Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for processing images by means of a series of user interactions. When processing an image, the user follows a series of interactions. Preferably, this is standardized to ensure reproducibility and accuracy. However, the series of interactions required from the user may be dependent on the needs of the user, the image being processed or even on the preferences of the user. The invention provides an apparatus which can deal with complex image processing requirements, providing both a standardized series of steps, or trail, in the image visualization process, and allowing the user to deviate from this standard trail if required. This accelerates and simplifies the interaction necessary when the user performs a known task on a different image.

Abstract: In a process for purifying carboxylic acids comprising halogen compounds, the carboxylic acid is distilled in the presence of a nonvolatile auxiliary base, the halide of which is liquid at the boiling temperature of the carboxylic acid. The auxiliary base binds the hydrogen halide which is present in the carboxylic acid and/or has been eliminated from halogen compounds as a result of thermal action and lowers the vapor pressure thereof in this way, such that the hydrogen halide is held in the distillation bottoms and is not transferred into the distillate. Since the halide of the auxiliary base is liquid, the formation of solid deposits in the distillation apparatus is prevented. The carboxylic acid optionally also comprises at least one low boiler.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of a functionalised carbon (nano)material comprising heating a carbon (nano)material in an inert atmosphere to produce a surface-activated carbon (nano)material and incubating said surface-activated carbon (nano)material with a chemical species capable of reacting with the surface-activated carbon (nano)material.

Abstract: An electrolyte includes a continuous meso- or nanoporous component and a polymer electrolyte phase having a conductive matrix or continuous conducting component. The continuous meso- or nanoporous component includes an interconnected porous structure and may, for example, be a monolith. When the porous component is contacted with the electrolyte phase, the porous component is filled with and integrated into the electrolyte phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (100) for producing a representation of an object in image data, based on a template coupled to a model of the object, the system comprising a model unit for adapting the model to the object in the image data, and a template unit for adapting the template to the adapted model on the basis of the coupling between the template and the model. The template defines a representation of the object which is simpler to interpret than the model. The template may be arranged to emphasize useful features of the object. The template comprises substantially fewer degrees of freedom and thus can be efficiently adapted to the model. Because the template of the invention is coupled to the model, the position, orientation and/or shape of the template is determined by the model adapted to the object in the image data. Hence, the template is adapted to the image data. The adapted template is capable of representing the object and its individual characteristics, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for segmenting an object comprising sub-objects shown in an object image. The apparatus comprises a feature image generation unit (2) for generating a feature image showing features related to intermediate regions between the sub-objects and a segmentation unit (3) for segmenting the sub-objects by using the object image and the feature image. Preferentially, the feature image generation unit (2) is adapted for generating a feature image from the object image. In a further embodiment, the feature image generation unit (2) comprises a feature enhancing unit for enhancing features related to intermediate regions between the sub-objects in the object image.

Abstract: A method for producing aligned carbon nanotubes and/or nanofibres comprises providing finely divided substrate particle having substantially smooth faces with radii of curvature of more than 1 ?m and of length and breadth between 1 ?m and 5 mm and having catalyst material on their surface and a carbon-containing gas at a temperature and pressure at which the carbon-containing gas will react to form carbon when in the presence of the supported catalyst, and forming aligned nanotubes and/or nanofibres by the carbon-forming reaction.

Abstract: A fuel cell or battery for providing useful electrical power by electrochemical means, comprises: at least one cell; at least one anode and at least one cathode within said cell, and ion-conducting electrolyte means for transporting ions between the electrodes; characterised in that: fuel, oxidant and said electrolyte means are present as a mixture.

Abstract: A fuel cell or battery for providing useful electrical power by electrochemical means, comprises: at least one cell; at least one anode and at leas one cathode within said cell, and ion-conducting electrolyte means for transporting ions between the electrodes; and is characterised in that: said electrodes are porous and in that means are provided for causing hydrodynamic flow of a mixture of at least fuel and oxidant through the body of said electrodes.

Abstract: Electronically conductive composites of electronically conductive polymers and carbon nanotubes are formed by electrochemical or gel polymerisation of monomer in a carbon nanotube suspension. Electrical energy storage devices are produced from carbon nanotube/electronically conductive polymer composites.