bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Static Posture Instability as a Sensitive Biomarker for Motor Abnormalities in Pre‐ataxic Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 Patients
Authors: Cui Mao‐Lin , Liu Xia‐Hua , Li Ying , Lin Wei , Xu Hao‐Ling , Zhang Nan‐Nan , Lin Min‐Ting , Wang Ning , Ni Jun , Gan Shi‐Rui ,   the OSCCAR Investigators
Published: January 2025

Background

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a neurodegenerative disorder, with balance instability as a feature of the disease. Balance instability often manifests before the onset of obvious ataxic symptoms in patients. However, current clinical scales exhibit limited sensitivity in characterizing changes in pre‐ataxic patients.

Objectives

Our research aims to identify appropriate postural characteristics for tracking motor changes in pre‐ataxic patients with SCA3 over time.

Methods

The posturographic platform assessed 102 participants (34 pre‐ataxic SCA3 patients, 34 ataxic patients with SCA3, and 34 healthy controls) to measure their postural balance. Multivariate comparative analyses assessed the differential postural characteristics across the three groups. The Taiwanese formula was employed to estimate the age of onset for pre‐ataxic patients. A Spearman's rho test was employed to assess correlations between postural characteristics and the time manifestation for pre‐ataxic patients.

Results

Compared to the healthy control group, we observed significant abnormalities in the static posture of pre‐ataxic patients (P < 0.01). Compared to the pre‐ataxic group, ataxic patients have significant abnormalities in all variables (P < 0.05). The sway range standard deviation (SD), total sway area, and limits of stability were positively correlated with the estimated time to onset. The total sway area is more closely associated with time to manifestation, whereas the sway range SD in the medial–lateral direction of the center of foot pressure is the most sensitive indicator of postural instability in pre‐ataxic patients.

Conclusion

Static posture instability is a sensitive diagnostic parameter that may assist in capturing disease progression in the pre‐ataxic stage of SCA3. © 2025 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Quantifying spatial and dynamic lung abnormalities with 3D PREFUL FLORET UTE imaging: A feasibility study
Authors: Klimeš Filip , Plummer Joseph W. , Willmering Matthew M. , Matheson Alexander M. , Bdaiwi Abdullah S. , Gutberlet Marcel , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Wernz Marius M. , Wacker Frank , Woods Jason , Cleveland Zackary I. , Walkup Laura L. , Vogel‐Claussen Jens
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Pulmonary MRI faces challenges due to low proton density, rapid transverse magnetization decay, and cardiac and respiratory motion. The fermat‐looped orthogonally encoded trajectories (FLORET) sequence addresses these issues with high sampling efficiency, strong signal, and motion robustness, but has not yet been applied to phase‐resolved functional lung (PREFUL) MRI—a contrast‐free method for assessing pulmonary ventilation during free breathing. This study aims to develop a reconstruction pipeline for FLORET UTE, enhancing spatial resolution for three‐dimensional (3D) PREFUL ventilation analysis.

Methods

The FLORET sequence was used to continuously acquire data over 7 ± 2 min in 36 participants, including healthy subjects (N = 7) and patients with various pulmonary conditions (N = 29). Data were reconstructed into respiratory images using motion‐compensated low‐rank reconstruction, and a 3D PREFUL algorithm was adapted to quantify static and dynamic ventilation surrogates. Image sharpness and signal‐to‐noise ratio were evaluated across different motion states. PREFUL ventilation metrics were compared with static 129Xe ventilation MRI.

Results

Optimal image sharpness and accurate ventilation dynamics were achieved using 24 respiratory bins, leading to their use in the study. A strong correlation was found between 3D PREFUL FLORET UTE ventilation defect percentages (VDPs) and 129Xe VDPs (r ≥ 0.61, p < 0.0001), although PREFUL FLORET static VDPs were significantly higher (mean bias = −10.1%, p < 0.0001). In diseased patients, dynamic ventilation parameters showed greater heterogeneity and better alignment with 129Xe VDPs.

Conclusion

The proposed reconstruction pipeline for FLORET UTE MRI offers improved spatial resolution and strong correlation with 129Xe MRI, enabling dynamic ventilation quantification that may reveal airflow abnormalities in lung disease.
TagGen: Diffusion‐based generative model for cardiac MR tagging super resolution
Authors: Sun Changyu , Thornburgh Cody , Wang Yu , Kumar Senthil , Altes Talissa A.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The aim of the work is to develop a cascaded diffusion‐based super‐resolution model for low‐resolution (LR) MR tagging acquisitions, which is integrated with parallel imaging to achieve highly accelerated MR tagging while enhancing the tag grid quality of low‐resolution images.

Methods

We introduced TagGen, a diffusion‐based conditional generative model that uses low‐resolution MR tagging images as guidance to generate corresponding high‐resolution tagging images. The model was developed on 50 patients with long‐axis‐view, high‐resolution tagging acquisitions. During training, we retrospectively synthesized LR tagging images using an undersampling rate (R) of 3.3 with truncated outer phase‐encoding lines. During inference, we evaluated the performance of TagGen and compared it with REGAIN, a generative adversarial network–based super‐resolution model that was previously applied to MR tagging. In addition, we prospectively acquired data from 6 subjects with three heartbeats per slice using 10‐fold acceleration achieved by combining low‐resolution R = 3.3 with GRAPPA‐3 (generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions 3).

