bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miRNAs as potential biomarkers for subclinical atherosclerosis in Sjögren’s disease
Authors: Zehrfeld Nadine , Abelmann Malin , Benz Sabrina , Seeliger Tabea , Engelke Fiona , Skripuletz Thomas , Baer Christian , Thum Thomas , Witte Torsten , Sonnenschein Kristina , Ernst Diana , Derda Anselm Arthur 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundMicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate gene expression, controlling numerous cellular processes. Dysregulation of miRNA function is linked to various diseases, making them attractive diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Examples include hsa-miR-92a-3p, hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-143-3p, hsa-miR-145-5p and hsa-miR-204-5p, which are associated with endothelial function. Their prevalence in Sjögren’s disease (SjD) is unknown. We assessed the prevalence of these miRNAs in serum of patients with SjD, correlating levels with cardiovascular risk factors and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) to evaluate their utility in risk stratification.Methods199 patients with SjD and 100 age and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. Five different miRNAs (hsa-miR-92a-3p; hsa-miR-126-3p; hsa-miR143-3p; hsa-miR-145-5p; hsa-miR-204-5p) were analysed by quantitative real-time PCR. The miRNA results were compared with known clinical and disease-related parameters.ResultsFour miRNAs showed significantly different expressions compared with HC. MiR-92a-3p was upregulated (p=0.025) and miR-126-3p (p=0.044), miR-143-3p (p=0.006) and miR-204-5p (p=0.009) downregulated in SjD compared with HC. The comparison between HC and SjD with/without organ involvement revealed descriptively increased miR-92a-3p levels in patients with SjD with organ involvement (p=0.087). Furthermore, miR-92a-3p levels correlated positively with cIMT as an expression of subclinical atherosclerosis (r=0.148, p=0.04).ConclusionIn conclusion, patients with SjD demonstrated differences in their expression of miRNAs linked to regulation of endothelial function. Reduction of specific miRNAs was associated with increased cardiovascular risk, suggesting a potentially protective role for these miRNAs. Furthermore, miR-92a-3p could be helpful for molecular detection of early-stage atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk in SjD.
Soil organic carbon pools as influenced by 21 years of conservation agriculture management practices in Saskatchewan
Authors: Hangs Ryan , Schoenau Jeff , Dhillon Gurbir , St. Luce Mervin , McConkey Brian 
Published: August 2024

Soil organic carbon (SOC) content is a key metric of soil quality and limited work has been done to examine the effect of long-term conservation agriculture management practices (CAMP) on SOC pools within western Canadian soils. We assessed the nature and permanence of sequestered SOC within 90 diverse Saskatchewan surface (0–10 cm) agricultural soils before and after 21 years of CAMP. Comparisons were made of total SOC, labile and dynamic SOC fractions (light fraction, water-extractable, and microbial biomass), respirable CO2–C during a 6-week incubation, along with spectroscopic characterization using 13C/12C stable isotope ratio and ATR-FTIR. Among soil climatic zones, the SOC content increased in the semi-arid Brown and Dark Brown soils, ranging from 2.4 to 3.7 Mg C ha−1 (111.4–187.7 kg C ha−1 year−1), but did not change in the subhumid Black, Dark Gray, and Gray soils. Overall, soils having the smallest initial SOC level were most responsive to CAMP and accumulated more SOC. According to the δ13C data, CAMP appeared to reduce annual crop moisture stress, especially within the Brown soil zone. Decreased light fraction and water-extractable SOC contents in Black, Dark Gray, and Gray soils could reflect more intense decomposition and greater surface stratification of crop residues. Brown soils experienced the largest increase in microbial biomass-C content. The CO2–C emissions from the Brown, Dark Brown, and Gray soils under CAMP suggest greater SOC stability in 2018 compared with 1996. The ATR-FTIR data pointed to enhanced SOC persistence, via more stabilized SOC forms and mineral-associated organic C fractions.
An investigation of the stability of polymer compositions at constant electric field
Authors: Aliyeva I. K. , Aliyeva E. R. , Mustafayeva E. A. , Karimova N. K. , Rahimova K. E. 
