bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decoding the role of immune T cells: A new territory for improvement of metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease
Authors: Liu Jia , Ding Mingning , Bai Jinzhao , Luo Ranyi , Liu Runping , Qu Jiaorong , Li Xiaojiaoyang 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMetabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new emerging concept and is associated with metabolic dysfunction, generally replacing the name of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to heterogeneous liver condition and inaccuracies in definition. The prevalence of MAFLD is rising by year due to dietary changes, metabolic disorders, and no approved therapy, affecting a quarter of the global population and representing a major economic problem that burdens healthcare systems. Currently, in addition to the common causative factors like insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and lipotoxicity, the role of immune cells, especially T cells, played in MAFLD is increasingly being emphasized by global scholars. Based on the diverse classification and pathophysiological effects of immune T cells, we comprehensively analyzed their bidirectional regulatory effects on the hepatic inflammatory microenvironment and MAFLD progression. This interaction between MAFLD and T cells was also associated with hepatic‐intestinal immune crosstalk and gut microbiota homeostasis. Moreover, we pointed out several T‐cell‐based therapeutic approaches including but not limited to adoptive transfer of T cells, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drug therapy, especially for natural products and Chinese herbal prescriptions. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the important role of T cells played in MAFLD progression and corresponding therapeutic options and provides a potential reference for further drug development.
The parametric uncertainty estimation of water and nitrogen transport simulation in a paddy field experiment using HYDRUS‐1D
Authors: Bian Jianmin , Wu Juanjuan , Nie Siyu , Wang Yu , Lin Xiaosheng 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe HYDRUS model is an efficient technical means to study the process of complex nitrogen (N) transport in farmland. Nonetheless, spatial variability in soil water and N parameters has been observed at the field scale, leading to uncertainties in the HYDRUS model. In this study, the HYDRUS‐1D model was corrected and verified by the measured data. Generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) was used to estimate the uncertainty and sensitivity of the model parameters. The differences in simulated and measured data were expressed in terms of root mean square error, normalized root mean square error and coefficient of determination, and the model calibration and verification indicated that the result was reliable. The soil saturated water content, dispersion and sorption coefficient were well identified, with values ranging from 0.42 to 0.45 cm3/cm3, 0.26 to 0.29 cm and 0.141 to 0.158 L/mg, respectively. The denitrification rate and saturated hydraulic conductivity greatly influenced the uncertainty in the model results. Considering the uncertainty of the parameters, the predicted leaching of N accumulation from 0 to 100 cm depth ranged from 9.5 to 12.7 kg/ha. The HYDRUS‐1D model can simulate water and N transport in paddy fields. The prediction interval can be narrowed by considering the uncertainty of the model parameters.
Electro‐compacted collagen for corneal epithelial tissue engineering
Authors: Chen Zhi , Liu Xiao , You Jingjing , Tomaskovic‐Crook Eva , Yue Zhilian , Talaei Alireza , Sutton Gerard , Crook Jeremy , Wallace Gordon 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBioengineered corneal substitutes offer a solution to the shortage of donor corneal tissue worldwide. As one of the major structural components of the cornea, collagen has shown great potential for tissue‐engineered cornea substitutes. Herein, free‐standing collagen membranes fabricated using electro‐compaction were assessed in corneal bioengineering application by comparing them with nonelectro‐compacted collagen (NECC). The well‐organized and biomimetic fibril structure resulted in a significant improvement in mechanical properties. A 10‐fold increase in tensile and compressive modulus was recorded when compared with NECC membranes. In addition to comparable transparency in the visible light range, the glucose permeability of the electro‐compacted collagen (ECC) membrane is higher than that of the native human cornea. Human corneal epithelial cells adhere and proliferate well on the ECC membrane, with a large cell contact area observed. The as‐described ECC has appropriate structural, topographic, mechanical, optical, glucose permeable, and cell support properties to provide a platform for a bioengineered cornea; including the outer corneal epithelium and potentially deeper corneal tissues.
