Axial Wall Research Articles

Retention strength of monolithic zirconia crowns cemented with different primer-cement systems

BackgroundThe purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the influence of different cement systems with different ceramic primers on the retention strength of zirconia crowns.MethodsThirty extracted molars were prepared with flat occlusal surfaces, 20 degrees taper, and 3 mm axial wall height. A zirconia crown with an occlusal bar was fabricated for each tooth. All specimens were divided (n = 10) into; Group M: Multilink Speed/Monobond N, Group P: Panavia V5/Clearfil Ceramic Primer Plus, Group D: Duo-Link universal/Z-Prime Plus. The intaglio surfaces of crowns were air-abraded using 50 µm alumina at 2.5 bar for 10 s. Then each crown was cemented onto its corresponding tooth. All specimens were thermocycled for 10,000 cycles between 5 and 55 °C. Each crown was subjected to gradually increasing vertical load along the path of insertion through hooks engaging the occlusal bar using a universal testing machine until failure. The force at dislodgment was recorded and retention strength was calculated for each specimen. The failure modes were recorded for each specimen. The data were statistically analyzed using one way ANOVA test followed by Tukey HSD test (α = .05).ResultsGroup D showed lowest strength (1.42 ± 0.23 MPa) and differed significantly (P < .001) from Group M (2.71 ± 0.45 MPa) and Group P (2.47 ± 0.41 MPa). There was no significant difference (P = .34) between Group M and Group P. The failure modes for Groups M and Group P were mainly cohesive, while Group D showed adhesive failure.ConclusionsThe retention strength of zirconia crowns was improved with Multilink Speed and Panavia V5 cement systems, while the use of the Duo-Link Universal cement system only showed half of those retention strength values.

Femtosecond Laser for Cavity Preparation in Enamel and Dentin: Axial Wall Taper Related Factors.

Background and objective: Femtosecond laser (fs-laser) is a novel tooth preparation tool. After cavities were prepared by fs-laser, their axial-wall taper is closely related to the retention force and success of restorations, while the taper after preparation by fs-laser is not clear yet. This study aimed to explore the value of the taper after fs-laser tooth preparation and the effect of laser fluence, scanning line spacing, and scanning layers on taper. Materials and methods: Twenty cavities with a width of 0.5 mm were prepared by an fs-laser both in enamel and dentin to obtain the axial-wall taper (No. PKUSSIRB-201949124). To study the effects of three parameters of fs-laser, five different laser fluence were set as 1.56, 3.13, 4.69, 6.25, and 7.81 J/cm2 of five cavities. Scanning line spacing was set as 6, 12, 25, 30, 40, and 50 μm of six cavities and the scanning layers were 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 200, 300, and 400, respectively, of nine cavities. Laser pulses irradiated perpendicular to the tooth and the scanning path was controlled via a vibratory mirror. The taper was measured with a laser confocal microscope. Curves of the taper versus different parameters were drawn. Results: There was a significant difference in taper between enamel and dentin. Overall, the taper decreased gradually with the increase of laser fluence. The optimal taper obtained was 20.53° ± 0.28° in dentin and 38.71° ± 0.46° in enamel when the corresponding fluence was 6.25 J/cm2. In comparison, the scanning line spacing has little effect on the taper. The scanning layers significantly affect the taper, which decreased dramatically as scanning layers increased within 75 layers and does not change considerably as it was beyond 100 layers. Conclusions: Reasonable selection of laser fluence, scanning line spacing, and the number of scanning layers can optimize the cavity taper by fs-laser.

Assessment of Convergence Angle of Tooth Preparations for Complete Crowns Among Dental Students: Typodont vs Simulator.

