bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of publishing processes on scientific thought: Typography and typology in prehistoric archaeology (1950s–1990s)
Authors: Plutniak Sébastien
Published: June 2021

Argument

In the last decades, many changes have occurred in scientific publishing, including online publication, data repositories, file formats and standards. The role played by computers in this process rekindled the argument on forms of technical determinism. This paper addresses this old debate by exploring the case of publishing processes in prehistoric archaeology during the second part of the twentieth century, prior to the wide-scale adoption of computers. It investigates the case of a collective and international attempt to standardize the typological analysis of prehistoric lithic objects, coinedtypologie analytiqueby Georges Laplace and developed by a group of French, Italian, and Spanish researchers. The aim of this paper is to: 1) present a general bibliometric scenario of prehistoric archaeology publishing in continental Europe; 2) report on the little-knowntypologie analytiquemethod in archaeology, using publications, archives, and interviews; 3) show how the publication of scientific production was shaped by social (editorial policies, support networks) and material (typography features and publication formats) constraints; and 4) highlight how actors founded resources to control and counterbalance these effects, namely by changing and improving publishing formats.
Newton, the sensorium of God, and the cause of gravity
Authors: Henry John
Published: June 2021

Argument

It is argued that the sensorium of God was introduced into theQuaestionesadded to the end of Newton’sOptice(1706) as a way of answering objections that Newton had failed to provide a causal account of gravity in thePrincipia. The discussion of God’s sensorium indicated that gravity must be caused by God’s will. Newton did not leave it there, however, but went on to show how God’s will created active principles as secondary causes of gravity. There was nothing unusual in assuming that God, acting as the First Cause, operated in nature by means of secondary causes; but it was unusual to devote as much time to discussing God’s precise role as to discussing the secondary causes themselves. It is contended that Newton felt the need to do this to persuade readers that what might seem like a second cause that could not possibly work could be made to work by the omnipotent God.
Airway obstruction in children with complex conotruncal cardiac anomalies
Authors: Wein Courtney E. , Cervantes Luisa , Sasaki Nao
Published: June 2021

The incidence of airway obstruction in patients with complex CHD other than vascular rings and absent pulmonary valve syndrome is unknown. We reviewed pre-operative CT and clinical data of children with conotruncal abnormalities to assess for airway obstruction. Airway obstruction was common (41% of patients), often moderate to severe, of diverse aetiology, and most commonly associated with a right aortic arch. Patients with airway obstruction showed a trend towards a higher mortality rate. Patients with complex conotruncal abnormalities should be assessed for airway obstruction as it may help predict the need for additional interventions and assist with prognostication.
Cardiac abnormalities determined by tissue Doppler imaging and arrhythmias in adolescents with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Nehgme Vicente , Rios Patricia , Acevedo Valeria , Alvarez Patricia
Published: June 2021

Background:

Anorexia nervosa has a prevalence of 0.5–3% in adolescents, placing this population at increased risk of cardiac anomalies including arrhythmias, pericardial effusion, and myocardial dysfunction. Our objective is to describe cardiovascular anomalies observed by tissue Doppler imaging in patients with anorexia nervosa.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed electrocardiogram, Holter, and echocardiography findings in 28 patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.

Results:

Electrocardiogram was abnormal in 71% of patients with sinus bradycardia observed in 57%. Holter confirmed sinus bradycardia without significant pauses. Prolonged QTc, low voltage, and ectopic beats were each seen in 14% of patients. Wenckebach atrioventricular block was observed in one patient. Supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia was not observed. Echocardiography showed structurally normal heart in all patients. Pericardial effusion was seen in 7.1% of patients and left ventricular mass was decreased in 10.7%. Mean ejection fraction was 0.73 and mean fractional shortening was 38.4%. Tissue Doppler imaging revealed systolic or diastolic dysfunction in four patients with e’, a’, and s’ velocities in the lateral and septal basal segments more than two standard deviations below the mean. Two patients had decreased left ventricular mass but no significant difference in disease duration from the group. Basal segment velocities below one standard deviation were also observed in an additional seven patients.

Conclusion:

A trend for decreased tissue Doppler imaging velocities was seen in 25.0% of patients, while significant systolic and diastolic dysfunction was seen in 14.3% of patients, associated with a significant reduction in left ventricular mass and independent of disease duration.
Motivating cocoa farmers to adopt agroforestry practices for mitigating climate change
Authors: Arimi Kayode , Omoare Ayodeji
Published: June 2021

With the adverse effects of climate change becoming more prominent, more effective strategies for reducing the increase in atmospheric CO2 levels are required for mitigating further climate change. Increasing use of renewable energy by farmers motivated to practice agroforestry is one natural solution for reducing those climate change impacts. Unfortunately, climate change mitigation through agroforestry has been inhibited by a lack of scientific validation. In this paper, we ascertain factors that motivate African cocoa farmers to use agroforestry practices for enhancing food production as well as for mitigating climate change. We analyzed data collected from 120 farmers from the Oyo state of Nigeria through descriptive and regression analysis statistical tools. We found that access to information (β = 0.23, t = 2.18) and extension service (β = 0.23, t = 2.27) was associated with greater willingness of farmers to participate in agroforestry whereas negative attitudes (β = −0.29, t = −3.21) were associated with a lower involvement of cocoa farmers in agroforestry practices. We conclude that effective climate change mitigation programs need to do more to motivate farmers to adopt agroforestry practices by increasing their understanding of the benefits to be derived from carbon markets and by providing them with the necessary tools for employing these practices for climate change mitigation and more sustainable food production.
The Paleoenvironmental Standard Terms (PaST) Thesaurus: Standardizing Heterogeneous Variables in Paleoscience
Authors: Morrill Carrie , Thrasher Bridget , Lockshin Samuel N. , Gille Edward P. , McNeill Shelley , Shepherd Ethan , Gross Wendy S. , Bauer Bruce A.
Published: June 2021

Paleoscience data are extremely heterogeneous; hundreds of different types of measurements and reconstructions are routinely made by scientists on a variety of types of physical samples. This heterogeneity is one of the biggest barriers to finding paleoclimatic records, to building large‐scale data products, and to the use of paleoscience data beyond the community of specialists. Here, we document the Paleoenvironmental Standard Terms (PaST) thesaurus, the first authoritative vocabulary of standardized variable names for paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental data developed in a formal knowledge organization structure. This structure is designed to improve data set discovery, support automated processing of data, and provide connectivity to other vocabularies. PaST is now used operationally at the World Data Service for Paleoclimatology (WDS‐Paleo), one of the largest repositories of paleoscience information. Terms from the PaST thesaurus standardize a broad array of paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic measured and inferred variables, providing enough detail for accurate and precise data discovery and thereby promoting data reuse. We describe the main design decisions and features of the thesaurus, the governance structure for ongoing maintenance, and WDS‐Paleo services that now employ PaST. These services include an advanced search by variable name, an interface for thesaurus navigation, and a machine‐readable representation in the Simple Knowledge Organization System (SKOS) standard. This overview is designed for developers of thesauri, data contributors, and users of the WDS‐Paleo, and serves as a building block for future efforts within the broader paleoscience community to improve how data are described for long‐term findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability.
Ionospheric Scintillation Data Inversion to Characterize the Structures Associated With a Series of Polar Cap Patches
Authors: Conroy James P. , Deshpande Kshitija , Kunduri Bharat , Varney Roger H. , Scales Wayne , Zaghloul Amir
Published: June 2021

In this study, we present the results of an inversion of ionospheric phase scintillation data to characterize the plasma density irregularity parameters for the structures associated with a series of Polar Cap Patches. The parameter estimates obtained during the inversion suggests that the irregularities associated with Polar Cap Patches are predominantly composed of moderately elongated electron density rods aligned with the earth's magnetic field which in some instances are interbedded within sheet and wing like density structures. Analysis of the spatial and temporal distribution of the axial ratio (AXRs), which are the ratios of irregularity elongation parallel and perpendicular to the field, indicates that the measured phase scintillation indices increase roughly proportionally with AXR values for the rods but remain roughly constant for wings and sheets. These findings indicate that while wings and sheets can produce phase fluctuations, it is the apparent existence of rods that mark the occurrence of plasma processes that lead to the formation of field‐aligned irregularities that produce phase scintillations which are most significant.
Unintended Consequences of Selective Water Withdrawals From Reservoirs Alter Downstream Macroinvertebrate Communities
Authors: Murphy Christina A. , Johnson Sherri L. , Gerth William , Pierce Todd , Taylor Gregory
Published: June 2021

Regulated rivers downstream of dams often exhibit highly modified thermal regimes in addition to modified hydrologic regimes; downstream river temperatures can be seasonally much warmer or cooler than unregulated streams. Selective water withdrawals can be used to minimize thermal impacts to downstream reaches. However, other water quality parameters, in‐reservoir production, and species composition also vary with depth. In the South Fork McKenzie River, in the Pacific Northwest of North America, an existing large dam was retrofitted to mix and export water from multiple depths, allowing dam operators to adjust the outflow temperatures to be in sync with the upstream thermal regime. We examined benthic macroinvertebrate responses after implementation of selective water withdrawal, comparing it to thermally similar flow‐through conditions, expecting to see shifts in the community over time to resemble upstream, undammed reaches. However, species composition and traits downstream of the dam became more dissimilar to upstream and to flow‐through after selective water withdrawal. These changes included increases in non‐insect taxa and taxa known to feed on plankton and detritus. The most likely explanation for this transition is that selective water withdrawal from multiple depths of a stratified reservoir included epilimnetic releases, which resulted in increased export of plankton and organic material downstream. This strategy favored taxa able to capitalize on resource subsidies from the reservoir. Our findings highlight the interconnected nature of responses to dams and dam operations, including the importance of considering biotic communities in addition to temperature and flow when planning water management strategies.
Sulfur Isotope Evidence for a Geochemical Zonation of the Samoan Mantle Plume
Authors: Dottin James W. , Labidi Jabrane , Jackson Matthew G. , Farquhar James
Published: June 2021

