Harry L. Wechsler

Integrating perceptual and cognitive modeling for adaptive and intelligent human-computer interaction

This paper describes technology and tools for intelligent human-computer interaction (IHCI) in which human cognitive, perceptual, motor and affective factors are modeled and used to adapt the H-C interface. IHCI emphasizes that human behavior encompasses both apparent human behavior and the hidden mental state behind behavioral performance. IHCI expands on the interpretation of human activities, known as W4 (what, where, when, who). While W4 only addresses the apparent perceptual aspect of human behavior the W5+ technology for IHCI described in this paper addresses also the why and how questions, whose solution requires recognizing specific cognitive states. IHCI integrates parsing and interpretation of nonverbal information with a computational cognitive model of the user which, in turn, feeds into processes that adapt the interface to enhance operator performance and provide for rational decision-making. The technology proposed is based on a general four-stage interactive framework, which moves from parsing the raw sensory-motor input, to interpreting the users motions and emotions, to building an understanding of the users current cognitive state. It then diagnoses various problems in the situation and adapts the interface appropriately. The interactive component of the system improves processing at each stage. Examples of perceptual, behavioral, and cognitive tools are described throughout the paper Adaptive and intelligent HCI are important for novel applications of computing, including ubiquitous and human-centered computing.

Analysis of histopathologic and electron microscopic determinants of keratoacanthoma and squamous cell carcinoma

Histopathologic study of 108 keratoacanthomas and 14 squamous cell carcinomas failed to reveal any consistent, single feature allowing for their distinction. Variation in clinical features of keratoacanthoma minimizes their value in this regard. On the other hand, crater, flask‐like configuration, lipping of edges, collarette and cytoplasmic eosinophilia were statistically more frequent in lesions regarded as keratoacanthoma whereas atypical cytologic alterations including greater numbers of typical and atypical mitoses and a desmoplastic tumor stroma were most frequent in squamous cell carcinoma. Electron microscopy of examples of each lesion revealed the well‐differentiated appearance of cells comprising keratoacanthoma. In addition, intracytoplasmic aggregates of desmosomes were unique but not consistently observed in keratoacanthoma. Cells comprising squamous cell carcinoma exhibited decreased numbers of tonofilaments and intercellular desmosomes. The subjective nature of these distinguishing ultrastructural features minimizes the value of electron microscopy for the differentiation of these two lesions. Intranuclear bodies noted in some cells of keratoacanthoma resemble similar non‐viral particles observed in a variety of pathologic and even some normal cells. Interpretation of these findings as well as follow‐up observations have provided practical guidelines for therapy.

Systemic lupus erythematosus with anti-Ro antibodies: Clinical, histologic, and immunologic findings: Report of three cases

Detection or anticytoplasmic antibodies of Ro specificity has been a valuable aid in identification of a subpopulation of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Characteristics of this group of patients have been dermatosis, photosensitivity, hypergammaglobulinemia, positive rheumatoid factor, and usually absence of fluorescent antinuclear antibodies done by conventional methods. The findings of these three patients add further evidence that, in addition to presence of other manifestations of SLE, the dominant feature is a cutaneous eruption. This became marked and disseminated during exacerbations usually following sun exposure. Such features distinguish these patients from those with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) or classical SLE, although at times features of either may be present. Concomitantly, there were selective histopathologic and immunopathologic changes. An unusual finding was a variability in lupus band test dependent upon the state of the disease. Likewise, serologic reactions exhibited a wide range of variability. The results suggest three phases of the disease: chronic active, acute, and treated inactive. Despite acute episodes, including development of nephrotic syndrome in one patient, there was satisfactory response to moderately high doses of corticosteroids and antimalarials.

Increased plasma chemoattractant in Sweet's syndrome

The neutrophil function and plasma leukotactic activity of a patient with Sweets syndrome and cystonodular acne were evaluated during a 2 1/2-year period. These studies demonstrated that chemotaxis was frequently slightly increased, especially during an exacerbation of Sweets syndrome, but showed some decrease during isotretinoin therapy. Other functions, such as phagocytosis, metabolic activation, and bacterial killing, also were slightly increased. In addition, the patients serum contained a heat-stable, nonlipid chemoattractant that was present at all times except during a course of isotretinoin. Although his symptoms responded to aspirin, the plasma continued to show this chemoattractant. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that excess chemoattractant in Sweets syndrome attracts neutrophils, which then mediate an inflammatory response. In addition, aspirin may be used to control Sweets syndrome symptoms, although it does not suppress the plasma chemoattractant.

Pathologic investigation of cutaneous stretch.

Unevenly stretched skin of the back of rats resulted in macroscopic as well as light microscopic features of wounding with subsequent repair as a result of the trauma due to this type of stretch. In skin evenly stretched, dermal collagen was markedly thickened and homogeneous as compared to controls. The increased thickness of evenly stretched skin despite its increase in surface area is consonant with views indicating that stretch may increase the synthesis ordiminish the degradation of dermal collagen. The validity of this conclusion, however, is dependent upon the premise that the evenly stretched skin is also “wounded” since this latter would be required to account for the rapid turnover of collagen in these rather acute experiments. This implies a defect at a molecular or biochemical level since no qualitative structural alterations were detected by the conventional techniques employed.