bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voidable marriages
Authors: Mostyn Nicholas
Published: January 2024

This article critiques the decision of the Court of Appeal in Re SA (Declaration of Non-Recognition of Marriage) [2023] EWCA Civ 1003. In Re SA the Court of Appeal held that: (1) by operation of section 16 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, a voidable marriage is not void at its inception and is therefore not caught by section 58(5)(a) of the Family Law Act 1986, and (2) the effect of section 16 of the 1973 Act is that a voidable marriage starts off fully valid but only on making a decree absolute of nullity becomes invalid. This article contends that the approach adopted by the Court of Appeal in SA is conceptually challenging, based on a misreading of the statutory language, and is directly contrary to long-established and powerful authorities.
Prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities among Iranian children and adolescents and associations with blood pressure and obesity: findings from the SHED LIGHT study
Authors: Khorgami Mohammad Rafie , Rezaei Yousef , Tabib Avisa , Ghavidel Alireza A. , Omrani Gholamreza , Mohebbi Ahmad , Peighambari Mohammad Mehdi , Emkanjoo Zahra , Oveisi Mehrdad , Hajianfar Ghasem , Kazemborji Bahareh , Hosseini Saeid , Samiei Niloufar
Published: January 2024

Background:

There are few studies for detecting rhythm abnormalities among healthy children and adolescents. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of abnormal electrocardiographic findings in the young Iranian population and its association with blood pressure and obesity.

Methods:

A total of 15084 children and adolescents were examined in a randomly selected population of Tehran city, Iran, between October 2017 and December 2018. Anthropometric values and blood pressure measurements were also assessed. A standard 12-lead electrocardiogram was recorded by a unique recorder, and those were examined by electrophysiologists.

Results:

All students mean age was 12.3 ± 3.1 years (6–18 years), and 52% were boys. A total of 2900 students (192.2/1000 persons; 95% confidence interval 186–198.6) had electrocardiographic abnormalities. The rate of electrocardiographic abnormalities was higher in boys than girls (p < 0.001). Electrocardiographic abnormalities were significantly higher in thin than obese students (p < 0.001), and there was a trend towards hypertensive individuals to have more electrocardiographic abnormalities compared to normotensive individuals (p = 0.063). Based on the multivariable analysis, individuals with electrocardiographic abnormalities were less likely to be girls (odds ratio 0.745, 95% confidence interval 0.682–0.814) and had a lower body mass index (odds ratio 0.961, 95% confidence interval 0.944–0.979).

Conclusions:

In this large-scale study, there was a high prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities among young population. In addition, electrocardiographic findings were significantly influenced by increasing age, sex, obesity, and blood pressure levels. This community-based study revealed the implications of electrocardiographic screening to improve the care delivery by early detection.
Stationarity of High‐ and Low‐Flows Under Climate Change and Human Interventions Across Global Catchments
Authors: Wang Zhengrong , Yang Yuting
Published: January 2024

The assumption of stationarity is fundamental for predicting future hydrologic changes based on historical data. Here we present the first global‐scale, observation‐based assessment of long‐term stationarity in annual streamflow extremes (i.e., maximum and minimum monthly streamflow, or Qmax and Qmin). Observational evidence from 11,069 catchments worldwide reveal that Qmax and Qmin series remain stationary in approximately 93% and 67% of catchments exclusively influenced by climate change, respectively, indicating that climate change alone has not disrupted stationarity in annual streamflow extremes. In contrast, these proportions decrease to 76% and 44% for catchments subjected to direct human interventions, with the prevalence of non‐stationary Qmax and Qmin series generally increasing in tandem with the degree of human interventions. These findings provide valuable quantitative insights into the extent of hydrologic extreme alterations caused by human activities and emphasize the need for adaptive measures to mitigate direct human impacts on the hydrological system.
Diel Vertical Migrators Respond to Short‐Term Upwelling Events
Authors: Sato Mei , Benoit‐Bird Kelly J.
Published: January 2024

Pelagic organisms inhabiting coastal upwelling regions face a high risk of advection away from the nearshore productive habitat, potentially leading to mortality. We explored how animals remain in a productive yet highly advective environment in the Northern California Current System using the cabled observatory system located off the Oregon coast. Acoustic scatterers consistent with swimbladder‐bearing fish were only present during the downwelling season as these animals avoided the cold waters associated with strong upwelling conditions in summer and fall. Fish responded to short‐term upwelling events by increasing the frequency of diel vertical migration. Throughout the study, their vertical positions corresponded to the depth of minimum cross‐shelf transport, providing a mechanism for retention. The observed behavioral response highlights the importance of studying ecological processes at short timescales and the abilities of pelagic organisms to control their horizontal distributions through fine‐tuned diel vertical migration in response to upwelling.
New Evidence of Late Quaternary Tectonic Activity Along the Eastern Margin of the Qaidam Basin
Authors: Bao Guodong , Ren Zhikun , Ha Guanghao , Liu Jinrui , Zhang Zhiliang , Zhu Xiaoxiao , Wu Dengyun , Ji Haomin
Published: January 2024

