Thermal Stimulation Research Articles

Analgesic effect of a cholinergic agonist (carbachol) in a sural nerve ligation-induced hypersensitivity mouse model

ABSTRACT Objectives Neuropathic pain is characterized by long-lasting, intractable pain. Sciatic nerve ligation is often used as an animal model of neuropathic pain, and the spared nerve injury (SNI) model, in which the common peroneal nerve (CPN) and tibial nerve (TN) are ligated, is widely used. In the present study, we evaluated the analgesic effect of a cholinergic agonist, carbachol, on a neuropathic pain model prepared by sural nerve (SN) ligation in mice. Methods The SN was tightly ligated as a branch of the sciatic nerve. Mechanical and thermal allodynia, and hyperalgesia were assessed using von Frey filaments and heat from a hot plate. The analgesic effects of intracerebroventricularly-administered morphine and carbachol were compared. Results SN ligation resulted in a significant decrease in pain threshold for mechanical stimulation 1 day after ligation. In response to thermal stimulation, allodynia was observed at 50°C and hyperalgesia at 53 and 56°C 3 days after ligation. Content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the spinal cord increased significantly at 6 and 12 h after ligation. Acetylcholine content of the spinal cord also increased at 5 and 7 days after ligation. Intracerebroventricular administration of carbachol at 7 days after ligation produced a marked analgesic effect against mechanical and thermal stimuli, which was stronger and longer-lasting than morphine at all experimental time points. Conclusion These findings suggest that cholinergic nerves are involved in allodynia and hyperalgesia of the SN ligation neuropathic pain model.

Evolution law of pulsating seepage and thermal deformation by injecting high‐temperature steam into coal for thermal coalbed methane recovery

AbstractChinese coal reservoirs are characterized by low pressure and low permeability, which need to be enhanced so as to increase production. However, conventional methods for permeability enhancement can only increase the permeability in fractures, but not the ultra‐low permeability in coal matrices. Attempts to enhance such impermeable structures lead to rapid attenuation of gas production, especially in the late stage of gas extraction. Thermal stimulation by injecting high‐temperature steam is a promising method to increase gas production. The critical scientific challenges that still hinder its widespread application are related to the evolution law of permeability of high‐temperature steam in coal and the thermal deformation of coal. In this study, an experimental approach is developed to explore the high‐temperature steam seepage coupled with the thermal deformation in coal under triaxial stress. The tests were conducted using cylindrical coal specimens of ϕ50 mm × 100 mm. The permeability and thermal strain in coal were investigated when high‐temperature steam was injected at 151.11, 183.20, 213.65, and 239.76°C. The experimental results reveal for the first time that as the amount of injected fluid increases, the steam permeability shows periodic pulsation changes. This paper introduces and explains the main traits of this discovery that may shed more light on the seepage phenomenon. When the injected steam temperature increases, the amplitude of pulsating permeability decreases, whereas the frequency increases; meanwhile, the period becomes shorter, the pulsation peak appears earlier, and the stabilization time becomes longer. The average peak permeability shows a “U‐shaped” trend, decreasing first and then increasing as the steam temperature increases. Meanwhile, with the extension of steam injection time, the axial, radial, and volumetric strains of coal show a stage‐wise expansion characteristic at different temperatures of steam injection, except for the radial strains at 151.11°C. A two‐phase flow theory of gas–liquid is adopted to elucidate the mechanism of pulsating seepage of steam. Moreover, the influencing mechanism of inward and outward thermal expansion on the permeability of coal is interpreted. The results presented in this paper provide new insight into the feasibility of thermal gas recovery by steam injection.

Evaluation of analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential of Dianthus crinitus using mice as a research animal

In the past, natural resources were used as best therapeutic sources for different diseases. Among several herbal resources, certain plant families are known for their analgesic activities, such as Dianthus crinitus, which showed a good curative potential. The mentioned plant has been used traditionally for the healing of several illnesses such as pain, inflammation, injuries, etc. The current study, therefore, evaluated the analgesic and anti-antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts of leaves, flowers, and seeds of Dianthus crinitus in mice. For analgesic activity, acetic acid and a hot plate thermal stimulation method were used to induce writhes in mice, followed by a tail emersion process. Results showed that the extract demonstrated analgesic potential in mice, signifying both peripheral and central modes of action. Furthermore, extract also significantly inhibited the rat paw edema triggered by carrageenan seaweed and dextran as revealed by neutrophil migration toward the peritoneal cavities of animals and enhanced vascular permeability. The data suggested that the extract exhibited a dose-dependent antioxidant action. These preliminary observations provided support for further exploration and justification for the potential development of a new class of analgesic and anti-inflammatory medicines from the constituents of Dianthus crinitus extract.

