Journal articles on the topic 'Functional Aid Device'
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Siddique, Farhana, Saranya M, Saranya Christabell M, and Prema S. "Design and Implementation of Wireless Rehabilitation Aid for Tongue Disorders." International Journal of Pharmacy and Biomedical Engineering 4, no. 1 (April 25, 2017): 4–7. http://dx.doi.org/10.14445/23942576/ijpbe-v4i1p102.
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The tongue is a muscular hydrostat which is a part of oral cavity. The interaction of tongue with palate is essential for articulation of speech and swallowing of food. Patients with neurological disorders have impaired speech and swallowing problem. In this work, a device is envisioned to provide a non-invasive rehabilitation aid for speech and swallowing disorders. The proposed device serves as both diagnostic and therapeutic tool. The parameters of the proposed device are tongue pressure measurement and tongue color detection along with neuromodulation stimulator (tongue stimulator – therapeutic aid). The output, which is a waveform (tongue pressure) and an image (tongue color) are transmitted wirelessly outside the oral cavity to the computer. This device is used to investigate and quantify the degree of tongue disorder. Periodic rehabilitation therapies along with the proposed device, increases the chances of recovery of functional tongue disorders by 50% within a short interval of time.
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Uribe, Flavio, Nandakumar Janakiraman, Amine N. Fattal, Gian Pietro Schincaglia, and Ravindra Nanda. "Corticotomy-assisted molar protraction with the aid of temporary anchorage device." Angle Orthodontist 83, no. 6 (July 8, 2013): 1083–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.2319/122612-968.1.
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ABSTRACT This case report describes the interdisciplinary management of a 58-year-old woman who was missing lower first molars and supraerupted maxillary first molars. The treatment plan included intrusion of the upper first molars and corticotomy-assisted mandibular second molar protraction with the aid of temporary anchorage devices. Miniscrews were effective in intrusion of the maxillary first molars and protraction of the lower second molars. Although good functional outcome was achieved in 41 months, the corticotomy-assisted procedure did not significantly reduce the treatment time.
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Bourbos, Alexandros, Filippo Cinti, Fabiana Sergiampietri, and Guido Pisani. "The Use of an Intraoperative Skeletal Traction Device for Delayed Reduction in Pelvic Fractures in Two Dogs." VCOT Open 03, no. 01 (January 2020): e40-e45. http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1713124.
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AbstractTwo large-breed dogs underwent delayed surgical repair of pelvic fractures with the aid of a skeletal traction device. Distraction and reduction in the fractures using the skeletal traction device were monitored by direct visualization and intraoperative fluoroscopy. Postoperative radiographs revealed good to near-anatomical bone reduction and fracture alignment without narrowing of the pelvic canal. Both dogs had complete functional recovery with no evidence of neurological deficits. The use of a skeletal traction device should be considered for reduction and fixation of delayed pelvic fractures.
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Pereira, Miriam Salles, Liana Monteiro da Fonseca Cardoso, Tatiane Barreto da Silva, Ayla Josma Teixeira, Saul Eliahú Mizrahi, Gabriel Schonwandt Mendes Ferreira, Fabio Moyses Lins Dantas, Vinicius Cotta-de-Almeida, and Luiz Anastacio Alves. "A Low-Cost Open Source Device for Cell Microencapsulation." Materials 13, no. 22 (November 11, 2020): 5090. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ma13225090.
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Microencapsulation is a widely studied cell therapy and tissue bioengineering technique, since it is capable of creating an immune-privileged site, protecting encapsulated cells from the host immune system. Several polymers have been tested, but sodium alginate is in widespread use for cell encapsulation applications, due to its low toxicity and easy manipulation. Different cell encapsulation methods have been described in the literature using pressure differences or electrostatic changes with high cost commercial devices (about 30,000 US dollars). Herein, a low-cost device (about 100 US dollars) that can be created by commercial syringes or 3D printer devices has been developed. The capsules, whose diameter is around 500 µm and can decrease or increase according to the pressure applied to the system, is able to maintain cells viable and functional. The hydrogel porosity of the capsule indicates that the immune system is not capable of destroying host cells, demonstrating that new studies can be developed for cell therapy at low cost with microencapsulation production. This device may aid pre-clinical and clinical projects in low- and middle-income countries and is lined up with open source equipment devices.
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Kugelman, David N., Nina Fisher, Sanjit R. Konda, and Kenneth A. Egol. "Loss of Ambulatory Independence Following Low-Energy Pelvic Ring Fractures." Geriatric Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation 10 (January 1, 2019): 215145931987810. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2151459319878101.
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Introduction: Lateral compression type 1 (LC1) pelvic ring fractures make up 63% of all pelvic ring injuries. This fracture pattern is typically seen in older patients. The purpose of this study is to assess the ambulatory status of individuals sustaining LC1 fractures at long-term follow-up and what specific characteristics, if any, effect this status or functional outcomes. Methods: Over a 2-year period, all pelvic ring injury at 2 hospitals within one academic institution was queried. One hundred sixty-one low-energy LC1 pelvic fractures were identified. Results: Fifty patients were available for long-term outcomes (mean: 36 months). Long-term functional outcomes (mean follow-up: 36 months) as measured by SMFA subgroup scores were demonstrated to be 3 times higher in patients currently using assistive devices for walking ( P = .012). Increased age ( P = .050) was associated with the continued use of assistive walking devices. Of the patients who did not use an ambulatory device prior to LC1 injury, 5 (11.6%) sustained a fall or medical complication within 30 days of the index pelvic fracture; this was associated with the current use of an assistive ambulatory device ( P = .010). Forty-three (86%) patients didn’t use an assistive ambulatory device prior to sustaining the LC1 fracture. Seven (14%) patients utilized assistive devices both before and after the LC1 injury. Thirteen (26%) patients, who did not utilize assistive ambulatory devices prior to their injury, necessitated them at long-term follow-up. Discussion: Surgeons should be aware of these associations, as they can implement early interventions aimed at patients at risk, for assistive device use, following LC1 pelvic fractures. Conclusion: More than a quarter of the patients sustaining an LC1 pelvic fracture continue to use an aid for ambulation at long-term follow-up. Older age, complications, and falls within 30 days of this injury are associated with the utilization of an assistive ambulatory device.
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Han, Leilei, Xuan Zhou, Chaoying Meng, Qin He, and Zhenfeng Zhao. "Design of Auxiliary Feeding Device Based on Single Chip Microcomputer Control System." E3S Web of Conferences 252 (2021): 01054. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202125201054.
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People’s daily life activities, such as eating, washing and dressing, are very important to the quality of life. However, for many people with disabilities, including those with upper limbs, these tasks prove to be challenging without the help of human caregivers. However, the shortage of medical workers and rising medical costs have created an urgent need for innovation, making aid more affordable and effective. A typical auxiliary task is dietary assistance, which is the basic daily necessities for maintaining health. People with upper limbs and limbs often have difficulty supporting themselves. Technical intervention can solve the problem by bridging the gap between physical ability and necessary functional ability. This design is based on a single-chip microcomputer control system-assisted feeding manipulator design, which can assist in completing the feeding function, and can also add voice or facial recognition modules to enhance the human-computer interaction experience. The design is mainly composed of editing controller-control and detection-power element. That is, the food is fed through a control program, transmitted to a target position through a power element, and whether feeding is completed is judged through a control and detection device. And we will try to add some functional modules to enhance the human-computer interaction experience.
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Goode, Richard L., Richard O'Keefe, Debra Homan, Holly Hosford-Dunn, and Melissa Wood. "Clinical Evaluation of a New Nonelectronic All-in-the-Ear Hearing Device for Mild Hearing Loss." Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery 94, no. 3 (March 1986): 343–50. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/019459988609400315.
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A new, nonelectronic hearing aid was studied in 112 patients with mild sloping sensorineural hearing loss. The device, worn all in the ear and made of clear plastic, produced a mean functional gain of 9.6 dB at 1500 Hz, 12.4 dB at 1750 Hz, and 9.1 dB at 2000 Hz, with lesser gains at adjacent frequencies between 1000 and 2500 Hz. Speech discrimination in quiet and in noise was improved. Patient acceptance of the device (in a group of 884 patients) was 76%. The device appears to be useful in the treatment of mild hearing loss.
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Bogdanov, S. I., V. G. Ryabtsev, and K. V. Evseev. "Resource saving in the design of multiple robots control systems." IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 965, no. 1 (January 1, 2022): 012059. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/965/1/012059.
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Abstract The research objective is design of the information technology for automated control system model synthesis for reducing the labour intensity of the digital machine model design by improving the control system information conversion tools. The structural-functional digital machine models are proposed for project development of robotic manipulator control devices. Application of the structural-functional digital machine models allows reducing labour intensity and project timing of robotic center control system design due to the cycle scheme conversion to intermediate representation, which is convenient for digital machine synthesis using the modern development tools. When applying the proposed structural-functional model a process engineer can rely on keeping all important technological process details and a programmer can avoid a large amount of errors when developing the device algorithms. The developed algorithm can be represented as state diagrams, which can be adapted for integrated scheme crystal as a digital machine using the specific tools of computer-aid design.
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Yang, Zhuchuang, Yangkuan Wu, Wei Xu, Huaxin Zhu, Xiangyang Zhang, and Ben-Xin Wang. "Bi-funtional resonance effects of plasmon-induced transparency and Fano-like response using an asymmetry metamaterial resonator consisting of three metallic strips at terahertz frequency." Physica Scripta 96, no. 12 (November 23, 2021): 125526. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1402-4896/ac38d6.
