Parameterization of Ambiguity in Monocular Depth Prediction

Monocular depth estimation is a highly challenging problem that is often addressed with deep neural networks. While these use recognition of high level image features to predict reasonably looking depth maps,the result often has poor metric accuracy. Moreover,the standard feed forward architecture does not allow modification of the prediction based on cues other than the image.In this paper we relax the monocular depth estimation task by proposing a network that allows us to complement image features with a set of auxiliary variables. These allow disambiguation when image features are not enough to accurately pinpoint the exact depth map and can be thought of as a low dimensional parameterization of the surfaces that are reasonable monocular predictions. By searching the parameterization we can combine monocular estimation with traditional photoconsistency or geometry based methods to achieve both visually appealing and metrically accurate surface estimations. Since we relax the problem we are able to work with smaller networks than current architectures. In addition we design a self-supervised training scheme,eliminating the need for ground truth image depth-map pairs. Our experimental evaluation shows that our method generates more accurate depth maps and generalizes better than competing state-of-the-art approaches

Medical problems in adolescents with myelomeningocele (MMC): an inventory of the Swedish MMC population born during 1986-1989

Aim: To describe the prevalence of myelomeningocele (MMC) and the medical needs of adolescents, 15-18 years, with MMC in Sweden, at a time when they are on the threshold of adulthood, leaving paediatrics. Methods: In a retrospective study, we identified all adolescents with MMC, born during 1986-1989 and living in Sweden on July 1, 2004. An inventory was agreed upon with questions concerning their medical problems and need for medical care. Results: There were 175 persons 15-18 years of age, born with MMC or lipoMMC (prevalence 3.8 per 10 000). Hydrocephalus was seen in 86%, 31% had been operated because of tethered cord syndrome, and 6% for Chiari malformation symptoms. The majority had motor impairments. Clean intermittent catheterisation for bladder emptying was used by 85%, and 59% used enemas on a regular basis because of the neurogenic bowel dysfunction. Renal dysfunction was seen in 1.7% of the adolescents. Conclusion: Lifelong follow-up by many specialists, among others neurologists and neurosurgeons, urotherapists and urologists, orthopaedic surgeons and orthotists, is necessary for individuals with MMC. The complex medical situation, often in combination with cognitive difficulties, makes it necessary to coordinate medical services for this increasing group of adults with multiple impairments

Impact of hypoxia, simulated ischemia and reperfusion in HL-1 cells on the expression of FKBP12/FKBP12.6 and intracellular calcium dynamics

Aims: To establish a cardiac cell culture model for simulated ischemia and reperfusion and in this model investigate the impact of simulated ischemia and reperfusion on expression of the calcium handling proteins FKBP12 and FKBP12.6, and intracellular calcium dynamics. Methods: HL-1 cell cultures were exposed to normoxia (as control), hypoxia, simulated ischemia (HEDA) or HEDA + reactive oxygen species (ROS) for up to 24 h and after HEDA, with or without ROS, followed or not by simulated reperfusion (REPH) for 6 h. Viability was analyzed with a trypan blue exclusion method. Cell lysates were analyzed with real-time PCR and Western blot (WB) for FKBP12 and FKBP12.6. Intracellular Ca(2+)measurements were performed using dual-wavelength ratio imaging in fura-2 loaded cells. Results: A time-dependent drop in viability was shown after HEDA (P < 0.001). Viability was not further influenced by addition of ROS or REPH. The general patterns of FKBP12 and FKBP12.6 mRNA expression showed upregulation after hypoxia, downregulation after ischemia and normalization after reperfusion, which was partially attenuated if ROS was added during HEDA. The protein contents were unaffected after hypoxia, tended to increase after ischemia and, for FKBP12.6, a further increase after reperfusion was shown. Hypoxia or HEDA, with or without REPH, resulted in a decreased amplitude of the Ca2+ peak in response to caffeine. In addition, cells subjected to HEDA for 3 h or HEDA for 3 h followed by 6 h of REPH displayed irregular Ca2+ oscillations with a decreased frequency. Conclusion: A threshold for cell survival with respect to duration of ischemia was established in our cell line model. Furthermore, we could demonstrate disturbances of calcium handling in the sarcoplasmic reticulum as well as alterations in the expressions of the calcium handling proteins FKBP12 and FKBP12.6, why this model may be suitable for further studies on ischemia and reperfusion with respect to calcium handling of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved