Detection and Generalization of Spatio-temporal Trajectories for Motion Imagery

In today\u27s world of vast information availability users often confront large unorganized amounts of data with limited tools for managing them. Motion imagery datasets have become increasingly popular means for exposing and disseminating information. Commonly, moving objects are of primary interest in modeling such datasets. Users may require different levels of detail mainly for visualization and further processing purposes according to the application at hand. In this thesis we exploit the geometric attributes of objects for dataset summarization by using a series of image processing and neural network tools. In order to form data summaries we select representative time instances through the segmentation of an object\u27s spatio-temporal trajectory lines. High movement variation instances are selected through a new hybrid self-organizing map (SOM) technique to describe a single spatio-temporal trajectory. Multiple objects move in diverse yet classifiable patterns. In order to group corresponding trajectories we utilize an abstraction mechanism that investigates a vague moving relevance between the data in space and time. Thus, we introduce the spatio-temporal neighborhood unit as a variable generalization surface. By altering the unit\u27s dimensions, scaled generalization is accomplished. Common complications in tracking applications that include occlusion, noise, information gaps and unconnected segments of data sequences are addressed through the hybrid-SOM analysis. Nevertheless, entangled data sequences where no information on which data entry belongs to each corresponding trajectory are frequently evident. A multidimensional classification technique that combines geometric and backpropagation neural network implementation is used to distinguish between trajectory data. Further more, modeling and summarization of two-dimensional phenomena evolving in time brings forward the novel concept of spatio-temporal helixes as compact event representations. The phenomena models are comprised of SOM movement nodes (spines) and cardinality shape-change descriptors (prongs). While we focus on the analysis of MI datasets, the framework can be generalized to function with other types of spatio-temporal datasets. Multiple scale generalization is allowed in a dynamic significance-based scale rather than a constant one. The constructed summaries are not just a visualization product but they support further processing for metadata creation, indexing, and querying. Experimentation, comparisons and error estimations for each technique support the analyses discussed

INVAZIVNI DIJAGNOSTIČKI POSTUPCI U VIŠEPLODNOJ TRUDNOĆI

Over the past few years, the rising rate of multiple pregnancies, attributed to both increasing reliance on infertility treatment modalities and delayed childbearing, has expanded the need for prenatal invasive genetic testing. In multiples, first-trimester chorionic villus sampling and second-trimester amniocentesis are relatively safe and efficient alternative procedures, whereas fetal blood sampling is reserved for cases where an indefinite result of fetal karyotyping needs elucidation. The choice of invasive technique should be based on gestational age at referral date, procedure related risks and technical demands, but experience of the center performing the modality should be emphasized in decision making. Technological advances in modern high resolution ultrasound equipment along with increasing operator experience available today result in more accurate and efficacious invasive prenatal diagnosis in twin or higher-order pregnancies, minimizing potential post-procedural fetal loss rate.Monozigotni blizanci čine oko 30% blizanačkih trudnoća, njihova je učestalost stalna, a dvozigotni blizanci čine oko 70% blizanačkih trudnoća, njihova je učestalost u porastu, zbog učestale primjene tehnike pomognute oplodnje i zbog odgađanja prvih trudnoća te posljedične veće životne dobi trudnica. Rizik strukturalnih anomalija u blizanaca je veća nego u jednoplodnih trudnoća, rizik je do tri puta veći u monozigotnih, a u dizigotnih blizanaca je od prilike kao u jednoplodnih trudnoća. Zbog ukupno veće učestalosti višeplodnih trudnoća povećana je potreba za invazivnom prenatalnom dijagnostikom. U višeplodnim trudnoćama su biopsija korionskih resica u prvom i amniocenteza u drugom tromjesečju relativno sigurni i uspješni alternativni postupci, a uzimanje fetalne krvi kordocentezom je rezervirano za slučajeve kada je učinjena kariotipizacija fetusa nesigurna i nejasna. Izbor invazivne tehnike se temelji na dobi trudnoće kad se trudnica javlja, na postojeći rizik postupka i na tehničke zahtjeve, a od velikog je značaja iskustvo prenatalnog centra. Tehnološki napredak suvremene ultrazvučne aparature te rastuće iskustvo prenatalnog operatera doprinose točnoj i učinkovitijoj invazivnoj prenatalnoj dijagnostici u dvojaka i blizanaca višeg stupnja te na najmanju moguću mjeru smanjuju fetalni gubitak nakon invazivnog postupka

