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In the field of reliability engineering, covariate information shared among product units within a specific group (e.g., a manufacturing batch, an operating region), such as operating conditions and design settings, exerts substantial influence on product lifetime prediction. The covariates shared within each group may be missing due to sensing limitations and data privacy issues. The missing covariates shared within the same group commonly encompass a variety of attribute types, such as discrete types, continuous types, or mixed types. Existing studies have mainly considered single-type missing covariates at the individual level, and they have failed to thoroughly investigate the influence of multi-type group-shared missing covariates. Ignoring the multi-type group-shared missing covariates may result in biased estimates and inaccurate predictions of product lifetime, subsequently leading to suboptimal maintenance decisions with increased costs. To account for the influence of the group-shared missing covariates with different structures, a new flexible lifetime model with multi-type group-shared latent heterogeneity is proposed. We further develop a Bayesian estimation algorithm with data augmentation that jointly quantifies the influence of both observed and multi-type group-shared missing covariates on lifetime prediction. A tripartite method is then developed to examine the existence, identify the correct type, and quantify the influence of group-shared missing covariates. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, a comprehensive simulation study is carried out. A real case study involving tensile testing of molding material units is conducted to validate the proposed approach and demonstrate its practical applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, dispersion properties of guided waves in multilayer composite cylindrical shells are studied, which is composed of the inner and outer hybrid nanocomposite (MHC) layers and the middle composite core layer reinforced with shape memory alloy (SMA) fibers. According to the Hamiltonian principle and the thermoelastic theory, wave equations of the composite structure at different ambient temperatures are derived and discretized with spectral elements. By combing the thermal effects and the acoustoelastic effects, the modified semi-analytical finite element method is proposed here for the thermo-acoustoelastic effects of wave characteristics in laminated composite shells. The influence of important parameters on the dispersion characteristics of the structure is explored. The results show that the coupling of SMA fiber reinforced composite layer and MHC layers can significantly improve wave propagation characteristics of the composite cylindrical shells. The frequency of modal conversion increases with the increase of CNT volume fraction. Smaller radius-to-thickness ratios are favorable for internal wave propagation in the structure. This work is of great significance for the regulation of elastic wave propagation in multilayered cylindrical shell structures, and provides a valuable guide for the design and optimization of shell structures in engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Up to now, the correlation between soil evaporation and cracking within a multi-scale perspective remains unclear so far. For this purpose, X-ray computed tomography was used to dynamically capture the 3D cracking process of a compacted clayey soil with evaporation. The proposed image processing methods combining CT image segmentation and digital image correlation (DIC) allowed multi-scale quantitative analysis of the temporal evolution of soil water distribution, regional deformation and crack network upon evaporation. Different mechanisms are defined to explain the development of regional crack networks. Evaporation-mobilised tensile stress leads to cracking in the top part of the soil, with a single-peaked change along drying time in the cracking rate. A similar variation appears in the cracking process of the bottom soil, attributed to the basal friction activated by soil desiccation shrinkage. Besides, the cracking rate of this region is nearly independent of the regional evaporation. As for the middle part of the soil, a double-peaked pattern dominates the cracking rate, as the curling contributes to the formation of new inner cracks and the bottom soil cracks propagate upwards. Furthermore, desiccation cracks developing to a certain extent facilitate the water loss of neighbouring soil bodies, whereas this phenomenon is difficult to present over the whole soil scale. The current outcomes are expected to advance insights into the spatial–temporal cracking mechanism of soils under evaporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) by polymer carbon nitride (PCN) is hampered by the unpredictable movement and rapid recombination of photocarriers. In this study, niacin served as a beneficial modifier to help constructed the directional electron transfer pathway from the center to the edge in the synthesized PCN catalyst (UCNNA) for