scholarly journals Robotic hand augmentation drives changes in neural body representation

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (54) ◽  
pp. eabd7935
Author(s):  
Paulina Kieliba ◽  
Danielle Clode ◽  
Roni O. Maimon-Mor ◽  
Tamar R. Makin
Keyword(s):  
Motor Control ◽  
Body Representation ◽  
Neural Representation ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Robotic Hand ◽  
Motor Representation ◽  
The Third ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
And Function

Humans have long been fascinated by the opportunities afforded through augmentation. This vision not only depends on technological innovations but also critically relies on our brain’s ability to learn, adapt, and interface with augmentation devices. Here, we investigated whether successful motor augmentation with an extra robotic thumb can be achieved and what its implications are on the neural representation and function of the biological hand. Able-bodied participants were trained to use an extra robotic thumb (called the Third Thumb) over 5 days, including both lab-based and unstructured daily use. We challenged participants to complete normally bimanual tasks using only the augmented hand and examined their ability to develop hand-robot interactions. Participants were tested on a variety of behavioral and brain imaging tests, designed to interrogate the augmented hand’s representation before and after the training. Training improved Third Thumb motor control, dexterity, and hand-robot coordination, even when cognitive load was increased or when vision was occluded. It also resulted in increased sense of embodiment over the Third Thumb. Consequently, augmentation influenced key aspects of hand representation and motor control. Third Thumb usage weakened natural kinematic synergies of the biological hand. Furthermore, brain decoding revealed a mild collapse of the augmented hand’s motor representation after training, even while the Third Thumb was not worn. Together, our findings demonstrate that motor augmentation can be readily achieved, with potential for flexible use, reduced cognitive reliance, and increased sense of embodiment. Yet, augmentation may incur changes to the biological hand representation. Such neurocognitive consequences are crucial for successful implementation of future augmentation technologies.

scholarly journals Neurocognitive consequences of hand augmentation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulina Kieliba ◽  
Danielle Clode ◽  
Roni O Maimon-Mor ◽  
Tamar R. Makin
Keyword(s):  
Motor Control ◽  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Hand Tools ◽  
Motor Representation ◽  
Intensive Training ◽  
The Third ◽  
Brain Decoding ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Hand Synergies

AbstractFrom hand tools to cyborgs, humans have long been fascinated by the opportunities afforded by augmenting ourselves. Here, we studied how motor augmentation with an extra robotic thumb (the Third Thumb) impacts the biological hand representation in the brains of able-bodied people. Participants were tested on a variety of behavioural and neuroimaging tests designed to interrogate the augmented hand’s representation before and after 5-days of semi-intensive training. Training improved the Thumb’s motor control, dexterity and hand-robot coordination, even when cognitive load was increased or when vision was occluded, and resulted in increased sense of embodiment over the robotic Thumb. Thumb usage also weakened natural kinematic hand synergies. Importantly, brain decoding of the augmented hand’s motor representation demonstrated mild collapsing of the canonical hand structure following training, suggesting that motor augmentation may disrupt the biological hand representation. Together, our findings unveil critical neurocognitive considerations for designing human body augmentation.

scholarly journals Scaling of form and function in the xenarthran femur: a 100-fold increase in body mass is mitigated by repositioning of the third trochanter

2012 ◽  
Vol 279 (1742) ◽  
pp. 3449-3456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Milne ◽  
Paul O'Higgins
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Coronal Plane ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Geometric Morphometric ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
The Third ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Muscle Loading ◽  
And Function

How animals cope with increases in body size is a key issue in biology. Here, we consider scaling of xenarthrans, particularly how femoral form and function varies to accommodate the size range between the 3 kg armadillo and its giant relative the 300 kg glyptodont. It has already been noted that femoral morphology differs between these animals and suggested that this reflects a novel adaptation to size increase in glyptodont. We test this idea by applying a finite element analysis of coronal plane forces to femoral models of these animals, simulating the stance phase in the hind limb; where the femur is subject to bending owing to longitudinal compressive as well as abduction loads on the greater trochanter. We use these models to examine the hypothesis that muscles attaching on the third trochanter (T3) can reduce this bending in the loaded femur and that the T3 forces are more effective at reducing bending in glyptodont where the T3 is situated at the level of the knee. The analysis uses traditional finite element methods to produce strain maps and examine strains at 200 points on the femur. The coordinates of these points before and after loading are also used to carry out geometric morphometric (GM) analyses of the gross deformation of the model in different loading scenarios. The results show that longitudinal compressive and abductor muscle loading increases bending in the coronal plane, and that loads applied to the T3 reduce that bending. In the glyptodont model, the T3 loads are more effective and can more readily compensate for the bending owing to longitudinal and abductor loads. This study also demonstrates the usefulness of GM methods in interpreting the results of finite element analyses.

