An X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) study of the Sn L₃ edge in zirconium alloy oxide films formed during autoclave corrosion

AbstractApplication of Sn L3-XANES to study the oxidation state of alloying additions of tin (1–1.2wt%) in <2μm oxide layers formed on nuclear grade zirconium alloy has been demonstrated. Data obtained for metallic and corroded ZIRLO™ (1wt% Sn) and Zircaloy-4 (1.2wt% Sn) indicate tin has a similar chemical speciation in both metal alloys but this differs in the oxidised surface layers. By recording XANES at various incident angles to vary the photon penetration depth and amount of the oxide layer probed in the measurement, the authors found evidence that the oxidation of tin progresses with increasing oxide thickness

A 6-week randomized-controlled field study: effect of isokinetic eccentric resistance training on strength, flexibility and muscle structure of the shoulder external rotators in male junior handball players

Background: Team handball involves a tremendous amount of shoulder motion with high forces during repeated extended external range of motion. This causes shoulder complaints and overuse injuries. While eccentric training for the lower extremity shows preventive effects by improving strength, range of motion and fascicle length, there is a research gap for the shoulder joint and for advanced tissue characterization using diffusion tensor imaging.Objectives: To investigate the effects of 6-week eccentric isokinetic resistance training on strength, flexibility, and fiber architecture characteristics of the external rotators compared to an active control group in junior male handball players.Methods: 15 subjects were randomly assigned to the eccentric training group and 14 subjects to the active control group (conventional preventive training). Primary outcome measures were eccentric and concentric isokinetic strength of the external rotators, range of motion, and muscle fascicle length and fascicle volume.Results: The intervention group, showed significant changes in eccentric strength (+15%). The supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles showed significant increases in fascicle length (+13% and +8%), and in fractional anisotropy (+9% and +6%), which were significantly different from the control group.Conclusion: Eccentric isokinetic training has a significant effect on the function and macroscopic structure of the shoulder external rotators in male junior handball players. While strength parameters and muscle structure improved, range of motion did not change. This research helps understanding the physiology of muscle and the role of eccentric training on shoulder function and muscle structure. Furthermore, DTI was found to be a promising tool for advanced tissue characterization, and the in vivo derived data can also serve as model input variables and as a possibility to extend existing ex-vivo muscle models. Future research is needed for functional and structural changes following convenient eccentric field exercises