3D far-field Lidar sensing and computational modeling for human identification.

3D sensors offer depth sensing that may be used for task-specific data processing and computational modeling. Many existing methods for human identification using 3D depth sensors primarily focus on Kinect data, where the range is very limited. This work considers a 3D long-range Lidar sensor for far-field imaging of human subjects in 3D Lidar full motion video (FMV) of "walking" action. 3D Lidar FMV data for human subjects are used to develop computational modeling for automated human silhouette and skeleton extraction followed by subject identification. We propose a matrix completion algorithm to handle missing data in 3D FMV due to self-occlusion and occlusion from other subjects for 3D skeleton extraction. We further study the effect of noise in the 3D low resolution far-field Lidar data in human silhouette extraction performance of the model. Moreover, this work addresses challenges associated with far-field 3D Lidar including learning with a limited amount of data and low resolution. Moreover, we evaluate the proposed computational algorithm using a gallery of 10 subjects for human identification and show that our method is competitive with the state-of-the-art OpenPose and V2VPose skeleton extraction models using the same dataset for human identification.

A Comprehensive Study on Mo/CdTe Metal-Semiconductor Interface Deposited by Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering.

Metal-semiconductor (MS) junction between Mo and CdTe, which is one of the fundamental issues for CdTe based solar cell, has been investigated for films deposited on different substrates. XRD pattern of Mo/CdTe films on the polyimide (PI) substrate shows a strong preferential orientation of MoTe2 in (100) at 2θ = 29.44 degrees, which becomes less apparent as deposition time of CdTe increases. However, on soda lime glass (SLG) no such XRD reflection pattern is observed. Moreover, from EDX measurement, Mo-Te compound also identifies MoTe2 at Mo/CdTe interface on PI substrate, which is not present on SLG. Bulk carrier concentration of Mo/CdTe films on PI substrate for lower deposition time of CdTe is found 1.42 x 10(18) cm(-3), which is almost equal to MoTe2. Thereafter, it decreases as CdTe growth time increases. The type of unintentionally formed MoTe2 on PI substrate is found to be n-type in nature. Lattice constants of a = 6.5 Šfor CdTe and a = 3.52 Šfor MoTe2 are found from nanostructure study by TEM.

Assessment of utilization of untied fund provided under the national rural health mission in Uttar Pradesh.

OBJECTIVES: To seek opinion regarding the procurement and spending of untied fund provided to health centers and Village Health and Sanitation Committees (VHSCs) in selected districts in the state of Uttar Pradesh. METHODS: It was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted during September-December 2008. The multi-stage random sampling technique was adopted to select the districts, health facilities and VHSCs. The data was collected using semi structured interview schedule, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with ANMs for qualitative information, review of the records of health centers and VHSCs. RESULTS: The concept of untied fund was perceived to be a very good one at all levels. Guideline for utilization of untied fund was either not available or if available, was not clear to concerned personnel. The decision of expenditure of untied funds of CHCs and PHCs was taken in the meeting of Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS), but members from other sectors such as PRI, education, revenue department etc. usually did not attend the meeting. Most of Medical Officer in charges (MOICs) were not aware regarding availability of untied fund. About 50% of ANMs were not able to expend the money due to non co-operation of Pradhan. In majority of the cases the decision regarding the utilization of untied fund was taken by ANM herself instead of VHSC meeting. CONCLUSION: Regular update and orientation to the service providers about the untied fund and its efficient utilization, strict monitoring of utilization of untied fund at each and every level is needed.

An assessment of functioning of mobile medical units in Jharkhand.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: A scheme of Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) has been initiated under NRHM in Jharkhand state from the year 2008 in an effort to take healthcare to doorstep of the public in rural areas, especially in underserved areas. The objective of the study was to assess the functioning of Medical Mobile Units in Jharkhand through rapid assessment mode. METHODS: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in three selected districts of Jharkhand state during September-December 2008. Data was collected through in-depth interview using semistructured schedules with State Programme Managers, Chief Medical Officers, District programme managers, staff of MMU and beneficiaries. RESULTS: The scheme provided curative and diagnostic facilities like X-ray, ultra sound, and blood test to the poor and under-served areas. More than 90% of clients reported availability of medicines in MMUs. However, more than 90% of them had no prior information about the day and time of visits by the MMUs. Some of the operational difficulties being faced by the scheme were reported to be vibrations of generator disturbing the lab investigations, poor condition of the road, unwillingness of doctors to go in far-off areas and heavy workload. CONCLUSION: The scheme of MMUs has been successful in providing health services to the poor and under-served areas.

