Academic literature on the topic 'Decorated local systems'

Some composite materials have been prepared, constituted by a cyclodextrin-bis-urethane-based nanosponge matrix in which a reduced graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles photocatalyst has been dispersed. Different chain extenders were employed for designing the nanosponge supports, in such a way as to decorate their hyper-cross-linked structure with diverse functionalities. Moreover, two different strategies were explored to accomplish the silver loading. The obtained systems were successfully tested as catalysts for the photodegradation of emerging pollutants such as model dyes and drugs. Enhancement of the photoactive species performance (up to nine times), due to the synergistic local concentration effect exerted by the nanosponge, could be assessed. Overall, the best performances were shown by polyamine-decorated materials, which were able to promote the degradation of some particularly resistant drugs. Some methodological issues pertaining to data collection are also addressed.

Alendronate (ALN) is the most commonly prescribed oral nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate for osteoporosis therapy. However, its administration is associated with serious side effects. Therefore, the drug delivery systems (DDS) enabling local administration and localized action of that drug are still of great importance. Herein, a novel multifunctional DDS system based on the hydroxyapatite-decorated mesoporous silica particles (MSP-NH2-HAp-ALN) embedded into collagen/chitosan/chondroitin sulfate hydrogel for simultaneous osteoporosis treatment and bone regeneration is proposed. In such a system, the hydrogel serves as a carrier for the controlled delivery of ALN at the site of implantation, thus limiting potential adverse effects. The involvement of MSP-NH2-HAp-ALN in the crosslinking process was established, as well as the ability of hybrids to be used as injectable systems. We have shown that the attachment of MSP-NH2-HAp-ALN to the polymeric matrix provides a prolonged ALN release (up to 20 days) and minimizes the initial burst effect. It was revealed that obtained composites are effective osteoconductive materials capable of supporting the osteoblast-like cell (MG-63) functions and inhibiting osteoclast-like cell (J7741.A) proliferation in vitro. The purposely selected biomimetic composition of these materials (biopolymer hydrogel enriched with the mineral phase) allows their biointegration (in vitro study in the simulated body fluid) and delivers the desired physicochemical features (mechanical, wettability, swellability). Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of the composites in in vitro experiments was also demonstrated.

Multifunctional nanosystems combining magnetic and plasmonic properties are a promising approach for cancer therapy, allowing magnetic guidance and a local temperature increase. This capability can provide a triggered drug release and synergistic cytotoxic effect in cancer cells. In this work, nickel ferrite/gold nanoparticles were developed, including nickel ferrite magnetic nanoparticles decorated with plasmonic gold nanoparticles and core/shell nanostructures (with a nickel ferrite core and a gold shell). These nanoparticles were covered with a surfactant/lipid bilayer, originating liposome-like structures with diameters below 160 nm. The heating capacity of these systems, upon excitation with light above 600 nm wavelength, was assessed through the emission quenching of rhodamine B located in the lipid layer. The developed nanosystems show promising results for future applications in thermotherapy.

Rational design of composite nanostructured photocatalytic systems with good sunlight absorption capacity and efficient charge separation and transfer ability is an urgent problem to be solved in photocatalysis research. Here, a ZnMn2O4 decorated three-dimensional carbon nitride with O, C co-doping, and nitrogen defect composite photocatalytic system was prepared using a simple hydrothermal method and subsequent calcination method. For the photocatalytic reactions, the presence of heterostructures, C, O co-doping, and nitrogen defects greatly promotes the separation and transfer of charges at the semiconductor/semiconductor interface under the local electric field, thereby extending its service life. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of sulfamethoxazole in water is as high as 94.3% under the synergistic effects, which is also suitable for the complex water environment. In addition, the synthesized photocatalyst has good chemical stability and recyclability. This study provides a new opportunity to solve the problem of environmental pollution.

