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Production and Characterization of Porous Fibroin Scaffolds for Regenerative Medical Application
(2019)
Neuromuscular strength training of the leg extensor muscles plays an important role in the rehabilitation and prevention of age and wealth related diseases. In this paper, we focus on the design and implementation of a Cartesian admittance control scheme for isotonic training, i.e. leg extension and flexion against a predefined weight. For preliminary testing and validation of the designed algorithm an experimental research and development platform consisting of an
industrial robot and a force plate mounted at its end-effector has been used. Linear, diagonal and arbitrary two-dimensional motion trajectories with different weights for the leg extension and flexion part are applied. The proposed algorithm is easily adaptable to trajectories consisting of arbitrary six-dimensional poses and allows the implementation of individualized trajectories.
Effective training requires high muscle forces potentially leading to training-induced injuries. Thus, continuous monitoring and controlling of the loadings applied to the musculoskeletal system along the motion trajectory is required. In this paper, a norm-optimal iterative learning control algorithm for the robot-assisted training is developed. The algorithm aims at minimizing the external knee joint moment, which is commonly used to quantify the loading of the medial compartment. To estimate the external knee joint moment, a musculoskeletal lower extremity model is implemented in OpenSim and coupled with a model of an industrial robot and a force plate mounted at its end-effector. The algorithm is tested in simulation for patients with varus, normal and valgus alignment of the knee. The results show that the algorithm is able to minimize the external knee joint moment in all three cases and converges after less than seven iterations.
The MYOTONES experiment is the first to monitor changes in the basic biomechanical properties (tone, elasticity and stiffness) of the resting human myofascial system due to microgravity with a oninvasive, portable device on board the ISS. The MyotonPRO device applies several brief mechanical stimuli to the surface of the skin, and the natural oscillation signals of the tissue beneath are detected and computed by the MyotonPRO. Thus, an objective, quick and easy determination of the state of the underlying tissue is possible.
Two preflight, four inflight and four post flight measurements were performed on a male astronaut using the same 10 measurement points (MP) for each session. MPs were located on the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, M. soleus, M. gastrocnemius, M. multifidus, M. splenius capitis, M. deltoideus anterior, M. rectus femoris, infrapatellar tendon, M. tibialis anterior. Subcutaneous tissues thickness above the MPs was measured using ultrasound imaging. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) of lower limb muscles and functional tests were also performed pre- and postflight.
Our first measurements on board the ISS confirmed increased tone and stiffness of the lumbar multifidus muscle, an important trunk stabilizer, dysfunction of which is known to be associated with back pain. Furthermore, reduced tone and stiffness of Achilles tendon and plantar fascia were observed inflight vs. preflight, confirming previous findings from terrestrial analog studies and parabolic
flights. Unexpectedly, the deltoid showed negative inflight changes in tone and stiffness, and increased elasticity, suggesting a potential risk of muscle atrophy in longer spaceflight that should be addressed by adequate inflight countermeasure protocols. Most values from limb and back MPS showed deflected patterns (in either directions) from inflight shortly after the re-entry phase on the landing day and one week later. Most parameter values then normalized to baseline after 3 weeks likely due to 1G re-adaptation and possible outcome of the reconditioning protocol. No major changes in subcutaneous tissues thickness above the MPs were found inflight vs preflight, suggesting no bias (i.e., fluid shift, extreme tissue thickening or loss). Pre- and postflight MRI and functional tests showed negligible changes in calf muscle size, power and force, which is likely due to training effects from current inflight exercise protocols.
The MYOTONES experiment is currently ongoing to collect data from further crew members. The potential impact of this research is to better understand the effects of microgravity and countermeasures over the time course of an ISS mission cycle. This will enable exercise countermeasures to be tailored
Training-induced increase in Achilles tendon stiffness affects tendon strain pattern during running
(2019)
Background
During the stance phase of running, the elasticity of the Achilles tendon enables the utilisation of elastic energy and allows beneficial contractile conditions for the triceps surae muscles. However, the effect of changes in tendon mechanical properties induced by chronic loading is still poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that a training-induced increase in Achilles tendon stiffness would result in reduced tendon strain during the stance phase of running, which would reduce fascicle strains in the triceps surae muscles, particularly in the mono-articular soleus.
