Electric railway traction chains (ERTCs) emerged at the end of the nineteenth century. Over the years, they have been consolidated as a better solution than their counterparts, i.e., the traction systems with generating power on board (e.g., diesel or steam-based systems). In terms of performances, ERTCs show the highest power-to-weight ratio, fastest acceleration and highest traction effort on...

Engineering 3D microstructures with predetermined properties is critical for stem cell niche studies. We have developed a multiphoton femtosecond laser-based 3D printing platform, which generates complex protein microstructures in minutes. Here, we used the platform to test a series of fabrication and reagent parameters in precisely controlling the mechanical properties of protein micropillars....

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The scattering of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells in vitro mimics key aspects of epithelial-mesenchymal transitions during development, carcinoma cell invasion, and metastasis. Scattering is induced by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and is thought to involve disruption of cadherin-dependent cell-cell junctions. Scattering is enhanced on collagen and fibronectin, as compared with laminin1, sugge...

The efficacy and safety of 3 methods used in legal termination of pregnancy in the second and early third trimester was assessed in 258 women in Jordan randomly assigned to receive Foley catheter (with and without traction) or prostaglandin E2 vaginal tablets. The failure rate of termination and the total insertion-to-termination time was higher with Foley catheter without traction (16.5%, 16.5...

BACKGROUND Spinal flexibility is determined preoperatively by manipulating the spine and assessing, radiographically, to what extent the amount of deformity reduces. Quantifying spinal flexibility is important when determining the approach to the planned operation in order to achieve the most optimal spinal correction and balance. Currently, supine traction radiography is a popular method used ...

BACKGROUND Neck pain is a frequently reported complaint of the musculoskeletal system which can be disabling and costly to society. Mechanical traction is often used as an adjunct therapy in outpatient rehabilitation. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of mechanical traction for neck disorders. SEARCH STRATEGY A research librarian searched computerized bibliographic databases without language...

Vitreomacular traction and vitreomacular traction with macular hole are conditions associated with visual disturbance and decreased visual acuity. Recent studies have demonstrated that ocriplasmin is effective and safe in specific patient groups with vitreomacular traction, and hence is recommended as a treatment option. We present here a case report of a patient treated with intravitreal ocrip...

BACKGROUND Flexibility evaluation methods were only used to assess the changes of coronal Cobb angle in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Little attention was attached to the vertebral rotation in these methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS 21 patients with severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were enrolled in this study. Coronal flexibility and rotation correction were compared on...