A device for measuring relative angular displacement.

A simple, inexpensive, and accurate way to measure relative segmental rotations resulting from torsional loadings locally is described. To measure these rotations, we fabricated a planar spatial linkage (open-loop kinematic chain) requiring only one rotational displacement transducer. This paper describes this device, defines its kinematics, and examines its accuracy.     

In vivo measurement of glucose concentration with lasers.

Common polarimeters defined the concentration of an optically active sample by measuring the intensity of the light beam after it has passed through the analyser. Consequently, it can be stated that up to now, there have been the disadvantages of having a signal dependent on absolute light intensity. The new method that is described has a sensitivity that is in great measure independent of absolute light intensity, whereby only one light trace is necessary. The new principle uses no mechanical rotations. Instead, an electrical signal indicates the amount of optical rotation of the sample. The high sensitivity that can be reached is theoretically only limited by polarization noise. By going to the uttermost physical and electronic lengths, sensitivity values of more than 10(-5) degrees can be reached. Furthermore, the mechanical dimensions of the apparatus can be made very small by the application of a solid-state laser.     

A simplified radiographic method for measuring bone-component motion in total knees.

Measurement of the relative motion between an implant and the surrounding bone over different time periods is valuable for assessing and comparing the component stability and predicting the potential future outcome. The RSA method, where small beads are implanted in the bone adjacent to the component, can measure implant-bone position to an accuracy of about 0.1 mm. However, the method involves special radiographic views and analytical software, not readily available. For purposes of component assessment on a more routine basis and for multi-centre trials, a method was developed where standard A-P and M-L radiographs were used. Computer software was written which estimated the out-of-plane rotations of the component relative to the plane of the film, and then carried out corrections to enhance the accuracy of calculation of the bead heights relative to the component. The theoretical errors were shown to be less than 0.04 mm for the expected range of out-of-plane rotations. When radiographs of components in simulated bones were taken at a range of rotations, the 95% confidence limits for axial displacement were found to be less than +0.3 mm, and for rotation in the plane to be 0.6 degrees. This indicated that the method was useful for studying knee components where the sinkage could reach a range of 0.5-2 mm in a 2 year period.     

Measurement of a spinal motion segment stiffness matrix

The six-degrees-of-freedom elastic behavior of spinal motion segments can be approximated by a stiffness matrix. A method is described to measure this stiffness matrix directly with the motion segment held under physiological conditions of axial preload and in an isotonic fluid bath by measuring the forces and moments associated with each of the six orthogonal translations and rotations. The stiffness matrix was obtained from the load-displacement measurements by linear least squares assuming a symmetric matrix. Results from a pig lumbar spinal motion segment in an isotonic bath, with and without a 500 N axial preload, showed a large stiffening effect with axial preload.     

Design and demonstration of a new instrumented spatial linkage for use in a dynamic environment: application to measurement of ankle rotations during snowboarding

Joint injuries during sporting activities might be reduced by understanding the extent of the dynamic motion of joints prone to injury during maneuvers performed in the field. Because instrumented spatial linkages (ISLs) have been widely used to measure joint motion, it would be useful to extend the functionality of an ISL to measure joint motion in a dynamic environment. The objectives of the work reported by this paper were to (i) design and construct an ISL that will measure dynamic joint motion in a field environment, (ii) calibrate the ISL and quantify its static measurement error, (iii) quantify dynamic measurement error due to external acceleration, and (iv) measure ankle joint complex rotation during snowboarding maneuvers performed on a snow slope. An "elbow-type" ISL was designed to measure ankle joint complex rotation throughout its range (+/-30 deg for flexion/extension, +/-15 deg for internal/external rotation, and +/-15 deg for inversion/eversion). The ISL was calibrated with a custom six degree-of-freedom calibration device generally useful for calibrating ISLs, and static measurement errors of the ISL also were evaluated. Root-mean-squared errors (RMSEs) were 0.59 deg for orientation (1.7% full scale) and 1.00 mm for position (1.7% full scale). A custom dynamic fixture allowed external accelerations (5 g, 0-50 Hz) to be applied to the ISL in each of three linear directions. Maximum measurement deviations due to external acceleration were 0.05 deg in orientation and 0.10 mm in position, which were negligible in comparison to the static errors. The full functionality of the ISL for measuring joint motion in a field environment was demonstrated by measuring rotations of the ankle joint complex during snowboarding maneuvers performed on a snow slope.     

