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Ether lipids influence cancer cell fate by modulating iron uptake
YOLO-DC for vehicle detection using deformable convolutional networks and cross-channel coordinate attention
Exploring techniques to distinguish between real images and those generated using stable diffusion XL
The recent development of text-to-image diffusion models has allowed us to quickly generate realistic images from textual prompts. Despite enabling innovation in particular domains, concerns have been raised over the prospect of malicious users posing synthetic images as genuine. To assess if it is possible to discern between real images and those generated using diffusion models, a novel convolutional neural network was built, trained and tested on a bespoke dataset formed of authentic images from the ImageNet dataset and corresponding synthetic images generated using Stable Diffusion XL: an open-source text-to-image diffusion model. With the public release of this dataset, it is currently the largest publicly accessible collection of images generated using Stable Diffusion XL, significantly contributing to future research in this area. The positive results from our experiment performing a binary classification of synthetic and real images demonstrate the effectiveness in detecting synthetic images, with up to 98.38% accuracy using a ResNet-18 baseline, and 97.24% with the proposed CNN.
Shigella flexneri evades septin-mediated cell-autonomous immunity via protein ADP-riboxanation
A low-power VHF transceiver for airborne SAR with enhanced buried object detection using chirped signal processing
Abstract A low-power airborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) transceiver is presented for high-resolution detection of shallow buried structures, particularly underground tunnels. The system operates in the VHF band to exploit its strong ground-penetration capability, where the limited available bandwidth necessitates advanced waveform shaping to achieve sufficient imaging resolution. To address this challenge, an optimized piecewise-linear nonlinear frequency modulation (PWL-NLFM) chirp is designed using particle swarm optimization (PSO), jointly minimizing sidelobe levels while preserving the required pulse-compression ratio. The tunable parameter $$Q$$ controls the number of PWL segments, enabling a flexible trade-off between sidelobe suppression and pulse compression ratio according to mission requirements. Quantitative evaluation demonstrates that the proposed waveform significantly outperforms standard LFM and quadratic NLFM pulses, reducing the peak sidelobe level ratio (PSLR) to -33.0 dB and improving the integrated sidelobe ratio (ISLR) to -21.8 dB. A full two-dimensional (range–azimuth) point-target simulation further confirms that these improvements translate into superior SAR focusing, producing a cleaner and more isolated mainlobe with only slight broadening. This enhanced 2-D response increases the contrast between weak subsurface targets and background clutter, directly improving the detectability of tunnel features. The optimized PWL-NLFM waveform is integrated into a low-power SDR-based SAR transceiver, demonstrating its suitability for long-duration airborne sensing missions requiring deep penetration and high-contrast imaging.
Urinary cotinine concentration as a biomarker of environmental exposure to Nicotine in Vietnam: Results from a Nationwide Survey in 2024
Background Accurate sources on environmental nicotine exposure, such as biomarker data, remain insufficient in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to i) determine the optimal cut-off point of urinary cotinine that discriminates smokers from non-smokers, ii) estimate misclassification rate between self-reported smoking and urinary cotinine, and III) explore the distribution of tobacco smoke exposure levels using urinary cotinine concentrations among adults in Vietnam in 2024. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 across seven provinces representing Vietnam’s ecological regions. Using multi-level stratified random sampling techniques, 1,077 adults aged 18–60 were recruited. Demographic and behavioural data were obtained through structured interviews. Urinary cotinine to creatinine ratios (CCR) were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The Youden J method was used to determine the optimal cut-off point of CCR. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20.0. Results Self-reported results showed that 18.3% were active smokers, 33.4% were exposed to SHS at home, and 48.3% lived in a non-smoking household. The optimal CCR cut-off value of 20.947 µg/g can distinguish smokers and non-smokers with a sensitivity of 61.5%, specificity of 93.2%, 70.6% positive predictive value and 90% negative predictive value. Regional disparities and urinary cotinine among the non-smoking groups suggest potential environmental exposure to nicotine. Conclusion The CCR level of 20.947 µg/g indicated the optimal cut-off value to distinguish smokers and non-smokers. Vietnam was among countries with high levels of environmental nicotine exposure, with significant variation by sex, education, occupation, income, and region. Urinary cotinine is a reliable biomarker for nicotine exposure and should be integrated into routine surveillance. These findings support the need for stricter enforcement of smoke-free environments and interventions tailored to reduce involuntary tobacco exposure.
Synthesis of poly(ester disulfide)s from S8-involved step-growth addition polymerization at ambient temperature
Production of biopolymer and polymer from carbon dioxide employing ionic liquid supported on dendritic fibrous nanosilica
Intention to adopt electric transportation services by university students in emerging countries
This study analyzed the factors influencing university students’ intention to use electric bus services to commute to campuses in developing countries, specifically in Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia. A technology adoption model was proposed that integrates variables from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), which helps in understanding, predicting, and explaining the acceptance and use of technologies, thus facilitating the design of strategies to improve adoption in various contexts. Data were collected from 1,158 students across different academic fields, genders, and academic levels in the countries studied. The analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling with the partial least squares technique. The key factors assessed included attitudes toward electric vehicles, perceived risk, consumer characteristics, emotions, hyperbolic discounting, intention to use electric transport, and social influence. The findings provide valuable insights into the determinants of electric transportation service adoption among university students and offer guidance for implementing sustainable transportation solutions in educational institutions in developing countries.
Ammonia oxidizers offset acidification stress via adaptive substrate affinity in aquatic ecosystems
Endangered bowhead whales might buffer climate change with individual variability in movement patterns
Abstract Assessing the vulnerability of species to global climate change and their capacity for resilience is a central challenge in ecology. Responses are variable and difficult to predict but understanding the resilience of intrinsically vulnerable species is necessary for management of natural populations. Bowhead whales ( Balaena mysticetus ) have recovered from historical over-exploitation in several Arctic regions. However, the East Greenland-Svalbard-Barents Sea (EGSB) population remains endangered, with little known about their habitat use, foraging ecology, or potential resilience. We analysed location data from 38 EGSB bowhead whales instrumented between 2017 and 2021. We performed home range analyses, fitted a modified resource selection function, and estimated move persistence to assess the influence of environmental conditions on movement patterns using linear mixed-effects modelling. EGSB bowheads used an offshore, deep-water core area year-round. Movement patterns showed considerable individual variability and suggest this population is not migratory in a classical sense, likely reducing intraspecific competition. Depth, low sea surface temperatures, and sea ice were all influential on habitat use. Both static and dynamic environmental conditions were significantly associated with apparent foraging behaviour. Although the habitat use of EGSB bowhead whales is vulnerable to continued warming, intrapopulation variability in movements might provide a buffer to climate change.
Anthropic pressure and causes of death of stranded Chelonia mydas along the northern coast of Bahia - Brazil
This study describes the causes of mortality and the primary pathological findings in 61 sea turtles of the species Chelonia mydas that were stranded on the northern coast of Bahia, Brazil. Macroscopic and microscopic lesions were compiled to describe the pathological findings in turtles that were found dead on the beach or that died during treatment at the rehabilitation center of the Fundação Projeto Tamar. Among the 61 turtles evaluated, the cause of death was determined in 96.7% (59/61) of cases. These turtles were affected by natural threats (of infectious, neoplastic, and metabolic origin) and anthropogenic interactions, the latter represented by fishing and/or the presence of anthropogenic waste. 3.3% (2/61) of the cases were classified as inconclusive as to the cause of death, as they were euthanized. Acute respiratory failure was the main cause of death, affecting 45.8% (27/59) of the animals, followed by sepsis in 28.8% (17/59), cachexia/malnutrition in 16.9% (10/59), circulatory collapse due to thromboembolism in 6.9% (4/59), and one animal (1.6%, n = 59) had death associated with gastric impaction. Lesions were most frequently identified in the digestive (58/61), integumentary, visual, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, urinary, hematopoietic systems, and less frequently in the nervous and endocrine systems. Cachexia, presented based on the observation of muscle atrophy, enophthalmos and plastron concavity, was observed in 49.2% of the turtles (30/61). The results of this study provide information on pathological conditions that may be of clinical relevance for the rehabilitation of animals and their reintroduction to their natural habitat, reducing the impacts of these factors on the conservation of these species and the health of the marine ecosystem.
