Browse Articles

Female visitors construct the robust architectural core of flower-visitor networks

Abstract Complex ecological community stability is a central issue in ecology. While network robustness is widely evaluated using coextinction models, empirical metrics are highly sensitive to structural artifacts such as network size and connectance. Furthermore, the role of visitor sex in shaping network topology is frequently overlooked. This study investigated the true structural robustness of flower-visitor networks by partitioning them into female and male subnetworks. To rigorously disentangle topological resilience from size-dependent artifacts, empirical robustness metrics against both simulated visitor and flower extinctions were standardized into Z -scores using two distinct null models. While raw empirical measurements misleadingly suggested that the combined full networks were the most robust, null-model standardizations revealed a profound reversal. Against visitor extinctions, female subnetworks demonstrated significantly higher structural robustness than the full networks. This female-driven resilience persisted even when highly abundant eusocial bees were fully excluded. Conversely, this robustness was not observed against flower extinctions, reflecting a trophic asymmetry where plants act as indispensable hubs. These findings provide the first empirical evidence that female foraging behaviors construct the true, highly resilient architectural core of pollination communities.

A learning-dynamics-driven framework for robust small-object detection in complex field environments: YOLOv11l-AGRI-EMA framework

TSPYL2 regulated by miR-301a-3p contributes to impaired decidualization in polycystic ovary syndrome

Room-temperature flash sintering of silicon carbide ceramics via novel carbon electrodes

Phytochemical and pharmacological potentials of edible Lannea coromandelica fruit: a GC–MS supported, in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies

Longitudinal validation of equations for predicting fat and lean mass from air displacement plethysmography in children with obesity

Individual-level reconstruction of longitudinal anti-spike binding antibody kinetics under hybrid immunity

Yield-aware generative inverse design of anti-reflection coatings via optimal-transport flow matching with a conditional-value-at-risk objective

Abstract Robustness to deposition error is conventionally treated as a post-hoc Monte-Carlo check in multilayer anti-reflection (AR) coating design: a nominally optimal stack is found first, and its manufacturing tolerance is assessed afterwards. We move robustness directly into the design objective. Instead of minimizing the mean reflectance, we minimize the conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) of the band-mean reflectance under the distribution of deposition errors, so that the optimizer is driven by the worst tail of likely fabrication outcomes rather than by an idealized nominal spectrum. This yield-aware formulation is combined with an Optimal-Transport Conditional Flow Matching (OT-CFM) generator operating under a hard manufacturability constraint enforced by a smooth box reparameterization, and with a differentiable transfer-matrix forward model validated against the analytic quarter-wave result to machine precision. On a six-layer MgF $$_2$$ /SiO $$_2$$ stack evaluated on $$10^5$$ held-out deposition realizations applied identically to every design, the CVaR-robust design lowers the 99th-percentile band-mean reflectance from 1.825 0.0257 pp (95% paired-bootstrap confidence interval $$[+0.0230,+0.0274]$$  pp; $$+1.41\%$$ relative, CI $$[+1.26,+1.50]\%$$ ), at the cost of a 0.011 pp increase in nominal mean reflectance. Because both designs are scored on the same realizations, this is a paired comparison in which the shared sampling noise cancels; the improvement is small in absolute terms, and we report it together with the sampling uncertainty that establishes it. Repeating the entire optimize-then-evaluate workflow under five independent random seeds reproduces the effect in every run ( $$+1.22 \pm 0.10\%$$ , mean ± s.e.m.). A deposition-error sweep shows the advantage is absent at $$\sigma = 4 nm$$ , opens above that break-even point, and then plateaus: the absolute tail reduction increases monotonically across the sweep, whereas the relative gain rises to $$+2.34\%$$ at $$\sigma = 12 nm$$ and settles at $$+2.19\%$$ at 16 nm. A material-choice ablation, restricted to the three six-layer recipes tested here on fused silica over 430 nm to 780 nm, documents a negative result: within this design space, introducing high-index TiO $$_2$$ degrades AR performance.

