bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Hybrid Autocollimator
Authors: Aharon Oren , Vishnia Itai
Published: February 2021

The concept of autocollimation as an optical instrument was conceived about a century ago for accurate, non‐contact measurements of angles. Since it was invented, it has developed a long history of being used in alignment of angles and optical elements. Recent novel photonics development has created a need for alignment and measurement of optics and lasers – the new hybrid technology does exactly that.
Flow Cytometry for Immunology Research
Authors: Waldeck Ingo , Schulze Matthias
Published: February 2021

The fight against the current Covid‐19 pandemic highlights the need for, and benefits of ‘personalized medicine’. This is driving a growing demand for more detailed analysis of disease pathology as well as patients' individual immune system characteristics and hence predicted disease progression and optimum treatment. One of the consequences is that clinical labs and research facilities are looking to increase performance and usage of multiparameter flow cytometry as a key tool to analyze the cellular components of the immune system. In response, Coherent is supporting faster instrument development and increasing the number of parameters in two ways – integrated multiwavelength OEM subsystems, and new laser wavelengths in the ultraviolet, all with output beam parameters optimized for common flow cytometry platforms.
MIR Spectroscopy for Continuous Control and Monitoring of Metabolites
Authors: Baekelandt Géraldine , Müller Anja
Published: February 2021

A new measurement system, which is based on mid‐infrared spectroscopy, allows to monitor multiple bioprocesses online at the same time. Applications of the instrument are foreseen in upstream bioprocessing, in metabolite monitoring and control, as well as in downstream bioprocessing to aid in aggregation studies, contaminant detection or the monitoring of target proteins and excipients.
Essential Materials and Processes for Nano‐Imprinted Optics
Authors: Perento Jukka , Roozeman Robert , Poutanen Mikko , Kylmä Janne , Rantala Juha
Published: February 2021

Optical 3D sensors and augmented reality (AR) glasses are prime application examples of the rapidly growing interest in photonics‐based devices. Mobile devices are being equipped with 3D sensors for fingerprint and face recognition as well as with lidar, which is also utilized to help the navigation of autonomous vehicles. In addition, immersive AR glasses have been developed for augmented reality applications. These applications benefit from diffractive optics, whereas nanoimprint lithography (NIL) provides an affordable and reliable means to mass produce the same. The NIL‐compatible optical materials with a high refractive index presented here are proven to be pivotal in enabling the commercial breakthrough of these applications.
Could Your Smartphone Analyze the Coronavirus on Surfaces?
Authors: Mortelmans Koen
Published: February 2021

European researchers are developing a new generation of optical microscopes for mobile phones where LEDs and tiny detectors in the camera can detect very small structures. The ChipScope project is funded by the European Union's Research Programme Horizon 2020.
Elucidating dynamic behavior of synthetic supramolecular polymers in water by hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry
Authors: Lou Xianwen , Schoenmakers Sandra M. C. , van Dongen Joost L. J. , Garcia‐Iglesias Miguel , Casellas Nicolás M. , Fernández‐Castaño Romera Marcos , Sijbesma Rint P. , Meijer E. W. , Palmans Anja R. A.
Published: February 2021

A comprehensive understanding of the structure, self‐assembly mechanism, and dynamics of one‐dimensional supramolecular polymers in water is essential for their application as biomaterials. Although a plethora of techniques are available to study the first two properties, there is a paucity in possibilities to study dynamic exchange of monomers between supramolecular polymers in solution. We recently introduced hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX‐MS) to characterize the dynamic nature of synthetic supramolecular polymers with only a minimal perturbation of the chemical structure. To further expand the application of this powerful technique some essential experimental aspects have been reaffirmed and the technique has been applied to a diverse library of assemblies. HDX‐MS is widely applicable if there are exchangeable hydrogen atoms protected from direct contact with the solvent and if the monomer concentration is sufficiently high to ensure the presence of supramolecular polymers during dilution. In addition, we demonstrate that the kinetic behavior as probed by HDX‐MS is influenced by the internal order within the supramolecular polymers and by the self‐assembly mechanism.
Selecting packaging material for dry food products by trade‐off of sustainability and performance: A case study on cookies and milk powder
Authors: Baele Maarten , Vermeulen An , Adons Dimitri , Peeters Roos , Vandemoortele Angelique , Devlieghere Frank , De Meulenaer Bruno , Ragaert Peter
Published: February 2021

