Distance Estimation of an Unknown Person from a Portrait

We propose the first automated method for estimating distance from frontal pictures of unknown faces. Camera calibration is not necessary, nor is the reconstruction of a 3D representation of the shape of the head. Our method is based on estimating automatically the position of face and head landmarks in the image, and then using a regressor to estimate distance from such measurements. We collected and annotated a dataset of frontal portraits of 53 individuals spanning a number of attributes (sex, age, race, hair), each photographed from seven distances. We find that our proposed method outperforms humans performing the same task. We observe that different physiognomies will bias systematically the estimate of distance, i.e. some people look closer than others. We expire which landmarks are more important for this task

La scuola dopo l’emergenza: prospettive e riflessioni sulla didattica a partire dall’indagine nazionale SIRD

Following the first wave of the pandemic, which forced schools of all levels to implement Distance Learning, with the resumption of the new school year (2020/2021) we moved to the now well-known “Integrated Digital Didactics” (DDI). With this in mind, it is essential that educational research be oriented to identify with scientific methodology the aspects that have characterized Distance Learning in order to help define innovative teaching strategies and policies to be implemented during and after the emergency period. With these intentions, the Italian Society of Educational Research (SIRD) conducted a national study entitled “A comparison of distance learning methods adopted in Italian schools during the COVID-19 emergency period”. The study involved the completion of a questionnaire constructed upon ten thematic areas, intended for teachers throughout the country and to which more than 16,000 responded. The educational challenges do not end with the immediate crisis. With this paper, starting from a cross-sectional analysis of quantitative and qualitative data conducted on the Lazio unit of analysis, we aim to identify those aspects that could, potentially, become elements of quality in our school system in the future.A seguito della prima ondata della pandemia, che ha costretto le scuole di ogni ordine e grado ad attivare la Didattica a Distanza (DAD), con la ripresa del nuovo anno scolastico (2020/2021) si è passati all’ormai nota Didattica Digitale Integrata (DDI). In questa prospettiva, risulta fondamentale che la ricerca educativa si orienti ad inquadrare con metodologia scientifica gli aspetti che hanno caratterizzato la DAD al fine di con- tribuire a definire strategie didattiche e politiche innovative da attuare durante e dopo il periodo emergenziale. Con queste intenzioni è stata condotta la ricerca nazionale della Società Italiana di Ricerca Didattica (SIRD) “Per un confronto sulle modalità di didattica a distanza adottate nelle scuole italiane nel periodo di emergenza COVID-19”. La ricerca ha previsto la compilazione di un questionario costruito sulla base di dieci aree tematiche, destinato a docenti di tutto il territorio nazionale e al quale hanno risposto più di 16.000 insegnanti. Le sfide educative non finiscono con la crisi immediata: con il presente contributo si intende aprire una riflessione – a partire da un approfondimento trasversale sui dati quantitativi e qualitativi condotto sull’unità di analisi del Lazio – volta a identificare quegli aspetti che, potenzialmente, potranno diventare in futuro elementi di qualità del nostro sistema scolastico

Evaluation of basal ganglia haemodynamic changes with perfusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in patients with Parkinson's disease

The aim of our study was to assess the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) of basal ganglia and thalami in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) using perfusion–weighted magnetic resonance imaging (PW–MRI)

Characterization of a surface-active protein extracted from a marine strain of penicillium chrysogenum

Marine microorganisms represent a reservoir of new promising secondary metabolites. Surface-active proteins with good emulsification activity can be isolated from fungal species that inhabit the marine environment and can be promising candidates for different biotechnological applications. In this study a novel surface-active protein, named Sap-Pc, was purified from a marine strain of Penicillium chrysogenum. The effect of salt concentration and temperature on protein production was analyzed, and a purification method was set up. The purified protein, identified as Pc13g06930, was annotated as a hypothetical protein. It was able to form emulsions, which were stable for at least one month, with an emulsification index comparable to that of other known surface-active proteins. The surface tension reduction was analyzed as function of protein concentration and a critical micellar concentration of 2 M was determined. At neutral or alkaline pH, secondary structure changes were monitored over time, concurrently with the appearance of protein precipitation. Formation of amyloid-like fibrils of SAP-Pc was demonstrated by spectroscopic and microscopic analyses. Moreover, the effect of protein concentration, a parameter affecting kinetics of fibril formation, was investigated and an on-pathway involvement of micellar aggregates during the fibril formation process was suggested

