bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring neuroanatomy and neuropsychology in digital financial decision-making: betrayal aversion and risk behavior
Authors: Carbó-Valverde Santiago , Martín-Ríos Raquel , Rodríguez-Fernández Francisco
Published: January 2025

Detecting the factors associated with financial decision-making is an unresolved challenge when trying to predict digital financial behavior. This paper reports experimental results on both neuropsychological and neuronal correlates of risk-taking and betrayal aversion among 121 healthy participants (Xage=21.7; SD = 2.8). A questionnaire on financial habits was administered, followed by neuropsychological tests and a magnetic resonance imaging session while participants viewed videos depicting both traditional and digital economic transactions. Participants also completed a computerized version of trust and risk games. Results reveal that Sensitivity to Punishment and Negative Urgency significantly predict risk behavior. High betrayal aversion was associated with greater sensitivity to punishment as well as lower volume in temporal areas. Cluster analysis identified two distinct psychological profiles based on betrayal aversion scores, highlighting differences in sensitivity to punishment, negative urgency, positive urgency, and trust game score. Furthermore, cortical thickness comparisons revealed differences between low and high-aversion groups, particularly in the temporal, parietal, and insular areas. White matter analysis indicated less integration in specific tracts among individuals with high betrayal aversion. These findings suggest the influence of neuropsychological factors on the adoption of risky financial behaviors and emotional response to betrayal.
Addressing the Burden of Pathological Fatigue in Stroke Survivors: A Review of Present and Potential Non-Pharmacological and Pharmacotherapeutic Options
Authors: Liang Y. , Levi C. , Spratt N. J. , Janssen H. , Bajorek B.
Published: January 2025

Purpose of Review

Three-quarters of stroke survivors experience fatigue, yet its management remains suboptimal due to uncertainty about therapeutic options and underpinning evidence. Given the diverse causes and varying patient preferences, various strategies—ranging from pharmacological to non-pharmacological treatments—are being explored. A clearer understanding of these options' effectiveness would help prioritize those most suitable for clinical evaluation.

Recent Findings

Twenty studies involving 1,163 participants were extracted, including 12 randomized clinical trials, 2 non-randomized clinical trials, 1 post hoc follow-up study, and 5 treatment protocols or abstracts for studies. Most treatment options demonstrated significant improvements, reported as changes in fatigue and/or quality-of-life measurement scales (scores) or changes in the proportion of patients reporting an improvement. Variability in outcome measures precluded a comparison of efficacy between treatment options. Specific conventional mono-pharmacotherapies (e.g., modafinil) were shown to be most effective, reducing fatigue in up to 81% of patients whilst cognitive behaviour-based interventions reduced fatigue in 24–60% of stroke patients. Complementary therapies (acupuncture, Astragalus membranaceus) reduced fatigue scores by 42–45% and were most effective when used in combination therapies; Traditional Chinese medicine (Qi Supplementing Dominated Chinese Materia Medica) plus physical rehabilitation significantly reduced mean fatigue scores by 66%.

Presently, conventional 。pharmacotherapies appear to be the most effective option for managing post-stroke fatigue. However, further trials are needed to confirm their long-term effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness, and patient acceptability. More research is necessary to explore the full and diverse range of treatment options.
Can Mobilising Specialists be Relieved by a Robotic System for the Early Mobilisation of Intensive-Care Patients? A Quantitative Longitudinal Study at Two Data Collection Points at a German University Hospital
Authors: Mehler-Klamt Amrei , Köstler Natascha , Huber Jana , Warmbein Angelika , Rathgeber Ivanka , Gutmann Marcus , Biebl Johanna Theresia , Hübner Lucas , Schroeder Ines , Scharf-Janßen Christina , Ohneberg Christoph , Kraft Eduard , Zoller Michael , Fischer Uli , Eberl Inge
Published: January 2025

Immobility in intensive-care patients can lead to significant health risks and costs for the health system. Reasons for this include the shortage of specialist staff in nursing and physiotherapy who typically handle mobilisation activities for intensive-care patients. The use of robotic systems aims to facilitate early mobilisation and thereby counteract prolonged immobility. Whether this can also alleviate the workload for staff has not yet been sufficiently investigated. To examine the psychological stress and behaviour of mobilising specialist during conventional and robot-assisted mobilisations of intensive-care patients and to draw conclusions regarding the impact on and relief for the mobilising staff due to the robotic system, a quantitative longitudinal study was conducted with two data collection points (T1, T2). Aspects of body posture, the perceived stress of mobilising staff, as well as the time and personnel required for mobilisation were collected through non-participatory standardised observations. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis of the observations of 35 conventional mobilisations (T1) and 55 robot-assisted mobilisations (T2). Additionally, a follow-up was conducted for nine robot-assisted mobilisations to assess the routine use of the robotic system. The duration of robot-assisted mobilisation had significantly longer process compared to conventional mobilisation. A significant correlation was found between the subjectively assessed feasibility of mobilisation and psychological stress (PSaR) experienced by the specialist staff during robot-assisted mobilisation. The more confident users felt in robot-assisted mobilisation, the less psychologically stressfull they found it. Overall, robot-assisted mobilisation was more ergonomic and less stressful for the musculoskeletal system of the users.

