Symmetry Coefficient Research Articles

Label free cell-tracking and division detection based on 2D time-lapse images for lineage analysis of early embryo development

In this paper we report a database and a series of techniques related to the problem of tracking cells, and detecting their divisions, in time-lapse movies of mammalian embryos. Our contributions are (1) a method for counting embryos in a well, and cropping each individual embryo across frames, to create individual movies for cell tracking; (2) a semi-automated method for cell tracking that works up to the 8-cell stage, along with a software implementation available to the public (this software was used to build the reported database); (3) an algorithm for automatic tracking up to the 4-cell stage, based on histograms of mirror symmetry coefficients captured using wavelets; (4) a cell-tracking database containing 100 annotated examples of mammalian embryos up to the 8-cell stage; and (5) statistical analysis of various timing distributions obtained from those examples.

Symmetry energy: nuclear masses and neutron stars

We describe the main features of our most recent Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov nuclear mass models, based on 16-parameter generalized Skyrme forces. They have been fitted to the data of the 2012 Atomic Mass Evaluation, and favour a value of 30MeV for the symmetry coefficient J , the corresponding root-mean square deviation being 0.549MeV. We find that this conclusion is compatible with measurements of neutron-skin thickness. By constraining the underlying interactions to fit various equations of state of neutron matter calculated ab initio our models are well adapted to a realistic and unified treatment of all regions of neutron stars. We use our models to calculate the composition, the equation of state, the mass-radius relation and the maximum mass. Comparison with observations of neutron stars again favours a value of J = 30 MeV.

Symmetry energy II: Isobaric analog states

Using excitation energies to isobaric analog states (IAS) and charge invariance, we extract nuclear symmetry coefficients, from a mass formula, on a nucleus-by-nucleus basis. Consistently with charge invariance, the coefficients vary weakly across an isobaric chain. However, they change strongly with nuclear mass and range from a_a~10 MeV at mass A~10 to a_a~22 MeV at A~240. Following the considerations of a Hohenberg-Kohn functional for nuclear systems, we determine how to find in practice the symmetry coefficient using neutron and proton densities, even when those densities are simultaneously affected by significant symmetry-energy and Coulomb effects. These results facilitate extracting the symmetry coefficients from Skyrme-Hartree-Fock (SHF) calculations, that we carry out using a variety of Skyrme parametrizations in the literature. For the parametrizations, we catalog novel short-wavelength instabilities. In comparing the SHF and IAS results for the symmetry coefficients, we arrive at narrow (+-2.4 MeV) constraints on the symmetry energy values S(rho) at 0.04<rho<0.13 fm^-3. Towards normal density the constraints significantly widen, but the normal value of energy a_a^V and the slope parameter L are found to be strongly correlated. To narrow the constraints, we reach for the measurements of asymmetry skins and arrive at a_a^V=(30.2-33.7) MeV and L=(35-70) MeV, with those values being again strongly positively correlated along the diagonal of their combined region. Inclusion of the skin constraints allows to narrow the constraints on S(rho), at 0.04<rho<0.13 fm^-3, down to +-1.1 MeV. Several microscopic calculations, including variational, Bruckner-Hartree-Fock and Dirac-Bruckner-Hartree-Fock, are consistent with our constraint region on S(rho).

Further explorations of Skyrme-Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov mass formulas. XIII. The 2012 atomic mass evaluation and the symmetry coefficient

Our family of three Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (HFB) mass models, labeled BSk19, BSk20, and BSk21, is here extended by (a) refitting to the 2012 Atomic Mass Evaluation (AME), and (b) varying the symmetry coefficient $J$. Five new models, labeled BSk22 to BSk26, along with their mass tables, HFB-22 to HFB-26, respectively, are presented. These models are characterized by unconventional Skyrme forces containing ${t}_{4}$ and ${t}_{5}$ terms, i.e., density-dependent generalizations of the usual ${t}_{1}$ and ${t}_{2}$ terms, respectively. Highly realistic contact pairing forces are used. The Skyrme forces are constrained to fit realistic equations of state of neutron matter stiff enough to support the massive neutron stars PSR J1614$\ensuremath{-}$2230 and PSR J0348+0432. Unphysical spin and spin-isospin instabilities of homogeneous nuclear matter, including the transition to a polarized state in neutron-star matter, are eliminated with the new forces. The best fits to the new database of 2353 nuclei are found for models BSk24 ($J=30$ MeV) and BSk25 ($J=29$ MeV), for which the root-mean square (rms) deviations are 0.55 and 0.54 MeV, respectively. Despite the larger database this is even better than the rms deviation of 0.58 MeV that we found with our fits to the 2003 AME. With $J=32$ MeV the rms deviation rises to 0.63 MeV. The neutron-skin thicknesses derived from antiproton scattering are shown to be consistent with the conclusions that we have drawn from masses.

