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A hybrid explainable federated-based vision transformer framework for breast cancer prediction via risk factors

“It is important to consult” a linguist: Verb-Argument Constructions in ChatGPT and human experts’ medical and financial advice

This paper adopts a Usage-Based Construction Grammar perspective to compare human- and AI-generated language, focusing on Verb-Argument Constructions (VACs) as a lens for analysis. Specifically, we examine solicited advice texts in two domains—Finance and Medicine—produced by humans and ChatGPT across different GPT models (3.5, 4, and 4o) and interfaces (3.5 Web vs. 3.5 API). Our findings reveal broad consistency in the frequency and distribution of the most common VACs across human- and AI-generated texts, though ChatGPT exhibits a slightly higher reliance on the most frequent constructions. A closer examination of the verbs occupying these constructions uncovers significant differences in the meanings conveyed, with a notable growth away from human-like language production in macro level perspectives (e.g., length) and towards humanlike verb-VAC patterns with newer models. These results underscore the potential of VACs as a powerful tool for analyzing AI-generated language and tracking its evolution over time.

Study on the performance of new cement-based underwater building crack repair materials based on response surface analysis

The effect of public reporting of acute myocardial infarction on the choice of hospital

This study is to investigate the effect of public reporting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) care on the people’s choice of hospitals. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire. The survey questions include the awareness and usage of public reporting, and the impact of the public reporting on the choice of hospitals. The difference in responses before and after acquiring information about public reporting was compared using multinomial logistic regression. Following a thorough validity check, 740 respondents are included in the final survey data set. The average age of respondents was 38.7 years (SD: 11.8), with 75.3% being female. Age distribution was as follows: 26.3% in their 20s, 23.5% in their 30s, 30.0% in their 40s, and 20.2% in their 50s. Most participants (73.7%) lived in metropolitan areas, and 75.1% had a university degree or higher. Before providing information about public reporting of AMI care, 62.8% of respondents selected ‘nearby hospitals’ as the best option for AMI patients, followed by ‘famous hospitals’, ‘usual hospital’, and ‘hospitals with good rates’. Non-health-related occupation shows significantly changed results of hospital choice between before and after obtaining public reporting information (p < 0.001). Publicly available hospital quality ratings can influence people’s choice of hospital and increase the risk of selecting a hospital with a good rating than the nearest hospital which is recommended for AMI patients. Policy-makers need to stress the importance of choosing the nearest hospital when AMI symptoms occur in addition to hospital ratings in the public reporting.

Correction: Earliest evidence of human occupations and technological complexity above the 45th North parallel in Western Europe. The site of Lunery-Rosieres la-Terre-des-Sablons (France, 1.1 Ma)

Cellular transcriptomics of arrested normal lung fibroblasts IMR-90 infected with Human Adenovirus 5 E1A mutants

Induction of S-phase is paramount to the replication of most human DNA viruses. Human adenoviruses have evolved sophisticated mechanisms that drive the infected cells into S-phase to ensure that viral genomes are efficiently replicated. We have identified an E1A mutant, E1A289Rdl2–11/YC, that disrupts the canonical means of S-phase induction by E1A. Specifically, this mutant abrogates binding of E1A to the E2F/DP complex as well as to the retinoblastoma protein. Yet, we show that this mutant can still effectively drive the infected cell into S-phase. We explore potential mechanisms of how this occurs via cellular transcriptomic analysis 16 hours after infection. We show that this mutant induces many cell-cycle specific genes to drive S-phase. Interestingly, MYC mRNA is significantly upregulated by this mutant as compared to other viruses investigated. This MYC upregulation, together with normal expression of E4orf6/7 in this mutant, may contribute to efficient S-phase induction. We also demonstrate that this mutant is unable to effectively suppress innate immune response to infection, likely due to loss of p300/CBP binding caused by deletion of E1A residues 2 to 11.

