Haptics for the development of fundamental rhythm skills, including multi-limb coordination

This chapter considers the use of haptics for learning fundamental rhythm skills, including skills that depend on multi-limb coordination. Different sensory modalities have different strengths and weaknesses for the development of skills related to rhythm. For example, vision has low temporal resolution and performs poorly for tracking rhythms in real-time, whereas hearing is highly accurate. However, in the case of multi-limbed rhythms, neither hearing nor sight are particularly well suited to communicating exactly which limb does what and when, or how the limbs coordinate. By contrast, haptics can work especially well in this area, by applying haptic signals independently to each limb. We review relevant theories, including embodied interaction and biological entrainment. We present a range of applications of the Haptic Bracelets, which are computer-controlled wireless vibrotactile devices, one attached to each wrist and ankle. Haptic pulses are used to guide users in playing rhythmic patterns that require multi-limb coordination. One immediate aim of the system is to support the development of practical rhythm skills and multi-limb coordination. A longer-term goal is to aid the development of a wider range of fundamental rhythm skills including recognising, identifying, memorising, retaining, analysing, reproducing, coordinating, modifying and creating rhythms – particularly multi-stream (i.e. polyphonic) rhythmic sequences. Empirical results are presented. We reflect on related work, and discuss design issues for using haptics to support rhythm skills. Skills of this kind are essential not just to drummers and percussionists but also to keyboards players, and more generally to all musicians who need a firm grasp of rhythm

Duality in Perturbation Theory and the Quantum Adiabatic Approximation

Duality is considered for the perturbation theory by deriving, given a series solution in a small parameter, its dual series with the development parameter being the inverse of the other. A dual symmetry in perturbation theory is identified. It is then shown that the dual to the Dyson series in quantum mechanics is given by a recent devised series having the adiabatic approximation as leading order. A simple application of this result is given by rederiving a theorem for strongly perturbed quantum systems.Comment: 9 pages, revtex. Improved english and presentation. Final version accepted for publication by Physical Review

Collateral donor artery physiology and the influence of a chronic total occlusion on fractional flow reserve

Background— The presence of a concomitant chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) and a large collateral contribution might alter the fractional flow reserve (FFR) of an interrogated vessel, rendering the FFR unreliable at predicting ischemia should the CTO vessel be revascularized and potentially affecting the decision on optimal revascularization strategy. We tested the hypothesis that donor vessel FFR would significantly change after percutaneous coronary intervention of a concomitant CTO. Methods and Results— In consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention of a CTO, coronary pressure and flow velocity were measured at baseline and hyperemia in proximal and distal segments of both nontarget vessels, before and after percutaneous coronary intervention. Hemodynamics including FFR, absolute coronary flow, and the coronary flow velocity–pressure gradient relation were calculated. After successful percutaneous coronary intervention in 34 of 46 patients, FFR in the predominant donor vessel increased from 0.782 to 0.810 (difference, 0.028 [0.012 to 0.044]; P=0.001). Mean decrease in baseline donor vessel absolute flow adjusted for rate pressure product: 177.5 to 139.9 mL/min (difference −37.6 [−62.6 to −12.6]; P=0.005), mean decrease in hyperemic flow: 306.5 to 272.9 mL/min (difference, −33.5 [−58.7 to −8.3]; P=0.011). Change in predominant donor vessel FFR correlated with angiographic (%) diameter stenosis severity (r=0.44; P=0.009) and was strongly related to stenosis severity measured by the coronary flow velocity–pressure gradient relation (r=0.69; P<0.001). Conclusions— Recanalization of a CTO results in a modest increase in the FFR of the predominant collateral donor vessel associated with a reduction in coronary flow. A larger increase in FFR is associated with greater coronary stenosis severity

Particle Size Distributions Obtained Through Unfolding 2D Sections: Towards Accurate Distributions of Nebular Solids in the Allende Meteorite

Size distributions of nebular solids in chondrites suggest an efficient sorting of these early forming objects within the protoplanetary disk. The effect of this sorting has been documented by investigations of modal abundances of CAIs (e.g., [1-4]) and chondrules (e.g., [5-8]). Evidence for aerodynamic sorting in the disk is largely qualitative, and needs to be carefully assessed. It may be a way of concentrating these materials into planetesimal-mass clumps, perhaps 100 fs of ka after they formed. A key parameter is size/density distributions of particles (i.e., chondrules, CAIs, and metal grains), and in particular, whether the radius-density product (rxp) is a better metric for defining the distribution than r alone [9]. There is no consensus between r versus rxp based models. Here we report our initial tests and preliminary results, which when expanded will be used to test the accuracy of current dynamical disk models

