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Lattice metamaterials have been attracting wide research interests due to their excellent mechanical properties. Most of meta-properties have been implemented by proper geometric designs of microstructures. In this study, we examine another way to obtain outstanding properties, which has been relatively less explored. That is, we aim to adjust the loading bearing capability of lattices by periodically introducing prestress into particular lattice segments. Based on existing related works, we focus on the following two problems deserving further investigations. First, results have been provided based on a single cell with/without taking into account the interactions between each two of neighboring individual cells. Second, it is interesting to search for the optimal distribution of prestress in lattices subjected to a specific load. For the former, we propose a set of constraint equations for implementing periodic boundary conditions (PBC) on a periodic unit cell and validate the method. The significance of PBC related to rotational degrees of freedom is emphasized. We then use the proposed method to calculate the initial damage surface of four kinds of prestressed lattice unit cells under PBC. For the latter, we build a new optimization algorithm with the help of the so-called Symbiotic-Organisms-Search technique (SOS), to calculate the optimal prestress setting corresponding to the requested properties. As an example, the optimal prestress setting is found to almost double the critical load to failure of the lattice in a special direction. This work may be helpful to design lattice metamaterials with programmable strengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the macroscopic moduli of lattices composed of multi-segment beams (MSBs), each of which includes more than one segment with independent geometric and material parameters, with a belief that a wider adjustable range can be obtained via introducing such MSB. To investigate the frequency dependence of effective moduli, we propose a dynamic stiffness formulation which is exactly calculated based on corresponding equations of motion. First, the MSB is taken as a multi-node finite element and its stiffness matrix is derived with the help of continuity requirements on inner joints. Then, macroscopic properties are obtained one by one by force analysis on the structural unit cell subjected to various external macrostress fields, resulting in exact analytical frequency-dependent expressions of effective moduli. The above formulation is verified by comparing with the dynamic finite element method (DFEM), and it shows the predicting ability in high-frequency domain. Compared to lattice with one-segment homogeneous truss, effects of geometric and material parameters of the truss segments on the macroscopic properties are investigated systematically. The adoption of MSBs is believed to be a feasible way of adjusting effective properties of lattices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we have employed molecular dynamics simulations to examine plastic deformation mechanisms of a "supra-nanometer-sized dual-phase glass-crystal" (SNDP-GC) high-entropy alloy (HEA) composite under cyclic loadings. This composite is produced by embedding CoCrFeNi HEA crystalline grains into a softer CoCrFeNiAl2 HEA glass. Cyclic loadings of different amplitudes are applied on one polycrystalline CoCrFeNi sample and two SNDP-GC HEA samples mentioned above. For the polycrystalline sample, dislocation motion and grain boundary (GB)-mediated deformation control the plastic deformation process, and the sample loses its original structure after a few cycles of the set amplitude due to GB migration. However, for the two SNDP-GC samples, as the grain boundary is replaced by the metallic glass (MG) phase, the dominant plastic deformation mechanism has changed to concentrating shear transformation in the MG phase. Our results also show that structural stability is highly dependent on the MG phase thickness. For the sample with a thinner MG layer, MG cannot accommodate sufficient deformation—so voids are generated in it. However, for the sample with a thicker MG phase, MG can store adequate deformations, thus dislocation initiations in crystalline grains are reduced and void generation is prevented in the MG phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we aim to present a powerful approach for the approximate results of multi-dimensional diffusion problems with time-fractional derivatives. The fractional order is considered in the view of the Caputo fractional derivative. In this analysis, we develop the idea of the Yang homotopy perturbation transform method (YHPTM), which is the combination of the Yang transform (YT) and the homotopy perturbation method (HPM). This robust scheme generates the solution in a series form that converges to the exact results after a few iterations. We show the graphical visuals in two-dimensional and three-dimensional to provide the accuracy of our developed scheme. Furthermore, we compute the graphical error to demonstrate the close-form analytical solution in the comparison of the exact solution. The obtained findings are promising and suitable for the solution of multi-dimensional diffusion problems with time-fractional derivatives. The main advantage is that our developed scheme does not require assumptions or restrictions on variables that ruin the actual problem. This scheme plays a significant role in finding the solution and overcoming the restriction of variables that may cause difficulty in modeling the problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we suggest a modification for the residual power series method that is used to solve fractional-order Helmholtz equations, which is called the Shehu-transform residual power series method (S T-RPSM). This scheme uses a combination of the Shehu transform (S T) and the residual power series method (RPSM). The fractional derivatives are taken with respect to Caputo order. The novelty of this approach is that it does not restrict the fractional order and reduces the need for heavy computational work. The results were obtained using an iterative series that led to an exact solution. The 3D graphical plots for different values of fractional orders are shown to compare S T-RPSM results with exact solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The micropolar (MP) and strain gradient (SG) continua have been generally adopted to investigate the relations between the macroscopic elastic constants and the microstructural geometric parameters. Owing to the fact that the microrotation in the MP theory can be expressed in terms of the displacement gradient components, we may regard the MP theory as a particular incomplete SG theory called the MPSG theory, compared with the existing SG theories which are deemed complete since all the SGs are included. Taking the triangular lattice comprising zigzag beams as an example, it is found that as the angle of the zigzag beams increases, the bending of the beams plays a more important role in the total strain energy, and the difference between the results by the two theories gradually decreases. Finally, the models are verified with the pure bending and simple shear of lattices by comparing with the results obtained by the finite element method (FEM)-based structure analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the previous work, when solving the LQ optimal control problem with random coefficients (SLQ, for short), it is remarkably shown that the solution of the backward stochastic Riccati equations is not regular enough to guarantee the robustness of the feedback control. As a generalization of SLQ, interesting questions are, "how about the situation in the differential game?", "will the same phenomenon appear in SLQ?". This paper will provide the answers. In this paper, we consider a closed-loop two-person zero-sum LQ stochastic differential game with random coefficients (SDG, for short) and generalize the results of Lü–Wang–Zhang into the stochastic differential game case. Under some regularity assumptions, we establish the equivalence between the existence of the robust optimal feedback control strategy operators and the solvability of the corresponding backward stochastic Riccati equations, which leads to the existence of the closed-loop saddle points. On the other hand, the problem is not closed-loop solvable if the solution of the corresponding backward stochastic Riccati equations does not have the needed regularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current analysis, we developed a significant approach for deriving the approximate solution of the Newell-Whitehead-Segel model with Caputo derivatives. This scheme is developed based on Sumudu transform and the residual power series method (RPSM) that generates the solution in the form of a series. First, we apply the Sumudu transform to decompose the fractional order and obtain a recurrence relation. Secondly, we utilize the RPSM to the recalescence relation and then we can derive the series solution with successive iterations using the initial conditions. We observe that this approach demonstrates a high accuracy and validity to the proposed fractional model. In our developed scheme, we do not face any huge calculation and restriction of elements that diverse the significance of the results. In addition, we display 2D and 3D graphical visuals to show the physical nature of the fractional model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, an exact strain gradient (SG) continuum model to capture the broadband bandgap characteristics of the prestressed diatomic lattice (PDL) with local/nonlocal interactions has been proposed. By considering the periodicity of wave motion, the wavelength-dependent Taylor expansion is established, leading to a desirable prediction when the wavelength is close to the lattice scale. For PDL, the dispersion curves of the proposed continuum model are always consistent with those of discrete model in the first Brillouin zone. The proposed SG continuum model is used to investigate the effects of structural parameters, orders of SG continua and various nonlocal interactions on bandgap properties of PDL. Continuum modelling of prestressed acoustic diatomic lattices. Perfect agreements achieved between dispersion diagrams by discrete and proposed continuum models. Effects of prestress, nonlocal interactions, mass and stiffness ratios on band gap structures analyzed. Proper strain gradient (SG) orders determined to guarantee a satisfactory accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of an efficient non-noble-metal electrocatalyst towards alkaline hydrogen evolution is challenging but in great demand. The fabrication of a porous nanostructure and heteroatom doping are two productive strategies for developing effective electrocatalysts. In this contribution, we report the preparation of La, Ce and Er-doped Ni2P porous nanostructures through a facile water bath method and phosphorization strategy. The Er-doped Ni2P porous nanostructure exhibits superb hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalytic performance under alkaline conditions with a low cathodic overpotential of 87 mV (10 mA cm−2, glassy carbon) and a small Tafel slope of 65.4 mV dec−1. It also displays excellent electrochemical stability in alkaline electrolytes. First-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations disclosed the mechanism of the alkaline HER catalysis. For pristine Ni2P, the P site acts as the optimal active site with the Gibbs free energy of H* absorption (ΔGH*) of 0.48 eV. After La, Ce and Er are doped, respectively, the P site is still the active center of the three doping systems. Notably, the ΔGH* value is reduced from 0.48 eV to 0.23 eV (P site in La-doped Ni2P), 0.20 eV (P site in Ce-doped Ni2P) and 0.18 eV (P site in Er-doped Ni2P), suggesting that doping with La, Ce and Er atoms plays a crucial role in decreasing the H* absorption energy on optimal P sites and the optimum active site with a smaller ΔGH* can expedite the charge transfer rate for H* midbody and H2 generation. This is particularly noticeable for Er doping, which is in accordance with the experimental result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study develops a numerical strategy for finding the approximate solution of the nonlinear foam drainage (NFD) equation with a time-fractional derivative. In this paper, we formulate the idea of the Laplace homotopy perturbation transform method (LHPTM) using Laplace transform and the homotopy perturbation method. This approach is free from the heavy calculation of integration and the convolution theorem for the recurrence relation and obtains the solution in the form of a series. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphical models are described at various fractional orders. This paper puts forward a practical application to indicate the performance of the proposed method and reveals that all the outputs are in excellent agreement with the exact solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the association of coronary plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) before patients underwent their first percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) after PCI.Patients who underwent CCTA before their first PCI were included retrospectively. A radiologist and a cardiologist analyzed CCTA images on a dedicated workstation. The coronary plaque burden variables included total plaque volume, total percent atheroma volume, volumes and fractions of total low-attenuation plaque, total fibrous plaque, and total calcified plaque. The primary outcomes were MACEs, a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and unscheduled coronary revascularization.A total of 230 patients were included in the final analysis. During a median follow-up of 4.8 years, 67 MACEs occurred. Total plaque volume, total percent atheroma volume, volumes of total low-attenuation plaque and total fibrous plaque but not their fractions were independent predictors for MACEs. Compared with the first tertiles, the hazard ratio of the third tertile of total plaque volume, total percent atheroma volume, total low-attenuation plaque volume, and total fibrous plaque volume were 2.06 (95% CI: 1.03–4.15), 2.15 (95% CI: 1.02–4.51), 3.04 (95% CI: 1.45–6.36), and 2.23 (95% CI: 1.11–4.46), respectively. Neither total calcified plaque volume nor fraction was associated with MACEs independently.Selected pre-PCI CCTA-derived variables, including total percent atheroma volume, volumes of total plaque, total low-attenuation plaque and total fibrous plaque, were significantly associated with MACEs after PCI, suggesting that CCTA before PCI reveals the residual risk after revascularization.The coronary plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention are independently associated with major adverse cardiovascular events, which could be instrumental in optimizing patient management.Coronary plaque burden is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease.Selected total plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention were associated with poor prognosis.Routine coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention might be helpful in reducing future risks.Coronary plaque burden is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease.Selected total plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention were associated with poor prognosis.Routine coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention might be helpful in reducing future risks.Methods: To investigate the association of coronary plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) before patients underwent their first percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) after PCI.Patients who underwent CCTA before their first PCI were included retrospectively. A radiologist and a cardiologist analyzed CCTA images on a dedicated workstation. The coronary plaque burden variables included total plaque volume, total percent atheroma volume, volumes and fractions of total low-attenuation plaque, total fibrous plaque, and total calcified plaque. The primary outcomes were MACEs, a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and unscheduled coronary revascularization.A total of 230 patients were included in the final analysis. During a median follow-up of 4.8 years, 67 MACEs occurred. Total plaque volume, total percent atheroma volume, volumes of total low-attenuation plaque and total fibrous plaque but not their fractions were independent predictors for MACEs. Compared with the first tertiles, the hazard ratio of the third tertile of total plaque volume, total percent atheroma volume, total low-attenuation plaque volume, and total fibrous plaque volume were 2.06 (95% CI: 1.03–4.15), 2.15 (95% CI: 1.02–4.51), 3.04 (95% CI: 1.45–6.36), and 2.23 (95% CI: 1.11–4.46), respectively. Neither total calcified plaque volume nor fraction was associated with MACEs independently.Selected pre-PCI CCTA-derived variables, including total percent atheroma volume, volumes of total plaque, total low-attenuation plaque and total fibrous plaque, were significantly associated with MACEs after PCI, suggesting that CCTA before PCI reveals the residual risk after revascularization.The coronary plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention are independently associated with major adverse cardiovascular events, which could be instrumental in optimizing patient management.Coronary plaque burden is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease.Selected total plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention were associated with poor prognosis.Routine coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention might be helpful in reducing future risks.Coronary plaque burden is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease.Selected total plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention were associated with poor prognosis.Routine coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention might be helpful in reducing future risks.Results: To investigate the association of coronary plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) before patients underwent their first percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) after PCI.Patients who underwent CCTA before their first PCI were included retrospectively. A radiologist and a cardiologist analyzed CCTA images on a dedicated workstation. The coronary plaque burden variables included total plaque volume, total percent atheroma volume, volumes and fractions of total low-attenuation plaque, total fibrous plaque, and total calcified plaque. The primary outcomes were MACEs, a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and unscheduled coronary revascularization.A total of 230 patients were included in the final analysis. During a median follow-up of 4.8 years, 67 MACEs occurred. Total plaque volume, total percent atheroma volume, volumes of total low-attenuation plaque and total fibrous plaque but not their fractions were independent predictors for MACEs. Compared with the first tertiles, the hazard ratio of the third tertile of total plaque volume, total percent atheroma volume, total low-attenuation plaque volume, and total fibrous plaque volume were 2.06 (95% CI: 1.03–4.15), 2.15 (95% CI: 1.02–4.51), 3.04 (95% CI: 1.45–6.36), and 2.23 (95% CI: 1.11–4.46), respectively. Neither total calcified plaque volume nor fraction was associated with MACEs independently.Selected pre-PCI CCTA-derived variables, including total percent atheroma volume, volumes of total plaque, total low-attenuation plaque and total fibrous plaque, were significantly associated with MACEs after PCI, suggesting that CCTA before PCI reveals the residual risk after revascularization.The coronary plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention are independently associated with major adverse cardiovascular events, which could be instrumental in optimizing patient management.Coronary plaque burden is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease.Selected total plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention were associated with poor prognosis.Routine coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention might be helpful in reducing future risks.Coronary plaque burden is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease.Selected total plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention were associated with poor prognosis.Routine coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention might be helpful in reducing future risks.Conclusion: To investigate the association of coronary plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) before patients underwent their first percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) after PCI.Patients who underwent CCTA before their first PCI were included retrospectively. A radiologist and a cardiologist analyzed CCTA images on a dedicated workstation. The coronary plaque burden variables included total plaque volume, total percent atheroma volume, volumes and fractions of total low-attenuation plaque, total fibrous plaque, and total calcified plaque. The primary outcomes were MACEs, a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and unscheduled coronary revascularization.A total of 230 patients were included in the final analysis. During a median follow-up of 4.8 years, 67 MACEs occurred. Total plaque volume, total percent atheroma volume, volumes of total low-attenuation plaque and total fibrous plaque but not their fractions were independent predictors for MACEs. Compared with the first tertiles, the hazard ratio of the third tertile of total plaque volume, total percent atheroma volume, total low-attenuation plaque volume, and total fibrous plaque volume were 2.06 (95% CI: 1.03–4.15), 2.15 (95% CI: 1.02–4.51), 3.04 (95% CI: 1.45–6.36), and 2.23 (95% CI: 1.11–4.46), respectively. Neither total calcified plaque volume nor fraction was associated with MACEs independently.Selected pre-PCI CCTA-derived variables, including total percent atheroma volume, volumes of total plaque, total low-attenuation plaque and total fibrous plaque, were significantly associated with MACEs after PCI, suggesting that CCTA before PCI reveals the residual risk after revascularization.The coronary plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention are independently associated with major adverse cardiovascular events, which could be instrumental in optimizing patient management.Coronary plaque burden