Flexible control of the Peierls transition in metallic C60_{60} polymers

The metal-semiconductor transition of peanut-shaped fullerene (C$_{60}$) polymers is clarified by considering the electron-phonon coupling in the uneven structure of the polymers. We established a theory that accounts for the transition temperature $T_c$ reported in a recent experiment and also suggests that $T_c$ is considerably lowered by electron doping or prolonged irradiation during synthesis. The decrease in $T_c$ is an appealing phenomenon with regard to realizing high-conductivity C$_{60}$-based nanowires even at low temperatures.Comment: 3 pages, 3 figure

Semaphorin 3A regulates alveolar bone remodeling on orthodontic tooth movement

Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) promotes osteoblast differentiation and inhibits osteoclast differentiation. In the present study, we observed the regulation of alveolar bone remodeling by Sema3A during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Four inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, and INF-γ) involved in OTM were applied to osteoblasts in vitro, and Sema3A expression was determined by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In vivo, springs were attached to the maxillary first molars of C56BL/6J mice (OTM model) and the localization of Sema3A was confirmed by immunofluorescent. Recombinant Sema3A (rSema3A) was locally injected into the OTM model. Inflammatory cytokine localization in the OTM model was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. In vivo, more Sema3A was observed on the tension side in the OTM group. Injection of rSema3A into the OTM model increased mineralization on the tension side and decreased the number of osteoclasts on the compression side. In vitro, IL-1β significantly increased Sema3A mRNA levels. Immunohistochemistry for IL-1β in vivo showed more concentrated staining in the periodontal ligament on the tension side than on the compression side. In summary, our findings revealed the distribution of Sema3A in the periodontal ligament and demonstrated that rSema3A administration promotes bone formation and inhibits bone resorption during OTM

Whiteboard Cleaning Task Realization with HOAP-2

The controller has a motion feedback control loop for the four arm joints and a force feedback control loop for the ankle joint. The desired motion/force trajectories are obtained via kinesthetic teaching by a human, followed by a learning phase. During skill demonstration, the arm joints are made compliant while the robot balances using ankle/hip strategies. Experimental data demonstrate the feasibility of the method

The effect of mountain bike wheel size on Cross-Country performance

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of different wheel size diameters on indicators of cross-country mountain bike time trial performance. Nine competitive male mountain bikers (age 34.7 ± 10.7 years; stature 177.7 ± 5.6 cm; body mass 73.2 ± 8.6 kg) performed 1 lap of a 3.48 km mountain bike (MTB) course as fast as possible on 26″, 27.5″ and 29″ wheeled MTB. Time (s), mean power (W), cadence (revs · min−1) and velocity (km · h−1) were recorded for the whole lap and during ascent and descent sections. One-way repeated measure ANOVA was used to determine significant differences. Results revealed no significant main effects for any variables by wheel size during all trials, with the exception of cadence during the descent (F(2, 16) = 8.96; P = .002; P2 = .53). Post hoc comparisons revealed differences lay between the 26″ and 29″ wheels (P = .02). The findings indicate that wheel size does not significantly influence performance during cross-country when ridden by trained mountain bikers, and that wheel choice is likely due to personal choice or sponsorship commitments

Are bisphosphonates effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis pain? A meta-analysis and systematic review.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis worldwide. Pain and reduced function are the main symptoms in this prevalent disease. There are currently no treatments for OA that modify disease progression; therefore analgesic drugs and joint replacement for larger joints are the standard of care. In light of several recent studies reporting the use of bisphosphonates for OA treatment, our work aimed to evaluate published literature to assess the effectiveness of bisphosphonates in OA treatment