Reproductive condition of the black‐lip pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera during the lunar phase
Authors: Kim Han‐Jun , Kim Na Na , Han Jeonghoon , Park Heung‐Sik , Kang Do‐Hyung , Choi Young‐Ung 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis study analyzed the relationship between the lunar phase and the reproductive cycle of Pinctada margaritifera inhabiting Weno Island, Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia. We measured indicators of maturity (gonadosomatic index [GSI] and sexual maturation‐related genes) and investigated changes in the gonadal maturity stages (GMS) of P. margaritifera over lunar cycle. GSI was higher around the full moon. GMS of P. margaritifera were classified as the early gametogenesis stage, ripe and spawning stage, and spent and degenerating stage. A large percentage of oysters was observed in the ripe and spawning stage at the first quarter moon in female and the full moon in male as well as in the spent and degenerating stages at the third quarter moon in both sexes. In addition, the expression of doublesex‐ and mab‐3‐related transcription factor 2 (DMRT2) in the male P. margaritifera black‐lip pearl oyster was the highest during the full and third quarter moon phases, whereas no difference in expression was observed with the lunar phase in females. In contrast, the expression of vitellogenin (VTG) was the highest in female P. margaritifera during the first and third quarters. No difference in expression was observed according to the lunar phase in males. The results suggest that the lunar phase directly affects the expression of sexually mature gonads in P. margaritifera black‐lip pearl oyster.
The taxation of employment income in African countries: Findings from a new dataset
Authors: McNabb Kyle , Granger Hazel 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis study presents new evidence on the taxation of employment income in African countries. Utilising a unique dataset, we summarise trends in the policy design of personal income taxes and other mandatory contributions between 1995 and 2020. We analyse tax rates, thresholds and reform patterns, before comparing cross‐country effective tax rates and the progressivity of employment income taxes. We find that, inter alia, reform is infrequent, top marginal tax rates are lower than in the OECD and in 25% of African countries, an individual earning a wage equal to the PPP$1.90/day poverty line would be liable to pay income tax.
Osseointegration and Bone Resorption of Scapula Tip Free Flaps in Mandibular Reconstruction
Authors: Barton Blair M. , Mamdani Mohammed , Lumley Catherine , Blumberg Jeffrey , Huang Benjamin Y. , Patel Samip N. 
Published: January 2023

ObjectivesBone resorption of more conventional vascularized bone grafts have been well described showing minimal resorption over time. Few studies have evaluated osseous union and bone resorption in scapula tip free flaps (STFF) in the reconstruction of mandibulectomy defects. We aimed to describe our series on STFF with respect to osseous union and bone resorption over time.MethodsRetrospective chart review of patients receiving STFF from January 2014–January 2017 (n = 25). A neuroradiologist analyzed follow‐up CT scans to assess (1) STFF complete, partial, or no osseous union with native mandible and (2) STFF volume change over time in a subset with multiple follow‐up scans (n = 18).ResultsTwenty‐three of 25 patients (92%) showed complete or partial STFF osseous union with native mandible either distally or proximally. STFF volume change ranged from +4.8 to −54% (median −0.5%) over median follow‐up interval of 23 months. History of chemoradiation therapy, bisphophonate use, sex, age, or smoking history did not correlate with bone resorption.ConclusionsSTFFs shows high rates of osseous union and limited bone resorption that is equivalent to, or less than, vascularized fibular and iliac crest flaps. Clinically, this translates into both optimal healing and functional and cosmetic outcomes, especially in the setting of prior therapies.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 133:2597–2602, 2023
Multi‐isotope analysis of primary and secondary dentin as a mean to broaden intra‐life dietary reconstruction. A case from Longobard Italy
Authors: Bernardini Sara , Zeppilli Carlotta , Micarelli Ileana , Goude Gwenaëlle , Sayle Kerry L. , Manzi Giorgio , Tafuri Mary Anne 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis exploratory study proposes an original intra‐life history investigation through sequential analysis of the isotopic composition of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur (CNS) on both primary and secondary dentin of a tooth (M1). We focus on an elderly woman from Longobard Italy (6th to 8th c. CE), who showed an unprecedented case of cranial surgery, presented in a companion paper by Micarelli and colleagues. Sequential stable CNS isotope composition of first molar dentin collagen allows us to infer diet, mobility, health, and physiological stress between approximately 3 months after birth to 9.5 years old (primary dentin) and between early adulthood until death (secondary dentin). Isotopic results on primary dentin highlight the following: (i) a long weaning period (ending at approximately 4 years), followed by (ii) a specific diet, including the contribution of C4 crops in early childhood (approximately 5.5 years), possibly concomitant with mobility. While secondary dentin shows a generally homogeneous diet during adulthood, the longitudinal analysis provided information on specific stresses that likely occurred in periods of difficult health conditions. This work emphasizes the importance of measuring complete dentin sequences (including secondary when present) for isotopic analysis to broaden intra‐life histories in ancient populations.
