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Proximity to explosive synchronization determines network collapse and recovery trajectories in neural and economic crises
Complex systems such as the conscious brain and financial markets often operate near criticality, a regime that supports flexible and efficient function. When perturbed, however, rapid deviations from, and prolonged recovery to, criticality can severely disrupt these systems. The nature of such transitions depends on a system’s intrinsic phase transition type. Most systems in nature undergo continuous (second-order) transitions, but some approach a discontinuous, first-order transition known as explosive synchronization (ES). Systems nearer to first-order transitions are more unstable, losing criticality more rapidly and recovering more slowly. However, no existing method can directly determine from empirical data how close a system is to a first-order regime, limiting our ability to predict criticality transition patterns. Here, we introduce a physics-based framework that estimates a network’s ES proximity at the critical point. Using modified Stuart–Landau oscillator networks, we show that distinct critical dynamics emerge depending on the proximity to ES and that this measure predicts the temporal patterns of collapse and recovery under perturbations. We validated the generality of our computational findings with empirical data on network collapse and recovery, using human electroencephalogram recordings during general anesthesia and global stock market indices from 39 countries during the 2008 economic crisis. We demonstrated that rapid collapses and prolonged recoveries in both brain and stock market networks can be systematically predicted for neuronal and economic crises. These results provide crucial insights for designing resilient networks capable of withstanding perturbations and recovering quickly.
Syenthis, structural, magnetic, optical, and dielectric properties of ag and cr substituted Co-ferrite nanoparticles
Abstract The co-precipitation method was used to synthesize Co 1−2x Ag x Cr x Fe 2 O 4 , Co-ferrite doped with Ag and Cr (where x = 0.0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 1). The obtained samples’ single phase of the cubic spinel structure was confirmed by XRD analysis. The crystallites in the samples ranged in size from 11 to 18 nm. XPS analysis of the prepared samples verified the existence of many equivalents of metallic ions. TEM images displayed the nanocrystalline nature of the prepared samples and gave an estimation of their size and shape. The vibrational stretching of tetrahedral and octahedral complexes is the cause of two absorption bands that are revealed by FTIR spectroscopy even after Ag and Cr replacement. The magnetic properties of the VSM data indicate that the saturation magnetization decreases as the Cr and Ag levels rise. All of the produced samples have low band gap energy values according to UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy, which makes them attractive candidates for catalytic applications. Between 10 Hz and 10 MHz, the produced nanoparticles show dielectric characteristics. As the frequency increases, the dielectric readings decrease, but the ac conductivity shows the opposite pattern. As the frequency goes up, the Tanδ values go down a little until they reach very low levels, while the ε′ values get closer to a steady value. This implies the possibility of creating radio frequency-dependent electronics using a low-loss and low-permittivity dielectric substrate.
Robot or human? Manoeuvring switching intention after robot service failure
This study attempts to scrutinise tourists’ switching intentions towards human service after a robot service failure, with the zone of tolerance and trust on stance in technology as moderators. The study adopts the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology as a conceptual framework. Quantitative approach through is adopted. Specifically, the retrospective survey is designed to recall robot-service failures,” A total of 330 valid samples were collected and structural equation modelling was employed for data analysis. The findings revealed an insignificant direct effect of tourists’ switching intentions towards human services after a robot service failure. The findings validate the moderating effects of the zone of tolerance and trust stance on technology on tourists’ customer (dis)satisfaction in terms of severity and controllability while denying the reliability aspect. This study fills the literature gap by elucidating paradoxical switching intention and conceptualising work on human–robot behavioural intentions. The study provides theoretical and practical contributions, with limitations and recommendations for future research directions.
