Search Results (99)

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a valuable tool for presurgical brain mapping, traditionally implemented with task-based paradigms (tb-fMRI) that measure blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal changes during controlled motor or cognitive tasks. Tb-fMRI is a well-established tool for non-invasive localization of cortical eloquent areas, yet its dependence on patient cooperation and intact cognition limits use in individuals with aphasia, cognitive impairment, or in pediatric and other vulnerable populations. Resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) provides a task-free alternative by leveraging spontaneous low-frequency BOLD fluctuations to delineate intrinsic functional networks, including motor and language systems that show good spatial concordance with tb-fMRI and with direct cortical stimulation. This narrative review outlines the methodological foundations of tb-fMRI and rs-fMRI, comparing acquisition protocols, preprocessing and denoising pipelines, analytic approaches, and validation strategies relevant to presurgical planning. Particular emphasis is given to the technical and physiological foundations of BOLD imaging, statistical modeling, and the influence of motion, noise, and standardization on data reliability. Emerging evidence indicates that rs-fMRI can reliably expand mapping to patients with limited task compliance and may serve as a robust complementary modality in complex clinical contexts, though its methodological heterogeneity and absence of unified practice guidelines currently constrain widespread adoption. Future advances in harmonized preprocessing, multicenter validation, and integration with connectomics and machine learning frameworks are likely to be critical for translating rs-fMRI into routine, reliable presurgical workflows. Full article

This study focuses on the transfer of architectural facade styles. Using the node-based visual deep learning platform ComfyUI, the system integrates the Flux Redux and Flux Depth models to establish a modular workflow. This workflow achieved style transfer of building facades guided by deep perception, encompassing key stages such as style feature extraction, depth information extraction, positive prompt input, and style image generation. The core innovation of this study lies in two aspects: Methodologically, a modular low-code visual workflow has been established. Through the coordinated operation of different modules, it ensures the visual stability of architectural forms during style conversion. In response to the novel challenges posed by generative AI in altering architectural forms, the evaluation framework innovatively introduces a “semantic inheritance degree” assessment system. This elevates the evaluation perspective beyond traditional “geometric similarity” to a new level of “semantic and imagery inheritance.” It should be clarified that the framework proposed by this research primarily provides innovative tools for architectural education, early design exploration, and visualization analysis. This workflow introduces an efficient “style-space” cognitive and generative tool for teaching architectural design. Students can use this tool to rapidly conduct comparative experiments to generate multiple stylistic facades, intuitively grasping the intrinsic relationships among different styles and architectural volumes/spatial structures. This approach encourages bold formal exploration and deepens understanding of architectural formal language. Full article

This study examines the socio-demographic characteristics, rice production practices, and breeding preferences of farmers across three major rice-growing regions of Vietnam: the Mekong Delta, Central Vietnam, and North Vietnam. A survey of 109 rice farmers captured information on cultivation status, livelihood activities, and preferred breeding traits for rice improvement. The results reveal clear regional differentiation in farm structure, production objectives, and varietal preferences. Rice farming in the Mekong Delta is predominantly commercially oriented, characterized by larger landholdings and greater male participation, whereas rice production in Central and Northern Vietnam is more subsistence-oriented, with higher female involvement. Farmers across regions consistently valued locally adapted rice varieties, but articulated region-specific trait priorities shaped by agro-ecological conditions. In the Mekong Delta, preferences emphasized soft grain quality and salinity tolerance, reflecting coastal production constraints. In Central Vietnam, farmers prioritized heat tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases, while in Northern Vietnam, cold tolerance and grain quality attributes, including aroma and harder texture, were most important. Major biotic stresses, particularly blast and bacterial blight, also showed significant regional variation in reported incidence. By linking these region-specific preferences to clearly defined Target Populations of Environments (TPEs), this study provides a practical framework for aligning breeding targets with real-world production conditions. The findings offer actionable guidance for participatory breeding and decentralized varietal evaluation under the Biodiversity for Opportunities, Livelihoods, and Development (BOLD) initiative, as well as other rice improvement programs. To our knowledge, this represents the first multi-region evidence from Vietnam that systematically integrates agro-ecological variation with a TPE-based breeding approach, supporting the development of climate-resilient, farmer-preferred rice varieties and more sustainable rice production systems. Full article

