Browse Articles

Regulation of coral assemblages: Spatial and temporal variation in the abundance of recruits, juveniles, and adults

Understanding the processes that maintain coral assemblages is of crucial importance given increasing rates of coral mortality on reefs globally. Here, we compared relationships among distribution patterns of recruit, juvenile, and adult corals with distinct life history traits to determine the contribution of early life stages to the structure of adult assemblages at Toliara, southwest Madagascar. Results highlighted a marked spatio-temporal variability in the abundance of all life stages within and between major reef habitats. Indications of stock-recruitment relationships (where the adults drive the abundance of early life stages) were found for Acroporidae, whereas Poritidae and its dominant genus Porites were likely regulated by recruitment-limitation mechanisms (where early life stages drive the abundance of adults), with significant correlations between the abundance of juveniles and those of adults of the subsequent years. We found stronger links between all life stages for Pocilloporidae, indicative of both recruitment-limitation and stock-recruitment relationships. In contrast, no significant correlations were recorded for the category of ‘other’ families, which is likely the result of mixing taxa with different life history traits. In fact, positive correlations between juveniles and adults were found for Galaxea, Cycloseris, and Pavona genera, which made up the ‘other’ category. The discrepancies of regulation processes among coral taxa highlighted here suggest implementing conservation actions that benefit all life stages. Maintaining the biomass of herbivorous fishes and invertebrates to control algal biomass can benefit coral recruitment and decrease mortality of early life stages and adult colonies. Our results also suggest that sites on the outer slope and on patch reefs, which show higher recruitment rates and abundance of adult colonies, could be considered as recruitment hotspots.

Genomic analysis identifies TJP3 as a prognostic marker for radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Effect of upper limb isometric training (ULIT) on hamstring strength in early postoperative anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries impact approximately 68.6 per 100,000 individuals annually, with ACL reconstruction (ACLR) being a common intervention for restoring knee stability in physically active individuals. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols, patients often experience prolonged recovery, hamstring weakness, and neuromuscular deficits, increasing the risk of re-injury and osteoarthritis. Early-phase ACLR rehabilitation primarily focuses on managing pain, swelling, and quadriceps strength, frequently neglecting the critical role of hamstrings in knee stabilization. This leaves a gap in addressing imbalances that hinder functional recovery and return-to-sport timelines. Upper limb isometric training (ULIT) presents an innovative approach to enhance hamstring activation during the early rehabilitation phase. By leveraging the posterior myofascial kinetic chain (PMKC), ULIT indirectly stimulates hamstrings through bilateral static upper limb exercises, such as wall push up, shoulder extension and scapular retraction, promoting neuromuscular coordination and kinetic chain synergy. These exercises mitigate challenges associated with direct hamstring loading, such as arthrogenic muscle inhibition and graft protection needs. Preliminary research suggests upper limb resistance exercise at submaximal voluntary contraction facilitates inter-limb strength gains, improves core abdominals and hamstring activation, and reduces knee imbalances, supporting accelerated recovery and reduced re-injury risk. The ULIT demonstrates potential as an alternative warm-up exercise to promote hamstring activation and enhance overall readiness for physical activity. Emerging findings highlight ULIT as a safe and potentially effective supplementary intervention, but further research is essential to establish its role in ACLR rehabilitation and develop evidence-based protocols. This study aims to evaluate the effects of integrating ULIT into standard care rehabilitation on hamstring strength and physical function in early-phase postoperative ACLR patients with hamstring autograft. The findings could introduce a novel and effective strategy to optimize recovery, enhance functional outcomes, and support a safer return to sport. Trial registration number: ACTRN12624001445561 and available at https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=388441&isReview=true.

Optimizing switching sequences in AC-AC converters for enhanced safety and performance in conveyor systems

Ethnomedicinal documentation, phytochemical characterization, and biological evaluation of the traditional medicinal plants from Swat region of Pakistan

Traditional medicinal plants are a primary source of natural products which are used for the prevention and treatment of various infections throughout the world. This study documents the ethnomedicinal investigation, phytochemical characterization, thin layer chromatographic (TLC) profiling and bioactivities of 17 traditionally used medicinal plants, belonging to 12 taxonomic families from the Swat region of Pakistan. The plants were collected after interviewing local ethnomedicinal knowledge holders, and confirmation of their effective use by the local population and available literature. The extracts (85) were prepared in five different solvents (hexane, acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water), and were tested for a range of bioactivities: antibacterial (5 Gram-positive and 9 Gram-negative bacteria), antifungal (6 yeasts), antibiofilm (S. aureus and C. albicans), and cytotoxicity (cancerous and non-cancerous cell lines). Results demonstrated that 25% of the extracts showed pronounced activity (inhibition value [IV] > 50%) against different planktonic microbes, and 35% against biofilm strains of bacteria and fungi, with ethanol being the best solvent. Cytotoxicity was often observed against a tumor cell, but rarely against non-tumoral cell lines. A number of phytochemical compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, terpenoids, coumarins, tannins, saponins, chalcones, and quinones were detected in the extracts using standard phytochemical characterization methods, which were further authenticated through TLC separations. This is the first study to report the phytochemical screening, TLC profiling, and bioactivities of these medicinal plants, particularly their antibiofilm properties, which have not been documented previously by other researchers. This work is a significant addition to the field which reinforces the importance of indigenous knowledge in selecting medicinal plants for drug discovery based on local remedies. In conclusion, plants like Juglans regia, Punica granatum, Artemisia maritima, Aesculus indica, Thymus linearis, Nasturtium officinale, Berberis lyceum, Dysphania ambrosioides, and Mentha spicata show promise for further research as a potential sources for novel drug discovery.

