A robust CELP coder with source-dependent channel coding

A CELP coder using Source Dependent Channel Encoding (SDCE) for optimal channel error protection is introduced. With SDCE, each of the CELP parameters are encoded by minimizing a perceptually meaningful error criterion under prevalent channel conditions. Unlike conventional channel coding schemes, SDCE allows for optimal balance between error detection and correction. The experimental results show that the CELP system is robust under various channel bit error rates and displays a graceful degradation in SSNR as the channel error rate increases. This is a desirable property to have in a coder since the exact channel conditions cannot usually be specified a priori

The impact of acute oral sodium propionate supplementation on energy metabolism

Background: Previous research has demonstrated that acute propionate supplementation in humans can have favourable effects on energy metabolism by raising energy expenditure and lipid oxidation. Moreover, acute propionate supplementation in humans has shown to affect subjective appetite by increasing nausea and triggering the release of the anorectic hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Studies investigating the acute effects of propionate administration on glucose homeostasis in humans report conflicting outcomes. However, previous research has generally only investigated the acute impact of propionate supplementation in the overnight fasted state and for relatively short observation periods (<180 min).It is, therefore, presently unknown how raised bioavailability of gut-derived propionate modulates energy metabolism during physical activity and in the postprandial state. Consequently, the aim of the present trial is to investigate the acute effect of sodium propionate supplementation on energy expenditure, substrate oxidation, appetite response and glucose homeostasis in three different energy states (overnight fasted, sub-maximal exercise and post-prandial) and over longer time-periods. Moreover, NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy was used to investigate changes in serum metabolite phenotype after sodium propionate ingestion. Methodology: The thesis is comprised of three separate randomized controlled double-blind cross-over studies (overnight fasted, submaximal exercise, and postprandial). In each study, following an overnight fast, tablets containing either sodium propionate or sodium chloride (Control) were first administered over 180 min. Overnight Fasted study: 19 volunteers (11 males and 8 females; age: 34.6 4.1 years; BMI (body mass index): 23.1 0.7 kg/m2) completed the two study visits after an overnight fast. The study extended over a total period of 360 min while volunteers remained fasted for the duration of the study. Sub-maximal exercise study: 19 volunteers (14 males and 5 females; age: 42.7 3.5 years; BMI: 24.5 0.7 kg/m2) completed a maximal exercise test visit and two study visits. The study extended over a total period of 240 min. At time-point 180 min, participants exercised at 40% of VO2 max for 60 min. Post-prandial study: 19 volunteers (12 males and 7 females; age: 45.0 3.5 years; BMI: 24.8 0.8 kg/m2) completed two study visits. The study extended over a total period of 300 min. At time-point 180 min, a mixed calorie liquid meal (Ensure Original Vanilla Nutrition Shake: 72.7 g carbohydrate, 13.6 g fat and 20.5 g protein; 500 kcal) was provided to volunteers. Energy expenditure and substrate oxidation were measured throughout these visits using indirect calorimetry. Participants were asked to complete 100mm visual analogue scales (VAS) that assessed subjective appetite (hunger, thirst and nausea) throughout these visits. Insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity were assessed via HOMA-IR and Matsuda Index respectively. The oral disposition index (ODI) was used to assess β-cell function. In the post-prandial trial, GLP-1 release was measured, and 1H-NMR spectroscopy was used to analyse serum metabolite profile associated with propionate supplementation. Results: Propionate supplementation increased energy expenditure in the overnight fasted state, which was mainly observed within the first 180 min of ingestion, and in the post-prandial state. A consistent increase in lipid oxidation was found in the overnight fasted state, however, these effects were not observed during submaximal exercise or in the post-prandial state. A decrease in carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation was also found in the overnight fasted state. Propionate ingestion increased subjective nausea in the overnight fasted and post-prandial states and increased subjective thirst during submaximal exercise. However, no effect on subjective hunger was found was found in the three different energy states. GLP-1 secretion was significantly increased in the overnight fasted state, however, insulin sensitivity and β-cell function were unaffected with propionate ingestion. In the overnight fasted state, low density lipoprotein (LDL)/ very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), lactate and methanol were upregulated and 3-hydroxybutyrate and lysine were supressed following propionate supplementation. LDL/VLDL, lactate and alanine were upregulated following propionate supplementation in the postprandial state. Conclusion: This thesis is the first to demonstrate that acute oral sodium propionate supplementation in healthy human volunteers can have favourable effects on energy metabolism in different energy states. Should these effects be replicated over longer time periods would suggest that increasing systemic levels of gut-derived propionate appears would be a promising strategy to improve long term energy balance and body weight management.Open Acces

Effect of Lithium treatment on SOCE components in Chorea Acanthocytosis

Chorea Acanthocytosis (ChAc) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease characterized by limb chorea, dystonia, epilepsy and acanthocytosis. The patients have a reduced life expectancy of only around 60 years. This disorder is caused by a loss-of-function mutation of the VPS13A (vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein A) gene, which is the encoding gene of chorein. Normally, chorein stimulates phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), which is involved in the regulation of Ca2+ influx. Oscillations of intracellular Ca2+ concentration regulate, among other cell components, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Emptying of intracellular Ca2+ stores activates the Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), which leads to a conformational change and opening of the channel through the interaction between the Ca2+ concentration sensor protein, the Stromal Interacting Molecule 1 (STIM1), and the pore-forming channel, Orai1. The Ca2+ channel is known also as Ca2+ release-activated channel (CRAC). SOCE is increased by lithium via stimulation of serum & glucocorticoid-inducible kinase (SGK1), which is responsible in cells for stimulating the expression of Orai1 and STIM1 as well regulating the transcription factor: Nuclear Factor 'kappa-light-chain-enhancer' of activated B-cells (NFкB). Lithium is used in the treatment of bipolar disorders and can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this study, fibroblasts and neurons of ChAc patients have been shown to have decreased SOCE and an increased rate of apoptosis. Fibroblasts were isolated from six ChAc patients and six healthy donors. In addition, fibroblasts were obtained from three additional patients and healthy donors and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated in order to differentiate them into neurons. Western blotting and calcium imaging showed a significant reduction in the amount of Orai1 protein and SOCE, respectively, in fibroblasts and iPSC-differentiated neurons of ChAc patients compared to healthy donors. RT-PCR showed a significant decrease in the mRNA levels of Orai1 and STIM1 in iPSC-differentiated neurons of ChAc patients. Apoptosis was detected by annexin-V / propidium iodide staining via flow cytometry and was in fibroblasts and iPSC-differentiated neurons of ChAc patients significantly higher than in those of healthy donors. In this study, it could be shown that the treatment of fibroblasts and neurons of ChAc patients with lithium positively influenced SOCE, an effect significantly reduced by the Orai1 blocker, 2-aminoethoxy diphenyl borate (2-APB). Lithium induced a significant decrease in apoptosis, an effect again abrogated by 2-APB. The mRNA and protein expression of Orai1 and STIM1 were increased by lithium, an effect reversed by inhibition of SGK1 and NFкB. In conclusion, the apoptotic effect of chorein deficiency in fibroblasts and neurons of ChAc patients is in part due to the decreased expression of Orai1, STIM1 and SOCE. Treatment with lithium could reverse this effect, via the SGK1/NFкB signaling pathway, which shows that lithium could be a new treatment for Chorea Acanthocytosis

Fast, reliable and efficient database search motion planner (FREDS-MP) for repetitive manipulator tasks