DNA barcode sequences remain unavailable for many species of Mexican Coleoptera. This study presents the first COI barcode records for four saproxylophagous beetle species (Coleoptera: Buprestidae, Cerambycidae) from the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, Mexico: Acmaeodera scalaris, Placosternus erythropus, Parevander xanthomelas, and Stenaspis castaneipennis. The sequences, together with their associated metadata, were deposited in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) under the project Oaxaca Central Valley Insect Diversity (OCVID). A. scalaris is newly barcoded for Mexico, while the other three species are newly represented in global barcode databases. The P. xanthomelas barcode differs by approximately 8% from a GenBank sequence labeled with the same name, suggesting either a misidentified reference or a cryptic mitochondrial lineage. These data expand the molecular reference coverage for Neotropical Buprestidae and Cerambycidae and highlight the need for additional taxonomic work to refine species boundaries within Cerambycidae. Full article

Background: Orchids of the Masdevallia genus are characterized by their beautiful esthetic qualities. However, they are vulnerable to habitat destruction, illegal harvesting, tourism and climate change. These extinction threats have led to the listing of all Masdevallia species in Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and their selection by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Orchids are sold in various forms, e.g., stems or tubers, rendering them impossible to identify based on morphology alone. DNA barcoding is a method that enables reliable identification of organisms using DNA barcodes, and it offers an excellent solution to the need for efficient identification of Masdevallia orchids. The aim of this study was to determine the most effective locus for DNA barcode identification of Masdevallia orchids in order to develop a quick and practical identification method for this genus. Such a method can be used by CITES verification authorities to detect illegal trade. This is the first focused study to validate a DNA barcoding protocol for Masdevallia for CITES enforcement purposes. Methods: Three genetic regions were analyzed: matK, rbcL, and ITS. The effectiveness of identification was verified based on results obtained from the new version of the BOLD Systems v.5 reference database. Results: Although Masdevallia is not well represented in this database, successful identification to the genus level was achieved. Conclusions: The highest identification efficiency at the genus level was achieved for the ITS region (91%). Full article

Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) can be used to monitor and provide real-time feedback on brain signals, directly influencing external systems, such as virtual environments (VE), to support self-regulation. We piloted a novel immersive, first-person shooting BCI-VE during which the avatars’ movement speed was directly influenced by neural activity in the supplementary motor area (SMA). Previous analyses revealed behavioral and localized neural effects for active versus reduced contingency neurofeedback in a randomized controlled trial design. However, the modeling of neural dynamics during such complex tasks challenges traditional event-related approaches. To overcome this limitation, we employed a data-driven framework utilizing group-level independent networks derived from BOLD-specific components of the multi-echo fMRI data obtained during the BCI regulation. Individual responses were estimated through dual regression. The spatial independent components corresponded to established cognitive networks and task-specific networks related to gaming actions. Compared to reduced contingency neurofeedback, active regulation induced significantly elevated fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) in a frontoparietal control network, and spatial reweighting of a salience/ventral attention network, with stronger expression in SMA, prefrontal cortex, inferior parietal lobule, and occipital regions. These findings underscore the distributed network engagement of BCI regulation during a behavioral task in an immersive virtual environment. Full article

