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Abstract Background Evidence regarding the relationship between fasting blood glucose (FBG) and suicide attempts (SA) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) was limited. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate whether FBG was independently related to SA in Chinese patients with first-episode drug-naïve (FEDN) MDD after adjusting for other covariates. Methods The present study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 1718 participants (average age: 34.9 ± 12.4 years, 65.8% females) with FEDN MDD were involved in a hospital in China from September 2016 to December 2018. Multiple logistic regression analysis and smooth curve fitting were used to estimate the association between FBG and the risk of SA. The threshold effect was examined by the two-piecewise linear regression model. Interaction and stratified analyses were conducted according to sex, education, marital status, comorbid anxiety, and psychotic symptoms. Results The prevalence of SA in patients with FEDN MDD was 20.1%. The result of fully adjusted binary logistic regression showed FBG was positively associated with the risk of SA (odds ratio (OR) = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.13–2.32). Smoothing plots also revealed a nonlinear relationship between FBG and SA, with the inflection point of FBG being 5.34 mmol/l. The effect sizes and the confidence intervals on the left and right sides of the inflection point were 0.53 (0.32–0.88, P = 0.014) and 1.48 (1.04–2.10, P = 0.030), respectively. Conclusions A U-shaped relationship between FBG and SA in FEDN MDD patients was found, with the lowest risk of SA at a FBG of 5.34 mmol/l, indicating that both the lower and higher FBG levels may lead to an increased risk of SA.

Abstract Background Patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) exhibit difficulties deficits in recognizing facial expressions with unambiguous valence. However, only a limited number of studies have examined how these patients fare in interpreting facial expressions with ambiguous valence (for example, surprise). Thus, we aimed to explore the influence of emotional background information on the recognition of ambiguous facial expressions in SCZ. Methods A 3 (emotion: negative, neutral, and positive) × 2 (group: healthy controls and SCZ) experimental design was adopted in the present study. The experimental materials consisted of 36 images of negative emotions, 36 images of neutral emotions, 36 images of positive emotions, and 36 images of surprised facial expressions. In each trial, a briefly presented surprised face was preceded by an affective image. Participants (36 SCZ and 36 healthy controls (HC)) were required to rate their emotional experience induced by the surprised facial expressions. Participants’ emotional experience was measured using the 9-point rating scale. The experimental data have been analyzed by conducting analyses of variances (ANOVAs) and correlation analysis. Results First, the SCZ group reported a more positive emotional experience under the positive cued condition compared to the negative cued condition. Meanwhile, the HC group reported the strongest positive emotional experience in the positive cued condition, a moderate experience in the neutral cued condition, and the weakest in the negative cue condition. Second, the SCZ (vs. HC) group showed longer reaction times (RTs) for recognizing surprised facial expressions. The severity of schizophrenia symptoms in the SCZ group was negatively correlated with their rating scores for emotional experience under neutral and positive cued condition. Conclusions Recognition of surprised facial expressions was influenced by background information in both SCZ and HC, and the negative symptoms in SCZ. The present study indicates that the role of background information should be fully considered when examining the ability of SCZ to recognize ambiguous facial expressions.

Facial expression is an important way to reflect human emotions and it represents a dynamic deformation process. Analyzing facial movements is an effective means of understanding expressions. However, there is currently a lack of methods capable of analyzing the dynamic details of full-field deformation in expressions. In this paper, in order to enable effective dynamic analysis of expressions, a classic optical measuring method called stereo digital image correlation (stereo-DIC or 3D-DIC) is employed to analyze the deformation fields of facial expressions. The forming processes of six basic facial expressions of certain experimental subjects are analyzed through the displacement and strain fields calculated by 3D-DIC. The displacement fields of each expression exhibit strong consistency with the action units (AUs) defined by the classical Facial Action Coding System (FACS). Moreover, it is shown that the gradient of the displacement, i.e., the strain fields, offers special advantages in characterizing facial expressions due to their localized nature, effectively sensing the nuanced dynamics of facial movements. By processing extensive data, this study demonstrates two featured regions in six basic expressions, one where deformation begins and the other where deformation is most severe. Based on these two regions, the temporal evolutions of the six basic expressions are discussed. The presented investigations demonstrate the superior performance of 3D-DIC in the quantitative analysis of facial expressions. The proposed analytical strategy might have potential value in objectively characterizing human expressions based on quantitative measurement.

