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A combination of combustion synthesis (CS) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) technology was employed in the fabrication of Al/AlN/CuAl 2 dense composites. Al/AlN/CuAl 2 composite powders in which a portion of the AlN was present in macro- and nanofiber forms were prepared by combustion of Al–Cu–5 wt.% (C 2 F 4 ) n , under a nitrogen atmosphere. The resulting composite powders were then subjected to consolidation by SPS at a dwell temperature level of 1500 °C, mechanical pressure of 60 MPa, and a non-isothermal heating time of 10 min. It is found that the actual thermal conductivity of Al/AlN/CuAl 2 composites fabricated with 5 wt.% (C 2 F 4 ) n is much higher than that of materials prepared in the absence (C 2 F 4 ) n . Maximum thermal conductivity (320 W/m K) was recorded for the samples prepared from an 0.8Al–0.2Cu–5 wt.% (C 2 F 4 ) n mixture. The influence of (C 2 F 4 ) n on the growth mechanism of AlN fibers and thermal conductivity of composite samples is discussed in light of the experimental data.

In the present work, our attention has been focused on the desired prevention of irreversible sulphation of negative test electrodes during cycling under simulated high-rate HEV duty. To this end, the negative active material was doped with carbon and, for comparison, with titanium dioxide as a nonconducting powdered additive, and the negative as well as positive electrodes were subjected to a defined pressure. Accelerated cycling revealed that electrodes doped with carbon in laboratory VRLA cells perform, in the first run, better than those doped with TiO 2 since they reached about 30,000 cycles regardless of the applied pressure. However, the electrode performances were almost equalized in the second run. Mechanical pressure of 4 N cm −2 has a pronounced favourable effect on the cycle life of negative electrodes with expanders. Higher pressures are not recommended. Electrodes doped with carbon but without standard expanders are capable of long-life cycling at elevated pressures around 6 N cm −2 . Their cycle life is comparable to that of the electrodes with expanders.

Text of Abstract Liability to develop posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) correlates in a general way with trauma dose. While contusion of the brain produces an admixture of extravasated blood, edema fluid and necrotic tissue at the site of skull trauma and in regions remote from the direct force, an unpredictable cascade of shearing injury, torsion and rotation and a myriad of physiological changes occur in structures subject to the mechanical pressure wave. Animal models mimic components of injury, some more thoroughly than others. Designing a treatment that is a prophylaxis for the development of PTE awaits understanding the mechanisms of epileptogenesis initiated by trauma.

Baubotanik – the construction method that uses living plants for load bearing in architectural structures – provides a surprising ability to anticipate the latent convergence of non-living and living systems in architecture. Through interdisciplinary research by architects, engineers and biologists it aims to synthesise architectural qualities, constructive requirements and biological properties in living structures. In this article, Ferdinand Ludwig, Hannes Schwertfeger and Oliver Storz of the Baubotanik research group at the Institute for Architectural Theory and Design (IGMA) at the University of Stuttgart explain how living and non-living building elements can be designed to develop into vegetal-technical compound structures. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Cet article presente les aspects essentiels des tests neuro- dynamiques. Comment se definit un test positif, un test negatif, un faux positif ou un faux negatif, la mecanosensibilite, la differenciation structurelle, un test neurodynamique normal ou anormal ? Pour le clinicien, l’essentiel est de bien comprendre les points cles de ces tests afin de faire des diagnostics et des interpretations de tests neurodynamiques aussi precis que possible et etroitement integres a la recherche fondamentale et clinique. Cet article amene a la troisieme partie ou sont presentees certaines categories diagnostiques et leurs traitements. Niveau de preuve : non adapte

The results of studies of multilayer film structures based on a wide-gap polymer using the time of flight technique are shown. Experimental data showed that transport of charge carriers depends strongly on the presence of a polymer/polymer interface. The possibility is shown of increasing the threshold thickness of the experimental structure, in which effects of switching to a highly conducting state induced by uniaxial mechanical pressure are also found. Preliminary interpretation of the obtained data is performed.

Joining of silicon nitride with a semi-homogenous joint, which had similar composition and microstructure to bulk silicon nitride, was attempted. To make such a joint, oxynitride glass containing silicon nitride powder was used as an insert, joining was processed under low mechanical pressure, and post-heat treatment was performed for a long time at elevated temperatures after joining. The joining was successfully performed, and a semi-homogeneous joint was formed between the silicon nitride bulks. This joined silicon nitride exhibited a high strength of 671 MPa at room temperature owing to the formation of this joint.

