Physical modeling of a microlens array setup for use in computer generated IP

One of the most promising techniques for visualizing three-dimensional objects is Integral Photography (IP). Two of the most common methods used in Computer Generated IP involve the development of simplified ray tracing algorithms for elementary 3D objects or the realization of pinhole arrays. We present an alternative technique based on the POV-Ray software package for ray tracing to generate synthetic, high quality and photorealistic integral images, by accurately modeling all the optical elements of the capturing setup. Our work constitutes a straightforward approach for translating a computer generated 3D model to an IP image and a robust method to develop modules that can be easily integrated in existing ray-tracers. The proposed technique simulates the procedure of a single stage IP capture for producing orthoscopic IP images, real or virtual. Full control is provided over geometry selection, size and refractive index of the elementary microlenses. Specifically our efforts have been focused on the development of arrays with different geometries (square or hexagonal) that demonstrates the parameterization capabilities of the proposed IP setup. Moreover detailed benchmarking is provided over a variety of sizes and geometries of microlens arrays

SANCUS:Multi-layers Vulnerability Management Framework for Cloud-native 5G networks

Security, Trust and Reliability are crucial issues in mobile 5G networks from both hardware and software perspectives. These issues are of significant importance when considering implementations over distributed environments, i.e., corporate Cloud environment over massively virtualized infrastructures as envisioned in the 5G service provision paradigm. The SANCUS1 solution intends providing a modular framework integrating different engines in order to enable next‐generation 5G system networks to perform automated and intelligent analysis of their firmware images at massive scale, as well as the validation of applications and services. SANCUS also proposes a proactive risk assessment of network applications and services by means of maximising the overall system resilience in terms of security, privacy and reliability. This paper presents an overview of the SANCUS architecture in its current release as well as the pilots use cases that will be demonstrated at the end of the project and used for validating the concepts

The extremely narrow-caliber esophagus is a treatment-resistant subphenotype of eosinophilic esophagitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Some patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) have an extremely narrowed esophagus, but the characteristics of this group have not been extensively described. We aimed to characterize the narrow-caliber phenotype of EoE, determine associated risk factors, and identify differences in treatment response in this sub-group of patients. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study from 2001 to 2014 included subjects with a new diagnosis of EoE per consensus guidelines. Demographic, endoscopic, histologic, and treatment response data were extracted from medical records. An “extreme narrow-caliber esophagus” was defined when the neonatal endoscope was required to traverse the esophagus due to inability to pass an adult endoscope. Cases with and without the extreme narrow-caliber esophagus were compared. Multivariable logistical regression was performed to assess treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Of 513 patients with EoE, 46 (9%) had an extreme narrow-caliber esophagus. These cases were older (33 vs 22 years; p<0.01), had longer symptom duration (11 vs 3 years; p<0.01), more dysphagia (98% vs 66%; p<0.01), and food impactions (53% vs 31%; p<0.01). Dilation was more common with extreme narrowing (69% vs 17%; p<0.01). Narrow-caliber patients were more refractory to steroid treatment, with lower symptom (56% vs 85%), endoscopic (52% vs 76%), and histologic (33% vs 63%) responses (p<0.01 for all), and these differences persisted after multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The extreme narrow-caliber esophagus is a more treatment-resistant sub-phenotype of EoE and is characterized by longer symptom duration and requirement for multiple dilations. Recognition at diagnosis of EoE can provide important prognostic information

A Clinical Prediction Tool Identifies Cases of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Without Endoscopic Biopsy: A Prospective Study

OBJECTIVES: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is difficult to distinguish from gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and other causes of dysphagia. We assessed the utility of a set of clinical and endoscopic features for predicting EoE without obtaining esophageal biopsies. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled consecutive adults undergoing outpatient upper endoscopy at University of North Carolina from 7/2011–12/2013. Incident cases of EoE were diagnosed per consensus guidelines. Non-EoE controls had either GERD- or dysphagia-predominant symptoms. A predictive model containing clinical and endoscopic, but no histologic data was assessed. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 81 EoE cases (mean age 38 years; 60% male; 93% white; 141 eos/hpf) and 144 controls (mean age 52, 38% male; 82% white; 3 eos/hpf) were enrolled. A combination of clinical (age, sex, dysphagia, food allergy) and endoscopic (rings, furrows, plaques, hiatal hernia) features was highly predictive of EoE. The AUC was 0.944, with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 84%, 97%, and 92%. Similar values were seen after limiting controls to those with only reflux or dysphagia, or to those with esophageal eosinophilia not due to EoE. CONCLUSIONS: We validated a set of clinical and endoscopic features to predict EoE with a high degree of accuracy, and allow identification of those at very low risk of disease. Use of these predictors at the point-of-care will avoid the effort and expense of low-yield histological examinations for EoE