The tectonic deformation on the eastern margin of the Qaidam Basin, which has preserved complete sedimentary records, significantly influences the evolutionary model of the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. However, the deformation history in this area during the Holocene remains unclear. This study is based on the high‐precision digital elevation model obtained through drone mapping technology, which identifies three active faults on the eastern margin of the Qaidam Basin: the Xiariha Fault (XRHF) and Yingdeerkang Fault Yingdeerkang Fault (YKF) are NW‒SE‐orientated dextral faults, whereas the Reshui‐Taosituohe Fault (RTF) is a nearly east‒west‐orientated sinistral fault. Based on the optically stimulated luminescence dating of the landform surfaces, the rates of strike‐slip offset are as follows: those of the XRHF range from 1.12 ± 0.07 to 1.68 ± 0.12 mm/yr and those of the YKF are from 0.99 ± 0.06 to 2.29 ± 0.13 mm/yr. Recent paleoseismic events occurred along the RTF at approximately 714–1,792 years BP and at 700 ± 18 years BP, implying a recurring millennial pattern. Together, these faults possibly form a complex cross‐fault system along the southeastern edge of the basin, heightening seismic risk. Deformation in the western part of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau is driven by slip on the Altyn Tagh Fault and compression in the Qaidam Basin. The central part experiences slip on the East Kunlun Fault, along with secondary faults, shortening, and block rotation. The eastern part primarily experiences slip along the Haiyuan Fault.
Risk for diagnosis or treatment of mood or anxiety disorders in adults after SARS-CoV-2 infection, 2020–2022
Authors: Wang Christina X. , Kohli Rhea , Olaker Veronica R. , Terebuh Pauline , Xu Rong , Kaelber David C. , Davis Pamela B.
Published: January 2024

COVID-19 is associated with increased risks for mood or anxiety disorders, but it remains uncertain how the association evolves over time or which patient groups are most affected. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a nationwide database of electronic health records to determine the risk of depressive or anxiety disorder diagnoses after SARS-CoV-2 infection by 3-month blocks from January 2020 to April 2022. The study population comprised 822,756 patients (51.8% female; mean age 42.8 years) with COVID-19 and 2,034,353 patients with other respiratory tract infections (RTIs) (53.5% female, mean age 30.6 years). First time diagnoses of depressive or anxiety disorders 14 days to 3 months after infection, as well as new or new plus recurrent prescriptions of antidepressants or anxiolytics, were compared between propensity score matched cohorts using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, including hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Risk of a new diagnosis or prescription was also stratified by age, sex, and race to better characterize which groups were most affected. In the first three months of the pandemic, patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 had significantly increased risk of depression or anxiety disorder diagnosis (HR 1.65 [95% CI, 1.30-2.08]). October 2021 to January 2022 (HR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.06–1.18]) and January to April 2022 (HR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.01–1.14]). Similar temporal patterns were observed for antidepressant and anxiolytic prescriptions, when the control group was patients with bone fracture, when anxiety and depressive disorders were considered separately, when recurrent depressive disorder was tested, and when the test period was extended to 6 months. COVID-19 patients ≥65 years old demonstrated greatest absolute risk at the start of the pandemic (6.8%), which remained consistently higher throughout the study period (HR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.13–1.27]), and overall, women with COVID-19 had greater risk than men (HR 1.35 [95% CI 1.30–1.40]).
COVID-19 impact on overweight and obesity rates in Aotearoa | New Zealand 4-year-old children
Authors: Schluter Philip J. , Ahuriri-Driscoll Annabel , Mohammed Jalal , Singh Sheetalpreet
Published: January 2024

Background

COVID-19 has had profound societal impacts. This study estimated overweight, obesity, and extreme obesity rates in 4-year-old children over pre- and post-COVID-19 periods, and investigated differential changes between sex, ethnic and deprivation groups.

Methods

A national screening programme of 4-year-old children undertaking B4 School Checks (B4SCs) between 1 January 2010 and 7 March 2023 was analysed. B4SCs include anthropometric measurements enabling sex-specific body mass index-for-age Z-scores (BMI z-scores) to be derived. Children with ≥85th, ≥95th, and ≥99.7th percentile BMI z-scores were classified as overweight, obese, and extremely obese.

Results

The eligible sample included 656,038 children (48.8% girls). Overall, 210,492 (32.1%) children were overweight, 95,196 (14.5%) obese, and 19,926 (3.0%) extremely obese. While decreasing in the pre-COVID-19 period, annual prevalence estimates for overweight, obese, and extremely obese significantly (all p < 0.001) increased in the year after COVID-restrictions were implemented. However, after three years, overweight and obese prevalence estimates were no different to pre-COVID levels overall or stratified by sex for ethnicity and deprivation groups. Extreme obesity prevalence estimates also decreased but remained higher than pre-COVID levels.

Conclusion

The sharp and steep increases in prevalence estimates all dampened relatively quickly. The question remains whether these rates will continue to decrease in time.

Impact

Compared to pre-COVID-19 estimates, the prevalence of overweight, obesity and extreme obesity significantly and substantially increased for 4-year-old children in the immediate post-COVID-19 period.

These post-COVID-19 prevalence estimates dampened relatively quickly, returning to pre-COVID-19 rates for overweight and obesity after 3 years.