Introduction The technology-enhanced learning and simulation-based learning are critically important pedagogic tools. They allow students to perfect their preclinical training by improving their skills and their manual dexterity while facilitating the acquisition of the know-how necessary for reproduction more realistically and faithfully of the behaviors required for a better dental practice. Retention is one of the mechanical fundamental principles of preparation of cemented fixed prostheses. It depends on several factors including the convergence of the axial walls. The undercut must be sparing in the reduction of tissue volume to obtain a low degree of convergence and a sufficient height of the preparation to comply with the retention and stabilization requirements of the prosthetic element. A draft value of 6° was recommended initially, but a range extending up to 16° has been accepted according to Weed et al. and Dodge et al., as being clinically achievable while providing good retention. Are students able to reproduce, in preclinical, total occlusal convergence (TOC) angles recommended on typodont and simulator? Objective The evaluation of the TOC of the preparations made on typodont and simulator by the students in the 3rd year of the Faculty of Dental Medicine of Casablanca (FDMC). Material and Methods. A total of 140 dental preparations for cast crowns and metal-ceramics made by thirty-five 3rd year FDMC students were scanned by using the IDENTICA HYBRID optical scanner. The STL files were read by the 3D-TOOL-FREE software, two images were extracted for each preparation using the screen capture tool, and the two mediodistal (MD) and buccolingual angles (BL) were measured by the MB-RULER software. The statistical data were analyzed using the SPSS, software and comparisons were made by Student's t-test. Results An overall average of 11.99° ± 4.48 was recorded for the preparations on the typodont with 11.40° ± 5.09 in the MD direction and 12.58° ± 4.74 in the BL direction. Concerning the simulator preparations, we recorded an overall average of 11.31° ± 4.16 with 10.81° ± 4.29 in the MD direction and 11.80° ± 5.44 in the BL direction. No significant difference was observed when comparing the preparations made on the typodont and the simulator. A percentage of 68.6% and 74.3% of the preparations made on the typodont and the simulators respectively fall within an acceptable range of 6 to 16°. Discussion. The TOC values achieved by the majority of students correspond to the recommended values which are 6 to 16° on average. The results of the simulator preparations are similar to the results of Marghalani for dental students at King Abdulaziz University, and Tiu et al., at the University of Otago in New Zealand. Conclusion This study highlighted the difference between what is taught in dental schools, which is theoretically possible, and the academic results of actual practice. The generally recommended 6° tapers have proven difficult to achieve for many dental students. A margin of 6° to 16° of TOC angle is clinically achievable and allows sufficient retention. We can retain that most of the sample of our study had values that fall within the recommended range.

Clinical extension of proximal carious lesions compared to bitewing radiographs using photostimulable phosphor plates (PSP)

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the use of digital bitewing radiographs using photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plates in the estimation of the true extension of proximal carious lesions. MethodsThe sample size was calculated to be 70 teeth. Adult patients with a minimum of one posterior tooth with primary proximal caries lesions were included. A preoperative bitewing radiograph was taken and the extension of the carious lesion was measured from the most prominent point on the adjacent sound tooth to the deepest axial point of the lesion. An experienced general dentist provided the restorative treatment and made a polyvinyl siloxane impression of the cavity preparation. Clinical caries extension was measured from the most prominent point of the adjacent tooth until the deepest boundary of the axial wall of the preparation on the impression. Postoperative radiographs were taken at the completion of restorative care. The bitewing radiographs were done using PSP plates and caries extension measurements were performed using measuring tools of the digital radiography software. Pairwise comparisons were made between preoperative and postoperative radiographs, and the true clinical depth measurements using paired t-tests. ResultsIn total, 73 teeth from 44 subjects were included. A significant difference of 0.82 mm was found between preoperative radiographs and clinical measurements (p<0.001). Similarly, comparisons between preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements showed significant differences of 0.99 mm (p<0.001). ConclusionsThe study found that the true clinical extension of proximal caries after non-selective caries removal was significantly deeper than the preoperative radiographic extension assessment. This was not influenced by the tooth type, the location of the tooth, or the affected tooth surfaces. Clinical SignificanceWhen a non-selective caries removal strategy is adopted, clinicians should be aware that PSP bitewing radiographs underestimate the true clinical extension of proximal caries lesions. This will have an impact on clinicians’ practice and restorative treatment decisions.

