bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Police Development and Protection of Soft Targets
Authors: Hrinko Martin , Palička David , Hájek Leoš , Kubický Petr
Published: April 2020

This paper describes the function and development of the requirements for modern and high-quality equipment and accessories and also equipment used by the specialized units of the police force of the ČR with a practical example. This is offered in the form of a draft requirement for a transport means – a multifunctional special vehicle, intended specifically to intervene in situations against demonstrators, extremists, and football hooligans. At the same time, this paper briefly describes the system of collecting information regarding other modern means used by other security forces and also those which are available on the market, which are then (if suitable and also upon experience from abroad) proposed for development and use under the conditions of the Czech Police practices.
Behavior of Space Charge in Polyimide and the Influence on Power Semiconductor Device Reliability
Authors: Tajiri Kunihiko , Muto Hirotaka , Marty-Dessus Didier , Berquez Laurent , Teyssedre Gilbert , Locatelli Marie-Laure , Diaham Sombel , Griseri Virginie , Carrasco Flora
Published: April 2020

Polyimide is widely used in film form as a passivation material for power semiconductor devices such as Si, SiC, and GaN. The magnitude of the electric field at the edge termination area of these semiconductor devices is becoming higher due to the increase of operational voltage and/or demand for shrinking the edge termination area to increase device active area. Hence, it is concerned that the accumulation of space charge in the encapsulation and passivation material may affect the insulation performance of these devices, for example, the degradation of withstand voltage due to distortion of the internal electric field caused by space charge accumulation. To design space charge resistance of semiconductor devices, it is important to understand the space charge behavior in polyimide films with a thickness of several to several tens of micrometers. This chapter addresses practical implementation, specifications, and issues on space charge in polyimide insulation on power semiconductor devices focusing on the space charge measurements in thin polyimide films using the latest developed LIMM method and DC conductivity measurements.
Christianity and Crisis
Authors: Svenungsson Jayne ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2020

This article examines how European narratives of crisis have been related to religion in different periods by different factions and with varying purposes. It first takes a look at some tendencies in the pre- and interwar era, during which religion was used both as part of a conservative, nationalistic narrative of crisis and as part of a progressive anti-nationalistic narrative of crisis. Secondly, it revisits some of the post-war debates, in which religion—or the biblical legacy—was commonly depicted as the root of the ideological perversions that had caused Europe’s recent crises. Yet at the same time, religion was also laid claim to as a constructive force in the building of post-war Europe, not least by the founding fathers of the European Union. Thirdly, the paper seeks to map the contemporary European landscape with regard to religion in various political and cultural discourses. Like in previous eras, religion is today laid claim to for various and often conflicting purposes. Against this backdrop, the paper ends by briefly pondering the critical role of theology in contemporary Europe.
GHQ-12 in adolescents: contributions to the controversial factorial validity
Authors: Pedrero Pérez Eduardo J. , Mora-Rodríguez Carlos , Rodríguez Gómez Rosana , Benítez-Robredo María Teresa , Ordóñez-Franco Ana , González-Robledo Lidio , Méndez-Gago Susana
Published: April 2020

Objective: The GHQ-12 is one of the most widely used questionnaires in the adult population, but there are not as many studies exploring its applicability in adolescents. The main problem is the diversity of results on its factorial structure, as different studies have shown one, two or three dimensions. The purpose of this study was to explore the GHQ-12 factorial structure for adolescents. Method: An observational multicenter cross-sectional descriptive study was designed for schools in the city of Madrid. A random sample of n=2,171, 14-16-year-olds was stratified by the school’s development level and funding (public, private or mixed). Unrestricted factor analysis was applied based on the polychoric or tetrachoric correlations matrix (depending on the test scoring method). Results: The optimized parallel analysis provided an unequivocal one-factor structure, confirmed by unidimensionality assessment. Around 30% of male and 42% of female adolescents were found to be at risk of developing mental health problems. Conclusions: The GHQ-12 is a one-dimensional test for screening psychological distress, with excellent psychometric properties for its application in an adolescent population. The use of adequate statistical methods can overcome old controversies and promote proper application and interpretation of the results provided by the test.
PRODUCTION OF A DUAL PHASE STEEL FROM A LOW CARBON MICROALLOYED STEEL
Authors: NAVARRO FARFAN JORGE ANTONIO , GARNICA GONZALEZ PEDRO , PACHECO CEDEÑO JOSE SERGIO , LOPEZ SORIA JOSE JAIME , GUTIÉRREZ  BARAJAS IVAN
Published: April 2020

