Stairs detection with odometry-aided traversal from a wearable RGB-D camera

Stairs are one of the most common structures present in human-made scenarios, but also one of the most dangerous for those with vision problems. In this work we propose a complete method to detect, locate and parametrise stairs with a wearable RGB-D camera. Our algorithm uses the depth data to determine if the horizontal planes in the scene are valid steps of a staircase judging their dimensions and relative positions. As a result we obtain a scaled model of the staircase with the spatial location and orientation with respect to the subject. The visual odometry is also estimated to continuously recover the current position and orientation of the user while moving. This enhances the system giving the ability to come back to previously detected features and providing location awareness of the user during the climb. Simultaneously, the detection of the staircase during the traversal is used to correct the drift of the visual odometry. A comparison of results of the stair detection with other state-of-the-art algorithms was performed using public dataset. Additional experiments have also been carried out, recording our own natural scenes with a chest-mounted RGB-D camera in indoor scenarios. The algorithm is robust enough to work in real-time and even under partial occlusions of the stair

Characterization of Sex-Based Dna Methylation Signatures in the Airways During Early Life.

Human respiratory conditions are largely influenced by the individual\u27s sex resulting in overall higher risk for males. Sex-based respiratory differences are present at birth suggesting a strong genetic component. Our objective was to characterize early life sex-based genomic signatures determined by variable X-chromosome methylation in the airways. We compared male versus female genome-wide DNA methylation in nasal airway samples from newborns and infants aged 1-6 months (N = 12). We analyzed methylation signals across CpG sites mapped to each X-linked gene using an unsupervised classifier (principal components) followed by an internal evaluation and an exhaustive cross-validation. Results were validated in an independent population of children (N = 72) following the same algorithm. X-linked genes with significant sex-based differential methylation in the nasal airway of infants represented only about 50% of the unique protein coding transcripts. X-linked genes without significant sex-based differential methylation included genes with evidence of escaping X-inactivation and female-biased airway expression. These genes showed similar methylation patterns in males and females suggesting unbalanced X-chromosome dosage. In conclusion, we identified that the human airways have already sex-based DNA methylation signatures at birth. These early airway epigenomic marks may determine sex-based respiratory phenotypes and overall predisposition to develop respiratory disorders later in life

Dynamic mechanical behavior of starch-based scaffolds in dry and physiologically simulated conditions: effect of porosity and pore size

The three-dimensional scaffolds of a blend of starch and poly(L-lactic) acid, SPLA70, were produced using compression molding of polymer/salt mixture followed by leaching of salt. One series of scaffolds were prepared with varying polymer-to-salt ratio while keeping the salt size constant, and the other series of scaffolds were prepared with varying salt sizes while keeping the polymer-to-salt ratio constant. The X-ray microcomputed tomography and scanning electron microscopy assay were used to analyze the porous morphologies, porosity and distribution of porosity of the porous scaffolds. Salt-free and integrated SPLA70 scaffolds with porosities ranging from 74% to 82% and pore sizes of 125–250 to 500–1000 lm can be fabricated using the present fabrication technique. The water uptake of the SPLA70 scaffolds increases with increasing porosities and also with increasing pore size. In dry state, the storage modulus decreases with increasing porosity and also with increasing pore size. The normalized modulus values are related to normalized density of the scaffolds by a power-law function with an exponent between 2 and 3. For the immersed scaffolds under physiological conditions, the storage modulus was less dependent on porosity and pore size. However, the loss factor increased significantly compared with dry state measurements. The present study clearly shows that the mechanical performance of porous polymeric constructs in dry and in immersed state is completely different, and for comparison with biomechanical performance of tissues, the tests should ideally be performed in immersed state

Oximetry signal processing identifies REM sleep-related vulnerability trait in asthmatic children

