Optimal Insertion Research Articles

Leveraging the Interplanetary Superhighway for Propellant–Optimal Orbit Insertion into Saturn–Titan System

This paper presents an innovative approach using Dynamical Systems Theory (DST) for interplanetary orbit insertion into Saturn−Titan three−body orbits. By leveraging DST, this study identifies invariant manifolds guiding a spacecraft into Titan−centered Distant Retrograde Orbits (DROs), strategically selected for their scientific significance. Subsequently, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is employed to fine−tune the insertion parameters, thereby minimizing ΔV. The results demonstrate that the proposed method allows for a reduction in ΔV of over 70% compared to conventional approaches like patched conics−based flybys (2.68 km/s vs. 9.23 km/s), albeit with an extended time of flight, which remains notably faster than weak stability boundary transfers. This paper serves as an interplanetary mission planning methodology to optimize spacecraft trajectories for the exploration of the Saturn−Titan system.

Overdamping of vibration resonances by liquid crystal elastomers

This work aims to compare the capability of vibration attenuation by standard elastomeric polymers, and by the new anomalously damping nematic liquid crystal elastomer. We use the most mainstream materials in both categories, and design two testing platforms: the ASTM-standard constrained layer plate resonance geometry, and the attenuation of resonances in a commercial device (electric drill) where the damping polymers were inserted into the casing. In the standard plate resonance testing, we find that LCE outperforms all standard damping materials, moreover, it brings the vibrating plate into the overdamped condition, which is unique for a non-fluid dissipative system. In the attenuation of high-frequency vibrations of a device, we also found LCE dissipates these vibrations much better, although we did not find the optimal insertion configuration for the damping polymer, and did not reach overdamping.

Integration Site Library for Efficient Construction of Plasmid-Free Microbial Cell Factories in Escherichia coli.

Enhanced production stability and efficiency along with a decrease in production costs are required to build efficient microbial cell factories. Target genes can be integrated into the genome to enhance genetic stability, reduce reliance on antibiotics, and alleviate the metabolic burden. However, selecting the optimal insertion site for the desired gene expression levels remains challenging. Therefore, 18 commonly usedEscherichia coliintegration sites were systematically characterized in this study. Promoters of different strengths were combined with integration sites, yielding a differential intensity range of up to 93-fold. This indicated the versatility and precision of this approach for controlling gene expression levels. Referring to the library, pathway genes were strategically integrated into theE. coligenome based on their respective expression levels. Genetically stable and highly efficient engineered strains that could biosynthesize arbutin and p-aminobenzoic acid were constructed.

A Vision-Guided Robotic System for Safe Dental Implant Surgery

Background: Recent advancements in dental implantology have significantly improved outcomes, with success rates of 90–95% over a 10-year period. Key improvements include enhanced preplanning processes, such as precise implant positioning, model selection, and optimal insertion depth. However, challenges remain, particularly in achieving correct spatial positioning and alignment of implants for optimal occlusion. These challenges are pronounced in patients with reduced bone substance or complex anthropometric features, where even minor misalignments can result in complications or defects. Methods: This paper introduces a vision-guided robotic system designed to improve spatial positioning accuracy during dental implant surgery. The system incorporates advanced force-feedback control to regulate the pressure applied to bone, minimizing the risk of bone damage. A preoperative CBCT scan, combined with real-time images from a robot-mounted camera, guides implant positioning. A personalized marker holder guide, developed from the initial CBCT scan, is used for patient–robot calibration. The robot-mounted camera provides continuous visual feedback of the oral cavity during surgery, enabling precise registration of the patient with the robotic system. Results: Initial experiments were conducted on a 3D-printed mandible using a personalized marker holder. Following successful patient–robot registration, the robotic system autonomously performed implant drilling. To evaluate the accuracy of the robotic-assisted procedure, further tests were conducted on 40 identical molds, followed by measurements of implant positioning. The results demonstrated improved positioning accuracy compared to the manual procedure. Conclusions: The vision-guided robotic system significantly enhances the spatial accuracy of dental implants compared to traditional manual methods. By integrating advanced force-feedback control and real-time visual guidance, the system addresses key challenges in implant positioning, particularly for patients with complex anatomical structures. These findings suggest that robotic-assisted implant surgery could offer a safer and more precise alternative to manual procedures, reducing the risk of implant misalignment and associated complications.

