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Compressive strength is an important mechanical property of high-strength concrete (HSC), but testing methods are usually uneconomical, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. To this end, in this paper, a long short-term memory (LSTM) model was proposed to predict the HSC compressive strength using 324 data sets with five input independent variables, namely water, cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, and superplasticizer. The prediction results were compared with those of the conventional support vector regression (SVR) model using four metrics, root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and correlation coefficient (R2). The results showed that the prediction accuracy and reliability of LSTM were higher with R2 = 0.997, RMSE = 0.508, MAE = 0.08, and MAPE = 0.653 compared to the evaluation metrics R2 = 0.973, RMSE = 1.595, MAE = 0.312, MAPE = 2.469 of the SVR model. The LSTM model is recommended for the pre-estimation of HSC compressive strength under a given mix ratio before the laboratory compression test. Additionally, the Shapley additive explanations (SHAP)-based approach was performed to analyze the relative importance and contribution of the input variables to the output compressive strength.

Neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) has key regulating functions in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and NK1R antagonists such as aprepitant have been approved for treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. However, the lack of data on NK1R structure and biochemistry has limited further drug development targeting this receptor. Here, we combine NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography to provide dynamic and static characterisation of the binding mode of aprepitant in complexes with human NK1R variants. 19 F-NMR showed a slow off-rate in the binding site, where aprepitant occupies multiple substates that exchange with frequencies in the millisecond range. The environment of the bound ligand is affected by the amino acid in position 2.50, which plays a key role in ligand binding and receptor signaling in class A GPCRs. Crystal structures now reveal how receptor signaling relates to the conformation of the conserved NP 7.50 xxY motif in transmembrane helix VII. The FDA approved drug aprepitant is an antagonist of the Neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R). Here the authors present aprepitant bound NK1R crystal structures and use NMR spectroscopy to gain further insights into the dynamics of aprepitant binding, which is of interest for further drug development.

Ocean currents make it difficult for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to keep a safe distance from obstacles. Effective path planning should adequately consider the effect of ocean currents on USVs. This paper proposes an improved A* algorithm based on an artificial potential field (APF) for USV path planning in a current environment. There are three main improvements to the A* algorithm. Firstly, the proposed algorithm ignores unnecessary perilous nodes to decrease calculation. Secondly, an adaptive guidance angle is developed to guide the search in the most appropriate direction to reduce the computing time. Thirdly, the potential field force function is introduced into the cost function to ensure that the path designed for the USV always maintains a safe distance from obstacles under the influence of ocean currents. Furthermore, the Bezier curve is adapted to smooth the path. The experimental results show that the USV path-planning algorithm proposed in this paper, which synthesizes the APF and A* algorithms, runs 22.5% faster on average than the traditional A* algorithm. Additionally, the path developed by the proposed A* algorithm effectively keeps appropriate and different distances from obstacles by considering different ocean currents.

ObjectivesTo build models based on conventional logistic regression (LR) and machine learning (ML) algorithms combining clinical, morphological, and hemodynamic information to predict individual rupture status of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs), afterwards tested in internal and external validation datasets.MethodsPatients with intracranial aneurysms diagnosed by computed tomography angiography and confirmed by invasive cerebral angiograph or clipping surgery were included. The prediction models were developed based on clinical, aneurysm morphological, and hemodynamic parameters by conventional LR and ML methods.ResultsThe training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts were composed of 807 patients, 200 patients, and 108 patients, respectively. The area under curves (AUCs) of conventional LR models 1 (clinical), 2 (clinical and aneurysm morphological), and 3 (clinical, aneurysm morphological and hemodynamic characteristics) were 0.608, 0.765, and 0.886, respectively (all p < 0.05). The AUCs of ML models using random forest (RF), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and support vector machine (SVM) were 0.871, 0.851, and 0.863, respectively. There were no difference among AUCs of conventional LR, RF, and SVM (all p > 0.05/6), while the AUC of MLP was lower than that of conventional LR (p = 0.0055).ConclusionHemodynamic parameters play an important role in the prediction performance of the models. ML methods cannot outperform conventional LR in prediction models for rupture status of UIAs integrating clinical, aneurysm morphological, and hemodynamic parameters.Key Points• The addition of hemodynamic parameters can improve prediction performance for rupture status of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.• Machine learning algorithms cannot outperform conventional logistic regression in prediction models for rupture status integrating clinical, aneurysm morphological, and hemodynamic parameters.• Models integrating clinical, aneurysm morphological, and hemodynamic parameters may help choose the optimal management.

