In the paper, a study of the performance of unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), establishes numerical simulation model of the chassis system by three-dimensional software and finite element analysis software. Based on the numerical modelling and analysis, the work focuses on study of the strength and stiffness of the vehicle's chassis and researched the distribution of stress and deformation under the extremal condition. The paper also presents an autopilot design with new cascade control system for an autonomous motion of an unmanned ground vehicle based on Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) and Feed-Forward (FF) control. The PID-FF controller is a part of dedicated for presented UGV used in a hybrid control system for precise control and stabilization, necessary to increase the vehicle motion stability and maneuvers precision. The hybrid PID-FF control system proposed for the ground vehicle model gives a satisfactory quality of control, while maintaining the simplicity of the control system. Presented tests performed in area of mechanical design and control analysis gives good results and proves usefulness of designed unmanned device.

The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of artificial aging by thermocycling and mechanical loading on force/torque delivery by thermoplastic orthodontic aligners. Ten thermoformed aligners made of Zendura™ thermoplastic polyurethane sheets were aged over two weeks in deionized water by thermocycling alone (n=5) and by both thermocycling and mechanical loading (n=5). The force/torque generated on upper second premolar (Tooth 25) of a plastic model was measured before aging (as control), and after 2, 4, 6, 10, and 14 days of aging, using a biomechanical set-up. Before aging, the extrusion-intrusion forces were in the range of 2.4 to 3.0 N, the oro-vestibular forces were 1.8 to 2.0 N, and the torques on mesio-distal rotation were 13.6 to 40.0 Nmm. Pure thermocycling had no significant effect on the force decay of the aligners. However, there was a significant decrease in force/torque after 2 days of aging for both thermocycling and mechanical loading aging group, which is no longer significant over 14 days of aging. In conclusion, artificial aging of aligners in deionized water with thermocycling and mechanical loading results in a significant decrease in force/torque generation. However, the mechanical loading of aligners has a greater impact than thermocycling alone.

The aim of this research is to investigate the influence of model height employed in the deep drawing of orthodontic aligner sheets on force transmission and aligner thickness. Forty sheets (Zendura FLX) were thermoformed over four models of varying heights (15, 20, 25, and 30 mm). Normal contact force generated on the facial surface of the upper right central incisor (Tooth 11) was measured using pressure-sensitive films. Aligner thickness around Tooth 11 was measured at five points. A digital caliper and a micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) were employed for thickness measurements. The normal contact force exhibited an uneven distribution across the facial surface of Tooth 11. Model 15 displayed the highest force (88.9±23.2 N), while Model 30 exhibited the lowest (45.7±15.8 N). The force distribution was more favorable for bodily movement with Model 15. Thickness measurements, conducted using a digital caliper and µ-CT, revealed substantial thinning of the aligner after thermoforming. This thinning was most pronounced at the incisal edge (50% of the original thickness) and least at the gingivo-facial part (85%). Additionally, there was a progressive reduction in aligner thickness with increasing model height, which was most significant on the facial tooth surfaces. We conclude that the thermoplastic aligner sheets undergo substantial thinning during the thermoforming process, which becomes more pronounced as the height of the model increases. As a result, there is a decrease in both overall and localized force transmission, which could lead to increased tipping by the aligner and a diminished ability to achieve bodily movement.

The aim of this study is to study the effect of aging in different media (deionized water and artificial saliva) on the force/torque generation by thermoplastic orthodontic aligners. Ten thermoformed aligners made of Essix ACE® thermoplastic sheets were aged in deionized water and in artificial saliva over two weeks at 37 C, five in each medium. The force/torque generated on upper second premolar (Tooth 25) of a resin model was measured at day 0 (before aging), 2, 4, 6, 10, and 14, using a biomechanical test set-up. The results showed that the thermocycling of aligners has no significant impact on their force/torque decay. No significant differences were also found in force/torque between the aligners stored in deionized water nor artificial saliva. The vertical extrusion-intrusion forces were measured in the range of 1.4 to 4.6 N, the horizontal oro-vestibular forces were 1.3 to 2.5 N, while the torques on mesio-distal rotation were 5.4 to 41.7 Nmm. It could be concluded that the influence of saliva on the mechanical properties can be classified as insignificant, and no significant difference between artificial aging in deionized water or artificial saliva was observed.

The assortment of low-cost 3D printers for “in-practice” use, e.g., for clear aligner therapies, is ever increasing. To address concerns about the accuracy of orthodontic models produced on such printers when cost efficient modes of 3D printing are employed, this study examined the effect of print model body type and print angulation on accuracy. Six printing-configuration groups were included: 2 model types (solid or hollow shell) combined with 3 print angles (0°, 70°, or 90°) with 10 models/group; all models were printed with 100-µm layer thickness using a digital light processing-based 3-dimensional printer. Eleven selected structures and distances were measured on the printed models with a digital microscope and compared to the same measures on a digitized master model. The clinically-acceptability range was set at ±0.25 mm difference from the master model for single tooth measurements (intra-tooth) and ±0.5 mm for cross-arch measurements (inter-tooth). For individual measurements across all models, 98% fell within clinical acceptability. For mean measurements within each model group, only canine height for the shell-0° model had a mean difference (0.26 mm ± 0.03) outside the clinically acceptable range for intra-tooth measurements. Standard deviations for all intra-tooth measurements were within 0.07 mm. While none of the mean inter-tooth measurements exceeded the acceptability range, the standard deviations were larger (0.04 to 0.30 mm). Accuracy of orthodontic models for clear aligner therapies was not impacted beyond the clinically acceptable range when altering model body type and print angulation to improve efficiency of 3D printing. These findings suggest greater flexibility of the practitioner to alter print settings to address time and cost efficiency in various clinical scenarios and still maintain clinically acceptable model accuracy.

The paper presents the prediction of hydrodynamic characteristics of different rudder -plane configurations behind a submarine in deep water through the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes method in Ansys Fluent Solver. The hydrodynamic force and moment acting on the Cross-plane, X-plane, and Y-plane rudder configurations are analyzed for estimating hydrodynamic coefficientsfor predicting the advantages of each configuration to control the ship. The obtained results show that X-force of the X-plane rudder configuration is larger than the force acting on the Cross-plane rudder and Y-plane rudder configurations. However, Y-force, and Z-force of the X-plane rudder configuration are significantly greater than the Y-force of the left configurations. The same tendency can be seen in the moment of the X-plane rudder about the y-axis and z-axis. The roll moment induced by the Y-plane and Cross-plane rudder configurations is significantly larger than the case of the X-plane rudder configuration.

Dynamic time history analysis is a powerful and effective method to study the seismic response of tunnels, the dynamic time history to analyze the seismic response of the tunnel in the typical subway in this paper. The analysis results show that the overall levelling of the tunnel will not affect the tunnel too much, and the seismic response of the tunnel is mainly related to the relative displacement of the ground around the tunnel. The analysis results show that the internal force of the tunnel and the tunnel inclination have a good linear relationship, and the tunnel inclination can be used to measure the magnitude of the seismic response of the tunnel.

Abstract: Understanding the reliability and sensitivity of jump testing is essential to determine the neuromuscular progress of athletes and make informed decisions. This study aimed to assess the reliability and sensitivity of countermovement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) tests metrics in female volleyball players. Sixteen semi-professional female volleyball players participated in the study. Intrasession and intersession reliability of CMJ and DJ metrics were evaluated using a randomized cross-over design. Dual force platform was used to collect data, and several dependent variables were calculated using forward dynamics. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficients of variation (CV) and minimum difference (MD) were calculated. The third attempt presented the highest values for both test, and changes in jump strategy in DJ. CMJ is consistent across sessions, while DJ also shows intersession differences (p<0.05) in 11 out of 15 variables. Most CMJ variables exhibit excellent reliability while DJ variables have lower reliability and higher variability. Concentric and eccentric impulses for DJ showed excellent reliability. Most CMJ variables showed excellent reliability and variability, DJ had lower reliability, higher variability, and lower sensitivity. These findings provide valuable information when assessing athletes' performance and highlight the reliability, sensitivity, and variability in jump performance for CMJ and DJ tests.

The literature offers limited information on the effect of obesity on the rate of force development, a critical parameter for mobility in older adults. The objectives of this study were; to explore the influence of obesity on RFD in older adults and to examine the association between this neuromuscular parameter and walking speed. 42 older adults were classified into two groups: the control group (CG, n=22; age=81.13±4.02 years; Body mass index (BMI)=25.13±3.35 kg/m²), and the obese group (OG, n=20; age=77.71±2.95 years; BMI=34.46±3.25 kg/m²). Walking speed (m/s) was measured using the 10-meter walking test. Neuromuscular parameters of the plantar flexors were evaluated during a maximal voluntary contraction test using a dynamometer. The RFD was calculated from the linear slop of the force – time curve in two phases: from the onset of the contraction to 50 ms (RFD50-100) and from 100 to 200 ms (RFD100-200). The gait speed was lower in the OG compared to the CG (p

Objective: To investigate commonalities and variations in the learning outcomes, curriculum content, assessment methods and competencies in undergraduate orthodontic curricula globally. Methods: This scoping review followed the updated methodological guidance proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A search on electronic databases PubMed, Scopus and Embase was conducted for the last 25 years. Google Scholar was used to identify eligible unpublished and grey literature. Results: The total number of reports identified was 231. After removal of 62 duplicates, 169 reports were included in the title and abstract screening. Finally, 17 studies were included in the review which included 13 cross-sectional surveys, three expert panel proceedings and one discussion paper. Marked variations were reported in undergraduate orthodontic curricula and competency assessments at the level of individual countries, regionally as well as globally. The challenges of imparting competency in orthodontic treatment during undergraduate dental education are also acknowledged. Conclusion: Lack of consistency in undergraduate orthodontic education is evidenced by several Delphi studies to develop consensus on orthodontic teaching in undergraduate programs. A common message emanating from the available studies on undergraduate orthodontic education seems to emphasize a focus on assessment and diagnosis of orthodontic treatment needs of patients and a basic understanding of contemporary treatment options to facilitate patient referral.

The electric field is enormously more powerful than the gravitational field. However, in our normal experience there is no electric field, the electric force is missing. How is it that when you get to larger and larger scales the gravitational field is extremely important whereas the electric field becomes less and less important [1]? This paper proposes a model to explain why gravitation dominates at a larger scale.

In the field of orthodontics, providing patients with accurate treatment time estimates is of utmost importance. As orthodontic practices continue to evolve and embrace new advancements, incorporating machine learning (ML) methods becomes increasingly valuable in improving orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. This study aimed to develop a novel ML model capable of predicting the orthodontic treatment duration based on essential pre-treatment variables. Patients who completed comprehensive orthodontic treatment at the Indiana University School of Dentistry were included in this retrospective study. Fifty-seven pre-treatment variables were collected and used to train and test 9 different ML models. The performance of each model was assessed using descriptive statistics, intraclass correlation coefficients, and one-way analysis of variance tests. Random Forest, Lasso, and Elastic Net were found to be the most accurate, with a mean absolute error of 7.27 months in predicting treatment duration. Extraction decision, COVID, intermaxillary relationship, lower incisor position, and additional appliances were identified as important predictors of treatment duration. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of ML in predicting orthodontic treatment duration using pre-treatment variables.

In interceptive treatments in which impacted teeth (incisor or first permanent molar) should be included into the dental arch, the main clinical problem is the provision of an anchorage area and a suitable appliance. The use of laser sintered metal orthodontic grids, designed and printed digitally, has expanded the boundaries of orthodontic treatment, especially in its interceptive phase. Our aim is to describe a digital model for providing anchorage during orthodontic-surgical traction of impacted teeth in the mixed dentition period. We present the treatment of three clinical cases with digitally projected and printed metal grids used for anchorage. In the described clinical cases, individually designed anchorage systems were used. They were created through design software and after that the metal grids were printed. The devices are placed in the oral area and don’t disturb the aesthetics of the patient in any way. The advantages of individual designed metal support grids allow to accommodate the features of relief of the hard palate and alveolar bone. This makes the grids comfortable for the patient and rigid enough to perform orthodontic tractions at the same time. The printed additional grids are applicable in mixed dentition and in complicated clinical cases in permanent dentition. Their individuality allows segmental treatments or treatments in cases requiring additional anchorage further from the active force.

This papers objective is to describe a method of in-office 3D designing and 3D printing of a tooth-borne molar distalizer and create a library to easily reproduce the needed distalizers in a private orthodontic clinic. Research objectives were to design and 3D print molar distalizers, clinically use in orthodontic treatment settings, assess the strength and frequency of debonding and or breakage. The print resin used was Dental LT Clear V2 (RS-F2-DLCL-02) from formlabs. The 3D printer used was a Formlabs 3B+printer. 16 patients were treated with these 3D printed distalizers. Patients selected were between 11 Years and 49 Years old, Class II occlusion with no skeletal Class II values. The skeletal cephalometric values of the six patients were within the range of SNA = 81± 3º , SNB = 78 ± 3º , ANB = 3 ± 2º. The mean duration of the 3D printed appliance was 14.58 ± 4.31 weeks. The aim reached, was to position molars and canines in a dental Class I position. The combined failure rate was 0.94. A library of distalizers has been made of sizes between 16mm and 29mm, they are easy to print and easy to use in office.

