3D Motion Completion in Crowded Scenes

Crowded motions refer to multiple objects moving around and interacting such as crowds, pedestrians and etc. We capture crowded scenes using a depth scanner at video frame rates. Thus, our input is a set of depth frames which sample the scene over time. Processing such data is challenging as it is highly unorganized, with large spatio‐temporal holes due to many occlusions. As no correspondence is given, locally tracking 3D points across frames is hard due to noise and missing regions. Furthermore global segmentation and motion completion in presence of large occlusions is ambiguous and hard to predict. Our algorithm utilizes Gestalt principles of common fate and good continuity to compute motion tracking and completion respectively. Our technique does not assume any pre‐given markers or motion template priors. Our key‐idea is to reduce the motion completion problem to a 1D curve fitting and matching problem which can be solved efficiently using a global optimization scheme. We demonstrate our segmentation and completion method on a variety of synthetic and real world crowded scanned scenes.     

The k-simultaneous consensus problem

This paper introduces and investigates the k-simultaneous consensus task: each process participates at the same time in k independent consensus instances until it decides in any one of them. It is shown that the k-simultaneous consensus task is equivalent to the k-set agreement task in the wait-free read/write shared memory model, and furthermore k-simultaneous consensus possesses properties that k-set does not. In particular we show that the multivalued version and the binary version of the k-simultaneous consensus task are wait-free equivalent. These equivalences are independent of the number of processes. Interestingly, this provides us with a new characterization of the k-set agreement task that is based on the fundamental binary consensus problem.     

The BG distributed simulation algorithm

We present a shared memory algorithm that allows a set of f+1 processes to wait-free “simulate” a larger system of n processes, that may also exhibit up to f stopping failures. Applying this simulation algorithm to the k-set-agreement problem enables conversion of an arbitrary k-fault-tolerant{\it n}-process solution for the k-set-agreement problem into a wait-free k+1-process solution for the same problem. Since the k+1-processk-set-agreement problem has been shown to have no wait-free solution [5,18,26], this transformation implies that there is no k-fault-tolerant solution to the n-process k-set-agreement problem, for any n. More generally, the algorithm satisfies the requirements of a fault-tolerant distributed simulation.\/ The distributed simulation implements a notion of fault-tolerant reducibility\/ between decision problems. This paper defines these notions and gives examples of their application to fundamental distributed computing problems. The algorithm is presented and verified in terms of I/O automata. The presentation has a great deal of interesting modularity, expressed by I/O automaton composition and both forward and backward simulation relations. Composition is used to include a safe agreement\/ module as a subroutine. Forward and backward simulation relations are used to view the algorithm as implementing a multi-try snapshot\/ strategy. The main algorithm works in snapshot shared memory systems; a simple modification of the algorithm that works in read/write shared memory systems is also presented. Received: February 2001 / Accepted: February 2001     

Experimental Study of Classical and Quantum Internal Friction in Solid 4He

We measured the dissipation resulting from internal friction in hcp solid ⁴He at temperatures between 0.8 K and 2.5 K. Solid ⁴He is contained inside an annular metal cell forming a part of a torsional oscillator. An oscillatory motion of the cell walls applies shear stress on the solid ⁴He. The resulting shear strain within the solid ⁴He generates dissipation because of the internal friction. The experimental sensitivity was high enough to detect dissipation caused by internal friction associated with elementary excitations of the solid. At temperatures below 1.6 K, internal friction is associated with diffusion of single point defects responsible for the climb of dislocations. At higher temperatures, the main mechanism of internal friction appears to be associated with phonon exchange between parts of the solid moving relative to each other under the applied shear stress. This particular dissipative mechanism was called “quantum phonon friction” [Popov in Phys. Rev. Lett. 83:1632–1635, 1999]. The physical mechanism associated with this type of friction involves an irreversible transfer of momentum from the phonons to the lattice via an Umklapp process. Our data are in a very good agreement with this model.

     

The Non-Erythropoietic EPO Analogue Cibinetide Inhibits Osteoclastogenesis In Vitro and Increases Bone Mineral Density in Mice

The two erythropoietin (EPO) receptor forms mediate different cellular responses to erythropoietin. While hematopoiesis is mediated via the homodimeric EPO receptor (EPOR), tissue protection is conferred via a heteromer composed of EPOR and CD131. In the skeletal system, EPO stimulates osteoclast precursors and induces bone loss. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still elusive. Here, we evaluated the role of the heteromeric complex in bone metabolism in vivo and in vitro by using Cibinetide (CIB), a non-erythropoietic EPO analogue that exclusively binds the heteromeric receptor. CIB is administered either alone or in combination with EPO. One month of CIB treatment significantly increased the cortical (~5.8%) and trabecular (~5.2%) bone mineral density in C57BL/6J WT female mice. Similarly, administration of CIB for five consecutive days to female mice that concurrently received EPO on days one and four, reduced the number of osteoclast progenitors, defined by flow cytometry as Lin⁻CD11b⁻Ly6C^hi CD115⁺, by 42.8% compared to treatment with EPO alone. In addition, CIB alone or in combination with EPO inhibited osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Our findings introduce CIB either as a stand-alone treatment, or in combination with EPO, as an appealing candidate for the treatment of the bone loss that accompanies EPO treatment.     

