Fine Pattern Research Articles

Examination of antinuclear antibody staining patterns and titers in patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus.

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) staining patterns can provide useful information in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In our study, we examined the frequency of ANA staining patterns in disease-related features in childhood-onset SLE patients. ANA and its staining patterns were assessed in childhood-onset SLE patients. Two hundred twenty-three patients were included (F/M = 3/1). Their median age at diagnosis was 14.3 (11.9-16.1) years. The anti-cell (AC)-4/5 (fine or large speckled) pattern was the most common nuclear ANA pattern (75.8%), while the AC-19 (dense fine speckled) pattern was the most frequently detected cytoplasmic ANA pattern (13.1%). The AC-4/5 (fine or large speckled) patterns were notably seen in fever, acute and chronic cutaneous lupus, arthritis, serositis, hematologic involvement, renal involvement, neuropsychiatric involvement, gastrointestinal involvement, and cardiopulmonary involvement (all p < .001). Conversely, the AC-1 (homogeneous) pattern was significantly detected in oral/nasal ulcers and non-scarring alopecia (both p < .001). Regarding the laboratory features, the AC-4/5 (fine or large speckled) patterns exhibited a predominant seen in autoimmune hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated ESR and CRP, hypocomplementemia, direct Coombs, anti-Smith (Sm), anti-SSA and SS-B, anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP), anti-histone, anti-ribosomal P, lupus anticoagulant, anti-cardiolipin immunoglobulin (Ig)M/IgG, and anti-β2-glycoprotein IgM/IgG positivities (all p < .001). In contrast, the AC-1 (homogeneous) pattern was detected in anti-double-stranded (ds) DNA and anti-histone positivity (both p < .001). Our study showed that AC-4/5 and AC-1 patterns of ANA are frequently detected in many clinical and serological features of childhood-onset SLE patients. However, further studies are needed in larger populations to verify these results.

Improved resolution of microbial diversity in deep-sea surface sediments using PacBio long-read 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

The PacBio long-read platform, with its exceptional base-level resolution exceeding 99%, has advanced our comprehension of deep-sea microbial diversity. By comparing microbial community analyses conducted using the Illumina short-read and PacBio long-read sequencing platforms, we have provided an enhanced understanding of fine spatial-scale patterns in microbial community diversity with depth across a deep-sea sediment core, as well as methodological insights that will be valuable for future research in this field.

A DIC-FEM hybrid method for measuring strains near fiber-matrix interface of CFRP cross section

A DIC-FEM hybrid method is proposed to capture micro-scale deformation behavior near the fiber-matrix interface by combining displacement distributions measured using digital image correlation (DIC) with finite element method (FEM) analysis. Images of CFRP cross section with fine random pattern before and after deformation are taken with a laser microscope. The in-plane displacement components near the interface of fiber and matrix are obtained using digital image correlation and they are used as the input of the hybrid method. Not only the displacement distributions but the strain fields are determined using the proposed hybrid method, based on the superposition principle, so that the same distributions are obtained as those obtained by the measurement. The proposed DIC-FEM hybrid provides the strains near the interface between fiber and matrix, compensating for the insufficient resolution of microscope images.

Construction and formation mechanism of phase-change polysaccharide–protein composite emulsion gels: For simultaneous printing of food products with complex structures and fine patterns

With the development of the intelligent direction of food 3D printing, people have a strong aesthetic interest in food printing prototypes. In order to investigate the ability of food-based materials to print complex structures and fine patterns simultaneously, three phase-change hydrocolloids with different mechanical strengths after cooling were selected: xanthan gums (Xg), low acyl gellan gums (Gg), and starches (Ss) with ovalbumin to form Xg-ovalbumin emulsion gel (Xg-OEG), Gg-ovalbumin emulsion gel (Gg-OEG), and Ss-ovalbumin emulsion gel (Ss-OEG), respectively. Ss-OEG printed fine patterns with a minimum size of 1.5 mm accurately at a Ss concentration of 1.5%, and was able to print suspended structures, had continuous filament strips and tight layer-to-layer stacking, with the ability to print complex structures and fine patterns simultaneously. Compared with Xg-OEG and Gg-OEG, Ss-OEG had high viscoelasticity and mechanical strength, suitable fluidity, small size of oil droplets without aggregation, dense network structure, and high surface hydrophobicity and amide A peak intensity and the low free sulfhydryl content. Thus, Ss endowed OEG with a certain viscoelasticity and mechanical strength, and caused massive aggregation of proteins through forming disulfide bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bonds. Aggregated ovalbumin and Ss formed a stable and strong network structure, emulsified oil droplets filled in the network, the three tightly crosslinked together to form an emulsion gel with excellent printing ability. This research offered the possibility of simultaneously printing complex structures, high-resolution patterns using food-based materials, also providing a theoretical basis for the design of complex and fine printed products.

