bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-fat and High-sucrose Diet-induced Hypothalamic Inflammation Shows Sex Specific Features in Mice
Authors: De Paula Gabriela C. , Simões Rui F. , Garcia-Serrano Alba M. , Duarte João M. N. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHypothalamic inflammation underlies diet-induced obesity and diabetes in rodent models. While diet normalization largely allows for recovery from metabolic impairment, it remains unknown whether long-term hypothalamic inflammation induced by obesogenic diets is a reversible process. In this study, we aimed at determining sex specificity of hypothalamic neuroinflammation and gliosis in mice fed a fat- and sugar-rich diet, and their reversibility upon diet normalization. Mice were fed a 60%-fat diet complemented by a 20% sucrose drink (HFHSD) for 3 days or 24 weeks, followed by a third group that had their diet normalized for the last 8 weeks of the study (reverse diet group, RevD). We determined the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and of the inflammatory cell markers IBA1, CD68, GFAP and EMR1 in the hypothalamus, and analyzed morphology of microglia (IBA-1+ cells) and astrocytes (GFAP+ cells) in the arcuate nucleus. After 3 days of HFHSD feeding, male mice showed over-expression of IL-13, IL-18, IFN-γ, CD68 and EMR1 and reduced expression of IL-10, while females showed increased IL-6 and IBA1 and reduced IL-13, compared to controls. After 24 weeks of HFHSD exposure, male mice showed a general depression in the expression of cytokines, with prominent reduction of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-13, but increased TGF-β, while female mice showed over-expression of IFN-γ and IL-18. Furthermore, both female and male mice showed some degree of gliosis after HFHSD feeding for 24 weeks. In mice of both sexes, diet normalization after prolonged HFHSD feeding resulted in partial neuroinflammation recovery in the hypothalamus, but gliosis was only recovered in females. In sum, HFHSD-fed mice display sex-specific inflammatory processes in the hypothalamus that are not fully reversible after diet normalization.
A semi-automated approach to policy-relevant evidence synthesis: combining natural language processing, causal mapping, and graph analytics for public policy
Authors: Hooper Rory , Goyal Nihit , Blok Kornelis , Scholten Lisa 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAlthough causal evidence synthesis is critical for the policy sciences—whether it be analysis for policy or analysis of policy—its repeatable, systematic, and transparent execution remains challenging due to the growing volume, variety, and velocity of policy-relevant evidence generation as well as the complex web of relationships within which policies are usually situated. To address these shortcomings, we develop a novel, semi-automated approach to synthesizing causal evidence from policy-relevant documents. Specifically, we propose the use of natural language processing (NLP) for the extraction of causal evidence and subsequent homogenization of the text; causal mapping for the collation, visualization, and summarization of complex interdependencies within the policy system; and graph analytics for further investigation of the structure and dynamics of the causal map. We illustrate this approach by applying it to a collection of 28 articles on the emissions trading scheme (ETS), a policy instrument of increasing importance for climate change mitigation. In all, we find 300 variables and 284 cause-effect pairs in our input dataset (consisting of 4524 sentences), which are reduced to 70 unique variables and 119 cause-effect pairs after homogenization. We create a causal map depicting these relationships and analyze it to demonstrate the perspectives and policy-relevant insights that can be obtained. We compare these with select manually conducted, previous meta-reviews of the policy instrument, and find them to be not only broadly consistent but also complementary. We conclude that, despite remaining limitations, this approach can help synthesize causal evidence for policy analysis, policy making, and policy research.
Pathways to reading comprehension in Amharic vary by reading profile
Authors: Alvares de Azevedo Thomaz , Davidson Marcia 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the applicability of the Simple View of Reading (SVR) framework for modeling the factors influencing reading success among Grade 2 children learning to read in Amharic (in an abugida script) in remote regions of Ethiopia. We used path and latent profile analyses to examine structural relationships between text decoding and language knowledge factors across distinct reading profiles. Comparing lower-performing profiles dominated by L2 speakers and higher-performing profiles predominantly comprised of L1 speakers, we found significant divergence in the pathways to reading comprehension from both print knowledge and language knowledge domains. For the text decoding component, a mediated path from familiar words to connected text to reading comprehension emerged as a crucial predictor for higher-performing profiles. For the language knowledge component, a direct path from listening comprehension to reading comprehension played a key role in the higher-performing profiles. Lower-performing profiles demonstrated a strong association between decoding and single word reading, suggesting limited capacity for alternative word identification methods, such as sight word recognition. Additionally, the connection between connected text and reading comprehension was weaker in these profiles, suggesting reduced comprehension due to limited word recognition and utilization of this information during reading. Overall, these findings provide insights into the reading development of hard-to-reach children learning Amharic as L1 and L2 in remote pastoral regions of Ethiopia and have pedagogical implications, suggesting a need for tailored interventions for multilingual learners and particularly for intensive spoken language exposure for L2 speakers alongside reading instruction.
Cross-Cultural and Linguistic Dynamics in the Deterritorialization of Legal Concepts Through International Commercial Contracts
Authors: Uliasz Roman 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to examine the process of deterritorialization of legal concepts embedded in international commercial contracts. Typically written in English, these contracts often incorporate concepts derived from common law jurisdictions, given that English is the language of expression for the common law tradition. This underscores the intrinsic interconnection between language and underlying legal concepts. While parties involved in contract drafting may sometimes mitigate this connection by using terms and clauses that do not immediately evoke common law associations, the use of English as the medium for conveying concepts in international commercial contracts does not necessarily facilitate this process. Consequently, legal concepts rooted in specific traditions adapt to new contexts shaped by the linguistic, cognitive, cultural, and legal backgrounds of the contracting parties, those tasked with interpreting the contracts, and the law governing the agreements. This paper illustrates the dynamics of this process through examples drawn from international commercial contracts, focusing on both individual terms and entire contractual clauses. These examples highlight how legal concepts, as expressed in these contracts, evolve within new environments shaped by diverse linguistic, cognitive, cultural, and legal determinants.
Use of vouchers for CPAP therapy initiation - public and private health care could work together
Authors: Jämsänen Toni , Brander Pirkko , Bachour Adel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The increasing incidence of sleep apnea has led to an increased workload for healthcare professionals. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. To reduce the CPAP waiting list in public healthcare, we proposed a CPAP voucher for use in private clinics for CPAP initiation. This study evaluated the success rate of CPAP initiation via this voucher.

