Abstract: The invention provides a sensor assembly embeddable within an oral appliance comprising a sensing means; and a data processing means coupled to the sensing means for processing data obtained by the sensing means; wherein the sensing means and the data processing means are sealed within a deformable layer.

Abstract: A fan, and a control system and method therefor, wherein the system comprises a wearable device (100) and a fan (200). The fan (200) communicates with the wearable device (100). The wearable device (100) is used for detecting body parameters of a user to determine whether the user falls asleep, generating a sleep wind mode instruction to the fan (200). The fan (200) enters a sleep wind mode after receiving the sleep wind mode instruction, obtains a sleep wind control curve, and adjusts operating parameters according to the sleep wind control curve. The fan control system can adjust the running gear of the fan according to the sleep wind control curve after the user falls asleep, and avoids interference factors, thereby improving the control precision of the fan and improving user experience.

Abstract: A sleep security method comprises the steps of providing a bed; providing at least one sensor for the detecting of a sleeping condition and for generating a signal in response to such detecting, the at least one sensor being located in operative proximity to the bed; providing a printer; providing a transceiver; operatively coupling the at least one sensor to the printer through the transceiver; and creating a written record by the printer of the detecting of the sleeping condition.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for measuring both impedance and ECG waveforms that is configured to be worn around a patient's neck. The sensor features 1) an ECG system that includes an analog ECG circuit, in electrical contact with at least two ECG electrodes, that generates an analog ECG waveform; and 2) an impedance system that includes an analog impedance circuit, in electrical contact with at least two (and typically four) impedance electrodes, that generates an analog impedance waveform. Also included in the neck-worn system are a digital processing system featuring a microprocessor, and an analog-to-digital converter. During a measurement, the digital processing system receives and processes the analog ECG and impedance waveforms to measure physiological information from the patient. Finally, a cable that drapes around the patient's neck connects the ECG system, impedance system, and digital processing system.

Abstract: The present invention provides minimally invasive imaging probe/medical device having a frictional element integrated therewith for reducing non-uniform rotational distortion near the distal end of a medical device, such as an imaging probe which undergoes rational movement during scanning of surrounding tissue in bodily lumens and cavities.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a catheter having a basket-shaped electrode assembly with a high electrode density. The basket-shaped electrode assembly may have a plurality of spines, such as up to twelve, each with a plurality of electrodes, such as up to sixteen. The distal ends of the plurality of spines are joined at a distal hub, all of which are fashioned from a single piece of superelastic material.

Abstract: A system for detecting a problematic health situation generally includes a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a sensor configured to detect a physiological characteristic of an occupant of the vehicle, an environmental sensor configured to detect an environmental characteristic of the vehicle, and a profile generation module including a memory. The profile generation module is configured to store a physiological characteristic measurement corresponding to the occupant of the vehicle, store an environmental characteristic measurement corresponding to the vehicle, and transmit the physiological characteristic measurement and the environmental characteristic measurement. The system comprises a server configured to compare the physiological characteristic measurement to a database of physiological characteristic measurements corresponding to the occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: A biosensor of the invention is a capacitive noncontact sensor with two sensor channels split into a plurality of physically interdigitated symmetrical electrodes and shield sections. Two capacitive plates are electrically connected to the two sensor channels. The capacitive noncontact sensor is sized and packaged to be worn by a person to place the capacitive plates close to the skin of the person and form first and second channel input capacitors with the skin. A signal reconstruction circuit obtains a bio signal from the first and second channel input capacitors through the electrodes by reconstructing differences in the two sensor channels. The circuit includes different parasitic input capacitance in the two channels to create channel-specific outputs that depend on input coupling capacitance.

Abstract: A photoplethysmogram system includes a plurality of sensors, each sensor capable of providing a sensor signal, and an adaptive filter capable of receiving a first input signal and computing an output. The photoplethysmogram system is capable of operating the filter in sequential stages, such that at each different stage the first input signal is a different sensor signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a model for predictive inference on an operation of a machine. A processor is configured to acquire time series data, the times series data includes training data and test data, the time series data represents an operation of the machine for a period of time, and the training data includes observations labeled with an outcome of the predictive inference. Apply recursive and stable filters for filtering at a training time, at a test time or both, such that a data point in the filtered time series data corresponds to an observation in the time series data that is a function of the corresponding observation and past observations in the time series data preceding the corresponding observation. Determine the model for the predictive inference using the training data, based on filtering the training data with filters to produce filtered time series data, and store in memory.

