bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new projection correction based voting strategy for breast calcification artifact reduction
Authors: Tang Hui , Wang Jiashun , Sun Liang , Wang Shijie , Xiang Jun , Xi Yan , Chen Yang , Jiang Yanni
Published: August 2023

Objective. Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) is an imaging technique that combines traditional tomography with image processing and reconstruction techniques. In screening for breast cancer, high attenuation lesion will cause calcification hardening artifacts, which reduces the reconstructed image quality and limits diagnostic accuracy. We focus on the reconstruction artifacts that are caused by high-attenuation features in DBT, and aim to propose an efficient and accurate method to remove calcification artifacts and retain calcification information. Approach. The proposed method first introduces a new segmentation method, which can segment breast calcification accurately and effectively. Then an interpolation method is used to eliminate both the calcified area and artifact area in the projection images which are then used to reconstruct the image without artifacts and calcifications. Finally, the interpolated reconstructed image and the unprocessed reconstructed image are fused under the proposed voting strategy to obtain the DBT image with calcification artifacts removal. Main results. 18 groups of simulated projection data and 10 groups of real projection data collected by us are used to evaluate the proposed method. Experimental results show that our algorithm can effectively reduce the calcification artifact and preserve the effective information in the image as well. Significance. The proposed method utilizes a novel projection correction based voting fusion strategy for image fusion, and is advanced in reducing breast calcification artifacts compared with other state-of-the-art methods. Our work paves the way for more efficient and precise DBT breast cancer screening.
Antilock braking performance evaluation of an automotive magnetorheological braking system
Authors: Yang Guangxin , Fang Shirui , Dong Tao , Luo Yangjun , Wang Daoming
Published: August 2023

The aim of this work is to propose a novel magneto-rheological (MR) braking system (MRBS) using a magneto-rheological brake (MRB) and evaluate its anti-lock braking performance by theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and experimental verification. Firstly, the linear control mathematical model of the MRB is derived by the operation principle of the MR effect and the structure size of the MRB. Secondly, four different anti-lock braking controllers are designed for the MRBS to analyse the control performance under various road conditions. Subsequently, a flywheel type 1/4 vehicle antilock braking system test bench is established for investigates the antilock braking performance of the MRBS. The simulation results demonstrate that the road recognition based fuzzy proportional integral derivative (RRBF-PID) controller can maximize the utilization of the road adhesion coefficient. Furthermore, the RRBF-PID controller can shorten the braking time and distance, as well as maintain the stability of the braking direction during the braking process. In this work, the MRBS exhibits a satisfactory antilock braking performance under different road conditions and the research results could provide a reliable theoretical and experimental basis for the MRBS.
Exceptional-point-engineered phonon laser in a cavity magnomechanical system
Authors: Wang Tie , Zhang Wei , Cao Ji , Wang Hong-Fu
Published: August 2023

We propose a scheme to engineer phonon laser in a non-Hermitian cavity magnomechanical (CMM) system with dissipative magnon-photon coupling. The exceptional point (EP) (the analog of the

-symmetric regime), emerging in the system and changing the properties of photons, magnons, and phonons, can be observed with a tunable dissipative magnon-photon coupling caused by the cavity Lenz’s law. At the EP, we find that a strong nonlinear relation appears between the mechanical amplification factor and the detuning parameter, which results in a dramatic enhancement of magnetostrictive force and mechanical gain, and leading to the highly efficient phonon laser and the ultralow threshold power. Furthermore, EP induced by dissipative coupling is flexible and tunable compared to the

-symmetric regime, and the ultralow threshold power phonon laser is immune to the loss rates of the photon and magnon modes. Our scheme provides a theoretical basis for phonon laser in non-Hermitian systems and presents potential applications ranging from preparing coherent phonon sources to operating on-chip functional acoustic devices.
Rheological measurements and normal compression tests on shear thickening fluids below room temperature
Authors: Sokolovski Vladimir , Tian Tongfei , Ding Jie , Li Weihua
Published: August 2023

This work concentrated on the rheological measurements and normal compression tests of a shear thickening fluid (STF) below room temperature from −20 to 20 °C. The STF was made of 20% of fumed silica and 80% ethylene glycol in weight fraction. Experimental measurements were conducted with a parallel plate MCR301 rheometer. Temperature dependency, steady-state tests, oscillatory fRequency sweep tests, oscillatory shear strain amplitude sweep tests, and normal compression tests were applied on STF, and the testing results were analysed and discussed. The temperature played an important role in the performance of STF. The low temperature increased the STF’s viscosity and shear thickening effect but decreased the STF’s critical shear rate. Frequency was found to contribute to the STF’s phase change from the liquid state to the solid state. The normal compression tests were conducted to determine the equivalent stiffness of STF under different temperatures and various shear rates. The results showed that the STF’s equivalent normal stiffness could be increased by either lowering the applied temperature or increasing the shear rate. A mathematical model was adopted to represent the viscosity of STF in the temperature range from −20 to 20 °C.
Fabrication of tunable band gap carbon based zinc nanocomposites for enhanced capacitive behaviour
Authors: Dipti  , Phogat Peeyush , Shreya  , Kumari Deepa , Singh Sukhvir
Published: August 2023