This study explores the complexities of risk communication practices in orthodontics, specifically examining the perspectives of orthodontists in Greece and Slovakia. Informed by the foundational importance of effective communication in health sciences, particularly in facilitating valid consent and shared decision-making, this research addresses gaps identified in the literature concerning the consistent communication of potential treatment risks based on demographic and cultural characteristics. The study identifies 15 potential critical risks with orthodontic treatment. These risks include root necrosis; temporary undesired changes to the occlusion; sleep difficulties; not achieving an ideal result; development of black triangles between teeth; taking additional X-rays; speech difficulties; using a protective splint during sports; duration of treatment; number of visits; transmission of infectious diseases; and swallowing orthodontic appliances. The questionnaire, distributed electronically to orthodontists in Greece (n=570) and Slovakia (n=210) from Sept. 2022 to Dec. 2022, aimed to assess risk communication practices, with consideration to country, gender, and degree-related variations. 168 valid questionnaires (91 from Slovakia and 77 from Greece) were obtained indicating significant disparities in the risks emphasized and preferred forms of consent. The Greek orthodontists focused more on the risks involved such as on relapse, root resorption, temporal occlusal changes, and failure of desired movement, while the Slovak practitioners tend to be interested more about sleeping difficulties, temporal occlusal changes and not achieving an ideal result. They also tend to obtain written or digital consent from patients or their parents/guardians more frequently than the Greek team. Male orthodontists discussed specific risks more frequently, including relapse and extractions, whereas females preferred written or digital consent. PhD-trained orthodontists prioritized certain risks, indicating the need for tailored approaches. This study underscores the dynamic nature of risk assessment in orthodontic practice, emphasizing its ethical and strategic dimensions. The findings advocate for tailored risk communication strategies, that recognize individual, contextual, and cultural factors and the need of an orthodontic informed consent protocol for tailored communication approach for patients to elevate the standard of care in European orthodontics. The reliance on digital tools reflects contemporary trends in enhancing patient understanding, thereby supporting ongoing innovation in orthodontic practices.

Although researchers have proposed various indentation size effect (ISE) models, these models often involve different form and number of parameters that can make our wonder which is the best in existed ISE models. Three types of ISE test data, namely, normal ISE, reverse ISE and transition of normal to reverse ISE, are used to evaluate the sixteen ISE models. The comparatively study indicates that H-J, N-G-Fs, N-G-H, N-G-A and N-G-Qs models can accurately predict the normal ISE. The reason for this is that the friction stress that is not related to dislocation activities or the indentation size effect of plastic zone has been introduced into these models. Therefore, these two factors should be considered in future ISE models. The sixteen ISE models are originally proposed to describe the normal ISE of different materials. However, to our surprise, some of these models are able to capture the reverse ISE and the transition of normal to reverse ISE of different materials. The determination coefficients (DC) of the sixteen ISE models are also determined for different materials. For reverse ISE, the highest DC value for NiCSi, TC4 and PED Ni are given by the EXP, N-G-Fs and N-G-A models, respectively. For the transition of normal to reverse ISE, the N-G-YC, N-G-Fs, and N-G-H models produce the maximum DC for ZrO2, Cu and Y2O3-ZrO2, respectively. Moreover, the mean DC of the N-G-Fs model is the maximum among the sixteen ISE models, followed by the N-G-H model, but they cannot accurately predict the reverse ISE. Therefore, the N-G-Fs and N-G-H models should be further modified to accurately predict the reverse ISE.

Pain is an unpleasant emotional and sensory experience. For many years orthodontists have been looking for an effective method of reducing this feeling of discomfort. In recent years, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has taken hold in the orthodontic field. Among the countless advantages it can modulate the painful feeling. The aim of this research is to identify the use of photobiomodulation in subjects undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment, to reduce the pain and discomfort that it causes. The research was conducted from the Web of Science, Pubmed and Scopus databases. Only 14 of all articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were therefore used to conduct the research. The different studies compared, in most cases, patients whose mouth was divided into a part treated with laser therapy and a placebo part. The results show a statistically significant difference in perceived pain between the irradiated arch and the non-irradiated arch. Three authors didn’t find statistically significant results in favour of low-laser therapy, but it is important to remember that they used different parameters. To obtain generally valid studies, with consistent and reproducible results, it is necessary to standardize the different parameters used that are independent by operator performing the procedure.

Evaluation of the effects of a high-frequency acceleration (HFA) device on patient pain response to orthodontic forces. A multi-centered trial investigating pain sensitivity to orthodontic forces on 75 subjects at 4 study centers. Subjects underwent clear aligner treatment, with or without adjunctive HFA and documented their pain intensity using the validated NRS10 numeric rating scale. In-Office and At-Home ratings were measured separately for each subject for immediate and extended effect evaluations. Use of HFA devices in conjunction with clear aligner orthodontic treatment demonstrated significant reduction in subjects’ recorded pain ratings vs controls within 5 minutes of aligner exchange, (p = 0.006) and significant reduction in recorded pain ratings vs controls over a 7-day period following aligner exchange (p = 0.018). A 99.6% daily compliance rate with at home use of the HFA device was recorded for all subjects in the study. HFA significantly reduces pain attributed to orthodontic force. HFA delivers clinically significant immediate pain relief, and clinically significant extended pain relief over the 7 days following adjustment.

The manual muscle test (MMT) is a flexible diagnostic tool, which is used in many disciplines, applied in several ways. The main problem is the subjectivity of the test. The MMT in the version of a “break test” depends on the tester’s force rise and the patient’s ability to resist the applied force. As a first step, the investigation of the reproducibility of the testers’ force profiles is required for valid application. The study examined the force profiles of n=29 testers (n=9 experiences (Exp), n=8 little experienced (LitExp), n =12 beginners (Beg)). The testers performed 10 MMTs according to the test of hip flexors, but against a fixed leg to exclude the patient’s reaction. A handheld device recorded the temporal course of the applied force. The results show significant differences between Exp and Beg concerning the starting force (padj=0.029), the ratio of starting to maximum force (padj=0.005) and the normalized mean Euclidean distances between the 10 trials (padj=0.015). The slope is significantly higher in Exp vs. LitExp (p=0.006) and Beg (p=0.005). The results also indicate that experienced testers show inter-tester differences and partly even a low intra-tester reproducibility. That highlights the necessity of an objective MMT-assessment. Furthermore, an agreement on a standardized force profile is required – a suggestion is given.

Dental agenesis is one of the most common developmental anomaly in humans and it is frequently as-sociated with several other oral abnormalities. The present case describes nonfamilial agenesis of per-manent teeth in a twenty-one-year-old boy, with no apparent systemic abnormalities. The treatment in-cluded a personalized and interdisciplinary approach by the means of endodontics, orthodontics, im-plants supported restorations and prosthetic treatments. The treatment plan was thoroughly elaborated using photographic analysis, study models, orthopantomogram, CBCT and cephalograms. Virtual smile design, diagnostic waxing, and mock-up previsualized the treatment objectives. The edentulous spaces were reconstructed by inserting dental implants, and monolithic Zirconia implant supported restorations. The final results showed a highly aesthetic and functional rehabilitation. Periodic checkups have shown that the stability of the result is well maintained and that the implant supported restorations are an op-timal solution for patients with multiple anodontia.

Pain is a complex multidimensional feeling combined with sensorial and emotional features. The majority of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment reported various degrees of pain, which is perceived as widely variable between individuals, even when the stimulus is the same. Orthodontic pain is considered the main cause of poor-quality outcomes, patients' dissatisfaction, and lack of collaboration up to the interruption of the therapy. A deep understanding of pain and how it influences the patient’s daily life is fundamental to establishing proper therapeutic procedures and obtaining the correct collaboration. Because of its multifaced and subjective nature, pain is a difficult dimension to measure. The use of questionnaires and their relative rating scales is actually considered the gold standard for pain assessment. Depending on the patient’s age and cognitive abilities is possible to choose the most appropriate instrument for self-reported pain records. Although several scales have been proposed and a lot of them are applied, it remains uncertain which of these tools represents the standard and performs the most precise, universal, and predictable task. This review aims to give an overview of the aspects which describe pain, specifically the pain experienced during orthodontic treatment, the main tool to assess self-perceived pain in a better and more efficient way, the different indications for each of them, and their correlated advantages or disadvantages.

Graph visualization has evolved significantly over time, offering various methods to effectively represent complex data structures. This study introduces a novel force-directed algorithm for 3D data visualization, specifically tailored for commonly used datasets in linked data visualization. Leveraging the power of graph theory and methods, the algorithm aims to address the challenge of creating visually appealing and easily interpretable visualizations, which often necessitate advanced user interaction. By utilizing 3D space and the Unity Engine, the research successfully visualizes data and develops interactive visualizations, overcoming limitations of basic force-directed implementations. The main contribution of presented research is in the force-directed algorithm with springs and controlled placement as a visualization technique that combines the use of springs and attractive forces to stabilize a graph in a 3D environment. The combination of these two techniques also helps prevent the formation of a single large cluster within the graph, enhancing the overall visualization quality.

The Universe is treated as an unbound thermodynamic system in which two forces of Nature compete: Attractive gravity loss and repulsive entropic gain. Entropic gain, although not presently considered a force of Nature, is otherwise well known and can be expressed with the gas laws. The Universe at the time of last scattering was all gas. Its instant gain is expressed as gas pressure. When the Gibbs equation is properly applied to this unbound gas, the resulting atomic Hubble parameter is found to be exclusively dependent on baryon density, giving a constant and perpetual two-to-one gain/loss ratio. Instant loss to gravity cannot offset gas pressure in this “thermal equation”. By contrast, the Friedmann equation, a ΛCDM foundation, treats baryon mass as accreted, having little if any entropic gain. These two equations are actually equivalent. Expanding accreted matter at its comoving critical density is herein shown to behave exactly like a freely expanding gas. However, neither equation includes all of today’s Universal kinetic energy, and cannot by themselves fully account for observed stellar movement. The present paper proposes the plausible existence of highly energetic or “suprathermal” free electrons which comprise about half of the intergalactic medium’s kinetic total. It is this suprathermal energy which Λ expresses. The fluid equation, another ΛCDM foundation, eliminates entropic gain from the Gibbs equation. Additionally, rest mass’s Einstein energy E=Mc² is treated as a thermal variable. These two assumptions, isoentropy and energy conflation, led astronomers to populate Λ as they followed the prior art.

This article deals primarily with the problem of determining the cutting force when machining hardened steels. Secondary issues are focused on the evaluation of surface quality on machined samples and the recommendation of cutting conditions. A wide variety of components are used in engineering, the final heat treatment of which is hardening. These components are usually critical in a particular product. The quality of these components determines the correct functioning of the entire technical equipment and ultimately its service life. In our case, these are the core parts of thrust bearings, specifically the rolling elements. The subject of the experiment is machining these components in the hardened state with cubic boron nitride tools and continuous measurement of the cutting force using a dynamometer. The following evaluation assesses the surface quality by both touch and non-touch methods. A structural equation with appropriate constant and exponents was then constructed from the data obtained using the dynamometer.

A recent study reported that micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) accelerated tooth movement by activating alveolar bone remodeling. However, very little is known about the relationship between MOPs and external apical root resorption during orthodontic treatment. In this study, in order to investigate the mechanism which MOPs accelerate tooth movement without exacerbating the progression of root resorption, we measured the volume of resorbed root, and performed the immunostaining for the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end-labelling method (TUNEL) exposed MOPs during rat experimental tooth movement. Male Wistar rats (11 week old) were divided into 3 groups: 10-g orthodontic force (optimal force) applied to the maxillary first molar (optimal force: OF group), 50-g orthodontic force application (heavy force: HF group) and 10-g force application plus 3 small perforations of the cortical plate (OF+MOPs group). On days 1, 4, 7, 10 and 14 after force application, the tooth movement and root volume were investigated by micro-computed tomography. Furthermore, the expression levels of apoptotic cells in pressure sides of periodontal ligament (PDL) and surround hard tissues were determined by TUNEL staining. The OF+MOP group exhibited a 1.8-fold increase in tooth movement on days 7, 10 and 14 compared with the OF group. On days 14, the HF group had a higher volume of root loss than the OF and OF+MOP groups. On the same day, the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the HF group increased at the root (cementum) site whereas that in the OF group increased at the alveolar bone site. Furthermore, that in the OF + MOP group increased at the alveolar bone site compared with the OF group. These results suggest that MOPs accelerate orthodontic tooth movement without exacerbating the progression of root resorption.

