bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of internal relations in brokerage and representation business
Authors: Vojinović Željko
Published: April 2023

It is known that business activities of insurance brokers and representatives consist of two parts. The first part is external and concerns communication with insured persons, that is, cooperation with an insurance company. The second part is internal and involves regulation of relations in brokerage or representation itself or another organization. The subject of this paper is precisely the second part. Focus of the research is on several items. The first is the organization of work as one of the basic starting points. Starting from the importance of personnel, we analysed issues regarding employees, and then the sustainability of finances as an indicator of the financial success of a business venture. A special chapter is dedicated to the broker and the representative as the manager. Conclusion states that the regulation of internal relations among these insurance market participants provides a significant number of opportunities, along with numerous challenges. Priority is the necessity of maintaining specific features by which the most successful brokers and representatives will differ and stand out.
The research on European pond turtle within the special nature reserve "Ludaš Lake"
Authors: Golubović Ana , Maričić Marko , Bjelica Vukašin , Grabovac David , Popović Miloš
Published: April 2023

According to international and national legislation European pond turtle and its habitats have been highlighted as priority regarding protection. Due to such status, this species is the subject of population research and active protection throughout its native range, however, systematic research was started only recently on the territory of the Republic of Serbia. Population studies of pond turtles have lasted the longest in our country at Lake Ludaš, where the twelfth research season was marked in August 2022. This paper presents the population parameters processed so far, including: population density, survival rate, gender ratio of adult individuals, as well as gender dimorphism in shell size and body mass. In addition, the threatening factors that were recorded on the terrain, as well as active protection measures that were undertaken or proposed have been described.
Triazine based porous organic polymers
Authors: Singh Anupama , Saini Deepti
Published: April 2023

Porous organic polymers (POPs) are an important class of organic materials that can be used for various purposes like hydrogen storage, lithium batteries, and CO2 capture from the environment. Triazine itself has a vast array of use as it contains nitrogen at its three edges which can be efficiently used to synthesize nano architectonic porous organic polymers.
A dramaturgia minada de Plínio Marcos
Authors: Pereira Geovane Gonçalves
Published: April 2023

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar criticamente a dramaturgia de Plínio Marcos, investigando possibilidades de montagem de O abajur lilás em face de sua relevância nos dias atuais. O texto citado surge como material norteador deste trabalho, tanto do material teórico, quanto da experiência prática. Gostaríamos de observar, a partir dessa obra, algumas características da dramaturgia desse autor que nos parecem relevantes: a) o caráter plural dos personagens presentes na trama – são personagens que se afastam de uma construção psicológica individualizada e se apresentam como seres múltiplos, polifônicos; b) a forma dramática implodida ou minada, que esbarra nos limites do “drama puro”. Os diálogos nas peças de Plínio Marcos sugerem uma conversa para além do palco, de forma que os personagens parecem falar não somente uns com os outros, mas com aqueles que os assistem; são, podemos dizer, diálogos dirigidos aos espectadores e que os convidam também a “falar”. O estudo busca, portanto, a partir do conceito de gênero dramático, observar como Plínio Marcos se aproxima, e também se afasta, das regras do drama. Por fim, relatamos o processo de criação do espetáculo Volvere vento, parte prática do trabalho realizado em tensão com a parte teórica. Nossa encenação é fruto de um processo colaborativo, com foco, justamente, na pluralidade encontrada em cada indivíduo e no conteúdo social encontrado na obra de Plínio Marcos.
The Conundrum of Defining and Prosecuting Terrorism: A Review of United Kingdom and International Reponses
Authors: Singh Charanjit
Published: April 2023

Terrorism presents one the biggest criminal justice postmodern challenges worldwide. The way criminal justice systems proact and react to mitigate and prevent such criminality raises a plethora of legal, socio-political, and strategic hurdles relating to how terror crime is defined, the human rights of the accused, protecting due process when using secret courts, the use of special advocates, the use of national security courts, civil rights i.e., freedom of association, cross-jurisdictional information sharing, and the requirement or right to prosecute etc. In this article, which is influenced by criminological theory, the definition of terror crime in the United Kingdom and at an International level is examined to ascertain whether common definitional elements exist, and the complex and competing local and International interests that are being balanced in preventing and/or prosecuting such crime.
Guidance on contactless friction ridge image compression
Authors: Libert John M , Orandi Shahram , Ko Kenneth , Bandini Bruce , Grantham John , Watson Craig I
Published: April 2023

Nascent technologies show promise in collecting 500 ppi fingerprints in a contactless fashion while yielding various improvements in the collection process over legacy contact collection methods currently in use throughout the world. While it has been shown that these new devices show promise in producing imagery that may be interoperable with legacy contact collected images [25][31], the contactless devices may be prone to capturing superfluous data (e.g., fingernail, finger background, or other imaging artifacts) pushing existing friction ridge algorithms meant for contact collection beyond those images for which they were originally designed. Image compression algorithms are highly sensitive to information content and complexity of the image being processed [32]. Currently there are two compression algorithms specified for fingerprints: WSQ for 500 ppi and JPEG 2000 for the more information-rich 1000 ppi fingerprint imagery [27].It was hypothesized that the more information-rich contactless-collected imagery, while being captured at the same sampling rate as legacy 500 ppi contact collected fingerprint imagery, may be better suited for the JPEG 2000 specification meant for the more information rich 1000 ppi imagery.Analysis of automated comparison scores as well as signal quality metrics showed that there was no significant difference found between the two algorithms when processing contactless imagery. Further examination of signal level metrics showed that WSQ remains better able to preserve spectral power of the image in regions of the frequency spectrum typically associated with level 2 and level 3 fingerprint features and therefore WSQ appears to be better suited for contactless fingerprint imagery.
Investigating the Effects of Work-Family Conflict on Turnover Intention of ICT Employees in Malaysia
Authors: Lee Lai Meng , Gan Su Wan , Chia Yong Sheng
Published: April 2023

