Opposite Hand Research Articles

Evolution of Grazing Practices in Belgian Dairy Farms: Results of Two Surveys

Numerous publications have highlighted the potential role of grassland in the mitigation of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the agricultural sector. Yet, the preservation of grassland is included in the main objectives of the greening policies of the European Union (EU). To assess how this greening program has influenced the behaviour and perceptions of the dairy sector, two surveys were foreseen during the project LIFE dairyclim and sent to all the dairy farmers of Wallonia (Belgium) at three-year intervals (2016 – 2019). The answer rates reached 32.6%. Questions concerned four topics: General farm description, grazing practices, perceptions and expectations, and general grassland management. Following the results of these surveys, a large majority of lactating dairy cows grazed in Wallonia (96.5%). The main differences between 2016 and 2019 were the increase in size of the dairy farms in terms of surface (77.2 ha in 2016 to 84.4 ha in 2019) and production, the disappearance of small farms of less than 60 cows, and the progression of the organic sector from 9.3% to 11.7%. Perceptions of farmers on grazing differed following their grazing practices: No-grazing farmers were very sceptical about the advantages of grazing. On the opposite hand, organic farmers were very enthusiastic. Awareness of farmers about the preservation of landscape and the image of the sector for the consumers has increased during the three-year period. The requirements of the dairy industry and authorities were cited as incentives to keep grazing. The expectations of the farmers differed from 2016 to 2019 with a smaller proportion desiring to increase their grazing practices and more, staying stable. These results seem to indicate that the support of farmers and the involvement of authorities and stakeholders could contribute to maintain grazing.

Ambidextrous helical nanotubes from self-assembly of designed helical hairpin motifs

Tandem repeat proteins exhibit native designability and represent potentially useful scaffolds for the construction of synthetic biomimetic assemblies. We have designed 2 synthetic peptides, HEAT_R1 and LRV_M3Δ1, based on the consensus sequences of single repeats of thermophilic HEAT (PBS_HEAT) and Leucine-Rich Variant (LRV) structural motifs, respectively. Self-assembly of the peptides afforded high-aspect ratio helical nanotubes. Cryo-electron microscopy with direct electron detection was employed to analyze the structures of the solvated filaments. The 3D reconstructions from the cryo-EM maps led to atomic models for the HEAT_R1 and LRV_M3Δ1 filaments at resolutions of 6.0 and 4.4 Å, respectively. Surprisingly, despite sequence similarity at the lateral packing interface, HEAT_R1 and LRV_M3Δ1 filaments adopt the opposite helical hand and differ significantly in helical geometry, while retaining a local conformation similar to previously characterized repeat proteins of the same class. The differences in the 2 filaments could be rationalized on the basis of differences in cohesive interactions at the lateral and axial interfaces. These structural data reinforce previous observations regarding the structural plasticity of helical protein assemblies and the need for high-resolution structural analysis. Despite these observations, the native designability of tandem repeat proteins offers the opportunity to engineer novel helical nanotubes. Moreover, the resultant nanotubes have independently addressable and chemically distinguishable interior and exterior surfaces that would facilitate applications in selective recognition, transport, and release.

Use of the First Dorsal Metacarpal Artery-Based Fascial Flap for Reconstruction of Small Defects on the Dorsum of the Hands

To describe the reconstruction of small defects on the dorsum of the hands using a first dorsal metacarpal artery-based fascial flap harvested through the borders of the defect. From January, 2015 to May, 2017, 29 patients (29 hands) with soft tissue defects on the dorsum of the hand were treated using a first dorsal metacarpal artery-based fascial flap. At final follow-up, we measured range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joints and the first web span. Average size of the defects was 2.7× 2.5 cm. Average size of the flaps was 2.9× 2.7 cm. Average length of the pedicle was 2.9 cm. All flaps survived. Range of motion of the second to fourth metacarpophalangeal joints reached 93% to 98% of the opposite hand. The span of the first web reached 98% of the opposite hand. A first dorsal metacarpal artery-based fascial flap can be an alternative for reconstruction of small defects on the dorsum of the hands. Flap harvesting through the border of the defect avoided an additional scar at the donor site. Therapeutic IV.

