Changes In Volume Fraction Research Articles

Changes in Supraspinatus Muscle Volume and Fat Fraction After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair at Minimum Follow-up of 5 Years

Changes in Supraspinatus Muscle Volume and Fat Fraction After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair at Minimum Follow-up of 5 Years

Dynamic data-driven multiscale modeling for predicting the degradation of a 316L stainless steel nuclear cladding material

We have developed a long short-term memory stacked ensemble (LSTM-SE) surrogate modeling approach that can provide rapid predictions of microstructural evolution and the resultant mechanical properties of American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 316L series stainless steel (SS316L) fuel cladding under conditions of varying temperature and radiation dose rate. To acquire training data, we developed and implemented a kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) model to simulate precipitation kinetics of M23C6, γ’, and G phases within SS316L cladding. Experimentally reported precipitation kinetics of SS316L in literature were linked to the kinetic parameters of the simulated precipitation in our KMC model. The model was then used to simulate microstructure evolution under synthetically generated treatments of varying temperature and radiation dose rate for periods of up to 3000 h. Changes in volume fraction, number density, and particle size of precipitates were recorded, and particle area fractions were correlated using statistical methods to develop the surrogate model. Simultaneously, the mechanical properties of the simulated microstructures were evaluated using microstructure-based finite element method (FEM) analysis to determine the elastic modulus, yield stress, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation to failure of the aged microstructures. Using this approach, our surrogate model can predict precipitation behavior within 0.25 % volume fraction and mechanical properties within 6 % relative error from the values predicted by the KMC and FEM models using 50 training simulations as input. The trained recurrent neural network-based model can return estimations of precipitation kinetics and mechanical properties ∼1000 times faster than the physics-based codes. This work demonstrates, as a proof of concept, that microstructural evolution under variable conditions can be predicted using a statistics-based model informed by a practicably obtainable dataset. The potential applications of this type of modeling framework are discussed.

Microstructural evolution of GH4079 superalloy during hot deformation and heat treatment

Through hot compression and subsequent heat treatment experiments on GH4079 superalloy, the influence of different hot deformation and heat treatment conditions on the evolution of GH4079 superalloy microstructure was studied. The evolution of grains and γ′ phases under different thermomechanical conditions was investigated. The results indicate that at deformation temperatures above 1100 °C and strain rates ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 s−1, the primary mechanism of dynamic softening in the alloy is discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX). When the deformation temperature is below 1100 °C and strain rates range from 0.01 to 0.1 s−1, both continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) and DDRX are the main dynamic softening mechanisms. Due to high strain energy accumulation, the samples deformed at lower temperatures (below 1100 °C) and then solution-treated at 1120 °C for 8 h exhibit significant increases in recrystallization volume fraction and recrystallization grain size. Conversely, the samples deformed at higher temperatures (above 1100 °C) and then solution-treated at 1120 °C for 8 h show minimal changes in recrystallization volume fraction and recrystallization grain size. After solution treatment at 1140 °C, the grain size of the alloy significantly increases. The samples deformed at higher strain rates exhibit the evolution of fine γ′ phases into elongated rod shapes during solution treatment, while larger γ′ phases undergo splitting processes.

Exploring oligosaccharide effects on wheat starch gelatinization: Mechanisms and oligosaccharide structural perspectives

