Search Results (1,223)

Background: The predictive value of muscle-related indicators in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the skeletal muscle density (SMD) and clinical variables related to the physical reserve with respect to its impact on the pathologic complete response (pCR). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed TNBC patients who underwent NAC at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Catholic University of Korea, from March 2021 to March 2024, via receiving paclitaxel/carboplatin followed by doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide, with or without pembrolizumab. Muscle indices were assessed from CT measurements of the entire cross-sectional muscle area at the L3 level using commercial deep learning software (ClariMetabo version 1.03). Results: A total of 144 patients were included, where 102 received chemoimmunotherapy (NACIT) and 42 received chemotherapy alone (NACT). A higher SMD was significantly associated with a younger age, lower BMI, and fewer comorbidities. In the NACIT group, patients in the high-SMD group (n = 68) demonstrated a higher relative dose intensity (p = 0.003) and improved pCR rates (63.2% vs. 44.1%, p = 0.066) compared with the low-SMD group (n = 34). The multivariable regression analysis identified a higher SMD (per 5-unit increment: OR = 1.67, p = 0.003) and increased PD-L1 combined positive score (per 10-unit increment: OR = 1.38, p = 0.019) as independent predictors of a pCR. The event-free survival was significantly longer in the high-SMD group (p = 0.017) and among patients that achieved a pCR (p < 0.001). In the NACT group, the SMD was not associated with a pCR or survival. Conclusions: The CT-measured SMD reflected the physical reserve in the TNBC patients that received NAC. Alongside the CPS, SMD may serve as a predictive marker for NACIT efficacy. Full article

Menopause is associated with significant hormonal and reproductive changes in women. Evidence documents interindividual differences in the signs and symptoms associated with menopause, including cognitive decline. Hypothesized reasons for the cognitive decline include changes in hormone levels, especially estrogen, but study findings have been inconsistent. Hormone replacement therapies (HRTs) are often recommended to alleviate menopause-related symptoms in both peri- and postmenopausal women. However, the North American Menopause Society does not recommend the use of HRT for the management of cognitive complaints in perimenopausal women due to lack of evidence. Additionally, there are many women for which the use of HRT is contraindicated. As such, it would be helpful to have an alternative method for alleviating symptoms, including declines in cognition, during the menopause transition. Iron supplementation may be a promising candidate as it has been associated with improved cognitive performance in premenopausal women with iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Because many women will experience heavy blood losses during perimenopause, they are at risk of becoming iron deficient and/or anemic. The use of iron supplementation in women with iron deficiency may serve to not only improve iron status but also to alleviate many of the signs and symptoms associated with perimenopause (lethargy, depressed affect, etc.), including cognitive decline. However, evidence to inform treatment protocols is lacking. Well-designed studies of iron supplementation in perimenopausal women are needed in order to understand the potential of such supplementation to alleviate the cognitive decline associated with perimenopause. Full article

Simulator training offers a safe and cost-effective approach to providing new operators opportunities to become familiar with operating modern machinery. However, in Korea, the current programs are insufficient in training skilled operators capable of handling advanced forestry machinery. Consequently, these programs fall short of developing the required technical expertise, leading to difficulties in workforce employment. We compared the performance of simulator-trained participants with that of machine-trained participants by testing operators on real equipment and assessing their stress levels. Participants were categorized as those with and without excavator certificates. Within each category, participants were further divided into those receiving training via simulators or those who were trained using actual equipment. Although we detected no significant differences in the overall performance of simulator- and machine-trained participants, compared with real machine training, simulator training promoted better performance, lower levels of frustration, and a reduced mental workload due to the safer and more controlled virtual environment. These findings can be used to develop more effective training programs by incorporating simulator-based modules that enhance skill acquisition whilst reducing risks. They can also inform policy decisions to improve workforce training in industries dependent on the operation of advanced machinery, thereby ensuring that operators achieve higher levels of competence and safety. Full article

