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This study develops a self‐powered fire alarm system that utilizes a sandwich‐like self‐powered fire sensor (SSFS) with a simple system to prevent room fires. The SSFS is small, flame‐retardant, and can be easily installed on furniture or doors. The SSFS uses a nanogenerator constructed by poly(vinylidenefluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) (PVDF‐TrFE) nanofibers and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) to produce electrical power by harvesting motion energy. This nanogenerator can fully charge capacitors in a few minutes and produces a maximum voltage output of 6.47 V. The SSFS also features two flame‐retardant melamine foams (MFs) coated with graphene oxide (GO) and a chitosan multilayer nanocoating that is fabricated by layer‐by‐layer technology (LBL technology). While encountering a high‐temperature situation, the electrical state of MFs changes from insulated to conductive, triggering the fire alarm light in about four seconds. The sandwich‐like design allows the SSFS to respond to a variety of fire alarm situations, especially in the case where both the top and bottom of the fire alarm sensor are exposed to flame (bilateral fire burning). It is such an innovative research to decrease the delay time of fire‐warning by using this sandwich‐like design fire sensor. The nanogenerator can keep the warning working for 22 s after the initial trigger, which produces enough time to ensure people stay clear of the fire source. All in all, this study presents a novel approach to reducing the risk of building fires through a lightweight and self‐powered fire alarm system that harvests motion energy using piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the efficacy of minimally invasive pectopexy with I‐stop‐mini (MPI) and minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy with Obtryx (MSO). Methods: Women with pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP‐Q) stage III or more and overt stress urinary incontinence from May 2018 to May 2021 were included. Patients with meshes fixed on the cervix or vaginal vault and bilateral pectineal ligament with I‐stop‐mini were classified into the MPI group, while those fixed on the apex and sacral promontory with Obtryx were classified into the MSO group. The primary outcomes were 1‐year‐postoperative POP‐Q stage, patient‐reported urinary and prolapse outcomes (Urogenital Distress Inventory‐6, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory‐6), 1‐h pad test, and sexual life quality (Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire). Secondary outcomes included operative data and adverse events. Results: The efficacy of MPI was similar to that of MSO according to the primary outcomes. MPI had shorter operative times (133.4 ± 30.6 min versus 199.3 ± 20.9 min, P = 0.001) and lower incidence rate of abdominal pain (0% vs 20%, P = 0.02) and groin pain (8% vs 40%, P = 0.01) than MSO. Conclusions: MPI showed similar efficacy to MSO, but demonstrated shorter operative times and lower incidence rates of abdominal and groin pain. Synopsis: Efficacy of minimally invasive pectopexy with I‐stop‐mini was similar to that of sacrocolpopexy and Obtryx at the 1‐year follow up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning models based on convolutional neural networks have been used for predicting space groups of crystal structures from their atomic pair distribution function (PDF). However, the PDFs used to train the model are calculated using a fixed set of parameters that reflect specific experimental conditions, and the accuracy of the model when given PDFs generated with different choices of these parameters is unknown. In this work, the results of the top‐1 accuracy and top‐6 accuracy are robust when applied to PDFs of different choices of experimental parameters rmax, Qmax, Qdamp and atomic displacement parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

A cloud‐hosted web‐based software application, nmfMapping, for carrying out a non‐negative matrix factorization of a set of powder diffraction or atomic pair distribution function datasets is described. This application allows structure scientists to find trends rapidly in sets of related data such as from in situ and operando diffraction experiments. The application is easy to use and does not require any programming expertise. It is available at https://pdfitc.org/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing feasible strategies to utilize CO2 as a C1 synthon for constructing various valued‐added chemical feedstock is crucial for alleviating the global warning and achieving a carbon‐neutral cycle. The coupling between epoxide and carbon dioxide is a promising direction due to the large driving force for the formation of thermodynamically