bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in patients with cholestasis following liver transplantation
Authors: Pape Thorben , von Garrel Tabea , Hunkemöller Anna M. , Nalbant Bahar , Vondran Florian W. R. , Richter Nicolas , Heidrich Benjamin , Schneider Andrea , Taubert Richard , von Hahn Thomas , Wedemeyer Heiner , Seeliger Benjamin , Lenzen Henrike , Stahl Klaus
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Biliary strictures are among the most common complications following liver transplantation (LT). If endoscopic retrograde cholangiography fails, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) may serve as an alternative approach. Description of clinical important short- and long-term outcomes as well as outcome prediction following PTBD after LT are scarce.

Methods

We analyzed outcomes of 56 liver-transplanted adults with biliary complications receiving a PTBD. We described the safety and longitudinal laboratory changes. We analyzed as endpoints, incidence of biliary complications, need for surgical biliary revision/re-LT and overall-survival at 12- and 60-months. We used simple comparison tests accordingly and performed competing risk analysis and multivariate competing risk regression as well as log-rank test and cox proportional hazard regression for further analysis.

Results

PTBD procedures had a high technical success rate (98%) and tolerable safety profile. Multiple laboratory indicators improved during follow-up (37 patients with complete biochemical follow-up). Incidence of subsequent biliary complications was highly dependent on the nature of present biliary strictures (Anastomotic stricture (AS): adjusted SHR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.09–0.78, p = 0.016). Need for surgical biliary revision/re-LT remained below 15%. 12-month survival was significantly better, if drainage into the small intestine was achieved at first attempt compared to completely external drainage (internal: 92.9 vs. external: 67.9%, p = 0.018). Patients with AS had a numerically higher long-term-survival and higher C-reactive-protein (CRP) and lower body-mass-index (BMI) at baseline were significantly associated with inferior short- and long-term-survival.

Conclusion

PTBD for biliary complications following LT had a high technical success and a tolerable safety profile. Incidence of subsequent biliary complications was highly dependent on the nature of biliary strictures and increased mortality was found in patients with higher CRP, lower BMI and failure of initial PTBD internalization.

Graphical abstract
Influence of the preparation design on the retentive strength of resin-bonded attachments
Authors: Wasmund Jorge , Wille Sebastian , Kern Matthias
Published: November 2024

Objectives

The study investigated the influence of retention grooves and material thickness of the retainer wing on the retentive strength of resin-bonded attachments (RBAs).

Materials and methods

Sixty-four extracted human molars were used. Each tooth received a preparation limited to the enamel for the retainer wings of the RBAs. The specimens were divided into eight groups, each containing eight specimens. The groups varied based on the number of conical retention grooves (0, 1, 2, or 4) and the thickness of the CoCr retainer wings (0.4 mm and 0.8 mm). Before testing the retentive strength of the RBAs, the specimens underwent 37,500 thermal cycles followed by dynamic loading of 1,200,000 cycles on the RBAs’ patrices using a chewing simulator. The debonding test was conducted using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 2 mm/min.

Results

The mean retentive strength ranged from 326 ± 96 N to 440 ± 77 N. Only a small portion of specimens (10.9%) exhibited adhesive failure, while the remainder demonstrated cohesive failure within the tooth structure. Neither the number of retention grooves, the thickness of the retainer wings, nor the size of the bonding surface significantly affected retentive strength.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that reducing the number of retention grooves and the material thickness does not influence the retentive strength of RBAs.

Clinical relevance

The retention of RBAs appears promising, supporting the clinical application of this treatment modality.
Inductive Subgraph Embedding for Link Prediction
Authors: Si Jin , Xie Chenxuan , Zhou Jiajun , Yu Shanqing , Chen Lina , Xuan Qi , Miao Chunyu
Published: November 2024

Link prediction, which aims to infer missing edges or predict future edges based on currently observed graph connections, has emerged as a powerful technique for diverse applications such as recommendation, relation completion, etc. While there is rich literature on link prediction based on node representation learning, direct link embedding is relatively less studied and less understood. One common practice in previous work characterizes a link by manipulate the embeddings of its incident node pairs, which is not capable of capturing effective link features. Moreover, common link prediction methods such as random walks and graph auto-encoder usually rely on full-graph training, suffering from poor scalability and high resource consumption on large-scale graphs. In this paper, we propose Inductive Subgraph Embedding for Link Prediciton (SE4LP) — an end-to-end scalable representation learning framework for link prediction, which utilizes the strong correlation between central links and their neighborhood subgraphs to characterize links. We sample the “link-centric induced subgraphs” as input, with a subgraph-level contrastive discrimination as pretext task, to learn the intrinsic and structural link features via subgraph classification. Extensive experiments on five datasets demonstrate that SE4LP has significant superiority in link prediction in terms of performance and scalability, when compared with state-of-the-art methods. Moreover, further analysis demonstrate that introducing self-supervision in link prediction can significantly reduce the dependence on training data and improve the generalization and scalability of model.
Voiding Dysfunction in Transgender Patients: What We Know and What We Do Not Know
Authors: Gonzalez Gabriela , Anger Jennifer T.
Published: November 2024

Purpose of Review

Transgender and non-binary patients (TGNB) undergoing gender affirming genital surgery may experience perioperative voiding dysfunction. This review aims to outline and analyze literature about gender affirming pelvic surgery urinary complications, evaluation, and treatment.