efficient PMS activation. The UCNNA/PMS/vis shows the highest kinetic constants (0.050 min−1), which is 2.9-fold increase over the PCN/PMS/vis. The experiments and theoretical calculations indicated that niacin as electron acceptor group prevents the recombination of photocarriers in-plane. Simultaneously, niacin can serve as PMS adsorption site, further facilitating electron transfer and the 1O 2 generation. Mass spectrometry analysis and Fukui index calculations confirm the priority of lateral chain oxidation (1O 2 attack site) during atrazine degradation. These results provide new insights into rational design of metal-free catalysts/PMS/vis system, as well as providing guidance and theoretical support for atrazine degradation mechanisms. [Display omitted] • The electron acceptor grafted PCN has been constructed by facile one-step thermopolymerization. • The electron acceptor nicotinic acid groups server as adsorption sites for PMS. • Electron transfer and 1O 2 in this system facilitate efficient degradation of ATZ. • The UCNNA/PMS/vis system has strong anti-interference ability. • The side chain of ATZ is preferentially attacked in this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid repair of engineering structures damaged due to explosions can enhance the structural impact resistance after an explosion, thereby reducing the potential for casualties and property losses. A novel concrete canvas was firstly proposed based on G-HPC (geopolymer-based high performance concrete), UHMWPEWF（ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene woven fabric), and 3D BFG (basalt fiber grid) to rapidly repair engineering structures and render their blast resistance. A sequence of contact blast tests was systematically conducted to verify the feasibility of the proposed G-HPC canvas. A normal reinforced concrete slab and a steel-wire mesh (SWM) reinforced G-HPC slab were initially damaged by the contact blast loading, afterwards, the damaged concrete slabs were rapidly repaired by G-UHPC (geopolymer-based ultra-high-performance concrete) and the novel G-HPC canvas. The rapidly repaired concrete slabs were subsequently tested by contact blast loading. A precise 3D finite element model was then developed and calibrated based on the experimental results. Eventually, numerical simulations were performed to better understand the contribution of main parameters including repair materials filling the internal slab, steel-wire mesh, G-HPC canvas location and its thickness towards the improvement of the rapidly repaired slabs against the contact blast loading. The experimental and numerical results indicated that the SWM reinforced G-HPC slab has superior blast-resistance compared with the RC slab and the proposed method to rapidly repair the damaged slabs was feasible. The G-HPC canvas should be placed properly since the location of the G-HPC canvas is related to whether fragments are produced on the rear surface of the damaged slab. Increasing the G-HPC canvas thickness and the layers of SWM could significantly reduce the damage area of the repaired slab. • A novel G-HPC canvas was first proposed to rapidly repair engineering structures damage in the explosion event. • The damaged RC and SWM reinforced G-HPC slab were further tested after being rapidly repaired. • The experimental results proved the feasibility of the proposed method to rapidly repair the damaged slabs. • A precise 3D finite element model was developed and calibrated based on the experimental results. • The effects of repair materials, SWM, G-HPC canvas location and its thickness were revealed by numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovalbumin (OVA), a major allergen in egg-induced food allergy, is widely used in the food industry. This study investigated the structural and antigenic changes of OVA after covalent conjugation with rosmarinic acid (RA). The SDS-PAGE and RA binding equivalent analysis confirmed that both the radical and alkaline methods successfully prepared the OVA-RA conjugates. LC-MS/MS assay identified 20 and 15 modified sites of RA on OVA in the radical and alkaline OVA-RA conjugates, respectively. The structural changes of OVA were indicated by fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), and ultraviolet absorption (UV) spectrometry. Following conjugation with RA, the antioxidant capacities of OVA for scavenging DPPH• and ABTS•+ showed significant enhancement. Subsequently, the impact of RA on the antigenicity of OVA was assessed both in vitro and in vivo. The ELISA analysis revealed a notable reduction in the binding capacity of OVA to IgG and IgE after covalent conjugation with RA. Additionally, the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) assay demonstrated lower allergenicity in radical and alkaline OVA-RA conjugates compared to native OVA. These findings collectively suggest that OVA-RA conjugates hold promise for the development of hypoallergenic food. • The covalent interaction between rosmarinic acid and ovalbumin was investigated. • The protein structure of ovalbumin underwent changes following covalent conjugation with rosmarinic