Browse Articles

The dynamics and geometry of choice in the premotor cortex

Abstract The brain represents sensory variables in the coordinated activity of neural populations, in which tuning curves of single neurons define the geometry of the population code 1,2 . Whether the same coding principle holds for dynamic cognitive variables remains unknown because internal cognitive processes unfold with a unique time course on single trials observed only in the irregular spiking of heterogeneous neural populations 3–8 . Here we show the existence of such a population code for the dynamics of choice formation in the primate premotor cortex. We developed an approach to simultaneously infer population dynamics and tuning functions of single neurons to the population state. Applied to spike data recorded during decision-making, our model revealed that populations of neurons encoded the same dynamic variable predicting choices, and heterogeneous firing rates resulted from the diverse tuning of single neurons to this decision variable. The inferred dynamics indicated an attractor mechanism for decision computation. Our results reveal a unifying geometric principle for neural encoding of sensory and dynamic cognitive variables.

Global phenology maps reveal the drivers and effects of seasonal asynchrony

Abstract Terrestrial plant communities show great variation in their annual rhythms of growth, or seasonal phenology1,2. The geographical patterns resulting from this variation, known as land surface phenology (LSP)3, contain valuable information for the study of ecosystem function4,5, plant ecophysiology6–8, landscape ecology9,10 and evolutionary biogeography11–13. Yet globally consistent LSP mapping has been hampered by methods that struggle to represent the full range of seasonal phenologies occurring across terrestrial biomes14, especially the subtle and complex phenologies of many arid and tropical ecosystems1,15,16. Here, using a data-driven analysis of satellite imagery to map LSP worldwide, we provide insights into Earth’s phenological diversity, documenting both intercontinental convergence between similar climates and regional heterogeneity associated with topoclimate, ecohydrology and vegetation structure. We then map spatial phenological asynchrony and the modes of asynchronous seasonality that control it, identifying hotspots of asynchrony in tropical mountains and Mediterranean climate regions and reporting evidence for the hypothesis that climatically similar sites exhibit greater phenological asynchrony within the tropics. Finally, we find that our global LSP map predicts complex geographical discontinuities in flowering phenology, genetic divergence and even harvest seasonality across a range of taxa, establishing remote sensing as a crucial tool for understanding the ecological and evolutionary consequences of allochrony by allopatry.

Imidazole propionate is a driver and therapeutic target in atherosclerosis

Attosecond control and measurement of chiral photoionization dynamics

Abstract Many chirality-sensitive light–matter interactions are governed by chiral electron dynamics. Therefore, the development of advanced technologies making use of chiral phenomena would critically benefit from measuring and controlling chiral electron dynamics on their natural attosecond timescales. Such endeavours have so far been hampered by the lack of characterized circularly polarized attosecond pulses, an obstacle that has recently been overcome1,2. Here we introduce chiroptical spectroscopy with attosecond pulses and demonstrate attosecond coherent control over photoelectron circular dichroism (PECD)3,4, as well as the measurement of chiral asymmetries in the forward–backward and angle-resolved photoionization delays of chiral molecules. We show that co-rotating attosecond and near-infrared (IR) pulses can nearly double the PECD and even change its sign compared with single-photon ionization. We demonstrate that chiral photoionization delays depend on both polar and azimuthal angles of photoemission in the light-propagation frame, requiring 3D momentum resolution. We measure forward–backward chiral-sensitive delays of up to 60 as and polar-angle-resolved photoionization delays of up to 240 as, which include an asymmetry of about 60 as originating from chirality in the continuum–continuum transitions. Attosecond chiroptical spectroscopy opens the door to quantitatively understanding and controlling the dynamics of chiral molecules on the electronic timescale.

Bright city lights make birds around the world sing longer

Ultrabroadband on-chip photonics for full-spectrum wireless communications

Abstract The forthcoming sixth-generation and beyond wireless networks are poised to operate across an expansive frequency range—from microwave, millimetre wave to terahertz bands—to support ubiquitous connectivity in diverse application scenarios1–3. This necessitates a one-size-fits-all hardware solution that can be adaptively reconfigured within this wide spectrum to support full-band coverage and dynamic spectrum management4. However, existing electrical or photonic-assisted solutions face a lot of challenges in meeting this demand because of the limited bandwidths of the devices and the intrinsically rigid nature of system architectures5. Here we demonstrate adaptive wireless communications over an unprecedented frequency range spanning over 100 GHz, driven by a thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonic wireless system. Leveraging the Pockels effect and scalability of the TFLN platform, we achieve monolithic integration of essential functional elements, including baseband modulation, broadband wireless–photonic conversion and reconfigurable carrier and local signal generation. Powered by broadband tunable optoelectronic oscillators, our signal sources operate across a record-wide frequency range from 0.5 GHz to 115 GHz with high-frequency stability and consistent coherence. Based on the broadband and reconfigurable integrated photonic solution, we realize full-link wireless communication across nine consecutive bands, achieving record lane speeds of up to 100 Gbps. The real-time reconfigurability further enables adaptive frequency allocation, a crucial ability to ensure enhanced reliability in complex spectrum environments. Our proposed system represents a marked step towards future full-spectrum and omni-scenario wireless networks.