An Insert Goniometer Can Help Select the Optimal Insert Thickness When Performing Kinematically Aligned Total Knee Arthroplasty with a Medial 1:1 Ball-in-Socket and Lateral Flat Surface Insert and Posterior Cruciate Ligament Retention.

Current surgical practices in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have advanced and include significant changes and improvements in alignment philosophies, femorotibial implant conformities, and ligament management to replicate in vivo knee kinematics. While corrective measures have emphasized sagittal plane alignment to restore normal flexion-extension (F-E) motion and coronal plane ligament balance, internal-external (I-E) rotation kinematics in the axial plane have been largely neglected. Recent in vivo evidence indicates that the combination of factors necessary to closely restore native tibial rotation as the knee flexes and extends is kinematic alignment (KA), which resurfaces the patient's pre-arthritic knee without releasing ligaments, an insert with medial 1:1 ball-in-socket conformity and a lateral flat surface, and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retention. However, the inherent anterior-posterior (A-P) stability provided by the medial 1:1 ball-in-socket limits the surgeon's ability to select the correct insert thickness using manual laxity testing. Accordingly, this review presents the design and validation of an instrument called an insert goniometer that measures I-E tibial rotation for inserts that differ in thickness by 1 mm and uses rotation limits at extension and 90° flexion to select the optimal insert thickness. The optimal thickness is the one that provides the greatest external tibial orientation in extension and internal tibial orientation at 90° flexion without lift-off of the insert.

Experimental investigation of well deliquification using the partial tubing restrictions

Liquid loading is one of the main challenges in the later life of natural gas wells. Several methods have been tested to remedy this issue and unload gas wells, with various efficiencies. Preliminary studies on the impact of partial restrictions reveals that they improve liquid lifting by generating droplets and preventing the liquid film from falling back. These restrictions are commonly in shape of orifice rings or inserts. This study evaluates liquid unloading by employing such restrictions to improve liquid lifting. The restrictions can be incorporated into the tubing joint design, making them cheaper and easier to install compared to other techniques. Comprehensive experiments are conducted to understand the effect of inserts and liquid properties on two-phase flow behavior. The tests are performed in a 0.0508-m (2-inches) inner diameter vertical flow loop, using water or oil as the liquid phase and air as the gas phase. The tests are conducted with insert opening inner diameters of 0.0381 and 0.0445 m (1.5 and 1.75 inches.)The inserts cause significant mixing and generate high amplitude waves, which facilitate droplet generation. In churn flow with inserts, a thin liquid film is observed traveling downward, while liquid droplets travel upward. The results show that the inserts have the most positive effect at lower gas rates of churn flow and at lower liquid rates. Moreover, inserts provide the largest reduction in the liquid holdup for oil-air flow, due to lower density and surface tension compared to water. The results show that the inserts may enhance the liquid lifting by lowering the liquid holdup, while also increase the pressure drop by increasing the frictional losses. This indicates the need to choose the optimum insert diameter to minimize frictional losses and enhance liquid lifting.

Precision and efficacy of RNA-guided DNA integration in high-expressing muscle loci

Gene replacement therapies primarily rely on adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for transgene expression. However, episomal expression can decline over time due to vector loss or epigenetic silencing. CRISPR-based integration methods offer promise for long-term transgene insertion. While the development of transgene integration methods has made substantial progress, identifying optimal insertion loci remains challenging. Skeletal muscle is a promising tissue for gene replacement owing to low invasiveness of intramuscular injections, relative proportion of body mass, the multinucleated nature of muscle, and the potential for reduced adverse effects. Leveraging endogenous promoters in skeletal muscle, we evaluated two highly expressing loci using homology-independent targeted integration (HITI) to integrate reporter or therapeutic genes in mouse myoblasts and skeletal muscle tissue. We hijacked the muscle creatine kinase (Ckm) and myoglobin (Mb) promoters by co-delivering CRISPR-Cas9 and a donor plasmid with promoterless constructs encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) or human Factor IX (hFIX). Additionally, we deeply profiled our genome and transcriptome outcomes from targeted integration and evaluated the safety of the proposed sites.This study introduces a proof-of-concept technology for achieving high-level therapeutic gene expression in skeletal muscle, with potential applications in targeted integration-based medicine and synthetic biology.

