Modeling of evolving textures using granulometries

This chapter describes a statistical approach to classification of dynamic texture images, called parallel evolution functions (PEFs). Traditional classification methods predict texture class membership using comparisons with a finite set of predefined texture classes and identify the closest class. However, where texture images arise from a dynamic texture evolving over time, estimation of a time state in a continuous evolutionary process is required instead. The PEF approach does this using regression modeling techniques to predict time state. It is a flexible approach which may be based on any suitable image features. Many textures are well suited to a morphological analysis and the PEF approach uses image texture features derived from a granulometric analysis of the image. The method is illustrated using both simulated images of Boolean processes and real images of corrosion. The PEF approach has particular advantages for training sets containing limited numbers of observations, which is the case in many real world industrial inspection scenarios and for which other methods can fail or perform badly. [41] G.W. Horgan, Mathematical morphology for analysing soil structure from images, European Journal of Soil Science, vol. 49, pp. 161–173, 1998. [42] G.W. Horgan, C.A. Reid and C.A. Glasbey, Biological image processing and enhancement, Image Processing and Analysis, A Practical Approach, R. Baldock and J. Graham, eds., Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK, pp. 37–67, 2000. [43] B.B. Hubbard, The World According to Wavelets: The Story of a Mathematical Technique in the Making, A.K. Peters Ltd., Wellesley, MA, 1995. [44] H. Iversen and T. Lonnestad. An evaluation of stochastic models for analysis and synthesis of gray-scale texture, Pattern Recognition Letters, vol. 15, pp. 575–585, 1994. [45] A.K. Jain and F. Farrokhnia, Unsupervised texture segmentation using Gabor filters, Pattern Recognition, vol. 24(12), pp. 1167–1186, 1991. [46] T. Jossang and F. Feder, The fractal characterization of rough surfaces, Physica Scripta, vol. T44, pp. 9–14, 1992. [47] A.K. Katsaggelos and T. Chun-Jen, Iterative image restoration, Handbook of Image and Video Processing, A. Bovik, ed., Academic Press, London, pp. 208–209, 2000. [48] M. K¨oppen, C.H. Nowack and G. R¨osel, Pareto-morphology for color image processing, Proceedings of SCIA99, 11th Scandinavian Conference on Image Analysis 1, Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, pp. 195–202, 1999. [49] S. Krishnamachari and R. Chellappa, Multiresolution Gauss-Markov random field models for texture segmentation, IEEE Transactions on Image Processing, vol. 6(2), pp. 251–267, 1997. [50] T. Kurita and N. Otsu, Texture classification by higher order local autocorrelation features, Proceedings of ACCV93, Asian Conference on Computer Vision, Osaka, pp. 175–178, 1993. [51] S.T. Kyvelidis, L. Lykouropoulos and N. Kouloumbi, Digital system for detecting, classifying, and fast retrieving corrosion generated defects, Journal of Coatings Technology, vol. 73(915), pp. 67–73, 2001. [52] Y. Liu, T. Zhao and J. Zhang, Learning multispectral texture features for cervical cancer detection, Proceedings of 2002 IEEE International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging: Macro to Nano, pp. 169–172, 2002. [53] G. McGunnigle and M.J. Chantler, Modeling deposition of surface texture, Electronics Letters, vol. 37(12), pp. 749–750, 2001. [54] J. McKenzie, S. Marshall, A.J. Gray and E.R. Dougherty, Morphological texture analysis using the texture evolution function, International Journal of Pattern Recognition and Artificial Intelligence, vol. 17(2), pp. 167–185, 2003. [55] J. McKenzie, Classification of dynamically evolving textures using evolution functions, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Strathclyde, UK, 2004. [56] S.G. Mallat, Multiresolution approximations and wavelet orthonormal bases of L2(R), Transactions of the American Mathematical Society, vol. 315, pp. 69–87, 1989. [57] S.G. Mallat, A theory for multiresolution signal decomposition: the wavelet representation, IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, vol. 11, pp. 674–693, 1989. [58] B.S. Manjunath and W.Y. Ma, Texture features for browsing and retrieval of image data, IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, vol. 18, pp. 837–842, 1996. [59] B.S. Manjunath, G.M. Haley and W.Y. Ma, Multiband techniques for texture classification and segmentation, Handbook of Image and Video Processing, A. Bovik, ed., Academic Press, London, pp. 367–381, 2000. [60] G. Matheron, Random Sets and Integral Geometry, Wiley Series in Probability and Mathematical Statistics, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1975