DNA barcoding is an effective method for species identification, but its practical application, as implemented in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD), faces numerous challenges. In our work, we conducted an empirical test of this approach using butterflies of the Volga River region in eastern Europe as a model system. We demonstrate that DNA barcoding is a powerful tool for identifying species clusters of the local fauna studied. However, assigning the identified clusters to scientific species names using BOLD was problematic for more than half of the species analyzed. The reasons for these problems are numerous errors in (1) species and even (2) generic identifications of DNA barcodes in the BOLD database (30% and 26% of all problematic cases, respectively), (3) similarity of DNA barcodes in different species (22%), (4) unresolved taxonomic problems associated with the species names that BOLD suggests as identifications (18%), (5) anomalous barcodes (2%), and (6) incompleteness of the BOLD database (2%). Solving problems 1, 2 and 5 requires improving the DNA barcode curation system and minimization of the identification errors in the BOLD database. Problems 3 and 6 can be partly solved by accumulating DNA barcodes, especially barcodes of local faunas, since populations of different species with identical DNA barcodes often have non-overlapping areas. Problem 4 is the most difficult and requires further intensive taxonomic research to solve it. Full article

Hydropower plants have significant impacts on aquatic biodiversity, particularly on migratory fish species. Effectively managing these impacts requires a comprehensive understanding of fish reproduction and recruitment within altered river systems, which can be assessed through ichthyoplankton studies. However, traditional morphological methods for identifying fish eggs and larvae present considerable challenges due to morphological ambiguity and developmental constraints. In this study, we applied DNA barcoding to characterize the ichthyoplankton community within a relictual lotic stretch downstream of the Capivara Dam, located on the Paranapanema River in Southern Brazil. Cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene sequences from 79 samples were compared against the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) and GenBank databases, resulting in successful species-level identification for all samples, each exhibiting around 99.8% similarity. The identified specimens comprised eight species, six genera, four families, and two orders. Species from the order Siluriformes accounted for 60.5% of the total abundance, predominantly including migratory species such as Pimelodus ornatus, Pimelodus maculatus, Leporinus friderici, and Pinirampus pirinampu, the latter a species rarely observed in the basin. These findings highlight the importance of lotic stretches as spawning grounds and emphasize the need for their conservation. DNA barcoding proved to be an efficient method for species identification, providing essential data for environmental assessments and conservation strategies targeting local fish populations. Full article

Currently, microalgae cultivation requires strategies to improve yield and reduce production costs for biotechnological purposes. Dual-purpose systems are one of the most widely used strategies for these purposes, using culture media supplemented with wastewater. This study evaluated the growth of a microalgal consortium in three treatments with different proportions of dairy wastewater (WWDI) and synthetic BBM-3N medium (Bold Basal Medium), with the aim of optimizing biomass, chlorophyll, and lipid production. The treatment with 60% BBM-3N medium and 40% WWDI (Case 3) showed the best performance under experimental conditions, reaching a biomass concentration of 0.7543 g/L, a chlorophyll production of 10.6890 µg/mL, and a lipid content of 14.63%. These results exceeded those obtained in the cases with 100% BBM-3N or 100% WWDI. In addition, a techno-economic evaluation was carried out via SuperPro Designer simulation, which allowed the annual operating costs for each treatment to be estimated. Case 3 stood out as the most viable option, combining good biological performance with lower operating costs compared to the raw material, demonstrating the potential of using wastewater as a partial source of nutrients in microalgal cultures intended for the production of value-added products. Full article

