bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Political Economy of Education: Exploring Debates in Central Asia
Authors: Sharimova Assel , Durrani Naureen , Thibault Hélène 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAs an introductory part, this chapter aims to set the scene for this book. The chapter starts with an understanding of the research on the Political Economy of Education, the variety of approaches within the field and the relevance of the book. The subsequent section provides reflections on some of the contentious issues concerning education and social cohesion in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the three countries covered in this book. The concluding part explains the collaborative initiative that united all authors of the book, and introduces the contributions included in this volume.
Equity in Assessment in Tajikistan: Language Minority Students and Students with Disabilities in Higher Education
Authors: Bozichaeva Vasila 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe assessment system determines the learning achievements of students. A developed education system employs an assessment policy that benefits the most diverse groups of students. This chapter examines the perspective of faculty and students in three higher education institutions in Tajikistan regarding how students from minority languages and those with disabilities experience the assessment policy. Using ten semi-structured interviews with lecturers and 215 questionnaires completed by students, this study revealed that the assessment tools and forms do not recognize the needs of students from minority languages and students with disabilities. This is due to the limited implementation of inclusive education. Assessment policy developers should acknowledge these issues and adopt an equity-minded assessment policy.
Examination of the Financial Sustainability of NGOs’ Education Programmes: Kazakhstani Case Study
Authors: Hanley Natalya 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis chapter analyses the financial sustainability of education programmes provided by NGOs in the conflict-affected Kazakhstani context. A multi-dimensional framework was used to investigate social-economic injustice (redistribution) through the lens of political injustice (representation). The study focuses on the historical development of NGOs, legislation development, and the current challenges with different types of funding, discussing the veiled injustices of fair access to funding, unequal distribution of funding, exclusion of NGOs from political participation, and unfair competition. Multiple approaches within and beyond the work of NGOs were offered towards transformative social-economic justice.
The Right to Education of Children Affected by Nuclear Tests in the Semipalatinsk Region, Kazakhstan (1991–2021)
Authors: Mussabalinova Aigerim 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRespecting and protecting children’s rights is essential to children’s fulfillment, especially for children with special needs who depend on adults’ assistance and special services. This chapter presents the findings of a qualitative study that explored the provision of education to children affected by nuclear tests in the Semipalatinsk region in Kazakhstan, the primary testing site for the Soviet Union’s nuclear weapons during the Cold War. Thirty participants were interviewed, including teachers, medical professionals, social workers, and civil activists. The study finds an underestimation of the role of education in sustainable peacebuilding. The adverse aftermath of nuclear testing in the region on children’s access to education was not considered during and after the closure of the nuclear test site. Children affected by the radiation left by nuclear tests have special needs in access to education, which policymakers need to consider ensuring inclusive education in Kazakhstan.
Uncovering Gender, Language, and Intersected Asymmetries in History Textbooks
Authors: Bekzhanova Zhazira 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe study employs multimodal critical discourse analysis (MCDA) and quantitative analysis to investigate the enactment of gender and intersected asymmetries in the Central Asian school curriculum, using the History of Kazakhstan, a compulsory subject taught across grades 5 and 11, as a case study. The analysis is based on the 4Rs framework of redistribution, representation, recognition, and reconciliation. The findings indicate that women, especially non-Kazakh ones, are marginalised; ideal femininity is associated with weakness, but at the same time, stereotypically masculine traits are praised in women; ideal masculinity is associated with violence, and it is also praised in textbooks. Additionally, Russian language textbooks exhibit more gender bias due to gender-discriminatory language, while Kazakh language textbooks often obscure non-Kazakh individuals. Thus, the analysis detects an ethnic bias. The study highlights the need to update textbook content, reducing gender, language, and ethnic disparities in the discourse.
Bilinear R-parity violating supersymmetry under the light of neutrino oscillation, Higgs and flavor data
Authors: Choudhury Arghya , Mitra Sourav , Mondal Arpita , Mondal Subhadeep 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this work, we explore a well motivated beyond the Standard Model scenario, namely, R-parity violating Supersymmetry, in the context of light neutrino masses and mixing. We assume that the R-parity is only broken by the lepton number violating bilinear term. We try to fit two non-zero neutrino mass square differences and three mixing angle values obtained from the global χ2 analysis of neutrino oscillation data. We have also taken into account the updated data of the standard model (SM) Higgs mass and its coupling strengths with other SM particles from LHC Run-II along with low energy flavor violating constraints like rare b-hadron decays. We have used a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis to constrain the new physics parameter space. While doing so, we ensure that all the existing collider constraints are duly taken into account. Through our analysis, we have derived the most stringent constraints possible to date with existing data on the 9 bilinear R-parity violating parameters along with μ and tan β. We further explore the possibility of explaining the anomalous muon (g - 2) measurement staying within the parameter space allowed by neutrino, Higgs and flavor data while satisfying the collider constraints as well. We find that there still remains a small sub-TeV parameter space where the required excess can be obtained.
