bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Before Skunḫa
Authors: Ferrario Marco 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The present paper seeks to offer a new interpretative scenario against the background of which to assess the dynamics underlying the interactions between the Achaemenid Empire (starting with Cyrus’ conquest of Central Asia) and the peoples of the steppes, which presided over the formation of what it is usually referred to as the frontier of the empire itself in Baktria, Sogdiana and Chorasmia.
To this end, a set of literary sources (especially Herodotus and Strabo) whose influence on the interpretation in strongly oppositional terms of the above-sketched process has been, and continues to be, very significant will be critically scrutinized. In a second step, archaeological data and comparative evidence of a historical-ethnographic nature will be added, with the overarching aim of framing the narrative of the classical sources into a broader and, as it shall be argued, more proper social, economic, and ecological context.
The outcome of such a study will hopefully be a more nuanced and complex picture of a crucial phase of Achaemenid history in Central Asia. In the light of the framework which shall be worked out in the following pages, while on the one hand the driving force and organizational capacity of the newly formed empire will emerge as decisive elements in the establishment of a new, distinctive, «imperial space» north of Baktr(i)a, on the other hand, the role of local communities in negotiating the modalities of their integration within the networks resulting from the birth and expansion of Achaemenid rule in the area will appear as having been of no less paramount importance.
Warm Arctic–Cold Eurasia (WACE) Trend: Inference from Large Ensemble Model Simulations
Authors: Jun Ye-Jun , Son Seok-Woo , Kim Hera , Park Hyo-Seok , Yoon Jin-Ho 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Concurrent with global warming, the Eurasian continent has experienced frequent cold winters in recent decades. Although still debatable, such Eurasian winter cooling, which was particularly pronounced in the late twentieth century, has been attributed to internal climate variability, the process of which remains elusive. By examining multimodel large ensemble simulations, this study explores the potential sources of internal climate variability responsible for the Eurasian winter cooling trend over 1987–2006. Model simulations show a large ensemble spread in the Eurasian winter temperature trend with an ensemble mean close to zero. A comparison of the ensemble members shows that a circulation pattern favorable for the Eurasian cooling is characterized by the anticyclonic and cyclonic enhancements of sea level pressure (SLP) trend in the subarctic and Aleutian regions, respectively. This dipolar SLP trend is closely related to the deep Arctic warming, the change in midlatitude snow cover, and the enhancement of atmospheric convection over the tropical western Pacific. This result suggests that the Eurasian winter cooling is likely associated not only to the changes in mid- to high-latitude conditions but also to the changes in tropical convection. The possible mechanism of the tropically induced Aleutian low deepening is also discussed.
Examining the relationships between cognition and auditory hallucinations: A systematic review
Authors: Bell Adrienne , Toh Wei Lin , Allen Paul , Cella Matteo , Jardri Renaud , Larøi Frank , Moseley Peter , Rossell Susan L 
Published: March 2024

Objective: Auditory hallucinations (hearing voices) have been associated with a range of altered cognitive functions, pertaining to signal detection, source-monitoring, memory, inhibition and language processes. Yet, empirical results are inconsistent. Despite this, several theoretical models of auditory hallucinations persist, alongside increasing emphasis on the utility of a multidimensional framework. Thus, clarification of current evidence across the broad scope of proposed mechanisms is warranted. Method: A systematic search of the Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted. Records were screened to confirm the use of an objective behavioural cognitive task, and valid measurement of hallucinations specific to the auditory modality. Results: Auditory hallucinations were primarily associated with difficulties in perceptual decision-making (i.e. reduced sensitivity/accuracy for signal-noise discrimination; liberal responding to ambiguity), source-monitoring (i.e. self–other and temporal context confusion), working memory and language function (i.e. reduced verbal fluency). Mixed or limited support was observed for perceptual feature discrimination, imagery vividness/illusion susceptibility, source-monitoring for stimulus form and spatial context, recognition and recall memory, executive functions (e.g. attention, inhibition), emotion processing and language comprehension/hemispheric organisation. Conclusions: Findings were considered within predictive coding and self-monitoring frameworks. Of concern was the portion of studies which – despite offering auditory-hallucination-specific aims and inferences – employed modality-general measures, and/or diagnostic-based contrasts with psychologically healthy individuals. This review highlights disparities within the literature between theoretical conceptualisations of auditory hallucinations and the body of rigorous empirical evidence supporting such inferences. Future cognitive investigations, beyond the schizophrenia-spectrum, which explicitly define and measure the timeframe and sensory modality of hallucinations, are recommended.
Evaluating Public Spending Efficiency and its Determinants Towards Social Outcomes: Empirical Evidence from Indian States
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Kaur Baljit 
Published: March 2024