Exploring aortic morphology and determining variable-distance insertion lengths for fluoroscopy-free resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA)

Background (Rationale/Purpose/Objective)Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is used to temporary control non-compressible truncal hemorrhage (NCTH) as bridge to definitive surgical treatment. The dependence on radiography for safe balloon positioning is one factor that limits the extended use of REBOA in civilian and military pre-hospital settings. We aimed to determine standardized sex and age-based variable-distance catheter insertion lengths for accurate REBOA placement without initial fluoroscopic confirmation.MethodsContrast enhanced CT-scans from a representative sample of a Dutch non-trauma population were retrospectively analyzed. Intravascular distances were measured from the bilateral common femoral artery access points (FAAP) to the middle of the aortic occlusion zones and accompanying boundaries. Means and 95% confidence intervals for the distances from the FAAPs to the boundaries and mid-zone III were calculated for all (combined) sex and age-based subgroups. Optimal insertion lengths and potentially safe regions were determined for these groups. Bootstrap analysis was performed in combination with a 40-mm long balloon introduction simulation to determine error-rates and REBOA placement accuracy for the general population.ResultsIn total, 1354 non-trauma patients (694 females) were included. Vascular distances increased with age and were longer in males. The iliofemoral trajectory was 7 mm longer on the right side. The optimal zone I catheter insertion length would be 430 mm. Optimal zone III catheter insertion lengths showed up to 30 mm difference, ranging between 234 and 264 mm. Statistically significant and potentially clinically relevant differences were observed between the anatomical distances and necessary introduction depths for each subgroup.ConclusionThis is the first study to compare aortic morphology and intravascular distances between combined sex and age-based subgroups. As zone III length was consistent, length variability and elongation seem to mainly originate in the iliofemoral trajectory and zone II. The optimal zone I catheter insertion length would be 430 mm. Optimal zone III catheter insertion ranged between 234 and 264 mm. These standardized variable-distance insertion lengths could facilitate safer fluoroscopy-free REBOA in austere, pre-hospital settings.

Reinforcement learning for cooling rate control during quenching

PurposeThe premise of this research is that the coupling of reinforcement learning algorithms and computational dynamics can be used to design efficient control strategies and to improve the cooling of hot components by quenching, a process that is classically carried out based on professional experience and trial-error methods. Feasibility and relevance are assessed on various 2-D numerical experiments involving boiling problems simulated by a phase change model. The purpose of this study is then to integrate reinforcement learning with boiling modeling involving phase change to optimize the cooling process during quenching.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed approach couples two state-of-the-art in-house models: a single-step proximal policy optimization (PPO) deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithm (for data-driven selection of control parameters) and an in-house stabilized finite elements environment combining variational multi-scale (VMS) modeling of the governing equations, immerse volume method and multi-component anisotropic mesh adaptation (to compute the numerical reward used by the DRL agent to learn), that simulates boiling after a phase change model formulated after pseudo-compressible Navier–Stokes and heat equations.FindingsRelevance of the proposed methodology is illustrated by controlling natural convection in a closed cavity with aspect ratio 4:1, for which DRL alleviates the flow-induced enhancement of heat transfer by approximately 20%. Regarding quenching applications, the DRL algorithm finds optimal insertion angles that adequately homogenize the temperature distribution in both simple and complex 2-D workpiece geometries, and improve over simpler trial-and-error strategies classically used in the quenching industry.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this constitutes the first attempt to achieve DRL-based control of complex heat and mass transfer processes involving boiling. The obtained results have important implications for the quenching cooling flows widely used to achieve the desired microstructure and material properties of steel, and for which differential cooling in various zones of the quenched component will yield irregular residual stresses that can affect the serviceability of critical machinery in sensitive industries.

