bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing decentralized implementation of state estimation in active distribution networks
Authors: Gholami Mohammad , Eskandari Aref , Fattaheian‐Dehkordi Sajjad , Lehtonen Matti
Published: October 2024

The challenges facing active distribution networks have highlighted the position of the distribution system state estimation (DSSE) process in the distribution management systems as its most important function. Here, regarding the extensive scale of distribution networks and the weaknesses of centralized methods, the decentralized implementation of the DSSE process has received considerable attention. However, predefined network partitioning is supposed in previous works and zone size effects on the performance of the DSSE process have not been assessed. In response, a method for finding the optimal number of network zones and their size is proposed here. For this purpose, initially, an algorithm is used to partition the network into all possible configurations with different sizes. Subsequently, performance metrics affected by zone sizes, such as execution time, accuracy of the DSSE results, and reliability in achieving the results at the control centre, are modelled. Finally, by applying the decentralized DSSE method across all partitioning scenarios and calculating performance metrics, the most efficient and cost‐effective partitioning scenario can be identified. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated using the modified 77‐bus UK distribution network as an active test case, and the findings are subsequently presented and analysed.
Organizing planning knowledge for automated vehicles and intelligent transportation systems
Authors: Yagüe‐Cuevas David , Paz‐Sesmero María , Marín‐Plaza Pablo , Sanchis Araceli
Published: October 2024

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are crucial for developing fully automated vehicles. While significant progress has been made with advanced driver assistance systems and automation technology, challenges remain, such as improving traffic information, enhancing planning and control systems, and developing better decision‐making capabilities. Despite these hurdles, the potential benefits of ITS are so many that its challenges have attracted substantial industrial investment and research groups interested in the automated driving field. In this work, a methodology based on state space search for planning knowledge integration is proposed. The main goal of the proposal is to provide a planning system with the necessary information to perform properly any task related to lateral and longitudinal control, path following, trajectory generation, arbitration and behavior execution by localizing the vehicle with respect to a high‐level road plan. To this end, this research compares cutting‐edge methods for rapidly finding the K nearest neighbor in relatively high dimensional road plans constructed from the traffic information stored in a high definition map. During the experimentation phase, promising real‐time results have been obtained for fast KNN algorithms, leading to a robust tree index‐based methodology for decision making in self‐driving vehicles combining path planning, trajectory tracking, trajectory creation, knowledge aggregation and precise vehicle control.
Multi‐objective optimization of inductive power transfer system with reconfigurable topology for misalignment tolerance
Authors: Yang Junfeng , Liu Qiujiang , Yang Xu , Zhang Yanru
Published: October 2024

At present, most of the analyses or studies about inductive power transfer (IPT) with constant current (CC) output and constant voltage (CV) output are carried out without considering misalignment conditions or different gaps. An IPT system satisfying battery charging demand and anti‐misalignment requirements simultaneously is infrequent. This paper proposes a multi‐objective particle swarm optimization method of IPT reconfigurable topology to realize CC and CV modes at varying resistance conditions and wide coupling ranges. The output characteristics of an inductor–capacitor–capacitor (LCC)–LCC compensation circuit have been explored, and it is found that the secondary‐side compensated capacitors have a greater impact on the output power, which can be used to improve power regulation ability accompanied by coupling varying. Eight optimization compensated parameters of the reconfigurable topology are obtained from the Pareto front to achieve the required CC and CV charging outputs. By switching the compensated capacitors, the selected parameters can make the current and voltage fluctuation less than 9.3% and 7.9%, respectively, during the coupling charging range from 0.3 to 0.22. Moreover, primary zero voltage switching operation is achieved to enable high efficiency. The simulation and the experimental verification are carried out to verify the validity of the proposed method.
A soft switching non‐isolated bidirectional DC–DC converter with improved voltage conversion ratio and minimum number of switches
Authors: Madiseh Nasrin Asadi , Adib Ehsan
Published: October 2024

A soft switching non‐isolated bidirectional DC–DC converter with an improved voltage conversion ratio without any additional auxiliary switch is presented in this paper. In the proposed converter, improved step‐up/step‐down gain conversion is achieved by employing the coupled inductors method. Also, the auxiliary circuit provides soft switching conditions for all the semiconductor elements, regardless of the power flow direction and without any extra voltage stress. The other switch helps provide soft switching conditions for the main switch. Moreover, the switch used for providing soft switching conditions operates as a synchronous rectifier as well. The additional circuit added to attain soft switching is composed of an inductor, coupled with the converter's main inductor, and two auxiliary diodes. The auxiliary diodes benefit from zero‐current‐switching conditions. Fully soft switching conditions for all semiconductor devices, removing the reverse recovery problem, and a low number of components have led to mitigating switching losses and improving efficiency. Detailed operating principles and a theoretical analysis of the proposed converter are presented. Also, the experimental results of a 220 W prototype circuit are provided to confirm the validity of the proposed topology.
An adaptive synthetic method for long sequence radar mode recognition
Authors: Chen Xiaozhou , Hu Mengzhong , Wang Xiaobo , Liu Xuanze , Lu Xiangyang
Published: October 2024

