bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constraints on PDS 70 b and c from the dust continuum emission of the circumplanetary discs considering in situ dust evolution
Authors: Shibaike Y. , Mordasini C.
Published: May 2024

Context. The young T Tauri star PDS 70 has two gas accreting planets sharing one large gap in a pre-transitional disc. Dust continuum emission from PDS 70 c has been detected by Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) Band 7, considered as the evidence of a circumplanetary disc. However, there has been no detection of the dust emission from the CPD of PDS 70 b.

Aims. We constrain the planet mass and the gas accretion rate of the planets by introducing a model of dust evolution in the CPDs and reproducing the detection and non-detection of the dust emission.

Methods. We first develop a 1D steady gas disc model of the CPDs reflecting the planet properties. We then calculate the radial distribution of the dust profiles considering the dust evolution in the gas disc and calculate the total flux density of dust thermal emission from the CPDs.

Results. We find positive correlations between the flux density of dust emission and three planet properties, the planet mass, gas accretion rate, and their product called ‘MMdot’. We then find that the MMdot of PDS 70 c is ≥4 × 10−7 MJ2 yr−1, corresponding to the planet mass of ≥5 MJ and the gas accretion rate of ≥2 × 10−8 MJ yr−1. This is the first case to succeed in obtaining constraints on planet properties from the flux density of dust continuum emission from a CPD. We also find some loose constraints on the properties of PDS 70 b from the non-detection of its dust emission.

Conclusions. We propose possible scenarios for PDS 70 b and c explaining the non-detection respectively detection of the dust emission from their CPDs. The first explanation is that planet c has larger planet mass, larger gas accretion rate, or both than planet b. The other possibility is that the CPD of planet c has a larger amount of dust supply, weaker turbulence, or both than that of planet b. If the dust supply to planet c is larger than b due to its closeness to the outer dust ring, it is also quantitatively consistent with that planet c has weaker Hα line emission than planet b considering the dust extinction effect.
The CO-dark molecular gas in the cold H I arc
Authors: Luo Gan , Li Di , Zhang Zhi-Yu , Bisbas Thomas G. , Tang Ningyu , Lin Lingrui , Sun Yichen , Zuo Pei , Zhou Jing
Published: May 2024

The CO-dark molecular gas (DMG), which refers to the molecular gas not traced by CO emission, is crucial for the evolution of the interstellar medium (ISM). While the gas properties of DMG have been widely explored in the Solar neighborhood, whether or not they are similar in the outer disk regions of the Milky Way is still not well understood. In this Letter, we confirm the existence of DMG toward a cold H I arc structure at 13 kpc away from the Galactic center with both OH emission and H I narrow self-absorption (HINSA). This is the first detection of HINSA in the outer disk region, in which the HINSA fraction (NHINSA/NH2 = 0.022 ± 0.011) is an order of magnitude higher than the average value observed in nearby evolved dark clouds, but is consistent with that of the early evolutionary stage of dark clouds. The inferred H2 column density from both extinction and OH emission (NH2 ≈ 1020 cm−2) is an order of magnitude higher than previously estimated. Although the ISM environmental parameters are expected to be different between the outer Galactic disk regions and the Solar neighborhood, we find that the visual extinction (AV = 0.19 ± 0.03 mag), H2-gas density (nH2 = 91 ± 46 cm−3), and molecular fraction (58% ± 28%) of the DMG are rather similar to those of nearby diffuse molecular clouds. The existence of DMG associated with the expanding H I supershell supports a scenario where the expansion of supershells may trigger the formation of molecular clouds within a crossing timescale of the shock wave (∼106 yr).
Experimental study on the factors influencing performance and emissions of hydrogen internal combustion engines
Authors: Wu Taoyang , Liu Jixu , Wu Chunling , Jing Xiaojun , Liu Jiajia , Pang Guomin , Guo Xiangyang , Guo Yachen
Published: May 2024

Hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2-ICEs) have advantages such as clean combustion and zero carbon emissions, and have become one of the important technical routes for decarbonization in the internal combustion engine industry. In this paper, several key factors affecting the performance and emissions of hydrogen internal combustion engines, such as ignition timing, excess air coefficient, and hydrogen injection timing, were systematically studied on a spark ignition multi-point injection (MPI) hydrogen internal combustion engine bench. The experimental results indicate that the ignition timing controls the combustion phase of hydrogen. Moderate early ignition can improve the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) while having little impact on the NOX emissions. Excess air coefficient(λ) can significantly affect the performance and emissions of H2-ICE. Along with the increase of the λ, the NOX emissions first increases and then continues to decline. When the λ reaching 2.1 or above, near zero emissions of NOX can be achieved. The advance of hydrogen injection timing will slightly increase the peak of cylinder pressure and instantaneous heat release rate. However, overall, the impact of hydrogen injection timing on BTE and NOX emissions is not significant on MPI H2-ICE.
Mixed oil control and solution of mountain product oil pipeline
Authors: Yang Jian , Ruan Chao , Chen Shan , Zhang Ruiyun , Zheng Jiannan , Liu Zhongyang , Yang Zhigang
Published: May 2024

