scholarly journals Discriminating tactile speed in absence of raised texture elements: Role of deformation and vibratory cues

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Moscatelli ◽  
Colleen P. Ryan ◽  
Simone Ciotti ◽  
Lucia Cosentino ◽  
Marc O. Ernst ◽  
...  

AbstractMotion encoding in touch relies on multiple cues, such as displacements of traceable texture elements, friction-induced vibrations, and gross fingertip deformations by shear force. We evaluated the role of deformation and vibration cues in tactile speed discrimination. To this end, we tested the discrimination of speed of a moving smooth glass plate, and compared the precision of the responses when the same task was performed with a plate having a fine texture. Participants performed the task with and without masking vibrations. Speed discrimination was nearly as precise among the two surface types, as assessed by the steep slope of the psychometric function. Consistent with our previous work, high-frequency vibrations impaired the ability of the participants in discriminating surface speed. Results of the current study showed that it is possible to discriminate motion speed even in absence of a raised texture.HighlightsOn a smooth surface, humans are able to discriminate the speed of a moving surface by frictional motion cuesThe precision of speed discrimination is nearly the same with smooth and fine-textured surface typesHigh frequency vibrations impair the ability to discriminate speed of moving surfaces


2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (6) ◽  
pp. 3131-3139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris J. Dallmann ◽  
Marc O. Ernst ◽  
Alessandro Moscatelli

The relative motion between the surface of an object and our fingers produces patterns of skin deformation such as stretch, indentation, and vibrations. In this study, we hypothesized that motion-induced vibrations are combined with other tactile cues for the discrimination of tactile speed. Specifically, we hypothesized that vibrations provide a critical cue to tactile speed on surfaces lacking individually detectable features like dots or ridges. Thus masking vibrations unrelated to slip motion should impair the discriminability of tactile speed, and the effect should be surface-dependent. To test this hypothesis, we measured the precision of participants in discriminating the speed of moving surfaces having either a fine or a ridged texture, while adding masking vibratory noise in the working range of the fast-adapting mechanoreceptive afferents. Vibratory noise significantly reduced the precision of speed discrimination, and the effect was much stronger on the fine-textured than on the ridged surface. On both surfaces, masking vibrations at intermediate frequencies of 64 Hz (65-μm peak-to-peak amplitude) and 128 Hz (10 μm) had the strongest effect, followed by high-frequency vibrations of 256 Hz (1 μm) and low-frequency vibrations of 32 Hz (50 and 25 μm). These results are consistent with our hypothesis that slip-induced vibrations concur to the discrimination of tactile speed.



Author(s):  
S. R. Rakhmanov

In some cases, the processes of piercing or expanding pipe blanks involve the use of high-frequency active vibrations. However, due to insufficient knowledge, these processes are not widely used in the practice of seamless pipes production. In particular, the problems of increasing the efficiency of the processes of piercing or expanding a pipe blank at a piercing press using high-frequency vibrations are being solved without proper research and, as a rule, by experiments. The elaboration of modern technological processes for the production of seamless pipes using high-frequency vibrations is directly related to the choice of rational modes of metal deformation and the prediction resistance indicators of technological tools and the reliability of equipment operation. The creation of a mathematical model of the process of vibrating piercing (expansion) of an axisymmetric pipe blank at a piercing press of a pipe press facility is an actual task. A calculation scheme for the process of piercing a pipe plank has been elaborated. A dependence was obtained characterizing the speed of front of plastic deformation propagation on the speed of penetration of a vibrated axisymmetric mandrel into the pipe workpiece being pierced. The dynamic characteristics of the occurrence of wave phenomena in the metal being pierced under the influence of a vibrated tool have been determined, which significantly complements the previously known ideas about the stress-strain state of the metal in the deformation zone. The deformation fields in the zones of the disturbed region of the deformation zone were established, taking into account the high-frequency vibrations of the technological tool. It has been established that the choice of rational parameters (amplitude-frequency characteristics) of the vibration piercing process of a pipe blank results in significant increase in the efficiency of the process, the durability of the technological tool and the quality of the pierced blanks.