Pressure from competitors and regulatory interventions are external factors influencing hotels’ commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives. This study aimed to explore the relationships between perceived entrepreneurial orientation, perceived commitment to ESG practices, and corporate financial performance through the lens of the resource-based view of the firm. Additionally, the moderating effect of hotel size was analyzed. Data were collected via a survey of hotel managers in Hong Kong in 2025. The results indicate a significant relationship between perceived entrepreneurial orientation and commitment to ESG practices. This study provides a solid understanding of the relationships among perceived entrepreneurial orientation, corporate autonomy, commitment to ESG practices, and corporate financial performance. The moderating effect of corporate size reveals that size itself does not directly influence how commitment to ESG affects corporate financial performance in the hotel industry. In contrast, hotel size does influence how entrepreneurial orientation relates to ESG commitment; specifically, smaller hotels are more entrepreneurial and committed to ESG practices when they have greater decision-making autonomy. However, entrepreneurial orientation and ESG commitment do not significantly influence financial performance, regardless of hotel size. This study offers practical implications for policymakers regarding the relevance of entrepreneurial orientation and corporate autonomy in enhancing commitment to ESG practices. Full article

Ensuring the fire resistance and thermal stability of power cables is crucial for their reliable performance in fire environments, essential for sustainable power distribution, and allowing for more time to extinguish fires and for evacuation. This study utilises numerical simulation to analyse the thermal behaviour of fire-resistant medium-voltage cable, focusing on the impact of conductor radius and material properties under external heat flux. A heat transfer model of cables with conductor radii of 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm under a localised external heat flux of 750 °C was developed. The results show that smaller conductors stabilise faster (reaching the steady state at 45 min for 3 mm vs. 79 min for 7 mm) but experience higher thermal stress, with conductor temperatures peaking at 692.5 °C. Larger conductors enhance axial heat conduction, reduce steady-state temperature by up to 25%, and improve heat dissipation by over 360%. The 5 mm conductor radius provided balanced performance, lowering the temperature by 65 °C compared to 3 mm, although it remained 20.1% hotter than the 7 mm. The ceramic layer played a crucial role in reducing heat flux in the heat source section. Optimised polyethylene insulation and ceramic material improved heat retention and surface temperature control in non-heat source sections. Also, thermal resistance analysis decreased from 1.00 K/W (3 mm) to 0.65 K/W (7 mm). Among material properties, increasing ceramic thermal conductivity had a more significant impact on reducing core temperature than improving insulation. These findings provide practical recommendations for optimising conductor geometry and material properties for more fire-resistant cables. Full article

Drought is a major environmental constraint that negatively affects crop germination, seedling establishment, and overall yield. This study presents a sustainable approach to improving wheat productivity under water-deficit conditions through the application of a gellan gum-based hydrogel enriched with the growth stimulant. The hydrogel was synthesized by inducing ionic gelation of gellan gum using potassium chloride and ammonium sulfate, forming a robust, cross-linked polymer network. Wheat seeds were coated with one to eight layers of the hydrogel using a sequential dipping and drying process. Optimal seedling performance was achieved with a two-layer coating, balancing sufficient water retention with adequate gas exchange. FTIR spectroscopy and pH analysis confirmed ionic interactions between Kaz-6 and the carboxyl groups of gellan, supporting its stable incorporation within the polymer matrix. Mechanical characterization showed that ammonium sulfate significantly enhanced gel strength and cross-linking density compared to potassium chloride. Laboratory germination assays and greenhouse trials demonstrated that seeds coated with gellan hydrogel containing Kaz-6 showed enhanced germination rates, greater biomass accumulation, and significantly improved drought tolerance—surviving up to 10 days longer than controls under water-limited conditions. These findings highlight the potential of biopolymer-based hydrogels as eco-friendly seed coating materials that can improve crop resilience and productivity in arid environments. The proposed formulation aligns with sustainable agriculture goals and represents a promising direction for future field-scale applications in climate-adaptive farming systems. Full article

Nitric oxide (NO) and melatonin (MT) significantly influence photosynthetic processes by modulating redox homeostasis, chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and gene expression, particularly under abiotic stress conditions. This review summarizes the intricate crosstalk between NO and melatonin, focusing on their coordinated roles in regulating photosynthetic efficiency. Evidence from various plant species indicates that the application of exogenous NO and melatonin enhances chlorophyll content, photosystem efficiency (particularly PSII), and photosynthetic performance, mitigating stress-induced damage. Molecular analysis demonstrates that both molecules influence key photosynthetic gene modulating photosystems I and II, and Calvin cycle activities. Moreover, NO and melatonin collaboratively regulate stomatal movements through ABA, Ca²⁺, and H₂O₂ signaling pathways, involving genes such as PMRT1, CIPKs, and OST1. Experimental data from diverse plant species under stress conditions, including drought, salinity, heavy metals, and flooding, highlight their synergistic protective effects. Exploring these mechanisms further may enable practical agricultural strategies involving combined NO and melatonin treatments to improve crop resilience and productivity under increasingly challenging environmental conditions. Future research directions should emphasize unraveling detailed molecular interactions, enabling targeted biotechnological applications in crop improvement programs for enhanced global food security. Full article

