Real-world text-only inference of PI-RADS v2.1 from prostate MRI reports using large language models: a lesion-level, zone-aware study.

Impact of tunnel entrance/exit sidewalls and Medians on driver behavior: Operational safety risk diagnosis based on avoidance dynamics and trajectory evolution.

From juveniles to adults: Ontogenetic and seasonal patterns of loggerhead turtles in oceanic Mediterranean habitats.

Synergistic effect of silica fume and nano silica on multiscale pore structure regulation and permeability enhancement of full coral aggregate concrete

Seagrass meadows support biodiversity, coastal protection and blue carbon services but are declining globally, with nutrient enrichment a pervasive driver of eutrophication. Effective management depends on detecting eutrophication before structural collapse occurs, yet widely used tissue nitrogen (N) benchmarks for seagrasses have never been formally validated. We assessed nutrient exposure and ecological condition across nine seagrass meadows in Northern Ireland using tissue carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus content, stoichiometric ratios and stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N), and tested how tissue nitrogen relates to Zostera marina biomass at Northern Hemisphere scale by integrating regional, UK and global datasets. All Northern Ireland meadows exceeded the global 1.8% tissue nitrogen benchmark, indicating pervasive anthropogenic nitrogen exposure even within Marine Protected Areas. The combined datasets revealed a strong, nonlinear decline in Z. marina biomass with increasing tissue nitrogen that was consistent across sites. Biomass began to decline significantly above 1.8% N, identifying this value as the onset of functional degradation. The rate of biomass loss increased rapidly with further enrichment and peaked at 2.8% N, defining a critical point at which additional nitrogen causes the greatest marginal loss of seagrass biomass. These results provide quantitative support for existing tissue nitrogen benchmarks and refine their ecological interpretation, highlighting 1.8% N as an early-warning threshold and2.8% N as a high-risk range for rapid biomass loss. Tissue nitrogen therefore represents a integrative, biologically meaningful indicator of eutrophic stress applicable for management and restoration prioritisation in seagrass ecosystems.

Fractal characteristics of fragmentation and evolution law of dissipated energy in early-age concrete–surrounding rock composite under impact loading

Contrasting aerosol regimes and radiative forcing across the Andean-Amazonian transition: A seven-year analysis of biomass burning impacts.

To promote ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) as an advanced material with greater economic and environmental benefits, this study combined recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) and red mud (RM) to further reduce the proportions of mineral material. Compared to natural coarse aggregates (NCA), the introduction of RCA can lead to the formation of numerous weaker interfacial transition zones (ITZs) between RCA and the new cement matrix due to the presence of old adhered mortar, resulting in insufficient mechanical properties of RCA-UHPC. Herein, the addition of 10 wt% RM did not improve the mechanical properties of NCA-UHPC, but significantly narrowed the strength gap between RCA-UHPC and NCA-UHPC, reducing the difference in compressive and splitting tensile strength at 28 d from 32.6 MPa and 4.7 MPa to 2.9 MPa and 1.1 MPa, respectively. Microscopic results indicate that ultrafine RM particles can fill the ITZs between RCA and new cement mortar, reducing their width to an almost invisible level. In detail, RM particles can serve as fillers and nucleation sites to promote the formation of high-crystallinity CaCO 3 crystals that can fill micropores and improve the microstructure between the old adhered mortar and the RM layer. Additionally, the bonds between the RM layer and the new cement mortar can be slightly enhanced by the hydration reactions induced by RM’s pozzolanic activity. The increase in hydration products from the continuous pozzolanic reaction of RM contributes to improved bonding strength, as reflected in the higher mechanical properties observed at 56 days compared to the reference group without RM. In this study, the combination of 20 wt% RCA and 10 wt% RM in the UHPC matrix under standard curing achieves a trade-off, offering a promising strategy for the combined reuse of construction and solid waste in the construction industry.