Methods
Eleven subjects were assigned to a training group performing isometric singleleg plantarflexion contractions three times per week for ten weeks, and another ten subjects formed a control group. Before and after the training period, Achilles tendon stiffness was estimated, and muscle-tendon mechanics were assessed during running at preferred speed using ultrasonography, kinematics and kinetics.
Results
Achilles tendon stiffness increased by 18% (P <0:01) in the training group, but the associated reduction in strain seen during isometric contractions was not statistically significant. Tendon elongation during the stance phase of running was similar after training, but tendon recoil was reduced by 30% (P <0:01), while estimated tendon force remained unchanged. Neither gastrocnemius medialis nor soleus fascicle shortening during stance was affected by training.
Discussion
These results show that a training-induced increase in Achilles tendon
stiffness altered tendon behaviour during running. Despite training-induced changes in tendon mechanical properties and recoil behaviour, the data suggest that fascicle shortening patterns were preserved for the running speed that we examined. The asymmetrical changes in tendon strain patterns supports the notion that simple inseries models do not fully explain the mechanical output of the muscle-tendon unit during a complex task like running.
In parallel to the evolution of the Planetary Defense Conference, the exploration of small solar system bodies has advanced from fast fly-bys on the sidelines of missions to the planets to the implementation of dedicated sample-return and in-situ analysis missions. Spacecraft of all sizes have landed, touch-and-go sampled, been gently beached, or impacted at hypervelocity on asteroid and comet surfaces. More have flown by close enough to image their surfaces in detail or sample their immediate environment, often as part of an extended or re-purposed mission. And finally, full-scale planetary defense experiment missions are in the making. Highly efficient low-thrust propulsion is increasingly applied beyond commercial use also in mainstream and flagship science missions, in combination with gravity assist propulsion. Another development in the same years is the growth of small spacecraft solutions, not in size but in numbers and individual capabilities. The on-going NASA OSIRIS-REx and JAXA HAYABUSA2 missions exemplify the trend as well as the upcoming NEA SCOUT mission or the landers MINERVA-II and MASCOT recently deployed on Ryugu. We outline likely as well as possible and efficient routes of continuation of all these developments towards a propellant-less and highly efficient class of spacecraft for small solar system body exploration: small spacecraft solar sails designed for carefree handling and equipped with carried landers and application modules, for all asteroid user communities –planetary science, planetary defence, and in-situ resource utilization. This projection builds on the experience gained in the development of deployable membrane structures leading up to the successful ground deployment test of a (20 m)² solar sail at DLR Cologne and in the 20 years since. It draws on the background of extensive trajectory optimization studies, the qualified technology of the DLR GOSSAMER-1 deployment demonstrator, and the MASCOT asteroid lander. These enable ‘now-term’ as well as near-term hardware solutions, and thus responsive fast-paced development. Mission types directly applicable to planetary defense include: single and Multiple NEA Rendezvous ((M)NR) for mitigation precursor, target monitoring and deflection follow-up tasks; sail-propelled head-on retrograde kinetic impactors (RKI) for mitigation; and deployable membrane based methods to modify the asteroid’s properties or interact with it. The DLR-ESTEC GOSSAMER Roadmap initiated studies of missions uniquely feasible with solar sails such as Displaced L1 (DL1) space weather advance warning and monitoring and Solar Polar Orbiter (SPO) delivery which demonstrate the capability of near-term solar sails to achieve NEA rendezvous in any kind of orbit, from Earth-coorbital to extremely inclined and even retrograde orbits. For those mission types using separable payloads, such as SPO, (M)NR and RKI, design concepts can be derived from the separable Boom Sail Deployment Units characteristic of DLR GOSSAMER solar sail technology, nanolanders like MASCOT, or microlanders like the JAXA-DLR Jupiter Trojan Asteroid Lander for the OKEANOS mission which can shuttle from the sail to the asteroids visited and enable multiple NEA sample-return missions. These are an ideal match for solar sails in micro-spacecraft format whose launch configurations are compatible with ESPA and ASAP secondary payload platforms.