Abstract: A disease prediction model construction apparatus is provided. The disease prediction model construction apparatus may include a spectral data acquisition unit that emits near-infrared rays toward a skin of a subject to acquire near-infrared spectral data and a prediction model construction unit that constructs a disease prediction model based on a time-blood glucose graph generated from the acquired near-infrared spectral data.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that enable an electronic device to instruct as user how to user one or more noninvasive sensors to measure one or more physiological parameters of a patient. In one embodiment, the measured parameters are used to obtain a diagnosis, such as a diagnosis of a critical congenital heart defect.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for the prevention of bodily injuries through active monitoring of bodily postures, supporting a body while in or restricting a body from entering predetermined postures which heighten the body's susceptibility to injury, and alerting one or more entities (e.g., an apparatus user) of a body's susceptibility to injury is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method may include one or more operations including monitoring one or more bodily postures and/or bodily movements, storing data associated with bodily postures and/or bodily movements, determining a risk of injury associated with bodily postures and/or bodily movements, and alerting one or more entities when a risk of injury associated with bodily postures and/or bodily movements reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for analyte measurement. The analyte measurement devices and systems may be configured to produce a prompt that may convey information, instructions and/or encouragement to a user. In some variations, analyte measurement devices may be configured to change a prompt based on the replacement or addition of components of/to the device. In some instances, a prompt may be an auditory prompt and/or a visual prompt. In some variations, a system may comprise an analyte measurement device comprising a housing, a speaker, and a control unit. The housing may comprise a releasable housing portion comprising an identifier that is associated with a prompt. In some variations, a system may comprise an analyte measurement device and a skin that may releasably attach to the analyte measurement device and may comprise an identifier that is associated with a prompt.

Abstract: A system and method for generating frequency-multiplexed synthetic sound-speech stimuli and for detecting and analyzing electrical brain activity of a subject in response to the stimuli. Frequency-multiplexing of speech copora and synthetic sounds helps the composite sound to blend into a single auditory object. The synthetic sounds are temporally aligned with the utterances of the speech corpus. Frequency multiplexing may include splitting the frequency axis into alternating bands of speech and synthetic sound to minimize the disruptive interaction between the speech and synthetic sounds along the basilar membrane and in their neural representations. The generated stimuli can be used with both traditional and advanced techniques to analyze electrical brain activity and provides a rapid, synoptic view into the functional health of the early auditory system, including how speech is processed at different levels and how these levels interact.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing a user with alerts are provided. The alerts may take different forms, such as an output to a display, a speaker, a vibration module, a shock module, etc. The alerts provide the user with sufficient information to take appropriate action, but the devices may be of limited functionality to enhance their compactness, discreetness, wearability, etc., while also lowering their cost to manufacture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for computing a 3D conjugate gaze adjusted length (CGAL) using 3D scans. The measurements for determining CGAL are measured on a clipping plane generated from the 3D CT scans. Acute ischemic strokes (AIS) is determined if the CGAL is greater than 0.28 with high specificity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray imaging device including a rotary collimator having a region (22) which is opaque to X-rays, a first slot (24) and a second slot (26), which are transparent to X-rays and extend in two different directions, passing through the opaque region, the collimator making it possible to determine the position of an element provided with X-ray sensors in an imaging system (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An intra-oral system comprising: an x-ray detector configured to detect extra-orally applied x-rays; and a saliva fluid sensing sub-system configured to sense saliva fluid within the oral cavity.