A robust multivariate statistical framework for integrative analysis of anthropometric and biophysiological health data

Investigation of the maize (Zea mays L.) JAZ pan-gene family and expression pattern under drought stress conditions

Abstract The hormone jasmonic acid (JA) regulates plant growth and development, acts as a stress-tolerant signaling molecule, and ensures tolerance to drought stressors. The jasmonate zim-domain (JAZ) functions as a transcriptional repressor by directly interacting with transcription factors, regulating the activity of JA pathway transcription factors when JA signaling is absent. We systematically identified JAZ gene family members using a maize pangenome comprising 26 high-quality genomes. We analyzed evolutionary pressure and structural variation (SV), and reanalyzed public RNA-seq data under drought stress. Sequential expression patterns were further validated using qRT-PCR. In this study, 112 JAZ genes were identified by pan-genomic analysis of 26 high-quality maize genomes, including 12 core genes (present in all 26 lines), 33 non-core genes (in 2–22 lines), 5 near-core genes (in 23–25 lines), and 62 endemic genes (in 1 line). Analysis of Ka/Ks values showed that some varieties were under positive selection for the JAZ19 gene. Among these, 15 ZmJAZ genes had Ka/Ks values < 1, indicating they were subject to purifying selection. There were significant differences in the expression of ZmJAZ19 between genes affected by structural variation (SV) and those not affected by SV. SV altered the conserved structural domains in some varieties, resulting in a significant number of atypical genes. RNA-seq analysis of drought treatment data revealed seven differentially expressed ZmJAZ genes, four of which were core genes. However, atypical genes were identified in numerous response genes across multiple genomes. This study advances our understanding of how ZmJAZ genes contribute to drought adaptation in maize, offering a conceptual framework that links molecular responses to climate-resilient traits essential for sustainable crop production under water-limited conditions in the face of climate change.

Protocadherin 9 Promotes Cell Survival of Different Bipolar Cell Types in the Developing Mouse Retina

Neural circuit assembly relies on different neuronal types coming together to form a functional circuit. The question of how the appropriate number of each type is integrated into an emerging circuit remains relatively unknown. To answer this question, we used the mouse retina to uncover the molecular mechanisms responsible for neuron-type integration in a developing circuit. In the mammalian retina, bipolar cells (BCs) are a class of interneurons that relay visual information from photoreceptors to ganglion cells. Extensive studies have shown there are 15 distinct BC types: 6 types of OFF cone bipolars, 8 types of ON cone bipolars, and 1 type of rod bipolar. During retinal development, BCs are born in excess, and through programmed cell death, a precise number of each type remains to give rise to the retinal circuit. Although this process has been well described, little is known about the key molecules responsible for BC-type integration in the developing retina. Our work uncovered the new role of the autism-associated risk gene, Protocadherin 9 ( Pcdh9 ), in BCs of both male and female mice. Deletion of Pcdh9 using a floxed allele leads to loss of OFF and ON cone bipolars; however, disruption in the extracellular binding of Pcdh9 leads to selective loss of ON cone bipolars but not rod bipolars. Moreover, we found this later function of Pcdh9 is mediated by homophilic interactions between ON cone bipolars and their known synaptic partners. Taken together, our work revealed the new role of Pcdh9 in retinal development.

Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and mental health correlates of insomnia symptoms among adults in Zhuhai, China: a cross-sectional study

Valorization of reactivated carbon and recovered nutrients from gas adsorption filters for sustainable fertilization

Abstract In response to growing environmental concerns from industrial and agricultural pollution, sustainable waste management strategies are increasingly important. This study presents a dual evaluation of spent activated carbon (AC) and nutrients recovered from gas adsorption filters, focusing on both fertilizer applications and the valorization of reactivated carbon. Adsorbent materials, such as AC impregnated with magnesium oxides, effectively capture harmful exhaust gases, but their disposal poses environmental challenges. Here, the chemical composition of spent AC was analyzed, and its potential as a soil amendment was assessed. Various nutrient recovery methods, including acidic, alkaline, and water-based extractions, were evaluated for their efficiency in retrieving nutrients from the spent adsorbent. The recovered solutions were chemically characterized based on Fe, K, and Mg concentrations. Results showed that alkaline extraction using 3% KOH yielded the highest in the recovered solution (Fe 7.45%, K 1.89%, Mg 1.22%), highlighting potential for producing nutrient-rich liquid fertilizers. Water-based extraction preserved the AC pore structure most effectively, achieving the highest BET surface area (118.18 m²/g), while acidic HCl treatment was associated with reduced surface area and pore volume, suggesting restricted pore accessibility and possible structural deterioration. Reducing adsorption performance. Germination assays revealed that water-washed filtrates promoted the greatest barley root elongation, whereas KOH filtrates exhibited inhibitory effects, reflecting differences in ionic composition. Economically, water-based regeneration was the most cost-effective (< 10% of virgin AC), while KOH treatment provided the dual benefit of reactivating AC for reuse and producing nutrient-rich solutions. Overall, the findings demonstrate that reused activated carbon coupled with recovered nutrients can enhance sustainable agriculture and support circular waste management systems.

