Spinal cord epidural stimulation for motor and autonomic function recovery after chronic spinal cord injury: A case series and technical note

Background: Traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) is a debilitating condition, leading to chronic morbidity and mortality. In recent peer-reviewed studies, spinal cord epidural stimulation (scES) enabled voluntary movement and return of over-ground walking in a small number of patients with motor complete SCI. Using the most extensive case series (n = 25) for chronic SCI, the present report describes our motor and cardiovascular and functional outcomes, surgical and training complication rates, quality of life (QOL) improvements, and patient satisfaction results after scES. Methods: This prospective study occurred at the University of Louisville from 2009 to 2020. scES interventions began 2–3 weeks after surgical implantation of the scES device. Perioperative complications were recorded as well as long-term complications during training and device related events. QOL outcomes and patient satisfaction were evaluated using the impairment domains model and a global patient satisfaction scale, respectively. Results: Twenty-five patients (80% male, mean age of 30.9 ± 9.4 years) with chronic motor complete tSCI underwent scES using an epidural paddle electrode and internal pulse generator. The interval from SCI to scES implantation was 5.9 ± 3.4 years. Two participants (8%) developed infections, and three additional patients required washouts (12%). All participants achieved voluntary movement after implantation. A total of 17 research participants (85%) reported that the procedure either met (n = 9) or exceeded (n = 8) their expectations, and 100% would undergo the operation again. Conclusion: scES in this series was safe and achieved numerous benefits on motor and cardiovascular regulation and improved patient-reported QOL in multiple domains, with a high degree of patient satisfaction. The multiple previously unreported benefits beyond improvements in motor function render scES a promising option for improving QOL after motor complete SCI. Further studies may quantify these other benefits and clarify scES’s role in SCI patients

Modular Mechatronics Infrastructure for Robotic Planetary Exploration Assets in a Field Operation Scenario

In 2021 the Modular Mechatronics Infrastructure (MMI) was introduced as a solution to reduce weight, costs, and development time in robotic lanetary missions. With standardized interfaces and multi-functional elements, this modular approach is planned to be used more often in sustainable exploration activities on the Moon and Mars. The German multi-robot research project “Autonomous Robotic Networks to Help Modern Societies (ARCHES)” has explored this concept with the use of various collaborative robotic assets which have their capabilities extended by the MMI. Different scientific payloads, engineering infrastructure modules, and specific purpose tools can be integrated to and manipulated by a robotic arm and a standardized electromechanical docking-interface. Throughout the MMI’s design and implementation phase the performed preliminary tests confirmed that the different systems of the robotic cooperative team such as the Docking Interface System (DIS), the Power Management System (PMS), and the Data Communication System (DCS) functioned successfully. During the summer of 2022 a Demonstration Mission on Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy) was carried out as part of the ARCHES Project. This field scenario allowed the validation of the robotics systems in an analogue harsh environment and the confirmation of enhanced operations with the application of this modular method. Among the numerous activities performed in this volcanic terrain there are the efficient assembling of the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) network, the energy-saving and reduced complexity of a detached Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) module, and the uninterrupted powered operation between modules when switching between different power sources. The field data collected during this analogue campaign provided important outcomes for the modular robotics application. Modular and autonomous robots certainly benefit from their versatility, reusability, less complex systems, reduced requirements for space qualification, and lower risks for the mission. These characteristics will ensure that long duration and complex robotic planetary endeavours are not as challenging as they used to be in the past

Shock Wave Expansion, Decoupling and Acoustic Signals in LIBS Measurements under Martian Atmospheric Conditions

In laboratory studies, we investigated the generation of laser-induced shock waves and the accompanying acoustic signal in a simulated martian atmosphere

SHOCK WAVE EXPANSION, DECOUPLING AND ACOUSTIC SIGNALS IN LIBS MEASUREMENTS UNDER MARTIAN ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS

In laboratory studies, we investigated the generation of laser-induced shock waves and the accompanying acoustic signal in a simulated martian atmosphere

Compact object coalescence rate estimation from short gamma-ray burst observations