Bacterial adhesion to the surface of the adhesive material is an important step in the formation of plaque and enamel demineralization. In order to correlate the material composition to the specific surface roughness of the resin and to the probable more favourable adhesion of bacteria, scanning electron microscopy, combined with focus ion bean micromachining, together with stylus profilometry analysis have been in vitro performed to reveal the structural nature of three orthodontic adhesive resins used for bracket bonding and, above all, to understand how compositional factors can influence specific pivotal properties such as material’s surface roughness and robustness. In particular, we speculated about the morphological features that determine an increase in the bacterial adhesion and we proposed focused ion beam technique as a valuable tool to compare the internal structures of the polymers and to determine the peculiar mechanical properties of the examined adhesive resins.

The availability of current land cover and land use (LCLU) information for monitoring the status of land resources has considerable value in ensuring sustainable land use planning. Similarly, the need to provide updated information on the extent of LCLU change in West Africa has become apparent, given the increasing demand for land resources driven by the rapid population growth in the sub-region. SERVIR West Africa, a regional consortium jointly supported by USAID and NASA to foster the use of geospatial and earth observation data and science for decision-making on critical environmental and food security challenges, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is building technical capacity in the sub-region to develop and implement harmonized regional land cover classification system for LULC change monitoring in West Africa, based on the Land Cover Meta Language (LCML-ISO 19144-2). This article focuses on the process, potential opportunities, outputs of this collaboration, exemplary use cases, and recommendations for the next steps.

White spot lesions (WSLs), a side effect of orthodontic treatment, can result in reversible and unaesthetic results. Graphene oxide (GO) with a bioactive glass (BAG) mixture(BAG@GO) was added to Low Viscosity Transbond XT(LV) in a ratio of 1, 3, 5%. The composite’s characterization and its physical and biological properties were verified with scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and X-ray diffraction(XRD); its microhardness, shear bond stress (SBS), cell viability, and adhesive remnant index (ARI) were also assessed. Efficiency in reducing WSL was evaluated using antibacterial activity of S. mutans. Anti-demineralization was analyzed using a cycle of the acid-base solution. Adhesives with 3 or 5 wt.% of BAG@GO showed significant increase in microhardness compared with LV. The sample and LV groups showed no significant differences in SBS or ARI. The cell viability test confirmed that none of the sample groups showed higher toxicity compared to the LV group. Antibacterial activity was higher in the 48-hour group than in the 24-hour group; the 48-hour test showed that BAG@GO had a high antibacterial effect, which was more pronounced in 5 wt.% of BAG@GO. Anti-demineralization effect was higher in the BAG@GO-group than in the LV-group; the higher the BAG@GO concentration, the higher the anti-demineralization effect.

In the case of solid slabs made of reinforced concrete that are usually subjected to bending, large areas of the structure are stressed well below their load-bearing capacity. Contrary to this are shell structures, which can bridge large spans with little material if designed according to the force flow. To improve the efficiency of ceiling slabs, we want to utilize the shell load-bearing behavior on a smaller scale by resolving the solid interior accordingly. In order to be able to study a wide range of such constructions virtually, a parametric multiobjective simulation environment is being developed in an ongoing research project. The basic analysis approaches which were implemented are presented in this paper. The basic workflow, the used programs and material models and their calibration on the tests on textile-reinforced concrete (TRC) samples are described.

The properties of the dark matter, dark energy, graviton and photon are discussed in terms of the new three-dimensional quantized space model. Three new particles (bastons) with the electric charges (EC) are proposed as the dark matters. It is proposed that the EC, LC and CC charges are aligned along the time axes but not along the space axes. The photon is confined on its corresponding three-dimensional quantized space. However, the graviton can be evaporated into other three-dimensional quantized spaces. The rest mass of the electron neutrino (n_e) of 3.494·10⁻³ eV/c² is obtained from the experimental vacuum energy density in terms of quantum field theory (QFT). The rest mass and force range of the massive g(0,0,0) graviton with the Planck size are m_g = 3.1872·10⁻³¹ eV/c² and x_r = 3.0955·10²³ m = 10.0 Mpc, respectively, based on the experimental rest mass and rms charge radius of the proton. The possible diameter (10 Mpc) of the largest galaxy cluster is remarkably consistent with the gravitational force range (10 Mpc). Then, the diameter of the largest dark matter distribution related to the largest galaxy cluster is 9.2865·10²³ m = 30 Mpc equal to the force range of the massive g(0) graviton with the rest mass of 1.0624·10⁻³¹ eV/c². Because of the huge number (N) of the evaporated gravitons, the very small Coulomb’s constant of about 10⁻⁴⁸k and large gravitation constant of 10⁶G_N are expected for the charged dark matters. Therefore, F_c(mm) > F_g(dd) > F_g(mm) > F_g(dm) > F_c(dd) > F_c(dm) = 0 for the proton-like particle. The proposed weak gravitational force between the dark matters and normal matters explains the observed dark matter distributions of the bullet cluster, Abell 1689 cluster and Abell 520 cluster. The transition from the galaxy without the dark matters to the galaxy with the dark matters are explained. Also, the accelerated space expansion is caused by the new space quanta created by the evaporated gravitons into the x1x2x3 space and repulsive electromagnetic force between dark matters corresponding to the dark energy. The decreasing coupling constant of the strong force, neutron lifetime anomaly and the pressure distribution inside the proton are explained by the unobservable proton and hadronization. And the rest mass of 1.4 TeV/c² is assigned to the Le particle with the EC charge of −2e. The proposed rest mass (26.12 eV/c²) of the B1 dark matter is indirectly confirmed from the supernova 1987A data. Also, the gravitation constant has been changing with the time because of the graviton evaporation.

This study aimed to analyse the effect of chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX DG) mouthwash on the adhesion of oral bacteria to orthodontic appliances. The interactions of four bacteria (S. mutans, A. actinomycetemcomitans, S. oralis, and V. parvula) with two alloys (stainless steel [SS] and nickel-titanium [NiTi]) and three CHX DG solutions (commercial products Curasept and Perio Plus, and pure CHX DG, all with 0.12% active substance) were tested. The adhesive effect on the orthodontic wires was evaluated after 24 h for S. oralis and after 72 h for the other bacteria. The minimum bactericidal concentration of the solution for each bacterial strain was determined using the dilution method to test the antibacterial action. Salivary-pretreated orthodontic arch wires were exposed to minimal bactericidal concentrations of solution and bacteria. Commercial antiseptic products, especially Perio Plus, showed better inhibition of bacterial adhesion to both alloys than pure CHX DG solution (p&lt;0.05). A. actinomycetemcomitans was most inhibited in the adhesion of all bacteria by the CHX DG products. Greater inhibition of streptococci adherence was observed on SS, while A. actinomycetemcomitans on NiTi. Inhibition of V. parvula was product dependent. In conclusion bacterial adhesion depends on the alloys, antiseptic products, and the bacteria. CHX DG is effective at inhibiting bacterial adhesion to orthodontic elements and is recommended for the chemical control of biofilms during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances.

Force reduction is one of the most important benefit of applying ultrasonic vibration on milling. However, most of studies so far are limited to experimental investigation. In the current study, an analytical predictive model on cutting forces in ultrasonic vibration-assisted milling is proposed. The three types of tool-workpiece criteria are considered based on the instantaneous position and velocity of tool center. Type I criterion indicates that there is no contact if the instantaneous velocity is opposite to tool rotation direction. Type II criterion checks whether the vibration displacement is larger than the instantaneous uncut chip thickness. Type III criterion considers the overlaps between current and previous tool paths due to vibration. If none of these criteria is satisfied, milling forces are nonzero. Then the calculation is performed by transforming milling and tool geometry configuration to orthogonal cutting at each instant. The orthogonal cutting forces are predicted through the exhaustive search of shear angle and calculation of shear flow stress on tool-chip interface. The axial force is then calculated based on tool geometry, and the milling forces in feed, cutting, and axial directions are calculated after coordinate transformation. The proposed predictive force model in ultrasonic vibration-assisted milling is validated through comparison to experimental measurements on Aluminum alloy 2A12. The predicted values are able to match the measured milling forces with high accuracy of average difference of 13.6% in feed direction and 13.8% in cutting direction.

The seasonally adjusted civilian labor force participation rate, the sum of employed and unemployed persons as a percentage of the civilian non-institutional population, is analysed in the general to specific modelling framework with a saturating set of step indicators from January 1977 through June 2018. The results indicate that, ceteris paribus, the rise in the ratio of women to men in the labor force in addition to positive demographic movements can largely account for the rise in the labor force participation rate up to January 2000. Subsequently, the aging population helps to explain the decline. Recessions play a transitory role.

Different approaches for digital workflows have already been presented for their use in palatal plates for newborns and infants. However, there is no evidence on the accuracy of CAD/CAM manufactured orthodontic appliances for this kind of application. This study evaluates trueness and precision provided by different CAM technologies and materials for these appliances. Samples of a standard palatal stimulation plate were manufactured using stereolithography (SLA), direct light processing (DLP) and subtractive manufacturing (SM). The effect of material (for SM) and layer thickness (for DLP) were also investigated. Specimens were digitized with a laboratory scanner (D2000, 3Shape) and analyzed with a 3D inspection software (Geomagic Control X, 3D systems). For quantitative analysis, differences between 3D datasets were measured using root mean square (RMS) error values for trueness and precision. For qualitative analysis, color maps were generated to detect locations of deviations within each sample. SM showed higher trueness and precision than AM technologies. Reducing layer thickness in DLP did not significantly increase accuracy, but prolonged manufacturing time. All materials and technologies met the clinically acceptable range and are appropriate for their use. DLP with 100µm layer thickness showed the highest efficiency, obtaining high trueness and precision within the lowest manufacturing time.

A deep relationship is identified between the Coulomb Force and Gravity. A gravitational constant for strong gravity is calculated from the relationship. The equivalence between mass and charge is explored. Implications are given for the expansion of Einstein's Field Equations to include vector gravity.

Studies on evolution have made significant progress in multiple disciplines, but evolutionary theories remain scattered and controversial. Here we deduce that, thermodynamically, many carbon-based entities (CBEs) on the Earth tend to absorb energy from widespread relatively temperate heat streams on the Earth flowing from the solar, geothermal, and other energy sources, to form higher-hierarchy CBEs (HHCBEs). This has been the driving force of evolution leading to accumulation of HHCBEs for billions of years. We further deduce three progressive mechanisms of evolution including natural selection from the driving force. We hence establish the CBE evolutionary theory (CBEET) which reinterprets the major aspects of evolution in a comprehensive and comprehensible way. The CBEET provides novel explanations for natural selection, origin of life (abiogenesis), macroevolution, sympatric speciation, and evolutionary tempos. It suggests that evolution is driven hierarchy-wise by thermodynamics and favors fitness and diversity. It elucidates that altruism, collaboration, and obeying rules with balanced freedom are important throughout the CBE evolution which includes chemical evolution, biological evolution, and animal group evolution. The CBEET refutes several erroneous views including negative entropy and survival of the fittest. It integrates with research advances in multiple disciplines and links up laws of physics, evolution in biology, and harmonious development of human society.

Unpaid family caregivers must consider the economic trade-off between caregiving and paid employment. Prior literature has suggested labour force participation (LFP) to decline with caregiving intensity, but no study has evaluated this relationship by accounting for the presence of both kinks and discontinuities. Here we used respondents of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study baseline survey who were non-farming, of working-age (aged 45-60) and had a young grandchild and/or a parent/parent-in-law. For women and men separately, a caregiving threshold-adjusted probit model was used to assess the association between LFP and weekly unpaid caregiving hours. Instrumental variables were used to rule out the endogeneity of caregiving hours. Of the 3,718 respondents in the analysis, for men, LFP was significantly and inversely associated with caregiving that involved neither discontinuities nor kinks. For women, a kink was identified at the caregiving threshold of 8 hours per week such that before 8 hours, each caregiving hour was associated with an increase of 0.0257 in the marginal probability of LFP, but each hour thereafter was associated with a reduction of 0.0014 in the marginal probability of LFP. These results have implications for interventions that simultaneously advance policies of health, social care and labour force.

The energy E takes the place of the gravitational mass m_G to produce gravity [1]. We wonder whether the inertial mass m_i in the inertial force is also replaced by E. The experiments to measure the inertial force and weight of a carrier are presented. Now we can test the principle of equivalence and study foundations of physics in condensed matter.