3D thermal-mechanical coupled numerical simulation of heat pulp mould was carried out. The numerical simulation result shows the rising up process of mould temperature. Temperature distribution contours shows the temperature status on the mould. Temperature distribution results provide reliable guarantee to change the mould structure, so that the temperature distribution on surface becomes uniform. Displacement contours show the mould deformation under the coupled effect of hot temperature and mechanical pressure. The displacement value of nodes can offer reference size to scale mould at the design stage. As a result, high accuracy mould will be manufactured, and this will improve the passing rare of product.

The ability to respond and adapt to changes in the physical environment is a universal and essential cellular property. Here we demonstrated that cells respond to mechanical compressive stress by rapidly inducing autophagosome formation. We measured this response in both Dictyostelium and mammalian cells, indicating that this is an evolutionarily conserved, general response to mechanical stress. In Dictyostelium, the number of autophagosomes increased 20-fold within 10 min of 1 kPa pressure being applied and a similar response was seen in mammalian cells after 30 min. We showed in both cell types that autophagy is highly sensitive to changes in mechanical pressure and the response is graduated, with half-maximal responses at ~0.2 kPa, similar to other mechano-sensitive responses. We further showed that the mechanical induction of autophagy is TOR-independent and transient, lasting until the cells adapt to their new environment and recover their shape. The autophagic response is therefore part of an integrated response to mechanical challenge, allowing cells to cope with a continuously changing physical environment.

This paper presents the design of calendering machine and experimental results of calendering process. A particular pattern was printed on PET film by means of roll-to-roll gravure printing machine. The calendering process was applied to a set of samples and the effect was analyzed after measuring the surface roughness and the thickness of pattern. Although only mechanical pressure provided by a nip roll was applied during the calendering process, the experimental results indicate that the calendering process should be useful for enhancing the surface quality of roll-to-roll printed electronics products.

Dense 8YSZ was subjected to pulsed current activated sintering (PCAS) within 1 min of 8YSZ nanopowder preparation using a co-precipitation method. Sintering was accomplished by combining a pulsed current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense 8YSZ with a relative density of up to 99% was produced under simultaneous application of a pressure of 80 MPa and the pulsed current. The effects of the addition of Al 2 O 3 on the sintering behavior, mechanical properties, and ionic conductivities of 8YSZ were investigated.

Dense nanostructured WSi2–SiC composite was synthesized by pulsed current activated combustion synthesis method within 2 min in one step from mechanically activated powders of WC and 3Si. Simultaneous combustion synthesis and consolidation were accomplished under the combined effects of a pulsed current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense WSi2–SiC with relative density of up to 99.8% was produced under simultaneous application of a 80 MPa pressure and the pulsed current. The average grain size and mechanical properties of the composite were investigated.

Dense 8YSZ was sintered by pulsed current activated sintering (PCAS) within 1 minute from 8YSZ nanopowder prepared by a co-precipitation method. This sintering process was accomplished under the combined effects of a pulsed current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense 8YSZ was produced with a relative density as high as 96.5% under the simultaneous application of a 80 MPa of pressure and a pulsed current. The effects of an addition of Fe2O3 on the sintering behavior and ionic conductivities of the 8YSZ were also investigated.

The effect of uniaxial mechanical pressure with σm ≤ 200 bar on the temperature (300–1000 K) dependences of the main refractive indices ni of K2SO4 crystals is investigated. It is found that uniaxial pressure does not change the character of the temperature dependences of the refractive indices. The baric changes in the Curie temperature, as well as some features of the phase transition, are quantitatively described and qualitatively explained.

Summary This article focuses on the prevention of tourniquet paralysis that may arise as a result of use of modern pneumatic tourniquets. Tourniquet paralysis is an injury caused by pneumatic tourniquet resulting from mechanical pressure on the nerves and anoxia. The injury can range from paraesthesia to complete paralysis. The motor functions are usually affected with sparing of sensation. High risk groups for tourniquet paralysis include older patients, hypertensive, obese patients and those with atherosclerosis. Adequate knowledge of the complications that can occur while using tourniquets is important to enable nurses to prevent and detect them early.

SUMMARY This paper constitutes a major attempt to associate tympanic deflections with the mechanoreceptor organ location in an acoustic insect. The New Zealand tree weta (Hemideina thoracica) has tympanal ears located on each of the prothoracic tibiae. The tympana exhibit a sclerotized oval plate, membranous processes bulging out from the tibial cuticle and many loosely suspended ripples. We used microscanning laser Doppler vibrometry to determine how such a tympanal membrane vibrates in response to sound and whether the sclerotized region plays a role in hearing. The tympanum displays a single resonance at the calling frequency of the male, an unusual example of an insect tympana acting as a narrow bandpass filter. Both tympana resonate in phase with the stimulus and with each other. Histological sections show that the tympanal area is divided into two distinct regions, as in other ensiferans. An oval plate lies in the middle of a thickened region and is surrounded by a transparent and uniformly thin region. It is hinged dorsally to the tympanal rim and thus resembles the model of a ‘hinged flap’. The thickened region appears to act as a damping mass on the oscillation of the thin region, and vibration displacement is reduced in this area. The thinner area vibrates with higher amplitude, inducing mechanical pressure on the dorsal area adjacent to the crista acustica. We present a new model showing how the thickened region might confer a mechanical gain onto the activation of the crista acustica sensory neurons during the sound-induced oscillations.

(W,Ti)C and Si nanopowders were obtained using high-energy ball milling. A dense, nanostructured (W,Ti)Si2-SiC composite was synthesized by a one-step, high-frequency induction heated combustion synthesis method within 2 min from mechanically activated powders of (W,Ti)C and 3Si. Simultaneous combustion synthesis and consolidation were accomplished under the combined effects of an induced current and mechanical pressure. The average grain size and mechanical properties of the composite were investigated.

The relationship between connective tissue and meridian function is discussed in terms of energy transmission. The network of hydrogen-bonded water molecules interspersed within the collagen fibrillar matrix is especially significant for both the sensitivity of connective tissue to weak signals of mechanical pressure, heat, or electricity and the electrical intercommunication that may correlate with the meridian acupuncture system. Special electromagnetic properties of connective tissue have similar collective properties of ultraweak photon emission. A relationship between ultraweak photon emission and yin yang dynamics is based on three types of ultraweak photon emission studies, focusing on diurnal and annual dynamics, diseased states, and acupuncture points. A novel concept explains the functional (health) integrity of physiologic systems in relation to the left-right balance in ultraweak photon emission by pointing to, (1) balanced corticoneuromusculoskeletal activities and triboluminescent aspects of ultraweak photon emission by skeletal structures, and (2) local fine-tuning in oxygen supply and the formation of radical oxygen species. This approach offers testable hypotheses for further validation utilizing a combination of human photon recording techniques and specialized metabolomics for the estimation of organ-specific oxidative states. © 2010 Korean Pharmacopuncture Institute.

A powder processing technique is here presented. The process consists in a single short impulse (5–40 ms) of electric current (with current densities greater than 10 8 A/m 2 ) combined with mechanical pressure and allows for nearly complete to complete densification of powders (>90% of theoretical density) with energy inputs from 1 to 4.5 kJ/g. The fundamental process parameter known as SEI is analyzed and is correlated with other known electro-discharge sintering techniques which present analogous values. An experimental equation correlating SEI and densities is proposed. Theoretical physical considerations on the amplification of mechanical and electrical energies during the process are made to explain the sintering process and the experimental evidence.

In this paper, we proposed a new shaft distortion correction system having an adaptive PID controller using displacement sensors, which is adaptively reflecting variations of shaft strength owing to irregular heat treatment during an annealing process and sensitivity to the seasonal temperature changes. Generally, the shafts are annealed by heat treatment in order to enlarge the strength of the shaft, which causes an distortion of a shaft such as irregular bending of the shaft. In order to correct such a distortion of the shaft, a mechanical pressure is properly impacted to the distorted shaft. However, the strength of every shaft is different from each other owing to irregular annealing and seasonal temperature changes. Especially, the strength of a thin shaft such as a car transmission shaft is much more sensitive than that of a thick shaft. Therefore, it is very important for considering the strength of each shaft during correction of the car transmission shaft distortion in order to generate proper mechanical pressure. The conventional PID controller for the shaft distortion correction system does not consider each different strength of each shaft, which causes low productivity. Therefore, we proposed a new PID controller considering variations of shaft strength caused by seasonal temperature changes as well as irregular heat treatment and different cooling time. Three displacement sensors are used to measure a degree of distortion of the shaft at three different location. The proposed PID controller generates adaptively different coefficients according to different strength of each shaft using appropriately obtained pressure times from long-term experiments. Consequently, the proposed shaft distortion correction system increases the productivity about 30 % more than the conventional correction system in the real factory.

