We present the confusion-limited 1.28 GHz MeerKAT DEEP2 image covering one \(\approx 68'\) FWHM primary beam area with \(7.6''\) FWHM resolution and \(0.55 \pm 0.01\) \(\mu\)Jy/beam rms noise. Its ...J2000 center position \(\alpha=04^h 13^m 26.4^s\), \(\delta=-80^\circ 00' 00''\) was selected to minimize artifacts caused by bright sources. We introduce the new 64-element MeerKAT array and describe commissioning observations to measure the primary beam attenuation pattern, estimate telescope pointing errors, and pinpoint \((u,v)\) coordinate errors caused by offsets in frequency or time. We constructed a 1.4 GHz differential source count by combining a power-law count fit to the DEEP2 confusion \(P(D)\) distribution from \(0.25\) to \(10\) \(\mu\)Jy with counts of individual DEEP2 sources between \(10\) \(\mu\)Jy and \(2.5\) mJy. Most sources fainter than \(S \sim 100\) \(\mu\)Jy are distant star-forming galaxies obeying the FIR/radio correlation, and sources stronger than \(0.25\) \(\mu\)Jy account for \(\sim93\%\) of the radio background produced by star-forming galaxies. For the first time, the DEEP2 source count has reached the depth needed to reveal the majority of the star formation history of the universe. A pure luminosity evolution of the 1.4 GHz local luminosity function consistent with the Madau & Dickinson (2014) model for the evolution of star-forming galaxies based on UV and infrared data underpredicts our 1.4 GHz source count in the range \(-5 \lesssim \logS(\mathrm{Jy}) \lesssim -4\).
The Galactic Centre contains a supermassive black hole with a mass of 4 million suns within an environment that differs markedly from that of the Galactic disk. While the black hole is essentially ...quiescent in the broader context of active galactic nuclei, X-ray observations have provided evidence for energetic outbursts from its surroundings. Also, while the levels of star formation in the Galactic Centre have been approximately constant over the last few hundred Myr, there is evidence of elevated short-duration bursts, strongly influenced by interaction of the black hole with the enhanced gas density present within the ring-like Central Molecular Zone at Galactic longitude |l| < 0.7 degrees and latitude |b| < 0.2 degrees. The inner 200 pc region is characterized by large amounts of warm molecular gas, a high cosmic ray ionization rate, unusual gas chemistry, enhanced synchrotron emission, and a multitude of radio-emitting magnetised filaments, the origin of which has not been established. Here we report radio imaging that reveals bipolar bubbles spanning 1 degree x 3 degrees (140 parsecs x 430 parsecs), extending above and below the Galactic plane and apparently associated with the Galactic Centre. The structure is edge-brightened and bounded, with symmetry implying creation by an energetic event in the Galactic Centre. We estimate the age of the bubbles to be a few million years, with a total energy of 7 x 10^52 ergs. We postulate that the progenitor event was a major contributor to the increased cosmic-ray density in the Galactic Centre, and is in turn the principal source of the relativistic particles required to power the synchrotron emission of the radio filaments within and in the vicinity of the bubble cavities.
The construction of the KAT-7 array in the Karoo region of the Northern Cape in South Africa was intended primarily as an engineering prototype for technologies and techniques applicable to the ...MeerKAT telescope. This paper looks at the main engineering and scien- tific highlights from this effort, and discusses their applicability to both MeerKAT and other next-generation radio telescopes. In particular we found that the composite dish surface works well, but it becomes complicated to fabricate for a dish lacking circular symmetry; the Stir- ling cycle cryogenic system with ion pump to achieve vacuum works but demands much higher maintenance than an equivalent Gifford-McMahon cycle system; the ROACH (Recon- figurable Open Architecture Computing Hardware)-based correlator with SPEAD (Stream- ing Protocol for Exchanging Astronomical Data) protocol data transfer works very well and KATCP (Karoo Array Telescope Control Protocol) control protocol has proven very flexible and convenient. KAT-7 has also been used for scientific observations where it has a niche in mapping low surface-brightness continuum sources, some extended HI halos and OH masers in star-forming regions. It can also be used to monitor continuum source variability, observe pulsars, and make VLBI observations
A novel class of chemical microchips consisting of glass microscope slides was prepared for the covalent attachment of small molecule ligands and peptides through site-specific oxime bond or ...thiazolidine ring ligation reaction. Commercially available microscope slides were thoroughly cleaned and derivatized with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES). The amino slides were then converted to glyoxylyl derivatives via two different routes: (1) coupling of Fmoc-Ser followed by deprotection and oxidation, or (2) coupling with protected glyoxylic acid and final deprotection with HCl. Biotin or peptide ligands derivatized at the carboxyl terminus with a 4,7,10-trioxa-1,13-tridecanediamine succinimic acid linker and an amino-oxy group or a 1,2-amino-thiol group (e.g., cysteine with a free N(alpha)-amino group) were printed onto these slides using a DNA microarray spotter. After chemical ligation, the microarray of immobilized ligands was analyzed with three different biological assays: (1) protein-binding assay with fluorescence detection, (2) functional phosphorylation assay using gamma(33)P-ATP and specific protein kinase to label peptide substrate spots, and (3) adhesion assay with intact cells. In the cell adhesion assay, not only can we determine the binding specificity of the peptide against different cell lines, we can also determine functional cell signaling of attached cells using immunofluorescence techniques in situ on the microchip. This chemical microchip system enables us to rapidly analyze the functional properties of numerous ligands that we have identified from the "one-bead one-compound" combinatorial library method.
Purpose
Past decade has seen a renewed interest in minimally invasive surgical techniques (MISTs) for management of enlarged prostate. This narrative review aims to explore newer MIST for benign ...prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which are not yet integrated into established societal guidelines.