Using a Recurrent Neural Network To Inform the Use of Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA) and PSA Density for Dynamic Monitoring of the Risk of Prostate Cancer Progression on Active Surveillance

The global uptake of prostate cancer (PCa) active surveillance (AS) is steadily increasing. While prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) is an important baseline predictor of PCa progression on AS, there is a scarcity of recommendations on its use in follow-up. In particular, the best way of measuring PSAD is unclear. One approach would be to use the baseline gland volume (BGV) as a denominator in all calculations throughout AS (nonadaptive PSAD, PSADNA), while another would be to remeasure gland volume at each new magnetic resonance imaging scan (adaptive PSAD, PSADA). In addition, little is known about the predictive value of serial PSAD in comparison to PSA. We applied a long short-term memory recurrent neural network to an AS cohort of 332 patients and found that serial PSADNA significantly outperformed both PSADA and PSA for follow-up prediction of PCa progression because of its high sensitivity. Importantly, while PSADNA was superior in patients with smaller glands (BGV ≤55 ml), serial PSA was better in men with larger prostates of >55 ml. Patient summary: Repeat measurements of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and PSA density (PSAD) are the mainstay of active surveillance in prostate cancer. Our study suggests that in patients with a prostate gland of 55 ml or smaller, PSAD measurements are a better predictor of tumour progression, whereas men with a larger gland may benefit more from PSA monitoring

Brain overexpression of uncoupling protein-2 (Ucp2) delays renal damage and stroke occurrence in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats

The downregulation of uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) is associated with increased brain and kidney injury in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) fed with a Japanese style hypersodic diet (JD). Systemic overexpression of UCP2 reduces organ damage in JD-fed SHRSP. We examined the effect of brain-specific UCP2 overexpression on blood pressure (BP), stroke occurrence and kidney damage in JD-fed SHRSP. Rats received a single i.c.v. injection of a lentiviral vector encoding UCP2 (LV-UCP2), or an empty vector. The brain delivery of LV-UCP2 significantly delayed the occurrence of stroke and kidney damage. The large reduction of proteinuria observed after LV-UCP2 injection was unexpected, because BP levels were unchanged. At the time of stroke, rats treated with LV-UCP2 still showed a large UCP2 upregulation in the striatum, associated with increases in OPA1 and FIS1 protein levels, and reductions in PGC1-α, SOD2, TNFα mRNA levels and NRF2 protein levels. This suggested UCP2 overexpression enhanced mitochondrial fusion and fission and reduced oxidative damage and inflammation in the striatum of JD-fed SHRSP rats. Our data suggest the existence of central mechanisms that may protect against hypertension-induced organ damage independently of BP, and strengthen the suitability of strategies aimed at enhancing UCP2 expression for the treatment of hypertensive damage

