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Bayesian forecasting for dose individualization of prophylactic factor VIII replacement therapy using pharmacokinetic samples is challenged by large interindividual variability in the bleeding risk. A pharmacokinetic‐repeated time‐to‐event model‐based forecasting approach was developed to contrast the ability to predict the future occurrence of bleeds based on individual (i) pharmacokinetic, (ii) bleeding, and (iii) pharmacokinetic, bleeding and covariate information using observed data from the Long‐Term Efficacy Open‐Label Program in Severe Hemophilia A Disease (LEOPOLD) clinical trials (172 severe hemophilia A patients taking prophylactic treatment). The predictive performance assessed by the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was 0.67 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.65–0.69), 0.78 (95% CI, 0.76–0.80), and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.77–0.81) for patients ≥ 12 years when using pharmacokinetics, bleeds, and all data, respectively, suggesting that individual bleed information adds value to the optimization of prophylactic dosing regimens in severe hemophilia A. Further steps to optimize the proposed tool for factor VIII dose adaptation in the clinic are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral and subcutaneous morphine is widely used for the treatment of cancer-related pain; however, solid pharmacokinetic data on this practice are lacking. Furthermore, it is largely unknown which factors contribute to the variability in clearances of morphine and its metabolites and whether morphine clearance is related to treatment outcome.Methods: Blood samples from 49 cancer patients treated with oral and/or subcutaneous morphine were prospectively collected and were used to develop a population pharmacokinetic model for morphine, morphine-3-glucuronide (M3G) and morphine-6-glucuronide (M6G). The influence of age, gender, renal function and several polymorphisms possibly related to the pharmacokinetics of the three compounds was investigated. In addition, the relation between treatment failure and morphine and metabolite clearances was explored.Results: A one-compartment model including an extensive first-pass effect adequately described the data of morphine and its metabolites. Estimated mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) ratios following oral versus subcutaneous administration were: M3G/morphine 29.7:1 vs. 11.1:1; M6G/morphine 5.26:1 vs. 1.95:1; and M3G/M6G 5.65:1 vs. 5.70:1. Renal function was significantly correlated with clearance of the metabolites, which increased 0.602 L/h per every 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 increase of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), reaching a plateau for eGFR >90 mL/min/1.73 m2. The clearance of morphine or its metabolites was not found to be correlated with treatment failure.Conclusion: The influence of age-, gender- and pharmacokinetic-related polymorphisms was not identified on the pharmacokinetics of morphine. Clearance of morphine or its metabolites was not found to explain treatment outcome; however, large variations in plasma concentrations of morphine, M3G and M6G support further studies on the relation between plasma concentrations and treatment outcome. Dutch Trial Register ID: NTR4369. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aims to assess approaches to handle interoccasion variability (IOV) in a model‐based therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) context, using a population pharmacokinetic model of coagulation factor VIII as example. Methods: We assessed 5 model‐based TDM approaches: empirical Bayes estimates (EBEs) from a model including IOV, with individualized doses calculated based on individual parameters either (i) including or (ii) excluding variability related to IOV; and EBEs from a model excluding IOV by (iii) setting IOV to zero, (iv) summing variances of interindividual variability (IIV) and IOV into a single IIV term, or (v) re‐estimating the model without IOV. The impact of varying IOV magnitudes (0–50%) and number of occasions/observations was explored. The approaches were compared with conventional weight‐based dosing. Predictive performance was assessed with the prediction error percentiles. Results: When IOV was lower than IIV, the accuracy was good for all approaches (50th percentile of the prediction error [P50] <7.4%), but the precision varied substantially between IOV magnitudes (P97.5 61–528%). Approach (ii) was the most precise forecasting method across a wide range of scenarios, particularly in case of sparse sampling or high magnitudes of IOV. Weight‐based dosing led to less precise predictions than the model‐based TDM approaches in most scenarios. Conclusions: Based on the studied scenarios and theoretical expectations, the best approach to handle IOV in model‐based dose individualization is to include IOV in the generation of the EBEs but exclude the portion of unexplained variability related to IOV in the individual parameters used to calculate the future dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract For a long time, tracer techniques based on dyes, salts and more recently heat have been used to estimate shallow flow velocities. Traditionally, flow velocity estimation using tracers would consist of tracking the movement of the leading edge or the centroid of the tracer with the flow. An alternative methodology uses an analytical solution of an advection–dispersion transport equation as the mathematical foundation for measuring shallow water flow velocity from tracer measurements. The main goal of the present study was to ascertain whether this alternative numerical methodology can be used with temperature data from thermal tracer measurements. Salt and thermal tracer techniques were applied simultaneously by injecting a double tracer of salted-heated water into different shallow flows simulated in a laboratory hydraulic flume. Simulated flows combined different bed surfaces (smooth acrylic sheet, rough sand board and synthetic grass carpet), flow discharges (from 47 to 1239 ml s-1) and bed slopes (0.8, 4.4 and 13.2%), resulting in a wide range of hydraulic conditions. Velocities determined with the abovementioned methodology were compared with those estimated by measuring the tracers' leading edge and centroid and with mean flow velocity calculated using discharge/depth measurements. Results from combining this alternative numerical methodology with thermal tracer data were similar to results from the salt tracer. Also, the proposed alternative numerical methodology predicted the mean flow velocity calculated from discharge/depth measurements better than the measurements of the leading edge and centroid of the tracers. Highlights • A thermal tracer and a transport model were combined to estimate flow velocity. • Shallow flows were simulated using a laboratory hydraulic flume. • The movement of the thermal tracer was visualised using infrared thermography. • Thermal tracer velocities were similar to salt tracer velocities. • The proposed numerical methodology accurately predicted mean flow velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the World Health Organization, one-third of elderly people aged 65 or over fall annually, and this number increases after 70. Several gait biomechanical parameters were associated with a history of falls. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review to identify and describe the gait biomechanical parameters related to falls in the elderly. MEDLINE Complete, Cochrane, Web of Science, and CINAHL Complete were searched for articles on 22 November 2023, using the following search sentence: (gait) AND (fall*) AND ((elder*) OR (old*) OR (senior*)) AND ((kinematic*) OR (kinetic*) OR (biomechanic*) OR (electromyogram*) OR (emg) OR (motion analysis*) OR (plantar pressure)). This search identified 13,988 studies. From these, 96 were selected. Gait speed, stride/step length, and double support phase are gait biomechanical parameters that differentiate fallers from non-fallers. Fallers also tended to exhibit higher variability in gait biomechanical parameters, namely the minimum foot/toe clearance variability. Although the studies were scarce, differences between fallers and non-fallers were found regarding lower limb muscular activity and joint biomechanics. Due to the scarce literature and contradictory results among studies, it is complex to draw clear conclusions for parameters related to postural stability. Minimum foot/toe clearance, step width, and knee kinematics did not differentiate fallers from non-fallers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of mulch as a management tool has shown one of the highest effectiveness/cost ratios for improving agricultural soil fertility, crop productivity, soil restoration in badlands and post-fire soil erosion mitigation. Some researchers have suggested that mulching costs can be reduced by applying it in strips rather than over the entire area. However, the implications of strip-wise mulching on the effectiveness to reduce soil erosion are poorly known. This study aimed to evaluate, in laboratory experiments, the effectiveness of strip-wise mulching with rice straw in reducing runoff and soil loss for a highly erodible sandy loam soil at a steep slope of 40%. Six mulching application schemes were compared against a bare soil. The six