Radar work mode recognition is crucial to analyse radar behaviour and intention. There are some challenges limiting the recognition of long sequences with multiple mode classes. First, the performance of recognition method relies on precise segregation of intercepted sequence, which is often unfeasible in reality. Second, the states at the boundaries of adjacent modes may create extraneous mode samples that intervenes the recognition. Third, current methods fail to deal with the scenarios where multiple modes share the same state sequence. To address these problems, a novel forward matching method (FMM) is proposed, comprising a shortest path method (SPM) for intra‐mode recognition, a matching strategy, and an adjustment mechanism. SPM is to provide potential recognition for short fragments of the given long sequence. The matching strategy is to assess the availability of current recognition. The adjustment mechanism tunes the segregation and improves the subsequent recognition. FMM offers several distinct advantages. First, the model can explicitly characterise the mode transition probability and is totally interpretable. Second, FMM can distinguish intentional ambiguities, alleviate mosaic ambiguity and probability deviation associated with inter‐mode recognition. Third, FMM is extendable to integrate with other intro‐mode recognition methods to cater to various scenarios.
Late Miocene high-angle faulting in the Cyclades: offshore–onshore tectonic studies and U-Pb calcite dating
Authors: Gueydan Frédéric , Sakellariou Dimitris , Paquette Jean Louis , Roger Françoise , Alsaif Manar , Faucher Agathe , Oliot Emilien
Published: October 2024

Aegean extension began during Eocene-Oligocene times and led to the thinning of the upper plate into a retreating slab system. The style of extension during the Miocene remains controversial, with a majority of studies arguing for extension accommodated by low-angle extensional brittle-ductile faults, called detachments. In other hands, the present-day active seismic faults in the Aegean Sea are only high-angle normal faults and dextral strike-slips. We aim to constrain and date the style of faulting in central Greece by combining analysis of 19 offshore seismic lines with onshore structural observations on Syros Island and LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of calcite sampled in two major fault zones of Syros (Palos and Fabrika faults). Three main sets of faults have been identified in the Central Cyclades: NW-SE trending normal faults, NNW-SSE oblique (sinistral)-normal faults, and NNE-SSW trending dextral strike-slip faults. High-angle normal faults define regularly spaced horsts and grabens, suggesting a wide rifting-type of extension. Dextral strike-slip faults occur at Syros, mainly offshore, and are kinematically compatible with normal faults. U-Pb dating of calcite crystallizing in normal fault planes at Syros yields ages at c.a. 10 Ma for high-angle normal faults activity. On these bases, we propose that wide rifting with high-angle normal faults accommodated Aegean extension when trench retreat accelerated in the middle to late Miocene. At this time, dextral strike-slip faults formed as a response of the onset of Anatolia lateral extrusion.
Power generation characteristics of vertical bifacial photovoltaic arrays in heavy snow regions
Authors: Tsuchida Shuto , Tsuno Yuki , Sato Daisuke , Oozeki Takashi , Yamada Noboru
Published: October 2024

Conventional tilted photovoltaic systems often experience reduced electricity generation and potential damage due to snow accumulation. In contrast, vertical bifacial photovoltaic systems demonstrate greater resilience against snow-related damage, making them particularly suitable for snowy regions. This study explores the electricity generation characteristics of vertical bifacial photovoltaic systems in areas where snow depths exceed 1 meter, through both experimental and simulation analyses. Experiments conducted on a vertical bifacial system over two winter seasons showed no signs of damage or breakage. Additionally, during snowy periods, the power generation ratio relative to global horizontal irradiance increased by 55%, primarily due to irradiance reflected from the snow surface. However, this gain was offset by a 17% decrease due to partial shading by snow. Furthermore, integrating ray tracing with electrical circuit analysis revealed that implementing separate maximum power point tracking for the upper and lower sections of a single-row vertical bifacial photovoltaic array could alleviate losses in electricity generation caused by deep snow covering the photovoltaic cells. This study advances our understanding of the impact of snow on the power generation of vertical bifacial photovoltaic systems in heavy-snow regions and is expected to contribute to the development of more efficient designs in the future.
Additively manufactured structures for precise and robust mounting of optical elements
Authors: Pfuhl Patrick , Degünther Markus
Published: October 2024

The design freedom of Additive Manufacturing offers new opportunities for the design of mounting structures of optical systems, which are not feasible for conventional manufacturing approaches, thus opening up new areas of application for optical systems. We use this to develop a fully monolithic mounting structure for precise positioning of the optical elements, while simultaneously increasing their robustness against harsh environmental conditions. We additively manufacture such a mounting structure for an imaging lens and evaluate its optical performance with interferometric measurement of its wavefront, before and after applying a mechanical shock to the entire system. The results indicate a centering accuracy better than 6 μm, both in the initial positioning as well as the subsequent repositioning after a mechanical shock of 15G.
Critical LME elongation: a criterion measured with Gleeble correlated to LME sensitivity during spot welding
Authors: Kaczynski Christine , Dupuy Thomas , Perlade Astrid
Published: October 2024

