High-resolution far-field integral-imaging camera by double snapshot.

In multi-view three-dimensional imaging, to capture the elemental images of distant objects, the use of a field-like lens that projects the reference plane onto the microlens array is necessary. In this case, the spatial resolution of reconstructed images is equal to the spatial density of microlenses in the array. In this paper we report a simple method, based on the realization of double snapshots, to double the 2D pixel density of reconstructed scenes. Experiments are reported to support the proposed approach.

Emotion dynamics in movie dialogues.

Emotion dynamics is a framework for measuring how an individual's emotions change over time. It is a powerful tool for understanding how we behave and interact with the world. In this paper, we introduce a framework to track emotion dynamics through one's utterances. Specifically we introduce a number of utterance emotion dynamics (UED) metrics inspired by work in Psychology. We use this approach to trace emotional arcs of movie characters. We analyze thousands of such character arcs to test hypotheses that inform our broader understanding of stories. Notably, we show that there is a tendency for characters to use increasingly more negative words and become increasingly emotionally discordant with each other until about 90% of the narrative length. UED also has applications in behavior studies, social sciences, and public health.

A plane wave generation method by wave number domain point focusing.

A method for generation of a wave-field that is a plane wave is described. This method uses an array of loudspeakers phased so that the field in the wave-number domain is nearly concentrated at a point, this point being at the wave-number vector of the desired plane wave. The method described here for such a wave-number concentration makes use of an expansion in spherical harmonics, and requires a relatively small number of measurement points for a good approximate achievement of a plane wave. The measurement points are on a spherical surface surrounding the array of loudspeakers. The input signals for the individual loudspeakers can be derived without a matrix inversion or without explicit assumptions about the loudspeakers. The mathematical development involves spherical harmonics and three-dimensional Fourier transforms. Some numerical examples are given, with various assumptions concerning the nature of the loudspeakers, that support the premise that the method described in the present paper may be useful in applications.

Embodying the camera: An EEG study on the effect of camera movements on film spectators´ sensorimotor cortex activation.

One key feature of film consists in its power to bodily engage the viewer. Previous research has suggested lens and camera movements to be among the most effective stylistic devices involved in such engagement. In an EEG experiment we assessed the role of such movements in modulating specific spectators´ neural and experiential responses, likely reflecting such engagement. We produced short video clips of an empty room with a still, a zooming and a moving camera (steadicam) that might simulate the movement of an observer in different ways. We found an event related desynchronization of the beta components of the rolandic mu rhythm that was stronger for the clips produced with steadicam than for those produced with a still or zooming camera. No equivalent modulation in the attention related occipital areas was found, thus confirming the sensorimotor nature of spectators´ neural responses to the film clips. The present study provides the first empirical evidence that filmic means such as camera movements alone can modulate spectators' bodily engagement with film.

Evaluating motion detection to score sleep disturbance for children: A translational approach to developing a measurement system.

Information obtained via direct observation of children's sleep disturbance throughout the night in their home can guide the assessment and treatment process, but watching live or via recorded video might be impractical in terms of time expenditures. In Experiment 1, we assessed the accuracy and reliability of a motion-detection camera with human motor movements. In Experiment 2, we tested the system's generality by using it to obtain in-home measures of sleep disturbance for three children with autism spectrum disorder and compared the accuracy to a continuous measurement system. We also measured scoring efficiency and assessed parents' acceptability of the camera. Results provide preliminary support for motion detection in measuring sleep disturbance, but further evaluation of motion detection to improve accuracy is warranted.

Nanomanufacture of Free-Standing, Porous, Janus-Type Films of Polymer-Plant Virus Nanoparticle Arrays.

We present a facile method for preparing hierarchical assemblies of cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) nanoparticles adsorbed onto patterned polypyrrole copolymer arrays, which can be released as a freely standing and microporous polymer-protein membrane with a Janus-type structure. The patterning protocol is based on colloidal sphere lithography wherein a sacrificial honeycomb pattern composed of colloidal polystyrene (PS) microspheres is assembled on an electrode. A thin layer of polypyrrole film is electropolymerized within the interstices of the template and monitored using an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (EC-QCM-D) and microscopy. Dissolving the PS template reveals an inverse opaline pattern capable of electrostatically capturing the CPMV particles. Through an electrochemical trigger, the polypyrrole-CPMV delaminates from the surface producing a self-sustaining polymer-protein membrane that can potentially be used for sensing and nanocargo applications.

