Continuous Force Research Articles

Clinical determination of the natural distensibility of the human ureter: initial study.

To define the natural distensibility of the human ureter and evaluate the impact of other possibly favourable factors on ureteric distensibility. A total of 101 patients undergoing ureteroscopic stone removal or percutaneous nephrolithotomy underwent ureteric sizing using sequential passage of 37-cm urethral dilators in 2-F increments while attached to a unique force sensor. Insertion forces were limited to 6 N. After 6 N was attained, an appropriately sized ureteric access sheath was passed. At the conclusion of each procedure, Post-Ureteroscopic Lesion Scale score was determined. Urethral dilators were passed in 61% of patients at ≤14 F; 39% of patients accepted urethral dilators of ≥16 F. The mean dilator size was 14 F. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preprocedural ureteric stenting and antibiotic use favoured passage of 16-F dilators (odds ratio [OR] 5.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.70-15.62 [P = 0.004] and OR 5.15, 95% CI 1.743-15.243 [P = 0.003], respectively). Neither tamsulosin nor prior urinary tract infection had an impact on ureteric size (OR 0.765, 95% CI 0.281-2.084 [P = 0.601], OR 1.049, 95% CI 0.269-4.089 [P = 0.945], respectively). Using continuous insertion force monitoring and a 6-N threshold, the majority of unstented adult human ureters within our patient population safely accommodated a 14-F dilator. Safe passage of a 16-F dilator at the 6-N threshold was more likely among patients with a preexisting indwelling ureteric stent or patients who were treated with antibiotics within a week of the procedure.

The Effect of Intraoral Thermal Changes on the Mechanical Behavior of Nickel-Titanium Wires: An In-Vitro Study.

Background The continuous light force with a wide range of activation describes the excellent properties of nickel-titanium (NiTi) archwires. Shape memory is mainly affected by intraoral thermal changes. This study evaluated the effect of three different constant temperatures (i.e., 12°C, 37°C, and 50°C) on the unloading value of three different 0.016 × 0.022 NiTi archwires. Methodology Three types of 0.016 × 0.022-inch diameter NiTi archwires (American Orthodontics®, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA) were used. These were the superelastic type (NT3-SE®), the heat-activated type at 25°C (Thermal Ti-D®), and the thermally activated type at 35°C (Thermal Ti-Lite®). The unloading forces of the wires were evaluated using a classic three-point bending test (a universal testing machine: Testometric 350M®, Instron, Lincoln Close, Rochdale, England) under three different constant temperatures (12°C, 37°C, and 50°C). Results All types of wires showed thermal sensitivity; at higher temperatures, the unloading forces increased differentially between small and large deflections, while at lower temperatures, the residual strain increased for all wire types. The most affected type by the thermal changes was thermal Ti-Lite®, followed by thermal Ti-D®, and the superelastic type NT3-SE® showed a behavior similar to thermal wires. At the low temperature (12°C), all wire types showed an incomplete load/deflection curve, whereas no value was measured at unloading points 2, 1, and 0.5 mm. At the normal temperature (37°C), NT3-SE® type and thermal Ti-D® were similar in force level, while significant differences were noted between both previous types and Thermal Ti-Lite®. At the high temperature (50°C), all wire types showed a higher force level, while significant differences between the wire types were inconsistent. In contrast, increasing the temperature from 37°C to 50°C increased the force levels between 40% and 84% for NT3-SE®, between 44% and 64% for the thermal Ti-D®, and between 61% and 268% for the Thermal Ti-Lite®. When comparing the force levels between 12°C and 50°C at 3 mm, the force levels increased by 66% for NT3-SE®, 25% for Thermal Ti-D®, and 109% for thermal Ti-Lite®, while on comparing the forces between 12°C to 37°C, the forces increased between 15% and 95% for NT3-SE®, 20% and 88% for thermal Ti-D®, and 26% and 78% for thermal Ti-Lite®. The value of residual strain was greater at low temperatures and smaller at higher temperatures, while no significant differences were detected between 37°C and 50°C. Conclusions The temperature degree deeply affected the mechanical behavior of all test NiTi wires; the superelastic type behaved similarly to thermal wires. Increasing the temperature degree leads to more unloading forces and less residual strain.