Rapid diagnosis of TERT promoter mutation using Terahertz absorption spectroscopy in glioblastoma

A new nodule-associated bacterium, Cupriavidus consociatus sp. nov. Isolated from the root nodules of Leucaena sp. and Arachis sp. growing in a cacao field in Chiapas, Mexico

Cupriavidus is a genus of bacteria that inhabit diverse ecological niches, including plant-associated and nodulating species. A previous survey of legume plants in the south of Mexico resulted in the isolation of several bacteria. This present study describes two Cupriavidus strains isolated from the nodules of Leucaena sp. and Arachis sp. plants growing in a cacao field in Chiapas, Mexico. Both strains (LEh25T and LEh21) shared identical 16S rRNA gene sequences and 98.4% identity with Cupriavidus oxalaticus Ox1T. However, the in silico average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values (99.99 and 99.90% similarity, respectively) indicated that they belonged to different genomic species when compared to type strains of Cupriavidus species (ANI ~ 93.2 and dDDH ~ 50% similarity). Phylogenomic analysis indicated that the novel species would be placed in the genus Cupriavidus next to C. oxalaticus Ox1T. Neither strain could fix nitrogen in a semisolid medium, and the interactions of the type strain with Phaseolus vulgaris, and Leucaena sp. revealed the formation of nodules, although these were ineffective. The genomic analysis demonstrated the presence of nitrogen fixation and nodulation genes with the same organization as in other strains of Cupriavidus and Paraburkholderia, although lacking NodB. To complement the study of the novel species, the strains were phenotypically and chemotaxonomically analyzed, with the results indicating differences with C. oxalaticus Ox1T and other similar type strains of Cupriavidus species. From these results, we propose the novel species Cupriavidus consociatus sp. nov. with the type strain LEh25T=TSD-314T = CDBB B-2085T.

Comparison of lower limb kinematic and kinetic estimation during athlete jumping between markerless and marker-based motion capture systems

Non-Randomized Database Analyses to Complement Randomized Clinical Trials: Promising Approaches for Cardiovascular Medicine

An accurate and efficient measure of welfare tradeoff ratios

People’s decisions are affected by their interest in others’ welfare. They can be motivated both to help and to harm others. The direction and magnitude of these motivations can be quantified relative to a person’s self-interest as a welfare tradeoff ratio (WTR). This construct is valuable for testing quantitative theories of social motivation. However, most existing measures of WTRs, and the similar construct of social value orientation (SVO), are based on multiple choices between discrete sets of payoffs, which forces a tradeoff between the accuracy and efficiency of the measures. Here we introduce the Lambda Slider, a WTR measure that is simultaneously accurate and efficient. A participant uses a linear slider to choose from a continuous range of payoff allocations for herself and her social partner. The underlying payoff functions for self and other create a one-to-one correspondence between the participant’s potential WTR values and the slider positions that she could choose, which enables accurate measurements of WTR from a single response. Across three experiments, we show that a single response on the Lambda Slider has high reliability, high convergent validity with other measures of social motivation, and high external validity for an altruistic decision with real-world consequences. The Lambda Slider is easy to implement and can be applied in a wide variety of studies on the forces that shape social motivation.

Author Correction: Nutrient loading as a key cause of short- and long-term anthropogenic ecological degradation of the Salton Sea

From Passive to Proactive: A Call to Action on Valve Disease Screening

Correction: DNA-based floristic survey of red algae (Rhodophyta) growing in the mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) offshore of Tanegashima Island, northern Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan

Scattering polarimetry enables correlative nerve fiber imaging and multimodal analysis

Abstract Mapping the intricate network of nerve fibers is crucial for understanding brain function. Three-Dimensional Polarized Light Imaging (3D-PLI) and Computational Scattered Light Imaging (ComSLI) map dense nerve fibers in brain sections with micrometer resolution using visible light. 3D-PLI reconstructs 3D-fiber orientations, while ComSLI disentangles multiple directions per pixel. So far, these imaging techniques have been realized in separate setups. A combination within a single device would facilitate faster measurements, pixelwise mapping, cross-validation of fiber orientations, and leverage the advantages of each technique while mitigating their limitations. Here, we introduce the Scattering Polarimeter, a microscope that facilitates correlative large-area scans by integrating 3D-PLI and ComSLI measurements into a single system. Based on a Mueller polarimeter, it incorporates variable retarders and a large-area light source for direct and oblique illumination, enabling combined 3D-PLI and ComSLI measurements. Applied to human and vervet monkey brain sections, the Scattering Polarimeter generates results comparable to state-of-the-art 3D-PLI and ComSLI setups and creates a multimodal fiber direction map, integrating the robust fiber orientations obtained from 3D-PLI with fiber crossings from ComSLI. Furthermore, we discuss applications of the Scattering Polarimeter for unprecedented correlative and multimodal brain imaging.