Memory is a fundamental neurological function, essential for animal survival. Over the course of vertebrate evolution, elaborations in the forebrain telencephalon created new memory mechanisms, meaning basal vertebrates such as amphibians must have a less sophisticated system of memory acquisition, storage, and retrieval than the well-known hippocampal-based circuitry of mammals. Personality also appears to be a fundamental vertebrate trait and is generally defined as consistent individual behavior over time and across life history stages. In anuran amphibians (frogs), personality studies generally ask whether adult frogs retain the personality of their tadpole stage or whether personality shifts with metamorphosis, an idea behavioral ecologists term adaptive decoupling. Using a multidisciplinary perspective and recognizing there are ~7843 species of frogs, each with some molecular, morphological, physiological, or behavioral feature that makes it unique, we review, clarify, and provide perspective on what we collectively know about memory and personality and their mechanisms in anuran amphibians. We propose four working hypotheses: (1) as tadpoles grow, new telencephalic neurons become integrated into functional networks, producing behaviors that become more sophisticated with age; (2) since carnivores tend to be more bold/aggressive than herbivores, carnivorous anuran adults will be more aggressive than herbivorous tadpoles; (3) each amphibian species, and perhaps life history stage, will have a set point on the Shy–Bold Continuum; and (4) around this set point there will be a range of individual responses. We also suggest that several factors are slowing our understanding of the variety and depth of memory and personality possibilities in anurans. These include the scala natura approach to comparative studies (i.e., the idea that one frog represents all frogs); the assumption that amphibians are no more than simple reflex machines; that study species tend to be chosen more for convenience than taxonomic representation; and that studies are designed to prove or disprove a construct. This latter factor is a particular hindrance because what we are really seeking as scientists is not the confirmation or refutation of ideas, but rather what those ideas are intended to produce, which is understanding. Full article

Madagascar harbors a rich marine biodiversity, yet detailed knowledge of its fish species remains limited. Of the 1689 species listed in 2018, only 22% had accessible cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequences in public databases. In response to growing pressure on fishery resources, this study aims to strengthen biodiversity monitoring tools. Its objectives were to enrich the COI database for Malagasy marine fishes, create the first 12S reference library, and evaluate the taxonomic resolution of different 12S metabarcodes for eDNA analysis, namely MiFish, Teleo1, AcMDB, Ac12S, and 12SF1/R1. An integrated approach combining morphological, molecular, and phylogenetic analyses was applied for specimen identification of fish captured using various types of fishing gear in Toliara and Ranobe Bays from 2018 to 2023. The Malagasy COI database now includes 2146 sequences grouped into 502 Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) from 82 families, with 14 BINs newly added to BOLD (The Barcode of Life Data Systems), and 133 cryptic species. The 12S library comprises 524 sequences representing 446 species from 78 families. Together, the genetic datasets cover 514 species from 84 families, with the most diverse being Labridae, Apogonidae, Gobiidae, Pomacentridae, and Carangidae. However, the two markers show variable taxonomic resolution: 67 species belonging to 35 families were represented solely in the COI dataset, while 10 species from nine families were identified exclusively in the 12S dataset. For 319 species with complete 12S gene sequences associated with COI BINs (Barcode Index Numbers), 12S primer sets were used to evaluate the taxonomic resolution of five 12S metabarcodes. The MiFish marker proved to be the most effective, with an optimal similarity threshold of 98.5%. This study represents a major step forward in documenting and monitoring Madagascar’s marine biodiversity and provides a valuable genetic reference for future environmental DNA (eDNA) applications. Full article