Timeless path integral for relativistic quantum mechanics

Starting from the canonical formalism of relativistic (timeless) quantum mechanics, the formulation of timeless path integral is rigorously derived. The transition amplitude is reformulated as the sum, or functional integral, over all possible paths in the constraint surface specified by the (relativistic) Hamiltonian constraint, and each path contributes with a phase identical to the classical action divided by $\hbar$. The timeless path integral manifests the timeless feature as it is completely independent of the parametrization for paths. For the special case that the Hamiltonian constraint is a quadratic polynomial in momenta, the transition amplitude admits the timeless Feynman's path integral over the (relativistic) configuration space. Meanwhile, the difference between relativistic quantum mechanics and conventional nonrelativistic (with time) quantum mechanics is elaborated on in light of timeless path integral.Comment: 41 pages; more references and comments added; version to appear in CQ

Radiocephalic and brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula outcomes in the elderly

BackgroundA recent meta-analysis has suggested that patients aged >65 have worse outcomes with radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas (RCAVFs) compared with brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas (BCAVFs). We hypothesized that outcomes in patients aged ≥80—a rapidly expanding cohort within this elderly group—might be skewing the results, and that age >65 may not be a contraindication to RCAVF formation. This study examined the effect of age group (<65, 65 to 79, ≥80) on functional outcomes (use; primary and secondary functional patency) in RCVAFs and BCAVFs.MethodsWe identified the outcomes of all patients undergoing a first surgical access procedure for a RCAVF or BCVAF between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2005. We examined the effect of age and other factors including sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, late referral (<3 months before dialysis), dialysis before surgical access, preoperative duplex ultrasound imaging, and ethnicity on non-AVF use and primary and secondary functional AVF patency. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used.ResultsFrom a total of 658 patients, 361 had a RCAVF, and 297 had a BCAVF. Their median age was 68.5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 54.4 to 76.5 years), and 288 (43.8%) were aged <65 years, 274 (41.6%) were 65 to 79, and 96 (14.6%) were ≥80. Age did not influence the site of the first surgical access (P = .874). Only 85.7% of patients actually progressed to hemodialysis, and the RCAVF or BCAVF in 45.7% of those was never used for dialysis. Female sex (hazard ratio [HR], 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.387 to 3.643; P = .001) was the only factor associated with an increase risk of RCAVF nonuse, whereas diabetes (HR, 2.095; 95% CI, 1.261 to 3.482; P = .004) was the only factor associated with an increase risk of BCAVF nonuse. The respective primary patency rates at 1 and 2 years for RCAVFs were 46.0% and 27.1% for patients <65, 47.0% and 36.0% for those 65 to 79, and 45.7% and 38.1% for those ≥80. Only female sex (HR, 1.679; 95% CI, 1.261 to 2.236; P = .001) and prior hemodialysis (HR, 1.363; 95% CI, 1.0.29 to 1.804; P = .031) were associated with loss of patency of RCAVFs. The primary functional patency rates for BCAVFs at 1 and 2 years were 39.3% and 31.0% for those <65 years; 53.30% and 37.5% for those 65 to 79, and 46.3% and 42.6% for those ≥80. No factors analyzed were associated with loss of primary functional patency of BCAVFs.ConclusionsAge did not affect usability, primary or secondary patency of either RCAVFs or BCAVFs. Although patient selection is important, even patients ≥80 years who are considered suitable for surgical placement of access should not be denied a RCAVF solely because of age

Exercises in exact quantization

The formalism of exact 1D quantization is reviewed in detail and applied to the spectral study of three concrete Schr\"odinger Hamiltonians [-\d^2/\d q^2 + V(q)]^\pm on the half-line $\{q>0\}$, with a Dirichlet (-) or Neumann (+) condition at q=0. Emphasis is put on the analytical investigation of the spectral determinants and spectral zeta functions with respect to singular perturbation parameters. We first discuss the homogeneous potential $V(q)=q^N$ as $N \to +\infty$vs its (solvable) $N=\infty$ limit (an infinite square well): useful distinctions are established between regular and singular behaviours of spectral quantities; various identities among the square-well spectral functions are unraveled as limits of finite-N properties. The second model is the quartic anharmonic oscillator: its zero-energy spectral determinants \det(-\d^2/\d q^2 + q^4 + v q^2)^\pm are explicitly analyzed in detail, revealing many special values, algebraic identities between Taylor coefficients, and functional equations of a quartic type coupled to asymptotic $v \to +\infty$ properties of Airy type. The third study addresses the potentials $V(q)=q^N+v q^{N/2-1}$ of even degree: their zero-energy spectral determinants prove computable in closed form, and the generalized eigenvalue problems with v as spectral variable admit exact quantization formulae which are perfect extensions of the harmonic oscillator case (corresponding to N=2); these results probably reflect the presence of supersymmetric potentials in the family above.Comment: latex txt.tex, 2 files, 34 pages [SPhT-T00/078]; v2: corrections and updates as indicated by footnote

Utilité de la biopsie testiculaire dans le bilan de l’infertilité des couples: Usefulness of testicular biopsy in the checkup of infertility couple