Nonlinear normal modes and response to random inputs of systems with bilinear stiffness

This work seeks to provide a comprehensive review of the effects that stiffness bilinearity can have on the nonlinear modes of a system, its response in a random vibration environment, and the connection between the two. Stiffness bilinearity here refers to a continuous piecewise linear force vs displacement function that is composed of two linear regions. This work focuses on a bilinear stiffness function that is regularized so there is a smooth transition at the point where the two linear regions meet. A single-degree-of-freedom system (SDOF) and a two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) system are explored and several interesting behaviors are shown. The SDOF bilinear spring model is characterized by four parameters: the low amplitude frequency, the ratio of the linear stiffnesses on either side of the transition, the displacement at which the transition occurs, and the rate or sharpness of the transition. The effect of each parameter on the shape of the NNM is described. In a 2DOF system, these parameters have similar effects, but modal coupling is found to play a significant role. When a bilinear system is subjected to random excitation, many harmonics appear in the response for both the SDOF and 2DOF cases. The root-mean-square (RMS) response of the bilinear system can be larger or smaller than the corresponding linear case depending on the values of the parameters and the type of forcing (broadband, bandlimited, in the shape of a vibration mode, etc.). However, many cases were observed in which the RMS response of the bilinear system was almost the same as that of a linear system, and hence the response could be predicted well using linear analysis. It is hoped that the results presented herein can assist engineers in helping to determine when linear analysis would be adequate to predict the failure of a system, when a rigorous nonlinear analysis is required, and what phenomena are likely to be observed in the latter case.

Intrusion and retraction with an innovative crane spring

Today, one of the most common lines of treatment for gummy smiles is the use of temporary anchorage devices (TADs). One of the major issues with the TADs is the unpredictability of stability during treatment. Additional to the loosening of TAD, gingival tissue overgrowth, especially when placed above the attached gingiva, is a persistent issue. During the process of intrusion and retraction, the point of force attachment in relation to the center of resistance is of prime importance to achieve the correct and required vector of force. This, at most times, is not achievable with TADs due to the interference of the roots of teeth. Thus, an alternative to TADs with the convenience of placing the point of force attachment anywhere in the buccal vestibule is discussed here in. This article describes the design and action of an innovative spring (Crane spring) wherein the point of force attachment can be varied to suit the biomechanics apart from delivering light and continuous forces using looped mechanics. The spring is of a simple design and can be easily constructed. It is highly efficient with intrusion and retraction.

Three-Dimensional Changes of Alveolar Ridges and Nasolabial Structures Following a Digital Nasoalveolar Molding Therapy With a Novel Nasal Stent Activation Protocol

Digital orthodontics has been integrated into NasoAlveolar Molding (NAM) therapy to overcome challenges in the conventional NAM method. This study introduced an individualized Digital NAM (iDNAM) and evaluated the changes in the alveolar ridges and nasolabial morphology after iDNAM treatment. Prospective data were collected from 15 infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate who underwent iDNAM therapy. An intraoral-and-nasolabial scan was used to create a virtual setup model and plate generation. A total of 2 plates were required under the iDNAM treatment protocol. The first iDNAM plate has a specific interior and exterior design to allow continuous force application with minimal plate adjustment. After an intermediate scan, a nasal stent was meticulously incorporated into the second plate for nasal molding. To activate the nasal stent, a silicone molding extension was used instead of manually adding acrylic. The alveolar cleft gap was significantly reduced by 7.48 ± 2.06 mm. On the cleft side, statistically significant increases occurred in nostril height, columellar length, and nasal base–columellar angle (2.08 ± 0.63 mm, 2.58 ± 0.28 mm, and 22.29 ± 0.88 degrees, respectively). By using 2 serial plates, iDNAM improved the alveolar cleft gap and the nasal morphology in complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. An addition of a nasal extension to the second iDNAM plate presents a challenge as accurate positioning is required for appropriate activation force. The iDNAM plate design and nasal activation protocol reduce the need for chairside adjustment and the number of appointments.