Controlling the gelatinization of starch is vital for achieving desired food design, and sugars and oligosaccharides (OSs) have a significant impact on the gelatinization temperature (Tgel) of starch. This study delved into the effects of sucrose, maltotetraitol, and ten glucose-based OSs with different glycosidic linkage patterns, degrees of polymerization (DP), and linear or cyclic structures on the Tgel of wheat starch. The objective of this study was to uncover the underlying mechanisms by which OSs alter Tgel to support the design and use of OSs for sugar reduction in baked goods. Findings underscore the notable impact of both OS concentration and type on Tgel. Increases in OS concentration resulted in Tgel elevation, closely linked to changes in water activity and effective water volume fraction (φw,eff). Among the same DP OSs, a higher effective number of hydroxyl groups available for hydrogen bonding per unit volume of the solute (NOH,S/Vs) corresponded to increased Tgel, indicating higher hydroxyl density in OSs leads to an increased number of hydrogen bond formation between OSs and starch that stabilizes the structure. Of particular note is that isomaltose (α-1,6 linkage) significantly elevated the Tgel more than the other DP2 OSs, trehalose (α-1,1 linkage), kojibiose (α-1,2 linkage), and maltose (α-1,4 linkage), even with low NOH,S/Vs. This underscores the importance of OS structural flexibility in antiplasticizing starch. The study enriches our understanding of how OSs influence starch Tgel relative to the effects of sucrose, emphasizing the roles of intermolecular hydrogen bonding and OS structural flexibility in elevating starch Tgel in a manner which is beneficial for maintaining the texture and structural properties of reduced-sugar baked goods.

Heart failure biomarkers and prediction of early left ventricle remodeling after acute coronary syndromes

IntroductionSeveral biomarkers are characteristically elevated in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Our hypothesis was they could predict early changes in left ventricular (LV) characteristics in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. The objective of this study was two-fold: a) compare circulating concentrations of NT-pro BNP, CA-125, ST2, galectin-3 and pro-adrenomedullin among 4 groups of individuals (healthy controls; patients with ACS without AHF; patients with ACS and AHF and patients admitted for AHF); and b) evaluate whether these biomarkers predict adverse LV remodeling and ejection fraction changes in ACS. Methods6 biomarkers (NT-pro BNP, CA-125, ST2, galectin-3, pro-adrenomedullin and C-reactive) were measured within the first 48 h of admission. Echocardiograms were performed during admission and at 3 months. Variables associated with LV end-diastolic volume (EDV) and ejection fraction (LVEF) change were assessed by multivariate linear regression. ResultsWe analyzed 51 patients with ACS, 16 with AHF and, 20 healthy controls. NT-pro BNP and ST2 concentrations were elevated at similar values in patients admitted for AHF and ACS complicated with HF but CA-125 concentrations were higher in AHF patients. NT-pro BNP concentrations were positively correlated with CA-125 (rho = 0.58; p < 0.001), ST2 (rho = 0.58; p < 0.001) and galectin-3 (rho = 0.37; p < 0.001)Median change (median days was 83 days after) in EDV and LVEF was 5 %. CA-125 concentrations were positively associated to LV EDV change (β-coefficient 1.56) and negatively with LVEF trend (β-coefficient = −0.86). No other biomarker predicted changes in EDV or LVEF. ConclusionsCA-125 correlates with early LV remodeling and LVEF deterioration in ACS patients.

Assessing compressive mechanical behavior of woven fabric green textile composite using finite element method

AbstractThe research aims to forecast the mechanical performance of a hybrid woven fabric natural composite subjected to compression, utilizing the three‐dimensional finite element method. A detailed finite element model of a plain woven fabric unit cell is created and analyzed for different materials like flax, basalt, and jute, and combinations of these materials (inter‐yarn hybrid basalt‐flax, jute‐flax and basalt‐jute fabrics). It is observed that fabric‘s response to compression is mainly influenced by the transverse longitudinal shear behaviour and the stiffness of the yarn cross‐section. Compression of single‐layer woven fabric involves yarn bending and compaction, resulting in varying fiber volume fractions in different areas due to compaction. The basalt‐jute hybrid plain woven fabric outperformed other plant‐based fiber fabrics with a polypropylene matrix in terms of mechanical performance under compression. Increase in yarn spacing and fabric thickness resulted in higher strain energy and displacement, attributed to changes in fiber volume fraction and crimp angle. Whereas, increasing yarn width led to a stiffer fabric due to increased contact area at the crossover region and higher bending rigidity, resulting in decreased strain energy and displacement. Importantly, this developed model can effectively simulate textile fabrics with diverse weaving patterns, material properties, and loading conditions.

