Exploring spatially referenced information through 2D Marching Graph

In this paper, we proposed a new visualization framework called Marching Graph that integrates the graph metaphor and the spatial metaphor into a single visualization. Marching Graph allows users to navigate the spatially referenced relational data across two different visual metaphors. We use a force-directed layout algorithm to draw a sequence of progressive graphs, G1, G 2, ... Gn in a 2D geometric space that present the spatially referenced relational data. Each graph Gi is associated with a particular geographic region Ri presented by the spatial metaphor. We allow the user to "march" through the thematic map by altering the focus region Ri and the display of its corresponding graph Gi → Ri. The use of 2D visual metaphors facilitates the navigation activities and human cognition process significantly

Fast convergence layout algorithm for drawing graphs in marching-graph

Marching-Graph is a new visualization that integrates the graph metaphor and the spatial metaphor into a single visualization. It provides users with highly interactive maps for accessing the logical structures of information that has the geographical attributes. Instead of presenting known facts onto maps, it provides a mechanism for users to visually analyze and seek unknown knowledge through effective human-map interaction and navigation across different spaces. However, the traditional force-directed layout algorithms are very slow in reaching an equilibrium configuration of forces. They usually spend tens of seconds making the layout of a graph converge. Thus, those force-directed layout algorithms can not satisfy the requirement for drawing a sequence of graphs rapidly, while the users are quickly marching through the geographic regions. This paper proposes a fast convergence layout method that speeds up the interaction time while users are progressively exploring a sequence of graphs through a series of force-directed layouts in Marching-Graph. It essentially combines a radial tree drawing method and a force-directed graph drawing method to achieve the fast convergence of energy minimization

In vitro expanded human CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells suppress effector T cell proliferation.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to be critical in the balance between autoimmunity and tolerance and have been implicated in several human autoimmune diseases. However, the small number of Tregs in peripheral blood limits their therapeutic potential. Therefore, we developed a protocol that would allow for the expansion of Tregs while retaining their suppressive activity. We isolated CD4+CD25 hi cells from human peripheral blood and expanded them in vitro in the presence of anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 magnetic Xcyte Dynabeads and high concentrations of exogenous Interleukin (IL)-2. Tregs were effectively expanded up to 200-fold while maintaining surface expression of CD25 and other markers of Tregs: CD62L, HLA-DR, CCR6, and FOXP3. The expanded Tregs suppressed proliferation and cytokine secretion of responder PBMCs in co-cultures stimulated with anti-CD3 or alloantigen. Treg expansion is a critical first step before consideration of Tregs as a therapeutic intervention in patients with autoimmune or graft-versus-host disease

SWING: A system for visualizing web graphs

A Web graph refers to the graph that is used to represent relationships between Web pages in cyberspace, where a node represents a URL and an edge indicates a link between two URLs. A Web graph is a very huge graph as growing with cyberspace. This paper presents a pipeline for extracting web information from cyberspace to a web graph and layout techniques for making the web graph more readable. As the size of computer screen is limited, only a small part of the Web graph can be displayed. Several layout techniques should be adapted and combined effectively for web graph visualization. The visualization process incorporates graph drawing algorithms, layout adjustment methods, as well as filtering and clustering methods in order to decide which part of the Web graph should be displayed and how to display it based on the user's focus in navigation

Building an Argument for the Use of Science Fiction in HCI Education

Science fiction literature, comics, cartoons and, in particular, audio-visual materials, such as science fiction movies and shows, can be a valuable addition in Human-computer interaction (HCI) Education. In this paper, we present an overview of research relative to future directions in HCI Education, distinct crossings of science fiction in HCI and Computer Science teaching and the Framework for 21st Century Learning. Next, we provide examples where science fiction can add to the future of HCI Education. In particular, we argue herein first that science fiction, as tangible and intangible cultural artifact, can serve as a trigger for creativity and innovation and thus, support us in exploring the design space. Second, science fiction, as a means to analyze yet-to-come HCI technologies, can assist us in developing an open-minded and reflective dialogue about technological futures, thus creating a singular base for critical thinking and problem solving. Provided that one is cognizant of its potential and limitations, we reason that science fiction can be a meaningful extension of selected aspects of HCI curricula and research.Comment: 6 pages, 1 table, IHSI 2019 accepted submissio