Basalts from the Samoan volcanoes sample contributions from all of the classical mantle endmembers, including extreme EM II and high 3He/4He components, as well as dilute contributions from the HIMU, EM I, and DM components. Here, we present multiple sulfur isotope data on sulfide extracted from subaerial and submarine whole rocks (N = 16) associated with several Samoan volcanoes—Vailulu‘u, Malumalu, Malutut, Upolu, Savai‘i, and Tutuila—that sample the full range of geochemical heterogeneity at Samoa and upon exhaustive compilation of S‐isotope data for Samoan lavas, allow for an assessment of the S‐isotope compositions associated with the different mantle components sampled by the Samoan hotspot. We observe variable S concentrations (10–1,000 ppm) and δ34S values (−0.29‰ ± 0.30 to +4.84‰ ± 0.30, 2σ). The observed variable S concentrations are likely due to sulfide segregation and degassing processes. The range in δ34S reflects mixing between the mantle origin and recycled components, and isotope fractionations associated with degassing. The majority of samples reveal Δ33S within uncertainty of Δ33S = 0‰ ± 0.008. Important exceptions to this observation include: (a) a negative Δ33S (−0.018‰ ± 0.008, 2σ) from a rejuvenated basalt on Upolu island (associated with a diluted EM I component) and (b) previously documented small (but resolvable) Δ33S values (up to +0.027 ± 0.016) associated with the Vai Trend (associated with a diluted HIMU component). The variability we observed in Δ33S is interpreted to reflect contributions of sulfur of different origins and likely multiple crustal protoliths. Δ36S versus Δ33S relationships suggest all recycled S is of post‐Archean origin.
Mechanisms Driving Decadal Changes in the Carbonate System of a Coastal Plain Estuary
Authors: Da Fei , Friedrichs Marjorie A. M. , St‐Laurent Pierre , Shadwick Elizabeth H. , Najjar Raymond G. , Hinson Kyle E.
Published: June 2021

Understanding decadal changes in the coastal carbonate system is essential for predicting how the health of these waters responds to anthropogenic drivers, such as changing atmospheric conditions and riverine inputs. However, studies that quantify the relative impacts of these drivers are lacking. In this study, the primary drivers of decadal trends in the surface carbonate system, and the spatiotemporal variability in these trends, are identified for a large coastal plain estuary: the Chesapeake Bay. Experiments using a coupled three‐dimensional hydrodynamic‐biogeochemical model highlight that, over the past three decades, the changes in the surface carbonate system of Chesapeake Bay have strong seasonal and spatial variability. The greatest surface pH and aragonite saturation state (ΩAR) reductions have occurred in the summer in the middle (mesohaline) Bay: −0.24 and −0.9 per 30 years, respectively, with increases in atmospheric CO2 and reductions in nitrate loading both being primary drivers. Reductions in nitrate loading have a strong seasonal influence on the carbonate system, with the most pronounced decadal decreases in pH and ΩAR occurring during the summer when primary production is strongly dependent on nutrient availability. Increases in riverine total alkalinity and dissolved inorganic carbon have raised surface pH in the upper oligohaline Bay, while other drivers such as atmospheric warming and input of acidified ocean water through the Bay mouth have had comparatively minor impacts on the estuarine carbonate system. This work has significant implications for estuarine ecosystem services, which are typically most sensitive to surface acidification in the spring and summer seasons.
Deep Emulators for Differentiation, Forecasting, and Parametrization in Earth Science Simulators
Authors: Nonnenmacher Marcel , Greenberg David S.
Published: June 2021

To understand and predict large, complex, and chaotic systems, Earth scientists build simulators from physical laws. Simulators generalize better to new scenarios, require fewer tunable parameters, and are more interpretable than nonphysical deep learning, but procedures for obtaining their derivatives with respect to their inputs are often unavailable. These missing derivatives limit the application of many important tools for forecasting, model tuning, sensitivity analysis, or subgrid‐scale parametrization. Here, we propose to overcome this limitation with deep emulator networks that learn to calculate the missing derivatives. By training directly on simulation data without analyzing source code or equations, this approach supports simulators in any programming language on any hardware without specialized routines for each case. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, we train emulators on complete or partial system states of the chaotic Lorenz‐96 simulator and evaluate the accuracy of their dynamics and derivatives as a function of integration time and training data set size. We further demonstrate that emulator‐derived derivatives enable accurate 4D‐Var data assimilation and closed‐loop training of parametrizations. These results provide a basis for further combining the parsimony and generality of physical models with the power and flexibility of machine learning.
Instability Mechanisms for the F‐Region Plasma Irregularities Inside the Midlatitude Ionospheric Trough: Swarm Observations
Authors: Liu Yiwen , Xiong Chao , Wan Xin , Lai Yeping , Wang Yuhao , Yu Xiao , Ou Ming
Published: June 2021

The midlatitude ionospheric trough (MIT) is a well‐known feature in the topside ionosphere. Previous MIT related studies mainly focused on the MIT structure itself, while few studies focused on irregularities inside the MIT region. In this study, we provided for the first time the magnetic latitude and magnetic local time distribution of irregularities within the MIT, by using the Swarm in situ plasma measurements. Orbital cases show that both the MIT equatorward and poleward walls are embedded with small‐scale irregularities. Further statistical analysis reveals that the particle precipitation is the dominant mechanism for the dayside MIT region irregularities, while nightside MIT region irregularities are strongly related with the temperature gradient drift instability. The Swarm observations show that the temperature gradient drift instability occur not only in MIT equatorward wall but also in MIT polarward wall, which is different to the theoretical prediction of Hudson and Kelley (1976,https://doi.org/10.1029/JA081i022p03913).
Recent progress in targeted delivery vectors based on biomimetic nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Li , Hong Weiqi , Ren Wenyan , Xu Ting , Qian Zhiyong , He Zhiyao
Published: June 2021