With the intensified focus on information and communication technology (ICT) as a driver of the Malaysian economy, pressure will increase on the recruitment and retention of ICT employees. However, work overload and conflict with family roles may lead to a higher level of turnover intention among ICT employees. The objective of this study is to investigate the predicting effects of all forms of work-family conflict (time-based, strain-based and behavior-based) on turnover intentions. This quantitative cross-sectional study utilizes primary data collected from 200 employees from ICT companies in the Klang valley using purposive sampling. Various statistical analyses such as correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted to analyze the collected data with the SPSS statistical package. The findings indicate that all forms of work to family conflict and family to work conflict had effect on turnover intentions except for time-based form of family to work conflict (TFWC). This study has significance for the management of ICT companies in Malaysia as it provides human resource managers with a better understanding of their employees needs in order to devise better strategies to reduce turnover rate. This study also addressed some limitations, implications and recommendations for future research.
Employee Engagement is the Key: Its Mediating Role between Person–Environment Fit and Organizational Commitment among Filipino Employees
Authors: Pacquing Ma. Criselda T.
Published: April 2023

Employee engagement has been a popular topic in human resources management and development for several years now. However, the majority of the information on this construct came from the perspective of other cultures, and scientific research-based literature conducted on the engaging behavior of Filipinos, most notably on the antecedents and consequences, is limited. Thus, this study aimed to examine P–E fit and organizational commitment as an antecedent and the consequence of employee engagement, respectively. Similarly, the mediating function of employee engagement on the association of P–E fit with organizational commitment was explored. A total of 1252 employees from different Filipino-owned companies participated in the study through opportunity sampling. They answered three survey questionnaires that measure P–E fit, engagement, and organizational commitment. Results of the study revealed that P–E fit and organizational commitment are an antecedent and outcome of employee engagement, respectively. Findings further revealed that employee engagement mediates the connection between P–E fit and organizational commitment.
Structural stability, electronic properties, and physical modulation effects of armchair-edged C3B nanoribbons
Authors: Cao Sheng-Guo , Han Jia-Ning , Li Zhan-Hai , Zhang Zhen-Hua ,   Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronic Materials Genome Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, China
Published: April 2023

C3B monolayer is a typical graphene-like two-dimensional material, which has been successfully prepared experimentally. Here, we use the density functional theory to study the structural stability, electronic properties and physical regulation effects of its armchair-edged nanoribbons. The results show that for the bare-edged nanoribbons, if the ribbon edges are composed of C atoms completely (AA-type), their electronic phase is a semiconductor; when both ribbons edges consist of C and B atoms (BB-type) jointly, their electronic phase is a metal; if one edge of the ribbon is composed of C atoms and the other edge is comprised of B and C atoms (AB-type), their electronic phase is also a metal. This suggests that the B atom located at the ribbon edge plays an important role in determining whether nanoribbons is a metal or semiconductor. While for the H-terminated nanoribbons, they are all direct or indirect band-gap semiconductors. The carrier mobility of H-terminated nanoribbons is generally lower than that of bare-edged nanoribbon, which is closely related to their larger effective mass and higher deformation potential values. Meanwhile, it is found that the semiconducting nanoribbons are very sensitive to physical regulation, especially under applied compressive strain and external electric field, the band gap of the nanoribbons becomes very smaller, which is favorable for the absorption of light energy and development of novel optical devices.
Integration host factor regulates colonization factors in the bee gut symbiont Frischella perrara
Authors: Schmidt Konstantin , Santos-Matos Gonçalo , Leopold-Messer Stefan , El Chazli Yassine , Emery Olivier , Steiner Théodora , Piel Joern , Engel Philipp
Published: April 2023

Bacteria colonize specific niches in the animal gut. However, the genetic basis of these associations is often unclear. The proteobacterium Frischella perrara is a widely distributed gut symbiont of honey bees. It colonizes a specific niche in the hindgut and causes a characteristic melanization response. Genetic determinants required for the establishment of this association, or its relevance for the host, are unknown. Here, we independently isolated three point mutations in genes encoding the DNA-binding protein integration host factor (IHF) in F. perrara. These mutants abolished the production of an aryl polyene metabolite causing the yellow colony morphotype of F. perrara. Inoculation of microbiota-free bees with one of the mutants drastically decreased gut colonization of F. perrara. Using RNAseq, we found that IHF affects the expression of potential colonization factors, including genes for adhesion (type 4 pili), interbacterial competition (type 6 secretion systems), and secondary metabolite production (colibactin and aryl polyene biosynthesis). Gene deletions of these components revealed different colonization defects depending on the presence of other bee gut bacteria. Interestingly, one of the T6SS mutants did not induce the scab phenotype anymore despite colonizing at high levels, suggesting an unexpected role in bacteria-host interaction. IHF is conserved across many bacteria and may also regulate host colonization in other animal symbionts.
Calaxin stabilizes the docking of outer arm dyneins onto ciliary doublet microtubule in vertebrates
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Morikawa Motohiro , Kikkawa Masahide
Published: April 2023