Microstructure evolution and recrystallization mechanisms of a fine-grained nickel-based superalloy during thermal deformation process

The thermal deformation behavior of fine-grained GH93 alloy was investigated through isothermal compression tests at deformation temperatures of 930–1020 °C, strain rates of 0.001–1 s−1 and deformation amount of 50 %. Based on the true stress-strain data, the power dissipation maps, instability maps and hot processing maps of this alloy were established at different strains. The precision of the hot processing maps was verified by deformation microstructures, and the optimal processing parameter was ascertained to be 975–1010 °C/0.001–1 s−1. The microstructure evolution, dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and twinning evolution were analyzed by means of EBSD and SEM, simultaneously the DRX mechanisms under different deformation parameters were elucidated. The results demonstrate that the degree of recrystallization increases with the increase of deformation temperatures and the decrease of strain rates. At lower deformation temperatures, γ′ phases at grain boundaries hinder grain boundaries to slip and encourage dislocation entanglement, thereby promoting recrystallization. As the deformation temperatures increase, γ′ phases gradually dissolve, and the pinning effect weakens, leading to grain coarsening. The proportion of ∑3 twin boundaries shows a continuous upward trend with increasing temperature, which is consistent with the trend of changes in recrystallization volume fraction. DRX mechanisms of the alloy under different process parameters include continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) mechanism and discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX) mechanism. DDRX is the main recrystallization mechanism, and CDRX mechanism becomes more active with increasing temperatures and decreasing strain rates, while it is still only an auxiliary nucleation mechanism.

Deformation Behavior of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy with Pre-Twins under Biaxial Tension.

In the present study, the mechanical response and deformation behavior of a Mg AZ31 plate with different types of pre-twins was systematically investigated under biaxial tension along the normal direction (ND) and transverse direction (TD) with different stress ratios. The results show that significant hardening was observed under biaxial tension. The yield values in the direction of larger stress values were higher than those under uniaxial loading conditions, and the solute atom segregation at twin boundaries generates more obvious strengthening effect. Noting that, for TRH (with cross compression along the rolling direction (RD) and TD and annealing at 180 °C for about 0.5 h) sample, the strength effect of the RD yield stress σRD:σND = 2:1 was higher than that of the ND yield stress under stress ratio σRD:σND = 1:2. There is a complex competition between twinning and detwinning under biaxal tension along the ND and TD of the pre-twinned samples with the variation in the stress ratio along the TD and RD. The variation in the twin volume fractions for all samples under biaxial firstly decreases and then increases with a higher stress ratio along the ND. As for the TDH sample (precompression along the TD and annealing), the changes of the twin volume fraction were lower than that of the TR sample (cross compression along the TD and RD). However, the amplitude of variation in twin volume fraction of the TRH sample is higher than that of the TR sample. This is because the relative activity of detwinning decreases and that of twinning increases, as the ND stress mainly leads to the growth of pre-twins and the TD stress often promotes detwinning of primary twins. With a higher stress ratio along the ND, the activity of twinning deformation increases and that of detwinning decreases.

Stretchable-thickness model for dynamic responses of graphene origami reinforced badminton sport plate

In this article, we organize a stretchable-thickness model to present a frequency analysis for a composite plate applicable in badminton court which is reinforced with origami graphene. A higher order kinematic model is extended in this work including three bending, shear, and stretching functions, where the stretching functions is responsible for satisfying the out of plane shear strains and stresses at top/bottom surfaces of the badminton equipment. The sport or composites plate is manufactured from a copper matrix reinforced with graphene origami where the effective material properties are calculated based on micromechanical models as a function of volume fraction and folding degree of graphene origami, material properties of matrix and reinforcement and temperature. The numerical results are presented with changes of volume fraction, folding degree of reinforcement, and thermal loading along the thickness direction. The main novelty of this work is accounting thickness stretching deformation for the analysis of a graphene origami reinforced plate and investigating the responses of graphene origami as a new reinforcement. A verification investigation is presented for approve of the methodology, and solution procedure. An investigation on the order of deformation is presented for various thickness ratio of the badminton sport plate.