Over the past decades, great interest has been given to biomimetic nanoparticles (BNPs) since the rise of targeted drug delivery systems and biomimetic nanotechnology. Biological vectors including cell membranes, extracellular vesicles (EVs), and viruses are considered promising candidates for targeted delivery owing to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. BNPs, the integration of biological vectors and functional agents, are anticipated to load cargos or camouflage synthetic nanoparticles to achieve targeted delivery. Despite their excellent intrinsic properties, natural vectors are deliberately modified to endow multiple functions such as good permeability, improved loading capability, and high specificity. Through structural modification and transformation of the vectors, they are pervasively utilized as more effective vehicles that can deliver contrast agents, chemotherapy drugs, nucleic acids, and genes to target sites for refractory disease therapy. This review summarizes recent advances in targeted delivery vectors based on cell membranes, EVs, and viruses, highlighting the potential applications of BNPs in the fields of biomedical imaging and therapy industry, as well as discussing the possibility of clinical translation and exploitation trend of these BNPs.
Enhancement of the nutritional value of fermented corn stover as ruminant feed using the fungi Pleurotus spp.
Authors: Wang Yuqiong , Luo Yang , Luo Lilong , Zhang Hang , Liao Yangci , Gou Changlong
Published: June 2021

FourPleurotus spp.fungi (P. diamor, P. eryngii, P. sajor-caju, P. citrinopileatus) were compared for their potential to improve nutritional value of corn stover as ruminant feed. Corn stover was inoculated with the fungi under solid-state conditions and their results showed thatP. sajor-cajuandP. eryngiiwere better than the other two species ofPleurotuswith respect to decreasing the acid detergent lignin (ADL) (8.99 vs 9.88 vs 10.16 vs 10.46). In contrast,P. eryngiihad lower ability to degrade cellulose (13.38%). Corn stover treated withP. citrinopileatushad the highest crude protein (CP) content (7.65%), whereas treatment withP. sajor-cajuresulted in the highest increase in essential amino acids (55.11%). Although fungal pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass does not always result in high-quality feed, overall,P. eryngiiandP. sajor-cajuimproved the nutritive value of corn stover as a ruminant feed.
Preclinical immunogenicity testing using anti-drug antibody analysis of GX-G3, Fc-fused recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, in rat and monkey models
Authors: Kim Yun Jung , Koh Eun Mi , Song Chi Hun , Byun Mi Sun , Choi Yu Ri , Jeon Eun-Jeong , Hwang Kyunghwa , Kim Sang Kyum , Yang Sang In , Jung Kyung Jin
Published: June 2021

Human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF, this study used Fc-fused recombinant G-CSF; GX-G3) is an important glycoprotein that stimulates the proliferation of granulocytes and white blood cells. Thus, G-CSF treatment has been considered as a crucial regimen to accelerate recovery from chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in cancer patients suffering from non-myeloid malignancy or acute myeloid leukemia. Despite the therapeutic advantages of G-CSF treatment, an assessment of its immunogenicity must be performed to determine whether the production of anti-G-CSF antibodies causes immune-related disorders. We optimized and validated analytical tools by adopting validation parameters for immunogenicity assessment. Using these validated tools, we analyzed serum samples from rats and monkeys injected subcutaneously with GX-G3 (1, 3 or 10 mg/kg once a week for 4 weeks followed by a 4-week recovery period) to determine immunogenicity response and toxicokinetic parameters with serum concentration of GX-G3. Several rats and monkeys were determined to be positive for anti-GX-G3 antibodies. Moreover, the immunogenicity response of GX-G3 was lower in monkeys than in rats, which was relevant to show less inhibition of toxicokinetic profiles in monkeys, at least 1 mg/kg administrated group, compared to rats. These results suggested the establishment and validation for analyzing anti-GX-G3 antibodies and measurement of serum levels of GX-G3 and anti-GX-G3 antibodies, which was related with toxicokinetic profiles. Taken together, this study provides immunogenicity assessment which is closely implicated with toxicokinetic study of GX-G3 in 4-week repeated administrated toxicological studies.
Anisotropic dielectric susceptibility matrix of anisotropic medium
Authors: Gao Wanrong
Published: June 2021

In this work, we introduce the concept of anisotropic dielectric susceptibility matrix of anisotropic medium for both nondepolarizing and depolarizing medium. The concept provides a new way of analyzing light scattering properties of anisotropic media illuminated by polarized light. The explicit expressions for the elements of the scattering matrix are given in terms of the elements of the Fourier transform of the anisotropic dielectric susceptibility matrix of the medium. Finally, expressions for the elements of the Jones matrix of a thin layer of a deterministic anisotropic medium and the elements of the Mueller matrix of a depolarizing medium are given. The results obtained in this work is helpful for deriving information about the correlated anisotropic structures in depolarizing media from measured Mueller matrices. The findings in this work may also well prove stimulating to researchers working on new methods for analyzing light scattering properties.
Transmission of light signals from the light-oxygen-voltage core via the hydrophobic region of the β-sheet surface in aureochrome-1
Authors: Nakajima Hiroto , Kobayashi Itsuki , Adachi Yumiko , Hisatomi Osamu
Published: June 2021

