178 research outputs found
Tangible user interfaces and social interaction in children with autism
Tangible User Interfaces (TUIs) offer the potential for new modes of social
interaction for children with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). Familiar objects that
are embedded with digital technology may help children with autism understand the
actions of others by providing feedback that is logical and predictable. Objects that
move, playback sound or create sound – thus repeating programmed effects – offer an
exciting way for children to investigate objects and their effects.
This thesis presents three studies of children with autism interacting with objects
augmented with digital technology.
Study one looked at Topobo, a construction toy augmented with kinetic
memory. Children played with Topobo in groups of three of either Typically
Developing (TD) or ASC children. The children were given a construction task, and
were also allowed to play with the construction sets with no task. Topobo in the task
condition showed an overall significant effect for more onlooker, cooperative, parallel,
and less solitary behaviour. For ASC children significantly less solitary and more
parallel behaviour was recorded than other play states.
In study two, an Augmented Knights Castle (AKC) playset was presented to
children with ASC. The task condition was extended to allow children to configure the
playset with sound. A significant effect in a small sample was found for configuration of the AKC, leading to less solitary behaviour, and more cooperative behaviour.
Compared to non-digital play, the AKC showed reduction of solitary behaviour because
of augmentation. Qualitative analysis showed further differences in learning phase, user
content, behaviour oriented to other children, and system responsiveness.
Tangible musical blocks (‘d-touch’) in study three focused on the task. TD and
ASC children were presented with a guided/non-guided task in pairs, to isolate effects
of augmentation. Significant effects were found for an increase in cooperative symbolic
play in the guided condition, and more solitary functional play was found in the
unguided condition. Qualitative analysis highlighted differences in understanding
blocks and block representation, exploratory and expressive play, understanding of
shared space and understanding of the system.
These studies suggest that the structure of the task conducted with TUIs may be
an important factor for children’s use. When the task is undefined, play tends to lose
structure and the benefits of TUIs decline. Tangible technology needs to be used in an
appropriately structured manner with close coupling (the distance between digital
housing and digital effect), and works best when objects are presented in familiar form
A Physiological Role for Amyloid Beta Protein: Enhancement of Learning and Memory
Amyloid beta protein (A[beta]) is well recognized as having a significant role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The reason for the presence of A[beta] and its physiological role in non-disease states is not clear. In these studies, low doses of A[beta] enhanced memory retention in two memory tasks and enhanced acetylcholine production in the hippocampus _in vivo_. We then tested whether endogenous A[beta] has a role in learning and memory in young, cognitively intact mice by blocking endogenous A[beta] in healthy 2-month-old CD-1 mice. Blocking A[beta] with antibody to A[beta] or DFFVG (which blocks A[beta] binding) or decreasing A[beta] expression with an antisense directed at the A[beta] precursor APP all resulted in impaired learning in T-maze foot-shock avoidance. Finally, A[beta]1-42 facilitated induction and maintenance of long term potentiation in hippocampal slices, whereas antibodies to A[beta] inhibited hippocampal LTP. These results indicate that in normal healthy young animals the presence of A[beta] is important for learning and memory
Persistent elastic behavior above a megathrust rupture patch: Nias island, West Sumatra
We quantify fore-arc deformation using fossil reefs to test the assumption commonly made in seismic cycle models that anelastic deformation of the fore arc is negligible. Elevated coral microatolls, paleoreef flats, and chenier plains show that the Sumatran outer arc island of Nias has experienced a complex pattern of relatively slow long-term uplift and subsidence during the Holocene epoch. This same island rose up to 2.9 m during the Mw 8.7 Sunda megathrust rupture in 2005. The mismatch between the 2005 and Holocene uplift patterns, along with the overall low rates of Holocene deformation, reflects the dominance of elastic strain accumulation and release along this section of the Sunda outer arc high and the relatively subordinate role of upper plate deformation in accommodating long-term plate convergence. The fraction of 2005 uplift that will be retained permanently is generally <4% for sites that experienced more than 0.25 m of coseismic uplift. Average uplift rates since the mid-Holocene range from 1.5 to −0.2 mm/a and are highest on the eastern coast of Nias, where coseismic uplift was nearly zero in 2005. The pattern of long-term uplift and subsidence is consistent with slow deformation of Nias along closely spaced folds in the north and trenchward dipping back thrusts in the southeast. Low Holocene tectonic uplift rates provide for excellent geomorphic and stratigraphic preservation of the mid-Holocene relative sea level high, which was under way by ∼7.3 ka and persisted until ∼2 ka
