Creating walk-through images from a video sequence of a dynamic scene

A comprehensive scheme for creating walk-through images from a video sequence by generalizing the idea of tour into the picture (TIP) was discussed. The proposed scheme was designed to incorporate a new modeling scheme on a vanishing circle identified in the video and an automatic background detection from the video. This scheme let users experience the feel of navigating into a video sequence with their own interpretation and imagination about a given scene. The proposed scheme covers several types of video films of dynamic scenes such as sports coverage, cartoon animation and movie films in which object continuously change shapes and locations

Human CD57(+ )germinal center-T cells are the major helpers for GC-B cells and induce class switch recombination

BACKGROUND: The function of CD57(+ )CD4(+ )T cells, constituting a major subset of germinal center T (GC-Th) cells in human lymphoid tissues, has been unclear. There have been contradictory reports regarding the B cell helping function of CD57(+ )GC-Th cells in production of immunoglobulin (Ig). Furthermore, the cytokine and co-stimulation requirement for their helper activity remains largely unknown. To clarify and gain more insight into their function in helping B cells, we systematically investigated the capacity of human tonsil CD57(+ )GC-Th cells in inducing B cell Ig synthesis. RESULTS: We demonstrated that CD57(+ )GC-Th cells are highly efficient in helping B cell production of all four subsets of Ig (IgM, IgG, IgA and IgE) compared to other T-helper cells located in germinal centers or interfollicular areas. CD57(+ )GC-Th cells were particularly more efficient than other T cells in helping GC-B cells but not naïve B cells. CD57(+ )GC-Th cells induced the expression of activation-induced cytosine deaminase (AID) and class switch recombination in developing B cells. IgG1-3 and IgA1 were the major Ig isotypes induced by CD57(+ )GC-Th cells. CD40L, but not IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ, was critical in CD57(+ )GC-Th cell-driven B cell production of Ig. However, IL-10, when added exogenously, significantly enhanced the helper activity of CD57(+ )GC-Th cells, while TGF-β1 completely and IFN-γ partially suppressed the CD57(+ )GC-Th cell-driven Ig production. CONCLUSIONS: CD57(+)CD4(+ )T cells in the germinal centers of human lymphoid tissues are the major T helper cell subset for GC-B cells in Ig synthesis. Their helper activity is consistent with their capacity to induce AID and class switch recombination, and can be regulated by CD40L, IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β

Raman Scattered He II Line in the Planetary Nebula M2-9 and the Symbiotic Stars RR Telescopii and He 2-106

In this Letter, we report the detection of an emission feature around 6545 \AA in the spectra of the bipolar planetary nebula M2-9 and the symbiotic stars RR Telescopii and He 2-106 and propose to identify it as the He II Raman scattered feature. This feature was predicted by Nussbaumer, Schmid & Vogel (1989), who suggested that it is formed through Raman scattering by atomic hydrogen of He II $n=6\to n=2$ photons with slightly shorter wavelength than that of Ly$\beta$. The scattering cross section $\sim 10^{-20}{\rm cm^2}$ for this process implies the existence of a neutral hydrogen component with a column density $N_{HI}\sim 10^{20}{\rm cm^{-2}}$ around the He II emission regions in these objects, which are believed to be associated with the mass loss process in the late stage of stellar evolution. Brief discussions on the astrophysical implications of Raman scattering in these objects are presented.Comment: 8 pages, 2 figures, accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal Letter

Vortex-Induced Stall on an Actively Twisted Highly Loaded Model Rotor Blade

As preparation for a future wind tunnel test of a rotor with twist actuation blades (STAR II ), a prediction effort by the contributing partners has been executed. In this paper, the results of the planned vortex-induced stall operating condition are presented. The current conclusion is that a noticeable spread of the results is given when searching the maximum attainable thrust, depending on the onset of stall once perceived by the individual simulation methodology. Some general trends for the best suited actuation settings reduce vibrations and required power could still be identified. Generally, most CFD-based results allowed to capture this physical phenomenon, but carefully tuned low-fidelity aerodynamics also managed to capture the same trends at a fraction of the computational cost

Vortex-Induced Stall on an Actively Twisted Highly Loaded Model Rotor Blade

In preparation for a future wind tunnel test of a rotor with twist-actuated blades (STAR II), numerical predictions of this test have been carried out by the contributing partners. In this paper, the simulated results of the vortex-induced stall operating condition, synonymous with a highly loaded flight condition, are presented. The current conclusion is that a noticeable spread of the results is given when searching for the maximum attainable thrust, depending on the onset of stall once perceived by the individual simulation methodology. Some general trends among the simulations could still be identified with respect to the actuation settings that reduce vibrations and the required power. Generally, most CFD-based results allowed to capture this physical phenomenon, but carefully tuned low-fidelity aerodynamic tools also managed to capture the same trends at a fraction of the computational cost