A dual phase steel was manufactured with the chemical composition established for a microalloyed steel, in order to take advantage of the hardening mechanisms of both steels. The treatment temperature was established based on the critical transformation temperatures obtained by dilatometric techniques and simulated phase transformation diagrams. The specimens were hot rolled in a six continuous passes with a total rolling time of 65 seconds up to 47% thickness reduction. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used for microstructural characterization in order to obtain the average ferritic grain diameter and volume fraction of ferrite and martensite. Vickers microhardness for each phases was determined and tension tests were performed to obtain the ultimate tensile strenght, 0.2% offset yield strength, percent reduction in area and percent elongation. Microstructures composed of ferrite and martensite were obtained, with a 35.98% average percent of martensite. The average ultimate tensile strenght values and and percent elongation were 719 MPa and 22%, respectivelly. The use of simulated time-temperature-transformation and continuous-cooling-transformation diagrams, as well as the thermal history of thermomechanical and intercritical processes, proved to be useful in the development of processing routes for the manufacture of dual-phase steels with a specific chemical composition. The precipitation mechanisms present in microalloyed steels enhance the microstructure refinement in a dual phase condition.
TEST BENCH FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF HYDROSTATIC BEARINGS
Authors: BERROTARAN SAAVEDRA IBAI , URRETA PRIETO HARKAITZ , LOPEZ  DE LA CALLE MARCAIDE LUIS NORBERTO
Published: April 2020

In this research work, an experimental test bench has been designed and constructed to analyze the behavior of lubricated bearings, and validate an own developed theoretical model for bearings calculations. The test bench is composed of a high precision shaft (lapped and guided by ultraprecision rolling bearings) and in the middle of the two rest points a lubricated bearing test is located. This lubricated bearing is fully monitored, with positioning probes (micrometric resolution), pressure gauges and temperature sensors. The bearing has four pads, and each pad has been monitored. The oil is pumped at constant pressure and controlled temperature, this way different operating conditions can be tested. The flow-rate of inlet fluid is measured by a flow meter. The load is applied in the radial direction, by a hydraulic actuator directly to the bearing, with a system of ropes that ensures a controlled direction of the pulling force and stability in the experiment. Axial movement is limited by rolling elements, this way the movement of the bearing is limited to the vertical plane, measuring 2D displacements in positioning probes. The bearing is manufactured with sliding polymer material, by injection process. This solution allows quick changes in the shape of the bearing’s recesses, from designs closer to hydrostatic lubrication, or hydrodynamic ones. The experimental results have been used to validate a model of bearings lubrication from internal development . This model is based on Reynolds equation solution for hydrodynamic lubrication on the bearing lands, and hydrostatic lubrication for recesses, following the current bibliography. Therefore, a test bench for hydrostatic bearing has been developed in order to vatidate a theoretical model for bearings calculations.

Keywords: Hydrostatic bearings, hydrodynamic lubrication, test bench, machine tool, spindle.
FINANCING RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS THROUGH CROWDFUNDING: THE CITIZENERGY PROJECT
Authors: DURAN SANTOMIL PABLO , RODEIRO PAZOS DAVID , FERNANDEZ LOPEZ SARA
Published: April 2020

La utilización de fuentes de energía renovables ha aumentado en las últimas décadas, pero el acceso al capital es la principal barrera en el denominado financiamiento verde. Los proyectos del sector de energía renovable (proyectos RES) son generalmente más costosos, con mayor riesgo y un mayor plazo de recuperación. El crowdfunding se ha convertido en una nueva y atractiva fuente de financiación para proyectos RES, donde éstos son financiados por una "multitud" de personas.
COMPREHENSIVE MODEL FOR THE ANALYSIS OF FEASIBILITY OF THE USE OF THERMOACTIVE BUILDING SYSTEMS IN OFFICE BUILDINGS IN CHILE
Authors: GALVEZ HUERTA MIGUEL ANGEL , BARRAZA RODRIGO , HORMAZABAL POBLETE NINA , CURINAO ALVARO , GIL LOPEZ TOMAS
Published: April 2020

The work addresses the construction of a simplified
computational model to evaluate the feasibility of the use of
Thermo Active Buildings Systems (TABS) for office buildings in
Chile, in order to set the theoretical basis for the design and
dimensioning of these systems in the Chilean context, taking
into account specific local conditions like its high seismic risk
and the extreme variation of climates. To do so, an analytic
model has been conceived, using the Engineering Equation
Solver (EES) software. Firstly, a simple base model for a typical
office building has been developed, and has been next applied
to the climate conditions of eight climatic zones, ranging from
the Atacama Desert to the Patagonia region. The results show
a quite different performance of the system depending of the
ambient conditions. They also reveal relevant aspects to be
considered when designing TABS, such as the control strategies. The information obtained with the model will eventually serve as a base line to choose the appropriate set of design strategies for each climatic zone.
DESIGN METHODOLOGY FOR PORTAL FRAMES OF BUILDING STRUCTURES UNDER HORIZONTAL FORCES. PARTICULAR CASE ANALYSED
Authors: CARRILLO  ALONSO LUIS , PICAZO IRANZO ALVARO , ALONSO VERA JUAN ANTONIO
Published: April 2020

In this paper an analysis of building frames under horizontal actions is presented. Firstly the theoretical behavior is studied, and then a strut and ties model is proposed based on results obtained in an auxiliary finit element model.
Thus, it has been first described the particular features of the structural problem, on the one hand the seismic action and on the other structural mechanism that it involves. Then a particular analysis of a node has been carried out, in the case of a frame with a specific configuration. This fem model allows to check the hypothesis adopted for the strut and ties calculations that are proposed as the solution of the problem.
In this way, the main intention of this article is not to show a general approach to the issue of portal frames under seismic forces. Instead of this, the main goal of this paper is to propose a methodology based on simple calculation models that let solve the structural problem.
A biographical study of Neolithic hoarding
Authors: Sørensen Casper , Bjørnevad Mathias , Bye-Jensen Peter
Published: April 2020

