Search Results (1,478)

The electrification of floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) units has emerged as a strategic solution to meet the growing demand for increased oil production while reducing carbon emissions associated with onboard gas turbine generation. Power-from-shore (PFS) systems represent a promising approach to achieving this goal, with transmission technologies based on high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) solutions. Although HVDC is more suitable for long-distance and high-power applications, HVAC systems offer advantages in terms of robustness, simplicity, and operational maturity. Nevertheless, the reactive power compensation requirements arising from the high capacitance of submarine cables remain a major technical challenge. This study investigates and compares several reactive power compensation topologies applied to three distinct PFS systems. The proposed methodology enables a comprehensive evaluation of both onshore and subsea reactor placement strategies under technically and technologically feasible conditions. The results demonstrate that long-distance transmission of 75 MW over 250 km was achieved exclusively through subsea compensation configurations, which maintained efficiencies above 90% and voltage and current profiles within operational limits. Conversely, onshore-only compensation proved to be the most efficient solution for shorter transmission distances. The results demonstrate that the full electrification of an FPSO is technically feasible, with voltage and current profiles remaining within acceptable operational limits. The findings also indicate that mid-cable reactor placement (at 50%) is not the most effective configuration, with superior results observed for placements at 20–80% and 40–70% of the cable length. Overall, the outcomes confirm that subsea reactor placement enables higher power transfer over longer distances, significantly extending the technical boundaries traditionally separating HVDC and HVAC solutions. These results emphasize the need for continued technological development to make subsea shunt reactor installation a viable and reliable option for future FPSO electrification projects. Full article

Producing single-cell protein (SCP) from syngas-derived ethanol and acetate offers a sustainable solution to global protein shortages, yet microbial utilization mechanisms for these mixtures remain underexplored. This study establishes a systematic bioconversion strategy using Cyberlindnera jadinii TU389. To mitigate acetaldehyde accumulation during ethanol metabolism, we engineered the strain TU546 to overexpress acylating acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ADA6). TU546 achieved a maximum biomass of 46.7 g/L and a protein yield of 21.69 g/L, representing enhancements of 28.16% and 23.02% over the wild-type, respectively. Transcriptomic analysis revealed extensive metabolic reprogramming. In the C2 assimilation pathway, upregulated aldehyde dehydrogenase and acetyl-CoA Synthetase 1 accelerated acetate conversion to acetyl-CoA, while downregulated pyruvate decarboxylase and alcohol dehydrogenase minimized carbon flux loss. The upregulation of tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, the glyoxylate shunt, and acyl-coA oxidase improved carbon skeleton retention. Moreover, the upregulation of transaminases and N-acetylglutamate synthase, synergized with intensified cell proliferation signaling, redirected amino acid metabolism toward a synthesis-enhanced and degradation-controlled paradigm. This synergistic regulatory network drives the high-efficiency bioconversion of ethanol and acetate into SCP, establishing a molecular mechanistic foundation for the valorization of syngas-derived C2 substrates in biological macromolecule production. Full article

Breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) affects up to 30% of patients with metastatic disease and carries a median survival of only 4–18 months. Emerging evidence reveals that BCBM cells are not passive survivors, but active participants that hijack core neurotransmitter networks, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and glutamate, to fuel their growth. BCBM, particularly triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), frequently switch to a GABAergic mode utilizing brain-derived GABA as an oncometabolite. In parallel, BCBM cells can also form direct synapses with neurons, tapping into excitatory input through glutamatergic receptors to drive tumor cell proliferation and survival. Concurrently, reprogrammed astrocytes establish gap junctions, secrete growth factors, and provide metabolic support. Together, tumor cells, neurons, and astrocytes form a pathological partnership locked in feedback loops sustaining metastatic progression. This review focuses on the unique mechanisms employed by distinct breast cancer subtypes and maps the metastatic progression from pre-metastatic to mature brain metastatic niche formation of BCBM. We highlight opportunities to repurpose neurological drugs to disrupt these communication axes. Full article