schemes combined two surface cover rates of 50 and 70% and three spatial patterns: mulch over the entire flume length and two strips of 1/3 and 2/3 of the flume length, both located at the bottom part of the flume. The runoff-erosion experiments involved the simulation of a sequence of three rainfall events, the latter one combining the application of concentrated flow from upslope of the soil flume. Overall, mulching was more effective in reducing soil loss than runoff (50 vs. 25%) and was significantly more effective during the first rainfall event than during the following two events (83 v. 16% for runoff and 92 vs. 53% for soil loss). During the third event, mulching effectiveness dropped significantly with increasing rates of upslope concentrated flow. Overall, mulching was more effective when applied over the entire flume length than over the 1/3 and 2/3 flume’s length strips, both in terms of runoff (24 vs. 21 and 13% at 50% soil cover and 41 vs. 33 and 16% at 70% soil cover) and of soil loss (44 vs. 50 and 33% at 50% soil cover and 71 vs. 60 and 39% at 70% soil cover). Even so, these differences were not significant. Therefore, strip-wise mulching can be an effective approach to substantially reduce costs or to maximize the area that can be treated. Its main disadvantage may be that it does not avoid runoff generation and associated transport process in the slope areas where no mulch is applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate measurement of shallow flow velocities is crucial to understand and model the dynamics of sediment and pollutant transport by overland flow. In this study, a novel triple-tracer approach was used to re-evaluate and compare the traditional and well established dye and salt tracer techniques with the more recent thermal tracer technique in estimating shallow flow velocities. For this purpose a triple tracer (i.e. dyed-salted-heated water) was used. Optical and infrared video cameras and an electrical conductivity sensor were used to detect the tracers in the flow. Leading edge and centroid velocities of the tracers were measured and the correction factors used to determine the actual mean flow velocities from tracer measured velocities were compared and investigated. Experiments were carried out for different flow discharges (32–1813 ml s −1 ) on smooth acrylic, sand, stones and synthetic grass bed surfaces with 0.8, 4.4 and 13.2% slopes. The results showed that thermal tracers can be used to estimate shallow flow velocities, since the three techniques yielded very similar results without significant differences between them. The main advantages of the thermal tracer were that the movement of the tracer along the measuring section was more easily visible than it was in the real image videos and that it was possible to measure space-averaged flow velocities instead of only one velocity value, with the salt tracer. The correction factors used to determine the actual mean velocity of overland flow varied directly with Reynolds and Froude numbers, flow velocity and slope and inversely with flow depth and bed roughness. In shallow flows, velocity estimation using tracers entails considerable uncertainty and caution must be taken with these measurements, especially in field studies where these variables vary appreciably in space and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This exploratory study presents a technique to assess soil water repellency (SWR) spatial variability based on infrared thermography. Small-scale laboratory tests were carried out using a soil flume and a loamy-sand soil, where SWR was induced on soil surface with waterproofing spray and repellent areas were mapped through thermal imaging, using a portable infrared video camera. Cold water was used to create a temperature gradient on the soil surface in order to assess SWR. The technique was, in overall terms, successful in mapping SWR spatial variability, distinguishing repellent from wettable areas as well as distinguishing between areas with different levels of SWR severity, in particular, between areas with extreme as opposed to low to medium SWR. The proposed technique appears to have high potential to contribute to a better understanding of the hydrological impacts of different spatial patterns of SWR due to its capacity to monitor in real time the dynamics of these impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selection guidelines are primary criterion for optimization of materials for specific applications in order to meet simultaneous and often conflicting requirements. This is mostly true for technologies and products required to meet the main societal needs, such as energy. In this case, gaps between supply and demand require strategies for energy conversion and storage, including thermal storage mostly based on phase change materials. Latent heat storage is also very versatile for thermal management and thermal control by allowing high storage density within narrow temperature ranges without strict dependence between stored thermal energy and temperature. Thus, this work addressed the main issues of latent heat storage from a materials selection perspective, based on expected requirements of applications in thermal energy storage or thermal regulation. Representative solutions for the kinetics of latent heat charge/discharge were used to derive optimization guidelines for high energy density, high power, response time (from fast response to thermal inertia), etc. The corresponding property relations were presented in graphical forms for a wide variety of prospective phase change materials, and for wide ranges of operating conditions, and accounting for changes in geometry and mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Transdermal fentanyl is effective for the treatment of moderate to severe cancer-related pain but is unsuitable for fast titration. In this setting, continuous subcutaneous fentanyl may be used. As data on the pharmacokinetics of continuous subcutaneous fentanyl are lacking, we studied the pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous and transdermal fentanyl. Furthermore, we evaluated rotations from the subcutaneous to the transdermal route. Methods: Fifty-two patients treated with subcutaneous and/or transdermal fentanyl for moderate to severe cancer-related pain participated. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed and evaluated using non-linear mixed-effects modelling. For rotations from subcutaneous to transdermal fentanyl, a 1:1 dose conversion ratio was used while the subcutaneous infusion was continued for 12 h (with a 50 % tapering after 6 h). A 6-h scheme with 50 % tapering after 3 h was simulated using the final model. Results: A one-compartment model with first-order elimination and separate first-order absorption processes for each route adequately described the data. The estimated apparent clearance of fentanyl was 49.6 L/h; the absorption rate constant for subcutaneous and transdermal fentanyl was 0.0358 and 0.0135 h, respectively. Moderate to large inter-individual and inter-occasion variability was found. Around rotation from subcutaneous to transdermal fentanyl, measured and simulated plasma fentanyl concentrations rose and increasing side effects were observed. Conclusions: We describe the pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous and transdermal fentanyl in one patient cohort and report several findings that are relevant for clinical practice. Further research is warranted to study the optimal scheme for rotations from the subcutaneous to the transdermal route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we present an infrared thermography technique that can be useful to detect soil surface microtopography in the presence of mulch. Laboratory test were carried out where the performance of the technique was evaluated in a surface with artificial rills and in a surface with microtopography created by water erosion, for different mulch cover conditions (bare soil, 2 and 4 t ha-1). Microtopography was detected applying heated water on the soil surface and recording the temperature with an infrared video camera. The technique allowed us to obtain 3D models of soil surface elevation both in the scenario with artificial rills and in the scenario with microtopography created by water erosion. With this technique it was possible to identify preferential flow paths and the different elements of microtopography, even in the presence of 2 t ha-1 of mulch covering the soil surface. In the scenario with cover density of 4 t ha-1, the detection of the thermal radiation emitted by the soil surface was severely affected, resulting in a decrease of the performance of the technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable, convergent, and fast computing codes have been developed to describe heat or cold discharge from encapsulated phase-change materials (PCMs). Numerical algorithms are based on previous transformations of relevant variables to yield immobilization of the moving boundary and also a flat-like condition to enhance convergence of the computing codes. These algorithms are used to analyze heat transfer limitations imposed by the low conductivity of the solidifying PCM layer and the mixed control related to the thermal resistance of the encapsulated wall and/or heat transfer limitations to the external fluid. The stability and the convergence of the codes are analyzed by varying the mesh size, and the relative time step, and are also compared with a space grid method solution. Quasi-steady-state solutions are also proposed and their applicability examined. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Cellular ceramics were prepared by emulsification of liquid paraffin in aqueous alumina suspensions, with sodium lauryl sulphate as a surfactant, and with or without collagen as a suspension shape stabilizer. Solidification of the paraffin droplets halts coarsening of this dispersed phase, and collagen-based gelling facilitates drying without coarsening of organic droplets and their subsequent thermal elimination without collapse of the green ceramic skeleton. Firing at 1550°C, for 2h, yielded the expected cellular ceramics. Cellular cell sizes and other microstructural features were changed by modifications in emulsification, namely addition of collagen and additions of defloculant, to adjust viscosity. These factors also play important effects on interconnectivity of cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aqueous suspensions of graphite were shape stabilized by the additions of collagen and characterized as phase change materials for cold storage with enhanced thermal conductivity. Collagen addition stabilized the graphite suspensions in aqueous media without requirements for additional stabilizers or previous functionalization. Gelation at room temperatures prevented sedimentation of graphite particles. SEM of dried samples confirmed nearly random distribution of graphite particles. These gelled suspensions with enhanced thermal conductivity were tested for latent heat cold storage. The thermal response was retained upon repeated phase change cycles, and impedance spectroscopy was used to monitor these cycles. The response time upon phase change was somewhat longer than predicted by taking into account the values of thermal diffusivity and the estimated value of Stefan number, probably due to significant interfacial resistance to heat transfer, combined with discontinuities caused by volume expansion upon phase change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work describes the preparation of cellular graphite/paraffin composites by a facile emulsification-based method. Graphite is readily dispersed in starch aqueous suspension and this readily emulsifies with liquid paraffin above its melting temperature. The resulting emulsion remains stable to allow selective drying of the aqueous suspension, yielding a cellular graphite network consolidated by starch and filled in situ by paraffin. Self organization of the cellular graphite skeleton was easily revealed by volatilization of paraffin. These cellular graphite/paraffin composites show remarkable enhancement of thermal conductivity, in the range 5–8Wm−1 K−1, and electrical conductivity up to about 6Sm−1. A Taguchi plan was used to analyse the effects of stirring rate, stirring time, starch content and graphite suspension to paraffin volumetric ratio on average cellular cavity size, thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. This analysis provides trends for further optimization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In reducing conditions the resistance of dense strontium titanate ceramic samples decreases markedly with decreasing average grain size. This trend is interpreted on assuming enhanced conductivity along grain contacts in parallel with a RC bulk term. The temperature dependence is consistent with this model and indicates that the bulk may still control the overall behavior at sufficiently high temperatures (typically for T>700 °C). The resistivity of fine grained porous samples is intermediate between the results obtained for fine grained dense samples and dense samples with large average grain size. An extended model is thus proposed to describe the behavior of porous samples by assuming a series association of isolated channels connected by the interior of adjacent grains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Population pharmacokinetic (PK) models are widely used to inform drug development by pharmaceutical companies and facilitate drug evaluation by regulatory agencies. Developing a population PK model is a multi‐step, challenging, and time‐consuming process involving iterative manual model fitting and evaluation. A tool for fully automatic model development (AMD) of common population PK models is presented here. The AMD tool is implemented in Pharmpy, a versatile open‐source library for pharmacometrics. It consists of different modules responsible for developing the different components of population PK models, including the structural model, the inter‐individual variability (IIV) model, the inter‐occasional variability (IOV) model, the residual unexplained variability (RUV) model, the covariate model, and the allometry model. The AMD tool was evaluated using 10 real PK datasets involving the structural, IIV, and RUV modules in three sequences. The different sequences yielded generally consistent structural models; however, there were variations in the results of the IIV and RUV models. The final models of the AMD tool showed lower Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) values and similar visual predictive check plots compared with the available published models, indicating reasonable quality, in addition to reasonable run time. A similar conclusion was also drawn in a simulation study. The developed AMD tool serves as a promising tool for fast and fully automatic population PK model building with the potential to facilitate the use of modeling and simulation in drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pharmpy Automatic Model Development (AMD) tool automates the building of population pharmacokinetic (popPK) models by utilizing a systematic stepwise process. In this study, the performance of the AMD tool was assessed using simulated datasets. Ten true models mimicking classical popPK models were created. From each true model, dataset replicates were simulated assuming a typical phase I study design—single and multiple ascending doses with/without dichotomous food effect, with rich PK sampling. For every dataset replicate, the AMD tool automatically built an AMD model utilizing NONMEM for parameter estimation. The AMD models were compared to the true and reference models (true model fitted to simulated datasets) based on their model components, predicted population and individual secondary PK parameters (SP) (AUC0‐24, cmax, ctrough), and model quality metrics (e.g., model convergence, parameter relative standard errors (RSEs), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC)). The models selected by the AMD tool closely resembled the true models, particularly in terms of distribution and elimination, although differences were observed in absorption and inter‐individual variability components. Bias associated with the derived SP was low. In general, discrepancies between AMD and true SP were also observed for reference models and therefore were attributed to the inherent stochasticity in simulations. In summary, the AMD tool was found to be a valuable asset in automating repetitive modeling tasks, yielding reliable PK models in the scenarios assessed. This tool has the potential to save time during early clinical drug development that can be invested in more complex modeling activities within model‐informed drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) is a central mechanism with lower limb muscle contraction immediately preceded by muscle stretch for efficient submaximal activities such as gait and powerful maximal activities such as running and jumping [1,2]. Although muscle SSC can be observed at gait and running its higher expression and accessibility is performed on standard maximum vertical jump (MVJ) with an open issue on neuromuscular control assessment of lower limb muscle SSC [3]. For this purpose, we present and applied noninvasive subject specific analysis of lower limb muscle coactivation for selected muscles with higher contribution during MVJ impulse based on corresponding conditioned surface electromyographic signals (sEMG). Selected muscles correspond to lower limb muscles vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), lateral gastrocnemius (LG) and medial gastrocnemius (MG). Twenty-seven trials were assessed corresponding for each subject to the highest MVJ based on larger flight time with long SSC at countermovement jump (CMJ), short SSC at drop jump (DJ) and squat jump (SJ) with no SSC. Trial sample is composed by a group of six young adult volunteers' students on sports and physical education degree with the ages (21.5 ± 1.4) years, (76.7 ± 9.3) kg mass and (1.79 ± 0.06) m height. Surface skin was prepared and Aqua-Wet gel Skintact F55 electrodes were applied at bipolar configuration as indicated by SENIAN. VM, RF, VL, LG and MG sEMG linear envelopes were paired plotted with the area under the curves computed as well as the coactivation pairs defined as the common area under the curves normalized to the sum of the corresponding pair individual areas under the curves. Coactivations were compared at CMJ, DJ and SJ as well as among CMJ, DJ and SJ, Fig. 1. Strongest coactivations with decreasing intensity were detected between VM-RF and LG-MG muscles at CMJ and SJ, whereas at DJ the strongest coactivation was detected between LG-MG and VL-MG as presented at Fig. 1. Also, while the coactivations between quadriceps selected