bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of a passive vibration damper for high-speed superconducting magnetic bearings
Authors: Baloochi M , Espenhahn T , Hossain M , Perez-Delgado Y , Abdkader A , Beitelschmidt M , Nielsch K , Hühne R
Published: July 2024

Superconducting magnetic bearings (SMB) based on a combination of high temperature superconductors and permanent magnets enable the realization of self-stabilized high-speed devices with significantly reduced friction. However, external vibration might couple in the bearing resulting in large amplitude oscillations due to a resonance case. A dedicated eddy current damper (ECD) might be used to eliminate these oscillations for a stable operation. The influence of such damping elements was studied for a frictionless SMB twisting system designed to speed up the conventional ring spinning process. Therefore, conductive copper rings with different thicknesses were implemented at different positions into the bearing setup as ECD. Afterward, the SMB setup was analyzed during acceleration using an array of laser distance sensors to record the displacement of the levitating permanent magnet ring in radial and axial direction, respectively. Simultaneously, a numerical model was developed to investigate the influence of the ECDs on the dynamic and static behavior of the SMB in more detail. It was shown that the simulated damping coefficients are in good agreement with the measured values, which allows further optimization of the ECD with the developed numerical model.
A novel design of collapsed supply and boosted bit-line swing write driver for fast write access 9T SRAM
Authors: Ganesh Chokkakula , Sai Kumar Aruru , Shoukath Vali Sk , Kondaveeti Girija Sravani , Wadhwa Girish , Karumuri Srinivasa Rao
Published: July 2024

This work presents a collapsed supply and boosted bit-line swing (CSBBS) write driver circuit, with the specific goal of enhancing write performance. The write ability of SRAM cells is gravely affected by device parameter variations in deep sub-threshold region of operations. The collapsed supply and boosted bit-line swing are key features aimed at achieving improvements in speed and efficiency during the memory write process. In comparison to conventional, Ultra dynamic scaled supply write (UDSS), Negative charge-boosted bit line (NCBBL), and Reconfigurable negative bit line collapsed supply (RNBLCS) write driver circuits, Proposed collapsed supply and boosted bit-line swing (CSBBS) for 9T SRAM cell has optimized write access delays of 0.74X, 0.41X, 0.32X and 0.21X, improvement in write margin (WM) of 1.51X, 1.34X, 1.22X and 1.12X respectively. The CSBBS Write driver circuit is implemented using custom compiler (Synopsys) through a 28 nm BSIM4 model card for bulk CMOS. MC simulation results are monitored on Cosmoscope wave viewer (Synopsys).
Investigation of oil palm fiber reinforced polylactic acid composite extruded filament quality
Authors: Sharum Mohd Afiq , Rajendran Thavinnesh Kumar , Maidin Shajahan , Ismail Shafinaz
Published: July 2024

This study examines the quality of Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament reinforced with Oil Palm Fiber (OPF) for additive manufacturing applications. The research aims to create a composite filament that leverages the advantages of PLA, a biodegradable polymer, and OPF, a natural fiber from the oil palm tree, to enhance mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and printability. The methodology involves crushing the PLA filament and OPF to the desired size using a crusher machine, blending them in different ratios (e.g., 90:10 and 80:20 PLA to OPF), and using a hot-pressing process to bond the components. The resulting pelletized composites are then extruded into filaments using an extruder machine. The quality of the produced filament is assessed based on diameter consistency, surface smoothness, and printability, considering compatibility with 3D printers. The study reveals that composition ratios and processing parameters impact filament quality, leading to challenges such as diameter variations, rapid hardening, breakage, and extruder die clogs. Future recommendations were suggested to optimize compositions, refine processing, explore advanced extrusion, and investigate fiber distribution and bonding for improved filament properties. This research offers valuable insights for creating high-quality OPF-reinforced PLA filaments for additive manufacturing, advancing understanding of filament quality factors, and proposing ways to enhance composite filament performance across applications.
High extinction ratio TE-Pass polarizer using the effect of superstrate layer in Ge-Clad optical waveguide
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Kumar Anil , Saini Rakesh , Bhatt Geeta , Khanna Manoj K
Published: July 2024

Attenuation characteristics of germanium (Ge) film clad planar optical waveguide are theoretically studied at the spectral wavelength of 0.6328 μm. Thin films of Ge are found to possess greater attenuation values than the other recognized materials. The existence of these greater attenuations is caused by lossy modes that are sustained by these films. It has been shown that the attenuation of the TM mode can be greatly increased by adding a high-index buffer layer between the Ge layer and the dielectric guide. It occurred because of the resonant coupling between the lossy modes supported by the Ge layer and the waveguide modes. Moreover, it is claimed that by adding a dielectric superstrate layer above the Ge thin film, the strength of the TM mode in the proposed structure can be further attenuated to an ultra-high value. In this study, a TE pass polarizer is proposed having a high extinction ratio of 30582.15 dB. Attenuation results are presented, after optimization of several parameters like thicknesses of Ge, buffer, and superstrate layers along with environmental stability of the suggested structure. The generated field distribution profiles are also in good agreement with the obtained attenuation results.
Mixed noise and posterior estimation with conditional deepGEM
Authors: Hagemann Paul , Hertrich Johannes , Casfor Maren , Heidenreich Sebastian , Steidl Gabriele
Published: July 2024

