Optic flow field segmentation and motion estimation using a robustgenetic partitioning algorithm

Optic flow motion analysis represents an important family of visual information processing techniques in computer vision. Segmenting an optic flow field into coherent motion groups and estimating each underlying motion is a very challenging task when the optic flow field is projected from a scene of several independently moving objects. The problem is further complicated if the optic flow data are noisy and partially incorrect. In this paper, the authors present a novel framework for determining such optic flow fields by combining the conventional robust estimation with a modified genetic algorithm. The baseline model used in the development is a linear optic flow motion algorithm due to its computational simplicity. The statistical properties of the generalized linear regression (GLR) model are thoroughly explored and the sensitivity of the motion estimates toward data noise is quantitatively established. Conventional robust estimators are then incorporated into the linear regression model to suppress a small percentage of gross data errors or outliers. However, segmenting an optic flow field consisting of a large portion of incorrect data or multiple motion groups requires a very high robustness that is unattainable by the conventional robust estimators. To solve this problem, the authors propose a genetic partitioning algorithm that elegantly combines the robust estimation with the genetic algorithm by a bridging genetic operator called self-adaptation     

Electron spin resonance of DNA irradiated with a heavy-ion beam ([16]O[8+]): evidence for damage to the deoxyribose phosphate backbone

A major problem in the intensive care unit nowadays is the development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), a cumulative sequence of progressive deterioration of organ functions. While the pathogenic pathways of MODS remain to be elucidated, it is assumed that cells of the host defence system, especially the macrophages, are altered in their function. During the development of MODS it is assumed that macrophages are overactivated and that an exaggerated inflammatory response may contribute to its pathogenesis. In order to gain insight into the alterations of the functional status of the macrophage during the development of MODS, a series of macrophage functions was measured in the subsequent phases of zymosan induced generalized inflammation in mice. Male C57BL/6 mice received a single dose of zymosan intraperitoneally and groups of animals were killed after 2, 5, 8, and 12 days. Peritoneal macrophages were collected for in vitro assessment of the ADCC, the production of superoxide (O2-) and nitric oxide (NO), and complement mediated phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Staphylococcus aureus. A single intraperitoneal injection with zymosan resulted in a three-phase illness. During the third phase the animals developed MODS-like symptoms. Peritoneal cells from control animals produced very low to non-detectable amounts of O2- and NO, and the cytotoxic activity was also low. During the development of MODS, from day 7 onwards, the ability to produce O2- and NO2- became strongly elevated, as did the cytotoxic activity. These findings are in parallel with the development of MODS whereas the phagocytic and killing capacity remained essentially unaltered. The changes found could be detrimental for the organism, thus possibly contributing to the onset and development of MODS.     

A mouse mutant strain highly resistant to methyl beta-carboline-3-carboxylate-induced seizures

It is believed that DOPA-negative melanocytes in the outer root sheath of the human hair follicle are activated, become identifiable by DOPA staining, and migrate into the epidermis during the repigmenting phase of vitiligo. These cells are difficult to identify, however, and otherwise have not been characterized. These cells are readily identified by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and immunoelectronmicroscopy using the antibodies NKI/beteb and A4F11, which recognize premelanosome-related antigens. The majority of the outer root sheath melanocytes were found in the mid to the upper portion of the hair follicle. Double staining revealed that these cells were distinct from HLA-DR-bearing dendritic cells. Further immunohistochemical investigation using alpha-PEP-7, alpha-PEP-1, or TMH-1 and alpha-PEP-8 antibodies revealed that outer root sheath melanocytes cannot be identified by antibodies to tyrosinase, TRP-1, or TRP-2, respectively. These cells also did not react with HMB45 antibody, which recognizes a melanosome-associated cytoplasmic antigen. We believe that the inactive outer root sheath melanocytes contain some of the early structural proteins but not any of the enzymatic proteins necessary for melanogenesis. Therefore, activation is the process whereby outer root sheath melanocytes acquire all of the structural and enzymatic proteins necessary for melanogenesis.     

Oral absorption improvement of poorly soluble drug using solid dispersion technique

A new triazol antifungal agent, (+)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-methyl-1-(1H-1, 2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-[6-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pyridazin++ +-3-ylthio]butan-2-ol (MFB-1041), shows poor oral absorption and is practically insoluble in water (1.2 micrograms/ml). Solid dispersion systems with an enteric polymer such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate (HP-55) and carboxymethylethylcellulose (CMEC), and a nonenteric polymer, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Metolose) were evaluated to improve drug absorption and solubility. The oral bioavailabilities of these solid dispersions in beagle dogs were over 6 times higher than that of a suspension system with increasing drug solubility in an alkaline medium. X-Ray powder diffraction measurement of the solid dispersion showed a complete drug phase change from a crystal to an amorphous state. Further, from the results of a stability test, the preparations were stable in a desiccated condition and the absorption profiles also showed no change. From the results, it was suggested that the oral administrative preparation of MFB-1041 having a superior absorption profile and a high stability could be obtained by a drug phase change from a crystal to an amorphous state, especially in the spray-drying method using enteric polymers.     