"1, 2, 3... ação": o uso do cinema para o estudo das metáforas da enfermidade na formação em Medicina / "1, 2, 3... action": using cinema to study illness metaphors in medical education / "1, 2, 3... acción": el uso del cine para el estudio de las metáforas de la enfermedad en la formación en medicina

A cinematografia tem se mostrado ferramenta versátil na educação médica podendo ser utilizada no estudo do processo saúde-adoecimento-cuidado. Objetiva-se relatar a experiência do uso da cinematografia para discussão das metáforas da enfermidade no curso médico de uma Universidade Federal. Como preparo, os estudantes leram sobre "Significação e metáforas da doença". Foi exibido o filme "Para sempre Alice" e debatido o tema lido com base em suas metáforas. Posteriormente, os alunos foram à Rede Básica para aplicar o uso das metáforas. Notou-se a importância dos determinantes sociais em saúde e da relevância de ações que extrapolam o âmbito biológico. A atividade, além de lúdica, foi pedagógica e buscou tornar a aprendizagem mais significativa. Percebeu-se a efetividade da cinematografia para interpretação de metáforas da doença e contribuição para uma melhor prática médica.(AU)

Cinematography has shown itself to be a versatile tool in medical education, being used to study the health-illness-care process. This article describes the experience of using cinematography to discuss illness metaphors on a medicine course at a federal university in Brazil. As preparation, the students read about signification and illness metaphors. We showed the film "Still Alice" and the students debated the theme, drawing on the film's metaphors. They then visited primary care services to apply the use of the metaphors. The findings show the importance of the social determinants of health and relevance of actions that go beyond the realm of biology. Besides being game-based, the activity was educational and sought to make learning more meaningful. The findings confirm that cinematography is an effective tool for interpreting illness metaphors and contributes to better medical practice.(AU)

La cinematografía ha mostrado ser una herramienta versátil en la educación médica pudiendo utilizarse en el estudio del proceso salud-enfermedad-cuidado. El objetivo es relatar la experiencia del uso de la cinematografía para la discusión de las metáforas de la enfermedad en el curso médico de una Universidad Federal. Como preparación, los estudiantes leyeron sobre Significación y Metáforas de la Enfermedad. Se exhibió la película "Siempre Alice" y se discutió sobre el tema leído, a partir de sus metáforas. Posteriormente, los alumnos fueron a la Red Básica para aplicar el uso de las metáforas. Se observó la importancia de los determinantes sociales en salud y de la relevancia de acciones que extrapolan el ámbito biológico. La actividad, además de lúdica, fue pedagógica y su objetivo fue hacer que el aprendizaje fuera más significativo. Se percibió la efectividad de la cinematografía para interpretación de metáforas de la enfermedad y contribuir para una mejor práctica médica.(AU)

O cuidado em cenas: nas trilhas de Dona Violeta / Care in scenes: on the trail of Dona Violeta / El cuidado en escenas: en los caminos de Doña Violeta

Discutem-se as possibilidades reflexivas e práticas para compreensão do cuidado nas práticas de saúde com base na exploração de narrativas, inspiradas em vivências práticas, e em um filme, orientadas pela tríplice concepção de mimeses, que medeia tempo e narrativa (Paul Ricoeur). Essas histórias permitiram problematizar os limites de intervenções exclusivamente voltadas ao alcance de finalidades técnicas, evidenciando múltiplas possibilidades de conceber-se a noção de sucesso prático. Ao se abrirem para elementos significativos na vida dos personagens, as narrativas, como refiguração das experiências, possibilitaram cogitar sobre lacunas e projetar outros porvires, inclusive para o cuidado.(AU)

This article discusses reflective and practical possibilities for understanding care in health practices, drawing on the analysis of narratives inspired by practical experiences and a film guided by Ricoeur's theory of triple mimesis, which mediates time and narrative. The stories allowed us to problematize the limits of interventions exclusively geared towards achieving technical ends, evidencing multiple possibilities of conceiving the notion of practical success. By opening up significant elements of the protagonists' lives, the narratives, as a reconfiguration of experiences, allowed us to cogitate on gaps and project other futures, including those for care.(AU)

Se discuten las posibilidades reflexivas y prácticas para comprensión del cuidado en las prácticas de salud, a partir de la exploración de narrativas, inspiradas en vivencias prácticas y en una película orientadas por la triple concepción de mimesis, presente en tiempo y narrativa (Paul Ricoeur). Esas historias permitieron problematizar los límites de intervenciones exclusivamente enfocadas en el alcance de finalidades técnicas, poniendo en evidencia múltiples posibilidades de concebir la noción de éxito práctico. Al abrirse para elementos significativos en la vida de los personajes, las narrativas, como reconfiguración de las experiencias, posibilitaron pensar sobre lagunas y proyectar otros porvenires, incluso para el cuidado.(AU)