Methods
We selected patients from our sleep apnea clinic referred to CPAP initiation aged 18–80 years with no significant physical or psychological comorbidity. Three private clinics (A, B, C) accepted the CPAP voucher.

Results
A total of 1922 patients fulfilled CPAP voucher criteria. Of these, we included 1604 patients (38% women). Mean BMI was 32 kg/m2, mean age was 55 years, and mean apnea-hypopnea index was 34/h. Data were missing for 113 patients at the 1-year follow-up visit. Of the remaining 1491 patients, 1398 continued CPAP therapy beyond 1 year, indicating a CPAP therapy success rate of 94%. There were no significant differences between clinics in the number of patients staying on CPAP at 1 year after initiation.

Conclusion
A CPAP voucher may reduce the CPAP initiation waiting list in public healthcare with a good success rate.
Review on the impact of fluid inertia effect on hydraulic fracturing and controlling factors in porous and fractured media
Authors: Edirisinghe E. A. A. V. , Perera M. S. A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe impact of fluid inertia on fracture flow dynamics, particularly under high-velocity conditions, has emerged as a critical consideration in petroleum engineering and related fields. This review paper investigates the profound effects of inertia-dominated nonlinear flow, a phenomenon increasingly recognised for its significant influence on fluid dynamics in rock fractures. Given the prevalence and importance of such flows in field applications, neglecting fluid inertial effects is no longer justifiable. A comprehensive investigation into these effects is essential for advancing our understanding of fracture flow mechanisms and optimising engineering practices. This review aims to thoroughly analyse the impact of fluid inertia on applications in hydraulic fracturing. It offers an in-depth discussion of how fluid inertia affects critical aspects of crack propagation, fracture diagnostics, proppant transport and settlement, and fines migration. Additionally, this paper identifies and explores four main factors that influence the fluid inertia effect in fracture flows: fracture roughness, intersections and dead ends within the fracture network, variations in contact area and fracture aperture, and the role of shear displacement. The review provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between fluid inertia and fracture flow dynamics by elucidating these factors.
Spectral properties of the gradient operator with nonconstant coefficients
Authors: Colombo F. , Mantovani F. , Schlosser P. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn mathematical physics, the gradient operator with nonconstant coefficients encompasses various models, including Fourier’s law for heat propagation and Fick’s first law, that relates the diffusive flux to the gradient of the concentration. Specifically, consider $$n\ge 3$$