Liquid metal embrittlement may appear on multiphase high strength galvanized steels during the spot-welding process. The aim of this paper is to describe a high temperature tensile test, performed with a Gleeble machine, to evaluate the LME sensitivity of a given coated steel in conditions similar to spot welding (time cycle). The critical LME elongation, corresponding to minimum of stress derivative during force decrease, has been found as being the most relevant parameter to measure the LME phenomenon. Relevant test parameters such as temperature, strain rate, applied thermal cycle, and effect of thermocouple welding have been studied on two steels. The first, TRIP 800 steel, presents a high sensitivity to LME between 750 °C and 900 °C while the second, DP600 steel, is not sensitive. Strain rate effect reveals a competition between LME crack propagation and ductile fracture. The study also shows the need to avoid welding thermocouple on Zn-coated side. Overall, the critical LME elongation from Gleeble test is well correlated to LME cracks number and depth in spot welding.
Maximizing key biochemical products of Spirulina platensis: optimal light quantities and best harvesting time
Authors: Maali Afsaneh , Gheshlaghi Reza , Mahdavi Mahmoud A.
Published: October 2024

Light management can optimize algal biomass and biochemical composition, but responses vary based on growth stage and harvesting time. A 22 factorial design along with 3 center point runs was used to investigate the effects of light intensity (50, 100, and 150 μmol photon m−2 s−1) and exposure time (10.5, 16, and 21.5 h) on lipid, protein, carbohydrate, and pigments content, density, and productivity of Spirulina platensis. By analyzing trends in cellular content, the time each key metabolite reached its maximum was chosen as its best harvesting time. Low factor levels during the mid-exponential phase resulted in the highest protein content, while high levels at the very early exponential phase showed the most carbohydrates. Low light intensity favored the accumulation of lipids, chlorophyll, and carotenoids at the end of exponential phase. The highest phycobiliproteins were obtained at intermediate factor levels during the late exponential phase. Harvesting at high levels of factors at the end of exponential phase led to the highest component density. The maximum productivities were observed at high factor levels. These findings emphasize the importance of carefully selecting the harvesting time in different light conditions to achieve the desired biochemical content, density, and productivity in Spirulina applications.
A survey of joint security-safety for function, information and human in industry 5.0
Authors: Hong Yang , Wu Jun , Guan Xinping
Published: October 2024

Industry 5.0 blows the whistle on a new industrial revolution, aiming to refocus industrial development by reintegrating the human factor into the technological equation. On the eve of the revolution, the comprehensive surveys for Industry 5.0 would provide important support for future development. However, current surveys for Industry 5.0 are still in their infancy and some gaps remain. (i) Current work lacks a comprehensive technical architecture for Industry 5.0 and an in-depth analysis of the enabling technologies that will drive Industry 5.0; (ii) There is no comprehensive survey on security issues of Industry 5.0, which will directly hinder its development; (iii) As Industry 5.0 introduces people into the technological equation, then it will also further consider the broader human interests in its security equation. It is an open issue that traditional security classifications cannot summarize these new security threats in Industry 5.0. Therefore, this survey starts by reviewing the latest key enabling technologies and proposing an overall technology hierarchical structure for Industry 5.0. Second, we investigate the triad of security issues in Industry 5.0, which includes threats and countermeasures for functional safety, information security, and humanized security. Among them, we define the third security issue in Industry 5.0, humanized security, which includes safeguarding the broader interests and rights of individuals, machines, and society. Finally, we summarize future challenges and research trends. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive overview of security in Industry 5.0, in which humanized security is defined for the first time.
Standardized diagnosis of gastrointestinal tumors: an update regarding the situation in Germany
Authors: Gerwing Mirjam , Ristow Inka , Afat Saif , Juchems Markus S. , Wessling Johannes , Schreyer Andreas G. , Ringe Kristina I. , Othman Ahmed , Paul Roman , Persigehl Thorsten , Eisenblätter Michel
Published: October 2024

To evaluate the current status of the diagnosis of gastrointestinal tumors in Germany by means of a survey of the oncological imaging working group of the German Radiological Society (DRG) with a focus on the CT protocols being used.

Radiologists working in outpatient or inpatient care in Germany were invited. The survey was conducted between 10/2022 and 06/2023 using the SurveyMonkey web tool. Questions related to gastrointestinal cancer were asked with regard to the commonly used imaging modalities, body coverage, and contrast agent phases in CT as well as the use of oral or rectal contrast. The results of the survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Clear differences were identified regarding the acquired contrast phases in relation to the place of work – outpatient care, smaller hospitals, maximum care hospitals, or university hospitals. Variances were also recognized regarding oral and rectal contrast. Based on the results and international guidelines, proposals for CT protocols were derived.

