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Benchmarking Nonlinear Readouts in Linear Reservoir Networks
No full textRecent theoretical advances have demonstrated the universality of linear Reservoir Computing (RC) models equipped with nonlinear readouts, showing their potential to approximate arbitrary input-output mappings. However, practical insights into the selection and performance of nonlinear readouts are limited. This paper addresses this gap by systematically benchmarking a spectrum of nonlinear readouts within linear RC frameworks. Our results reveal the practical trade-offs in accuracy and efficiency across tasks, offering insights on how to train performant RC systems with linear recurrence. These findings provide valuable guidelines for designing efficient recurrent architectures that combine theoretical guarantees with state-of-the-art performance in sequential data processing
Seed germination traits reveal naturalization potential: Global insights from temperate European herbaceous species
No full textSeed germination is a key stage in a plant's life cycle, influencing regeneration from seed by determining the post-germination environment, plant fitness and evolutionary potential. Therefore, seed germination traits are expected to play a fundamental role in the naturalization of alien seed plants; yet broad-scale empirical evidence of this remains limited. Using seed germination data for 1146 native temperate European herbaceous species, we tested whether species that have become naturalized outside their native range differ from non-naturalized species in overall germinability (final germination proportion) and in their germination responses to six environmental cues across temperate, tropical dry and tropical humid macroclimatic zones of naturalization. We also assessed whether germinability and responses to these cues are associated with the geographic extent of naturalization, using a phylogenetically informed meta-analysis that integrates 18,596 standardized laboratory germination records with global naturalization data. Naturalization was a common phenomenon, with 60% of species having naturalized in temperate regions and over 30% having naturalized in tropical regions. Naturalized species showed consistently higher overall germinability, germination at lower temperatures and higher requirements for seed scarification compared to non-naturalized species, while other germination traits varied with the macroclimatic zone of naturalization. The extent of naturalization was also positively, though weakly, related to higher germinability and to the same germination traits that distinguished naturalized from non-naturalized species. Synthesis. This study provides global-scale evidence that the naturalization of European herbaceous species is related to specific germination traits acquired in the native range. Our findings indicate that traits such as high germinability, low stratification requirements and responsiveness to scarification act as preadaptations that facilitate naturalization by increasing opportunities for establishment. They also show that standardized laboratory germination tests using seeds sourced from native populations represent a cost-effective tool for improving global risk assessments and for predicting naturalization potential under climate change through alterations in regeneration from seed
Roadmap on Artificial Intelligence‐Augmented Additive Manufacturing
No full textArtificial intelligence-augmented additive manufacturing (AI2AM) represents atransformative frontier in digital fabrication, where artificial intelligence (AI) isembedded not as a peripheral tool, but as a central framework driving intelligent,adaptive, and autonomous additive manufacturing (AM) systems. The objective ofthis Roadmap is to present a comprehensive vision of the state-of-the-art devel-opments in AI2AM while charting the future trajectory of this rapidly emerging field.As AM applications continue to expand across diverse sectors, conventional designand control strategies face growing limitations in scalability, quality assurance, andmaterial complexity. AI uses tools like computer vision, generative design, and largelanguage models to help solve problems in scalability, quality assurance, andmaterial complexity, allowing for real-time defect detection, digital twin integration,and closed-loop process control. This roadmap brings together leading contribu-tions from twenty internationally recognized research groups by uniting perspec-tives from materials science, computer science, robotics, and manufacturing. Thiswork aims to create a cohesive framework for advancing AI2AM as a multidisci-plinary science. The ultimate intent of this work is to establish a foundation forcoordinated research and innovation in AI-powered AM and to serve as a strategicentry point for future breakthroughs in autonomous and sustainable production
Use of a composite, 3D‐printed patch as a partial airway replacement: A pilot study on the porcine model
No full textTracheal replacement is an unmet clinical need, as patients with long or complex airway defects are managed with tracheostomy or permanent stents. Experimental and clinical research is ongoing in order to find safe airway substitutes; however, the strategies under investigation suffer from major limitations, such as unsatisfactory re-epithelialization, insufficient long-term mechanical support, and complex ex vivo procedures. A ready-to-use and stable patch, able to support airway functionality and tissue regeneration, remains a significant challenge. Here we present the development of an off-the-shelf composite patch consisting of a resorbable polymer to aid epithelial restoration and a 3D-printed multimaterial structure to guarantee effective mechanical stability. To evaluate the prosthesis performance, we designed a pilot study on a large animal setting, monitoring postoperative survival and airway healing for up to 60 days. An anterior cervical tracheal defect was created on four domestic pigs and patched with the prosthesis. The results were satisfactory in terms of postoperative survival, as only one animal died before the end of the study. However, endoscopic findings revealed a worsening stenosis due to wound contraction, granulation tissue formation, and partial displacement of the prosthesis. These findings were confirmed at histology, where a prominent inflammatory infiltrate was evident. Blood tests performed during follow-up did not reveal any systemic inflammatory reaction. Overall, we believe that further optimization of the prosthesis design and materials is necessary in order to create an ideal “off-the-shelf” tracheal substitute. Nevertheless, this pilot study provides promising results and novel insights into a clinically relevant research area
Influence of cations size and charge on Zn electrodeposition from deep eutectic solvents
