Language Models for Image Captioning: The Quirks and What Works

Two recent approaches have achieved state-of-the-art results in image captioning. The first uses a pipelined process where a set of candidate words is generated by a convolutional neural network (CNN) trained on images, and then a maximum entropy (ME) language model is used to arrange these words into a coherent sentence. The second uses the penultimate activation layer of the CNN as input to a recurrent neural network (RNN) that then generates the caption sequence. In this paper, we compare the merits of these different language modeling approaches for the first time by using the same state-of-the-art CNN as input. We examine issues in the different approaches, including linguistic irregularities, caption repetition, and data set overlap. By combining key aspects of the ME and RNN methods, we achieve a new record performance over previously published results on the benchmark COCO dataset. However, the gains we see in BLEU do not translate to human judgments.Comment: See http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/projects/image_captioning for project informatio

Accelerated Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging from Spatial-Subspace Reconstructions (SPARS)

Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ideally requires a high spatial and high temporal resolution, but hardware limitations prevent acquisitions from simultaneously achieving both. Existing image reconstruction techniques can artificially create spatial resolution at a given temporal resolution by estimating data that is not acquired, but, ultimately, spatial details are sacrificed at very high acceleration rates. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of spatial subspace reconstructions (SPARS) and demonstrate its ability to reconstruct high spatial resolution dynamic images from as few as one acquired radial spoke per dynamic frame. Briefly, a low-temporal-high-spatial resolution organization of the acquired raw data is used to estimate a spatial subspace in which the high-temporal-high-spatial ground truth data resides. This subspace is then used to estimate entire images from single k-space spokes. In both simulated and human in-vivo data, the proposed SPARS reconstruction method outperformed standard GRASP and GRASP-Pro reconstruction, providing a shorter reconstruction time and yielding higher accuracy from both a spatial and temporal perspective.Comment: Submitted to Frontiers in Imagin

Emerging MRI techniques for molecular and functional phenotyping of the diseased heart

Recent advances in cardiac MRI (CMR) capabilities have truly transformed its potential for deep phenotyping of the diseased heart. Long known for its unparalleled soft tissue contrast and excellent depiction of three-dimensional (3D) structure, CMR now boasts a range of unique capabilities for probing disease at the tissue and molecular level. We can look beyond coronary vessel blockages and detect vessel disease not visible on a structural level. We can assess if early fibrotic tissue is being laid down in between viable cardiac muscle cells. We can measure deformation of the heart wall to determine early presentation of stiffening. We can even assess how cardiomyocytes are utilizing energy, where abnormalities are often precursors to overt structural and functional deficits. Finally, with artificial intelligence gaining traction due to the high computing power available today, deep learning has proven itself a viable contender with traditional acceleration techniques for real-time CMR. In this review, we will survey five key emerging MRI techniques that have the potential to transform the CMR clinic and permit early detection and intervention. The emerging areas are: (1) imaging microvascular dysfunction, (2) imaging fibrosis, (3) imaging strain, (4) imaging early metabolic changes, and (5) deep learning for acceleration. Through a concerted effort to develop and translate these areas into the CMR clinic, we are committing ourselves to actualizing early diagnostics for the most intractable heart disease phenotypes

Acidosis slows electrical conduction through the atrio-ventricular node

Acidosis affects the mechanical and electrical activity of mammalian hearts but comparatively little is known about its effects on the function of the atrio-ventricular node (AVN). In this study, the electrical activity of the epicardial surface of the left ventricle of isolated Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts was examined using optical methods. Perfusion with hypercapnic Tyrode's solution (20% CO2, pH 6.7) increased the time of earliest activation (Tact) from 100.5 ± 7.9 to 166.1 ± 7.2 ms (n = 8) at a pacing cycle length (PCL) of 300 ms (37°C). Tact increased at shorter PCL, and the hypercapnic solution prolonged Tact further: at 150 ms PCL, Tact was prolonged from 131.0 ± 5.2 to 174.9 ± 16.3 ms. 2:1 AVN block was common at shorter cycle lengths. Atrial and ventricular conduction times were not significantly affected by the hypercapnic solution suggesting that the increased delay originated in the AVN. Isolated right atrial preparations were superfused with Tyrode's solutions at pH 7.4 (control), 6.8 and 6.3. Low pH prolonged the atrial-Hisian (AH) interval, the AVN effective and functional refractory periods and Wenckebach cycle length significantly. Complete AVN block occurred in 6 out of 9 preparations. Optical imaging of conduction at the AV junction revealed increased conduction delay in the region of the AVN, with less marked effects in atrial and ventricular tissue. Thus acidosis can dramatically prolong the AVN delay, and in combination with short cycle lengths, this can cause partial or complete AVN block and is therefore implicated in the development of brady-arrhythmias in conditions of local or systemic acidosis

Become a Companion: Social Media That Leads to Social Good

This research is part of a series of conference papers from graduate students at Molloy College in Rockville Centre, NY. The theme emerges from a pedagogical philosophy that an essential learning outcome of a graduate education is the significant influence that business has upon society. For example, developing a focus on job creation rather than solely profit-taking must be integrated into the disposition of emerging business leaders. The learning activity leading to the learning outcome is requiring the graduate business students to experience a real-world project. The students are presented with an opportunity to study a problem and to generate a set of solution-driven recommendations that will lead to social goo

Frozen in time: a new method using cryo-scanning electron microscopy to visualize root-fungal interactions

• A new method of sample preparation for cryo-scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize internal infection of wheat (Triticum aestivum) roots by the pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani AG-8. The new method retained fungal hyphae and root cell