Rationale. The sleep-related factors that modulate the nocturnal worsening of asthma in children are poorly understood. This study addressed the hypothesis that asthmatic children have a REM sleep-related vulnerability trait that is independent of OSA. Methods. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of pulse-oximetry signals obtained during REM and NREM sleep in control and asthmatic children (n=134). Asthma classification was based on preestablished clinical criteria. Multivariate linear regression model was built to control for potential confounders (significance level p ≤ 0.05). Results. Our data demonstrated that (1) baseline nocturnal respiratory parameters were not significantly different in asthmatic versus control children, (2) the maximal % of SaO2 desaturation during REM, but not during NREM, was significantly higher in asthmatic children, and (3) multivariate analysis revealed that the association between asthma and REM-related maximal % SaO2 desaturation was independent of demographic variables. Conclusion. These results demonstrate that children with asthma have a REM-related vulnerability trait that impacts oxygenation independently of OSA. Further research is needed to delineate the REM sleep neurobiological mechanisms that modulate the phenotypical expression of nocturnal asthma in children

Low viscosity engine oils: fuel economy and performance in a real-world fleet test.

[ES] Debido al fenómeno del calentamiento global, las emisiones de CO2 y la reducción del consumo de combustible en el transporte por carretera se han convertido en algunas de las preocupaciones más relevantes en el sector de la automoción. Todo este proceso ha hecho aparecer una variedad de soluciones técnicas de diferente complejidad tanto en costes de implementación como de mejora relativa. Dentro de todas ellas, una de las soluciones con una mejor relación coste-beneficio para reducir el consumo de combustible es el uso de aceites de baja viscosidad (LVO). Exsiten diferentes estudios con LVO en motores de combustión interna alternativos (MCIA), pero actualmente se dispone de datos limitados respecto al rendimiento en el uso de calle de estos. Este trabajo presenta un estudio en el que se evaluó el efecto de la utilización de LVO en una flota de autobuses urbanos en relación con el consumo de combustible y el rendimiento de aceite. Se realizó un análisis comparativo con 39 autobuses, mediante un amplio programa de control del consumo de combustible y análisis de aceite para evaluar los aspectos antes mencionados. Se evaluaron dos tecnologías de motores (Diésel / GNC) y 4 lubricantes diferentes, durante 2 intervalos de cambio de aceite, contabilizando más de 2 millones de kilómetros acumulados. Los resultados han demostrado que estos aceites presentan beneficios en términos de ahorro de combustible, pero estrechamente vinculados al diseño del propio motor. Por otro lado, han presentado un excelente desempeño a lo largo del período de cambio de aceite, incluso mejorando algunas características de los aceites de referencia utilizados y sin penalización en términos de reducción del intervalo de cambio, indicador clave para los usuarios finales relacionados con los costes de mantenimiento.[EN] CO2 emissions and fuel consumption reduction in road transportation have become one of the most relevant concerns in automotive industry, led mainly by global warming. A variety of solutions has arisen to overcome this challenge, varying in technical complexity, implementation costs and terms. Among them, one proven cost-effective way to reduce fuel consumption is the use of low viscosity oils (LVO). There are different studies involving LVO and ICE, but currently limited data are available regarding "real-world" performance of LVO. This paper presents a study where the effect of the use of LVO on urban buses regarding fuel consumption and oil performance is assessed. A comparative analysis using 39 buses was performed, based on an extensive fuel consumption control and oil analysis program to assess aspects aforementioned. 2 engine technologies (Diesel / CNG) were considered and 4 different lubricants. Test duration comprised 2 oil drain intervals, totalizing more than 2 million of km accumulated. The results have shown that LVO have benefits in terms of fuel economy, closely linked to the engine design. On the other hand, they presented an excellent performance during oil drain interval, even improving some characteristics of the reference oils used, without penalty in terms of reducing the oil lifespan, a key indicator for end users related maintenance costs.Los autores desean agradecer al Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación por su financiación en este proyecto (Proyecto TRA2012-30907), y la EMT de València por su colaboración.Tormos, B.; Miró Mezquita, G.; Perez-Gutierrez, T.; De-Diego-Pardo, J. (2016). Aceites de motor de baja viscosidad: ahorro de combustible y ensayos en condiciones reales. DYNA: Ingeniería e Industria. 91(6):668-674. https://doi.org/10.6036/7974S66867491

