Search Results (8,223)

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, has a poor prognosis due to rapid recurrence and treatment resistance. This review examines the evolution of radiotherapy (RT) for GBM management, from whole-brain RT to modern techniques like intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), guided by 2023 European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)-European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) and 2025 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) recommendations. The standard Stupp protocol (60 Gy/30 fractions with temozolomide [TMZ]) improves overall survival (OS) to 14.6 months, with greater benefits in O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT)-methylated tumors (21.7 months). Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) extend median overall survival (mOS) to 31.6 months in MGMT-methylated patients and 20.9 months overall in supratentorial GBM (EF-14 trial). However, 80–90% of recurrences occur within 2 cm of the irradiated field due to tumor infiltration and radioresistance driven by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) mutations, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A/B (CDKN2A/B) deletions, tumor hypoxia, and tumor stem cells. Pseudoprogression, distinguished using Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria and positron emission tomography (PET), complicates response evaluation. Targeted therapies (e.g., bevacizumab; PARP inhibitors) and immunotherapies (e.g., pembrolizumab; oncolytic viruses), alongside advanced imaging (multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], amino acid PET), support personalized RT. Ongoing trials evaluating reirradiation, hypofractionation, stereotactic radiosurgery, neoadjuvant therapies, proton therapy (PT), boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), and AI-driven planning aim to enhance efficacy for GBM IDH-wildtype, but phase III trials are needed to improve survival and quality of life. Full article

RMB₆-TMB₂ (RM = rare earth elements, TM = transition metal elements) composites retain superior field emission properties of RMB₆ while addressing its inherent mechanical limitations by constructing a eutectic structure with TMB₂. Herein, an in situ route for synthesizing RMB₆-TMB₂ composite nanopowders with homogeneous phase distribution using reduction reactions was proposed. The LaB₆-ZrB₂ composite nanopowders were synthesized in situ for the first time using sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) as both a reducing agent and boron source, with lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃) and zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) serving as metal sources. The effects of the synthesis temperature on phase compositions and microstructure of the composites were systematically investigated. The LaB₆-ZrB₂ system with a eutectic weight ratio exhibited an accelerated reaction rate, achieving a complete reaction at 1000 °C, 300 °C lower than that of single-phase ZrB₂ synthesis. The composite phases were uniformly distributed even at nanoscale. The composite powder displayed an average particle size of ~170 nm when synthesized at 1300 °C. With the benefit of the in situ synthesis method, LaB₆-TiB₂, CeB₆-ZrB₂, and CeB₆-TiB₂ composite powders were successfully synthesized. This process effectively addresses phase separation and contamination issues typically associated with traditional mixing methods, providing a scalable precursor for high-performance RMB₆-TMB₂ composites. Full article

