SEM-EDS and X-ray micro computed tomography studies of skeletal surface pattern and body structure in the freshwater sponge Spongilla lacustris collected from Goczalkowice reservoir habit (Southern Poland)

Introduction. Freshwater sponges are common animals of most aquatic ecosystems. They feed by filtering small particles from the water, and so are thought to be sensitive indicators of pollution. Sponges are strongly associated with the abiotic environment and are therefore used as bioindicators for monitoring of water quality in water habitats. Among the freshwater sponges, Spongilla lacustris is one of the classic models used to study evolution, gene regulation, development, physiology and structural biology in animal water systems. It is also important in diagnostic of aquatic environments. The aim of this study was to characterize and visualize three-dimensional architecture of sponge body and measure skeleton elements of S. lacustris from Goczalkowice reservoir for identification purposes. Material and methods. The scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM- -EDS) and X-ray micro computed tomography (micro-CT) were used to provide non-invasive visualization of the three-dimensional architecture of Spongilla lacustris body. Results. We showed that sponge skeleton was not homogeneous in composition and comprised several forms of skeleton organization. Ectosomal skeleton occurred as spicular brushes at apices of primary fibres with cementing spongin material. Choanosomal skeletal architecture was alveolate with pauci- to multispicular primary fibres connected by paucispicular transverse fibres, made by megascleres embedded in a scanty spongin matrix both in the choanosome and at the sponge surface. In contrast, microscleres were irregularly scattered in choanosome and skeletal surface. Furthermore, SEM-EDS studies showed that the distribution of silica in megascleres and microscleres was observed along the spicules and sponge surface areas. Conclusions. In conclusion, we showed that the combination of SEM-EDS and micro-CT microscopy techniques allowed obtaining a complete picture of the sponge spatial architecture

The influence of curcumin additives on the viability of probiotic bacteria, antibacterial activity against pathogenic microorganisms, and quality indicators of low-fat yogurt

Curcumin is a nutraceutical with unique anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and antimicrobial properties. In this study, we aimed to examine the advantages of the use of water dispersible and highly bioavailable form of standardized turmeric extract (Curcuma longa L.)—NOMICU® L-100 (N) in the formulation of probiotic yogurt in comparison with the standard turmeric extract (TE). The antimicrobial activity of both supplements was studied and compared in the context of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. The N maintains the level of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-2 in yogurt at the recommended level (7–9 log CFU/g) throughout the storage period. NOMICU® L-100 also has a higher inhibitory capacity for the growth of yeast and fungi. The evaluation of quality indicators of yogurt with N and TE at the level of 0.2% proves that yogurt with N has original taste properties. A lower degree of syneresis was noted for yogurt with TE (0.2%), but its sensory properties are unacceptable to the consumer due to the appearance of a bitter taste. In conclusion, based on the obtained results, it has been proven that the use of NOMICU® L-100 (0.2%) in the composition of yogurt provides a product of functional direction with stable quality and safety indicators, which can be stored for at least 28 days

Digital Twin Lean Intralogistics: Research Implications

This article presents research implications related to the analysis of current trends occurring in the industry and resulting from the analysis of trends in literature. A new trend is noticeable in the range of computer simulations using digital twin technologies in the optimization of intralogistics processes, the implementation of which is based on Lean philosophy. This article shows the connection of Industry 4.0 with Lean in the context of Digital Twin (simulation) in the area of intralogistics. A three-step methodology of literature research was developed and described. In accordance with the adopted research methodology, research questions were indicated and a detailed list of selection criteria was developed. The research methods included brainstorming and statistical analysis. The research results are presented in three sections: the results of the trend analysis, the results of the quantitative literature research, and the results of the complementary research. The research results confirm the existence of a new trend and form the basis for formulating objectives for further research

Digital Twin Lean Intralogistics: Research Implications

This article presents research implications related to the analysis of current trends occurring in the industry and resulting from the analysis of trends in literature. A new trend is noticeable in the range of computer simulations using digital twin technologies in the optimization of intralogistics processes, the implementation of which is based on Lean philosophy. This article shows the connection of Industry 4.0 with Lean in the context of Digital Twin (simulation) in the area of intralogistics. A three-step methodology of literature research was developed and described. In accordance with the adopted research methodology, research questions were indicated and a detailed list of selection criteria was developed. The research methods included brainstorming and statistical analysis. The research results are presented in three sections: the results of the trend analysis, the results of the quantitative literature research, and the results of the complementary research. The research results confirm the existence of a new trend and form the basis for formulating objectives for further research

