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The study aimed to identify accurate cut-off points for waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BF%), body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI), and to determine their effective accuracy to predict cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) among Mexican young adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1730 Mexican young adults. Adiposity measures and CVRFs were assessed under fasting conditions. The optimal cut-off points were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Age-adjusted odds ratios (OR) were used to assess the associations between anthropometric measurements and CVRFs. The cut-off values found, in females and males, respectively, for high WC (≥72.3 and ≥84.9), high BF% (≥30 and ≥22.6), high BMI (≥23.7 and ≥24.4), high FMI (≥7.1 and ≥5.5), and low FFMI (≤16 and ≤18.9) differ from those set by current guidelines. High BMI in women, and high FMI in men, assessed by the 50th percentile, had the best discriminatory power in detecting CVRFs, especially high triglycerides (OR: 3.07, CI: 2.21-4.27 and OR: 3.05, CI: 2.28-4.08, respectively). Therefore, these results suggest that BMI and FMI measures should be used to improve the screening of CVRFs in Mexican young adults.

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Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has been related to metabolic diseases. Our objective was to identify beverage consumption patterns, nutrient intake, and their possible association with the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among Mexican young adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Beverage consumption patterns were obtained by principal components analysis. Logistic regression models were applied to assess the association between the beverage patterns and cardiovascular risk factors. Four beverage patterns were identified. Higher consumption of alcoholic beverages was associated with lower odds for high body fat percent (OR: 0.371; 95% CI: 0.173-0.798), high blood pressure (OR: 0.318; 95% CI: 0.116-0.871), and high glucose (OR: 0.232; 95% CI: 0.061-0.875). Higher consumption of yogurt was associated with lower odds for high glucose (OR: 0.110; 95% CI: 0.22-0.559). In contrast, highest consumption of juice had greater odds for high triglycerides (OR: 1.084; 95% CI: 1.011-4.656). Higher consumption of milk was associated with greater odds for high glucose (OR: 5.304; 95% CI: 1.292-21.773). Beverage consumption habits in Mexican young adults are associated with increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, intervening during young adulthood should be considered in order to improve current health and prevent cardiovascular mortality in later decades.

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In this study, we evaluated the use of bio-oil and biochar on epoxy resin. Bio-oil and biochar were obtained from the pyrolysis of wheat straw and hazelnut hull biomass. A range of bio-oil and biochar proportions on the epoxy resin properties and the effect of their substitution were investigated. TGA curves showed improved thermal stability for degradation temperature at the 5% (T5%), 10% (T10%), and 50% (T50%) weight losses on bioepoxy blends with the incorporation of bio-oil and biochar with respect to neat resin. However, decreases in the maximum mass loss rate temperature (Tmax) and the onset of thermal degradation (Tonset) were obtained. Raman characterization showed that the degree of reticulation with the addition of bio-oil and biochar does not significantly affect chemical curing. The mechanical properties were improved when bio-oil and biochar were incorporated into the epoxy resin. All bio-based epoxy blends showed a large increase in Young's modulus and tensile strength with respect to neat resin. Young's modulus was approximately 1955.90 to 3982.05 MPa, and the tensile strength was between 8.73 and 13.58 MPa for bio-based blends of wheat straw. Instead, in bio-based blends of hazelnut hulls, Young´s modulus was 3060.02 to 3957.84 MPa, and tensile strength was 4.11 to 18.11 Mpa.

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Grape pomace is a commonly discarded by-product characterized by high extractable (EPP) and non-extractable (NEPP) polyphenol contents which exhibits anti-obesogenic effects. However, the relevance of each fraction needs to be elucidated. In this work, we examined the effects of three pomaces with different concentrations of EPPs and NEPPs on metabolic alterations associated with obesity. The NEPP:EPP ratio of the grape pomaces was 1.48 for Malbec, 1.10 for Garnacha, and 5.76 for Syrah grape varieties. Rats fed a high-fat high-fructose diet supplemented with Malbec grape pomace (HFFD + MAL) Syrah grape pomace (HFFD + SYR) or Garnacha grape pomace (HFFD + GAR) showed significantly less weight gain: 20%, 15%, and 12% less, respectively, compared to HFFD controls. The adiposity index was also significantly decreased by 20% in the HFFD + MAL and HFFD + SYR groups, and by 13% in the HFFD + GAR group. Serum triglycerides were significantly decreased by 46% in the HFFD + MAL group and by 31% in the HFFD + GAR group, compared to the HFFD group, but not in the HFFD + SYR group. All pomace supplementations regulated postprandial glucose in an oral glucose tolerance test. Therefore, grape pomaces containing both EPPs and NEPPs exert beneficial effects on body weight and glucose homeostasis, while EPPs seem to control triglyceride levels more effectively.