Searching optimal continuous-thrust trajectories is usually a difficult and time-consuming task. The solution quality of traditional optimal-control methods depends strongly on an adequate initial guess because the solution is typically close to the initial guess, which may be far from the (unknown) global optimum. Evolutionary neurocontrol attacks continuous-thrust optimization problems from the perspective of artificial intelligence and machine learning, combining artificial neural networks and evolutionary algorithms. This chapter describes the method and shows some example results for single- and multi-phase continuous-thrust trajectory optimization problems to assess its performance. Evolutionary neurocontrol can explore the trajectory search space more exhaustively than a human expert can do with traditional optimal-control methods. Especially for difficult problems, it usually finds solutions that are closer to the global optimum. Another fundamental advantage is that continuous-thrust trajectories can be optimized without an initial guess and without expert supervision.
Postural and metabolic benefits of using a forearm support walker in older adults with impairments
(2019)
System und Verfahren zur Durchführung von Messungen biaxialer und kreuzförmiger Zugversuche, wobei ein Weg oder eine Kraft auf eine Materialprobe über mindestens zwei Nadelarme mit Nadeln geleitet wird, die in einem Gehäuse gelagert sind, wobei die Arme und/oder Nadelarme für eine ungehinderte Querkontraktion bei gleichmäßiger Lasteinleitung um eine Achse drehbar gelagert und seitlich auslenkbar sind.
A new in vitro tool to investigate cardiac contractility under physiological mechanical conditions
(2019)
The discovery of human induced pluripotent stem cells reprogrammed from somatic cells [1] and their ability to differentiate into cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) has provided a robust platform for drug screening [2]. Drug screenings are essential in the development of new components, particularly for evaluating the potential of drugs to induce life-threatening pro-arrhythmias. Between 1988 and 2009, 14 drugs have been removed from the market for this reason [3]. The microelectrode array (MEA) technique is a robust tool for drug screening as it detects the field potentials (FPs) for the entire cell culture. Furthermore, the propagation of the field potential can be examined on an electrode basis. To analyze MEA measurements in detail, we have developed an open-source tool.
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have shown to be promising in disease studies and drug screenings [1]. Cardiomyocytes derived from hiPSCs have been extensively investigated using patch-clamping and optical methods to compare their electromechanical behaviour relative to fully matured adult cells. Mathematical models can be used for translating findings on hiPSCCMs to adult cells [2] or to better understand the mechanisms of various ion channels when a drug is applied [3,4]. Paci et al. (2013) [3] developed the first model of hiPSC-CMs, which they later refined based on new data [3]. The model is based on iCells® (Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics, Inc. (FCDI), Madison WI, USA) but major differences among several cell lines and even within a single cell line have been found and motivate an approach for creating sample-specific models. We have developed an optimisation algorithm that parameterises the conductances (in S/F=Siemens/Farad) of the latest Paci et al. model (2018) [5] using current-voltage data obtained in individual patch-clamp experiments derived from an automated patch clamp system (Patchliner, Nanion Technologies GmbH, Munich).
Hypertension describes the pathological increase of blood pressure, which is most commonly associated with the increase of vascular wall stiffness [1]. Referring to the “Deutsche Bluthochdruck Liga” this pathology shows a growing trend in our aging society. In order to find novel pharmacological and probably personalized treatments, we want to present a functional approach to study biomechanical properties of a human aortic vascular model.
In this method review we will give an overview of recent studies which were carried out with the CellDrum technology [2] and underline the added value to already existing standard procedures known from the field of physiology.
Herein described CellDrum technology is a system to measure functional mechanical properties of cell monolayers and thin tissue constructs in-vitro. Additionally, the CellDrum enables to elucidate the mechanical response of cells to pharmacological drugs, toxins and vasoactive agents. Due to its highly flexible polymer support, cells can also be mechanically stimulated by steady and cyclic biaxial stretching.
Clearance of blood components and fluid drainage play a crucial role in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and post hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH). With the involvement of interstitial fluid (ISF) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), two pathways for the clearance of fluid and solutes in the brain are proposed. Starting at the level of capillaries, flow of ISF follows along the basement membranes in the walls of cerebral arteries out of the parenchyma to drain into the lymphatics and CSF [1]–[3]. Conversely, it is shown that CSF enters the parenchyma between glial and pial basement membranes of penetrating arteries [4]–[6]. Nevertheless, the involved structures and the contribution of either flow pathway to fluid balance between the subarachnoid space and interstitial space remains controversial. Low frequency oscillations in vascular tone are referred to as vasomotion and corresponding vasomotion waves are modeled as the driving force for flow of ISF out of the parenchyma [7]. Retinal vessel analysis (RVA) allows non-invasive measurement of retinal vessel vasomotion with respect to diameter changes [8]. Thus, the aim of the study is to investigate vasomotion in RVA signals of SAH and PHH patients.
