Search Results (521)

Background: Trait convergence or parallelism is widely seen across the animal and plant kingdoms. For example, the evolution of eyes in cephalopods and vertebrate lineages, wings in bats and insects, or shark and dolphin body shapes are examples of convergent evolution. Such traits develop as a function of environmental pressures or opportunities that lead to similar outcomes despite the independent origins of underlying tissues, cells, and gene transcriptional patterns. Our current understanding of the molecular processes underlying these phenomena is gene-centric and focuses on how convergence involves the recruitment of novel genes, the recombination of gene products, and the duplication and divergence of genetic substrates. Scope: Despite the independent origins of a given trait, these model organisms still possess some form of epigenetic processes conserved in eukaryotes that mediate gene-by-environment interactions. These traits evolve under similar environmental pressures, so attention should be given to plastic molecular processes that shape gene function along these evolutionary paths. Key Mechanisms: Here, we propose that epigenetic processes such as histone-modifying machinery are essential in mediating the dialog between environment and gene function, leading to trait convergence across disparate lineages. We propose that epigenetic modifications not only mediate gene-by-environment interactions but also bias the distribution of de novo mutations and recombination, thereby channeling evolutionary trajectories toward convergence. An inclusive view of the epigenetic landscape may provide a parsimonious understanding of trait evolution. Full article

We present a Lobster Eye (LE) X-ray optics module utilizing Multi-Foil Optics (MFO) technology. Designed for CubeSat-class missions, the system is based on the Schmidt arrangement and consists of two orthogonally oriented submodules composed of smooth, gold-coated glass foils. This configuration enables wide-field X-ray imaging with a short focal length of 400 mm and a characteristic cross-shaped focal spot. Key optical parameters, including focal length, full width at half maximum (FWHM), angular resolution, field of view (FOV), and effective area, have been experimentally verified in a vacuum setup using various X-ray sources and detectors. The Lobster Eye (LE) X-ray optics is ready for integration into a CubeSat demonstrator. Full article

Background/Objectives: The anatomical complexity of the auricular region poses a unique challenge for contact interventional radiotherapy (IRT, modern brachytherapy), especially in maintaining close conformity between the applicator and skin surface. Air gaps can arise due to the irregular shape of the ear, potentially compromising dose coverage. This study evaluates the dosimetric impact of air gaps in HDR IRT for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) of the ear. Methods: Ten patients treated with contact IRT using alginate as supporting material were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment plans were recalculated using both the TG-43 and the TG-186 formalism. CTV coverage and organ-at-risk dose parameters were evaluated within the two formalisms. Results: CTV coverage was comparable between algorithms (mean V95% 96.2% vs. 94.4%, V100% 89.6% vs. 86.7%, and V150% 2.6% vs. 2.5% for TG-43 vs. TG-186; p > 0.05), while the ipsilateral eye D2cc decreased from 4.0% (TG-43) to 3.2% (TG-186). In silico simulations showed that increasing air gaps reduced skin dose progressively (up to ~15% at 5 mm), whereas alginate thickness produced only a mild dose increase (<5%) across the tested range. Overall, small air pockets (<1 mm) did not substantially alter global dosimetric metrics, although local underdosage may occur at gap locations. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of accounting for material heterogeneities and geometric uncertainties in anatomically complex regions through advanced dose calculation algorithms. Full article

Successful reading comprehension depends on many factors, including text genre. Eye-tracking studies indicate that genre shapes eye movement patterns at a local level. Although the reading of expository and narrative texts by adolescents has been described in the literature, the reading of poetry by adolescents remains understudied. In this study, we used scanpath analysis to examine how genre and comprehension level influence global eye movement strategies in adolescents (N = 44). Thus, the novelty of this study lies in the use of scanpath analysis to measure global eye movement strategies employed by adolescents while reading narrative, expository, and poetic texts. Two distinct reading patterns emerged: a forward reading pattern (linear progression) and a regressive reading pattern (frequent lookbacks). Readers tended to use regressive patterns more often with expository and poetic texts, while forward patterns were more common with a narrative text. Comprehension level also played a significant role, with readers with a higher level of comprehension relying more on regressive patterns for expository and poetic texts. The results of this experiment suggest that scanpaths effectively capture genre-driven differences in reading strategies, underscoring how genre expectations may shape visual processing during reading. Full article

