bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ОЦЕНКА СТЕПЕНИ ВЛИЯНИЯ ГЕОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ И ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ФАКТОРОВ НА ВЕЛИЧИНУ КОЭФФИЦИЕНТА ИЗВЛЕЧЕНИЯ МАЛОВЯЗКИХ НЕФТЕЙ ИЗ ОБЪЕКТОВ С КАРБОНАТНЫМИ КОЛЛЕКТОРАМИ
Authors:   Профессор, Каршинский инженерно-экономический институт, Карши, Узбекистан, Агзамов Аваз Хамидуллаевич , Султонов Нодир Нормуродович ,   Старший преподаватель, Каршинский инженерно-экономический институт, Карши, Узбекистан, Жураев Элдор Исроилович ,   Старший преподаватель, Каршинский инженерно-экономический институт, Карши, Узбекистан Старший преподаватель, Каршинский инженерно-экономический институт, Карши, Узбекистан, Асадова Хулкар Боймановна ,   Доцент, АО “Узлитинефтгаз”, Карши, Узбекистан
Published: November 2024

Приведены особенности геологического строения объектов маловязких нефтей, представленных карбонатными коллекторами, Ферганского региона Узбекистана, характеризующихся широким диапазоном изменения геолого-физических факторов и параметров реализованных систем разработки. На основе уточнения параметров характеризующих строения залежей, геологической неоднородности и коллекторских свойств продуктивных пластов, а также результатов разработки объектов находящихся в поздней стадии эксплуатации. C применением метода многофакторного корреляционного и регрессионного анализа создано геолого-статистическая модель, позволяющее установит качественное и количественное влияние геологических и технологических факторов на коэффициент извлечения нефти из объектов Ферганского региона Узбекистана, представленных карбонатными породами. Показано, подавляющее влияние геологических факторов на коэффициент извлечения нефти, a из технологических только существенное влияние плотности сетки скважин. Полученная геолого-статистическая модель коэффициента извлечения нефти рекомендовано использовать при обосновании геолого-технических мероприятий по совершенствованию реализованных систем разработки объектов.
Prospects of Georgia becoming EU member in context of economic development trends
Authors: Mamuladze Roman , Gabaidze Meri
Published: November 2024

In this article we discuss accession criteria for EU membership - the Copenhagen Criteria. We largely focus on and critically analyze Georgia’s the economic development level and modern trends. Using the recent data published by international, regional, and local institutions we analyzed macroeconomic measures and international rankings of EU countries and Georgia.Based on qualitative and quantitative research approaches, we conclude that Georgia’s recent economic levels and economic development trends, unfortunately, don’t satisfy the Copenhagen economic criteria and it can be a delay factor for Georgia’s EU integration. In this paper, we present recommendations, a satisfaction of which will facilitate fulfillment of the Copenhagen Criteria by Georgia and speed up the process of Georgia joining the EU.
Some Trends in the Development of Maritime Industry in the World and in Georgia
Authors: Mamuladze Roman , Gabaidze Meri
Published: November 2024

The paper "Some Trends in the Development of Maritime Industry in the World and in Georgia" substantiates the place and role of international maritime industry in both the world economy and the economic development of the country. The special importance of maritime transport-logistics systems is emphasized in the further development of the Georgian economy. The abstract conclusions are based on the research and data analysis published by national and international institutions on world economy, international trade of goods as well as international maritime trade, and their interrelationships. Trends in the development of some areas of the maritime industry (international maritime trade, world navy, shipbuilding and training of seafarers) have been studied. Based on the analysis of similar indicators of the Georgian maritime industry, separate conclusions have been made about the further development and efficient use of the Georgian maritime transport-logistics system.
Professional Training for Involvement in Maritime Education
Authors: Sharabidze Irakli , Dolidze Natia
Published: November 2024

The article is devoted to the issues of involvement of teachers and maritime professionals in maritime education. In particular, authors discuss professional training for basic subject teachers in order to become experts in teaching e.g. Ships Stability, MARPOL, and Environmental Pollution etc.
The higher education institutions have specific qualification requirements for their academic staff members. This also applies to maritime lecturers who in addition need an appropriate sea experience as well as sufficient knowledge of related subject(s). Maritime professionals need to pass special trainings on order to get permission to deliver lectures in Maritime Academy. The authors make an attempt to analyze the possibility of passing professional training for those who are not involved in Maritime field and get special expertise to become specialist of profile subjects.
Le développement des conduites agressives chez les élèves populaires au secondaire : l’affiliation à des amis populaires et agressifs comme facteur médiateur
Authors: Mireault Sandrine , Cantin Stéphane
Published: November 2024