Results

For synthetic data (R = 3.3), TagGen outperformed REGAIN in terms of normalized root mean square error, peak signal‐to‐noise ratio, and structural similarity index (p < 0.05 for all). For prospectively 10‐fold accelerated data, TagGen provided better tag grid quality, signal‐to‐noise ratio, and overall image quality than REGAIN, as scored by two (blinded) radiologists (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions

We developed a diffusion‐based generative super‐resolution model for MR tagging images and demonstrated its potential to integrate with parallel imaging to reconstruct highly accelerated cine MR tagging images acquired in three heartbeats with enhanced tag grid quality.
Spurring Exciting Technologies and Innovative Applications in 2025
Authors: Atwood Stephen P.
Published: January 2025

Happy New Year and welcome to our first issue of 2025. We have a really exciting editorial calendar and expect to share great work throughout the year. Some of the important topics we will be exploring include the many facets of flexible displays, progress in emissive technologies and materials, the latest in display manufacturing, some examples of novel display applications, and a survey of the important aspects of sustainability in our industry.
Projection Architecture Optimizes Automotive Efficiency, Contrast, and Image Quality
Authors: Martin Sam , Gonzalez Jorge , Byrum Taylor , Walker Zach
Published: January 2025

New architecture combines high efficiency of PLM light steering and high image quality of DMD technology to enable best‐in‐class automotive HUD.
Optimized Workflow for Fast and Precise ISO 15008 Contrast Evaluation Under Ambient Light
Authors: Voelz Alexander , Rotscholl Ingo , Krüger Udo , Pross Achim , Gaugele Jürgen , Kreuzer Markus
Published: January 2025

The imaging luminance measurement device type II‐based method is a promising way to verify the conformity of the legibility of automotive displays.
Double‐Tucker Decomposition and Its Computations
Authors: Wang Mengyu , Cui Honghua , Li Hanyu
Published: January 2025

The famous Tucker decomposition has been widely and successfully used in many fields. However, it often suffers from the curse of dimensionality due to the core tensor and large ranks. To tackle this issue, we introduce an additional core tensor into Tucker decomposition and propose the so‐called double‐Tucker (dTucker) decomposition. The additional core can share the ranks of the original Tucker decomposition and hence make the parameters of the new decomposition be reduced greatly. We employ the alternating least squares (ALS) method with explicit structures on coefficient matrices of the ALS subproblems to compute the dTucker decomposition. To figure out the structures, a new tensor product is defined. Its properties and the aforementioned structures together motivate an ALS‐based randomized algorithm built on Kronecker sub‐sampled randomized Fourier transform for our new decomposition. A special case of the algorithm leads to a more efficient leverage‐based random sampling algorithm. These randomized algorithms can avoid forming the full coefficient matrices of ALS subproblems by implementing projecting and sampling on factor tensors. Numerical experiments including tensor reconstruction and multi‐view subspace clustering are presented to test our decomposition and algorithms, which show that dTucker decomposition can effectively decrease the ranks of the classical one and hence the total parameters, and the randomized algorithms reduce running time greatly while maintaining similar accuracy. Moreover, the numerical results also show that our decomposition can even outperform the popular tensor train decomposition and the newly developed tensor wheel decomposition on compressing parameters.
Enhancing Bone Tissue Regeneration: Investigating the Role of Bredigite in Improving Osteoconductive Properties of Gelatin/Polylactic Acid Scaffolds
Authors: Rezaie Shahraki Roksana , Ghomi Hamed
Published: January 2025

This investigation aims to fabricate scaffolds consisting of gelatin/polylactic acid/bredigite composites for bone tissue regeneration. In this regard, porous scaffolds were created using the freeze–drying technique. To determine the structure and assess the successful synthesis of the samples, x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses were conducted. The morphological properties of the polymeric scaffolds and the bredigite (0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 wt%) incorporated scaffolds were examined using field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). The evaluation of mechanical properties revealed that the addition of 5 wt% bredigite to the 1Gel3PLA scaffold increased the compressive strength from 0.30–0.35 to > 0.57 MPa. Regarding porosity, decreasing the Gel:PLA ratio from 1:3 to 1:2 while maintaining constant gelatin content increased porosity from 58.3% to 71.4%, and the addition of bredigite consistently decreased porosity across all scaffolds. The in vitro bioactivity assessment, carried out in simulated body fluid (SBF), demonstrated the formation of an apatite layer on the surface of the composite scaffold after immersion in the SBF. The results of the MTT test showed that as the amount of bredigite particles increased to 5 wt%, cell viability also increased across all periods (higher than 90% cell viability). The interaction between cells and scaffolds was examined by culturing human osteoblastic line (MG‐63) cells on the scaffolds, revealing a higher proliferation of cells and deposition of minerals on bredigite‐containing scaffolds than those without bredigite. These results collectively suggest that the Gel‐PLA‐5 wt% bredigite scaffold holds promise as an osteoconductive material for applications in regenerating bone tissue.
Loading ZIF‐67 onto carbon nanotubes in percolative nanocomposites towards improved dielectric performance
Authors: Zhang Zi‐Long , Wang Jing‐Wen , Tao Liang , Ma Ying‐Jie , Zhang Yang
Published: January 2025

