Modular framework support for context-aware mobile cinema

In this paper we describe a novel approach for interactive cinema based on context-aware narration using handheld computers. The paper describes both the artistic approach and the ubiquitous computing framework developed to realize the scenario. This framework has been used in various projects, including the described video production course at the ISNM, where five interactive cinema concepts have been developed and shown during a public demonstration. In our approach, a new type of user experience has been established by placing the viewer inside the movie’s physical locations during playback. Moreover, the developed ubiquitous computing framework provides a foundation for future work in the area of ad-hoc, service-oriented Ubicomp scenarios.     

Experimental localized radar cross sections of aircraft

Localized RCS measurements are presented for the Boeing 727 and the Lockheed L-1011 aircraft. The measurements were made at X-band from a few degrees aft of broadside. The elevation angle was approximately 30°. Four data sets, each of 128 pulses, were obtained from each airplane examined. The data presented are composites of measurements of five Boeing 727s and three L-1011s     

Grounding spatial language in perception: An empirical and computational investigation.

The present paper grounds the linguistic categorization of space in aspects of visual perception; specifically, the structure of projective spatial terms such as above are grounded in the process of attention and in vector-sum coding of overall direction. This is formalized in the attentional vector-sum (AVS) model. This computational model accurately predicts linguistic acceptability judgments for spatial terms, under a variety of spatial configurations. In 7 experiments, the predictions of the AVS model are tested against those of 3 competing models. The results support the AVS model and disconfirm its competitors. The authors conclude that the structure of linguistic spatial categories can be partially explained in terms of independently motivated perceptual processes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Fluorescence histochemical techniques for catecholamines as tools in neurobiology

Formaldehyde-induced and glyoxylic-acid-induced fluorescence histochemistry permits the tissue localization of catecholamines in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), and in culture. Counterstains such as ethidium bromide provide excellent background identification of specific innervated regions in both the CNS and the periphery. Use of fluorescence histochemistry with immunocytochemistry can elucidate catecholamine-peptide relationships. Gelatin-ink perfusion used with fluorescence histochemistry permits the investigation of neuro-vascular relationships and documentation of vascular and parenchymal compartmentation of innervation. Combined use of fluorescence histochemistry and retrograde tracing methods demonstrates the specific cellular sources of innervation of target regions. Micropunch neurochemical analysis provides quantitative data for correlation with fluorescence histochemistry within a target region of innervation, and micro-spectrofluorometric analysis provides a semi-quantitative evaluation of the amount of fluorophore within a target region or within specific subcellular compartments such as the cell body or terminals.     

Experimental Verification of Multiinput Seismic Control Strategies for Smart Dampers

This paper documents the results of an experimental study conducted to demonstrate the capabilities of multiple magnetorheological (MR) devices for seismic control of civil engineering structures. A six-story test structure in the Washington University Structural Control and Earthquake Engineering Lab is considered, and four parallel-plate, shear-mode MR dampers are used to control this test structure. Two control devices are installed in the test structure between the base and first floor, and two are installed between the first floor and second floor. A phenomenological model of the shear mode MR damper is proposed and verified. A nonlinear system identification method, appropriate for multi-input/multi-output systems, is used to develop a model of the integrated structural system. Experimental transfer function data corresponding to one system input are used to update the eigenvalues of an analytical model. Two semiactive control algorithms, including a Lyapunov algorithm and a clipped-optimal algorithm, are considered. An El Centro earthquake example is used to disturb the system at three amplitude levels. The results indicate that high performance levels can be achieved, and the responses of the semiactive system are significantly better than that of comparable passive systems.     

A narrow-channel, 0.2-μm gate-length, double-quantum-wellpseudomorphic MODFET with high power gain at millimeter-wave frequencies

State-of-the-art pseudomorphic MODFETs were developed with metallurgical gate lengths between 0.22 and 0.25 μm, very short source-to-drain spacings of 0.7 μm, and a double-quantum-well material structure. S-parameter measurements were performed on these 60-μm gate-width devices up to 40 GHz. From these S-parameter measurements, an extrapolated value of 82 GHz was estimated for F_t. Modeling of the power gain as a function of frequency indicates that F_max may be as high as 305 GHz     

Acquisition of a problem-solving skill: Levels of organization and use of working memory.

We examined the acquisition of a problem-solving skill at three levels of organization—strategy, subgoal, and operator—and investigated changes in temporary storage, manipulation of information, and coordination of multiple representations. 6 college students practiced minimizing the simulated cost of solving diagnostic problems with digital electronic circuits for approximately 50 hr (347 problems). Ss were tested on declarative knowledge, inferential skills at the subgoal level, and ability to solve problems during working memory tasks. The working memory tasks required retention of a preload, concurrent processing, or integration of displayed information with the contents of working memory. The data support the view that restructuring is goal sensitive and strategic. The results suggest a multiple-level analysis of skill acquisition in which practice allows strategic restructuring of cognitive processes at 3 levels of organization. Implications for models of skill acquisition and working memory are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)