stable cyclic carbonate and its 100% atom‐economy efficiency. Despite numerous metal‐based complexes that have been reported to facilitate this coupling reaction catalytically, harsh conditions (high temperature and pressure) are usually required. In this study, the synthesis and structural/spectroscopic characterizations of oxovanadium(V) complexes 2a–2f chelated with one‐step synthesized hydrazone‐imidate ligands were reported. The catalytic performance of the synthesized oxovanadium(V) complexes regarding the coupling reaction between epoxide and CO2 was successfully demonstrated with only 0.5 mol% loading of both oxovanadium(V) catalyst and [NBu4][Br] at 80°C under 1 bar of CO2. The substrate scope containing both terminal epoxide derivative and internal epoxide derivative indicates that the oxovanadium(V) catalysts could exert efficient catalytic coupling reaction of terminal epoxide (63 ~ 85% conversion rates) under ambient pressure of CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are potential candidates for treating pulmonary fibrosis. MPT0E028, a novel pan-HDAC inhibitor, has been reported to exhibit antitumor activity in several cancer cell lines. In this study, we investigated the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effects of MPT0E028 on the expression of fibrogenic proteins in human lung fibroblasts (WI-38). Our results revealed that MPT0E028 inhibited transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-, thrombin-, and endothelin 1-induced connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, MPT0E028 suppressed TGF-β-stimulated expression of fibronectin, collagen I, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Furthermore, MPT0E028 inhibited the TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). MPT0E028 reduced the increase in SMAD3 and c-Jun phosphorylation, and SMAD3-and activator protein-1 (AP-1)-luciferase activities under TGF-β stimulation. Transfection with mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) siRNA reversed the suppressive effects of MPT0E028 on TGF-β-induced increases in CTGF expression; JNK, p38, and ERK phosphorylation; and SMAD3 and AP-1 activation. Moreover, MPT0E028 increased MKP-1 acetylation and activity in WI-38 cells. Pretreatment with MPT0E028 reduced the fibrosis score and fibronectin, collagen, and α-SMA expression in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mice. In conclusion, MPT0E028 induced MKP-1 acetylation and activation, which in turn inhibited TGF-β-stimulated JNK, p38, and ERK phosphorylation; SMAD3 and AP-1 activation; and subsequent CTGF expression in human lung fibroblasts. Thus, MPT0E028 may be a potential drug for treating pulmonary fibrosis. • MPT0E028, a novel pan-HDAC inhibitor, inhibits TGF-β-, thrombin-, and ET-1-induced CTGF expression in human lung fibroblasts. • MKP-1 participates in MPT0E028-suppressed CTGF expression caused by TGF-β in human lung fibroblasts. • MPT0E028 attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and ECM deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the non‐negative matrix factorization (NMF) technique is validated for automatically extracting physically relevant components from atomic pair distribution function (PDF) data from time‐series data such as in situ experiments. The use of two matrix‐factorization techniques, principal component analysis and NMF, on PDF data is compared in the context of a chemical synthesis reaction taking place in a synchrotron beam, applying the approach to synthetic data where the correct composition is known and on measured PDFs from previously published experimental data. The NMF approach yields mathematical components that are very close to the PDFs of the chemical components of the system and a time evolution of the weights that closely follows the ground truth. Finally, it is discussed how this would appear in a streaming context if the analysis were being carried out at the beamline as the experiment progressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Search Strategy Selection Criteria Data Collection and Analysis Main Results Conclusions Bevacizumab serves as an effective treatment in cervical cancer patients with metastatic, recurrent, or advanced disease. However, gastrointestinal (GI)/genitourinary (GU) toxicities have been observed after bevacizumab treatment. Radiotherapy (RT) is the mainstay of treatment of cervical cancer.To investigate the risk of GI/GU toxicities with bevacizumab plus RT compared with RT alone in cervical cancer patients.In this meta‐analysis, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to September 25, 2022.Cohort studies evaluating the association between bevacizumab and GI/GU fistula or perforation in irradiated metastatic, recurrent, or advanced cervical cancer patients.Results are expressed