Context and objectives. Testicular biopsy is a relevant tool for the management of male’s infertility.However data in Subsaharan Africa are sparce in this field. Histological aspects aspects in case of azoospermia (AZOO) or oligoasthenoterato-spermia (OATS), were described, to sort out main causes of the disturbance. Methods. A retrospective analysis of of patients’ records has been undertaken, covering the period of 2010 to 2015 in 2 hopitals of Kinhasa. Studied parameters included clinical, biological, and morphological data. Histological features were then compared with the results of spermogramme, FSH, and testicular biometry. Results.Out of 60 files, only 47(68/%) met the inclusion criteria. A total of 47 patients was unled out of 60 records. Fibrosis was the main histological pattern observed (70%). Non obstructive AZOO (87%) was predominant compared to obstructive form (12, 7%). All normal or intermediate testicular histology was associated with a FSH level of ≤10.5 IU / mL and normal or hypotrophic testicular appearance on ultrasound. In contrast, testicular atrophy and FSH ≥14UI / mL were significantly associated with fibrosis. Surgical treatment was applied in 15% AZOO and obstructive OATS, 15% AZOO AMP and non-obstructive OATS and insemination with donor sperm or adoption (70%). Conclusion. The study shows histologycally a link between azoospermia and fibrosis as well as non-obstructive abnormalities.Azoospermia in this study is characterized histologically by fibrosis and non-obstructive abnormalities. Systematic testicular biopsy should be recommanded in patients with AZOO or OATS, when the level of FSH is ≥10.5 IU / mL, except in case of testicular atrophy. Contexte et objectifs: En dépit de l’importance de la biopsie testiculaire, très peu de centres d’Andrologie recours à ce moyen dans la prise charge de l’infertilité du couple en Afrique sub-saharienne. La présente étude avait pour objectifs de décrire les aspects histologiques testiculaires en cas d’azoospermie (AZOO) ou d’oligoasthénotératospermie (OATS), et de rechercher les associations éventuelles entre la FSH, la biométrie testiculaire et les aspects histologiques de la biopsie testiculaire (BT). Méthodes. Nous avons colligé tous les dossiers des patients présentant AZOO ou OATS, suivi dans deux hôpitaux de Kinshasa (Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa et Clinique Ngaliema), entre 2010 et 2015 pour infertilité. Les paramètres d’intérêt incluaient les données clinique (examen physique), biologique (spermogramme, spermocytogramme, FSH), et morphologiques (échographie et biopsie testiculaire). Les résultats histologiques ont été regroupés en 3 classes: normale, intermédiaire, fibrose. Les aspects histologiques ont été comparés au spermogramme, au taux de FSH, et à la biométrie testiculaire. Résultats. Durant la période de l’étude, 60 patients ont été suivis, mais 47 (AZOO, 68%) seulement ont satisfait aux critères de sélection. La biopsie testiculaire a révélé un aspect de fibrose (70%) et intermédiaire dans 17%. Comparées aux anomalies obstructives (12,7%), les non-obstructives étaient plus fréquentes (87%). Tous les aspects histologiques testiculaires normaux ou intermédiaires étaient associés à un taux de FSH de ≤10,5 UI/ml et un aspect testiculaire normal ou hypotrophique à l’échographie. En revanche, l’atrophie testiculaire et un taux de FSH ≥14 UI/ml semblaient être associés à la fibrose (p &gt; 0,05). De ce qui précède, l’attitude thérapeutique plausible est la chirurgie pour 15% d’AZOO et d’OATS obstructives, AMP 15% d’AZOO et d’OATS non obstructives et l’insémination avec sperme de donneur ou à l’adoption (70%). Conclusion. L’azoospermie dans cette étude est caractérisée histologiquement par une fibrose et des anomalies non-obstructives. Exceptée en cas d’atrophie testiculaire, la biopsie testiculaire devra être systématique chez les patients avec AZOO ou OATS surtout si FSH ≥10,5UI/ml, en vue d’un choix thérapeutique judicieux

Early-life telomere length predicts lifespan and lifetime reproductive success in a wild bird

Poor conditions during early development can initiate trade-offs that favour current survival at the expense of somatic maintenance and subsequently, future reproduction. However, the mechanisms that link early and late life-history are largely unknown. Recently it has been suggested that telomeres, the nucleoprotein structures at the terminal end of chromosomes, could link early-life conditions to lifespan and fitness. In wild purple-crowned fairy-wrens, we combined measurements of nestling telomere length (TL) with detailed life-history data to investigate whether early-life TL predicts fitness prospects. Our study differs from previous studies in the completeness of our fitness estimates in a highly philopatric population. The association between TL and survival was age-dependent with early-life TL having a positive effect on lifespan only among individuals that survived their first year. Early-life TL was not associated with the probability or age of gaining a breeding position. Interestingly, early-life TL was positively related to breeding duration, contribution to population growth and lifetime reproductive success because of their association with lifespan. Thus, early-life TL, which reflects growth, accumulated early-life stress and inherited TL, predicted fitness in birds that reached adulthood but not noticeably among fledglings. These findings suggest that a lack of investment in somatic maintenance during development particularly affects late life performance. This study demonstrates that factors in early-life are related to fitness prospects through lifespan, and suggests that the study of telomeres may provide insight into the underlying physiological mechanisms linking early- and late-life performance and trade-offs across a lifetime.</p