Effects of Passive Warm-up on Flexibility, Exercise Performance, and Lactate Oxidation Rate in Track and Field Athletes

PURPOSE This study sought to investigate the effects of passive warm-up on flexibility, exercise performance, and lactate oxidation rate in track and field athletes.METHODS A total of eight male athletes with more than three years of athlete experience were recruited as participants, and passive warm-up (PW) and active warm-up (AW) treatments were conducted in a single-group crossover study design. The participants performed thermal stimulation at 40°C for 20 minutes as a PW and performed a 60-70% HRmax cycle as an AW. Flexibility and exercise performance were measured after each treatment. Anaerobic power was measured using the Wingate test, and lactic acid concentration was measured.RESULTS Body temperature significantly increased in both PW and AW, and no significant difference was observed in exercise performance between treatments. Flexibility and lactic acid oxidation rate were significantly higher in PW than in AW.CONCLUSIONS In track and field sprinters, PW did not exhibit any significant difference in anaerobic power and exercise performance compared to AW even though no physical exercise was performed, and PW was effective in body temperature, lactic acid oxidation rate, and flexibility. PW suggests the possibility of replacing AW.

Thermal Activated Reversible Phosphorescence Behavior of Solid Supramolecule Mediated by β‐Cyclodextrin

AbstractA reversible solid thermally responsive deep‐blue pure organic room temperature phosphorescent material is constructed by terephthalic acid (PPA), β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD), and poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA). Attributed to the host‐guest interaction of β‐CD to isolate PPA chromophore and the rigid environment offered by hydrogen bonds to suppress the nonradiative decays, amorphous supramolecular assembly PPA‐CD/PVA not only induces a deep‐blue phosphorescence at 410 nm that differing from traditional PPA derivatives with green emission but also enhances the quantum yield up to 30.52%. Uncommonly, this film exhibits a unique reversible thermal stimulation response property with blue and cyan phosphorescence color transitions because heating can destroy the binding behavior between β‐CD and PPA, resulting in redshift phosphorescence emission from PPA stacking. Additionally, with the incorporation of Rhodamine B (RhB) or Sulforhodamine 101 (SR101) into the supramolecular film, color‐tunable phosphorescence from blue to white, yellow, and red relying on the thermal stimulation is realized through triplet‐to‐singlet Förster resonance energy transfer (TS‐FRET) platform. These thermochromic phosphorescence materials are successfully applied in multilevel anticounterfeiting and information encryption, which provides a new simple approach for temperature‐responsive TS‐FRET multicolor luminescence supramolecular materials.

The effect of 6GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on rat pain perception

ABSTRACT This paper presents data on pain perception in rats exposed to 6 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR). Rats were divided into two groups: control (n = 10, 4 replicates per test) and RF-EMR exposed group (n = 10, 4 replicates per test). Nociceptive responses of the groups were measured using rodent analgesiometry. Rats were divided into control and RF-EMR exposed groups. Nociceptive responses were measured using rodent analgesiometry. RF-EMR exposed rats had a 15% delay in responding to hot plate thermal stimulation compared to unexposed rats. The delay in responding to radiant heat thermal stimulation was 21%. We determined that RF-EMR promoted the occurrence of pressure pain as statistical significance by + 42% (p < 0.001). We observed that RF-EMR exposure increased nociceptive pain by + 35% by promoting cold plate stimulation (p < 0.05). RF-EMR exposure did not affect thermal preference as statistical significance but did support the formation of pressure pain perception.

Synthesis of shape-programmable elastomer for a bioresorbable, wireless nerve stimulator

Materials that have the ability to manipulate shapes in response to stimuli such as heat, light, humidity and magnetism offer a means for versatile, sophisticated functions in soft robotics or biomedical implants, while such a reactive transformation has certain drawbacks including high operating temperatures, inherent rigidity and biological hazard. Herein, we introduce biodegradable, self-adhesive, shape-transformable poly (L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (BSS-PLCL) that can be triggered via thermal stimulation near physiological temperature (∼38 °C). Chemical inspections confirm the fundamental properties of the synthetic materials in diverse aspects, and study on mechanical and biochemical characteristics validates exceptional stretchability up to 800 % and tunable dissolution behaviors under biological conditions. The integration of the functional polymer with a bioresorbable electronic system highlights potential for a wide range of biomedical applications.

