Dispersal behavior allows organisms to find new resources under harsh conditions1,2,3,4,5; collective dispersal in group-living organisms raises interesting questions about kin selection, cooperation, and social conflicts that offer an exciting window into the evolution of sociality.3,5 One type of collective dispersal is when individuals physically link their bodies into a super-organism and move as a group, but these phenomena are rare in nature and few empirical systems exist to enable their mechanistic dissection.6,7,8,9,10,11 Individuals of many nematode species can group together and self-assemble into a living tower of worms, which is hypothesized to be a collective dispersal structure.12,13,14,15,16 However, direct evidence demonstrating the occurrence and the function of towers in nature has been scarce. We documented towering behavior under natural, semi-natural, and laboratory conditions to confirm its existence and then manipulated these towers to confirm that they can bridge gaps and respond to external stimuli to confer group dispersal by phoresy. Having established the ecological and functional relevance of nematode towers, we developed a laboratory towering assay with the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to exploit its experimental capabilities. Our lab assay rapidly and robustly induces towering and reveals several fundamental characteristics of both the towers and the constituent individuals, which together demonstrate the high experimental potential of using our model and the ample future research avenues that it opens. In summary, combining ecological relevance and empirical possibilities, our work sets the key foundations to establish nematode towering behavior as a powerful opportunity to elucidate the ecology, the mechanisms, and the evolution of collective dispersal.
Deblocking the constraints for charge transfer dynamics spanning the spatiotemporal scale from femtosecond to second along with spatial scale from atom to micrometer displays a significant challenge in liberating photocatalysis efficiency. Herein, the challenge is well addressed by d-p spin-orbit coupling from spin-state FeS2 to amplify CdS polarization for exceptional H2 photocatalytic generation. The spin-polarized states amplified by the upshift energy levels of Fe 3d and Cd 3d vectorially boost charge carrier transfer dynamics at spatial redox active sites with extending nanosecond lifetime up to 2.48 times; remarkably, energy barrier for chemical adsorption and activation of *H and *OH at S 2p from FeS2 and Cd 3d of CdS are decreased by their electron transfer into the corresponding unoccupied orbits, respectively, performing Volmer-Heyrovsky and Volmer-Tafel paths for H2 generation with activation energy down to 70.77%. As a result, the amplified spin-polarized catalyst presents an exceptional productivity of 3.16% at 25 °C or 8.00% at 60 °C for solar energy conversion into H2 at AM 1.5G, being one of the most efficient H2-evolution catalysts for photocatalytic H2O overall splitting.
Do tall students do better in school? A robust literature documents higher earnings among taller people and suggests that differences in adult labor market outcomes may reflect prior differences in academic outcomes. In this paper, we use unique student-level longitudinal data from New York City (NYC) to examine the link between height and achievement, shedding light on underlying mechanisms. The centerpiece of our empirical work is a regression linking test scores to height, measured as a z-score normalized to same grade/sex peers within schools. We estimate a meaningful height gradient for both boys and girls in English Language Arts (ELA) and math achievement in all grades 3-8. Controlling for observed student characteristics, a one standard deviation (sd) increase in height for grade is associated with .03 and .039 sd higher performance in math and ELA, respectively, for boys and .034 and .04 sd in math and ELA, respectively, for girls. While the average gradient is small in magnitude, it is sufficiently large to generate meaningful differences in achievement between the tallest and shortest students. For example, the tallest 2.5 % boys and girls within grade perform .18 and .194 sd better in ELA, respectively, than the shortest ones. We also find evidence that ordinal height rank relative to peers may have a small effect on ELA achievement conditional on cardinal height. Thus, there is an academic height premium for both absolute and relative height.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by rapid progression and poor prognosis. Although the phase II CITYSCAPE-02 trial found objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients improved when tiragolumab was added to atezolizumab and chemotherapy, the phase III SKYSCRAPER-02 failed to find PFS or OS benefit in patients with SCLC. Atezolizumab was the first immunotherapy to show survival benefit in extensive SCLC based on the phase III IMpower133 study. Given that immunotherapy has become the standard of care for SCLC patients, further research is needed into ways to augment the immune system to better treat these patients.
