Developing highly active and durable Pt-based electrocatalysts is crucial for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. This study focuses on the performance of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts composed of Pt-Pd alloy nanoparticles on graphene nanoplates (GNPs) anchored with sulfated zirconia nanoparticles. The results of field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that Pt-Pd and S-ZrO₂ are well dispersed on the surface of the GNPs. X-ray diffraction revealed that the S-ZrO₂ and Pt-Pd alloy coexist in the Pt-Pd/S-ZrO₂-GNP nanocomposites without affecting the crystalline lattice of Pt and the graphitic structure of the GNPs. To evaluate the electrochemical activity and reaction kinetics for ORR, we performed cyclic voltammetry, rotating disc electrode, and EIS experiments in acidic solutions at room temperature. The findings showed that Pt-Pd/S-ZrO₂-GNPs exhibited a better ORR performance than the Pt-Pd catalyst on the unsulfated ZrO₂-GNP support and with Pt on S-ZrO₂-GNPs and commercial Pt/C. Full article

School systems in Australia, and internationally, are focused on improving classroom teaching and learning to enhance student outcomes. Middle leaders (MLs) are increasingly required to lead school-based development initiatives to improve classroom practices. Informed by previous research on middle-leading and the theory of practice architectures, a survey instrument was created to understand who Australian school MLs are (n = 199) and ascertain their perceptions of the practices central to leading teaching and learning in their school sites. Through descriptive, exploratory, and confirmatory factor analyses, this paper reports on the reported practices of Australian MLs, and, through the analysis, a revised ML practice model is proposed. The results confirm that ML practices are orientated to the people they lead in their school site, who they support, collaborate with, and advocate for, with practising leading upwards to the school principal identified as an important ML practice. Full article

In this paper, a new axial-type magnetic gear with an auxiliary flux-enhancing structure (AFS-AMG) is proposed. Compared to conventional AMGs, it has a higher torque density and higher permanent magnet (PM) utilization factor. Firstly, the design rules and operating principles of the proposed AFS-AMG are elaborated. Then, the mapping relation between the radial-type magnetic gears (RMGs) and AMGs are elucidated. Compared to its counterparts in RMGs, the AFS-AMG achieves a small size. Then, the geometrical parameters of the AFS-AMG are optimized to obtain better electromagnetic performance, where the torque density per volume and per PM volume is adopted as the evaluation standard. Finally, three different AMG topologies are constructed in finite element analysis (FEA) software for comparison. It is proven that the AFS-AMG has the largest torque density per volume and per PM volume. Full article

Remote sensing technologies are critical for analyzing the escalating impacts of global climate change and increasing urbanization, providing vital insights into land surface temperature (LST), land use and cover (LULC) changes, and the identification of urban heat island (UHI) and surface urban heat island (SUHI) phenomena. This research focuses on the nexus between LULC alterations and variations in LST and air temperature (T_air), with a specific emphasis on the intensified SUHI effect in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Employing an integrated approach, this study analyzes time-series data from Landsat and MODIS satellites, alongside T_air climate records, utilizing machine learning techniques and linear regression analysis. Key findings indicate a statistically significant upward trend in T_air and LST during the summer months from 1984 to 2023, with a notable positive correlation between T_air and LST across both datasets. MODIS data exhibit a stronger correlation (R² = 0.879) compared to Landsat (R² = 0.663). The application of a supervised classification through Random Forest algorithms and vegetation indices on LULC data reveals significant alterations: a 70.3% increase in urban land and a decrement in vegetative cover comprising a 15.5% reduction in dense vegetation and a 62.9% decrease in sparse vegetation. Change detection analysis elucidates a 24.6% conversion of sparse vegetation into urban land, underscoring a pronounced trajectory towards urbanization. Temporal and seasonal LST variations across different LULC classes were analyzed using kernel density estimation (KDE) and boxplot analysis. Urban areas and sparse vegetation had the smallest average LST fluctuations, at 2.09 °C and 2.16 °C, respectively, but recorded the most extreme LST values. Water and dense vegetation classes exhibited slightly larger fluctuations of 2.30 °C and 2.24 °C, with the bare land class showing the highest fluctuation 2.46 °C, but fewer extremes. Quantitative analysis with the application of Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests across various LULC classes substantiated the normality of LST distributions p > 0.05 for both monthly and annual datasets. Conversely, the Shapiro-Wilk test validated the normal distribution hypothesis exclusively for monthly data, indicating deviations from normality in the annual data. Thresholded LST classifies urban and bare lands as the warmest classes at 39.51 °C and 38.20 °C, respectively, and classifies water at 35.96 °C, dense vegetation at 35.52 °C, and sparse vegetation 37.71 °C as the coldest, which is a trend that is consistent annually and monthly. The analysis of SUHI effects demonstrates an increasing trend in UHI intensity, with statistical trends indicating a growth in average SUHI values over time. This comprehensive study underscores the critical role of remote sensing in understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change and urbanization on local and global climates, emphasizing the need for sustainable urban planning and green infrastructure to mitigate UHI effects. Full article