Recent Findings

If a patient is seeking bottom surgery, then urinary goals and pre-operative symptoms should be discussed with respect to variable post-operative outcomes. Urologists should also be aware of the effect that gender affirming hormone therapy has on urinary symptoms. Urethral strictures and urethrocutaneous fistulae occur after feminizing and masculinizing procedures and may manifest as LUTS. Although there is no standardized approach for managing post-operative voiding issues, we present available options.

The evaluation of TGNB patients is ideally affirming and tailored to the patient. Long-term urinary and voiding outcomes measurements after vaginoplasty and phalloplasty are also needed, as current validated questionnaires do not capture these symptoms well in TGNB patients.
Dynamic Synthetic Controls: Accounting for Varying Speeds in Comparative Case Studies
Authors: Cao Jian , Chadefaux Thomas
Published: November 2024

Synthetic controls (SCs) are widely used to estimate the causal effect of a treatment. However, they do not account for the different speeds at which units respond to changes. Reactions may be inelastic or “sticky” and thus slower due to varying regulatory, institutional, or political environments. We show that these different reaction speeds can lead to biased estimates of causal effects. We therefore introduce a dynamic SC approach that accommodates varying speeds in time series, resulting in improved SC estimates. We apply our method to re-estimate the effects of terrorism on income (Abadie and Gardeazabal [2003, American Economic Review 93, 113–132]), tobacco laws on consumption (Abadie, Diamond, and Hainmueller [2010, Journal of the American Statistical Association 105, 493–505]), and German reunification on GDP (Abadie, Diamond, and Hainmueller [2015, American Journal of Political Science 59, 495–510]). We also assess the method’s performance using Monte Carlo simulations. We find that it reduces errors in the estimates of true treatment effects by up to 70% compared to traditional SCs, improving our ability to make robust inferences. An open-source R package, dsc, is made available for easy implementation.
Effectiveness and tolerance of enteral nutrition in critically ill patients with COVID-19
Authors: Pérez-Cruz Elizabeth , Ortiz-Gutiérrez Salvador , Castañón-González Jorge Alberto , Luna-Camacho Yuritzy , Garduño-López Jessica
Published: November 2024

This study compared the efficacy and tolerability of three enteral formulas in critically ill patients with COVID-19 who were ventilated and in the prone position: (a) immunomodulatory (IMM), (b) ω3 and (c) maltodextrins (MD). Primary outcome was the percentage of patients who received both 80 % of their protein and calorie targets at 3 d after enrolment. Secondary, mechanical ventilation-free time, ICU mortality and markers of nutritional status. Tolerance of enteral nutrition was evaluated by diarrhoea and gastroparesis rate. A total of 231 patients were included, primary outcome achieved was in ω3 group (76·5 % v. 59·7 and 35·2 %, P < 0·001) v. IMM and MD groups. Mechanical ventilation-free time was longer in ω3 and MD groups: 23·11 (sd 34·2) h and 22·59 (sd 42·2) h v. 7·9 (sd 22·6) h (P < 0·01) in IMM group. Prealbumin final was 0·203 ± 0·108 g/L and 0·203 ± 0·095 g/L in IMM and ω3 groups v 0·164 ± 0·070 g/L (p < 0·01) MD group. Transferrin were 1·515 ± 0·536 g/L and 1·521 ± 0·500 g/L in IMM and ω3 groups v 1·337 ± 0·483 g/L (p < 0·05) MD group. Increase of lymphocytes was greater in ω3 group: 1056·7 (sd 660·8) cells/mm3v. 853·3 (sd 435·9) cells/mm3 and 942·7 (sd 675·4) cells/mm3 (P < 0·001) in IMM and MD groups. Diarrhoea and gastroparesis occurred in 5·1 and 3·4 %, respectively. The findings of this study indicate that enteral nutrition is a safe and well-tolerated intervention. The ω3 formula compared with IMM and MD did improve protein and calorie targets.
Efficacy of dairy protein and essential nutrient density in formulated food products for treating severe and moderate acute malnutrition at the community level: a narrative review
Authors: Abraham Marian , Roy Choudhury Dripta , Agnihotri Satish B.
Published: November 2024