Recent observational and theoretical results suggest that Short-duration Gamma-Ray Bursts (SGRBs) are originated by the merger of compact binary systems of two neutron stars or a neutron star and a black hole. The observation of SGRBs with known redshifts allows astronomers to infer the merger rate of these systems in the local universe. We use data from the SWIFT satellite to estimate this rate to be in the range $\sim 500$-1500 Gpc$^{-3}$yr$^{-1}$. This result is consistent with earlier published results which were obtained through alternative approaches. We estimate the number of coincident observations of gravitational-wave signals with SGRBs in the advanced gravitational-wave detector era. By assuming that all SGRBs are created by neutron star-neutron star (neutron star-black hole) mergers, we estimate the expected rate of coincident observations to be in the range $\simeq 0.2$ to 1 ($\simeq 1$ to 3) yr$^{-1}$.Comment: 23 pages, 3 figures, version accepted for publicatio

Physical Characterization of Arbiter PUFs

As intended by its name, Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) are considered as an ultimate solution to deal with insecure stor- age, hardware counterfeiting, and many other security problems. How- ever, many different successful attacks have already revealed vulnera- bilities of certain digital intrinsic PUFs. Although settling-state-based PUFs, such as SRAM PUFs, can be physically cloned by semi-invasive and fully-invasive attacks, successful attacks on timing-based PUFs were so far limited to modeling attacks. Such modeling requires a large sub- set of challenge-response-pairs (CRP) to successfully model the targeted PUF. In order to provide a final security answer, this paper proves that all arbiter-based (i.e. controlled and XOR-enhanced) PUFs can be com- pletely and linearly characterized by means of photonic emission analy- sis. Our experimental setup is capable of measuring every PUF-internal delay with a resolution of 6 picoseconds. Due to this resolution we in- deed require only the theoretical minimum number of linear independent equations (i.e. physical measurements) to directly solve the underlying inhomogeneous linear system. Moreover, we neither require to know the actual PUF challenges nor the corresponding PUF responses for our physical delay extraction. On top of that devastating result, we are also able to further simplify our setup for easier physical measurement han- dling. We present our practical results for a real arbiter PUF implemen- tation on a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) from Altera manufactured in a 180 nanometer process

Measurement of the 72 Ge ( n , γ ) cross section over a wide neutron energy range at the CERN n_TOF facility

The 72 Ge ( n , γ ) cross section was measured for neutron energies up to 300 keV at the neutron time-of-flight facility n _ TOF (CERN), Geneva, for the first time covering energies relevant to heavy-element synthesis in stars. The measurement was performed at the high-resolution beamline EAR-1, using an isotopically enriched 72 Ge O 2 sample. The prompt capture γ rays were detected with four liquid scintillation detectors, optimized for low neutron sensitivity. We determined resonance capture kernels up to a neutron energy of 43 keV , and averaged cross sections from 43 to 300 keV . Maxwellian-averaged cross section values were calculated from k T = 5 to 100 keV , with uncertainties between 3.2 % and 7.1 % . The new results significantly reduce uncertainties of abundances produced in the slow neutron capture process in massive stars.Austrian Science Fund (FWF) J3503Science and Technology Facilities Council UK. ST/M006085/1European Research Council (ERC) 2015-STG No.677497Croatian Science Foundation. 8570Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of the Czech Republic (MSMT) y the Charles University. UNCE/SCI/01

Design and Implementation of a Modular Mechatronics Infrastructure for Robotic Planetary Exploration Assets