Enhancing energy efficiency in buildings plays a pivotal role in realizing the ambitious objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the European Green Deal. Roofs represent the technical element most affected by energy phenomena related to heat transfer: in winter, roofing can lose up to 35% of heat, and the summer heat flux can even be higher. This paper provides a catalogue of optimized and sustainable solutions, with a specific focus on standardization and prefabrication principles, for enhancing the energy efficiency of the most prevalent types of roofs that characterize the national residential building heritage. The methodological approach that guided the research presented in this article was based on the identification and study of the most common roofings in the diverse national residential building heritage, followed by their classification according to their construction era. In the context of essential energy retrofitting of deteriorated residential building stock, 21 optimized standardized solutions have been identified. The outcome of performance evaluations of the proposed solutions allowed the implementation of a matrix that can be a valuable support for designers in selecting the most efficient precalculated and prefabricated solutions for the national residential building heritage based on energy performance and sustainability criteria. Full article

To elucidate the currently unknown molecular mechanisms responsible for the similarity and difference during the acquirement of resistance against gemcitabine (GEM) and paclitaxel (PTX) in patients with pancreatic carcinoma, we examined two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures of parent MIA PaCa-2 cells (MIA PaCa-2-PA) and their GEM resistance cell line (MIA PaCa-2-GR) and PTX resistance (MIA PaCa-2-PR). Using these cells, we examined 3D spheroid configurations and cellular metabolism, including mitochondrial and glycolytic functions, with a Seahorse bio-analyzer and RNA sequencing analysis. Compared to the MIA PaCa-2-PA, (1) the formation of the 3D spheroids of MIA PaCa-2-GR or -PR was much slower, and (2) their mitochondrial and glycolytic functions were greatly modulated in MIA PaCa-2-GR or -PR, and such metabolic changes were also different between their 2D and 3D culture conditions. RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using an ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) suggested that various modulatory factors related to epithelial –mesenchymal transition (EMT) including STAT3, GLI1, ZNF367, NKX3-2, ZIC2, IFIT2, HEY1 and FBLX, may be the possible upstream regulators and/or causal network master regulators responsible for the acquirement of drug resistance in MIA PaCa-2-GR and -PR. In addition, among the prominently altered DEGs (Log2 fold changes more than 6 or less than −6), FABP5, IQSEC3, and GASK1B were identified as unique genes associated with their antisense RNA or pseudogenes, and among these, FABP5 and GASK1B are known to function as modulators of cancerous EMT. Therefore, the observations reported herein suggest that modulations of cancerous EMT may be key molecular mechanisms that are responsible for inducing chemoresistance against GEM or PTX in MIA PaCa-2 cells. Full article

The enduring appeal of prismatic shapes, historically prevalent in office building designs, persists in contemporary skyscraper architecture, which is attributed particularly to their advantageous aspects concerning cost-efficiency and optimal space utilization. Space efficiency is a crucial factor in prismatic skyscraper design, carrying substantial implications for sustainability. However, the current academic literature lacks a complete exploration of space efficiency in supertall towers with prismatic forms, despite their widespread use. This paper seeks to address this significant gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of data gathered from a carefully selected set of 35 case studies. The primary discoveries presented in this paper are outlined as follows: (i) average space efficiency stood at approximately 72%, covering a range that extended from 56% to 84%; (ii) average core to gross floor area ratio averaged around 24%, spanning a spectrum that ranged from 12% to 36%; (iii) the majority of prismatic skyscrapers utilized a central core approach, mainly customized for residential use; (iv) the dominant structural system observed in the analyzed cases was the outriggered frame system, with concrete being the commonly utilized material for the structural components; and (v) the impact of diverse structural systems on space efficiency showed no significant deviation, although differences in function led to variations in average space efficiency. The authors expect that these findings will provide valuable guidance, especially for architects, as they strive to enhance the sustainable planning of prismatic towers. Full article