as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The inconsistency test (I2) was used to assess heterogeneity. Egger's regression test with a two‐tailed P value was used to evaluate publication bias.Four cohort studies met the inclusion criteria with a total of 597 women included. There was a significant association between GI fistula/perforation and GU fistula/perforation in irradiated cervical cancer patients receiving bevacizumab (OR 4.03 [95% CI: 1.76–9.20] and OR 4.71 [95% CI: 1.51–14.70], respectively).The bevacizumab‐containing regimen was associated with an increased risk of GI or GU toxicities in cervical cancer individuals undergoing pelvic RT. These results suggest the bevacizumab‐associated benefits and risk should be better weighted to reach an optimal treatment strategy. Further investigation on optimal dosage and timing of bevacizumab and RT is vital to minimize the adverse events and maximize the benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

sasPDF, a method for characterizing the structure of nanoparticle assemblies (NPAs), is presented. The method is an extension of the atomic pair distribution function (PDF) analysis to the small‐angle scattering (SAS) regime. The PDFgetS3 software package for computing the PDF from SAS data is also presented. An application of the sasPDF method to characterize structures of representative NPA samples with different levels of structural order is then demonstrated. The sasPDF method quantitatively yields information such as structure, disorder and crystallite sizes of ordered NPA samples. The method was also used to successfully model the data from a disordered NPA sample. The sasPDF method offers the possibility of more quantitative characterizations of NPA structures for a wide class of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel approach for finding and evaluating structural models of small metallic nanoparticles is presented. Rather than fitting a single model with many degrees of freedom, libraries of clusters from multiple structural motifs are built algorithmically and individually refined against experimental pair distribution functions. Each cluster fit is highly constrained. The approach, called cluster‐mining, returns all candidate structure models that are consistent with the data as measured by a goodness of fit. It is highly automated, easy to use, and yields models that are more physically realistic and result in better agreement to the data than models based on cubic close‐packed crystallographic cores, often reported in the literature for metallic nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method is presented for predicting the space group of a structure given a calculated or measured atomic pair distribution function (PDF) from that structure. The method utilizes machine learning models trained on more than 100 000 PDFs calculated from structures in the 45 most heavily represented space groups. In particular, a convolutional neural network (CNN) model is presented which yields a promising result in that it correctly identifies the space group among the top‐6 estimates 91.9% of the time. The CNN model also successfully identifies space groups for 12 out of 15 experimental PDFs. Interesting aspects of the failed estimates are discussed, which indicate that the CNN is failing in similar ways as conventional indexing algorithms applied to conventional powder diffraction data. This preliminary success of the CNN model shows the possibility of model‐independent assessment of PDF data on a wide class of materials. [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]

This article demonstrates spatial mapping of the local and nanoscale structure of thin film objects using spatially resolved pair distribution function (PDF) analysis of synchrotron X‐ray diffraction data. This is exemplified in a lab‐on‐chip combinatorial array of sample spots containing catalytically interesting nanoparticles deposited from liquid precursors using an ink‐jet liquid‐handling system. A software implementation is presented of the whole protocol, including an approach for automated data acquisition and analysis using the atomic PDF method. The protocol software can handle semi‐automated data reduction, normalization and modeling, with user‐defined recipes generating a comprehensive collection of metadata and analysis results. By slicing the collection using included functions, it is possible to build images of different contrast features chosen by the user, giving insights into different aspects of the local structure. [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]