Acid‐Base Complexation Induced Dipole Engineering for Durable Inverted Perovskite Photovoltaics

ABSTRACT Thermally unstable buried interfaces hinder the commercialization of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Although self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) serve as promising hole‐selective contacts, their inadequate coverage and weak thermal anchoring cause energy loss and structural degradation. Here, we introduce a dipole‐engineering strategy by incorporating 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) into the Me‐4PACz matrix to form a robust electrostatic complex via acid‐base complexation. This approach suppresses aggregation, ensures uniform coverage, enables a vertical molecular orientation, and enhances the interfacial dipole moment from 1.64 to 8.34 Debye, thereby improving hole extraction. The resulting small‐area (0.09 cm 2 ) inverted PSC achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 27.06% and an open‐circuit voltage ( V OC ) of 1.194 V. This approach also enables large‐area modules (655.2 cm 2 ) with an efficiency of 20.3% (certified 20.11%) and a fill factor of 79.9%. Additionally, the devices demonstrate exceptional thermal stability, retaining 90.1% and 89.3% of their initial PCE after 1000 h at 85°C and 200 thermal cycles, respectively. This work provides a generalizable pathway toward durable and high‐performance perovskite photovoltaics by leveraging supramolecular interactions for interfacial dipole engineering.

A physics-informed neural network approach to eco-epidemiological dynamics in planktonic food webs

Mechanical Metamaterials with Reprogrammable Sequential Deformation for Analog‐to‐Digital Encoding and Computing

ABSTRACT The integration of computational logic into mechanical metamaterials enables the development of matter with intelligence that can sense and respond to environmental stimuli. While recent advances have demonstrated diverse mechanical logic systems, a challenge is bridging the gap between continuous physical inputs and discrete digital outputs. In this study, we propose a mechanical metamaterial capable of nearly arbitrary digital encoding and computing of continuous stimuli through reprogrammable sequential deformation. The metamaterial is built upon an engineered multistable architecture that supports a series of snap‐through events under uniaxial compression. Using an inverse design strategy, the deformation sequence can be tuned across a broad design space by tailoring the stiffness distribution of constituent units. Selective activation or deactivation of specific units in the metamaterial enables in situ reprogramming of the sequence without the need for remanufacturing. Experiments demonstrate that the inverse design and reprogramming allow a single material system to perform mechanical analog‐to‐digital conversion, signal processing, and field‐programmable gate array (FPGA)‐like logic operations. These capabilities open a new way for material‐based computing, showing a promising route toward intelligent mechanical metamaterials.

A fixed-time fault-tolerant tracking control for fractional-order UAV networks using adaptive fuzzy neural and event-triggered mechanisms

Abstract This paper investigates coordinated tracking control for fractional-order fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) networks subject to actuator faults, input saturation, unknown nonlinear dynamics, external disturbances, and communication constraints. A dynamic memory event-triggered fixed-time fault-tolerant control framework is developed to improve tracking accuracy, fault accommodation, and communication efficiency. First, a fractional-order coordinated tracking model is formulated for networked fixed-wing UAVs. Then, an adaptive fuzzy neural network is used to approximate unknown nonlinear terms without requiring exact model information. To reduce unnecessary information exchange, a dynamic memory event-triggered mechanism is introduced by incorporating both the current triggering error and stored memory information. Moreover, a fault-tolerant compensation strategy is designed to handle actuator faults and saturation-induced nonlinearities. Based on fractional-order Lyapunov analysis and practical fixed-time stability theory, sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee that the tracking errors converge to a bounded neighborhood within a settling time independent of the initial conditions. Simulation results for networked fixed-wing UAVs verify the effectiveness, robustness, and communication-saving performance of the proposed control method.