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Abstract Bi-functional metamaterial resonance device operated at terahertz frequency is designed in this paper. It is composed of three metallic strips, in which two parallel metallic strips having the identical dimensions are arranged in the longitudinal direction, and a single metallic strip deviated from the center position is arranged in the horizontal direction. Bi-functional resonance effects of plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) and Fano-like response are simultaneously obtained in this simple metamaterial structure. The formation mechanisms of the two resonance effects are analyzed with the aid of the near-field distributions and the dependence of structure parameters on the whole resonance performance. Results further show that the metallic strip placed horizontally plays an important role in adjusting the resonance response of the metamaterial resonator. More importantly, when the deviation value of the metallic strip in the horizontal direction exceeds a certain amount, for example 10 μm, the metamaterial resonator can realize the effective regulation from bi-functional resonance to single-functional PIT effect. Our proposed structure can be used as valuable platform for ideas to inspire the design of novel electro-optic devices.
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Camargo, Julián, Luis González, Diego Segura, Fabian Garay, and Nubia Rincón. "Orientación de Pasajeros con Discapacidad Visual dentro del Sistema de Transporte Masivo Transmilenio, mediante Geolocalización Satelital." Ingeniería 22, no. 2 (May 5, 2017): 283. http://dx.doi.org/10.14483/udistrital.jour.reving.2017.2.a08.
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Context: Although the mass-transport system Transmilenio provides audio information for travelers’ guidance, this is not helpful enough to blind users who are not able to transit easily within the system. For these reason, portable guidance devices are needed to improve the level of autonomy of the visually impaired people while using the transport system.Method: A review of aid devices to improve the level of autonomy of people with visual impairment was conducted so as to define the most practical technology for building an affordable device usable in the city of Bogotá. Subsequently, the functional modules of the device were defined, including file storage, sound reproduction, user interface and satellite geolocalization and location. Once built, the operation of the device was tested with 10 volunteers in condition of visual impairment who were oriented with the device between two main stations of one Transmilenio line; a final statistical study was conducted on the operation and usability perception of the device by the users.Results: 100% of the users were able to reach their destination successfully in the pilot test. In regards to the usability perception, users highlighted features such as sound indications for setting the device and orientation guidance throughout the journey. On the other hand, one of the main difficulties found was to correctly identify the bus approaching the stop and similarly locating the corresponding boarding door, as multiple bus routes may alight in the same door.Conclusions: The device was built incorporating low-cost technologies intended to make it affordable in an eventual mass—scale production. Likewise, a discreet design was chosen so as to lessen the risk of robbery, which unfortunately is a frequent issue in the Transmilenio system due to overcrowding of buses and stations. Additionally, we remark that the prototype can be made smaller by using special—purpose circuit boards. Policy-makers may take into account these considerations for an eventual wide implementation as part of governments’ plans for mobility inclusion in mass-transport systems for disabled people, in comparison with other alternatives such as smart cell phonesLanguage: Spanish.
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GRAFMAN, JORDAN. "Paging equals functionality." Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society 14, no. 1 (December 14, 2007): 152–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1355617708080211.
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There are a number of devices now used in automobiles that allow subscribed companies to track the car and to aid the owner in the case of accidents, lockouts, being lost, etc. Even in the age of the cell-phone, having a human whom you can routinely contact and who is paid to help you when a problem occurs is reassuring. Given the forthcoming graying of the baby boomers with a significant proportion of us developing a dementia, along with the large number of people who suffer head injuries, strokes, and similar disorders, the market for a similar device, worn on the body—perhaps as a secured bracelet—appears obvious. Compensatory aids may have an important role to play in helping patients become functional—particularly when used as a reminder, to orient them to time and place, or to provide a human voice to give instructions when necessary. Since one operator potentially can handle many patients at the same time, it could be a cost-effective device to obtain. I say “may have an important role” because very few studies have used such a device, much less carefully evaluated its usefulness. In this issue, Fish, Manly, and Wilson (2008) describe a very nice application of a single-case design to evaluate the use of a compensatory device in a patient with a frontal lobe lesion associated with deficits in planning that were characterized as goal-neglect by the authors.
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Nandakumar, Varshini, Ian Swain, Paul Taylor, Earl Merson, and Marcin Budka. "SmartStim: A Recurrent Neural Network Assisted Adaptive Functional Electrical Stimulation for Walking." Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering 8, no. 3 (September 1, 2022): 41–43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/cdbme-2022-2011.
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Abstract According to the Neuro Patience report of the Neurological Alliance, 1 in 6 people in the UK has a neurological condition. With the growth in technology, rehabilitation for neurological problems is one of the fastgrowing fields. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is one of those neuro-rehabilitation methods that uses electrical nerve stimulation to restore functional muscle movements that are lost due to neurological problems such as stroke and multiple sclerosis. This neuroprosthetic device is frequently used to assist walking by treating a condition called Drop Foot, a result of paralysis of the pretibial muscles. This study proposes a two-channel FES device called the SmartStim, which has the ability to modulate its stimulation levels according to various obstacles such as stairs and ramps. This system employs a sensor-based module with a Recurrent Neural Network to classify these different walking scenarios. The module is built with Inertial Measurement sensors embedded in a pair of shoes, and the Recurrent Neural Network uses data from these sensors to predict various obstacles as the user is walking. These predictions are then used by a Fuzzy Logic Controller to control and regulate the stimulation current in two channels of the SmartStim system. In the two channels of the system, one channel will help aid with drop foot, while the other will be used to stimulate another muscle group to help access stairs and ramps by the user. The Recurrent Neural Network module in this system has been trained and tested using the k-fold cross-validation. The evaluation of this trained model shows that it can predict obstacles from sensor data at 97 percent accuracy. Currently, further testing is being performed to assess the workings of the fuzzy logic controller in combination with the Recurrent Neural Network in healthy individuals. It is expected that the SmartStim system may aid users in accessing various walking scenarios more efficiently.
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Grindle, Garrett G., Hongwu Wang, Hervens Jeannis, Emily Teodorski, and Rory A. Cooper. "Design and User Evaluation of a Wheelchair Mounted Robotic Assisted Transfer Device." BioMed Research International 2015 (2015): 1–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/198476.
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Purpose. The aim of this study is to describe the robotic assisted transfer device (RATD) and an initial focus group evaluation by end users. The purpose of the device is to aid in the transfers of people with disabilities to and from their electric powered wheelchair (EPW) onto other surfaces. The device can be used for both stand-pivot transfers and fully dependent transfers, where the person being transferred is in a sling and weight is fully on the robot. The RATD is fixed to an EPW to allow for its use in community settings.Method. A functional prototype of the RATD was designed and fabricated. The prototype was presented to a group of 16 end users and feedback on the device was obtained via a survey and group discussion.Results.Thirteen out of sixteen (83%)participants agreed that it was important to develop this type of technology. They also indicated that user, caregiver, and robotic controls were important features to be included in the device.Conclusions. Participants in this study suggested that they would be accepting the use of robotic technology for transfers and a majority did not feel that they would be embarrassed to use this technology.
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Maniglia, Anthony J., Wen H. Ko, Steven L. Garverick, Hassan Abbass, Michael Kane, Mary Rosenbaum, and Gail Murray. "Semi-implantable Middle Ear Electromagnetic Hearing Device for Sensorineural Hearing Loss." Ear, Nose & Throat Journal 76, no. 5 (May 1997): 333–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/014556139707600510.
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A semi-implantable middle ear electromagnetic hearing device (SIMEHD) is proposed for limited clinical trial in adult patients to evaluate the implantable hearing device for moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigational device exemption (IDE) approval has been granted (May 1996) for clinical trials. The implant unit has been evaluated acutely and chronically in animals (cats) with excellent results. Five cats undergoing chronic implantation were allowed to survive an average of 9.6 months, showing that the SIMEHD is biocompatible, functional and without untoward complications. All implant units recovered from the cats were functional, except for wire breakage of the internal antenna. A new antenna was redesigned for human implantation. The SIMEHD system consists of an external and internal unit. The external unit consists of a microphone, audio amplifier, modulator, radio frequency (RF) amplifier, antenna and battery. The internal unit is composed of a receiving antenna, hybrid electronic circuit, air core driving coil, and a target magnet cemented to the incus. All materials in contact with the body are biocompatible and expected to survive indefinitely. The implant unit is miniaturized and manufactured with existing fabrication technology by our industrial collaborator, Wilson Greatbatch, Ltd. The specific aims and major tasks of the proposed research are: a) to evaluate reliability, safety and efficacy of the SIMEHD system in a selected group of patients diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, due mainly to presbycusis or aging of the inner ear; and b) to obtain objective and subjective evaluation of audiologic and psychoacoustic performance as compared to the acoustic hearing aid. This paper describes the design, illustrates the actual device (newest prototype) and details the technique for surgical implantation in the attic and mastoid antrum in humans.
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Yang, Yuanting, Hao Wang, Hongning Song, Xiaoping Hu, Rui Hu, Sheng Cao, Juan Guo, and Qing Zhou. "A soft functional mitral valve model prepared by three-dimensional printing as an aid for an advanced mitral valve operation." European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery 61, no. 4 (February 3, 2022): 877–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ejcts/ezab519.
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Abstract OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to build a soft mitral valve (MV) model for surgical simulation to aid with an advanced MV operation. METHODS Soft three-dimensional models of the MV were constructed by the mould-modelling method using silicone. The properties of the material used were tested and compared with those of the valve tissue. Then, the accuracy of the three-dimensional model was assessed from the perspectives of the pathological and morphological parameters. Thereafter, surgical simulation of MV repair, closure of the perforation and transcatheter MV replacement were simulated using our model. Two experienced surgeons were invited to perform and evaluate the fidelity and softness of the model. Morphological changes in the MV and the potential compression of the device on surrounding cardiac tissue were also measured after simulation. RESULTS The soft MV model was successfully constructed by the mould-modelling method. The property of the material used was closer to that of valve tissue than to that of the rigid model. In addition, the pathological details and morphological measurements of the three-dimensional model were consistent with the surgical findings. The simulated surgical procedure was successful using our model. Morphological changes, including the ratio of the leaflet/annulus area and the coaptation depth, were closely correlated with the regurgitation left after MV repair, which might be an indicator of the surgical effects. The results of this study demonstrated the great advantages of our constructed soft model in exploring the interaction of the device with the surrounding tissue. These advantages were not obtained using the rigid model in a previous study. CONCLUSIONS The soft MV model was successfully constructed using the mould-modelling method, and its physical properties were similar to those of heart tissue. In addition, the constructed model exhibited great advantages in surgical simulation and clinical application compared with the anatomical model.
