An On-chip Spiking Neural Network for Estimation of the Head Pose of the iCub Robot

In this work, we present a neuromorphic architecture for head pose estimation and scene representation for the humanoid iCub robot. The spiking neuronal network is fully realized in Intel's neuromorphic research chip, Loihi, and precisely integrates the issued motor commands to estimate the iCub's head pose in a neuronal path-integration process. The neuromorphic vision system of the iCub is used to correct for drift in the pose estimation. Positions of objects in front of the robot are memorized using on-chip synaptic plasticity. We present real-time robotic experiments using 2 degrees of freedom (DoF) of the robot's head and show precise path integration, visual reset, and object position learning on-chip. We discuss the requirements for integrating the robotic system and neuromorphic hardware with current technologies

Spatial communication systems across languages reflect universal action constraints

The extent to which languages share properties reflecting the non-linguistic constraints of the speakers who speak them is key to the debate regarding the relationship between language and cognition. A critical case is spatial communication, where it has been argued that semantic universals should exist, if anywhere. Here, using an experimental paradigm able to separate variation within a language from variation between languages, we tested the use of spatial demonstratives—the most fundamental and frequent spatial terms across languages. In n = 874 speakers across 29 languages, we show that speakers of all tested languages use spatial demonstratives as a function of being able to reach or act on an object being referred to. In some languages, the position of the addressee is also relevant in selecting between demonstrative forms. Commonalities and differences across languages in spatial communication can be understood in terms of universal constraints on action shaping spatial language and cognition

Painless Atrophy in the Hand: Is It Due to True Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or Syringomiyelia?

A patient with true neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) who was presented with fairly perplexing features is reported

The Change in Luteal Blood Flow and Luteal Size after Beta Carotene and GnRH Injections in Early Pregnant Dairy Cows

FINDIK, Murat/0000-0003-1408-2548; Kucukaslan, Ibrahim/0000-0002-3458-4409;WOS: 000311195800022The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of intramuscular injections of beta-carotene (beta C) and GnRH on luteal size (LS), luteal blood flow (LBF) and serum beta C concentrations in early pregnant cows. Twenty-nine Holstein-Friesian cows with a mature corpus luteum (>19mm) were randomly assigned to two groups: pc not received (beta C-; n=15) or received (beta C-; n=14). All cows were treated with PGF(2)alpha and inseminated twice, 48 and 72h after the treatment. Last Al was considered to be day 0. All cows received GnRH on day inseminations, 7 and 17. Different from the beta C-, the beta C+ group received beta C intramuscularly on day 7 and 17. In both groups, measurement of LS and LBF were performed on days 7, 10, 17,27 and 37 by transrectal B-mode and colour Doppler ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected on each examination day. Only cows that became pregnant were included in the statistical evaluation. The concentration o beta C in the beta C+ group was higher than in the beta C- at all examination days except day 17 (P0.05). The LS and LBF of beta C+ group on day 7 (P<0.05) and 27 (P<0.01) was higher than in the beta C- group and values increased significantly until day 37 (LS: P<0.05, LBF: P<0.01). We conclude that beta C injections significantly increased serum beta C concentrations, as well as LS and LBF

C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio Predicts Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Moderate to Severe Chronic Kidney Disease and Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of admission C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) for acute kidney injury (AKI) in cases with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) not on dialysis who presented with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and underwent coronary angiography (CAG). This cross-sectional and observational study included 420 NSTEMI patients. The study population was categorized based on the CAR tertiles as groups T1, T2, and T3. The primary outcome of the study was AKI development; 92 (21.9%) cases developed AKI. The frequency of AKI was significantly higher in the T3 group compared with the T2 and T1 groups (34% vs 17% vs 14%, P 0.20 predicted AKI development with a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 45%. We observed that the CAR may be a promising inflammatory parameter for AKI in NSTEMI patients with moderate to severe CKD after CAG

The relationship between endothelial nitric oxide synthase 4a/4b gene polymorphism and premature coronary artery disease

Background Nitric oxide (NO) plays a major role in the regulation of endothelial functions and reduced NO synthesis has been implicated in the development of coronary atherosclerosis. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) intron 4a/b polymorphism has been shown to be related to plasma nitric oxide concentrations and coronary artery disease in various population studies. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between eNOS 4a/b polymorphism and premature CAD

The relationship between coronary artery ectasia and eNOS intron 4a/b gene polymorphisms.

Background Little is known about the pathogenesis and genetics of coronary artery ectasia (CAE). We studied eNOS gene intron 4a/b polymorphism in this patient population