Robust weighted graph transformation matching for rigid and nonrigid image registration

This paper presents an automatic point matching algorithm for establishing accurate match correspondences in two or more images. The proposed algorithm utilizes a group of feature points to explore their geometrical relationship in a graph arrangement. The algorithm starts with a set of matches (including outliers) between the two images. A set of nondirectional graphs is then generated for each feature and its K nearest matches (chosen from the initial set). Using the angular distances between edges that connect a feature point to its K nearest neighbors in the graph, the algorithm finds a graph in the second image that is similar to the first graph. In the case of a graph including outliers, the algorithm removes such outliers (one by one, according to their strength) from the graph and re-evaluates the angles until the two graphs are matched or discarded. This is a simple intuitive and robust algorithm that is inspired by a previous work. Experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of this algorithm under various conditions, such as rigid and nonrigid transformations, ambiguity due to partial occlusions or match correspondence multiplicity, scale, and larger view variation.     

Characteristics of p-Ge/N-GaAs heterojunctions grown by molecular beam epitaxy

Reports the nearly ideal electrical characteristics of p-Ge/N-GaAs heterojunction diodes grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The temperature and device size dependencies of the current-voltage characteristics have been investigated. At room temperature, unity ideality factor has been demonstrated over almost six decades of current.<>     

Advent of 2D Rhenium Disulfide (ReS2): Fundamentals to Applications

Rhenium disulfide (ReS₂) is a two‐dimensional (2D) group VII transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD). It is attributed with structural and vibrational anisotropy, layer‐independent electrical and optical properties, and metal‐free magnetism properties. These properties are unusual compared with more widely used group VI‐TMDs, e.g., MoS₂, MoSe₂, WS₂ and WSe₂. Consequently, it has attracted significant interest in recent years and is now being used for a variety of applications including solid state electronics, catalysis, and, energy harvesting and energy storage. It is anticipated that ReS₂ has the potential to be equally used in parallel with isotropic TMDs from group VI for all known applications and beyond. Therefore, a review on ReS₂ is very timely. In this first review on ReS₂, we critically analyze the available synthesis procedures and their pros/cons, atomic structure and lattice symmetry, crystal structure, and growth mechanisms with an insight into the orientation and architecture of domain and grain boundaries, decoupling of structural and vibrational properties, anisotropic electrical, optical, and magnetic properties impacted by crystal imperfections, doping and adatoms adsorptions, and contemporary applications in different areas.     

Renewable and Storage Energy Integration for Smart Grid Housing

This paper presents the design,implementation and testing of an embedded system that integrates solar and storage energy resources to smart homes within the smart microgrid.The proposed system provides the required home energy by installing renewable energy and storage devices.It also manages and schedules the power flow during peak and off-peak periods.In addition,a two-way communication protocol is developed to enable the home owners and the utility service provider to improve the energy flow and the consumption efficiency.The system can be an integral part for homes in a smart grid or smart microgrid power networks.A prototype for the proposed system was designed,implemented and tested by using a controlled load bank to simulate a scaled random real house consumption behavior.Three different scenarios were tested and the results and findings are reported.Moreover,data flow security among the home,home owners and utility server is developed to minimize cyber-attacks.     

Euphorbiasteroid Abrogates EGFR and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells to Impart Anticancer Activity

EGFR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways play a prominent role in tumor progression in various human cancers including non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Transactivation and crosstalk between the EGFR and Wnt/β-catenin pathways may contribute to the aggressiveness of cancers. Targeting these oncogenic pathways with small molecules is an attractive approach to counteract various types of cancers. In this study, we demonstrate the effect of euphorbiasteroid (EPBS) on the EGFR and Wnt/β-catenin pathways in NSCLC cells. EPBS induced preferential cytotoxicity toward A549 (wildtype EGFR-expressing) cells over PC-9 (mutant EGFR-expressing) cells. EPBS suppressed the expression of EGFR, Wnt3a, β-catenin, and FZD-1, and the reduction in β-catenin levels was found to be mediated through the activation of GSK-3β. EPBS reduced the phosphorylation of GSK-3β^S9 with a parallel increase in β-TrCP and phosphorylation of GSK-3β^Y216. Lithium chloride treatment increased the phosphorylation of GSK-3β^S9 and nuclear localization of β-catenin, whereas EPBS reverted these effects. Forced expression or depletion of EGFR in NSCLC cells increased or decreased the levels of Wnt3a, β-catenin, and FZD-1, respectively. Overall, EPBS abrogates EGFR and Wnt/β-catenin pathways to impart its anticancer activity in NSCLC cells.     

