A Virtual Reality Application of the Rubber Hand Illusion Induced by Ultrasonic Mid-air Haptic Stimulation

Ultrasonic mid-air haptic technologies, which provide haptic feedback through airwaves produced using ultrasound, could be employed to investigate the sense of body ownership and immersion in virtual reality (VR) by inducing the virtual hand illusion (VHI). Ultrasonic mid-air haptic perception has solely been investigated for glabrous (hairless) skin, which has higher tactile sensitivity than hairy skin. In contrast, the VHI paradigm typically targets hairy skin without comparisons to glabrous skin. The aim of this article was to investigate illusory body ownership, the applicability of ultrasonic mid-air haptics, and perceived immersion in VR using the VHI. Fifty participants viewed a virtual hand being stroked by a feather synchronously and asynchronously with the ultrasonic stimulation applied to the glabrous skin on the palmar surface and the hairy skin on the dorsal surface of their hands. Questionnaire responses revealed that synchronous stimulation induced a stronger VHI than asynchronous stimulation. In synchronous conditions, the VHI was stronger for palmar stimulation than dorsal stimulation. The ultrasonic stimulation was also perceived as more intense on the palmar surface compared to the dorsal surface. Perceived immersion was not related to illusory body ownership per se but was enhanced by the provision of synchronous stimulation.

A new species of Nigrobaetis Novikova & Kluge, 1987 (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae) from Tamil Nadu, India

Nigrobaetis klugei sp. nov. is described based on nymphs from the Sastha falls of Western Ghats, Southern India. The nymph of Nigrobaetis klugei sp. nov. can be distinguished from other Oriental species of Nigrobaetis by the following combination of characters: (i) dorsal surface of the labrum with 1+3 long simple stout setae on the distal half; (ii) paraproct distally not expanded, with a reduced number of spines on distal margin (three large and two small spines); (iii) paraglossae slender, approximately as wide as glossae; (iv) absence of medioproximal spots in the abdominal tergites and (v) long and pointed triangular spines at the distal margin of abdominal tergites.

Two new species of Metacyclops Kiefer, 1927 (Copepoda, Cyclopoida) from Thailand and an up-to-date key to the species recorded in Asia

Metacyclops sakaeratensis sp. nov. and M. brancelji sp. nov. are described as being present in the mountainous areas of Northeastern and Southern Thailand, respectively. Two new species resemble M. woni in both sexes, but they are easily distinguished from their Cambodian relative by having: 1) transverse suture on the dorsal surface of the genital double-somite, 2) serrated hyaline frill on the posterior margin of third pedigerous somite, 3) different length / width ratio of caudal ramus, and 4) a row of spinule on caudal surface of intercoxal sclerite of the third swimming legs. The significant differences between M. sakaeratensis sp. nov. and M. brancelji sp. nov. are present in both sexes, including the body size, integumental ornamentation of the body surface, length / width ratio of caudal ramus, armature of the fifth swimming leg, and the male sixth swimming leg. In addition, an up-to-date key to the female of all fifteen species of Metacyclops recorded in Asia is provided.

Histomorphometrical study of the tongue epithelium of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)

The aim of this study is to examine the dorsal lingual epithelium of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) of the family Falconidae. The tongue in its dorsal, lateral and ventral surfaces is covered with a non-keratinized multilayered stratified squamous epithelium. Lamina propria is present beneath the epithelial layers. Morphometrically, thickness of the apex tongue epithelium is more than that in the tongue body. Thickness of the ventral surface of the tongue is less than that in the dorsal one. Thickness of the lateral surface of the tongue was thicker than that in the ventral one and tongue body. Large and small conical papillae appeared on the posterior dorsal surface of the lingual body. There are lingual glands in certain areas of tongue body with numerous openings through the dorsal surface.

Arthroscopic Patellar Tendon Debridement and Distal Pole Osteoplasty for Recalcitrant Patellar Tendinopathy

Background: Chronic patellar tendinosis is an overuse injury of the patellar tendon that commonly afflicts jumping athletes. Indications: For patients with refractory symptoms that do not respond to extensive physical therapy and rest, surgical management may be considered. Although both open and arthroscopic treatments have been described, arthroscopic treatment allows for more direct access to the diseased dorsal portion of the tendon and allows for faster return to activities and sport. Technique Description: Arthroscopic treatment involves debridement of the diseased portion of the patella tendon and osteoplasty of the distal pole of the patella. The infrapatellar fat pad is first debrided using an arthroscopic shaver and radiofrequency ablation device to the level of the dorsal surface of the patellar tendon. Under direct arthroscopic visualization and corresponding to the location of edema noted on the magnetic resonance image, the diseased portion of the patellar tendon is gently debrided with an arthroscopic shaver. Next, an osteoplasty of the distal pole of the patella is performed to facilitate bleeding and healing of the diseased tendon as well as eliminate any mechanical impingement. Any calcifications within the enthesis can be removed using an arthroscopic biter and resector. An arthroscopic resector is then used to decorticate and smoothen the distal pole of the patella to the level of healthy, bleeding cancellous bone. Results: Significant improvements in pain and function have been reported with arthroscopic treatment for chronic patellar tendinosis. Patients can expect a 90% return to sport rate following the procedure, with return to preinjury function as soon as 3 to 5 months. This procedure is well tolerated with minimal complications reported. Discussion: Arthroscopic patellar tendon debridement and distal pole osteoplasty can be used to treat chronic patellar tendinosis refractory to nonoperative treatment. Improvements in pain and function have been reported with this technique, along with a faster return to sport compared with traditional open techniques.

