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This paper describes a matrix tactile sensor that comprises 12 sensor elements. Each sensor element can detect both vertical force and shear force by using the strain gauges. We perform experimental evaluations of the relationship between the three axial forces and the observed strain values. Results show that the uncertainty is relatively very small compared to the strain values. Furthermore, we suggest method for detecting slippage using this matrix tactile sensor and calculate with a force sensor the friction coefficient by measuring the normal and tangential forces that occur when the object starts moving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The term "camptocormia" describes a forward-flexed posture. It is a condition characterized by severe frontal flexion of the trunk. Recently, camptocormia has been regarded as a form of abdominal segmental dystonia. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a promising therapeutic approach to various types of movement disorders. The authors report the neurological effects of DBS to the bilateral globus pallidum (GPi) in three cases of disabling camptocormia. Methods. Of the 36 patients with dystonia, three had symptoms similar to that of camptocormia, and all of these patients underwent GPi-DBS. The site of DBS electrode placement was verified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The Burke Fahn and Marsden dystonia rating scale (BFMDRS) was employed to evaluate the severity of dystonic symptoms preoperatively and postoperatively. Results. Significant functional improvement following GPi-DBS was noted in the majority of dystonia cases. At a follow-up observation after more than six months, the overall improvement rate was 71.2 ± 27.0%, in all dystonia cases who underwent the GPi-DBS. In contrast, the improvement rate of the three camptocormia cases was 92.2 ± 5.3%. It was confirmed that the improvement rate for camptocormia was much higher than for other types of dystonia. Conclusion. According to our experience, a patient with a forward-bent dystonic posture indicative of camptocormia is a good candidate for GPi-DBS. The findings of this study add further support to GPi-DBS as an effective treatment for dystonia, and provide the information on predictors of a good outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-one cases of a vegetative state (VS) and 5 cases of a minimally conscious state (MCS) caused by various kinds of brain damage were evaluated neurologically and electrophysiologically at 3 months after brain injury. These cases were treated by deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy, and followed up for over 10 years. The mesencephalic reticular formation was selected as a target in 2 cases of VS, and the CM-pf complex was selected as a target in the other 19 cases of VS and 5 cases of MCS. Eight of the 21 patients emerged from the VS, and became able to obey verbal commands. However, they remained in a bedridden state except for 1 case. Four of the 5 MCS patients emerged from the bedridden state, and were able to enjoy their life in their own home. DBS therapy may be useful for allowing patients to emerge from the VS, if the candidates are selected according to appropriate neurophysiological criteria. Also, a special neurorehabilitation system may be necessary for emergence from the bedridden state in the treatment of VS patients. Further, DBS therapy is useful in MCS patients to achieve consistent discernible behavioral evidence of consciousness, and emergence from the bedridden state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]