Inequities between ethnic and social deprivation groups in overweight and obesity prevalence estimates remained similar between pre- and post-COVID-19 periods.
Transcription factor Sp1 transcriptionally enhances GSDME expression for pyroptosis
Authors: Pan Jiasong , Li Yuanyuan , Gao Wenqing , Jiang Qizhou , Geng Lu , Ding Jin , Li Suhua , Li Jixi
Published: January 2024

Gasdermin-E (GSDME), the executioner of pyroptosis when cleaved by caspase 3, plays a crucial role in tumor defense and the response to chemotherapy drugs in cells. So far, there are poorly known mechanisms for the expression regulation of GSDME during cell death. Here, we identify the transcription factor Sp1 (Specificity protein 1) as a positive regulator of GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Sp1 directly interacts with the GSDME promoter at −36 ~ −28 site and promotes GSDME gene transcription. Further, Sp1 knockdown or inhibition suppresses GSDME expression, thus reducing chemotherapy drugs (topotecan, etoposide, doxorubicin, sorafinib and cisplatin) induced cell pyroptosis. The regulation process synergizes with STAT3 (Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) activity and antagonizes with DNA methylation but barely affects GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis or TNF-induced necroptosis. Our current finding reveals a new regulating mechanism of GSDME expression, which may be a viable target for the intervention of GSDME-dependent inflammatory diseases and cancer therapy.
High crosstalk suppression in InGaAs/InP single-photon avalanche diode arrays by carrier extraction structure
Authors: Tang Yongsheng , Wang Rui , Yang Xiaohong , He Tingting , Liu Yijun , Zhao Meng
Published: January 2024

Crosstalk has become an urgent issue for single-photon avalanche diode arrays. In previous work, trenches were introduced between pixels to block the crosstalk optical path in planar InGaAs/InP single-photon avalanche diode arrays, since the optical crosstalk was considered as the main crosstalk mechanism. However, the crosstalk suppression effect of this solution is not satisfactory. Here, we demonstrate a carrier extraction structure to efficiently reduce crosstalk by electrically guiding photogenerated crosstalk holes in the non-pixel region to the surface, since we find that the optical-electrical crosstalk is the dominant crosstalk mechanism. Experimental measurements show that a narrow carrier extraction structure makes a 91.52% (96.22%) crosstalk reduction between the nearest neighbor pixels in arrays with 100 (50) μm pixel pitch, and it does not cause any etching damage. These results reveal the primary source of crosstalk in InGaAs/InP single-photon avalanche diode arrays and provide a practical route to fabricate low-crosstalk, high-pixel-density arrays for use in high-resolution three-dimensional imaging and quantum technologies.
Soluble and multivalent Jag1 DNA origami nanopatterns activate Notch without pulling force
Authors: Smyrlaki Ioanna , Fördős Ferenc , Rocamonde-Lago Iris , Wang Yang , Shen Boxuan , Lentini Antonio , Luca Vincent C. , Reinius Björn , Teixeira Ana I. , Högberg Björn
Published: January 2024

The Notch signaling pathway has fundamental roles in embryonic development and in the nervous system. The current model of receptor activation involves initiation via a force-induced conformational change. Here, we define conditions that reveal pulling force-independent Notch activation using soluble multivalent constructs. We treat neuroepithelial stem-like cells with molecularly precise ligand nanopatterns displayed from solution using DNA origami. Notch signaling follows with clusters of Jag1, and with chimeric structures where most Jag1 proteins are replaced by other binders not targeting Notch. Our data rule out several confounding factors and suggest a model where Jag1 activates Notch upon prolonged binding without appearing to need a pulling force. These findings reveal a distinct mode of activation of Notch and lay the foundation for the development of soluble agonists.
The ZmWAKL–ZmWIK–ZmBLK1–ZmRBOH4 module provides quantitative resistance to gray leaf spot in maize
Authors: Zhong Tao , Zhu Mang , Zhang Qianqian , Zhang Yan , Deng Suining , Guo Chenyu , Xu Ling , Liu Tingting , Li Yancong , Bi Yaqi , Fan Xingming , Balint-Kurti Peter , Xu Mingliang
Published: January 2024

Gray leaf spot (GLS), caused by the fungal pathogens Cercospora zeae-maydis and Cercospora zeina, is a major foliar disease of maize worldwide (Zea mays L.). Here we demonstrate that ZmWAKL encoding cell-wall-associated receptor kinase-like protein is the causative gene at the major quantitative disease resistance locus against GLS. The ZmWAKLY protein, encoded by the resistance allele, can self-associate and interact with a leucine-rich repeat immune-related kinase ZmWIK on the plasma membrane. The ZmWAKLY/ZmWIK receptor complex interacts with and phosphorylates the receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase (RLCK) ZmBLK1, which in turn phosphorylates its downstream NADPH oxidase ZmRBOH4. Upon pathogen infection, ZmWAKLY phosphorylation activity is transiently increased, initiating immune signaling from ZmWAKLY, ZmWIK, ZmBLK1 to ZmRBOH4, ultimately triggering a reactive oxygen species burst. Our study thus uncovers the role of the maize ZmWAKL–ZmWIK–ZmBLK1–ZmRBOH4 receptor/signaling/executor module in perceiving the pathogen invasion, transducing immune signals, activating defense responses and conferring increased resistance to GLS.
Content-aware frame interpolation (CAFI): deep learning-based temporal super-resolution for fast bioimaging
Authors: Priessner Martin , Gaboriau David C. A. , Sheridan Arlo , Lenn Tchern , Garzon-Coral Carlos , Dunn Alexander R. , Chubb Jonathan R. , Tousley Aidan M. , Majzner Robbie G. , Manor Uri , Vilar Ramon , Laine Romain F.
Published: January 2024

