Diffuse Growth Research Articles

Prognosis of signet ring cell (SRC) gastric carcinoma (GC) compared with other histological subtypes.

357 Background: Signet ring cell (SRC) gastric cancer (GC) has its unique clinicopathological features with poor tissue differentiation, high invasiveness, diffuse growth pattern and poor prognosis. Survival rates and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with SRC GC regardless of the stage of the disease has not been well studied. Methods: The retrospective analysis was undertaken of 993 patients with diagnosed gastric cancer. These patients received surgical resection in period from January 2013 to December 2018 in N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology. We compared clinical and pathological features as well as prognostic factors between these groups. Results: For early SRC carcinoma, the median survival rates weren’t reached; 3- and 5-year survival rates were 100% and 89.0 %; for non-SRC carcinoma 91.4 and 85.3 % (HR=0.73; 95 % CI 0.22–2.42, р = 0.6) respectively. For locally advanced/metastatic SRC carcinoma, the median survival rates, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 38 months, 53.0 and 38.4 %; for non-SRC carcinoma 51.1 months, 59.2 and 48.0 % (HR=1.2; 95 % CI 0.91–1.54, р = 0.2). At univariate analysis SRC morphology was found as independent risk factor for overall survival (HR=1.19; CI 95% 0.94 – 1.50; p<0.0001). Multivariate analysis did not reveal SRC morphology to be significant and independent risk factor for overall survival (HR=1.00; CI 95% 0.72 – 1.38; p=0.98). Conclusions: Overall survival rates in patients with early (mucosal and submucosal tumor regardless of lymph nodes status) SRC gastric cancer did not show any significant differences in comparison with other histological types of GC. Thus, the prognosis of early SRC GC is equivalent or better than that of other histological subtypes of GC. Overall survival rates of locally advanced/metastatic SRC gastric cancer are worse than non-SRC cancer, but the differences are not statistically significant.

Primary Thyroid Lymphoma: A Case Report

Background. Primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) is a rare thyroid gland malignancy. In addition to airway compression symptoms and signs, which are the most common clinical findings, PTL may present with hypothyroidism or B symptoms of lymphoma, including night sweats, weight loss, and fever. Hashimoto thyroiditis is considered a significant risk factor and the most important underlying cause of PTL. Treatment options for PTL include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. In this study, we present a patient who exhibited airway compression symptoms and was treated via total thyroidectomy. Case Report. A 62-year-old woman presented with complaints of weakness and fatigue lasting for approximately four years. The thyroid gland appeared enlarged on inspection and firm on palpation. The patient was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, characterized by elevated autoimmune antibody levels. Ultrasound imaging revealed thyroid enlargement with parenchymal heterogeneity. Despite achieving euthyroidism through thyroid hormone replacement therapy, thyroid enlargement and ultrasound features persisted during follow-up, accompanied by ongoing complaints of neck pain and redness. On magnetic resonance imaging, the thyroid gland appeared markedly enlarged with abnormal superior and inferior extensions. Due to the rapid, diffuse growth of the goitre, the patient underwent bilateral total thyroidectomy. She was discharged on the first postoperative day after an uneventful recovery. In her postoperative first-week follow-up, she reported no complaints and was doing well. Following the histopathological diagnosis of B-cell marginal zone lymphoma, the patient was referred to the Department of Hematology, and a close follow-up was arranged. At her postoperative ninth-month follow-up, she remains asymptomatic and recurrence-free. Conclusions. Thyroid lymphoma can present with rapid growth in the thyroid gland. In addition to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, surgery may be indicated in cases with symptoms and signs of airway compression.