Structural basis and pathological implications of the dimeric OS9-SEL1L-HRD1 ERAD Core Complex
Brain tumor classification from MRI images using a multi-scale channel attention CNN integrated with SVM
JC polyomavirus (JCV, HPyV2) seropositivity prevalence in healthy subjects: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Background JC polyomavirus (JCV, HPyV2) causes progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and has been linked to cancer development. JCV may naturally be highly prevalent in the human population and not just in diseased populations. Objective The aim of this study was to the estimate the overall seroprevalence of JCV in the healthy human population by age of subjects, region or country of study, and assay methodology. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis with meta-regression using STATA 18. Results Pooled JCV seroprevalence from 25 population-level studies (N = 18,331) was 61% (95% CI, 56% − 66%, z = 33.84, p < 0.001). Meta-regression and subgroup analyses showed that subject age was the only predictive variable on JCV seroprevalence ( z = 2.93, p = 0.003). Age was not normally distributed across seroprevalence. A detrended normal P-P plot under the cubic model with age on seroprevalence explained 99.9% of variance in the dataset (R 2 = 0.999). The theories that grounded this study were the ecological systems theory, which support the study result that JCV infection appears ubiquitous in the human population and may be acquired early in life by two years of age. Conclusion JCV seroprevalence starts high in early infant age, descends in late childhood/early adulthood, and starts to rise again towards older age, most probably, by viral reactivation due to immune senescence. The overall findings support the hypothesis that JCV is ubiquitous in the healthy human population, and not just diseased populations, which may have implications with JCV treatment, screening, and vaccine development. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis conducted on JCV seropositivity in healthy populations.
Atomic-scale imaging and charge state manipulation of NV centers by scanning tunneling microscopy
Remote collaboration in virtual reality induces physiological synchrony comparable to face-to-face interaction
Abstract Physiological synchrony refers to the temporal alignment of bodily signals, such as heart rate variability, between two or more individuals during social interaction. It reflects implicit, often unconscious processes that arise when people share attention, emotions, or behavioral rhythms in close physical proximity. Because these coordinated physiological patterns are linked to social cohesion, rapport, and effective communication, physiological synchrony provides a valuable window into the quality and dynamics of social interaction. Here, we study physiological synchrony during virtual interaction where interaction partners are not physically co-located but remotely connected via technology. This allows us to capture aspects of social connectedness that are not accessible through self-report or behavior alone, making it a powerful tool for understanding how people engage and collaborate across different media. In our study, triads of participants performed a collective creativity task in one of three conditions: face-to-face (F2F) collaboration, remote collaboration using video conferencing (Video), or remote collaboration using immersive Virtual Reality (VR). To quantify social interaction quality, we measured creative group performance, social presence, and heart rate variability synchrony (HRVS) as a marker of social cohesion. As expected, creative group performance and social presence were highest in the F2F condition and significantly reduced in the VR and Video conditions. However, we observed strong HRV synchrony in the VR and F2F conditions and significantly weaker HRV synchrony in the Video condition. Our study supports the idea that VR (unlike video conferencing) supports physiological synchronization processes important for social interactions. Future studies need to identify the underlying physiological and psychological processes.
RUBCN as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in breast cancer
Analysis of autophagy-related gene expression data identified RUBCN as a novel biomarker influencing the pathogenesis and progression of breast cancer, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target. We analyzed multiple breast cancer sample datasets using bioinformatics tools and databases. A consensus prognostic model was constructed and validated across several independent datasets to further examine its association with patient outcomes. A series of bioinformatics analyses focused on RUBCN were conducted, including expression profiling, independent prognostic evaluation, immune correlation analysis, and survival analysis. RUBCN expression was verified in breast cancer cell lines and clinical tissue specimens via Western blotting, quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR, and immunohistochemistry. Functional assays, such as the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine incorporation assay, wound healing assay, and Transwell invasion assay, were employed to evaluate the effects of RUBCN knockdown on breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Autophagic activity, indicated by LC3 and P62 levels, was measured via Western blot in RUBCN-knockdown breast cancer cells with or without chloroquine treatment. Elevated expression of multiple autophagy-related genes was observed in breast cancer. The consensus prognostic model accurately predicted survival across multiple datasets, with RUBCN emerging as a key gene whose expression levels were significantly correlated with patient prognosis. Enrichment analysis indicated that RUBCN likely promotes breast cancer progression by regulating cell cycle and invasion processes. Further investigation revealed a negative correlation between RUBCN expression levels and immune cell infiltration, suggesting a potential role in mammary tumorigenesis through mediating immune evasion by suppressing immune cell infiltration. Immunohistochemical results confirmed upregulated RUBCN expression in carcinoma tissues. Knockdown of RUBCN was shown to suppress the proliferative and invasive abilities of breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, RUBCN knockdown impaired autophagic flux, as evidenced by altered LC3 and P62 levels upon chloroquine treatment. Together, these findings establish RUBCN as a promising therapeutic target in breast cancer. Future studies should emphasize in vivo functional validation using animal models and screen for targeted agents capable of modulating RUBCN expression or activity, thereby facilitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for breast cancer treatment.