Adaptive cancelation of self-generated sensory signals in a whisking robot

Sensory signals are often caused by one's own active movements. This raises a problem of discriminating between self-generated sensory signals and signals generated by the external world. Such discrimination is of general importance for robotic systems, where operational robustness is dependent on the correct interpretation of sensory signals. Here, we investigate this problem in the context of a whiskered robot. The whisker sensory signal comprises two components: one due to contact with an object (externally generated) and another due to active movement of the whisker (self-generated). We propose a solution to this discrimination problem based on adaptive noise cancelation, where the robot learns to predict the sensory consequences of its own movements using an adaptive filter. The filter inputs (copy of motor commands) are transformed by Laguerre functions instead of the often-used tapped-delay line, which reduces model order and, therefore, computational complexity. Results from a contact-detection task demonstrate that false positives are significantly reduced using the proposed scheme

Equitable Mindfulness: A Framework for Transformative Conversations in Higher Education

Background: Mindfulness, the practice of present moment experience, can be employed as a tool for grounding in difficult conversations and creating pathways for transformative change in communities.Aim: As educators continue to teach the practices of mindfulness in primary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions to promote personal and academic wellbeing, it is important to recognize the inherent power of mindfulness practice to stimulate actions against oppressive systems, instead of continuing to support them by using curriculum focused on desensitizing individuals to that system. The outlined framework aims to create a platform for the promotion of sustained action.Methods: This article will outline the framework and model of Equitable Mindfulness used within curricula to create containers, hold space, and begin difficult conversations about creating and sustaining diverse and inclusive spaces and strategies.Results: Rooted in the foundations of mindfulness, the Equitable Mindfulness framework was created to promote personal and societal introspection while bridging gaps between communities and breaking down barriers against inclusive practices.Conclusions: Researchers are continuing to collect mixed-methods data on how Equitable Mindfulness is perceived, it’s validity in the field, and its relationship to mediating difficult topics

Increased complexity of Tmem16a/Anoctamin 1 transcript alternative splicing

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>TMEM16A (Anoctamin 1; ANO1) is an eight transmembrane protein that functions as a calcium-activated chloride channel. <it>TMEM16A </it>in human exhibits alternatively spliced exons (6b, 13 and 15), which confer important roles in the regulation of channel function. Mouse <it>Tmem16a </it>is reported to consist of 25 exons that code for a 956 amino acid protein. In this study our aim was to provide details of mouse <it>Tmem16a </it>genomic structure and to investigate if <it>Tmem16a </it>transcript undergoes alternative splicing to generate channel diversity.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We identified <it>Tmem16a </it>transcript variants consisting of alternative exons 6b, 10, 13, 14, 15 and 18. Our findings indicate that many of these exons are expressed in various combinations and that these splicing events are mostly conserved between mouse and human. In addition, we confirmed the expression of these exon variants in other mouse tissues. Additional splicing events were identified including a novel conserved exon 13b, tandem splice sites of exon 1 and 21 and two intron retention events.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results suggest that <it>Tmem16a </it>gene is significantly more complex than previously described. The complexity is especially evident in the region spanning exons 6 through 16 where a number of the alternative splicing events are thought to affect calcium sensitivity, voltage dependence and the kinetics of activation and deactivation of this calcium-activated chloride channel. The identification of multiple <it>Tmem16a </it>splice variants suggests that alternative splicing is an exquisite mechanism that operates to diversify TMEM16A channel function in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.</p

The role of telemedicine in the delivery of health care in the COVID‐19 pandemic

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/162731/2/hae14044.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/162731/1/hae14044_am.pd

Progress in the molecular biology of inherited bleeding disorders

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/73391/1/j.1365-2516.2008.01718.x.pd

Fingerprinting Soft Materials: A Framework for Characterizing Nonlinear Viscoelasticity

We introduce a comprehensive scheme to physically quantify both viscous and elastic rheological nonlinearities simultaneously, using an imposed large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) strain. The new framework naturally lends a physical interpretation to commonly reported Fourier coefficients of the nonlinear stress response. Additionally, we address the ambiguities inherent in the standard definitions of viscoelastic moduli when extended into the nonlinear regime, and define new measures which reveal behavior that is obscured by conventional techniques.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures, full-page double-space preprint forma

Emicizumab prophylaxis to facilitate anticoagulant therapy for management of intra‐atrial thrombosis in severe haemophilia with an inhibitor

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/149546/1/hae13721.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/149546/2/hae13721_am.pd

Explorations in anatomy: the remains from Royal London Hospital

This paper considers the faunal remains from recent excavations at the Royal London Hospital. The remains date to the beginning of the 19th century and offer an insight into the life of the hospital's patients and practices of the attached medical school. Many of the animal remains consist of partially dissected skeletons, including the unique finds of Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni) and Cercopithecus monkey. The hospital diet and developments in comparative anatomy are discussed by integrating the results with documentary research. They show that zooarchaeological study of later post-medieval material can significantly enhance our understanding of the exploitation of animals in this perio

Structured smoking cessation training for health professionals on cardiology wards: a prospective study.

Background: Smoking is a major cardiovascular risk factor, and smoking cessation is imperative for patients hospitalised with a cardiovascular event. This study aimed to evaluate a systems-based approach to helping hospitalised smokers quit and to identify implementation barriers. Design: Prospective intervention study followed by qualitative analysis of staff interviews Methods: The prospective intervention study assessed the effects of implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the provision of counselling and pharmacotherapy to smokers admitted to cardiology wards on counselling frequency. In addition, a qualitative analysis of staff interviews was undertaken to examine determinants of physician and nurse behaviour; this sought to understand barriers in terms of motivation, capability and/or opportunity. Results: A total of 150 smoking patients were included in the study (75 before and 75 after SOP implementation). Before the implementation of SOPs, the proportion of patients reporting to have received cessation counselling from physicians and nurses was 6.7% and 1.3%, respectively. Following SOP implementation, these proportions increased to 38.7% (p < 0.001) and 2.7% (p = 0.56), respectively. Qualitative analysis revealed that lack of motivation, e.g. role incongruence, appeared to be a major barrier. Conclusions: Introduction of a set of standard operating procedures for smoking cessation advice was effective with physicians but not nurses. Analysis of barriers to implementation highlighted lack of motivation rather than capability or opportunity as a major factor that would need to be addressed

Recognizing the need for personalization of haemophilia patient‐reported outcomes in the prophylaxis era

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134854/1/hae13066.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134854/2/hae13066_am.pd