Abstract: An X-ray detector according to one embodiment includes X-ray detector modules, and a frame. Each X-ray detector module has a detection surface on which detection elements configured to detect X-rays are arrayed, and a supporter configured to support the detection elements. The frame fixes positions of the X-ray detector modules in such a manner that the detection surfaces of the X-ray detector modules are aligned along a first direction. The frame is provided with a pin protruding toward the supporter, at a position to which the supporter is fixed. The supporter is provided with a hole through which and into which the pin is inserted and fitted, at a position facing the frame. A movement of the supporter in the first direction is restricted by fitting the pin provided to the frame into the hole provided to the supporter, when the supporter is attached to the frame.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus includes a pixel, a readout unit, and a signal processing unit. The pixel includes a switch configured to connect a conversion element configured to convert radiation into an electric signal to a signal line. The readout unit is configured to perform a first operation of reading out a first signal appearing in the signal line when the switch is not in a conductive state and a second operation of reading out a second signal appearing in the signal line when the switch is in a conductive state. The read out unit is configured to perform the first operation before performing the second operation a plurality of times consecutively. The signal processing unit is configured to perform signal processing for outputting information indicating irradiation of the radiographic imaging apparatus by the radiation based on the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: A slot scanning system and method for imaging a patient. The method comprises: providing a source of x-ray radiation, directed toward a subject; providing a large flat portable freely-positionable non-tethered stationary digital detector spaced from the source and positioned to receive the x-ray radiation; providing a slotted collimator intermediate the x-ray source and digital detector; and generating a digital x-ray image of the patient by combining a captured plurality of line images.

Abstract: A detection unit of a CPU of a console detects the position of an electronic cassette and the position of an irradiation field on the basis of a camera image output from a camera that is attached to an X-ray source and captures an image of at least the electronic cassette. The image processing unit performs image processing for an X-ray image detected by the electronic cassette on the basis of information of the position of the electronic cassette and information of the position of the irradiation field.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reviewing medical images. One system includes an electronic processor configured to create a data structure for tracking anatomical findings. The electronic processor is further configured to receive a first annotation marking a first anatomical finding within a first electronic medical image, wherein the first electronic medical image was captured during a first imaging procedure of an anatomical structure, and add data to the data structure representing a first parameter of the first anatomical finding. The electronic processor is also configured to receive a second annotation marking a second anatomical finding within a second electronic medical image, wherein the second electronic medical image was captured during a second imaging procedure of the anatomical structure, and add data to the data structure representing a second parameter of the second anatomical finding. The electronic processor is also configured to display at least a portion of the data structure.

Abstract: Novel and advantageous systems and methods for performing X-ray imaging by extracting X-ray phase-shift and/or dark-field information through a detector that has built-in G2 functionality are provided. Grating translation can be replaced by an electrical operation in the detection procedure, thereby eliminating the need for the analyzer grating and the typical mechanical stepping process.

Abstract: An X-ray phase contrast imaging device of the present invention can change an arrangement pitch of slits related to a multi-slit and an arrangement pitch of phase shift sections related to a phase grating. A positional relationship among the multi-slit 3b, the phase grating, and an FPD is determined based on the arrangement pitch of the slits related to the multi-slit, the arrangement pitch of the phase shift sections related to the phase grating, and an arrangement pitch of detection elements related to the FPD. Among these arrangement pitches, by changing the arrangement pitch of the slits and the arrangement pitch of the phase shift sections, the present invention can change the positional relationship among the multi-slit, the phase grating, and the FPD.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of a cabinet x-ray incorporating an x-ray tube, an x-ray detector, and a real-time camera, either High Definition or Standard Resolution, for the production of organic and non-organic images. The computing device receives video data from the real-time camera and the x-ray detector and creates, based on the video data, a superimposed image of the captured x-ray image with the captured real-time image. In particular, the disclosure relates to a system and method with corresponding apparatus for capturing a real-time image simultaneously with the x-ray image allowing a cabinet x-ray unit to display a superimposed image of the two images and optimizes the images to result in a superimposed image with exact orientation of the 2 images and overlaying the 2 images on the display.

Abstract: A radiography supporter supports a radiography system including a radiation generator and a radiography apparatus in taking radiographic images, and the radiography supporter includes a hardware processor that: acquires an examination order; transmits corresponding radiation irradiation conditions to the radiation generator, for each examination order; and restricts transmission of irradiation conditions corresponding to a second examination order to be executed after a specific first examination order in a case where a plurality of the examination orders has been acquired for a same examination object, and the irradiation conditions corresponding to the first examination order have been changed.

