Abstract: A system accesses a virtual scene including a three-dimensional (3D) object and a mesh object that models a cloth object. The system performs a refinement simulation to model a drape of the cloth object over the 3D object. Performing the refinement simulation includes, for each of a sequence of mesh resolutions: determining a configuration of the mesh model that minimizes a proxy energy function of a finest mesh resolution of the sequence of mesh resolutions. The system generates, for display via a user interface during the refinement simulation, an editable preview object comprising the mesh object at a coarsest level mesh resolution. The system receives a modification to the editable preview object and displays the modified editable preview object. A configuration of a finest level mesh resolution of the mesh object in the refinement simulation is geometrically consistent with a configuration of the modified editable preview object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying the most impactful moments or segments of music, which are those most likely to elicit a chills effect in a human listener. A digital music signal is processed using two or more objective processing metrics that measure acoustic features known to be able to elicit the chills effect. Individual detection events are identified in the output of each metric based on the output being above or below thresholds relative to the overall output. A combination algorithm aggregates concurrent detection events to generate a continuous concurrence data set of the number of concurrent detection events during the music signal, which can be calculated per beat. A phrase detection algorithm can identify impactful segments of the music based on at least one of peaks, peak-proximity, and a moving average of the continuous concurrence data.

Abstract: Certain chemical analogs and related compounds useful in the control nematodes that infest plants or the situs of plants are described. Nematodes that parasitize animals can also be controlled using the methods and compounds of this invention.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for preventing the molten corium of a nuclear reactor from penetrating into the ground. The reactor is supported by a concrete raft bearing on the ground, and inserted in the raft is a retaining basin having an upper portion of refractory material which is chemically inert towards the constituents of the corium oriented toward the corium, and a lower portion made of a refractory material with a heat conductivity much greater than that of the upper portion. Generally the upper layer of the retaining basin will be made of zirconia and the lower layer will be made of graphite. Disposed between the reactor and the retaining basin is a means for deflecting the vertical attack of corium on the basin and spreading out the corium, comprising a plurality of concentric cavities, each successive cavity having a greater outer diameter than that of the preceding cavity and having a center located at a greater vertical distance from the reactor than the preceding cavity.

Abstract: In an opto-electronic head, an optic fiber is coupled with a laser or a light-emitting diode. According to the invention, a plane ceramic substrate acts as a reference plane for the alignment. It is separated into two zones: one zone dedicated to the semi-conductor device and one zone dedicated to the fiber. The second zone supports a heating resistor placed between two insulating layers. A heat barrier, consisting of a slit in the substrate, reduces heat transfers towards the layer to the minimum. To align the two components, a solder preform or polymer preform is put on the resistor. When the preform melts, it forms a drop in which the fiber 4 can be moved in three directions. The invention can be applied to opto-electronic systems.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fired refractory product based on refractory grains and binder, and process for the production thereof.The refractory product comprises a charge of refractory grains belonging to the group comprising carbonaceous products such as anthracite, natural graphite, artificial graphite, amorphous carbon, coke, refractory compounds known as RHM such as silicon carbide and refractory oxides such as alumina, corundum, magnesia, silica and chromium oxide, taken separately, in mixture or in combination; said grains are secured together by a cement based on a coked carbonaceous product and metal silicon in powder form; and the final proportion of metal silicon is from 1 to 15.8% and preferably from 3 to 10.5%.The product is intended for the manufacture of side linings for tanks for the production of aluminum by igneous electrolysis, and linings for blast furnaces and electric furnaces for electrometallurgy operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to synthetic carbonaceous granules having high mechanical characteristics and, more particularly, the granules produced from anthracite fines. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of these granules.These granules are produced by agglomeration of fines to the form of pellets, superficial pre-baking of these pellets by an oxidizing gas at a temperature of between 650.degree. and 1000.degree. C. for a few minutes, followed by calcination at a high temperature and, finally, by crushing permitting the desired granulometry to be obtained.The synthetic carbonaceous granules, according to the invention, are used for all types of application and, in particular, for the manufacture of all types of carbonaceous paste, electrodes and carbonaceous blocks for the linings of furnaces or electrolysis cells.

Abstract: A carbonaceous paste is disclosed which is used at ambient temperature without need for prior heating. The paste contains: at least 70% of calcined carbonaceous material; a low-temperature plasticizing agent such as molasses, a sugar, an alginate or a lignosulfonate; and a high-temperature plasticizing agent such as a dry pitch. The paste is used in particular for luting aluminum electrolysis cells.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved method of interconnecting carbon blocks intended for the construction of cathodes in cells for electrolysis of aluminum and the steel bars which connect these blocks to the source of current. The method comprises forming the current supplying bars in two portions or half-bars which are housed in channels provided in the carbon blocks, the half-bars being rigidly connected to the blocks by bedding with cast iron or steel. One or more anchoring points provided near the end of the blocks holds the half-bars in position, while the ends of the bars near the middle of the blocks can expand freely in zones left for the purpose.