The effects of tempering temperature on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of 16%Cr–5%Ni super martensitic stainless steel (SMSS) were investigated in the present study. Reversed austenite was detected via X-ray diffraction when the as-quenched samples with full martensite were tempered above 500 °C, and its volume fraction attained a maximum of ∼17% at 620 °C. When tempered below 620 °C, all the reversed austenite formed was able to keep stable at room temperature, while partial or even entire reversed austenite formed above 640 °C with Ni content less than 8 wt% transformed back into fresh martensite during cooling, demonstrating that the enrichment of Ni determined the thermal stability of reversed austenite. EDS results revealed that the precipitation of M23C6 carbides caused Ni enrichment in the adjacent regions, promoting the nucleation of reversed austenite, and the growth of reversed austenite was mainly controlled by Ni diffusion. The results of tensile tests and instrumented impact tests indicated that stable reversed austenite effectively improved the ductility and toughness, and offset the deterioration of toughness caused by the M23C6 precipitating at grain boundaries. Tempering at 540 °C achieved an excellent combination of strength and toughness, while the best plasticity of samples was obtained by tempering at 620 °C.

Abstract Background It has been more than 2 years since the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic destabilized the world, adversely affecting not only physical health, but also mental health. During this time, frontline medical workers were at a greater health risk, especially female medical workers. Changes or abnormalities in the menstrual cycle—an important indicator of women’s health—may jeopardize female reproductive functioning. Considering that emotional health and sleep status may be related to the menstrual cycle, this study aimed to investigate the association between menstrual cycle changes, anxiety, sleep dysfunction, and other factors among female medical workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted by distributing online questionnaires to female medical workers in China from February to May 2022. The study included 160 women aged 18–45 years old. The questionnaires covered data related to the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, medical and reproductive history, and lifestyle. The Rating Scale for Clinical Manifestations of Menopathy (SCMM), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Sleep Dysfunction Rating Scale (SDRS) were utilized. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, t-tests, and linear regression analysis. Results A total of 160 female medical staff were randomly selected in this research, of whom seven scored less than 3 points, 85 scored 3–11 points, and 68 scored more than 11 points on the total score of the SCMM. Compared to pre-pandemic scores, scores of dizziness and tinnitus were significantly higher during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scores corresponding to the following clinical symptoms were also higher during the pandemic: Menopathy, including hypaphrodisia, dim complexion, abnormal urination, languidness, dim menstruation, thin menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and empty or saggy lower abdomen (p

Nantong Hualushao wine is a special type of traditional Huangjiu, or Chinese yellow wine. It has been added to the list of intangible cultural heritage in Nantong, Jiangsu Province. In this study, the key quality indicators of ten commercial Hualushao wines and five traditional Huangjiu products were determined. The organic acids and sugars were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the colour was measured with a spectrophotometer. By comparing the content of the Hualushao wines and the Huangjiu samples using statistical methods, the differences between these two products were described, and the characteristics of Hualushao wine were clarified. Results revealed that the acetic acid, total sugar, glucose, alcohol, and soluble solid content, as well as the pH value of Hualushao wine, were significantly higher than those of traditional Huangjiu (P

Abstract Unidirectional SiCf/SiC minicomposite with a scheelite (CaWO4) interphase coating was fabricated through the precursor infiltration and pyrolysis method. Fractography of the SiCf/SiC minicomposites indicated that weak fiber/matrix bonding can be provided by the CaWO4 interphase. Furthermore, interfacial debonding stress of SiCf/CaWO4/SiC minicomposite was evaluated through the fiber push-out test, and estimated to be 80.7 ± 4.6 MPa. In-situ tensile SEM observation of SiCf/CaWO4/SiC minicomposite after oxidation at 1000–1100 °C was carried out, and thermal compatibility between CaWO4 interphase coating and SiC fiber or matrix after heat treatment at 1300 °C was investigated.

Achieving high strength and ductility simultaneously in high-entropy alloys (HEAs) has always been a challenge, and recent studies indicate that duplex microstructure provides a strategy to solve this contradiction. We prepared Al0.25FeCoNiV HEA with L12/B2 fine-grain duplex microstructure and achieved a remarkable combination of the ultimate tensile strength (1530 MPa) and ductility (20%), which clearly outperforms other duplex HEAs. Owing to the formation of fine-grain microstructure and the hindrance of the B2 phase, high yield strength has been achieved. Furthermore, the excellent work-hardening ability of the L12 phase and the dispersion of the B2 phase ensured uniform deformation and high strength.

