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Computational modeling plays an important role in the design of orthopedic implants. In the case of biodegradable magnesium alloys, a modeling approach is required to predict the effects of degradation on the implant's capacity to provide the desired stabilization of fractured bones. In the present work, a numerical corrosion model is implemented to predict the effects of biodegradation on the structural integrity of temporary trauma implants. A non-local average pitting corrosion model is calibrated based on experimental data collected from in vitro degradation experiments and mechanical testing of magnesium WE43 alloy specimens at different degradation stages. The localized corrosion (pitting) model was implemented by developing a user material subroutine (VUMAT) with the program Abaqus®/Explicit. In order to accurately capture both the linear mechanical reduction in specimen resistance, as well as the non-linear corrosion behavior of magnesium WE43 observed experimentally, the corrosion model was extended by employing a variable corrosion kinetic parameter, which is time-dependent. The corrosion model was applied to a validated case study involving the pull-out test of orthopedic screws and was able to capture the expected loss of screw pull-out force due to corrosion. The proposed numerical model proved to be an efficient tool in the evaluation of the structural integrity of biodegradable magnesium alloys and bone-implant assembly and can be used in future works in the design optimization and pre-validation of orthopedic implants.

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Quantum wires continue to be a subject of novel applications in the fields of electronics and optoelectronics. In this work, we revisit the problem of determining the electron states in semiconductor quantum wires in a self-consistent way. For that purpose, we numerically solve the 2D system of coupled Schrödinger and Poisson equations within the envelope function and effective mass approximations. The calculation method uses the finite-element approach. Circle, square, triangle and pentagon geometries are considered for the wire cross-sectional shape. The features of self-consistent band profiles and confined electron state spectra are discussed, in the latter case, as functions of the transverse wire size and temperature. Particular attention is paid to elucidate the origin of Friedel-like oscillations in the density of carriers at low temperatures.

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OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to evaluate the biomechanical behavior of one-piece zirconia implants with a functionally graded bioglass (BG) layer as compared to monolithic zirconia and BG-coated implants, using the finite element method (FEM). METHODS: Zirconia disks were infiltrated with bioglass S53P4 and then morphologically inspected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) followed by mechanical analyses on micro-indentation tests for further biomechanical validation using the finite element method (FEM). On modeling, zirconia dental implants anchored into mandibular bone were simulated on occlusal loading as recorded under mastication. Three types of implants were simulated: i) free of BG coating, ii) with 100 µm or 150 µm thick conventional BG coatings; and iii) with graded BG coatings involving 3 different chemical composition distributions. The stress state at both implant and bone were evaluated using the FEM. The mechanically-induced bone remodelling was analyzed through the bone strain results. RESULTS: Infiltration of BG into a zirconia structure resulted in a ∼100 µm thick layer with an exponential-like gradation of chemical composition and properties. Regarding the FEM calculations, the BG coating induced up to 30% decrease on stress in the implant body when compared to the monolithic zirconia implant. The gradient of chemical composition also improved the stresses' distribution. The stresses distribution towards the BG-coatings were significantly high and could lead to failure. Stresses on the bone were recorded down to its strength threshold, with insignificant influence of the coating layer. The bone strain values on all models indicates further bone remodelling although BG-coated and BG-graded zirconia implants showed the highest strain magnitude that may enhance the mechanical stimulation for bone maintenance. SIGNIFICANCE: Graded BG-zirconia dental implants showed enhanced overall biomechanical behaviour as compared to the BG-coated or monolithic zirconia dental implants. Also, such biomechanical improvements noticed for the BG-graded system should be considered in combination with the well-known osseointegration benefits of bioactive glasses.

