bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the 6.x nm short wavelength radiation spectra of laser-produced erbium plasmas for BEUV lithography
Authors: WU Tao , WANG Qian , CHEN Liuan , LU Peixiang
Published: January 2023

Beyond extreme ultraviolet (BEUV) radiation with a wavelength of 6.xnm for lithography is responsible for reducing the source wavelength to enable continued miniaturization of semiconductor devices. In this work, the Required BEUV light at 6.xnm wavelength was generated in dense and hot Nd:YAG laser-produced Er plasmas. The spectral contributions from the 4p–4d and 4d–4f transitions of singly, doubly and triply excited states of Er XXIV–Er XXXII in the BEUV band were calculated using Cowan and the Flexible Atomic Code. It was also found that the radiative transitions between multiply excited states dominate the narrow wavelength window around 6.xnm. Under the assumption of collisional radiative equilibrium of the laser-produced Er plasmas, the relative ion abundance in the experiment was inferred. Using the Boltzmann quantum state energy level distribution and Gram–Charlier fitting function of unresolved transition arrays (UTAs), the synthetic spectrum around 6.xnm was finally obtained and compared with the experimental spectrum. The spatio-temporal distributions of electron density and electron temperature were calculated based on radiation hydrodynamic simulation in order to identify the contributions of various ionic states to the UTAs arising from the Er plasmas near 6.xnm.
Constraints on the design of neuromorphic circuits set by the properties of neural population codes
Authors: Panzeri Stefano , Janotte Ella , Pequeño-Zurro Alejandro , Bonato Jacopo , Bartolozzi Chiara
Published: January 2023

In the brain, information is encoded, transmitted and used to inform behaviour at the level of timing of action potentials distributed over population of neurons. To implement neural-like systems in silico, to emulate neural function, and to interface successfully with the brain, neuromorphic circuits need to encode information in a way compatible to that used by populations of neuron in the brain. To facilitate the cross-talk between neuromorphic engineering and neuroscience, in this review we first critically examine and summarize emerging recent findings about how population of neurons encode and transmit information. We examine the effects on encoding and readout of information for different features of neural population activity, namely the sparseness of neural representations, the heterogeneity of neural properties, the correlations among neurons, and the timescales (from short to long) at which neurons encode information and maintain it consistently over time. Finally, we critically elaborate on how these facts constrain the design of information coding in neuromorphic circuits. We focus primarily on the implications for designing neuromorphic circuits that communicate with the brain, as in this case it is essential that artificial and biological neurons use compatible neural codes. However, we also discuss implications for the design of neuromorphic systems for implementation or emulation of neural computation.
Cohomology of the Moduli Space of Cubic Threefolds and Its Smooth Models
Authors: Casalaina-Martin Sebastian , Grushevsky Samuel , Hulek Klaus , Laza Radu
Published: January 2023

We compute and compare the (intersection) cohomology of various natural geometric compactifications of the moduli space of cubic threefolds: the GIT compactification and its Kirwan blowup, as well as the Baily–Borel and toroidal compactifications of the ball quotient model, due to Allcock–Carlson–Toledo. Our starting point is Kirwan’s method. We then follow by investigating the behavior of the cohomology under the birational maps relating the various models, using the decomposition theorem in different ways, and via a detailed study of the boundary of the ball quotient model. As an easy illustration of our methods, the simpler case of the moduli space of cubic surfaces is discussed in an appendix.
Temporal Trends in Variability of Respirable Dust and Respirable Quartz Concentrations in the European Industrial Minerals Sector
Authors: Zilaout Hicham , Houba Remko , Kromhout Hans
Published: January 2023

While between- and within-worker variability have been studied quite extensively, hardly any research is available that examines long-term trends in the variability of occupational exposure. In this first study on trends in occupational exposure variability temporal changes in the variability of respirable dust and respirable quartz concentrations within the European industrial minerals sector were demonstrated. Since 2000 the European Industrial Minerals Association’s Dust Monitoring Program (IMA-DMP) has systematically collected respirable dust and respirable quartz measurements. The resulting IMA-DMP occupational exposure database contains at present approximately 40 000 personal full-shift measurements, collected at 177 sites owned by 39 companies, located in 23 European countries. Repeated measurements of workers performing their duties within a specific site-job-campaign combination allowed estimation of within- and between-worker variability in exposure concentrations. Overall day-to-day variability predominated the between-worker variability for both respirable dust concentrations and quartz concentrations. The within-worker variability in concentrations by job was two to three times higher for respirable quartz than for respirable dust. The median between-worker variability in respirable dust concentrations was low and further reduced over time. For quartz concentrations the same phenomenon albeit somewhat less strong was observed. In contrast, for the within-worker variability in concentrations downward and upward temporal trends were apparent for both respirable dust and respirable quartz. The study shows that the (relative) size of temporal variability is large and unpredictable and therefore regular measurement campaigns are needed to ascertain compliance to occupational exposure limit values.
Cloning and sequence analysis of 4-O-α-d-isomaltooligosaccharylmaltooligosaccharide 1,4-α-isomaltooligosaccharohydrolase fromSarocladium kilienseU4520
Authors: Kitagawa Noriaki , Watanabe Hikaru , Mori Tetsuya , Aga Hajime , Ushio Shimpei , Yamamoto Koryu
Published: January 2023

