bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and Functional Mechanism Verification of Novel MicroRNAs Associated with the Fibrosis Progression in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: He Kaiying , Zhou Xiaochun , Zhao Jing , Du Hongxuan , Guo Juan , Deng Rongrong , Wang Jianqin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious threat to human health worldwide, and its incidence is increasing annually. A growing amount of information is emerging about the role of micoRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation of renal fibrosis, which has aroused interest in the development of drugs that block pathogenic miRNAs or restore protective miRNAs levels. To clarify the role of miRNAs in CKD, we selected patients with significant renal fibrotic disease (diabetic nephropathy (DN) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)) as the disease group, and patients with little or no renal fibrotic disease (minimal change disease (MCD) and renal carcinoma adjacent to normal kidney) as controls. Significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were obtained by human kidney tissue sequencing, subsequently verified in mice models of DN and FSGS, and subsequently inhibited or overexpressed in human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) stimulated by high glucose (HG) and TGF-β1 in vitro. Therefore, the mechanism of its action in renal fibrosis was further elaborated. Finally, the downstream target genes of the corresponding miRNAs were verified by bioinformatics analysis, qRT-PCR, western blot and double luciferase report analysis. Two novel miRNAs, hsa-miR-1470-3p (miR-1470) and hsa-miR-4483-3p (miR-4483), were detected by renal tissue sequencing in the disease group with significant renal fibrosis (DN and FSGS) and the control group with little or no renal fibrosis (MCD and normal renal tissue adjacent to renal carcinoma). Subsequent human renal tissue qRT-PCR verified that the expression of miR-1470 was significantly increased, while the expression of miR-4483 was markedly decreased in the disease group (p < 0.05). Moreover, in vivo DN and FSGS mice models, the expression levels of miR-1470 and miR-4483 were consistent with the results of human kidney tissue. In vitro, miR-4483 was suppressed, whereas miR-1470 was induced by treatment with TGF-β1 or HG. Inhibition of miR-1470 or overexpression of miR-4483 promoted HG or TGF-β1-induced fibrosis in HK-2 cells. Further study revealed that MMP-13 and TIMP1 were the target genes ofmiR-1470 and miR-4483, respectively. Our study identifies newly dysregulated miRNA profiles related to fibrosis kidneys. miR-1470 and miR-4483 are demonstrated to participate in kidney fibrosis by regulation of MMP-13, TIMP1 respectively. Our results may represent a promising research direction for renal disorders and help identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CKD.
Cortical Correlates of Visuospatial Switching Processes Between Egocentric and Allocentric Frames of Reference: A fNIRS Study
Authors: Orti Renato , Coello Yann , Ruotolo Francesco , Vincent Marion , Bartolo Angela , Iachini Tina , Ruggiero Gennaro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHuman beings represent spatial information according to egocentric (body-to-object) and allocentric (object-to-object) frames of reference. In everyday life, we constantly switch from one frame of reference to another in order to react effectively to the specific needs of the environment and task demands. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study to date has investigated the cortical activity of switching and non-switching processes between egocentric and allocentric spatial encodings. To this aim, a custom-designed visuo-spatial memory task was administered and the cortical activities underlying switching vs non-switching spatial processes were investigated. Changes in concentrations of oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin were measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Participants were asked to memorize triads of geometric objects and then make two consecutive judgments about the same triad. In the non-switching condition, both spatial judgments considered the same frame of reference: only egocentric or only allocentric. In the switching condition, if the first judgment was egocentric, the second one was allocentric (or vice versa). The results showed a generalized activation of the frontal regions during the switching compared to the non-switching condition. Additionally, increased cortical activity was found in the temporo-parietal junction during the switching condition compared to the non-switching condition. Overall, these results illustrate the cortical activity underlying the processing of switching between body position and environmental stimuli, showing an important role of the temporo-parietal junction and frontal regions in the preparation and switching between egocentric and allocentric reference frames.
Information needs in breast reconstruction after mastectomy: a qualitative analysis of free-text responses from 2077 women
Authors: Wuyts Kim , Durston Vicki , Morstyn Lisa , Mills Sam , White Victoria 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
For many, breast reconstruction following mastectomy (BR) forms an integral part of breast cancer survivorship. For those considering BR, provision of information is essential to allow informed decisions. Using free-text responses from a survey of breast cancer survivors, this study aims to understand current gaps in information regarding BR.