Background Benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs) are commonly used clinically and data on their hazardous use from large populations of psychiatric patients is limited. Aims To assess the current status of hazardous BZRA use and related factors in Chinese out-patient psychiatric settings. Method The study included out-patients with at least one BZRA prescription from five psychiatric settings in east, central and west China in 2018. Demographic and prescription information were extracted from the electronic prescription database. We defined the co-occurrence of overdose and long-term use as hazardous use, and patients whose recorded diagnoses did not meet any indications approved by the Chinese Food and Drug Administration as over-indication users. Additionally, 200 hazardous users were randomly selected for follow-up interview to confirm the actual situation. Results Among 720 054 out-patients, 164 450 (22.8%) had at least one BZRA prescription; 55.9% of patients were prescribed over-indication and 3% were defined as hazardous users. Multilevel multivariate regression analysis with hospital as a random effect showed that factors associated with hazardous use were older age (18–64 years: β = 0.018; 95% CI 0.013–0.023; >65 years: β = 0.015; 95% CI 0.010–0.021), male (β = 0.005, 95% CI 0.003–0.007), over-indication (β = 0.013, 95% CI 0.012–0.015), more out-patient visits (β = 0.006, 95% CI 0.006–0.006) and more visits to different doctors (β = 0.007, 95% CI 0.007–0.008); 98.5% of hazardous users (197/200) could not be contacted. Conclusions BZRAs are commonly used and there is a relatively large proportion of over-indication users among Chinese psychiatric out-patients. However, only a small proportion of hazardous users were detected. The study highlights how to use prescription data to support improvements in clinical practice.

The decomposition kinetics of retained austensite (RA) and the effect of its decomposition on the impact toughness of FB2 steel during the two-step tempering were studied by employing differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), magnetic saturation measurement (MSM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furnace-cooling from 1100 °C produces 9.7vol.% filmy RA due to the contributions to Ms from the C enrichment (MS(Che) = 102 °C) and the high internal stress (ΔMS(stress) = -93.3 °C). With the increase of the first step tempering temperature from 570 °C to 630 °C for 1–10 h, RA involves into the different decomposition characteristics, forming θ phase, M3C particles, filmy M3C and M7C3, and also leading to the volume fraction of the carbon-depleted RA transformed into martensite fγRA→M decrease from 87.6% to 0.0% during the subsequent cooling process. During the second step tempering at 670 °C, these θ and M3C particles evolve into spherical M23C6, while film-like M3C and M7C3 evolve into filmy M23(C,B)6. Deteriorated by the filmy M23(C,B)6, the impact toughness increase from 72 J/cm2 to 118 J/cm2 with the increase of fγRA→M from 0% to 87.6%. While for the samples with fγRA→M=0, enhancing the second step tempering temperature to 690 °C for 10 h can further promote the spheroidization of filmy M23(C,B)6 and reduce hardness, resulting in the enhancement of impact toughness from 72 J/cm2 to 112 J/cm2. In summary, a two-step tempering process (570 °C for 1–5 h plus 670–690 °C for 10 h) for RA-containing FB2 steel is suggested to obtain excellent impact toughness and high hardness.

BackgroundsSubclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) was reported to be associated with depression; however, its role in coexisting anxiety symptom in young patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) remains unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between SCH and anxiety symptom in young first-episode and drug-naïve (FEDN) MDD patients.MethodsA total of 520 outpatients diagnosed as FEDN MDD with SCH were recruited in this study. Their socio-demographic, clinical data and thyroid function parameters were collected. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) were employed to measure the severity of anxiety symptom and depressive symptom, respectively. Based on the HAMA scores, patients who scored ≥ 25 were defined as anxious major depressive disorder (A-MDD) while others as non-anxious major depressive disorder (NA-MDD).ResultsThe prevalence rate of A-MDD was 15.8% in young FEDN MDD patients with comorbid SCH. Moreover, serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were significantly higher in patients with A-MDD compared with those with NA-MDD (p < 0.001). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis indicated that A-MDD was associated with serum TSH levels with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.602. Serum TSH level of 6.17 mIU/L was the critical value to distinguish A-MDD and NA-MDD, with sensitivity of 0.805 and specificity of 0.539. There were no statistically significant differences between NA-MDD and A-MDD patients in terms of socio-demographic variables, serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid peroxidases antibody (TPOAb) and anti-thyroglobulin (TgAb) levels.ConclusionsA-MDD patients presented higher serum TSH level. It is suggested that serum TSH level may be a potential biomarker for predicting moderate and severe anxiety symptoms in young FEDN MDD patients with SCH.