Considering long‐memory when testing for changepoints in surface temperature: A classification approach based on the time‐varying spectrum

AbstractChangepoint models are increasingly used to represent changes in the rate of warming in surface temperature records. On the opposite hand, a large body of literature has suggested long‐memory processes to characterize long‐term behavior in surface temperatures. While these two model representations provide different insights into the underlying mechanisms, they share similar spectrum properties that create “ambiguity” and challenge distinguishing between the two classes of models. This study aims to compare the two representations to explain temporal changes and variability in surface temperatures. To address this question, we extend a recently developed time‐varying spectral procedure and assess its accuracy through a synthetic series mimicking observed global monthly surface temperatures. We vary the length of the synthetic series to determine the number of observations needed to be able to accurately distinguish between changepoints and long‐memory models. We apply the approach to two gridded surface temperature data sets. Our findings unveil regions in the oceans where long‐memory is prevalent. These results imply that the presence of long‐memory in monthly sea surface temperatures may impact the significance of trends, and special attention should be given to the choice of model representing memory (short versus long) when assessing long‐term changes.

Comparison between modified and conventional one-handed chest compression techniques for child cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A randomised, non-blind, cross-over simulation trial.

Chest compression depth (CCD) decreases significantly when performing one-handed chest compression (OHCC). We modified OHCC posture to increase CCD as follows: first, the axis of the compression hand was adjusted to the compression area; second, the opposite hand was wrapped around the elbow of the compression arm. This study compared modified OHCC with conventional OHCC for child cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A total of 46 health-care providers performed 2 min of continuous chest compression using conventional OHCC (trial 1) and modified OHCC (trial 2) in a random order on a 5-year-old-sized child manikin lying on a bed. Chest compression parameters were assessed with an accelerometer and analysed by comparing the mean values of 30-s segments. The average CCD decreased significantly in all segments in both trials (trial 1 (segments 1-4): 40.9 ± 5.6 mm, 39.4 ± 6.6 mm, 38.0 ± 6.9 mm, 36.7 ± 7.3 mm, P < 0.001; trial 2 (segments 1-4): 42.3 ± 5.4 mm, 41.2 ± 6.2 mm, 40.1 ± 6.8 mm, 39.0 ± 6.9 mm, P < 0.001). However, the average CCD in trial 2 was significantly greater in all segments than that in trial 1 (segments 1-4: P = 0.016; P = 0.009; P = 0.004; P = 0.001). The average chest compression rates were comparable in all segments in both trials. By modifying OHCC posture, a deeper mean CCD could be maintained for 2 min than by using conventional OHCC.

Secure and Dynamic Multi-Keyword Ranked Search Scheme Over Encrypted Cloud Data Using K-Means Clustering

A Secure and Dynamic Multi-keyword graded Search theme over Encrypted Cloud information attributable to the increasing fame of cloud computing, a lot of information homeowners are spurred to source their information to cloud servers for unimaginable accommodation and diminished expense in information management can also perform information dynamic operations on files. On the opposite hand, sensitive information needs to be encrypted before outsourcing for security conditions, that obsoletes information use like keyword-based document retrieval. A protected multi-keyword graded search theme over encrypted cloud information, that all the whereas underpins part update operations like deletion and insertion of documents. Especially, the vector area model and therefore the usually utilised TF_IDF model are consolidated as a neighbourhood of the index development and question generation. A unique tree-based index structure employing a "K-means Clustering" formula to provide practiced multi-keyword graded search. The secure KNN formula is employed to cipher the index and question vectors, so guarantee precise importance score calculation between encrypted index and question vectors. With a selected finish goal to oppose measurable attacks, phantom terms are accessorial to the index vector for glaring search results. Due to the employment of our exceptional tree-based index structure. Keyword: Reduplication, Authorized duplicate check, public auditing, shared data, Cloud computing.

Enhancing Multi Exposure Images Using Convolution Neural Network

Due to the poor lighting condition and restricted dynamic vary of digital imaging devices, the recorded photos are usually under-/over-exposed and with low distinction. Most of the previous single image distinction improvement (SICE) strategies modify the tone curve to correct the distinction of an associated input image. Those strategies, however, typically fail in revealing image details due to the restricted data in a very single image. On the opposite hand, the SICE task is often higher accomplished if we will learn additional info from suitably collected coaching information. In this paper, we have a tendency to propose to use the convolutional neural network (CNN) to coach SICE attention. One key issue is the way to construct a coaching information set of low-contrast and high-contrast image pairs for end-to-end CNN learning. To this finish, we have a tendency to build a large-scale multi-exposure image knowledge set, that contains 589 in an elaborate way chosen high-resolution multi-exposure sequences with four, 413 images. Thirteen representatives multi-exposure image fusion and stack-based high dynamic vary imaging algorithms are accustomed urge the excellence enhanced footage for each sequence, and subjective experiments are conducted to screen the best quality one because of the reference image of every scene. With the constructed data set, a CNN can be easily trained as the SICE enhancer to improve the contrast of an under-/over-exposure image. Experimental results demonstrate the benefits of our methodology over existing SICE strategies with a major margin.