The optimal treatment of invasive ductal and lobular carcinoma occurring at the same time needs to be established

Bilateral breast cancer with distinct histological subtypes poses a significant clinical challenge, requiring an individualised approach to management. This case discusses a 61-year-old postmenopausal woman with concurrent invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) in the right breast and invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) in the left breast. IDC, the most common breast cancer subtype, is known for its aggressive behaviour, nodal involvement and metastatic potential, while ILC, representing a smaller percentage of breast cancers, often exhibits an indolent course with diffuse growth patterns. Both tumours in this patient were hormone receptor-positive (ER/PR-positive) and HER2-negative, warranting targeted endocrine therapies. The complexity of this case was further heightened by a significant family history of breast and colon cancers, and comorbid conditions including borderline diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD), which required careful therapeutic consideration to balance efficacy and tolerability. Pathological evaluation confirmed stage II, grade 2 IDC in the right breast with one positive sentinel lymph node and stage I, grade 1 ILC in the left breast with no nodal involvement. Given her extensive family history, the patient opted for bilateral mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy. Multidisciplinary tumour board discussions emphasised the integration of genetic testing, including BRCA1/2 evaluation, and Oncotype DX genomic profiling to assess recurrence risk and guide adjuvant chemotherapy decisions. Recommendations included adjuvant radiation therapy for the right breast, endocrine therapy for both tumours and the incorporation of CDK 4/6 inhibitors based on recent evidence from the NATALEE trial, which demonstrated improved outcomes in high-risk, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancers. The case highlights the need for further research into the optimal treatment strategies for synchronous breast cancers, a potential knowledge gap in current oncology practice. A literature review revealed limited reports addressing similar cases, underscoring the lack of consensus guidelines. Our approach integrates the best available evidence with multidisciplinary expertise to inform a personalised treatment plan. The learning points emphasise the need for establishing evidence-based strategies for managing synchronous bilateral breast cancers.

The Nexus Between ICT Diffusion, Financial Development, Industrialization and Economic Growth: Evidence from Sub-Saharan African Countries

ABSTRACT This study examines the nexus between ICT diffusion, financial development, industrialization, and economic growth using a novel panel VAR approach in the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation. Different proxies were used to measure the aforementioned variables, diverging from the commonly used measures in prior literature. Based on panel data covering 45 countries from 2000 to 2018, the empirical results suggest that there is bidirectional causality between ICT diffusion and economic growth, financial development and industrialization, financial development and economic growth, as well as industrialization and economic growth. The findings further provide evidence that financial development, levels of industrialization, and economic growth are not significant or positive predictors of ICT diffusion. The study’s implications for policy are profound, suggesting that SSA governments should adopt a holistic approach to economic policy development, integrating ICT, financial, and industrial policies to harness these interdependencies effectively.

Technological Waves, Knowledge Diffusion, and Local Growth

Technological Waves, Knowledge Diffusion, and Local Growth

Dynamical properties of hydrogen fluid at high pressures.

The properties of the hydrogen fluid at high pressures are still of interest to the scientific community. The experimentally unreachable dynamical properties could provide new insights into this field. In 2020 [Cheng et al., Nature 585, 217-220 (2020)], the machine-learned approach allows the calculation of the self-diffusion coefficient in the warm dense hydrogen with higher precision. After that, the work [van de Bund et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 126(22), 225701 (2021)] reports the abinitio treatment of isotopic effects on diffusion in H2/D2 and a significant increase in its value in the region of the phase transition. Both works indicate the anomalous growth of diffusion, but the reasons for this phenomenon are unclear. In the present work, we reveal the plasma-like behavior of the diffusion growth. We apply the classical molecular dynamics method using a machine learning potential developed on the abinitio modeling for the prediction of diffusion and shear viscosity coefficients. We consider dependencies of the vibrational spectrum, molecule lifetime, diffusion, and shear viscosity coefficients on density along the isotherms in the temperature range from 600 to 1100K.