In the present work, we have extensively examined the alternative-band microstructure of a Ti-47Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy fabricated via direct laser deposition by means of high resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction. The studied samples exhibit two types of long-periodic stacking ordered phase with 6H and 18R structures, which were never reported for those obtained by traditional approaches. Moreover, the ordered phases possess stacking sequences of ABCBACA and ABCABCBCABCACABCABA, being analogous to the periodically arranged stacking faults in α2 and γ phases, respectively. With the presence of these unusual structures, the as-deposited sample tends to have superior mechanical properties. IMPACT STATEMENT Unusual ordered phases with long periodic stacking structures, seldom reported in the TiAl alloys obtained by traditional approaches, were comprehensively characterized, and demonstrated to possess excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract Background Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a worldwide pandemic and precise fatality data by age group is needed urgently. This study to delineate the clinical characteristics and outcome of COVID-19 patients aged ≥75 years and identify the risk factors of in-hospital death. Methods A total of 141 consecutive patients aged ≥75 years who were admitted to the hospital between 12th and 19th February 2020. In-hospital death, clinical characteristics and laboratory findings on admission were obtained from medical records. The final follow-up observation was on the 31st March 2020. Results The median age was 81 years (84 female, 59.6%). Thirty-eight (27%) patients were classified as severe or critical cases. 18 (12.8%) patients had died in hospital and the remaining 123 were discharged. Patients who died were more likely to present with fever (38.9% vs. 7.3%); low percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO2) (55.6% vs. 7.3%); reduced lymphocytes (72.2% vs. 35.8%) and platelets (27.8% vs. 4.1%); and increased D-dimer (94.4% vs. 42.3%), creatinine (50.0% vs. 22.0%), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) (77.8% vs. 30.1%), high sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI) (72.2% vs. 14.6%), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (72.2% vs. 6.5%; all P 37.3 °C (OR = 80.5, 95% CI 4.6 to 1407.6, P = 0.003), SpO2 ≤ 90% (OR = 70.1, 95% CI 4.6 to 1060.4, P = 0.002), and NT-proBNP> 1800 ng/L (OR = 273.5, 95% CI 14.7 to 5104.8, P

This work studied the interface morphology, microstructure behavior, and mechanical properties of the fabricated trilayered Cu/Al8011/Al1060 composite. In this regard, the roll-casted Cu/Al8011 bimetal was subjected to the hot-roll-bonding process with Al1060 at a thickness reduction of 47%. As a result, the hot-roll-bonding broke the produced nonuniform continuous interface within the copper and aluminum during the roll-casting process. The corresponding interface from the copper side includes Al4Cu9, AlCu, and Al2Cu, respectively. Additionally, SEM-based in-situ tensile deformation revealed that the initiated cracks at the Cu/Al8011 interface propagated into the copper layer that led to its fracture before the aluminum. Based on the FEM results, the effective stress distribution of the Cu strip is not homogeneous at the deformation zone. Moreover, the thickness reduction of the Cu and Al layers was respectively lower and slightly higher than that of the trilayered composite, indicating that plastic deformation mainly occurred at the aluminum matrix due to its large plasticity amount.

Acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a condition with an imbalanced inflammatory response and delayed resolution of inflammation. Macrophage polarization plays an important role in inflammation and resolution. However, the mechanism of macrophage polarization in ALI/ARDS is not fully understood. We found that mice with lipopolysaccharide administration developed lung injury with the accumulation of extracellular cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (eCIRP) in the lungs. eCIRP, as a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), inhibited M2 macrophage polarization, thereby tipping the balance toward inflammation rather than resolution. Anti-CIRP antibodies reversed such phenotypes. The levels of macrophage erythropoietin (EPO) receptor (EPOR) were reduced after eCIRP treatment. Myeloid-specific EPOR-deficient mice displayed restrained M2 macrophage polarization and impaired inflammation resolution. Mechanistically, eCIRP impaired Rab26, a member of Ras superfamilies of small G proteins, and reduced the transportation of surface EPOR, which resulted in macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype. Moreover, EPO treatment hardly promotes M2 polarization in Rab26 knockout (KO) macrophages through EPOR. Collectively, macrophage EPOR signaling is impaired by eCIRP through Rab26 during ALI/ARDS, leading to the restrained M2 macrophage polarization and delayed inflammation resolution. These findings identify a mechanism of persistent inflammation and a potential therapy during ALI/ARDS.

