Fast multi-image matching via density-based clustering

We consider the problem of finding consistent matches across multiple images. Previous state-of-the-art solutions use constraints on cycles of matches together with convex optimization, leading to computationally intensive iterative algorithms. In this paper, we propose a clustering-based formulation. We first rigorously show its equivalence with the previous one, and then propose QuickMatch, a novel algorithm that identifies multi-image matches from a density function in feature space. We use the density to order the points in a tree, and then extract the matches by breaking this tree using feature distances and measures of distinctiveness. Our algorithm outperforms previous state-of-the-art methods (such as MatchALS) in accuracy, and it is significantly faster (up to 62 times faster on some bechmarks), and can scale to large datasets (with more than twenty thousands features).Accepted manuscriptSupporting documentatio

Are specialized sperm function tests clinically useful in planning assisted reproductive technology?

40-year-old male patient and 32-year-old female partner, with a history of primary infertility of two years duration. The workup revealed idiopathic mild oligoasthenothe-ratozoospermia, and no apparent female infertility factors. The couple has failed three intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles, planning more IUI cycles but also considering in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI)46111612

Study of the effect of pH, salinity and DOC on fluorescence of synthetic mixtures of freshwater and marine salts

In order to provide support for the discussion of the fate of organic matter in estuaries, a laboratory simulation was performed by changing freshwater ionic strength, pH and organic matter content. The change in spectroscopic characteristics caused by variations in salinity, pH and organic matter concentration in the filtered samples was observed by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The increase in emission fluorescence intensity of dissolved organic matter (DOM) due to increasing salinity (in the range 0 to 5 g l−1) is affected by the pH of the samples. The emission fluorescence intensity at the three maxima observed in the fluorescence spectra, is linearly correlated with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration at several salinity values in the same sample. The increase in organic matter concentration caused a shift in the emission peak wavelength at 410 nm for several salinity values.We concluded that it is necessary to take into account the influence of salinity and pH on emission fluorescence of dissolved organic matter if it is to be used as a tracer in estuarine or near shore areas

Supersymmetric type-III seesaw: lepton flavour violating decays and dark matter

We study a supersymmetric version of the seesaw mechanism type-III. The model consists of the MSSM particle content plus three copies of 24 superfields. The fermionic part of the SU(2) triplet contained in the 24 is responsible for the type-III seesaw, which is used to explain the observed neutrino masses and mixings. Complete copies of 24 are introduced to maintain gauge coupling unification. These additional states change the beta functions of the gauge couplings above the seesaw scale. Using mSUGRA boundary conditions we calculate the resulting supersymmetric mass spectra at the electro-weak scale using full 2-loop renormalization group equations. We show that the resulting spectrum can be quite different compared to the usual mSUGRA spectrum. We discuss how this might be used to obtain information on the seesaw scale from mass measurements. Constraints on the model space due to limits on lepton flavour violating decays are discussed. The main constraints come from the bounds on the decay mu to e and gamma but there are also regions where the decay tau to mu and gamma gives stronger constraints. We also calculate the regions allowed by the dark matter constraint. For the sake of completeness, we compare our results with those for the supersymmetric seesaw type-II and, to some extent, with type-I.Comment: 32 pages, 16 eps figures. One ref. added; small changes in tex

Advances in Atomic Data for Neutron-Capture Elements

Neutron(n)-capture elements (atomic number Z>30), which can be produced in planetary nebula (PN) progenitor stars via s-process nucleosynthesis, have been detected in nearly 100 PNe. This demonstrates that nebular spectroscopy is a potentially powerful tool for studying the production and chemical evolution of trans-iron elements. However, significant challenges must be addressed before this goal can be achieved. One of the most substantial hurdles is the lack of atomic data for n-capture elements, particularly that needed to solve for their ionization equilibrium (and hence to convert ionic abundances to elemental abundances). To address this need, we have computed photoionization cross sections and radiative and dielectronic recombination rate coefficients for the first six ions of Se and Kr. The calculations were benchmarked against experimental photoionization cross section measurements. In addition, we computed charge transfer (CT) rate coefficients for ions of six n-capture elements. These efforts will enable the accurate determination of nebular Se and Kr abundances, allowing robust investigations of s-process enrichments in PNe.Comment: To be published in IAU Symp. 283: Planetary Nebulae, an Eye to the Future; 2 page

Predictive factors for sperm retrieval and sperm injection outcomes in obstructive azoospermia: do etiology, retrieval techniques and gamete source play a role?

