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Rumen-protected betaine (RPB) can enhance betaine absorption in the small intestine of ruminants, while betaine can alter fat distribution and has the potential to affect the meat quality of livestock. Hence, we hypothesized that RPB might also affect the meat quality of lambs. Sixty male Hu sheep of similar weight (30.47 ± 2.04 kg) were selected and randomly subjected to five different treatments. The sheep were fed a control diet (control treatment, CTL); 1.1 g/day unprotected-betaine supplemented diet (UPB); or doses of 1.1 g/day (low RPB treatment; L-PB), 2.2 g/day (middle RPB treatment; M-PB) or 3.3 g/day (high RPB treatment; H-PB) RPB-supplemented diet for 70 days. Slaughter performance, meat quality, fatty acid and amino acid content in the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle, shoulder muscle (SM) and gluteus muscle (GM) were measured. Compared with CTL, betaine (including UPB and RPB) supplementation increased the average daily weight gain (ADG) (P < 0.05) and average daily feed intake (P < 0.01) of lambs. Rumen-protected betaine increased ADG (P < 0.05) compared with UPB. With increasing RPB doses, the eye muscle area of the lambs linearly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with CTL, betaine supplementation decreased water loss (P < 0.05) in SM and increased pH24 in the SM (P < 0.05) and GM (P < 0.05). Compared with UPB, RPB decreased water loss in the GM (P < 0.01), decreased shear force (P < 0.05) in the LD and SM and increased the pH of the meat 24 h after slaughter (pH 24 ). With increasing RPB doses, the shear force and b* value in the LD linearly decreased (P < 0.05), and the pH24 of the meat quadratically increased (P < 0.05). Compared with CTL, betaine supplementation increased the polyunsaturated fatty acid in the GM (P < 0.05). Compared with UPB, RPB supplementation decreased the saturated fatty acid (SFA) content in the LD (P < 0.05) and increased the unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), mono-unsaturated fatty acids and UFA/SFA ratio in the LD (P < 0.05). Compared with CTL, the content of histidine in the LD increased with betaine supplementation. Compared with UPB, RPB supplementation increased the content of total free amino acids and flavor amino acids in the LD of lambs (P < 0.05). With increasing RPB, the isoleucine and phenylalanine contents in the LD linearly increased (P < 0.05). Overall, the data collected indicated that the meat quality of lambs (especially in the LD) improved as a result of betaine supplementation, and RPB showed better effects than those of UPB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Interface crack between magnetoelectroelastic and orthotropic materials is studied. • Full-field solution in the cracked bi-materials is given. • Crack propagation can either be enhanced or retarded. Abstract In this paper, an interface crack between magnetoelectroelastic and orthotropic half-spaces under anti-plane shear and in-plane electric and magnetic loadings has been studied. By using integral transform techniques the mixed boundary value problem for interface crack was reduced to the solution of singular integral equations, which can be further reduced to solving a Riemann-Hilbert problem with closed form solution. An analytic full-field solution for stresses, electric fields, magnetic fields, electric displacement and magnetic induction in the cracked bi-materials is given, and of particular interests, the analytical expression of the stresses, electric displacements and magnetic inductions along the interface has been obtained. The crack sliding displacements (CSDs) of the interface crack are provided, and it is found that the stress distributions inside the orthotropic material are dependent on the elastic stiffness of the orthotropic material. The results of the stress intensity factors indicate that the crack propagation can either be enhanced or retarded depending on the magnitude and direction of the electric and magnetic loadings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract By assuming that Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of a linearly elastic and isotropic material vary along the radial direction in a panel with a circular hole and deformed by a far field uniaxial tensile traction, we first analytically find the stress concentration factor, K , at the hole. The problem is solved by superposing solutions of two problems – one of uniform biaxial tension and the other of pure shear. The solutions of the first and the second problem are, respectively, in terms of hypergeometric functions and Frobenius series. Subsequently, we analytically study the material tailoring problem for uniform biaxial tension, and give explicit variation of Young's modulus to achieve a prespecified K. For the panel loaded by a far field uniaxial tensile traction, we show that the K can be reduced by a factor of about 8 by appropriately grading Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio in the radial direction. By plotting K versus the two inhomogeneity parameters, we solve the material tailoring problem for