OA&M framework for multiwavelength photonic transport networks

Photonic networks based on wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and optical path technologies are expected to realize flexible, transparent, and cost-effective transport networks with a large transmission capacity. This paper explores the design framework of photonic transport networks taking into consideration the operation administration and maintenance (OA&M) functions required for the successful introduction of WDM systems based on the optical path concept. From the view point of network maintenance, clear distinction is made between the optical path layer and the optical section layer to facilitate accurate and smooth failure localization. The digital multiplexing span between physical multiplexing interfaces at the end-to-end digital nodes should have the same maintenance span as the corresponding optical path. We argue that cooperative maintenance by OA&M functions at both the digital and optical layers can be a practical way of network supervision. A supervisory (SV) signal transfer method and a configuration that is suitable for the terrestrial trunk network are also indicated. As an example, a practical SV system design methodology and an actual procedure developed for a single channel optical transmission system based on optical in-line amplifiers are introduced. Furthermore, application of the developed SV system and network restoration schemes is discussed for future WDM-based photonic networks. The OA&M aspects introduced will be valuable for creating future photonic network systems     

Oxidation behaviours of carbon/carbon composite with multi-coatings of LaB6-Si/polycarbosilane/SiO2

The influence of multi-coatings of LaB₆-Si/polycarbosilane/SiO₂ on the oxidation behaviour of carbon/carbon composite materials was investigated in the temperature range from 500 to 1400 °C. The additives of LaB₆-Si offered lower oxidation rates and accelerated increases in oxidation rates at temperatures below 900 °C. The coating of polycarbosilane (PCS) improved the compatibility of the coating on the carbon/carbon composite and lowered the oxidation rates of the LaB₆-Si coated composite below the transition temperature. With the SiO₂ coating, the cracks of the LaB₆-Si/PCS coating was sealed and a good oxidation resistance of the LaB₆-Si/PCS/SiO₂ coated composite was found at temperatures up to 1300 °C.     

Stress analysis with arbitrary body force by boundary element method

Linear stress analysis without body force can be easily carried out by means of the boundary element method. Some cases of linear stress analysis with body force can also be solved without the domain integral. However domain integrals are generally necessary to solve the linear stress problems with complicated body forces. This paper shows that the linear stress problems with complicated body forces can be solved approximately without the domain integral. In order to solve these problems, the domain is divided into small areas using contour lines of body force. In these areas, the distributions of body force are assumed approximately to satisfy the Laplace equation.     

High-transconductance insulating-gate InP/InGaAs buried p-bufferDH-MODFETs grown by MOVPE

Buried p-buffer double heterostructure modulation-doped field-effect transistors (BP DH-MODFETs) with an InGaAs quantum-well channel were fabricated with high transconductance and good breakdown voltage, by placing the metal gate directly on Fe-doped InP insulating layer. Excellent extrinsic DC transconductance of 560 mS/mm and a high gate-to-drain diode breakdown voltage (greater than 20 V) were achieved at room temperature with FETs of 1.2-μm gate length. Unity currently gain cutoff frequency f_T of 24 GHz and maximum oscillation frequency f_max of 60 GHz were demonstrated for a drain to source voltage V_DS=4 V, which corresponds to an average electron velocity of 2.2×10⁷ cm/s in the quantum well     

Practice characteristics that lead to 21st century learning outcomes

Abstract The key research question for this study was to ask whether or not innovative teaching practices would lead to the development of learning outcomes essential for preparing the younger generation for the challenges of life in the knowledge society of the 21st century, and if so, how are the pedagogical features related to the different learning outcomes. Preliminary analyses of the case study data collected from the SITES M2 Study in Hong Kong reveal that where the development of more significant learning gains were observed, the cases possess characteristics additional to the criteria defined in the Study for selection of innovation. More importantly, it was found that the impact of the pedagogical practices was not determined simply by the aggregation of characteristics of the practices per se , nor on the technologies used, but on whether 'empowerment' permeates the curriculum goal and process. Further, this paper claims that these affective and socio-cognitive learning outcomes are more important as preparation for lifelong learning in the 21st century than 'knowledge management competencies'.