Search

The sub-continental lithosphere mantle (SCLM) represents a mechanical barrier that separate the converting mantle from the exosphere, and possesses the ability to sequester and release volatiles, making it an integral part in deep volatile cycling. Here we explore the SCLM in modulating F and Cl cycling through a case study from the Early Cretaceous Dabeigou basalts in the North China Craton (NCC). These lavas are associated with decratonization of the NCC, a process involving significant removal and replacement of the ancient SCLM. The Dabeigou basalts, characterized by arc magma-like trace element signatures, evolved initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.70574–0.70578), εNd(t) (−11.2–−11.1), and εHf(t) (−13.7–−13.4) values, along with high Fe/Mn ratios, Ni contents, and δ18O values (5.8‰–6.8ε) of olivine phenocrysts, are compatible with their origination from a veined, pyroxene-rich source formed through the infiltration and interaction of hydrous silicate melts from the subducting Pacific slabs with ambient SCLM. Olivine-hosted melt inclusions of the Dabeigou basalts have compositions similar to the whole rocks, indicating that they record pre-eruptive melt compositions forming the whole rocks. The melt inclusions exhibit high F (1371–2316 ppm) and moderate Cl (688–900 ppm) contents, with high F/Cl ratios of 2.1±0.3 (1σ). The F and Cl signatures of the Dabeigou basalts are different from those of typical arc magmas, which are commonly characterized by high Cl contents (median of ∼1200 ppm) and low F/Cl ratios (<1). The observed differences can be attributed to chromatographic reaction that fractionates elements of different compatibility in the metasomatic agents, with amphibole as the main mineral phase for fractionating and preserving F and Cl. That is, amphibole crystallization prefers to retain F rather than Cl, making the metasomes in vein enriched in F and exhibiting elevated F/Cl ratios compared to original metasomatic agents. It is further suggested that the scenario inferred from the Dabeigou basalts might be common for crystallization of hydrous minerals during chromatographic metasomatism, which causes significant heterogeneity with respect to F and Cl in the SCLM, and might have played a crucial role in regulating F and Cl cycling within the SCLM environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The diagnostic evaluation of men with suspected prostate cancer (PCa) yet inconclusive MRI (PI-RADS ≤ 3) presents a common clinical challenge. [68Ga]Ga-labelled prostate-specific membrane antigen ([68Ga]Ga-PSMA) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has shown promise in identifying clinically significant PCa (csPCa). We aim to establish a diagnostic model incorporating PSMA-PET to enhance the diagnostic process of csPCa in PI-RADS ≤ 3 men. Materials and Methods: This study retrospective included 151 men with clinical suspicion of PCa and PI-RADS ≤ 3 MRI. All men underwent [68Ga]Ga-PSMA PET/CT scans and ultrasound/MRI/PET fusion-guided biopsies. csPCa was defined as Grade Group ≥ 2. PRIMARY-scores from PSMA-PET scans were evaluated. A diagnostic model incorporating PSMA-PET and prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-derived parameters was developed. The discriminative performance and clinical utility were compared with conventional methods. Internal validation was conducted using a fivefold cross-validation with 1000 iterations. Results: In this PI-RADS ≤ 3 cohort, areas-under-the-curve (AUCs) for detecting csPCa were 0.796 (95%CI, 0.738–0.853), 0.851 (95%CI, 0.783–0.918) and 0.806 (95%CI, 0.742–0.870) for PRIMARY-score, SUVmax and routine clinical PSMA-PET assessment, respectively. The diagnostic model comprising PRIMARY-score, SUVmax and serum free PSA/total PSA (fPSA/tPSA) achieved a significantly higher AUC of 0.906 (95%CI, 0.851–0.961) compared to strategies based on PRIMARY-score or SUVmax (P < 0.05) and markedly superior to conventional strategies typically based on PSA density (P < 0.001). The average fivefold cross-validated AUC with 1000 iterations was 0.878 (95%CI, 0.820–0.954). Theoretically, using a threshold of 21.6%, the model could have prevented 78% of unnecessary biopsies while missing only 7.8% of csPCa cases in this cohort. Conclusions: A novel diagnostic model incorporating PSMA-PET derived metrics—PRIMARY-score and SUVmax—along with serum fPSA/tPSA, has been developed and validated. The integrated model may assist clinical decision-making with enhanced diagnostic accuracy over the individual conventional metrics. It has great potential to reduce unnecessary biopsies for men with PI-RADS ≤ 3 MRI results and warrants further prospective and external evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the first-line treatment for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), but 20–40% of patients do not respond well to UDCA. We aimed to develop and validate a prognostic model for the early prediction of patients who nonresponse to UDCA. This retrospective analysis was conducted among patients with primary biliary cholangitis(N = 257) to develop a predictive model for early-stage nonresponse to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy. The model's reliability was subsequently confirmed through external validation in an independent cohort(N = 71). Multivariate cox regression analysis was used to evaluate variables that were significant in the univariate analysis. Total cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were the three independent risk factors associated with early biochemical nonresponse to UDCA treatment. Based on these factors, we established a predictive model that possessed good discriminative ability, as reflected by an AUC of 0.862(95%CI = 0.813–0.911). The ROC curve of the external validation set calculated the AUC of 0.916(95%CI:0.823–1.000). In summary, we developed an early predictive model that could identify potential nonresponse factors to UDCA at baseline, which could facilitate risk evaluation and stratification for PBC patients. The NLR and total cholesterol provided a supplementary means for effectively managing PBC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of torrefaction (TF) and hydrothermal treatment (HT) on the preparation of activated carbons (ACs) from penicillin mycelia residues (PMR) were investigated. Textural properties, microstructures, graphitization, and surface functional groups of the ACs were examined. The adsorption isotherms and kinetics of ACs for methylene blue (MB) were discussed. The results showed TAC1 exhibited the largest specific surface area (1983.95 m2/g), while TAC0.5 exhibited the largest microporous surface area (1447.88 m2/g). With the increase of the KOH ratio, the pore size distribution of ACs gradually developed to large micropores and mesopores. Raman and FT-IR results showed that all ACs have similar graphitized structures and surface chemistry, although the peak intensities differed. XPS results showed that both BAC0.5 and TAC0.5 contained higher C = O, improving the aromatization, especially BAC0.5. TAC0.5 had the largest adsorption capacity for MB, with adsorption values of 620.16 mg/g at an MB concentration of 1000 mg/L. The isothermal adsorption model showed that the adsorption of ACs for MB was better fitted by the Freundlich than Langmuir models. The adsorption kinetics indicated that the adsorption process of AC0.5, HTAC0.5, and TAC0.5 for MB was mainly chemical adsorption, while that of BAC0.5 was physical adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, a facile method to extract the carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with high yield from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) at room temperature (RT) is put forward that uses a solvent system of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and citric acid (CA) aqueous solution. The rod-like carboxylated CNCs were achieved with a maximum yield of 72.3% and a maximum carboxyl group content of 0.75 mmol/g. Meanwhile, the crystal transformation from cellulose I to II was detected with variation of solvent composition. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the iridescent phenomenon was observed in extremely thin films which were prepared from carboxylated CNC suspension with a concentration of only 0.08–0.15 wt% via evaporation-induced self-assembly. The possible formation mechanism is considered to be related to the synergistic effects of film confinement and drying stresses. Furthermore, the interaction between Petri dish substrate and the film played a role. As the first example of isolation of carboxylated CNCs with high yield at RT using ZnCl2/CA aqueous solution, this work provides a facile and practical strategy for the preparation of functional cellulose nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the destruction of the North China Craton in the Mesozoic era, a significant gold mineralization event occurred, leading to the formation of the world-renowned Jiaodong Gold Province. The Liaodong and Jiaodong regions have similar tectonic backgrounds and geological evolution histories. However, the confirmed gold resources in the Liaodong region are only one-tenth of those in Jiaodong. To reveal the controlling factors behind the differences in mineralization between these two regions and explore the deep mineralization prospects in the Liaodong region, we conducted a short-period and high-density array (WSP array) in the Wulong Gold Concentrated Area, the largest goldfield in the Liaodong region. Using data recorded by 334 SmartSolo seismometers for one month, we applied ambient noise tomography to obtain the S-wave velocity structure of the crust down to a depth of 3.5 km beneath the Wulong goldfield. The velocity structure revealed the presence of two sets of low-velocity anomalies trending NNE and NW, respectively, in the shallow crust (shallower than 1.5 km) of the Wulong goldfield, while two high-velocity anomalies were identified at deeper depths (1.5–3.5 km). By combining these findings with the geological characteristics of the Wulong goldfield, it was discovered that the high-velocity anomaly (II) corresponds to the Sanguliu granitic body exposed at the surface, while the high-velocity anomaly (I) could be a concealed intrusive body. The shallow low-velocity anomalies are the result of hydrothermal alteration caused by mineralizing fluids along the NNE- and NW-trending faults. The intersection of these two sets of faults, where the low-velocity anomalies exist, represents the center of the hydrothermal activities. Based on these observations, it is proposed that the area between the Sanguliu granitic body and the concealed intrusive body in the northwest has favorable metallogenic conditions. The intersections of the NNE- and NW-trending faults show the high potential for forming large to super-large altered rock-type gold deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the impact of plasticizer functional groups on starch plasticization, three distinct plasticizers were selected in this study: ethylene glycol (EG), ethylenediamine (EDA), and ethylenebisformamide (EBF). Three models of the plasticizer/starch system were constructed using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and the analysis encompassed the computation of mean square displacement (MSD), radial distribution function (RDF), and hydrogen bonding energy for each system. Additionally, the proportions of simulation were used to prepare thermoplastic starch films, which were subsequently subjected to examinations such as DSC, XRD, FT-IR, SEM, and mechanical property testing. Comparative analysis of the simulation data from the three systems and the properties of the manufactured thermoplastic starch (TPS) established that the diverse functional groups of plasticizers significantly influenced starch plasticization. In different plasticizer functional group types, it was observed that hydroxyl groups in EG and amino groups in EDA predominantly form hydrogen bonds with hydroxyl groups in starch molecular chain. In contrast, amide groups in EBF can establish hydrogen bonds not only with hydroxyl groups of starch but also with ether bonds on the starch main chain, thereby resulting in more effective starch plasticization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: MRI-negative children with focal cortical dysplasia type II (FCD II) are one of the most challenging cases in surgical epilepsy management. We aimed to utilize quantitative positron emission tomography (QPET) analysis to complement [18F]SynVesT-1 and [18F]FDG PET imaging and facilitate the localization of epileptogenic foci in pediatric MRI-negative FCD II patients. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 17 MRI-negative children with FCD II who underwent [18F]SynVesT-1 and [18F]FDG PET before surgical resection. The QPET scans were analyzed using statistical parametric mapping (SPM) with respect to healthy controls. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and area under the curve (AUC) of [18F]SynVesT-1 PET, [18F]FDG PET, [18F]SynVesT-1 QPET, and [18F]FDG QPET in the localization of epileptogenic foci were assessed. Additionally, we developed a multivariate prediction model based on dual trace PET/QPET assessment. Results: The AUC values of [18F]FDG PET and [18F]SynVesT-1 PET were 0.861 (sensitivity = 94.1%, specificity = 78.2%, PPV = 38.1%, NPV = 98.9%) and 0.908 (sensitivity = 82.4%, specificity = 99.2%, PPV = 93.3%, NPV = 97.5%), respectively. [18F]FDG QPET showed lower sensitivity (76.5%) and NPV (96.6%) but higher specificity (95.0%) and PPV (68.4%) than visual assessment, while [18F]SynVesT-1 QPET exhibited higher sensitivity (94.1%) and NPV (99.1%) but lower specificity (97.5%) and PPV (84.2%). The multivariate prediction model had the highest AUC value (AUC = 0.996, sensitivity = 100.0%, specificity = 96.6%, PPV = 81.0%, NPV = 100%). Conclusions: The multivariate prediction model based on [18F]SynVesT-1 and [18F]FDG PET/QPET assessments holds promise in noninvasively identifying epileptogenic regions in MRI-negative children with FCD II. Furthermore, the combination of visual assessment and QPET may improve the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests in localizing epileptogenic foci and achieving a preferable surgical outcome in MRI-negative FCD II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-situ dating of the zircons, titanites, and apatites in the rock fragments of approximately 1 cm2 in size from the Acasta Gneiss Complex was performed using secondary ion mass spectrometry or laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to provide constraints on the thermal history of the Acasta Gneiss Complex. The zircons in these rock fragments typically exhibit multiple age populations, reflecting the presence of inherited zircons or the post-crystallization process of zircon overgrowth. Combined with previous studies, our zircon dating results reveal multiple magmatic events that occurred in the Acasta Gneiss Complex, specifically at >3.96, ∼3.72, and ∼3.57 Ga, respectively. A titanite Pb-Pb isochron age of 2911±22 Ma (95% confidence level, MSWD=1.5) for sample AY199 is identified, consistent with the timing of the latest Archean magmatism in the Acasta Gneiss Complex. The titanite U-Pb ages for samples AC478 and AY066 are 1932±270 Ma (95% confidence level, MSWD=2.3) and 1813±45 Ma (95% confidence level, MSWD=2.3), respectively. The apatites in sample P090803-C exhibit a Pb-Pb isochron age of 1833±26 Ma (95% confidence level, MSWD=1.4). The apatite U-Pb ages for samples AC478, AY199, and AY066 are 1850±20 Ma (95% confidence level, MSWD=1.3), 1827±100 Ma (95% confidence level, MSWD=6.3), and 1807±58 Ma (95% confidence level, MSWD=3.9), respectively. Titanites in samples AC478 and AY066, as well as the apatites in all four investigated samples, show a uniform age (Pb-Pb or U-Pb age) of ∼1.9–1.8 Ga, indicating U-Pb system reset in these minerals due to the Wopmay orogeny and documenting that the peak temperature condition associated with the Wopmay orogeny exceeded the apatite U-Pb closure temperature and approached or exceeded that of titanite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: PD-L1 PET imaging, as a non-invasive procedure, can perform a real-time, dynamic and quantitative analysis of PD-L1 expression at tumor sites. In this study, we developed a novel peptide-based PET tracer, [68 Ga]Ga-AUNP-12, for preclinical and first-of-its-kind imaging of PD-L1 expression in patients. Methods: Radiosynthesis of [68 Ga]Ga-AUNP-12 was conducted. Assays for cellular uptake and binding were conducted on the PANC02, CT26, and B16F10 cell lines. Preclinical models were used to investigate its biodistribution, imaging capacity, and pharmacokinetics. Furthermore, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was used for development of an animal model with high PD-L1 expression for targeted PET imaging and efficacy evaluation of PD-L1 blocking therapy. In healthy volunteers and cancer patients, the PD-L1 imaging, radiation dosimetry, safety, and biodistribution were further evaluated. Results: In vitro and in vivo animal studies showed that [68 Ga]Ga-AUNP-12 PET imaging displayed a high specificity in evaluating PD-L1 expression. The radiochemical yield of [68 Ga]Ga-AUNP-12 was 71.7 ± 8.2%. Additionally, its molar activity and radiochemical purity were satisfactory. The B16F10 tumor was visualized with the tumor uptake of 6.86 ± 0.71% ID/g and tumor-to-muscle ratio of 6.83 ± 0.36 at 60 min after [68 Ga]Ga-AUNP-12 injection. Furthermore, [68 Ga]Ga-AUNP-12 PET imaging could sensitively detect the PD-L1 dynamic changes in CT26 tumor xenograft models regulated by IFN-γ treatment, and correspondingly can effectively guide immunotherapy. Regarding radiation dosimetry, [68 Ga]Ga-AUNP-12 is safe for human use. The first human study found that [68 Ga]Ga-AUNP-12 can be rapidly cleared from blood and other nonspecific organs through the kidney excretion, leading to form a clear imaging contrast in the clinical framework. The specificity of [68 Ga]Ga-AUNP-12 was validated and tumor uptake strongly correlated with the high PD-L1 expression in patients with lung adenocarcinoma and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Conclusion: [68 Ga]Ga-AUNP-12 was successfully developed as a PD-L1-specific PET imaging tracer in preclinical and first-in-human studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mica exhibits a relatively high Rb/Sr ratio and possesses a closure temperature for the Rb-Sr isotope system that is higher than the ore-forming temperature range of low- to medium-temperature deposits. Consequently, utilizing the laser ablation (LA) technique for in situ Rb-Sr dating in mica constitutes a significant methodology for resolving the mineralization chronology of low- to medium-temperature hydrothermal ore deposits. In this study, we employed a combination of a triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS/MS) and 193 nm LA system with SF6 as the reaction gas to achieve interference removal of 87Rb+ on 87Sr+. We then developed an in situ Rb-Sr dating method for mica. In addition, an investigation was conducted to identify the factors that could influence the analytical accuracy of the method. Subsequently, we applied the developed method to carry out in situ Rb-Sr dating for the ZBH-25 biotite, a national primary reference material (GBW04439) for K-Ar dating, and yielded a younger age (ca. 12%, relative standard deviation, RSD) than the reference K-Ar age when using NIST SRM 610 as the reference material for external calibration. This finding indicated that in the process of determining Rb-Sr ages for mica by LA-ICP-MS/MS, there are significant matrix effects between the NIST SRM 610 and the mica samples, resulting in inaccurate Rb-Sr ages. In response to this issue, a two-step calibration method is proposed here. Based on external calibration using NIST SRM 610, ZBH-25 biotite is employed as a second external reference material to perform a second calibration of the sample data to correct the matrix effect between the glass standards and the natural mica samples, thereby improving the accuracy of Rb-Sr dating by LA-ICP-MS/MS. Using the proposed method, in situ Rb-Sr dating by LA-ICP-MS/MS was performed on mica samples from monzonite exposed in Mt. Dromedary, New South Wales, Australia, porphyritic granodiorite in Fangshan pluton and albionite granite in the Gyirong area of Tibet. The obtained Rb-Sr age results show agreement with the recommended values within the analytical uncertainty, which serves to validate the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The newly developed nonhydrostatic (NH) global spectral dynamical core is evaluated by using three-dimensional (3D) benchmark tests with/without moisture. This new dynamical core differs from the original Aladin-NH like one in the combined use of a dry-mass vertical coordinate and a new temperature variable, and thus, it inherently conserves the dry air mass and includes the mass sink effect associated with precipitation flux. Some 3D dry benchmark tests are first conducted, including steady state, dry baroclinic waves, mountain waves in non-sheared and sheared background flows, and a dry Held–Suarez test. The results from these test cases demonstrate that the present dynamical core is accurate and robust in applications on the sphere, especially for addressing the nonhydrostatic effects. Then, three additional moist test cases are conducted to further explore the improvement of the new dynamical core. Importantly, in contrast to the original Aladin-NH like one, the new dynamical core prefers to obtain simulated tropical cyclone with lower pressure, stronger wind speeds, and faster northward movement, which is much closer to the results from the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS), and it also enhances the updrafts and provides enhanced precipitation rate in the tropics, which partially compensates the inefficient vertical transport due to the absence of the deep convection parameterization in the moist Held–Suarez test, thus demonstrating its potential value for full-physics global NH numerical weather prediction application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to identify if a subset of men can safely avoid or delay prostate biopsy based on negative results of prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET).Among 341 consecutive cases in a prospective biopsy cohort (NCT05073653), 111 treatment-naïve men with negative PSMA-PET (PRIMARY-score 1/2) were included. All participants underwent PSMA-PET and histopathological examinations. Clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) was defined as Grade Group ≥ 2. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify predictors of non-csPCa. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to detect non-csPCa on prostate pathology. PSMA-postive patients were additionally reviewed to assess the imaging and pathological outcomes.Younger age was identified as an independent predictor (P = 0.006) for the absence of csPCa. ROC analysis of csPCa revealed the largest areas under the curve of 0.77 (0.67–0.87) and 0.78 (0.68–0.88) for individual age in the entire PSMA-negative cohort and the MRI subset, respectively (both P < 0.001). The negative predictive value (NPV) of PSMA-PET for csPCa detection improved with a decreasing age, from 88% in all, to 98% in men aged under 65 yrs (98% vs. 88%, P = 0.021), and to 100% in men aged under 60 yrs (100% vs. 88%, P = 0.040). The NPV of PSMA-PET improved from 88 to 94% when combined with negative MRI, and to 100% in men with negative MRI and aged under 65 yrs. The prevalence was 57% for csPCa and 65% for PCa of any grade.We preliminarily propose that omission or postponement of prostate biopsy should be considered for men under the age of 65 yrs with negative PSMA-PET scored as PRIMARY 1 or 2. Conversely, prostate biopsy might be considered in biopsy-naïve men aged 65 yrs or older with strong clinical suspicion of PCa, despite negative PSMA-PET. Further prospective and external evaluation is needed to prove the robustness of this novel strategy.Materials and Methods: This study aimed to identify if a subset of men can safely avoid or delay prostate biopsy based on negative results of prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET).Among 341 consecutive cases in a prospective biopsy cohort (NCT05073653), 111 treatment-naïve men with negative PSMA-PET (PRIMARY-score 1/2) were included. All participants underwent PSMA-PET and histopathological examinations. Clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) was defined as Grade Group ≥ 2. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify predictors of non-csPCa. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to detect non-csPCa on prostate pathology. PSMA-postive patients were additionally reviewed to assess the imaging and pathological outcomes.Younger age was identified as an independent predictor (P = 0.006) for the absence of csPCa. ROC analysis of csPCa revealed the largest areas under the curve of 0.77 (0.67–0.87) and 0.78 (0.68–0.88) for individual age in the entire PSMA-negative cohort and the MRI subset, respectively (both P < 0.001). The negative predictive value (NPV) of PSMA-PET for csPCa detection improved with a decreasing age, from 88% in all, to 98% in men aged under 65 yrs (98% vs. 88%, P = 0.021), and to 100% in men aged under 60 yrs (100% vs. 88%, P = 0.040). The NPV of PSMA-PET improved from 88 to 94% when combined with negative MRI, and to 100% in men with negative MRI and aged under 65 yrs. The prevalence was 57% for csPCa and 65% for PCa of any grade.We preliminarily propose that omission or postponement of prostate biopsy should be considered for men under the age of 65 yrs with negative PSMA-PET scored as PRIMARY 1 or 2. Conversely, prostate biopsy might be considered in biopsy-naïve men aged 65 yrs or older with strong clinical suspicion of PCa, despite negative PSMA-PET. Further prospective and external evaluation is needed to prove the robustness of this novel strategy.Results: This study aimed to identify if a subset of men can safely avoid or delay prostate biopsy based on negative results of prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET).Among 341 consecutive cases in a prospective biopsy cohort (NCT05073653), 111 treatment-naïve men with negative PSMA-PET (PRIMARY-score 1/2) were included. All participants underwent PSMA-PET and histopathological examinations. Clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) was defined as Grade Group ≥ 2. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify predictors of non-csPCa. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to detect non-csPCa on prostate pathology. PSMA-postive patients were additionally reviewed to assess the imaging and pathological outcomes.Younger age was identified as an independent predictor (P = 0.006) for the absence of csPCa. ROC analysis of csPCa revealed the largest areas under the curve of 0.77 (0.67–0.87) and 0.78 (0.68–0.88) for individual age in the entire PSMA-negative cohort and the MRI subset, respectively (both P < 0.001). The negative predictive value (NPV) of PSMA-PET for csPCa detection improved with a decreasing age, from 88% in all, to 98% in men aged under 65 yrs (98% vs. 88%, P = 0.021), and to 100% in men aged under 60 yrs (100% vs. 88%, P = 0.040). The NPV of PSMA-PET improved from 88 to 94% when combined with negative MRI, and to 100% in men with negative MRI and aged under 65 yrs. The prevalence was 57% for csPCa and 65% for PCa of any grade.We preliminarily propose that omission or postponement of prostate biopsy should be considered for men under the age of 65 yrs with negative PSMA-PET scored as PRIMARY 1 or 2. Conversely, prostate biopsy might be considered in biopsy-naïve men aged 65 yrs or older with strong clinical suspicion of PCa, despite negative PSMA-PET. Further prospective and external evaluation is needed to prove the robustness of this novel strategy.Conclusion: This study aimed to identify if a subset of men can safely avoid or delay prostate biopsy based on negative results of prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET).Among 341 consecutive cases in a prospective biopsy cohort (NCT05073653), 111 treatment-naïve men with negative PSMA-PET (PRIMARY-score 1/2) were included. All participants underwent PSMA-PET and histopathological examinations. Clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) was defined as Grade Group ≥ 2. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify predictors of non-csPCa. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to detect non-csPCa on prostate pathology. PSMA-postive patients were additionally reviewed to assess the imaging and pathological outcomes.Younger age was identified as an independent predictor (P = 0.006) for the absence of csPCa. ROC analysis of csPCa revealed the largest areas under the curve of 0.77 (0.67–0.87) and 0.78 (0.68–0.88) for individual age in the entire PSMA-negative cohort and the MRI subset, respectively (both P < 0.001). The negative predictive value (NPV) of PSMA-PET for csPCa detection improved with a decreasing age, from 88% in all, to 98% in men aged under 65 yrs (98% vs. 88%, P = 0.021), and to 100% in men aged under 60 yrs (100% vs. 88%, P = 0.040). The NPV of PSMA-PET improved from 88 to 94% when combined with negative MRI, and to 100% in men with negative MRI and aged under 65 yrs. The prevalence was 57% for csPCa and 65% for PCa of any grade.We preliminarily propose that omission or postponement of prostate biopsy should be considered for men under the age of 65 yrs with negative PSMA-PET scored as PRIMARY 1 or 2. Conversely, prostate biopsy might be considered in biopsy-naïve men aged 65 yrs or older with strong clinical suspicion of PCa, despite negative PSMA-PET. Further prospective and external evaluation is needed to prove the robustness of this novel strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is currently the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and the main cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To explore the risk factors of MAFLD-HCC, we evaluated the independent and combined effects of metabolic characteristics on the risk of MAFLD-HCC. We retrospectively analyzed 135 MAFLD-HCC patients who were treated at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from January 2015 to December 2020 and 135 MAFLD patients as the control group. Independent and joint effects of metabolic traits on the risk of HCC were evaluated. Each metabolic feature was significantly correlated with the increased risk of MAFLD-HCC (p < 0.05); obesity had the strongest correlation (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.99–6.62). In patients with superimposed features, HCC risk was higher with more metabolic features (p < 0.05). The correlation between metabolic characteristics and risk of MAFLD-HCC in patients without cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis was basically consistent with the overall analysis. Metabolic characteristics increase the risk of MAFLD-HCC, and the risk is positively correlated with the number of metabolic characteristics. Obesity has the strongest correlation with HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the unprecedented hydropower development over the last five decades, consequently, it is essential to conduct an evaluation and prediction of service performance for China's water resources and hydropower engineering at present. In this paper, a practical approach combining the Decision-Making and Trial Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) theory is established to qualitatively diagnose the health of the concrete dam system. A weight determination on the safety performance of the five indices, i.e., engineering quality, seepage quality, structural health, operation management, and flood control, was carried out by a coupling AHP method with DEMATEL theory. Then, the grade distribution of the measuring indicators was analyzed with operation data provided by the monitoring system sensor, and the scoring results of non-measuring indicators were obtained through field studies. The proposed AHP-DEMATEL diagnostic model is employed to determine the health level of Shuikou dam, and the result validation confirms the feasibility and superiority of the AHP-DEMATEL techniques by the comparison of the AHP and LDSSC-NEA report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bio-based epoxy nanocomposite (GAER/DOPO-POSS) was prepared from gallic epoxy resin (GAER) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (which containing 9,10-dihydrogen-9-oxo-10-phosphorus-phenanthrene-10-oxide groups, called DOPO-POSS). The polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane containing epoxy groups (E-POSS) was grafted onto aminated graphene oxide (E-GO), then the novel POSS-E-GO was obtained. The POSS-E-GO was used as modifier for GAER/DOPO-POSS nanocomposite. The influences of POSS-E-GO content on mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties and thermal stability of GAER/DOPO-POSS nanocomposites were determined. The experimental results show that POSS-E-GO can significantly improve the toughness of the GAER/DOPO-POSS nanocomposite. When 0.5wt% POSS-E-GO was added in GAER/DOPO-POSS nanocomposite, the impact strength of the nanocomposite was 4.74 kJ/m2 higher than that in the absence of POSS-E-GO, meantime the initial thermal degradation temperature was 277 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forging processing parameters have an important impact on the fatigue resistance of metal in the process of plastic forming, which directly threatens the safety and reliability of the metal's service. Taking Ti-6Al-4V alloy as the research object, this study investigates the effect of processing parameters, including forging temperature and deformation degree on the Young's modulus, ultimate tensile strength, and reduction of fracture area on the basis of the mechanical property testing of Ti-6Al-4V alloy forgings and obtains the regression equations at the same time. Combined with the existing stress fatigue life prediction formula, the fatigue life prediction based on forging process parameters is realized. Results show that forging temperature and deformation degree have a significant effect on fatigue life. The forging processing parameters of Ti-6Al-4V alloy with optimum fatigue life are as follows: 985 °C–990 °C forging temperature and 46%–50% deformation degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the resistance to geometric rotation attacks and to solve the problem of high computational complexity of existing watermarking algorithms, a novel efficient and robust zero watermarking algorithm in spatial domain is proposed. First, the central pixels of different channels of colorful host image are taken as the center of the circle, and the features of the image are constructed by the pixels covered by rings with different radius and width. The binary feature image is obtained by binary operation on the constructed image features. Then, the zero watermark image is constructed by XOR operation for the scrambled binary feature image and copyright watermark image encrypted Logistic chaotic algorithm. Finally, the zero watermark image is stored in the intellectual property database for copyright certification in possible copyright disputes. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is robust to geometric rotation attacks and common image processing attacks. Compared with similar zero watermarking schemes, the proposed algorithm has lower computational complexity and better robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

U−Pb geochronology of calcite using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is an emerging method, with potential applications to a vast array of geological problems. Due to the low levels of U and Pb in calcite, measurement using higher-sensitivity instruments, such as sector field (SF) ICP-MS, have advantages over more commonly used quadrupole (Q) ICP-MS instruments. Using a Thermo Element XR ICP-MS, we demonstrate that the Jet+X cone combination with the N2 enhancement technique provides the best sensitivity for measuring U and Pb isotopes. This higher sensitivity improves the precision of calcite U−Pb isotope measurements, and permits dating at high spatial resolutions (<110 µm) and for samples containing low contents of 238U (<1 µg g−1) and/or 207Pb (i.e., young samples <10 Ma). Using a spot size of 85 µm with a low fluence (∼2.0 J cm−2), the laser-induced elemental fractionation of 206Pb/238U in the NIST SRM 614, ARM-3 and WC-1 reference materials are insignificant (<2.2%). Adopting the optimized instrument parameters, we analysed four commonly-used calcite U−Pb reference materials (WC-1, Duff Brown Tank, JT, and ASH-15). The results match well with published isotope dilution data, demonstrating the reliability of our technique. ARM-3, an andesitic glass, is shown to be an appropriate reference material for both 207Pb/206Pb calibration and instrument optimization because of its moderate contents of U (∼3.75 µg g−1) and Pb (∼12.7 µg g−1). We further demonstrate that the image-guided approach using LA-ICP-MS elemental mapping is an efficient tool in obtaining robust ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT for detection of low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PCa), high-risk PCa in comparison with mpMRI, respectively, and to determine which of low- and intermediate-risk PCa are more likely to be detected by 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone a prostate biopsy and/or radical prostatectomy and who were scanned with 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI between June 2019 and March 2021. The mpMRI images were scored with the Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System Version 2.1 (PI-RADS) and were classified as either negative (PI-RADS 1–3) or positive (PI-RADS 4–5). Suspicious 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT lesions were reviewed for each relevant patient and classified by double-trained board-certified nuclear medicine physicians. The results were evaluated with the histopathological outcome. All patients were classified according to the D'Amico classification, and the clinical data were combined for stratified analysis. Result: A total of 101 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with PCa were analyzed. Of the 101 patients, 88 (80.6%) patients presented with a pathologic mpMRI, and 85 (79.1%) with a pathologic 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT. In the high-risk PCa cohort, 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT was positive in 64/66 (97.0%) patients and yielded a higher detection rate than that for the mpMRI patients (58/66, 87.9%; p < 0.05). However, mpMRI provided superior diagnostic confidence in identifying low- and intermediate-risk PCa (30/35, 85.7% vs. 21/35, 60.0%; p < 0.05). When the age threshold exceeded 62.5 years and the serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) threshold exceeded 9.4 ng/ml, a higher uptake of PSMA was more likely to occur in the lesions of low- and intermediate-risk PCa. Conclusion: The diagnostic performance of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT was superior to that of mpMRI in the high-risk PCa cohort, which was consistent with prior studies. Furthermore, in the initial diagnosis of low- and intermediate-risk PCa, we found that mpMRI showed a higher diagnostic accuracy than 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT did. Low- and intermediate-risk PCa patients with a PSA ≥ 9.4 ng/ml and age ≥ 62.5 years were more likely to have a positive 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the rapid development of zircon U-Pb geochronology and Hf-O isotope geochemistry, it is imperative to develop well-characterized zircon reference materials for microbeam analysis. Here, zircon KV01 separated from the Kaap Valley pluton, South Africa is introduced as a potential Archean reference material for microbeam U-Pb age and Hf-O isotope determination. SIMS and LA-ICP-MS U-Pb isotopic measurements gave grand mean 207Pb/206Pb ages of 3233±16 Ma (2s, n=90) and 3230±26 Ma (2s, n=52), which are consistent with reported CA-ID-TIMS results. Slight heterogeneity of oxygen isotopes is revealed by SIMS analyses that yielded a relatively large δ18O range of 4.61–6.51‰. Among them, the zircon grains with clear oscillatory zones give a grand mean δ18O value of 6.17±0.33‰ (2s), which is suggested to record the primary O isotopic compositions. The homogeneity in the Hf isotopic compositions of KV01 zircon was checked by the laser ablation and solution MC-ICP-MS methods. They yielded consistent results with a recommended 176Hf/177Hf ratio of 0.280810±0.000013 (2s). The results reported here demonstrate that KV01 zircon could be a reliable reference material for microbeam 207Pb/206Pb age and Hf isotope determinations of ancient zircons, and be suitable as a quality monitor for SIMS oxygen isotopic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel magnetic hollow bimetallic zinc/cobalt-based zeolitic imidazolate framework (MHB-Zn/Co-ZIF-8) was prepared via a microwave-assisted chemical etching in methanol. The structure, morphology, and specific surface area were characterized by X-ray diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption. The hollow nanostructures with high internal specific surface area, abundant active sites, and reduced aggregation of nanoparticles endow the hollow zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) nanoparticle with high chemical stability, desirable durability, and excellent adsorption abilities. The MHB-Zn/Co-ZIF-8 nanoparticle was used as an effective sorbent for magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) of trace aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 from fruit juice and fruit samples. The main parameters affecting the efficiency of MSPE procedures were investigated and optimized. The results show that, under optimized conditions, enrichment factors ranging from 67- to 355-fold are obtained for the target analytes. The method is linear in the range 1.0 to 100.0 ng mL−1 with correlation coefficients (R2) from 0.9960 to 0.9992. The limits of detection of four aflatoxins are in the range 0.18 to 1.50 ng mL−1 and the average recoveries range from 75.1 to 102.4%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 13.6%. This work presents the excellent extraction performance of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 on MHB-Zn/Co-ZIF-8. In addition, the applicability of the MSPE coupling with ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-IT-MSn) for trace analysis in complex matrices is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that the destruction of the North China Carton (NCC) is closely related to subduction of the Paleo-Pacific slab, but materials recording such subduction has not been identified at the peak time of decratonization. This paper presents data of whole-rock major and trace elements and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes and zircon U-Pb ages and Hf-O isotopes for Mesozoic volcanic rocks from the Liaodong-Jinan region in the northeastern NCC, in order to trace the subduction-related materials in their source and origin. The Mesozoic volcanic rocks in the Liaodong-Jinan region are mainly composed of two series of rocks, including alkaline basaltic trachyandesite, trachyandesite and trachyte, and subalkaline trachyandesite and andesite. Zircon U-Pb dating yields eruption ages of 129–124 Ma for these rocks. The Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks are all enriched in LILEs (such as Rb, Sr, Ba and Th) and LREEs, depleted in HFSEs (such as Nb, Ta and Ti), indicating that they were originated from mantle sources that had been modified by subducted crustal materials. However, they have relatively heterogeneous and variable isotopic compositions. The alkaline basaltic trachyandesite, trachyandesite and trachyte have enriched whole-rock Sr-Nd-Hf and zircon Hf isotopic compositions and mantle-like δ18O values, suggesting that they were derived from low-degree partial melting of an isotopically enriched lithospheric mantle source. In contrast, the subalkaline trachyandesite and andesite have relatively depleted isotopic compositions with zircon εHf(t) values up to +5.2 and heavy zircon O isotopic compositions with δ18O values of +8.1‰ to +9.09‰, indicating that they were originated from a lithospheric mantle source that had been metasomatized by melts/fluids derived from the recycled low-T altered oceanic basalt. All of these geochemical features suggest that the Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks in the Liaodong-Jinan region would result from mixing of mafic magmas with different compositions. Such magmas were originated from the enriched lithospheric mantle and the young metasomatized mantle, respectively, with variable extents of enrichment and depletion in trace elements, radiogenic isotopes and O isotopes. Importantly, the identification of the low-T altered oceanic crust component in the origin of Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks by the zircon Hf-O isotopes provides affirmative isotopic