Growth stage is a key factor influencing the composition and richness of the porcine gut microbiota. The stage-specific alterations in gut microbiota of indigenous Chinese pig breeds and cultivated breeds remain to be elucidated. This study conducted 16S rRNA sequencing analysis on fecal microbiota from Dahe black pigs across distinct growth stages. Samples included lactating sows, suckling piglets, weaned piglets, pigs weighing 50–100 kg, pigs weighing 120–150 kg, and pigs weighing > 200 kg. The results indicated that Escherichia shigella (12.4% vs. 16.2%), Lactobacillus (5.9% vs. 6.3%), and Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group (3.9% vs. 4.2%) were dominant genera shared between lactating sows and suckling piglets. The relative abundance of Eubacterium brachy group was significantly higher in lactating sows, whereas Flavonifractor was significantly lower compared to suckling piglets (p < 0.05). Compared to pigs weighing > 120 kg, lactating sows exhibited 22 differentially abundant genera, including Escherichia shigella, Cloacibacillus, Fusobacterium, Faecalibacterium, and Prevotella (p < 0.05). In suckling piglets, Firmicutes and Bacteroidota constituted 47.4% and 27.3% of the microbiota, respectively. Their relative abundance increased with body weight, reaching 52.6% and 33.3% in pigs weighing > 200 kg. Proteobacteria decreased from 17.3% in suckling piglets to 2.0% in >200 kg pigs. Spirochaetota declined from 2.5% in suckling piglets to 0.9% in weaned piglets and then increased to 6.9% in >200 kg pigs. Lactobacillus peaked at 15.7% in weaned piglets, while Escherichia shigella reached its maximum (16.2%) in suckling piglets, both gradually declining thereafter. Streptococcus abundance remained relatively stable (1.1% in suckling piglets; 4.5% in weaned piglets). Prevotellaceae NK3B31 group registered 2.9% in suckling piglets, increased to 7.1% in weaned piglets, and then declined to 2.6% in >200 kg pigs. Mitsuokella, Bilophila, Succinivibrio, Romboutsia, and Desulfovibrio were identified as the top five genera discriminating suckling and weaned piglets. Similarly, Lachnospiraceae XPB1014 group, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Turicibacter, Quinella, and p 1088 a5 gut group were key discriminators between weaned piglets and 50–100 kg pigs. These identified microbial taxa represent potential candidate targets for modulating the developmental timing of growth phases in pigs, offering possibilities for either advancing or delaying specific physiological timepoints. Full article

W-type hexaferrites with compositions Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Zn_2-xMe_xFe₁₆O₂₇ (Me = Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Mn; x = 1) and Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Zn_2−xMn_xFe₁₆O₂₇ (x = 0–2.0) were synthesized via solid-state reaction and optimized using a two-step calcination process to obtain single-phase or nearly single-phase structures. Their electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption properties were investigated by fabricating composites with 10 wt% epoxy and measuring the complex permittivity and permeability across two frequency bands: 0.1–18 GHz and 26.5–40 GHz. Reflection loss (RL) was calculated and visualized as two-dimensional (2D) maps with respect to frequency and sample thickness. In the 0.1–18 GHz range, only the Co-substituted sample exhibited strong ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) and broadband absorption, achieving a minimum RL of −41.5 dB at 4.84 GHz and a −10 dB bandwidth of 11.8 GHz. In contrast, the other Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Zn_2-xMe_xFe₁₆O₂₇ samples (Me = Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu) showed no significant absorption in this range due to the absence of FMR. However, all these samples clearly exhibited FMR characteristics and distinct absorption peaks in the 26.5–40 GHz range, particularly the Mn-substituted series, which demonstrated RL values below −10 dB over the 32.0–40 GHz range with absorber thicknesses below 1 mm. The FMR frequency varied depending on the substitution type and amount. In the Mn-substituted series, the FMR frequency was lowest at x = 1.0 and increased as x deviated from this composition. This study confirms the potential of Co-free W-type hexaferrites as efficient, cost-effective, and broadband EM wave absorbers in the 26.5–40 GHz range. Full article

This paper proposes wideband circularly polarized (CP) 1-D connected array antennas with slant slot feeders and gradient artificial dielectric layers (ADLs). The slant slot feeder introduces an identical electric field (E-field) along the x- and y-directions. Three slabs consisting of multiple ADLs are stacked above the slot feeder. Due to the different boundary conditions of a 1-D connected array in the $zx$- and $zy$-planes, the guided wave in the slabs exhibits different multipath lengths along the x- and y-directions, leading to a 90° phase difference between the $E_x$ and $E_y$ components. Moreover, the cascaded slabs are designed with gradient effective permittivities for a gradual impedance transition from the guided mode to the radiating mode, allowing for wideband matching and CP performance. To validate the proposed design approach, an 8 × 1 array was fabricated and measured. The antenna shows a 1.96:1 (10.1–20 GHz) impedance bandwidth (VSWR < 2) and a 1.46:1 (12–17.5 GHz) 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth in measurement. The array exhibits an average right-hand CP boresight gain of 12.39 dBic. Moreover, we produced a frequency-invariant beam pattern with an average half-power beamwidth (HPBW) of 24.77° and a standard deviation below 3.63° over 12–18 GHz for the target pattern, with a HPBW of 26°, demonstrating wideband electronic warfare performance using the proposed array. Full article