Method
At the end of an online survey assessing BR experiences, participants were asked the open-ended question: “Thinking about women who may experience BR in the future, is there anything you think needs to change so that they have a better experience?”. Responses were analysed to identify common themes.

Results
3384 people completed the survey with 2,077 (61%) responding to the open-ended question. Three themes were identified: (1) content of information, (2) managing expectations, and (3) information sources, each associated with multiple subthemes. Information wanted in theme (1) covered a range of topics including BR options, risks, recovery and ‘going flat.’ Information on BR’s psychological impact was also needed, with comments indicating many were not prepared for this. Theme (2) stressed the importance of realistic information about BR outcomes and processes to reduce discrepancies between expectations and experiences. In theme (3), peer insights and photos were important sources of realistic information.

Conclusion
Multiple gaps exist in BR-related information available to women. BR information needs to be comprehensive, realistic, and provided at the right time to allow informed decision-making. Developing strategies to strengthen existing information provision as well as new resources to fill information gaps might enhance BR experiences.
Circular RNA circFCHO2(hsa_circ_0002490) promotes the proliferation of melanoma by directly binding to DND1
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Jianrui , Wei Chuanyuan , Wang Lu , Gao Zixu , Shen Kangjie , Li Yinlam , Ren Ming , Zhu Yu , Ding Yiteng , Wei Chenlu , Zhang Tianyi , Zheng Shaoluan , Lu Nanhang , Gu Jianying 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCircular RNAs (circRNAs) have been documented to play crucial roles in the biology of various cancers. However, their investigation in melanoma is still at an early stage, particularly as a broader mechanism beyond acting as miRNA sponges needs to be explored. We report here that circFCHO2(hsa_circ_0002490), a circRNA encompassing exons 19 and 20 of the FCHO2 gene, exhibited a consistent overexpression in melanoma tissues. Furthermore, elevated circFCHO2 levels demonstrated a positive correlation with the malignant phenotype and poor prognosis among the 158 melanoma patients studied. Besides, we observed that heightened levels of circFCHO2 promoted melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, along with contributing to tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, we found differences in the secondary structure of circFCHO2 compared to most other circular RNA structures. It has fewer miRNA binding sites, while it has more RNA binding protein binding sites. We therefore speculate that circFCHO2 may have a function of interacting with RNA binding proteins. Mechanistically, it was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), RNA-pull down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and western blotting assays that circFCHO2 interacts with dead end protein homolog 1 (DND1) and reverses the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by binding to DND1. Our findings reveal that circFCHO2 drives melanoma progression by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through direct binding to DND1 and may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of melanoma.
Graphical Abstract
Headlights: CircFCHO2 is highly expressed in melanoma. High circFCHO2 levels were positively correlated with poor prognosis in 158 melanoma patients. CircFCHO2 is involved in the regulation of the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway by binding to DND1. CircFCHO2 could serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for the management of melanoma.
Characterization of Retinal VIP-Amacrine Cell Development During the Critical Period