We develop an algorithm for jointly estimating the posterior and the noise parameters in Bayesian inverse problems, which is motivated by indirect measurements and applications from nanometrology with a mixed noise model. We propose to solve the problem by an expectation maximization (EM) algorithm. Based on the current noise parameters, we learn in the E-step a conditional normalizing flow that approximates the posterior. In the M-step, we propose to find the noise parameter updates again by an EM algorithm, which has analytical formulas. We compare the training of the conditional normalizing flow with the forward and reverse Kullback–Leibler divergence, and show that our model is able to incorporate information from many measurements, unlike previous approaches.
Labour Standards in EU Free Trade Agreements
Authors: Gruni Giovanni
Published: July 2024

This chapter studies the inclusion of labour provisions in EU trade agreements. The chapter assesses the current mechanisms of enforcement of such standards present in most of the EU free trade agreements (FTAs). It also introduces how labour standards are dealt with multilaterally in the International Labour Organization and in the World Trade Organization. Sections V and VI look at the recent change in the global posture of the European Union with regard to the enforcement of labour standards in its FTAs. There are already some signs in the law that the European Union will change its posture about the enforcement of labour standards.
The Legal Links between Free Trade Agreements and Multilateral Environmental Agreements
Authors: Messenger Gregory
Published: July 2024

The drive to include explicit references to multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) in free trade agreements (FTAs) has been largely domestic, borne of a period that viewed these distinct regimes of international law as requiring greater coordination in case of conflict or overlap. Instead, FTA practice (initially driven from Washington and Brussels) has shown how MEAs can be linked to FTAs through a range of methods and for different purposes. This chapter traces some of the more interesting innovations and reflects on three developments that mark recent practice: the inclusion of dynamic mechanisms for implementation and ongoing governance, the increasing sectorization of MEA linkages, and the influence such linkages have on our understanding of disputes and diplomacy in the trade–environment space.
State and Private Accountability through the Rapid Response Labour Mechanism
Authors: Banks Kevin
Published: July 2024

The Rapid Response Labor Mechanism (RRLM or Mechanism) established under the new United States–Canada–Mexico Agreement (USMCA) provides for the first time in a free trade agreement (FTA), and in public international law, remedies aimed at private actors in response to labour rights denials by such actors. This innovation has been described as radical, and as holding the promise of transforming the lives of many Mexican workers. This chapter will examine the Mechanism and its potential to live up to such hopes and expectations. It will first unpack the structure of obligations and understandings that can be enforced through it, and briefly outline the procedures and remedies available for that purpose. It will identify both the specific purposes of the RRLM and the larger labour rights purposes of the Agreement that it seeks to advance. Finally, it will reflect on the Mechanism’s foreseeable impacts and effectiveness in achieving those purposes.
Interactions Between Free Trade Agreements’ Sustainability Provisions and WTO Law
Authors: Fukunaga Yuka
Published: July 2024

This chapter examines interactions between environmental sustainability provisions in free trade agreements (FTAs) and environmental sustainability developments in the World Trade Organization (WTO). While most FTA sustainability provisions remain ‘defensive’, the ‘offensive’ sustainability provisions included in FTAs that set sustainable development as a primary goal using trade as a tool to achieve it are increasing. Insufficient in themselves, sustainability provisions in FTAs must be supplemented by multilateral or plurilateral trade and sustainability instruments in the WTO, given the need for global collective effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This chapter argues that some ‘defensive’ sustainability provisions in FTAs reflect and build upon WTO dispute settlement practice; other ‘offensive’ sustainability provisions that do not exist in the WTO have been invented in some FTAs. It discusses how these FTA environmental sustainability provisions have promoted relevant initiatives in the WTO and whether they constitute building blocks for multilateral or plurilateral sustainability provisions.
Critical Minerals Strategies, Net Zero, and Natural Resources Law
Authors: Barton Barry
Published: July 2024

A central feature of the drive towards a net zero economy is technology for renewable energy and for electrification such as in electric vehicles, and this technology requires more metals and a greater range of them than the equivalent fossil fuel technology. Demand for lithium, copper, cobalt, rare earth elements, and a number of other metals has soared, amid international concern with undue dependence on a few supplier nations. In response, a number of developed nations have produced critical minerals strategies, as an exercise of their sovereignty over natural resources. This chapter enquires into their character and the effect that the strategies may have on natural resources law, particularly mining law, and on environmental regulation and provision for the circular economy. It may be difficult to reconcile a surge in mining with the interests of the environment, communities and indigenous groups, so hard choices may lie ahead in living within planetary boundaries.
Gender Justice and Net Zero Energy Transition
Authors: Akinsemolu Adebukola Adenike , Nsoh Walters
Published: July 2024