Background: Early perihematomal edema (PHE) growth is associated with worse functional outcomes at 90 days. Remote Ischemic conditioning (RIC) may reduce perihematomal inflammation if applied early to patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We hypothesize that early RIC, delivered for seven days in patients with spontaneous ICH, may reduce PHE growth. Methods: ICH patients presenting within 6 h of symptom onset and hematoma volume < 60 milliliters (mL) were randomized to an RIC + standard care or standard care (SC) group. The primary outcome measure was calculated edema extension distance (EED), with the cm assessed on day seven. Results: Sixty patients were randomized with a mean  ±  SD age of 57.5  ±  10.8 years, and twenty-two (36.7%) were female. The relative baseline median PHE were similar (RIC group 0.75 (0.5–0.9) mL vs. SC group 0.91 (0.5–1.2) mL, p  =  0.30). The median EEDs at baseline were similar (RIC group 0.58 (0.3–0.8) cm vs. SC group 0.51 (0.3–0.8) cm, p  =  0.76). There was no difference in the median day 7 EED (RIC group 1.1 (0.6–1.2) cm vs. SC group 1 (0.9–1.2) cm, p  =  0.75). Conclusions: Early RIC therapy delivered daily for seven days was feasible. However, no decrease in EED was noted with the intervention. Full article

Inequality in hierarchical social status, especially among socially excluded children, profoundly affects preadolescents. Historically viewed through a lens of psychopathology and moral deficiencies, it challenges the education system’s approaches and interventions. This article introduces a developmental perspective, highlighting the hierarchical social status‘ role in shaping classroom cohesion, strength, and distinctiveness. This study’s phenomenological, qualitative methodology aimed to gain preliminary insight into the children’s perspectives. Drawing from 12 focus group discussions involving 140 latency-age (grade 5) children in Israel, it uniquely reveals the dynamic nature of hierarchical social status influenced by children’s connections with the group. This dynamism promotes group unity, strengthens bonds, and prioritizes collective concerns, contributing to the development of a “social self” in the latency phase. Beyond theory, this study proposes innovative interventions to address social status disparities. Full article

The present study assesses the simulated precipitation and cloud properties using three microphysics schemes (Morrison, Thompson and MY) implemented in the Weather Research and Forecasting model. The precipitation, differential reflectivity (Z_DR), specific differential phase (K_DP) and mass-weighted mean diameter of raindrops (Dm) are compared with measurements from a heavy rainfall event that occurred on 27 June 2020 during the Integrative Monsoon Frontal Rainfall Experiment (IMFRE). The results indicate that all three microphysics schemes generally capture the characteristics of rainfall, Z_DR, K_DP and Dm, but tend to overestimate their intensity. To enhance the model performance, adjustments are made based on the MY scheme, which exhibited the best performance. Specifically, the overall coalescence and collision parameter (Ec) is reduced, which effectively decreases Dm and makes it more consistent with observations. Generally, reducing Ec leads to an increase in the simulated content (Qr) and number concentration (Nr) of raindrops across most time steps and altitudes. With a smaller Ec, the impact of microphysical processes on Nr and Qr varies with time and altitude. Generally, the autoconversion of droplets to raindrops primarily contributes to Nr, while the accretion of cloud droplets by raindrops plays a more significant role in increasing Qr. In this study, it is emphasized that even if the precipitation characteristics could be adequately reproduced, accurately simulating microphysical characteristics remains challenging and it still needs adjustments in the most physically based parameterizations to achieve more accurate simulation. Full article

Acute kidney injury represents a significant threat in cardiac surgery regarding complications and costs. Novel preventive approaches are needed, as the therapeutic modalities are still limited. As experimental studies have demonstrated, glutamine, a conditionally essential amino acid, might have a protective role in this setting. Moreover, the levels of glutamine after the cardiopulmonary bypass are significantly lower. In clinical practice, various trials have investigated the effects of glutamine supplementation on cardiac surgery with encouraging results. However, these studies are heterogeneous regarding the selection criteria, timing, dose, outcomes studied, and way of glutamine administration. This narrative review aims to present the potential role of glutamine in cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury prevention, starting from the experimental studies and guidelines to the clinical practice and future directions. Full article

