Bayesian inference explains perception of unity and ventriloquism aftereffect: identification of common sources of audiovisual stimuli

We study a computational model of audiovisual integration by setting a Bayesian observer that localizes visual and auditory stimuli without presuming the binding of audiovisual information. The observer adopts the maximum a posteriori approach to estimate the physically delivered position or timing of presented stimuli, simultaneously judging whether they are from the same source or not. Several experimental results on the perception of spatial unity and the ventriloquism effect can be explained comprehensively if the subjects in the experiments are regarded as Bayesian observers who try to accurately locate the stimulus. Moreover, by adaptively changing the inner representation of the Bayesian observer in terms of experience, we show that our model reproduces perceived spatial frame shifts due to the audiovisual adaptation known as the ventriloquism aftereffect.     

Morphological patterns of angiogenesis in ovarian follicle capillary networks. A scanning electron microscopy study of corrosion cast

To describe the morphological characteristics of the ovarian follicle (F) capillary neoformation and regression, the angiogenic figures were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy of corrosion casts in developing and mature F of rabbit, pig, and cow. Developing F showed gradual neoformation of thecal capillaries characterized by budding and then sprouting, likely from preexisting interstitial vessels. Postcapillary venules frequently showed vasoconstriction rings (sphincters). Vasodilation followed capillary elongation. Mature F, in addition to vessel elongation and dilation, also presented infolding of dilated capillary walls, followed by capillary duplication and sinusoidalization. Periovulatory F mainly showed functional changes, such as capillary dilation, signs of iperpermeabilization, and ischemia, the latter being limited to the apical follicular area. Vessel regression was characterized by thinning of capillaries and presence of avascular areas within the atretic F wall at any stage. This study showed two main types of angiogenic patterns. (a) longitudinal elongation (in series, sprouting angiogenesis) characterizing the initial phase of F development and (b) parallel duplication (in parallel, infolding or intussusceptive angiogenesis), ending in capillary lateral replication or splitting, secondary to functional microvascular changes. Indirect evidence of the establishment of postcapillary resistances contributing to capillary remodeling, was also shown. It is concluded that the sequence of capillary neoformation in mammalian ovarian F occurs in six steps: (1) budding, (2) sprouting (and elongation), (3) dilation, (4) infolding (intussusception), (5) duplication (splitting and elongation), and (6) sinusoidalization. Capillary regression hits F at any stage and characterizes F atresia.     

Eigen-Texture method: appearance compression and synthesis based ona 3D model

Image-based and model-based methods are two representative rendering methods for generating virtual images of objects from their real images. However, both methods still have several drawbacks when we attempt to apply them to mixed reality where we integrate virtual images with real background images. To overcome these difficulties, we propose a new method, which we refer to as the Eigen-Texture method. The proposed method samples appearances of a real object under various illumination and viewing conditions, and compresses them in the 2D coordinate system defined on the 3D model surface generated from a sequence of range images. The Eigen-Texture method is an example of a view-dependent texturing approach which combines the advantages of image-based and model-based approaches. No reflectance analysis of the object surface is needed, while an accurate 3D geometric model facilitates integration with other scenes. The paper describes the method and reports on its implementation     

Chemical and electrochemical preparation of poly(9,10-dihydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl) using nickel complexes and electrochemical properties of the polymer

Summary Dehalogenation polycondensations of 2,7-dibromo-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene with isolated zero-valent nickel complex and electrochemically generated zero-valent nickel complex afford -conjugated poly(9,10-dihydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl). The electrochemically synthesized polymer is obtained as a thin film on electrode, and shows a reversible electrochemically doping-undoping cycle in an oxidation region. The polymer has essentially the same -conjugation system as that of poly(p-phenylene).     

A novel method for measuring direct compressive properties of carbon fibres using a micro-mechanical compression tester

A novel method has been developed for measuring direct compressive properties such as strength and elasticity of a series of mesophase-pitch-based and PAN-based carbon fibres about 10 m in diameter by uniaxial and transverse compression tests using a micromechanical tester. The fibres were shaped into cylindrical specimens, with their size ratio of length to diameter kept at about 2 to 3, by separating them from a thin film made by polishing the cut faces of a strand of carbon fibres with epoxy resin as a matrix. Individual cylindrical specimens were stood up or laid down on a glass plate without any fixer for the measurements of axial and transverse compression properties of fibres, respectively. The fibres exhibited non-linear elasticity, with the compressive modulus decreasing with compressive deformation. The direct axial compressive strengths of pitch-based carbon fibres were found to be marginally lower than the indirect ones, whereas there was no significant difference between the two strength values for PAN-based fibres. The pitch-based fibres exhibited smaller average values of axial compressive strength than the PAN-based fibres. The transverse compressive strength, which decreases with an increase in elasticity of carbon fibres, exhibited a considerably lower average value than that of the axial compressive strength. Further, the axial compressive strength was found to be smaller than the direct tensile strength for the fibres.     

Magnification-type x-ray imaging system: optimum design and image restoration

A magnification-type x-ray imaging system, that is, an x-ray microscope, is evaluated by taking into account the partial coherency of the illumination of the objects. The transfer characteristic proposed in an earlier paper [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 1, 11 (1984)] is used for the evaluation, and based on the results, an optimum design for a high-resolution x-ray imaging system is discussed. The image restoration method for this system is also shown.     

The principle of remote-resonance spectroscopy

To promote the efficiency of the effect of remote-resonance which is induceable in the anomalous dispersion region of the resonator surface in the I.R. region, we have investigated three subjects; One is usage of the multi-piled oscillators made of silica-Si layers. Second is the soft-Zeeman effect (at 0–15 Gauss) which was induced in the system of remote-resonance which consists of the oscillator and the resonator they were situated perpendicularly with some distance in the atomospheric air. Third is usage of the I.R. radiation emitted from the surface of hand and the radiation modulated by some textiles as oscillators. The efficiency of this system was shown as ΔR_i (E_i) α α (E_i), β (E_i). γ (E_i), (emission efficiency x transferring efficiency x resonance efficiency) and ΔR_i (E_i) was shown as (N_o (E_i)±ΔN_i (E_i))x fα{R_o (E_i)±ΔR_i (E_i)} at the spin sensitive region of the resonator surface in the Nf-R relation. Also, we discussed the stress-optical effect, the soft-Zeeman effect and some physiological problems induced in this system based on the statistical spin-quantum mechanics considering the predissociation and dissociation process of the shallow electrons in Si (100) face and CO ₂ ^* excimers and the CO₂ molecules in the air.