Community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) relies on a food-based approach. However, a comprehensive assessment of their nutrient composition and its impact on treatment outcomes is currently lacking in the extant literature. This narrative review summarises recent evidence on the efficacy of formulations that contain dairy protein and maintain the density of essential nutrients (type I and type II) in managing uncomplicated acute malnutrition at the community level. The literature used for the evidence synthesis was identified using a two-stage screening process. An electronic search was run on PubMed and Cochrane Library, followed by a backward snowball search to identify efficacy studies. A total of twenty-six efficacy studies involving food formulations used to treat uncomplicated severe and moderate acute malnutrition were identified. The review found that, while more evidence favours the inclusion of dairy in formulations as efficacious in supporting recovery from malnutrition, ambiguity in the conclusive findings between dairy and non-dairy formulations remains due to the varied percentages of dairy protein in different formulations. The type of protein source used in a formulation matters, but other approaches, including fortification, can aid in maintaining the nutrient density of formulations, thereby improving the chances of recovery. However, the inclusion of high amounts of added sugar in therapeutic formulations exceeding the World Health Organization norms is a concern that warrants more attention. Future clinical research should assess outcomes such as lean or fat mass changes to confirm the benefits of using dairy or non-dairy formulations to treat moderate and severe acute malnutrition.
Two‐Way Option Contracts That Facilitate Adaptive Water Reallocation in the Western United States
Authors: Hirsch Zachary M. , Zeff Harrison B. , Gupta Rohini S. , Vernon Chris R. , Reed Patrick M. , Characklis Gregory W.
Published: November 2024

Many water markets in the western United States (U.S.) have the ability to reallocate water temporarily during drought, often as short‐term water rights leases from lower value irrigated activities to higher value urban uses. Regulatory approval of water transfers, however, typically takes time and involves high transaction costs that arise from technical and legal analyses, discouraging short‐term leasing. This leads municipalities to protect against drought‐related shortfalls by purchasing large volumes of infrequently used permanent water rights. High transaction costs also result in municipal water rights rarely being leased back to irrigators in wet or normal years, reducing agricultural productivity. This research explores the development of a multi‐year two‐way option (TWO) contract that facilitates leasing from agricultural‐to‐urban users during drought and leasing from urban‐to agricultural users during wet periods. The modeling framework developed to assess performance of the TWO contracts includes consideration of the hydrologic, engineered, and institutional systems governing the South Platte River Basin in Colorado where there is growing competition for water between municipalities (e.g., the city of Boulder) and irrigators. The modeling framework is built around StateMod, a network‐based water allocation model used by state regulators to evaluate water rights allocations and potential rights transfers. Results suggest that the TWO contracts could allow municipalities to maintain supply reliability with significantly reduced rights holdings at lower cost, while increasing agricultural productivity in wet and normal years. Additionally, the TWO contracts provide irrigators with additional revenues via net payments of option fees from municipalities.
Coiling eines Aneurysma spurium nach distaler Verriegelung eines proximalen Femurnagels
Authors: Rahimov Elvin , Viera Julio , Vieth Volker , Müller Marcus Christian
Published: November 2024

Die pertrochantäre Femurfraktur ist eine der häufigsten Verletzungen des geriatrischen Patienten. Goldstandard ist die operative Therapie mittels sofort vollbelastungsstabiler Osteosynthese bspw. durch intramedulläre Implantate. In dieser Kasuistik wird die Ausbildung eines Aneurysma spurium der A. profunda femoris als Komplikation der distalen Verriegelung eines proximalen Femurnagels und die interventionell-radiologische Therapie mittels Coil-Embolisation beschrieben.
Management of Adult Patients with Newly Diagnosed or Relapsed Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia in Eastern Austria
Authors: Rast Jasmin , Schramm Theresa , Mehic Dino , Fillitz Michael , Drexel Tanja , Neusiedler-Nicolas Veronika , Ay Cihan , Pabinger Ingrid , Gebhart Johanna
Published: November 2024

Background Treatment sequence in primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is based on national and international recommendations, treatment availability, and physician expertise.

Aim This article aimed to provide real-world data on treatment sequence and responses to first- and second-line treatments in newly diagnosed and relapsed adult ITP patients.

Methods We analyzed a cohort of 46 adult ITP patients from the Vienna ITP Biobank, who started first-line therapy within 1 week before their first study visit between February 2016 and March 2023. We investigated clinical patient characteristics and patient management in our specialized center and examined the impact of the international ASH guidelines on ITP treatment.

Results Forty-six primary ITP patients, 27 (58.7%) with newly diagnosed ITP and 19 (41.3%) with relapsed ITP, were investigated. Most patients were female (65.2%) with a median platelet count of 9 × 109/L, and 31 patients (67.4%) had bleeding symptoms. All patients received first-line treatment with oral prednisolone; 15 patients received oral prednisolone combined with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs), which were more commonly administered in newly diagnosed than in relapsed ITP patients. First-line therapy resulted an overall response in 82.6% of patients after a median (interquartile range [IQR]) time of 10 (5–25) days. There was no difference in treatment responses between newly diagnosed and relapsed ITP patients, but newly diagnosed patients had a shorter time to response (median [IQR]: 8 [5–14] and 14 [8–27], p = 0.02). Twenty-three (50%) of the patients (11/27 newly diagnosed [40.7%], 12/19 relapsed [63.2%]) required second-line ITP therapy. Thrombopoietin-receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) were the most commonly used second-line therapy with a response rate of 73.7%, and a median (IQR) time to treatment response of 15 (12–20) days. Overall response rates to TPO-RA treatment did not differ between newly diagnosed and relapsed ITP. Following the publication of novel guidelines in 2019, the median (IQR) duration of corticosteroid treatment shortened (100–52 days, p = 0.01), as did the time to second-line treatment (160–47 days, p = 0.01), and the median number of first-line therapies decreased from 2 (1–3) to 1 (1–2).

