CNN-based fast source device identification

Source identification is an important topic in image forensics, since it allows to trace back the origin of an image. This represents a precious information to claim intellectual property but also to reveal the authors of illicit materials. In this paper we address the problem of device identification based on sensor noise and propose a fast and accurate solution using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Specifically, we propose a 2-channel-based CNN that learns a way of comparing camera fingerprint and image noise at patch level. The proposed solution turns out to be much faster than the conventional approach and to ensure an increased accuracy. This makes the approach particularly suitable in scenarios where large databases of images are analyzed, like over social networks. In this vein, since images uploaded on social media usually undergo at least two compression stages, we include investigations on double JPEG compressed images, always reporting higher accuracy than standard approaches

Molecular phylogenetics of Dipsacaceae reveals parallel trends in seed dispersal syndromes

Phylogenetic relationships among 17 taxa of Dipsacaceae were inferred from nucleotide sequence variation in both the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA and the chloroplast trnL (UAA) intron sequences. The combined phylogenetic analysis, carried out by using two taxa from Valerianaceae as an outgroup yielded a single most parsimonious tree, in which Dipsacaceae are divided into two major clades: one including Lomelosia and Pycnocomon, both in a sister group relationship with a clade containing Pterocephalus, Scabiosa and Sixalix; the other including Pseudoscabiosa, Succisa and Succisella is sister group to Knautia, Pterocephalidium, Dipsacus and Cephalaria. The results obtained here greatly differ from previous ones based on classical morphology, but are congruent with recent findings on epicalyx differentiation and with pollen characters. In particular, our results would confirm on molecular grounds the recently restricted circumscription for Scabioseae proposed by other authors. Our phylogenetic hypothesis indicates that adaptations to seed dispersal have been a very strong driving force in Dipsacaceae evolution, with similar selective pressures causing the onset of similar epicalyx shapes and dispersal modes in a parallel fashion in various taxa. For this reason, the gross morphology of the involucel is deceptive in inferring relationships

Resistivity probability tomography imaging at the castle of Zena, Italy

We present the results of an electrical resistivity investigation performed at Castle of Zena (Castello di Zena), a 13th-century fortress located between the towns of Fiorenzuola and Piacenza in the Emilia Romagna Region (Northern Italy), in the frame of a project of restoration. Dipole-dipole resistivity tomographies were planned in three areas suspected of containing buried archaeo-architectural remnants. Data analysis has been made using a 3D tomography imaging approach based on the concept of occurrence probability of anomaly sources in the electrical resistivity distribution. The 3D tomography has allowed three interesting anomaly source areas to be identified in the 1-2 m depth range below ground level. Subsequent excavations have brought to light a giacciara, that is, a brickwork room for food maintenance, a furnace, and the basement of a wing of the castle destroyed in the 18th century, exactly in correspondence with the anomaly sources detected by the resistivity tomography

Biological properties of a human compact anti-ErbB2 antibody.

ErbB2 is a prognostic factor and target of therapy for many carcinomas. In contrast with the other ErbB receptors, ErbB2 lacks a soluble direct ligand, but it is the preferred co-receptor for the ErbB family members, forming heterodimers with more potent and prolonged signalling activity than that of homodimers. We recently produced a new anti-ErbB2 antibody, Erb-hcAb, by fusion of Erbicin, a human, anti-ErbB2 scFv, selectively cytotoxic to ErbB2-positive cells, and a human Fc domain. This fully human antitumour antibody represents a compact version of an IgG1, with the cytotoxicity of the scFv moiety on target cells, combined with the ability of the Fc moiety to induce both antibody- and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Here, we describe the main properties of Erb-hcAb, using as a reference Herceptin, an anti-ErbB2 humanized monoclonal currently employed in clinical immunotherapy. We found that both bivalent Erb-hcAb and Herceptin increase receptor phosphorylation and downregulation, whereas monovalent Erbicin does not. These results correlate with the finding that Erb-hcAb is capable of inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell cycle progression in ErbB2-positive cells. Its powerful in vitro antitumour action matched that observed in vivo in experiments with human ErbB2-positive tumour xenografts established in athymic mice. Finally, Erb-hcAb displays a glycosylation profile virtually superimposable to that of a human IgG. These findings suggest that Erb-hcAb is a very promising new agent for the immunotherapy of carcinomas that overexpress the ErbB2 receptor