muscles VM-RF, VM-VL and RF-VL presented higher values at CMJ and SJ than DJ, the coactivations between the quadriceps selected muscles and the gastrocnemius presented higher values at CMJ and DJ than SJ. [Display omitted] Fig. 1. sEMG linear envelopes and coactivations (COACT). Despite the strongest coactivation was detected at intramuscular group level, these muscular groups were distinct depending on MVJ type, with the highest coactivation of the selected quadriceps muscles detected at CMJ and SJ whereas the highest coactivations on DJ was detected at the gastrocnemius. Additionally, similar pattern arises on muscle coactivations at CMJ, DJ and SJ with higher values at CMJ than DJ and SJ for VM-RF, VM-VL, VM-LG, VM-MG and RF-VL whereas CMJ and DJ presented higher values than SJ at RF-LG, RF-MG, VL-LG, VL-MG, and LG-MG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standard maximum vertical jump (MVJ) has been applied to assess lower limb long countermovement (CM) on countermovement jump (CMJ) and short CM on drop jump (DJ) for comparison to squat jump (SJ) without CM [1,2]. Nevertheless, the ability for lower limb joint accelerations depending on lower limb joint angles at long, short and no CM remains an open issue [3,4], in particular linearity assessment of these relations at long, short and no CM in association with MVJ whole-body impulsion. For this reason, we applied piecewise linear detection of segmented subphases on lower limb joint angles (θ)-angular acceleration (α) diagrams for the hip (H), knee (K) and ankle (A) during impulse phases on CMJ, DJ and SJ. Selected sample corresponds to best MVJ trials based on higher flight-time of 3 CMJ, DJ and SJ repetitions for six healthy untrained subjects with ages (21.5±1.4) years, (76.7±9.3)kg mass and (1.79±0.06)m height. Adhesive reflective markers were applied at lower limb and torso, with sagittal hip, knee, and ankle θ , α obtained by inverse kinematics. H,K,A (θ , α) diagrams were plotted and impulsion subphases segmented at selected instants of ∂ a /∂ q phase reversal with linear fit by the least-squares method, Fig. 1. [Display omitted] Fig. 1. Hip, knee, ankle joint (θ , α) diagrams at CMJ, DJ, SJ with segmented subphases time span(Δt), |∂α/∂θ| slope magnitudes and R² linear fit regression. SJ presented larger number of (θ , α) subphases than DJ, both larger than CMJ with higher |∂ α /∂ θ | variation at DJ and SJ than CMJ, pointing to higher complexity of neuromuscular control and contributing to explain reduced SJ, DJ performance without CM (0.33±0.05)m and with short CM (0.27±0.03)m in relation to CMJ with long CM (0.36±0.04)m for untrained selected subjects, Fig. 1. Thus, despite the larger total time span Δt at CMJ (0.76±0.10)s in relation to SJ (0.36±0.08)s and DJ (0.23±0.05)s, CMJ presented lower number of subphases with longer time span, whereas DJ and SJ present higher number of segmented subphases with shorter partial and total time span. CMJ presented lower |∂ α /∂ θ | than DJ and SJ, with hip, and the knee higher magnitudes on CMJ for the latest subphase C, whereas the ankle presented higher magnitudes at the latest subphases B and C. DJ is characterized by higher |∂ α /∂ θ | particularly for the hip in relation to the knee and the ankle. Finally, SJ presented intermediate |∂ α /∂ θ | with the highest values of the subphase A for the hip, the knee, and the ankle in relation to the remaining subphases. Regarding R ² linear fit regression, CMJ presented at the latest subphase C higher values for H,K,A, whereas DJ presented general stronger R ² and SJ moderate R ² at initial subphases A,B and stronger values at later phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hurdle Step test (HS) is one of the seven tests included in the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), a widely used clinical tool that assesses joint mobility and postural stability deficits.(1) However, there is the need to study FMS validity.(2) Convergent validity is defined as how closely the scale is associated with other measures of the same construct,(3) demonstrated by a high correlation between them.(4) HS aims to assess postural stability during an unipedal stance.(1) Postural stability refers to the ability of a self-controlled body to maintain adequate movement sustainability.(5) Kinematic parameters of the centre of pressure (CoP) and centre of gravity projection (CoGp) have been used to study postural stability.(6–8) To the best of our knowledge, no research has studied the relation between HS score and biomechanical parameters related to postural stability. Does HS present convergent validity regarding postural stability and the ability to discriminate between subjects with different levels of stability? Twenty-six healthy subjects were included (22.2±1.7 years; 3 women). Subjects performed five repetitions of the HS for each lower limb according to the FMS guidelines.(1) Subjects scored as "0" or injured were excluded. Subjects' performances in frontal and sagittal plane were recorded using two cameras and afterwards scored by two FMS certificated evaluators. The kinematic parameters of the CoP and CoGp presented in Table 1 were collected using a 3D motion analysis system (Vicon®;200 Hz) and a force plate (AMTI;1000 Hz). These parameters were studied during the stance phase of the forward (phase 1) and backward step (phase 2). Spearman's coefficient studied the correlation between HS score and biomechanical parameters. Mann-Whitney test assessed the ability of HS to discriminate between subjects with different scores ("1","2","3"). [Display omitted] No subject was scored as "1". Fig. 1 shows the CoGp and CoP displacements in the horizontal plane (examples of a subject scored as "2" and a subject scored as "3"). HS scores presented low to moderate correlations with: CoP-CoGp average anteroposterior distance (R=0.552;p<0.05), CoP average anteroposterior velocity (R=-0.282;p<0.05); CoGp average mediolateral (R=-0.280;p<0.05) and anteroposterior velocity (R=-0.397;p<0.05), CoGp anteroposterior velocity peak (R=-0.439;p<0.05), CoP sum of mediolateral displacements (R=0.319;p<0.05), CoP range of anteroposterior displacement (R=-0.293;p<0.05), CoP-CoGp range of mediolateral (R=-0.276;p<0.05) and anteroposterior distance (R=-0.434;p<0.05), and CoP-CoGp range of distance (R=-0.312;p<0.05) – phase 1; CoGp average anteroposterior velocity (R=-0.279;p<0.05) and CoP-CoGp average anteroposterior distance (R=0.444;p<0.05) – phase 2; the other biomechanical parameters presented no correlations. Differences between groups of subjects scored as "2" or "3" are presented in Table 1. HS presented low convergent validity regarding postural stability. Although HS has shown some ability to discriminate subjects with different levels of postural stability, the fact that there were no subjects scored as "1" may indicate some limitations of the test to discriminate subjects at more levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The way how individual bars of sensorimotor insoles influence the gait kinematics is not fully understood yet. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effect of three sensorimotor orthotic conditions (the medial calcaneal and retrocapital lateral bars and their combination) on the gait parameters in healthy adults during the stance phase of gait cycle. Materials and methods: Twenty-six young adults performed 20 gait cycles in each condition using their self-selected cadence and provided standardised shoes with the base-sole and the three types of orthotics. A three-dimensional motion analysis system (8 cameras; 200 Hz) was used and a six-degrees of freedom model was applied. The cadence, the stride length, the first peaks of foot external rotation, eversion and dorsal flexion as well as the first peak of hip adduction were analysed. Results: Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for all parameters between the orthotic conditions, except the cadence. Significant difference in the first peak of hip adduction (p = 0.008) was found between the dominant and non-dominant leg. There were no significant interactions between the factors of condition and leg dominance (p > 0.05). Conclusions: There seems to be overall tendencies in immediate changes in ankle joint kinematics caused by all three sensorimotor orthotic conditions and besides the mechanical principles, also 'proprioceptive mechanism' seems to play a role. However, maximum observed average angular change was 2° and some variability in reactions to each orthotic condition exists among the individuals. Therefore, clinical relevance of such changes remains unclear and careful analysis of expected outcomes should be the common part of every orthotic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the electrochemical synthesis of different morphologies of bismuth iodide and bismuth oxyiodide on graphite surfaces from acidic baths containing bismuth nitrate, sodium nitrate, iodine and ethylene glycol by a simple pH control. Linear sweep voltammetry analyses determined the potential window for the reduction of iodine where bismuth ions do not get reduced. The concentration of the iodide ions in the bath is regulated by the applied potential. At pH 0.2 and 0.5, bismuth is predominantly present as free Bi3+ ions, which react with iodide to form bismuth triiodide. On the other hand, even at slightly elevated pH 1.0 and 2.0, bismuth is predominantly complexed by water, nitrates and ethylene glycol. These complexes react with the iodide ions to form bismuth oxyiodide. Pure triiodide phase comprising polygonal platelets is obtained at pH 0.2. Pure oxyiodide phase comprising novel microflower‐like morphology formed from interlinked nano‐disks is obtained at pH 2.