This chapter examines gender-based vulnerabilities and risks in the net zero transition and how natural resources law and policy can address those barriers. Achieving a just energy transition requires a gender-just approach. For decades, international legal instruments have emphasized the need to integrate gender perspectives in climate action and development efforts. However, women in many parts of the world continue to face deep vulnerabilities and barriers in the net zero energy transition process due to existing legal and social norms that make it difficult for them to participate in and influence decision-making processes. Drawing lessons from emerging gender mainstreaming efforts in the United Kingdom, this chapter examines transformative law and policy approaches for advancing gender-just planning and decision-making in the net zero transition. It identifies legal and institutional barriers to gender-just net zero policies in natural resources sectors in Africa and the dynamic legal innovation required to address them.
Effects of Breast Surgery on Interoceptive Awareness in Females
Authors: Weis Lauren E , Akhter Haris M , Hon Heidi H , Johnson Perry J , Figy Sean C
Published: July 2024

Background

The driving force for many seeking plastic surgery is comfort in one's body. Along with comfort come satisfaction, improved self-awareness, and potential change in interoceptive awareness—a term defined as the conscious perception of one's body. Although conscious perception of bodily signals is influenced by many factors, sense of self and body image play significant roles. Studies show diminished interoceptive awareness in those with negative body image, but no research has assessed the impact of change in body image on interoceptive awareness.

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to investigate how interoceptive awareness changes following elective breast surgery.

Methods

The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness Version 2 (MAIA-2) was administered to females undergoing breast surgery. A baseline survey was administered preoperatively, with follow-up surveys at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively.

Results

Data were collected from 39 females and analyzed using paired t-tests to compare MAIA-2 overall and subscores over time. Significance was seen at 1 week for subcategories of “not distracting” and “trust,” at 1 month for “trust,” and 3 months for “not worrying,” “emotional awareness,” “self-regulation,” and “trust.” Overall survey averages were significantly increased at all postoperative intervals.

Conclusions

From this study, it can be concluded that breast surgery positively impacts interoceptive awareness. These findings are clinically relevant as they offer providers’ insight into the psychological effects of breast procedures. A comprehensive understanding of procedure outcomes enables providers to educate patients on both anticipated physical results and changes in sense of self.

Level of Evidence: 2
Pangenome graph layout by Path-Guided Stochastic Gradient Descent
Authors: Heumos Simon , Guarracino Andrea , Schmelzle Jan-Niklas M , Li Jiajie , Zhang Zhiru , Hagmann Jörg , Nahnsen Sven , Prins Pjotr , Garrison Erik
Published: July 2024

Motivation

The increasing availability of complete genomes demands for models to study genomic variability within entire populations. Pangenome graphs capture the full genomic similarity and diversity between multiple genomes. In order to understand them, we need to see them. For visualization, we need a human-readable graph layout: a graph embedding in low (e.g. two) dimensional depictions. Due to a pangenome graph’s potential excessive size, this is a significant challenge.

Results

In response, we introduce a novel graph layout algorithm: the Path-Guided Stochastic Gradient Descent (PG-SGD). PG-SGD uses the genomes, represented in the pangenome graph as paths, as an embedded positional system to sample genomic distances between pairs of nodes. This avoids the quadratic cost seen in previous versions of graph drawing by SGD. We show that our implementation efficiently computes the low-dimensional layouts of gigabase-scale pangenome graphs, unveiling their biological features.

Availability and implementation

We integrated PG-SGD in ODGI which is released as free software under the MIT open source license. Source code is available at https://github.com/pangenome/odgi.
Racial Disparities in Civilian Response to Police Use of Force: Evidence From London
Authors: Braakmann Nils
Published: July 2024

This study explores the impact of police use of force on civilian interactions with the police, focussing on neighbourhoods with different ethnic compositions across London. Analysing the effects of three notable police-induced civilian fatalities as well as monthly fluctuations in the Metropolitan Police Service’s use of force, I find a decrease in reported crime and the proportion of crime without a suspect in Black neighbourhoods. These patterns suggest avoidance of police engagement, especially for crimes less likely to be solved. Individual survey data suggests no changes in victimization probabilities for any ethnic group, suggesting that estimates are due to reporting behaviour.
Mental Health Workforce Knowledge about LGBTIQ Identities and Related Responsiveness: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Kennon Tiffany , Kilicaslan Jan , Petrakis Melissa
Published: July 2024

