Image coding using wavelet transform

A scheme for image compression that takes into account psychovisual features both in the space and frequency domains is proposed. This method involves two steps. First, a wavelet transform used in order to obtain a set of biorthogonal subclasses of images: the original image is decomposed at different scales using a pyramidal algorithm architecture. The decomposition is along the vertical and horizontal directions and maintains constant the number of pixels required to describe the image. Second, according to Shannon's rate distortion theory, the wavelet coefficients are vector quantized using a multiresolution codebook. To encode the wavelet coefficients, a noise shaping bit allocation procedure which assumes that details at high resolution are less visible to the human eye is proposed. In order to allow the receiver to recognize a picture as quickly as possible at minimum cost, a progressive transmission scheme is presented. It is shown that the wavelet transform is particularly well adapted to progressive transmission.     

Eddy break-up model and fractal theory: comparisons with experiments

This paper deals with predictive methods of the combustion rates in the case of premixed mixtures. Comparisons are made between two of these predictive methods. The first approach is based on a standard eddy break-up (EBU) model supplemented by a condition on the chemical composition of the mixture. The reaction can develop within a fixed range of richness. The second method uses the concept of fractal surfaces. Moreover a spectral analysis allows us to introduce the role of the small turbulent structures embedded in the preheat zone. By means of the concept of fractal surfaces the real area of the flame surface can be predicted starting from its mean value and from L (integral length scale), u′ and _k (Kolmogorov length scale). The location of the flame is deduced from the standard EBU model previously referred to. u′ ànd {} are also known along the mean flame surface. The area of the real indented surface can be inferred. The combustion rate can be deduced by associating the area of the flame front with a convenient flame speed accounting for the role of the small structures embedded in the preheat zone. The results found by the two methods do not depart from each other by more than 10%     

Yule-Nielsen based recto-verso color halftone transmittance prediction model

The transmittance spectrum of halftone prints on paper is predicted thanks to a model inspired by the Yule-Nielsen modified spectral Neugebauer model used for reflectance predictions. This model is well adapted for strongly scattering printing supports and applicable to recto-verso prints. Model parameters are obtained by a few transmittance measurements of calibration patches printed on one side of the paper. The model was verified with recto-verso specimens printed by inkjet with classical and custom inks, at different halftone frequencies and on various types of paper. Predictions are as accurate as those obtained with a previously developed reflectance and transmittance prediction model relying on the multiple reflections of light between the paper and the print-air interfaces. Optimal n values are smaller in transmission mode compared with the reflection model. This indicates a smaller amount of lateral light propagation in the transmission mode.     

Optimal component mode synthesis for medium frequency problem

The component mode synthesis (CMS) with fixed interface (denoted Craig–Bampton) method uses a combination of static and dynamic modes. The usual definition of this CMS leads to a coupling between static and dynamic modes which are not orthogonal with respect to the stiffness matrix. This type of basis is not well suited for dynamic explicit computations, because the resulting mass matrix is not diagonal. If one keeps the same basis mode set but uses an orthogonalization process with respect to the mass matrix, the quality of the reduced Craig–Bampton system is kept but the basis vectors are combined differently. The aim of this paper is to propose a new way to control the accuracy of the reduced dynamic system for a specific frequency domain. Thus a new CMS is defined in order to be accurate in the medium frequency range. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

脑库 Laboratoire工作室

Le Laboratoire是一个多领域人士参与的设计实验室性质的组织,一群有着不同背景的科学家、艺术家、设计师聚在一起进行实验和研发,将艺术(Art)、科学(Science)和技术(technology)的力量结合在一起。作为艺术科学(artscience)的创新发生地,Labor     

Mechanical regulation of the early stages of angiogenesis

Favouring or thwarting the development of a vascular network is essential in fields as diverse as oncology, cardiovascular disease or tissue engineering. As a result, understanding and controlling angiogenesis has become a major scientific challenge. Mechanical factors play a fundamental role in angiogenesis and can potentially be exploited for optimizing the architecture of the resulting vascular network. Largely focusing on in vitro systems but also supported by some in vivo evidence, the aim of this Highlight Review is dual. First, we describe the current knowledge with particular focus on the effects of fluid and solid mechanical stimuli on the early stages of the angiogenic process, most notably the destabilization of existing vessels and the initiation and elongation of new vessels. Second, we explore inherent difficulties in the field and propose future perspectives on the use of in vitro and physics-based modelling to overcome these difficulties.     

The New Microtubule-Targeting Agent SIX2G Induces Immunogenic Cell Death in Multiple Myeloma

Microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) are effective drugs for cancer treatment. A novel diaryl [1,2]oxazole class of compounds binding the colchicine site was synthesized as cis-restricted-combretastatin-A-4-analogue and then chemically modified to have improved solubility and a wider therapeutic index as compared to vinca alkaloids and taxanes. On these bases, a new class of tricyclic compounds, containing the [1,2]oxazole ring and an isoindole moiety, has been synthetized, among which SIX2G emerged as improved MTA. Several findings highlighted the ability of some chemotherapeutics to induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), which is defined by the cell surface translocation of Calreticulin (CALR) via dissociation of the PP1/GADD34 complex. In this regard, we computationally predicted the ability of SIX2G to induce CALR exposure by interacting with the PP1 RVxF domain. We then assessed both the potential cytotoxic and immunogenic activity of SIX2G on in vitro models of multiple myeloma (MM), which is an incurable hematological malignancy characterized by an immunosuppressive milieu. We found that the treatment with SIX2G inhibited cell viability by inducing G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, we observed the increase of hallmarks of ICD such as CALR exposure, ATP release and phospho-eIF2α protein level. Through co-culture experiments with immune cells, we demonstrated the increase of (i) CD86 maturation marker on dendritic cells, (ii) CD69 activation marker on cytotoxic T cells, and (iii) phagocytosis of tumor cells following treatment with SIX2G, confirming the onset of an immunogenic cascade. In conclusion, our findings provide a framework for further development of SIX2G as a new potential anti-MM agent.     

Extending interior-point methods to nonlinear second-order cone programming: Application to finite-strain elastoplasticity

Interior-point methods (IPMs) are well suited for solving convex nonsmooth optimization problems which arise for instance in problems involving plasticity or contact conditions. This work attempts at extending their field of application to optimization problems involving either smooth but nonconvex or nonsmooth but convex objectives or constraints. A typical application for such kind of problems is finite-strain elastoplasticity which we address using a total Lagrangian formulation based on logarithmic strain measures. The proposed interior-point algorithm is implemented and tested on 3D examples involving plastic collapse and geometrical changes. Comparison with classical, Newton-Raphson/return mapping methods show that the IPM exhibits good computational performance, especially in terms of convergence robustness. Similar to what is observed for convex small-strain plasticity, the IPM is able to converge for much larger load steps than classical methods.