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Thorsen, Rune, Davide Dalla Costa, Sara Chiaramonte, Luca Binda, Ettore Beghi, Tiziana Redaelli, Eugenio Occhi, and Maurizio Ferrarin. "A Noninvasive Neuroprosthesis Augments Hand Grasp Force in Individuals with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: The Functional and Therapeutic Effects." Scientific World Journal 2013 (2013): 1–7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/836959.
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Objectives. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate myoelectrically controlled functional electrical stimulation (MeCFES) for enhancing the tenodesis grip in people with tetraplegia. The second aim was to estimate the potential number of candidates for the MeCFES device. The application of MeCFES provides the user with direct control of the grasp force as opposed to triggered FES systems.Methods. Screening 253 medical records of C5 to C7 spinal cord injury resulted in 27 participants who trained activities of daily living for 12 × 2 hours, using the MeCFES. Hand function was evaluated by the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). Primary outcome was the ARAT change score with/without the device, before/after the intervention period. Secondary outcome was the number of positive or clinically relevant change scores with respect to the cohort.Results. The MeCFES improved hand test score in 63% of the subjects at first application. Training resulted in a significant therapeutic effect, which resulted in an overall increase of hand function in 89% of the participants and 30% experienced a clinically relevant change (6 points or more).Conclusions. Clinical relevance was found both as an assistive aid and as a therapeutic tool in rehabilitation. The therapeutic effect deserves further investigation in clinical studies.
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Mclean, Timothy, Irumee Pai, Andrew Philipatos, and Michael Gordon. "The Sophono Bone-Conduction System: Surgical, Audiologic, and Quality-of-Life Outcomes." Ear, Nose & Throat Journal 96, no. 7 (July 2017): E28—E33. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/014556131709600706.
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We prospectively evaluated the surgical, audiologic, and quality-of-life outcomes in 5 patients—2 men and 3 women, aged 22 to 64 years (mean: 41.8)—who were implanted with the Sophono Alpha 2 MPO Processor. The indications for implantation of this bone-conduction device included recurrent ear canal infections with hearing aids (n = 3), single-sided deafness (n = 1), and patient preference in view of difficulty using a conventional hearing aid (n = 1). In addition to the patient with single-sided deafness, 3 patients had a bilateral mixed hearing loss and 1 had a bilateral conductive hearing loss. Outcomes measures included surgical complications, functional gain (FG), speech discrimination in quiet and noise, and patient satisfaction as determined by the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and the Entific Medical Systems bone-anchored hearing aid questionnaire (BAQ). The only postsurgical complication noted was a minor skin reaction and pain in 1 patient that resolved with conservative management. In the 3 patients with the mixed hearing loss, the mean FG was 13.3, 20.0, 11.7, and 11.7 dB at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz, respectively; in the patient with the bilateral conductive hearing loss, the FG was 10, 25, 10, and 15 dB at the same frequencies. Speech discrimination scores with the Sophono device were comparable to those seen with conventional hearing aids. After implantation, all 5 patients experienced a positive quality-of-life outcome according to the GBI, although 1 of them had only a marginal improvement. On follow-up, all patients reported that they remained satisfied with their implant and that they used their device all day long. We conclude that the Sophono bone-conduction system is a safe and effective option that should be considered for patients with a mixed or conductive hearing loss who are unable to use a conventional hearing aid, as well as for those with single-sided deafness.
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Grewal, Sanjeet S., Mark Benscoter, Stephen Kuehn, Brian N. Lundstrom, Matthew Stead, Gregory Worrell, and Jamie J. Van Gompel. "Minimally Invasive, Endoscopic-Assisted Device for Subdural Electrode Implantation in Epilepsy." Operative Neurosurgery 18, no. 1 (May 23, 2019): 92–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ons/opz104.
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Abstract BACKGROUND Subdural grids and strip electrodes provide wide coverage of the cerebral cortex, precise delineation of the extent of the seizure onset zone, and improved spatial sampling to perform functional mapping for eloquent cortex. OBJECTIVE To describe a novel device that allows for a minimally invasive approach to implantation of subdural grid and strip electrodes. METHODS A skull mounted device was created to allow for implantation of subdural electrodes through a keyhole craniotomy with direct visualization using the aid of a flexible neurovideoscope. The initial studies in preparation for grid development performed on cadaveric skulls were analyzed to determine the size of craniotomy required for deployment, maximal distance of strip electrode deployment from center of craniotomy, and visual inspection of the cortex was performed for any underlying damage. RESULTS The device allowed for the placement of subdural electrodes through a 40-mm craniotomy. Subdural electrodes were deployed in multiple directions to a distance of a 70-mm radius from the center of the craniotomy. There was no visual damage to the underlying cortex after the procedures were completed. CONCLUSION Large craniotomies are typically desired to provide direct visualization of the implantation of subdural electrodes, but can increase the risk of subdural hemorrhages and infections. This study describes a novel minimally invasive endoscopically assisted device for the implantation of subdural strip electrodes under direct visualization. With this device, we are able to limit the size of the craniotomy, avoid incision through the temporalis muscle, and implant subdural electrodes with visualization of the cortex.
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Arutyunov, S. D., A. G. Stepanov, A. M. Elovikov, A. S. Arutyunov, A. A. Yuzhakov, V. I. Freiman, D. I. Polyakov, and N. B. Astashina. "Bionic ear prosthesis: the coming future." Perm Medical Journal 37, no. 4 (November 6, 2020): 91–100. http://dx.doi.org/10.17816/pmj37491-100.
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Objective. To develop the bionic ear prosthesis design and a method for its manufacture based on intellectual and medical 3D technologies.
Materials and methods. Taking into account the analysis of data from domestic and foreign literature, a bionic ear prosthesis and a device for its manufacture have been developed. During the implementation of the project, digital equipment and software were used.
The developed design of a bionic ear prosthesis consists of several components, including an auricle prosthesis and a sound processor inserted into it. This provides the functionality of remote control, configuration and wireless charging. The system is based on the principle of bone conduction. The auricle prosthesis is an external attachment device with high aesthetic characteristics, made of biocompatible materials using modern digital technologies. Built-in hearing aid, includes a microphone; a sound processor based on a digital signal component with built-in analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters; Bluetooth radio channel module for communication with the settings control device (Android smartphone); and an emitter of sound vibrations.
Results. The expected positive effect is to increase the effectiveness of treatment, rehabilitation and socialization of deaf and hard of hearing patients by reducing the volume of surgical intervention; prevention of postoperative complications; the use of a rational aesthetic design of the auricle epithesis made of biologically compatible materials, with an inclinated highly functional electronic hearing aid integrated with the patient's auditory environment.
Conclusions. The combination of these factors can provide a significant reduction in the terms of medical and social rehabilitation of patients of different ages. In addition to the above, a significant advantage of the developed design of a bionic prosthesis and the method of its manufacture is ease of use and economic availability.
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Sullivan, Breanna, Sanjay Desai, Tej M. Singh, and Amit Mitra. "Early application of an intermittent pneumatic compression device assists dilation of radiocephalic fistulas." Journal of Vascular Access 20, no. 2 (August 13, 2018): 146–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1129729818787717.
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Introduction: Radiocephalic fistulas are the preferred type of arteriovenous fistula due to their advantageous location. However, radiocephalic fistula maturation has historically been inferior to brachiocephalic fistulas. Research indicates that intermittent compression may aid in forearm vein dilation. Early use of a compression device may assist radiocephalic fistula maturation. Objectives: This prospective, randomized, placebo controlled study evaluates device safety and the effect of intermittent compression on vein size of radiocephalic fistulas and brachiocephalic fistulas. Methods: This was an institutional review board–approved study. After fistula creation, a novel, intermittent pneumatic compression device (Fist Assist®) was worn 15 cm proximal to fistulas 6 h daily for 30 days. Those in the treatment group (n = 43) wore Fist Assist® (24 with brachiocephalic fistulas and 19 with radiocephalic fistulas). Clinical controls (n = 16) wore a sham device. Vein diameter was measured at 0 and 30 days by duplex measurement. Percentage increase was recorded and tested for significance. Results: After 30 days, the mean percentage increase in vein diameter in the radiocephalic fistula treatment group was significantly larger than brachiocephalic fistulas in the treatment group at all proximal locations from the anastomosis. Increases in percentage vein dilation for those in the radiocephalic fistula treatment group were significantly larger than those in the control group. All fistulas treated with Fist Assist® are still functional with no reported complications. Conclusion: Early application of the Fist Assist® device may be more effective at helping radiocephalic fistula mature as compared to brachiocephalic fistulas. Successful radiocephalic fistula maturation may decrease vascular access costs, reduce complications, and preserve upper arm veins for future use in vascular access.
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Kilian, Jakob, Alexander Neugebauer, Lasse Scherffig, and Siegfried Wahl. "The Unfolding Space Glove: A Wearable Spatio-Visual to Haptic Sensory Substitution Device for Blind People." Sensors 22, no. 5 (February 26, 2022): 1859. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/s22051859.
