The commonly used aluminum-copper alloys in industry are mainly rolled plates and extruded or drawn bars. The aluminum-copper alloys\' anisotropy generated in the manufacturing process is unfavorable for subsequent applications. Its underlying mechanism shall be interpreted from a microscopic perspective. This paper conducted the loading simulation on Al-4%Cu alloy crystals at the microscopic scale with molecular dynamics technology. Uniaxial tension and compression loading were carried out along three orientations: X-<1¯12>, Y-<11¯1>, and Z-<110>. It analyzes the micro-mechanisms that affect the performance changes of aluminum-copper alloys through the combination of stress-strain curves and different organizational analysis approaches. As shown by the results, the elastic modulus and yield strength are the highest under tension along the <11¯1> direction. Such is the case for the reasons below: The close-packed plane of atoms ensures large atomic binding forces. In addition, the Stair-rod dislocation forms a Lomer-Cottrell dislocation lock, which has a strengthening effect on the material. The elastic modulus and yield strength are the smallest under tension along the <110> direction, and the periodic arrangement of HCP atom stacking faults serves as the main deformation mechanism. This is because the atomic arrangement on the <110> plane is relatively loose, which tends to cause atomic misalignment. When compressed in different directions, the plastic deformation mechanism is mainly dominated by dislocations and stacking faults. When compressed along the <110> direction, it has a relatively high dislocation density and the maximum yield strength. That should be attributed to the facts below. As the atomic arrangement of the <110> plane itself was not dense originally, compression loading would cause an increasingly tighter arrangement. In such a case, the stress could only be released through dislocations. This research aims to provide a reference for optimizing the processing technology and preparation methods of aluminum-copper alloy materials.

We investigated differences in subcortical white matter according to the presence disorders of consciousness (DOC) in patients with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HI-BI), using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS). Thirty-two consecutive patients with HI-BI were recruited. The patients were assigned in group A [preserved consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale: 15 and Coma Recovery Scale-revised (CRS-R): 23, 9 patients)] or group B [DOC present (Glasgow Coma Scale <15 and CRS-R < 23, 20 patients)]. Voxel-wise statistical analysis of fractional anisotropy data was performed by using TBSS as implemented in the FMRIB Software Library. We calculated mean fractional anisotropy values across the white matter skeleton and within 48 regions of interest (ROIs) based on intersections between the skeleton and the probabilistic Johns Hopkins University white matter atlases. Among the 48 ROIs examined, the fractional anisotropy values of two ROIs (the left superior corona radiata, and left tapetum) were significantly lower in group B than in group A ( P  < 0.05). No significant differences were observed, however, in the other 46 ROIs ( P  > 0.05). Our results suggest that abnormalities of the superior corona radiata and tapetum may be critical for DOC presence in patients with HI-BI.

In a deep-learning-based algorithm, generative adversarial networks can generate images similar to an input. Using this algorithm, an artificial three-dimensional (3D) microstructure can be reproduced from two-dimensional images. Although the generated 3D microstructure has a similar appearance, its reproducibility should be examined for practical applications. This study used an automated serial sectioning technique to compare the 3D microstructures of two dual-phase steels generated from three orthogonal surface images with their corresponding observed 3D microstructures. The mechanical behaviors were examined using the finite element analysis method for the representative volume element, in which finite element models of microstructures were directly constructed from the 3D voxel data using a voxel coarsening approach. The macroscopic material responses of the generated microstructures captured the anisotropy caused by the microscopic morphology. However, these responses did not quantitatively align with those of the observed microstructures owing to inaccuracies in reproducing the volume fraction of the ferrite/martensite phase. Additionally, the generation algorithm struggled to replicate the microscopic morphology, particularly in cases with a low volume fraction of the martensite phase where the martensite connectivity was not discernible from the input images. The results demonstrate the limitations of the generation algorithm and the necessity for 3D observations.
This study provided the comparison between experimentally observed and computationally generated 3D microstructures of dual-phase steels in the macro- and microscopic material behaviors with finite element analysis method for periodic microstructure.

Swell-shrink characteristic soils exhibit a high susceptibility to cracking during the drying process, which poses a significant risk of various geological disasters. Among these, the occurrence of drying shrinkage acts as a prerequisite for the cracking phenomenon. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to comprehend the specific characteristics associated with the drying shrinkage mechanism. To investigate the drying shrinkage behavior of swell-shrink characteristic soils, a series of drying shrinkage experiments were conducted on long strip samples of red clay and expansive soil. Utilizing three-dimensional digital image correlation (DIC) technology, the surface displacement, strain, and anisotropic shrinkage rates of the soil samples during the drying process were obtained, and the size effect on the drying shrinkage of swell-shrink characteristic soil were analyzed. The research findings are as follows: The displacement development of the soil samples in the X and Y directions can be divided into two stages: a linear growth stage and a stable displacement stage. In the Z direction, the soil surface deformation can be divided into three stages: soil surface arching, vertical shrinkage, and shrinkage stabilization. The drying shrinkage of swell-shrink characteristic soil exhibits anisotropy, with the vertical shrinkage rate being the largest, followed by the longitudinal and then the transverse directions. Additionally, the soil sample shrinkage exhibits a size effect, whereby the shrinkage rates in all directions increase with increasing sample width and thickness. During the drying shrinkage process, the stress state on the soil surface evolves from initial tensile strain to subsequent compressive strain. The strain at different positions and times within the soil sample is not uniform, resulting in the non-uniformity and anisotropy of the sample shrinkage. This study provides important insights into the cracking mechanism of swell-shrink characteristic soils and serves as a valuable reference for related laboratory experiments, which will contribute to better prediction and control the geological hazards caused by the drying shrinkage of swell-shrink characteristic soils.

Characterizing the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the meniscus is critical in studying knee damage and pathology. This study aims to determine the UTS of the meniscus with an emphasis on its heterogeneity and anisotropy. We performed tensile tests to failure on the menisci of six month old Yorkshire pigs at a low strain rate. Specimens from the anterior, middle and posterior regions of the meniscus were tested in the radial and circumferential directions. Then the UTS was obtained for each specimen and the data were analyzed statistically, leading to a comprehensive view of the variations in porcine meniscal strength. The middle region has the highest average strength in the circumferential (43.3 ± 4.7 MPa) and radial (12.6 ± 2.2 MPa) directions. This is followed by the anterior and posterior regions, which present similar average values (about 34.0MPa) in circumferential direction. The average strength of each region in the radial direction is approximately one-fourth to one-third of the value in the circumferential direction. This study is novel as it is the first work to focus on the experimental methods to investigate the heterogeneity and anisotropy only for porcine meniscus.

OBJECTIVE: There is heterogeneity of white matter damage in Parkinson\'s disease patients with different cognitive states. Our aim was to find sensitive diffusional kurtosis imaging biomarkers to differentiate the white matter damage pattern of mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
METHODS: Nineteen patients with Parkinson disease with mild cognitive impairment and 18 patients with Parkinson disease with dementia were prospectively enrolled. All participants underwent MR examination with 3D-T1-weighted image and diffusional kurtosis imaging sequences. Demographic data were compared between the 2 groups. Voxelwise statistical analyses of diffusional kurtosis imaging parameters were performed using tract-based spatial statistics. The receiver operator characteristic curve of significantly different metrics was graphed. The correlation of significantly different metrics with global cognitive status was analyzed.
RESULTS: Compared with the Parkinson disease with mild cognitive impairment group, the fractional anisotropy and mean kurtosis values decreased in 4 independent clusters in the forceps minor, forceps major, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, and the inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculus in patients with Parkinson disease with dementia; the mean diffusivity decreased in 1 cluster in the forceps minor. The fractional anisotropy value in the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus and inferior longitudinal fasciculus would be the diffusional kurtosis imaging marker for the differential diagnosis of Parkinson disease with mild cognitive impairment and patients with Parkinson disease with dementia, with the best diagnostic efficiency of 0.853. The fractional anisotropy values in the forceps minor (β = 84.20, P < .001) and years of education (β = 0.38, P = .014) were positively correlated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.
CONCLUSIONS: The diffusional kurtosis imaging-derived fractional anisotropy and mean kurtosis can detect the different white matter damage patterns of Parkinson disease with mild cognitive impairment and Parkinson disease with dementia. Fractional anisotropy is more sensitive than mean kurtosis in the differential diagnosis; fractional anisotropy derived from diffusional kurtosis imaging could become a promising imaging marker for the differential diagnosis of Parkinson disease with mild cognitive impairment and Parkinson disease with dementia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate potential effects of heading on the neurocognitive performance and the white matter (WM) of the brain in high-level adult male football players.
METHODS: Prospective longitudinal.
METHODS: Football players engaging in the highest football leagues in Germany were included. Neurocognitive performance tests and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were executed before and after the observation period. Video recordings of each training session and each match play during the observation period were analyzed regarding heading exposure and characteristics. Four DTI measures from tract-based spatial statistics (fractional anisotropy, mean, axial, and radial diffusivity) were investigated. Associations between heading variables and DTI and neurocognitive parameters were tested subsequently.
RESULTS: 8052 headers of 22 players (19.9 ± 2.7 years) were documented in a median of 16.9 months. The individual total heading number ranged from 57 to 943 (median: 320.5). Header characteristics differed between training sessions and matches. Neurocognitive performance (n = 22) and DTI measures (n = 14) showed no significant differences from pre- to post-test. After correction for multiple comparisons, no significant correlations with the total heading number were found. However, the change in fractional anisotropy in the splenium of the corpus callosum correlated significantly with the total amount of long-distance headers (Pearson\'s r = -0.884; p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS: Over the median observation period of 16.9 months, DTI measures and neurocognitive performance remained unchanged. To elucidate the meaning of the association between individual change in fractional anisotropy and long-distance headers further investigations with larger samples, longer observations, and various cohorts regarding age and level of play are required.