Kirschner Wires Versus Titanium Plates and Screws in Management of Unstable Phalangeal Fractures: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

To compare clinical, radiological and functional outcomes of percutaneous K-wires and lateral titanium plates and screws in the management of unstable extra-articular proximal and middle phalangeal fractures. In a randomized controlled clinical trial, 40 patients with unstable transverse, long oblique or spiral diaphyseal fractures of the proximal and middle phalanges were divided into 2 groups: the K-wire group (20 patients), which included 12 proximal and 8 middle phalangeal fractures fixed by percutaneous K-wires; and the plate group (20 patients), which included 13 proximal and 7 middle phalangeal fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation with a lateral titanium plate and screws. The patients were observed for at least 6 months (mean [range], 6.9 [6-8] months). Results were evaluated by total active motion (TAM), grip strength, fracture union, pain assessed by visual analog scale and the Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, and complications. Clinical and radiological union was achieved in all patients except one in the K-wire group. Mean TAM was significantly better in the plate group than in the K-wire group. Both groups were similar in terms of postoperative loss of grip strength compared with the opposite healthy hand, and as assessed by visual analog scale and the Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. Fewer complications occurred in the plate group (2 of 20 patients) compared with the K-wire group (5 of 20 patients). Fixation of unstable proximal and middle phalangeal fractures using a titanium plate and screws through a midlateral approach is a reliable and safe method for most fracture types and is associated with higher TAM and fewer complications. Therapeutic II.

Unimodal and crossmodal extinction of nociceptive stimuli in healthy volunteers

Nociception, the physiological mechanisms specifically processing information about noxious and potentially painful stimuli, has the double function to warn about potential body damages (interoception) and about the cause of such potential damages (exteroception). The exteroceptive function is thought to rely on multisensory integration between somatic and extra-somatic stimuli, provided that extra-somatic stimuli occur near the stimulated body area. To corroborate this hypothesis, we succeeded to show in healthy volunteers that the perception of nociceptive stimuli applied on one hand can be extinguished, as compared to single presentation, by the simultaneous application of nociceptive stimuli on the opposite hand, as well as by the presentation of visual stimuli near the opposite hand. On the contrary, visual stimuli presented near the same stimulated hand facilitated the perception of nociceptive stimuli. This nociceptive extinction phenomenon indicates that the perception of noxious events does not merely rely on the specific activation of the nociceptive system, but also depends on other sensory experiences about the body and the space around it.

Comprehensive analysis of data storage security in cloud

Cloud computing is growing up as most advantageous technology within the field of computing that effects several aspects of computing. It provides users to access the application as a service over the internet. It also offers many storage services to store his/her information in cloud server. The information over the cloud servers is well accessed by each computing suppliers and enforcement agencies easier as compared to data hold on our native disk. On the opposite hand cloud brings many alternative security problems. In the cloud setup most of the cloud service suppliers aren't providing reliable information services to client. It solely guarantees integrity, availableness, privacy and confidentiality. Thus information security becomes a very important issue for securing outsourced information and to keep up grade of trust among information house owners. In this paper, a pedagogical study has been done regarding cloud storage and security of data in cloud. A comprehensive analysis has been done to understand what kind of Cloud Computing Storage Security Methods has been used by previous researchers that help to discover new direction in research.

Implementasi Teori Hudud Menurut Pemikiran Muhammad Syahrur terhadap Upaya Pencegahan Tindak Pidana Korupsi di Indonesia

This article discusses the Implementation of Hudud Theory According to Muhammad Syahrur's Thought on Corruption Prevention Efforts in Indonesia. The theft of state money or commonly referred to as corruption according to Syahrur can be subjected to a maximum sentence of the opposite hand cut, the cross, exile or life imprisonment and the death penalty which is annihilated by hirabah. The Syahrur Hudud theory can be applied as a legal alternative for perpetrators of corruption in an effort to prevent corruption in Indonesia. The Shahrur Theory has similarities in the law that apply to corruptors in Indonesia, namely in Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Corruption Crimes. In the law, the death penalty is set as the maximum sentence for perpetrators of corruption in Indonesia. The death penalty is one of the maximum punishments that exist in the theory of Muhammad Syahrur's hud?d relating to criminal acts of corruption which are analogous to the hirabah. In addition, imprisonment and fines as minimum penalties for corruptors also have similarities within the minimum limits of the theory, namely repenting and returning all corrupted assets accompanied by fines. And prison is a place of seclusion that is expected to make the offender deterrent and repent and not repeat his actions.