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This paper documents the design, implementation and evaluation of the Unfolding Space Glove—an open source sensory substitution device. It transmits the relative position and distance of nearby objects as vibratory stimuli to the back of the hand and thus enables blind people to haptically explore the depth of their surrounding space, assisting with navigation tasks such as object recognition and wayfinding. The prototype requires no external hardware, is highly portable, operates in all lighting conditions, and provides continuous and immediate feedback—all while being visually unobtrusive. Both blind (n = 8) and blindfolded sighted participants (n = 6) completed structured training and obstacle courses with both the prototype and a white long cane to allow performance comparisons to be drawn between them. The subjects quickly learned how to use the glove and successfully completed all of the trials, though still being slower with it than with the cane. Qualitative interviews revealed a high level of usability and user experience. Overall, the results indicate the general processability of spatial information through sensory substitution using haptic, vibrotactile interfaces. Further research would be required to evaluate the prototype’s capabilities after extensive training and to derive a fully functional navigation aid from its features.
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Laila Ahmad, Ida, and Mohd Ridzuan Ahmad. "Tapered Microchannel for Multi-particles Passive Separation Based on Hydrodynamic Resistance." Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 5, no. 3 (March 1, 2017): 628. http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/ijeecs.v5.i3.pp628-635.
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Researches on separation of multi-particles utilizing microfluidic have been flourishing in recent years with the aid from advancements in microfabrication design and technology. Generally, separation is beneficial for biomedical application especially involving heterogeneous samples. Due to inherent problems of samples isolation, a simple and efficient separation device is required. Here, we present a passive tapered microchannel for multi-particles separation using hydrodynamic principle. Our emphasis is on the effect of hydrodynamic resistance coupled with tapered microchannel design. In the experiment, successful multi-particles samples separation was observed. The results were further analyzed and were in agreement with the proposed concept. This method opens the route toward robust, low-cost and high-throughput, thus it may holds potential to be integrated as one functional module in micro total analysis system.
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Charavet, Carole, Michel Le Gall, Adelin Albert, Annick Bruwier, and Sophie Leroy. "Patient compliance and orthodontic treatment efficacy of Planas functional appliances with TheraMon microsensors." Angle Orthodontist 89, no. 1 (August 3, 2018): 117–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.2319/122917-888.1.
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ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess patient compliance and treatment efficacy of preventive expansion treatment with removable Planas functional appliances using an integrated microsensor. Materials and Methods: Wear time (WT) and behavior of 69 patients undergoing treatment with Planas functional appliances were assessed and analysed using TheraMon microsensors (Gschladt, Hargelsberg, Austria). Patients were followed up for a period of 9 months, and visits were made every 3 months to download WT data from the microsensor and to assess wearing behavior. From individual WT graphs,10 parameters were derived to characterize compliance for each patient. Treatment efficacy was measured by eight parameters determining the level of expansion after 9 months of treatment. Results: Patients wore their device on average 15.8 ± 5.2 h/d. WT was unrelated to age and gender, but it was positively influenced by patient habits when keeping appliances during eating, sports, care and handling. Treatment efficacy in terms of intercanine and intermolar expansion was 4.4 ± 1.9 mm and 4.6 ± 2.0 mm for the maxilla, and 5.3 ± 2.0 mm and 4.7 ± 2.3 mm for the mandible, respectively. Efficacy was negatively affected by poor compliance (WT < 9 h/d) and by high variability of within-subject WT recordings. Conclusions: Perfect compliance is not necessary to achieve treatment success, but patients should exhibit sufficient wear time to allow maxillary expansion to occur. The TheraMon microsensor offers a new perspective and aid to individualize treatment prescriptions.
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Casas, Manuel. "Functional Justiciability and the Existence of a Dispute: A Means of Jurisdictional Avoidance?" Journal of International Dispute Settlement 10, no. 4 (November 25, 2019): 599–621. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jnlids/idz019.
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Abstract In the recent Obligations concerning Negotiations relating to Cessation of the Nuclear Arms Race and to Nuclear Disarmament string of cases the International Court of Justice declined jurisdiction by holding that there was no dispute between the parties. This Article examines the Court’s treatment of the existence of a dispute (‘EoD’) jurisdictional objection; it does not purport to analyze the Court’s broader reliance on jurisdictional doctrines as a general means of avoiding cases. From a doctrinal perspective, this Article argues that the Court's interpretation of the EoD objection in those cases is unpersuasive. Instead, the Article contends that the Court has relied on the existence of a dispute objection as a covert or functional justiciability doctrine. That is, as a ground for discretionarily declining jurisdiction or, to borrow a term from private international law, as an escape device. The Article considers that such jurisdictional avoidance may be normatively justified as a form of principled avoidance. Normatively, the decision to rely on a procedural technicality to avoid going into the merits of a potentially explosive case may be seen as a valid exercise of judicial self-restraint—something that can aid the Court navigate the tensions created by increased skepticism of international adjudication. And policy-wise, avoiding a case on a sensible subject-matter, that touches on core aspects of defense and national security, could be accepted as a way of side-stepping potential backlash.
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Lilienfeld, Margaret, and Erna Alant. "Attitudes of Children Towards Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems." South African Journal of Communication Disorders 48, no. 1 (December 31, 2001): 45–54. http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/sajcd.v48i1.736.
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The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of voice output, as a characteristic of a child's AAC system, on the attitude of unfamiliar peers. The need to develop a suitable tool to measure the attitudes of peers led to the development of the Communication Aid/Device Attitudinal Questionnaire (CADAQ). A descriptive survey design was used and the suitability of the CADAQ was tested in a pilot study. One hundred and fifteen participants, aged 11 -13 years, viewed a videotape of a 13-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, communicating with the use of an AAC device. Attitudes were measured according to three dimensions: affective/behavioural, cognitive/belief and communication competence. Data were analysed with a 2 (group) x 2 (gender) x 3 (dimension) analysis of variance (ANOVA) with DC =.05. An item analysis, Cronbach Alpha's and scale intercorrelations between the 3 dimensions of the CADAQ were computed to determine the internal consistency of the CADAQ. Results reflected more favourable attitudes to the presence of voice output in comparison to the no voice option. Girls held more positive attitudes to the peer with disabilities and little or no functional speech (LNFS). Good internal consistency of the CADAQ was demonstrated.
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Tahir, Ahsen, Gordon Morison, Dawn A. Skelton, and Ryan M. Gibson. "A Novel Functional Link Network Stacking Ensemble with Fractal Features for Multichannel Fall Detection." Cognitive Computation 12, no. 5 (July 29, 2020): 1024–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12559-020-09749-x.
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Abstract Falls are a major health concern and result in high morbidity and mortality rates in older adults with high costs to health services. Automatic fall classification and detection systems can provide early detection of falls and timely medical aid. This paper proposes a novel Random Vector Functional Link (RVFL) stacking ensemble classifier with fractal features for classification of falls. The fractal Hurst exponent is used as a representative of fractal dimensionality for capturing irregularity of accelerometer signals for falls and other activities of daily life. The generalised Hurst exponents along with wavelet transform coefficients are leveraged as input feature space for a novel stacking ensemble of RVFLs composed with an RVFL neural network meta-learner. Novel fast selection criteria are presented for base classifiers founded on the proposed diversity indicator, obtained from the overall performance values during the training phase. The proposed features and the stacking ensemble provide the highest classification accuracy of 95.71% compared with other machine learning techniques, such as Random Forest (RF), Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Support Vector Machine. The proposed ensemble classifier is 2.3× faster than a single Decision Tree and achieves the highest speedup in training time of 317.7× and 198.56× compared with a highly optimised ANN and RF ensemble, respectively. The significant improvements in training times of the order of 100× and high accuracy demonstrate that the proposed RVFL ensemble is a prime candidate for real-time, embedded wearable device–based fall detection systems.
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Kari, Elina, John L. Go, Janice Loggins, Neelmini Emmanuel, and Laurel M. Fisher. "Abnormal Cochleovestibular Anatomy and Hearing Outcomes: Pediatric Patients with a Questionable Cochleovestibular Nerve Status May Benefit from Cochlear Implantation and/or Hearing Aids." Audiology and Neurotology 23, no. 1 (2018): 48–57. http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000488793.
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Objective: Imaging characteristics and hearing outcomes in children with cochleovestibular or cochleovestibular nerve (CVN) abnormalities. Study Design: Retrospective, critical review. Setting: Tertiary referral academic center. Patients: Twenty-seven children with CVN abnormalities with magnetic resonance (MRI) and/or computed tomography (CT). Study Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Determine the likely presence or absence of a CNV and auditory stimulation responses. Results: Two of 27 cases had unilateral hearing loss, and all others had bilateral loss. Eleven (46%) were identified with a disability or additional condition. Twenty-two (42%) ears received a cochlear implant (CI) and 9 ears (17%) experienced no apparent benefit from the device. MRI acquisition protocols were suboptimal for identification of the nerve in 22 (42%) ears. A likely CVN absence was associated with a narrow cochlear aperture and internal auditory canal and cochlear malformation. Thirteen (48%) children with an abnormal nerve exhibited normal cochleae on the same side. Hearing data were available for 30 ears, and 25 ears (83%) exhibited hearing with or without an assistive device. One child achieved closed set speech recognition with a hearing aid, another with a CI. One child achieved open set speech recognition with a CI. Conclusions: Current imaging cannot accurately characterize the functional status of the CVN or predict an assistive device benefit. Children who would have otherwise been denied a CI exhibited auditory responses after implantation. A CI should be considered in children with abnormal CVN. Furthermore, imaging acquisition protocols need standardization for clear temporal bone imaging.
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Gao, Chen, Hui Wang, Pang Wang, Jinlong Cai, Yuandong Sun, Cong Yu, Teng Li, Xiaoshuai Zhang, Dan Liu, and Tao Wang. "Defect passivation with potassium trifluoroborate for efficient spray-coated perovskite solar cells in air." Journal of Semiconductors 43, no. 9 (September 1, 2022): 092201. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1674-4926/43/9/092201.