Although widely used across disciplines, the terms emotion and feeling remain conceptually ambiguous, particularly within developmental science. Emotion is defined as an evolutionarily conserved, biologically embedded system of action readiness and intersubjective communication, shaped by attentional, neural, and physiological reactivity to environmental salience. In contrast, feeling is conceptualized as the consciously experienced, representational outcome of emotional activation, emerging through cognitive appraisal and symbolic processing. Building upon this distinction, the review explores how emotion develops within parent–child dyads through coregulated neurocognitive and psychophysiological mechanisms. Drawing on empirical evidence from eye-tracking studies of visual attention to emotional faces, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) research on social-emotional activation in prefrontal brain regions, and cortisol-based assessments of hormonal synchrony, the paper highlights how emotional attunement and transmission are embedded in early caregiving interactions. The review also emphasizes the moderating role of environmental sensitivity—both in children and parents—in shaping these developmental pathways. By positioning emotion as a dynamic, intersubjective process and feeling as its emergent experiential correlate, this review offers a novel developmental framework for understanding affect and proposes directions for future research on resilience, dysregulation, and intervention. Full article

Three-wave resonant interaction equations can model nonlinear dynamics in many fields, e.g., fluids, optics, and plasma. Rogue waves, i.e., modes algebraically localized in both space and time, are obtained analytically. The aim of this paper is to study degenerate three-wave resonant interaction equations, where two out of the three interacting wave packets have identical group velocities. Physically, degenerate resonance typically occurs for dispersion relation, possessing many branches, e.g., internal waves in a continuously stratified fluid. Here, the Nth-order rogue wave solutions for this dynamical model are presented. Based on these solutions, we examine the effects of the group velocity on the width and structural profiles of the rogue waves. The width of the rogue waves exhibit a linear increase as the group velocity increases, a feature well-correlated with the prediction made using modulation instability. In terms of structural profiles, first-order rogue waves display ‘four-petal’ and ‘eye-shaped’ patterns. Second-order rogue waves can reveal intriguing configurations, e.g., ‘butterfly’ patterns and triplets. To ascertain the robustness of these modes, numerical simulations with random initial conditions were performed. Sequences of localized modes resembling these analytical rogue waves were observed. A spectral jump was observed, with the jump broadening in the case of rogue wave triplets. Furthermore, we predict new rogue waves based on information from two existing ones obtained using the deep learning technique in the context of rogue wave triplets. This predictive model holds potential applications in ocean engineering. Full article

We present the eyeglass-type switch, an eyeglass-mounted eye/blink switch designed for nurse-call operation by people with severe motor impairments, with a particular focus on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The system targets real-world bedside constraints—low illumination at night, supine posture, and network-independent operation—by combining near-infrared (NIR) LED illumination with an NIR eye camera and executing all processing on a small, GPU-free computer. A two-stage convolutional pipeline estimates eight periocular landmarks and the pupil center; eye-closure is detected either by a binary classifier or by an angle criterion derived from landmarks, which also skips pupil estimation during closure. User intent is determined by crossing a caregiver-tunable “off-area” around neutral gaze, implemented as rectangular or sector shapes. Four output modes—single, continuous, long-press, and hold-to-activate—are supported for both oculomotor and eyelid inputs. Safety is addressed via relay-based electrical isolation from the nurse-call circuit and audio feedback for state indication. The prototype runs at 18 fps on commodity hardware. In feature-point evaluation, mean errors were 2.84 pixels for landmarks and 1.33 pixels for the pupil center. In a bedside task with 12 healthy participants, the system achieved $F=0.965$ in single mode and $F=0.983$ in hold-to-activate mode; blink-only input yielded $F=0.993$. Performance was uniformly high for right/left/up and eye-closure cues, with lower recall for downward gaze due to eyelid occlusion, suggesting camera placement or threshold tuning as remedies. The results indicate that the proposed switch provides reliable, low-burden nurse-call control under nighttime conditions and offers a practical input option for emergency alerts and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) workflows. Full article

