Classification of emerging patterns in self-assembled two-dimensional magnetic lattices.

Self-assembled granular materials can be utilized in many applications such as shock absorption and energy harvesting. Such materials are inherently discrete with an easy path to tunability through external applied forces such as stress or by adding more elements to the system. However, the self-assembly process is statistical in nature with no guarantee for repeatability, stability, or order of emergent final assemblies. Here we study both numerically and experimentally the two-dimensional self-assembly of free-floating disks with repulsive magnetic potentials confined to a boundary with embedded permanent magnets. Six different types of disks and seven boundary shapes are considered. An agent-based model is developed to predict the self-assembled patterns for any given disk type, boundary, and number of disks. The validity of the model is experimentally verified. While the model converges to a physical solution, these solutions are not always unique and depend on the initial position of the disks. The emerging patterns are classified into monostable patterns (i.e., stable patterns that emerge regardless of the initial conditions) and multistable patterns. We also characterize the emergent order and crystallinity of the emerging patterns. The developed model along with the self-assembly nature of the system can be key in creating re-programmable materials with exceptional nonlinear properties.

Comparison of plantar pressure distribution in CAD-CAM and prefabricated foot orthoses in patients with flexible flatfeet.

BACKGROUNDS: The effect of foot orthoses on plantar pressure distribution has been proven by researchers but there are some controversies about advantages of custom-made foot orthoses to less expensive prefabricated foot orthoses. METHODS: Nineteen flatfeet adults between 18 and 45 participated in this study. CAD-CAM foot orthoses were made for these patients according to their foot scan. Prefabricated foot orthoses were prepared according to their foot size. Plantar pressure, force and contact area were measured using pedar®-x in-shoe system wearing shoe alone, wearing CAD-CAM foot orthoses and wearing prefabricated foot orthoses. Repeated measures ANOVA model with post-hoc, Bonferroni comparison were used to test differences. RESULTS: CAD-CAM and prefabricated foot orthoses both decreased pressure and force under 2nd, 3-5 metatarsal and heel regions comparing to shoe alone condition. CAD-CAM foot orthosis increased pressure under lateral toe region in comparison to shoe alone and prefabricated foot orthosis. Both foot orthoses increased pressure and contact area in medial midfoot region comparing to shoe alone condition. Increased forces were seen at hallux and lateral toes by prefabricated foot orthoses in comparison with CAD-CAM foot orthoses and control condition, respectively. CONCLUSION: According to the results, both foot orthoses could decrease the pressure under heel and metatarsal area. It seems that the special design of CAD-CAM foot orthoses could not make great differences in plantar pressure distribution in this sample. Further research is required to determine whether these results are associated with different scan systems or design software.

The prevalence of Linguatula serrata nymphs in camels slaughtered in Mashhad slaughterhouse, Northeast, Iran

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of nymphal stages of L. serrata in mesenteric lymph nodes of camels slaughtered in Mashhad slaughterhouse, Northeast of Iran. Methods: For this purpose, mesenteric lymph nodes of 400 camels of different sex and age were examined. The lymph nodes were examined macroscopically and a digestion method was also applied for investigation of samples which was negative macroscopically. Results:The mesenteric lymph nodes of 73 camels out of 400 (18.25%) were infected by L. serrata nymphs.Conclusions:Prevalence of L. serrata nymphs in males and females and different age was not significantly different (P>0.05), but difference was observed between the prevalence in different seasons (P< 0.05). The potential importance of these findings to human health is discussed. This is the first report of infection withL. serrate of camels in camels slaughtered at northeast of Iran.