Trial registration clinicaltrials.org TRN: NCT05071248, Date: 2021/10/21 URL https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05071248.
Attitudes Towards AI: The Interplay of Self-Efficacy, Well-Being, and Competency
Authors: Naiseh Mohammad , Babiker Areej , Al-Shakhsi Sameha , Cemiloglu Deniz , Al-Thani Dena , Montag Christian , Ali Raian
Published: January 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing society, yet its widespread adoption is accompanied by significant ethical and societal concerns. Through a large survey, this study explores the complex interplay between self-efficacy, AI competency, cultural factors, and attitudes towards AI among UK and Arab participants. We investigate how these factors influence individual’s attitudes toward AI and its impact on well-being. Our findings reveal that self-efficacy plays a crucial role in shaping attitudes towards AI, with higher levels of self-efficacy associated with more positive attitudes and enhanced well-being. Moreover, our results show that AI competency serves as a mediator, with increased competence fostering greater confidence and positivity towards AI. Our results also show gender disparities in AI attitudes within the UK sample, with males exhibiting higher positive attitudes and lower negative attitudes compared to females. Cultural differences were evident, with the Arab sample showing higher AI competency, positive attitudes, and overall well-being compared to the UK sample. Our results emphasize the need for culturally sensitive design and implementation of AI to ensure responsible development and implementation of AI for diverse populations.
Giving fish or teaching fishing? the impact of China’s foreign aid on digital service trade in belt and road initiative countries
Authors: Tang Rongsheng , Xiao Zewen , Zhong Xue
Published: January 2025

This paper empirically analyzes the relationship between China’s foreign aid and the digital service trade of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, using panel data from 2005 to 2017. We find that under the framework of the BRI, China’s foreign aid has a significantly positive impact on the digital service exports of recipient countries. This positive effect remains robust after addressing potential endogeneity concerns and conducting various robustness checks. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that Other Official Flows(OOF) is more effective than Official Development Assistance(ODA) in enhancing the digital service exports of recipient countries. Moreover, the positive impact of China’s foreign aid is particularly pronounced in high-income countries compared to middle- and low-income countries. Additionally, industry-level heterogeneity analysis shows that China’s foreign aid significantly promotes the export of “other business services.” In contrast, its impact on other industries is less evident. Finally, mechanism analysis indicates that the promotion of digital service exports by China’s foreign aid primarily operates through improvements in human capital and institutional quality in recipient countries.
The Dynamic Metacapabilities Framework
Authors: Paredes-Frigolett Harold , Pyka Andreas
Published: January 2025

The view of dynamic capabilities in evolutionary economics as being based on capabilities comprised of routines has so far precluded their integration in evolutionary economics. This Element contributes to such integration by introducing the dynamic metacapabilities framework. Borrowing from quantum mechanics, dynamic metacapabilities assume that resources and capabilities, rather than being created ex-nihilo, result from bundles of information 'decohering ' to bundles of resources and capabilities as new information becomes available to the firm. Operationalized by a management paradigm we call 'quantum management, ' dynamic metacapabilities contribute to integrating dynamic capabilities in evolutionary economics and to resolving the ongoing debate on what dynamic capabilities are by postulating an informational view of the firm according to which firms 'evolve ' with strategy throughout a lifecycle governing the transition from dynamic 'metacapabilities ' to dynamic capabilities and onto ordinary capabilities.
Normativity in cases of Epistemic Indifference
Authors: Müller Basil , Díaz Rodrigo
Published: January 2025

One of the metaepistemology’s most central debates revolves around the question of what the source of epistemic normativity is. Epistemic instrumentalism claims that epistemic normativity is a species of means-ends normativity. One of the most prominent objections against epistemic instrumentalism features cases of epistemic indifference: Cases where there’s evidence that p yet believing that p wouldn’t promote any of the agent’s aims, wants, or needs. Still, there’s an epistemic reason for the agent to believe that p and thus epistemic instrumentalism is false. In response, instrumentalists have modified their views in various ways, with new contributions still forthcoming. Here, we investigate a neglected aspect of this debate: Laypeople’s judgements on cases of epistemic indifference. In two studies, we investigated whether laypeople agree with the verdict in cases of epistemic indifference as well as the key ideas behind the more recent instrumentalist replies. Our findings indicate that a significant amount of participants found it hard to buy into the cases of epistemic indifference as Kelly has constructed them. Participants did generally share Kelly’s judgement in cases of epistemic indifference. Lastly, some instrumentalist replies are well suited to explain participants’ judgements that agents ought to believe in cases of epistemic indifference.
Cognitive Reflection and Religious Belief: A Test of Two Models
Authors: Şeker Fırat , Acem Ensar , Bayrak Fatih , Dogruyol Burak , Isler Ozan , Bahçekapili Hasan G. , Yilmaz Onurcan
Published: January 2025

Existing research suggests a negative correlation between reflective thinking and religious belief. The dual process model (DPM) posits that reflection diminishes religious belief by limiting intuitive decisions. In contrast, the expressive rationality model (ERM) argues that reflection serves an identity-protective function by bolstering rather than modifying preexisting beliefs. Although the current literature tends to favor the DPM, many studies suffer from unbalanced samples. To avoid this limitation, we recruited comparably large number of participants for both religious believers (n = 580) and non-believers (n = 594) and observed the relationship between reflection and two measures of religious belief: belief in God and disbelief in evolution. Our findings corroborate the negative associations found between higher levels of reflection and both types of belief, independent of religious affiliation. Our results align with the broader literature, supporting the DPM but not the ERM.
Far from Home: Managing Incidental Findings in Field Research with Portable MRI
Authors: Wolf Susan M. , Illes Judy
Published: January 2025