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ceramic industry in the productive hub of Santa Catarina needs some raw materials with specific characteristics such as kaolin to manufacture its products. This clay mineral with a naturally variable chemical composition in relation to its geolocation (in extraction area composed by rock and combined with sediment materials), attributes significant increases in transport costs due to its distance from the main productive areas in southern Brazil. Thus, as a strategic alternative, the improvement of kaolin with a high quartz content (69.9%) from the northern region of the state of Santa Catarina (∼400 km from ceramic hub in the south of the state), more precisely from the municipality of Garuva, was sought. Unit processing operations by classifying this mineral for suitability for use in industry, resulted in an increase in the concentration of kaolinite. The results indicated that the proposed method reduced the amount of quartz and consequently increased the kaolinite content, resulting in an aluminum oxide content of approximately 28.20%, a value higher than the normal natural content of ∼19%. • The beneficiation through segregation was carried out to obtain a purer kaolin. • A significant increase in alumina content (>25%) was achieved in the passing material. • The kaolinite clay mineral content exceeded 50% after the screening process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, gadolinium-doped ceria-based powders were co-fired with additions of 1% (w /w) of SiO 2 , and 5% (w/w) of Y 2 O 3 to test the role of yttrium ion on improving the grain boundary conductivity across the grain boundary regions of low grade gadolinia-doped ceria (CGO) electrolytes. The samples were prepared by hot press at low temperature (1000 °C) to minimize bulk dissolution of yttrium in the CGO lattice. Structural characterization by XRD of the prepared ceramics confirms a CGO single phase material with the fluorite type structure. All the samples were characterized by impedance spectroscopy as a function of temperature in air, in order to de-convolute different microstructural contributions to the overall electrical behaviour. The results showed, as expected, that the presence of small amounts of impurity of silica reduces the total conductivity, when compared with pure CGO ceramic sample. The grain boundary resistance of these ceramics, under low operating temperatures, has a large effect on the total conductivity and is related, on one hand with the presence of a space charge layer created by the local segregation of trivalent rare earth elements, and the consequently depletion of oxygen vacancies, and on the other hand by the blocking effect of the silicon impurity. However, the obtained results show that addition of yttria increases total conductivity when compared with impure samples without yttria. This effect was related with the partial recover of specific grain boundary conductivity, suggesting a preferential location of Si and Y cations on grain boundaries. The space charge potential values, calculated using impedance data, provided an approach to the promoting effect of recovering grain boundary conductivity by the yttrium ion. • The use of low-grade raw materials for solid oxide fuel cells electrolytes. • Scavenge of silica impurities by yttria additions. • Electrical conductivity improvements by hoy press low temperature sintering. • Optimization of space charge and grain boundary conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cement paste powder (CPP) is a by-product of the recycling process of concrete with an elevated carbonation capability and potential to be recycled as a binding material in new concrete batches. The application of a carbonation treatment to CPP improves this potential even more, besides the evident gains in terms of CO2 net balance. However, the long duration usually adopted in this treatment, from 3 to 28 days, hampers the industrial viability of the process. We studied the feasibility of a short-duration carbonation process, with a duration of two hours, carrying out a comprehensive characterization of the material throughout the process. The test was performed on CPP with an average initial water content of 16.9%, exposed to a CO2 concentration of 80%. The results demonstrate two main carbonation rates: a rapid growth rate in the first 18 minutes of the process, involving all the calcium-bearing compounds in CPP, and a slow growth rate afterwards, where only C-S-H contributes to the carbonation reaction. During the 2 h carbonation process, the main CPP compounds, calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) and calcium hydroxide (CH), reached different carbonation degrees, 31% and 94%, with, however, close CO2 uptake values, 8% and 11%, respectively. Nevertheless, the total CO2 uptake for this process (≈19%) attained values not distant from the values usually obtained in a carbonation of 12 days or more (19–25%). Hence, these findings highlight the blocking role of C-S-H in the carbonation process, indicating that longer carbonation periods are only going to be useful if an effective carbonation of this compound is accomplished. In the present scenario, where CH is the main contributor to the reaction, the reduction in the process duration is feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, controlled hydrothermal functionalization was performed in porous cellular α-Al 2 O 3 ceramics, targeting potential separation and catalytic processes for sustainable chemistry applications. Growth of micro-nano hierarchical structures of boehmite (γ-AlOOH) with high aspect ratio was assessed by SEM/EDS/XRD/FTIR. The pH and precursors concentration determine the growth mechanism and final functionalization level. The obtained results anticipate strategies for promoting formation of boehmite at the pores surfaces and tuning its morphology, including pre-treatments of the cellular matrix to increase the concentration of the surface defects and preliminary saturation of the pores with appropriate precursors to achieve uniform functionalization. Thus grown boehmite structures can be easily converted to γ-Al 2 O 3 by thermal treatment while retaining the former distribution and aspect ratio, opening new possibilities for preparation of γ-Al 2 O 3 supported catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the mechanical properties of the triceps surae between professional, junior, and non-football players. Fifty-nine men participated in this study. The mechanical properties of the right legs’ triceps surae were measuredin vivousing a free oscillation technique; no significant differences existed between the groups. The mean results for musculo-articular stiffness, damping coefficient, and damping ratio were as follows: professional football players (21523 N· m−1, 330.8 N · s · m−1, and 0.201); junior football players (21063 N · m−1, 274.4 N · s · m−1, and 0.173); and non-players (19457 N · m−1, 281.5 N · s · m−1, and 0.184). When analysed according to position, the results were as follows: defender (21447 N · m−1, 308.6 N · s · m−1, and 0.189); midfielder (20762 N · m−1, 250.7 N · s · m−1, and 0.157); winger (21322 N · m−1, 335.1 N · s · m−1, and 0.212); forward (22085 N · m−1, 416.2 N · s · m−1, and 0.254); and non-players (19457 N · m−1, 281.5 N · s · m−1, and 0.184). Thus, football training, football games, and the position played had no effect on triceps surae mechanical properties. These results may be attributed to opposing adaptations between different types of training that are usually implemented in football. Alternatively, the minimum strain amplitude and/or frequency threshold of the triceps surae required to trigger adaptations of mechanical properties might not be achieved by football players with football training and matches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fucus vesiculosus is a seaweed claimed to be useful for obesity management. Therefore, considering the relationship between obesity and cardiovascular diseases, this work aimed to assess the potential for an herb–drug interaction among a standardized F. vesiculosus extract (GMP certificate) and amiodarone (a narrow therapeutic index drug) in rats. In a first pharmacokinetic study, rats were simultaneously co-administered with a single-dose of F. vesiculosus (575mg/kg, p.o.) and amiodarone (50mg/kg, p.o.); in a second study, rats were pre-treated during 14days with F. vesiculosus (575mg/kg/day, p.o.) and received amiodarone (50mg/kg, p.o.) on the 15th day. Rats of the control groups received the corresponding volume of vehicle. After analysis of the pharmacokinetic data it deserves to be highlighted the significant decrease in the peak plasma concentration of amiodarone (55.4%) as well as the reduction of systemic exposure to the parent drug (∼30%) following the simultaneous co-administration of F. vesiculosus extract and amiodarone. This paper reports, for the first time, the herb–drug interaction between F. vesiculosus and amiodarone, which determined a considerable decrease on amiodarone bioavailability in rats. Therefore, the therapeutic efficacy of amiodarone may be