A novel enzyme, 4-O-α-d-isomaltooligosaccharylmaltooligosaccharide 1,4-α-isomaltooligosaccharohydrolase (IMM-4IH), was previously discovered from Sarocladium kiliense U4520. In order to identify the factors underlying the unique substrate specificity of IMM-4IH, we endeavored to determine the amino acid sequence of the enzyme. By comparing the partial amino acid sequence of the enzyme to whole genome sequencing data of S. kiliense U4520, the IMM-4IH gene was estimated. The putative gene was expressed in Pichia pastoris, and its activity and properties were found to be consistent with those of the native enzyme. Comparing the amino acid sequence of IMM-4IH with those in the CAZy database led to classification in the glycoside hydrolase family 49 (GH49). Several amino acids important for catalysis (Asp406, Asp425, and Asp426) and substrate recognition at subsites + 1 and −3 were estimated by multiple sequence alignment analysis. These results provide important information for characterizing IMM-4IH and other GH49 enzymes.
Validation of a novel numerical model to predict regionalized blood flow in the coronary arteries
Authors: Taylor Daniel J , Feher Jeroen , Czechowicz Krzysztof , Halliday Ian , Hose D R , Gosling Rebecca , Aubiniere-Robb Louise , van’t Veer Marcel , Keulards Danielle C J , Tonino Pim , Rochette Michel , Gunn Julian P , Morris Paul D
Published: January 2023

Aims

Ischaemic heart disease results from insufficient coronary blood flow. Direct measurement of absolute flow (mL/min) is feasible, but has not entered routine clinical practice in most catheterization laboratories. Interventional cardiologists, therefore, rely on surrogate markers of flow. Recently, we described a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method for predicting flow that differentiates inlet, side branch, and outlet flows during angiography. In the current study, we evaluate a new method that regionalizes flow along the length of the artery.

Methods and results

Three-dimensional coronary anatomy was reconstructed from angiograms from 20 patients with chronic coronary syndrome. All flows were computed using CFD by applying the pressure gradient to the reconstructed geometry. Side branch flow was modelled as a porous wall boundary. Side branch flow magnitude was based on morphometric scaling laws with two models: a homogeneous model with flow loss along the entire arterial length; and a regionalized model with flow proportional to local taper. Flow results were validated against invasive measurements of flow by continuous infusion thermodilution (Coroventis™, Abbott). Both methods quantified flow relative to the invasive measures: homogeneous (r 0.47, P 0.006; zero bias; 95% CI −168 to +168 mL/min); regionalized method (r 0.43, P 0.013; zero bias; 95% CI −175 to +175 mL/min).

Conclusion

During angiography and pressure wire assessment, coronary flow can now be regionalized and differentiated at the inlet, outlet, and side branches. The effect of epicardial disease on agreement suggests the model may be best targeted at cases with a stenosis close to side branches.
An account of the negotiations inside the Parlement de Paris: Claude Guillaume Lambert’s diary
Authors: Guffroy Vincent
Published: January 2023

The Parlement de Paris is well known to historians. However, if its role as a recorder of edicts and royal declarations is clear, less is known of the debates that informed its judgments and remonstrances. The official records compiled by court clerks have tended to be the only source used by historians. Yet some magistrates created a more personal memory of the discussions that took place within the secret council. The diary kept by Claude Guillaume II Lambert, a young councillor at the Chambre des Enquêtes, is a good example of this. It uncovers the parlementaires’ connections, power plays and strategic postures from May 1749 to June 1751, brings to life the negotiations that took place within the assembly and abounds in anecdotes. After having been a privileged source of information for the pamphleteering journalists of the eighteenth century, Lambert’s diary offers the historian a window into the very soul of the parlement.
Modeling Potential Economy-Wide Impacts of Increased Demand for Forest Products in Kentucky
Authors: Agyeman Domena A , Ochuodho Thomas O
Published: January 2023

This study applies a static single-region computable general equilibrium model to provide a snapshot of the economy-wide impacts of anticipated increase in wood products demand in Kentucky. Two counterfactual scenarios of supply increase in the forest sector are simulated. Results show an increase in welfare of high-income households, whereas welfare of low-income households declines marginally due to increase in producer supply prices. Thus, complementary policies to improve welfare of low-income households are imperative as the forest sector expands. Overall, Kentucky’s economy is positively affected through increase in gross regional product. Findings provide valuable policy-relevant information for a sustainable Kentucky forest sector.

Study Implications: This study provides insights into economic contributions and impacts associated with increase in demand for Kentucky sector products. Results suggest that expansion in the forest sector has an overall positive impact on the state’s economy. Findings reveal that increase in demand for forest products stimulates overall economic growth. Households experience income gains, but household income is affected disproportionately, with low-income households receiving the least income gains. Further, household income gains may not be enough to offset resultant producer price increases, especially those for low-income households. Findings from this study are useful from a policy perspective for evaluating the economic role of the forest sector in Kentucky’s economy, and they provide valuable information on why forestlands in Kentucky need to be sustainably managed to ensure a continuous supply of timber resources for the state’s forest sector.
Promoting children’s health and well-being through structured recreation during online recess
Authors: Poulos Allison , Wilson Kylie , Ramella Kelly
Published: January 2023