At present, the mixing oil will be produced in the sequential transportation of various refined oil inescapable. The mixing oil is not qualified product which is needed to be dealt with. The Volume of mixing oil is less the better. How to reduce the volume of mixing oil in the transportation of product oil is the key to reduce the cost and improve pipeline efficiency. This paper discusses the cause and mechanism of mixed oil in refined products and the characteristics of mixed oil in mountain pipelines. Then, it is providing a calculation method of mixed oil quantity, and a detecting method of mixed oil section, and a treatment method after receiving mixed oil.
Frequency-domain distributed multichannel wiener filtering speech enhancement algorithm
Authors: Tu Jingxian , Qin Guijiang , Lv Haifeng
Published: May 2024

A frequency-domain distributed microphone multi-channel Wiener filter speech enhancement algorithm is proposed in this paper. In this paper, the distributed microphone speech model is considered. First, the speech signal in the time domain is converted into the speech signal in the frequency domain by the discrete Fourier transform method. Then, the unconstrained minimization problem of the noise reduction and speech distortion of the complex linear filter in the frequency domain is established. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is superior to some existing multi-channel speech enhancement algorithms.
Research on the influence of fluid viscosity on the inlet flow parameters of wiped film molecular distillation
Authors: Qin Wei , Li Hui , Luo Mingyue , Cong Shuofeng
Published: May 2024

Wiped film molecular distillation is a kind of evaporation device with rotating scraping film structure, which is used to separate and purify viscous materials at molecular level. The feed pump of a wiped film molecular distillation is a centrifugal pump driven by a brushless DC motor. The fluid flow at the outlet has an important effect on the evaporation process. Based on the geometric model of the test pump generated by Gambit, the unsteady flow and head in the pump under optimal, low flow and shut off conditions were calculated, and the influence of liquid viscosity on the flow parameter pulsation behind the impeller, that is, inside the volute was investigated. The head calculated by unsteady flow model and steady flow model is compared with the experimental values. In addition, the calculated liquid velocity distribution during water transport is compared with the measured results of LDV in detail. The results show that the increase of fluid viscosity weakens the flow parameter pulsation behind the impeller of the feed pump and the flow separation tendency near the blade face.
Simulation and research of chip-level micromixer with T-type based on ANSYS
Authors: Ran Yunzheng , Lu Luoping , Zheng Cai , Fang Fang , Liu Zhuo , Liao Honghua
Published: May 2024

A T-shaped chip-scale micromixer with built-in baffles is simulated and investigated based on ANSYS. This paper highlights on a comparative analysis of the effect of different numbers, rows, positions, angles and different Reynolds numbers (Re) of baffles on the mixing efficiency within a chip-scale micromixer. The simulation results demonstrate that: increase in the amount of baffles improved mixing of two fluids; the double rows of baffles significantly improve the mixing efficiency compared with the single rows of baffles; the position of the baffles relocates a certain distance to the outlet, which accelerates mixing of fluids in the chip-scale mixer; the mixing efficiency of baffle angle of 120° is also superior to that of 60°; the Re is between 0.1 and 2, which results in a high mixing efficiency; and the mixing efficiency slowly becomes lower when the Re is between 2 and higher mixing efficiencies with Re values between 0.1 and 2; Re between 2 and 40, the mixing efficiency slowly becomes lower; Re between 40 and 100, the mixing efficiency gradually rises.
Unmanned aerial vehicle defense based on jamming suppression
Authors: Wu Ziyong , Deng Pengying , Wang Xiaowei , Li Qingnian , Wei Huaming
Published: May 2024

The number and scale of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are growing explosively, and the frequent occurrence of UAV intrusions poses a serious threat to national security and social stability. Therefore, it has become increasingly important to defend against UAVs and develop related defense technologies. In order to effectively defend against UAVs, it is necessary to interfere with their GPS/Beidou positioning and 2.4G communication technology, thus disrupting their positioning and communication and rendering them unable to function properly. This article designs and implements a continuous wave single tone narrowband interference, and tests its performance, achieving a power suppression effect that seriously interferes with GPS positioning and blocks communication.
Annotation method of risk data in a certain field based on pattern matching
Authors: Geng Weibo , Zhao Yingxiao , Xu Ping , Cai Jiaoyang , Fang Fang
Published: May 2024

With the development of information technology and the increasing complexity of industrial technology, there is an urgent need for a certain field to use big data and artificial intelligence to improve the management and decision-making level. In order to classify the field’s risk text data through intelligent algorithms, analysing the risk distribution and the major problems, this paper researches on the annotation methods of training data in this field. The proposed data annotation method is based on pattern matching, addressing the special problems of risk data annotation in this field (such as strong professionalism, small data volume, high accuracy requirement and timeliness requirements). A new matching pattern is generated through the steps of text segmentation, keyword extraction, pattern preliminary generation, pattern relation tree construction, pattern optimization, pattern generalization, pattern verification, classification and annotation, and final classification and annotation are performed after pattern matching. Performance tests in terms of accuracy, recall rate, and annotation time have shown that the overall performance of the proposed method outperforms that of traditional item-by-item manual annotation, and semi-automatic annotation methods through machine learning. The method described in this paper has strong application value for risk data annotation in this field, and also has certain reference significance for high-density, high-accuracy and high-timeliness data annotation in other fields.
The security protection technology and architectural design of distributed generation scheduling control systems
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Chen Xiaoming , Liu Yuan
Published: May 2024

