bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How geomagnetic storms affect the loss of Starlink satellites in February 2022?
Authors: Ahmad Nizam , Kilowasid La Ode Muhammad Musafar , Fakhrurroja Hanif , Neflia  , Rachman Abdul , Husin Asnawi , Fathoni Haries
Published: January 2025

On February 8, 2022, approximately 40 of the 49 Starlink satellites were reported to have lost altitude, leading to atmospheric re-entry. SpaceX reported that the orbital decay on Starlink satellites was considered to be linked to a geomagnetic storm that was initiated on February 3, 2022. We attempted to analyze the cause of orbital decay by sampling all Starlink satellites registered in the SpaceTrack database and then tracing some space weather parameters and species density variations in the thermospheric layer. We employed the solar wind and IMF Bz to see their impact on geomagnetic activity. Moreover, we also analyzed the electric field Ey, Dst, AE, and Ap indices in addition to the solar EUV flux to see their impact on the Starlink satellite environment. We discovered three geomagnetic substorms during the analysis period: two successive substorms on February 4 and 5, and one additional substorm on February 10. We inferred that magnetic substroms significantly affected species densities, mainly O, O2, and N2, around some Starlink satellites, leading to an increase in atmospheric drag. There was a time delay between the substorms and orbital decay on Starlink satellites. However, some Starlink satellites were not affected by geomagnetic substorms due to insignificant changes in their environment. The reason for this is that, despite having lower altitudes, all decaying Starlinks were located in the midnight-dawn sector, in which the drift of ionospheric currents was predominantly driven by westward electrojets. On the other hand, all non-decaying Starlink satellites that had higher altitudes resided in the dusk–midnight sector of magnetic local time, where the impact of substorms insignificantly affected their altitudes.

Graphical Abstract
Humidity dependence of AE activity in sheared quartz gouges and its implication for the micromechanics of friction
Authors: Yabe Yasuo
Published: January 2025

The micromechanics of friction has been investigated from the viewpoint of the healing of real contacts. In this study, the underlying processes of friction are discussed from the viewpoint of the contact junction deformation and failure by measuring the acoustic emission (AE) activity associated with the frictional sliding. Sliding-rate step tests of synthetic quartz gouges sandwiched between metal forcing blocks are conducted using a low-speed (< 700 μm/s) rotary shear apparatus. Humidity is controlled to be dry (~ 5%RH), room (~ 40%RH), humid (100%RH), or wet (saturated without pore pressure control). The frictional behavior is modeled by the rate- and state-dependent friction (RSF) law with two state variables. Shorter critical slip distances of the state evolution would be about the contact junction size, while longer critical slip distances are close to the average diameter of gouge particles. The AE activities are evaluated by AE rate that is the number of AE events per unit sliding distance and the m-value that characterizes the amplitude distribution. As variations in AE activities and the evolution term (

$${b}_{1}$$

b
1

) with the shorter critical slip distance highly correlate, AE activity may reflect the state of contact junction. While

$${b}_{1}$$

b
1

increases with increasing water vapor from dry to humid, AE rate and the m-value are decreased. This may be caused by an increase in inelasticity of the contact junction deformation. Under wet conditions,

$${b}_{1}$$

b
1

is similar to that under the humid condition, AE rate is further decreased but the m-value becomes significantly large. This is probably because the failure process of the contact junction changes to less brittle one, implying the impact of phase of water (vapor or liquid) on the brittleness of the failure processes of contact junction.

Graphical Abstract
Prophage-DB: a comprehensive database to explore diversity, distribution, and ecology of prophages
Authors: Dieppa-Colón Etan , Martin Cody , Kosmopoulos James C. , Anantharaman Karthik
Published: January 2025

Background

Viruses that infect prokaryotes (phages) constitute the most abundant group of biological agents, playing pivotal roles in microbial systems. They are known to impact microbial community dynamics, microbial ecology, and evolution. Efforts to document the diversity, host range, infection dynamics, and effects of bacteriophage infection on host cell metabolism are extremely underexplored. Phages are classified as virulent or temperate based on their life cycles. Temperate phages adopt the lysogenic mode of infection, where the genome integrates into the host cell genome forming a prophage. Prophages enable viral genome replication without host cell lysis, and often contribute novel and beneficial traits to the host genome. Current phage research predominantly focuses on lytic phages, leaving a significant gap in knowledge regarding prophages, including their biology, diversity, and ecological roles.

Results

Here we develop and describe Prophage-DB, a database of prophages, their proteins, and associated metadata that will serve as a resource for viral genomics and microbial ecology. To create the database, we identified and characterized prophages from genomes in three of the largest publicly available databases. We applied several state-of-the-art tools in our pipeline to annotate these viruses, cluster them, taxonomically classify them, and detect their respective auxiliary metabolic genes. In total, we identify and characterize over 350,000 prophages and 35,000 auxiliary metabolic genes. Our prophage database is highly representative based on statistical results and contains prophages from a diverse set of archaeal and bacterial hosts which show a wide environmental distribution.