Portable MRI for neuroimaging research in remote field settings can reach populations previously excluded from research, including communities underrepresented in current brain neuroscience databases and marginalized in health care. However, research conducted far from a medical institution and potentially in populations facing barriers to health care access raises the question of how to manage incidental findings (IFs) that may warrant clinical workup. Researchers should not withhold information about IFs from historically excluded and underserved population when members consent to receive it, and instead should facilitate access to information and a pathway to clinical care.
State-Mandated Ethics Oversight Is Inappropriate for Gender-Affirming Care
Authors: Mabel Hilary , Guidry-Grimes Laura , Sankary Lauren R.
Published: January 2025

A proposed state administrative rule would have required medical ethicists to approve certain aspects of gender-affirming care. The authors argue the proposed rule lacked appropriate justification compared to other instances of state-mandated ethics oversight and would undermine trust, raise practical challenges, and send harmful messages to society, patients, and providers.
Spectroscopic and photometeric study of NT Aps – a low-activity W UMa-type contact binary
Authors: Avramova-Boncheva Antoaneta , Antonova Antoaneta , Korhonen Heidi , Stateva Ivanka , Stefanov S.
Published: January 2025

We have carried out a detailed investigation of eclipsing binary star NT Aps using high cadence photometric observations from the TESS satellite and time-series spectra from EFOSC2 at ESO’s New Technology Telescope.a We have, for the first time, determined precise system parameters for this W UMa-type late-type contact binary. Our analysis indicates that the system is composed of two solar-like stars with mass ratio of

$q=0.31$

and orbital period of 0.29475540

$\pm$

0.00000035 days. These values are typical for common envelope contact binaries. However, the system does not exhibit strong magnetic activity in the form of frequent flaring and large starspots, even if large flare rates have been earlier predicted for this system. This lack of strong magnetic activity further strengthens the earlier indications that the contact binaries are less magnetically active than those of detached chromospherically active binaries with similar parameters.
The Impact of Subjective Social Position on Attitudes Regarding the Government’s Role in Addressing Economic Inequality
Authors: Branton Regina , Martinez-Ebers Valerie
Published: January 2025

We examine factors that explain differences in opinions among Asian Americans and Latinos regarding the government’s responsibility in addressing economic inequality. We utilize a subjective social position framework to better understand variations in attitudes about the role the government should play in addressing the differences in income between people with high and low incomes. We use ordered logit models to assess 2020 Collaborative Multiracial Post-Election Survey data. Respondent’s age, feelings of marginalization, perceptions of local context, and use of alternative financial services are more important for predicting support or opposition to the government addressing income inequality. Taken together, the subjective social position of individuals goes a long way in explaining individuals’ attitudes regarding this matter.
Expectancy value theory's contribution to unpacking the black box of motivation
Authors: Eccles Jacquelynne S. , Wigfield Allan
Published: January 2025

Although in basic agreement with Murayama and Jach's call for greater attention to the black boxes underlying motivated behavior, we provide examples of our published suggestions regarding how subjective task value (and ability self-concepts) “gets into people's knowledge structures.” We suggest additional mental computational processes to investigate and call for a developmental and situated individual differences approach to this work.
Impact of temperatures on malaria incidence in vulnerable regions of Pakistan: empirical evidence and future projections
Authors: Fatima Syeda Hira , Zaidi Farrah , Rafiq Javeria , Bhandari Dinesh , Ali Asad , Bi Peng
Published: January 2025

Malaria remains a major health challenge in developing countries, with climate change intensifying its impact. Pakistan is among the most vulnerable nations. This study examines the relationship between temperature and malaria cases in two highly affected districts, Bannu and Lakki Marwat, to inform climate-adaptive interventions.

We analyzed monthly malaria cases (2014–2022) from the Integrated Vector Control/Malaria Control Program in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, combined with gridded meteorological data from Copernicus ERA5-Land. Time-series analysis using distributed lag nonlinear models and quasi-Poisson regression was applied to assess the associations.

The findings suggest that as temperatures exceed 22.4°C, malaria transmission increases by 9 to 10% for every 1°C rise in both districts. In Bannu, up to 39.8% of reported malaria cases could be attributed to heat, while in Lakki Marwat, 54.1% of cases were attributable to heat. Under high emission scenarios, heat-related malaria cases could increase by 0.8 to 3.5% by the 2060s. Relationship between temperature and malaria transmission is complex and is influenced by environmental factors such as precipitation and humidity.