This manuscript highlights the tunable properties of carbon nanospheres by controlling the concentration of zinc nitrate in them. Zinc nitrate has converted the phase of carbon spheres, which has also altered the optical, structural and electrochemical properties of carbon nanospheres by forming nanocomposites. Carbon nanospheres and their nanocomposites have been synthesized by using a two-step hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction analysis of the as synthesized material revealed the formation of carbon spheres and their nanocomposites. It is also observed that the crystallinity of the as synthesized material increases as the concentration of Zn(NO3)2.6H2O increases. UV- visible measurements revealed a blue shift in the as-synthesized samples. With the increase in the concentration of zinc, the band gap was also found to increase from 0.6 eV to 4.7 eV. The morphological and microstructural analysis of the as-synthesized samples showed the formation of nanospheres for as-synthesized carbon, and nano flakes for carbon nanocomposites. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) measurement provided the information about the molecular structure and vibrational bands present in the samples. Electrochemical analysis of the thin film revealed the capacitive behaviour of the material. The aerial capacitance and Nyquist plot represents the capacitive properties of the material. The present study on carbon nanospheres and their nanocomposites showed that the material is a potential candidate for the application in capacitors, supercapacitors and energy storage devices.
The computational study of crack growth process in defected polymethyl methacrylate/hydroxyapatite composite beam: peridynamic simulation
Authors: Akhlaghi-Fard Soheil , Safari Keivan Hosseini , Mashhadi Mahmoud Mousavi , Kheirikhah Mohammad Mahdi
Published: August 2023

The presence of cracks in structural materials can be attributed to a wide array of factors. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the underlying influences on crack formation in solid structures holds significant implications for the development of efficient industrial equipment. In the present computational investigation, we employ the peridynamic method to characterize the crack growth process in polymethyl methacrylate/hydroxyapatite beams. This particle-based simulation encompasses two fundamental steps. Initially, a modeled composite is brought to equilibrium under standard conditions, followed by an in-depth analysis of the crack growth phenomenon after subjecting the target structure to impact tests at three distinct velocities. The present investigation aims to quantitatively assess a range of physical parameters, such as crack length, repulsive force, relative bond length, potential energy, and damage criterion, to provide a comprehensive characterization of the crack growth process in polymethyl methacrylate/hydroxyapatite-based samples. The computational tool utilized for conducting the peridynamic simulations is the Large Scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator (LAMMPS). The findings from the peridynamic analysis demonstrate a clear association between the ratio of hydroxyapatite and the resulting crack length in the sample, which consequently leads to heightened brittleness and a decrease in mechanical strength. The crack length ratio reaches a measurement of 9.09 mm when the beam under consideration contains 15% hydroxyapatite. The observed behavior can be ascribed to a reduction in the attractive forces acting between the constituent particles present in the sample. The numerical findings derived from this investigation possess significant implications for the development of mechanically robust composites in practical contexts.
An IMAS-integrated workflow for energetic particle stability
Authors: Popa V.-A. , Lauber Ph. , Hayward-Schneider T. , Schneider M. , Hoenen O. , Pinches S.
Published: August 2023

The confinement of energetic particles (EPs) generated by fusion reactions and external heating methods is crucial for the performance of future fusion devices. However, EP transport can occur due to their interaction with electromagnetic perturbations, affecting heating efficiency and overall performance. Robust reduced models are needed to analyze stability and transport. This paper presents an automated IMAS-based workflow for analyzing the time-dependent stability of EP-driven modes, focusing on the linear properties of Toroidal Alfvén Eigenmodes (TAEs) in general tokamak geometry. The workflow utilizes efficient computational methods and reduced models to deliver fast and reproducible results. A demonstration of the workflow’s effectiveness was performed, identifying key linear properties of TAEs in various simulated ITER scenarios. This approach represents a critical step toward developing tools for analyzing EP transport and optimizing the performance of future fusion reactors.
First results of Ne shattered pellet injection for mitigating plasma disruption with full metal wall in EAST tokamak
Authors: Yuan J.S. , Zuo G.Z. , Zhao S.B. , Li L. , Zhuang H.D. , Zeng L. , Mao S.T. , Duan Y.M. , Chen D.L. , Xu L.Q. , Hou J.L. , Huang M. , Chen Y. , Hu J.S.
Published: August 2023

Disruption mitigation poses a significant and unresolved challenge for ITER and future fusion reactor devices. To mitigate the effect of plasma disruption, a Shattered Pellet Injection (SPI) system has been developed and the first rapid shutdown experiments have been successfully performed in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak with full metal wall. The experiments confirmed the system’s capability to inject 5 mm diameter neon (Ne) pellets at velocities ranging from 100 to 400 m s−1, with a maximum injected quantity of 13.2 Pa m3. Compared to unmitigated disruptions, the total radiation power was significantly higher with the respective use of SPI and Massive Gas Injection (MGI). Additionally, the radiation distribution and divertor heat flux were compared between SPI and MGI methods. The results demonstrated that SPI exhibited shorter cooling time, stronger core radiation and more uniform poloidal radiation distribution compared to MGI, indicating deeper deposition using SPI. Furthermore, during plasma shutdown, the electron temperature and peak heat flux near outer divertor strike points were reduced by 40% and 50% respectively, with SPI, in comparison to MGI. These findings serve as a valuable reference for implementing SPI technology as the baseline approach for disruption mitigation in ITER.
Nano-based formulations of curcumin: elucidating the potential benefits and future prospects in skin cancer
Authors: Ratan Chameli , Arian Arya Mangalath , Rajendran Rajalakshmi , Jayakumar Rangasamy , Masson Mar , Mangalathillam Sabitha
Published: August 2023

