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In this study, we investigated enhance mode (E-mode) p-GaN/AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) with an Al0.5GaN etch-stop layer. Compared with an AlN etch-stop layer, the Al0.5GaN etch-stop layer not only reduced lattice defects but engendered improved DC performance in the device; this can be attributed to the lattice match between the layer and substrate. The results revealed that the Al0.5GaN etch-stop layer could reduce dislocation by 37.5% and improve device characteristics. Compared with the device with the AlN etch-stop layer, the p-GaN HEMT with the Al0.5GaN etch-stop layer achieved a higher drain current on/off ratio (2.47 × 107), a lower gate leakage current (1.55 × 10−5 A/mm), and a lower on-state resistance (21.65 Ω·mm); moreover, its dynamic RON value was reduced to 1.69 (from 2.26). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of lymph node (LN) involvement and its prognostic value based on radiological imaging in stage IIB cervical cancer (CC) remains unclear, and evidence regarding oncological outcomes of patients with stage IIB CC with LN metastases is limited. In this study we retrospectively reviewed the incidence and prognostic significance of pretreatment radiologic LN status in 72 patients with clinical stage IIB CC (FIGO 2009), with or without radiologic evidence of LN enlargement. An enlarged LN was defined as a diameter > 10 mm on CT/MRI. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Radiologic LN enlargement of >10 mm was observed in 45.8% of patients with stage IIB CC. PFS (p = 0.0088) and OS rates (p = 0.0032) were significantly poorer in the LN group (n = 33) than in the non-LN group (n = 39). Univariate Cox analysis revealed that LN > 10 mm contributed to a higher rate of recurrence and mortality. In conclusion, nearly half of the patients with clinical stage IIB CC had enlarged LNs (>10 mm) identified during pretreatment radiologic evaluation, which negatively impacted prognosis. Our findings highlight the need to incorporate CT- or MRI-based LN assessment before treatment for stage IIB CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epitaxial thin film seeds, exhibit a higher peritectic temperature than the bulk, have been recognized as a possible way to obtain large-sized single-grain REBCO bulks. Recently, use of a pellet as a buffer layer inserted between the film-seed and the main pellet has been reported. This approach can prevent Mg diffusion from the MgO substrate to the film seed, and enable the thin film to tolerate a higher maximum temperature in the TSMG (Top Seed Melt Growth) method. However, we found that the liquid phase decomposed from YBa2Cu3O7− x( YBCO) contacted the MgO substrate, due to surface tension, and caused undesirable grain nucleation. To resolve this problem, this study used a mini-pellet, smaller than the seed, as a buffer layer. This new technique can avoid the liquid phase contacting the MgO substrate, thereby allowing the YBCO single-grain bulk to be grown more easily. Moreover, the thin film seed can be re-used by removing the buffer layer after the crystal growing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging resistance to quinine jeopardizes the efficacy of a drug that has been used in the treatment of malaria for several centuries. To identify factors contributing to differential quinine responses in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, we have conducted comparative quantitative trait locus analyses on the susceptibility to quinine and also its stereoisomer quinidine, and on the initial and steady-state intracellular drug accumulation levels in the F1 progeny of a genetic cross. These data, together with genetic screens of field isolates and laboratory strains associated differential quinine and quinidine responses with mutated pfcrt, a segment on chromosome 13, and a novel candidate gene, termed MAL7P1.19 (encoding a HECT ubiquitin ligase). Despite a strong likelihood of association, episomal transfections demonstrated a role for the HECT ubiquitin-protein ligase in quinine and quinidine sensitivity in only a subset of genetic backgrounds, and here the changes in IC50 values were moderate (approximately 2-fold). These data show that quinine responsiveness is a complex genetic trait with multiple alleles playing a role and that more experiments are needed to unravel the role of the contributing factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lung epithelial cells is increasingly being recognized as a key stage in the development of COPD, fibrosis, and lung cancers, which are all highly associated with cigarette smoking and with exposure to second-hand smoke. Using the exposure of human lung cancer epithelial A549 cells and non-cancerous Beas-2B cells to sidestream cigarette smoke extract (CSE) as a model, we studied the protective effects of adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium (ADSC-CM) against CSE-induced cell death and EMT. CSE dose-dependently induced cell death, decreased epithelial markers, and increased the expression of mesenchymal markers. Upstream regulator analysis of differentially expressed genes after CSE exposure revealed similar pathways as those observed in typical EMT induced by TGF-β1. CSE-induced cell death was clearly attenuated by ADSC-CM but not by other control media, such as a pass-through fraction