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Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is rich in phenolic compounds with antiobesogenic and antidiabetic effects. In this study, the effects of aqueous extracts of two varieties of Hibiscus sabdariffa, Alma blanca (white-yellow color) and Cuarenteña (purple color), were evaluated for the prevention of obesity and insulin resistance in rats fed a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD), identifying targeted molecules through global metabolomics. After sixteen weeks, both roselle aqueous extracts prevented body weight gain, and white roselle extract ameliorated insulin resistance and decreased serum free fatty acid levels. Moreover, white roselle extract decreased 18:0 and 20:4 lysophosphatidylethanolamines and purple roselle extract increased 16:0 and 20:4 lysophosphatidylinositol compared to HFFD-fed rats. These results demonstrate that roselle's beneficial health effects are variety-dependent. Interestingly, the white roselle extract showed a greater beneficial effect, probably due to its high contents of organic and phenolic acids, though its consumption is not as popular as that of the red/purple varieties.

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Glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] is one of the most popular herbicides worldwide. Globally, the use of glyphosate is increasing, and its residues have been found in drinking water and food products. The data regarding the possible toxic effects of this herbicide are controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of glyphosate at environmental concentrations in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. Embryos were exposed to 0, 1, 100, and 1,000 µg/L glyphosate for 96 h, and mortality, heart rate, and hatching rate were evaluated. After the experiment, RNA was extracted from the embryos for transcriptional analysis. No mortality was recorded, and exposure to 100 µg/L and 1,000 µg/L of glyphosate resulted in lower heart rates at 48 h. In addition, RNA-seq analysis revealed that glyphosate exposure induced subtle changes in gene transcription profiles. We found 30 differentially expressed genes; however, the highest glyphosate concentration (1,000 µg/L) induced the greatest number of differentially expressed genes involved in oocyte maturation, metabolic processes, histone deacetylation, and nervous system development.

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Tremendous advances in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have been possible thanks to the emergence of deep neural networks (DNN) and Big Data (BD) technologies. Huge volumes of data can be managed and consumed as training material to create DNN models which feed functions such as lane keeping systems (LKS), automated emergency braking (AEB), lane change assistance (LCA), etc. In the ADAS/AD domain, these advances are only possible thanks to the creation and publication of large and complex datasets, which can be used by the scientific community to benchmark and leverage research and development activities. In particular, multi-modal datasets have the potential to feed DNN that fuse information from different sensors or input modalities, producing optimised models that exploit modality redundancy, correlation, complementariness and association. Creating such datasets pose a scientific and engineering challenge. The BD dimensions to cover are volume (large datasets), variety (wide range of scenarios and context), veracity (data labels are verified), visualization (data can be interpreted) and value (data is useful). In this paper, we explore the requirements and technical approach to build a multi-sensor, multi-modal dataset for video-based applications in the ADAS/AD domain. The Driver Monitoring Dataset (DMD) was created and partially released to foster research and development on driver monitoring systems (DMS), as it is a particular sub-case which receives less attention than exterior perception. Details on the preparation, construction, post-processing, labelling and publication of the dataset are presented in this paper, along with the announcement of a subsequent release of DMD material publicly available for the community.