Obstructive azoospermia is a relatively common male infertility condition. The main etiologies of obstructive azoospermia include congenital, surgical-derived, traumatic and post-infectious cases. Although seminal tract reconstruction is a cost-effective treatment in most cases, this approach may not be feasible or desired in some cases. In such cases, assisted reproduction techniques offer a method for achieving pregnancy, notably via sperm retrieval and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. This process requires several considerations and decisions to be made, including the cause and duration of obstruction, which sperm retrieval technique to use, and whether to use fresh or frozen-thawed sperm. We present a review of obstructive azoospermia and assisted reproduction techniques, highlighting the most relevant aspects of the decision-making process for use in clinical practice

Reproductive outcomes, including neonatal data, following sperm injection in men with obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermia: case series and systematic review

We compared pregnancy outcomes following intracytoplasmic sperm injection for the treatment of male infertility according to the type of azoospermia. First, we analyzed our data from 370 couples who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection using sperm from men with obstructive azoospermia and nonobstructive azoospermia, and the outcomes were compared to a group of 465 non-azoospermic infertile males. Then, we performed a systematic review of the published data on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of children born after sperm injection using sperm from men with obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermia. Live birth rates were significantly lower in the nonobstructive azoospermia group (21.4%) compared with the obstructive azoospermia (37.5%) and ejaculated sperm (32.3%) groups. A total of 326 live births resulted in 427 babies born. Differences were not observed between the groups in gestational age, preterm birth, birth weight and low birth weight, although we noted a tendency towards poorer neonatal outcomes in the azoospermia categories. The overall perinatal death and malformation rates were 2.8% and 1.6%, respectively, and the results did not differ between the groups. We identified 20 published studies that directly compared pregnancy outcomes between obstructive azoospermia and nonobstructive azoospermia. Most of these studies were not designed to detect differences in live birth rates and had lower power to detect differences in less frequent outcomes, and the reporting of neonatal outcomes was unusual. The included studies reported either a decrease or no difference in pregnancy outcomes with intracytoplasmic sperm injection in cases of nonobstructive azoospermia and obstructive azoospermia. In general, no major differences were noted in short-term neonatal outcomes and congenital malformation rates between children from fathers with nonobstructive azoospermia and obstructive azoospermia

Caracterização das explorações de ovinos Serra da Estrela

A raça ovina serra da estrela tem o seu solar ao largo da nascente da bacia hidrográfica do rio Mondego. Com um efectivo actual de cerca de 90000 cabeças e encabeçamento de 35,8, esta raça autóctone de vocação predominantemente leiteira, apresenta na rusticidade, uma característica fundamental para a sua adaptação ao sistema semi-extensivo em que é explorada. A alimentação é feita à base de pastagens naturais e melhoradas, forragens e concentrados apenas durante o alavão. Nos ovis predominam as construções próprias para o efeito, utilizando tanto o sistema de camas de mato ou palha, como o ripado. As condições higiosanitárias da maioria das explorações são ainda muito deficitárias quer ao nível da qualidade das estruturas quer ao nível do maneio dos animais. Aquando da selecção das explorações foram tomados em conta, entre outros, critérios como a dimensão do efectivo, a indemnidade em relação à Brucelose, o tipo de maneio, bem como a existência de suspeita clínica O sobredimensionamento das explorações, a não existência de maternidades e parques de recria, comedouros e bebedouros mal dimensionados, a ausência de instalações para isolamento de animais doentes ou suspeitos, foram também identificados como factores predisponentes ao aparecimento e manutenção nas explorações de doenças com características epidemiológicas semelhantes à paratuberculose. O exame clínico de alguns animais destas explorações revelou a existência de animais com acentuadas quebras de produção, emagrecimento progressivo, diarreia terminal e edema intermandibular, compatíveis com um quadro sintomático de Paratuberculose ovina.Agradecimentos: Ao Projecto Agro 786, Medida 8. Desenvolvimento Tecnológico e Demonstração. Acção 8.1-Desenvolvimento Experimental e Demonstração, bem como a todas as entidades nele interveniente