Field-scale numerical investigation of a hybrid gas production method from the oceanic hydrate accumulation at site NGHP-02-09 in the Krishna-Godavari Basin, and the associated geomechanical responses

The objectives of this study are to investigate (a) the technical feasibility of gas production from a gas hydrate accumulation at Site NGHP-02-09 in the Krishna-Godavari Basin, India Ocean using a hybrid production method involving a combination of depressurization and thermal stimulation, as well as (b) the associated geomechanical system response when considering both a simplified and a full geomechanical model. This is an extension of the earlier numerical study of Moridis et al. (2019a) of the site using cylindrical (single-well) 2D systems, which indicated (a) the main source of the produced gas to be CH4 dissolved in the water rather than CH4 from hydrate dissociation because of the presence of a high-permeability water-bearing zone that short-circuits the depressurization process and (b) the possibility of adverse geomechanical issues caused by significant displacements that could not be adequately investigated and resolved by the one-way coupling scheme invoked in that study. The proposed hybrid production plan involves two vertical wells in a 3D Cartesian domain: an injection well of warm ocean (saline) water and a production well at an appropriate distance, with the expectation that the hydrate dissociation caused by the depressurization at the production well can be augmented by the thermal effect of the injected warm water (as well as by its salinity), thus mitigating the effects of the high-permeability water zone. The results of this study that uses high-resolution 3D grids indicate that (a) the hybrid production scheme does not appear to offer any advantage over the simple single-well depressurization method of the earlier study, (b) the majority of the produced gas originates from CH4 exsolution from the water rather from hydrate dissociation, and (c) consideration of full geomechanics leads to generally slightly higher dissociation and fluid production because of the evolution of lower porosities and permeabilities, but also to the disappearance of the gas phase after 62 days of production, after which time CH4 from hydrate dissociation is fully dissolved in the water before production. Thus, the hybrid scheme investigated here appears ineffectual in enhancing hydrate dissociation and gas production, and the hydrate deposits at the Site NGHP-02-09 do not appear to be a promising production target under the conditions in this study, in agreement with the earlier conclusion of Moridis et al. (2019a).

Study on the thermal stability of NG/NC/RDX triple-base gun propellants modified by oligomer GAP (Mn = 330)

The thermal stability of gun propellants is related to significant safety issues in their development, production, storage, or transportation. Therefore, the study of improving the thermal stability of propellants has urgent and important practical significance. In this work, glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) with a relative molecular weight of 330 was added to the gun propellant to prepare modified NG-NC-RDX gun propellants containing different contents of oligomeric GAP. The ability of the propellant to cause discoloration of methyl violet test paper due to thermal decomposition, as well as the thermal weight loss and adiabatic decomposition behavior of the propellant, were characterized. And the differential charge density of GAP and NG, as well as the free volume and microstructure of GAP/NC and NG/NC blends, were compared, and the mechanism by which GAP improves the thermal stability of the propellant was discussed. When the content of GAP in the propellant changes from 0% to 16%, the time for the methyl violet test paper to change from purple to orange is prolonged from 87 minutes to 98 minutes. The initial decomposition temperature of thermal weight loss increased from 164.7 °C to 176.4 °C. The maximum temperature rise rate during adiabatic decomposition decreased from 0.95 °C·min−1 to 0.12 °C·min−1. According to MS simulation calculations, GAP provides a larger free volume and improves the uniformity of the mesoscopic phase structure of the propellant. The covalent effect of bond C-N3 in GAP molecules is stronger than that of bond O-NO2 in NG molecules. The thermal stability of the NG-NC-RDX propellant increases with the addition of GAP, and it increases with the increase of GAP content in the propellant. This work provides a scheme for improving the thermal stability of the gun propellant and offers a way to reduce the risk of thermal stimulation.

