Multiple-Level Feature-Based Measure for Retargeted Image Quality.

Objective image retargeting quality assessment aims to use computational models to predict the retargeted image quality consistent with subjective perception. In this paper, we propose a multiple-level feature (MLF)-based quality measure to predict the perceptual quality of retargeted images. We first provide an in-depth analysis on the low-level aspect ratio similarity feature, and then propose a mid-level edge group similarity feature, to better address the shape/structure related distortion. Furthermore, a high-level face block similarity feature is designed to deal with sensitive region deformation. The multiple-level features are complementary as they quantify different aspects of quality degradation in the retargeted image, and the MLF measure learned by regression is used to predict the perceptual quality of retargeted images. Extensive experimental results performed on two public benchmark databases demonstrate that the proposed MLF measure achieves higher quality prediction accuracy than the existing relevant state-of-the-art quality measures.

Strategy study on enhancing lipid productivity of filamentous oleaginous microalgae Tribonema.

Filamentous microalgae Tribonema is promising for biodiesel production in terms of high lipid content, easy harvesting and good contamination tolerance. As high lipid productivity is a key basis, several methods including different culture medium, phosphorus, iron and CO2 inductions were tested to enhance lipid productivity in Tribonema minus. T. minus subjected to BG11-freshwater medium achieved a favorable lipid productivity of 216.18mgL(-1)d(-1), much higher than those in other culture medium (BG11-S, Kuhl, f/2, f, 2f, BBM, ASW and ES). Secondly, the optimal phosphorus, iron and CO2 concentrations for high lipid productivity of T. minus were obtained, respectively. Finally, the cells of T. minus grown in optimized BG11 medium containing 80mgL(-1) KH2PO4 and 6mgL(-1) FeC6H5O7·NH4OH with 2% CO2 achieved a lipid productivity of 384.67mgL(-1)d(-1), representing a 1.56-fold increase from the control. Therefore, the strategy to enhance lipid productivity of T. minus was successfully proposed.

Meta-analysis of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism and susceptibility to depression / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To evaluate the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene polymorphism and depression risk.Methods Available studies containing genotype frequencies of MTHFR C677T were chosen,and pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95％ confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the strength of the association.Results Twenty-five eligible studies including 4 048 cases and 12 827 controls were identified.Meta-analysis showed a significant effect in the co-dominant model (T vs.C:OR 0 =1.25; Z=3.82,P=0.000;TTvs.CC:OR1=1.55,Z=3.79,P=0.000 ; except CT vs.CC:OR2=1.13; Z=1.78,P=0.076).Stratified analysis denoted that there was significantly higher risk in depression onset before 60 years old than depression onset after 60 years old.In subgroup analysis stratified by regressive meta-analysis,MTHFR C677T variant was statistically significantly relevant to depression risk in Chinese populations (OR 0 =1.58,Z=3.95,P=0.000; OR 1 =2.55,Z=3.92,P=0.000; OR 2 =1.43,Z=2.72,P=0.007),but not in no-Chinese populations (OR 0 =1.12,Z=2.10,P=0.035 ; OR 1 =1.23,Z=2.23,P=0.025 ; OR 2 =1.06,Z=0.74,P=0.456).Evidentiary strength rated by GRADE showed that 1 study moderate,3 studies low and 7 stdudies very low.Conclusion Our study provides evidence for a hereditary association between the MTHFR C677T variant and depression susceptibility,whereas there is an obvious variety in different regions,ethnicities and onset age.

A Meta-analysis of the effectiveness of risperidone versus traditional agents for Tourette's syndrome / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the efficacy and safety of risperidone versus traditional agents in treating Tourette's syndrome.@*METHODS@#Randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) of risperidone versus traditional agents for Tourette's syndrome were identified, and eligible studies were included according to our established strategy. Besides methodological quality of inclusive trials, assessed by the Jadad scale, heterogeneity test, Meta-analysis, funnel plot analysis, subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were used to analyze the data.@*RESULTS@#A total of 12 RCTs were included, with most trials of low methodological quality and high heterogeneity. Meta-analysis from 11 of the identified RCTs, involving total 741 patients, showed that there was no significant difference in efficacy between risperidone and traditional agents, based on the results of sensitivity analysis, and analyses of a haloperidol subgroup and a domesticforeign subgroup. The funnel plots was approximately symmetrical, indicating little publication bias. Risperidone presented mild side effects overall, including extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), autonomic nervous system symptoms, toxic reactions and the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) score of the treatment group were significantly less than those of control.@*CONCLUSION@#Risperidone appears to have the same efficacy and appropriate safety as traditional agents in treating Tourette's syndrome. Because of the low validity of the results, we are searching for support from the more RCTs with higher methodological quality.