Recognition of subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by the use of retinal arterial vessels.
(2019)
The recently discovered first high velocity hyperbolic objects passing through the Solar System, 1I/'Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov, have raised the question about near term missions to Interstellar Objects. In situ spacecraft exploration of these objects will allow the direct determination of both their structure and their chemical and isotopic composition, enabling an entirely new way of studying small bodies from outside our solar system. In this paper, we map various Interstellar Object classes to mission types, demonstrating that missions to a range of Interstellar Object classes are feasible, using existing or near-term technology. We describe flyby, rendezvous and sample return missions to interstellar objects, showing various ways to explore these bodies characterizing their surface, dynamics, structure and composition. Interstellar objects likely formed very far from the solar system in both time and space; their direct exploration will constrain their formation and history, situating them within the dynamical and chemical evolution of the Galaxy. These mission types also provide the opportunity to explore solar system bodies and perform measurements in the far outer solar system.
Purpose
The aim of this study was to compare several osteosynthesis techniques (intramedullary headless compression screws, T-plates, and Kirschner wires) for distal epiphyseal fractures of proximal phalanges in a human cadaveric model.
Methods
A total of 90 proximal phalanges from 30 specimens (index, ring, and middle fingers) were used for this study. After stripping off all soft tissue, a transverse distal epiphyseal fracture was simulated at the proximal phalanx. The 30 specimens were randomly assigned to 1 fixation technique (30 per technique), either a 3.0-mm intramedullary headless compression screw, locking plate fixation with a 2.0-mm T-plate, or 2 oblique 1.0-mm Kirschner wires. Displacement analysis (bending, distraction, and torsion) was performed using optical tracking of an applied random speckle pattern after osteosynthesis. Biomechanical testing was performed with increasing cyclic loading and with cyclic load to failure using a biaxial torsion-tension testing machine.
Results
Cannulated intramedullary compression screws showed significantly less displacement at the fracture site in torsional testing. Furthermore, screws were significantly more stable in bending testing. Kirschner wires were significantly less stable than plating or screw fixation in any cyclic load to failure test setup.
Conclusions
Intramedullary compression screws are a highly stable alternative in the treatment of transverse distal epiphyseal phalangeal fractures. Kirschner wires seem to be inferior regarding displacement properties and primary stability.
Clinical relevance
Fracture fixation of phalangeal fractures using plate osteosynthesis may have the advantage of a very rigid reduction, but disadvantages such as stiffness owing to the more invasive surgical approach and soft tissue irritation should be taken into account. Headless compression screws represent a minimally invasive choice for fixation with good biomechanical properties.
Pressure distribution to the distal biceps tendon at the radial tuberosity: a biomechanical study
(2020)
Purpose
Mechanical impingement at the narrow radioulnar space of the tuberosity is believed to be an etiological factor in the injury of the distal biceps tendon. The aim of the study was to compare the pressure distribution at the proximal radioulnar space between 2 fixation techniques and the intact state.
Methods
Six right arms and 6 left arms from 5 female and 6 male frozen specimens were used for this study. A pressure transducer was introduced at the height of the radial tuberosity with the intact distal biceps tendon and after 2 fixation methods: the suture-anchor and the cortical button technique. The force (N), maximum pressure (kPa) applied to the radial tuberosity, and the contact area (mm²) of the radial tuberosity with the ulna were measured and differences from the intact tendon were detected from 60° supination to 60° pronation in 15° increments with the elbow in full extension and in 45° and 90° flexion of the elbow.
Results
With the distal biceps tendon intact, the pressures during pronation were similar regardless of extension and flexion and were the highest at 60° pronation with 90° elbow flexion (23.3 ± 53.5 kPa). After repair of the tendon, the mean peak pressure, contact area, and total force showed an increase regardless of the fixation technique. Highest peak pressures were found using the cortical button technique at 45° flexion of the elbow and 60° pronation. These differences were significantly different from the intact tendon. The contact area was significantly larger in full extension and 15°, 30°, and 60° pronation using the cortical button technique.