Background: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, the predisposing factor for cervical cancer (CC), is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and can be treated with imiquimod (IMQ). However, poor water solubility and side effects such as local inflammation can render IMQ ineffective. The aim of this study is to design a prolonged release nano system in combination with mucoadhesive–thermosensitive properties for an effective vaginal drug delivery. Methods: Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly lactide-co-caprolactone (PLA-PCL), and poly L-lactide-co-caprolactone-co-glycolide (PLGA-PCL) were used to create IMQ nanoparticles. Chitosan (CS) was then added to the surfaces of the IMQ NPs for its mucoadhesive properties. The NPs were then incorporated into poloxamer hydrogels. The NPs’ size and morphology, encapsulation efficiency (EE), in vitro drug release, gel characterization, ex vivo drug permeation, and in vitro safety and efficacy were characterized. Results: Two batches of NPs were prepared, IMQ NPs and CS-coated NPs (CS-IMQ NPs). In general, both types of NPs were uniformly spherical in shape with average particle sizes of 237.3 ± 4.7 and 278.2 ± 5.4 nm and EE% of 61.48 ± 5.19% and 37.73 ± 2.88 for IMQ NPs and CS-IMQ NPs, respectively. Both systems showed prolonged drug release of about 80 and 70% for IMQ NPs and CS-IMQ NPs, respectively, within 48 h. The gelation temperatures for the IMQ NPs and CS-IMQ NPs were 30 and 32 °C, respectively; thus, suitable for vaginal application. Although ex vivo permeability showed that CS-IMQ NPs showed superior penetration compared to IMQ NPs, both systems enhanced drug penetration (283 and 462 µg/cm2 for IMQ NPs and CS-IMQ NPs, respectively) relative to the control (60 µg/cm2). Both systems reduced the viability of cervical cancer cells, with a minimal effect of the normal vaginal epithelium. However, IMQ NPs exhibited a more pronounced cytotoxic effect. Both systems were able to reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines by at least 25% in comparison to free IMQ. Conclusion: IMQ and CS-IMQ NP in situ gels enhanced stability and drug release, and improved IMQ penetration through the vaginal tissues. Additionally, the new systems were able to increase the cytotoxic effect of IMQ against CC cells with a reduction in inflammatory responses. Thus, we believe that these systems could be a good alternative to commercial IMQ systems for the management of CC.

Overall-water splitting on photocatalysts provides a direct-unassisted path in the conversion of solar energy to chemical energy. Optoelectronic properties (absorbing incident light with long excited state lifetimes) and carrier selective contacts (transporting and transferring the desired electronic carrier to the targeted redox active species) are two key parameters that govern photocatalyst behavior. However, the advantageous small geometry of the highest achieving photocatalysts makes measurement of their carrier selective contacts difficult. Additionally, several mechanisms that enable high energy-conversion efficiencies and large gradients in free energy manifest only at the nanoscale at individual nanoparticle sites. SrTiO3 has been extensively studied and shown to split water with high quantum yields when decorated with HER and OER catalysts. SrTiO3 is used, in this work, as a model system to study mechanisms for charge selectivity on overall-water splitting photocatalyst particles. Here, we use three sample geometries to measure local, facet, and catalyst-dependent, electrochemical driving forces and their synergistic enhancement of carrier selectivity, (single crystal planar (b), single crystal co-facet exposed planar (a), facetted nanoparticles (c) loaded with OER and HER catalysts [{Pt/CrO3, Rh/CrO3} and CoOOH respectively]). We use ex-situ conductive atomic force microscopy to individually interrogate the electrical properties of nano-scale catalyst/semiconductor junctions decorated on facet-engineered surfaces of SrTiO3. Supporting experiments of SECM and Operando AP-XPS will be used to measure the charge carrier selectivity when an electrolyte is present and connect the ex-situ characterization observations to operando conditions. In summary, these findings demonstrate the underlying mechanisms and the degree that they play, enabling directed research of photocatalyst systems under the two dominant engineering conditions, high optoelectronic properties and charge selective contacts. Figure 1

