1,281 research outputs found
Exploring expressive augmented reality: The fing AR puppet system for social pretend play
We present âFingAR Puppetâ, an Augmented Reality (AR) system enhancing social pretend play by young children. Un-like goal-oriented AR systems that augment reality with in-formative instructions, FingAR Puppet helps children asso-ciate expressive interpretations with immediate reality. Em-pirical results show that FingAR Puppet promotes reasoning about emotional states, communication and divergent think-ing during social pretend play for children 4-6 years old. We suggest that this study opens an interesting space for future AR systems to support complex cognitive and social devel-opment in early childhood. We also identify broader implica-tions from using theories of cognitive development to guide the design of tangible and augmented interactions
Ultrasound-guided pO2 measurement in breast cancer patients before and after hyperthermia treatment
Abundances of 30 elements in 23 metal-poor stars
We report the abundances of 30 elements in 23 metal-poor ([Fe/H] <-1.7)
giants. These are based on 7774 equivalent widths and spectral synthesis of 229
additional lines. Hyperfine splitting is taken into account when appropriate.
Our choice of model atmospheres has the most influence on the accuracy of our
abundances. We consider the effect of different model atmospheres on our
results. In addition to the random errors in Teff, log g, and microturbulent
velocity, there are several sources of systematic error. These include using
Teff determined from FeI lines rather than colors, ignoring NLTE effects on the
FeI/FeII ionization balance, using models with solar [alpha/Fe] ratios and
using Kurucz models with overshooting. Of these, only the use of models with
solar [alpha/Fe] ratios had a negligible effect. However, while the absolute
abundances can change by > 0.10 dex, the relative abundances, especially
between closely allied atoms such as the rare earth group, often show only
small (<0.03 dex) changes. We found that some strong lines of FeI, MnI and CrI
consistently gave lower abundances by ~0.2 dex, a number larger than the quoted
errors in the gf values. After considering a model with depth-dependent
microturbulent velocity and a model with hotter temperatures in the upper
layers, we conclude that the latter did a better job of resolving the problem
and agreeing with observational evidence for the structure of stars. The error
analysis includes the effects of correlation of Teff, log g, and microturbulent
velocity errors, which is crucial for certain element ratios, such as [Mg/Fe].
The abundances presented here are being analyzed and discussed in a separate
series of papers.Comment: 27 pages, 9 figures, Table 2 included separately, to published in
ApJ
NLTE line formation of Fe for late-type stars. I. Standard stars with 1D and <3D> model atmospheres
We investigate departures from LTE in the line formation of Fe for a number
of well-studied late-type stars in different evolutionary stages. A new model
of Fe atom was constructed from the most up-to-date theoretical and
experimental atomic data available so far. Non-local thermodynamic equilibrium
(NLTE) line formation calculations for Fe were performed using 1D hydrostatic
MARCS and MAFAGS-OS model atmospheres, as well as the spatial and temporal
average stratifications from full 3D hydrodynamical simulations of stellar
convection computed using the Stagger code. It is shown that the Fe I/Fe II
ionization balance can be well established with the 1D and mean 3D models under
NLTE including calibrated inelastic collisions with H I calculated from the
Drawin's (1969) formulae. Strong low-excitation Fe I lines are very sensitive
to the atmospheric structure; classical 1D models fail to provide consistent
excitation balance, particularly so for cool metal-poor stars. A better
agreement between Fe I lines spanning a range of excitation potentials is
obtained with the mean 3D models. Mean NLTE metallicities determined for the
standard stars using the 1D and mean 3D models are fully consistent. Also, the
NLTE spectroscopic effective temperatures and gravities from ionization balance
agree with that determined by other methods, e.g., infrared flux method and
parallaxes, if one of the stellar parameters is constrained independently.Comment: accepted for publication in MNRA
3D Coronal Density Reconstruction and Retrieving the Magnetic Field Structure during Solar Minimum
Measurement of the coronal magnetic field is a crucial ingredient in
understanding the nature of solar coronal phenomena at all scales. We employed
STEREO/COR1 data obtained during a deep minimum of solar activity in February
2008 (Carrington rotation CR 2066) to retrieve and analyze the
three-dimensional (3D) coronal electron density in the range of heights from
1.5 to 4 Rsun using a tomography method. With this, we qualitatively deduced
structures of the coronal magnetic field. The 3D electron density analysis is
complemented by the 3D STEREO/EUVI emissivity in the 195 A band obtained by
tomography for the same CR. A global 3D MHD model of the solar corona was used
to relate the reconstructed 3D density and emissivity to open/closed magnetic
field structures. We show that the density maximum locations can serve as an
indicator of current sheet position, while the locations of the density
gradient maximum can be a reliable indicator of coronal hole boundaries. We
find that the magnetic field configuration during CR 2066 has a tendency to
become radially open at heliocentric distances greater than 2.5 Rsun. We also
find that the potential field model with a fixed source surface (PFSS) is
inconsistent with the boundaries between the regions with open and closed
magnetic field structures. This indicates that the assumption of the potential
nature of the coronal global magnetic field is not satisfied even during the
deep solar minimum. Results of our 3D density reconstruction will help to
constrain solar coronal field models and test the accuracy of the magnetic
field approximations for coronal modeling.Comment: Published in "Solar Physics
Experiences of refugees and asylum seekers in general practice: a qualitative study