The development of high-resolution microscopes has made it possible to investigate cellular processes in 3D and over time. However, observing fast cellular dynamics remains challenging because of photobleaching and phototoxicity. Here we report the implementation of two content-aware frame interpolation (CAFI) deep learning networks, Zooming SlowMo and Depth-Aware Video Frame Interpolation, that are highly suited for accurately predicting images in between image pairs, therefore improving the temporal resolution of image series post-acquisition. We show that CAFI is capable of understanding the motion context of biological structures and can perform better than standard interpolation methods. We benchmark CAFI’s performance on 12 different datasets, obtained from four different microscopy modalities, and demonstrate its capabilities for single-particle tracking and nuclear segmentation. CAFI potentially allows for reduced light exposure and phototoxicity on the sample for improved long-term live-cell imaging. The models and the training and testing data are available via the ZeroCostDL4Mic platform.
Chemically reacted blood Cu O nanofluid flow through a non-Darcy porous media with radially varying viscosity
Authors: Ouaf Mahmoud E. , Abouzeid M. Y.
Published: January 2024

The study investigates the flow of a Newtonian Cu O nanofluid through a non-Darcy porous medium with radially varying viscosity, which is crucial for various industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, nuclear, solar, and solar technologies. The peristaltic motion of the nanofluid is studied with thermal radiation and chemical reaction effects, and the viscosity varies with both radius and axial coordinates. The study assumes low Reynolds and long wavelength assumptions and uses the homotopy perturbation technique to obtain a semi-analytical solution of velocity, temperature, nanoparticle concentration, and skin friction. The results show that axial velocity increases with the increase of slip velocity and viscosity parameters, while wave amplitude and chemical reaction parameters increase while nanoparticle concentration decreases. High viscosity parameters allow fluid nanoparticles to gain more active energy and move more freely, which is the main idea behind crude oil refinement. This physical modeling is essential for physiological flows, such as stomach juice flow during endoscope insertion.
Numerical study on the characteristics of roadway failure and instability in coal seam with rock parting
Authors: Zhang Heng , Zhang Yu-Geng , Liu Guang-Jian , Zhu Ya-Wei , Ji Xian-Jun , Cao Wen-Hao
Published: January 2024

In order to explore the mechanism of rockburst in coal seam with rock parting, a combination of on-site and numerical experiment is used to study the failure and instability process, crack propagation mechanism, and influencing factors. The following four points were addressed: (1) the instability is a process that roadway in coal seam with rock parting go through from stable locking in the initial stress unloading stage to slipping unlocking, and then to spatter ejection in slipping dynamic load disturbance stage. (2) The fracture development caused by unloading excavation of coal seam with rock parting will change from shear crack to tensile crack. In this process, coal-rock contact surface slip and coal-rock fracture are coupled with each other. (3) The greater the mining depth is, the greater the lateral pressure coefficient is, and the higher the rockburst risk is. On the contrary, the lower the risk of rockburst. (4) When choosing the support form of roadway in coal seam with rock parting, the two supporting forms of bolting (cable) and supplementary masonry support should be preferred. The results enrich the theory of the dynamics of surrounding rock fracture in coal mine, further clarify the potential dangers to mining-area roadways and working faces, and provide technical information to ensure the safe and efficient mining of bifurcated coal seam.
Central autonomic network and early prognosis in patients with disorders of consciousness
Authors: Riganello Francesco , Vatrano Martina , Cortese Maria Daniela , Tonin Paolo , Soddu Andrea
Published: January 2024

The central autonomic network (CAN) plays a crucial role in modulating the autonomic nervous system. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a valuable marker for assessing CAN function in disorders of consciousness (DOC) patients. We used HRV analysis for early prognosis in 58 DOC patients enrolled within ten days of hospitalization. They underwent a five-minute electrocardiogram during baseline and acoustic/visual stimulation. The coma recovery scale-revised (CRS-R) was used to define the patient’s consciousness level and categorize the good/bad outcome at three months. The high-frequency Power Spectrum Density and the standard deviation of normal-to-normal peaks in baseline, the sample entropy during the stimulation, and the time from injury features were used in the support vector machine analysis (SVM) for outcome prediction. The SVM predicted the patients’ outcome with an accuracy of 96% in the training test and 100% in the validation test, underscoring its potential to provide crucial clinical information about prognosis.
Comparative analysis of SPL transcription factors from streptophyte algae and embryophytes reveals evolutionary trajectories of SPL family in streptophytes
Authors: Alisha Alisha , Szweykowska-Kulinska Zofia , Sierocka Izabela
Published: January 2024