Concrete is a multiphase composite material composed of high-strength aggregates, a cement matrix, and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), whose inherent heterogeneity plays a critical role in its mechanical response. Phenomenological numerical models often assume a homogeneous material formulation, limiting their ability to capture localised failure mechanisms and the composite behaviour. This study presents a mesoscale modelling framework that explicitly represents concrete heterogeneity by incorporating aggregate distribution into finite element meshes generated from design-stage parameters. The approach is applied to ballistic impact scenarios and validated against previously published data by the authors. Finite elements simulations reproduced key experimental trends in stress-strain response, projectile residual velocity and mass loss. Furthermore, the heterogeneous formulation captured effects such as size-dependent behaviour, brittle-to-ductile transition and projectile rotation – which are not available using homogenised models. The framework is scalable and efficient, allowing for parametric studies on aggregate volume fraction, particle size distribution, and aggregate shape. This modelling approach may be used to optimise aggregate parameters during the design stage of a protective structure in response to a specified external threat. • Mesoscale model captured concrete heterogeneity using realistic aggregate geometry. • Framework reproduced size effects and brittle-to-ductile transition in concrete. • Simulations reflect experimental scatter in both material and ballistic tests. • Approach supports aggregate optimisation for protective structures.

Strengthening the transition zone of an additively manufactured hybrid TPMS structure for bone scaffold applications

Ants are key indicators of ecological health, yet the factors shaping their diversity in Yunnan's montane transitional zones remain poorly understood. This study examines how historical biogeography and contemporary environmental filtering jointly drive ant diversity patterns in the Huanglianshan National Nature Reserve, China. We systematically surveyed ant assemblages across an elevational gradient (320-2637m), recording 209 species from 66 genera and 9 subfamilies. Multi-scale biogeographical analyses revealed that all recorded species occur in the Oriental realm, with 50.72% also distributed in the Palearctic realm, reflecting the region's transitional faunal affinities. Within China, the fauna is most closely allied to the Southwest, South China, and Central China regions. Environmental analyses across eight typical ecological zones of Yunnan indicated that ant species richness increases with habitat area, rainfall, and humidity, but declines with elevation and latitude. These findings support a "historical-ecological" framework wherein the regional species pool, shaped by biogeographic history, is filtered by contemporary environmental gradients. Our results provide a scientific basis for biodiversity conservation in Yunnan's montane ecosystems and contribute to understanding diversity maintenance mechanisms in tropical-subtropical transition zones.

Basal cell carcinoma rarely coexists with malignant mesenchymal component(s), termed as basal cell carcinosarcoma (BCCS). BCCS often comprises an osteosarcomatous change, which considerably varies in the histological extent among reported cases. Owing to its rarity and morphological heterogeneity, the disease may be underrecognized and pose accurate diagnosis and treatment approaches. In this study, we present a case of BCCS with a focal osteosarcomatous component in a 91-year-old woman with a rapidly enlarging solitary tumor on the left cheek. Histopathological examination revealed a biphasic tumor composed of conventional basal cell carcinoma and a high-grade sarcomatous component, both of which were intermingled gradually in the transitional zone. Limited portions of the sarcomatous component contained atypical spindle-to oval-shaped cells and osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells surrounded by an osteoid matrix. Immunohistochemically, these cells were positive for an osteoblastic marker SATB2 and an osteoclast-associated marker tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, respectively, but negative for epithelial markers AE1/AE3 and BerEP4. These findings supported a diagnosis of BCCS with an osteosarcomatous component. To the best of our knowledge, literature review identified only 21 similar cases thus far reported, but no previous reports have used a combined use of SATB2 and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase immunostaining to substantiate the osteosarcomatous focus in cutaneous carcinosarcoma. Our case may highlight the potential diagnostic value of these 2 markers in distinguishing the true osteosarcomatous components from mimicking elements such as dystrophic calcification or hyalinized collagen deposition, but also in detecting a subtle osteosarcomatous component in carcinosarcoma.