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Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a well-established vertebrate model in ecotoxicology research that responds to a wide range of xenobiotics such as pesticides, drugs, and endocrine-disrupting compounds. The epigenome can interact with the environment and transform internal and/or external signals into phenotypic responses through changes in gene transcription. Environmental exposures can also generate epigenetic variations in offspring even by indirect exposure. In this review, we address the advantages of using zebrafish as an experimental animal model to study transgenerational epigenetic processes upon exposure to xenobiotics. We focused mostly on DNA methylation, although studies on post-translational modifications of histones, and non-coding RNAs related to xenobiotic exposure in zebrafish are also discussed. A revision of the methods used to study epigenetic changes in zebrafish revealed the relevance and reproducibility for epigenetics-related research. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were consulted for original research articles published from 2013 to date, by using six keywords: zebrafish, epigenetics, exposure, parental, transgenerational, and F2. From 499 articles identified, 92 were considered, of which 14 were selected as included F2 and epigenetic mechanisms. Current knowledge regarding the effect of xenobiotics on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and changes in non-coding RNAs expressed in F2 is summarized, along with key experimental design considerations to characterize transgenerational effects.

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OBJECTIVE: To determine anxiety and depression frequency in residents from hospital centers during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out from June to December 2020. Residents from hospitals of Secretary of Health, Puebla, were identified. The sample included 247 residents, who had an individual interview and answered a questionnaire through CEMEVI (Virtual Medical Center of High Specialty). RESULTS: 17 % of anxiety and 45 % of depression were reported. The most frequent age group was 26 to 31 years; 124 women and 123 men; anesthesiology, internal medicine and pediatrics were the medical specialties with greater depression; internal medicine and pediatrics were the medical specialties with greater anxiety. The risk factors for depression were anxiety (OR = 36.9), record of contact with COVID-19 patients (OR = 2.49 p = 0.035), and parental anxiety record (OR = 2.6, p = 0.009). The medical history of parents with anxiety was risk factor for anxiety (OR = 2.3, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of depression and anxiety should alert to seek answers to the problem.

OBJECTIVO: Determinar la frecuencia de ansiedad y depresión en médicos residentes en centros hospitalarios en México durante la pandemia de COVID-19. MÉTODOS: Se realizó estudio transversal observacional de junio a diciembre de 2020. Se identificaron médicos residentes de diferentes hospitales de la Secretaría de Salud en Puebla. La muestra incluyó a 247 médicos residentes, quienes fueron entrevistados individualmente y a través de un cuestionario de CEMEVI (Centro Médico Virtual de Alta Especialidad). RESULTADOS: La frecuencia de ansiedad fue de 17 % y de depresión, de 45 %. El grupo etario más frecuente fue el de 26 a 31 años: 124 médicos fueron mujeres y 123 hombres; los médicos de las especialidades que mostraron mayor frecuencia de depresión fueron anestesiología, medicina interna y pediatría; y de ansiedad, medicina interna y pediatría. Los factores de riesgo para depresión fueron ansiedad (RM = 36.9), historia de contacto con paciente con COVID-19 (RM = 2.49, p = 0.035) e historia de ansiedad en los padres (RM = 2.6, p = 0.009). La ansiedad se asoció con historia de padres con este trastorno (RM = 2.3, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONES: La frecuencia de depresión y ansiedad en la población de médicos residentes debe alertar a buscar respuestas al problema.

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Hypercaloric beverages increase the prevalence of insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), diets with polyphenolic compounds improved these alterations. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of the consumption of three functional beverages (prepared with: Roselle, green tea, cinnamon, Malabar tamarind, and peppermint in different proportions) on insulin resistance and NAFLD and their relation to liver phospholipid regulation in Wistar rats fed with a high-fat and fructose (HFF) diet. The consumption of beverages showed lower liver triglycerides compared to HFF control group, being the called beverage B the successful triggering up to 30.1%. The consumption of functional beverages improved insulin resistance and decreased the abundance of LysoPC (20:2), LysoPC (16:0), LysoPC (14:0), LysoPE (18:0), LysoPC (15:0), and LysoPC (20:1), with beverage C being the one with the meaningful effect. The results indicate that the functional beverage consumption improves insulin resistance, and decrease the degree of NAFLD, these through modifications of lysophosphatidylcholines, and lipids metabolism.