A recently developed thermodynamic theory for the determination of the driving force of crystallization and the crystal–melt surface tension is applied to the ice–water system employing the new Thermodynamic Equation of Seawater TEOS-10. The deviations of approximative formulations of the driving force and the surface tension from the exact reference properties are quantified, showing that the proposed simplifications are applicable for low to moderate undercooling and pressure differences to the respective equilibrium state of water. The TEOS-10 based predictions of the ice crystallization rate revealed pressure-induced deceleration of ice nucleation with an increasing pressure, and acceleration of ice nucleation by pressure decrease. This result is in, at least, qualitative agreement with laboratory experiments and computer simulations. Both the temperature and pressure dependencies of the ice–water surface tension were found to be in line with the le Chatelier–Braun principle, in that the surface tension decreases upon increasing degree of metastability of water (by decreasing temperature and pressure), which favors nucleation to move the system back to a stable state. The reason for this behavior is discussed. Finally, the Kauzmann temperature of the ice–water system was found to amount TK=116K, which is far below the temperature of homogeneous freezing. The Kauzmann pressure was found to amount pK=-212MPa, suggesting favor of homogeneous freezing upon exerting a negative pressure on the liquid. In terms of thermodynamic properties entering the theory, the reason for the negative Kauzmann pressure is the higher mass density of water in comparison to ice at the melting point.

In this paper, a mathematical and physical interpretation of the length and the angle of the catenary curve made by the anchor chains was implemented, and the safety of an anchored vessel was reviewed. So far, holding force has been calculated approximately when the angle of the catenary curve of the anchor chain to the seafloor is 0°. In this study, the holding force equation was strictly derived for the case of anchor dragging. In addition, the equations for the angle and length of the catenary curve were mathematically derived when the anchor dragging occurs. The holding force equation derived in this paper are expected to help provide guidelines in vessel design or increase the safety of anchoring.

The pinning force density FpJc,B=Jc×B (where Jc is the critical current density and B is the applied magnetic field) is one of the main parameters that characterize the resilience of a superconductor to carry a dissipative-free transport current in an applied magnetic field. Kramer (1973 J. Appl. Phys. 44 1360), and Dew-Hughes (1974 Phil. Mag. 30 293) proposed a widely used scaling law for the pinning force density amplitude: FpB=Fp,max×p+qp+qppqq×BBc2p×1-BBc2q, where Fp,max, Bc2, p, and q are free-fitting parameters. Since the late 1970-s till now, several research groups have reported experimental data on the dependence of Fp,max on the average grain size, d, in Nb3Sn-based conductors. Godeke (2006 Supercond. Sci. Techn. 19 R68) proposed that the dependence obeys the law Fp,maxd=A×ln1d+B. However, this scaling law has several problems, for instance, the logarithm is taken from a non-dimensionless variable, and Fp,maxd&lt;0 for large grain sizes, and Fp,maxd→∞ for d→0. Here, we reanalysed the full inventory of publicly available Fp,maxd data for Nb3Sn conductors and found that the dependence can be described by Fp,maxd=Fp,max0×exp-dδ law, where the characteristic length, δ, varies within a remarkably narrow range, that is, δ=175±13 nm, for samples fabricated by different technologies. The interpretation of the result is based on the idea that the in-field supercurrent flows within a thin surface layer (thickness of δ) near the grain boundary surfaces (similar to London’s law, where the self-field supercurrent flows within a thin surface layer with a thickness of the London penetration depth, λ, and the surface is a superconductor-vacuum surface). An alternative interpretation is that δ represents the characteristic length of the exponential decay flux pinning potential from the dominant defects in Nb3Sn superconductors, which are grain boundaries.

Cell migration is essential for physiological, pathological and biomedical processes such as, in embryogenesis, wound healing, immune response, cancer metastasis, tumour invasion and inflammation. In light of this, quantifying mechanical properties during the process of cell migration is of great interest in experimental sciences, yet few theoretical approaches in this direction have been studied. In this work, we propose a theoretical and computational approach based on the optimal control of geometric partial differential equations to estimate cell membrane forces associated with cell polarisation during migration. Specifically, cell membrane forces are inferred or estimated by fitting a mathematical model to a sequence of images, allowing us to capture dynamics of the cell migration. Our approach offers a robust and potentially accurate framework to compute geometric mechanical membrane forces associated with cell polarisation during migration and also yields geometric information of independent interest, we illustrate one such example that involves quantifying cell proliferation levels which are associated with cell division, cell fusion or cell death.

This paper proposes a contact force controller for a constrained flexible manipulator in three-dimensional motion. This controller used the conversion formula obtained empirically and experimental results showed the effectiveness of the proposed contact force controller. First, the manipulator was operated with the tip of the second link restrained, then, time response of the root strain, joint angles and contact force were used to derive the relational between the three quantities. The effectiveness of the relational expression was verified by conducting a target contact force tracking experiment by inputting the angle from the relational expression. The contact force control using the strain feedback method was proposed with the strain amount estimated from the target contact force as the target value, and its effectiveness was verified by experiments. From the results obtained, controller using the strain feedback method was designed for the purpose of controlling the contact force at the tip of a flexible manipulator with two links and three degrees of freedom that performs three-dimensional spatial motion, and its effectiveness was shown by comparison with the contact force feedback method.

Background/Aim: There is continuing interest in engineering esthetic labial archwires. The aim of this study was to coat nickel-titanium (NiTi) and beta-titanium (β-Ti), also known as titanium molybdenum (TMA), archwires by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) and to analyze the characteristics of the PEO-surfaces. Materials and Methods: PEO-coatings were generated on 0.014-inch NiTi and 0.19x0.25-inch β-Ti archwires. The surfaces were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and stereomicroscopy. Cytocombability testing was performed with ceramized and untreated samples according to EN ISO 10993-5 in XTT-, BrdU- and LDH-assays. The direct cell impact was analyzed using LIVE-/DEAD-staining. In addition, the archwires were inserted in an orthodontic model and photographs were taken before and after insertion. Results: The PEO coatings were 15 to 20 µm thick and esthetically pleasing. The cytocompatibility analysis revealed good cytocompatibility results for both ceramized NiTi and β-Ti archwires. In the direct cell tests, the ceramized samples showed improved compatibility as compared to those of uncoated samples. However, bending of the archwires resulted in loss of the PEO-surfaces. Nevertheless, it was possible to insert the β-Ti PEO-coated archwire in an orthodontic model without loss of the PEO-ceramic. Conclusion: PEO is a promising technique for the generation of esthetic orthodontic archwires. Since the PEO-coating does not resist bending, its clinical use seems to be limited so far to orthodontic techniques using straight or pre-bended archwires.

Background: The rate of force development (RFD) plays a pivotal role not only in preventing falls but also in ensuring successful completion of many functional tasks that demand swift muscle power rather than prolonged strength. Despite its importance, there is limited compre-hensive research on the relationship between RFD and walking speed, especially in older adults with Sarcopenic Obesity (SO). Objective: to investigate the influence of obesity on neuromuscular markers in older adults with SO and to assess the relationship between neuromuscular markers and gait speed in older adults with SO. Methods: a cohort of 42 participants was categorized based on their BMI into two groups: the sarcopenic non-obese group (CG, n=22; age=81.13±4.02; BMI=25.13±3.35) and the sarcopenic obese group (SOG, n=20; age=77.71±2.95; BMI=34.46±3.25). Gait speed was measured using a 10-meter test. Additionally, the isometric strength of the plantar flexor muscles was assessed during maximal voluntary contractions. Absolute Peak force (aPeak, N) were documented at intervals of 50 ms (a50, N), 100 ms (a100, N), and 200 ms (a200, N), subsequently normalized to body mass (r50, r100, r200, N). The RFD was derived in two phases: from the start of the contraction to 50 ms (RFD50-100) and from 100 to 200 ms (RFD100-200) and calculated from the linear slop of the force – time curve (Δ force/Δ time). Conclusion: Obesity negatively impacts neuromuscular markers in older adults. Notably, RFD emerges as the dominant factor influencing gait speed, accounting for an impressive 51% of its variability, far surpassing the impact of relative peak force. This underscores the imperative of evaluating neuromuscular health in older adults with SO to provide insights into mobility out-comes.

On the basis of the force and safety factor analysis of traditional retaining wall, a new analytical method of force and displacement of slope is suggested, the numerical theoretical solution of the stress distribution of the sliding body can be obtained under the conditions, which the stresses distribution are satisfied with the differential equilibrium equations, the boundary conditions, the compatibility equation and the macroscopic equilibrium equations. The interface stresses between the sliding body and the retaining wall are continuous, the theoretical solution of retaining wall stress distributions can be gotten, while the stress differential equilibrium equation, the compatibility equation, macroscopic force and moment balance equations are satisfied. The strain and displacement solutions can be obtained by using Duncan Chang and Hooke constitutive equations for the slope and the retaining wall respectively. The transfer station of landfill in the Guandukou Town of Badong County is taken as an example, the results of the sliding body and retaining wall analysis show: The stress and strain solutions of a slope and a retaining wall can be obtained by the proposed method, the forces between the retaining wall and the sliding body include shear stress and normal stress, and the stress distributions change with the deformation of the sliding body, the shape and material of retaining wall can be optimized according to the calculation results，it is feasible for the proposed analysis method of slope with retaining wall design to be run many years.

This paper first explains the theory of the origin of force from a new perspective, explaining that the origin of all forces is caused by the "missing of energy in the time dimension" (non-conservation in a certain period of time), and constructs a unified theory of force on this basis. Then, through the unified theory of force, the following phenomena are reinterpreted: (1) The common origin of the inverse square law of gravitation and electromagnetic force; (2) The origin of the repulsive force of electrons and protons at small distances; (3) The mystery of the rotation curve of galaxies and the new explanation of "dark matter"; (4) explain the origin of the magnetic field; (5) Predict that moving magnets have the same radiation effect as charged particles (electron magnetic moments also have radiation effects); (6) Reinterpret Maxwell's displacement current; (7) Reinterpret synchrotron radiation and bremsstrahlung; (8) Explain that the strong and weak forces are short-range forces; (9) Predict the true structure of black holes and the origin of gravitational waves;(10) Possible explanation for the origin of the speed of light.

Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) is a surgical intervention that reduces the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea via anterior repositioning of the upper and lower jaws. Pre-operative orthodontic alignment is often a critical component in aiding MMA. Orthodontia are important in intraoperative anchorage for intermaxillary fixation, healthy post-operative occlusion, and post-operative skeletal stability. Sequential clear aligners (SCA) refer to removable orthodontic appliances that are replaced at regular intervals to stimulate dental migration without the use of bonded hardware. These aligners have demonstrated efficacy in aiding orthognathic surgery for dentofacial deformities, which share some technical similarities with MMA for OSA. Here, we explore the treatment protocol for MMA followed by post-operative SCA treatment. Our experiences show that post-operative orthodontic treatment with SCAs results in similarly successful post-operative surgical outcomes given that the patient’s pre-operative occlusion is stable.

Particle-mediated elasticity/viscoelasticity imaging has potential to expand the elasticity imaging field, as it can provide accurate and local tissue elastic properties as well as density, Poisson’s ratio, and viscosity. Here, we investigated elasticity imaging based on the use of small particles located within the tissue and at the tissue interface exposed to a static and dynamic external load. First, we discuss elasticity/viscoelasticity imaging methods based on the use of particles (bubbles and rigid spheres) located within the tissue. Elasticity/viscoelasticity imaging techniques based on the use of particles (bubbles, rigid and soft spheres) located at the tissue interface are then presented. Based on new advances, we updated some of the models for the responses of the particles located within the tissue and at the tissue interface available in the literature. Finally, we compared the mathematical models for the particles located within the tissue and at the tissue interface and evaluated the elasticity/viscoelasticity imaging methods based on the use of small particles. Therefore, instead of the use of the term elasticity imaging, we suggest the use of the term viscoelasticity imaging.

This paper describes the design and development of an active device that was applied to shoulder rotation rehabilitation. It implements a force control in a similar way to the haptic devices that reflect a force on the user’s hand according to the rehabilitation parameters. This device was tested with patients, combining clinician manipulation and programmed exercises. The results were excellent, given that the range of movement of the shoulder increased in most of the pa-tients. The results of the Usability Scale questionnaire were also promising.

The second law of thermodynamics states the increase of entropy, ΔS > 0, for real processes from state A to state B at constant energy from chemistry over biological life and engines to cosmic events. The connection of entropy to information, phase-space and heat is helpful, but does not immediately convince observers of the validity and basis of the second law. This gave grounds for finding a rigorous, but more easily acceptable reformulation. Here we show using statistical mechanics that this principle is equivalent to a force law ⟨⟨f⟩⟩> 0 in systems where mass centres and forces can be identified. The sign of this net force - the average mean force along a path from A to B - determines the direction of the process. The force law applies to a wide range of processes from machines to chemical reactions. The explanation of irreversibility by a driving force appears more plausible than the traditional formulation as it emphasizes the cause instead of the effect of motions.

