Search Results (32,996)

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects more than 100,000 people in the United States and 8 million people worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality and musculoskeletal (MSK) complications that contribute to functional disability. However, MRI-based characterization of musculoskeletal manifestations remains limited in high-prevalence regions, including the Middle East. This study aimed to review MRI findings of MSK manifestations in SCD patients and assess associations with clinical characteristics. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 96 patients with SCD who underwent MSK MRI between 2012 and 2022 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and imaging findings were reviewed. The prevalence and distribution of MSK complications were analyzed across age, gender, and BMI categories. Results: Of the 96 patients (47% males; 53% females; mean age 28.9 years), the hip was the most frequently scanned region (46%), followed by the leg, femur, shoulder, and knee. Bone infarction was the most common complication, observed in 57 patients (59.3%), and was more prevalent among older adults. Osteomyelitis was identified in 16 patients (16.7%), with higher rates in children and underweight individuals. Decreased bone marrow signal intensity was seen in 11 patients (11.4%), particularly in older age groups. Other findings and unremarkable scans each accounted for 6 cases (6.3%). Gender analysis showed broadly similar patterns, although decreased marrow signal intensity was more common in females. Conclusions: MRI is an effective imaging modality for detecting and differentiating MSK complications in SCD. Routine use of MRI in follow-up care is recommended to facilitate early diagnosis, guide management, and prevent long-term disability. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and establish MRI as a routine diagnostic tool for SCD. Full article

Low-permeability sandstone oil reservoirs, as an important type of oil and gas resource, feature high reservoir density and low permeability. The utilization of pore throats of different scales during their development process is crucial for enhancing oil recovery. Based on nuclear magnetic resonance and CT scanning techniques, this paper systematically studies the utilization limits and energy contribution of pore larynx under different displacement methods. The results show that during the water injection development process, the main pore–throat radius used by water flooding is between 1 and 20 μm. Among them, the contribution of the small pore tends to stabilize after the pressure rises to a certain stage, the contribution of the medium pore increases with the rise in pressure, while the contribution of the large pore gradually decreases with the increase in pressure. After switching to CO₂ gas flooding, the application range of the pore throat was further expanded to a smaller scale. The contribution of the small pore and the middle pore significantly increased in a specific pressure range, while the large pore made a greater contribution at a lower pressure. This paper has certain reference significance for the study of the limit and contribution of pore–throat exploitation in low-permeability sandstone oil reservoirs. Full article

Amidrapid advances in intelligent medicine, decoding brain activity from electroencephalogram (EEG) signals has emerged as a critical technical frontier for brain–computer interfaces and medical AI systems. Given the inherent spatial resolution limitations of an EEG, researchers frequently integrate functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to enhance neural activity representation. However, fMRI acquisition is inherently complex. Consequently, efforts increasingly focus on cross-modal transformation methods that map EEG signals to fMRI data, thereby extending EEG applications in neural mechanism studies. The central challenge remains generating high-fidelity fMRI images from EEG signals. To address this, we propose a diffusion model-based framework for cross-modal EEG-to-fMRI generation. To address pronounced noise contamination in electroencephalographic (EEG) signals acquired via simultaneous recording systems and temporal misalignments between EEGs and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we first apply Fourier transforms to EEG signals and perform dimensionality expansion. This constructs a spatiotemporally aligned EEG–fMRI paired dataset. Building on this foundation, we design an EEG encoder integrating a multi-layer recursive spectral attention mechanism with a residual architecture.In response to the limited dynamic mapping capabilities and suboptimal image quality prevalent in existing cross-modal generation research, we propose a diffusion-model-driven EEG-to-fMRI generation algorithm. This framework unifies the EEG feature encoder and a cross-modal interaction module within an end-to-end denoising U-Net architecture. By leveraging the diffusion process, EEG-derived features serve as conditional priors to guide fMRI reconstruction, enabling high-fidelity cross-modal image generation. Empirical evaluations on the resting-state NODDI dataset and the task-based XP-2 dataset demonstrate that our EEG encoder significantly enhances cross-modal representational congruence, providing robust semantic features for fMRI synthesis. Furthermore, the proposed cross-modal generative model achieves marked improvements in structural similarity, the root mean square error, and the peak signal-to-noise ratio in generated fMRI images, effectively resolving the nonlinear mapping challenge inherent in EEG–fMRI data. Full article