of ADSC-CM or A549-CM. ADSC-CM effectively inhibited CSE-induced EMT and was able to reverse the gradual loss of epithelial marker expression associated with TGF-β1 treatment. CSE or TGF-β1 enhanced the speed of A549 migration by 2- to 3-fold, and ADSC-CM was effective in blocking the cell migration induced by either agent. Future work will build on the results of this in vitro study by defining the molecular mechanisms through which ADSC-CM protects lung epithelial cells from EMT induced by toxicants in second-hand smoke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A metal–insulator–semiconductor p-type GaN gate high-electron-mobility transistor (MIS-HEMT) with an Al2O3/AlN gate insulator layer deposited through atomic layer deposition was investigated. A favorable interface was observed between the selected insulator, atomic layer deposition–grown AlN, and GaN. A conventional p-type enhancement-mode GaN device without an Al2O3/AlN layer, known as a Schottky gate (SG) p-GaN HEMT, was also fabricated for comparison. Because of the presence of the Al2O3/AlN layer, the gate leakage and threshold voltage of the MIS-HEMT improved more than those of the SG-HEMT did. Additionally, a high turn-on voltage was obtained. The MIS-HEMT was shown to be reliable with a long lifetime. Hence, growing a high-quality Al2O3/AlN layer in an HEMT can help realize a high-performance enhancement-mode transistor with high stability, a large gate swing region, and high reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA), and its severe form Asherman syndrome (Asherman's syndrome), is a mysterious disease, often accompanied with severe clinical problems contributing to a significant impairment of reproductive function, such as menstrual disturbance (amenorrhea), infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. Among these, its correlated infertility may be one of the most challenging problems. Although there are many etiologies for the development of IUA, uterine instrumentation is the main cause of IUA. Additionally, more complicated intrauterine surgeries can be performed by advanced technology, further increasing the risk of IUA. Strategies attempting to minimize the risk and reducing its severity are urgently needed. The current review will expand the level of our knowledge required to face the troublesome disease of IUA. It is separated into six sections, addressing the introduction of the normal cyclic endometrial repairing process and its abruption causing the formation of IUA; the etiology and prevalence of IUA; the diagnosis of IUA; the classification of IUA; the pathophysiology of IUA; and the primary prevention of IUA, including (1) delicate surgical techniques, such as the use of surgical instruments, energy systems, and pre-hysteroscopic management, (2) barrier methods, such as gels, intrauterine devices, intrauterine balloons, as well as membrane structures containing hyaluronate–carboxymethylcellulose or polyethylene oxide–sodium carboxymethylcellulose as anti-adhesive barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automated coronary angiography assessment requires precise vessel segmentation, a task complicated by uneven contrast filling and background noise. Our research introduces an ensemble U-Net model, SE-RegUNet, designed to accurately segment coronary vessels using 100 labeled angiographies from angiographic images. SE-RegUNet incorporates RegNet encoders and squeeze-and-excitation blocks to enhance feature extraction. A dual-phase image preprocessing strategy further improves the model's performance, employing unsharp masking and contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization. Following fivefold cross-validation and Ranger21 optimization, the SE-RegUNet 4GF model emerged as the most effective, evidenced by performance metrics such as a Dice score of 0.72 and an accuracy of 0.97. Its potential for real-world application is highlighted by its ability to process images at 41.6 frames per second. External validation on the DCA1 dataset demonstrated the model's consistent robustness, achieving a Dice score of 0.76 and an accuracy of 0.97. The SE-RegUNet 4GF model's precision in segmenting blood vessels in coronary angiographies showcases its remarkable efficiency and accuracy. However, further development and clinical testing are necessary before it can be routinely implemented in medical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a useful tumor marker for ovarian germ cell tumors, particularly yolk sac tumor (YST). It is valuable for both diagnosis and further follow-up. Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) rarely secretes AFP, especially for clear cell type and in the postmenopausal women. Based on the limited knowledge about AFP-producing clear cell type EOC, a case and literature review on this topic is extensively reviewed. Case presentation: We report a 55-year-old postmenopausal woman experienced vaginal spotting for one month, and serum level of AFP was 60,721 ng/ml initially. Histological examination was clear cell type EOC. Tumor cells revealed strong immunoreactivity for glypican-3 (GPC3) and AFP and weak for hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 beta (HNF-1 beta), but negative for CD30, making the diagnosis of AFP-producing clear cell type EOC with fetal gut differentiation in focal areas, FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) IIIc. Although