Conclusion Initial treatment with corticosteroids was effective in the majority of newly diagnosed and relapsed ITP. Response rates to initial corticosteroid treatment in ITP patients are consistent with previous data, but only 50% achieve sustained remission. TPO-RAs, which are well tolerated and effective, are the most commonly used second-line therapy in our study population. International guidelines have led to faster treatment transitions and reduced splenectomy rates. Integration of real-life experience, expert consensus, and guidelines optimizes ITP patient management.
A Spray-Dried Self-Stabilizing Nanocrystal Emulsion of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Preparation, Characterization and ex vivo Intestinal Absorption
Authors: Zhang Jifen , Xu Wenxiu , Meng Fanjing , Yi Tao
Published: November 2024

Salvia miltiorrhizae (Danshen, the rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.) and Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong, the rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.) are two traditional Chinese medicines that have been widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, formulation development is difficult due to the complexity of the active ingredients, particularly the water-insoluble tanshinones and volatile oil of Chuanxiong rhizome, which cannot be absorbed via oral administration in conventional dosage forms. This study aimed to develop a self-stabilized nanocrystal emulsion co-loading the water-soluble, insoluble, and volatile active ingredients of Salvia miltiorrhizae and Chuanxiong rhizome to improve the bioavailability of the drugs. In this work, a high-pressure homogenization method was used to prepare a self-stabilizing nanocrystal emulsion. The emulsion was then spray-dried using hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin. The dispersibility and storage stability of the spray-dried emulsion, the particle size and morphology of the emulsion droplets, and the drug content and phase distribution of the reconstituted emulsion were evaluated. An everted intestinal sac model was established, and high-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the concentration of six active components (ferulic acid, salvianolic acid B, senkyunolide A, ligustilide, cryptotanshinone, and tanshinone IIA) and to assess the cumulative uptake amount of the drug and the apparent permeability coefficient. A mixture of the crude materials of tanshinones extract, total salvianolic acid, ferulic acid, and volatile oil of Ligusticum Chuanxiong was used as a control. The results showed that the spray-dried emulsion can be easily reconstituted into a uniform submicron emulsion with no significant changes in particle size, morphology, and microstructure of the emulsion droplets compared with the original emulsion before drying. The self-stabilizing nanocrystal emulsion significantly improved the intestinal absorption of water-insoluble components (tanshinone IIA, cryptotanshinone, and ferulic acid), and volatile oil components (senkyunolide A and ligustilide). Overall, the spray-dried self-stabilizing nanocrystal emulsion represents a potential oral formulation for Salvia miltiorrhiza and Chuanxiong rhizoma.
Bow–Hunter Syndrome Due to Tandem Lesions; A Case Report
Authors: Yokoya Shigeomi , Nakauchi Jun , Takezawa Hidesato
Published: November 2024

Bow–Hunter syndrome (BHS) includes a form of stroke caused by dynamic factors affecting the extracranial vertebral artery (VA), such as rotation-induced flow disturbance at the atlantoaxial level. BHS is a rare condition that can result from a variety of factors, including abnormal bone compression and vertebral instability. So far, there have been no reports in which both vertebral instability and osteophytes compress the VA at different sites, leading to stroke. Herein, we present a rare case of stroke attributed to BHS involving thrombosis formation due to osteophyte compression at C3/4 and VA occlusion due to vertebral instability at the C4/5 overlapped. A 72-year-old male presented with rotational vertigo and vomiting associated with a cerebellar infarction. Digital subtraction angiography revealed severe stenosis of the left VA with an intra-arterial thrombus. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty improved the stenosis; however, intravascular ultrasound revealed compression of the VA by osteophytes at C3/4. Additionally, left VA occlusion at C4/5 was confirmed because of vertebral instability. The osteophyte was removed via the anterolateral approach, and the VA was decompressed. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, with no recurrence for more than 2 years. BHS can occur in the lower cervical spine when vertebral instability coincides with intimal arterial damage caused by osteophytes at other sites.
Latitudinal patterns in ocean C:N:P reflect phytoplankton acclimation and macromolecular composition
Authors: Liefer Justin D. , White Angelicque E. , Finkel Zoe V. , Irwin Andrew J. , Dugenne Mathilde , Inomura Keisuke , Ribalet François , Armbrust E. Virginia , Karl David M. , Fyfe Matthew H. , Brown Christopher M. , Follows Michael J.
Published: November 2024