This paper delves into the pivotal role of Distributed Generation Scheduling Control Systems in the power grid and addresses critical network security issues. It analyzes key concerns like data collection, security monitoring, and device management during distributed generation integration, proposing a comprehensive set of security technologies and architectural designs. The research covers network security identification for these systems and secure access and management for distributed generation terminals. The goal is to ensure the security and reliable operation of Distributed Generation Systems within the power grid.
Assessment of the energy performance of a solar/biomass hybrid system for the climatization of smalland medium-scale buildings
Authors: Dongellini Matteo , Moser Christoph , Varga Szabolcs , Soares João , Naldi Claudia , Morini Gian Luca
Published: May 2024

The H2020 EU-funded project Hybrid-BioVGE aims to develop an efficient system entirely based on solar energy and biomass for the climatization of buildings during both the heating and cooling seasons. The most innovative component of the concept is a solar-driven Variable Geometry Ejector (VGE) cooling cycle, which can adjust its internal geometry with two degrees of freedom, according to the effective operating conditions. This paper presents the components of the Hybrid-BioVGE concept and describes a demonstrator of the proposed solution installed in a single-family house in Porto (Portugal). The main characteristics of the building, the size and typology of thermal energy storages included in the system are presented as well. In order to demonstrate the energy-saving potential of the Hybrid-BioVGE concept, the numerical model of the demonstrator was implemented in the TRNSYS 18 environment. Outcomes of simulations include the system’s energy performance for both heating and cooling seasons, the achievable solar fraction and the VGE efficiency. Numerical results show that up to 98% of the system energy input derives from renewable sources, with a solar fraction of 61.5%, during the heating season. On the contrary, the seasonal performance factor in cooling operating mode is lower than expected. The VGE cooling cycle efficiency is mainly penalised by the heat rejection loop, which should be optimised to achieve the best performance.
The energy renovation pathway to ZEB in Italy: Analysis of typical buildings and methodological aspects
Authors: Di Turi Silvia , Ronchetti Laura , Sannino Raniero , Calabrese Nicolandrea , Iatauro Domenico
Published: May 2024

The evolution towards high-energy efficient buildings is one of the most important challenges today and is in line with the objectives set by the new European Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD) which provides for the decarbonization of entire building stock by 2050. The study starts from the analysis of the current regulatory framework in Europe and Italy, highlighting the lack of homogeneity in the methods of transposition of European directives by the Member States already at the “nearly zero energy buildings” level (nZEB). Starting from these considerations, the critical analysis of the European and Italian context highlights the need to overcome the standards currently in force and investigate new perspectives for the design of high-efficient buildings in the direction of “zero energy and zero emissions”. For this reason, two residential and office buildings typologies are examined to confirm whether the net Zero Energy Building (ZEB) objective can be achieved through the legislation in force in Italy, starting from nZEB level. The study analyses the energy balance through dynamic simulations and evaluates energy needs of buildings and renewable energy production in order to verify the compliance to ZEB target, on yearly and monthly basis.
Evolution of Energy Audits and Energy Management Systems: Legislation, Tools and Professionals at the Service of Energy Efficiency
Authors: Piterà Luca Alberto , La Mura Sergio
Published: May 2024

For several decades, Energy Audits have been recognised as a key tool for designing and implementing interventions to improve the overall efficiency of systems, sites and fleets. This concept has gained both European and international recognition for understanding and identifying situations that can yield efficiency gains. This has been re-affirmed with the recent publication of the “Directive (EU) 2023/1791 13 09 23 on energy efficiency” As far as regulatory tools are concerned, the European standards UNI CEI EN 16247 Energy Audits: 1,2,3 e 4 have recently been revised, while at internation-al level, the current revision of ISO 50002 “Energy Audits Requirements with guidance for use (1-2-3” aims to replace the European standards for an unambiguous international reference. Regarding the professionals involved, the revision of ’UNI CEI 11339 Energy Management Experts...’ will include the competences of the Energy Auditor, as 16247-5. This contribution aims to illustrate the most recent state of the art at the date of its publication. It will be useful to guide practitioners on how to prepare themselves in the short and medium term to comply with the regulations, enabling them to organise themselves effectively and offer energy efficiency solutions calculated and guaranteed by certified professionals or organisations to their customers and users.
Dynamic evaluation of the electrical primary energy factor for building energy performance: Insights from 2022 Italian data
Authors: Bilardo Matteo , Fabrizio Enrico , Oldini Riccardo
Published: May 2024

The primary energy factor (PEF) represents a fundamental concept for converting a final energy carrier into primary energy. Among its many areas of application, building industry is of particular interest, since primary energy demand is a representative and widespread indicator for evaluating a building’s whole energy performance. This paper starts by exploring the critical issues related to the use of PEF, which is often evaluated through outdated, static values. Through the application of one of the methods of the UNI EN 17423:2021 standard, the hourly trend of the primary energy factor for the electric carrier in Italy during the year 2022 was evaluated. Results show the strong dynamicity of the PEF and the existing relationships between its renewable and non-renewable shares, which are strongly influenced by pro-duction, import and export strategies. The obtained PEFs were applied to a case study of a residential building, evaluating the primary energy needs under different final energy conversion scenarios. This work highlights the need for an update of the PEF to dynamic values consistent with the energy context of a country to facilitate the energy transition, as well as to reduce the supply and demand mismatch, and reward the use of renewable energy.
Analysis of the relevant technical characteristics in indoor comfort terminal units for the purpose of satisfying the demanding energy, functional, hygienic and sustainability requirements of NZEB and ZEB buildings
Authors: Gandini Jacques
Published: May 2024