The tradition of hoarding axeheads is a well-known phenomenon within the first agrarian societies on the North European Plain. Unfortunately, the majority of known hoards have been found as stray finds or under circumstances with poor or no documentation, leading to considerable source critical issues. However, in this paper we analyze four hoards that have either been professionally excavated or have had their find circumstances recorded and are all found within the same geographical area along the southern Limfjord region of Denmark. The detailed contextual information of these hoards is used as a foundation for interpreting these hoards and question the oft-repeated dualistic categorization of hoards as wetland or dryland phenomena. The analytical method employed in this study uses micro- and macroscopic observations to create biographies for the axeheads and to so shed new light on hoarding practices. This approach challenges the previous macro-scale approaches. The results in the study provide a detailed insight on production, use-life, exchange and deposition of axeheads in hoards within the TRB. The aim of the paper is to forward this analytical approach and to offer a fresh perspective on the TRB hoards. In concluding, avenues for future research and debate are sketched out.
L’interdiction de signes religieux en entreprise : regards croisés autour de la protection du salarié en France et au Québec
Authors: Parent Sébastien , Fleury Pauline
Published: April 2020

Dans la tourmente d’une récente intervention législative au Québec qui restreint le port de signes religieux pour certains agents et agentes de l’État occupant une fonction d’autorité, une volonté d’étendre cette nouvelle conception de la neutralité au sein d’espaces privés, comme l’entreprise, pourrait émerger. La validité d’une politique interdisant le port de signes religieux en milieu de travail doit, toutefois, être analysée à l’aune de la liberté de religion et du droit à l’égalité des travailleurs, ce qui sollicitera inévitablement l’interprétation du juge. À cet égard, la France dispose de précédents très précis sur cette question, alors que le Québec fait l’objet d’une riche jurisprudence en matière d’accommodement raisonnable pour motifs religieux, qui permet aussi d’y répondre.

Or, en présence d’une problématique identique dans l’entreprise, qui mobilise de surcroît les mêmes droits fondamentaux des travailleurs, un regard croisé entre la France et le Québec révèle les chemins diamétralement opposés empruntés par les juges de chacun de ces espaces nationaux. Ces divergences s’observent aussi bien à l’occasion du contrôle de la légitimité de l’interdiction de signes religieux adoptée par l’employeur qu’au moment de circonscrire les mesures qu’il devra prendre afin d’éviter le congédiement du salarié. Plus encore, le fardeau financier que l’entreprise aura à supporter, au terme de cet exercice, se situe aux antipodes. Dans l’ensemble, cette analyse comparative met en évidence l’impact décisif du travail interprétatif du juge sur la protection de l’emploi, en ne manquant pas de discuter des possibilités que la logique française se transporte en droit québécois.
The Political Economy of Employment Regulation in Small Developing Countries
Authors: Arrowsmith James , Parker Jane
Published: April 2020

It is generally accepted that employment regulation offers mechanisms to generate orderly economic growth as well as provide for the protection of workers. Both these efficiency and equity arguments particularly pertain to developing country contexts. The evolution and impact of employment law and industrial relations institutions in large developing countries is of growing interest to western scholars, but small developing countries have been ignored. This lack of research inhibits understanding of the political economy of employment regulation in developing country contexts.

This article explores developments in labour regulation in three small developing countries in the South Pacific—Nauru, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea—that have been impacted by globalization and international labour regulation in different ways. The comparative research adopts a stakeholder analysis approach based on programs of qualitative interviews and documentary analysis.

The paper identifies a number of structural and agency constraints on the development and effective implementation of employment regulatory systems that primarily reflect political factors. These include disorganized employment relations, under-developed civil society institutions, concentration of power networks, the under-resourcing and compartmentalization of state institutions and a broader context of political change and instability. These factors, which are related to country size as well as stage of development, subvert the introduction, implementation and review of employment regulation even where efficiency and equity arguments may be accepted by policymakers. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications and need for future research.
Canadian Administrative Law: The Case for Judicial Humility
Authors: Silberman Abella Rosalie
Published: April 2020

For decades, the Supreme Court of Canada has contemplated the appropriate standard of judicial review of decisions by administrative tribunals. The Court has grappled with the tension between the role of, and relationship between, courts and tribunals. The author, who has been both a judge and a tribunal member, argues for an attitude of humility towards these administrative bodies. With this approach, the author argues, even those most skeptical of tribunals might recognize their value as less formal, more expeditious, more expert, and binding dispute resolution mechanisms that complement—rather than detract from or compete with—courts. They may come to appreciate tribunals as the court’s institutional justice sibling, pursuing similar ends through different means.
Sociología y Ciencias Sociales en tiempos de crisis pandémica
Authors: Fernández Esquinas Manuel
Published: April 2020