La popularité perçue des jeunes à l’adolescence est reconnue comme étant associée à l’augmentation des conduites agressives au fil du temps. Par contre, peu d’études s’intéressent aux mécanismes permettant d’expliquer ce lien. La présente étude vise à évaluer dans quelle mesure les caractéristiques des amis (i.e., niveaux moyens de popularité et d’agressivité) peuvent jouer un rôle médiateur et permettent d’expliquer en partie la relation entre la popularité et le développement de l’agressivité au début du secondaire. Cette étude longitudinale a été menée auprès de 621 élèves de premières et deuxièmes secondaires provenant de trois écoles secondaires publiques situées dans des milieux socio-économiques défavorisés de la région de Montréal. À trois reprises sur une période d’un an, la popularité perçue et l’agressivité des participants ont été évaluées à partir d’une procédure de nominations par les pairs. De la même façon, l’identité et les caractéristiques des amis ont été évaluées de manière répétée. Les résultats montrent que la popularité perçue en secondaire 1 favorise l’affiliation avec des amis qui sont de plus en plus populaires et agressifs en secondaire 2. En retour, l’établissement de relation d’amitié avec des amis agressifs permet d’expliquer l’augmentation des conduites agressives à travers le temps. Aussi bien chez les filles que chez les garçons, l’association entre la popularité perçue et la manifestation ultérieure de comportements agressifs s’explique ainsi par les caractéristiques des amis. La discussion porte sur l’importance du contexte relationnel lorsqu’il s’agit de rendre compte des conséquences développementales associées au fait d’être perçu comme étant populaire au début de l’adolescence.
Metatarsal Osteotomy versus Metatarsal Head Resection for Distal Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Tseng Wei , Bolla Maria , Wong Amy , Mendeszoon Ewald R. , Pham Hau T.
Published: November 2024

Background: We compared the effectiveness of metatarsal osteotomy, specifically using the osteoclasis (OC) technique, with that of metatarsal head resection (MHR) in healing distal metatarsal plantar ulcers.

Methods: This retrospective study reviewed patients who underwent OC or MHR for the treatment of submetatarsal ulcers between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2017. Patients with infected ulcers or osteomyelitis were excluded. A 1-year follow-up was used to evaluate the results.

Results: Of the 31 study patients (seven women and 24 men; mean ± SD age, 55.3 ± 11.7 years), 17 underwent MHR and 14 underwent OC. All of the patients had diabetic neuropathy and distal submetatarsal ulcer. Four of 17 patients in the MHR group and three of 14 patients in the OC group had moderate peripheral vascular disease. All of the patients in the MHR group healed their ulcers in a mean ± SD of 5.8 ± 2.3 weeks. During 12-month follow-up of the MHR group, one patient needed revision, one developed a transfer ulcer, and two developed toe ulcers. In the OC group, all of the patients healed after surgery in a mean ± SD of 4.2 ± 1.8 weeks. During the 12-month follow-up of the OC group, one patient developed Charcot’s neuropathy and two developed transfer ulcers.

Conclusions: For metatarsal head neuropathic ulcers, both OC and MHR achieved healing in a relatively short time, with few complications. A prospective study with a larger patient population is needed to better compare the two procedures.
Transarticular versus Transosseous Amputations in Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Waibel Felix W.A. , Schöni Madlaina , Häller Thomas V. , Langthaler Daniel , Berli Martin C. , Lipsky Benjamin A. , Uçkay Ilker , Jud Lukas
Published: November 2024

Background: Reamputations are frequent after minor amputations performed for diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO). Whether the type of amputation is associated with a particular outcome is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether amputations of the transarticular compared with the transosseous type have different rates of clinical and microbiological failure.

Methods: We actively followed 284 patients with DFO (543 episodes of minor foot amputations: 203 transarticular and 340 transosseous) for 1 year. We assessed the long-term effect of transarticular compared with transosseous amputations on the rates of clinical and microbiological failure using comparative statistics, log-rank survival analyses, Kaplan-Meier curves, and multivariate Cox regressions.

Results: In 122 episodes (22.5%) there was clinical failure that led to reamputation. The difference in the risk of clinical failure of transarticular versus transosseous amputations was nonsignificant (44 [21.7%] versus 78 [22.9%]; Pearson χ2 test: P = .73). Similarly, the difference in microbiological failure (32 episodes, 5.9% overall) between groups was nonsignificant (11 [5.4%] and 21 [6.2%], respectively; P = .72). The mean time between the index surgery and clinical failure was 2.2 months for transarticular and 3.2 months for transosseous amputations (Mann-Whitney U test; P = .39). Survival analyses showed similar evolutions for each group (log-rank test; P = .85). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, the type of amputation did not significantly influence clinical or microbiological failures.

Conclusions: In DFO, there is no significant difference between transarticular and transosseous amputations within 1 year in the incidence of clinical or microbiological failures.
Feasibility of Obtaining Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in a High-Volume Multidisciplinary Surgical Limb Salvage Center
Authors: Sayyed Adaah A. , Yamamoto Rebecca , Choi Christopher , Lee Jina , Atves Jayson N. , Steinberg John S. , Song David H. , Attinger Christopher E. , Fan Kenneth L. , Evans Karen K.
Published: November 2024

Background: Completion of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) is labor-intensive but paramount in improving patient-centered care, allowing for advancement of techniques and scrutinization of outcomes. We report the feasibility of PROM collection and reporting for patients seen in a high-volume, multidisciplinary, tertiary limb salvage center to determine pain and functionality outcomes.

Methods: The center received grant funding resources for large-scale PROM collection. Patients completed either tablet or paper surveys. Functionality and pain PROMs included 1) Neuro-QoL Lower Extremity Function–Mobility, 2) Numerical Rating Scale, 3) Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Intensity, and 4) PROMIS Pain Interference. Research assistants attended clinic daily to administer surveys. Patients were categorized into the following groups: amputation, flap reconstruction, other surgical management, and nonsurgical management.