Boosting of HIV Envelope Cd4 Binding Site Antibodies with Long Variable Heavy Third Complementarity Determining Region in the Randomized Double Blind Rv305 Hiv-1 Vaccine Trial

The canary pox vector and gp120 vaccine (ALVAC-HIV and AIDSVAX B/E gp120) in the RV144 HIV-1 vaccine trial conferred an estimated 31% vaccine efficacy. Although the vaccine Env AE.A244 gp120 is antigenic for the unmutated common ancestor of V1V2 broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAbs), no plasma bnAb activity was induced. The RV305 (NCT01435135) HIV-1 clinical trial was a placebo-controlled randomized double-blinded study that assessed the safety and efficacy of vaccine boosting on B cell repertoires. HIV-1- uninfected RV144 vaccine recipients were reimmunized 6–8 years later with AIDSVAX B/E gp120 alone, ALVAC-HIV alone, or a combination of ALVAC-HIV and AIDSVAX B/E gp120 in the RV305 trial. Env-specific post-RV144 and RV305 boost memory B cell VH mutation frequencies increased from 2.9% post-RV144 to 6.7% post-RV305. The vaccine was well tolerated with no adverse events reports

Blood-pool MRI assessment of myocardial microvascular reactivity

PurposeThe ability to non-invasively image myocardial microvascular dilation and constriction is essential to assessing intact function and dysfunction. Yet, conventional measurements based on blood oxygenation are not specific to changes in blood volume. The purpose of this study was to extend to the heart a blood-pool MRI approach for assessing vasomodulation in the presence of blood gas changes and investigate if sex-related differences exist.MethodsAnimals [five male and five female healthy Sprague Dawley rats (200–500 g)] were intubated, ventilated, and cycled through room air (normoxia) and hypercapnia (10% CO2) in 10-minute cycles after i.v. injection of blood-pool agent Ablavar (0.3 mmol/kg). Pre-contrast T1 maps and T1-weighted 3D CINE were acquired on a 3 Tesla preclinical MRI scanner, followed by repeated 3D CINE every 5 min until the end of the gas regime. Invasive laser Doppler flowmetry of myocardial perfusion was performed to corroborate MRI results.ResultsMyocardial microvascular dilation to hypercapnia and constriction to normoxia were readily visualized on T1 maps. Over 10 min of hypercapnia, female myocardial T1 reduced by 20% (vasodilation), while no significant change was observed in the male myocardium. After return to normoxia, myocardial T1 increased (vasoconstriction) in both sexes (18% in females and 16% in males). Laser Doppler perfusion measurements confirmed vasomodulatory responses observed on MRI.ConclusionBlood-pool MRI is sensitive and specific to vasomodulation in the myocardial microcirculation. Sex-related differences exist in the healthy myocardium in response to mild hypercapnic stimuli

A narrative synthesis of the impact of primary health care delivery models for refugees in resettlement countries on access, quality and coordination

Introduction. Refugees have many complex health care needs which should be addressed by the primary health care services, both on their arrival in resettlement countries and in their transition to long-term care. The aim of this narrative synthesis is to identify the components of primary health care service delivery models for such populations which have been effective in improving access, quality and coordination of care. Methods. A systematic review of the literature, including published systematic reviews, was undertaken. Studies between 1990 and 2011 were identified by searching Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Australian Public Affairs Information Service-Health, Health and Society Database, Multicultural Australian and Immigration Studies and Google Scholar. A limited snowballing search of the reference lists of all included studies was also undertaken. A stakeholder advisory committee and international advisers provided papers from grey literature. Only English language studies of evaluated primary health care models of care for refugees in developed countries of resettlement were included. Results: Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria for this review of which 15 were Australian and 10 overseas models. These could be categorised into six themes: service context, clinical model, workforce capacity, cost to clients, health and non-health services. Access was improved by multidisciplinary staff, use of interpreters and bilingual staff, no-cost or low-cost services, outreach services, free transport to and from appointments, longer clinic opening hours, patient advocacy, and use of gender-concordant providers. These services were affordable, appropriate and acceptable to the target groups. Coordination between the different health care services and services responding to the social needs of clients was improved through case management by specialist workers. Quality of care was improved by training in cultural sensitivity and appropriate use of interpreters. Conclusion: The elements of models most frequently associated with improved access, coordination and quality of care were case management, use of specialist refugee health workers, interpreters and bilingual staff. These findings have implications for workforce planning and training

Carbon Dioxide Angiography in Lower Limbs: A Prospective Comparative Study With Selective Iodinated Contrast Angiography

This was a prospective comparison of the accuracy and image quality of carbon dioxide digital subtraction angiography (CO2 DSA) and iodinated contrast digital subtraction angiography (ICDSA) in evaluating lower extremity arteries and patient tolerance of the procedures. Selective DSA was performed in 14 Taiwanese patients who were diagnosed with peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD). Both contrast materials were administered through mechanical injectors. Post-processing of the image used pixel shifting. Images of vessels were divided into 22 anatomic segments and evaluated by two experienced radiologists. A four-point scale was used to classify diseased vessels. Two interpreters rated the CO2 DSA image against the ICDSA image on a three-point scale. Patient tolerance was assessed from verbal descriptions. Cohen's kappa was used to determine interobserver agreement and descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient experience. Interobserver agreement ranged from fair to excellent, with most being good or excellent. Three patients (21.4%) could not tolerate the whole procedure and nine patients (64.3%) reported discomfort during the CO2 DSA procedure. CO2 DSA image quality was better for the thigh than the distal runoff and pelvic regions. Our results showed that selective CO2 DSA cannot replace ICDSA as a routine diagnostic tool for PAOD because it does not give images of comparative quality