No full textThe electrodeposition of metals using ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) has been extensively studied due to their wide potential window and the ability to prepare them in an anhydrous form. In this study, we analyzed DESs consisting of choline chloride or calcium chloride with ethylene glycol for zinc deposition. These systems have different cations but otherwise similar composition; nonetheless their deposition processes are completely opposite, demonstrating that supposedly inert cations play a determining role. Zinc deposition at room temperature from the calcium-based liquid was fully reversible while no deposition was obtained from using choline-based liquids. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to provide insights on the double layer structure at the electrode/electrolyte interface. The nucleation mechanism of Zn from the calcium-based system was investigated using chronoamperometry on glassy carbon surfaces revealing that Zn nucleation follows the progressive nucleation model. Morphology and elemental composition of the metallic coatings have been characterized together with the effect of the commonly used brightener nicotinic acid. Evidently, calcium-based liquids are better for metal deposition than Ethaline at ambient conditions, likely due to their ability to accept a chloride ligand from the zinc complex during the deposition step
The Comet Assay in Nano-ecogenotoxicology
No full textComet assay is a quick and versatile technique for assessing DNA damage in individual cells. It allows the detection of DNA single- and double-strand breaks, as well as the presence of alkali-labile sites and cross-links. Here we describe protocols for the Single-Cell Gel Electrophoresis (Comet assay) in its alkaline (pH > 13), mild alkaline (pH = 12.1), and neutral (pH = 8) versions when applied in aquatic animals exposed to nanomaterials. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026
Mathematical analysis of metronomic chemotherapy response in metastatic gastrointestinal cancer: identifying critical parameters from clinical data
No full textWe present the first clinical application of the Schättler mathematical framework for metronomic chemotherapy using data from 30 patients with metastatic gastrointestinal cancer from the COMET trial. The model, comprising three coupled ODEs with 12 parameters representing tumour growth, angiogenesis, and immune response, was successfully fitted to individual patient data through AI-assisted optimization, achieving low fitting errors (median squared error: 0.003 for stable disease, 0.007 for progressive disease) at day 56. The growth control parameter emerged as a potential biomarker, with distinct ranges between stable disease (0.066–0.153) and progressive disease (0.093–0.177), suggesting a critical threshold around. Model parameters showed expected interdependencies reflecting the coupled nature of tumour-microenvironment interactions. While the model demonstrated strong fitting capabilities, prediction of progression-free survival showed moderate correlation (), highlighting the complexity of long-term outcome prediction in metastatic disease. Drug effect parameters were consistently low (0.003–0.09), aligning with the modest clinical benefits observed in recent metronomic chemotherapy trials for metastatic gastrointestinal cancer. This proof-of-concept study establishes the feasibility of applying the Schättler framework to clinical data, with parameter estimates representing exploratory values requiring external validation before clinical implementation. Future studies with larger cohorts and multiple time points will be essential to validate these findings and refine the model for prospective clinical application
Integrating nuclear Small Modular Reactors into low-carbon energy systems: an illustration using a recent European R&D initiative
No full textThe race to develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) is in full swing around the world. SMRs are nuclear reactors with a power output of a few hundred MWe incorporating high modularisation and standardisation by design, thus facilitating economies of in-series production. SMR technologies have the potential to strongly contribute to decarbonisation of the energy sector but are yet to be deployed. Considered at a local or regional scale, SMRs can be fully integrated in innovative hybrid energy systems (HES), including variable renewables and nuclear energy in the form of electricity, heat or hydrogen, energy storage systems, heat networks, and power grids. These systems must operate flexibly to ensure the stability of energy networks. These integrated energy systems are currently under development, however, in Europe, studies on such systems remain limited. In this context, a European Industrial Alliance on Small Modular Reactors, launched by the European Commission in 2024, pointed out significant R&D gaps to be tackled to make these energy systems ready for deployment. Therefore, TANDEM, a Euratom-funded project was carried out between 2022 and 2025 to help fill these gaps. The project has delivered methodologies and tools for the assessment of HES and validated and demonstrated them on case studies for decarbonisation. The project enabled first evaluation considerations of the technical performance and economic viability of such systems. It then covered nuclear safety aspects and environmental impact. Finally, it investigated citizen engagement and Education & Training needs to prepare the workforce required for developing and deploying these energy systems
Bidirectional interaction between protocadherin 8 and the transcription factor Dbx1 regulates cerebral cortex development
No full textBrain development requires correct tissue patterning and production of appropriate cell types. Transcription factors play essential roles in these processes, regulating the expression of target genes responsible for the specific features of neuronal subtypes. Cell adhesion molecules are key components of developmental processes that control cell sorting, migration, neurite outgrowth/guidance and synaptogenesis. To date, the link between transcription factors and cell adhesion molecules has been considered unidirectional. Here, we demonstrate that ectopic expression of Dbx1 leads to spatiotemporally restricted increased expression of Pcdh8 and cell aggregation, together with changes in neuronal identity. Surprisingly, ectopic Pcdh8 expression also induces Dbx1 expression, as well as a complete reorganisation of apico-basal polarity and dorso-ventral patterning via Notch signalling. Altogether, our work therefore points to cell adhesion molecules as unexpected, yet important, players in the regulation of cell identity and, in particular, Pcdh8 through its bidirectional interaction with the Dbx1 transcription factor