What counts as plagiarism? AI-generated papers pose new risks

Author Correction: Dual interfacial H-bonding-enhanced deep-blue hybrid copper–iodide LEDs

Solving the coupled Gerdjikov–Ivanov equation via Riemann–Hilbert approach on the half line

Binocular visual performance and optical quality of trifocal intraocular lens in Chinese patients with high myopic cataract

Purpose To evaluate the visual performance and optical quality of a trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) in patients with high myopic cataracts. Methods This is a prospective, multicenter, non-randomized cohort study. Patients scheduled for cataract surgery with binocular AcrySof IQ® PanOptix® TFNT00 IOL implantation were enrolled. Participants with axial length (AL) ≥ 26 mm were assigned to the high myopia group, while age- and sex-matched patients with AL < 26 mm in the control group. Key outcomes measured included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), intermediate and near visual acuity (UIVA, UNVA), best-corrected distance visual acuity, defocus curve, contrast sensitivity, visual quality (objective and subjective), and reading ability. Results 58 eyes from 29 patients in the high myopia group and 56 eyes from 28 patients in the control group were included. Both groups showed significant improvements in visual acuity postoperatively although the UIVA and UNVA of patients with high myopia were significantly worse than those in the control group after 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year (both P < .05). The high myopia group had lower mean visual function-index scores for near-range activities and fewer photic phenomena (halo) than the control group (all P < .05). Preferred reading distance and speed did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusions Trifocal IOL implantation improved visual acuity in both groups. However, patients with high myopia experienced significantly poorer intermediate/near vision outcomes and also less complains about photic phenomena than controls. These findings support cautious patient selection and preoperative counseling for this population.

Reorganization of the theropod wrist preceded the origin of avian flight

Prediction of ultimate load capacity of demountable shear stud connectors using machine learning techniques

Abstract This study investigates the use of machine learning (ML) models to predict the ultimate load capacity of demountable shear connectors in steel–concrete composite structures. A dataset of 239 experimental and numerical records was assembled, incorporating critical features such as bolt diameter, bolt yield and ultimate strengths, concrete and grout compressive strengths, and multiple interfacial friction coefficients. Eight supervised ML algorithms were evaluated: Linear Regression, Ridge, Lasso, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Decision Tree, Random Forest, and XGBoost. Model performance was assessed using R², Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Mean Squared Error (MSE). Among these, XGBoost and Random Forest delivered the best predictive accuracy, with R² values of 0.9477 and 0.9255, respectively, outperforming other methods across all evaluation metrics. SHAP analysis was employed to explain model behavior and identify the most influential features. The analysis revealed that bolt diameter, steel ultimate strength, and bolt-to-concrete friction were the most impactful predictors of shear capacity. These insights were supported by feature importance heatmaps generated from the top-performing models. Despite the robust performance of advanced algorithms, the study acknowledges challenges such as data imbalance and minimal influence of certain parameters, which may affect model generalizability.

Advancing fall risk prediction in older adults with cognitive frailty: A machine learning approach using 2-year clinical data

Falls are a critical concern in older adults with cognitive frailty (CF). However, previous studies have not fully examined whether machine learning models can predict falls in older individuals with CF. The 2-year longitudinal data set from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study and machine learning approach were utilized to predict fall risk. We analyzed multidimensional health data, including demographics, clinical conditions, as well as the physical and psychological health factors of 443 older adults with CF identified out of 2,404 older adults. For fall risk prediction, we developed a machine learning framework incorporating logistic regression, bootstrapping, and recursive feature elimination. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the non-faller and faller groups for nine clinical conditions as well as physical and psychological variables. Using nine significant variables, our machine-learning-based model demonstrated good predictive performance with an area under the curve (AUC) exceeding 80%. Furthermore, our machine learning framework identified four optimal variables: the number of Fried physical frailty (PF) phenotypes, PF-Mobility scores, scores from the Korean version of the Short Geriatric Depression Scale, and scores from SARC-F (consisting of five components: strength, assistance with walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and experiencing falls). It demonstrated excellent predictive performance, with an AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy exceeding 95%. These variables reflect the critical association between physical and psychological health and fall risk. These findings underscore the importance of integrating multidimensional health data with machine learning methodologies to accurately predict fall risk in older adults with CF, design targeted interventions, and enable healthcare professionals to implement strategies to reduce and prevent such falls.