To investigate the changes of ERα and PRs in the epithelium and stroma of normal and neoplastic uterine cervix. Two pathologists independently scored the expression levels of ERα, PR(A+B), and PRB in the stroma and epithelium of normal, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 and 3 (CIN2/3), carcinoma in situ (CIS), and invasive cervical carcinoma (ICC) specimens. Sex hormone receptors were abundantly expressed in the stroma compared to the epithelium or carcinoma of the cervix. Stromal ERα was progressively upregulated during cervical carcinogenesis, with an immunoreactive score (IRS) of 1.3 ± 1.5, 2.1 ± 1.9, and 3.6 ± 3.3 in the CIN2/3, CIS, and ICC groups, respectively (p < 0.001). By contrast, epithelial PR(A+B) and PRB were downregulated, with IRS of 0.4 ± 0.7 and 0.5 ± 0.8, 0.1 ± 0.4 and 0.2 ± 0.6, and 0.1 ± 0.6 and 0.1 ± 0.4 in the CIN2/3, CIS, and ICC groups, respectively (p < 0.001). During the CIN2/3 transition, the coexpression relationship between ERα and PRs began to break down. Although epithelial PR(A+B) was downregulated, stromal PR(A+B) and PRB were upregulated with IRS of 2.0 ± 2.0 and 2.0 ± 1.9 as well as 2.1 ± 2.3 and 3.2 ± 3.2 in the CIS (p = 0.009) and ICC groups (p < 0.001), respectively. After complete transformation, the stromal PRB was significantly upregulated, and its loss was related to more distant metastasis and poorer prognosis. The results of this study highlight the carcinogenic role of stromal ERα, the tumor suppressor role of epithelial PRs, and the importance of stromal PRB in the development of cervical cancer; they can be used as a basis for developing prevention and treatment strategies for this disease. Full article

Degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis, are increasingly prevalent in aging populations, yet current treatments like stem cell injections face limitations in targeted delivery and efficacy. In this study, we proposed a biodegradable magnetically actuated microstructure for knee cartilage regeneration. The microstructure is composed of calcium-crosslinked alginate hydrogel embedded with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), allowing for precise control using an external magnetic field generated by an electromagnetic actuation (EMA) system. Fabricated via a centrifugal micro-nozzle process, the microstructures exhibited tunable sizes and uniform morphology. The proposed microstructures were characterized for their morphological, chemical, and magnetic properties, and their biodegradability and targeting ability in a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) environment were experimentally analyzed. Experimental results demonstrated that smaller microstructures degraded more rapidly and that fewer microstructures resulted in improved targeting accuracy. In contrast, microstructures clustered at the lesion site degraded more slowly, supporting sustained therapeutic release. These results suggest that the proposed system can enhance delivery precision, minimize off-target accumulation, and reduce inflammation risks associated with residual materials. The biodegradable magnetically actuated microstructures present a promising platform for minimally invasive and site-specific cartilage therapy. Full article

Chemical looping combustion (CLC), a promising technology employing oxygen carriers to realize cyclic oxygen transfer between reactors, represents a transformative approach to CO₂ capture with near-zero energy penalties. Among oxygen carriers, Fe-based materials have emerged as the predominant choice due to their cost-effectiveness, environmental compatibility, and robust performance. The reaction kinetics of oxygen carriers are crucial for both material development and the rational design of CLC systems. This comprehensive review synthesizes experimental and theoretical advances in kinetic characterization of Fe-based oxygen carriers, encompassing both natural and synthetic materials, while different models corresponding to specific reaction stages and their intrinsic relationships with microstructural transformations are systematically investigated. The kinetic characteristics across various reactor types and experimental conditions are analyzed. The differences between fixed bed thermogravimetric analysis and fluidized bed analysis are revealed, emphasizing the notable impacts of attrition on the kinetic parameters in fluidized beds. Furthermore, the effects of temperature and gas concentration on kinetic parameters are profoundly examined. Additionally, the significant performance variation of oxygen carriers due to their interaction with ash is highlighted, and the necessity of a quantitative analysis on the competing effects of ash is emphasized, providing actionable guidelines for advancing CLC technology using kinetics-informed material design and operational parameter optimization. Full article