Authors: Zhang Xuhong , Wang Xiaoyu , Li Yanqing , Zhang Yingying , Zhu Hong , Xie Chen , Zhou Yudong , Shen Ye , Tong Jianping 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRetinal vasoactive intestinal peptide amacrine cells (VIP-ACs) play an important role in various retinal light-mediated pathological processes related to different developmental ocular diseases and even mental disorders. It is important to characterize the developmental changes in VIP-ACs to further elucidate their mechanisms of circuit function. We bred VIP-Cre mice with Ai14 and Ai32 to specifically label retinal VIP-ACs. The VIP-AC soma and spine density generally increased, from postnatal day (P)0 to P35, reaching adult levels at P14 and P28, respectively. The VIP-AC soma density curve was different with the VIP-AC spine density curve. The total retinal VIP content reached a high level plateau at P14 but was decreased in adults. From P14 to P16, the resting membrane potential (RMP) became more negative, and the input resistance decreased. Cell membrane capacitance (MC) showed three peaks at P7, P12 and P16. The RMP and MC reached a stable level similar to the adult level at P18, whereas input resistance reached a stable level at P21. The percentage of sustained voltage-dependent potassium currents peaked at P16 and remained stable thereafter. The spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current and spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current frequencies and amplitudes, as well as charge transfer, peaked at P12 to P16; however, there were also secondary peaks at different time points. In conclusion, we found that the second, third and fourth weeks after birth were important periods of VIP-AC development. Many developmental changes occurred around eye opening. The development of soma, dendrite and electrophysiological properties showed uneven dynamics of progression. Cell differentiation may contribute to soma development whereas the changes of different ion channels may play important role for spine development.
Graphical Abstract
The second, third and fourth weeks after birth were important periods of VIP-AC development. VIP::Ai14 and VIP::Ai32 mice were used for soma and spine analysis, respectively. The developmental curves for VIP-AC soma have a distinct and longer platform, whereas the developmental curves for spine have a longer and smoother slopes. When the number of VIP-AC some is increasing, cell differentiation may play an important role. During the development of spine, the development of different ion channels is the most vital events. Kv-Ka represents the ion channels that conduct Ka, Kv-Kdr represents the ion channels that conduct Kdr, GABAR represents the inhibitory transmission and NMDAR represents the excitatory transmission. The events occur chronologically from left to right.
Semantic search as extractive paraphrase span detection
Authors: Kanerva Jenna , Kitti Hanna , Chang Li-Hsin , Vahtola Teemu , Creutz Mathias , Ginter Filip 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we approach the problem of semantic search by introducing a task of paraphrase span detection, i.e. given a segment of text as a query phrase, the task is to identify its paraphrase in a given document, the same modelling setup as typically used in extractive question answering. While current work in paraphrasing has almost uniquely focused on sentence-level approaches, the novel span detection approach gives a possibility to retrieve a segment of arbitrary length. On the Turku Paraphrase Corpus of 100,000 manually extracted Finnish paraphrase pairs including their original document context, we find that by achieving an exact match of 88.73 our paraphrase span detection approach outperforms widely adopted sentence-level retrieval baselines (lexical similarity as well as BERT and SBERT sentence embeddings) by more than 20pp in terms of exact match, and 11pp in terms of token-level F-score. This demonstrates a strong advantage of modelling the paraphrase retrieval in terms of span extraction rather than commonly used sentence similarity, the sentence-level approaches being clearly suboptimal for applications where the retrieval targets are not guaranteed to be full sentences. Even when limiting the evaluation to sentence-level retrieval targets only, the span detection model still outperforms the sentence-level baselines by more than 4 pp in terms of exact match, and almost 6pp F-score. Additionally, we introduce a method for creating artificial paraphrase data through back-translation, suitable for languages where manually annotated paraphrase resources for training the span detection model are not available.
Switched max-plus linear-dual inequalities: cycle time analysis and applications
Authors: Zorzenon Davide , Komenda Jan , Raisch Jörg 
Published: February 2024