Purpose: As a new category proposed in the International Classification of Diseases (11th Revision) (ICD-11), the reliability and clinical utility of ICD diagnostic guidelines for gaming disorder (GD) in the Chinese population have not been studied. The purpose of this field study is to clarify the reliability, clinical utility, and cultural applicability of ICD diagnostic guidelines for GD in China and its comparability with Internet GD (IGD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) (DSM-5).Methods: Participants included 21 paired clinical raters consisting of seven psychiatrists and 200 gaming players aged from 15 to 18 years with different risk levels of Internet addiction based on the scores of Young's Internet Addiction Test. Each participant received a semi-structured face-to-face interview by paired clinical raters at the same time. Then clinical raters made the diagnosis and filled the clinical utility questionnaire independently according to the diagnostic guidelines for GD in both ICD-11 and DSM-5.Results: The diagnostic consistency coefficient (kappa value) between the paired clinical raters was 0.545 (0.490–0.600, p < 0.001) and 0.622 (0.553–0.691, p < 0.001) for ICD-11 and DSM-5 diagnostic guidelines, respectively, for GD. The diagnostic consistency was 0.847 (0.814–0.880, p < 0.001) between GD in ICD-11 and IGD in DSM-5. Meanwhile, 86.7% of responses that agreed with the ICD-11 diagnostic guidelines for GD provided enough detailed implementation characteristics and showed good overall clinical applicability (86.0%), specificity (94.4%), usefulness (84.1%), and acceptable cultural adaptation (74.8%). GD in ICD-11 was slightly more accepted than IGD in DSM-5 (p < 0.001), while the clinical efficiency of ICD-11 was inferior to that of DSM-5 (p < 0.001).Conclusion: This study indicates that the ICD-11 diagnostic guidelines for GD have acceptable clinical reliability and high consistency with IGD in DSM-5. Their clinical applicability and cultural adaption are comparable with those of DSM-5. Although the guidelines still need to be adjusted for better implementation in China, this is already a great step committed to reducing the serious consequences caused by excessive gaming behaviors through effective identification and normative diagnosis, especially for adolescents.

With the development of flexible electronic technology, lately, there has been an increase in demand for flexible electronic devices based on soft polymer-substrate metal film structures in challenging applications. These soft polymer-substrate metal film structures must tolerate bending, folding, stretching, and even deformation into any shape without failing to be used successfully. As a result, research into the fracture behavior of soft polymer-substrate metal film structures is essential. The purpose of this study was to investigate how fractures develop in Cr film attached to a polyimide (PI) substrate under biaxial stress. A fracture development model was built to determine the fracture propagation law of soft polymer-substrate metal film structures under biaxial stress. Experiments and finite element methods were applied to verify the correctness of the model. The theoretical analysis and finite element simulation results showed that fractures appeared initially at the perimeter of the film and then propagated to the center under biaxial stress. The theoretical and experimental results indicated that the crack propagation direction was related to the ratio of biaxial loading, which became progressively parallel to the direction of small loading as the biaxial loading ratio increased. The theoretical results were in line with the experiment results, which could be used as a preliminary step for further research on the fracture behavior of film-substrate structures.