Prediction of flexural drift capacity in masonry walls through a nonlinear truss-based model

In this paper, the in-plane flexural drift capacity of masonry walls is numerically investigated. In particular, a nonlinear truss-based model is specifically developed to predict the monotonic response of in-plane horizontally-loaded masonry walls undergoing flexural failure, so that to investigate their deformation capacity. This novel modelling strategy assumes a band of nonlinear truss elements at the wall toe to account for flexural failure. The truss elements are supposed no-tension with plastic-softening behaviour in compression. This simple and original model is easily and fully characterizable by experimentally-based compressive stress–strain relationships available in the literature for different masonry types. The modelling strategy is validated against two different pier-scale experimental tests which experienced flexural failure. The model is then used to predict the flexural drift capacity of walls with different masonry types and geometrical features, subjected to a full-range of axial load ratios. As a result, drift capacity is found to nonlinearly decrease while increasing the axial load ratio, and to be sensibly dependent on the wall width (i.e. drift capacity diminishes while increasing wall width), for any masonry type. Finally, a simple analytic expression based on numerical results is deduced for the flexural drift capacity of masonry walls, function of axial load ratio, masonry type, and wall size. Accordingly, this analytic expression could be implemented in any structural analysis masonry-oriented commercial code to account for a consistent description of the flexural drift capacity of masonry walls.

Radial and Axial Motion of the Initially Tensioned Orthotropic Arterial Wall in Arterial Pulse Wave Propagation

Abstract With the arterial wall modeled as an initially tensioned thin-walled orthotropic tube, this study aims to analyze radial and axial motion of the arterial wall and thereby reveal the role of axial motion and two initial tensions of the arterial wall in arterial pulse wave propagation. By incorporating related clinical findings into the pulse wave theory in the literature, a theoretical study is conducted on arterial pulse wave propagation with radial and axial wall motion. Since the Young wave is excited by pulsatile pressure and is examined in clinical studies, commonly measured pulsatile parameters in the Young wave are expressed in terms of pulsatile pressure and their values are calculated with the well-established values of circumferential elasticity (Eθ) and initial tension (Tθ0) and assumed values of axial elasticity (Ex) and initial tension (Tx0) at the ascending aorta and the carotid artery. The corresponding values with the exclusion of axial wall motion are also calculated. Comparison of the calculated results between inclusion and exclusion of axial wall motion indicates that (1) axial wall motion does not affect radial wall motion and other commonly measured pulsatile parameters, except wall shear stress; (2) axial wall motion is caused by wall shear stress and radial wall displacement gradient with a factor of (Tx0−Tθ0), and enables axial power transmission through the arterial wall; and (3) while radial wall motion reflects Eθ and Tθ0, axial wall motion reflects Ex and (Tx0−Tθ0).

Thermal case study on linearly twisting cylinder: A radial stagnation point flow of nanofluid

The thermal case study is performed to inspect heat transfer aspects for radial stagnation point flow. For this phenomenon, the study assumes a linear twisting cylinder for the heated viscous nanofluid and the arrangement is investigated among the torsionally rotating cylinders and radial stagnation point flow. The dimensionless torsion rate σ , the volume fraction of nanoparticles φ and the Wangs Reynolds number R are three possible parameters that are articulated in the study. The BVP-Midrch routine integrated with the Maple software is used to obtain numerical results of the governing flow field equations. It is found that the axial wall stress f ″ ( 1 ) is a very weak function of σ , a weak function of φ and a strong function of R . Also, the azimuthal wall stress g ′ ( 1 ) is a strong function of R and shows a practically decreasing behavior and is linear with σ for the starting value g ′ ( 1 ) = 0 at σ = 0 . It is seen that the temperature gradient admits trifling variation for the positive iteration in torsional rate. Furthermore, the heat flux at surface admits direct relation towards volume fraction of nanoparticles.