Indigenous system of medicine lady doctors and general nurse midwives in operationalization of 24 x 7 services under NRHM in selected districts of Uttar Pradesh.

OBJECTIVES: To find out the status of utilization of MCH services after the induction of the indigenous system of medicine (ISM) lady doctors and CNMs for 24 x 7 services and the acceptance of this innovation by the health system and the community. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted during October to November 2008 in 10 blocks of 5 selected districts in Uttar Pradesh. Study subjects (CMO, MO I/C, ISM lady doctors, GNMs, PRI members) were interviewed and FGDs were also conducted. RESULTS: Shortages of medical and paramedical staff as well as facilities for institutional delivery at the district and block level were revealed. Only 6 out of 16 ISMs were trained. Knowledge of the ISMs/GNMs was lacking in many essential components of MCH including identifying high-risk pregnancy, high-risk newborn for urgent and timely referral. 36% could identify high-risk pregnancy and only 18% used partograph during labour. About 68% of the ISMs/GNMs were dissatisfied regarding honorarium, 59% with work conditions and 55% with delivery instrument. Induction of ISMs/GNMs were welcomed and accepted by medical officers and panchayets. Delay in payment of honorarium and pay disparity between MBBS doctors and ISM lady doctors and lack of proper logistic support were some of the problems facing the ISMs/GNMs. CONCLUSION: For sustenance, in service training, provision of transport and accommodation, logistic support, well equipped labour room, timely monitoring and supervision, removal of pay disparities need to be ensured. The contractual appointment should also be made permanent and lucrative.

Increased expression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis 19 kDa lipoprotein obliterates the protective efficacy of BCG by polarizing host immune responses to the Th2 subtype.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis can not only neutralize immune effector functions, but also has the ability to modulate host-signalling cascades involved in the development of these responses. The 19 kDa antigen (Rv3763), a lipoprotein of M. tuberculosis, elicits high levels of interleukin (IL)-12 from macrophages in addition to its powerful immunomodulatory properties, leading to suppression of antigen-presentation signalling cascades. The present study was aimed at analysing the effect of overexpression of this antigen on the immunostimulatory properties of M. bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG). We have constructed a recombinant BCG strain (rBCG19N) producing higher levels of the 19 kDa antigen in both the cytoplasmic (approximately eightfold) and extracellular (approximately fivefold) fractions as compared to the wildtype BCG. Immunization of mice with rBCG19N elicited high levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and relatively low levels of IL-10 against the purified 19 kDa antigen. However, in response to total BCG sonicate, mice immunized with rBCG19N produced significantly high levels of IL-10 with relatively very low levels of IFN-gamma. This polarization of the host immune responses towards T-helper 2 subtype resulted in complete abrogation of the protective efficacy of BCG, when rBCG19N was used as a live vaccine against M. tuberculosis challenge in guinea pigs.

A study of effects of acid activated saw dust on the removal of different dissolved tannery dyes (acid dye) from aqueous solutions.

The effectiveness of acid activated sawdust in absorbing D-Brown EGP and Lurazol Brown PM dyes from aqueous solutions was studied as a function of agitation time and initial dye concentration. The experimental data were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm and found that adsorption process follows both the isotherms. The values of Langmuir and Freundlich constants indicate favorable and beneficial adsorption. Saw dust is an excellent low cost adsorbent of colored organic anions and may have significant potential as a color removal from tannery wastewater.

Modulation of host immune responses by overexpression of immunodominant antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in bacille Calmette-Guérin.