CT protocols in Germany show a heterogeneous picture regarding acquired contrast phases, as well as oral and rectal contrast for the staging of gastrointestinal cancer. Clear recommendations in the respective guidelines would aid in quality assurance and comparability between different centers.
Die „Liste Integrative Medizin“ – Integrative Medizin in jede Ärztekammer
Authors: Laube Marion
Published: October 2024

In den letzten Jahren wurde vielen Ärztinnen und Ärzten aus dem integrativmedizinischen Versorgungsbereich schmerzlich bewusst, wie wenig ihre Interessen in den Gremien der ärztlichen Selbstverwaltung berücksichtigt wurden. Obwohl dies die Standesvertretung für alle Ärztinnen und Ärzte sein sollte, spielen die Anliegen der komplementärmedizinisch Tätigen im berufspolitischen Alltag kaum eine Rolle. Mithilfe der "Liste Integrative Medizin (LIMed)" soll dies geändert werden. Diese Bewegung setzt sich dafür ein, integrativmedizinisch tätigen Ärztinnen und Ärzten einen Sitz und damit Mitsprache in den Ärztekammern zu sichern. Die Hufelandgesellschaft bemüht sich schon lange um ein Engagement in den ärztlichen Gremien und unterstützt die LIMed seit 2021.
Jedes Wort wirkt – die Kraft der Sprache bei der Praxisübergabe
Authors: Scheurl-Defersdorf Mechthild von
Published: October 2024

Sprache spielt eine wichtige Rolle im Praxisalltag. Insbesondere im Fall einer Praxisübergabe ist es wichtig, gut zu kommunizieren - sowohl mit den Patienten als auch mit dem Praxisteam und dem nachfolgenden Arzt. Von Bedeutung ist hierbei, dass Inhalt und Form der Sprache im Einklang miteinander sind. Oft haben bereits geringfügige Änderungen der gewohnten Ausdrucksweise eine sofort spürbare positive Wirkung auf die Kommunikation und auf die eigene Ausstrahlung. Wichtige Säulen hierbei sind die eigene Präsenz im Gespräch, die Klarheit der zu übermittelnden Botschaft sowie die grundlegende Wertschätzung gegenüber dem Gesprächspartner.
Vorschläge zur Vermeidung gesundheitlicher Folgen von Hitzebelastung
als Querschnittsaufgabe im Gesundheitswesen
Authors: Böse-OʼReilly Stephan , Matthies-Wiesler Franziska , Ritterhoff Jürgen , Schoierer Julia , Hellmann Andreas , Matzarakis Andreas
Published: October 2024

Einleitung Der Klimawandel ist die größte Bedrohung für die menschliche
Gesundheit im 21. Jahrhundert. Jahrhunderts. Der Klimawandel stellt eine
erhebliche Bedrohung für die menschliche Gesundheit in Deutschland dar, wobei
zunehmende Hitzewellen hohe Sterblichkeitsraten verursachen. In den letzten
Jahren hat sich die deutsche Ärzteschaft zunehmend mit den Folgen des
Klimawandels, insbesondere mit extremen Temperaturen und Hitze, für die
menschliche Gesundheit befasst.

Vorschläge Der Deutsche Wetterdienst (DWD) gibt zwar Hitzewarnungen
heraus, aber es fehlt an umfassenden Hitzeaktionsplänen (HAPs). Initiativen wie
das „Berliner Aktionsbündnis Hitzeschutz“ bieten sektorspezifische Pläne für
Gesundheitseinrichtungen. Im Gesundheitswesen besteht dringender
Handlungsbedarf, denn Ärztinnen und Ärzte spielen eine Schlüsselrolle bei der
Umsetzung von Hitzeschutzmaßnahmen und beim Eintreten für Maßnahmen gegen den
Klimawandel. Neben Initiativen wie der Unterzeichnung des „Klimapakts für
Gesundheit“ und der Sensibilisierung der Akteurinnen und Akteure im
Gesundheitswesen ist eine verstärkte Aufklärung über hitzebedingte
Gesundheitsrisiken unerlässlich.

Schlussfolgerung Die Ergebnisse unterstreichen die Dringlichkeit von
Maßnahmen im Gesundheitssektor angesichts des fortschreitenden Klimawandels. Die
Ärzteschaft spielt eine Schlüsselrolle bei der Umsetzung von
Hitzeschutzmaßnahmen und sollten aktiv in die Planung und Umsetzung von HAPs
einbezogen werden. Fort- und Weiterbildungen zum Thema Hitze und Gesundheit sind
im Gesundheitssektor unerlässlich. Die Registrierung für Hitzewarnungen des DWD
(www.hitzewarnungen.de) wird
empfohlen, gefolgt von der Sensibilisierung von Entscheidungsträgerinnen und –
trägern bzw. Mitarbeiterinnen und -arbeitern in Gesundheitseinrichtungen. Die
Ärzteschaft hat eine entscheidende Verantwortung bei der Umsetzung von
Hitzeschutzmaßnahmen und sollte sich aktiv positionieren und in die politische
Diskussion um Hitze und Klimawandel einbringen.
Waldtherapie zur Behandlung chronischer muskuloskelettaler Schmerzen: eine Pilotstudie
Authors: Schubert Anika , Röhrig-Herzog Gabriele
Published: October 2024

Die Pilotstudie im Rahmen einer Masterarbeit untersuchte die Wirksamkeit einer 4-stündigen Waldtherapie auf die Schmerzwahrnehmung bei Patient*innen mit chronischen muskuloskelettalen Schmerzen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen signifikante Verbesserungen bei der Schmerzstärke sowie bei psychischen Parametern wie Depression, Angst und Stress.
Der Steigerungsfaktor in der GOÄ von 1996
Authors: Stör Wolfram
Published: October 2024