Outer arm dynein (OAD) is the main force generator of ciliary beating. Although OAD loss is the most frequent cause of human primary ciliary dyskinesia, the docking mechanism of OAD onto the ciliary doublet microtubule (DMT) remains elusive in vertebrates. Here, we analyzed the functions of Calaxin/Efcab1 and Armc4, the two of five components of vertebrate OAD-DC (docking complex), using zebrafish spermatozoa and cryo-electron tomography. Mutation of armc4 caused complete loss of OAD, whereas mutation of calaxin caused only partial loss of OAD. Detailed structural analysis revealed that calaxin-/- OADs are tethered to DMT through DC components other than Calaxin, and that recombinant Calaxin can autonomously rescue the deficient DC structure and the OAD instability. Our data demonstrate the discrete roles of Calaxin and Armc4 in the OAD-DMT interaction, suggesting the stabilizing process of OAD docking onto DMT in vertebrates.
Energy coupling and stoichiometry of Zn2+/H+ antiport by the prokaryotic cation diffusion facilitator YiiP
Authors: Hussein Adel , Fan Shujie , Lopez-Redondo Maria , Kenney Ian , Zhang Xihui , Beckstein Oliver , Stokes David L
Published: April 2023

YiiP from Shewanella oneidensis is a prokaryotic Zn2+/H+ antiporter that serves as a model for the Cation Diffusion Facilitator (CDF) superfamily, members of which are generally responsible for homeostasis of transition metal ions. Previous studies of YiiP as well as related CDF transporters have established a homodimeric architecture and the presence of three distinct Zn2+ binding sites named A, B, and C. In this study, we use cryo-EM, microscale thermophoresis and molecular dynamics simulations to address the structural and functional roles of individual sites as well as the interplay between Zn2+ binding and protonation. Structural studies indicate that site C in the cytoplasmic domain is primarily responsible for stabilizing the dimer and that site B at the cytoplasmic membrane surface controls the structural transition from an inward facing conformation to an occluded conformation. Binding data show that intramembrane site A, which is directly responsible for transport, has a dramatic pH dependence consistent with coupling to the proton motive force. A comprehensive thermodynamic model encompassing Zn2+ binding and protonation states of individual residues indicates a transport stoichiometry of 1 Zn2+ to 2–3 H+ depending on the external pH. This stoichiometry would be favorable in a physiological context, allowing the cell to use the proton gradient as well as the membrane potential to drive the export of Zn2+.
Energy Coupling and Stoichiometry of Zn2+/H+ Antiport by the Cation Diffusion Facilitator YiiP
Authors: Hussein Adel , Fan Shujie , Lopez-Redondo Maria , Kenney Ian , Zhang Xihui , Beckstein Oliver , Stokes David L.
Published: April 2023

YiiP is a prokaryotic Zn
2+
/H
+
antiporter that serves as a model for the Cation Diffusion Facilitator (CDF) superfamily, members of which are generally responsible for homeostasis of transition metal ions. Previous studies of YiiP as well as related CDF transporters have established a homodimeric architecture and the presence of three distinct Zn
2+
binding sites named A, B, and C. In this study, we use cryo-EM, microscale thermophoresis and molecular dynamics simulations to address the structural and functional roles of individual sites and the interplay between Zn
2+
binding and protonation. Structural studies indicate that site C in the cytoplasmic domain is primarily responsible for stabilizing the dimer and that site B at the cytoplasmic membrane surface controls the structural transition from an inward facing conformation to an occluded conformation. Binding data show that intramembrane site A, which is directly responsible for transport, has a dramatic pH dependence consistent with coupling to the proton motive force. A comprehensive thermodynamic model encompassing Zn
2+
binding and protonation states of individual residues indicates a transport stoichiometry of 1 Zn
2+
to 2-3 H
+
depending on the external pH. This stoichiometry would be favorable in a physiological context, allowing the cell to use the proton gradient as well as the membrane potential to drive the export of Zn
2+
.
Structural and functional properties of the transporter SLC26A6 reveal mechanism of coupled anion exchange
Authors: Tippett David N , Breen Colum , Butler Stephen J , Sawicka Marta , Dutzler Raimund
Published: April 2023

Members of the SLC26 family constitute a conserved class of anion transport proteins, which encompasses uncoupled transporters with channel-like properties, coupled exchangers and motor proteins. Among the 10 functional paralogs in humans, several participate in the secretion of bicarbonate in exchange with chloride and thus play an important role in maintaining pH homeostasis. Previously, we have elucidated the structure of murine SLC26A9 and defined its function as an uncoupled chloride transporter (Walter et al., 2019). Here we have determined the structure of the closely related human transporter SLC26A6 and characterized it as a coupled exchanger of chloride with bicarbonate and presumably also oxalate. The structure defines an inward-facing conformation of the protein that generally resembles known structures of SLC26A9. The altered anion selectivity between both paralogs is a consequence of a remodeled ion binding site located in the center of a mobile unit of the membrane-inserted domain, which also accounts for differences in the coupling mechanism.
Time usage analysis according to occupational area and satisfaction level in family caregivers of dementia patients
Authors: Jang Woo-Hyuk , Jang Jong-Sik , Park Jong-Hwi
Published: April 2023

Background

This study was designed to investigate the difference between the family caregivers of dementia patients (hereafter referred to as dementia family) and the non-family caregivers of dementia patients (hereafter referred to as non-dementia family) in terms of time usage.