Gut bacteria make a molecule that promotes plaque build-up in arteries

A male-essential miRNA is key for avian sex chromosome dosage compensation

Benefits and challenges: Qualitative exploration of women’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji

The COVID-19 pandemic and its preventive strategies resulted in changes in economic, social and health activities globally, but the effects of these changes on women, have not been systematically studied and documented in Fiji. The current study explored the experiences of women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji, using a qualitative approach with a descriptive phenomenological design. A total of 110 women were purposively selected across various age groups, ethnicity, religion and different settings to improve the study area diversity. In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide, and analyzed inductively, using the thematic approach. The three themes that emerged were employment and financial issues, health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 social and health benefits. The employment and financial issues identified included fear of losing job, difficulty finding a new job, job renewal challenges, decline in private businesses and high cost of living. Participants experienced health challenges including overweight and obesity, fear and anxiety, depression, insomnia and feeling helpless and worsened pre-existing health conditions. The COVID-19 social and health benefits included high sense of responsibility towards extended families, strengthened core family relationships, work-life balance, improvement in health status, healthy lifestyle behavior, and self-care awareness. The findings indicate the need for employers to address the employment and financial needs of women during emergency situations, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care managers, health care workers and policy makers should implement strategies to address the COVID-19 health challenges and strengthen the COVID-19 social and health benefits to improve the health of women, in the study area.

Risk factors for mental disorders in pregnant women in two cities from São Paulo, Brazil: A cohort study

Introduction Mental disorders during pregnancy are a significant public health problem due to the substantial physiological and psychological changes that occur during this period. This study aims to investigate the risk factors for mental disorders in pregnant women by comparing data from two distinct cohorts in Jundiaí and Araraquara, Brazil. Methods This is a prospective cohort study that included pregnant women from two Brazilian cohorts in São Paulo state. The Jundiaí cohort (1997–2000) included 865 pregnant women, while the Araraquara cohort (2017–2024) included 755 pregnant women. Socioeconomic, demographic, obstetric history, and mental health data were collected and analyzed. Mental health was assessed using standardized questionnaires, including the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Trait Anxiety Inventory (TAI) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Statistical analysis included bivariate tests and univariate and multivariate random-effects models for panel data. Results Araraquara participants showed significantly higher GHQ scores at baseline (mean = 4.00) than Jundiaí (mean = 2.78; p < 0.001), with similar trends for SAI, TAI, and PSS. Scores decreased across visits in both cohorts (GHQ Visit 3: Coef. = –1.053, p < 0.001). Being single (GHQ: Coef. = 0.404, p = 0.019), separated/widowed (SAI: Coef. = 3.961, p = 0.005), lower education (TAI: Coef. = –1.910, p = 0.006), and higher household density (PSS: Coef. = 0.946, p = 0.012) were significant risk factors. Maternal morbidities such as urinary infections (TAI: Coef. = 0.862, p = 0.031), cervicitis/vaginitis (GHQ: Coef. = 0.290, p = 0.009), and tuberculosis (TAI: Coef. = 6.989, p = 0.033) were also strongly associated with worse mental health outcomes. Cohort differences remained significant even after adjustment (GHQ: Jundiaí vs Araraquara, Coef. = –1.357, p < 0.001). Conclusions This study showed that pregnant women in the more recent Araraquara cohort exhibited significantly higher levels of psychological distress symptoms, anxiety, and perceived stress than those in the earlier Jundiaí cohort. These mental health outcomes were strongly associated with lower per capita income, lower education levels, higher household density, and adverse pregnancy conditions such as urinary infection and gestational hypertension. These findings highlight the worsening social vulnerability of pregnant women over time and reinforce the urgency of incorporating systematic mental health screening into prenatal care policies in Brazil.