Recess is a critical source of physical, social and emotional health and well-being for children, but generally not prioritized during online learning. A 13-week structured recreation intervention was delivered virtually during recess to students in the fifth and sixth grades (age 10–12 years; N = 71) at one elementary school (Phoenix, AZ, USA). We used embedded mixed method with a prospective pre-/post-design to measure change in student-reported emotion and qualities of engagement in an online setting. Students completed an online pre-/post-survey to measure emotion and motivational responses (enjoyment, competence and relatedness). We used narrative notes to qualitatively assess student engagement during programming. Differences in student-reported emotion were analyzed using paired t-tests. The effect of motivational responses on emotion was analyzed using multiple regression analyses. In vivo coding and concept coding were used to analyze qualitative data. We found no statistically significant differences in student-reported emotion; however, student relationships with peers predicted increased positive and decreased negative emotions after the intervention. Seven categories promoted student engagement: challenging, enjoyable, experiential, practical, purposeful, relatable and relevant. School-based health practitioners can offer structured activities virtually during recess, when in-person learning is interrupted and in all-online settings, to promote emotional well-being.
Effect of a molasses-based liquid supplement on gastrointestinal tract barrier function, inflammation, and performance of newly received feedlot cattle before and after a transport stress
Authors: Silva Breno C , Godoi Leticia A , Supapong Chanadol , Bitsie Bryce , Valadares Filho Sebastian C , Schoonmaker Jon P
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a dry versus a molasses-based liquid supplement on ruminal butyrate concentration, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) barrier function, inflammatory status, and performance of newly received feedlot cattle. In experiment 1, 60 mixed breed steers (234 ± 2.1 kg) were weaned, held overnight at a sale barn, then transported 14 h to Purdue University. After arrival, steers were weighed, blocked by body weight, and allotted within block to treatments (six pens per treatment and five steers per pen). Diets consisted of 45% roughage and 55% concentrate (dry matter basis). Treatments differed in the supplement source as follows: DRY: 10% dry supplement or LIQUID: 10% liquid molasses-based supplement. Feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), and gain:feed were determined for the three 21-d periods and overall. In experiment 2, 16 crossbred heifers (246 ± 7.5 kg) were used (8 heifers per treatment). Diets were the same as in experiment 1 and were fed for 60 d. On d 56 ruminal fluid samples were collected at 0, 3, 6, and 9 h after feeding. To mimic a stress event, heifers were transported for 4 h on d 61, rested overnight, and transported 12 h on d 62. Blood was collected from heifers immediately prior to transport and immediately upon their return. Gut barrier function using a Cr-EDTA marker was determined after transportation. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Steers fed the liquid supplement had greater (P ≤ 0.03) ADG through d 42 and overall compared to steers fed the dry supplement. Feed intake did not differ (P = 0.25) between treatments from d 0 to d 21. However, steers fed the liquid supplement showed greater (P < 0.001) dry matter intake after d 21 and overall compared to those fed the dry supplement. Steers fed the liquid supplement tended (P < 0.09) to have reduced serum haptoglobin and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) compared to those fed the dry supplement. Heifers fed the liquid supplement had greater (P = 0.02) Cr in urine and tended (P = 0.07) to have lower serum LBP after transport compared to those fed the dry supplement. Heifers fed the liquid supplement had 72% lower serum haptoglobin before, but only a 19% lower serum haptoglobin after transport compared to animals fed the dry supplement (treatment × time; P = 0.07). Therefore, the liquid supplement altered GIT barrier function, and improved inflammatory status, resulting in increased growth of receiving cattle.
Effects of feeding aSaccharomyces cerevisiaefermentation product and ractopamine hydrochloride to finishing beef steers on growth performance, immune system, and muscle gene expression
Authors: Rients Emma L , Deters Erin L , McGill Jodi L , Belknap Craig R , Hansen Stephanie L
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study was to determine impacts on immune parameters, anti-oxidant capacity, and growth of finishing steers fed a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP; NaturSafe; Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA) and ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC; Optaflexx; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN). Angus-crossbred steers (N = 288) from two sources were utilized in this 90-d study. Steers were blocked by source, stratified by initial body weight to pens of six steers, and pens randomly assigned to treatments (16 pens per treatment). Three treatments compared feeding no supplemental SCFP (control; CON) and supplemental SCFP for 57 d (SCFP57), and 29 d (SCFP29) before harvest. Supplementation of SCFP was 12 g per steer per d, and all steers were fed RAC at 300 mg per steer per d for 29 d before harvest. Blood samples were collected from3 steers per pen, and muscle samples were collected from 1 steer per pen at 57, 29 (start of RAC), and 13 (midRAC) days before harvest. Blood was analyzed from 2 steers per pen for ferric reducing anti-oxidant power (FRAP). Muscle gene expression of myokines, markers of anti-oxidant and growth signaling were assessed. Individual animal BW were also collected on 57, 29, 13, and 1 d before being harvested at a commercial facility (National Beef, Tama, IA). Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedure of SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC) with pen as the experimental unit. The model included fixed effects of treatment and group. Increased BW compared to CON was observed days −29, −13, and −1 in SCFP57 steers (P ≤ 0.05), with SCFP29 being intermediate days −13 and −1. Overall G:F was improved in SCFP29 and SCFP57 (P = 0.01). On day −29, FRAP was greater in SCFP57 than CON (P = 0.02). The percent of gamma delta T cells and natural killer cells in both SCFP29 and SCFP57 was greater than CON on day −13 (P = 0.02). There were no treatment × day effects for muscle gene expression measured (P ≥ 0.25). Interleukin 6 tended to decrease in SCFP29 and SCFP57 on day −13 (P = 0.10). No other treatment effects were observed for muscle gene expression. Muscle gene expression of interleukin 15 was increased (P = 0.01), and expression of interleukin 8 was decreased (P = 0.03) due to RAC feeding. Increased growth in SCFP-fed cattle may be related to changes in anti-oxidant capacity and the immune system.
Growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition of Angus- and Wagyu-sired finishing cattle fed for a similar days on feed or body weight endpoint
Authors: Jaborek Jerad R , Fluharty Franics L , Zerby Henry N , Relling Alejandro E
Published: January 2023