Elevated aminotransferases with concomitant jaundice in drug-induced liver injury (DILI) are associated with adverse outcomes, but the prognostic significance of very high aminotransferases without jaundice is unclear. We examined selected outcomes of patients with DILI and markedly elevated aminotransferases but normal or near-normal total bilirubin (TBL). We analyzed the data from the prospective Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) and the Spanish DILI registries. Patients were categorized based on peak alanine or aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) levels-very high (500-1,000 U/L) or towering (>1,000 U/L)-and concomitant normal (≤1.0 mg/dL) or near-normal (1.1-2.5 mg/dL) TBL levels. Primary outcome was subsequent development of nR-based Hy's Law (nR ≥5 with TBL >2.5 mg/dL). A total of 964 patients were analyzed (692 DILIN; 272 Spanish DILI). In both cohorts, very high aminotransferases with normal TBL were rarely followed by nR-based Hy's Law. In DILIN, only 1.3% of patients with very high ALT and normal TBL developed nR-based Hy's Law, whereas risk increased markedly with minimally elevated TBL (odds ratio (OR) 7.8). Towering aminotransferases conferred increased risk regardless of TBL, with the highest risk observed when accompanied by minimally elevated TBL (OR 23.6). Similar inflection points were observed in the Spanish DILI Registry, in patients with very high aminotransferases and minimally elevated TBL or towering aminotransferases with or without elevated TBL. In conclusion, patients with DILI and very high aminotransferases may tolerate liver injury well when bilirubin is normal, but even minimal bilirubin elevation or towering aminotransferases signal increased risk for poor outcomes.
Phylogenetic trees summarize evolutionary relationships. The Billera-Holmes-Vogtmann (BHV) space for comparing phylogenetic trees has many elegant mathematical properties, but it does not encompass trees with differing leaf sets. To overcome this, we introduce Towering space: a complete metric space that extends BHV space to trees with non-identical leaf sets. Towering space is a structured collection of BHV spaces connected via pruning and regrafting operations. We study the geometry of paths in Towering space and present an algorithm for computing metric distances. By addressing a major limitation of BHV space, Towering space facilitates the analysis of modern phylogenetic datasets such as multi-domain gene trees.
Kidney stones are one of the most common renal disorders that can produce severe complications if not diagnosed and treated early. Recently, advances in AI have ensured that deep learning and explainable AI enable the automatic segmentation and detection of kidney stones from medical imaging, thus improving diagnostic efficiency and accuracy. For this review, eighteen representative studies using machine learning, deep learning, and hybrid models for kidney stone segmentation were considered, which were published in the period between 2020 and 2025. The XAI techniques being mainly utilized with the discussed models in the study are SHAP, LIME, Grad-CAM, Layer-wise Relevance Propagation, and EigenCAM. Such approaches tend to enhance clinicians' trust in allowing early diagnosis and supporting clinical decision-making, especially in resource-constrained settings. Regardless of the towering results, this area still suffers due to certain limitations such as lack of diversity in datasets, absence of multimodal integration, and scarcity of real-world validation. All in all, integrating DL with XAI presents a transparent, reliable, and clinically acceptable approach to detecting and segmenting kidney stones.
James Dewey Watson who died on November 7, 2025, at the age of 97, was a towering figure in 20th century life science. With Francis Crick, he determined the structure of DNA, laying the foundation of modern biology; he made Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory one of the world's great biomedical research institutes and a center for professional education in molecular biology and neuroscience; he established the Human Genome Project and ensured that research on the associated ethical, legal, and social issues was part of the project; he created a classic textbook that revolutionized the style of the genre; and he wrote one of the most interesting and controversial books on science for scientists and nonscientists alike.