A great deal of attention is being paid to the application of polymer dielectric elastomers because of the advantages of low cost, facile fabrication, and high operating voltage. However, their development is often limited by mutually exclusive multifunctional properties such as high dielectric constant, high breakdown strength, and low dielectric loss. Therefore, for dielectric elastomer actuators, developing materials with enhanced dielectric properties and breakdown strength is an urgent need. In this work, we present CNT‐ZIF, a nanofiller obtained through the in‐situ growth of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)‐67 on the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNT), which was added to a synthesized polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix to obtain a composite with high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss. The CNT‐ZIF/PDMS composite containing 1.93 vol% of CNT‐ZIF exhibits an enhanced dielectric constant of 35.4 at 100 Hz, which is 11 times higher than that of the pure matrix and 1.58 times higher than that of the CNT/PDMS composite, meanwhile the loss is only 0.06. This value is deemed suitable for application in elastomer actuators. Therefore, this work can be regarded as one of the strategies for designing percolative dielectric composites.

Highlights

ZIF‐CNT nanofiller with excellent dispersion in the PDMS matrix has been prepared.

The ZIF‐CNT/PDMS composites show enhanced dielectric properties at 100 Hz.

The mechanism of improving dielectric properties is systematically investigated using the classical Cole‐Cole model and the percolation theory.
Performance analysis of functional properties of silk fabric enhanced via in situ grafting modification
Authors: Ahmed Shaharia , Repon Md. Reazuddin , Pranta Arnob Dhar , Haji Aminoddin , Al‐Humaidi Jehan Y. , Rahman Mohammed M.
Published: January 2025

Silk, a natural polymer protein fiber, possesses exceptional properties such as smoothness, softness, breathability, and drapability. However, silk is susceptible to photochemical reactions in light, leading to yellowing, brittleness, and deterioration on the fabric's surface, which significantly affects its service life and performance. In this experiment, we utilized ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide as the initiation system, along with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) as a graft monomer, to conduct graft copolymerization modification on silk fabrics. To enhance the light resistance of silk fabrics in the textile industry, the grafting parameters were optimized and the rate adjusted to impart the anti‐UV and anti‐aging properties. Moreover, the whiteness value drastically increased from 26.71% to 88.23%, the breaking strength surged from 174.6 to 211.5 N, and the contact angle surpassed 90° at an 8.8% grafting rate, resulting in heightened hydrophobicity. Finally, the modified silk fabrics exhibited remarkable light resistance, rendering them better suited for advanced textile applications. This research work provided a window of opportunity to prevent yellowing and improve resistance to light, making modified silk fabrics more suitable for various textile applications in the future.

Highlights

Grafted silk fabric's whiteness increased from 26.71% to 88.23%.

Silk had a contact angle over 90° and increased hydrophobicity at 8.8% grafting.

Modification improves silk's optical and mechanical properties.

Aging reduces silk's thermal properties and fiber strength.
Modeling of Disease Progression of Type 2 Diabetes Using Real‐World Data: Quantifying Competing Risks of Morbidity and Mortality
Authors: Kunina Hanna , Franzén Stefan , Kjellsson Maria C.
Published: January 2025

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a progressive metabolic disorder that could be an underlying cause of long‐term complications that increase mortality. The assessment of the probability of such events could be essential for mortality risk management. This work aimed to establish a framework for risk predictions of macrovascular complications (MVC) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in patients with T2D, using real‐world data from the Swedish National Diabetes Registry (NDR), in the presence of mortality as a competing risk. The study consisted of 41,517 patients with T2D registered in NDR between 2005 and 2013. At inclusion, patients were newly diagnosed (T2D < 1 year) and had no prior evidence of DKD or MVC. Using three‐quarters of the data, a five‐state multistate model was established to describe competing events of MVC, DKD, a combination thereof, and the terminal state, death. Two hypotheses were investigated: (1) the risk of MVC and DKD are mutually independent, and (2) mortality is independent of morbidities. At the end of the study, the majority of individuals remained in uncomplicated T2D; however, the probability of transition to complications and death increased over time. The mortality hazard depended on the presence of morbidities and was quantified as a life expectancy decreased by 5.0, 9.7, and 12.2 years for MVC, DKD, and the combined morbidity, respectively, compared to uncomplicated T2D. An established framework with a five‐state model incorporating competing events was shown to be a useful tool for comorbidities risk assessment in newly diagnosed patients with T2D.
Fractional‐Order Sliding Mode Control for Free‐Floating Space Manipulator With Disturbance and Input Saturation
Authors: Dou Bo , Yue Xiaokui
Published: January 2025