Alternative packaging concepts for two dry, shelf‐stable food products were evaluated. A trade‐off between recyclability (monolayer materials) and performance (multilayered high‐barrier materials) was made for the packaging materials. Caramellized cookies were packaged in flowpacks made of PP film (OTR 1307 cc/m2/d, WVTR 5 g/m2/d), acryl‐coated PVdC/PP film (OTR 21.8 cc/m2/d, WVTR 4.2 g/m2/d) as a reference material and metallized PP (MPP) film (OTR 31.2 cc/m2/d, WVTR 0.4 g/m2/d) and stored at 22°C and 50% relative humidity. Texture was compromised after 6 months of storage for the former two materials, while the latter provided an extension of textural acceptability. Whole milk powder was packaged in unsealed PE bags as a reference, representing a typical paper bag with a PE liner that is stapled shut without a seal. Alternative packages were sealed PE bags (OTR 1464 cc/m2/d, WVTR 3 g/m2/d), PE/PA/EVOH/PA/PE (OTR 0.25 cc/m2/d, WVTR 0.95 g/m2/d) and PA/EVOH/PA/PE (OTR 1.24 cc/m2/d, WVTR 8 g/m2/d) multilayer bags, and PP/Al/PE (OTR 0.1 cc/m2/d, WVTR 0.1 g/m2/d) bags and stored at room temperature and relative humidity between 70% and 90%. Unsealed bags were found to be unacceptable for storage at high humidity, due to excessive caking, discolouration and mould growth. Sealed PE bags provided adequate protection against moisture, yet not against oxygen ingress, leading to oxidative off‐odours. The barrier efficiency of PA/EVOH/PA/PE was compromised by the high humidity. Both PE/PA/EVOH/PA/PE and PP/Al/PE bags provided adequate protection for over a year.
Quantum‐classical path integral evaluation of reaction rates with a near‐equilibrium flux formulation
Authors: Bose Amartya , Makri Nancy
Published: February 2021

Quantum‐classical formulations of reactive flux correlation functions require the partial Weyl–Wigner transform of the thermalized flux operator, whose numerical evaluation is unstable because of phase cancelation. In a recent paper, we introduced a non‐equilibrium formulation which eliminates the need for construction of this distribution and which gives the reaction rate along with the time evolution of the reactant population. In this work, we describe a near‐equilibrium formulation of the reactive flux, which accounts for important thermal correlations between the quantum system and its environment while avoiding the numerical instabilities of the full Weyl–Wigner transform. By minimizing early‐time transients, the near‐equilibrium formulation leads to an earlier onset of the plateau regime, allowing determination of the reaction rate from short‐time dynamics. In combination with the quantum‐classical path integral methodology, the near‐equilibrium formulation offers an accurate and efficient approach for determining reaction rate constants in condensed phase environments. The near‐equilibrium formulation may also be combined with a variety of approximate quantum‐classical propagation methods.
Entanglement entropy: non-Gaussian states and strong coupling
Authors: Fernández-Melgarejo José J. , Molina-Vilaplana Javier
Published: February 2021

Abstract

In this work we provide a method to study the entanglement entropy for non-Gaussian states that minimize the energy functional of interacting quantum field theories at arbitrary coupling. To this end, we build a class of non-Gaussian variational trial wavefunctionals with the help of exact nonlinear canonical transformations. The calculability bonanza shown by these variational ansatze allows us to compute the entanglement entropy using the prescription for the ground state of free theories. In free theories, the entanglement entropy is determined by the two-point correlation functions. For the interacting case, we show that these two-point correlators can be replaced by their nonperturbatively corrected counterparts. Upon giving some general formulae for general interacting models we calculate the entanglement entropy of half space and compact regions for the ϕ4 scalar field theory in 2D. Finally, we analyze the rôle played by higher order correlators in our results and show that strong subadditivity is satisfied.
Function of Drosophila Synaptotagmins in membrane trafficking at synapses
Authors: Quiñones-Frías Mónica C. , Littleton J. Troy
Published: February 2021

The Synaptotagmin (SYT) family of proteins play key roles in regulating membrane trafficking at neuronal synapses. Using both Ca2+-dependent and Ca2+-independent interactions, several SYT isoforms participate in synchronous and asynchronous fusion of synaptic vesicles (SVs) while preventing spontaneous release that occurs in the absence of stimulation. Changes in the function or abundance of the SYT1 and SYT7 isoforms alter the number and route by which SVs fuse at nerve terminals. Several SYT family members also regulate trafficking of other subcellular organelles at synapses, including dense core vesicles (DCV), exosomes, and postsynaptic vesicles. Although SYTs are linked to trafficking of multiple classes of synaptic membrane compartments, how and when they interact with lipids, the SNARE machinery and other release effectors are still being elucidated. Given mutations in the SYT family cause disorders in both the central and peripheral nervous system in humans, ongoing efforts are defining how these proteins regulate vesicle trafficking within distinct neuronal compartments. Here, we review the Drosophila SYT family and examine their role in synaptic communication. Studies in this invertebrate model have revealed key similarities and several differences with the predicted activity of their mammalian counterparts. In addition, we highlight the remaining areas of uncertainty in the field and describe outstanding questions on how the SYT family regulates membrane trafficking at nerve terminals.
Strategy for the realisation of the International Height Reference System (IHRS)
Authors: Sánchez Laura , Ågren Jonas , Huang Jianliang , Wang Yan Ming , Mäkinen Jaakko , Pail Roland , Barzaghi Riccardo , Vergos Georgios S. , Ahlgren Kevin , Liu Qing
Published: February 2021