Mechanism of the impact of sediment particles on energy loss in mixed-flow pumps

Numerical simulations were performed on the fluid domain of the mixed-flow pump with different solid-phase volume fractions to examine the influence of the sediment particles on internal energy dissipation. The energy properties of the mixed-flow pump were analyzed using the entropy production theory, considering the various flow rates and the solid particle conditions. The research examined the impact of the proportion of the solid particles in the flow on the performance and effectiveness, uncovering the complexities of the energy dissipation in the channel. The results showed that incorporating solid particle media resulted in the decrease in both the performance and effectiveness of the mixed-flow pump compared to water conditions. The mixed-flow pump's head decreased by 0.56 % and its efficiency declined by 2.74 % due to the change in particle volume fraction (Cv) from 5 % to 7.5 %. Upon transitioning from Cv = 7.5 % to Cv = 10 %, the head exhibited a 2.54 % decrease, coupled with a 7.22 % efficiency reduction, signifying pronounced energy loss. The findings highlight that the increase in the quantity of the solid particles enhances the pump's energy dissipation. Solid particles tend to be mainly concentrated in the impeller inlet, blade outer edge, guide vane inlet, and guide vane outer edge regions at varying solid-phase volume fractions. The main dissipation in the fluid region of the mixed flow pump mainly occurs in the impeller and the guide vane, the total energy loss in the guide vane is more than 500 W under the three volume fractions, the total energy loss in the impeller is also about 500 W, and the inlet and outlet losses are small. These research outcomes lay the groundwork for further enhancements in the energy characteristics of mixed-flow pumps.

Microstructure, mechanical properties and bio-corrosion behavior of Mg–2Zn-0.3Ca-x (x= 0, 0.5, 1.0) Y alloys

Microstructure, mechanical properties, and bio-corrosion behavior of Mg–2Zn-0.3Ca-x (x = 0, 0.5, 1.0) wt.% Y series alloy have been investigated using microstructure observation, microhardness testing, tensile testing, immersion tests, and electrochemical measurements in simulated body fluid (SBF). The results show that the second phase's type, volume fraction, and distribution change with Y microalloying in the Mg–Ca–Zn alloys. The Mg–2Zn-0.3Ca (alloy 1) mainly comprises α-Mg and Ca2Mg6Zn3 phases. However, the amount of the Ca2Mg6Zn3 phase gradually decreases, and phases I (Mg3YZn6) and W (Mg3Y2Zn3) are also formed in Mg–2Zn-0.3Ca-0.5Y (alloy 2) and Mg–2Zn-0.3Ca–1Y (alloy 3), respectively. Furthermore, an increase in Y content to 1% refines the grains of alloy 1 leading to the improvement of microhardness (66.7 ± 4.2 HV), yield strength (141 ± 7 MPa), and ultimate tensile strength (385.7 ± 18 MPa) in alloy 3. The coarse and discontinuous eutectic phases (α-Mg + Ca2Mg6Zn3) in alloy 1 leads to accelerating the galvanic corrosion near the grain boundary. Moreover, polarization tests show that the addition of the rare earth element Y up to 0.5% in the alloy 2 leads to decreased corrosion current density (4.04 × 10−3 A cm−2) and the best anti-corrosion property as the result of formation of a protective corrosion product film.

Sequence dependence of critical properties for two-letter chains.

Histogram-reweighting grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations are used to obtain the critical properties of lattice chains composed of solvophilic and solvophobic monomers. The model is a modification of one proposed by Larson et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 83, 2411 (1985)], lowering the "contrast" between beads of different types to prevent aggregation into finite-size micelles that would mask true phase separation between bulk high- and low-density phases. Oligomeric chains of lengths between 5 and 24 beads are studied. Mixed-field finite-size scaling methods are used to obtain the critical properties with typical relative accuracies of better than 10-4 for the critical temperature and 10-3 for the critical volume fraction. Diblock chains are found to have lower critical temperatures and volume fractions relative to the corresponding homopolymers. The addition of solvophilic blocks of increasing length to a fixed-length solvophobic segment results in a decrease of both the critical temperature and the critical volume fraction, with an eventual slow asymptotic approach to the long-chain limiting behavior. Moving a single solvophobic or solvophilic bead along a chain leads to a minimum or maximum in the critical temperature, with no change in the critical volume fraction. Chains of identical length and composition have a significant spread in their critical properties, depending on their precise sequence. The present study has implications for understanding biomolecular phase separation and for developing design rules for synthetic polymers with specific phase separation properties. It also provides data potentially useful for the further development of theoretical models for polymer and surfactant phase behavior.

