Range-finding by triangulation with nondiffracting beams

Nondiffracting beams are useful for alignment applications because the size of the beam does not change as the beam propagates. In this research we report a technique that allows for distance measurements with nondiffracting beams. With our approach a diffractive optical element is designed that generates two off-axis, tilted, nondiffracting Bessel function beams. These beams intersect at a desired distance from the input plane, producing interference. We generate these Bessel function arrays with a programmable spatial light modulator allowing external control over the intersection distance.     

Symmetry in scalar field topology

Study of symmetric or repeating patterns in scalar fields is important in scientific data analysis because it gives deep insights into the properties of the underlying phenomenon. Though geometric symmetry has been well studied within areas like shape processing, identifying symmetry in scalar fields has remained largely unexplored due to the high computational cost of the associated algorithms. We propose a computationally efficient algorithm for detecting symmetric patterns in a scalar field distribution by analysing the topology of level sets of the scalar field. Our algorithm computes the contour tree of a given scalar field and identifies subtrees that are similar. We define a robust similarity measure for comparing subtrees of the contour tree and use it to group similar subtrees together. Regions of the domain corresponding to subtrees that belong to a common group are extracted and reported to be symmetric. Identifying symmetry in scalar fields finds applications in visualization, data exploration, and feature detection. We describe two applications in detail: symmetry-aware transfer function design and symmetry-aware isosurface extraction.     

智能关机模块的开发

针对目前许多的家用电器,如电视机、空调等长时间处于无人或人已经睡着时仍在工作,造成电能源的极大浪费和电器寿命的缩短。从而设计了一种智能关机模块,能识别是否有人或睡着,如果无人或人已经睡着能够自动关闭电源,从而实现节能和延长电器的寿命。给出了智能关机模块的硬件和软件的设计方法。通过实践证明,该智能关机模块具有稳定可靠、灵敏度高、能够很好地控制电器的实际需求。     

Individual finger contribution in submaximal voluntary contraction of gripping

The objective of this study was to evaluate individual finger force and contribution to a gripping force, the difference between actual and expected finger forces and subjective discomfort rating at 10 different submaximal voluntary contraction (%MVC) levels (10-100% in 10 increments). Seventy-two participants randomly exerted gripping force with a multi-finger force measurement system. The individual finger force, gripping force and discomfort increased as %MVC levels increased. The middle and ring fingers exerted more force and contributed to a gripping force more than the index and little fingers due to their larger mass fractions of the digit flexor muscles. It was apparent at <50% MVC; however, the index finger increased its contribution and exerted even more force than expected at more than 50% MVC. Subjective discomfort supported the results of the objective measures. This could explain the conflicting findings between index and ring fingers in previous finger contribution studies. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: Hand tool design is of special interest in ergonomics due to its association with musculoskeletal disorders in the hand. This study reveals a different contribution pattern of the fingers in submaximal voluntary contraction of gripping exertion.     

Bayesian sample-size determination for two independent Poisson rates

Because of the high cost and time constraints for clinical trials, researchers often need to determine the smallest sample size that provides accurate inferences for a parameter of interest. Although most experimenters have employed frequentist sample-size determination methods, the Bayesian paradigm offers a wide variety of sample-size determination methodologies. Bayesian sample-size determination methods are becoming increasingly more popular in clinical trials because of their flexibility and easy interpretation inferences. Recently, Bayesian approaches have been used to determine the sample size of a single Poisson rate parameter in a clinical trial setting. In this paper, we extend these results to the comparison of two Poisson rates and develop methods for sample-size determination for hypothesis testing in a Bayesian context. We have created functions in R to determine the parameters for the conjugate gamma prior and calculate the sample size for the average length criterion and average power methods. We also provide two examples that implement our sample-size determination methods using clinical data.     

气动人工肌肉关节的自抗扰控制

气动人工肌肉关节系统是一个强非线性时变自平衡2阶系统,鉴于传统控制方法难以克服控制精度、调节速度和稳定性之间的矛盾,设计了一种2阶自抗扰控制器.采用3阶扩张状态观测器实时估计未建模型部分及外界扰动,对系统进行线性补偿,并利用非线性反馈机制提高控制效率,在保证稳定性的前提下,提高调节速度和控制精度,使得系统的稳态精度小于...     

Triton X-100 pretreatment of LR-white thin sections improves immunofluorescence specificity and intensity

The staining of intracellular antigenic sites in postembedded samples is a challenging problem. Deterioration of antigenicity and limited antibody accessibility to the antigen are commonly encountered on account of processing steps. In this study preservation of the antigen was achieved by fixing the tissues with mild fixatives, performing partial dehydration, and embedding in a low crosslinked hydrophilic acrylic resin, LR-White. Permeabilization of cell membranes with Triton X-100 is well documented but can affect some antigen conformations. We tested the effect of Triton X-100 on the ED1 antigen present in the lysosomal membrane of the macrophage in cell culture. The ED1 antigen in the lysosome was resistant to extraction by Triton X-100. Interestingly pretreating the LR-White sections of macrophage pellets with Triton X-100 improved the staining intensity of ED1. The most intense and clear specific fluorescent staining was observed when sections were pretreated with 0.2% Triton X-100 for 2 min. Longer exposure of sections to 0.2% Triton or 2 min exposure to 2% Triton lead to reduced ED1 labeling. SEM observations indicated that the detergent extracted a component from the cells and not the resin and was determined to be lipid. This novel technique could be applied in many research areas where postembedding fluorescent immunolabeling with higher labeling intensity is desired.     

A user-friendly PC-based data acquisition and analysis system for respirometric investigations

We have developed an easy-to-use computer-based system for recording, displaying, storing and analyzing signals generated by Clark-type oxygen electrodes. A user-friendly interface of Windows-based program BioMed significantly increases the productivity of investigations. It allows to process, control, present and archive the experimental data in real time. A 12-bit analog-to-digital-converter, analog and digital filters, a possibility to zoom the obtained respiratory curves and calculation of the respiration rates by a linear regression method increase the resolution of the estimated oxygen consumption rates. The new system enables to register even small changes, such as 3-5 ngatoms O/min, in respiration rates of biological objects -- enzymes, mitochondria and permeabilized muscle fibers. The system has been developed and is regularly used for the respirometric investigations at the Laboratory of Biochemistry, Institute for Biomedical Research, Kaunas University of Medicine.     

Win95(98)下ADSL通信卡驱动程序的伪串口实现

VxD技术是一种在Windows95(98)中对Ring0层(内核级)编程的非常有实用价值的技术.在设计ADSL通信卡的Windows95(98)驱动时,综合各方面的因素,选择了串口通信驱动模型作为实现模型.最终结果证明,这种选择完全是合理,且相对易于实现的.     

Incorporating biologically based models into assessments of risk from chemical contaminants

The general approach to assessment of risk from chemical contaminants in drinking water involves three steps: hazard identification, exposure assessment, and dose-response assessment. Traditionally, the risks to humans associated with different levels of a chemical have been derived from the toxic responses observed in animals. It is becoming increasingly clear, however, that further information is needed if risks to humans are to be assessed accurately. Biologically based models help clarify the dose-response relationship and reduce uncertainty.