Traditionally, the robotic systems which aim to explore other celestial bodies include all instruments and tools necessary for the mission. This makes them unique developments. Usually, they are heavy, complex, costly and do not provide any interchangeable parts that could be replaced in the event of permanent failure. However, for future missions, agencies, institutes and commercial companies are developing robotics systems based on the concept of modular robotics. This new strategy becomes critical for planetary exploration because it is able to reduce load, costs and development time. In the German multi robot research project, ‘’Autonomous Robotic Networks to Help Modern Societies (ARCHES)”, led by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), this modern design methodology is followed. Cooperation among robots and modularity are the core of its structure. These characteristics are present in the collaboration between the rovers and the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) during navigation tasks, or when the Lightweight Rover Unit (LRU) interacts with changeable manipulator tools and payload boxes through its robotic arm and its standardized electromechanical interface. Examples of these modules include scientific packages, power supply systems, communication and data acquisition architectures, soil sample storage units, and specific purpose end-effectors. The focus of this work is in the design and implementation of a mechatronics infrastructure (MI) which encompasses the docking interface, the payload modules, and the power and data management electronics board inside each box. These three elements are essential for the extension of the capabilities of the rover and the enhancement of the robotics systems according to the tasks to be performed. This will ensure that robots can cooperate with each other either in scientific missions or in the construction and maintenance of large structures. The MI’s hardware and software developed in this project will be tested and validated in the ARCHES demonstration mission on Mount Etna, Sicily, in Italy between 13th June and 9th July 2022. Finally, it is important to highlight that modularity and standardization were considered at all levels of the infrastructure. From the robotics systems to the internal architecture of each payload module, these concepts can provide versatility and reliability to the cooperative robotic network. This will improve the problem-solving capabilities of robots performing complex tasks in future planetary exploration missions

Modular Mechatronics Infrastructure for Robotic Planetary Exploration Assets in a Field Operation Scenario

In 2021 the Modular Mechatronics Infrastructure (MMI) was introduced as a solution to reduce weight, costs, and development time in robotic planetary missions. With standardized interfaces and multi-functional elements, this modular approach is planned to be used more often in sustainable exploration activities on the Moon and Mars. The German multi-robot research project “Autonomous Robotic Networks to Help Modern Societies (ARCHES)” has explored this concept with the use of various collaborative robotic assets which have their capabilities extended by the MMI. Different scientific payloads, engineering infrastructure modules, and specific purpose tools can be integrated to and manipulated by a robotic arm and a standardized electromechanical docking-interface. Throughout the MMI’s design and implementation phase the performed preliminary tests confirmed that the different systems of the robotic cooperative team such as the Docking Interface System (DIS), the Power Management System (PMS), and the Data Communication System (DCS) functioned successfully. During the summer of 2022 a Demonstration Mission on Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy) was carried out as part of the ARCHES Project. This field scenario allowed the validation of the robotics systems in an analogue harsh environment and the confirmation of enhanced operations with the application of this modular method. Among the numerous activities performed in this volcanic terrain there are the efficient assembling of the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) network, the energy-saving and reduced complexity of a detached Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) module, and the uninterrupted powered operation between modules when switching between different power sources. The field data collected during this analogue campaign provided important outcomes for the modular robotics application. Modular and autonomous robots certainly benefit from their versatility, reusability, less complex systems, reduced requirements for space qualification, and lower risks for the mission. These characteristics will ensure that long duration and complex robotic planetary endeavours are not as challenging as they used to be in the past

A Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Instrument for In-Situ Exploration with the DLR Lightweight Rover Unit (LRU)

In the framework of the Helmholtz ARCHES project, a multitude of robots, including rovers and drones, were prepared for the autonomous exploration of a test site at the foothills of Mt. Etna, Sicily--a terrain resembling extraterrestrial locations such as the Moon. To expand the suite of tools and sensors available for the exploration and investigation of the test site, we developed a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument for the geochemical analysis of local geological samples. In alignment with the mission scenario, this instrument is housed in a modular payload box that can be attached to the robotic arm of the Lightweight Rover Unit 2 (LRU2), allowing the rover to use the instrument autonomously in the field. A compact Nd:YAG laser is utilized for material ablation, generating a micro-plasma that is subsequently analyzed with a small fiber-coupled spectrometer. A single-board computer controls the LIBS hardware components for data acquisition. In this study, we provide details of the ARCHES LIBS instrument implementation, report on preceding laboratory tests where the LRU2 operated the LIBS module for the first time, and showcase the results obtained during the successful ARCHES space analogue demonstration mission campaign in summer 2022 in Sicily