Determination of phase transformation kinetics under magnetic fields: Modeling based on magnetization and application in a Fe-1 wt.%Cu alloy

A phase transformation model based on magnetization is proposed in this paper, which accurately tracks the change in the phase transformation volume fraction with time/temperature f-T/t by analyzing phase transformation magnetization curves under a magnetic field. This allows for the determination of kinetic parameters related to the nucleation and growth processes such as the phase transformation rate df/dt-T/t and Avrami exponent n, enabling quantitative analysis of phase transformation kinetics under magnetic field effects. Additionally, the phase transformation magnetization under a magnetic field can be accurately fitted by combining the volume fraction calculation model with the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami equation, thus also obtaining the kinetics parameters. The aforementioned two models are applied to study the isothermal and isokinetic transformations of austenite (γ) to ferrite (α) in Fe-1 wt. %Cu alloys, demonstrating the effects of external conditions through variations in kinetic parameters.

Impact of the Stefan gusting on a bioconvective nanofluid with the various slips over a rotating disc and a substance-responsive species

This paper presents thorough computational and theoretical analyses of steady forced convective flow over a rotating disc submerged in a water-based nanofluid containing microorganisms. It delves into the examination of boundary layer flow characteristics of a viscous nanofluid, considering Stefan blowing effects and multiple slip conditions influenced by a magnetic field. Notably, the study accounts for novel aspects such as thermal radiation and both constructive and destructive chemical reactions. The movement of nanoparticles is elucidated based on thermophoresis and microscopic behaviors, while changes in volume fraction do not affect the thermo-physical properties of the nanofluid. To address the altered nonlinear set of differential equations, an effective numerical approach, the Keller-Box method, is implemented for critical and efficient solutions. These appropriate transformations are defined and applied. When compared to blowing suction, it shows a better enhancement in the rate of heat transfer, mass, and microorganisms. Some of the main observations are there is a decrease in wall skin friction in the directions of radial and tangential as magnetic field strength is increased. The evaluation of thermal boundary layer thickness and temperature is noted for the radiation parameter (Rd) improvement. The present analysis has applications in electromagnetic micro-pumps and nanomechanics. As to the applications in the science and engineering fields, technologies such as micro-electromechanical systems-based microfluidic devices and microfluidic-related technologies will be accepted.

CFD analysis of paraffin-based hybrid (Co–Au) and trihybrid (Co–Au–ZrO2) nanofluid flow through a porous medium

Abstract Ternary hybrid nanofluids possess improved thermal characteristics, enhanced stability, better physical strength, and multi-functionality as compared to hybrid or usual nanofluids. The aim of the ongoing study is to explore the novel thermal attributes of hybrid and trihybrid nanofluids through a porous medium. Whereas the nano-composition of cobalt (Co), gold (Au), and zirconium oxide (ZrO2) make amalgamation in the paraffin (Pfin) which is a base fluid. This nano-composition of the proposed nanoparticles, specifically, subject to the base fluid Pfin has not been interpreted before. The analysis not only covers the features of trihybrid nanofluids (Co–Au–ZrO2–Pfin) but it also describes the characteristics of hybrid (Co–Au–Pfin) as well as pure nanofluids (Co–Pfin). An efficient numerical algorithm is developed for which the numerical simulations are carried out. The approximations are performed in MATLAB software using “Successive under Relaxation (SUR)” technique. A comparison, under certain limiting conditions, with the established results appraises the efficiency of the numerical code. The outcomes evidently designate that temperature raises with the change in thermal radiation and volume fraction of gold and zirconium oxide in either case of pure, hybrid, or ternary nanofluids. The concentration ϕ 3 {\phi }_{3} of ZrO2 has a significant impact on Nusselt number rather than the concentration ϕ 1 {\phi }_{1} of cobalt and ϕ 2 {\phi }_{2} of gold. It has been comparatively noticed that the ternary nanofluids (Co–Au–ZrO2–Pfin) portray embellished and improvised thermal characteristics as compared to the other two cases.