Fixation chirurgicale des ligaments collatéraux métacarpo-phalangiens des doigts longs

Collateral ligament injury of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the fingers is underreported in the literature and widely underestimated by medical community. Here, we present results from a large series of patients and review factors influencing success of surgery. We performed a retrospective study of 46 patients who underwent surgical fixation of the MCP collateral ligament using bone anchor in an acute or chronic setting. The diagnosis was predominantly clinical based on laxity testing of the joint. We collected demographic data as well as peroperative findings and postoperative results. The MCP joint and proximal interphalangeal joint amplitude of motion were measured using a goniometer. The grip strength was evaluated using a Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer (4MD Medical Solutions, Lakewood, NJ, USA) and was compared to the opposite hand. The stability of the collateral ligament was assessed by a stress of the MCP joint in a fully flexed position. A postoperative Quick-DASH score was available for 17 patients. This scoring system ranges from 0 (no disability) to 100 (most severe disability). We decided to perform postoperative radiography only if clinical instability remained, and radiography was not necessary in our cohort. Post-surgery, with a median follow-up of 17 months, all patients presented with a stable joint and a complete resolution of pain. The mean flexion of the MCP joint was 77.91°, and extension was a mean of 0.84°. We measured the injured grip strength at a mean of 88.52% of the opposite hand, and the mean Quick-DASH score used to evaluate disability was 9.56 on a scale of 100 (with 100 complete disability). Importantly, time from injury to surgery did not influence postoperative results. The diagnosis of MCP collateral ligament rupture is predominantly clinical based on presentation with pain and swelling of the MCP joint with a clear lateral laxity of the MCP joint in flexion. Although in our series, operative delay did not influence postoperative results and a direct repair was always achievable, some authors have described a destruction of the remnant ligament in chronic lesions of MCP joint requiring reconstructive technique. Surgical treatment of MCP collateral ligament rupture with bone anchors is a safe technique that gives reproducible positive results that are not influenced by demographic data, or time to treatment. This pathology is not rare, and a better diagnosis would increase the incidence in future reports.

A Prospective, Randomized Trial Comparing Open and Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Within the Same Patient.

Background: Surgical management of carpal tunnel syndrome includes performing an endoscopic (ECTR) or open (OCTR) carpal tunnel release. Several studies have shown less postoperative pain and improvement in grip and pinch strength with the endoscopic technique. The goal of this study was to prospectively examine outcomes, patient satisfaction, and complications after both ECTR and OCTR in the opposite hands of the same patient. Methods: This was a prospective study in which patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome underwent surgical release with both techniques, with initial operative approach randomized in the more symptomatic hand. Demographic data and functional outcomes were recorded, including the pain score, 2-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing, thenar strength testing, grip strength, carpal tunnel syndrome functional status score, carpal tunnel syndrome symptom severity score, and overall satisfaction. Results: Thirty patients completed the study; there were no significant differences in any measure at any of the postoperative time points. Symptom severity and functional status scores were not significantly different between groups at any evaluation. Subjectively, 24 of 30 patients did state they preferred the ECTR, mostly citing less pain as their primary reason, although pain scores were not significantly different. Differences in overall satisfaction were also not significant. Conclusions: Both techniques are well tolerated with no differences in outcomes. With the added cost and equipment associated with ECTR, and no added benefit, the usefulness of ECTR is questionable.

Electrophysiological evidence for changes in attentional orienting and selection in functional somatic symptoms

ObjectiveWe investigated changes in attention mechanisms in people who report a high number of somatic symptoms which cannot be associated with a physical cause. MethodBased on scores on the Somatoform Disorder Questionnaire (SDQ-20; Nijenhuis et al., 1996) we compared two non-clinical groups, one with high symptoms on the SDQ-20 and a control group with low or no symptoms. We recorded EEG whilst participants performed an exogenous tactile attention task where they had to discriminate between tactile targets following a tactile cue to the same or opposite hand. ResultsThe neural marker of attentional orienting to the body, the Late Somatosensory Negativity (LSN), was diminished in the high symptoms group and attentional modulation of touch processing was prolonged at mid and enhanced at later latency stages in this group. ConclusionThese results confirm that attentional processes are altered in people with somatic symptoms, even in a non-clinical group. Furthermore, the observed pattern fits explanations of changes in prior beliefs or expectations leading to diminished amplitudes of the marker of attentional orienting to the body (i.e. the LSN) and enhanced attentional gain of touch processing. SignificanceThis study shows that high somatic symptoms are associated with neurocognitive attention changes.