Skin cancer refers to any malignant lesions that occur in the skin and are observed predominantly in populations of European descent. Conventional treatment modalities such as excision biopsy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, electrodesiccation, and photodynamic therapy (PDT) induce several unintended side effects which affect a patient’s quality of life and physical well-being. Therefore, spice-derived nutraceuticals like curcumin, which are well tolerated, less expensive, and relatively safe, have been considered a promising agent for skin cancer treatment. Curcumin, a chemical constituent extracted from the Indian spice, turmeric, and its analogues has been used in various mammalian cancers including skin cancer. Curcumin has anti-neoplastic activity by triggering the process of apoptosis and preventing the multiplication and infiltration of the cancer cells by inhibiting some signaling pathways and thus subsequently preventing the process of carcinogenesis. Curcumin is also a photosensitizer and has been used in PDT. The major limitations associated with curcumin are poor bioavailability, instability, limited permeation into the skin, and lack of solubility in water. This will constrain the use of curcumin in clinical settings. Hence, developing a proper formulation that can ideally release curcumin to its targeted site is important. So, several nanoformulations based on curcumin have been established such as nanogels, nanoemulsions, nanofibers, nanopatterned films, nanoliposomes and nanoniosomes, nanodisks, and cyclodextrins. The present review mainly focuses on curcumin and its analogues as therapeutic agents for treating different types of skin cancers. The significance of using various nanoformulations as well non-nanoformulations loaded with curcumin as an effective treatment modality for skin cancer is also emphasized.
Kelvin waves from the equatorial Indian Ocean modulate the nonlinear internal waves in the Andaman Sea
Authors: Yang Yunchao , Huang Xiaodong , Zhao Wei , Zhou Chun , Zhang Zhiwei , Guan Shoude , Tian Jiwei
Published: August 2023

In the equatorial Indian Ocean, strong westerly and easterly wind anomaly can drive eastward downwelling and upwelling Kelvin waves, respectively, which play an important role in determining the circulations and thermal structures near the equator. Kelvin waves can propagate into the Andaman Sea, a marginal sea located to the northeast of the Indian Ocean. In the Andaman Sea, nonlinear internal waves (NLIWs) that are crucial in facilitating the mixing in the ocean interior and maintaining the ecosystem are found to be extremely active. Although both equatorial Kelvin waves and NLIWs have been well known in oceanography, the influence of equatorial Kelvin waves on NLIWs in the Andaman Sea remains unclear. In this study, based on long-term mooring measurements in the southern Andaman Sea, it is found that the NLIW amplitude shows remarkable intraseasonal and seasonal variances, and these variances can be mostly explained by the occurrence of equatorial Kelvin waves. Downwelling Kelvin waves can deepen the thermocline depth by tens of meters, so that the NLIW amplitude can be reduced up to 22%. Meanwhile, upwelling Kelvin waves can notably uplift the thermocline depth and the NLIW amplitude can be enhanced up to 32%. These discoveries provide credible evidence that basin-scale waves from the open ocean can remotely modulate small-scale internal waves in marginal seas.
Multi-foci metalens based on all-dielectric metasurface with simultaneous amplitude and phase modulation
Authors: Qin Chong , Fan Wenhui , Wu Qi , Jiang Xiaoqiang , Yan Hui
Published: August 2023

Metasurfaces provide a novel platform for designing high efficiency and multi-functional photonic devices with compact size. Multi-foci metalens have great potential in the applications of optical tomography technology, optical data storage, optical communication and photoelectric detection. Here, in order to broaden the functionality and applicability of multi-foci metalens, a scheme for designing multi-foci metalens based on all-dielectric metasurface with simultaneous amplitude and phase modulation is demonstrated. Based on this, a linear-polarization-dependent multi-foci metalens which can focus x-polarization and y-polarization incident wave into multiple focal points independently is designed and demonstrated numerically, the intensity ratio between the x-polarization foci and y-polarization foci can be tuned continuously by varying the polarization angle of incident wave. In addition, the polarization-independent multi-foci metalens and dual-frequency multi-foci metalens have also been demonstrated by utilizing this method, the intensity ratio among these foci can be designed at will. This work is of great significance for the practical applications of multi-foci metalens.
Ultratransparent photonic crystals realize positive and negative refractions
Authors: Peng Yiwei , Sheng Jie , Xie Jianlan , Yu Junzhe , Liu Jianjun
Published: August 2023