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Abstract Defects as non-radiative recombination centers hinder the further efficiency improvements of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Additive engineering has been demonstrated to be an effective method for defect passivation in perovskite films. Here, we employed (4-methoxyphenyl) potassium trifluoroborate (C7H7BF3KO) with and K+ functional groups to passivate spray-coated (FAPbI3) x (MAPbBr3)1–x perovskite and eliminate hysteresis. It is shown that the F of can form hydrogen bonds with the H atom in the amino group of MA+/FA+ ions of perovskite, thus reducing the generation of MA+/FA+ vacancies and improving device efficiency. Meanwhile, K+ and reduced MA+/FA+ vacancies can inhibit ion migration, thereby eliminating hysteresis. With the aid of C7H7BF3KO, we obtained hysteresis-free PSCs with the maximum efficiency of 19.5% by spray-coating in air. Our work demonstrates that additive engineering is promising to improve the performance of spray-coated PSCs.
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Adamis, D., M. Unal, and E. O’Mahony. "Use of eye-tracker device to detect attention deficits in adults with ADHD." European Psychiatry 41, S1 (April 2017): S764. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1436.
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IntroductionAdult patients with ADHD may go unrecognized. This can result in psychosocial and functional decline.ObjectivesTo investigate the use of objective testing, with an eye-tracker device in the diagnosis of adult patients with ADHD.MethodsCase control study. Inclusion criteria were aged 18–65, minimum 5 years of education and literate in English. Exclusion criteria were visual impairment, amnesia and learning difficulties. ADHD was diagnosed with Conners’ adult ADHD diagnostic interview (group A, n = 15) and were matched for gender and age against normal controls (group B, n = 33). Participants completed four computer-based tasks while their eye movements were recorded. The tests included (i) Stroop effect test, (ii) Stroop effect test with visual aid, (iii) perceptual selectivity test and (iv) Saccadic interference. accuracy (%) and response time (msec) for tests (i–iii) measured while for test (iv), saccade count, average saccade amplitude and average fixation duration.ResultsStroop test accuracy showed a statistically significant difference between group A and group B (P = 0.004). Stroop response time also showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (t = 3.228, df: 46, P = 0.001). For test (ii), there was a significant difference for response time (t = 2.326, df: 46, P = 0.024) but not for accuracy. For test (iii), the results were statistically significant for accuracy; (t = 2.682, df: 46, P = 0.010) and for response time (t = 4.028, df: 46, P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in the saccadic interference test.ConclusionAdults with ADHD have a longer response time and perform less accurately than controls. Thus, these data demonstrate that there is a use for objective tests (tests i–iii) in the diagnosis of adult ADHD.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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Barsanti, Cristina, Maria Giovanna Trivella, Romina D’Aurizio, Mariama El Baroudi, Mario Baumgart, Marco Groth, Raffaele Caruso, et al. "Differential Regulation of MicroRNAs in End-Stage Failing Hearts Is Associated with Left Ventricular Assist Device Unloading." BioMed Research International 2015 (2015): 1–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/592512.
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Mechanical unloading by left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) in advanced heart failure (HF), in addition to improving symptoms and end-organ perfusion, is supposed to stimulate cellular and molecular responses which can reverse maladaptive cardiac remodeling. As microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in remodeling processes, a comparative miRNA profiling in transplanted hearts of HF patients with/without LVAD assistance could aid to comprehend underlying molecular mechanisms. Next generation sequencing (NGS) was used to analyze miRNA differential expression in left ventricles of HF patients who underwent heart transplantation directly (n=9) or following a period of LVAD support (n=8). After data validation by quantitative real-time PCR, association with functional clinical parameters was investigated. Bioinformatics’ tools were then used for prediction of putative targets of modulated miRNAs and relative pathway enrichment. The analysis revealed 13 upregulated and 10 downregulated miRNAs in failing hearts subjected to LVAD assistance. In particular, the expression level of some of them (miR-338-3p, miR-142-5p and -3p, miR-216a-5p, miR-223-3p, miR-27a-5p, and miR-378g) showed correlation with off-pump cardiac index values. Predicted targets of these miRNAs were involved in focal adhesion/integrin pathway and in actin cytoskeleton regulation. The identified miRNAs might contribute to molecular regulation of reverse remodeling and heart recovery mechanisms.
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Priyabadini, S., A. Gielen, K. Dhaenens, W. Christiaens, S. Van Put, G. Kunkel, A. E. Petersen, and J. Vanfleteren. "3D-stacking of UTCPs as a module miniaturization technology." International Symposium on Microelectronics 2011, no. 1 (January 1, 2011): 000463–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.4071/isom-2011-wa1-paper3.
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3D-stacking of Ultra Thin Chip Packages (UTCP’s) – one of the emerging technologies in the field of high density integration - is presented here. This technology is developed to increase the functionality of the electronic devices and to raise the comfort zone by reducing the overall size and weight of the package. This has a bright future in the area of mobile communication, medical equipments like hearing aids, implants, patient monitoring. This paper describes an approach to produce miniaturized modular packages by using Ultrathin Chip Package Technology, stacking and through-hole (TH) interconnection technology. UTCP technology is a board level packaging concept, based on embedding of ultra-thin chips (∼20 μm) within two 20 μm thick spin-on polyimide layers resulting in a thin flexible chip package of thickness ∼50 μm. Stacking of the 4 layers of UTCPs by using 25 μm thick layers of adhesive films and vacuum lamination processes results in stacked UTCP modules of total thickness ∼300 μm. The connection to the different layers of the UTCPs is realized by drilling THs on the outer contact pads on the stacked packages, followed by metallization of these THs by Cu electroless deposition, electroplating and finally metal structuring. After processing and testing, the stacks can be easily mounted within functional demonstrators (e.g, Hearing Aid device, etc) replacing single silicon die of almost same size, but with 4 times output.
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Sivakumar, Arjun, Dominic Thewlis, Andreas Ladurner, Suzanne Edwards, and Mark Rickman. "Proximal Femoral Nail Unlocked versus Locked (ProFNUL): a protocol for a multicentre, parallel-armed randomised controlled trial for the effect of femoral nail mode of lag screw locking and screw configuration in the treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures." BMJ Open 10, no. 2 (February 2020): e032640. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032640.
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IntroductionIntertrochanteric fractures are common fragility injuries in the elderly. Surgical fixation using intramedullary devices are one of the widely used management options. To date, evidence demonstrating the effects of lag screw configuration and the mode of lag screw locking in these devices is lacking. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the lag screw configuration (single vs integrated dual interlocking screw) and the mode of lag screw locking (static vs dynamic) of a femoral nail device result in differences in clinical and functional outcomes.Methods and analysisA multicentre, pragmatic, single-blinded randomised controlled trial (RCT) with a three-arm parallel group design is proposed. Nine-hundred patients with intertrochanteric fractures (A1 and A2 AO/OTA) will be randomised to fracture treatment using a Gamma3 nail (Stryker; proximally dynamic) or a Trigen Intertan nail (Smith & Nephew) in a dynamic or static lag screw configuration. The primary outcome measure consists of radiological evidence of construct failure within 6 months following surgery, with failure being defined as breakage of the femoral nail or distal locking screw, a change in tip-apex distance of more than 10 mm or lag screw cut-out through the femoral head. Secondary outcomes include surgical data (operation time, fluoroscopy time), complications (surgical site infection, reoperation, patient death), return to mobility and home circumstances, functional independence, function and pain. Patients who are able to walk independently with or without a mobility aid and are able to answer simple questions and follow instructions will be asked to participate in three dimensional gait analysis at 6 weeks and 6 months to assess hip biomechanics from this cohort. Additional secondary measures of gait speed, hip range of motion, joint contact and muscle forces and gross activity monitoring patterns will be obtained in this subgroup.Ethics and disseminationThe Central Adelaide Local Health Network Human Research Ethics Committee has approved the protocol for this RCT (HREC/17/RAH/433). The results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and presentations at relevant conferences.Trial registration numberACTRN12618001431213.
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Michalska, Agnieszka, Sebastian Golczak, Krzysztof Langer, and Jerzy Langer. "Micro- and Nanostructured Polyaniline for Instant Identification of Metal Ions in Solution." Nanomaterials 9, no. 2 (February 8, 2019): 231. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nano9020231.
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The unique properties of nanomaterials enable the creation new analytical devices. Polyaniline (PANI) micro- and nanofiber network, freestanding in the gap between two gold microelectrodes, has been used in a new nanodetector for metal ions in solutions. The gold electrodes were modified with the aid of alkanethiols, forming a self-assembled monolayer (SAM), which is able to block the ion current flow, but also to interact with metal ions when specific functional molecules are incorporated into the layer. The electric field of the trapped metal ions induces change of the electrical conductivity of polyaniline nanofibers in vicinity. A small injected sample (75 μL) of a solution of salt (about 0.5 μg of salt) was enough to induce a reproducible change in the electrical conductivity of polyaniline nano-network, which was registered as a function of time within 10–20 s. The response was proportional to the concentration of ions. It also depends on properties of ions, e.g., the ionic radius, which allows for identification of metal ions by analyzing the parameters of the signal: the retention time (RT), half width (HW), amplitude (A) and integral intensity (INT). The advantage of the new device is the instant responsiveness and easy operation, but also the simple construction based on organic (polymer) technology. The system is “open”—when learned and calibrated adequately, other metal ions can be analyzed. The nanodetector can be used in cases where monitoring of the presence and concentration of metal ions is important.
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RAHMA, Osmalina, Rimuljo HENDRADI, and Fadli AMA. "Classifying Imaginary Hand Movement through Electroencephalograph Signal for Neuro-rehabilitation." Walailak Journal of Science and Technology (WJST) 16, no. 12 (April 23, 2018): 943–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.48048/wjst.2019.4498.