Stoneflies (Plecoptera) are vital bioindicators of freshwater health, playing a foundational role in stream ecosystems worldwide. Despite their ecological significance, Pakistan's stonefly fauna remains largely unexplored, presenting an untapped frontier for biodiversity research. Positioned at the convergence of the Palearctic and Oriental realms, Pakistan's diverse landscapes from the towering peaks of the Hindu Kush and Karakoram to the western Himalayas, offer rich, largely unstudied habitats for aquatic species. This study aims to revive interest in Plecoptera research by providing a comprehensive review of species distributions across Pakistan, including an extensive literature survey and the redescription of Mesonemoura skardui (Aubert, 1959). The study highlights the significance of local Plecoptera research while enhancing a global understanding of this country's fauna. The Plecoptera fauna of Pakistan comprises six families, 10 genera, and 20 documented species. This research presents a species checklist, distribution map, and identification key for adult families and genera, with the Nemouridae family being the most species-rich, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which emerges as a hotspot for stonefly diversity. Beyond documenting current species, the study identifies research gaps and proposes strategies to further explore Pakistan's Plecoptera fauna. As the first major study of its kind in > 50 years, this work revitalizes interest in the region's stonefly diversity and lays a foundation for future research, offering a pathway for ongoing exploration and conservation of this essential insect group.
The late David Baltimore will long be remembered as a towering figure in the modern era of virology and immunology. But less well known is that early in his career, he discovered the existence of eukaryotic RNA-binding proteins, in collaboration with Alice Huang. This work was an extension of previous experiments he had done in which poliovirus RNA added to HeLa cell cytoplasmic extracts underwent an increase in its sucrose gradient sedimentation velocity. The subsequent work revealed the existence of a soluble pool of RNA-binding proteins and had two impacts. On the one hand, it was the beginning of the eukaryotic RNA-binding protein field. On the other hand, it led some investigators to challenge the reality of isolated mRNP complexes. As we know, the latter concern was settled by the introduction of in vivo UV-mediated RNA-protein crosslinking. The mRNA-protein interaction landscape now is at a very advanced and richly enabling stage, but as always in scientific epistemology, it is appropriate to recall from whence it arose.
While oligotrophic bacteria are known to dominate most marine microbial habitats, under certain conditions, such as during phytoplankton blooms, copiotrophs can dramatically increase in abundance and reach towering proportions of the bacterial communities. We are uncertain whether the bacteria exhibiting this capacity, which we denote as "bloomers," have specific functional characteristics or if, instead, they are randomly selected from the broader pool of copiotrophs. To explore the genomic determinants of this ecological trait, we conducted a comparative genomic analysis of bacterial genomes from microcosm experiments where grazer and viral presence was reduced and nutrient availability was increased, conditions that triggered bacterial blooms. We tested which functional genes were overrepresented in the bacteria that responded to the treatments, examining a total of 305 genomes from isolates and metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) that were categorized as copiotrophs or oligotrophs according to their codon usage bias (CUB). The responsive bacteria were enriched in genes related to transcriptional regulation in response to stimuli (mostly via two-component systems), transport, secretion, cell protection, catabolism of sugars and amino acids, and membrane/cell wall biosynthesis. These genes confer on them capabilities for adhesion, biofilm formation, resistance to stress, quorum sensing, chemotaxis, nutrient uptake, and fast replication. They were overrepresented mainly in copiotrophic genomes from the families Alteromonadaceae, Vibrionaceae, Rhodobacteraceae, Sphingomonadaceae, and Flavobacteriaceae. Additionally, we found that these responsive bacteria, when abundant, could affect biogeochemical cycling, particularly the phosphorus cycle. In this study, we provide insights into the functional characteristics that enable certain bacteria to rapidly respond to changes in the environment and bloom. We also hint at the ecological meaning and implications of these phenomena that could affect biogeochemical cycles in the oceans. Video Abstract.
The annual increase of microwave exposure in human environments continues to fuel debates regarding its potential health impacts. This study monitored the EEG and ECG responses of three Cynomolgus monkeys before and at 0, 3, 7, 14, and 30 days after exposure to 50 mW/cm² microwave radiation for 15 min. The findings revealed no significant differences in the power spectral densities (PSDs) of the whole brain, frontal, and temporal lobes across various frequency bands (δ, θ, α, β, low-γ, and high-γ) immediately and up to 30 days postexposure. Notable alterations were observed primarily at 14 days in the PSDs of the parietal lobe, prefrontal cortex, central zone, and occipital lobe, particularly in the θ and α bands. By Day 30, these values returned to normal ranges. ECG alterations were characterized by changes in T-wave shape and amplitude. One monkey exhibited bidirectional spikes at 7 and 14 days that normalized by Day 30. Another showed similar patterns with reduced amplitude, and a third monkey displayed a towering forward wave at 14 days that persisted at 30 days. In conclusion, the administration of L-band microwave radiation at the specified dose did not result in immediate alterations to EEG and ECG, but it induced transient modifications in brain electrical activity and normalized after 30 days, which contributed to evaluate the health implications of microwave exposure in humans.