A natural allele of <i>PC08</i> lost in domestication contributes to soybean seed storage protein accumulation
Soybean serves as a critical source of plant-based protein for both livestock and human nutrition, making seed protein content a key agronomic trait. However, modern soybean cultivars exhibit reduced seed protein content compared to their wild relatives, as a consequence of domestication and historical selection that favored yield over nutritional quality. Thus, genetic improvement of seed protein is highly desired in soybean breeding, while numerous genetic loci associated with this trait remain uncharacterized. Here, we report Protein Contributor 08 ( PC08 ), identified through a genome-wide association study, as a key regulator of seed storage protein accumulation. PC08 encodes a homolog of the 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 5 enzyme, a rate-limiting enzyme in abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis, and is highly expressed during seed development. A nucleic acid T and A (TA)-rich insertion within the PC08 promoter region (designated as PC08 Ins ) enhances transcriptional activity, leading to elevated PC08 expression. Transgenic evidence confirmed its positive regulatory role in seed protein accumulation, mechanistically linked to increased ABA biosynthesis in developing seeds. ABA upregulation activates downstream pathways that promote storage protein synthesis. Population genetic analyses revealed that the PC08 Ins , which confers high protein content, exclusively exists in wild soybean populations and was entirely absent after domestication. Introgression of PC08 Ins into the elite cultivar Hei Nong 35 significantly increased seed protein content. These findings highlight a domestication-eroded allele with untapped potential for modern breeding, offering a valuable genetic target to enhance soybean nutritional quality.
Multi-constraint model predictive control of flexible joint drive system based on unknown state estimator and constraint adaptive hierarchical planning
Retraction: Measurement and analysis of the distortion of factor prices in China
Correction for Mittal et al., Mechanisms underlying allosteric modulation of antiseizure medication binding to synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A)
Optimizing post brain death vascularized composite graft quality through ex vivo restoration of S-nitrosothiol homeostasis
Exploration of adverse event profiles for glofitamab: A disproportionality analysis using the FDA adverse event reporting system
Background Glofitamab offers a promising option for the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. It is crucial to gather comprehensive safety information of glofitamab through large-scale post market monitoring. Methods This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of glofitamab-related adverse events (AEs) based on FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database. Four disproportionality analysis methods were employed to mining the significant signals. The clinical characteristics of all AE and cytokine release syndrome reports were analyzed. Sensitivity analyses were performed to exam the potential bias. The differences in AE signals among different subgroups were investigated. Results A total of 641 reports and 1,542 AEs with glofitamab were identified. Cytokine release syndrome was the most significant signal. Notably, American and European reporters demonstrated higher cytokine release syndrome reporting frequency. Cytokine release syndrome was often reported by professionals and occurred within 30 days, especially with glofitamab at a dose of 2.5 mg. Hypogammaglobulinaemia was discovered as a new significant AE signal. Conclusions The findings suggest potential reporting differences in glofitamab-related AEs across different continents. Educating consumers on how to recognize the early symptoms of cytokine release syndrome is essential to improve safety. Close monitoring of cytokine release syndrome is recommended within 30 days of administration of glofitamab, especially at a dose of 2.5 mg. Furthermore, it is essential to stay vigilant about the emergence of the newly identified AE. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of the AE profiles of glofitamab.
Metabolic adaptation of glucose-deprived macrophages involves partial gluconeogenesis
Macrophages are recruited to sites of infection contributing to the killing of bacteria, but also to malignant tumors, where they promote angiogenesis and suppress antitumor immune responses. The metabolic microenvironment in tumors is frequently depleted of important nutrients such as glucose. Here, we investigated metabolic adaptation strategies of macrophages to glucose deprivation using stable isotopic tracing. Lactate production was decreased, potentially indicating a reduction of glycolysis. In contrast, the contribution of glutamine to the tricarboxylic acid cycle via α-ketoglutarate and reductive carboxylation were increased. Moreover, gluconeogenesis, the reverse pathway of glycolysis, was activated in glucose-deprived macrophages, proceeding partially to the generation of glycolytic intermediates and glycerol-3-phosphate. The partial gluconeogenesis pathway was abrogated in human and murine macrophages lacking the initial gluconeogenic enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK2, mitochondrial isoform). Partial gluconeogenesis was higher in anti-inflammatory, interleukin-4-stimulated compared to proinflammatory, interferon-γ/lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. Single-cell analysis and immunostaining revealed expression of PCK2 in macrophages from both lung cancer and normal lung. Low glucose conditions only partially modulated macrophage phenotypes, leading to reduced CD80 surface marker levels in proinflammatory, and enhanced vascular endothelial growth factor expression in anti-inflammatory macrophages. Our study reveals partial gluconeogenesis in glucose-deprived macrophages and shows that this versatile type of immune cells exhibits remarkable metabolic flexibility.