CoWBP capping barrier layer for sub 90 nm Cu interconnects

Electroless cobalt films have been obtained by deposition using a plating bath containing two reducing agents: dimethylamineborane (DMAB) and sodium hypophosphite. This formulation allows spontaneous activation on copper followed by auto catalytic electroless plating. CoWBP and CoBP films are proposed as diffusion barriers and encapsulation layers, for copper lines and via contacts for ULSI interconnect applications. The crystalline structure, chemical composition and oxidation states of the elements were studied, as well as the electrical resistivity, topography and morphology of the films. The film composition was characterized as a function of the solution composition; the barrier properties of the films were tested and an oxidation resistance study was conducted. The films were characterized and the results show that they can be applied as capping layers for ULSI copper metallization.     

The supportive care needs of newly diagnosed cancer patients attending a regional cancer center

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to examine the physical and emotional health status, self-perceived problems, and needs of newly diagnosed cancer patients to determine and plan supportive care strategies. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of newly diagnosed cancer patients attending a regional cancer center during a 6-month period was performed. Patients with breast, colorectal, head and neck, lung, and prostate carcinoma as well as nonmelanoma of the skin were selected randomly. Patients were interviewed prior to their first appointment at the clinic. Physical health status was assessed using the Symptom Distress Scale, psychologic health status was assessed with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), day-to-day functioning with the Rapid Disability Scale, and social support with the modified Sarason's Social Support Scale. Perceived needs were assessed in a number of ways, including identification of patients' specific social concerns and informational needs, and by asking them to list their current problems or concerns. RESULTS: Of 156 eligible patients, 134 completed the interview. One hundred and twenty-nine patients (96%) reported current symptoms that included fatigue (66%), worried outlook (61%), difficulty sleeping (48%), and pain (42%). Forty-four patients (33%) were identified as psychologically distressed with a GHQ score of > or = 6. One hundred and fourteen patients (85%) had informational needs, 89 (66%) indicated > or = 1 social concerns, and 55 (41%) reported a need for assistance with day-to-day living. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with newly diagnosed cancer commonly report symptoms related to fatigue, pain, and psychologic distress. Other frequently reported issues relate to the need for information and social concerns regarding the patients' ability to take care of their home and maintain family and other relationships. Awareness of these issues is important for planning supportive care interventions for newly diagnosed cancer patients.     

Molecularly imprinted Au nanoparticles composites on Au surfaces for the surface plasmon resonance detection of pentaerythritol tetranitrate, nitroglycerin, and ethylene glycol dinitrate

Molecularly imprinted Au nanoparticles (NPs) composites are generated on Au-coated glass surfaces. The imprinting process involves the electropolymerization of thioaniline-functionalized Au NPs (3.5 nm) on a thioaniline monolayer-modified Au surface in the presence of a carboxylic acid, acting as a template analogue for the respective explosive. The exclusion of the imprinting template from the Au NPs matrix yields the respective imprinted composites. The binding of the analyte explosives to the Au NPs matrixes is probed by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, SPR, where the electronic coupling between the localized plasmon of the Au NPs and the surface plasmon wave leads to the amplification of the SPR responses originating from the dielectric changes of the matrixes upon binding of the different explosive materials. The resulting imprinted matrixes reveal high affinities and selectivity toward the imprinted explosives. Using citric acid as an imprinting template, Au NPs matrixes for the specific analysis of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) or of nitroglycerin (NG) were prepared, leading to detection limits of 200 fM and 20 pM, respectively. Similarly, using maleic acid or fumaric acid as imprinting templates, high-affinity sensing composites for ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN) were synthesized, leading to a detection limit of 400 fM for both matrixes.     

Comparison of the time-resolved absorption and phosphorescence from the tryptophan triplet state in proteins in solution

The role of the complement system as a system merging early-phase innate immunity with later-phase acquired immunity has been established. C3 is a key protein of the complement system. It is activated in four pathways: (1) the alternative pathway, (2) the mannan binding protein pathway, (3) the C-reactive protein pathway, and (4) the natural IgM pathway in innate immunity. It is also activated in (1) a classic pathway, i.e., through an antigen-antibody complex, and (2) by injured host cells in acquired immunity. Activation of C3 results in a variety of immunologic reactions such as immune adherence, phagocytosis, antibody response, cytolysis, inflammation, and killing of pathogenic microorganisms. Pathologic pictures of the complement system in various diseases were reviewed. Attention was focused on hypocomplementemia in the malnourished state. In humans and in experimental animals, reduced complement levels, especially of C3, were observed in relation to lowered host defense against infection. Hypocomplementemia improved after nutritional rehabilitation with a concomitant improvement of the clinical picture and recovery of host resistance. Enhancement of C3 levels in malnourished or well-nourished rats resulted in heightened resistance against bacterial infections. On the basis of these experimental and clinical observations, we obtained clues to prevent or treat a compromised host defense system in malnourished states.     

1991 International Assessment of Educational Progress in Mathematics and Sciences: The gender differences perspective.

This study provides a global perspective on gender differences in performance of 9- and 13-year-olds on mathematics and science exams by reanalyzing and interpreting results on the 1991 International Assessment of Educational Progress. The analyses were performed across 20 countries that tested 13-year-olds and 14 countries that tested 9-year-olds. A random sample of 3,300 students was selected from each population at each age level; half were assessed in mathematics and half in science. The gender effect sizes on the mathematics assessment at both the subdomains level and the total scores were found to be small, especially among 9-year-olds. In general, the gender effects for science were substantially larger than those for mathematics (SD = 0.16 and 0.26 SDs on the total score, in favor of boys, for 9- and 13-year-olds, respectively). Analyses were carried out in seven selected countries—Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Korea, Scotland, Spain, and the United States. Gender differences in variability, reliability, and the structure of the intercorrelations among the subdomains were discussed as well. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)