n
≥
3

orthogonal unit vectors $$e_1,\ldots ,e_n\in {\mathbb {R}}^n$$

e
1

,
…
,

e
n

∈

R

n

, and let $$\Omega \subseteq {\mathbb {R}}^n$$

Ω
⊆

R

n

be some (in general unbounded) Lipschitz domain. This paper investigates the spectral properties of the gradient operator $$T=\sum _{i=1}^ne_ia_i(x)\frac{\partial }{\partial x_i}$$

T
=

∑

i
=
1

n

e
i

a
i

(
x
)

∂

∂

x
i

with nonconstant positive coefficients $$a_i:{\overline{\Omega }}\rightarrow (0,\infty )$$

a
i

:

Ω
¯

→

(
0
,
∞
)

. Under certain regularity and growth conditions on the $$a_i$$

a
i

, we identify bisectorial or strip-type regions that belong to the S-resolvent set of T. Moreover, we obtain suitable estimates of the associated resolvent operator. Our focus lies in the spectral theory on the S-spectrum, designed to study the operators acting in Clifford modules V over the Clifford algebra $${\mathbb {R}}_n$$

R
n

, with vector operators being a specific crucial subclass. The spectral properties related to the S-spectrum of T are linked to the inversion of the operator $$Q_s(T):=T^2-2s_0T+|s|^2$$

Q
s

(
T
)

:
=

T
2

-
2

s
0

T
+

|
s
|

2

, where $$s\in {\mathbb {R}}^{n+1}$$

s
∈

R

n
+
1

is a paravector, i.e., it is of the form $$s=s_0+s_1e_1+\cdots +s_ne_n$$

s
=

s
0

+

s
1

e
1

+
⋯
+

s
n

e
n

. This spectral problem is substantially different from the complex one, since it allows to associate general boundary conditions to $$Q_s(T)$$

Q
s

(
T
)

