SEGMENT3D: A Web-based Application for Collaborative Segmentation of 3D images used in the Shoot Apical Meristem

The quantitative analysis of 3D confocal microscopy images of the shoot apical meristem helps understanding the growth process of some plants. Cell segmentation in these images is crucial for computational plant analysis and many automated methods have been proposed. However, variations in signal intensity across the image mitigate the effectiveness of those approaches with no easy way for user correction. We propose a web-based collaborative 3D image segmentation application, SEGMENT3D, to leverage automatic segmentation results. The image is divided into 3D tiles that can be either segmented interactively from scratch or corrected from a pre-existing segmentation. Individual segmentation results per tile are then automatically merged via consensus analysis and then stitched to complete the segmentation for the entire image stack. SEGMENT3D is a comprehensive application that can be applied to other 3D imaging modalities and general objects. It also provides an easy way to create supervised data to advance segmentation using machine learning models

Quantum Spectra of Triangular Billiards on the Sphere

We study the quantal energy spectrum of triangular billiards on a spherical surface. Group theory yields analytical results for tiling billiards while the generic case is treated numerically. We find that the statistical properties of the spectra do not follow the standard random matrix results and their peculiar behaviour can be related to the corresponding classical phase space structure.Comment: 18 pages, 5 eps figure

Stellar 3-D kinematics in the Draco dwarf spheroidal galaxy

Aims. We present the first three-dimensional internal motions for individual stars in the Draco dwarf spheroidal galaxy. Methods. By combining first-epoch $Hubble$ $Space$ $Telescope$ observations and second-epoch $Gaia$ Data Release 2 positions, we measured the proper motions of $149$ sources in the direction of Draco. We determined the line-of-sight velocities for a sub-sample of $81$ red giant branch stars using medium resolution spectra acquired with the DEIMOS spectrograph at the Keck II telescope. Altogether, this resulted in a final sample of $45$ Draco members with high-precision and accurate 3D motions, which we present as a table in this paper. Results. Based on this high-quality dataset, we determined the velocity dispersions at a projected distance of $\sim120$ pc from the centre of Draco to be $\sigma_{R} =11.0^{+2.1}_{-1.5}$ km/s, $\sigma_{T}=9.9^{+2.3}_{-3.1}$ km/s and $\sigma_{LOS}=9.0^{+1.1}_{-1.1}$ km/s in the projected radial, tangential, and line-of-sight directions. This results in a velocity anisotropy $\beta=0.25^{+0.47}_{-1.38}$ at $r \gtrsim120$ pc. Tighter constraints may be obtained using the spherical Jeans equations and assuming constant anisotropy and Navarro-Frenk-White (NFW) mass profiles, also based on the assumption that the 3D velocity dispersion should be lower than $\approx 1/3$ of the escape velocity of the system. In this case, we constrain the maximum circular velocity $V_{max}$ of Draco to be in the range of $10.2-17.0$ km/s. The corresponding mass range is in good agreement with previous estimates based on line-of-sight velocities only. Conclusions. Our Jeans modelling supports the case for a cuspy dark matter profile in this galaxy. Firmer conclusions may be drawn by applying more sophisticated models to this dataset and with new datasets from upcoming $Gaia$ releases.Comment: 12 pages, 15 figures, 3 tables. Accepted for publication by A&

Cell Segmentation in 3D Confocal Images using Supervoxel Merge-Forests with CNN-based Hypothesis Selection

Automated segmentation approaches are crucial to quantitatively analyze large-scale 3D microscopy images. Particularly in deep tissue regions, automatic methods still fail to provide error-free segmentations. To improve the segmentation quality throughout imaged samples, we present a new supervoxel-based 3D segmentation approach that outperforms current methods and reduces the manual correction effort. The algorithm consists of gentle preprocessing and a conservative super-voxel generation method followed by supervoxel agglomeration based on local signal properties and a postprocessing step to fix under-segmentation errors using a Convolutional Neural Network. We validate the functionality of the algorithm on manually labeled 3D confocal images of the plant Arabidopis thaliana and compare the results to a state-of-the-art meristem segmentation algorithm.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, 1 tabl