A POWHEG generator for deep inelastic scattering
Authors: Banfi Andrea , Ravasio Silvia Ferrario , Jäger Barbara , Karlberg Alexander , Reichenbach Felix , Zanderighi Giulia 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We present a new event generator for the simulation of both neutral- and charged-current deep inelastic scattering (DIS) at next-to-leading order in QCD matched to parton showers using the POWHEG method. Our implementation builds on the existing POWHEG BOX framework originally designed for hadron-hadron collisions, supplemented by considerable extensions to account for the genuinely different kinematics inherent to lepton-hadron collisions. In particular, we present new momentum mappings that conserve the special kinematics found in DIS, which we use to modify the POWHEG BOX implementation of the Frixione-Kunszt-Signer subtraction mechanism. We compare our predictions to fixed-order and resummed predictions, as well as to data from the HERA ep collider. Finally we study a few representative distributions for the upcoming Electron Ion Collider.
Intervertebral disc-intrinsic Hedgehog signaling maintains disc cell phenotypes and prevents disc degeneration through both cell autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Lei , Hu Siyuan , Xiu Chunmei , Li Meng , Zheng Yixin , Zhang Rui , Li Bin , Chen Jianquan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntervertebral disc degeneration is closely related to abnormal phenotypic changes in disc cells. However, the mechanism by which disc cell phenotypes are maintained remains poorly understood. Here, Hedgehog-responsive cells were found to be specifically localized in the inner annulus fibrosus and cartilaginous endplate of postnatal discs, likely activated by Indian Hedgehog. Global inhibition of Hedgehog signaling using a pharmacological inhibitor or Agc1-CreERT2-mediated deletion of Smo in disc cells of juvenile mice led to spontaneous degenerative changes in annulus fibrosus and cartilaginous endplate accompanied by aberrant disc cell differentiation in adult mice. In contrast, Krt19-CreER-mediated deletion of Smo specifically in nucleus pulposus cells led to healthy discs and normal disc cell phenotypes. Similarly, age-related degeneration of nucleus pulposus was accelerated by genetic inactivation of Hedgehog signaling in all disc cells, but not in nucleus pulposus cells. Furthermore, inactivation of Gli2 in disc cells resulted in partial loss of the vertebral growth plate but otherwise healthy discs, whereas deletion of Gli3 in disc cells largely corrected disc defects caused by Smo ablation in mice. Taken together, our findings not only revealed for the first time a direct role of Hedgehog-Gli3 signaling in maintaining homeostasis and cell phenotypes of annuls fibrosus and cartilaginous endplate, but also identified disc-intrinsic Hedgehog signaling as a novel non-cell-autonomous mechanism to regulate nucleus pulposus cell phenotype and protect mice from age-dependent nucleus pulposus degeneration. Thus, targeting Hedgehog signaling may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration.
Further investigations on the influence of protein phosphatases on the signaling of muscarinic receptors in the atria of mouse hearts
Authors: Gergs Ulrich , Wackerhagen Silke , Fuhrmann Tobias , Schäfer Inka , Neumann Joachim 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe vagal regulation of cardiac function involves acetylcholine (ACh) receptor activation followed by negative chronotropic and negative as well as positive inotropic effects. The resulting signaling pathways may include Gi/o protein-coupled reduction in adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity, direct Gi/o protein-coupled activation of ACh-activated potassium current (IKACh), inhibition of L-type calcium ion channels, and/or the activation of protein phosphatases. Here, we studied the role of the protein phosphatases 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A) for muscarinic receptor signaling in isolated atrial preparations of transgenic mice with cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of either the catalytic subunit of PP2A (PP2A-TG) or the inhibitor-2 (I2) of PP1 (I2-TG) or in double transgenic mice overexpressing both PP2A and I2 (DT). In mouse left atrial preparations, carbachol (CCh), cumulatively applied (1 nM–10 µM), exerted at low concentrations a negative inotropic effect followed by a positive inotropic effect at higher concentrations. This biphasic effect was noted with CCh alone as well as when CCh was added after β-adrenergic pre-stimulation with isoprenaline (1 µM). Whereas the response to stimulation of β-adrenoceptors or adenosine receptors (used as controls) was changed in PP2A-TG, the response to CCh was unaffected in atrial preparations from all transgenic models studied here. Therefore, the present data tentatively indicate that neither PP2A nor PP1, but possibly other protein phosphatases, is involved in the muscarinic receptor-induced inotropic and chronotropic effects in the mouse heart.