a panel loaded with a far field uniaxial traction. The analytical results should serve as benchmarks for verifying the accuracy of approximate/numerical solutions for an inhomogeneous panel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomographic reconstruction algorithms offer a means by which a tilt-series of transmission images can be combined to yield a three dimensional model of the specimen. Conventional reconstruction algorithms assume that the measured signal is a linear projection of some property, typically the density, of the material. Here we report the use of multislice simulations to investigate the extent to which this assumption is met in HAADF-STEM imaging. The use of simulations allows for a systematic survey of a range of materials and microscope parameters to inform optimal experimental design. Using this approach it is demonstrated that the imaging of amorphous materials is in good agreement with the projection assumption in most cases. Images of crystalline specimens taken along zone-axes are found to be poorly suited for conventional linear reconstruction algorithms due to channelling effects which produce enhanced intensities compared with off-axis images, and poor compliance with the projection requirement. Off-axis images are found to be suitable for reconstruction, though they do not strictly meet the linearity requirement in most cases. It is demonstrated that microscope parameters can be selected to yield improved compliance with the projection requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study revealed that loss of ductility in an amorphous Fe-alloy coating on a steel substrate composite structure was essentially prevented from occurring, following radiation with modest neutron doses of ∼2 × 10 18 n/cm 2 . At the higher neutron dose of ∼2 × 10 19 , macroscopic stress-strain analysis showed that the amorphous Fe-alloy nanostructured coating, while still amorphous, experienced radiation-induced embrittlement, no longer offering protection against ductility loss in the coating-substrate composite structure. Neutron irradiation in a corrosive environment revealed exemplary oxidation/corrosion resistance of the amorphous Fe-alloy coating, which is attributed to the formation of the Fe 2 B phase in the coating. To establish the impact of elevated temperatures on the amorphous-to-crystalline transition in the amorphous Fe-alloy, electron microscopy was carried out which confirmed the radiation-induced suppression of crystallization in the amorphous Fe-alloy nanostructured coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naturally fermented dairy products contain a rich microbial biodiversity. This study aimed to provide an overview on the bacterial microbiota biodiversity of 85 samples, previously collected across a wide region of China, Mongolia, and Russia. Data from these 85 samples, including 55 yogurts, 18 naturally fermented yak milks, 6 koumisses, and 6 cheeses, were retrieved and collectively analyzed. The most prevalent phyla shared across samples were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria, which together accounted for 99% of bacterial sequences. The predominant genera were Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Streptococcus, Acetobacter, Acinetobacter, Leuconostoc, and Macrococcus, which together corresponded to 96.63% of bacterial sequences. Further multivariate statistical analyses revealed significant differences in the microbiota structure across sample geographic origin and type. First, on the principal coordinate score plot, samples representing the 3 main sample collection regions (Russia, Xinjiang, and Tibet) were mostly located respectively in the upper left, lower right, and lower left quadrants, although slight overlapping occurred. In contrast, samples from the minor sampling areas (Inner Mongolia, Mongolia, Gansu, and Sichuan) were predominantly distributed in the lower left quadrant. These results suggest a possible association between sample geographical origin and microbiota composition. Second, bacterial microbiota structure was stratified by sample type. In particular, the microbiota of cheese was largely distinct from the other sample types due to its high abundances of Lactococcus and Streptococcus. The fermented yak milk microbiota was most like that of the yogurts. Koumiss samples had the lowest microbial diversity and richness. In conclusion, both geographic origin and sample type shape the microbial diversity of naturally fermented milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] IVIG reduces brain Aβ levels. [•] IVIG induces Aβ efflux through the in vitro BCB membrane. [•] RAP and LRP1 siRNA significantly inhibit Aβ efflux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Femoral fractures are observed in selective-bred commercial turkeys; however, the etiology of such fractures is unknown. The current study investigated the whole bone morphological, material-level mechani-cal, and bone ash properties to determine the effect of selective breeding on bone strength. Femora from 3 divergent strains of turkeys, a commercial line, a dif-ferent selectively bred heavy line (F-line), and a lighter age or weight matched random-bred line (RBC2/R-EQ, respectively), were compared. Bone geometric proper-ties were measured with micro-CT and bone mechani-cal properties were measured using 3-point bending tests. Whole bone ash quantities were also recorded. Statistics were run using a general linear model multi-variate ANOVA (GLM ANOVA). Results showed that at similar ages, the faster growing birds (commercial and F-line) had femurs twice the size of the RBC2 line as measured by cross-sectional area as early as 8 wk into the study. The femurs of the commercial and F-lines also exhibited as much as 20% greater mechanical strength than femurs from the RBC2 line at 16 and 20 wk of age as measured by properties such as elas-tic modulus and ultimate tensile strength. However, at similar BW, the slower growing R-EQ line had higher mechanical properties than the other lines, with the elastic modulus being 40% greater and the ultimate tensile strength being 37% greater at weights equiva-lent to those of the commercial and F-lines at 12 wk of age. Moreover, it was observed that the morpho-logical properties (i.e., cross-sectional area, moments of inertia) are largely governed by BW, as there is little difference in the amount gained per week of age across the different lines. Conversely, the mechanical proper-ties, as well as the related ash content, appear to be governed at least in part by time. Therefore, whereas modulation of bone geometry is the key responder for changes in BW, sufficient time for matrix mineraliza-tion or maturation or both to occur is also essential for mechanical competence of bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton is a commonly prescribed Chinese medical herb for tumor therapy. In this study, an extract of Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton referred as Cpv was prepared and its anti-tumor effect was evaluated with MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton power was extracted with ethanol and the main components of the extract (Cpv) were analyzed with HPLC. The effect of Cpv on MCF-7 cells proliferation, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, mitochondrial membrane potential ([Delta]m), apoptosis, apoptotic related proteins, MDA-MB-231 cell migration, and integrins expression were determined. Furthermore, the effect of Cpv on some key signal transduction molecules was also investigated. Furanodienone, germacrone and furanodiene were identified as the main components of Cpv. Cpv treatment significantly inhibited cell proliferation, increased LDH release, induced intracellular ROS formation, and decreased [Delta]m in a dose-dependent manner in MCF-7 cells. Cpv induced apoptosis without affecting cell migration. Cpv increased protein expression of Bax, PARP, cleaved PARP, caspase-3, 7, JNK1, p-p42/44MAPK, NF-[kappa]B, IKK[alpha], IKK[beta], decreased protein expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Bim, Bik, Bad, integrin [beta]5, p42/44MAPK without affecting integrin [alpha]5, [beta]1, and p38MAPK protein expression. We concluded that Cpv inhibited MCF-7 cells proliferation by inducing apoptosis mediated by increasing ROS formation, decreasing [Delta]m, regulating Bcl-2 family proteins expression, and activating caspases. Cpv treatment also modulated several signaling transduction pathways. These results might provide some molecular basis for the anti-tumor activity of Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present a technique to tailor materials for functionally graded (FG) linear elastic hollow cylinders and spheres to attain through-the-thickness either a constant hoop (or circumferential) stress or a constant in-plane shear stress. The volume fractions of two phases of a FG material (FGM) are assumed to vary only with the radius and the effective material properties are estimated by using either the rule of mixtures or the Mori–Tanaka scheme; the analysis is applicable to other homogenization methods. For a FG cylinder we find the required radial variation of the volume fractions of constituents to make a linear combination of the radial and the hoop stresses uniform throughout the thickness. The through-the-thickness uniformity of the hoop stress automatically eliminates the stress concentration near the inner surface of a very thick cylinder. The through-the-thickness variations of Young’s moduli obtained with and without considering the variation of Poisson’s ratio are very close to each other for a moderately thick hollow cylinder but are quite different in a very thick hollow cylinder. For an FG sphere the required radial variation of the volume fractions of the two phases to get a constant circumferential stress is similar to that in an FG cylinder. The material tailoring results presented here should help structural engineers and material scientists optimally design hollow cylinders and spheres comprised of inhomogeneous materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The tailoring of elastic moduli in the radial direction is studied to design a fiber-reinforced orthotropic linear elastic rotating disk with constant radial or hoop