Immersive virtual reality (VR) offers promising approaches for engaging with difficult heritage and human rights issues, potentially fostering deeper emotional connections than traditional media. This paper presents a mixed-methods evaluation of Nobody’s Listening, a VR experience documenting the Yazidi genocide in Iraq (2014–2017). Employing a historical empathy framework, the study analyses pre- and post-experience surveys, interviews, and observational data from 127 non-Yazidi participants across five Iraqi cities. It contributes a replicable framework for evaluating immersive heritage experiences, assessing how VR can foster emotional engagement, raise human rights awareness, and inspire positive action. Findings reveal substantial impact across cognitive, emotional, and behavioral domains: 85% reported increased awareness of the genocide, 71% gained new knowledge of Yazidi culture, and over 80% experienced intense emotional reactions, including empathy, grief, and shock. When describing what impressed them most, 57% demonstrated historical empathy (including contextualization, perspective taking, and affective connection). Notably, 92% believed justice had not been served, with many expressing intentions to support advocacy. Our findings suggest that VR’s impact in post-conflict contexts stems not solely from immersion, but from resonance with participants’ own trauma histories—activating empathy through analogical recognition and collective memory. The study offers key design and ethical principles, including cultural specificity, survivor testimony, community consultation, and trauma-informed evaluation. These insights contribute to inclusive heritage interpretation, reconciliation, and human rights education. Full article

Unidirectional guided resonances (UGRs) in periodic metasurfaces have recently attracted research interest because of their ability to achieve unidirectional radiation in all-dielectric structures without metal reflectors, which offers new possibilities for efficient grating couplers and unidirectional lasers. Here, we propose a hybrid metasurface consisting of silicon and ${\mathrm{Ge}}_2{\mathrm{Sb}}_2{\mathrm{Te}}_5$ (GST) phase change material for controlled UGR generation in the mid-infrared region. Leveraging GST’s phase-change properties to modulate the optical response of the metasurface, we achieve tunable generation of the UGR, which is demonstrated to carry a topological charge of +1. Moreover, by adjusting the degree of GST phase transition, continuous tuning of the radiation asymmetry ratio from ${10}^4$ to 1 is achieved for a specific in-plane momentum and operating wavelength. These findings offer a promising avenue for dynamically controllable UGRs, with potential applications in tunable on-chip optical couplers and light sources. Full article

Background: Hereditary hyperferritinemia-cataract syndrome (HHCS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by persistently elevated serum ferritin and early-onset bilateral cataracts in the absence of systemic iron overload. It is caused by pathogenic variants in the iron-responsive element (IRE) of the FTL gene, leading to dysregulated L-ferritin synthesis. Methods: We evaluated a 12-year-old Czech girl with markedly elevated serum ferritin identified incidentally during workup for abdominal pain. Clinical assessment included biochemical, radiological, ophthalmological, and genetic testing of the proband and available family members. Results: Magnetic resonance imaging excluded systemic iron overload, while ophthalmological evaluation revealed bilateral cataracts. Family history indicated multiple affected relatives across three generations. Genetic testing confirmed a heterozygous FTL c.-168G>C variant. Additional screening for common HFE variants revealed heterozygous H63D in several family members, with no impact on ferritin or hepcidin levels. Beyond this case, we provide a comprehensive review of HHCS, including molecular mechanisms, an updated overview of reported FTL mutations, and ophthalmological features that distinguish HHCS cataracts from other congenital cataracts. Conclusions: This report underscores the translational relevance of combining molecular diagnostics, clinical evaluation, and family screening to improve recognition and management of HHCS, and to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary iron-depletion therapy. Full article

Background/Objectives: The cerebellum contributes to both motor and cognitive functions. As basketball requires the integration of these abilities, basketball athletes provide an ideal model for exploring cerebellar adaptations. This study aimed to examine multidimensional cerebellar adaptations in basketball athletes and their associations with physical performance. Methods: In this study, 55 high-level basketball athletes and 55 non-athletes matched for age and gender were recruited for multimodal magnetic resonance imaging data collection and physical fitness tests. We compared the structural and functional differences in the brain between the two groups and analyzed the correlations between regional brain indices and physical fitness test outcomes. Results: Basketball athletes exhibited increased gray matter volume in Crus I, alongside heightened ALFF signal in Crus I and improved regional homogeneity in Crus II and VII b compared to non-athletes. Diffusion kurtosis imaging analysis demonstrated that athletes perform elevated kurtosis fractional anisotropy and decreased radial kurtosis within the cerebellar cortex and peduncles, with cortical modifications mainly localized around Crus I and lobule VI. Notably, both kurtosis fractional anisotropy and the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations displayed positive correlations with vertical jump performance, an indicator specific to basketball ability. Conclusions: Basketball athletes exhibit structural, microstructural, and functional cerebellar adaptations, especially in Crus I. These modifications involve regions associated with motor and cognitive representations within the cerebellum, and part of the indexes are linked to the athletes’ physical performance. This study enhances our understanding of cerebellar adaptive changes in athletes, providing new insights for future research aimed at fully elucidating the role of the cerebellum in these individuals. Full article