Based on their immunodominant nature and ability to induce appropriate immune responses in the host, several antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis have shown promise of protection. However, most of the candidate vaccines developed by employing various strategies have afforded protection that is at best comparable with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in animal models. Due to the inherent ability of BCG to prime cellular responses in the host, it has become an attractive vehicle for development of a vaccine against intracellular infections. In this study, we have cloned the genes of three immunodominant antigens of M. tuberculosis viz. the ESAT6 (Rv3875), the 19 kDa lipoprotein (Rv3763) and the 38 kDa antigen (Pst homolog) (Rv0934) in pSD5 under the transcriptional control of Trrn, a strong mycobacterial promoter, and expressed them in BCG. The19 kDa antigen and the 38 kDa antigen were expressed at levels that were approximately five and eightfolds higher in the cytosols of recombinant BCG strains rBCG19T and rBCG38T, respectively, as compared with their corresponding levels in M. bovis BCG. Both these antigens were also secreted into the extracellular medium at enhanced levels (19 kDa antigen fourfold and 38 kDa antigen twofold) by rBCG strains in comparison with the wild type BCG. ESAT6 antigen, which is absent in M. bovis BCG, was also expressed at a very high level in the cytosol of the rBCG strain (rBCGE6T). Evaluation of immune responses induced by these three rBCG strains in mice shows a markedly different pattern. The rBCG strain overexpressing the 38 kDa antigen exhibited a predominant T helper 1 (Th1) response with high levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production, whereas overexpression of the 19 kDa antigen resulted in completely polarized Th2 responses against the BCG sonicate. The rBCG-expressing ESAT6 antigen induced a mixed Th1/Th2 response. Our observations suggest that the 38 kDa antigen may hold excellent promise in the rBCG approach for the development of a vaccine against tuberculosis.

Recombinant BCG approach for development of vaccines: cloning and expression of immunodominant antigens of M. tuberculosis.

In spite of major advances in our understanding of the biology and immunology of tuberculosis, the incidence of the disease has not reduced in most parts of the world. In an attempt to improve the protective efficacy of Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), we have developed a generic vector system, pSD5, for expression of genes at varying levels in mycobacteria. In this study, we have cloned and overexpressed three immunodominant secretory antigens of M. tuberculosis, 85A, 85B and 85C, belonging to the antigen 85 complex. All the genes were cloned under the control of a battery of mycobacterial promoters of varying strength. The expression was analysed in the fast-growing strain M. smegmatis and the slow-growing vaccine strain M. bovis BCG. The recombinant BCG constructs were able to express the antigens at high levels and the majority of the expressed antigens was secreted into the medium. These results show that by using this strategy the recombinant BCG approach can be successfully used for the development of candidate vaccines against infections associated with mycobacteria as well as other pathogens.

Abuse liability of buprenorphine--a study among experienced drug users.

Six male post-detoxified opiate dependent subjects were evaluated for abuse liability of buprenorphine (0.6 mg), morphine (16 mg), pentazocine (30 mg) and distilled water (placebo) intramuscular injection in a single blind cross-over random order. Subjective states, drug discrimination, drug linking, sedation and euphoria were assessed at pre-injection, 30 min and 4 hrs post-injection. Buprenorphine caused significant euphoria and was identified as heroin. On all parameters, buprenorphine resembled morphine rather than pentazocine and placebo. The data suggest that abuse liability of buprenorphine is similar to morphine i.e. moderate rather than low.

Approaches to short-acting neuromuscular blocking agents: nonsymmetrical bis-tetrahydroisoquinolinium mono- and diesters.

Nonsymmetrical bisquaternary mono- and diesters combining the potency-enhancing properties of the (1R)-laudanosinium group with a second unhindered quaternary ammonium moiety have been studied as a means of promoting short action with high-potency neuromuscular block. Atracurium-related nonsymmetrical diesters showed high potency, freedom from vagal blockade at neuromuscular blocking doses, and short action. Nonsymmetrical monoesters were short acting but showed varying degrees of vagal block.

Buprenorphine withdrawal syndrome.

The increasing use of buprenorphine among drug dependent subjects demands systematic enquiry into the clinical profile of buprenorphine withdrawal. Six male buprenorphine dependent (parenteral) subjects were observed for opiate withdrawal over a two week period. The onset of withdrawal occurred 48 hours after the last dose, peaked around the third day and lasted up to ten days. The withdrawals were similar to morpliine type drugs and moderate in intensity.

Immunoglobulin profile in schizophrenia.