The delivery of drugs through the skin barrier at a predetermined rate is the aim of transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDSs). However, so far, TDDS has not fully attained its potential as an alternative to hypodermic injections and oral delivery. In this study, we presented a proof of concept of a dual drug-loaded patch made of nanoparticles (NPs) and ultrafine fibers fabricated by using one equipment, i.e., the electrospinning apparatus. Such NP/fiber systems can be useful to release drugs locally through the skin and the tympanic membrane. Briefly, dexamethasone (DEX)-loaded poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBHV) fiber meshes were decorated with rhodamine (RHO)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs, with RHO representing as a second drug model. By properly tuning the working parameters of electrospinning, DEX-loaded PHBHV fibers (i.e., by electrospinning mode) and RHO-loaded PLGA NPs (i.e., by electrospray mode) were successfully prepared and straightforwardly assembled to form a TDDS patch, which was characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and dynamometry. The patch was then tested in vitro using human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). The incorporation of DEX significantly reduced the fiber mesh stiffness. In vitro tests with showed that HDFs were viable for 8 days in contact with drug-loaded samples, and significant signs of cytotoxicity were not highlighted. Finally, thanks to a beaded structure of the fibers, a controlled release of DEX from the electrospun patch was obtained over 4 weeks, which may accomplish the therapeutic objective of a local, sustained and prolonged anti-inflammatory action of a TDDS, as is requested in chronic inflammatory conditions, and other pathological conditions, such as in sudden sensorineural hearing loss treatment.

Smart drug delivery systems with controllable properties play an important role in targeted therapy and tissue regeneration. The aim of our study was the preparation andin vitroevaluation of a collagen (Col) matrix embedding a liposomal formulation of chondroitin sulfate (L-CS) for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Structural studies using Oil Red O specific staining for lipids and scanning electron microscopy showed an alveolar network of nanosized Col fibrils decorated with deposits of L-CS at both periphery and inner of the matrix. The porosity and density of Col-L-CS matrix were similar to those of Col matrix, while its mean pore size and biodegradability had significantly higher and lower values (P<0.05), respectively.In vitrocytotoxicity assays showed that the matrix system induced high cell viability and stimulated cell metabolism in L929 fibroblast cell culture. Light and electron micrographs of the cell-matrix construct showed that cells clustered into the porous structure at 72 h of cultivation.In vitrodiffusion test indicated that the quantity of released CS was significantly lower (P<0.05) after embedment of L-CS within Col matrix. All these results indicated that the biocompatible and biodegradable Col-L-CS matrix might be a promising delivery system for local treatment of inflamed site.

