Non-Contact Documentation of Physical Characteristics of Ecstasy Tablets, Hemp Coins, and Imprint Punches by using 3D Optical Surface Scanning

The description of seized illicit ecstasy tablets and other pressed drug products is an important step in casework. The physical and visual analysis and the description of the characteristics can be employed for intelligence purposes. Besides photography and manual measurements of dimensions, some optical instruments are employed for detailed measurements of physical characteristics. In this work, the method of 3D surface digitizing is introduced as a suitable tool for highly accurate documentation of small objects, especially for pressed drug products. The resulting detailed information about the geometry, and the results of an automatic comparison of apparently uniform tablets and coins with punches, can support drug intelligence.

CAD/CAM fabrication accuracy of long- vs. short-span implant-supported FDPs

OBJECTIVE To compare the precision of fit of long-span vs. short-span implant-supported screw-retained fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) made from computer-aided-design/computer-aided-manufactured (CAD/CAM) titanium and veneered with ceramic. The null hypothesis was that there is no difference in the vertical microgap between long-span and short-span FDPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS CAD/CAM titanium frameworks for an implant-supported maxillary FDP on implants with a flat platform were fabricated on one single master cast. Group A consisted of six 10-unit FDPs connected to six implants (FDI positions 15, 13, 11, 21, 23, 25) and group B of six 5-unit FDPs (three implants, FDI positions 21, 23, 25). The CAD/CAM system from Biodenta Swiss AG (Berneck, Switzerland) was used for digitizing (laser scanner) the master cast and anatomical CAD of each framework separately. The frameworks were milled (CAM) from a titanium grade V monobloc and veneered with porcelain. Median vertical distance between implant and FDP platforms from the non-tightened implants (one-screw test on implant 25) was calculated from mesial, buccal, and distal scanning electron microscope measurements. RESULTS All measurements showed values <40 μm. Total median vertical microgaps were 23 μm (range 2-38 μm) for group A and 7 μm (4-24 μm) for group B. The difference between the groups was statistically significant at implant 21 (P = 0.002; 97.5% CI -27.3 to -4.9) and insignificant at implant 23 (P = 0.093; -3.9 to 1.0). CONCLUSIONS CAD/CAM fabrication including laboratory scanning and porcelain firing was highly precise and reproducible for all long- and short-span FDPs. While all FDPs showed clinically acceptable values, the short-span FDPs were statistically more precise at the 5-unit span distance.

Monitoring of industrial exposure for chloracne

This study (1) established comedogenicity dose response curves for the pure compounds of 3,3$\sp\prime$,4,4$\sp\prime$-tetrachloroazobenzene (TCAB) and 3,3$\sp\prime$,4,4$\sp\prime$-tetrachloroazoxybenzene (TCAOB) individually and as a couple-compound using a rabbit ear model; (2) used a rabbit ear model to establish comedogenicity potential for TCAB and TCAOB as they existed in a given industrial herbicide manufacture process; (3) evaluated actual environmental contamination in a herbicide industrial setting by air monitoring and wipe sampling; (4) biologically monitored potentially exposed workers for alterations in follicular orifice size as an index of actual exposure to chloracnegenic compounds; and (5) biologically monitored potentially exposed workers for changes in weight, cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar.^ A silastic monomer mold (an objective measure) was used to measure change in follicular orifice size over time. This required taking impressions of (1) skin of the forehead and right and left malar crescents of workers and (2) the skin of the external ear of the rabbit. Molds were stained using a solution of hematoxylin and digitized using a Nikon UFX microscope (magnification 300 X), a drawing tube and a digitizing tablet attached to an IBM Personal Computer. Comedogenicity assays were used to establish dose-response curves for TCAB, TCAOB and the couple-compound TCAB + TCAOB.^ No evidence of chloracne or toxicity was observed in any of the workers. Nor, was there a statistically significant increase in size of follicular orifice means measured over time. This was attributed to extensive personal and environmental hygiene programs along with teaching the workers about chloracne, its cause and its prevention. These programs may have been the greatest factor in preventing the development of chloracne in this group of workers. Monitoring of the plant environment showed relatively high concentrations of the couple-compound (TCAB + TCAOB). Comedogenicity assays showed a linear dose-response relationship over time for TCAB, TCAOB and the couple-compound. An antagonistic action was found for the TCAB/TCAOB of the couple-compound; such action may provide some protection to workers in this type of setting. It is speculated that the observed antagonistic action may be due to the difference in binding affinities of TCAB/TCAOB for receptor sites. ^

Deep drilling of glaciers: Russian projects in the Arctic (1975-1995)