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BACKGROUND: Cellulose is synthesized by an array of bacterial species. Komagataeibacter xylinus is the best characterized as it produces copious amounts of the polymer extracellularly. Despite many advances in the past decade, the mechanisms underlying cellulose biosynthesis are not completely understood. Elucidation of these mechanisms is essential for efficient cellulose production in industrial applications. RESULTS: In an effort to gain a better understanding of cellulose biosynthesis and its regulation, cellulose crystallization was investigated in K. xylinus mutants resistant to an inhibitor of cellulose I formation, pellicin. Through the use of forward genetics and site-directed mutagenesis, A449T and A449V mutations in the K. xylinus BcsA protein were found to be important for conferring high levels of pellicin resistance. Phenotypic analysis of the bcsAA449T and bcsAA449V cultures revealed that the mutations affect cellulose synthesis rates and that cellulose crystallinity is affected in wet pellicles but not dry ones. CONCLUSIONS: A449 is located in a predicted transmembrane domain of the BcsA protein suggesting that the structure of the transmembrane domain influences cellulose crystallization either by affecting the translocation of the nascent glucan chain or by allosterically altering protein-protein interactions.

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BACKGROUND: The calyxes of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) are recognized for their high nutraceutical value because they decrease body weight and obesity complications. These effects have been attributed mainly to anthocyanins. However, the calyxes comprise important concentration of flavonoids, phenolic, and organic acids, which could also contribute to these effects. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of the Alma Blanca white roselle variety on obesity and hepatic steatosis in high-fat, high-fructose, diet-fed rats and compare its beneficial effects with the red variety (Criolla), which has been more extensively studied. RESULTS: Aqueous and methanolic extracts were prepared from two roselle varieties, Alma Blanca (white) and Criolla (red). The phytochemical profiles were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Criolla extracts contain principally anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. Anthocyanins were not detected in Alma Blanca. The aqueous extracts of both varieties prevented body-weight gain and decreased adipocytes hyperplasia on rats fed a hypercaloric diet. These extracts also protected against hepatic steatosis. These benefits were associated with hibiscus, dimethyl hibiscus, and hydroxycitric acid. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that calyxes from Hibiscus sabdariffa contain compounds that are different from anthocyanins, with potential benefits to health. The organic acids were strongly associated with these beneficial health effects. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

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Antecedentes: Los quistes y tumores odontogénicos (QTO) constituyen un grupo importante de las patologías orales. No existen datos epidemiológicos sobre la frecuencia de estas lesiones en la población nicaragüense. Objetivo: Establecer la frecuencia relativa de QTO en la población nicaragüense. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en el que se analizaron los registros de biopsias excisionales de los años 2010 a 2016 de los departamentos de patología de los hospitales regionales de las ciudades de León, Managua, Estelí, Matagalpa y Jinotega. Se empleó la clasificación de la Organización Mundial de la Salud del 2017. El análisis fue descriptivo por medio de frecuencias relativas de las patologías estudiadas. Resultados: De un total de 13.102 reportes revisados se encontraron 109 casos (0,8 %). La distribución por sexo fue 50,9 % hombres y 49,9 % mujeres, principalmente en el intervalo de edad de 11-30 años. El quiste más frecuente fue el dentígero (69,5 %) y el tumor odontogénico más frecuente el ameloblastoma (50 %), principalmente en mandíbula. Conclusión: Este estudio proporciona información epidemiológica sobre QTO en cinco ciudades de Nicaragua, la cual es esencial para identificar grupos de riesgo y posibles factores asociados, así como para diseñar sistemas de diagnóstico diferenciales y tratamiento adecuados.

Background: Odontogenic cysts and tumors (OCTs) are an important group of oral pathologies. There are no epidemiological data of the frequency of these lesions among Nicaraguans. Purpose: To establish the relative frequency of OCTs in Nicaraguan population. Methods: This was a retrospective study in which excisional biopsy records of regional hospital pathology departments from the cities of León, Managua, Estelí, Matagalpa, and Jinotega, obtained between 2010 and 2016, were analyzed. The pathologies were classified using the World Health Organization 2017 guidelines. Data analysis was descriptive through relative frequencies. Results: There were 109 OCT cases (0.8 %) out of 13,102 reports reviewed. Distribution by sex was 50.9 % men and 49.9 % women, mainly in the 11-to-30-year age range. The most frequent cyst was dentigerous cyst (69.5 %) and the most common odontogenic tumor was ameloblastoma (50 %), predominantly in the jaw. Conclusion: This study provides epidemiological information on OCTs from five Nicaraguan cities. These data are important to identify groups at risk and possible associated factors, and to implement differential diagnostic and adequate treatment systems.