Conclusion

Given that prophages are particularly overlooked and merit increased attention due to their vital implications for microbiomes and their hosts, we created Prophage-DB to advance our understanding of prophages in microbiomes through a comprehensive characterization of prophages in publicly available genomes. We propose that Prophage-DB will serve as a valuable resource for advancing phage research, offering insights into viral taxonomy, host relationships, auxiliary metabolic genes, and environmental distribution.
Low-cost male urogenital simulator for penile implant surgery training: a 3D printing approach
Authors: Wang Zixi , Saija Carlo , Raison Nicholas , Aydin Abdullatif , Xu Zhouyang , Zuo Katie , Rhode Kawal , Pontiki Antonia
Published: January 2025

Background

Penile implant surgery is the standard surgical treatment for end-stage erectile dysfunction. However, the growing complexity of modern high-tech penile prostheses has increased the demand for more practical training opportunities. The most advanced contemporary training methods involve simulation training using cadavers, with costs exceeding $5,000 per cadaver, inclusive of biohazard fees. This study introduces an innovative and cost-efficient male urogenital simulator designed to enhance penile implant surgery training.

Methods

Utilizing image segmentation of patient pre-operative computed tomography (CT) scans, combined with three-dimensional (3D) printing and silicone molding techniques, we developed a high-fidelity simulator replicating the anatomical structures of the male urogenital system. The simulator incorporates an innovative double-layer structural design encompassing the corpus spongiosum and glans, corpora cavernosa, testes, epididymides, and pelvic bones. Additionally, it utilizes a two-stage skin manufacturing process tailored for different skin regions. The simulator was produced at a low material cost of £10, with an average production time of 3 h. To evaluate its training efficacy, we conducted a penile implant surgery training session involving 15 urology trainees and surgeons ranging from specialty training levels ST3 to ST6. The session began with a demonstration of penile implant surgery and error detection. Trainees, averaging three per simulator, practiced corporotomy, dilation, measurement, penile prosthesis, and scrotal pump placement under expert guidance. Participants’ feedback was collected using a Likert scale questionnaire, assessing learning, satisfaction, and anatomical accuracy.

Results

Quantitative analysis of the questionnaire responses indicated highly positive feedback from the participants. Satisfaction rates surpassed 96% in learning effectiveness, over 89% in overall satisfaction, and 86% in anatomical accuracy demonstration. The simulator was favourably reviewed by both urology trainees and experienced surgeons, highlighting its utility as a practical training tool. Its low production cost and high precision make it a viable alternative to current training models.

Conclusions

The development of this cost-efficient, anatomically accurate urogenital simulator through advanced imaging and additive manufacturing techniques represents a significant advancement in penile implant surgical training. This state-of-the-art simulator not only provides a realistic and practical training experience but also underscores the potential for 3D printing technologies to revolutionize medical education and training.
Sarcomatous tumor with external iliac vein aneurysm: a rare entity
Authors: Kalekar Tushar , Jhala Neeha Amit , Kapoor Reetika , Durgi Eshan Chetan , Krishnani Karishma
Published: January 2025

Background

Soft tissue sarcomas are uncommon mesenchymal malignancies that typically manifest as extremity masses. Their highly vascular nature can induce arteriovenous shunting, potentially leading to venous complications. Venous aneurysms, which represent isolated dilations of the venous system, are rare vascular phenomena that can occur throughout the body, with iliac vein involvement being particularly uncommon. While these aneurysms can be primary or secondary in nature, secondary cases predominate and require prompt medical attention due to risks of rupture and thromboembolic events. This case report describes an unusual presentation of thigh soft tissue sarcoma complicated by external iliac venous aneurysm formation, highlighting the importance of early recognition and management of vascular complications in sarcoma patients.

Case presentation

A middle-aged male in his fifties presented to the emergency department with continuous bleeding from a wound over a right inguinal swelling that had been ongoing for four hours. Initial ultrasound examination revealed a large heterogeneous soft tissue tumor in the subcutaneous plane of the right proximal thigh region with increased vascularity. This was associated with a large fusiform dilatation arising from the proximal portion of the right external iliac vein, showing a 'yin-yang sign' on color Doppler, suggestive of a right external iliac vein aneurysm. These findings were confirmed by contrast-enhanced arteriography, venography, and histopathology. The condition was diagnosed as soft tissue sarcoma and was treated accordingly.