A robust force identification method based on L1+2-norm approximation theory

Obtaining the real force of the structure is the basic condition for efficient vibration reduction design. However, the uneasiness and instability of the inverse problem make the force identification still challenging. On the basis of L2-norm regularization, we propose a new method for force identification based on L1+2-norm approximation theory. By introducing the L1-norm penalty operator, a joint norm approximation optimization model is constructed to limit the non-zero force and punish the force value which approaching to zero, so that it can adapt to the identification of various types of forces. Then the optimal force solution is obtained by using the Primal-dual interior point method. Finally, the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method are verified by numerical simulation and experiment of asymmetric plate and double-layer plate structures. Different from previous studies, the L1+2-norm method in this work has high robustness, considers the characteristics of sparse regularization and L2-norm regularization, and can adapt to the identification of continuous forces and sparse forces at the same time, which has potential engineering application value.

Analysis of the influence of nonlinear energy sink parameters applicable to helicopter main reduction systems

Abstract In response to the vibration problem of helicopter fuselage caused by continuous rotor periodic excitation force, a nonlinear energy sink is considered to be installed on the main reduction transmission channel to reduce the vibration level of the fuselage. This article conducts an analysis of the influence of nonlinear energy sink structure parameters under harmonic excitation force, establishes a coupled dynamic model of helicopter main reduction/absorber/fuselage, and uses harmonic balance method and stability analysis theory to analyze the periodic solution and stability of the system. Using the vibration amplitude of the system as the evaluation criterion, the influence of damping, stiffness, and mass ratio on the vibration suppression effect of the nonlinear energy sink was explored. The results showed that as the damping of the nonlinear energy sink increased, the resonance frequency of the coupled system shifted to the left, and the vibration amplitude of the main reduction system increased; As the stiffness of the nonlinear energy sink increases, the vibration amplitude of the coupled system will first decrease and then increase, gradually approaching the vibration amplitude of the system without coupled dampers; The influence of mass ratio on system amplitude follows the same trend as the influence of stiffness. By optimizing, the structural parameters of the nonlinear absorber with good vibration suppression effect are ultimately obtained.

Evaluation Of Lateral Root Resorption In Maxillary Teeth Among First Premolar Extraction Cases After Space Closure- A CBCT Study

Background: Orthodontic treatment usually involves usage of light continuous forces but when heavy forces are used it leads to apical root resorption. External apical root resorption refers to reduction in root structure involving the apices. This resorption is of transient inflammatory type. 2D images are commonly used for diagnostic purposes in orthodontics but it cannot detect root resorption on lingual or buccal surfaces thus cannot measure the volume of root loss. Cone beam computed tomography which can provide 3D images was introduced in late 1990s. Images provided by CBCT are more more accurate than panoramic and periapical radiographs . Therefore in this study , CBCT is used to evaluate lateral root resorption in maxillary teeth after after space closure among first premolar extraction cases . Materials and Methods: CBCTs of 20 patients fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were taken before the start of orthodontic treatment and after space closure. Post treatment root width was substracted from the pre treatment root width at three levels from CEJ (3mm,6mm,9mm). The normality test (Shapiro-Wilk Test) was performed to analyze the data, and the results were expressed as frequency with percentage and mean with standard deviation. Difference between means were assessed using paired t test for before and after the procedure. All the statistical analyses were carried out at a 5% level of significance, and results with a P value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Considering all the three levels the least tooth resorption was observed in the case of central incisor (0.1750 ± 0.0444, p <0.001) and highest in the canine tooth (5.900± 0.0000, p <0.001) . Conclusion: When root resorption is detected, it is recommended to pause the treatment for about 6 months to allow for root repair. Intermittent forces, which provide rest periods between applications, are more tissuefriendly and can help reduce the risk of further resorption

Energy absorption structure with negative stepped plateau force characteristics under quasi-static loads

