KINECTWheels: wheelchair-accessible motion-based game interaction

The increasing popularity of full-body motion-based video games creates new challenges for game accessibility research. Many games strongly focus on able-bodied persons and require players to move around freely. To address this problem, we introduce KINECTWheels, a toolkit that facilitates the integration of wheelchair-based game input. Our library can help game designers to integrate wheelchair input at the development stage, and it can be configured to trigger keystroke events to make off-the-shelf PC games wheelchair-accessible

Genome-wide linkage scan for loci associated with epilepsy in Belgian shepherd dogs.

BackgroundIdiopathic epilepsy in the Belgian shepherd dog is known to have a substantial genetic component. The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with the expression of generalized seizures in the Belgian Tervuren and Sheepdog.ResultsDNA from 366 dogs, of which 74 were classified as epileptic, representing two extended families were subjected to a genome-wide linkage scan using 410 microsatellite markers yielding informative coverage averaging 5.95 +/- 0.21 Mb. Though previous studies based on pedigree analyses proposed a major gene of influence, the present study demonstrated the trait to be highly polygenic. Studies of complex disorders in humans indicate that a liberal composite evaluation of genetic linkage is needed to identify underlying quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Four chromosomes yielded tentative linkage based upon LOD scores in excess of 1.0. Possible QTLs within these regions were supported also by analyses of multipoint linkage, allele frequency, TDT, and transmission of haplotype blocks.ConclusionsTaken together the data tentatively indicate six QTLs, three on CFA 2, and one on each of CFA 6, 12, and 37, that support fine mapping for mutations associated with epilepsy in the Belgian shepherd. The study also underscores the complexity of genomic linkage studies for polygenic disorders

A global magnetic anomaly map

A subset of POGO satellite magnetometer data has been formed that is suitable for analysis of crustal magnetic anomalies. Using a thirteenth order field model, fit to these data, magnetic residuals have been calculated over the world to latitude limits of plus 50 deg. These residuals averaged over one degree latitude-longitude blocks represent a detailed global magnetic anomaly map derived solely from satellite data. Preliminary analysis of the map indicates that the anomalies are real and of geological origin

General CMB and Primordial Trispectrum Estimation

We present trispectrum estimation methods which can be applied to general non-separable primordial and CMB trispectra. We present a general optimal estimator for the connected part of the trispectrum, for which we derive a quadratic term to incorporate the effects of inhomogeneous noise and masking. We describe a general algorithm for creating simulated maps with given arbitrary (and independent) power spectra, bispectra and trispectra. We propose a universal definition of the trispectrum parameter $T_{NL}$, so that the integrated bispectrum on the observational domain can be consistently compared between theoretical models. We define a shape function for the primordial trispectrum, together with a shape correlator and a useful parametrisation for visualizing the trispectrum. We derive separable analytic CMB solutions in the large-angle limit for constant and local models. We present separable mode decompositions which can be used to describe any primordial or CMB bispectra on their respective wavenumber or multipole domains. By extracting coefficients of these separable basis functions from an observational map, we are able to present an efficient estimator for any given theoretical model with a nonseparable trispectrum. The estimator has two manifestations, comparing the theoretical and observed coefficients at either primordial or late times. These mode decomposition methods are numerically tractable with order $l^5$ operations for the CMB estimator and approximately order $l^6$ for the general primordial estimator (reducing to order $l^3$ in both cases for a special class of models). We also demonstrate how the trispectrum can be reconstructed from observational maps using these methods.Comment: 38 pages, 9 figures. In v2 Figures 4-7 are altered slightly and some extra references are included in the bibliography. v3 matches version submitted to journal. Includes discussion of special case

Universal Non-Gaussian Initial Conditions for N-body Simulations

In this paper we present the implementation of an efficient formalism for the generation of arbitrary non-Gaussian initial conditions for use in N-body simulations. The methodology involves the use of a separable modal approach for decomposing a primordial bispectrum or trispectrum. This approach allows for the far more efficient generation of the non-Gaussian initial conditions already described in the literature, as well as the generation for the first time of non-separable bispectra and the special class of diagonal-free trispectra. The modal approach also allows for the reconstruction of the spectra from given realisations, a fact which is exploited to provide an accurate consistency check of the simulations.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figure

Rapid Separable Analysis of Higher Order Correlators in Large Scale Structure

We present an efficient separable approach to the estimation and reconstruction of the bispectrum and the trispectrum from observational (or simulated) large scale structure data. This is developed from general CMB (poly-)spectra methods which exploit the fact that the bispectrum and trispectrum in the literature can be represented by a separable mode expansion which converges rapidly (with $n_\textrm{max}={\cal{O}}(30)$ terms). With an effective grid resolution $l_\textrm{max}$ (number of particles/grid points $N=l_\textrm{max}^3$), we present a bispectrum estimator which requires only ${\cal O}(n_\textrm{max} \times l_\textrm{max}^3)$ operations, along with a corresponding method for direct bispectrum reconstruction. This method is extended to the trispectrum revealing an estimator which requires only ${\cal O}(n_\textrm{max}^{4/3} \times l_\textrm{max}^3)$ operations. The complexity in calculating the trispectrum in this method is now involved in the original decomposition and orthogonalisation process which need only be performed once for each model. However, for non-diagonal trispectra these processes present little extra difficulty and may be performed in ${\cal O}(l_\textrm{max}^4)$ operations. A discussion of how the methodology may be applied to the quadspectrum is also given. An efficient algorithm for the generation of arbitrary nonGaussian initial conditions for use in N-body codes using this separable approach is described. This prescription allows for the production of nonGaussian initial conditions for arbitrary bispectra and trispectra. A brief outline of the key issues involved in parameter estimation, particularly in the non-linear regime, is also given

Improved definition of crustal magnetic anomalies for MAGSAT data

The routine correction of MAGSAT vector magnetometer data for external field effects such as the ring current and the daily variation by filtering long wavelength harmonics from the data is described. Separation of fields due to low altitude sources from those caused by high altitude sources is affected by means of dual harmonic expansions in the solution of Dirichlet's problem. This regression/harmonic filter procedure is applied on an orbit by orbit basis, and initial tests on MAGSAT data from orbit 1176 show reduction in external field residuals by 24.33 nT RMS in the horizontal component, and 10.95 nT RMS in the radial component

Riding the Third Wave of SoTL

Taking stock of an enterprise can be a stimulating exercise. It is also an essential one that allows for assessment of what one has while facilitating the planning of what one wants. In this piece, we take stock of the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), mapping out what we see as the first two waves of the movement, and then identifying a ‘third wave.’ We believe it is time to think bigger. Specifically, those practicing SoTL need to: infiltrate the mainstream, run interference and catalyze the use of SoTL, and work towards a grand picture of learning

The suppression of superconductivity in MgCNi3 by Ni-site doping

The effects of partial substitution of Cu and Co for Ni in the intermetallic perovskite superconductor MgCNi3 are reported. Calculation of the expected electronic density of states suggests that electron (Cu) and hole (Co) doping should have different effects. For MgCNi3-xCux, solubility of Cu is limited to approximately 3% (x = 0.1), and Tc decreases systematically from 7K to 6K. For MgCNi3-xCox, solubility of Co is much more extensive, but bulk superconductivity disappears for Co doping of 1% (x = 0.03). No signature of long range magnetic ordering is observed in the magnetic susceptibility of the Co doped material.Comment: submitted, Solid State Communication