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This investigation into the aerodynamic efficiency and structural integrity of tubercle leading edges, inspired by the agile maneuverability of humpback whales, employs a multifaceted experimental and computational approach. By utilizing static load extensometer testing complemented by computational simulations, this study quantitatively assesses the impacts of unique wing geometries on aerodynamic forces and structural behavior. The experimental setup, involving a Wheatstone full-bridge circuit, measures the strain responses of tubercle-configured leading edges under static loads. These measured strains are converted into stress values through Hooke’s law, revealing a consistent linear relationship between the applied loads and induced strains, thereby validating the structural robustness. The experimental results indicate a linear strain increase with load application, demonstrating strain values ranging from 65 με under a load of 584 g to 249 με under a load of 2122 g. These findings confirm the structural integrity of the designs across varying load conditions. Discrepancies noted between the experimental data and simulation outputs, however, underscore the effects of 3D printing imperfections on the structural analysis. Despite these manufacturing challenges, the results endorse the tubercle leading edges’ capacity to enhance aerodynamic performance and structural resilience. This study enriches the understanding of bio-inspired aerodynamic designs and supports their potential in practical fluid mechanics applications, suggesting directions for future research on manufacturing optimizations.

Myocardial involvement was shown to be associated with an unfavorable prognosis in patients with COVID-19, which could lead to fatal outcomes as in myocardial injury-induced arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. We hypothesized that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) myocardial strain parameters are sensitive markers for identifying subclinical cardiac dysfunction associated with myocardial involvement in the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). This study evaluated 115 subjects, including 65 consecutive COVID-19 patients, using MRI for the assessment of either post-COVID-19 myocarditis or other cardiomyopathies. Subjects were categorized, based on the results of the MRI exams, as having either ‘suspected’ or ‘excluded’ myocarditis. A control group of 50 matched individuals was studied. Along with parameters of global cardiac function, the MRI images were analyzed for measurements of the myocardial T1, T2, extracellular volume (ECV), strain, and strain rate. Based on the MRI late gadolinium enhancement and T1/T2/ECV mappings, myocarditis was suspected in 7 out of 22 patients referred due to concern of myocarditis and in 9 out of 43 patients referred due to concern of cardiomyopathies. The myocardial global longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strains and strain rates in the suspected myocarditis group were significantly smaller than those in the excluded myocarditis group, which in turn were significantly smaller than those in the control group. The results showed significant correlations between the strain, strain rate, and global cardiac function parameters. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the value of multiparametric MRI for differentiating patients with myocardial involvement in the PASC based on changes in the myocardial contractility pattern and tissue structure.

Notes on fits of analytic estimations, 2D finite element method (FEM), and 3D FEM simulations to measurements of the cathodoluminescence (CL) and to the degree of polarization (DOP) of the CL from the top surface of a (100) GaAs substrate with a 6.22 μm wide SiN stripe are presented. Three interesting features are found in the DOP of CL data. Presumably these features are noticeable owing to the spatial resolution of the CL measurement system. Comparisons of both strain and spatial resolutions obtained by CL and photoluminescence (PL) systems are presented. The width of the central feature in the measured DOP is less than the width of the SiN, as measured from the CL. This suggests horizontal cracks or de-laminations into each side of the SiN of about 0.7 μm. In addition, it appears that deformed regions of widths of ≈1.5 μm and adjacent to the SiN must exist to explain some of the features.

In this work, we reported the results of systematic studies of various configurations of chemically adsorbed hydrogen atoms on the surface of corrugated graphene induced by in-plane uniaxial compression. Different magnitudes of the substrate corrugations have been considered. Results of the calculations demonstrate the visible difference in the electronic structure of corrugated non-hydrogenated graphene, contrary to the absence of a visible effect of corrugation of graphene. The reciprocal effect of corrugation and local hydrogenation on the permeation of protons (H+) throughout the graphene membrane is also discussed. Results of the periodic DFT calculations demonstrate that binding energy between graphene and large hydrogen clusters drastically decreases with increasing the magnitudes of the corrugation graphene substrate. A similar effect of decreasing hydrogen binding energies was also observed for corrugated graphane. The obtained results can be used to control the release of hydrogen from graphene by switching mechanical stress on and off without applying additional heat.

Introduction: In systole, when the left ventricle (LV) twists, the left atrium (LA) behaves like a reservoir, having a special wall contractility pattern opposite to that of the LV wall. Accordingly, the objective of the present study was to investigate the associations between LV rotational mechanics and LA peak (reservoir) strains as assessed simultaneously by three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) under healthy conditions. Methods: In the present study, 157 healthy adults (mean age: 33.2 ± 12.7 years, 73 men) were involved. Complete two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography with 3DSTE-derived data acquisition were performed in all cases. The 3DSTE-derived LV rotational and LA strain parameters were determined at a later date. Results: Global LA peak reservoir circumferential (22.7 ± 6.4% vs. 27.6 ± 6.8%, p < 0.05) and area (57.8 ± 20.0% vs. 66.0 ± 22.7%, p < 0.05) strains proved to be reduced in the case of the highest vs. lowest basal LV rotation; other LA peak reservoir strains were not associated with increasing basal LV rotation. Global LA peak radial strain was highest in the case of the lowest vs. highest apical LV rotation (−19.2 ± 9.4% vs. −13.0 ± 8.2%, p < 0.05). Global LA peak reservoir 3D strain was lowest in the case of the highest vs. lowest apical LV rotation (−9.9 ± 6.8% vs. −5.0 ± 4.2%, p < 0.05). Only apical LV rotation proved to be significantly reduced in the case of the highest vs. lowest global LA peak reservoir 3D strain (8.12 ± 3.23° vs. 10.50 ± 3.44°, p < 0.05). Other global LA peak reservoir strains were not associated with basal and apical LV rotations. Conclusions: In LV systole, LV rotational mechanics is associated with LA deformation represented by LA peak (reservoir) strains even in healthy circumstances. While basal LV rotation is associated with LA widening, apical LV rotation is associated with LA thinning, suggesting the close cooperation of the LV and LA in systole even in healthy adults.

Introduction: The right ventricle (RV) lies on the left ventricle (LV), and their shapes and movements are characteristic and significantly different. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE)-derived LV strains, which represent LV contractility as quantitative features, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) as determined by M-mode echocardiography, which represents the longitudinal movement of the RV, in healthy adults. Methods: A total of 79 healthy adults (mean age: 28.1 ± 6.3 years; 33 men) were enrolled in the present study. After two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography, 3DSTE-derived data acquisition was carried out in all cases, and detailed 3DSTE-based analysis was performed offline at a later date. Results: Reduced TAPSE was associated with increased global and basal LV radial strain (RS). Increased TAPSE was also associated not only with increased global and basal LV-RS but also with global LV longitudinal strain (LS). An increase in global LV-RS and global LV circumferential strain (CS) showed associations with other strains except for global LV-LS. An increase in global LV-LS did not show associations with other strains. Increased global LV-RS was associated with reduced TAPSE, while the degree of global LV-LS and global LV-CS did not show associations with TAPSE. Conclusions: Three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography-derived LV-RS and LV-LS are associated with the longitudinal shortening of the RV represented by TAPSE in healthy adults.

