bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IKKα inhibition re-sensitizes acquired adriamycin-resistant triple negative breast cancer cells to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis
Authors: Liao Jian , Qin Qing-hong , Lv Fa-you , Huang Zhen , Lian Bin , Wei Chang-yuan , Mo Qin-guo , Tan Qi-xing
Published: April 2023

IKKα has been shown to be responsible of multiple pro-tumorigenic functions and therapy resistance independent of canonical NF-κB, but its role in acquired chemotherapy resistance in breast cancer remains unclarified. In this study, we obtained pre-treatment biopsy and post-treatment mastectomy specimens from a retrospective cohort of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC) (n = 43). Immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the expression of IKKα before and after NAC, and the relationship between IKKα and the pathologic response to NAC was examined. In addition, we developed a new ADR-resistant MDA-MB-231 cell line(MDA-MB-231/ADR) and analyzed these cells for changes in IKKα expression, the role and mechanisms of the increased IKKα in promoting drug resistance were determined in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated that the expression of IKKα in residual TNBC tissues after chemotherapy was significantly higher than that before chemotherapy, and was positively correlated with lower pathological reaction. IKKα expression was significantly higher in ADR-resistant TNBC cells than in ADR-sensitive cells, IKKα knockdown results in apoptotic cell death of chemoresistant cells upon drug treatment. Moreover, IKKα knockdown promotes chemotherapeutic drug-induced tumor cell death in an transplanted tumor mouse model. Functionally, we demonstrated that IKKα knockdown significantly upregulated the expression of cleaved caspase 3 and Bax and inhibited the expression of Bcl-2 upon ADR treatment. Our findings highlighted that IKKα exerts an important and previously unknown role in promoting chemoresistance in TNBC, combining IKKα inhibition with chemotherapy may be an effective strategy to improve treatment outcome in chemoresistant TNBC patients.
Effect of drill quality on biological damage in bone drilling
Authors: Alam Khurshid , Qamar Sayyad Zahid , Iqbal Muhammad , Piya Sujan , Al-Kindi Mahmood , Qureshi Asim , Al-Ghaithi Ahmed , Al-Sumri Badar , Silberschmidt Vadim V.
Published: April 2023

Bone drilling is a universal procedure in orthopaedics for fracture fixation, installing implants, or reconstructive surgery. Surgical drills are subjected to wear caused by their repeated use, thermal fatigue, irrigation with saline solution, and sterilization process. Wear of the cutting edges of a drill bit (worn drill) is detrimental for bone tissues and can seriously affect its performance. The aim of this study is to move closer to minimally invasive surgical procedures in bones by investigating the effect of wear of surgical drill bits on their performance. The surface quality of the drill was found to influence the bone temperature, the axial force, the torque and the extent of biological damage around the drilling region. Worn drill produced heat above the threshold level related to thermal necrosis at a depth equal to the wall thickness of an adult human bone. Statistical analysis showed that a sharp drill bit, in combination with a medium drilling speed and drilling at shallow depth, was favourable for safe drilling in bone. This study also suggests the further research on establishing a relationship between surface integrity of a surgical drill bit and irreversible damage that it can induce in delicate tissues of bone using different drill sizes as well as drilling parameters and conditions.
Detecting downhole vibrations through drilling horizontal sections: machine learning study
Authors: Saadeldin Ramy , Gamal Hany , Elkatatny Salaheldin
Published: April 2023

During the drilling operations and because of the harsh downhole drilling environment, the drill string suffered from downhole vibrations that affect the drilling operation and equipment. This problem is greatly affecting the downhole tools (wear and tear), hole problems (wash-out), mechanical energy loss, and ineffective drilling performance. Extra non-productive time to address these complications during the operation, and hence, extra cost. Detecting the drillstring vibrations during drilling through the downhole sensors is costly due to the extra service and downhole sensors. Currently, the new-technology-based solutions are providing huge capabilities to deal intelligently with the data, and machine learning applications provide high computational competencies to learn and correlate the parameters for technical complex problems. This research presented a successful case study for developing machine learning models through a comprehensive methodology process for vibration detection using surface rig data through data collection, preprocessing, analytics, training and optimizing the models’ parameters, and evaluating the performance to have the best prediction results. Evaluating the models’ performance showed that obtained predictions have a great match with actual measurements for the different stages of training, testing, and even during models’ validation with unseen well data. Real-field horizontal drilling data was utilized to feed and train the models through different tools named radial basis function (RBF), support vector machines (SVMs), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and functional networks (FN) to auto-detect the three types of downhole vibrations (axial, torsional, and lateral). The study results showed a high correlation coefficient (higher than 0.9) and technically accepted average absolute percentage error (below 7.5%) between actual readings and predictions of the developed ML models. The study outcomes will add to the automation process of drilling operations to avoid many tools failure by comparing predicted vibrations versus downhole tools limits such as red zone and continuing drilling without interruption to the well total depth especially while drilling horizontal sections.
Effect of Bamboo biochar on strength and water retention properties of low plastic clay and silty sand
Authors: Yadav Shailesh Kumar , Bag Ramakrishna
Published: April 2023

