84 research outputs found
The general framework for few-shot learning by kernel HyperNetworks
Few-shot models aim at making predictions using a minimal number of labeled examples from a given task. The main challenge in this area is the one-shot setting, where only one element represents each class. We propose the general framework for few-shot learning via kernel HyperNetworksâthe fusion of kernels and hypernetwork paradigm. Firstly, we introduce the classical realization of this framework, dubbed HyperShot. Compared to reference approaches that apply a gradient-based adjustment of the parameters, our models aim to switch the classification module parameters depending on the taskâs embedding. In practice, we utilize a hypernetwork, which takes the aggregated information from support data and returns the classifierâs parameters handcrafted for the considered problem. Moreover, we introduce the kernel-based representation of the support examples delivered to hypernetwork to create the parameters of the classification module. Consequently, we rely on relations between the support examplesâ embeddings instead of the backbone modelsâ direct feature values. Thanks to this approach, our model can adapt to highly different tasks. While such a method obtains very good results, it is limited by typical problems such as poorly quantified uncertainty due to limited data size. We further show that incorporating Bayesian neural networks into our general framework, an approach we call BayesHyperShot, solves this issue
Synthesis of 2âČ-Fluoro RNA by Syn5 RNA polymerase
The substitution of 2âČ-fluoro for 2âČ-hydroxyl moieties in RNA substantially improves the stability of RNA. RNA stability is a major issue in RNA research and applications involving RNA. We report that the RNA polymerase from the marine cyanophage Syn5 has an intrinsic low discrimination against the incorporation of 2âČ-fluoro dNMPs during transcription elongation. The presence of both magnesium and manganese ions at high concentrations further reduce this discrimination without decreasing the efficiency of incorporation. We have constructed a Syn5 RNA polymerase in which tyrosine 564 is replaced with phenylalanine (Y564F) that further decreases the discrimination against 2âČ-fluoro-dNTPs during RNA synthesis. Sequence elements in DNA templates that affect the yield of RNA and incorporation of 2âČ-fluoro-dNMPs by Syn5 RNA polymerase have been identified
The prognostic value of contrast echocardiography, electrocardiographic and angiographic perfusion indices for prediction of left ventricular function recovery in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated by percutaneous coronary intervention
Background: Fast and effective culprit artery patency restoration is important in acute
myocardial infarction (MI) but does not ensure that tissue perfusion related to a better prognosis
in the long-term follow-up is achieved. In this study we compared the prognostic value of
myocardial perfusion contrast echocardiography with other well-known electrocardiographic
and angiographic indices of preserved tissue perfusion.
Material and methods: We studied 114 consecutive patients, of whom 85 were male, aged
57.9 ± 11 years, within 12 hours of the onset of symptoms of their first anterior myocardial
infarction. These were treated with primary PCI, after which PCI myocardial blush grading
was assessed (MBG 0-1 no perfusion, 2-3 normal perfusion). One hour after PCI a reduction
of > 50% in the sum of ST-segment elevation (ΣST 50%) was assessed as an indicator of
perfusion restoration. During the first 24 hours continuous ECG monitoring recorded
reperfusion arrhythmias (RA) and the time required for ST-segment reduction to exceed 50%
in the single lead with the highest ST elevation (Δt ST 50%). On the next day of MI, after
LVEF evaluation, real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography (RT-MCE) was performed
to assess perfusion in dysfunctional segments. The reperfusion index as an average of the dysfunctional
segment perfusion score was determined. Regional and global LV function was assessed
again one month after MI. An LVEF increase of over 5% divided the patients into two groups:
group A with LVEF improvement (72 pts) and group B without LVEF improvement (42 pts).
Results: In group A baseline LVEF was 41.9 ± 7.1% and in group B it was 38.9 ± 7.4% (p = NS).
The reperfusion indices were 1.59 and 0.78 (p < 0.001) respectively. MBG 2-3 occurred more
often in group A (64%) than in group B (34%) p < 0.001. Σ ST50% and Δt ST 50%, after
determination of the cut point on the ROC curve (61 min), occurred in 47 and 48 patients in group A and 17 and 16 patients in group B respectively. The accuracy of the tests under
discussion for LVEF prognosis was 76.3%, 64%, 63.2% and 64.9% for RT-MCE, MBG,
SST50% and Δt ST 50% respectively.