The introduction of ultratransparent medium has not yet solved the problem of transmission loss caused by reflection in negative refraction (NR) devices. In this study, theoretical analysis and simulation verification are carried out and an ultratransparent medium with wide-angle NR-index is proposed; the imaging with its flat lens is discussed. A photonic crystal (PC) is designed as an instance of the medium, and the rationality was analyzed. The PC can realize NR within 50° as well as positive refraction (PR) within 75° with transmittances over 99%. It is an ideal material for multifunctional NR/PR devices with ultra-low loss.
Omnidirectional endpoint force control through functional electrical stimulation
Authors: Sierotowicz Marek , Castellini Claudio
Published: August 2023

Objective. In recent years, Functional Electrical Stimulation has found many applications both within and outside the medical field. However, most available wearable FES devices are not easily adaptable to different users, and most setups rely on task-specific control schemes. Approach. In this article, we present a peripheral stimulation prototype featuring a compressive jacket which allows to easily modify the electrode arrangement to better fit any body frame. Coupled with a suitable control system, this device can induce the output of arbitrary forces at the end-effector, which is the basis to facilitate universal, task-independent impedance control of the human limbs. Here, the device is validated by having it provide stimulation currents that should induce a desired force output. The forces exerted by the user as a result of stimulation are measured through a 6-axis force-torque sensor, and compared to the desired forces. Furthermore, here we present the offline analysis of a regression algorithm, trained on the data acquired during the aforementioned validation, which is able to reliably predict the force output based on the stimulation currents. Main results. Open-loop control of the output force is possible with correlation coefficients between commanded and measured force output direction up to 0.88. A twitch-based calibration procedure shows significant reduction of the RMS error in the online control. The regression algorithm trained offline is able to predict the force output given the injected stimulation with correlations up to 0.94, and average normalized errors of 0.12 RMS. Significance. A reliable force output control through FES is the first basis towards higher-level FES force controls. This could eventually provide full, general-purpose control of the human neuromuscular system, which would allow to induce any desired movement in the peri-personal space in individuals affected by e.g. spinal cord injury.
Flood risk mapping for the area with mixed floods and human impact: a case study of Yarkant River Basin in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Yang Jing , Wang Jun , Hu Yiming , Li Binquan , Zhao Jianfei , Liang Zhongmin
Published: August 2023

Flooding has been causing severe consequences worldwide, including loss of human life and damage to property. Flood risk mapping, as a nonstructural measure, is efficient for flood protection and disaster alleviation. This study aims at completing the flood risk mapping of the region located at the middle reaches of the Yarkant River Oasis in western China, which has a dry climate and suffers from mixed flooding consisting of glacial outburst floods (GLOFs) and many other floods. In view of the complexity of flooding in the area, the study adopts two typical types of scenarios, namely overflow scenarios and dike-break scenarios, to complete the flood risk mapping. The MIKE FLOOD 1D/2D coupled model is used for two-dimensional flood flow simulation to compute the inundation depths and duration for flood risk assessment. The spatial overlay analysis was then used to combine the modeling results and land use/land cover layers with socioeconomic data to generate flood risk maps and damage losses under different scenarios. It is noted that evaporation and infiltration losses in the study area are not negligible because of the long flood process, the low precipitation, and dry surface/subsurface conditions. Due to the insufficient evaporation and infiltration data, a new method of synthesis loss rate is proposed to compute the evaporation/infiltration loss rate. Based on the water balance principle, the upstream and downstream flow data is utilized to calculate the water attenuation, which is then used to estimate the evaporation/infiltration loss rate. The proposed method can solve the problem of calculating evaporation/infiltration loss rates during the flooding process in such data-scarce areas. The flood risk mapping results indicate that the flood risk is high along the Yarkant River and that floods can cause severe inundation losses.
How We Approach Suppressive Antibiotic Therapy Following Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention for Prosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Cortes-Penfield Nicolas , Krsak Martin , Damioli Laura , Henry Michael , Seidelman Jessica , Hewlett Angela , Certain Laura
Published: August 2023

The optimal treatment of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains uncertain. Patients undergoing debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) receive extended antimicrobial treatment, and some experts leave patients at perceived highest risk of relapse on suppressive antibiotic therapy (SAT). In this narrative review, we synthesize the literature concerning the role of SAT to prevent treatment failure following DAIR, attempting to answer 3 key questions: (1) What factors identify patients at highest risk for treatment failure after DAIR (ie, patients with the greatest potential to benefit from SAT), (2) Does SAT reduce the rate of treatment failure after DAIR, and (3) What are the rates of treatment failure and adverse events necessitating treatment discontinuation in patients receiving SAT? We conclude by proposing risk–benefit stratification criteria to guide use of SAT after DAIR for PJI, informed by the limited available literature.
Novel or established cryoballoon ablation system for pulmonary vein isolation: the prospective ICE-AGE-1 study
Authors: Heeger Christian-Hendrik , Popescu Sorin Stefan , Inderhees Tim , Nussbickel Noemi , Eitel Charlotte , Kirstein Bettina , Phan Huong-Lan , Hatahet Sascha , Subin Behnam , Traub Anna , Große Niels , Kuck Karl-Heinz , Vogler Julia , Tilz Roland R
Published: August 2023

Aims

Catheter ablation with a cryoballoon (CB) provides effective and durable pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) associated with encouraging clinical outcome data. The novel POLARx CB incorporates unique features, which may translate into improved safety, efficacy, and outcomes. The ICE-AGE-1 study aimed to assess the efficacy, safety, and 1-year clinical follow-up of the POLARx CB in comparison to the Arctic Front Advance Pro CB (AF-CB4).