Biochar is a carbon-rich stable product derived from the thermochemical decomposition of biomass. The properties of biochar vary with types of feedstock, heating rate, pyrolysis temperature, etc. Consequently, the mechanical and hydrological properties of biochar amended soil (BAS) also differ with types of biochar and soils. However, the effect of bamboo biochar (BB) amendment on soil strength and water retention properties is missing in the previous literature. Bamboo biomass was pyrolysed at 600 °C to produce biochar. BB and soils (low plastic clay (CL) and silty sand (SM)) were mixed to prepare BAS. The samples were prepared by mixing BB in five ratios, i.e., 0%, 1%, 2%, 3.5% and 5% of dry soil weight. The biochar application has increased optimum moisture content, alkalinity (pH) and Atterberg limits, whereas, reduced maximum dry density and specific gravity of both the soils (CL and SM). The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of CL soil was noted to increase by 10.5% with 2% biochar content and decreased after that, whereas the UCS of SM soil was found to decrease continuously with the biochar content increment. Therefore, the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) result showed that biochar application has contrary effects on both soils. The measured gravimetric water content (GWC) of BAS was increased with biochar increment in both soils. However, GWC increased more in CL than in SM soil at the same biochar content. The microstructural analysis showed that the biochar amendment filled the pore space of the soil matrix, resulting in an increase in UCS and GWC values. The increased water retention capacity and strength (UCS) of biochar amended CL soil provides evidence that it could be used as a landfill cover material.
Differential impact of transfusion guidelines on blood transfusion practices within a health network
Authors: Balafas Spyros , Gagliano Vanessa , Di Serio Clelia , Guidugli Giuglia Andrea , Saporito Andrea , Gabutti Luca , Ferrari Paolo
Published: April 2023

Whether clinical practice guidelines have a significant impact on practice is unclear. The effect of guideline recommendations on clinical practice often a lags behind the date of publication. We evaluated by means of a data-driven approach if and when the guidelines on red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs) issued by Swiss Smarter Medicine in 2016 had an impact on RBCTs practice within a hospital network, where awareness of guidelines was promoted mainly among internal medicine specialties. Data on RBCTs performed in a Swiss hospital network from January 2014 to April 2021 were analyzed by hospital site and specialty to assess whether guidelines led to a decrease in inappropriate RBCTs. RBCTs were defined as “inappropriate” if patients had a hemoglobin level ≥ 70 g/L without or ≥ 80 g/L with significant cardiovascular comorbidities. Changes in the rate of inappropriate transfusions were analyzed with an advanced statistical approach that included generalized additive models. Overall prior to March 2017 there were more inappropriate than appropriate RBCTs, but after October 2017 the opposite could be observed. A change-point in the time trend was estimated from transfusion data to occur in the time interval between March and October 2017. This change was mainly driven by practice changes in the medical wards, while no significant change was observed in the critical care, surgical and oncology wards. Change in practice varied by hospital site. In conclusion, our results show that a significant change in the RBCTs practice at the hospital level occurred approximately 18 months after national guidelines were issued.
Introduction and comparision of three different fixation methods in the suprahepatic space in laparoscopy-assisted ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus
Authors: Ding Qian , Wang Jinchao , Fan Haitao , Jiang Wanli , Guo Hua , Ji Hongsheng , Song Tao , Xu Shangchen , Liu Bin
Published: April 2023

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement is the standard procedure in the management of hydrocephalus. The introduction of laparoscopy allows better visualization during the operation and a more reliable placement of the peritoneal terminal of the catheter, which significantly decreases postoperative obstruction and malposition rates. However, the fixation methods of the peritoneal terminal of the catheter have not been previously discussed. The indications, techniques, and complications were compared between conventional VPS and laparoscopy-guided VPS. Furthermore, same analyses were performed within the laparoscopy-guided VPS group subdivided by three different techniques of the fixation of the peritoneal terminal of catheter, including suture and ligature, titanium clip fixation, and subcutaneous fixation. A total of 137 patients with hydrocephalus who received VPS treatment was retrospectively studied, 85 of which were laparoscopy-guided, and 52 were not. The distal ends of the catheters were all placed in the suprahepatic space. At least one year (mean 28.6 months) follow-up was given postoperatively. The average duration of the whole operation was 45 min for suture and ligature, 40 min for titanium clip fixation, and 30 min for the subcutaneous fixation, respectively. Six patients (4.4%) had obstructive of the ventricular catheter in total. The success rates for the laparoscopy-assisted VPS procedure and the conventional VPS procedure were 87.1% (74/85) and 80.8% (42/52), respectively. Within subgroups of the laparoscopy-assisted VPS divided by fixation methods, the procedures were successful in 85.2% (23/27) of suture and ligation, 82.1% (23/28) of titanium clip fixation, and 93.3% (28/30) of subcutaneous fixation, respectively. Two patients had dislocated shunt tube in peritoneal end in laparoscopy group, all in the titanium clip fixation subgroups. The laparoscopy-assisted VPS insertion is an ideal shunt method for its effectiveness and lesser complication rate after operation. The subcutaneous fixation method of the peritoneal terminal of catheter might be the optimal fixation technique.
Structural and electronic properties and optical absorption of oxygen vacancy cluster defects in KDP crystals: hybrid density functional theory investigation
Authors: Li Yang , Hao Guokai , Bai Jianyu , Sui Tingting , Wei Liening , Sun Xun , Zhao Xian , Xu Mingxia , Liu Baoan
Published: April 2023

The electron transition between oxygen vacancies and cationic vacancies shortens the band gap of KDP crystals.
A molecular understanding of citrate adsorption on calcium oxalate polyhydrates
Authors: Su Yangyang , Vekeman Jelle , Brigiano Flavio Siro , Hessou Etienne Paul , Zhao Yuheng , Sorgeloos Diane , Raes Marc , Hauffman Tom , Li Kehzi , Tielens Frederik
Published: April 2023

