Fast Lighting Independent Background Subtraction

This paper describes a simple method of fast background subtraction based upon disparity verification that is invariant to arbitrarily rapid run-time changes in illumination. Using two or more cameras, the method requires the off-line construction of disparity fields mapping the primary background images. At runtime, segmentation is performed by checking background image to each of the additional auxiliary color intensity values at corresponding pixels. If more than two cameras are available, more robust segmentation can be achieved and, in particular, the occlusion shadows can be generally eliminated as well. Because the method only assumes fixed background geometry, the technique allows for illumination variation at runtime. Since no disparity search is performed, the algorithm is easily implemented in real-time on conventional hardware.     

From the editors

Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Pattern Recognition and Image Analysis: New Information Technologies (PRIA-7-2004)18–23 October, 2004, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation Revised papers

From the editors     

Influence of dietary iron deficiency on acute metal intoxication

The frequent difficulties encountered in the diagnosis of pediatric sarcomas, caused by the lack of observable differentiation at the light microscopic level, has led to the routine use of immunohistochemistry in pediatric surgical pathology. To a large degree the advent of this staining technique has led to the correct assessment of many perplexing lesions that previously would have been given inconclusive diagnoses. However, with increased usage and testing, it has become apparent that there are few, if any, "magic bullets" in immunohistochemistry for pediatric pathologists. Thus, it behooves diagnosticians to be careful in the usage of this technique, to be aware of possible discrepancies in its results, and to remember the ancillary nature of its application. The following article will review selected markers commonly used in pediatric surgical pathology, from both previous reports and the author's perspective, and will briefly consider several new phenotypic markers which have potential utility with childhood sarcomas.     

Superconductive toroidal solenoid of Tokamak-7

Conclusions Our tests have shown that the superconductive magnetic system of the T-7 unit is operative and that the main design and circuit features adopted on the basis of preliminary investigations are appropriate. In particular, it was shown that it is possible to use a hydraulic parallel joining of numerous sections without additional adjustment. The superconductive magnetic system could be efficiently cooled by liquid two-phase helium rather than by supercritical cold helium which was frequently discussed in the literature.The authors sincerely thank the friendly collective of engineers, designers, technicians, and workers who enthusiastically applied their efforts to the building of the Tokamak-7 unit and the execution of the tests.Translated from Atomnaya Énergiya, Vol. 45, No. 3, pp. 171–174, September, 1978.     

Experiments on the synthesis of neutron-deficient isotopes of kurchatovium in reactions with accelerated50Ti ions

Conclusions A number of conclusions can be drawn from the aggregate of experimental results.The method of synthesis of transfermium elements in the irradiation of lead isotopes with ions with mass A_I40 atomic units, investigated earlier [12] for the example of the reaction Pb(⁴⁰Ar, xn)Fm, is also extremely effective using⁵⁰Ti ions. The reactions Pb(⁴⁰Ar, 2n)Fm and Pb(⁵⁰Ti, 2n)Ku have approximately equal cross sections, which might have been expected on the basis of theoretical estimates. This permits us to hope that this method can be used successfully for the synthesis of heavier elements in the reactions induced by⁵⁴Cr,⁵⁵Mn, and⁵⁸Fe ions.In all probability, the substantial changes in the systematics of the half-lives for even-even isotopes of kurchatovium are associated with the structure of the barriers to fission of these nuclei. From this standpoint, it seems important to investigate the properties of more neutron-deficient isotopes of kurchatovium, using, in particular, the reactions with²⁰⁴Pb, and to attempt to advance into the region of elements with Z 106. On the other hand, a detailed theoretical analysis must be made of the data obtained on the basis of the modern theory of nuclear fission, which, in our opinion, will aid in a more reliable prediction of the properties of heavy and ultraheavy elements.Translated from Atomnaya Énergiya, Vol. 38, No. 6, pp. 382–390, June, 1975.     

Some problems of the moral and psychological training of medical service personnel

The authors' experience with 45 papillosphincterotomies, performed for diseases of bile passages and chronic pancreatitis, is reported. The details of the operative technic, employed by the authors, are described. The technic of papillosphincterotomy on a conus-shape sound by means of a "laser scalpel" proved to be the most perfect one. Careful observation of the surgical technic made it possible to gain favourable results--only 1 of 45 operated patients died. Papillosphincterotomy is largely advocated in stenoses and concretions in the large duodenal papilla, strictures of choledocho-duodenoanastomoses, care should be taken not to overwiden indications to the operation concerned.     

Methodology for the reliability evaluation of a passive system and its integration into a Probabilistic Safety Assessment

A methodology has been developed to evaluate the reliability of passive systems characterised by a moving fluid and whose operation is based on thermal–hydraulic (T-H) principles. The methodology includes:

• identification and quantification of the sources of uncertainties and determination of the important variables;

• propagation of the uncertainties through T-H models and assessment of T-H passive system unreliability;

• introduction of passive system unreliability in the accident sequence analysis.

Each step of the methodology is described and commented and a diagram of the methodology is presented. An example of passive system is presented with the aim to illustrate the possibilities of the methodology. This example is the Residual Passive heat Removal system on the Primary circuit (RP2), an innovating system supposed to be implemented on a 900 MWe Pressurized Water Reactor.     

Nanoluminograph — A New Generation of Measuring Instruments

A nanoluminescent device, or nanoluminograph, has been developed, created, and patented. By means of the device, unique information about the physicochemical properties of surface and near-surface layers of solids and ultrathin coatings of thickness less than 0.4 μm may be obtained. There is also the hope of decreasing the thickness of the subject layer with further development of the detecting component of the device. __________ Translated from Izmeritel'naya Tekhnika, No. 8, pp. 28–31, August, 2005.     

Effects of electrochemical doping of manganese dioxide with copper and lithium on the physicochemical properties

An electrochemical method has been used with fluoride electrolytes to synthesize specimens of manganese dioxide doped with copper and lithium. The compositions, structures, and physicochemical properties have been examined by chemical analysis and x-ray diffraction. It is found that the specimens have highly defective structures. Conclusions are drawn on the scope for using such products as electrode materials in chemical batteries and as catalysts based on manganese dioxide. __________ Translated from Poroshkovaya Metallurgiya, Nos. 3–4(448), pp. 62–66, March–April, 2006.