En este artículo se realiza una discusión sobre el papel de la sociología, junto a otras ciencias sociales, para analizar algunos aspectos sociales de la crisis provocada por la pandemia del COVID-19. Para ello se acude a condicionantes sociales provenientes de la estructura social, la cultura, el poder y la autoridad de los científicos y la construcción de instituciones relacionadas con la salud y la I+D. Los efectos de la pande- mia se abordan teniendo en cuenta las consecuencias previstas y no previstas del confinamiento. En las conclusiones se incluyen reflexiones sobre el impacto de la crisis en las ciencias sociales.
La escuela o el vacío completo
Authors: Garcia Martínez Vicent , Hernàndez Coscollà Carles , Hernàndez Dobon Francesc Jesús
Published: April 2020

Este artículo utiliza una imagen pictórica en un doble sentido. En primer lugar, plantea el punto ciego de la preocupación por la brecha digital en el confinamiento por la COVID-19, a saber, la diferencia de rendimiento en la situación anterior correlacionada con la disposición de mercancías domésticas. En segundo lugar, utiliza la expresión de la pura no objetividad en relación a la posibilidad de extraer de Bourdieu y Passeron una teoría de la escuela como el medio cero o nulo, a la manera de Enzensberger.
Sobre la impertinencia de las políticas austericidas: algunos efectos y reflexiones desde el ámbito de la universidad.
Authors: Langa-Rosado Delia
Published: April 2020

En esta aportación se describirán brevemente cuáles fueron las principales transformaciones en las condiciones de acceso y permanencia en los estudios universitarios que tuvieron lugar a partir de las reformas post- 2012 en un escenario de austeridad en el gasto público. Se parte del más reciente trabajo de investigación de la autora en torno a esta temática y se concluye con el carácter de reajuste clasista a que dichos cambios dieron lugar.  En un apartado final se esbozan algunos argumentos que, en el contexto actual de crisis sanitaria y social, refuerzan la valoración de la inoportunidad de ese giro inequitativo en la política universitaria.
Entrevistas a representantes sindicales
Authors: Team RASE Editorial
Published: April 2020

Entrevistas a representantes sindicales sobre el trabajo docente no presencial.
An advanced cell cycle tag toolbox reveals principles underlying temporal control of structure-selective nucleases
Authors: Bittmann Julia , Grigaitis Rokas , Galanti Lorenzo , Amarell Silas , Wilfling Florian , Matos Joao , Pfander Boris
Published: April 2020

Cell cycle tags allow to restrict target protein expression to specific cell cycle phases. Here, we present an advanced toolbox of cell cycle tag constructs in budding yeast with defined and compatible peak expression that allow comparison of protein functionality at different cell cycle phases. We apply this technology to the question of how and when Mus81-Mms4 and Yen1 nucleases act on DNA replication or recombination structures. Restriction of Mus81-Mms4 to M phase but not S phase allows a wildtype response to various forms of replication perturbation and DNA damage in S phase, suggesting it acts as a post-replicative resolvase. Moreover, we use cell cycle tags to reinstall cell cycle control to a deregulated version of Yen1, showing that its premature activation interferes with the response to perturbed replication. Curbing resolvase activity and establishing a hierarchy of resolution mechanisms are therefore the principal reasons underlying resolvase cell cycle regulation.
Dual histone methyl reader ZCWPW1 facilitates repair of meiotic double strand breaks in male mice
Authors: Mahgoub Mohamed , Paiano Jacob , Bruno Melania , Wu Wei , Pathuri Sarath , Zhang Xing , Ralls Sherry , Cheng Xiaodong , Nussenzweig André , Macfarlan Todd S
Published: April 2020

Meiotic crossovers result from homology-directed repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Unlike yeast and plants, where DSBs are generated near gene promoters, in many vertebrates DSBs are enriched at hotspots determined by the DNA binding activity of the rapidly evolving zinc finger array of PRDM9 (PR domain zinc finger protein 9). PRDM9 subsequently catalyzes tri-methylation of lysine 4 and lysine 36 of Histone H3 in nearby nucleosomes. Here, we identify the dual histone methylation reader ZCWPW1, which is tightly co-expressed during spermatogenesis with Prdm9, as an essential meiotic recombination factor required for efficient repair of PRDM9-dependent DSBs and for pairing of homologous chromosomes in male mice. In sum, our results indicate that the evolution of a dual histone methylation writer/reader (PRDM9/ZCWPW1) system in vertebrates remodeled genetic recombination hotspot selection from an ancestral static pattern near genes towards a flexible pattern controlled by the rapidly evolving DNA binding activity of PRDM9.
Effects of fluorescent glutamate indicators on neurotransmitter diffusion and uptake
Authors: Armbruster Moritz , Dulla Chris G , Diamond Jeffrey S
Published: April 2020