In 2015, the International Association of Geodesy defined the International Height Reference System (IHRS) as the conventional gravity field-related global height system. The IHRS is a geopotential reference system co-rotating with the Earth. Coordinates of points or objects close to or on the Earth’s surface are given by geopotential numbersC(P) referring to an equipotential surface defined by the conventional valueW0 = 62,636,853.4 m2 s−2, and geocentric Cartesian coordinatesXreferring to the International Terrestrial Reference System (ITRS). Current efforts concentrate on an accurate, consistent, and well-defined realisation of the IHRS to provide an international standard for the precise determination of physical coordinates worldwide. Accordingly, this study focuses on the strategy for the realisation of the IHRS; i.e. the establishment of the International Height Reference Frame (IHRF). Four main aspects are considered: (1) methods for the determination of IHRF physical coordinates; (2) standards and conventions needed to ensure consistency between the definition and the realisation of the reference system; (3) criteria for the IHRF reference network design and station selection; and (4) operational infrastructure to guarantee a reliable and long-term sustainability of the IHRF. A highlight of this work is the evaluation of different approaches for the determination and accuracy assessment of IHRF coordinates based on the existing resources, namely (1) global gravity models of high resolution, (2) precise regional gravity field modelling, and (3) vertical datum unification of the local height systems into the IHRF. After a detailed discussion of the advantages, current limitations, and possibilities of improvement in the coordinate determination using these options, we define a strategy for the establishment of the IHRF including data requirements, a set of minimum standards/conventions for the determination of potential coordinates, a first IHRF reference network configuration, and a proposal to create a component of the International Gravity Field Service (IGFS) dedicated to the maintenance and servicing of the IHRS/IHRF.
Detection of glucosamine as a marker for Aspergillus niger: a potential screening method for fungal infections
Authors: Allison Christopher L. , Moskaluk Alex , VandeWoude Sue , Reynolds Melissa M.
Published: February 2021

Several species of fungus from the genus Aspergillus are implicated in pulmonary infections in immunocompromised patients. Broad screening methods for fungal infections are desirable, as cultures require a considerable amount of time to provide results. Herein, we developed degradation and detection methods to produce and detect D-glucosamine (GlcN) from Aspergillus niger, a species of filamentous fungus. Ultimately, these techniques hold the potential to contribute to the diagnosis of pulmonary fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. In the following studies, we produced GlcN from fungal-derived chitin to serve as a marker for Aspergillus niger. To accomplish this, A. niger cells were lysed and subjected to a hydrochloric acid degradation protocol. Products were isolated, reconstituted in aqueous solutions, and analyzed using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) in tandem with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Our results indicated that GlcN was produced from A. niger. To validate these results, products obtained via fungal degradation were compared to products obtained from the degradation of two chitin polymers. The observed retention times and mass spectral extractions provided a two-step validation confirming that GlcN was produced from fungal-derived chitin. Our studies qualitatively illustrate that GlcN can be produced from A. niger; applying these methods to a more diverse range of fungi offers the potential to render a broad screening method for fungal detection pertinent to diagnosis of fungal infections.

Graphical abstract
Individual behavioural traits not social context affects learning about novel objects in archerfish
Authors: Jones Nick A. R. , Spence-Jones Helen C. , Webster Mike , Rendell Luke
Published: February 2021

Learning can enable rapid behavioural responses to changing conditions but can depend on the social context and behavioural phenotype of the individual. Learning rates have been linked to consistent individual differences in behavioural traits, especially in situations which require engaging with novelty, but the social environment can also play an important role. The presence of others can modulate the effects of individual behavioural traits and afford access to social information that can reduce the need for ‘risky’ asocial learning. Most studies of social effects on learning are focused on more social species; however, such factors can be important even for less-social animals, including non-grouping or facultatively social species which may still derive benefit from social conditions. Using archerfish,Toxotes chatareus, which exhibit high levels of intra-specific competition and do not show a strong preference for grouping, we explored the effect of social contexts on learning. Individually housed fish were assayed in an ‘open-field’ test and then trained to criterion in a task where fish learnt to shoot a novel cue for a food reward—with a conspecific neighbour visible either during training, outside of training or never (full, partial or no visible presence). Time to learn to shoot the novel cue differed across individuals but not across social context. This suggests that social context does not have a strong effect on learning in this non-obligatory social species; instead, it further highlights the importance that inter-individual variation in behavioural traits can have on learning.

Significance statement

Some individuals learn faster than others. Many factors can affect an animal’s learning rate—for example, its behavioural phenotype may make it more or less likely to engage with novel objects. The social environment can play a big role too—affecting learning directly and modifying the effects of an individual’s traits. Effects of social context on learning mostly come from highly social species, but recent research has focused on less-social animals. Archerfish display high intra-specific competition, and our study suggests that social context has no strong effect on their learning to shoot novel objects for rewards. Our results may have some relevance for social enrichment and welfare of this increasingly studied species, suggesting there are no negative effects of short- to medium-term isolation of this species—at least with regards to behavioural performance and learning tasks.
Design of a THz-driven compact relativistic electron source
Authors: Turnár Sz. , Hebling J. , Fülöp J. A. , Tóth Gy. , Almási G. , Tibai Z.
Published: February 2021

A THz-pulse-driven compact, < 150 mm in total length, two-stage electron accelerator setup was designed. It uses 2 × 2 pairs of nearly counter-propagating focused THz pulses. The effects of the initial bunch charge and the propagation direction of the THz pulses on the energy of the accelerated electrons were investigated by numerical simulations. Generation of 8 fC electron bunches with up to 340 keV energy; only 2.0% energy spread and compressed on-target duration of 200 fs is predicted using single-cycle low-frequency THz pulses with less than 4.5 mJ total energy.
Multivariate ordered logistic regression analysis of the postoperative effect of symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus
Authors: Yang Shun-Jie , Li Jian , Xue Yang , Zhang Zhong , Chen Gang
Published: February 2021

Introduction

The postoperative effect of arthroscopy in the treatment of symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) varies greatly among individuals. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the factors affecting the postoperative outcomes of symptomatic DLM.