Improving the efficiency of distribution systems (DSs) through reactive power compensation using shunt capacitor banks is a widely applied practice, as it enhances the voltage profile and reduces operating costs. Owing to the nonlinear nature of DSs, heuristic algorithms—along with other optimization tools—are frequently employed to support techno-economic decision-making in DS design. In this study, we employ the neural population dynamics optimization algorithm (NPDOA), a recently developed heuristic approach inspired by brain neuroscience. The simulation and optimization model adopted in this research is based on quasi-static time-series analysis, which enables the planning problem and DS constraints to be examined from a probabilistic perspective. A comparative analysis with the genetic algorithm (GA) and the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) indicates that NPDOA provides a similar solution with comparable computational time. Specifically, the results show that NPDOA produces a solution only 0.02% higher than GA, with improvement probabilities of 27.42% and 10.94%, respectively. In comparison with WOA, NPDOA yields a solution that is 0.05% lower, with a corresponding probability of improvement of 10.76%. Furthermore, the installation of shunt capacitor banks optimized using NPDOA reduces the net present cost by 33%. Full article

Background: Lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt surgery is an established treatment for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). In Japan, patients undergoing LP shunt surgery are often hospitalized for several days to more than one week after surgery, even in uncomplicated cases, reflecting concerns regarding early complications, cerebrospinal fluid overdrainage, and discharge readiness in older adults. This study evaluated the feasibility and short-term safety of a perioperative optimization pathway for planned short-stay hospitalization after LP shunt surgery. Methods: This single-center retrospective before-and-after cohort study included 15 consecutive patients who underwent elective LP shunt surgery. Six patients were managed using a conventional hospitalization pathway, whereas nine patients were treated under a short-stay pathway targeting discharge after one postoperative night. Key perioperative modifications included a uniform higher initial programmable valve pressure (level 7), structured discharge education, scheduled postoperative analgesia, waterproof wound sealing permitting early showering, and early outpatient follow-up with head computed tomography for staged valve pressure adjustment. The primary outcome was 30-day safety, defined as readmission, reoperation, or major postoperative complications. Results: Baseline characteristics were generally comparable between groups, although the short-stay group was slightly older and had more frequent antithrombotic therapy. Mean hospital length of stay was shorter in the short-stay group than in the conventional group (3.7 ± 2.0 vs. 9.7 ± 0.8 days; median, 3 vs. 9.5 days). Orthostatic headache requiring valve adjustment occurred in three conventional cases but in none of the short-stay patients. No patients in the short-stay group required readmission or reoperation within 30 days. Conclusions: In this pilot before-and-after study, a short-stay LP shunt pathway incorporating perioperative optimization and individualized discharge decision-making was feasible and was not associated with an apparent increase in early adverse events. These findings should be interpreted as exploratory and may support further evaluation of short-stay management strategies for selected patients undergoing LP shunt surgery in Japan. Full article

One-sided dorsal onlay urethroplasty (Kulkarni technique) aims to preserve urethral vascularity by limiting urethral mobilization to a single side of the corpus spongiosum while maintaining contralateral vascular attachments. Although the theoretical advantage of vascular preservation is widely accepted, direct postoperative visualization of perfusion at the branch level has rarely been demonstrated using non-invasive imaging. We present a single representative case of an 82-year-old male with a 54 mm anterior urethral stricture who underwent one-sided dorsal onlay urethroplasty. Representative postoperative images illustrating the vascular-preserving principle of this technique and its ultrasonographic assessment are shown. Postoperative evaluation was performed on postoperative day 4 using a high-frequency small-footprint linear probe (Hitachi L53K, ARIETTA ultrasound system), enabling high-resolution superficial imaging of the penile shaft. Color Doppler ultrasonography demonstrated preserved perfusion on the non-dissected side, including identifiable cavernous urethral shunt flow and distinct urethral and spongiosal arterial branches within the corpus spongiosum. In contrast, no detectable Doppler signals were observed on the dissected side, which may reflect reduced perfusion following surgical mobilization. In addition, peri-graft fluid collections were visualized as hypoechoic regions adjacent to the graft bed, which may represent expected early postoperative findings. These findings highlight the feasibility of bedside branch-level vascular and peri-graft assessment using high-frequency ultrasonography, suggesting its potential utility for early postoperative clinical interpretation after one-sided urethral reconstruction. Full article