Abstract Background During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Fangcang shelter hospitals were opened in Wuhan, China, to isolate and care for patients with mild or moderate symptoms. The patients and staff in the hospitals faced mental health challenges. This paper reports the experiences and mental health needs from them. Method Following the qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted in the EastWest Lake Fangcang Shelter Hospital, Wuhan on March 2020. Data collection and analysis was based on grounded theory. Open coding was adapted and a structured codebook was developed through coding seminars. The themes and subthemes were then confirmed through thematic analysis. The findings were further explained and integrated in a theoretical framework. Results A total of 10 COVID-19 patients and 13 staff, including doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, and policemen participated in the interviews. They have common needs, as well as their own needs. The perspectives from the staff also did complement for needs of the patients. The mental health needs were generalized into four themes, that is, basic needs, information and communication, emotional needs, and social support, each with several subthemes. In addition, there were some external factors that regulated the internal needs, which were summarized in a theoretical framework. Conclusions The study indicates the directions on hospital management, mental health services, policy making, and social work to meet the mental health needs of the inpatients and staff from temporary shelter hospitals like Fangcang in Wuhan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a considerable global public health threat. This study sought to investigate whether blood glucose (BG) levels or comorbid diabetes are associated with inflammatory status and disease severity in patients with COVID-19. Methods. In this retrospective cohort study, the clinical and biochemical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with or without diabetes were compared. The relationship among severity of COVID-19, inflammatory status, and diabetes or hyperglycemia was analyzed. The severity of COVID-19 in all patients was determined according to the diagnostic and treatment guidelines issued by the Chinese National Health Committee (7th edition). Results. Four hundred and sixty-one patients were enrolled in our study, and 71.58% of patients with diabetes and 13.03% of patients without diabetes had hyperglycemia. Compared with patients without diabetes (n=366), patients with diabetes (n=95) had a higher leucocyte count, neutrophil count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). There was no association between severity of COVID-19 and known diabetes adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), known hypertension, and coronary heart disease. The leucocyte count, NLR, and C-reactive protein (CRP) level increased with increasing BG level. Hyperglycemia was an independent predictor of critical (OR 4.00, 95% CI 1.72-9.30) or severe (OR 3.55, 95% CI 1.47-8.58) COVID-19, and of increased inflammatory levels (high leucocyte count (OR 4.26, 95% CI 1.65-10.97), NLR (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.24-6.10), and CRP level (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.19-5.23)), after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, severity of illness, and known diabetes. Conclusion. Hyperglycemia was positively correlated with higher inflammation levels and more severe illness, and it is a risk factor for the increased severity of COVID-19. The initial measurement of plasma glucose levels after hospitalization may help identify a subset of patients who are predisposed to a worse clinical course.

Without sacrificing any solution accuracy, an efficient optimization scheme of determining the orientation relationship only based on the daughter phase (i.e., lath martensite in steels in this paper) was established in this work, which involves two key steps. Firstly, an accurate clustering algorithm was developed to perform a statistic of all variants, which can give the most probable orientation and area fraction for each variant. Different from previous methods, the second step is to perform a newly-established optimization scheme, which is able to take variant fractions into consideration to determine the optimal orientation relationship and orientation of prior austenite simultaneously. In this case, the variant-level calculation, which can save much computational time compared with pixel/domain-level calculation, is beneficial for the efficiency promotion. Through inputting the equally-weighted variants into the optimization scheme, the influence of the random cross-sections on the solutions can be effectively eliminated. Furthermore, in-situ high temperature EBSD examinations were first performed to validate solution accuracy, the corresponding results clearly indicated that the orientation of austenite obtained from this approach exhibited a high accuracy and the error is less than 1°.

Microstructural features of austenite formation, including the growth morphologies and partitioning of alloying elements, during reverse transformation in a Fe-9.6Ni-7.1Mn (at.%) martensitic steel have been studied by phase field modelling with a coupled diffusional/displacive mechanism. Typical morphological patterns of reversed austenite transformed from lath martensite are revealed by the simulation results, containing acicular austenite (γA) formed along the martensite lath boundaries and globular austenite (γG) formed along the high angle prior austenite grain boundaries. It is also shown that the growth of γA, as governed by a combined displacive and diffusional mechanism, is accompanied by a higher enrichment of alloying elements (Mn and Ni) compared with γG, which is governed by a diffusional mechanism. Meanwhile, γG tends to grow preferentially to one side of the prior austenite grain boundaries, due to the presence of partial non-orientation relationship with adjacent martensite laths during the transformation. At the later stage of the reverse transformation, invasive growth behavior of γG to γA after impingement is found due to the minimization of gradient energy in the system and the concentration difference of alloying elements within the two types of reversed austenite. A possible mechanism for grain refinement during intercritical annealing process is finally proposed. Keywords: Phase field modelling, Morphological patterns, Acicular austenite, Globular austenite, Reverse transformation