Through a modern derivation of Planck's formula for the entropy of an arbitrary beam of photons we derive a general expression for the entropy production due to the irreversible process of the absorption of an arbitrary incident photon spectrum in material and its dissipation into an infrared-shifted grey-body emitted spectrum, the rest being reflected or transmitted. Employing the framework of Classical Irreversible Thermodynamic theory, we define the generalized thermodynamic flow as the flow of photons from the incident beam into the material and the generalized thermodynamic force is then just the entropy production divided by the photon flow which is the entropy production per unit photon at a given wavelength. We compare the entropy production under sunlight of different inorganic and organic materials (water, desert, leaves and forests) and show that organic materials are the greater entropy producing materials. Intriguingly, plant and phytoplankton pigments (including chlorophyll) have peak absorption exactly where entropy production through photon dissipation is maximal for our solar spectrum $430<\lambda<550$ nm, while photosynthetic efficiency is maximal between 600 and 700 nm. These results suggest that the evolution of pigments, plants and ecosystems has been towards optimizing entropy production rather than photosynthesis. We propose using the wavelength dependence of global entropy production as a biosignature for discovering life on planets of other stars.

The orthodontic treatment brings numerous benefits and, in most cases, the benefits outweigh the possible disadvantages. Root resorption (RR) is a common adverse phenomenon associated with orthodontic treatment. This study evaluates the role of low-level laser emission / Photobiomodu-lation (LE/P) in quantitative measurements of root resorption (QRR). The application of LE/P was done after each orthodontic activation with 4 types of treatment intervention (TI) on the RR after fixed orthodontic treatment (FOT) of the upper arch with ectopic eye tooth/teeth [EET]. 32 Orthodontic patients scheduled for FOT were selected and assigned to the 4 groups. These were LE/P+Self ligating bracket (SLB), LE/P+Conventional bracket (CB), Non-Photobiomodulation (non-LE/P)+SLB, and non-LE/P+CB. Standard management stages of FOT were followed in the maxilla. Each patient received a single application of LE/P labially/buccally and palatally, a total of 5 different points during each activation or appointment. The main outcome measure was QRR in maxillary anteriors before and after FOT assessed via cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) using 3D OnDemand software. Insignificant QRR was found between before and after FOT in SLB, CLB, and LE/P, non-LE/P groups (p > 0.05). QRR in the SLB vs CB and LE/P vs non-LE/P group was significantly different in 11, 13, and 23 (p < 0.05). QRR in the LE/P+SLB group (p < 0.05) was significantly different in 11, 13, and 23 than that in the other groups. The most severe QRR was found on the 13 (0.88 ± 0.28mm and 0.87±0.27mm) and 23 (1.19 ± 0.14 mm and 1.16±0.13mm) in the CB and non-LE/P group (p < 0.001). LE/P+SLB showed highly significant superior outcome (p < 0.001) in relation to non-LE/P+CB, the QRR of 23 were 0.813± 0.114mm and 1.156± 0.166mm respectively. Significantly higher amount of QRR found in EET patients after FOT treated with the CB, non-LE/P, and non-LE/P+CB system and warrants further investigation to explore potential specific causes.

Forensic anthropologists play a key role in skeletal trauma analysis and commonly use macroscopic features to distinguish between trauma types. However, this approach can be challenging, particularly in cases of highly comminuted or incompletely recovered fractures. Histological analysis of microscopic fracture characteristics in fractured bones may thus help provide additional information on trauma type and bone fracture biomechanics in general. This study analysed the extent of microcrack damage to osteons in long bones with blunt force trauma (BFT) and gunshot trauma (GST), from both traumatic death cases and post-mortem experimental fractures. We identified four types of osteonal damage (OD). In traumatic death cases, OD affecting the inside of the osteon and compromising the Haversian canal (type 1) was found to be indicative of BFT. Moreover, OD affecting the cement line (type 3) and interstitial lamellae (type 4) was more common in the GST samples. OD affecting the inside of the osteon without compromising the Haversian canal (type 2) was not found to be indicative of either trauma type. In cases of experimental fractures, our study revealed that post-mortem fractures in dry bone samples featured the highest amount of OD, particularly of type 4. This study also found that the experimentally produced GST featured similar OD pattern to GST death cases. These findings support our hypothesis that there are distinct osteonal damage patterns in human long bones with BFT and GST, which are of relevant value for trauma analysis in forensic anthropology.

The bipolar mitotic spindle drives accurate chromosome segregation by capturing the kinetochore and pulling each set of sister chromatids to the opposite poles. In this review, we describe recent findings on the multiple pathways leading to bipolar spindle formation in fission yeast and discuss these results from a broader perspective. Roles of four mitotic kinesins (Kinesin-5, Kinesin-6, Kinesin-12 and Kinesin-14) in spindle assembly are depicted, and how a group of microtubule-associated proteins, sister chromatid cohesion and the kinetochore collaborates with these motors is shown. We have paid special attention to the molecular pathways that render otherwise essential Kinesin-5 to become non-essential: how cells build bipolar mitotic spindles without the need for Kinesin-5 and where the alternate forces come from are considered. We highlight the force balance for bipolar spindle assembly and explain how outward and inward forces are generated by various ways, in which the proper fine-tuning of microtubule dynamics plays a crucial role. Overall, these new pathways have illuminated remarkable plasticity and adaptability of spindle mechanics. Kinesin molecules are regarded as prospective targets for cancer chemotherapy and many specific inhibitors have been developed. However, several hurdles have arisen against their clinical implementation. This review provides insight into possible strategies to overcome these challenges.

The aims of this study were to assess oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices among orthodontic patients between the ages of 15 and 17 years old compared to adolescents without orthodontic treatment. This cross-sectional study included 392 adolescents drawn from various French teaching hospitals. A closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect data. Adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment had a higher knowledge of oral health than adolescents without orthodontic treatment. The majority of adolescents for both groups (69%) claimed to brush their teeth twice a day. Regarding complimentary dental material, 81.9% of adolescents without orthodontic treatment never used an interdental brush and 78.8% never used dental floss. For those undergoing orthodontic treatment, 48.5% never used interdental brush. Only 4% of adolescents without and 3% of adolescents with orthodontic treatment never consumed fizzy drinks, 4.9% and 3% never consumed sweets, 4% and 8.4% never ate fast-food. Adolescents without treatment consumed more sodas (p=0.04) and more fast food (p=0.03). Adolescents had insufficient knowledge of oral health. Health education programmes should be implemented to improve adolescents' knowledge and individual oral prophylaxis with interdental brushes.

Modern imaging strategies are paramount to studying living systems such as cells, bacteria, and fungi and their response to pathogens, toxicants, and nanomaterials as modulated by exposure and environmental factors. The need to understand the processes and mechanisms of damage, healing and cell survivability of living systems continues to motivate the development of alternative imaging strategies. Of particular interest is the use of label-free techniques that minimize interference of biological processes by foreign marking substances and reduce intense light exposure and potential photo-toxicity effects. This review focus on the potential synergic capabilities of atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a well-developed and robust imaging strategy with demonstrated applications to unravel intimate details in biomedical applications, with the label-free, fast, and enduring Holotomographic Microscopy (HT) strategy. We first review the operating principles that form the basis for the complementary details provided by these techniques regarding the surface and internal information provided by HT and AFM is essential and complimentary for the development of several biomedical areas studying the interaction mechanisms of nanomaterials with living organisms. First, AFM can provide superb resolution on surface morphology and biomechanical characterization. Second, the quantitative phase capabilities of HT enable superb modeling and quantification of the volume, surface area, protein content, and mass density of the main components of cells and microorganisms, including morphology of cells in microbiological systems. These capabilities result from directly quantifying refractive index changes without requiring fluorescent markers or chemicals. As such, HT is ideally suited for long-term monitoring of living organisms in conditions close to their natural settings. We present a case-based review of the principal uses of both techniques and their essential contributions to nanomedicine and nanotoxicology, emphasizing cancer and infectious disease control. The synergic impact of the sequential use of these complementary strategies provides a clear drive for adopting these techniques as interdependent fundamental tools.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the horizontal force and contribution of shoulder horizontal adductor and elbow extensor muscles activity during wide and narrow grip bench press (BP) in various conditions, such as resistance trained/non-trained, concentric/eccentric and muscle fatigue/non-fatigue.　We measured the horizontal force on the bar and the electromyographic (EMG) muscle activity of pectoralis major (PM) and triceps brachii (TB) during 10RM BP with wide grip (81cm) and narrow grip (40cm)　in 7　resistance trained men and 7 non-trained men. The all-reps average of the horizontal to vertical force ratio both in resistance trained and non-trained subjects was about 30% outward for the wide grip, and about 10% inward for the narrow grip. The EMG contribution ratio PM/TB shows no significant differences between narrow and wide grip in all evaluated conditions except in non-trained subjects muscle fatigue eccentric phase. Both resistance trained and non-trained subjects did not push the bar straight upward, and the EMG PM/TB was almost unchanged by hand width. The direction adjustment of the force on the bar that achieves almost the same muscle activity degree of the shoulder and elbow joints might be optimal BP kinetics.

Although evolutionary theory has yet to furnish a comprehensive rationale for the underlying mechanism of natural selection, it is pertinent to note that the phenomenon transcends the confines of biological systems, exhibiting analogous patterns in physical systems as well. Specifically, isolated and closed systems tend to evolve towards states of progressively increasing entropy. In scenarios where multiple paths for entropy increase are accessible, such systems tend to favor combinations of paths that exhibit the most rapid entropy increase rates. Among the various processes in nature, life activities constitute a salient means of achieving entropy increase. Genetic variation within organisms generates individuals that vary in their rates of entropy increase. As these organisms interact, compete and combine, they form diverse combinations of entropy-increasing pathways. Nature, in turn, selects among these combinations, favoring those that culminate in the fastest entropy increase, thereby propelling the evolution of life. Essentially, the evolution of life is an ongoing exploration of diverse combinations of pathways that maximize entropy increase across various energy pools. Amidst continuous genetic variation and the selective pressure imposed by nature for maximum entropy production rates, information accumulates, leading to a corresponding acceleration in the rate of entropy increase. This natural selection, which favors maximizing the entropy at the fastest possible rate, serves as the ultimate driving force for the origin and evolution of life.

This paper proposes the application of force-projecting bilateral control to a master-follower teleoperation system with a pneumatic manipulator on the follower side, and evaluates its effectiveness. The proposed method directly projects the operating force on the master side to the driving force on the follower side, eliminating the need for both position control and external force detection on the follower side, thereby solving the problem of low rigidity and response delay of pneumatic manipulators and providing highly stable sensor-less force presentation against variable environments. In this study, dynamic response analyses of a 1-DOF master-follower system were performed by numerical simulation using a linear system model, followed by experimental verification by implementing an actual system with an external force estimator. The results showed that the proposed force-projecting bilateral control has significantly higher positioning rigidity and better force control stability than the conventional force-reflecting bilateral control. A theoretical consideration was also given using equivalent transformation of force transfer functions to provide evidence for the high stability.

This paper proposes a multi-terminal adaptive collaborative operation method to solve the problem of unstable internal force tracking in clamping and handling unknown objects by multi-terminal robots. In the proposed method, the internal command force changes the complex internal force control problem into an internal force tracking problem from multi-slave to master. Moreover, we develop an algorithm for multi-slave setups to estimate object stiffness and motion uncertainty in the direction of the internal command force according to Lyapunov theory. Finally, the impedance control generates a reference trajectory for the multi-slave to maintain the desired internal force and track the master’s motion. Several experiments are conducted on a self-made robot equipped. The experimental results show that the oscillation amplitude of each slave end is less than 1 mm, the directional oscillation amplitude is less than 1 degree during the tracking of the desired commanded internal force. For objects with low stiffness, the error of the commanded internal force is less than 1 N (6%) per slave. The error in tracking the commanded internal force for objects with high stiffness is less than 2 N (8%). The results prove the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.

Holding an object by clamping force is a fundamental phenomena, layered or laminated architectures with internal sliding features are essential mechanism in natural and man-made structural system. In this paper, we combine the layered architecture and clamping mechanism to form a multilayered clamp and study the clamping force with internal friction. Our investigations show that the clamping force and energy dissipation are very mich depend on the number of layers, its geometry and elasticity, as well as internal friction. The central goal of studying the covered book is not only to predict the clamping force of the clamp, but also as a representative case to help finding some clue on the universal behaviours of multilayered architectures with internal friction.