Methodology

A total of 102 dementia families who responded to the ‘time use survey’ in 2019 were enrolled in the study. 101 non-dementia families include families who did not respond to the ‘dementia’ item, and simple random sampling was performed. Time usage according to occupational area and satisfaction level were analyzed based on the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework-Fourth Edition (OTPF-4). Statistical analyses were completed using IBM SPSS 25. The data was analyzed by using frequency analysis and independent two-sample t-test. A level of p < 0.05 was used as a cut-off for statistical significance.

Results

As for the time consumption by occupational area of dementia families and non-dementia families, dementia families spent more time than non-dementia families in instrumental daily life activities. The increase in the time for instrumental activities of daily living, including the time for caring for dementia patients, may lead to changes in time use for members of the family with dementia. By comparing the time usage by occupational area according to gender within the dementia families, it was possible to find out the difference between male and female instrumental daily activities and health care time use. The difference in time use according to gender showed that women took on more caring roles than men, and actually spent more time than men.

Conclusion

The amount of time used between the dementia family and the non-dementia family differed according to the group and gender. These results suggest that dementia can cause changes in the time usage of dementia family. Therefore, this study recognizes the need for efficient use of time for dementia families and suggests that there is a need for a balanced use of time according to gender.
The skull variation of the olive field mouseAbrothrix olivacea(Cricetidae: Abrotrichini) is localized and correlated to the ecogeographic features of its geographic distribution
Authors: Quiroga-Carmona Marcial , Teta Pablo , D’Elía Guillermo
Published: April 2023

The relationship between phenotypic variation and landscape heterogeneity has been extensively studied to understand how the environment influences patterns of morphological variation and differentiation of populations. Several studies had partially addressed intraspecific variation in the sigmodontine rodentAbrothrix olivacea, focusing on the characterization of physiological aspects and cranial variation. However, these had been conducted based on geographically restricted populational samples, and in most cases, the aspects characterized were not explicitly contextualized with the environmental configurations in which the populations occurred. Here, the cranial variation ofA.olivaceawas characterized by recording twenty cranial measurements in 235 individuals from 64 localities in Argentina and Chile, which widely cover the geographic and environmental distribution of this species. The morphological variation was analyzed and ecogeographically contextualized using multivariate statistical analyses, which also included climatic and ecological variation at the localities where the individuals were sampled. Results indicate that the cranial variation of this species is mostly clustered in localized patterns associated to the types of environments, and that the levels of cranial differentiation are higher among the populations from arid and treeless zones. Additionally, the ecogeographical association of cranial size variation indicate that this species does not follow Bergmann’s rule and that island populations exhibit larger cranial sizes compared to their continental counterparts distributed at the same latitudes. These results suggest that cranial differentiation among the populations of this species is not homogeneous throughout its geographic distribution, and that the patterns of morphological differentiation are also not completely consistent with the patterns of genetic structuring that have been described recently. Finally, the analyses performed to ponder morphological differentiation among populations suggest that the contribution of genetic drift in the formation of these patterns can be ruled out among Patagonian populations, and that the selective effect imposed by the environment could better explain them.
Downregulation of lncRNA SLC7A11-AS1 decreased the NRF2/SLC7A11 expression and inhibited the progression of colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Wang Tian , Liang Si , Li Yajing , Wang Xiyu , Wang Hongjie , Guo Jiguang , Li Ming
Published: April 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked as the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Many abnormally expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in CRC were identified with the development of next-generation sequencing, most functions of which are largely unclear. In this study, we report that the lncRNA SLC7A11-AS1 was significantly overexpressed in CRC by analyzing TCGA database and 6 pairs of clinical samples. High SLC7A11-AS1 level was related to poor CRC overall survival and SLC7A11-AS1 knockdown could inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cell lines. Furthermore, we found there was a positive correlation between the expression of SLC7A11-AS1 and its’ sense transcript SLC7A11. In HCT-8 cells, SLC7A11-AS1 knockdown decreased expression of both SLC7A11 and the nuclear level of NRF2, which happens to be the activator of SLC7A11 transcription. Interestingly, in SLC7A11-AS1 overexpressed CRC tissues, SLC7A11 and NRF2 were also upregulated. Moreover, the ROS levels increased with SLC7A11-AS1 knockdown in HCT-8 cells. And the down regulated expression of SLC7A11 and lower ROS level causing by SLC7A11-AS1 knocked down could be relieved by overexpressed NRF2. These results suggested that upregulated SLC7A11-AS1 might promote the formation and progression of CRC by increasing the expression of NRF2 and SLC7A11, which decreases the ROS level in cancer cells. Therefore, SLC7A11-AS1 could be a potential therapeutic target and diagnostic marker of CRC.
Patients’ Satisfaction regarding Eye Care Services in a Multi-specialty Eye Hospital of Northern Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Khairul , Huq Md. Sajidul , Afroze Rokhsana , Rab Md. Abdur , Saifullah A. K. M. Firoz Alam , Rahman Md. Mahmudur , Hussain Md. Faruck
Published: April 2023

Aims: Patients’ satisfaction is an important health outcome, which is regarded as a determinant measure for quality of health care services. The aim of the study is to evaluate patients’ satisfaction regarding eye care services in a multi-specialty eye hospital of northern Bangladesh.