A dense nanostuctured Fe3Al was consolidated by high frequency induction heated sintering method within 2 minutes from mechanically synthesized powders of Fe3Al and milled powders of 3Fe+Al. The consolidation was accomplished under the combined effects of a induced current and mechanical pressure. The grain size, sintering behavior and hardness of Fe3Al sintered from horizontally milled Fe+Al powders and high energy ball milled Fe3Al powder were compared. Keywords: Combustion synthesis; Nanomaterials; Mechanical properties; Rapid sintering

A dense nanostructured 5TaSi 2 –SiC–Si 3 N 4 composite was synthesized by the high-frequency induction-heated combustion synthesis (HFIHCS) method within 1 min in one step from mechanically activated powders of 4TaN, TaC and 14Si. Simultaneous combustion synthesis and densification were accomplished under the combined effects of the induced current and mechanical pressure. A highly dense 5TaSi 2 –SiC–Si 3 N 4 composite with relative density of up to 96% was produced under the simultaneous application of a pressure of 60 MPa and the induced current. The average grain size and mechanical properties (hardness and fracture toughness) of the composite were investigated.

Neonatal brain injury suffered by preterm infants and newborns with some medical conditions can cause significant neurodevelopmental disabilities. MRI is a preferred method to detect these accidents and perform in vivo evaluation of the brain. However, the commercial availability and optimality of receive coils for the neonatal brain is limited, which in many cases leads to images lacking in quality. As extensively demonstrated, receive arrays closely positioned around the scanned part provide images with high signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). The present work proposes a pneumatic-based MRI receive array that can physically adapt to infant head dimensions from 27-week premature to 1.5 months old. Average SNR increases of up to 68% in the head region and 122% in the cortex region, compared with a 32-channel commercial head coil, were achieved at 3 T. The consistent SNR distribution obtained through the complete coil size range, specifically in the cortex, allows the acquisition of images with similar quality across a range of head dimensions, which is not possible with fixed-size coils due to the variable coil-to-head distance. The risks associated with mechanical pressure on the neonatal head are minimal and the head motion is restricted. The method could be used in coil designs for other age groups, body parts and subjects.

Boron carbide ceramics were obtained in 2 min by a method based on self-propagating high-temperature synthesis plus quick pressing (SHS/QP). The samples were densified to 98% of theoretical density under a large mechanical pressure (120 MPa) and a fast heating rate (2300 °C/min). The microstructure and mechanical properties were studied. The sample obtained at this heating rate presents an average grain size of 3 μm and a hardness of 34 ± 0.2 GPa.

Elastic element mechanical pressure gages consisting diaphragm are basically used for the differential pressure measurement. In FODPS, diaphragm acts as a reflector. A flexible disc of plastic is used as a diaphragm to convert the measuring pressure to the deflection of diaphragm. Concentric corrugations are designed to linearise the deflections according to pressure. Reference and measuring pressures are applied to control and experimental headspaces respectively. As the pressure changes in the experimental head space, the diaphragm is deform and displaces, and distance between fiber tip and plane of diaphragm changes and thus resultant reading is proportional to the differential pressure.

A new prism design has been fabricated and tested experimentally for solid immersion optical lithography of high aspect ratio structures in the ultra high-NA regime using dielectric resonant underlayers. Such a prism design has been made possible through past work that investigated ultra high-NA imaging in the absence of high-force, intimate contact between the sample and solid-immersion medium; key to this is the use of a close index matched prism/IML combination. The work presented here demonstrates the use of a novel prism design for patterning both low and high aspect ratio structures in the ultra high-NA regime; robust and repeatable imaging with such a new prism design is now possible as the prism is not subjected to the large mechanical pressure associated with ultra-fine gap control in dry solid-immersion lithography. The prism presented here allows fabrication for ~58 nm half-pitch line structures over large exposure areas using a 405 nm wavelength exposure.