With a growing number of countries, cities and organizations committing to a carbon neutral society by the middle of this century, zero and nearly zero energy buildings (NZEB & ZEB) and nearly zero carbon emissions buildings (NZCB) are becoming the new standard. These buildings with high energy efficiency and low carbon footprint, together with numerous advantages, lead to the materialization of new needs that have a significant impact on the comfort terminals units located in the various indoor environments. In fact, we are witnessing a growing concern for the phenomena of overheating and in general we are already starting to notice that air conditioning and dehumidification systems, in most cases, must be started already in spring and used until late autumn. Heating, on the other hand, becomes less relevant in quantitative terms, thanks to the greater degree of insulation of the building envelope, but thermal inertia can become a problem. In these new conditions, dictated by constructions with a high energy efficiency criterion, it is becoming strategic to have a new generation of indoor comfort terminals units available that take into account the stringent energy, functional, hygienic and sustainability requirements of decarbonized buildings. In this context, present paper focuses on the analysis of what the relevant technical characteristics could be in indoor comfort terminal units to meet the requirements of NZEB and ZEB in the coming decades.
Thermal comfort monitoring in office buildings: A case study
Authors: Iatauro Domenico , Lavinia Carmen , Nardi Iole , Sannino Raniero
Published: May 2024

In the framework of EPBD Directive revision, the EU is pushing Member States to pay more attention to IEQ conditions in buildings, by introducing specific requirements to be verified in the calculation methodology implemented in the national building codes. In this paper, the extensive field monitoring of an office building, carried out in the heating, cooling and intermediate seasons of 2022-2023, is described. Main thermo-hygrometric quantities have been measured in different rooms, considering the occupancy profile, users’ behaviour and appliances use. Results showed overheating conditions in offices exposed to the south façade, mainly due to solar radiation and internal heat gains. Surprisingly, north-facing offices with heating terminals running are colder than south-facing ones with HVAC systems turned off. Further differences were found in the temperature analysis of free-floating conditions, showing deviations up to 4 °C on average, between south and north facing rooms. For each room, thermal comfort issues were assessed in accordance with EN 16798-1, by calculating Fanger Indexes (PMV and PPD), and by adaptive method in the HVAC systems off-work periods. These findings represent the first results of an in-depth analysis of thermal comfort and IEQ conditions, aimed at assessing how the IEQ conditions can address the building energy audit, increasing, at the same time, energy performance and IEQ levels.
Enhancing indoor air quality in office buildings: Insight from a field study
Authors: Torriani Giulia , Lara-Ibeas Irene , Babich Francesco
Published: May 2024

Building tight for minimizing building energy consumption and related carbon emissions might negatively affect indoor air quality (IAQ) if this is not correctly designed and evaluated during operation. To address this concern, a post occupancy evaluation study was conducted in a recent large office building in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (Italy). The aim of the study was to collect evidence from a relevant case study and use it as a basis to define a standardized strategy for continuous monitoring of a larger portfolio of office buildings. Additionally, carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), air temperature, and relative humidity were recorded 24/7 for a 5-week period in winter 2023. Detailed spot measurements of VOCs and aldehydes were also carried out. Perceived air quality (PAQ) was evaluated through satisfaction surveys which covered various factors influencing PAQ including 14 potential sources of dissatisfaction. A cross-modal approach allowed for a comprehensive examination of the different domains (thermal, visual, acoustic, and IAQ) on PAQ. Measured contaminants’ levels were below recommended limits. Overall, participants were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with PAQ, and possible related sources of dissatisfaction were elements such as the relative humidity. Sick building syndrome (SBS) selfreported symptoms such as dry skin and itchy eyes confirmed potentially too low relative humidity levels.
Critical Oxygen Delivery: The Crux of Bypass with a Special Look at the Microcirculation
Authors: Spiess Bruce D.
Published: May 2024

The microcirculation can be defined as those vascular structures where respiratory gas flux occurs. These are generally the arterioles, venules, and capillaries. Larger vascular conduits tend to have thicker walls, are at considerable distance from cellular sites of oxygen utilization, and therefore contribute little to oxygen flux. The microcirculation is complex, not a simple straight line of parallel groups of pipes with unidirectional flow. Rather, the complex network has most vascular structures not open (held in reserve) and often has bidirectional flow. Understanding the movement of O2, CO2, and other gases within this network has only recently been the center of focused research. The cardiopulmonary bypass machine is meant to keep the microcirculation normal, but research is demonstrating major changes within. This review looks at what is known today in spontaneously perfusing animals as well as early findings noting differences in cardiopulmonary bypass. We, as yet, do not understand all the mechanisms involved in the changes of the micro-circulation so thoughts regarding future areas for research are discussed.
Perfusion Downunder Collaboration Database—Data Quality Assurance: Towards a High Quality Clinical Database
Authors: Tuble Sigrid C.
Published: May 2024