Conclusions: Myocardial perfusion echocardiography had a high prognostic value for the prediction
of LV global function improvement. It turned out to be the best predictor among the other angiographic,
echocardiographic and electrocardiographic markers
A new method of volume determination in three-dimensional ultrasonography
Background: The aim of this work was to develop a method of volume determination utilizing the grey scale histogram of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonic (US) image. Volumes are calculated as the product of single voxel volume and the area of histogram peak representing investigated object. The proposed solution performance was compared with two other methods. First utilizes two-dimensional crosssection areas on subsequent image layers while the second allows the volume determination on the basis of one-dimensional measurements. Material/Methods: The 3D US phantoms images were used to test the procedure. The usefulness of the method was also demonstrated on several clinical examples. The ultrasonic 3D images were collected, their histograms calculated and fitted with model curves allowing the volume calculations. The accuracy and precision was assessed and t-test was used for evaluating performance of all considered methods. Results: The accuracy (understood as the difference between real and measured volume) achieved in the proposed solution (3.6%) was the highest comparing to alternative methods (5.2% and 8.4%). Also the p-value (two-tailed t-test) was better in the case of the presented method. The performance increase was due to the elimination of subjective delineation of measured regions of interest. Conclusions: The presented procedure can be successfully used for volume assessment concerning its simplicity, accuracy and time consumption. It should be emphasized that the new method does not require image segmentation, unlike other methods in use. The procedure was tested with 3D US imaging but can be used successfully with any 3D imaging modality
PorĂłwnanie wartoĆci prognostycznej echokardiografii kontrastowej z elektrokardiograficznymi i angiograficznymi wskaĆșnikami oceny perfuzji w przewidywaniu poprawy funkcji skurczowej lewej komory u pacjentĂłw z ostrym zawaĆem serca leczonych pierwotnÄ interwencjÄ wieĆcowÄ
WstÄp: Szybkie i skuteczne przywrĂłcenie droĆŒnoĆci tÄtnicy dozawaĆowej, a przede wszystkim
trwaĆe przywrĂłcenie perfuzji tkankowej, wiÄ
ĆŒÄ
siÄ z poprawÄ
rokowania i lepszÄ
funkcjÄ
skurczowÄ
lewej komory w obserwacji odlegĆej w porĂłwnaniu z osobami z zaburzonÄ
perfuzjÄ
.
Celem przedstawionego badania jest porĂłwnanie wartoĆci prognostycznej perfuzyjnej echokardiografii
kontrastowej z innymi, ogĂłlnie uznanymi elektrokardiograficznymi i angiograficznymi
wskaĆșnikami oceny perfuzji tkankowej.
MateriaĆ i metody: Badaniem objÄto kolejnych 114 pacjentĂłw (85 M; 57,9 ± 11 lat)
z pierwszym zawaĆem Ćciany przedniej (12 godzin od poczÄ
tku) leczonych PCI. Po udanej PCI
dokonywano angiograficznej oceny perfuzji (MBG 0-1 brak perfuzji, 2-3 zachowana perfuzja),
a nastÄpnie po 60 min wykonywano EKG w celu oceny stopnia redukcji sumy uniesieĆ
odcinka ST. Zmniejszenie sumy uniesieĆ powyĆŒej 50% (ΣST50%) byĆo wskaĆșnikiem powrotu
perfuzji. Przez pierwsze 24 godziny monitorowano 12-odprowadzeniowe EKG w celu rejestracji
arytmii w czasie reperfuzji (RA) i czasu zmniejszenia uniesienia ST o ponad 50% w pojedynczym
odprowadzeniu z najwyĆŒszym uniesieniem ST (ΔtST50%). W 2. dobie zawaĆu po oznaczeniu
frakcji wyrzutowej lewej komory (LVEF) oceniano perfuzjÄ w segmentach dysfunkcyjnych,
posĆugujÄ
c siÄ echokardiografiÄ
kontrastowÄ
(RT-MCE), a wskaĆșnik perfuzyjny (RPSI)
stanowiĆ ĆredniÄ
z wynikĂłw perfuzji segmentĂłw dysfunkcyjnych. RegionalnÄ
i globalnÄ
kurczliwoĆÄ
LV oceniano ponownie po miesiÄ
cu, a na podstawie wzrostu LVEF o ponad 5% podzielono
pacjentĂłw na grupy A (z poprawÄ
funkcji skurczowej; 72 osoby) i B (bez poprawy funkcji
skurczowej; 42 osoby).Wyniki: W grupie A LVEF wynosiĆa 41,9% ± 7,1%, a w grupie B — 38,9 ± 7,4% (p = NS),
natomiast wskaĆșnik RPSI odpowiednio: 1,59 i 0,78 (p < 0,001). PrawidĆowa perfuzja oceniana
angiograficznie (MBG 2-3) wystÄpowaĆa czÄĆciej w grupie A (64%) w stosunku do grupy B
(34%; p < 0,001). WĆrĂłd badanych pacjentĂłw ΣST50% i ΔtST50% po wyznaczeniu punktu
odciÄcia z krzywej ROC (61 min) wystÄ
piĆy u 47 i 48 pacjentĂłw z grupy A oraz 17 i 16 z grupy B.