The proportions of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in surface ocean particulate matter deviate greatly from the canonical Redfield Ratio (C:N:P = 106:16:1) in space and time with significant implications for global carbon storage as this matter reaches the deep ocean. Recent work has revealed clear latitudinal patterns in C:N:P, yet the relative importance of ecological, physiological, or biochemical processes in creating these patterns is unclear. We present high-resolution, concurrent measurements of particulate C:N:P, macromolecular composition, environmental conditions, and plankton community composition from a transect spanning a subtropical-subpolar boundary, the North Pacific Transition Zone. We find that the summed contribution of macromolecules to particulate C, N, and P is consistent with, and provides interpretation for, particulate C:N:P patterns. A decline in particulate C:N from the subtropical to subpolar North Pacific largely reflects an increase in the relative contribution of protein compared to carbohydrate and lipid, whereas variation in C:P and N:P correspond to shifts in protein relative to polyphosphate, DNA, and RNA. Possible causes for the corresponding trends in C:N and macromolecular composition include physiological responses and changes in community structure of phytoplankton, which represented approximately 1/3
rd
of particulate C across the transect. Comparison with culture experiments and an allocation-based model of phytoplankton macromolecular composition suggest that physiological acclimation to changing nutrient supply is the most likely explanation for the latitudinal trend in C:N, offering both a mechanistic interpretation and biochemical basis for large-scale patterns in C:N:P.
Deep mantle plumes feeding periodic alignments of asthenospheric fingers beneath the central and southern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Munch Federico D. , Romanowicz Barbara , Mukhopadhyay Sujoy , Rudolph Maxwell L.
Published: November 2024

High-resolution full waveform seismic tomography of the Earth’s mantle beneath the south and central Atlantic Ocean brings into focus a series of asthenospheric low shear velocity channels, or “fingers” on both sides of the southern and central mid-Atlantic ridge (MAR), elongated in the direction of absolute plate motion with a spacing of

∼

1,800 to 2,000 km, and associated with bands of shallower residual seafloor depth anomalies that suggest channeled flow over thousands of kilometers. Each of the three most clearly resolved fingers on the African side of the MAR corresponds to a separate group of whole mantle plumes rooted in distinct patches at the core–mantle boundary, feeding hotspots, and volcanic lines with distinct isotopic signatures. Plumes of a given group appear to merge at the top of the lower mantle before separating again, suggesting interaction of deep mantle flow with a more vigorous mesoscale circulation in the upper mantle. The corresponding hotspots are generally offset from the location of the deep mantle plume roots. The distinct isotopic signatures of these hotspot groups are also detected in the mid-ocean ridge basalts at the location where the fingers meet the ridge. Meanwhile, at least some of the variability within each plume group could originate in the upper mantle and extended transition zone where plumes in a given group appear to merge and pond. This study also adds to mounting evidence that the African large low shear velocity province is not a uniform, unbroken pile of dense material rising high above the core–mantle boundary, but rather a collection of mantle plumes rooted in patches of distinct composition.
CTCF-dependent insulation of
Hoxb13
and the heterochronic control of tail length
Authors: Lopez-Delisle Lucille , Zakany Jozsef , Bochaton Célia , Osteil Pierre , Mayran Alexandre , Darbellay Fabrice , Mascrez Bénédicte , Rekaik Hocine , Duboule Denis
Published: November 2024

Mammalian tail length is controlled by several genetic determinants, among which are
Hox13
genes, whose function is to terminate the body axis. Accordingly, the precise timing in the transcriptional activation of these genes may impact upon body length. Unlike other
Hox
clusters,
HoxB
lacks posterior genes between
Hoxb9
and
Hoxb13
, two genes separated by a ca. 70 kb large DNA segment containing a high number of CTCF sites, potentially isolating
Hoxb13
from the rest of the cluster and thereby delaying its negative impact on trunk extension. We deleted the spacer DNA to induce a potential heterochronic gain of function of
Hoxb13
at physiological concentration and observed a shortening of the tail as well as other abnormal phenotypes. These defects were all rescued by inactivating
Hoxb13
in-cis with the deletion. A comparable gain of function was observed in mutant Embryonic Stem (ES) cells grown as pseudoembryos in vitro, which allowed us to examine in detail the importance of both the number and the orientation of CTCF sites in the insulating activity of the DNA spacer. A short cassette containing all the CTCF sites was sufficient to insulate
Hoxb13
from the rest of
HoxB
, and additional modifications of this CTCF cassette showed that two CTCF sites in convergent orientations were already capable of importantly delaying
Hoxb13
activation in these conditions. We discuss the relative importance of genomic distance versus number and orientation of CTCF sites in preventing
Hoxb13
to be activated too early during trunk extension and hence to modulate tail length.
Student machine translation use in a transnational English-medium instruction university
Authors: High Michael D. , McIntosh Andrew , Li Shuhan , Ji Yu
Published: November 2024