Conclusions

This case highlights the importance of comprehensive vascular assessment in soft tissue sarcoma patients, as these rare tumors (1% of all malignancies) can cause secondary venous aneurysms through increased retrograde flow. While initial diagnosis relies on duplex ultrasound with color Doppler, additional imaging modalities such as CT venography, real-time venography, and MRI are essential for detailed evaluation. Management options include surgical resection with venorrhaphy, patch repair, venous bypass, or endovascular techniques like coil embolization. This case emphasizes the necessity of early detection and appropriate intervention to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.
qBiCo: a method to assess global DNA conversion performance in epigenetics via single-copy genes and repetitive elements
Authors: Karkala Faidra , Simons Roy B. , Claessens Floor , Kalamara Vivian , Kayser Manfred , Vidaki Athina
Published: January 2025

Background

Human DNA methylation profiling offers great promises in various biomedical applications, including ageing, cancer and even forensics. So far, most DNA methylation techniques are based on a chemical process called sodium bisulfite conversion, which specifically converts non-methylated cytosines into uracils. However, despite the popularity of this approach, it is known to cause DNA fragmentation and loss affecting standardization, while incomplete conversion may result in potential misinterpretation of methylation-based outcomes.

Results

To offer the community a solution, we developed qBiCo - a novel quality-control method to address the quantity and quality of bisulfite-converted DNA. qBiCo is a 5-plex, TaqMan® probe-based, quantitative (q)PCR assay that amplifies single- and multi-copy DNA fragments of converted and non-converted nature. It estimates four parameters: converted DNA concentration, fragmentation, global conversion efficiency, and potential PCR inhibition. We optimized qBiCo using synthetic DNA standards and assessed it using standard developmental validation criteria, showcasing that qBiCo is reliable, robust and sensitive down to picogram level. We also evaluated its performance by testing decreasing DNA amounts using several commercial bisulfite conversion kits. Depending on the starting DNA quantity, bisulfite-converted DNA recoveries ranged from 8.5 to 100%, conversion efficiencies from 78 to 99.9%, while certain kits highly fragment DNA, demonstrating large variability in their performance. Towards building a prototype tool, we further optimized key functionalities, for example, by replacing the poorest performing single-plex assay and creating a more representative DNA standard. Aiming to scale-up and move towards implementation, we successfully transferred and validated our novel method in six different qPCR platforms from different major manufacturers.

Conclusions

Overall, with the present study, we offer researchers in the epigenetic field a novel long-awaited QC tool that for the first time allows them to measure key quality and quantity parameters of the most popular DNA conversion process. The tool also enables standardization to prevent inconsistent data and false outcomes in the future, regardless of the downstream experimental analysis of DNA methylation-based research and applications across different fields of biology and biomedicine.
Is early use of sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) necessary even in diabetic patients without cardiovascular disease: a prospective study regarding the effect of SGLT2i on left ventricular diastolic function
Authors: Jeon Kina , Jang Shin Yi , Lee You-Bin , Kim Jihoon , Kim Darae , Chang Sung-A , Park Sung-Ji , Lee Sang-Chol , Park Seung Woo , Lee Moon-Kyu , Kim Eun Kyoung , Hur Kyu Yeon
Published: January 2025

Background

There are insufficient studies to determine whether sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) will help reduce early diabetic cardiomyopathy, especially in patients without documented cardiovascular disease.

Methods

We performed a single center, prospective observation study. A total of 90 patients with type 2 diabetes patients without established heart failure or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were enrolled. Echocardiography, cardiac enzyme, and glucose-control data were examined before and 3 months after the administration of SGLT2i (dapagliflozin 10 mg per day). Cardiovascular risk factors included hypertension, smoking, obesity, dyslipidemia, and old age. The primary end point was the change of E/e’ before and after administration of SGLT2i.

Results

Most patients (86.7%) had three or more cardiovascular risk factors, and about 32% had all five risk factors. Although the decrease in E/e’ after the administration of SGLT2i was observed in 20% of enrolled patients, there was no significant difference in average E/e’ value or left atrial volume index before and after the SGLT2i medication. Even in patients with all known risk factors including old age, E/e’ value did not decrease after adding SGLT2i (8.9 ± 2.4 vs. 8.7 ± 3.2). There was a statistically significant difference in E/e’ change after the SGLT2i administration between patients younger than 60 years and those older than 60 years (–0.7 ± 2.2 vs. 1.1 ± 2.8, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

In type 2 diabetes patients without documented cardiovascular disease including heart failure, administration of SGLT2i showed no improvement in diastolic function profile. Further large-scale randomized studies are needed to determine who will benefit from potential cardiovascular events with early addition of SGLT2i.
Survival After Orbital Exenteration for Primary Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Murray-Douglass Alexander , Crawford Lachlan , Hunt Justin , Dunn Darryl , Hughes Brett G. M. , Lin Charles , Fox Carly
Published: January 2025

Background

Locally advanced periorbital cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) may require orbital exenteration, which is highly morbid. As immunotherapy develops, orbit preservation may become widespread, and data benchmarking survival with current standard-of-care surgery and radiotherapy are essential to the integration of this emerging method into modern treatment paradigms. This study aimed to determine the survival of patients after orbital exenteration for cSCC and investigate contributing factors. It was hypothesized that postoperative radiotherapy would be associated with improved survival.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with T3 and T4 cSCC undergoing orbital exenteration. Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards.

