Browse Articles

Quantitative evaluation of soil anti-erodibility in the fluctuation zones of rooted soil in a large reservoir, southwest of China

The quantitative analysis of key factors influencing the erosion resistance characteristics of colluvial zone soil is a prerequisite for accurately assessing the erosion resistance ability of the soil. Therefore, this study focuses on the reservoir erosion zone of the Guanyinyan Reservoir area in the Jinsha River Basin, which is a large hydropower station. The physicochemical characteristics of the colluvial zone soil (bulk density, moisture content, total porosity, soil texture, pH, organic matter content, and aggregate stability) as well as erosion resistance capabilities (soil erodibility factor K and shear strength) with variations in water level elevation (low, middle, and high elevations) were analyzed. This study quantitatively evaluated the relative importance of soil physicochemical characteristics to soil erosion resistance, identified key influencing factors, and subsequently constructed a comprehensive evaluation model for soil erosion resistance. The research results indicate that: 1) Redundancy analysis (RDA) and correlation analysis reveal that the soil erodibility factor K is significantly negatively correlated (P < 0.01) with total porosity, sand content, organic matter, mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD), water-stable aggregates larger than 0.25 mm (WSA 0.25 ), and dry-sieved aggregates larger than 0.25 mm (DSA 0.25 ). It is also significantly positively correlated (P < 0.01) with percentage of aggregate destruction for aggregates larger than 0.25 mm (PAD), the silt content, and the clay content. However, it was not significantly correlated with the bulk density, moisture content, or pH. The soil shear strength is significantly negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with the moisture content, clay content, and soil erodibility factor K. The shear soil strength is significantly positively correlated (P < 0.05) with the MWD and DSA 0.25 . 2) Fourteen erosion resistance indicators of the colluvial zone soil in the Guanyinyan Reservoir area were selected, and a comprehensive evaluation model for soil erosion resistance was established on the basis of Principal Component Analysis (PCA). 3) The Comprehensive Soil Erosion Index (CSEI) in the Jinping Gaunyinyan Reservoir erosion zone varies between 0.082 and 0.942 with changes in water level elevation. For different elevations, the comprehensive soil erosion indices are as follows: high (root zone soil) <middle (root zone soil) <high (un-rooted zone soil) <middle (un-rooted zone soil) <low (root zone soil) <low (un-rooted zone soil). At the same water level elevation, with decreasing flooding time, the CSEI of the un-rooted zone soil in the erosion zone increased by 41.03%, 96.91%, and 353.13% compared with that of the root zone soil. In the reservoir erosion zone of the Guanyinyan Reservoir area, the overall Comprehensive Soil Erosion Index (CSEI) decreases with increasing water level elevation. At the same elevation, the CSEI of the un-rooted zone soil is significantly greater than that of the root zone soil, and this difference further increases with decreasing flooding time.

Porphyromonas gingivalis produces a functional HemH ferrochelatase important for its survival in a heme-limited environment

Competing like cats and dogs: Cougars lose their hard-won prey to wolves

Fungi and earthworm abundance and diversity as affected by biochar and mulching amendments in ethiopian mustard production

Organic agriculture relies on the in-field generation of nutrients through the decomposition and mineralization of organic matter (OM). Soil macro- and micro-organisms are vital for this self-sustaining nutrient production; however, insufficient organic matter, limited microorganisms, and poor soil conditions can impede the process. This study investigated the effects of biochar and mulching on the abundance and diversity of soil microorganisms (fungi) and macro-organisms (earthworms) under Ethiopian mustard ( Brassica carinata ) cultivation over two growing seasons in 2023. The site featured loamy soil with a pH of 5.5–6.0. Treatments included rice husks biochar (5 t/ha); rice husk mulching and compared to a control, using a completely randomized block design with three replicates. Measurements included fungal colony abundance, earthworm frequency, Simpson diversity index, and soil moisture retention under rainfed conditions with minimal irrigation during dry spells. Results showed that at a 5 cm soil depth, biochar increased fungal abundance by 32.05% compared to mulching, and by 113.35% relative to the control. Mulching also improved colony abundance by 61.57% over the control. At a depth of 10 cm, biochar enhanced colony abundance by 42.14% compared to mulching and by 42.82% relative to the control. The highest diversity index (0.596) was observed in biochar-treated blocks, while the control had the lowest (0.422). Earthworms were the most abundant macro-organisms in both treatments. Biochar’s characteristics may help recondition poor, acidic soils, improving conditions for macro and micro-organisms, thereby enhancing soil health and productivity. These microbial improvements could benefit not only Ethiopian mustard but also major cereal cropping systems. Biochar consistently increased fungal abundance and earthworm frequency across both season.