Methods and results

A total of 103 consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent POLARx-based PVI (POLARx group) were prospectively enrolled and were compared to 102 consecutive patients previously treated with the AF-CB4 (AF-CB4 group). The mean age was 68.7 ± 10.2 (POLARx) and 65.7 ± 12 (AF-CB4, P = 0.0551) years. A total of 412 (POLARx) and 404 (AF-CB4) PVs were identified. All PVs, except for one PV in the POLARx group, were successfully isolated. A significant difference regarding the mean minimal CB temperature reached using the POLARx CB (−56.1 ± 8.3°C) and AF-CB4 (−46.9 ± 10.1°C) was observed (P < 0.0001). Real-time PVI was visualized in 71% of PVs in the POLARx group and 46% of them in the AF-CB4 group (P < 0.001). The mean procedure time was comparable: 54.5 ± 17.1 min for POLARx and 59.4 ± 18.6 min for AF-CB4 (P = 0.0509). No differences were observed in terms of periprocedural complications. There were comparable rates in freedom of AF or atrial tachycardia recurrence after 12 months, beyond a 90-day long blanking period: 78.9% in the POLARx group vs. 77.2% in the AF-CB4 group (P = 0.804).

Conclusion

The novel POLARx CB showed similar safety, efficacy, and 1-year recurrence-free survival rates compared to the AF-CB4. A higher rate of real-time electrical PV recordings and significantly lower balloon temperatures were observed using the POLARx as compared to AF-CB4.
Heritable genome editing: ethical aspects of a developing domain
Authors: Segers Seppe
Published: August 2023

In the past decade, scientific developments in human germline genome editing (GGE) have reinvigorated questions about research ethics, responsible innovation, and what it means to do good in the field of reproductive biology and medicine. In recent years, it has become part of the ethical debate on GGE whether categorical objections about (un)naturalness, dignity, respect for the gene pool as common heritage, are and should be supplemented by more pragmatic questions about safety, utility, efficacy, and potential ‘misuse’, which seem to become more dominant in the moral discussion. This mini-review summarizes the morally relevant aspects of the rapidly developing domain of GGE, focusing on reproductive applications and with special attention to the ethical questions pertaining to how this technology may affect the interests of those that come to be by means of it. While vital, this encompasses more than safety considerations. Taking this perspective, it will be crucial to engage with normative questions about how GGE maps on the importance of accommodating future parents’ preference to have genetically related children, and how far we should go to facilitate this. Similarly, a comprehensive ethical debate about ‘appropriate application’ of GGE cannot shake off the more fundamental question about how notions like ‘normalcy’, ‘quality of life’, and ‘disability’ can be conceptualized. This is crucial in view of respecting persons whichever traits they have and in view of acceptable boundaries to parental responsibilities.
Postpartum meloxicam administration to sows but not split-suckling increases piglet growth and reduces clinical incidence of disease in suckling piglets
Authors: Arnaud Elisa A , Gardiner Gillian E , Halpin Keely M , Ribas Clément , O’ Doherty John V , Sweeney Torres , Lawlor Peadar G
Published: August 2023

Each suckling pig should receive ≥200 g of colostrum within the first 24 h of life, but with increased litter size this is now difficult to achieve. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of split-suckling and postpartum meloxicam provision to sows as a means of ensuring adequate colostrum intake, on growth and health in pigs pre- and postweaning. One hundred and four sows (Large White × Landrace) and their litters, averaging 16.3 piglets born alive, were assigned to one of four treatments in a two-by-two factorial arrangement. Factors were provision of meloxicam (yes/no; Mel/N-Mel) and split-suckling (yes/no; Split/N-Split). Meloxicam was administered intramuscularly at 0.4 mg/kg body weight to sows on release of the placenta (~2 h postpartum). Split-suckling commenced 4 h after birth of the first piglet, with the six heaviest piglets removed from the sow for 1 h to allow the lightest piglets to suckle. This was repeated after 1.5 h. Pigs were weighed at birth and at days 1, 6, 14, and 27 after birth and at days 6, 14, 21, 28, 47, and 129 postweaning. Carcass data were collected at slaughter. Medication usage was recorded from birth to slaughter. There was a split-suckling by meloxicam interaction effect at days 1 to 6 (P < 0.001) and days 6 to 14 (P < 0.001) after birth. Meloxicam administration had no effect on average daily gain (ADG) when split-suckling was applied; however, when split-suckling was not applied, postpartum meloxicam administration increased ADG. There was a meloxicam × split-suckling interaction for ADG from weaning to day 6 postweaning (P = 0.03). Meloxicam increased ADG when split-suckling was applied but not in its absence. Carcass weight was increased by meloxicam (P = 0.01) but was not affected by split-suckling (P > 0.05). Meloxicam use in sows reduced the number of clinical cases of disease (P = 0.04) in suckling pigs which tended to reduce the volume of antibiotics (P = 0.08) and anti-inflammatories (P = 0.08) administered. Split-suckling had no effect on medication usage in sows and piglets during lactation but increased their use from weaning to slaughter. In conclusion, postpartum administration of meloxicam to sows is an easily implemented strategy. It reduced clinical cases of disease, increased ADG in pigs during the first two weeks of life and early postweaning and increased carcass weight at slaughter. However, no split-suckling benefit was observed.
Utilizing a divalent metal ion transporter to control biogenic nanoparticle synthesis
Authors: Gangan Manasi Subhash , Naughton Kyle L , Boedicker James Q
Published: August 2023