Results

The study enrolled 40 patients with a median age of 61.5 years who met the criteria. None of the patients had received preoperative radiotherapy. Age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.09; p = 0.019) and residual disease (HR, 9.00; p = 0.003) were associated with worse survival. Postoperative radiotherapy (HR, 0.003; p < 0.001) was associated with improved survival. Perineural, lymphovascular, and bony invasion and T and N stage were not associated with survival. Survival with postoperative radiotherapy was 94 % at 1 year, 87 % at 2 years, and 84 % at 5 years.

Conclusions

The oncologic outcomes of orbital exenteration with postoperative radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cSCC are good. However, amelioration of the morbidity caused by resection of the eye would be ideal. Data to support immunotherapy as a sole therapy are currently limited, but a combination of neoadjuvant immunotherapy and surgical treatment may facilitate orbit-preserving treatment in the future.
On t-derivations of PMS-algebras
Authors: Melese Kassahun Nibret , Assaye Alaba Berhanu , Gedamu Wondifraw Yohannes , Teshome Wale Zelalem
Published: January 2025

Background PMS algebras are a type of algebraic structure that has been studied extensively in recent years. They are a generalization of several other algebraic structures, such as Boolean algebras and MV-algebras. Methods In this paper, we introduce the concept of t-derivations on PMS algebras. T-derivations are a type of mapping between PMS algebras that satisfies certain properties. We then study the properties of t-derivations and regular t-derivations on PMS algebras. Results We characterize further properties of t-derivations in the context of PMS algebras. We also investigate a novel result of t-derivations on the G-part of a PMS-algebra. Finally, we prove that the set of all t-derivations on a PMS-algebra forms a semigroup. Conclusions This paper provides a comprehensive study of t-derivations on PMS algebras. We have established several new results and characterized the properties of t-derivations in detail. Our results contribute to the further understanding of PMS algebras and their associated structures.
La astucia del mono araña al seleccionar alimento
Authors: Ramírez Torres Carlos Eduardo , Harnández Salazar Laura Teresa
Published: January 2025

Los monos araña se alimentan de diversas especies de plantas, mostrando preferencia por los frutos maduros, aunque pueden ser inmaduros o incluir otras partes, como, hojas, ápices, flores y peciolos. Estas mezclas de partes vegetales los exponen a compuestos potencialmente tóxicos, por lo que tienen que ser muy astutos en cómo y qué seleccionan para comer.
El espacio, sus habitantes y el tiempo en el Pacífico insular, desde la mirada de Francisco Colín, S. J.
Authors: Torales Pacheco María Cristina
Published: January 2025

El ensayo “El espacio, sus habitantes y el tiempo en el Pacífico insular, desde la mirada de Francisco Colín, S. J.” Inicia con una breve reflexión sobre el espíritu misionero de los miembros de la Compañía de Jesús, como preámbulo a la exposición sobre el padre Francisco Colín, S. J. y su crónica, Labor evangélica, ministerios apostólicos de los obreros de la Compañía de Jesús. Fundación y progresos de su Provincia en las Islas Filipinas. Se ofrece después una aproximación historiográfica a dicha crónica antes de pasar a la consideración de la misma. Colín, expuso en dicha crónica su percepción de los espacios insulares filipinos, y las trayectorias heroicas de los jesuitas que participaron en la expansión del cristianismo en el Pacífico. La redacción de su crónica fue una titánica empresa llevada a cabo ante todo para la edificación de sus lectores, inmersos en el catolicismo postridentino.
Xamãs e Jesuítas na terra do deus Jaguar: intercâmbios e resistências étnicas nas missões de Moxos (Bolívia, séc. XVII-XVIII)
Authors: Claro Moreira Nathalia
Published: January 2025

O artigo examina a retórica entre jesuítas e povos indígenas nas missões de Llanos de Moxos (Bolívia) entre os séculos XVII e XVIII. Destaca-se o papel ativo dos grupos indígenas frente às estratégias de analogia e acomodação dos jesuítas, analisando-se as táticas de conversão e as razões que levaram os indígenas a aceitarem o sistema de reduções. Ao desconstruir a ideia de "aculturação", o estudo revela que a efetivação do projeto missionário dependeu da suprassunção entre o sagrado católico e o profano amazônico. Apesar da violência e da desigualdade do processo, a síntese entre esses dois mundos revela a capacidade dos indígenas de Moxos de resistir e se aproveitar das estratégias dos jesuítas para a sobrevivência de suas identidades étnicas.
Um percurso pela tratadística do padre Alexandre de Gusmão (SJ, 1629-1724)
Authors: Scremin da Silva Isabel
Published: January 2025