French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, a towering figure familiar to late-19th-century physicians, became better known to the laity of different countries through periodicals, books, and plays. This article examines how Charcot influenced the works of four popular Scandinavian authors: Norwegians Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, Hans Ernst Kinck, and Øvre Richter Frich, and a Swede, Axel Munthe. These popular novelists and playwrights, all having lived in Paris, provided pictures of different sides of the brilliant and innovative Parisian physician and researcher, who despite his renown was nonetheless criticized for his theories about the hysterias and hypnosis.
Reticular chemistry and pore engineering have garnered significant advancements in metal-organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks, leveraging robust metal-coordination and covalent bonds. However, these achievements remain elusive in hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks, hindered by their inherent weakness in hydrogen bonding. Herein, we strategically manipulate the porosity of hydrogen-bonded frameworks through a grafting approach, culminating in the synthesis of two isomorphic HOFs, HOF-FJU-99 and HOF-FJU-100, with distinct pore environments. Remarkably, HOF-FJU-100, with its microporous architecture, not only showcases exceptional stability but also achieves unparalleled separation efficiency and ultrahigh selectivity for C2H2/CO2 mixtures (50/50, v/v) under ambient conditions. Its IAST selectivity value of 201 stands as a benchmark, towering over all previously reported HOFs. The pore of HOF-FJU-100 boasts an electrostatic potential highly favourable for C2H2 adsorption, as evidenced by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealing multiple hydrogen bonding interactions between C2H2 molecules and the framework. In situ gas-carrier powder X-ray diffraction analysis underscores the adaptability of pore structure, dynamically adjusting its orientation in response to C2H2, thereby enabling a highly efficient and specific separation of C2H2/CO2 mixtures through specific adsorptive interactions.
Prof. Jan Hendrik Louw (1915 - 1992) was a pioneering figure in paediatric and adult surgery in South Africa, and he left an indelible mark on teaching, training, research and academia. He excelled academically and graduated from the University of Cape Town medical school with distinction in 1938. He was appointed to the Chair of Surgery at UCT and Groote Schuur Hospital in 1955, transforming the department into a centre of excellence in clinical practice, research and education. He was instrumental in developing paediatric surgery as a distinct specialty at the newly inaugurated Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital in 1956. Subsequent groundbreaking research with Christiaan Barnard investigating congenital intestinal atresia, which involved intrauterine fetal surgery in puppies, garnered international commendation. Known as a strict disciplinarian, his insistence on clinical excellence, rigorous academic standards and ethical responsibility became the hallmarks of surgical culture at UCT, Groote Schuur Hospital and beyond. His leadership in and contributions to medical politics were substantial, and his achievements and international reputation were affirmed by honorary fellowships from 11 international surgical colleges and the prestigious Denis Browne Gold Medal from the British Association of Paediatric Surgery. His seminal tome, In the Shadow of Table Mountain, documented from conception the history of the Medical School at UCT. His memory endures through the countless lives he touched, the surgeons he trained, and his contributions to global surgery. He retired in 1980, leaving a towering legacy in South African and international surgery.
Dr. Brij Nandan Singh Walia is a towering figure in Indian medicine, whose visionary leadership and pioneering contributions have left an enduring imprint on pediatric care and medical education. A luminary in every sense, Dr. Walia continues to inspire generations of healthcare professionals with his dedication, compassion, and transformative vision. Born in 1933 in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, Dr. Walia's passion for science and medicine was evident from an early age. He pursued his MBBS from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, Indore, followed by a Doctorate of Medicine (MD) and a Diploma in Child Health. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for a lifetime of medical innovation and institutional leadership. Dr. Walia's most profound impact was at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, where he served in multiple capacities as Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Pediatrics, and ultimately as Director of the institute. As the founding architect of the Advanced Pediatric Centre at PGIMER, Dr. Walia transformed the landscape of child healthcare in India, establishing a model of excellence that integrates clinical care, research, and education. He was also instrumental in securing the recognition of pediatrics as a distinct specialty within the MBBS curriculum. A staunch proponent of global best practices, he facilitated international training for faculty and introduced institutional reforms that positioned PGIMER among the foremost medical institutions in the world. As Director, his dynamic stewardship brought about sweeping advancements in infrastructure, research, and patient care. Beyond the hospital walls, his commitment to community health, equity in education, and social welfare has uplifted countless lives. Through the Bhai Jaita Ji Foundation, he supported rural students and championed initiatives for underprivileged communities. He also advocated for institutions dedicated to the care of the disabled. Dr. Walia's legacy is not merely institutional-it is transformational, exemplifying how one individual's vision, compassion, and unwavering resolve can redefine the future of healthcare.