Prediction of internal jugular vein catheter length inserted through the posterior approach of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

This study aimed to determine an equation to estimate the optimal insertion length for catheter placement via the posterior approach of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in cancer patients. This retrospective study included patients with cancer who underwent infusion port implantation surgery in the Oncology Department of the 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of the Chinese People Liberation Army from April 2017 to September 2023. Patient height (H), weight (W), chest length (C), and length of the internal jugular vein catheter (L) were collected from medical records. The patients were randomized 7:3 to the training and validation sets. Linear regression analyses were used in the training set to determine formulas to predict catheter length. The formula predictive value was analyzed using the Bland-Altman method in the validation set. This study included 336 patients, with a mean age of 58.27 ± 11.70 years, randomized in the training (n = 235) and validation (n = 101) sets. Linear regression analysis revealed that the equations for catheter length relative to H, body mass index (BMI), and C are L = 0.144 × H - 8.258 (R² = 0.608, P < .001), L = -0.103 × B + 17.384 (R² = 0.055, P < .001), and L = 0.477 × C + 1.769 (R² = 0.342, P < .001), respectively. The multivariable linear regression analysis showed that the equation between the length of the catheter and H and C was L = 0.131 × H + 0.086 × C-8.515 (R² = 0.614, P < .001). The Bland-Altman analysis in the validation set showed that the predicted values of internal jugular vein catheter length and the actual values showed good agreement. The optimal L might be determined by simple formulas based on patients H and C.

Biomechanical Behavior of Injected Cement Spacers versus Traditional Cages in Low-Density Lumbar Spine under Compression Loading.

Background and Objectives: Osteoporosis renders the use of traditional interbody cages potentially dangerous given the high risk of damage in the bone-implant interface. Instead, injected cement spacers can be applied as interbody devices; however, this technique has been mainly used in cervical spine surgery. This study aimed at investigating the biomechanical behavior of cement spacers versus traditional cages in lumbar spine surgery. Materials and Methods: Destructive monotonic axial compression testing was performed on 20 human cadaveric low-density lumbar segments from elderly donors (14 f/6 m, 70.3 ± 12.0 y) treated with either injected cement spacers (n = 10) or traditional cages (n = 10) without posterior instrumentation. Stiffness, failure load and displacement were compared. The effects of bone density, vertebral geometry and spacer contact area were evaluated. Results: Cement spacers demonstrated higher stiffness, significantly smaller displacement (p < 0.001) and a similar failure load compared to traditional cages. In the cage group, stiffness and failure load depended strongly on bone density and vertebral height, whereas failure displacement depended on vertebral anterior height. No such correlations were identified with cement spacers. Conclusions: Cement spacers used in lumbar interbody stabilization provided similar compression strength, significantly smaller failure displacement and a stiffer construct than traditional cages that provided benefits mainly for large and strong vertebrae. Cement stabilization was less sensitive to density and could be more beneficial also for segments with smaller and less dense vertebrae. In contrast to the injection of cement spacers, the optimal insertion of cages into the irregular intervertebral space is challenging and risks damaging bone. Further studies are required to corroborate these findings and the treatment selection thresholds.

QM-DLA: an efficient qubit mapping method based on dynamic look-ahead strategy

Quantum computing has already demonstrated great computational potential across multiple domains and has received more and more attention. However, due to the connectivity limitations of Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) devices, most of the quantum algorithms cannot be directly executed without the help of inserting SWAP gates. Nevertheless, more SWAP gates lead to a longer execution time and, inevitably, lower fidelity of the algorithm. To this end, this paper proposes an optimized qubit mapping algorithm based on a dynamic look-ahead strategy to minimize the number of SWAP gates inserted. Firstly, a heuristic algorithm is proposed based on maximizing physical qubit connectivity to generate the optimal initial qubit mapping, which reduces the need for logical qubit shifts during subsequent SWAP gate insertion. Secondly, in the form of directed acyclic graphs, we identify quantum gates that violate the constraints of physical coupling and insert SWAP gates to remap qubits, thereby overcoming the limitations of qubit interactions. Finally, the optimal SWAP gate insertion strategy is built by comparing the cost of different SWAP gate insertion strategies through a multi-window look-ahead strategy to reduce the number of SWAP gates inserted. The experimental results show that the strategy in this paper decreases the number of SWAP gate insertions and significantly reduces the depth of quantum circuits when performing qubit mapping compared with state-of-the-art methods.