Materials and methods

According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, patients with symptomatic single-knee DLM who underwent arthroscopic surgery at our hospital from 9/2008 to 9/2015 were included. Retrospectively collected 16 factors probably affecting postoperative outcomes. The Ikeuchi grade system was used to evaluate the knee joint function. Univariate analysis was performed by Kruskal–Wallis rank-sum test or Mann–WhitneyUtest, and multivariate analysis by ordered logistic regression.P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A sum of 502 patients was included, including 353 females (70.3%) and 149 males (29.7%). Difference between preoperative and postoperative Ikeuchi grade was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Female was bad to obtain a good Ikeuchi grade (P = 0.009, OR 0.458). Outerbridge grade (P = 0.018, OR 0.638) was negatively correlated with Ikeuchi grade. BMI (P = 0.001, OR 0.875) and work intensity (P = 0.020, OR 0.611) were inversely correlated with Ikeuchi grade. Age of onset (P < 0.001, OR 0.956) and symptoms duration (P < 0.001, OR 0.988) were negatively correlated with Ikeuchi grade. Besides, compared to total meniscectomy, meniscoplasty with a repair was an unfavourable factor for Ikeuchi grade (P = 0.044, OR 0.245).

Conclusions

With the increase of BMI, work intensity, age of onset, duration of symptoms, and the severity of cartilage lesion, the postoperative results become worse. Moreover, female and meniscoplasty with repair are risk factors for the postoperative outcomes.
“From chemo to chemo”—the temporal paradox of chemotherapy
Authors: Moskalewicz Marcin , Popova Yanna , Wiertlewska-Bielarz Jadwiga
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To uncover the experience of time in women undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.

Methods

A combination of consensual qualitative research and Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenology.

Results

The key phenomenon found and pre-reflectively organizing the patients’ experience was the temporal paradox of chemotherapy—a sense of both acceleration and deceleration in between chemotherapy sessions that desynchronizes patients with the time of others.

Conclusion

The experienced paradoxes concentrating around the timings of the chemotherapy treatments are of particular relevance for supportive care. It is particularly important to acknowledge the disturbing effect of the cyclical nature of chemotherapy.
Evolutionary origin and systematic position of Euphorbia normannii (Euphorbiaceae), an intersectional hybrid and local endemic of the Stavropol Heights (Northern Caucasus, Russia)
Authors: Frajman Božo , Geltman Dmitry
Published: February 2021

The Caucasus is one of the richest areas in the world in terms of animal and plant diversity, harbouring 6400 plant species. As a part of the Northern Caucasus, the Stavropol Heights are renowned for their local endemism, highlighted by six species of flowering plants endemic to this area. One of them is the annual speciesEuphorbia normannii, described in 1891, but with uncertain taxonomic position. We here used nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer and plastidtrnT–trnF sequences to infer the phylogenetic position ofE. normannii. The nuclear data inferred its position withinE.sect.Myrsiniteae, whereas the plastid data placed it withinE.sect.Pithyusa, thus indicating a hybrid origin. Relative genome size (RGS) data indicate thatE. normanniihas the highest RGS compared to three other annual species belonging to both sections (E. aleppica,E. gaillardotiiandE. falcata). Our data are inconclusive whetherE. normanniiis of allopolyploid or homoploid hybrid origin, or whether later hybridisation and plastid capture fromE.sect.Pithyusawas responsible for the incongruent phylogenetic signal. Morphologically,E. normanniiis distinct, as are all three before-mentioned annuals, which fall in predominately perennial sections. However, the species most similar toE. normanniiisE. falcatafromE.sect.Pithyusaand therefore we propose inclusion ofE. normanniiin this section.
4K 3-dimensional video microscope system (orbeye) for transsphenoidal pituitary surgery
Authors: Rotermund Roman , Regelsberger Jan , Osterhage Katharina , Aberle Jens , Flitsch Jörg
Published: February 2021

Background

In previous reports on experiences with an exoscope, this new technology was not found to be applicable for transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. As a specialized center for pituitary surgery, we were using a 4K 3D video microscope (Orbeye, Olympus) to evaluate the system for its use in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery in comparison to conventional microscopy.

Method

We report on 296 cases performed with the Orbeye at a single institution. An observational study was conducted with standardized subjective evaluation by the surgeons after each procedure. An objective measurement was added to compare the exoscopic and microscopic methods, involving surgery time and the initial postoperative remission rate in matched cohorts.

Results

The patients presented with a wide range of pathologies. No serious events or minor complications occurred based on the usage of the 4K 3D exoscope. There was no need for switching back to the microscope in any of the cases. Compared to our microsurgically operated collective, there was no significant difference regarding duration of surgery, complications, or extent of resection. The surgeons rated the Orbeye beneficial in regard to instrument size, positioning, surgeon’s ergonomics, learning curve, image resolution, and high magnification.