Ultrasound-guided skeletal muscle biopsy technique permits measurement of structural, functional, cellular and biochemical properties

Maya Postclassic persistence in the Birds of Paradise Wetland Fields, Belize

Rapid decay of organic artifacts obscures our view of ancient tropical settlements. We present a study of architecture and artifact assemblages from an ancient settlement excavated at the Birds of Paradise (BOP) fields, the largest lidar and field-validated ancient Maya wetland field complex. The site’s unique setting preserved architectural wood and provides exceptional evidence of Maya Terminal Classic (CE 800 to 1000) to Postclassic (CE 1000 to 1500) persistence within tropical wetlands through periods of large-scale societal and climate change. A new Bayesian chronological model tightens the occupation history for the broader BOP wetlands based on 14 new radiocarbon dates of wood and charcoal from this settlement. These wetlands and their preserved ancient wood face imminent destruction through modern land uses.

Correction: Immortalization and characterization of Schwann cell lines derived from NF1-associated cutaneous neurofibromas

High gastrointestinal carriage rates of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing enterobacterales and associated factors among hospitalized and nonhospitalized children in Kenya

The persistence of potential: The life of Sir John B. Gurdon

The death of Sir John Bertrand Gurdon in October 2025 marks the passing of one of the most influential biologists of the modern era. A developmental biologist, Sir Gurdon’s best-known experiments were performed with frog eggs and nuclear transfer, leading to discoveries that transformed our understanding of how genes control animal development and established the principles that underpin animal cloning, nuclear reprogramming, and regenerative medicine. These classical experiments paved the way for advances in induced pluripotent stem cells and energized thinking of new ways to treat diseases with cellular therapies. Sir John Gurdon’s legacy endures through his transformative discoveries, institutional leadership, and the scientists he inspired.

Effectiveness of adding inspiratory muscle training to a cardiac rehabilitation program in people with acute myocardial infarction revascularized by percutaneous coronary intervention (CARDIOINSPIRE): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Objectives This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of adding inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to a cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) in people with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) revascularized by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after 16 sessions. The biopsychosocial profile and the sex differences of this population will also be evaluated. Design Triple-blind, parallel-group, low-risk randomized controlled trial. Methods 72 patients diagnosed with AMI will be enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups. The control group will complete the usual CRP with the addition of IMT at 5% of the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) (sham load). The intervention group will perform the same CRP but will add an IMT program at 70% of MIP. Outcomes will be collected at baseline and post-intervention. The main outcome will be cardiorespiratory fitness (CF) measured in metabolic equivalent of task (MET), secondary outcomes will be MIP, maximal expiratory pressure, peripheral muscle strength, dyspnea, social support, anxiety, depression, coping with the disease, sexual dysfunction, quality of life (QoL), sleep quality, eating habits, and body composition. Descriptive statistics will summarize baseline data, and influential outliers will be managed via winsorization or exclusion, confirmed by sensitivity analyses. A mixed-design ANOVA will evaluate differential changes over time. Depending on attrition rates, missing data will be addressed using either complete case analysis (<5%) or multiple imputation with an intention-to-treat approach (>5%). Discussion According to recent literature, improvements in CF and MIP are expected. For the rest of the outcomes, data are currently limited, inconclusive or lacking. We hypothesize that changes in CF may affect the rest of the outcomes and, in our opinion, IMT at 70% of the MIP will significantly improve CF. Clinical implications If the expected benefits are observed, the results may recommend including IMT as a fundamental component of a CRP in our study population. Trial registration number Registered prospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT06681740 ) Version 4.

