Localization of shapes using statistical models and stochastic optimization

In this paper, we present a new model for deformations of shapes. A pseudo-likelihood is based on the statistical distribution of the gradient vector field of the gray level. The prior distribution is based on the Probabilistic Principal Component Analysis (PPCA). We also propose a new model based on mixtures of PPCA that is useful in the case of greater variability in the shape. A criterion of global or local object specificity based on a preliminary color segmentation of the image, is included into the model. The localization of a shape in an image is then viewed as minimizing the corresponding Gibbs field. We use the Exploration/Selection (E/S) stochastic algorithm in order to find the optimal deformation. This yields a new unsupervised statistical method for localization of shapes. In order to estimate the statistical parameters for the gradient vector field of the gray level, we use an Iterative Conditional Estimation (ICE) procedure. The color segmentation of the image can be computed with an Exploration/Selection/Estimation (ESE) procedure.     

The influence of spin on second sound in superfluid3He-4He mixtures

The second-sound velocity of a superfluid mixture increases when a static and homogeneous magnetic field is applied. In particular, for dilute mixtures (molar ³ He concentration <0.1) and low temperatures, (0.1<T<0.6 K) the relative velocity increase is independent of concentration and is given by u ₂/u ₂5×10^–16 B _e ² T ^–2. It should be easily observed wheneverB _e T ^–1is larger than 10 ⁵ G K^–1 and can lead to a novel measurement of the magnetic susceptibility.     

Scheduling rules to minimize total tardiness in a parallel machine problem with setup and calendar constraints

Quality control lead times are one of most significant causes of loss of time in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. This is partly due to the organization of laboratories that feature parallel multipurpose machines for chromatographic analyses. The testing process requires long setup times and operators are needed to launch the process. The various controls are non-preemptive and are characterized by a release date, a due date and available routings. These quality processes lead to significant delays, and we therefore evaluate the total tardiness criterion. Previous heuristics were defined for the total tardiness criterion, parallel machines, and setup such as apparent tardiness cost (ATC) and ATC with setups (ATCS). We propose new rules and a simulated annealing procedure in order to minimize total tardiness.     

A Model for Studying Velocity Variations in Unmyelinated Axons

A simple electrical model of the nerve axon is presented. The only non-linear element in the model is the sodium conductance, which is assumed to vary in a step-like way. This allows the propagation velocity for action potentials to be expressed analytically. The aftereffects from an action potential are generally slow. By considering them quasi-stationary, the velocity of a subsequent action potential can be calculated and compared with that of the first one. Considering the effects of afterpotential and afterconductance, it is shown that the theory adequately describes the variations in propagation velocity in the squid giant axon for action potentials separated by 3 ms to 14 ms.     

In-situ diagnostic of femtosecond laser probe pulses for high resolution ultrafast imaging

Ultrafast imaging is essential in physics and chemistry to investigate the femtosecond dynamics of nonuniform samples or of phenomena with strong spatial variat...     

BK Polyomavirus bkv-miR-B1-5p: A Stable Micro-RNA to Monitor Active Viral Replication after Kidney Transplantation

Background: Bkv-miR-B1-5p is a viral micro-RNA (miRNA) specifically produced during BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) replication. Recent studies have suggested using bkv-miR-B1-5p as a biomarker to monitor viral infection and predict complications in kidney transplant patients. To identify the technical limitations of this miRNA quantification in biological samples, knowledge of its stability and distribution in the extracellular compartment is necessary. Moreover, a proof of concept for using bkv-miR-B1-5p as a biomarker of active replication in chronic infection is still missing in the published literature. Methods: The stability of bkv-miR-B1-5p was evaluated in samples derived from cell cultures and in urine from BKPyV-infected kidney transplant recipients. The miRNA was quantified in different fractions of the extracellular compartment, including exosomes, and protein binding was evaluated. Finally, we developed an in vitro model for chronic culture of BKPyV clinical isolates to observe changes in the bkv-miR-B1-5p level during persistent infections. Results: Bkv-miR-B1-5p is a stable biomarker in samples from humans and in vitro experiments. Marginally associated with the exosomes, most of the circulating bkv-miR-B1-5p is bound to proteins, especially Ago2, so the miRNA quantification does not require specific exosome isolation. The bkv-miR-B1-5p level is predictable of viral infectivity, which makes it a potential specific biomarker of active BKPyV replication after kidney transplantation.     

Radio‐opaque fecal impaction and pseudo‐occlusion in a dialyzed patient taking lanthanum carbonate

Lanthanum therapy is an efficient therapy of hyperphosphoremia by chelating phosphore in the digestive tract. Lanthanum is a silvery white metallic element that belongs to group 3 of the periodic table. This drug is lightly absorbed and has low water solubility. It should be borne in mind that abdominal X‐rays of patients taking lanthanum carbonate may have a radio‐opaque appearance typical of imaging agents. This characteristic is suggested to confirm adherence of the patient by doing an abdominal X‐ray. We describe in our case a particular good compliant patient with slow digestive transit, which ends by pseudo‐occlusion.     

Diphenylamino-substituted derivatives of 9-phenylcarbazole as glass-forming hole-transporting materials for solid state dye sensitized solar cells

The synthesis and properties of glass-forming diphenylamino-substituted derivatives of 9-phenylcarbazole with methoxy groups in the different position of diphenylamino moieties are reported. A comparative study on their thermal, optical, photoelectrical and electrochemical properties is presented. The synthesized compounds exhibit high thermal stability with 5% weight loss temperatures ranging from 344 to 475 °C. The derivatives absorb electromagnetic irradiation in the range of 225–425 nm with the band gaps of 2.94–3.08 eV. The ionization energies of the synthesized compounds range from 5.04 to 5.56 eV. The lowest ionization energies and band gaps are observed for compounds containing para methoxy-substituted phenyl rings of diphenylamino moieties and for disubstituted carbazole derivatives. Charge-transporting properties of the selected compounds were tested by time-of-flight technique. Hole drift mobilities in the amorphous layers of the materials reach 10⁻³ cm²/V s at high electric fields. The derivatives were tested as hole transport materials in solid-state dye sensitized solar cells and showed conversion efficiency up to 0.54%.     

Co-doping effects of (Al,Ti, Mg) on the microstructure and electrical behavior of ZnO-based ceramics

Co-doped ZnO-based ceramics using Al, Ti, and Mg ions in different ratios were synthesized with the objective to investigate the doping effects on the crystalline features, microstructure and the electrical behavior. For Al and Ti doping, a coexistence of crystalline phases was shown with a major wurtzite ZnO structure and secondary spinel phases (ZnAl₂O₄, Zn₂TiO₄, or Zn_aTi_bAl_cO_d), while Mg doping did not alter significantly the structural features of the wurtzite ZnO phase. The electrical behavior induced by Al, Ti, and Mg co-doping in different ratios was investigated using Raman, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and ²⁷Al and ⁶⁷Zn solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Al doping induces a high electrical conductivity compared to other doping elements. In particular, shallow donors from Zn_i-Al_Zn defect structures are inferred from the characteristic NMR signal at about 185 ppm; that is, quite far from the usual oxygen coordinated Al. The Knight shift effect emanating from a highly conducting Al-doped ZnO ceramics was considered as the origin of this observation. Oppositely, as Ti doping leads to the formation of secondary spinel phases, EPR analysis shows a high concentration of Ti³⁺ ions which limit the electrical conductivity. The correlation between the structural features at the local order, the involved defects and the electrical behavior as function of the doping process are discussed.