Browse Articles

Efficient removal of AlN from secondary aluminum dross using binary fluoride: a theoretical and experimental study

Chemoradiation ± Atezolizumab in Limited-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer: Results of NRG Oncology/Alliance LU005

PURPOSE NRG Oncology/Alliance LU005 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03811002 ) tested the addition of atezolizumab to concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) in this open-label, phase III international trial. METHODS Patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC), stage Tx-IV, N0-3, and M0 with Eastern Cooperative Group performance status (PS) 0-2 received one cycle of chemotherapy (platinum/etoposide) before study registration and were randomly assigned to CRT alone versus CRT plus concurrent and adjuvant atezolizumab, 1,200 mg once daily, every 3 weeks until investigator-assessed progression or intolerable side effects for a maximum of 17 cycles. Patients were stratified by choice of chemotherapy (cisplatin v carboplatin), radiation fractionation schedule (66 Gy once daily v 45 Gy twice daily), sex, and PS (0/1 v 2). The primary end point was overall survival (OS). Secondary end points included investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate, local control, and distant-metastasis-free survival (DMFS). RESULTS patients were randomly assigned from May 2019 to December 2023. The median OS was 36.1 months (95% CI, 28.1 to 42.5) for the CRT-alone arm and 31.1 months (95% CI, 28.5 to 44.7) for the CRT + atezolizumab arm, respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 1.03 [95% CI, 0.80 to 1.32]). The median PFS was 11.4 months (95% CI, 10.3 to 13.2) for the CRT-alone arm and 12.1 months (95% CI, 10.9 to 15.2) for the CRT + atezolizumab arm, respectively (HR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.79 to 1.22]). The median DMFS was 13.0 months (95% CI, 11.3 to 18.2) for the CRT-alone arm and 16.8 months (95% CI, 12.1 to 21.6) for the CRT + atezolizumab arm (HR, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.76 to 1.21]). No unexpected safety signals with concurrent atezolizumab were observed. CONCLUSION Concurrent and adjuvant atezolizumab with chemoradiation did not improve survival in patients with LS-SCLC.

High bacterial diversity drives the suppression of a soilborne plant disease

The rhizosphere microbiome plays a crucial role in the resistance to soilborne plant diseases. However, the principles needed to explain and predict which microbiota will be effective against soilborne pathogens are still lacking due to the complexity of the soil microbial community. We hypothesized that, independent of particular microbial strains, a high diversity is associated with, or increases the probability of, effective suppression. We tested this hypothesis by demonstrating that random combinations of rhizosphere microbial isolates, with the same bacterial diversity, had an equal impact on suppressing root diseases. The incidence of root rot was significantly reduced when soil bacterial diversity was high. We further investigated how high-diversity bacterial communities suppress root rot by constructing synthetic bacterial communities (SynComs). The results suggest that high bacterial diversity suppresses pathogens through mechanisms potentially including nutrient competition and the formation of physical barriers on the root surface. Our study highlights that high bacterial diversity is beneficial for suppressing soilborne plant diseases, offering a nonchemical and sustainable approach for crop disease management.

Correction: Protocol of a multi-centre randomized controlled trial to compare pericapsular nerve group block, fascia-iliaca compartment block and femoral nerve block for pain management in patients with a hip fracture in the emergency department (CPFF-ED)

Retraction Note: Microwave radiation-induced grafting of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride onto lentil extract (LE-g-DMC) as an emerging high-performance plant-based grafted coagulant

