Perceptual lossless medical image coding

A novel perceptually lossless coder is presented for the compression of medical images. Built on the JPEG 2000 coding framework, the heart of the proposed coder is a visual pruning function, embedded with an advanced human vision model to identify and to remove visually insignificant/irrelevant information. The proposed coder offers the advantages of simplicity and modularity with bit-stream compliance. Current results have shown superior compression ratio gains over that of its information lossless counterparts without any visible distortion. In addition, a case study consisting of 31 medical experts has shown that no perceivable difference of statistical significance exists between the original images and the images compressed by the proposed coder

Juggling Sounds

Bovermann T, Groten J, deCampo A, Eckel G. Juggling Sounds. In: Proceedings of the 2nd International Workshop on Interactive Sonification. York; 2007.In this paper we describe JUGGLING SOUNDS , a system for realtime auditory monitoring of juggling patterns. We explain different approaches to gain insight into the move- ments, and possible applications in both training and jug- gling performance of single-juggler patterns. Furthermore, we report first impressions and experiences gained in a per- formance and its preparation, which took place in the CUBE at the Institute of Electronic Music (IEM), Graz

Stereological Analysis of Neuron, Glial and Endothelial Cell Numbers in the Human Amygdaloid Complex

Cell number alterations in the amygdaloid complex (AC) might coincide with neurological and psychiatric pathologies with anxiety imbalances as well as with changes in brain functionality during aging. This stereological study focused on estimating, in samples from 7 control individuals aged 20 to 75 years old, the number and density of neurons, glia and endothelial cells in the entire AC and in its 5 nuclear groups (including the basolateral (BL), corticomedial and central groups), 5 nuclei and 13 nuclear subdivisions. The volume and total cell number in these territories were determined on Nissl-stained sections with the Cavalieri principle and the optical fractionator. The AC mean volume was 956 mm3 and mean cell numbers (x106) were: 15.3 neurons, 60 glial cells and 16.8 endothelial cells. The numbers of endothelial cells and neurons were similar in each AC region and were one fourth the number of glial cells. Analysis of the influence of the individuals’ age at death on volume, cell number and density in each of these 24 AC regions suggested that aging does not affect regional size or the amount of glial cells, but that neuron and endothelial cell numbers respectively tended to decrease and increase in territories such as AC or BL. These accurate stereological measures of volume and total cell numbers and densities in the AC of control individuals could serve as appropriate reference values to evaluate subtle alterations in this structure in pathological conditions

Mouse Model for Sex Difference in Autism

Sex differences in the brain may influence the incidence rates of autism. Using two different strains of mice, one social (Black 6) and one asocial (BTBR), it is possible to compare the expression of different genes in certain areas of the brain suspected to be effected by autism. Using real-time PCR the target gene Neuroligin 3 (Nlgn3) showed a statistical difference in expression between the two strains. In addition, we are generating a mouse model which has four genotypes (Male (XY-SRY), Male (XX-SRY), Female (XX), Female (XY-)). Using this model, a sexually dimorphic phenotype can be analyzed between different hormonal conditions (testosterone versus estrogens) and between different sex chromosomal complements (XX versus XY)

Extending the Beltrami equation into higher dimensions

The Beltrami equation of complex analysis enjoys a rich and fascinating theory. This theory has many implications for the study of quasiconformal mappings. The main goal of this paper is to create a foundation for a similar theory for quasiregular mappings of [Special characters omitted.] to itself for dimensions higher than 2. Straightforward attempts to accomplish this goal in the past have not borne much fruit. Thus, we have taken a different approach. The complex Beltrami theory owes much to the algebraic setting in which it resides. We have looked for extensions of this theory which will be able to take advantage of a well-chosen algebraic setting. Two approaches have resulted. The most natural approach is to set the theory in a Clifford analysis context. This approach yields a pleasing theory which reflects in many ways the complex setting. The second approach arises from considering quasiregular mappings as solutions of a partial differential equation and then lifting that equation to the exterior algebra level. This approach is desirable because of the natural relationship with quasiregular mappings and because it will hopefully be a stepping stone to the study of the conformal geometry of manifolds. Both approaches have yielded existence and uniqueness results for certain kinds of Beltrami-like equations

Wall collector design analysis: project status report No. 2. Hing/daylighting prototype development, Phase I

The design process and energy analyses for the wall (air) collector component for the passive/hybrid system building alternatives for pre-engineered metal buildings are described. A hybrid collector was coupled to the rockbed storage and ceiling plenum of the office and maintenance spaces. A thermosyphon collector was coupled directly to the interior space of the warehouse. The schematic design, design development, and performance analysis are included. (MHR

Perceptually lossless medical image coding and its significance in telemedical applications

A method of encoding medical images to a perceptually lossless quality is presented in this paper. It employs a model of human vision, such that only visually insignif icant/irrelevant information is removed. Current results have shown that it yields greater compression ratio gains over its lossless counterparts without inducing any visible loss in picture quality, which has been veri?ed with 31 medical experts. This is essential in telemedical applica tions, especially when there is a limitation in network trans mission bandwidth. This method can be embedded into any Wavelet based image coder without affecting its bit-stream compliance and therefore specialised decoders are not required