Reliability of contactless vital sign measurement algorithms for use in drone-based mass casualty triage

Thirty years of glacier grounding line retreat in Antarctica

The Grounding Line (GL)—the transition from ice grounded on the continent and ice afloat in the ocean—is a sensitive indicator of glacier stability and mass balance. Using differential synthetic aperture radar interferometry from ERS-1/2, Sentinel-1, RADARSAT-1/2, RADARSAT Constellation Mission, ALOS PALSAR-2, COSMO-SkyMed, and ICEYE, we assemble a continental scale record of grounding line migration from 1992 to 2025. Over 77 ± 10% of Antarctic coastal length, we detect no GL migration. Retreat is concentrated in i) the Antarctic Peninsula–2 to 18 km along Larsen A-B and 2 to 6 km along parts of George VI; ii) Wilkes and George V lands–6 to 10 km on Denman, Totten, Moscow, Frost, Holmes, Mertz, Ninnis, and Cook, and 26 km on Vanderford; and iii) West Antarctica–5 to 7-km on Ferrigno, Fox, and Venable, with extreme retreat in the Amundsen and Getz sectors (Pine Island 33 km, Thwaites 26 km, Haynes 20 km, Pope 23 km, Smith 42 km, Kohler 12 km, East Getz 9 km toward Berry 18 km, Hull 14 km, and Land 5 km). The ice sheet lost 12,820 ± 1,873 km 2 of grounded ice in 1996–2025, or 442 ± 64 km 2 /y, with 62% from West Antarctica and 28% from East Antarctica. Retreat clusters in areas where bathymetry channelizes warm Circumpolar Deep Water toward deep grounding zones where beds are retrograde, except in the northeastern Antarctic Peninsula. The results provide a harmonized benchmark for ice grounding zone-based ice sheet models and identifies gateways where future retreat is likely to accelerate.

Examining the role of systemic inflammation as a mediator of the glycaemia-brain volume associations in women

Previous studies have found that diabetes and its mechanistic factors (e.g., glycaemia) are associated with poorer cognitive and brain health. There is also growing evidence of sex differences in how diabetes manifests itself and impacts the brain. The mechanisms through which this association manifests itself are still poorly understood, but the possible role of inflammation has been proposed. This study aims to explore whether the relationship between mid-life glycaemia and brain volumes in later-life in women is mediated by systemic inflammation. The sample consisted of female participants from the National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD) who underwent neuroimaging as part of the Insight 46 sub-study. Path analysis models were then constructed between glycaemic markers (age 60−64) and brain health outcomes (age 69−71) with adjustments for social and metabolic confounders (age 60−64). Although fasting glucose was associated with higher GlycA levels (β = 0.05 [0.01, 0.10], p = 0.005), associations with CRP and IL-6 were weaker and not statistically significant (e.g., IL-6: β = 0.10 [−0.04, 0.30], p = 0.102). However, we did not find evidence that inflammatory markers were associated with brain volume outcomes (e.g., IL-6 and whole brain volume: β = −3.4 [−8.1, 1.3], p = 0.092; IL-6 and grey matter volume: β = −0.4 [−1.9, 1.0], p = 0.512). Consequently, indirect (mediated) effects via systemic inflammation were not observed. This suggests that alternative mechanisms beyond inflammation may contribute to the relationship between mid-life glycaemia and later-life brain health.