compromised by the concurrent administration of herbal slimming medicines/dietary supplements containing F. vesiculosus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Insufficient and excessive stiffness may increase the risk of soft tissue and bone injuries, respectively, while the resonance frequency seems to be related with energy expenditure and stiffness. With aging and menopause muscle weakness, physical fragility and mobility limitations are also expected. Therefore this study addresses the differences of biomechanical properties of the triceps surae muscle–tendon unit between young and postmenopausal women. Methods: 39 young and 37 postmenopausal women participated. The biomechanical properties of the triceps surae muscle–tendon unit were assessed in vivo using a free oscillation technique involving 30% of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction load. Findings: The postmenopausal women in this study show significant higher values in the damped natural frequency of oscillation (young 3.84Hz vs. postmenopausal 4.68Hz, P <0.001), muscle–tendon unit stiffness (young 16,446N/m vs. postmenopausal 23,229N/m, P <0.001), and muscle–tendon unit stiffness normalized by mass (young 286.3N/m vs. postmenopausal 325.1N/m, P <0.05). The postmenopausal study group shows significant lower values in the damping ratio (young 0.190 vs. postmenopausal 0.150, P <0.01) than young women. Interpretation: The postmenopausal subjects may not be able to take advantage of resonance as the young subjects, or, the relationship between these frequencies is adjusted according to the musculoskeletal characteristics of each group. The decrease in damping properties and the increase in muscle–tendon unit stiffness suggest that postmenopausal women might be at a greater risk of injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Insufficient and excessive stiffness may increase the risk of soft tissue and bone injuries, respectively, while the resonance frequency seems to be related with energy expenditure and stiffness. With aging and menopause muscle weakness, physical fragility and mobility limitations are also expected. Therefore this study addresses the differences of biomechanical properties of the triceps surae muscle–tendon unit between young and postmenopausal women. Methods: 39 young and 37 postmenopausal women participated. The biomechanical properties of the triceps surae muscle–tendon unit were assessed in vivo using a free oscillation technique involving 30% of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction load. Findings: The postmenopausal women in this study show significant higher values in the damped natural frequency of oscillation (young 3.84Hz vs. postmenopausal 4.68Hz, P <0.001), muscle–tendon unit stiffness (young 16,446N/m vs. postmenopausal 23,229N/m, P <0.001), and muscle–tendon unit stiffness normalized by mass (young 286.3N/m vs. postmenopausal 325.1N/m, P <0.05). The postmenopausal study group shows significant lower values in the damping ratio (young 0.190 vs. postmenopausal 0.150, P <0.01) than young women. Interpretation: The postmenopausal subjects may not be able to take advantage of resonance as the young subjects, or, the relationship between these frequencies is adjusted according to the musculoskeletal characteristics of each group. The decrease in damping properties and the increase in muscle–tendon unit stiffness suggest that postmenopausal women might be at a greater risk of injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Low- or high-arched feet and insufficient or excessive muscle–tendon stiffness have been identified as risk factors for lower extremity injuries. Additionally, increased body mass index and age may be responsible for structural changes of the foot, which might adversely affect the functional capacity of the longitudinal arch. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of body mass, age and triceps-surae musculotendinous stiffness with the foot arch structure of postmenopausal women. Methods: 81 post menopausal women (58.0 (SD 6.0) years) participated. An in vivo free oscillation technique was used to assess musculotendinous stiffness of the ankle. The two-step protocol was used to acquire gait plantar pressure data. Dynamic arch index was calculated as the ratio of the midfoot area to the area of the entire foot excluding the toes. Three groups were formed (cavus, normal and planus). Findings: Significant differences (P <0.05) between the groups cavus and planus were found for age using the ANOVA test. Using Kruskal–Wallis tests significant differences were found for body mass index between the cavus–normal groups and cavus–planus (P <0.001) but no significant differences were found for triceps-surae musculotendinous stiffness between foot-type groups. Interpretation: Since obese subjects present greater downward vertical forces, they might be more prone to overload foot structures leading to the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch affecting adversely the functional capacity of the foot. Deterioration of the musculoskeletal system, due to age, may also affect foot arch structure. No relationship between musculotendinous stiffness and foot arch structure appears to exist. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: There is a lack of research into the relationship between obesity and muscle–tendon unit stiffness in postmenopausal women. Muscle–tendon unit stiffness appears to affect human motion performance and excessive and insufficient stiffness can increase the risk of bone and soft tissue injuries, respectively. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between muscle–tendon unit stiffness and obesity in postmenopausal women. Methods: 105 postmenopausal women (58 [SD 5.5] years) participated. Four groups (normal weight, pre-obese, obesity class I and obesity class II) were defined according World Health Organization classification of body mass index. The ankle muscle–tendon unit stiffness was assessed in vivo with a free oscillation technique using a load of 30% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Findings: ANOVA shows significant difference in muscle–tendon unit stiffness among the groups defined (P <0.001). Post hoc analysis reveals significant differences between the following groups: normal weight–pre-obese; normal weight–obesity class I and normal weight–obesity class II. The normal weight group had stiffness of 15789 (SD 2969) N/m, pre-obese of 19971 (SD 3678) N/m, obesity class I of 21435 (SD 4295) N/m, and obesity class II of 23497 (SD 1776) N/m. Interpretation: Obese subjects may have increased muscle–tendon unit stiffness because of fat infiltration in leg skeletal muscles, range of motion restrictions and stability/posture reasons and might be more predisposed to develop musculoskeletal injuries. Normal weight group had identical stiffness values to those reported in studies where subjects were not yet menopausal, suggesting that stiffness might not be influenced by menopause. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: When a horse is diagnosed with a locomotor disorder, the veterinarian treats the specific injury to restore the horse to soundness. Even after the injury has healed, however, the horse may not be fully functional due to persistent limitations in movement or strength in specific areas of the body. As in people, rehabilitation seeks to optimize function and reduce any existing disability using a variety of methods including manual therapy, the use of physical and mechanical agents, and specialized exercise regimes. This study has reviewed the scientific literature with the goal of identifying which types of physical therapy have been described in horses over the past 20 years. The most frequently reported techniques were exercise, electrotherapy, and hydrotherapy but there are relatively few publications describing details of their use and outcomes in clinical cases. This study reviews the methodology and outcomes of rehabilitation in clinical cases. The results highlight the paucity of clinically-based reports on the practical applications of equine rehabilitation and physical therapy. Injuries to the locomotor system are a common problem in athletic horses. Veterinarians address these injuries using appropriate medical, surgical, and pharmacological treatments. During or after recovery from the initial injury, horses may be treated for functional locomotor deficits using specific rehabilitation techniques aimed at restoring full athletic performance. This study reviews the literature to identify which rehabilitative techniques have been used most frequently in horses over the past 20 years, the protocols that were used, and the outcomes of the treatments in naturally occurring injuries and diseases. Publications were identified using keyword selection (Equine Athlete OR Equine OR Horse) AND (Rehabilitation OR Physiotherapy OR Physical Therapy). After removing duplicates and screening papers for suitability, 49 manuscripts were included in the study. The majority of publications that met the inclusion criteria were narrative reviews (49%) in which the authors cited the relatively small number of published evidence-based studies supplemented by personal experience. Observational/descriptive studies were also popular (35%). Randomized control trials accounted for only 10%. The most frequently reported rehabilitation techniques were exercise, electrotherapy, and