Sensory qualities of the phantom hand map in the residual forearm of amputees

OBJECTIVE: Most amputees experience referred sensations, known as a phantom hand map, on the residual forearm, where touch on specific areas is perceived as touch on the amputated hand. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensory qualities of the phantom hand map.METHODS: In 10 traumatic forearm-amputees touch thres-holds and discriminative touch of the phantom hand map were assessed and compared with corresponding areas on the contralateral forearm. The study assessed the localization of touch on the phantom hand map, and how distinct and similar to normal touch the referred feeling was.RESULTS: Similar touch thresholds were seen in the phantom hand map and the control site. Tactile discrimination, requiring both detection of stimulus and interpretation, was significantly better in the phantom hand map.CONCLUSION: This explorative study suggests that the phantom hand map and the superior tactile discrimination seen in the phantom hand map are based on adaptations within the brain. Further studies investigating the neural basis for the phantom hand map are needed

Improvements of an Inventory Control System with Simulation-based Analysis

This thesis aims to improve the inventory control system of a company´s RDC in Norrköping, Sweden. Inefficiencies and non-optimal processes have been identified in the current system, which could negatively affect operations. The study addresses three questions: understanding the current system, identifying improvements, and adjusting the improved system to fit inventory control constraints. A literature review and case study were conducted, revealing lower service levels and higher costs than expected. Experimental scenarios were simulated to examine different improvements, such as using economic order quantity, different safety stock equations, and investigating service levels.Examensarbetet är utfört vid Institutionen för teknik och naturvetenskap (ITN) vid Tekniska fakulteten, Linköpings universitet</p

Improvements of an Inventory Control System with Simulation-based Analysis

This thesis aims to improve the inventory control system of a company´s RDC in Norrköping, Sweden. Inefficiencies and non-optimal processes have been identified in the current system, which could negatively affect operations. The study addresses three questions: understanding the current system, identifying improvements, and adjusting the improved system to fit inventory control constraints. A literature review and case study were conducted, revealing lower service levels and higher costs than expected. Experimental scenarios were simulated to examine different improvements, such as using economic order quantity, different safety stock equations, and investigating service levels.Examensarbetet är utfört vid Institutionen för teknik och naturvetenskap (ITN) vid Tekniska fakulteten, Linköpings universitet</p

Transformation of the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora

The nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora was transformed to hygromycin resistance using the hygromycin-B phosphotransferase gene from Escherichia coli under the control of various heterologous fungal promoters. Plasmid DNA was introduced into fungal protoplasts by polyethylene glycol/CaCl2 treatment. Transformation frequencies varied between 1–6 transformants per μg DNA. Seven out of 13 integration events analyzed from transformants were single copy integrations, whereas the remaining were multiple and more complex integrations. The addition of restriction enzymes during transformations increased the frequency of single copy integrations. Co-transformation, using the E. coli uidA gene encoding the β-glucuronidase reporter gene under the control of an Aspergillus nidulans promoter, occurred at frequencies of up to 63%