bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FOXC1 transcriptionally suppresses ABHD5 to inhibit the progression of renal cell carcinoma through AMPK/mTOR pathway
Authors: Li Jianfa , Chen Shuangchen , Xiao Jing , Ji Jiayuan , Huang Chenchen , Shu Ge 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Increased activity of the transcription factor FOXC1 leads to elevated transcription of target genes, ultimately facilitating the progression of various cancer types. However, there are currently no literature reports on the role of FOXC1 in renal cell carcinoma.

Methods
By using RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, FOXC1 mRNA and protein expression was evaluated. Gain of function experiments were utilized to assess the proliferation and metastasis ability of cells. A nude mouse model was created for transplanting tumors and establishing a lung metastasis model to observe cell proliferation and spread in a living organism. Various techniques including biological analysis, CHIP assay, luciferase assay, RT-qRCR and Western blotting experiments were utilized to investigate how FOXC1 contributes to the transcription of ABHD5 on a molecular level. FOXC1 was assessed by Western blot for its impact on AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.

Results
FOXC1 is down-regulated in RCC, causing unfavorable prognosis of patients with RCC. Further experiments showed that forced FOXC1 expression significantly restrains RCC cell growth and cell metastasis. Mechanically, FOXC1 promotes the transcription of ABHD5 to activate AMPK signal pathway to inhibit mTOR signal pathway. Finally, knockdown of ABHD5 recovered the inhibitory role of FOXC1 overexpression induced cell growth and metastasis suppression.

Conclusion
In general, our study demonstrates that FOXC1 exerts its tumor suppressor role by promoting ABHD5 transcription to regulating AMPK/mTOR signal pathway. FOXC1 could serve as both a diagnostic indicator and potential treatment focus for RCC.
Dielectric and thermal conductive properties of differently structured Ti3C2Tx MXene-integrated nanofibrillated cellulose films
Authors: Lakshmanan Subramanian , Jurečič Vida , Bobnar Vid , Kokol Vanja 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe fabrication of nanocellulose-based substrates with high dielectric permittivity and anisotropic thermal conductivity to replace synthetic thermoplastics in flexible organic electronics remains a big challenge. Herein, films were prepared from native (CNF) and carboxylated (TCNF) cellulose nanofibrils, with and without the addition of thermally conductive multi-layered Ti3C2Tx MXene, to examine the impact of polar (− OH, − COOH) surface groups on the film morphological, moisturizing, dielectric, and thermal dissipation properties. The electrostatic repulsion and hydrogen bonding interaction between the hydrophilic surface/terminal groups on CNF/TCNF and MXene was shown to render their self-assembly distribution and organization into morphologically differently structured films, and, consequently, different properties. The pristine CNF film achieved high intrinsic dielectric permittivity (ε' ~ 9), which was further increased to almost ε' ~ 14 by increasing (50 wt%) the MXene content. The well-packed and aligned structure of thinner TCNF films enables the tuning of both the composite’s dielectric permittivity (ε' ~ 6) and through-plane thermal conductivity (K ~ 2.9 W/mK), which increased strongly (ε' ~ 17) at higher MXene loading giving in-plane thermal conductivity of ~ 6.3 W/mK. The air-absorbed moisture ability of the films contributes to heat dissipation by releasing it. The dielectric losses remained below 0.1 in all the composite films, showing their potential for application in electronics.
Graphic abstract
Tiebout Sorting and Toxic Releases
Authors: De Silva Dakshina G. , Schiller Anita R. , Slechten Aurélie , Wolk Leonard 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCombining detailed county-to-county migration data with Toxics Release Inventory data, and fine-scale $$\hbox{PM}_{2.5}$$

PM

2.5

concentration levels, we investigate the relationship between internal migration, income of migrant and non-migrant households and county-level differences in environmental quality. We show that households moving to “cleaner” counties are relatively “richer”—a result consistent with a sorting by income in the spirit of Tiebout (1956). An implication of this finding is that internal migration could contribute to the persistence of disparities in pollution exposure at the county-level.
Control-Value Theory: From Achievement Emotion to a General Theory of Human Emotions
Authors: Pekrun Reinhard 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn its original version, control-value theory describes and explains achievement emotions. More recently, the theory has been expanded to also explain epistemic, social, and existential emotions. In this article, I outline the development of the theory, from preliminary work in the 1980s to early versions of the theory and the recent generalized control-value theory. I provide summaries of the theory’s evidence-based propositions on antecedents, outcomes, and regulation of emotions, including the fundamentally important role of control and value appraisals across different types of human emotions that are relevant to education (and beyond). The theory includes descriptive taxonomies of emotions as well as propositions explaining (a) the influence of individual factors, social environments, and socio-cultural contexts on emotions; (b) the effects of emotions on learning, performance, and health; (c) reciprocal causation linking emotions, outcomes, and antecedents; (d) ways to regulate emotions; and (e) strategies for intervention. Subsequently, I outline the relevance of the theory for educational practice, including individual and large-scale assessments of emotions; students’, teachers’, and parents’ understanding of emotions; and change of educational practices. In conclusion, I discuss strengths of the theory, open questions, and future directions.
On the depth-averaged models of ice-covered flows
Authors: Koyuncu Berkay , Akerkouch Lahcen , Le Trung 
Published: August 2024