hydrotherapy. The findings highlight the need for further information regarding type of intervention, parameterization, and outcomes of equine rehabilitation in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid-phase nonpoint source pollution dispersion and removal on sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) is an important issue for urban pollution mitigation which remains a challenge, as current researches mostly focus on pollutants removal by settling. Nevertheless, most of liquid-phase pollutants behave as dissolved substances on overland flow and, therefore, they cannot be trapped, but uptake by biological mechanisms and adsorbed by green infrastructure media. Hence, dispersion of dissolved pollutant is of great importance for liquid-phase pollution removal, as it also increases contact with underlying media in the SUDS. This paper addresses the liquid-phase pollutant dispersion on conveyance structures within different materials, using experimental and modelling analysis. Hydrodynamic dispersion and flow velocity were analysed separately, or conjoint, using dispersivity, as it is a key factor for porous solute transport and removal. Therefore, the effect of different covers on pavements draining to, or as part of, SUDS with very shallow runoff was investigated. Four scenarios were performed in triplicate to measure the flow velocity and the conservative solute transport across longitudinal section of flume (experimental indoors self-contained setup) using electrolyte tracer under different flow discharges (32–1813 ml s−1) with 0.8, 4.4 and 13.2% slopes. For one scenario, free water flow on a smooth surface was performed and results were used as control. For the three remaining scenarios: sand roughness, stone and synthetic grass covers were investigated. The ratio of the dispersion coefficient and flow velocity (i.e. dispersivity factor) was also determined and compared with control. Finally, data were analysed considering flow regimes, using the dimensionless Reynolds and Froude numbers. Results showed that surface covers caused reduction in the flow velocity, from 1.2 to 7.7 fold. However, dispersivity factor can be increased from 3 to nearly 10 orders of magnitude for the three scenarios, compared to control, due to the dual effect on hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient and flow velocity. Results here presented should be helpful to better understand dissolved non-point source pollution dispersion and how different land covers can effect pollutant removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the temporal and spatial dynamic of soil temperature is crucial for agriculture, since it affects soil evaporation and soil biological activity, influencing seed germination, root growth and absorption of water and nutrients by crops, and ultimately the runoff process. Mulching is one of the most applied soil and water conservation method for soil moisture and soil temperature variations control. This study aimed to investigate the influence of three different mulch types (dried elephant grass straw, dried cashew tree leaves and coconut powder or coir dust), applied with three area densities (2, 4 and 8 t ha-1), on the soil surface temperature, under field conditions in the Brazilian semiarid region. Soil temperature monitoring was carried out using thermocouple sensors and an infrared camera in the Brazilian semiarid region. Results show that mulching provided a buffer zone, dampened soil temperature fluctuations over time, mainly for the 8 t ha-1 density. Mulching reduced soil temperature during the hotter period of the day and increased soil temperature during the night period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Advances on the fabrication of sintering-free biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP)/natural polymer composite scaffolds using robocasting as additive manufacturing technique are presented in the present work. Inks with high amounts of BCP powders (45 vol%) containing different HA/β-TCP ratios, in presence of crosslinked polymer, were successfully fine-tuned for extrusion by robocasting. The non-existence of sintering step opened the possibility to obtain drug loaded scaffolds by adding levofloxacin to the extrudable inks. The drug presence induced slightly changes on the rheological behaviour of the inks, more emphasized for the BCP compositions with higher amounts of β-TCP, and consequently, on the microstructure and on the mechanical properties of the final scaffolds. The strong interaction of β-TCP with chitosan difficult the preparation of suitable rheological inks for printing. Drug delivery studies revealed a fast release of levofloxacin with a high burst of drug within the first 30 min. Levofloxacin loaded samples also presented bacteria growth inhibition ability, proving that antibiotic was not degraded during the fabrication process and its bactericidal efficacy was preserved. From the results obtained, the composite scaffolds containing higher amounts of HA (around 80% HA/20% β-TCP) constitute a promising bi-functional synthetic bone substitute for simultaneous local bone regeneration and infection treatments. Graphical abstract Biphasic composite scaffolds (CaP based + natural polymer) with potential applications in concurrent bone regeneration and drug delivery. Unlabelled Image Highlights • Sintering-less CaPs/natural polymer scaffolds were fabricated by robocasting. • The absence of sintering enables the addition of drug to the extrudable inks. • Drug delivery studies revealed a fast release of levofloxacin. • Levofloxacin loaded scaffolds presented bacteria growth inhibition ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the foot contact time differences between obese and non-obese subjects during walking when crossing obstacles. Methods: Ninety-eight postmenopausal women were assigned to four groups, and their plantar pressure temporal data were collected using a two-step protocol during walking when crossing an obstacle set at 30% height of lower limb length of each subject. The initial, final, and duration of contact of 10 foot areas were measured. Results: Leading limb: (1) the heel groups initiated foot contact using the heel, and the non-heel groups initiated contact using the metatarsals; (2) heel obese subjects showed an earlier initial contact and a longer contact duration of metatarsals 2-3; (3) non-heel obese subjects showed an earlier midfoot initial contact. Regarding the trailing limb: (4) heel obese subjects showed an earlier midfoot initial contact and a longer contact duration of metatarsal 5; (5) non-heel obese subjects showed an earlier initial contact and a longer contact duration of metatarsals 4-5. Conclusions: (1) The non-heel groups' foot rollover pattern may result from an attempt of rapidly restoring stability; (2) the heel obese subjects seem to regulate their plantar foot muscles to overcome their overweight; (3) the overweight of the non-heel obese subjects leads to a quicker backward foot roll-over from the metatarsals to the heel; (4) the overweight of the heel obese subjects can distort their footprints and/or their higher inertia may precipitate an anticipation of the midfoot contact, which can also explain the result observed for 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High quality factor and a temperature stable resonant frequency make BaLa 4 Ti 4 O 15 (BLT) ceramics attractive materials for microwave applications. Aiming to exploit the effects of external stresses on the development of textured and anisotropic microstructures to optimise MW properties, the influence of applied external pressure during sintering of BLT ceramics is analysed. HRTEM and geometric phase analysis (GPA) showed that stresses applied during sintering, trigger the nucleation and growth of faults hypothesised to be due to the errors in the AO 3 layer (basal plane) stacking sequence of the hexagonal perovskite structure. The results reveal a strong correlation between the high concentration of structural defects and the development of anisotropic microstructures, which tune the properties of BLT. Stresses applied during sintering are therefore a promising tool to design material properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare rheumatoid arthritis post-menopausal women (RAPW) with pathological involvement of the lower limb joints and age-matched healthy post-menopausal women (AHPW) in regard to the dynamic joint stiffness of the ankle (DJSankle) during the stance phase of gait. Data were collected from 18 RAPW and 18 AHPW. Gait was assessed by a three-dimensional motion analysis system synchronised with a force plate. Subjects walked barefoot at natural and self-selected speed, performing 14 valid trials (comprising 7 left and 7 right foot-steps on a force plate). The stance phase was split into three sub-phases that corresponded to the three angular displacements of the ankle that occurred during this phase, namely, controlled plantar flexion (CPF), controlled dorsiflexion (CDF), and powered plantar flexion (PPF). A linear model represented each sub-phase and computed DJSankle. Model fitting was assessed by the coefficient of determination (R2). The coefficient of variation (CV) was used to assess intra-individual variability. In all sub-phases, R2 values for both groups were higher than 0.85. There were no differences in the R2 values among groups. RAPW showed a higher DJSankle during