Research on machine translation in language courses has proliferated over the last decade, yet few studies have
considered use in English medium-instruction programs that aim to simultaneously develop student language ability and knowledge of
content. This study therefore investigates student use and beliefs about machine translation at a transnational Chinese
university. Interviews with twenty-one undergraduate students and fourteen instructors found that student use of machine
translation is widespread, though variable. Students report using machine translation to increase reading comprehension,
vocabulary, and speed; translate first language writing to raise target language writing quality and complexity; and decrease the
amount of copied (though cited) content. Instructors report student use of simultaneous speech translation in class,
mistranslations in student writing indicating a lack of engagement with English language texts, and cross-language plagiarism.
Both students and instructors view machine translation as a tool: a potentially beneficial one that, if used uncritically and
constantly, can stunt language development. Students are thus faced with a choice between developing their English and the expediency
of quickly reading and writing in Chinese, a choice heavily affected by student workload, performance pressures, and, arguably,
lack of machine translation literacy.
Melanaphis sorghi
: A review and synthesis of its control options 10 years post detection of a new invasive haplotype in the United States of America
Authors: Uyi Osariyekemwen , Toews Michael D.
Published: November 2024

Melanaphis sorghi
is a serious invasive insect pest of grain, sweet and forage sorghum in the southern USA. Ten years post invasion by this aphid, the authors reviewed the literature on the host range, distribution, impact and available management options. Since the detection of
M. sorghi
in Texas in 2013, this pest rapidly spread into 25 states that accounted for over 98% of the nationwide sorghum production. At high densities and infestations, feeding by
M. sorghi
causes direct injury and reduces plant quality leading to significant yield reductions and severe economic losses. Multiple management methods aimed at suppressing aphid populations and reducing yield and economic losses have been developed and are available to growers. These methods include the use of in-furrow and foliar insecticide applications, resistant sorghum cultivars, cultural methods like late planting, and conservation of natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) in sorghum production. A comprehensive review of the literature indicated that utilizing a combination of management methods was more efficient in suppressing aphid populations and improving yield across a range of locations. Research focused on integrated pest management of
M. sorghi
is still needed to refine IPM strategies in sorghum production.
An improved frequency domain model for floating offshore wind turbines
Authors: Bouman Gijs , Schipper Jurrien
Published: November 2024

A cost- and time-efficient design evaluation tool can assist the FOWT industry in evaluating many different concepts. An open source frequency domain model for FOWT applications shows promising results for the integral, coupled response, but clear differences to higher fidelity time-domain studies are observed. In this work, the hydrodynamic modelling is improved by using a potential flow diffraction code, and the implementation of the floating feedback mechanism has been improved. Attempts have been made to improve the mooring system modelling by implementing a lumped mass approach, and to include the excitation of a turbulent wind spectrum. A good match in the system’s motion responses is obtained in the wave frequent range when compared to time-domain results. At lower frequencies, the excitation from the turbulent wind spectrum remains to be improved on. At higher frequencies, the mooring line modelling is to be improved for reliable results. For both effects, a clear outline is set up to improve in future work. The current model is capable of accurately modelling fully coupled wave-frequent motions in combined wind-wave environments in an efficient manner. When the suggested improvements are incorporated in future work, it is expected that a good match in the low- and high-frequency ranges can be obtained as well, allowing to study the full motion- and mooring tension response. Finally the tool will give developers and designers the opportunity to evaluate a large amount of designs in a cost and time efficient manner.
Dynamic Formulation of the Double Multiple Stream Tube Model of Offshore Vertical Axis Wind Turbines
Authors: Sanvito Andrea G , Tomassoni Claudio , Fusetti Alberto , Persico Giacomo , Dossena Vincenzo
Published: November 2024

The paper proposes a novel algorithm to simulate Vertical Axis Wind Turbines in floating motion based on a low-fidelity approach. The conventional Double Multiple Stream Tube Model is formulated as a steady state model to deal with the inherent unsteady aerodynamics of VAWTs. The Double Multiple Stream Tube Model makes use of an average contribution of the blade passages over a revolution to solve the Blade Element Momentum equation. The model reduces the dependence of the solution (the induction field) to a space variable. Floating Vertical Axis Wind Turbines undergoes a variation of aerodynamic quantities according to wave periods, also different from the rotor period. This paper provides a new formulation of the Double Multiple Stream Tube Model to solve the turbine rotation in time and space, introducing the variation of the platform velocity and a revised approach to the downstream actuator disc. The most impactful parameter is found to be the wave frequency: wave periods at full-scale are lower than the ones of the turbine rotor, featuring optimal operating points at low tip speed ratios. The increase of the wave frequency highlights the differences of the average torque prediction for a single blade up to 10% between the unsteady and the standard formulation. In this context, the development of fast low-fidelity computational tools play a key role in the assessment of the preliminary designs of Floating Offshore Vertical Axis Wind Turbines and it will be used to optimise the aerodynamic design of the laboratory scaled model under surge motion.
Assessment of offshore wind conditions in coastal areas of Japan using single scanning Doppler LiDAR
Authors: Mano A , Ueno A , Itozaki S , Ishihara T
Published: November 2024

