Abstract: A motorized cervical traction device comprises an inferior base configured to attach to a patient support (such as an operating table or gurney), a superior base spaced apart from the inferior base along a cranial/caudal direction, and a set of linear actuators extending between the inferior base and the superior base. The superior base includes an attachment point configured to enable mechanical coupling of a load sensor and a patient head attachment (e.g., Gardner-Wells device or Mayfield skull clamp) to the superior base. In use, the device provides real-time load sensing capability and can apply distraction via extension of the linear actuators to a preset load (force control) or displacement (position control). The device also includes a flexion/extension mechanism that enables rotational positioning of the linear actuators relative to the inferior base along and enables control of the flexion/extension angle of the applied traction.

Abstract: An orthotic device for haptic terrain feedback and control includes a plate having a mechatronic unit, a bladder structure secured to the plate, the bladder structure having one or more bladder cells, and a passageway extending between the bladder cell and an environment outside the orthotic device. The orthotic device is configured to provide haptic feedback to a user by way of selective inflation and deflation of the one or more bladder cells.

Abstract: A method is provided for performing exercise therapy and rehabilitation. A first therapy module can be performed. The first therapy module comprises at least one first physical metric for rotating, by a resistance device, at least one joint of a limb of a user. At least one psychophysical metric and at least one physical metric of the user can be monitored while performing the first therapy module. Psychophysical metric data for the at least one psychophysical metric and physical metric data for the at least one physical metric can be received. Based on at least one of the psychophysical metric data and the physical metric data, the at least one first physical metric for rotating the at least one joint of the limb by the resistance device while performing the first therapy module can be modified.

Abstract: Pseudo-operator sequences may be located in (or inserted into) plant genomes and utilized to drive expression of foreign genes. These pseudo-operator sequences are nucleotide sequences which are present at a suitable location in a gene at which repressor binding will lead to inhibitation or enhancement of gene expression. The disclosed technique permits the design of altered specificity repressors, which bind the pseudo-operators.