Asian film displays a range of perspectives on ritual and political issues of contest and contestation. Using modified snowball and purposive sampling, film and some television is selected for the presence of ritual politics, political theater, and important Asian cultural, religious, and/or political perspectives. Some perspectives identified are localized, regional, or may have resonance (not representativeness) in many parts of Asia from Kazakhstan, Nepal, India, and eastward; a few preliminary observations are offered in this regard. The current work is an effort in cultural de-coding, and perhaps cultural translation, using qualitative content analysis, coding, and comparative historical–institutional analysis at the intersection of culture and politics. The argument is methodological (qualitative), encouraging political scientists and others with interests in cross-national, comparative, and international religion and politics to delve into thick description using international, foreign-language film as a (relatively unmined) source of cultural data and cultural, values-oriented, and political messaging. Ritual politics is treated herein as formal or informal ritual involving symbolic activities occurring in a religious, semi-religious, or secular context that is used for political purposes, in a political context, or to effect a political message. The current work is preliminary and is part of a larger project; it provides a preliminary spreadsheet of 24 out of over 100 canvassed films seeking to combine conceptual variables with binary coding. Full article

This study examines the swelling behaviour of nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) when interacting with tyre pyrolysis oils (TPO), with a focus on the chemical composition of TPO and their interaction with rubber matrices. Initially, a comparative analysis with conventional diesel fuel (DF) was performed using advanced analytical techniques, including two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (2D-GC/MS), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectroscopy. The analysis revealed that TPO contains a significantly higher proportion of aromatic hydrocarbons than DF, along with unsaturated and oxygen-containing compounds not present in DF. Based on these compositional differences, blends of TPO and DF were formulated and evaluated for their suitability as liquid energy carriers according to the specifications of DF. In principle, blends with an addition of up to 5 vol% TPO in DF are technically suitable for use as fuel. Subsequently, the sorption behaviour of TPO, DF, and their blends in NBR was investigated. The swelling potential was determined based on mass, density, and volume, and the changes in the hardness and tensile strength of NBR were recorded. The results demonstrate that TPO induces pronounced swelling in NBR, as evidenced by a marked increase in mass uptake and volume expansion. A linear increase was observed between the degree of swelling and the increasing TPO content in the blends. Mechanical property assessments revealed a corresponding decrease in the hardness and tensile strength of NBR upon exposure to TPO, with the most severe effects associated with neat TPO. This work provides a comprehensive assessment of TPO as a potential blend component for DF. It highlights the need for careful consideration of material compatibility in practical applications. Full article

We developed a model to predict the quality of fresh goji berries during storage by analyzing the correlations of their dielectric properties. The variations in these properties with storage temperature, time, and frequency were systematically characterized to inform the model. Leveraging these relationships, we developed a model to predict quality. The analysis integrated measurements of dielectric properties with assessments of texture and key physicochemical indicators. Results indicate that dielectric parameters exhibit significant frequency dependence. Complex impedance (Z), capacitance (Cp), and resistance (Rp) all decreased sharply with increasing frequency, with the most pronounced change observed in Cp. Conductance, G, and reactance, X, increased with frequency, reaching maximum increases of 360.86% and 87.79%, respectively. Under the specific test frequency of 163,280 Hz, a strong polynomial relationship was observed between the dielectric parameters and storage time, with all fitted models yielding ${\mathit{R}}_{adj}^2$ values above 0.94. The quality factor Q (a dimensionless number for the energy efficiency of a resonant circuit or medium) showed a near-perfect correlation with brittleness, while reactance, X, was correlated with springiness and cohesiveness, with correlation coefficients approaching 0.999 under the optimal test frequency. The constructed ANN model demonstrated high prediction accuracy for hardness, brittleness, elasticity, cohesiveness, chewiness, and soluble solids content (R² > 0.97, MSE < 5%) but performed poorly in predicting adhesiveness, stickiness, and rebound elasticity (R² < 0.9). The constructed LSSVM model showed good prediction performance for some indicators (hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, and SSC) (R² > 0.94), but its prediction accuracy was low for brittleness and chewiness (R² < 0.9). Overall, its performance and generalization ability were inferior to the ANN model. This study shows that ANN models based on dielectric properties establish a technical foundation for the non-destructive, automated monitoring of goji berry storage quality, thereby providing a critical tool for dynamic quality tracking and value assessment within integrated warehouse management systems. Full article