Corrosion and friction coefficient tests were performed on solid oak wood machined with hard-metal woodworking tools coated with PVD coatings (AlCrN, AlTiN, TiAlN, TiCN and CrN). The tannic acid attacks the carbide more intensively than the PVD coatings. During cutting, corrosion spreads on the cutting edge of the cutter due to mechanical action, which dissolves the cobalt binder of the hard-metal and causes the carbide grains to flake off. After 80 min of contact with the wood, the cobalt content decreases from 3.53 to 1.74%. Depending on the PVD coating material, cracks of 4 to 40 µm in width appear after 120 min (9000 m cutting path). After 120 min of machining, wear, corrosion effects and the influence of corrosion on the coefficients of friction were evaluated for tools with and without PVD coatings. TiCN is the most sensitive to corrosion, while AlCrN and CrN coatings are the least sensitive, with the AlTiN coating being the most affected under real cutting conditions (with mechanical + thermal + corrosion effects) and the tools with CrN and AlCrN coatings being the least affected. Corrosion affects the hard-metal and PVD coatings and reduces the coefficient of friction. The angle between the directions of sliding and sharpening of the cutting edge sharpening significantly influences this parameter. The coefficient of friction of hard-metal WC-Co and PVD coatings is higher in the parallel machining direction than in the perpendicular machining direction and ranges from 16.03% (WC-Co) to 44.8% (AlTiN). The coefficient of friction of hard-metal WC-Co decreases by 5.13% before and after exposure to tannic acid, while the corrosion of PVD coatings reduces it by 4.13% (CrN) to 26.7% (TiAlN). Full article

Metals are dispersed in natural environments, particularly in the aquatic environment, and accumulate, causing adverse effects on aquatic life. Moreover, chronic polymetallic water pollution is a common problem, and the biological effects of exposure to complex mixtures of metals are the most difficult to interpret. In this review, metal toxicity is examined with a focus on its impact on energy metabolism. Mechanisms regulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and reactive oxygen species (ROS) emission are considered in their dual roles in the development of cytotoxicity and cytoprotection, and mitochondria may become target organelles of metal toxicity when the transmembrane potential is reduced below its phosphorylation level. One of the main consequences of metal toxicity is additional energy costs, and the metabolic load can lead to the disruption of oxidative metabolism and enhanced anaerobiosis. Full article

This study proposes a deep-reinforcement-learning (DRL)-based vehicle-to-grid (V2G) operation strategy that focuses on the dynamic integration of charging station (CS) status to refine solar power generation (SPG) forecasts. To address the variability in solar energy and CS status, this study proposes a novel approach by formulating the V2G operation as a Markov decision process and leveraging DRL to adaptively manage SPG forecast errors. Utilizing real-world data from the Korea Southern Power Corporation, the effectiveness of this strategy in enhancing SPG forecasts is proven using the PyTorch framework. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in the mean squared error by 40% to 56% compared to scenarios without V2G. Our investigation into the effects of blocking probability thresholds and discount factors revealed insights into the optimal V2G system performance, suggesting a balance between immediate operational needs and long-term strategic objectives. The findings highlight the possibility of using DRL-based strategies to achieve more reliable and efficient renewable energy integration in power grids, marking a significant step forward in smart grid optimization. Full article

Currently, research in youth soccer consists of methodological choices that can raise activity volumes and exercise intensity to promote proper training for youth soccer demands. Therefore, the present cluster randomised trial aims to evaluate the effects of the dynamic–ecological approach on the physical performance parameters compared with a traditional one in a group of sub-elite U13 players. Thirty-five male children (age 12.16 ± 0.55 years; weight 45.59 ± 7.15 kg; height 145.5 ± 4.2 cm; BMI 15.8 ± 2.1 kg·m⁻²) were recruited for this trial from two teams belonging to sub-elite soccer schools and randomly assigned to a dynamic–ecological approach (DEA) or a traditional training (TTG) group. The training program lasted six weeks and consisted of 18 training sessions of 90 min each (3 sessions per week). The sample was evaluated by the standing long jump (SLJ), hop test (HT), 10 m sprint (10 m), 10 × 5 m shuttle run test (SRT), and leg raise test (LR). The DEA group showed significantly higher results in the SLJ (p < 0.001), HT left leg (p < 0.001), 10 m sprint (p < 0.001), and SRT (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the dynamic–ecological approach provides higher performance adaptations. Therefore, this approach can be considered a suitable method to optimise pre-pubertal player training, mainly when no fitness or strength coach is available. Full article