Calcium oxalate precipitation is a common pathological calcification in the human body, whereby crystallite morphology is influenced by the chelating properties of biological ions such as citrate.
Complex reaction kinetics of a Mannich reaction in droplets under electrospray conditions
Authors: Zühlke Martin , Koenig Justin , Prüfert Chris , Sass Stephan , Beitz Toralf , Löhmannsröben Hans-Gerd , Thoben Christian , Zimmermann Stefan , Urban Raphael D. , Abel Bernd
Published: April 2023

The solution of a Mannich reaction was electrosprayed to study their conversion ratio at various ES parameter. Implementing new methods demonstrated low influence of the gas phase and a high effect of the life time and the charge of the μ-droplets.
A self-indicating and antibacterial gelatine–chitosan blended hydrogel enabling real-time quality control and sustained bioactive agent delivery
Authors: Lai Wing-Fu , Reddy Obireddy Sreekanth , Law Lucy , Wu Haicui , Wong Wing-Tak
Published: April 2023

Hydrogels are one type of materials that are widely exploited for bioactive agent delivery, partly owing to their high biocompatibility and low toxicity.
Production of biodiesel: kinetics and reusability studies of the Mg–Al hydrotalcite catalyst using Jatropha oil
Authors: Praveen B. V. S. , Pradhan Narayan C. , Ashok Anup , Guduru Ramesh Kumar , Vij Rakesh Kumar , Jeeru Lakshmana Rao
Published: April 2023

The optimal conditions for biodiesel transesterification are 800 rpm stirring, 12 : 1 methanol to oil ratio, 3% catalyst loading, and 60 °C temperature.
Dynamic hydrogen bubble template electrodeposited Bi on graphite felt and the effect of its post-processing in vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Cheng Ming , Kottakkat Tintula , Roth Christina
Published: April 2023

Dynamic hydrogen bubble template (DHBT) electrodeposition is an efficient synthesis method in decorating graphite felts with high surface area bismuth nanoparticles as the electrochemically active negative electrode in vanadium redox flow batteries.
Functionalization of polymeric nanoparticles with targeting VNAR ligands using vinyl sulfone conjugation
Authors: Leach Adam , Finnegan Marie , Machado Mariana S. , Ferguson Laura , Steven John , Smyth Peter , Porter Andrew , Barelle Caroline , Themistou Efrosyni , Scott Christopher J.
Published: April 2023

Vinyl sulfone (VS) functionalization – An innovative conjugation approach for preparation of variable new antigen receptor (VNAR) targeted polymeric nanoparticles.
Comparison of the microwave absorption performance of core–shell SiO2@C and hollow carbon nanospheres with different sizes
Authors: Han Lu-Lu , Wu Wen-Wen , Yuan Chao , Wang Zhuo , Zhou Xiao-Bin , Chen Xiao-Ming , Liu Peng
Published: April 2023

Microwave absorption performance and mechanisms of core–shell SiO2@C and hollow carbon nanospheres with different sizes.
Overcoming a solid solution system on chiral resolution: combining crystallization and enantioselective dissolution
Authors: Oketani Ryusei , Shiohara Koki , Hisaki Ichiro
Published: April 2023

Chiral resolution of rac-4-cyano-1-aminoindane, a key intermediate of ozanimod, was successfully achieved through a combination of crystallization and enantioselective dissolution with up to 96% ee.
Electroreductive formylation of activated alcoholsviaradical–polar crossover
Authors: Kang Jungtaek , Cho Heyjin , Kim Hyunwoo
Published: April 2023

The direct synthesis of sterically hindered aldehydes involves the electroreductive cleavage of the C–O bond in activated alcohols, generating carbanions that can then react withN,N-dimethylformamide.
Chalcogen bonding and variable charge transfer degree in two polymorphs of 1 : 1 conducting salts with segregated stacks
Authors: Beau Maxime , Jeannin Olivier , Fourmigué Marc , Auban-Senzier Pascale , Pasquier Claude , Alemany Pere , Canadell Enric , Jeon Ie-Rang
Published: April 2023

Harnessing a bis(selenomethyl)tetrathiafulvalene derivative as a donor, two polymorphs of conducting 1 : 1 charge transfer salts are realized thanks to original packing structures supported by chalcogen bonding interactions.
Tuning of the height of energy barrier between locally-excited and charge transfer states by altering the fusing position ofo-carborane in phenylnaphthalene
Authors: Ochi Junki , Yanagihara Takumi , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: April 2023

Two types ofo-carborane-based regioisomers fused by a phenylnaphthalene ring were synthesized. They showed different optical properties depending on the fused position.
A 1D/2D Bi2O3/g-C3N4 step-scheme photocatalyst to activate peroxymonosulfate for the removal of tetracycline hydrochloride: insight into the mechanism, reactive sites, degradation pathway and ecotoxicity
Authors: Long Mingyang , Li Di , Zhao Qianqian , Li Hongmiao , Wen Qi , Wang Li , Wu Lei , Song Fang , Zhou Jun
Published: April 2023

A novel1D/2D step-scheme Bi2O3/g-C3N4 was prepared using a simple reflux method. In order to further enhance the degradation efficiency of tetracycline hydrochloride, Bi2O3/g-C3N4 was used to activate peroxymonosulfate under visible-light irradiation.
Preparation of the photo-Fenton agent MIL-100 (Fe) with high performance in the degradation of nitro explosives
Authors: Tang Tingting , Jin Bo , Zhao Ping
Published: April 2023