Methods
We conducted a literature search across PubMed, Google Scholar, and FDA ClinicalTrials.gov databases on June 1st, 2023, to identify studies published within the past decade exploring various MISTs for BPH. Additionally, we gathered insights from abstracts presented in meetings of professional associations and corporate websites. We broadly classified these procedures into three distinct categories: energy-based, balloon dilation, and implant/stent treatments. We collected detail information about the device, procedure details, its inclusion and exclusion criteria, and outcome.
Results
Our review reveals that newer energy-based MISTs include Transperineal Laser Ablation, Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation, and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. In the sphere of balloon dilation, Transurethral Columnar Balloon Dilation and the Optilume BPH Catheter System were gaining momentum. The noteworthy implants/stents that are on horizon include Butterfly Prostatic Retraction Device, Urocross Expander System, Zenflow Spring System, and ProVee Urethral Expander System.
Conclusion
The exploration of various MISTs reflects ongoing efforts to enhance patient care and address limitations of existing treatments. This review provides a bird-eye view and valuable insights for urologists and researchers seeking to navigate the dynamic landscape of MISTs in the quest for effective and minimally invasive solutions for enlarged prostates.
Background Advances in radiotherapy techniques have improved clinical outcomes, but have also lead to concerns over subsequent acute and late effects. Dysphagia is one such complication that has ...garnered much attention. This retrospective study, conducted at a tertiary cancer care centre, aimed to analyse swallowing profiles of patients with cancer of anterior two-thirds of tongue, who had undergone surgery and had received adjuvant radiation using either IMRT or 3D CRT, as a surrogate of dose received by dysphagia aspiration-related structures (DARS). Methods The treatment plans of patients treated using IMRT and 3D CRT, from November 2011 to December 2012, were retrieved from the planning system. The swallowing structures (DARS), namely superior, middle and inferior constrictors, base of tongue, larynx with supraglottis, and length of oesophagus, included in treatment volume with cricopharyngeous muscle, were contoured according to RTOG guidelines. Dose volume histograms were generated for these. Constraint doses were statistically derived. University of Washington Head-and-Neck-related Quality-of-Life questions addressing swallowing was used to evaluate swallowing status of patients. Findings A statistically significant subjective correlation was found to exist between doses of swallowing structures, especially the constrictor muscles, base of tongue, and the larynx. Statistically derived probable mean dose-constraints correlated clinically with swallowing status of patients. IMRT had a statistically significant advantage over 3D CRT, in terms of V30 ( p = 0.051), V50 ( p = 0.002), V60 ( p = 0.002), and D80 ( p = 0.023) for the swallowing structures taken together. The probable limiting dose for dysphagia was 63 Gy for the superior constrictor and base of tongue, and 55 Gy for the larynx. Interpretation Our study predicted possible mean dose constraints for the superior constrictor, base of tongue, and larynx. Further prospective studies are required to confirm these findings. Dysphagia-optimised IMRT is needed to improve swallowing status and quality of life in these patients.
Abstract Objectives We aim to compare efficacy and safety of water vapour therapy (Rezūm), transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) and transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT) for treating men with ...moderate to severe benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms. Materials PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 30 July 2023, followed by reference searching and dual‐independent study selection. We analysed only randomized clinical trials. RoB‐2, NIH‐quality assessment tool and GRADE guidelines were used for quality‐of‐evidence (QoE) assessment. Relevant prospective studies without a critical risk‐of‐bias were included. Results At 12 months, Rezūm showed similar efficacy to TUNA and TUMT for improvement in International Prostate Symptoms Score – Rezūm versus TUMT: 1.33 points (95% CI: −1.66 to 4.35) favouring TUMT (QoE: Moderate) and Rezūm versus TUNA: 0.07 points (95% CI: −3.64 to 3.88) favouring TUNA (QoE: Low). Rezum had similar outcomes to TUNA and TUMT for Maximum Peak‐Flow Rate (Qmax): Rezūm versus TUMT: 1.05 mL/s (95% CI: −4.88 to 2.82) favouring Rezūm (QoE: Low) and Rezūm versus TUNA: 0.37 mL/s (95% CI: −4.61 to 4.21) favouring TUNA (QoE: Low). Furthermore, post‐void residual volume (PVR) comparisons demonstrated that Rezūm was similar, or inferior to other techniques at 12 months – Rezūm versus TUMT: 11.20 mL (95% CI: −32.40 to 10.30) favouring TUMT (QoE: Low) and Rezūm versus TUNA: 24.10 mL (95% CI: 2.81 to 45.10) favouring TUNA (QoE: Low). Rezūm also had a similar surgical retreatment rate with TUMT and TUNA up to 3‐years – TUMT versus Rezūm RR: 1.21 (95% CI: 0.20 to 15.90) (QoE: Low) and TUNA versus Rezūm showed RR: 1.81 (95% CI: 0.2 to 24.60) (QoE: Low). In the first 12 months after treatment, Rezūm had a higher rate of serious adverse events (Clavien‐Dindo ≥ Grade 3) than TUMT and TUNA. TUMT versus Rezūm with RR = 0.53 (95% CI: 0.13 to 3.14) (QoE: Low) and TUNA versus Rezūm with RR = 0.38 (95% CI: 0.04 to 3.49) (QoE: Low). Conclusions Moderate to weak evidence suggests that Rezūm is not superior to TUNA and TUMT in all domains studied.
Glycopeptide libraries in which both the carbohydrate part and the peptide part have been varied can be generated by stereoselctive glycosylation of free hydroxy groups of support‐bound peptides with ...glycosyl trichloroacetimidates. The use of temporary t Bu protecting groups enabled the stereoselctive synthesis of a model library of four glycopeptides (one is depicted on the right) that each have two different glycosyl groups.
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