acid. • The allergenicity of ovalbumin was diminished following covalent conjugation with rosmarinic acid. • The functional properties of ovalbumin were extended following covalent conjugation with rosmarinic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling the pollutant removal performance of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) plays a crucial role in regulating their operation, mitigating effluent anomalies and reducing operating costs. Pollutants removal in WWTPs is closely related to microbial activity. However, there is extremely limited knowledge on the models accurately characterizing pollutants removal performance by microbial activity indicators. This study proposed a novel specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR ATP) with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as biomass. Firstly, it was found that SOUR ATP and total nitrogen (TN) removal rate showed similar fluctuated trends, and their correlation was stronger than that of TN removal rate and common SOUR MLSS with mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) as biomass. Then, support vector regressor (SVR), K-nearest neighbor regressor (KNR), linear regressor (LR), and random forest (RF) models were developed to predict TN removal rate only with microbial activity as features. Models utilizing the novel SOUR ATP resulted in better performance than those based on SOUR MLSS. A model fusion (MF) algorithm based on the above four models was proposed to enhance the accuracy with lower root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.25 mg/L/h and explained 75% of the variation in the test data with SOUR ATP as features as opposed to other base learners. Furthermore, the interpretation of predictive results was explored through microbial community structure and metabolic pathway. Strong correlations were found between SOUR ATP and the proportion of nitrifiers in aerobic pool, as well as between heterotrophic bacteria respiratory activity (SOUR ATP_HB) and the proportion of denitrifies in anoxic pool. SOUR ATP also displayed consistent positive responses with most key enzymes in Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway (EMP), tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and oxidative phosphorylation cycle. In this study, SOUR ATP provides a reliable indication of the composition and metabolic activity of nitrogen removal bacteria, revealing the potential reasons underlying the accurate predictive result of nitrogen removal rates based on novel microbial activity indicators. This study offers new insights for the prediction and further optimization operation of WWTPs from the perspective of microbial activity regulation. [Display omitted] • A novel microbial activity indicator SOUR ATP with ATP as biomass was proposed. • Predictive model of nitrogen removal rate based on microbial activity was conducted. • The SOUR computed by ATP instead of MLSS can obtained higher accuracy. • Biological interpretation was given for the predictive results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotype plasticity and evolution adaptations are the two main ways in which allow populations to deal with environmental changes, but the potential relationship between them remains controversial. Using a reciprocal transplant approach with cattle adapted to the Tibetan Plateau and adjacent lowlands, we aim to investigate the relative contributions of evolutionary processes and phenotypic plasticity in driving both phenotypic and transcriptomic changes under natural conditions. We observed that while numerous genetic transcriptomic changes were evident during the forward adaptation to highland environments, plastic changes predominantly facilitate the transformation of transcriptomes into a preferred state when Tibetan cattle are reintroduced to lowland habitats. Genes with ancestral plasticity are generally reversed by evolutionary adaptations and show a closer expression level to the ancestral stage in evolved Tibetan cattle. A similar trend was also observed at the phenotypes level, with a majority of biochemical and hemorheology phenotypes showing a tendency to revert to their ancestral patterns, suggesting the restoration of ancestral expression levels is a widespread evolutionary trend during adaptation. The findings of our study contribute to the debate regarding the relative contributions of plasticity and genetic changes in mammal environment adaptation. Furthermore, we highlight that the restoration of ancestral phenotypes represents a general pattern in cattle new environment adaptation. Our findings reveal that while numerous genetic transcriptomic changes were observed during the forward adaptation to highland environments, plastic changes predominantly facilitate the transformation of transcriptomes into a preferred state when Tibetan cattle are reintroduced to lowland habitats. Genes exhibiting ancestral plasticity generally undergo reversal through evolutionary adaptations, resulting in closer expression levels resembling their ancestral stage in evolved Tibetan cattle. A similar trend was also observed at the