Die Gebührenordnung für Ärzte (GOÄ) deckt ärztliche Leistungen in einigen Fällen, insbesondere bei chronischen und komplexen Krankheitsbildern, nur unzureichend ab. Im Bereich der Komplementärmedizin haben Ärzte und Ärztinnen die Möglichkeit, einzelne Leistungen höher zu bewerten, wenn diese medizinisch notwendig sind und die Höherbewertung gut begründet wird. Die Deutsche Ärztegesellschaft für Akupunktur hat eine übersicht mit Begründungen erarbeitet, an denen sich Ärzte und Ärztinnen hierfür orientieren können.
Efficacy and Safety of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitor Use during Ramadan Fasting: A Systematic Review
Authors: Abdelgadir Elamin , Bashier Alaaeldin , Ashfaq Faryal , Hassanein Mohamed , Beshyah Salem A.
Published: October 2024

Background Religious intermittent fasting for 30 days during Ramadan may increase the risk of dehydration, hypovolemia, and hypoglycemia. These events may also be encountered when using sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is).

Objectives This article evaluates the safety of the SGLT2 inhibitors in people with type 2 diabetes during Ramadan.

Search Methods We searched PubMed CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar on July 25, 2023 without language restrictions.

Selection Criteria All trials assessing the safety of SGLT2 inhibitors during Ramadan were assessed and summarized into preset points.

Data Extraction Two authors independently extracted and reviewed the retrieved studies. A third author reviewed the merged summary of the two authors and modified the article when necessary.

Results Diabetic ketoacidosis, hospitalization due to diabetes-related problems, and thrombosis were either not significantly related to SGLT2i use or not studied. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) dropped significantly in one study; otherwise, it was either not statistically significant or not studied. Hypovolemia and dehydration were significantly increased in one study only.

Conclusion From the available evidence, the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in people with diabetes during Ramadan seems to be safe and well tolerated. Hypovolemia and a drop in eGFR were reported in a few studies, with no reported clinical significance.
Automated Injectors versus Manual Administration: A Comparative Analysis of Radiation Exposure Reduction in 18F-FDG Delivery
Authors: Srivastava Saumya , Kheruka Subhash Chand , Gambhir Sanjay , Tandon Pankaj , Jain Anjali , Kumar Sumit , Al-Maymani Naema , Al-Riyami Khulood , Al-Sukaiti Rashid
Published: October 2024

Background Despite the presence of safety protocols, the manual manipulation of radiopharmaceuticals continues to pose a significant occupational radiation risk. Health care professionals in nuclear medicine are at risk of radiation exposure, particularly to their hands and eyes. Despite existing protective measures, manual handling of radiopharmaceuticals remains a significant source of occupational radiation.

Objective This study evaluates the effectiveness of automated injectors in reducing radiation exposure among health care workers during fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) administrations, compared with traditional manual injection methods.

Methods We assessed radiation exposure levels associated with manual versus automated 18F-FDG injection techniques using specialized dosimeters. Measurements focused on whole-body, extremity, and eye-lens radiation doses to evaluate the potential benefits of automation in minimizing exposure.

Results Findings reveal that automated injectors significantly reduce radiation exposure, with decreases of 97.97 and 98.96% in left- and right-hand extremity doses, respectively, 43.24% in eye-lens dose, and 91.66% in whole-body dose compared with manual methods.

Conclusion Automated injection systems offer considerable advantages in reducing health care worker radiation exposure in nuclear medicine. The substantial reduction in staff doses underscores the necessity of transitioning to such technology to promote safer clinical environments. This study highlights the critical role of automation in enhancing occupational safety standards within diagnostic radiology settings.
Practical Consensus Guidelines on the Use of Cetuximab in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)
Authors: Parikh Purvish M. , Biswas Ghanashyam , Dhamne Nilesh Ashok , Deshmukh Chetan Dilip , Limaye Sewanti , Singh Ashish , Malhotra Hemant , Maniar Viashsta Pankaj , Kapur Bhupendra Nath , Sripada Prasad V.S.S. , Talreja Vikas Tulsidas , Patil Poonam , Agre Suhas Vilasrao , Bhat Amit Dilip , Nayak Priya Privadarshini , Seshachalam Arun , Dhabhar Boman Nariman , Sharma Ajay , Bhatt Niraj N. , Das Pratap Kishore , Sharma Atul , Kanakasetty Govind Babu , Advani Suresh Hariram
Published: October 2024

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common malignancy group in India and several other low- and middle-income countries. Currently, majority of the patients present in advanced stage where systemic therapy is standard of care. Multiple relapses are also not uncommon. Almost all HNSCC tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression, making an attractive target. Cetuximab is the most successful method to target EGFR in HNSCC. After decades of its use, it still is a prominent part of the current management guidelines. Since other agents have also been proven to be useful, we felt it was necessary to develop a real-world consensus guideline to help the decision-making process among the community oncologists. Our expert committee therefore put together currently available data, insights from their real-world clinical practice, and voted to arrive at a consensus. These consensus guidelines represent how cetuximab should be used today in the management of HNSCC.
Transhepatic Cholangiography and Biliary Drainage: Basic Concepts and Technique
Authors: Chandel Karamvir , Patel Ranjan Kumar , Tripathy Taraprasad , Mukund Amar , Chauhan Narvir Singh , Kumar Chitresh , Thakur Mohim
Published: October 2024