Core Optimization for Extending the Graphite Irradiation Lifespan in a Small Modular Thorium-Based Molten Salt Reactor

The lifespan of core graphite under neutron irradiation in a commercial molten salt reactor (MSR) has an important influence on its economy. Flattening the fast neutron flux (≥0.05 MeV) distribution in the core is the main method to extend the graphite irradiation lifespan. In this paper, the effects of the key parameters of MSRs on fast neutron flux distribution, including volume fraction (VF) of fuel salt, pitch of hexagonal fuel assembly, core zoning, and layout of control rod assemblies, were studied. The fast neutron flux distribution in a regular hexagon fuel assembly was first analyzed by varying VF and pitch. It was demonstrated that changing VF is more effective in reducing the fast neutron flux in both global and local graphite blocks. Flattening the fast neutron flux distribution of a commercial MSR core was then carried out by zoning the core into two regions under different VFs. Considering both the fast neutron flux distribution and burnup depth, an optimized core was obtained. The fast neutron flux distribution of the optimized core was further flattened by the rational arrangement of control rod channels. The calculation results show that the final optimized core could reduce the maximum fast neutron flux of the graphite blocks by about 30% and result in a more negative temperature reactivity coefficient, while slightly decreasing the burnup and maintaining a fully acceptable core temperature distribution.

Effects of cooling process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a novel high-V high-Mn TWIP steel for cryogenic storage tank applications

In the present work, a novel high-V high-Mn twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) steel for cryogenic storage tank applications was developed. Furthermore, innovative two-stage cooling processes encompassing ultra-fast cooling and the subsequent furnace cooling were proposed. Effects of cooling process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the experimental steel were investigated. It was observed that with the change in cooling process (the initial temperature of furnace cooling rised gradually), the dwell time of hot-rolled plates above 600 °C was extended. The extension in dwell time facilitated the precipitation of secondary phase particles, leading to the change in average diameter and volume fraction of secondary phase particles. The yield strength increased with the increasing initial temperature of furnace cooling due to the combined effect of small-sized secondary phase particles inside the grains and large-sized ones located at the grain boundaries. The occurrence of intergranular cracking, primarily caused by the presence of large-sized secondary phase particles at the grain boundaries, was the main factor responsible for the significant reduction in total elongation. The small-sized secondary phase particles inside the grains inhibited deformation twinning, while the large-sized ones at the grain boundaries weaken the binding force between grain boundaries, which ultimately resulted in a decrease in cryogenic impact toughness. The implementation of two-stage cooling processes effectively mitigated the trade-off between yield strength and cryogenic impact toughness, offering a novel approach and valuable insights for optimizing the strength and toughness characteristics of cryogenic high-Mn steels.

Effects of electro-mechanical uncouplers, hormonal stimulation and pacing rate on the stability and function of cultured rabbit myocardial slices.