Given Pakistan’s limited healthcare infrastructure, addressing climate-driven malaria risks is urgent. Recent severe floods and malaria surges highlight the need for climate adaptation measures and strengthened healthcare systems to enhance community resilience.
Telepsychology in France Following the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Haddouk Lise , Schneider Benoît , Van Daele Tom , Lang Fredi
Published: January 2025

Abstract: Introduction: In cyberpsychology, telepsychology means providing psychological services using telecommunication technologies. Telepsychology has been increasingly implemented since the late 1990s. The Covid-19 crisis led to an acceleration in telepsychology practices, as evidenced by the major survey of psychologists’ online practices of the eHealth project group of the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations (EFPA) in 2020. The crisis also allowed professional psychology organizations to frame telepsychology practices and disseminate existing recommendations more widely. Methods: This article aims to report on the specific situation in France, based on several sources of data: the original approach of the Fédération Française des Psychologues et de Psychologie to French psychologists; data provided by the EFPA’s e-health project group’s European survey; and data from a survey carried out in France. Results: The resulting analysis underlines the importance of ethical issues for the necessary regulation of practices. Discussion: The ethical dimensions of telepsychology call for sustained reflection about the professional framework of psychologists’ regulation in this evolving context. Conclusion: A discussion about the regulation of telepsychology is already going on in Europe, though it varies from country to country. The lack of training of psychologists in telepsychology remains to be addressed in the future.
Neonatal intermittent hypoxemia events are associated with later systemic hypertension
Authors: Martinez Stephanie , Chen Zhengyi , Di Fiore Juliann M. , Nguyen Christina , Minich Nori M. , Hibbs Anna Maria
Published: January 2025

Background

Approximately 5% of very premature infants delivered at less than 30 weeks’ gestation have systemic hypertension. In adult human and animal models, intermittent hypoxemia events are associated with systemic hypertension. In neonates, intermittent hypoxemia events are associated with adverse outcomes, but it is unknown if they are a risk factor for hypertension. We hypothesize that early intermittent hypoxemia events in very preterm neonates are associated with systemic hypertension at 34–36 weeks’ postmenstrual age.

Methods

Secondary analysis of a single-center cohort study of 164 infants, <31 weeks’ gestational age. Intermittent hypoxemia events were continuously recorded during the first 21 days of age.

Results

There was a significant association between the number of intermittent hypoxemia events (per 100) and systemic hypertension (OR (95% CI) = 1.08 (1.01–1.15)), and both the number of intermittent hypoxemia events (per 100 β (95% CI) = 0.22 (0.10–0.34)) and percent of time with hypoxemia (β (95% CI) = 0.10 (0.01–0.19)) and systolic blood pressure at 34–36 weeks’ postmenstrual age.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated a higher incidence of early intermittent hypoxemia events in preterm infants with hypertension. Decreasing intermittent hypoxemia during this critical period may reduce incidence of later vascular stress in this population.

Impact

Intermittent hypoxemia events are very common in premature infants and increased frequency of intermittent hypoxemia events is associated with morbidity.

Intermittent hypoxemia events in adult human as well as adult and neonatal animal models are associated with systemic hypertension.

This study demonstrated an association between early intermittent hypoxemia events and systemic hypertension in very preterm neonates, adding to the body of literature of possible morbidities caused by intermittent hypoxemia events.

This study addresses the common, though under-recognized, issue of neonatal hypertension, and suggests increased intermittent hypoxemia events may be contributory.
Human proximal tubular epithelial cell interleukin-1 receptor signalling triggers G2/M arrest and cellular senescence during hypoxic kidney injury
Authors: Giuliani Kurt T. K. , Nag Purba , Adams Benjamin C. , Wang Xiangju , Hong Seokchan , Grivei Anca , Johnston Rebecca L. , Waddell Nicola , Ho Kenneth K. C. , Tian Yilin , Khan Muhammad Ali , Kim Chang Seong , Ng Monica S. Y. , Gobe Glenda , Ungerer Jacobus P. J. , Forbes Josephine M. , Healy Helen G. , Kassianos Andrew J.
Published: January 2025

Hypoxia and interleukin (IL)-1β are independent mediators of tubulointerstitial fibrosis, the histological hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, we examine how hypoxia and IL-1β act in synergy to augment maladaptive proximal tubular epithelial cell (PTEC) repair in human CKD. Ex vivo patient-derived PTECs were cultured under normoxic (21% O2) or hypoxic (1% O2) conditions in the absence or presence of IL-1β and examined for maladaptive repair signatures. Hypoxic PTECs incubated with IL-1β displayed a discrete transcriptomic profile distinct from PTECs cultured under hypoxia alone, IL-1β alone or under normoxia. Hypoxia+IL-1β-treated PTECs had 692 ‘unique’ differentially expressed genes (DEGs) compared to normoxic PTECs, with ‘cell cycle’ the most significantly enriched KEGG pathway based on ‘unique’ down-regulated DEGs (including CCNA2, CCNB1 and CCNB2). Hypoxia+IL-1β-treated PTECs displayed signatures of cellular senescence, with reduced proliferation, G2/M cell cycle arrest, increased p21 expression, elevated senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity and increased production of pro-inflammatory/fibrotic senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors compared to normoxic conditions. Treatment of Hypoxia+IL-1β-treated PTECs with either a type I IL-1 receptor (IL-1RI) neutralizing antibody or a senolytic drug combination, quercetin+dasatinib, attenuated senescent cell burden. In vitro findings were validated in human CKD bio-specimens (kidney tissue, urine), with elevated PTEC IL-1RI expression and senescence (SA-β-gal activity) detected in fibrotic kidneys and numbers of senescent (SA-β-gal+) urinary PTECs correlating with urinary IL-1β levels and severity of interstitial fibrosis. Our data identify a mechanism whereby hypoxia in combination with IL-1β/IL-1RI signalling trigger PTEC senescence, providing novel therapeutic and diagnostic check-points for restoring tubular regeneration in human CKD.
Research framework for food security and sustainability
Authors: Papargyropoulou Effie , Ingram John , Poppy Guy M. , Quested Tom , Valente Clara , Jackson Lee Ann , Hogg Tim , Achterbosch Thom , Sicuro Emanuele Paolo , Bryngelsson Susanne , Guelinckx Isabelle , Van Dael Peter , Dye Louise
Published: January 2025