stress or constant in-plane shear stress. For fibers arranged in concentric circles the axes of material symmetry coincide with the radial and the circumferential directions. However, when fibers are aligned along helices, the orientation of material principal axes varies with the radial coordinate of a point. For a solid disk made of an orthotropic material with Young’s moduli proportional to each other, we give explicit expressions for the required variations of the elastic moduli with the radius to attain a given state of stress. For a rotating annular disk composed of a fiber-reinforced composite with fibers placed along concentric circles, the required radial variation of the volume fraction of fibers is calculated numerically and exhibited graphically. For fibers of known volume fraction laid along helices, the radial variation of the fiber orientation angle is determined. We have also analyzed the material tailoring problem for a disk of variable thickness. Results presented herein should help structural engineers and material scientists optimally design rotating disks composed of radially inhomogeneous materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: To test the efficacy of phase-sensitive X-ray imaging for intact synovial joints, whereby refraction effects, along with the attenuation of conventional radiography, can be exploited. Design: Intact cadaveric human knee joints were imaged, in the computed tomographic mode, using an analyzer-based X-ray system at the National Synchrotron Light Source, Brookhaven National Laboratory. A collimated fan beam of 51keV X-rays was prepared by a silicon [1,1,1 reflection] double-crystal monochromator. The X-ray beam transmitted through the specimen was imaged after diffraction in the vertical plane by means of the analyzer crystal with the analyzer crystal tuned to its half-reflectivity point (6.5μrad). A two-dimensional filtered backprojection (FBP) algorithm was used for reconstructing transverse slices of images. Results: The resulting images demonstrate simultaneous soft tissue and bone contrast at a level that has not been achieved previously. Identifiable structures include articular cartilage, cruciate ligaments, loose connective tissue, menisci, and chondrocalcinosis. Conclusion: Phase-sensitive X-ray imaging using an analyzer-based system renders exceptionally high quality images of soft and hard tissues within synovial joints, with high contrast and resolution, and thus holds promise for the eventual clinical utility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Assuming that the mechanical properties of the materials vary continuously along the thickness direction and have the same exponential distribution, the free and forced vibration of functionally graded annular sectorial plates with simply supported radial edges and arbitrary circular edges is studied in this paper using a semi-analytical approach (SSM-DQM). The new SSM-DQM method can give an analytical solution along the graded direction using the state space method (SSM) and an effective approximate solution along the radial direction using the one-dimensional differential quadrature method (DQM). The accuracy and convergence of the presented method are demonstrated through numerical examples. For free vibration problems, the influences of various thickness ratios, radii ratios, sector angles, the material property graded indexes and circumferential wave numbers on the lowest non-dimensional frequency are investigated under different circular boundary conditions. And for forced vibration problems, the dynamic response of functionally graded annular sectorial plates under different forcing frequency is studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays a role in microcirculatory and immunomodulatory responses after warm ischemia/reperfusion. We hypothesized that eNOS is essential to maintain microcirculation, attenuate macrophage infiltration and decrease graft injury after liver transplantation. Liver transplantation was performed after 18 hours of cold storage in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution from wildtype and eNOS-deficient (B6.129P2-Nos3tm/Unc /J) donor mice into wildtype mice. Serum ALT, necrosis by histology, apoptosis by TUNEL, and macrophage infiltration by immunostaining against F4/80 antigen were determined 2 to 8 hours after implantation. Hepatic microcirculation was investigated after 4 hours by intravital confocal microscopy following injection of fluorescein-labeled erythrocytes. After sham operation, livers of wildtype and eNOS-deficient mice were not different in ALT, necrosis, apoptosis, macrophage infiltration, and microcirculation. After transplantation, ALT increased >3 times more after transplantation of eNOS-deficient livers than wildtype livers. Necrosis was >4 times greater, and TUNEL and F4/80 immunostaining in nonnecrotic areas were 2 and 1.5 times greater in eNOS-deficient donor livers, respectively. Compared with wildtype and eNOS sham-operated mice, sinusoidal blood flow velocity increased 1.6-fold after wildtype transplantation, but sinusoidal diameter was not changed. After transplantation of eNOS-deficient livers, blood flow velocity and sinusoidal diameter decreased compared with transplanted wildtype livers. These results indicate that donor eNOS attenuates storage/reperfusion injury after mouse liver transplantation. Protection is associated with improved microcirculation and decreased macrophage infiltration. Thus, eNOS-dependent graft protection may involve both vasodilatory and innate immunity pathways. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To demonstrate the ability of a novel radiographic technique, Diffraction Enhanced Radiographic Imaging (DEI), to render high contrast images of canine knee joints for identification of cartilage lesions in situ.Methods: DEI was carried out at the X-15A beamline at Brookhaven National Laboratory on intact canine knee joints with varying levels of cartilage damage. Two independent observers graded the DE images for lesions and these grades were correlated to the gross morphological grade.Results: The correlation of gross visual grades with DEI grades for the 18 canine knee joints as determined by observer 1 (r2 = 0.8856, P = 0.001) and observer 2 (r2 = 0.8818, P = 0.001) was high. The overall weighted kappa value for inter-observer agreement was 0.93, thus considered high agreement.Conclusion: The present study is the first study for the efficacy of DEI for cartilage lesions in an animal joint, from very early signs through erosion down to subchondral bone, representing the spectrum of cartilage changes occurring in human osteoarthritis (OA). Here we show that DEI allows the visualization of cartilage lesions in intact canine knee joints with good accuracy. Hence, DEI may be applicable for following joint degeneration in animal models of OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Theoretical investigations on solitary waves interacting with a surface-piercing concentric porous cylinder system are presented in this paper. The outer cylinder is porous and considered thin in thickness, while the inner cylinder is solid. Both cylinders are rigidly fixed on the bottom. Following Isaacson''s [Isaacson, Micheal de St. Q., 1983. Solitary wave diffraction around large cylinder. Journal of the Waterway, Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering 109(1), 121–127.] approach, we obtained the solutions for free-surface elevation and the corresponding velocity potential in terms of Fourier integrals. Numerical results are presented to show the effects of incident wave condition, porosity of the outer cylinder and radius ratio on wave forces and wave elevations around the inner and outer cylinders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Coals may be blended at mines to meet contractual criteria set by the client. In formulating a blend, the criterion that is hardest to meet is often the handlability because it is difficult to predict. Most research on coal handling treats coal handlability as a property to be measured for a given material, and there appear to have been very few attempts to predict the consequences of blending choices, or to use such information to optimise coal blends for the different contractual requirements. This paper presents what is believed to be the first study to explore the causal relationships in coal blending, to use these to predict the handlability of a blend, and to establish the basis needed to optimise blending choices. The ultimate goal of this work is an algorithm that can be used in on-line real time choices in coal blending operations, either at mines or at power stations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Synchrotron based energy dispersive X-ray diffraction has been used to profile the strains around fatigue cracks in 4140 steel test specimens. In particular strain field comparisons were made on specimens prepared: with initial constant stress intensity fatigue; with this initial fatigue followed by a single overload cycle; and with this fatigue-overload sequence followed by an additional constant stress intensity fatigue. The strain profiles behind, at and in-front-of the crack tip are discussed in detail. Selected strain profiles measurements under in situ applied tensile stress are also presented. The technique of optical surface height profiling reveals surface depression effects which can be correlated with the interior strain profiles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, the problem of a crack located in a functionally gradient piezoelectric interlayer between two dissimilar homogeneous piezoelectric half-planes being subjected to an anti-plane mechanical loading and an in-plane electric loading is considered. The material properties of the interlayer, such as the elastic stiffness, piezoelectric constant and dielectric constant, are assumed to vary continuously along the thickness of the interlayer, and the crack surface condition is assumed to be impermeable or permeable. By using the Fourier transform, the problem is first reduced to two pairs of dual integral equations and then into a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind. Numerical calculations are carried out, and the effects of crack geometric parameters on the stress intensity factor and the energy release rate are shown graphically. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents an exact solution for a simply-supported and laminated anisotropic cylindrical shell strip with imperfect bonding at the off-axis elastic layer interfaces and with attached anisotropic piezoelectric actuator and sensor subjected to transverse loading. In this research, the imperfect interface conditions are described in terms of linear relations between the interface tractions in the normal and tangential directions, and the respective discontinuities in displacements. The solution for an elastic (or piezoelectric) layer of the smart laminated cylindrical shell strip is obtained in terms of the six-dimensional (or eight-dimensional) pseudo-Stroh formalism, solution for multilayered system is then derived based on the transfer matrix method. Finally, a numerical example is presented to demonstrate the effect of imperfect interface on the static response of the smart laminated cylindrical shell. The derived solutions can serve as benchmark results to assess various approximate shell theories and numerical methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A general solution of the three-dimensional equilibrium problem of spherically isotropic magnetoelectroelastic media is presented. Base on the obtained general solution, exact and compact form solutions are obtained for (1) a spherically isotropic magnetoelectroelastic cone subjected to concentrated force, concentrated couple, a point charge and a point electric current at its apex; (2) a spherically isotropic magnetoelectroelastic space with a concentrated force at the origin; (3) a spherical shell under spherically symmetric deformation; and (4) stress concentration around a spherical cavity subjected to remote uniform tensile force, electric charge and electric current. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The two-dimensional time-harmonic dynamic Green’s functions in an infinite transversely isotropic piezoelectric solid are obtained. After introduction of a new function, the original problem is reduced to the determination of the Green’s function for the two-dimensional Helmholtz equation and that for the two-dimensional Laplace equation. The explicit expressions of all the field components are presented. It is verified that the obtained dynamic Green’s functions can reduce to the corresponding static ones by letting the circular frequency be zero. The asymptotic expansions for Green’s functions at far-field are also given. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An exact three-dimensional analysis is presented for a functionally gradient piezoelectric material rectangular plate that is simply supported and grounded along its four edges. The state equations of the functionally gradient piezoelectric material are developed based on the state space approach. Assuming that the mechanical and electric properties of the material have the same exponent-law dependence on the thickness-coordinate, we obtain an exact three-dimensional solution of the coupling electroelastic fields in the plate under mechanical, and electric loading on the upper and lower surfaces of the plate. The influences of the different functionally gradient material properties on the structural response of the plate to the mechanical and electric stimuli are then studied through examples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The problem of a Yoffe-type conducting crack moving with a constant velocity at the interface of two dissimilar piezoelectric half planes is investigated by employing complex variable method. Solutions for the complex potentials are derived. Explicit expressions for the field components on the interface are presented based on the obtained complex potentials. It is observed that the nature of the field singularities near the crack tip is intimately dependent on the crack moving velocity. In the extremely low speed regime, the singularities are δ=−1/2±i&epsiv;1; in the low speed regime, the singularities are δ=−1±i&epsiv;2; in the intermediate speed regime, the singularities are δ=−1/2±k; in the high speed regime, the singularities are δ=−1±i&epsiv;3; in the extremely high speed regime, the singularities are δ=−1/2±i&epsiv;4. &epsiv;i (i=1–4) and k are also explicitly given. A Yoffe-type moving conducting crack in a homogeneous piezoelectric material is treated as a special case. The numerical results demonstrate that the moving velocity V will exert a significant influence on the value of the singularities, and on the field component distributions along the interface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present paper investigates the problem of a conducting arc crack between a circular piezoelectric inclusion and an unbounded piezoelectric matrix. The original boundary value problem is reduced to a standard Riemann–Hilbert problem of vector form by means of analytical continuation. Explicit solutions for the stress singularities δ=−(1/2)±i&epsiv; are obtained, closed form solutions for the field potentials are then derived through