Laminar Forced Convective Heat Transfer Performance Analysis of Elliptical and Semicircular Microchannels

In this paper, a single-phase fluid flow, and heat transfer characteristics of elliptical and semicircular microchannels using air as a working fluid are analyzed for a range of Reynolds number (). Experiments are performed on aluminum alloy (AlSi10Mg) microchannels, including inlet and outlet manifolds fabricated using three-dimensional printing technology. A numerical model is developed and validated with the experimental results to study the effect of operating and geometrical parameters on the heat transfer performance of the microchannels. It is found that the temperature difference, Poiseuille number, and average Nusselt number in the elliptical microchannel are higher for all the Reynolds numbers. The axial wall conduction significantly affects the temperature distribution in the fluid and wall of the microchannels. The effect of axial conduction weakens with the increase in the Reynolds number. The numerical average Nusselt number increases with Reynolds number for and is higher than the average Nusselt number predicted from the correlation.

A Comparison of Convergence Angles of Crown preparations in an undergraduate programme at a Tertiary Institution

The retention of indirect dental restorations is of concern for clinicians as it influences the success of clinical outcomes. Retention and resistance are dependent on many factors including the convergence angles of the opposing axial wall tapers. Adequate axial wall taper is important in crown preparation to improve physical retention and increase resistance of the restoration. Aims and objectives To determine and compare the convergence angles (CA) of KaVo® teeth prepared for full coverage crown restorations by fourth year dental students in a preclinical fixed prosthodontics module in a five year dentistry training programme. Methodology Crown preparations produced by fourth year dental students at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), South Africa, over a period of 3 years were included in this study. These preparations were digitally captured using CAD-CAM imaging technology. The images were analysed in ImageJ® software to determine the mesio-distal convergence angles. Statistical analysis was undertaken using SPSS ver. 27 for Windows. Results The overall mean convergence angle of 15.38° ± 6.68° was computed for n=75 crown preparations. ANOVA revealed a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the CA among the three cohorts (2017: 16.87° ± 6.94°; 2018: 17.23° ± 6.13°; 2019: 12.02° ± 5.86°). A reasonable proportion of dental students n=25 (33%) achieved the recommended CA of 6° to 12°.ConclusionThis study indicates that with objective evaluation tools, it is possible to improve on the intended guidelines for crown preparations during undergraduate teaching and training in pre-clinical Fixed Prosthodontics.

Individual and Combined Anatomic Risk Factors for the Development of an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Men: A Multiple Factor Analysis Case-Control Study

Background: No comparative studies have evaluated anatomic risk factors in a large cohort including both patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures and healthy participants. Purpose: To determine which anatomic parameters are independently associated with an ACL rupture and the diagnostic values of the individual and combined anatomic parameters. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 352 male patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction because of a primary ACL rupture and 350 age-, sex-, body mass index–, and side dominance–matched healthy participants were included. Measurements of 32 previously determined parameters and 7 calculations were performed. Between-group differences were calculated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were conducted for the individual and combined independently associated factors. Results: The mean age and body mass index of all participants were 29.9 ± 7.7 years and 27.2 ± 3.1, respectively. There were significant differences between the groups regarding the notch width (NW), notch shape index, anterior tibial slope, notch width index, NW–eminence width (NW:EW) ratio, notch height, axial lateral wall angle, medial intercondylar ridge thickness, alpha angle, medial tibial depth (MTD), lateral tibial slope (LTS), coronal tibial plateau width, eminence width index, tibial proximal anteroposterior distance (TPAP), lateral condylar anteroposterior distance (LCAP)/TPAP, ACL cross-sectional area, ACL volume, medial and lateral meniscal cartilage height, medial and lateral meniscal cartilage angle (MCA), and medial and lateral meniscal cartilage bone height. The NW:EW ratio (odds ratio [OR], 4.419; P = .017), MTD (OR, 8.617; P = .001), LTS (OR, 2.254; P = .011), LCAP/TPAP (OR, 2.782; P = .037), and medial MCA (OR, 1.318; P = .010) were independently associated with the development of an ACL rupture. Combining the independently associated factors revealed a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 94% (area under the curve, 0.968). Conclusion: Patients with ACL ruptures could be distinguished from uninjured controls with high sensitivity and specificity via the combined use of the NW:EW ratio, MTD, LTS, LCAP/TPAP, and medial MCA. In clinical practice, these findings may contribute to the development of preventive strategies for ACL ruptures.