Methods: This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among the patients who took the eye care services in OPD and admitted as in-patients in the hospital. Randomly selected patients were interviewed by trained staff. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to conduct these   interviews. Their responses were grouped into one of five categories and evaluated to determine satisfaction for different components of eye care services. There were also open-ended questions regarding feedback from participants’ view and recommendations for the improvement of the quality of services.

Results: Four hundred and forty nine participants were interviewed. Among these, 71 (15.81%) were very satisfied and 358 (79.73%) were satisfied, constituting 95.54% satisfaction with overall services received at the hospital. 99.55% of respondents were satisfied with the doctors and 98.66% of respondents were satisfied with other hospital staff regarding patient care services. 86.1% patient had satisfaction with the cost of services, while 28.57% expressed that the surgery cost was high. Though the participants expressed dissatisfaction for the long waiting time in front of refraction and doctors’ consultation room during pick hours, 442 (98.4%) patients expressed their willingness to utilize the services again.

Conclusion: Although eye care services both in OPD and in the IPD were satisfactory according to the respondents, there are scopes for improvement. Patient satisfaction surveys should be encouraged in hospitals for better accountability and also for strengthening the quality of eye care services.
Source-Sink Alterations in Rice Fallow Adaptive Blackgram Variety ADT3 for Enhancement of Yield and Quality of Seed
Authors: Dhandapani M. , Chitra S. , Sangeetha M. , Geethanjali S. , Shanmugam A. , Navamaniraj K. Nelson , Subrahmaniyan K.
Published: April 2023

Seed Production of rice fallow blackgram variety, ADT3 has limitations due to inherent issues of soil fertility, climate change and thermo sensitivity results in poor flowering, reduced pod setting and poor seed filling. Macro and micro nutrients application during critical stages of growth were tried to improve the seed yield and quality in rice fallow blackgram variety ADT3. The combined foliar spraying of 0.5% NPK (macro) and 0.2% chelated micro nutrients mixture (Fe 2.5%, Mn 1.0%, Zn 3.0%, Cu 1.0%, Mo 0.1% and B 0.5%), were sprayed on 15th (Vegetative phase), 30th (Reproductive phase), 45th ( Flowering and pod formation phase) days after germination improved the growth and seed parameters viz., plant height, number of branches, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, filled seed % which resulted in increased seed yield in rice fallow blackgram variety, ADT3.

Response of macro and micro nutrients through foliar mode revealed the lack of soil fertility resulting in poor uptake of macro and micro nutrients. Foliar application induced uniform flowering and synchronous maturity of pods with least shattering which would facilitate mechanical harvesting. Foliar application of macro and micro nutrients phenotypically altered the source-sink which greatly influenced the yield of seed, germination and seedling quality parameters.
The effect of kV imaging dose on PTV and OAR planning constraints in lung SBRT using stereoscopic/monoscopic real‐time tumor‐monitoring system
Authors: Abeywardhana Ruwan , Sattarivand Mike
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Quantify the impact of additional imaging doses on clinical dose constraints during lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) treatment utilizing stereoscopic/monoscopic real‐time tumor monitoring.

Materials and Methods

Thirty lung SBRT patients treated with the volumetric arc therapy technique were randomly selected from the institutional clinical database. Contours of patients' and computed tomography data were extracted from the Eclipse treatment planning system, along with information regarding the treatment dose. Subsequently, patient‐specific three‐dimensional real‐time imaging dose distributions were computed using a validated Monte Carlo simulation of the ExacTrac imaging. The 3D imaging dose was added to the treatment dose, and the influence of the imaging dose on clinical dose constraints was analyzed for planning target volume (PTV) and various organs at risk (OARs).

Results

Among the 30 patients, 14 patients exhibited one or more failed OAR constraints based solely on the treatment dose, resulting in a total of 24 constraint failures. The addition of the real‐time imaging dose altered the pass/fail criteria for one OAR constraint and two PTV constraints. The change in constraint due to additional imaging dose relative to the prescription dose was less than 1% for all patients, except for one case, where it reached 1.9%, which had remained below the threshold of 5% recommended by AAPM TG‐180 guidelines. Furthermore, the additional imaging dose relative to the treatment dose resulted in an increase in OAR constraints ranging from 0 to 27% (mean of 0.8%), with nine cases exceeding 5%.