AbstractImpact of ice coverage is significant in controlling the depth-averaged velocity profile and influencing morphological processes in alluvial channels. However, this impact is largely unknown under field conditions. In this work, a numerical method is introduced to compute the depth-averaged velocity profile in irregular cross-sections of ice-covered flows, based on the Shiono-Knight approach. The momentum equation is modified to account for the presence of secondary flows and the ice coverage. The equations are discretized and solved with velocity boundary conditions at the bank and at one vertical. Our approach only requires the cross-section geometry and a single velocity measurement near the high-velocity region, offering a significant advantage in inaccessible locations by avoiding the need to measure the velocity profile in the entire cross-section. The proposed model is then validated using depth-averaged velocity profile and secondary flow patterns from laboratory observations, analytical solution, and Large-Eddy Simulation. Finally, the method is applied to infer depth-averaged velocity profiles in the Red River of the North, United States, to test its performance in meandering sections. The proposed method demonstrates its robustness in reconstructing flow profiles in ice-covered conditions with a minimal amount of available data, which is crucial for assessing erosion risks and managing spring floods in cold regions.
A dualistic approach to harmonious and obsessive passion: The impact of game mechanics on mobile gaming engagement
Authors: Park Ha Eun , Yap Sheau-Fen 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCurrent gaming literature lacks empirical evidence on the influence of game design elements and the process through which game engagement can transition into addictive behaviors. Drawing upon the dual theory of passion, this research explores how game design mechanics shape the dualistic experience of passion (i.e., harmonious versus obsessive passion) in mobile gaming consumption. Our netnographic study involved a 2-year participatory observation of an online mobile game community named Empires and Puzzles, culminating in 10,927 posts and nine relevant forum topics. Seven interviews with game developers were also conducted. Our findings reveal that specific mobile game mechanics, namely farming, loot boxing, and raiding, influence the transition from harmonious passion (HP) to obsessive passion (OP) through a pathway characterized by pre-occupying, whilst the recovery mechanism that facilitates the transition from OP back to HP include alleviating. Such findings foreground the theoretical importance of moving beyond a static perspective of gaming engagement. This study contributes to information system literature by developing an empirically grounded framework for understanding the mechanisms underlying the influence of game design on the dualistic nature of mobile gaming passion. Persistent public criticism and government skepticism can impede game businesses. Our insights have the potential to generate positive social impacts by promoting responsible game design to alleviate resistance and skepticism.
Labor market outcomes during opposite resource shocks: the 2009 and 2012 earthquakes in Italy
Authors: Bernini Andrea 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe 2009 and 2012 earthquakes in Italy occurred in a close-knit region and time horizon but differed substantially on both the initial shock to the stock and the subsequent flow of resources. This paper considers the short run impact on the dynamic response of labor market outcomes. Both earthquakes lowered employment and labor force participation by more than 0.5%. With its negative effect on the resources available, the 2009 shock led to a drop in real wages of 1.3% and a sharp—but short-lived—widening of the wage gap generated by the skill premium. The 2012 earthquake, which led firms to upgrade their technology, increased wages by 2.2% and led to a more balanced—but persistent—widening of the wage gap. The predictions of a model developed in this paper are consistent with these results.
Estimating genetic diversity among selected wild grapevine genotypes from Southern Turkey by simple sequence repeat (SSR) and inter-Primer Binding Site(iPBS) markers
Authors: Ikten Hatice , Sari Duygu , Sabir Ali , Meydan Hasan , Mutlu Nedim 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The examination of germplasm within grapevine accessions derived from wild genotypes holds significant importance within the grapevine breeding program, particularly in the improving of cultivars and rootstocks. Due to the greater genetic variation present in wild genotypes, there is an increased possibility of possessing the desired features. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of 64 grapevine genotypes using inter-primer binding site (iPBS) retrotransposon markers and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 236 bands were generated using iPBS markers, of which 162 bands exhibited polymorphism. A comprehensive assessment was conducted on a total of 126 SSR alleles using the SSR markers, revealing that 91 of these exhibited polymorphisms. Despite the similarity in mean values between polymorphic bands generated by iPBS (6.48) and SSR markers (6.5), the iPBS markers exhibited a greater polymorphism information content (PIC: 0.39) in comparison to SSR markers (0.29). The UPGMA analysis classified the genotypes into two primary groups at a similarity index of 0.62 based on combined data. The rootstocks utilized as points of reference are consolidated inside a singular cluster (A), distinct from both the Mediterranean wild population and cultivars. The comparison of genetic variation, represented by FST values, revealed that the maximum differentiation was observed between subpopulations SP3 and SP5. The wild grapevine population grown in the Southeast Mediterranean Region of Turkey exhibited significant differentiation. Both marker systems employed in this study were highly polymorphic and useful for genetic characterization and mapping of grapevine populations.
On the emerging potential of quantum annealing hardware for combinatorial optimization
Authors: Tasseff Byron , Albash Tameem , Morrell Zachary , Vuffray Marc , Lokhov Andrey Y. , Misra Sidhant , Coffrin Carleton 
Published: August 2024

AbstractOver the past decade, the usefulness of quantum annealing hardware for combinatorial optimization has been the subject of much debate. Thus far, experimental benchmarking studies have indicated that quantum annealing hardware does not provide an irrefutable performance gain over state-of-the-art optimization methods. However, as this hardware continues to evolve, each new iteration brings improved performance and warrants further benchmarking. To that end, this work conducts an optimization performance assessment of D-Wave Systems’ Advantage Performance Update computer, which can natively solve sparse unconstrained quadratic optimization problems with over 5,000 binary decision variables and 40,000 quadratic terms. We demonstrate that classes of contrived problems exist where this quantum annealer can provide run time benefits over a collection of established classical solution methods that represent the current state-of-the-art for benchmarking quantum annealing hardware. Although this work does not present strong evidence of an irrefutable performance benefit for this emerging optimization technology, it does exhibit encouraging progress, signaling the potential impacts on practical optimization tasks in the future.
Association of serum lipid profile and other systemic risk factors with retinal hard exudates in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Hiran Harshita Mukesh , Kamath Ajay , Mendonca Teena Mariet , Rodrigues Gladys R. , Nayak Rajesh R. , Kamath Gurudutt , Kamath Sumana J. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Diabetic macular edema is one of the leading causes of vision loss across the world. Hard exudates at the macula can lead to structural abnormalities in the retina leading to irreversible vision loss. Systemic dyslipidemia and other modifiable risk factors when identified and treated early may help prevent substantial vision loss. The purpose of this study was to study the association between serum lipid levels and other systemic risk factors like hemoglobin, HbA1c, and serum creatinine with hard exudates and macular edema in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Methods
It is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary health care center in South India. 96 patients having diabetic retinopathy with hard exudates were included. Modified Airlie house classification was used to grade the hard exudates. Blood investigations including serum lipid profile, hemoglobin, HbA1c, and serum creatinine were carried out. Central subfield macular thickness was measured using optical coherence tomography.

Results
96 patients of type II DM with diabetic retinopathy were divided into three groups of hard exudates. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the severity of hard exudates and total cholesterol (p = 0.00), triglycerides (p = 0.00), LDL (p = 0.00), and VLDL (p = 0.00). HbA1c levels showed a statistically significant correlation with the severity of hard exudates (p = 0.09), no significant correlation was noted between hard exudates and hemoglobin levels (p = 0.27) and with serum creatinine (p = 0.612). A statistically significant association between CSMT and hard exudates (p = 0.00) was noted.