This study verifies the practicality of using finite element analysis for strain and deformation analysis in regions with sparse GNSS stations. A digital 3D terrain model is constructed using DEM data, and regional rock mass properties are integrated to simulate geological structures, resulting in the development of a 3D geological finite element model (FEM) using the ANSYS Workbench module. Gravity load and thermal constraints are applied to derive directional strain and deformation solutions, and the model results are compared to actual strain and tilt measurements from the Jiujiang Seismic Station (JSS). The results show that temperature variations significantly affect strain and deformation, particularly due to the elevation difference between the mountain base and summit. Higher temperatures increase thermal strain, causing tensile effects, while lower temperatures reduce thermal strain, leading to compressive effects. Strain and deformation patterns are strongly influenced by geological structures, gravity, and topography, with valleys experiencing tensile strain and ridges undergoing compression. The deformation trend indicates a southwestward movement across the study area. A comparison of FEM results with ten years of strain and tiltmeter data from JSS reveals a strong correlation between the model predictions and actual measurements, with correlation coefficients of 0.6 and 0.75 for strain in the NS and EW directions, and 0.8 and 0.9 for deformation in the NS and EW directions, respectively. These findings confirm that the 3D geological FEM is applicable for regional strain and deformation analysis, providing a feasible alternative in areas with limited GNSS monitoring. This method provides valuable insights into crustal deformation in regions with sparse strain and deformation measurement data.

This paper aims, in the context of the need to reduce the weight and price of vehicles, to present theoretical and experimental results regarding towing systems made of alternative materials (fibrous composite materials and aluminum alloys). The study of the main element of the whole system, namely towbar research, was stressed, presenting comparative results. The FEM will be used to obtain the stress and strain field in the towball and the towing system. The experimental tests validate the theoretical results obtained. This paper studies five towing systems made by different materials and finally presents a series of practical recommendations, useful in the industry, regarding the improvement of the analyzed models.

This paper presents the design of a strain-sensitive, dual ball-shaped tunable zone (DBT) taper structure for light intensity modulation. Unlike conventional tapered optical fibers, the DBT incorporates a central light field modulation zone within the taper. By precisely controlling the fusion parameters between single-mode fiber (SMF) and polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF), the ellipticity of the modulation zone can be finely adjusted, thereby optimizing spectral characteristics. Theoretical analysis based on polarization mode interference (PMI) coupling confirms that the DBT structure achieves a more uniform spectral response. In cantilever beam strain tests, the DBT exhibits high sensitivity and a highly linear intensity–strain response (R² = 0.99), with orthogonal linear polarization mode interference yielding sensitivities of 0.049 dB/με and 0.023 dB/με over the 0–244.33 με strain range. Leveraging the DBT’s light intensity sensitivity, a temperature-compensated intensity difference and ratio calculation method is proposed, effectively minimizing the influence of light source fluctuations on sensor performance and enabling high-precision strain measurements with errors as low as ±6 με under minor temperature variations. The DBT fiber device, combined with this innovative demodulation technique, is particularly suitable for precision optical sensing applications. The DBT structure, combined with the novel demodulation method, is particularly well-suited for high-precision and stable measurements in industrial monitoring, aerospace, civil engineering, and precision instruments for micro-deformation sensing.

Heterostructures are highly promising photocatalyst candidates for water splitting due to their advanced properties than those of pristine components. The ZnO/Sc2CF2 heterostructure was designed in this work, and its electronic structure was investigated to explore its potential for water splitting. The assessments of binding energy, phonon spectrum, ab initio molecular dynamics, and elastic constants provide strong evidence for its stability. The ZnO/Sc2CF2 heterostructure has an indirect band gap of 1.93 eV with a type-Ⅰ band alignment. The electronic structure can be modified with strain, leading to a transition in band alignment from type-Ⅰ to type-Ⅱ. The heterostructure is suitable for water splitting since its VBM and CBM stride over the redox potential. The energy barrier and built-in electric field, resulting from the charge transfer, facilitate the spatial separation of photogenerated carriers, enhancing their utilization efficiency for redox processes. The photogenerated carriers in the heterostructures with lattice compression greater than 6% follow the direct-Z transfer mechanism. The ZnO/Sc2CF2 heterostructure is confirmed with high photocatalytic activity by a Gibbs free energy change of HER, which is 0.89 eV and decreases to −0.52 eV under an 8% compressive strain. The heterostructure exhibits a remarkable enhancement in both absorption range and intensity, which can be further improved with strains. All these findings suggest that the ZnO/Sc2CF2 heterostructure is an appreciated catalyst for efficient photocatalytic water splitting.

The work is devoted to the consideration of methods for determining the strain of objects using fiber Bragg gratings under a high-frequency vibration or pulsed mechanical action, which is difficult to perform using widespread methods and devices. The methods are based on numerical processing of the time dependence of the radiation power reflected from the fiber Bragg grating at various wavelengths, which makes it possible to measure strain parameters in a wide range of magnitude and frequencies. The efficiency of the proposed methods is demonstrated by numerical simulation. It is shown that it is possible to restore the strain dependence on time in the range ±1000 μϵ or more from simultaneously measured power dependencies reflected by the fiber Bragg grating using common fiber-optic components. The case of sequential registration of reflected radiation power at different wavelengths to determine the probability density of the distribution of the strain values is also considered. The results of signal processing obtained both by numerical simulation and experimentally for the case of a linear vibration are presented. The technical problems of using the proposed methods are discussed.

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) magnetic materials show potential for the advancement of high-density, energy-efficient electronic and spintronic applications in future memory and computation. Here, by using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we predict a new 2D Janus nitride MXene MnCrNO2 monolayer. Our results suggest that the optimized MnCrNO2 monolayer possesses a hexagonal structure and exhibits good dynamical stability. The intrinsic monolayer MnCrNO2 exhibits semiconductive properties and adopts a ferromagnetic ground state with an out-of-plane easy axis. It can sustain strain effects within a wide range of strains from −10% to +8%, as indicated by the phonon dispersion spectra. Under the biaxial tensile strain, a remarkable decrease in the bandgap of the MnCrNO2 is induced, which is attributed to the distinct roles played by Mn and Cr in the VBM or CBM bands. Furthermore, when the compressive strain reaches approximately −8%, the magnetic anisotropy undergoes a transition from an out-of-plane easy axis to an in-plane easy axis. This change is mainly influenced by the efficient hybridization of the d orbitals, particularly in Mn atoms. Our study of the Janus MXene MnCrNO2 monolayer indicates its potential as a promising candidate for innovative electronic and spintronic devices; this potential is expected to create interest in its synthesis.

Athlete’s heart (AH) represents the heart’s remarkable ability to adapt structurally and functionally to prolonged and intensive athletic training. Characterized by increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, enlarged cardiac chambers, and augmented cardiac mass, AH typically maintains or enhances systolic and diastolic functions. Despite the positive health implications, these adaptations can obscure the difference between benign physiological changes and early manifestations of cardiac pathologies such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). This article reviews the imaging characteristics of AH across various modalities, emphasizing echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and cardiac computed tomography as primary tools for evaluating cardiac function and distinguishing physiological adaptations from pathological conditions. The findings highlight the need for precise diagnostic criteria and advanced imaging techniques to ensure accurate differentiation, preventing misdiagnosis and its associated risks, such as sudden cardiac death (SCD). Understanding these adaptations and employing the appropriate imaging methods are crucial for athletes’ effective management and health optimization.

This paper presents a recent investigation into the electromechanical behavior of thermally reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as a strain sensor undergoing repeated large mechanical strains up to 20.72%, with electrical signal output measurement in multiple directions relative to the applied strain. Strain is one the most basic and most common stimuli sensed. rGO can be synthesized from abundant materials, can survive exposure to large strains (up to 20.72%), can be synthesized directly on structures with relative ease, and provides high sensitivity, with gauge factors up to 200 regularly reported. In this investigation, a suspension of graphene oxide flakes was deposited onto Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates and thermally reduced to create macroscopic rGO-strain sensors. Electrical resistance parallel to the direction of applied tension (x^) demonstrated linear behavior (similar to the piezoresistive behavior of solid materials under strain) up to strains around 7.5%, beyond which nonlinear resistive behavior (similar to percolative electrical behavior) was observed. Cyclic tensile testing results suggested that some residual micro-cracks remained in place after relaxation from the first cycle of tensile loading. A linear fit across the range of strains investigated produced a gauge factor of 91.50(Ω/Ω)/(m/m), though it was observed that the behavior at high strains was clearly nonlinear. Hysteresis testing showed high consistency in the electromechanical response of the sensor between loading and unloading within cycles as well as increased consistency in the pattern of the response between different cycles starting from cycle 2.

This study addresses the limitation of traditional non-destructive testing methods in real-time corrosion monitoring of pipe elbows by proposing the utilization of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) strain sensors, renowned for their resilience in harsh environments. However, the current mathematical relationship model for strain representation of elbow corrosion is still lacking. This paper develops a finite element model to scrutinize the strain changes in the elbow due to corrosion under hydrostatic pressure and bending loads. To mitigate temperature loading effects, the corrosion degree is evaluated through the disparity between hoop and axial strains. Simulation outcomes reveal that, under hydrostatic pressure, the strain difference exhibits minimal changes with the increase in corrosion degree, while under bending moment loading, the strain difference escalates proportionally with corrosion progression. Consequently, strain induced by bending moment loading solely characterizes the corrosion degree. Moreover, the optimal placement for FBG sensors is identified at the extrados of the pipe elbow, where strain is most prominent. These insights enhance comprehension of strain–corrosion dynamics in pipe elbows, offering valuable guidance for developing an FBG-based monitoring system for real-time corrosion tracking and predictive maintenance of pipeline infrastructures.

Wood drying is often accompanied by changes in mechanical properties due to external thermal energy. This study examined the influences of drying temperature on the mechanical properties of Japanese cedar based on the partial compression properties and bending properties. Two types of longitudinal specimens with quarter grain on both lateral surfaces were prepared under green conditions, followed by subsequent drying under each drying temperature (20 °C, 40 °C, 60 °C, 80 °C, and 100 °C). Then, the partial compression and bending tests were performed using the respective specimens. Young’s modulus perpendicular to grain, yield stress, and compressive strength obtained by the partial compressive test were highest for wood dried at 20 °C. It was considered that the decrease in mechanical properties was attributed to the thermal influences during drying at 100 °C and other factors such as compressive residual stress and cell walls collapsing at lower temperatures. The strain energy suggested that the effects of drying temperature became apparent, especially in the plastic region during loading in the direction perpendicular to the wood fiber. Bending properties showed little influence on drying temperatures compared to the partial compressive properties, whereas the fractures found under the loading point of the wood dried at 100 °C suggested a reduction in resistance to shear forces.

For semiconducting two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), the carrier transport properties of the material are affected by strain engineering. In this study, we investigate the carrier mobility of monolayer hafnium disulphide (HfS2) under different biaxial strains by first-principles calculations combined with the Kubo–Greenwood mobility approach and the compact band model. The decrease/increase in the effective mass of the conduction band (CB) of monolayer HfS2 caused by biaxial tensile/compressive strain is the major reason for the enhancement/degradation of its electron mobility. The lower hole effective mass of the valence bands (VB) in monolayer HfS2 under biaxial compressive strain improves its hole transport performance compared to that under biaxial tensile strain. In summary, biaxial compressive strain causes a decrease in both the effective mass and phonon scattering rate of monolayer HfS2, resulting in an increase in its carrier mobility. Under the biaxial compressive strain reaches 4%, the electron mobility enhancement ratio of the CB of monolayer HfS2 is ~90%. For the VB of monolayer HfS2, the maximum hole mobility enhancement ratio appears to be ~13% at a biaxial compressive strain of 4%. Our results indicate that the carrier transport performance of monolayer HfS2 can be greatly improved by strain engineering.

Research on the deformation characteristics and failure modes of buried pipelines under local suspension conditions caused by groundwater loss in coal mining subsidence areas is conducive to grasping the failure evolution law of pipelines and providing technical support for the precise maintenance of gathering and transportation projects and the coordinated mining of gas and coal resources. First, a test system for monitoring the deformation of pipelines under loading was designed, which mainly includes pipeline load application devices, end fixing and stress monitoring devices, pipeline end brackets, and stress–strain monitoring devices. Then, a typical geological hazard faced by oil and gas pipelines in the gas–coal overlap area—local suspension—was used as the engineering background to simulate the field conditions of a 48 mm diameter gas pipeline with a localized uniform load. At the same time, deformation, top–bottom strain, end forces, and damage patterns of the pipeline were monitored and analyzed. The results show that the strain at the top and bottom of the pipeline increased as the load increased. In this case, the top was under pressure, and the bottom was under tension, and the conditions at the top and bottom were opposite.. For the same load, the strain tended to increase gradually from the end to the middle of the pipeline, and at the top, it increased significantly more than at the bottom. The tensile force carried by the end of the pipeline increased as the applied load increased, and the two were positively correlated by a quadratic function. The overall deformation of the pipeline evolved from a flat-bottom shape to a funnel and then to a triangular shape as the uniform load increased. In addition, plastic damage occurred when the pipeline deformed into a triangular shape. The results of the investigation clarify for the first time the mathematical relationship between local loads and ultimate forces on pipelines and analyze the evolution of pipeline failure, providing a reference for pipeline field maintenance. Based on this, the maximum deformation of and the most vulnerable position in natural gas pipelines passing through a mining subsidence area can be preliminarily judged, and then the corresponding remedial and protection measures can be taken, which has a certain guiding role for the protection of natural gas pipelines.

In this review, we summarize the latest advances in the design of optical frequency-domain reflectometers (OFDRs), digital signal processing, and sensors based on special optical fibers. We discuss state-of-the-art approaches to improving metrological characteristics, such as spatial resolution, SNR, dynamic range, and the accuracy of determining back reflection coefficients. We also analyze the latest achievements in the OFDR-based sensors: the accuracy of spatial localization of the impact, the error in detecting temperatures, deformation, and other quantities, and the features of separate measurement of various physical quantities. We also pay attention to the trend of mutual integration of frequency-domain optical reflectometry methods with time-domain optical reflectometry, which provides completely new sensing possibilities. We believe that this review may be useful to engineers and scientists focused on developing a lab setup, complete measurement instrument, or sensing system with specific requirements.

We report on the use of 2D Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskites as optoelectronic materials in building-integrated applications, addressing the challenge of balancing transparency, photoluminescence, and stability. With the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), the 2D RP films exhibit superior transparency compared to their 3D counterparts with an average visible transmittance (AVT) greater than 50% and photoluminescence stability under continuous illumination and 85 °C heat for up to 100 h as bare, unencapsulated films. Structural investigations show a stress relaxation in the 3D perovskite films after degradation from thermal aging that is not observed in the 2D RP films, which retain their phase after thermal and light aging. We also demonstrate ultrasmooth, wide-bandgap 2D Dion–Jacobson (DJ) films with PVP incorporation up to 2.95 eV, an AVT above 70%, and roughnesses of ~2 nm. These findings contribute to the development of next-generation solar materials, paving the way for their integration into built structures.

This paper presents a comprehensive study focused on evaluating the strain generated within short concrete columns reinforced with glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars and spirals under concentric compressive axial loads. This research was motivated by the lack of sufficient data in the literature regarding strain in such columns. Five full-scale RC columns were cast and tested, comprising four strengthened with GFRP reinforcement and one reference column reinforced with steel bars and spirals. This study thoroughly examined the influence of various test parameters, such as the reinforcement type, longitudinal reinforcement ratio, and spacing of spiral reinforcement, on the strain in concrete, GFRP bars, and spirals. The experimental results showed that GFRP–RC columns exhibited similar strain behavior to steel–RC columns up to 85% of their peak loads. The study also highlighted that the bearing capacity of the columns increased by up to 25% with optimized reinforcement ratios and spiral spacing, while the failure mode transitioned from a ductile to a more brittle nature as the reinforcement ratio increased. Additionally, it is preferable to limit the compressive strain in GFRP bars to less than 20% of their ultimate tensile strain and the strain in GFRP spirals to less than 12% of their ultimate strain to ensure the safe and reliable use of these materials in RC columns. This research also considers the prediction of the axial load capacities using established design standards permitting the use of FRP bars in compressive members, namely ACI 440.11-22, CSA-S806-12, and JSCE-97, and underscores their limitations in accurately predicting GFRP–RC columns’ failure capacities. This study proposes an equation to enhance the prediction accuracy for GFRP–RC columns, considering the contributions of concrete, spiral confinement, and the axial stiffness of longitudinal GFRP bars. This equation addresses the shortcomings of existing design standards and provides a more accurate assessment of the axial load capacities for GFRP–RC columns. The proposed equation outperformed numerous other equations suggested by various researchers when employed to estimate the strength of 42 columns gathered from the literature.

Non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) represents a significant cause of heart failure, defined as the presence of left ventricular (LV) dilatation and systolic dysfunction unexplained solely by abnormal loading conditions or coronary artery disease. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has emerged as a cornerstone in the management of heart failure, particularly in patients with DCM. However, identifying patients who will benefit the most from CRT remains challenging. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has garnered attention as a non-invasive imaging modality that allows for the quantitative assessment of myocardial mechanics, offering insights into LV function beyond traditional echocardiographic parameters. This comprehensive review explores the role of STE in guiding patient selection and optimizing outcomes in CRT for DCM. By assessing parameters such as LV strain, strain rate, and dyssynchrony, STE enables a more precise evaluation of myocardial function and mechanical dyssynchrony, aiding in the identification of patients who are most likely to benefit from CRT. Furthermore, STE provides valuable prognostic information and facilitates post-CRT optimization by guiding lead placement and assessing response to therapy. Through an integration of STE with CRT, clinicians can enhance patient selection, improve procedural success rates, and ultimately, optimize clinical outcomes in patients with DCM. This review underscores the pivotal role of STE in advancing personalized management strategies for DCM patients undergoing CRT.

Measurements of the cathodoluminescence (CL) and the degree of polarization (DOP) of (CL) from the facet of a GaAs substrate and in the vicinity of a SiN stripe are reported and analyzed. The deformation induced by the SiN stripe is estimated by fitting the measured DOP to 3D finite element method (FEM) simulations. The deformation is found to be more complex than an initial condition of biaxial stress in the SiN. A ratio of fit coefficients suggests that the dependence of DOP on strain is described by equations presented in Appl. Opt. 59, 5506–5520 (2020). These equations give a DOP that is either proportional to a weighted difference of the principal components of strain in the measurement plane, or proportional to the shear strain in the measurement plane, depending on the chosen orientation of the measurement axes.

Background and Objectives: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are common concerns in intensive care unit patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF). Although both conditions lead to impairment of global respiratory parameters, their underlying mechanisms differ substantially. Therefore, a separate assessment of the different respiratory compartments should reveal differences in respiratory mechanics. Materials and Methods: We prospectively investigated alterations in lung and chest wall mechanics in 18 mechanically ventilated pigs exposed to varying levels of intra-abdominal pressures (IAP) and ARDS. The animals were divided into three groups: group A (IAP 10 mmHg, no ARDS), B (IAP 20 mmHg, no ARDS), and C (IAP 10 mmHg, with ARDS). Following induction of IAP (by inflating an intra-abdominal balloon) and ARDS (by saline lung lavage and injurious ventilation), respiratory mechanics were monitored for six hours. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA to compare the alterations within each group. Results: After six hours of ventilation, end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) decreased across all groups, while airway and thoracic pressures increased. Significant differences were noted between group (B) and (C) regarding alterations in transpulmonary pressure (TPP) (2.7 ± 0.6 vs. 11.3 ± 2.1 cmH2O, p < 0.001), elastance of the lung (EL) (8.9 ± 1.9 vs. 29.9 ± 5.9 cmH2O/mL, p = 0.003), and elastance of the chest wall (ECW) (32.8 ± 3.2 vs. 4.4 ± 1.8 cmH2O/mL, p < 0.001). However, global respiratory parameters such as EELV/kg bodyweight (−6.1 ± 1.3 vs. −11.0 ± 2.5 mL/kg), driving pressure (12.5 ± 0.9 vs. 13.2 ± 2.3 cmH2O), and compliance of the respiratory system (−21.7 ± 2.8 vs. −19.5 ± 3.4 mL/cmH2O) did not show significant differences among the groups. Conclusions: Separate measurements of lung and chest wall mechanics in pigs with IAH or ARDS reveals significant differences in TPP, EL, and ECW, whereas global respiratory parameters do not differ significantly. Therefore, assessing the compartments of the respiratory system separately could aid in identifying the underlying cause of ARF.

This work explores the advantages and disadvantages of a methodology using high-energy X-ray diffraction to determine residual stresses in multilayer structures produced by atmospheric plasma spraying. These structures comprise a titanium alloy substrate (Ti64), a bonding layer (Ni-Al), and an abrasive coating (Al2O3). This study focuses on analyzing the residual stress gradients within these layers. The presented method is used to determine stresses across the entire thickness of multilayer structures. Experiments were carried out using a high-energy rectangular beam, operating in transmission mode, on the cross-section of the sample. The results indicate variable stresses throughout the depth of the sample, particularly near the layer interfaces. The semi-automatic methodology presented here enables us to follow stress evolution within the different layers, providing indications of the load transfer between them and at their interfaces. The sin2ψ method was used to analyze the diffraction data and to determine the stresses in each phase along the sample depth. However, interpreting results near the interfaces is complex due to the geometric and chemical effects. We present a discussion of the main advantages and disadvantages of the methodology for this kind of industrial sample.

This study delved into exploring microstructural states in a Ti–7Ag alloy to achieve targeted functional and structural properties. Specifically, the focus was on attaining a homogeneously precipitated state and a solid solution, known for their potential to combine functional traits like corrosion resistance and antibacterial activity with structural properties such as mechanical strength. However, obtaining these optimized microstructures presents challenges due to kinetic considerations. A key finding of this study was the crucial role of a pre-deformation stage, prior to heat treatment, to create an even distribution of fine Ti2Ag precipitates. Moreover, we demonstrated that starting from this precipitated state, a controlled dissolution step could yield a single-phase solid solution with similar grain size. Therefore, a tailored set of thermomechanical treatments was developed to achieve both microstructures, and these metallurgical states were fully characterized combining SEM (BSE imaging and EDS analysis), TEM, and XRD. Associated mechanical properties were also assessed by tensile testing. In addition, the process was proven to be robust enough to overcome potential industrial problems, such as slow cooling rates when water-quenching large ingots. Considering the limited existing documentation on microstructural features in Ti–Ag alloys, this work on this model alloy significantly advanced our current understanding of the broader Ti–Ag alloy system by providing new data and showcasing a tailored approach involving thermomechanical treatments.

Frog virus 3 (FV3) in the genus Ranavirus of the family Iridoviridae causes mass mortality in both anurans and urodeles worldwide; however, the phylogenetic origin of FV3-like ranaviruses is not well established. In Asia, three FV3-like ranaviruses have been reported in farmed populations of amphibians and reptiles. Here, we report the first case of endemic FV3-like ranavirus infections in the Korean clawed salamander Onychodactylus koreanus, caught in wild mountain streams in the Republic of Korea (ROK), through whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Two isolated FV3-like ranaviruses (Onychodactylus koreanus ranavirus, OKRV1 and 2) showed high similarity with the Rana grylio virus (RGV, 91.5%) and Rana nigromaculata ranavirus (RNRV, 92.2%) but relatively low similarity with the soft-shelled turtle iridovirus (STIV, 84.2%) in open reading frame (ORF) comparisons. OKRV1 and 2 formed a monophyletic clade with previously known Asian FV3-like ranaviruses, a sister group of the New World FV3-like ranavirus clade. Our results suggest that OKRV1 and 2 are FV3-like ranaviruses endemic to the ROK, and RGV and RNRV might also be endemic strains in China, unlike previous speculation. Our data have great implications for the study of the phylogeny and spreading routes of FV3-like ranaviruses and suggest the need for additional detection and analysis of FV3-like ranaviruses in wild populations in Asian countries.

Identifying distributed strain sensing (DSS) patterns (or signatures), particularly those arising from different hydraulic fracture geometries, has gained significant attention and research effort. Recent works have generated a catalogue of signatures for planar hydraulic fractures in an elastic rock formation. Yet, in numerous cases (e.g., fault motion and some geothermal reservoir stimulation), the main mode of deformation is a shear on a fracture or a network of natural fractures (particularly during low pressure injection/circulation). However, the specific fiber signatures that result from such shear deformation have not been studied. In this study, we use a three-dimensional poroelastic hydraulic fracture simulator to capture the strain signatures resulting from the shear deformation of fractures in various orientations with respect to the monitoring well. Five key cases are examined: one where the fracture strike is perpendicular to the fiber, another with the strike running parallel to the fiber, a third case where the fracture strike is at 45 degrees to the fiber, a fourth case with a strike slip fault perpendicular to the fiber, and a fifth case where fiber is intersecting the fracture. Theoretically and physically meaningful results were obtained in all five cases, which completely differ from the heart-shaped signature of tensile fracture propagation. It was discovered that the strain pattern changes with the shear deformation direction with respect to the fiber. The model is then used to simulate the response of a fracture network at Utah FORGE to injection to assess whether a signature might be expected in response to the planned injection and circulation rates, and, if so, what strain pattern might be expected. The simulation confirms that a strain response can indeed be observed. More importantly, the fiber response that would be detected in the monitoring well would be a combination of strain signatures from dilation and shear deformation of differently oriented natural fractures. The results in this study provide useful insights on the application of fiber to other stimulation and/or circulation scenarios where shear deformation of a fracture or fracture network plays a major role.

In engineering measurements, metal foil strain gauges suffer from a limited range and low sensitivity, necessitating the development of flexible sensors to fill the gap. This paper presents a flexible, high-performance piezoresistive sensor using a composite consisting of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The proposed sensor demonstrated a significantly wider range (97%) and higher gauge factor (GF) (6.3), effectively addressing the shortcomings of traditional strain gauges. The microstructure of the GNPs/PDMS composite was observed using a scanning electron microscope, and the distribution of the conductive network was analyzed. The mechanical behavior of the sensor encapsulation was analyzed, leading to the determination of the mechanisms influencing encapsulation. Experiments based on a standard equal-strength beam were conducted to investigate the influence of the base and coating dimensions of the sensor. The results indicated that reducing the base thickness and increasing the coating length both contributed to the enhancement of the sensor’s performance. These findings provide valuable guidance for future development and design of flexible sensors.

Two-dimensional (2D) ferromagnets have attracted significant interest for their potential in spintronic device miniaturization, especially since the discovery of ferromagnetic ordering in monolayer materials such as CrI3 and Fe3GeTe2 in 2017. This study presents a detailed investigation into the effects of the Hubbard U parameter, biaxial strain, and structural distortions on the magnetic characteristics of T″-phase VTe2. We demonstrate that setting the Hubbard U to 0 eV provides an accurate representation of the observed structural, magnetic, and electronic features for both bulk and monolayer T″-phase VTe2. The application of strain reveals two distinct ferromagnetic states in the monolayer T″-phase VTe2, each characterized by minor structural differences, but notably different magnetic moments. The T″-1 state, with reduced magnetic moments, emerges under compressive strain, while the T″-2 state, featuring increased magnetic moments, develops under tensile strain. Our analysis also compares the magnetic anisotropy between the T and T″ phases of VTe2, highlighting that the periodic lattice distortion in the T″-phase induces an in-plane anisotropy, which makes it a material with an easy-axis of magnetization. Monte Carlo simulations corroborate our findings, indicating a high Curie temperature of approximately 191 K for the T″-phase VTe2. Our research not only sheds light on the critical aspects of the VTe2 system but also suggests new pathways for enhancing low-dimensional magnetism, contributing to the advancement of spintronics and straintronics.

The crystal phase, alongside the composition, morphology, architecture, facet, size, and dimensionality, has been recognized as a critical factor influencing the properties of noble metal nanomaterials in various applications. In particular, unconventional crystal phases can potentially enable fascinating properties in noble metal nanomaterials. Recent years have witnessed notable advances in the phase engineering of nanomaterials (PEN). Within the accessible strategies for phase engineering, the effect of strain cannot be ignored because strain can act not only as the driving force of phase transition but also as the origin of the diverse physicochemical properties of the unconventional crystal phase. In this review, we highlight the development of unconventional crystal-phase noble metal nanomaterials within strain engineering. We begin with a short introduction of the unconventional crystal phase and strain effect in noble metal nanomaterials. Next, the correlations of the structure and performance of strain-engineered unconventional crystal-phase noble metal nanomaterials in electrocatalysis are highlighted, as well as the phase transitions of noble metal nanomaterials induced by the strain effect. Lastly, the challenges and opportunities within this rapidly developing field (i.e., the strain engineering of unconventional crystal-phase noble metal nanocatalysts) are discussed.

InAs quantum wells (QWs) are promising material systems due to their small effective mass, narrow bandgap, strong spin–orbit coupling, large g-factor, and transparent interface to superconductors. Therefore, they are promising candidates for the implementation of topological superconducting states. Despite this potential, the growth of InAs QWs with high crystal quality and well-controlled morphology remains challenging. Adding an overshoot layer at the end of the metamorphic buffer layer, i.e., a layer with a slightly larger lattice constant than the active region of the device, helps to overcome the residual strain and provides optimally relaxed lattice parameters for the QW. In this work, we systematically investigated the influence of overshoot layer thickness on the morphological, structural, strain, and transport properties of undoped InAs QWs on GaAs(100) substrates. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the metamorphic buffer layer, which includes the overshoot layer, provides a misfit dislocation-free InAs QW active region. Moreover, the residual strain in the active region is compressive in the sample with a 200 nm-thick overshoot layer but tensile in samples with an overshoot layer thicker than 200 nm, and it saturates to a constant value for overshoot layer thicknesses above 350 nm. We found that electron mobility does not depend on the crystallographic directions. A maximum electron mobility of 6.07 × 105 cm2/Vs at 2.6 K with a carrier concentration of 2.31 × 1011 cm−2 in the sample with a 400 nm-thick overshoot layer has been obtained.