The data collection "Deep Drilling of Glaciers: Soviet-Russian projects in Arctic, 1975-1995" was collected by the following basic considerations: - compilation of deep (>100 m) drilling projects on Arctic glaciers, using data of (a) publications; (b) archives of IGRAN; (c) personal communication of project participants; - documentation of parameters, references. Accuracy of data and techniques applied to determine different parameters are not evaluated. The accuracy of some geochemical parameters (up to 1984 and heavy metalls) is uncertain. Most reconstructions of ice core age and of annual layer thickness are discussed; - digitizing of published diagrams (in case, when original numerical data were lost) and subsequent data conversion to equal range series and adjustment to the common units. Therefore, the equal-range series were calculated from original data or converted from digitized chart values as indicated in the metadata. For the methodological purpose, the equal-range series obtained from original and reconstructed data were compared repeatedly; the systematic difference was less then 5-7%. Special attention should be given to the fact, that the data for individual ice core parameters varies, because some parameters were originally measured or registered. Parameters were converted in equal-range series using 2 m steps; - two or more parameter values were determined, then the mean-weighted (i.e. accounting the sample length) value is assigned to the entire interval; - one parameter value was determined, measured or registered independently from the parameter values in depth intervals which over- and underlie it, then the value is assigned to the entire interval; - one parameter value was determined, measured or registered for two adjoining depth intervals, then the specific value is assigned to the depth interval, which represents >75% of sample length ; if each of adjoining depth intervals represents <75% of sample length, then the correspondent parameter value is assigned to both intervals of depth. This collection of ice core data (version 2000) was made available through the EU funded QUEEN project by S.M. Arkhipov, Moscow.

Latest Paleocene-earliest Eocene cyclostratigraphy

I present a new method for reconnaissance cyclostratigraphic study of continuously cored boreholes: the generation of detailed sediment color logs by digitizing Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) core photographs. The reliability of the method is tested by comparison with the spectrophotometer color log for the uppermost Paleocene-lowermost Eocene section (Chron C24r) at ODP Hole 1051A. The color log generated from Hole 1051A core photographs is essentially identical to the spectrophotometer log. The method is applied to the Chron C24r section at Holes 1051A and 690B, producing the first high-resolution geophysical log for the latter section. I calculate astronomically calibrated durations between bio- and chemostratigraphic events within Chron C24r by correlating the cyclostratigraphies for Holes 1051A and 690B. These durations are significantly different from previous estimates, indicating that the chronology of events surrounding the Paleocene/Eocene boundary will have to be revised. This study demonstrates that useful geophysical logs can be generated from digitized ODP and DSDP core photographs. The method is of practical use for sections lacking high-resolution logs, as is the case for most lower Paleogene sections.

Recognition of online handwritten music symbols

Paper submitted to MML 2013, 6th International Workshop on Machine Learning and Music, Prague, September 23, 2013.

Efficient tool path computation using multi-core GPUs

Tool path generation is one of the most complex problems in Computer Aided Manufacturing. Although some efficient strategies have been developed, most of them are only useful for standard machining. However, the algorithms used for tool path computation demand a higher computation performance, which makes the implementation on many existing systems very slow or even impractical. Hardware acceleration is an incremental solution that can be cleanly added to these systems while keeping everything else intact. It is completely transparent to the user. The cost is much lower and the development time is much shorter than replacing the computers by faster ones. This paper presents an optimisation that uses a specific graphic hardware approach using the power of multi-core Graphic Processing Units (GPUs) in order to improve the tool path computation. This improvement is applied on a highly accurate and robust tool path generation algorithm. The paper presents, as a case of study, a fully implemented algorithm used for turning lathe machining of shoe lasts. A comparative study will show the gain achieved in terms of total computing time. The execution time is almost two orders of magnitude faster than modern PCs.

South America, 1807 (Image 2 of 7) (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Colombia Prima or South America : in which it has been attempted to delineate the extent of our knowledge of that continent, extracted chiefly from the original manuscript maps of ... Pinto, likewise fom those of João Joaquin da Rocha, João da Costa Ferreira ... Francisco Manuel Sobreviela &c. and from the most authentic edited accounts of those countries, digested & constructed by ... Louis Stanislas D'Arcy Delarochette. It was published by William Faden geographer to His Majesty and to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in June 4th, 1807. Scale [ca. 1:3,000,000]. This layer is image 2 of 7 total images of the eight sheet map, representing the northern portion of the map.The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the South America Lambert Conformal Conic projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, roads, territorial boundaries, shoreline features, mines, tribes, and more. Relief shown by hachures. Includes notes.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