The lung–kidney axis forms an important physiologically integrated system which controls multiple essential functions of the body. An important observation of this interaction is tissue oxygenation and erythropoiesis, a vital process that involves erythropoietin (EPO) release by the kidney to bring red cell production into the bone, while pulmonary gas exchange ensures adequate oxygen delivery to the cells. Subsequently, the lung–kidney activation of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) influences vascular tone, blood pressure, and tissue perfusion, influencing the delivery of oxygen and the body’s requirement for erythropoietin. Additionally, beyond oxygen sensing, studies have evidenced the role of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), inflammatory mediators, endothelial signaling pathways and iron availability. These modulate erythropoietin production, which enhances the process of erythropoiesis and arterial oxygen balance. Localized variations in renal oxygen levels together with hemodynamic control mechanisms enable the body to produce erythropoietin independently from systemic hypoxia conditions. This concept emerged to include the renal oxygen extraction fraction (OFE) and intrarenal microvascular shunting with perfusion oxygen coupling in governing EPO production. The present review refines the traditional knowledge to further expand our understanding of the lung–kidney axis regulating the process of erythropoiesis and arterial oxygen content. The integrative framework demonstrates that pulmonary arterial oxygenation and renal oxygen sensing together with bone hematopoietic responses operate as a unified system which maintains both oxygen equilibrium and hematopoietic balance throughout the body. Full article

Creating a dependable approach for identifying both the mass of a shuttle car and how material is distributed in it removes the need for equipment operators to manually engage the flight chain. The quantification of environmental and installation conditions and the extent of influence considering their combined contribution towards inaccurate or exclusive measurements are to that degree limited. This experimental study investigated how two different strain transducers—installed in a force-shunt configuration—respond to thermo-mechanical loads when used to determine load distribution and position. Initial observations indicated that thermal effects at the installation site contributed to measurement inaccuracies or exclusive readings. The investigation quantified the impact of environmental and installation variables on measurement accuracy and found this influence to be indirectly linked to the mechanical properties of the substrate to which the strain transducers were mounted. Mounting bolt torque was determined to exert a negligible effect on strain measurement accuracy for the custom-built strain transducers. Nonetheless, both transducers failed to consistently return to the selected baseline at the start of experiments since thermal dependence persisted at the balanced state following the first cycle of loading. The research indicated that the custom-built force-shunt strain transducers are an effective means for mapping the profile and location of coal in shuttle cars, provided that the systems are subjected to continuous and cyclic rebalancing to maintain accuracy. Full article

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a cornerstone intervention for complications of portal hypertension, including variceal bleeding and refractory ascites. As the population with cirrhosis ages, clinicians increasingly face the question of whether and how to perform TIPS safely in older adults. We reviewed observational cohorts, registry analyses, and systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Existing evidence does not support chronological age as an absolute contraindication; however, multiple studies suggest that advanced age is associated with higher rates of post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy (HE), early mortality, and readmissions. These findings underscore the need to shift from a binary “eligible vs. ineligible” paradigm to a structured, actionable framework that addresses modifiable risks and anticipates age-related vulnerabilities. Recent clinical practice guidance emphasizes comprehensive pre-TIPS assessment and vigilant post-procedure care, with specific attention to HE risk factors (e.g., prior HE, hyponatremia, renal dysfunction, sarcopenia) and cardiopulmonary reserve. In this narrative review, we propose an elderly-focused clinical pathway built around a four-domain assessment (Liver–Brain–Body–Heart/Kidney) and a traffic-light risk tiering system to guide patient selection, procedural strategy, follow-up scheduling, and triggered management of HE, cardiac decompensation, and renal dysfunction. This pathway aims to preserve the benefits of portal decompression while reducing preventable complications and improving outcomes that are meaningful to older patients, including functional status and quality of life. This narrative review emphasizes that outcomes after TIPS in older adults are determined not by chronological age alone but by multidomain physiological reserve. The proposed pathway informs patient selection, procedural planning, and early post-discharge monitoring in older adults. Full article