Detection of Small-Scale Rockfall Incidents Using Their Seismic Signature

Several algorithms have been effectively used to identify the seismic signature of rockfall incidents, which constitute a significant threat for human lives and infrastructure especially when occurring along transportation networks. These algorithms have been mostly evaluated using data from large scale rockfall events that release a large amount of energy. However, low-energy rockfall events (\u3c 100 Joules) triggered by small-sized individual rocks falling from small heights can be severely destructive. In this study, a three-parameter algorithm has been developed to identify low-energy rockfall events. An experimental setup was implemented to 1) validate the results obtained by this algorithm against visual inspection of seismic signals records, 2) define the optimal algorithm parameterization to minimize false alarms, and 3) investigate whether tri-axial vibration monitoring can be replaced by a uniaxial device in order to reduce the installation cost of a real-time rockfall monitoring system. It was found that the success rate of the proposed algorithm exceeds 80% independently of the parameters used, while event identification at a maximum distance with minimal false alarms was achieved when using mean ± 3σ as the threshold criterion and 6 ms and 4 ms as the trigger and event window parameters respectively. Finally, it was found that for the specific experimental setup, a uniaxial device could be used for rockfall event identification

"hCG priming" effect in controlled ovarian stimulation through a long protocol

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Recently, it has been demonstrated that, in patients down-regulated by GnRH analogues (GnRHa), a short-term pre-treatment with recombinant LH (rLH), prior to recombinant FSH (rFSH) administration, increases the number of small antral follicle prior to FSH stimulation and the yield of normally fertilized embryos. However, no data exist in the literature regarding the potential beneficial effect of "hCG priming" in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) through a long GnRH-a protocol, which binds the same receptor (LH/hCGR), though it is a much more potent compared to LH. The primary aims of this study were to assess the effect of short-term pre-rFSH administration of hCG in women entering an ICSI treatment cycle on follicular development, quality of oocytes and early embryo development. The secondary endpoints were to record the effects on endometrial quality and pregnancy rate.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Patients with a history of at least one previous unsuccessful ICSI cycle were randomly assigned into two groups to receive treatment with either a long protocol with rFSH (control group) or a long protocol with rFSH and pre-treatment with hCG (hCG group). In particular, in the latter group, a fixed 7 days course of 200 IU/day hCG was administered as soon as pituitary desensitization was confirmed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The mean number of oocytes retrieved was not significantly different between the two treatment groups, although the percentage of mature oocytes tended to be higher but not significantly different in hCG-treated patients. The percentage of patients with more than one grade 3 embryos was higher in the pre-treatment group, which also showed a higher pregnancy rate.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>All the above clinical observations, in conjunction with previous data, suggest a point towards a beneficial "hCG priming" effect in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation through a long GnRH-a down-regulation protocol, particularly in patients with previous ART failures.</p

Microplastics Generation: Onset of Fragmentation of Polyethylene Films in Marine Environment Mesocosms