Fingolimod normalizes metabolic signatures associated with synaptic plasticity and memory in APP/PS1 model: Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor a therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s

Abstract Previously, our metabolomic, transcriptomic, and genomic studies characterized the ceramide/sphingomyelin pathway as a therapeutic target in Alzheimer’s disease, and we demonstrated that FTY720, a sphingosine-1-phospahate receptor modulator approved for treatment of multiple sclerosis, recovers synaptic plasticity and memory in APP/PS1 mice. To further investigate how FTY720 rescues the pathology, we performed metabolomic analysis in brain, plasma, and liver of trained APP/PS1 and wild-type mice. APP/PS1 mice showed area-specific brain disturbances in polyamines, phospholipids, and sphingolipids. Most changes were completely or partially normalized in FTY720-treated subjects, indicating rebalancing the “sphingolipid rheostat”, possibly reactivating phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis via mitochondrial phosphatidylserine decarboxylase pathway, and normalizing polyamine levels that are known to support mitochondrial activity. Synaptic plasticity and memory were rescued, with spermidine synthesis in temporal cortex best corresponding to hippocampal CA3-CA1 plasticity normalization. FTY720 effects, also reflected in other pathways, are consistent with promotion of mitochondrial function, synaptic plasticity, and anti-inflammatory environment, while reducing pro-apoptotic and pro-inflammatory signals. Additional mechanistic studies should validate the contribution of the suggested pathways to the treatment effects.

Data deficiency, taxonomic bias, and economic interests curtail insect and arachnid conservation in the United States

Earth is experiencing a biodiversity crisis. Among the declining taxa are insects and arachnids, which account for most of the world’s animal species, and are ecologically and economically vital. Thus, understanding the factors influencing insect and arachnid conservation policies is urgently needed. Here, we review conservation assessments for 46,257 North American insect and arachnid species and examine the factors that affect state and federal legal protections for species in the United States. We find the conservation status of 88.5% of described insect and arachnid species in North America is unknown, and that unassessed insect and arachnid species are unlikely to receive protection. Of US insects and arachnids known to be at-risk throughout their range, 94.7% are not protected by any state or federal law; only 2.5% are protected nationwide under the federal Endangered Species Act compared to 27.7% of range wide at-risk US bird species. Insect and arachnid protections are taxonomically biased, favoring dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) and butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) while overlooking other vulnerable taxa. We find that socioeconomic factors are the strongest predictors of state-level conservation policies: states with economies more reliant on mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction are less likely to protect insects and arachnids. In states where protections exist, more insect and arachnid species are protected when more residents hold eco-centric values. This quantitative assessment of US insect and arachnid conservation rectifies a previous dearth of data and highlights specific, addressable issues which have left countless species vulnerable to decline and possible extinction.

Systems biology analysis uncovers a ROS-associated gene signature and immunomodulatory role of CLEC4E in ischemic stroke

Background Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critically implicated in ischemic stroke (IS), yet the transcriptional networks and predictive biomarkers underlying ROS dysregulation remain incompletely understood. Methods We integrated two independent microarray cohorts (GSE58294 and GSE16561) to comprehensively analyze ROS-related pathways in IS. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was used to quantify pathway activity, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified modules associated with ROS dysregulation. Functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses characterized the biological functions of module genes. Elastic Net regression modeling, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were employed to construct and validate a predictive risk score model. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis was further applied to interpret gene contributions. Immune cell infiltration was assessed using multiple algorithms, and CLEC4E, the top-ranked gene, was functionally investigated through single-gene GSEA. The OGD/R-treated SH-SY5Y cells and mouse ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) models were established for in vivo and in vitro validation. Results ROS-related pathways were consistently upregulated in IS across both cohorts. WGCNA revealed a robust ROS-associated module (brown module), enriched in immune activation and inflammatory signaling processes. Elastic Net regression identified seven key genes (CLEC4E, SLC8A1, HIST1H4H, BMX, MCEMP1, KREMEN1, ZFP36L2) with strong predictive ability (AUC = 0.81–0.86 across datasets). SHAP analysis highlighted CLEC4E as the most influential contributor, positively associated with IS risk. Immune deconvolution indicated that CLEC4E expression was negatively correlated with B- and T-cell infiltration, while functional analysis linked it to MAPK signaling, RNA degradation, and neutrophil activation pathways. Finally, CLEC4E was significantly elevated in IS. Knockdown of CLEC4E could alleviate the effect of OGD/R on SH-SY5Y cells. Conclusions Our study demonstrates pervasive activation of ROS-related transcriptional programs in IS and identifies a novel seven-gene signature predictive of disease risk. Among these, CLEC4E emerges as a key mediator connecting ROS dysregulation to immune infiltration and inflammatory signaling, providing new insights into IS pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets.