Genetically encoded fluorescent glutamate indicators (iGluSnFRs) enable neurotransmitter release and diffusion to be visualized in intact tissue. Synaptic iGluSnFR signal time courses vary widely depending on experimental conditions, often lasting 10–100 times longer than the extracellular lifetime of synaptically released glutamate estimated with uptake measurements. iGluSnFR signals typically also decay much more slowly than the unbinding kinetics of the indicator. To resolve these discrepancies, here we have modeled synaptic glutamate diffusion, uptake and iGluSnFR activation to identify factors influencing iGluSnFR signal waveforms. Simulations suggested that iGluSnFR competes with transporters to bind synaptically released glutamate, delaying glutamate uptake. Accordingly, synaptic transporter currents recorded from iGluSnFR-expressing astrocytes in mouse cortex were slower than those in control astrocytes. Simulations also suggested that iGluSnFR reduces free glutamate levels in extrasynaptic spaces, likely limiting extrasynaptic receptor activation. iGluSnFR and lower affinity variants, nonetheless, provide linear indications of vesicle release, underscoring their value for optical quantal analysis.
Yap-lin28a axis targets let7-Wnt pathway to restore progenitors for initiating regeneration
Authors: Ye Zhian , Su Zhongwu , Xie Siyu , Liu Yuye , Wang Yongqiang , Xu Xi , Zheng Yiqing , Zhao Meng , Jiang Linjia
Published: April 2020

The sox2 expressing (sox2+) progenitors in adult mammalian inner ear lose the capacity to regenerate while progenitors in the zebrafish lateral line are able to proliferate and regenerate damaged HCs throughout lifetime. To mimic the HC damage in mammals, we have established a zebrafish severe injury model to eliminate both progenitors and HCs. The atoh1a expressing (atoh1a+) HC precursors were the main population that survived post severe injury, and gained sox2 expression to initiate progenitor regeneration. In response to severe injury, yap was activated to upregulate lin28a transcription. Severe-injury-induced progenitor regeneration was disabled in lin28a or yap mutants. In contrary, overexpression of lin28a initiated the recovery of sox2+ progenitors. Mechanistically, microRNA let7 acted downstream of lin28a to activate Wnt pathway for promoting regeneration. Our findings that lin28a is necessary and sufficient to regenerate the exhausted sox2+ progenitors shed light on restoration of progenitors to initiate HC regeneration in mammals.
Migratory behaviour and survival of Great Egrets after range expansion in Central Europe
Authors: Włodarczyk Radosław , Szafara Daria , Kaczmarek Krzysztof , Janiszewski Tomasz , Minias Piotr
Published: April 2020

Great EgretArdea albais one of few Western Palearctic species that underwent a rapid range expansion in the recent decades. Originally breeding in central and eastern Europe, the species has spread in northern (up to the Baltic coast) and western (up to the western France) directions and established viable breeding populations throughout almost entire continent. We monitored one of the first Great Egrets colonies established in Poland to infer migratory patterns and survival rates directly after range expansion. For this purpose, we collected resightings from over 200 Great Egret chicks marked between 2002–2017 in central Poland. Direction of migration was non-random, as birds moved almost exclusively into the western direction. Wintering grounds were located mainly in the western Europe (Germany to France) within 800–950 km from the breeding colony. First-year birds migrated farther than adults. We found some, although relatively weak, support for age-dependent survival of Great Egrets and under the best-fitted capture-recapture model, the estimated annual survival rate of adults was nearly twice higher than for first-year birds (φad = 0.85 ± 0.05 vs.φfy = 0.48 ± 0.15). Annual survival rate under the constant model (no age-related variation) was estimated atφ = 0.81 ± 0.05. Our results suggest that Great Egrets rapidly adapted to novel ecological and environmental conditions during range expansion. We suggest that high survival rate of birds from central Poland and their western direction of migration may facilitate further colonization processes in western Europe.
Fear and stressing in predator–prey ecology: considering the twin stressors of predators and people on mammals
Authors: Fardell Loren L. , Pavey Chris R. , Dickman Christopher R.
Published: April 2020

Predators induce stress in prey and can have beneficial effects in ecosystems, but can also have negative effects on biodiversity if they are overabundant or have been introduced. The growth of human populations is, at the same time, causing degradation of natural habitats and increasing interaction rates of humans with wildlife, such that conservation management routinely considers the effects of human disturbance as tantamount to or surpassing those of predators. The need to simultaneously manage both of these threats is particularly acute in urban areas that are, increasingly, being recognized as global hotspots of wildlife activity. Pressures from altered predator–prey interactions and human activity may each initiate fear responses in prey species above those that are triggered by natural stressors in ecosystems. If fear responses are experienced by prey at elevated levels, on top of responses to multiple environmental stressors, chronic stress impacts may occur. Despite common knowledge of the negative effects of stress, however, it is rare that stress management is considered in conservation, except in intensive ex situ situations such as in captive breeding facilities or zoos. We propose that mitigation of stress impacts on wildlife is crucial for preserving biodiversity, especially as the value of habitats within urban areas increases. As such, we highlight the need for future studies to consider fear and stress in predator–prey ecology to preserve both biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, especially in areas where human disturbance occurs. We suggest, in particular, that non-invasive in situ investigations of endocrinology and ethology be partnered in conservation planning with surveys of habitat resources to incorporate and reduce the effects of fear and stress on wildlife.
Mitochondrial turnover and homeostasis in ageing and neurodegeneration
Authors: Markaki Maria , Tavernarakis Nektarios
Published: April 2020

