Representation Learning via Manifold Flattening and Reconstruction

This work proposes an algorithm for explicitly constructing a pair of neural networks that linearize and reconstruct an embedded submanifold, from finite samples of this manifold. Our such-generated neural networks, called Flattening Networks (FlatNet), are theoretically interpretable, computationally feasible at scale, and generalize well to test data, a balance not typically found in manifold-based learning methods. We present empirical results and comparisons to other models on synthetic high-dimensional manifold data and 2D image data. Our code is publicly available.Comment: 44 pages, 19 figure

Science with the Daksha High Energy Transients Mission

We present the science case for the proposed Daksha high energy transients mission. Daksha will comprise of two satellites covering the entire sky from 1~keV to $>1$~MeV. The primary objectives of the mission are to discover and characterize electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave source; and to study Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs). Daksha is a versatile all-sky monitor that can address a wide variety of science cases. With its broadband spectral response, high sensitivity, and continuous all-sky coverage, it will discover fainter and rarer sources than any other existing or proposed mission. Daksha can make key strides in GRB research with polarization studies, prompt soft spectroscopy, and fine time-resolved spectral studies. Daksha will provide continuous monitoring of X-ray pulsars. It will detect magnetar outbursts and high energy counterparts to Fast Radio Bursts. Using Earth occultation to measure source fluxes, the two satellites together will obtain daily flux measurements of bright hard X-ray sources including active galactic nuclei, X-ray binaries, and slow transients like Novae. Correlation studies between the two satellites can be used to probe primordial black holes through lensing. Daksha will have a set of detectors continuously pointing towards the Sun, providing excellent hard X-ray monitoring data. Closer to home, the high sensitivity and time resolution of Daksha can be leveraged for the characterization of Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes.Comment: 19 pages, 7 figures. Submitted to ApJ. More details about the mission at https://www.dakshasat.in

Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density

Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data

Lipoid proteinosis: A review with two case reports

Lipoid proteinosis (LP) is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatoses characterized by deposition of amorphous hyaline material in different parts of the body, especially the skin, mucous membranes of the upper aerodigestive tract, and internal organs. Oral cavity is most extensively affected area by the disease. This paper reports two classic cases of LP with oral manifestations but without a history of consanguinity along with a concise review of the literature on the disease

Hate and False Metaphors: Implications to Emerging E-Participation Environment

This study aims to investigate the effect of metaphorical content on e-participation in healthcare. With this objective, the study assesses the awareness and capability of e-participants to navigate through healthcare metaphors during their participation. Healthcare-related e-participation data were collected from the Twitter platform. Data analysis includes (i) awareness measurements by topic modelling and sentiment analysis and (ii) participation abilities by problem-based learning models. Findings show that a lack of effort to validate metaphors harms e-participation levels and awareness, resulting in a problematic health environment. Exploring metaphors in these intricate forums has the potential to enhance service delivery. Improving web service delivery requires valuable input from stakeholders on the application of metaphors in the health domain

Neonate with omphalocele and dextrocardia: Anaesthetic goals and challenges

Omphalocele and gastroschisis are the two common congenital malformations of the anterior abdominal wall. Omphalocele can be associated with other congenital anomalies such as cardiac anomalies. Association of omphalocele with dextrocardia has been reported in few literatures previously. We describe here such a rare association of omphalocele, dextrocardia with patent ductus arteriosus with a brief review on the anesthetic challenges in the perioperative period

Vaginal delivery in a case of mitral stenosis: Sevoflurane to the rescue

Rheumatic heart disease is the most common cardiac disease associated with pregnancy in developing countries. In India, rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) comprises 88% of heart diseases complicating pregnancy. Despite advances and improved anesthetic techniques, the management of parturients with cardiac valvular pathology can be challenging. Therefore, the anesthesiologist has to be vigilant and meticulous in planning the technique of anesthesia to aid in safe confinement. In this article, we present the anesthetic management of a parturient who presented to our hospital with a medical record of moderate MS, in active labor. We combined a technique most feasible at that moment, with tactful and detailed knowledge of the pathophysiology to guide our anesthetic management and facilitate a normal vaginal delivery. We have tried to highlight how clinically individualized and personalized care with sound pathophysiological knowledge of the patient's cardiac condition can achieve optimal outcomes, especially when conventional modes and techniques are not feasible

A novel manoeuvre in a case of foreign body esophagus: An unusual management of a usual presentation

Introduction: Although considered to be a safe and uneventful procedure, retrieval of a foreign body from the esophagus can occasionally lead to complications such as perforation, fistula, and mediastinitis, especially with sharp objects such as pins or bones. Milder objects such as coins and marbles are usually managed conservatively but sometimes may require general anaesthesia for retrieval. Although less traumatic to the mucosa, a smooth round foreign body such as a marble is difficult to extract with routine grasping instruments like a Magill forceps. Case: We describe a case of an eight year old male child, who presented to the emergency department with history of ingesting a marble, and a novel yet simple manoeuvre, to minimise chances of downward displacement and maximise chances of successful and atraumatic extraction with minimal manipulation of trachea and esophagus