Conclusions

The Orbeye exoscope presents with optical and digital zoom options as well as a 4K image resolution and 3D visualization resulting in better depth perception and flexibility in comparison to the microscope. Split screen mode offers the complementary benefit of the endoscope which may increase the possibilities of lateral view but has to be evaluated in comparison to endoscopic transsphenoidal procedures in the next step.
Molecular characterization of clinical carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales from Qatar
Authors: Abid Fatma Ben , Tsui Clement K. M. , Doi Yohei , Deshmukh Anand , McElheny Christi L. , Bachman William C. , Fowler Erin L. , Albishawi Ahmed , Mushtaq Kamran , Ibrahim Emad B. , Doiphode Sanjay H. , Hamed Manal M. , Almaslmani Muna A. , Alkhal Abdullatif , Butt Adeel A. , Omrani Ali S.
Published: February 2021

One hundred forty-nine carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales from clinical samples obtained between April 2014 and November 2017 were subjected to whole genome sequencing and multi-locus sequence typing. Klebsiella pneumoniae (81, 54.4%) and Escherichia coli (38, 25.5%) were the most common species. Genes encoding metallo-β-lactamases were detected in 68 (45.8%) isolates, and OXA-48-like enzymes in 60 (40.3%). blaNDM-1 (45; 30.2%) and blaOXA-48 (29; 19.5%) were the most frequent. KPC-encoding genes were identified in 5 (3.6%) isolates. Most common sequence types were E. coli ST410 (8; 21.1%) and ST38 (7; 18.4%), and K. pneumoniae ST147 (13; 16%) and ST231 (7; 8.6%).
Genetics of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: König Theresa , Stögmann Elisabeth
Published: February 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of neurodegeneration in the elderly and is clinically characterized by slowly progressing cognitive decline, which most commonly affects episodic memory function. This eventually leads to difficulties in activities of daily living. Biomarker studies show that the underlying pathology of AD begins 20 years before clinical symptoms. This results in the need to define specific targets and preclinical stages in order to address the problems of this disease at an earlier point in time. Genetic studies are indispensable for gaining insight into the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases and can play a major role in the early definition of the individual disease risk. This review provides an overview of the currently known genetic features of AD.
Growing pains in local food systems: a longitudinal social network analysis on local food marketing in Baltimore County, Maryland and Chester County, Pennsylvania
Authors: Brinkley Catherine , Manser Gwyneth M. , Pesci Sasha
Published: February 2021

Local food systems are growing, and little is known about how the constellation of farms and markets change over time. We trace the evolution of two local food systems (Baltimore County, Maryland and Chester County, Pennsylvania) over six years, including a dataset of over 2690 market connections (edges) between 1520 locations (nodes). Longitudinal social network analysis reveals how the architecture, actor network centrality, magnitude, and spatiality of these supply chains shifted during the 2012–2018 time period. Our findings demonstrate that, despite growth in the number of farmers’ markets, grocery stores, farms and restaurants in both counties, each local food system also experienced high turnover rates. Over 80% of the market connections changed during the study period. Farms, farmers’ markets, and grocery stores showed a 40–50% ‘survival’ rate, indicating their role in sustaining local food systems over longer time periods. Other actors, such as restaurants, had a much higher turnover rate within the network. Both food systems became more close-knit and consolidated as the center of gravity for both local food systems pulled away from urban areas toward rural farmland. Evidence of both growth and decay within local food systems provides a new understanding of the social networks behind local food markets.
Different effects of Zn nanoparticles and ions on growth and cellular respiration in the earthworm Eisenia andrei after long-term exposure
Authors: Filipiak Zuzanna M. , Bednarska Agnieszka J.
Published: February 2021

In this study, the effects of zinc nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and ions (ZnCl2) on the mortality, growth, maturation, and cellular respiration of the earthworm Eisenia andrei were assessed. Earthworms were individually exposed for 98 days, starting from the juvenile stage, to soils contaminated with either ZnO-NPs or ZnCl2 (125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg Zn kg−1 dry weight (dw)). Exposure to the highest-concentration ionic treatments (500 and 1000 mg kg−1) caused 100% mortality, while for other treatments, mortality did not exceed 15% at the end of exposure. Compared to the control treatment, both 125–1000 mg kg−1 ZnO-NPs and 125 or 250 mg kg−1 ZnCl2 stimulated earthworm growth, which might be due to a hormetic effect. ZnO-NPs and ZnCl2 caused different responses at medium Zn concentrations (250 and 500 mg kg−1): earthworms exposed to ionic treatment at 250 mg kg−1 were characterized by a significantly lower growth constant, lower cellular respiration rate, later inflection point, and higher final body weight than those exposed to ZnO-NPs treatments at the same (250 mg kg−1) or twice as high (500 mg kg−1) nominal Zn concentrations. However, differences were not observed in all examined parameters between the studied forms when the highest-concentration ZnO-NPs treatment was compared with the lowest-concentration ionic treatment, which was likely due to the same levels of available Zn concentrations in those treatments. Overall, different growth and maturation strategies accompanied by pronounced differences in cellular respiration were adopted by earthworms exposed to low and medium levels of either ZnO-NPs or ZnCl2.
Microevolutionary change in viscerocranial bones under congeneric sympatry in the Lake Tanganyikan cichlid genus Tropheus
Authors: Kerschbaumer Michaela , Postl Lisbeth , Sturmbauer Christian
Published: February 2021

