Dynamics & Predictions in the Co-Event Interpretation

Sorkin has introduced a new, observer independent, interpretation of quantum mechanics that can give a successful realist account of the 'quantum microworld' as well as explaining how classicality emerges at the level of observable events for a range of systems including single time 'Copenhagen measurements'. This 'co-event interpretation' presents us with a new ontology, in which a single 'co-event' is real. A new ontology necessitates a review of the dynamical & predictive mechanism of a theory, and in this paper we begin the process by exploring means of expressing the dynamical and predictive content of histories theories in terms of co-events.Comment: 35 pages. Revised after refereein

Twistor form of massive 6D superparticle

The massive six-dimensional (6D) superparticle with manifest (n, 0) supersymmetry is shown to have a supertwistor formulation in which its “hidden” (0, n) supersymmetry is also manifest. The mass-shell constraint is replaced by Spin(5) spin-shell constraints which imply that the quantum superparticle has zero superspin; for n = 1 it propagates the 6D Proca supermultiplet.PKT acknowledges support from the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council (grant ST/L000385/1). AJR is supported by a grant from the London Mathematical Society.This is the final version of the article. It was first available from IOP Science via http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1751-8113/49/2/02540

Trans-Tibial Amputee Gait Correction through Real-Time Visual Feedback

Objective: The present paper reports on program of work undertaken to evaluate the effect of real time visual feedback on kinematics of prosthetic gait. Methods: A total of 6 below-knee male amputees were included in the study. Each individual underwent three trials of self-selected speed treadmill walking, in which real time visual feedback was provided from forward, backward, and lateral views, together with a control trial without any visual feedback. Kinematic reference values were captured via VICON motion analysis system, and one-minute slots of data sets were processed by its Workstation software (Plug in Gait), which were than statistically analyzed running Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. Results: Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in stance phase (Z=0.923, p=0.031) and stride length (Z=-1.807, p=0.043) between normal and affected sides in front visual feedback mode. Stance phase was generally extended on normal legs, and there appeared to be reductions in hip joint range of motion on affected limbs. Stride time followed relatively comparable patterns in both sides across all trials. Conclusion: The results suggest that providing visualization in the context of amputee gait rehabilitation may provide an effective way to help subjects correct gait patterns and thereby it may improve the outcome of rehabilitation

Validation of the BESTest for Measuring Balance in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Evaluation of balance disorders is necessary for treatment and rehabilitation. The Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) has been shown to distinguish between different neurological populations. So far, no study has examined the validity of the subsystems of this test in comparison with objective evaluation. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the validity of the BESTest in measuring balance through using the force plate in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, BESTest was performed. Then, objective measures of balance, including anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) and sensory orientation were assessed using a force plate. Moreover, we calculated the sway, velocity, and area of sway outcomes. Results: This study included 17 MS patients (42.64 ± 7.8 years old; score 1 - 5 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale) and 17 healthy controls (42.33 ± 8.65 years old). All the BESTest subsystems, except subsystem stability limits/verticality, showed a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.005). Significant correlations were found between the BESTest scores with anterior-posterior and medio-lateral sway, sway velocity in anterior-posterior direction, and the area of displacement in anterior-posterior direction (P < 0.005). Conclusions: The results of this study showed a good correlation between BESTest test and objective tests. Also, according to the correlation between each subsystem and the information extracted from the force plate, the subsystems had a good sensitivity for measuring balance disorders