Atrial Translocation of <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> Exacerbates Atrial Fibrosis and Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have indicated an association between periodontitis and atrial fibrillation (AF), although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P ginigivalis ) is a causative agent of periodontal disease and is highly pathogenic. This study focused on P gingivalis and aimed to investigate the relationship among periodontitis, atrial translocation of P gingivalis , and atrial fibrosis and AF. METHODS: An experiment was conducted using P gingivalis –infected C57BL/6J mice, in which P gingivalis was inoculated into the pulp of the molars. Immunohistochemistry was used to visualize the localization of P gingivalis , and loop-mediated isothermal amplification was employed to detect P gingivalis DNA in the left atrium. AF inducibility was examined by intracardiac stimulation. Moreover, left atrial appendage specimens were obtained from 68 patients with AF. A periodontal examination was conducted before the surgery, and the periodontal epithelial surface area and periodontal inflamed surface area, which are quantitative indices used to determine the clinical severity of periodontitis, were measured. The bacterial number of P gingivalis in human atrial tissue was analyzed via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Atrial fibrosis was assessed using Azan-Mallory staining. RESULTS: The translocation path of P gingivalis from the dental granuloma to the left atrium via the circulatory system was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and loop-mediated isothermal amplification in P gingivalis –infected mice, which showed a higher degree of atrial fibrosis (21.9% versus 16.3%; P =0.0003) and a higher AF inducibility (30.0% versus 5.0%; P =0.04) than the control mice. Upregulation of galectin-3 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 in the left atrium was observed in P gingivalis –infected mice. Moreover, immunohistochemistry revealed that P gingivalis was also present in human atrial tissue. The number of P gingivalis in the human atrial tissue was positively correlated with periodontal epithelial surface area (ρ=0.35; P =0.004), periodontal inflamed surface area (ρ=0.52, P &lt;0.0001), and the degree of atrial fibrosis (ρ=0.38; P =0.002). CONCLUSIONS: P gingivalis translocation to the left atrium correlates with the clinical severity of periodontitis, which may exacerbate atrial fibrosis and AF. Atrial translocation of P gingivalis is a potential pathway explaining the causal relationship between periodontitis and AF.

Hematological parameters of newborns from diabetic mothers in Gandhi memorial hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background Diabetes mellitus during pregnancy can significantly affect a newborn’s hematological profile. However, the hematological profiles among newborns of diabetic mothers and their clinical and prognostic implications are not well explored. Therefore, this study aimed to determine hematological parameters of newborns from diabetic mothers in Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out at Gandhi Memorial Hospital from March to May 2024. A total of 196 newborns -98 from diabetic mothers and 98 from apparently healthy mothers—were conveniently enrolled in the study. A hematological profile test was assayed using a Sysmex XN-550 analyzer from the whole blood of mothers and cord blood of newborns collected in EDTA. Glucose was measured using a Cobas C311 analyzer from serum collected using SST test tube. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26, with descriptive statistics, proportions, and independent t-tests. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The study found that the mean ± SD value of red blood cell count was 4.87 ± 0.68 vs 3.33 ± 0.98 x1012/L (P &lt; 0.001), hemoglobin 17.48 ± 2.69 vs 12.08 ± 3.48 g/dL (P &lt; 0.001), hematocrit 49.83 ± 7.47 vs 36.13 ± 8.97% (P &lt; 0.001), red cell distribution width 18.35 ± 2.68 vs 17.27 ± 1.92% (P &lt; 0.001), platelet distribution width 12.26 ± 1.80 vs 11.69 ± 1.76% (P = 0.028), and platelet large cell ratio was 26.05 ± 5.27 vs 24.07 ± 2.21% (P = 0.001) were significantly higher in newborns born to diabetic mothers compared to controls. Polycythemia was seen in large numbers in newborns born to diabetic mothers (56.1%, 55/98 vs 1%, 1/98). On the other hand, the platelet count and PCT values were significantly lower in newborns from diabetic mothers than controls, with a mean value of 239.69 ± 92.52 (103/µL) and 0.24 ± 0.09 (%), respectively, with a P value &lt; 0.001. Conclusion The hematological profile shows a significant difference among newborns from mothers with diabetes and apparently healthy mothers. Therefore, it is better to consider hematological parameters as a screening tool for early detection of hematological complications in newborns from diabetic mothers, and this screening should be encouraged.