SQUAMOSA-PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) genes encode plant-specific transcription factors which are important regulators of diverse plant developmental processes. We took advantage of available genome sequences of streptophyte algae representatives to investigate the relationships of SPL genes between freshwater green algae and land plants. Our analysis showed that streptophyte algae, hornwort and liverwort genomes encode from one to four SPL genes which is the smallest set, in comparison to other land plants studied to date. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, four major SPL phylogenetic groups were distinguished with Group 3 and 4 being sister to Group 1 and 2. Comparative motif analysis revealed conserved protein motifs within each phylogenetic group and unique bryophyte-specific motifs within Group 1 which suggests lineage-specific protein speciation processes. Moreover, the gene structure analysis also indicated the specificity of each by identifying differences in exon–intron structures between the phylogenetic groups, suggesting their evolutionary divergence. Since current understanding of SPL genes mostly arises from seed plants, the presented comparative and phylogenetic analyzes from freshwater green algae and land plants provide new insights on the evolutionary trajectories of the SPL gene family in different classes of streptophytes.
Comprehensive plasma steroidomics reveals subtle alterations of systemic steroid profile in patients at different stages of prostate cancer disease
Authors: Girel Sergey , Markin Pavel A. , Tobolkina Elena , Boccard Julien , Moskaleva Natalia E. , Rudaz Serge , Appolonova Svetlana A.
Published: January 2024

The steroid submetabolome, or steroidome, is of particular interest in prostate cancer (PCa) as the dependence of PCa growth on androgens is well known and has been routinely exploited in treatment for decades. Nevertheless, the community is still far from a comprehensive understanding of steroid involvement in PCa both at the tissue and at systemic level. In this study we used liquid chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS) backed by a dynamic retention time database DynaSTI to obtain a readout on circulating steroids in a cohort reflecting a progression of the PCa. Hence, 60 relevant compounds were annotated in the resulting LC/HRMS data, including 22 unknown steroid isomers therein. Principal component analysis revealed only subtle alterations of the systemic steroidome in the study groups. Next, a supervised approach allowed for a differentiation between the healthy state and any of the stages of the disease. Subsequent clustering of steroid metabolites revealed two groups responsible for this outcome: one consisted primarily of the androgens, whereas another contained corticosterone and its metabolites. The androgen data supported the currently established involvement of a hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal axis in the development of PCa, whereas biological role of corticosterone remained elusive. On top of that, current results suggested a need for improvement in the dynamic range of the analytical methods to better understand the role of low abundant steroids, as the analysis revealed an involvement of estrogen metabolites. In particular, 2-hydroxyestradiol-3-methylether, one of the compounds present in the disease phenotype, was annotated and reported for the first time in men.
Ultrasensitive detection of vital biomolecules based on a multi-purpose BioMEMS for Point of care testing: digoxin measurement as a case study
Authors: Marvi Fahimeh , Jafari Kian , Shahabadi Mahmoud , Tabarzad Maryam , Ghorbani-Bidkorpeh Fatemeh , Azad Taha
Published: January 2024

Rapid and label-free detection of very low concentrations of biomarkers in disease diagnosis or therapeutic drug monitoring is essential to prevent disease progression in Point of Care Testing. For this purpose, we propose a multi-purpose optical Bio-Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System (BioMEMS) sensing platform which can precisely measure very small changes of biomolecules concentrations in plasma-like buffer samples. This is realized by the development of an interferometric detection method on highly sensitive MEMS transducers (cantilevers). This approach facilitates the precise analysis of the obtained results to determine the analyte type and its concentrations. Furthermore, the proposed multi-purpose platform can be used for a wide range of biological assessments in various concentration levels by the use of an appropriate bioreceptor and the control of its coating density on the cantilever surface. In this study, the present system is prepared for the identification of digoxin medication in its therapeutic window for therapeutic drug monitoring as a case study. The experimental results represent the repeatability and stability of the proposed device as well as its capability to detect the analytes in less than eight minutes for all samples. In addition, according to the experiments carried out for very low concentrations of digoxin in plasma-like buffer, the detection limit of LOD = 300 fM and the maximum sensitivity of S = 5.5 × 1012 AU/M are achieved for the implemented biosensor. The present ultrasensitive multi-purpose BioMEMS sensor can be a fully-integrated, cost-effective device to precisely analyze various biomarker concentrations for various biomedical applications.
DNA methylation-mediated repression of microRNA-410 promotes the growth of human glioma cells and triggers cell apoptosis through its interaction with STAT3
Authors: Wenfu Zhang , Bin Luo , Binchan Rao , Jingling Luo , Zhenchang Wang , Zhengdi Wan , Lei Yang
Published: January 2024

This study's purpose was to confirm the observed underexpression of miRNA-410 in glioma tissues and several glioma cells by Quantitative RT-PCR. Our findings suggest that epigenetic alterations occurring at the promoter region of miR-410 may be responsible for the reduced expression of miR-410 in glioma. The occurrence of DNA methylation in the miR-410 promoter was verified to be more prevalent through glioma tissues contrasted to adjacent non-tumor brain tissues through the utilization of methylation-specific PCR and CpG bisulfite sequencing sites in the miR-410 promoter region. Accordantly, miR-410 expression in glioma cell lines was observed to be significantly lesser in comparison to that of the human fetal glial cell line. In addition, it was demonstrated through gain- and loss-of-function investigations that miR-410 exerts significant regulation over cell growth, cell cycle development, and glioma cell apoptosis. The findings of the Luciferase reporter assay and western blot analysis indicate that miR-410 has a direct effect on the 3’-UTR of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), thereby inhibiting its expression within glioma cells. Besides, our clinical investigation indicates a negative association between miR-410 expression and STAT3 within the glioma tissues of humans. In aggregate, the data provided in this investigation indicates that miR-410 is subjected to underexpression via DNA methylation. Furthermore, it has been observed to perform its function as a tumor suppressor in glioma cells through direct targeting of STAT3. The previously mentioned results could potentially have significant implications for the advancement of a new therapeutic approach for treating glioma.
Validation and personality conditionings of the 3 × 2 achievement goal model in sport
Authors: Tomczak Maciej , Kleka Paweł , Tomczak-Łukaszewska Ewa , Bojkowski Łukasz , Walczak Małgorzata
Published: January 2024