IDF relationships for short duration rainfall

The intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) relationships bound rainfall intensity to duration and return period. These relationships are commonly used as an input in design of many hydraulic structures and drainage systems. Empirical IDF are estimated on the basis of recorded maximum annual precipitation of given durations, often ranging from 1 h to 24 h. For shorter durations, extrapolations are applied. In this paper, maximum annual precipitation for durations shorter than 1 h (namely, 30 min and 10 min) are evaluated using a rainfall disaggregation model and then used for the evaluation of the IDF relationship. A comparison of values obtained with the extrapolated values is then performed, and the results are discussed. Keywords: intensity-duration-frequency curves, rainfall disaggregation, entropy. © 2013 AIP Publishing LLC

Optically switched magnetism in photovoltaic perovskite CH3_3NH3_3(Mn:Pb)I3_3

The demand for ever-increasing density of information storage and speed of manipulation boosts an intense search for new magnetic materials and novel ways of controlling the magnetic bit. Here, we report the synthesis of a ferromagnetic photovoltaic CH$_3$NH$_3$(Mn:Pb)I$_3$ material in which the photo-excited electrons rapidly melt the local magnetic order through the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interactions without heating up the spin system. Our finding offers an alternative, very simple and efficient way of optical spin control, and opens an avenue for applications in low power, light controlling magnetic devices

Non \ue8 pi\uf9 quella di una volta. La mafia e le attivit\ue0 estorsive in Sicilia

Il volume presenta i risultati di una ricerca volta alla descrizione dei fenomeni estorsivi e della loro intensit\ue0 in Sicilia, raccontando, sulla base di appositi parametri oggettivi e di valutazioni soggettive degli esponenti del mondo delle associazioni e delle forze dell\u2019ordine, le aree pi\uf9 esposte, quelle meno esposte, quelle dove i fenomeni hanno una rilevanza residuale, in una fase in cui i sodalizi mafiosi sono sempre pi\uf9 pressati dall\u2019azione di contrasto. Per raggiungere questo obiettivo ci si \ue8 avvalsi di strumenti qualitativi e dati quantitativi, approfondendo l\u2019analisi delle trasformazioni delle condotte estorsive durante la crisi, concentrandosi in modo specifico su casi emersi nell\u2019ambito di recenti inchieste giudiziarie. Il libro ricostruisce anche la prospettiva e le difficolt\ue0 di alcuni imprenditori siciliani che, dopo aver pagato il pizzo, hanno scelto di denunciare i propri estorsori e di collaborare con le istituzioni

Space and Time Variability of Detachment-Versus Ramp-Dominated Thrusting: Insights From the Outer Albanides

Despite their markedly different structural setting, the northern and southern outer Albanides share a common tectonic evolution from detachment-dominated to ramp-dominated, basement-involved thrusting. The former process (mainly Oligocene to Miocene) is essentially related with the occurrence of a thick decollement level represented by Triassic evaporites, while the latter involves basement ramps splaying out from a middle crustal decollement. As this weak crustal layer is inherited from the Mesozoic rifting stage, the original continental margin architecture is interpreted to strongly influence subsequent convergent deformation. The profoundly different nature of the two dominant decollements in the study area controlled the structural style of the fold and thrust belt. The decoupling capacity of the upper decollement is strongly dependent on the thickness of the Triassic evaporites. Where this is significant (>> 1 km; southern outer Albanides), the occurrence of such a thick incompetent layer at the base of competent carbonate units favored the development of break-thrust folds and imbrication of the sedimentary cover. Fold and thrust belt propagation was instead hindered where original stratigraphic variations resulted in a reduced thickness (<= 1 km) of Triassic evaporites. On the other hand, the deeper middle crustal decollement is controlled by basement rheology. Its reactivation during plate convergence was assisted by collision-related thermal weakening of the crust. This process governed late-stage (<5 Ma) crustal-scale tectonic inversion and plays a major role in controlling present-day seismicity