Conclusions
Pressures on the distal biceps tendon at the radial tuberosity increase during pronation, especially after repair of the tendon.
Clinical relevance
Mechanical impingement could play a role in both the etiology of primary distal biceps tendon ruptures and the complications occurring after fixation of the tendon using certain techniques.
In this chapter, the key technologies and the instrumentation required for the subsurface exploration of ocean worlds are discussed. The focus is laid on Jupiter’s moon Europa and Saturn’s moon Enceladus because they have the highest potential for such missions in the near future. The exploration of their oceans requires landing on the surface, penetrating the thick ice shell with an ice-penetrating probe, and probably diving with an underwater vehicle through dozens of kilometers of water to the ocean floor, to have the chance to find life, if it exists. Technologically, such missions are extremely challenging. The required key technologies include power generation, communications, pressure resistance, radiation hardness, corrosion protection, navigation, miniaturization, autonomy, and sterilization and cleaning. Simpler mission concepts involve impactors and penetrators or – in the case of Enceladus – plume-fly-through missions.
Background
Osteoporosis is associated with the risk of fractures near the hip. Age and comorbidities increase the perioperative risk. Due to the ageing population, fracture of the proximal femur also proves to be a socio-economic problem. Preventive surgical measures have hardly been used so far.
Methods
10 pairs of human femora from fresh cadavers were divided into control and low-volume femoroplasty groups and subjected to a Hayes fall-loading fracture test. The results of the respective localization and classification of the fracture site, the Singh index determined by computed tomography (CT) examination and the parameters in terms of fracture force, work to fracture and stiffness were evaluated statistically and with the finite element method. In addition, a finite element parametric study with different position angles and variants of the tubular geometry of the femoroplasty was performed.
Findings
Compared to the control group, the work to fracture could be increased by 33.2%. The fracture force increased by 19.9%. The used technique and instrumentation proved to be standardized and reproducible with an average poly(methyl methacrylate) volume of 10.5 ml. The parametric study showed the best results for the selected angle and geometry.
Interpretation
The cadaver studies demonstrated the biomechanical efficacy of the low-volume tubular femoroplasty. The numerical calculations confirmed the optimal choice of positioning as well as the inner and outer diameter of the tube in this setting. The standardized minimally invasive technique with the instruments developed for it could be used in further comparative studies to confirm the measured biomechanical results.
Combining physiological relevance and throughput for in vitro cardiac contractility measurement
(2020)
Despite increasing acceptance of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) in safety pharmacology, controversy remains about the physiological relevance of existing in vitro models for their mechanical testing. We hypothesize that existing signs of immaturity of the cell models result from an improper mechanical environment. We cultured hiPSC-CMs in a 96-well format on hyperelastic silicone membranes imitating their native mechanical environment, resulting in physiological responses to compound stimuli.We validated cell responses on the FLEXcyte 96, with a set of reference compounds covering a broad range of cellular targets, including ion channel modulators, adrenergic receptor modulators and kinase inhibitors. Acute (10 - 30 min) and chronic (up to 7 days) effects were investigated. Furthermore, the measurements were complemented with electromechanical models based on electrophysiological recordings of the used cell types.hiPSC-CMs were cultured on freely-swinging, ultra-thin and hyperelastic silicone membranes. The weight of the cell culture medium deflects the membranes downwards. Rhythmic contraction of the hiPSC-CMs resulted in dynamic deflection changes which were quantified by capacitive distance sensing. The cells were cultured for 7 days prior to compound addition. Acute measurements were conducted 10-30 minutes after compound addition in standard culture medium. For chronic treatment, compound-containing medium was replaced daily for up to 7 days. Electrophysiological properties of the employed cell types were recorded by automated patch-clamp (Patchliner) and the results were integrated into the electromechanical model of the system.Calcium channel agonist S Bay K8644 and beta-adrenergic stimulator isoproterenol induced significant positive inotropic responses without additional external stimulation. Kinase inhibitors displayed cardiotoxic effects on a functional level at low concentrations. The system-integrated analysis detected alterations in beating shape as well as frequency and arrhythmic events and we provide a quantitative measure of these.