Multiple factors may influence parental vaccine hesitancy towards pediatric COVID-19 vaccines and routine childhood immunizations (RCIs). Using the United States National Immunization Survey—Child COVID Module data collected from parents/guardians of children aged 5–11 years, this cross-sectional study (1) identified the trends and prevalence estimates of parental hesitancy towards pediatric COVID-19 vaccines and RCIs, (2) examined the relationship between hesitancy towards pediatric COVID-19 vaccines and RCIs, and (3) assessed trends in parental hesitancy towards RCIs by sociodemographic characteristics and behavioral and social drivers of COVID-19 vaccination. From November 2021 to July 2022, 54,329 parents or guardians were interviewed. During this 9-month period, the proportion of parents hesitant about pediatric COVID-19 vaccines increased by 15.8 percentage points (24.8% to 40.6%). Additionally, the proportion of parents who reported RCIs hesitancy increased by 4.7 percentage points from November 2021 to May 2022 but returned to baseline by July 2022. Over nine months, parents’ concerns about pediatric COVID-19 infections declined; however, parents were increasingly worried about pediatric COVID-19 vaccine safety and overall importance. Furthermore, pediatric COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was more prevalent among parents of children who were White (43.2%) versus Black (29.3%) or Hispanic (26.9%) and those residing in rural (51.3%) compared to urban (28.9%) areas. In contrast, RCIs hesitancy was higher among parents of children who were Black (32.0%) versus Hispanic (24.5%) or White (23.6%). Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 2–6 times as prevalent among parents who were RCIs hesitant compared to those who were RCIs non-hesitant. This positive correlation between parental hesitancy towards pediatric COVID-19 vaccines and RCIs was observed for all demographic and psychosocial factors for unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios. Parent–provider interactions should increase vaccine confidence, shape social norms, and facilitate behavior change to promote pediatric vaccination rates. Full article

This research extensively discusses the connection between destination image and films influencing tourism. Despite the worldwide fame of the James Bond saga and extensive publications on the subject, research into the role of tourism promotion in the image of destinations is still scarce, and there is no specific focus on analysing promotional aspects in relation to film-induced tourism. This study focuses on the influence of cinematographic images on the destination image perception and promotion, specifically exploring the case of the James Bond saga as a practical case. With 25 films released since 1962, the James Bond saga provides a basis for evaluating cinematic presence in tourism promotion strategies. This research proposes the content analysis of the official tourist websites of 23 destinations where the James Bond saga was shot, which offer some tourist products linked to the saga. The key findings provide valuable insights into the promotion of James Bond saga tourism destinations, the role of films in promoting destinations, and the tourism products developed from the saga films. The results provide visual outputs about the target image of the film shooting locations, and the text analysis provides keywords linked to the theme. The study’s methodology contributes to the discourse on film tourism and destination image topics and brings practical and theoretical contributions to both academia and destination managers. Full article

Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive, cost-effective, and generally reliable instrument measuring pulse rate and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂). However, these measurements can be affected by the patient’s internal or external factors, including the type of pulse oximeter device (POD). (1) This study’s objective was to identify potential environmental factors that may impact the measurements taken by three PODs. (2) Methods: A descriptive–analytical cross-sectional study was designed. The patients’ SpO2 levels were measured using a standard monitor and two PODs owned by the professionals. The measurements were taken on the patients’ fingers. Concurrently, we evaluated the surrounding environmental conditions, encompassing temperature, humidity, illuminance, and noise. (3) Results: This study involved 288 adult participants in the sample. For each 20-decibel increment in noise, there was a reduction in SpO₂ by an average of 1%, whereas for every additional degree of ambient temperature, SpO₂ decreased by an average of 2% (4) Conclusions: Significant correlations between SpO₂ and age, as well as with noise and ambient temperature, were observed. No significant differences between oxygen saturation and lighting or humidity were observed. This study was prospectively registered with the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Gran Canaria at the Dr. Negrín University Hospital, with protocol code 2019-247-1, and approved on 24 May 2019. Full article