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary procedures are essential for managing a variety of hepatobiliary conditions, particularly when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is not feasible or has failed, or when patients are unstable. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the indications, contraindications, and procedural steps for biliary puncture, focusing on techniques such as percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and percutaneous cholecystostomy. We also address strategies for accessing minimally dilated biliary systems and performing bedside PTBD. The article highlights the increasing demand for these interventions due to rising incidences of biliary diseases such as gallbladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma, as well as complications arising from previous surgeries. Furthermore, we discuss common and life-threatening complications associated with these procedures, including biliary leaks, hemorrhage, and sepsis, and provide guidance on effective management strategies. Understanding these procedures and their potential complications is crucial for optimizing patient care and outcomes in complex biliary conditions.
Case Report: Alpha6 Integrin Disorder Presenting in Childhood with Nail Dysplasia and Onycholysis But No History of Fragile or Bullous Skin Changes
Authors: Zalesny Alayna N. , Gunter Sarah , Williams Charles A.
Published: October 2024

We report a 7-year-old girl born with pyloric atresia but without congenital epidermolysis bullosa or skin fragility. Nail dysplasia developed at age 8 months and throughout childhood she suffered from onycholysis and mild nail hypertrophy. Whole-exome sequencing demonstrated biallelic mutations in alpha6 integrin (ITGA6): p. Q139* and R153W. ITGA6 normally forms a protein heterodimer with beta4 integrin (ITGB4), and this dimer participates in anchoring the basal skin cells to the extracellular matrix. Biallelic mutations in each gene are well known to cause epidermolysis bullosa and pyloric atresia. However, this child had ostensibly normal skin without any evidence of skin fragility. In a literature search, we identified 11 cases involving ITGA6 mutations, and all had epidermolysis skin changes. Thus, this case adds to the reported phenotype of ITGA6 disease since it is the first to show absence of an epidermolysis bullosa phenotype in the setting of pyloric atresia and nail dysplasia.
Semiclassical perturbations of single-degree-of-freedom Hamiltonian systems II: Nonintegrability
Authors: Yagasaki Kazuyuki
Published: October 2024

Continuing from Paper I [Ohsawa and Yagasaki, J. Math. Phys. 65, 102706 (2024)], we study semiclassical perturbations of single-degree-of-freedom analytic Hamiltonian systems and provide a sufficient condition for its meromorphic nonintegrability such that the first integrals depend on the small parameter meromorphically. Our approach is based on a generalization due to Ayoul and Zung of the Morales-Ramis theory, which enables us to show the meromorphic nonintegrability of dynamical systems by using the differential Galois theory. We remark that standard systems of Hagedorn and Heller for the semiclassical Gaussian wave packet dynamics are analytically integrable as well as the corresponding classical systems. We illustrate our theory for a bounded potential.
Quasi-one-dimensional bismuth chains with topological properties
Authors: Tian Qiwei , Tagani Meysam Bagheri , Vishkayi Sahar Izadi , Zhang Chen , Li Bo , Zhang Li , Tian Yuan , Yin Long-Jing , Zhang Lijie , Qin Zhihui
Published: October 2024

One-dimensional (1D) systems have received a lot of attention due to their exotic physical phenomena such as quantization of conductance, Peierls instability, and Luttinger liquid behavior. Here, we present the synthesis of self-assembled quasi-1D bismuth (Bi) chains on an Au(111) substrate, highlighting their topological properties. Scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy measurements reveal that the high-quality large area array is composed of Bi atomic chains with a bandgap of 0.5 eV. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm the experimental observation and reveal the topological properties of the system, providing evidence of the spin texture of the Bi atomic chains. Our DFT results predict that a single Bi chain hosts exotic topological properties. The atomically precise synthesis of Bi atomic chains overcomes the limitation of the top-down approach toward integration of devices. The work sheds light on the realization of 1D system, providing a platform for further investigation into the intriguing physics in 1D systems.
Development of the neutral gas diagnostic system for neutral pressure measurements and gas analysis on the SPARC tokamak
Authors: Fox-Widdows E. , Brettingen J. , Chrobak C. P. , Hanson M. O. , Ilagan J. , Isaak G. , Lafleur C. , Li R. , Kuang A. Q. , Kulchy R. , McKanas S. , Myers C. E. , Pentecost J. , Quinn M. , Reinke M. L. , Witham J. ,   SPARC Diagnostics Team
Published: October 2024

A suite of plasma diagnostics will be installed on the SPARC tokamak to allow for real-time plasma control, an investigation of high-field tokamak physics, and to de-risk the design of ARC, a compact fusion power plant with the aim to supply electricity to the grid. Among these diagnostics is the neutral gas diagnostics system (NTGS), a set of pressure sensors and gas analyzers used to monitor neutral pressure and gas composition for plasma control, optimization of wall conditioning, and helium ash removal, among other measurement functions linked to operational and scientific research needs. While reliable measurements of neutral pressure and gas composition have been fielded on existing magnetic-confinement fusion devices, SPARC represents a step increase in challenge due to its larger power density, higher field, high vacuum vessel bake temperatures, and higher neutron flux environment, as well as a step decrease in the accessibility for maintenance of in-vessel sensors. Multiple sensor types will be employed to have defense-in-depth and mitigate common failure modes. The NTGS system is currently progressing through final design, working to close out decisions using prototyping and analysis, and then moving on to procuring sensors for assembly and installation on SPARC. This paper outlines the current status of the system design and the diagnostic requirements that motivate neutral gas measurements on SPARC, as well as highlights the planned prototyping activities.
Investigation of streamwise streak characteristics over a compression ramp at Mach 4
Authors: Zhao Guoqin , Ma Tianju , Chen Zongnan , Zhang Zijian , Hao Jiaao , Wen Chih-Yung
Published: October 2024