Light-Oxygen-Voltage (LOV) domains are responsible for detecting blue light (BL) and regulating the activities of effector domains in various organisms. Photozipper (PZ), an N-terminally truncated aureochrome-1 protein, contains a LOV domain and a basic leucin zipper (bZIP) domain and plays a role as a light-activatable transcription factor. PZ is monomeric in the dark state and undergoes non-covalent dimerization upon illumination with BL, subsequently increasing its affinity for the target DNA. To clarify the molecular mechanism of aureochromes, we prepared site-directed mutants of PZ and performed quantitative analyses in the dark and light states. Although the amino acid substitutions in the hinge region between the LOV core and A’α helix had minor effects on the dimerization and DNA-binding properties of PZ, the substitutions in the β-sheet region of the LOV core and in the A’α helix significantly affected these properties. We found that light signals are transmitted from the LOV core to the effector bZIP domain via the hydrophobic residues on the β-sheet. The light-induced conformational change possibly deforms the hydrophobic regions of the LOV core and induces the detachment of the A’α helix to expose the dimerization surface, likely activating the bZIP domain in a light-dependent manner.
Resonant X-ray emission spectroscopy from broadband stochastic pulses at an X-ray free electron laser
Authors: Fuller Franklin D. , Loukianov Anton , Takanashi Tsukasa , You Daehyun , Li Yiwen , Ueda Kiyoshi , Fransson Thomas , Yabashi Makina , Katayama Tetsuo , Weng Tsu-Chien , Alonso-Mori Roberto , Bergmann Uwe , Jan Kern  , Yachandra Vittal K. , Wernet Philippe , Yano Junko
Published: June 2021

Hard X-ray spectroscopy is an element specific probe of electronic state, but signals are weak and require intense light to study low concentration samples. Free electron laser facilities offer the highest intensity X-rays of any available light source. The light produced at such facilities is stochastic, with spikey, broadband spectra that change drastically from shot to shot. Here, using aqueous ferrocyanide, we show that the resonant X-ray emission (RXES) spectrum can be inferred by correlating for each shot the fluorescence intensity from the sample with spectra of the fluctuating, self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) source. We obtain resolved narrow and chemically rich information in core-to-valence transitions of the pre-edge region at the Fe K-edge. Our approach avoids monochromatization, provides higher photon flux to the sample, and allows non-resonant signals like elastic scattering to be simultaneously recorded. The spectra obtained match well with spectra measured using a monochromator. We also show that inaccurate measurements of the stochastic light spectra reduce the measurement efficiency of our approach.
Biomimetic and Collagen-based Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Cipolla L.
Published: June 2021

Collagen, being the main constituent of the mammalian extra cellular matrix, is an ideal candidate as a biomaterial for regenerative medicine applications. In this chapter, besides a brief introduction about key elements guiding tissue regeneration, recent advances in collagen-based biomaterials will be outlined. Collagen properties may be improved when used in combination with other materials: collagen–inorganic blends, collagen materials in combination with natural (protein and carbohydrates) or synthetic polymers will be considered.
Alginate Particulate Gels for Oral Drug Delivery
Authors: Sosnik A.
Published: June 2021

Alginic acid and its sodium and potassium alginates constitute a family of natural polyanionic polymers isolated from brown algae. Alginate aqueous gels can be produced by ionotropic crosslinking with different multivalent cations such as calcium and owing to the chemical structure they undergo interaction with mucus. These features together with very good biocompatibility and safety profiles and muco-adhesion make alginate particulate gels a very popular biomaterial in pharmaceutical development. The present chapter initially overviews the properties, production methods and most recent uses of alginate microparticle and nanoparticle gels for drug administration by the oral route. Then, it discusses the perspectives of this biomaterial in the future.
Liposomes for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Elkhoury K. , Kahn C. , Sanchez-Gonzalez L. , Arab-Tehrany E.
Published: June 2021

Nanoliposomes are one of the most promising soft nanomaterials for effective drug and gene delivery. Nanoliposomes can encapsulate a wide range of hydrophilic or hydrophobic bioactive molecules for biomedical applications. Nanoliposomes can control the release of encapsulated drugs, but they suffer from rapid clearance once injected into the body. One possible solution is to embed them in natural hydrogels to form bioengineered nanoliposomal scaffolds that can be used for drug delivery and tissue engineering. This chapter will discuss the drug delivery applications of nanoliposomes, especially in cancer and Alzheimer's disease, and the drug delivery and tissue engineering applications of nanoliposome–hydrogel composite scaffolds.
Nanobiomaterials for Smart Delivery
Authors: Duran-Mota J. A. , Oliva N. , Almquist B. D.
Published: June 2021