Systems with fast limit cycles and slow interaction

We will review the theory of slow-fast systems that started with papers by Tykhonov, Pontryagin, Levinson, Anosov, Fenichel and other scientists. After this review we focus on systems with limit cycles. The Pontryagin-Rodygin theorem for slow-fast systems has an ingenious proof; also it has as advantage that it can be applied if the slow manifolds of the slow-fast system are all unstable. A serious disadvantage is that for application we have to know the fast solutions explicitly with the slow part in the form of parameters. Another disadvantage is the relatively short timescale where the results are valid. In practice there are very few cases where the theorem applies. However, the Pontryagin-Rodygin idea can be used again on assuming that the fast limit cycle arises in higher order approximation; this allows an approximation approach to study the slow motion. At this point we have still a restricted timescale but extension is then possible by looking for continuation on stable, in particular slow manifolds. We will demonstrate this extension of the theory by studying various types of self-excited, coupled slow and fast Van der Pol oscillators

Deciphering the molecular mechanism of substrate-induced assembling of gold nanocube arrays toward accelerated electrocatalytic effect employing heterogeneous diffusion fields confinement

The complex electrocatalytic performance of gold nanocubes (AuNCs) is the focus of the presented paper. The faceted shapes of AuNCs and the individual assembling process at the electrode surfaces define heterogeneous conditions for the purpose of electrocatalytic processes. Topographic and electron imaging demonstrated slightly rounded AuNC (avg. 38 nm) assemblies with sizes up to 1 µm, where the dominating patterns are (111) and (200) crystallographic planes. The AuNCs significantly impact the electrochemical performance of the investigated electrode (ITO, GC, bulk gold) systems driven by surface electrons promoting the catalytic effect. Cyclic voltammetry jointly with scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) allowed us to decipher the molecular mechanism of substrate-induced electrostatic assembling of gold nanocube arrays, revealing that the accelerated electrocatalytic effect should be attributed to the confinement of the heterogeneous diffusion fields with tremendous electrochemically active surface area variations. The AuNC drop-casting at ITO, GC, and Au led to various mechanisms of heterogeneous charge transfer, where only in the case of GC, the decoration significantly increased both the electrochemically active surface area (EASA) and ferrocyanide redox kinetics. For ITO and Au substrates, AuNC drop-casting lowers system dimensionality rather than expanding the EASA, where Au-Au self-diffusion was also observed. Interactions between the gold, ITO, and GC surfaces with themselves and with surfactant CTAB and ferrocyanide molecules were investigated by performing density functional theory

Development of patient-centred standards of care for rheumatoid arthritis in Europe: the eumusc.net project

OBJECTIVE: The eumusc.net project is a European Union (EU) commission and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)funded project that aims to facilitate equal standards for musculoskeletal health in all EU countries. One work-package was to develop evidence-based and patient-centred standards of care (SOC), for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) understandable for patients and professionals across Europe. METHOD: A review of documents covering clinical practice ‘guidelines’ and SOC for RA was conducted. The obtained documents were evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) criteria, and all recommended methods to treat RA were extracted. Based on this information, a three-round Delphi exercise was performed including a consensus group meeting of 21 researchers and patient representatives. RESULTS: 16 patient-centred SOC were formulated including a lay version in the format of a checklist. An example is SOC 3: ‘People with RA should receive a treatment plan developed individually between them and their clinician at each visit.’ The corresponding checklist question reads: ‘Have I received a treatment plan which includes an explanation of my management, expected goals and outcomes and important contact details?’ CONCLUSIONS: The SOC for RA will be available in all 23 official European languages and contribute to more unified treatment approaches in Europe

Gamma and Beta Bursts Underlie Working Memory

Working memory is thought to result from sustained neuron spiking. However, computational models suggest complex dynamics with discrete oscillatory bursts. We analyzed local field potential (LFP) and spiking from the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of monkeys performing a working memory task. There were brief bursts of narrow-band gamma oscillations (45–100 Hz), varied in time and frequency, accompanying encoding and re-activation of sensory information. They appeared at a minority of recording sites associated with spiking reflecting the to-be-remembered items. Beta oscillations (20–35 Hz) also occurred in brief, variable bursts but reflected a default state interrupted by encoding and decoding. Only activity of neurons reflecting encoding/decoding correlated with changes in gamma burst rate. Thus, gamma bursts could gate access to, and prevent sensory interference with, working memory. This supports the hypothesis that working memory is manifested by discrete oscillatory dynamics and spiking, not sustained activity.National Institute of Mental Health (U.S.) (Grant 5R01MH091174-05)National Institute of Mental Health (U.S.) (Grant 5R37MH087027-07