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy, surgical outcomes, and adverse events of the adjustable midurethral sling I‐stop‐mini in women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD)–type stress urinary incontinence. We compared this new sling system with the Obtryx transobturator midurethral sling system. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single center from June 2017 to December 2020. A total of 141 women who underwent placement of an I‐stop‐mini or Obtryx and were followed up for at least 1 year were enrolled. ISD was defined as a Valsalva leak point pressure of ≤60 cmH2O or a maximal urethral closure pressure of ≤20 cmH2O. Student t test was used to compare continuous variables, and chi‐square test was used to compare the distribution of categorical data. Results: In terms of objective success, I‐stop‐mini and Obtryx showed no significant differences in the postoperative 1‐month, 6‐month, and 12‐month. The two devices showed similar effectiveness regardless of the ISD definition. The I‐stop‐mini group had a significantly shorter operative time, whereas the adverse event rates were similar. Conclusion: The subjective cure rate, objective success, and adverse event rate did not differ in the two devices. I‐stop‐mini had a significantly shorter operative time. Synopsis: I‐stop‐mini, a new adjustable midurethral sling, showed similar efficacy to the transobturator midurethral sling Obtryx in women with stress urinary incontinence and intrinsic sphincter deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a life-cycle analysis (LCA) of Taiwan's 'agriculture and forestry', 'crude petroleum, coal and natural gas extraction' and 'electricity generation' sectors, revealing for the first time Taiwan's CO2 and CH4 emissions inventories and matching Taiwan's input-output sectors. Integrated hybrid input-output life cycle analysis is used to disaggregate the electricity generation sector into nuclear, hydro, gas, oil and coal, and cogeneration. Results show that the fossil-fuel-related electricity sub-sectors have higher CO2 emissions intensity than the remaining sectors in the economy and that the 'paddy rice' sector is Taiwan's most CH4-intensive sector, making rice cultivation an important source of CH4 emissions. This work is vital to sound policy decisions concerning power generation, coal, and agriculture and forestry at the national level. [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]

Abstract: The cellular RACK1 was shown in association with Abl in BALB/3T3 cells transfected with S-ras(Q61K) by immunoprecipitation. An identical finding was demonstrated with cells transfected with the embryonic E-ras, but not in cells without transformation. The Abl-RACK1 of transformed cells as resolvable with Triton X-114 was found with little affinity for FAK, PY397-FAK and integrin. Of interests, PY397-FAK in the membrane skeleton of transformed cells was shown in significant quantities on the Western blot. However the PY397-FAK of transformed cells was not functionally able to react with RACK1 and recruit cytokeratin-1, a substrate of Src, indicating that PY397-FAK is not operative to transmit integrin signals. In other words, the Abl-RACK1 of transformed cells cannot replace the Src-RACK1 of cells without transformation to bridge PY397-FAK and cytokeratin-1 for integrin signals, and the formation of Abl-RACK1 in transformed cells may block the association of PY397-FAK-RACK1. We characterized Abl and RACK1 from transformed cells by chromatography on a HiTrap-PEPTaxol affinity column, constructed from a β-tubulin peptide specific for Taxol binding (PEPTaxol). However, the Triton X-100 cannot achieve the same resolution of Abl-RACK1 from plasma membrane as is shown with Triton X-114. A significant fraction of Abl was deposited at the membrane skeleton and was therefore not accessible with Triton X-100. Half of Abl resolved with Triton X-100 was demonstrated to have catalytic activity as shown with positive phosphotyrosine staining on the Western blot and competitive elution with a specific phosphate, such as sodium β-glycerophosphate, from HiTrap-PEPTaxol, but this was not associated with RACK1. No significant difference of RACK1 was found in Triton X-100 resolvable membrane preparations from cells with and without transformations. Future studies are planned to differentiate the mechanism operative for RACK1 associated and RACK1 freed Abl in cells transformed with oncogenic ras. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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]