Integrating generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) into professional practice has become an important topic for professional instructional design practice and training. Accordingly, the purpose of this multiple-case study was to examine six professional instructional designers’ integration of GenAI into their professional practice and the factors affecting this integration. Research data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with professional instructional designers working in corporate or higher education settings. The results were as follows: (a) instructional designers mostly integrate GenAI into instructional design and/or development phases and they think that it also has the largest impact on these two phases; and (b) instructional designers’ integration of GenAI into their professional practice is mainly based on their ambivalent attitudes toward it, which is closely linked to the advantages and disadvantages associated with the technology. Specifically, instructional designers’ basic understanding of GenAI, the efficiency of generating instructional content through GenAI, the inaccuracy of GenAI-created products, instructional designers’ use of GenAI in everyday life, and institutional or company support shape their attitudes towards and integration of GenAI into their professional practice. All these findings suggest that instructional design and development phases are especially vulnerable to and can benefit from instructional designers’ attitudes and use of GenAI. Accordingly, it can be useful to address and enhance attitudes toward GenAI technology in instructional design training, which can promote instructional designers’ acceptance of the technology and effective use of it. Full article

SiC nanowires (SiC_nw), due to their excellent dielectric properties, are promising high-temperature absorbing materials. However, the mechanism of their high-temperature absorption still requires further research. Therefore, porous SiC_nw/Si₃N₄ and SiC/Si₃N₄ ceramics with different SiC phase morphologies were fabricated using a simple precursor impregnation and pyrolysis method. The Fe impurity content of the Si₃N₄ powder raw material significantly affects the generation of SiC nanowires. When SiC exists in the form of nanowires, the excellent conductivity brought by the conductive network of the nanowires causes a significant response of the material’s permittivity to temperature. When the test temperature is room temperature, SiC_nw/Si₃N₄ has excellent absorption performance with a minimum reflection loss of −29.75 dB at 2.16 mm and an effective absorption bandwidth of 3.72 GHz at 2.54 mm. As the test temperature increases to 300 °C, the effective absorption bandwidth of SiC_nw/Si₃N₄ covers the entire X-band. The porous SiC_nw/Si₃N₄ ceramics exhibit excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance, demonstrating significant application potential for high-temperature environments. Full article

This paper proposes two all-dielectric transmitarrays operating at Ka-band (26.5–40 GHz), achieving dual-polarization and beam-scanning functionalities. The dual-polarized design employs a cross-shaped dielectric post transmission unit, where the lengths of the two posts can be adjusted to enable independent phase modulation in the two orthogonal polarizations. Both polarizations provide 360° continuous phase coverage. To reduce the design complexity and achieve independent control of polarization, an optimized unit group with 16 states and 2-bit phase quantization is developed. A prototype of the all-dielectric transmitarray with 20 × 20 units is fabricated. The measured x/y-polarized peak gains are 25.3 dBi/25.5 dBi and the 1 dB bandwidths achieve 27% and 22%, respectively. To address feed–array integration, another all-dielectric transmitarray is further designed, which uses the same dual-polarized dielectric units, but replaces the horn feed with a dielectric rod antenna array. The feed array can generate multiple beams, enabling discrete beam-scanning within a 60° angle range. Both the dielectric transmitarray and the feed array can be fabricated by using 3D-printed technology, which greatly enhances the system integration and provides flexibility in generating multiple high-gain beams. Full article