Integrating Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes and Palliative Care in Pediatric Advanced Cancer: The PediQUEST Response Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE We conducted the PediQUEST Response to the Pediatric Oncology Symptom Experience (PQ Response) randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess whether combining feedback from an electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) system with specialized pediatric palliative care (SPPC) consultation improved health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with advanced cancer. METHODS This multicenter open-label RCT enrolled children 2 years and older with advanced cancer. The study was conducted between April 2018 and December 2021 at five US tertiary-level pediatric cancer centers. All parents and children 5 years and older answered weekly child HRQOL and symptom surveys over 18 weeks (2-week run-in). Child-parent dyads were assigned (1:1) to PQ Response (n = 74) or usual care (n = 80) for 16 weeks. Primary outcomes were the difference between average 16-week and baseline Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL-4.0) total scores reported by parents and children (range, 0-100; higher = better HRQOL; minimal clinically important difference [MCID], 4.5). Secondary outcomes were PedsQL subscales and symptom scores. Analyses followed an intention-to-treat approach. RESULTS Of 154 participants randomly assigned, 50% were girls, 78% were White, 17% were Hispanic, and 45% had brain tumors. The mean age was 11 years (standard deviation, 6.1). Parents assigned to PQ Response reported greater improvements in child HRQOL (PedsQL total mean difference 3.45 points [{95% CI, 0.48 to 6.43}; P = .023]; PedsQL physical 4.61 [{95% CI, 0.40 to 8.82}; P = .032]). Children reported similar improvements. Effects did not exceed MCIDs. No improvements were observed in PedsQL-psychosocial or symptom scores. Sensitivity analyses showed consistent effects, with most physical HRQOL scores and several child-reported symptom scores exceeding MCIDs. We observed site-specific variability. At the site with the largest adherence, all effects exceeded MCIDs. No adverse events reported. CONCLUSION Findings suggest benefits of integrating electronic patient-reported outcome feedback and SPPC into pediatric advanced cancer care. Enhanced implementation strategies are needed to optimize clinical impact.

Cellular circadian period and its deviation associate with Alzheimer’s pathology and brain aging in cognitively impaired older adults

Circadian rhythm disruption is recognized as a feature of aging and neurodegenerative disease, yet whether intrinsic cellular circadian properties relate to underlying processes in humans remains unknown. We measured intrinsic circadian period and its deviation from 24 h (Δ-period) using ex vivo bioluminescence in dermal fibroblasts from 135 older adults with cognitive complaints. Associations with plasma biomarkers (pTau-217, neurofilament light chain [NfL], and glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]), amyloid positron emission tomography (PET), structural MRI, cognitive function, and clinical progression were examined within the amyloid–tau–neurodegeneration [ATN (IV)] framework, using multivariable models and Cox regression analyses. The median cellular circadian period was 24.2 h, while Δ-period increased with age. A longer intrinsic circadian period was selectively associated with higher pTau-217, NfL, and GFAP levels and medial temporal atrophy, consistent with Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related tau pathology, neurodegeneration, and glial activation. In contrast, greater Δ-period was associated with older age, poorer cognitive performance across multiple domains, and more widespread brain atrophy, consistent with broader aging-related neurodegenerative processes. Both longer period (HR = 4.41, 95% CI: 1.52 to 12.83) and greater Δ-period (HR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.03 to 6.86) independently predicted faster clinical decline. Thus, cellular circadian period and Δ-period capture distinct biological processes—AD-related tau pathology vs. broader aging-related neurodegeneration—and together represent complementary cellular biomarkers with potential prognostic value in older adults with cognitive concerns.

Computational modelling of the equine arteritis virus GP5/M Dimer: Implications for immune evasion and virulence

Equine arteritis virus (EAV) is a positive-stranded RNA virus of the Arteriviridae family. Its GP5/M dimer, the principal component of the viral envelope, mediates virus budding and serves as a key target for neutralizing antibodies. Using AlphaFold3, we predicted the 3D structure of the EAV GP5/M dimer and compared it to its homolog in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Both complexes share a conserved architecture comprising a short ectodomain, three helical transmembrane regions, and a β-sheet-rich endodomain. EAV GP5 features a longer ectodomain with four α-helices and a disulfide-linked β-sheet, which forms the most variable and surface-exposed region containing neutralizing epitopes. Adjacent conserved and variable N-glycosylation sites suggest immune evasion mechanisms involving antigenic drift and glycan shielding. Another epitope, located in a membrane-proximal helix, overlaps with known virulence and persistence determinants. The transmembrane domains are the most structurally conserved regions between EAV and PRRSV, characterized by tilted and kinked helices stabilized by hydrophilic interactions within the lipid bilayer. These findings provide molecular insights into the structural organization, immune targets, and virulence-associated features of the GP5/M dimer, offering a foundation for rational vaccine design against EAV.

