Classification of hand postures against complex backgrounds using elastic graph matching

A system for person-independent classification of hand postures against complex backgrounds in video images is presented. The system employs elastic graph matching, which has already been successfully applied for object and face recognition. We use the bunch graph technique to model variance in hand posture appearance between different subjects and variance in backgrounds. Our system does not need a separate segmentation stage but closely integrates finding the object boundaries with posture classification.     

MOBSY: Integration of vision and dialogue in service robots

Abstract. This contribution introduces MOBSY, a fully integrated, autonomous mobile service robot system. It acts as an automatic dialogue-based receptionist for visitors to our institute. MOBSY incorporates many techniques from different research areas into one working stand-alone system. The techniques involved range from computer vision over speech understanding to classical robotics. Along with the two main aspects of vision and speech, we also focus on the integration aspect, both on the methodological and on the technical level. We describe the task and the techniques involved. Finally, we discuss the experiences that we gained with MOBSY during a live performance at our institute.     

Evaluating dynamic performance: The influence of salient Gestalt characteristics on performance ratings.

It is well recognized that performance changes over time. However, the effect of these changes on overall assessments of performance is largely unknown. In a laboratory experiment, we examined the influence of salient Gestalt characteristics of a dynamic performance profile on supervisory ratings. We manipulated performance trend (flat, linear-improving, linear-deteriorating, U-shaped, and ∩-shaped), performance variation (small, large), and performance mean (negative, zero, positive) within subjects and display format (graphic, tabular) between subjects. Participants received and evaluated information about the weekly performance of different employees over a simulated 26-week period. Results showed strong main effects on performance ratings of both performance mean and performance trend, as well as interactions with display format. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Real-Time Three-Dimensional Occupancy Grid Modeling for the Detection and Tracking of Construction Resources

Awareness of the construction environment can be improved by automatic three-dimensional (3D) sensing and modeling of job sites in real time. Commercially available 3D modeling approaches based on range scanning techniques are capable of modeling static objects only, and thus cannot model dynamic objects in real time in an environment comprised of moving humans, equipment, and materials. Emerging prototype video range cameras offer an alternative by facilitating affordable, wide field of view, dynamic object tracking at frame rates better than 1?Hz (real time). This paper describes a methodology to model, detect, and track the position of static and moving objects in real time, based on data obtained from video range cameras. Experiments with this technology have produced results that indicate that video rate 3D data acquisition and analysis of construction environments can support effective modeling, detection, and tracking of project resources. This approach to job site awareness has inherent value and broad application. In combination with effective management practices and other sensing techniques, this technology has the potential to significantly improve safety on construction job sites.     

Diffraction of millimeter waves by projecting a shadow pattern onto a semiconductor

The transmission of millimeter waves through a semiconductor changes according to the amount of light falling on it. In the experiments reported here, a pattern of light and shadow is projected onto a sheet of semiconductor and the regions of greater and lesser transmission serve as a diffracting object for a millimeter-wave beam. The light source is a quartz tungsten halogen lamp. A lock-in amplifier is employed to overcome difficulties due to the differences in transmitted power being small.     

Intrauterine transfusions influence fetal leukocyte counts and subsets

Histamine is an important mediator in allergic reactions, gastric acid secretions, and neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Basophils and mast cells are the main sources of histamine, which is formed from L-histidine by histidine decarboxylase (HDC). However, the regulatory mechanism of HDC in these cells remains unclear. We examined the regulation of HDC activity and gene expression using a unique human mast cell line, HMC-1, after stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or ionomycin. HDC activity was increased from 52.1+/-0.4 (mean+/-standard deviation) to 154+/-6.9, or 105.6+/-6.2 pmol/min/mg protein (n = 3), 4 hours after stimulation with PMA (10 ng/mL) or ionomycin (10[-6] M). Although actinomycin D had no effect on this increase, cycloheximide completely inhibited the increase caused by these stimuli. The population of HMC-1 cells containing HDC protein was increased after stimulation with either PMA or ionomycin as evaluated by immunocytochemical analysis with anti-HDC antibody as a marker. HMC-1 constitutively expressed HDC mRNA, and its level was not increased with these stimuli. These results suggest that the increase of HDC activity in HMC-1 induced by PMA or ionomycin is regulated at the translational level.     

Correlation between clinical course and quantitative analysis of the ischemia related artery in patients with unstable angina pectoris, refractory to medical treatment. Results of two randomized trials. The European Cooperative Study Group

Patients with unstable angina, refractory to intensive medical therapy, are at high risk for developing thrombotic complications, such as recurrent ischemia, myocardial infarction and coronary occlusion during coronary angioplasty. As both platelet aggregation and/or thrombus formation play an important role in this ongoing ischemic process, a monoclonal platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor antibody (c7E3) or thrombolytic therapy (alteplase) might be able to modify the clinical course and underlying coronary lesion morphology. To evaluate whether alteplase or c7E3 could influence the incidence of complications, we randomized 36 and 60 patients, respectively to alteplase or placebo, or c7E3 or placebo. All patients exhibited dynamic ECG changes and recurrent pain attacks, despite maximal tolerated medical therapy. Patients were randomized in both studies after initial angiography had demonstrated a culprit lesion amenable for angioplasty. After study drug infusion quantitative angiography was repeated and angioplasty performed. Recurrent ischemia during study drug infusion occurred in 5, 6, 9 and 16 patients from the alteplase, placebo, c7E3 and placebo group, respectively. Major events defined as death, myocardial infarction or urgent intervention occurred in 7, 3, 1 and 7 patients, respectively. Two patients died: one in the alteplase group and one in the placebo group from the c7E3 study. The first patient due to retroperitoneal hemorrhage, the second as a result of recurrent infarction. Qualitative angiography showed resolution of clots in the c7E3 group only, while the same group of patients showed in 20% an improvement in TIMI flow grade, without deterioration in any patient from this group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Multinuclear NMR spectroscopy studies on NH4Cl-induced metabolic alterations and detoxification processes in primary astrocytes and glioma cells

Glutamine synthesis, the major pathway of ammonia detoxification, and the intracellular concentration of organic osmolytes in primary astrocytes and F98 glioma cells were investigated with multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Acute exposure to ammonia (3 h incubation with NH4Cl) raised the concentration of glutamine and other amino acids, such as glutamate and aspartate, and decreased myo-inositol, hypotaurine, and taurine concentrations. The loss of these osmolytes was partially reversed by co-treatment with the glutamine synthetase inhibitor, methionine sulphoximine. Glutamate, the precursor of glutamine, is provided by stimulated anaplerotic flux via pyruvate carboxylase and glutamate dehydrogenase activity. Thus, the glutamine increase and myo-inositol decrease observed by in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy on patients with hepatic encephalopathy may be due to the disturbed osmoregulation in astrocytes caused by accumulation of glutamine and the subsequent loss of organic osmolytes.