Quantification of 3D microstructures in Achilles tendons during in situ loading reveals anisotropic fiber response.

While the number of studies investigating Achilles tendon pathologies has grown exponentially, more research is needed to gain a better understanding of the complex relation between its hierarchical structure, mechanical response, and failure. At the microscale, collagen fibers are, with some degree of dispersion, primarily aligned along the principal loading direction. However, during tension, rearrangements and reorientations of these fibers are believed to occur.

Evaluation of the Microstructure and Properties of As-Cast Magnesium Alloys with 9% Al and 9% Zn Additions.

The need to reduce energy consumption means that it is necessary to reduce the weight of vehicles. However, a thick wall of massive elements promotes the formation of casting defects, which must be removed by either plastic processing (straightening) or welding methods (surface and internal discontinuities). Basic alloys contain Al and Zn as the main alloying elements.

Does needle clogging change the spatial distribution of injected drug in tissue? New insights by X-ray computed tomography.

Prefilled syringes (PFS) are primary packaging materials that offer convenience and safety for subcutaneous injection of parenteral drug solutions. However, an increasingly common problem with the trend towards higher drug concentrations is the clogging of the needle during storage due to evaporative water loss and consequent solidification of the drug. In contrast to all previous studies on this topic, this work focuses on pharmacokinetically relevant aspects and investigates the effects of needle clogging on the spatial distribution of the injected drug in the tissue.

Utilization of Alternative Fibres Manufactured from Recycled PET Bottles in Concrete Technology for the Improvement of Fire Resistance.

This article addresses the potential use of secondary polymer fibres in the field of structural concrete as a replacement for primary polymer fibres (mainly polypropylene/PP/), which are used in concrete to enhance its resistance when exposed to high temperatures (especially in the case of fire). Research has shown that, in addition to PP fibres, polyethylene terephthalate/PET/fibres, produced by recycling packaging materials (mainly PET bottles), can also be used as an alternative. These fibres are industrially produced in similar dimensions as PP fibres and exhibit similar behaviour when added to fresh and hardened concrete.

Design and usability evaluation of a web-based pitch control training app for transgender women.

Transgender people often experience dysphoria because the way their voice is perceived does not match their gender identity. Such dysphoria negatively affects mental health and quality of life, and is particularly an issue in trans women. Dysphoria can be reduced via gender-affirming voice and communication training provided by human experts, but the accessibility of such training is often limited.