is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease.Selected total plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention were associated with poor prognosis.Routine coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention might be helpful in reducing future risks.Coronary plaque burden is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease.Selected total plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention were associated with poor prognosis.Routine coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention might be helpful in reducing future risks.Clinical relevance statement: To investigate the association of coronary plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) before patients underwent their first percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) after PCI.Patients who underwent CCTA before their first PCI were included retrospectively. A radiologist and a cardiologist analyzed CCTA images on a dedicated workstation. The coronary plaque burden variables included total plaque volume, total percent atheroma volume, volumes and fractions of total low-attenuation plaque, total fibrous plaque, and total calcified plaque. The primary outcomes were MACEs, a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and unscheduled coronary revascularization.A total of 230 patients were included in the final analysis. During a median follow-up of 4.8 years, 67 MACEs occurred. Total plaque volume, total percent atheroma volume, volumes of total low-attenuation plaque and total fibrous plaque but not their fractions were independent predictors for MACEs. Compared with the first tertiles, the hazard ratio of the third tertile of total plaque volume, total percent atheroma volume, total low-attenuation plaque volume, and total fibrous plaque volume were 2.06 (95% CI: 1.03–4.15), 2.15 (95% CI: 1.02–4.51), 3.04 (95% CI: 1.45–6.36), and 2.23 (95% CI: 1.11–4.46), respectively. Neither total calcified plaque volume nor fraction was associated with MACEs independently.Selected pre-PCI CCTA-derived variables, including total percent atheroma volume, volumes of total plaque, total low-attenuation plaque and total fibrous plaque, were significantly associated with MACEs after PCI, suggesting that CCTA before PCI reveals the residual risk after revascularization.The coronary plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention are independently associated with major adverse cardiovascular events, which could be instrumental in optimizing patient management.Coronary plaque burden is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease.Selected total plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention were associated with poor prognosis.Routine coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention might be helpful in reducing future risks.Coronary plaque burden is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease.Selected total plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention were associated with poor prognosis.Routine coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention might be helpful in reducing future risks.Key Points: To investigate the association of coronary plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) before patients underwent their first percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) after PCI.Patients who underwent CCTA before their first PCI were included retrospectively. A radiologist and a cardiologist analyzed CCTA images on a dedicated workstation. The coronary plaque burden variables included total plaque volume, total percent atheroma volume, volumes and fractions of total low-attenuation plaque, total fibrous plaque, and total calcified plaque. The primary outcomes were MACEs, a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and unscheduled coronary revascularization.A total of 230 patients were included in the final analysis. During a median follow-up of 4.8 years, 67 MACEs occurred. Total plaque volume, total percent atheroma volume, volumes of total low-attenuation plaque and total fibrous plaque but not their fractions were independent predictors for MACEs. Compared with the first tertiles, the hazard ratio of the third tertile of total plaque volume, total percent atheroma volume, total low-attenuation plaque volume, and total fibrous plaque volume were 2.06 (95% CI: 1.03–4.15), 2.15 (95% CI: 1.02–4.51), 3.04 (95% CI: 1.45–6.36), and 2.23 (95% CI: 1.11–4.46), respectively. Neither total calcified plaque volume nor fraction was associated with MACEs independently.Selected pre-PCI CCTA-derived variables, including total percent atheroma volume, volumes of total plaque, total low-attenuation plaque and total fibrous plaque, were significantly associated with MACEs after PCI, suggesting that CCTA before PCI reveals the residual risk after revascularization.The coronary plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention are independently associated with major adverse cardiovascular events, which could be instrumental in optimizing patient management.Coronary plaque burden is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease.Selected total plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention were associated with poor prognosis.Routine coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention might be helpful in reducing future risks.Coronary plaque burden is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease.Selected total plaque burden variables derived from coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention were associated with poor prognosis.Routine coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention might be helpful in reducing future risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planar lattice metamaterials, such as periodic beam networks, are often considered as the micropolar continuum, where each material point has two translational degrees of freedom and one rotational degree of freedom. The joints through which bars are linked to one another are generally approximated as rigid. This study focuses on lattices with complex-structured deformable joints. The deformation field in each joint is obtained by conducting structural analyses. Once the "stiffness matrix" of the joint-centered unit cell is obtained by the finite element method, it can be used as the input for the standard procedure of calculating micropolar elastic moduli that are based on the equivalence of strain energy. As a result, effective moduli can be expressed in a semi-analytical form, meaning that only the cell structural stiffness is given numerically. The present model is validated by comparison to the FEM simulations. Particularly, the auxetic and anisotropic properties are discussed for various lattice metamaterials with deformable joints. We then take the obtained effective moduli as inputs to the in-house micropolar FEM code and obtain results agreeing well with the FEM structural simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The algebras of the symmetry operators for the Klein–Gordon equation are important for a charged test particle, moving in an external electromagnetic field in a space time manifold on the isotropic hydrosulphate. In this paper, we develop an analytical and numerical approach for providing the solution to a class of linear and nonlinear fractional Klein–Gordon equations arising in classical relativistic and quantum mechanics. We study the Yang homotopy perturbation transform method (Y HPTM), which is associated with the Yang transform (Y T) and the homotopy perturbation method (HPM), where the fractional derivative is taken in a Caputo–Fabrizio (CF) sense. This technique provides the solution very accurately and efficiently in the form of a series with easily computable coefficients. The behavior of the approximate series solution for different fractional-order ℘ values has been shown graphically. Our numerical investigations indicate that Y HPTM is a simple and powerful mathematical tool to deal with the complexity of such problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study intends to explore whether, or to what extent, the estimated remnant-like particle cholesterol was associated with coronary collateralization in patients with chronic total occlusion lesions. Methods: 792 patients with at least one coronary chronic total occlusion lesion were enrolled. Serum level of lipid profiles were determined and the estimated remnant-like particle cholesterol was calculated. The development of coronary collateralization was graded as low (Rentrop score 0–1) or high (Rentrop score 2–3) collateralization according to the Rentrop classification system and then the association between the estimated remnant-like particle cholesterol and collateralization was assessed. Results: 222 participants were classified into low collateralization group. The estimated remnant-like particle cholesterol level was significantly higher in low collateralization (P < 0.001) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (P = 0.009) group. To further explore the association between the estimated remnant-like particle cholesterol and the development of coronary collateralization, these patients were divided into 3 groups based on the estimated remnant-like particle cholesterol tertiles. The prevalence of low collateralization increased stepwise with the tertile groups (T1 12.5% vs. 27.1% vs. 45.3%, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the estimated remnant-like particle cholesterol was independently associated with the under-developed collateralization, with an OR and 95%CI of 2.34 (1.46–3.74) and 4.91 (3.01–8.02) in the T2 and T3 group, respectively. The following receiver-operating characteristic analysis indicated that the diagnostic value of estimated remnant-like particle cholesterol for the low collateralization was 0.696, with a cut-off value of 0.485, and its sensitivity was 82.88%. Besides, the addition of the estimated remnant-like particle cholesterol into the baseline model consisting of traditional risk factors could improve the incremental value of the discrimination of impaired collateralization only in overall and type 2 diabetes mellitus populations. Conclusions: The increased estimated remnant-like particle cholesterol is independently associated with impaired collateralization in patients with coronary chronic total occlusion lesions. Therapies targeting at remnant-like particle cholesterol may be needed in advanced coronary artery disease patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus not suitable for vascular revascularization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the influences of high-frequency vibration (HFV) superimposed onto the monotonic uniaxial tension in single-crystal aluminum (Al) specimens by molecular dynamics simulations. It was found that HFV induces softening, i.e., reduction in peak stress. Similar to previous experimental results, the softening increases with the increasing HFV amplitude. Dependences on lattice orientation, tensile strain rate, and a preset notch are considered. Lattice orientation plays an important role in peak stress and plasticity. The evolution of the atomic structure reveals that dislocations have enough time to annihilate under a lower tensile strain rate, resulting in strong ups and