Layered MIL-100 (Fe) can almost completely degrade nitro explosives within 2 min by the photo-Fenton method.
The electronic and optical properties of silicon doped on arsenic and antimony nanotubes: a first-principles study
Authors: Liu Yinuo , Hu Ziyu , Shao Xiaohong
Published: April 2023

Doping with silicon atoms was predicted to exhibit metallic behavior for armchair types, whereas zigzag-type arsenic nanotubes retain semiconductor behavior, just narrowing the gaps because of the greater hybridization between the s and p orbitals.
CaAl2Si2O8:Dy3+, Eu3+: synthesis, luminescence properties, energy transfer, and tunable emission
Authors: Cao Renping , Lai Zibin , Cao Yewen , Cheng Fangrui , Liao Chenxing , Nie Shuijing , Yi Xuehua , Wang Jing
Published: April 2023

Luminescent materials used in solid-state lighting usually face the challenge of the adjustment of luminescence properties.
Accelerating charge transfer for Ni(OH)2 through chlorine-anion decoration in the urea electrooxidation reaction
Authors: Zhao Yongjie , Sun Xiujuan , Cao Qiuhan , Zhou Jiajia , Tan Wenjuan , Piao Zhu , Liu Enhui , Ding Rui , Gao Ping , Lin Weiwei
Published: April 2023

Chlorine-anion-modified Ni(OH)2 (Cl32–Ni(OH)2) has low crystallinity, a large specific surface area and more oxygen defects, resulting in enhanced charge transfer, ultimately facilitating the urea oxidation reaction.
Dirhodium: carbene transformations and beyond
Authors: Wu Rui , Zhu Dong , Zhu Shifa
Published: April 2023

Dirhodium-catalyzed transformations, not limited to carbene and nitrene transfer reactions, are reviewed, including cycloisomerization, hetero-Diels–Alder (HDA) reactions, ene reactions, arylation, radical oxidation reactions and C–H activation, etc.
Methylcellulose/agarose hydrogel loaded with short electrospun PLLA/laminin fibers as an injectable scaffold for tissue engineering/3D cell culture model for tumour therapies
Authors: Niemczyk-Soczynska Beata , Kolbuk Dorota , Mikulowski Grzegorz , Ciechomska Iwona A. , Sajkiewicz Pawel
Published: April 2023

The PLLA/laminin fiber addition to the methylcellulose/agarose hydrogel system enables its injectability, ensures ECM-mimicking morphology and biochemical cues, and good cell–material interactions.
Quadrangulosides A–F: new pregnane glycosides from Caralluma quadrangula
Authors: Ismail Ghada A. , Mostafa Mohamed E. , Mubarak Ahmed Y. , Dawidar AbelAziz M. , Abdel-Mogib Mamdouh
Published: April 2023

The phytochemical investigation of Caralluma quadrangula aerial parts yielded six new pregnane glycosides, quadrangulosides A–F (1–6), in addition to nine known pregnane glycosides and three known flavone glycosides.
Development of a coarse-grained model for surface-functionalized gold nanoparticles: towards an accurate description of their aggregation behavior
Authors: Petretto Emanuele , Campomanes Pablo , Vanni Stefano
Published: April 2023

Understanding the aggregation propensity of protected gold nanoparticles (NP) is crucial to guide their ligand shell rational design. We developed and validated an NP model for MD simulations capable of accurately describing aggregation.
Slow spreading with a large contact angle on hygroscopic materials
Authors: Julien E. , Rubinstein S. M. , Caré S. , Coussot P.
Published: April 2023

Slow water drop spreading along the longitudinal direction over a horizontal wood (fir) surface. The drop in volume starts to decrease significantly when spreading is almost finished, due to (bound) water absorption in the hygroscopic structure.
Controlling block copolymer one-dimensional self-assembly in polymeric matrices
Authors: Gutiérrez González Jessica , Ceolín Marcelo , Schroeder Walter F. , Zucchi Ileana A.
Published: April 2023

A protocol for the in situ synthesis of customized 1D semicrystalline domains in polymer matrices is reported.
Structural and biofunctional evaluation of decellularized jellyfish matrices
Authors: Zhao Jie , Yu Wenjun , Zhang Qi , Li Xiaojing , Huang Yongjie , Zhao Suwen , Li Tao , Liu Shanshan , Li Yang , Shan Hong
Published: April 2023

Jellyfish tissues were decellularized and assessed for intactness in the collagen triple-helix structure. The decellularized matrix can be utilized as a scaffold for culturing different types of mammalian cells and repairing injured tissues.
Effect of Mn2+ doping on exciton recombination and carrier trapping in the Cs2CdCl4 metal halide
Authors: Huang Dayu , Cheng Ziyong , Ouyang Qiuyun , Lian Hongzhou , Lin Jun
Published: April 2023

Energy transfer from STE excitons, deep traps and shallow traps to Mn2+ can simply and clearly explain the phenomenon of high-temperature abnormal luminescence.
Pole shape design of ring winding axial flux permanent magnet used in a direct‐drive electric boat for cost‐efficient cogging torque alleviation
Authors: Gharehseyed Saber , Vahedi Abolfazl , Darjazini Amir , Nobahari Amin
Published: April 2023