Dual-mode luminescence light intensity modulation characteristics and optical radiation dependence of stannate photochromic ceramics

Alkaline earth stannate is characterized by good physicochemical stability. It has been applied in the field of optical information storage by coupling photoluminescence intensity modulation and photochromic performance, which has attracted the attention of researchers. The development of alkaline earth stannate ceramics with high light intensity modulation properties and non-destructive reading of optical information is of great research value. In this study, Er3+-doped Ca2SnO4 photochromic ceramics were prepared by high-temperature solid-phase reaction method. Alternating UV light irradiation and thermal stimulation, the ceramics achieve a reversible transition between light and dark gray. Er3+ doping gives the ceramics dual-mode luminescence light intensity modulation performance. When the doping amount of Er3+ is 0.01 mol, there is a maximum down-conversion luminous intensity modulation ratio of 93%, which is higher than most of the same type of photochromic materials. The photochromic behavior is explained using the capture-release model of traps for carriers, and the dual-mode luminescence light-intensity modulation behavior is analyzed through the energy transfer mechanism. The optical radiation response properties were investigated and the optimum light response wavelength is found to be 290 nm, which is related to the optical band gap Eg. And the selection of the optimal light response wavelength can effectively improve the performance of photochromic and light intensity modulation. This study provides a promising strategy for performance enhancement of photochromic materials.

Novel strategy for designing photochromic ceramic: Reversible upconversion luminescence modification of the α-Ba2ScAlO5:Yb3+/Er3+ for optical information storage and multiple anti-counterfeiting

Reversible upconversion luminescence (RUCL) modification of rare earth ion-doped ceramic based on photochromism has received much attention in favor of expanding its practical applications. However, RUCL modification induced by photochromism usually employs these traditional methods (electric and magnetic fields) to induce bleaching, which limits its practical applications. In this work, a white α-Ba2ScAlO5: Yb3+/Er3+ (α-BSAO: Yb, Er) was prepared, which exhibits photochromic coloration from white to blue upon stimulation with 254 nm light. The coloration was able to be bleached by light (808 nm) and thermal (275 °C) stimulation, exhibiting reversible photochromism. The α-BSAO: Yb, Er ceramic exhibited good luminescence performance and reversibility under alternating cycles of 254 and 808 nm (or thermal) light stimulation. It suggests that α-BSAO: Yb, Er ceramic is an ideal anti-counterfeiting agent. The α-BSAO: Yb, Er ceramic sheets can be excited by ultraviolet and near-infrared light, and are capable of realizing the reading of optical information recorded on binary photochromic dot arrays. It shows the potential application prospects of α-Ba2ScAlO5: Yb3+/Er3+ ceramic in the field of optical storage and anti-counterfeiting.

Effects of Thermal Damage on Impact Response Characteristics of High-Energy Propellants.

Thermal damage due to microstructure changes will occur in propellants under thermal stimulation. It can significantly affect the sensitization, combustion, and other properties of the propellant, which, in turn, affects the impact safety of the solid propellant rocket engine. A new component which uniformly heats the sample was designed to conduct the Lagrange test and EFP impact test at different temperatures. The thermal decomposition and damage characteristics of the propellant during the heating process were quantitatively analyzed. Additionally, the effects of ambient temperature on impact initiation and detonation growth of the high-energy propellant were elucidated at a mesoscopic level. The results showed that the porosity of the specimen increased by 0.89% under the thermomechanical mechanism, which was mainly characterized by interfacial de-bonding between the AP and the binder. The increase in thermal damage changed the hot spot reaction rate and significantly affected the growth process of propellant impact initiation. A method was proposed to systematically calibrate the reaction rate model for the propellant at different temperatures. The theoretical model parameters of the high-energy propellant at two typical temperatures were calibrated in this way. The critical shell thicknesses computed using LS-DYNA, which, for 20 and 70 °C, were obtained as 15 and 20 mm, respectively.

Insula→Amygdala and Insula→Thalamus Pathways Are Involved in Comorbid Chronic Pain and Depression-Like Behavior in Mice.