Este artigo propõe um resgate da obra impressa de Alexandre de Gusmão, considerando-o não só como fundador do Seminário de Belém da Cachoeira, na Bahia, mas também como jesuíta letrado de seu tempo. Responsável por diferentes escritos espirituais voltados a um amplo auditório aquém e além-mar, Gusmão classificou seis de seus impressos enquanto tratados, a saber: Escola de Bethlem (1678); Arte de crear bem os Filhos (1685); Rosa de Nazareth (1715); Eleyçam entre o Bem, & Mal Eterno (1720); O Corvo, e a Pomba da Arca de Noé (1734); Arvore da Vida, Jesus Crucificado (1734). Com o fito de identificarmos diálogos de Gusmão com autoridades antigas ou coevas, serão destacados aspectos de invenção, disposição e elocução, com destaque à variedade que um mesmo gênero, o tratado, assume nas diferentes espécies da produção gusmaniana.
O conceito de ação simbólica: Michel de Certeau e a busca de sentido
Authors: Paranhos Clarissa
Published: January 2025

Este artigo propõe um estudo da obra do intelectual francês Michel de Certeau (1925 - 1986) a partir do entrelaçamento entre sua reflexão acerca da Revolução de Maio de 1968 e seu trabalho enquanto historiador da mística moderna. Dando destaque à noção de “ação simbólica”, que desponta em seus escritos sobre Maio, busca-se iluminá-la pondo-a em relação com os desenvolvimentos acerca do simbólico na passagem do mundo medieval para a modernidade. Examina-se  o diálogo do autor com as obras de Michel Foucault, Henri de Lubac e com a psicanálise freudo-lacaniana, a fim não apenas de explorar as ressonâncias da noção de “ação simbólica”, mas também de dar a ver a solidariedade entre seu pensamento teórico e o engajamento espiritual do jesuíta Michel de Certeau.
Modelo italiano, agentes portugueses: as estratégias missionárias de Baltazar da Costa e João de Brito (Índia, século XVII)
Authors: Cabús Alexandre
Published: January 2025

A historiografia sobre as missões na Província Jesuítica do Malabar centrou-se por muito tempo na trajetória do jesuíta italiano Roberto de Nobili para analisar o desenvolvimento de modelos adaptativos no sul da Índia. Tal centralidade resultou em constatações que levaram o caso de Nobili como foco para pensar todas as outras experiências deste tipo, o que resultou em colocações que afirmaram que jesuítas portugueses, principalmente devido a sua formação e origem lusa, não realizaram abordagens adaptativas. Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar as trajetórias dos jesuítas portugueses Baltazar da Costa e João de Brito, demonstrando como esses agentes desenvolveram estratégias adaptativas e abordagens próprias.
Serendipidades missionárias
Authors: Martins Boto Leite Bruno
Published: January 2025

Analisaremos neste estudo o modo como os missionários da Companhia de Jesus descreveram em primeira mão a natureza das Índias orientais e ocidentais nas suas práticas epistolares e a importância que essas mesmas práticas tiveram na confecção de uma História Natural jesuítica. Isso levando em consideração o impacto de determinados projetos enciclopédicos europeus, e mais especialmente aquele formulado pelo Cardeal Marcello Cervini e seu círculo romano, que dirigiram e guiaram os missionários nessas novas atividades, apontando para um novo lugar das práticas missionárias na confecção do conhecimento científico na primeira metade do século XVI.
Da intervenção divina à lógica empírica: a mudança no discurso jesuítico missionário entre os séculos XVII e XVIII
Authors: Felippe Guilherme Galhegos
Published: January 2025

Durante os séculos XVII e XVIII, a produção intelectual jesuítica refletiu uma significativa transição, passando de uma narrativa marcada por aparições e maravilhas naturais para uma abordagem fundamentada em uma objetividade científica emergente. Inicialmente, os costumes e as práticas nativas, bem como o pensamento indígena eram interpretados, nos relatos missionários, por meio de uma retórica teológica, e, geralmente, associados a atos de infidelidade. No entanto, com o avanço do pensamento científico, esses atos nativos passaram a ser vistos como manifestações de uma realidade distorcida que deveriam ser contra-argumentados pela lógica científica. Os jesuítas se empenharam em adaptar suas abordagens para alinhar-se às novas teorias científicas, incorporando referências modernas, mas sem abandonar os princípios dogmáticos da ordem. Este artigo pretende demonstrar que o trabalho missionário na Província Jesuítica do Paraguai pretendeu promover a conversão e a integração dos nativos à lógica cristã através de uma combinação de esforços catequéticos e científicos.
The Effects of Syntactic Complexity and Presentation Speed on Sentence Comprehension in Age-Related Hearing Loss: Using the RSVP Paradigm
Authors: Kim Hyeon Ju , Park Jimin , Sung Jee Eun
Published: January 2025