phenotype level, where a majority of biochemical and hemorheology traits displayed a tendency to revert to their ancestral patterns, suggesting that restoration of ancestral expression levels is a widespread evolutionary trend during adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC‐P) is an aggressive subtype of prostate cancer characterized by the growth of tumor cells within the prostate ducts. It is often found alongside invasive carcinoma and is associated with poor prognosis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving IDC‐P is crucial for improved diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies. This review summarizes the molecular characteristics of IDC‐P and their prognostic indications, comparing them to conventional prostate acinar adenocarcinoma, to gain insights into its unique behavior and identify potential therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the progression of prostate cancer (PCa). Several immune-inflammatory indices, including neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lung immune prognostic index (LIPI), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) and systemic immune inflammation index (SII), have demonstrated their prognostic values in several solid malignancies. However, Comparisons of superiority with these seven indices' predictive efficacy within metastatic hormone-sensitive PCa (mHSPC) and metastatic castration-resistant PCa (mCRPC) remain uncertain. Methods: We retrospectively included 407 patients diagnosed with mHSPC and 158 patients with mCRPC at West China Hospital from 2005 to 2022. The seven immune-inflammatory indices were computed based on hematological data of mHSPC at initial diagnosis and mCRPC at progression to CRPC. Prognostic value for castration-resistant prostate cancer-free survival (CFS), overall survival (OS), prostate-specific antigen progression-free survival (PSA-PFS) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response was assessed using Kaplan–Meier curves, Cox regression models, and chi-square tests. The predictive performance of each immune-inflammatory index was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC) in time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis and C-index calculation. Results: All seven immune-inflammatory indices were significantly associated with CFS and OS in the mHSPC cohort, as well as with PSA response, PSA-PFS, and OS in the mCRPC cohort. In the mHSPC cohort, LIPI consistently exhibited higher AUC values compared to NLR, dNLR, LMR, PLR, SII, and SIRI for predicting CFS and OS. This indicates that LIPI had a superior discriminative ability compared to the other indices (C-index of LIPI: 0.643 and 0.686 for CFS and OS, respectively). Notably, the predictive advantage of LIPI over other indices in the mHSPC stage diminished in the mCRPC stage. Conclusions: This study firstly confirmed the prognostic value of SII, SIRI and LIPI in mHSPC and mCRPC, and revealed that LIPI had a higher predictive power than NLR, dNLR, LMR, PLR, SII and SIRI in mHSPC. These non-invasive indices can enable clinicians to quickly assess the prognosis of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment of chondrosarcoma (CS) are continuously improving. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of microwave ablation (MWA) assisted degradation therapy in the surgical treatment of intramedullary chondrosarcoma of the extremities, to provide a new reference and research basis for the surgical treatment of CS. Methods: We recruited 36 patients with intramedullary CS who underwent MWA assisted extended curettage. Preoperative patient demographics and clinical data were recorded. Surgery was independently assisted by a medical team. Patients were followed up strictly and evaluated for oncological prognosis, radiological results, limb joint function, pain, and complications. Results: We included 15 men and 21 women (mean age: 43.5 ± 10.1). The average length of the lesion was 8.1 ± 2.5 cm. Based on preoperative radiographic, clinical manifestations, and pathological results of puncture biopsy, 28 patients were preliminarily diagnosed with CS-grade I and eight patients with CS-grade II. No recurrence or metastasis occurred in the postoperative follow-up. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 28.8 ± 1.0, significantly better than presurgery. Secondary shoulder periarthritis and abduction dysfunction occurred in early postoperative stage CS of the proximal humerus in some, but returned to normal after rehabilitation exercise. Secondary bursitis occurred at the knee joint in some due to the internal fixation device used in treatment; however, secondary osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis of the femoral head were not observed. Overall, oncological and functional prognoses were satisfactory. Conclusions: The application of MWA assisted degradation therapy in intramedullary CS can achieve satisfactory oncology and functional prognosis, providing a new option for the limited treatment of CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this review, we have summarized the crucial role of G9a in cellular biology and disease. By synthesizing recent research discoveries, we delve into the functions of G9a in gene expression regulation, cell proliferation, and biological development. Additionally, we explore its potential involvement in cancer and discuss its prospects as a therapeutic target specifically in prostate cancer. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive perspective on G9a, enhances understanding of the significance of G9a in biology and cancer, and offers insights into future research and drug development. G9a, also named EHMT2, is a histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methyltransferase responsible for catalyzing H3K9 mono- and dimethylation (H3K9me1 and H3K9me2). G9a contributes to various aspects of embryonic development and tissue differentiation through epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, the aberrant expression of G9a is frequently observed in various tumors, particularly in prostate cancer, where it contributes to cancer pathogenesis and progression. This review highlights the critical role of G9a in multiple cancer-related processes, such as epigenetic dysregulation, tumor suppressor gene silencing, cancer lineage plasticity, hypoxia adaption, and cancer progression. Despite the increased research on G9a in prostate cancer, there are still significant gaps, particularly in understanding its interactions within the tumor microenvironment and its broader epigenetic effects. Furthermore, this review discusses the recent advancements in G9a inhibitors, including the development of dual-target inhibitors that target G9a along with other epigenetic factors such as EZH2 and HDAC. It aims to bring together the existing knowledge, identify gaps in the current research, and suggest future directions for research and treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poly (ADP- ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) has been increasingly adopted for metastatic castration-resistance prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients with homologous recombination repair deficiency (HRD). However, it is unclear which PARPi is optimal in mCRPC patients with HRD in 2nd -line setting. Method: We conducted a systematic review of trials regarding PARPi- based therapies on mCRPC in 2nd -line setting and performed a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA). Radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) was assessed as primary outcome. PSA response and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated as secondary outcomes. Subgroup analyses were performed according to specific genetic mutation. Results: Four RCTs comprised of 1024 patients (763 harbored homologous recombination repair (HRR) mutations) were identified for quantitative analysis. Regarding rPFS, olaparib monotherapy, rucaparib and cediranib plus olaparib showed significant improvement compared with ARAT. Olaparib plus cediranib had the highest surface under cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) scores (87.5%) for rPFS, followed by rucaparib, olaparib and olaparib plus abiraterone acetate prednisone. For patients with BRCA 1/2 mutations, olaparib associated with the highest probability (98.1%) of improved rPFS. For patients with BRCA-2 mutations, olaparib and olaparib plus cediranib had similar efficacy. However, neither olaparib nor rucaparib showed significant superior effectiveness to androgen receptor-axis-targeted therapy (ARAT) in patients with ATM mutations. For safety, olaparib showed significantly lower ≥ 3 AE rate compared with cediranib plus olaparib (RR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.51, 0.97), while olaparib plus cediranib was associated with the highest risk of all-grade AE. Conclusion: PARPi-based therapy showed considerable efficacy for mCRPC patients with HRD in 2nd -line setting. However, patients should be treated accordingly based on their genetic background as well as the efficacy and safety of the selected regimen. Trial registration: : CRD42023454079. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) combined with chemotherapy are efficacious for treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, the effectiveness of this approach in the malignant pleural effusion (MPE) population is unclear. This study evaluated ICI plus chemotherapy in NSCLC patients with MPE. Methods: Patients from 3 centers in China with NSCLC and MPE who received ICI plus chemotherapy (ICI Plus Chemo) or chemotherapy alone (Chemo) between December 2014 and June 2023 were enrolled. Clinical outcomes and adverse events (AEs) were compared. Results: Of 155 eligible patients, the median age was 61.0 years old. Males and never-smokers accounted for 73.5% and 39.4%, respectively. Fifty-seven and 98 patients received ICI Plus Chemo or Chemo, respectively. With a median study follow-up of 10.8 months, progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly longer with ICI Plus Chemo than with Chemo (median PFS: 7.4 versus 5.7 months; HR = 0.594 [95% CI: 0.403–0.874], P = 0.008). Median overall survival (OS) did not differ between groups (ICI Plus Chemo: 34.2 versus Chemo: 28.3 months; HR = 0.746 [95% CI: 0.420–1.325], P = 0.317). The most common grade 3 or worse AEs included decreased neutrophil count (3 [5.3%] patients in the ICI Plus Chemo group vs. 5 [5.1%] patients in the Chemo group) and decreased hemoglobin (3 [5.3%] versus 10 [10.2%]). Conclusions: In patients with untreated NSCLC with MPE, ICI plus chemotherapy resulted in significantly longer PFS than chemotherapy and had a manageable tolerability profile, but the effect on OS may be limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Glucose-lowering drug is associated with various cancers, but the causality with gastrointestinal cancer risk is rarely reported. We aimed to explore the causality between them in this Mendelian randomization (MR) study. Methods: Two-sample MR, summary-data-based (SMR), mediation MR, and colocalization analyses was employed. Ten glucose-lowering drug targets (PPARG, DPP4, GLP1R, INSR, SLC5A2, ABCC8, KCNJ11, ETFDH, GPD2, PRKAB1) and seven types of gastrointestinal cancer (anal carcinoma, cardia cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), pancreatic cancer, rectum cancer) were included. Patients with gastrointestinal cancers from six different large GWAS databases, including the UK Biobank and Finnish cohorts were incorporated, for discovery and external validation. Meta-analysis was employed to integrate the results from both discovery and validation cohorts, thereby ensuring the reliability of findings. Results: ABCC8/KCNJ11 were associated with pancreatic cancer risk in both two-sample MR (odds ratio (OR): 15.058, per standard deviation unit (SD) change of glucose-lowering durg target perturbation equivalent to 1 SD unit of HbA1c lowering; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 3.824–59.295; P-value = 0.0001) and SMR (OR: 1.142; 95% CI: 1.013–1.287; P-value = 0.030) analyses. The mediation effect of body mass index (OR: 0.938; 95% CI: 0.884–0.995; proportion of mediation effect: 3.001%; P-value = 0.033) on ABCC8/KCNJ11 and pancreatic cancer was uncovered. Strong connections of DPP4 with anal carcinoma (OR: 0.123; 95% CI: 0.020–0.745; P-value = 0.023) and ICC (OR: 7.733; 95% CI: 1.743–34.310; P-value = 0.007) were detected. PPARG was associated with anal carcinoma (OR: 12.909; 95% CI: 3.217–51.795; P-value = 0.0003), HCC (OR: 36.507; 95% CI: 8.929-149.259; P-value < 0.0001), and pancreatic cancer (OR: 0.110; 95% CI: 0.071–0.172; P-value < 0.0001). SLC5A2 was connected with pancreatic cancer (OR: 8.096; 95% CI: 3.476–18.857; P-value < 0.0001). Weak evidence indicated the connections of GLP1R, GPD2, and PRKAB1 with anal carcinoma, cardia cancer, ICC, and rectum cancer. In addition, the corresponding results were consistently validated in both the validation cohorts and the integrated outcomes. Conclusions: Some glucose-lowering drugs were associated with gastrointestinal cancer risk, which might provide new ideas for gastrointestinal cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter discusses the validation of the Meet-URO score as a prognostic model for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients receiving second or third-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combination therapy. The Meet-URO score incorporates the presence of bone metastases and baseline peripheral-blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) into the International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) score. The study found that the Meet-URO score accurately predicted the prognosis of patients in this treatment setting, with higher scores correlating with shorter overall survival. The Meet-URO score also had a higher discriminative ability than the IMDC score. This study examines the prognostic value of the Meet-URO score, a scoring system that combines the inflammatory index NLR with the IMDC score, in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) receiving second or third-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combination treatment. The study suggests that the Meet-URO score may provide more accurate prognostic stratification than the IMDC score in this patient population. However, due to the limited number of participants and single-center design, further research with larger cohorts is needed to validate these findings. [Extracted from the article]

