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The microstructures and the mechanical properties of a laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) manufactured alloy coupons that were compositionally graded with austenitic stainless steel 316 L and bronze (Cu10Sn), which are immiscible, were investigated. While the microstructure of the pure 316 L contains only columnar γ-Fe grains, the formation of the equiaxed α-Cu, with α-Fe particles embedded in them, at the grain boundaries of the γ-Fe grains was observed upon alloying with Cu10Sn, for up to 50 wt.%. In the graded alloys with > 50 wt.% Cu10Sn, the microstructure inverts and contains α-Fe particle embedded α-Cu matrix along with some scattered γ-Fe grains. The two-dimensional phase-field simulations were employed to reproduced the phase transition and microstructure evolution in different compositions, revealing that the nucleation of γ-Fe occurs synchronously with the spinodal decomposition of liquid and that with further cooling, Cu-rich liquid solidifies and nanoscale spherical γ-Fe precipitates appear. Cross-sections with 10–40 wt.% Cu10Sn were found structurally unreliable owing to the formation of liquation cracks and shrinkage pores, whereas the rest of the build contained few pores and was crack-free. The Scheil solidification simulations together with the crack susceptibility index calculations over the entire compositions range of the CGA, reveal that when with < 50 wt.% Cu10Sn, liquid feeding to interdendritic regions of γ-Fe is limited, which is otherwise necessary to mitigate shrinkage-induced stresses. The hardness, yield and tensile strengths of the compositionally graded alloy in the cross-section with 50 wt.% Cu10Sn are higher than those of the parent constituents and the one with 80 wt.% Cu10Sn has the best combination of strength and ductility. The variations in strength and ductility are attributed to the microstructural and compositional changes in α-Cu matrix that were influenced by the formation of α-Fe particles. Finally, the appropriate proportions and the influence of the LPBF method in successfully mixing Cu10Sn and SS316L was discussed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental susceptibility is an intrinsic property associated with the handling and storage process of nickel-based layered oxide materials in ambient air, which combines with electrochemical factors to determine the cathode performance. Nonetheless, the mechanism underlying such environmental effect has not been well elucidated yet. In this work, using atomic-resolution imaging and spectroscopy, we discover that chemical desodification of Ni-based sodium oxides upon air-exposure triggers extensive initiation and propagation of intragranular cracks along the a-b plane in the lattice, which is distinct from the dense interphase layer for chemically delithiated Ni-based lithium oxides. We rationalize that the diverse environmental susceptibility of Ni-based layered oxides is dictated by Li/Na chemical reaction-diffusion-induced structural evolution or failure, based on the ab initio calculation and numerical kinetic modeling. The established correlation between reaction-diffusion-induced stress fields and structural changes provides new visions for developing high energy and high stability Ni-based layered cathode materials. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we developed a general approach to quantify the uncertainties of interdiffusion coefficients in binary, ternary and multicomponent systems evaluated using the Boltzmann-Matano and related other methods together with the distribution functions. Various sources of errors from both experimental and calculation procedures and their propagation were fully considered and quantified in the finally obtained interdiffusion coefficients. Benchmark tests in hypothetical binary systems with three types of the preset D-c relations and three noise levels were utilized to validate the presently proposed approach, which was then successfully applied in the practical binary, ternary and high-entropy alloys. The comprehensive comparison between the presently calculated interdiffusivities in different alloys with the literature data indicated that the integration of Matano-based methods, the distribution function and the present approach represents a general ensemble solution for evaluation of the reliable interdiffusion coefficients and their uncertainties. Further discussion indicates that the accurate interdiffusion coefficients with reliable uncertainty are the "cornerstone" for the subsequent analysis on diffusion properties, i.e., the sluggish diffusion in high-entropy alloys, and the development of high-quality atomic mobility databases, and the impurity diffusion coefficients with uncertainties can be directly retrieved from the evaluated composition-dependent binary interdiffusion coefficients. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder affecting women at reproductive age. The therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on PCOS has been revealed, while the anti-PCOS mechanisms of EA have not been fully explored. In this study, PCOS were induced in rats by daily injection with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) for 20 days and EA treatment was performed for 5 weeks. The mRNA expression profiles in ovarian tissues from control, PCOS, and EA-treated rats were examined by high-throughput mRNA sequencing. 5'-aminolevulinate synthase 2 (Alas2), a vital rate-limiting enzyme of the heme synthesis pathway, was selected to be further studied. PCOS led to the upregulation of Alas2 mRNA, whereas EA treatment restored this change. In vitro, primary ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) were challenged with H 2 O 2 to mimic the oxidative stress (OS) state in PCOS. H 2 O 2 induced apoptosis, OS, mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as Alas2 overexpression in GCs, while lentivirus-mediated Alas2 knockdown evidently restrained the above impairments. In summary, this study highlights the crucial role of Alas2 in cell apoptosis, OS, and mitochondrial dysfunction of PCOS GCs and provides potential therapeutic candidates for further investigation on PCOS treatment. [Display omitted] • To identify potential genes involved in EA-mediated PCOS via mRNA seq. • Alas2 was up-regulated in PCOS ovaries and down-regulated after EA treatment. • Alas2 knockdown inhibited cell apoptosis in H2O2-induced ovarian granulosa cells. • Alas2 knockdown relieved oxidative stress in H2O2-induced ovarian granulosa cells. • Alas2 silencing improved mitochondrial defects in ovarian granulosa cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The use of acupuncture to treat reproductive dysfunction has not been well investigated. Only a few clinical studies have been reported, most of which are flawed by poor design and a lack of valid outcome measures and diagnostic criteria, making the results difficult to interpret. Experimental studies, however, show that acupuncture has substantial effects on reproductive function. Here we review the possible mechanisms of action of acupuncture on the reproductive system and its effects on reproductive dysfunction, focusing in particular on polycystic ovary syndrome, the most common endocrine and metabolic disorder in women. Clinical and experimental evidence demonstrates that acupuncture is a suitable alternative or complement to pharmacological induction of ovulation, without adverse side effects. Clearly, acupuncture modulates endogenous regulatory systems, including the sympathetic nervous system, the endocrine system, and the neuroendocrine system. Randomized clinical trials are warranted to further evaluate the clinical effects of acupuncture in reproductive disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A (tttta)n microsatellite polymorphism in the promoter of CYP11a gene was investigated in 201 Chinese Han women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 147 control women. The 6/6 genotype was defined with significant difference of CYP11a polymorphism between women with PCOS and control women, and associated with greater BMI in PCOS patients, suggesting a certain role of the six-repeat allele variant in the pathogenesis of Chinese women with PCOS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The polymorphisms of the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ (Pro12Ala) and its coactivator-1 (Gly482Ser) genes were investigated among 201 Chinese Han women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and among 147 regularly cycling women as control subjects. We did not find statistically significant differences with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ2 Pro12Ala and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma-1α Gly482Ser polymorphism distributions between Chinese women with PCOS and controls, or with body mass index and reproductive hormones among various genotypic groups of PCOS, suggesting that these genetic mutants did not have an effect on the susceptibility to PCOS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reliable diffusivities and atomic mobilities of fcc Co–Mn–Cr alloys are the important keystones for establishing the accurate diffusion database for CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloys and other relevant alloys, but they are still missing in the literature. In this paper, diffusion couple experiments together with Hi gh- t hroughput D etermination of I nterdiffusion C oefficients (HitDIC) software were employed to efficiently obtain diffusion descriptions of fcc Co–Mn–Cr alloys. Six diffusion couples were prepared and examined to provide the prerequisite composition profiles. Feature selection and regularization techniques in HitDIC software were adopted to extract the corresponding interdiffusion coefficients and atomic mobilities. A reliable set of diffusion descriptions of the fcc Co–Mn–Cr alloys were therefore obtained and verified. Investigations of the underlying composition- and temperature-dependent diffusion behaviors were enabled and demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical trials in infertility choose from a variety of outcomes including change in some surrogate marker of gamete quality to healthy live birth. Incomplete reporting of outcomes makes