AbstractP-time event graphs are discrete event systems suitable for modeling processes in which tasks must be executed in predefined time windows. Their dynamics can be represented by max-plus linear-dual inequalities (LDIs), i.e., systems of linear dynamical inequalities in the primal and dual operations of the max-plus algebra. We define a new class of models called switched LDIs (SLDIs), which allow to switch between different modes of operation, each corresponding to a set of LDIs, according to a sequence of modes called schedule. In this paper, we focus on the analysis of SLDIs when the considered schedule is fixed and either periodic or intermittently periodic. We show that SLDIs can model a wide range of applications including single-robot multi-product processing networks, in which every product has different processing requirements and corresponds to a specific mode of operation. Based on the analysis of SLDIs, we propose algorithms to compute: i. minimum and maximum cycle times for these processes, improving the time complexity of other existing approaches; ii. a complete trajectory of the robot including start-up and shut-down transients.
Comments on Integration, Theory Conflicts, and Practical Implementations: Some Contrarian Ideas for Consideration
Authors: Ryan Richard M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe ideal of theoretical integration in motivational approaches to education is worthy, but in this commentary, I raise some (semi)contrarian concerns about both the meaning of theoretical integration and how that occurs. Integration is more than an aggregation or combination of measures but rather involves synthesis into a framework with theoretic and meta-theoretic integrity. Across disciplines and fields of inquiry, the development of science largely happens within theories and at their boundaries. Integration in practice (e.g., interventions) raises different issues, mainly concerning the coordination of elements that may address different classroom issues, and therefore can stem from multiple models and theories. I also describe the common direction and progress of motivational psychology over the past several decades, albeit with some “jingle –jangle” trends muddying our conceptual waters. Yet contrary to the view that it is our multiple perspectives that confuse teachers, I argue that confusion more centrally lies in the wide gap between our generally student-centered theories and public policies and institutional norms that hinder their implementation and their integration into practice.
Spatiotemporal modelling of $$\hbox {PM}_{2.5}$$ concentrations in Lombardy (Italy): a comparative study
Authors: Otto Philipp , Fusta Moro Alessandro , Rodeschini Jacopo , Shaboviq Qendrim , Ignaccolo Rosaria , Golini Natalia , Cameletti Michela , Maranzano Paolo , Finazzi Francesco , Fassò Alessandro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study presents a comparative analysis of three predictive models with an increasing degree of flexibility: hidden dynamic geostatistical models (HDGM), generalised additive mixed models (GAMM), and the random forest spatiotemporal kriging models (RFSTK). These models are evaluated for their effectiveness in predicting $$\text {PM}_{2.5}$$

PM

2.5

concentrations in Lombardy (North Italy) from 2016 to 2020. Despite differing methodologies, all models demonstrate proficient capture of spatiotemporal patterns within air pollution data with similar out-of-sample performance. Furthermore, the study delves into station-specific analyses, revealing variable model performance contingent on localised conditions. Model interpretation, facilitated by parametric coefficient analysis and partial dependence plots, unveils consistent associations between predictor variables and $$\text {PM}_{2.5}$$