Results: Five hundred sets of each survey were administered to 420 patients across 2 months, with 16% of patients (n = 80) completing multiple sets at separate visits. The completion rate among eligible patients was 90% or greater for each PROM. Of the respondents, 133 (31.7%) were seen for previous amputation, 32 (7.6%) for local or free flap reconstruction, 68 (16.2%) for other surgical management (eg, debridement, arthroplasty), and 295 (70.2%) for nonsurgical management (eg, lymphedema, hidradenitis).

Conclusions: We report that integration of PROM collection in a high-volume limb salvage center is feasible. These metrics allow measurement of the impact and effectiveness of salvage or amputation surgeries from patients’ perspectives, providing quantification of satisfaction and aspects of health-related quality of life, improved patient advocacy, and an evidence-based approach to surgical management.
Management of Children with Megafoot Secondary to Proteus Syndrome: A Report of Three Cases with Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Demirel Mehmet , Koyuncu Dağhan , Sağlam Yavuz , Bilgili Fuat , Kılıçoğlu Önder İsmet , Durmaz Hayati
Published: November 2024

Background: Proteus syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by overgrowth of limbs and organs and neurocutaneous findings.

Methods: We examined three Proteus syndrome cases with unilateral foot enlargement, megafoot. The patients had ambulatory and cosmetic difficulties. Debulking surgery was performed.

Results: After the surgeries, patient mobility and functional scores were analyzed and found to be improved; only one patient had recurrence after 5 years. In the literature, there is no consensus about the treatment and the timing of treatment of Proteus syndrome. The literature suggests that early surgery for megafoot leads to better functional results. Debulking surgery and amputation are the two options mentioned. In the present cases, soft-tissue debulking was performed.

Conclusions: In patients with megafoot caused by Proteus syndrome, the functional results were better for those with early debulking surgery compared with those who did not undergo surgery. Patients were able to fit into shoes and walk without difficulty.
A single-cell atlas of spatial and temporal gene expression in the mouse cranial neural plate
Authors: Brooks Eric R , Moorman Andrew R , Bhattacharya Bhaswati , Prudhomme Ian S , Land Max , Alcorn Heather L , Sharma Roshan , Pe’er Dana , Zallen Jennifer A
Published: November 2024

The formation of the mammalian brain requires regionalization and morphogenesis of the cranial neural plate, which transforms from an epithelial sheet into a closed tube that provides the structural foundation for neural patterning and circuit formation. Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling is important for cranial neural plate patterning and closure, but the transcriptional changes that give rise to the spatially regulated cell fates and behaviors that build the cranial neural tube have not been systematically analyzed. Here we used single-cell RNA sequencing to generate an atlas of gene expression at six consecutive stages of cranial neural tube closure in the mouse embryo. Ordering transcriptional profiles relative to the major axes of gene expression predicted spatially regulated expression of 870 genes along the anterior-posterior and mediolateral axes of the cranial neural plate and reproduced known expression patterns with over 85% accuracy. Single-cell RNA sequencing of embryos with activated SHH signaling revealed distinct SHH-regulated transcriptional programs in the developing forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain, suggesting a complex interplay between anterior-posterior and mediolateral patterning systems. These results define a spatiotemporally resolved map of gene expression during cranial neural tube closure and provide a resource for investigating the transcriptional events that drive early mammalian brain development.
A single-cell atlas of spatial and temporal gene expression in the mouse cranial neural plate
Authors: Brooks Eric R , Moorman Andrew R , Bhattacharya Bhaswati , Prudhomme Ian , Land Max , Alcorn Heather L , Sharma Roshan , Pe’er Dana , Zallen Jennifer A
Published: November 2024

The formation of the mammalian brain requires regionalization and morphogenesis of the cranial neural plate, which transforms from an epithelial sheet into a closed tube that provides the structural foundation for neural patterning and circuit formation. Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling is important for cranial neural plate patterning and closure, but the transcriptional changes that give rise to the spatially regulated cell fates and behaviors that build the cranial neural tube have not been systematically analyzed. Here we used single-cell RNA sequencing to generate an atlas of gene expression at six consecutive stages of cranial neural tube closure in the mouse embryo. Ordering transcriptional profiles relative to the major axes of gene expression predicted spatially regulated expression of 870 genes along the anterior-posterior and mediolateral axes of the cranial neural plate and reproduced known expression patterns with over 85% accuracy. Single-cell RNA sequencing of embryos with activated SHH signaling revealed distinct SHH-regulated transcriptional programs in the developing forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain, suggesting a complex interplay between anterior-posterior and mediolateral patterning systems. These results define a spatiotemporally resolved map of gene expression during cranial neural tube closure and provide a resource for investigating the transcriptional events that drive early mammalian brain development.
New insights into the impact of wood vinegar on the growth and rhizosphere microorganisms of cherry radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Gu Shiguo , Zhu Wei , Ren Liying , Sun Binbin , Ren Yuying , Niu Yongkang , Li Xiaokang , He Qingshan
Published: November 2024