Study on the spatiotemporal evolution and convergence of value conversion efficiency of forest ecological products: a case study of the southern collective forest area
Phylogenomics of sigmodontine rodents (Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae): Cloud forests and Pliocene extinction explain the timing and spread of an iconic South American radiation
Studies of biotic radiations following geographic invasions often overlook the potential role of subsequent climatic, biotic, and geologic triggers, instead focusing largely on the earliest stage of an invasion. For example, studies of the rodent subfamily Sigmodontinae, a clade of over 500 species that radiated throughout South America as an early participant in the Great American Biotic Interchange, have historically focused more on invasion than post-invasion opportunities or subsequent environmental change. Here, we place the timing and transitions of this radiation in context of changing climatic, biotic, and geologic factors by reconstructing the biogeography of the radiation. To accomplish this, we generated the largest genomic phylogeny of Sigmodontinae to date, one that includes over 80% of the genera and 40% of the known species (including all incertae sedis taxa), and we produced a fossil-calibrated chronogram. Our results indicate a single invasion of South America at the base of Sigmodontinae (~ 10.46 million years ago [mya]) with two waves of increased lineage generation and biogeographic transition rates, the first of which occurred following a four-million-year lag after the invasion. The timing and location of this initial radiation (6.61–5.78 mya, Oryzomyalia) coincided with the spread of montane cloud forest along the Andean cordillera during the Late Miocene Cooling. We propose a scenario where sigmodontines did not spread throughout the continent until the Mid-Pliocene Faunal Turnover (4.5–3.0 mya), a period of high extinction of South American mammals. A comprehensive classification for the subfamily (including two new Linnaean tribes) is provided that incorporates these new results.
QnAs with Deborah K. Morrison
Generation of exogenous kidneys via CRISPR/Cas9 mediated blastocyst complementation targeting Osr1 gene in mice
Predictive value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio for clinical outcomes in liver cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple yet potent marker that has been established as an independent predictor of mortality in patients with cirrhosis. However, consensus is lacking regarding its prognostic value for predicting mortality risk in these patients. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to clarify its clinical significance. Methods We performed a literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase for studies published from database inception until January 1, 2025. Studies focusing on the diagnosis of cirrhosis were included, while those involving children and neonates were excluded. Odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the random-effects model. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess heterogeneity, subgroup analysis to explore sources of heterogeneity, and Egger’s test to evaluate publication bias. All analyses were performed using Review Manager (v5.4.1) and Stata (v15.0). Results A total of 18 studies involving 7,714 patients were included. Significant associations were obserced between the NLR and mortality (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.10–1.22; P < 0.00001), infection (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.37–0.96; P < 0.0001), and ascites (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.43–2.88; P < 0.0001). However, no signficant correlation was found between the NLR and hepatic encephalopathy (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.89–2.00; P = 0.16). Subgroup analysis indicated that heterogeneity was partly attributable to variations in NLR cut-off values. Egger’s test revealed significant publication bias only for mortality. Conclusion NLR is a well-validated prognostic biomarker for mortality, infection, and ascites in patients with cirrhosis. Systematic review registration PROSPERO, identifier CRD420251031417.