Predictive analysis of greenhouse gas emissions from electric vehicle charging in the United States

International Consensus-Driven Recommendations for Patient-Reported Outcome Research Objectives in Early Phase Dose-Finding Oncology Trials: OPTIMISE-ROR

PURPOSE There is growing scientific interest in incorporating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in early phase dose-finding oncology trials (DFOTs) to assess tolerability, inform dose selection, and guide later stage trial design. However, research indicates that PRO objectives in DFOTs are often unclear. The Incorporating Patient-Reported Outcomes in Dose-Finding Trials-Research Objectives Recommendations (OPTIMISE-ROR) project was established to support trialists to effectively incorporate PROs into DFOTs. METHODS Using the Enhancing Quality and Transparency of Health Research (EQUATOR) Network's methodological framework, guideline development included the following: (1) a methodological review of published DFOTs incorporating PROs; (2) candidate item generation, refined through expert consultation; (3) a two-round international multistakeholder Delphi survey (N = 109 in Round 1 [October 2024]; N = 96 in Round 2 [December 2024]); and (4) an independently chaired virtual consensus meeting (N = 31; January 2025) where multidisciplinary, international experts reviewed and voted to finalize items for inclusion. RESULTS Consensus was reached on six recommendations emphasizing three core PRO tolerability concepts: overall side effect impact, symptomatic adverse events, and overall health-related quality of life. The integration of PROs to inform final dose recommendations in dose escalation and optimization trials should be considered, regardless of trial design. The recommendations highlight the importance of PRO data analysis over time and across dose levels, defining PRO research objectives as descriptive or statistically powered, and assessing PRO-related end points to guide end point selection for subsequent studies. CONCLUSION This foundational guidance outlines key PRO research objectives in DFOTs. By facilitating the systematic integration of PROs, this guidance supports the utilization of patient-centered evidence for the tolerability and efficacy assessment of therapies to inform dose escalation, optimization, and regulatory evaluation—ultimately contributing to the development of safer, more effective therapies.

Rapid solar energy development in deserts: A missing element in desertification control and achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Deceased kidney donor cystatin C and subsequent recipient measured glomerular filtration rate at one year after transplantation

Background Deceased donor kidney selection is largely determined by creatinine-based kidney function estimation. However, muscle wasting is common in potential donors and affects the accuracy of creatinine-based kidney function assessment. Cystatin C could serve as a muscle-mass independent alternative for this purpose. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of donor creatinine and cystatin C with recipient measured glomerular filtration (mGFR) at one year after transplantation. Methods Using data from the prospective TransplantLines study, multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to examine the associations of donor plasma creatinine and cystatin C with recipient I 125 -iothalamate mGFR. Results Donor plasma creatinine and cystatin C data were available for 96 donor-recipient pairs. Median pre-donation creatinine and cystatin C concentrations were 56.0 [49.5–71.0] µmol/L and 0.63 [0.50–0.82] mg/L, respectively. Recipient mGFR data at one year after transplantation were available in 55 kidney transplant recipients. Mean recipient mGFR was 52.1 ± 17.0 ml/min. Donor plasma creatinine was not associated with recipient mGFR (st. β −0.19, 95% CI [−0.48 to 0.10], p = 0.21), while donor cystatin C was significantly associated with recipient graft function (st. β −0.52, [−0.83 to −0.21], p = 0.002). The association of cystatin C and recipient mGFR remained materially unchanged after adjustment for potential confounders. Conclusion In deceased kidney donors, donor plasma creatinine is not associated with recipient mGFR, whereas donor cystatin is associated. Addition of cystatin C to the assessment of deceased kidney donors may provide additional information in difficult cases and improve the accuracy of deceased kidney donor selection.