LGBTIQ people are at greater risk of mental health challenges, compared to the general population, and are overrepresented in mental health services. Past research has sought to understand how mental health workforce rate their knowledge to meet the needs of LGBTIQ consumers. However, this past research has largely aggregated the LGBTIQ identities, despite evidence that rates of mental health challenges vary within the LGBTIQ community. Using semi-structured interviews, this study sought to explore how seven mental health staff members from an Australian public health service rated and described their knowledge to responsively meet the needs of the different LGBTIQ identities. While participants tended to rate and describe themselves as having some knowledge about most of the LGBTIQ identities, there was a divide between sexual orientation, gender identities and intersex variations, with the former typically being rated and described as being better understood. This is the first known study to place central focus on disaggregating the LGBTIQ identities in mental health research and provides initial insights into how mental health workforce rate and describe their knowledge for nuanced and responsive practice.
Atrial fibrillation burden: a new outcome predictor and therapeutic target
Authors: Becher Nina , Metzner Andreas , Toennis Tobias , Kirchhof Paulus , Schnabel Renate B
Published: July 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, is not a dichotomous disease trait. Technological innovations enable long-term rhythm monitoring in many patients and can estimate AF burden. These technologies are already used to detect and monitor AF. This review describes the relation between AF burden and outcomes and potential effects of AF burden reduction. A lower AF burden is associated with a lower risk of stroke and heart failure in patients with AF: stroke risk without anticoagulation is lower in patients with device-detected AF and a low AF burden (stroke rate 1%/year) than in patients with persistent and permanent AF (stroke rate 3%/year). Paroxysmal AF shows intermediate stroke rates (2%/year). Atrial fibrillation burden–reducing interventions can reduce cardiovascular outcomes in patients with AF: early rhythm control reduces cardiovascular events including stroke and heart failure in patients with recently diagnosed AF and cardiovascular conditions. In patients with heart failure and AF, early rhythm control and AF ablation, interventions that reduce AF burden, reduce mortality and heart failure events. Recent technological innovations allow to estimate AF burden in clinical care, creating opportunities and challenges. While evidence remains limited, the existing data already suggest that AF burden reduction could be a therapeutic goal. In addition to anticoagulation and treatment of cardiovascular conditions, AF burden reduction emerges as a therapeutic goal. Future research will define the AF burden that constitutes a relevant risk of stroke and heart failure. Technologies quantifying AF burden need careful validation to advance the field.
The link between gene duplication and divergent patterns of gene expression across a complex life cycle
Authors: DuBose James G , de Roode Jacobus C
Published: July 2024

The diversification of many lineages throughout natural history has frequently been associated with evolutionary changes in life cycle complexity. However, our understanding of the processes that facilitate differentiation in the morphologies and functions expressed by organisms throughout their life cycles is limited. Theory suggests that the expression of traits is decoupled across life stages, thus allowing for their evolutionary independence. Although trait decoupling between stages is well established, explanations of how said decoupling evolves have seldom been considered. Because the different phenotypes expressed by organisms throughout their life cycles are coded for by the same genome, trait decoupling must be mediated through divergence in gene expression between stages. Gene duplication has been identified as an important mechanism that enables divergence in gene function and expression between cells and tissues. Because stage transitions across life cycles require changes in tissue types and functions, we investigated the potential link between gene duplication and expression divergence between life stages. To explore this idea, we examined the temporal changes in gene expression across the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) metamorphosis. We found that within homologous groups, more phylogenetically diverged genes exhibited more distinct temporal expression patterns. This relationship scaled such that more phylogenetically diverse homologous groups showed more diverse patterns of gene expression. Furthermore, we found that duplicate genes showed increased stage-specificity relative to singleton genes. Overall, our findings suggest an important link between gene duplication and the evolution of complex life cycles.
Areas of modernization of the system of training and certification of forensic experts in Ukraine based on the adaptation of foreign experience
Authors: Martynenko Nataliia
Published: July 2024

The article is devoted to the study of the existing system of training and certification of forensic experts in Ukraine and to the provision of proposals for its modernization, taking into account the positive experience in the field of forensic science of the USA, UK and some countries of the European Union. In Ukraine, the procedure for the training and certification of forensic experts is determined by ministries and other central executive authorities, which manage state specialized institutions that carry out forensic activities. A study of foreign experience in the training and certification of forensic experts made it possible to identify general and specific elements, sustain the benefits of the implemented measures, and formulate priorities and guidelines. The research resulted in the justification of the need to develop a single regulatory act that would determine the procedure for training, internships, and certification of forensic experts, as well as the creation of a single qualification body that would help ensure uniform approaches to determining the qualification of forensic experts working in state specialized forensic institutions, their territorial branches, expert institutions of municipal ownership, and forensic experts who are not employees of these institutions. It is proved that the development and implementation of uniform standards for training forensic experts on the basis of a centralized approach, regardless of where these specialists will work in the future, will help address the problem of training personnel. The author concludes that improving the quality of training, internship, and certification of forensic experts requires new approaches to organizational, economic, teaching, methodological, and technical provision. The author substantiates the need for fundamentally new forms of activity which will ensure the effectiveness and transparency of the assessment of knowledge by means of modern information technologies in the current reform environment. It is stated that Ukraine should raise the criteria for admission to the profession of a forensic expert. The author specifies the issues that need to be enshrined in law.