Published: August 2024

The electric breakdown strength of polymer composites (PC) polyethylene — low-density polypropylene (PP-LDPE) with various supramolecular structures (SMS) was studied at the stable electric field in the temperature range of 293–370 K, under various conditions. It was shown that the breakdown strength ([Formula: see text] of PC increases with increasing voltage rise rate, and decreases with increasing temperature. The existence of dependences between electrical durability ([Formula: see text] and intensity of constant electric field ([Formula: see text] indicates that the electrical destruction of PC is a kinetic process, the rate of which is determined by the electric field strength and temperature.
The effect of higher-order dissipation on solutions of the generalized Korteweg–de Vries equation
Authors: Bona J. L. , Chen H. , Hong Y. , Panthee M. , Scialom M. 
Published: August 2024

This paper is concerned with the generalized Korteweg–de Vries equation [Formula: see text] in the supercritical case [Formula: see text]. For such values of [Formula: see text], it is expected that large, smooth initial data can lead to locally smooth solutions that blow up in finite time. The question raised here is whether or not the addition of a suitable dissipative term could mitigate this putative blowup. The dissipative addition considered is of the form [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a non-negative integer. It turns out that for [Formula: see text], there are values of [Formula: see text] for which global well-posedness obtains for arbitrarily large initial data for any [Formula: see text], no matter how small. In general, it is shown that for any value of [Formula: see text] and initial data [Formula: see text] whose norm is bounded by [Formula: see text], say, there is a [Formula: see text] depending on [Formula: see text] such that if [Formula: see text], then the solution emanating from [Formula: see text] is global. However, if [Formula: see text], numerical simulations show that solutions can still blow up even in the presence of dissipation if [Formula: see text] is not large enough.
Targeted Therapies, Novel Antibodies, and Immunotherapies in Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: Clinical Evidence and Drug Approval Patterns
Authors: Koban Marén U. , Hartmann Markus , Amexis Georgios , Franco Pedro , Huggins Laura , Shah Imran , Karachaliou Niki 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Since 2011, the US FDA has approved 30 new drugs for use in advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), mainly comprising tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. NSCLC with oncogene driver alterations is amenable to treatment with targeted drugs, usually small-molecule inhibitors. In these cases, the demonstration of high overall response rates, coupled with a lasting duration of response, has allowed for accelerated approval in the United States, based on single-cohort or multicohort trials. Confirmatory clinical evidence was subsequently provided through postmarketing trials. In NSCLC without such driver alterations, regulatory agencies in both the United States and the European Union set clinical evidence expectations that foster the conduct of studies primarily focused on determining survival or event-free survival, based on randomized controlled trial designs. This review analyzes the approval patterns of novel therapeutics for NSCLC with a focus on small-molecule inhibitors that target driver alterations, as well as biologics. The latter include mAbs inhibiting immune checkpoints like PD-(L)1 or cell surface receptors and antibody–drug conjugates, highly potent biologics linked to a cytotoxic compound. The differentiation of NSCLC into oncogene- and non–oncogene-addicted subtypes determines drug development strategies, the extent of the clinical development program, access to orphan drug development incentives, and regulatory approval strategies.
Genomic and Epigenomic Analysis of Plasma Cell-Free DNA Identifies Stemness Features Associated with Worse Survival in Lethal Prostate Cancer
Authors: Chauhan Pradeep S. , Alahi Irfan , Sinha Savar , Ledet Elisa M. , Mueller Ryan , Linford Jessica , Shiang Alexander L. , Webster Jace , Greiner Lilli , Yang Breanna , Ni Gabris , Dang Ha X. , Saha Debanjan , Babbra Ramandeep K. , Feng Wenjia , Harris Peter K. , Qaium Faridi , Duose Dzifa Y. , Alexander Sanchez E. , Sherry Alexander D. , Jaeger Ellen B. , Miller Patrick J. , Caputo Sydney A. , Orme Jacob J. , Lucien Fabrice , Park Sean S. , Tang Chad , Pachynski Russell K. , Sartor Oliver , Maher Christopher A. , Chaudhuri Aadel A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) resistant to androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSI) is often lethal. Liquid biopsy biomarkers for this deadly form of disease remain under investigation, and underpinning mechanisms remain ill-understood.