it difficult to compare studies and to determine the clinical impact of infertility treatments. In this Views and Reviews, we explore the merits of collecting various outcomes of interest in infertility trials from the vantage point of infertility specialists, an obstetrician, and a pediatrician. These articles support more complete reporting of maternal, paternal, fetal, and infant outcomes from infertility trials to improve patient care and ultimately public health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In traditional Chinese medicine, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered an anovulation disorder related to ovarian insulin resistance. The three phenotypes of PCOS, according to the Rotterdam criteria, are differently steroidogenic but similarly insulin resistant, suggesting a similar involvement of insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia in different compartments of the PCOS ovary, namely, overactive theca and/or granulosa cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To investigate whether insulin resistance (IR) within theca cells may directly contribute to their hyperandrogenism, a heritable trait of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Design: In vitro cell model.Setting: University-affiliated laboratory.Animal(s): Porcine ovaries.Intervention(s): Ovarian theca cells from porcine follicles were isolated and cultured. Insulin resistance was induced in theca cells without (Con) or with dexamethasone (Dex); cells were further treated by troglitazone (Tro) and metformin (Met) in IR cells or by vehicle only in IR and Con cells.Main Outcome Measure(s): Medium glucose and T levels; reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot for insulin signal molecules and androgenic enzyme.Result(s): As compared with Con cells, Dex-treated cells had significantly lower [(3)H]-glucose uptake (565 +/- 58 cpm/10(6) vs. 1077 +/- 78 cpm/10(6)) but higher medium glucose levels (16.31 +/- 0.39 nmol/L vs. 10.62 +/- 1.02 nmol/L) and had approximately twofold T levels (0.82 +/- 0.20 microg/L vs. 0.38+/-0.08 microg/L). Troglitazone and Met significantly reduced the medium glucose and testosterone concentrations to levels comparable to those in Con cells. The RT-PCR and Western blot showed that the two sensitizers in different ways reversed the altered messenger RNA and protein expression of insulin receptor substrate-1, glucose transporter-4, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, and 17 alpha-hydroxylase in Dex-induced IR cells.Conclusion(s): Insulin resistance induced by Dex could directly exaggerate androgenic potential within theca cells, suggesting the possible involvement of this ovarian metabolic phenotype in PCOS hyperandrogenism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, 6 Cu-Al-Sn ternary and 8 Cu-Ni-Al-Sn quaternary solid diffusion couples within single fcc phase from 1023 K to 1173 K were fabricated. Employing the measured concentration profiles and interdiffusion fluxes, the atomic mobility parameters and interdiffusion coefficients in Cu-Al-Sn and Cu-Ni-Al-Sn systems were high-throughput evaluated using the numerical inverse method. The simulated composition distributions and interdiffusion fluxes in all the diffusion couples are consistent with the measured ones confirming the reliability of the atomic mobilities. The Matano-Kirkaldy method was also used to validate the reliability of the accuracy of the determined interdiffusion matrices. The 3D diagrams of main interdiffusivities in the Cu-Al-Sn and Cu-Ni-Al-Sn systems in the investigated ranges of composition and temperature were established to analyze the effects of components on the diffusivities. In the Cu-Al-Sn system, there is an increase in D ˜ A l A l C u with an increase in x Al , while D ˜ S n S n C u increases with increasing x Sn but decreases with the addition of Al. Additionally, the introduction of Ni results in a decrease in all the main interdiffusivities ( D ˜ N i N i C u , D ˜ A l A l C u and D ˜ S n S n C u ) in the Cu-Ni-Al-Sn system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrothermal synthesis for the fabrication of zeolite coatings is the most effective route and has been extensively studied, in which a large amount of water is indispensable to ensure efficient transport of nutrition. The disposal of waste solvent and chemicals remains a big challenge in practice and an alternative route is highly desired. Herein, we present an unprecedented solid-conversion secondary growth route for the fabrication of corrosion-resistant MFI-type zeolite coatings by mixing, grinding, and heating the mixture of silica source (Na 2 SiO 3 ·9H 2 O and SiO 2), template (TPABr) and acidity regulator (NH 4 Cl) without addition of water. The ZSM-5 zeolite seeded aluminum alloy 1060 plates were prepared by spray-coating method where water glass as a binder between seed and substrate was used to increase the adhesion of seeds to the substrate. The continuity of the coatings was investigated by manipulating the molar composition of synthesis mixture and the optimized molar composition is 1.0Na 2 SiO 3 ·9H 2 O: 1.19SiO 2 : 0.58TPABr: 1.82NH 4 