A six-degree-of-freedom acoustic transducer for rotation and translation measurements across the knee

An acoustic transducer design to measure the relative translations and rotations across the knee with no mechanical coupling between the tibia and femur is presented. Platforms attached to femoral and tibial tracking fixtures hold acoustic sources and receivers, respectively. The distance from each source to each receiver is measured by the acoustic transit time and the translations and rotations across the knee joint are computed. For rotations less than 30 deg around the expected operating position, the resolution of the transducer is 0.3 deg; for translations less than 1.5 cm around the expected operating position, the resolution is 0.03 cm. Theoretical error analysis using a Monte Carlo method shows that the uncertainty in the measurement depends on the relative position of the sources and receivers. The analysis predicts the worst case resolution of the transducer as 0.09 cm in translation and 0.6 deg in rotation when the receiver platform is translated 8.0 cm parallel to the source platform. The transducer and fixturing system are demonstrated on a cadaver specimen for applied anterior force and applied internal-external rotation. Errors due to (soft tissue) motion of the transducer relative to the bone during in vivo measurements are assessed on the cadaver specimen. For internal-external rotation the error due to soft tissue motion is a maximum of 0.5 cm in translation and 1.8 deg in rotation. For applied anterior force the error due to soft tissue motion is a maximum of 0.16 cm in translation and 2.7 deg in rotation.     

Measurements of constraint of total knee replacement

Measurement of the constraint of total knee components in a test machine provides an objective method of describing the laxity and stability characteristics of the implant itself, independent of the knee joint into which it would be implanted. A special fixture was designed and fitted to a Bionix multi-channel loading machine. The test consisted of applying a compressive load, applying a cyclic AP force or internal-external torque, and measuring all of the displacements and rotations. Three different commonly-used TKR's showed widely different constraint characteristics. In the cyclic AP test, along with the cyclic AP displacement, displacements and rotations occurred in the other directions. This indicated that all degrees of freedom should be free to move, otherwise anomalous results would be obtained. The paper concludes with recommendations for standardized constraint tests.     

The accuracy of measuring glenohumeral motion with a surface humeral cuff

Conclusions about normal and pathologic shoulder motion are frequently made from studies using skin surface markers, yet accuracy of such sensors representing humeral motion is not well known. Nineteen subjects were investigated with flock of birds electromagnetic sensors attached to transcortical pins placed into the scapula and humerus, and a thermoplastic cuff secured on the arm. Subjects completed two repetitions of raising and lowering the arm in the sagittal, scapular and coronal planes, as well as shoulder internal and external rotation with the elbow at the side and abducted to 90°. Humeral motion was recorded simultaneously from surface and bone fixed sensors. The average magnitude of error was calculated for the surface and bone fixed measurements throughout the range of motion. ANOVA tested for differences across angles of elevation, raising and lowering, and differences in body mass index. For all five motions tested, the plane of elevation rotation average absolute error ranged from 0-2°, while the humeral elevation rotation average error ranged from 0-4°. The axial rotation average absolute error was much greater, ranging from 5° during elevation motions to approaching 30° at maximum excursion of internal/external rotation motions. Average absolute error was greater in subjects with body mass index greater than 25. Surface sensors are an accurate way of measuring humeral elevation rotations and plane of elevation rotations. Conversely, there is a large amount of average error for axial rotations when using a humeral cuff to measure glenohumeral internal/external rotation as the primary motion.     

An instrumented,dynamic test for anterior laxity of the ankle joint complex

Evaluation of anterior laxity of the ankle joint complex is a difficult clinical problem. Currently, the prime determinant for anterolateral ligament function is the subjective manual examination of anterior laxity of the ankle joint complex. An instrumented dynamic test was developed for objective measurement of anterior laxity of the ankle joint complex. The principle of the test was to apply a force-impulse to the calcaneus, within the muscle reflex time, and to measure anterior–posterior and mediolateral rotation. The test was performed on a cadaver specimen and on 15 volunteers of which five subjects suffered from chronic one-sided lateral ankle ligament instability.