The recently introduced Ring Winding Axial Flux Permanent magnet Motor (RW‐AFPM) is inspired by the yokeless structure of Yokeless and Segmented Armature (YASA) AFPMs and the partitioned‐phases configuration of transverse flux motors. Its potential application for rim‐driven electric ships propulsion has been examined in the previous studies and, here, it will be studied for ultra‐light direct‐drive electric boats. Owing to their specific structural features, the relatively large cogging torque of RW‐AFPMs seems to be a significant challenge for such applications. On the other hand, as investigated in previous studies, cogging torque reduction methods, such as conventional skewing, seem unsuitable for this type of machine. Thus, this paper will address the cogging torque issue via a comprehensive pole shape analysis. The results will be useful for all kinds of partitioned‐phases topologies that have high specific torque capability but suffer from large cogging effects. All analyses are performed via 3D‐FE models, the accuracy of which is pre‐verified through experiments.
A comprehensive design method of an active electronic current transformer for stable energy harvesting from power lines
Authors: Wang Yifan , Ren Chunguang , Kong Jiansheng , Zhang Baifu , Wang Lei , Han Xiaoqing , Yang Yu
Published: April 2023

The real‐time monitoring technology of power line is an important guarantee for the digitization and intelligence of the modern power system. Traditional current transformers cannot provide continuous and stable energy when the power line current fluctuates in a large range. This paper proposes a comprehensive design method of an active electronic current transformer (AECT) based on a single‐phase full‐bridge voltage‐type PWM rectifier (VSR), which can acquire continuous and stable energy from the power line with a minimum magnetic core. The control of the AECT is divided into four different operation modes to adapt the fluctuation of primary current. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) mode and minimum loss (ML) mode is designed to harvest the maximum power with lower iron core loss when the primary current is relatively low. Excitation mode and demagnetization mode are designed to harvest stable power when the primary current is higher than a certain current. The specific mode operation principles and control strategies are analysed in detail. Besides, the calculation method of the primary current is also presented for the primary current measurement. Finally, simulations and experiments verify that the iron core can obtain power steadily (9.91 W/kg) when the current fluctuation between 50 and 600 A.
Flexible blanket synthetic aperture radar jamming using joint frequency and phase modulation
Authors: Wu Qihua , Liu Xiaobin , Xu Zhiming , Zhao Feng , Gu Zhaoyu , Xiao Shunping
Published: April 2023

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) jamming is of vital significance in the national defence aspect. In this study, a flexible blanket jamming method against SAR is proposed using joint frequency and phase modulation. The proposed method can form two‐dimensional square‐shaped blanket sidelobes in the SAR image by coded phase modulation in both fast and slow time domain. Then an extra frequency modulation is further executed to flexibly adjust the jamming centre. The target of interest (TOI) can get more effectively protected according to the different relative locations between the TOI and jammer. On this basis, the jamming performance evaluation and parameter design principles are discussed in detail. Finally, the validity of the proposed jamming method is verified by both the Yake‐42 aircraft simulation and measured SAR data experiment.
Model predictive control of modular multilevel converter based on fixed switch state set for offshore wind power
Authors: Zhang Yang , Luo Chaokui , Yi Wenjing , Luo Bing , Cheng Zhun
Published: April 2023

This paper aims at the problems of the traditional modular model predictive control (MPC) of modular multilevel converter (MMC) with huge computational complexity and high equivalent switching frequency. In this paper, a model predictive control method based on fixed switch state set (FSS‐MPC) is proposed. In this method, two cost functions are used to control phase current and circulating current. Meanwhile, the number of the upper and lower on‐state sub‐modules (SM) is obtained by cost functions. In order to obtain the optimal switching sequence of SM, FSS‐MPC adopts a SM capacitive voltage balancing strategy which has low sorting frequency. Under the control of the FSS‐MPC, the amount of switch combination and sorting computation are greatly reduced. In addition, the switching frequency is extremely low. Finally, to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed control strategy, a simulation system of 11‐level MMC for offshore wind power has built on the MATLAB/Simulink platform.
Far-infrared line emission from the outer Galaxy cluster Gy 3–7 with SOFIA/FIFI-LS: Physical conditions and UV fields
Authors: Lê N. , Karska A. , Figueira M. , Sewiło M. , Mirocha A. , Fischer Ch. , Kaźmierczak-Barthel M. , Klein R. , Gawroński M. , Koprowski M. , Kowalczyk K. , Fischer W. J. , Menten K. M. , Wyrowski F. , König C. , Kristensen L. E.
Published: April 2023

Context. Far-infrared (FIR) line emission provides key information about the gas cooling and heating due to shocks and UV radiation associated with the early stages of star formation. Gas cooling via FIR lines might, however, depend on metallicity.

Aims. We aim to quantify the FIR line emission and determine the spatial distribution of the CO rotational temperature, ultraviolet (UV) radiation field, and H2 number density toward the embedded cluster Gy 3–7 in the CMa–l224 star-forming region, whose metallicity is expected to be intermediate between that of the Large Magellanic Cloud and the Solar neighborhood. By comparing the total luminosities of CO and [OI] toward Gy 3–7 with values found for low- and high-mass protostars extending over a broad range of metallicities, we also aim to identify the possible effects of metallicity on the FIR line cooling within our Galaxy.

Methods. We studied SOFIA/FIFI-LS spectra of Gy 3–7, covering several CO transitions from J = 14–13 to 31-30, the OH doublet at 79 μm, the [OI] 63.2 and 145.5 μm, and the [CII] 158 μm lines. The field of view covers a 2′ × 1′ region with a resolution of ~7″–18″.