Influence of plastic strain on the hydrogen evolution reaction on nickel (100) single crystal surfaces to improve hydrogen embrittlement

Hydrogen-induced embrittlement can be accountable for premature failure of structure in relation with physical and/or chemical processes occurring on material's surface or in the bulk of the material. Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) corresponding to the early step of hydrogen ingress in the material is explored in present study in relation with plastic strain. HER on nickel (100) single crystal in sulphuric acid medium can be related by a Volmer–Heyrovsky mechanism. The corresponding elementary kinetic parameters as symmetry coefficients, activation enthalpies, and number of active sites have been identified via a thermokinetic model using experimental data. These parameters can be affected by defects associated with plastic strain. Irreversible plastic strain modifies the density and the distribution of storage dislocations affecting the surface roughness at atomic scale and generating additional active adsorption sites. Furthermore, surface emergence of mobile dislocations induces the formation of slip bands, which modify the surface roughness and the electronic state of the surface and increases the (111) surface density. The consequence of plastic strain on HER is explored and discussed in relation with both processes.

Fourier-space TEM reconstructions with symmetry adapted functions for all rotational point groups

A general-purpose and simple expression for the coefficients of symmetry adapted functions referred to conveniently oriented symmetry axes is given for all rotational point groups. The expression involves the computation of reduced Wigner-matrix elements corresponding to an angle specific to each group and has the computational advantage of leading to Fourier-space TEM (transmission electron microscopy) reconstruction procedures involving only real valued unknowns. Using this expression, a protocol for ab initio view and center assignment and reconstruction so far used for icosahedral particles has been tested with experimental data in other point groups.

Origin of symmetry energy in finite nuclei and density dependence of nuclear matter symmetry energy from measuredα-decay energies

Based on the Skyrme energy density functional, the spatial distribution of the symmetry energy of a finite nucleus is derived in order to examine whether the symmetry energy of a finite nucleus originates from its interior or from its surface. It is found that the surface part of a heavy nucleus contributes dominantly to its symmetry energy compared to its inner part. The symmetry energy coefficient $a_{\text{sym}}({A})$ is then directly extracted and the ratio of the surface symmetry coefficient to the volume symmetry coefficient $\kappa$ is estimated. Meanwhile, with the help of experimental alpha decay energies, a macroscopic method is developed to determine the symmetry energy coefficient of heavy nuclei. The resultant $a_{\text{sym}}({A})$ is used to analyze the density dependence of the symmetry energy coefficient of nuclear matter around the saturation density, and furthermore, the neutron skin thickness of $^{208}\text{Pb}$ is deduced which is consistent with the pygmy dipole resonance analysis. In addition, it is shown that the ratio $\kappa$ obtained from the macroscopic method is in agreement with that from the Skyrme energy density functional. Thus the two completely different approaches may validate each other to achieve more compelling results.

Separation system suitability (3S): a new criterion of chromatogram classification in HPLC based on cross-evaluation of separation capacity/peak symmetry and its application to complex mixtures of anthraquinones