University of Technology Sydney. Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.This thesis presents FREDS-MP, a motion planning framework that leverages state of the art methods for solving a set of practical agricultural manipulator applications. Current methods exhibit unacceptably slow planning and execution times, hence FREDS-MP aims to bridge this gap by speeding up planning times whilst maintaining high reliability and solution efficiency. While only a specific set of applications are explored, FREDS-MP can be adopted for other similar applications seamlessly due to its general interface. FREDS-MP consists of three planning phases: offline, task and online. The offline planner pre-computes trajectories and cost information based on special cases that anticipate the real world. This pre-computed information is used by the task planner to compute accurate heuristics for sequencing tasks. The pre-computed trajectories are used as initial seeds by the online planner which utilises state of the art trajectory optimisers to adapt them in real-time to online tasks. Software simulations are performed to validate FREDS-MP and compare it to other state of the art planners. Further, the suitability of two commercial manipulators, six-DOF and seven-DOF, are compared for the intended applications. Several unconstrained and constrained tasks, commonly seen in agricultural applications, are tested under diverse obstacle configurations. Statistical results based on planner performance metrics are presented. From these results it was found that FREDS-MP significantly outperformed other state of the art planners when using a seven-DOF manipulator. Hence, an active perception experiment was carried out on a real Rethink Robotics Sawyer robot arm which was tasked to seek out apples on an artificial trellis and inspect them individually. The results from these experiments are presented and validate the practicality of FREDS-MP

The Dilemma of Standard Setting for the OSCE

Background: Recently disparities between the OSCE raw scores and global scores have resulted in the need treatment of the raw scores in different ways such as borderline regression and borderline group regression. The object of this paper is to present station scoring forms designed to satisfy predetermined criteria and minimum pass levels.Methods: Available samples of marking sheets and checklists designed by variousexamining bodies were scrutinized. Criteria were prioritized according to commonly used grading systems. The station rating scale (check list) was designed to allow the observer to concentrate on checking the performance of the candidate without marking at the same time. The station marks form enables entry of marks based on the criteria in the Station rating scale.Results: Three forms were designed. Forms 1 &amp; 2 should be prepared beforehand with real or standardized patients. Form 3 is a combination to be used when last minute stations are introduced. The mark allocated to each observable criterion is made within the limits of the specified criteria. The global score has been retained to check for inconsistencies and for longitudinal studies on validity and reliability.Conclusions: Prototype forms are presented; using predetermined, categorized grading criteria. The forms enable examiners to separate the observation stage from the actual allocation of marks. As in all OSCE settings, objectivity, validity and reliability will depend on prioritizing the selection of stations, clarity of the selected criteria and the training of examiners

Hypertensive effect of bronchial asthma

Background: Both bronchial asthma and hypertension are spastic disorders of smooth muscle, salt sensitive and sometimes associated with higher renin-angiotensin system activity, suggestingsimilarities between their aetiologies. This study was intended to assess the blood pressure status in asthmatic patients. Patients and Methods: The study involved two groups: a control group of 56 healthy subjects matched for gender and age with the study group of 100 patients with a medical history of asthma but no other respiratory disease. Asthma history was recorded to assess asthma activity at the time of examination together with medications. The non-invasive ausculatory method was used for measuring the systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures. Mean arterial blood pressure(MABP) was determined by the formula: MABP = DBP + [(SBP – DBP)/3]. Results: DBP was significantly higher in asthmatics (mean±SD = 80±10 mmHg) compared with non-asthmatics (mean±SD = 75±10 mmHg) (P = 0.002). DBP of off-treatment asthmatics wassignificantly higher compared with that of non-asthmatics (P = 0.015). Diastolic blood pressure of asymptomatic patients was not significantly higher compared with that of symptomatic patients (P = 0.774). Systolic and mean arterial blood pressures were not significantly different in asthmatics and control groups (P = 0.267 and 0.116 respectively). Conclusions: In contrast to systolic and mean arterial blood pressures, diastolic blood pressure was significantly elevated in asthmatics (even in off-treatment patients) compared with non-asthmatics indicating mechanisms that predominantly increases peripheral vascular resistance.Keywords: osmolarity, renin-angiotensin, catecholamines, endocrinometabolic