Objectives: Investigate the impact of age-related hearing loss on cognitive decline and sentence comprehension. Examine how syntactic complexity and presentation speed affect sentence comprehension and explore the correlation between working memory and sentence understanding. Methods: Eighteen individuals with age-related hearing loss and eighteen in the control group participated. The set of sentences consists of a total of 40 sentences, with 20 for subject relative clauses and 20 for object relative clauses. These sentences were visually presented using the Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) paradigm, with each sentence displayed at a fast rate (480 msec) or a slow rate (900 msec) per phrase, respectively. The working memory task was also presented visually using the RSVP paradigm. Results: Individuals with age-related hearing loss exhibited significantly lower sentence comprehension than those with normal hearing. This may reflect a potential link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, as sentence comprehension tasks serve as important linguistic indicators for identifying cognitive impairment. The fast rate resulted in lower accuracy compared to the slow rate, indicating an association with age-related delays in information processing speed. Both groups showed a negative correlation between working memory and response time for subject-relative clauses at slower speeds. Thus, as working memory decreases, the response time becomes longer. Conclusion: Using visual presentation methods, this study confirms sentence comprehension and cognitive decline in age-related hearing loss. Furthermore, it holds significance in establishing the clinical basis for language-auditory assessment tools to facilitate the early detection of dementia resulting from age-related hearing loss.
Comparison of Inference Comprehension and Error Types in Preschool Children with and without Specific Language Impairment through Eye-Tracking
Authors: Son Jinkyeong , Yim Dongsun
Published: January 2025

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to examine inference comprehension and the types of inference errors in preschool children with specific language impairment (SLI) and typically developing (TD) children using eye-tracking technology. Methods: A total of 22 children (12 TD, 10 SLI), aged 4 to 6 years, participated. Eye-tracking data were collected while they viewed a story, followed by completion of an inferential comprehension task. One-way ANOVA compared task performance and fixation variables, with correlation analysis examining the relationships between them. Inference error responses were categorized into 5 types, and the frequency of errors for each type was compared between groups. Results: Between groups, significant differences were found in performance on inferential comprehension tasks and the frequency of comprehension failures in inference error types. Average fixation time during storytelling situations, fixation count during inference situations, and fixation time also showed significant differences. A negative correlation was observed between inferential comprehension ability and fixation count, as well as between inferential comprehension ability and fixation time. Conclusion: The process of inference involves complex cognitive processing, requiring examination of error responses for successful inference and a step-by-step approach. Higher attention levels are necessary for information processing, and depending on the situation, visual or auditory cues can aid in information integration.
Effects of Word Order Canonicity on Online Self-paced Reading Processing in Older Adults
Authors: Park Jimin , Choi Younjung , Kim Young Tae , Sung Jee Eun
Published: January 2025

Objectives: There is debate about whether sentence processing abilities decline with age in older adults, or if they remain relatively intact. In contrast to the numerous studies on English-speaking populations, little research has been conducted on the real-time sentence processing abilities of Korean-speakers. This study aims to explore the effects of word order canonicity on the real-time sentence processing abilities of older adults using center-embedded sentences with subject-relative clauses. Methods: A total of 42 participants, 21 young and 21 older adults, participated in a self-paced reading paradigm involving complex sentences with subject-relative clauses. Participants read the sentences and subsequently judged related statements. Additionally, reading times for each segment of the complex sentences were recorded to determine where sentence information was integrated. Results: Older adults showed significantly lower accuracy and longer response times in judgment statements compared to younger adults. The response times exhibited significantly greater differences between the two groups in noncanonical word order sentences than in canonical ones. Additionally, older adults had significantly longer online reading times in both canonical and noncanonical word orders compared to younger adults, with notable differences in the regions of the subject-relative clause and the noun phrase modified by the subject-relative clause. Conclusion: Older adults struggle more with sentence both offline and online compared to younger adults, especially with noncanonical word orders due to higher cognitive loads. Their longest reading times occurred in noun phrases modified by subject-relative clauses, supporting the role of working memory in real-time processing.
Effects of Narrative-Based Group Language Intervention on Spoken Narrative Skills of Preschoolers who are Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing in One-to-one and Public Speaking Interactions
Authors: Lee Youngjoo , Lee Youngmee
Published: January 2025

Objectives: Previous research has shown that narrative-based language intervention (NBLI) is a viable approach for enhancing the narrative skills of children who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of NBLI in enhancing productivity, lexical and grammatical processing, and reducing the use of mazes in the spoken narratives of children with DHH. Methods: Ten children aged 5 to 6 years participated in this study. These children attended twelve 50-minute sessions of NBLI group therapy. Storytelling skills of children were elicited using carefully selected picture prompts designed to evoke specific narrative elements. The efficacy of the NBLI program was assessed using a pretest-posttest design, focusing on both one-to-one and public speaking interactions. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the total number of C-units and the diversity of words in the spoken narratives of children, both in one-on-one interactions and public speaking contexts, underscoring the effectiveness of NBLI across various communication settings. Conclusion: Improvements in spoken narrative skills in one-to-one and public speaking interactions were observed in children with DHH, supporting the effectiveness of NBLI for this population. These findings underscore the importance of language interventions that are specifically tailored to the characteristics and developmental stages of children with DHH, as they significantly improve spoken narrative skills across diverse communication contexts.
Feeding and Articulation Abilities in Children with Cerebral Palsy according to Swallowing Function
Authors: Choi Yeonhee , Shin Sangeun
Published: January 2025