James A. Estes: An ecologist’s quest to understand nature
For five decades, Jim A. Estes studied sea otters in the Aleutian archipelago of Alaska, discovering how otters structured entire communities. By consuming sea urchins, otters released kelp from herbivory, kelp beds flourished, and kelps sheltered a diversity of fishes, and invertebrates. When otters were extirpated by paleohumans, modern humans, or killer whales, urchins proliferated, reduced kelp forests to “urchin barrens,” and species-rich assemblages of fishes and invertebrates were lost. These losses affected seals, eagles, sea gulls, fishes, and sea stars that depended on these prey as well as adjacent habitats that had been nourished by exported kelp production. Jim’s research became the poster child for keystone species, trophic cascades, and the critical role of predators in structuring ecosystems. Similar discoveries followed in freshwaters, forests, and grasslands.
Spin polarization transfer from laser-polarized 129Xe to oxygen-sensitive perfluorocarbons at ultra-low magnetic field
Power and interest levels in safely managed sanitation services in Zambia: A stakeholder mapping
Background Access to safely managed sanitation (SMS) in sub-Saharan Africa including Zambia remains a challenge. Variations in power and interest among stakeholder significantly influence access to SMS. However, there is limited contextualization of how power and interest levels among stakeholders influenced access to SMS. The study aimed to explore and analyze how stakeholders perceived their power and interest in the context of providing SMS. The study applied the Mendelow Stakeholder Matrix to identify, characterize and analyze the actors involved in the provision of SMS in peri-urban areas in Lusaka, Zambia. Methods A narrative qualitative research design was employed in this study. Ninety–four (94) respondents participated in the study – 25 key informants who were representatives from Government Institutions/Departments, Cooperating Partners, NGOs and community level stakeholders; 60 discussants who participated in focus group discussions, while nine (9) community leaders took part in transect walks conducted in the target areas of Kanyama, Chawama and George. Nvivo14 was utilized for data management and analysis. Results The main results suggested that stakeholders displayed interrelationships that were symbiotic as they depended on each other to deliver their mandates. Stakeholders categorized into Mendelow quadrants displayed varying levels of homogeneity in power and interest. In addition, some stakeholders such as the Local Authority shifted quadrants when seen to perform dual roles for example to implement and enforce the policies aimed at improved public health. Conclusion The stakeholders’ quadrant position coupled with persisted changes in their positions influenced their capacity to contribute effectively to the implementation of strategies to enhance access to SMS. This equally meant that implementers of SMS interventions have to regularly assess their engagement mechanisms to foster dialogue and coordination among stakeholders. Policy implications, especially to Government, may mean allocation of adequate resources to key players to enable them deliver on their respective mandates. Similarly, implications to practitioners might be the need to periodically review stakeholders and forge alliances coupled with conducting multi-sectoral meetings aimed to streamline their functions for the successful delivery of SMS.
Testing paradox may explain increased observed prevalence of bacterial STIs among MSM on HIV PrEP: A modeling study
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is transforming global HIV prevention, but its implementation coincides with observations of rising bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates among men who have sex with men, raising questions about whether PrEP is preventing one epidemic while facilitating others. To reconcile this apparent contradiction, we developed a minimal dynamical model of the simultaneous transmission of HIV and chlamydia (as an example of a curable STI). The model integrates three key mechanisms: 1) risk-mediated self-protective behavior, 2) reduction in condom use among PrEP users, and 3) PrEP-related asymptomatic STI screening. We show that these mechanisms can generate a “testing paradox:” True STI prevalence may decline while observed trends rise. This paradox emerges because increased PrEP uptake amplifies screening intensity, which can lower transmission but simultaneously inflate detection. By systematically mapping the parameter space of PrEP uptake, screening frequency, and risk perception, we identify broad and plausible conditions under which the paradox arises. Our findings reconcile conflicting epidemiological evidence and remark that the net effect of PrEP on STI dynamics depends critically on asymptomatic screening strategies. These results highlight the potential dual role of PrEP programs in reducing both HIV and bacterial STI incidence, while emphasizing the need to align screening and treatment policies to maximize benefits and minimize risks, e.g., antimicrobial resistance.