South America, 1807 (Image 3 of 7) (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Colombia Prima or South America : in which it has been attempted to delineate the extent of our knowledge of that continent, extracted chiefly from the original manuscript maps of ... Pinto, likewise fom those of João Joaquin da Rocha, João da Costa Ferreira ... Francisco Manuel Sobreviela &c. and from the most authentic edited accounts of those countries, digested & constructed by ... Louis Stanislas D'Arcy Delarochette. It was published by William Faden geographer to His Majesty and to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in June 4th, 1807. Scale [ca. 1:3,000,000]. This layer is image 3 of 7 total images of the eight sheet map, representing the eastern portion of the map.The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the South America Lambert Conformal Conic projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, roads, territorial boundaries, shoreline features, mines, tribes, and more. Relief shown by hachures. Includes notes.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

South America, 1807 (Image 4 of 7) (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Colombia Prima or South America : in which it has been attempted to delineate the extent of our knowledge of that continent, extracted chiefly from the original manuscript maps of ... Pinto, likewise fom those of João Joaquin da Rocha, João da Costa Ferreira ... Francisco Manuel Sobreviela &c. and from the most authentic edited accounts of those countries, digested & constructed by ... Louis Stanislas D'Arcy Delarochette. It was published by William Faden geographer to His Majesty and to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in June 4th, 1807. Scale [ca. 1:3,000,000]. This layer is image 4 of 7 total images of the eight sheet map, representing the northeast portion of the map.The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the South America Lambert Conformal Conic projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, roads, territorial boundaries, shoreline features, mines, tribes, and more. Relief shown by hachures. Includes notes.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

South America, 1807 (Image 5 of 7) (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Colombia Prima or South America : in which it has been attempted to delineate the extent of our knowledge of that continent, extracted chiefly from the original manuscript maps of ... Pinto, likewise fom those of João Joaquin da Rocha, João da Costa Ferreira ... Francisco Manuel Sobreviela &c. and from the most authentic edited accounts of those countries, digested & constructed by ... Louis Stanislas D'Arcy Delarochette. It was published by William Faden geographer to His Majesty and to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in June 4th, 1807. Scale [ca. 1:3,000,000]. This layer is image 5 of 7 total images of the eight sheet map, representing the southwest portion of the map.The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the South America Lambert Conformal Conic projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, roads, territorial boundaries, shoreline features, mines, tribes, and more. Relief shown by hachures. Includes notes.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

South America, 1807 (Image 6 of 7) (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Colombia Prima or South America : in which it has been attempted to delineate the extent of our knowledge of that continent, extracted chiefly from the original manuscript maps of ... Pinto, likewise fom those of João Joaquin da Rocha, João da Costa Ferreira ... Francisco Manuel Sobreviela &c. and from the most authentic edited accounts of those countries, digested & constructed by ... Louis Stanislas D'Arcy Delarochette. It was published by William Faden geographer to His Majesty and to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in June 4th, 1807. Scale [ca. 1:3,000,000]. This layer is image 6 of 7 total images of the eight sheet map, representing the western portion of the map.The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the South America Lambert Conformal Conic projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, roads, territorial boundaries, shoreline features, mines, tribes, and more. Relief shown by hachures. Includes notes.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

South America, 1807 (Image 7 of 7) (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Colombia Prima or South America : in which it has been attempted to delineate the extent of our knowledge of that continent, extracted chiefly from the original manuscript maps of ... Pinto, likewise fom those of João Joaquin da Rocha, João da Costa Ferreira ... Francisco Manuel Sobreviela &c. and from the most authentic edited accounts of those countries, digested & constructed by ... Louis Stanislas D'Arcy Delarochette. It was published by William Faden geographer to His Majesty and to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in June 4th, 1807. Scale [ca. 1:3,000,000]. This layer is image 7 of 7 total images of the eight sheet map, representing the southern portion of the map.The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the South America Lambert Conformal Conic projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, roads, territorial boundaries, shoreline features, mines, tribes, and more. Relief shown by hachures. Includes notes.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

South America, 1819 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: South America : from the latest Spanish and Portuguese surveys. It was published by W. Faden in Jany. 1, 1819. Scale [ca. 1:77,500,000]. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the South America Lambert Conformal Conic projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, territorial boundaries, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown by hachures and pictorially.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

South America, 1825 (Image 1 of 2) (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: General-Charte von Süd-America = Carte générale de L'Amerique Méridionale : en deux grandes feuilles. d'après les observations et les cartes spéciales, rapportées du Voyage dans l'intérieur du Brèsil, pendant les années 1817-1820..., par les Docteurs de Spix et de Martius, Chevaliers de L'Ordre civil de la Couronne de Bavière, membres de L'Académie Royale de Munich ; gestochen von Joh. Bapt. Seitz, Kupferstecher im topographischen Bureau des Kön. baier. General-Quartiermeister Stab. It was published by [M. Lindauer] in 1825. Scale [ca. 1:7,000,000]. This layer is image 1 of 2 total images of the two sheet source map, representing the southern portion of the map. Map in German and French. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the South America Lambert Conformal Conic projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, territorial boundaries, roads, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown by hachures.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.