, i.e., to the squared operator $$T^2$$

T
2

.
A comprehensive review on Compton camera image reconstruction: from principles to AI innovations
Authors: Kim Soo Mee , Lee Jae Sung 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCompton cameras have emerged as promising tools in biomedical imaging, offering sensitive gamma-ray imaging capabilities for diverse applications. This review paper comprehensively overviews the latest advancements in Compton camera image reconstruction technologies. Beginning with a discussion of the fundamental principles of Compton scattering and its relevance to gamma-ray imaging, the paper explores the key components and design considerations of Compton camera systems. We then review various image reconstruction algorithms employed in Compton camera systems, including analytical, iterative, and statistical approaches. Recent developments in machine learning-based reconstruction methods are also discussed, highlighting their potential to enhance image quality and reduce reconstruction time in biomedical applications. In particular, we focus on the challenges posed by conical back-projection in Compton camera image reconstruction, and how innovative signal processing techniques have addressed these challenges to improve image accuracy and spatial resolution. Furthermore, experimental validations of Compton camera imaging in preclinical and clinical settings, including multi-tracer and whole-gamma imaging studies are introduced. In summary, this review provides potentially useful information about the current state-of-the-art Compton camera image reconstruction technologies, offering a helpful guide for investigators new to this field.
Impact of smoking hookah and bidi on global DNA methylation: a community-based study from Haryana, North India
Authors: Tyagi Shivani , Kaushik Anshika , Jain Sonal , Chaudhary Vineet , Saraswathy Kallur Nava 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSmoking is a major contributor to the increased burden of chronic diseases worldwide. Smoking has been reported to be associated with several adverse epigenetic modifications like altered DNA methylation patterns. Despite adverse effects, smoking hookah and bidi is accepted as a cultural practice in several communities, viz., the Jats of Haryana. This study aims to explore the smoking-induced alterations in global DNA methylation in the Jat community, where smoking is a cultural practice. A total of 1075 participants, aged 30–75 years (69.8%, females), belonging to the Jat community from Palwal, Haryana, were recruited. Data on socio-demographic and lifestyle variables were collected through pre-tested interview schedules. The ELISA-based colorimetric technique was used for performing peripheral blood leucocyte global DNA methylation. The difference between median global DNA methylation (5mC%) levels of non-smokers (median 5mC% = 0.66) and smokers (median 5mC% = 0.62) was not found to be statistically significant (p value = 0.309). However, the median 5mC level among former smokers (median 5mC% = 0.41) was found to be significantly lower than smokers and non-smokers (p value < 0.01). The adjusted regression model revealed former smoker status to be significantly associated with global DNA hypomethylation. Further, no significant difference in global DNA methylation levels was found between heavy and light smokers. The study suggests that continuous exposure to tobacco smoke during the prenatal and later stages of life may be contributing to the new environmental adaptations resulting in no significant effect of smoking on epigenetic alterations. A unique DNA hypomethylation signature of former smokers may be due to smoking-related comorbidities.
Qu’est-ce que le Makhzen ?
Authors: Perrier Antoine 
Published: September 2024