A comparison of chromatograms obtained in a series of separation conditions for a given complex mixture may be done with a series of chromatographic descriptors. In this study, we used two descriptors: the number of critical pairs and symmetry of peaks, further rescaled and converted to the corresponding critical pairs' coefficient (CPc) and symmetry coefficient (Sc). Considering the difficulty of appreciating global separation quality using CPc and Sc criteria separately, as their respective values are usually uncorrelated, a double-criteria cross-evaluation system was required. For that purpose we tested the commonly used multi-criteria decision-making method - Derringer's desirability function (D) - as well as the recently introduced sum of ranking differences (SRD). To facilitate the graphical comparison of both approaches, the desirability function (D) was used in the inverse form (Dinv). The advantages and drawbacks of both evaluation methods, especially the respective under- or over-evaluation of outliers, caused us to introduce a new ranking approach, separation system suitability (3S). The obtained suitability rankings for the three tested approaches (Dinv, SRD and 3S) are different; nevertheless, 3S appears to be the most balanced and the easiest to interpret as well. The approach developed for selection of suitable systems was applied to the problem of separation of complex mixtures through the analysis of a series of standards of anthraquinone derivatives. To judge the pertinence of this evaluation, a sample containing a number of natural anthraquinones extracted from the bark of Indian mulberry (Morinda citrifolia) was analysed. In conclusion, the proposed methodology for the cross-evaluation of the series of chromatograms using single specific descriptors (CPc and Sc) through a global composite descriptor (3S) significantly simplifies the decision that separation systems are the most suitable for the separation of complex target mixtures of compounds.

Synchronization of three homodromy coupled exciters in a non-resonant vibrating system of plane motion

In this paper, the synchronization problem of three homodromy coupled exciters in a non-resonant vibrating system of plane motion is studied. By introducing the average method of modified small parameters, we deduced dimensionless coupling equation of three exciters, which converted the problem of synchronization into that of the existence and stability of zero solutions for the average differential equations of the small parameters. Based on the dimensionless coupling torques and characteristics of the corresponding limited functions, the synchronization criterion for three exciters was derived as the absolute value of dimensionless residual torque difference between arbitrary two motors being less than the maximum of their dimensionless coupling torques. The stability criterion of its synchronous state lies in the double-condition that the inertia coupling matrix is positive definite and all its elements are positive as well. The synchronization determinants are the coefficients of synchronization ability, also called as the general dynamical symmetry coefficients. The double-equilibrium state of the vibrating system is manifested by numeric method, and the numeric and simulation results derived thereof indicate the indispensable and crucial role the structural parameters of the vibrating system play in the stability criterion of synchronous operation. Besides, by adjusting its structural parameters, the elliptical motion of the vibrating system successfully met the requirements in engineering applications.

Temperature dependence of volume and surface symmetry energy coefficients of nuclei

The thermal evolution of the energies and free energies of a set of spherical and near-spherical nuclei spanning the whole periodic table are calculated in the subtracted finite-temperature Thomas–Fermi framework with the zero-range Skyrme-type KDE0 and the finite-range modified Seyler–Blanchard interaction. The calculated energies are subjected to a global fit in the spirit of the liquid-drop model. The extracted parameters in this model reflect the temperature dependence of the volume symmetry and surface symmetry coefficients of finite nuclei, in addition to that of the volume and surface energy coefficients. The temperature dependence of the surface symmetry energy is found to be very substantial whereas that of the volume symmetry energy turns out to be comparatively mild.

Two-stage thermal stimulation of thermoluminescence

A thermoluminescence (TL) model of two-stage stimulation of electrons into the conduction band is discussed. This release of the carriers is assumed to take place via an intermediate localized excited state. Electrons are thermally stimulated from the trap into an excited state and then thermally released into the conduction band from which they may either be retrapped or recombine with holes in centers. The model resembles the previous “semi localized” model, but we concentrate only on recombination of electrons that go through the conduction band. It also bears similarity to the effect of thermally-assisted optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) previously discussed in the literature. The model is studied by solving the set of the relevant four simultaneous differential equations which govern the process during heating or isothermal decay. Using different sets of parameters, we can get pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order as well as intermediate cases, which are identified by their symmetry coefficient. Once the effective order is established, different analytical methods are used to determine the effective activation energy and frequency factor. We used the peak-shape methods, the various heating rate (VHR) method and the method based on the change of phosphorescence decay with temperature. The results are compared to the parameters used in the simulation. In many cases, the effective activation energy is equal to E1 + E2 where E1 and E2 are, respectively, the activation energies for the first and second stage of thermal stimulation. The numerical simulation results are accompanied by an analytical treatment using the usual quasi-steady assumption. Unusual cases, in which the effective frequency factor and the effective retrapping probability coefficient are temperature dependent, are identified. Some cases in which the effective activation energy is close to E1 rather than E1 + E2 are identified and discussed. The relevance of this possible situation to the evaluation of the stability of TL signals is also considered, and a possible effect of anomalous stability is predicted.