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) stands out for its versatility in numerous applications, thanks to its unique reversible insulator-to-metal phase transition. This transition can be initiated by various stimuli, leading to significant alterations in the material’s characteristics, including its resistivity and optical properties. As the interest in the material is growing year by year, the purpose of this review is to explore the trends and current state of progress on some of the applications proposed for VO2 in the field of sensors and actuators using literature review methods. Some key applications identified are resistive sensors such as strain, temperature, light, gas concentration, and thermal fluid flow sensors for microfluidics and mechanical microactuators. Several critical challenges have been recognized in the field, including the expanded investigation of VO2-based applications across multiple domains, exploring various methods to enhance device performance such as modifying the phase transition temperature, advancing the fabrication techniques for VO2 structures, and developing innovative modelling approaches. Current research in the field shows a variety of different sensors, actuators, and material combinations, leading to different sensor and actuator performance input ranges and output sensitivities.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global pandemic causing multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). This study evaluated the long-term echocardiographic impact of MIS-C on patients and compared it with that in a healthy control group. Data from 22 children with MIS-C admitted to Jeonbuk National University Hospital and 22 healthy children (control group) were retrospectively analyzed. Echocardiographic data were compared at two distinct time points: diagnosis and 1-year follow-up. At diagnosis, the MIS-C cohort exhibited significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), longitudinal strain across the apical 4- and 2-chamber views, and global longitudinal strain (GLS). At 1-year follow-up, the reduced LVEF in the apical 4-chamber, overall longitudinal strain in the apical 4-chamber, and GLS persisted. However, the right ventricular free wall and global strain remained diminished compared with those in the control group. Despite significant changes over time, the LVEF and longitudinal strain in the apical 4-chamber and z-scores of all coronary arteries were normal at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Persistent cardiac alterations were observed in patients with MIS-C, particularly in both ventricular functions. Therefore, middle- to long-term echocardiographic follow-up may help improve understanding and management of long-term echocardiographic implications in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Current mortality is low in cases of childhood acute leukemia. Dilated cardiomyopathy induced by anthracyclines remains the main cause of morbidity and mortality during mid-term and long-term follow-up. The aim of our study was to analyze the profile of left ventricular alterations in children treated with anthracyclines and to analyze risks and protective factors, including physical activity. Children and young adults with acute leukemia treated with anthracyclines between 2000 and 2018 during childhood were included. The physical activity performed by the patients before and after treatment was quantified in metabolic equivalent tasks, MET.h, per week. An echocardiographic assessment was performed, including strain analysis. Thirty-eight patients with a median age of 5 [3–8] years were included. Dilated cardiomyopathy was diagnosed in 3 patients and longitudinal strain abnormalities were observed in 11 patients (28.9%). Radiotherapy, cumulative anthracycline doses > 240 mg/m2, and the practice of physical activity > 14 MET.h per week (after leukemia treatment) were independently associated with strain abnormalities. In multivariate analysis, radiotherapy was significantly associated with an increased risk of LV GLS abnormalities (OR = 1.26 [1.01–1.57], p = 0.036), and physical activity > 14 MET.h/week after oncological treatment was significantly associated with a reduction in the risk of LV GLS abnormalities (OR of 0.03 [0.002–0.411], p = 0.009). The strain assessment of left ventricular function is an interesting tool for patient follow-up after leukemia treatment. Moderate and steady physical activity seems to be associated with fewer longitudinal strain abnormalities in patients treated with anthracyclines during childhood.

Background and Objectives: Atrioventricular (AV) dyssynchrony as well as atrial and ventricular pacing affect left atrial (LA) function. We conducted a study evaluating the effect of atrial and ventricular pacing on LA morphological and functional changes after dual-chamber pacemaker implantation. Materials and Methods: The study prospectively enrolled 121 subjects who had a dual-chamber pacemaker implanted due to sinus node disease (SND) or atrioventricular block (AVB). Subjects were divided into three groups based on indication and pacemaker programming: (1) SND DDDR 60; (2) AVB DDD 60 and (3) AVB DDD 40. Subjects were invited to one- and three-month follow-up visits. Three subsets based on pacing burden were analyzed: (1) high atrial (A) low ventricular (V); (2) high A, high V and (3) low A, high V. LA function was assessed from volumetric parameters and measured strains from echocardiography. Results: The high A, low V group consisted of 38 subjects; while high A, high V had 26 and low A, high V had 23. A significant decrease in reservoir and contractile LA strain parameters were only observed in the high A, low V pacing group after three months (reservoir 25.9 ± 10.3% vs. 21.1 ± 9.9%, p = 0.003, contractile −14.0 ± 9.0% vs. −11.1 ± 7.8, p = 0.018). While the re-established atrioventricular synchrony in the low A, high V group maintained reservoir LA strain at the baseline level after three months (21.4 ± 10.4% vs. 22.5 ± 10.4%, p = 0.975); in the high A, high V group, a further trend to decrease was noted (20.3 ± 8.9% vs. 18.7 ± 8.3%, p = 0.231). Conclusions: High atrial pacing burden independently of atrioventricular dyssynchrony and ventricular pacing impairs LA functional and morphological parameters. Changes appear soon after pacemaker implantation and are maintained.

The three-dimensional (3D) force sensor has become essential in industrial and medical applications. The existing conventional 3D force sensors quantify the three-direction force components at a point of interest or extended contact area. However, they are typically made of rigid, complex structures and expensive materials, making them hard to implement in different soft or fixable industrial and medical applications. In this work, a new flexible 3D force sensor based on polymer nanocomposite (PNC) sensing elements was proposed and tested for its sensitivity to forces in the 3D space. Multi-walled carbon nanotube/polyvinylidene fluoride (MWCNT/PVDF) sensing element films were fabricated using the spray coating technique. The MWCNTs play an essential role in strain sensitivity in the sensing elements. They have been utilized for internal strain measurements of the fixable 3D force sensor’s structure in response to 3D forces. The MWCNT/PVDF was selected for its high sensitivity and capability to measure high and low-frequency forces. Four sensing elements were distributed into a cross-beam structure configuration, the most typically used solid 3D force sensor. Then, the sensing elements were inserted between two silicone rubber layers to enhance the sensor’s flexibility. The developed sensor was tested under different static and dynamic loading scenarios and exhibited excellent sensitivity and ability to distinguish between tension and compression force directions. The proposed sensor can be implemented in vast applications, including soft robotics and prostheses’ internal forces of patients with limb amputations.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) can result in adverse perinatal outcomes due to cardiac dysfunction. This study used 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography to assess left ventricle (LV) longitudinal strain across FGR severity stages. A prospective longitudinal cohort study measured global (GLS) and segmental LV longitudinal strain in FGR fetuses, with evaluations conducted at various time points. FGR was classified into subtypes based on published criteria using fetal weight centile and Doppler parameters. A linear mixed model was employed to analyze repeated measures and compare Z-score measurements between groups throughout gestational age. The study included 40 FGR fetuses and a total of 107 evaluations were performed: 21 from small for gestational age (SGA), 74 from the FGR stage I, and 12 from the FGR stage ≥ II. The results indicate that SGA and stage I FGR fetuses exhibit higher LV GLS than stages ≥ II. Throughout gestation, SGA and FGR stage I fetuses showed similar behavior with consistently better LV GLS values when compared to FGR stages ≥ II. No significant differences were observed in LV GLS strain behavior between SGA and FGR stage I. In conclusion, all FGRs show signs of early cardiac dysfunction, with severe cases demonstrating significantly a lower LV GLS when compared to mild cases, suggesting deterioration of cardiac dysfunction with progression of fetal compromise.