All-suture anchor size and drill angle influence load to failure in a porcine model of subpectoral biceps tenodesis, a biomechanical study

BackgroundTenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon is frequently performed in shoulder surgery, and all-suture anchors have become more popular as fixation methods. However, uncertainty still exists regarding the ultimate load to failure of all-suture anchors and the best insertion angle at a cortical humeral insertion point.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical characteristics of three types of all-suture anchors frequently used for biceps tenodesis. In addition, the influence of two different insertion angles was observed in a porcine humeri model.MethodsThe ultimate load to failure and failure mode of three types of all-suture anchors (1.6 FiberTak®, 1.9 FiberTak®, 2.6 FiberTak®, Arthrex®) applicable for subpectoral biceps tenodesis were evaluated at 90° and 45° insertion angles in 12 fresh-frozen porcine humeri. The anchors were inserted equally alternated in a randomized manner at three different insertion sites along the bicipital groove, and the suture tapes were knotted around a rod for pullout testing. In total, 36 anchors were evaluated in a universal testing machine (Zwick & Roell).ResultsThe 2.6 FiberTak® shows higher ultimate loads to failure with a 90° insertion angle (944.0 N ± 169.7 N; 537.0 N ± 308.8 N) compared to the 1.9 FiberTak® (677.8 N ± 57.7 N; 426.3 N ± 167.0 N, p-value: 0.0080) and 1.6 FiberTak® (733.0 N ± 67.6 N; 450.0 N ± 155.8 N, p-value: 0.0018). All anchor types show significantly higher ultimate loads to failure and smaller standard deviations at the 90° insertion angle than at the 45° insertion angle. The major failure mode was anchor pullout. Only the 2.6 FiberTak® anchors showed suture breakage as the major failure mode when placed with a 90° insertion angle.ConclusionsAll three all-suture anchors are suitable fixation methods for subpectoral biceps tenodesis. Regarding our data, we recommend 90° as the optimum insertion angle.Clinical relevanceThe influence of anchor size and insertion angle of an all-suture anchor should be known by the surgeon for optimizing ultimate loads to failure and for achieving a secure fixation.

Brief Analysis of the Location and Determination of Maximum Capacity of Distributed Generation in Electrical Systems Considering Demand Scenarios in Ecuador

This research focuses on evaluating the importance of the use of renewable sources through distributed generation and its implication in the operation of electrical systems given that its incorporation has a direct impact on the expansion of the capacity of the networks, the minimization losses, and the impact on end users, all supported by the growth of demand. Under this context, the study focuses on incorporating distributed generation (DG), taking scenarios of base, medium, and peak demand and the modeling of the network, and subsequently evaluating the service quality indices and operating costs in addition to the electrical variables of the system. For this purpose, the present work proposes an optimization model to be solved using the Matlab (2021b) computational program together with GAMS (37.1.0 Major release (11 November 2021)) and mixed-integer nonlinear programming, determining the optimal insertion and determination of the maximum capacity of distributed generators while complying with the technical restrictions of the system and applying optimal AC power flows. Localizing and determining maximum capacity for distributed generation (DG) in electrical systems are critical aspects of modern grid planning and operation. With the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources and the growing complexity of energy demand patterns, efficient integration of DG has become paramount for ensuring grid reliability and sustainability. In this context, the analysis of DG localization and capacity determination considering demand scenarios emerges as a critical area of research in electrical engineering. By employing advanced optimization techniques such as mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINP), this research addresses the multidimensional challenges associated with DG deployment, including technical constraints, economic considerations, and environmental impacts. Understanding the contribution of this optimization approach to electrical engineering is fundamental for optimizing grid performance, enhancing renewable energy integration, and supporting the transition towards more resilient and sustainable energy systems. Consequently, investigating this optimization model represents a crucial step towards advancing the state-of-the-art in grid planning and facilitating the transition to a cleaner and more efficient energy future.

