bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transdermal Delivery of a Hydrogen Sulphide Donor, ADT-OH Using Aqueous Gel Formulations for the Treatment of Impaired Vascular Function: an Ex Vivo Study
Authors: Marwah Mandeep Kaur , Shokr Hala , Sanchez-Aranguren Lissette , Badhan Raj Kumar Singh , Wang Keqing , Ahmad Shakil 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is an important signalling molecule involved in the regulation of several physiological and pathophysiological processes. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of transdermal delivery of ADT-OH, a H2S donor, by investigating the transdermal flux of aqueous gels loaded with penetration enhancers or liposomes. Furthermore, we explored the ability of permeated ADT-OH to promote angiogenesis and mitochondrial bioenergetics in HUVEC cells.

Methods
Aqueous hypromellose gels (5% w/v) were prepared with up to 10% v/v propylene glycol (PG) or deformable liposomes with 0.025% w/w ADT-OH. ADT-OH permeation from formulations across excised murine skin into PBS was quantified over 24 h using HPLC-UV detection. Media was collected and applied to HUVEC cells to evidence ADT-OH functionality following permeation. Tube formation assays were performed as indicative of angiogenesis and mitochondrial oxygen consumption was evaluated using a Seahorse XF24.

Results
Increasing the loading of PG caused an increase in ADT-OH permeation rate across skin and a decrease in dermal drug retention whereas liposomal gels produced a slow-release profile. Treatment of HUVEC’s using conditioned media collected from the ADT-OH loaded permeation studies enhanced tube formation and the basal oxygen consumption rates after 30 min of treatment.

Conclusions
These findings demonstrate that transdermal delivery of ADT-OH may provide a promising approach in the treatment of impaired vascular function. Gels prepared with 10% v/v PG have the potential for use in conditions requiring rapid H2S release whereas liposomal loaded gels for treatment requiring sustained H2S release.
High Throughput Screening of a Prescription Drug Library for Inhibitors of Organic Cation Transporter 3, OCT3
Authors: Chen Eugene C. , Matsson Pär , Azimi Mina , Zhou Xujia , Handin Niklas , Yee Sook Wah , Artursson Per , Giacomini Kathleen M. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Introduction
The organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3, SLC22A3) is ubiquitously expressed and interacts with a wide array of compounds including endogenous molecules, environmental toxins and prescription drugs. Understudied as a determinant of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, OCT3 has the potential to be a major determinant of drug absorption and disposition and to be a target for drug-drug interactions (DDIs).

Goal
The goal of the current study was to identify prescription drug inhibitors of OCT3.

Methods
We screened a compound library consisting of 2556 prescription drugs, bioactive molecules, and natural products using a high throughput assay in HEK-293 cells stably expressing OCT3.

Results
We identified 210 compounds that at 20 μM inhibit 50% or more of OCT3-mediated uptake of 4-Di-1-ASP (2 μM). Of these, nine were predicted to inhibit the transporter at clinically relevant unbound plasma concentrations. A Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) model included molecular descriptors that could discriminate between inhibitors and non-inhibitors of OCT3 and was used to identify additional OCT3 inhibitors. Proteomics of human brain microvessels (BMVs) indicated that OCT3 is the highest expressed OCT in the human blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Conclusions
This study represents the largest screen to identify prescription drug inhibitors of OCT3. Several are sufficiently potent to inhibit the transporter at therapeutic unbound plasma levels, potentially leading to DDIs or off-target pharmacologic effects.
Can repeated surveys reveal the variation of the value of travel time over time?
Authors: Börjesson Maria , Kouwenhoven Marco , de Jong Gerard , Daly Andrew 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis paper studies intertemporal changes in the value of travel time (VTT) and investigates whether the change of VTT over time can be studied based on national VTT data, collected at two points in time. We use repeated national VTT data from the Netherlands and Sweden, collected 13 and 14 years apart. The results show mostly a declining VTT for a given income level. The results show also a large within-country heterogeneity across modes and purposes, in the cross-sectional income elasticity of the VTT, and in its development over time. The explanation most consistent with our results and those of others is that the VTT has in fact increased due to income increases, but that the repeated stated choice data cannot detect this given the data, methodology and population changes. In particular, it seems that the response rate has dropped considerably in the later surveys partly due to a higher share of (busy) respondents declining to be recruited. The main contribution of this paper is to document the differences between the studies carried out in different years, indicating the reasons why it is difficult to identify temporal changes in the VTT.
User expectations and perceptions towards new public transport infrastructure: evaluating a cable car in Bogotá
Authors: Guzman Luis A. , Cantillo-Garcia Victor A. , Arellana Julian , Sarmiento Olga L. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCable cars are a viable alternative to improve citizens’ accessibility in zones with limitations on urban public transport supply due to the topography. In Latin America, such systems have recently been implemented in zones with high levels of poverty and vulnerability. Although the social implications of their implementation are relevant, individual expectations of these systems and how current changes in travel conditions and quality of life are perceived have not been widely reported in the literature. This paper aims to evaluate users’ expectations and perceptions of a new cable car in the southern periphery of Bogotá (Colombia). We conducted a panel survey before (n = 341) and after (n = 301) the cable car started operations to evaluate the ranking of preferences toward a set of possible benefits of the project. We estimated discrete choice models to analyze the statistical differences between the expectations and perceptions before and after changes. Results suggest that travel time reductions, comfort improvements, and in-vehicle security are the benefits most valued by the users. Even though the project meets expectations of these aspects, it seems to fall short in expectations of reductions of pollution. Individuals’ experience with the cable car shapes their perceptions of the system. We found that perceptions differ between those who have used the service at least once and those who never did. Policy implications derived from this study might be of interest to decision-makers seeking to guarantee the public acceptability of urban projects.
Fiscal performance and the re-election of finance ministers–evidence from the Swiss cantons
Authors: Buchs Aurélia , Soguel Nils 
Published: January 2022