Abstract: A high-voltage device according to embodiments comprises an inverter circuit configured to convert a direct-current voltage into an alternating-current voltage, a high-voltage transformer, an insulating layer and a conductive layer. The high-voltage transformer includes a primary coil on an input side and multiple secondary coils on an output side and raises a voltage of output of the inverter circuit. The insulating layer is provided on an outer circumference of a bundle of winding wires of each of the secondary coils so as to individually cover each of the secondary coils. The conductive layer is provided on an outer circumference of each of the insulating layers so as to individually cover each of the insulating layers.

Abstract: A physiological monitor is provided for determining a physiological parameter of a medical patient with a multi-stage sensor assembly. The monitor includes a signal processor configured to receive a signal indicative of a physiological parameter of a medical patient from a multi-stage sensor assembly. The multi-stage sensor assembly is configured to be attached to the physiological monitor and the medical patient. The monitor of certain embodiments also includes an information element query module configured to obtain calibration information from an information element provided in a plurality of stages of the multi-stage sensor assembly. In some embodiments, the signal processor is configured to determine the physiological parameter of the medical patient based upon said signal and said calibration information.

Abstract: A multi-modality cancer screening and diagnosis system is provided that allows cancer screening and diagnosis of a patient using at least two different and sequential three-dimensional imaging techniques without patient repositioning. The system includes a first three-dimensional image acquisition device, a second three-dimensional image acquisition device having a probe with a transmitter mounted thereon, and a positioning paddle for positioning and immobilizing an object to be imaged during the cancer screening and diagnosis procedure. The positioning paddle is designed to facilitate visualization of the breast in both three-dimensional modalities without movement of the patient, and preferably is designed to position the patient with comfort during a diagnosis procedure which uses both imaging modalities.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an ultrasound imaging system and method for measuring a property of a region of interest in a subject by using shear wave, wherein an ultrasound probe is configured to sequentially transmit, to each of a plurality of focal spots (320, 322, 324) in the region of interest, a push pulse (310, 312, 314) for generating a shear wave (330, 332, 334), each of the plurality of focal spots having a mutually different depth value (z1, z2, z3), and to receive ultrasound echo signals adjacent (350, 352, 354) to each of the plurality of focal spots; a shear wave detector is configured to derive, for each of the plurality of focal spots, a first parameter indicating a property of the generated shear wave, based on the received ultrasound echo signals; and a property estimator is configured to estimate a second parameter indicating the property of the region of interest as a function of the derived first parameters.