Does Bleaching Affect the Microleakage of Class II Restoration with Bulk-Fill Composite?

Introduction The use of technology in bulk-fill composites (BCs) has reduced the stresses caused by polymerization shrinkage, debonding, microleakage, or posttreatment sensitivity in them. This study was conducted to determine whether bleaching affects the microleakage of class II restoration with bulk-fill material. Materials and Methods This laboratory study was performed on 40 normal human premolars in 4 groups (n = 20). Class II cavities were prepared in mesial and distal surfaces of the teeth with dimensions of 2 × 2 × 4 mm. Then, based on the bleaching process by 20% carbamide peroxide gel and using two types of composites, the restored cavities were randomly divided into 4 groups: (1) CC without bleaching (CC group), (2) BC without bleaching (BC group), (3) CC with bleaching (CCB group), and (4) BC with bleaching (BCB group). Then, the samples were thermocycled for 1000 cycles at a temperature range of 5–55°C, and they were immersed in 0.6% alkaline fuchsine in order to penetrate into the pigment for 24 h. After cutting, the samples were placed under a stereomicroscope (40%) to determine microleakage. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and a p value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results Microleakage was determined in the CC group (0.97 ± 0.42), BC group (1.08 ± 0.54), CCB group (1.19 ± 0.37), and BCB group (0.30 ± 0.47). There were also no significant differences in the mean microleakage between the groups. No cases with zero microleakage (no microleakage) and grade 3 of microleakage (pigment penetration into the axial wall) were observed in the samples. Also, a two-by-two comparison of significant differences between CC and BC groups (p=0.89), CC and CCB groups (p=0.45), CC and BCB groups (p=0.11), BC and CCB groups (p=0.87), BC and BCB groups (p=0.41), and CCB and BCB groups (p=0.86) showed that the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion Results showed no difference between microleakage of BC and CC with and without bleaching, and bleaching had the same effect on microleakage of these two types of composites.

Evaluation of Thermal Hydraulic Characteristics of a Two Phase Superhydrophobic Microfluidic Device using Volume of Fluid Method

ABSTRACT The slug flow in a superhydrophobic microchannel with a T-junction was studied computationally. The continuous phase passed through the main channel while the dispersed phase 1 1. was introduced through the side channel. The volume of fluid (VOF) was employed to track the interface to study the dynamics of slug flow. First, a mesh independence study was carried out to select the optimum mesh by comparison of CFD results with experimental data. The developed model of microchannel was used to study slug flow heat transfer enhancement for micro cooling of electronic chips. The constant heat flux was applied on the walls of the microchannels and the axial wall temperature profile was noted. Upon quantification of heat transfer augmentation in terms of wall temperature reduction, Nusselt number and heat transfer coefficient enhancement, it was noted that slug flow performed much better vis-à-vis single-phase flows at similar conditions.

Does cad software affect the marginal and internal fit of milled full ceramic crowns?