The human body is a complex system where several interconnected dynamic processes work in an orchestrated manner to carry out the many different body functions. However, pathological conditions may cause dysregulations of these body functions. Biomedicine aims to understand such dysregulations and restore normal, healthy function within bodies. A wide variety of therapeutics have been used since ancient times, but their traditional systemic administration lacks spatiotemporal control over the delivery. Recent progress in chemistry and physics, along with the emergence of nanotechnology, has allowed the development of new strategies to solve this drawback such as stimuli-responsive nanobiomaterials. This new class of materials can be designed to respond to chemical and physical stimuli associated with pathological dysregulations (for example, changes in pH or redox environment, or the increase of certain biomolecules in the bloodstream). Alternatively, stimuli can also be provided externally (such as magnetic fields or light) to trigger the controlled release of therapeutics. Hydrogels are one of the most promising materials to achieve complete spatiotemporal control as they are typically injected or implanted where they are needed. Moreover, the chemical structure of the polymers forming the hydrogel can be easily manipulated to make them stimuli-responsive. This chapter focuses on the chemical and physical mechanisms that confer stimuli-responsive properties to polymers, enabling the development of smart hydrogels for spatiotemporal delivery of drugs.
Ensemble effects on allylic oxidation within explicit solvation environments
Authors: Le Hung M. , Guagliardo Mariano , Gorden Anne E. V. , Clark Aurora E.
Published: June 2021

Umbrella-sampling molecular dynamics examined two catalytic cycles of the allylic oxidation of cyclohexene using a Cu(ii) complex in CH3CN.
Solution synthesis and dielectric properties of alumina thin films: understanding the role of the organic additive in film formation
Authors: Hoffmann Rudolf C. , Liedke Maciej O. , Butterling Maik , Wagner Andreas , Trouillet Vanessa , Schneider Jörg J.
Published: June 2021

Positron annihilation spectroscopy is used to characterize pore size distributions in alumina thin films. Differences in the microstructure can be correlated to dielectric behaviour and insulating properties.
Construction of a PCN/Fe2O3/CdS double Z-type heterojunction photocatalyst and its application in the oxidative coupling reaction of benzylamine
Authors: Wang Zhuhan , Chen Yefeng , Yin Mengyun , Yang Qin , Zhou Yafen , Qin Li , Zhang Kaiming , Zhou Limei
Published: June 2021

PCN/Fe2O3/CdS has high utilization rate of light, fully exposed active sites and fast transfer of charge carriers. It shows excellent photocatalytic performance in the benzylamine coupling reaction.
Bimetallic uranyl/cobalt(ii) isothiocyanates: structure, property and spectroscopic analysis of homo- and heterometallic phases
Authors: Byrne Nicole M. , Schofield Mark H. , Nicholas Aaron D. , Cahill Christopher L.
Published: June 2021

An unexpected blue shift in the characteristic uranyl ν1 stretching frequency is observed upon engagement of the uranyl oxo with isothiocyanate group stemming from coupling between UO and U-NCS modes.
Magnetic nanoparticle mediated-gene delivery for simpler and more effective transformation of Pichia pastoris
Authors: Yildiz Seyda , Solak Kubra , Acar Melek , Mavi Ahmet , Unver Yagmur
Published: June 2021

We describe a novel gene delivery method for Pichia pastoris by using magnetic nanoparticles under magnetic forces. This method that uses smaller amounts of DNA is very simple, effective and advanced equipment-free compared to traditional methods.
Identification of amyloid beta in small extracellular vesicles via Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Imanbekova Meruyert , Suarasan Sorina , Rojalin Tatu , Mizenko Rachel R. , Hilt Silvia , Mathur Meghna , Lepine Paula , Nicouleau Michael , Mohamed Nguyen-Vi , Durcan Thomas M. , Carney Randy P. , Voss John C. , Wachsmann-Hogiu Sebastian
Published: June 2021

Extracellular vesicles can carry Aβ associated with Alzheimer's disease. In this article we identify specific Raman spectroscopic features that can be associated with Aβ present in the molecular cargo of small extracellular vesicles.
Nonfullerene electron acceptors with electron-deficient units containing cyano groups for organic solar cells
Authors: Lu Bing , Zhang Zhecheng , Wang Jian , Cai Guilong , Wang Jin , Yuan Xiaolei , Ding Yue , Wang Yang , Yao Yong
Published: June 2021

Various nonfullerene electron acceptors with electron-deficient units containing cyano groups are summarized in this review. The systematic elaboration of structure–property relationships will provide a clearer idea for future molecule design.
MiR-27a-3p enhances the cisplatin sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through inhibiting PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Yang Ying , Yang Zhifang , Zhang Ruili , Jia Chunli , Mao Rui , Mahati Shaya , Zhang Yuefen , Wu Ge , Sun Yan na , Jia Xiao yan , Aimudula Ainiwaer , Zhang Hua , Bao Yongxing
Published: June 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in drug resistance, and it is reported that miR-27a-3p regulated the sensitivity of cisplatin in breast cancer, lung cancer and ovarian cancer. However, the relationship between miR-27a-3p and chemosensitivity of cisplatin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was unclear, especially the underlying mechanism was unknown. In the present study, we analyzed miR-27a-3p expression levels in 372 tumor tissues and 49 adjacent tissues in HCC samples from TCGA database, and found that the miR-27a-3p was down-regulated in HCC tissues. The level of miR-27a-3p was associated with metastasis, Child–Pugh grade and race. MiR-27a-3p was regarded as a favorable prognosis indicator for HCC patients. Then, miR-27a-3p was overexpressed in HepG2 cell, and was knocked down in PLC cell. Next, we conducted a series of in vitro assays, including MTT, apoptosis and cell cycle assays to observe the biological changes. Further, inhibitor rate and apoptosis rate were detected with pre- and post-cisplatin treatment in HCC. The results showed that overexpression of miR-27a-3p repressed the cell viability, promoted apoptosis and increased the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase. Importantly, overexpression of miR-27a-3p significantly increased the inhibitor rate and apoptosis rate with cisplatin intervention. Besides, we found that miR-27a-3p added cisplatin sensitivity potentially through regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Taken together, miR-27a-3p acted as a tumor suppressor gene in HCC cells, and it could be useful for modulating cisplatin sensitivity in chemotherapy.
Bioprinting of kidney in vitro models: cells, biomaterials, and manufacturing techniques
Authors: Fransen Maaike F.J. , Addario Gabriele , Bouten Carlijn V.C. , Halary Franck , Moroni Lorenzo , Mota Carlos
Published: June 2021