Diffractaic acid exerts anti-cancer effects on hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells by inducing apoptosis and suppressing migration through targeting thioredoxin reductase 1
Authors: Sulukoğlu Emine Karaca , Günaydın Şükran , Kalın Şeyda Nur , Altay Ahmet , Budak Harun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Due to the limited number of available drugs and their side effects, the development of new chemotherapeutic strategies for HCC treatment has become increasingly important. This study is aimed at investigating whether diffractaic acid (DA), one of the secondary metabolites of lichen, exhibits a potential anticancer effect on HepG2 cells and whether its anticancer effect is mediated by inhibition of thioredoxin reductase 1 (TRXR1), which is a target of chemotherapeutic strategies due to overexpression in tumor cells including HCC. XTT assay results showed that DA exhibited strong cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells with an IC50 value of 78.07 µg/mL at 48 h. Flow cytometric analysis results revealed that DA displayed late apoptotic and necrotic effects on HepG2 cells. Consistent with these findings, real-time PCR results showed that DA did not alter the BAX/BCL2 ratio in HepG2 cells but upregulated the P53 gene. Moreover, the wound healing assay results revealed a strong anti-migratory effect of DA in HepG2 cells. Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses demonstrated that DA increased TRXR1 gene and protein expression levels, whereas enzyme activity studies disclosed that DA inhibited TRXR1. These findings suggest that DA has an anticancer effect on HepG2 cells by targeting the enzymatic inhibition of TRXR1. In conclusion, DA as a TRXR1 inhibitor can be considered an effective chemotherapeutic agent which may be a useful lead compound for the treatment of HCC.
Evaluation of deep eutectic solvents in the synthesis of molecularly imprinted fibers for the solid-phase microextraction of triazines in soil samples
Authors: Monnier Alexia , Díaz-Álvarez Myriam , Turiel Esther , Martín-Esteban Antonio 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNowadays, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are well established and are considered excellent materials for performing selective extractions. However, with the progressive implementation of the principles of green chemistry, it is necessary to find greener alternatives for both the synthesis and further use of MIPs in sample preparation. Accordingly, in the present work, different deep eutectic solvents (DES, both hydrophilic and hydrophobic), as an alternative to conventional organic solvents (i.e., toluene), were evaluated as porogens for the synthesis of imprinted fibers (monoliths), using fused silica capillaries as molds, for solid-phase microextraction (SPME). From this study, the polymer prepared with propazine (dummy template), methacrylic acid (monomer), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (cross-linker), and a formic acid:L-menthol (1:1) DES (porogen) showed the best performance for selective rebinding of triazines. After optimization of the different variables involved in SPME, the new imprinted fibers were successfully applied to the extraction of target analytes (desisopropylatrazine, desethylatrazine, simazine, and atrazine) from soil sample extracts, providing relative recoveries ranging from 75.7 to 120.1%, reaching limits of detection within the range of 6.2–15.7 ng g−1, depending upon the analyte.
Graphical Abstract
Optimizing gluteal augmentation with hyaluronic acid: a comprehensive anthropometric study
Authors: Fantozzi Fabio 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The buttock, positioned between the trunk and lower limbs, plays a pivotal role in body contour aesthetics. Achieving the ideal combination of shape and volume is crucial for natural-looking gluteal augmentation, particularly when employing hyaluronic acid (HA). This study seeks to establish an anthropometrically informed protocol for optimal HA infiltration, aiming to avoid unnatural outcomes. The study utilized Genefill Contour Plus for buttock reshaping. An oval was delineated, strategically positioned in relation to anatomical landmarks, and HA was injected through an 18-gauge cannula on the suprafascial plane. The protocol involved meticulous considerations of gluteal geometry. Sixty participants (55 females, 5 males) with a mean age of 35.5 years underwent HA buttock augmentation. The HA quantities ranged from 30 to 50 ml per buttock to enhance gluteal projection. All participants attended follow-ups at 7 to 14 days and 3 to 6 months. Satisfaction evaluation, utilizing aesthetic improvement ratings, involved assessments from both patients and physicians. The complexity of infiltrating semi-dense material for buttock augmentation demands a meticulous protocol grounded in an understanding of gluteal geometry. Gluteal augmentation using HA, guided by anthropometric measures, emerges as a secure and effective approach, yielding optimal aesthetic results while minimizing complications. This study contributes to refining the protocol for HA infiltration, ensuring a natural and harmonious gluteal contour. All participants attended regular follow-ups at 7 to 14 days and 3 to 6 months post-injection for a comprehensive evaluation of aesthetic outcomes and patient well-being. This anthropometrically guided HA injection protocol ensures a meticulous and tailored approach to gluteal remodeling, emphasizing natural contours and aesthetic satisfaction while minimizing complications.
Level of evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic.
