Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microstructure and Tensile Properties of TRIP-Aided Steel Sheet Subjected to Hot-Rolling and Austempering

Various high strength steel sheets for weight reduction and safety improvement of vehicles have been developed. TRIP-aided steel with transformation induced plasticity of the retained austenite has high strength and ductility. Conventional TRIP-aided steels are subjected to austempering process after austenitizing. Generally, elongation and formability of TRIP-aided steel are improved by finely dispersed retained austenite in BCC phase matrix. The finely dispersed retained austenite and grain refinement of TRIP-aided steel can be achieved by hot rolling with heat treatment. Therefore, the improvement of mechanical properties of TRIP-aided steel is expected from the manufacturing process with hot rolling and then isothermal transformation process. In this study, thermomechanical heat treatment is performed by combining hot rolling and isothermal holding as the manufacturing process of TRIP-aided steel sheets. The complex phase matrix is obtained by hot rolling and then isothermal holding. Although the hardness of the hot rolled and isothermal held TRIP-aided steel is decreased, the volume fraction of retained austenite is increased.
Effect of Cold Reduction Rate on Ferrite Recrystallization Behavior during Annealing in Low-Carbon Steel with Different Initial Microstructures

We investigate the effect of the cold reduction rate on ferrite recrystallization behavior during the annealing of low-carbon steel with different initial microstructures. Three types of hot-rolled sheet specimens are prepared: specimens P, B, and M, which consist of ferrite and pearlite, bainite, and martensite, respectively. To evaluate the effect of the cold reduction rate on ferrite recrystallization behavior, hot-rolled sheet specimens are cold-rolled at cold reduction rates of 40% and 67%. The cold-rolled sheet specimens are heated to the target temperature, and then water-quenched to room temperature. Irrespective of the initial microstructures, the ferrite recrystallization is accelerated by increasing the cold reduction rate. In addition, the dislocation densities of specimens P and B increase at the larger cold reduction rate, which accelerates ferrite recrystallization in these specimens. In the case of specimen M, the dislocation arrangement parameter remarkably decreases at the larger cold reduction rate, whereas the dislocation density hardly changes. Thus, we conclude that the accelerated ferrite recrystallization at the larger cold reduction rate for specimen M can be mainly attributed to an increase in the amount of interactions between dislocations in the specimen.
The Influence of the Pipelines Operation Term in Aggressive Environments on the Gas Content and Structure of Structural Steels

X-ray structural studies have shown that with the increase of the life of the pipes, the surface layers of the metal adsorb a significant amount of gases (hydrogen, oxygen and sulfur), especially this is strongly manifested in the field of corrosion defects (ulcers, pitting). Also, it was found that in the process of long-term operation, the metal of the pipe walls is heavily flooded, which directly leads to its brittle and, as a consequence, increased hardness and reduced ductility. Such studies are unique in the subject of corrosion-mechanical resistance of metal and its degradation during long-term operation in the presence of alternating loads and at the same time, the aggressive environments of oil and gas fields.
Microstructure Modification of 3D Printed Aluminium Alloys by Friction Stir Processing

Friction stir processing is a solid-state welding technology capable of joining metal parts without the melting. The microstructure of the material evolved during the process vary from columnar grain along the thermal gradient in the melt pool to fine equiaxed grains. Evaluation on its mechanical properties in terms of micro-hardness was performed. A significant decrease in microhardness was observed in the processed region. The decrease in the microhardness is mainly attributed to the dissolution of hardening precipitates in the aluminium matrix.
Microstructure Development in the Bonding Zone of Explosively Welded Ti and Cu Sheets

The interplay of various hardening and softening processes during explosive welding and post-processing annealing have been analysed in titanium/copper bimetallic sheets using scanning electron microscopy and microhardness measurements. Severe plastic deformation and intermetallics’ formation are typical processes leading to hardening, whereas dynamic/static recrystallization and the transformation of amorphous phases into crystalline ones lead to softening. In the as-welded state the interfacial layers of both parent sheets are severely deformed. However, they can undergo intense recrystalization in areas near large melted zones. Inside the melted zones a wide variety of chemical compositions can be detected, however, most of the phases do not appear in the Ti-Cu equilibrium phase diagram. The post-processing annealing at 973 K for 1 h leads to full recrystallization of severely deformed layers of parent sheets and transforms the non-equilibrium phases forming melted zone into the equilibrium TiCu4 and Ti3Cu4 ones via spinodal decomposition. Simultaneously, the growth of four intermetallic layers: Ti2Cu, TiCu, Ti3Cu4, TiCu4 situated along the whole interface was detected.
Evaluation of Cu-Ni-Based Alloys for Thermoelectric Energy Conversion