This paper proposes a fractional‐order sliding mode control scheme for the tracking control of free‐floating space manipulators (FFSM), addressing system uncertainties, external disturbances, and input saturation. First, a new fractional‐order non‐singular terminal sliding mode is designed, incorporating a fractional‐order integral term into the traditional non‐singular terminal sliding mode surface to ensure finite‐time convergence of the tracking error across all phases. To mitigate chattering, a finite‐time disturbance observer is utilized to estimate and compensate for the system uncertainties and unknown disturbances. Subsequently, a new fixed‐time anti‐saturation compensator is presented to suppress the influences of input saturation. With an innovative fixed‐time sliding surface and adaptive gain, the compensator ensures the auxiliary variables vanish in fixed time when the saturation disappears, thereby enhancing the convergence characteristics of the tracking error effectively. Finally, a fractional‐order non‐singular terminal sliding mode controller is established by integrating the proposed fractional‐order non‐singular terminal sliding mode, finite‐time disturbance observer, and fixed‐time anti‐saturation compensator. The presented controller significantly improves the transient response and tracking precision of the FFSM. The theoretical stability of the closed‐loop system is proved, and simulation results confirm the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methods compared to existing approaches.
Output‐Based Dual Dynamic Periodic Event‐Triggered Control for Nonlinear Interconnected Cyber‐Physical Systems Under Deception Attacks
Authors: Yang Meng , Zhai Junyong
Published: January 2025

This article considers the problem of output‐based dual dynamic periodic decentralized event‐triggered control (DPDETC) for nonlinear interconnected cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) subject to deception attacks. Taking into account the conflict between the limited network resources and the growing bandwidth demand, a dual dynamic periodic event‐triggered scheme (DPETS) is designed to reasonably decrease unnecessary data transmission, which includes sensor‐to‐controller (S‐C) and controller‐to‐actuator (C‐A) communication channels. For resisting the impact of attacks, a deception attacks model following Bernoulli distribution is introduced for nonlinear interconnected CPSs. Then, a new decentralized sampled‐data observer is proposed based on output‐dependent periodic event‐triggered conditions, such that the system output under deception attacks can be estimated. By means of decentralized observer and observer‐dependent DPETS, a new decentralized output feedback controller is established. The designed DPDETC strategy can guarantee that the nonlinear interconnected CPSs are mean square stability. Finally, simulation results are performed to validate the superiority of the designed DPDETC scheme.
Mechanical performance optimization in FFF 3D printing using Taguchi design and machine learning approach with PLA/walnut Shell composites filaments
Authors: Kartal Fuat
Published: January 2025

This study explores the optimization of mechanical properties in 3D‐printed components made from a Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Walnut Shell Composite using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). Employing a machine learning‐based approach, the research identifies the optimal regression model for predicting relationships between printing parameters and material properties. A Taguchi L18 design is used to minimize experiment count while accurately determining parameter levels. Testing was conducted on a composite containing 30% walnut shell fibers, with the Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) and Elastic Modulus (E) measured as per ASTM D638 standards. Experimental factors included Layer Thickness (LT), Nozzle Temperature (NT), Deposition Angle (DA), and Printing Speed (PS). Using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and machine learning techniques, the effects of these parameters on UTS and E were evaluated. Results highlight the deposition angle as the dominant parameter, with machine learning models, especially Random Forest Regression, providing highly accurate predictions. This approach presents a novel, data‐driven method for optimizing 3D printing processes with sustainable, composite materials.

Highlights

Higher UTS and E achieved with optimized PLA/walnut shell composite.

Deposition angle is the key element of mechanical performance in FFF printing.

Layer thickness is important to improve Elastic Modulus.

Statistical and machine learning techniques combined for sustainable printing.

Improved machine learning process understanding for 3D printed components.
Bilateral laryngeal paralysis following single‐staged, bilateral total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy in a cocker spaniel
Authors: Allen Alexandra , Rozanski Elizabeth , DeStefano Ian , Kent Marc , Kudej Raymond
Published: January 2025

An 8‐year‐old, spayed, female cocker spaniel was presented for surgical treatment of otitis externa and media/interna that was unresponsive to medical management. Preoperative computed tomography imaging revealed bilateral otitis externa and media/interna. Extensive soft tissue proliferation and mineralisation of the ear canals were present. Both tympanic bullae had lysis and proliferative bony changes. The dog underwent single‐staged, bilateral total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomies. Following recovery from anaesthesia, inspiratory respiratory distress developed. Visual examination of the larynx documented bilateral laryngeal paralysis. Palliation with unilateral arytenoid lateralisation was declined and despite 9 days of antimicrobials, anti‐inflammatory medication, oxygen therapy and supportive care, inspiratory respiratory distress persisted. The dog was euthanased due to inability to breathe comfortably without supplemental oxygen. Bilateral laryngeal paralysis was considered secondary to iatrogenic surgical trauma to the vagus nerve.
Unpacking AI-Infused Systems Qualities. Building a UX Evaluation Method
Authors: Spallazzo Davide , Sciannamè Martina , Ceconello Mauro
Published: January 2025