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Brain-Computer-Interface (BCI) has been widely used in the field of neuro-rehabilitation such as automatic controls based on brain commands to upper and lower extremity prosthesis devices in patients with paralysis. In a post-stroke period, approximately 50 % of stroke survivors have unilateral motor deficits leading to a sustained decline in chronic upper extremity function. Stroke affects patients in their productive and elderly age which is potentially creating new problems in national health development. BCI could be used to aid post-stroke patient recovery, so the motion detection and classification are essential for optimizing the BCI device control. Therefore, this study aims to distinguish several hand functions such as grasping, pinching, and hand lifting from releasing movement by the standard actions performed during post-stroke rehabilitation based on brain signals of a healthy subject obtained from an electroencephalogram (EEG) with a 5 channels electrode. In this study, the EEG signals were decomposed using a Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) then filtered by a bandpass filter to generate Mu and Beta waves, which were correlated with imaginary movement. Then, the Mu and Beta waves were calculated using a Common Spatial Pattern (CSP) algorithm as the inputs for Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) to distinguish 2 types of imaginary hand movements (grasping v. releasing, pinching v. releasing, hand lifting v. releasing). The results of these classifications shown that ELM and CSP were useful features in distinguishing 2 types of motion with software/system accuracy average above 95 %. Therefore, this could be useful for optimizing BCI devices in neuro-rehabilitation, moreover by combining it with a Functional Electrical Stimulator (FES) as a self-therapy for post-stroke patients.
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Soozandeh, Parham, Ganga Poudel, Morteza Sarkari, and Kamran Behdinan. "Foot Drop Stimulation via Piezoelectric Energy Harvester." Actuators 11, no. 7 (June 22, 2022): 174. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/act11070174.
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The design and implementation of a piezoelectric energy-harvesting system, aimed at stimulating the Tibialis anterior muscle to aid patients struggling with a foot drop disability, are investigated. A physical prototype designed to be installed inside a shoe sole, consisting of an energy-harvesting unit along with a power-management circuit and a functional electrical-stimulation circuit, is fabricated. The piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) incorporated six layers of Polyvinylidene-Fluoride sheets to achieve a mean-charge generation of 65.25 μC/step and a peak power of 10.76 mW/step. A peak voltage of +80.0 V generation was achieved during a stomping motion. The electrical systems store, convert, and deploy 60 mA electric pulses at the desired frequencies to the target muscle. The finalized prototype is best-suited to prolong the duration of the charged batteries whilst in use. In a practical sense, it should be used alongside external-power sources to recharge the batteries installed in a foot drop stimulation device. The PEH in its current state is fully capable of solely powering blood pressure sensors, glucose meters, or activity trackers.
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Bilancia, Pietro, and Giovanni Berselli. "Conceptual design and virtual prototyping of a wearable upper limb exoskeleton for assisted operations." International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing (IJIDeM) 15, no. 4 (October 22, 2021): 525–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12008-021-00779-9.
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AbstractThis paper introduces a novel upper limb robotic exoskeleton designed to assist industrial operators in a wide range of manual repetitive tasks, such as tool handling and lifting/moving of heavy items. Due to its reduced size and high maneuverability, the proposed portable device may also be employed for rehabilitation purposes (e.g. as an aid for people with permanent neuromuscular diseases or post-stroke patients). Its primary function is to compensate the gravity loads acting on the human shoulder by means of a hybrid system consisting of four electric motors and three passive springs. The paper focuses on the exoskeleton mechanical design and virtual prototyping. After a preliminary review of the existent architectures and procedures aimed at defining the exoskeleton functional requirements, a detailed behavioral analysis is conducted using analytical and numerical approaches. The developed interactive model allows to simulate both kinematics and statics of the exoskeleton for every possible movement within the design workspace. To validate the model, the results have been compared with the ones achieved with a commercial multibody software for three different operator’s movements.
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Di Giammarco, Gabriele, Carlo Canosa, Massimiliano Foschi, Felice Mucilli, Daniele Marinelli, Nicoletta Nuzzo, and Nicola Testa. "Novel Apical Coring Device for Apicoaortic Conduit Insertion to Treat Off-Pump Aortic Stenosis, Coronary Disease, and Lung Cancer." Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery 10, no. 2 (March 2015): 138–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/imi.0000000000000128.
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The surgical treatment of concomitant cardiac disease and lung cancer represents a challenge. We report the case of a 66-year-old high-risk female patient with severe aortic stenosis as well as severely impaired left ventricular function associated with coronary artery disease involving the left anterior descending artery complicated from a severe functional mitral regurgitation in which an early-stage non-small cell carcinoma was incidentally discovered during workup. Because of the possibility of potential negative impact of cardiopulmonary bypass on the cancer prognosis and the severe impairment of systolic function of the left ventricle that impeded the treatment of lung cancer as the first step of such a complex treatment, we planned to treat all the diseases in a single-stage procedure. Using an automated delivering system composed of a ventricular connector (Correx AVB; Correx, Inc, Waltham, MA USA), we were able to perform an apicoaortic bypass as well as a left anterior descending revascularization using the left internal thoracic artery, both on a beating heart without the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass and a three-segmentectomy of the left upper lobe with the removal of paraaortic nodes. Six months postoperatively, she was asymptomatic with a noticeable increase of systolic function, a mild mitral incompetence, and no appearance of tumor recurrence. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case described in the literature in which three major problems involving cardiac valves, coronary arteries, and the lung have been treated in one stage without cardiopulmonary bypass.
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Mur, Isabel, Marcos Jordán, Alba Rivera, Virginia Pomar, José Carlos González, Joaquín López-Contreras, Xavier Crusi, Ferran Navarro, Mercè Gurguí, and Natividad Benito. "Do Prosthetic Joint Infections Worsen the Functional Ambulatory Outcome of Patients with Joint Replacements? A Retrospective Matched Cohort Study." Antibiotics 9, no. 12 (December 5, 2020): 872. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics9120872.
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Objectives: To assess the effect on the functional ambulatory outcome of postoperative joint infection (PJI) cured at the first treatment attempt versus not developing PJI in patients with hip and knee prostheses. Methods: In a single-hospital retrospectively matched cohort study, each patient with PJI between 2007 and 2016 was matched on age, sex, type of prosthesis and year of implantation with two other patients with uninfected arthroplasties. The definition of a PJI cure included infection eradication, no further surgical procedures, no PJI-related mortality and no suppressive antibiotics. Functional ambulatory status evaluated one year after the last surgery was classified into four simple categories: able to walk without assistance, able to walk with one crutch, able to walk with two crutches, and unable to walk. Patients with total hip arthroplasties (THAs), total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) and partial hip arthroplasties (PHAs) were analysed separately. Results: A total of 109 PJI patients (38 TKA, 41 THA, 30 PHA) and 218 non-PJI patients were included. In a model adjusted for clinically relevant variables, PJI was associated with a higher risk of needing an assistive device for ambulation (vs. walking without aid) among THA (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.10, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.26–7.57; p = 0.014) and TKA patients (OR 5.40, 95% CI 2.12–13.67; p < 0.001), and with requiring two crutches to walk or being unable to walk (vs. walking unaided or with one crutch) among PHA patients (OR 3.05, 95% CI 1.01–9.20; p = 0.047). Conclusions: Ambulatory outcome in patients with hip and knee prostheses with postoperative PJI is worse than in patients who do not have PJI.
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Włoch, Anna, Marek Żak, Anna Opuchlik, Małgorzata Biskup, and Jarosław Fabiś. "Assessment of shoulder mobility in women over 60 years of age after one-sided mastectomy." Rehabilitacja Medyczna 20, no. 4 (January 31, 2017): 13–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0009.5480.
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The overall risk of contracting various diseases, including breast cancer, increases with age. An on-going process of population ageing challenges modern physiotherapy with the need to have functional capacity in older people appreciably enhanced. The issue of anthropometric assessment of the range of motion and shoulder muscle strength is presently much underrated in the physical rehabilitation management of women patients after radical one-sided mastectomy. The study aimed to assess the functional mobility of a shoulder expressed as a range of motion, in conjunction with the assessment of shoulder muscle strength, in women patients over 60 years of age after radical one-sided mastectomy. The study comprised 24 patients (mean age 65 years) recruited from the Department of Rehabilitation, Holy Cross Cancer Centre, Kielce. All patients had undergone modifi ed radical mastectomy using the Madden technique, and an adjuvant therapy. The shoulder range of motion, i.e. flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation, was evaluated by a goniometer. Elevation, protraction and retraction movements were evaluated using an anthropometric device. A dynamometer was applied to assess the strength of select muscle groups within the shoulder during elevation, protraction and retraction motions. Statistical analysis was made with the aid of STATISTICA 12.0 software, having adopted a 0.05 alpha level as statistically signifi cant. The movements of fl exion, abduction and external rotation of the upper extremity were signifi cantly reduced on the mastectomy side. The range of motion and muscle strength during shoulder elevation, protraction and retraction were significantly diminished on the operated side (12% - 14%), compared to the non-operated one. 1. Functional mobility of the shoulder was signifi cantly reduced on the mastectomy side. 2. Results of the present study highlight the need to extend the scope of rehabilitation regimens offered to older women after radical one-sided mastectomy.
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Wang Guocui, 汪国崔, 胡滨 Hu Bin, and 张岩 Zhang Yan. "动态超构表面设计及功能器件." Laser & Optoelectronics Progress 58, no. 9 (2021): 0900001. http://dx.doi.org/10.3788/lop202158.0900001.
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Gao, Yiting, Siping Wu, Guogang Shan, and Gang Cheng. "Recent Progress in Blue Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters and Their Applications in OLEDs: Beyond Pure Organic Molecules with Twist D-π-A Structures." Micromachines 13, no. 12 (December 5, 2022): 2150. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/mi13122150.