adopting a decoupling procedure. In addition, explicit expressions for the field component distributions in the whole field and along the circular interface are also obtained. Different from the interface insulating crack, stresses, strains, electric displacements and electric fields at the crack tips all exhibit oscillatory singularities. We also define a complex electro-elastic field concentration vector to characterize the singular fields near the crack tips and derive a simple expression for the energy release rate, which is always positive, in terms of the field concentration vector. The condition for the disappearance of the index &epsiv; is also discussed. When the index &epsiv; is zero, we obtain conventionally defined electro-elastic intensity factors. The examples demonstrate the physical behavior and the correctness of the obtained solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper studies a transversely isotropic rod containing a single cylindrical inclusion with axisymmetric eigenstrains. The analytical elastic solution is obtained for the displacements, stresses and elastic strain energy of the rod. The effects of microstructural parameters and its evolution on the elastic stress and strain fields as well as the strain energy of the rod are quantitatively demonstrated through examples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A moving screw dislocation in a transversely isotropic piezoelectric material is investigated in detail. The analytical expressions for displacement, electric potential, stresses, electric displacements, strains, and electric fields are obtained. When the velocity of the dislocation is zero, or when the piezoelectric constant is zero, the results derived in this paper can reduce to known results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents an update for the reliability-based robust geotechnical design (RGD) method in the design of a soil-foundation system by systematically considering four different potential failure modes including: bearing resistance failure of subsoil, excessive foundation settlement, punching and bending failure of the spread foundation. Given the uncertainties in the critical geotechnical and structural parameters, a comprehensive investigation of the reliability and robustness of the soil-foundation system considering both single failure mode and multiple failure modes were conducted in this study. Moreover, the optimal designs of the soil-foundation system with respect to robustness and cost efficiency are found on the premise of satisfying the safety requirements. The results from this study indicate that both the uncertainties of the geotechnical and structural parameters should be taken into account in the RGD of soil-foundation system considering multiple failure modes. Without properly accounting for the width-to-height ratio of the foundation, increase of the footing geometries and the construction cost will not always lead to a safer and robust design. Besides, bearing resistance failure of subsoil has most significant influence on the reliability and robustness of the soil-foundation system and is identified as the control failure mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop a simple and convenient method based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical features to non-invasively predict tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in breast cancer (BC) and to explore the relationship between TIL levels and disease-free survival (DFS). A total of 172 BC patients were enrolled between November 2017 and June 2021 in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into high (≥10%) and low (<10%) TIL groups. Clinicopathological data were collected. MRI features were reviewed by two radiologists. Predictors associated with TILs were determined by using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Kaplan–Meier survival curves based on TIL levels were used to estimate DFS. A total of 102 patients with low TILs and 70 patients with high TILs were included in the study. Tumour size (odds ratio [OR], 1.040; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.006, 1.075; p= 0.020), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC; OR, 1.003; 95% CI: 1.001, 1.005; p= 0.015), clinical axillary lymph node status (CALNS; OR, 3.222; 95% CI: 1.372,7.568; p= 0.007), and enhancement pattern (OR, 0.284; 95% CI: 0.143, 0.563; p< 0.001) were independently associated with TIL levels. These features were used in the ALSE model (where A is ADC, L is CALNS, S is size, and E is enhancement pattern). High TILs were associated with better DFS (p= 0.016). The ALSE model derived from multiparametric MRI and clinical features could non-invasively predict TIL levels in BC, and high TILs were associated with longer DFS, especially in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive BC and triple-negative BC (TNBC). • Our study aims to noninvasively assess TILs in BC. • The ALSE model could predict TIL levels, especially in HER2-positive BC and TNBC. • Significantly better DFS was found in high TILs than in low TILs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]