A Random Forest-based accuracy prediction model for augmented biofeedback in a precision shooting training system

In the military, police, security companies, and shooting sports, precision shooting training is of the outmost importance. In order to achieve high shooting accuracy, a lot of training is needed. As a result, trainees use a large number of cartridges and a considerable amount of time of professional trainers, which can cost a lot. Our motivation is to reduce costs and shorten training time by introducing an augmented biofeedback system based on machine learning techniques. We are designing a system that can detect and provide feedback on three types of errors that regularly occur during a precision shooting practice: excessive hand movement error, aiming error and triggering error. The system is designed to provide concurrent feedback on the hand movement error and terminal feedback on the other two errors. Machine learning techniques are used innovatively to identify hand movement errorsthe other two errors are identified by the threshold approach. To correct the excessive hand movement error, a precision shot accuracy prediction model based on Random Forest has proven to be the most suitable. The experimental results show that: (1) the proposed Random Forest (RF) model achieves the prediction accuracy of 91.27%, higher than any of the other reference models, and (2) hand movement is strongly related to the accuracy of precision shooting. Appropriate use of the proposed augmented biofeedback system will result in a lower number of rounds used and shorten the precision shooting training process

A Functional Polymorphism C-509T in TGFβ-1 Promoter Contributes to Susceptibility and Prognosis of Lone Atrial Fibrillation in Chinese Population

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is an important mediator of atrial fibrosis and atrial fibrillation (AF). But the involved genetic mechanism is unknown. Herein, the TGF-β1 C-509T polymorphism (rs1800469) was genotyped in a case-control study of 840 patients and 845 controls in Chinese population to explore the association between the polymorphism and susceptibility and prognosis of lone AF. As a result, the CT and/or TT genotypes had an increased lone AF risk [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.50 for CT, OR = 3.72 for TT, and OR = 2.15 for CT/TT], compared with the TGF-β1CC genotype. Moreover, patients carrying CT/TT genotypes showed a higher possibility of AF recurrence after catheter ablation, compared with patients carrying CC genotype. In a genotype-phenotype correlation analysis using 24 normal left atrial appendage samples, increasing gradients of atrial TGF-β1 expression levels positively correlated with atrial collagen volume fraction were identified in samples with CC, CT and TT genotypes. The in vitro luciferase assays also showed a higher luciferase activity of the -509T allele than that of the -509C allele. In conclusion, the TGF-β1 C-509T polymorphism is involved in the etiology of lone AF and thus may be a marker for genetic susceptibility to lone AF and predicting prognosis after catheter ablation in Chinese populations. Therefore, we provide new information about treatment strategies and our understanding of TGF-β1 in AF

A Functional Polymorphism C-509T in <i>TGFβ-1</i> Promoter Contributes to Susceptibility and Prognosis of Lone Atrial Fibrillation in Chinese Population

<div><p>Transforming growth factor-β1 (<i>TGF-β1</i>) is an important mediator of atrial fibrosis and atrial fibrillation (AF). But the involved genetic mechanism is unknown. Herein, the <i>TGF-β1</i> C-509T polymorphism (rs1800469) was genotyped in a case-control study of 840 patients and 845 controls in Chinese population to explore the association between the polymorphism and susceptibility and prognosis of lone AF. As a result, the CT and/or TT genotypes had an increased lone AF risk [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.50 for CT, OR = 3.72 for TT, and OR = 2.15 for CT/TT], compared with the <i>TGF-β1</i>CC genotype. Moreover, patients carrying CT/TT genotypes showed a higher possibility of AF recurrence after catheter ablation, compared with patients carrying CC genotype. In a genotype-phenotype correlation analysis using 24 normal left atrial appendage samples, increasing gradients of atrial <i>TGF-β1</i> expression levels positively correlated with atrial collagen volume fraction were identified in samples with CC, CT and TT genotypes. The <i>in vitro</i> luciferase assays also showed a higher luciferase activity of the -509T allele than that of the -509C allele. In conclusion, the <i>TGF-β1</i> C-509T polymorphism is involved in the etiology of lone AF and thus may be a marker for genetic susceptibility to lone AF and predicting prognosis after catheter ablation in Chinese populations. Therefore, we provide new information about treatment strategies and our understanding of <i>TGF-β1</i> in AF.</p></div

Results of Cox multivariate regression analysis on cumulative AF recurrence after catheter ablation.

<p>β, regression coefficient; HR, hazard ratio.</p><p>Results of Cox multivariate regression analysis on cumulative AF recurrence after catheter ablation.</p

Correlation between atrial protein expression of <i>TGF-β1</i> and collagen volume fraction in LAAs.

<p>Correlation between atrial protein expression of <i>TGF-β1</i> and collagen volume fraction in LAAs.</p

Genotype and allele frequencies of the <i>TGF-β1</i> C-509T polymorphism between the cases and controls and their associations with risk of LAF.

a<p>Two-sided χ² test for either genotype distributions or allele frequencies between the cases and controls.</p>b<p>Adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, drinking status, and hypercholesteremia in logistic regression model.</p><p>Genotype and allele frequencies of the <i>TGF-β1</i> C-509T polymorphism between the cases and controls and their associations with risk of LAF.</p

Effect of the C-509 T polymorphism in the <i>TGF-β1</i> promoter activity.

<p>(A) Schematic representation of reporter plasmids containing the -509C or -509 T allele, which was inserted upstream of the luciferase reporter gene in the pGL3 basic plasmid. (B) Two constructs were transiently transfected into the mouse cardiac fibroblasts. The luciferase activity of each construct was normalized against the internal control of Renilla luciferase (blank). Values are mean±SD.</p

Baseline characteristics of subjects with LAF and controls.

<p>Values are presented as mean±SD or number of patients.</p><p>ACE-I, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor; ARB, angiotensin receptor blocker.</p><p>Baseline characteristics of subjects with LAF and controls.</p

Atrial expression of <i>TGF-β1</i> among different genotypes in healthy heart donors.

<p>(A) Representative Western immunoblots. (B) Gene expression in left atrial appendages (LAAs). (C) Semi-quantitative protein content in LAAs. Boxes show interquartile ranges, and bars represent the 10th and 90th percentiles.</p