Experimental Design:
We applied targeted cell-free DNA (cfDNA) sequencing to 126 patients with mCRPC from three academic cancer centers and separately performed genome-wide cfDNA methylation sequencing on 43 plasma samples collected prior to the initiation of first-line ARSI treatment. To analyze the genome-wide sequencing data, we performed nucleosome positioning and differential methylated region analysis. We additionally analyzed single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data from 14 and 80 patients with mCRPC, respectively, to develop and validate a stem-like signature, which we inferred from cfDNA.

Results:
Targeted cfDNA sequencing detected AR/enhancer alterations prior to first-line ARSIs that correlated with significantly worse progression-free survival (P = 0.01; HR = 2.12) and overall survival (P = 0.02; HR = 2.48). Plasma methylome analysis revealed that AR/enhancer lethal mCRPC patients have significantly higher promoter-level hypomethylation than AR/enhancer wild-type mCRPC patients (P &lt; 0.0001). Moreover, gene ontology and CytoTRACE analysis of nucleosomally more accessible transcription factors in cfDNA revealed enrichment for stemness-associated transcription factors in patients with lethal mCRPC. The resulting stemness signature was then validated in a completely held-out cohort of 80 patients with mCRPC profiled by tumor RNA sequencing.

Conclusions:
We analyzed a total of 220 patients with mCRPC, validated the importance of cell-free AR/enhancer alterations as a prognostic biomarker in lethal mCRPC, and showed that the underlying mechanism for lethality involves reprogramming developmental states toward increased stemness.
See related commentary by Nawfal et al., p. 7
CD36+ Proinflammatory Macrophages Interact with ZCCHC12+ Tumor Cells in Papillary Thyroid Cancer Promoting Tumor Progression and Recurrence
Authors: Zhang Xin , Guo Limei , Tian Wenyu , Yang Ying , Yin Yue , Qiu Yaruo , Wang Weixuan , Li Yang , Zhang Guangze , Zhao Xuyang , Wang Guangxi , Lin Zhiqiang , Yang Meng , Zhao Wei , Lu Dan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Local recurrence and distal metastasis negatively impact the survival and quality of life in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Therefore, identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PTC is clinically crucial. In this study, we performed a multiomics analysis that identified a subset of CD36+ proinflammatory macrophages within the tumor microenvironment of PTC. The recruitment of CD36+ macrophages to premalignant regions strongly correlated with unfavorable outcomes in PTC, and the presence of tumor-infiltrating CD36+ macrophages was determined to be a risk factor for recurrence. The CD36+ macrophages exhibited interactions with metabolically active ZCCHC12+ tumor cells. By secreting SPP1, the CD36+ macrophages activated the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, thereby promoting proliferation of the cancer cells. Dysregulation of iodine metabolism was closely related to the acquisition of the pro-inflammatory phenotype in macrophages. Iodine supplementation inhibited the activation of proinflammatory signaling and impeded the development of CD36+ macrophages by enhancing DUSP2 expression. Overall, our findings shed light on the intricate cross-talk between CD36+ macrophages and ZCCHC12+ tumor cells, providing valuable insights for the treatment and prognosis of PTC.