Key points
Improving signal-to-noise ratios of ambient noise cross-correlation functions using local attributes
Authors: He Bin , Zhu Hejun , Lumley David
Published: July 2024

For seismographic stations with short acquisition duration, the signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of ambient noise cross-correlation functions (CCFs) are typically low, preventing us from accurately measuring surface wave dispersion curves or waveform characteristics. In addition, with noisy CCFs, it is difficult to extract relatively weak signals such as body waves. In this study, we propose to use local attributes to improve the SNRs of ambient noise CCFs, which allows us to enhance the quality of CCFs for stations with limited acquisition duration. Two local attributes: local cross-correlation and local similarity, are used in this study. The local cross-correlation allows us to extend the dimensionality of daily CCFs with computational costs similar to global cross-correlation. Taking advantage of this extended dimensionality, the local similarity is then used to measure non-stationary similarity between the extended daily CCFs with a reference trace, which enables us to design better stacking weights to enhance coherent features and attenuate incoherent background noises. Ambient noise recorded by several broad-band stations from the USArray in North Texas and Oklahoma, the Superior Province Rifting EarthScope Experiment in Minnesota and Wisconsin and a high-frequency nodal array deployed in the northern Los Angeles basin are used to demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach for improving the SNR of CCFs.
Azimuth correction for passive surface wave dispersion based on polarization analysis
Authors: Hong Yu , Xia Jianghai , Zhang Hao , Pang Jingyin , Guan Bo , Zhou Jie , Ma Yulong
Published: July 2024

Passive surface wave methods have found extensive application in near-surface investigation due to their benefits of low costs, non-invasiveness and high accuracy. Linear arrays are usually adopted in urban environments for their convenience and efficiency. However, the distribution of noise sources in densely populated urban areas varies rapidly in time and space, making it challenging to estimate accurate dispersion spectra using a linear array. To solve this problem, we propose a polarization analysis-based azimuthal correction method. We first obtain the azimuth of each segment by calculating the correlation coefficient of three-component ambient noise data. The normalized correlation coefficient is then applied for quality control to select reliable segments. For selected segments, the overestimated velocity caused by directional sources are corrected to obtain accurate dispersion spectra. A synthetic test is conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of our method. Compared with the dispersion spectra obtained without any correction, the dispersion spectra obtained following the suggested scheme are more consistent with the theoretical dispersion curves. Two real-world examples at crossroads show the superiority of the proposed technique in obtaining higher resolution dispersion energy and more accurate phase velocities. In addition, our approach can attenuate the artefacts and improve the dispersion measurements.
The Warsaw Ghetto Poet—Zionist? Revisionist? ŻZW Member? On the Ideological Context and National Outlook of Władysław Szlengel
Authors: Suede Yossi
Published: July 2024

This article discusses the cultural and ideological representation of the Jewish Polish poet Władysław Szlengel in historical and historiographic research. The author maintains that while many researchers have described Szlengel as universal, cosmopolitan, sympathetic to assimilation, with socialist leanings, or, at least, apolitical or indifferent toward the national issue, the “Warsaw Ghetto poet” in fact had firm Zionist-Revisionist leanings before the war, and was connected to the Betar-founded1 Jewish Military Union (Żydowski Związek Wojskowy, ŻZW) underground during the war and Warsaw Ghetto uprising. Thus, the author presents evidence and quotations previously unexplored in the field, which shed new light on the life and works of Szlengel.
Relevance and regulation of alternative splicing in plant secondary metabolism: current understanding and future directions
Authors: Xu Zihan , Xiao Ying , Guo Jinlin , Lv Zongyou , Chen Wansheng
Published: July 2024

The secondary metabolism of plants is an essential life process enabling organisms to navigate various stages of plant development and cope with ever-changing environmental stresses. Secondary metabolites, abundantly found in nature, possess significant medicinal value. Among the regulatory mechanisms governing these metabolic processes, alternative splicing stands out as a widely observed post-transcriptional mechanism present in multicellular organisms. It facilitates the generation of multiple mRNA transcripts from a single gene by selecting different splicing sites. Selective splicing events in plants are widely induced by various signals, including external environmental stress and hormone signals. These events ultimately regulate the secondary metabolic processes and the accumulation of essential secondary metabolites in plants by influencing the synthesis of primary metabolites, hormone metabolism, biomass accumulation, and capillary density. Simultaneously, alternative splicing plays a crucial role in enhancing protein diversity and the abundance of the transcriptome. This paper provides a summary of the factors inducing alternative splicing events in plants and systematically describes the progress in regulating alternative splicing with respect to different secondary metabolites, including terpenoid, phenolic compounds, and nitrogen-containing compounds. Such elucidation offers critical foundational insights for understanding the role of alternative splicing in regulating plant metabolism and presents novel avenues and perspectives for bioengineering.
The canonical Hippo pathway components modulate the differentiation of lamina propria regulatory T cells and T helper 17-like regulatory T cells in mouse colitis
Authors: Ge Liuqing , Xu Min , Huang Meifang , Liu Shaoping , Zhou Zhidai , Xia Ziqin , Dong Shouquan , Zhao Qiu , Zhu Ruiping , Zhou Feng
Published: July 2024