the patient underwent an intensive treatment, including optimal debulking surgery and multi-agent chemotherapy, the patient died of disease. To provide a better understanding of clinical and molecular characteristics of the AFP-producing clear cell type EOC, we conducted a systematic literature review. Conclusions: A total of three papers described the AFP-producing clear cell type EOC are available. The overall survival rate of these cases, including the current case is 50%. Although immunohistochemical examination is not always needed in routine for the diagnosis of clear cell type EOC, to distinguish from other tumors, especially germ cell tumors, or to provide the better way to monitor therapeutic response or to evaluate the disease status, immunostaining, including GPC3, HNF-1 beta, CD30, cytokeratin 7 or 20, and AFP is taken into account. Due to rarity, the appropriate chemotherapy regimen and the biological behavior of AFP-producing clear cell type EOC are still unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pelvic masses are a common gynecologic problem, and majority of them are diagnosed as ovarian tumors finally. Sometimes, it is hard to distinguish the origin of these pelvic masses. The following case is a solitary neurofibroma arising from the right-side obturator nerve, which was impressed as a right-side ovarian tumor initially. We reported this case, and also performed a PRISMA-driven systematic review to summary the similar cases in the literature. This review includes image, molecular and pathological findings and outcome of neurofibroma. Case presentation: A 33-year-old woman with a regular menstrual period denied any symptoms or signs. During her physical check-up, image examination revealed a right-side heterogeneous pelvic mass; it was suggestive of a complex of right-side ovarian tumor. A provisional diagnosis of retroperitoneal pelvic mass, probably a benign ovarian tumor, was made. Excision of the right-side pelvic mass was performed. We sent the specimens for frozen pathology, which indicated neurofibroma and lipomatous tumor and that the possibility of liposarcoma cannot be excluded. A segment of the obturator nerve was attached to the tumor and was severed. A right-side obturator nerve tear during tumor excision was observed, and a neurosurgeon was consulted for obturator nerve grafting and repair. The patient complained of mild weakness and paresthesia affecting the right leg, and we consulted a rehabilitation doctor for neuron injury. The patient’s recovery was uneventful, and she was discharged eight days after the drain was removed. Further rehabilitation treatment was arranged. Conclusion: A neurofibroma is an uncommon pelvic retroperitoneal tumor, and it can be misdiagnosed as an adnexal mass. To our knowledge, this is a rare case of a solitary neurofibroma arising from the obturator nerve. It usually does not have any neurological deficit. We present this case to demonstrate that pelvic neurofibroma can be mistaken for an adnexal mass. This fact should be borne in mind during the diagnosis process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water that penetrates through cracks in concrete can corrode steel bars. There is a need for reliable and practical seepage sensing technology to prevent failure and determine the necessary maintenance for a concrete structure. Therefore, we propose a modified plasma-assisted electrochemical exfoliated graphite (MPGE) nanosheet smart tag. We conducted a comparative study of standard and modified RFID smart tags with sensor technology for seepage detection in concrete. The performance of both smart tags was tested and verified for seepage sensing in concrete, characterized by sensor code and frequency values. Seepage was simulated by cracking the concrete samples, immersing them for a designated time, and repeating the immersing phase with increasing durations. The test showed that the modified smart tag with 3% MPGE and an additional crosslinking agent provided the best sensitivity compared with the other nanosheet compositions. The presence of 3D segregated structures on the smart tag's sensing area successfully enhanced the sensitivity performance of seepage detection in concrete structures and is expected to benefit structural health monitoring as a novel non-destructive test method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A normally- OFF AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) with p-GaN gate was fabricated on free-standing GaN substrate. The self-terminated etching technology was achieved by combining with AlN stop layer and SF6-based etching gas. Compared with HEMT on Si substrate (Si-HEMT), the HEMT on GaN substrate (GaN-HEMT) demonstrated the higher current density, lower subthreshold swing (SS), lower drain leakage current, and lower static and dynamic ON-resistance that were ascribed to the lower dislocation and less defect on free-standing GaN substrate. Meanwhile, the excellent ${V}_{\mathrm{th}}$ stability up to 175 °C and uniformity was demonstrated. Also, higher breakdown voltage (BV) of 683 V was measured, which was higher than 507 V for Si-HEMT. Hence, a normally- OFF AlGaN/GaN HEMT on free-standing GaN substrate shows good potential in power application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) was grown through metal organic chemical vapor deposition on a Qromis Substrate