Understanding the impact of wood vinegar on the growth of cherry radish is indispensable for use in crop production and environmental safety. Our study explored the regulation of rhizosphere microbial abundance and activity by wood vinegar, as well as the relationship between microbial community and growth factors in-depth and systematically. Bacterial communities at the phylum and genus levels were significantly changed after wood vinegar treatment. Application of 200-fold diluted wood vinegar significantly boosted Actinobacteriota and Firmicutes abundances by 40.88% and 126.67%, respectively, while Proteobacteria was promoted in carbon-rich soil. Fungi positively responded to cherry radish root traits and were correlated with aboveground biomass and fruit production. The fungi that correlated with photosynthesis included Albifimbria, Allomyces, Calcarisporiella, Clonostachys, Fusarium, Fusicolla, Knufia, Nigrospora, Paraconiothyrium, Preussia, Talaromyces, and Mortierellomycota. Wood vinegar treatment significantly affected the composition and abundance of soil bacterial and fungal communities in cherry radish rhizosphere, while simultaneously enhancing photosynthetic efficiency (e.g., Pn: 80.45% and Tr: 56.75%) and resulting in a 44.91% increase in crop yield. The promotion of cherry radish growth by wood vinegar may be attributed to the stimulation of soil microorganisms that degraded aromatic compounds and drove nitrogen cycling. This study provided novel insights into the significant promotion of cherry radish growth using wood vinegar diluted 200 times and identified potential microbial targets for agricultural applications.
Socio-economic Characteristics, Resource Utilization and Production Challenges Faced by Cocoyam Farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf A.T. , Aremu F. J.
Published: November 2024

This study examines the socio-economic characteristics, resource utilization, and production challenges faced by cocoyam farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria. The specific objectives include describing the socio-economic profile of cocoyam farmers, analyzing the influence of inputs on cocoyam output, estimating resource use efficiency, and identifying the primary constraints in cocoyam production. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, beginning with the purposive selection of five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Enugu State—Nsukka, Udi, Igbo Etiti, Nkanu East, and Ezeagu—known for cocoyam cultivation. Random sampling was subsequently used to select five communities within each LGA, followed by a simple random sampling of 100 cocoyam farmers, ensuring a representative sample. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, production function analysis, and ranking with mean score analysis. Findings reveal that socio-economic factors such as age, gender, and education significantly shape cocoyam farming practices. Production function analysis indicates that inputs like herbicides (t-value = 36.487) and seed (t-value = 3.261) have a strong positive influence on output. Additionally, the study identifies inadequate credit facilities as the most critical constraint, with a mean score of 3.37. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve resource access and enhance productivity among cocoyam farmers in Enugu State.
Sterilized Chicken Feather as Eco-friendly Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel in a Water- Based Drilling Mud – Gravimetric and FTIR Assessment
Authors: Akintola Sarah. A. , Aleem A. A. , Oki M. , Ikubanni P. P , Adediran A. A. , Esabunor O. R.
Published: November 2024

This research evaluated the corrosion performance of mild steel in sterilized and unsterilized alkaline mud corroding systems using chicken feather powder (CFP) obtained through the usual hydrolysis and acid neutralization protocol. Insightfully, gravimetric analysis revealed that bacterial infestation of the unsterilized environment caused its corrosion performance to be lower at 10.3% while the sterilized counterpart stood at 49% at 92 days of exposure to the environments respectively. The functional groups, C=N, O=C=O, H-C=O etc, revealed by FTIR to be present in the protein saturated feather were overwhelmed by microbial activities rendering them inactive to perform as inhibitors.
Assessing Chrysanthemum Varietal Performance and Genetic Variability under Jhalawar, Rajasthan Condition
Authors: Guddaraddi Apoorva , Mishra Ashutosh , Singh Jitendra , K.N. Mahesha
Published: November 2024

In the backdrop of Jhalawar's unique climate, a comprehensive experiment was undertaken in 2019-20 to scrutinize the genetic variability and performance of ten distinct chrysanthemum varieties. The selected genotypes include Marigold, Poornima Pink, Dall White, Calcutta Shantini, Karnool, Poornima Red, Dall Yellow, Poornima White, Poornima Yellow and Dundi, each offering a unique perspective on varietal performance under the Jhalawar condition. The investigation carefully investigated ten chrysanthemum genotypes using a randomised block design with three replications. Different features were noted for each variety among them. Notably, Poornima Pink soared to the highest plant height at 37.70 cm, while Dall White exhibited the maximum main stem diameter at 1.39 cm. Calcutta Shantini stood out with highest no of leaves 331.80 and 269.90 flowers per plant. Karnool displayed maximum leaf width (7.37 cm) and flower plucking frequency (3.93), while the maximum plant spread in both E-W and N-S directions (40.83 cm and 40.20 cm, respectively) showed by Poornima White boasted, along with the highest count of primary branches per plant (7.50). Poornima Yellow demonstrated exceptional flower yield (522.86 gm) and estimated yield per hectare (326.78 q/ha). Furthermore, a maximum leaf length of 9.42 cm was recorded, showcasing the diverse attributes of these chrysanthemum varieties under the Jhalawar condition.
Genomic Evolution and Dynamics of Drug Resistance in Mycobacterium Tuberculosis across West Africa- A Review
Authors: Asenuga Oluwabusola Oluwakorede , Sargwak James Ponman , Ezeako Emmanuel Chimeh , Babalola Matthew , Omosigho Faith , Azubuike Eberechukwu Osinachi , Nwokafor Chibuzo Valentine
Published: November 2024