Achievement goal models have been successfully applied in sport. In recent years, a framework that has emerged in this area is the 3 × 2 approach, being a natural evolution of years of research into the issue of achievement goals. Nevertheless, it is essential to further validate the abovementioned approach and explore its psychosocial context. Hence, the purpose of this study was to validate the latest 3 × 2 achievement goal model among high-performance and recreational athletes using the Polish version of the 3 × 2 Achievement Goal Questionnaire for Sport (3 × 2 AGQ-S), and to determine the relationship between personality traits and achievement goals of athletes. The study included 413 athletes, with M = 20.62 and SD = 2.72. The 3 × 2 AGQ-S was used to assess achievement goals, the Big Five personality traits were assessed using the IPIP-BFM-20 questionnaire. The model of the Polish version of the 3 × 2 AGQ-S achieved a satisfactory fit to the data (CFI = 0.940, TLI = 0.923, RMSEA = 0.086, SRMR = 0.061). Cronbach’s alphas for the subscales were: 0.77–0.96. High-performance athletes obtained higher achievement goals in task and self subscales than recreational athletes. Personality traits explained no more than 3% of variance of achievement goals in sport. Research involving the Polish version of the 3 × 2 AGQ-S supports the validity of the 3 × 2 model in sport among high-performance and recreational athletes. Nevertheless, the small relationships between the personality traits and achievement goals prompt searching for other psychosocial determinants of goals in sport.
Neutrophil-mediated type IV collagen degradation is elevated in patients with mild endoscopic ulcerative colitis reflecting early mucosal destruction
Authors: Alexdottir Marta S. , Pehrsson Martin , Domislovic Viktor , Godskesen Line E. , Krag Aleksander , Kjeldsen Jens , Brinar Marko , Barisic Ana , Bay-Jensen Anne-Christine , Karsdal Morten A. , Krznaric Zeljko , Mortensen Joachim H.
Published: January 2024

Neutrophils play a significant role in sustaining chronic inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The intestinal basement membrane acts as a barrier for immunological homeostasis, where the α3 and α4 chains of type IV collagen are expressed on the mucosal surface. We wanted to develop a biomarker reflecting early tissue injury, providing an opportunity for intervention. Two competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) quantifying human neutrophil elastase (HNE) degraded neo-epitopes of COL4A3 and COL4A4 were developed and investigated in two observational cohorts (n = 161, n = 100). A biomarker of MMP-mediated degradation of COL4A1 (C4M) was used for comparison. In Cohort 1, patients with mild endoscopic ulcerative colitis showed elevated levels of C4A3-HNE compared to those with severe disease. C4M had a strong positive correlation with disease activity. C4A3-HNE/C4M provided superior discrimination between mild and severe endoscopic disease and negatively correlated to disease activity. In Cohort 2, C4A4-HNE and C4A4-HNE/C4M showed similar trends. C4A3-HNE and C4A4-HNE possibly reflect early intestinal tissue injury. Combining the markers with a biomarker of another α-chain of the same collagen provides information on two distinct stages of mucosal damage. These biomarkers may be used to monitor disease flare-up in patients in remission, reducing the need for frequent endoscopic procedures.
Selective ionization of marker molecules in fuels by laser-based ion mobility spectrometry (LIMS)
Authors: Zühlke Martin , Genin Leonard , Riebe Daniel , Beitz Toralf
Published: January 2024

Real-time monitoring of marker substances in complex matrices (e.g. fuel) based on Laser ion mobility spectrometry.
Structure prediction from spectra amidst dynamical heterogeneity in melanin
Authors: Choudhury Arpan , Ramakrishnan Raghunathan , Ghosh Debashree
Published: January 2024

Machine learning inverse design of electronic absorption spectra to molecular structures of DHICA melanin.
Modelling structure and ionic diffusion in a class of ionic liquid crystal-based solid electrolytes
Authors: Khan Md Sharif , Van Roekeghem Ambroise , Mossa Stefano , Ivol Flavien , Bernard Laurent , Picard Lionel , Mingo Natalio
Published: January 2024

Next-generation high-efficiency Li-ion batteries require an electrolyte that is both safe and thermally stable.
Förster resonance energy transfer within the neomycin aptamer
Authors: Hurter Florian , Halbritter Anna-Lena J. , Ahmad Iram M. , Braun Markus , Sigurdsson Snorri Th. , Wachtveitl Josef
Published: January 2024

A methodological analysis of FRET data from a new pair of modified nucleobases, Çmf and tCnitro, for energy transfer in RNA aptamers. The limitations and strengths of different methods are highlighted, depending on the energy transfer time scale.
Addendum: Self-operating transpiration-driven electrokinetic power generator with an artificial hydrological cycle
Authors: Bae Jaehyeong , Yun Tae Gwang , Suh Bong Lim , Kim Jihan , Kim Il-Doo
Published: January 2024

