9.33; p = 0.127). PGG delivered intravenously within nanoparticles significantly reduced aortic expansion, measured by both direct observation (MD: −116.41%; 95% CI: −132.20, −100.62; p < 0.001) and ultrasound (MD: −98.40%; 95% CI: −113.99, −82.81; p < 0.001). In studies measuring aortic expansion by direct observation, PGG administered topically to the adventitia of the aorta (MD: −28.41%; 95% CI −46.57, −10.25; p = 0.002), studied in rats (MD: −56.61%; 95% CI: −101.76, −11.46; p = 0.014), within the calcium chloride model (MD: −56.61%; 95% CI: −101.76, −11.46; p = 0.014) and tested in established AAAs (MD: −90.36; 95% CI: −135.82, −44.89; p < 0.001), significantly reduced aortic expansion. The findings of other analyses were not significant. The risk of bias of all studies was high. Conclusion: There is inconsistent low-quality evidence that PGG inhibits aortic expansion in animal models

Animal models of ischemic limb ulcers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aims of this systematic review were to assess the clinical relevance and quality of previously published animal models of ischemic ulceration and examine the available evidence for interventions improving ulcer healing in these models. Publicly available databases were searched for original studies investigating the effect of limb ischemia on wound healing in animal models. The quality of studies was assessed using two tools based on the Animal research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) guidelines and the clinical relevance of the models. A total of 640 wounds (ischemic=314; non-ischemic=326) were assessed in 252 animals (92 mice, 140 rats, 20 rabbits) from 7 studies. Meta-analyses showed that wound healing was consistently delayed by ischemia at all time-points examined (day-7 standard median difference (SMD) 5.36, 95% CI 3.67 to 7.05; day-14 SMD 4.50, 95%CI 2.90 to 6.10 and day-21 SMD 2.53, 95%CI 1.25 to 3.80). No significant difference in wound healing was observed between 32 diabetic and 32 non-diabetic animals with ischemic wounds. Many studies lacked methods to reduce bias, such as outcome assessors blinded to group allocation and sample size calculations and clinically relevant model characteristics, such as use of older animals and a peripheral location of the wound. Five different interventions were reported to improve wound healing in these models. The impaired wound healing associated with limb ischemia can be modeled in a variety of different animals. Improvements in study design could increase clinical relevance, reduce bias and aid the discovery of translatable therapies

Study of Tree Base Data Mining Algorithms for Network Intrusion Detection

Internet growth has increased rapidly due to which number of network attacks have been increased. This emphasis importance of network intrusion detection systems (IDS) for securing the network. It is the process of monitoring and analyzing network traffic for detecting security violations many researcher suggested data mining technique such as classification, clustering ,pattern matching and rule induction for developing an effective intrusion detection system. In order to detect the intrusion, the network traffic can be classified into normal and anomalous. In this paper we have evaluated tree base classification algorithms namely J48, Hoeffding tree, Random Forest, Random Tree, REPTree. The comparison of these tree based classification algorithms is presented in this paper based upon their performance metrics using 10 fold cross validation and KDD- CUP test dataset. This study shows that random forest and J48 are the best suitable tree base algorithms