Summarization: The fragmentation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) films from single-use supermarket plastic bags to microplastics under laboratory-simulated onshore and nearshore conditions was investigated for a period of 6 months. The weathering process of the plastic strips either on beach sand or in seawater under direct natural sunlight was monitored by tensile strength, molecular weight measurements, FTIR, weight loss, and image processing of photographs of the plastic strips before and after mild mechanical stress was applied. The latter represents a novel method proposed for determining the onset of fragmentation through the application of mild mechanical stress on the weathered plastic samples emulating the action of sand and wind on a beach. It was found that 12 h of application of mild mechanical stress in rotating glass bottles filled partially with sand was sufficient time to reach the maximum degree of fragmentation that could occur for the weathered plastics samples being tested. For example, applied mechanical stress yielded an area loss of almost 14% for samples weathered for a period of 5 months and about 16.7% after 5.5 months. While tensile strength tests and molecular weight measurements were rather inconclusive till the very last month when the onset of fragmentation was identified; FTIR measurements revealed that samples under ultraviolet irradiation were gradually modified chemically until fragmentation commenced. After 6 months of weathering, molecular weight measurements showed a 60% reduction for sample SMB-1 whereas for sample SMB-2 the measurement was not possible due to extensive fragmentation. The onset of fragmentation for SMB-1 and SMB-2 samples occurred at a cumulative luminance of 5.3 × 106 lux•d and in the presence of atmospheric oxygen whereby the polymer films broke down partially to microplastics. When the UV exposure reached 7.2 × 106 lux•d the weathered plastic strips broke down fully to microplastics with the application of a mild mechanical stress. Samples placed in seawater proved to be resistant to fragmentation compared to those on sand over the 6-month period of the weathering experiment. The direct implication of this work is that beached macroplastic debris should be regularly collected from the seashore before they are weathered by sunlight and returned to the sea as microplastics by the action of high waves or strong winds. Presented on: Frontiers in Marine Scienc

The effect of thyrotropin and thyroid hormones in in vitro follicle growth of mouse primary preantral follicles, in in vitro fertilization and early embryo development to the blastocyst stage, and the expression of their receptors during follicle maturation