The comorbidity of chronic pain and depression poses tremendous challenges for the treatment of either one because they exacerbate each other with unknown mechanisms. As the posterior insular cortex (PIC) integrates multiple somatosensory and emotional information and is implicated in either chronic pain or depression, we hypothesize that the PIC and its projections may contribute to the pathophysiology of comorbid chronic pain and depression. We show that PIC neurons were readily activated by mechanical, thermal, aversive, and stressful and appetitive stimulation in naive and neuropathic pain male mice subjected to spared nerve injury (SNI). Optogenetic activation of PIC neurons induced hyperalgesia and conditioned place aversion in naive mice, whereas inhibition of these neurons led to analgesia, conditioned place preference (CPP), and antidepressant effect in both naive and SNI mice. Combining neuronal tracing, optogenetics, and electrophysiological techniques, we found that the monosynaptic glutamatergic projections from the PIC to the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and the ventromedial nucleus (VM) of the thalamus mimicked PIC neurons in pain modulation in naive mice; in SNI mice, both projections were enhanced accompanied by hyperactivity of PIC, BLA, and VM neurons and inhibition of these projections led to analgesia, CPP, and antidepressant-like effect. The present study suggests that potentiation of the PIC→BLA and PIC→VM projections may be important pathophysiological bases for hyperalgesia and depression-like behavior in neuropathic pain and reversing the potentiation may be a promising therapeutic strategy for comorbid chronic pain and depression.

Multifield-Modulated Spintronic Terahertz Emitter Based on a Vanadium Dioxide Phase Transition.

The efficient generation and active modulation of terahertz (THz) waves are strongly required for the development of various THz applications such as THz imaging/spectroscopy and THz communication. In addition, due to the increasing degree of integration for the THz optoelectronic devices, miniaturizing the complex THz system into a compact unit is also important and necessary. Today, integrating the THz source with the modulator to develop a powerful, easy-to-adjust, and scalable or on-chip THz emitter is still a challenge. As a new type of THz emitter, a spintronic THz emitter has attracted a great deal of attention due to its advantages of high efficiency, ultrawide band, low cost, and easy integration. In this study, we have proposed a multifield-modulated spintronic THz emitter based on the VO2/Ni/Pt multilayer film structure with a wide band region of 0-3 THz. Because of the pronounced phase transition of the integrated VO2 layer, the fabricated THz emitter can be efficiently modulated via thermal or electric stimuli with a modulation depth of about one order of magnitude; the modulation depths under thermal stimulation and electrical stimulation were 91.8% and 97.3%, respectively. It is believed that this multifield modulated spintronic THz emitter will provide various possibilities for the integration of next-generation on-chip THz sources and THz modulators.

Influence of shallow traps on the kinetics of Optically Stimulated Luminescence of the Li and Ce ions co-doped MgB4O7 compound

The presence of point defects associated with shallow traps has been identified as a limiting factor in the design of materials with desirable characteristics for applications such as scintillation and luminescence dosimetry, among others. In this context, this study aims to elucidate the dynamics inherent to the charge carriers in systems containing multiple traps and one single recombination centre. To unravel this complexity, we employed a synergetic approach combining Thermoluminescence (TL) and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) measurements with kinetic models. Specifically, for the Li and Ce co-doped MgB4O7, we verified that the electron population trapped in shallower traps exhibits a slower decay rate under optical stimulation compared to deeper traps. This behaviour led to a delay in the luminescence emission, as a result of charge re-trapping or even competition with other centres. This phenomenon can be attributed to its low photoionization cross-section associated with a high re-trapping rate, providing a rationale for these remarks. In addition, we observed that the shallow traps have a greater optical than thermal probability of being detrapped, indicating that they were not solely detrapped through thermal stimulation. Also, the magnitude of the thermal probability leads us to believe that there is an electron population different from zero in the conduction band at t = 0 (before optical stimulation). Lastly, this study paves the way for a deeper understanding of charge carrier dynamics in systems of multiple traps, improving the performance of existing materials for scintillation and dosimetry.

Elaboration of Distance Standards Against the Electromagnetic Effects of High-Voltage B Overhead Lines in the Republic of Benin

The high-voltage overhead lines used to transport electrical energy from production plants to distribution stations constitute a very important link in the chain of providing electrical energy to communities. However, they constitute potential sources of emission of electromagnetic waves whose impacts are harmful to human health (thermal electrical stimulation of tissues and in particular those of the brain causing different forms of cancer) if the safety distance between these lines and users is not respected. In recent years, Benin has experienced, in urban areas crossed by transport lines and particularly among populations living in the vicinity of these lines, an explosion in the rate of people suffering from cancer. This study is carried out not only to check whether the minimum distance according to the voltage levels of these lines is respected in order to ensure the safety of people living in their vicinity but also to develop a standard of minimum distances to be respected. By the numerical simulation method based on Maxwell&amp;apos;s equations established in a supposedly empty medium, the Bio-Savart law and the Lorentz transformation, the model of wave intensity as a function of distances, is determined. The results obtained respectively give minimum safety distances of 15 meters, 20 meters and 36 meters for the 63 kV, 161 kV and 330 kV high voltage lines Category B. These distances are, by far, respected by the populations. Furthermore, the results clearly show that electric fields are more decisive in defining the minimum distances obtained.