This article presents a framework for food security and sustainability research, developed by industry, academia, and public sector experts. Key priorities for collaborative research include reassessing food system contexts and drivers, adapting food system activities, transforming food system outcomes, developing and applying food system methodologies, and adopting an ethical and just lens. The framework emphasises the need for coordinated action across multiple scales and sectors, focusing on synergies and trade-offs as opposed to isolated food activities, to address complex challenges in food security and sustainability.
Cytoplasmic flow is a cell size sensor that scales anaphase
Authors: Afonso Olga , Dumoulin Ludovic , Kruse Karsten , Gonzalez-Gaitan Marcos
Published: January 2025

During early embryogenesis, fast mitotic cycles without interphase lead to a decrease in cell size, while scaling mechanisms must keep cellular structures proportional to cell size. For instance, as cells become smaller, if the position of nuclear envelope reformation (NER) did not adapt, NER would have to occur beyond the cell boundary. Here we found that NER position in anaphase scales with cell size via changes in chromosome motility, mediated by cytoplasmic flows that themselves scale with cell size. Flows are a consequence of friction between viscous cytoplasm and bulky cargo transported by dynein on astral microtubules. As an emerging property, confinement in cells of different sizes yields scaling of cytoplasmic flows. Thus, flows behave like a cell geometry sensor: astral microtubules approach the boundary causing flow velocity changes, which then affect the velocity of chromosome separation, thus scaling NER.
Zinc oxide seed priming enhances drought tolerance in wheat seedlings by improving antioxidant activity and osmoprotection
Authors: El-Shazoly Rasha M. , Othman A. A. , Zaheer Muhammad Saqlain , Al-Hossainy Ahmed F. , Abdel-Wahab Dalia A.
Published: January 2025

Drought can affect all growth stages and has a significant effect on seed germination, which affects all physiological and metabolic germination processes. It also leads to dehydration, which increases the oxidation of lipids and membranes and disrupts the functioning of biomolecules in plants. Zinc is an essential element for several enzymes involved in metabolism, cell elongation, preservation of the strength and integrity of cell membranes, seed development, and resistance to environmental stress. A pot experiment was conducted to determine how ZnO seed priming, either in the form of ZnO NPs (nanopriming) or ZnO bulk priming (60 mg L− 1), counteracts the negative impacts of drought at different levels (80% and 60% FC) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings at the seedling stage. A recent experiment revealed that seed priming agents significantly mitigate the negative effects of drought stress, especially at 60% FC, by positively influencing various parameters of wheat seedlings. Notably, the POD activity increased by 91.8% and 289.9% for the shoots, 218.6% and 261.6% for the roots, the phenolic content increased by 194.4% for the shoots and 1139.6% for the roots, the H2O2 scavenging percentage increased by 124.9% and 135.4% for the shoots and 147.6% for the roots, and the lipid peroxidation inhibition percentage increased by 320.6% and 433% for the shoots. Moreover, the utilization of seed priming agents had a profound effect on free amino acids (393.8%, 502.8% for roots) and soluble carbohydrates (183.4% for roots) compared with those in stressed seedlings without priming. Experimental and computational methods (time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT)) were employed to perform IR and XRD analyses of the isolated molecules of the ZnO NPs/Iso. In conclusion, the application of ZnO NPs or bulk ZnO was found to create effective mechanical and physiological barriers, as confirmed by the analysis of antioxidant enzyme activities, nonenzymatic components, free radical scavenging, and osmoprotectant constituents.
Similarity and quality metrics for MR image-to-image translation
Authors: Dohmen Melanie , Klemens Mark A. , Baltruschat Ivo M. , Truong Tuan , Lenga Matthias
Published: January 2025

Image-to-image translation can create large impact in medical imaging, as images can be synthetically transformed to other modalities, sequence types, higher resolutions or lower noise levels. To ensure patient safety, these methods should be validated by human readers, which requires a considerable amount of time and costs. Quantitative metrics can effectively complement such studies and provide reproducible and objective assessment of synthetic images. If a reference is available, the similarity of MR images is frequently evaluated by SSIM and PSNR metrics, even though these metrics are not or too sensitive regarding specific distortions. When reference images to compare with are not available, non-reference quality metrics can reliably detect specific distortions, such as blurriness. To provide an overview on distortion sensitivity, we quantitatively analyze 11 similarity (reference) and 12 quality (non-reference) metrics for assessing synthetic images. We additionally include a metric on a downstream segmentation task. We investigate the sensitivity regarding 11 kinds of distortions and typical MR artifacts, and analyze the influence of different normalization methods on each metric and distortion. Finally, we derive recommendations for effective usage of the analyzed similarity and quality metrics for evaluation of image-to-image translation models.
Emergence of Fusarium incarnatum and Fusarium avenaceum in wilt affected solanaceous crops of the Northern Himalayas
Authors: Parihar Tasmeen J. , Naik Madeeha , Mehraj Shafqat , Inam ul Haq Syed , Perveen Maqsooda , Malla Ishfaq Ahmed , Abid Taniya , Gul Nadia , Masoodi Khalid Z.
Published: January 2025