In solving piezoelectric equations of motion, we established an electric–acoustic equivalent circuit of tangentially polarized thin cylindrical transducers and derived analytical expressions of the electric-acoustic response from the harmonic driving-voltage excitation. To experimentally verify the findings, we manufactured a parallel electric-acoustic transmission network for transducers excited by multifrequency driving signals. We found that the tangentially polarized thin cylindrical transducers achieved a much higher electric-acoustic conversion efficiency than the radially polarized thin cylindrical transducers. The electric-acoustic impulse response of the transducers consisted of a direct-current damping with lower-frequency components, a damping oscillation with higher-frequency elements, and a higher resonant frequency of the transducer over its center frequency. The characteristics of radiated acoustic signals included contributions from the geometrical shape and size of the transducer, the physical parameters of piezoelectric material, the type of driving-voltage signals, and the polarization mode of the transducers. In comparison, our theoretical predictions are in good agreement with experimental observations. It is plausible that using the tangentially polarized thin cylindrical transducers as sensors in the acoustic-logging tool may significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the measured acoustic-logging signals.

The effect of heat treatments was investigated on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of X12CrMoWVNbN10-1-1 steel. The as-received steel was austenitized at 1080 °C for 16 h and cooled in furnace, following tempered in two steps, i.e. at 570 °C for 18 h and then at 690 °C for 24 h. The austenitized sample had a typical lath martensite structure with some retained austenite and no delta ferrite was observed after austenitization. After the first tempering at 570 °C, there was no retained austenite remained but it resulted in the forming of precipitates, such as Cr-rich M7C3, Cr-rich M23C6, Cr-rich M2N, Nb-rich MN, and the subgrain, as well as the reduction in dislocation density. However, microstructure observation after secondary tempering proved the further arrangement of dislocation, subgrain growth and the coarsening of precipitates. Hardness and impact tests were carried out for establishing a correlation between microstructure and mechanical properties. Finally, a careful fractographic analysis of impact samples had been done using SEM and EDS.

Nanoscale silicon film electrodes in Li-ion battery undergo great deformations leading to electrochemical and mechanical failures during repeated charging-discharging cycles. In-situ experimental characterization of the stress/strain in those electrodes still faces big challenges due to remarkable complexity of stress/strain evolution while it is still hard to predict the association between the electrode cycle life and the measurable mechanical parameters. To quantificationally investigate the evolution of the mechanical parameters, we develop a new full field 3D measurement method combining digital image correlation with laser confocal profilometry and propose a strain criterion of the failure based on semi-quantitative analysis via mean strain gradient (MSG). The experimental protocol and results illustrate that the revolution of MSG correlates positively with battery capacity decay, which may inspire future studies in the field of film electrodes.

The three-dimensional (3D) mechanical property characterization of biological tissues is essential for physiological and pathological studies. A digital volume correlation (DVC) and virtual fields method (VFM) based 3D optical coherence elastography (OCE) method is developed to quantitatively measure the 3D full-field displacements, strains and elastic parameters of layered biomaterials assuming the isotropy and homogeneity of each layer. The integrated noise-insensitive DVC method can obtain the 3D strain tensor with an accuracy of 10%. Automatic segmentation of the layered materials is realized based on the full field strain and strain gradient. With the strain tensor as input, and in combination with the segmented geometry, the Young’s modulus and Poison’s ratio of each layer of a double-layered material and a pork specimen are obtained by the VFM. This study provides a powerful experimental method for the differentiation of various components of heterogeneous biomaterials, and for the measurement of biomechanics.