DokĆadnoĆÄ omawianych testĂłw dla prognozowania poprawy funkcji LV wynosiĆa odpowiednio:
76,3%, 64%, 63,2% i 64,9% dla RT-MCE, MBG, ΣST50% i ΔtST50%.
Wnioski: W badaniu wykazano wysokÄ
wartoĆÄ prognostycznÄ
echokardiografii perfuzyjnej
w przewidywaniu poprawy globalnej funkcji skurczowej lewej komory, ktĂłra okazaĆa siÄ najlepszym
predykatorem wĆrĂłd pozostaĆych wskaĆșnikĂłw angiograficznych i elektrokardiograficznych
Economic evaluation of multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and karyotyping in prenatal diagnosis: a cost-minimization analysis
textabstractPurpose: To assess the cost-effectiveness of Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA, P095 kit) compared to karyotyping. Methods: A cost-minimization analysis alongside a nationwide prospective clinical study of 4,585 women undergoing amniocentesis on behalf of their age (â„36 years), an increased risk following first trimester prenatal screening or parental anxiety. Results: Diagnostic accuracy of MLPA (P095 kit) was comparable to karyotyping (1.0 95% CI 0.999-1.0). Health-related quality of life did not differ between the strategies (summary physical health: mean difference 0.31, p = 0.82; summary mental health: mean difference 1.91, p = 0.22). Short-term costs were lower for MLPA: mean difference âŹ315.68 (bootstrap 95% CI âŹ315.63-315.74; -44.4%). The long-term costs were slightly higher for MLPA: mean difference âŹ76.42 (bootstrap 95% CI âŹ71.32-81.52; +8.6%). Total costs were on average âŹ240.13 (bootstrap 95% CI âŹ235.02-245.23; -14.9%) lower in favor of MLPA. Cost differences were sensitive to proportion of terminated pregnancies, sample throughput, individual choice and performance of tests in one laboratory, but not to failure rate or the exclusion of polluted samples. Conclusion: From an economic perspective, MLPA is the preferred prenatal diagnostic strategy in women who undergo amniocentesis on behalf of their age, following prenatal screening or parental anxiety
A GMRT multifrequency radio study of the isothermal core of the poor galaxy cluster AWM 4
We present a detailed radio morphological study and spectral analysis of the
wide-angle-tail radio source 4C +24.36 associated with the dominant galaxy in
the relaxed galaxy cluster AWM 4. Our study is based on new high sensitivity
GMRT observations at 235 MHz, 327 MHz and 610 MHz, and on literature and
archival data at other frequencies. We find that the source major axis is
likely oriented at a small angle with respect to the plane of the sky. The
wide-angle-tail morphology can be reasonably explained by adopting a simple
hydrodynamical model in which both ram pressure (driven by the motion of the
host galaxy) and buoyancy forces contribute to bend the radio structure. The
spectral index progressively steepens along the source major axis from 0.3 in the region close to the radio nucleus to beyond 1.5 in the lobes.
The results of the analysis of the spectral index image allow us to derive an
estimate of the radiative age of the source of 160 Myr. The cluster
X-ray emitting gas has a relaxed morphology and short cooling time, but its
temperature profile is isothermal out to at least 160 kpc from the centre.