The topic of public expenditure efficiency has gained a key position in the spheres of public policy goals. This article tries estimating the efficiency of public spending on health and education sectors across Indian states from 1990–1991 to 2016–2017. In input–output linkage, we have computed efficiency using a slacks-based measure model of data envelopment analysis through different orientations. The study also captures the externalities of public spending efficiency with some exogenous factors. It also suggests that these exogenous factors (such as good governance, per capita income and proportion of literates in the household) have significantly improved the output efficiency score of the health as well as the education sectors across Indian states. JEL Codes: H51, H52, H21, E61
Biopolymer blend composite films based on polyvinyl alcohol/ chitosan/ grape seed extract via green approach for flexible optoelectronic devices
Authors: Ramesan MT , Labeeba Abdulla AC , Kalladi Ayisha Jemshiya , Sunojkumar P 
Published: March 2024

The flourishing environmental concerns have grabbed the attention of researchers developing environmentally supportive materials in various fields. A green approach was used to create biopolymer blend composites based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS) doped with various concentrations of grape seed (GS). Various analytical techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–visible (UV) spectra, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to evaluate the optical, structural and thermal properties of the prepared blend composites. The optical properties of blend composites were determined by UV spectroscopy and the findings revealed that absorption intensity increased with increasing GS, while bandgap energy decreased from 4.18 eV for pure blend to 2.91 eV for blend/15 wt% GS. The homogeneous distribution of GS particles in the biopolymer blend was identified with FE-SEM images. DSC results showed that increasing the GS content increased the glass transition temperature of the blend composites. The AC conductivity and dielectric constant were measured using the LCR meter. The conductivity rises with increasing frequency and dosage of GS, with the greatest conductivity obtained at 15 wt% loading. In comparison to a pure blend, it was discovered that the inclusion of 15 wt% GS enhanced the tensile strength by 50%, hardness by 17% and the reduction in elongation at break by 19 %. As a consequence, environmentally friendly PVA/CS/GS biopolymer blend composites with excellent mechanical, thermal, electrical, and dielectric parameters might be a viable green option for flexible electronic, electrochemical and energy storage devices.
Synthesis and characterization of nano-silica from locally available laterite clay
Authors: Khattak Safeena , Gul Saeed , Sultana Sabiha , Noor-ul-Amin  
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe synthesis of nano-silica is gaining the attention of researchers due to its numerous applications in various fields such as medicine, the food industry, catalysis, agriculture and construction, amongst others, because of its unique physicochemical features. However, achieving its facile synthesis and finding inexpensive source material that is locally available requires further exploration for its large-scale production. This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of nano-silica from locally available laterite clay using the sol-gel method. The product was analysed using X-ray florescence, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. It was observed that the product was spherical, agglomerated and amorphous in nature. The obtained nano-silica was found to have 97% and 95% purity for sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, respectively. The synthesized nano-silica is expected to play pivotal role as a pozzolanic activator in the construction industry.
Cytological characteristics of blueberry fruit development
Authors: Wan Xianqin , Wu Zewei , Sun Dongchan , Long Li , Song Qiling , Gao Chao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUsing the blueberry cultivar "Powderblue" after pollination, fruits at different developmental stages were collected for study. The transverse and longitudinal diameters, individual fruit weight, and fruit water content were measured during their development. Employing tissue sectioning and microscopy techniques, we systematically studied the morphological features and anatomical structures of the fruits and seeds at various developmental stages, aiming to elucidate the cytological patterns during blueberry fruit development. The results of our study revealed that the "Powderblue" blueberry fruit growth and development followed a double "S" curve. Mature "Powderblue" blueberries were blue-black in color, elliptical in shape, with five locules, an inferior ovary, and an average fruit weight of 1.73 ± 0.17 g, and a moisture content of 78.865 ± 0.9%. Blueberry fruit flesh cells were densely arranged with no apparent intercellular spaces, and mesocarp cells accounted for 52.06 ± 7.4% of fruit cells. In the early fruit development stages, the fruit flesh cells were rapidly dividing, significantly increasing in number but without greatly affecting the fruit's morphological characteristics. During the later stages of fruit development, the expansion of the fruit flesh cells became prominent, resulting in a noticeable increase in the fruit's dimensions. Except for the epidermal cells, cells in all fruit tissues showed varying degrees of rupture as fruit development progressed, with the extent of cell rupture increasing, becoming increasingly apparent as the fruit gradually softened. Additionally, numerous brachysclereids (stone cells) appeared in the fruit flesh cells. Stone cells are mostly present individually in the fruit flesh tissue, while in the placental tissue, they often group together. The "Powderblue" blueberry seeds were light brown, 4.13 ± 0.42 mm long, 2.2 ± 0.14 mm wide, with each fruit containing 50–60 seeds. The "Powderblue" seeds mainly consisted of the seed coat, endosperm, and embryo. The embryo was located at the chalazal end in the center of the endosperm and was spatially separated. The endosperm, occupying the vast majority of the seed volume, comprised both the chalazal and outer endosperm, and the endosperm developed and matured before the embryo. As the seed developed, the seed coat was gradually lignified and consisted of palisade-like stone cells externally and epidermal layer cells internally.
Adiposity indices and their higher predictive value for new-onset hypertension in metabolically healthy young women: findings from a population-based prospective cohort study
Authors: Gumilang Rizki Amalia , Fan Yen-Chun , Wu Shang-Hao , Bai Chyi-Huey 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background and aims
The present study aimed to investigate the predictive ability of selected adiposity indices, such as body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), for new-onset hypertension in metabolically healthy Taiwanese adults. The study also sought to establish sex-specific cutoff points for these indices and to analyze the risk of new-onset hypertension, taking into account sex and age.

