Finding a needle in a haystack: an interactive video archive explorer for professional video searchers

Professional video searchers typically have to search for particular video fragments in a vast video archive that contains many hours of video data. Without having the right video archive exploration tools, this is a difficult and time consuming task that induces hours of video skimming. We propose the video archive explorer, a video exploration tool that provides visual representations of automatically detected concepts to facilitate individual and collaborative video search tasks. This video archive explorer is developed by employing a user-centred methodology, which ensures that the tool is more likely to fit to the end user needs. A qualitative evaluation with professional video searchers shows that the combination of automatic video indexing, interactive visualisations and user-centred design can result in an increased usability, user satisfaction and productivity.     

Different methods to synthesize ceramic foams

Ceramic foams are cellular structures composed of a three-dimensional network of struts. These highly porous materials have a lot of applications as filters for molten metal, hot gas and diesel engine exhausts filters, catalyst carriers, biomaterials, thermal insulators for furnaces and aerospace applications, gas combustion burners and lightweight building materials.As the application domains for these materials vary widely, the ultimate properties of the foam posed by the specific use are also diverse. As a consequence, different routes for the production of these foams have been developed, each with their own window of properties.In this contribution we focus on three manufacturing techniques: (1) reaction bonded modified polyurethane technique, (2) gel casting and (3) a hollow beads method. The flow sheets of these manufacturing routes are explained with the main accent on the shaping aspect of the method.The advantages and disadvantages of these methods are described on the hand of their structure, characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), computer-assisted microtomography (μCT), image analysis (IA) and mechanical tests.Finally, some examples of ceramic foam projects are presented as the recycling of Al, the trapping of the particles of diesel engines, and the synthesis of scaffolds for bone substitutes.     

Human leukocyte antigen class I expression. Marker of poor prognosis in uveal melanoma

PURPOSE: Because the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antigens is important for immunologic recognition of tumor cells, we determined expression of locus-specific HLA class I antigens in uveal melanoma and tested whether the level of HLA expression was related to prognosis or associated with known prognostic parameters. METHODS: Expression of HLA-A and -B antigens was determined on 30 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections of uveal melanoma by immunohistochemistry with locus-specific monoclonal antibodies and scored semiquantitatively. RESULTS: The level of expression of HLA-A and -B varied between uveal melanomas. Expression levels of HLA-A and -B were significantly correlated (P = 0.02). High HLA-B expression was significantly correlated with the presence of epithelioid cells (P = 0.04) in the tumor. Expression levels of HLA-A as well as of HLA-B, cell type, mitotic rate, Mib-1 score, and largest tumor diameter were significant predictive factors for survival. High expression of HLA-A and -B was associated with a decreased survival. Multiple Cox regression analysis with stepwise selection of covariates showed that the contribution of HLA-A expression to survival (P = 0.0003) exceeded that of tumor diameter (P = 0.02) and Mib-1 score (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Lack of expression of HLA-A as well as of HLA-B antigens on uveal melanoma is correlated with a better patient survival. Our data suggest that shedding of uveal melanoma micrometastases with a low expression of HLA class I into the systemic circulation may facilitate their removal and prevent the development of metastases. These findings support a protective role for natural killer cells in the development of metastatic disease in uveal melanoma.     

Systematic empirical investigation of vulnerability to postpartum depression from a psychodynamic perspective: Commentary on issues raised by Blum (2007).