One of the most critically acclaimed and successful examples of historical/political novels in this century, at least in the Anglophone world, is Hilary Mantel's towering Thomas Cromwell trilogy, made up of Wolf Hall (2009), Bring Up the Bodies (2012) and The Mirror and the Light (2020). Mantel took the period and place done to death, the Court of Henry VIII, and imbued it with a new life and striking immediacy thanks to her decision to tell the story through the perspective of a blacksmith's son from Putney, who became a Chief Minister, which in turn allowed the class aspect to take a centre stage in her writings on Tudors and held court where it usually rarely did. This paper, however, focuses on the way gender plays a role in this men-dominated world, where women notoriously fared extremely badly, but it will not do so by focusing directly on the dazzling female characters Mantel gives us, with, among others, Anne Boleyn and Jane Rochford, or by merely pointing out Mantel's own gender. Rather, it can be argued that the rich vein of feminism resides in the indomitable style of novels. This will be done with the help of Hélène Cixous's seminal concept of écriture féminine, and especially the so-called body words.
This narrative review explores the various injection techniques utilized in facial filler procedures, emphasizing their applications, benefits, and potential complications. The increasing demand for total facial contouring and rejuvenation has led to a rise in the use of volumizing fillers and the integration of these procedures with other treatments such as toxins, threads, lasers, radiofrequency, and ultrasound. Achieving satisfactory results necessitates a comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy and the effects of aging on skin tissue. Key injection techniques discussed include retrograde and anterograde injections, linear and serial threading, serial puncture, fanning, cross-hatching, bolus, towering, sandwich, tenting, and specialized methods like fern leaf and duck walk injections. Each technique offers unique advantages, such as the retrograde technique's ability to minimize vascular complications and the dual plane technique's effectiveness in achieving optimal volumization and contouring by layering different types of fillers at varying depths. The dual-plane injection technique, in particular, is highlighted for its ability to provide natural and lasting results by combining firm fillers in deep layers with softer fillers superficially, minimizing surface irregularities and filler migration. The review also underscores the importance of preprocedure planning, including the marking of injection points to ensure precision, especially in patients with facial asymmetry. This comprehensive review aims to equip practitioners with the knowledge to select and master appropriate injection techniques, tailored to the specific needs of different facial areas, thereby enhancing treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction while minimizing risks.
The study area is located within the Central Karakoram National Park, nestled in the towering Karakoram mountain range. Situated at high altitude in the District of Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, this region is characterised by its rugged terrain, glaciers and snow-covered peaks. The area encompasses diverse habitats, including alpine meadows, subalpine forests and glaciated zones, which provide potential habitat for medium- to large-sized mammals. Despite its ecological significance, wildlife in this area remains understudied. Therefore, the current study aimed to document the wild mammal species of the high-altitude Hoper and Hisper Valleys. Camera-trapping surveys were conducted from April to November 2024 to record wild medium- to large-sized mammals in the study area. Thirty trail cameras were deployed across the study area, which resulted in 85 occurrence records for seven mammal species, including three carnivores, two lagomorphs, one rodent and one ruminant. All species were native, non-endemic to the region. According to the IUCN Conservation Status, Pantherauncia (Snow Leopard), Mustelaaltaica (Mountain Weasel) and Caprasibirica (Himalayan Ibex) belong to the endangered categories. Out of the seven mammals recorded in this study, five are newly documented, while the Snow Leopard and Himalayan Ibex have been previously reported from the area. The data collected from this survey provide valuable occurrence information on the mammal species present in the study area, which can serve as a baseline for monitoring and conservation efforts in the future.