Background: The continuous evolution of drug-resistant Tuberculosis strains around the globe, particularly in West Africa, continues to be a major public health problem and poses serious threats to the actualization of the ”End Tuberculosis Strategy” projected by 2030. Hence, a comprehensive knowledge on genetic variations, lineage distributions and evolutionary adaptations implicated in M. tuberculosis drug-resistance could strengthen research efforts in TB control.
Objectives: This review summarizes the genetic mechanisms of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the extent to which they pose threats to public health. It also gives recommendations on managing drug resistant TB in West Africa.
Literature Search: This review assesses available literature relating to the genomic evolution and dynamics of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis across west Africa. Search for relevant articles in databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science was conducted using keywords such as “Genomics”, “Evolution”, “Drug Resistance”, “Mycobacterium tuberculosis” and “West Africa “. Sixty articles were found in this search and forty-six articles were selected and reviewed.
Results: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), which are common in West Africa, have been linked to the MTBC Lineages 5 and 6 also known as M. africanum. The devastating challenges these resistant strains exert on public health justified the urgency for exploring novel therapeutic avenues, improved diagnostic protocol, and robust healthcare systems to curb the disease.
Conclusion: This review maintained a strong advocacy for proper public health education, installation of adequate surveillance systems, and the adoption of alternative therapeutic modalities to tackle drug-resistant M. tuberculosis, effectively in West Africa and mitigate the public health burden it poses globally.
Architectural masonry features of Prasat Suor Prat: Study on architectural techniques used in the Prasat Suor Prat towers in Angkor
Authors: Akazawa Yasushi , Nakagawa Takeshi , Mizoguchi Akinori
Published: October 2018

The Prasat Sour Prat towers (hereafter PSP) were built just in front of the Royal Palace and Royal Plaza in Angkor Thom. This location is very important. However, despite the significance of the location, a laterite block was used as the primary building material of PSP. This study aims to understand why PSP was built with laterite blocks, and speculates on the relationship between the method of construction of PSP and the period in which it was constructed. Additionally, by comparing them with laterite structures of a Koh Ker ruin, the features of PSP are better understood. Understanding the motive behind using laterite is a key aspect that will help in understanding why PSP masonry methods have some distinctive features. The processing and masonry techniques of PSP indicate that its features were obtained via rapid construction.
Small‐spot intensity‐modulated proton therapy and volumetric‐modulated arc therapies for patients with locally advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer: A dosimetric comparative study
Authors: Liu Chenbin , Sio Terence T. , Deng Wei , Shan Jie , Daniels Thomas B. , Rule William G. , Lara Pedro R. , Korte Shawn M. , Shen Jiajian , Ding Xiaoning , Schild Steven E. , Bues Martin , Liu Wei
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To compare dosimetric performance of volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and small‐spot intensity‐modulated proton therapy for stage III non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods and Materials

A total of 24 NSCLC patients were retrospectively reviewed; 12 patients received intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) and the remaining 12 received VMAT. Both plans were generated by delivering prescription doses to clinical target volumes (CTV) on averaged 4D‐CTs. The dose‐volume‐histograms (DVH) band method was used to quantify plan robustness. Software was developed to evaluate interplay effects with randomized starting phases of each field per fraction. DVH indices were compared using Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Results

Compared with VMAT, IMPT delivered significantly lower cord Dmax, heart Dmean, and lung V5 Gy[RBE] with comparable CTV dose homogeneity, and protection of other OARs. In terms of plan robustness, the IMPT plans were statistically better than VMAT plans in heart Dmean, but were statistically worse in CTV dose coverage, cord Dmax, lung Dmean, and V5 Gy[RBE]. Other DVH indices were comparable. The IMPT plans still met the standard clinical requirements with interplay effects considered.

Conclusions

Small‐spot IMPT improves cord, heart, and lung sparing compared to VMAT and achieves clinically acceptable plan robustness at least for the patients included in this study with motion amplitude less than 11 mm. Our study supports the usage of IMPT to treat some lung cancer patients.
A program to train medical physicists for direct patient care responsibilities
Authors: Brown Derek W. , Atwood Todd F. , Moore Kevin L. , MacAulay Robert , Murphy James D. , Mundt Arno J. , Pawlicki Todd
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To develop a training program designed to meet the specific needs of medical physicists as they transition into a clinical role with direct patient care responsibilities.

Materials and Methods

The training program was designed in collaboration with the faculty at the UC San Diego School of Medicine and incorporates training techniques that have been shown to be effective in improving communication skills. The program emphasizes experiential, practice‐based learning over didactic presentations.

Results

The training program is comprised of 5 components: 1) a 1‐day Clinician‐Patient Communication Workshop run by the UC San Diego School of Medicine, 2) Communication Strategies for Radiation Oncology, which consists of two, 2‐hour sessions designed to provide trainees with patient communication skills that are specific to patient interactions in radiation oncology, 3) Simulated Patient Interactions, in which trainees perform mock physicist‐patient consults with trained patient actors, 4) Faculty‐Observed Patient Consults, and 5) a Case‐Based Treatment Toxicity Course. A competency assessment mechanism was also developed to provide a clear set of objectives and to guide trainer feedback. [Correction added after first online publication on November 8, 2018: The phrase ", which consists of two, 2‐hour" was added above.]