Treatment of comminuted fractures of the base of the thumb metacarpal using a cemented bone-K-wire frame

We aimed to describe the treatment of comminuted fractures of the base of the thumb metacarpal using a cemented bone-K-wire frame. Between March 2010 and January 2016, 41 fractures of the base of the thumb were treated using a cemented bone-K-wire frame. The mean age of the patients was 34 years. The patients’ history included a fall onto the hand in 7 cases, direct trauma in 31 cases, and polytrauma with an unclear mechanism of injury in 3 cases. At the final follow-up, hand grip and pinch strength were measured using a dynamometer. All measurements were compared with those of the opposite hand. The patients were assessed functionally using the Smith and Cooney score.All K-wires were left in place until the bone healed. Bone healing was achieved in all thumbs in an average of 5.2 weeks. Follow-up averaged 27 months. The mean hand pinch and grip strength was 8.7 kg ± 2.4 kg and 38.4 kg ± 5.9 kg, respectively. The mean measurements on the opposite side were 9.2 kg ± 2.5 kg and 40.2 kg ± 6.6 kg, respectively. Based on the Smith and Cooney score, we obtained an average score of 87 ± 9.3, with 25 excellent, 9 good, and 2 fair results. The cemented bone-K-wire frame is an external fixator alternative that can be used for treating comminuted intra-articular fractures of the base of the thumb metacarpal. The system is cheap, easy to apply, and provides rigid fixation, resulting in good functional recovery.

A Novel Finger Illusion Reveals Reduced Weighting of Bimanual Hand Cortical Representations in People With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is associated with deficits in sensorimotor control. Herein we have used a novel finger illusion to investigate whether CRPS is associated with reduced weighting of bimanual hand representations. The illusion normally induces a compelling feeling that the hands are close together when in fact they are 12 cm apart. People with CRPS and age, gender, and dominant hand-matched controls tested the illusion in the midline then on either side of the midline. The illusion had 2 variants; the passive pincer-grip position, without contact (no grasp condition) and with contact (grasp condition) of the artificial finger. The primary outcome was the perceived vertical distance between the index fingers. Twenty people with CRPS and 20 controls participated (mean age 44.4 ± 11.7 years). During the no grasp condition, participants with CRPS perceived the vertical distance significantly closer to the actual 12 cm (mean 8.0 cm, 95% confidence interval 6.5-9.5 cm), than controls did (mean 6.4 cm, 95% confidence interval 5.5-7.2 cm]). That is, the illusion was weaker in people with CRPS than in controls during no grasp. There was no such difference during grasp; that is, both groups showed the predicted illusion response. There was no effect of hand placement relative to midline or relative to the opposite hand. We conclude that people with unilateral CRPS have lower weighting of bimanual hand representation than controls have, independent of hand location. However, adding additional cutaneous input returns those with CRPS to the expected performance. We suggest the results have clear clinical and research implications. PerspectiveAn abnormal weighting of bilateral hand representation may reflect a vulnerability for chronic CRPS, an adaptation to the disease, and/or a potential therapeutic target. That addition of cutaneous input immediately normalizes the problem points to the possible role of bimanual tasks in prevention or rehabilitation.

Neurophysiological effects of mirror visual feedback in stroke patients with unilateral hemispheric damage