The chapter illustrates the results of an enquiry aiming to systematize the qualities of AI-infused devices and to propose a specific method to assess the UX they entail. For the purpose, advanced users were involved in a semi structured questionnaire aimed to understand their perception of AI-infused products and the related UX qualities they care the most. Pragmatic, aesthetic, hedonic, affective, intelligence, trustworthiness, conversational, and meaningfulness dimensions have been proposed as a starting point and the less traditional have garnered particular consensus.
Comparison of health-related quality of life in atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, pemphigus and psoriasis
Authors: Balázs Péter György , Gáspár Krisztián , Gergely Hunor L. , Hajdú Krisztina , Holló Péter , Koszorú Kamilla , Poór Adrienn Katalin , Sárdy Miklós , Szegedi Andrea , Tamási Béla , Wikonkál Norbert , Brodszky Valentin
Published: January 2025

This study aims to explore the measurement agreement between direct and indirect health utility measures in four chronic dermatological conditions (atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, pemphigus, psoriasis). Outpatients survey data collected between 2015 and 2021 were analysed. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcome measures included time trade-off (TTO), EQ-5D-5L and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Descriptive statistics were computed for the pooled sample and four diseases. Mean, standard deviation (SD), median, interquartile range (IQR), ceiling and floor effects were calculated for TTO, EQ-5D-5L and DLQI utilities. Bland‒Altman plots and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were applied to investigate the agreement between health utility measures. Sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, educational level, employment status) and health-related information (disease duration, outpatient care visits in the past 3 months and disease severity) impact on utilities was investigated by Tobit regressions. The sample includes N = 765 patient responses with a mean age of 41.5 (SD = 16.2), majority being males (52.7%). Total sample mean utilities were the highest according to TTO (0.83), followed by EQ-5D-5L and vDLQI (0.81 and 0.81) and lowest in mDLQI (0.77). Measurement agreement was found only between TTO and EQ-5D-5L. Skin-disease severity impacted all health state utilities, though only TTO differentiated utility values according to disease type. The discrepancies between the TTO and DLQI warn to compare DLQI-based utilities in different dermatological conditions with extreme caution.
Average reward adjusted discounted reinforcement learning
Authors: Schneckenreither Manuel , Moser Georg
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we provide a novel view upon reinforcement learning (RL for short). In particular, we are interested in applications of RL in use cases, where average rewards may be nonzero. While RL methodologies have been extensively researched upon, this particular application area has only received scarce attention in the Literature. In part, our motivation stems from applications in Operation Research (OR for short), where it is typically the case that rewards are profit derived. Similar use cases can be found in more general applications in economics. Based on a principled study of the mathematical background of discounted reinforcement learning we establish a novel adaptation of standard RL, dubbed Average Reward Adjusted Discounted Reinforcement Learning (ARAL for short). Our approach stems from revisiting the Laurent Series expansion of the discounted state value and a subsequent reformulation of the target function guiding the learning process. While the theoretical advance is arguably incremental, we provide ample experimental evidence that the thus obtained novel RL methodology compares favorable to well-established techniques like Q-learning or R-learning.
Morphometric analysis of exuviae suggests sexual dimorphism and induced morphological plasticity in pond-dwelling dragonflies
Authors: Lehká Zuzana , Janto Adam , Svitok Marek , Novikmec Milan
Published: January 2025

The study of dragonfly exuviae is an effective tool that provides noninvasive insight into many aspects of their population biology or interspecific interactions with their predators or prey. Here, we analysed morphometric parameters of the exuviae of five dominant dragonfly species in three central European ponds characterized by different fish populations and generated a robust set of morphometric data. We hypothesized that sexual dimorphism may occur at least in some taxa, and we assumed that the presence of fish may induce phenotypic plasticity – differences in some morphological parameters (e.g., larger abdominal spines in Anisoptera). Except for one, all of the studied species showed significant sexual size dimorphism that was species-specific. In Aeshna cyanea, Pyrrhosoma
nymphula and Coenagrion cf. puella female exuviae were generally larger than male exuviae, whereas the exuviae were larger for males than for females in Sympetrum cf. vulgatum. We suppose that sexual selection but also other selection mechanisms, such as phenotypic adaptation to different microhabitats, underlie the observed patterns. The morphometric characteristics of the dragonfly nymphal populations also differed geographically, most likely as a trade-off between induced defence against fish predation and predation by other invertebrates, and adaptations for fish fry capture. Sexual dimorphism and between-site variability can have important ecological consequences for dragonfly nymphs in freshwater food webs. However, both may arise from a complicated tangle of factors that need further study.
Doing Away with Skepticism about Harm
Authors: Folland Anna
Published: January 2025

The concept of harm plays a central role in many philosophical discussions. There are numerous ethical theories, claims, and arguments that appeal to the concept of harm. However, some philosophers think that the concept of harm is not fit to play this role in philosophical theorizing. Bradley (2012) argues that the concept is problematic to such an extent that we should do away with it. Bradley is not the only philosopher who doubts this concept’s usefulness, although others make more modest and suggestive skeptical claims. In this paper, I examine several claims in support of skepticism, which are explicitly embraced or hinted to in the literature. Some examples are the claims that the harm concept is defective and that harm is morally insignificant. Neither those claims nor others, I argue, yield a good case for skepticism about harm.
Inclusion of Dunaliella salina in cold extruded and softly dried diets as a promising way to enhance the quality of Paracentrotus lividus gonads
Authors: Canada Paula , Garrido Inês , Baião Luís F. , Sá Tiago , Amaro Helena M. , Guedes A. Catarina , Tavares Tânia , Costa Isabel , Malcata F. Xavier , Amaro Filipa , Pinto Joana , de Pinho Paula Guedes , Valente Luísa M. P.
Published: January 2025

