Mean-value analysis of multi-facility blocking models with state-dependent arrivals

A new mean-value type of algorithm is developed for analyzing multi-facility blocking models with state-dependent arrival rates. It can be applied to a broad class of blocking systems with simultaneous resource possession including, for example, circuit-switched networks. The underlying recursion is cast in terms of blocking probabilities and marginal state probabilities. The developments made here generalize previous results that were restricted to the case of constant arrival rates.     

Functional complementation by electroporation of human BACs into mammalian fibroblast cells

Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes (BACs) have been used to complement a metabolic defect and to transfer a drug resistance marker into mammalian cells by electroporation. The selectable markers are stable and the recipient cells have BAC DNA integrated into the chromosomes as shown by fluorescent in situ hybridization, PCR and Southern hybridization.     

Factorial validity of the CNSE..

A number of shortcomings have been noted in factorial studies of the Child Nowicki-Strickland Internal–External (CNS–IE) scale. Using different computational procedures, factor analysis of the CNS–IE responses of 2 independent samples of British schoolchildren (N?=?188; mean age 14.85 yrs) produced a factor that correlated significantly better with socialization than the total scale score. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for the factorial validity of the CNS–IE scale and the utility of locus of control subscales. (15 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Nova Scotia moose mystery--a moose sickness related to cobalt- and vitamin B12 deficiency

A wasting, debilitating disease with uncertain aetiology affecting moose (Alces alces americana) in Eastern North America has been reported repeatedly ever since the 1910s. Despite the intensive studies during 1930-1960s the cause of the sickness could not be established. In the 1960s a parasitic nematode (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) was reported as constituting a probable explanation for the sickness, although several clinical and pathological signs remained unexplained. In Sweden, a moose disease with similar signs, has been shown to be caused by molybdenosis resulting from a nutritional imbalance. The findings of this investigation were applied in Nova Scotia to determine trace element concentrations in tissues from indigenous moose. Co deficiency was found in about half of the cases and the investigation was complemented by determining the vitamin B12 level, which proved nutritional Co/vitamin B12 deficiency, further verified by an increased MMA (methylmalonic acid) level in plasma. Deficiencies were found mainly in the Tobeatic and Cape Breton Highland regions. No indications of molybdenosis or other trace element disturbances were found in Nova Scotia. Otherwise, extremely high Cd levels (148 mg Cd/kg kidney wet wt., maximum) were found, though probably not contributing to the moose sickness. The Cd burden of moose on mainland Nova Scotia was more than 50% higher than that of moose in Huntville and Alonquin (Ontario, Canada) and five- to six-fold is higher than the highest Cd levels found in Sweden. To counteract the bio-geochemical effects of Co deficiency in the moose environment, provision of Co-containing salt licks is suggested.     

Shannon number and information capacity of three-dimensional integral imaging

Integral imaging systems performance has been previously investigated with regard to different parameters such as lateral resolution, field of view, and depth of view. Those parameters are linked to one another, and, since the information capacity of an integral imaging system is finite, there are always trade-offs among them. We use the Shannon number and information capacity limit as figures of merit of integral imaging systems. The Shannon number and information capacity provide compact assessments of the system and are useful for analysis and design. The limitations on the Shannon number and the information capacity of an integral imaging system are determined by the recording and display media.     

Photophysics of laser dye-doped polymer membranes for laser-induced fluorescence photogrammetry

Laser-induced fluorescence target generation in dye-doped polymer films has recently been introduced as a promising alternative to more traditional photogrammetric targeting techniques for surface profiling of highly transparent or reflective membrane structures. We investigate the photophysics of these dye-doped polymers to help determine their long-term durability and suitability for laser-induced fluorescence photogrammetric targeting. These investigations included experimental analysis of the fluorescence emission pattern, spectral content, temporal lifetime, linearity, and half-life. Results are presented that reveal an emission pattern wider than normal Lambertian diffuse surface scatter, a fluorescence time constant of 6.6 ns, a pump saturation level of approximately 20 microJ/mm2, and a useful lifetime of more than 300,000 measurements. Furthermore, two demonstrations of photogrammetric measurements by laser-induced fluorescence targeting are presented, showing agreement between photogrammetric and physically measured dimensions within the measurement scatter of 100 microm.     

Computer vision for human modelling and analysis

This report summarises the author's views and experience on the application of computer vision technology for the modelling and analysis of people. The author conducted research which led to the first commercial booth system for capturing animated models of people for applications in games, multimedia and virtual reality. This research is ongoing with the aim of developing studio capture technology to enable photo-realistic capture of a person's shape, appearance and movement for broadcast production.Published online: 8 August 2003