Multidisciplinary optimization of automotive mega-castings merging classical structural optimization with response-surface-based optimization enhanced by machine learning.

Large high pressure die castings (HPDC), recently referred to as mega-castings, can replace plenty of steel metal sheets usually employed for body-in-white (BIW) structures. They can save manufacturing expense and unleash additional lightweight potential thanks to additional design freedom and material properties. The BIW plays a major role in automotive design since it must fulfill numerous structural targets ranging from stiffness for vehicle dynamics, dynamic responses for NVH (noise, vibration, harshness), driving comfort standards and several passive safety requirements.

Filamin A interacts with the coactivator MKL1 to promote the activity of the transcription factor SRF and cell migration.

Megakaryoblastic leukemia 1 (MKL1) is a coactivator of serum response factor (SRF) that promotes the expression of genes associated with cell proliferation, motility, adhesion, and differentiation-processes that also involve dynamic cytoskeletal changes in the cell. MKL1 is inactive when bound to monomeric globular actin (G-actin), but signals that activate the small guanosine triphosphatase RhoA cause actin polymerization and MKL1 dissociation from G-actin. We found a new mechanism of MKL1 activation that is mediated through its binding to filamin A (FLNA), a protein that binds filamentous actin (F-actin).

[Corrective growth after vertebral body fracture in the adolescence].

We present the case of a 13-year-old female patient who sustained an incomplete burst fracture of the 1st lumbar vertebral body and an impression fracture of the 3rd vertebral body. Using a dorsal instrumentation the kyphosis of the thoracolumbar junction was treated. The radiographical follow-up indicated a correction of the involved vertebral bodies.

Combined approach for a locked unilateral facet fracture-dislocation of the cervicothoracic junction.

The authors present the case of a 36-year-old patient who sustained a unilateral fracture-dislocation C7-T1 involving all three columns, given the lesion of the C7-T1 disc on MRI. In view of the fractured facet, closed reduction without anaesthesia was not attempted. First, open reduction and instrumentation were performed from posteriorly.