Density-based retrieval from high-similarity image databases

Many image classification problems can fruitfully be thought of as image retrieval in a “high similarity image database” (HSID) characterized by being tuned towards a specific application and having a high degree of visual similarity between entries that should be distinguished. We introduce a method for HSID retrieval using a similarity measure based on a linear combination of Jeffreys-Matusita distances between distributions of local (pixelwise) features estimated from a set of automatically and consistently defined image regions. The weight coefficients are estimated based on optimal retrieval performance. Experimental results on the difficult task of visually identifying clones of fungal colonies grown in a petri dish and categorization of pelts show a high retrieval accuracy of the method when combined with standardized sample preparation and image acquisition.     

Computation of finite and infinite zeros of linear multivariable systems: a state space approach

An iterative algorithm, developed by the authors to compute the finite zeros of a linear multivariable system (Sebakhy et al. 1983), is extended to compute the infinite zeros of the system as well. The method is simple, efficient and suitable for programming on a digital computer     

Sensors and observers in distributed parameter systems

Luenberger observer theory is extended to distributed parameter systems. This extension is based on the consideration of sensors. For systems with infinite dimensional state spaces, it is possible to construct the state vector asymptotically (or a part of the state vector) by a ‘good’ choice of sensors. We show that the link between detectability and sensor structure may be of some interest in the construction of observers.     

Air Drying Characteristics of Apricots

The optimization of the drying of apricots was studied using four treatments: (1) blanching and drying; (2) sulfiting-blanching and drying; (3) blanching-sulfiting and drying; and (4) sulfiting-drying to 50% moisture-blanching and finish drying. Levels of sulfiting were from 0–2000 ppm SO₂ and drying was done at 50° to 80°C. The quality of dried apricots was judged by extent of browning development and hardness determination. A surface response statistical design was applied to evaluate the optimum drying conditions. Sulfiting-drying, using 80–1000 ppm SO₂ at any temperature in the range 50–80°C, was found to be the best treatment. Thus, sulfite was the major factor in controlling dry apricot quality and would be hard to reduce. Drying time was reduced by 50% when apricots were dried at 80°C compared to 50°C, and blanching reduced the time by 10 to 20%. Loss of SO₂ was greater than 50% for all treatments.     

Insulin-like growth factor-I-mediated neurite outgrowth in vitro requires mitogen-activated protein kinase activation

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) induces neuronal differentiation in vitro. In the present study, we examined the signaling pathway underlying IGF-I-mediated neurite outgrowth. In SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, treatment with IGF-I induced concentration- and time-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of the type I IGF receptor (IGF-IR) and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK) 1 and 2. These effects of IGF-I were blocked by a neutralizing antibody against IGF-IR. Whereas IGF-IR phosphorylation was observed within 1 min, maximal phosphorylation of ERKs was not reached for 30 min. Both IGF-IR and ERK phosphorylation were maintained for at least 24 h. Also, the concentration dependence of IGF-I-stimulated IGF-IR and ERK tyrosine phosphorylation paralleled that of IGF-I-mediated neurite outgrowth. We further examined the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in IGF-I-stimulated neuronal differentiation using the mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase inhibitor PD98059. Whereas PD98059 had no effect on IGF-IR phosphorylation, PD98059 reduced IGF-I-mediated ERK tyrosine phosphorylation and ERK phosphorylation of the substrate Elk-1. PD98059 also produced a parallel reduction of IGF-I-stimulated neurite outgrowth. Finally, consistent with its ability to block neuronal differentiation, PD98059 inhibited IGF-I-dependent changes of GAP-43 and c-myc gene expression. Together these results suggest that activation of ERKs is essential for IGF-I-stimulated neuronal differentiation.     

The effect of the lectin from Sambucus nigra inflorescences on spontaneous and alkylating agent-induced mutagenesis in mammalian somatic cells

Data on separation of purified galactose-specific lectin as well as its two polypeptide chains from inflorescences of European elder Sambucus nigra are represented. Their molecule quaternary structure after the pattern a2 b2 is suggested. It was shown that purified protein in concentration 2.0 mg/ml had mutagenic activity and might enhance mutagenic effect of alkylating substance MNNG. Thus, preparations of lectin from inflorescences of European elder influenced on spontaneous and induced by the alkylating agent mutagenicity in mammalian somatic cells in vitro.     

Expression, exon-intron organization, and chromosome mapping of the human sodium iodide symporter

The active iodide uptake of the thyroid gland in humans is mediated by the human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS). In this report, we show that hNIS expression was detected primarily in thyroid tissue, but also in breast, colon, and ovary tissues. Expression of hNIS is greatly reduced in thyroid tumors compared to normal thyroid tissue. Among tumor tissues, hNIS expression appears to be variable, consistent with the variable response to radioiodide treatment observed for thyroid carcinomas. The coding region of hNIS is interrupted by 14 introns, and the nucleotide sequence of each exon-intron junction is reported. Using this information, an alternatively spliced form of hNIS was identified. Finally, the chromosome location of the hNIS gene was mapped to chromosome 19p.     

Role of diameter differences among follicles in selection of a future dominant follicle in mares

Follicles > or = 5 mm were ablated in pony mares by a transvaginal ultrasound-guided technique on Day 10 (ovulation = Day 0). Follicle emergence (at 15 mm, experiment 1; at 6 mm, experiment 2) and development of the new wave was monitored by transrectal ultrasound. Deviation was defined as the beginning of a marked difference in growth rates between the two largest follicles. In experiment 1, mares were grouped (n = 4 per group) into controls, ablation-controls (ablations at Day 10 only), and a two-follicle model (periodic ablation sessions so that only the two largest follicles developed). There were no significant indications that the two-follicle model altered follicle diameters, growth rates, or time intervals of the two retained follicles at or between events (follicle emergence, deviation, and ovulation). In experiment 2, the two-follicle model (n = 14) was used for follicle and hormonal characterization and hypothesis testing, without the tedious and error-prone necessity for tracking many (e.g., 20) individual follicles. The future dominant follicle emerged a mean of 1 day earlier (p < 0.008) than the future subordinate follicle, the growth rates for the two follicles between emergence and deviation (6 days later) did not differ, and the dominant follicle was larger at the beginning of deviation (23.1 +/- 0.8 mm versus 19.6 +/- 0.9 mm; p < 0.0001). Mean FSH and LH concentrations increased (p < 0.05) concomitantly from emergence of the future dominant follicle and peaked 3 days later when the follicle was a mean of 13 mm. Thereafter, the two hormones disassociated until ovulation: FSH decreased and LH increased. Results supported the hypothesis that the future dominant follicle has an early size advantage over future subordinate follicles and indicated that the advantage was present as early as 6 days before deviation.