Micronutrient supplement intakes among collegiate and masters athletes: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveIn our cross-sectional study, we evaluated micronutrient supplementation intake among Collegiate and Masters Athletes.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study to assess micronutrient supplementation consumption in Collegiate and Masters Athletes, comparing sex and sport classification within each respective group. Micronutrient supplement consumption data were measured using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. A two-way analysis of variance was used to explore the differences among Collegiate and Masters Athletes' supplement intakes of the following vitamins and minerals: vitamins A, B6, B12, C, E, D, and calcium, folate, iron, magnesium niacin, riboflavin, selenium, thiamine, and zinc. When significant differences were found, a Bonferroni post hoc test was performed to identify specific group differences. The significance level was set a priori at p < 0.05.ResultsA total of 198 athletes (105 females and 93 males) were included in the study. Participants were 36.16 ± 12.33 years of age. Collegiate male athletes had significantly greater vitamin A [1,090.51 ± 154.72 vs. 473.93 ± 233.18 mg retinol activity equivalents (RAE)/day] (p < 0.036), folate [337.14 ± 44.79 vs. 148.67 ± 67.50 mcg dietary folate equivalents (DFE)/day] (p < 0.027), and magnesium (65.35 ± 8.28 vs. 31.28 ± 12.48 mg/day) (p < 0.031) intakes compared to Collegiate female athletes. Collegiate CrossFit Athletes (940.71 ± 157.54 mg/day) had a significantly greater vitamin C intake compared to Collegiate General Athletes (156.34 ± 67.79 mg/day) (p < 0.005), Collegiate Triathletes (88.57 ± 148.53 mg/day) (p < 0.027), Collegiate Resistance Training Athletes (74.28 ± 143.81 mg/day) (p < 0.020), and Collegiate Powerlifters (175.71 ± 128.63 mg/day) (p < 0.044). Masters females had significantly greater calcium intakes compared to Masters males (494.09 ± 65.73 vs.187.89 ± 77.23 mg/day, respectively) (p < 0.002). Collegiate Runners (41.35 ± 6.53 mg/day) had a significantly greater iron intake compared to Collegiate Powerlifters (4.50 ± 6.53 mg/day) (p < 0.024). Masters Swimmers (61.43 ± 12.10 mg/day) had significantly greater iron intakes compared to Masters General Athletes (13.97 ± 3.56 mg/day) (p < 0.014), Masters Runners (17.74 ± 2.32 mg/day) (p < 0.03), Masters Triathletes (11.95 ± 3.73 mg/day) (p < 0.008), Masters CrossFit Athletes (15.93 ± 5.36 mg/day) (p < 0.043), Masters Rowers (9.10 ± 3.36 mg/day) (p < 0.003), and Masters Cyclists (1.71 ± 9.88 mg/day) (p < 0.011). Masters Powerlifters (47.14 ± 9.65 mg/day) had significantly greater zinc intakes compared to Masters General Athletes (9.57 ± 2.84 mg/day) (p < 0.015), Masters Runners (10.67 ± 1.85 mg/day) (p < 0.017), Masters Triathletes (10.24 ± 2.98 mg/day) (p < 0.020), Masters Rowers (9.33 ± 2.68 mg/day) (p < 0.013), and Masters Cyclists (1.43 ± 7.88 mg/day) (p < 0.019). There were no other significant differences among the other micronutrient supplement intakes between the sexes or among the sport classification.ConclusionWe reported significant differences among female and male Collegiate and Masters Athletes. Additionally, we reported significant differences among Collegiate and Masters Athletes sport classifications. Further research should examine both dietary and micronutrient supplement intake among Collegiate and Masters Athletes to examine the extent that athletes exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), and the potential effects on health and performance

Dickkopf-3 upregulates VEGF in cultured human endothelial cells by activating activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) pathway

Dkk-3 is a member of the dickkopf protein family of secreted inhibitors of the Wnt pathway, which has been shown to enhance angiogenesis. The mechanism underlying this effect is currently unknown. Here, we used cultured HUVECs to study the involvement of the TGF-β and VEGF on the angiogenic effect of Dkk-3. Addition of hrDkk-3 peptide (1 or 10 ng/ml) to HUVECs for 6 or 12 h enhanced the intracellular and extracellular VEGF protein levels, as assessed by RTPCR, immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry and ELISA. The increase in the extracellular VEGF levels was associated to the VEGFR2 activation. Pharmacological blockade of VEGFR2 abrogated Dkk-3-induced endothelial cell tubes formation, indicating that VEGF is a molecular player of the angiogenic effects of Dkk-3. Moreover, Dkk-3 enhanced Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation and recruited Smad4 to the VEGF gene promoter, suggesting that Dkk-3 activated ALK1 receptor leading to a transcriptional activation of VEGF. This mechanism was instrumental to the increased VEGF expression and endothelial cell tubes formation mediated by Dkk-3, because both effects were abolished by siRNA-mediated ALK1 knockdown. In summary, we have found that Dkk-3 activates ALK1 to stimulate VEGF production and induce angiogenesis in HUVECs