Advancing Tests of Relativistic Gravity via Laser Ranging to Phobos
Phobos Laser Ranging (PLR) is a concept for a space mission designed to
advance tests of relativistic gravity in the solar system. PLR's primary
objective is to measure the curvature of space around the Sun, represented by
the Eddington parameter , with an accuracy of two parts in ,
thereby improving today's best result by two orders of magnitude. Other mission
goals include measurements of the time-rate-of-change of the gravitational
constant, and of the gravitational inverse square law at 1.5 AU
distances--with up to two orders-of-magnitude improvement for each. The science
parameters will be estimated using laser ranging measurements of the distance
between an Earth station and an active laser transponder on Phobos capable of
reaching mm-level range resolution. A transponder on Phobos sending 0.25 mJ, 10
ps pulses at 1 kHz, and receiving asynchronous 1 kHz pulses from earth via a 12
cm aperture will permit links that even at maximum range will exceed a photon
per second. A total measurement precision of 50 ps demands a few hundred
photons to average to 1 mm (3.3 ps) range precision. Existing satellite laser
ranging (SLR) facilities--with appropriate augmentation--may be able to
participate in PLR. Since Phobos' orbital period is about 8 hours, each
observatory is guaranteed visibility of the Phobos instrument every Earth day.
Given the current technology readiness level, PLR could be started in 2011 for
launch in 2016 for 3 years of science operations. We discuss the PLR's science
objectives, instrument, and mission design. We also present the details of
science simulations performed to support the mission's primary objectives.Comment: 25 pages, 10 figures, 9 table
Testing gravitational-wave searches with numerical relativity waveforms: Results from the first Numerical INJection Analysis (NINJA) project
The Numerical INJection Analysis (NINJA) project is a collaborative effort between members of the numerical relativity and gravitational-wave data analysis communities. The purpose of NINJA is to study the sensitivity of existing gravitational-wave search algorithms using numerically generated waveforms and to foster closer collaboration between the numerical relativity and data analysis communities. We describe the results of the first NINJA analysis which focused on gravitational waveforms from binary black hole coalescence. Ten numerical relativity groups contributed numerical data which were used to generate a set of gravitational-wave signals. These signals were injected into a simulated data set, designed to mimic the response of the initial LIGO and Virgo gravitational-wave detectors. Nine groups analysed this data using search and parameter-estimation pipelines. Matched filter algorithms, un-modelled-burst searches and Bayesian parameter estimation and model-selection algorithms were applied to the data. We report the efficiency of these search methods in detecting the numerical waveforms and measuring their parameters. We describe preliminary comparisons between the different search methods and suggest improvements for future NINJA analyses. © 2009 IOP Publishing Ltd
Status of NINJA: The Numerical INJection Analysis project
The 2008 NRDA conference introduced the Numerical INJection Analysis project (NINJA), a new collaborative effort between the numerical relativity community and the data analysis community. NINJA focuses on modeling and searching for gravitational wave signatures from the coalescence of binary system of compact objects. We review the scope of this collaboration and the components of the first NINJA project, where numerical relativity groups, shared waveforms and data analysis teams applied various techniques to detect them when embedded in colored Gaussian noise. © 2009 IOP Publishing Ltd
Testing gravitational-wave searches with numerical relativity waveforms: Results from the first Numerical INJection Analysis (NINJA) project
The Numerical INJection Analysis (NINJA) project is a collaborative effort
between members of the numerical relativity and gravitational-wave data
analysis communities. The purpose of NINJA is to study the sensitivity of
existing gravitational-wave search algorithms using numerically generated