Introduction: Recent advances have enabled organotypic culture of beating human myocardial slices that are stable for weeks. However, human myocardial samples are rare, exhibit high variability and frequently originate from diseased hearts. Thus, there is a need to adapt long-term slice culture for animal myocardium. When applied to animal cardiac slices, studies in healthy or genetically modified myocardium will be possible. We present the culture of slices from rabbit hearts, which resemble the human heart in microstructure, electrophysiology and excitation-contraction coupling. Methods: Left ventricular myocardium from New Zealand White rabbits was cut using a vibratome and cultured in biomimetic chambers for up to 7days (d). Electro-mechanical uncoupling agents 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) and cytochalasin D (CytoD) were added during initiation of culture and effects on myocyte survival were quantified. We investigated pacing rates (0.5Hz, 1Hz, and 2Hz) and hormonal supplements (cortisol, T3, catecholamines) at physiological plasma concentrations. T3 was buffered using BSA. Contractile force was recorded continuously. Glucose consumption and lactate production were measured. Whole-slice Ca2+ transients and action potentials were recorded. Effects of culture on microstructure were investigated with confocal microscopy and image analysis. Results: Protocols for human myocardial culture resulted in sustained contracture and myocyte death in rabbit slices within 24h, which could be prevented by transient application of a combination of BDM and CytoD. Cortisol stabilized contraction amplitude and kinetics in culture. T3 and catecholaminergic stimulation did not further improve stability. T3 and higher pacing rates increased metabolic rate and lactate production. T3 stabilized the response to β-adrenergic stimulation over 7d. Pacing rates above 1Hz resulted in progredient decline in contraction force. Image analysis revealed no changes in volume fractions of cardiomyocytes or measures of fibrosis over 7d. Ca2+ transient amplitudes and responsiveness to isoprenaline were comparable after 1d and 7d, while Ca2+ transient duration was prolonged after 7d in culture. Conclusions: A workflow for rabbit myocardial culture has been established, preserving function for up to 7d. This research underscores the importance of glucocorticoid signaling in maintaining tissue function and extending culture duration. Furthermore, BDM and CytoD appear to protect from tissue damage during the initiation phase of tissue culture.

Analysis of sandwich graphene origami composite plate sandwiched by piezoelectric/piezomagnetic layers: A higher-order electro-magneto-elastic analysis

This work applies a higher order thickness-stretched model for the electro-elastic analysis of the composite graphene origami reinforced square plate sandwiched by the piezoelectric/piezomagnetic layers subjected to the thermal, electric, magnetic and mechanical loads. The plate is manufactured of a copper matrix reinforced with graphene origami where the effective material properties are calculated based on the micromechanical models as a function of volume fraction and folding degree of graphene origami, material properties of matrix, reinforcement, and local temperature. The governing equations are derived using the virtual work principle in terms of the bending, shear and stretching functions, in-plane displacements, electric, and magnetic potentials. The numerical results including various displacement components, maximum electric, and magnetic potentials are presented with changes of volume fraction, folding degree of reinforcement, electrical, magnetic, and thermal loading. A verification investigation is presented for approve of the methodology, and the solution procedure. The main novelty of this work is simultaneous effect of the thickness stretching and the multi-field loading on the electromagnetic bending results of the sandwich plate. Another novelty of this work is usage of graphene origami nano-reinforcement as a controllable material in a sandwich structure subjected to multi-field loadings. The results show an increase in bending, shear, and stretching deflections with an increase in electromagnetic loads, and folding degree as well as a decrease in volume fraction of reinforcement.

Extracellular volume fraction can predict the treatment response and survival outcome of colorectal cancer liver metastases

ObjectiveTo assess the prognostic value of pre- and post-therapeutic changes in extracellular volume (ECV) fraction of liver metastases (LMs) for treatment response (TR) and survival outcomes in colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM). Methods186 LMs were confirmed by pathology or follow-up (Training: 130; Test: 56). We analyzed the changes in ECV fraction of LMs before and after 2 cycles of chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab. After 12 cycles, we evaluated the TR on LMs based on the RECIST v1.1. Relative changes in ECV fraction and Hounsfield Units (HU), defined as ΔECV and ΔHU, were associated with progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and TR. We identified TR predictors with multivariate logistic regression and PFS, OS risk factors with COX analysis. Results186 LMs were classified as TR lesions (TR+: 84) and non-TR lesions (TR-:102). ΔECV, ΔHUA-E, and texture could distinguish the TR of LMs in training and test set (P < 0.05). ΔECV [Odds ratio (OR): 1.03; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.05, P < 0.01] was an independent predictor of TR-. Area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of TR model in training and test set were 0.87, 0.84, 90.14%, 90.32%, 72.88%, 64.00%, respectively. High CRD_score indicates that patients have shorter PFS [Hazard ratio (HR): 2.01; 95%CI: 1.02–3.98, P = 0.045)] and OS (HR: 1.89, 95%CI: 1.04–3.42, P = 0.038). ConclusionΔECV can be used as an independent predictor of TR of CRLM chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab.