Notable Deviation Research Articles

Evaluation of Population Projections for Serbia 2011-2041 after the 2022 Census Results

Following the 2022 Population Census, the first assessment of Serbia's official population projections based on data from the 2011 Census and other vital statistics and migration sources has become feasible. According to the Census results, the population of Serbia in 2022 is approximately 2.3% below the projected values for that year, according to the closest projection variant – the constant variant. This paper explores the differences in terms of projected and realized values of fertility, mortality, and migration balance. Hypotheses regarding the total fertility rate and the number of live births were largely confirmed. However, a notable deviation was observed in mortality rates, primarily attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic period, during which life expectancy decreased by nearly two years. Apart from the pandemic's effect, the deviation between projected and realized population values is also due to the assumption of a positive migration balance for the period 2011-2022. Contrary to this optimistic assumption, the vital statistics method reveals negative external migration during this period.

A Dynamic False Alarm Rate Control Method for Small Target Detection in Non-Stationary Sea Clutter

Sea surface non-stationarity poses significant challenges to sea-surface small target detection, particularly in maintaining a stable false alarm rate (FAR). In dynamic maritime scenarios with non-stationary characteristics, the non-stationarity of sea clutter can easily cause significant changes in the clutter feature space, leading to a notable deviation between the preset FAR and the measured FAR. By analyzing the temporal and spatial variations in sea clutter, we model the relationship between the preset FAR and the measured FAR as a two-parameter linear function. To address the impact of sea surface non-stationarity on FAR, the model parameters are estimated in real time within the environment and used to guide the dynamic adjustment of the decision region. We applied the proposed method to both convex hull and support vector machine (SVM) detectors and conducted experiments using measured X-band sea-detecting datasets. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed method effectively reduces the deviation between the measured mean FAR and the preset FAR. When the preset FAR is 10−2, the proposed method achieves an average FAR of 1.067 × 10−2 with the convex hull detector and 1.043 × 10−2 with the SVM detector.

Prescripción de antihipertensivos en personas con diabetes tipo 2 en Andalucía y recomendaciones SEH-LELHA 2022: evaluación del coste y uso

ObjectiveThis study aims to analyze the prescription of antihypertensive drugs in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Andalusia, comparing it with the SEH-LELHA 2022 guidelines, and to assess the direct cost of these treatments. Materials and methodsA multicentric, cross-sectional, and descriptive study was conducted with 385 T2D patients. Participants were randomly selected from the patient lists of 120 primary care physicians from Andalusia. Inclusion criteria included a diagnosis of T2D and complete clinical records for the year 2022. Demographic data and drug prescription information were collected, with the average cost per patient being calculated. ResultsThe mean age of the subjects was 70.72 years, with 53.51% being male. A total of 70.9% of the patients were taking antihypertensive drugs, the most common being ACE inhibitors/ARBs (70.9%), diuretics (70.1%), beta-blockers (40.0%), and calcium channel blockers (20.0%). Each patient took an average of 2.46±1.06 antihypertendsive, and fixed association of 2 or more antihypertensive drugs were used by 40.9% of the studied patients. The annual cost per patient was 141.45€/year. ConclusionsThe study reveals strong adherence to the SEH-LELHA 2022 guidelines among physicians in Andalusia regarding the of antihypertensives for T2D patients, with a significant preference for Renin-Angiotensin System blockers, diuretics, and beta-blockers. However, a notable deviation in prescription practices was observed with the frequent choice of doxazosin over spironolactone, despite the latter being the recommended option for resistant hypertension. Although the overall expenditure on antihypertensives is moderate, their cost-effectiveness is enhanced by the efficacy of these treatments in preventing cardiovascular complications.

A Comprehensive Review of the Antitumor Properties and Mechanistic Insights of Duocarmycin Analogs.

The duocarmycin family is a group of potent cytotoxic agents originally isolated from the bacterium Streptomyces. This discovery has spurred significant interest due to duocarmycins' unique chemical structures and powerful mechanism of action. This review comprehensively details the history of the duocarmycin family, the current understanding of their therapeutic potential, and the major clinical trials that have been conducted. Chemically, the duocarmycin family is characterized by a DNA-binding unit that confers specificity, a subunit-linking amide that positions the molecule within the DNA helix, and an alkylating unit that interacts with the DNA. This configuration allows them to bind selectively to the minor groove of DNA and alkylate adenine bases, a notable deviation from the more common guanine targeting performed by other alkylating agents. Duocarmycin's mechanism of action involves the formation of covalent adducts with DNA, leading to the disruption of the DNA architecture and subsequent inhibition of replication and transcription. Recent advancements in drug delivery systems, such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), have further elevated the therapeutic prospects of duocarmycin analogs by providing a promising mechanism for enhancing intracellular concentrations and selective tumor delivery. Preclinical studies have highlighted the efficacy of duocarmycin derivatives in various in vitro models, providing a strong foundation for translational research. However, further biological research is required to fully understand the toxicology of duocarmycin family members before it can be clinically relevant. The major focus of this review is to cache the major biologically relevant findings of different duocarmycin analogs as well as their biological shortcomings to propose next steps in the field of cancer therapy with these potent therapeutics.

Structure, Covalency, and Paramagnetism of Homoleptic Actinide and Lanthanide Amidinate Complexes.

Isostructural trivalent lanthanide and actinide amidinates bearing the N,N'-bis(isopropyl)benzamidinate (iPr2BA) ligand [LnIII/AnIII(iPr2BA)3] (Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Yb, Lu; An = U, Np) have been synthesized and characterized in both solid and solution states. All compounds were examined in the solid state utilizing single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD), revealing a notable deviation in the actinide series with shortened bond lengths compared to the trend in the lanthanide series, suggesting a nonionic contribution to the actinide-ligand bonding. Quantum-chemical bonding analysis further elucidated the nature of these interactions, highlighting increased covalency within the actinide series, as evidenced by higher delocalization indices and greater 5f orbital occupation, except for Th(III) and Pa(III), which demonstrated substantial 6d orbital occupancies. An in-depth paramagnetic NMR study in solution also sheds light on the covalent character of actinide-ligand bonding, with the separation of pseudocontact (PCS) and contact shift (FCS) contributions employing the Bleaney and Reilley method. This analysis unveiled significant contact contributions in the actinide complexes, indicating enhanced covalency in actinide-ligand bonding. To corroborate these observations, an accurate PCS calculation method based on the Kuprov equation, incorporating both the distribution of electronic spin density and magnetic susceptibility obtained from CASSCF calculations, was applied and compared with experimental values.

Effects of boring sponge Pione vastifica (Hancock, 1849) infestation on redox status and histological structure in Pacific oyster Magallana gigas (Thunberg, 1793) gills

The Pacific oyster, Magallana gigas (Thunberg, 1793), is the most widely cultivated bivalve species in the world. Despite the oyster's resistance to most pathogens, oyster farms are increasingly suffering losses due to infestation by various boring agents, particularly boring sponges. Boring sponges Pione vastifica (Hancock, 1849) penetrate and destroy the shell of the oysters, creating a network of channels and chambers in the shell. This ultimately results in a reduction in the marketability and barrier protection of oysters, as well as an impairment of their functional status. The objective of this study was to identify the mechanisms of oyster response to exposure to the boring sponge and to assess the health status of the species in the context of its ecological and economic importance. This paper examines the effect of the boring sponge on the organism of Pacific oysters M. gigas, namely on the level of lipid peroxidation and the activity of the main antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase - SOD, catalase - CAT, glutathione peroxidase - GPx), as well as histopathological changes in the gills of oysters with different degrees of boring sponge infestation. In contrast to the SOD activity, the CAT and GPx activities were found to be dependent on the extent of damage inflicted upon the shell by the boring sponge. In the initial phase of shell damage (1 and 25%), the CAT activity exhibited no notable deviation from the control level. However, the GPx level demonstrated a pronounced decline. In the second stage (26-50% of damage), there was an increase in CAT activity, and the levels of GPx returned to control levels. Despite a low level of antioxidant defense activity, an increase in lipid peroxidation was observed. In the fourth stage (76-100% damage), the highest level of lipid peroxidation was observed. This was accompanied by an increase in CAT production and a decrease in GPx activity. However, no significant disturbances in the structure of gill tissues were found with an increasing degree of damage caused by the spread of boring sponges. In our study, only local histological abnormalities were observed in stages 2, 3, and 4 of infection. The results of the present work demonstrate the influence of the boring sponge infestation process on the redox balance of oyster gill.

Comprehensive study of Kinetic Trajectory Simulation method for multi-component magnetized plasma-wall interaction process

For a wide range of plasma applications across diverse fields, a comprehensive understanding of the plasma-wall interaction mechanism is indispensable due to its inherent connection with confined plasma. This work compilation delves into the Kinetic Trajectory Simulation (KTS) method for the interaction of multi-component magnetized plasma with wall, specifically focusing on its implications for the tungsten wall sputtering model. In the evolution of the 1d3v (one dimensional spatial coordinates and three dimensional velocity coordinates) KTS method, the coupled set of kinetic equations has been solved under specified boundary conditions which yields results of higher accuracy. At the particle injection boundary, we have assumed the velocity distribution function of particle species to be cut-off Maxwellians, meeting essential requirements for plasma-wall transition processes: quasineutrality, sheath edge singularity, continuity of macroscopic fluid variables, and the kinetic Bohm sheath condition. The kinetic Bohm sheath condition, a fundamental criterion for plasma sheath formation, is extended for multi-component plasmas, accounting for the cut-off Maxwellian distribution of negatively charged particles. A comparative study of the kinetic Bohm sheath condition for cut-off and Boltzmann distributions reveals a deviation of less than 2.0% in magnitude. The concentration ratio of positive or negative ion species and the presheath side electron temperature influence various plasma-wall transition characteristics, including wall potential, Debye sheath thickness, particle densities, potential distribution, particle fluxes towards the surface, particle drift velocity, phase-space trajectory evolution, and physical sputtering of the tungsten surface. Although lighter ions possess higher energy when striking the surface, the physical sputtering yield of the tungsten surface is greater for heavier ions due to their lower threshold energy and larger collision cross-section. Furthermore, a comparative study of plasma-wall transition properties using kinetic and fluid approaches demonstrates qualitative similarities, with a notable deviation of approximately 4.0% in the magnitude in the vicinity of the material surface.

Correlation Among Neighborhood-level Measures of the Tobacco Retail Environment.

Tobacco retailer density and distance to tobacco retailers are understood to influence tobacco-related behaviors; however, there is no general agreement on how to best characterize or measure the tobacco retail environment (TRE). In this data-driven analysis, we examine similarities among neighborhood-level measures of the TRE and assess how geographic resolution of the neighborhood units may affect them. We used locations of likely tobacco retailers in the United States (US) to calculate multiple retailer count, density, and distance measures. Measures were calculated at the Census block group, tract, and county (including county equivalents) levels of geographic aggregation. Spearman's correlation was used to evaluate similarity among the TRE measures. At the block group and tract level, correlation among all TRE measures ranged from slightly negative (ρ = -0.03) to nearly perfect (ρ = 0.99). At both levels of aggregation, distance-based TRE measures were highly correlated (ρ > 0.76). At the block group level, simple count of retailers was highly correlated with the density measures (ρ > 0.83), and at the tract level, simple count was moderately to highly correlated with the density measures (ρ > 0.5). Findings were generally similar at the county level; a notable deviation was that retailers per person was negatively correlated with all other TRE measures (range from ρ = -0.08 to ρ = -0.32). Some common measures were not correlated, suggesting they capture different aspects of the TRE; similarity among the various measures also varied by level of geographic aggregation. Because the tobacco retail environment shapes people's tobacco-related behaviors, using appropriate measures to characterize it at a neighborhood-level is paramount. Our work highlights both the similarities and differences among a set of common measures, thereby suggesting the measures may be capturing different aspects of the overall retail environment. Our findings regarding geographic level of aggregation underscore the importance of neighborhood definition in any tobacco retail environment analysis.

Wave height distribution for plunging breakers induced by air bubbles

This study highlights the wave height distributions based on plunging breaking waves and air bubble effects in the surf zone. Wave height distributions predicted previously by different models have been reformulated in terms of air bubble effects. Some of the most commonly applied wave height distributions are judged using laboratory observations in a custom-built wave flume. Results have revealed a notable deviation from the Rayleigh distribution, with the proposed model demonstrating a closer match to experimental data, particularly for larger wave heights. Probability densities of larger wave heights are reduced significantly by entrained air bubbles, leading to measured wave heights below Rayleigh distribution predictions. In addition, the different wave height parameters derived from the proposed model exhibited good agreement with laboratory data compared to the Rayleigh distribution. Furthermore, theoretical analysis shows the scale parameter's dependence on the decay coefficient, aligning well with measurements and simplifying the proposed distribution to a one-parameter model. Again, based on the error analysis, the proposed model's results show good performance compared to others.

An Arctic sea ice spring bloom driven and dominated by Dinoflagellates - a harbinger of the future sea ice?

The sea ice spring bloom is crucial for sustaining Arctic marine food webs, with sea ice algae serving as primary carbon sources for higher trophic levels. Despite the prevailing dominance of diatom species in sea ice spring blooms, our study highlights a notable deviation, showcasing a bloom driven by dinoflagellates. Through field sampling of first-year sea ice cores and subsequent analysis of physical and biogeochemical parameters, combined with amplicon sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene, we investigated the occurrence and implications of this significant dinoflagellate bloom, with a particular focus on Polarella glacialis. Our findings reveal that high irradiances at the top of the ice core, coupled with elevated nutrient availability and warm ice conditions, are key drivers of this phenomenon, as elucidated by redundancy analysis. Moreover, our results suggest a potential climate-driven decline in snow cover on sea ice, increased open leads, and thinner sea ice, which may favor the proliferation of dinoflagellates over diatoms. This alternative dinoflagellate-dominated bloom could have profound ecological consequences, given the enriched omega-3 fatty acid content of dinoflagellates, thereby influencing energy transfer within the Arctic marine food web. Furthermore, our study identifies the presence of not only Polarella glacialis but also Chytridinium, an ectoparasite on copepod eggs, and the green algae Ulothrix in relatively high abundances within the sea ice. These findings shed light on the intricate interplay between environmental factors and microbial community dynamics within Arctic sea ice ecosystems.

Distributions of cadmium, nickel, zinc, copper, and iron in the western South Pacific Ocean: Local sources of the nutrient-type trace metals

This study presents comprehensive sectional distributions of five nutrient-type trace metals (Cd, Ni, Zn, Cu, and Fe) within the total dissolvable (td), dissolved (d), and labile particulate (lp) fractions along the GEOTRACES transect GP19 (∼170°W). Among these trace metals, only dCd exhibits a strong correlation with phosphate, albeit with a notable deviation at around ∼100 m depth for stations situated between 50°S and 0°S. This divergence indicates that the distribution of dCd is primarily influenced by ocean circulation and biogeochemical cycling in the western South Pacific Ocean. Conversely, dNi, dZn, and dCu concentrations increase independently of phosphate in waters exceeding 1500 m depth. These variations can partly be attributed to reversible scavenging, benthic release from sediments in the Fiji Basins and the Southwest Pacific Basin, and/or water mass mixing. While a moderate correlation exists between dFe and PO4 throughout the water column, the slope of the regression line is less than half of the Fe/P ratio observed in phytoplankton, suggesting substantial scavenging of dFe. Furthermore, the distribution of dFe is influenced by local sources such as intense weathering on tropical-subtropical lands and hydrothermal activities.

New indoor propagation model proposed for future B5G/6G rollout

Abstract The rollout of the fifth-generation (5G) mobile network was completed in 2020. Now, the focus shifts towards exploring the new perspectives of Beyond 5G (B5G) and 6G. Despite being a key enabler of 5G, millimeter wave technology has not yet been fully implemented due to various deployment challenges. Over the past decade, numerous efforts have been dedicated to modeling the propagation channel across the spectrum from 0.5 to 100 GHz. Propagation models such as Close-In (CI), Floating Intercept (FI), and single frequency Alpha-Beta-Gamma (ABG) have been extensively utilized. However, a significant deviation between co- and cross-polarization models has been observed in many estimated models in the literature. In this paper, we propose an optimization of the classic CI model by considering both TX and RX antenna heights, along with a correction coefficient. Initially, we estimate the propagation channel using the classic CI model in indoor environments, revealing a notable deviation between co- and cross-polarization models. Subsequently, we introduce a new model aimed at reducing this deviation and optimizing the Path Loss Exponent (PLE). With our proposed model, the estimated channel depolarization in Line-of-Sight (LOS) conditions stands at 2.8 dB, 5.6 dB, and 2.9 dB for room, corridor, and stairwell environments, respectively. In contrast, utilizing the conventional model yields channel depolarization figures of 4.8 dB, 8.2 dB, and 7 dB for the same environments. This disparity in channel depolarization can have significant implications for millimeter wave propagation, particularly during meteorological events such as rainfall.

Scientific identity and epistemology of movement, exercise, and sport sciences through the analysis of scientific production of Italian full professors

This study addresses the epistemological and identity challenges encountered by Movement, Exercise, and Sport Sciences (MEaSS) in Italy, particularly concerning the organization of scientific knowledge within academic contexts. MEaSS struggles to define its scientific identity and address epistemological concerns due to the concurrent operation of its academic scientific disciplines (ASD) within both biomedical and pedagogical domains. This situation raises questions about the classification of knowledge within MEaSS and its distinctiveness within the Italian academic community. The study aims to analyze the scientific production of Italian full professors in two ASDs of MEaSS and determine its relevance to biomedical, pedagogical, psychological, or sports domains. It also intends to investigate the alignment of Italian academic structures with international standards, particularly the European Research Council (ERC) model. Each full professor’s top 20 scientific products, ranked by the highest number of citations within the Google Scholar database, were analyzed. The analysis of scientific production among Italian full professors in the two ASDs of Movement, Exercise, and Sport Sciences (MEaSS) revealed significant findings. In the ASD of M-EDF/01, 58.5% of publications were attributed to the biomedical domain, followed by 32.7% in the sports domain, 6.9% in the pedagogical domain, and 1.9% in the psychological domain. For the ASD of M-EDF/02, 47.5% of publications were in the biomedical domain, 25% in the sports domain, 18.1% in the pedagogical domain, and 9.4% in the psychological domain. The prevalence of biomedical-focused research within both ASDs of MEaSS highlights a notable deviation from the intended disciplinary boundaries, raising concerns regarding the loss of scientific identity and epistemological coherence. These results emphasize the urgent need for alignment with international standards to ensure clarity of scientific identity and promote interdisciplinary research in MEaSS.

Simple Ultrasonic-Based Localization System for Mobile Robots

This paper presents the development and validation of a cost-efficient and uncomplicated real-time localization system (RTLS) for use in mobile robotics, specifically within indoor and storage environments. By harnessing ultrasonic waves to measure distances from three beacons, the system provides stable and reliable localization. This method utilizes the time-of-flight (TOF) principle, allowing for accurate distance calculations with simple microcontrollers. The system is designed to update the robot’s position at a frequency of at least 10 times per second, ensuring smooth navigation. Our trilateration-based approach allows for the precise determination of the robot’s position with a notable standard deviation accuracy of up to 15 mm. The aim was to design a simple yet sufficiently accurate system and verify its precision through experimental measurements. The experimental results demonstrate the system’s efficacy and lay a solid foundation for advancing this technology. Furthermore, the cost for the components required to build this indoor localization system (ILS) with three beacons and one tag is remarkably low, under EUR 80.

Design Optimization of LCV CAB for Frontal Pendulum Test: Enhancing Survival Space Improvement Through Frugal Load Path Transfer Techniques

In the fiercely competitive landscape of the automotive industry, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) encounter substantial challenges in the realm of Research and Development (R&D), particularly in the pursuit of lightweight design without compromising safety. As a result, the automotive sector continuously seeks innovative tools and methodologies to substantially optimize the structural composition of Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segments. The design of lightweight cabins, while simultaneously ensuring crashworthiness, not only plays a pivotal role in determining the market success of a new LCV but also holds significant legal implications. One well-established and indispensable evaluation tool to ascertain compliance with critical homologation requirements is the frontal pendulum test. This test serves as a litmus test for the appropriate design of Body in White (BIW) architecture, crucial for safeguarding occupant safety in unforeseen emergency scenarios.Within the context of adhering to styling themes and the design intent governing the three-dimensional (3D) geometry, a notable deviation emerged in the form of a 33 mm extension of the front panel in the newly stylized cabin. This deviation presented CAB engineers with a formidable challenge, as it disrupted the conventional load path of the frontal pendulum, rerouting it to the CAB itself instead of the intended transfer to the frame via the bull bar. The primary objective of this work is to restore the load path to the frame, all the while adhering to the original styling intent and refraining from introducing any additional modifications to major adjacent components such as the bumper and bumper reinforcement. Furthermore, this undertaking extends to encompass an exploration of cost reduction opportunities within the ambit of the newly styled CAB.
 Keywords: LCV CAB, Frontal Pendulum, Frugal Load, Occupant safety regulation, Styling impact, Pendulum impact, CAE simulation

Orthognathic Considerations of Maxillary and Mandibular Asymmetry at Skeletal Maturity in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate.

Improving occlusion and aesthetics is the primary objective of orthognathic surgery for patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). However, these patients often suffer from horizontal, vertical, and rotational asymmetry in addition to maxillary retrusion. This study aims to describe maxillary and mandibular asymmetry in patients with CLP undergoing orthognathic surgery and analyze its anatomic basis. Patients with isolated CLP undergoing CT imaging prior to orthognathic surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Maxillary and mandibular positioning and dimensional symmetry were evaluated. Incidence of clinically significant asymmetry, correlations between areas of asymmetry, and associations with clinical history were analyzed. Fifty-eight patients, with mean age 17 years were analyzed, including 32 patients with unilateral CLP and 26 with bilateral CLP. Twenty (34%) patients demonstrated chin deviation ≥4mm and 21 (36%) had a ≥5% discrepancy in mandibular ramus lengths. Horizontal occlusal plane cant of ≥2° was seen in 20 (34%) maxillae and 28 (48%) mandibles, with dental arch yaw ≥2° noted in 32 (55%) of both maxillae and mandibles. Chin deviation correlated with maxillary cant, discrepancy in ramus length, discrepancy in mandibular body length, and discrepancy in condylar volume (p<0.05). Bilateral and unilateral CLP did not show significantly different asymmetry on any measure (p>0.05). Both maxillary and mandibular asymmetry is common in skeletally mature patients with CLP and frequently results in notable chin deviation. Preoperative three-dimensional imaging and virtual surgical planning of orthognathic surgery aid in recognition of facial asymmetries and reveal opportunities to optimize results in this population.

A Mathematics Intervention in Kindergarten Using Shel Silverstein’s “The Missing Piece Meets the Big O”: Early Childhood Educators’ Perceptions on a Teaching Framework Integrating Literature in Mathematics-Related Concepts

Teaching mathematics in kindergarten necessitates interdisciplinary methods. By merging different disciplines, educators should create an environment conducive to learning, equipped with diverse materials, which allows children to engage with mathematical concepts through play, observation, and read-aloud stories. The aim of the present study is to explore early childhood educators’ perceptions of a teaching framework integrating literature in mathematics-related concepts. The hypothesis is that a mathematics intervention using Shel Silverstein’s “The missing piece meets the big O” could affect the teaching of mathematics in kindergarten. In this action research, twenty-four (n=24) early childhood educators participated by implementing the intervention and completing a semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistical analysis that was used to compare the mean scores of the two parts of the questionnaire before and after the intervention. Results show that educators were more positively inclined to use picturebooks as a stimulus for approaching mathematics-related concepts and creating a demarcated and inviting space for learning mathematics. Their answers lead to the assumption that a clear and concise framework, which integrates literature in mathematics and offers specific phases with activities would facilitate their teaching process. The notable deviation in their answers before and after the intervention demonstrates the extent to which the intervention affected their perceptions. Discussion of findings highlights the need for the Greek curriculum for preschool education to offer methodological recommendations for the integration of picturebooks in the teaching of mathematics.

Thermal evolution and strengthening mechanisms in LPBF CoCrFeMnNi alloy: New insights on correlation between microstructure and mechanics with LAGBs

The complex microstructure with multi-scale features in CoCrFeMnNi alloy, prepared by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), significantly improves strength while maintaining sufficient ductility, but it theoretically has thermal instability. The thermal stability of these multi-scale microstructure features and their impact on mechanical properties are systematically analyzed by means of annealing. The multi-scale microstructure features are characterized by asynchronous changes as temperature increases, leading to non-uniform changes in mechanical properties, notably at 400 °C and 1000 °C. The entangled dislocations and segregated elements at cellular substructure boundaries exhibit limited thermal stability, beginning to disintegrate at 400 °C and complete by 1000 °C. In contrast, both low-angle and high-angle grain boundaries maintain their effectiveness up to 1000 °C. The strengthening effect of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs), distinct from dislocation strengthening, has been quantitatively assessed through experimental methods, revealing that LAGBs contribute 17.13% to the overall strengthening, effective up to 1000 °C. However, dislocation strengthening contributes only 25.87%，marking a notable deviation from the traditionally estimated 50% dislocation contribution. This study provides a new perspective on understanding the relationship between the microstructure and mechanical properties of alloys prepared by LPBF.