ΑΙΜThe aim of the study was to assess the effect of Thyrotropin (TSH) and thyroid hormones Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4) in in vitro follicle growth of mouse primary preantral follicles, in in vitro fertilization and early embryo development to the blastocyst stage, and the expression of their receptors during follicle maturation. MATERIALS & METHODSPre-pubertal female mice, aged 13-14 days, and adult male mice, aged 3-4 months, all C57BL/6 x CBA F1 hybrids, were used in this animal experimental study. Primary preantral follicles were dissected from the ovaries, cultured in vitro for 10 days and mature oocytes were fertilized using sperm retrieved from adult male F1 hybrids. The effect of TSH in a concentration of 2 mIU/ml, 1 mIU/ml and 0.2 mIU/ml and the effect of T3 and in a concentration of 10-9 M, 10-8 M, 10-7 M each, were evaluated. Furthermore, on culture day 0, 2, 5 and 8, follicles were collected, and on culture day 10, cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) and denuded oocytes (DO) were collected for total RNA extraction, which was used for complementary DNA synthesis. This in turn was subjected to Real-Time PCR for the detection and quantification of TSH receptor (TSHR) and thyroid hormone (TRα and TRβ) gene expression.RESULTSΤ3 was found to negatively affect follicular growth and maturation in the lower 10-9 M and intermediate 10-8 Μ concentrations. Similarly, Τ4 was found to negatively affect follicular growth and maturation of mouse preantral follicles in the intermediate concentration 10-8 Μ. Contrary to thyroid hormones, no impact of TSH was found in the process of folliculogenesis.Τ3 had a negative effect in fertilization and early embryo development to the 2-cell stage at a concentration of 10-8 M and T4 negatively affected fertilization at a concentration of 10-9 Μ and 10-7 Μ. Interestingly, higher 2-cell, 4-cell and morula/blastocyst stage rates were shown at a concentration of 10-8 Μ. TSH had no effect on fertilization and early embryo development.With regards to hormone receptor gene expression, on day 0, none of TSHR, TRα and TRβ were expressed. TRβ was not expressed at all throughout folliculogenesis (days 2, 5 and 8) and also was not expressed in COCs and DO. TRα and TRβ were expressed in follicles collected on days 2, 5 and 8 as well as in COCs, whereas their expression was absent in DO. CONCLUSIONSControversial results have been published regarding TSH, T3 and T4 effect on folliculogenesis in different species. But even within the same species, discrepancies have been observed among studies, which could be attributed to cell culture type, culture medium selection and supplementation, stage of development/differentation at follicle retrieval and duration of culture. The negative effect of T3 and the positive effect of T4 at the intermediate concentration 10-8 Μ in early embryo development, may encourage researchers to work on the effect of these hormones in various combinations during folliculogenesis, fertilization and early embryo development, that is, in conditions that mimic follicular physiology, given that in vivo these hormones co-exist in the follicular milieu.ΣΚΟΠΟΣ. Ο σκοπός της μελέτης ήταν η αξιολόγηση της επίδρασης της Θυρεοειδοτρόπου ορμόνης (TSH) και των θυρεοειδικών ορμονών Τριιωδοθυρονίνη (T3) και Θυροξίνη (Τ4) στην in vitro ανάπτυξη πρώιμων πρωτογενών προκοιλοτικών ωοθυλακίων επίμυος, στη γονιμοποίηση και στην πρώιμη εμβρυϊκή ανάπτυξη στο στάδιο της βλαστοκύστης. Επιπλέον, σκοπός της μελέτης ήταν η ανίχνευση της έκφρασης των υποδοχέων των ανωτέρω ορμονών στα ωοθυλάκια κατά τα διάφορα στάδια της ωοθυλακικής ανάπτυξης. ΥΛΙΚΟ & ΜΕΘΟΔΟΣ. Στη μελέτη χρησιμοποιήθηκαν άνηβα θήλεα υβρίδια F1 ηλικίας 13-14 ημερών και ενήλικα άρρενα υβρίδια F1 ηλικίας 3-4 μηνών, προϊόντα διασταύρωσης επίμυων C57BL/6 (θήλυ) X CBA (άρρεν). Πρώιμα προκοιλοτικά ωοθυλάκια απομονώθηκαν από τις ωοθήκες, καλλιεργήθηκαν in vitro για 10 ημέρες και τα ώριμα ωάρια γονιμοποιήθηκαν με σπέρμα που ελήφθη από τα ενήλικα άρρενα υβρίδια. Αξιολογήθηκε η επίδραση της TSH σε συγκέντρωση 2 mIU/ml, 1 mIU/ml και 0,2 mIU/ml και η επίδραση των T3 και T4 σε συγκέντρωση 10-9 M, 10-8 M, 10-7 M η καθεμιά. Επιπλέον, τις ημέρες 0, 2, 5 και 8 της καλλιέργειας, συλλέχθηκαν ωοθυλάκια, ενώ την ημέρα 10 συμπλέγματα κοκκωδών κυττάρων-ωοκυττάρου (COCs) και απογυμνωμένα ωάρια (DO) προς απομόνωση ολικού RNΑ, από το οποίο συντέθηκε συμπληρωματικό DNA, το οποίο με τη σειρά του υπεβλήθη στην αλυσιδωτή αντίδραση πολυμεράσης πραγματικού χρόνου προς ανίχνευση και ποσοτικοποίηση της έκφρασης του υποδοχέα της TSH, TSHR, και των υποδοχέων των θυρεοειδικών ορμονών TRα και TRβ. ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΜΑΤΑ. Η Τ3 είχε μία αρνητική επίδραση στην ωοθυλακική ανάπτυξη στην μικρότερη, 10-9 M, και ενδιάμεση συγκέντρωση, 10-8 Μ. Παρόμοια, η Τ4 είχε μία αρνητική επίδραση στην ωοθυλακική ανάπτυξη στην ενδιάμεση συγκέντρωση 10-8Μ. Σε αντίθεση με τις θυρεοειδικές ορμόνες, η TSH δεν είχε καμία επίδραση στην ωοθυλακιογένεση. Η Τ3 είχε μία αρνητική επίδραση στη γονιμοποίηση και την πρώιμη εμβρυική ανάπτυξη στο στάδιο των 2-κυττάρων στην ενδιάμεση συγκέντρωση 10-8 M και η T4 μία αρνητική επίδραση στη γονιμοποίηση στη μικρότερη και στη μεγαλύτερη συγκέντρωση, 10-9 Μ και 10-7 Μ αντίστοιχα. Ωστόσο, στην ενδιάμεση συγκέντρωση 10-8 Μ είχε μία θετική επίδραση, αφού οδήγησε σε μεγαλύτερα ποσοστά εμβρύων 2-κυττάρων, 4-κυττάρων και μοριδίου/βλαστοκύστης. Η TSH δεν είχε καμία επίδραση στη γονιμοποίηση και στην πρώιμη εμβρυική ανάπτυξη.Τέλος σε ότι αφορά την έκφραση των ορμονικών υποδοχέων, την ημέρα 0 δεν εκφραζόταν κανένας από τους TSHR, TRα και TRβ. Ο υποδοχέας TRβ, εξακολουθούσε να μην εκφράζεται σε όλα τα μετέπειτα στάδια της ωοθυλακιογένεσης, όπως και στα COCs και DO. Οι υποδοχείς ΤRα και TSHR εκφράζονταν στα ωοθυλάκια τις ημέρες 2, 5, 8 και στα COCs, ενώ δεν εκφράζονταν στα DO. ΣΥΜΠΕΡΑΣΜΑΤΑ. Στα διάφορα είδη ζώων υπάρχουν αντικρουόμενες αναφορές για την επίδραση της TSH και των T3 και T4 στην ωοθυλακιογένεση. Ωστόσο όμως, και στο ίδιο είδος, οι επιδράσεις φαίνεται ότι διαφοροποιούνται ανάλογα με τον τύπο των κυττάρων που καλλιεργούνται, το είδος και τον εμπλουτισμό του καλλιεργητικού μέσου, το στάδιο ανάπτυξης των ωοθυλακίων, και τη χρονική διάρκεια της καλλιέργειας.Η διαπίστωση της αρνητικής επίδρασης της Τ3 και της θετικής επίδρασης της ενδιάμεσης συγκέντρωσης 10-8 Μ της Τ4 στην πρώιμη εμβρυική ανάπτυξη, ανοίγει νέους δρόμους έρευνας της επίδρασης ορμονών αυτών σε διάφορους συνδυασμούς μεταξύ τους, σε συνθήκες που προσομοιάζουν την φυσιολογία της ωοθυλακικής ανάπτυξης, με δεδομένο ότι οι ορμόνες αυτές in vivo συνυπάρχουν στο μικροπεριβάλλον των ωοθυλακίων

