Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
3D reconstruction of underwater scenes using DIDSON acoustic sonar image sequences through evolutionary algorithms

This paper introduces a methodology to reconstruct underwater environment using two images of the same scene, acquired by an acoustical camera from different points of view. The final target of the work is to produce a full 3D representation of the observed environment to improve its exploration and analysis. Indeed, as the DIDSON acoustic camera provides sequences of 2D images (distance and azimuth), the challenge consists in determining the missing elevation information about the observed scene in order to reconstruct (x, y, z) models, through the computation of the geometrical transformation between the acquisition view points, using image information only. Our research work is divided in two important steps. The first step which is feature point extraction allows robust and shape representative point extraction [1]. The second step presented in this paper uses these specific points appearing on two images and paired accordingly, to determine camera motion (rotation and translation) between the two acquisitions, and points missing elevation in order to reconstruct the observed scene. Due to the problem high-dimensional search space (6 camera motion parameters plus one elevation per pair of points), we propose to achieve the search using CMA-ES optimization algorithm. This stereovision-like optimization procedure assumes a known camera model. The first topic in this paper tries to check the good behavior of the supposed camera model in order to be sure that extracted points from images are robust enough and not affected by extra camera distortions. A set of DIDSON images have been acquired in the Laval University pool and used to perform such a verification, with various objects (wooden boxes and grid) observed from different points of view. Finally, using extracted pairs of points coming from two images, the proposed algorithm is able to retrieve the local relative geometry of the observed scene through the estimation of the missing elevations.
An overview of security aspects and solutions in VANETs

Because of the nature of vehicular communications, security is a crucial aspect, involving the continuous development and analysis of the existing security architectures and punctual theoretical and practical aspects that have been proposed and are in need of continuous updates and integrations with newer technologies. But before an update, a good knowledge of the current aspects is mandatory. Identifying weaknesses and anticipating possible risks of vehicular communication networks through a failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) represent an important aspect of the security analysis process and a valuable step in finding efficient security solutions for all kind of problems that might occur in these systems.
Examining HIV-Positive Parents' Disclosure to Their Children: A Biopsychosocial Approach

In the post HAART era, the biopsychosocial issues now facing HIV-positive parents concerning disclosure of their status to their children need to be understood in the context of chronic disease. This article describes the experiences of 101 adult HIV-positive urban in-treatment mothers and fathers of school-age children on disclosure, psychological distress, social support, and symptom severity. Key variables associated with parents' HIV disclosure were the age of parent and of children in the household, parents' HIV-related symptoms, and parent ethnicity. Cultural and maturational, rather than psychological or social factors were significantly related to parents' HIV disclosure.
Application of substantial and sustained force to vertical surfaces using a quadrotor

In the field of aerial robotics, one of the key challenges is to enable aerial manipulators to exert substantial forces on the environment. Enabling this will allow the technology to perform meaningful tasks airborne, such as cleaning or grinding surfaces. While in contact and applying a large, continuous force, control of the UAV's attitude is a challenge. In this work, we show that a regular (PID-based) attitude controller is incapable of stabilizing aerial manipulators that apply physical contact forces on the environment that are comparable to the UAV's weight. We present a novel control algorithm that uses an LQR-optimized state feedback on the roll and yaw angle while in contact. Experiments on a UAV of 1.5 kg show that the proposed controller is capable of applying a contact force of over 15 N — equal to the UAV's weight — sustained for several minutes.
Characterization of the in Vitro Retrograde Transport of MPR46

The mannose 6‐phosphate receptor MPR46 mediates sorting of lysosomal enzymes and recycles between the trans‐Golgi network and endosomes. We characterized the retrograde transport of MPR46 from endosomes to the TGN by an in vitro transport assay using mouse fibroblast cell lines. Sulfation of a modified MPR46 upon entering the TGN is measured. The in vitro retrograde transport is time‐, temperature‐, ATP‐ and cytosol‐dependent. Transport requires the SNARE proteins Vti1a and Syntaxin 16 and the Rab family member Rab6. The transport is sensitive to GTPγS, brefeldin A and independent of TIP47. These data indicate that MPR46 follows an early endosome‐to‐TGN route. Transport is inhibited by MPR46 tail peptide comprising the acidic cluster‐di‐leucine sorting motif to which adaptor proteins AP‐1 and AP‐3 bind. Transport depends on cytosolic AP‐3, but not on cytosolic AP‐1. Residual membrane‐associated AP‐1 may have masked a requirement for cytosolic AP‐1. The competence of membranes from AP‐1‐deficient cells for endosome‐to‐TGN transport in vitro was severely compromised.
A Computational Model of Dyslexics' Perceptual Difficulties as Impaired Inference of Sound Statistics