Addendum for ‘Self-operating transpiration-driven electrokinetic power generator with an artificial hydrological cycle’ by Jaehyeong Bae et al., Energy Environ. Sci., 2020, 13, 527–534, https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE02616A.
Association of total and different food-derived advanced glycation end-products with risks of all-cause and cause-specific mortality
Authors: Si Changyu , Liu Fubin , Peng Yu , Qiao Yating , Wang Peng , Wang Xixuan , Gong Jianxiao , Zhou Huijun , Zhang Ming , Song Fangfang
Published: January 2024

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), formed through a series of non-enzymatic reactions, can promote inflammation and oxidative stress. Their accumulation in the body has been linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer.
Low intake of ruminant trans fatty acids ameliorates the disordered lipid metabolism in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Zhou Ze-Qiang , Wei Meng , Tan Chao-Li , Deng Ze-Yuan , Li Jing
Published: January 2024

A low intake of ruminant trans fatty acids in the daily diet of Chinese residents exhibits salutary effects on health.
The first-row transition metal-catalysed enantioconvergent radical Suzuki–Miyaura C(sp3)–C coupling of racemic alkyl halides
Authors: Liu Lin , Yang Chang-Jiang , Li Zhong-Liang , Gu Qiang-Shuai , Liu Xin-Yuan
Published: January 2024

This perspective highlights recent advances and provides an outlook on future developments in the first-row transition metal catalysed enantioconvergent radical Suzuki–Miyaura C(sp3)−C coupling of racemic alkyl halides.
Inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ICP-TOFMS) with desolvating sample introduction and He collision gas for high-accuracy determination of Rh, Pd and Pt in automobile catalytic converters
Authors: Strekopytov Stanislav , Entwisle John , Hill Sarah , Goenaga-Infante Heidi
Published: January 2024

A novel and selective method has been developed for high-accuracy determination of Pd, Pt and Rh in complex autocatalyst matrices using ICP-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ICP-TOFMS).
Plasma-catalytic oxidation of toluene over MCeZrOx/TiO2 (M = Cu, Mn, Ni and Co) catalysts using a dielectric barrier discharge reactor
Authors: Hu Guangtao , Ma Yichen , Hao Qinglan , Liu Deliang , Dou Baojuan , Bin Feng
Published: January 2024

Plasma catalysis is recognized as a promising technology for the elimination of diluted volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Quadruple bridged-carbonate supported dodecanuclear [Ni8Ca4] coordination cluster
Authors: Kajal  , Vinayak Richa , Gómez-García Carlos J. , Benmansour Samia , Nayek Hari Pada
Published: January 2024

A reaction of a polydentate Schiff-base ligand with NiII, CaII and Na2CO3 in dimethylformamide yields a Ni8Ca4 coordination wheel, which is the largest reported Ni–Ca coordination cluster and shows alternating ferro- and antiferromagnetic Ni···Ni interactions.
Nanomedicines for targeted pulmonary delivery: receptor-mediated strategy and alternatives
Authors: Wang Wenhao , Zhong Ziqiao , Huang Zhengwei , Hiew Tze Ning , Huang Ying , Wu Chuanbin , Pan Xin
Published: January 2024

In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview and analysis of the current advancements in nanomedicines for targeted pulmonary delivery.
Controlled mechanical properties of poly(ionic liquid)-based hydrophobic ion gels by the introduction of alumina nanoparticles with different shapes
Authors: Mizutani Yuna , Watanabe Takaichi , Lopez Carlos G. , Ono Tsutomu
Published: January 2024

The mechanical properties of alumina/poly(ionic liquid) double network ion gels can be controlled by the aggregation structures of nanoparticles.
Improved Masking Multiplication with PRGs and Its Application to Arithmetic Addition
Authors: Wang Bohan , Sui Qian , Ji Fanjie , Guo Chun , Wang Weijia
Published: January 2024

At Eurocrypt 2020, Coron et al. proposed a masking technique allowing the use of random numbers from pseudo‐random generators (PRGs) to largely reduce the use of expansive true‐random generators (TRNGs). For security against d probes, they describe a construction using 2d PRGs, each of which is fed with at most 2d random variables in a finite field, resulting in a randomness requirement of . In this paper, we improve the technique on multiple frontiers. On the theoretical level, we push the limits of the randomness requirement by providing an improved masking multiplication using only d PRGs, each of which is fed with d random variables, saving more than half random bits. On the practical level, considering that the masking of arithmetic addition usually requires more randomness (than multiplication), we apply the technique to the algorithm proposed at FSE 2015 that is a very efficient scheme performing arithmetic addition modulo 2w. It significantly reduces the randomness cost of masked arithmetic addition, and further advocates the advantage of masking with PRGs. Furthermore, we apply our masking scheme to the Speck, XTEA, and Sparkle, and provide the first (to the best of our knowledge) higher order masked implementations for the ciphers using ARX structure.
MsDC‐DEQ‐Net: Deep Equilibrium Model (DEQ) with Multiscale Dilated Convolution for Image Compressive Sensing (CS)
Authors: Yu Youhao , Dansereau Richard M.
Published: January 2024