evidence and direct material records for Mesozoic subduction of the Paleo-Pacific slab that induced decratonization of the North China Craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three different kinds of sepiolite (Type A, Type B and Sepiolite fiber) were processed by calcination and analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), X-ray diffraction diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BET (specific surface area from N2 adsorption isotherms), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and infrared spectroscopic analysis (IR), respectively. The results show that the adsorption performance of sepiolite can be changed by calcination and environment temperatures, especially for calcination. The adsorption capacity of sepiolite fiber is bigger than that of Type A and B, and adsorption capacity of each sepiolite to sulfate is smaller than that of the chloride ions. Especially, the maximum value for adsorption of the sepiolite fibers, calcined at 600 ℃ and water bath at 60 ℃, to chlorine ion and sulfate are 5.95 and 5.71 mg/g, respectively (mg/g: the ions quantity adsorbed by a unit of sepiolite weight). The minimum adsorption of calcined sepiolite fiber to sulfate ions increased from 5.02 to 5.55 mg/g. While microstructure analysis of sepiolite by TG indicated that its structure was, for temperature not exceeding 700 ℃, was not changed significantly. Sepiolite has a porous structure, especially for sepiolite fiber, which can be observed by SEM. BET indicates that sepiolite fiber has a larger pore volume than others and this can be increased by calcination. IR shows that the adsorption of sepiolite to Cl- and SO4 2- belongs to physical absorption, instead of chemisorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The illegal or unlabelled addition of plant protein in milk can cause serious anaphylaxis. For sustainable food security, it is therefore important to develop a methodology to detect non-milk protein in milk products. This research aims to differentiate milk adulterated with plant protein using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) coupled with mass spectrometry. According to the protein spots highlighted on the gel of adulterated milk, β-conglycinin and glycinin were detected in milk adulterated with soy protein, while legumin, vicilin, and convicilin indicated the addition of pea protein, and β-amylase and serpin marked wheat protein. These results suggest that a 2-DE-based protein profile is a useful method to identify milk adulterated with soy and pea protein, with a detection limit of 4% plant protein in the total protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Craton destruction is a dynamic event that plays an important role in Earth's evolution. Based on comprehensive observations of many studies on the North China Craton (NCC) and correlations with the evolution histories of other cratons around the world, craton destruction has be defined as a geological process that results in the total loss of craton stability due to changes in the physical and chemical properties of the involved craton. The mechanisms responsible for craton destruction would be as the follows: (1) oceanic plate subduction; (2) rollback and retreat of a subducting oceanic plate; (3) stagnation and dehydration of a subducting plate in the mantle transition zone; (4) melting of the mantle above the mantle transition zone caused by dehydration of a stagnant slab; (5) non-steady flow in the upper mantle induced by melting, and/or (6) changes in the nature of the lithospheric mantle and consequent craton destruction caused by non-steady flow. Oceanic plate subduction itself does not result in craton destruction. For the NCC, it is documented that westward subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate should have initiated at the transition from the Middle-to-Late Jurassic, and resulted in the change of tectonic regime of eastern China. We propose that subduction, rollback and retreat of oceanic plates and dehydration of stagnant slabs are the main dynamic factors responsible for both craton destruction and concentration of mineral deposits, such as gold, in the overriding continental plate. Based on global distribution of gold deposits, we suggest that convergent plate margins are the most important setting for large gold concentrations. Therefore, decratonic gold deposits appear to occur preferentially in regions with oceanic subduction and overlying continental lithospheric destruction/modification/growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the efficacy and the safety of Greenlight(TM) high-performance system (HPS) 120-W laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) compared with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The related original studies only including randomized controlled trials were searched by databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register. The databases were updated till July 2014. The risk ratio, mean difference, and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Risk of bias of the enrolled trials were assessed according to Cochrane Handbook. A total of four trials involving 559 patients were enrolled. Statistical analysis was performed by software Review Manager (V5.3.3). There was no significant difference in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and maximum flow rate (Qmax) between PVP and TURP at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up. Patients in the PVP group were associated with significantly lower risk of capsule perforation (risk ratio (RR) = 0.06, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 0.01 to 0.46; p = 0.007), significantly lower transfusion requirements (RR = 0.12, 95%CI = 0.03 to 0.43; p = 0.001), a shorter catheterization time (mean difference (MD) = -41.93, 95%CI = -54.87 to -28.99; p < 0.00001), and a shorter duration of hospital stay (MD = -2.09, 95%CI = -2.58 to -1.59; p < 0.00001) than that in the TURP group. In the TURP group, the patients were associated with a lower risk of re-operation (RR = 3.68, 95%CI = 1.04 to 13.00; p = 0.04) and a shorter operative time (MD = 9.28, 95%CI = 2.80 to 15.75; p = 0.005) than those in the PVP group. In addition, no statistically significant differences were detected between groups in terms of the rates of transurethral resection syndrome, urethral stricture, bladder neck contracture, incontinence, and infection. Greenlight(TM) 120-W laser PVP is as effective as TURP for symptom reduction and improvement of the quality of life. Laser PVP shows advantages over TURP in terms of intraoperative safety, whereas TURP is found to have a shorter operative time and lower re-operative risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hafnium isotopic analysis using laser ablation has been widely conducted on Hf-rich minerals (zircon/baddeleyite/calzirtite/eudialyte), however, little work has been reported on Hf-poor (<100 ppm) minerals. This work presents a detailed procedure of in situ hafnium isotopic analysis from rutile using laser ablation multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS). The rutile U-Pb dating reference material JDX shows homogeneous hafnium isotopic ratios, with Hf/Hf=0.281795±0.000015 (2SD, n=33) and Lu/Hf=0.000018±0.000004 (2SD, n=17) that suggest the possibility of using JDX as a new reference material hafnium isotopic measurement. We also measure hafnium isotopic compositions of other rutile U-Pb dating reference material (R10, Sugluk-4 and PCA-S207) and the Hf/Hf values are similar to previously reported results, which confirms that we can acquire accurate and precise hafnium isotopic compositions using our developed analytical protocol. We analyzed hafnium isotopic compositions and U-Pb ages of rutile in high-temperature and ultrahigh-temperature granulites from various terrains of the Khondalite Belt from the North China Craton, combined with zircon results in the same area, suggesting that the metamorphic evolution history of the granulite is much more complicated than previously thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobalt and copper recovery from aqueous Co (II) and Cu(II) is one critical step for cobalt and copper wastewaters treatment. Previous tests have primarily examined Cu(II) and Co(II) removal in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) with abiotic cathodes and driven by microbial fuel cell (MFCs). However, Cu(II) and Co(II) removal rates were still slow. Here we report MECs with biocathodes and driven by MFCs where enhanced removal rates of 6.0±0.2 mg·L·h for Cu(II) at an initial concentration of 50 mg·L and 5.3±0.4 mg·L h for Co(II) at an initial 40 mg·L were achieved, 1.7 times and 3.3 times as high as those in MECs with abiotic cathodes and driven by MFCs. Species of Cu(II) was reduced to pure copper on the cathodes of MFCs whereas Co(II) was removed associated with microorganisms on the cathodes of the connected MECs. Higher Cu(II) concentrations and smaller working volumes in the cathode chambers of MFCs further improved removal rates of Cu(II) (115.7 mg·L·h) and Co(II) (6.4 mg·L·h) with concomitantly achieving hydrogen generation (0.05±0.00 mol·moL COD). Phylogenetic analysis on the biocathodes indicates Proteobacteria dominantly accounted for 67.9% of the total reads, followed by Firmicutes (14.0%), Bacteroidetes (6.1%), Tenericutes (2.5%), Lentisphaerae (1.4%), and Synergistetes (1.0%). This study provides a beneficial attempt to achieve simultaneous enhanced Cu(II) and Co(II) removal, and efficient Cu(II) and Co(II) wastewaters treatment without any external energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proteome of rumen epithelial tissue was analysed by SDS-PAGE coupled with LC-MS/MS. 813 non-redundant proteins were identified of which 7.4 % featured membrane-spanning domains and 15.4 % harboured a signal peptide. According to the gene ontology annotation, the most abundant proteins exhibited binding activities related to their molecular functions, were proteins of cellular components or belonged to various metabolic processes. A predominant group of canonical pathways in the rumen epithelial tissue was identified using the IPA software. The GeLC-MS/MS approach was used to characterise the entire protein expression repertoire in rumen tissue, providing a more detailed understanding of the important biological processes in the rumen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of triaxial strains on the band gap of wurtzite ZnO has been investigated by the first principles calculations. The results indicate that, after application of triaxial strain, the wurtzite ZnO is still a direct band gap semiconductor with conduction- and valence-band minima remains at the Γ point. Comparing with the unstrained ZnO, the E at Γ point increases under compressive strain but decreases under tensile strain. This triaxial strain model is in better agreement with the experimental results than the widely-employed in-plane biaxial strain model, thus providing a more accurate explanation on the behaviors of ZnO thin film under three-dimensional strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formesafen is a diphenyl ether herbicide that has adverse effects on non-target animals. However, knowledge about the effect of fomesafen on the antioxidant defense system in earthworms is vague. Thus, it