Background and ObjectiveMirror visual feedback (MVF; the illusory perception of movement in one hand upon viewing the moving opposite hand in a midsagittal mirror) is thought to facilitate restoration of mal-adaptive neurophysiological processes underlying conditions like complex regional pain syndrome and phantom limb pain, and to have a positive effect on brain plasticity processes underlying motor recovery after stroke. However, its exact mode of action remains unclear. The aim of the current study was to explore the immediate neurophysiological effects of MVF in patients with stroke-related hemiparesis. We also investigated how these effects relate to lesion location and extent. MethodEEG and EMG data were obtained from 14 first-event sub-acute stroke patients (8 with right-, 6 with left-hemiparesis) during repeated wrist extension movements of the Non-paretic Upper-Limb (NUL), without (NUL/M-) and with (NUL/M+) a midsagittal mirror, as well as during bilateral movements with a mirror (Bil/M+). EEG data was correlated with normalized lesion data obtained from follow-up CT scans. ResultsNUL movement was accompanied by an asymmetric event-related de-synchronization (ERD) of low-beta EEG oscillations, with a more conspicuous ERD in the non-affected hemisphere. In the mirror condition, ERD magnitude was attenuated in both hemispheres. Stronger attenuation in the non-affected hemisphere abolished the hemispheric asymmetry. ERD attenuation by the mirror was affected by lesion side, the severity of hemiparesis and by lesion location and extent. ConclusionFollowing hemispheric stroke, the magnitude of low-beta ERD accompanying unilateral movement of the non-involved upper limb, and its hemispheric asymmetry, are both reduced by MVF. Low-beta ERD dynamics may serve as a marker of neurophysiological response to MVF in research aimed to elucidate the factors influencing patients’ clinical gain from this treatment.

Asymmetries in force matching are related to side of stroke in right-handed individuals

Asymmetries in grasp force matching extend beyond quantifying a single measure of maximum grip strength and advance our application of side-specific treatment interventions. A cross sectional study design investigated grasp-force matching performance in right-handed individuals with a stroke and age-matched healthy controls. A visual representation of the 20% Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC) was matched in three conditions in the absence of visual feedback with the same (Ipsilateral Remembered – IR) or opposite hand (Concurrent – CC and Contralateral Remembered – CR). Greater overall relative error (RE) was found in contralateral compared to ipsilateral matching tasks. In the CR condition, post hoc analysis revealed significant differences between control and right hemisphere damage (RHD) group (95% CI [16.41–88.59]; p < 0.01) as well as left hemisphere damage (LHD) group and RHD (95% CI [23.4–95.09]; p < 0.01). Right hand matching relative error was 2.49 times larger in the RHD compared to the LHD group. Within the RHD group, matching errors were greater for the right than left hand in both contralateral conditions (95% CI [34.25–101.07]; p < 0.001).Individuals with RHD showed greater asymmetries in contralateral matching tasks compared to LHD and controls. More specifically, the RHD group had the greatest difficulty matching tasks with their right (non-paretic) than left (paretic) hand. In order to elucidate this asymmetry in the clinic the use of complementary grasp measures may be considered.

Shape-texture-identification—STI—A test for tactile gnosis: Concurrent validity of STI2

Study DesignCross-sectional study. IntroductionThe shape-texture-identification (STI) test (Össur Nordic AB, Sweden) is used to evaluate one aspect of tactile gnosis in nerve disorders, and it has proven good methodological properties. Purpose of the StudyA new version of the STI test was recently introduced—STI2 (www.sensory-test.com). The purpose of this study was to test the concurrent validity in STI2. MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design, this methodological study compared STI2 to the original version based on 2 cohorts; 1 including 20 persons (1 affected finger and corresponding finger on in opposite hand) with affected sensibility after hand injuries and 1 healthy group including 20 persons (digits II and V in both hands). The agreement between the 2 versions of the instrument was calculated statistically by a percentage comparison of the test results and weighted kappa. ResultsThe 112 tested fingers showed a complete agreement, or 1-point accepted deviation, between the 2 tests in 92% with weighted kappa of 0.74 and 95% confidence interval of 0.63-0.89. The result showed that there is no significant deviation between the 2 versions of the test. DiscussionThe use of standardizes and evidence based assessment tools in clinical practice is paramount for a patient centered healthcare. Previous research has shown good psychometric proprties in the STI-test. This study contributes to the scientific evidence of the instrument. ConclusionAs the new STI2 proved good agreement within the accepted deviation, we conclude that there is evidence to use the new STI2 test in assessment of tactile gnosis.

The Scope of Planning Serial Actions during Typing.

Human activities consisting of multiple component actions require the generation of ordered sequences. This study investigated the scope of response planning in highly serial task, typing, by means of ERPs indexing motor response preparation. Specifically, we compared motor-related ERPs yielded by words typed using a single hand against words that had all keystrokes typed with a single hand, except for a deviant one, typed with the opposite hand. The deviant keystroke occurred either early in the typed sequence, corresponding to the second or third letters, or late, corresponding to the penultimate or last letter. Motor-related ERPs detected before response onset were affected only by deviant keystrokes located at the beginning of the sequence, whereas deviant keystrokes located at the end yielded ERPs that were undistinguishable from unimanual responses. These results impose some constraints on the notion of parallel processing of component actions.