We study Gaussian quantum steering in the Schwarzschild–de Sitter (SdS) spacetime that is endowed with both a black hole event horizon (BEH) and a cosmological event horizon (CEH), giving rise to two different Hawking temperatures. It is shown that the Hawking effect of the black hole always reduces the quantum steering, but the Hawking effect of the expanding universe does not always play the same role. For the first time, we find that the Hawking effect can improve quantum steering. We also find that the observer who locates in the BEH has stronger steerability than the observer who locates in CEH. Further, we study the steering asymmetry, and the conditions for two-way, one-way and no-way steering in the SdS spacetime. Finally, we study the Gaussian quantum steering in the scenario of effective equilibrium temperature. We show that quantum steering reduces monotonically with the effective temperature but now increases monotonically with the Hawking temperature of the black hole, which banishes the belief that the Hawking effect can only destroy quantum steering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since progressive collapse is essentially a dynamic process, the whole-process resistance evolution path is critical for a structure against progressive collapse. Previous analytical studies focus primarily on one particular phase of a single load transfer mechanism, such as compressive arch action (CAA) or catenary action (CA) capacity. This study develops a unified analytical model to evaluate the whole resistance-displacement curve of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. In the analytical model, compatibility, equilibrium condition, constitutive laws of concrete and reinforcing bars, and fracture of reinforcing bars are considered. To avoid complex iterations, curvature equations and combination schemes of cross-sectional forces are also established. The analytical model is verified against experimental resistances and axial forces of RC beam-column substructures measured in 24 tests, and it is subsequently utilized to illustrate the evolution of cross-sectional forces throughout the loading process. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis based on the K-L entropy index is conducted to quantify the effects of different parameters on the progressive collapse resistance. The results show that the yield strength and diameter of reinforcing bars are vital to the whole resistance curves. The axial stiffness and beam depth primarily affect CAA capacity, while having a less significant impact on the CA capacity. Fracture displacement of reinforcing bars is the most influential parameter for CA capacity, suggesting the importance of considering the fracture of reinforcing bars in the analytical model. • A whole-process analytical model is developed to evaluate the resistance-displacement curve of RC structures. • The analytical model is verified through experimental resistances and axial forces of RC beam-column substructures. • The evolution of beam cross-sectional forces throughout the loading process is illustrated by using the model. • A sensitivity analysis based on the K-L entropy index is conducted to quantify the effects of different parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MXene application in soil enhance root rot disease resistance of Torreya grandis. • MXene alter microbial community and suppress abundance of Torreya grandis. • MXene affect permeability of Fusarium solani via damaging the cell membranes. • MXene can enhance expression and activities of lignin biosynthesis-related genes. Root rot is a soil-borne disease primarily caused by fungi. The malady not only decrease the ability of absorbing water and nutrients, but also severely threat agricultural productivity. Recently, a new family member of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbide materials, MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x), has gained much interest as a promising approach to control fungi. However, the efficient use and mechanism of MXene in protecting plant against pathogenic fungus are still rarely reported. Here, the synthesized MXene were first characterized by the atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). MXene application in soil obviously enhanced the root rot disease resistance of T. grandis. Soil microbial community analysis indicated that the abundance of Fusasium genus was decreased by 68.32% after MXene treatment. Further, MXene specially affected the permeability of Fusarium solani via damaging their cell membranes, thereby causing the disintegration and cell death of F. solani. In addition, MXene nanoflakes could transport into roots through T. grandis root air space, which resulted in the accumulation of lignin in roots via enhancing the expression and activities of lignin biosynthesis-related genes in T. grandis roots. Taken together, our finding pioneers comprehensive insights into the antifungal mechanism of MXene against F. solani and the efficiency use of MXene in protecting plant against pathogenic fungus, which will prompt the rapid development of nanotechnology in sustainable forestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To develop and validate a predictive model based on clinical features and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to reduce unnecessary systematic biopsies (SBs) in biopsy-naïve patients with suspected prostate cancer (PCa). Methods: A total of 274 patients who underwent combined cognitive MRI-targeted biopsy (MRTB) with SB were retrospectively enrolled and temporally split into development (n = 201) and validation (n = 73) cohorts. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine independent predictors of clinically significant PCa (csPCa) on cognitive MRTB, and the clinical, MRI, and combined models were established respectively. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration plots, and decision curve analyses were assessed. Results: Prostate imaging data and reporting system (PI-RADS) score, index lesion (IL) on the peripheral zone, age, and prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) were independent predictors and included in the combined model. The combined model achieved the best discrimination (AUC 0.88) as compared to both the MRI model incorporated by PI-RADS score, IL level, and zone (AUC 0.86) and the clinical model incorporated by age and PSAD (AUC 0.70). The combined model also showed good calibration and enabled great net benefit. Applying the combined model as a reference for performing MRTB alone with a cutoff of 60% would reduce 43.8% of additional SB, while missing 2.9% csPCa. Conclusions: The combined model based on clinical and mpMRI findings improved csPCa prediction and might be useful in making a decision about which patient could safely avoid unnecessary SB in addition to MRTB in biopsy-naïve patients. Critical relevance statement: The combined model based on clinical and mpMRI findings improved csPCa prediction and might be useful in making a decision about which patient could safely avoid unnecessary SB in addition to MRTB in biopsy-naïve patients. Key points: • Age, PSAD, PI-RADS score, and peripheral index lesion were independent predictors of csPCa. • Risk models were used to predict the probability of detecting csPCa on cognitive MRTB. • The combined model might reduce 43.8% of unnecessary SBs, while missing 2.9% csPCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and advancement of thin-film thermoelectric generator (TEG) have significant implications in wearable electronics. However, the simultaneous achievement of higher power density, miniaturization, and flexibility in TEG has remained a significant challenge, impeding their widespread commercial application. Herein, high-performance inorganic thermoelectric films (Bi 2 Te 3 and Bi 0.5 Sb 1.5 Te 3) are employed compatibly deposited at polyimide (PI) substrate as the p/n legs to design and demonstrate a three-dimensional (3D) wavy-structure thin-film TEG. This 3D structure design enables vertical heat flow in the planar thin-film TEG, and effectively harnesses out-of-plane temperature differences. The integrated wavy-structure TEG without an additional heat sink, gives the highest open voltage of 54.6 mV under a vertical temperature gradient of 11 K, corresponding to a high normalized output power density of ∼10.6 μW cm−2 K−2, surpassing previously reported flexible thin film TEG by over 5 times. Moreover, the TEG exhibits excellent flexibility and stretchability which is beneficial for application on curved heat sources. The design strategy conceived in this work will promote the development of high-performance TEG for flexible and wearable applications. [Display omitted] • A novel 3D flexible stretchable wavy-structure thin film TEG was developed. • A higher normalized power density of 10.6 μW m−2 K−2 was realized. • The TEG kept reliable after 2000 stretching repetitions under 22% tensile strain. • The TEG can endure 2000 bending cycle under a 6 mm bending radius. • The PF value of Bi 0.5 Sb 1.5 Te 3 and Bi 2 Te are 37.8 μW cm−1 K−2 and 26.8 μW cm−1 K−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by photoinduced molecular oxygen (O 2) activation has attracted great attention in environmental remediation and pollution control. Herein, we establish a facile sulfur doping strategy that promotes the activation of molecular oxygen over BiOCl for rapid and continuous degradation of organic pollutants. In this work, we demonstrate that the significantly enhanced built-in electric field (BIEF) induced by the heterogeneous introduction of S atoms not only multiplies the electron concentration in the BiOCl matrix, but also accelerates the rapid separation/transfer of charge carriers and inhibits recombination. Driven by this, the exciton behavior in the BOC undergoes a transformation. The electrons generated through exciton dissociation activate the adsorbed O 2 on the surface into superoxide radicals (•O 2 –). Benefited from the superior O 2 activation efficiency, the degradation rate constant of ciprofloxacin (CIP) the fabricated S-doped BiOCl increased by 8.8 times, under visible light. This work proposes a strategy to promote the photocatalytic O 2 activation via tuning BIEF and manipulating excitonic effects, which affords new perspective for understanding the reaction mechanisms related to charge transfer in photocatalytic systems. [Display omitted] • S doping dramatically alter morphology and physicochemical characteristics of BiOCl. • Enhanced built-in electric field induced by S doping promotes separation and migration of charge carriers in bulk BiOCl. • Remarkable efficiency of O 2 activation is achieved over S-doped BiOCl with abundant O vacancies. • Boosted dissociation of excitons into charge carriers transforms O 2 activation behavior. • S-doped BiOCl exhibits remarkable performance toward photocatalytic degradation of CIP and various antibiotics in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]