The Mechanical Properties and Energy Absorption of AuxHex Structures.

Based on a combination of hexagonal honeycomb and re-entrant honeycomb cells, the concept of novel hybrid cell structures was developed. Experimental studies and numerical analyses of the behaviour of the analysed structures under in-plane compression in two compression directions were carried out. Explicit finite element analyses with an explicit integration scheme, incorporating plastic deformation and ductile damage evolution models, were employed to analyse the entire deformation process, including plastic and damage stages.

Properties of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) after Thermo-Oxidative Aging.

The influence of the thermo-oxidative aging semi-crystalline polyethylene terephthalate process on the thermal and mechanical properties was analysed in the article. For this purpose, PET was aged at 140 °C for 21, 35 and 56 days. The research showed that as a result of aging, the amount of the crystalline phase increases by about 8%, which translates into the properties of the aged material.

Microstructure Evolution of 316L Steel Prepared with the Use of Additive and Conventional Methods and Subjected to Dynamic Loads: A Comparative Study.

The mechanical properties and microstructure evolution caused by dynamic loads of 316L stainless steel, fabricated using the Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) technique and hot forging method were studied. Full-density samples, without cracks made of 316L stainless steel alloy powder by using the LENS technique, are characterized by an untypical bi-modal microstructure consisting of macro-grains, which form sub-grains with a similar crystallographic orientation. Wrought stainless steel 316L has an initial equiaxed and one-phase structure, which is formed by austenite grains.

High serum chemerin level in CKD patients is related to kidney function, but not to its adipose tissue overproduction.

Chemerin is an adipokine modulating inflammatory response and affecting glucose and lipid metabolism. These disturbances are common in CKD. The aim of the study was: (a) to evaluate circulating chemerin level at different stages of CKD; (b) to measure subcutaneous adipose tissue chemerin gene expression; (c) to estimate the efficiency of renal replacement therapy in serum chemerin removal.

Elevated circulating PCSK-9 concentration in renal failure patients is corrected by renal replacement therapy.

Background: A high level of circulating PCSK9 binds to the LDL receptor, reduces its cell's surface density and leads to hypercholesterolemia. The aim of this study was to examine the circulating PCSK9 level in patients with kidney disease.

Methods: Out of the patients treated in our Departments we selected: (a) 44 patients with CKD stage 3 and 4 (b) 29 patients with CKD stage 5 on maintenance hemodialysis treatment; and (c) 20 patients after successful renal transplantation.