Phenetic peculiarities of biochorological groups of different scales in a common frog (Rana temporaria linnaeus)

На примере серий лягушки травяной из четырех биотопов, характеризующихся разной степенью пространственной изоляции, показана перспективность изучения биохорологической структуры данного вида с применением фенетического подхода. Наиболее детальную характеристику пространственно-генетической структуры можно получить при анализе пятнистости дорзальной поверхности тела. Так же для этих целей возможно использование вариаций таких элементов рисунка покровов тела, как форма межлопаточного пятна и число полос на бедре. The prospects of studying the biochorological structure of the selected species using a phenetic approach are shown in a series of common frogs from four biotopes characterized by varying degrees of spatial isolation. The most detailed characterization of the spatial-genetic structure can be obtained by analyzing the spotting of the dorsal surface of the body. Also, for these purposes, it is possible to use variations of such elements of the body covering pattern as the shape of the interscapular spot and the number of stripes on the thigh.

A new species of the Gekko japonicus group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Khammouane Province, central Laos

A new species of the Gekko (Japonigekko) japonicus group from Khammouane Province, central Laos is described based on morphological characters and molecular evidence. Morphologically, Gekko khunkhamensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from the remaining congeners by a combination of the following characters: size moderate (SVL 69.7–75.2 mm); nares in contact with rostral; internasals absent; postmentals enlarged; interorbital scales between anterior corners of the eyes 31 or 32; dorsal tubercles absent; ventrals between mental and cloacal slit 181–185; midbody scales 127–138; ventral scales 42–45; subdigital lamellae on first toe 13 or 14, on fourth toe 14 or 15; tubercles on upper surface of fore and hind limbs absent; precloacal pores absent in the male and females; postcloacal tubercles 2; tubercles absent on dorsal surface of tail base; subcaudals distinctly enlarged; dorsal surface of body with five dark grey bands, which become irregular posteriorly. Genetically, the new species is placed in a clade, consisting of G. bonkowskii, G. nadenensis, G. scientiadventura, G. sengchanthavongi, and G. thakhekensis and differs from other congeners by at least 13% in terms of pairwise distance based on a fragment of the mitochondrial ND2 gene.

The Bilateral Sacral Origin of a Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula: A Case Report

: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) are characterized by an abnormal connection between a spinal radicular artery and a perimedullary vein, mainly fed by a radicular artery at the nerve root sleeve. Here, we describe the case of a 40-year-old woman, presenting with progressive weakness of the lower extremities and the sphincter. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed spinal cord edema and signal voids on the dorsal surface of the cord. Spinal angiography demonstrated a SDAVF with a nidus at the sacral level; the feeder of the arteriovenous fistula was a lateral sacral artery, as a branch of the internal iliac artery. The lateral sacral artery was subselectively catheterized, and SDAVF was embolized with 25% n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue (glue: lipiodol ratio, 1:3). After embolization, no definite residual connection was visualized between the arterial and venous systems.

Incidence of Patterns of Bony modification of Neck of the Talus in Indian Population

Objective: The present study is an attempt to determine the various types of bony modifications on the dorsum of the neck of the human tali of both feet due to the continuous habit of squatting in humans and correlating these findings to the existing literature. Materials and Methods: 70 tali of unknown sex, obtained from the Department of Anatomy of MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Bangalore were used for the study. The dorsal surface of talar neck was carefully examined for the presence of medial and lateral squatting facets, combined facets, continuous gutter shaped facets and extension of trochlear surface. The collected data were tabulated and percentage of each facets and trochlear extensions were calculated. Statistical analysis of data was performed. Results: Out of 70 dry human tali, lateral squatting facets were present in 29 (41.4%) bones and medial squatting facets were seen in 11 (15.7%) bones, gutter shaped facets in 12 (17.1%) tali and combined facet present in 10 (14.2%) tali. Complete absence of facet was observed in 8 tali. Lateral extension of trochlear surface on the dorsum of neck was seen in 60 (85.7%) bones and medial trochlear extension was seen in 8(11.5%) bones. Lateral squatting facets were more common on right side but medial, gutter and combined facets though less frequent were seen more on left side. Lateral extensions were more commonly seen than medial extensions. Conclusion: The knowledge of incidence of these modifications on the dorsal surfaces of neck of the talus acts as a key anthropological factor to identify the racial and regional origin of unclaimed skeleton. Hence the results of this study will be of great help for forensic experts, anthropologist who are handling the unidentified skeletons. KEY WORDS: Squatting Facets, Talus, Trochlear extensions, Sub Talar Joint Stability.