Spermiogenesis dysfunction is a major cause of male infertility; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms involved remain incompletely elucidated. Although transmembrane protein 67 (TMEM67), a ciliary transition zone protein implicated in ciliopathies, is highly enriched in mouse testes, its cell type-specific functional relevance in spermatogenesis is unclear. Here, we generated germ cell-specific (Stra8-Tmem67f/f) and Sertoli cell-specific (Amh-Tmem67f/f) Tmem67 knockout mice to investigate the function of TMEM67 in spermatogenesis and male fertility. Amh-Tmem67f/f mice maintained normal fertility and exhibited normal spermatogenesis, with no significant differences in testicular histology or sperm count, morphology, or motility compared with wild-type (WT) controls. However, Stra8-Tmem67f/f males were completely infertile, manifesting severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) characterized by a drastic reduction in sperm count, total loss of sperm motility, and global sperm malformation. Further investigations revealed that TMEM67 deletion did not impair spermatogonial proliferation or meiosis, but instead disrupted key spermiogenic events, including manchette dynamics, acrosome biogenesis, and flagellum development. Proteomic analysis indicated that TMEM67 knockout altered the expression of numerous spermiogenesis-related proteins. Furthermore, our experiments confirmed that TMEM67 deficiency led to profound perturbations in both the expression levels and subcellular localization of key spermiogenic regulators in the testis. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that TMEM67 is indispensable for spermiogenesis and male fertility, revealing its critical role in coordinating manchette function, axonemal integrity, and spermiogenesis-related protein regulation, providing novel insights into OAT pathogenesis.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a widespread urological clinical case in aged men associated with troublesome lower urinary tract symptoms and cardiac dysfunction, but its medical treatment is still insufficient. Thus, searching for more effective medical regimens is an essential target. We tried in current experiment to explore the role of bosentan (BOS) and/or finerenone (FIN) in this lesion. BPH was adequately induced using testosterone propionate (TP) in a dose of (5mg/kg/day) for 28 days of subcutaneous injection and an oral administration of BOS (50mg/kg/day) and/or FIN (10mg/kg/day) for 10 days. We found typical histopathological changes of BPH, increased serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT), prostatic specific antigen (PSA), cardiac enzymes, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), aldosterone, endothelin-A, nuclear factor kappa b (NF-κB), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). However, significant decreases in total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced glutathione (GSH), and caspase-3. The histological findings were augmented by special staining techniques, immunohistochemical and morphometric studies. There are histopathological alternations as the hyperplastic nodules in the prostate's transition zone expand, and the prostatic urethra was compressed, lengthened and distorted. Interestingly the co-administration of BOS and/or FIN significantly improved BPH induced changes. This is mostly attributed to its ability in modulating endothelin receptors by BOS, aldosterone receptors by FIN, improved the histopathological changes with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, antiproliferative, and apoptotic properties. BOS and/or FIN showed a significant ameliorative effect in BPH.

The present study deals with the traditional knowledge and conservation status of wild plant species in the tribal Orakzai district, an ecologically transitional zone between subtropical and temperate, which is still largely underexplored in quantitative and conservation ethnobotany. Semi-structured questionnaires and participatory observations were employed to interview local participants and plant specimens were collected in the study area. In total, 123 species belonging to 60 families and 112 genera were reported with multiple tribal applications. Trends in tribal practices and cultural outcomes of the reported taxa were assessed using quantitative indices including cultural importance index (CI), use diversity index (UDI), direct matrix ranking (DMR), informant consensus factor (ICF), and Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC). Traditionally important medicinal plants, including Daphne papyracea, Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata, Salix babylonica, Berberis lycium, Hedera helix, and Pyrola chlorantha were identified in the surveys. Herbaceous species are the most common. Leaves, twigs and rhizomes were the main parts of the plants. The vulnerability status was determined by using a cross-referencing protocol based on a combination of community perceptions, field observations, IUCN categories and Kew's predicted extinction risks. With this integrated protocol, 37% of species were classified as highly vulnerable, 19% as moderately threatened and 43% as least vulnerable. The study concludes that there is a dire need for plant conservation and preservation of tribal ecological knowledge.

