Efficient topological localization using orientation adjacency coherence histograms

This paper describes an efficient vision-based global topological localization approach that uses a coarse-to-fine strategy. Orientation Adjacency Coherence Histogram (OACH), a novel image feature, is proposed to improve the coarse localization. The coarse localization results are taken as inputs for the fine localization which is carried out by matching Harris-Laplace interest points characterized by the SIFT descriptor. Computation of OACHs and interest points is efficient due to the fact that these features are computed in an integrated process. We have implemented and tested the localization system in real environments. The experimental results demonstrate that our approach is efficient and reliable in both indoor and outdoor environments. © 2006 IEEE.

Designing Of Partial Similarity Models And Evaluation Method In Polymer Flooding Experiment

Based on the scaling criteria of polymer flooding reservoir obtained in our previous work in which the gravity and capillary forces, compressibility, non-Newtonian behavior, absorption, dispersion, and diffusion are considered, eight partial similarity models are designed. A new numerical approach of sensitivity analysis is suggested to quantify the dominance degree of relaxed dimensionless parameters for partial similarity model. The sensitivity factor quantifying the dominance degree of relaxed dimensionless parameter is defined. By solving the dimensionless governing equations including all dimensionless parameters, the sensitivity factor of each relaxed dimensionless parameter is calculated for each partial similarity model; thus, the dominance degree of the relaxed one is quantitatively determined. Based on the sensitivity analysis, the effect coefficient of partial similarity model is defined as the summation of product of sensitivity factor of relaxed dimensionless parameter and its relative relaxation quantity. The effect coefficient is used as a criterion to evaluate each partial similarity model. Then the partial similarity model with the smallest effect coefficient can be singled out to approximate to the prototype. Results show that the precision of partial similarity model is not only determined by the number of satisfied dimensionless parameters but also the relative relaxation quantity of the relaxed ones.

Partial-mediated slips in nanocrystalline Ni at high strain rate

Previous experiments on nanocrystalline Ni were conducted under quasistatic strain rates (similar to 3x10(-3)/s), which are much lower than that used in typical molecular dynamics simulations (>3x10(7)/s), thus making direct comparison of modeling and experiments very difficult. In this study, the split Hopkinson bar tests revealed that nanocrystalline Ni prefers twinning to extended partials, especially under higher strain rates (10(3)/s). These observations contradict some reported molecular dynamics simulation results, where only extended partials, but no twins, were observed. The accuracy of the generalized planar fault energies is only partially responsible, but cannot fully account for such a difference. (C) 2007 American Institute of Physics.

The Characteristics of Semi-Cokes --The Solid Residues from Coal Partial Gasification

In this paper the proximate analysis and ultimate analysis of sulfur in different semi-cokes generated from Rizhao bituminous coal and Beijing anthracite under different temperatures is done. Also the tendency of the contents of volatile, ash, fixed carbon and sulfur in different semi-cokes along with the different preparation temperatures is studied. Then the combustion experiment of semi-cokes in the drop-tube furnace system was carried out, and the kinetic parameters of different semi-cokes ware calculated.

Numerical Sensitivity Analysis and Partial Similarity of Porous Media Flows

A numerical optimisation approach to identify dominant dimensionless variables in porous media flows by sensitivity analysis is proposed. We have validated the approach at first by examining a simple oil reservoir theoretically and numerically as well. A more complex water-flooding reservoir is examined based on sensitivity analysis of oil recovery to the similarity parameters, thus demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed approach to identify dominant similarity parameters for water-oil two-phase flows.

Advances in Nonlinear Complexity Analysis for Partial Differential Equations

1 p. -- [Editorial Material]

TWEAK/Fn14 Signaling Is Required for Liver Regeneration after Partial Hepatectomy in Mice

Background & Aims: Pro-inflammatory cytokines are important for liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH). Expression of Fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14), the receptor for TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), is induced rapidly after PH and remains elevated throughout the period of peak hepatocyte replication. The role of Fn14 in post-PH liver regeneration is uncertain because Fn14 is expressed by liver progenitors and TWEAK-Fn14 interactions stimulate progenitor growth, but replication of mature hepatocytes is thought to drive liver regeneration after PH. Methods: To clarify the role of TWEAK-Fn14 after PH, we compared post-PH regenerative responses in wild type (WT) mice, Fn14 knockout (KO) mice, TWEAK KO mice, and WT mice treated with anti-TWEAK antibodies. Results: In WT mice, rare Fn14(+) cells localized with other progenitor markers in peri-portal areas before PH. PH rapidly increased proliferation of Fn14(+) cells; hepatocytic cells that expressed Fn14 and other progenitor markers, such as Lgr5, progressively accumulated from 12-8 h post-PH and then declined to baseline by 96 h. When TWEAK/Fn14 signaling was disrupted, progenitor accumulation, induction of pro-regenerative cytokines, hepatocyte and cholangiocyte proliferation, and over-all survival were inhibited, while post-PH liver damage and bilirubin levels were increased. TWEAK stimulated proliferation and increased Lgr5 expression in cultured liver progenitors, but had no effect on either parameter in cultured primary hepatocytes. Conclusions: TWEAK-FN14 signaling is necessary for the healthy adult liver to regenerate normally after acute partial hepatectomy.