Conclusions

The training program that we have developed incorporates an array of established education techniques and provides a comprehensive, accessible, means of improving medical physicists’ patient communication skills.
Processing and Characterization of Beads with Graded Layer Compositions Based on Zirconia and TRIP‐Steel
Authors: Oppelt Marie , Leißner Thomas , Berek Harry , Baumgart Christine , Krüger Lutz , Peuker Urs , Aneziris Christos G.
Published: October 2018

A new and innovative coating process of metal matrix beads fabricated using a gel‐casting process by alginate gelation is presented. The suspensions contain austenitic stainless steel and magnesia partially stabilizes zirconia. The prepared beads are coated using two different methods − spraying and dipping. Sintered beads with the used spray coating have an adequate compressive strength (≈550 MPa), good surface quality, homogeneous microstructure, and high energy absorption capability. At lower strains (up to 20%), the spray coated beads obtain much higher specific energy absorption (SEA) in comparison to pure steel beads and in comparison to non‐coated MMC beads based on 90 vol% steel and 10 vol% zirconia: the coated beads show a significantly improved energy absorption capability with 10.7 kJ kg−1 at a strain of 20%. Pure steel only exhibits a SEA of 5.2 kJ kg−1.
Melting/Solidification of Si Bond Coat Layer in Oxide/Si/RB‐SiC Environmental Barrier Coating System
Authors: Arai Yutaro , Sato Mitsuhiko , Kagawa Yutaka
Published: October 2018

The effect of melting the Si bond coat layer of a mullite/Si/reaction‐bonded SiC model environmental barrier coating system on the change in its microstructure is studied. Once the Si bond coat layer melts, the molten Si moves toward the RB‐SiC substrate via free Si channels, after which the Si bond coat layer disappears. Just after the onset of solidification of Si, the formation of small spherical Si particles is observed on the surface of the RB‐SiC substrate. This behavior can be attributed to the decrease in the volume of Si owing to a solid–liquid transition and the increase in the volume of Si because of a liquid–solid transition.
A Constitutive Model and Processing Maps Describing the High‐Temperature Deformation Behavior of Ti‐17 Alloy in the β‐Phase Field
Authors: Yamanaka Kenta , Matsumoto Hiroaki , Chiba Akihiko
Published: October 2018

In the present study, the hot deformation behavior and microstructural evolution of Ti–5Al–2Sn–2Zr–4Mo–4Cr (Ti‐17) alloy are examined at temperatures above the β‐transus (1153 K). The true stress–true strain curves obtained during hot compression testing (temperature region 1173–1373 K, strain rates from 10−3 to 1 s−1) all exhibited steady‐state flow behavior. The constitutive equations, considering applied strain as the main parameter, revealed that the apparent activation energy of the hot deformation process monotonously decreases with increasing applied strain. Its value obtained at a true strain of 0.6 is equal to 190 ± 52 kJ mol−1, which is close to the activation energy of self‐diffusion in β‐Ti. Processing maps based on the dynamic materials model shows that the power dissipation efficiency generally decreases with increasing strain rate and applied strain. The domain with the peak efficiency of approximately 60% is located at a temperature of 1173 K and strain rate of 10−3 s−1. Furthermore, flow instabilities are observed only at strain rates higher than 0.1 s−1 regardless of temperature. The obtained results can be correlated with the dynamic recovery process, representing a dominant mechanism for the hot deformation of Ti‐17 alloy at β‐stable temperatures.
Gate‐Tunable Synaptic Plasticity through Controlled Polarity of Charge Trapping in Fullerene Composites
Authors: Ren Yi , Yang Jia‐Qin , Zhou Li , Mao Jing‐Yu , Zhang Shi‐Rui , Zhou Ye , Han Su‐Ting
Published: October 2018

Motivated by the biological neuromorphic system with high degree of connectivity to process huge amounts of information, transistor‐based artificial synapses are expected to pave a way to overcome the von Neumann bottleneck for neuromorphic computing paradigm. Here, artificial flexible organic synaptic transistors capable of concurrently exhibiting signal transmission and learning functions are verified using C60/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) hybrid layer for the first time. C60 trapping sites are doped in PMMA by facile solution process to form the hybrid structure. The flexible synaptic transistor exhibits a memory window of 2.95 V, a currenton/currentoff ratio greater than 103, program/erase endurance cycle over 500 times. In addition, comprehensive synaptic functions of biosynapse including the excitatory postsynaptic current with different duration time, pulse amplitudes and temperatures, paired‐pulse facilitation/depression, potentiation and depression of the channel conductance modulation, transition from short‐term potentiation to long‐term potentiation, and repetitive learning processes are successfully emulated in this synaptic three‐terminal device. The realization of synaptic devices based on C60 with low operation voltage and controlled polarity of charge trapping is an important step toward future neuromorphic computing using organic electronics.
Epitaxial Ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Thin Films and Their Implementations in Memristors for Brain‐Inspired Computing
Authors: Yoong Herng Yau , Wu Haijun , Zhao Jianhui , Wang Han , Guo Rui , Xiao Juanxiu , Zhang Bangmin , Yang Ping , Pennycook Stephen John , Deng Ning , Yan Xiaobing , Chen Jingsheng
Published: October 2018

