Enhancing image captioning with depth information using a Transformer-based framework

Captioning images is a challenging scene-understanding task that connects computer vision and natural language processing. While image captioning models have been successful in producing excellent descriptions, the field has primarily focused on generating a single sentence for 2D images. This paper investigates whether integrating depth information with RGB images can enhance the captioning task and generate better descriptions. For this purpose, we propose a Transformer-based encoder-decoder framework for generating a multi-sentence description of a 3D scene. The RGB image and its corresponding depth map are provided as inputs to our framework, which combines them to produce a better understanding of the input scene. Depth maps could be ground truth or estimated, which makes our framework widely applicable to any RGB captioning dataset. We explored different fusion approaches to fuse RGB and depth images. The experiments are performed on the NYU-v2 dataset and the Stanford image paragraph captioning dataset. During our work with the NYU-v2 dataset, we found inconsistent labeling that prevents the benefit of using depth information to enhance the captioning task. The results were even worse than using RGB images only. As a result, we propose a cleaned version of the NYU-v2 dataset that is more consistent and informative. Our results on both datasets demonstrate that the proposed framework effectively benefits from depth information, whether it is ground truth or estimated, and generates better captions. Code, pre-trained models, and the cleaned version of the NYU-v2 dataset will be made publically available.Comment: 19 pages, 5 figures, 13 table

Requirements for E1A dependent transcription in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The human adenovirus type 5 early region 1A (E1A) gene encodes proteins that are potent regulators of transcription. E1A does not bind DNA directly, but is recruited to target promoters by the interaction with sequence specific DNA binding proteins. In mammalian systems, E1A has been shown to contain two regions that can independently induce transcription when fused to a heterologous DNA binding domain. When expressed in <it>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</it>, each of these regions of E1A also acts as a strong transcriptional activator. This allows yeast to be used as a model system to study mechanisms by which E1A stimulates transcription.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Using 81 mutant yeast strains, we have evaluated the effect of deleting components of the ADA, COMPASS, CSR, INO80, ISW1, NuA3, NuA4, Mediator, PAF, RSC, SAGA, SAS, SLIK, SWI/SNF and SWR1 transcriptional regulatory complexes on E1A dependent transcription. In addition, we examined the role of histone H2B ubiquitylation by Rad6/Bre1 on transcriptional activation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our analysis indicates that the two activation domains of E1A function via distinct mechanisms, identify new factors regulating E1A dependent transcription and suggest that yeast can serve as a valid model system for at least some aspects of E1A function.</p

Seatbelt syndrome associated with an isolated rectal injury: case report

Seatbelt syndrome is defined as a seatbelt sign associated with a lumbar spine fracture and a bowel perforation. An isolated rectal perforation due to seatbelt syndrome is extremely rare. There is only one case reported in the Danish literature and non in the English literature. A 48-year old front seat restrained passenger was involved in a head-on collision. He had lower abdominal pain and back pain. Seatbelt mark was seen across the lower abdomen. Initial trauma CT scan was normal except for a burst fracture of L5 vertebra which was operated on by internal fixation on the same day. The patient continued to have abdominal pain. A repeated abdominal CT scan on the third day has shown free intraperitoneal air. Laparotomy has revealed a perforation of the proximal part of the rectum below the recto sigmoid junction. Hartmann's procedure was performed. The abdomen was left open. Gradual closure of the abdominal fascia over a period of two weeks was performed. Postoperatively, the patient had temporary urinary retention due to quada equina injury which resolved 10 months after surgery. The presence of a seatbelt sign and a lumbar fracture should raise the possibility of a bowel injury

Histomorphometry aspect of thyroid gland and biochemical profile in pregnant and non-pregnant dromedary camels

Modulation of body physiology and metabolism is a prerequisite for successful pregnancy in camels, which is about a year and few months. The present study was carried out to verify the effect of pregnancy on histomorphometry and functional traits of thyroid gland, as well as some biochemical indices of liver and kidney functions and mineral profile in one humped camels, under Egyptian climatic conditions or desert conditions. The thyroid tissues were fixed in 10% formalin solution and processed following routine histological techniques after gross examination and biometric assessment. Serum levels of thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine, thyroxineand thyroid stimulating hormone), serum blood metabolites (total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine), liver enzymatic activity (aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)), and minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus) were estimated in pregnant (n=30) and non-pregnant (n=30) camels. There were no significant differences between the right and left thyroid lobes between pregnant and non-pregnant camel. Pregnant status in camels had insignificant influence on histological and functional traits of thyroid as well as serum blood metabolites, liver enzymes and minerals levels, as compared with non-pregnant animals during the first six months of pregnancy. Therefore, reproductive status (during early pregnancy) has no substantial effect on camel physiological mechanisms or metabolic activity.Key words: Biochemical, dromedary, histology, thyroid gland, thyroid hormones

