Gun model classification based on fired cartridge case head images with siamese networks

The identification of the firearm model that triggered the firing of a bullet is an important forensic information that, historically, has been done by trained examiners through visual inspection using microscopes. This is an extensive and very time-consuming process that requires the examiners to be trained to identify and compare the fired cartridges. This paper proposes an automated objective method for binary classifying pairs of fired cartridge head images as belonging to the same or different classes, using siamese neural networks (SNNs). With this technique, an accuracy of up to 70% was reached by using firing pin mark images as the input of the SNN. For the training and optimization of the network this paper also analyses and presents different image preprocessing approaches.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Genomic linkage map of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni

The first genetic linkage map of Schistosoma mansoni reveals insights into higher female recombination, confirms ZW inheritance patterns and recombination hotspots

Avaliação de clones de capim-elefante nas condições edafoclimáticas do Acre.

O capim-elefante é reconhecidamente uma das gramíneas forrageiras de mais alto potencial produtivo, podendo ser utilizada tanto para capineira como para pastejo direto. Esta gramínea merece destaque devido a sua alta variabilidade genética, com um número considerável de cultivares, as quais apresentam diferenças quanto a aspectos morfológicos, fisiológicos, bioquímicos, adaptativos e outros, razões pelas quais vem se adaptando aos diferentes ecossistemas e ocupando significativas áreas de pastagens cultivadas no Brasil. Esse trabalho teve como objetivo introduzir, avaliar e selecionar clones superiores de capim-elefante para serem utilizados na forma de capineira e em pastejo, nas condições edafoclimáticas do Acre

Optogalvanic spectroscopy: some relevants aspects

In this work we present the optogalvanic effect in ionized gases in an historical perspective. This effect was observed for the first time by Foote and Mohler in 1925, and explained by Penning in 1928 for mixtures (Ne-Ar) and pure gases (or vapours) in 1937. Also, we show some aspects of the contributions of Romenian authors for the development of optogalvanic spectroscopy, which was used as a new technique only after 1964.13611364Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Anaesthesia and analgesia in laboratory adult zebrafish: a question of refinement

Anaesthesia is used daily in fish experimental procedures; however, the use of an inadequate anaesthetic protocol can compromise not only the animal's welfare but also the reliability of results. The use of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in biomedical research has increased in the last decades, highlighting the importance of appropriate anaesthetic regimens for this species. This article reviews the main anaesthetic agents and protocols used in laboratory adult zebrafish, and some of the analgesic methods to be used in this species that still need more research. In addition, a systematized observation of signs is proposed to evaluate adult zebrafish welfare to reduce pain and distress.The authors thank to Hugo Santos (BOGA, CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research), Ana Cristina Borges, Maysa Franco e Liliana Vale (IGC - Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência), Petra Pintado e Fábio Valério (CEDOC - NOVA Medical School), and Sandra Martins (Champalimaud Foundation) for the critical comments on the scoring sheet table. This work was supported by the Post-Doctoral Fellowship SFRH/BPD/103006/2014 funded by FCT, and by the Fellowship BI/CITAB/UTAD/VET/2015 supported by: European Investment Funds by FEDER/COMPETE/POCI– Operacional Competitiveness and Internacionalization Programme, under Project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006958 and National Funds by FCT - Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, under the project UID/AGR/04033/2013

Dapagliflozin Impact on the Exercise Capacity of Non-Diabetic Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction Patients

Background: Dapagliflozin has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in Heart Failure with reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF), but its impact on exercise capacity of non-diabetic HF outpatients is unknown. Methods: Adult non-diabetic HF patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% were randomized 1:1 to receive dapagliflozin 10 mg or to continue with HF medication. Patients underwent an initial evaluation which was repeated after 6 months. The variation of several clinical parameters was compared, with the primary endpoint being the 6 month peak oxygen uptake (pVO2) variation. Results: A total of 40 patients were included (mean age 61 ± 13 years, 82.5% male, mean LVEF 34 ± 5%), half being randomized to dapagliflozin, with no significant baseline differences between groups. The reported drug compliance was 100%, with no major safety events. No statistically significant difference in HF events was found (p = 0.609). There was a 24% reduction in the number of patients in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III in the treatment group as opposed to a 15.8% increase in the control group (p = 0.004). Patients under dapagliflozin had a greater improvement in pVO2 (3.1 vs. 0.1 mL/kg/min, p = 0.030) and a greater reduction in NT-proBNP levels (-217.6 vs. 650.3 pg/mL, p = 0.007). Conclusion: Dapagliflozin was associated with a significant improvement in cardiopulmonary fitness at 6 months follow-up in non-diabetic HFrEF patients.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Resting Heart Rate, Functional Capacity and Prognosis in Heart Failure Patients: Atrial Fibrillation Versus Sinus Rhythm

Background: Higher resting heart rate (HR) is associated with lower exercise capacity and worse prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). However, recent studies question this relationship in HF patients in atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to examine and compare the relationships between resting HR, exercise capacity and outcomes in HF patients in AF and sinus rhythm (SR). Methods: 282 ambulatory patients with symptomatic HF and left ventricular ejection fraction≤40% were divided according to rhythm status into SR and AF group. All patients were followed for 60 months and the combined endpoint was defined as cardiac death, urgent heart transplantation or need for mechanical circulatory support. Results: In the patients enrolled (mean LVEF 27±7%), 19.1% had AF. The composite endpoint occurred in 24.4% during follow-up. There were no differences regarding maximal effort, but AF group had lower exercise capacity. In the SR group, there was an inverse relationship between resting HR and exercise capacity (r-0.189, p 0.004). In the AF group, this relationship was reversed as higher resting HR was associated with better exercise tolerance (r 0.314, p 0.021). Regarding outcomes, patients in SR with a resting HR higher than 72 bpm had higher risk of composite outcome than those with lower resting HR (p 0.033), but this was not evident in AF patients. Conclusion: The impact of resting HR on exercise capacity and prognosis differed entirely between AF and SR, suggesting that HR control may need to be managed differently for AF and SR in HF patients.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio