Influence of Impact on the Mechanical Behaviour of the Gamma‐Based TiAl Alloy TNBV3B

The quasi‐static and fatigue behavior after impact of the TiAl alloy TNBV3B produced via three different processing routes—cast, forged and extruded—has been studied on flat and airfoil‐like shaped specimens making use of ballistic impact experiments. For impacts resulting in cracks the behavior can be described using a linear‐elastic fracture mechanics approach. The residual strength is described on the basis of the fracture toughness. The residual fatigue strength of impact‐cracked specimens is estimated on the basis of the threshold for crack growth of the TNBV3B alloys. However, when there is no visible crack or when the crack length is below the size of the deformed impact area, residual stresses and micro‐damage play a dominating role making the linear‐elastic fracture mechanics approach invalid. The deformation hardened zone in TiAl has been studied making use of micro‐hardness tests showing their extension and the degrees of deformation for different impact energies.     

From Biomimetic Concept to Engineering Reality – A Case Study on the Design of Ceramic Reinforcement

The applications of ceramics are limited by their brittleness. Though the toughness of ceramics can be improved by adding hard and strong toughening agents, their damage tolerance is still poor. Novel concept derives from fish scale is explored and used to design alternative toughening agent. The microstructure of fish scale exhibits hierarchical complexity and many weak layers are present. As fish scales are used directly as the toughening agent, the toughness of ceramics can be enhanced. Furthermore, a new toughening mechanism involving crack deflection within fish scale is observed. Based on such observation, the toughening agents with internal weak interfaces are recommended as the toughening agent. Many ceramic/metal interfaces are present within the multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). The addition of MLCCs into brittle glass improves its crack resistance considerably.     

Dialysis patients treated with Epoetin α show improved exercise tolerance and physical function: A new analysis of the Canadian Erythropoietin Study Group trial

The risks/benefits of anemia treatment in dialysis patients have been redefined in the US Epoetin α label. This analysis was carried out to determine if increasing hemoglobin (Hb) levels improve exercise tolerance and physical function in anemic dialysis patients. This is a new analysis of the Canadian Erythropoietin Study Group trial, a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial in dialysis patients. Subjects were 18 to 75 years old, on hemodialysis for >3 months, and had a baseline Hb <9.0 g/dL. Patients with a history of diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, or severe/uncontrolled hypertension were excluded. Patients were randomized to receive Epoetin α to a target Hb of 9.5 to 11.0 g/dL (n=40) or a target of 11.5 to 13.0 g/dL (n=38), or receive placebo (n=40). Results from patients in the Epoetin‐α–treated arms were combined for this analysis. Hb level, exercise tolerance (Treadmill Stress Test and 6‐Minute Walk Test) and patient‐reported physical function measures (Physical Summary domain from the Kidney Disease Questionnaire, and 4 domains from the Sickness Impact Profile) were reported at baseline and months 2, 4, and 6. Differences in measures were statistically significant for exercise tolerance (Treadmill Stress, P=0.0001) and patient‐reported physical function (Kidney Disease Questionnaire Physical, P=0.0001; Sickness Impact Profile Physical, P=0.0015) across all time points for Epoetin‐α–treated patients compared with placebo. Improvements were seen at 2 months and were maintained through months 4 and 6. Dialysis patients receiving Epoetin α showed improved exercise tolerance and physical function. These findings should be considered as physicians weigh the risks and benefits of treatment.