Comparison of kinematics and joint moments calculations for lower limbs during gait using markerless and marker-based motion capture.

Objective: This study aimed at quantifying the difference in kinematic and joint moments calculation for lower limbs during gait utilizing a markerless motion system (TsingVA Technology, Beijing, China) in comparison to values estimated using a marker-based motion capture system (Nokov Motion Capture System, Beijing, China). Methods: Sixteen healthy participants were recruited for the study. The kinematic data of the lower limb during walking were acquired simultaneously based on the markerless motion capture system (120Hz) and the marker-based motion capture system (120Hz). The ground reaction force was recorded synchronously using a force platform (1,200Hz). The kinematic and force data were input into Visual3D for inverse dynamics calculations. Results: The difference in the lower limb joint center position between the two systems was the least at the ankle joint in the posterior/anterior direction, with the mean absolute deviation (MAD) of 0.74cm. The least difference in measuring lower limb angles between the two systems was found in flexion/extension movement, and the greatest difference was found in internal/external rotation movement. The coefficient of multiple correlations (CMC) of the lower limb three joint moments for both systems exceeded or equaled 0.75, except for the ad/abduction of the knee and ankle. All the Root Mean Squared Deviation (RMSD) of the lower limb joint moment are below 18N·m. Conclusion: The markerless motion capture system and marker-based motion capture system showed a high similarity in kinematics and inverse dynamic calculation for lower limbs during gait in the sagittal plane. However, it should be noted that there is a notable deviation in ad/abduction moments at the knee and ankle.

Volume loss during muscle reinnervation surgery is correlated with reduced CMAP amplitude but not reduced force output in a rat hindlimb model.

Introduction: Muscle reinnervation (MR) surgery offers rehabilitative benefits to amputees by taking severely damaged nerves and providing them with new denervated muscle targets (DMTs). However, the influence of physical changes to muscle tissue during MR surgery on long-term functional outcomes remains understudied. Methods: Our rat hindlimb model of MR surgery utilizes vascularized, directly neurotized DMTs made from the lateral gastrocnemius (LG), which we employed to assess the impact of muscle tissue size on reinnervation outcomes, specifically pairing the DMT with the transected peroneal nerve. We conducted MR surgery with both DMTs at full volume and DMTs with partial volume loss of 500mg at the time of surgery (n = 6 per group) and measured functional outcomes after 100days of reinnervation. Compound motor action potentials (CMAPs) and isometric tetanic force production was recorded from reinnervated DMTs and compared to contralateral naïve LG muscles as positive controls. Results: Reinnervated DMTs consistently exhibited lower mass than positive controls, while DMTs with partial volume loss showed no significant mass reduction compared to full volume DMTs (p = 0.872). CMAP amplitudes were lower on average in reinnervated DMTs, but a broad linear correlation also exists between muscle mass and maximum CMAP amplitude irrespective of surgical group (R2 = 0.495). Surprisingly, neither MR group, with or without volume loss, demonstrated decreased force compared to positive controls. The average force output of reinnervated DMTs, as a fraction of the contralateral LG's force output, approached 100% for both MR groups, a notable deviation from the 9.6% (±6.3%) force output observed in our negative control group at 7days post-surgery. Tissue histology analysis revealed few significant differences except for a marked decrease in average muscle fiber area of reinnervated DMTs with volume loss compared to positive controls (p = 0.001). Discussion: The results from our rat model of MR suggests that tissue electrophysiology (CMAPs) and kinesiology (force production) may recover on different time scales, with volumetric muscle loss at the time of MR surgery not significantly reducing functional outcome measurements for the DMTs after 100days of reinnervation.