The newly reconstructed nipple is extremely sensitive to mechanical pressure and shearing forces, which can cause flap necrosis and sloughing of the skin, eventually promoting infection. Current available dressing solutions are cumbersome, inefficient, displeasing, or otherwise not readily obtainable.In this study, 10 patients with newly reconstructed nipples were instructed to use breastfeeding nipple shields as the sole means of nipple dressing after the reconstruction procedure.No complications were observed overall. Patients reported full adherence to the postoperative dressing regimen as well as ease of use, availability, low costs, and pleasing aesthetic appearance under garments.Silicone breastfeeding nipple shields offer an efficient, affable, cheap, widely available, and aesthetically pleasing form of postoperative dressing for reconstructed nipples. Their use may enhance patient compliance with the dressing regimen and lower the postoperative complication rate.

Dense nanostructured 4ZrSi2–Si3N4 composite was synthesized by high frequency induction heated combustion synthesis (HFIHCS) method within 1 min in one-step from mechanically activated powders of 4ZrN and 11Si. Simultaneous combustion synthesis and consolidation were accomplished under the combined effects of an induced current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense 4ZrSi2–Si3N4 with relative density of up to 98% was produced under simultaneous application of a 60 MPa pressure and the induced current. The average grain size and mechanical properties of the composite were investigated.

Dense Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ was sintered by pulsed current activated sintering (PCAS) within 6 min from Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ nanopowder prepared by co-precipitation method. Sintering was accomplished under the combined effects of a pulsed current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ with relative density of up to 96.3% was produced under simultaneous application of an 80-MPa pressure and the pulsed current. The effects of Fe2O3 additions on the sintering behavior, ionic conductivities, and mechanical properties of the Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ were investigated.

Dense nanostructured ReSi1.75 was synthesized by the pulsed current activated combustion synthesis (PCACS) method within 2 min in one step from mechanically activated powders of Re and 1.75 Si. Simultaneous combustion synthesis and densification were accomplished under the combined effects of a pulsed current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense ReSi1.75 was produced under simultaneous application of 80 MPa of pressure and a pulsed current. The average grain size and mechanical properties (hardness and fracture toughness) of the compound were investigated.

The combination of the SHS technique and the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technology was adopted in this work for the fabrication of fully dense MB2-SiC and MB2-MC-SiC (M = Zr, Hf) Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs). Specifically, Zr or Hf, B4C, Si, and (for the cases of ternary systems) graphite powders were first reacted by SHS to successfully form the desired composites. The resulting powders were then subjected to consolidation by SPS. In particular, by setting a dwell temperature level of 1800°C, a mechanical pressure of 20 MPa, and a non-isothermal heating time of 10 min, products with relative densities ≥98.5% were obtained for the all systems investigated within 30 min of total processing time. The characteristics of the resulting dense UHTCs, i.e. hardness, fracture toughness, and oxidation resistance, are similar to, and in some cases superior than, those related to analogous products synthesized by alternative, less rapid, methods.

The simultaneous synthesis and densification of rhenium diboride is investigated starting from Re and B as reactants by using the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) apparatus. It is shown that SPS represents an effective technique to synthesize ReB 2 bulk samples with high purity and density. In particular, a dense product with traces of secondary phases (Re 7 B 3 ) is obtained in 35 min of total processing time by applying a maximum temperature of 1600 °C and a mechanical pressure of 20 MPa.

Dense nanophase 8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia was sintered by high-frequency induction heated sintering (HFIHS) within 6 min from 8YSZ nanopowder prepared by co-precipitation method. Sintering was accomplished under the combined effects of an induced current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense 8YSZ with relative density of up to 96% was produced under simultaneous application of a 60-MPa pressure and the induced current. The effects of Fe 2 O 3 additions on the sintering behavior, mechanical properties and ionic conductivities of the 8YSZ were investigated.

The influence of uniaxial mechanical pressure σm ≤ 150 bar on the spectral (300–800 nm) dependence of the birefringence Δni of (NH4)2SO4 crystals is studied. The dispersion Δni(λ) is shown to be normal and greatly increases when approaching the absorption edge. Uniaxial pressure changes the value of dispersion dΔni/dλ but not its character. It is found that the simultaneous action of pressures σx ∼ σ y ∼ 560 bar results in the occurrence of a uniaxial isotropic state. Piezoelectric constants of the crystals are estimated.

Dense nanophase Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 was sintered by a pulsed-current-activated sintering method within 10 min from Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 nanopowder made using the co-precipitation method. Sintering was accomplished under the combined effects of a pulsed current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 with a relative density of up to 96.5% was produced under the simultaneous application of 80 MPa of pressure and a pulsed current. The ionic conductivities and mechanical properties of the Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 were investigated.

Lipoatrophia semicircularis is an infrequent condition characterized by semicircular depressions of the anterolateral aspects of the thighs. The origin of this peculiar variant of lipoatrophy is unknown, although repeated mechanical trauma on the affected thighs has been advocated in many cases. A 57-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of two bilateral, parallel, symmetric, asymptomatic depressions on the anterolateral aspect of her thighs. The patient worked as a cashier, permanently seated and almost always wearing trousers. The localization of lesions and their linear artifactual appearance perfectly matched with the strangling folds formed by trousers while being sat. Echotomographic examination revealed a loss of the normal echogenic pattern in the subcutaneous tissue of the affected areas. We believe that the anatomical adipose constitution of women's thighs predisposes that a persistent mechanical pressure induced by wearing trousers while being sat for long periods of time, originates a relative impaired circulation on a tenuous perfused tissue, and induces the development of lipoatrophia semicircularis.

Dense nanostructured TiSi 2 –SiC composite was synthesized by high-frequency-induced heated combustion synthesis method within 1 min in one step from TiC and 3Si powders. Simultaneous combustion synthesis and densification were accomplished under the combined effects of an induced current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense TiSi 2 –SiC with relative density of up to 99% was produced under the simultaneous application of a 60 MPa pressure and the induced current. The mechanical properties of the composite were investigated.

The effect of temperature (40–110 °C), applied mechanical pressure (20–80 MPa), applied pressure profile (constant/linearly increasing) and moisture content (0–8 wt.%, wet basis) on the expression of cocoa nibs were investigated. The maximum cocoa butter yield is achieved at 100 °C. The optimum moisture content with respect to cocoa butter yield is 1.3 wt.%. The cocoa butter yield increases with pressure up till 60 MPa where it has a value of 80% when dry cocoa beans are used. Neither the use of higher pressures nor the use of a linearly increasing pressure profile causes any further increases in the cocoa butter yield when the total pressing time is kept constant. The rate of expression increases with an increase in temperature or a decrease in moisture content. Higher cocoa butter yields (up to 89%) were achieved when cocoa liquor was pressed instead of cocoa nibs.

International audience; Mechanotransduction translates mechanical signals into biochemical signals. It is based on the soft-matter properties of biomolecules or membranes that deform in response to mechanical loads to trigger activation of biochemical reactions. The study of mechanotransductive processes in cell-structure organization has been initiated in vitro in many biological contexts, such as examining cells' response to substrate rigidity increases associated with tumor fibrosis and to blood flow pressure. In vivo, the study of mechanotransduction in regulating physiological processes has focused primarily on the context of embryogenesis, with an increasing number of examples demonstrating its importance for both differentiation and morphogenesis. The conservation across species of mechanical induction in early embryonic patterning now suggests that major animal transitions, such as mesoderm emergence, may have been based on mechanotrans-duction pathways. In adult animal tissues, permanent stiffness and tissue growth pressure contribute to tumorigenesis and appear to reactivate such conserved embryonic mechanosensitive pathways.

Pressure is the mechanical force per unit area that a confined system exerts on its container. In thermal equilibrium, it depends only on bulk properties (density, temperature, etc.) through an equation of state. Here we show that in a wide class of active systems the pressure depends on the precise interactions between the active particles and the confining walls. In general, therefore, active fluids have no equation of state, their mechanical pressures exhibit anomalous properties that defy the familiar thermodynamic reasoning that holds in equilibrium. The pressure remains a function of state, however, in some specific and well-studied active models that tacitly restrict the character of the particle-wall and/or particle-particle interactions., 8 pages + 9 SI pages, Nature Physics (2015)

International audience; Recent years have seen a large increase of the research effort focused on framework materials, including the nowadays-ubiquitous metal−organic frameworks but also dense coordination polymers, covalent organic frameworks, and molecular frameworks. With the quickly increasing number of structures synthesized and characterized, one pattern emerging is the common occurrence of flexibility. More specifically, an important number of framework materials are stimuli-responsive: their structure can undergo changes of large amplitude in response to physical or chemical stimulation. They can display transformations induced by temperature, mechanical pressure, guest adsorption or evacuation, light absorption, etc. and are sometimes referred to as smart materials, sof t crystals, or dynamic materials. This Perspective highlights recent progress in this field, showcasing some of the most novel and unusual responses to stimuli, as well as advances in the fundamental understanding of flexible framework materials.