Abstract: Provided is a composition for an acoustic wave probe including a polysiloxane mixture containing polysiloxane and silica particles of which an average primary particle diameter exceeds 16 nm and less than 100 nm and which are subjected to surface treatment, and organic peroxide, and a silicone resin for an acoustic wave probe, the acoustic wave probe, an ultrasound probe, an acoustic wave measurement apparatus, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, a photoacoustic wave measurement apparatus, and an ultrasound endoscope using the composition for an acoustic wave probe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system has a user control by which a user positions the user's selection of a heart chamber border in relation to two myocardial boundaries identified by a deformable heart model. The user's border is positioned by a single degree of freedom control which positions the border as a function of a single user-determined value. This overcomes the vagaries of machine-drawn borders and their mixed acceptance by clinicians, who can now create repeatably-drawn borders and exchange the control value for use by others to obtain the same results.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one embodiment includes correlation matrix calculating circuitry, calculating circuitry, image generating circuitry, and controlling circuitry. The correlation matrix calculating circuitry calculates a correlation matrix of a scanned region consisting of a plurality of scan lines, from a data array of pieces of reflection wave data collected from the same position by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in the scanned region across a plurality of frames. The calculating circuitry calculates a filter coefficient for suppressing a clutter generated by a tissue, by performing principal component analysis using the correlation matrix, and by performing a matrix operation of approximating a clutter component as a principal component and of suppressing the clutter component. The image generating circuitry generates ultrasound image data from blood flow information estimated using the filter coefficient.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes index image data generating circuitry and controlling circuitry. The index image data generating circuitry is configured to generate index image data indicating a relative positional relationship between extending direction information and information indicating a scanned position by an ultrasound wave transmitted from an ultrasound probe, wherein the extending direction information indicates a blood vessel extending direction and is generated on a basis of volume data representing a three-dimensional region that includes at least a part of the blood vessel region of a subject. The controlling circuitry is configured to cause a monitor to display the index image data.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes the processing circuitry. The processing circuitry generates an image from volume data. The volume data is generated based on echo data acquired while the ultrasonic probe is moved and output of a positional sensor provided on the ultrasonic probe. The processing circuitry further generates an indicator indicating speed of the ultrasonic probe and recommended speed range of moving the ultrasonic probe. The speed of the ultrasonic probe is calculated based on the output of the positional sensor. The processing circuitry causes a display to display the image and the indicator.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus is disclosed for identifying anatomical objects in a field of view. The apparatus comprises an image interface for receiving 3D medical image data of a patient, and a segmentation unit for segmenting anatomical objects of the patient in the 3D medical image data and for providing segmentation data of the anatomical objects. An ultrasound acquisition unit including an ultrasound probe is included for acquiring ultrasound data of the patient. The apparatus further comprises a position determining unit for determining a position of the ultrasound probe, wherein the position determining unit includes a calibration unit for calibrating the position of the ultrasound probe on the basis of anatomical features of the patient. An identification unit is included in the apparatus for identifying the anatomical objects within the field of view of the ultrasound probe on the basis of the segmentation data and the position of the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A smart toilet capable of monitoring excrement and urine comprises a toilet bowl, a toilet seat, a telescopic lifting device, an excrement sample collection device, an excrement specimen preprocessing device, an excrement sample detection and analysis device, a telescopic lighting and photographing device, and a smart terminal. The whole process of bowel movement can be monitored to observe the general characteristics of the excrement and the presence or absence of parasites or eggs and to weigh the excrement, thereby realizing the automatic collection of an excrement sample and the pretreatment of the excrement specimen to provide convenience for the hospital users.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a release device for releasing a medical implant from an insertion device, in the case of which the implant can be released by way of a relative motion between a first and a second insertion element, comprising a clamping element for clamping the implant in the insertion device, having a proximal end which is distant from a distal end of the insertion device in the state of use, and a distal end which faces the distal end of the insertion device in the state of use, wherein the clamping unit comprises a first component and at least one second component, which clamp the implant there between in the clamped state. The invention further relates to an insertion device comprising such a release device and a method for clamping an implant in an insertion device.

Abstract: A medical instrument for endoscopic surgery, including a sheath tube having a distal and a proximal end and a connecting body arranged at the sheath tube's proximal end area, whereby the sheath tube and connecting body are penetrated in axial direction by a common channel, through which an elongated actuating element passes, an end body connectable to connecting body having a hand grip attached for operating the medical instrument, a locking slider, which is slidably housed in a channel oriented at an angle to the channel within connecting body, whereby the actuation area of locking slider projects from connecting body and can be actuated to locked and free positions using finger pressure, such that the end body coupled to connecting body is positively locked to connecting body in the locked position, and the end body in the free position can be detached from connecting body.

Abstract: A method for removing a tissue specimen from a patient includes introducing a bag at least partially into a cavity in the body of the patient, the bag comprising an open end and a port, positioning a tissue specimen to be removed from the patient into an interior of the bag by passing the tissue specimen through the open end of the bag, sealing the open end of the bag, removing gas from the interior of the bag through the port while the tissue specimen is contained in the interior of the bag, and entirely withdrawing the bag containing the tissue specimen from the cavity. The bag may include a closure device configured to hermetically seal the open end of the bag, and the port may include a one-way gas valve configured to prevent or retard gas from entering the interior of the bag through the port.