The recent revitalization of Ioffe plots (entropy conductivity versus electrical conductivity) reminds us that Isotan (Cu55Ni44Mn1) is an outstanding thermoelectric material with a power factor of up to 60 W cm-1 K-2 at a specific electrical conductivity of almost 20,000 S cm-1 at elevated temperature. Even though, Isotan is widely used in thermoelements for temperature measurement, its high open-circuited thermal conductivity of approximately 70 W cm-1 K-2 [1] hindered further research as a promising thermoelectric material. Isotan was chosen as a starting composition. Influence of partial substitution of Cu and Ni with heavy elements (Sn,W) on the thermoelectric properties was studied. The alloys were fabricated by arc-melting and microstructurally characterized for grain size and elemental composition by scanning electron microscope (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDXS). Lattice symmetry and parameters were estimated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Functional properties as Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity and power factor were used to evaluate the thermoelectric performance.
Numerical Analysis of Aerospace Nickel-Based Single-Crystal Superalloy Weldability Part III: Solidification Cracking Susceptibility

The thermal-metallurgical model of primary γ gamma phase through couple of heat transfer model, dendrite selection model, columnar/equiaxed transition (CET) model, multicomponent dendrite growth model and nonequilibrium solidification model is further developed on the basis of criteria of minimum growth velocity, constitutional undercooling and marginal stability of planar front during nickel-based single-crystal weld pool solidification. It is clearly indicated that crystallographic orientation plays more important role than heat input in microstructure development and solidification behavior. The dendrite trunk spacing and solidification temperature range along the solid/liquid interface are symmetrically distributed about the weld pool centerline in (001) and [100] welding configuration, while they are asymmetrically distributed in (001) and [110] welding configuration. The dendrite size and solidification temperature range are beneficially smaller in (001) and [100] welding configuration than that of (001) and [110] welding configuration regardless of heat input. The mechanism of asymmetrical solidification cracking because of crystallography-dependent growth kinetics and solidification behavior is proposed. Optimum low heat input (low laser power and high welding speed) refines dendrite size and suppresses the solidification temperature range to minimize the solidification cracking susceptibility and ameliorate the weldability through microstructure control, while high heat input (high laser power and low welding speed) deteriorates the weldability and weld integrity. It is therefore imperative to optimize the welding conditions for successful defect-free laser welding. Moreover, the promising theoretical predictions agree well with the experiment results. The useful model is also applicable to other single-crystal superalloys with similar metallurgical properties by laser welding or laser cladding, and provide a more accurate and reliable way of solidification cracking susceptibility evaluation.
Effect of Stacking Fault Energy and Solute Atoms on Microstructural Evolutions of FCC Metals Processed by Severe Plastic Deformation

Pure copper, pure silver, Cu-6.8at%Al, Cu-1at%Mn and Cu-5at%Ni (stacking fault energies (SFEs) are about 41, 22, 23, 43 and 105mJ/m2, respectively) were processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) at the same homologous temperatures to investigate the effect of SFE and solute atoms on microstructural evolutions. The final grain size of Cu-6.8at%Al after eight passes of ECAP was the smallest followed by that of Cu-1at%Mn with little difference. The former alloy reaches saturation for grain size and grain boundary misorientation in early passes of ECAP while the latter continues decreasing even after eight passes. The role of shear bands and deformation twins is predominant for grain fragmentation in the early stage for Cu-6.8at%Al and Ag with low SFE while evolution from cell walls to grain boundaries is main mechanism for Cu, Cu-1at%Mn and Cu-5at%Ni with medium or high SFE. Solute Mn atom of Cu-Mn with high atomic size misfit and may suppress the dynamic recovery which transforms cell walls to grain boundaries, and allow accumulation of higher dislocations and reduction of cell size to smaller scales.
Influence of Chromium and Niobium on the Press-Hardening Process of Multiphase Low-Alloy TRIP Steels

Press-hardening is an intensively developing forming technology which is mainly used for the production of car body parts. Because it is a hot forming technology, small forming forces can be utilized and, due to the lower spring-back effect, more accurate products are achieved. In car bodies, materials with high energy absorption and a sufficient hardening coefficient are mainly used in impacted parts. One of these materials is TRIP multiphase steels with different chemical composition. In these steels, it is possible to achieve an ultimate strength up to 1000 MPa with the ductility of 20-30%. In order to achieve the desired properties, it is necessary to select a suitable heat treatment that allows to achieve a multiphase structure. Phase transformations and mechanical properties are influenced by the use of suitable alloying elements. Three low-alloy, multiphase TRIP steels with different chemical compositions with a carbon content of 0.2% were chosen for the experimental program. The first steel was alloyed only with manganese and silicon, in the second niobium was added, and in the third the influence of chromium on increase of hardenability and strength was investigated. Press-hardening was performed in a heated forming tool. To describe the effect of the cooling rate, the forming was carried out in a tool at room temperature and after preheating to 425°C. The influence of holding time in the tool at 425°C to support the formation of bainite and retained austenite stabilization was also investigated. Mixed ferritic-bainitic-martensitic structures with some retained austenite content were obtained.
Neuromechanics of Dynamic Balance Tasks in the Presence of Perturbations