Technology (QST). The GaN on the QST device exhibited a superior heat dissipation performance to the GaN on a Si device because of the higher thermal conductivity of the QST substrate. Thermal imaging analysis indicated that the temperature variation of the GaN on the QST device was 4.5 °C and that of the GaN on the Si device was 9.2 °C at a drain-to-source current (IDS) of 300 mA/mm following 50 s of operation. Compared with the GaN HEMT on the Si device, the GaN on the QST device exhibited a lower IDS degradation at high temperatures (17.5% at 400 K). The QST substrate is suitable for employment in different temperature environments because of its high thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of fibroblasts in tissue fibrosis has been extensively studied. Activated fibroblasts, namely myofibroblasts, produce pathological extracellular matrix. CD248, a type I transmembrane glycoprotein, is expressed in fibroblasts after birth. In human chronic kidney disease, upregulated CD248 in myofibroblasts is linked to poor renal survival. In this study, we demonstrated a novel interaction between CD248 and macrophages to be a key step in mediating tissue fibrosis. CD248 was upregulated in myofibroblasts in murine models of renal and peritoneal fibrosis. Cd248 knockout (Cd248–/–) could attenuate both renal and peritoneal fibrosis. By parabiosis of GFP reporter mice and Cd248–/– mice, we showed that attenuation of renal fibrosis was associated with a decrease of macrophage infiltration in Cd248–/– mice. Moreover, decrease of chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 17 and Ccl22 was found in macrophages isolated from the fibrotic kidneys of Cd248–/– mice. Because galectin-3-deficient macrophages showed decreased Ccl17 and Ccl22 in fibrotic kidneys, we further demonstrated that CD248 interacted specifically with galectin-3 of macrophages who then expressed CCL17 to activate collagen production in myofibroblasts. Mice with DNA vaccination targeting CD248 showed decreased fibrosis. We thus propose that CD248 targeting should be studied in the clinical tissue fibrosis setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The bandgap was estimated and reported to be 0.91 eV (indirect) and 2.23 eV (direct). • The optically and electrically activity has been seen in the Raman spectra. • Methyl blue was used for catalysts' properties and 98 %< efficiency was measured. • Photocatalysts mechanism was described. • HOMO-LUMO energy gap for each step was described with simulation work. This article reports on a hydrothermally synthesized γ-Fe 2 O 3 @Au/MoS 2 heterostructure with excellent photocatalytic properties for the degradation of Methyl blue dye under green light at room temperature (300 K). The bandgap of the heterostructure was estimated from the Tauc plot and found as 0.91 eV (indirect) and 2.23 eV (direct). The optical and electrical activity of the heterostructure was revealed by the Raman spectra. The photocatalytic properties of γ-Fe 2 O 3 @Au/MoS 2 heterostructures were investigated by degrading Methyl Blue (MB) dye under green light (8 W) at various catalysis concentrations and pH values. Within 4 h, 98 % efficiency was achieved using a low amount of 0.01 gm catalyst with 1 ml H 2 O 2 at a pH of 12. The pseudo-first-order reaction rate constant (K app ) revealed that no reaction occurred between MB and catalyst. Density functional techniques (DFT/B3LYP) with the LANL2MB basis set were used to calculate the energies, geometric structure, and vibrational numbers of MoS 2 and γ-Fe 2 O 3 @Au. DFT was used to extract the basic vibrational wavenumbers, intensities, and the shifting of energy levels for each step in the photodegradation reaction. A good agreement was found between the experimental and theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Four Plasmodium falciparum genetic crosses (HB3×3D7, HB3×Dd2, 7G8×GB4, and 803×GB4) have produced sets of recombinant progeny that are widely used for malaria research, including investigations of anti-malarial drug resistance. It is critical to maintain the progeny free from cross-contamination. Microsatellite polymorphisms can be used to validate parasite identity. Results: A set of 12 markers was developed that differentiates the parents of the four P. falciparum crosses. This typing set identified distinguishing patterns of inheritance (fingerprints) in segregant collections of 15 progeny clones from HB3×3D7, 32 from HB3×Dd2, 33 from 7G8×GB4, and 81 from 803×GB4. Stronger amplification was observed with shorter relative to longer alleles of individual microsatellites. In experiments with mixed parental DNAs, electropherograms showed that signals of cross-contamination can be missed when minor peaks less than 1/4 or 1/3 the height of the major peak are disregarded by threshold settings commonly used for population studies. Conclusions: Microsatellite typing is an effective method to check the identity of P. falciparum lines and detect parasite cross-contamination in cultures; however, care must be taken not to ignore minor peaks that can be overlooked. The 12 microsatellite markers presented here provide a rapid and efficient means to distinguish the segregants of laboratory crosses. Fingerprint patterns from these markers are useful to maintain the integrity of diverse parasite lines in and between research laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]