The need for miniaturized shear force sensors is expanding, particularly for biomedical applications. Examples include measuring interfacial shear stresses between a human and an external device (e.g., footwear or a prosthesis). However, there are considerable challenges in designing a shear sensor for these applications due to the need for a small package, low power requirements, and resistance to interference from motion artifact and electromagnetic fields. This paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization sensor that measures two-axis shear force by detecting displacement between a color panel and a red, green, and blue light-sensing photodiode. The sensor response to applied displacements and forces was characterized under benchtop testing conditions. We also present the design of a prototype wireless version of the sensor for integration into footwear. The sensor exhibited strong agreement with gold standard measurements for two axis shear displacements (R2>0.99, RMSE≤5.0 µm) and forces (R2>0.99, RMSE≤0.94 N). This performance, along with the sensor’s scalability, miniaturized form, and low power requirements make it well-suited a variety of biomedical applications.

We point out that field equations of general relativity are implied by a maximal force given by c⁴/4G, analogous to the way that special relativity is implied by a maximal speed given by c. We present some of the arguments for this equivalence. The maxi-mal force naturally plays the role of an elastic constant for space-time. Implications of the maximal force for gravitational wave measurements, cosmology and black holes are highlighted. Quantum aspects of the maximal force are discussed.

Aim of this research paper is to introduce a novel method of hybrid orthodontic tooth-borne distalizer treatment of class II malocclusion by using 3D printed biocompatible personalized distalizer. Explains 3D designing, printing and clinical application of individualized biocompatible medical device dedicated for orthodontic teeth distalization. Compares such distalizer manufactured from two different biocompatible photopolymers (white and transparent). Evaluates their clinical performance and also patients’ aesthetical perception. Clinical part includes comparison of treatment debonding on the set of 12 complete orthodontic treatments with uni-lateral class II malocclusion managed with hybrid approach (CAT-Invisalign with 3D printed distalizer). Paper offers an evaluation of the personalized distalizer functioning in regard to current publications and comparison to conventional prefabricated alternatives like Carriere® Distalizer™ appliance. Results showed no significance of material differences on clinical performance of such individualized distalizers. Research showed preference of patients towards transparent biocompatible photopolymer instead of white A2 shade.

The complex dynamics of the neocortex, the outermost layer of the brain, have been a subject of intense research in neuroscience. Recent studies have suggested that magnetic fields generated by neuronal activity may play a significant role in neocortical dynamics. This paper presents a simplified mathematical model that explores the hypothesized interactions between magnetic dynamos, nondissipative systems, Hamiltonian equations, and the Lorenz force in the context of neocortical dynamics. The proposed model is based on a set of coupled Hamiltonian equations inspired by the Lorenz system, a well-known chaotic dynamical system. The generalized coordinates in the model represent the magnetic field components, while the generalized momenta are related to the electric field components or other relevant quantities. The Hamiltonian equations describe the conservative dynamics of the system, and the coupling terms in the equations are interpreted as representing the interactions between the magnetic and electric field components, analogous to the Lorenz force in electromagnetism. The model is implemented using Python, and the Hamiltonian equations are numerically solved using the odeint function from the scipy.integrate module. The resulting dynamics of the magnetic field components are visualized using matplotlib. While the model is highly simplified and does not capture the full complexity of neocortical dynamics, it serves as a starting point for investigating the potential role of magnetic dynamos and Lorenz force interactions in the brain. The paper discusses the limitations of the current model and highlights the need for further refinements, such as incorporating more realistic biological constraints, considering energy dissipation and compensation mechanisms, and validating the model against experimental data. Future work should focus on developing a more comprehensive and biologically plausible model that integrates the latest findings from neuroscience, physics, and computational modeling. By presenting this simplified Hamiltonian model, the paper aims to stimulate further research and discussion on the potential significance of magnetic dynamos and Lorenz force interactions in neocortical dynamics. The model provides a framework for exploring these hypothesized mechanisms and may guide future experimental and theoretical investigations in this emerging field of neuroscience

Using graph theory, computer aided motion, static force and power flow analysis of planetary gear mechanism is realized. The motion, static force and efficiency calculations of 6HP26 automatic transmission are carried out. Based on kinematic and static force analysis model, related matrices are acquired. Hence, kinematic and static force analysis of planetary gear mechanism is achieved. The link power can be determined by the link speed and torque. Power flow diagrams of each gear are acquired. The efficiency is calculated by transmission ratio method.

Classical laws of friction suggest that friction force is proportional to the normal load and independent of the nominal contact area. As a great improvement in this subject, it is now widely accepted that friction force is proportional to the real area in contact, and much work has been conducted based on this hypothesis. In present study, this hypothesis will be carefully revisited by measuring the friction force and real contact area in-site and real-time at both normal loading and unloading stages. Our experiments reveal that the linear relation always holds between friction force and normal load. However, for the relation between friction force and real contact area, the linearity holds only at the loading stage while fails at the unloading stage. This study may improve our understanding of the origin of friction.

Gamma titanium aluminides (γ-TiAl) present an excellent behaviour under high temperature conditions, being a feasible alternative to nickel-based superalloy components in aeroengine sector. However, considered as a difficult to cut material, process cutting parameters require special study to guarantee components quality. In this work, developed drilling mechanistic model is a useful tool in order to predict drilling force (F_z) and torque (T_c) for optimal drilling conditions determination. The model is validated for three types of Gamma-TiAl alloys. Integral hard metal end-drilling tools and different cutting parameters (feeds and cutting speeds) are tested in three different sized holes for each alloy.

Imaging living cells by atomic force microscopy (AFM) promises not only high-resolution topographical data, but additionally, mechanical contrast, which are not obtainable with other microscopy techniques. Such imaging is however challenging, as cells need to be measured with low interaction forces to prevent either deformation or detachment from the surface. Off-resonance modes which periodically probe the surface have been shown to be advantageous, as they provide excellent force control combined with large amplitudes, which help reduce lateral force interactions. However, the low actuation frequency in traditional off-resonance techniques limits the imaging speed significantly. Using photothermal actuation, we probe the surface by directly actuating the cantilever. Due to the much smaller mass that needs to be actuated, the achievable measurement frequency is increased by two orders of magnitude. Additionally, photothermal off-resonance tapping retains the precise force control of conventional off-resonance modes and is therefore well suited to gentle imaging. Here we show how photothermal off-resonance tapping can be used to study live cells by AFM. As an example of imaging mammalian cells, the initial attachment, as well as long term detachment of a human thrombocytes are presented. The membrane disrupting effect of the antimicrobial peptide CM-15 is shown on the cell wall of E. coli. Finally, the dissolution of the cell wall of B. subtilis by lysozyme is shown. Taken together, these evolutionarily disparate forms of life exemplify the usefulness of PORT for live cell imaging in a multitude of biological disciplines.

Automobile proving ground is important for the research of vehicles which is used for the vehicle dynamics, durability testing, braking testing, etc. However, the roads in automobile proving ground will inevitably be damaged with the extension of the service life. In most previous researches, equipment similar to laser cross-section was used to detect pavement quality, the principle of which was to reflect pavement quality by detecting road surface roughness. This method ignores the elastic deformation of the roads itself when the vehicle is traveling on it and hardly compensate for the amendment. Therefore, this article presents a new method based on force sensor to reduce the impact of elastic deformation such as wheel tyre deformation, pavement deformation, and wheel rim deformation. In which, force sensors mounted on the wheels collect the three-dimensional dynamic load of the wheel.The presented method has been tested with two sets of cobblestone road load data, and the results show that The　incentives imposed by the test vehicle on the target road are 88.3%, 91.0%, and 92.05% of the incentives imposed by the test vehicle on the standard road in three dimensions, respectively. It is clear that the proposed method has strong potential effectiveness to be applied for lose detection of the special road application.

Introduction: Due to the great development of digital technology, through CAD (Computer - Aided Design) and CAM (Computer - Aided Manufacturing) systems, digital models could be used in orthodontic treatment planning decision-making, as there are numerous studies in the literature that support the validity of measurements of digital models of anterior teeth and the total coefficient of Bolton analysis. The aim of the study was to compare the average length value of the current upper and lower arches with that of a hypothetical nickel-titanium wire and the accuracy of the Bolton index measurement. In the present study, 138 dental casts were analyzed using Ortho3Shape software. Using the Ortho3Shape software, it was possible to measure the real and ideal lower arch lengths and, with regard to Bolton analysis, the values of the anterior and total Bolton coefficients. By comparing the values obtained with those of the study by A. Anand Kumar et al. using CBCT and plaster casts, the reliability of the measurements obtained with such CAD/CAM orthodontic software was evaluated. Considering the validity of digital measurements demonstrated by the studies and systematic reviews in the literature, it can be stated that CAD/CAM digital models can be a viable alternative to plaster models in the coming years, as they can facilitate model preservation and retrieval. For future studies and research, it would be preferable to use intra-oral scanners (IOS) in order to ensure greater accuracy, requiring only one step and ensuring a better outcome for the patient.

The exceptional Jordan algebra is the algebra of $3 \times 3$ Hermitian matrices with octonionic entries. It is the only one from Jordan’s algebraic formulation of quantum mechanics which is not equivalent to the conventional formulation of quantum theory. It has often been suggested that this exceptional algebra could explain physical phenomena not currently explained by the conventional approach, such as values of the fundamental constants of the standard model of particle physics, and their relation to gravitation. We show that this is indeed the case; and this also unravels the connection between general relativity and the weak force. The exceptional Jordan algebra also predicts a new U(1) gravitational interaction which modifies general relativity, and which provides a theoretical basis for understanding the Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND).

The Standard Model is not a complete description of reality; it omits the existence of dark matter, dark energy, and an explanation as to why no CP violation has been observed. However, some of these phenomena could be explained through a new force mediated by a new boson. If such a boson were massless it would result in a power law potential and if massive the interaction would be Yukawa-like. A previous experiment employing a micro-mechanical oscillator and a spherical test mass interactions was successful in placing the best limits on a mass-mass Yukawa-like interaction, but the data was never analyzed in the context of a power law. Here that data is analyzed considering a power law for powers n = 1-5 where n is the number of boson exchanges. The results show that the limits obtained through power law analysis of this data are not better than the currently accepted limits. A discussion of an experiment design capable of producing better limits on power law extensions to the Standard Model is presented, and suggests micro mechanical oscillators based experiment remains capable of improving the limits by at least one order of magnitude.

There are compelling evidences that the immune system is to confer protection not only against foreign pathogens but also against cancer. But if the immune system can’t detect every malignant cell, and at the same time a suitable tumor microenvironment (TME) is formed by inflammatory processes, a carcinogenesis is not longer to be blocked. Once the tumor cells have found their niche, the tumor cells are trained by immune cells turned inside out in how to deal with the immune system "out there". The TME is a training camp and protected space for tumor cells. The Corona crisis has revived a therapeutic approach that was thought to be almost dead: RNA vaccines. Despite decades of research and many clinical studies, no registered RNA cancer vaccine exists today. But the SARS-CoV-2 RNA vaccines against COVID-19 disease have demonstrated their dangerous weaknesses. RNA vaccines manipulate the innate immunity and make the body susceptible to any viral infection. There is also the possibility of integration into the genome. The few approved therapeutic cancer vaccines show little effect. Despite some successes, immunotherapies remain ineffective for most patients with cancer. Powerful therapeutic cancer vaccines remain an unfulfilled dream, a misconception.

During operation, the support bracket is the main part to withstand the axial loads of the pumped storage unit. Moreover, the effects of axial loads including the hydraulic thrust of runner flow and the weight of runner body may cause the support bracket deformation and fatigue damage. For the safe and stable operation, the simulation of the axial force and the structural analysis of the support bracket of a pumped storage unit was carried out in this paper. The CFD simulation result has revealed the variation rule of the axial force in different operating conditions. Using ANSYS Mechanical, the static stresses and deformation of support bracket with axial loads were calculated. The results release the location and variations of maximum stress and maximum deformation caused by the axial loads. By comparing the predicted maximum axial force with the admission force calculated by the structural analysis, it is found that the axial force of the researched machine is within the safe range. This study provides the reference for the safety and stable operation of the pumped storage unit.

Based on the fractional order of nonlinear system for love model with a periodic function as an external force, analyzed the characteristics of the chaotic dynamic in this study. The relationship between the chaotic dynamic of the fractional-love model with the external force and the fractional-order system was analyzed when the parameters are fixed. Further, we also studied the relationship between the chaotic systemic dynamic and the parameters when the fractional-order system is fixed. The results show that when the parameters are fixed, the fractional-order system exhibited segmented chaotic states for the different fractional orders of the system. When fixed the fractional-order system, the system exhibited the periodic and chaotic states as parameter changes.

A novel technique suitable for propulsion of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) is discussed in this paper. This approach utilizes the rotational energy of airborne gyro rotors and converts it into translational propulsion for the vehicle. The energy conversion is achieved by generating precisely directed centrifugal force pulses through short-duration rotor unbalances. The accurate control of the timing and magnitude of these unbalances is crucial for successful propulsion generation. Our first-order theory of controlled unbalance propulsion (CUP) predicts the potential for achieving high translational accelerations and vehicle velocities up to orbital levels. Power saving levitation of UAVs can be attained. In this paper, we provide traceable evidence that pulsed centrifugal propulsion is based on well-established laws of physics and can be realized using state-of-the-art technologies.