Anastomosis is a common surgical procedure using staples or sutures in an open or laparoscopic surgery. A more effective and much less invasive alternative is to apply the mechanical pressure on the tissue over a few days [1]. Since the pressure is produced by the attractive force between two permanent magnets, the procedure is called magnamosis[1]. To ensure the two magnets are perfectly aligned during the surgery, a miniaturized batteryless Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tag is developed to wirelessly telemeter the status of a pressure sensitive mechanical switch. Using the multi-layer circular spiral coil design, the diameter of the RFID tag is shrunk to 10, 15, 19 and 27 mm to support the magnamosis for children as well as adults. With the impedance matching network, the operating distance of these four RFID tags are longer than 10 cm in a 20 × 22 cm(2) area, even when the tag's normal direction is 45° off the antenna's normal direction. Measurement results also indicate that there is no noticeable degradation on the operating distance when the tag is immersed in saline or placed next to the rare-earth magnet. The miniaturized RFID tag presented in this paper is able to support the magnamosis and other medical applications that require the miniaturized RFID tag.

Non-contact printing techniques are receiving increasing interest in the field of printed electronics, because they can be used to pattern various inks on arbitrary substrates without applying mechanical pressure or damaging pre-patterned components. The ink-jet process is frequently used for non-contact printing of various conductive inks. However, the ink-jet printing process is restricted by the viscosity of the ink, because the nozzle can become clogged by high-viscosity inks. Here we successfully demonstrate a non-contact printing technique for high-viscosity and high-concentration silver precursor inks using the laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) process. The process conditions for LIFT printing, including the triazene polymer sacrificial layer thickness, the laser fluence, and the donor-acceptor distance, have been investigated in detail. LIFT printing of a hexylamine-based 70 wt% silver precursor ink with viscosity of 60 mPa s was achieved, and produced fine conductive lines with widths of 141 μm, thicknesses of 490 nm, and volume resistivity of 11.6 μΩ cm. It is envisaged that this non-contact printing method can pave the way towards non-contact and maskless printing of high viscosity inks in the manufacture of printed electronics. ©2015 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Although, many biological systems fulfil their functions under the condition of excess hydration, the behaviour of bound water as well as the processes accompanying dehydration are nevertheless important to investigate. Dehydration can be a result of applied mechanical pressure, lowered humidity or cryogenic conditions. The effort required to dehydrate a lipid membrane at relatively low degree of hydration can be described by a disjoining pressure which is called hydration pressure or hydration force. This force is short-ranging (a few nm) and is usually considered to be independent of other surface forces, such as ionic or undulation forces. Different theories were developed to explain hydration forces that are usually not consistent with each other and which are also partially in conflict with experimental or numerical data.

Non-contact printing techniques are receiving increasing interest in the field of printed electronics, because they can be used to pattern various inks on arbitrary substrates without applying mechanical pressure or damaging pre-patterned components. The ink-jet process is frequently used for non-contact printing of various conductive inks. However, the ink-jet printing process is restricted by the viscosity of the ink, because the nozzle can become clogged by high-viscosity inks. Here we successfully demonstrate a non-contact printing technique for high-viscosity and high-concentration silver precursor inks using the laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) process. The process conditions for LIFT printing, including the triazene polymer sacrificial layer thickness, the laser fluence, and the donor-acceptor distance, have been investigated in detail. LIFT printing of a hexylamine-based 70 wt% silver precursor ink with viscosity of 60 mPa s was achieved, and produced fine conductive lines with widths of 141 μm, thicknesses of 490 nm, and volume resistivity of 11.6 μΩ cm. It is envisaged that this non-contact printing method can pave the way towards non-contact and maskless printing of high viscosity inks in the manufacture of printed electronics. ©2015 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Optical functional imaging methods such as calcium imaging have become a powerful tool for investigating neural activity in-vivo. Here, we present a design for a titanium implantable chamber with transparent silicone artificial dura which enables two-photon calcium imaging in non-human primates. This chamber accommodates imaging with high numerical aperture multiphoton objective lenses, and remains sealed, protecting the brain from the surrounding environment. In addition, we describe a tunable tissue stabilization system to apply gentle mechanical pressure to stabilize tissue during imaging. Our results suggest that two-photon calcium imaging may soon facilitate a new class of circuit and systems neuroscience experiments in non-human primates.