Background: Visual impairment remains a critical public health challenge, and diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. Early stages of the disease are particularly difficult to identify, as lesions are subtle, expert review is time-consuming, and conventional diagnostic workflows remain subjective. Methods: To address these challenges, we propose a novel Pixel-Attention W-shaped (PAW-Net) deep learning framework that integrates a Lesion-Prior Cross Attention (LPCA) module with a W-shaped encoder–decoder architecture. The LPCA module enhances pixel-level representation of microaneurysms, hemorrhages, and exudates, while the dual-branch W-shaped design jointly performs lesion segmentation and disease severity grading in a single, clinically interpretable pass. The framework has been trained and validated using DDR and a preprocessed Messidor + EyePACS dataset, with APTOS-2019 reserved for external, out-of-distribution evaluation. Results: The proposed PAW-Net framework achieved robust performance across severity levels, with an accuracy of 98.65%, precision of 98.42%, recall (sensitivity) of 98.83%, specificity of 99.12%, F1-score of 98.61%, and a Dice coefficient of 98.61%. Comparative analyses demonstrate consistent improvements over contemporary architectures, particularly in accuracy and F1-score. Conclusions: The PAW-Net framework generates interpretable lesion overlays that facilitate rapid triage and follow-up, exhibits resilience under domain shift, and maintains an efficient computational footprint suitable for telemedicine and mobile deployment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Optical coherence tomography (OCT)-reflective drusen substructures (ODSs) are associated with the conversion of intermediate AMD to geographic atrophy (GA). However, ODSs must be manually identified, a laborious process introducing bias and variation. This study proposes objective radiomic metrics of drusen phenotypes and validates them for the prediction of GA development and GA growth rate. Methods: A total of 104 drusen with high-reflective cores (H-type), 105 with low-reflective cores (L-type), 129 conical drusen (C-type), and 101 normal drusen (N-type) were segmented from OCT images. Radiomic features were extracted from these drusen, and the most important features for drusen classification were extracted from the retinal pigment epithelium–Bruch’s membrane compartment of 743 OCT scans of eyes with dry AMD and used to predict GA conversion and fast growth. Results: Radiomic features classified drusen phenotypes with AUC = 0.87–0.95. H-type drusen have a higher reflectivity, greater variation in reflectivity, and coarser texture (p < 0.001). L-type drusen have a lower reflectivity and greater variation in reflectivity (p < 0.0001). C-type drusen have a less spherical shape and more disordered internal reflectivity (p < 0.001). N-type drusen have a more spherical shape and more uniform internal reflectivity (p < 0.001). These radiomic features predict the conversion from intermediate AMD to GA and top-quartile GA growth rate with AUC = 0.59–0.74 at years 1–3. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the potential of clinical phenotype-grounded radiomics for objective automated drusen analysis, GA risk stratification, and clinical prediction. Full article

To address the prominent issues in current potato peeling processes (such as high labor intensity, excessive flesh loss, hard-to-remove peel from bud eyes/concaves), a non-contact waterjet method was proposed. Based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, the Fluent software was used to simulate and analyze the flow field of fan-shaped nozzle models with different slot angles. The simulation results indicated that the 25° scattering angle nozzle had excellent performance: it ensured effective potato surface coverage and minimized jet energy loss, fitting peeling needs. A one-way fluid–structure interaction (FSI) model of the nozzle–potato system was built to study waterjet–potato mechanical interactions. Surface stress distribution under waterjet impact was analyzed, and jet dynamic pressure was mapped to solid stress via FSI interface load transfer. Simulations revealed that with a 25° scattering angle, 200 mm standoff distance, and 5 MPa pressure, the maximum shear stress at potato surface characteristic points was 0.032 MPa—within the 0.025–0.04 MPa target range and matching potato skin–substrate peeling strength threshold. This confirmed the energy–mechanical response coordination, validated by experiments. The research results can provide an effective technical reference for potato peeling processing. Full article

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a globally important food crop, but its tetrasomic inheritance and diploid self-incompatibility have limited the discovery of potato genes and progress in breeding. Here, we developed an F₂ segregating population consisting of 174 lines by crossing a self-compatible genome-homozygous diploid line (Y8, female parent) with a heterozygous diploid line (IVP101, male parent), followed by selfing. Using whole-genome resequencing, we constructed a high-density genetic map containing 4464 recombinant bin markers with an average physical distance of 165.51 Kb. Phenotypic evaluation of 8 traits related to yield, tuber shape, and tuber eye number across three environments revealed significant parental differences and wide phenotypic variation within the F₂ population. QTL (Quantitative trait loci) mapping using this genetic map and multi-environment phenotypic data identified 89 QTLs, including 7 previously reported QTLs/genes. In addition, 10 QTLs were stably detected across multiple seasons (stable QTLs). Further genetic effect analysis showed that favorable alleles of these stable QTLs significantly enhanced phenotypic values. Notably, two pleiotropic QTLs were identified on chromosomes 5 and 12; the major-effect QTL on chromosome 12 (qTY-12-6, qTS-12-3, and qTE-12-4) exhibited high phenotypic variance explained (PVE). Its favorable allele from Y8 significantly increased mean tuber weight, tuber number per plant, and promoted rounder tuber shape while reducing eye number, simultaneously improving yield and quality. Collectively, this study provides a reference for genetic mapping using homozygous and heterozygous diploid parents, and the identified QTLs offer valuable genetic resources for potato breeding and molecular mechanism research, enhancing our understanding of the genetic regulation of yield, tuber shape, and eye number in potato. Full article