The objective of this study was to identify and characterize the fungal pathogens responsible for wilt diseases in solanaceous crops, specifically tomato, brinjal, and chili, in the Kashmir valley. Through both morphological and molecular analyses, including DNA barcoding of the ITS, TEF, RPB1, and RPB2 genomic regions, Fusarium incarnatum and Fusarium avenaceum were identified as the primary causal agents of wilt in tomato and brinjal, and chili, respectively. Pathogenicity tests confirmed the virulence of these pathogens, with typical wilt symptoms observed upon inoculation. This represents the first report of F. incarnatum and F. avenaceum as wilt pathogens in solanaceous crops in India. Phylogenetic analysis further confirmed the genetic variability of these pathogens, revealing their expanding host range. The findings underscore the growing adaptability of these Fusarium species to diverse agricultural systems and highlight the urgent need for targeted disease management strategies to mitigate the significant yield losses caused by Fusarium wilt in solanaceous vegetable production.
Feasibility study of emotion mimicry analysis in human–machine interaction
Authors: Arabian Herag , Alshirbaji Tamer Abdulbaki , Bhave Ashish , Wagner-Hartl Verena , Igel Marcel , Chase J. Geoffrey , Moeller Knut
Published: January 2025

Health apps have increased in popularity as people increasingly follow the advice these apps provide to enhance physical and mental well-being. One key aspect of improving neurosensory health is identifying and expressing emotions. Emotional intelligence is crucial for maintaining and enhancing social interactions. In this context, a preliminary closed-loop feedback system has been developed to help people project specific emotions by altering their facial expressions. This system is part of a research intervention aimed at therapeutic applications for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The proposed system functions as a digital mirror, initially displaying an animated avatar’s face expressing a predefined emotion. Users are then asked to mimic the avatar’s expression. During this process, a custom emotion recognition model analyzes the user’s facial expressions and provides feedback on the accuracy of their projection. A small experimental study involving 8 participants tested the system for feasibility, with avatars projecting the six basic emotions and a neutral expression. The study results indicated a positive correlation between the projected facial expressions and the emotions identified by participants. Participants effectively recognized the emotions, with 85.40% accuracy demonstrating the system’s potential in enhancing the well-being of individuals. The participants were also able to mimic the given expression effectively with an accuracy of 46.67%. However, a deficiency in the performance of one of the expressions, surprise, was noticed. In the post processing, this issue was addressed and model enhancements were tailored to boost the performance by ~ 30%. This approach shows promise for therapeutic use and emotional skill development. A further wider experimental study is still required to validate the findings of this study and analyze the impact of modifications made.
X-ray spectroscopy characterization of cobalt stabilization within a monolayer carbon nitride in the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Vestergaard Anders K. , Gammelgaard Jens Jakob , Sun Zhaozong , Zhao Siqi , Li Zheshen , Lock Nina , Daasbjerg Kim , Lauritsen Jeppe V.
Published: January 2025

The porous structure of 2D carbon nitride effectively disperses and stabilizes mobile Co atoms originating from nanoparticles during the OER, resulting in significantly enhanced catalytic activity over time.
The relative impact of ligand flexibility and redox potential on the activity of Cu superoxide dismutase mimics
Authors: Signorella Sharon , Bruno Micaela , Frattini Gianfranco , Palopoli Claudia M. , Moreno Diego M. , Pellegri Nora , Daier Verónica A. , Signorella Sandra R.
Published: January 2025

Ligand flexibility boosts the superoxide dismutase activity of Cu complexes.
Predicting solid–solid phase transition of quaternary ammonium salts by machine learning
Authors: Li Xiao , Li Ruonan , Hu Luoming , Mao Lianjing , Zheng Tianyu , Ye Chunsen , Sun Wei , Zhang Pengrui , Sun Jinhe
Published: January 2025

Predictive models are constructed through machine learning and used to determine whether a quaternary ammonium salt can undergo a solid–solid phase transition. This provides an efficient tool for the design of solid–solid phase change materials.
Unique NiCo bimetal boosting 98% CH4 selectivity and high catalysis stability for photothermal CO2 hydrogenation
Authors: Zheng Yubin , Lu Zhe , Shi Zhisheng , Wang Lu , Yang Shuyuan , Cao Runzhi , Wa Gao , Zhou Xin , Yang Yong , Sheng Chong , Zhou Yong , Zou Zhigang
Published: January 2025

This paper reveals the synergistic and complementary roles of light and heat in photothermal catalysis on NiCo alloy catalysts. The catalyst exhibits high CH4 selectivity and catalytic stability in the photothermal CO2 hydrogenation reaction.
An integrated strategy for corncob pretreatment and coproduction of furfural and monosaccharides based on p-toluenesulfonic acid and a deep eutectic solvent system
Authors: Luo Liping , Wu Wenxuan , Shen Yanan , Tao Yuheng , Wang Liqun , Qing Qing
Published: January 2025