Muscular activity in terms of surface electromyography (sEMG) is usually normalised to maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs). This study aims to compare two different MVIC-modes in handcycling and examine the effect of moving average window-size. Twelve able-bodied male competitive triathletes performed ten MVICs against manual resistance and four sport-specific trials against fixed cranks. sEMG of ten muscles [M. trapezius (TD); M. pectoralis major (PM); M. deltoideus, Pars clavicularis (DA); M. deltoideus, Pars spinalis (DP); M. biceps brachii (BB); M. triceps brachii (TB); forearm flexors (FC); forearm extensors (EC); M. latissimus dorsi (LD) and M. rectus abdominis (RA)] was recorded and filtered using moving average window-sizes of 150, 200, 250 and 300 ms. Sport-specific MVICs were higher compared to manual resistance for TB, DA, DP and LD, whereas FC, TD, BB and RA demonstrated lower values. PM and EC demonstrated no significant difference between MVIC-modes. Moving average window-size had no effect on MVIC outcomes. MVIC-mode should be taken into account when normalised sEMG data are illustrated in handcycling. Sport-specific MVICs seem to be suitable for some muscles (TB, DA, DP and LD), but should be augmented by MVICs against manual/mechanical resistance for FC, TD, BB and RA.
In this study, we describe the manufacturing and characterization of silk fibroin membranes derived from the silkworm Bombyx mori. To date, the dissolution process used in this study has only been researched to a limited extent, although it entails various potential advantages, such as reduced expenses and the absence of toxic chemicals in comparison to other conventional techniques. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the influence of different fibroin concentrations on the process output and resulting membrane properties. Casted membranes were thus characterized with regard to their mechanical, structural and optical assets via tensile testing, SEM, light microscopy and spectrophotometry. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using BrdU, XTT, and LDH assays, followed by live–dead staining. The formic acid (FA) dissolution method was proven to be suitable for the manufacturing of transparent and mechanically stable membranes. The fibroin concentration affects both thickness and transparency of the membranes. The membranes did not exhibit any signs of cytotoxicity. When compared to other current scientific and technical benchmarks, the manufactured membranes displayed promising potential for various biomedical applications. Further research is nevertheless necessary to improve reproducible manufacturing, including a more uniform thickness, less impurity and physiological pH within the membranes.
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the biomechanics of handcycling during a continuous load trial (CLT) to assess the mechanisms underlying fatigue in upper body exercise.
Methods
Twelve able-bodied triathletes performed a 30-min CLT at a power output corresponding to lactate threshold in a racing recumbent handcycle mounted on a stationary ergometer. During the CLT, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), tangential crank kinetics, 3D joint kinematics, and muscular activity of ten muscles of the upper extremity and trunk were examined using motion capturing and surface electromyography.
Results
During the CLT, spontaneously chosen cadence and RPE increased, whereas crank torque decreased. Rotational work was higher during the pull phase. Peripheral RPE was higher compared to central RPE. Joint range of motion decreased for elbow-flexion and radial-duction. Integrated EMG (iEMG) increased in the forearm flexors, forearm extensors, and M. deltoideus (Pars spinalis). An earlier onset of activation was found for M. deltoideus (Pars clavicularis), M. pectoralis major, M. rectus abdominis, M. biceps brachii, and the forearm flexors.
Conclusion
Fatigue-related alterations seem to apply analogously in handcycling and cycling. The most distal muscles are responsible for force transmission on the cranks and might thus suffer most from neuromuscular fatigue. The findings indicate that peripheral fatigue (at similar lactate values) is higher in handcycling compared to leg cycling, at least for inexperienced participants. An increase in cadence might delay peripheral fatigue by a reduced vascular occlusion. We assume that the gap between peripheral and central fatigue can be reduced by sport-specific endurance training.
We compare four different algorithms for automatically estimating the muscle fascicle angle from ultrasonic images: the vesselness filter, the Radon transform, the projection profile method and the gray level cooccurence matrix (GLCM). The algorithm results are compared to ground truth data generated by three different experts on 425 image frames from two videos recorded during different types of motion. The best agreement with the ground truth data was achieved by a combination of pre-processing with a vesselness filter and measuring the angle with the projection profile method. The robustness of the estimation is increased by applying the algorithms to subregions with high gradients and performing a LOESS fit through these estimates.