PM

2.5

concentrations. Despite nuanced variations in modelling spatiotemporal correlations, all models effectively accounted for the underlying dependence. In summary, this study underscores the efficacy of conventional techniques in modelling correlated spatiotemporal data, concurrently highlighting the complementary potential of Machine Learning and classical statistical approaches.
What is a High-Quality Moral Case Deliberation?-Facilitators’ Perspectives in the Euro-MCD Project
Authors: Jakobsen Lena M. , Molewijk Bert , de Snoo-Trimp Janine , Svantesson Mia , Ursin Gøril 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe evaluation of the European Moral Case Deliberation Outcomes project (Euro-MCD) has resulted in a revised evaluation instrument, knowledge about the content of MCD (moral case deliberation), and the perspectives of those involved. In this paper, we report on a perspective that has been overlooked, the facilitators’. We aim to describe facilitators’ perceptions of high-quality moral case deliberation and their Euro-MCD sessions. The research took place in Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands using a survey combined with interviews with 41 facilitators. Facilitators’ perceived that attaining a high-quality MCD implies fostering a safe and respectful atmosphere, creating a wondering mode, being an attentive authority, developing moral reflective skills, reaching a common understanding, and ensuring organisational prerequisites for the MCD sessions. Our central conclusion is that efforts at three levels are required to attain a high-quality MCD: trained and virtuous facilitator; committed, respectful participants; and organizational space. Furthermore, managers have a responsibility to prepare MCD participants for what it means to take part in MCD.
Solid–Liquid Phase Equilibrium: Alkane Systems for Low-Temperature Energy Storage
Authors: Sequeira Maria C. M. , Nogueira Bernardo A. , Caetano Fernando J. P. , Diogo Hermínio P. , Fareleira João M. N. A. , Fausto Rui 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe thermal characterization of two binary systems of n-alkanes that can be used as Phase Change Materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage at low temperatures is reported in this work. The construction of the solid–liquid binary phase diagrams was achieved using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Raman spectroscopy. The solidus and liquidus equilibrium temperatures were determined using DSC for thirty-nine different samples, three for the pure n-alkanes and the remaining for binary mixtures at selected molar compositions and used to acquire the corresponding solid–liquid phase diagrams. The two binary systems of n-octane/n-decane (C8/C10) and n-decane/n-dodecane (C10/C12) are characterized by a eutectic behavior at low temperatures. The eutectic temperature for the system C8/C10 was found at 211.95 K and the eutectic composition appeared at the molar fraction xoctane = 0.87. For the system C10/C12, the eutectic temperature was found at 237.85 K, and the eutectic composition appeared for the molar fraction xdecane = 0.78. This work aims to fulfill the lack of available data in the existing literature, considering the potential application of these systems for low-temperature thermal energy storage. Raman spectroscopy was used to complement the DSC data for the construction of the solid–liquid phase equilibrium diagrams, enabling the identification of the solid and liquid phases of the system. Additionally, the liquidus curve of the phase diagram was successfully described using a modified freezing point depression curve as fitting equation, the absolute root mean square deviation for the data correlation of the C8/C10 and C10/C12 systems being 2.56 K and 1.22 K, respectively. Ultimately, the fitting procedure also enabled a good prediction of the eutectic point for both studied systems.
Fast Multi-Wavelength Pyrometer for Dynamic Temperature Measurements
Authors: Belikov R. , Merges D. , Varentsov D. , Major Zs. , Neumayer P. , Hesselbach Ph. , Schanz M. , Winkler B. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMulti-wavelength pyrometry is an efficient tool for measuring high temperatures in dynamic experiments. A fast 5-channel pyrometer was built and successfully employed in ion-beam heating experiments at the GSI Centre for Heavy Ion Research (Darmstadt, Germany). Temperatures of metallic samples heated by an intense focused heavy ion beam up to their melting points and beyond were measured with nanosecond time resolution and a spatial resolution of about 200 μm. The modular instrument has demonstrated its high versatility also for temperature measurements of exothermic reactions with millisecond temporal resolution.
Mining Data Wrangling Workflows for Design Patterns Discovery and Specification
Authors: AlMasaud Abdullah , Sampaio Sandra , Sampaio Pedro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate Data Wrangling (DW) pipelines in the form of workflows devised by data analysts with varying levels of experience to find commonalities or patterns. We propose an approach for pattern discovery based on workflow mining techniques, addressing key challenges associated with finding patterns in data preparation solutions. The findings provide insights into the most commonly used DW operations, solution patterns, redundancies, and reuse opportunities in data preparation. The findings were used to create design pattern specifications curated into a catalog in the form of a DW Design Patterns Handbook. The evaluation of the proposed handbook is performed by surveying professionals with results confirming the usefulness of discovered patterns to the construction of DW solutions and assisting data analysts/scientists via the reuse of patterns and best practices in DW.
Barile–Macchia resolutions
Authors: Chau Trung , Kara Selvi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe construct cellular resolutions for monomial ideals via discrete Morse theory. In particular, we develop an algorithm to create homogeneous acyclic matchings and we call the cellular resolutions induced from these matchings Barile–Macchia resolutions. These resolutions are minimal for edge ideals of weighted oriented forests and (most) cycles. As a result, we provide recursive formulas for graded Betti numbers and projective dimension. Furthermore, we compare Barile–Macchia resolutions to those created by Batzies and Welker and some well-known simplicial resolutions. Under certain assumptions, whenever the above resolutions are minimal, so are Barile–Macchia resolutions.