An integrated process was developed for coproduction of multiple products from corncob. Overall, 14.6 g FF, 33.3 g reducing sugars, and 11.5 g lignin were obtained from 100 g corncob, which were suitable for upgrading to multifunctional chemicals.
Thermal-responsive luminescence/dielectric responses with reversibly shifted light emissions
Authors: Zhu Ming , Huang Pei-Zhi , Li Lin-Mei , Yang Yi-Xuan , Pan Lei , Wang Zhi-Jie , Ni Hao-Fei , Zhang Feng-Wen , Teri Gele , Zhang Zhi-Xu , Liu Zunqi , Fu Da-Wei , Zhang Yi
Published: January 2025

By incorporating 18-crown-6 into PP-1, we constructed a molecular-rotor-type material, PCP-1, which exhibited switchable dielectrics and a temperature-controlled PL response.
Thorium metal–organic framework crystallization for efficient recovery from rare earth element mixtures
Authors: Gaidimas Madeleine A. , Smoljan Courtney S. , Ye Zi-Ming , Stern Charlotte L. , Malliakas Christos D. , Kirlikovali Kent O. , Farha Omar K.
Published: January 2025

Selective crystallization of a novel thorium metal–organic framework (NU-2500) enables the efficient separation of Th(iv) from initial mixtures with rare earth(iii) ions.
New opportunities for tailored nanoparticle catalysts through exsolution from inherently disordered defect fluorite-type oxides
Authors: Skinner William S. J. , Calì Eleonora , Bonis Angelos K. , Kerherve Gwilherm , Kousi Kalliopi , Payne David J.
Published: January 2025

Exsolution of Ru nanoparticles from defective fluorite-type Y2Zr2−xRuxO7 exhibits exceptional tunability and produces a promising catalyst for the rWGS reaction, achieving near-equilibrium CO2 conversion and 100% selectivity to CO above 650 °C.
Bipyramidal gold nanoparticles-assisted plasmonic photothermal therapy for ocular applications
Authors: Alba-Molina David , Cano Manuel , Blanco-Blanco Mario , Ortega-Llamas Laura , Jiménez-Gómez Yolanda , Gonzalez-Lopez Ana , Perez-Perdomo Mayelin , Camacho Luis , Giner-Casares Juan J. , Gonzalez-Andrades Miguel
Published: January 2025

The potential use of plasmonic photothermal therapy mediated by bipyramidal gold nanoparticles in ophthalmology has been described for the first time.
Self-induced MBE-grown InAsP nanowires on Si wafers for SWIR applications
Authors: Kaveev Andrey K. , Fedorov Vladimir V. , Pavlov Alexander V. , Miniv Dmitry V. , Kirilenko Demid A. , Nadtochiy Alexey , Goltaev Alexandr S. , Malenin Andrey P. , Ustimenko Ratmir V. , Karaulov Danila A. , Vinnichenko Maxim Ya. , Moiseev Eduard , Mukhin Ivan S.
Published: January 2025

Phosphorus-rich InAsP nanowires are grown on silicon via molecular beam epitaxy. Nanowires demonstrate room temperature photoluminescence at wavelengths as short as 1480 nm which is promising for optical communication and biomedical imaging.
Hyperpolarized NMR reveals transient species and elusive routes in acid-catalyzed furfural oxidation at natural isotope abundance
Authors: Warthegau Stefan S. , Karlsson Magnus , Jensen Pernille Rose , Meier Sebastian
Published: January 2025

Using hyperpolarized NMR with signal enhancements over 30 000, elusive pathways in furfural upgrading are clarified, revealing initial Baeyer–Villiger oxidation and subsequent epoxidation steps.
Dynamic encryption systems enabled by novel α-cyanostilbene-based AIE-active liquid crystalline polymers with self-assembling saccharide units
Authors: Hou Jun-Bo , Ma Ya-Ru , Jiang Zhi-Chao , Xiao Yao-Yu , Zhao Yue
Published: January 2025

This study presents a new side-chain liquid crystalline polymer (SCLLCP) combining α-cyanostilbene and saccharide units.
Diastereoselective thia-[3 + 2] cyclization of acetylpyranuloses and β-oxodithioesters
Authors: Cheng Shihao , Ni Xiao , Cui Guanyou , Dong Chenhu , Ma Yujie , Li Jinlong , Bao Xiaofeng , Zhao Yu
Published: January 2025

A novel approach for diastereoselectively constructing the fundamental framework of thieno[2,3-b] pyran through a double molecular cyclization reaction was achieved.
Beyond the mono-nucleosome
Authors: Dias Juliana Kikumoto , D’Arcy Sheena
Published: January 2025

Nucleosomes, the building block of chromatin, are responsible for regulating access to the DNA sequence. This control is critical for essential cellular processes, including transcription and DNA replication and repair. Studying chromatin can be challenging both in vitro and in vivo, leading many to use a mono-nucleosome system to answer fundamental questions relating to chromatin regulators and binding partners. However, the mono-nucleosome fails to capture essential features of the chromatin structure, such as higher-order chromatin folding, local nucleosome–nucleosome interactions, and linker DNA trajectory and flexibility. We briefly review significant discoveries enabled by the mono-nucleosome and emphasize the need to go beyond this model system in vitro. Di-, tri-, and tetra-nucleosome arrays can answer important questions about chromatin folding, function, and dynamics. These multi-nucleosome arrays have highlighted the effects of varying linker DNA lengths, binding partners, and histone post-translational modifications in a more chromatin-like environment. We identify various chromatin regulatory mechanisms yet to be explored with multi-nucleosome arrays. Combined with in-solution biophysical techniques, studies of minimal multi-nucleosome chromatin models are feasible.
Axonemal microtubule dynamics in the assembly and disassembly of cilia
Authors: Zhang Yi , He Mu , Pan Junmin
Published: January 2025