This study examines the ionospheric response to the intense geomagnetic storm of 9–12 October 2024 over the European sector. Digisonde data from mid-latitude European stations and in situ electron density measurements from Swarm A and B satellites were used to analyze variations in key ionospheric characteristics, including the critical frequency (foF2), peak height (hmF2) and plasma drift velocities. Significant uplift of the F2 layer and a corresponding reduction in foF2 were observed across latitudes, primarily driven by prompt penetration electric fields (PPEFs) and storm-induced thermospheric winds. Horizontal and vertical ion drifts showed large asymmetries and reversals, with zonal drift velocities exceeding 1000 m/s at some stations. Swarm observations confirmed plasma density enhancements during the main phase and notable depletions during recovery, particularly after 1:00 UT on 11 October. The midlatitude ionospheric trough (MIT) intensified during the recovery phase, as can be seen from Swarm B. These variations were shaped by electrodynamic forcing, compositional changes and disturbance dynamo electric fields (DDEFs). The results emphasize the role of solar wind drivers, latitude-dependent electrodynamic coupling and thermospheric dynamics in mid-latitude ionospheric variability during geomagnetic storms. Full article

Background and Objectives: The extracellular volume fraction (fECV) of the liver, as measured by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), has been shown to correlate closely with the histological stages of hepatic fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of a liver extracellular volume fraction derived from dual-energy CT (DECT) for evaluating liver functional reserve based on the Child–Pugh class in cirrhotic patients, compared with other noninvasive markers. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 258 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent contrast-enhanced DECT. The fECV was measured using iodine maps derived from equilibrium phase images obtained 3 min after contrast injection at 100/140 Sn kVp. Statistical analyses included Welch’s ANOVA with post hoc tests, Spearman’s correlation, and ROC analysis. The area under the curve (AUC) was compared among fECV and other noninvasive markers (aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index [APRI], Fibrosis-4 [FIB-4], and model for end-stage liver disease [MELD]) using DeLong’s test. Intra- and interobserver reliability of fECV was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for differentiating Child–Pugh classes was compared among the fECV and other noninvasive markers (aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index [APRI], Fibrosis-4 [FIB-4], and model for end-stage liver disease [MELD]). Results: The fECV increased significantly with advancing Child–Pugh classes (p < 0.001), showing a moderate correlation with Child–Pugh class (r = 0.53). The mean differences in fECV among the Child–Pugh classes were 8.88 between A and B (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.85–11.92; p < 0.001) and 7.42 between B and C (95% CI, 1.92–12.91: p < 0.001). The AUC for differentiating Child–Pugh classes A and B demonstrated no significant differences among the fECV (0.84), APRI (0.83, p > 0.99) and FIB-4 (0.83, p > 0.99), except for MELD, which had a significantly higher AUC (0.94, p = 0.047). For differentiating Child-Pugh classes B and C, the fECV demonstrated a significantly higher AUC (0.78), compared with FIB-4 (0.50, p = 0.038) and APRI (0.49, p = 0.037), whereas no significant difference was observed between fECV and MELD (0.92, p = 0.12). The intra- and interobserver reliabilities of the fECV measurements were excellent (ICC, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.91–0.95 and 0.91; 95% CI, 0.88–0.92, respectively). Conclusions: DECT derived fECV is a useful noninvasive marker for assessing liver functional reserve based on the Child–Pugh classification. Full article

Complex concentrated alloys (CCAs) have attracted significant attention due to their potential to develop materials with enhanced properties, such as increased hardness and strength. These properties are strongly influenced by the chemical composition and the processing method used. Body-centred cubic (BCC) structures are known to have high hardness but low fracture toughness, whereas face-centred cubic (FCC) structures typically exhibit lower hardness but higher toughness. In this study, Al-Cr-Cu-Fe-Mn-Ni CCAs with three distinct compositions were produced using pressureless sintering. One set of samples was prepared with equiatomic composition (composition E), whereas the compositions of the other two sets were defined based on thermodynamic calculations to obtain sintered samples predominantly formed by BCC (composition B) or FCC (composition F) phases. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, density measurements, hardness measurements, and uniaxial compression tests. For all compositions, good agreement was obtained between the phases predicted by thermodynamic calculations and those experimentally detected. In addition, significant differences in the mechanical properties were observed between samples with each composition. The samples with composition B exhibited the highest hardness, but almost no ductility. In contrast, samples with composition F showed the lowest yield strength and hardness, but the highest ductility. Samples with composition E had intermediate values between those of samples B and F. These differences were attributed to differences in the proportions and properties of the BCC and FCC phases in each composition and demonstrate that the mechanical properties of Al-Cr-Cu-Fe-Mn-Ni CCAs can be tailored using compositions defined based on thermodynamic calculations. Full article