Although the effects of different intraoral scanners, model scanners, and CAM units on the marginal and internal fitting of restorations have been investigated, the effects of CAD software in particular has not been evaluated. The marginal and internal fit of indirect restorations may vary according to the CAD software used, even when using the same intraoral scanner and milling machine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the marginal and internal fit of milled full ceramic crowns designed with three different CAD systems. Eleven typodont maxillary first premolar teeth were prepared and scanned using a 3Shape TRIOS Intraoral Dental Scanner. The obtained STL scan data were exported and used to design a full crown using three different CAD systems (CEREC, KaVo, and Planmeca). An independent milling unit was used to manufacture the crowns for each group (n = 11). The marginal and internal fit were evaluated for each restoration using 2D and 3D micro-CT analysis. For 2D analysis, 18 measurements for each sample were made, covering the marginal (Marginal Gap Buccal (MG-A), Marginal Gap Palatinal (MG-B), Finish Line Buccal (FL-A), Finish Line Palatinal (FA-B)) and internal fit locations (Axial Wall Buccal (AW-A), Axial Wall Palatinal (AW-B), Lingual Cusp (LC), Buccal Cusp (BC), and Occlusal Central Fossa (OCF)). Statistical analyses were performed using Open Source R Statistical Software (α = 0.05) The results of Duncan's multiple range test showed that the values for the marginal measurement points MG-A, MG-B, FL-A, and FL-B in the Planmeca group were significantly higher than the values obtained in the CEREC and KaVo groups (p < 0.05). In AW1, values of the CEREC group were found to be higher than those of the KaVo and Planmeca groups (p < 0.05). CAD software showed an effect on the marginal fit values of crowns whereas no significant difference was observed in terms of the internal fit, except for a single measurement point made from the buccal direction.

Irreversibility process analysis for SiO2-MoS2/water-based flow over a rotating and stretching cylinder

Entropy is the measure of the amount of energy in any physical system that is not accessible for the useful work, which causes a decrease in a system's thermodynamic efficiency. The idea of entropy generation analysis plays a vital role in characterizing the evolution of thermal processes and minimizing the impending loss of available mechanical power in thermo-fluid systems from an analytical perspective. It has a wide range of applications in biological, information, and engineering systems, such as transportation, telecommunication, and rate processes. The analysis of the entropy generation of axisymmetric magnetohydrodynamic hybrid nanofluid /water flow induced by rotating and stretching cylinder in the presence of heat radiation, ohmic heating, and the magnetic field is focus of this study. Thermal energy transport of hybrid nanofluids is performed by applying the Maxwell model. Heat transport is carried out by using convective boundary condition. The dimensionless ordinary differential equations are acquired by similarity transformations. The numerical solution for these differential equations is obtained by the bvp4c program in MATLAB. A comparison between nanofluid and hybrid nanofluid is made for flow field, temperature, and entropy generation. Comparison of nanofluid flow with hybrid nanofluid flow exhibits a higher rate of heat transmission, while entropy generation exhibits the opposite behavior. It is observed that the flow and heat distribution increase as the solid volume fraction's value grows. An increase in entropy is indicated by augmentation in the Brinkman number and temperature ratio parameter, but the Bejan number shows a declining trend. Furthermore, outcomes of the Nusselt number for hybrid nanofluid and nanofluid are calculated for various parameters. It is noticed that the Nusselt number is reduced for enlarging the magnetic field and Eckert number. The axial and azimuthal wall stress parameters are declined by augmenting the Reynolds number.

An in vitro micro-CT assessment of bioactive restorative materials interfacial adaptation to dentin

