Reliable Measurement Research Articles

Reliability and Validity of Ultrasound in Identifying Anatomical Landmarks for Diagnosing A2 Pulley Ruptures: A Cadaveric Study.

Background/Objectives: Rock climbing is becoming more popular, leading to an increased focus on diagnosing and treating related injuries. Finger pulley and flexor tendon injuries are common among climbers, with the A2 pulley being the most frequently affected. High-resolution ultrasound (US) is the preferred method for detecting pulley injuries. This study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of US in identifying anatomical landmarks for diagnosing A2 pulley ruptures. Methods: This study was cross-sectional, involving 36 fingers from 4 cadaver arms. A Canon Aplio i800 US machine was used to measure two anatomical landmarks: the midpoint of the proximal phalanx and the distal edge of the A2 pulley. For the first anatomical landmark, the length of the proximal phalanx (PP distance), and for the second landmark, the distance between the distal edges of the proximal phalanx and the A2 pulley ("A" distance), were measured. Measurements were performed by two sonographers and compared to a digital caliper measurement taken post-cadaver dissection. Observers were blinded during measurements to ensure unbiased results. Results: Overall PP distance measured by US (O1: 37.5 ± 5.3 mm, O2: 37.8 ± 5.4 mm) tended to be shorter than caliper measurements (O3: 39.5 ± 5.5 mm). The differences between sonographers were minimal, but larger when compared to caliper measurements. High reliability for PP distance measurement was observed, especially between sonographers, with an ICC average of 0.99 (0.98, 1.00). However, reliability was lower for the "A" distance, with significant differences between US and caliper measurements. Regarding validity, US measurements were valid when compared to caliper measurements for PP distance, but not as reliable for the "A" due to wider confidence intervals. While US can substitute caliper measurements for PP distance (LR, Y:O2, X:O3, -0.70 (-3.28-1.38), 0.98 (0.93 ± 1.04)), its validity for "A" distance is lower (LR, Y:O2, X:O3, -2.37 (-13.53-4.83), 1.02 (0.62-1.75)). Conclusions: US is a reliable and valid tool in identifying anatomical landmarks for diagnosing A2 pulley ruptures, particularly for detecting the midpoint of the proximal phalanx. This is important to differentiate between complete and partial A2 pulley tears. However, the measurement of the "A" distance requires further refinement. These findings support efforts to standardize US examination protocols and promote consensus in diagnostic methodology, though further research is needed to address the remaining challenges.

Assessment of Interrater Reliability and Accuracy of Cerebral Aneurysm Morphometry Using 3D Virtual Reality, 2D Digital Subtraction Angiography, and 3D Reconstruction: A Randomized Comparative Study.

Detailed morphometric analysis of an aneurysm and the related vascular bifurcation are critical factors when determining rupture risk and planning treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). The standard visualization of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and its 3D reconstruction on a 2D monitor provide precise measurements but are subject to variability based on the rater. Visualization using virtual (VR) and augmented reality platforms can overcome those limitations. It is, however, unclear whether accurate measurements of the aneurysm and adjacent arterial branches can be obtained on VR models. This study aimed to assess interrater reliability and compare measurements between 3D VR, standard 2D DSA, and 3D DSA reconstructions, evaluating the reliability and accuracy of 3D VR as a measurement tool. A pool of five neurosurgeons performed three individual analyses on each of the ten UIA cases, measuring them in completely immersed 3D VR and the standard on-screen format (2D DSA and 3D reconstruction). This resulted in three independent measurements per modality for each case. Interrater reliability of measurements and morphology characterization, comparative differences, measurement duration, and VR user experience were assessed. Interrater reliability for 3D VR measurements was significantly higher than for 3D DSA measurements (3D VR mean intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.69 ± 0.22 vs. 3D DSA mean ICC: 0.36 ± 0.37, p = 0.042). No significant difference was observed between 3D VR and 2D DSA (3D VR mean ICC: 0.69 ± 0.22 vs. 2D DSA mean ICC: 0.43 ± 0.31, p = 0.12). A linear mixed-effects model showed no effect of 3D VR and 3D DSA (95% CI = -0.26-0.28, p = 0.96) or 3D VR and 2D DSA (95% CI = -0.02-0.53, p = 0.066) on absolute measurements of the aneurysm in the anteroposterior, mediolateral, and craniocaudal dimensions. 3D VR technology allows for reproducible, accurate, and reliable measurements comparable to measurements performed on a 2D screen. It may also potentially improve precision for measurements of non-planar aneurysm dimensions.