Experiments of shock wave/boundary layer interactions over a nominally two-dimensional compression ramp are conducted in a Mach 4 Ludwieg tube tunnel. Measurements of Schlieren, Rayleigh scattering, and surface pressure are performed to present the relevant flow features. The effects of two parameters, namely the Reynolds number based on the length of the flat plate and the ramp angle, on the flow stabilities are focused on. Four ramp angles of 6°, 8°, 10°, and 12° are tested under a Reynolds number of 7.22 × 105, while two other Reynolds numbers (3.66 × 105 and 9.19 × 105) are investigated with a ramp angle of 10°. Streamwise streaks are observed downstream of the reattachment point. The spanwise wavelength of the streaks remains unchanged with different ramp angles, whereas it slightly decreases as the Reynolds number increases. Power spectral density results show that the flow is transitional in the streak region and becomes turbulent where streaks break down. When increasing the ramp angle or the Reynolds number, the streamwise length of streaks shrinks. Two different patterns are distinguished at the breakdown, resembling the two unstable modes observed in the breakdown of Görtler vortices. To clarify the underlying physics of the formation of streaks, global stability analysis and resolvent analysis are carried out. Two regions of maximum optimal gain are identified, which are associated with Mack's first mode and streaks. The former can serve as an initial seed of Görtler instability via nonlinear interaction, while the latter can be associated with transient growth due to the lift-up mechanism and Görtler instability.
Mid-infrared hyperspectral microscopy with broadband 1-GHz dual frequency combs
Authors: Chang Peter , Ishrak Ragib , Hoghooghi Nazanin , Egbert Scott , Lesko Daniel , Swartz Stephanie , Biegert Jens , Rieker Gregory B. , Reddy Rohith , Diddams Scott A.
Published: October 2024

Mid-infrared microscopy is an important tool for biological analyses, allowing a direct probe of molecular bonds in their low energy landscape. In addition to the label-free extraction of spectroscopic information, the application of broadband sources can provide a third dimension of chemical specificity. However, to enable widespread deployment, mid-infrared microscopy platforms need to be compact and robust while offering high speed, broad bandwidth, and high signal-to-noise ratio. In this study, we experimentally showcase the integration of a broadband, high-repetition-rate dual-comb spectrometer (DCS) in the mid-infrared range with a scanning microscope. We employ a set of 1-GHz mid-infrared frequency combs, demonstrating their capability for high-speed and broadband hyperspectral imaging of polymers and ovarian tissue. The system covers 1000 cm−1 at νc = 2941 cm−1 with 12.86 kHz spectra acquisition rate and 5 µm spatial resolution. Taken together, our experiments and analysis elucidate the trade-off between bandwidth and speed in DCS as it relates to microscopy. This provides a roadmap for the future advancement and application of high-repetition-rate DCS hyperspectral imaging.
Low-Reynolds-number droplet motion in shear flow micro-confined by a rough substrate
Authors: Melbye Julie , Wang Yechun
Published: October 2024

A three-dimensional spectral boundary element method has been employed to compute for the dynamics of the droplet motion driven by shear flow near a single solid substrate with a rough surface. The droplet size is comparable with the surface features of the substrate. This is a problem that has barely been explored but with applications in biomedical research and heat management. This work numerically investigated the influences of surface roughness features, such as the roughness amplitude and wavelength, on the droplet deformation and velocities. We observe that a greater amplitude or wavelength leads to larger variations in droplet velocity perpendicular to the substrate. The droplet velocity along the substrate increases when the amplitude is reduced or when the wavelength increases. The effects of capillary number and viscosity ratios have also been studied. The droplet deformation and its velocity increases as we increase the capillary number, while the viscosity ratio shows a non-monotonic influence on the droplet behavior. The predicted droplet behaviors, including deformation, velocities, and trajectories, can provide physical insight, help to understand the droplet behavior in microfluidic devices without a perfectly smooth surface, and contribute in the design and operation of those devices.
Ultralow lattice thermal conductivity in K2AuBi and its thermoelectric properties
Authors: Zeeshan Mohd , Mal Indranil , Kumawat Shivani , Kumar Vishwakarma Chandan , Mani B. K.
Published: October 2024