downs in the strain–stress curves. Under a higher strain rate, newly appearing dislocations interact with previous ones before the latter annihilate, densifying the dislocation network. As a result, further dislocation motions and annihilations are considerably impeded, leading to a relatively smooth flow stage. Furthermore, by modifying the propagation direction of shear bands, a preset notch can strengthen the peak tensile stress under low-level amplitude HFVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have examined the elastic snap-through behaviors of single crystal copper strips numerically and theoretically to investigate factors that influence the characteristic snap-through time scale. The strip is simply supported on both ends, and the snap-through is launched by suddenly removing the concentrated forces that have already been statically applied to produce an initial bending configuration. On the one hand, the process is implemented in the molecular dynamics (MD) simulator LAMMPS. On the other hand, a theoretical formulation is provided with the consideration of surface tension. Increasing surface tension is found to increase the snap-through time. The results show that the snap-through behavior is further closely related to the magnitude of the initially stored deformation and the strip thickness. Finally, snap-through times provided by the above numerical and theoretical analyses are on the same order of magnitude. This is an interesting agreement, especially considering that the huge gap of time scales between MD simulations and experiments has been a well-known fundamental issue. We believe that the present study about spontaneous processes such as snap-through has cast some light on the fundamental issue that deformation in MD simulations generally happens much faster than in physical experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the Cauchy problem for Choquard equation with an inverse‐square potential, and the infinite conditions for solutions existing globally and blowing up in finite time are given, which generalize the recent results about this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. To explore the association between the serum C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 9 (CTRP9) and the formation of coronary collateral circulation in obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods. A total of 206 patients who underwent coronary angiography at Beijing Anzhen Hospital and had epicardial arteries with at least 95% stenotic lesion were enrolled. Blood samples were taken after an overnight fasting before the coronary angiography. Serum CTRP9 level was measured using commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The development of coronary collateralization was determined according to the Rentrop classification system. Rentrop score 0-1 was graded as impaired or less-developed coronary collateralization (n = 54) while the Rentrop score 2-3 was defined as well-developed collateralization (n = 152). Results. Serum CTRP9 level was significantly higher in well-developed collateralization and diabetes groups (P < 0.001). To further explore the association between the CTRP9 level and coronary collateralization, the enrolled participants were divided into 3 tertiles according to the serum CTRP9 level. The prevalence of impaired coronary collateralization decreased stepwise with the increasing CTRP9 tertiles (P for trend <0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the serum CTRP9 is independently associated with well-developed collateralization, with an OR (95% CI) of 4.49 (1.75-11.55) and 8.98 (2.75-29.35) in the tertiles 2 and 3, respectively. The following subgroup and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis also indicated that the diagnostic value of serum CTRP9 level for detecting the formation of collateralization persisted only in nondiabetic participants. Lastly, adding the serum CTRP9 into the baseline model could increase the diagnostic value of established model consisting of relevant factor for the discrimination of well-developed collateralization only in the nondiabetic group (P = 0.046). Conclusions. Serum CTRP9 reflects well-developed coronary collateralization in nondiabetic patients with obstructive CAD, and CTRP 9 level ≥ 1.217 indicated a greater chance to forming well-developed coronary collaterals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There always exist multiple uncertainties including random uncertainty, interval uncertainty, and fuzzy uncertainty in engineering structures. In the presence of hybrid uncertainties, the hybrid uncertainty propagation analysis can be a challenging problem, which suffers from the computational burden of double-loop procedure when numerical simulation techniques are employed. In this work, a novel method for efficient hybrid uncertainty propagation analysis with the three types of uncertainties is proposed. Generally, multi-fidelity surrogate models, such as Co-Kriging, can greatly improve the computational efficiency by leveraging information from a low-fidelity model to build a high-fidelity approximate model. However, the traditional multi-fidelity surrogate model methods always calculate the hybrid uncertainty propagation result by combining with several numerical simulation techniques. This process can introduce post-processing errors unless unlimited number of samples are used, which is impossible in engineering application. In order to address this issue, the analytical solutions of the output mean and output variance are derived based on the Co-Kriging, and the resulting mean and variance are both random variables. Moreover, a new adaptive framework is established to strengthen the estimation accuracy of the hybrid uncertainty propagation result, by combining the augmented expected improvement function and the derived mean random variable. Several applications are introduced to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for solving hybrid uncertainty propagation problems. • A new multi-fidelity surrogate model method for hybrid uncertainty propagation is proposed. • The analytical solutions for output mean and output variance are derived. • A novel adaptive framework for hybrid uncertainty propagation is established. • Effectiveness of the proposed method are demonstrated by four applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have proposed an "exact" strain gradient (SG) continuum model to properly predict the dispersive characteristics of diatomic lattice metamaterials with local and nonlocal interactions. The key enhancement is proposing a wavelength-dependent Taylor expansion to obtain a satisfactory accuracy when the wavelength gets close to the lattice spacing. Such a wavelength-dependent Taylor expansion is applied to the displacement field of the diatomic lattice, resulting in a novel SG model. For various kinds of diatomic lattices, the dispersion diagrams given by the proposed SG model always agree well with those given by the discrete model throughout the first Brillouin zone, manifesting the robustness of the present model. Based on this SG model, we have conducted the following discussions. (I) Both mass and stiffness ratios affect the band gap structures of diatomic lattice metamaterials, which is very helpful for the design of metamaterials. (II) The increase in the SG order can enhance the model performance if the modified Taylor expansion is adopted. Without doing so, the higher-order continuum model can suffer from a stronger instability issue and does not necessarily have a better accuracy. The proposed SG continuum model with the eighth-order truncation is found to be enough to capture the dispersion behaviors all over the first Brillouin zone. (III) The effects of the nonlocal interactions are analyzed. The nonlocal interactions reduce the workable range of the well-known long-wave approximation, causing more local extrema in the dispersive diagrams. The present model can serve as a satisfactory continuum theory when the wavelength gets close to the lattice spacing, i.e., when the long-wave approximation is no longer valid. For the convenience of band gap designs, we have also provided the design space from which one can easily obtain the proper mass and stiffness ratios corresponding to a requested band gap width. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies have substantiated the role of the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index in predicting the prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, while no relevant studies have revealed the association between the TyG index and coronary collateralization in the event of coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO). The current study intends to explore whether, or to what extent, the TyG index is associated with impaired collateralization in CAD patients with CTO lesions. Methods: The study enrolled 1093 CAD patients undergoing cardiac catheterization for at least one CTO lesion. Data were collected from the Beijing Anzhen Hospital record system. The degree of collaterals was determined according to the Rentrop classification system. The correlation between the TyG index and coronary collateralization was assessed. Results: Overall, 318 patients were included in a less developed collateralization (Rentrop classification 0-1) group. The TyG index was significantly higher in patients with impaired collateralization (9.3±0.65 vs. 8.8±0.53, P<0.001). After adjusting for various confounding factors, the TyG index remained correlated with the occurrence of impaired collateralization, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.59 and 5.72 in the T2 and T3 group compared with the first tertile group (P<0.001). In addition, subgroup analysis showed that higher TyG index values remained strongly associated with increased risk of less developed collateralization. To compare the risk assessment efficacy for the formation of collateralization between the TyG index and other metabolic abnormality indicators, an area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was obtained. A significant improvement in the risk assessment performance for impaired collateralization emerged when adding the TyG index into a baseline model. Conclusions: The increased TyG index is strongly associated with less developed collateralization in CAD patients with CTO lesions and its risk assessment performance is better than single metabolic abnormality indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain that occurs as a result of a direct impact, and affected persons are usually in a long-term coma. The evidence of the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture to treat coma is still not convincing.Objective: The study intended to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for arousing a patient in a coma following TBI.Design: Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, and 4 Chinese medical databases were searched from their inception to March 1, 2018, without language restrictions. The dataset included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined acupuncture as a therapy for arousing patients in a coma after TBI. The literature was screened ;the data were extracted ;and the methodological quality of the included studies was assessed. Meta-analyses were