In the cadaver test, anterior translation values increased from 5 to 11 mm, after cutting the anterior talofibular ligament and subsequently cutting the calcaneofibular ligament. In the 10 normal subjects, the mean anterior translation value was 6.7 mm (±1.9 mm). The relative variation of the test result within a measurement session was 2.5% (±1.6%). Between the sessions the relative laxity variation was 2.6% (±2.6%). In the ten normal subjects the mean right–left difference was not significantly different from zero. In four out of the five patients it was more than 2 mm. As in the cadaver test in all measurements, the mediolateral rotations were small (<2.5°). The volunteers complained about same pain at the heel after multiple test sessions.

In conclusion the dynamic, functional test appears to be capable of objectively measuring a value for anterior laxity of the ankle joint complex reflecting the functional status of the anterolateral ankle ligaments.     

Vector mathematical model for the analysis of complex movements in 3-dimensional space exemplified by the divided symphysis

For the analysis of complex movements in the divided pubic symphysis of cadavers a vector-mathematical model was developed. Overall movements is analysed in components, as translations in the three dimensions of space and rotations around the three axes of space, as error-free and as simply as possible by measuring the distances to different defined points. Experimental conditions, the development of a vector-mathematical system of analysis, error analysis and interpretation of results are shown. With this method it also possible to analyse similar problems in the same way.     

Axial pelvis range of motion affects thorax-pelvis timing during gait

During gait, patients with pelvic girdle pain and low back pain demonstrate an altered phase relationship between axial thorax and pelvis rotations (thorax-pelvis relative phase). This could be the result of an increase in axial pelvis range of motion (ROM) which has been observed in these patients as well. To establish this relationship, we investigated if altered axial pelvis ROM during gait affects thorax-pelvis relative phase in 12 healthy subjects. These subjects walked on a treadmill and received real-time feedback on axial pelvis rotations. Subjects were asked to (1) walk normal, and walk with (2) decreased and (3) increased pelvis ROM. Gait speed and stride frequency were matched between trials. Subjects were able to increase pelvis ROM to a large extent, but the reduction in pelvis ROM was relatively small. Walking with large pelvis ROM resulted in a change in thorax-pelvis relative phase similar to that in pelvic girdle pain and low back pain. A forward dynamic model was used to predict the effect of manipulation of pelvis ROM on timing of thorax rotations independent of apparent axial trunk stiffness and arm swing amplitude (which can both affect thorax-pelvis relative phase). The model predicted a similar, even larger, effect of large axial pelvis ROM on thorax-pelvis relative phase, as observed experimentally. We conclude that walking with actively increased ROM of axial pelvis rotations in healthy subjects is associated with a shift in thorax-pelvis relative phase, similar to observations in patients with pelvic girdle pain and low back pain.     

Heritability of pre-adult viability differences can explain apparent heritability of sperm displacement ability in Drosophila melanogaster.

Sperm displacement has been the subject of a large number of evolutionary studies because of its effects on relative male reproductive success. To understand better the evolutionary role of variation in sperm displacement ability (SDA), an obvious aim is to measure its heritability. In this paper, we show that a standard method used to measure the heritability of SDA can be misleading. First, we show that using conventional methods (based on counts of adult offspring of multiply mated females), SDA appears to be heritable. However, an examination of potentially confounding variables strongly suggests that this result is misleading, and that the heritable component is more likely to be pre-adult viability. Consequently, it is likely that there is little measurable heritable genetic variation for SDA in D. melanogaster. We conclude that, although conventional methods of measuring sperm displacement will usually be adequate for phenotypic measurements, greater care must be taken when measuring genetic variances.     

