Invariant feature extraction from event based stimuli

We propose a novel architecture, the event-based GASSOM for learning and extracting invariant representations from event streams originating from neuromorphic vision sensors. The framework is inspired by feed-forward cortical models for visual processing. The model, which is based on the concepts of sparsity and temporal slowness, is able to learn feature extractors that resemble neurons in the primary visual cortex. Layers of units in the proposed model can be cascaded to learn feature extractors with different levels of complexity and selectivity. We explore the applicability of the framework on real world tasks by using the learned network for object recognition. The proposed model achieve higher classification accuracy compared to other state-of-the-art event based processing methods. Our results also demonstrate the generality and robustness of the method, as the recognizers for different data sets and different tasks all used the same set of learned feature detectors, which were trained on data collected independently of the testing data.Comment: 6 page

Indication of electron neutrino appearance from an accelerator-produced off-axis muon neutrino beam

The T2K experiment observes indications of nu(mu) -> nu(mu) e appearance in data accumulated with 1.43 x 10(20) protons on target. Six events pass all selection criteria at the far detector. In a three-flavor neutrino oscillation scenario with |Delta m(23)(2)| = 2.4 x 10(-3) eV(2), sin(2)2 theta(23) = 1 and sin(2)2 theta(13) = 0, the expected number of such events is 1.5 +/- 0.3(syst). Under this hypothesis, the probability to observe six or more candidate events is 7 x 10(-3), equivalent to 2.5 sigma significance. At 90% C.L., the data are consistent with 0.03(0.04) < sin(2)2 theta(13) < 0.28(0.34) for delta(CP) = 0 and a normal (inverted) hierarchy

The inward bulge type buckling of monocoque cylinders I : calculation of the effect upon the buckling stress of a compressive force, a nonlinear direct stress distribution, and a shear force

In the present part I of a series of reports on the inward bulge type buckling of monocoque cylinders the buckling load in combined bending and compression is first derived. Next the reduction in the buckling load because of a nonlinear direct stress distribution is determined. In experiments nonlinearity may result from an inadequate stiffness of the end attachments in actual airplanes from the existence of concentrated loads or cut-outs. The effect of a shearing force upon the critical load is investigated through an analysis of the results of tests carried out at GALCIT with 55 reinforced monocoque cylinders. Finally, a simple criterion of general instability is presented in the form of a buckling inequality which should be helpful to the designer of a monocoque in determining the sizes of the rings required for excluding the possibility of inward bulge type buckling

Residue Formulas for the Large k Asymptotics of Witten's Invariants of Seifert Manifolds. The Case of SU(2)

We derive the large k asymptotics of the surgery formula for SU(2) Witten's invariants of general Seifert manifolds. The contributions of connected components of the moduli space of flat connections are identified. The contributions of irreducible connections are presented in a residue form. This form is similar to the one used by A. Szenes, L. Jeffrey and F. Kirwan. This similarity allows us to express the contributions of irreducible connections in terms of intersection numbers on their moduli spaces.Comment: 39 pages, no figures, LaTe

Making and using the urban environment: furniture, structure and infrastructure

The collection and arrangement of previously published and built works, interspersed with reflections on topics which have arisen through the doing of those works, is done with the aim of putting forward an idea about urban architecture. It attempts to make clear a line of thinking which has been implicit in the individual works produced over the past ten years, but perhaps not fully articulated. This argument is to be understood, however, not as a historical account, but in the present: as the current iteration of a cumulative position, developing continuously through the repeated act of doing projects and working with others. A strategy of concentrating on the very large (urban) scale and very small (material/ experiential) scale is used as a method of avoiding or bypassing the middle scale which is the usual scale and preoccupation of architecture. This middle scale is that of the &amp;lsquo;object&amp;rsquo;, the whole thing, in isolation and complete. It is the scale on which form is often studied, modelled, considered and communicated. By comparison, the very large is the scale of infrastructure, or shared metropolitan systems, and the very small is the scale of furniture, or personalised and highly-responsive micro-environments. But defining things precisely at the middle-scale of the whole is the architect&amp;rsquo;s task. We need to decide on and then describe exactly where things go, how big things are, what they are made of; in order that they can be understood, approved, priced and made. The works collected here investigate ways in which actions and decisions can be made logically and precisely, but in a way that also encourages other things to happen; that does not limit or define absolutely the meaning, interpretation or potential inhabitation of spaces; that leaves room for and encourages appropriation and customisation (active engagement) in the everyday urban realm. In order to do this it is necessary to continually study ways in which such things as customisation and appropriation occur (how the urban environment is used), and also continually reflect upon the nature and potential of the fundamental decisions and limits that everyday architecture entails; aspects such as spatial organisation, structure, expression, materials, fittings (how the urban environment is made)

Heterozygous mis-sense mutations in Prkcb as a critical determinant of anti-polysaccharide antibody formation

To identify rate-limiting steps in T cell-independent type 2 (TI-2) antibody production against polysaccharide antigens, we performed a genome-wide screen by immunizing several hundred pedigrees of C57BL/6 mice segregating ENU-induced mis-sense mutations. Two independent mutations, Tilcara and Untied, were isolated that semi-dominantly diminished antibody against polysaccharide but not protein antigens. Both mutations resulted from single amino acid substitutions within the kinase domain of Protein Kinase C Beta (PKCβ). In Tilcara, a Ser552>Pro mutation occurred in helix G, in close proximity to a docking site for the inhibitory N-terminal pseudosubstrate domain of the enzyme, resulting in almost complete loss of active, autophosphorylated PKCβI whereas the amount of alternatively spliced PKCβII protein was not markedly reduced. Circulating B cell subsets were normal and acute responses to BCR-stimulation such as CD25 induction and initiation of DNA synthesis were only measurably diminished in Tilcara homozygotes, whereas the fraction of cells that had divided multiple times was decreased to an intermediate degree in heterozygotes. These results, coupled with evidence of numerous mis-sense PRKCB mutations in the human genome, identify Prkcb as a genetically sensitive step likely to contribute substantially to population variability in anti-polysaccharide antibody levels

Relationship of Parent Involvement and Post-divorce Adjustment to the Academic Achievement and Achievement Motivation of School-aged Children

The American family has changed dramatically from the two-parent nuclear family common prior to the late 20th century. Along with a dramatic increase in divorce rate, there has been an escalation in children involved in divorce. Children from divorced families have a greater likelihood for referral for psychological treatment. Familial variables have been shown to have a large influence on the divorce adjustment of children. The goal of this study was to examine the role of parent post-divorce adjustment and parent involvement on the school performance of children, namely their academic achievement and motivation. 107 parents and teachers of third to fifth grade children in Oklahoma and Texas participated in the study. Parents completed questionnaires including the Parent Child Relationship Inventory and the Divorce Adjustment Scale. Teachers completed the Teacher Rating of Academic Achievement Motivation. In addition, standardized achievement test data was collected for participating children. The results of this study indicated that divorced children have lower motivation and achievement than children from intact homes. Specifically, children from divorced families were less likely to complete work unprompted, persevere with difficult tasks and master academic material. Math and language scores were lower in divorced children. These finding were mostly unchanged when SES was covaried. The study also found children with uninvolved parents were less likely to complete academic work than those with involved parents. In divorced families, low cognitive skills, work completion and math achievement scores were associated with uninvolved and poorly adjusted parents across socioeconomic levels. This study shows the importance of encouraging parental involvement and promoting positive post-divorce parent adjustment. School psychologists should consider the findings of this study when intervening with children from divorced homes.School of Teaching and Curriculum Leadershi