Maintaining a high quality clinical database is critical to obtain reliable information upon which to base clinical and institutional decisions, and to preserve the public and the user’s confidence in the quality of the data. The success of the Perfusion Downunder Collaboration (PDUC) Database, a dataset for cardiopulmonary bypass procedures, can only be guaranteed through the assurance of the quality of its data. This paper presents the evaluation of the data quality in the PDUC Database. Three participating centers located in Adelaide, Australia were audited: Flinders Private Hospital (FPH), Flinders Medical Center (FMC), and Ashford Hospital (AH). Ten percent of the cases submitted from the first year of data harvest were audited (2008: FPH and FMC, 2009: AH). A total of 57 variables were reviewed and rates of discrepancies (inaccurate, missing, not entered, cannot be validated) categorized as 0–25%, 25–50%, 51–75%, and 75–100% of cases (% = cases with discrepancy/total cases audited) evaluated. Sixty randomly selected cases were audited, comprising of 13 cases from FPH, 31 cases from FMC, and 16 cases from AH. Of a total of 3420 data points evaluated, 6.9% were found to be inaccurate and 3.2% were missing. For each participating center, the great majority of variables have discrepancies in few (0–25%) of the cases audited. The discrepancies found can be attributed to systematic errors (e.g., error in date difference calculation for length of stays, data transformation error for postoperative dialysis) and random errors (e.g., use of incorrect unit for creatinine, transcription error for discharge date). The PDUC Database is currently reasonably accurate and complete. This evaluation is part of a complex system of data quality assurance, and when conducted routinely, could provide a continuous feedback loop towards a high quality PDUC Database.
Homöopathie: therapeutische Wirksamkeit und Anwendung in der
klinischen Praxis
Authors: Seifert Olga , Baerwald Christoph
Published: May 2024

Homöopathie, die mit kleinen Dosen verschiedener Substanzen Selbstregulations-
und Selbstheilungsprozesse anregen soll, ist seit dem 19. Jahrhundert populär.
Heutzutage liegt die weltweite Prävalenz aller Anwendungen der Homöopathie im
Bereich von 0,2–9,8% (bevölkerungsbezogene Erhebungen zur Anwendung
komplementärer Therapien). In diesem Review werden Metaanalysen mit gepoolten
Daten aus Placebo kontrollierten klinischen Studien zur Homöopathie und einige
Diskussionsartikel zur klinischen Wirksamkeit der Homöopathie analysiert. Die
Daten sowohl aus randomisierten, kontrollierten Studien als auch aus
experimentellen Untersuchungen zeigen Wirkungen homöopathischer Mittel, die der
modernen rationalen Grundlage der Medizin widersprechen. Systematische
Übersichten von Placebo kontrollierten Studien zur Homöopathie berichteten, dass
ihre Wirkungen mehr als Placebo zu sein scheinen. Es fehlt an schlüssigen
Beweisen für die Wirksamkeit der Homöopathie bei den meisten Erkrankungen sowie
bei rheumatischen Erkrankungen. Die Homöopathie hat es bisher nicht vermocht,
ihren Stellenwert durch die Anwendung evidenzbasierter Prinzipien zu
demonstrieren. Zukünftige Studien sollten sich auf die Anwendung der Homöopathie
bei bestimmten Krankheiten oder Krankheitsgruppen konzentrieren, anstatt Daten
aus allen klinischen Studien erneut zu analysieren.
Recovery of the Total Birth Brachial Plexus Palsy without Surgical Treatment: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study and Literature Review
Authors: Vinitpairot Chaiyos , Jianmongkol Surut
Published: May 2024

Background Spontaneous recovery of a birth brachial plexus disorder is difficult to predict. Although root avulsion and total plexus injury is indicated for surgical management, early nerve surgery is still doubtful. Hand motion is obviously an important indicator for predicting the function of an affected limb. However, the timing for diagnosing a transient or true total plexus injury from hand recovery is controversial. This study aimed to report the recovery time of total birth brachial plexus palsy in patients who did not undergo surgery due to various reasons.

Methods In this 15-year retrospective chart review, 45 patients of total birth brachial plexus injury with a mean follow-up time of 34.5 months, were included. Although patients met surgical indications, surgical management was abandoned for a variety of reasons. Imaging was not performed routinely and, nerve conduction study and Horner's syndrome were not consistently recorded in the past. All patients were evaluated for clinical improvement by motor power grading. The recovery time was reported as the median and interquartile range.

Results Forty-five patients were diagnosed with total birth brachial plexus injury. Out of 45 patients, 36 showed clinical evidence of recovering their hand motion within a median of 3 months. The median time for the recovery of elbow flexion and shoulder abduction was 4 months. The median for achieving antigravity or full motion recovery of elbow flexion, shoulder abduction, and hand flexion were 10, 10.5, and 7 months, respectively.