Clinical relevance and frequency of cytoplasmic patterns observed in ANA-Hep-2: experience of Cairo University Hospitals.

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are the most common biomarkers observed in autoimmune diseases. Cytoplasmic staining patterns on ANA-Hep-2 are gaining recognition but with scanty information about their clinical and diagnostic role. The aim is to assess the frequency of cytoplasmic ANA patterns in autoimmune diseases, and to evaluate their possible associations with clinical diagnoses and autoantibodies. This observational cross-sectional study was conducted by examining and/or reviewing ANA by indirect immunofluorescence assay during a 13-month period. This was followed by testing the group of patients with a positive cytoplasmic staining pattern (n = 92) using the Microblot-Array ANA plus for the presence of 44 specific autoantibodies. Out of 2741 samples, 1791 (65.3%) tested negative, 845 (30.9%) tested positive nuclear staining patterns, 56 (2.0%) positive solitary cytoplasmic staining patterns, and 49 (1.8%) positive mixed nuclear and cytoplasmic patterns. Ninety-two cases (3.4% of the total cases) were analyzed using Microblot-Array ANA plus, with reticular as the most frequent cytoplasmic pattern, followed by dense fine speckled. The most frequently associated disease with reticular pattern was primary biliary cholangitis (28.9%), and the most frequently detected autoantibodies were against M2 (66.7%). The most frequently associated disease with dense fine speckled pattern was systemic lupus erythematosus (69.4%), and the most frequently detected autoantibodies were against nucleosome (57.7%) and ribosomal P0 (53.8%). This study highlights the significance of reporting cytoplasmic staining patterns and their importance in assessment of autoimmune diseases. Larger cohort studies on treatment naïve patients are recommended.

Exposure to Gold Induces Autoantibodies against Nuclear Antigens in A.TL Mice.

To demonstrate causation or/and assess pathogenic mechanisms of environment-induced autoimmunity, various animal models that mimic the characteristics of the human autoimmune diseases need to be developed. Experimental studies in mice reveal the genetic factors that contribute to autoimmune diseases. Here, the immune response of two mouse strains congenic for non-H-2 genes, A.TL (H-2tl) and A.SW (H-2s), was evaluated after 15 weeks' exposure to gold aurothiomalate (AuTM). AuTM-treated A.TL mice showed anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) with homogenous and/or fine speckled staining patterns and serum autoantibodies to ds-DNA, chromatin, histones, and ribonucleoproteins (RNP). Female A.TL mice showed a stronger immune response than males, as well as an increase of B cells in their spleen after 15 weeks of gold exposure. A.SW exposed for AuTM showed the induction of anti-nucleolar antibodies (ANoA) with a clumpy staining pattern, as well as an increase in splenic B and T cells. The serum autoantibodies levels in A.SW mice were limited compared to those of A.TL mice. Overall, A.TL presents a stronger immune response after gold exposure than A.SW. The immune response developed in A.TL presents similarities with the clinical manifestations in human autoimmune diseases. Thus, gold-exposed A.TL could constitute a potential experimental mouse model for the study of autoimmunity.

Boundary Element Method for Viscous Flow through Out-phase Slip-patterned Microchannel under the Influence of Inclined Magnetic Field

Abstract In this paper, we investigate the impact of an inclined magnetic field of uniform intensity on viscous, incompressible pressure-driven Stokes flow through a slip-patterned, rectangular microchannel using the boundary element method based on the stream function-vorticity variables approach. The present investigation focuses only on the out-phase slip patterning of the microchannel walls. We address two scenarios of slip patterning, specifically large and fine slip patterning, which are determined by the periodicity of the patterning. We utilized the no-slip and Navier’s slip boundary conditions in an alternative manner on the walls. The Stokes equations govern the viscous flow through a microchannel. We assume a very small magnetic Reynold’s number to eliminate the equation of induced magnetic field in the present study. We analyzed the impact of considered dimensionless hydrodynamic parameters, including the Hartman number (Ha), inclination angle (θ) of the magnetic field, and the slip length (ls ) on fluid dynamics. In the case of fine slip, we observed significant variations in both velocity and pressure gradient, in contrast to large slip patterning. Fine slip patterning significantly increases the shear stress at slip regimes, while large slip periodicity significantly reduces it at no-slip regimes. The present investigation has several notable implications, such as regulation and advancement of mixing and heat transmission within microfluidic systems.