Smart intrusion detection model to identify unknown attacks for improved road safety and management

PCSK9 Promotes LDLR Degradation by Preventing SNX17-Mediated LDLR Recycling

BACKGROUND: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is internalized into cells mainly through LDLR (LDL receptor)–mediated endocytosis. In an acidic endosome, LDLR is released from LDL and recycles back to the cell surface, whereas LDL is left in the endosome and degraded in the lysosome. Circulating PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9) binds with LDLR and is internalized into the endosome, similar to LDL. In an acidic endosome, LDLR fails to disassociate from PCSK9, and both proteins are degraded in the lysosome. PCSK9 inhibitors are widely used for treating hypercholesterolemia. However, how PCSK9 diverts LDLR to the lysosome for degradation remains elusive. Some patients are resistant to PCSK9 inhibitors, for unknown reasons. METHODS: Both in vitro and in vivo approaches were used to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of PCSK9-mediated LDLR degradation. LDLR containing FH sequence variations was expressed in Ldlr knockout mice and knockout HuH7 cells to evaluate their response to PCSK9 and PCSK9 inhibitors. RESULTS: Acidic pH induces a conformational change in LDLR extracellular domain and promotes its interaction with SNX17 (sorting nexin 17) through the intracellular domain. Knocking down SNX17 abolishes LDLR recycling and causes accelerated degradation in the lysosome. PCSK9 prevents the acidic pH–induced conformational change in LDLR and blocks its interaction with SNX17. Knocking down SNX17 abolishes PCSK9-mediated LDLR degradation. Any FH sequence variations that disrupt LDLR recycling are unresponsive to PCSK9 or PCSK9 inhibitors, even though they can internalize LDL. CONCLUSIONS: PCSK9 promotes LDLR degradation by preventing SNX17-mediated LDLR recycling. Patients with sequence variations in FH leading to defects in LDLR recycling are resistant to PCSK9 inhibitors. Genetic diagnosis and alternative drugs independent of LDLR will be needed for treatment of these patients.

Navigating the image discrepancy: A grounded theory approach to understanding Malaysia’s image among Chinese tourists

The number of Chinese tourists visiting Malaysia has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, raising concerns that recent negative news stories widely circulated on Chinese social media may be a contributing factor. Due to the limited number of reviews, sentiment analysis struggles to determine whether negative news significantly affects tourists’ emotions and visitor numbers. This study employs empirical data to validate its impact, clarifying its actual influence on image discrepancy and tourist arrivals. Additionally, while managing image discrepancy is acknowledged as important in tourism, academic debate persists regarding whether negative news contributes to these discrepancies. This study conducted in-depth interviews with 30 participants, comprising 18 individual attendees and 12 attendees from 4 small seminars. Participants included recent visitors to Malaysia, prospective tourists who canceled their plans, and Malaysian tourism practitioners. Using the Context-Adaptive Grounded Theory (CAGT) methodology, the study explored whether sudden negative news events significantly influence Chinese tourists’ travel decisions and identified specific factors contributing to the discrepancy between Chinese tourists’ perceptions of Malaysia’s tourism image and the image projected by Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs). The findings revealed that negative news was not the dominant factor driving image discrepancy. Instead, cultural differences—stemming from unclear understanding of religious and local cultures, as well as language barriers—were the primary causes. Additionally, inefficiencies in DMOs’ promotion of Malaysia’s multi-ethnic identity and an overemphasis on medical tourism, which failed to attract Chinese tourists, were identified as secondary factors. This study provides valuable insights into the complex impact of sudden events on tourism and offers guidance for Destination Management Organizations to better align projected and perceived destination images to facilitate tourism recovery.