The large-scale integration of distributed energy resources poses numerous challenges to distribution networks. At present, multi-terminal flexible interconnection has become a key development trend for active distribution networks integrated with high-penetration distributed energy resources. Conventional unified power flow controllers (UPFCs) are mainly designed for high-voltage transmission networks and lack distribution-adapted control strategies, making it difficult for them to meet the networking requirements for multi-terminal interconnection. Moreover, most existing studies still focus on two-terminal devices, soft open points and improved UPFC topologies for transmission networks. Existing multi-port schemes mostly adopt only shunt-side structures without series compensation branches, which fail to regulate voltage magnitude and phase difference, thus failing to suppress closing inrush currents and mitigate busbar voltage sags. Meanwhile, such schemes struggle with three-phase imbalance, feeder load imbalance and bidirectional power flow fluctuations in distribution networks, and lack adaptive power allocation capability among multiple ports. To solve the above problems, this paper proposes a VSC-based series–shunt hybrid multi-terminal flexible interconnection converter. The proposed topology consists of one series-side VSC and n − 1 shunt-side VSCs connected through a common DC capacitor; it removes the shunt-side transformer, and effectively reduces cost and volume, while achieving phase shifting, voltage regulation and power flow control. Meanwhile, dual closed-loop PI cross-decoupling control and a flexible closing strategy are adopted to independently regulate the active and reactive power of each feeder, adapt to three-phase imbalance and load imbalance conditions, suppress inrush currents, and realize flexible power mutual support among multiple ports, thereby significantly enhancing adaptability to distribution networks. Full article

Background: Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) creates an abrupt left-to-right shunt that can progress to cardiogenic shock (CS). Once CS develops, mortality increases dramatically and delayed repair becomes less feasible. Intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs) are widely used to facilitate delayed repair; however, whether initiating IABP before CS onset improves survival remains unclear. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 124 patients with AMI-related VSR (2009–2024), categorized by IABP timing relative to CS onset (defined as first catecholamine administration) into pre-CS, post-CS, and no-IABP groups. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 90 days after AMI onset. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were applied, with subgroup analyses by CS status. Results: The 90-day survival rate was 68.2% in the pre-CS IABP group, 14.3% in the post-CS group, and 35.1% in the no-IABP group. Pre-CS IABP was associated with significantly lower mortality compared with no-IABP (adjusted HR = 0.401, 95% CI 0.174–0.925, p = 0.032) and post-CS IABP (adjusted HR = 0.369, 95% CI 0.149–0.910, p = 0.030). In the CS subgroup, IABP use did not improve survival (19.4% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.365). Among non-CS patients, IABP use was independently associated with lower mortality (85.7% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.027; adjusted HR = 0.178, 95% CI 0.040–0.801, p = 0.025). Conclusions: Given the retrospective design and limited sample size, these findings are hypothesis-generating. Early IABP use was associated with improved short-term survival, an effect not observed once CS had developed. These findings support early risk stratification to identify high-risk patients who may benefit from timely hemodynamic support. Full article

Excessive acidity restricts the utilization of citrus pulp, a major by-product of the dried tangerine peel industry. To overcome this bottleneck, a functional microbial consortium (BsHpMrF) comprising Bacillus subtilis L4, Hanseniaspora pseudoguilliermondii B4, and Monascus ruber CGMCC 10910 was constructed for efficient biological deacidification. The consortium exhibited a synergistic effect, achieving an 88.23% reduction in total acidity and converting the acidic pulp into a neutral, bio-stabilized substrate. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that this efficiency was driven by the concurrent activation of the TCA cycle and glyoxylate shunt for organic acid mineralization, coupled with membrane lipid remodeling (increased unsaturation) to enhance acid tolerance. Notably, the fermentation process functioned as a “metabolic factory”, significantly enriching the matrix with bioactive lipids (e.g., 10-HDA, nervonic acid) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA, 414.28 mg/L). Application assays demonstrated that the fermentation products acted as a potent biostimulant for soybean sprouts, significantly promoting lateral roots and eliciting the accumulation of antioxidant phenolics and flavonoids. This study provides a sustainable “waste-to-treasure” strategy, valorizing acidic citrus pulp into a functional biostimulant for high-quality edible sprout production, thereby achieving a sustainable “waste-to-food” circular loop. Full article