Design and Parameter Optimization of Rotary Double-Insertion Device for Small Arched Insertion Machine

China’s small arched shed-building machinery suffers from a low degree of mechanization, building efficiency, and qualification rate for frame insertion. Therefore, we designed a rotary double-insertion device and established the equation for its motion trajectory. The analysis shows that in the rotary insertion process, a better point of entry into the soil exists. A simulation model was constructed in ADAMS, and the static and dynamic trajectories were analyzed. Additionally, the optimal planting and insertion speed ratios were determined. Considering the qualified rate of the insertion frame as the evaluation index to establish a regression model, we adopted a three-factor three-level experimental design and established the planting speed ratio, center distance of the planting arm, and length of the pressing rod arm as the main influencing factors. We used Design-Expert 13 to perform the analysis of variance and determined the optimal parameter combinations. The experimental results show that the planting speed ratio was 0.7, the center distance of the planting arm group was 554 mm, the length of the pressing rod arm was 923 mm, and the qualification rate of trellis planting at this time was 98.05%. The bench was adjusted and tested based on the optimal parameter combination. The average value of the measured trellis qualification rate was 96.73%, and the relative error between the test value and the theoretical optimization value was 1.32%, thereby verifying the reliability of the optimal parameter combination. Field verification test results show that the rotary double-insertion device had a planting speed ratio of 0.7 and a trellis qualified rate of 95.74% compared with the theoretical optimization value of 2.31%. Conforming to the design requirements of small arch shed-building machinery, the prototype operation performance was stable.

Connectomic deep brain stimulators in Parkinson`s sub cortical functional zones

Shaking palsy is a brain disease involving motor and non motor zones affecting circa 1 to 2%of humans&amp;#62;60 years age. To date there has been no invention for curing this chronic disease and to stop its progression. But existing therapeutic procedures can offer symptomatic relief to Parkinson patients. DBS is most successful therapy for the Parkinson`s yet depends on the accuracy of electrode implantation and location within the anatomical subcortical neural-structures. This study examines the likelihood of net-work-based induced stimuli and the application of connectomic DBS in Parkinson`s. The subthalamic nucleus is divided into3 sub zones, namely, limbic (anterior), associative (middle) and motor (posterior) as well as diffusion weighted imaging (D W I). The surgical targets are tiny (few millimeters) and good enough to neuroanatomical-structures within the b r a i n. STN (size:12×5×3mm3) and lies nearby internal capsule, medial lemniscus, corticospinal tract, plus red-nucleus. Through sub optimal lead insertion and over stimuli, flow of electrons can spread to these adjoining sucortics, thereby developing dyskinesias ( ). With time, DW-MRI plus f-MRI is used to study the anatomical-structural functional connectivity in advanced idiopathic Parkinson`s. Contrasting conventional lesion based stimulus hypothesis, the novel net stimulus hypothesis advocated that induced stimulus of exact circuits of b r a i n can modulate pathophysiological net-work, reinstate near the tissue region, thus producing stabilization-of human-brain-connectome within Parkinson`s. The DBS connectomes makes use of circuit based stimulus procedure instead of lesion-based stimulus, has transformed neuromodulation. Connectomes via DBS can be tailor made for every Parkinson plus enhance the operation. It`s just a sketch for human-brain-connectivity (HMC) transversely compound longitudinal-scales. Yet, it won`t yield cell information plus cotacts with cells at the level of micro scale.

Electrode sharpness and insertion speed reduce tissue damage near high-density penetrating arrays

Objective. Over the past decade, neural electrodes have played a crucial role in bridging biological tissues with electronic and robotic devices. This study focuses on evaluating the optimal tip profile and insertion speed for effectively implanting Paradromics’ high-density fine microwire arrays (FμA) prototypes into the primary visual cortex (V1) of mice and rats, addressing the challenges associated with the ‘bed-of-nails’ effect and tissue dimpling. Approach. Tissue response was assessed by investigating the impact of electrodes on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and cellular damage, with a specific emphasis on tailored insertion strategies to minimize tissue disruption during electrode implantation. Main results. Electro-sharpened arrays demonstrated a marked reduction in cellular damage within 50 μm of the electrode tip compared to blunt and angled arrays. Histological analysis revealed that slow insertion speeds led to greater BBB compromise than fast and pneumatic methods. Successful single-unit recordings validated the efficacy of the optimized electro-sharpened arrays in capturing neural activity. Significance. These findings underscore the critical role of tailored insertion strategies in minimizing tissue damage during electrode implantation, highlighting the suitability of electro-sharpened arrays for long-term implant applications. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities associated with high-channel-count microelectrode array implantation, emphasizing the importance of meticulous assessment and optimization of key parameters for effective integration and minimal tissue disruption. By elucidating the interplay between insertion parameters and tissue response, our study lays a strong foundation for the development of advanced implantable devices with a reduction in reactive gliosis and improved performance in neural recording applications.