performed on the included data.Setting: This study was conducted at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Tianjin City, China).Participants: Participants in the selected RCTs were people of any age and either gender who were in a coma caused by TBI.Interventions: The intervention group in the selected RCTs had received acupuncture for TBI, either as a sole therapy or combined with other treatments, and the control group had received placebo acupuncture, sham acupuncture, conventional treatments, or other treatments. The interventions included traditional acupuncture, electroacupuncture, ear acupuncture, and scalp acupuncture.Outcome Measures: The research team measured the Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS), wake-promoting rates, as well as the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS).Results: Of 884 potentially relevant trials, 24 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The results of the meta-analysis suggested that the acupuncture group's coma state was significantly lessened after treatment compared with the control on GOS (RR, 1.95, 95% CI [1.64 to 2.31], P < .01; I² = 0%), wake-promoting rates (RR, 1.48, 95% CI [1.19 to 1.83], P < .01; I² = 52%), and GCS (MD, 1.78, 95% CI [1.10 to 2.45], P < .01; I² = 52%) .Conclusion: The systematic review and meta-analysis has suggested that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for patients unconscious following TBI. However, the evidence was too weak for medical practitioners to routinely recommend acupuncture for clinical treatment; further large, rigorously designed studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological research has demonstrated the significance of identifying miRNA–disease associations in the context of disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. However, the utilization of experimental approaches involving biological subjects to infer these associations is both costly and inefficient. Consequently, there is a pressing need to devise novel approaches that offer enhanced accuracy and effectiveness. Presently, the predominant methods employed for predicting disease associations rely on Graph Convolutional Network (GCN) techniques. However, the Graph Convolutional Network algorithm, which is locally aggregated, solely incorporates information from the immediate neighboring nodes of a given node at each layer. Consequently, GCN cannot simultaneously aggregate information from multiple nodes. This constraint significantly impacts the predictive efficacy of the model. To tackle this problem, we propose a novel approach, based on HyperGCN and Sørensen-Dice loss (HGSMDA), for predicting associations between miRNAs and diseases. In the initial phase, we developed multiple networks to represent the similarity between miRNAs and diseases and employed GCNs to extract information from diverse perspectives. Subsequently, we draw into HyperGCN to construct a miRNA–disease heteromorphic hypergraph using hypernodes and train GCN on the graph to aggregate information. Finally, we utilized the Sørensen-Dice loss function to evaluate the degree of similarity between the predicted outcomes and the ground truth values, thereby enabling the prediction of associations between miRNAs and diseases. In order to assess the soundness of our methodology, an extensive series of experiments was conducted employing the Human MicroRNA Disease Database (HMDD v3.2) as the dataset. The experimental outcomes unequivocally indicate that HGSMDA exhibits remarkable efficacy when compared to alternative methodologies. Furthermore, the predictive capacity of HGSMDA was corroborated through a case study focused on colon cancer. These findings strongly imply that HGSMDA represents a dependable and valid framework, thereby offering a novel avenue for investigating the intricate association between miRNAs and diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black phosphorus nanosheets/nanoparticles (BPNs) are widely applied in many fields. However, the transport of BPNs in the subsurface still has not yet been reported and there is increasing concern about potential adverse impacts on ecosystems. Roles of median grain size and surface roughness, BPN concentration, and solution chemistries (pH, ionic strength, and cation types) on the retention and release of BPNs in column experiments were therefore investigated. The mobility of BPNs significantly increased with increasing grain size and decreasing surface roughness due to their influence on the mass transfer rate, number of deposition sites and retention capacity, and straining processes. Transport of BPNs was enhanced with an increase in pH and a decrease in ionic strength because of surface deprotonation and stronger repulsion that tends to reduce aggregation. The BPN transport was significantly sensitive to ionic strength, compared with other engineered nanoparticles. Additionally, charge heterogeneity and cation-bridging played a critical role in the retention of BPNs in the presence of divalent cations. Higher input concentrations increased the retention of BPNs, probably because collisions, aggregation at pore throat locations, and hydrodynamic bridging were more pronounced. Small fractions of BPNs can be released under decreasing IS and increasing pH due to the expansion of the electrical double layer and increased repulsion at convex roughness locations. A mathematical model that includes provisions for advective dispersive transport and time-dependent retention with blocking or ripening terms well described the retention and release of BPNs. These findings provide fundamental information that helps to understand the transport of BPNs in the subsurface environments. [Display omitted] • Transport of black phosphorus nanoparticles (BPNs) is sensitive to environmental factors. • Increased ionic strength/roughness and decreased grain size/pH increase retention. • The Ca2+ increases aggregation, charge heterogeneity and cation bridging for BPNs. • Larger C o increases retention via collisions, faster aggregation on surfaces, and bridging. • The BPN release is limited and associated with shallow primary minimum at convex site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antisloshing baffles are widely used in many engineering fields, including aerospace, ocean engineering, and nuclear engineering. The semianalytical scheme is proposed to explore the effect of the single flexible baffle on the coupled responses in the rigid cylindrical tank partially filled with ideal liquid undergoing the pitching excitation. The function series for the velocity potential, the dynamic deflection of the flexible baffle, and the surface wave height are given by introducing the time-dependent generalized coordinates. The Stokes–Joukowski potentials which are contained in the liquid velocity potential can be solved analytically. According to the dynamic and kinematic equations for the free surface and the coupled vibration equation for the flexible baffle, the coupled dynamic response equations are obtained. The additional damping terms are introduced to account for the sloshing damping. The semianalytical method is validated by the comparison study with the numerical results. Parameter studies are conducted to investigate the effects of the parameters of the flexible baffle on the coupled responses of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops a single-crystal plasticity model with Johnson–Cook-type hardening laws to examine the strain rate and temperature sensitivities of magnesium (Mg). Slip, twinning and their interactions are deemed the dominant plastic mechanisms. The twinning-induced lattice reorientation is implemented by taking the initial grain after reorientation as a "new" grain with an updated orientation. Distinct strain rate and temperature dependences are considered for different slip and twinning modes. Non-basal slip is believed strain rate and temperature dependent, while compression twinning (CT) is assumed to exhibit temperature sensitivity in a certain temperature range. To validate the proposed model, plane-strain compression tests of Mg crystals under different strain rates and temperatures are simulated. The experimental data available in the literature are compared with the predicted results, and the tendencies of stress–strain curves are analyzed based on the corresponding evolution of slip and twinning. It is found that twinning-induced lattice reorientation significantly influences the mechanical behavior of Mg, especially when tension twinning (TT) dominates the plastic deformation. High temperatures and low strain rates enhance the activity of non-basal slip, and CT becomes easily activated as the temperature is increased beyond 150 ∘ C , which coincides well with experimental observations. The strain rate sensitivity rising with temperature is also predicted by the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plastic deformation mechanisms of gradient nanostructured high entropy alloys (HEAs) subjected to nanoindentation tests have been examined. First, we have constructed gradient glass/crystal (GGC) dual-phase HEAs by embedding crystalline CoCrFeNi HEA grains into CoCrFeNiAl x (x = 0.5, 1, and 2) metallic glass (MG) matrix in a gradient manner, leading to a gradient change in both the grain size and MG matrix shell thickness. Then, nanoindentation tests on the specimens under proper boundary and loading conditions are simulated by molecular dynamics software. It is found that the gradient-distributed MG shell effectively reduces the degree of strain localization within the region around the indenter, which results in a considerable hardening effect, thanks to the coexistence of both dislocation motion in the grain phase and plastic flow activated simultaneously in the MG phase. The results also show that the damage tolerance of GGC specimens is higher than that of the polycrystalline specimen because gradient-distributed MG phases can effectively prevent FCC to HCP transformation. Besides, the Al addition in the gradient-distributed MG shell can reduce its deformation propagation capability, weakening the hardening effect. The proposed method of constructing GGC can be promisingly helpful, for example, in the surface engineering of high-entropy alloys. • Atomic-scale insight into gradient-distributed glass/crystal dual-phase HEA. • Improved hardness, damage tolerance, and deformation nonlocalization. • Studied the influence of Al content and gradient distribution in the MG shells on mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Analytical solution for the micro-perturbation of different points in RVE. • An accurate method to calibrate the micropolar constitutive relation of complex periodic lattices. • The Cauchy-Born hypothesis and periodic boundary condition for complex periodic lattices. • The influence of cell selection modes on the constitutive relation calculated by the equivalent principle of strain energy is considered. Intensive studies are devoted to establish the relation between macro continuum properties and micro-structural parameters for lattice structures. In this paper, we first realize that the discrete displacements on grids sometimes violate the continuity assumed by the Cauchy-Born hypothesis, which calls for an extension to the usual homogenization