Dans cette thèse, nous avons pour objectif d'étudier les espaces de modules des G-systèmes locaux sur une surface ciliée S pour divers groupes de Lie G. Nous généralisons une construction de Gaiotto-Moore-Neitzke appelée « abélianisation », permettant que cette procédure soit réalisée de manière « partielle ». Le résultat de cette procédure généralisée nous permet de décrire la topologie de sous-espaces ouverts denses à dans l'espace de modules des GL_2n-systèmes locaux, et en collaboration avec Eugen Rogozinnikov, nousavons étendu davantage la procédure d'abélianisation aux systèmes locaux symplectiques, nous permettant de décrire la topologie des sous-espaces ouverts denses à l'intérieur de l'espace de modules des systèmes locaux symplectiques. En particulier, nous décrivons la topologie de l'ensemble des représentations maximales d'un groupe de surface percée dans un groupe symplectique Sp(A, s) sur une algèbre symétrique (A, s).Étant donné les liens étroits entre la construction originale de Gaiotto-Moore-Neitzke et les coordonnées de cluster de Fock-Goncharov, un autre avantage de la construction d'abélianisation généralisée est qu'elle nous aide à définir et étudier une généralisation non-commutative des coordonnées A de Fock-Goncharov. Lorsque G = GL_2n(R), nous montrons que ces coordonnées A non commutatives définissent une représentation de l'algèbre non commutative A_S introduite par Berenstein-Retakh. Ces coordonnées A non commutatives se restreignent également à des coordonnées non commutatives sur l'espace des représentations symplectiques avec un encadrement lagrangien
In this thesis, we aim to study moduli spaces of G-local systems over a ciliated surface S for various Lie groups G. We generalize a construction of Gaiotto-Moore-Neitzke called abelianization, allowing this procedure to be conducted ''partially''. The result of this generalized procedure allow us to describe the topology of open dense subspaces inside the moduli space of GL_2n-local systems, and together with Eugen Rogozinnikov we extended further the abelianization procedure to symplectic local systems, allowing us to describe the topology of open dense subspaces inside the moduli space of symplectic local systems. In particular, we describe the topology of the set of maximal representations of a punctured surface group into a symplectic group Sp(A,s) over a symmetric algebra (A,s). Given the strong relations between the original construction by Gaiotto-Moore-Neitzke andFock-Goncharov cluster coordinates, another benefit of the generalized abelianization construction is that it help us define and study a non-commutative generalization of Fock-Goncharov A-coordinates. When G = GL_2n(R), we show that these non-commutative A-coordinates define a representation of the non-commutative algebra A_S introduced by Berenstein-Retakh. These non-commutative A-coordinates also restrict to non-commutative coordinates on the space of symplectic representations with lagrangian framing