The force-displacement curve is the key to determine the energy absorption performance. Customizing the force-displacement curve enables the design of more advanced and efficient energy absorption systems. In this paper, we introduce a negative stepped plateau force structure (NSPFS) design by combining crooked plate units with curved and straight combined cross-section (CSCC) units. First, the NSPFS is fabricated by using additive manufacturing technology, and a compression experiment is conducted to validate the design methodology. Then, a finite element model is developed and compared with the experimental results to verify its effectiveness. The peak force (PF) and mean crushing force (MCF) of the crooked plate unit are primarily controlled by wall thickness t1 and initial angle θ1. When θ1 = 1.146° and t1 = 1.0 mm of crooked plate unit, the lowest point of the plateau phase decreases by 84 % compared to the PF, and the ratio of PF to MCF is 4.9. When the PF of the crooked plate unit is greater than the PF of the CSCC unit, the structure has the characteristics of negative stepped plateau force. More phase plateau forces can be obtained when multiple NSPFS are compressed in series. When multiple NSPFS units are compressed in parallel, multi-phase continuous negative stepped plateau force can be achieved. Therefore, NSPFS allows for the customization of complex force-displacement curves through series and parallel design.

An enhanced continuous contact force model for deployable structures with clearance joints: Validation, simulation, and dynamic characteristics

An enhanced continuous contact force model for deployable structures with clearance joints: Validation, simulation, and dynamic characteristics

Physically consistent immersed boundary method: A framework for predicting hydrodynamic forces on particles with coarse meshes

In the present paper, a fluid-particle coupling method is directly derived from the Navier-Stokes equations (NSE) by applying the concept of volume-filtering, yielding a physically consistent methodology to incorporate solid wall boundary conditions in the volume-filtered flow solution, thereby allowing to solve the governing flow equations on non-body conforming meshes. The resulting methodology possesses similarities with a continuous forcing immersed boundary method (IBM) and is, therefore, termed physically consistent IBM (PC-IBM). Based on the recent findings of Hausmann et al. [1], the closures arising in the volume-filtered NSE are closed by suitable models or even expressed analytically. The PC-IBM is fully compatible with the large eddy simulation framework, as the volume-filtered NSE converge to the filtered NSE away from solid boundaries. The potential of the PC-IBM is demonstrated by means of different particle-laden flow applications, including a dense packing of fixed particles and periodic settling of 500 particles. The new methodology turns out to be capable of accurately predicting the fluid forces on particles with relatively coarse mesh resolutions. For the flow around isolated spheres, a spatial resolution of six fluid mesh cells per diameter is sufficient to predict the drag force with less than 10% deviation from highly resolved simulation for the investigated particle Reynolds numbers ranging from 10 to 250.

Induced electric fields in MRI settings and electric vestibular stimulations: same vestibular effects?

In Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner environments, the continuous Lorentz Force is a potent vestibular stimulation. It is nowadays so well known that it is now identified as Magnetic vestibular stimulation (MVS). Alongside MVS, some authors argue that through induced electric fields, electromagnetic induction could also trigger the vestibular system. Indeed, for decades, vestibular-specific electric stimulations (EVS) have been known to precisely impact all vestibular pathways. Here, we go through the literature, looking at potential time varying magnetic field induced vestibular outcomes in MRI settings and comparing them with EVS-known outcomes. To date, although theoretically induction could trigger vestibular responses the behavioral evidence remains poor. Finally, more vestibular-specific work is needed.

Effects On Palatal Surface Area In Mixed Dentition Patients Treated With Leaf Expander And Rapid Palatal Expander, Compared To Untreated Subjects: A Randomised Clinical Trial.

To evaluate palatal surface effects induced by LE and RPE, alongside spontaneous changes in an untreated group, and to compare differences in canine and molar inclination among the three groups. This randomised clinical trial aimed to compare digital models pre- and post-treatment over 12 months in patients receiving tooth-borne Leaf Expander® (LE) and tooth-borne Hyrax-type maxillary expander (RPE) treatments, alongside untreated patients. Analysis included 24 LE patients (13 males, 11 females, mean age 8.5±1.5), 22 RPE patients (10 males, 12 females, mean age 7.9±1.6), and 17 untreated subjects (7 males, 10 females, mean age 8.1±1.2). Inclusion criteria comprised indications for maxillary expansion treatment, mixed dentition, CVMS ≤ 3, erupted first molars, and good oral hygiene. Digital models were obtained using an intraoral scanner pre- and post-treatment. Palatal surface, segmented into anterior, median, and posterior zones, and canine/molar inclination were measured at T0-T1 using VAM software as the primary and secondary endpoint. Statistical analyses involved paired-sample T-tests for intra-group comparisons and ANOVA tests with Bonferroni correction for inter-group comparisons. No significant difference in palatal surface increment was found between the two experimental groups (LE and RPE); both demonstrated a significant increase in palatal surface. The greatest increment occurred in the median palate zone for both experimental groups. The increment in the untreated control group was not significant. Furthermore, the RPE group showed a greater inclination of permanent molars compared to those treated with LE, indicating that expansion with lighter and continuous forces may lead to fewer dental side effects.