Quantification of left to right atrial shunts with velocity-encoded cine nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of velocity-encoded nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging to quantify left to right intracardiac shunts in patients with an atrial septal defect. BACKGROUND: Quantification of intracardiac shunts is clinically important in planning therapy. METHODS: Velocity-encoded NMR imaging was used to quantify stroke flow in the aorta and in the main pulmonary artery in a group of patients who were known to have an increased pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs). The velocity-encoded NMR flow data were used to calculate Qp/Qs, and these values were compared with measurements of Qp/Qs obtained with oximetric data derived from cardiac catheterization and from stroke volume measurements of the two ventricles by using volumetric data from biphasic spin echo and cine NMR images obtained at end-diastole and end-systole. RESULTS: Two independent observers measured Qp/Qs by using velocity-encoded NMR imaging in 11 patients and found Qp/Qs ranging from 1.4:1 to 3.9:1. These measurements correlated well with both oximetric data (r = 0.91, SEE = 0.35) and ventricular volumetric data (r = 0.94, SEE = 0.30). Interobserver reproducibility for Qp/Qs by velocity-encoded NMR imaging was good (r = 0.97, SEE = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: Velocity-encoded NMR imaging is an accurate and reproducible method for measuring Qp/Qs in left to right shunts. Because it is completely noninvasive, it can be used to monitor shunt volume over time.

A model for gymnastics vaulting.

A mathematical model describing the motion of a gymnast represented by a planar three-segment link system is developed for the airborne and horse-support phases of vaulting. Four handspring vaults performed by advanced-level female gymnasts were analyzed and the results were used to verify the model. In order to describe observed performance, it was found necessary to consider the period of support on the vaulting horse as being comprised of two distinct phases: a compression phase and a repulsion phase. Solutions of the model are presented graphically enabling the relationships of important variables to be readily observed, and predictions to be made. Good agreement between observed performance and the model was obtained in all cases. The take-off velocity and initial distance from the horse were found to be the principal variables affecting the outcome of the vault. The model indicated that in the case of a good vault, a decrease of 7% in the take-off horizontal speed would cause a reduction of 13% in after-flight distance, and a similar decrease in the vertical speed would produce a 25% reduction in after-flight distance. Also, the force exerted by the performer during the repulsion phase has only a minimal effect on the after-flight characteristics of the vault. The take-off velocity requirements for an excellent vault were investigated for varying take-off distances from the horse. As the distance was decreased, the necessary velocity was decreased, but the angular velocity of the body required during the pre-flight phase was found to increase very rapidly.

Three-dimensional cinematography with control object of unknown shape.

A technique for reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) motion which involves a simple filming procedure but allows the deduction of coordinates in large object volumes was developed. Internal camera parameters are calculated from measurements of the film images of two calibrated crosses while external camera parameters are calculated from the film images of points in a control object of unknown shape but at least one known length. The control object, which includes the volume in which the activity is to take place, is formed by a series of poles placed at unknown locations, each carrying two targets. From the internal and external camera parameters, and from locations of the images of point in the films of the two cameras, 3D coordinates of the point can be calculated. Root mean square errors of the three coordinates of points in a large object volume (5m x 5m x 1.5m) were 15 mm, 13 mm, 13 mm and 6 mm, and relative errors in lengths averaged 0.5%, 0.7% and 0.5%, respectively.

A device for synchronizing biomechanical data with cine film.

Biomechanists are faced with two problems in synchronizing continuous physiological data to discrete, frame-based kinematic data from films. First, the accuracy of most synchronization techniques is good only to one frame and hence depends on framing rate. Second, even if perfectly correlated at the beginning of a 'take', the film and physiological data may become progressively desynchronized as the 'take' proceeds. A system is described, which provides synchronization between cine film and continuous physiological data with an accuracy of +/- 0.2 ms, independent of framing rate and the duration of the film 'take'. Shutter pulses from the camera were output to a computer recording system where they were recorded and counted, and to a digital device which counted the pulses and illuminated the count on the bank of LEDs which was filmed with the subject. Synchronization was performed by using the rising edge of the shutter pulse and by comparing the frame number imprinted on the film to the frame number recorded by the computer system. In addition to providing highly accurate synchronization over long film 'takes', this system provides several other advantages. First, having frame numbers imprinted both on the film and computer record greatly facilitates analysis. Second, the LEDs were designed to show the 'take number' while the camera is coming up to speed, thereby avoiding the use of cue cards which disturb the animal. Finally, use of this device results in considerable savings in film.