The unicellular alga Dunaliella salina is a good source of β-carotene whereas the macroalga Porphyra sp. is rich in flavor-enhancing amino-acids such as glycine. Therefore, this study focused on the development of new dietary formulations for Paracentrotus lividus, including D. salina, Porphyra or glycine, aimed at improving roe color and flavour. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were produced by cold extrusion and soft drying, meant to protect carotenoids. Sea urchins were fed these diets every 2 days in a recirculating aquatic system, at 18ºC. At the end of 8 weeks all diets proved equally effective in promoting growth and improving the gonadossomatic index. However, there were differences in the feed conversion ratio, which was lower in sea-urchins grown upon a diet based on commercial macroalgae mix and supplemented with D. salina at 1.5% (D2). Notable differences were found between males and females on carotenoids deposition in both gut and gonads, gonadal proximal composition, volatile compounds and anti-oxidant activity. This suggests sex-related differences in both nutrient assimilation and several metabolic processes. Gut carotenoids were influenced by both sex and diet, but gonads carotenoids were only affected by sex. All diets supplemented with Dunaliella improved gonad colour, resulting in redder and darker gonads when compared to a control (non-supplemented) diet. In particular D2 allowed to produce gonads with a higher colour saturation (C*) and the lowest hue angle (h*), comparable to a gourmet reference. Glycine supplementation and Porphyra led to an increase of sweet tasting amino acids in P. lividus roe. Dunaliella salina and Porphyra also increased umami tasting amino acids. The overall results point to D2 as the most promising formulation for P. lividus grow-out, as it allowed to obtain good colour roe at a lower feed conversion ratio.
Analysis of the structural and optical characteristics of ZnSe thin films as interface layer
Authors: Emir Cansu , Tataroglu Adem , Gökmen Uğur , Ocak Sema Bilge
Published: January 2025

This research reveals the results of a comprehensive analysis of the optical and structural features of zinc selenide (ZnSe) thin film. The studied film was synthesized using the thermal evaporation method after preparation on the glass substrate. The film’s structural characteristics, which have been determined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), confirm the polycrystalline nature of the films with a predominant cubic zinc-blende structure. The surface morphology investigated through SEM reveals a uniform grain distribution with minimal surface defects, indicating high-quality film formation. In order to examine the optical characteristics, the ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy method is used in a spectral range between 300 and 900 nm. In this way, the ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy data are utilized to obtain optical features such as extinction coefficient (k), optical band gap (Eg), refractive index (n), absorption coefficient (α), and optical conductivity (σopt). These optical properties are assessed using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, revealing a direct band gap of approximately 2.88 eV, which is consistent with the bulk properties of ZnSe and suitable for optoelectronic applications. The results of this study clearly show that the studied ZnSe film can be used for optoelectronic device applications.
Characterization of thermal fatigue properties of lead-free Sn–Cu–Al–Mg solder alloy produced by powder metallurgy method
Authors: Serin Nimet Selin , Soy Berke , Keskin Gorkem , Arabaci Aliye , Emiroglu Yasin , Mutlu Ilven
Published: January 2025

In the present study, lead-free Sn–Cu–Al–Mg-based solder alloys for electronics packaging were produced. Effects of thermal shock and thermal stress on the crack formation in the Sn-based solder alloys were investigated. Lead-free quaternary Sn–Cu–Al–Mg-based solder alloys were produced by using mechanical alloying and powder metallurgy route. Soldering involves using a molten filler metal to wet the surfaces of a joint. Wave soldering is a method for mass assembly of printed circuit boards involving through holes, surface. Lead-free solder alloys must show high wettability, suitable mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, high electrochemical corrosion resistance, and low cost. Mechanical alloying and powder metallurgy method were used in order to prevent formation of intermetallics and formation of voids. Mechanical alloying–powder metallurgy method could reduce the micro/macro-segregation and provide homogeneous microstructure. Initially, elemental metal powders were mechanically alloyed in a ball mill by using zirconia balls in order to produce alloy powders. Then, the alloy powders were compacted at 300 MPa and then the green specimens were sintered at 180 °C for 60 min. Nondestructive ultrasonic tests and eddy current tests were used for characterization of the solder alloy specimens. Elastic modulus of the Sn alloys was determined by ultrasonic measurements. Electrical conductivity of the specimens was determined by using eddy current tests. Microstructure was studied by scanning electron microscope. Effects of thermal shock and thermal stress on the crack formation in the alloys were investigated by heat treatment cycles in a chamber furnace. Heating cycles for thermal stress consist of heating to 150 °C and slow cooling. Heating cycles for the thermal shock consist of heating and quenching. In addition, electrochemical corrosion behaviour of the Sn solder alloys was investigated in NaCl solution.
Longitudinal Relationships Across Bullying Victimization, Friendship and Social Support, and Internalizing Symptoms in Early-to-Middle Adolescence: A Developmental Cascades Investigation
Authors: Cheng Qiqi , Mills-Webb Kathryn , Marquez Jose , Humphrey Neil
Published: January 2025