Objectives: Swallowing function in children with cerebral palsy is closely related to the structure and function of articulatory organs required for speech production and articulation accuracy. This study aims to find clinical evidence by examining the relationships among swallowing function, feeding ability, and articulation ability in children with cerebral palsy in Korea. Methods: A total of 31 children with cerebral palsy were assessed, divided into a functional swallowing group (N=18) and a limited swallowing group (N=13) based on the eating and drinking ability classification system (EDACS). The Korean assessment method for feeding abilities in children with cerebral palsy, speech mechanism screening test for children (SMST-C), and Urimal test of articulation and phonology (U-TAP) were administered. Results: The limited swallowing group showed significantly lower feeding abilities for thick liquids and solid foods, as well as lower scores in articulatory organ structure and function, with a greater disparity in function. They also had lower articulation accuracy, though consonant and vowel accuracy did not differ significantly. Correlations among feeding ability, articulatory organ characteristics, and articulation accuracy varied by swallowing function and food texture. Conclusion: This study extends previous research findings by highlighting differences in feeding ability, articulatory structure and function, and articulation accuracy according to swallowing function in children with cerebral palsy based on the EDACS. The findings highlight that children with limited swallowing function face greater challenges in articulatory function, impacting both feeding and speech production, thereby emphasizing the need for oral motor training targeting these areas.
POLITIZAÇÃO DA DESINFORMAÇÃO SOBRE A POPULAÇÃO INDÍGENA NA AGÊNCIA DIGITAL DE CHECAGEM LUPA
Authors: Viana Martins Allysson
Published: January 2025

As informações que circulam nas redes sociais digitais, por vezes, são mentirosas e atingem grupos vulnerabilizados, como os indígenas. Para entender as informações falsas sobre os povos originários brasileiros, avaliamos as fake news checadas pela agência Lupa. De 2018 até 2023, foram 36 com foco nos povos originários, com apenas três sem a etiqueta “Falso”, mas ainda assim contribuindo para a desinformação. A fala de políticos e apoiadores de extrema-direita evidenciou as mentiras sobre os indígenas, com a politização observada indiretamente em 2 mentiras e diretamente em 28 fake news, 24 atacando a esquerda e 4 o espectro da direita.
Multimorbidity patterns and cognitive change among Mexican older adults: findings from the Mexican Health and Aging Study
Authors: Bishop Nicholas J. , Botoseneanu Anda , Newsom Jason T. , Allore Heather G. , Nagel Corey L. , Markwardt Sheila , Samper-Ternent Rafael , Quiñones Ana R.
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Mexico faces unique challenges due to the confluence of population ageing, an increasing burden of chronic conditions and limited resources to address these concerns. Substantial evidence links both independent and co-occurring chronic conditions to the risk of cognitive decline, but the association between common multimorbidity patterns and change in cognitive function has not been examined among older adults in Mexico.

Objective:

The objective of our research was to identify the most common multimorbidity patterns among ageing Mexican adults in 2012, then examine the association between these multimorbidity patterns and change in cognitive function with advancing age.

Methodology:

Data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (2012–21; n = 6,082) was used to identify multimorbidity patterns in 2012 (including hypertension, diabetes, cancer, lung disease, heart attack, stroke, arthritis and depressive symptoms), then latent growth modelling was used to examine associations between the mean cognitive trajectory and the baseline multimorbidity patterns.

Results:

Several baseline multimorbidity patterns were associated with variation in cognitive function. Diabetes and depressive symptoms were present in the majority of multimorbidity patterns associated with lower cognitive function at baseline, and respondents with either lone diabetes or hypertension+diabetes+arthritis at baseline experienced more rapid cognitive decline than those reporting no conditions at baseline.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that prevention and management of diabetes may reduce cognitive gaps that manifest prior to older adulthood and protect against rapid cognitive decline among older Mexican adults. Further examination of depressive symptoms as a component of multimorbidity and cognitive change is also warranted.
Polarization-independent dual-peak filter based on a cylindrically symmetric helical small-period fiber grating
Authors: Meng Zhang , Kotani Yuto , Wang Peng , Zhao Hua , Li Hongpu
Published: January 2025