Doped‐HfO2 thin films with ferroelectricity have attracted great attention due to their potential application in semiconductor industry as negative capacitance and resistance switching memory. Despite Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) thin films having the most robust ferroelectric properties among all doped‐HfO2 thin films, the realization of single orthorhombic phase HZO thin films is not achieved, while the direct evidence between the structural–properties relationship of orthorhombic phase HZO and ferroelectricity is not confirmed. In this work, the growth of single orthorhombic phase HZO thin films with decent ferroelectricity and resistive switching behavior is reported. With the aid of advanced structural characterization techniques, the HZO thin film is confirmed to be in the single orthorhombic phase. Next, using scanning probe microscopy techniques and macroscopic ferroelectric measurements, the single phase HZO thin films exhibit ferroelectric properties with a remanent polarization of about 20 µC cm−2. Interestingly, the HZO thin film shows ferroelectric resistive switching with an ROFF/RON ratio of about 16 100% with excellent device performance. Furthermore, brain‐like learning behavior is also observed in the HZO thin film. These results may serve to stimulate the study of ferroelectric properties of HZO thin films and their application in the electronic industry.
Current Advances in Immunomodulatory Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Lee Jinkyu , Byun Hayeon , Madhurakkat Perikamana Sajeesh Kumar , Lee Sangmin , Shin Heungsoo
Published: October 2018

Biomaterials with suitable surface modification strategies are contributing significantly to the rapid development of the field of bone tissue engineering. Despite these encouraging results, utilization of biomaterials is poorly translated to human clinical trials potentially due to lack of knowledge about the interaction between biomaterials and the body defense mechanism, the “immune system”. The highly complex immune system involves the coordinated action of many immune cells that can produce various inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. Besides, bone fracture healing initiates with acute inflammation and may later transform to a regenerative or degenerative phase mainly due to the cross‐talk between immune cells and other cells in the bone regeneration process. Among various immune cells, macrophages possess a significant role in the immune defense, where their polarization state plays a key role in the wound healing process. Growing evidence shows that the macrophage polarization state is highly sensitive to the biomaterial's physiochemical properties, and advances in biomaterial research now allow well controlled surface properties. This review provides an overview of biomaterial‐mediated modulation of the immune response for regulating key bone regeneration events, such as osteogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, and inflammation, and it discusses how these strategies can be utilized for future bone tissue engineering applications.
Biofilm‐Inspired Encapsulation of Probiotics for the Treatment of Complex Infections
Authors: Li Zhihao , Behrens Adam M. , Ginat Nitzan , Tzeng Stephany Y. , Lu Xueguang , Sivan Sarit , Langer Robert , Jaklenec Ana
Published: October 2018

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance poses a major challenge to healthcare. Probiotics offer a potential alternative treatment method but are often incompatible with antibiotics themselves, diminishing their overall therapeutic utility. This work uses biofilm‐inspired encapsulation of probiotics to confer temporary antibiotic protection and to enable the coadministration of probiotics and antibiotics. Probiotics are encapsulated within alginate, a crucial component of pseudomonas biofilms, based on a simple two‐step alginate cross‐linking procedure. Following exposure to the antibiotic tobramycin, the growth and metabolic activity of encapsulated probiotics are unaffected by tobramycin, and they show a four‐log survival advantage over free probiotics. This results from tobramycin sequestration on the periphery of alginate beads which prevents its diffusion into the core but yet allows probiotic byproducts to diffuse outward. It is demonstrated that this approach using tobramycin combined with encapsulated probiotic has the ability to completely eradicate methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in coculture, the two most widely implicated bacteria in chronic wounds.
Exogenous Physical Irradiation on Titania Semiconductors: Materials Chemistry and Tumor‐Specific Nanomedicine
Authors: Zhang Ruifang , Yan Fei , Chen Yu
Published: October 2018

Titania semiconductors can be activated by external physical triggers to produce electrons (e−) and holes (h+) pairs from the energy‐band structure and subsequently induce the generation of reactive oxygen species for killing cancer cells, but the traditional ultraviolet light with potential phototoxicity and low‐tissue‐penetrating depth as the irradiation source significantly hinders the further in vivo broad biomedical applications. Here, the very‐recent development of novel exogenous physical irradiation of titania semiconductors for tumor‐specific therapies based on their unique physiochemical properties, including near infrared (NIR)‐triggered photothermal hyperthermia and photodynamic therapy, X‐ray/Cerenkov radiation‐activated deep‐seated photodynamic therapy, ultrasound‐triggered sonodynamic therapy, and the intriguing synergistic therapeutic paradigms by combined exogenous physical irradiations are in focus. Most of these promising therapeutic modalities are based on the semiconductor nature of titania nanoplatforms, together with their defect modulation for photothermal hyperthermia. The biocompatibility and biosafety of these titania semiconductors are also highlighted for guaranteeing their further clinical translation. Challenges and future developments of titania‐based therapeutic nanoplatforms and the corresponding developed therapeutic modalities for potential clinical translation of tumor‐specific therapy are also discussed and outlooked.
Waldenström macroglobulinemia: 2019 update on diagnosis, risk stratification, and management
Authors: Gertz Morie A.
Published: October 2018

Disease Overview

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma with immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal protein. Clinical features include anemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and rarely hyperviscosity.

Diagnosis

Presence of IgM monoclonal protein associated with ≥10% clonal lymphoplasmacytic cells in bone marrow confirms the diagnosis. The L265P mutation in MYD88 is detectable in >90% of patients and is found in the majority of IgM monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance patients.