Terrain Segmentation of Egypt from Multi-Temporal Night LST Imagery and Elevation Data

Monthly night averaged land surface temperature (LST) MODIS imagery was analyzed throughout a year-period (2006), in an attempt to segment the terrain of Egypt into regions with different LST seasonal variability, and represent them parametrically. Regions with distinct spatial and temporal LST patterns were outlined using several clustering techniques capturing aspects of spatial, temporal and temperature homogeneity or differentiation. Segmentation was supplemented, taking into consideration elevation, morphological features and landcover information. The northern coastal region along the Mediterranean Sea occupied by lowland plain areas corresponds to the coolest clusters indicating a latitude/elevation dependency of seasonal LST variability. On the other hand, for the inland regions, elevation and terrain dissection plays a key role in LST seasonal variability, while an east to west variability of clusters’ spatial distribution is evident. Finally, elevation biased clustering revealed annual LST differences among the regions with the same physiographic/terrain characteristics. Thermal terrain segmentation outlined the temporal variation of LST during 2006, as well as the spatial distribution of LST zones

Myomas and Adenomyosis: Impact on Reproductive Outcome

Among uterine structural abnormalities, myomas and adenomyosis represent two distinct, though frequently coexistent entities, with a remarkable prevalence in women of reproductive age. Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain the impact of each of them on reproductive outcome. In respect to myomas, current evidence implies that submucosal ones have an adverse effect on conception and early pregnancy. A similar effect yet is not quite clear and has been suggested for intramural myomas. Still, it seems reasonable that intramural myomas greater than 4 cm in diameter may negatively impair reproductive outcome. On the contrary, subserosal myomas do not seem to have a significant impact, if any, on reproduction. The presence of submucosal and/or large intramural myomas has also been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. In particular increased risk for miscarriage, fetal malpresentation, placenta previa, preterm birth, placenta abruption, postpartum hemorrhage, and cesarean section has been reported. With regard to adenomyosis, besides the tentative coexistence of adenomyosis and infertility, to date a causal relationship among these conditions has not been fully confirmed. Preterm birth and preterm premature rupture of membranes, uterine rupture, postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony, and ectopic pregnancy have all been reported in association with adenomyosis. Further research on the impact of adenomyosis on reproductive outcome is welcome. © 2017 Nikos F. Vlahos et al