In this study, offshore wind conditions in coastal areas of Japan measured by single scanning Doppler lidar is investigated. The effects of measurement range as well as rainfall and snowfall on data availability of the Doppler scanning lidar are examined. Data filtering criteria are then proposed and verified by data thinning to meet both accuracy and post-processed data availability requirements for offshore wind measurements at multiple altitudes. Finally, one-year offshore wind measurement with three different elevation angles is conducted using a single Doppler scanning lidar to investigate wind conditions in the coastal region of Northern Japan. It is found that the accuracy of 15-second average wind speed measurements by PPI (Plan Position Indicator) scan depends on the sector size. An accurate 10-minute mean wind is measured when the sector size is larger than 39 degrees and proportion of valid data acquisition is more than 10% of the time duration. The vertical and horizontal distributions of offshore wind speed in different wind directions are also analyzed and the effects of onshore topography on offshore wind conditions are clarified.
A dynamic simulation-based methodology for systematic assessment of workability on floating wind turbines
Authors: Lange Johannes , Heine Snedker Thor , Collu Maurizio , Bayati Ilmas
Published: November 2024

Floating offshore wind technology experiences significant motion responses when exposed to environmental wave and wind loads, possibly interfering with technicians conducting maintenance work. Industrial interest is rising in the assessment of workability, as impairments will decrease the availability of the asset and possibly affect the business case for the wind farm project. Quantification of impairments are formed from three workability indicators: Nordforsk Seakeeping Criteria, ISO 2631-1, and ISO 6897. The present work shows a likely workability decrease, quantified to 2.4% for the Nordforsk Seakeeping Criteria, for the UMaine VolturnUS-S reference platform and the IEA 15MW reference wind turbine. Peak wave period and wave heading direction are found to affect the results and indicate the importance of conducting the study in site-representative conditions. In addition, varying results for different indicators and methodological approaches indicate the need for common rules and standards in the floating wind industry to enable transparency during project development.
Wind Turbine Gearbox Anomaly Detection Using Signal-to-Image Processing Algorithms and Convolutional Autoencoder
Authors: Sheikhi S. , Keprate A. , Ghose D.
Published: November 2024

In this study, signal-to-image conversion techniques coupled with a convolutional auto encoder (CAE) are used for the detection of anomalies in the wind turbine (WT) gearbox system. Firstly, the time series data is converted to images using six different algorithms. Thereafter, these images are stacked into the multi-dimensional structures known as “data cubes”, which is finally fed into CAE for the anomaly identification. The results of this study demonstrate the enhanced efficacy of the method specially in the Gramian Angular Field model in detecting anomalies accurately, suggesting a viable path towards the implementation of dependable and affordable WT monitoring systems. This will open the door for the renewable energy industry’s condition monitoring procedures to become more automated and digitalized.
Approaches and Challenges in FEED and Detailed Design Process of Floating Substructures
Authors: Karch M , Voßbeck M , Wendt F , Guindo L M , Borisade F , Wilms L , Aardal A B , Psichogios N , Grimsrud G , Matha D
Published: November 2024

In the FEED or detailed design phases, the floating foundation designers have to deal with complex structural design aspects and meet certification or class requirements for structural verifications, such as yield and buckling checks as well as fatigue checks for steel structures. The designer faces several challenges during the structural verification process, starting with the accurate definition of the complex external load state with the simultaneous action of aerodynamic, hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads, inertia and mooring loads, followed by the processing and handling of very large load case tables required for the analysis of floating wind turbines, down to time efficient post-processing of the analysis results compatible with typical commercial project schedules. The paper discusses some of the currently existing and applied methodologies on how the structural checks are typically performed in these circumstances, and addresses their advantages and shortcomings. In addition, a new Global Influence Superposition (GIS) methodology that has been developed by Ramboll is presented, which is able to address many of the existing challenges in an efficient manner.
Sensitivity analysis for multi-measurement points based SHM in the mooring lines of floating offshore wind turbines
Authors: Sakaris Christos S. , Anastasiadis Nikolas P. , Schlanbusch Rune , Kandukuri Surya T.
Published: November 2024

Structural health monitoring in floating offshore wind turbines’ mooring lines is vital for detecting early faults and preventing disruptions. Currently, sporadic and expensive monitoring is conducted via remote-operating vehicles. Efficient, automated, economical monitoring methods based on a continuous stream of data acquired via multiple measurement points in the wind turbine, are required. Such methods based on vibration signals have been investigated limitedly for steel chains. Recently, faulty synthetic mooring lines of a simulated 10MW semi-submersible wind turbine have been detected under varying environmental conditions and via the Functional Model Based Method (FMBM) equipped with functional models. The uncertainty due to the conditions’ stochasticity has been addressed by training the models using ten signal realizations per condition (wind) under the healthy wind turbine and from each of two measurement points. The current study presents a preliminary sensitivity analysis of the FMBM’s capability in detecting the simulated wind turbine’s faulty mooring lines when the functional models are trained using one signal realization per varying condition (wind) from each measurement point. The method’s effectiveness is evaluated with acceleration signals from 11 healthy/ 66 faulty (reduced stifness in one mooring line) cases. The FMBM detects all cases even when trained using one signal realization.
Structure optimization of transmission coil of wireless power transmission system for rail transit vehicles
Authors: Wang Jun , Chi Qingguang
Published: November 2024