Understanding the neuromechanical responses to perturbations in humans may help to explain the reported improvements in stability performance and muscle strength after perturbation-based training. In this study, we investigated the effects of perturbations, induced by unstable surfaces, on the mechanical loading and the modular organization of motor control in the lower limb muscles during lunging forward and backward. Fifteen healthy adults performed 50 forward and 50 backward lunges on stable and unstable ground. Ground reaction forces, joint kinematics, and the electromyogram (EMG) of 13 lower limb muscles were recorded. We calculated the resultant joint moments and extracted muscle synergies from the stepping limb. We found sparse alterations in the resultant joint moments and EMG activity, indicating a little if any effect of perturbations on muscle mechanical loading. The time-dependent structure of the muscle synergy responsible for the stabilization of the body was modified in the perturbed lunges by a shift in the center of activity (later in the forward and earlier in the backward lunge) and a widening (in the backward lunge). Moreover, in the perturbed backward lunge, the synergy related to the body weight acceptance was not present. The found modulation of the modular organization of motor control in the unstable condition and related minor alteration in joint kinetics indicates increased control robustness that allowed the participants to maintain functionality in postural challenging settings. Triggering specific modulations in motor control to regulate robustness in the presence of perturbations may be associated with the reported benefits of perturbation-based training.
Empagliflozin Alleviates Hepatic Steatosis by Activating the AMPK-TET2-Autophagy Pathway in vivo and in vitro

Background: Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), characterized by hepatic lipid accumulation and fatty degeneration, is intertwined with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor that effectively lowers blood glucose, but its effect on MAFLD and associated mechanisms are not fully understood. Methods: Eight-week-old db/db mice, an in vivo model, were administered empagliflozin or saline intragastrically. A hepatocyte steatosis model was established by inducing HL7702 cells with high glucose and palmitic acid and then treated with or without empagliflozin. The autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine, 3-MA) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator (AICAR)/inhibitor (Compound C) were used to determine the involvement of AMPK and autophagy in the regulation of lipid accumulation by empagliflozin. Ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2) knockdown was achieved by siRNA transfection. Hepatic steatosis was evaluated by Oil Red O staining and triglyceride quantification. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blot were performed to assess protein levels. Results: Empagliflozin alleviated liver steatosis in db/db mice and reduced triglyceride content and lipid accumulation in the hepatocyte steatosis model. Empagliflozin elevated autophagy, accompanied by an increase in p-AMPK and TET2. Both 3-MA and Compound C abolished the ability of empagliflozin to induce autophagy and reduce hepatic steatosis, while these effects could be recapitulated by AICAR treatment. TET2 knockdown resulted in autophagy inhibition and lipid accumulation despite empagliflozin treatment. Conclusion: Empagliflozin improves hepatic steatosis through the AMPK-TET2-autophagy pathway. The use of empagliflozin as a treatment for preventing and treating MAFLD in patients with T2DM warrants further study.
Identification of Immune-Related lncRNA Signature to Predict Prognosis and Immunotherapeutic Efficiency in Bladder Cancer

Purpose Identify immune-related lncRNA (IRL) signature related to the prognosis and immunotherapeutic efficiency for bladder cancer (BLCA) patients. Methods A total of 397 samples, which contained RNA-seq and clinical information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, were used for the following study. Then the Lasso penalized Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to construct prognostic signature. According to the optimal cut-off value determined by time-dependent ROC curve, low and high-risk groups were set up. One immunotherapy microarray dataset as validation set was used to verify the ability of predicting immunotherapy efficacy. Furthermore, more evaluation between two risk groups related clinical factors were conducted. Finally, external validation of IRL-signature was conducted in Zhengzhou cohort. Result Four IRLs (HCP5, IPO5P1, LINC00942, and LINC01356) with significant prognostic value (P<0.05) were distinguished. This signature can accurately predict the overall survival of BLCA patients and was verified in the immunotherapy validation set. IRL-signatures can be used as independent prognostic risk factor in various clinical subgroups. According to the results of GSVA and MCP algorithm, we found that IRL-signature risk score is strikingly negative correlated with tumor microenvironment (TME) CD8+T cells and Cytotoxic lymphocytes infiltration, indicating that the better prognosis and immunotherapy might be caused partly by these. Then, the results from the TIDE analysis revealed that IRL could efficiently predict the response of immunotherapy in BLCA. External validation had similar results with TCGA-BLCA cohort. Conclusions The novel IRL-signature has a significant prognostic value for BLCA patients might facilitate predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Risk of Injury in Moral Dilemmas With Autonomous Vehicles