This study evaluated the feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid (FA) composition of Wagyu-sired and Angus-sired cattle at a similar days on feed (D) or body weight (B) endpoint. Wagyu-sired steers and heifers (WA) from two different sires, selected for either growth (G) or marbling (M), were compared with Angus-sired steers (AN, n = 13) in two independent incomplete-block design experiments at a similar days on feed (DOF; WA-GD, n = 9; WA-MD, n = 12) in experiment 1 or similar final body weight (BW; WA-GB, n = 9; WA-MB, n = 13) in experiment 2. Cattle were offered a corn silage-based growing diet for 119 d before being transitioned over 3 wk to a finishing diet. Data were analyzed as a randomized incomplete block design. In experiment 1, AN and WA-GD cattle had a greater (P < 0.01) off-test BW and average daily gain (ADGP < 0.04) than WA-MD cattle and AN had a greater dry matter intake (DMI; P < 0.02) than WA-GD and WA-MD cattle. The AN and WA-GD cattle had a greater carcass weight (P < 0.02) than WA-MD cattle. Percent kidney, pelvic, and heart fat (KPH) was greatest (P < 0.01) for WA-MD cattle, followed by WA-GD cattle, and lastly AN cattle. Total lipid (P < 0.03) and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA; P < 0.01) percentage were greater for WA-MD-cattle than AN and WA-GD cattle, as they tended (P = 0.11) to have the greatest 12th rib marbling score. In experiment 2, AN-cattle needed fewer (P < 0.01) DOF and had a greater (P ≤ 0.02) ADG, DMI, and gain:feed than WA-GB- and WA-MB-cattle. The WA-MB-cattle had a greater (P < 0.01) 12th and 6th rib marbling score, USDA quality grade, and 6th rib backfat thickness than AN-cattle. Compared with AN cattle, WA-GB cattle had a greater (P ≤ 0.01) percent KPH and lesser (P ≤ 0.03) rib thickness. The WA-MB-cattle had a greater (P ≤ 0.01) concentration of total lipid and PUFA than AN- and WA-GB-cattle, and lesser saturated FA (SFA; P < 0.01) concentration than AN-cattle in the longissimus muscle (LM). The 6th rib location of the LM had a greater (P ≤ 0.01) percentage of total lipid and SFA, but less (P < 0.03) MUFA compared with the 12th rib location. In conclusion, Wagyu-sired cattle selected for marbling potential had a lesser ADG, DMI, more marbling, more PUFA, and less SFA in the LM than Angus-sired cattle regardless of slaughter endpoint. Wagyu-sired cattle selected for growth potential had a similar ADG and carcass characteristics compared with Angus-sired cattle when fed for a similar number of days on feed.
Effect of increasing corn silage inclusion in finishing diets cattle with or without tylosin on performance and liver abscesses
Authors: Wilson Hannah C , McPhillips Levi J , Boyd Bradley M , Watson Andrea K , MacDonald Jim C , Erickson Galen E
Published: January 2023

A pooled analysis was performed to evaluate whether corn silage fed at 15% or 45% of diet DM impacted liver abscesses prevalence at slaughter in five previous experiments. Cattle fed 15% corn silage had 7.8% abscessed livers compared to 4.1% for cattle fed 45% corn silage when all diets contained tylosin. While improved due to increased corn silage inclusion, the objective of the current finishing study was to determine the impact of silage inclusion in finishing diets with and without tylosin on performance and incidence of abscessed livers in beef cattle. A total of 640 (BW = 334 ± 25 kg) steers were used in a generalized randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment design. Treatments included two concentrations of corn silage (15% and 45% of diet DM), with or without tylosin for liver abscesses. This study used 32 pens of cattle with 20 steers per pen and 8 pens per treatment. There was a tendency for an interaction for feed efficiency (G:F; P = 0.10) where cattle fed 15% corn silage had a 2% increase in G:F when tylosin was added to the diet, but no improvements in G:F were observed when tylosin was added to diets containing 45% silage. There was an interaction between silage and tylosin inclusion for abscessed livers (P = 0.05). Cattle fed 15% corn silage without tylosin had the greatest incidence of abscessed livers (34.5%) compared to other treatments (P = 0.05), and the incidence of abscessed livers was decreased to 19% if tylosin was fed with 15% corn silage. Feeding 45% silage was effective at lowering the incidence of abscessed livers (P = 0.05) which was 12.4%, regardless of whether tylosin was fed. Feeding corn silage at 45% of diet DM (77.5% concentrate) was as effective as feeding tylosin to cattle on a 92.5% concentrate diet. Feeding corn silage at greater inclusions decreased daily gain (P ≤ 0.01) but increased final body weight when fed to an equal fatness (cattle fed 45% CS were fed 28 d longer). Feeding corn silage at 45% was more economical compared to feeding 15% corn silage, especially as corn prices increase, provided shrink is well managed. Feeding elevated concentrations of corn silage may be an economically viable method to reduce incidence of liver abscesses without antibiotic use for smaller operations that can manage more corn silage in finishing diets.
Impact of different corn milling methods for high-moisture and dry corn on finishing cattle performance, carcass characteristics, and nutrient digestion
Authors: Coulson Caitlin A , Boyd Bradley M , Troyer Braden C , McPhillips Levi J , Norman Mitch M , Woita Nicole M , Wilson Hannah C , Butterfield Kylie M , Spore Tyler J , Erickson Galen E
Published: January 2023