Current understanding of the longitudinal relationships between different aspects of peer relationships and mental health problems in early- to mid-adolescence is limited. In particular, the role played by gender in these developmental cascades processes is unclear, little is known about within-person effects between bullying victimization and internalizing symptoms, and the theorized benefits of friendship and social support are largely untested. Addressing these important research gaps, this study tested a number of theory-driven hypotheses (e.g., interpersonal risk model, transactional model) regarding longitudinal relationships between bullying victimization, friendship and social support, and internalizing symptoms. The study sample was N = 26,458 adolescents (50.6% girls, average age 12 years 8 months (SD = 3.58 months) at baseline) attending k = 176 schools in Greater Manchester, England. Separating within-person effects from between-person effects, a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) was applied to three annual waves of data. Analyses revealed that developmental cascade pathways varied across gender, as follows: higher rates of bullying victimization led to increased internalizing symptoms (partially for girls, fully for boys) and lower levels of friendship and social support (for girls only); higher levels of friendship and social support did not confer any protection against future bullying victimization (for girls or boys) but did lead to reduced internalizing symptoms (partially for girls, but not for boys); and, higher levels of internalizing symptoms led to increased rates of bullying victimization (for boys only) and lower levels of friendship and social support (partially for girls, fully for boys). Evidence of reciprocal relationships between bullying victimization and internalizing symptoms (for boys only) and between internalizing symptoms and friendship and social support (for girls only) was also found. Effect sizes of developmental cascade pathways varied but were mostly in the moderate-to-large range relative to the empirical distribution of cross-lagged effects in existing studies (i.e., 50th to 75th percentile). Sensitivity analyses indicated that findings were largely robust to a number of researcher-led analytic choices. The current study indicates that approaches to prevent or reduce the effects of bullying victimization should be prioritized, given the consistent evidence of its substantial role in increasing internalizing symptoms for both genders, in addition to its deleterious impact on girls’ friendship and social support. Preregistration: This study was preregistered at https://osf.io/xrwfq. The study design, hypotheses, and target analyses were registered.
Leaf Age Affects Mercury Accumulation in Evergreen Plants
Authors: Pleijel Håkan , Klingberg Jenny , Sjöman Henrik , Wallin Göran
Published: January 2025

We investigated the mercury (Hg) concentration of the full range of needle age classes (NACs) in two conifers, nine NACs in Picea abies and fourteen in Abies pinsapo var. marocana, as well as three leaf age classes (LACs) in two broadleaved evergreen species, Trochodendron aralioides and Rhododendron catawbiense. Additionally, the Hg concentration of the wooden branch segments to which the NACs were attached in the two conifers was studied. Picea abies showed a continued Hg accumulation over all NACs, but with an age-dependent decline in the accumulation rate. In Abies pinsapo var. marocana, maximum needle concentrations of Hg were reached after eight years. The concentration remained constant for NACs 9–14, indicating that needles had become saturated with Hg. The Hg concentrations of the branch segments were much lower than those of the needles in the older NACs. Over the three LACs of Trochodendron aralioides and Rhododendron catawbiense there was a steady increase in concentration with a weak indication of a declining Hg uptake rate in older leaves. The average needle/leaf lifetime Hg uptake rate per year was only half that of broadleaved species across all NACs and LACs. We conclude that in conifers maintaining a larger number of NACs there is a decline of the Hg accumulation rate in older NACs. In future biogeochemical research (empirical and modelling) and biomonitoring studies, the age of sampled leaves needs to be considered to account for the age dependence of leaf Hg concentration and accumulation rate.
Magnetic resonance imaging safety in Asia-Oceania: call for action
Authors: Choorakuttil Rijo Mathew , Kan Elaine Yee Ling , Hallinan James Thomas Patrick Decourcy , Cuenza Tamara Razon , Ho Evelyn Lai Ming , Afrin Rawnak , Supakul Nucharin , Tomiyama Noriyuki , Chupetcharasopon Chamaree , Cho Danny Hing Yan , Ng Kwan Hoong
Published: January 2025

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) safety is a critical concern in the Asia-Oceania region, as it is elsewhere in the world, due to the unique and complex MRI environment that demands attention. This call-for-action outlines ten critical steps to enhance MRI safety and promote a culture of responsibility and accountability in the Asia-Oceania region. Key focus areas include strengthening education and expertise, improving quality assurance, fostering collaboration, increasing public awareness, and establishing national safety boards. By implementing these actions, we aim to significantly reduce MRI-related incidents and create a culture of safety across diverse healthcare settings in the Asia-Oceania Region.
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis
Authors: Bernhard Johannes , Galli Lukas , Speidl Walter S. , Krychtiuk Konstantin A.
Published: January 2025

Purpose of Review

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, characterized by hepatic steatosis with at least one cardiometabolic risk factor. Patients with MASLD are at increased risk for the occurrence of cardiovascular events. Within this review article, we aimed to provide an update on the pathophysiology of MASLD, its interplay with cardiovascular disease, and current treatment strategies.