The deep drawing process, a pivotal technique in sheet metal forming, frequently encounters challenges such as anisotropy-induced defects. This study comprehensively investigates the influence of various yield criteria on the anisotropic behavior and fracture prediction in SECC steel cylindrical cups. It integrates Hill\'48R, Hill\'48S, and von Mises yield criteria in conjunction with Swift\'s hardening law to evaluate material behavior under complex stress states. Experimental and numerical simulations assess the anisotropy effects across multiple orientations (0°, 45°, and 90°), revealing intricate relationships between stress criteria and material response. The findings indicate significant discrepancies between isotropic and anisotropic models in predicting fracture heights, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate yield criteria. Notably, the von Mises criterion results in lower fracture heights, suggesting higher susceptibility to fractures, while the Hill\'48R model aligns closely with experimental data, validated through variations in punch corner radius and blank holder force parameters, with a maximum deviation of 3.23%. Hill\'48S displays moderate plastic deformation characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to 1) assess and quantify white matter (WM) microstructural characteristics derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) prior to selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), and 2) investigate potential associations between WM diffusion properties and gross motor function and spasticity in children with spastic CP who underwent SDR.
METHODS: This study is a multisite study based on DT images acquired prior to SDR as well as postoperative outcome data. DTI data collected from two sites were harmonized using the ComBat approach to minimize intersite scanner difference. The DTI abnormalities between children with spastic CP and controls were analyzed and correlated with the severity of impaired mobility based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). The improvement in gross motor function and spasticity after SDR surgery was assessed utilizing the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66), the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS), and the modified Ashworth scale (MAS). Alterations in these outcome measures were quantified in association with DTI abnormalities.
RESULTS: Significant DTI alterations, including lower fractional anisotropy (FA) in the genu of the corpus callosum (gCC) and higher mean diffusivity (MD) in the gCC and posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC), were found in children in the SDR group when compared with the age-matched control group (all p < 0.05). Greater DTI alterations (FA in gCC and MD in gCC and PLIC) were associated with lower mobility levels as determined based on GMFCS level (p < 0.05). The pre- to post-SDR improvement in motor function based on GMFM-66 was statistically significant (p = 0.006 and 0.002 at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups, respectively). The SDR efficacy was also identified as improving spasticity in lower-extremity muscle groups assessed with the MTS and MAS. Partial correlation analysis presented a significant association between pre- to post-SDR MTS alteration and DTI abnormalities.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings in the present study provided initial quantitative evidence to establish the WM microstructural characteristics in children with spastic CP prior to SDR surgery. The study generated data for the association between baseline DTI characteristics and mobility in children with CP prior to SDR surgery. The study also demonstrated SDR efficacy in improving motor function and spasticity based on the GMFM-66, MTS, and MAS, respectively, in association with DTI data.

OBJECTIVE: This study recommends clinical epidermal dose calculation methods based on in-vivo film measurements and registered skin dose distributions with the Eclipse (Varian Medical Systems) treatment planning system\'s Analytical Anisotropic Algorithm (AAA) and Acuros XB (AXB) dose calculation algorithms.
METHODS: Eighteen AAA V13.6 breast plans were recalculated using AXB (dose to medium) V13.5 with the same beam parameters and monitor units as in the original plans. These are compared against in-vivo Gafchromic film measurements from the lateral and inferior breast regions. Three skin structures in the treatment planning system are evaluated: a surface layer of voxels of the body contour, a 0.2 cm internal skin rind, and a 0.5 cm internal skin rind.
RESULTS: Systematic shifts are demonstrated between the film measurements of skin dose and the Eclipse dose calculations. On average, the dose to the surface layer of pixels is underestimated by AAA by 8% and overestimated by AXB by 3%. A 5 mm skin rind extended into the body can increase epidermal dose calculations on average by 8% for AAA and 4% for AXB.
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to register in-vivo skin dose distributions in the breast to the treatment planning system for comparison. Based on the results from this study it is recommended that epidermal dose is calculated with a 0.5 cm skin rind for the AAA algorithm and with rind thickness up to 0.2 cm for the AXB algorithm.