Objectives Net water uptake (NWU) has been shown to have a linear relationship with brain edema. Based on an automated-Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) technique, we automatically derived NWU from baseline multimodal computed tomography (CT), namely ASPECTS-NWU. We aimed to determine if ASPECTS-NWU can predict the development of malignant cerebral edema (MCE). Methods One hundred and forty-six patients with large-vessel occlusion were retrospectively enrolled. Quantitative NWU based on automated-ASPECTS was measured both on nonenhanced CT (NECT) and CT angiography (CTA), namely NECT-ASPECT-NWU and CTA-ASPECTS-NWU. The correlation between ASPECTS-NWU and cerebral edema (CED) grades was calculated using Spearman rank correlation. Univariate logistic regression was used to assess the effect of radiological and clinical features on MCE, and a multivariable model with significant factors from the univariate regression analysis was built. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was obtained and area under curve (AUC) was compared. Results CTA-ASPECTS-NWU had a moderate positive correlation with CED grades ( r  = 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51–0.71; p  < 0.001). The CTA-ASPECTS-NWU performed better than the NECT-ASPECTS-NWU with AUC: 0.88 vs. 0.71 ( p  < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression model integrating CTA-ASPECTS-NWU, collateral score, and age showed the CTA-ASPECTS-NWU was an independent predictor of MCE with an AUC of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.90–0.98; p  < 0.001). Conclusions This study demonstrates that ASPECTS-NWU is a quantitative predictor of MCE after large-vessel occlusion of the middle cerebral artery territory. The multivariable logistic regression model may enhance the identification of patients with MCE needing anti-edematous treatment. Key Points • The automated-ASPECTS technique can automatically detect the affected regions with early ischemic changes and NWU could be manually calculated. • The CTA-ASPECTS-NWU performs better than the NECT-ASPECTS-NWU on predicting the development of MCE. • The multivariable logistic regression model may enhance the identification of patients with MCE needing anti-edematous treatment.

DEK::AFF2 fusion carcinoma is an emerging sinonasal tract non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) variant, characterized by deceptively bland morphology, frequent local recurrence, and metastasis in a subset of cases. Owing to its histologic mimicry, misdiagnosis remains common. We report a case of DEK::AFF2 neoplasm exhibiting malignant histological evidence strictly confined to the pulmonary “metastatic” lesion despite persistent benign radiologic and pathologic features in six nasal cavity tumor resections over two decades in a 35-year-old male. The patient was initially diagnosed with inverted papilloma (IP) of the nasal cavity. Histopathologic reassessment of the lung lesions, however, demonstrated divergent morphology—hybrid SCC and IP-like components. Molecular studies (FISH, RNA-seq) confirmed identical DEK::AFF2 fusion in both nasal cavity and pulmonary tumors, supporting clonal spread. This case underscores that DEK::AFF2 sinonasal carcinomas can retain benign histology in primary and recurrent lesions while exhibiting overt malignancy in “metastatic” sites. For sinonasal papillomatous tumors, even if the primary tumor lacks overt malignant histological features, atypical clinical behaviors, such as persistent recurrence or development of distant similar lesions, should raise suspicion for DEK::AFF2 SCC. DEK FISH or RNA sequencing should be considered for definitive diagnosis when clinically indicated.