Civil society and democratization: The role of service‐providing organizations amid closing civic spaces
Authors: Moldavanova Alisa , Onishi Tamaki , Toepler Stefan 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis article argues that current democracy promotion strategies relying on rights‐claiming advocacy NGOs are falling short of their democratization goals, as authoritarian regimes are closing the space through restrictions on the NGOs that attempt to carry them out. In response, we suggest a reexamination of earlier approaches to involving civil society in democratization efforts by shifting the focus back on service‐providing civil society organizations that have largely become side‐lined in democracy‐building agendas. Specifically, service providers tend to be more capable of functioning “under the radar” thus contributing to democracy in both direct and indirect ways, and thus escaping closing space restrictions. The key concerns about their independence from the state, as well as under what conditions the state may be less successful in coopting the independent service‐providers, however, remain unresolved and warrant future research.
Factors influencing the development of microtextures on cold‐climate aeolian quartz grains revealed by experimental frost action
Authors: Górska Martyna E. , Woronko Barbara , Kossowski Tomasz M. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAeolian‐originated quartz grains of coarse‐sand size (0.5–1 mm) were subjected to experimental frost weathering. A total of 1,000 freeze–thaw cycles with temperature ranges from −5 to +10°C were simulated under full water availability conditions. Scanning electron microscope microtextural analysis of grain surfaces conducted after 0, 50, 100, 300, 700, and 1,000 freeze–thaw cycles resulted in different‐sized conchoidal fractures and breakage blocks as frost‐induced microtextures. The vast majority of these microtextures were encountered on the most convex parts of aeolian grains and their number increased with ongoing freeze–thaw cycles. However, the number of recorded frost‐originated microtextures remained relatively small up to 700 freeze–thaw cycles and increased after 1,000 freeze–thaw cycles. Transmission electron microscope microstructural analysis of grains after 0, 100, and 1,000 freeze–thaw cycles showed both primary (e.g., inclusions, grain boundaries) and secondary (e.g., cracks) defects in quartz crystals. The frequency of the latter remained unexpectedly low. The susceptibility of aeolian‐originated sand‐sized quartz grains to frost‐induced modifications is interpreted here to depend mainly on their internal characteristics. These include aeolian‐driven development of a subsurface impact zone that determines the depth to which frost‐originated microtextures develop. The outer impact zone consists of a thin layer of surficial crust and a series of more or less parallel ridges arranged into mechanically upturned plates. The inner impact zone consists of intact or cracked quartz crystals. The susceptibility of aeolian‐originated quartz grains to frost‐induced modifications depends therefore on a combination of internal (i.e., original crystallography of quartz grains) and external (i.e., aeolian and frost processes acting upon the grains) factors.
Effective Removal of Nitrogenous Pesticides from Water Using Functionalized Calix[4]arene‐Decorated Magnetite Nanoparticles
Authors: Chatterjee Koushiki , Alka  , Kumar Sanjay , Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Kumari Pratibha 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAn effective nano‐adsorbent has been synthesized by the modification of magnetite nanoparticles with ionic‐liquid modified calix[4]arene through covalent linkage. This nanocomposite was used for the removal of amino‐functionalized nitrogenous pesticides, metribuzin (MET), and dicloran (DIC) from an aqueous solution through adsorption. The adsorption studies showed that the synthesized nanomaterial was effective in removing these pollutants from an aqueous solution. The maximum adsorption capacity for MET and DIC were 5.88 and 1.94 mg g−1, respectively. The effect of various factors, such as dosage, pH, and temperature, were studied on the adsorptive removal of MET and DIC. The adsorption was observed to follow Freundlich isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetics for MET and DIC. The nano‐adsorbent was stable and reusable even after the third cycle. The present studies will lead to the development of an ultimate tool for attempting to the problem of water pollution.