Hypoadrenocorticism in an aged cat

A 13-year-old, female, neutered, domestic longhair cat was referred to the hospital with a two-month history of fluctuating weakness, lethargy, inappetence and intermittently soft stools. Physical examination noted variable mentation, mild tachycardia with poor pulse quality and a body condition score of 1/9. In-house haematology and biochemistry abnormalities included a mild neutrophilia, hyponatraemia, and decreased Na:K ratio of 24 and isosthenuric urine (1.012). The cat was admitted to the hospital for intravenous fluid therapy and management of its electrolyte abnormalities. A low basal cortisol (36 nmol/l) was found on analysis of a stored serum sample, and further investigations confirmed the diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism. Treatment was implemented initially with hydrocortisone and dexamethasone and continued long term with desoxycorticosterone pivalate and oral prednisolone. More than one year since diagnosis, the cat is clinically well and stable on treatment

White House Redux: NETworks

"It [Internet] created a global platform that allowed more people to plug and play, collaborate and compete, share knowledge and share work, than anything we have ever seen in the history of the world." Thomas Friedman Friedman’s perception of a flattened world presents the opportune moment to revise America’s identity. Citizens and governments are more connected than ever, while the United States’ relation to its neighbors is predominantly economic. Cross-cultural cohesiveness is globalization’s unfulfilled promise. America’s revised role as a mediator will transcend her past poses of a politically isolated authority. The sudden exigency for nation building in Afghanistan and Iraq raises questions about American civil society within while presenting challenges to America’s political authority on the world stage. The desperation to conserve cultural identity in this comprehensive environment overvalues nostalgic artifacts. Historic preservation reverts to the commodification of traditional forms and symbols. Twenty-first century America needs a new image. White House Redux: NETworks reconsiders America’s evolving cultural context within, while provoking a new face to the fused world and repositions the US as a new interlocutory force.No embarg

Investigations into the Ulnar Response to Mechanical Stimuli Activating Lamellar and Woven Bone Formation

Woven and lamellar bone formation can be stimulated using mechanical loading. Woven bone forms rapidly in response to damaging loading in a disorganized manner with low mineral density. In contrast, lamellar bone formation can be induced in the absence of damage, and is characterized by its slow, organized deposition and high density. In this dissertation, we first examined the molecular response to woven and lamellar bone formation using damaging and non-damaging dynamic loading protocols, respectively. We observed a significant increase in gene expression related to angiogenesis, cell proliferation and osteogenesis prior to woven bone formation, with significantly lower levels of expression associated with lamellar bone formation. To fully characterize the molecular responses of woven and lamellar bone we used a whole genome microarray. The micorarray results brought to light many inflammatory factors not previously investigated in our model, expanded previous findings about angiogenesis, and strengthened our understanding of the role of osteogenic pathways. Our investigations suggested that angiogenesis is required for successful woven bone formation. We used several angiogenic inhibitors, but were unable to prove the dependence of woven bone formation on angiogenesis. Finally, we sought to separate the effects of static and dynamic strains on bone formation. These findings demonstrate that in the absence dynamic strain, bone damage triggers a woven bone response that leads to a functional repair of whole-bone strength. Overall, the work done in this thesis has enhanced our understanding of bone formation. Future studies will expand on the microarray findings and clarify the role of angiogenesis in woven bone formation