In Vitro Antibacterial Activity Test of Black Pepper (Piper nigri fruktus) Extract Against Escherichia coli Using the Diffusion Method

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli strains necessitates exploring alternative antibacterial agents. Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a widely available spice in Indonesia known for its various bioactive compounds, which exhibit antimicrobial properties. This study evaluates the antibacterial activity of black pepper fruit extract against E. coli using in vitro diffusion and dilution methods. A true experimental design with a post-test-only control group was employed, involving non-pathogenic E. coli cultures. Various concentrations of black pepper extract (100 ppm to 3.125 ppm) were tested. Outcomes were measured by inhibition zones in diffusion tests and growth observations in dilution tests to determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). Results demonstrated a concentration-dependent increase in antibacterial activity, with higher extract concentrations producing larger inhibition zones. Black pepper extract exhibited potential as an alternative antimicrobial agent. Further research is recommended to optimize the formulation and explore its clinical applications.

Antimicrobial properties of bimetallic-containing mesoporous bioglass against Enterococcus faecalis

Various pulp-covering materials offer advantages in regenerative root canal treatment, but each has limitations, highlighting the need for more effective antibacterial strategies for pulp repair and regeneration. Mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBG) show significant biological activity, making them valuable in tissue/dental repair. Silver-incorporated MBG exhibits promising antibacterial effects against various bacteria; copper ions are crucial in regulating angiogenesis signals. Co-loading copper and silver in bioactive glasses has been explored to address clinical challenges. This study modified the preparation of silver-copper bimetallic mesoporous bioactive glass, analyzing their textural properties and antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis. The silver-copper co-loaded bioactive glass (designated as AgCu/80S) was synthesized using a sol-gel technique with modifications. Textural analyses were carried out via X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, and transmission electron microscope. The ion-releasing activity determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and the antibacterial activity against E. faecalis was assessed through disk diffusion and kinetic bacterial growth curve. The modification led to weaker crystallization of calcium silicate, altering ion-releasing and antibacterial activities. Ag3Cu2/80S exhibited the highest released silver ion concentration at 112.6ppm, with an inhibition zone of 9.09±0.09mm in disk diffusion assays. However, the inhibition zone of Ag2Cu3/80S was 9.92±0.04mm, implying that the antibacterial activity may not only be influenced by silver ions. The AgCu/80S showed a potential antibacterial activity against E. faecalis, whereas further research on AgCu/80S glasses is necessary to optimize ion release conditions, assess bioactivities, and explore potential dental applications.

Investigation of the diffusion and crystal growth of CdZnTe in Te solution using the traveling heater method under axial static magnetic field

Nowadays, CdZnTe nuclear detectors are a research hotspot in fields of photon-counting nuclear medical imaging and environmental monitoring.

Broadening of cloud droplet spectra through eddy hopping: Why did we all have it wrong?

Abstract In situ aircraft observations in adiabatic and close-to-adiabatic cloudy volumes suggest that cloud droplet spectra are often broader than predicted by growth of a droplet population rising from the cloud base. Cloud turbulence has been suggested as one of possible mechanisms for the observed spectral broadening. This paper reviews computational studies of the impact of cloud turbulence on the diffusional growth of cloud droplets in adiabatic cloudy volumes. These studies typically apply direct numerical simulation (DNS) or scaledup DNS approach to represent diffusional growth of cloud droplets embedded within homogeneous isotropic air turbulence. There is also a theory that predicts that the droplet spectral width continuously increases in time because of the individual droplet growth or evaporation within turbulent eddies. This mechanism has been referred to as eddy hopping. This paper expands the discussion in Prabhakaran et al. (J. Atmos. Sci. 2022) and illustrates the fundamental flaw of past computational and theoretical studies. These studies do not consider vertical dispersion of droplet positions that leads to growth of droplets that in the mean move upwards, and to evaporation of those that move downwards. The theoretical prediction comes from confusing spectral broadening with the vertical dispersion of droplet positions when periodic lateral boundaries are used in DNS. Computational examples using a stochastic model mimicking eddy hopping show that droplet spectral width does not continuously increase in time, but it saturates at a small spread. Methodologies for appropriate numerical studies of the adiabatic spectral width evolution in natural clouds are discussed.