Influence of Bagging on the Development and Quality of Fruits

none8siFruit quality is certainly influenced by biotic and abiotic factors, and a main quality attribute is the external appearance of the fruit. Various possible agronomical approaches are able to regulate the fruit microenvironment and, consequently, improve fruit quality and market value. Among these, fruit bagging has recently become an integral part of fruits’ domestic and export markets in countries such as Japan, China, Korea Australia and the USA because it is a safe and ecofriendly technique to protect fruits from multiple stresses, preserving or improving the overall quality. Despite increasing global importance, the development of suitable bagging materials and, above all, their use in the field is quite laborious, so that serious efforts are required to enhance and standardize bagging material according to the need of the crops/fruits. This review provides information about the effects of bagging technique on the fruit aspect and texture, which are the main determinants of consumer choiceopenMuhammad Moaaz Ali; Raheel Anwar; Ahmed F. Yousef; Binqi Li; Andrea Luvisi; Luigi DE BELLIS; Alessio Aprile; Faxing ChenMoaaz Ali, Muhammad; Anwar, Raheel; Yousef, Ahmed F.; Li, Binqi; Luvisi, Andrea; DE BELLIS, Luigi; Aprile, Alessio; Chen, Faxin

Adenovirus E1A directly targets the E2F/DP-1 complex

Deregulation of the cell cycle is of paramount importance during adenovirus infection. Adenovirus normally infects quiescent cells and must initiate the cell cycle in order to propagate itself. The pRb family of proteins controls entry into the cell cycle by interacting with and repressing transcriptional activation by the E2F transcription factors. The viral E1A proteins indirectly activate E2F-dependent transcription and cell cycle entry, in part, by interacting with pRb and family members to free the E2Fs. We report here that an E1A 13S isoform can unexpectedly activate E2F-responsive gene expression independently of binding to the pRb family of proteins. We demonstrate that E1A binds to E2F/DP-1 complexes through a direct interaction with DP-1. E1A appears to utilize this binding to recruit itself to E2F-regulated promoters, and this allows the E1A 13S protein, but not the E1A 12S protein, to activate transcription independently of interaction with pRb. Importantly, expression of E1A 13S, but not E1A 12S, led to significant enhancement of E2F4 occupancy of E2F sites of two E2F-regulated promoters. These observations identify a novel mechanism by which adenovirus deregulates the cell cycle and suggest that E1A 13S may selectively activate a subset of E2F-regulated cellular genes during infection. © 2011, American Society for Microbiology

Depression following major life transitions in women: a review and theory

Depression can occur due to common major life transitions, such as giving birth, menopause, retirement, empty-nest transition, and midlife crisis. Although some of these transitions are perceived as positive (e.g., giving birth), they may still lead to depression. We conducted a systematic literature review of the factors underlying the occurrence of depression following major life transition in some individuals. This review shows that major common life transitions can cause depression if they are sudden, major, and lead to loss (or change) of life roles (e.g., no longer doing motherly or fatherly chores after children leave family home). Accordingly, we provide a theoretical framework that explains depression caused by transitions in women. One of the most potential therapeutic methods of ameliorating depression associated with life transitions is either helping individuals accept their new roles (e.g., accepting new role as a mother to ameliorate postpartum depression symptoms) or providing them with novel life roles (e.g., volunteering after retirement or children leave family home) may help them overcome their illness

New analysis of VSC-based modular multilevel DC-DC converter with low interfacing inductor for hybrid LCC/VSC HVDC network interconnections

The integration of multiterminal hybrid HVDC grids connecting LCC- and VSC-based networks faces several technical challenges such as DC fault isolation, ensuring multi-vendor interoperability, managing high DC voltage levels, and facilitating high-speed power reversal without interruptions. The two-stage DC-DC converter emerges as a key solution to address these challenges. By implementing the modular multilevel converter (MMC) structure, the converter's basic topology includes half-bridge sub-modules on the VSC side and full-bridge sub-modules on the LCC side. However, while this topology has been discussed in the literature, its connection to an LCC-based network with controlled current magnitude lacks detailed analysis regarding operational challenges, control strategies under various scenarios, and design considerations. This paper fills this gap by providing comprehensive mathematical analysis, design insights, and control strategies for the modular DC-DC converter to regulate DC voltage on the LCC-HVDC side. Additionally, the proposed control scheme minimizes the interfacing inductor between the two bridges, ensuring uninterrupted power flow during reversal and effective handling of DC faults. Validation through Control-Hardware-in-the-Loop testing across diverse operational and fault scenarios, along with a comparative analysis of different converters, further strengthens the findings