Аpplying of high-frequency monopolar diathermocoagulation in the treatment of chronic pulpitis

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (12) ◽  
pp. 40-42
Author(s):  
F. Yu. Daurova ◽  
D. I. Tomaeva ◽  
S. V. Podkopaeva ◽  
Yu. A. Taptun
Keyword(s):  
Root Canal ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Antibacterial Effect ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Endodontic Treatment ◽  
Root Canals ◽  
The Third ◽  
Before And After

Relevance: the reason for the development of complications in endodontic treatment is poor-quality instrumental treatment root canals.Aims: a study of the animicrobial action and clinical efficacy of high-frequency monopolar diathermocoagulation in the treatment of chronic forms of pulpitis.Materials and methods: 102 patients with various chronic forms of pulpitis were divided into three groups of 34 patients each. In the first two groups, high-frequency monopolar diathermocoagulation was used in endodontic treatment in different modes. In the third group, endodontic treatment was carried out without the use of diathermocoagulation (comparison group). The root canal microflora in chronic pulpitis in vivo was studied twice-before and after diathermocoagulation.Results: it was established that high-frequency monopolar diathermocoagulation in the effect mode is 3, power is 4 (4.1 W) and effect is 4, power is 4 (5.4 W) with an exposure time of 3 seconds, it has a pronounced antibacterial effect on all presented pathogenic microflora obtained from the root canals of the teeth.

GESTOGENS IN CORPUS LUTEUM OF CATTLE

1960 ◽  
Vol XXXIII (III) ◽  
pp. 417-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Kristoffersen
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Spectrophotometric Methods ◽  
The Third ◽  
Quantitative Measurements ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Luteal Tissue ◽  
In Pregnancy

ABSTRACT By means of chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods progesterone and a substance closely similar to 20β-hydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3-one has been detected in luteal tissue from non-pregnant and pregnant cows. In 21 animals quantitative measurements based on a method giving an average net recovery of 56 per cent showed that in pregnancy the average progesterone content in the corpus luteum reached a maximum in the third to fifth month, with low values before and after this period. For 6 nonpregnant cows, the average value was 20.2 μg/g tissue, which is considerably higher than previous values reported in the literature. The relation between these findings and the bovine dependence on a functional corpus luteum in pregnancy is discussed, and it is pointed out that more information about the metabolism of progesterone in cattle is highly desirable.

Gaunilo Parodies Anselm

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-71
Author(s):  
Geo Siegwart
Keyword(s):  
Detailed Comparison ◽  
The Third ◽  
Common Structure ◽  
Logical Reconstruction ◽  
Points Of View ◽  
And Function

The main objective is an interpretation of the island parody, in particular a logical reconstruction of the parodying argument that stays close to the text. The parodied reasoning is identified as the proof in the second chapter of the Proslogion, more specifically, this proof as it is represented by Gaunilo in the first chapter of his Liber pro insipiente. The second task is a detailed comparison between parodied and parodying argument as well as an account of their common structure. The third objective is a tentative characterization of the nature and function of parodies of arguments. It seems that parodying does not add new pertinent points of view to the usual criticism of an argument.

EFEITOS DO DEEP RUNNING SOBRE A AMPLITUDE DE MOVIMENTO E A CAPACIDADE FUNCIONAL DOS MEMBROS SUPERIORES DE MULHERES MASTECTOMIZADAS: RELATO DE CASOS

2019 ◽  
pp. 121-131
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Range Of Movement ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Before And After ◽  
In The Beginning ◽  
And Function

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in Brazil and in the worl. The surgical treatment procedure may cause severe morbidity in the upper limb homolateral to surgery, including the reduction of the range of motion, with consequent impairment of function. A physiotherapeutic approach has an important role in the recover range of motion and the functionality of these women, guaranteeing the occupational, domestestic, familiar and conjugated activities, and, in this way, also improving the quality of life. Objectives: To analyse chances in the shoulder's range of motion and the functional capacity of the upper limbs, promoted by the deep running procedure in women with late postoperative mastectomy. Methods: All the patients were submitted to an evaluation in the beginning and end of the treatment, including: goniometry of flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation of the shoulder joint; and function capacity analysis in activities that involve the upper members by DASH questionnaire. The treatment protocol includes twelve sessions of deep running, realized twice a week, in deep pool, for 20-minute during six weeks. Results: Were submitted to treatment a total of 4 patients. Despite the improvement in the numerical values, statistically significant differences were not found on the range of movements and in the functional capacity of upper members before and after the deep running sessions in post-mastectomy women. Conclusion: Deep running had effects on the numerical values of range of movement and upper limb functionality in women in the late postoperative period of the mastectomy procedure, but without statistically significant differences.