is essential to investigate the effects of fomesafen on the antioxidant defense system in earthworms as a precautionary method. In the present study, earthworms ( Eisenia fetida) were exposed to artificial soil treated with a range of concentrations of fomesafen (0, 10, 100, and 500 μg kg) and were collected on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days of exposure. Subsequently, the antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD); catalase (CAT); and guaiacol peroxidase (POD)), reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content due to fomesafen treatment were examined in earthworms. Compared with the control, the SOD activity increased on the third and seventh days but decreased on the 14th day due to treatment with 100 and 500 μg kg of fomesafen. The activities of CAT and POD increased significantly on the third, seventh, and 14th days of exposure. In addition, the ROS level was significantly enhanced throughout the entire experimental period and showed a statistically dose-dependent relationship on the seventh and 14th days. The MDA content markedly increased on the seventh day of exposure; however, obvious changes were not detected at other exposure period. Low doses of fomesafen (≤500 μg kg) may result in oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation in E. fetida by inducing the generation of ROS at short exposure periods (14 days). However, the adverse effects of fomesafen gradually disappear as the cooperation of antioxidant enzymes and exposure time are prolonged. This result may be helpful for further studies on the toxicological mechanisms of fomesafen to earthworms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanite is an ideal mineral for U-Pb isotopic dating because of its relatively high U, Th and Pb contents. Here, we developed a technique for U-Pb dating of titanite using the 193 nm ArF laser-ablation system and Agilent 7500a Q-ICP-MS. Standards of titanite (BLR-1 and OLT-1) and zircon (91500 and GJ-1) were dated using single spot and line raster scan analytical methods. To check the matrix effect, titanite (BLR-1) and zircon (91500) standards were analyzed as the external standards. The weighted mean Pb/U ages of OLT-1 titanite are 1015±5 Ma (2 σ, n=24) and 1017±6 Ma (2 σ, n=24) by single spot and line raster scan analyses, respectively, using BLR-1 titanite as the external standard. These ages are consistent with its reference age of about 1014 Ma. However, using 91500 zircon as the external standard, the weighted mean Pb/U ages are 917±4 Ma (2 σ, n=24) and 927±5 Ma (2 σ, n=24) for BLR-1 titanite, and 891±4 Ma (2 σ, n=24) and 901±5 Ma (2 σ, n=24) for OLT-1 titanite by single spot and line raster scan analyses, respectively. It is evident that these ages are ∼12% younger than their reference values. Our results reveal that significant matrix effect does exist between different kinds of minerals during LA-ICPMS U-Pb age determination, whereas it is insignificant between same minerals. Therefore, same mineral must be used as the external standard for fractionation corrections during in situ LA-ICPMS U-Pb age analysis. In addition, we determined U-Pb ages for titanites from the Early Cretaceous Fangshan pluton, which indicates a rapid cooling history of this pluton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xenotime is an ideal mineral for U-Th-Pb isotopic dating because of its relatively high U and Th contents, but typically low concentration of common Pb. These characteristics, and the fact that it is widespread throughout various types of rocks, suggest that the U-Th-Pb dating of xenotime has broad applications. Studies of U-Pb dating on xenotime by ion microprobe (such as SHRIMP) have increased in recent years, whereas studies by laser ablation (LA)-ICP-MS are still rare. In this study, we developed a technique for U-Pb dating of xenotime using the 193 nm ArF laser-ablation system and Agilent 7500a Q-ICP-MS. To evaluate the reliability of our method, a xenotime standard, BS-1, was analyzed and calibrated against another xenotime standard, MG-1. The weighted mean Pb/U ages of 510.1 ± 5.2 Ma (2 σ, n = 21), 509.8 ± 4.3 Ma (2 σ, n = 21) and 510.0 ± 4.6 Ma (2 σ, n = 21) were obtained using beam diameters of 16, 24 and 32 μm, respectively. These ages are identical to those determined by ID-TIMS method (weighted mean Pb/U age of 508.8 ± 1.4 Ma), which supports the reliability of our LA-ICP-MS method. We also analyzed xenotimes in leucogranites from South Tibet and granites from Xihuashan in southern China, and obtained accurate and precise ages. Nevertheless, we observed systematic differences in Pb/U fractionation among xenotime, monazite and zircon. The matrix-effect resulted in either under-correction or over-correction of fractionation, and thus led to inaccurate ages. Thus, a matrix-matched material is required for U-Pb dating of xenotime by LA-ICP-MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5- O-methylglovanon (5- O-MG) is a bioactive compound that was first isolated and characterized from Glycosmis plants. In this study, we found that chemically synthesized 5- O-MG has antimicrobial ability against eleven clinical ampicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis isolates. The MICs of 5- O-MG against the S. aureus and S. epidermidis isolates were 12.5-50 μg/mL and 25-50 μg/mL, respectively. In combination with ampicillin, a synergistic interaction between 5- O-MG and ampicillin against the eleven resistant Staphylococcus isolates was observed, with fractional inhibitory concentration indices of 0.03-0125. Moreover, the anti-staphylococcal activity of 5- O-MG in combination with ampicillin was comparable with that of clavulanic acid in combination with ampicillin. The drug combination had no antagonistic effects when tested against any of the strains. Time-killing assays confirmed the synergy between 5- O-MG and ampicillin ( p < 0.01). The combination of these two agents yielded greater than a 2 log cfu/mL decrease in comparison with 5- O-MG or ampicillin alone. These findings suggest that 5- O-MG is a promising compound with the potential for future anti-staphylococcal drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithospheric removal and destruction of the North China Craton have been hotly discussed recently. It has been confirmed that the timing of a strong lithospheric removal took place in Late Mesozoic; however, little is known about when the lithospheric removal was initiated and how the Late Permian to Early Triassic deep subduction of Yangtze continental crust affected the cratonic destruction. This paper presents an overview on the temporal and spatial framework and geochemical characteristics of the Triassic intrusive rocks in the eastern North China Craton and use these data to trace their sources and petrogenetic processes, in order to constrain the tectonic setting in which they evolved. It is concluded that the destruction of the North China Craton was initiated in the Late Triassic and induced by delamination of the thickened continental crust by deep subduction of Yangtze continental crust and continent-continent collision. This suggests that the subduction of the continental crust and continent-continent collision are possibly interpreted as the inducement of Late Mesozoic decratonization of the North China Craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zircon U-Pb dating indicates that the fuchsite quartzite in eastern Hebei Province was derived from weathering and erosion of the 3.6–3.8 Ga granitic rocks. In-situ zircon Hf analyses show that the Lu-Hf isotopic system remained closed during later thermal disturbances. Zircons with concordant ages have Hf isotopic model ages of about 3.8 Ga, suggesting a recycling of this ancient crust. The ∼3.8 Ga zircons have similar Hf isotopic compositions to those of chondrite, indicating that their source rocks (granitic rocks) were derived from partial melting of the juvenile crust which originated from a mantle without significant crust-mantle differentiation. Therefore, it is proposed that there was no large-scale crustal growth before -3.8 Ga in eastern Hebei Province. Considering zircon Hf isotopic data from other areas, it is concluded that the most ancient crust in the North China Craton probably formed at about 4.0 Ga, and the possibility to find crust older than 4.0 Ga is very limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thick Neoproterozoic strata are widespread in the Dalian region, Liaodong Peninsula, Northeast China. SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating of dolerite intruded into Neo- proterozoic strata gives its emplacement age as 211±2 Ma. However, abundant 0.9-1.1 Ga zircons are identified in the dolerite. The age of 1125±38 Ma corresponds with the Grenvillian collisional event. The zircons of 904±15 Ma ages have high Th/U ratios (1.3 1-2.25) and magmatic oscillatory zones, being possibly related to later magmatiion induced during amalgamation of Rodinia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zircons from the auriferous quartz vein in the Rushan gold deposit, Jiaodong Peninsula, have high common Pb contents (206Pbc = 2.00%–15.88%) and Th/U ratios (0.31–1.35), and trap primary CO2-H2O fluid inclusion similar to ore-forming fluids, indicating that they grew from high Th/U ratio ore-forming fluids responsible for gold mineralization. SHRIMP U-Pb analyses of these zircons gave an age of 117±3 Ma comparable with the ages reported by the former researches in the other areas in the Jiaodong Peninsula, which is interpreted as the age of gold mineralization at Rushan. The age of SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating with 160± 3 Ma from host rock Kunyushan monzogranite is different from that of the gold mineralization, indicating that there is no genetic relationship between gold mineralization and the granitic magmatism. SHRIMP U-Pb dating on hydrothermal zircons from auriferous quartz veins could be used to constrain the timing of lode gold mineralization and the relationship to relevant hydrothermal event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Anjiayingzi gold deposit in Chifeng County, Inner Mongolia is located in the central part of the gold mineralization belt of the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC), and is adjacent to the Paleozoic Inner Mongolia-Da Hinggan Mountains orogenic belt in the north. The Chifeng-Kaiyuan fault, which separates the NCC from this orogenic belt, is considered to be a regional ore-controlling structure. The Anjiayingzi gold deposit is a mediate-size quartz lode-gold deposit and is hosted by the Anjiayingzi quartz monzonite that was emplaced into the basement composed of early Precambrian gneisses. Rhyolitic and porphyritic dikes are generally associated with the gold mineralization. Zircon U-Pb analyses suggest that the Anjiayingzi granite was emplaced from 132 Ma to 138 Ma, while the rhyolitic dikes that occupy the same fracture system as the gold-bearing quartz veins and locally crosscut the gold lodes crystallized from 125 Ma to 127 Ma. These results constrain the mineralization age between 126 Ma and 132 Ma, early Cretaceous time for the Anjiayingzi gold deposit. This mineralization age is consistent with that of the gold deposits in other major gold-bearing areas of the NCC, such as the Jiaodong Peninsula and the Xiaoqinling Mountain, and specially is roughly coeval with the geodynamic reversion of the NCC in Mesozoic. This coincidence probably indicates that the gold deposits in the NCC, including the Anjiayingzi deposit, formed in a similar geodynamic setting characterized by large-scale thinning of the lithosphere underlying the NCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of ore-forming chronology indicates that the superlarge gold deposits in the Jiaodong region were formed in 120±10 Ma. Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions from typical gold deposits suggest that ore-forming materials were derived from the multisources, mantle component was partly involved in mineralization, the deep dynamic processes are the major geological background of large-scale metallogenesis in the Jiaodong region in Mesozoic. The deep processes mainly include the effect of post deep-subduction of continental crust of the central orogen belt and the distant effect of subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate underneath the Eurasian continent. However, lithosphere thinning, crust-mantle interaction, crustal extension and formation of large-type ore-controlling structures would be the comprehensive consequences of the above-mentioned geodynamic processes in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jiaodong Peninsula is the largest repository of gold in China based on the production in history. It covers less than 0.2% of China’s territory, but production of gold accounts for about one fourth of the whole country. Thus, the Jiaodong Peninsula is a typical area or case of large-scale metallogenesis and a large clusters of mineral deposits in China. It is characterized by the large clusters of gold deposits in large scale, high reserve and short mineralizing stage. In this study, we suggest that the eastern boundary of the large clusters of gold deposits is as same as that of North China Block, the gold deposits are hosted by Archean metamorphic rocks or Mesozoic granites, and the age of gold mineralization is 121.6 to 122.7 Ma. Gold and related ore-forming materials are derived from multisources, i.e. Archean metamorphic rocks, granites and intermediate-mafic dikes, especially, intermediate-mafic dikes and calc-alkaline granites. The metallogenic geodynamic process is constrained by the tectonic evolution of eastern North China Block during Late Mesozoic, and it is the result of the interaction between mantle and crust as the boundary plates are playing role on the block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which conducted a direct rubidium-strontium dating of ore and pyrite sub-samples from the Linglong gold deposit in Jiaodong Peninsula, China. Characteristics of the gold mineralization belt in the Jiaodong Peninsula; Mineragraphy of pyrite and quartz; Methodology; Results and discussion.

A magnetic graphene-like molybdenum disulfide nanocomposite was prepared by liquid-phase exfoliation and hydrothermal synthesis. The morphology, structure, and magnetic behavior of the nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The nanocomposite was employed as a sorbent for magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) of eight triazine and ten sulfonylurea herbicides from environmental water and corn samples. Specifically, this was studied with cyanazine, simetryn, atrazine, methoprotryne, ametryn, prometryn, terbutryn, dipropetryn, metsulfuron-methyl, sulfometuron-methyl, amidosulfuron, rimsulfuron, nicosulfuron, bensulfuron-methyl, halosulfuron-methyl, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, chlorimuron-ethyl, and cyclosulfamuron. The parameters affecting extraction efficiency (sorbent amount, pH value of the sample, extraction and elution conditions) were studied and optimized. Following MSPE, the multi-residue herbicides were quantified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography combined with ion trap mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization. The limits of detection range between 20 and 170 ng·L−1. The extraction recoveries of eighteen herbicides from corn samples were in the range between of 64.7% and 103.1%, with RSDs of <17.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop and validate a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT based multimodal deep learning model for predicting pathological lymph node invasion (LNI) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients identified as candidates for extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) by preoperative nomograms.[68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT scan of 116 eligible PCa patients (82 in the training cohort and 34 in the test cohort) who underwent radical prostatectomy with ePLND were analyzed in our study. The Med3D deep learning network was utilized to extract discriminative features from the entire prostate volume of interest on the PET/CT images. Subsequently, a multimodal model i.e., Multi kernel Support Vector Machine was constructed to combine the PET/CT deep learning features, quantitative PET and clinical parameters. The performance of the multimodal models was assessed using final histopathology as the reference standard, with evaluation metrics including area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, decision curve analysis, and compared with available nomograms and PET/CT visual evaluation result.Our multimodal model incorporated clinical information, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), and PET/CT deep learning features. The AUC for predicting LNI was 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–0.97) for the final model. The proposed model demonstrated superior predictive accuracy in the test cohort compared to PET/CT visual evaluation result, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and the Briganti-2017 nomograms (AUC 0.85 [95% CI 0.69-1.00] vs. 0.80 [95% CI 0.64–0.95] vs. 0.79 [95% CI 0.61–0.97] and 0.69 [95% CI 0.50–0.88], respectively). The proposed model showed similar calibration and higher net benefit as compared to the traditional nomograms.Our multimodal deep learning model, which incorporates preoperative PSMA PET/CT imaging, shows enhanced predictive capabilities for LNI in clinically localized PCa compared to PSMA PET/CT visual evaluation result and existing nomograms like the MSKCC and Briganti-2017 nomograms. This model has the potential to reduce unnecessary ePLND procedures while minimizing the risk of missing cases of LNI.Methods: To develop and validate a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT based multimodal deep learning model for predicting pathological lymph node invasion (LNI) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients identified as candidates for extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) by preoperative nomograms.[68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT scan of 116 eligible PCa patients (82 in the training cohort and 34 in the test cohort) who underwent radical prostatectomy with ePLND were analyzed in our study. The Med3D deep learning network was utilized to extract discriminative features from the entire prostate volume of interest on the PET/CT images. Subsequently, a multimodal model i.e., Multi kernel Support Vector Machine was constructed to combine the PET/CT deep learning features, quantitative PET and clinical parameters. The performance of the multimodal models was assessed using final histopathology as the reference standard, with evaluation metrics including area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, decision curve analysis, and compared with available nomograms and PET/CT visual evaluation result.Our multimodal model incorporated clinical information, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), and PET/CT deep learning features. The AUC for predicting LNI was 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–0.97) for the final model. The proposed model demonstrated superior predictive accuracy in the test cohort compared to PET/CT visual evaluation result, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and the Briganti-2017 nomograms (AUC 0.85 [95% CI 0.69-1.00] vs. 0.80 [95% CI 0.64–0.95] vs. 0.79 [95% CI 0.61–0.97] and 0.69 [95% CI 0.50–0.88], respectively). The proposed model showed similar calibration and higher net benefit as compared to the traditional nomograms.Our multimodal deep learning model, which incorporates preoperative PSMA PET/CT imaging, shows enhanced predictive capabilities for LNI in clinically localized PCa compared to PSMA PET/CT visual evaluation result and existing nomograms like the MSKCC and Briganti-2017 nomograms. This model has the potential to reduce unnecessary ePLND procedures while minimizing the risk of missing cases of LNI.Results: To develop and validate a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT based multimodal deep learning model for predicting pathological lymph node invasion (LNI) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients identified as candidates for extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) by preoperative nomograms.[68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT scan of 116 eligible PCa patients (82 in the training cohort and 34 in the test cohort) who underwent radical prostatectomy with ePLND were analyzed in our study. The Med3D deep learning network was utilized to extract discriminative features from the entire prostate volume of interest on the PET/CT images. Subsequently, a multimodal model i.e., Multi kernel Support Vector Machine was constructed to combine the PET/CT deep learning features, quantitative PET and clinical parameters. The performance of the multimodal models was assessed using final histopathology as the reference standard, with evaluation metrics including area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, decision curve analysis, and compared with available nomograms and PET/CT visual evaluation result.Our multimodal model incorporated clinical information, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), and PET/CT deep learning features. The AUC for predicting LNI was 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–0.97) for the final model. The proposed model demonstrated superior predictive accuracy in the test cohort compared to PET/CT visual evaluation result, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and the Briganti-2017 nomograms (AUC 0.85 [95% CI 0.69-1.00] vs. 0.80 [95% CI 0.64–0.95] vs. 0.79 [95% CI 0.61–0.97] and 0.69 [95% CI 0.50–0.88], respectively). The proposed model showed similar calibration and higher net benefit as compared to the traditional nomograms.Our multimodal deep learning model, which incorporates preoperative PSMA PET/CT imaging, shows enhanced predictive capabilities for LNI in clinically localized PCa compared to PSMA PET/CT visual evaluation result and existing nomograms like the MSKCC and Briganti-2017 nomograms. This model has the potential to reduce unnecessary ePLND procedures while minimizing the risk of missing cases of LNI.Conclusion: To develop and validate a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT based multimodal deep learning model for predicting pathological lymph node invasion (LNI) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients identified as candidates for extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) by preoperative nomograms.