A low- Magnesium (Mg) out-diffusion normally off p-GaN gated AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) was developed using a low-temperature laser activation technique. Conventionally, during the actual p-GaN layer activation procedure, Mg out-diffuses into the AlGaN barrier and GaN channel at high temperatures. In addition, the Al of the AlGaN barrier layer is injected into GaN to generate alloy scattering and to suppress current density. In this study, the GaN doped Mg layer (Mg:GaN)was activated using short-wavelength Nd:YAG pulse laser annealing, and a conventional thermal activation device was processed for comparison. The results demonstrated that the laser activation technique in p-GaN HEMT suppressed the Mg out-diffusion-induced leakage current and trapping effect and enhanced the current density and breakdown voltage. Therefore, using this novel technique, a high and active Mg concentration and a favorable doping confinement can be obtained in the p-GaN layer to realize a stable enhancement-mode operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current stressing results in electromigration and thus separation of metal atoms in an alloy. The present study reports that current stressing also induces the supersaturation of alloying elements. An in situ scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis revealed that the dispersed Sn phase of 95Pb–5Sn solder in a 95Pb–5Sn/63Sn–37Pb composite solder joint disappears under current stressing. The Sn concentration reached 9.3% near the cathode in a 95Pb–5Sn solder wire at a current density of 1×104 Acm−2. [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]

Objective: This study aimed to compare the ability of the O-RADS and ADNEX models to classify benign or malignant adnexal lesions. Methods: This retrospective single-center study included women who underwent surgery for adnexal lesions. Two gynecologists independently categorized the adnexal lesions according to the O-RADS and ADNEX models. Four additional readers were included to validate the new quick-access O-RADS flowchart. Results: Among the 322 patients included in this study, 264 (82.0%) had a benign diagnosis, and 58 (18.0%) had a malignant diagnosis. The malignant rates of O-RADS 2, O-RADS 3, O-RADS 4, and O-RADS 5 were 0%, 3.0%, 37.7%, and 78.9%, respectively. The AUC of the O-RADS in the 322 patients was 0.93. On comparing the O-RADS and ADNEX models in the remaining 281 patients, the AUCs of the O-RADS, ADNEX model with CA125, and ADNEX model without CA125 were 0.92, 0.95, and 0.94, respectively. When setting a uniform cutoff of ≥ 10% (≥ O-RADS 4) to predict malignancy, the O-RADS had higher sensitivity than the ADNEX model (96.6% vs. 91.4%), and relatively similar specificity. In addition, the readers with the quick-access flowchart spent less time categorizing O-RADS than the readers with only the original O-RADS table (mean analysis time: 99 min 15 s vs. 111 min 55 s). Conclusions: The O-RADS classification of the adnexal lesions as benign or malignant was comparable to that of the ADNEX model and had higher sensitivity at the 10% cutoff value. A quick-access O-RADS flowchart was helpful in O-RADS categorization and might shorten the analysis time. Key Points: • Both O-RADS and ADNEX models had good diagnostic performance in distinguishing adnexal malignancy, and O-RADS had higher sensitivity than ADNEX model in uniform 10% cutoff to predict malignancy. • Quick-access O-RADS flowchart was developed to help review O-RADS classification and might help reduce the analysis time. [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]

Temperature is a ubiquitous environmental variable used to explore materials structure, properties and reactivity. This article reports a new paradigm for variable‐temperature measurements that varies the temperature continuously across a sample such that temperature is measured as a function of sample position and not time. The gradient approach offers advantages over conventional variable‐temperature studies, in which temperature is scanned during a series measurement, in that it improves the efficiency with which a series of temperatures can be probed and it allows the sample evolution at multiple temperatures to be measured in parallel to resolve kinetic and thermodynamic effects. Applied to treat samples at a continuum of temperatures prior to measurements at ambient temperature, the gradient approach enables parametric studies of recovered systems, eliminating temperature‐dependent structural and chemical variations to simplify interpretation of the data. The implementation of spatially resolved variable‐temperature measurements presented here is based on a gradient‐heater design that uses a 3D‐printed ceramic template to guide the variable pitch of the wire in a resistively heated wire‐wound heater element. The configuration of the gradient heater was refined on the basis of thermal modelling. Applications of the gradient heater to quantify thermal‐expansion behaviour, to map metastable polymorphs recovered to ambient temperature, and to monitor the time‐ and temperature‐dependent phase evolution in a complex solid‐state reaction are demonstrated. [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]