AbstractUsing data from 225 cantonal government elections over the 1980–2019 period in Switzerland, we estimate the effect of fiscal performance on the vote share of finance ministers seeking re-election. Our estimations show that finance ministers benefit statistically and electorally from balancing fiscal accounts and presenting budget surpluses. Improving the fiscal balance by 1000 Swiss francs per inhabitant in the pre-election year raises the electoral result of a finance minister by 1.4–5.4 percentage points from the vote share of her previous election. We present evidence for politician-specific monitoring: the finance minister—in contrast to the spending ministers—seems to be the sole member of government who benefits, electorally, from debt reduction. Correcting for possible selection phenomena, our results suggest that the electoral effect of fiscal performance may not be caused by a selection bias but rather by the office of the finance ministry itself.
Emerging roles of Galectin-3 in diabetes and diabetes complications: A snapshot
Authors: Li Yanhua , Li Tian , Zhou Zhiguang , Xiao Yang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractGalectin-3 is a member of the galectin family, widely expressed in immune cells and plays a role mainly in inflammation, autoimmunity, apoptosis, and chemotaxis. We summarized the roles of Galectin-3 in diabetes and its complications, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Clinical research has determined that the circulating level of Galectin-3 is closely related to diabetes and its complications, thus it is promising to use Galectin-3 as a predictor and biomarker for those diseases. Galectin-3 also may be considered as an ideal therapeutic target, which has broad prospects in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications, especially macrovascular and microvascular complications.
Academic social networks metrics: an effective indicator for university performance?
Authors: Wiechetek Łukasz , Pastuszak Zbigniew 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSocial networks have become popular among researchers and scientists. Specialized platforms for researchers offer many metrics and indicators which are used to evaluate various scientists and assess the strength of their impact. In this article the authors perform systematic comparison between the main university level ResearchGate (RG) metrics: total RG Score, number of publications, number of affiliated profiles and ARWU. A tool for acquiring the RG metrics of research units and a framework for calculating alternative university ranks was implemented and tested. As a point of reference the ranking system of the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU, 2019) was used. The authors used a web scraping technique to acquire data. Data analysis was based on Spearman's rho and multiple linear regression (MLR). Ten additional ranks were developed and compared with the benchmark ranking. The k-means clustering method was used to identify the groups of ARWU universities. The research results show that the metrics provided by specialized social networks can be used for the assessment of universities, however, an in-depth evaluation requires a more advanced procedure and indicators to measure many areas of scholarly activity like research, integration, application, teaching, and co-creation. Clustering method showed also that the distance between the ARWU universities measured in values of RG metrics are bigger for the top of the ranking. The university authorities should encourage researchers to use specialized social networks, and train them how to do it, to promote not only their own achievements, but also to increase the impact and recognition of their respective research units. At the end of the article some limitations of the method used and some practical recommendations for the university authorities were formulated.
Solar Temperature Variations Computed from SORCE SIM Irradiances Observed During 2003 – 2020
Authors: Cahalan Robert F. , Ajiquichí Paulino , Yatáz Gaspar 
Published: January 2022

AbstractNASA’s Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SIM) instrument produced about 17 years of daily average Spectral Solar Irradiance (SSI) data for wavelengths 240 – 2416 nm. We choose a day of minimal solar activity, August 24, 2008 (2008-08-24), during the 2008 – 2009 minimum between Cycles 23 and 24, and compute the brightness temperature ($T_{o}$