2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (1(I)) ◽  
pp. 64-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. Gadenin

The cycle configuration at two-frequency loading regimes depends on the number of parameters including the absolute values of the frequencies and amplitudes of the low-frequency and high-frequency loads added during this mode, the ratio of their frequencies and amplitudes, as well as the phase shift between these harmonic components, the latter having a significant effect only with a small ratio of frequencies. Presence of such two-frequency regimes or service loading conditions for parts of machines and structures schematized by them can significantly reduce their endurance. Using the results of experimental studies of changes in the endurance of a two-frequency loading of specimens of cyclically stable, cyclically softened and cyclically hardened steels under rigid conditions we have shown that decrease in the endurance under the aforementioned conditions depends on the ratio of frequencies and amplitudes of operation low-frequency low-cycle and high-frequency vibration stresses, and, moreover, the higher the level of the ratios of amplitudes and frequencies of those stacked harmonic processes of loading the greater the effect. It is shown that estimation of such a decrease in the endurance compared to a single frequency loading equal in the total stress (strains) amplitudes can be carried out using an exponential expression coupling those endurances through a parameter (reduction factor) containing the ratio of frequencies and amplitudes of operation cyclic loads and characteristic of the material. The reduction is illustrated by a set of calculation-experimental curves on the corresponding diagrams for each of the considered types of materials and compared with the experimental data.



Author(s):  
Krista Rantakari ◽  
Olli-Pekka Rinta-Koski ◽  
Marjo Metsäranta ◽  
Jaakko Hollmén ◽  
Simo Särkkä ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANs) are at risk of neurodevelopmental impairments that may originate in early NICU care. We hypothesized that early oxygen saturations (SpO2), arterial pO2 levels, and supplemental oxygen (FiO2) would associate with later neuroanatomic changes. Methods SpO2, arterial blood gases, and FiO2 from 73 ELGANs (GA 26.4 ± 1.2; BW 867 ± 179 g) during the first 3 postnatal days were correlated with later white matter injury (WM, MRI, n = 69), secondary cortical somatosensory processing in magnetoencephalography (MEG-SII, n = 39), Hempel neurological examination (n = 66), and developmental quotients of Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales (GMDS, n = 58). Results The ELGANs with later WM abnormalities exhibited lower SpO2 and pO2 levels, and higher FiO2 need during the first 3 days than those with normal WM. They also had higher pCO2 values. The infants with abnormal MEG-SII showed opposite findings, i.e., displayed higher SpO2 and pO2 levels and lower FiO2 need, than those with better outcomes. Severe WM changes and abnormal MEG-SII were correlated with adverse neurodevelopment. Conclusions Low oxygen levels and high FiO2 need during the NICU care associate with WM abnormalities, whereas higher oxygen levels correlate with abnormal MEG-SII. The results may indicate certain brain structures being more vulnerable to hypoxia and others to hyperoxia, thus emphasizing the role of strict saturation targets. Impact This study indicates that both abnormally low and high oxygen levels during early NICU care are harmful for later neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm neonates. Specific brain structures seem to be vulnerable to low and others to high oxygen levels. The findings may have clinical implications as oxygen is one of the most common therapies given in NICUs. The results emphasize the role of strict saturation targets during the early postnatal period in preterm infants.



2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (12) ◽  
pp. 852.3-853
Author(s):  
Angharad Griffiths ◽  
Ikechukwu Okafor ◽  
Thomas Beattie

Aims/Objectives/BackgroundVP shunts are used to drain CSF from the cranial vault because of a wide range of pathologies and, like any piece of hardware, can fail. Traditionally investigations include SSR and CT. This project examines the role of SSR in evaluating children with suspected VP shunt failure.Primary outcome: Sensitivity and specificity of SSR in children presenting to the CED with concern for shunt failure.Methods/DesignConducted in a single centre, tertiary CED of the national Irish Neurosurgical(NS) referral centre (ED attendance:>50,000 patients/year). 100 sequential SSR requested by the CED were reviewed. Clinical information was extracted from electronic requests. Shunt failure was defined by the need for NS intervention(Revision).Abstract 332 Figure 1Abstract 332 Figure 2Results/ConclusionsSensitivity and specificity is presented in figure 1 (two by two table).100 radiographs performed in 84 children.22% shunts revised (see flow diagram).7 SSR’s were abnormal.85% (n=6) shunts revised. [5 following abnormal CT].Of the normal SSR’s; 16 had abnormal CT and revised.85/100 received CT.64 of 85 CT’s (75%) were normal.□6 of the 64 had focal shunt concern.SSR’s shouldn’t be used in isolation. NPV&PPV, Sensitivity&Specificity is low.SSR’s are beneficial where there’s concern over focal shunt problems (injury/pain/swelling) or following abnormal CT.VP shunt failure is not well investigated with SSR alone.SSR’s could be omitted where there is no focal shunt concern/after normal CT (without impacting clinical outcome) reducing radiation exposure and reduce impact on CED’s.59 SSR’s could have been avoided without adverse clinical outcome.



Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 784
Author(s):  
Shinji Okaniwa

The most important role of ultrasound (US) in the management of gallbladder (GB) lesions is to detect lesions earlier and differentiate them from GB carcinoma (GBC). To avoid overlooking lesions, postural changes and high-frequency transducers with magnified images should be employed. GB lesions are divided into polypoid lesions (GPLs) and wall thickening (GWT). For GPLs, classification into pedunculated and sessile types should be done first. This classification is useful not only for the differential diagnosis but also for the depth diagnosis, as pedunculated carcinomas are confined to the mucosa. Both rapid GB wall blood flow (GWBF) and the irregularity of color signal patterns on Doppler imaging, and heterogeneous enhancement in the venous phase on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) suggest GBC. Since GWT occurs in various conditions, subdividing into diffuse and focal forms is important. Unlike diffuse GWT, focal GWT is specific for GB and has a higher incidence of GBC. The discontinuity and irregularity of the innermost hyperechoic layer and irregular or disrupted GB wall layer structure suggest GBC. Rapid GWBF is also useful for the diagnosis of wall-thickened type GBC and pancreaticobiliary maljunction. Detailed B-mode evaluation using high-frequency transducers, combined with Doppler imaging and CEUS, enables a more accurate diagnosis.



2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison C. Cleary ◽  
Maria C. Casas ◽  
Edward G. Durbin ◽  
Jaime Gómez-Gutiérrez

AbstractThe keystone role of Antarctic krill,Euphausia superbaDana, in Southern Ocean ecosystems, means it is essential to understand the factors controlling their abundance and secondary production. One such factor that remains poorly known is the role of parasites. A recent study of krill diet using DNA analysis of gut contents provided a snapshot of the parasites present within 170E. superbaguts in a small area along the West Antarctic Peninsula. These parasites includedMetschnikowiaspp. fungi,Haptoglossasp. peronosporomycetes,LankesteriaandParalecudinaspp. apicomplexa,Stegophorussp. nematodes, andPseudocolliniaspp. ciliates. Of these parasites,Metschnikowiaspp. fungi andPseudocolliniaspp. ciliates had previously been observed inE. superba, as had other genera of apicomplexans, though notLankesteriaandParalecudina.In contrast, nematodes had previously only been observed in eggs ofE. superba, and there are no literature reports of peronosporomycetes in euphausiids.Pseudocolliniaspp., parasitoids which obligately kill their host, were the most frequently observed infection, with a prevalence of 12%. The wide range of observed parasites and the relatively high frequency of infections suggest parasites may play a more important role than previously acknowledged inE. superbaecology and population dynamics.



2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-311
Author(s):  
T.-Y. Zhao ◽  
H.-Q. Yuan ◽  
B.-B. Li ◽  
Z.-J. Li ◽  
L.-M. Liu

AbstractThe analysis method is developed to obtain dynamic characteristics of the rotating cantilever plate with thermal shock and tip-rub. Based on the variational principle, equations of motion are derived considering the differences between rubbing forces in the width direction of the plate. The transverse deformation is decomposed into quasi-static deformation of the cantilever plate with thermal shock and dynamic deformation of the rubbing plate under thermal shock. Then deformations are obtained through the calculation of modal characteristics of rotating cantilever plate and temperature distribution function. Special attention is paid to the influence of tip-rub and thermal shock on the plate. The results show that tip-rub has the characteristics of multiple frequency vibrations, and high frequency vibrations are significant. On the contrary, thermal shock shows the low frequency vibrations. The thermal shock makes the rubbing plate gradually change into low frequency vibrations. Because rub-induced vibrations are more complicated than those caused by thermal shock, tip-rub is easier to result in the destruction of the blade. The increasing friction coefficient intensifies vibrations of the rubbing plate. Minimizing friction coefficients can be an effective way to reduce rub-induced damage through reducing the surface roughness between the blade tip and the inner surface of the casing.



2008 ◽  
Vol 336 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svetlana M. Zenkovskaya ◽  
Vasili A. Novosiadliy


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