The multiscale hermite transform for local orientation analysis.

The efficient representation of local differential structure at various resolutions has been a matter of great interest for adaptive image processing and computer vision tasks. In this paper, we derive a multiscale model to represent natural images based on the scale-space representation: a model that has an inspiration in the human visual system. We first derive the one-dimensional case and then extend the results to two and three dimensions. The operators obtained for analysis and synthesis stages are derivatives of the Gaussian smoothing kernel, so that, for the two-dimensional case, we can represent them either in a rotated coordinate system or in terms of directional derivatives. The method to perform the rotation is efficient because it is implemented by means of the application of the so-called generalized binomial filters. Such a family of discrete sequences fulfills a number of properties that allows estimating the local orientation for several image structures. We also define the discrete counterpart in which the coordinate normalization of the continuous case is approximated as a subsampling of the discrete domain.     

Synthesis and Functionalization of Fullerenes Encapsulating Atomic Phosphorus

Synthesis, purification, and electron spin properties of the endohedral fullerene P@C₆₀ are reported. Highly enriched material could be obtained for the first time, making this molecule accessible for further experiments. We report the first successful chemical modification of P@C₆₀ via cyclo-propanation to the C_2v symmetric monoadducts P@C₆₁(COOCH₃) and P@C₆₁(COOC₂H₅). X-band electron spin resonance data are presented and discussed. The phosphorus atom shows anisotropic hyperfine coupling in the modified fullerenes, in contrast to the unmodified case, and in contrast to similarly modified N@C₆₀.     

Change in Iron Powder Properties with Treatment in Rolls

Conditioned iron powders are prepared by carbothermal reduction of “Blue Dust” (India) ore concentrate followed by compaction treatment in rolling mill and a decarburizing anneal. The properties of powder prepared by grinding in a vibration and rolling mill are determined. The method makes it possible to control the bulk density of the powder from 1.75 to 2.75 g/cm³. Determination of the production properties of the powders obtained and powder NC.100.24 by the same procedure established satisfactory conformity of the results. The technological desirability of preparing conditioned iron powder by treatment in a rolling mill is demonstrated.__________Translated from Poroshkovaya Metallurgiya, Nos. 3–4(442), pp. 12–16, March–April, 2005.     

A mixed-variable continuously deforming finite element method for parabolic evolution problems. Part III: Numerical implementation and computational results

In Part I of this paper,¹ the conceptual framework of a rate variational least squares formulation of a continuously deforming mixed-variable finite element method was presented for solving a single evolution equation. In Part II² a system of ordinary differential equations with respect to time was derived for solving a system of three coupled evolution equations by the deforming grid mixed-variable least squares rate variational finite element method. The system of evolution equations describes the coupled heat flow, fluid flow and trace species transport in porous media under conditions when the flow velocities and constituent phase transitions induce sharp fronts in the solution domain. In this paper, we present the method we have adopted to integrate with respect to time the resulting spatially discretized system of non-linear ordinary differential equations. Next, we present computational results obtained using the code in which this deforming mixed finite element method was implemented. Because several features of the formulation are novel and have not been previously attempted, the problems were selected to exercise these features with the objective of demonstrating that the formulation is correct and that the numerical procedures adopted converge to the correct solutions.     

Recognition of liquid and flesh food using an `electronic tongue'

An electronic tongue comprising thirty potentiometric chemical sensors and pattern recognition tools for data processing was used for the analysis of mineral waters, coffee, soft drinks and flesh food, namely fish. The electronic tongue appeared to be capable of distinguishing between different sorts of beverages: natural and artificial mineral waters, individual and commercial brands of coffee, and commercial and experimental samples of soft drinks containing different sweeteners. A quantitative correlation between human perception and `electronic tongue' output was obtained. Taste parameter assessments produced by a professional taste panel was used for `electronic tongue' calibration. It was found that the `electronic tongue' is capable of distinguishing sea water and freshwater fish and monitoring their spoilage.     

Feedback stabilization of connected nonlinear oscillators with uncontrollable linearization

A nonlinear system with uncontrollable linearization is under investigation. The uncontrollable part of the linearization is assumed to have no eigenvalues in the right half-plane and have eigenvalues with zero real and nonzero imaginary part. A nonlinear feedback loop is assumed to carry out a connection between the controllable part of the system and the uncontrollable one. The control law of the controllable part is defined to be a linear function of the state variables. This linear feedback loop can maintain the stability of a whole control system provided its feedback law coefficients satisfy a system of algebraic inequalities. The consistence of this system of inequalities is proved.     

Synthesis and characterization of atomic layer deposited titanium nitride thin films on lithium titanate spinel powder as a lithium-ion battery anode

Lithium titanate spinel (Li₄Ti₅O₁₂, or LTS) is receiving consideration as a nanopowder anode material for use in lithium-ion batteries. LTS has more positive working potential than traditional graphite anodes, and it does not react with electrolyte components. However, the main drawback of LTS powder is its poor interparticle electronic conductance that reduces the high-rate ability of the electrode. To improve this we have coated the surface of the LTS powder with a titanium nitride layer by atomic layer deposition (ALD). In situ infrared spectroscopy studies were conducted to confirm the attachment of the titanium precursor. The nitrogen content of films was measured by total nitrogen content testing. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs confirmed the formation of a thin titanium nitride film around LTS particles by ALD. Finally, lithium cells with electrodes made of original and modified LTS nanopowders were assembled and tested.     

Sheath structure and ion current onto a patterned surface immersed in a plasma at floating potential

Using a two-dimensional hybrid simulation scheme, we have studied the processes occurring above a patterned surface immersed in a plasma at floating potential, focussing on the structure of the two-dimensional plasma wall sheath and the uniformity of the ion current onto the wall in steady state. The surface consists of a periodic alternation of a trench and a ridge. We discuss the sheath structure by comparing it to that in front of a planar target. It is found that the sheath is not conformal since the trench widths studied are not large compared to the sheath width. Thus, the electrical potential and the ion and electron densities in the trench show characteristic differences to those of the planar sheath. We show that, in all cases, the ion dose is strongly non-uniform on the target surface. This non-uniformity is traced back to the enhanced electrical fields at the convex corners of the ridge and to the aspect ratio of the surface structure.     

A principal components analysis of the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule.

Performed a principal components analysis of the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) to investigate the adequacy of this inventory as a global measure of assertiveness. The analysis (using 956 undergraduate Ss) indicated that the RAS does not provide a unidimensional index of assertiveness, but rather measures a number of factors including situation-specific assertive behavior, aggressiveness, and a more general assertiveness. The results are discussed in relation to the small number of items comprising the schedule and the rather limited repertoire of different behavioral situations sampled in the items. These problems make it difficult to adequately define the individual factors revealed by the principal components analysis. (3 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)