Start With Cats! Innovative Virtual Opportunities that Bring the Community Into the Classroom

Virtual field trips and programming were one way in which K-12 teacher librarians leveraged their resources, expanded equitable access, and pivoted during in-person school closures of the pandemic. Creative virtual programming provides equity of access and connects classrooms with rich and diverse experiences and perspectives. Virtual experiences can remove geographic and economic barriers, provide access to resources and strengthen community connections. This article discusses practical teaching and programming strategies that leverage video conferencing systems to create virtual classroom experiences which enhance lessons, embrace diversity, build community connections, and provide equity of access to resources

INITIAL ASSESSMENT AND EFFECTS OF SNAKE FUNGAL DISEASE ON POPULATIONS OF SNAKES IN KENTUCKY

Pathogenic fungi are increasingly associated with epidemics in wildlife populations and represent a significant threat to global biodiversity. Snake fungal disease is an emerging disease caused by the fungus, Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, and appears to be widespread in the eastern United States. Yet an evaluation of field diagnostics, and an understanding of the population-level consequences of the disease, are lacking. First, I evaluated the use of clinical signs to predict the presence of O. ophiodiicola across season and snake habitat affiliation (aquatic or terrestrial) and I compared two sampling methods to see if collection method impacts PCR result. Overall, snakes with clinical signs had a higher probability of testing positive regardless of season or habitat association. However, terrestrial snakes had a lower overall probability of testing positive for O. ophiodiicola compared to aquatic snakes. I found no significant difference between sampling methods. Second, I used Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) telemetry, and multistate capture-mark-recapture modelling to determine if SFD affects the short-term survival, movement, and behavior of wild snakes. I found no difference in short-term survival for snakes with SFD. Snakes with SFD spend more time surface-active and have lower permanent emigration and temporary immigration rates than snakes without SFD

ASPiRE Partner Report: Assessing the Impact of ASPiRE from the Perspective of Sustained Partners

The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the quality of ASPiRE\u27s partnerships from the perspective of partners. In addition, this effort also gathered preliminary information about partners\u27 perspectives on VCU as a whole and functioned as a pilot test to inform future efforts for collecting partner voice about VCU\u27s partnerships across the university

The effects of coaching and electronic performance feedback on teachers' use of behavior-specific praise and opportunities to respond

Dissertation supervisor: Dr. Timothy J. Lewis.Includes vita.A single-subject multiple baseline design across four teacher-student dyads was used to investigate possible functional relationships between the independent variable of coaching and electronic performance feedback and dependent variables of teacher behaviors (BSP, general praise, OTR, reprimand) and student disruptive behavior. Subjects were four elementary special education teachers and four students with disabilities whose teachers reported as exhibiting high rates of externalizing behaviors. All selected dyads were observed in 20-minute sessions during instruction in the special education setting. Results indicated coaching and electronic performance feedback led to moderate gains in teachers' use of BSP. Visual analysis indicated changes in teacher behavior had little to no effect on student disruptive behavior. Additionally, teachers showed little maintenance once daily electronic performance feedback was withdrawn. Implications for future research are discussed.Includes bibliographical references (pages 83-94)

Development and function of group 2 innate lymphoid cells

The innate lymphoid cell (ILC) family has recently expanded with the discovery of type-2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2). These cells arise from lymphoid progenitors in the bone marrow and, under the control of the transcriptional regulators RORα and Gata3, they mature to give rise to IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13 producing ILC2. These cells are critical components of the innate immune response to parasitic worm infections and have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma and allergy. Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular regulation of ILC2 development and function now present the opportunity to develop new genetic models to assess ILC2 immune function and to investigate possible therapeutic interventions

Rodeo Athletes\u27 Perceptions on Head Injuries: Focusing on Concussions

Please enjoy Volume 6, Issue 1 of the JSMAHS. In this issue, you will find Professional, Graduate, and Undergraduate research abstracts, and case reports. Thank you for viewing this 6th Annual OATA Special Edition