waveforms and to foster closer collaboration between the numerical relativity
and data analysis communities. We describe the results of the first NINJA
analysis which focused on gravitational waveforms from binary black hole
coalescence. Ten numerical relativity groups contributed numerical data which
were used to generate a set of gravitational-wave signals. These signals were
injected into a simulated data set, designed to mimic the response of the
Initial LIGO and Virgo gravitational-wave detectors. Nine groups analysed this
data using search and parameter-estimation pipelines. Matched filter
algorithms, un-modelled-burst searches and Bayesian parameter-estimation and
model-selection algorithms were applied to the data. We report the efficiency
of these search methods in detecting the numerical waveforms and measuring
their parameters. We describe preliminary comparisons between the different
search methods and suggest improvements for future NINJA analyses.Comment: 56 pages, 25 figures; various clarifications; accepted to CQ
An Expert Consensus Statement on the Management of Large Chondral and Osteochondral Defects in the Patellofemoral Joint
© The Author(s) 2020. Background: Cartilage lesions of the patellofemoral joint constitute a frequent abnormality. Patellofemoral conditions are challenging to treat because of complex biomechanics and morphology. Purpose: To develop a consensus statement on the functional anatomy, indications, donor graft considerations, surgical treatment, and rehabilitation for the management of large chondral and osteochondral defects in the patellofemoral joint using a modified Delphi technique. Study Design: Consensus statement. Methods: A working group of 4 persons generated a list of statements related to the functional anatomy, indications, donor graft considerations, surgical treatment, and rehabilitation for the management of large chondral and osteochondral defects in the patellofemoral joint to form the basis of an initial survey for rating by a group of experts. The Metrics of Osteochondral Allografts (MOCA) expert group (composed of 28 high-volume cartilage experts) was surveyed on 3 occasions to establish a consensus on the statements. In addition to assessing agreement for each included statement, experts were invited to propose additional statements for inclusion or to suggest modifications of existing statements with each round. Predefined criteria were used to refine statement lists after each survey round. Statements reaching a consensus in round 3 were included within the final consensus document. Results: A total of 28 experts (100% response rate) completed 3 rounds of surveys. After 3 rounds, 36 statements achieved a consensus, with over 75% agreement and less than 20% disagreement. A consensus was reached in 100.00% of the statements relating to functional anatomy of the patellofemoral joint, 88.24% relating to surgical indications, 100.00% relating to surgical technical aspects, and 100.00% relating to rehabilitation, with an overall consensus of 95.5%. Conclusion: This study established a strong expert consensus document relating to the functional anatomy, surgical indications, donor graft considerations for osteochondral allografts, surgical technical aspects, and rehabilitation concepts for the management of large chondral and osteochondral defects in the patellofemoral joint. Further research is required to clinically validate the established consensus statements and better understand the precise indications for surgery as well as which techniques and graft processing/preparation methods should be used based on patient- and lesion-specific factors
The Eighteenth Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys: Targeting and First Spectra from SDSS-V
The eighteenth data release of the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys (SDSS) is the
first one for SDSS-V, the fifth generation of the survey. SDSS-V comprises
three primary scientific programs, or "Mappers": Milky Way Mapper (MWM), Black
Hole Mapper (BHM), and Local Volume Mapper (LVM). This data release contains
extensive targeting information for the two multi-object spectroscopy programs
(MWM and BHM), including input catalogs and selection functions for their
numerous scientific objectives. We describe the production of the targeting
databases and their calibration- and scientifically-focused components. DR18
also includes ~25,000 new SDSS spectra and supplemental information for X-ray
sources identified by eROSITA in its eFEDS field. We present updates to some of
the SDSS software pipelines and preview changes anticipated for DR19. We also
describe three value-added catalogs (VACs) based on SDSS-IV data that have been
published since DR17, and one VAC based on the SDSS-V data in the eFEDS field.Comment: Accepted to ApJ
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