3,630 research outputs found
An original application of image recognition based location in complex indoor environments
This paper describes the first results of an image recognition based location (IRBL) for a mobile application focusing on the procedure to generate a database of range images (RGB-D). In an indoor environment, to estimate the camera position and orientation, a prior spatial knowledge of the surroundings is needed. To achieve this objective, a complete 3D survey of two different environments (Bangbae metro station of Seoul and the Electronic and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) building in Daejeon, Republic of Korea) was performed using a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) instrument, and the obtained scans were processed to obtain a spatial model of the environments. From this, two databases of reference images were generated using specific software realised by the Geomatics group of Politecnico di Torino (ScanToRGBDImage). This tool allows us to generate synthetically different RGB-D images centred in each scan position in the environment. Later, the external parameters (X, Y, Z, Ï, Ï, and Îș) and the range information extracted from the retrieved database images are used as reference information for pose estimation of a set of acquired mobile pictures in the IRBL procedure. In this paper, the survey operations, the approach for generating the RGB-D images, and the IRB strategy are reported. Finally, the analysis of the results and the validation test are described
Universal control of quantum subspaces and subsystems
We describe a broad dynamical-algebraic framework for analyzing the quantum
control properties of a set of naturally available interactions. General
conditions under which universal control is achieved over a set of
subspaces/subsystems are found. All known physical examples of universal
control on subspaces/systems are related to the framework developed here.Comment: 4 Pages RevTeX, Some typos fixed, references adde
Quantum Entanglement in Fermionic Lattices
The Fock space of a system of indistinguishable particles is isomorphic (in a
non-unique way) to the state-space of a composite i.e., many-modes, quantum
system. One can then discuss quantum entanglement for fermionic as well as
bosonic systems. We exemplify the use of this notion -central in quantum
information - by studying some e.g., Hubbard,lattice fermionic models relevant
to condensed matter physics.Comment: 4 Pages LaTeX, 1 TeX Figure. Presentation improved, title changed. To
appear in PR
Multiple in vitro and in vivo regulatory effects of budesonide in CD4+ T lymphocyte subpopulations of allergic asthmatics.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Increased activation and increased survival of T lymphocytes characterise bronchial asthma.
OBJECTIVES:
In this study the effect of budesonide on T cell survival, on inducible co-stimulator T cells (ICOS), on Foxp3 and on IL-10 molecules in T lymphocyte sub-populations was assessed.
METHODS:
Cell survival (by annexin V binding) and ICOS in total lymphocytes, in CD4+/CD25+ and in CD4+/CD25- and Foxp3 and IL-10 in CD4+/CD25+ and in CD4+/CD25-cells was evaluated, by cytofluorimetric analysis, in mild intermittent asthmatics (n = 19) and in controls (n = 15). Allergen induced T lymphocyte proliferation and the in vivo effects of budesonide in mild persistent asthmatics (n = 6) were also explored.
RESULTS:
Foxp3 was reduced in CD4+/CD25- and in CD4+/CD25+ cells and ICOS was reduced in CD4+/CD25+ cells but it was increased in CD4+CD25-in asthmatics when compared to controls. In asthmatics, in vitro, budesonide was able to: 1) increase annexin V binding and to reduce ICOS in total lymphocytes; 2) increase annexin V binding and Foxp3 and to reduce ICOS in CD4+/CD25- cells; 3) reduce annexin V binding and to increase IL-10 and ICOS in CD4+/CD25+ cells; 4) reduce cell allergen induced proliferation. In vivo, budesonide increased ICOS in CD4+/CD25+ while it increased Foxp3 and IL-10 in CD4+/CD25+ and in CD4+/CD25- cells.
CONCLUSIONS:
Budesonide modulates T cell survival, ICOS, Foxp3 and IL-10 molecules differently in T lymphocyte sub-populations. The findings provided shed light on new mechanisms by which corticosteroids, drugs widely used for the clinical management of bronchial asthma, control T lymphocyte activation
Rhodium(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene catalyst for selective coupling of N-vinylpyrazoles with alkynes via C-H activation
The complex [Rh(ÎŒ-Cl)(IPr)(η2-coe)]2 {IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-carbene, coe = cis-cyclooctene} efficiently catalyzes the coupling of alkynes and N-vinylpyrazole via CâH activation, leading to Markovnikov-selective butadienylpyrazole derivatives under mild conditions. A straightforward approach to cross-conjugated acyclic trienes is also operative through a one-pot alkyne dimerization-hydrovinylation tandem reaction. The proposed mechanism involves CâH activation of vinylpyrazole directed by nitrogen coordination to the metallic center. Subsequent alkyne coordination, insertion, and reductive elimination steps lead to the coupling products. Several key intermediates participating in the catalytic cycle have been detected and characterized, including a Îș-N, η2-CâC coordinated vinylpyrazole complex and a RhIII-hydride-alkenyl species resulting from the CâH activation of the vinylpyrazole.Financial support from the Spanish Ministerio de EconomĂa y Competitividad (MEC/FEDER) of Spain Projects (CTQ2010-15221), the DiputaciĂłn General de AragĂłn (E07), the ARAID Foundation, and CONSOLIDER INGENIO-2010, under the Project MULTICAT (CSD2009-00050) are gratefully acknowledged. L. R.-P. thanks CONACyT (Mexico, 186898 and 204033) for a postdoctoral fellowship.Peer Reviewe
Clinical presentation of strokes confined to the insula: a systematic review of literature
Background and purpose The insular cortex serves a wide variety of functions in humans, ranging from sensory and affective processing to high-level cognition. Hence, insular dysfunction may result in several different presentations. Ischemic strokes limited to the insular territory are rare and deserve a better characterization, to be quickly recognized and to receive the appropriate treatment (e.g. thrombolysis).
Methods We reviewed studies on patients with a first-ever acute stroke restricted to the insula. We searched in the Medline database the keywords âinsular strokeâ and âinsular infarctionâ, to identify previously published cases. Afterwards, the results were divided depending on the specific insular region affected by the stroke: anterior insular cortex (AIC), posterior insular cortex (PIC) or total insula cortex (TIC). Finally, a review of the clinical correlates associated with each region was performed. Results We identified 25 reports including a total of 49 patients (59.7 ± 15.5 years, 48% male) from systematic review of the literature. The most common clinical phenotypes were motor and somatosensory deficits, dysarthria, aphasia and a vestibular-like syndrome. Atypical presentations were also common and included dysphagia, awareness deficits, gustatory disturbances, dysautonomia, neuropsychiatric or auditory disturbances and headache.
Conclusions The clinical presentation of insular strokes is heterogeneous; however, an insular stroke should be suspected when vestibular-like, somatosensory, speech or language disturbances are combined in the same patient. Further studies are needed to improve our understanding of more atypical presentations
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