Conclusion

The current study represents the first attempt to investigate the impact of additional imaging doses on clinical planning constraints in real‐time tumor monitoring during lung SBRT utilizing ExacTrac imaging system. The addition of an imaging dose will likely have minimal clinical impact.
Automatic skin flash optimization in breast and chestwall VMAT with static angle modulated ports: Effect of HU and flash margin size on plan quality and robustness
Authors: Hubley Emily , Koger Brandon , Li Taoran , Salerno Michael , Scheuermann Ryan M. , Dong Lei , Teo Boon‐Keng Kevin
Published: February 2025

Skin flash is typically added to breast and chestwall plans to ensure robust target coverage in the presence of respiratory motion, anatomic changes, and small setup uncertainties. Adding skin flash in volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans is an iterative and manual process. RapidArc dynamic (RAD) is a new solution that integrates a dynamic collimator and static‐gantry angle modulated ports directly into arc delivery. The automatic skin flash tool (ASF) allows users to automatically add skin flash directly within the optimizer. The user must select the thickness and Hounsfield Units (HUs) of the flash region, but the optimal values are not currently known. For 13 left‐ and right‐sided breast and chestwall patients, RAD plans were created with no skin flash and with ASF with thickness of 5 to 20 mm and HU of −500 to 0 HU. To assess plan quality, DVH metrics for planning target volume (PTV), heart, ipsilateral lung, contralateral lung, and contralateral breast were recorded. To assess plan robustness, the isocenter was shifted 5 mm, moving the target 5 mm anteriorly into the flash region. The changes in clinical target volume (CTV) D95% and D99% were recorded. A paired t‐test was used to determine if changes in plan quality or robustness were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). The addition of ≥ 7 mm of skin flash resulted in robust plans. Varying the HU did not affect robustness. Increasing the skin flash beyond 10 mm increased PTV V105%. This increase was much larger in the 0 HU plans than in the −350 HU plans. We therefore recommend using −350 HU and 7–10 mm of skin flash for anticipated inter‐ and intra‐fraction motion of 5 mm.
Characterization, commissioning, and clinical evaluation of a commercial BeO optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) system
Authors: Kowalski Joseph P. , Erickson Brett G. , Wu Qiuwen , Li Xinyi , Yoo Sua
Published: February 2025

This article investigates the performance of a commercial BeO optically stimulated luminescent (OSL) dosimetry system (myOSLchip, RadPro GmbH International, Remscheid, Germany) through the application of the commissioning framework for luminescent dosimeters as described in the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 191 (AAPM TG191) report. Initial clinical experiences and dosimetric results are also presented. The following properties of the system were characterized: linearity correction factors ranged from ‐0.5% to +3% for dose levels spanning 0.1 to 20 Gy. Beam quality correction factors (relative to 6 MV) ranged from ‐4.5% (2.5FFF) to +4.5% (15MV) for photon beams and +1.9% (6 MeV) to +4.3% (20 MeV) for electron beams. An average (µ) signal loss per reading of ‐2.13% ± 0.20% was measured, however greater signal loss was observed in the first reading (µ = ‐2.6% ± 0.46%). An initial decline in individual element sensitivity relative to baseline was observed from 0–15 Gy cumulative dose (µ = ‐1.98% ± 0.55%), with negligible further deterioration from 15–32 Gy (µ = ‐2.38% ± 0.85%). Post‐irradiation, there was a transient OSL signal which faded with a half‐life of 1.8 min; this signal enhancement was +5% at 5 min post‐irradiation and +1% at 15 min relative to 24 h. Dosimeter response was not dependent on average dose rate in the range of 100–2500 MU/min. With respect to clinical testing, equal or superior performance compared with aluminum oxide OSLs (nanoDots) is shown for a range of clinical techniques and modalities including TSET, TBI, en‐face electrons, and pacemaker/out‐of‐field measurements. The feasibility of myOSLchip to serve as a primary clinical in vivo dosimetry system and direct replacement for Landauer's microStar system is demonstrated.
Promoting Nanosecond Laser Micromachining of Honeycomb Microstructure by In situ Tailoring Laser Power
Authors: Jin Shuo , Wang Qianhe , Pasichnyi Oleg , Gao Chenwei , Zhang Junjie
Published: February 2025

While the functionality of textured surface is largely affected by the texturing quality, how to precisely fabricate honeycomb microstructures with high material utilization and structural stability is crucial for their application potential. In the present work, a strategy of preprogramming‐based in situ tailoring laser power in different pulses is proposed for improving the processing quality of honeycomb microstructures by nanosecond laser micromachining. Firstly, a finite element (FE) model of tailoring laser power based on the thermodynamic diffusion equation of nanosecond laser ablation is established. Secondly, the effects of different laser parameters on the processing quality of honeycomb microstructures are investigated by FE simulations and experiments, which derive the rational range of laser processing parameters for the highest surface quality. Thirdly, the effectiveness of in situ tailoring laser power is demonstrated through FE simulation and experiment. Finally, nanosecond laser micromachining experiments with the proposed scheme of in situ tailoring laser power are carried out, with which a significant 40% improvement in the processing quality of honeycomb microstructures is obtained. Current work provides a feasible solution for enhancing processing quality of complex microstructures by laser micromachining.
Achieving Excellent High‐Temperature Oxidation Resistance in a Novel L12‐Reinforced Co‐Rich Medium‐Entropy Alloy
Authors: Liu Xiangkui , Huang Peidong , Wang Qianye , Tang Run , Liu Jingying , Zhang Xuecong , Zhou Chenglong , Wei Wei , Zhu Rui , Peng Cong
Published: February 2025