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of different corn milling methods for high-moisture and dry corn on finishing cattle performance, carcass traits, and nutrient digestion. In experiment 1, steers (N = 600 [60 pens]; initial body weight [BW] = 402 ± 17 kg) were fed for 134 d to evaluate the effect of milling method and corn type on performance and carcass characteristics. Treatments were evaluated as a 2 × 3 factorial design with factors being milling method (Automatic Ag roller mill [ROLL] or hammer mill [HAMMER]) and corn type (high-moisture [HMC], dry [DC], or 50:50 blend of HMC and DC [BLEND]). There were no milling method × corn type interactions for final BW, gain (ADG), or dry matter intake (DMI; P ≥ 0.32), but there tended to be an interaction for G:F (P = 0.09). Cattle fed ROLL HMC had 4.7% greater gain:feed (G:F; P ≤ 0.01) with 55% lower fecal starch (P < 0.01) compared to HAMMER HMC, whereas processing did not impact (P = 0.74) G:F in DC diets. There were no further effects (P ≥ 0.14) on performance or carcass traits regardless of milling method or corn type. In experiment 2, seven ruminally fistulated steers were utilized in a 4 × 7 incomplete Latin rectangle to evaluate the effects of DC or HMC processed with either ROLL or HAMMER (2 × 2 factorial treatment design) on nutrient digestion. Feeding HMC decreased the amount of excreted dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM; P ≤ 0.01) regardless of mill type, but there was a tendency (P ≤ 0.13) for an interaction between corn type and mill type for DM and OM digestibility. There was no difference between milling treatments fed as HMC (P ≥ 0.69), but the HAMMER DC diet was more digestible than the ROLL DC (P = 0.05). As expected, HMC-based diets had greater (P < 0.01) starch digestibility compared to DC, but milling method had no impact on starch digestibility (P = 0.56). There were no differences (P = 0.56) in average ruminal pH, but HMC diets had greater variance (P = 0.04) and greater area less than pH 5.6 (P = 0.05) compared to DC based diets while milling method did not impact either (P > 0.33). Processing HMC with a roller mill improved G:F compared to processing with a hammer mill, but had little effect when corn was fed as dry corn or HMC:DC blend. Furthermore, feeding cattle HMC compared to DC increases nutrient digestibility, but milling method had little impact.
Resection of a giant thoracic solitary fibrous tumor treated with preoperative arterial coiling followed by a double-level thoracotomy
Authors: Cox Jessica , Leesley Haley , DeAnda Abe , Uran Diana Palacio , Lick Scott
Published: January 2023

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) are rare pleura neoplasms often localized to middle or inferior hemithorax. A middle-aged woman presents to the emergency department following a motor vehicle accident, the computed tomography scan revealed a giant tumor occupying the entire left pleural cavity with a complete collapse of the left lung and substantial right deviation of heart and mediastinum. Using preoperative arterial coiling followed by a double-level thoracotomy we successfully resected the giant tumor. The SFT weighed ~10 lbs. At 2-month follow-up visit patient reports mild discomfort during strenuous movement/heavy lifting but denies any shortness of breath.
Searches for Shapiro delay in seven binary pulsars using the MeerKAT telescope
Authors: Shamohammadi M , Bailes M , Freire P C C , Parthasarathy A , Reardon D J , Shannon R M , Venkatraman Krishnan V , Bernadich M C i , Cameron A D , Champion D J , Corongiu A , Flynn C , Geyer M , Kramer M , Miles M T , Possenti A , Spiewak R
Published: January 2023

Precision timing of millisecond pulsars (MSPs) in binary systems enables observers to detect the relativistic Shapiro delay induced by space–time curvature. When favourably aligned, this enables constraints to be placed on the component masses and system orientation. Here, we present the results of timing campaigns on seven binary MSPs observed with the 64-antenna MeerKAT radio telescope that show evidence of Shapiro delay: PSRs J0101−6422, J1101−6424, J1125−6014, J1514−4946, J1614−2230, J1732−5049, and J1909−3744. Evidence for Shapiro delay was found in all of the systems, and for three the orientations and data quality enabled strong constraints on their orbital inclinations and component masses. For PSRs J1125−6014, J1614−2230, and J1909−3744, we determined pulsar masses to be $M_{\rm p} = 1.68\pm 0.17$, $1.94\pm 0.03$, and $1.45 \pm 0.03 \, {\rm M_{\odot }}$, and companion masses to be $M_{\rm c} = 0.33\pm 0.02$, $0.495\pm 0.005$, and $0.205 \pm 0.003 \, {\rm M_{\odot }}$, respectively. This provides the first independent confirmation of PSR J1614−2230’s mass, one of the highest known. The Shapiro delays measured for PSRs J0101−6422, J1101−6424, J1514−4946, and J1732−5049 were only weak, and could not provide interesting component mass limits. Despite a large number of MSPs being routinely timed, relatively few have accurate masses via Shapiro delays. We use simulations to show that this is expected, and provide a formula for observers to assess how accurately a pulsar mass can be determined. We also discuss the observed correlation between pulsar companion masses and spin period, and the anticorrelation between recycled pulsar mass and their companion masses.
Environmental effects of star-forming cores on mass accretion rate
Authors: Nozaki Shingo , Machida Masahiro N
Published: January 2023