the CPF (p < 0.05). CDF and PPF yielded no differences among groups. During CPF, RAPW yielded a higher CV for DJSankle (p < 0.01). RAPW also yielded lower ankle angular displacements during CPF and PPF (p < 0.05). Findings suggested that the stance phase of RAPW and AHPW can be studied by a linear ankle 'moment of force -- angle' relationship. During CPF, RAPW exhibited excessive ankle stiffness and presented a higher intra-individual DJSankle variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on designing highly-porous cellular NiAl 2 O 4 -based spinel ceramics through combined suspension emulsification/reactive sintering and further decoration of the pore surfaces by Ni nanoparticles for potential applications in heterogeneous catalysis. Due to kinetic limitations and specific porous structure, the reduction occurs without affecting the integrity of the cellular monoliths. The reaction mechanism, assessed by XRD and TEM/EDS, includes both partial decomposition and reduction, resulting in the formation of metastable Al-enriched phases, mainly NiAl 32 O 49 , and metallic Ni phase, respectively. The results suggest that the cellular bulk framework can be decorated with Ni catalyst in a controlled way, by proper selection of the initial cation stoichiometry of the NiAl 2 O 4 spinel and appropriate reduction conditions. In selected conditions the reduction results in Ni nanoparticles of various dimension scales, finely dispersed at the pore surfaces, with a significant fraction below 50 nm, as confirmed by TEM/EDS. The results of thermodynamic analysis emphasize that the redox tolerance of the spinel phase is dependent on the Ni:Al activity ratio, suggesting the prospects for tuning the catalytic activity and stability by designing the initial composition and resulting content of metallic Ni and Ni- and Al-containing metastable phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the temporal foot rollover data between straight-ahead and side-cut walking and to establish a reference dataset for obese and nonobese postmenopausal women. Pressure data were collected using the two-step protocol. The initial, final, and duration of contact of 10 foot areas were measured, as 5 instants and 4 phases. Significant temporal foot rollover differences were found during walking with and without directional changes; however, most of these differences were common for obese and nonobese subjects.The trailing limb during the side-cut task anticipated the initial and final contact of the lateral forefoot and increased midfoot and toes duration, suggesting a greater role of these areas in the initial break and in foot stability. The leading limb throughout the side-cut task exhibited longer duration of the heel, midfoot, and stance phase probably due to an increase in the stride length of the trailing limb and leaning of the trunk toward the inner side of the turn. Additionally, obese women revealed a later final contact and longer contact duration of some metatarsal areas suggesting that the greater inertia of these subjects demands more time to stabilize and prepare the foot for the next step. Please provide 3 to 5 keywords for the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alumina-based open cellular microstructures with highly interconnected porosity attract much interest as supports for catalytic applications, with emphasis on petroleum and automotive sector. This work reports a novel route for in-situ functionalization of the sintered porous α-Al 2 O 3 ceramics by micro/nano structures of boehmite (γ-AlOOH), promoted by hydrothermal treatment in alkaline conditions. The mechanism of the process includes slow dissolution of the matrix, which acts as an aluminum precursor, and transport of Al-containing species inside the pores, resulting in growth of boehmite fibers and clusters of various morphologies, as confirmed by combined SEM/EDS/XRD/FTIR. These results suggest that deliberate variation of the pH and ionic strength of the hydrothermal medium may represent a promising strategy for controlling the spatial distribution, morphology and dimension scale of the grown boehmite. A complementary approach implies pre-treatment of cellular monoliths in highly-reducing conditions to increase the concentration of surface defects and dangling bonds, facilitating the matrix dissolution and probably acting as nucleation centers, and thus to boost the functionalization level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Analytical Methods for Determination of New Fluoroquinolones in Biological Matrices and Pharmaceutical Formulations by Liquid Chromatography: A Review," by Joana Sousa and colleagues, published in the March 10, 2012.

Abstract: Members of the solid-solution series Ce1−x Sr x PO4−δ (x =0, 0.01, 0.02) with mixed protonic and electronic transport have been synthesized by a nitrate-decomposition method followed by sintering at 1450°C. Impedance spectroscopy is employed to estimate the bulk electrical conductivity in wet (∼0.03atm) and dry atmospheres of O2 and 10%H2:90%N2. Conductivity increases with dopant concentration (x), oxygen partial pressure (pO2) and water vapour partial pressure (pH2O) reaching ∼3.5×10−3 Scm−1 at 600°C for x =0.02 in wet O2. Activation energies (E a) for the bulk conductivity of Ce0.98Sr0.02PO4−δ below 650°C are 0.44 and 0.78eV for wet oxidising and wet reducing conditions, respectively. A moderate but positive pO2 +n power-law dependence (n <1/10) of conductivity is exhibited in the pO2 range 10−2.5 to 10−1 atm, consistent with mixed ionic and p-type electronic transport. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates that the Sr-doped materials are stable in a CO2 atmosphere in the temperature range 25–1200°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This work presents a general three-dimensional multibody procedure for studying the human body motion with emphasis on the locomotion apparatus. The methodology includes a three-dimensional biomechanical model, data acquisition techniques and an inverse dynamics approach. The biomechanical model is based on a multibody formulation using natural coordinates and consists of 16 anatomical segments modeled by 33 rigid bodies for a total of 44 degrees-of-freedom. The action of the muscles is introduced in the equations of motion of the multibody model by means of driver actuators defined as kinematic constraints. By associating a Lagrange multiplier to each muscle actuator the muscle forces became coupled with the biomechanical model through the Jacobian matrix of the underlying multibody system. A Hill type muscle model is used to calculate individual muscle forces. The model for the muscle apparatus comprises 43 muscle groups for each leg, which use the full three-dimensional lines of action for these muscles in their geometric description. The problem of the redundancy of the forces on the musculoskeletal structure is solved by using inverse dynamics and static optimization methods. In the process of describing the methodology the benefits of modeling in natural coordinates are highlighted. The methodology developed is demonstrated through its application to a case of ballistic motion, represented by the take-off to an aerial trajectory in order to estimate the joint torques and the muscle force distribution in the supporting leg. The time characteristics of the resultant net torques at the basic joints of the supporting leg and the time-varying muscle force patterns are presented and discussed. The results obtained are explained in terms of their relevance to the activity under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the challenges of the European Union (EU), member states have adopted circular economy (CE) plans and strategies, with objectives and measures to foster circularity. Although the concept of CE refers to various natural resources such as water and land, little is known on how current CE policies are integrating these environmental resources. This article assesses how water and land concerns are embedded in the EU CE action plans issued in 2015 and 2020 and a set of nine member states' subsequent national plans. The assessment used a content analysis based on two variables, the frequency of water and land' related terms and the consistency of their inclusion within the plans. The findings reveal that neither water nor land emerge as major concerns in the CE plans, in comparison to materials or waste. Also, they are not consistently associated with the typical components of the plans namely problem-showcase, objectives, strategies and measures, stakeholders, and CE performance indicators. Nevertheless, the embeddedness of water is more evident in the plans of southern countries, whereas land concerns are much more erratic. If water and land concerns, are to be at the forefront of the transition to circularity, as the literature recommends, and if these plans are expected to offer an integrated approach of the CE concept, further efforts should be made to ensure their embeddedness. Image 1 • Circular Economy is as complex and integrative concept. • The narrative of circular economy action plans is screened by content analysis. • Water and spatial concerns are peripheral concerns in CE action plans. • Are not consistently associated with the typical components of an action plan. • The transition into circularity requires stronger embeddedness of water and land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]