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Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials, which can harvest all excitons and emit light without the use of noble metals, are an appealing class of functional materials emerging as next-generation organic electroluminescent materials. Triplet excitons can be upconverted to the singlet state with the aid of ambient thermal energy under the reverse inter-system crossing owing to the small singlet–triplet splitting energy (ΔEST). This results from a specific molecular design consisting of minimal overlap between the highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, due to the spatial separation of the electron-donating and electron-releasing part. When a well-designed device structure is applied, high-performance blue-emitting TADF organic light-emitting diodes can be realized with an appropriate molecular design. Unlike the previous literature that has reviewed general blue-emitting TADF materials, in this paper, we focus on materials other than pure organic molecules with twist D-π-A structures, including multi-resonance TADF, through-space charge transfer TADF, and metal-TADF materials. Cutting-edge molecules with extremely small and even negative ΔEST values are also introduced as candidates for next-generation TADF materials. In addition, OLED structures used to exploit the merits of the abovementioned TADF emitters are also described in this review.
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Racolta, Anca, Jae-Hyun Johannes Ahn, Marinos Kantzis, Hendrik Milting, Volker Lauenroth, Hermann Körperich, Eugen Sandica, Stephan Schubert, and Kai Thorsten Laser. "Cardiac Muscle Training—A New Way of Recognizing and Supporting Recovery for LVAD Patients in the Pediatric Population." Life 12, no. 11 (October 22, 2022): 1681. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/life12111681.
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Patients with refractory heart failure due to chronic progressive cardiac myopathy (CM) may require mechanical circulatory support as a bridge to transplantation. A few patients can be weaned from support devices if recovery can be achieved. The identification of these patients is of great importance as recovery may be missed if the heart is unloaded by the ventricular assist device (VAD). Testing the load-bearing capacity of the supported left ventricle (LV) by temporarily and gradually reducing mechanical support during cardiac exercise can help identify responders and potentially aid the recovery process. An exercise training protocol was used in 3 patients (8 months, 18 months and 8 years old) with histological CM findings and myocarditis. They were monitored regularly using clinical information and functional imaging with VAD support. Echocardiographic examination included both conventional real-time 3D echocardiography (RT3DE) and speckle tracking (ST). A daily temporary reduction in pump rate (phase A) was followed by a permanent reduction in rate (phase B). Finally, pump stops of up to 30 min were performed once a week (phase C). The final decision on explantation was based on at least three pump stops. Two patients were weaned and successfully removed from the VAD. One of them was diagnosed with acute viral myocarditis. The other had chronic myocarditis with dilated myopathy and mild interstitial fibrosis. The noninvasive assessment of cardiac output and strain under different loading conditions during VAD therapy is feasible and helps identify candidates for weaning despite severe histological findings. The presented protocol, which incorporates new echocardiographic techniques for determining volume and deformation, can be of great help in positively guiding the process of individual recovery, which may be essential for selecting and increasing the number of patients to be weaned from VAD.
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Silva, Tamiris, Juliana Roque de Queiroz, Karina Helga Leal Turcio, Daysi da Cruz Tobelem, Tamires Ribeiro Araújo, Kevelin Siqueira Lira Coutinho, Maria Cristina Chavantes, et al. "Effect of photobiomodulation combined with physical therapy on functional performance in children with myelomeningocele: A protocol randomized clinical blind study." PLOS ONE 16, no. 10 (October 6, 2021): e0253963. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253963.
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Introduction Myelomeningocele is a severe type of spina bifida, resulting from improper closure of the neural tube. This condition drastically affects the structures of the spinal cord resulting in deficiencies. The combination of these deficiencies results in an overall decrease in mobility and functional participation amongst this population. Physiotherapy plays an essential role in rehabilitating people with MMC. The current literature shows that resources such as photobiomodulation (PBM) may support the rehabilitation of neurological conditions. The aim of the proposed study is to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) combined with physical therapy on functional performance in children with low lumbosacral myelomeningocele. Materials and methods This is a protocol randomized clinical blind study, that will include 30 individuals of both sexes, aged between 5 to 8 years, diagnosed with low and sacral lumbar myelomeningocele and capable of performing the sit-to-stand task. The participants will be randomly assigned into two treatment groups: PBM + physiotherapeutic exercises and sham PBM + physiotherapeutic exercises. Irradiation will be carried out with light emitting diode (LED) at a wavelength of 850 nm, energy of 25 J per point, 50 seconds per point and a power of 200 mW. The same device will be used in the placebo group but will not emit light. Muscle activity will be assessed using a portable electromyograph (BTS Engineering) and the sit-to-stand task will be performed as a measure of functioning. Electrodes will be positioned on the lateral gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior and rectus femoris muscles. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory will be used to assess functional independence. Quality of life will be assessed using the Child Health Questionnaire—Parent Form 50. Changes in participation will be assessed using the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth. The data will be analyzed with the aid of GraphPad PRISM. Discussion The results of this study can contribute to a better understanding of the effectiveness of PBM on functioning and quality of life in children with myelomeningocele. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04425330.
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Deathe, A. Barry, and William C. Miller. "The L Test of Functional Mobility: Measurement Properties of a Modified Version of the Timed “Up & Go” Test Designed for People With Lower-Limb Amputations." Physical Therapy 85, no. 7 (July 1, 2005): 626–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ptj/85.7.626.
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AbstractBackground and Purpose. Walk tests provide essential outcome information when assessing ambulation of individuals with lower-limb amputation and a prosthetic device. Existing tests have limitations such as ceiling effects or insufficient challenge. The objective of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of data for a clinical measure of basic mobility, the L Test of Functional Mobility (L Test). Subjects. For this methodological study, 93 people with unilateral amputations (74% transtibial, 26% transfemoral; 78% male, 22% female; mean age=55.9 years) were consecutively recruited from an outpatient clinic. Twenty-seven subjects returned for retesting. Methods. To assess concurrent validity, subjects completed the L Test, Timed “Up & Go” Test (TUG), 10-Meter Walk Test, and 2-Minute Walk Test, followed by the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale, Frenchay Activities Index (FAI), and mobility subscale of the Prosthetic Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ-MS). Amputation cause and level, walking aid use, automatic stepping, and age variables were used to assess discriminant validity. Results. Intraclass correlation coefficients were .96 for interrater reliability and .97 for intrarater reliability, and minimal bias existed upon retesting. The magnitude of concurrent validity correlations (r) was very high between the L Test data and data for other walk tests and fair to moderate between the L Test data and data for self-report measures. The L Test discriminated between all groups as hypothesized. Discussion and Conclusion. The L Test is a 20-m test of basic mobility skills that includes 2 transfers and 4 turns. It demonstrated excellent measurement properties in this study.
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Plahotny, G., A. Varych, and Y. Davidyuk. "PROBLEMS OF THE DEVICE OF THE REHABILITATION HEALTH CENTER FOR SMALL POPULATION GROUPS." Problems of theory and history of architecture of Ukraine, no. 20 (May 12, 2020): 62–67. http://dx.doi.org/10.31650/2519-4208-2020-20-62-67.
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The article discusses the main provisions of regulatory documents on the solution and construction of a rehabilitation wellness center for wheelchair users with limited mobility in the northern coast of Odessa Bay. The paper considers and analyzes one of the possible variants of the seafront arrangement in a small area for the needs of wheelchairs. This project is small, it is executed according to a clear algorithm for exploring the territory. The implementation of such projects allows returning of disabled people on wheelchairs to the full life. An example of the arrangement of such a Center in the specific conditions of berth No. 218 is given. The coastal zone adjacent to the sea has complex geological conditions. Sea, river and lake shores in our country are not sufficiently adapted for the rehabilitation, treatment and rehabilitation of wheelchair users with limited mobility. The article provides an example of adaptation of a small plot of land for a medical and health center for wheelchair users. In 2009, work began with the construction of a treatment and rehabilitation center for people with reduced mobility in wheelchairs on a plot of land №2 8 m wide (along the sea). Retaining walls with supports from the side of the slope and from the side of marine erosion were made at the site. Functional planning organization of master plan of rehabilitation centers for disabled with the land consists of two factor groups: external and internal. To the group of external factors should be considered the elements of master plan of urban structure that surrounds the center and have an influence on organization of internal factors and directly on planning organization of the rehabilitation center. There are such elements as city main road, number of lanes, density of vehicular traffic, number of roads around center of rehabilitation, quality of the environment, accessibility of the barrier-free environment. The project is designed in accordance with geological and natural climatic conditions. The level of groundwater on this coast is analyzed. Technical and economic indicators of existing structures are also analyzed. Project includes a drawing of the plan and longitudinal section. Profile of the site was arranged in 3 levels. At the first level (mark 1.50m), a concrete road with a width of 6.0 m was made, and an administrative structure was also restored. The structure № 2, measuring 8.0x3.0 m, was installed on a metal support frame. To protect against possible deformations of the earth's surface, the hut structure № 2 was attached to the support frame using anchors. The exit from the first level to the second one was provided through a metal ramp with a slope of 1:10 with a special fence, arranged on a concrete staircase. At the second level (mark ± 0.00m) a container measuring 6.0 x 2.5 m was located. It was planned to place there a locker room, a medical center, equipment for first aid and other medical services. On the territory of the second level there was provided a place for cooking, garbage bins, a canopy, a shield with a fireman and special equipment, a dry closet equipped for the disabled, a room for storing equipment, boats, and strollers. A concrete platform was provided with a device for showering, washing feet, pergola with landscaping, shrubs, flowers, trees. The transition to the third level (mark-1.20 m) was provided by a fenced metal ramp with a slope of 1:10. The third level is located on an open area 22 m long, which smoothly directly adjoins the sandy seashore. On the roof of the Center for Rehabilitation of disabled people, it was planned to install a solar battery for energy supply. The article lists the necessary list of essential equipment and applications for the disabled. Under the project, the Disability Rehabilitation and Treatment Center can be autonomous, and its users will be able to use it independently. Unfortunately, the construction of this rehabilitation wellness center has not yet been completed, but is only at the design stage. The project of health-improving and rehabilitation infrastructure is foreseen for low- mobility groups of people, in particular disabled carriages. Solutions for this project are functional, rational, their use is possible on the coast of the sea, lakes, estuaries and rivers. An organized, bar-rier-free environment for disabled on wheelchairs is a requirement of the building codes and standards of Ukraine and Europe. According to the Spatial and Sustainable Development Program of the Territories, this project and the article are relevant to the accessibility departments of different administrative and territorial units of Ukraine.