We calculate the evolution of cloud cores embedded in different envelopes to investigate environmental effects on the mass accretion rate on to protostars. As the initial state, we neglect the magnetic field and cloud rotation, and adopt star-forming cores composed of two parts: a centrally condensed core and an outer envelope. The inner core has a critical Bonnor–Ebert density profile and is enclosed by the outer envelope. We prepare 15 star-forming cores with different outer envelope densities and gravitational radii, within which the gas flows into the collapsing core, and calculate their evolution until ∼2 × 105 yr after protostar formation. The mass accretion rate decreases as the core is depleted when the outer envelope density is low. In contrast, the mass accretion rate is temporarily enhanced when the outer envelope density is high and the resultant protostellar mass exceeds the initial mass of the centrally condensed core. Some recent observations indicate that the mass of pre-stellar cores is too small to reproduce the stellar mass distribution. Our simulations show that the mass inflow from outside the core contributes greatly to protostellar mass growth when the core is embedded in a high-density envelope, which could explain the recent observations.
Rossby numbers of fully and partially convective stars
Authors: Landin N R , Mendes L T S , Vaz L P R , Alencar S H P
Published: January 2023

We investigate stellar magnetic activity from the theoretical point of view, by using stellar evolution models to calculate theoretical convective turnover times (τc) and Rossby numbers (Ro) for pre-main-sequence and main-sequence stars. The problem is that the canonical place where τc is usually determined (half a mixing length above the base of the convective zone) fails for fully convective stars and there is no agreement on this in the literature. Our calculations were performed with the ATON stellar evolution code. We concentrated our analysis on fully and partially convective stars motivated by recent observations of slowly rotating fully convective stars, whose X-ray emissions correlate with their Rossby numbers in the same way as in solar-like stars, suggesting that the presence of a tachocline is not required for magnetic field generation. We investigate the behaviour of τc over the stellar radius for stars of different masses and ages. As Ro depends on τc, which varies strongly with the stellar radius, we use our theoretical results to determine a better radial position at which to calculate it for fully convective stars. Using our alternative locations, we fit a sample of 847 stars in the rotation–activity diagram (LX/Lbol versus Ro) with a two-part power-law function. Our fit parameters are consistent with previous work, showing that stars with ${\rm \mathit {Ro}}\, \le \, {\rm \mathit {Ro}_{sat}}$ are distributed around a saturation level in LX/Lbol and, for stars with ${\rm \mathit {Ro}}\, \gt \, {\rm \mathit {Ro}_{sat}}$, LX/Lbol clearly decays with Ro with an exponent of −2.4 ± 0.1.
Intake, growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of feedlot lambs fed novel anthocyanin-rich corn cobs
Authors: Quadros Danilo G , Kerth Chris R , Miller Rhonda , Tolleson Douglas R , Redden Reid R , Xu Wenwei
Published: January 2023

Feeding anthocyanin- and antioxidant-rich forages to sheep and dairy cows can improve performance and product quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of feeding anthocyanin-rich (Hi-A) corn cobs on the growth performance and meat quality of lambs. A total of 30 eight-month-old Rambouillet ewe lambs (body weight 30.7 ± 1.2 kg) were fed for 63 days with three diets consisting of 80% concentrate and 20% roughage: Hi-A corn cobs (Hi-A), regular corn cobs (Low-A), and bermudagrass hay (BGH). A completely randomized design trial with 10 lambs per treatment was used. Data were collected on dry matter intake (DMI), body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), gain:feed ratio (G:F), carcass traits, meat color, fatty acid (FA) profile, volatile aroma compounds, and sensory panels. After feeding for 63 days, lambs were harvested, and the carcasses were evaluated. Boneless lamb loin chops were fabricated and submitted to FA, aroma, and sensory analysis. The corn cob diets did not affect BW, ADG, or G:F of the lambs compared to BGH diet, but DMI (P < 0.01) was decreased. The dressing percentage was greater (P < 0.05) in lambs fed BGH than in those fed Hi-A, while lambs fed Low-A did not differ from the other two diets. Loin chop instrumental color characteristics were not influenced by diets, except the hue angle, which was greater (P < 0.05) in lambs fed Hi-A than Low-A, while BGH did not differ from lambs fed either cob diet. There was no significant difference in the meat fatty acid profile. Five volatile compounds were affected by diets. The 2-butanone (P = 0.07) and 2,3-butanedione (P = 0.05) were greater in chops from lambs fed BGH relative to lambs fed Hi-A and neither differed (P > 0.05) from lambs fed Low-A diet. The 2-propanone was greater (P = 0.01) in chops from lambs fed BGH than in those fed either the Low-A or Hi-A diets. Both 3-methyl-butanal and methyl benzene were lower (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively) in chops from lambs fed the Hi-A diet than in those fed either the BGH or Low-A diet. Replacing 20% bermudagrass hay with corn cobs in the diets of feedlot lambs did not affect sheep growth performance, meat fatty acid profile, sensory traits, and most carcass characteristics and meat color parameters. Hi-A corn diet improved aroma in cooked boneless loin chops, but sensory traits were not affected. This study showed the Hi-A corn cobs can be safely used for roughage and feed for lambs and for improving meat aroma in cooked boneless loin chops.
Identification of Sources of Resistance to Clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae) in a Collection of Brassica napus Plant Introductions
Authors: Marino D. , Chittem K. , Shahoveisi F. , Chapara V. , Ruud S. , del Río Mendoza L. E.
Published: January 2023