The background of this study was to improve the longevity of a restoration and optimal adaptation of restorative material to the prepared cavity walls is crucial. The study aimed to evaluate the interfacial adaptation of Activa, Micron, and Predicta bulk bioactive restorative materials to coronal dentin using micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis. In this in vitro micro-CT assessment study, Class II mesio- and disto-occlusal cavities were prepared on 60 extracted human mandibular molar teeth. After etching and bonding procedures, all the mesial cavities (n = 60) were restored with Tetric N-Ceram and the disto-occlusal cavities with Activa or Micron or Predicta bioactive (n = 20 each) restoratives. Interfacial gap percentages were evaluated under micro-CT before (baseline) and after thermo-mechanical load cycling (TMC). Acquired data were analyzed statistically using one-way analysis of variance, Paired t-test, and Tukey's multiple post hoc procedures, at P < 0.05 level of significance. The interfacial gap percentages were lowest for Predicta bioactive and highest for the Micron group (P < 0.05). The number of gaps increased significantly after TMC in all the groups (P < 0.05). The adaptation of tested materials was inferior to axial wall and pulpal floor, whereas considerably better adaptation was observed on buccal and lingual walls. Predicta bioactive followed by Activa bioactive has shown superior interfacial adaptation, whereas Micron bioactive demonstrated maximum microgaps compared to nanohybrid composite. Artificial aging with TMC has a negative influence on the internal adaptation of all tested materials.

Study of the Mechanical Properties of Wood under Transverse Compression Using Monto Carlo Simulation-Based Stochastic FE Analysis

Wood is an anisotropic material, the mechanical properties of which are strongly influenced by its microstructure. In wood, grain compression strength and modulus are the weakest perpendicular to the grain compared to other grain directions. FE (finite element) models have been developed to investigate the mechanical properties of wood under transverse compression. However, almost all existing models were deterministic. Thus, the variations of geometry of the cellular structure were not considered, and the statistical characteristic of the mechanical property was not involved. This study aimed to develop an approach to investigate the compression property of wood in a statistical sense by considering the irregular geometry of wood cells. First, the mechanical properties of wood under radial perpendicular to grain compression was experimentally investigated, then the statistical characteristic of cell geometry was extracted from test data. Finally, the mechanical property of wood was investigated using the finite element method in combination with the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) techniques using randomly generated FE models. By parameter sensitivity analysis, it was found that the occurrence of the yield points was caused by the bending or buckling of the earlywood axial tracheid cell wall in the tangential direction. The MCS-based stochastic FE analysis was revealed as an interesting approach for assessing the micro-mechanical performance of wood and in assisting in understanding the mechanical behavior of wood based on its hierarchical structure.

3D printed implant surgical guides with internally routed irrigation for temperature reduction during osteotomy preparation: A pilot study.

The purpose of this study was to test a novel through-the-guide means of irrigation in an in-vitro bovine bone model and to explore the method clinical applicability. Surgical guides were designed to fit over five fresh bovine samples. Control osteotomy sites were compared to experimental sites irrigated through a 3D printed surgical guide with customized channels that direct the coolant toward the interface of the alveolar crest and drill. Temperature was measured during surgery with thermocouples located at 3 and 6 mm from the crestal height of the bone, and with an infrared thermal camera taking direct temperature readings from a window cut into axial wall at 9 mm from the crestal height of the ridge. Incorporation of routed irrigation significantly decreased heat generation, keeping temperature consistently below 47°C. A clinical case illustrates the method applicability using standard implant planning software, 3D printing technology, and regular implant armamentarium. The in-vitro analysis shows that this method mitigates temperature increase caused by static surgical guide irrigation blockade at the osteotomy site. This technique can be incorporated in the surgical guide design using commercially available software and 3D printing technology and has immediate applications in practice. The in-vitro analysis shows that this method can significantly mitigate the temperature increase caused by static surgical guide irrigation blockade at the osteotomy site. This technique also has the advantage that it can be incorporated in the digital surgical guide design using commercially available software and 3D printing technology. The method has immediate applications in practice, and especially in the treatment of edentulism in esthetic zone where use of guided surgery for implant placement is crucial in obtaining consistent results.

Evaluation of the marginal excess cement and retention force of implant-supported zirconia crowns with various vent designs under different cement application patterns.

