Temple University

About: Temple University is a education organization based out in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 32154 authors who have published 64375 publications receiving 2219828 citations.

Saliency Detection on Light Field

Abstract: Existing saliency detection approaches use images as inputs and are sensitive to foreground/background similarities, complex background textures, and occlusions We explore the problem of using light fields as input for saliency detection Our technique is enabled by the availability of commercial plenoptic cameras that capture the light field of a scene in a single shot We show that the unique refocusing capability of light fields provides useful focusness, depths, and objectness cues We further develop a new saliency detection algorithm tailored for light fields To validate our approach, we acquire a light field database of a range of indoor and outdoor scenes and generate the ground truth saliency map Experiments show that our saliency detection scheme can robustly handle challenging scenarios such as similar foreground and background, cluttered background, complex occlusions, etc, and achieve high accuracy and robustness

Right Ventricular Function in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction A Community-Based Study

Abstract: Background—The prevalence and clinical significance of right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction (RVD) in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are not well characterized Methods and Results—Consecutive, prospectively identified HFpEF (Framingham HF criteria, ejection fraction ≥50%) patients (n=562) from Olmsted County, Minnesota, underwent echocardiography at HF diagnosis and follow-up for cause-specific mortality and HF hospitalization RV function was categorized by tertiles of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and by semiquantitative (normal, mild RVD, or moderate to severe RVD) 2-dimensional assessment Whether RVD was defined by semiquantitative assessment or tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion ≤15 mm, HFpEF patients with RVD were more likely to have atrial fibrillation, pacemakers, and chronic diuretic therapy At echocardiography, patients with RVD had slightly lower left ventricular ejection fraction, worse diastolic dysfunction, lower blood pressu

Advancing process‐based watershed hydrological research using near‐surface geophysics: A vision for, and review of, electrical and magnetic geophysical methods

Abstract: We want to develop a dialogue between geophysicists and hydrologists interested in synergistically advancing process based watershed research. We identify recent advances in geophysical instrumentation, and provide a vision for the use of electrical and magnetic geophysical instrumentation in watershed scale hydrology. The focus of the paper is to identify instrumentation that could significantly advance this vision for geophysics and hydrology during the next 3–5 years. We acknowledge that this is one of a number of possible ways forward and seek only to offer a relatively narrow and achievable vision. The vision focuses on the measurement of geological structure and identification of flow paths using electrical and magnetic methods. The paper identifies instruments, provides examples of their use, and describes how synergy between measurement and modelling could be achieved. Of specific interest are the airborne systems that can cover large areas and are appropriate for watershed studies. Although airborne geophysics has been around for some time, only in the last few years have systems designed exclusively for hydrological applications begun to emerge. These systems, such as airborne electromagnetic (EM) and transient electromagnetic (TEM), could revolutionize hydrogeological interpretations. Our vision centers on developing nested and cross scale electrical and magnetic measurements that can be used to construct a three-dimensional (3D) electrical or magnetic model of the subsurface in watersheds. The methodological framework assumes a ‘top down’ approach using airborne methods to identify the large scale, dominant architecture of the subsurface. We recognize that the integration of geophysical measurement methods, and data, into watershed process characterization and modelling can only be achieved through dialogue. Especially, through the development of partnerships between geophysicists and hydrologists, partnerships that explore how the application of geophysics can answer critical hydrological science questions, and conversely provide an understanding of the limitations of geophysical measurements and interpretation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Compartmentalization of Gene Expression during Bacillus subtilis Spore Formation

Abstract: Gene expression in members of the family Bacillaceae becomes compartmentalized after the distinctive, asymmetrically located sporulation division. It involves complete compartmentalization of the activities of sporulation-specific sigma factors, sigma(F) in the prespore and then sigma(E) in the mother cell, and then later, following engulfment, sigma(G) in the prespore and then sigma(K) in the mother cell. The coupling of the activation of sigma(F) to septation and sigma(G) to engulfment is clear; the mechanisms are not. The sigma factors provide the bare framework of compartment-specific gene expression. Within each sigma regulon are several temporal classes of genes, and for key regulators, timing is critical. There are also complex intercompartmental regulatory signals. The determinants for sigma(F) regulation are assembled before septation, but activation follows septation. Reversal of the anti-sigma(F) activity of SpoIIAB is critical. Only the origin-proximal 30% of a chromosome is present in the prespore when first formed; it takes approximately 15 min for the rest to be transferred. This transient genetic asymmetry is important for prespore-specific sigma(F) activation. Activation of sigma(E) requires sigma(F) activity and occurs by cleavage of a prosequence. It must occur rapidly to prevent the formation of a second septum. sigma(G) is formed only in the prespore. SpoIIAB can block sigma(G) activity, but SpoIIAB control does not explain why sigma(G) is activated only after engulfment. There is mother cell-specific excision of an insertion element in sigK and sigma(E)-directed transcription of sigK, which encodes pro-sigma(K). Activation requires removal of the prosequence following a sigma(G)-directed signal from the prespore.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations in the COPDGene Study: Associated Radiologic Phenotypes

Abstract: These data provide evidence that quantitative measures of lung structural changes identified by using volumetric CT are associated with the frequency of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation, a clinical outcome of public health importance.