Biogenic synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials has been demonstrated for both wild and engineered bacterial strains. In many systems the nucleation and growth of nanomaterials is poorly controlled and requires concentrations of heavy metals toxic to living cells. Here, we utilized the tools of synthetic biology to engineer a strain of Escherichia coli capable of synthesizing cadmium sulfide nanoparticles from low concentrations of reactants with control over the location of synthesis. Informed by simulations of bacterially-assisted nanoparticle synthesis, we created a strain of E. coli expressing a broad-spectrum divalent metal transporter, ZupT, and a synthetic CdS nucleating peptide. Expression of ZupT in the outer membrane and placement of the nucleating peptide in the periplasm focused synthesis within the periplasmic space and enabled sufficient nucleation and growth of nanoparticles at sub-toxic levels of the reactants. This strain synthesized internal CdS quantum dot nanoparticles with spherical morphology and an average diameter of approximately 3.3 nm.

One-Sentence Summary

Expression of a metal ion transporter regulates synthesis of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles in bacteria.
Actinomycosis of the paranasal sinuses: case report and literature review
Authors: Alqahtani Abdullah M , Alwadi Fahad A , Almahdi Mohammed
Published: August 2023

Actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous condition caused by filamentous gram-positive anaerobic bacteria that colonizes the mouth, gastrointestinal tract and urogenital tract. Infection occurs through the mucosal surfaces, often resulting from dental procedures or trauma, primarily affecting the maxillary sinus. We report a case of Actinomyces sinusitis affecting the right maxillary and right ethmoidal sinuses of a 41-year-old woman. The diagnosis was made through a combination of histopathological report and computed tomography scan. The patient underwent endoscopic sinus surgery followed by long-term antibiotics for 6 months and reported improvement of her symptoms.
Giant gallbladder case report with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serum level and mRNA expression evaluation
Authors: Sapan Heber B , Rendy Leo , Tendean Michael , Panelewen Jimmy
Published: August 2023

Giant gallbladder (GGB) is a rare condition and its pathogenesis could not be explained clearly. It can result from cholelithiasis, chronic cholecystitis or neoplasm, but more rarely if created congenitally. Adequate vasculatization should support the development of this entity. A 47-year-old lady presented with a dull pain and right upper quadrant abdominal mass. A computed tomography scan showed 27 × 25 × 12 cms cystic mass expanding to the right illiac fossae, surrounded by a homogenous capsule. There were neither stones nor mass in the biliary tract and total cholecystectomy was done. Patient recovered well without signs of cholestasis 5 years postoperatively. A few cases of giant benign gall bladder have been reported in literature; however, no study has tried to investigate the mechanism of its etiology. To support the enlargement of the tissue or organ there must be some growth factors along with adequate vascularization. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serum level and VEGF messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) gene expression were increased in this case. This GGB case suggests a congenital factor as its etiology. Cholecystectomy may relieve uncomfortable symptoms with good results. The incidence of GGB accompanied by increased serum VEGF levels and mRNA gene expression supports the hypothesis that VEGF plays a major role in supporting the vasculogenesis of GGBs.
Large bowel perforation secondary to endometriosis
Authors: Goriel Lawrence Y , Seok David J , Akrawe Silvy C , Goriel Yousif H
Published: August 2023

Endometriosis is described as the implantation of ectopic, viable endometrium. Among the complications associated with this phenomenon, ectopic foci that localizes to the bowel can result in many presentations. An uncommon presentation of such an occurrence is a mass effect on the colon causing an obstruction. This case report describes the progression of endometriosiscausing mass effect in the colon and resulting in perforated hollow viscous. Hence, this demonstrates the importance of maintaining endometriosis as a differential diagnosis in women of childbearing age presenting with bowel obstruction. Although the presence of endometriosis as a cause of bowel obstruction has been reported in the literature, the presentation of large bowel perforation is rare. In this case, an extremely rare presentation of sigmoid obstruction with transverse colonic perforation is observed.
Iatrogenic diaphragmatic herniation of the liver into the pericardium—a case report
Authors: Wood Phoebe C , Simpson Fraser H , Yuide Peter , Franz Robert
Published: August 2023

Iatrogenic diaphragmatic herniation is rare. This case is an example of herniation of the liver into the pericardial space post-transdiaphragmatic pericardial window formation for recurrent pericarditis. This case highlights that transdiaphragmatic herniation of intra-abdominal organs should be considered in patients presenting with gastrointestinal or cardiorespiratory symptoms with history of iatrogenic diaphragmatic defect.
Malignant primary melanoma of the colon: a case report
Authors: Foley Claire K , Hughes Marybeth S , Hehman Charles T
Published: August 2023