procedures. To eliminate such a micro–macro disagreement, a new method called the Overlapping-field model (OFM) is proposed. Grids in a lattice may be divided into a series of types. The displacement distribution among each type of grids is deemed continuous. Displacement relations among all types of lattice grids are derived according to the energetic minimum principle. Each type of grid can be chosen to calibrate macro properties like the continuum stiffness tensor, which is grid type-dependent and can be transformed from type to type. The present model has been validated by comparing with literature and clarifying some fundamental issues remaining in this field. It has also been applied to investigate lattices with cells relatively more complex than those reported in existing studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been extensive analytical and numerical studies on crack propagation and softening behavior in quasi-brittle materials, such as concrete, rock and bone, based on the smeared crack model or the discrete crack model, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. It is well known that stress redistribution has an important effect on cracking behavior and may be taken as the physics mechanism. Using the principle of superposition, the theoretical explanation is provided for stress redistribution during the progressive fracture process. Although this explanation deals with problems of linear elastic fracture mechanics, it is a clue of modeling softening behavior. Then, it is shown that the above stress redistribution based method satisfies the necessary condition that the specimen returns to the unstressed state whenever all the external forces are removed. Finally, a new model for simulating quasi-brittle softening is established via a kind of "sub-element" methodology. Numerical examples show the effectiveness of the above subelement method in modeling the behavior of block media with quasi-brittle block-block interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For micron-scale elasto-plastic deformations, a theory of strain gradient elasto-plasticity (SGEP) has been established to explain some phenomena that have recently attracted intensive investigations, which include size effects around the elastic limit and in plastic hardening, the anomalous Bauschinger effect, plastic softening, and the unconventional load-unload hysteresis loops. Based on the fact that for most materials the elastic length scale is far smaller than the plastic length scale, our dimensional analysis reveals that the elastic strain gradient is generally dominant over the plastic strain gradient, which indicates the significant role of elasticity. Therefore, a more rigorous consideration of the elastic deformation is implemented within the proposed SGEP framework, featured by a new Taylor plasticity-based yield function and the elasto-plastic decompositions of both strain and strain gradient. The proposed yield function emphasizes the reversibility of elastic deformation-related dislocations, which has been frequently observed experimentally. This proposed SGEP not only does satisfy the principle of nonnegative plastic dissipation for material hardening, but also allows for the existence of material softening which has been observed in recent experiments. The wire torsion and foil bending problems are used as examples, to validate the SGEP's capability in interpreting the above-mentioned phenomena by comparison with experimental data in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The synthesis and modification methods of different types of 2D nanomaterials are reviewed. • Recent advances in 2D nanomaterials for cancer treatment and imaging are systematically summarized. • 2D nanomaterial-based cancer theranostics are comprehensively reviewed. • The outlook and challenges of 2D nanomaterials in biomedical applications are discussed. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have drawn much attention by virtue of their unique physicochemical properties and numerous potential applications. Owing to their large specific surface areas, 2D nanomaterials can effectively load chemotherapeutic drugs for chemotherapy, or combine with other therapeutic agents such as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT), immunomodulators for immunotherapy, and small interfering RNA for gene therapy. Notably, the majority of 2D nanomaterials themselves can be used as photothermal therapy (PTT) agents because of their unique optoelectronic properties. A variety of 2D nanomaterial-based combination therapies, such as PTT-chemotherapy, PTT-immunotherapy, and PTT-PDT-chemotherapy, can be designed to achieve higher antitumor efficacy than monotherapies. Additionally, 2D nanomaterials have proven to be an advanced tool to load imaging elements for cancer imaging or imaging-guided cancer treatments. Herein, we review top-down and bottom-up strategies for 2D nanomaterial synthesis and related methods for chemical and physical surface modifications. Recent progress in 2D nanomaterials for cancer treatments from the perspective of each type of 2D nanomaterials and imaging, as well as cancer theranostics, are comprehensively summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new element is developed by introducing a nonlocal-integrated displacement interpolation into the 'FE-Meshfree' QUAD4 element recently published. Both nodal displacement and elemental strain are constructed using the nonlocal concept so that the elemental stiffness matrix and the resulting deformation fields are naturally nonlocal, leading to a significant difference when compared with nonlocal simulations using existing finite elements where local fields are output firstly in each incremental step and their nonlocal counterparts are obtained by averaging. The proposed element has the capability of predicting the nonlocal characteristics of localized deformations, with the intrinsic material length included into the nonlocal averaging. Several examples are employed to demonstrate the advantage of the proposed element in capturing highly localized deformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the chaotic properties of the following systems stated by Kaneko (Phys Rev Lett 65:1391-1394, ) which is related to the Belusov-Zhabotinskii reaction: where $$m$$ is discrete time index, $$n$$ is lattice side index with system size $$L$$ , $$\varepsilon \in (0, 1]$$ is coupling constant and $$f$$ is a continuous selfmap of $$[0, 1]$$ . It is shown that for every continuous selfmap $$f$$ of the interval $$[0, 1]$$ , the topological entropy of such a coupled lattice system is not less than the topological entropy of the map $$f$$ , and that for every continuous selfmap of the interval $$[0, 1]$$ with positive topological entropy, such a system is $${\fancyscript{P}}$$ -chaotic, where $${\fancyscript{P}}$$ denotes one of the three properties: Li-Yorke chaos, distributional chaos, $$\omega $$ -chaos. These results extend the ones of Wu and Zhu (J Math Chem 50:1304-1308, ), (J Math Chem 50:2439-2445, ) and Li et al. (J Math Chem 51:1712-1719, ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fleck–Hutchinson theory on strain gradient plasticity (SGP), proposed in Fleck and Hutchinson (1997), has been reformulated by adopting the strategy of decomposing the second order strain presented by Lam et al. (2003). This study attempts to build a SGP framework for general loading histories which has yet been well addressed. The main features of this study include: (1) The total number of the elastic characteristic length scales has been reduced from 5 to 3; (2) The anti-symmetric part of the rotational gradient has been found to have no influence on SGP; (3) The established SGP flow theory is characterized by its strict correspondence to the conventional J2 plasticity. This thermodynamically acceptable reformulation has been proven to satisfy the nonnegativity of plastic dissipation, which is still an outstanding issue in other SGP theories. It explicitly shows how elastic strain gradients and corresponding elastic characteristic length scales come into play in general elastic–plastic loading histories. Another feature of the present SGP formation is the exclusion of plastic strain-related boundary conditions which believably will facilitate SGP applications significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) exert regulatory roles in cerebrovascular disease. Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) participated in brain vascular dysfunction in ischemic stroke. Herein, the functions of circ_0000566 in oxygen–glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced HBMECs were investigated. The expression of circ_0000566, miR-18a-5p, and Activin receptor type 2B (ACVR2B) was measured via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry assays were utilized to detect cell viability and cell apoptosis. Western blot assay was employed to measure the levels of apoptotic-related proteins and ACVR2B. The secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α was detected via corresponding kits. The relationship between miR-18a-5p and circ_0000566 or ACVR2B was examined via dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Circ_0000566 and ACVR2B were highly expressed, while miR-18a-5p was down-regulated in OGD/R-treated HBMECs. OGD/R treatment promoted HBMECs apoptosis and inflammation and suppressed cell viability, which could be attenuated by silencing of circ_0000566. Circ_0000566 acted as a miR-18a-5p sponge to contribute to OGD/R-induced HBMECs injury. ACVR2B served as a direct target of miR-18a-5p, and ACVR2B overexpression might abolish the inhibitory role of miR-18a-5p on OGD/R-treated HBMEC injury. Circ_0000566 sponged miR-18a-5p to regulate OGD/R-induced HBMECs injury via regulating ACVR2B expression. Highlights: • The expression of circ_0000566 was elevated in OGD/R-induced human brain microvascular endothelial cell injury. • Knockdown of circ_0000566 attenuated OGD/R-induced human brain microvascular endothelial cells injury via sponging miR-18a-5p. • MiR-18a-5p regulated ACVR2B expression to alleviate OGD/R-induced human brain microvascular endothelial cell injury. • Circ_0000566 regulated OGD/R-induced human brain microvascular endothelial cell injury via targeting the miR-18a-5p/ACVR2B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the symbiotic organisms search (SOS) optimization algorithm, a robust strain gradient (SG) continuum model has been proposed to accurately capture the broadband dispersion relations of one-dimensional acoustic metamaterials. Under the continuous assumption, an unavoidable key step is the Taylor expansion of displacements, which directly influences the accuracy of the corresponding continuum theory. When the wavelength becomes comparable to the periodic characteristic size, the coefficients of Taylor expansions need necessary adjustments due to the discreteness of the microstructure. Thus, the continuum theories still face critical challenges in predicting the broadband dispersion feature. This remains widely open so far. In this study, we attempt to adopt the SOS optimization to determine the optimal Taylor expansion coefficients to guarantee the dispersion diagrams causing the minimal error throughout the first Brillouin zone. The