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) ameliorate inflammatory bowel diseases. However, their plasticity is not completely understood. In this study using a mouse colitis model, Tregs and T helper 17 (Th17)-like Tregs were detected and sorted using flow cytometry, followed by transcriptome sequencing, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and flow cytometry to analyze the mRNA profiles of these cells. Treg plasticity was evaluated by in vitro differentiation assays. The immunosuppressive activities of Tregs and Th17-like Tregs were assessed in an adoptive transfer assay. We found Treg-derived Th17-like Tregs in inflamed colonic lamina propria (LP). LP Th17-like Tregs expressed higher Th17-related cytokines and lower immunosuppressive cytokines compared with LP Tregs. Notably, Tregs expressed higher Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) but lower transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) than Th17-like Tregs. Verteporfin-mediated inhibition of YAP1 activity enhanced Th17-like Treg generation, whereas IBS008739-induced TAZ activation did not affect Th17-like Treg generation. Besides, verteporfin enhanced while IBS008739 suppressed the differentiation of Th17-like Tregs into Th17 cells. Furthermore, YAP1 activated STAT5 signaling in Tregs, whereas YAP1 and TAZ activated STAT3 and STAT5 signaling in Th17-like Tregs. Compared with Tregs, Th17-like Tregs were less efficacious in ameliorating colitis. Therefore, YAP1 suppressed Treg differentiation into Th17-like Tregs. Both YAP1 and TAZ inhibited the differentiation of Th17-like Tregs into Th17 cells. Therefore, YAP1 and TAZ probably maintain the immunosuppressive activities of Tregs and Th17-like Tregs in colitis.
Extended period of selection for antimicrobial resistance due to recirculation of persistent antimicrobials in broilers
Authors: Swinkels Aram F , Berendsen Bjorn J A , Fischer Egil A J , Zomer Aldert L , Wagenaar Jaap A
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Antimicrobials can select for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. After treatment the active compound is excreted through urine and faeces. As some antimicrobials are chemically stable, recirculation of subinhibitory concentrations of antimicrobials may occur due to coprophagic behaviour of animals such as chickens.

Methods

The persistence of three antimicrobials over time and their potential effects on antimicrobial resistance were determined in four groups of broilers. Groups were left untreated (control) or were treated with amoxicillin (unstable), doxycycline or enrofloxacin (stable). Antimicrobials were extracted from the faecal samples and were measured by LC-MS/MS. We determined the resistome genotypically using shotgun metagenomics and phenotypically by using Escherichia coli as indicator microorganism.

Results

Up to 37 days after treatment, doxycycline and enrofloxacin had concentrations in faeces equal to or higher than the minimal selective concentration (MSC), in contrast to the amoxicillin treatment. The amoxicillin treatment showed a significant difference (P ≤ 0.01 and P ≤ 0.0001) in the genotypic resistance only directly after treatment. On the other hand, the doxycycline treatment showed approximately 52% increase in phenotypic resistance and a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05 and P ≤ 0.0001) in genotypic resistance throughout the trial. Furthermore, enrofloxacin treatment resulted in a complete non-WT E. coli population but the quantity of resistance genes was similar to the control group, likely because resistance is mediated by point mutations.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, we suggest that persistence of antimicrobials should be taken into consideration in the assessment of priority classification of antimicrobials in livestock.
Regulating Tissue Growth Factors for Healing With Etherified Carboxymethylcellulose Matrix
Authors: Lin Guiting , Ramdas Shandilya , Hadid Hosam , Van Vleet Jared , Lue Tom F , Poulakidas Stathis
Published: July 2024

Etherified Carboxymethylcellulose Matrix (eCMC) is a revolutionary application of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in wound care, known for its potential in hemostasis and tissue regeneration. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of eCMC in tissue healing by establishing a rat burn model and administering eCMC as a treatment. The objective is to analyze cytokines and inflammatory mediators using a Cytokine Array and histochemical staining to understand the effects of eCMC on tissue regeneration. A rat burn model was created, and eCMC was applied as a treatment. Tissue samples were collected at multiple time points to assess the expression of cytokines and inflammatory mediators using a Cytokine Array. In addition, histochemical staining was performed to evaluate tissue regeneration factors. eCMC induced the expression of endogenous cytokines, particularly vascular epithelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor, while inhibiting inflammatory cytokines such as CINC-1, CINC-2, and MMP-8. This dual action facilitated wound healing and mitigated the risk of infection. eCMC demonstrates promising potential for enhancing skin regeneration. Further research is warranted to delve into the precise mechanism of eCMC’s cytokine regulation. In vitro and in vivo studies should be conducted to comprehensively investigate the therapeutic capabilities of eCMC in wound healing.
Secretory Carcinoma of the Breast: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation
Authors: Boustros Pamela , Sanchez Lilia Maria , Gaboury Louis , El Khoury Mona
Published: July 2024