Rapid urban development has almost completely reshaped the original landscape. Then birds are required to adapt to urban food resources for their survival in the city. In recent years, spotted doves have become increasingly common in urban habitats, but their dietary composition and variation are unclear. The DNA metabarcoding technique was applied to identify the primary food components of spotted doves (Streptopelia chinensis) in Nanchang, China. A total of 100 plant species were identified from 251 spotted dove fecal samples throughout four seasons (2020–2021). Spotted doves foraged Cinnamomum camphora seeds assigned to the Lauraceae family in the highest proportion throughout the year, suggesting that urban spotted doves mainly depend on artificial greening plants as their main food source. Furthermore, the dietary composition of spotted doves varied with increasing or decreasing plant resources. In spring, spotted doves primarily consumed Gramineae plants when they were growing and seed‐bearing, while foraging the seeds of Kummerowia striata first in autumn. Although Cinnamomum camphora seeds were available in a year, which provided the conserved food, spotted doves would first choose to forage on fresh and high‐quality plants when food resources were adequate and stable. Our study confirmed that spotted doves can make use of urban food resources, but we still recommend maintaining the diversity of plants when greening to provide more food choices for urban birds. That will promote the survival of birds in urban habitats, resulting in a city where humans and birds coexist harmoniously. The manuscript described the dietary composition and variation of a common species—spotted dove in urban habitats, and discussed the constraint of urban food resources for it and provided recommendations for urban greening.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of hospital appraisals, specifically the Performance Appraisal for Tertiary Public Hospitals (PATPH), and to examine its impact on the job satisfaction of healthcare professionals in tertiary public hospitals in China.DesignA cross-sectional study using a multistage sampling method. Improvements induced by PATPH in the working environment, job satisfaction and other covariates were measured. A series of weighted linear regressions with weights from the inverse probability-of-treatment weighting method were used to examine the effect of PATPH on job satisfaction.SettingNine tertiary public hospitals across three economic and geographic regions in China.ParticipantsIn August 2020, a total of 13 211 hospital employees were surveyed, and 8417 doctors and nurses fully completed questionnaires forming the primary dataset for analysis. Of these respondents, males comprised 18.64% and doctors constituted 28.15%.ResultsThis study revealed that PATPH had a positive impact on the job satisfaction of healthcare professionals. A ‘more effective’ PATPH working environment resulted in an improvement of 9.57 points (95% CI 8.99 to 10.16) in job satisfaction scores, controlling for all other variables. The finding persisted consistently through a series of sensitivity analyses.ConclusionThe findings offered insights and inspiration for improving the job satisfaction of healthcare professionals, especially in the development of macrolevel policies targeted towards organisational enhancement.

Crohn's disease (CD) management lacks biomarkers that precisely reflect immune activity. Prolactin (PRL) has immunomodulatory functions, but its role in CD is unclear. To investigate serum PRL changes in CD patients and evaluate its potential as a biomarker for disease activity and treatment response. In a prospective cohort study, serum PRL levels were analyzed in 185 CD patients and 58 healthy controls, and correlated with clinical markers (CRP, FC). Serum PRL levels were significantly higher in CD patients versus controls (p<0.001). Higher baseline PRL levels correlated with a greater reduction in CRP after treatment. The study population had no previous reproductive history. Elevated serum PRL may serve as a supplementary biomarker reflecting immune dysregulation and disease activity in CD, particularly in this cohort enriched with severe, perianal-dominant disease. Its role in evaluating therapeutic effectiveness warrants further investigation.

Due to rapid homogenization in habitat types as a result of urbanization, some urban birds adapt their nesting strategies to changes in local habitat characteristics. Bird nesting decisions might have been mainly linked to resource constraints and ensuring reproductive success. In this study, we examined patterns of nesting behavior by spotted doves (Spilopelia chinensis) in a rapidly urbanizing area of Nanchang, China using ArcGIS 10.8, satellite tracking, camera traps, and field survey. To explore the mechanisms underlying nesting behavior in urban habitats, we assessed the correlations between nest reuse and reproductive success, and between nest reuse and nest predation. From December 2018 to December 2021, a total of 302 breeding nests were surveyed. The results revealed that the nest reuse rate was 38.08% (n = 115). Nests closer to trunk, with lower nest position and higher large‐scale urbanization score tended to have higher reuse rate. In addition, nests with the higher the nest height and percent of canopy cover, and the lower small‐scale urbanization score were more likely to reproduce successfully, and the reused nests also reproduce more successfully. The reproductive success associated with nest reuse was significantly higher than that associated with new nests (χ2 = 8.461, p = .004). High degree of urbanization promoted nest reuse of spotted doves (large‐scale urbanization score, z = 2.094, p = .036), which apparently enhanced their reproductive success (nest reuse, z = 2.737, p = .006). In conclusion, a nest structure with good permeability is the material basis for the nest reuse in spotted dove, while the relatively low risk of predation in urban habitat and the scarcity of nest site resources due to urbanization increase the tendency of birds to reuse old nests, which is associated with their reproductive success and evolutionary fitness. High degree of urbanization promoted nest reuse. Nest reuse enhances avian reproductive success. Nest reuse did not increase the risk of predators.