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Background and Objective: To simulate infant skull trauma after low height falls when variable degrees of ossification of the sutures are present. Methods: A finite elements model of a four-week-old infant skull was developed for simulating low height impact from 30 cm and 50 cm falls. Two impacts were simulated: An occipito-parietal impact on the lambdoid suture and a lateral impact on the right parietal and six cases were considered: unossified and fully ossified sutures, and sagittal, metopic, right lambdoid and right coronal craniosynostosis. Results: 26 simulations were performed. Results showed a marked increase in strain magnitudes in skulls with unossified sutures and fontanels. Higher deformations and lower Von Mises stress in the brain were found in occipital impacts. Fully ossified skulls showed less overall deformation and lower Von Mises stress in the brain. Results suggest that neonate skull impact when falling backward has a higher probability of resulting in permanent damage. Conclusion: This work shows an initial approximation to the mechanisms underlying TBI in neonates when exposed to low height falls common in household environments, and could be used as a starting point in the design and development of cranial orthoses and protective devices for preventing or mitigating TBI.

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Uno de los padecimientos más comunes de los huesos es la fractura, definida como la pérdida de la continuidad del material óseo. Implantes y prótesis son utilizados para tratar algunas de ellas. Actualmente, antes de usar uno de estos dispositivos, se prueban modelos virtuales de los mismos utilizando un programa de diseño asistido por computadora. Para dichas pruebas, se requieren también modelos virtuales de los huesos. Los modelos óseos son obtenidos aplicando técnicas de segmentación de imágenes a las tomografías computarizadas (TC). Este trabajo presenta un procedimiento para la obtención de modelos biomecánicos hueso-implante a partir de las TCs y sólidos virtuales, teniendo en cuenta la estructura real de los huesos, compuesta de tejido cortical y trabecular. Para realizar los análisis de verificación del procedimiento se utilizó un modelo de un implante DHS y de una prótesis de cadera(AU)

One of the most common bone conditions is fracture, defined as the loss of the continuity of the bone material. Implants and prostheses are used to treat some of them. Currently, before using one of these devices, virtual models are tested using a computer-aided design program. For these tests, virtual models of the bones are also required. Bone models are obtained by applying image segmentation techniques to computed tomography (CT). This paper presents a procedure for obtaining biomechanical bone-implant models from the CTs and virtual solids, taking into account the real structure of the bones, composed of cortical and trabecular tissue. A DHS implant model and a hip prosthesis were used to perform the procedure verification tests(AU)

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Objetivos Estudios concluyen que la máxima tensión y distribución de fuerzas se produciría alrededor del cuello del implante. Comparar la distribución de las tensiones entre un implante dental corto oseointegrado en distintas disponibilidades óseas verticales y un implante estándar oseointegrado en el sector posterior del maxilar en un terreno mixto formado por hueso propio del paciente y Bio-Oss®. Conocer la distribución de las tensiones. Estudiar el aumento del diámetro del implante corto. Analizar si los resultados avalan el uso de implantes cortos. Material y método El método de elementos finitos (MEF), que permite resolver ecuaciones diferenciales asociadas a un problema físico sobre geometrías complicadas. En este trabajo la región geométrica es un modelo tridimensional de un implante, su corona, y una porción de la región ósea de la zona estudiada. Los modelos fueron sometidos a fuerzas de oclusión de 150 N en ángulo de 30° Norma ISO 14801:2003. El software de MEF que se utiliza es el ABAQUS de la empresa Dassault Systèmes. Resultados Máximos valores se concentran en la porción cervical del implante. Las tensiones en el implante están dentro del mismo rango. A mayor módulo de elasticidad de los elementos que componen los modelos, mayor es la absorción de las fuerzas. Las tensiones en el hueso cortical no mostraron diferencias, pero en el modelo que aumentamos el diámetro del implante a 4,8 se produce una marcada disminución de las tensiones. La comparativa de las tensiones en el hueso esponjoso muestra que existe diferencia en las tensiones producidas en el hueso con Bio-Oss® y está localizado en la porción apical del implante quedando lejos de la zona de mayor concentración de los esfuerzos. Conclusiones La máxima concentración de las fuerzas a nivel cervical es independiente de la longitud del implante, siendo más favorable el aumento del diámetro. El uso de implantes cortos en hueso de baja calidad parece posible.