Correction: Research on order batching optimization based on improved NSGA-II algorithm

Efficacy and safety of sacubitril-valsartan in Maintenance Hemodialysis patients with hypertension:A retrospective study

Background Hypertension is associated with elevated mortality rates among individuals on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). However, there is limited information regarding the efficacy and safety of sacubitril-valsartan (SV) in MHD patients suffering from hypertension. Consequently, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SV in this specific patient population. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the data of MHD patients with hypertension who were receiving SV treatment at our hospital from January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. The SV dose ranged from 50 mg twice daily to 200 mg twice daily. Blood pressure measurements were compared at baseline and during follow-up intervals to assess therapeutic efficacy. Safety evaluations included comprehensive monitoring of treatment-emergent adverse events throughout the observation period. Results A total of 64 MHD patients hypertension (mean age = 54.11 years; male proportion = 73.4%) were ultimately included in the study. After three months of treatment with SV, the mean reductions in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure were 21.06 ± 15.82 mmHg (P < 0.001), 8.41 ± 13.09 mmHg (P < 0.001), and 12.65 ± 13.17 mmHg (P < 0.001), respectively. With respect to safety, new-onset intradialytic hypotension was observed in three patients. The study also included twelve patients with hyperkalemia. Importantly, no patients reported experiencing cough, angioedema, or abnormal liver biochemistry. Among the 64 subjects, none required a dose reduction or discontinuation of SV due to these adverse effects. Conclusions In MHD patients with hypertension, SV demonstrates a preliminary ability to lower blood pressure and appears safe. Further prospective randomized studies are warranted to validate our findings.

A qualitative analysis of female sex workers’ lived experiences with adherence to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in Zimbabwe

Background Female sex workers (FSWs) are at an elevated risk of HIV infection with an eight-fold risk of HIV infection. In countries like Zimbabwe, FSWs have an HIV incidence of around 10.2%. With this elevated risk, the World Health Organization has prioritized Female sex workers (FSWS) for PrEP – an HIV prevention option taken as a daily pill during periods of risk but, FSWs continue to experience challenges with daily PrEP adherence due to daily dosing, related side effects, ARV stigma and low risk perception. This article presents the FSWs’ lived experiences with PrEP adherence in Zimbabwe. Methods We purposively identified twenty FSWs and conducted individual interviews to understand FSW lived experiences with PrEP adherence. We applied Colaizzi’s seven steps of phenomenological analysis to develop the themes. Findings Three main themes emerged, namely positive experiences with PrEP adherence, negative experiences with PrEP adherence and the meaning attached to PrEP adherence. The positive experiences theme had four sub-themes as, overcoming PrEP-related forgetfulness, overcoming mobility-related PrEP disruptions, overcoming COVID-19 pandemic-related PrEP experiences and overcoming PrEP-related side effects. The negative experiences theme had two sub-themes including, enduring GBV and stigma associated with PrEP use and, COVID-19-related disruptions to PrEP adherence. The third emerging them was on the meaning attached to PrEP adherence. This theme had one sub-theme on PrEP adherence as a survival strategy. Conclusion Whilst FSWs reported both positive and negative experiences with PrEP adherence, it is important that FSWs used the meaning they attached to these experiences to take control of their lives and be more determined to use PrEP adherence for survival and protection from HIV. Based on these findings, we recommend close monitoring and support to promote adherence, minimize PrEP discontinuity and promote positive lived experiences with PrEP adherence.

Correction: Women’s experiences of and satisfaction with childbirth: Development and validation of a measurement scale for low- and middle-income countries

Retraction: The influence of environmental diplomacy, economic determinants and renewable energy consumption on environmental degradation: Empirical evidence of G20 countries

Hemoglobin response to iron-folic acid supplementation and associated factors among anemic pregnant women attending the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital ANC ward Northwest, Ethiopia 2023: A longitudinal follow up study

Background Anemia is the most frequent complication during pregnancy. Iron and folate deficiencies are the primary causes of anemia during pregnancy resulting from low hemoglobin concentration. Globally, preventive strategies such as iron and folic acid supplementation, improved dietary practice and deworming program play a crucial role in reducing the rate of anemia. Hemoglobin is improved as a result of iron-folic acid supplementation, though some factors affect good response. Due to limited studies to the study area, the main aim of this study was to assess the hemoglobin response to iron-folic acid supplementation and associated factors among anemic pregnant women. As iron and folic acid supplementation is the key intervention to reduce maternal and fetal complication, this study provides critical insights into the effectiveness of the intervention on improving hemoglobin level and can inform global maternal health strategies, particularly in resource limed settings where anemia remains a major public health concern. Methods A longitudinal follow up study was conducted on a total of 357 anemic pregnant women at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia from June to October 2023. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Data were collected using pretested structured questionnaires. Hemoglobin was determined using Sysmex kx21n hematological analyze. Direct wet mount examination was performed to determine intestinal parasites. Moreover, serological tests were screened using rapid test kit immunochromatographic technique. Data was entered in to Epi-data version 4.6 software and exported to SPSS version 20 for analyses. Paired sample t-test was utilized to determine the change in hemoglobin. Both bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression were done to determine factors associated with the poor response of iron folic acid supplementation. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results The overall good hemoglobin response after IFA supplementation was 188/357 (52.7%). The median (IQR) of Hb was increased from 10.3 (9.6–10.49) gm/dL at baseline to 10.73 (9.78–12.0) gm/dL. Factors associated with poor hemoglobin response were residence (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1 5.2), duration of IFA supplementation (AOR = 2.2,95% CI: 1.2, 3.7), intestinal parasite (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.3, 6.3), meat feeding habit less than two times per week (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.9), green leaf vegetable and fruit feeding habit less than two times per week (AOR = 2.5,95% CI: 1.4, 4.0), coffee drinking habit (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.3), parity (multiparous) (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.09, 7.2), HBsAg & HCV (AOR = 2.5, 95 CI: 1.15, 5.8) and stage of pregnancy (AOR = 4.0 95% CI (1.9,8.7). These factors in this study, showed significant association with poor hemoglobin responses. Conclusion Hemoglobin level changed significantly from base line to end line. In this study, less than half of the study participants had poor hemoglobin response due to the aforementioned factors. Therefore, focused policies, health care facilitators and providers should strengthen efforts to provide information and create awareness about the benefits of iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy.