Results. The spatial extent of CO high-J (Jup ≥14) emission resembles that of the elongated 160 μm continuum emission detected with Herschel, but its peaks are offset from the positions of the dense cores. The [OI] lines at 63.2 μm and 145.5 μm follow a similar pattern, but their peaks are found closer to the positions of the cores. The CO transitions from J = 14–13 to J = 16–15 are detected throughout the cluster and show a median rotational temperature of 170 ± 30 K on Boltzmann diagrams. Comparisons to other protostars observed with Berschel show a good agreement with intermediate-mass sources in the inner Galaxy. Assuming an origin of the [OI] and high-J CO emission in UV-irradiated C–shocks, we obtained pre-shock H2 number densities of 104–105 cm−3 and UV radiation field strengths of 0.1–10 Habing fields (G0).

Conclusions. Far-IR line observations reveal ongoing star formation in Gy 3–7, dominated by intermediate-mass Class 0/I young stellar objects. The ratio of molecular-to-atomic far-IR line emission shows a decreasing trend with bolometric luminosities of the protostars. However, it does not indicate that the low-metallicity has an impact on the line cooling in Gy 3–7.
Interpretation of paleoenvironment using benthic foraminifera from Tertiary rocks, northern Sarawak
Authors: Dayong Vivian , Nagarajan Ramasamy
Published: April 2023

In this work, we collected and examined three samples from an exposed 50 cm thick fossiliferous bed and prepared thin and polished sections for petrographic analysis. The benthic foraminifera assemblages and other marine fossils are studied to infer the paleo depositional environment. Based on the benthic foraminifera and their common ecological preferences, it is inferred that this layer has deposited between the intertidal and neritic zones, and within the photic zone, they are under oxygenated conditions. In addition, the presence of the glauconite mineral also supported the neritic environment interpretation, suggesting a water depth of less than 300 metres during the deposition, denoting shallow water conditions. Even though the results presented in this paper are at an elementary level, this could serve as additional information to develop a better understanding of the geology on a much larger scale.
Dynamic model of isothermal moving bed reducer for chemical looping hydrogen production
Authors: Kataria Priyam , Yeo Wan Sieng , Nandong Jobrun
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates process modelling and reactor design for the reducer in the chemical looping hydrogen production (CLHP) process. The CLHP process adopts a three-reactor technology that can provide an efficient and sustainable alternative to the current hydrogen production technology via steam methane reforming (SMR), which suffers from several limitations during industrial operation. CLHP can achieve higher thermal efficiency than SMR and provide a carbon capture and storage (CCS) system. So far, no report on the modelling analysis of the reducer despite its critical dependence on temperature. The modelling study adopts the modified pellet-grain model at the micro-scale and counter-current moving bed model reactor at the reactor level. Simulation results of the gas-solid behavior based on the multi-scale model agree with the literature evidence. Critical information from the model revealed that the oxygen carriers (solids) can attain a desired state, but the syngas remains underutilized. The model simulation further suggests that lowering the gas-solid velocity ratio (Vgs) can substantially promote the syngas conversion. However, the Vgs value must remain above a threshold value (170), defined through the limitation of gas-solid velocities in a moving bed reactor. Since a CCS system requires high purity (>95%) of the product gas, rigorous temperature-pellet size optimization is vital to achieving the target purity while maintaining desired solid state.
Diabetes mellitus und Schwangerschaft
Authors: Kleinwechter Helmut , Nolte Andreas , Demandt Norbert
Published: April 2023

Therapiebedürftige Hyperglykämien gehören weltweit zu den häufigsten Schwangerschaftskomplikationen. Die größte Gruppe bilden Frauen mit Gestationsdiabetes mellitus, gefolgt von Frauen mit bekanntem Typ-1- und Typ-2-Diabetes mellitus. Die Betreuung ist komplex und verlangt ein gutes Zusammenspiel verschiedener Fachgebiete. Dieser Beitrag bietet eine Übersicht zu bewährten Therapiestrategien und erläutert neue Erkenntnisse, u. a. zur SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie.
Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen – digitale Adipositastherapie
Authors: Bretschneider Maxi Pia , Schwarz Peter E.H.
Published: April 2023

Stand Februar 2023 sind 2 Adipositas DiGAs zugelassen, welche Patientinnen und Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus unterstützen: zanadio (vorläufige Zulassung 2020, endgültige Zulassung 2022) und Oviva Direkt (vorläufige Zulassung Oktober 2021). In diesem Artikel der DiGA-Serie wird die DiGA zanadio 1 unter die Lupe genommen, die wichtigsten Informationen präsentiert, sowie kleine Einblicke in die App gewährt.
Long-term follow-up after transoral outlet reduction following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: Back to stage 0?
Authors: Brunaldi Vitor Ottoboni , Peixoto de Oliveira Guilherme Henrique , Kerbage Anthony , Ribas Pedro Henrique , Nunes Felipe , Faria Galileu , de Moura Diogo , Riccioppo Daniel , Santo Marco , de Moura Eduardo
Published: April 2023

Background and study aims Significant weight regain affects up to one-third of patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and demands treatment. Transoral outlet reduction (TORe) with argon plasma coagulation (APC) alone or APC plus full-thickness suturing TORe (APC-FTS) is effective in the short term. However, no study has investigated the course of gastrojejunostomy (GJ) or quality of life (QOL) data after the first post-procedure year.