Abstract: An implanted device, such as an inferior vena cava filter, that is partially embedded in soft tissue is retrieved by coupling a vibration device to the implanted device. The implanted device is disembedded from the soft tissue at least in part by generating a vibration with a vibration generator, transmitting the vibration along the vibration transmission apparatus to the implanted device, and vibrating the implanted device. The implanted device is then moved away from the embedding site. A medical device assembly includes the vibration generator, the implantable device and the vibration transmission apparatus.

Abstract: Devices for closing an internal opening, e.g. a hole in a blood vessel, include a shape memory function. Particular substances have been found to provide advantages in use, and in particular forms of closure structures.

Abstract: A method for imparting tension across a human knee joint which includes a femur bone, a tibia bone, a patella bone, a patellar tendon, and ligaments, wherein the ligaments and patellar tendon are under anatomical tension to connect the femur and tibia together, creating a load-bearing articulating joint. The method includes: providing a tensioning device, including: a baseplate; a top plate; and a linkage interconnecting the baseplate and the top plate and operable to move the tensioning device between retracted and extended positions, wherein the top plate is pivotally connected to the linkage so as to be able to freely pivot about a pivot axis; positioning the tensioning device between the femur and the tibia; applying an actuating force to the linkage to move the tensioning device towards the extended position, so as to impart a controlled separating force driving the femur and tibia apart to extend the ligaments.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an artificial tendon-forming auxiliary instrument in which a valve cusp of a cardiac valve and a papillary muscle can be joined together with an artificial tendon through an easy procedure and the artificial tendon can be finished so as to have a desired length. According to an aspect of the present invention, an auxiliary instrument (100) is used for joining a valve cusp (210) of the cardiac valve and a papillary muscle (212) with an artificial tendon (200). A pair of end-portion support portions (20) and (21) respectively supporting the valve cusp (210) and the papillary muscle (212) is provided at both ends in a longitudinal direction. The auxiliary instrument (100) includes first and second tendon insertion ports through which the artificial tendon (200) is inserted, a tendon guide portion (30), and an instrument holding portion (40).

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring a ligament or tendon to bone. In one embodiment, a surgical implant is provided having a sheath and an expander that is received within the sheath. Various delivery tools, including a sheath inserter and a driver, are also provided. In use, the sheath inserter can be used to position a tendon within a prepared bone hole, and it can be used to deliver the sheath with a guidewire coupled thereto into the bone hole. The driver can be provided for delivering the expander into the sheath. A loader can optionally be used to load the driver and expander onto the guidewire coupled to the implanted sheath.

Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for soft tissue repair including a device for anchoring sutured tissue to a bone are disclosed. According to one example, the device can include an outer body and an inner member. The outer body can comprise a shell with an outer surface configured to engage the bone of a patient and an inner passage extending longitudinally from a proximal end portion toward a distal end portion. The inner member can be configured to be disposed within the outer body and can be moveable along the inner passage relative to the outer body between a first position and a second position. The inner member can be configured with an eyelet to receive and pass a suture through the member and at least one of the outer body and the inner member can have a first groove extending generally longitudinally along at least a portion thereof. The first groove can be configured to receive the suture therein.

Abstract: A tissue fixation apparatus can include a flexible construct and an elongated locking member. The flexible construct can include at least two adjustable loops and tensioning members. The two adjustable loops can be configured to pass through the first tissue, and to be spaced apart along an outer surface of the first tissue in a first direction. The tensioning members can extend from the two adjustable loops, and can be configured to reduce the two adjustable loops from a first size to a second size. The flexible construct can be attached to the second tissue by an anchor. The locking member can be configured to be received within the two adjustable loops at the first size, and to engage the two adjustable loops at the second size.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a knotless suture anchor for implanting in bone including an outer tubular member having a distal end, a proximal end, an outer wall, and an at least one aperture through the outer wall; an inner member being rotatably disposed within the outer tubular member, the inner member having an at least one aperture for receiving at least one suture thread; a pointed tip configured to facilitate impaction of the anchor into the bone; and at least one suture thread guide positioned on the outer tubular member, wherein the at least one suture thread is positioned through the at least one suture thread guide, the at least one aperture of the outer tubular member, and the at least one aperture of the inner member.