A polarization-independent dual-peak narrow-band filter is proposed and demonstrated theoretically and experimentally, which is realized by using a helical long-period fiber grating (HLPG) but with a period small down to tens of micrometers. Unlike those excessively tilted fiber gratings (Ex-TFGs) or the conventional long-period fiber gratings (LPGs) but with a small period down to tens of micrometers where the generated dual-peak pairs (DPPs) are all of the strong polarization-dependence, the DPPs obtained in this study are of the polarization-independent, which is the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that the underlying mechanism for generation of the polarization-independent DPPs in transmission spectrum of the helical small-period fiber grating (HSPFG) has been revealed both theoretically and experimentally.
Subregions in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex integrate threat and protective information to meta-represent safety
Authors: Tashjian Sarah M. , Cussen Joseph , Deng Wenning , Zhang Bo , Mobbs Dean
Published: January 2025

Pivotal to self-preservation is the ability to identify when we are safe and when we are in danger. Previous studies have focused on safety estimations based on the features of external threats and do not consider how the brain integrates other key factors, including estimates about our ability to protect ourselves. Here, we examine the neural systems underlying the online dynamic encoding of safety. The current preregistered study used 2 novel tasks to test 4 facets of safety estimation: Safety Prediction, Meta-representation, Recognition, and Value Updating. We experimentally manipulated safety estimation changing both levels of external threats and self-protection. Data were collected in 2 independent samples (behavioral N = 100; MRI N = 30). We found consistent evidence of subjective changes in the sensitivity to safety conferred through protection. Neural responses in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) tracked increases in safety during all safety estimation facets, with specific tuning to protection. Further, informational connectivity analyses revealed distinct hubs of safety coding in the posterior and anterior vmPFC for external threats and protection, respectively. These findings reveal a central role of the vmPFC for coding safety.
Towards constructing a generalized structural 3D breathing human lung model based on experimental volumes, pressures, and strains
Authors: Badrou Arif , Mariano Crystal A. , Ramirez Gustavo O. , Shankel Matthew , Rebelo Nuno , Eskandari Mona
Published: January 2025

Respiratory diseases represent a significant healthcare burden, as evidenced by the devastating impact of COVID-19. Biophysical models offer the possibility to anticipate system behavior and provide insights into physiological functions, advancements which are comparatively and notably nascent when it comes to pulmonary mechanics research. In this context, an Inverse Finite Element Analysis (IFEA) pipeline is developed to construct the first continuously ventilated three-dimensional structurally representative pulmonary model informed by both organ- and tissue-level breathing experiments from a cadaveric human lung. Here we construct a generalizable computational framework directly validated by pressure, volume, and strain measurements using a novel inflating apparatus interfaced with adapted, lung-specific, digital image correlation techniques. The parenchyma, pleura, and airways are represented with a poroelastic formulation to simulate pressure flows within the lung lobes, calibrating the model’s material properties with the global pressure-volume response and local tissue deformations strains. The optimization yielded the following shear moduli: parenchyma (2.8 kPa), airways (0.2 kPa), and pleura (1.7 Pa). The proposed complex multi-material model with multi-experimental inputs was successfully developed using human lung data, and reproduced the shape of the inflating pressure-volume curve and strain distribution values associated with pulmonary deformation. This advancement marks a significant step towards creating a generalizable human lung model for broad applications across animal models, such as porcine, mouse, and rat lungs to reproduce pathological states and improve performance investigations regarding medical therapeutics and intervention.
What constitutes “institutional arrangements” for Member State reporting within the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement?
Authors: Barrins Jacinta , McKeown Peter C. , Murray Una , Spillane Charles
Published: January 2025

All Member States are expected to put in place sustainable institutional arrangements for implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, and to describe these in their reporting transparency obligations. Institutional arrangements provide the mechanism by which work gets visioned, planned, coordinated, implemented, monitored and reported on and are therefore fundamental to implementing the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. Without sustainable institutional arrangements, implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) will be jeopardised. Consequently, it is important to clearly identify what constitutes institutional arrangement, both from the perspective of reporting of what is in place and what is optimal for just transitions to achieve UNFCCC and Paris Agreement goals. The Consultative Group of Experts (CGE) and UNFCCC recommend five separate components for describing institutional arrangements for Member States to support their measurement, verification and reporting (MRV), as well as for climate action transparency and support. These components are: i) organization mandates; (ii) expertise; (iii) data flows; (iv) systems and tools; and (v) stakeholder engagement. In this study, we propose that describing institutional arrangements is akin to describing the components of an organisation (e.g. a government, ministry or agency). The Star Organisational Model, with its five inter-linked components of strategy, structure, processes, people and rewards is a useful additional approach for defining what constitutes institutional arrangements. Establishing sustainable institutional arrangements is challenging for developing countries, and yet critical for implementing the UNFCCC-Paris Agreement at country level. By applying the Star model to six developing countries to ascertain its usefulness for reporting on institutional arrangements related to MRV, we conclude that the Star Model offers a valuable additional method for more effectively delineating and documenting institutional arrangements, including describing existing organisational arrangements and envisioning ideal setups, in the context of the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement agendas.