Conclusion In this study, spontaneous recovery of shoulder, elbow and hand motion substantially occurred in the patient diagnosed with a total birth brachial plexus palsy. True total plexus palsy can be distinguished from transient palsy by the recovery of hand motion at 3 months. Most of the patients, who had spontaneous recovery, potentially achieved antigravity or full hand movement without surgery.
Inclinometers and Apps Are Better than Goniometers, Measuring Knee Extension Range of Motion in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Patients: Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change for the Three Devices
Authors: Pantouveris Michail , Kotsifaki Roula , Whiteley Rodney
Published: May 2024

Knee extension range of motion (ROM) measurement is important in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The main objective is to evaluate the reliability and the minimal detectable change (MDC) of three methods of measuring knee extension ROM in ACL patients. The three common goniometric devices were a universal goniometer, an inclinometer, and a smartphone app. During a single-visit, knee extension ROM was measured in both knees of 92 ACL-injured or -reconstructed patients by two testers blinded to the other's measures. Intrarater, interrater, and test–retest intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1) were calculated. Intrarater ICC2,1 was excellent for the three devices ranging from 0.92 to 0.94, with the inclinometer yielding the best results (ICC2,1 = 0.94 [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.91–0.96]). Interrater ICC2,1, however, varied from 0.36 to 0.80. The inclinometer and the smartphone app yielded similar results 0.80 (95% CI: 0.71–0.86) and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.70–0.86), respectively, whereas the universal goniometer was 0.36 (95% CI: 0.17–0.53). Test–retest ICC2,1 for the inclinometer was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84–0.93), 0.86 (95% CI: 0.79–0.91) for the app, and 0.83 (95% CI:0.74–0.89) for the goniometer. The intrarater, interrater, and test–retest MDC95 values ranged from 2.0 to 3.5, 3.7 to 10.4, and 2.6 to 5.4 degrees, respectively. The goniometer was the least reliable. The inclinometer is the recommended device due to its highest ICC scores among the three devices and ease of use.
Antibiotikaverordnungsraten bei ambulant behandelten Infektionen der
oberen Atemwege anhand von Routinedaten einer deutschen
Krankenkasse
Authors: Arens Birgit , L'Hoest Helmut , Wolf Alissa , Hennig Beata , Marschall Ursula , Nachtigall Irit
Published: May 2024

Einleitung Akute unkomplizierte obere Atemwegserkrankungen (ARE) sind
häufige Gründe für Antibiotikaverordnungen im ambulanten Sektor, obwohl diese
zu>90% viral bedingt und in der Mehrzahl selbstlimitierende Erkrankungen
sind. Deutschland hat im europäischen Vergleich eine niedrige
Antibiotikaverordnungsrate, jedoch zeigen sich regionale Unterschiede. Die von
der ESAC-Studiengruppe (European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption
Network) entwickelten krankheitsspezifischen Qualitätsindikatoren (QI)
adressieren die Verordnungsrate (Zielbereich<20%) und Wahl des Antibiotikums
(Zielbereich>80%) in einer allgemeinen Hausarztpopulation. Ziel dieser
Datenanalyse war die Operationalisierung der ESAC-Net-QI mit Hilfe von
Sekundärdaten einer Krankenkasse auf Ebene der Erkrankungen und Betriebstätten
sowie die Analyse von möglichem Verbesserungspotential.

Material und Methoden Datengrundlage sind die vertragsärztlichen und
stationären Abrechnungsdaten sowie die Arzneiverordnungsdaten der BARMER
Krankenkasse (§§ 295, 300, 301 SGB V). Die Auswertung erfolgte für das Jahr
2022. Die kategorialen Merkmale werden als Häufigkeit und Prozent angegeben. Es
wurde eine größtmögliche Spezifität angestrebt, weshalb durch einen sehr
umfassenden Algorithmus potentiell risikobehaftete Krankheitsverläufe
ausgeschlossen wurden.

Ergebnisse Die Gesamtverordnungsrate von Antibiotika bei ARE lag im Jahr
2022 vor Anwendung der Ein- und Ausschlusskriterien bei 25%
(1.197.568/4.720.786). Durch den Algorithmus sank die Verordnungsrate für alle
ARE-Fälle auf 6% (80.786/1.365.646). Werden spezifische ARE-Indikationen
betrachtet, so erhielten jeweils 35% (13.465/38.913) der akuten Bronchitis- und
akuten Sinusitisfälle (4.971/14.051) eine Antibiotikaverordnung. Auf
Betriebsstättenebene erreichten für die Behandlung der akuten Bronchitis 38% der
Praxen (1.396/3.705) und der akuten Sinusitis 41% der Praxen (539/1.300) das
angestrebte QI Ziel von<20% Antibiotikaverordnungen. Nur 29% aller ARE-Fälle
mit Antibiotikaverordnung (23.733/80.786) erhielten ein Antibiotikum der 1.
Wahl.