The Global Race for Talent: Brain Drain, Knowledge Transfer, and Growth

Abstract How does inventors’ migration affect international talent allocation, knowledge diffusion, and productivity growth? To answer this question, I build a novel two-country innovation-led endogenous growth model, where heterogeneous inventors produce innovations, learn from others, and make dynamic migration and return decisions. Migrants interact with individuals at origin and destination, diffusing knowledge within and across countries. To quantify this framework, I construct a micro-level data set of migrant inventors on the U.S.-EU corridor from patent data and document that (i) gross migration is asymmetric, with brain drain (net emigration) from the EU to the United States; (ii) migrants increase their patenting by 33% a year after migration; (iii) migrants continue working with inventors at origin after moving, although less frequently; (iv) migrants’ productivity gains spill over to their collaborators at origin, who increase patenting by 16% a year when a co-inventor emigrates. I calibrate the model to match the empirical results and study the effect of innovation and migration policy. A tax cut for foreigners and return migrants in the EU that eliminates the brain drain increases EU innovation but lowers U.S. innovation and knowledge spillovers. The former effect dominates in the first 25 years, increasing EU productivity growth by 3%, but the latter dominates in the long run, lowering growth by 3%. On the migration policy side, doubling the size of the U.S. H1B visa program increases U.S. and EU growth by 4% in the long run, because it sorts inventors to where they produce more innovations and knowledge spillovers.

Segmentation of Low-Grade Brain Tumors Using Mutual Attention Multimodal MRI.

Early detection and precise characterization of brain tumors play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and extending survival rates. Among neuroimaging modalities, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for brain tumor diagnostics due to its ability to produce high-contrast images across a variety of sequences, each highlighting distinct tissue characteristics. This study focuses on enabling multimodal MRI sequences to advance the automatic segmentation of low-grade astrocytomas, a challenging task due to their diffuse and irregular growth patterns. A novel mutual-attention deep learning framework is proposed, which integrates complementary information from multiple MRI sequences, including T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences, to enhance the segmentation accuracy. Unlike conventional segmentation models, which treat each modality independently or simply concatenate them, our model introduces mutual attention mechanisms. This allows the network to dynamically focus on salient features across modalities by jointly learning interdependencies between imaging sequences, leading to more precise boundary delineations even in regions with subtle tumor signals. The proposed method is validated using the UCSF-PDGM dataset, which consists of 35 astrocytoma cases, presenting a realistic and clinically challenging dataset. The results demonstrate that T2w/FLAIR modalities contribute most significantly to the segmentation performance. The mutual-attention model achieves an average Dice coefficient of 0.87. This study provides an innovative pathway toward improving segmentation of low-grade tumors by enabling context-aware fusion across imaging sequences. Furthermore, the study showcases the clinical relevance of integrating AI with multimodal MRI, potentially improving non-invasive tumor characterization and guiding future research in radiological diagnostics.

(Invited) Recent Advances in Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells at KAIST

Protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs) offer a promising pathway for sustainable energy conversion and storage, operating at temperatures below 600°C. However, several challenges, including sluggish kinetics at the oxygen electrode and the formation of secondary phases within perovskite electrolyte materials, have hindered their widespread adoption. In this presentation, we highlight recent results aimed at overcoming these hurdles and advancing the performance of PCECs at KAIST. Firstly, we present an innovative approach to mitigate processing-related issues in PCECs. By employing a microwave-assisted sintering process (MW-PCEC), we significantly reduce sintering times while suppressing undesirable cation diffusion and grain growth. This results in PCECs with stoichiometric electrolytes and nanostructured fuel electrodes, leading to substantial enhancements in electrochemical performance. Secondly, we tackle the challenge of developing efficient and stable proton-conducting electrolytes. We introduce a novel high entropy perovskite oxide (HEPO) material, with superior conductivity and chemical stability, even in the presence of contaminants like CO2. Utilizing this electrolyte, we fabricate reversible PCECs (R-PCECs) with unprecedented performance, setting new benchmarks in power density and current density. Furthermore, we address the issue of sluggish reaction kinetics at the oxygen electrode by introducing bifunctional oxygen electrodes based on bimetal-doped BaCoO3-𝛿 (BCO). Through doping, we transform BCO into cubic perovskite, enhancing water uptake and hydration abilities, thereby improving proton transport properties. PCECs incorporating these electrodes exhibit record-high power densities, showcasing the potential of rational electrode design for achieving high performance. Overall, our research represents a comprehensive approach to advancing the performance of PCECs through innovative materials design and processing techniques. By addressing critical challenges and pushing the boundaries of current capabilities, we would like to pave the way for the widespread implementation of PCECs as efficient and sustainable energy conversion devices.