As autonomous machines, such as automated vehicles (AVs) and robots, become pervasive in society, they will inevitably face moral dilemmas where they must make decisions that risk injuring humans. However, prior research has framed these dilemmas in starkly simple terms, i.e., framing decisions as life and death and neglecting the influence of risk of injury to the involved parties on the outcome. Here, we focus on this gap and present experimental work that systematically studies the effect of risk of injury on the decisions people make in these dilemmas. In four experiments, participants were asked to program their AVs to either save five pedestrians, which we refer to as the utilitarian choice, or save the driver, which we refer to as the nonutilitarian choice. The results indicate that most participants made the utilitarian choice but that this choice was moderated in important ways by perceived risk to the driver and risk to the pedestrians. As a second contribution, we demonstrate the value of formulating AV moral dilemmas in a game-theoretic framework that considers the possible influence of others’ behavior. In the fourth experiment, we show that participants were more (less) likely to make the utilitarian choice, the more utilitarian (nonutilitarian) other drivers behaved; furthermore, unlike the game-theoretic prediction that decision-makers inevitably converge to nonutilitarianism, we found significant evidence of utilitarianism. We discuss theoretical implications for our understanding of human decision-making in moral dilemmas and practical guidelines for the design of autonomous machines that solve these dilemmas while, at the same time, being likely to be adopted in practice.
Modulation of Functional Connectivity and Low-Frequency Fluctuations After Brain-Computer Interface-Guided Robot Hand Training in Chronic Stroke: A 6-Month Follow-Up Study

Hand function improvement in stroke survivors in the chronic stage usually plateaus by 6 months. Brain-computer interface (BCI)-guided robot-assisted training has been shown to be effective for facilitating upper-limb motor function recovery in chronic stroke. However, the underlying neuroplasticity change is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the whole-brain neuroplasticity changes after 20-session BCI-guided robot hand training, and whether the changes could be maintained at the 6-month follow-up. Therefore, the clinical improvement and the neurological changes before, immediately after, and 6 months after training were explored in 14 chronic stroke subjects. The upper-limb motor function was assessed by Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper-Limb (FMA), and the neurological changes were assessed using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Repeated-measure ANOVAs indicated that long-term motor improvement was found by both FMA (F[2,26] = 6.367, p = 0.006) and ARAT (F[2,26] = 7.230, p = 0.003). Seed-based functional connectivity analysis exhibited that significantly modulated FC was observed between ipsilesional motor regions (primary motor cortex and supplementary motor area) and contralesional areas (supplementary motor area, premotor cortex, and superior parietal lobule), and the effects were sustained after 6 months. The fALFF analysis showed that local neuronal activities significantly increased in central, frontal and parietal regions, and the effects were also sustained after 6 months. Consistent results in FC and fALFF analyses demonstrated the increase of neural activities in sensorimotor and fronto-parietal regions, which were highly involved in the BCI-guided training. Clinical Trial Registration: This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with clinical trial registration number NCT02323061.
Cardiac Biomarker Levels and Their Prognostic Values in COVID-19 Patients With or Without Concomitant Cardiac Disease

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a global threat. Increases in cardiac biomarkers are common and are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Although these increases are more likely to occur in cases with concomitant cardiac disease, the differences in cardiac biomarker levels between patients with and without cardiac disease and their associations with in-hospital mortality are largely unknown. A consecutive serial of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases was retrospectively enrolled. Clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and outcome data were collected. The levels of cardiac biomarkers were evaluated and compared by stratifying patients according to concomitant cardiac conditions and clinical classifications. The prognostic efficacy of cardiac biomarker levels on admission was also assessed. Among the overall study population and survived patients, the cardiac biomarker levels at both the early and late stages in cardiac patients were significantly higher than those in non-cardiac patients. However, their concentrations in cardiac patients were comparable to non-cardiac ones among non-survivors. The cardiac biomarker levels at the late stage of the disease were significantly decreased compared to those at the early stage among patients who were alive. Whereas, the late-stage biomarker levels were significantly increased in patients who ultimately died. Subgroup analysis illustrated that increases in cardiac biomarkers were closely related to the severity of the disease, and were prognostic for high risks of in-hospital mortality in non-cardiac, rather than in cardiac patients. Myo and NT-proBNP, rather than Hs-TnI and CK-MB, were independently associated with in-hospital mortality in the overall population and non-cardiac patients. However, these associations were not significant among cardiac patients. In conclusion, our results helped better understand the release pattern and prognostic performance of cardiac biomarkers in patients with COVID-19. Increased levels of Myo and NT-proBNP on admission could be useful markers for early identifying high-risk patients. However, special attention must be paid when implementing the prognostic function for cardiac patients.