Abstract: This disclosure is related to techniques for character recognition. Disclosed techniques include obtaining an electronic image containing depictions of characters, obtaining an initial optical character recognition output for the electronic image, identifying as potentially accurate a set of subsections of the initial optical character recognition output to generate a query, obtaining a search result corresponding to a document and responsive to the query, verifying text in the search result matches the depictions of characters, and outputting computer readable text from the document.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surfacing content during a photo sharing process is described. The method may include detecting the initiation of a social networking photo sharing process for a digital image. The method may also include transmitting digital image data corresponding to the digital image to a content surfacing server to locate content relevant to the digital image. The method may also include receiving one or more items of data relevant to the digital image from the content surfacing server. Furthermore, the method may include presenting a notification, before the digital image is uploaded to a social networking system by the social networking photo sharing process, to a user to indicate that content relevant to the digital image has been received.

Abstract: An interferon composition is provided for enhancing the platelet count, reducing the recurrence rate of hepatitis, and/or improving the social function of hepatitis patients. The method comprises administering a low dose of IFN (about 5 IU to about 2500 IU of IFN-alpha) to a patient in need thereof. In one embodiment the IFN is alpha IFN or beta IFN, and more particularly, in one embodiment the administered biologically active IFN is human alpha IFN.

Abstract: Disclosed techniques include receiving an electronic image containing depictions of characters, segmenting at least some of the depictions of characters using a first segmentation technique to produce a first segmented portion, and performing a first character recognition on the first segmented portion to determine a first sequence of characters. The techniques also include determining, based on the performing the first character recognition, that the first sequence of characters does not match the depictions of characters. The techniques further include segmenting at least some of the depictions of characters using a second segmentation technique, based on the determining, to produce a second segmented portion, and performing a second character recognition on at least a portion of the second segmented portion to produce a second sequence of characters. The techniques also include outputting a third sequence of characters based on at least part of the second sequence of characters.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to compositions and methods for treating or preventing muscle injury or diseases through oral administration of low doses of type I and/or type III interferons. In one embodiment a composition is administered comprising interferon-alpha and trehalose.

Abstract: Baling apparatus (1) for forming a bale (2) of grass, hay, straw or the like and for wrapping the bale (2) in non-perforated plastics sheet wrapping material (64, 71) comprises a chassis (10), a baler (16) mounted on the chassis (10) within which the bale (2) is formed, and a pair of bale supporting rollers (54, 55) on which the bale is supported and rotated during wrapping. An upper segment (21) and a lower segment (22) of the baler (16) are pivotal upwardly for transferring a bale from the baler (16) to the bale supporting rollers (54, 55). A first dispenser (63) and a holding mechanism (65) extend wrapping material (64) across a discharge opening (40) through which the bale (2) is transferred from the baler (16) so that as the bale is being transferred onto the bale supporting rollers (54, 55), wrapping sheet material (64) is drawn from the first dispenser (63) around approximately 180° of the circumferential surface (5) of the bale (2) and extends around corner edges (8) of the bale (2).

Abstract: A hand-held tire pressure and tire soundness testing device is described. A shaft having a linear axis of symmetry, a predetermined maximum shaft cross-sectional dimension, a distal end and a proximal end is provided. A tire-striking head extends from the distal end of the shaft. The tire-striking head has a circular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the shaft and has an axially symmetrical striking surface defined by rotating an imaginary convex curve around the axis of symmetry at a predetermined maximum head diameter greater than the predetermined maximum shaft diameter. A handle coaxially extends from the proximal end of the shaft. The handle has a circular cross-sectional shape at a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry and has a maximum handle diameter equal to or greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the shaft.

Abstract: Nucleic acids can be amplified and detected using an element which has a sealable support on which is disposed a nucleic acid reagent composition. The composition is a mixture of a nucleic acid reagent composed of polymeric particles to which an oligonucleotide is covalently attached. The particles are prepared from a first polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least about 70.degree. C. and have an average diameter of from about 0.1 to about 3 micrometers. The reagent is adhered to the support using a water insoluble adhesive comprising a second polymer which has a glass transition temperature which is at least about 30.degree. C. less than the glass transition temperature of the first polymer. The adhesive is present in the composition at from about 1 to about 20 dry weight percent. The method provides high sensitivity and low background in the assay of nucleic acids, preferably using polymerase chain reaction.