L’histoire de l’État marocain fut au centre des recherches de la nouvelle école de Rabat des années 1960 aux années 2000. Essentiellement écrit en arabe, cet héritage historiographique est souvent méconnu de la recherche internationale. Il permettrait pourtant de dépasser les lieux communs persistants qui entourent la monarchie marocaine. En reconstituant, depuis les sources nationales, les réalités sociales et culturelles cachées derrière le mot « Makhzen », les historiennes et les historiens marocains ont remis en cause le cliché colonial de relations expéditives et autoritaires que l’État aurait entretenu avec la société. Cet article propose ainsi de revenir d’une manière critique sur cette historiographie en présentant son contexte et les principaux visages qu’elle a donnés à l’État marocain, en repartant des méthodes et des sources déployées par plusieurs générations d’autrices et d’auteurs marocains en dialogue avec les travaux étrangers. Les dimensions économiques, administratives, idéologiques et spirituelles du Makhzen offrent des perspectives originales sur l’histoire de l’État en général. L’article entend ainsi mettre à disposition du public français les lignes fortes de cette école historique, tout en soulignant les chantiers de recherche qu’elle a laissés ouverts. Ce faisant, il propose une définition historiquement informée du Makhzen pour un public non spécialiste. Il souligne enfin et surtout la nécessité, dans la continuité des appels à la parité documentaire en matière de sources, du recours à la bibliographie arabophone pour écrire l’histoire du Maghreb.
A self-made tube cracker coupled to an EA-IRMS-AGE3 system
Authors: Regev Lior , Mintz Eugenia , Goffer Lilia , Boaretto Elisabetta 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe automatic graphitization system (AGE3) by IonPlus is very popular among radiocarbon dating laboratories. Usually, solid samples are burnt in an elemental analyzer (EA), and the gaseous CO2 is transferred for graphitization. Our system is coupled also with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS), which measures the δ13C and δ15N of that gas. Some less routine pretreatment protocols require the production of gaseous samples and prevent the possibility of using the EA-AGE3 system, as the EA is used for solid samples only. In order to use that system, including the measurements of stable isotopes, we developed a glass tube cracker that connects to the EA. The device is routinely used in our laboratory and is mainly built from Swaglok catalog parts. We show that the background (blank) levels of a marble standard are indistinguishable between using the cracker and burning solid marble using the EA. We further demonstrate that the δ13C values are consistent and that the extraction efficiency when using the device is above 93%. Full descriptions, drawings, and working protocol are supplied.
α-Klotho: the hidden link between dietary inflammatory index and accelerated ageing
Authors: Li Ruiqiang , Zhou Baijing , Deng Xueqing , Tian Wenbo , Huang Yingyue , Wang Jiao , Xu Lin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractRecent studies suggest an association between greater dietary inflammatory index (DII) and higher biological ageing. As α-Klotho has been considered as a longevity protein, we examined whether α-Klotho plays a role in the association between DII and ageing. We included 3054 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The associations of DII with biological and phenotypic age were assessed by multivariable linear regression, and the mediating role of α-Klotho was evaluated by mediation analyses. Participants’ mean age was 58·0 years (sd 11·0), with a median DII score of 1·85 and interquartile range from 0·44 to 2·79. After adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, BMI, education, marital status, poverty income ratio, serum cotinine, alcohol, physical activity, a higher DII was associated with both older biological age and phenotypic age, with per DII score increment being associated with a 1·01-year increase in biological age (1·01 (95 % CI: 1·005, 1·02)) and 1·01-year increase in phenotypic age (1·01 (1·001, 1·02)). Negative associations of DII with α-Klotho (β = –1·01 pg/ml, 95 % CI: –1·02, –1·006) and α-Klotho with biological age (β= –1·07 years, 95 % CI: –1·13, –1·02) and phenotypic age (β= –1·03 years, 95 % CI: –1·05, –1·01) were found. Furthermore, α-Klotho mediated 10·13 % (P < 0·001) and 9·61 % (P < 0·001) of the association of DII with biological and phenotypic age, respectively. Higher DII was associated with older biological and phenotypic age, and the potential detrimental effects could be partly mediated through α-Klotho.
Gender Conflicts on the Shopfloor: Barcelona Women at Chocolates Amatller, 1890–1914
Authors: Jou-Badal Xavier 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe cry of “Get married women out of the factories!” echoed across the Spanish industrial landscape at the turn of the twentieth century, driven by two intertwined factors. From a societal perspective, women's place was at home, not in factories. On an economic note, concerns arose over women's lower wages displacing men from jobs. This research delves into a case study of a workers’ claim aimed against women. It aims to illuminate the interplay of social demands and gender dynamics in labour history and business operations. Using as a case study a strike among male workers at the Amatller chocolate factory in May 1890, it seeks insights into gender complexities and women's challenges when joining the workforce. Male factory workers sought better conditions but directed their frustrations at women, influenced by prevailing social discourse. Women joined the factory, but portraying them as victors would be an oversimplification. Their presence was restricted, confined to manual tasks, with few opportunities for advancement.
Configuring possibilities: day programmes for people living with dementia as technologies in practice
Authors: Symonds-Brown Holly , Ceci Christine , Duggleby Wendy 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
There is a need for new imaginaries of care and social health for people living with dementia at home. Day programmes are one ‘care in the community’ solution that requires further theorisation to ensure that its empirical base can usefully guide policy. In this paper we contribute to theorising day programmes through an ethnographic case study of one woman living with dementia at home using a day programme. We collected data through observations, interviews and artefacts. We observed Peg, whose case story is central in this paper, over 9 months for a total of 61 hours at the day programme, as well as during 16 hours of observation at her home and 2 community outings. We use a material semiotic approach to thinking about the day programme as a health ‘technology in practice’ to challenge the taken-for-granted ideas of day programmes as neutral, stable, bounded spaces. Peg’s case story is illustrative of how a day programme and its scripts come into relation with an arrangement of family care and life at home with dementia. At times the configuration of this arrangement works to provide a sort of stabilising distribution of care and space to allow Peg and her family to go on in the day-to-day life with dementia. At other times the arrangement may create limits to the care made possible. We argue that how we conceptualise and study day programmes and their relations to home and the broader care infrastructure affects the possibilities of care they can enact.