Under global warming, the expansion and structural reorganization of drylands have become increasingly evident, reflecting major shifts in terrestrial hydroclimatic conditions. However, the evolutionary characteristics of different dryland subtypes and their risk differentiation remain insufficiently understood. Using global aridity index data for 1981-2020 together with future scenario data from CMIP 6, this study examined changes in dryland extent, subtype evolution, and drought risk patterns at global and continental scales. The Results global drylands expanded overall during 1981-2020 and are likely to continue expanding in the future. This expansion was driven mainly by increases in semiarid and dry subhumid zones, particularly the latter, suggesting that current global aridification is expressed more through the outward growth of wet-dry transition zones than through uniform intensification of hyperarid cores. Between 1981 and 2000 and 2041-2060, total global dryland area increased by 9.78×106 km2 at a rate of 1.63×105 km2 yr- 1, including increases of 4.71×106 km2 in semiarid zones and 5.57×106 km2 in dry subhumid zones, whereas hyperarid zones decreased by 9.33×105 km2. At the continental scale, Asia contributed most to net global dryland expansion, whereas Africa accounted for the largest shares of permanent dryland and high-risk dryland zones. Risk zoning based on drought frequency and maximum consecutive drought years revealed a clear spatial gradient from permanent drylands to high-risk and then low- to medium-risk dryland zones, with Africa and Asia forming the core regions of persistent dryland zones and the main frontiers of future expansion. Overall, global dryland evolution shows pronounced structural and intercontinental heterogeneity. High-risk dryland zones and dry subhumid zones should therefore be prioritized in future drought monitoring, early warning, ecological restoration, and region-specific management. This study provides a scientific basis for dynamically identifying global drylands, managing vulnerable areas, and developing sustainable land-management strategies under climate change.

In tapered pipes commonly used in engineering applications, increasing the particle mass flux and reducing specific energy consumption are key to improving the energy efficiency of liquid-solid two-phase conveyance. This study introduces the Witoszynski curve as the profile for tapered pipes and analyzes its transport characteristics in two-phase liquid-solid flow. The contraction ratio, contraction angle, and profile type were selected as optimization parameters, and the back propagation neural network (BPNN) and the genetic algorithm (GA) were employed as the prediction model and optimization algorithm. An optimization framework was developed to determine the optimal structural parameters for tapered pipes. The results show that using the Witoszynski curve as a contour guide allows particles to follow a smoothly varying curvature trajectory through the transition zone, thereby increasing particle velocity and improving flow field uniformity. Compared to the tapered pipes before optimization, the particle mass flux increased by 11.85%, and specific energy consumption decreased by 9.90%. Validation simulations conducted under various flow rates and with fluids of different viscosities demonstrate that the optimized model exhibits good robustness.

The activity patterns and feeding habits of primates are altered in response to habitat degradation and fluctuations in food availability. Among the Old-World monkey species, the De Brazza's monkey (DM), Cercopithecus neglectus, is one of the understudied species in Africa. We evaluated the impact of habitat disturbance on activity patterns and diet of the DM in the three management focal zones (core, buffer and transition) of Bonga and Saja forests of the Kafa Biosphere Reserve. Data were collected using instantaneous scan sampling method from June 2022 to May 2023. Six groups of De Brazza's monkeys (DMs)- one group from each management zone of the two forests- were observed twice a month. The proportion of time spent on each activity was calculated by dividing the number of records for each activity by the total number of activity records. Slightly more behavioral activities were recorded during the dry season (50.07%, n = 3173) compared to the wet season (49.93%, n = 3163). Feeding was more prevalent in the buffer zone (34.9%, n = 713) compared to the transition zone (31.6%, n = 646). In contrast, moving was most common in the transition zone (38.9%, n = 441) and less frequent in the buffer zone (24.9%, n = 333). The study revealed that the diet of De Brazza's monkeys consists of 34 plant species, 27 at Bonga and 24 at Saja site, with 17 species common to both sites, while 10 were unique to Bonga and 7 species to Saja. Most of the feeding activity was relatively higher during the wet season (51.8%, n = 2,124). Majority (83.7%) of the feeding scans were scans on fruit bearing trees. More DM diet sources were recorded in transition zones of the two study sites. The findings indicate that moving was more frequent in disturbed zones than the others zones. Seasonality influences the behavior of De Brazza's monkeys, with a greater proportion of their activities observed during the dry season. An immediate conservation action is necessary to mitigate habitat degradation in the Biosphere.