Simplified Models for LHC New Physics Searches

This document proposes a collection of simplified models relevant to the design of new-physics searches at the LHC and the characterization of their results. Both ATLAS and CMS have already presented some results in terms of simplified models, and we encourage them to continue and expand this effort, which supplements both signature-based results and benchmark model interpretations. A simplified model is defined by an effective Lagrangian describing the interactions of a small number of new particles. Simplified models can equally well be described by a small number of masses and cross-sections. These parameters are directly related to collider physics observables, making simplified models a particularly effective framework for evaluating searches and a useful starting point for characterizing positive signals of new physics. This document serves as an official summary of the results from the "Topologies for Early LHC Searches" workshop, held at SLAC in September of 2010, the purpose of which was to develop a set of representative models that can be used to cover all relevant phase space in experimental searches. Particular emphasis is placed on searches relevant for the first ~50-500 pb-1 of data and those motivated by supersymmetric models. This note largely summarizes material posted at http://lhcnewphysics.org/, which includes simplified model definitions, Monte Carlo material, and supporting contacts within the theory community. We also comment on future developments that may be useful as more data is gathered and analyzed by the experiments.Comment: 40 pages, 2 figures. This document is the official summary of results from "Topologies for Early LHC Searches" workshop (SLAC, September 2010). Supplementary material can be found at http://lhcnewphysics.or

Evaluation of wet-cupping therapy for persistent non-specific low back pain: a randomised, waiting-list controlled, open-label, parallel-group pilot trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Persistent non-specific low back pain (PNSLBP) is one of the most frequently experienced types of back pain around the world. Wet-cupping is a common intervention for various pain conditions, especially in Korea. In this context, we conducted a pilot study to determine the effectiveness and safety of wet-cupping treatment for PNSLBP.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We recruited 32 participants (21 in the wet-cupping group and 11 in the waiting-list group) who had been having PNSLBP for at least 3 months. The participants were recruited at the clinical research centre of the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Korea. Eligible participants were randomly allocated to wet-cupping and waiting-list groups. Following the practice of traditional Korean medicine, the treatment group was provided with wet-cupping treatment at two acupuncture points among the BL23, BL24 and BL25 6 times within 2 weeks. Usual care, including providing brochures for exercise, general advice for PNSLBP and acetaminophen, was allowed in both groups. Separate assessors participated in the outcome assessment. We used the 0 to100 numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain, the McGill Pain Questionnaire for pain intensity (PPI) and the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODQ), and we assessed acetaminophen use and safety issues.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results showed that the NRS score for pain decreased (-16.0 [95% CI: -24.4 to -7.7] in the wet-cupping group and -9.1 [-18.1 to -0.1] in the waiting-list group), but there was no statistical difference between the groups (p = 0.52). However, the PPI scores showed significant differences between the two groups (-1.2 [-1.6 to -0.8] for the wet-cupping group and -0.2 [-0.8 to 0.4] for the waiting-list group, p < 0.01). In addition, less acetaminophen was used in the wet-cupping group during 4 weeks (p = 0.09). The ODQ score did not show significant differences between the two groups (-5.60 [-8.90 to -2.30] in the wet-cupping group and -1.8 [-5.8 to 2.2] in the waiting-list group, p = 0.14). There was no report of adverse events due to wet-cupping.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This pilot study may provide preliminary data on the effectiveness and safety of wet-cupping treatments for PNSLBP. Future full-scale randomised controlled trials will be needed to provide firm evidence of the effectiveness of this intervention.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov: (Identifier: <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00925951">NCT00925951</a>)</p> <p>Date of trial registration: June 19th, 2009</p> <p>The date when the first patient was randomised: July 15th, 2009</p> <p>The date when the study was completed: November 27th, 2009</p

Rosmarinic Acid, Active Component of Dansam-Eum Attenuates Ototoxicity of Cochlear Hair Cells through Blockage of Caspase-1 Activity

Cisplatin causes auditory impairment due to the apoptosis of auditory hair cells. There is no strategy to regulate ototoxicity by cisplatin thus far. Dansam-Eum (DSE) has been used for treating the central nerve system injury including hearing loss in Korea. However, disease-related scientific investigation by DSE has not been elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that DSE and its component rosmarinic acid (RA) were shown to inhibit apoptosis of the primary organ of Corti explants as well as the auditory cells. Administration of DSE and RA reduced the thresholds of the auditory brainstem response in cisplatin-injected mice. A molecular docking simulation and a kinetic assay show that RA controls the activity of caspase-1 by interaction with the active site of caspase-1. Pretreatment of RA inhibited caspase-1 downstream signal pathway, such as the activation of caspase-3 and 9, release of cytochrome c, translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor, up-regulation of Bax, down-regulation of Bcl-2, generation of reactive oxygen species, and activation of nuclear factor-κB. Anticancer activity by cisplatin was not affected by treatment with RA in SNU668, A549, HCT116, and HeLa cells but not B16F10 cells. These findings show that blocking a critical step by RA in apoptosis may be useful strategy to prevent harmful side effects of ototoxicity in patients with having to undergo chemotherapy