The endemic Lake Tanganyika cichlid genus Tropheus lives at rocky shores all around the lake and comprises six species which are subdivided into about 120 morphologically similar but color-wise distinct populations. Typically, they live without a second Tropheus species, but there are some regions where two or even three sister species live in sympatry. We previously showed that there are morphological differences concerning head shape, eye size and insertion of fins among populations living alone compared to those living in sympatry with a second Tropheus. This study goes one step further to test if sympatry affects the shape of viscerocranial bones. By means of geometric morphometrics, we compare the shape of four bones among thirteen Tropheus populations, some of which in sympatry and some living alone. We quantify patterns of shape variation and estimate morphological disparity among the four bony elements in the study species and populations. We found consistent differences in the shape of one bony element among non-sympatric and sympatric populations, besides an extensive variation in the shape of viscerocranial bones within and among species. Furthermore, sexual dimorphism in Tropheus is clearly evident in the viscerocranial bones analyzed. We suggest that the relatively subtle morphological signal in sympatric vs. non-sympatric Tropheus populations is owed to the fact that the depth segregation does not yet represent a full shift in the trophic niche, albeit our data confirm that differences in ecologically relevant traits, such as bones of the preorbital region, play an important role in the process of niche separation and in the context of explosive diversification of cichlid fishes.
Extraction of laminarin from Saccharina latissima seaweed using cross-flow filtration
Authors: Sterner Martin , Gröndahl Fredrik
Published: February 2021

Laminarin is a low-molecular-weight polysaccharide found in seaweed (kelp), often in equal concentrations to that in the commercially important hydrocolloid alginate. However, while alginate can be easily recovered by dissolution followed by acid precipitation, for laminarin, there is no such straightforward way of recovering it. Laminarin can be used as dietary fiber and, if efficiently extracted, it may be used for functional food/feed applications and as a component in plant defense stimulants for agriculture. One way of concentrating laminarin from dilute solutions is to press the solution through ultrafine membranes that the molecules cannot pass through. When alginate is extracted, an acid pretreatment step is used and the dilute acid residue from that process also contains laminarin. We used cross-flow filtration to concentrate laminarin from Saccharina latissima, retrieving it from the dilute acid solution of the acid pretreatment of an alginate extraction. Three ceramic membranes with 5, 15, and 50 kDa molecular weight cutoffs were used, and the pressure, temperature, and feed velocity were altered to reveal which parameters controlled the flow through the membrane and how efficiently laminarin was concentrated. The effects on laminarin extraction for fresh vs. frozen biomass were evaluated showing that frozen biomass releases more laminarin with a similar biomass homogenization technique. Thermal and microbial degradation of the feed components was studied during the course of the filtrations, showing that microbial degradation can affect the laminarin concentration, while the temperature of the process ~ 65 °C had little impact on laminarin. The techniques used to monitor the components in the feed and permeate during filtration were nuclear magnetic resonance, 1H-NMR, and size exclusion chromatography. The filtrations were performed in a pilot-size filtration unit with ceramic membranes (ZrO2/TiO2, TiO2-Al2O support, 0.08 m2). To be able to operate without quick membrane fouling, the most important parameter was to have a high liquid velocity over the membrane, 4.7 m s−1. A good technique to concentrate laminarin was to prefilter it through a 50-kDa membrane using 2 bar liquid pressure and to concentrate it over a 5-kDa membrane using 5-bar liquid pressure. With these settings, the liquid flux through the filter became 60–80 and 30–40 L m−2 h−1 over the 50-kDa and 5-kDa membrane.
Centriolar defects, centrin 1 alterations, and FISH studies in human spermatozoa of a male partner of a couple that produces aneuploid embryos in natural and artificial fertilization
Authors: Moretti Elena , Noto Daria , Guazzo Raffaella , Menchiari Andrea , Belmonte Giuseppe , Collodel Giulia
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To study the potential paternal contribution to aneuploidies in the man of a couple who obtained trisomic embryos with natural and assisted fertilization.

Methods

Semen analysis, immunofluorescence for localization of tubulin and centrin 1, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis for chromosomes 18 and 9 were performed. Sperm of fertile men were used as controls.

Results

The percentages of sperm motility and normal forms were decreased. The percentages of sperm with tail reduced in dimension, headless tails, coiled tails, and altered head-tail junction were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the patient than in controls, whereas the percentage of sperm with a normal centrin 1 localization (two spots in the centriolar area) was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in the patient. Immunofluorescence with anti-tubulin antibody showed that in most of the patient’s sperm connecting pieces (83.00 ± 1.78%), two spots were present, indicating prominent proximal centriole/centriolar adjunct and evident distal centriole, whereas controls’ sperm displayed a single spot, indicating the proximal centriole. The percentage of sperm with two spots was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the patient than in controls. TEM analysis showed that centriolar adjuncts of the patient’s sperm were significantly longer (721.80 ± 122.26 nm) than in controls’ sperm (310.00 ± 64.11 nm; P < 0.001). The aneuploidy frequencies of the patient’s sperm, detected by FISH analysis, were increased with respect to controls.