We describe the case of a 26-year-old man who presented with acute chest pain and was found to have single-vessel coronary occlusion most consistent with probable paradoxical embolism. Coronary angiography demonstrated complete occlusion of the ramus intermedius artery. Aspiration thrombectomy restored flow without stent implantation. Intravascular ultrasound showed no plaque rupture, atherosclerosis, or coronary dissection, supporting but not definitively confirming an embolic etiology. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography subsequently identified a large patent foramen ovale with bidirectional shunting. Lower-extremity Doppler studies and an extensive hypercoagulable evaluation were negative. The patient later underwent successful percutaneous closure of the patent foramen ovale. This case highlights probable paradoxical coronary embolism as a rare cause of acute myocardial infarction in a young patient without significant atherosclerotic disease and underscores the value of multimodality imaging in supporting the diagnosis and guiding management. Full article

In this work, the impact of hydrogen plasma treatment on the electrical and electronic quality of multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) was systematically investigated using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD). Hydrogen radicals generated in the plasma effectively passivate dangling bonds, reducing electrically active defects and enhancing material quality. Optimized PE-CVD conditions were applied to promote efficient hydrogen incorporation and surface modification. Optical characterization, including reflectivity measurements and FT-IR spectroscopy, confirms the formation of Si–H bonds and a significant reduction in surface reflectivity of up to 66% at 600 nm. Electrical and optoelectronic analyses reveal pronounced improvements in carrier lifetime and diffusion length, increased by 200% and 79%, respectively. In addition, dark current–voltage (I–V) measurements show a 32% decrease in series resistance and a 51% increase in shunt resistance, indicating enhanced charge transport and suppressed leakage currents. These macroscopic electrical improvements are supported by light beam-induced current (LBIC) measurements, which demonstrate a 14% increase in grain boundary current, confirming effective hydrogen passivation and reduced recombination. Overall, hydrogen plasma PE-CVD treatment is shown to significantly improve the electronic quality and photovoltaic performance of mc-Si solar cells. Full article

The expansion and ongoing refinement of control solutions for three-phase microgrids are key enablers in the transition from conventional distribution networks to smart microgrids. By integrating distributed generation, a microgrid can operate in either grid-connected or island mode. One of the major technical challenges in microgrid operation is mitigating or eliminating phase power unbalances. Unbalanced single-phase loads, combined with unbalanced and intermittent single-phase generation, can produce adverse effects on both energy efficiency and power quality. Unlike conventional distribution networks, microgrids may exhibit bidirectional power flows, which can occur simultaneously on all phases or differ from phase to phase. This paper introduces new analytical expressions for sizing a balancing capacitive compensator (BCC) for three-phase four-wire systems and derives a simplified sizing algorithm. The approach is validated through a numerical study using a Matlab/Simulink model of a low-voltage three-phase microgrid with high penetration of single-phase loads and single-phase distributed sources. The BCC is installed at the point of common coupling (PCC) between the microgrid and the main grid. Three operating regimes (cases) of the microgrid were analyzed, considering three compensation scenarios (sub-cases) for each: 1—without compensation, 2—with balanced capacitive compensation (classical), and 3—with unbalanced capacitive compensation (with BCC). For each of the three regimes (cases), the use of the BCC determines, at the PCC, in addition to the cancellation of the reactive component of the positive sequence current, the cancellation of the negative- and zero-sequence currents. In other words, the BCC–microgrid assembly is seen from the main grid either as a perfectly balanced active power load or as a perfectly balanced active power source. Thus, the BCC prevents the propagation of the unbalance disturbance in the main grid; in the considered case study, this also results from the cancellation of the negative- and zero-sequence components of the phase voltages measured at the PCC. The results show that the load-balancing capability of the BCC can be extended to power-flow balancing in any network section, including cases where the phase power directions differ. Implemented as a BCC-type SVC or as an automatically adjustable variant (ABCC), the proposed unbalanced shunt capacitive compensation method is effective for mitigating or eliminating bidirectional phase power-flow unbalances. Full article