A novel analysis of interoceptive underpinnings of anxious psychopathology in COVID-19 survivors

IntroductionSARS-CoV-2 affects brain, body, and their interchange. We investigated interoceptive mechanisms in COVID-19 survivors focusing on their potential link with psychopathology and inflammatory biomarkers. MethodsWe assessed interoceptive accuracy (IAc) and time-perceiving (TA) skills of 57 COVID-19 survivors one month after hospital discharge through, respectively, a heartbeats perception task and a time duration task. Each participant was assessed about his interoceptive awareness (IAw) through Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness questionnaire (MAIA) and then, screened for post-traumatic (Impact of Events Scale – IES-R), anxious (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory – STAI-Y1) and depressive (Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale - ZSDS; Beck Depression Inventory - BDI-13) symptoms.Biomarkers of inflammation (platelet count, PC; mean platelet volume, MPV and systemic immune-inflammation index, SII) were obtained in a subsample of 40 survivors by a blood sampling conducted at admission and discharge time from the hospital. Correlational, GLM, GLMZ, and mediation analyses were performed. ResultsIAc did not correlate with TA confirming the reliability of interoceptive measure. IAc positively predicts MAIA’s Trusting subscale and negatively predicts anxious psychopathology which fully mediates the effect of IAc on Trusting.PC at hospital admission predicts anxiety at one month after recovery. Again, a higher decrease of SII during hospitalization predicts higher IAc skill and lower anxiety state at one month. The link between SII change and anxiety is fully mediated by IAc. ConclusionsOur results unveil a potential key role of interoception and brain-body interchange in the exacerbation and maintenance of anxiety psychopathology in COVID-19 survivors.

Правове регулювання запобігання корупційним проявам в діяльності державної прикордонної служби в Україні в умовах воєнного стану

The article analyzes the legal regulation on the prevention of corruption in the activities of the State Border Service of Ukraine (SBSU) during martial law. Corruption poses a significant risk to national security, the efficiency of public resource management, economic development, and the stability of government. The legal definition of corruption refers to the use of official powers to obtain an unlawful benefit. In the context of martial law, the DPSU faced increased threats of corruption, in particular when controlling the state border. The article analyzes the main categories of anti-corruption legislation, including the prevention, prevention, prevention and counteraction of corruption, and also examines measures that can effectively reduce corruption risks in public administration. The main initiatives for the prevention of corruption cover a wide range of legal, organizational and educational measures aimed at eliminating the causes and conditions that can contribute to the commission of illegal actions.Effective management and control of state borders becomes especially important during martial law, when national security depends on the reliability of anti-corruption measures. In this context, the improvement of the legislative framework regulating the activities of the State Border Service of Ukraine, in particular regarding granting it the status of administrator of the Unified State Register of conscripts, conscripts and reservists, is important for strengthening control and reducing corruption risks at the border. Such changes will not only ensure more effective monitoring and compliance of border crossers with military and legal obligations, but will also help prevent the illegal movement of people across the border. These measures play a key role in ensuring the country’s internal stability and defense capability, especially in the face of military threats. Updating the legislation will also strengthen the legality of border service actions and increase their transparency, which is necessary to maintain citizens’ trust in state institutions.