Perception is a complex cognitive process in which noisy signals are extracted from the environment and interpreted. It is generally believed that perceptual resolution is limited by internal noise that constrains people’s ability to differentiate physically similar stimuli. The magnitude of this internal noise is typically estimated using the two-alternative forced choice (2AFC) paradigm, which was introduced to eliminate participants’ perceptual and response biases during experiments (Green & Swets, 1966; Macmillan & Creelman, 2004). In this paradigm, a participant is presented with two temporally separated stimuli that differ along a physical dimension and is instructed to compare them. The common assumption is that the probability of a correct response is determined by the physical difference between the two stimuli, relative to the level of internal noise. Performance is typically characterized by the threshold of discrimination, referred to as the Just Noticeable Difference (JND). Thus, the JND is a measure of the level of internal noise such that the higher the JND, the higher the inferred internal noise. However, if the stimuli are highly predictable, perceptual resolution may not be limited by the magnitude of the internal noise. In other words, the assumption of a one-to-one correspondence between the JND and the internal noise may ignore this potential benefit that derives from previous experience. If the internal representation of a stimulus is noisy and hence unreliable, prior expectations should bias the participant against unlikely stimuli. The larger the uncertainty of the measurements, the larger the contribution of these prior expectations is likely to be. The Bayesian theory of inference defines computationally how expectations regarding the probability distribution of stimuli should be combined with the noisy representations of these stimuli in order to form an optimal posterior percept (Knill & Richards, 1996). One limitation of the Bayesian model is that it relies heavily on the assumption that the prior distribution of stimuli is known to the observer. While this assumption may be plausible in very long experiments comprising a large number of trials (e.g., thousands in Körding & Wolpert, 2004) or in experiments utilizing natural tasks (e.g., in reading; Norris, 2006), it is unclear to what extent a rich Bayesian inference is formed when participants have less experience with a task. Here, we studied participants’ patterns of responses on a 2AFC tone discrimination task in relatively short experiments consisting of tens of trials. We found a substantial context effect, whose extent depended on the statistics of the stimuli used in the task and on participants’ internal noise level. Participants’ pattern of behavior was consistent with an “implicit memory” model in 1
Near-Field Sound-Source Localization Based on a Signed Binary Code

This paper proposes near-field sound-source localization based on crosscorrelation of a signed binary code. The signed binary code eliminates multibit signal processing for simpler implementation. Explicit formulae with near-field assumption are derived for a two microphone scenario and extended to a three microphone case with front-rear discrimination. Adaptive threshold for enabling and disabling source localization is developed for robustness in noisy environment. The proposed sound-source localization algorithm is implemented on a fixed-point DSP. Evaluation results in a robot scenario demonstrate that near-field assumption and front-rear discrimination provides almost 40% improvement in DOA estimation. A correct detection rate of 85% is obtained by a robot in a home environment.
Electron diffraction self imaging of molecular fragmentation in two step double ionization of water

We doubly ionize H2O by single photon absorption at 43 eV leading to H+ + OH+. A direct double ionization and a sequential process in which single ionization is followed by rapid dissociation into a proton and an autoionizing OH* are identified. We obtain information about the internuclear distance at which the decay of the OH* occurs from the angular distribution of the autoionization electron.
Evaluation of Operative Risk in Elderly Patients Undergoing Aortic Valve Replacement: The Predictive Value of Operative Risk Scores

Objectives: An increasing number of elderly patients develop aortic valve disease requiring surgery. Operative risk scores are currently used to identify patients at high operative risk who may benefit from interventional treatment options. The aim of this study was to analyze the predictive value of these risk scores in geriatric patients undergoing aortic valve replacement. Methods: We reviewed data of 1,245 elderly patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with or without additional bypass surgery from 2000–2007. Patient data were derived from a prospective registry at the Department of Cardiac Surgery at Albertinen-Hospital in Hamburg, Germany. Results: Hospital mortality was 2.56% in isolated valve replacement and 3.38% in patients who had additional bypass surgery (p = ns). Age >80 years (OR 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3–3.3) and renal failure (OR 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1–2.5) were significantly associated with in-hospital death. All scores overestimated operative mortality. The median logistic EuroSCORE was 11.56% (interquartile range: 7.01–18.96), median STS score 13.9% (10.3–16.2); and median Ambler score 7.2% (4.1–9.3). There was a significant correlation of the STS score with operative mortality (Spearman’s rank coefficient: 0.68), but not with EuroSCORE (Spearman’s rank coefficient: 0.11) or Ambler score (Spearman’s rank coefficient: –0.17). Conclusion: Current risk scores overestimate operative risk in geriatric patients undergoing aortic valve replacement substantially. Of the risk scores evaluated, only STS score correlated significantly with operative mortality. Operative risk scores aimed specifically at geriatric patients may be necessary to accurately identify patients at high operative risk who benefit from non-surgical treatment options.
Small molecule β‐amyloid inhibitors that stabilize protofibrillar structures in vitro improve cognition and pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