Diffusing protein binders to intrinsically disordered proteins

Novel PLA-Henna composite for sustainable tertiary enhanced oil recovery

Correlation of fecal calprotectin levels with the detection of treatable enteric pathogens in children with severe acute diarrheal disease in Botswana

Diarrheal disease is a leading cause of death among young children globally. Current guidelines recommend supportive treatment of acute diarrhea and using antimicrobials only with presence of blood in the stool. Select enteric pathogens, including Shigella, commonly cause disease in high-burden settings; targeted treatment of these pathogens could decrease morbidity and mortality. In settings with limited access to microbiological testing, practical diagnostics are needed to differentiate treatable causes of pediatric diarrhea. Evolving evidence suggests fecal calprotectin (fCal) could help differentiate viral and bacterial gastroenteritis. This study describes a post hoc analysis of stool samples prospectively collected from children hospitalized with severe acute diarrheal disease in Botswana. Specimens were characterized using multiplex PCR panels for selected enteropathogens and assayed for fCal. Stool samples from 312 participants were tested. Samples positive for Shigella had significantly higher fCal than samples positive for rotavirus. Stools that were negative for all assayed pathogens had higher fCal values than expected using standard normative values for healthy children in higher-income settings. Given the prevalence of Shigella and rotavirus infections in young children globally, fCal may be a useful aid to identify children with acute diarrhea for whom antimicrobials could provide benefit and potentially reduce growth failure and mortality.

Aqueous carbonic anhydrase-1 overexpression and its association with cytokine profiles and macular structural changes in retinal vein occlusion-associated macular edema

Adaptive exponential weighted composite sliding mode-based direct yaw moment control for four-wheel independently actuated autonomous vehicles

This paper introduces a novel Direct Yaw Moment Control (DYC) scheme for autonomous vehicles with Four-Wheel Independent Actuation (FWIA). In the upper-layer control strategy, an Adaptive Exponential Weighted Composite Sliding Mode Controller (AEWC-SMC) is proposed by incorporating a nonlinear weighting factor into the sliding mode surface and designing a composite reaching law. For the lower-layer torque allocation, a Dynamic Weight Minimum Energy Allocation (DWMEA) method is developed, which achieves optimal four-wheel torque distribution without iterative computation. By formulating the objective function to minimize weighted energy consumption and introducing adaptive dynamic weight parameters that account for vertical load, steering angle, and vehicle speed, this method adaptively realizes optimal torque allocation. MATLAB/Simulink simulation results demonstrate that compared with traditional Sliding Mode Control (SMC) schemes, the proposed control strategy exhibits higher tracking accuracy, faster convergence speed, and enhanced handling stability.

Proximity screening greatly enhances electronic quality of graphene

Abstract The electronic quality of two-dimensional systems is crucial when exploring quantum transport phenomena. In semiconductor heterostructures, decades of optimization have yielded record-quality two-dimensional gases with transport and quantum mobilities reaching close to 108 and 106 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively1–10. Although the quality of graphene devices has also been improving, it remains comparatively lower11–17. Here we report a transformative improvement in the electronic quality of graphene by employing graphite gates placed in its immediate proximity, at 1 nm separation. The resulting screening reduces charge inhomogeneity by two orders of magnitude, bringing it down to a few 107 cm−2 and limiting potential fluctuations to less than 1 meV. Quantum mobilities reach 107 cm2 V−1 s−1, surpassing those in the highest-quality semiconductor heterostructures by an order of magnitude, and the transport mobilities match their record9,10. This quality enables Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations in fields as low as 1 mT and quantum Hall plateaux below 5 mT. Although proximity screening predictably suppresses electron–electron interactions, fractional quantum Hall states remain observable with their energy gaps reduced only by a factor of 3–5 compared with unscreened devices, demonstrating that many-body phenomena at spatial scales shorter than 10 nm remain robust. Our results offer a reliable route to improving electronic quality in graphene and other two-dimensional systems, which should facilitate the exploration of new physics previously obscured by disorder.

A study on the correlation between pregnancy risk factors and birth outcomes

RETRACTED: SiC ultra -thin films for high-performance quantum spacecraft applications fabricated via nanosecond pulsed laser deposition and doping

This research investigates the deposition, characterization of SiC ultra-thin films deposited by nanosecond pulsed Nd 3  ⁺ laser deposition technique and laser assisted doping. These SiC films possess better qualities in terms of surface roughness varying from 2–5 nm. Using an atom probe tomography (APT) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM), key elemental maps showed desirable concentrations of Si of ~50 at.% and C of ~48 at.% with minor elemental contents including O, Al, N, and B. These distributions indicate the material’s structural and chemical performance under laser assisted doping. I-V measurements reveal better electronic response, including low turn-on voltage, and high carrier mobility that makes these films suitable for quantum spacecrafts. This research stresses the review of laser fluence and doping as important parameters for modifying SiC thin films for future electronics and space applications.