An Electrocorticographic Brain Interface in an Individual with Tetraplegia

Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology aims to help individuals with disability to control assistive devices and reanimate paralyzed limbs. Our study investigated the feasibility of an electrocorticography (ECoG)-based BCI system in an individual with tetraplegia caused by C4 level spinal cord injury. ECoG signals were recorded with a high-density 32-electrode grid over the hand and arm area of the left sensorimotor cortex. The participant was able to voluntarily activate his sensorimotor cortex using attempted movements, with distinct cortical activity patterns for different segments of the upper limb. Using only brain activity, the participant achieved robust control of 3D cursor movement. The ECoG grid was explanted 28 days post-implantation with no adverse effect. This study demonstrates that ECoG signals recorded from the sensorimotor cortex can be used for real-time device control in paralyzed individuals

Collaborative development of diffraction-limited beamline optical systems at US DOE light sources

An ongoing collaboration among four US Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratories has demonstrated key technology prototypes and software modeling tools required for new high-coherent flux beamline optical systems. New free electron laser (FEL) and diffraction-limited storage ring (DLSR) light sources demand wavefront preservation from source to sample to achieve and maintain optimal performance. Fine wavefront control was achieved using a novel, roomtemperature cooled mirror system called REAL (resistive element adjustable length) that combines cooling with applied, spatially variable auxiliary heating. Single-grating shearing interferometry (also called Talbot interferometry) and Hartmann wavefront sensors were developed and used for optical characterization and alignment on several beamlines, across a range of photon energies. Demonstrations of non-invasive hard x-ray wavefront sensing were performed using a thin diamond single-crystal as a beamsplitter

A prospective randomized trial of FK506-based immunosuppression after renal transplantation

A group of 204 adult patients was entered into a prospective, randomized trial comparing FK506/pred-nisone with FK506/azathioprine/prednisone after renal transplantation between August 1, 1991 and October 11,1992. The purpose of the study was to see if the addition of azathioprine would reduce the incidence of rejection and improve graft survival. The recipient population was unselected, with 61 (30%) patients undergoing retransplantation, 37 (18%) having a panel-reactive antibody greater than 40%, and 33 (16%) over 60 years of age. The mean recipient age was 43.8±13.7 years (range 17.6-78). The mean donor age was 34.0±20.1 years (range 0.3-75); 13% of the cadaveric kidneys were from pediatric donors less than 3 years of age and were transplanted en bloc. The mean cold ischemia time was 31.4±8.4 hr. Living donors were the source of 13% of the kidneys. The mean follow-up was 22±4 months (range 12-29). Overall one-year actual patient survival was 94%. Overall one-year actual graft survival was 87%. Patients starting on double therapy had a one-year actual patient survival of 96% and a one-year actual graft survival of 92%. Patients starting on triple therapy had a one-year actual patient survival of 91% (P=ns compared with double therapy), and a one-year actual graft survival of 82% (P<0.02, compared with double therapy). Overall results with first cadaver transplants included a one-year actual patient survival of 94% and one-year actual graft survival of 88%, with no differences between double and triple therapy. The overall incidence of rejection was 48%, with 54% in the double therapy group and 41% in the triple therapy group (P<.07). The incidence of steroid-resistant rejection requiring antilymphocyte therapy (OKT3 or ATGAM) was 13%, and was not different between the double and triple therapy groups. The mean serum creatinine was 1.8±0.8 mg/dl. The mean BUN was 33±21 mg/dl, with no significant difference between the therapy groups. The mean serum cholesterol was 192 ±49 mg/dl. A total of 56% of the patients are off prednisone, and 35% of the patients are not taking any antihypertensive medications. Other complications included cytomegalovirus—14%; new-onset diabetes—16% (half of which was reversible); and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder—1%. There was a high incidence of crossover between the two groups, 27% of the patients in the double therapy group requiring the addition of azathioprine, and 45% of the patients in the triple therapy group requiring its discontinuation (usually tempoгагу). These results show that FK506 is an excellent immunosuppressive agent after renal transplantation and that azathioprine is not routinely effective as a third agent. A high quality of life resulted from the ability to use no (56%) or low-dose maintenance steroids. © 1995 by Williams and Wilkins