The increasing incidence of osteoporotic fractures determines ongoing research on new methods and strategies for improving the difficult healing process of this type of fracture. Osteoporotic patients suffer from the intense side effects of accustomed drug treatment and its systemic distribution in the body. To overcome these drawbacks, besides searching for new drugs, 3D-printed scaffolds and drug delivery systems have started to be increasingly seen as the main strategy employed against osteoporosis. Three-dimensionally printed scaffolds can be tailored in intricate designs and make use of nanoscale topographical and biochemical cues able to enhance bone tissue regeneration. Research regarding drug delivery systems is exploring bold new ways of targeting bone tissue, making use of designs involving nanoparticles and intricate encapsulation and support methods. The local administration of treatment with the help of a scaffold-based drug delivery system looks like the best option through its use of the advantages of both structures. Biomimetic systems are considered the future norm in the field, while stimuli-responsiveness opens the door for the next level of efficiency, patient compliance, and a drastic reduction in side effects. The successful approval of these products still requires numerous challenges throughout the development and regulatory processes, but the interest and effort in this direction are high. This review explored various strategies for managing osteoporosis, emphasizing the use of scaffolds for targeted drug delivery to bone tissue. Instead of covering the whole subject, we focused on the most important aspects, with the intention to provide an up-to-date and useful introduction to the management of osteoporosis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition that includes symptoms of hyperalgesia and has an unknown etiology. This study aimed to further investigate the underlying neural signaling mechanisms and their relation to observed blood oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) signal increases at the onset of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) runs. Methods: The possible neural mechanisms were first explored by reviewing the current literature. The second component of this study involved a voxel-by-voxel analysis of BOLD responses in all regions of the brain. The fMRI data were obtained from a previous study of participants with and without fibromyalgia during fMRI runs involving either a noxious heat pain stimulus or no stimulus. Results: The literature review indicates that no single factor can explain the initial BOLD signal rise observed in FM but that there are likely multiple interacting influences. These include physiological dysregulation via mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cytokine activity, and may involve the sympathetic nervous system. The analysis of BOLD responses demonstrated that the initial BOLD rises occur specifically in gray matter regions and are largest in regions involved with pain processing, including the right insular cortex and periaqueductal gray region. Moreover, the BOLD rise is significantly larger in people with FM prior to the application of a noxious stimulus. Conclusions: The initial rise in BOLD response demonstrates heightened metabolic demand that is exaggerated in people with FM. It appears to be influenced by cognitive factors such as anticipation and may reflect neural dysregulation, possibly involving autonomic signaling. Full article

Tetrigidae is one of the largest orthopteran families, but very few studies so far have integrated molecular and morphological data. Unsurprisingly, few species have been DNA barcoded, and the unresolved taxonomy makes Tetrigidae a difficult group to work with. Here, we examined a sample of 90 specimens collected as a part of the Costa Rican DNA barcoding project and identified 20 species assigned to 24 BINs, among which are 8 newly described species: Scaria bimaculata sp. nov., Lophotettix semicristatus sp. nov., Otumba auricarinata sp. nov., Otumba tenuis sp. nov., Otumba ignicula sp. nov., Metrodora mollilobata sp. nov., Metrodora ala sp. nov., and Platythorus inabsolutus sp. nov. We found that coloration and lateral lobe shape are species-specific among the examined species of Batrachideinae and Metrodorinae and that Lophotettiginae and Metrodora might be more closely related than previously assumed. Full article

Jason Allen-Paisant in Self-Portrait as Othello moves unflinchingly through complex histories and genealogies that widen to include Jamaica, Venice, Italy, France, and elsewhere and to locate the duppy manifestations of an unburied past in the pervasive precariousness of Black life. Across his poems, he tracks the chaotic reverberations of intergenerational traumas that persist across time, space and collective memory. This paper contends that the poet, through his use of allusion evident in his grafting and borrowings of other stories, literary syncretism, the symbolism of foreignness and its mysterious power, back and forth journeys through Europe and into homelands (Jamaica), procures an integrated circuit of Black meaning and kindred relations. This interconnectedness lays bare the sociohistorical conditions that have and continue to circumscribe and assault Black lives and deconstructs the perpetuity of anti-Black systems in the modern Western world. For all his worldly travels, the poet-narrator situates himself in an interstitial zone where each crossroad leads to new possibilities and affirmative energy. Allen-Paisant thus offers a way to reconcile a vicious history of Black xenophobia while procuring moments and processes to make peace with rupturous spaces, which necessitates a return to his homeland. However, homecoming complicates the search for self and the idea of return draws him into a dialogue with the fragmented inheritances of his past. He ultimately achieves coherence and fresh understandings through images of sterility and barrenness which he re-purposes as a foundation to make bold leaps of faith across uncertain chasms. This paper thus argues that for the poet of the African diaspora, who aspires to recover a long and complex spiritual history, the interface between domestic and international dramas highlights the luminous transcendence embodied in the journey along complicated routes and the steadfast pursuit of ideas that illuminate the deepest insights about identity, culture and the Black experience. Full article