Effective control of domain walls or magnetic textures in antiferromagnets promises to enable robust, fast, and non-volatile memories. The lack of net magnetic moment in antiferromagnets implies the need for creative ways to achieve such a manipulation. Here, we investigate changes in magnetic force microscopy (MFM) imaging and in magnon-related mode in Raman spectroscopy of virgin NiO films under a microwave pump. After the MFM and Raman studies, a combined action of broadband microwave (0.01-20 GHz, power scanned from −20 to 5 dBm) and magnetic field (up to 3 kOe) were applied to virgin epitaxial (111) NiO and (100) NiO films grown on (0001) Al2O3 and (100) MgO substrates, following which the MFM and Raman studies were repeated. We observed a suppression of the magnon-related Raman mode subsequent to the microwave exposure. Based on MFM imaging, this effect appears to be caused by the suppression of large antiferromagnetic domain walls due to the possible excitation of antiferromagnetic spin oscillations localized within the antiferromagnetic domain walls.

The relative force strengths of the Coulomb forces, gravitational forces, dark matter forces, weak forces and strong forces are compared for the dark matters, leptons, quarks, and normal matters (p and n baryons) in terms of the 3-D quantized space model. The quark confinement and asymptotic freedom are explained by the CC merging to the A(CC=-5)₃ state. The proton with the (EC,LC,CC) charge configuration of p(1,0,-5) is p(1,0) + A(CC=-5)₃. The A(CC=-5)₃ state has the 99.6% of the proton mass. The three quarks in p(1,0,-5) are asymptotically free in the EC and LC space of p(1,0) and are strongly confined in the CC space of A(CC=-5)₃. This means that the lepton beams in the deep inelastic scattering interact with three quarks in p(1,0) by the EC interaction and weak interaction. Then, the observed spin is the partial spin of p(1,0) which is 32.6 % of the total spin (1/2) of the proton. The A(CC=-5)₃ state has the 67.4 % of the proton spin. This explains the proton spin crisis. The EC charge distribution of the proton is the same to the EC charge distribution of p(1,0) which indicates that three quarks in p(1,0) are mostly near the proton surface. From the EC charge distribution of neutron, the 2 lepton system (called as the koron) of the koron is, for the first time, reported in the present work.

The description of protein disordered states is important for understanding protein folding mechanisms and their functions. In this short review, we briefly describe a simulation approach to modeling disordered protein interactions and unfolded states of globular proteins. It is based on the CABS coarse-grained protein model that uses a Monte Carlo (MC) sampling scheme and a knowledge-based statistical force field. We review several case studies showing that description of protein disordered states resulting from CABS simulations is consistent with experimental data. The case studies comprise investigations of protein-peptide binding and protein folding processes. The CABS model has been recently made available as the simulation engine of multiscale modeling tools enabling studies of protein-peptide docking and protein flexibility. Those tools offer customization of the modeling process, driving the conformational search using distance restraints, reconstruction of selected models to all-atom resolution and studies of large protein systems in a reasonable computational time. Therefore, CABS can be combined in integrative modeling pipelines incorporating experimental data and other modeling tools of various resolution.

In this work, we designed a MEMS device which allows simultaneous direct measurement of mechanical properties during deformation under external stress and characterization of the evolution of microstructure of nanomaterials within a transmission electron microscope. This MEMS device makes it easy to establish the correlation between microstructure and mechanical properties of nanomaterials. The device uses piezoresistive sensors to qualitatively measure the force and displacement of nanomaterials, e.g., in wire and thin plate forms. The device has a theoretical displacement resolution of 0.19 nm and a force resolution of 2.1 μN. The device has a theoretical displacement range limit of 2.74 μm and a load range limit of 27.75 mN.

To understand lung damage caused by COVID-19, we deduced two-phase lung damage mechanisms. After the lungs are infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus, the affected lung tissue swells and surface properties of pulmonary capillaries change, resulting in an increased flow resistance of affected capillaries. If a sufficient number of capillaries are affected by the infection, the swelling and increased cell wall adhesion collectively raise pulmonary vascular resistance. The increased vascular resistance further increases the dwell times of WBCs in affected capillaries and nearly capillaries. When pulmonary pressure is sufficiently higher, WBCs are forced to squeeze into interstitial spaces or alveolar spaces when local pressures are higher than what the capillaries can withstand. When more and more WBCs are dynamically retained, the flow resistance of more capillaries rises, pulmonary vascular resistance rises, and pulmonary pressure rises. The rise in the pulmonary pressure in turn results in elevated capillary pressures. When capillary pressures around the alveoli are sufficiently high, they cause interstitial pressures to change from normally negative values to positive values. The positive pressures cause fluid leakage to the alveolar space and thus degrade lung function. Tissue swelling, and occupation of WBCs in interstitial spaces and alveolar spaces further reduce compressible volume, and thus cause further rise in the pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary pressure. When the pulmonary pressure has reached a critical point as in the second phase, the blood breaks capillary walls and squeezes through interstitial spaces to reach alveolar spaces, resulting in irreversible lung damages. The available free volume in the thorax cage, organ usable capacities, temperature and humid are expected to have great impacts on degree of lung damages. The free volume in the thorax cage, lung usable surplus capacity, and other organ usable capacities determine the arrival time of last-phase irreversible damage. The mechanisms imply that the top priority for protecting lungs is maintaining pulmonary micro-circulation and preserving organ functions in the entire disease course while controlling viral reproduction should be stressed in the earliest time possible. The mechanisms also explain leukecytes are recruited and migrated into inflamed tissues by increasing their dwell times caused by increased local flow resistance.

This study presents a novel technique utilizing high frequency vibration to shorten treatment time and preserve alveolar bone in challenging orthodontic cases treated with Invisalign® clear aligners. Four non-growing orthodontic patients (age range 14-47 years old) with Class II skeletal patterns (convex profiles with retrognathic mandibles) who sought correction of their crowded teeth and non-surgical correction of their convex profiles were included in this study. These patients were treated using Invisalign clear aligners together with high frequency vibration (HFV) devices (120 Hz) (VPro5™) that were used by all patients for five minutes per day during active orthodontic treatment. Vertical control and forward rotation of the mandible for each patient was achieved through pre-programming the Invisalign to produce posterior teeth intrusion. Successful forward rotation of the mandibles achieved in all patients led to improvement of their facial convex profiles (ANB improved 2.1 + 0.5 degrees; FMA improved 1.2 +1.1 degrees). Dental decompensation was achieved by lingual tipping of the lower incisors and palatal root torque of upper incisors. The use of HFV together with Invisalign facilitated achieving these results within a 12+6 month period. In addition, more bone labial to the lower incisors after their lingual movement was noted. In conclusion, the use of HFV concurrent with SmartTrack Invisalign aligners allowed complex tooth movement and forward projection without surgery in non-growing patients with skeletal Class II relationships. The clinical impact and implications of this case series is that the use of HFV facilitates complex orthodontic tooth movement including posterior teeth intrusion and incisor decompensation in addition to increased bone formation labial to lower incisors that may minimize future gum recession due to their labial inclination.

The reconstruction of traffic accidents has grown as an interdisciplinary field since the first accident occurred. Various methods have been developed over time, starting with primary data collected at the scene of the accident. In this work, I proposed a method by which the value of the force in the safety belt buckle can be determined when it is equipped with a pretensioning system with pyrotechnic trigger in the tube, PBP or PLP type. The anti-return system of the pretensioner mechanism, which prevents the passenger's body from moving forward, contains a set of balls that block the movement of the piston in the pretensioner tube after its activation. When limiting the movement, the force the human body exerts on the safety belt webbing is transformed into the deformation of the pretensioner tube by the balls of the anti-return system. Depending on the magnitude of the force, the marks left by the balls differ. I propose a relationship of dependence between the acting force and the deformation of the tube. An experimental test bench was created to perform shock traction tests on the pre-tensioning system, under similar conditions to those of the human body acting on the belt in case of a frontal collision. Following the tests, the force value of the seat belt buckle cable and the diameter of the spherical indentations that the balls left in the pretensioner tube were measured. A mathematical model was proposed to determine the normal force with which a ball from the anti-return system deforms the tube. The normal force was also determined by two other methods specific to contact mechanics and used in the specialized literature. By comparing the normal forces obtained by the three methods, a good correlation between the proposed mathematical model and the Komvopoulos-Ye method resulted, the "Hardness" method not being suitable for this study. The determined polynomial regression curve allows finding out the force in the cable of the closer depending on the size of the deformations produced by the balls in the tube. The forces in the belt webbing can be thus determined and biomechanics specialists can evaluate the injuries to the chest and abdomen of the occupants of a vehicle.

A friction loss model for brake testing platform is constructed to revise the braking force test results, which can largely improve the accuracy of automotive brake performance testing. Specifically, the influence of tire pressure, vehicle axle load, placement angle and vehicle speed on the friction loss is tested and analyzed on a wheelbase adjustable automotive anti-force brake testing platform. The friction loss model for the platform is constructed based on the defined relative slip and placement angle, which is validated through actual tests on four types of vehicles. The results showed that the maximum relative error between the values of the model calculated simulation and the measured was 2.2%, indicating the friction loss model is valid and can provide a basis for revising the braking force of automotive brake. Meanwhile, the maximum braking force increases from 3982 N to 4772 N, increased by 19.8%, when the placement angle increased from 36.9° to 47.0°. Accordingly, in order to improve the accuracy of detection results of the automotive anti-force rolling brake testing platform, the friction loss caused by the change in the placement angle should be revised, and then braking rate of the vehicle should be judged according to GB 7258-2017 and GB 38900-2020.

Although the gravitational force is well known for its extremely weak value in the framework of ordinary macroscopic objects at our scale, the generally discredited framework of pushing gravity might lead us to discover a huge source of energy which is mostly lost during the action of the gravity force due to the large distances between nucleons compared with their diameters. In case this energy is identified and partially diverted from its role in gravity, we would benefit from a gigantic reservoir of energy reminiscent of Nikola Tesla's dream of a free unlimited energy source

Patients often need the use of their arms to assist with functional activities, but after bone disruption, pushing is frequently limited to less than 4.5 kg. No method exists to measure arm weight bearing objectively in clinical settings. This project aimed to design, construct, and test a walker for patients who need to limit arm force to prevent excessive bone stress during post-fracture (iatrogenic or traumatic) ossification. First, a qualitative study was conducted to obtain critiques of a Clinical Force Measuring (CFM) walker prototype from rehabilitation professionals. Key statements and phrases were coded that allowed “themes” to emerge from transcribed interviews, which guided device revisions. Next, a second CFM Walker prototype was designed based on the qualitative data and device criteria/constraints and finally tested. The result was fabrication of a new lightweight, streamlined, and cost-effective prototype walker with a simple visual display and auditory cue with upper limit alarms. Key features included attachments for medical equipment and thin film force-sensing resistors integrated into the walker handles that progressively activated 3 LEDs and a buzzer when arm force exceeded programmed thresholds. The innovative CFM Walker will help patients with restricted arm weight bearing, especially elderly adults, recover safer and faster in the future.

Coating of suitable materials having thickness of few atoms to several microns on a substrate is of great interest to the scientific community. Hard coatings develop under the significant composition of suitable-natured atoms where their force-energy behaviors when in certain transition state favour binding. In the binding mechanism of suitable atoms, electron belonging to outer ring filled state of gas-atom undertakes another clamp of energy knot belonging to outer ring unfilled state of solid-atom. Set process conditions develop the binding of different-natured atoms when processing their suitable composition in a system. Atoms of different nature develop structure in the form of hard coating by locating their ground points between the original ones. Here, gas-natured atoms increase the potential energy under decreasing levitational force of electrons, whereas, solid-natured atoms decrease the potential energy under decreasing gravitational force of electrons. In TiN coating, Ti–Ti atoms bind under the difference of expansion of their lattices, called nets of energy knots, where one atom just lands on the already landed atom. An adhered N-atom to a Ti-atom forms its position among four Ti-atoms where N-atom occupies the interstitial site of Ti-atoms. Two oppositely working force-energy behavior atoms deposit in the form of coating at substrate surface as per set conditions of the process. The rate of ejecting (or dissociating) solid-natured atoms depend on the nature of their source (target), process parameters and processing technique. In random arc-based vapor deposition system, depositing differently natured atoms at substrate surface depends on the input power. In addition to intrinsic nature of atoms, different properties and characteristics of coatings emerge as per engaged forces under their involved energy. The present study sets new trends in the field of coatings involving the diversified class of materials and their counterparts.