[68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT scan of 116 eligible PCa patients (82 in the training cohort and 34 in the test cohort) who underwent radical prostatectomy with ePLND were analyzed in our study. The Med3D deep learning network was utilized to extract discriminative features from the entire prostate volume of interest on the PET/CT images. Subsequently, a multimodal model i.e., Multi kernel Support Vector Machine was constructed to combine the PET/CT deep learning features, quantitative PET and clinical parameters. The performance of the multimodal models was assessed using final histopathology as the reference standard, with evaluation metrics including area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, decision curve analysis, and compared with available nomograms and PET/CT visual evaluation result.Our multimodal model incorporated clinical information, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), and PET/CT deep learning features. The AUC for predicting LNI was 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–0.97) for the final model. The proposed model demonstrated superior predictive accuracy in the test cohort compared to PET/CT visual evaluation result, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and the Briganti-2017 nomograms (AUC 0.85 [95% CI 0.69-1.00] vs. 0.80 [95% CI 0.64–0.95] vs. 0.79 [95% CI 0.61–0.97] and 0.69 [95% CI 0.50–0.88], respectively). The proposed model showed similar calibration and higher net benefit as compared to the traditional nomograms.Our multimodal deep learning model, which incorporates preoperative PSMA PET/CT imaging, shows enhanced predictive capabilities for LNI in clinically localized PCa compared to PSMA PET/CT visual evaluation result and existing nomograms like the MSKCC and Briganti-2017 nomograms. This model has the potential to reduce unnecessary ePLND procedures while minimizing the risk of missing cases of LNI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Straw, biochar, dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP), and polyaspartic acid (PASP) are promising materials to improve soil productivity and alleviate agricultural pollution. However, the comparison of these four materials in rice cultivation, in terms of fertilizer use efficiency and crop yield enhancement, remains limited. A pot experiment was therefore conducted to elucidate the comparative impacts of these materials on gaseous nitrogen loss, rice growth, nutrient uptake, soil properties, and soil nitrifying bacteria during different growth stages with the aim of identifying the optimal material facilitating rice production.Six treatments were designed as follows: no nitrogen fertilizer (PK), conventional fertilization (NPK), partial substitution of nitrogen in NPK with straw (NPKS), partial substitution of nitrogen in NPK with biochar (NPKC), NPK plus DMPP application (NPKD), and NPK plus PASP application (NPKP).For the whole growth period, the inhibition of NH3 volatilization only occurred in NPKP (17.22%) in comparison with NPK, while DMPP and PASP effectively reduced N2O emissions by 40.54% and 25.29%, respectively. Moreover, all materials contributed to nitrogen fixation in soil while significantly decreasing the population of AOB bacteria, with PASP and straw demonstrating a significant inhibitory effect on AOA bacteria. Furthermore, straw was more favorable to nutrient uptake and utilization by rice, inducing additional accumulation of nitrogen (71.96%), phosphorus (21.03%), and potassium (14.97%). Lastly, straw, DMPP, and PASP increased the rice yield (> 6%), whereas the impact of biochar was less pronounced.When considering factors such as environment, soil properties and crop yield, the application of biodegradable PASP demonstrates comprehensive advantages in rice cultivation.Methods: Straw, biochar, dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP), and polyaspartic acid (PASP) are promising materials to improve soil productivity and alleviate agricultural pollution. However, the comparison of these four materials in rice cultivation, in terms of fertilizer use efficiency and crop yield enhancement, remains limited. A pot experiment was therefore conducted to elucidate the comparative impacts of these materials on gaseous nitrogen loss, rice growth, nutrient uptake, soil properties, and soil nitrifying bacteria during different growth stages with the aim of identifying the optimal material facilitating rice production.Six treatments were designed as follows: no nitrogen fertilizer (PK), conventional fertilization (NPK), partial substitution of nitrogen in NPK with straw (NPKS), partial substitution of nitrogen in NPK with biochar (NPKC), NPK plus DMPP application (NPKD), and NPK plus PASP application (NPKP).For the whole growth period, the inhibition of NH3 volatilization only occurred in NPKP (17.22%) in comparison with NPK, while DMPP and PASP effectively reduced N2O emissions by 40.54% and 25.29%, respectively. Moreover, all materials contributed to nitrogen fixation in soil while significantly decreasing the population of AOB bacteria, with PASP and straw demonstrating a significant inhibitory effect on AOA bacteria. Furthermore, straw was more favorable to nutrient uptake and utilization by rice, inducing additional accumulation of nitrogen (71.96%), phosphorus (21.03%), and potassium (14.97%). Lastly, straw, DMPP, and PASP increased the rice yield (> 6%), whereas the impact of biochar was less pronounced.When considering factors such as environment, soil properties and crop yield, the application of biodegradable PASP demonstrates comprehensive advantages in rice cultivation.Results: Straw, biochar, dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP), and polyaspartic acid (PASP) are promising materials to improve soil productivity and alleviate agricultural pollution. However, the comparison of these four materials in rice cultivation, in terms of fertilizer use efficiency and crop yield enhancement, remains limited. A pot experiment was therefore conducted to elucidate the comparative impacts of these materials on gaseous nitrogen loss, rice growth, nutrient uptake, soil properties, and soil nitrifying bacteria during different growth stages with the aim of identifying the optimal material facilitating rice production.Six treatments were designed as follows: no nitrogen fertilizer (PK), conventional fertilization (NPK), partial substitution of nitrogen in NPK with straw (NPKS), partial substitution of nitrogen in NPK with biochar (NPKC), NPK plus DMPP application (NPKD), and NPK plus PASP application (NPKP).For the whole growth period, the inhibition of NH3 volatilization only occurred in NPKP (17.22%) in comparison with NPK, while DMPP and PASP effectively reduced N2O emissions by 40.54% and 25.29%, respectively. Moreover, all materials contributed to nitrogen fixation in soil while significantly decreasing the population of AOB bacteria, with PASP and straw demonstrating a significant inhibitory effect on AOA bacteria. Furthermore, straw was more favorable to nutrient uptake and utilization by rice, inducing additional accumulation of nitrogen (71.96%), phosphorus (21.03%), and potassium (14.97%). Lastly, straw, DMPP, and PASP increased the rice yield (> 6%), whereas the impact of biochar was less pronounced.When considering factors such as environment, soil properties and crop yield, the application of biodegradable PASP demonstrates comprehensive advantages in rice cultivation.Conclusion: Straw, biochar, dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP), and polyaspartic acid (PASP) are promising materials to improve soil productivity and alleviate agricultural pollution. However, the comparison of these four materials in rice cultivation, in terms of fertilizer use efficiency and crop yield enhancement, remains limited. A pot experiment was therefore conducted to elucidate the comparative impacts of these materials on gaseous nitrogen loss, rice growth, nutrient uptake, soil properties, and soil nitrifying bacteria during different growth stages with the aim of identifying the optimal material facilitating rice production.Six treatments were designed as follows: no nitrogen fertilizer (PK), conventional fertilization (NPK), partial substitution of nitrogen in NPK with straw (NPKS), partial substitution of nitrogen in NPK with biochar (NPKC), NPK plus DMPP application (NPKD), and NPK plus PASP application (NPKP).For the whole growth period, the inhibition of NH3 volatilization only occurred in NPKP (17.22%) in comparison with NPK, while DMPP and PASP effectively reduced N2O emissions by 40.54% and 25.29%, respectively. Moreover, all materials contributed to nitrogen fixation in soil while significantly decreasing the population of AOB bacteria, with PASP and straw demonstrating a significant inhibitory effect on AOA bacteria. Furthermore, straw was more favorable to nutrient uptake and utilization by rice, inducing additional accumulation of nitrogen (71.96%), phosphorus (21.03%), and potassium (14.97%). Lastly, straw, DMPP, and PASP increased the rice yield (> 6%), whereas the impact of biochar was less pronounced.When considering factors such as environment, soil properties and crop yield, the application of biodegradable PASP demonstrates comprehensive advantages in rice cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop a radiomics-based model using [ 68 Ga]Ga-PSMA PET/CT to predict postoperative adverse pathology (AP) in patients with biopsy Gleason Grade Group (GGG) 1-2 prostate cancer (PCa), assisting in the selection of patients for active surveillance (AS)., Methods: A total of 75 men with biopsy GGG 1-2 PCa who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into a training group (70%) and a testing group (30%). Radiomics features of entire prostate were extracted from the [ 68 Ga]Ga-PSMA PET scans and selected using the minimum redundancy maximum relevance algorithm and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to construct the prediction models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curve were employed to evaluate the diagnostic value, clinical utility, and predictive accuracy of the models, respectively., Results: Among the 75 patients, 30 had AP confirmed by RP. The clinical model showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.821 (0.695-0.947) in the training set and 0.795 (0.603-0.987) in the testing set. The radiomics model achieved AUC values of 0.830 (0.720-0.941) in the training set and 0.829 (0.624-1.000) in the testing set. The combined model, which incorporated the Radiomics score (Radscore) and free prostate-specific antigen (FPSA)/total prostate-specific antigen (TPSA), demonstrated higher diagnostic efficacy than both the clinical and radiomics models, with AUC values of 0.875 (0.780-0.970) in the training set and 0.872 (0.678-1.000) in the testing set. DCA showed that the net benefits of the combined model and radiomics model exceeded those of the clinical model., Conclusion: The combined model shows potential in stratifying men with biopsy GGG 1-2 PCa based on the presence of AP at final pathology and outperforms models based solely on clinical or radiomics features. It may be expected to aid urologists in better selecting suitable patients for AS., (© 2024. The Author(s).)