Prevalence and associated risk factors with overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity among women of childbearing age residing in Nouakchott, Mauritania

Persistent adaptation through dual-timescale regulation of ion channel properties

Neurons are terminally differentiated cells that adapt to maintain stable function over years, despite encountering a wide range of environmental perturbations. In some cases, recovery from perturbation is not shaped by prior exposure; in others, recovery depends on the neuron’s perturbation history. A particularly striking form of history-dependent recovery occurs when prior exposure enhances the neuron’s ability to recover from future perturbations while leaving baseline activity largely unchanged. Among the many mechanisms that may contribute to such history-dependent improvement in recovery, we investigate one based on the regulation of intrinsic currents. Using a model of activity-dependent homeostasis, we show that improved recovery can be encoded through lasting changes in channel density, while rapid shifts in ion channel voltage-dependence provide immediate compensation during perturbations. We refer to the long-lasting intrinsic trace that accompanies this improved recovery a persistent adaptation. Interestingly, these roles are noninterchangeable: when voltage-dependence evolves slowly and maximal conductances change rapidly, an intrinsic trace is not stored, eliminating persistent adaptation even when improved recovery is preserved.

Pressure sensing technology for remote control: Can we motivate users to stay on the learning curve?

Learning to use a novel human-in-the-loop control system is often a slow and frustrating process due to the need to understand new interaction paradigms. Unsurprisingly, research has commonly focused on identifying methods to accelerate such learning. In this paper we consider an alternative approach of motivating learners to persist with their learning. If learners are motivated to continue investing time in using a novel control system they will transition to proficiency, albeit at different timescales. Participants controlled the movements of a virtual robot in real-time by adjusting their movements whilst seated on a pressure sensing mat. In two experiments, participants played a game where their task was to move a virtual robot to collect targets as quickly as possible. Targets were only presented for a fixed duration such that participants received binary reward feedback dependent upon whether they collected a given target in time or not. This feedback was used to calculate each participant’s success frequency which was used as a proxy for their skill level and thus learning. Experiment 1 showed that participants could learn the control system but that their motivation to play the game decreased as the experiment continued. Experiment 2 investigated whether adapting task difficulty as a function of the participants’ current skill level (indexed by success frequencies) would increase the time participants chose to invest playing the game. Participants did not choose to play the game for longer when playing the game under this adaptive difficulty condition compared with fixed difficulty conditions. We conclude that most participants improved at using the pressure sensing mat for remote control but adapting the difficulty of the task to participant’s skill level did not increase the time they were willing to invest in playing it.

UV Index from ERA5 reanalysis

Oxidized Hadean magmas and Archean mobile-lid tectonics revealed by Jack Hills zircon

Mobile-lid tectonics is a first-order feature characterizing the modern Earth, yet its origins remain enigmatic due to a scarcity of ancient terrestrial materials. Detrital zircons provide the most complete archive of Earth’s early crust and preserve the only record extending beyond ~4.0 Ga. Here, we combine U XANES oxybarometry with U-Pb and trace element analysis to investigate the igneous cores and metamorphic rims of Hadean–Archean zircon from the Jack Hills, Australia. Igneous cores record consistent, moderately oxidized magma conditions (FMQ-1 to +1), challenging notions of a highly reduced early Earth and supporting models that evoke efficient mantle convection throughout the Hadean. In contrast, redox states and trace element contents show that metamorphic rims record i) high-ƒO 2 and high-intermediate T/P conditions (FMQ+1.6 to +2.5; >600 °C/GPa) and ii) low-ƒO 2 and generally lower T/P conditions (FMQ-0.2 to +0.5; <500 °C/GPa). While only high T/P conditions are observed in Hadean zircon rims, Archean rims (~3.35 Ga) preserve both the low and high T/P signatures, a pattern typical of large-scale plate underthrusting. These findings imply Earth’s mantle had near-modern redox states by 4.15 Ga and that mobile-lid tectonics was active by the early Archean, at the latest.