Diffuse astrocytoma is a primary brain tumor known for its gradual and diffuse infiltration into the surrounding brain tissue. Given this characteristic, the investigation of the peritumoral region holds potential biological and clinical relevance. In this study, ion mobility spectrometry mass spectrometry (IMS MS) was optimized and applied for the first time for the analysis of gangliosides present in the peritumoral tissue of diffuse astrocytoma. Ganglioside profiling and structural characterization were conducted using high-resolution nanoelectrospray ionization (nanoESI) IMS MS, along with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) via low-energy collision-induced dissociation (CID) in the negative ion mode. Using IMS MS-based separation and screening, we observed a greater diversity of ganglioside species in the peritumoral tissue than previously reported. Notably, an elevated expression was detected for several species, including GT1(d18:1/18:0), GT1(d18:1/20:0), GM2(d18:1/16:2), GD1(d18:1/16:0), GD2(d18:1/20:0), Fuc-GT3(d18:1/24:4), and Fuc-GD1(d18:1/18:2). Although preliminary, these observations prompt consideration of whether these species could be implicated in processes such as microenvironmental modulation, tumor cell infiltration and invasion, maintenance of cellular interactions, or regulation of immune responses. Additionally, their potential utility as biomarkers may merit further exploration. In the subsequent phase of the study, structural analysis using IMS MS, CID tandem MS, and fragmentation data supported the identification of GT1b(d18:1/20:0) isomer in the peritumoral tissue. However, given the exploratory nature of the study and reliance on limited sampling, further investigation across broader sample sets is necessary to extend these findings. Full article

South African cattle comprise diverse breeds with distinct evolutionary histories, potentially reflecting differences in recombination landscapes. This study assessed genome-wide recombination rates and hotspots in Bonsmara (n = 190) and Nguni (n = 119) cattle using three-generation half-sib pedigrees genotyped with the Illumina Bovine SNP50 BeadChip. Phasing across 29 autosomes was conducted using SHAPEIT v2, and crossover events were inferred using the DuoHMM algorithm. The total number of crossover events detected was higher in Nguni (n = 8982) than in Bonsmara (n = 7462); however, the average recombination rate per 1 Mb window was significantly higher in Bonsmara (0.31) compared to Nguni (0.18) (p < 0.01). This apparent discrepancy reflects differences in genomic distribution and crossover clustering across breeds, rather than overall recombination frequency. A critical limitation of the study is the reliance on half-sib families with small family sizes, which may underestimate recombination rates due to limited meiotic sampling and increased variance in crossover detection. We identified 407 recombination hotspots in Bonsmara and 179 in Nguni, defined as intervals exceeding 2.5 standard deviations above the mean recombination rate. Genes such as PDE1B and FP which are associated with productions traits were located within hotspot-enriched regions. However, functional causality between these genes and local recombination activity remains unverified. Our results provide statistically supported evidence for breed-specific recombination patterns and hotspot distributions, underscoring the importance of incorporating recombination architecture into genetic improvement strategies for South African cattle. Full article