The problem of creation and use of sorption materials is of current interest for the practice of the modern medicine and agriculture. Practical importance is production of a biostimulant using a carbon sorbent for a significant increase in productivity, which is very relevant for the regions of Kazakhstan. It is known that a plant phytohormone—fusicoccin—in nanogram concentrations transforms cancer cells to the state of apoptosis. In this regard, there is a scientific practical interest in the development of a highly efficient method for producing fusicoccin from extract of germinated wheat seeds. According to the results of computer modeling, cleaning composite components of fusicoccin using microporous carbon adsorbents not suitable as the size of the molecule of fusicoccin more than micropores and the optimum pore size for purification of constituents of fusicoccin was determined by computer simulation.
BACKGROUND: Muscle stretch reflexes are widely used to examine neural muscle function. The knowledge of reflex response in muscles crossing the shoulder is limited. OBJECTIVE: To quantify reflex modulation according to various subject postures and different procedures of muscle pre-activation steering. METHODS: Thirteen healthy male participants performed two sets of external shoulder rotation stretches in various positions and with different procedures of muscle pre-activation steering on an isokinetic dynamometer over a range of two different pre-activation levels. All stretches were applied with a dynamometer acceleration of 104∘/s2 and a velocity of 150∘/s. Electromyographical response was measured via sEMG. RESULTS: Consistent reflexive response was observed in all tested muscles in all experimental conditions. The reflex elicitation rate revealed a significant muscle main effect (F (5,288) = 2.358, ρ= 0.040; η2= 0.039; f= 0.637) and a significant test condition main effect (F (1,288) = 5.884, ρ= 0.016; η2= 0.020; f= 0.143). Reflex latency revealed a significant muscle pre-activation level main effect (F (1,274) = 5.008, ρ= 0.026; η2= 0.018; f= 0.469). CONCLUSION: Muscular reflexive response was more consistent in the primary internal rotators of the shoulder. Supine posture in combination with visual feedback of muscle pre-activation level enhanced the reflex elicitation rate.
Exercise training effectively mitigates aging-induced health and fitness impairments. Traditional training recommendations for the elderly focus separately on relevant physiological fitness domains, such as balance, flexibility, strength and endurance. Thus, a more holistic and functional training framework is needed. The proposed agility training concept integratively tackles spatial orientation, stop and go, balance and strength. The presented protocol aims at introducing a two-armed, one-year randomized controlled trial, evaluating the effects of this concept on neuromuscular, cardiovascular, cognitive and psychosocial health outcomes in healthy older adults. Eighty-five participants were enrolled in this ongoing trial. Seventy-nine participants completed baseline testing and were block-randomized to the agility training group or the inactive control group. All participants undergo pre- and post-testing with interim assessment after six months. The intervention group currently receives supervised, group-based agility training twice a week over one year, with progressively demanding perceptual, cognitive and physical exercises. Knee extension strength, reactive balance, dual task gait speed and the Agility Challenge for the Elderly (ACE) serve as primary endpoints and neuromuscular, cognitive, cardiovascular, and psychosocial meassures serve as surrogate secondary outcomes. Our protocol promotes a comprehensive exercise training concept for older adults, that might facilitate stakeholders in health and exercise to stimulate relevant health outcomes without relying on excessively time-consuming physical activity recommendations.
To prevent the reduction of muscle mass and loss of strength coming along with the human aging process, regular training with e.g. a leg press is suitable. However, the risk of training-induced injuries requires the continuous monitoring and controlling of the forces applied to the musculoskeletal system as well as the velocity along the motion trajectory and the range of motion. In this paper, an adaptive norm-optimal iterative learning control algorithm to minimize the knee joint loadings during the leg extension training with an industrial robot is proposed. The response of the algorithm is tested in simulation for patients with varus, normal and valgus alignment of the knee and compared to the results of a higher-order iterative learning control algorithm, a robust iterative learning control and a recently proposed conventional norm-optimal iterative learning control algorithm. Although significant improvements in performance are made compared to the conventional norm-optimal iterative learning control algorithm with a small learning factor, for the developed approach as well as the robust iterative learning control algorithm small steady state errors occur.