Melanoma is most associated with cancer of the skin. However, a small subset of these melanomas can be a primary malignancy of other mucosal membranes. A 55-year-old male presented to the gastroenterologist with 1 year of symptoms typical of colon cancer including bloating, abdominal pain and weight loss. He underwent colonoscopy and a mass was seen in the transverse colon that was later proven melanoma. A PET CT scan showed this was his only focus of disease. He then underwent a laparoscopic-assisted extended right hemicolectomy. He had an uneventful postoperative course. He was thoroughly examined for other sources of melanoma such as cutaneous, anal and uveal sources. He has recovered well at home and is receiving adjuvant pembrolizumab immunotherapy. Mucosal primary melanomas have a worse 5-year survival than primary cutaneous melanomas. A multi-disciplinary approach is necessary to treat and properly diagnose these malignancies.
Successful management of penetrating cardiac injury in a limited resource setting without cardiac surgical instruments and heart-lung machine
Authors: Ammannaya Ganesh Kumar K
Published: August 2023

Penetrating cardiac injuries (PCI) are often fatal and do not present enough time for effective referrals to higher centers. Most deaths occur in transit from a remote healthcare setting with limited resources. I present the first reported case of PCI in the medical literature to be managed successfully in the absence of heart-lung machine as well as dedicated cardiac surgical instruments and equipment, and which was further complicated by mediastinitis.
Antifungal susceptibility patterns for Aspergillus, Scedosporium, and Exophiala isolates recovered from cystic fibrosis patients against amphotericin B, and three triazoles and their impact after long-term therapies
Authors: Brito Devoto Tomás , Hermida-Alva Katherine , Posse Gladys , Finquelievich Jorge L , García-Effrón Guillermo , Cuestas María L
Published: August 2023

In cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, fungal colonization of the respiratory tract is frequently found. Aspergillus fumigatus, Scedosporium genus, and Exophiala dermatitidis are the most commonly isolated moulds from the respiratory tract secretions of CF patients. The aim of this 5-year surveillance study was to identify trends in species distribution and susceptibility patterns of 212 mould strains identified as Aspergillus spp., Scedosporium spp., and Exophiala spp., isolated from sputum of 63 CF patients who received long-term therapy with itraconazole (ITR) and/or voriconazole (VRC). The Aspergillus isolates were identified as members of the sections Fumigati (n = 130), Flavi (n = 22), Terrei (n = 20), Nigri (n = 8), Nidulantes (n = 1), and Usti (n = 1). Among the 16 species of the genus Scedosporium, 9 were S. apiospermum, 3 S. aurantiacum, and 4 S. boydii. Among the 14 Exophiala species, all were molecularly identified as E. dermatitidis. Overall, 94% (15/16) of Scedosporium spp., 50% (7/14) of E. dermatitidis, and 7.7% (14/182) of Aspergillus spp. strains showed high MIC values (≥8 µg/ml) for at least one antifungal. Particularly, 8.9% (19/212) of isolates showed high MIC values for amphotericin B, 11.7% (25/212) for ITR, 4.2% (9/212) for VRC, and 3.3% (7/212) for posaconazole. In some cases, such as some A. fumigatus and E. dermatitidis isolates recovered from the same patient, susceptibility to antifungal azoles decreased over time. We show that the use of azoles for a long time in CF patients causes the selection/isolation of mould strains with higher MIC values.
New radio lobes at parsec scale from the east–west protostellar jet RAFGL2591
Authors: Cheriyan A G , Vig S , Mohan Sreelekshmi
Published: August 2023

RAFGL2591 is a massive star-forming complex in the Cygnus-X region comprising of a cluster of embedded protostars and young stellar objects located at a distance of 3.33 kpc. We investigate low-frequency radio emission from the protostellar jet associated with RAFGL2591 using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at 325, 610, and 1280 MHz. For the first time, we have detected radio jet lobes in the east–west direction, labelled as GMRT-1 and GMRT-2. While GMRT-1 displays a flat radio spectral index of α = −0.10, GMRT-2 shows a steeply negative value of α = −0.62 suggestive of non-thermal emission. H2 emission maps show the presence of numerous knots, arcs, and extended emission towards the east–west jet, excited by the protostar VLA 3. In addition, we report a few H2 knots in the north-east and south-west for the first time. The radio lobes (GMRT-1 and GMRT-2) and H2 emission towards this region are understood in the context of the prominent east–west jet as well as its lesser-known sibling jet in the north-east and south-west direction. To model the radio emission from the lobes, we have employed a numerical model including both thermal and non-thermal emission and found number densities towards these lobes in the range 100–1000 cm−3. The misalignment of the east–west jet lobes exhibits a reflection symmetry with a bending of ∼20°. We attempt to understand this misalignment through precession caused by a binary partner and/or a supersonic side wind from source(s) in the vicinity.
The JWST FRESCO survey: legacy NIRCam/grism spectroscopy and imaging in the two GOODS fields
Authors: Oesch P A , Brammer G , Naidu R P , Bouwens R J , Chisholm J , Illingworth G D , Matthee J , Nelson E , Qin Y , Reddy N , Shapley A , Shivaei I , van Dokkum P , Weibel A , Whitaker K , Wuyts S , Covelo-Paz A , Endsley R , Fudamoto Y , Giovinazzo E , Herard-Demanche T , Kerutt J , Kramarenko I , Labbe I , Leonova E , Lin J , Magee D , Marchesini D , Maseda M , Mason C , Matharu J , Meyer R A , Neufeld C , Prieto Lyon G , Schaerer D , Sharma R , Shuntov M , Smit R , Stefanon M , Wyithe J S B , Xiao M
Published: August 2023