Ageing is driven by the inexorable and stochastic accumulation of damage in biomolecules vital for proper cellular function. Although this process is fundamentally haphazard and uncontrollable, genetic and extrinsic factors influence senescent decline and ageing. Numerous gene mutations and treatments have been shown to extend the lifespan of organisms ranging from the unicellular Saccharomyces cerevisiae to primates. Most such interventions ultimately interface with cellular stress response mechanisms, suggesting that longevity is intimately related to the ability of the organism to counter both intrinsic stress and extrinsic stress. Mitochondria, the main energy hub of the cell, are highly dynamic organelles, playing essential roles in cell physiology. Mitochondrial function impinges on several signalling pathways modulating cellular metabolism, survival and healthspan. Maintenance of mitochondrial function and energy homeostasis requires both generation of new healthy mitochondria and elimination of the dysfunctional ones. Here, we survey the mechanisms regulating mitochondrial number in cells, with particular emphasis on neurons. We, further, discuss recent findings implicating perturbation of mitochondrial homeostasis in cellular senescence and organismal ageing as well as in age‐associated neurodegenerative diseases.
Copine A regulates the size and exocytosis of contractile vacuoles and postlysosomes in Dictyostelium
Authors: Wight Elise M. , Ide Amber D. , Damer Cynthia K.
Published: April 2020

Copines are a family of cytosolic proteins that associate with membranes in a calcium‐dependent manner and are found in many eukaryotic organisms. Dictyostelium discoideum has six copine genes (cpnA‐cpnF), and cells lacking cpnA(cpnA−) have defects in cytokinesis, chemotaxis, adhesion, and development. CpnA has also been shown to associate with the plasma membrane, contractile vacuoles (CV), and organelles of the endolysosomal pathway. Here, we use cpnA− cells to investigate the role of CpnA in CV function and endocytosis. When placed in water, cpnA− cells made abnormally large CVs that took longer to expel. Visualization of CVs with the marker protein GFP‐dajumin indicated that cpnA− cells had fewer CVs that sometimes refilled before complete emptying. In endocytosis assays, cpnA− cells took up small fluorescent beads by macropinocytosis at rates similar to parental cells. However, cpnA− cells reached a plateau sooner than parental cells and had less fluorescence at later time points. p80 antibody labeling of postlysosomes (PL) indicated that there were fewer and smaller PLs in cpnA− cells. In dextran pulse‐chase experiments, the number of PLs peaked earlier in cpnA− cells, and the PLs did not become as large and disappeared sooner as compared to parental cells. PLs in cpnA− cells were also shown to have more actin coats, suggesting CpnA may play a role in actin filament disassembly on PL membranes. Overall, these results indicate that CpnA is involved in the regulation of CV size and expulsion, and the maturation, size, and exocytosis of PLs.
Survey results of 3D‐CRT and IMRT quality assurance practice
Authors: Mehrens Hunter , Taylor Paige , Followill David S. , Kry Stephen F.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To create a snapshot of common practices for 3D‐CRT and intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) QA through a large‐scale survey and compare to TG‐218 recommendations.

Methods

A survey of 3D‐CRT and IMRT QA was constructed at and distributed by the IROC‐Houston QA center to all institutions monitored by IROC (n = 2,861). The first part of the survey asked about methods to check dose delivery for 3D‐CRT. The bulk of the survey focused on IMRT QA, inquiring about treatment modalities, standard tools used to verify planned dose, how assessment of agreement is calculated and the comparison criteria used, and the strategies taken if QA fails.

Results

The most common tools for dose verification were a 2D diode array (52.8%), point(s) measurement (39.0%), EPID (27.4%), and 2D ion chamber array (23.9%). When IMRT QA failed, the highest average rank strategy utilized was to remeasure with the same setup, which had an average position ranking of 1.1 with 90.4% of facilities employing this strategy. The second highest average ranked strategy was to move to a new calculation point and remeasure (54.9%); this had an average ranking of 2.1.

Conclusion

The survey provided a snapshot of the current state of dose verification for IMRT radiotherapy. The results showed variability in approaches and that work is still needed to unify and tighten criteria in the medical physics community, especially in reference to TG‐218's recommendations.
Factors Associated With Time to Pregnancy in Women With Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Registry‐Based Multicenter Study
Authors: Ursin Kristin , Lydersen Stian , Skomsvoll Johan F. , Salvesen Kjell Å. , S. S. Koksvik Hege , Jakobsen Bente , Wallenius Marianne
Published: April 2020

Objective

The present study was undertaken to study time to pregnancy (TTP) and factors associated with TTP in women with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) compared to women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We included 274 women with axial SpA and 317 women with RA from the Norwegian nationwide registry RevNatus. For all the women, we had retrospectively collected data on TTP, and a subgroup also had prospectively collected data. We compared TTP in women with axial SpA to women with RA using Kaplan‐Meier plots and a log rank test. To identify factors associated with TTP, we used Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

TTP exceeded 12 months in 21% of women with axial SpA. In the subgroup followed prospectively, 32% had TTP that exceeded 12 months. Longer TTP was associated with older age, nulliparity, and longer disease duration, with hazard ratios of 0.97 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.94–1.00), 0.66 (95% CI 0.50–0.88), and 0.94 (95% CI 0.91–0.98), respectively. Disease activity, medication, and self‐reported health‐related quality of life were not associated with TTP. We found no statistically significant differences between axial SpA and RA in regard to TTP.