Therefore we seek evidence of energy ejection from the central AGN to prevent
catastrophic cooling. We find that the energy injected by 4C +24.36 in the form
of synchrotron luminosity during its lifetime is far less than the energy
required to maintain the high gas temperature in the core. We also find that it
is not possible for the central source to eject the requisite energy in the
intracluster gas in terms of the enthalpy of buoyant bubbles of relativistic
fluid, without creating discernible large cavities in the existing X-ray
XMM-Newton observations.Comment: 15 pages, 12 figures, accepted for publication in Ap
Effect of maternal administration of betamethasone on peripheral arterial development in fetal rabbit lungs
Objectives: Glucocorticoids promote lung maturation and reduce the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome in premature newborns. We hypothesized that betamethasone (BM), which is known to induce thinning of the alveolar walls, would also thin the arterial media and adventitia of intra-parenchymatic vessels in developing rabbit lungs. Study Design: 112 fetuses from 21 time-mated, pregnant, giant white rabbits received maternal injections of BM at either 0.05 or 0.1 mg/kg/day on days 25-26 of gestational age. Controls received either saline (10 does, 56 fetuses) or no injection (10 does, 59 fetuses). Fetuses were harvested from day 27 onwards until term (day 31). 44 additional fetuses (8 does) were harvested between days 23 and 26. Endpoints were wet lung-to-body weight ratio, vascular morphometric indices and immunohistochemistry staining for α-smooth muscle actin, Flk-1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). ANOVA (Tukey's test) and independent t test (p < 0.05) were used for comparison between BM and saline groups. Results: Maternal BM injected on days 25-26 to pregnant rabbits induced a significant decrease in fetal body and lung weight and the lung-to-body weight ratio in the preterm pups shortly after injection. BM led to a dose-dependent thinning of the arterial media and adventitia (pulmonary arteries with an external diameter (ED) of <100 Όm), to an increase in the percentage of non-muscularized peripheral vessels (ED <60 Όm), in eNOS and VEGF immunoreactivity of the endothelial and smooth muscle cells in the pulmonary vessels and to an increase in Flk-1-positive pulmonary epithelial cell density. Conclusions: Maternal administration of BM caused thinning of the arterial wall of pulmonary vessels (ED <100 Όm) and a decrease in muscularization in peripheral vessels (ED <60 Όm). This coincided with increased expression of Flk-1 in the endothelium and smooth muscle cells of the pulmonary arteries. All the effects studied were dose-dependent. Copyrigh
Outcome of radiotherapy in T1 glottic carcinoma: A population-based study
We evaluated the radiation outcome and prognostic factors in a population-based study of early (T1N0M0) glottic carcinoma. Survival parameters and prognostic factors were evaluated by uni- and multivariate analysis in 316 consecutive irradiated patients with T1 glottic carcinoma in the Comprehensive Cancer Center West region of the western Netherlands. Median follow-up was 70 months (range 1-190 months). Five and ten-year local control was 86 and 84%. Disease specific survival was 97% at 5 and 10 years. In multivariate analysis, pre-existent laryngeal hypertrophic laryngitis was the only predictive factor for local control (relative risk = 3.0, P = 0.02). Comorbidity was prognostic for overall survival. No factor was predictive for disease specific survival. Pre-existent laryngeal hypertrophic laryngitis is a new risk factor associated with reduced local control in T1 glottic carcinoma treated with radiotherapy
Differential Interactions of Sex Pheromone and Plant Odour in the Olfactory Pathway of a Male Moth
Most animals rely on olfaction to find sexual partners, food or a habitat. The olfactory system faces the challenge of extracting meaningful information from a noisy odorous environment. In most moth species, males respond to sex pheromone emitted by females in an environment with abundant plant volatiles. Plant odours could either facilitate the localization of females (females calling on host plants), mask the female pheromone or they could be neutral without any effect on the pheromone. Here we studied how mixtures of a behaviourally-attractive floral odour, heptanal, and the sex pheromone are encoded at different levels of the olfactory pathway in males of the noctuid moth Agrotis ipsilon. In addition, we asked how interactions between the two odorants change as a function of the males' mating status. We investigated mixture detection in both the pheromone-specific and in the general odorant pathway. We used a) recordings from individual sensilla to study responses of olfactory receptor neurons, b) in vivo calcium imaging with a bath-applied dye to characterize the global input response in the primary olfactory centre, the antennal lobe and c) intracellular recordings of antennal lobe output neurons, projection neurons, in virgin and newly-mated males. Our results show that heptanal reduces pheromone sensitivity at the peripheral and central olfactory level independently of the mating status. Contrarily, heptanal-responding olfactory receptor neurons are not influenced by pheromone in a mixture, although some post-mating modulation occurs at the input of the sexually isomorphic ordinary glomeruli, where general odours are processed within the antennal lobe. The results are discussed in the context of mate localization
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