Research on Auxiliary Effect of Lorentz Force for On-orbit Servicing of Spacecraft

Background: On-orbit servicing of spacecraft is mainly aimed at repairing failed spacecraft, maintaining and upgrading normally operating spacecraft to extend their life in order to reduce the increase of space debris and maintain the space environment. Objective: In performing on-orbit servicing, the spacecraft typically requires continuous control force to hover for a long period of time in order to maintain a relatively stationary state towards the target. Methods: Considering the limited amount of fuel carried, the Lorentz force is introduced into onorbit servicing to assist spacecraft in hovering. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of using Lorentz force as spacecraft thrust, many related patents have been provided. Results: Firstly, the velocity of the spacecraft's orbital motion and the variation of the geomagnetic field were given, and the specific expression of the Lorentz force in the relative dynamics model of the spacecraft was deduced. When studying the auxiliary effect of Lorentz force, a critical angle was defined. The relation between the critical angle and the Lorentz force on the auxiliary effect of spacecraft hovering was analyzed through numerical examples. Conclusion: Furthermore, based on the influence of the charge-to-mass ratio on the critical angle, the variation law of the Lorentz force-assisted spacecraft hovering area with different charge-tomass ratios was derived.

Spontaneous grip force fluctuations mirror semantic numerical magnitude processing: Larger numbers elicit larger forces

This study investigated the relationship between semantic numerical magnitudes and motor magnitudes. We asked whether the processing of numbers can affect motor behavior such as the size of numbers affecting the size of motor actions. For this, we recorded continuous grip force fluctuations from 43 healthy adults during a symbolic magnitude comparison task. We found that numbers induced spontaneous grip force fluctuations during number processing. Smaller numbers induced lower grip forces, whereas larger numbers induced larger forces. This result constitutes strong behavioral support for a generalized magnitude processing by continuously quantifying the response that challenges binary accounts of cross-domain interactions.

A novel variable restitution coefficient model for sphere–substrate elastoplastic contact/impact process

The restitution coefficient serves as a critical parameter to evaluate the energy loss during the contact/impact process. Its in–depth researches are beneficial to accurately describing the contact/impact phenomenon. Given the limitations of existing restitution coefficient models, a novel variable restitution coefficient model, which considers the material properties and the initial relative contacting velocity between two colliding bodies, is proposed in this work. Firstly, the function relationship between the restitution coefficient and the equivalent plastic strain can be obtained based on the energy equivalence principle. After that, multi–condition FEM numerical simulation cases are conducted to explore the mapping relationship among the equivalent plastic strain, material properties and initial relative contacting velocity, with which the new normal variable restitution coefficient model can thus be established. Finally, various comparisons with several existing restitution coefficient models are conducted to showcase its superior performance, with the low–speed experimental data and high–speed FEM results acting as reference values. Furthermore, the new restitution coefficient model is extended to describe interaction process between two spheres, and also employed for the establishment of a new continuous contact force model.

Lateral Piezoelectricity of Alzheimer's Aβ Aggregates.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly aged over 65. The extracellular accumulation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) aggregates in the brain is considered as the major event worsening the AD symptoms, but its underlying reason has remained unclear. Here the piezoelectric characteristics of Aβ aggregates are revealed. The vector piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) analysis results exhibit that Aβ fibrils have spiraling piezoelectric domains along the length and a lateral piezoelectric constant of 44.1 pC N-1. Also, the continuous sideband Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) images display that the increment of charge-induced surface potential on a single Aβ fibril is allowed to reach above +1700mV in response to applied forces. These findings shed light on the peculiar mechano-electrical surface properties of pathological Aβ fibrils that exceed those of normal body components.

