A Study of the N-D-K Scalability Problem in Large-Scale Image Classification

Image classification is a extensively studied problem that lies at the heart of computer vision. However, the challenge remains to develop a system that can identify and classify thousands of objects like the human visual system. The accumulation of massive image data sets has permitted the study of this problem at a big-data scale. However current algorithms have been shown to fall short of being practical and accurate at scale. To further understand how these algorithms scale, we developed a library of functions to explore the scalability of the support vector machine (SVM) linear classification algorithm when applied to problems of image classification. Our study provides valuable insights into not only how the SVM algorithm scales up and where it falls short, but also into how to create smarter and more efficient image classifiers that are fine- tuned for the large scale image classification challenge

Régimen de visitas de menores en casos de violencia de género

Las relaciones interpersonales así como las relaciones familiares se basan fundamentalmente en aspectos emocionales que hacen en numerosas ocasiones difícil la comunicación y sobre todo en el ámbito conyugal y con un valor añadido en aquellos casos en los que prima la violencia de género. Ante la ruptura del núcleo conyugal hay que regular múltiples aspectos que conciernan a los menores y es importante que esas emociones no primen en la fijación de dichas medidas ya que estas deben atender en todo momento al superior interés del menor, es por ello por lo que es fundamental una relación cordial entre los progenitores que favorezca el régimen de visitas de los menores dado que son personas en constante desarrollo psicoevolutivo. <br Jueces y tribunales deben ser imparciales a la hora de tomar este tipo de decisiones y velar en todo caso por el interés superior del menor sin que la declaración del menor deba suponer una victimización abusiva e injustificada de la víctima de violencia de género.<br /

Calibration Uncertainty in Ocean Color Satellite Sensors and Trends in Long-term Environmental Records

Launched in late 2011, the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) aboard the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (NPP) spacecraft is being evaluated by NASA to determine whether this sensor can continue the ocean color data record established through the Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) and the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). To this end, Goddard Space Flight Center generated evaluation ocean color data products using calibration techniques and algorithms established by NASA during the SeaWiFS and MODIS missions. The calibration trending was subjected to some initial sensitivity and uncertainty analyses. Here we present an introductory assessment of how the NASA-produced time series of ocean color is influenced by uncertainty in trending instrument response over time. The results help quantify the uncertainty in measuring regional and global biospheric trends in the ocean using satellite remote sensing, which better define the roles of such records in climate research

Uncertainty in Model Predictions of Vibrio Vulnificus Response to Climate Variability and Change: A Chesapeake Bay Case Study

The effect that climate change and variability will have on waterborne bacteria is a topic of increasing concern for coastal ecosystems, including the Chesapeake Bay. Surface water temperature trends in the Bay indicate a warming pattern of roughly 0.3-0.4 C per decade over the past 30 years. It is unclear what impact future warming will have on pathogens currently found in the Bay, including Vibrio spp. Using historical environmental data, combined with three different statistical models of Vibrio vulnificus probability, we explore the relationship between environmental change and predicted Vibrio vulnificus presence in the upper Chesapeake Bay. We find that the predicted response of V. vulnificus probability to high temperatures in the Bay differs systematically between models of differing structure. As existing publicly available datasets are inadequate to determine which model structure is most appropriate, the impact of climatic change on the probability of V. vulnificus presence in the Chesapeake Bay remains uncertain. This result points to the challenge of characterizing climate sensitivity of ecological systems in which data are sparse and only statistical models of ecological sensitivity exist

Pancreatic Duct Glands Are Distinct Ductal Compartments That React to Chronic Injury and Mediate Shh-Induced Metaplasia

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) are pancreatic cancer precursor lesions of unclear origin and significance. PanIN aberrantly express sonic hedgehog (Shh), an initiator of pancreatic cancer, and gastrointestinal mucins. A majority of PanIN are thought to arise from ducts. We identified a novel ductal compartment that is gathered in gland-like outpouches (pancreatic duct glands [PDG]) of major ducts and characterized its role in injury and metaplasia. METHODS: The ductal system was analyzed in normal pancreata and chronic pancreatitis in humans and mice. Anatomy was assessed by serial hematoxylin and eosin sections and scanning electron microscopy of corrosion casts. Expression of mucins and developmental genes and proliferation were assessed by immunohistochemistry or real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Effects of Shh on ductal cells were investigated by exposure to Shh in vitro and transgenic misexpression in vivo. RESULTS: Three-dimensional analysis revealed blind-ending outpouches of ducts in murine and human pancreata. These PDG are morphologically and molecularly distinct from normal ducts; even in normal pancreata they display PanIN and metaplastic features, such as expression of Shh and gastric mucins. They express other developmental genes, such as Pdx-1 and Hes-1. In injury, Shh is up-regulated along with gastric mucins. Expansion of the PDG compartment results in a mucinous metaplasia. Shh promotes this transformation in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: PDG are distinct gland-like mucinous compartments with a distinct molecular signature. In response to injury, PDG undergo an Shh-mediated mucinous gastrointestinal metaplasia with PanIN-like features. PDG may provide a link between Shh, mucinous metaplasia, and neoplasia

Uncertainty in Model Predictions of Vibrio vulnificus Response to Climate Variability and Change: A Chesapeake Bay Case Study