This article investigates the use of bent metal strips on the top of a SiO₂ layer for the suppression of spurious modes in temperature-compensated surface acoustic wave (TC-SAW) resonators employing a SiO₂/Cu/128°YX-LiNbO₃ structure. The proposed metal strip method includes two parts: a primary metal strip located at the edge of the interdigital transducer (IDT) aperture region and a secondary metal strip in the gap region. The impact of the geometric parameters of bent metal strips was calculated by the 3D finite element method (FEM), and theoretical simulation results show that this method can effectively suppress the transverse modes and mitigate the gap modes originating from the gap region in conventional TC-SAW resonators. Furthermore, experimental validation further confirms that the proposed method can effectively suppress nearly all spurious modes without degrading the performance of the quality factor. Full article

The Middle Jurassic Lianggaoshan and Shaximiao Formations are the primary crude oil reservoirs in the central Sichuan Basin, offering significant resource potential. However, studies on reservoir characterization across different lithologies remain limited. This study focuses on fluvial–deltaic sandstones, siltstones, and lacustrine shales, analyzing pore types, structures, pore size distribution, and connectivity using various methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), thin-section analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-pressure mercury injection, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The results show that sandstones exhibit the largest pore space, followed by siltstones, while shales have the smallest pore space. These reservoirs are relatively tight, with poor connectivity and high heterogeneity. Sandstone reservoirs, with their high quartz content, represent high-quality reservoirs because of their relatively good connectivity. Therefore, areas with well-developed natural fractures in sandstone are considered high-quality targets. For nanoscale reservoirs in siltstone and shale, horizontal fracturing is essential to improve reservoir properties, provided that source–reservoir matching is adequate. This study offers a detailed reservoir characterization across different lithologies, providing new insights for the optimization of favorable crude oil zones in the central Sichuan Basin. Full article

This article proposes a reading of A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) as the spiritual swan song of Stanley Kubrick, even though it was completed posthumously by Steven Spielberg. Conceived and developed by Kubrick from the 1970s until the late 1990s, the film emerges as a profound meditation on life, death, and the persistence of memory—one that continues to resonate through another author’s hand. It stands as a singular case of authorial transmission, where Spielberg’s intervention operates less as completion than as curatorship: the act of listening to, translating, and preserving a vision projected beyond its creator’s lifetime. Beyond its production history, which includes Kubrick’s long collaboration with writer Ian Watson, the early story treatments, and Spielberg’s eventual reinterpretation of Kubrick’s design materials and narrative architecture, this essay advances a philosophical reflection on A.I. as a mediated testamentary work. Drawing on the thoughts of Paul Ricoeur, Jacques Derrida, and Maurice Blanchot, it examines how questions of authorship, memory, and narrative closure intersect with the film’s ontological and affective dimensions. Through these lenses, A.I. reveals itself as both an allegory of survival and a reflection on artistic legacy—suggesting that a swan song may endure beyond its maker, preserved through the curatorship and imagination of another. Full article

Analysis of nonlinear plasma waves, formulated and applied for ionospheric HF heating experiments, indicates that Langmuir/upper hybrid waves excited by parametric instabilities can evolve into traveling solitary waves accompanied by self-induced cavitons. To explore these cavitons, a digisonde operating in fast mode was utilized. Significant results were observed in ionograms recorded two minutes after the activation of the O-mode heater. These ionograms displayed two distinct bumps in the virtual height spread, located slightly below both the HF reflection height and the upper hybrid resonance height. It is notable that these heights are also slightly below the excitation regions where Langmuir/upper hybrid Parametric Decay Instabilities (PDIs) are typically generated by an O-mode HF heater. These observations correlate with the theory and provide valuable insights into the dynamics of nonlinear plasma waves and their interaction with the ionosphere during HF heating experiments. Full article

Despite the improvement in prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), a significant proportion of survivors still experience heart failure (HF)-related adverse outcomes. Adverse left ventricular remodeling (LVR), which refers to a progressive dilation of left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, usually accompanied by a deterioration in LV systolic function, occurs frequently and underlies most cases of HF development after AMI. In this review, we discuss the current definitions of post-AMI LVR, the most appropriate imaging modalities for its detection, and the pathophysiological mechanisms by which Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) can improve LVR—including exercise interventions, cardiovascular risk factors control, and pharmacological therapy optimization. Finally, we provide up-to-date recommendations for the follow-up and management of LVR in post-AMI patients enrolled in CR and outline future prospects on this topic. Full article