Efficacious Removal of Flonicamid Insecticide from Water by GO@functionalized Calix[4]pyrrole: Synergistic Effect in Adsorption
Authors: Raveena  , Alka  , Gandhi Namita , Kumari Pratibha 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe presence of a highly toxic pyridine carboxamide insecticide, namely flonicamid in water bodies poses a serious risk to both the aquatic ecosystem and human health. Therefore, a graphene oxide (GO) decorated with azo‐functionalized calix[4]pyrrole i. e. GO‐azocalix[4]pyrrole (GACP) was synthesized to study the removal of flonicamid insecticide through adsorption. The nano‐adsorbent was characterized by IR, XPS, TGA, Raman, SEM, and TEM data. The effect of concentration of flonicamid solution, contact time, adsorbent dosage, temperature, and pH was investigated in the batch adsorption process. Experimental data suggested that equilibrium was attained within 40 min and adsorption efficiency was 93.28 %. The synergistic effect of GO and azocalix[4]pyrrole played an important role in the adsorption. The Langmuir isotherm was followed and the maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 11.43 mg/g. The pseudo‐second‐order kinetic data was well obeyed and thermodynamic investigation suggested the feasible and spontaneous nature of flonicamid onto GACP nanocomposite.
Synthesis and Characterization of Temperature‐/pH‐Responsive Hydrogels for Drug Delivery
Authors: Li Qi , Ma Wenhao , Ma Hua , Shang Hongzhou , Qiao Ning , Sun Xiaoran 
Published: January 2023

AbstractA temperature‐/pH‐responsive hydrogel was successfully prepared by in situ free radical polymerization of N‐isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAm), itaconic acid (IA), and poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (OEGA). The pore size, mechanical strength, and swelling ratio of the P(NIPAm‐IA‐OEGA) were strongly affected by the contents of IA. 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐Fu) was chosen as a model drug, and the maximum drug loading was 68 mg/g. P(NIPAm‐IA‐OEGA) had a much greater release rate in a simulated intestinal fluid environment (47.73 %, 16 h) than in gastric juice (33.11 %, 16 h). The hemolysis test and cytotoxicity test proved that prepared hydrogel had good biocompatibility. In summary, P(NIPAm‐IA‐OEGA) can be used for oral drug delivery systems in cancer therapy.
Spectromicroscopy Studies of Silicon Nanowires Array Covered by Tin Oxide Layers
Authors: Turishchev Sergey , Schleusener Alexander , Chuvenkova Olga , Parinova Elena , Liu Poting , Manyakin Maxim , Kurganskii Sergei , Sivakov Vladimir 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe composition and atomic and electronic structure of a silicon nanowire (SiNW) array coated with tin oxide are studied at the spectromicroscopic level. SiNWs are covered from top to down with a wide bandgap tin oxide layer using a metal–organic chemical vapor deposition technique. Results obtained via scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction showed that tin‐oxide nanocrystals, 20 nm in size, form a continuous and highly developed surface with a complex phase composition responsible for the observed electronic structure transformation. The “one spot” combination, containing a chemically sensitive morphology and spectroscopic data, is examined via photoemission electron microscopy in the X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) mode. The observed spectromicroscopy results showed that the entire SiNW surface is covered with a tin(IV) oxide layer and traces of tin(II) oxide and metallic tin phases. The deviation from stoichiometric SnO2 leads to the formation of the density of states sub‐band in the atop tin oxide layer bandgap close to the bottom of the SnO2 conduction band. These observations open up the possibility of the precise surface electronic structures estimation using photo‐electron microscopy in XANES mode.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymers as Synthetic Antibodies for Protein Recognition: The Next Generation
Authors: Tse Sum Bui Bernadette , Mier Alejandra , Haupt Karsten 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMolecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are chemical antibody mimics obtained by nanomoulding the 3D shape and chemical functionalities of a desired target in a synthetic polymer. Consequently, they possess exquisite molecular recognition cavities for binding the target molecule, often with specificity and affinity similar to those of antigen‐antibody interactions. Research on MIPs targeting proteins began in the mid‐90s, and this review will evaluate the progress made till now, starting from their synthesis in a monolith bulk format through surface imprinting to biocompatible soluble nanogels prepared by solid‐phase synthesis. MIPs in the latter format will be discussed more in detail because of their tremendous potential of replacing antibodies in the biomedical domain like in diagnostics and therapeutics, where the workforce of antibodies is concentrated. Emphasis is also put on the development of epitope imprinting, which consists of imprinting a short surface‐exposed fragment of a protein, resulting in MIPs capable of selectively recognizing the whole macromolecule, amidst others in complex biological media, on cells or tissues. Thus selecting the ‘best’ peptide antigen is crucial and in this context a rational approach, inspired from that used to predict peptide immunogens for peptide antibodies, is described for its unambiguous identification.