To solve the transmission efficiency problem of traditional wireless energy systems applied to rail transit vehicles. In this paper, the key components of a wireless power transmission system, such as the transmission efficiency of the transmission coil and the poor anti-deviation ability of the coil, are studied. Firstly, this paper analyzes the traditional planar circular and square coil shapes, analyzes the magnetic field characteristics of the traditional transmission coil structures by ANSYS Maxwell simulation software, and obtains the advantages and disadvantages of different coil structures. According to the analysis structure, the coil structure is optimized and improved, and the coil structure form of the combined coil is put forward. Through the comparative analysis of finite element simulation software, it is attested that combined coil structure has a significant improvement in transmission efficiency and anti-deviation ability.
Data-driven parallel optimization method for sensor placement and state estimation based on generative adversarial principle in unobservable systems
Authors: Wei Chengzhi , Li Ming , Liu Yang , Huang Runhong , Chen Yizhe , Gao Yifan , Gan Kai , Zhao Ruifeng , Lu Jiangang , Che Liang
Published: November 2024

Data-Driven State Estimation (DDSE) is characterized by low measurement requirements and high estimation accuracy, which provides the possibility of stable and efficient estimation for unobservable distribution systems with low measurement quantities. However, the lack of an efficient and flexible sensor placement method with DDSE at this stage hinders the development and application of DDSE in distribution networks. To address this issue, a data-driven parallel optimization method for sensor placement and state estimation based on the generative adversarial principle in unobservable systems is proposed in this paper. This method transforms sensor placement and state estimation into an adversarial learning model, solvable through gradient descent. The sensor placement optimization strategy generates a cost-effective placement scheme, while DDSE evaluates the sensor scheme, provides improvement suggestions, and enhances its estimation accuracy. Through adversarial training, the proposed scheme yields a significantly reduced number of sensor placement schemes compared to traditional methods, while maintaining high precision of DDSE. Simulation results on the IEEE-33 node system validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Simulation inversion analysis of simultaneous commutation failure of Zhaoyi and Yindong DC
Authors: Gu Wenbo , Ma Xin , Lv Sizhuo
Published: November 2024

Aim at the three times simultaneous commutation failure of two Multi-outfeed and Multi-infeed DC Systems in a Similar Path of Ningxia, the Ningxia power grid model is built in Power System Analysis Software Package (PSASP) with actual parameters, and the accident inversion simulation is carried out based on the operation state of the power grid before the fault. Based on the inversion simulation, the simulation results were compared with the measured PMU data. The results showed that the trend of simulation and the measured curve is consistent, and the simulation was slightly more serious than the actual fault, but the overall error was less than 10%, which verified the accuracy of the simulation model and method, and provided a basis for the subsequent simulation analysis of the power grid operation mode.
Application of European fine-grid numerical forecasting products for deviation analysis along transmission lines
Authors: Liu Weidong , Yang Guozhu , Tian Maojie , Hu Wei , Fang Pingkai , Wei Enhui
Published: November 2024

Aiming at the current problem of lack of objective prediction products for deviation prediction along transmission lines, a deviation prediction model is established based on the historical statistical characteristics of deviation of transmission lines by using European fine-grid numerical prediction products and actual observation data. The model is combined with the operation specification of transmission lines, and the European fine-grid numerical prediction product is revised by using the normalization method to obtain a more accurate deviation prediction product. By analyzing the differences between the European fine-grid numerical prediction product and the actual observation data, the deviation prediction software is established, which can effectively improve the prediction accuracy and stability of the deviation situation of transmission lines. The results show that the software has good prediction performance and can effectively reduce the false alarm rate and omission rate of transmission line deviation prediction and improve the reliability and stability of the power grid.
Terminal pose control method of power tower climbing robot for job safety
Authors: Yu Shanhui , Zeng Yonghao , Zhan Peilin
Published: November 2024

With the increasing demand for power system maintenance, the safety and efficiency of power tower climbing operations have become the focus of industry attention. This article proposes an end pose control method for power tower climbing robots aimed at job safety, targeting the problem of end pose control for power tower climbing robots. Firstly, the motion data of the power tower climbing robots is collected by deploying sensors. Subsequently, preprocessing and feature extraction are performed on the collected data to ensure its accuracy and availability. On this basis, an accurate end pose control model for climbing robots is constructed, which can adjust the robot’s motion parameters in real time to adapt to the complex changes in the tower structure. The experimental results show that the control method is effective and stable in actual climbing operations, significantly improving the efficiency and safety of climbing robots. This provides an innovative solution for the automation maintenance of power towers, which has important theoretical value and practical application prospects.
Optimal planning method of distributed generation in AC/DC microgrid considering power balance
Authors: Liu Zhongjian , Jiang Shigong , Li Qingxi , Ma Liang , Wu Dongbing
Published: November 2024

To optimize AC/DC hybrid microgrid power planning, improve operational efficiency, and balance power distribution, we constructed an optimization model for AC/DC microgrid power generation, covering power, economy, reliability, and environmental protection, and set constraints to solve optimal planning. The experiment shows that this method enhances voltage stability, improves power supply quality, enhances distributed power generation efficiency, and reduces carbon emissions.