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Passive matrix (PM) technologies are widely used in various fields (e.g., manufacturing, human sensing, and robotics) to visualize the tactile pressure distribution. These technologies are powerful addressing methods with simple structures, low cost, and easy fabrication steps. However, crosstalk problems have been pointed out, especially in high-resolution fields. To prevent a crosstalk occurrence, we adapt active-matrix (AM) technologies for ultrafine tactile imaging. In this work, two-dimensional (2D) tactile sensors are prepared using AM arrays fabricated through standard display processes. Pressure-sensitive resistor sheets are then attached. The sensors have 6720 px in a 90 × 90 mm sensing area with a 1.1 mm pixel pitch. The crosstalk is evaluated by pressurizing the control area of the sensor and measuring the output in the non-pressurized area. No pixel is affected by the pressure outside the pixel itself, or no crosstalk occurs. For a demonstration, static pressure from soft toy balls and dynamic foot pressure during walking are loaded to the 2D tactile sensors. The differences in the contact mode by the ball type and the pressure of each finger are observed, thanks to the 1.1 mm-pitch without crosstalk. The 2D tactile sensors presented herein will contribute to the fundamental understanding of the contact interface and will have practical usage in sport sciences, biometric identifications, and tactile sensation of robots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal dosage of methotrexate (MTX) for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis after cord blood transplantation (CBT) has not been well elucidated. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study comparing a mini-MTX group (5 mg/m2 on day 1, 3 and 6) to a short-MTX group (10 mg/m2 on day 1 and 7 mg/m2 on day 3 and 6) after CBT. Sixty-three patients were classified as the mini-MTX group and 20 as the short-MTX group. The median time and cumulative incidence of neutrophil engraftment did not vary between the two groups. The cumulative incidence of grade 2–4 and grade 3–4 acute GVHD was similar in both groups. Overall survival in the mini-MTX group was significantly lower than in the short-MTX group (46.9% vs. 88.7% at 1 year, p < 0.01), contributing to higher non-relapse mortality (NRM) in the mini-MTX group (32.0% vs. 5.0% at 1 year, p = 0.02). In multivariate analysis, the mini-MTX regimen was the most powerful prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio 4.11; p = 0.03). Although the reduced dosage of MTX had no effect on neutrophil engraftment, increased NRM due to higher incidence of infection, graft failure, and severe acute GVHD resulted in a lower survival rate in the mini-MTX group after CBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) at 20 Hz (β) has been shown to modulate motor evoked potentials (MEPs) when paired with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in a phase-dependent manner. Repetitive paired-pulse TMS (rPPS) with I-wave periodicity (1.5 ms) induced short-lived facilitation of MEPs. We hypothesized that tACS would modulate the facilitatory effects of rPPS in a frequency- and phase-dependent manner. To test our hypothesis, we investigated the effects of combined tACS and rPPS. We applied rPPS in combination with peak or trough phase tACS at 10 Hz (α) or β, or sham tACS (rPPS alone). The facilitatory effects of rPPS in the sham condition were temporary and variable among participants. In the β tACS peak condition, significant increases in single-pulse MEPs persisted for over 30 min after the stimulation, and this effect was stable across participants. In contrast, β tACS in the trough condition did not modulate MEPs. Further, α tACS parameters did not affect single-pulse MEPs after the intervention. These results suggest that a rPPS-induced increase in trans-synaptic efficacy could be strengthened depending on the β tACS phase, and that this technique could produce long-lasting plasticity with respect to cortical excitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor commenting on backbone NMR assignments of Ribosome Recycling Factors from "Escherichia coli" and "Thermotoga maritima."