Background: There has been much debate regarding the refugee health situation in the UK. However most of the existing literature fails to take account of the opinions of refugees themselves. This study was established to determine the views of asylum seekers and refugees on their overall experiences in primary care and to suggest improvements to their care. Methods: Qualitative study of adult asylum seekers and refugees who had entered the UK in the last 10 years. The study was set in Barnet Refugee Walk in Service, London. 11 Semi structured interviews were conducted and analysed using framework analysis. Results: Access to GPs may be more difficult for failed asylum seekers and those without support from refugee agencies or family. There may be concerns amongst some in the refugee community regarding the access to and confidentiality of professional interpreters. Most participants stated their preference for GPs who offered advice rather than prescriptions. The stigma associated with refugee status in the UK may have led to some refugees altering their help seeking behaviour. Conclusion: The problem of poor access for those with inadequate support may be improved by better education and support for GPs in how to provide for refugees. Primary Care Trusts could also supply information to newly arrived refugees on how to access services. GPs should be aware that, in some situations, professional interpreters may not always be desired and that instead, it may be advisable to reach a consensus as to who should be used as an interpreter. A better doctor-patient experience resulting from improvements in access and communication may help to reduce the stigma associated with refugee status and lead to more appropriate help seeking behaviour. Given the small nature of our investigation, larger studies need to be conducted to confirm and to quantify these results
Evaluation of host-derived volatiles for trapping Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopognidae) cause pain and distress through blood feeding, and transmit viruses that threaten both animal and human health worldwide. There are few effective tools for monitoring and control of biting midges, with semiochemical-based strategies offering the advantage of targeting host-seeking populations. In previous studies, we identified the host preference of multiple Culicoides species, including Culicoides impunctatus, as well as cattle-derived compounds that modulate the behavioral responses of C. nubeculosus under laboratory conditions. Here, we test the efficacy of these compounds, when released at different rates, in attracting C. impunctatus under field conditions in Southern Sweden. Traps releasing 1-octen-3-ol, decanal, phenol, 4-methylphenol or 3-propylphenol, when combined with carbon dioxide (CO2), captured significantly higher numbers of C. impunctatus compared to control traps baited with CO2 alone, with low release rates (0.1 mg hâ1, 1 mg hâ1) being generally more attractive. In contrast, traps releasing octanal or (E)-2-nonenal at 1 mg hâ1 and 10 mg hâ1 collected significantly lower numbers of C. impunctatus than control traps baited with CO2 only. Nonanal and 2-ethylhexanol did not affect the attraction of C. impunctatus when compared to CO2 alone at any of the release rates tested. The potential use of these semiochemicals as attractants and repellents for biting midge control is discussed
Study investigating the role of skeletal muscle mass estimation in metastatic spinal cord compression
Background
Age-related loss of functional muscle mass is associated with reduced functional ability and life expectancy. In disseminated cancer, age-related muscle loss may be exacerbated by cachexia and poor nutritional intake, increasing functional decline, morbidity and accelerate death. Patients with spinal metastases frequently present for decompressive surgery with decision to operate based upon functional assessment. A subjective assessment of physical performance has, however, been shown to be a poor indicator of life expectancy in these patients. We aimed to develop an objective measure based upon lean muscle mass to aid decision making, in these individuals, by investigating the association between muscle mass and 1-year survival.
Methods
Muscle mass was calculated as total psoas area (TPA)/ vertebral body area (VBA), by two independent blinded doctors from CT images, acquired within 7 days of spinal metastases surgery, at the mid L3 vertebral level. Outcome at 1 year following surgery was recorded from a prospectively updated metastatic spinal cord compression database.
Results
86 patients were followed for 1 year, with an overall mortality of 39.5 %. Mortality rates at 1 year were significantly high among patients in the lowest quartile of muscle mass, compared with those in the highest quartile (57.1 vs 23.8 %, p = 0.02).
Conclusion
Death within 1 year in individuals with spinal metastases is related to lean muscle mass at presentation. Assessment of lean muscle mass may inform decision to operate in patients with spinal metastases
Human recombinant erythropoietin (rEpo) has no effect on tumour growth or angiogenesis
Tumour hypoxia has been shown to increase mutation rate, angiogenesis, and metastatic potential, and decrease response to conventional therapeutics. Improved tumour oxygenation should translate into increased treatment response. Exogenous recombinant erythropoietin (rEpo) has been recently shown to increase tumour oxygenation in a mammary carcinoma model. The mechanism of this action is not yet understood completely. The presence of Epo and its receptor (EpoR) have been demonstrated on several normal and neoplastic tissues, including blood vessels and various solid tumours. In addition, rEpo has been shown in two recent prospective, randomized clinical trials to negatively impact treatment outcome. In this study, we attempt to characterize the direct effects of rEpo on tumour growth and angiogenesis in two separate rodent carcinomas. The effect of rEpo on R3230 rat mammary adenocarcinomas, CT-26 mouse colon carcinomas, HCT-116 human colon carcinomas, and FaDu human head and neck tumours, all of which express EpoR, was examined. There were no differences in tumour growth or proliferation (measured by Ki-67) between placebo-treated and rEpo-treated tumours. In the mammary window chamber, vascular length density (VLD) measurements in serial images of both placebo-treated and Epo-treated rats revealed no difference in angiogenesis between the Epo-treated tumours and placebo-treated tumours at any time point. These experiments are important because they suggest that the recent clinical detriment seen with the use of Epo is not due to its tumour growth effects or angiogenesis. These studies also suggest that further preclinical studies need to examine rEpo's direct tumour effects in efforts to improve the therapeutic benefits of Epo in solid tumour patients
- âŠ