Cilia and eukaryotic flagella (exchangeable terms) function in cell motility and signaling, which are pivotal for development and physiology. Cilia dysfunction can lead to ciliopathies. Cilia are usually assembled in quiescent and/or differentiated cells and undergo disassembly when cells enter cell cycle or in response to environmental stresses. Cilia contain a microtubule-based structure termed axoneme that comprises nine outer doublet microtubules with or without a pair of central microtubules, which is ensheathed by the ciliary membrane. Regulation of the axonemal microtubule dynamics is tightly associated with ciliary assembly and disassembly. In this short review, we discuss recent findings on the regulation of axonemal microtubules by microtubule-binding proteins and microtubule modulating kinesins during ciliary assembly and disassembly.
Extending low‐temperature sintering technique to large‐sized whole‐wafer power semi‐conductor devices
Authors: Yang Chen , Ren Chunpin , Huang Chenxiao , Qiao Qiao , Zhang Hao , Liu Jiapeng , Tian Yanzhong , Pan Jianhong , Li Xiaozhao , Wei Xiaoguang , Liu Lei , Wu Jinpeng , Zou Guisheng , Zeng Rong
Published: January 2025

With the enormous growth in the capacity of electrical equipment, power semi‐conductor devices are developing rapidly towards larger size and higher capacity. To suppress the thermal resistance and achieve efficient heat dissipation, the authors focus on developing a low‐temperature sintering technique for wafer‐level high‐power semi‐conductor devices. In detail, a 6‐inch whole‐wafer device was successfully fabricated by sintering the Si chip and Mo plate using a pulsed laser deposition (PLD)‐based nano‐Ag layer at a sintering temperature of 250°C, revealing edgewise delamination on the sintered layer. The formation mechanism of the destructive delamination was then unveiled, identifying excessive residual thermal stress due to an inappropriate sintering temperature as the ringleader. Furthermore, an optimisation methodology of the sintering temperature for the PLD‐based nano‐Ag layer was proposed, determining an optimal temperature range spanning from 190 to 211°C. Finally, a 6‐inch sintered chip, the largest to date, was successfully fabricated with adequate integrity, robust reliability, and excellent thermal and electrical performance, evidentially verifying the feasibility of the nano‐Ag‐based sintering technique on large‐sized whole‐wafer semi‐conductor devices.
Analyzing the 2021 Kaseya Ransomware Attack: Combined Spearphishing Through SonicWall SSLVPN Vulnerability
Authors: Bhunia Suman , Blackert Matthew , Deal Henry , DePero Andrew , Patra Amar
Published: January 2025

In July 2021, the IT management software company Kaseya was the victim of a ransomware cyberattack. The perpetrator of this attack was ransomware evil (REvil), an allegedly Russian‐based ransomware threat group. This paper addresses the general events of the incident and the actions executed by the constituents involved. The attack was conducted through specially crafted hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) requests to circumvent authentication and allow hackers to upload malicious payloads through Kaseya’s virtual system administrator (VSA). The attack led to the emergency shutdown of many VSA servers and a federal investigation. REvil has had a tremendous impact performing ransomware operations, including worsening international relations between Russia and world leaders and costing considerable infrastructure damage and millions of dollars in ransom payments. We present an overview of Kaseya’s defense strategy involving customer interaction, a PowerShell script to detect compromised clients, and a cure‐all decryption key that unlocks all locked files.
Seismic modelling of subgiant stars: Testing different grid interpolation methods
Authors: Clara M. , Cunha M. S. , Avelino P. P. , Campante T. L. , Deheuvels S. , Reese D. R.
Published: January 2025

Context. Grid-based modelling techniques have enabled the determination of stellar properties with great precision. The emergence of mixed modes during the subgiant phase, whose frequencies are characterised by a fast evolution with age, can potentially enable a precise determination of stellar properties, a key goal for future missions such as PLATO. However, current modelling techniques often consider grids that lack the resolution to properly account for the fast mode frequency evolution, consequently requiring the use of interpolation algorithms to cover the parameter space in between the grid models when applying model-data comparison methods.

Aims. We aim to reproduce the ℓ = 1 mode frequencies within the accuracy limits associated with the typical observational errors (∼0.1 μHz) through interpolation on a grid of subgiant models.

Methods. With that aim, we used variations of a two-step interpolation algorithm that considered linear and cubic splines interpolation methods and different age proxies (physical age, scaled age, and central density).

Results. The best results were obtained using an algorithm that considers cubic splines interpolation along tracks, linear interpolation across tracks, and central density ρc as the age proxy. This combination yielded, on average, an absolute error of 0.14 μHz but reached maximum absolute errors on the interpolated frequencies of 1.2 μHz for some models, which is an order of magnitude higher than the typical observational errors. Furthermore, we investigated the impact on the accuracy of the interpolation from changes in the physical properties of the stars, showing, in particular, how the addition of core overshoot can significantly affect the interpolation results.