robustness of the SOS-based SG continuum model is demonstrated with three benchmark examples, i.e., the monoatomic, diatomic, and mass-in-mass lattices. Such an attempt of constructing continuum models with the help of optimization tools may shed some new light on continuum mechanics of structure media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a transcription product that exerts its biological functions through a variety of mechanisms. The occurrence and development of a series of human diseases are closely related to abnormal expression levels of lncRNAs. Scientists have developed many computational models to identify the lncRNA-disease associations (LDAs). However, many potential LDAs are still unknown. In this paper, a novel method, namely MSF-UBRW (multiple similarities fusion based on unbalanced bi-random walk), is designed to explore new LDAs. First, two similarities (functional similarity and Gaussian Interaction Profile kernel similarity) of lncRNAs are calculated and fused linearly, also for disease data. Then, the known association matrix is preprocessed. Next, the linear neighbor similarities of lncRNAs and diseases are calculated, respectively. After that, the potential associations are predicted based on unbalanced bi-random walk. The fusion of multiple similarities improves the prediction performance of MSF-UBRW to a large extent. Finally, the prediction ability of the MSF-UBRW algorithm is measured by two statistical methods, leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) and 5-fold cross-validation (5-fold CV). The AUCs of 0.9391 in LOOCV and 0.9183 (± 0.0054) in 5-fold CV confirmed the reliable prediction ability of the MSF-UBRW method. Case studies of three common diseases also show that the MSF-UBRW method can infer new LDAs effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the framework of micropolar theory, we have studied the continuum homogenization procedure of a typical kind of planar chiral structures, in which each two neighboring joints interact through a zigzag beam. Both the triangular and square lattices are taken as the demonstrating examples. Usage of zigzag beams makes the lattices bending-dominant, and thus calls for micropolar theory to predict the constitutive behaviors. According to the equivalence of microstructure- and continuum-level strain energies, the micropolar-type elastic stiffness constants are expressed in terms of the microstructural geometric and material parameters. By considering uniaxial tension, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio are determined in an analytical form. Particularly, for square lattices, there arises a strong coupling between stretch and shear, meaning that the lattice under uniaxial tension is subject to a shearing deformation along the direction perpendicular to the tension, and vice versa. The theoretical results are validated by comparing with finite element simulations and experiments done on 3D printed specimens. We have also analyzed the influences of microstructural geometric parameters on the homogenized Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio. Furthermore, in this study the micropolar characteristic lengths are given explicitly in terms of microstructural parameters, providing the convenience and guidance of tuning the related size effects. • Analytical constitutive relations are built for lattices comprising zigzag beams. • A theoretical guidance is provided for designing auxetic metamaterials. • Dilatancy caused by microstructural stretch-shear coupling is found and characterized. • Micropolar characteristic lengths are provided as functions of microstructural parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Different types of cancer immunotherapies and their limitations are reviewed. • Major immunoadjuvants and their limitations treatment are summarized. • The role of nanomaterials in overcoming drawbacks of immunotherapies is highlighted. • Recent advances in nanomaterial-based combination cancer immunotherapy are reviewed. • The outlook of nanomaterial-based combination immunotherapy is presented. Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as the fourth major treatment modality for cancer in addition to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. There are various types of cancer immunotherapies that can be generally divided into five categories, namely vaccine immunotherapy, cytokine immunotherapy, checkpoint blockade immunotherapy, adoptive cell transfer immunotherapy, and small molecule immunotherapy. In this review, we describe these therapeutic approaches along with their limitations. Since many immunotherapies rely on immunoadjuvants and nanoplatforms, we summarize different classes of immunoadjuvants used in cancer immunotherapies, including toll-like receptor agonists, plant-derived immunoadjuvants, aluminum salt adjuvants, and other immunoadjuvants. Finally, we provide an in-depth description of nanomaterial-based approaches for the combination of immunotherapy with chemotherapy, phototherapy, radiotherapy, as well as other therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to study disclinations in the framework of a second strain gradient elasticity theory. This second strain gradient elasticity has been proposed based on the first and second gradients of the strain tensor by Lazar et al. [Lazar, M., Maugin, G.A., Aifantis, E.C., 2006. Dislocations in second strain gradient elasticity. Int. J. Solids Struct. 43, 1787–1817]. Such a theory is an extension of the first strain gradient elasticity [Lazar, M., Maugin, G.A., 2005. Nonsingular stress and strain fields of dislocations and disclinations in first strain gradient elasticity. Int. J. Eng. Sci. 43, 1157–1184] with triple stress. By means of the stress function method, the exact analytical solutions for stress and strain fields of straight disclinations in an infinitely extended linear isotropic medium have been found. An important result is that the force stress, double stress and triple stress produced by wedge and twist disclinations are nonsingular. Meanwhile, the corresponding elastic strain and its gradients are also nonsingular. Analytical results indicate that the second strain gradient theory has the capacity of eliminating all unphysical singularities of physical fields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: In reports of adverse reactions following vaccination with the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) vaccines, there have been fewer reports of concern for menstrual disorders in female.Objective: Our study employed Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) to investigate and analyze the relationship between COVID-19 Vaccines and menstrual disorders in female.Methods: We collected reports of menstrual disorders in VAERS from July 2, 1990 to November 12, 2021, and performed a stratified analysis. The potential relationship between COVID-19 vaccine and reports of menstrual disorders was evaluated using the Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR) method.Results: A total of 14,431 reports of menstrual disorders were included in the study, and 13,118 were associated with COVID-19 vaccine. The ROR was 7.83 (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 7.39-8.28). The most commonly reported event was Menstruation irregular (4998 reports), and a higher percentage of female aged 30-49 years reported menstrual disorders (42.55%) after exposure to COVID-19 Vaccines. Both for all reports of menstrual disorders (ROR = 5.82; 95%CI: 4.93-6.95) and excluding reports of unknown age (ROR = 13.02; 95%CI: 10.89-15.56),suggest that female age may be associated with menstrual disorders after vaccination with the COVID-19 Vaccines.Conclusion: There is a potential safety signal when the COVID-19 vaccine is administered to young adult female (30-49 years old), resulting in menstrual disorders in. However, due to the well-known limitations of spontaneous reporting data, it is challenging to explicity classify menstrual disorders as an adverse event of the COVID-19 Vaccines, and reports of adverse reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines in this age group should continue to be tracked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post-anesthetic emergence agitation is common after general anesthesia and may cause adverse consequences, such as injury as well as respiratory and circulatory complications. Emergence agitation after general anesthesia occurs more frequently in nasal surgery than in other surgical procedures. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of emergence agitation in patients undergoing nasal surgery who were extubated under deep anesthesia or when fully awake. Methods: A total of 202 patients (18–60 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification: I–II) undergoing nasal surgery under general anesthesia were randomized 1:1 into two groups: a deep extubation group (group D) and an awake extubation group (group A). The primary outcome was the incidence of emergence agitation. The secondary outcomes included number of emergence agitations, sedation score, vital signs, and incidence of adverse events. Results: The incidence of emergence agitation was lower in group D than in group A (34.7% vs. 72.8%; p < 0.001). Compared to group A, patients in group D had lower Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale scores, higher Ramsay sedation scores, fewer agitation episodes, and lower mean arterial pressure when extubated and 30 min after surgery, whereas these indicators did not differ 90 min after surgery. There was no difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups. Conclusions: Extubation under deep anesthesia can significantly reduce emergence agitation after nasal surgery under general anesthesia without increasing the incidence of adverse events. Trial registration: Registered in Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04844333) on 14/04/2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: King Vision and McGrath MAC video laryngoscopes (VLs) are increasingly used. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of nasotracheal intubation in patients with predicted difficult intubations using non-channeled King Vision VL, McGrath MAC VL or Macintosh laryngoscope by experienced intubators. Methods: Ninety nine ASA I or II adult patients, scheduled for oral maxillofacial surgeries with El-Ganzouri risk index 1–7 were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated to intubate with one of three laryngoscopes (non-channeled King Vision, McGrath MAC and Macintosh). The intubators were experienced with more than 100 successful nasotracheal intubations using each device. The primary outcome was intubation time. The secondary outcomes included first success rate, time required for viewing the glottis, Cormack-Lehane grade of glottis view, the number of assist maneuvers, hemodynamic responses, the subjective evaluating of sensations of performances and associated complications. Results: The intubation time of King Vision and McGrath group was comparable (37.6 ± 7.3 s vs. 35.4 ± 8.8 s) and both were shorter than Macintosh group (46.8 ± 10.4 s, p < 0.001). Both King Vision and McGrath groups had a 100% first attempt success rate, significantly higher than Macintosh group (85%, p < 0.05). The laryngoscopy time was comparable between King Vision and McGrath group (16.7 ± 5.5 s vs. 15.6 ± 6.3 s) and was shorter than Macintosh group (22.8 ± 7.2 s, p < 0.05) also. Compared with Macintosh laryngoscope, Glottis view was obviously improved when exposed with either non-channeled King Vision or McGrath MAC VL (p < 0.001), and assist maneuvers required were reduced (p < 0.001). The maximum fluctuations of MAP were significantly attenuated in VL groups (47.7 ± 12.5 mmHg and 45.1 ± 10.3 mmHg vs. 54.9 ± 10.2 mmHg, p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). Most device insertions were graded as excellent in McGrath group, followed by Macintosh and King Vision group (p = 0.0014). The tube advancements were easier in VLs compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope (p < 0.001). Sore throat was found more frequent in Macintosh group compared with King Vision group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Non-channeled King Vision and McGrath MAC VLs were comparable and both devices facilitated nasotracheal intubation in managing predicted difficult intubations compared with Macintosh laryngoscope. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials registration number NCT03126344. Registered on April 24, 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An increasing body of observational studies have indicated an association between gut microbiota and endometriosis. However, the causal relationship between them is not yet clear. In this study, we employed Mendelian randomization method to investigate the causal relationship between 211 gut microbiota taxa and endometriosis. Methods: Independent genetic loci significantly associated with the relative abundance of 211 gut microbiota taxa, based on predefined thresholds, were extracted as instrumental variables. The primary analytical approach employed was the IVW method. Effect estimates were assessed primarily using the odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals. Supplementary analyses were conducted using MR-Egger regression, the weighted median method, the simple mode and the weighted mode method to complement the IVW results. In addition, we conducted tests for heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, sensitivity analysis, and MR Steiger to assess the robustness of the results and the strength of the causal relationships. Results: Based on the IVW method, we found that the family Prevotellaceae, genus Anaerotruncus, genus Olsenella, genus Oscillospira, and order Bacillales were identified as risk factors for endometriosis, while class Melainabacteria and genus Eubacterium ruminantium group were protective factors. Additionally, no causal relationship was observed between endometriosis and gut microbiota. Heterogeneity tests, pleiotropy tests, and leave-one-out sensitivity analyses did not detect any significant heterogeneity or pleiotropic effects. Conclusions: Our MR study has provided evidence supporting a potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and endometriosis, and it suggests the absence of bidirectional causal effects. These findings could potentially offer new insights for the development of novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Anaesthesia can alter neuronal excitability and vascular reactivity and ultimately lead to neurovascular coupling. Precise control of the skeletal muscle relaxant doses is the key in reducing anaesthetic damage. Methods. A total of 102 patients with the normal functioning preoperative facial nerve who required parotid tumour resection were included in this study. Facial nerve monitoring was conducted intraoperatively. The surgeon stimulated the facial nerve at different myorelaxation intervals at TOF% (T4/T1) and T1% (T1/T0) and recorded the responses and the amplitude of electromyogram (EMG). Body movements (BM) or patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA) was recorded intraoperatively. Results. In parotid tumour resection, T1% should be maintained at a range of 30 to 60% while TOF% should be maintained at a range of 20 to 30%. Analysis of the decision tree model for facial nerve monitoring suggests a partial muscle relaxation level of 30 % < T 1 % ≤ 50 % and TOF ≤ 60 %. A nomogram prediction model, while incorporating factors such as sex, age, BMI, TOF%, and T1%, was constructed to predict the risk of BM/PVA during surgery, showing good predictive performance. Conclusions. This study revealed an adequate level of neuromuscular blockade in intraoperative parotid tumour resection while conducting facial nerve monitoring. A visual nomogram prediction model was constructed to guide anaesthetists in improving the anaesthetic plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Anaesthesia can alter neuronal excitability and vascular reactivity and ultimately lead to neurovascular coupling. Precise control of the skeletal muscle relaxant doses is the key in reducing anaesthetic damage. Methods. A total of 102 patients with the normal functioning preoperative facial nerve who required parotid tumour resection were included in this study. Facial nerve monitoring was conducted intraoperatively. The surgeon stimulated the facial nerve at different myorelaxation intervals at TOF% (T4/T1) and T1% (T1/T0) and recorded the responses and the amplitude of electromyogram (EMG). Body movements (BM) or patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA) was recorded intraoperatively. Results. In parotid tumour resection, T1% should be maintained at a range of 30 to 60% while TOF% should be maintained at a range of 20 to 30%. Analysis of the decision tree model for facial nerve monitoring suggests a partial muscle relaxation level of 30 % < T 1 % ≤ 50 % and TOF ≤ 60 %. A nomogram prediction model, while incorporating factors such as sex, age, BMI, TOF%, and T1%, was constructed to predict the risk of BM/PVA during surgery, showing good predictive performance. Conclusions. This study revealed an adequate level of neuromuscular blockade in intraoperative parotid tumour resection while conducting facial nerve monitoring. A visual nomogram prediction model was constructed to guide anaesthetists in improving the anaesthetic plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to propose an algorithm for solving the split common fixed point problem for strict quasi-ϕ-pseudocontractive mappings in Banach spaces. It is proved that the sequence generated by the proposed iterative algorithm converges strongly to a solution of the split common fixed point problem. Then, the main result is used to study the split common null point problem and the split quasi-inclusion problem. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate our main result. The results presented in this paper extend and improve some recent corresponding results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new micromechanics model for viscoelastic failures established. • Event-driven type of algorithm transforming nonlinear simulations into linear ones. • Typical failure tests simulated successfully such as uniaxial tension, bolt pull-out and Brazilian disk splitting. The time-dependent progressive failures in heterogeneous brittle materials are modeled by considering the temporal stress redistribution mechanism due to local breakages. The influence of local breakages lies in two kinds of stress redistributions: (1) Internal forces in the breaking element are assumed to release infinitely fast when compared with external loadings, and the corresponding viscoelastic deformation of the specimen happens in a finite speed. This deformation delay is implemented by introducing a VF field all over the specimen. (2) Then the gradual release of VF fields stored previously follows, resulting in the viscous recovery of the entire specimen, which is approximated as a multilinear process. The main characteristic of the present algorithm is its linearity, i.e. no nonlinear iterations are included. Numerical results of uniaxial tensile/compressive, anchor bolt pull-out and Brazilian tests show that the proposed model is capable of overcoming the over-brittle issue in existing lattice models and capturing the strain rate sensitivity, which agree well with experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We aimed to explore the mechanism by which Bushen Yangjing Soup improves elderly infertility based on oocyte mitochondrion. Methods C57BL/6J mice were used, including 15 young females (6-8 weeks old), 45 elderly females (10 months old), and ten young males (6-8 weeks old). The female 6-8-week-old young mice were assigned to the young group, and the female 10-month-old elderly mice were randomly divided into the model group, the dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) group, and the Bushen Yangjing Soup group. Mice in the DHEA and Bushen Yangjing Soup groups were given DHEA [11.26 mg/(kg⋅d)] and Bushen Yangjing Soup [11.41 g/(kg⋅d)]. Mice in the other groups were given normal saline. After 45 days, oocytes were collected, the number of oocytes and the proportion of mature oocytes were recorded, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) was carried out, followed by calculation of the successful fertilization rate. Real-time PCR was used to determine the copy number of mitochondrial DNA in oocytes, mito-tracker green was used to observe the distribution of mitochondria, and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of oocytes was determined using the JC-1 kit. The mRNA and protein levels of mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) in oocytes were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Results Compared with the young group, the number of oocytes, the proportion of mature oocytes, and the IVF rate were significantly reduced (P<0.01), the copy number of mitochondrial DNA in oocytes was decreased, the rate of abnormal mitochondrial distribution was increased, the MMP was decreased (P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein levels of Mfn2 were decreased (P<0.01) in the elderly model mice. Compared with the elderly model group, the number of oocytes, the proportion of mature oocytes, and the IVF rate were significantly increased (P<0.05), the copy number of mitochondrial DNA in oocytes was increased (P<0.05), the rate of abnormal mitochondrial distribution was decreased, the MMP was increased (P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein levels of Mfn2 were increased (P<0.01) in the Bushen Yangjing Soup group.Compared with the DHEA group, the number of oocytes, the proportion of mature oocytes, and the IVF rate were increased, the copy number of mitochondrial DNA in oocytes was increased, the rate of abnormal mitochondrial distribution was decreased, the MMP was increased, the mRNA and protein levels of Mfn2 were increased in the Bushen Yangjing Soup group, and there was a significant difference in the number of oocytes and the expression of Mfn2 protein (P<0.05). Conclusion Bushen Yangjing Soup may improve the quantity, distribution, and function of oocyte mitochondria by increasing the mRNA and protein levels of Mfn2, thereby improving oocyte quality. This is one of the possible mechanisms for clinical application of Bushen Yangjing Soup to improve ovarian function and treat elderly infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]