Imperceptible vibratory noise stimulation has shown to be an effective means of improving stability for both whole body postural control and simple motor control tasks. While the physiological mechanism affording this improvement is uncertain, it is suspected that sensory noise stimulation may elicit a stochastic resonance-like effect within the somatosensory system. A stochastic resonance effect describes the phenomenon in which noise added to a non-linear system improves signal detection rather than degrading it. One hallmark of stochastic resonance is the existence of an optimal noise level which elicits the best system performance. There is disagreement in the literature regarding the presence of an optimal stimulation level for motor stability in humans. The goals of this study were to: 1) determine optimal stimulation level as a function of an individual’s sub-sensory threshold level, and 2) to determine whether performance of a force stability task was significantly better when subjects received stimulation at this identified optimal level compared to other sub-sensory threshold stimulation levels. Eighteen (18) participants completed an isometric finger flexion task with visual feedback while receiving noise stimulation scaled to varying percentages of their individual sub-sensory threshold level. Performance for this force stabilization task was quantified as the root-mean-square (RMS) error between the target force and the actual generated force values. Despite controlling all other signal properties and varying only amplitude, optimal noise stimulation values still varied widely across participants (10-100% sub-sensory threshold level). Statistical modeling revealed a significant improvement in task performance with optimal noise stimulation compared to other sub-sensory stimulation levels (p ≤ 0.019) with estimated marginal mean differences in force errors ranging from 0.13 to 0.23 N. Moderate significant Spearman correlations (r_s = 0.49 and r_s = 0.56, respectively) were found between finger flexion maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and sub-sensory threshold level and MVC and optimal stimulation level. A strong, significant Spearman correlation (r_s = 0.65) was observed between sub-sensory threshold level and optimal stimulation level. Although these correlations do not provide a means to predict optimal stimulation level as a function of these other measures, optimal stimulation level appears to increase with sub-sensory threshold and MVC.

Currently, there is a high interest in smart sensors and integrated composite materials in various industries such as construction, aviation, automobile, medical, information technology, communication, and manufacturing. Here, a new conceptual design for a force and temperature sensor system is developed by integrating fiber optic Bragg grating sensors embedded within composite materials, and a mathematical model is proposed that allows one to estimate strain and temperature based on signals obtained from optical Bragg gratings. This is important for understanding the behaviors of sensors under different conditions and for creating effective monitoring systems. Describing the strain gradient distribution, especially considering different materials with different values of Young's modulus, provides insight into how different materials respond to applied forces and temperature changes. The shape of the strain gradient distribution was obtained, which is a quadratic function with a maximum value of 1500 µ, with a maximum value at the center of the lattice and a symmetrically decreasing strain value with distance from the central part of the fiber Bragg grating. With axial strain at the installation site of the Bragg grating sensor under applied force values ranging from 10 to 11 N, the change in strain was linear. As a result of theoretical research, it was found that the developed system with fiber-optic sensors based on Bragg gratings embedded in composite materials is resistant to external influences and temperature changes.

The ageing global population and changing labor force participation are having a profound impact on state pension programs worldwide, including Malaysia. However, the effects of an ageing workforce and declining fertility rates are having a significant impact on future trends in labor force participation and the duration of retirement. This paper presents an innovative examination of labor force participation rate (LFPR) forecasting within the context of an aging workforce, utilizing the Lee-Carter and Cairns-Blake Dowd stochastic models, traditionally applied to mortality data. By adapting these models to LFPR data, the study offers a novel perspective on predicting workforce participation trends and understanding the dynamics of retirement planning from year 2001 to 2047. Additionally, by incorporating the mortality forecasts from the United Nations, the research navigates through the complexities of applying actuarial methods to labor economics, revealing differentiated pathways for male and female participation in the labor market and the anticipated length of retirement. This study offers a unique comparison between the Lee-Carter and the Cairns-Blake-Dowd (CBD) LFPR models. It focuses on fitting and forecasting the LFPR of senior employees aged 50 to 64. The results highlighted discrepancies among models that demonstrated evidence of model risk for extended retirement duration.

The world population is aging, which along with recent shifts in the labor force participation (LFP), is having a significant longevity influence on state pension programs across the board, including Canada, Finland, Japan, and Germany. Except Japan, these countries have set their statutory re-tirement age at 65, but the impact of aging workforce and declined fertility rates create wonders on the estimate future trends in the LFP, as well as the length of retirement. In this study, we fit the LFP rates of these countries, representing continents from Asia, Europe and North America among the OECD countries, using the Lee-Carter and Cairns-Blake-Dowd (CBD) stochastic models. The es-timates are then used for the projection of future LFP rates (1989-2066), and by combining the mortality forecasts from the United Nations, we project the expected length of retirement (1989-2066). This study provided a novel comparison between the Lee-Carter and the CBD LFP models by fitting and forecasting the LFP rates of senior employees between 50- to 74-year-olds. The results revealed disparities between models that provided proof of the presence of model risk for longer retirement durations. The study findings emphasized the importance for decision-makers in pension industry to have awareness of potential risks and limits associated with the LFP models. The Lee-Carter model outperformed the CBD model even though the CBD model is known for its ac-curate prediction in higher ages. Population aging should be considered in any analysis of the long-term viability of pensions, together with the participation rate trends for a sustainable labor market future.

In view of the limitations of the existing optimization method of suspender cable force, in order to improve the stress of suspender under completion state and avoid frequent adjustment of cable force and grid beam elevation during construction, a new method of cable force optimization is proposed. The article takes the longest large span arch bridge in the world, Pingnan Third Bridge, a Concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) arch bridge with a span of 575m as the engineering background combined with the finite element analysis and multi-objective optimization method. One cable force optimization method that suspender “Real-time correction during construction, in the process variable optimal and results reliable” during panel girder lifting of long span CFST arch bridges is clarified. Taking the panel girder weight and displacement during the construction as parameter variables, the displacement and unevenness of the panel girder under completion state as constraint conditions, the displacement and cable force during the hoisting construction as the objective equation, through the optimization of the objective equation, the suspender cable force and dis-placement of each hoisting section are calculated. The results show that it is feasible to introduce the optimization theory into the cable force optimization when lifting the panel girder. the segment displacement variation is minimized to meet the destination. The cable force distributed evenly under completion state of the bridge that further making sure the completion state satisfies the requirements. No repeating iteration is needed, thus avoiding cumberso me calculation, getting cable force once. With higher optimization efficiency and better effects, the method provides high value for the cable force calculation of same type bridge suspender construction and for guiding construction.

Lipofuscin is indigestible garbage that accumulates in the autophagic vesicles and cytosol of post-mitotic cells with age. Drs. Brunk and Terman postulated that lipofuscin accumulation is the main or at least a major driving factor in aging. They even posited that the evolution of memory is the reason why we get lipofuscin at all, as stable synaptic connections must be maintained over time, meaning that the somas of neurons must also remain in the same locale. In other words, they cannot dilute out their garbage over time through cell division. Mechanistically, their position certainly makes sense given that rendering a large percentage of a post-mitotic cell’s lysosomes useless must almost certainly negatively affect that cell and the surrounding microenvironment. Here, I explore the possibility that the accumulation of lipofuscin may to some extent exacerbate every other kind of age-related damage. I do not think that lipofuscin removal will reverse/prevent all forms of aging, just the major component facing us currently. In this piece, I will review what is known about lipofuscin accumulation from evolutionary and mechanistic standpoints and discuss a method of removing it from single cells in vitro.

Long-span steel structure trusses are widely used in factory buildings, but with the growth of service time and the increase of dynamic load fatigue, a considerable part of the long-span truss with dynamic load appears serious transverse cracks at the bottom of the middle span and oblique deformation of the abdomen in the operation process. The U-shaped cracks at the bottom and belly, as well as the mid-span down deflection of the main truss, reduced the functional function of the factory building truss structure, and had to limit the original crane load, which affected the normal safety and durability of the structure. Therefore, the application principle of the variable axial force cable system in the long-span factory building truss structure and 3D3S software modeling [1] were used. Analyzing and studying the reinforcement method of large-span powerhouse truss can provide practical experience for subsequent similar projects. In view of the above phenomenon, the large-span powerhouse trusses of Hongcheng Powerhouse 1 and No.2 located in Tonglu, Zhejiang Province are used as the research object, and the variable axial force cable method is proposed to strengthen and lift the load. Considering the span of large-span powerhouse truss, the cable system with 22m controlling force of 400kN is proposed to be selected for powerhouse 1, and the cable system with variable axial force of 24m is proposed to be selected for Powerhouse 2. The force model of large-span truss is established by using the finite element method commonly used to analyze the force of truss. Under two working conditions, The influence of reinforcement effect is analyzed and compared from three aspects: stiffness, bearing capacity and stability. And the phenomenon of uneven stress distribution is analyzed. The stress distribution characteristics of each node are understood by simulating the most disadvantageous node plates with the greatest internal force before and after reinforcement.

The load cell is an indispensable component of many engineering machinery and industrial automation for measuring and sensing force and torque. This paper describes the design and analysis of the strain gauge load cell, from the conceptional design stage to shape optimization (based on the finite element method (FEM) technique) and calibration, providing ample load capacity with low-cost material (aluminum 6061) and highly accurate force measurement. The amplifier circuit of the half Wheatstone bridge configuration with two strain gauges has been implemented experimentally with an actual load cell prototype. The calibration test was conducted to evaluate the load cell characteristics and derive the governing equation for sensing the unknown load depending on the measured output voltage. The measured sensitivity of the load cell is approximately 15 mV/N and 446.8 µV/V at a maximum applied load of 30 kg. The findings are supported by FEM results and experiments with an acceptable percentage of errors, which revealed an overall error of 6% in the worst situation. Therefore, the proposed load cell meets the design considerations for axial force measurement for the laboratory test bench, which has a light weight of 20 g and a maximum axial force capacity of 300 N with good sensor characteristics.

The detection and enrichment of circulating melanoma cells is a challenge as the cells are very heterogeneous in terms of their biomechanical properties and surface markers. In addition, there is a lack of valid and reliable biomarkers that predict progress and therapeutic response. We here analyzed the elasticity of A375 melanoma cells applying force spectroscopy and a microfluidic method. To identify and eventually separate circulating tumor cells, it is crucial to precisely know their physical properties. First, we used standard AFM force spectroscopy, where the elasticity of the cells is calculated from indentation with a pyramidal tip. To extend the limits of measurement with a tip, we then used cantilevers without a tip to press on the cells over a large area. The resulting Young’s moduli are slightly lower and vary less without tip presumably because of the inhomogeneity of the cells. Finally, we implemented our microfluidic method. We measured single cell elasticity by analyzing its deformation in high-speed micrographs while passing a stenosis. Combining the force field and the change in shape provides the basis for a stress strain diagram. The results from microfluidic deformation analysis were in accordance with the results from force spectroscopy. The microfluidic method provides advantages over conventional methods, since it is less invasive and less likely to harm the cell during the measurement, and the whole cell is measured as one entity without contact to a stiff substrate, while force spectroscopy is limited to the contact area of the tip, and in some cases dependent of the cell substrate interaction. Consequently, microfluidic deformation analysis allows to predict the overall elastic behavior of the whole inhomogeneous cell in three-dimensional force fields. This method may contribute to improve the detection of circulation melanoma cells in the clinical practice.

We consider the quantum thermodynamic origin of the gravitational force of matter by applying the spacetime entanglement entropy and the Unruh effect originating from vacuum quantum fluctuations. By analyzing both the local thermal equilibrium and quasi-static processes of a system, we may get both the magnitude and direction of Newton's gravitational force in our theoretical model. Our work shows the possibility that the elusive Unruh effect has already shown its manifestation through gravitational force.

This study evaluated the effect of low-level laser irradiation induces by diode laser on the speed of orthodontic tooth movement of canines submitted to initial retraction. Twenty-four mandibular canines were retracted by using NiTi spring (force of 150 g/side). Thirteen of those were irradiated with a diode laser 980-nm diode laser (Wiser Laser Doctor Smile, Lambda) operating at an 810-nm wavelength (1 W of output power, continuous wave of 66.7 J/cm2) that was equipped with a 0.6-mm optical fiber in continuous-wave mode. The canine retraction was accomplished by using prefabricated coil springs. The right of the mandible was chosen to be irradiated with the laser, whereas the left side was considered the control without laser irradiation. The laser was applied with 0-, 3-, 7-, and 14-day intervals. The amount of canine retraction was measured with a digital electronic caliper while the pain level was prompted by a patient questionnaire. The speed of tooth movement was significantly greater in the laser group than in the control group. The pain intensity was also at a lower level in the laser group. Our findings suggest that diode laser therapy can highly accelerate tooth movement during orthodontic treatment and can also effectively reduce pain level.