In a recent paper, Lawrence Blum (2007; see record 2007-00135-004) identified emotional conflicts in three areas typical in postpartum depression: (1) dependency, (2) aggression, and (3) motherhood. In this commentary, the authors consider agreements and disagreements with Blum's views on the psychodynamics of postpartum depression. In contrast to Blum's assertion, a theoretically derived extensive empirical psychoanalytic database exists which confirms and extends Blum's analysis of the core dynamics involved in this disorder. This recent research derives primarily from the comprehensive theoretical framework proposed by Blatt (1974, 2004, 2006, 2008) on the psychodynamics of depression that are part of a broad theory of normal and pathological personality development which Blum (2007), in his otherwise thorough search of the literature, seems to have overlooked. The authors close with reflections on how psychoanalysis and psychodynamically inspired research might increasingly influence mainstream clinical practice and research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The human 5-ht5A receptor couples to Gi/Go proteins and inhibits adenylate cyclase in HEK 293 cells

The G protein coupling of human 5-hydroxytryptamine5A (h5-ht5A) receptors was investigated in stably transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, using radioligand and guanosine-5'[gamma-35S]thiotriphosphate binding to membranes and cyclic adenosine monophosphate measurements in cells. 5-Carboxamido[3H]tryptamine bound to high- and low-affinity sites on h5-ht5A-HEK 293 cell membranes. Guanylyl-imidodiphosphate addition and pertussis toxin pre-treatment abolished high-affinity binding, indicating coupling to G proteins of the Gi/Go family. [N-methyl-3H]Lysergic acid diethylamide bound to a single site; guanylyl-imidodiphosphate and pertussis toxin did not alter lysergic acid diethylamide affinity. 5-Hydroxytryptamine stimulated guanosine-5'[gamma-35S]thiotriphosphate binding to 130% over basal and this effect was completely abolished by pertussis toxin. Various 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor ligands were tested for inhibition of 5-carboxamido[3H]tryptamine binding and in guanosine-5'[gamma-35S]thiotriphosphate binding assays. 5-Hydroxytryptamine consistently inhibited forskolin-induced cyclic adenosine monophosphate formation by 25% in h5-ht5A-HEK 293 cells; no effect was detected on basal cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels, on intracellular Ca2+ concentration or arachidonic acid release. Our studies demonstrate functional coupling of the h5-ht5A receptor to pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins and to inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity.     

Porous titanium implant materials and their potential in orthopedic surgery

In orthopedic surgery bony defects remains a challenge. In generally autologous or heterologous bony transplants can be used. Main problem is the limited amount of bone and donor site morbidity. Nowadays excellent implants and scaffolds at low costs are necessary in respect to the financial problems in our health care system and the strong financial limitations in clinical medicine. Recently a biomimetic approach, in which a porous synthetic bone substitute with properties similar to these of trabecular bone has been developed (VITOFOAM?). Aim of our study was to investigate whether cp‐Ti or Ti6Al4V or stainless steel (316L) porous metal implants achieve material properties comparable to bone. Materials and Methods Three cp‐Ti, Ti6Al4V and stainless steel (316L) porous metal specimen each with a pore size of 150 to 600 μm have been tested in respect to determine the Young’s Modulus E (GPa), Compression Strength (MPa) and Porosity (%) under axial compression. Results Young’s Modulus of the cp‐ Ti samples was in the range of 1.2 to 2.8 GPa, for Ti6Al4V 2.3 to 4.1 GPa could be achieved. Compression Strength for cp‐ Ti and Ti6Al4V ranged from 30 to 65 MPa with porosity values ranged from 71 to 80 %. Discussion The highly porous nature of VITOFOAM? combined with the good biocompatibility of cp‐ Ti or Ti6Al4V and the mechanical properties make these materials ideal bone scaffolds. Trabecular bone shows pore sizes of 300–1500 μm, Young’s Modulus of 0.2–2 GPa and Compression Strength from 5–50 MPa. Porosity of spongious bone ranges from 30 to 95 %. These values are comparable to the values achieved with VITOFOAM?. Porous titanium foam with its osteoconductive properties may therefore be an ideal and cheap alternative. Implant costs can be lowered to 50 % for implants e.g. for intercorporal interbody fusion in spinal surgery. Actually further research is done to show the possibility in spinal surgery or loading technologies with Tricalciumphosphat, Hydroxylapatit, Antibiotics or Cytostatics.