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) represent a subset of immunological constituents within the tumor microenvironment that can influence cancer growth. We retrospectively evaluate the density and pattern of CD3 and CD20 expression in salivary gland tumors and their relation to clinical pathologic parameters. A total of 44 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks of salivary gland tumors were included. These tumors were stained immunohistochemically with CD3 and CD20. The chi-square test was used to relate immune scoring, intensity, and clinical pathological parameters to different salivary tumors. p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The intra-tumoral CD3 infiltrating count was high and diffused in (71.4%) of pleomorphic adenomas (PAs) followed by mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs) (66.7%). At the same time, adenoid cystic carcinomas (AdCCs) exhibited significantly low infiltration (71.4%) (p = 0.046). The three types of tumors exhibited high tumor-infiltrating counts diffused in peripheral areas with significant differences between malignant tumors (p = 0.047). The intra-tumoral CD20 infiltrating count significantly differed among the tumors (p = 0.002); it was low in all PAs and AdCCs, while MECs showed an equal percentage of expression. However, in the peripheral area, PAs and MECs exhibited significantly (p = 0.007) high infiltrating counts (69.2% and 84.6), and the lowest infiltrating count was predominantly found for AdCCs. The two markers had a significant positive correlation between the mean of CD3 in the intra-tumoral and peripheral regions and CD20 in the peripheral zone across the total samples. In conclusion, the density of CD3 expression is notably higher than CD20 across tumor types. PAs and MECs showed high-density scores, while AdCCs were characterized by low scores. TIL expression was found to be significantly associated with patients’ outcomes in the intra-tumoral area. Full article

Spirituality-centered cognitive therapy refers to the way in which people search for and express the meaning and purpose of their lives, as well as experience connection with themselves, others, nature, and spirituality. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of spirituality-centered cognitive therapy on body image, sexual function, disease perception, and disturbing thoughts in women after mastectomy. This was semi-experimental research, which was conducted via a pre-test–post-test method and had a control group. The samples included 85 women with breast cancer who had undergone mastectomy, and, based on the inclusion criteria, 78 individuals were randomly selected and were then divided into two groups (39 individuals in the intervention group and 39 individuals in the control group). The intervention group received eight 120 min sessions of spirituality-centered cognitive therapy, and the control group did not receive any training. Data were collected using questionnaires on illness perception, body image, sexual function, and rumination and were then analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance with repeated measurements using SPSS-24. Before the training, there was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the scores obtained by the scales. After the intervention, the mean scores in all scales except sexual function were significantly different from the control group. Therefore, spirituality-centered cognitive therapy may be useful for improving negative psychological symptoms among women in Iran with breast cancer after mastectomy surgery. Full article

Donepezil (DNPZ) is a cholinesterase inhibitor used for the management of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and is dependent on membrane transporters such as ABCG2 to actively cross brain barriers and reach its target site of action in the brain. Located in the brain ventricles, the choroid plexus (CP) forms an interface between the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the bloodstream, known as the blood–CSF barrier (BCSFB). Historically, the BCSFB has received little attention as a potential pathway for drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS). Nonetheless, this barrier is presently viewed as a dynamic transport interface that limits the traffic of molecules into and out of the CNS through the presence of membrane transporters, with parallel activity with the BBB. The localization and expression of drug transporters in brain barriers represent a huge obstacle for drug delivery to the brain and a major challenge for the development of therapeutic approaches to CNS disorders. The widespread interest in understanding how circadian clocks modulate many processes that define drug delivery in order to predict the variability in drug safety and efficacy is the next bridge to improve effective treatment. In this context, this study aims at characterizing the circadian expression of ABCG2 and DNPZ circadian transport profile using an in vitro model of the BCSFB. We found that ABCG2 displays a circadian pattern and DNPZ is transported in a circadian way across this barrier. This study will strongly impact on the capacity to modulate the BCSFB in order to control the penetration of DNPZ into the brain and improve therapeutic strategies for the treatment of AD according to the time of the day. Full article

In this work, we study the polarization properties of diffraction gratings recorded in thin films of the azopolymer PAZO (poly[1-[4-(3-carboxy-4-hydroxyphenylazo)benzene sulfonamido]-1,2-ethanediyl, sodium salt]) using digital polarization holography. Using two quarter-wave plates, the phase retardation of each pixel of the SLM is converted into the azimuth rotation of linearly polarized light. When recording from the azopolymer side of the sample, significant surface relief amplitude is observed with atomic force microscopy. In contrast, recording from the substrate side of the sample allows the reduction of the surface relief modulation and the obtaining of polarization gratings with characteristics close to an ideal grating, recorded with two orthogonal circular polarizations. This can be achieved even with a four-pixel period of grating, as demonstrated by our results. Full article