FPGA realization of the LIRA neural classifier

Different types of neural networks can be used to classify images. We propose to apply LIRA (LImited Receptive Area) neural classifier to work with images. To accelerate the neural network functioning we propose a digital implementation of the LIRA neural classifier. We begin with a neuron design, and then continue with the neural network simulation. The advantage of neural network is its parallel structure and possibility of the training. FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) allows the implementation of these parallel algorithms in a single device. Speed of classification is one of the most important requirements in adaptive control systems based on computer vision. The contribution of this article is LIRA neural classifier implementation with FPGA for two classes to accelerate the training and recognition processes.     

Sorption properties of polymers based on N‐substituted maleimides

Physicochemical and functional properties of 2,2‐diallyl‐1,1,3,3‐tetraethylguanidinium chloride copolymers with N‐(n‐carboxyphenyl)maleimide, of N‐vinylpyrrolidone with N‐(n‐carboxyphenyl)maleimide, and of N‐vinylpyrrolidone with N‐phenylmaleimide have been investigated. Specific surface area and porosity of the copolymers under investigation have been determined by using the low‐temperature adsorption method. Electron microscope investigations in surfaces of the polymers have evinced that all of them have a spongy microstructure, the N‐vinylpyrrolidone copolymer with N‐(n‐carboxyphenyl)maleimide being the most homogeneous of these. Sorption capacity of the copolymers toward Re(VII) ions has been investigated. The process is described by the Langmuir isotherm. The pH is the most important parameter for sorption process of Re(VII). In the conjoint presence of Re(VII) and Mo(VI) in a solution of acid and ammoniac mediums, rhenium can be separated from molybdenum by using the sorbents under investigation at pH > 4.5 or at hydrochloric acid concentrations 0.1 mol L^?1 and more. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Artificial gravity loading increases the effects of the glutamate transporter inhibitors on the glutamate release and uptake in rat brain nerve terminals

The present study evaluated the effect of artificial gravity loading on transporter-mediated uptake and release of L-glutamate using the inhibitors of glutamate transporters as tools. The competitive nontransportable, DL-threo-beta-benzyloxyaspartate (DL-TBOA), and transportable, DL-threo-beta-hydroxyaspartate (DL-THA), inhibitors were demonstrated to better inhibit the L-[¹⁴C]glutamate uptake under centrifuge-induced hypergravity compared with the normal gravity control. The effect of DL-TBOA on depolarization-induced carrier-mediated L-[¹⁴C]glutamate release also increased after hypergravity loading in Na⁺- and low [Na⁺] NMDG- supplemented media. 10 µM DL-TBOA-induced decrease in L-[¹⁴C]glutamate release in Na⁺ — supplemented medium was 15.2±2.2 % in the control experiments and 26.2±3.9 % after centrifuge-induced loading (P≤0,05) and in low [Na⁺] medium was 37.0±2.5 % and 45.0±3.4 %, respectively.     

Hybrid Photopatterned Enzymatic Reaction (HyPER) for in Situ Cell Manipulation

The ability to design artificial extracellular matrices as cell‐instructive scaffolds has opened the door to technologies capable of studying the fate of cells in vitro and to guiding tissue repair in vivo. One main component of the design of artificial extracellular matrices is the incorporation of biochemical cues to guide cell phenotype and multicellular organization. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of a heterogeneous mixture of proteins that present a variety of spatially discrete signals to residing cell populations. In contrast, most engineered ECMs do not mimic this heterogeneity. In recent years, photo‐deprotection has been used to spatially immobilize signals. However, this approach has been limited mostly to small peptides. Here we combine photo‐deprotection with enzymatic reaction to achieve spatially controlled immobilization of active bioactive signals that range from small molecules to large proteins. A peptide substrate for transglutaminase factor XIII (FXIIIa) was caged with a photo‐deprotectable group, which was then immobilized to the bulk of a cell‐compatible hydrogel. With focused light, the substrate can be deprotected and used to immobilize patterned bioactive signals. This approach offers an innovative strategy to immobilize delicate bioactive signals, such as growth factors, without loss of activity and enables in situ cell manipulation of encapsulated cells.     

New proposal in the thermodynamic analysis of complex heat regeneration systems

This paper presents a new approach for analyzing and/or synthesizing the heat regeneration system, which has many applications in various energy conversion plants (ECP) and between ones. The method is applied for optimizing heat exchanger networks (HENs) operating below ambient temperature conditions as an application for refrigeration machines. Exergy and exergoeconomic methods are adapted for the optimization of three-flow heat exchangers. Few cases are illustrated and discussed. Also, the heuristic rules and design criteria for pinch analysis for an optimized HEN are presented.     

Droplet deformation and break-up under shear: Hydrocolloid solution vs. suspension of starch granules

Shear induced deformation and rupture of two types of droplets, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) aqueous solution and modified waxy maize suspension, were studied and compared using a counter-rotating rheo-optical set-up. The motivation of the work was to explain the difference observed in flavour perception of food products thickened by these two fluids. A droplet of either fluid was placed into silicon oil and deformation and break-up were monitored as a function of applied shear stress and strain. It was found that starch suspension droplets broke up at lower deformation stress and strain than HPMC solution droplets despite viscosity ratio and capillary number suggesting the opposite. It is hypothesised that the ease with which droplets thickened by starch break-up is responsible for their rapid mixing with saliva.     

Comparison of two techniques for reliable characterization of thin metal-dielectric films

In the present study we determine the optical parameters of thin metal-dielectric films using two different characterization techniques based on nonparametric and multiple oscillator models. We consider four series of thin metal-dielectric films produced under various deposition conditions with different optical properties. We compare characterization results obtained by nonparametric and multiple oscillator techniques and demonstrate that the results are consistent. The consistency of the results proves their reliability.