Patients and methods Patients eligible for a 36-month follow-up visit after TORe underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with measurement of the GJ and answered QOL questionnaires (RAND-36). The primary aim was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of TORe, including weight loss, QOL, and GJ anastomosis (GJA) size. Comparisons between APC and APC-FTS TORe were a secondary aim.

Results Among 39 eligible patients, 29 returned for the 3-year follow-up visit. There were no significant differences in demographics between APC and APC-FTS TORe groups. At 3 years, patients from both groups regained all the weight lost at 12 months, and the GJ diameter was similar to the pre-procedure assessment. As to QOL, most improvements seen at 12 months were lost at 3 years, returning to pre-procedure levels. Only the energy/fatigue domain improvement was kept between the 1- and 3-year visits.

Conclusions Obesity is a chronic relapsing disease. Most effects of TORe are lost at 3 years, and redilation of the GJA occurs. Therefore, TORe should be considered iterative rather than a one-off procedure.
The association between fetal Doppler and uterine artery blood volume flow in term pregnancies: a pilot study
Authors: La Verde Marco , Torella Marco , Ronsini Carlo , Riemma Gaetano , Cobellis Luigi , Marrapodi Maria Maddalena , Capristo Carlo , Rapisarda Agnese Maria Chiara , Morlando Maddalena , De Franciscis Pasquale
Published: April 2023

Purpose To investigate the relationship between uterine artery blood volume flow and fetal Doppler indices in term pregnancies.

Materials and Methods A prospective observational study in a tertiary-care university hospital was performed between December 2021 and May 2022. We included only term pregnancies that received accurate ultrasound scans until a week before the birth. The uterine artery (UtA) diameter and UtA volume blood flow were estimated and recorded. The volume of each artery was summed to obtain the total uterine artery volume blood flow (QUtA). The following fetal Doppler indices were evaluated: Umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), ductus venosus (DV), and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR). Linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the QUtA and the fetal Doppler indices.

Results 49 pregnancies were included. The UA pulsatility index (PI) analysis showed a signiﬁcant association with QUtA (r2=0.40, p=0.01), demonstrating a decrease of the UA PI when the QUtA increased. The same relationship was noted between the UtA mean PI and QUtA (r2=0.41, p=0.005). A weak correlation between the newborn weight and the QUtA was also noted (r2=0.31, p=0.048), with an elevated newborn weight when the QUtA was high.

Conclusion This study showed that UA, UtA PI, and birth weight seem to be linked to QUtA. QUtA had an inverse correlation with UA and UtA PI. In addition, increasing the QUtA showed a linear increase in fetal birth weight. These findings could be helpful in high-risk pregnancy management, but additional research is needed to identify how QUtA in the third trimester impacts labor and fetal outcomes.
A New Domino Reaction under Microwave Irradiation for the Synthesis of Pyrazolo[5,1-b]quinazolinones
Authors: Dolzhenko Anton V. , Ng Jia Hui , Lim Felicia Phei Lin , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: April 2023

Pyrazolo[5,1-b]quinazolinones were synthesized by consecutive pyrazole and quinazolinone ring closures in a new catalyst-free microwave-promoted domino reaction of hydrazine with 2-cyano-3-(methylthio)-3-(2-methoxycarbonylphenylamino)acrylates, which were prepared from methyl anthranilate and 2-cyano-3,3-bis(methylthio)acrylates. When 2-cyano-3,3-bis(methylthio)acrylates reacted directly with anthranilic acid hydrazide, the arylamino group remained intact, while the hydrazide moiety transformed into 1-acylpyrazoles and further to 2-(1,3,4-oxadiazolylidene)-2-cyanoacetates. The structures of representatives from each group of the prepared heterocyclic compounds were examined in detail by X-ray crystallography.
Copper(I)-Catalyzed Enantioselective 1,4-Conjugate Hydrophos­phination of α,β-Unsaturated Esters
Authors: Wang Zi-Qing , Yin Liang , Wang Ye
Published: April 2023

A copper-catalyzed enantioselective 1,4-conjugate hydrophosphination is achieved by employing α,β-unsaturated esters as electrophiles and diarylphosphines as pronucleophiles. An array of chiral phosphines was prepared in high to excellent enantioselectivity. Moreover, a triple catalytic symmetric conjugate hydrophosphination occurred smoothly to afford the product.
Synthesis of Boronates with a Protoilludane Skeleton
Authors: Bach Thorsten , Proessdorf Johanna , Jandl Christian , Pickl Thomas
Published: April 2023

Naturally occurring sesquiterpenes with a protoilludane skeleton are frequently oxygenated at carbon atoms C4 and C8. Boronic acid pinacol esters (BPin) are potential precursors for hydroxy groups at these positions and synthetic methods have now been developed for their preparation. Introduction of a boronate in position C4 was achieved by Cu-catalyzed hydroboration of a photochemically generated cyclobutene precursor, which displayed the complete C15-carbon skeleton of protoilludanes. Introduction of BPin at carbon atom C8 was possible by starting with an alkenyl boronate as precursor in a photochemical transformation. A two-photon reaction cascade allowed for creation of the complete protoilludane skeleton with BPin selectively positioned at C8. Subsequent reactions were studied and the oxidative transformation of the boronates into the respective alcohols was shown.
Unmet Needs of Oral Cancer Survivors in India: A Perspective
Authors: Mitra Sayantan
Published: April 2023