Excellent high‐temperature oxidation resistance for traditional high‐entropy alloys/medium‐entropy alloys (MEAs) is still a huge challenge. Herein, a novel Co51.3Ni19.5Cr19Al6.4Ti3.4Nb0.4 MEA with superior high‐temperature oxidation resistance is designed. The specific high‐temperature oxidation behaviors of the studied MEA are systematically investigated at 800, 900, and 1000 °C for 200 h. Specifically, the studied MEA remains a single face‐centered cubic (FCC) phase after solution treatment under vacuum at 1200 °C for 15 h, while high‐density L12 nanoprecipitates form inside the FCC matrix after aging treatment under vacuum at 750 °C for 12 h, revealing the consistency between the experimental results and the theoretical prediction. The results of oxidation tests indicate that the studied MEA with FCC matrix and L12 nanoprecipitates exhibits a superior oxidation resistance. The oxidation kinetics of the oxide layer follow a parabolic law at oxidation temperature of 800, 900, and 1000 °C and the corresponding oxidation rate constants (kp) are 0.001, 0.011, and 0.047 mg2 cm−4 h−1, respectively. The diffusion activation energy of the studied MEA is determined to be 258 kJ mol−1 and the oxidation process is controlled by outward diffusion of metallic elements and inward diffusion of oxygen. The research results provide guidance for the development of superalloys.
Strain Redistribution Effect Based Composite Structured Sensor for Decouplable Tactile‐Strain Double‐Mode Perception
Authors: Wang Hanning , Liu Xiaofei , Chen Da , Zhang Zhanbo , Ma Xinyu , Yu Hongchen , Qu Quanlin , Wang Huifang , Cao Fujie , Zhang Tong , Liu Yijian
Published: February 2025

A key challenge in electronic skin with dual haptic‐stretch sensing is the interference between force‐sensitive modes. Existing solutions require complex integration processes or mathematical decoupling models. Effectively decoupling stretch and pressure response in flexible force‐sensitive sensors remains a critical task. Herein, a strain redistribution effect (SRE) of composite structural mainframe fulfills the decouple double‐mode force‐sensitive perception by the aid of a lightweight algorithm. The CAD‐assisted design enables the dual‐mode sensing structure to be configured as a three‐layer stacked composite. Utilizing differential Young's modulus distribution, the strain redistribution effect is achieved across the structured frame. Tensile deformation and tactile pressure are measured via resistance from the strain amplification region and capacitance from the strain suppression region, respectively. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) confirms a 53% deformation in the amplification region under 10% tensile strain, demonstrating a fivefold amplification effect. A lightweight random forest algorithm effectively decouples resistance‐capacitance signals, achieving R2 values of 0.99 and 0.75 for tensile deformation, and 0.99 and 0.78 for tactile pressure, respectively. This study leverages the strain redistribution effect of the composite structural frame to provide a novel structured integration scheme for the dual‐mode decoupled force‐sensitive sensing unit, which is expected to be a significant development path.
Spatiotemporal Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals the Dynamic Immunological Landscape of Alveolar Echinococcosis
Authors: Ou Zhihua , Li Li , Ren Peidi , Zhou Ting‐Ting , He Fan , Chen Jialing , Cai Huimin , Han Xiumin , Wu Yao‐Dong , Li Jiandong , Li Xiu‐Rong , Tan Qiming , Li Wenhui , Chen Qi , Zhang Nian‐Zhang , He Xiuju , Chen Wei‐Gang , Zhao Yanping , Sun Jiwen , Zhang Qian , Wu Yan‐Tao , Liang Yingan , You Jie , Hu Guohai , Tian Xue‐Qi , Liao Sha , Fu Bao‐Quan , Chen Ao , Cai Xue‐Peng , Yang Huanming , Wang Jian , Jin Xin , Xu Xun , Jia Wan‐Zhong , Li Junhua , Yan Hong‐Bin
Published: February 2025

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by the chronic infection of E. multilocularis, whose tumor‐like growth can lead to high fatality if improperly treated. The early diagnosis of infection and the treatment of advanced AE remain challenging. Herein, bulk RNA‐seq, scRNA‐seq, and spatial transcriptomics technologies are integrated, to reveal the host immune response mechanism against E. multilocularis both spatially and chronologically, collecting mouse liver samples at multiple timepoints up to 15 months post infection. These results unveil an unprecedented high‐resolution spatial atlas of the E. multilocularis infection foci and the functional roles of neutrophils, Spp1+ macrophages, and fibroblasts during disease progression. The heterogeneity of neutrophil and macrophage subpopulations are critical in both parasite‐killing and the occurrence of immunosuppression during AE progression. These findings indicate the transition of parasite control strategy from “active killing” to “negative segregation” by the host, providing instructive insights into the treatment strategy for echinococcosis.
Control of Rhizobia Endosymbiosis by Coupling ER Expansion with Enhanced UPR
Authors: Ren Jing , Wang Qi , Zhang Xiaxia , Cao Yongheng , Wu JingXia , Tian Juan , Yu Yanjun , Gong Qingqiu , Kong Zhaosheng
Published: February 2025

