372 research outputs found

    Paper on a disc: balancing the capillary-driven flow with a centrifugal force

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    This paper describes the active control of the capillary-driven flow in paper using a centrifugal device.close191

    Wireless sEMG System with a Microneedle-Based High-Density Electrode Array on a Flexible Substrate

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    Surface electromyography (sEMG) signals reflect muscle contraction and hence, can provide information regarding a user's movement intention. High-density sEMG systems have been proposed to measure muscle activity in small areas and to estimate complex motion using spatial patterns. However, conventional systems based on wet electrodes have several limitations. For example, the electrolyte enclosed in wet electrodes restricts spatial resolution, and these conventional bulky systems limit natural movements. In this paper, a microneedle-based high-density electrode array on a circuit integrated flexible substrate for sEMG is proposed. Microneedles allow for high spatial resolution without requiring conductive substances, and flexible substrates guarantee stable skin-electrode contact. Moreover, a compact signal processing system is integrated with the electrode array. Therefore, sEMG measurements are comfortable to the user and do not interfere with the movement. The system performance was demonstrated by testing its operation and estimating motion using a Gaussian mixture model-based, simplified 2D spatial pattern.111Ysciescopu

    Relationship between the Retinal Thickness Analyzer and the GDx VCC Scanning Laser Polarimeter, Stratus OCT Optical Coherence Tomograph, and Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy

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    PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between the retinal thickness analyzer (RTA) parameters, and those of the GDx VCC scanning laser polarimeter (GDx VCC), Stratus OCT optical coherence tomography (Stratus OCT), and Heidelberg retinal tomograph II confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (HRT II). METHODS: Twenty-nine primary open-angle glaucoma patients were retrospectively included in this study. Measurements were obtained using the RTA, GDx VCC, Stratus OCT, and HRT II. We calculated the correlation coefficients between the parameters of RTA and those of the other studies. RESULTS: Among the optic disc parameters of RTA, the cup volume was best correlated with Stratus OCT (R=0.780, p<0.001) and HRT II (R=0.896, p<0.001). Among the posterior pole retinal thickness parameters, the posterior pole abnormally thin area (PPAT) of the RTA and the inferior average of the GDx VCC were best correlated (R=-0.596, p=0.001). The PPAT of the RTA and the inferior maximum of the Stratus OCT were best correlated (R=-0.489, p=0.006). The perifoveal minimum thickness (PFMT) of the RTA and the cup shape measurement of the HRT II were best correlated (R=-0.565, p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Many RTA optic disc parameters were significantly correlated with those of the Stratus OCT and HRT II. The RTA posterior pole retinal thickness parameters were significantly correlated with those of the GDx VCC, Stratus OCT and HRT II. The RTA optic disc and posterior pole retinal thickness parameters may be valuable in the diagnosis of glaucomaope

    Exploratory Study of Functional Movement in Rope Climbing

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    PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the functional movement in rope climbing. METHODS The rope climbing experiment included 16 healthy young male participants, and the methods of hand, cross-leg, and foot-hooking climbing were employed. The muscle activity and joint range of motion were measured and analyzed using EMG (Electromyography) and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensors. One-way analysis of variance was conducted (α<.05). RESULTS The activity of the forearm and biceps muscle was lower in cross-leg and foot-hooking climbing compared to hand climbing (p<.01), and the rectus femoris muscle activity in cross-leg climbing was smaller than that in hand climbing (p<.05). Furthermore, the adductor muscle activity in cross-leg climbing was higher than that of other types (p<.01). The range of motion for the elbow and shoulder flexion was smaller in hand climbing than in other types (p<.05); furthermore, the range of motion in the pelvis, thigh, and knee joint was the smallest in cross-leg climbing (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS Because the pulling muscles such as the forearm, biceps, pectoralis major, and latissimus dorsi play an important role in the entire climbing motion, it is necessary to train the upper-body pulling-muscle group along with strengthening the core and lower body muscles

    The Effect of Swimming Goggles on Intraocular Pressure and Blood Flow within the Optic Nerve Head

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    Purpose: Goggles are frequently worn in the sport of swimming and are designed to form a seal around the periorbital tissue orbit. The resultant pressure on the eye may have the potential to affect intraocular pressure and blood flow of the optic nerve head. This study evaluates the influence of wearing swimming goggles on intraocular pressure (IOP) and blood flow of the ocular nerve head (ONH) in normal subjects. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy participants took part in this study. The IOP of each participant was measured using a Goldmann tonometer. Measurements were taken immediately before putting on swimming goggles, at 5, 10, 30, and 60 minutes after putting on swimming goggles, and then immediately after taking off the goggles. Blood flow of the ONH was measured using the Heidelberg retinal flowmeter. Results: The average IOP before, during and after wearing the swimming goggles were 11.88 ± 2.82 mmHg, 14.20 ± 2.81 mmHg and 11.78 ± 2.89 mmHg, respectively. The IOP increased immediately after putting on the goggles (p &lt; 0.05) and then returned to normal values immediately after removal (p&gt; 0.05). Blood flow of the ONH was 336.60 ± 89.07 Arbitrary Units (AU) before and 319.18 ± 96.02 AU after the goggles were worn (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: A small but significant IOP elevation was observed immediately after the swimming goggles were put on. This elevated IOP was maintained while the goggles were kept on, and then returned to normal levels as soon as they were taken off. Blood flow of the ONH did not change significantly throughout the experiment. These facts should be considered for safety concerns, especially in advanced glaucoma patients

    Cognitive Enhancing and Neuroprotective Effect of the Embryo of the Nelumbo nucifera

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    The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of ENS on cognitive impairment induced by scopolamine and its potential neuroprotective effect against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in HT22 cell and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. ENS (3, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg), scopolamine (1 mg/kg), and donepezil (1 mg/kg) were administered to mice during a test period. Scopolamine impaired memory and learning in a water maze test and a passive avoidance test. The neuroprotective effect of ENS (10 and 100 μg/mL) was investigated on glutamate-induced cell death in HT22 cells by MTT assay. We investigated acetylcholinesterase inhibition in hippocampus and antioxidant activity, ROS levels, and Ca2+ influx in HT22 cells to elucidate the potential mechanisms of ENS. We found that ENS significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced memory impairment and inhibited AChE activity in hippocampus. In vitro, ENS showed potent neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in the HT22 cell. In addition, ENS induced a decrease in ROS production and intercellular Ca2+ accumulation and showed DPPH radical and H2O2 scavenging activity. In conclusion, ENS showed both a memory improving effect and a neuroprotective effect. Our results indicate that ENS may be of use in the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative disorders

    Alignment of Ti

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    In this study, magnetic field (B) was applied on TiO2 (anatase) of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) for alignment of crystal. Magnetic field was applied on TiO2 when deposited TiO2 on the fluorine tin oxide (FTO) was dried at 373 K for crystalline orientation. And applying time of B was varied 0~25 min. Characteristics of the magnetic field applied TiO2 films were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Current-voltage characteristics were also analyzed using solar simulator, and it was confirmed that the energy conversion efficiency of 41% was increased. Finally, it was identified that the magnetic field affected orientation of TiO2, resulting in the enhancement of the performance of the DSC
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