Elimination of halo gloss transition surface defects on injection-molded parts

Coevolution of RNase P and the ribosome

Translation is carried out by the most conserved assemblies in biology. Among these assemblies, the ribosome and RNase P are central players. These ancient ribonucleoprotein complexes achieved structural and functional maturity by the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) of life. In prior work, we reconstructed the evolutionary history of the ribosome using its three-dimensional structure, based on accretion and molecular fingerprints that date back to life’s earliest stages. Here, we extend our structural phylogenetic framework—based on the accretion model—to RNase P, a ribonucleoprotein responsible for processing pre-tRNAs. By sampling RNase P RNA (RPR) sequences and structures across phylogeny and partitioning them into RNA fragments based on insertion fingerprints, we characterize the state of RPR at LUCA and reconstruct the chronology of its emergence. The chronology reveals that RNase P, like the ribosome, accreted modular RNA elements over evolution, while preserving the structure of preexisting elements, thus maintaining a structural record. We used interactions with tRNA to link and unify the evolutionary trajectories of RPR and rRNA. These results support the view that RNase P and the ribosome coevolved as part of a functionally integrated system. The ancestral catalytic sites of rRNA and RPR formed by the same process, fusion of two stem–elbow–stem elements. Analysis of these two coevolving RNAs also suggests that some of their accreted elements share common ancestry. Application of the accretion model requires correct secondary structures and was successful for RPR only when the traditional secondary structure was corrected by reorganizing a pseudoknot.

Effects of co-cultivation with Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis on the explosive growth and photosynthesis of Ulva prolifera

The recurring outbreak of Ulva prolifera green tides in the Yellow Sea poses a serious threat to coastal ecosystems and coastal-related industries, necessitating the development of environmentally friendly control strategies. In this study, in situ experiments were conducted using two light intensity levels and five co-cultivation biomass density combinations to investigate their effects on the growth and photosynthetic physiology of Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis and U. prolifera . The results demonstrated a significant interactive effect of light intensity and biomass density on the competitive outcome between the two species. Specifically, the relative growth rate of U. prolifera significantly decreased with increasing biomass density of G. lemaneiformis– an inhibitory effect that was particularly pronounced under high light intensity. High light enhanced the competitive suppression capacity of G. lemaneiformis , likely associated with shading effect due to its growth, while reduced photosystem stability of U. prolifera under high light further exacerbated the inhibition. Under low light, U. prolifera alleviated competitive pressure by increasing its chlorophyll content. G. lemaneiformis suppressed U. prolifera through resource competition, and a biomass density ratio of 1:4–1:6 ( U. prolifera : G. lemaneiformis ) was found to balance effective ecological control with sustained growth of G. lemaneiformis . The research findings provide novel scientific insights and empirical data to support the advancement of G. lemaneiformis aquaculture and the development of biological control strategies for mitigating green tides.

Acoustically coupled MEMS transducer pairs with loss and gain

This work investigates the dynamics and experimentally extracts the acoustic coupling between a pair of microelectromechanical ultrasound transducers (MUTs) that are immersed in water and acoustically coupled through the fluid medium. A series of these transducer pairs with varying diameters (and thus resonance frequency) and pitch separation (and thus coupling strength) are fabricated and measured. This work presented here models and quantifies the open-loop coupling between the MEMS transducer pairs and its dependence on pitch. Furthermore, a gain feedback loop is systematically applied to one of the device pair, the dynamics of the acoustically coupled gain-loss system is investigated, and the formation of an exceptional point or of an Hopf bifurcation is equally used to quantify the acoustic coupling coefficient. This work provides an exploration of the formation of exceptional points in acoustically coupled MEMS transducers as well as three experimental means to study acoustic coupling in MUT transducers: via open-loop dynamics, Hopf bifurcation, and the formation of an exceptional point.