By applying the seriation method to a group of 129 assemblages distinguished by a ‘non-male’ model of grave furnishing and containing at least two distinctive metal objects, it was possible to divide the lifespan of the cemetery into three chronological stages. These were characterised by stylistically different (but interlocking) sets of ornaments and dress items. An attempt to relate these phases to the periodisation systems developed for the areas to the north, west, and south confirmed contacts with the Oder zone as early as during the early phase, which we synchronise with Ha C1b. What has also emerged in the course of the present study is another factor characteristic of this early phase, one that has not been taken into account in previous studies, namely the evidence of contacts with the northern lowland zone. These are legible mainly in the distinctive style of neck and hand ornaments: necklaces of the Wendelringe or unidirectionally twisted type, with loops or fastened with a hook, usually occurring no further south than Greater Poland, and bracelets with distant Pomeranian references. The presence of this style seems to have contributed in subsequent phases to the production of local types of ring ornaments (e.g., pointed necklaces of the Mąkolice type). The presence of northern bronzes of possibly such an early chronology (Ha C1) in the Polish Plain, especially at its southern edge, has so far been only sporadically reported, especially in the range of the Upper Silesian-Lesser Poland group. Nevertheless, contacts with the north at the turn of the Bronze Age and early Iron Age have already been suggested in the context of the northwards ‘diffusion’ of the idea of inhumation. early phase reveal strong influences coming evidently from the south, from the Moravian Gate region. This is indicated by the appearance of bracelets with thickened ends (e.g., Kietrz type) or richly decorated necklaces fastened with a hook (Domasław type) in many graves of this phase. The exact temporal relationship between the two groups of finds is difficult to determine – they appear inseparable on the seriation diagram (Figs. 4.1–2), with the Silesian Hallstatt style continuing much longer, into the middle phase. In addition, the early phase provides evidence that the Świbie community had access to very valuable goods from southern Europe, such as beads made of vitreous materials (glass and glassy faience, still scarce at the time) or flat iron axes with broad heads (Ärmchenbeile of type III3). It is with this phase that the most impressive burial in Świbie, grave 102, is connected. It belonged to a woman furnished with a local button diadem and the largest set of imports in the cemetery, comprising of a glass bead necklace with a unique ‘star’ shaped bead, a bronze harp fibula decorated with chains, a bronze necklace, and perhaps also bracelets (Garbacz-Klempka et al., Chapter 15). Another noteworthy burial from the early phase is grave 125, in which a dyed fabric of dense yarn, undoubtedly imported from eastern Alpine region, was found (Słomska-Bolonek, Antosik, Chapter 12). A phenomenon typical of the early phase is emphasising the status of some women (but from many families) by furnishing their burials not only with prestigious imports but also with sumptuous local ornaments. Among the latter, the most important markers of status and local identity (of traditional dress?) were headbands with sewn-on bronze (less often lead) buttons. In the burial ritual, the primacy of inhumation is evident. This means that an exclusively local population substrate, cultivating traditions derived from previous eras, continued to play significant role, while the role of exogamy was perhaps still limited. Most likely before the end of the early phase, and certainly in the middle phase (Ha C2), we observe a gradual disappearance of northern stylistic inspiration in ornament making. Meanwhile, permanent contacts with the strongly Hallstattized communities from the right-bank Upper Silesia and Central Silesia continued, noticeable mainly in the spectrum of ornaments. Some references to the necropolis at Domasław are evident (decorated necklaces, painted pottery), but there are also clear differences, including the lack of adoption of costume fastened with a brooch or brooches (Fibeltracht) and the absence of aristocratic burials furnished with swords. There are also no direct parallels in Świbie for sumptuous tomb constructions (chambered graves), although this may be due to the well- established local traditions of lining the bottoms of graves with wood, building grave boxes, or using coffins. The increasing occurrence of cremation, sometimes as burials added to earlier inhumation graves (resulting in ‘biritual graves’), may be seen as an expression of the increasing openness of the local population to external influences or as a move away from endogamy. All these phenomena become more pronounced in the late phase, which we synchronise with the developed Ha C2 and Ha D1. From this stage come most of the glass beads found in Świbie. This applies to both complete necklaces and beads placed to graves in smaller numbers, and the number of burials furnished with such beads is higher than in the early phase. Silesian painted vessels, essentially absent in the early phase, now appear in more than a dozen graves, both with and without indicators of high status (Chapter 5). Most of the graves with amber come from this phase. The growing frequency of these middle-class imports is indicative of increasing egalitarianism, which is also reflected by the insignificant proportion of late phase assemblages among the richest grave furnishings in the ranking developed for the cemetery as a whole (Fig. 5.2). This was not due to the disappearance of local ways of prestige signalling – traditional headbands (diadems), for example, are still present, and are even richer (up to 140 buttons). At the same time, from the late phase onwards, all locally manufactured types of ornaments (necklaces, pins, bracelets, ankle-rings) are basically made of iron. Morphologically, these are familiar types, but the raw material from which they are made gradually changes during the middle phase. The change in raw material is often accompanied by a simplification of the original patterns. Given all the evidence for long-distance networks becoming increasingly accessible for a growing proportion of the local community, the rise in popularity of cremation, evident in the late phase and especially towards the end of cemetery’s lifespan, should come as no surprise (Fig. 6.1), as this phenomenon remains, in our view, linked to the growing role of exogamy in marital exchange. The natural and increasingly important partners in this exchange were the Silesian populations, who were also the providers of the above-mentioned goods, and who had for centuries been traditionally following cremation as their burial rite. The most recent burials deposited at Świbie are cremation burials in large pots as urns, such as grave 486 with an iron belt clasp, dated to the turn of the Ha D1/D2 period, deposited on the northern edge of the necropolis.

Abstract The great sanctuary of Athena on the Acropolis of Athens provides glimpses of its early appearance, with many small buildings colourfully decorated, several of which are known now only through the preserved fragments of architectural terracottas, carefully buried after the destruction wrought by the Persians in 480 BC. Whether these pieces may be considered representative of other roofs in Attica is hard to say, although some of the same decoration has been found at other sites in the region. 1h any case, the Acropolis material provides a picture of a system which has many common features indicative of a local style.