Binocular transfer methods for point-feature tracking of image sequences

Image transfer is a method for projecting a 3D scene from two or more reference images. Typically, the correspondences of target points to be transferred and the reference points must be known over the reference images. We present two new transfer methods that eliminate the target point correspondence requirement. We show that five reference points matched across two reference images are sufficient to linearly resolve transfer under affine projection using two views instead of three views as needed by other techniques. Furthermore, given the correspondences of any four of the five reference points in any other view, we can transfer a target point to a third view from any one of the two original reference views. To improve the robustness of the affine projection method, we incorporate an orthographic camera model. A factorization method is applied to the reference points matched over two reference views. Experiments with real image sequences demonstrate the application of both methods for motion tracking.     

Failure Process of Granite

The initiation, development, and coalescence of cracks when a rock specimen is loaded have been studied by various researchers. The current consensus is that such complex process is however not yet fully understood. In the present study, the problem has been revisited by carrying out extensive testing on granite specimens. Each specimen was loaded under uniaxial loading condition to various load levels in both prepeak and postpeak ranges. After unloading, the crack patterns were printed onto the surface of a piece of resin. The images of the patterns were then captured using a digital camera through optical microscope or scanning electron microscope. Statistical analyses on these images were then carried out using an image analysis software. The study focuses on the cracking behavior of the various mineral components of the granite and their respective roles in the failure process. In addition, a numerical model was developed to simulate the test results and parametric study was carried out to investigate the effects of various factors (heterogeneity index, C/T ratio, grain arrangement, and grain size, etc.) on the failure behavior of the granite. The study has provided insight on the development of cracks, especially in the postpeak range. A better understanding on the roles of the major minerals in failure process of the granite has been achieved.     

Potassium channels participate in gastric mucosal protection in rats with partial portal vein ligation

Glybenclamide, an adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium (K+(ATP)) channel blocker, lowered portal pressure and attenuated the hyperdynamic splanchnic circulation in rats with partial portal vein ligation (PPVL). The purpose of this report was to confirm these observations and to test the hypothesis that glybenclamide could reduce acidified ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats with PPVL. Gastric mucosal blood flow (hydrogen gas clearance), systemic blood pressure, and portal pressure were monitored in rats with PPVL or sham operation (SO). Intravenous glybenclamide (20 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered, followed by intragastric acidified ethanol (0.15 N HCl and 15% ethanol). The area of gastric mucosal lesions was assessed by image analysis. In contrast to published findings, there was no significant elevation of portal pressure after glybenclamide administration in rats with PPVL. Glybenclamide did not alter the gastric mucosal hyperemia in these rats. Glybenclamide significantly increased mucosal injury. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that K+(ATP) channels play a role in protecting the gastric mucosa in rats with PPVL.     

Study of BiCMOS logic gate configurations for improved low-voltageperformance

A simple BiCMOS configuration employing the source-well tie PMOS/n-p-n pull-down combination is proposed for low-voltage, high-performance operations. The improved BiCMOS gate delay time over that of the NMOS/n-p-n (conventional) BiCMOS gate is confirmed by means of inverter simulations and measured ring oscillator data. The source-well tie PMOS/n-p-n BiCMOS gate outperforms its conventional BiCMOS counterpart in the low-voltage supply range, at both high and low temperatures. A critical speed path from the 68030 internal circuit is used as a benchmark for the proposed BiCMOS design technique. The measured propagation delay of the BiCMOS speed path is faster than its CMOS counterpart down to 2.3 V supply voltage at -10°C and sub-2 V at 110°C     

An exclusive-nor based on resonant interband tunneling FET's

We have proposed and demonstrated an XNOR device based on the negative differential resistance in a resonant interband tunneling diode and the current control capabilities of field effect transistors. DC and timing measurements have confirmed the operations of the device. Simulations and discussions will be presented     

A theoretical framework and efficiency study of multivariate statistical process control charts

A multivariate T² chart is developed based on the Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test (GLRT) without a priori information about potential mean deviations. Identification of response variables from a T² chart is challenging and has received considerable attention recently. By highlighting the intrinsic relationship between various multivariate control charts and statistical hypothesis testing, this paper presents a theoretical framework for various individual multivariate control charts including the T² chart, regression-adjusted chart and M chart. The performance of these control charts is compared under different correlation structures among variables and different mean deviations. A hybrid control chart is also proposed based on the GLRT and union-intersection test, which can serve as a complementary diagnosis tool for the T² chart.     

Application of knowledge-based expert systems for rating highway bridges

This paper presents the establishment of a Bridge Rating Expert System (BRES) by using a knowledge-based computer artificial intelligent expert system for analysis and rating of existing short span prestressed concrete highway bridges. The rating methods considered were: Inventory Rating, Operation Rating, Rating Factor Rating and Sufficiency Rating. A strength rating is based on the evaluation of existing prestressed concrete bridges in accordance with the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) specifications, and inventory rating for all bridges according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guide for the Structure Inventory and Appraisal of the Nation's Bridges. The parameters considered were bridge type, dead loads, type of vehicle loading, bridge dimensions and cross-section, material properties, reinforcement details, and existing physical condition of the bridge. The results show that, through its runtime rule controller, user interface and linkage mechanisms, the BRES is a friendly user system for rating highway bridges. In addition, the EXSYSP shell provides an effective tool for other possible applications in civil engineering practice.     

Near-field thermomechanical response of a waste vault

The near-field thermomechanical response of an immobilized waste disposal vault in crystalline hard rock was numerically studied taking into account the nonlinear behaviour of the host rock. The results of analyses indicate that the temperature dependence of rock properties has relatively little effect on the transient temperature distributions but may increase the thermal stresses and displacements substantially. However, no deep-seated major overstressed zones are expected.