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In this paper, we introduced a recently developed image-based model alignment technique for 3D reconstruction of large-scale indoor corridors. The proposed participatory model alignment technique enables crowd source single image-based modeling since it allows various participants to incorporate their images taken from different cameras for large-scale indoor mapping. This technique is robust against changes of camera orientation and prevents miss-association of a newly generated 3D model to the previously integrated models. To investigate the possibility of aligning two individual 3D models, their respective corridor topological graphs must match, and they need to geometrically transform into the same object space. Here 3D affine transformation is applied, and the transformation parameters are estimated through corresponding vertices of both 3D models. Having integrated two models in the same 3D space, they will be back projected into the image space for evaluation using Direct Linear Transformation. Note that the proposed method performs layout model matching in image space and considers information including layout topology and geometry as well as image information to address model alignment. The advantages of using layout information in the proposed alignment technique are twofold. First, a metric constraint is imposed to insure topological model consistency and balance 3D models scale issues. Second, it will reduce alignment ambiguity related to indoor corridor scenes, where the scene is enriched with multiple structural elements including various corridors junctions. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, we have performed the experiments on a data set collected from Ross building corridors at York University. This dataset includes single images captured by a handheld wide-angle camera. The obtained results present the ability of the proposed method in alignment of single image-based 3D models while producing limited geometric errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NIO1 (Negative Ion Optimization phase 1) source can provide continuous beam operation, which is convenient for systematic parameter and equipment studies. Even in the pure volume production regime, the source yield was found to depend on conditioning procedures. Magnetic configuration tests continued adding magnets to the existing setup; the filter field component Bx has been progressively extended to span the −12 to 5 mT range, and as a trend, source performances improved with |Bx|. The progress of camera beam diagnostics and of the quality of the volume-produced H− beam is also shown. The status, off-line results, and reliability of a first NIO1 cesium oven are discussed; other upgrades in preparation (cavity ring down spectrometer, the end calorimeter, and conceptual tests of the energy recovery system) are also listed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Echocardiography is frequently used as a screening test for cardiac disease in patients with syncope despite the lack of published data describing its utility in this regard. The goal of the study was to examine the frequency with which echocardiography was used in the evaluation of patients admitted to one medical center because of syncope and to examine the diagnostic information, over and above that provided by the initial history, physical examination, and electrocardiography, contributed by the echocardiogram.Design: A retrospective review was performed of all patients admitted to the study institution because of syncope over a seven-month period.Setting: University teaching hospital in an urban setting of 2.5 million population.Patients/participants: One hundred twenty-eight patients were identified: 47 men and 81 women (average age 67 +/- 17 years). Patients for whom syncope was of a known cause, those with near-syncope or vertigo, those with clinically obvious seizure, or those referred for electrophysiologic testing were excluded, leaving 128 patients for analysis. Details from the admission history, physical examination, and electrocardiography for each patient were recorded. The results of all other diagnostic tests ordered to evaluate syncope were recorded along with any consultations obtained. The cause of syncope was assigned by examining all physicians' notes and test results and with the use of previously published diagnostic criteria as guidelines.Measurements and Main Results: Ninety percent of the patients underwent cardiac testing other than routine electrocardiography and continuous telemetry monitoring while in the hospital. An echocardiogram was obtained for 64% of the patients and did not reveal an unsuspected cause for syncope in any case. The echocardiogram was normal for 52% of the patients undergoing the test. Echocardiograms of patients with syncope and no clinical evidence of heart disease by history, physical examination, or electrocardiography either were normal (63%) or provided no useful additional information for arriving at a diagnosis (37%). Nearly half (46%) of the patients undergoing echocardiography fit this clinical profile. Among the patients for whom cardiac disease was suspected after history, physical examination, or electrocardiography, the echocardiogram confirmed the suspected diagnosis for 48% and served to rule out a suspected diagnosis for the remaining 52%. In no instance did echocardiography provide an unsuspected cause for syncope. The history, physical examination, and initial electrocardiography provided sufficient information to permit a diagnosis to be made for 37 of the 48 patients (77%) for whom a cause of syncope was ultimately determined.Conclusion: Echocardiography was frequently used in the evaluation of patients admitted to the hospital because of syncope of unclear cause. For patients without suspected cardiac disease after history, physical examination, and electrocardiography, the echocardiogram did not appear to provide additional useful information, suggesting that syncope alone may not be an indication for echocardiography. For patients with suspected heart disease, echocardiography served to confirm or refute the suspicious in equal proportions. These data provide an objective basis to prospectively define the optimal role of echocardiography in the evaluation of patients with syncope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]