Conclusion

A paternal contribution to sperm aneuploidies cannot be excluded since the patient’s sperm showed altered morphology, immature centriolar adjunct, presence of evident distal centriole, scarce presence of centrin 1, and high aneuploidy frequency.
The Adenosine A2A Receptor Activation in Nucleus Accumbens Suppress Cue-Induced Reinstatement of Propofol Self-administration in Rats
Authors: Dong Zhanglei , Huang Bingwu , Jiang Chenchen , Chen Jiangfan , Lin Han , Lian Qingquan , Wu Binbin
Published: February 2021

Propofol has shown strong addictive properties in rats and humans. Adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) modulate dopamine signal and addictive behaviors such as cocaine- and amphetamine-induced self-administration. However, whether A2AR can modulate propofol addiction remains unknown. AAV-shA2AR was intra-NAc injected 3 weeks before the propofol self-administration training to test the impacts of NAc A2AR on establishing the self-administration model with fixed ratio 1 (FR1) schedule. Thereafter, the rats were withdrawal from propofol for 14 days and tested cue-induced reinstatement of propofol seeking behavior on day 15. The propofol withdrawal rats received one of the doses of CGS21680 (A2AR agonist, 2.5–10.0 ng/site), MSX-3 (A2AR antagonist, 5.0–20.0 μg/site) or eticlopride (D2 receptor (D2R) antagonist, 0.75–3.0 μg/site) or vehicle via intra-NAc injection before relapse behavior test. The numbers of active and inactive nose-poke response were recorded. Focal knockdown A2AR by shA2AR did not affect the acquisition of propofol self-administration behavior, but enhance cue-induced reinstatement of propofol self-administration compared with the AAV-shCTRLgroup. Pharmacological activation of the A2AR by CGS21680 (≥ 5.0 ng/site) attenuated cue-induced reinstatement of propofol self-administration behavior. Similarly, pharmacological blockade of D2R by eticlopride (0.75–3.0 μg/site) attenuated propofol seeking behavior. These effects were reversed by the administration of MSX-3 (5.0–20.0 μg/site). The A2AR- and D2R-mediated effects on propofol relapse were not confounded by the learning process, and motor activity as the sucrose self-administration and locomotor activity were not affected by all the treatments. This study provides genetic and pharmacological evidence that NAc A2AR activation suppresses cue-induced propofol relapse in rats, possibly by interacting with D2R.
Hölder Continuous Regularity of Stochastic Convolutions with Distributed Delay
Authors: Liu Kai
Published: February 2021

In this work, we consider the Hölder continuous regularity of stochastic convolutions for a class of linear stochastic retarded functional differential equations with distributed delay in Hilbert spaces. By focusing on distributed delays, we first establish some more delicate estimates for fundamental solutions than those given in Liu (Discrete Contin. Dyn. Syst. Ser. B 25(4), 1279–1298, 2020). Then we apply these estimates to stochastic convolutions incurred by distributed delay to study their regularity property. Last, we present some easily-verified results by considering the regularity of a class of systems whose delay operators have the same order derivatives as those in instantaneous ones.
Disobedience of Judges as a Problem of Legal Philosophy and Comparative Constitutionalism: A Polish Case
Authors: Pilich Mateusz
Published: February 2021

The article takes up the difficult problem of the so-called disobedience of judges against the background of the experiences of the Polish departure from constitutional democracy in 2015–2020. The special role and responsibility of a judge in the state imposes restrictions on her freedom of opinion in the public sphere. Openly manifesting opposition to government policy, which in the case of an ordinary citizen is only the implementation of human rights and freedoms, may be described as controversial and contrary to applicable ethical regulations. The main thesis of this paper is the assertion that although judges who act as impartial arbitrators in disputes should generally refrain from ostentatiously opposing the actions of political authorities, they are not deprived of the possibility of protest. Also in the exercise of office, and not outside the sphere of their duties, judges should take into account overriding moral values that should be implemented by the legal order, and not the values or declarations guiding the government policies. The integrity of the judge, which prescribes restraint in statements and actions in the public sphere, as well as the care for the dignity of the office held, should not be confused with absolute subordination to the legislature or the executive, even if the judge is obliged to apply the law. The traditional attitude of the members of the judiciary, consisting in focusing only on the application of the law in individual cases and the lack of any political involvement, is being reviewed in the face of the spread of majoritarianism and the law abuse as normal techniques of exercising public authority. The disobedience of judges—although difficult to defend at first sight—may seem to be the only possible way to draw public attention to the corruption of the state system. The ‘disobediant’ judges can even be assigned the role of ‘whistleblowers’, which should help to ease their legal liability or their future rehabilitation.
Clinical and radiological correlates of activities of daily living in cerebellar atrophy caused by PMM2 mutations (PMM2-CDG)
Authors: Pettinato Fabio , Mostile Giovanni , Battini Roberta , Martinelli Diego , Madeo Annalisa , Biamino Elisa , Frattini Daniele , Garozzo Domenico , Gasperini Serena , Parini Rossella , Sirchia Fabio , Sortino Giuseppe , Sturiale Luisa , Matthijs Gert , Morrone Amelia , Di Rocco Maja , Rizzo Renata , Jaeken Jaak , Fiumara Agata , Barone Rita
Published: February 2021