Oral cancer is one of the predominant forms of cancer that alters the livelihood of survivors. They can have many unmet needs. However, very little research has been done on this topic, especially in India. This commentary piece discusses what unmet needs could mean, how the disease culminates differently and creates different realities, how the research and policymaking have been done and how it could be improved.
Update on Familial Adenomatous Polyposis-Associated Desmoid Tumors
Authors: Yang Wanjun , Ding Pei-Rong
Published: April 2023

Desmoid tumors (DT) represent the second high risk of tumor in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients. Although FAP-associated DTs (FAP-DT) are caused by germline mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, extracolonic manifestations, sex, family history, genotype, and the ileal pouch anal anastomosis procedure are all linked to the development of DTs in FAP patients. Multidisciplinary management has replaced aggressive surgery as the preferred treatment of DTs. There is growing evidence to support the use of active surveillance strategy as first-line treatment for FAP-DT patients. Radiotherapy for intra-abdominal desmoids is now rarely used because of severe late toxicity. Pharmacotherapy, however, represents a promising future with the improvement of traditional cytotoxic drugs and the investigation of targeted drugs. Although nonsurgery treatment has been used widely nowadays, surgery remains the mainstay when symptomatic or life-threatening DTs are present. Further research will be needed for more optimal clinical practice.
A Review of Neurological Symptoms in Long COVID and Clinical Management
Authors: Navis Allison
Published: April 2023

Long COVID is a clinical diagnosis generally referring to the persistence or development of new symptoms, affecting multiple organ systems after SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 infection. Long COVID is thought to affect ∼20% of people after infection, including all age ranges and severity of infection. Fatigue, postexertional malaise, and respiratory and cardiac symptoms are commonly described. Neurological symptoms such as cognitive changes, sensory disturbances, headaches, and dysautonomia are common as well. The underlying pathophysiology remains unclear but immune dysregulation, autoimmunity, persistent viral reservoirs, and microvascular dysfunction have been implicated. As there are no tests at this time to diagnose long COVID, work-up should be focused on assessing reversible or treatable causes of symptoms. Furthermore, no treatments for long COVID currently exist, and management remains focused on a multimodal approach and symptom management, with many people showing improvement in symptoms over time.
Composition optimization of HfxZr1-xO2 thin films to achieve the morphotrophic phase boundary for high-k dielectrics
Authors: Oh Seungyeol , Jang Hojung , Hwang Hyunsang
Published: April 2023

HfxZr1-xO2 thin films exhibit a high dielectric constant at the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), which is beneficial for high-k dielectric applications. To minimize the equivalent oxide thickness, the effects of various HZO thicknesses and compositions on the MPB were investigated. In general, HZO films with a thickness of 10 nm exhibit a high dielectric constant owing to MPB at a composition of Hf:Zr = 3:7. However, it was confirmed that composition optimization is required for HZO films with thicknesses below 10 nm to achieve an MPB. As the HZO thickness decreases, a low Zr ratio is favorable for achieving a high dielectric constant (>45) by MPB, which is expected to be due to the large impact of the interface that consequently induces a change in phase formation. Results of electrical and x-ray diffraction analyses confirmed that a high dielectric constant was obtained when the ratio of the tetragonal phase increased and that the tetragonal phase was well formed at a low Zr ratio in the 6 nm-thick HZO film. Therefore, the optimal ratio between the tetragonal and orthorhombic phases should be determined to achieve MPB in HZO thin films, and this can be achieved by composition optimization.
Implementation of a full Wheatstone-bridge GMR sensor by utilizing spin–orbit torque induced magnetization switching in synthetic antiferromagnetic layer
Authors: Luo Keliu , Guo Yonghai , Li Wangda , Zhang Bo , Wang Bo , Cao Jiangwei
Published: April 2023

A giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor with a Wheatstone bridge structure and an out-of-plane linear response was developed. The spin-valve structure consists of a synthetic antiferromagnetic [(Co/Pt)n/Ru/(Pt/Co)n] reference layer with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, a Cu spacer layer, and a Co-free layer with in-plane easy magnetization. By utilizing the spin–orbit torque induced magnetization switching in the synthetic antiferromagnetic layer, the magnetization of the reference layers in the adjacent bridge arms is set to the opposite direction, achieving a GMR sensor with a full Wheatstone bridge structure. The sensor exhibits linear response to the out-of-plane magnetic field with adjustable dynamic ranges from hundreds to thousands of Oe, depending on the thickness of the Co-free layer. A similar Wheatstone bridge sensor consisting of magnetic tunnel junctions was also proposed. The sensor with out-of-plane linear response may have promising applications in three-dimensional magnetic field detection and current sensing field.
Thermoelectric study of the time-dependent resonant level model
Authors: Kara Slimane Adel , Fleury Geneviève
Published: April 2023

We study the non-interacting time-dependent resonant level model mimicking a driven quantum dot connected through leads to two electronic reservoirs held at different temperatures and electrochemical potentials. Using a scattering approach, we provide analytical formulas of the time-dependent particle currents, heat currents, and input driving power under the wideband limit approximation. We also derive Landauer formulas for the corresponding time-integrated quantities when the perturbation applied on the dot is of finite duration. Then, we focus on the case of a single square pulse, benchmark our analytical results against numerical ones that are valid beyond the wideband limit, and perform numerical simulations for a smooth square pulse and a periodic square pulse train. Finally, we discuss whether the efficiency of the device in a stationary Seebeck configuration can be enhanced by driving the dot potential. We find numerically that the transient increase of the efficiency observed in some cases is eventually canceled out at long times.