Secretory carcinoma is a rare, low-grade, special histological type of invasive breast carcinoma. Although it is the most common primary breast cancer in the pediatric population, most cases are diagnosed in adults, with a median age of 48 years (range 3 to 91 years). It most often presents as a painless and slowly growing palpable lump. Imaging findings are nonspecific. Secretory carcinomas have abundant periodic acid–Schiff positive intracytoplasmic and extracellular secretions on histopathology. Nearly all secretory carcinomas have mild to moderate nuclear pleomorphism with low mitotic activity. Over 80% (86/102) of secretory carcinomas display the translocation of t(12;15)(p13;q25), resulting in ETV6::NTRK3 gene fusion. Secretory carcinoma generally has an indolent course and has a better prognosis and overall survival than invasive breast carcinoma of no special type. A good prognosis is associated with age <20 years, tumor size <2 cm, and ≤3 axillary lymph node metastases. Metastases beyond the ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes are rare, with the most common sites involving the lung and liver. Except for the potential addition of targeted drug therapy for NTRK fusion–positive tumors, the treatment approach is otherwise similar to invasive breast carcinomas of similar receptor status.
Framework for Successful Integration of Health Services Research Into a Breast Imaging Career
Authors: Miles Randy C , Chou Shinn-Huey , Lamb Leslie R , Narayan Anand , Tran Nhat-Tuan , Lee Janie M
Published: July 2024

Health services research (HSR) is a multidisciplinary field of inquiry that examines how health care is structured, providing valuable data on health care outcomes and delivery. Over the past few decades, a shift in the U.S. health care system toward value-based care has placed a priority on health services topics. Health services research has been central to the evolution of breast imaging over this period, with increased emphasis placed on the following: (1) design of appropriate-use criteria for imaging services; (2) determination of cost-effectiveness of imaging protocols and screening regimens guiding policy; and (3) evaluation of policy related to reimbursement for diagnostic imaging and image-guided procedures. Examples of HSR topics that can be applied directly to breast imaging include evaluation of health care availability and accessibility, analysis of health care use patterns, exploration of patient preferences, assessment of technological innovation, development and implementation of clinical practice guidelines and screening strategies, and examination of health care organization and delivery models. Breast imaging radiologists who perform HSR are uniquely positioned to advocate for patients, to promote transformative health care interventions, and to influence policy changes and public health initiatives in breast imaging through analysis of health care data and translation of their research findings. In this Training and Professional Development article, we aim to provide practical approaches to explore interest in HSR and to describe a framework for successful integration of HSR into a breast imaging career.
Bone microarchitecture and strength assessed by HRpQCT in individuals with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes: the Maastricht study
Authors: Van Hulten Veerle , Sarodnik Cindy , Driessen Johanna H M , Viggers Rikke , Rasmussen Nicklas H , Geusens Piet P M M , Schaper Nicolaas , Schram Miranda T , De Galan Bastiaan E , Koster Annemarie , Bours Sandrine P G , Vestergaard Peter , Stehouwer Coen D A , van den Bergh Joop P
Published: July 2024

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a prevalent disease and has been associated with an increased fracture risk despite normal or even higher areal BMD. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between glucose metabolism status (GMS) and measurements of glycemic control with HRpQCT parameters of bone microarchitecture and strength. Participants of the Maastricht study who underwent an HRpQCT scan at the distal radius and tibia were included. GMS was determined by use of an oral glucose tolerance test and grouped into a normal glucose metabolism (NGM), prediabetes, or T2D. Linear regression models were used, stratified by sex with multiple adjustments. This study incorporated cross-sectional data from 1400 (796 [56.9%] NGM, 228 [16.3%] prediabetes, and 376 [26.9%] T2D) men and 1415 (1014 [71.7%] NGM, 211 [14.9%] prediabetes, and 190 [13.4%] T2D) women. The mean age was 59.8 ± 8.6 and 57.6 ± 9.0 yr for men and women, respectively. After adjustment, T2D was associated with a higher total BMD measured by HRpQCT and cortical thickness, and a smaller total and trabecular area in men and women compared with NGM. In women, T2D was additionally associated with a higher stiffness and failure load at the radius. Results were more pronounced at the distal radius than at the distal tibia. To conclude, these findings suggest that in this cohort of Maastricht study participants, total and trabecular bone area are smaller, but bone microarchitecture, density, and bone strength assessed by HRpQCT are not impaired in individuals with T2D.
Advances in inhaler therapy for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a comprehensive review of Fostair™ and Trimbow™
Authors: Foster Katie , Wong Chun Yuen Jerry
Published: July 2024

