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Skeleton-based abnormal behavior detection via bidirectional spatiotemporal graph convolutional autoencoder
Largescale semithin sectioning method supported by a stainless steel ring enables multiscale analysis in transmission electron microscopy
In silico discovery and interaction analysis of a Datura stramonium defensin-like peptide targeting cancer-related receptors
Social frailty and associated factors among community-dwelling Iranian older adults
Cloud-enabled hybrid structural equation modeling and artificial neural network framework for energy-efficient green buildings
Mechanical, microstructural, and toxicological properties of alkali-activated iron ore tailing with GGBS and fly ash
A quantum magneto-photo-thermoelastic model for wave propagation in laser-excited semiconductors
Dopamine D2-like receptors differentially shape GABAergic plasticity in distinct subtypes of hippocampal VIP interneurons
Abstract Dopamine regulates diverse brain functions, including learning and memory, primarily through two receptor types, D1R and D2R, which activate and inhibit adenylate cyclase, respectively. Dopaminergic system critically modulates glutamatergic transmission, but less is known about its impact on GABAergic plasticity, in which the role of the D2R remains practically unexplored. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-expressing (VIP) interneurons (INs) represent an important subset, comprising those innervating other inhibitory cells, mediating disinhibition, and others contacting various neurons, including pyramidal cells. Herein, we addressed the role of D2Rs in GABAergic plasticity in two classes of VIP INs: interneuron-specific (IS) and non-interneuron specific (non-IS). We show that D2Rs activation with quinpirole upregulated the amplitude of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in IS, while analogous result was observed in non-IS VIP INs upon D2Rs blockade with sulpiride and these effects were accompanied by prolongation of mIPSC decay. Brief NMDA application, known to evoke heterosynaptic inhibitory long-term plasticity, induced inhibitory LTP (iLTP) at GABAergic synapses onto IS VIP INs and iLTD in non-IS VIP INs. Notably, D2R agonism, but not antagonism, impaired NMDA-evoked iLTP in IS VIP INs, consistent with occlusion. Collectively, these findings reveal cell-specific and D2R-dependent GABAergic plasticity phenomena in IS and non-IS VIP INs.
AI-driven optimization: revolutionizing energy efficiency in modern buildings
Fibrinogen in early admission is an independent risk factor for early deep venous thrombosis in elderly patients with hip fracture
Intentions for AI academic misconduct across 15 countries: the theory of planned behavior and past misconduct perspective
Abstract With generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools now widely available in higher education, understanding what predicts students’ intentions to use them dishonestly has become an increasingly important concern for universities worldwide. In this pre-registered study, we applied the extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to examine the predictors of AI academic misconduct intentions (AIMI) in 2,883 English-proficient university students from 15 countries recruited via Prolific. Because these intentions were strongly concentrated at zero, we used a Bayesian hurdle model that separates two processes: whether a student reports any intention to use AI dishonestly, and how strong that intention is among those who report one. More favorable attitudes, higher AI proficiency, and weaker moral obligation predicted both a greater probability of reporting any intention and greater intention intensity, with attitudes the strongest and most consistent predictor across both components. Weaker subjective norms predicted whether students reported any intention but not its intensity. A history of traditional academic misconduct and a history of AI-enabled misconduct each predicted both components. The final model accounted for 18.7% of the variance in whether students reported any intention and 47.8% of the variance in the intensity of that intention. These findings provide an initial cross-national test of the extended TPB for AI misconduct intentions, but future research in native-language, institution-based samples is still needed to verify the cross-cultural specificity of these mechanisms.
Breast cancer genomic subtype-specific copy number alterations in metastases
Abstract Breast cancer is the second most common cancer globally, with rising incidence and poor prognosis following recurrence. Genomic analysis of primary breast tumours has identified subtypes with widely varying risk of relapse, highlighting the importance of tumour genomics in understanding metastasis. However, the genomic alterations associated with metastatic transformation—and how they differ between genomic subtypes—remain unclear due to limited sample sizes, lack of primary tumour baselines, and limited genomic coverage by panel sequencing. To address this gap, we analysed nearly 1300 whole-genome sequenced unmatched primary tumours and metastases using a unified computational pipeline. Somatic copy number profiles were classified into genomic subtypes, called the Integrative Clusters, with an improved classifier. By employing various genome-wide approaches, we identify candidate genes in regions with copy number alterations enriched or depleted in metastases, and nominate biological pathways that may contribute to metastatic disease in each genomic subtype. These subtype-specific candidates provide a framework for prioritising therapeutic hypotheses and future functional studies in metastatic breast cancer.