A quantitative PCR method for measuring absolute telomere length

We describe a simple and reproducible method to measure absolute telomere length (aTL) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). This method is based on the Cawthon method for relative measurement of telomere length (TL) but modified by introducing an oligomer standard to measure aTL. The method describes the oligomer standards, the generation of the standard curve and the calculations required to calculate aTL from the qPCR data. The necessary controls and performance characteristics of the assay are described in detail and compared relative to other methods for measuring TL. Typical results for this assay for a variety of human tissue samples are provided as well as a troubleshooting schedule. This method allows high throughput measurement of aTL using small amounts of DNA making it amenable for molecular epidemiological studies. Compared to the traditional relative TL qPCR assays, the aTL method described in this protocol enables a more direct comparison of results between experiments within and between laboratories.     

Quantitative analysis of correlations among flower traits in Gerbera hybrida,Compositae

Summary A Mean Correlation Response (MCR) model was developed to estimate the relative effectiveness of direct selection when other traits also respond to the selection. A measure of the relative effects of mean correlated response and direct response (R) and a measure of the relative efficiency of direct selection (IE) were applied to a genetic correlation matrix of 38 traits. These were measurements of inflorescence, receptacle and involucre, scape, disk florets, ray florets, and trans florets in the Davis population of Gerbera hybrida, Compositae. Generally, traits with high heritability had high direct and mean correlated response; these were often traits measuring disk and trans florets. Traits with low heritability had low direct and mean correlated response; these were often traits measuring the inflorescence. Traits of the inflorescence had the lowest efficiency of direct to mean correlated response.     

Reliability of an individually molded shank shell for measuring tibial transverse rotations during the stance phase of walking

Use of a shank shell has been shown to estimate tibial transverse rotations better than skin-mounted markers. However, the day-to-day reliability of the transverse tibial rotations using an individually molded shank shell has not been previously investigated. This study examined the between-tests and trials reliability of an individually molded shank shell for measuring peak tibial internal and external rotations, time of peak values, and tibia range of motion during 5 walking trials. The trial-to-trial reliability of tibial transverse rotations was measured in 14 healthy individuals while the test-retest reliability was measured in 10 persons on two occasions. Trial-to-trial reliability for peak transverse rotations, time of peak values, and tibia range of motion ranged from ICC (3,1) 0.59-0.95. The PCA between trials showed that 88-99 % of values were within 3 degrees of agreement. Test-retest reliability for peak rotations, tibia range of motion, and time of peak values ranged from ICC (3,1) 0.70-0.89 with SEM 1.6-2.21 degrees , 0.021 %, and 0.034 %, respectively. The PCA between tests showed that 70-100 % of values were within 3 degrees of agreement. The use of an individually molded shell and the close attachment of the shank shell to the individual's shank resulted in reliable test-retest and trial-to-trial data.     

颅骨某些角度的测量计算法

本文根据余弦定理对颅骨20项与法兰克福平面无关的角度,采用测量计算法,即用直脚规或弯脚规测量各角三个测点间的三边直线距离,将余弦定理公式输入袖珍电子计算器内,再由计算器算出角度。经实践我们认为此法具有操作简单易行、无需投影描绘仪和定颅器等设备、节约时间、精确度高和误差小等优点。     

Time and force dependence of the rupture of glycoprotein IIb-IIIa-fibrinogen bonds between latex spheres

We studied the shear-induced breakup of doublets of aldehyde/sulfate (A/S) latex spheres covalently linked with purified platelet GPIIb-IIIa receptor, and cross-linked by fibrinogen. Flow cytometry with fluorescein isothiocyanate-fibrinogen showed than an average of 22,500 molecules of active GPIIb-IIIa were captured per sphere, with a mean K(d) = 56 nM for fibrinogen binding. The spheres, suspended in buffered 19% Ficoll 400 containing 120 or 240 pM fibrinogen, were subjected to Couette flow in a counter-rotating cone-plate rheoscope. Doublets, formed by two-body collisions at low shear rate (G = 8 s(-1)) for < or =15 min, were subjected to shear stress from 0.6 to 2.9 Nm(-2), their rotations recorded until they broke up or were lost to view. Although breakup was time dependent, occurring mostly in the first 2 rotations after the onset of shear, the percentage of doublets broken up after 10 rotations were almost independent of normal hydrodynamic force, F(n): at 240 pN, 15.6, 16.0, and 17.0% broke up in the force range 70-150 pN, 150-230 pN, and 230-310 pN. Unexpectedly, at both [fibrinogen], the initial rate of breakup was highest in the lowest force range, and computer simulation using a stochastic model of breakup was unable to simulate the time course of breakup. When pre-sheared at low G for >15 min, no doublets broke up within 10 rotations at 70 < F(n) < 310 pN; it required >3 min shear (>1110 rotations) at F(n) = 210 pN for significant breakup to occur. Other published work has shown that binding of fibrinogen to GPIIb-IIIa immobilized on plane surfaces exhibits an initial fast reversible process with relative low affinity succeeded by transformation of GPIIb-IIIa to a stable high-affinity complex. We postulate that most doublet breakups observed within 10 rotations were from a population of young doublets having low numbers of bonds, by dissociation of the initial receptor complex relatively unresponsive to force. The remaining, older doublets with GPIIb-IIIa in the high-affinity complex were not broken up in the time or range of forces studied.     