T
o

) from that day’s solar spectral irradiance ($\mathit{SSI}_{o}$

SSI
o

). We consider small variations of $T$
T
and SSI about these reference values, and derive linear and quadratic analytic approximations by Taylor expansion about the reference-day values. To determine the approximation accuracy, we compare to the exact brightness temperatures $T$
T
computed from the Planck spectrum, by solving analytically for $T$
T
, or equivalent root finding in Wolfram Mathematica. We find that the linear analytic approximation overestimates, while the quadratic underestimates, the exact result. This motivates the search for statistical “fit” models “in between” the two analytic models, with minimum root-mean-square-error, RMSE. We make this search using open-source statistical $R$
R
software, determine coefficients for linear and quadratic fit models, and compare statistical with analytic RMSEs. When only linear analytic and fit models are compared, the fit model is superior at ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared wavelengths. This again holds true when comparing only quadratic models. Quadratic is superior to linear for both analytic and statistical models, and statistical fits give the smallest RMSEs. Lastly, we use linear analytic and fit models to find an interpolating function in wavelength, useful when the SIM results need adjustment to another choice of wavelengths, to compare or extend to any other instrument. Advantages of the quadratic $T$
T
over the exact $T$
T
include ease of interpretation, and computational speed.
Instructional design learners make sense of theory: a collaborative autoethnography
Authors: Fiock Holly , Meech Sally , Yang Mohan , Long Yishi , Farmer Tadd , Hilliard Nathan , Koehler Adrie A. , Cheng Zui 
Published: January 2022

AbstractUnderstanding theory is essential to instructional design (ID) research and practice; however, novice designers struggle to make sense of instructional design theory due to its abstract and complex nature, the inconsistent use of theoretical terms and concepts within literature, and the dissociation of theory from practice. While these challenges are generally understood, little is known about the sensemaking process of learners as they encounter these challenges in pursuit of deeper theoretical understanding. Using a collaborative autoethnographic approach, six ID learners investigated their sensemaking experience within an advanced ID theory course. Autoethnography, a form of qualitative research, focuses on self-reflection “to gain an understanding of society through the unique sense of self” (Chang et al., 2013, p. 18). Collaborative autoethnography, a type of autoethnography, explores anecdotal and personal experiences “collectively and cooperatively within a team of researchers” (p. 21). Using individual and collective reflexive and analytic activities, this inquiry illuminates the numerous sensemaking approaches ID learners commonly used to move beyond their initial, basic theoretical understanding, including deconstructing theory, distinguishing terminology, integrating concepts with previous knowledge, and maintaining an openness to multiple perspectives. Additionally, ID learners experienced significant struggles in this process but viewed these struggles as significant and motivating elements of their sensemaking process. Finally, this study offers implications for learners, instructors, and course designers.
The relationship betweens math anxiety and arithmetic reasoning: The mediating role of working memory and self-competence
Authors: Živković Marija , Pellizzoni Sandra , Mammarella Irene C. , Passolunghi Maria Chiara 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe complex interplay between cognitive and emotional factors at the base of maths achievement started to be evaluated and quantified in the last few years. Only a few studies, anyway, examine at the same time, the role of working memory (visuospatial and verbal subsystem) and maths anxiety together with self-competence, on maths attainment. To investigate the specific link between these three factors, in a large developmental sample, we enrol 335 students from the 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades. In respect to emotional and motivational factors, data indicates a direct influence of maths anxiety on maths performance. Furthermore, the results highlight that maths anxiety differently impacts working memory subsystems. In fact, we observe a significant and indirect effect of MA, through the visuospatial system, on maths achievement. Our results provide further support to the hypothesis that maths anxiety is a special type of anxiety, most likely impacting the visuospatial rather than the verbal working memory subsystem. Data is discussed in terms of a possible mechanism underlying maths anxiety and visuospatial working memory at the base of this specificity, and in relation to the role of self-competence in this interplay.
The Two Arrows of Pain: Mechanisms of Pain Related to Meditation and Mental States of Aversion and Identification
Authors: Nicolardi Valentina , Simione Luca , Scaringi Domenico , Malinowski Peter , Yordanova Juliana , Kolev Vasil , Mauro Federica , Giommi Fabio , Barendregt Henk P. , Aglioti Salvatore M. , Raffone Antonino 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objectives
According to the core Buddhist psychology models of the “two arrows of pain” and “co-dependent origination,” pain is the resultant of bodily and mental factors, which can be regulated by meditation states and traits. Here we investigated how pain and the related aversion and identification (self-involvement) experiences are modulated by focused attention meditation (FAM), open monitoring meditation (OMM), and loving kindness meditation (LKM), as well as by meditation expertise.