Al-Mg electrodeposition using chloride-based molten salts

Al-Mg alloys were potentiostatically electrodeposited from electrolyte with AlCl3, NaCl, KCl and MgCl2 at 180 °C for aircraft applications. The electrode setup includes a Cu cathode, Pt-mesh anode, and Al-rod pseudo-reference electrode. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) reveals the Al deposition sources as Al2Cl7-and AlCl4-. The Mg deposition source can be a reaction between Al2Cl7- and MgCl2 and MgCl2 dissociation (both releasing Mg2+). Depositions at over­poten­tials: -1.03, -1.05, -1.06, and -1.10 V show current density-time curves with almost steady-state j, indicating planar diffusional growth. This is confirmed by layer-like morphologies with near-globular growth features. The average feature size decreases to -1.06 V and increases slightly at -1.10 V due to further deposition over the existing features. The deposit composition (Mg content) increases from 0.36 to 5.68 at.% from -1.03 to -1.10 V. Such a wide range of Mg content is obtained through minimal compositional changes in spent electrolytes, indicating the ease of less-noble Mg deposition. Al-Mg deposition scheme is devised with Al and Mg deposition perceived as Al3+ + 3e- Al and Mg2+ + 2e- Mg; and 2Cl- Cl2(↑)+ 2e- supplying electrons for deposition.

SURG-42. THE T1/T2 RATIO IS ASSOCIATED WITH RESECTABILITY IN PATIENTS WITH IDH-MUTANT ASTROCYTOMAS CNS WHO GRADES 2 AND 3

Abstract PURPOSE IDH-mutant astrocytomas CNS WHO grade 2 and 3 show heterogenous appearance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In the pre-molecular era, the discrepancy between T1 hypointense and T2 hyperintense tumor volume in absolute values has been proposed as a marker for diffuse tumor growth. We set out to investigate if a ratio of T1 to T2 tumor volume (T1/T2 ratio) is associated with resectability and overall survival in patients with IDH-mutant astrocytomas. METHODS Patient data from two centers (Center A: Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Center B: LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany) were collected retrospectively. Inclusion criteria were as follows: pre- and postoperative MRI scans available for volumetric analysis (I), diagnosis of an IDH-mutant astrocytoma between 2003-2021 (II), and tumor resection at initial diagnosis (III). Tumor volumes were manually segmented. The T1/T2 ratio was calculated and correlated with extent of resection, residual T2 tumor volume, and overall survival. RESULTS The study comprised 134 patients with 65 patients included from Center A and 69 patients from Center B. The median overall survival was 134 months and did not differ between the cohorts (p=0.29). Overall, the median T1/T2 ratio was 0.79 (range 0.15-1.0). Tumors displaying a T1/T2 ratio of 0.33 or lower showed significantly larger residual tumor volumes postoperatively (median 17.9 cm3 versus 4.6 cm3, p=0.03). The median extent of resection in these patients was 65% versus 90% (p=0.03). The ratio itself did not correlate with overall survival. In multivariable analyses, larger postoperative tumor volumes were associated with shorter survival times (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03, p<0.01). CONCLUSION The T1/T2 ratio might be a good indicator for diffuse tumor growth on MRI and is associated with resectability in patients with IDH-mutant astrocytoma. This ratio might aid to identify patients in which an oncologically relevant tumor volume reduction cannot be safely achieved.