Measurement of total and unilateral renal blood flow by oblique-angle velocity-encoded 2D-cine magnetic resonance angiography.

Two independent measurements of total renal blood flow (RBF) were made in healthy human subjects (n = 14, mean age 30 yr) by CINE phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography. RBF, measured by summing the flows measured in the right and left renal arteries, was 1152 +/- 44 ml/min (mean +/- SE). RBF, measured from the difference between supra- and infrarenal abdominal aorta flow, was 1109 +/- 68 ml/min. Regression analysis of the comparison of these two different RBF calculations yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.72 at a p < .05 level of significance. Based on other studies of RBF in normal subjects by para-aminohippuric acid (PAH) clearance, the expected RBF in this subject group was 1211 +/- 62 ml/min. The results indicate that noninvasive measurement of RBF is possible using phase-contrast magnetic resonance methods.

Emergency department orientation utilizing web-based streaming video.

To assure a smooth transition to their new work environment, rotating students and housestaff require detailed orientations to the physical layout and operations of the emergency department. Although such orientations are useful for new staff members, they represent a significant time commitment for the faculty members charged with this task. To address this issue, the authors developed a series of short instructional videos that provide a comprehensive and consistent method of emergency department orientation. The videos are viewed through Web-based streaming technology that allows learners to complete the orientation process from any computer with Internet access before their first shift. This report describes the stepwise process used to produce these videos and discusses the potential benefits of converting to an Internet-based orientation system.

Magnetic resonance (MR) cine imaging of the human heart.

A novel approach has been developed for MR cine imaging of the human heart by a modified ECG-gated 2DFT method. A pulse sequence has been devised to minimise the effects of saturation which can be anticipated in sequences that require rapid pulsing. Five frames are produced at the same anatomical level at predetermined intervals during the cardiac cycle. The total time taken to achieve this data is 8 minutes. Additional frames can be interleaved by repeating the sequence with an ECG-gated delay. The anatomical sections, which can be in any orthogonal plane, are then displayed as a cine loop. Cine display in the coronal plane has been used to examine 10 volunteers and 12 patients. In addition to the morphological feature displayed in single slice ECG-gated imaging, areas of dyskinesia can be detected and subjective estimates have been made of left ventricular function.

Autonomic specificity of discrete emotion and dimensions of affective space: a multivariate approach.

The present study addressed autonomic nervous system (ANS) patterning during experimentally manipulated emotion. Film clips previously shown to induce amusement, anger, contentment, disgust, fear and sadness, in addition to a neutral control film, were presented to 34 college-aged subjects while skin conductance, blood pressure and the electrocardiogram (ECG) were recorded, as was self-reported affect. Both mean of and mean successive difference of heart period were derived from the ECG. Pattern classification analyses revealed emotion-specific autonomic patterning for all emotion conditions except disgust; all emotion conditions exhibited significant patterning using self-report. Discriminant function analysis was used to describe the location of discrete emotions within dimensional affective space using both self-report and ANS variables. Findings suggest that the dimensions of valence and activation portray the structure of self-reported emotion, but that valence is more accurately described as approach-withdrawal when applied to autonomic responses during discrete emotions. The findings provide further support for the existence of emotion-specific ANS activity, and are consistent with a hybrid discrete-dimensional model of affective space.

Pupillary and cardiovascular responses to a video movie in senior human subjects.

The effects of watching video movies on autonomic functions were estimated by measuring changes in pupillary and cardiovascular parameters in 10 senior subjects. The subjects looked at a series of video images (with accompanied sounds) taken during the execution of motor vehicles. The images were rear-projected on a large screen for 15 min. Pupil diameter and parameters of the light reflex were measured by an infrared pupillometer before and after the video presentation. Their electrocardiograms (ECG) and blood pressure were measured continuously. Subjects were divided into two groups depending on their values of blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose level. Subjects in Group A had blood pressures of less than 140 mm Hg and a fasting plasma glucose level of less than 7 mmol/dl (normal group). Other subjects were included in Group B (mild hypertension or diabetes mellitus group). While changes in pupillary light reflex after video viewing were minimal in the members of Group A, amplitudes of the pupillary reflex in the members of Group B varied over a significantly wide range. By the spectral analysis of cardiovascular rhythm, %LF and %HF components of blood pressure rhythm were significantly different between the two groups before video viewing. However, the ratios of frequency components before and after video viewing were not significantly different between the two groups. Our findings suggest that pupillary light reflex was less precisely controlled in subjects with mild autonomic dysfunction after prolonged audiovisual stimulation.