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El presente artículo presenta una síntesis de trabajo de investigación sobre la problemática relacionada con el actual modelo de ocupación del suelo suburbano² del municipio de Pereira (Risaralda), dicha investigación parte de la premisa de que dicho modelo genera impactos ambientales negativos y un deterioro progresivo de los Servicios Ecosistémicos (SE), lo que conlleva a una pérdida de las capacidades territoriales para el mantenimiento del bienestar de la población. El estudio de caso metodológicamente se desarrolla bajo un enfoque mixto, vinculando herramientas de análisis cualitativas y cuantitativas, lo que permitió identificar los impactos más representativos sobre los SE y los aspectos comunes a dichos impactos; posteriormente se realizó la identificación de las causas estructurales que originan el actual modelo de suburbanización. Los análisis realizados permitieron conducir a la definición de una propuesta de planificación ambiental territorial, con el objeto de procurar una ocupación sustentable del suelo suburbano, por medio de la identificación de unos principios de sustentabilidad y unas determinantes ambientales para este tipo de suelos, entendidas como el conjunto de directrices, lineamientos y propuestas normativas que direccionan la forma de usar y ocupar el suelo suburbano en busca de una sustentabilidad del mismo, y donde los instrumentos de planificación, gestión y financiación identificados permiten hacerlos operativos.

This article presents a research project synthesis about the problems associated with the current suburban land use model of the municipality of Pereira (Risaralda). The research was conducted under the hypothesis that this model generates a negative environmental impact and progressive deterioration of the Ecosystem Services (ES) which implies the loss of territorial capabilities for the maintenance of the population welfare. Methodologically the study is developed under a mixed approach, linking qualitative and quantitative analysis tools which allowed identifying the most representative impacts about ES and the common aspects to these impacts. Subsequently the identification of structural causes behind the current model of suburbanization was carried out. The analyses performed allowed reaching the definition of a territorial environmental planning proposal in order to ensure sustainable suburban ground occupation by means of the identification of some sustainability principles and environmental determinants for this type of ground, understood as a set of directives, guidelines and policy proposals to address the way to use and occupy the suburban land searching for its sustainability and where the identified planning, management and financing instruments allow them to be operational.

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Consuming a high-fat/high-fructose diet (HFD) starting at a young age leads to the development of obesity and to the progression of metabolic syndrome (MS). We are interested in the relationship between MS and DNA methylation as a mediator of the metabolic memory and the early appearance of these diseases in the progeny. To this end, Wistar rats were fed a HFD for 1 year, and every 12 weeks, biochemical analyses were performed. After 24 weeks, animals fed the HFD showed alterations related to MS such as elevated blood levels of fasting glucose, triglycerides, and insulin compared with their littermate controls. During the experimental period, the control females exhibited a 40 % lower 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) level compared to the control males. The HFD affected the 5-mC levels in males and females differently. The HFD induced a 20 % decrease in the 5-mC levels in males and a 15 % increase in females. We found that the HFD induces an early presentation of MS in the progeny of treated animals and that the DNA methylation was altered in the F1 generation. The presentation of MS is positively associated with changes in the global percentage of 5-mC in the DNA.

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Native plants are exceedingly valuable because they are sources of natural products with applications for the treatment of various diseases. Berrycactus fruit (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) has been consumed in Mexico since ancient times due to its sweetness. The hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of this fruit were evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by replacing the drinking water with berrycactus juice (2 or 4 g/kg). After 4 weeks of treatment, the diabetic animals showed an improvement in their conditions, as reflected by diminished circulating glucose levels (up to 50%), diminished triglycerides (up to 67%), and diminished total cholesterol (up to 35%) compared with diabetic nontreated controls, and these effects were dose dependent. The dose of 4 g/kg produced the best results. The administration of the juice improved renal function and helped to restore normal levels of glutathione and glutathione S-transferase in the kidney. The expressions of two transcription factors that are relevant to normal functioning of the kidney changed due to the administration of the juice; compared to the diabetic nontreated controls, the level of nuclear factor kappa of B-cells diminished, and the total level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma increased. The results of this study highlight the importance of the compounds that are present in berrycactus fruit as adjuvants in the treatment of diabetes and its renal complications.