The number of patients with end-stage renal disease is continuously increasing worldwide. The only therapies for these patients are dialysis and organ transplantation, but the latter is limited due to the insufficient number of donor kidneys available. Research in kidney disease and alternative therapies are therefore of outmost importance. In vitro models that mimic human kidney functions are essential to provide better insights in disease and ultimately novel therapies. Bioprinting techniques have been increasingly used to create models with some degree of function, but their true potential is yet to be achieved. Bioprinted renal tissues and kidney-like constructs presents challenges, for example, choosing suitable renal cells and biomaterials for the formulation of bioinks. In addition, the fabrication of complex renal biological structures is still a major bottleneck. Advances in pluripotent stem cell-derived renal progenitors has contributed to in vivo-like rudiment structures with multiple renal cells, and these started to make a great impact on the achieved models. Natural- or synthetic-based biomaterial inks, such as kidney-derived extracellular matrix and gelatin-fibrin hydrogels, which show the potential to partially replicate in vivo-like microenvironments, have been largely investigated for bioprinting. As the field progresses, technological, biological and biomaterial developments will be required to yield fully functional in vitro tissues that can contribute to a better understanding of renal disease, to improve predictability in vitro of novel therapeutics, and to facilitate the development of alternative regenerative or replacement treatments. In this review, we resume the main advances on kidney in vitro models reported so far.
Orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1) and novel ligands
Authors: Safe Stephen , Shrestha Rupesh , Mohankumar Kumaravel
Published: June 2021

The nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily of transcription factors encodes expression of 48 human genes that are important for maintaining cellular homeostasis and in pathophysiology, and this has been observed for all sub-families including orphan receptors for which endogenous ligands have not yet been identified. The orphan NR4A1 (Nur77 and TR3) and other members of this sub-family (NR4A2 and NR4A3) are immediate early genes induced by diverse stressors, and these receptors play an important role in the immune function and are up-regulated in some inflammatory diseases including solid tumors. Although endogenous ligands for NR4A have not been identified, several different classes of compounds have been characterized as NR4A1 ligands that bind the receptor. These compounds include cytosporone B and structurally related analogs, bis-indole derived (CDIM) compounds, the triterpenoid celastrol and a number of other chemicals including polyunsaturated fatty acids. NR4A1 ligands bind different regions/surfaces of NR4A1 and exhibit selective NR4A1 modulator (SNR4AM) activities that are dependent on ligand structure and cell/tissue context. NR4A1 ligands exhibit pharmacologic activities in studies on cancer, endometriosis metabolic and inflammatory diseases and are promising agents with clinical potential for treating multiple diseases.
Magnetic fields in the accretion disks for various inner boundary conditions
Authors: Boneva D. V. , Mikhailov E. A. , Pashentseva M. V. , Sokoloff D. D.
Published: June 2021

Context.The magnetic fields of accretion disks play an important role in studying their evolution. We may assume that its generation is connected to the dynamo mechanism, which is similar with that in the galactic disks.

Aims.Here, we propose a model of the magnetic field of the accretion disk that uses the same approaches that have been used for galaxies. It is necessary to obtain the field, which is expected to be less than the equipartition value, and without destroying the disk. To do so, it is necessary to formulate the basic properties of the ionized medium and to estimate the parameters governing the dynamo.

Methods.We used the no-zapproximation that has been developed for thin disks. We also take different boundary conditions that can change the value of the field significantly.

Results.We show that the magnetic field strictly depends on the boundary conditions. Taking zero conditions and the fixed magnetic field condition on the inner boundary, which are connected to the physical properties of the accretion disk, we can avoid solutions that are greater than the equipartition field.
What happened before?
Authors: Valegård P.-G. , Waters L. B. F. M. , Dominik C.
Published: June 2021

Context. Planets form in circumstellar disks around pre-main-sequence stars. A key question is, how do the formation and evolution of protoplanetary disks depend on stellar mass? Studies of circumstellar disks at infrared and submillimeter wavelengths around intermediate-mass Herbig Ae/Be stars have revealed disk structures such as cavities, gaps, and spiral arms. The Herbig Ae/Be stars represent an older population of intermediate-mass pre-main-sequence stars. Since these evolve toward the main sequence on timescales comparable to those of typical disk dissipation, a full picture of disk dispersal in intermediate-mass pre-main-sequence stars must include the intermediate-mass T Tauri (IMTT) stars.

