Rethinking Biomedical Titanium Alloy Design: A Review of Challenges from Biological and Manufacturing Perspectives.

Current biomedical titanium alloys have been repurposed from other industries, which has contributed to several biologically driven implant failure mechanisms. This review highlights the added value that may be gained by building an appreciation of implant biological responses at the onset of alloy design. Specifically, the fundamental mechanisms associated with immune response, angiogenesis, osseointegration and the potential threat of infection are discussed, including how elemental selection can modulate these pivotal systems.

Achieving Ultrahigh-Rate Planar and Dendrite-Free Zinc Electroplating for Aqueous Zinc Battery Anodes.

Despite being one of the most promising candidates for grid-level energy storage, practical aqueous zinc batteries are limited by dendrite formation, which leads to significantly compromised safety and cycling performance. In this study, by using single-crystal Zn-metal anodes, reversible electrodeposition of planar Zn with a high capacity of 8 mAh cm can be achieved at an unprecedentedly high current density of 200 mA cm . This dendrite-free electrode is well maintained even after prolonged cycling (>1200 cycles at 50 mA cm ).

AlO Grain Boundary Segregation in a Thermal Barrier Coating on a Ni-Based Superalloy.

The segregation of reactive elements (REs) along thermally grown oxide (TGO) grain boundaries has been associated to slower oxide growth kinetics and improved creep properties. However, the incorporation and diffusion of these elements into the TGO during oxidation of Ni alloys remains an open question. In this work, electron backscatter diffraction in transmission mode (t-EBSD) was used to investigate the microstructure of TGO within the thermal barrier coating on a Ni-based superalloy, and atom probe tomography (APT) was used to quantify the segregation behavior of REs to α-Al2O3 grain boundaries.

Biomechanical Comparison of Periprosthetic Femoral Fracture Risk in Three Femoral Components in a Sawbone Model.

Background: The increasing use of orthopedic total hip arthroplasty implants has led to a consequent rise in the incidence of associated periprosthetic fractures (PPFs). Analysis of the National Joint Registry data showed the choice of cemented hip stem influenced the risk of a PPF occurring. However, the effect of implant design in relation to the risk of PPFs has not been investigated.

Metal 3D printing as a disruptive technology for superalloys.

3D printing can allow for the efficient manufacturing of elaborate structures difficult to realise conventionally without waste, such as the hollow geometries of nickel-based superalloy aeronautic components. To fully exploit this method, we must move towards new alloys and processes.

Outcomes Across the Value Chain for a Comprehensive Employee Health and Wellness Intervention: A Cohort Study by Degrees of Health Engagement.

Objective: Evaluate a large employer's wellness intervention by studying outcomes across the value chain, and testing Health Engagement's (HE) dose-response relationship to outcomes.

Methods: Evaluation included 37 measures across eight outcomes domains (OD) using repeated measures, analysis of variance and logistic regression.

Results: Participants with higher HE had better pre-post percent changes than control: 1.

The cost of lifestyle health risks: obesity.

Objective: The objective of this study was to provide employers interested in lifestyle health initiatives a resource for estimating their members' obesity-related costs stratified by demographics and business sector.

Method: Claims-level medical costs attributable to obesity are estimated. Data come from 61 U.