Off-Label Use of an External Hand Fixator for Craniomaxillofacial Fractures-An Anatomical Feasibility Study.

The lack of resources limits the treatment of craniomaxillofacial fractures (CMF) in low-income countries (LIC). Therefore, Barton bandages and/or interdental wiring are considered in these regions. Fracture reduction is maintained by permanent occlusion for 6 weeks, which often leads to limited compliance and dissatisfying results. The aim of this cadaver-based study is to evaluate the feasibility of the use of an external face fixator (EFF) for the treatment of CMF, its biomechanical values and to define the optimal pin insertion points and angles. An AO hand fixator was used. CMF of types Le Fort 1-3 with split fractures of the hard palate were treated with EFF on 13 anatomical specimens. Fractures were created using a chisel, and pins were placed in specific anatomical regions. The maximal pull-out force [N] of pins was analysed by a tensile force gauge, and Fmax of the mandibular pins was evaluated. Computer tomography scans were performed on the healthy, fractured and EFF-treated skulls. The pull-out forces for the single pins were mandibular pins (n = 15, median 488.0 N), supraorbital pins (n = 15, median 455.0 N), zygomatic pins (n = 14, median 269.1 N), medial hard palate pins (n = 12, median 208.4 N) and lateral hard palate pins (n = 8, median 49.6 N). The results indicate that the operation technique is feasible, and the stability of the EFF is sufficient for maintaining the reduction. The required pins can safely be inserted into the described areas with good reduction results. Using EFF offers a feasible alternative to the non-surgical treatment of CMF in LIC.

Passenger‐based adaptive transit signal priority for BRT systems with multiple loading areas

AbstractAn adaptive transit signal priority strategy is presented in this paper with the objective of passenger delay minimization at isolated intersections serving conflicting bus rapid transit (BRT) routes. The proposed passenger‐based adaptive signal priority for BRT systems (PASPB) is designed to optimize both green times and phase sequences at the start of each cycle and for a prespecified decision horizon. Since a public transportation (PT) vehicle travel time model capable of estimating the dwell time at stops with multiple loading areas has not yet been developed, PT vehicle dwell time is modeled in this study by analyzing the cases of passenger service by single or double PT vehicles. The problem is formulated as a mixed‐integer nonlinear program (MINLP) and at each execution, the optimization is conducted by genetic algorithm. The model is deployed to a real‐field intersection with conflicting BRT routes under the SUMO microsimulation environment. The results show that PASPB outperforms the SYNCHRO optimal solution and phase insertion strategy regarding PT passenger delay. Besides, the sensitivity analysis proves that at high demand levels of the PT system or general traffic, PASPB presents the best performance in terms of general traffic, PT, and total passenger delay compared to other models.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Polyaxial Volar Locking Plate Position for Distal Radius Fracture

Abstract Background To avoid screw penetration into the joint when using the polyaxial volar locking plate (VLP) for osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures, it is important to note that the optimal screw insertion angles depending on the plate positions. Purpose The purpose of this study was 2-fold: first, to evaluate the differences of the most distal plate position where the screw does not penetrate into the joint in the three-dimensional (3D) radius models; second, to evaluate the relationship between the plate position and the transverse diameter of the distal radius. Patients and Methods Thirty plain X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans of healthy wrists were evaluated. The transverse diameter was measured on plain X-rays. 3D radius models were reconstructed from CT data. A 3D image of polyaxial VLP was used to investigate the most distal plate position at three different screw insertion angles. The linear distance between the volar articular edge and the plate edge was measured and compared among different screw insertion angles. The correlations between the plate positions and the transverse diameter were also evaluated. In addition, the relationship between the most distal screw place and articular surface was confirmed with one case of distal radius fracture. Results The optimal positions relative to the neutral were 2.7 mm proximal in the distal swing and 1.9 mm distal in the proximal swing. The linear distance was significantly correlated with the transverse diameter in each group. It was confirmed that the relationship between the most distal screw place and articular surface was applicable in the actual case. Conclusion The results showed that the most distal position of the polyaxial VLP differed depending on the screw insertion angle and became more proximal as the transverse diameter increased. These results may be useful as a reference for preoperative planning. Levels of Evidence III.