Circulating uric acid is independently associated with MASLD prevalence and non-invasive advanced fibrosis risk stratification in a Caucasian T2DM cohort
Effect of an evening cosmetic routine with self-massage on sleep quality: a preliminary study
Abstract Nonpharmacological approaches show promising impact on sleep; however, the benefits of a relaxing bedtime routine remain poorly explored. This preliminary study investigated the effects on sleep quality of an evening cosmetic routine combined with self-massage. Sixty healthy women aged 25–45 reporting sleep problems, were assigned to either a test group (TG, N = 31) or a control group (CG, N = 29). TG participants were instructed to apply cosmetic products with specific massage gestures every evening for 4 weeks. CG participants with usual routine were monitored during the same period as the TG. Duration and quality of sleep of TG participants were assessed with a connected ring. All participants filled out specific questionnaires to assess sleep quality (PSQI) and anxiety (STAI). After 1 month, PSQI and STAI-State global scores significantly decreased over time in the TG compared to CG ( P = 0.037 and P = 0.008, respectively). The TG total sleep time increased by 22.5 min ( P = 0.045) and the total deep sleep time increased by 11.15 min ( P = 0.018) on rest days. The CG did not report significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety compared to those observed in the TG. These preliminary findings suggest that an evening cosmetic routine combined with self-massage may represent a feasible behavioral practice to be further explored as part of standard sleep hygiene education to improve sleep in healthy women.
Optimizing agricultural inputs to enhance sustainability by reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions
Corrosion induced failure mode in reinforced concrete beams based on experiments and finite element predictions
Removing hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide from natural gas using iron oxide nanoparticles and a magnetic field
Abstract This paper is one of the few studies that examine the use of water-amine nanofluid along with iron oxide nanoparticles with volume fraction ϕ = 0 to 0.05 to remove acid gases ( $${\text{H}}_{2}\text{S}$$ and CO 2 ) from natural gas. In this research, real-size refinery equipment was simulated using Fluent software, and the effects of nanoparticles and a constant magnetic field on increasing the heat transfer rate and the removal rate of acid gases from natural gas were investigated. The results show that in the absorption tower, with the increase of the Reynolds number from Re = 8000 to 24,000, the Nusselt number also increases, and with the rise of the $$\phi$$ to 0.05, the mole fraction of $${H}_{2}S$$ in the nanofluid increases to 34%, and the mole fraction of CO 2 increases to 23%. Additionally, as the temperature increases, the dynamic viscosity of the nanofluid decreases. However, when the volume fraction (ϕ) increases to 0.05, the dynamic viscosity of the nanofluid approximately increases by 10% in the temperature range of 45 to 56 $${^\circ{\rm C} }$$ . In this research, magnetic field intensities ranging from 0 to 20,000 Gauss were used. With $$\phi$$ =0.01, the mentioned magnetic fields increase the mass transfer coefficient to 13.26%. With $$\phi$$ = 0.05, the mass transfer coefficient decreases to 4.44% due to the increased probability of nanoparticles settling. The maximum mass transfer coefficient is up to 67.4%, which is observed in $$\phi$$ = 0.03, with the magnetic field intensity of 20,000 gauss. A limitation of this research was the failure to evaluate the effect of changing the fluid flow regime on other refinery equipment.
Design of an intelligent security system for cyber-attack detection in petrochemical SCADA networks based on a hybrid artificial neural network and Krill-Herd algorithm
Prebiotic and postbiotic synergy alleviates age-related dysbiosis and inflammation in mice
Abstract Advances in medicine and veterinary medicine extend the lifespan of humans and companion animals. Interest in nutritional strategies to support healthy aging consequently increases. In this study, the effect of 11% scFOS+ supplementation (a blend of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides and yeast-derived postbiotics) in 18-month-old mice was evaluated, compared with aged or adult mice of 9 weeks old on a control diet. Bodyweight and food intake were monitored throughout the 56-day study. Faecal samples were collected on days 0, 28, and 56, and caecal samples at the end of the study (day 56), for microbiota analysis. Immune markers, including cytokine production in tissues and blood and toll-like receptor (TLR) expression, were analysed at day 56. The results showed that scFOS+ supplementation reduced the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacterial species and enhanced the growth of beneficial genera like Allobaculum and Bifidobacterium , aligning the microbiota profile of aged mice more closely with that of adult mice. The pro- and anti-inflammatory balance was maintained in supplemented old mice, and their TLR expression patterns resembled those observed in adults. In conclusion, combining prebiotics and postbiotics modulates immune responses in aged mice, restoring adult-like levels through gut microbiota changes and suggesting potential for promoting healthy aging in companion animals.