The present study was conducted on 40 new consecutive schizophrenic patients admitted in the psychiatry ward. The diagnosis of schizophrenia was done by Research Diagnosis Criteria (RDC). Serum immunoglobulins were were estimated in schizophrenic patients and were age and sex matched with 40 healthy individuals, comprising the control group. The IgG and IgA mean levels of schizophrenic patients were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.01) than the normal healthy individuals. There were however no significant differences between the schizophrenic patients and control group regarding total proteins, albumin and globulin levels. In subtypes of schinophrenia based on phenomenology only, paranoid group scored significantly higher (p < 0.01) IgG and IgA mean values than other types of Schizophrenia (catatonic, disorganised and undifferentiated).

Clinical profile of trichotillomania.

Twenty-four cases of trichotillomania attending psychiatry outpatient department and child guidance clinic at Kalawati Saran Children's and Smt Sucheta Kriplani Hospitals over a period of 2 years from July, 1985 to November 1987 were studied. Females (66.7%) outnumbered the males (33.3%). Majority of cases belonged to age group 6-10 years (54.2%) and nuclear family (68.5%). Nail-biting (25.0%) was the commonest associated neurotic trait, followed by enuresis (20.9%), temper-tantrum (12.5%), etc. A past history of hysterical fits and neurotic depression was found in 3 cases (12.5%) and 2 cases (8.3%) respectively. Family history of neurosis was seen in mothers and fathers of 20.9% and 12.5% cases respectively. Trichobezoars and trichophytobezoars were found in 6 cases (25.0%) and 3 cases (12.5%) respectively. Majority of patients of trichobezoars presented with vague complaints like heaviness in the stomach (55.6%), inability to gain weight (44.4%), etc, while 22.2% cases were asymptomatic and detected only on screening.

Enuresis: an analysis of 82 cases.

Of 400 children over the age of four years, 82 (20.5%) were found to be enuretics. Enuresis was found to be statistically higher (p less than 0.001) in lower social class and between the age group 3 to 5 years. Enuresis was found to be significantly more among boys as compared to girls (p less than 0.001). Various stress factors (e.g. negligence, overprotection, strictness of parents etc) and other associated habit disorders (e.g. fear reactions, nailbiting, temper-tantrums etc) were significantly higher (p less than 0.001) in enuretics as compared to control group. The group who was put on combined drug (imipramine) and psychological treatment showed a better long term response than the patients who were put only on drug or psychological treatment (p less than 0.001).

Breath holding spells: an analysis of 50 cases.

Of 50 preschool children having breath holding spells (M:F::3:1) (BHS), 80.0% were less than 18 months of age (mean age 16 +/- 5 mo). More children came from a lower social class (70.0%) and a nuclear family (64.0%). Seventy four per cent cases had onset of BHS within 12 months of age (mean 9.6 mo) and the commonest frequency was 1 to 3 spells per week (56.0%). Cyanosis and tonic-clonic spasms were seen in 96.0 and 84.0% cases, respectively. Anger and frustration were the common triggering factors in 90.0% cases. No ante-, peri- and postnatal factors were significantly associated with the study group as compared to the control cases. The mean scores on Behaviour Screening Questionnaire measuring child's habits related to feeding, toilet and sleep were not significantly different in the study and control groups but the difference was significant (p less than 0.05) for behaviour measuring child's social habits. Parental attitudes, measured on Attitude Screening Questionnaires, were also not significantly different in the study and control groups. Mean hemoglobin and percentage transferrin saturation were significantly lower in the study group as compared to the controls (p less than 0.001). There was a significant decrease in severity and frequency of spells with oral iron therapy.

Hypopigmented lesions in early leprosy--a clinical and histological study.

26 Patients of leprosy presenting with hypopigmented lesions were divided on morphological grounds into 3 Sub groups, Group I (9 patients) with well-defined single patch with moderate to complete sensory loss; Group II (8 patients) with single ill-defined lesion having partial sensory loss; and Group III (9 patients) having multiple hypo-pigmented patches with mild to moderate sensory loss. Epidermal atrophy was a conspicuous histological finding in all groups. Only patients in Group I showed epitheloid cells in dermal infiltrate with erosion of epidermis in one case. This group may be labelled as maculoanesthetic leprosy. Patients in Group II and III showed mononuclear cell infiltrate in dermis, around neurovascular bundles and appendages. They were histologically consistent with indeterminate leprosy. Follow-up biopsy after six to eight months of treatment showed healing of the lesion of reduction in the infiltrate in most cases.