Active Inference and Reinforcement Learning: A Unified Inference on Continuous State and Action Spaces Under Partial Observability
Authors: Malekzadeh Parvin , Plataniotis Konstantinos N. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Reinforcement learning (RL) has garnered significant attention for developing decision-making agents that aim to maximize rewards, specified by an external supervisor, within fully observable environments. However, many real-world problems involve partial or noisy observations, where agents cannot access complete and accurate information about the environment. These problems are commonly formulated as partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs). Previous studies have tackled RL in POMDPs by either incorporating the memory of past actions and observations or by inferring the true state of the environment from observed data. Nevertheless, aggregating observations and actions over time becomes impractical in problems with large decision-making time horizons and high-dimensional spaces. Furthermore, inference-based RL approaches often require many environmental samples to perform well, as they focus solely on reward maximization and neglect uncertainty in the inferred state. Active inference (AIF) is a framework naturally formulated in POMDPs and directs agents to select actions by minimizing a function called expected free energy (EFE). This supplies reward-maximizing (or exploitative) behavior, as in RL, with information-seeking (or exploratory) behavior. Despite this exploratory behavior of AIF, its use is limited to problems with small time horizons and discrete spaces due to the computational challenges associated with EFE. In this article, we propose a unified principle that establishes a theoretical connection between AIF and RL, enabling seamless integration of these two approaches and overcoming their limitations in continuous space POMDP settings. We substantiate our findings with rigorous theoretical analysis, providing novel perspectives for using AIF in designing and implementing artificial agents. Experimental results demonstrate the superior learning capabilities of our method compared to other alternative RL approaches in solving partially observable tasks with continuous spaces. Notably, our approach harnesses information-seeking exploration, enabling it to effectively solve reward-free problems and rendering explicit task reward design by an external supervisor optional.
Spiking Neural Network Pressure Sensor
Authors: Markiewicz Michał , Brzozowski Ireneusz , Janusz Szymon 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Von Neumann architecture requires information to be encoded as numerical values. For that reason, artificial neural networks running on computers require the data coming from sensors to be discretized. Other network architectures that more closely mimic biological neural networks (e.g., spiking neural networks) can be simulated on von Neumann architecture, but more important, they can also be executed on dedicated electrical circuits having orders of magnitude less power consumption. Unfortunately, input signal conditioning and encoding are usually not supported by such circuits, so a separate module consisting of an analog-to-digital converter, encoder, and transmitter is required. The aim of this article is to propose a sensor architecture, the output signal of which can be directly connected to the input of a spiking neural network. We demonstrate that the output signal is a valid spike source for the Izhikevich model neurons, ensuring the proper operation of a number of neurocomputational features. The advantages are clear: much lower power consumption, smaller area, and a less complex electronic circuit. The main disadvantage is that sensor characteristics somehow limit the parameters of applicable spiking neurons. The proposed architecture is illustrated by a case study involving a capacitive pressure sensor circuit, which is compatible with most of the neurocomputational properties of the Izhikevich neuron model. The sensor itself is characterized by very low power consumption: it draws only 3.49 μA at 3.3 V.
A Historiographical Survey of Sinophone Research into Mediterranean-East Asian Maritime Trade (1st–8th Centuries CE)
Authors: Han Xuefei , Darley Rebecca 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This article presents an overview of Chinese-language historiography concerning ancient maritime trade between the Mediterranean and East Asia. It examines the impact of institutional structures, political context and wider questions within the Chinese research environment, revealing inter-disciplinary intersections and recent trends, including towards the intensive study of numismatic evidence and the centring of the (maritime) Silk Road as the focal point of a growing research community. This article aims to enable future research collaboration, in a contemporary context in which scholars working in China are often more aware of key debates in western scholarship than vice versa.
Remoulding Coroner’s Inquests in Hong Kong through the Right to Life
Authors: Wan Trevor T. W. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The burgeoning social significance borne by death inquests in Hong Kong has ushered in a string of judicial decisions that seeks to remould the interpretation and operation of provisions in the Coroners Ordinance. This article subjects attempts to marshal the right to life as an interpretive conduit to remould these provisions to scrutiny, focusing on its impact on the remit of inquests and the Court of First Instance’s power to override the Coroner’s refusal to hold one which ought to be held. It contends that such interpretive endeavours are unlikely to yield practical dividends, emerge effective, sustainable or consequential in the long run, or prove defensible on doctrinal grounds. The principal reason lies in the fact that local jurisprudence on the right to life remains thin and underdeveloped, such that it lacks the necessary doctrinal and jurisprudential arsenal to sustain such judicial efforts and furnish principled guidance to the courts on how to arm the remoulded law with real bite.
