The appearance of strain localization (SL) in front of the crack tip is a factor that promotes transition toward the fatigue crack extension mode. Therefore, to predict fatigue crack extension behavior in case multiple modes occur, it is necessary to evaluate the degree of SL. In this study, the following simulations were performed on a single-crystal twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) steel:(a) SL characterization by crystal plasticity finite element method (CPFEM) analysis of a smooth specimen under tension, (b) strain concentration (SC) characterization by EP-FEM analysis of a cracked specimen under tension, and (c) characterization of interaction results between SC and SL of a cracked specimen under tension by CPFEM analysis. A comparison of the above results found that the interaction between SC and SL was large for long cracks and a significant strain field, different from the Hutchinson, Rice, Rosengren (HRR) singular field, was formed in front of the crack tip. Therefore, a parameter was proposed to quantify the SL properties in a smooth specimen.Subsequently, a fracture-mechanics-like method was proposed in which the results of (b) and the introduced parameters control the results of (c).

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Our previous study demonstrated that, in a cracked single‐crystal subjected to remote tensile stress, the interactions among material behavior, strain localization, mechanical behavior, and strain concentration caused the formation of a strain field was quite different from the HRR singularity introduced in the homogeneous continuum. Moreover, to quantify strain localization ability for metals, a material index for strain localization susceptibility (SLS) was proposed. However, the effectiveness and availability of that index were not examined in detail. In this study, a Cu‐based single crystal was examined using the crystal‐plasticity finite element method (CPFEM) model. This model incorporates the strain localization mechanism from the non‐crystallographic shear band. Additionally, a new material index for SLS was introduced. The results showed that the new material index could reflect the SLS of the material. Meanwhile, a critical material index value based on strain localization was determined for predicting the crack behavior. This study also discusses the plastic deformation behavior near the crack tip with different material indices for SLS.

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Introduction: The impact of furry animal allergens on house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) is unclear. Objective: We aimed to investigate the co-sensitization and cross-sensitization of furry animal allergens and assess their clinical relevance with HDM-induced AR. Methods: We enrolled 268 patients with HDM-induced AR who were diagnosed with skin prick tests positive for dogs and/or cats. Specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) for dogs (e1) and cats (e2), their components (Can f 1–5 and Fel d 1–2), and other uncommon furry animal extracts were measured. Symptoms and quality of life were assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS). Results: The VAS scores for the AR and asthma (AS; n = 166), moderate-to-severe persistent-AR (n = 132), and e1P (positive)-e2P (n = 89) groups were higher than those for single AR (n = 102), other AR classifications, and other AR sensitization profiles, respectively. The IgE positivity rates for components such as Can f 1–3 and Fel d 2 and those for rats, sheep, mice, cows, and horses were highest in e1P-e2P patients. Can f 1–4, Fel d 1, Fel d 2, or the combined allergens were positively correlated with VAS scores. AR combined with AS and sensitization to Can f 4, Fel d 1, or mice were risk factors for HDM-induced AR with VAS scores ≥5. Conclusions: Extensive cross-sensitization or co-sensitization was found between Can f 1–3, Fel d 2, or rat, sheep, mouse, cow, and horse extracts. Higher sIgE levels for Can f 1–4 and Fel d 1–2 or a higher number of furry animal allergens lead to more severe symptoms and a reduced quality of life. Combined with AS, sensitization to Can f 4, Fel d 1, or mice were risk factors for moderate-to-severe HDM-induced AR.

Based on the current urgent need for an in vitro quantitative detection system for allergens in most hospitals in China, we introduced a novel allergen-specific immunoglobulin E detection system that...

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