Model of ribosomal translocation coupled with intra- and inter-subunit rotations

The ribosomal translocation involves both intersubunit rotations between the small 30S and large 50S subunits and the intrasubunit rotations of the 30S head relative to the 30S body. However, the detailed molecular mechanism on how the intersubunit and intrasubunit rotations are related to the translocation remains unclear. Here, based on available structural data a model is proposed for the ribosomal translocation, into which both the intersubunit and intrasubunit rotations are incorporated. With the model, we provide quantitative explanations of in vitro experimental data showing the biphasic character in the fluorescence change associated with the mRNA translocation and the character of a rapid increase that is followed by a slow single-exponential decrease in the fluorescence change associated with the 30S head rotation. The calculated translation rate is also consistent with the in vitro single-molecule experimental data.     

Accuracy of mobile biplane X-ray imaging in measuring 6-degree-of-freedom patellofemoral kinematics during overground gait

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy with which mobile biplane X-ray imaging can be used to measure patellofemoral kinematics of the intact knee during overground gait. A unique mobile X-ray imaging system tracked and recorded biplane fluoroscopic images of two human cadaver knees during simulated overground walking at a speed of 0.7 m/s. Six-degree-of-freedom patellofemoral kinematics were calculated using a bone volumetric model-based method and the results then compared against those derived from a gold-standard bead-based method. RMS errors for patellar anterior translation, superior translation and lateral shift were 0.19 mm, 0.34 mm and 0.37 mm, respectively. RMS errors for patellar flexion, lateral tilt and lateral rotation were 1.08°, 1.15° and 1.46°, respectively. The maximum RMS error for patellofemoral translations was approximately one-half that reported previously for tibiofemoral translations using the same mobile X-ray imaging system while the maximum RMS error for patellofemoral rotations was nearly two times larger than corresponding errors reported for tibiofemoral rotations. The lower accuracy in measuring patellofemoral rotational motion is likely explained by the symmetric nature of the patellar geometry and the smaller size of the patella compared to the tibia.     

Measuring humeral head translation using fluoroscopy: A validation study

Numerous techniques have been employed to monitor humeral head translation due to its involvement with several shoulder pathologies. However, most of the techniques were not validated. The objective of this study is to compare the accuracy of manual digitization and contour registration in measuring superior translation of the humeral head. Eight pairs of cadaver scapulae and humerii bones were harvested for this study. Each scapula and humerus was secured in a customized jig that allowed for control of humeral head translations and a vise that permitted rotations of the scapula about three axes. Fluoroscopy was used to take images of the shoulder bones. Scapular orientation was manipulated in different positions while the humerus was at 90° of humeral elevation in the scapular plane. Humeral head translation was measured using the two methods and was compared to the known translation. Additionally, accuracy of the contour registration method to measure 2-D scapular rotations was assessed. The range for the root mean square (RMS) error for manual digitization method was 0.27 mm - 0.43 mm and the contour registration method had a RMS error ranging from 0.18 mm - 0.40 mm. In addition, the RMS error for the scapular angle rotation using the contour registration method was 2.4°. Both methods showed acceptable errors. However, on average, the contour registration method showed lesser measurement error compared to the manual digitization method. In addition, the contour registration method was able to show good accuracy in measuring rotation that is useful in 2-D image analysis.