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Isgandarov, Islam Asad, Seymur MirMustafa Karimov, and Nergiz Huseyn Babayeva. "METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS FOR NONCONTACT DIAGNOSTICS OF THE TCAS SYSTEM." Aerospace technic and technology, no. 6 (December 20, 2018): 83–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.32620/aktt.2018.6.11.
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This article is devoted to an investigation of the TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) diagnostics and self-diagnostics problems. The aim of the current research is to prepare the TCAS system built-in diagnostics aid and to build a model of a device for non-contact monitoring of the TCAS unit operational status. The tasks of the research are the following: to conduct analysis of the features and capabilities of the TCAS diagnostic techniques and aids; to develop a model which can detect the spurious actuation of the system and false decision-making; to prepare techniques which can detect such behavior of the system during a flight; to construct a model of a device for built-in diagnostics based on an non-contact monitoring of the TCAS states. The applied techniques of the researches are the following: application of signs, facts, and heuristic information about faults, implementation of an instrumental approach and diagnostic techniques based on an estimation of measured and monitored parameters. The system state monitoring method was proposed to carry out non-contact diagnostics of the system and to monitor the operating modes. This method is based on operating current variations by means of current measure using non-contact meters. It was proposed to apply the Hall sensor and the Rogowski coil to carry out such diagnostics. The schematic model to monitor the operation of the TCAS receiving and computing unit is developed considering Hall sensors’ capabilities to measure both direct and alternating currents. It was proposed the method and schematics to monitor TCAS system transmitter operating modes due to the fact that Rogowski coil is capable to measure both pulse and HF currents. This promotes to carry out diagnostics of the system proper operation. Several model versions of Rogowski coil are developed. Researches were carried out applying self-contained testing device (АКИП – 3407/2А) and Tektronics TSB digital oscilloscope. Conclusions. The novelty of the carried researches is follows: it is proposed a method for monitoring the variations of operating currents applied by the TCAS basic units for providing the self-contained diagnostics system; it is proposed a method for monitoring the system state according to the operating current variations, based on current measurements applying the Hall sensor and the Rogowski coil to provide the TCAS non-contact diagnostics. The research includes analysis of the laboratory measurements which were performed applying several versions of the Rogowski coil. Functional diagrams of the coil connections to the circuit are developed applying MultiSim14. The logical unit of the TCAS electrical modes built-in monitoring device is developed applying MatLab and MultiSim14
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Choi, Ji Eun, Jinryoul Kim, Sung Hoon Yoon, Sung Hwa Hong, and Il Joon Moon. "A Personal Sound Amplification Product Compared to a Basic Hearing Aid for Speech Intelligibility in Adults with Mild-to-Moderate Sensorineural Hearing Loss." Journal of Audiology and Otology 24, no. 2 (April 10, 2020): 91–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.7874/jao.2019.00367.
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Background and Objectives: This study aimed to compare functional hearing with the use of a personal sound amplification product (PSAP) or a basic hearing aid (HA) among sensorineural hearing impaired listeners.Subjects and Methods: Nineteen participants with mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) (26-55 dB HL; pure-tone average, 0.5-4 kHz) were prospectively included. No participants had prior experience with HAs or PSAPs. Audiograms, speech intelligibility in both quiet and noisy environments, speech quality, and preference were assessed in three different listening conditions: unaided, with the HA, and with the PSAP. Results: The use of PSAP was associated with significant improvement in pure-tone thresholds at 1, 2, and 4 kHz compared to the unaided condition (all <i>p</i> <0.01). In the quiet environment, speech intelligibility was significantly improved after wearing a PSAP compared to the unaided condition (<i>p</i> <0.001), and this improvement was better than the result obtained with the HA. The PSAP also demonstrated similar improvement in the most comfortable levels compared to those obtained with the HA (<i>p</i> <0.05). However, there was no significant improvement of speech intelligibility in a noisy environment when wearing the PSAP (<i>p</i> =0.160). There was no significant difference in the reported speech quality produced by either device or in participant preference for the PSAP or HA. Conclusions: The current result suggests that PSAPs provide considerable benefits to speech intelligibility in a quiet environment and can be a good alternative to compensate for mild-to-moderate SNHL.
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Miller, Eric S., Elizabeth Kutter, Gisela Mosig, Fumio Arisaka, Takashi Kunisawa, and Wolfgang Rüger. "Bacteriophage T4 Genome." Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews 67, no. 1 (March 2003): 86–156. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/mmbr.67.1.86-156.2003.
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SUMMARY Phage T4 has provided countless contributions to the paradigms of genetics and biochemistry. Its complete genome sequence of 168,903 bp encodes about 300 gene products. T4 biology and its genomic sequence provide the best-understood model for modern functional genomics and proteomics. Variations on gene expression, including overlapping genes, internal translation initiation, spliced genes, translational bypassing, and RNA processing, alert us to the caveats of purely computational methods. The T4 transcriptional pattern reflects its dependence on the host RNA polymerase and the use of phage-encoded proteins that sequentially modify RNA polymerase; transcriptional activator proteins, a phage sigma factor, anti-sigma, and sigma decoy proteins also act to specify early, middle, and late promoter recognition. Posttranscriptional controls by T4 provide excellent systems for the study of RNA-dependent processes, particularly at the structural level. The redundancy of DNA replication and recombination systems of T4 reveals how phage and other genomes are stably replicated and repaired in different environments, providing insight into genome evolution and adaptations to new hosts and growth environments. Moreover, genomic sequence analysis has provided new insights into tail fiber variation, lysis, gene duplications, and membrane localization of proteins, while high-resolution structural determination of the “cell-puncturing device,” combined with the three-dimensional image reconstruction of the baseplate, has revealed the mechanism of penetration during infection. Despite these advances, nearly 130 potential T4 genes remain uncharacterized. Current phage-sequencing initiatives are now revealing the similarities and differences among members of the T4 family, including those that infect bacteria other than Escherichia coli. T4 functional genomics will aid in the interpretation of these newly sequenced T4-related genomes and in broadening our understanding of the complex evolution and ecology of phages—the most abundant and among the most ancient biological entities on Earth.
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Küçüktürkmen, Berrin, Wali Inam, Fadak Howaili, Mariam Gouda, Neeraj Prabhakar, Hongbo Zhang, and Jessica M. Rosenholm. "Microfluidic-Assisted Fabrication of Dual-Coated pH-Sensitive Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Protein Delivery." Biosensors 12, no. 3 (March 18, 2022): 181. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/bios12030181.
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Microfluidics has become a popular method for constructing nanosystems in recent years, but it can also be used to coat other materials with polymeric layers. The polymeric coating may serve as a diffusion barrier against hydrophilic compounds, a responsive layer for controlled release, or a functional layer introduced to a nanocomposite for achieving the desired surface chemistry. In this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with enlarged pores were synthesized to achieve high protein loading combined with high protein retention within the MSN system with the aid of a microfluidic coating. Thus, MSNs were first coated with a cationic polyelectrolyte, poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDMA), and to potentially further control the protein release, a second coating of a pH-sensitive polymer (spermine-modified acetylated dextran, SpAcDEX) was deposited by a designed microfluidic device. The protective PDDMA layer was first formed under aqueous conditions, whereby the bioactivity of the protein could be maintained. The second coating polymer, SpAcDEX, was preferred to provide pH-sensitive protein release in the intracellular environment. The optimized formulation was effectively taken up by the cells along with the loaded protein cargo. This proof-of-concept study thus demonstrated that the use of microfluidic technologies for the design of protein delivery systems has great potential in terms of creating multicomponent systems and preserving protein stability.
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Hawari, A. I., S. A. Lassell, and G. I. Gibson. "INTERNET REACTOR LABORATORY: A NUCLEAR REACTOR PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING EDUCATION MODALITY FOR THE 21st CENTURY." EPJ Web of Conferences 247 (2021): 14004. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/202124714004.
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The “second generation” Internet Reactor Laboratory (IRL) has been installed and is currently functional at the PULSTAR reactor of the Nuclear Reactor Program (NRP) at North Carolina State University (NCSU). The NRP has offered IRL based reactor physics experiments and training to external academic institutions and organizations since 2004. In 2016, the United States and the Republic of Vietnam entered into an Administrative Arrangement under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act, with a goal of enhancing nuclear training and education for Vietnamese engineering students. Funding was provided by the DOE to upgrade the PULSTAR IRL infrastructure to state-of-the-art remote data acquisition and video teleconferencing capabilities supporting content sharing across multiple remote user platforms. Subsequently, a Cisco Telepresence and LabView reactor data acquisition system were installed and commissioned at the PULSTAR facility. Using this “second generation” system, and during IRL sessions, up to 100 remote students may interact with the control room staff via the Telepresence system using their mobile device or PC, and view 130 channels of live reactor telemetry via the remote client LabView application while recording the data for subsequent review and analysis. LabView graphical user interfaces (GUI) are provided for each IRL module, and incorporate embedded supporting documents such as schematics and diagrams that aid in illustrating associated technical details and concepts. Consequently, the educational experience offered to remote students and trainees is enhanced and assured to be of the same quality as offered to onsite students/trainees at NCSU.