Evaluation of a Computer-Assisted, 2-D Virtual Reality System for Training People With Intellectual Disabilities on How to Shop.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 2-D virtual reality (VR) program for training people with intellectual disabilities to shop. Study Design: Pretest and posttest quasi-experimental design. Participants: Sixteen persons with intellectual disabilities (age 17-23 years; IQ = 40-54). Intervention: A VR program or a conventional program training them in supermarket-shopping skills. Main Outcome Measure: Checklist for supermarket-shopping skills. Results: Participants in both training groups showed significant improvement. There was no significant difference in effectiveness between the two methods. Conclusions: The VR program appears effective in training people with intellectual disabilities in an important community living skill. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Three generations of asynchronous microprocessors

We trace the evolution of Caltech asynchronous processors from a simple proof of concept, to a high-performance MIPS-like processor using a different buffer circuit for better performance, to the latest 8051 clone targeting low-energy operation. We describe the control aspects of the evolving circuit styles. We describe these three generations of asynchronous microprocessors (Caltech asynchronous processors, MiniMIPS and Lutonium) and the corresponding circuit families and design methods. The asynchronous circuits we use are called quasidelay-insensitive (QDI) circuits. A QDI circuit involves no assumption about, or knowledge of, delays in operators and wires, except for isochronic forks, which the designer assumes have similar delays on the different branches. QDI circuits are the most conservative asynchronous circuits in terms of delays.     

Estimating light vectors in real time

Capturing the appearance of objects under different lighting conditions is useful in texture acquisition, bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) measurement, and image-based data acquisition. With the acquired data, we can render virtual objects realistically. During the data capture, we must record both the radiance and the light vector. Measuring the light vector is not necessarily easy. We propose a capturing system that estimates the light vector by applying a vision-based technique. It lets the user freely position a handheld light source during capture. The system estimates light-source orientation in real time through a Web cam mounted on the light source. Software running on an ordinary PC analyzes images from the Web cam to recognize the light source direction (the light vector). Our goal is to design a low-cost, portable, and adaptable system. Vision-based approaches offer such characteristics. We use a pose-estimation system to acquire image-based data for relighting.     

A Six-sigma approach for benchmarking of RP&M processes

This paper presents a methodology of using six-sigma quality tools for benchmarking of rapid prototyping & manufacturing (RP&M) processes. It involves the fabrication of a geometric benchmark part and a methodology to control and identify the best performance of the process to reduce the variablity in the fabricated parts. The approach is demonstrated with a case study based on the direct laser sintering (DLS) process for prototyping using plastic powder. In the case study an identified set of six-sigma/ statistical process control tools is employed to determine and best tune factors affecting the desired outcomes of the built parts.     

Analysis of some paper handling problems by a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element algorithm

A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element algorithm was developed to predict the change in paper topology as well as the wrinkle performance of the roll feeding systems. The initial shape of the thin plate to be analyzed can be perfectly flat or wavy. The roll system can be of any arbitrary configuration with manufacturing tolerance included. The algorithm described here uses the total Lagrange formulation with Piola-Kirchhoff stress and Green-Lagrange strain. Gap elements are used to simulate the physical significance of the paper supports. Quasistatic solutions at different time intervals are calculated. The change in topology and the locations of predicted wrinkles are found to agree with experiments.     

On a new class of finite dimensional estimation algebras

We introduce a new class of solvable finite dimensional estimation algebras that contains both the linear and the Bene cases. The condition for finite dimensionality is expressed in terms of two matrices. They play an important role in understanding the structure of estimation algebras.     

Structural Analysis of Mitochondrial Dynamics—From Cardiomyocytes to Osteoblasts: A Critical Review

Mitochondria play a crucial role in cell physiology and pathophysiology. In this context, mitochondrial dynamics and, subsequently, mitochondrial ultrastructure have increasingly become hot topics in modern research, with a focus on mitochondrial fission and fusion. Thus, the dynamics of mitochondria in several diseases have been intensively investigated, especially with a view to developing new promising treatment options. However, the majority of recent studies are performed in highly energy-dependent tissues, such as cardiac, hepatic, and neuronal tissues. In contrast, publications on mitochondrial dynamics from the orthopedic or trauma fields are quite rare, even if there are common cellular mechanisms in cardiovascular and bone tissue, especially regarding bone infection. The present report summarizes the spectrum of mitochondrial alterations in the cardiovascular system and compares it to the state of knowledge in the musculoskeletal system. The present paper summarizes recent knowledge regarding mitochondrial dynamics and gives a short, but not exhaustive, overview of its regulation via fission and fusion. Furthermore, the article highlights hypoxia and its accompanying increased mitochondrial fission as a possible link between cardiac ischemia and inflammatory diseases of the bone, such as osteomyelitis. This opens new innovative perspectives not only for the understanding of cellular pathomechanisms in osteomyelitis but also for potential new treatment options.     

Depth from Refraction Using a Transparent Medium with Unknown Pose and Refractive Index

In this paper, we introduce a novel method for depth acquisition based on refraction of light. A scene is captured directly by a camera and by placing a transparent medium between the scene and the camera. A depth map of the scene is then recovered from the displacements of scene points in the images. Unlike other existing depth from refraction methods, our method does not require prior knowledge of the pose and refractive index of the transparent medium, but instead can recover them directly from the input images. By analyzing the displacements of corresponding scene points in the images, we derive closed form solutions for recovering the pose of the transparent medium and develop an iterative method for estimating the refractive index of the medium. Experimental results on both synthetic and real-world data are presented, which demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Experimental determination of the higher electric field level inside an overmoded reverberation chamber using the generalized extreme value distribution

Reverberation chamber (RC), in which a complex electromagnetic environment is created, is of great interest as a versatile test and measurement tool, and its performance is conveniently evaluated through the field statistics. Following a previous paper in which the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution was proposed to model the maximum field inside an RC, this work presents an experimental validation of the GEV use for the overmoded RC. The electric field is measured with a small sensor for a large number of points inside the RC, and the GEV parameters are accurately estimated. Since the maximum field distribution for this overmoded RC is found to be of reverse Weibull type, the field distribution is right bounded by a higher level that can be determined.     

Cylindrical-rectangular microstrip patch antenna for circularpolarization

The circular polarization condition for a rectangular microstrip patch antenna on a thin cylindrical substrate is investigated. The theoretical study is based on the modal-expansion theory, which is valid for the thin-substrate case. Numerical results for the aspect ratio of the cylindrical-rectangular patch, the optimal feed point for minimum voltage standing wave ratio and the 3-dB bandwidth for circularly polarized radiation are analyzed. Effects of the curvature on the circular polarization condition are also discussed