We aimed to identify clinical, molecular and radiological correlates of activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with cerebellar atrophy caused by PMM2 mutations (PMM2-CDG), the most frequent congenital disorder of glycosylation. Twenty-six PMM2-CDG patients (12 males; mean age 13 ± 11.1 years) underwent a standardized assessment to measure ADL, ataxia (brief ataxia rating scale, BARS) and phenotype severity (Nijmegen CDG rating scale, NCRS). MRI biometry of the cerebellum and the brainstem were performed in 23 patients (11 males; aged 5 months–18 years) and 19 control subjects with equal gender and age distributions. The average total ADL score was 15.3 ± 8.5 (range 3–32 out of 36 indicating severe functional disability), representing variable functional outcome in PMM2-CDG patients. Total ADL scores were significantly correlated with NCRS (r2 = 0.55, p < 0.001) and BARS scores (r2 = 0.764; p < 0.001). Severe intellectual disability, peripheral neuropathy, and severe PMM2 variants were all significantly associated with worse functional outcome. Higher ADL scores were significantly associated with decreased diameters of cerebellar vermis (r2 = 0.347; p = 0.004), hemispheres (r2 = 0.436; p = 0.005), and brainstem, particularly the mid-pons (r2 = 0.64; p < 0.001) representing the major radiological predictor of functional disability score in multivariate regression analysis. We show that cerebellar syndrome severity, cognitive level, peripheral neuropathy, and genotype correlate with ADL used to quantify disease-related deficits in PMM2-CDG. Brainstem involvement should be regarded among functional outcome predictors in patients with cerebellar atrophy caused by PMM2-CDG.
Documenting Contact and Thinking with Skin: A Dermatological Approach to the Study of Police Street Checks
Authors: Lam Anita , Bryan Timothy
Published: February 2021

In contrast to quantitative studies that rely on numerical data to highlight racial disparities in police street checks, this article offers a qualitative methodology for examining how histories of anti-Blackness configure civilians’ experiences of present-day policing. Taking theHalifax Street Checks Reportas our primary object of analysis, we apply an innovative dermatological approach, demonstrating how skin itself becomes meaningful when police officers and civilians make contact in the process of a street check. We explore how street checks become an occasion for epidermalization, whereby a law enforcement practice projects onto the skins of civilians locally specific histories and emotions. To think with skin, we focus on the narratives shared by African Nova Scotians, a group that has been street checked at higher rates than their white counterparts. By doing so, we argue that current debates about police street checks in Halifax must attend to the emotional stakes of police-initiated encounters in order to fully appreciate the lived experience of street checks for Black civilians.
Early Cambrian (Stage 4) brachiopods from the Shipai Formation in the Three Gorges area of South China
Authors: Duan Xiaolin , Betts Marissa J. , Holmer Lars E. , Chen Yanlong , Liu Fan , Liang Yue , Zhang Zhifei
Published: February 2021

Diverse and abundant fossil taxa have been described in the lower Cambrian Shipai Formation in the Three Gorges area of Hubei Province, South China, but the taxonomy and diversity of the co-occurring brachiopod fauna are still far from clear. Here we describe the brachiopod fauna recovered from the Shipai Formation in the Three Gorges area of South China, including representatives of the subphylum Linguliformea: linguloids (Lingulellotreta ergalievi,Eoobolus malongensis, and Neobolidae gen. indet. sp. indet.), and an acrotretoid (Linnarssonia sapushanensis); and representatives from the subphylum Rhynchonelliformea: the calcareous-shelled Kutorginates (Kutorgina sinensis,Kutorginasp., andNisusia liantuoensis). This brachiopod assemblage and the first occurrence ofLinnarssonia sapushanensisshell beds permit correlation of the Shipai Formation in the Three Gorges area of Hubei Province with the Stage 4 Wulongqing Formation in the Wuding area of eastern Yunnan. This correlation is further strengthened by the first appearance datum (FAD) of the rhynchonelliform brachiopodNisusiain the upper silty mudstone of both the Shipai and Wulongqing formations. The new well-preserved material, derived from siliciclastic rocks, also gives critical new insights into the fine shell structure ofL.sapushanensis. Microstructural studies on micromorphic acrotretoids (likeLinnarssonia) have previously been restricted to fossils that were acid-etched from limestones. This is the first study to carry out detailed comparative ultrastructural studies on acrotretoid shells preserved in siliciclastic rocks. This work reveals a hollow tube and solid column microstructure in the acrotretoid shells from the Shipai Formation, which is likely to be equivalent of traditional column and central canal observed in shells dissolved from limestones.
Interest group lobbying and partisan polarization in the United States: 1999–2016
Authors: Garlick Alex
Published: February 2021

Abstact

The lobbying activity of interest groups has been overlooked as a contributing factor to legislative party polarization in the United States. Using bill-level data from Congress and three state legislatures, I show floor votes on bills lobbied by more non-profit interest groups are more polarized by party. The state legislative data demonstrate the robustness of the relationship between lobbying and polarization, showing it is not an artifact of party agenda control, salience, or bill content. Increased lobbying from these groups in recent years helps explain high levels of partisan polarization in Congress and an uneven pattern across the state legislatures.