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A high saturated fat and fructose diet leads to metabolic disorders through dysregulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism. Consumption of plant infusions reduces these obesity alterations, but the precise mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect and the possible mechanism of Ocimum sanctum L. (OS) and Citrus paradisi (CP) infusions in diet-induced obese rats. CP and OS infusions suppressed hepatic tissue fat accumulation, and significantly down-regulated the mRNA levels of two hepatic lipogenesis genes: sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) compared with the obese control. Treatment with these infusions up-regulated the hepatic expression of mRNA related to mitochondrial fatty acid uptake: peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and the expression of carnitine palmitoyl-transferase 1a (CPT1a). Both infusions improved insulin resistance, with OS showing the major effect. Consumption of these infusions reduces the damage caused by free radicals, protecting hepatic lipids and proteins. Additionally, plant infusions increase activity of hepatic enzymes: glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT). Our results suggest that the effects of CP and OS infusions on lipid metabolism are related to the down-regulation of genes involved in lipogenesis, particularly for OS, and to the increase in lipid ß-oxidation, especially for CP infusion. In conclusion, the consumption of these plant infusions is a feasible adjuvant therapy for metabolic changes induced by obesity.

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Video analytics play a critical role in most recent traffic monitoring and driver assistance systems. In this context, the correct detection and classification of surrounding vehicles through image analysis has been the focus of extensive research in the last years. Most of the pieces of work reported for image-based vehicle verification make use of supervised classification approaches and resort to techniques, such as histograms of oriented gradients (HOG), principal component analysis (PCA), and Gabor filters, among others. Unfortunately, existing approaches are lacking in two respects: first, comparison between methods using a common body of work has not been addressed; second, no study of the combination potentiality of popular features for vehicle classification has been reported. In this study the performance of the different techniques is first reviewed and compared using a common public database. Then, the combination capabilities of these techniques are explored and a methodology is presented for the fusion of classifiers built upon them, taking into account also the vehicle pose. The study unveils the limitations of single-feature based classification and makes clear that fusion of classifiers is highly beneficial for vehicle verification.

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The yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous synthesizes astaxanthin as its most prevalent xanthophyll derivative. Comparisons between the protein profiles of mutant lines of this yeast can provide insight into the carotenogenic pathway. Differently colored mutants (red, orange, pink, yellow, and white) were obtained from this yeast species, and their protein profiles were determined using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2DE). Individual proteins differentially expressed were identified using mass spectrometry. The red mutants hyperproduced total carotenoids (mainly astaxanthin), while in white and orange mutants, mutagenesis affected the phytoene dehydrogenase activity as indicated by the accumulation of phytoene. Inactivation of astaxanthin synthase after the mutagenic treatment was evident in ß-carotene accumulating mutants. Differences in the proteomic profiles of wild-type X. dendrorhous and its colored mutants were demonstrated using 2DE. Of the total number of spots detected in each gel (297-417), 128 proteins were present in all strains. The red mutant showed the greatest number of matches with respect to the wild type (305 spots), while the white and yellow mutants, which had reduced concentrations of total carotenoids, presented the highest correlation coefficient (0.6) between each other. A number of differentially expressed proteins were sequenced, indicating that tricarboxylic acid cycle and stress response proteins are closely related to the carotenogenic process.

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Low-cost systems that can obtain a high-quality foreground segmentation almost independently of the existing illumination conditions for indoor environments are very desirable, especially for security and surveillance applications. In this paper, a novel foreground segmentation algorithm that uses only a Kinect depth sensor is proposed to satisfy the aforementioned system characteristics. This is achieved by combining a mixture of Gaussians-based background subtraction algorithm with a new Bayesian network that robustly predicts the foreground/background regions between consecutive time steps. The Bayesian network explicitly exploits the intrinsic characteristics of the depth data by means of two dynamic models that estimate the spatial and depth evolution of the foreground/background regions. The most remarkable contribution is the depth-based dynamic model that predicts the changes in the foreground depth distribution between consecutive time steps. This is a key difference with regard to visible imagery,where the color/gray distribution of the foreground is typically assumed to be constant.Experiments carried out on two different depth-based databases demonstrate that the proposed combination of algorithms is able to obtain a more accurate segmentation of the foreground/background than other state-of-the art approaches.