Objectives Current studies conclude that the maximum tension and the greater distribution of forces should occur around the implant neck. To compare the distribution of stress between a short dental implant osseointegrated in different available vertical bones and standard osseointegrated implants in the posterior maxilla in mixed terrain formed by the bone of the patient and Bio-Oss®. To determine the stress distribution. To study the increased diameter of the short implant. To determine whether the results support the use of short implants. Materials and methods The finite elements method (FEM), which helps to solve differential equations associated with a physical problem with complicated geometries, was used in this work, where the geometric region is a three-dimensional model of an implant, its crown, and a portion of the bone region of the studied area. The models were subjected to occlusion forces, 150 N Angle 30° ISO 14801: 2003. The MEF software used was called Abaqus from Dasssault Systemes Enterprise. Results The maximum values were concentrated in the cervical portion of the implant. Tensions in the implant are in the same range. The greater the elasticity of the elements contained in the module, the greater is the absorption of stress forces. The tension in the cortical bone showed no differences, but in the model where the diameter of the implant is increased to 4.8, a marked decrease occurs in the bone stress. The comparison of the stresses in the cancellous bone showed a difference in the stresses produced in the bone with Bio-Oss®, and it is located in the apical portion of the implant away from the area of the major stress concentration. Conclusions The maximum concentration of forces in cervical portion is independent of the length of the implant, being favourable to increase the diameter. It is possible to use low quality bone in for shorts implants.

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The processes of flat bones growth, sutures formation and interdigitation in the human calvaria are controlled by a complex interaction between genetic, biochemical and environmental factors that regulate bone formation and resorption during prenatal development and infancy. Despite previous experimental evidence accounting for the role of the main biochemical factors acting on these processes, the underlying mechanisms controlling them are still unknown. Therefore, we propose a mathematical model of the processes of flat bone and suture formation, taking into account several biological events. First, we model the growth of the flat bones and the formation of sutures and fontanels as a reaction diffusion system between two proteins: TGF-ß2 and TGF-ß3. The former is expressed by osteoblasts and allows adjacent mesenchymal cells differentiation on the bone fronts of each flat bone. The latter is expressed by mesenchymal cells at the sutures and inhibits their differentiation into osteoblasts at the bone fronts. Suture interdigitation is modelled using a system of reaction diffusion equations that develops spatio-temporal patterns of bone formation and resorption by means of two molecules (Wnt and Sclerostin) which control mesenchymal cells differentiation into osteoblasts at these sites. The results of the computer simulations predict flat bone growth from ossification centers, sutures and fontanels formation as well as bone formation and resorption events along the sutures, giving rise to interdigitated patterns. These stages were modelled and solved by the finite elements method. The simulation results agree with the morphological characteristics of calvarial bones and sutures throughout human prenatal development and infancy.

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This paper presents a 3D computational framework for evaluating electrostatic properties of a single field emitter characterized by the hemisphere-on-post geometry. Numerical simulations employed the finite elements method by using Ansys-Maxwell software. Extensive parametric simulations were focused on the threshold distance from which the emitter field enhancement factor (γ) becomes independent from the anode-substrate gap (G). This investigation allowed demonstrating that the ratio between G and the emitter height (h) is a reliable reference for a broad range of emitter dimensions; furthermore, results permitted establishing G/h ≥ 2.2 as the threshold condition for setting the anode without affecting γ.

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Introducción: los dientes tratados endodóncicamente que van a ser rehabilitados con coronas y que han perdido parte de su estructura dental, necesitan de un poste prefabricado o colado para que ayude a la retención de la restauración final y así el diente puedarecuperar la funcionalidad y la estética. La literatura reporta cuándo utilizar un poste colado o prefabricado, pero no es contundente cuál distribuye mejor los esfuerzos, cuál material o forma de poste es mejor y si el módulo de elasticidad tiene o no relación con la distribución de las cargas a lo largo del eje axial del diente. Métodos: se hicieron dos modelos en SolidWorks de un incisivo central superior con todassus estructuras de soporte, uno con un poste colado y otro con un poste prefabricado, además de una corona completamente cerámica. Mediante un análisis de elementos finitos se cargaron dichos dientes a 200, 400, 600 y 800 N para llevarlos hasta la plasticidad. Resultados: 200 y 400 N ambos postes mostraron diferente distribución de esfuerzos sin afectar la restauración o la raíz dental. Conclusiones: a cargas masticatorias normales, ambos postes son predecibles para rehabilitar un diente que necesita de la incorporación de un poste.

Introduction: endodontically treated teeth that will be restored with crowns and which have lost part of their dental structure need a cast post or a prefabricated post to improve final restoration retention and therefore to be able to regain their functionality andaesthetics. The literature suggests when to use a cast or prefabricated post, but it is not conclusive in terms of which one has a better stress distribution, which post material or shape is better, or whether their modulus of elasticity is related to load distribution along thetooth’s axis. Methods: by using Solid Works, two models of a maxillary central incisor with all its supporting structures were made, one with a cast post and another one with a prefabricated post plus an all-ceramic crown. By means of finite element analysis both teeth were subjected to loads of 200, 400, 600 and 800 N up to reaching their plasticity. Results: at 200 and 400 N, both posts showed different stress distribution patterns without altering the restoration or the tooth’s root. Conclusions: at normal masticatory loads, both posts are likely to restore a tooth that needs addition of a post.

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Introducción: la funcionabilidad de los artificios protésicos de miembros inferiores suele expresarse en términos de relacionar sus beneficios operacionales con aquellas necesidades funcionales y de bienestar del amputado. Este bienestar se relaciona fundamentalmente con un mínimo gasto energético del paciente y con la ausencia de enfermedades en las articulaciones residuales y que se inducen por la prótesis durante el régimen de marcha. Objetivo: evaluar la funcionabilidad de prótesis transfemorales utilizadas en Cuba mediante la integración de los resultados del análisis cinemático de la marcha del amputado, combinados con análisis de mecánica de sólidos rígidos aplicando simulaciones numéricas. Métodos: el análisis de la marcha de 8 pacientes con amputaciones unilaterales transfemorales y 5 sujetos normales (control) se realizó mediante técnicas videográficas. Se efectuó la estimación dinámica de las fuerzas que actúan en los segmentos articulares y se determinaron las tensiones y deformaciones que sufren las zonas del muñón y de la articulación del tobillo mediante el método de los elementos finitos. Resultados: cambios significativos en la dinámica de los segmentos articulados del tobillo-rodilla y cadera se reflejan como el resultado de la asimetría de la marcha del miembro protésico y el sano. Tal desequilibrio sugiere ser una de las principales causas de las enfermedades degenerativas de la cadera observadas en este tipo de paciente. Conclusiones: el análisis de la funcionabilidad de los artificios protésicos transfemorales solo es posible mediante la integración de los métodos cinemáticos de caracterización de la marcha, métodos dinámicos que establezcan la posibilidad de replicar la actividad del miembro sano. Mediante este estudio fue posible además el estudio de la resistencia mecánica y se vincularon todos los resultados a la aparición de enfermedades tanto en el miembro intacto como en el residual(AU)

Introduction: the functional quality of the prosthetic devices of lower extremities is usually expressed in terms to relate the functional benefits to those functional needs and the wellbeing of the amputee. This wellbeing is related mainly to a minimal energetic output of patient and to the lack of diseases of residual joints induced by the prosthesis during the gait. Objective: to assess the functional qualities of trans-femoral prostheses used in Cuba by the integration of results of kinematics analysis of the gait of amputee, combined with mechanics analysis of rigid solids applying numerical simulations. Methods: the gait's analysis of 8 patients with trans-femoral unilateral amputations and 5 normal subjects (controls) was made by videographic techniques. The dynamics estimation of strengths acting on the articular segments was carried out and determination of strain and deformations suffering the stump zones and of the ankle joint by finite elements method. Results: the significant changes in the dynamics of ankle-knee-hip articulation segments are present as the result of gait asymmetry of the prosthetic limb and the healthy one. This imbalance may be one of the leading causes of degenerative diseases of hip observed in this type of patient. Conclusions: the analysis of functional qualities of trans-femoral prosthetic devices only is possible by means of the integration of cinematic methods of gait characterization, dynamic methods establishing the possibility to replicate to the activity of healthy limb. Using this study also it was possible the mechanical resistance study linking all results to the appearance of diseases of intact limb as well as the residual one(AU)

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Introducción: la funcionabilidad de los artificios protésicos de miembros inferiores suele expresarse en términos de relacionar sus beneficios operacionales con aquellas necesidades funcionales y de bienestar del amputado. Este bienestar se relaciona fundamentalmente con un mínimo gasto energético del paciente y con la ausencia de enfermedades en las articulaciones residuales y que se inducen por la prótesis durante el régimen de marcha. Objetivo: evaluar la funcionabilidad de prótesis transfemorales utilizadas en Cuba mediante la integración de los resultados del análisis cinemático de la marcha del amputado, combinados con análisis de mecánica de sólidos rígidos aplicando simulaciones numéricas. Métodos: el análisis de la marcha de 8 pacientes con amputaciones unilaterales transfemorales y 5 sujetos normales (control) se realizó mediante técnicas videográficas. Se efectuó la estimación dinámica de las fuerzas que actúan en los segmentos articulares y se determinaron las tensiones y deformaciones que sufren las zonas del muñón y de la articulación del tobillo mediante el método de los elementos finitos. Resultados: cambios significativos en la dinámica de los segmentos articulados del tobillo-rodilla y cadera se reflejan como el resultado de la asimetría de la marcha del miembro protésico y el sano. Tal desequilibrio sugiere ser una de las principales causas de las enfermedades degenerativas de la cadera observadas en este tipo de paciente. Conclusiones: el análisis de la funcionabilidad de los artificios protésicos transfemorales solo es posible mediante la integración de los métodos cinemáticos de caracterización de la marcha, métodos dinámicos que establezcan la posibilidad de replicar la actividad del miembro sano. Mediante este estudio fue posible además el estudio de la resistencia mecánica y se vincularon todos los resultados a la aparición de enfermedades tanto en el miembro intacto como en el residual

Introduction: the functional quality of the prosthetic devices of lower extremities is usually expressed in terms to relate the functional benefits to those functional needs and the wellbeing of the amputee. This wellbeing is related mainly to a minimal energetic output of patient and to the lack of diseases of residual joints induced by the prosthesis during the gait. Objective: to assess the functional qualities of trans-femoral prostheses used in Cuba by the integration of results of kinematics analysis of the gait of amputee, combined with mechanics analysis of rigid solids applying numerical simulations. Methods: the gait's analysis of 8 patients with trans-femoral unilateral amputations and 5 normal subjects (controls) was made by videographic techniques. The dynamics estimation of strengths acting on the articular segments was carried out and determination of strain and deformations suffering the stump zones and of the ankle joint by finite elements method. Results: the significant changes in the dynamics of ankle-knee-hip articulation segments are present as the result of gait asymmetry of the prosthetic limb and the healthy one. This imbalance may be one of the leading causes of degenerative diseases of hip observed in this type of patient. Conclusions: the analysis of functional qualities of trans-femoral prosthetic devices only is possible by means of the integration of cinematic methods of gait characterization, dynamic methods establishing the possibility to replicate to the activity of healthy limb. Using this study also it was possible the mechanical resistance study linking all results to the appearance of diseases of intact limb as well as the residual one

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