Methods
This prospective cohort study utilized the Taiwan Biobank database to examine metabolically healthy participants aged between 20 and 65 at baseline. Four adiposity indices, namely BMI, WHR, WC, and WHtR, were calculated and used to predict new-onset hypertension over 4 years. Receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) and areas under the curve (AUCs) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the parameters in predicting new-onset hypertension over 4 years. Sex-specific cutoff points were identified and used to assess the risk of new-onset hypertension.

Results
This study analyzed 13,375 participants over 4.28 years. The incidence of new-onset hypertension was 17.65%. The new-onset rate of hypertension was 34.39% in men and 65.61% in women. Adiposity indices effectively predict new-onset hypertension, with WHtR having the highest predictive value (i.e., AUC) for both sexes. The classification of participants into low and high categories for each adiposity index was based on sex-specific cutoff points, and the risk of new-onset hypertension was assessed according to sex and age. This study found that high adiposity indices predicted a significantly higher risk of new-onset hypertension in metabolically healthy adults. The risk was equal for both sexes. Young women had a higher risk of new-onset hypertension than middle-aged women when they were further categorized. All risk ratios of the indices in young women were over two-fold and significant.

Conclusion
According to the sex-specific cutoff point, high adiposity indices had a higher predictive value for new-onset hypertension in metabolically healthy Taiwanese young women.
Diagnosis of single umbilical artery and risk of foetal congenital malformations by prenatal ultrasound: a retrospective study
Authors: Yu Junjin , Wu Qingqin , Kong Fanbin , Ning Yan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Single umbilical artery (SUA) is strongly associated with foetal structural abnormalities; however, the exact pattern of this association has not been described. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of malformations in singleton pregnancies with SUA in China and to study the association between the absent side of the umbilical artery and foetal malformations.

Methods
This was a retrospective study of singleton pregnancies for which routine first-trimester anatomical screening was performed at 11+ 0-13+ 6 gestational weeks and, if the pregnancy continued, a second-trimester scan was performed at 20+ 0-24+ 0 weeks. Data were extracted from records at the referral centre, the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, between January 2011 and April 2019 (n = 47,894). Using logistic regression, the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for malformations associated with SUA.

Results
The incidence of SUA in our study was 2.0% (970/47,894). Of all foetuses with SUA, 387 (39.9%) had structural malformations. The malformation type varied, with cardiovascular complications being the most common. A robust association was observed between SUA and oesophageal stenosis or atresia (OR: 25.33), followed by cardiovascular (OR: 9.98–24.02), scoliosis (OR: 18.62), genitourinary (OR: 2.45–15.66), and brain malformations (OR: 4.73–9.12). The absence of the left umbilical artery (n = 445, 45.9%) was consistent with that of the right umbilical artery (n = 431, 44.4%). Furthermore, a significantly higher rate of an absent right than the left umbilical artery (p<0.01) was observed in SUA with foetal abnormalities than in SUA with no malformations.