An ultrawideband conducted emission Direct-Coupling Probe calibration method

Conducted emission (CE) measurement is essential to integrated circuit (IC) electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, and accurate calibration of testing equipment is the prerequisite for the reliability of IC CE measurement. This paper proposes an ultrawideband Direct-Coupling Probe (DCP) calibration method. It can effectively improve the deficiencies of the calibration method described in standard IEC 61967-4. Impedance matching calibration fixtures were developed, and a de-embedding algorithm based on time domain reflectometry (TDR) and microwave scattering parameter measurement was proposed. This method can theoretically extend the calibration frequency range of DCP to 20 GHz. The experiment verifies the combination of the algorithm and fixtures can effectively suppress the reflection and ripple caused by the impedance mismatch between the instrument system and DCP and improve the accuracy and repeatability of the measurement process. Factors affecting calibration results, such as fixture characteristic impedance, grounding, and time window selection, are also analyzed and discussed.

Reliability of brain volume measures of accelerated 3D T1-weighted images with deep learning-based reconstruction.

The time-intensive nature of acquiring 3D T1-weighted MRI and analyzing brain volumetry limits quantitative evaluation of brain atrophy. We explore the feasibility and reliability of deep learning-based accelerated MRI scans for brain volumetry. This retrospective study collected 3D T1-weighted data using 3T from 42 participants for the simulated acceleration dataset and 48 for the validation dataset. The simulated acceleration dataset consists of three sets at different simulated acceleration levels (Simul-Accel) corresponding to level 1 (65% undersampling), 2 (70%), and 3 (75%). These images were then subjected to deep learning-based reconstruction (Simul-Accel-DL). Conventional images (Conv) without acceleration and DL were set as the reference. In the validation dataset, DICOM images were collected from Conv and accelerated scan with DL-based reconstruction (Accel-DL). The image quality of Simul-Accel-DL was evaluated using quantitative error metrics. Volumetric measurements were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and linear regression analysis in both datasets. The volumes were estimated by two software, NeuroQuant and DeepBrain. Simul-Accel-DL across all acceleration levels revealed comparable or better error metrics than Simul-Accel. In the simulated acceleration dataset, ICCs between Conv and Simul-Accel-DL in all ROIs exceeded 0.90 for volumes and 0.77 for normative percentiles at all acceleration levels. In the validation dataset, ICCs for volumes > 0.96, ICCs for normative percentiles > 0.89, and R2 > 0.93 at all ROIs except pallidum demonstrated good agreement in both software. DL-based reconstruction achieves clinical feasibility of 3D T1 brain volumetric MRI by up to 75% acceleration relative to full-sampled acquisition.

Agreement in Knee Flexion and Hip Extension Range of Motion Assessment between Digital Goniometer and Video-based Motion Tracking Technology

Precise range of motion (ROM) measurements are critical for diagnosing musculoskeletal impairments, planning treatment strategies and monitoring rehabilitation progress. This study compares the reliability and accuracy of ROM measurements using the EasyAngle electronic goniometer device and the Kemtai pose estimation video-based motion tracking software. Participants performed hip extension and knee flexion movements, with measurements taken by two examiners using both tools. The results show that both EasyAngle and Kemtai provide high inter-repetition reliability for knee flexion (ICC 0.93 and. 0.91) and hip extension (ICC 0.96 and 0.93). Kemtai generally overestimated ROM compared to EasyAngle, with relative agreement ranging from poor to good (ICC = 0.71 for knee flexion, ICC = 0.66 for hip extension). Future development and research should focus on refining digital tools like Kemtai to enhance their accuracy and reliability. Given its low cost and ease of use, Kemtai could be a useful tool for clinical practice.