Cl. The corrosion protection performance of MFI-type zeolite coatings on aluminum alloy plates was evaluated by a direct current polarization technique. The excellent corrosion-resistant was demonstrated in severely corrosive medium including in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 aqueous solution and 0.5 M NaCl aqueous solution, which is comparable to the performance of zeolite coatings synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis. The features are also briefly discussed, which make this route highly attractive from a good perspective. Image 1 ● The synthesis of MFI-type zeolite coatings by solid-conversion secondary growth route. ● Spray-coating was introduced to produce a continuous seed layer. ● Significant effect of the composition of synthesis mixture in solid-conversion method. ● MFI-type zeolite coatings are corrosion-resistant in severely corrosive medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin resistance on porcine granulosa cells was induced by wortmannin, the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor, and insulin signaling key molecules were investigated including glut4 and mitogen-activated protein kinase. Granulosa insulin resistance decreased glut4 expression but increased mitogen-activated protein kinase, indicating the cross talk between the metabolic and mitogenic pathways of insulin signaling in the ovary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

What is the association between hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHCY), metabolic syndrome, and reproductive outcomes among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A secondary analysis of PCOSAct with 21 sites in China. A total of 1000 women with PCOS were enrolled; 936 women with baseline homocysteine (HCY) were analysed. Higher HCY was associated with higher body mass index, free testosterone and lower FSH, fasting glucose (P < 0.001; P < 0.001; P = 0.005; P < 0.001) and ovulation rate among all participants (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.86; OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.83 tertiles 2 and 3 versus tertile 1, respectively). The HHCY group had lower oestradiol and higher free testosterone (P = 0.04; P < 0.001) than the controls. In the metabolic syndrome group, LH, LH–FSH ratio and sex hormone-binding globulin were lowest in the metabolic syndrome group (all P < 0.001). In the HHCY group, ovulation rate decreased and the second or third trimester pregnancy loss rate increased compared with controls (OR 1.678, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.70; OR 0.03, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.42) with treatment adjustment. Compared with the controls, ovulation, conception, pregnancy, second or third trimester pregnancy loss and live birth rates were statistically lower in the metabolic syndrome group after adjusting treatment (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.70; OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.65; OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.27 to 3.44; OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.33; OR 2.42 95% CI 1.42 to 4.10), and pregnancy, pregnancy loss and live birth rates remained significantly different after adjusting for treatment and sex-hormone factors (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.99; OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.82; OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.16 to 3.50). In women with PCOS, HHCY contributes to increased pregnancy loss and reduced ovulation, and metabolic syndrome was related to defects in ovulation, conception, pregnancy, pregnancy loss and live birth, indicating that the two conditions lead to defects at various reproductive stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To identify aberrantly methylated candidate genes that are involved in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design Animal model. Setting University-affiliated laboratory. Animal(s) Sprague-Dawley rats. Intervention(s) The prenatally androgenized (PNA) rat model was established. Pregnant rats were treated with daily SC injections of T propionate during late gestation, and their female offspring were studied as adults. Main Outcome Measure(s) Serum glucose and hormone levels, ovary morphology and cell apoptosis, genome-wide CpG methylation, and expression of caspase-3 protein were measured. Result(s) In the PNA group, the levels of serum glucose, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and T were significantly higher when compared with the control group. Ovarian morphology showed increased atretic follicles and cystic follicles. Using the MeDIP-chip approach, we identified 528 genes that were hypermethylated in PNA ovaries. Gene ontology analyses revealed that these genes are involved in a variety of reproductive development and biological processes. The methylation enrichments of Bcl2l1 and Scr5a1 observed in the PNA group by MeDIP-quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay were significantly higher than those obtained from the control group. Furthermore, the mRNA level of the Bcl2l1 gene was