Association of patients' geographic origins with viral hepatitis co-infection patterns, Spain

To determine if hepatitis C virus seropositivity and active hepatitis B virus infection in HIV-positive patients vary with patients' geographic origins, we studied co-infections in HIV-seropositive adults. Active hepatitis B infection was more prevalent in persons from Africa, and hepatitis C seropositivity was more common in persons from eastern Europe.Ministerio de Sanidad. Instituto de Salud Carlos II

Observations of the Cosmic Microwave Background and Galactic Foregrounds at 12-17 GHz with the COSMOSOMAS Experiment

(Abridged) We present the analysis of the first 18 months of data obtained with the COSMOSOMAS experiment at the Teide Observatory (Tenerife). Three maps have been obtained at 12.7, 14.7 and 16.3 GHz covering 9000 square degrees each with a resolution of ~1 degree and with sensitivities 49, 59 and 115 muK per beam respectively. These data in conjuction with the WMAP first year maps have revealed that the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) is the dominant astronomical signal at high galatic latitude in the three COSMOSOMAS channels with an average amplitude of 29.7+/- 1.0 \muK (68% c.l. not including calibration errors). This value is in agreement with the predicted CMB signal in the COSMOSOMAS maps using the best fit Lambda-CDM model to the WMAP power spectrum. Cross-correlation of COSMOSOMAS data with the DIRBE map at 100 \mu m shows the existence of a common signal with amplitude 7.4+/- 1.1, 7.5+/- 1.1, and 6.5+/-2.3 muK in the 12.7, 14.7 and 16.3 GHz COSMOSOMAS maps at |b|>30^\deg. Using the WMAP data we find this DIRBE correlated signal rises from high to low frequencies flattening below ~20 GHz. At higher galactic latitudes the average amplitude of the correlated signal with the DIRBE maps decreases slightly. The frequency behaviour of the COSMOSOMAS/WMAP correlated signal with DIRBE is not compatible with the expected tendency for thermal dust. A study of the H-alpha emission maps do not support free-free as a major contributor to that signal. Our results provide evidence of a new galactic foreground with properties compatible with those predicted by the spinning dust models.Comment: 11 pages, 21 figures. Submitted to MNRAS. For paper with figures at full resolution, see http://www.iac.es/project/cmb/cosmosomas

Characterization of cytomegalovirus lung infection in non-HIV infected children

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a prevalent pathogen in the immunocompromised host and invasive pneumonia is a feared complication of the virus in this population. In this pediatric case series we characterized CMV lung infection in 15 non-HIV infected children (median age 3 years; IQR 0.2–4.9 years), using current molecular and imaging diagnostic modalities, in combination with respiratory signs and symptoms. The most prominent clinical and laboratory findings included cough (100%), hypoxemia (100%), diffuse adventitious breath sounds (100%) and increased respiratory effort (93%). All patients had abnormal lung images characterized by ground glass opacity/consolidation in 80% of cases. CMV was detected in the lung either by CMV PCR in bronchoalveolar lavage (82% detection rate) or histology/immunohistochemistry in lung biopsy (100% detection rate). CMV caused respiratory failure in 47% of children infected and the overall mortality rate was 13.3%. Conclusion: CMV pneumonia is a potential lethal disease in non-HIV infected children that requires a high-index of suspicion. Common clinical and radiological patterns such as hypoxemia, diffuse adventitious lung sounds and ground-glass pulmonary opacities may allow early identification of CMV lung infection in the pediatric population, which may lead to prompt initiation of antiviral therapy and better clinical outcomes