A Design Flow for Robust License Plate Localization and Recognition in Complex Scenes

In this paper, we present a new design flow for robust license plate localization and recognition. The algorithm consists of three stages: 1) license plate localization; 2) character segmentation; and 3) feature extraction and character recognition. The algorithm uses Mexican hat operator for edge detection and Euler number of a binary image for identifying the license plate region. A pre-processing step using median filter and contrast enhancement is employed to improve the character segmentation performance in case of low resolution and blur images. A unique feature vector comprised of region properties, projection data and reflection symmetry coefficient has been proposed. Back propagation artificial neural network classifier has been used to train and test the neural network based on the extracted feature. A thorough testing of algorithm is performed on a database with varying test cases in terms of illumination and different plate conditions. Practical considerations like existence of another text block in an image, presence of dirt or shadow on or near license plate region, license plate with rows of characters and sensitivity to license plate dimensions have been addressed. The results are encouraging with success rate of 98.10% for license plate localization and 97.05% for character recognition.

Anatomy of the symmetry energy of dilute nuclear matter

The symmetry energy coefficients of dilute clusterized nuclear matter are evaluated in the $S$-matrix framework. Employing a few different definitions commonly used in the literature for uniform nuclear matter, it is seen that the different definitions lead to perceptibly different results for the symmetry coefficients for dilute nuclear matter. They are found to be higher compared to those obtained for uniform matter in the low density domain. The calculated results are in reasonable consonance with those extracted recently from experimental data.

Zirconium–indium intermetallic compounds investigated by measurements of nuclear electric quadrupole interactions

The nuclear electric quadrupole interaction (QI) of the nuclear probe 111Cd on In sites of intermetallic compounds of the Zr–In system has been investigated as a function of temperature (15 ≤ T ≤ 1200 K) by perturbed angular correlation (PAC) spectroscopy. Zr–In compounds were synthesized by arc-melting of the metallic constituents and doped with 111In, the mother isotope of the probe nucleus by diffusion at 1200 K. Strength, symmetry and temperature coefficient of the electric field gradient (EFG) were determined for four In sites: the two 8 e-sites of ZrIn 2 and sites (2 b, 4 d) of β-ZrIn 3. The temperature dependence of the relative intensities of these sites in the PAC spectra provides information on Zr–In solid state reactions occurring during annealing of arc-molten Zr–In ingots.

Symmetry energy at subnuclear densities deduced from nuclear masses

We examine how nuclear masses are related to the density dependence of the symmetry energy. Using a macroscopic nuclear model we calculate nuclear masses in a way dependent on the equation of state of asymmetric nuclear matter. We find by comparison with empirical two-proton separation energies that a smaller symmetry energy at subnuclear densities, corresponding to a larger density symmetry coefficient L, is favored. This tendency, which is clearly seen for nuclei that are neutron-rich, nondeformed, and light, can be understood from the property of the surface symmetry energy in a compressible liquid-drop picture.

High‐performance liquid chromatography with dual‐wavelength ultraviolet detection for measurement of hinokitiol in personal care products

Hinokitiol is found in the heartwood of several cupressaceous plants and is frequently added to cosmetic products such as hair restorers, skin lotions, and body soaps because of its potent and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. In this study, we established a simple method of hinokitiol determination by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with dual-wavelength ultraviolet detection at 240 and 345 nm, using a reversed-phase C4 column (RP-4). The retention time of hinokitiol was 7.1 min at both wavelengths. The value of the symmetry coefficient of the hinokitiol peak was close to 1 when the RP-4 column, not an RP-8 or RP-18 column, was used. With the RP-4 column, the regression equation for hinokitiol showed good linearity in the range of 0.05-5 microg/ml, with a detection limit (signal-to-noise ratio of 3) of 0.005 microg/ml at 240 nm and 0.01 microg/ml at 345 nm. The coefficients of variation at 240 and 345 nm were less than 8.2% and 8.7%, respectively, and the recovery was good. The proposed method was used for the determination of hinokitiol in commercial hair restorers, skin lotions, and body soaps.