The nonlinear impact of ESG performance on audit pricing: Evidence from China

The substantial impact of corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, predominantly measured by non-financial metrics, on external auditors is investigated in this paper. Using a sample of Chinese-listed companies from 2011 to 2021, we examine how auditors respond to corporate ESG performance from the perspective of audit pricing. The findings reveal a U-shaped, non-linear relationship between corporate ESG performance and audit pricing. Enhancing ESG performance significantly reduces audit pricing up to a certain threshold, but the impact diminishes as performance continues to improve. Internal control quality and the degree of information asymmetry play pivotal moderating roles within this U-shaped relationship; higher-quality internal controls and lower information asymmetry contribute to flattening the U-shaped curve. Mechanism analysis illustrates that ESG performance influences audit pricing by mitigating financial and operational risks. This paper supplements the understanding of ESG’s impact on audit pricing from a non-linear perspective, offering valuable insights for companies actively engaged in ESG practices.

Glow-in-the-dark houseplants shine in rainbow of colours

Peptide immunoarrays for rationale development of vaccines with enhanced cross-reactivity

Vaccines of enhanced range of protection could help to control newly emerging infectious diseases while providing greater resilience to any subsequent variants. Such “universal vaccines” are an idealized, but unrealized, goal that may benefit from unbiased, high-throughput approaches that define antibody cross-reactivity to enable rational selection of cross-protective epitopes. The priority of this investigation is to establish a pipeline for the identification and preliminary characterization of epitopes with enhanced cross-reactivity. A peptide immunoarray representing the proteomes of SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-II, and MERS-CoV was applied to characterize spike glycoprotein-specific antibody populations within convalescence serum of SARS-CoV-II infected ferrets. Through two alternate bioinformatic approaches, twenty candidate epitopes were identified and translated into vaccines. Epitopes inducing antibodies with cross-reactivity across naturally occurring versions of spike glycoprotein, including SARS-CoV-II Delta and Omicron variants, as well as antigenically distant SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, were identified. Working from the assumption that cross-reactivity is prerequisite for cross-protection, this highlights the opportunity and mechanisms by which immunoarrays, coupled with in vitro screening assays, can enable rational selection of epitopes with enhanced potential for cross-protection.

HWANet: A Haar Wavelet-based Attention Network for remote sensing object detection

Remote sensing object detection (RSOD) is highly challenging due to large variations in object scales. Existing deep learning-based methods still face limitations in addressing this challenge. Specifically, reliance on stride convolutions during downsampling leads to the loss of object information, and insufficient context-aware modeling capability hampers full utilization of object information at different scales. To address these issues, this paper proposes a Haar wavelet-based Attention Network (HWANet). The model includes a Low-frequency Enhanced Downsampling Module (LEM), a Haar Frequency Domain Self-attention Module (HFDSA), and a Spatial Information Interaction Module (SIIM). Specifically, LEM employs the Haar wavelet transform to downsample feature maps and enhances low-frequency components, mitigating the loss of object information at different scales. The HFDSA module integrates Haar wavelet transform and explicit spatial priors, reducing computational complexity while enhancing the capture of image spatial structures. Meanwhile, the SIIM module facilitates interactions among information at different levels, enabling multi-level feature integration. Together, SIIM and HFDSA strengthen the model’s context-aware modeling capability, allowing full utilization of multi-scale information. Experimental results show that HWANet achieves 93.1% mAP50 on the NWPU VHR-10 dataset and 99.1% mAP50 on the SAR-Airport-1.0 dataset, with only 2.75M parameters, outperforming existing methods.