Correlative imaging of cystic lymphangiomas: ultrasound, CT and MRI comparison

Cystic lymphangioma is a rare benign lesion derived from the detachment of the lymph sacs from venous drainage systems; the treatment of choice is a surgical excision and the final diagnosis is of histological type

The Value and Sustainability of Ocrelizumab in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: A Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Impact Analysis

INTRODUCTION: The availability of ocrelizumab for the relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Italian markets raised some questions about its economic impact and value compared to the alternative treatment options available.AIM: To assess the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of ocrelizumab compared to the most used second line disease modifying therapies (DMTs) in Italy.METHODS: The study was divided in two phases: Phase 1 – based on the development of a decision analytical Markov model to assess the cost-effectiveness of ocrelizumab compared to natalizumab and fingolimod, and Phase 2 – based on the development of a budget impact model to assess the economic impact of ocrelizumab in Italy. Both models used the National Health System perspective; a lifetime horizon was applied in the cost-effectiveness analysis and a 3-year time horizon in the budget impact. The cost-effectiveness analysis results were reported as incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) expressed as € per Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gained, the budget impact analysis results were reported as difference in the overall budget (€) between a scenario with and without ocrelizumab.RESULTS: The two analyses reported ocrelizumab as a cost-effective option compared to natalizumab and fingolimod with a positive impact on the overall NHS budget. In the base-case analysis, the ICER was € 2,023 for ocrelizumab compared to fingolimod; while ocrelizumab resulted cost-saving compared to natalizumab. The sensitivity analysis confirmed the base-case analysis results. Further, the use of ocrelizumab was associated to a budget decrease of € 21 million (-2.6%) in a 3-year time horizon.CONCLUSION: The results of our cost-effectiveness and budget impact models reported ocrelizumab as an effective and efficient treatment in patients with relapsing forms of MS who failed a first line DMTs from the Italian NHS perspective

Therapeutic and prognostic predictive value of the Control Volume severity grade on proximal humerus fractures due to bone fragility

Background The treatment of proximal humerus fracture complicated by bone fragility is still controversial. The aim of this study is to compare the Neer classification and the Control Volume severity grade for the accuracy in the selection of the type of treatment and for prognostic evaluation. Materials and methods We retrospectively collected the records of all patients admitted at the Emergency Department of our Institute, from 2013 to 2020, for a closed displaced proximal humerus fracture further investigated with a CT scan before treatment decision. We selected all patients with a minimum age of 65 years. The included fractures were retrospectively classified according to Neer, and Control Volume severity grade. The included patients were evaluated with Simple Shoulder Test (SST). A statistical analysis was performed to correlate the type of treatment and the clinical results to the Neer classification and the Control Volume severity grade. Results Sixty-four patients (80%), were available for the telephonically interview at a mean follow up of 4 years and were included. According to the Control Volume model, we identified fracture with a low, medium and high severity grade, in 23 (36%), 13 (20%), and, 28 (44%) cases, respectively. Fifteen patients (23,5%) were conservatively treated, whether fourty-nine patients (76,5%) were operated. We find a statistical correlation between control volume severity grade and type of treatment. No Therapeutic correlation was detected for the Neer classification. A statistical correlation between the severity grade and clinical outcome could be observed only for patients with the same type of treatment. Conclusions The use of Control Volume severity grade is associated with better therapeutic and prognostic informations in confront to the Neer classification

Spinal Fusion Surgery: Epidemiologic and Economic Burden Attributable to First Intervention

IntroductionLow back pain (LBP) is the single most common cause for disability in individuals aged 50 years or younger with a high socioeconomic impact. In USA, LBP costs are estimated to exceed $1..