Stokes flow past an array of circular cylinders through slip-patterned microchannel using boundary element method

Two-dimensional viscous incompressible, pressure-driven, creeping flow at low Reynold's number (Re ≪ 1) around a series of circular cylinders in a slip-patterned rectangular microchannel is investigated numerically by using the boundary element method (BEM) based on a non-primitive variables approach. The non-primitive variables approach refers to the combination of stream function and vorticity variables. The Stokes equations are used to govern the flow of creeping fluid through a microchannel. We consider the alteration of the slip on both the upper and lower surfaces of the microchannel maintain the same phase (i.e., in-phase configuration). Here, the slip boundary condition refers to Navier's slip boundary condition. We considered both small as well as large patterned slip on both surfaces of the microchannel. Moreover, we have assumed that a number of cylinders of equal diameter are present in the in-line configuration in the path of flow. We studied streamlines, velocity profiles, pressure gradients, and the shear stresses with varied slip-length, and the radius of the cylinder, to get a complete comprehension of flow dynamics. We observed that the velocity and shear stress profiles exhibit significant variability in the case of fine slip patterning. Additionally, the proposed investigation holds several potential applications, such as drug capsule delivery systems, hemodynamics, bio-MEMS technology, and so forth.

Relationship between the surface free energy of underlayers and the dissolution kinetics of poly(4-hydroxystyrene) partially protected by t-butoxycarbonyl groups in tetramethylammonium hydroxide aqueous developer

In the lithography used for the high-volume production of semiconductor devices, the photoresist film becomes thin with the reduction in pattern size to prevent the pattern collapse due to the surface tension of rinsing liquids. The interfacial effect becomes strong with the reduction in photoresist film thickness. In the development process, it is of importance to clarify the relationship between the photoresist and the underlayer for fine patterning. In this study, the dissolution kinetics of poly(4-hydroxystyrene) (PHS) partially protected by t-butoxycarbonyl (t-Boc) groups in tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) aqueous solution was found to be related to the surface free energy of the underlayer. The attenuation rate of developer viscosity first decreased and then increased with the polar-to-dispersion component ratio. An inflection point with the lowest rate existed. The TMAH concentration affected not only the attenuation rate but also the ratio of polar to dispersion components at the minimum attenuation rate.

Micropatterning of LaCoO3 thin films through a novel photosensitive sol-gel lithography technique and their magnetic properties

This paper presents a study on the microstructure and magnetic properties of LaCoO3 (LCO) thin films, and also the micropatterning of LCO thin films using a novel photo-sensitive sol-gel lithography method. It is found that higher heat-treatment temperature can promote the healing of cracks and filling of pores, resulting in refining the grains, and improving the density of LCO film. The film treated at 850 °C has a larger nucleation energy, which makes the distribution of nucleation sites more uniform, promoting the healing of cracks and filling of pores, refining the grains, and improving the density of LCO film. LCO precursor sol, metal chelates with UV photosensitivity were synthesized by adding BzAcH photosensitizer. LCO micro-arrays with diameters of 50 μm, as well as other fine patterns with a minimum line width of about 2 μm were successfully prepared by a UV mask lithography technique. In contrast, our novel lithography method eliminates the need for photoresist, as the fine pattern is formed during the preparation of the LCO gel film, which is the advantages of our lithography method over traditional techniques.