β‐Amyloid (Aβ) peptides are thought to play a major role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Compounds that disrupt the kinetic pathways of Aβ aggregation may be useful in elucidating the role of oligomeric, protofibrillar and fibrillar Aβ in the etiology of the disease. We have previously reported that scyllo‐inositol inhibits Aβ42 fibril formation but the mechanism(s) by which this occurs has not been investigated in detail. Using a series of scyllo‐inositol derivatives in which one or two hydroxyl groups were replaced with hydrogen, chlorine or methoxy substituents, we examined the role of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobicity in the structure–function relationship of scyllo‐inositol–Aβ binding. We report here that all scyllo‐inositol derivatives demonstrated reduced effectiveness in preventing Aβ42 fibrillization compared with scyllo‐inositol, suggesting that scyllo‐inositol interacts with Aβ42 via key hydrogen bonds that are formed by all hydroxyl groups. Increasing the hydrophobicity of scyllo‐inositol by the addition of two methoxy groups (1,4‐di‐O‐methyl‐scyllo‐inositol) produced a derivative that stabilized Aβ42 protofibrils in vitro. Prophylactic administration of 1,4‐di‐O‐methyl‐scyllo‐inositol to TgCRND8 mice attenuated spatial memory impairments and significantly decreased cerebral amyloid pathology. These results suggest that Aβ aggregation can be targeted at multiple points along the kinetic pathway for the improvement of Alzheimer’s disease‐like pathology.
Bicriteria Models for Fair Resource Allocation

Resource allocation problems are concerned with the allocation of limited resources among competing activities so as to achieve the best performances. In systems which serve many users, like in networking, there is a need to respect some fairness rules while looking for the overall efficiency. The so-called Max-Min Fairness is widely used to meet these goals. However, allocating the resource to optimize the worst performance may cause a dramatic worsening of the overall system efficiency. Therefore, several other fair allocation schemes are searched and analyzed. In this paper we show how the scalar inequality measures can be consistently used in bicriteria models to search for fair and efficient
X‐linked lymphoproliferative disease: linkage studies using DNA probes

Linkage studies have been carried out with 28 X‐linked polymorphic probes to try to locate the gene for X‐linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP). DNA from three families has been analysed, including three affected boys among 21 family members. None of the probes tested has been found to be linked to XLP. However, the data are recorded for the use of other workers on this rare disease.
Auricular Reconstruction of Congenital Microtia Using Autogenous Costal Cartilage: Report of 27 Cases

Background Total auricular reconstruction in congenital lobule type microtia is one of the most challenging problems faced by a reconstructive surgeon as it demands precise surgical technique combined with artistic creativity. Ear reconstruction requires carefully planned procedures. Methods We present a simple method for auricular reconstruction consisting of three stages. The first stage is carving the cartilage framework from the costal cartilages of 6th, 7th and 8th ribs, lobule transposition and insertion in a skin pocket. The second stage is performed 5 months later to elevate the ear framework using a full thickness skin graft and a cartilage spare part. The third stage is done after 3‐4 months later to give finer detail to the reconstructed ear. This method was used in 27 patients with lobule type microtia. Results The results of the reconstructed auricles in 27 patients were satisfactory with good aesthetic balance. The complications ranged from small localized skin infection treated with topical and oral antibiotics to catastrophic loss of the skin pocket and the framework. Conclusion Although various donor sites have been used for harvesting the cartilage, only costal cartilage provides a substantial source for fabricating total ear framework. The cosmetic outcome and least complication results in our series support this conclusion.
Is the notion of validity valid in HCI practice

Abstract : Much attention has been paid in the recent literature to the notions of validity, thoroughness, and effectiveness of different Usability Evaluation Methods (UEMs). Calculation of these makes sense if a study aims to compare UEMs, but not, it is argued here, if a study aims to evaluate a given application. Illustrated by a case study employing different UEMs, it is argued here that for practitioners, UEMs serve to supplement, rather than compete against, each other. The study shows also that it is not possible to calculate validity thoroughness and effectiveness in actual usability studies.
Improved characterization of multilayer antireflection coatings for broad-band semiconductor optical amplifiers