Clubroot is a soilborne disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae that is emerging as a production problem in North Dakota, which contributes approximately 90% of the total U.S. canola production. P. brassicae’s resiliency in the soil and its ability to overcome the genetic resistance available in commercial hybrids make this a significant threat to canola production in the state and highlight the need to identify additional sources of resistance. To this effect, 115 Brassica napus plant introduction accessions were evaluated for their reaction to clubroot in field trials conducted between 2019 and 2021 in a naturally infested field. Seven accessions with high levels of clubroot resistance were identified. These resistant materials may contribute to widening the genetic resistance base of modern canola cultivars.
Parent Decision-Making With Fetal Surgery for Myelomeningocele
Authors: Hansen Kara , Trowbridge Kelly , Wayne Allie
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The objectives of this study were to understand how parents made the decision to do maternal–fetal surgery for myelomeningocele and to determine the influence of the shared decision-making model on their choice.

Method

This is a qualitative study of parents in a fetal care center after fetal surgery. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Analysis was completed using iterative code development, and thematic saturation was reached.

Results

Rapid decision making, often before seeing fetal care professionals, was present, parental agency drove the decision for surgery, exposure to other parents via the Internet was key to reducing uncertainty and increasing hope for the future, positive interactions with the healthcare team played a role in parental choice for surgery, and mothers were surprised by unanticipated pain and discomfort following surgery.

Discussion

Tenets of shared decision making, such as patients feeling supported by their healthcare professionals, were present. Results learned from this study could be used to tailor interactions with parents seeking fetal surgery.
Epigenetic Regulation as a New Therapeutic Target for Middle Ear Cholesteatoma
Authors: Yamamoto-Fukuda Tomomi , Akiyama Naotaro , Hirabayashi Motoki , Shimmura Hajime , Kojima Hiromi
Published: January 2023

Hypothesis

To evaluate the effectiveness of the menin-MLL inhibitor, MI503, as a conservative treatment of middle ear cholesteatoma (cholesteatoma) in a mouse model and to confirm its safety profile regarding auditory function in vivo.

Background

Cholesteatoma is a mass formed by the keratinizing squamous epithelium in the tympanic cavity and/or mastoid and subepithelial connective tissue and by the progressive accumulation of keratin debris with/without a surrounding inflammatory reaction. Although the main treatment is surgical therapy, the techniques to prevent recurrence remain a critical area of research. Recently, the use of MI503 in experiments resulted in the inhibition of the growth of cholesteatoma in vivo under histone modification.

Methods

After cholesteatoma was induced in ICR mice (n = 7) by keratinocyte growth factor expression vector transfection, MI503 (50 μM) or phosphate-buffered saline was topically injected for 14 days. The effects of MI503 against cholesteatoma were analyzed by micro–computed tomography images. For the in vivo ototoxicity study, a single intratympanic injection of MI503 (50 or 500 μM) or phosphate-buffered saline (n = 4 each) was done in the ICR mice. An auditory brainstem response was performed at days 0, 1, and 14. For morphological analysis, immunostaining for Phalloidin/F-actin and Myo7a was performed.

Results

MI503 reduced keratinocyte growth factor–induced cholesteatoma in vivo (4 of 4 [100%]). No difference was found in the mean variation of the average of the auditory brainstem response thresholds between the three groups in the in vivo ototoxicity study, thus confirming its safety profile regarding auditory function. MI503 does not demonstrate any deleterious effects on murine hair cells when assessed by immunostaining.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate an encouraging safety profile for the use of menin-MLL inhibitor for the conservative treatment of cholesteatoma.
Safety of Crossing Donor-specific Antibodies in Lung Transplantation
Authors: Wang Melissa , Campbell Patricia , Lien Dale C. , Varughese Rhea , Weinkauf Justin , Nagendran Jayan , Hirji Alim , Li David , Halloran Kieran
Published: January 2023

Background.

Donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) have been associated with antibody-mediated rejection, chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), and increased mortality in lung transplant recipients. Our center performs transplants in the presence of DSA, and we sought to evaluate the safety of this practice with respect to graft loss, CLAD onset, and primary graft dysfunction (PGD).

Methods.

We reviewed recipients transplanted from 2010 to 2017, classifying them as DSA positive (DSA+) or negative. We used Kaplan-Meier estimation to test the association between DSA status and time to death or retransplant and time to CLAD onset. We further tested associations with severe PGD and rejection in the first year using logistic regression and Fisher exact testing.

Results.

Three hundred thirteen patients met inclusion criteria, 30 (10%) of whom were DSA+. DSA+ patients were more likely to be female, bridged to transplant, and receive induction therapy. There was no association between DSA status and time to death or retransplant (log rank P = 0.581) nor death-censored time to CLAD onset (log rank P = 0.278), but DSA+ patients were at increased risk of severe PGD (odds ratio 2.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-7.29; P = 0.031) and more frequent antibody-mediated rejection in the first posttransplant year.

Conclusions.