GABA release from central amygdala neurotensin neurons differentially modulates ethanol consumption in male and female mice.

The central nucleus of the amygdala is known to play key roles in alcohol use and affect. Neurotensin neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala have been shown to regulate alcohol drinking in male mice. However, little is known about which neurotransmitters released by these cells drive alcohol consumption or whether these cells drive alcohol consumption in female mice. Here we show that knockdown of GABA release from central amygdala neurotensin neurons using a Nts-cre-dependent vGAT-shRNA-based AAV strategy reduces alcohol drinking in male, but not female, mice. This manipulation did not impact avoidance behavior, except in a fasted novelty-suppressed feeding test, in which vGAT shRNA mice demonstrated increased latency to feed on a familiar high-value food reward, an effect driven by male mice. In contrast, vGAT shRNA female mice showed heightened sensitivity to thermal stimulation. These data show a role for GABA release from central amygdala neurotensin neurons in modulating consumption of rewarding substances in different motivational states.

Characterizing microstructural evolutions in low-mature lacustrine shale: A comparative experimental study of conventional heat, microwave, and water-saturated microwave stimulations

Most of the shale oil reservoirs in China are of medium to low maturity. The effective exploitation of hydrocarbon resources in such formations is technically challenging. This study explores the impact of various thermal stimulation methods on low-maturity shale oil reservoirs, focusing on conventional heating, microwave heating, and water-saturated microwave heating methods. A suite of techniques, including small angle neutron scattering (SANS), mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP), and field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) after wood's metal injection were used to investigate the evolution of microstructures under different thermal stimulation. This integrated approach allows for a comprehensive characterization of reservoir connectivity and permeability across multiple scales, from visually observable centimetre and millimetre scales down to the nanoscale. The response of shale to thermal stimulation is significantly influenced by its mineral composition, with shales rich in absorbent minerals like pyrite undergoing selective heating when exposed to microwaves, leading to new pores and fracture formations. The use of CM-SANS has revealed substantial untapped hydrocarbon potential within the reservoir, emphasizing the importance of thermal stimulation in enhancing production. Furthermore, integrating microwave irradiation with hydraulic fracturing effectively increases the number of pores, micro-fractures, and natural fracture openings, mitigates the hydration effects of hydraulic fracturing, and increases permeability by three orders of magnitude. The results indicated that microwave combined with hydraulic fracturing positively impacts the production from low-maturity reservoirs and provides the theoretical basis for in-situ thermal recovery of shale oil.

A composite prismatic structure with thermal-torsion coupling effect

This article presents a composite prismatic structure that incorporates inclined rods composed of high-expansion material within a low-expansion material column, thereby enabling the attainment of a thermal-torsion effect. This effect, exhibited by metamaterials, can serve as a driving force for the reconstruction of reconfigurable structures, including origami structures, when subjected to thermal stimulation. The analytical formula for the torsional angle of the combined structure under thermal stimulation is obtained through geometric relationships. The accuracy of this analytical formula is demonstrated by both finite element simulations and experimental findings. To investigate the impact of the structural aspect ratio and inclination angle of the inclined rods on the thermal-torsion effect, a parametric analysis is conducted using the analytical solution and finite element results. The outcomes reveal that the structure is capable of achieving substantial torsional angles in response to temperature variations.

Thermal Perception and its Relation to Touch

Touch is standardly taken to be a proximal sense, principally constituted by capacities to detect pressure and thermal stimulation, and contrasted with the distal senses of vision and audition. It has, however, recently been argued that the scope of touch goes beyond proximal perception; touch can connect us to distal objects. Hence, touch should generally be thought of as a connection sense. In this paper, I argue that whereas pressure perception is a connection sense, thermal perception is not. Thermal perception is a proximal sense distinct from touch. One significant consequence of this is that it motivates an alternative explanation of how we detect the thermal properties of the things we touch and what they are.