IMAGE INTEGRITY POLICY

Data Retention and Quality

Authors must retain raw and metadata files of all submitted images, as these may be requested during review. Failure to provide these files may delay the evaluation or publication process. Final images should have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi for color, 600 dpi for grayscale, and 1200 dpi for line art, with minimal formatting to preserve authenticity.

Image Processing Standards

All image processing must be fully disclosed in the Methods section, including software, tools, acquisition techniques, and any adjustments made. Images composed from multiple sources must clearly indicate borders and time-lapse sequences in the figure legend. Minor adjustments in brightness or contrast are permitted for visibility, but cloning, healing, or extreme manipulation that alters results is prohibited.

Microscopy Guidelines

For microscopic images, authors should provide multiple supporting fields rather than combining multiple cells into a single field. Any adjustments must apply to the entire image, avoiding manipulation of signal ranges.

Image Documentation

The Methods section must specify the initial image resolution, acquisition tools and software, manipulations applied, and processing for resolution enhancement. Authors may be required to submit unprocessed images upon request.

Handling Suspected Manipulation

If image manipulation is suspected by reviewers or readers, the corresponding author will be contacted for an explanation. Unsatisfactory responses or admitted manipulation may result in retraction or requests for corrected images if the majority of the work is original. Failure to comply will lead to formal retraction of the article.