Hydrophobic MFI‐Type Zeolites via Alkali‐Cation‐Induced Defect Healing: Implications for Adsorbent and Catalyst Design

ABSTRACT Here, we demonstrate that sub‐stoichiometric amounts of alkali cations (Na + and K + ) critically govern defect formation during the synthesis of Silicalite‐1 (MFI), enabling precise control over framework integrity and surface properties after calcination. Combining systematic synthesis studies with density functional theory (DFT) calculations and high‐resolution microscopy, we reveal a defect‐healing mechanism in which in situ generated NaOH or KOH species promote Si–O–Si bond rearrangement and enhance the mobility of Si(OH) 4 units. This process facilitates the effective healing of T‐site vacancies, yielding highly ordered, defect‐free MFI frameworks. The resulting Silicalite‐1 exhibits markedly enhanced hydrophobicity and superior selectivity in butanol/water separation, underscoring the decisive role of defect control in modulating adsorption and interfacial properties. Importantly, these insights are successfully extended to the synthesis of defect‐free TS‐1, affording highly hydrophobic Lewis acid catalysts with improved activity and selectivity in the epoxidation of 1‐hexene. This environmentally friendly, straightforward, scalable approach offers a versatile pathway to produce defect‐free zeolites with precisely tuned physicochemical properties, enabling the development of advanced catalytic and separation materials, especially for applications involving water or polar compounds.

The property rights index in forestry (PRIF): A new governance indicator with predictive capacity for forest status and dynamic across Europe

Abstract Understanding how forest governance shapes environmental outcomes is critical for sustainable land-use policies. Yet, existing governance indicators are often too broad to reflect sector-specific legal frameworks that govern natural resources. This study assessed the relevance of an existing governance index for forestry sector (Property Rights Index in Forestry - PRIF), correlating it with recognised governance metrics (e.g., rule of law, corruption perception, economic freedom) and forest status indicators (e.g., reforestation, afforestation, and deforestation rates). The PRIF was found to have strong associations with national governance quality, economic development, and forest dynamics, capturing both enabling and constraining aspects of owner freedom. Countries with higher PRIF scores tend to experience higher rates of both deforestation and reforestation, suggesting that increased owner autonomy drives more dynamic and potentially polarized forest outcomes. A Principal component analysis further reveals that PRIF aligns with major gradients in forest management intensity, ownership structure, and ecological change. These findings demonstrate that PRIF is a sensitive, interpretable, and scalable indicator for evaluating forest governance and its environmental implications. The index offers a valuable tool for policymakers seeking to balance property rights with sustainability goals across diverse institutional contexts.

A Hydro–Organo Biphasic Gel Electrolyte for Decoupled Interfacial Stability and Fast Ion Transport in Zinc Metal Batteries

ABSTRACT Organic and aqueous electrolytes offer complementary advantages in electrochemical stability and ion transport, but integrating both within a single electrolyte remains challenging. In this study, it is discovered that a distinct interphase can be spontaneously formed between the aqueous and organic phases through the synergy of amphiphilic monomers, Hofmeister effects, and phase partitioning. This aqueous–organic, mixed‐solvent region boosts ion transfer by smoothing solvation change across phases, resulting in an order‐of‐magnitude increase in overall conductivity over biphasic counterparts without such an interphase. Meanwhile, compartmentalized organo‐ and hydrogel domains decouple anodic and cathodic interfacial chemistries. Demonstrated in zinc metal batteries, this biphasic gel electrolyte thermodynamically stabilizes zinc metal anodes and inhibits parasitic ion crossover, while also enabling high‐rate operation comparable to aqueous systems. Accordingly, Zn||Zn symmetric cells demonstrate >3,600 h stable cycling at 5 mA cm −2 and 5 mAh cm −2 , and MnO 2 ||Zn full cells show high capacity retention after >3,000 cycles at 10 A g −1 . Overall, the findings establish organizing phase and solvation chemistry as a general materials design principle toward advanced electrolyte systems for high‐power, long‐duration electrochemical energy storage.