Variation of Asthma Symptoms Perception

Background: Asthmatic patients may perceive their symptoms inadequately putting them at a risk of a fatal attack because the severity of an exacerbation may be underestimated. The present study is intended to detect if disease duration affects the perception of asthma symptoms. The relation between asthma activity and evaluation methods commonly used in clinical practice, like presence of symptoms and asthma control test (ACT), was evaluated.Methods: The study involved 100 asthma patients with ages less than 40 years. Presence of symptoms, ACT score and spirometry were recorded to assess asthma activity at the time of examination. Cross tabulation of patients groups was used to screen for significant differences in the means using analysis of variance.Results: ACT score was higher while National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) class was lower in symptoms free compared with symptomatic asthmatic patients (P = 0.000 and 0.005 respectively). ACT score correlated negatively, while NAEPP correlated positively with age implying that asthma severity increases with age (CC = 0.41, P = 0.000 and CC = 0.28, P = 0.007). Asthma duration was significantly higher in well controlled compared with both poorly controlled and uncontrolled asthmatic patients (P = 0.000 for both). 5.7% of asymptomatic patients were suffering from severe persistent asthma and 24.5% from moderate persistent asthma according to NAEPP classification.Conclusion: Presence or absences of symptoms sometimes does not indicate asthma severity. Clinicians must therefore pay attention when comparing groups of asthma patients for whom severity categorization is largely based on symptomatology.Keywords: spirometry, NAEPP, lung function

Taking the learning beyond the individual:how reflection informs change in practice

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research was to explore the value of reflection and its application to practice through the implementation of educational modules within a new Diabetes Care and Education Master Degree Programme in Kuwait, and to realise how this teaching intervention informs changes in practice. METHODS: A small exploratory case study was conducted within the Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait. A qualitative approach using focus group interviews was carried out with seventeen participants all of whom are studying on the Diabetes Care and Education Master Degree Programme in Kuwait. An inductive approach to thematic analysis, which focused on examining themes within data, was performed. RESULTS: The results indicate that participants value the opportunity to study through organised, structured and assessed reflection. The learning provides useful information and support to the participant by highlighting the role which reflection plays to enhance personal and professional development, the value of educational theory, continuing professional development, collaboration and enhancing patient education and practice. CONCLUSIONS: The significance of reflection is often seen in the literature as an important aspect of professional competence. This research has highlighted the value of reflection as a key component within a new educational programme

Effect of Body Composition on Ventilation Parameters in a Group of Young Sudanese Females

Background: Lung Function Test helps (LFT) in the diagnosis and follow up of patients with pulmonary or cardiac diseases. Ignoring BMI and body composition during interpretation of LFT results may lead to wrong diagnosis and unnecessary use of drugs.Objective: This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that differences in body composition between individuals can explain some of the features of LFT that are explained by variations in age, sex, and height only.Methods: This observational analytical cross sectional study which included 150 young adult females. Those with history of amenorrhea, smoking, asthma or cardiac disease were excluded. Anthropometric measurements including: BMI, waist circumference (WC) and body fat percent calculated from skinfold thickness measurements were done. Dynamic spirometric tests were performed using digital spirometer; FEV1, FVC, FEV1% were measured.Results: Both obese and underweight subjects had a significant reduction in FEV1 (P=.002) and FVC (P=.004) compared to normal ones. FEV1% was significantly higher in the overweight and obese group compared to the other two groups (P=.02). Body weight, BMI, and WC had significant positive correlation with FEV1 and FEV1% in young healthy females.Conclusion: Increase in BMI, body weight, WC and body fat showed positive significant correlation with FEV1% and may give a restrictive pattern in LFT. Underweight subjects may show significant reduction in lung function if their BMI is not considered

Multi-robot region-of-interest reconstruction with Dec-MCTS

© 2019 IEEE. We consider the problem of reconstructing regions of interest of a scene using multiple robot arms and RGB-D sensors. This problem is motivated by a variety of applications, such as precision agriculture and infrastructure inspection. A viewpoint evaluation function is presented that exploits predicted observations and the geometry of the scene. A recently proposed non-myopic planning algorithm, Decentralised Monte Carlo tree search, is used to coordinate the actions of the robot arms. Motion planning is performed over a navigation graph that considers the high-dimensional configuration space of the robot arms. Extensive simulated experiments are carried out using real sensor data and then validated on hardware with two robot arms. Our proposed targeted information gain planner is compared to state-of-the-art baselines and outperforms them in every measured metric. The robots quickly observe and accurately detect fruit in a trellis structure, demonstrating the viability of the approach for real-world applications