Effects of landcover fine-scale patterns on neighborhood-level winter and summer nocturnal and diurnal air temperatures

ContextThere is a gap of knowledge on the effects of fine resolution landcover patterns on the distribution of air temperatures within neighborhoods, as well as on how these effects may differ depending on temporal (i.e., summer and winter, diurnal and nocturnal), and spatial (i.e. extent) scales.Objectives(1) Evaluate the effects of compositional and configurational fine-scale landcover patterns on the spatial distribution of air temperatures within neighborhoods. (2) Determine differences between winter and summer seasons and diurnal and nocturnal periods. (3) Evaluate if these effects relate to the spatial extent used for the analysis.MethodsRelationships between four landscape metrics and air temperature within four contrasting neighborhoods located in Santiago. Landcover was classified in six classes (built up, barren, grass, evergreen, deciduous, woody) from 1.5m resolution satellite images and temperature acquired from dataloggers located within neighborhoods. Linear mixed models were used for testing the relationships at six spatial extents.ResultsLandcover composition and configuration influence temperatures within neighborhoods, but these effects can greatly differ depending on the season, time of the day and extent of analysis. Grass and evergreen trees show the highest effects on neighborhood´s temperatures among the six landcover classes. Grass reduces summer temperatures at smaller extents but may increase temperatures at larger extents. Evergreen trees play a major role during the winter season increasing coldest nocturnal temperatures at all the analyzed extents. These vegetation effects appear to be mostly associated with the average and largest size of their respective patches.ConclusionsFine-scale landcover patterns play a role in regulating temperatures within neighborhoods, but these effects depend on the season, time of the day and spatial extent. Researchers and decision makers must be aware that results obtained at a given scale cannot be directly translated to another scales.

Effect of Thickness and Sidewall Slope of Photoresist Mask on Etch Profile of Copper Interconnect

We performed high density plasma reactive ion etching of copper thin films using organic gas mixture to define fine patterns less than 10 μm for the application of display devices. However, since redeposition in dry etching of copper thin films frequently occurs due to extremely low reactivity, the etch variables which affect the formation of redeposition were investigated. In this study, the photoresist (PR) masks were employed to etch copper thin films. The effects of the thickness of PR and the sidewall slope of PR on etch profile and redeposition were examined.The thickness of PR mask were in the range of 3 μm ~ 1 μm and the sidewall slopes of the PR mask were in the range of 90° ~ 45°. The etch profile and etch mechanism of dry etching using different masks were evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Finally, an etching method to reduce and/or avoid the redeposition in dry etching of copper thin films will be proposed.Acknowledgement : This research was supported by the MOTIE(Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy (20019504) and KSRC(Korea Semiconductor Research Consortium) support program for the development of the future semiconductor device.

Macaque liver substrate for evaluating dense fine speckled-like patterns on HEp2010 cells

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) detection by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) is instrumental in the evaluation of systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs). The dense fine speckled (DFS) ANA staining predominantly associates with anti-DFS70, an autoantibody that is thought to exclude the presence of SAD. However, the DFS pattern may mask the presence of other ANA patterns that may be clinically relevant. Our laboratory uses the HEp2010 substrate which contains both HEp2 and liver substates. The aim of this study was to determine whether negative liver nucleus immunofluorescence could exclude the presence of antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) in sera with DFS-like patterns. One hundred consecutive sera samples suspicious for DFS pattern, along with 15 sera of control patterns (positive metaphase bars) were included in the study. Each sample was examined separately on HEp2010 (Euroimmun) and liver by two independent readers. Anti-DFS70 was assessed by line and chemiluminescent immunoassays. DFS-like sera were more likely to be liver nucleus-negative compared with control sera. Of the liver-negative sera, 61/64 (95.3%) were deemed anti-ENA negative. Using the liver substrate in the evaluation of anti-ENA had a sensitivity of 90.0% and a negative predictive value of 95.4%. In our cohort, concurrent evaluation of sera with the liver substrate helped rule out the presence of other anti-ENA. This technique may be a safeguard for DFS-like ANA patterns that may mask underlying anti-ENA on IIF.

A strategy for the preparation of low dielectric FGQD/PSPI composite films in wafer-level packaging

Advancement of wafer-level packaging (WLP) has heightened the requirements for photosensitive polyimide (PSPI) materials, where the low dielectric property is a key element to realize high frequency communication. Herein, a poly(amidate) (PAE) was prepared using Pyromellitic Dianhydride, 4,4’-diaminodiphenyl ether, and hydroxyethyl methacrylate as the photosensitive group. Specifically, the fluorinated graphene quantum dots (FGQD) was introduced into the PAE resin by in situ polymerization, and the prepared composite films of photosensitive polyimide-fluorinated graphene quantum dots (PSPI-FGQD) showed excellent dielectric constants and other comprehensive properties. Compared with pure PSPI, the dielectric constant of PSPI-FGQD decreases from 3.8 to 3.0 at 1 MHz; the tensile strength increases from 84.5 to 110.1 MPa, the elongation at break raises from 5.24 % to 17.3 %, and the Young's modulus increases from 2.68 GPa to 2.88 GPa. The glass transition temperature (Tg) is also increased to 420 °C with the introduction of FGQD. Apart of these, the fine patterning ability was observed for the FGQD/PSPI composite film, achieving a high photolithography resolution of 10 μm (L/S). To conclude, the preparation method of low dielectric FGQD/PSPI materials has promising potential applications in advanced packaging.