Legumes establish symbiosis with rhizobia by forming a symbiotic interface that enables cross‐kingdom exchanges of signaling molecules and nutrients. However, how host organelles interact with symbiosomes at the symbiotic interface remains elusive during rhizobia endosymbiosis. Here, symbiotic cells are reconstructed using 3D scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and uncover that the host endoplasmic reticulum (ER) undergoes dynamic expansion to gradually enwrap symbiosomes, facilitating their compartmentalization and endosymbiosis. Consistently, altering ER lamellar expansion by overexpressing MtRTNLBs, the reticulons responsible for ER tubulation, impairs rhizobia accommodation and symbiosome development. Intriguingly, unfolded protein response (UPR)‐marker genes, bZIP60 and IRE1A/B, show continuously activated expression during nodule development, and the two UPR‐deficient mutants, ire1b, and bzip60, exhibit compromised ER biogenesis and defective symbiosome development. Collectively, the findings underpin ER expansion and UPR activation as two key events in rhizobia accommodation and reveal an intrinsic coupling of ER morphology with proper UPR during root nodule symbiosis.
Polysilazane‐Coated Films Achieving Record‐High Moisture Barrier Performance with Sub‐10 Seconds Densification Using High‐Power VUV Irradiation
Authors: Song Luyang , Sun He , Suzuri Yoshiyuki
Published: February 2025

An ultra‐high moisture barrier compact SiNX film can be achieved from solution‐processed perhydropolysilazane (PHPS) through vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light exposure. This study investigates the photochemical reactions and photo‐densification of PHPS‐based barrier films under varying VUV light intensities, focusing on their effects on barrier performance. Photo‐dehydrogenation of PHPS, involving N─H and Si─H bond cleavage, is efficient and unaffected by light intensity. However, photo‐densification shows a strong dependence on light intensity, particularly above 290 mW cm−2. Higher intensities enhance Si─N bond cleavage, alter film dynamics, and reduce free volume through bond rearrangement, facilitating rapid network reconstruction essential for ultra‐high barrier properties. High‐power VUV light at 309 mW cm−2 establishes a new benchmark for ultra‐high barrier films via solution processing, achieving a record‐low average water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 1.6 × 10−5 g m−2 day−1. Films are produced in under 10 s per layer, maintaining a barrier property of 3.8 × 10−5 g m−2 day−1. The optimal refractive index for the top 30 nm layer is 1.74–1.77, controlling WVTR within 10−5 g m−2 day−1, ensuring superior barrier performance for flexible electronic devices, such as perovskite solar cells and organic photovoltaics.
A Versatile Protein Scaffold Engineered for the Hierarchical Assembly of Robust and Highly Active Enzymes
Authors: Meng Yiwei , Peplowski Lukasz , Wu Tong , Gong Heng , Gu Ran , Han Laichuang , Xia Yuanyuan , Liu Zhongmei , Zhou Zhemin , Cheng Zhongyi
Published: February 2025

Scaffold proteins play immense roles in bringing enzymes together to enhance their properties. However, the direct fusion of scaffold with bulky guest enzymes may disrupt the assembly process or diminish catalytic efficiency. Most self‐assembling protein scaffolds are engineered to form structures beforehand, and then carry guest proteins via different conjugation strategies in vitro. Here, a robust self‐assembling scaffold is presented, engineered from Methanococcus jannaschii using disulfide bonds, which efficiently assembles bulky enzymes into higher‐order helices without additional chemistry or bio‐conjugation in vitro. When fused directly with monomeric Endo‐1,4‐beta‐xylanase A, the catalytic efficiency of the guest enzyme increased by 2.5 times with enhanced thermostability. Additionally, integrating the scaffold with the multimeric metalloenzyme nitrile hydratase overcame the typical stability‐activity trade‐off of such industrial enzyme, yielding three‐fold higher activity and 28‐fold higher thermostability. Structural analyses suggest that the artificially made helical twist structures create new interface interactions and provide a concentration of active sites of guest enzymes. Further fusion of fluorescent protein pairs with the scaffold exhibited a 12‐fold higher FRET efficiency, suggesting its potential for dual‐enzyme cascade applications. Overall, this study showcases a simple yet powerful protein scaffold that organizes guest enzymes into hierarchical structures with enhanced catalytic performance.
Machine Learning‐Driven Surrogate Modeling for Optimization of Triboelectric Nanogenerator Design Parameters
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Abrar , Lim Myeongju , Kim Rubiga , Burgess Barrett London , Roberts Ken , Kim Junghyun , Kim Taeil
Published: February 2025

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) offer a promising solution for energy harvesting in wearable devices and sensors. However, their energy output is dependent on process parameters and should be optimized to maximize performance. Due to the absence of effective analytical models for TENG systems, the complex relationship among these variables and the effect of these variables cannot be easily boiled down into a conventional theoretical framework. To address this problem, this study takes four process parameters such as thickness, pore ratio, applied force, and frequency into account and leverages advanced design methods (e.g., Design of Experiment) and machine learning‐based regression models to systematically explore the design space. A contact‐separation TENG has been designed that includes a tribonegative porous layer of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) dispersed into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix and aluminum as the tribopositive material. Several experiments are conducted to train a support vector regressor (SVR) model, validate the predicted performance, and refine the design that can be further used to obtain an optimized TENG design.