Sand burial is a dominant physical disturbance in arid dune ecosystems, profoundly altering soil moisture, temperature regimes and mechanical resistance, and thereby constraining belowground plant growth. Rhizomatous clonal plants are particularly dependent on belowground strategies to persist and expand under such conditions, yet how sand burial regulates rhizome expansion and biomass allocation remains poorly understood. We combined two complementary field components in an active dune system in the Ulan Buh Desert, northwestern China. First, rhizome extension of Phragmites australis was monitored descriptively across three burial-depth categories. Second, rhizome traits, ramet recruitment and biomass allocation were examined across three dune microhabitats: interdune lowland, transition zone and windward slope. Rhizomes in deeper burial categories showed greater extension rate and total expansion length than those in shallow burial. Rhizome morphology exhibited strong habitat-dependent variation: internode length and cross-sectional area were greater on windward slopes and transition zones, while rhizomes in interdune lowlands displayed higher length-to-width ratios. Ramet recruitment pathways also shifted spatially, with rhizome-derived ramets dominating in lowlands and tiller-derived ramets prevailing on windward slopes. Biomass allocation further reflected this gradient, with greater vertical investment in lowlands and increasing horizontal allocation toward windward slopes over the growing season. These results show that P. australis exhibits substantial variation in rhizome expansion, clonal traits and biomass allocation across heterogeneous dune environments. Descriptive observations suggest contrasting rhizome expansion under different burial conditions, while habitat-scale patterns reveal variation in clonal organization and biomass allocation. The observed variations in rhizome traits and biomass allocation help explain how clonal plants persist under disturbance in mobile dunes.

Creep instability induced by the thawing of frozen walls has emerged as a critical challenge threatening the long-term safety of deep shafts penetrating water-rich Cretaceous weakly cemented strata. Existing creep models are predominantly based on macro-phenomenological fitting, which lacks a physical characterization of the microscopic driving mechanisms during ice-water phase transitions. Here, we conducted constant load-variable temperature triaxial creep tests coupled with synchronous Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) monitoring to define a microscopic damage parameter based on the evolution of unfrozen water content. By integrating this parameter into a fractional-order creep framework, we developed a cross-scale mechanical model capable of describing the entire thawing process. Our results indicate that within the active phase transition zone (- 6°C to - 2°C), the unfrozen water content surges from 1.24 to 6.23%, leading to a 3-to4-fold increase in the steady-state creep rate. By introducing microscopic state variables, the proposed model effectively achieves the theoretical decoupling of geometric damage triggered by pore ice melting from mechanical damage caused by the intrinsic weakening of the rock skeleton. Validation analysis demonstrates that the model calculations for the attenuation, steady-state, and accelerated creep stages achieve an agreement of over 90% with experimental data. This study reveals a cross-scale cascading mechanism of accelerated failure in thawing rocks: microscopic phase transitions induce a dynamic attenuation of long-term rock strength. When this dynamic strength threshold falls below the constant external load, it triggers mesoscopic crack connectivity and macroscopic instability. These findings provide a quantitative theoretical foundation for the early warning of long-term stability during the thawing period of deep shafts in cold regions.