Extended parental care in the mass provisioning silk wasp, Microstigmus rosae
Authors: Bonifacii Rosa Leena , Field Jeremy 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Insurance-based mechanisms, where surviving group-members can complete parental care after the death of a nestmate, are key to the origin of cooperative group formation in insects. Selection for group living via these models is proposed to be dependent on the life expectancy of adult carers relative to the duration of offspring dependency on parental care. Progressive provisioning, where adults feed offspring gradually as they grow, is thought to extend this period of dependency and is therefore suggested to be an important factor promoting the evolution of sociality. In contrast, mass-provisioning species provide offspring with all the food they need to reach maturity at the beginning of their development. Since offspring are then nutritionally independent, the applicability of insurance models is less clear. In this paper we experimentally demonstrate that adult presence on the nest, even after the end of provisioning, is critical for brood survival in the mass provisioning silk wasp Microstigmus rosae. After 10 days, experimentally orphaned nests contained 65% fewer healthy offspring than controls. Adult females were also recorded performing post-provisioning parental care behaviours including nest maintenance and repair, putative hygienic brood care and aggressive nest defence against both ants and parasitoid wasps. By demonstrating the potential applicability of insurance advantages our results highlight how, even in mass provisioners, insurance-based mechanisms may be part of what favours group living.

Significance statement
Extended parental care is an important precursor to the evolution of eusociality. In this context, group living can serve as a form of “life insurance”, ensuring that dependent offspring receive the care they need to reach maturity should the mother die. Such mechanisms are especially important to our understanding of social evolution as they are able to account for the origins of cooperative group formation, not just its maintenance. However, for mass-provisioning species, where all food items are provided upfront, the significance of insurance advantages remains unclear. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate that adult attendance is critical for brood survival in the mass provisioning wasp, Microstigmus rosae. Our results reveal the applicability of insurance advantages to M. rosae with important implications for our understanding of the potential adaptive value of group living in mass provisioning species.
Conditional survival to assess prognosis in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Schlosser Pascal , Schiwitza Annett , Klaus Jonas , Hieke-Schulz Stefanie , Szic Katarzyna Szarc vel , Duyster Justus , Trepel Martin , Zirlik Katja , Schumacher Martin , Claus Rainer 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBiomarkers in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) allow assessment of prognosis. However, the validity of current prognostic biomarkers based on a single assessment point remains unclear for patients who have survived one or more years. Conditional survival (CS) studies that address how prognosis may change over time, especially in prognostic subgroups, are still rare. We performed CS analyses to estimate 5-year survival in 1-year increments, stratified by baseline disease characteristics and known risk factors in two community-based cohorts of CLL patients (Freiburg University Hospital (n = 316) and Augsburg University Hospital (n = 564)) diagnosed between 1984 and 2021. We demonstrate that 5-year CS probability is stable (app. 75%) for the entire CLL patient cohort over 10 years. While age, sex, and stage have no significant impact on CS, patients with high-risk disease features such as non-mutated IGHV, deletion 17p, and high-risk CLL-IPI have a significantly worse prognosis at diagnosis, and 5-year CS steadily decreases with each additional year survived. Our results confirm that CLL patients have a stable survival probability with excess mortality and that the prognosis of high-risk CLL patients declines over time. We infer that CS-based prognostic information is relevant for disease management and counseling of CLL patients.
Experimental modeling and optimization of pullulan production by Aureobasidium pullulans AZ-6
Authors: Mujdeci Gamze Nur , Bozdemir M. Tijen , Ozbas Z. Yesim 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe objective of this study was to optimize the fermentation parameters by using response surface methodology for increasing pullulan production of Aureobasidium pullulans AZ-6 in synthetic fermentation medium. The optimum conditions were determined as follows: the initial sucrose concentration (X1): 100 g/L; the initial peptone concentration (X2): 11.31 g/L; the initial pH (X3): 6.48; and the temperature (X4): 24.2 °C. In the optimum conditions, the maximum exopolysaccharide (EPS) concentration (Y1), the maximum pullulan concentration (Y2), the specific growth rate (Y3), the maximum specific pullulan formation rate (Y4), and the pullulan yield (Y5) were expected to be obtained as 37.078 and 35.372 g/L, 0.062 h−1, 0.021 [g pullulan/(g mo.h)], and 53.681%, respectively. The observed values of Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, and Y5 were 36.950 g/L, 35.470 g/L, 0.064 h−1, 0.036 [g pullulan/(g mo.sa)], and 54.480%, respectively, as a result of validation experiments. EPS samples were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope analyses. The optimization process caused more than a 50% increase in EPS and pullulan concentrations. This study showed that the color-variant A. pullulans AZ-6 strain could become a significant industrial strain if it is explored further in the future to produce pullulan on a larger scale.