Conclusion

In women with axial SpA, longer TTP was associated with older age, nulliparity, and longer disease duration.
Levitating Cells to Sort the Fit and the Fat
Authors: Puluca Nazan , Durmus Naside Gözde , Lee Soah , Belbachir Nadjet , Galdos Francisco X. , Ogut Mehmet Giray , Gupta Rakhi , Hirano Ken‐ichi , Krane Markus , Lange Rüdiger , Wu Joseph C. , Wu Sean M. , Demirci Utkan
Published: April 2020

Density is a core material property and varies between different cell types, mainly based on differences in their lipid content. Sorting based on density enables various biomedical applications such as multi‐omics in precision medicine and regenerative repair in medicine. However, a significant challenge is sorting cells of the same type based on density differences. Here, a new method for real‐time monitoring and sorting of single cells based on their inherent levitation profiles driven by their lipid content is reported. As a model system, human‐induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)‐derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) from a patient with neutral lipid storage disease (NLSD) due to loss of function of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) resulting in abnormal lipid storage in cardiac muscle are used. This levitation‐based strategy detects subpopulations within ATGL‐deficient hiPSC‐CMs with heterogenous lipid content, equilibrating at different levitation heights due to small density differences. In addition, sorting of these differentially levitating subpopulations are monitored in real time. Using this approach, sorted healthy and diseased hiPSC‐CMs maintain viability and function. Pixel‐tracking technologies show differences in contraction between NLSD and healthy hiPSC‐CMs. Overall, this is a unique approach to separate diseased cell populations based on their intracellular lipid content that cannot be achieved using traditional flow cytometry techniques.
Head‐Mounted Devices for Noninvasive Cancer Imaging and Intraoperative Image‐Guided Surgery
Authors: Mondal Suman B. , Tsen Shaw‐Wei D. , Achilefu Samuel
Published: April 2020

Medical imaging methods have improved the detection of human diseases with increasing accuracy. The ability to probe molecular processes noninvasively or using tissue‐selective imaging agents and nanoparticles has made it possible to localize, identify the stage, and determine the functional status of pathological lesions. The challenges in detecting cancer particularly have driven the development of diverse imaging technologies. While earlier cancer imaging methods enabled preoperative evaluation, the need to track and visualize cancer location in the operating room itself has ushered in new systems capable of providing concurrent images of cancer during surgery. Intraoperative use of conventional clinical imaging modalities is often limited by bulky hardware design, prohibitive cost, lack of real‐time image display, and compatibility with conventional hardware interfaces. For these reasons, focus on fluorescence‐guided surgery (FGS) devices has increased to take advantage of real‐time, high‐resolution, functional imaging with hardware that has become increasingly amenable to miniaturization. In particular, the adaptation of wearable devices for FGS presents hands‐free capability for optimal navigation during cancer surgery. The evolution of head‐mounted devices in the operating room and adaptation for FGS is highlighted. Key challenges to wide clinical adoption of this imaging platform are identified and potential future directions are suggested.
Modulation of Solid‐State Aggregation of Square‐Planar Pt(II) Based Emitters: Enabling Highly Efficient Deep‐Red/Near Infrared Electroluminescence
Authors: Chen Wen‐Cheng , Sukpattanacharoen Chattarika , Chan Wei‐Hsiang , Huang Chun‐Chi , Hsu Hsiu‐Fu , Shen Dong , Hung Wen‐Yi , Kungwan Nawee , Escudero Daniel , Lee Chun‐Sing , Chi Yun
Published: April 2020

The design of square‐planar Pt(II) complexes with highly efficient solid‐state near infrared (NIR) luminescence for electroluminescence is attractive but challenging. This study presents the fine‐turning of excited‐state properties and application of a series of isoquinolinyl pyrazolate Pt(II) complexes that are modulated by steric demanding substituents. It reveals that the bulky substituents do not always disfavor metallophilic Pt···Pt interactions. Instead, π–π stacking among chelates, which are fine‐tuned by the associated substituents, also exerts strong influence to the metal‐metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MMLCT) transition character. Theoretical calculations indicate that Pt···Pt contacts become more relevant in the trimers rather than the dimers, especially in their T1 states, associated with a change from mixed 3LC/3MLCT transition in the monomer/dimer to mixed 3LC/3MMLCT transition character in the trimer. Electroluminescence devices affording intense deep‐red/NIR emission (near 670 nm) with unprecedentedly high external quantum efficiency over 30% are demonstrated. This work provides deep insights into formation MMLCT transition of square‐planar Pt(II) complexes and efficient molecular design for deep‐red/NIR electroluminescence.
Advances in Extrusion 3D Bioprinting: A Focus on Multicomponent Hydrogel‐Based Bioinks
Authors: Cui Xiaolin , Li Jun , Hartanto Yusak , Durham Mitchell , Tang Junnan , Zhang Hu , Hooper Gary , Lim Khoon , Woodfield Tim
Published: April 2020