Crossing DSA at time of lung transplant was not associated with an increased risk of death or CLAD in our cohort, but patients developed severe PGD and antibody-mediated rejection more frequently. However, these risks are likely manageable when balanced against the benefits of expanded access for sensitized candidates.
Impaired humoral immunity to BQ.1.1 in convalescent and vaccinated patients
Authors: Dewald Felix , Pirkl Martin , Ahmadov Elvin , Paluschinski Martha , Kühn Joachim , Elsner Carina , Schulte Bianca , Schlotz Maike , Oral Göksu , Knüfer Jacqueline , Bernhard Michael , Michael Mark , Luxenburger Maura , Andrée Marcel , Hennies Marc Tim , Hafezi Wali , Müller Marlin Maybrit , Kümpers Philipp , Risse Joachim , Kill Clemens , Manegold Randi Katrin , Frantzki Ute von , Richter Enrico , Emmert Dorian , Monzon-Posadas Werner O. , Gräff Ingo , Kogej Monika , Büning Antonia , Baum Maximilian , Teipel Finn , Mochtarzadeh Babak , Wolff Martin , Gruell Henning , Cristanziano Veronica Di , Burst Volker , Streeck Hendrik , Dittmer Ulf , Ludwig Stephan , Timm Jörg , Klein Florian
Published: January 2023

Determining SARS-CoV-2 immunity is critical to assess COVID-19 risk and the need for prevention and mitigation strategies. We measured SARS-CoV-2 Spike/Nucleocapsid seroprevalence and serum neutralizing activity against Wu01, BA.4/5 and BQ.1.1 in 1,411 individuals who received medical treatment in five emergency departments in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. We detected Spike-IgG in 95.6%, Nucleocapsid-IgG in 24.0% and neutralization against Wu01, BA.4/5 and BQ.1.1 in 94.4%, 85.0%, and 73.8% of participants, respectively. Neutralization against BA.4/5 and BQ.1.1 was reduced 5.6- and 23.4-fold compared to Wu01. Accuracy of S-IgG detection for determination of neutralizing activity against BQ.1.1 was reduced substantially. Furthermore, we explored previous vaccinations and infections as most important correlates of improved BQ.1.1 neutralization using multivariable and Bayesian network analyses. Given an adherence to COVID-19 vaccination recommendations of only 67.7% of all participants, we highlight the need for improvement of vaccine-uptake to reduce the COVID-19 risk in upcoming infection-waves with immune evasive variants.
Usability and performance of the MicroGEM Sal6830™, an RT-PCR saliva-based point-of-care platform to detect SARS-CoV-2 in primary healthcare settings with non-laboratory trained operators
Authors: Mills Vanessa , Owens Tyson Teresa , Helton Rachel , Hill-Collins Paula , Hubbard Sarah , Scott Anchi , Hickey Jeff A. , Root Brian E. , O’Brien Rory , Conte Jillian , Stanton Jo-Ann L. , Chapman Jeff D.
Published: January 2023

The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how few point-of-care diagnostic tools were available that could be safely and easily operated by healthcare workers with no laboratory training. The gold-standard test, and initially the only test, used RT-PCR with nasal pharyngeal swabs (NPS). Two issues quickly emerged: 1) RT-PCR required central laboratory processing leading to significant time delays and 2) NPS collection causes discomfort, is inappropriate for ongoing repeat sampling of individuals (e.g., frontline healthcare workers) and poses difficulty when obtaining samples from some sections of the population (e.g. some elderly and young children). The Sal6830™ platform is a fully self-contained, RT-PCR point-of-care device for detecting SARS-CoV-2 from saliva that takes less than thirty minutes to complete. In this study we tested the usability of the Sal6830™ platform by healthcare workers unfamiliar with the instrument at two community clinics: Care 4 U Community Health Center (Miami, Florida, USA) and St. Mary’s Health Wagon (Wise, Virginia, USA). Staff participated in three tests: 1) determining SARS-CoV-2 status from blinded positive and negative saliva samples, 2) a clinical study comparing SARS-CoV-2 detection with a comparator point-of-care technology from the same patient and 3) completing a survey designed to measure comfort and confidence using the Sal6830™ point-of-care device having received no training. Participants overwhelming found the Sal6830™ platform easy and intuitive to use, successfully called SARS-CoV-2 status of contrived, blinded samples and measured a 93.3% overall percent agreement when comparing patient samples across two point-of-care technologies.
Human brain solute transport quantified by glymphatic MRI-informed biophysics during sleep and sleep deprivation
Authors: Vinje Vegard , Zapf Bastian , Ringstad Geir , Eide Per Kristian , Rognes Marie E. , Mardal Kent-Andre
Published: January 2023

Whether you are reading, running or sleeping, your brain and its fluid environment continuously interacts to distribute nutrients and clear metabolic waste. Yet, the precise mechanisms for solute transport within the human brain have remained hard to quantify using imaging techniques alone. From multi-modal human brain MRI data sets in sleeping and sleep-deprived subjects, we identify and quantify CSF tracer transport parameters using forward and inverse subject-specific computational modelling. Our findings support the notion that extracellular diffusion alone is not sufficient as a brain-wide tracer transport mechanism. Instead, we show that human MRI observations align well with transport by either substantially enhanced (3.5×) extracellular diffusion in combination with local clearance rates corresponding to a tracer half-life of up to 5 hours, or by extracellular diffusion augmented by advection with brain-wide average flow speeds on the order of 1–9µm/min. Reduced advection fully explains reduced tracer clearance after sleep-deprivation, supporting the role of sleep and sleep deprivation on human brain clearance.