Introduction: The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status (PS) is widely used to assess patient status but relies on subjective judgment and may not fully reflect their physical reserve. While studies have shown that skeletal muscle quality and quantity are associated with patient prognosis, their role in cancers of unknown primary (CUP) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether computed tomography (CT)-based skeletal muscle indicators reflect physical reserve and their prognostic value in patients with CUP. Methods: This study enrolled 184 patients with CUP, comprising both inpatients and outpatients, who were diagnosed at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital between 1 January 2008, and 30 June 2024. Overall survival (OS) was evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method and analyzed using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazard models. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationships between skeletal muscle density (SMD), skeletal muscle index (SMI), and other prognostic factors. Results: SMD was positively correlated with SMI and negatively correlated with age, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and ECOG-PS. Jonckheere’s trend test revealed that SMD decreased significantly as CCI and ECOG-PS increased (p < 0.001), indicating that a higher comorbidity burden and poorer performance status were associated with lower SMD. Both ECOG-PS and SMD were identified as prognostic factors in the univariate analysis of survival; however, only SMD demonstrated statistical significance regarding prognostic value in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.004) Conclusions: SMD, as a measure of muscle quality, demonstrates superior prognostic value compared to the subjective ECOG-PS and may serve as a reliable objective tool for assessing physical reserve in patients with CUP. Full article

Mixed Sample Data Augmentation (MSDA) enhances deep learning model generalization by blending a source patch into a target image. Selecting source patches based on image saliency helps to prevent label errors and irrelevant content; however, it relies on computationally expensive saliency detection algorithms. Studies suggest that a convolutional neural network’s receptive field follows a Gaussian distribution, with central pixels being more influential. Leveraging this, we propose GaussianMix, an effective and efficient augmentation strategy that selects source patches using a center-biased Gaussian distribution in order to avoiding additional computational costs. GaussianMix achieves top-1 error rates of 21.26% and 20.09% on ResNet-50 and ResNet-101 for ImageNet classification, respectively, while also improving robustness against adversarial perturbations and enhancing object detection performance. Full article

This study investigates the application of large language models (LLMs) in sentiment analysis of financial news and their use in developing effective investment strategies. We conducted sentiment analysis on news articles related to the top 30 companies listed on Nasdaq using both discriminative models such as BERT and FinBERT, and generative models including Llama 3.1, Mistral, and Gemma 2. To enhance the robustness of the analysis, advanced prompting techniques—such as Chain of Thought (CoT), Super In-Context Learning (SuperICL), and Bootstrapping—were applied to generative LLMs. The results demonstrate that long strategies generally yield superior portfolio performance compared to short and long–short strategies. Notably, generative LLMs outperformed discriminative models in this context. We also found that the application of SuperICL to generative LLMs led to significant performance improvements, with further enhancements noted when both SuperICL and Bootstrapping were applied together. These findings highlight the profitability and stability of the proposed approach. Additionally, this study examines the explainability of LLMs by identifying critical data considerations and potential risks associated with their use. The research highlights the potential of integrating LLMs into financial strategy development to provide a data-driven foundation for informed decision-making in financial markets. Full article

Battery pack casings with a total energy of 12.432 kWh were designed using two types of materials: aluminum alloy and carbon fiber reinforced composite filament based on polyphthalamide or high-performance/high-temperature nylon (PPA-CF). The effectiveness of mechanical metamaterials (lattice and auxetic structures) in mitigating the levels of random vibrations in the battery pack casings was studied using a numerical method. Both structures demonstrate outstanding capabilities with a 97% to 99% reduction in vibration levels in the aluminum casing. However, the capabilities of these structures in mitigating vibration levels in the PPA-CF casing are very limited, in that they can only mitigate approximately 63.8% and 92.8% of the longitudinal vibrations at the top cover of the casing and center of its front and back walls, respectively. Compared to PPA-CF, aluminum alloy shows better vibration mitigation performance with or without structural modification. Full article