Thermoelectric materials are best known for their prowess to transform the environment’s waste heat into electricity. In an endeavor to explore new thermoelectric prospects, in the present study, we investigate K2AuBi using density functional theory-based first-principles simulations. From our simulations, we find an intrinsically low lattice thermal conductivity of 0.43 W m−1 K−1 at 300 K in K2AuBi. Based on our detailed analysis, we find the reasons for such a low value of lattice thermal conductivity as, low phonon group velocities, short phonon lifetimes, anharmonicity in the lattice vibrations, and significant mean square displacements of K and Au atoms. The large mean square displacements hint at weak bonding and anharmonicity in the lattice vibrations, favoring more phonons scattering. We also find that the vibrations of K-atoms can be related to rattlers, conducive to low lattice thermal conductivity. Our simulations predict a high value, ∼784 μV K−1, of Seebeck coefficient at 700 K on account of the large density of states in the vicinity of Fermi level. Combining our computed lattice thermal conductivity with electrical transport properties, we obtain a high figure of merit, ZT∼ 1.04, at 700 K in K2AuBi.
Attainment of high critical current in thick BaZrO3-doped YBa2Cu3O7 multilayer nanocomposite films
Authors: Ogunjimi Victor , Panth Mohan , Sebastian Mary Ann , Shen Jianan , Moceri Matteo , Ebbing Charles , Haugan Timothy , Wang Haiyan , Aafiya  , Wu Judy
Published: October 2024

High critical current (Ic) in high magnetic fields (B) with minimal variations with respect to the orientation of the B field is demanded by many applications such as high-field magnets for fusion systems. Motivated by this, this work studies 6 vol. % BaZrO3/YBa2Cu3O7 (BZO/YBCO) multilayer nanocomposite films by stacking two 10 nm thick Ca0.3Y0.7Ba2Cu3O7 (CaY-123) spacers with three BZO/YBCO layers of thickness varied from 50 to 330 nm to make the total film thickness of 150–1000 nm. The Ca diffusion from the spacers into BZO/YBCO was shown to dramatically enhance pinning efficiency of c-axis aligned BZO nanorods, which yields high and almost thickness independent critical current density (Jc) in the BZO/YBCO multilayer nanocomposite films. Remarkably, enhanced Jc was observed in these multilayer samples at a wide temperature range of 20–80 K and magnetic fields up to 9.0 T. In particular, the thicker BZO/YBCO multilayer films outperform their thinner counterparts in both higher value and less anisotropy of Jc at lower temperatures and higher fields. At 20 K and 9.0 T, Ic is up to 654 A/cm-width at B//c in the 6% multilayer (1000 nm) sample, which is close to 753 A/cm-width at B//ab due to the intrinsic pinning. This result illustrates the critical role of the Ca cation diffusion into the YBCO lattice in achieving high and isotropic pinning in thick BZO/YBCO multilayer films.
Study on the effect of geometric shape on microswimmer upstream motion
Authors: Li Siwen , Nie Deming
Published: October 2024

The upstream motility of three microswimmer shapes (circular squirmer, squirmer rod, and elliptical squirmer) at the center of a Poiseuille flow is numerically investigated using the lattice Boltzmann method. Based on the stability and upstream ability, the swimming velocities and four motion states (stable motion, progressively unstable motion, unstable motion, and upstream failure) are summarized. The results show that the circular squirmer and squirmer rod are more stable than the elliptical squirmer; however, the elliptical squirmer has the greatest advantage in velocity and can swim up to twice as fast as the circular squirmer under the same conditions. The swimming type is also the key to influencing the motion state, which is reflected differently in the distinct microswimmer shapes. The increase in the Reynolds number (Re) and self-propelled strength (α) aggravates the motion instability; however, for elongated microswimmers, the aspect ratio (ε) plays a role in velocity rather than the motion state. Moreover, the upstream velocity of the pusher is always better than that of the puller, especially when Re increases. Notably, all microswimmers can maintain stable swimming when the preset velocity is twice the maximum velocity of the flow field. These findings can provide guidelines for the selection of design parameters and the appearance of microswimmers that resist complex incoming flows.
A fully adaptive time–frequency coupling model using self-attention mechanism based on deep operator network for very short-term forecasting of ship motion
Authors: Zhao Jinxiu , Zhao Yong , Zou Li
Published: October 2024

Very short-term ship motion forecasting aims to predict future movements using historical ship motion data. While ship motion features both temporal and frequency characteristics, the latter is often neglected. This paper proposes a fully adaptive time–frequency coupling forecasting model using self-attention mechanism based on the Deep Operator Network (DeepONet), abbreviated as TFD. The multi-head attention layers enable the trunk net to adaptively learn the relationships between different frequencies in the frequency domain and assign varying weights accordingly. Thus, compared to the Fourier transform and multilayer perceptron-net enhance model based on DeepONet (FMD), which relies on manually specified filter frequencies, the TFD model is capable of fully learning the motion patterns in both the time and frequency domains, establishing nonlinear mapping relationships between them. It exhibits greater interpretability and generalization. The TFD model is tested for accuracy and generalization using ship motion data from the Iowa University experimental tank. The results indicate that, compared to the DeepONet and FMD, the TFD model reduces the mean square error (MSE) by up to 64.72% and 52.45%, with an average reduction of 55.57% and 42.47%. In terms of generalization, the forecasting MSE is reduced by up to 65.04% and 46.08%. Compared to the DeepONet and FMD, the proposed TFD model demonstrates significant improvements in forecasting horizon and generalization, providing a notable advantage in very short-term ship motion prediction applications.