BackgroundHigh-density lipoprotein (HDL) enhances cholesterol efflux from the arterial wall and exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerosis (AS) properties. Whether raised HDL levels will clinically benefit patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and the value at which these effects will be apparent, however, is debatable. This study examined the HDL subclass distribution profile in patients with ACS.MethodsPlasma HDL subclasses were measured in 158 patients with established ACS and quantified by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. ACS diagnosis was based on symptoms of cardiac ischemia, electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities, speciality cardiac enzyme change along with presence of coronary heart disease (CHD) on coronary angiography.ResultsThe small-sized preβ1-HDL, HDL3b, and HDL3a levels were significantly higher, and the large-sized HDL2a and HDL2b levels were significantly lower in patients with ACS than in those with stable angina pectoris (SAP) and in normal control subjects. Meanwhile, with an elevation in the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure (BP), and the reduction in the high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, the HDL2b contents significantly decreased and the preβ1-HDL contents significantly increased in patients with ACS. The correlation analysis revealed that the apolipoprotein (apo)A-I levels were positively and significantly with all HDL subclasses contents; plasma total cholesterol (TC) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels were inversely associated with HDL2a, and HDL2b. Moreover, the FPG levels were positively related to HDL3c, HDL3b, and HDL3a in ACS patients.ConclusionThe HDL subclass distribution profile remodeling was noted in the patients with ACS. Plasma lipoprotein and FPG levels, BP, and BMI play an important role in the HDL subclass metabolism disorder for patients with ACS. The HDL subclass distribution phenotype might be useful as a novel biomarker to assist in the risk stratification of patients with ACS.

Our previous study showed that besides mRNAs and microRNAs, there are DNA fragments within extracellular vesicles (EVs). The BCR/ABL hybrid gene, involved in the pathogenesis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), could be transferred from K562 EVs to neutrophils and decrease their phagocytic activity in vitro. Our present study provides evidence that BCR/ABL DNAs transferred from EVs have pathophysiological significance in vivo. Two months after injection of K562 EVs into the tail vein of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, they showed some characteristics of CML, e.g., feeble, febrile, and thin, with splenomegaly and neutrophilia but with reduced neutrophil phagocytic activity. These findings were also observed in immunodeficient NOD/SCID mice treated with K562 EVs; BCR/ABL mRNA and protein were found in their neutrophils. The administration of actinomycin D, an inhibitor of de novo mRNA synthesis, prevented the abnormalities caused by K562 EVs in NOD/SCID mice related to CML, including neutrophilia and bone marrow hyperplasia. As a specific inhibitor of tyrosine kinases, imatinib blocked the activity of tyrosine kinases and the expression of phospho-Crkl, induced by the de novo BCR/ABL protein caused by K562 EVs bearing BCR/ABL DNA. Our current study shows the pathophysiological significance of transferred tumor gene from EVs in vivo, which may represent an important mechanism for tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis.

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors are gaining substantial research interest for raising high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The aim of the research was to estimate the efficacy and safety of cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors as novel lipid modifying drugs. Systematic searches of English literature for randomized controlled trials (RCT) were collected from MEDLINE, EBASE, CENTRAL and references listed in eligible studies. Two independent authors assessed the search results and only included the double-blind RCTs by using cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors as exclusively or co-administrated with statin therapy irrespective of gender in enrolled adult subjects. Two independent authors extracted the data by using predefined data fields. Of 503 studies identified, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, and 12 studies were included into the final meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis revealed that CETP inhibitors increased the HDL-c levels (n = 2826, p

Objective The study aimed to explore the predictors of vascular complications (VCs) associated with transradial access, as the occurrence and severity of these complications were found to be significantly lower compared to femoral access. However, it is important to note that the occurrence of these complications still has a negative impact on clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, there is limited available data on the predictors of complications specifically related to radial access. Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted on individuals who underwent percutaneous coronary diagnostic or therapeutic procedures at Daping Hospital, following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study compared demographic characteristics, VC types, ankle brachial index (ABI), and severity of coronary artery stenosis between the two groups. Results We enrolled 300 subjects with VCs and 300 age- and sex-matched subjects without VCs as controls. There were no differences in the baseline characteristics or comorbidities between the groups. Compared to the control group, the VC group has a higher portion of left radial access (6.0%) and previous radial artery puncture history (29.7% vs. 18.3%, p<0.001). The ABI was significantly lower than the non-VC group (1.17 ± 0.17 vs. 1.23±0.14, p<0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, several factors were found to be independently associated with the occurrence of VC. These factors include ABI (OR=0.060, 95% CI: 0.014–0.249, p<0.001), the procedure being performed by junior operators (OR=1.892, 95% CI: 1.314–2.745, p<0.001), and previous access on the same radial artery (OR=1.795, 95% CI: 1.190–2.707, p<0.01). Conclusions Patients who exhibit a lower ABI and have a history of prior radial access procedures may be at an increased risk of developing radial access VC. Therefore, it is recommended to routinely measure ABI prior to these procedures, as it may serve as a predictive tool for assessing the risk of VC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]