Mortality risk according to different clinical characteristics of first episode of liver decompensation in cirrhotic patients: a nationwide, prospective, 3-year follow-up study in Italy.

OBJECTIVES: The occurrence of decompensation marks a crucial turning point in the course of cirrhosis. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of mortality according to the clinical characteristics of first decompensation, considering also the impact of acute-on-chronic liver failure (AoCLF). METHODS: We conducted a prospective nationwide inception cohort study in Italy. Decompensation was defined by the presence of ascites, either overt or detected by ultrasonography (UD), gastroesophageal variceal bleeding (GEVB), and hepatic encephalopathy (HE). AoCLF was defined according to the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver criteria. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze the risk of failure (death or orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT)). RESULTS: A total of 490 consecutive cirrhotic patients (314 males, mean age 60.9±12.6 years) fulfilled the study criteria. AoCLF was identified in 59 patients (12.0%). Among the remaining 431 patients, ascites were found in 330 patients (76.6%): in 257 (77.8%) as overt ascites and in 73 (22.2%) as UD ascites. GEVB was observed in 77 patients (17.9%) and HE in 30 patients (7.0%). After a median follow-up of 33 months, 24 patients underwent OLT and 125 died. The cumulative incidence of failure (death or OLT) after 1, 2, and 3 years was, respectively, 28, 53, and 62% in patients with AoCLF; 10, 18, and 25% in patients with UD ascites; 17, 31, and 41% in patients with overt ascites; and 8, 12, and 24% in patients with GEVB (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: AoCLF is responsible for a relevant proportion of first decompensation in cirrhotic patients and is associated with the poorest outcome. Patients with UD ascites do not have a negligible mortality rate and require clinical monitoring similar to that of patients with overt ascites

Ensuring meiotic DNA break formation in the mouse pseudoautosomal region

In mice, the pseudoautosomal region of the sex chromosomes undergoes a dynamic structural rearrangement to promote a high rate of DNA double-strand breaks and to ensure X-Y recombination. Sex chromosomes in males of most eutherian mammals share only a small homologous segment, the pseudoautosomal region (PAR), in which the formation of double-strand breaks (DSBs), pairing and crossing over must occur for correct meiotic segregation(1,2). How cells ensure that recombination occurs in the PAR is unknown. Here we present a dynamic ultrastructure of the PAR and identify controlling cis- and trans-acting factors that make the PAR the hottest segment for DSB formation in the male mouse genome. Before break formation, multiple DSB-promoting factors hyperaccumulate in the PAR, its chromosome axes elongate and the sister chromatids separate. These processes are linked to heterochromatic mo-2 minisatellite arrays, and require MEI4 and ANKRD31 proteins but not the axis components REC8 or HORMAD1. We propose that the repetitive DNA sequence of the PAR confers unique chromatin and higher-order structures that are crucial for recombination. Chromosome synapsis triggers collapse of the elongated PAR structure and, notably, oocytes can be reprogrammed to exhibit spermatocyte-like levels of DSBs in the PAR simply by delaying or preventing synapsis. Thus, the sexually dimorphic behaviour of the PAR is in part a result of kinetic differences between the sexes in a race between the maturation of the PAR structure, formation of DSBs and completion of pairing and synapsis. Our findings establish a mechanistic paradigm for the recombination of sex chromosomes during meiosis.Peer reviewe