The present study focused on 10 wt.% TiB₂@Ti/AlCoCrFeNi_2.1 eutectic high-entropy alloy matrix composites (EHEAMCs), which were treated with furnace cooling (FC), air cooling (AC), and water cooling (WC) after being held at 1000 °C for 12 h, aiming to investigate the effect of cooling methods on their microstructure and mechanical properties. The results showed that the composites in all states consisted of FCC phase, BCC phase, TiB₂ phase, and Ti phase. The cooling methods did not change the phase types but affected the diffraction peak characteristics. With the increase in cooling rate, the diffraction peaks of FCC and BCC phases gradually separated from overlapping, and the diffraction peak of the FCC (111) crystal plane shifted to a lower angle (due to the increase in lattice constant caused by Ti element diffusion), while the diffraction peak intensity showed a downward trend. In terms of microstructure, all composites under the three cooling conditions were composed of eutectic matrix, solid solution zone, and grain boundary zone. The cooling rate had little effect on the morphology but significantly affected the element distribution. During slow cooling (FC, AC), Ti and B diffused sufficiently from the grain boundary to the matrix, resulting in higher concentrations of Ti and B in the matrix (Ti in FCC phase: 7.4 at.%, B in BCC phase: 8.1 at.% in FC state). During rapid cooling (WC), diffusion was inhibited, leading to lower concentrations in the matrix (Ti in FCC phase: 4.6 at.%, B in BCC phase: 4.3 at.%), but the element distribution was more uniform. Mechanical properties decreased with the increase in cooling rate: the FC state showed the optimal average hardness (627.0 ± 26.1 HV), yield strength (1574 MPa), fracture strength (2824 MPa), and fracture strain (24.2%); the WC state had the lowest performance (hardness: 543.2 ± 35.4 HV and yield strength: 1401 MPa) but was still better than the as-sintered state. Solid solution strengthening was the main mechanism, and slow cooling promoted element diffusion to enhance lattice distortion, achieving the synergistic improvement of strength and plasticity. Full article

Influenza vaccines are the primary strategy to prevent severe influenza disease; however, their efficacy is often suboptimal, particularly in older adults (OAs). LiteVax Adjuvant (LVA), a novel adjuvant containing carbohydrate fatty-acid monosulphate ester (CMS) as the active ingredient, has demonstrated a favourable safety profile and enhanced immunogenicity when combined with a low-dose seasonal influenza vaccine in adults aged 18 to 50 years in a first-in-human phase 1 study. The present study investigates the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of CMS-based adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine in OAs, with a comparison to responses in younger adults (YAs). In this phase 1b, double-blind, active-controlled clinical trial, 36 YAs (18–50 years) and 48 OAs (≥60 years) were randomized (1:1:1) to receive either 0.5 mg or 1 mg LVA combined with VaxigripTetra, or VaxigripTetra alone. Solicited adverse events (AEs) were recorded using an electronic diary for 7 days following vaccination. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers against four influenza strains were measured at baseline (pre-vaccination) and at 7-, 28-, and 180-days post-vaccination. All 24 YAs and 31 out of 32 OAs receiving CMS-based adjuvanted vaccines reported pain post-vaccination, compared to 8/12 YAs and 4/16 OAs receiving VaxigripTetra. Systemic AEs were more frequently reported among YAs receiving CMS-based adjuvanted vaccines (22/24) compared to those receiving VaxigripTetra (8/12). In OAs, the number of systemic AEs was similar regardless of CMS-based adjuvant administration. Most AEs were mild to moderate and resolved within 3 days. Both CMS-based adjuvanted formulations elicited increased HI titers at Day 7, peaking at Day 28, with a decline thereafter that remained above baseline at Day 180. In YAs, HI titers were comparable between the CMS-based adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted vaccines across all strains and timepoints. In contrast, CMS-based adjuvanted vaccination in OAs induced higher HI titers at Days 28 and 180 for all influenza strains tested. LVA shows an acceptable safety profile in both age cohorts and enhances humoral immune responses in older adults. The 1 mg dose of LVA was more immunogenic, highlighting its potential utility in this target population. Future research will focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying the immunostimulatory effect of the CMS-based adjuvant. Full article