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy enhances the rate of canine retraction by increasing β glucoronidase and pentraxin – 3 in gingival crevicular fluid: A clinical study

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy in enhancing the rate of orthodontic tooth movement using β glucoronidase and pentraxin-3 (TNF) biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid.A split-mouth design was used in 16 subjects (8 experimental and 8 controlled) aged 14 to 25 years, who’s maxillary first premolars were extracted. A gallium-aluminium-arsenide semiconductor diode laser (wavelength, 810 nm; energy density, 10 J/cm2; power output, 100 mW) delivered low-level laser therapy to the experimental canine undergoing distalization at 10 points. The control canine was distalized without low-level laser therapy. The experimental and control canines were distalized using a force of 150 g provided by nickel-titanium closed coil springs. Gingival crevicular fluid was collected at 5 time points from the control and experimental sides, and the levels of β glucoronidase and pentraxin-3 were analysed by enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA). The rate of canine retraction was calculated by using ortho analyser software.Increased levels of β glucoronidase and pentraxin-3 were observed in the experimental canines compared with the control canines (P <0.001). Cumulative tooth movements over an 8-week experimental period were greater for the experimental canines compared with the control canines. A positive correlation existed between the β glucoronidase and pentraxin-3 levels and the amounts of tooth movement across all time intervals.Low level laser therapy in adjunct with continuous and light forces leads to increase in β glucoronidase and pentraxin-3 leading to accelerated orthodontic tooth movement.: Low-level laser therapy fastens the rate of canine retraction thus accelerating the orthodontic tooth movement. The levels of β glucoronidase and Pentraxin 5 are increased significantly after laser irradiation which aids in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement.

Motor adaptation to continuous lateral trunk support force during walking improves trunk postural control and walking in children with cerebral palsy: A pilot study

PurposeTo determine whether the application of continuous lateral trunk support forces during walking would improve trunk postural control and improve gait performance in children with CP. Materials and methodsNineteen children with spastic CP participated in this study (8 boys; mean age 10.6 ± 3.4 years old). Fourteen of them were tested in the following sessions: 1) walking on a treadmill without force for 1-min (baseline), 2) with lateral trunk support force for 7-min (adaptation), and 3) without force for 1-min (post-adaptation). Overground walking pre/post treadmill walking. Five of them were tested using a similar protocol but without trunk support force (i.e., control). ResultsParticipants from the experimental group showed enhancement in gait phase dependent muscle activation of rectus abdominis in late adaptation period compared to baseline (P = 0.005), which was retained during the post-adaptation period (P = 0.036), reduced variability of the peak trunk oblique angle during the late post-adaptation period (P = 0.023), and increased overground walking speed after treadmill walking (P = 0.032). Participants from the control group showed modest changes in kinematics and EMG during treadmill and overground walking performance. These results suggest that applying continuous lateral trunk support during walking is likely to induce learning of improved trunk postural control in children with CP, which may partially transfer to overground walking, although we do not have a firm conclusion due to the small sample size in the control group.

Magnetically coupled percutaneous connector for chronic electrical peripheral nerve stimulation and recording in awake rats.

Here we aimed to develop and validate a chronic magnetic percutaneous connector designed for placement on the dorsal-lumbar aspect of the spine of awake, freely moving rats. A pedestal and external connector was developed, bench tested to assess for continuity, durability and disconnection forces, and validated in awake rats chronically implanted with an abdominal vagus nerve electrode array. The implanted pedestal and external connector were designed with custom PCBs, spring-loaded pins, magnets and biocompatible 3D printed housing. The magnetic coupling mechanism allowed disconnection with minimal force, was highly reliable in maintaining electrical connection in awake rats and allowed recording of electrically evoked compound action potentials after chronic implantation. In conclusion, this percutaneous connector is a useful research tool for peripheral nerve stimulation studies. The connector described will allow investigation into the safety and efficacy of emerging neuromodulation therapies for the treatment of disease.