Layer-Ordered Organooxotin Clusters for Extreme-Ultraviolet Photolithography.

Extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) photolithography, which enables the high-throughput production of well-defined patterns with critical dimensions on the scale of several nanometers, is essential for the fabrication of a highly integrated semiconductor. The full exploitation of EUV lithographic techniques necessitates the development of photoresist (PR) materials with both high EUV sensitivity and a long shelf-life. However, despite notable advances, the available library of EUV PR materials remains limited. Here we report EUV PRs capable of forming preorganized layers consisting of ladder-structured tetranuclear stannoxanes. Single-crystal X-ray structure analyses reveal a close interlayer distance of 8.5 Å through interdigitation of the pseudoaxial butyl chains. The developed EUV PR materials exhibit high solubility in organic solvents commonly used in semiconductor processing, enabling the preparation of PR solutions with superior wettability and uniform film-forming ability on Si wafer substrates. These PR solutions also demonstrate notable resistance to hydrolytic decomposition for as long as 1 month, indicating a long shelf-life. Our PR materials enabled negative-tone patterning processes that involved a solubility decrease upon irradiation. The presence of chromophoric ligands makes our PR materials compatible with conventional UV photolithography, through photochemical reactions involving carbonyl units. In addition, e-beam and EUV lithography could produce fine line patterns of our PRs, with critical dimensions of 20 and 15 nm, respectively. Our research showcases the potential of layer-ordered organooxotin clusters for EUV PR applications.

The morphological and functional traits of water bodies enhance the explanatory power of directed spatial processes in predicting the variation of macrophyte communities under the conditions of river flow regulation

AbstractThe study evaluated the influence of aquatic environmental features, morphological and functional traits of water bodies and directional spatial processes on the macrophyte community of floodplain ecosystems formed as a result of water flow regulation by the construction of dams. The fluvial processes were found to be still the main factor in the formation of geomorphological and ecological characteristics of floodplain ecosystems, and also determine the spatial patterns of variability of aquatic macrophyte communities. The influence of water properties on macrophytes is significantly spatially structured, as it is modified by the morphological and functional characteristics of the water bodies. The exchange of water in the floodplain system is influenced by the functional types of water bodies, which explains their significant correlation with spatial variables. The development of macrophyte communities on a broad scale is driven by the characteristics of the aquatic environment, the morphology of the water bodies and the functional types of the water bodies. On a fine scale, the patterns are described by a pure spatial component. The impact of fine scale patterns on the variability of macrophyte communities increases with increasing community disturbance, both natural and anthropogenic.

Laser‐Inscribable, Moisture‐Responsive Cellulosic Supramolecular Structures with Tunable Broadband Coloration

AbstractAdaptive photonic films in response to external stimuli have broad applications in optical communications, sensing, and anticounterfeiting. Yet, it remains challenging to develop photonic structures with tailorable fine patterns that display broadband color changing under ambient conditions. Here a hydrogen‐bonded supramolecular cholesteric liquid crystalline polymer (CLCP) that is mediated by a binary solvent consisting of citric acid (CA) and water is presented. The incorporation of CA not only improves the long‐range order of CLCPs through evaporation‐induced self‐assembly but is also capable of tuning their helical pitch across the entire visible spectrum. The extent of hydration‐induced pitch expansion can be further manipulated by thermal crosslinking, enabling a unique patterning strategy based on mask‐free, programmable laser inscription. High‐precision photonic patterns are created onto CLCPs, which reveal themselves upon hydration in high visual contrast. The study offers a feasible and up‐scaling route toward tailoring environmentally adaptive CLCPs with tunable broadband coloration and highly programmable photonic patterns.