Cataract surgery is the most common eye operation worldwide and is regarded as one of the safest procedures in medicine. Yet, despite its low complication rates, it generates a disproportionate share of litigation. The gap between excellent safety profiles and rising medico-legal claims is driven less by surgical outcomes than by patient expectations, often shaped by healthcare marketing and the promise of risk-free recovery. This narrative review explores the clinical and legal dimensions of cataract surgery, focusing on complications, perioperative risk factors, and medico-legal concepts of predictability and preventability. Particular emphasis is given to European frameworks, with the Italian Gelli-Bianco Law (Law No. 24/2017) providing a model of accountability that balances innovation and patient safety. Analysis shows that liability exposure spans all phases of surgery: preoperative (inadequate consent, poor documentation), intraoperative (posterior capsule rupture, zonular instability), and postoperative (endophthalmitis, poor follow-up). Practical strategies for risk reduction include advanced imaging such as macular OCT, rigorous adherence to updated guidelines, systematic video recording, and transparent perioperative communication. Patient-reported outcomes further highlight that satisfaction depends more on visual quality and dialogue than on spectacle independence. By translating legal principles into clinical strategies, this review offers surgeons actionable “surgical–legal pearls” to improve outcomes, strengthen patient trust, and reduce medico-legal vulnerability in high-volume cataract surgery. Full article

As a vital carrier of China’s intangible cultural heritage, restoring damaged embroidery fabrics is essential for the sustainable preservation of cultural relics. However, existing methods face persistent challenges, such as mask pattern mismatches and restoration size constraints. To address these gaps, this study proposes an embroidery image restoration framework based on enhanced generative adversarial networks (GANs). Specifically, the framework integrates a U-Net generator with a multi-scale discriminator augmented by an attention mechanism and dual-path residual blocks to significantly enhance texture generation. Furthermore, fabric damage was classified into three categories (hole-shaped, crease-shaped, and block-shaped), with complex patterns simulated through dynamic randomization. Grid-based overlapping segmentation and pixel fusion techniques enable arbitrary-dimensional restoration. Quantitative evaluations demonstrated exceptional performance in complex texture restoration, achieving a structural similarity index (SSIM) of 0.969 and a peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of 32.182 dB. Complementarily, eye-tracking experiments revealed no persistent visual fixation clusters in the restored regions, confirming perceptual reliability. This approach establishes an efficient digital conservation pathway that promotes resource-efficient and sustainable heritage conservation. Full article

The eye, in a dominant sense, can suffer disorders, such as myopia or nearsightedness, because of VDU radiation exposure. One symptom which is often caused by excessive use of VDU is eye strain. It is usually marked by an increase in the sensitivity of the eyes to light. It is known by comparing the diameter of the normal eye’s pupil and the strained eye’s pupil. People can prevent this disorder by detecting changes in the pupil’s diameter compared to the iris. Changes in the iris and pupil can be detected by using the Hough transformation to detect their shape and train perceptron neural network algorithms to recognize the patterns. As a VDI tool, an eye strain detection application can determine the condition of the user’s eyes. The level of accuracy of the method used to detect the iris and pupil using the Hough transformation is 100% for brown irises, 50% for blue irises, 33.3% for green irises, and it has a 100% accuracy in detecting an iris that is similar to the pupil and a 28.6% accuracy in detecting a pupil that is a similar color to the iris. There is also a difference in the level of accuracy of these case studies when different detection tools are used. The smartphone camera showed a 100% accuracy in detecting the iris and 28.6% accuracy in detecting the pupil. The SLR camera had a 100% accuracy in detecting the irises and 71.4% accuracy in detecting pupils, while the digital camera had 14.28% accuracy in detecting irises and a 0% accuracy in detecting a pupil. The accuracy of the perceptron algorithm in recognizing a pattern of eye strain is 70% with 20 sets of test data. Full article

This study examines how architectural expertise shapes visual perception, extending the “Seeing for Speaking” hypothesis into a non-linguistic domain. Specifically, it investigates whether architectural training influences unconscious visual processing of architectural content. Using eye-tracking, 48 architects and 48 laypeople freely viewed 15 still images of built, mixed, and natural environments. Visual behavior was analyzed using Shannon’s entropy scores based on dwell times within 16 × 16 grids during the first six seconds of viewing. Results revealed distinct visual attention patterns between groups. Architects showed lower entropy, indicating more focused and systematic gaze behavior, and their attention was consistently drawn to built structures. In contrast, laypeople exhibited more variable and less organized scanning patterns, with greater individual differences. Moreover, architects demonstrated higher intra-group similarity in their gaze behavior, suggesting a shared attentional schema shaped by professional training. These findings highlight that domain-specific expertise deeply influences perceptual processing, resulting in systematic and efficient attention allocation. Entropy-based metrics proved effective in capturing these differences, offering a robust tool for quantifying expert vs. non-expert visual strategies in architectural cognition. The visual patterns exhibited by architects are interpreted to reflect a “Grammar of Space”, i.e., a structured way of visually parsing spatial elements. Full article