Compressive sensing (CS) is a technique that enables the recovery of sparse signals using fewer measurements than traditional sampling methods. To address the computational challenges of CS reconstruction, our objective is to develop an interpretable and concise neural network model for reconstructing natural images using CS. We achieve this by mapping one step of the iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm (ISTA) to a deep network block, representing one iteration of ISTA. To enhance learning ability and incorporate structural diversity, we integrate aggregated residual transformations (ResNeXt) and squeeze‐and‐excitation mechanisms into the ISTA block. This block serves as a deep equilibrium layer connected to a semi‐tensor product network for convenient sampling and providing an initial reconstruction. The resulting model, called MsDC‐DEQ‐Net, exhibits competitive performance compared to state‐of‐the‐art network‐based methods. It significantly reduces storage requirements compared to deep unrolling methods, using only one iteration block instead of multiple iterations. Unlike deep unrolling models, MsDC‐DEQ‐Net can be iteratively used, gradually improving reconstruction accuracy while considering computation tradeoffs. Additionally, the model benefits from multiscale dilated convolutions, further enhancing performance.
A power transformer differential protection method based on variational mode decomposition and CNN‐BiLSTM techniques
Authors: Afsharisefat Reza , Jannati Mohsen , Shams Mohammadreza
Published: January 2024

Power transformers play a critical role in the performance of power systems. This equipment is costly due to significant copper and iron prices and manufacturing costs. Therefore, maintenance and protection of such equipment is essential. Despite its robust performance, maloperation of differential protection (DP) in transformers may cause operational challenges to power system operators. The differential relay may operate incorrectly after the transformer energization leads to an inrush current (IC) and the relay identifies the event as an internal fault, and consequently issues the trip command. The other case of maloperation includes, but not limited to, a moment when the current transformer saturates due to an external fault. In this paper, a novel approach for DP is proposed, that is based on signal processing methods. In this paper, variational mode decomposition (VMD) and the deep neural network are implemented by using the convolutional neural network (CNN) and bi‐directional long short‐term memory (BiLSTM) models. The VMD decomposes differential current signal (DCS) to intrinsic mode functions with corresponding narrow‐band property frequency spectrums, which provides more detailed information about signal characteristics in different frequency bands. At the next stage, an effective feature for the BiLSTM is extracted by the CNN with the convolutional layers to classify events and proper discrimination. Extensive simulations on a 500 MVA transformer in MATLAB demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed protection approach to differentiate ICs from internal and external faults with 99.8% accuracy in less than 1/8th of a power cycle.
Multi‐agent protection scheme for microgrid using deep learning
Authors: Najar Abolfazl , Kazemi Karegar Hossein , Esmaeilbeigi Saman
Published: January 2024

Producing clean energy and feeding critical loads in islanding mode are the main reasons for interest in microgrids. Different operation topologies of microgrids make traditional protection schemes inefficient. This paper proposes a multi‐agent protection scheme in which each protection agent can detect different fault events and isolate faulty phases at a fast rate. A unique algorithm is utilized for determining fault location in microgrids and system operators are informed accordingly. Microgrids have various operation modes due to the stochastic behavior of distributed generators and different topologies. Here, a significant number of operating conditions of the studied microgrid are considered. These operation conditions are simulated in the DIgSILENT Power Factory, and different parameters are stored. Raw measured parameters need to be pre‐processed by a signal processing method in MATLAB. Discrete wavelet transform is chosen for this purpose. Deep learning is used as a machine learning technique due to the various operation modes of the microgrid. Deep neural networks are constructed using Python programming language. The proposed scheme ensures high accuracy in fault detection and fault location in the microgrid, as well as fault isolation in different operation conditions.
Optimal design and sizing of a hybrid energy system for water pumping applications
Authors: Amusan Olumuyiwa Taiwo , Nwulu Nnamdi Ikechi , Gbadamosi Saheed Lekan
Published: January 2024

One of the ways to increase the participation and penetration of renewable energy resources is to bring down the cost of these abundant resources for easy implementation and affordability. In this paper, a generalized reduced gradient (GRG) non‐linear optimization algorithm is implemented to solve a tri‐objective optimal design and sizing of a low‐cost hybrid mix consisting of a photovoltaic (PV) power plant, biomass power plant (BPP), and battery energy system for water pumping load applications in the University of Johannesburg, South Africa considering four different hybrids of biomass‐battery, PV‐battery, PV‐biomass, and PV‐biomass‐battery. The optimization model considers available energy and battery state of charge while minimizing least cost of energy (LCOE), carbon dioxide emission (tCO2eq), and loss of power supply probability (LPSP) including carbon tax incentive and penalty. The results when compared against particle swarm optimization (PSO) show the superiority of GRG over PSO with an optimal combination of PV‐biomass‐battery mix with optimal size of the PV power plant as 360.50 kW, the BPP 181.08 kW, and the battery size of 6,553.60 kWh giving a minimal optimal LCOE, CO2 emission and LPSP of 0.018 $/kWhr (with carbon tax), and 0.016 $/kWhr (without carbon tax), 28,067.73tCO2eq tCO2eq, and 1.7%, respectively. These values give a competitive advantage compared to the unit cost and values of CO2 emission and LPSP currently in the literature.