Recent Findings

Given their high burden of cardiovascular comorbidities, patients with MASLD or MASH should undergo regular cardiovascular risk assessment using established risk models. In the absence of liver-specific therapies, therapeutic strategies should focus on improving cardiometabolic risk factors. Patients require a multimodal and multi-stakeholder treatment approach, including optimization of lifestyle, dysglycemia, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Statin treatment represents a safe and effective but often underused therapy in the management of at-risk patients with MASLD and MASH. Novel promising approaches include the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, especially in, but not limited to, patients with cardiovascular disease and obesity.

Patients with MASLD and MASH are at high cardiovascular risk requiring a multi-modal therapeutic approach including regular cardiovascular risk assessment, as well as lifestyle and pharmacological interventions. Statin therapy represents an inexpensive, safe and effective therapy across the spectrum of non-alcohol related steatotic liver diseases without major safety concerns. More prospective, randomized trials in patients with MASLD and MASH are needed.
Migrants’ Trust in the Swedish Migration Agency: Exploring Influencing Factors Through Large-Scale Survey Data
Authors: Schütze Carolin
Published: January 2025

Trust in institutions is an important component of political trust and trust in the society in which one lives. For most migrants, the Migration Agency (MA) is the first institution of contact in their new host country. This encounter helps shape how migrants perceive governmental systems. Very few studies have examined migrants’ trust in the MA. In particular, there is a lack of studies making use of directly surveying migrant populations. This article integrates theories of trust with literature on migrants’ social embeddedness in order to investigate the factors associated with having trust in the Swedish MA. To this end, original data from an online survey (N = 22.630) were examined. A stepwise logistic regression model was applied. As this article demonstrates for the first time, migrants’ experience of the MA’s institutional performance plays a major role in their trust in the MA. Moreover, respondents from countries with high perceived levels of government effectiveness also reported having more trust in the MA. Additionally, this article suggests that application group matters for migrants’ level of trust. The results show that asylum seekers have the lowest levels of trust compared to other application groups such as work permit and student visa. This article argues it is important to examine migrants’ trust in the MA because their view of this institution can influence their overall perception of their new host country.
Historical Gulfs, Strategic Bridges: A Pragmatic-Symbolic Analysis of the GSOMIA Between Japan and South Korea
Authors: Bronza Ron , Podoler Guy
Published: January 2025

In 2016, Japan and South Korea signed the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA)—the first military agreement between the two countries. The agreement called for the sharing of military intelligence concerning North Korea and its missile and nuclear programs. Despite numerous similarities between Japan and South Korea and their shared concerns, the process of signing the GSOMIA was strewn with controversies and setbacks that continue to haunt it long after the signing. This paper aims to understand the interplay between the pragmatic considerations and the symbolic meanings that affected the dynamics surrounding the GSOMIA. The analysis relies on a theoretical framework we offer by linking constructivism with collective memory theory. This approach, we argue, best explains why historical disputes have become extremely influential in Japan-South Korea relations, particularly during the GSOMIA process. It is also argued that, in such a context, the main advantage of the GSOMIA is its limited scope. The agreement is potentially a trust-building mechanism. By partially setting historical differences aside, both countries can build a stronger foundation for regional stability. This, in turn, can serve as a trust-building exercise within a larger process that could help them find an acceptable solution to their difficult shared past.
Aging effects on control ability: an ERP study using the AX continuous performance task in middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Lu Guo , Leng Tian , Chen Li-Ju , Yu Miao , Guan Tao , Liu Yang , Xu Wenhu , Li Dan , Wang Kuo-Pin
Published: January 2025

The dual mechanisms of control model (DMC model) assumes that aging leads to decline in proactive control and reactive control abilities in various aspects of daily life. However, the methods adopted by previous ERP studies limit their capacity to provide in-depth information on the aging effects of neural processes, such as N2 (reactive control), P3b, and CNV (proactive control). This study aims to clarify the aging effects on proactive control and reactive control by controlling additional (potentially confounding) variables (e.g., physical fitness level) and utilizing N2, CNV, and P3b to specify neural processes in the DMC model. To achieve this goal, a total of sixty-two middle-aged and fifty-nine older adults were recruited. Participants underwent the Senior Fitness Test to measure physical fitness level. Furthermore, participants were required to perform the AX-CPT task while ERPs were recorded. The results were primarily focused on the analysis of N2 in AY trials and the analysis of P3b and CNV in BX trials. Notably, older adults exhibited faster reaction times (RT) than middle-aged adults in AY trials. Conversely, in BX trials, older adults displayed slower RT compared with middle-aged adults. Furthermore, our findings indicated that older adults had higher CNV amplitude at the parietal region in comparison with middle-aged adults in BX trials. We suggest that older adults may tend to engage more attentional resources in avoiding the false alarm in AY trials. In contrast, middle-aged adults may engage in a predictive function that directs attention to a particular response in BX trials.