Living and Injectable Porous Hydrogel Microsphere with Paracrine Activity for Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Li Xingchen , Li Xiaoxiao , Yang Jielai , Lin Jiawei , Zhu Yuan , Xu Xiangyang , Cui Wenguo 
Published: January 2023

AbstractParacrine is an important mechanism in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that promotes tissue regeneration. However, anoikis is attributed to unsuitable adhesion microenvironment hindered this paracrine effect. In this study, a living and injectable porous hydrogel microsphere with long‐term paracrine activity is constructed via the freeze‐drying microfluidic technology and the incorporation of platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB) and exogenous MSCs. Benefiting from the porous structure and superior mechanical property of methacrylate gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel microspheres (GMs), exogenous stem cells are able to adhere and proliferate on GMs, thereby facilitating cell‐to‐extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell‐to‐cell interactions and enhancing paracrine effect. Furthermore, the sustained release of PDGF‐BB can recruit endogenous MSCs to prolong the paracrine activity of the living GMs. In vitro and in vivo experiments validated that the living GMs exhibit superior secretion properties and anti‐inflammatory efficacy and can attenuate osteoarthritis (OA) progression by favoring the adherent microenvironment and utilizing the synergistic effect of exogenous and endogenous MSCs. Overall, a living injectable porous hydrogel microsphere that can enhance the paracrine activity of stem cells is fabricated and anticipated to hold the potential of future clinical translation in OA and other diseases.
Core/Shell ZnO/ZnS Nanoparticle Electron Transport Layers Enable Efficient All‐Solution‐Processed Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Cao Fan , Wu Qianqian , Li Wunan , Wang Sheng , Kong Lingmei , Zhang Jianhua , Zhang Xiaoyu , Li Hongbo , Hua Weihong , Rogach Andrey L. , Yang Xuyong 
Published: January 2023

AbstractSolution‐processed perovskite‐based light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are promising candidates for low‐cost, large‐area displays, while severe deterioration of the perovskite light‐emitting layer occurs during deposition of electron transport layers from solution in an issue. Herein, core/shell ZnO/ZnS nanoparticles as a solution‐processed electron transport layer in PeLED based on quasi‐2D PEA2Csn−1PbnBr3n+1 (PEA = phenylethylammonium) perovskite are employed. The deposition of ZnS shell mitigates trap states on ZnO core by anchoring sulfur to oxygen vacancies, and at the same time removes residual hydroxyl groups, which helps to suppress the interfacial trap‐assisted non‐radiative recombination and the deprotonation reaction between the perovskite layer and ZnO. The core/shell ZnO/ZnS nanoparticles show comparably high electron mobility to pristine ZnO nanoparticles, combined with the reduced energy barrier between the electron transport layer and the perovskite layer, improving the charge injection balance in PeLEDs. As a result, the optimized PeLEDs employing core/shell ZnO/ZnS nanoparticles as a solution‐processed electron transport layer exhibit high peak luminance reaching 32 400 cd m−2, external quantum efficiency of 10.3%, and 20‐fold extended longevity as compared to the devices utilizing ZnO nanoparticles, which represents one of the highest overall performances for solution‐processed PeLEDs.