Schlussfolgerung Die Datenanalyse zeigt, dass die
ESAC-Net-Qualitätsindikatoren für die akuten Atemwegsinfekte mit Hilfe von
Routinedaten der Krankenkassen auf Fall- und Betriebsstättenebene berechnet
werden können. Es fanden sich Hinweise auf Verbesserungspotentiale in der
Häufigkeit und Auswahl der verordneten Antibiotika für spezifische
Atemwegsinfektionen.
Time-of-Flight PET/CT Imaging of Ga-68-Dotatate: Normal Pattern, SUV Quantification, and Differences from Non-Time-of-Flight Imaging
Authors: Miller Matthew Clifton , Bansal Avani T. , Wingard Daniel , Lindenberg Maria Liza , Stocker Derek J. , Adler Stephen , Prasad Kalpna
Published: May 2024

Purpose The biodistribution of gallium-68-dotatate (Ga-68-dotatate) and standardized uptake values (SUVs) using non-time-of-flight (TOF) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) cameras is well established. However, with the eventual retirement of older PET cameras and their replacement with newer, highly sensitive TOF PET/CT cameras, where SUVmax measurements are reportedly higher, updated knowledge of normal SUVmax range is needed and, to our knowledge, not previously reported. Our objectives are as follows:

Methods Fifty consecutive patients referred routinely to our nuclear medicine service (20 men, 30 women; median age 55 years) with presumed neuroendocrine tumors underwent Ga-68-dotatate scans on a PET-CT camera having capability of reconstructing both TOF/non-TOF images. Region of interests (ROIs) were drawn around 24 normal structures as well as the primary lesion with abnormal radiotracer uptake and SUVmax was measured. The same ROI was analyzed using both algorithms simultaneously and both TOF and non-TOF SUVmax values were compared.

Results Twelve hundred ROIs were evaluated. Non-TOF Ga-68-dotatate uptake in normal structures was in alignment with previously published studies. As compared to non-TOF, TOF images had better target to background ratios visually. TOF SUVmax was higher for all structures except for lung and brain. TOF SUVmax was more than double in adrenals/uncinate process of the pancreas; approximately 1.8 times in abnormal lesions, lymph nodes, pineal gland; and greater than 1.5 times in thyroid, breast, and pancreatic head.

Conclusion Normal database of Ga-68-dotatate TOF SUVmax is provided for common structures to aid visual detection of abnormalities objectively. Overall, TOF SUVmax measures higher in identical ROIs, with abnormal lesions measuring approximately 1.8 times higher versus non-TOF technology. These findings need to be taken in consideration when comparing patient scans imaged on different PET/CT technologies.
Disruptive (dis)engagement: platformisation as a global social policy
Authors: Koivusalo Meri , Svynarenko Arseniy , Mbare Benta , Perkiö Mikko
Published: May 2024

Global digital platforms have become important actors for economy and work with social policy consequences. This article analyses strategies and actions of global digital platforms from the perspective of how and what kind of global social policy these represent. It draws from analysis of how platform company strategic approaches relate to rights, regulation, and redistribution, and then using abductive reasoning and mixed methods empirical case study in Europe, articulate challenges to future global social policy. It examines what priorities of platform companies imply to global social policy and identifies five political and strategic elements of importance for global social policy: (1) denial or avoidance of employer status, (2) identifying as a “tech company providing services”, (3) focus on private social insurance in contrast to statutory social security, (4) addressing social security as a market-based service through voluntary partnerships, and (5) investor driven business model and global engagement. Drawing from theoretical and empirical data, the article further examines potential countermeasures and solutions, which could be of relevance at different levels of governance. It concludes that social policy impacts of platform economy are more related to the business model than technology. Platform economy business models currently support upward redistribution and avoidance of regulatory measures to address minimum income, social protection, and workers’ rights, yet platform economy is data rich and also could provide scope for government and regulatory action.
Does timing matter? Language course participation and language outcomes amongst new immigrants
Authors: Wood Jonas , Lens Dries
Published: May 2024

Host country language acquisition is widely considered an important factor to prevent the social and economic exclusion of immigrants. High-income countries invest considerably in language courses for new immigrants, yet hitherto our understanding of when participation in such courses seems to stimulate language acquisition remains limited. As a result, this article addresses whether the timing of language course enrolment is related to course outcomes in terms of credentialed language proficiency. This study benefits from longitudinal population data including all new migrants entering Flanders (Belgium) in 2009–2021, to assess whether associations between language course timing and outcomes persist, for different legal categories of immigrants, when controlling for compositional factors. Findings indicate that for most immigrant categories, negative associations between course postponement and host country language attainment are explained by migration background and human capital. However, amongst family and humanitarian migrants, a negative association between course timing and outcomes persists. This persistent negative linkage suggests a stronger vulnerability to less effective (informal) learning trajectories and downward spiralling opportunities and motivation in the case of language course postponement, but also highlights the need for future research using causal estimation strategies. As such, research on language course timing and outcomes contributes to the literature highlighting that timing – e.g. regarding asylum procedures, housing, but also language programmes – matters in immigrants’ trajectories of integration in host countries.
An innovative approach for myocardial infarction repair
Authors: Green Leigh Ann
Published: May 2024

Developing artificial heart tissue using micropatterned hydrogels for use in damaged hearts.
Using modern technology to analyze cultural artifacts
Authors: Green Leigh Ann
Published: May 2024