Carthage after the Punic Wars and the Neo-Punic Legacy

2019 ◽  
pp. 182-196
Author(s):  
Matthew Hobson
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
North Africa ◽  
Cultural Change ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Cultural Development ◽  
Initial Examination ◽  
The Third ◽  
Funerary Rituals ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Punic Wars

This chapter provides a brief introduction to how the historiographical development of Roman studies, since mid-twentieth century decolonization, has altered our understanding of the developments which took place in North Africa following the destruction of Carthage in 146 bce. The reader is introduced to literary, epigraphic, and archaeological sources of evidence, which have traditionally been used to argue for either cultural change or continuity. After an initial examination of the immediate aftermath of the Third Punic War, Roman land appropriation and taxation, the focus is on sources of evidence usually described as “Punic,” “neo-Punic” or “Late Punic,” covering the spheres of municipal institutions, language use, and religious and funerary rituals. The vibrant multiculturalism and regional diversity of the Mediterranean and especially North Africa, both before and after the Roman conquest, is the dominant theme. This is used to shift emphasis away from grand explanatory paradigms based on essentialist identity categories, and toward a more nuanced picture of the complex and multivariate processes of cultural development and integration.

scholarly journals Gut Microbiota–Host Interactions in Inborn Errors of Immunity

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 1416
Author(s):  
Riccardo Castagnoli ◽  
Francesca Pala ◽  
Marita Bosticardo ◽  
Amelia Licari ◽  
Ottavia M. Delmonte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Adaptive Immune System ◽  
Clinical Feature ◽  
Inborn Errors ◽  
Mucosal Permeability ◽  
Microbial Dysbiosis ◽  
Inborn Errors Of Immunity ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
And Function

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are a group of disorders that are mostly caused by genetic mutations affecting immune host defense and immune regulation. Although IEI present with a wide spectrum of clinical features, in about one third of them various degrees of gastrointestinal (GI) involvement have been described and for some IEI the GI manifestations represent the main and peculiar clinical feature. The microbiome plays critical roles in the education and function of the host’s innate and adaptive immune system, and imbalances in microbiota-immunity interactions can contribute to intestinal pathogenesis. Microbial dysbiosis combined to the impairment of immunosurveillance and immune dysfunction in IEI, may favor mucosal permeability and lead to inflammation. Here we review how immune homeostasis between commensals and the host is established in the gut, and how these mechanisms can be disrupted in the context of primary immunodeficiencies. Additionally, we highlight key aspects of the first studies on gut microbiome in patients affected by IEI and discuss how gut microbiome could be harnessed as a therapeutic approach in these diseases.

scholarly journals Are Three Weeks of Oral Anticoagulation Sufficient for Safe Cardioversion in Atrial Fibrillation?

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 554
Author(s):  
Stefan Naydenov ◽  
Nikolay Runev ◽  
Emil Manov
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Sinus Rhythm ◽  
Oral Anticoagulation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Volume ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Individualized Approach ◽  
Baseline Factors ◽  
And Function

Background and Objectives: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), lasting >48 h, considered for cardioversion, are recommended ≥3 weeks of oral anticoagulation before sinus rhythm restoration because of high risk of development of left atrial thrombosis (LAT) and stroke. However, the optimal duration of anticoagulation in the presence of overt LAT is unknown. Materials and Methods: An open-label study aimed to investigate the prevalence of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) and LAT before and after 3 weeks of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) treatment. We included 51 consecutive patients (50.9% males), mean age 69.3 ± 7.4 years with paroxysmal/unknown duration of AF, considered for cardioversion, who agreed to have transesophageal echocardiography at enrollment and 3 weeks later. Results: At baseline SEC was present in 26 (50.9%) and LAT in 10 (19.6%) of 51 patients. After 3 weeks on DOAC, SEC persisted in 12 (25.0%) and LAT in 7 (14.5%) of 48 patients, p < 0.05 vs. baseline. Factors, associated most strongly with persistence of SEC/LAT, were left atrial appendage (LAA) emptying velocity <20 cm/s (OR = 2.82), LAA lobes >2 (OR = 1.84), and indexed left atrial volume ≥34 mL/m2 (OR = 1.37). Conclusions: In our study the incidence of SEC/LAT, particularly in AF with unknown duration, was not as low as we expected. The prevalence of SEC/LAT seemed to be dependent on factors not routinely evaluated in AF patients planned for cardioversion (indexed LA volume, LAA morphology and number of lobules, LAA emptying velocity, etc.). Our data suggested an individualized approach for DOAC duration in AF patients before an attempt for restoration of sinus rhythm is made, taking into consideration the LAA morphology and function.

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