Abstract The effect that climate change and variability will have on waterborne bacteria is a topic of increasing concern for coastal ecosystems, including the Chesapeake Bay. Surface water temperature trends in the Bay indicate a warming pattern of roughly 0.3-0.4uC per decade over the past 30 years. It is unclear what impact future warming will have on pathogens currently found in the Bay, including Vibrio spp. Using historical environmental data, combined with three different statistical models of Vibrio vulnificus probability, we explore the relationship between environmental change and predicted Vibrio vulnificus presence in the upper Chesapeake Bay. We find that the predicted response of V. vulnificus probability to high temperatures in the Bay differs systematically between models of differing structure. As existing publicly available datasets are inadequate to determine which model structure is most appropriate, the impact of climatic change on the probability of V. vulnificus presence in the Chesapeake Bay remains uncertain. This result points to the challenge of characterizing climate sensitivity of ecological systems in which data are sparse and only statistical models of ecological sensitivity exist

Judo ukemis: a tool for protecting the health and quality of life of children. Safe fall-safe school

Postprint (author's final draft

Evaluation of endothelial function and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with HIV infection

The aim of this study was to analyse the association between human immunodefciency virus (HIV) related clinical and analytical parameters and the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis as well as endothelial dysfunction. This was a prospective cohort study of HIV-positive patients who underwent intima media thickness (IMT) determination and coronary artery calcium scoring to determine subclinical atherosclerosis. To detect endothelial dysfunction, the breath holding index, fow-mediated dilation and the concentration of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were measured. Patients with an IMT? 0.9 mm had an average of 559.3 ± 283.34 CD4/?l, and those with an IMT< 0.9 mm had an average of 715.4 ± 389.92 CD4/?l (p= 0.04). Patients with a low calcium score had a signifcantly higher average CD4 cell value and lower zenith viral load (VL) than those with a higher score (707.7 ± 377.5 CD4/?l vs 477.23 ± 235.7 CD4/?l (p= 0.01) and 7 ×?¬104 ± 5 ×?¬104 copies/ml vs 23.4 × 104 ± 19 × 104 copies/ml (p= 0.02)). The number of early EPCs in patients with a CD4 nadir< 350/ µl was lower than that in those with a CD4 nadir? 350 (p= 0.03). In HIV-positive patients, low CD4 cell levels and high VL were associated with risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis. HIV patients with CD4 cell nadir < 350/µl may have fewer early EPCs

The Effect of a Physical Activity Program on the Total Number of Primary Care Visits in Inactive Patients: A 15-Month Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background: Effective promotion of exercise could result in substantial savings in healthcare cost expenses in terms of direct medical costs, such as the number of medical appointments. However, this is hampered by our limited knowledge of how to achieve sustained increases in physical activity. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of a Primary Health Care (PHC) based physical activity program in reducing the total number of visits to the healthcare center among inactive patients, over a 15-month period. Research Design: Randomized controlled trial. Subjects: Three hundred and sixty-two (n = 362) inactive patients suffering from at least one chronic condition were included. One hundred and eighty-three patients (n = 183; mean (SD); 68.3 (8.8) years; 118 women) were randomly allocated to the physical activity program (IG). One hundred and seventy-nine patients (n = 179; 67.2 (9.1) years; 106 women) were allocated to the control group (CG). The IG went through a three-month standardized physical activity program led by physical activity specialists and linked to community resources. Measures: The total number of medical appointments to the PHC, during twelve months before and after the program, was registered. Self-reported health status (SF-12 version 2) was assessed at baseline (month 0), at the end of the intervention (month 3), and at 12 months follow-up after the end of the intervention (month 15). Results: The IG had a significantly reduced number of visits during the 12 months after the intervention: 14.8 (8.5). The CG remained about the same: 18.2 (11.1) (P = .002). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that a 3-month physical activity program linked to community resources is a shortduration, effective and sustainable intervention in inactive patients to decrease rates of PHC visits. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT0071483

International consensus guidelines on surveillance for pancreatic cancer in chronic pancreatitis. Recommendations from the working group for the international consensus guidelines for chronic pancreatitis in collaboration with the International Association of Pancreatology, the American Pancreatic Association, the Japan Pancreas Society, and European Pancreatic Club

Background: Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. We present the international consensus guidelines for surveillance of pancreatic cancer in CP. Methods: The international group evaluated 10 statements generated from evidence on 5 questions relating to pancreatic cancer in CP. The GRADE approach was used to evaluate the level of evidence available per statement. The working group voted on each statement for strength of agreement, using a nine-point Likert scale in order to calculate Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient. Results: In the following domains there was strong consensus: (1) the risk of pancreatic cancer in affected individuals with hereditary pancreatitis due to inherited PRSS1 mutations is high enough to justify surveillance; (2) the risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with CP associated with SPINK1 p. N34S is not high enough to justify surveillance; (3) surveillance should be undertaken in pancreatic specialist centers; (4) surveillance should only be introduced after the age of 40 years and stopped when the patient would no longer be suitable for surgical intervention. All patients with CP should be advised to lead a healthy lifestyle aimed at avoiding risk factors for progression of CP and pancreatic cancer. There was only moderate or weak agreement on the best methods of screening and surveillance in other types of environmental, familial and genetic forms of CP. Conclusions: Patients with inherited PRSS1 mutations should undergo surveillance for pancreatic cancer, but the best methods for cancer detection need further investigation