ToF-SIMS spectral database enables identification of eight lead-based pigments used by historic painters.
Different contractility modes control cell escape from multicellular spheroids and tumor explants
Authors: Blauth Eliane , Grosser Steffen , Sauer Frank , Merkel Mario , Kubitschke Hans , Warmt Enrico , Morawetz Erik W. , Friedrich Philip , Wolf Benjamin , Briest Susanne , Hiller Grit Gesine Ruth , Horn Lars-Christian , Aktas Bahriye , Käs Josef A.
Published: May 2024

Cells can adapt their active contractile properties to switch between dynamical migratory states and static homeostasis. Collective tissue surface tension, generated among others by the cortical contractility of single cells, can keep cell clusters compact, while a more bipolar, anisotropic contractility is predominantly used by mesenchymal cells to pull themselves into the extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, we investigate how these two contractility modes relate to cancer cell escape into the ECM. We compare multicellular spheroids from a panel of breast cancer cell lines with primary tumor explants from breast and cervical cancer patients by measuring matrix contraction and cellular spreading into ECM mimicking collagen matrices. Our results in spheroids suggest that tumor aggressiveness is associated with elevated contractile traction and reduced active tissue surface tension, allowing cancer cell escape. We show that it is not a binary switch but rather the interplay between these two contractility modes that is essential during this process. We provide further evidence in patient-derived tumor explants that these two contractility modes impact cancer cells' ability to leave cell clusters within a primary tumor. Our results indicate that cellular contractility is an essential factor during the formation of metastases and thus may be suitable as a prognostic criterion for the assessment of tumor aggressiveness.
Wave-phase dependence of Reynolds shear stress in the wake of fixed-bottom offshore wind turbine via quadrant analysis
Authors: Mouchref C. , Viggiano B. , Ferčák O. , Bossuyt J. , Ali N. , Meneveau C. , Gayme D. , Cal R. B
Published: May 2024

There has been an increase in recognition of the important role that the boundary layer turbulent flow structure has on wake recovery and concomitant wind farm efficiency. Most research thus far has focused on onshore wind farms, in which the ground surface is static. With the expected growth of offshore wind farms, there is increased interest in turbulent flow structures above wavy, moving surfaces and their effects on offshore wind farms. In this study, experiments are performed to analyze the turbulent structure above the waves in the wake of a fixed-bottom model wind farm, with special emphasis on the conditional averaged Reynolds stresses, using a quadrant analysis. Phase-averaged profiles show a correlation between the Reynolds shear stresses and the curvature of the waves. Using a quadrant analysis, Reynolds stress dependence on the wave phase is observed in the phase-dependent vertical position of the turbulence events. This trend is primarily seen in quadrants 1 and 3 (correlated outward and inward interactions). Quantification of the correlation between the Reynolds shear stress events and the surface waves provides insight into the turbulent flow mechanisms that influence wake recovery throughout the wake region and should be taken into consideration in wind turbine operation and placement.
Elastocapillary effects determine early matrix deformation by glioblastoma cell spheroids
Authors: Ang Ida , Yousafzai Muhammad Sulaiman , Yadav Vikrant , Mohler Kyle , Rinehart Jesse , Bouklas Nikolaos , Murrell Michael
Published: May 2024

During cancer pathogenesis, cell-generated mechanical stresses lead to dramatic alterations in the mechanical and organizational properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM). To date, contraction of the ECM is largely attributed to local mechanical stresses generated during cell invasion, but the impact of “elastocapillary” effects from surface tension on the tumor periphery has not been examined. Here, we embed glioblastoma cell spheroids within collagen gels, as a model of tumors within the ECM. We then modulate the surface tension of the spheroids, such that the spheroid contracts or expands. Surprisingly, in both cases, at the far-field, the ECM is contracted toward the spheroids prior to cellular migration from the spheroid into the ECM. Through computational simulation, we demonstrate that contraction of the ECM arises from a balance of spheroid surface tension, cell–ECM interactions, and time-dependent, poroelastic effects of the gel. This leads to the accumulation of ECM near the periphery of the spheroid and the contraction of the ECM without regard to the expansion or contraction of the spheroid. These results highlight the role of tissue-level surface stresses and fluid flow within the ECM in the regulation of cell–ECM interactions.
Control of non-Hermitian skin effect by staggered synthetic gauge fields
Authors: Tang Huiyan , Wang Ziteng , Tang Liqin , Song Daohong , Chen Zhigang , Buljan Hrvoje
Published: May 2024

Synthetic gauge fields introduce an unconventional degree of freedom for studying many fundamental phenomena in different branches of physics. Here, we propose a scheme to use staggered synthetic gauge fields for control of the non-Hermitian skin effect (NHSE). A modified Su–Schrieffer–Heeger model is employed, where two dimer chains with non-reciprocal coupling phases are coupled, exhibiting non-trivial point-gap topology and the NHSE. In contrast to previous studies, the skin modes in our model are solely determined by the coupling phase terms associated with the staggered synthetic gauge fields. By manipulating such gauge fields, we can achieve maneuvering of skin modes as well as the bipolar NHSE. As a typical example, we set up a domain wall by imposing different synthetic gauge fields on two sides of the wall, thereby demonstrating flexible control of the non-Hermitian skin modes at the domain wall. Our scheme opens a new avenue for the creation and manipulation of NHSE by synthetic gauge fields, which may find applications in beam shaping and non-Hermitian topological devices.