3D bioprinting involves the combination of 3D printing technologies with cells, growth factors and biomaterials, and has been considered as one of the most advanced tools for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM). However, despite multiple breakthroughs, it is evident that numerous challenges need to be overcome before 3D bioprinting will eventually become a clinical solution for a variety of TERM applications. To produce a 3D structure that is biologically functional, cell‐laden bioinks must be optimized to meet certain key characteristics including rheological properties, physico‐mechanical properties, and biofunctionality; a difficult task for a single component bioink especially for extrusion based bioprinting. As such, more recent research has been centred on multicomponent bioinks consisting of a combination of two or more biomaterials to improve printability, shape fidelity and biofunctionality. In this article, multicomponent hydrogel‐based bioink systems are systemically reviewed based on the inherent nature of the bioink (natural or synthetic hydrogels), including the most current examples demonstrating properties and advances in application of multicomponent bioinks, specifically for extrusion based 3D bioprinting. This review article will assist researchers in the field in identifying the most suitable bioink based on their requirements, as well as pinpointing current unmet challenges in the field.
Osmosis‐Powered Hydrogel Microneedles for Microliters of Skin Interstitial Fluid Extraction within Minutes
Authors: Zheng Mengjia , Wang Zifeng , Chang Hao , Wang Lulu , Chew Sharon W. T. , Lio Daniel Chin Shiuan , Cui Mingyue , Liu Linbo , Tee Benjamin C. K. , Xu Chenjie
Published: April 2020

Hydrogel microneedle patch enables the extraction of skin interstitial fluid (ISF) through in situ swelling in a minimally invasive manner without assistance of mechano‐chemical peripherals. However, existing hydrogel microneedles require tens of minutes with multistep process to collect sufficient volume (1 mL) for effective analysis. This study introduces an osmolyte‐powered hydrogel microneedle patch that can extract ISF three times faster than the existing platforms and provide in situ analysis of extracted biomarkers. The microneedle patch is composed of osmolytes (i.e., maltose) and hydrogel (i.e., methacrylated hyaluronic acid). During the extraction process, the osmolytes dissolve in the matrix and provide the osmotic pressure that increases the diffusion of ISF from skin to the hydrogel matrix. A patch with 100 microneedles can extract 7.90 µL of ISF from pig skin ex vivo and 3.82 µL of ISF from mouse skin in vivo within 3 min, whereas the control (i.e., hydrogel microneedle without osmolytes) requires >10 min to achieve similar results. The extracted ISF allows the quantification of biomarkers such as glucose and/or drugs such as insulin in vivo. Through the integration with the electronic glucose sensors, the whole system permits the direct and rapid analysis of the extracted glucose.
Fabrication of MoSe2–Graphene Hybrid Nanoflakes for Toxic Gas Sensor with Tunable Sensitivity
Authors: Rathi Keerti , Pal Kaushik
Published: April 2020

In this work, a selective chemi‐resistive gas sensor of molybdenum diselenide/graphene (MoSe2/G) nanoflakes (NF) that detects ammonia (NH3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas at room temperature is successfully fabricated. The MoSe2/G NF based sensor shows good sensitivity (2.476 ppm−1) and selectivity to NO2 in comparison with some VOCs and toxic gases than MoSe2 NF (2.275 ppm−1). But in case of NH3 gas, it shows a drastic increase in sensitivity of MoSe2/G NF (9.115 ppm−1) than MoSe2 NF (2.466 ppm−1). The MoSe2/G NF shows a low detection limit (11 ppb for NH3 and 41 ppb for NO2), an outstanding repeatability, and a reliable long‐term device durability (more than eight weeks) significantly. The reason of the significant improvement in gas sensing performance can be attributed mainly due to the addition of graphene in MoSe2 NF which in turns increases the surface‐to‐volume ratio. It encourages the adsorption of gas molecules on the surface of the material, thereby facilitating the charge transfer process. The superior performance of this gas sensor makes MoSe2/G NF a potential candidate for NO2 and NH3 gas detection at room temperature. Due to the presence of graphene, MoSe2 NF becomes less hydrophilic which shows very less effect of humidity effect.
On the Universality of Capillary Condensation and Adsorption Hysteresis Phenomena in Ordered and Crystalline Mesoporous Materials
Authors: Cychosz Struckhoff Katie , Thommes Matthias , Sarkisov Lev
Published: April 2020

Using adsorption experiments for argon over a wide range of temperatures from above the triple point (i.e., 87 K) down to 65 K, coupled with advanced molecular simulation studies, the underlying mechanism of capillary condensation and hysteresis in a mesoporous metal‐organic framework (MOF), MIL‐101(Cr) is explored. The results obtained on the mesoporous MOFs are compared with the experimental and molecular simulation studies of argon adsorption and phase behavior in mesoporous molecular sieves (e.g., MCM‐41 silica) of similar pore size and over the same temperature range (65–87 K). The studies provide insights into the nature of confinement effects on the adsorption and phase behavior of fluids in mesoporous MOFs. The obtained results suggest that certain features of adsorption, capillary condensation, and associated hysteresis phenomena in mesoporous MOFs and in mesoporous molecular sieves are governed by the same underlying physics, despite the striking differences in pore structure and chemical composition. Hence, the findings are of importance for advancing characterization methodologies based on gas adsorption, but also for predicting the behavior of mesoporous MOFs in various potential applications.