Codex Climaci Rescriptus I
Authors: Phillips Kim 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This article presents a fresh transcription of Codex Climaci Rescriptus I, a Christian Palestinian Aramaic manuscript from the Early Period (ca. 6th century), containing parts of Matthew’s Gospel and Mark’s Gospel. The transcription has been made from high resolution multi-spectral images. In addition, an extended introduction examines the codicology of the manuscript and its paratextual features.
Free Indirect Discourse in Neo-Aramaic Narrative Folktales
Authors: Cohen Eran 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Free indirect discourse (FID) is a literary, or narrative device which allows access to the thoughts and feelings of a protagonist, from his or her own perspective. FID is formally viewed as lying on the scale between indirect discourse (ID) and direct discourse (DD). It is non-embedded, consisting of a blend of features, few intrinsic to ID, while the rest are associated with DD. The paper aims to discuss the nature of the FID phenomenon in North Eastern Neo-Aramaic, based on folktales told in the Jewish Neo-Aramaic dialect of Zakho, while paying close attention to the wider context, and more specifically, to the discourse type surrounding FID.
The BRICS Plus Challenge and Emerging Hierarchical Multilateralism
Authors: Ng Joel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The expansion of “BRICS Plus” indicates a more explicitly hierarchical world order. The putative equality of nation-states enshrined through the UN General Assembly’s one state–one vote formula is increasingly being eroded by neglect or through the emergence of unequal multilateral formats where rising powers have accorded themselves greater primacy in the new structures because of failures to gain greater shares of power or responsibility in global institutions. However, a more explicitly power-based order that dispenses with putative sovereign equality will be more unstable as the primary power-sorting mechanism will tend toward conflict. This article therefore calls for urgent reform for sustaining the multilateral rules-based order underpinned by the United Nations.
Present Climate and Future Changes in the Annual Cycle of TC Activity in the WNP Investigated by HighResMIP GCMs
Authors: Chen Kuan-Chieh , Hong Chi-Cherng , Tsou Chih-Hua , Wu Ding-Rong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Atmospheric general circulation models (AGCMs) and coupled general circulation models (CGCMs) in the High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP) were evaluated on their ability to simulate tropical cyclone (TC) activity in the western North Pacific (WNP) over its annual cycle. Specifically, we examined these models’ ability to simulate the south–north migration of the mean TC genesis location. The results revealed that both types of models realistically captured TC numbers and the south–north migration of TC genesis locations associated with the meridional migration of the WNP subtropical high ridge in response to the annual cycle. However, TC numbers decreased less rapidly in the AGCMs than in both the CGCMs and observed data during the monsoon retreat period (after September). This bias was probably attributed to a low-tropospheric cyclonic anomaly over the Philippine Sea in response to La Niña–like sea surface temperature (SST) differences between the AGCMs and the CGCMs. Because of these differences, the TC genesis frequency in the AGCMs over the Philippine Sea was overestimated. The cyclonic anomaly occurred when the northeasterly trade wind arose and was maintained through wind–evaporation–SST feedback. In future climate (2021–50), the main changes occurred during the monsoon retreat period. A more rapid decrease in TC numbers shown in AGCMs was likely attributed to the decrease (increase) of low-level vorticity (vertical wind shear) modulated by enhanced WNP subtropical high and subsidence anomalies. Conversely, a cyclonic circulation and ascending anomalies projected by CGCMs were identified off-equator, which favored TC genesis location shifting northward.

Significance Statement
Model performance and future changes in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone (TC) activity in the western North Pacific are investigated. We found that high-resolution uncoupled and coupled models realistically captured the TC numbers and meridional migration of TC genesis locations associated with the meridional migration of subtropical high ridge. However, TC numbers decreased more gradually in the uncoupled models than in the coupled models after September. This lower skill may stem from differences between the uncoupled and coupled models in simulating a cyclonic anomaly over the Philippine Sea in response to the La Niña–like sea surface temperature difference. In future climate (2021–50), TC numbers are significantly projected to decrease more rapidly during the monsoon retreat period in uncoupled models.