Risk Stratification

Age, hemoglobin level, platelet count, β2 microglobulin, and monoclonal IgM concentrations are characteristics that are predictive of outcomes.

Risk‐Adapted Therapy

Not all patients who fulfill WM criteria require therapy; these patients can be observed until symptoms develop. Rituximab‐monotherapy is inferior to regimens that combine it with bendamustine, an alkylating agent, a proteosome inhibitor, or ibrutinib. Purine nucleoside analogs are active but usage is declining for less toxic alternatives. The preferred Mayo Clinic induction is rituximab and bendamustine. Potential for stem cell transplantation should be considered in selected younger patients.

Management of Refractory Disease

Bortezomib, fludarabine, thalidomide, everolimus, ibrutinib, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and bendamustine have all been shown to have activity in relapsed WM. Given WM's natural history, reduction of therapy toxicity is an important part of treatment selection.
A cross‐cultural study of sex‐typicality and averageness: Correlation between frontal and lateral measures of human faces
Authors: Danel Dariusz P. , Valentova Jaroslava Varella , Sánchez Oscar R. , Leongómez Juan David , Varella Marco A. C. , Kleisner Karel
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Facial averageness and sexual dimorphism are extensively studied attractiveness markers, which are viewed as possible indicators of biological quality. Both are complex morphological traits, and both can be easily assessed from frontal and lateral projection of a human face. Interestingly, examination of mutual relations between the frontal and lateral dimensions of these markers has so far received little attention in published research.

Methods

In our cross‐cultural study, we used geometric morphometric data from male and female faces from Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, and the Czech Republic, and analyzed correlations between frontal and lateral measurements of averageness and degree of maleness/femaleness, that is, the individual variation in features that characterize sexual dimorphism. We also analyzed whether the association between frontal and lateral measurements differed in men and women.

Results

In general, our results showed a moderate correlation in sexually dimorphic features between lateral and frontal facial configuration in both sexes, while frontal and lateral facial averageness was moderately correlated only in women. This pattern was less consistent when individual populations were analyzed separately.

Conclusions

We suggest that, in general, the weak association between lateral and frontal facial configurations may be the result of selection pressures in favor of individual identity signals. Moreover, especially in women, the frontal and lateral dimension of a given facial attractiveness marker may provide similar information about the qualities of the individual. The absence of a significant correlation in male facial averageness suggests that frontal and lateral averageness convey different information about an individual.
A 23‐year follow‐up of a male with Hajdu‐Cheney syndrome due to NOTCH2 mutation
Authors: Midro Alina T. , Stasiewicz‐Jarocka Beata , Borys Jan , Kozłowski Kazimierz , Skotnicka Bożena , Tarasów Eugeniusz , Hubert Ewa , Konstantynowicz Jerzy , Panasiuk Barbara , Rydzanicz Małgorzata , Pollak Agnieszka , Stawiński Piotr , Skowroński Rafał , Płoski Rafał
Published: October 2018

We present a natural history of a 32‐year‐old man with Hajdu‐Cheney syndrome (HJCYS), because of the de novo truncating mutation in the exon 34 of NOTCH2 (c.6424‐6427delTCTG, p.Ser2142ArgfsX4), who has been followed up for a period of 23 years (between 9 and 32 years). During follow‐up, we observed abnormalities of vision, hearing, voice, and progression of craniofacial features in the form of skeletal dysplasia with affected skull, dentition, spine, limbs, fingers, and toes. Low bone mineral density and history of fragility fractures also suggested primary osteoporosis being a clinical manifestation. According to Stengel‐Rutkowski, Schimanek, and Wernheimer (1984; Human Genetics, 6, 272–295), systematic data acquisition has been used for quantitative analysis of anthropological, radiographic, and clinical features at childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood separately. A detailed phenotype description together with the results of reanalysis of 14 reports so far published on patients with HJCYS and NOTCH2 mutation showed similar phenotype evolution with age. The spectrum of observed features may improve diagnostic tools for HJCYS at different periods of the lifespan.
Low Heat of Adsorption of Ethylene Achieved by Major Solid‐State Structural Rearrangement of a Discrete Copper(I) Complex
Authors: Jayaratna Naleen B. , Cowan Matthew G. , Parasar Devaborniny , Funke Hans H. , Reibenspies Joseph , Mykhailiuk Pavel K. , Artamonov Oleksii , Noble Richard D. , Dias H. V. Rasika
Published: October 2018

The trinuclear copper(I) pyrazolate complex [Cu3] rearranges to the dinuclear analogue [Cu2⋅(C2H4)2] when exposed to ethylene gas. Remarkably, the [Cu3]↔[Cu2⋅(C2H4)2] rearrangement occurs reversibly in the solid state. Furthermore, this transformation emulates solution chemistry. The bond‐making and breaking processes associated with the rearrangement in the solid‐state result in an observed heat of adsorption (−13±1 kJ mol−1 per Cu–C2H4 interaction) significantly lower than other Cu–C2H4 interactions (≥−24 kJ mol−1). The low overall heat of adsorption, “step” isotherms, high ethylene capacity (2.76 mmol g−1; 7.6 wt % at 293 K), and high ethylene/ethane selectivity (136:1 at 293 K) make [Cu3] an interesting basis for the rational design of materials for low‐energy ethylene/ethane separations.