Conclusion
In our study, we concluded that the severity of hard exudates is significantly associated with increasing levels of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, and HbA1c levels in type II DM patients presenting with diabetic retinopathy. The increasing duration of diabetes is significantly associated with increasing severity of hard exudates. Central subfield macular thickness increases with increasing severity of hard exudates in diabetic retinopathy.
Review of scientific literature and standard guidelines for the characterization of graphene-based materials
Authors: Alves Thais , Mota Wanessa S. , Barros Cecília , Almeida Danilo , Komatsu Daniel , Zielinska Aleksandra , Cardoso Juliana C. , Severino Patrícia , Souto Eliana B. , Chaud Marco V. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGraphene is a two-dimensional carbon material with unique properties, such as high thermal and electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, elasticity, and biocompatibility. The methods used to synthesize graphene affect its structural properties, including flaws, layer count, crystalline domain size, and impurities, ultimately affecting the properties and performance of graphene-based materials. This review aims to analyze the methods used to characterize graphene, using both ISO/IEC standards and current literature as references. The discussed techniques are diverse, yet complementary, and include ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption near edge structure, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method, thermogravimetric analysis, in-line four-point probe, resonant cavity and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, besides an alternative method to determine the graphene domain. By employing rigorous characterization techniques, researchers and industry professionals can ensure the reliability, effectiveness, and trustworthiness of graphene-based materials for various applications.
Development of a Simple Horseradish Peroxidase-linked Hybrid Conjugates System for Sensitive Detection of Alpha-fetoprotein
Authors: Samsa Canan Gulmez , Tuncer Demet Turk , Altinkaynak Cevahir 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is frequently used for the detection and diagnosis of various cancers, including liver, endodermal, ovarian, stomach, and other malignant tumors. Additionally, it is utilized to identify conditions such as miscarriage, Down syndrome, and neural tube defects during pregnancy. Therefore, the present study focuses on the development/design of a highly sensitive hybrid conjugate system for the diagnosis of AFP. In this regard, the hybrid conjugate was synthesized using horse radish peroxidase, specific antibodies of AFP and copper (II) ion as inorganic component. The conjugate synthesized with high encapsulation efficiency (97%) was characterized using SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD analyses. The hybrid conjugate analyses were conducted in direct and sandwich ELISA test systems, and it was found that the direct method was ineffective. Optimal working conditions were determined in the sandwich ELISA test system. In this method, a linear relationship was plotted between A450, and the AFP concentration in the range of 15.6 to 500 ng/mL(R2 = 0.990), and the cut-off value for this test was calculated as 0.465. The detection range of the conjugate was found to be close to commercial ELISA test kits. The findings indicate that functionalized hybrid conjugate systems have the potential to offer a more economical application in the diagnostic field. Protein-inorganic hybrid material technology shows promise for developing ELISA kits in the diagnostic industry, pending further research on sensitivity, repeatability, and stability. The presented biomolecular engineering approach is promising for the development of optional hybrid systems.
Variance Reduction Techniques for Stochastic Proximal Point Algorithms
Authors: Traoré Cheik , Apidopoulos Vassilis , Salzo Saverio , Villa Silvia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn the context of finite sums minimization, variance reduction techniques are widely used to improve the performance of state-of-the-art stochastic gradient methods. Their practical impact is clear, as well as their theoretical properties. Stochastic proximal point algorithms have been studied as an alternative to stochastic gradient algorithms since they are more stable with respect to the choice of the step size. However, their variance-reduced versions are not as well studied as the gradient ones. In this work, we propose the first unified study of variance reduction techniques for stochastic proximal point algorithms. We introduce a generic stochastic proximal-based algorithm that can be specified to give the proximal version of SVRG, SAGA, and some of their variants. For this algorithm, in the smooth setting, we provide several convergence rates for the iterates and the objective function values, which are faster than those of the vanilla stochastic proximal point algorithm. More specifically, for convex functions, we prove a sublinear convergence rate of O(1/k). In addition, under the Polyak-łojasiewicz condition, we obtain linear convergence rates. Finally, our numerical experiments demonstrate the advantages of the proximal variance reduction methods over their gradient counterparts in terms of the stability with respect to the choice of the step size in most cases, especially for difficult problems.
Swimming in cold water increases the browning process by diminishing the Myostatin pathway
Authors: Rahmani Niloofar , Motamedi Pezhman , Amani-Shalamzari Sadegh , Escobar Kurt A. , Suzuki Katsuhiko 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a thermogenic tissue that uncouples oxidative phosphorylation from ATP synthesis and increases energy expenditure via non-shivering thermogenesis in mammals. Cold exposure and exercise have been shown to increase BAT and browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) in mice. This study aimed to determine whether there is an additive effect of exercise during cold exposure on markers related to browning of adipose tissue. in Wistar rats.

Methods
Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: Control (C, 25˚C), Swimming in Neutral (SN, 30˚C) water, and Swimming in Cold (SC, 15˚C) water. Swimming included intervals of 2–3 min, 1 min rest, until exhausted, three days a week for six weeks, with a training load of 3–6% body weight. After the experimental protocol, interscapular BAT and inguinal subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) were excised, weighed, and processed for beiging marker gene expression.

Results
SN and SC resulted in lower body weight gain, associated with reduced WAT and BAT volume and increased BAT number with greater effects observed in SC. Myostatin protein expression was lower in BAT, WAT, soleus muscle, and serum NC and SC compared to the C group. Expression of the interferon regulatory factor-4 (IRF4) gene in both BAT and WAT tissues was significantly greater in the SC than in the C. Expression of the PGC-1α in BAT was significantly increased in the SC compared to C and increased in WAT in NC and SC. Expression of the UCP1 in BAT and WAT increased in the SC group compared to other groups.

Conclusion
The findings demonstrate that six weeks of swimming training in cold water promotes additive effects of the expression of genes and proteins involved in the browning process of adipose tissue in Wistar rats. Myostatin inhibition may possess a regulator effect on the PGC-1α – UCP1 pathway that mediates adipose tissue browning.