The management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) poses considerable challenges due to the intricate nature of these respiratory conditions. Fostair™ and Trimbow™, two pressurized metered dose inhalers, have emerged as noteworthy therapeutic options for treating both asthma and COPD. Fostair combines an inhaled corticosteroid, specifically beclometasone dipropionate, with a long-acting beta2-agonist, formoterol fumarate dihydrate, offering a dual-action approach to mitigate airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction. Conversely, Trimbow integrates a tri-particulate formulation consisting of beclometasone dipropionate, formoterol fumarate dihydrate, and glycopyrronium bromide, providing a comprehensive strategy to target the pathophysiology of COPD and asthma. Recent clinical trials have underscored Trimbow’s superior efficacy compared with Fostair, particularly in terms of reducing exacerbation rates and enhancing lung function. However, despite their therapeutic promise, both inhalers encounter challenges, including limited generalizability of study findings and a disparity between in vitro and human trial results. This literature review offers an in-depth analysis of Fostair and Trimbow, delving into their mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and outcomes in human studies for asthma and COPD. Additionally, the review discusses the role of combination therapy in managing respiratory diseases and underscores the necessity for further research to address existing knowledge gaps and optimize therapeutic outcomes.
The Relationship between the Military Medical Officer and Commanding Officer: Implications for Education and Training
Authors: Cole Rebekah , Crawford Kiia , Farrell Makinna , Vojta Leslie , Schwartz James , Rudinsky Sherri L
Published: July 2024

Introduction

A successful working relationship between the Military Medical Officer (MMO) and Commanding Officer (CO) is critical for mission success. However, there is a gap in the professional literature outlining evidence-based practices for teaching early career MMOs how to strategically develop this relationship. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to explore our participants’ perceptions of how MMOs can foster a positive and productive working relationship with the CO.

Materials and Methods

We leveraged interpretive phenomenological design to interview 16 seasoned military physicians with extensive operational experience. We transcribed and coded each interview. Our research team determined how to organize these codes into major categories, which served as our study’s themes.

Results

The participants described three key elements for developing a good working relationship between the CO and MMO: (1) mission-focused communication; (2) active and physical presence; and (3) expert/advisor role fulfillment. The MMO should communicate with the CO in an understandable and mission-focused manner. The MMO should likewise be present within day-to-day operations and should establish their officership during mission planning. The MMO should fulfill their role as a subject matter expert, yet advisor, to the CO.

Conclusions

Communication, presence, and role fulfillment are essential elements for optimizing the MMO–CO working relationship. Learning these roles during medical school may enhance early career physicians’ mission readiness.
Efficient Digital Workflow to Replace a Missing Denture Tooth for Complete Denture Repair
Authors: Hu Eric , Paek Gen
Published: July 2024

Debonded denture teeth is a common complication on a fixed or removable dental prosthesis when denture teeth are fabricated separately from the denture base and bonded together. Missing denture teeth can alter a person’s appearance, speech, or ability to eat. Traditionally, denture teeth repair can be a challenge for clinicians or dental laboratory technicians to find the identical tooth mould to meet esthetic and functional demands. This case report describes a digital workflow to scan, design, and mill a well-fitting and esthetic denture tooth to expedite treatment, improve patient satisfaction, and increase troop readiness when traditional methods may not be feasible.
Action and energy clustering of stellar streams in deforming Milky Way dark matter haloes
Authors: Brooks Richard A N , Sanders Jason L , Lilleengen Sophia , Petersen Michael S , Pontzen Andrew
Published: July 2024

We investigate the non-adiabatic effect of time-dependent deformations in the Milky Way (MW) halo potential on stellar streams. Specifically, we consider the MW’s response to the infall of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and how this impacts our ability to recover the spherically averaged MW mass profile from observation using stream actions. Previously, action clustering methods have only been applied to static or adiabatic MW systems to constrain the properties of the host system. We use a time-evolving MW–LMC simulation described by basis function expansions. We find that for streams with realistic observational uncertainties on shorter orbital periods and without close encounters with the LMC, e.g. GD-1, the radial action distribution is sufficiently clustered to locally recover the spherical MW mass profile across the stream radial range within a $2\sigma$ confidence interval determined using a Fisher information approach. For streams with longer orbital periods and close encounters with the LMC, e.g. Orphan–Chenab (OC), the radial action distribution disperses as the MW halo has deformed non-adiabatically. Hence, for OC streams generated in potentials that include an MW halo with any deformations, action clustering methods will fail to recover the spherical mass profile within a $2\sigma$ uncertainty. Finally, we investigate whether the clustering of stream energies can provide similar constraints. Surprisingly, we find for OC-like streams, the recovered spherically averaged mass profiles demonstrate less sensitivity to the time-dependent deformations in the potential.