TiO2 photocatalysts can provide carbon-capture utilization and storage by converting atmospheric CO2 to green hydrogen, but the efficiency of the current photocatalysts is still too low for economical usage. Anatase TiO2 is effective in transferring the electrons and holes produced by the photoelectric effect to reactants because of its oxygen-terminated surfaces. However, the anatase TiO2 bandgap is 3.2 eV, which requires photons with wavelengths of 375 nm or less to produce electron–hole pairs. Therefore, TiO2 is limited to using a small part of the solar spectrum. Strain engineering has been used to design ZrO2@TiO2 core@shell structures with large strains in the TiO2 shell, which reduces its bandgap but maintains octahedral facets for charge separation and oxygen-terminated surfaces for the catalysis of reactants. Finite element analysis shows that shell thicknesses of 4–12 nm are effective at obtaining large strains in a large portion of the shell, with the largest strains occurring next to the ZrO2 surface. The c-axis strains for 4–12 nm shells are up to 7%. The strains reduce the bandgap in anatase TiO2 up to 0.35 eV, which allows for the use of sunlight with wavelengths up to 421 nm. For the AM 1.5 standard spectrum, electron–hole pair creation in 4 nm thick and 10 nm thick TiO2 shells can be increased by a predicted 25% and 23%, respectively. The 10 nm thick shells provide a much larger volume of TiO2 and use proportionally less ZrO2. In addition, surface-plasmon resonators could be added to further extend the usable spectrum and increase the production of electron–hole pairs many-fold.

This article investigated the formability of aluminum/copper bimetal sheets during single-point incremental forming. First, the two-layer sheets were produced by the explosive welding process; then, the rolling process was performed with 50% strain on two-layer samples. Considering the importance of examining the mechanical and metallurgical properties on the formability of the two-layer samples, the mechanical properties were first examined, including the uniaxial tensile and micro-hardness tests. Then, metallurgical tests were performed, including scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) to investigate the fracture surface and penetration depth and an X-ray diffraction (XRD) test to check the secondary phase particles in the penetration zone of Al and Cu in five different annealing temperature conditions. Considering that the forming limit diagram (FLD) is dependent on the strain path, to study the effect of the strain path, the two-layer samples were formed by three geometries: pyramid, cone, and straight groove. Simulations of FLD by Abaqus software 6.14-4 with four different methods were studied: FLDCRT, effective strain rate (ESR), second derivation of thinning (SDT), and maximum strain rate (MSR). The results showed that the FLDCRT criterion provided a more accurate estimate of the necking time. In the following, the values of the thickness distribution were carried out by experimental and numerical methods, and the results between the methods were in good agreement.

We report, for the first time, the full-field 3D strain distribution of the muscle-tendon junction (MTJ). Understanding the strain distribution at the junction is crucial for the treatment of injuries and to predict tear formation at this location. Three-dimensional full-field strain distribution of mouse MTJ was measured using X-ray computer tomography (XCT) combined with digital volume correlation (DVC) with the aim of understanding the mechanical behavior of the junction under tensile loading. The interface between the Achilles tendon and the gastrocnemius muscle was harvested from adult mice and stained using 1% phosphotungstic acid in 70% ethanol. In situ XCT combined with DVC was used to image and compute strain distribution at the MTJ under a tensile load (2.4 N). High strain measuring 120,000 µε, 160,000 µε, and 120,000 µε for the first principal stain (εp1), shear strain (γ), and von Mises strain (εVM), respectively, was measured at the MTJ and these values reduced into the body of the muscle or into the tendon. Strain is concentrated at the MTJ, which is at risk of being damaged in activities associated with excessive physical activity.

Mechanical strain has been shown to be a versatile and tunable means to control various properties of nanomaterials. In this work, we investigate how strain applied to individual ZnO nanorods (NRs) can affect the fluorescence signals originated from external sources of bioanalytes, which are subsequently coupled and guided onto the NRs. Specifically, we determine how factors such as the NR length and protein concentration can influence the strain-induced changes in the waveguided fluorescence intensity along the NRs. We employ a protein of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and a fluorophore-labeled antibody in a model immunoassay reaction, after which Alexa488-TNF-α immunocomplex is formed on ZnO NRs. We elucidate the relationships between the types as well as amounts of strain on the NRs and the fluorescence intensity originated from the Alexa488-TNF-α immunocomplexes. We show that tensile (compressive) strain applied to the NR leads to an increase (decrease) in the waveguided fluorescence signals. By assessing important optical phenomena such as fluorescence intensification on nanorod ends (FINE) and degree of FINE (DoF), we confirm their linear dependence with both the types and amounts of strain. Furthermore, the strain-induced changes in both FINE and DoF are found to be independent of protein concentration. We determine that NR length plays a critical role in obtaining high strain-dependence of the measured fluorescence signals. Particularly, we ascertain that longer NRs yield larger changes in both FINE and DoF in response to the applied strain, relative to shorter ones. In addition, longer NRs permit higher linear correlation between the protein concentration and the waveguided fluorescence intensity. These outcomes provide valuable insight into exploiting strain to enhance the detection of optical signals from bioanalytes, thus enabling their quantifications even at ultra-trace levels. Coupled with the use of individual ZnO NRs demonstrated in our measurements, this work may contribute to the development of a miniaturized, highly sensitive biosensor whose signal transduction is best optimized by the application of strain.

Li-ion batteries are expected to become the mainstream devices for green energy storage or power supply in the future due to their advantages of high energy and power density and long cycle life. Monitoring the temperature and strain change characteristics of Li-ion batteries during operation is conducive to judging their safety performance. The hinged differential lever sensitization structure was used for strain sensitization in the design of an FBG sensor, which also allowed the simultaneous measurement of strain and temperature. The temperature and strain variation characteristics on the surface of a Li-ion soft-packed battery were measured using the des.igned sensor. This report found that the charging and discharging processes of Li-ion batteries are both exothermic processes, and exothermic heat release is greater when discharging than when charging. The strain on the surface of Li-ion batteries depends on electrochemical changes and thermal expansion effects during the charge and discharge processes. The charging process showed an increasing strain, and the discharging process showed a decreasing strain. Thermal expansion was found to be the primary cause of strain at high rates.

Introduction: The echocardiographic diagnosis criteria for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) are highly specific but sensitivity is low, especially in the early stages of the disease. The role of echocardiographic strain in ARVC has not been fully elucidated, although prior studies suggest that it can improve the detection of subtle functional abnormalities. The purposes of the study were to determine whether these advanced measures of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction on echocardiogram, including RV strain, increase diagnostic value for ARVC disease detection and to evaluate the association of echocardiographic parameters with arrhythmic outcomes. Methods: The study included 28 patients from the Heart Institute of São Paulo ARVC cohort with a definite diagnosis of ARVC established according to the 2010 Task Force Criteria. All patients were submitted to ECHO’s advanced techniques including RV strain, and the parameters were compared to prior conventional visual ECHO and CMR. Results: In total, 28 patients were enrolled in order to perform ECHO’s advanced techniques. A total of 2/28 (7%) patients died due to a cardiovascular cause, 2/28 (7%) underwent heart transplantation, and 14/28 (50%) patients developed sustained ventricular arrhythmic events. Among ECHO’s parameters, RV dilatation, measured by RVDd (p = 0.018) and RVOT PSAX (p = 0.044), was significantly associated with arrhythmic outcomes. RV free wall longitudinal strain < 14.35% in absolute value was associated with arrhythmic outcomes (p = 0.033). Conclusion: Our data suggest that ECHO’s advanced techniques improve ARVC detection and that abnormal RV strain can be associated with arrhythmic risk stratification. Further studies are necessary to better demonstrate these findings and contribute to risk stratification in ARVC, in addition to other well-known risk markers.