A new approach to the analysis of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) spectra, based on the least-squared fitting, is proposed for characterization of broad-band multilayer antireflection (AR) coatings and semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs). The model formula for ASE spectra contains eight fitting parameters, representing the parabolic approximation of spontaneous emission and gain spectra, together with the linear approximation of refractive index dispersion. By zone fitting to the segmented experimental data after AR coating, a stepwise reflectivity estimate is obtained. Double-layer AR-coated 1.3 /spl mu/m InGaAsP MQW SOAs were fabricated and evaluated. For the best samples, minimum reflectivities on the order of 10/sup -6/ and bandwidths (for R<1/spl times/10/sup -4/) of about 50 mn were reproducibly obtained. Reliability of the analysis procedure was checked on the basis of relevance of various physical parameters, bias current dependence, and reproducibility of the extrapolation procedure. Being noise-resistant and applicable to wider spectral range, the new method is confirmed to be a significant improvement over the standard ASE analysis procedure (i.e., the conventional Hakki-Paoli (HP) method).
Do African managers think differently about strategy? Some preliminary insights into the strategic behaviour of firms in Mauritius

Africa is fertile for business yet it hardly attracts the attention of strategy academics. International cross-cultural management and strategy literatures have long acknowledged the significant influence of cultural, political and institutional contexts on the strategy processes and behaviours of firms and markets, but there is limited empirical evidence to understand how these contextual differences impact on the way strategy is formulated and implemented, and test the relevance and applicability of received Anglo-Saxon or Western wisdom on strategy in those contexts. This paper addresses this issue partly. This research focuses on businesses Sub-Saharan Africa, and more particularly looks at the strategic behaviour of firms and managers in Mauritius. This paper aims to explore the perceptions and meanings of strategy amongst senior managers in Mauritius. Theoretically, the paper draws insights from the resource based theory and the behavioural theory of management to examine the varying perceptions and meanings of the strategy process – the process of analysing, choosing and implementing strategy - in firms in Mauritius. Using a case based methodology; in-depth interviews were carried out with ten senior managers of different size organisations. The findings reveal varied evidences of mixed approaches to formulating and implementing strategy within those organisations.
Synthesis of a Prefractal Dual-Band Monopolar Antenna for GPS Applications

In this letter, the design of a monopolar dual-band antenna operating in the L1 and L2 GPS bands is presented. The prefractal geometry of the antenna has been synthesized by means of a particle swarm algorithm for optimizing the values of the electrical parameters within the specifications. For a general assessment, some selected results of numerical simulations are shown and some comparisons between numerical data and experimental measurements are presented
Ischemic Preconditioning Protects Against Gap Junctional Uncoupling in Cardiac Myofibroblasts

Ischemic preconditioning increases the heart's tolerance to a subsequent longer ischemic period. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of gap junction communication in simulated preconditioning in cultured neonatal rat cardiac myofibroblasts. Gap junctional intercellular communication was assessed by Lucifer yellow dye transfer. Preconditioning preserved intercellular coupling after prolonged ischemia. An initial reduction in coupling in response to the preconditioning stimulus was also observed. This may protect neighboring cells from damaging substances produced during subsequent regional ischemia in vivo, and may preserve gap junctional communication required for enhanced functional recovery during subsequent reperfusion.
Computerized image analysis of p53 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in benign, hyperplastic, and malignant endometrium.

CONTEXT The endometrium is an intrinsically dynamic tissue with great capability for regeneration and proliferation; consequently, there is some overlap between features seen in benign, premalignant, and malignant lesions. This leads to marked intrabiopsy, interbiopsy, and interobserver variability. OBJECTIVE We studied the specificity and sensitivity of computerized image analysis of molecular markers to evaluate its potential use as a diagnostic tool. DESIGN Specimens from 100 patients were examined and the following histologic diagnoses were assigned: proliferative endometrium (n = 10), secretory endometrium (n = 10), endometrial hyperplasia (n = 40; 30 with no atypia, 10 with atypia), and carcinoma (n = 40; 20 endometrioid, 10 serous, and 10 clear cell). All cases were evaluated immunohistochemically for p53 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression. Computerized image analysis was performed with a CAS 200 digital analyzer. RESULTS Expression of p53 was found only in carcinomas (65%) and endometrial hyperplasia with atypia (30%). Expression of p53 was higher in the poor prognostic categories (serous carcinoma and clear cell carcinoma) than in endometrioid carcinoma. In endometrioid carcinoma, p53 expression correlated with grade. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen showed a similar pattern of results to p53 in the various carcinoma subtypes and endometrioid carcinoma grades. Endometrial hyperplasia PCNA values were the lowest among all the groups. Both carcinomas and proliferative endometrium showed higher glandular and stromal PCNA values, significantly different from endometrial hyperplasia with atypia. In proliferative endometrium, stromal PCNA was the highest among all of the groups. The p53 and PCNA results correlated with each other for carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS Computerized image analysis correlates well with the established morphologic groups of endometrial pathology and yields results consistent with previous studies. Owing to its higher degree of sensitivity, computerized image analysis is of potential use in cases of diagnostic dilemmas and can help objectively allocate the case in the correct category (e.g., proliferative endometrium vs. endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial hyperplasia with atypia vs. endometrioid carcinoma). It is particularly useful in the evaluation of stromal changes.