Methods
Theravada Buddhist long-term meditators were matched with a group of short-term meditators. Nociceptive electrical stimulation was administered during FAM, OMM, and LKM, and in a non-meditative rest condition. Experience reports of pain, aversion, and identification were collected in each trial.

Results
Pain thresholds were higher in long-term meditators than in short-term meditators. In the short-term meditators, as compared to rest, pain was reduced in FAM and OMM, and aversion and identification in all meditation conditions. In the long-term meditators, pain was reduced only in LKM. Identification was reduced in the three forms of meditation, while aversion was not affected by meditation. Further analyses with a particular focus on long-term meditators showed that pain was predicted to increase with meditation expertise, aversion, and identification. Granger causality analysis revealed that aversion and pain, as well as aversion and identification, causally influenced each other; identification causally influenced pain. This pattern of results about the relationships between pain, aversion, and identification was largely overlapping in the group of short-term meditators.

Conclusions
The findings reveal mechanisms of pain in interaction with aversive and identification mental states, as well as their modulation by meditation states and traits. They also suggest that pain feeling is the resultant of coupling of sensory and mental factors, thus highlighting the relevance of the second arrow of pain and providing a clarification of the epistemological gap between sensory causation and mental state causation of pain, in terms of a co-production mechanism with multiple stages. In particular, the evidence about the causal influences of identification on pain highlights a self-related factor of relevance in pain experiences that can be modulated by mindfulness. The study also inspires new testable neuroscientific hypotheses, and sheds new light on core Buddhist psychology models, based on evidence from a controlled experimental setting and experience dimension reports by long-term meditators with enhanced mindfulness skills.
Mind–Body Practice Is Related to Pro-environmental Engagement Through Self-compassion and Global Identity Rather Than to Self-enhancement
Authors: Loy Laura S. , Clemens Alicia , Reese Gerhard 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objectives
A recent publication stated that mind–body practices (MBPs) of meditation and yoga boost self-enhancement instead of quieting the ego, contrary to these practices’ traditional goals. Surveying practitioners directly after MBP classes or at other time points, the researchers found higher levels of self-esteem and communal narcissism after MBP and interpreted these as indicators of a boosted ego. However, their conceptualization was criticized, and empirical studies on other constructs representing a quiet ego, namely self-compassion and global identity, found that these characteristics were stronger in mind–body practitioners than in non-practitioners and fostered by MBP interventions. This study aimed to bring these research strands together.

Methods
Using a preregistered known-groups approach, 211 mind–body practitioners (yoga, meditation, or both) were compared with 190 non-practitioners recruited through a German online panel. The participants answered an online questionnaire assessing self-esteem, communal narcissism, self-compassion, and global identity. Moreover, they reported their pro-environmental behavior and climate policy support.

Results
There were no differences regarding self-esteem, and—as only one aspect of communal narcissism—a higher expectation among practitioners that they could positively influence the world. Moreover, they reported higher levels of self-compassion and global identity. MBP was indirectly related to stronger pro-environmental behavior and climate policy support through higher global identity, and partly through higher self-compassion.

Conclusions
MBPs might have the potential to contribute to a quiet ego rather than to self-enhancement. Moreover, they might motivate people to engage in societal challenges that go beyond mere self-interest and contribute to a sustainable future.

Study Registration
Aspredicted.org: #44032.
End-of-life waste criteria: synthesis and utilization of Mn–Zn ferrite nanoparticles as a superparamagnetic photocatalyst for synergistic wastewater remediation
Authors: Tony Maha A. , Eltabey M. M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDyes are toxic compounds that are widely included in industrial discharge. Their efficient and economical remediation can be explored through Fenton’s oxidation. Mn0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 nanoparticles are prepared via a simple and efficient co-precipitation technique and its chemical composition is confirmed through X-ray diffraction and its morphology via high-resolution transmission electron microscope. The prepared superparamagnetic photocatalyst based on Mn0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 is applied for almost complete Synozol Blue dye removal (98% dye removal and 87% COD removal) and the results confirmed that the process is an efficient sustainable technique for the easily magnetically recoverable catalyst. Central composite design analysis was chosen to optimize the parametric conditions of the magnetized Fenton’s variables through 13-level of a quadratic model. The optimized system variables were attained at 39 and 404 mg L−1 for catalyst and H2O2, respectively, at pH 3.0 with model correlation coefficients over than 98%. Recover and reuse are a viable option for ‘close the loop’ waste after final treatment as an ‘end-of-life’ waste potential and high removal efficiency is attained up to the 8th cycle of catalyst reuse. Kinetics of Synozol Blue oxidation fitted through the first-order kinetic model. Finally, the thermodynamic parameters values concluded that the process is non-spontaneous and endothermic in nature.