A rapid prototyping software infrastructure for user interfaces in ubiquitous augmented reality

Recent user interface concepts, such as multimedia, multimodal, wearable, ubiquitous, tangible, or augmented-reality-based (AR) interfaces, each cover different approaches that are all needed to support complex human–computer interaction. Increasingly, an overarching approach towards building what we call ubiquitous augmented reality (UAR) user interfaces that include all of the just mentioned concepts will be required. To this end, we present a user interface architecture that can form a sound basis for combining several of these concepts into complex systems. We explain in this paper the fundamentals of DWARFs user interface framework (DWARF standing for distributed wearable augmented reality framework) and an implementation of this architecture. Finally, we present several examples that show how the framework can form the basis of prototypical applications.     

A THERMOELASTICITY THEORY FOR DAMAGE IN ANISOTROPIC MATERIALS

A thermoelasticity theory for damage in anisotropic materials is developed. This theory can be applied to evaluate the damage parameter D, the normalized effective mess density ρ^e/ρ, and the effective modulus E^e quantitatively in some metals and composites by incorporating the thermographic stress analysis method (TSA; also, SPATE method). The effective moduli due to fatigue damage and static loads in a glass fiber/epoxy laminate obtained by the TSA method are compared with the values measured by an extensometer. The correlation between the measurements using the two methods is very good.     

A numerical approach to the complete stress-strain curve of concrete

This paper presents the experimental justification of two previously published formulas, Eqs. 2) and 6), for the estimation of the complete stress-strain diagram of concrete. Eq. 2) combined with Eq. 3) differs from the other formulas offered in the literature for similar purpose in that provides more relative curvature in the diagram for concretes of lower strengths. Also, with Eq. 6), it can take the fact into consideration that the value of Σ₀ increases with increasing concrete strength. The result of these refinements is that the stress-strain diagrams calculated by these formulas fit better the experimentally obtained diagrams and within wider limits than the similar formulas available in the literature. (Figs. 5a through 5d, 8a through 8d, and 9.)     

Kinematic analysis of planar higher pair mechanisms

In this paper, theory of kinematics analysis of planar higher pair mechanisms is presented. It has been found that the analysis procedure will be analytical or numerical depending on whether the geometry of the contacting surface(s) is given in an analytical form or in terms of coordinates of discrete points on the surface(s). For either of these options, solution procedures have been described. For the case when profile data is given in numerical form, a numerical scheme of kinematic analysis using cubic spline curve fitting technique has been developed. Two examples are presented: one to illustrate the analytical procedure and the other to illustrate the numerical technique.     

Modular construction of extended DNA recognition surfaces: mutant DNA-binding domains of the 434 repressor as building blocks

Single-chain derivatives of the 434 repressor containing onewild-type and one mutant DNA-binding domain recognize the generaloperator ACAA–6 base pairs–NNNN, where the ACAAoperator subsite is contacted by the wild-type and the NNNNtetramer by the mutant domain. The DNA-binding specificitiesof several single-chain mutants were studied in detail and theoptimal subsites of the mutant domains were determined. Thecharacterized mutant domains were used as building units toobtain homo- and heterodimeric single-chain derivatives. TheDNA-binding properties of these domain-shuffled derivativeswere tested with a series of designed operators of NNNN–6base pairs–NNNN type. It was found that the binding specificitiesof the mutant domains were generally maintained in the new environmentsand the binding affinities for the optimal DNA ligands werehigh (with K_d values in the range of 10^–11–10^–10M). Considering that only certain sequence motifs in place ofthe six base pair spacer can support optimal contacts betweenthe mutant domains and their subsites, the single-chain 434repressor mutants are highly specific for a limited subset of14 base pair long DNA targets.     

Nondestructive determination of water and protein in surimi by near-infrared spectroscopy

Nondestructive near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) between 400 and 1100 nm regions was employed directly on surimi using a surface interactance fibre optic accessory, to investigate the potential of NIRS as a fast method to determine water and protein contents. The reason why NIRS is well suited when assessing the presence of water or protein is due to the specificity of O–H and N–H bindings. At 980 nm only one broad peak in the original spectra can be seen due to the absorption of water since it contained nearly 80% of surimi. Predictive equations were developed using partial least squares (PLS) regression where excellent predictions for protein and water are noticed. Regression coefficients are higher than 0.98, errors are small and RPD value for protein is well over 8 and that for water is very close to it which can be used for any analytical purpose.     

High-Density Real-Time PCR-Based in Vivo Toxicogenomic Screen to Predict Organ-Specific Toxicity

Toxicogenomics, based on the temporal effects of drugs on gene expression, is able to predict toxic effects earlier than traditional technologies by analyzing changes in genomic biomarkers that could precede subsequent protein translation and initiation of histological organ damage. In the present study our objective was to extend in vivo toxicogenomic screening from analyzing one or a few tissues to multiple organs, including heart, kidney, brain, liver and spleen. Nanocapillary quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) was used in the study, due to its higher throughput, sensitivity and reproducibility, and larger dynamic range compared to DNA microarray technologies. Based on previous data, 56 gene markers were selected coding for proteins with different functions, such as proteins for acute phase response, inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolic processes, heat-shock response, cell cycle/apoptosis regulation and enzymes which are involved in detoxification. Some of the marker genes are specific to certain organs, and some of them are general indicators of toxicity in multiple organs. Utility of the nanocapillary QRT-PCR platform was demonstrated by screening different references, as well as discovery of drug-like compounds for their gene expression profiles in different organs of treated mice in an acute experiment. For each compound, 896 QRT-PCR were done: four organs were used from each of the treated four animals to monitor the relative expression of 56 genes. Based on expression data of the discovery gene set of toxicology biomarkers the cardio- and nephrotoxicity of doxorubicin and sulfasalazin, the hepato- and nephrotoxicity of rotenone, dihydrocoumarin and aniline, and the liver toxicity of 2,4-diaminotoluene could be confirmed. The acute heart and kidney toxicity of the active metabolite SN-38 from its less toxic prodrug, irinotecan could be differentiated, and two novel gene markers for hormone replacement therapy were identified, namely fabp4 and pparg, which were down-regulated by estradiol treatment.