significantly decreased in the PNA group. The percentage of caspase-3-positive cells in the PNA group was obviously higher compared with the control group, by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling detection as well. Conclusion(s) DNA methylation alteration may be an important factor affecting the genes involved in the pathophysiological processes that result in the phenotype of PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of our research was to generate large sample evidence for the clinical diagnostic criteria of hirsutism and to simplify the modified Ferriman-Galwey (mF-G) scoring system for Asian women. Study design: This study was a large-scale, cross-sectional epidemiologic investigation conducted in 10 provinces of China. A total of 10,120 reproductive-age women in the community were involved in using the mF-G scoring system to evaluate hirsutism. Results: Of the participants, 95.5% had an mF-G score <5. The strongest contributors to the nine mF-G positions were upper lip, thighs, and lower abdomen. If the cut-off value was set at 2 for these 3 areas, the area under the ROC curve was 0.987 (95% CI 0.983–0.992), which had a sensitivity of 98.7% and a specificity 91.0%. The percentage of hirsutism (mF-G score >4) and the average mF-G score decreased with advancing age. Conclusions: An mF-G scoring >4 can be used to diagnose hirsutism in this population. The results also suggest that hair growth involving the upper lip, thighs, and lower abdomen with scores >2 can be used to diagnose hirsutism in women in the community. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To systematically review the literature to identify the impact of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on specific health-related quality of life domains. Design: Meta-analysis. Setting: N/A. Patient(s): The outcomes of 423 patients and 285 controls from 5 articles that used the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire were used for meta-analysis. Intervention(s): N/A. Main Outcome Measure(s): The SF-36 dimensions including physical function, physical role function, body pain, general health, vitality, social function, emotional role function, and mental health were evaluated. Result(s): Compared with controls, women with PCOS had lower scores in all SF-36 dimensions: physical function (mean differences [MD], −5.46; 95% confidence intervals [CI], −8.52, −2.41), physical role function (MD, −5.76; 95% CI, −8.49, −3.03), body pain (MD, −4.55; 95% CI, −7.99, −1.11), general health (MD, −11.34; 95% CI, −19.53, −3.15), vitality (MD, −15.14; 95% CI, −17.43, −12.84), social function (MD, −15.95, 95% CI, −18.57, −13.33), emotional role function (MD, −23.86; 95% CI, −27.51, −20.21), and mental health (MD, −13.83; 95% CI, −16.13, −11.53). Conclusion(s): The meta-analysis showed that women with PCOS score lower in each dimension of the SF-36, mostly in the emotional role function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Theca cells with dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance showed defective glucose uptake and excessive testosterone production, both of which were effectively antagonized by berberine. Therefore, insulin-resistant theca cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aimed to determine whether glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling, mitochondrial function, and local inflammation in the ovary and uterus are intrinsically different in rats with hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance compared to controls. Female Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to daily injections of human chorionic gonadotropin and/or insulin. In both the ovary and the uterus, decreased expression of the two GR isoforms was concurrent with increased expression of Fkbp51 but not Fkbp52 mRNA in hCG + insulin-treated rats. However, these rats exhibited contrasting regulation of Hsd11b1 and Hsd11b2 mRNAs in the two tissues. Further, the expression of several oxidative phosphorylation-related proteins decreased in the ovary and uterus following hCG and insulin stimulation, in contrast to increased expression of many genes involved in mitochondrial function and homeostasis. Additionally, hCG + insulin-treated rats showed increased expression of ovarian and uterine NFκB signaling proteins and Tnfaip3 mRNA. The mRNA expression of Il1b , Il6 , and Mmp2 was decreased in both tissues, while the mRNA expression of Tnfa , Ccl2 , Ccl5 , and Mmp3 was increased in the uterus. Ovaries and uteri from animals co-treated with hCG and insulin showed increased collagen deposition compared to controls. Our observations suggest that hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance disrupt ovarian and uterine GR activation and trigger compensatory or adaptive effects for mitochondrial homeostasis, allowing tissue-level maintenance of mitochondrial function in order to limit ovarian and uterine dysfunction. Our study also suggests that hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance activate NFκB signaling resulting in aberrant regulation of inflammation-related gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]