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The juggling action of six experts and six intermediates jugglers was recorded with a motion capture system and decomposed into its fundamental components through Principal Component Analysis. The aim was to quantify trends in movement dimensionality, multi-segmental patterns and rhythmicity as a function of proficiency level and task complexity. Dimensionality was quantified in terms of Residual Variance, while the Relative Amplitude was introduced to account for individual differences in movement components. We observed that: experience-related modifications in multi-segmental actions exist, such as the progressive reduction of error-correction movements, especially in complex task condition. The systematic identification of motor patterns sensitive to the acquisition of specific experience could accelerate the learning process.

This work presents the development and testing of an integrated system for on-chip detection of thermochemiluminescent biomolecules. The activation energy of the reaction is provided by a transparent structure of thin film heaters deposited on one side of a glass substrate. Light, passing through the substrate, reaches an array of amorphous silicon differential structure deposited on the opposite side of the glass substrate. The structure is designed to perform differential current measurements between a light- shielded diode, whose current is sensitive only to temperature, and a photosensor, sensitive to both incident light and temperature. The device therefore balances the thermal variations of the photodiode current and reduces the dark-current noise. These features make the presented system very appealing as highly miniaturized micro-analytical devices for biosensing applications.

In this paper we present a compact technological demonstrator including on the same glass substrate an electrowetting-on-dielectrics (EWOD) system, a linear array of amorphous silicon photosensor and a capillary-driven microfluidic channel. The proposed system comprises also a compact modular electronics controlling the digital microfluidics through the USB interface of a computer. The system provides therefore both on-chip detection and microfluidic handling needed for the realization of a ‘true’ Lab-on-Chip. The geometry of the photosensors has been designed to maximize the radiation impinging on the photosensor and to minimize the inter-site crosstalk, while the fabrication process has been optimized taking into account the compatibility of all the technological steps for the fabrication of the EWOD system, the photosensor array and the microfluidics channels. As a proof of the successful integration of the different technological steps we demonstrated the ability of the a-Si:H photosensors to detect the presence of a droplet over an EWOD electrode and the effective coupling between the digital and the continuous microfluidics, that can allow for functionalization, immobilization and recognition of biomolecules without external optical devices or microfluidic interconnections.

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate gait kinematic parameters during stair ascent and descent after fibula free flap removal for facial reconstruction. Materials and Methods Eight patients who underwent facial reconstruction with fibula free flap removal ascended and descended 3 standard steps. Their movements were recorded by a motion analyzer; gait kinematic parameters were obtained and compared with those calculated in 8 control subjects. Results Stride time, percentage of swing, and support phases did not differ among healthy and operated limbs and control subjects (Kruskal-Wallis, P > .05). No significant differences were found for hip and knee movements, pelvis rotation and tilt, and body center of mass displacements. During stair descent, the patients had significantly larger pelvis inclinations than the control subjects (P Conclusions No functional limitations during stair performance were found. The only significant difference could indicate a minor control of the pelvis and should be used to define specific rehabilitative interventions.

Summary Objective: In humans, the opening movement of the mouth requires a complex combination of rotation in the lower temporomandibular joint compartment and of translation in the upper compartment. The aim of the current study was to quantitatively assess the percentage contribution of rotation and translation movements of the mandible at maximum mouth opening in normal, healthy individuals. Design: Free, habitual movements of mouth opening were recorded in 12 men and 15 women aged 19–30 years using an optoelectronic three-dimensional motion analyser. All subjects had a sound, complete, permanent dentitions with Angle Class I jaw relationships, without cast restorations or cuspal coverage, TMJ or craniocervical disorders. For each subject, the mandibular movements at the interincisor point (occlusal plane) were reconstructed, and, using suitable mathematical algorithms, divided into their rotation and gliding components. The relative contribution of the two components to the total movement was calculated for each frame of motion. In particular, the situation at maximum opening was assessed. Results: At maximum mouth opening, on average, men had significantly larger displacement of the mandibular interincisor point (56 mm versus 46 mm) and angle of rotation (34° versus 32°), than women. The percentage of mandibular movement explained by rotation at maximum mouth opening (77%) was not influenced by sex. The degree of rotation was significantly related to the displacement of the interincisor point: in women r 2 = 87%, in men, r 2 = 45%. Conclusions: Overall, in normal subjects with a healthy stomatognathic apparatus, mouth opening was more determined by mandibular rotation than by translation.