Using spatial aggregation of soil multifunctionality maps to support uncertainty‐aware planning decisions

AbstractTo ensure soil preservation, it is essential to incorporate the soil's ability to provide ecosystem services into the spatial planning process. For well‐informed planning decisions, stakeholders need spatially explicit information on the state of the soils and the functions they fulfil, with sufficient spatial resolution and quantified uncertainty. It has been shown that Digital Soil Mapping (DSM) products can provide such information. However, in some cases, fine spatial resolution coupled with high levels of uncertainty may lead stakeholders to overlook the inherent uncertainties in the information. Spatial aggregation of DSM products opens up a promising avenue for obtaining maps that are more tailored to the users' scales of decision making while facilitating uncertainty communication. In this perspective, we propose a new spatial aggregation approach relying on spatially constrained agglomerative clustering (AC). The spatial aggregation approach is applied to a 25‐m‐resolution soil potential multifunctionality index (SPMI) map developed for the coastal plain of the Occitanie Region. This DSM product was increasingly aggregated to obtain SPMI maps of different resolutions displaying two distinct areal metrics: proportions of area above a given threshold of SPMI, and mean SPMI. Each map was evaluated through a set of indicators selected for their potential impact on user decision making: mean spatial resolution, overall predicted uncertainty, quantity of information and mean within‐unit variability. The maps were compared with respect to these indicators to other maps obtained with alternative aggregation methods employed in DSM literature (maps aggregated according to some administrative units and QuadMaps). We show that all the tested aggregation methods produced a substantial decrease of the map uncertainty with moderate loss of spatial resolution. However, only AC preserved the fine spatial pattern of the initial DSM product while enabling fine tuning of the uncertainty displayed to end‐users. We show that AC can simplify the identification of extensive regions characterized by low uncertainty without losing information regarding soil multifunctionality, thereby facilitating and enhancing the efficiency of planning decisions.

Sieci neuronowe do mapowania archeologicznych artefaktów litowych

An analytical non-destructive strategy to chemically characterize lithic artefacts has been developed. Around 100 archaeological lithic materials found in Neolithic-Chalcolithic sites in the Mediterranean region of the Iberian Peninsula and nowadays stored in different museums of the Valencian Community (Spain), were studied. The materials belong to different typologies of rock (diabase, sillimanite, ophite and amphibolite) and were analysed employing portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (pXRF) directly in the rock surface. The obtained data were processed through neural networks protocol, specifically the so-called Kohonen networks or Self Organised Maps (SOM), to map the geologic samples. This self-organized topological feature maps are suitable to deal with multidimensional representations and map them in a two-dimensional space of neurons, following an unsupervised learning protocol. SOM is used to reduce multidimensional data onto lower-dimensional spaces and clustering procedures. As a result, SOM create spatially organized representations, which enhance the discovery of correlations between data. In this case the method has enabled the evaluation of elemental markers related to each rock type behaving as a fine hidden pattern detector and so understand the possible advantages and disadvantages of the analytical method employed to define provenance issues. The attribution suggested by statistics is mainly driven by the composition of rocks essential minerals which are linked to the different petrogenetic conditions. The results showed that in most of the cases the distribution and dispersion of the chemical profile depend of the kind of rock, and clearly suggest that a good way to identify stone tools raw material procurement is to look for elemental markers, being the prior step to create an approximation to ancient exchange networks and their evolution in a diachronic axis.

Biology and ecology of Zercon hamaricus Kaczmarek et al. 2021 (Parasitiformes: Zerconidae) with morphological study of all instars

We provide data on the biology of Zercon hamaricus Kaczmarek et al. 2021 with regard to duration of egg and juvenile stages, analysis of change of body size during ontogeny, population parameters and morphological analysis of egg and all postembryonic stages using scanning electron microscopy. We confirmed the effectiveness of using hexamethyldisilazane in drying of Z. hamaricus individuals for SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) analysis. The overall egg duration was 3.7 ± 1.8 days on average. Duration of postembryonic stages ranged from 4.1 to 4.9 days and was the longest in deutonymphs. Change in length was statistically insignificant in larvae and significant in nymphs. At the species’ type locality juveniles (protonymphs) predominated, females were more abundant than males and juveniles were more abundant than adults. The exochorion of eggs of Z. hamaricus consists of dense areola with long processes and a fine polygonal pattern. We report on the presence and arrangement of metapodal plates in protonymphs and deutonymphs, and illustrate the post-coxal cuticular spines in adults. The influence of preparation method on the shape of the peritreme, position of seta r1 and shield and body size are discussed.