Spatial feasibility prediction of green hydrogen scale-up in China under decarbonization policies: Based on improved diffusion model

Spatial feasibility prediction of green hydrogen scale-up in China under decarbonization policies: Based on improved diffusion model

Effect of deformation and cooling on non-equilibrium microstructure evolution and phase-transition mechanism of Ti–6Al-2.5Mo-1.5Cr-0.5Fe-0.3Si

Effect of deformation and cooling on non-equilibrium microstructure evolution and phase-transition mechanism of Ti–6Al-2.5Mo-1.5Cr-0.5Fe-0.3Si

Cinema in China: A Bibliometric Journey Through Three Decades of Movie Consumption (1997 - 2024)

The entertainment industry, particularly movie consumption, plays a crucial role in cultural diffusion and economic growth. However, with the rapid evolution of media platforms and the changing dynamics of consumer behaviour, understanding the trends, drivers, and impacts of movie consumption in China has become paramount. This study employs a bibliometric analysis of 68 publications from the years 1997 to 2024, utilizing VOSviewer to investigate research publication trends in movie consumption within China. We aim to identify dominant journals, prolific researchers, and leading research organizations in the field, highlight the most cited research publications and their societal impacts, and develop thematic research clusters around the prevalent terms associated with movie consumption behaviour. Using the Web of Science database, we extracted data to fulfill these objectives. Our findings reveal a significant uptick in research interest post-2011, correlating with China’s cinema boom and digital transformation in entertainment consumption. The analysis reveals that "Hollywood," "Media," and "Ecommerce" emerge as predominant themes, reflecting the nuanced relationship between movie consumption and societal changes in China. The study not only charts the academic landscape but also connects movie consumption trends with broader societal and technological shifts, providing a foundation for future research aimed at understanding and leveraging the dynamics of movie consumption in China.

Influence mechanism of magnetron sputtering process parameters on diamond surface preprocessing interface for chip heat sink

Influence mechanism of magnetron sputtering process parameters on diamond surface preprocessing interface for chip heat sink

Clinicopathological Characteristics of Small Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary, Hypercalcemic Type – a case Series

Abstract Introduction/Objective Small cell carcinoma of the ovary hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT) is a rare (<0.01%) and aggressive ovarian tumor primarily affecting young women (median of approximately 24 years), characterized by rapid growth, early metastasis, and association with hypercalcemia in two-thirds of cases. The diagnosis of SCCOHT is challenging due to its rarity and lack of specific clinical symptoms or biomarkers. Our study aims to delineate the clinicopathologic characteristics of SCCOHT based on our case series and add to the existing knowledge. Methods/Case Report A retrospective review of University of Pennsylvania Health system pathology database was conducted from 2012 to 2024. Our study identified four patients diagnosed with SCCOHT. Clinical information and histopathologic characteristics were reviewed. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Among the four patients identified, the median age was 24 years, with a median tumor size of 14.5 cm, and all patients presented with weight loss, abdomen bloating, and elevated CA125 levels. Notably, two patients exhibited hypercalcemia, while one initially presented with normal calcium levels but developed hypercalcemia during disease recurrence. One patient maintained normal calcium levels throughout. Surgical intervention involved bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in all cases, with pathological staging revealing two patients at pT1a, one at pT1c, and one at pT3c. Histopathological analysis consistently revealed similar morphology, including solid and cystic necrotic neoplasms with diffuse growth or nests/cords of undifferentiated small cells, which displaying vesicular chromatin and prominent nucleoli. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated loss of BRG1 (SMARCA4) expression in two patients and diffuse positivity for WT1 in all patietns, while negative for cytokeratin, germ cell markers, and melanocytic markers. Genetic test revealed SMARCA4 mutation (p.E 717*, c.3169-1G>A) in one patient. Conclusion Small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type, presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to its rarity and aggressive nature. Adequate treatment options are currently limited, highlighting the critical need for further research and development of targeted therapies in SCCOHT. Testing for mutations in the SMARCA4 gene is essential for accurate diagnosis of SCCOHT and may uncover new avenues for treatment and management strategies.