We present the JWST cycle 1 53.8 h medium program FRESCO, short for ‘First Reionization Epoch Spectroscopically Complete Observations’. FRESCO covers 62 arcmin2 in each of the two GOODS/CANDELS fields for a total area of 124 arcmin2 exploiting JWST’s powerful new grism spectroscopic capabilities at near-infrared wavelengths. By obtaining ∼2 h deep NIRCam/grism observations with the F444W filter, FRESCO yields unprecedented spectra at R ∼ 1600 covering 3.8–5.0 µm for most galaxies in the NIRCam field of view. This setup enables emission line measurements over most of cosmic history, from strong PAH lines at z ∼ 0.2–0.5, to Pa α and Pa β at z ∼ 1–3, He i and [S iii] at z ∼ 2.5–4.5, H α and [N ii] at z ∼ 5–6.5, up to [O iii] and H β for z ∼ 7–9 galaxies. FRESCO’s grism observations provide total line fluxes for accurately estimating galaxy stellar masses and calibrating slit-loss corrections of NIRSpec/MSA spectra in the same field. Additionally, FRESCO results in a mosaic of F182M, F210M, and F444W imaging in the same fields to a depth of ∼28.2 mag (5σ in 0${_{.}^{\prime\prime}}$32 diameter apertures). Here, we describe the overall survey design and the key science goals that can be addressed with FRESCO. We also highlight several, early science results, including: spectroscopic redshifts of Lyman break galaxies that were identified almost 20 yr ago, the discovery of broad-line active galactic nuclei at z > 4, and resolved Pa α maps of galaxies at z ∼ 1.4. These results demonstrate the enormous power for serendipitous discovery of NIRCam/grism observations.
Implications of z ≳ 12 JWST galaxies for galaxy formation at high redshift
Authors: Qin Yuxiang , Balu Sreedhar , Wyithe J Stuart B
Published: August 2023

Using a semi-analytic galaxy formation model, we study analogues of eight z ≳ 12 galaxies recently discovered by James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). We select analogues from a cosmological simulation with a (311 cMpc)3 volume and an effective particle number of 1012 enabling the resolution of every atomic-cooling galaxy at z ≤ 20. We vary model parameters to reproduce the observed ultraviolet (UV) luminosity function at 5 < z < 13, aiming for a statistically representative high-redshift galaxy mock catalogue. Using the forward-modelled JWST photometry, we identify analogues from this catalogue and study their properties as well as possible evolutionary paths and local environment. We find faint JWST galaxies (MUV ≳ − 19.5) to remain consistent with the standard galaxy formation model and that our fiducial catalogue includes large samples of their analogues. The properties of these analogues broadly agree with conventional spectral energy distribution-fitting results, except for having systematically lower redshifts due to the evolving ultraviolet luminosity function, and for having higher specific star formation rates as a result of burstier histories in our model. On the other hand, only a handful of bright galaxy analogues can be identified for the observed z ∼ 12 galaxies. Moreover, in order to reproduce the z ≳ 16 JWST galaxy candidates, boosting star-forming efficiencies through reduced feedback regulation and increased gas depletion rate is necessary relative to models of lower redshift populations. This suggests star formation in the first galaxies could differ significantly from their lower redshift counterparts. We also find that these candidates are subject to low-redshift contamination, which is present in our fiducial results as both the dusty or quiescent galaxies at z ∼ 5.
On the origin of the evolution of the halo occupation distribution
Authors: Contreras Sergio , Zehavi Idit
Published: August 2023

We use the TNG300 magnetohydrodynamic simulation and mock catalogues built using subhalo abundance matching (SHAM) to study the origin of the redshift evolution of the halo occupation distribution (HOD). We analyse stellar-mass selected galaxy samples with fixed number densities, spanning the redshift range 0 ≤ z ≤ 3. We measure their halo occupation functions and fit the HOD parameters to study their evolution over cosmic time. The TNG300 galaxy population strongly depends on the baryonic physics implemented in the simulation. In contrast, the galaxy population predicted by a basic SHAM model without scatter is a direct result of the cosmology of the dark matter simulation. We find that the HOD evolution is similar for both models and is consistent with a previous study of the HOD evolution in semi-analytical models. Specifically, this is the case for the ratio between the characteristic halo masses for hosting central and satellite galaxies. The only HOD parameter whose evolution varies across models is σlogM, which contains information about the stellar mass–halo mass relation of the galaxies but does not strongly impact galaxy clustering. We also demonstrate that the dependence on the specific values of the cosmological parameters is small. We conclude that the cosmology of the galaxy sample, i.e. the cosmological hierarchical growth of structure, and not the baryonic physics prescriptions, governs the evolution of the HOD for stellar mass-selected samples. These results have important implications for populating simulated light-cones with galaxies and can facilitate the interpretation of clustering data at different redshifts.