Aims. We seek to find the precursors of the Herbig Ae/Be stars in the solar vicinity within 500 pc from the Sun. We do this by creating an optically selected sample of IMTT stars from the literature, here defined as stars of masses 1.5 M⊙≤ M*≤ 5 M⊙ and with a spectral type between F and K3.

Methods. We used literature optical photometry (0.4–1.25 μm) and distances determined from Gaia DR2 parallax measurements together with Kurucz stellar model spectra to place the stars in a HR diagram. We employed Siess evolutionary tracks to identify IMTT stars from the literature and derived masses and ages. We used Spitzer spectra to classify the disks around the stars into Meeus Group I and Group II disks based on their [F30/F13.5] spectral index. We also examined the 10 μm silicate dust grain emission and identified emission from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). From this, we built a qualitative picture of the disks around the IMTT stars and compared this with available spatially resolved images at infrared and submillimeter wavelengths to confirm our classification.

Results. We find 49 IMTT stars with infrared excess. The identified disks are similar to the older Herbig Ae/Be stars in disk geometries and silicate dust grain population. The detection frequency of PAHs is higher than from disks around lower mass T Tauri stars but less frequent than from Herbig Ae/Be disks. Spatially resolved images at infrared and submillimeter wavelengths suggest gaps, and spirals are also present around the younger precursors to the Herbig Ae/Be stars.

Conclusions. Comparing the timescale of stellar evolution toward the main sequence and current models of protoplanetary disk evolution, the similarity between Herbig Ae/Be stars and the IMTT stars points toward an evolution of Group I and Group II disks that are disconnected and represent two different evolutionary paths.
Catalog of averaged magnetic phase curves of stars
Authors: Bychkov V. D. , Bychkova L. V. , Madej J.
Published: June 2021

Some stars show variability of the longitudinal components of their global magnetic fields, mainly resulting from rotation. Recently, a lot of new observational data have accumulated for various types of stars. To summarize information about magnetic variability, we present the second version of the catalog of average magnetic phase curves. The curves are obtained from literary data and as a result of observations from SAO RAS telescopes. A total of 357 stars of various spectral types were studied based on data that was published before the end of August 2020. Magnetic Ap and Bp stars make up the most numerous subset in the catalog (224 objects). The phase curves were obtained by least-squares fit of the simple sine wave or double sine wave, which are presented in uniform form. The parameters of variability of these objects are presented in tabular form; the upper limits of observed magnetic fields of various types are indicated. The information is presented in a convenient form for verification of various kinds of theoretical models. For clarity and ease of use, phase dependences are presented in graphic form in 514 figures. Periods of variability are defined or refined for a number of stars. The created catalog allows the estimation of the limits of the observed magnetic field variability for various types of stars and the estimation of the energy of the magnetic fields of stars. The catalog will be useful for the development of observation programs. The catalog facilitates the study of the orientation of the axes of rotation of stars in space, the investigation of the interactions of magnetic fields of stars with the interstellar medium, and the “magnetic braking” mechanism. This catalog also permits the study of the orientation of the orbits of planets for some stars with planets and planetary systems.
Constraints on the nearby exoplanet ϵ Indi Ab from deep near- and mid-infrared imaging limits
Authors: Viswanath Gayathri , Janson Markus , Dahlqvist Carl-Henrik , Petit dit de la Roche Dominique , Samland Matthias , Girard Julien , Pathak Prashant , Kasper Markus , Feng Fabo , Meyer Michael , Boehle Anna , Quanz Sascha P. , Jones Hugh R. A. , Absil Olivier , Brandner Wolfgang , Maire Anne-Lise , Siebenmorgen Ralf , Sterzik Michael , Pantin Eric
Published: June 2021

The past decade has seen increasing efforts in detecting and characterising exoplanets using high-contrast imaging in the near- and mid-infrared, which is the optimal wavelength domain for studying old, cold planets. In this work, we present deep adaptive optics imaging observations of the nearby Sun-like star ϵ Ind A with the NaCo (L′) and NEAR (10–12.5 microns) instruments at VLT in an attempt to directly detect its planetary companion, whose presence has been indicated from radial velocity (RV) and astrometric trends. We derive brightness limits from the non-detection of the companion with both instruments and interpret the corresponding sensitivity in mass based on both cloudy and cloud-free atmospheric and evolutionary models. For an assumed age of 5 Gyr for the system, we get detectable mass limits as low as 4.4 MJ in NaCo L′ and 8.2 MJ in NEAR bands at 1.5′′ from the central star. If the age assumed is 1 Gyr, we reach even lower mass limits of 1.7 MJ in NaCo L′ and 3.5 MJ in NEAR bands at the same separation. However, based on the dynamical mass estimate (3.25 MJ) and ephemerides from astrometry and RV, we find that the non-detection of the planet in these observations puts a constraint of 2 Gyr on the lower age limit of the system. NaCo offers the highest sensitivity to the planetary companion in these observations, but the combination with the NEAR wavelength range adds a considerable degree of robustness against uncertainties in the atmospheric models. This underlines the benefits of including a broad set of wavelengths for the detection and characterisation of exoplanets in direct imaging studies.