Experimental investigation of water-saving efficiency using hexagonal diamond-shaped floating covers in large-scale evaporation ponds under static water conditions

To investigate the evaporation suppression and water conservation effects of hexagonal diamond-shaped floating covers (HDFCs) under static water conditions, this study conducted experiments in circular evaporation ponds during the non-freezing period of 2024 (March 19 to November 30). The floating covers were arranged edge-to-edge and corner-to-corner, and daily water level observations were recorded. The evaporation reduction rate was calculated using the weighted average method. The results showed that with a porosity of 17.28%, the floating cover reduced evaporation by 1505.21 mm during the non-freezing period, corresponding to a water conservation rate of 74.86% relative to the total evaporation from the natural water surface (2010.7 mm). Theoretical analysis further indicated that if the floating covers fit perfectly with the pond edges, achieving a coverage rate of 98%, the theoretical water conservation rate could reach 88.59% based on the linear proportional scaling assumption. To validate practical applicability, supplementary experiments were conducted in a dynamic water environment (an unshielded large pond with natural wind and waves). The results demonstrated that the evaporation suppression rate remained above 70%, which is comparable to the results under static water conditions. This study confirms that hexagonal diamond-shaped floating covers exhibit effective evaporation suppression and water conservation performance under static water conditions and hold potential for practical application in open water bodies such as reservoirs.

Isotropic components of microseismic moment tensors at Utah FORGE reveal a diversity of fluid pathway creation processes in EGS development

Abstract Full moment tensor (MT) inversion of induced microseismic events provides insight into stimulation processes during Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) development. This study resolves the mechanisms of >180 microseismic events (local magnitudes 0.0-1.9) induced in two fracture zones during the 2024 stimulations at the Utah FORGE EGS test site. The remarkably homogeneous strike-slip mechanisms are generally consistent with the local stress field, but small rotations are observed between fracture zones of different stimulation stages. A significant proportion of events exhibit positive isotropic components, indicating simultaneous tensile opening. Within each fracture zone, the maximum isotropic component increases with injected volume. Interestingly, tensile opening associated with microseismic events is more prominent in fault reactivation than in zones where a hydraulic macrofracture is dominant. Non-double-couple MT components, particularly positive isotropic components, prove to be a powerful tool for characterizing reservoir development and differentiating between complex fracture networks and hydraulic macrofractures. These MT components may serve as an indicator of fault reactivation and a proxy for increased conductivity, highlighting the potential for improved reservoir characterization and management.

Saturation of superconductivity in cuprates overdoped with high-pressure oxygen: Phase diagram with YBa ₂ Cu ₃ O _7+δ , δ → 1

High temperature superconductivity (HTSC) typically occurs as a “dome” over a narrow range of doping in its phase diagram. The reaction of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 with Ag 2 O 2 at ≥800 °C and 6 GPa inserts oxygen atoms between the Cu1 sites to form tetragonal YBa 2 Cu 3 O 8 without significant changes to its overall structure or interatomic distances. The superconductivity in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 8 is essentially unaffected, with the reduction of the transition temperature by ≤2 K and its superconducting fraction by ≤ 15% between the O7 and O8 endpoints of the oxygen stoichiometry and associated carrier density. The dome therefore only pertains to compounds doped by cation substitution or presumably interstitial oxygen. Band structure calculations of the fully ordered endpoints show substantial changes in the density of states at the Fermi level because of its shift to lower energy with increasing oxygen stoichiometry. The coincidence of optimum and saturation HTSC at a carrier:CuO 2 ratio of ≈1/6 implies a direct coupling of HTSC with the lattice such that this value is intrinsic to the superconducting phase. The SC in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 8 is therefore not only pinned at its optimum values but also separated from the other electronic states so that the additional holes have no measurable effect on the condensate. In addition, the 95 K transition temperature of Sr 2 CuO 3.4 that possesses CuO 1.5 ladders instead of CuO 2 planes reveals a second distinct behavior of cuprates overdoped with high-pressure oxygen, demonstrating significant gaps in our understanding of HTSC.