Continuous analysis and monitoring of snores and their relationship to the apnea‐hypopnea index

We used a new automatic snoring detection and analysis system to monitor snoring during full-night polysomnography to assess whether the acoustic characteristics of snores differ in relation to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and to classify subjects according to their AHI. Individual Case-Control Study. Thirty-seven snorers (12 females and 25 males; ages 40-65 years; body mass index (BMI), 29.65 +/- 4.7 kg/m(2)) participated. Subjects were divided into three groups: G1 (AHI <5), G2 (AHI >or=5, <15) and G3 (AHI >or=15). Snore and breathing sounds were recorded with a tracheal microphone throughout 6 hours of nighttime polysomnography. The snoring episodes identified were automatically and continuously analyzed with a previously trained 2-layer feed-forward neural network. Snore number, average intensity, and power spectral density parameters were computed for every subject and compared among AHI groups. Subjects were classified using different AHI thresholds by means of a logistic regression model. There were significant differences in supine position between G1 and G3 in sound intensity; number of snores; standard deviation of the spectrum; power ratio in bands 0-500, 100-500, and 0-800 Hz; and the symmetry coefficient (P < .03). Patients were classified with thresholds AHI = 5 and AHI = 15 with a sensitivity (specificity) of 87% (71%) and 80% (90%), respectively. A new system for automatic monitoring and analysis of snores during the night is presented. Sound intensity and several snore frequency parameters allow differentiation of snorers according to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome severity (OSAS). Automatic snore intensity and frequency monitoring and analysis could be a promising tool for screening OSAS patients, significantly improving the managing of this pathology.

Clinical application of electromyography in patients with myofascial pain syndrome: a case report

The aim of this case report is to give comprehensive information on the clinical use of surface electromyography in clinical practice during diagnostics and treatment. A 23-year-old female patient is presented with complaints of fatigue and pain in chewing muscles with deterioration of the symptoms after mastication. In addition, discomfort while clenching, sleeping disorders and headaches are reported by the patient. Surface electromyography is performed, using the following parameters: bilateral symmetry coefficient for temporalis muscles; bilateral symmetry coefficient for masseter muscles; lateral mandible displacement index; bilateral symmetry coefficient for sternocleidomastoideus muscles; sternocleidomastoideus muscles functional activity coefficient; impact potential of examined muscles. The parameters are used not only in diagnostics, but also in evaluating the treatment progress. It can be concluded application of EMG in clinical practice is useful in the situations such as screening for functional activity of chewing muscles disorders, development of evidence-based treatment protocols and diagnosis of combined dental and neurological pathology.

Symmetry coefficients and incompressibility of clusterized supernova matter

The symmetry energy coefficients, incompressibility, and single-particle and isovector potentials of clusterized dilute nuclear matter are calculated at different temperatures employing the S-matrix approach to the evaluation of the equation of state. Calculations have been extended to understand the aforesaid properties of homogeneous and clusterized supernova matter in the subnuclear density region. A comparison of the results in the S-matrix and mean-field approach reveals some subtle differences in the density and temperature region we explore.

Age- and sex-related changes in the normal human ear

The objective of this study was to supply information about: (1) normal sex-related dimensions of ears (linear distances and ratios, area); (2) left–right symmetry; and (3) growth changes between childhood and old age. The three-dimensional coordinates of several soft-tissue landmarks on the ears and face were obtained by a non-invasive, computerized electromagnetic digitizer in 497 male and 346 female healthy subjects aged 4–73 years. From the landmarks, paired ear width and length, the relevant ratios, ear areas and angles relative to the facial midline, as well as indices of left–right symmetry, were calculated, and averaged for age and sex. Comparisons were performed by factorial analysis of variance. All ear dimensions were significantly larger in men than in women ( p < 0.001). A significant effect of age was found ( p < 0.001), with larger values in older individuals. The ear width-to-length ratio and the sagittal angle of the auricle significantly decreased as a function of age ( p < 0.001) but without sex-related differences. On average, the three-dimensional position of ears was symmetric, with symmetry coefficients ranging between 92% and 96%. Asymmetry was found in the sagittal angle of the auricle (both sexes), in the ear width-to-length ratio and ear width (men only). Data collected in the present investigation could serve as a data base for the quantitative description of human ear morphology and position during normal growth, development and aging. Forensic applications (evaluations of traumas, craniofacial alterations, teratogenic-induced conditions, facial reconstruction, aging of living and dead persons, personal identification) may also benefit from age- and sex-based data banks.