To investigate the effects of implant-supported zirconia crowns with various vent designs on the marginal excess cement (MEC) and retention values under different cement application patterns. Cercon zirconia crowns (n=36) were divided into the following groups: no venting (NV group), a small occlusal vent hole (SOV group), a large occlusal vent hole (LOV group), and a small palatal-occlusal vent hole (SPV group). The cement was applied to the crowns with different methods: occlusally half axial walls (OH), cervically half axial walls (CH) and all axial walls (AA), and different amounts of cement were applied with a chosen method. The weight of the MEC was calculated, and the retention force was recorded. ANOVA was used to analyze the MEC weights and retention values. In all vented groups, the OH application method resulted in no MEC and the least retention force, and the AA method expressed significantly less MEC (p < 0.01) than the CH method without retention force reduction. At each amount of cement (5, 10, 20, 30 mg), all three venting designs significantly reduced the MEC by the AA method, and the mean MEC of the LOV group was lower than that of any other group. Applying a thin layer of cement evenly to all axial walls of vented zirconia crowns showed excellent clinical effects regarding the MEC and the retention force. Residual excess cement was identified as a possible risk indicator for peri-implant diseases. Simply and effectively minimizing marginal extrusions without reducing the retention force has clinical value. The results of this study indicate that applying a thin layer of cement evenly to all axial walls of vented zirconia crowns is an acceptable method.

Role of fibulin-5 insufficiency and prolapse progression on murine vaginal biomechanical function

The vagina plays a critical role in supporting the pelvic organs and loss of support leads to pelvic organ prolapse. It is unknown what microstructural changes influence prolapse progression nor how decreased elastic fibers contributes to vaginal remodeling and smooth muscle contractility. The objective for this study was to evaluate the effect of fibulin-5 haploinsufficiency, and deficiency with progressive prolapse on the biaxial contractile and biomechanical function of the murine vagina. Vaginas from wildtype (n = 13), haploinsufficient (n = 13), and deficient mice with grade 1 (n = 9) and grade 2 or 3 (n = 9) prolapse were explanted for biaxial contractile and biomechanical testing. Multiaxial histology (n = 3/group) evaluated elastic and collagen fiber microstructure. Western blotting quantified protein expression (n = 6/group). A one-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test evaluated statistical significance. Pearson’s or Spearman’s test determined correlations with prolapse grade. Axial contractility decreased with fibulin-5 deficiency and POP (p < 0.001), negatively correlated with prolapse grade (ρ = − 0.80; p < 0.001), and positively correlated with muscularis elastin area fraction (ρ = − 0.78; p = 0.004). Circumferential (ρ = 0.71; p < 0.001) and axial (ρ = 0.69; p < 0.001) vaginal wall stresses positively correlated with prolapse grade. These findings demonstrated that fibulin-5 deficiency and prolapse progression decreased vaginal contractility and increased vaginal wall stress. Future work is needed to better understand the processes that contribute to prolapse progression in order to guide diagnostic, preventative, and treatment strategies.

Simulation of unsteady thermal-flow field for modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) process

A three-dimensional unsteady thermal-flow coupling model for the modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) process is established in this work, and further the influence factors on the temperature field are extensively investigated. The results indicate that the axial wall temperature is significantly influenced by the maximum heat flux and torch speed, while the tube rotation speed and gas flowrate effects can be ignored. Generally, the temperature difference between inner and outer walls always exists, and can reach a maximum value of 169 K. Specially, it is also found that the circumferential surface temperature distribution of quartz tube appears non-uniform under the heating of oxy-hydrogen torch because of helical effect, and it is sensitive to the tube rotation speed. With increasing of the tube rotation speed, the maximum temperature difference of outer wall is reduced from 324 K to 249 K, and the maximum temperature difference of inner wall is reduced from 164 K to 65 K. Finally, the simulation results could provide theoretical basis for optimizing the operation parameters such that a uniform temperature field can be obtained to fabricate the optical fiber with high quality.