Theragnostic Applications of Mammal and Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Latest Findings,Current Technologies,and Prospects

The way cells communicate is not fully understood. However, it is well-known that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved. Researchers initially thought that EVs were used by cells to remove cellular waste. It is now clear that EVs function as signaling molecules released by cells to communicate with one another, carrying a cargo representing the mother cell. Furthermore, these EVs can be found in all biological fluids, making them the perfect non-invasive diagnostic tool, as their cargo causes functional changes in the cells upon receiving, unlike synthetic drug carriers. EVs last longer in circulation and instigate minor immune responses, making them the perfect drug carrier. This review sheds light on the latest development in EVs isolation, characterization and, application as therapeutic cargo, novel drug loading techniques, and diagnostic tools. We also address the advancement in plant-derived EVs, their characteristics, and applications; since plant-derived EVs only recently gained focus, we listed the latest findings. Although there is much more to learn about, EV is a wide field of research; what scientists have discovered so far is fascinating. This paper is suitable for those new to the field seeking to understand EVs and those already familiar with it but wanting to review the latest findings.     

Evaluation of Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Alnus nitida

In the current study, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of Alnus nitida (leaves and fruits) was evaluated in the Sprague-Dawley rat. Traditionally, A. nitida was used for the treatment of inflammatory ailments. However, A. nitida leaves and fruits have not been yet reported regarding any potential medicinal effects. Leaves/fruits of A. nitida were extracted with methanol and fractionated to attain n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions. These extracts were then evaluated for in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential. For in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, carrageenan-induced paw edema assay, Freunds’ complete adjuvant-induced edema, xylene-induced ear edema and histamine-induced paw edema models were used in rats, which showed significant (p < 0.01) reduction (70–80%) in edema in comparison of inflammatory controls. On other hand, for the analgesic assessment, hot plate assay and acetic acid-induced writhing tests were used, which showed a significant (p < 0.01) rise in latency time (40–60%) as compared with pain-induced controls. These results were comparable with standard drugs in a concentration-dependent manner and no mortality or toxicity was observed during all experiments. Then, for the identification of chemical constituents gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed, which indicated the presence of neophytadiene, 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, phytol and vitamin E, justifying the use of A. nitida to treat inflammatory disorders.     

Friedelin Attenuates Neuronal Dysfunction and Memory Impairment by Inhibition of the Activated JNK/NF-κB Signalling Pathway in Scopolamine-Induced Mice Model of Neurodegeneration

Oxidative stress (OS) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) are both key indicators implicated in neuro-inflammatory signalling pathways and their respective neurodegenerative diseases. Drugs targeting these factors can be considered as suitable candidates for treatment of neuronal dysfunction and memory impairment. The present study encompasses beneficial effects of a naturally occurring triterpenoid, friedelin, against scopolamine-induced oxidative stress and neurodegenerative pathologies in mice models. The treated animals were subjected to behavioural tests i.e., Y-maze and Morris water maze (MWM) for memory dysfunction. The underlying mechanism was determined via western blotting, antioxidant enzymes and lipid profile analyses. Molecular docking studies were carried out to predict the binding modes of friedelin in the binding pocket of p-JNK protein. The results reveal that scopolamine caused oxidative stress by (1) inhibiting catalase (CAT), peroxidase enzyme (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione enzyme (GSH); (2) the up-regulation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in mice brain; and (3) affecting the neuronal synapse (both pre- and post-synapse) followed by associated memory dysfunction. In contrast, friedelin administration not only abolished scopolamine-induced oxidative stress, glial cell activation, and neuro-inflammation but also inhibited p-JNK and NF-κB and their downstream signaling molecules. Moreover, friedelin administration improved neuronal synapse and reversed scopolamine-induced memory impairment accompanied by the inhibition of β-secretase enzyme (BACE-1) to halt amyloidogenic pathways of amyloid-β production. In summary, all of the results show that friedelin is a potent naturally isolated neuro-therapeutic agent to reverse scopolamine-induced neuropathology, which is characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.     

Effect of Erosive Agents on Surface Characteristics of Nano-Fluorapatite Ceramic: An In-Vitro Study

Erosive beverages cause dissolution of natural teeth and intra-oral restorations, resulting in surface characteristic changes, particularly roughness and degradation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness and topography of a dental ceramic following immersion in locally available erosive solutions. A total of 160 disc specimens of a nano-fluorapatite type ceramic (12 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness) were fabricated and equally distributed into two groups (n = 80) and then evenly distributed among the following five testing groups (n = 16): lemon juice, citrate buffer solution, 4% acetic acid, soft cola drink, and distilled water which served as a control. The surface roughness (Ra) and topography were evaluated using a profilometer and scanning electron microscope at baseline, 24 h, 96 h, and 168 h respectively. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparisons (p ≤ 0.05). Surface changes were observed upon exposure to all acidic beverages except distilled water. Amongst all immersion media, 4% acetic acid produced the most severe surface roughness across all time periods (i.e., baseline, 24 h, 96 h, and 168 h). A statistically significant difference in the surface roughness values between all immersion media and across all four time intervals was observed. Erosive agents had a negative effect on the surface roughness and topography of the tested ceramic. The surface roughness increased with increased storage time intervals.