Echocardiographic assessment of the right ventricle is helpful for analysing the pathophysiology of heartworm disease and detecting pulmonary hypertension (PH) in dogs. In veterinary cardiology, the study of myocardial deformation using two-dimensional speckle tracking (2D-STE) echocardiography has become increasingly acknowledged as useful for quantifying right ventricular function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of myocardial deformation strain of the right ventricular free wall (FWS), global deformation strain of the right ventricle, including the interventricular septum (GS), and tissue motion annular displacement of the tricuspid valve (TMAD) in a cohort of dogs with heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) disease and to determine cut-off values for detecting the presence of PH. Out of the 93 dogs tested, 71% were diagnosed with heartworm infection. PH was identified in 41% of the infected dogs following the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) guidelines, based on the peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity to calculate the tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (TRPG), while other routine measurements were used, including the right pulmonary artery distensibility index (RPADi). The 2D-STE mode measurements were determined using Right Ventricular Automated Function Imaging (RV AFI®) software. The statistical analysis showed significant differences in the studied parameters among dogs with and without PH. Additionally, sensitivity (sen) and specificity (sp) cut-off values were obtained (GS ≥ −21.25%, sen 96%, sp 86.4%; FWS ≥ −21.95%, sen 92.56%, sp 95.5%; TMAD ≤ 0.85 cm, sen 70.4%, sp 83.3%). These results demonstrated that GS, FWS, and TMAD could be used as supplementary and alternative variables to conventional echocardiographic measurements when detecting PH in dogs with heartworm disease.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and high mortality rates in neonatal piglets. Two distinct genogroups, S-INDEL (G1a, G1b) and non-S INDEL (G2a, G2b, and G2c), circulate worldwide and are characterized by varying degrees of virulence. Here, we compared the early pathogenesis of a PEDV S-INDEL strain obtained from intestine homogenate (CALAF-HOMOG) or adapted to cell culture by 22 passages (CALAF-ADAP) and a virulent non-S INDEL strain (PEDV-USA) in newborn piglets. After orogastric inoculation of PEDV strains, body weight, temperature and clinical signs were monitored for 48 hpi. Pathological studies were performed at 48 hpi and RNA extracts from jejunal content (at 48 hpi) and rectal swabs (at 0 and 48 hpi) were tested for the presence of PEDV RNA as well as sequenced and compared to the inoculum. Piglets inoculated with PEDV-USA and CALAF-HOMOG isolates showed more severe weight loss, diarrhea, villi fusion and atrophy compared to CALAF-ADAP inoculated piglets. The viral load of rectal swabs was higher in the PEDV-USA inoculated group, followed by CALAF-HOMOG and CALAF-ADAP isolates. Similarly, viral RNA load in jejunal content was comparable among PEDV-USA and CALAF-HOMOG inoculated piglets and higher than that of CALAF-ADAP ones. The comparison of three full PEDV sequences of the inocula with the corresponding ones of pigs after 48 hpi yielded a nucleotide identity >99.9%. This study highlights variations in virulence among S-INDEL and non-S INDEL strains and between S-INDEL isolates obtained from homogenate and cell culture.

Two-dimensional materials are widely used as a new generation of functional materials for photovoltaic, photocatalyst, and nano-power devices. Strain engineering is a popular method to tune the properties of two-dimensional materials so that performances can be improved or more applications can be obtained. In this work, a two-dimensional heterostructure is constructed from SiC and GaN monolayers. Using first-principle calculations, the SiC/GaN heterostructure is stacked by a van der Waals interaction, acting as a semiconductor with an indirect bandgap of 3.331 eV. Importantly, the SiC/GaN heterostructure possesses a type-II band structure. Thus, the photogenerated electron and hole can be separated in the heterostructure as a potential photocatalyst for water splitting. Then, the external biaxial strain can decrease the bandgap of the SiC/GaN heterostructure. From pressure to tension, the SiC/GaN heterostructure realizes a transformation from a type-II to a type-I semiconductor. The strained SiC/GaN heterostructure also shows suitable band alignment to promote the redox of water splitting at pH 0 and 7. Moreover, the enhanced light-absorption properties further explain the SiC/GaN heterostructure’s potential as a photocatalyst and for nanoelectronics.

Background: Regional functional left ventricular (LV) assessment using current imaging techniques remains limited. Inward displacement (InD) has been developed as a novel technique to assess regional LV function via measurement of the regional displacement of the LV endocardial border across each of the 17 LV segments. Currently, normal ranges for InD are not available for clinical use. The aim of this study was to validate the normal reference limits of InD in healthy adults across all LV segments. Methods: InD was analyzed in 120 healthy subjects with a normal LV ejection fraction, using the three standard long-axis views obtained during cardiac MRI that quantified the degree of inward endocardial wall motion towards the true LV center of contraction. For all LV segments, InD was measured in mm and expressed as a percentage of the theoretical degree of maximal segment contraction towards the true LV centerline. The arithmetic average InD was obtained for each of the 17 segments. The LV was divided into three regions, obtaining average InD at the LV base (segments 1–6), mid-cavity (segments 7–12) and apex (segments 13–17). Results: Average InD was 33.4 ± 4.3%. InD was higher in basal and mid-cavity LV segments (32.8 ± 4.1% and 38.1 ± 5.8%) compared to apical LV segments (28.6 ± 7.7%). Interobserver variability correlations for InD were strong (R = 0.80, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: We provide clinically meaningful reference ranges for InD in subjects with normal LV function, which will emerge as an important screening and assessment imaging tool for a range of HFrEF therapies.

This study discussed the application of optical fibers in addressing the problem of insufficient light harvesting and sensing health monitoring in ancient buildings. Based on three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to fix the light-harvesting lens and conducting optical fiber, develop the replacement parts that can be buried into the optical fiber of ancient buildings. By introducing the experimental application to improve the experimental quality of research and teaching. Firstly, it highlights the advantage that the optical fiber plus lens structure design can make the natural light introduced for a long time; secondly, it points out that the buried optical fiber structure design does not affect the warmth and sound insulation of the building; finally, the health monitoring of the building is realized through the proposed method of buried optical fiber sensing. The design scheme adopts a fiber optic light transmission and sensing system, which can realize the whole system’s corrosion resistance, after laying buried and low-cost operation.

We aimed to explore the cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) of Takayasu arteritis (TA) and its cardiovascular complications. CMR was conducted on 37 TA patients and 28 healthy individuals. We evaluated the CMR findings and adverse cardiovascular complications at the time of the CMR (ACCCMR). After 8 to 26 months, the major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) were evaluated. The TA included 25 women (67.6%), aged 36 ± 16 years old, and 28 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was significantly lower in the TA group than in the control group (51 ± 9% vs. 58 ± 1.7%; p < 0.001). Aortic mural edema was present in 34 patients (92%) and aortic mural hyperenhancement in 36 (97%). Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) was significantly lower in the TA group (median [interquartile range] = 13.70 [3.27] vs. 18.08 [1.35]; p < 0.001). ACCCMR was seen in 13 TA patients (35.1%), with the most common cardiac complication being myocarditis (16.2%). During a median follow-up of 18 months (8–26 months), nine patients developed MACCEs, of which the most common was cerebrovascular accident in five (13.5%). The LVGLS of the CMR had the strongest association with complications. Myocardial strain values, especially LVGLS, can reveal concurrent and future cardiovascular complications in TA patients.