Conclusions
Overall, we observed a higher risk of various specific malformations in foetuses with SUA, and a strong association between SUA and oesophageal stenosis or atresia. The absence of the right umbilical artery was most common in foetuses with SUA and structural malformations. This study provides a reference for ultrasonographers in conducting foetal structural screening for pregnant women with SUA.
High-content analysis identified synergistic drug interactions between INK128, an mTOR inhibitor, and HDAC inhibitors in a non-small cell lung cancer cell line
Authors: Wang Sijiao , Oliveira-Silveira Juliano , Fang Gang , Kang Jungseog 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The development of drug resistance is a major cause of cancer therapy failures. To inhibit drug resistance, multiple drugs are often treated together as a combinatorial therapy. In particular, synergistic drug combinations, which kill cancer cells at a lower concentration, guarantee a better prognosis and fewer side effects in cancer patients. Many studies have sought out synergistic combinations by small-scale function-based targeted growth assays or large-scale nontargeted growth assays, but their discoveries are always challenging due to technical problems such as a large number of possible test combinations.

Methods
To address this issue, we carried out a medium-scale optical drug synergy screening in a non-small cell lung cancer cell line and further investigated individual drug interactions in combination drug responses by high-content image analysis. Optical high-content analysis of cellular responses has recently attracted much interest in the field of drug discovery, functional genomics, and toxicology. Here, we adopted a similar approach to study combinatorial drug responses.

Results
By examining all possible combinations of 12 drug compounds in 6 different drug classes, such as mTOR inhibitors, HDAC inhibitors, HSP90 inhibitors, MT inhibitors, DNA inhibitors, and proteasome inhibitors, we successfully identified synergism between INK128, an mTOR inhibitor, and HDAC inhibitors, which has also been reported elsewhere. Our high-content analysis further showed that HDAC inhibitors, HSP90 inhibitors, and proteasome inhibitors played a dominant role in combinatorial drug responses when they were mixed with MT inhibitors, DNA inhibitors, or mTOR inhibitors, suggesting that recessive drugs could be less prioritized as components of multidrug cocktails.

Conclusions
In conclusion, our optical drug screening platform efficiently identified synergistic drug combinations in a non-small cell lung cancer cell line, and our high-content analysis further revealed how individual drugs in the drug mix interact with each other to generate combinatorial drug response.
Mental health interventions for individuals with serious mental illness in the criminal legal system: a systematic review
Authors: Hailemariam Maji , Bustos Tatiana E. , Montgomery Barrett Wallace , Brown Garrett , Tefera Gashaye , Adaji Rosemary , Taylor Brandon , Eshetu Hiywote , Barajas Clara , Barajas Rolando , Najjar Vanessa , Dennis Donovan , Hudson Jasmiyne , Felton Julia W. , Johnson Jennifer E. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Globally, individuals with mental illness get in contact with the law at a greater rate than the general population. The goal of this review was to identify and describe: (1) effectiveness of mental health interventions for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) who have criminal legal involvement; (2) additional outcomes targeted by these interventions; (3) settings/contexts where interventions were delivered; and (4) barriers and facilitating factors for implementing these interventions.

Methods
A systematic review was conducted to summarize the mental health treatment literature for individuals with serious mental illness with criminal legal involvement (i.e., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder). Searches were conducted using PsychINFO, Embase, ProQuest, PubMed, and Web of Science. Articles were eligible if they were intervention studies among criminal legal involved populations with a mental health primary outcome and provided description of the intervention.

Results
A total of 13 eligible studies were identified. Tested interventions were categorized as cognitive/behavioral, community-based, interpersonal (IPT), psychoeducational, or court-based. Studies that used IPT-based interventions reported clinically significant improvements in mental health symptoms and were also feasible and acceptable. Other interventions demonstrated positive trends favoring the mental health outcomes but did not show statistically and clinically significant changes. All studies reported treatment outcomes, with only 8 studies reporting both treatment and implementation outcomes.

Conclusion
Our findings highlight a need for more mental health research in this population. Studies with randomized design, larger sample size and studies that utilize non-clinicians are needed.