Assessing Self-Compassion in Older Adults: Factorial Structure of the Self-Compassion Scale and Invariance Across Sex at Birth

Abstract Objectives Self-compassion is a valuable resource for positive ageing and should be measured in a reliable and valid manner. However, findings regarding the factor structure of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) have been inconsistent and have been particularly lacking in older adults. Hence, the present study intended to investigate the factor structure, internal consistency, and measurement invariance across sex at birth of the SCS in adults ≥ 65 years old. Method The present study used a sample of 418 community-dwelling, Portuguese older adults aged 65–94 years (M = 74.45, SD = 6.94; 59.3% female). Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to test six different measurement models, and reliability and multigroup analyses were performed for the best fitting model. Results Although all models initially showed poor adjustment, the correlated 6-factor model had the comparatively better fit. After modifications, this model achieved an acceptable fit (RMSEA = 0.060 and SRMR = 0.062). Internal consistency of this model was adequate (Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.67 to 0.86) and strong invariance across sex at birth was demonstrated (i.e., configural, metric, and scalar models showed non-significant Δχ2). Conclusions Current findings suggest that assessing the self-compassion components is advised in older adults, as this 6-component model was reliable and provided an acceptable fit for both male and female older adults. This 6-component model is a parsimonious, theoretically sound, and statistically valid option to assess self-compassion in this population. It is, however, not an ideal solution, and an acceptable fit was only achieved after modifications in the initial 6-component model. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.

Exploring the reliability and validity of clinically-relevant outcome measures for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

To explore the reliability and validity of clinically-relevant outcome measures for balance (i.e., The Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] - Balance Subscale) and sensation (i.e., monofilament threshold testing) for use in clinical trials of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Adult, post-treatment cancer survivors (N = 142) who had reported ≥ 4/10 CIPN symptom severity following neurotoxic chemotherapy were recruited from six National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) sites associated with the University of Rochester Cancer Center NCORP Research Base. Participants completed the monofilament threshold test at the screening and baseline time points (i.e., one week apart), while the Quality of Life Questionnaire-CIPN20, Treatment-Induced Neuropathy Assessment Scale, and SPPB - Balance Subscale were completed at baseline. Test-retest reliability of the monofilament threshold testing scores was assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). The convergent validity among monofilament threshold testing, SPPB - Balance Subscale, and CIPN patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores at baseline was assessed using Spearman's correlation. Ceiling effects were observed for SPPB-Balance Subscale scores as 113 (79.6%) respondents reported the highest score. Agreement between the screening and baseline monofilament threshold testing scores was moderate (ICC = 0.65). Monofilament threshold testing (rs Range: 0.14 - 0.21) and SPPB Balance Subscale scores (rs Range: -0.36 - -0.22) showed largely low correlations with all PRO measures. Monofilament threshold testing demonstrated moderate test-retest reliability, but low convergent validity with CIPN PROs, while the SPPB - Balance Subscale demonstrated low convergent validity with CIPN PROs and ceiling effects (i.e., highest possible score) among post-treatment cancer survivors with CIPN. Future research is needed to identify promising measures of balance and sensation loss for use in clinical trials that complement CIPN PROs to aid in the identification of clinically relevant treatments for CIPN. NCT04367490 [April 29, 2020].

Outcome Prediction by Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) in Patients with Traumatic Injuries of the Median Nerve.

Background/Objectives: The accurate quantification of peripheral nerve axonal regeneration after injury is critically important. Current strategies are limited to detecting early reinnervation. DTI is an MRI modality permitting the assessment of fractional anisotropy, which increases with axonal regeneration. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate DTI as a potential predictive factor of clinical outcome after median nerve section and microsurgical repair. Methods: We included 10 patients with a complete section of the median nerve, who underwent microsurgical repair up to 7 days after injury. The follow-up period was 1 year, including the current strategy with clinical visits, the Rosén-Lundborg score and electroneuromyography. Additionally, DTI MRI of the injured wrist was planned 1, 3 and 12 months post-operatively and once for the contralateral wrist. Results: The interobserver reliability of DTI measures was almost perfect (ICC 0.802). We report an early statistically significant increase in the fractional anisotropy value after median nerve repair, especially in the region located distal to the suture. Meanwhile, Rosén-Lundborg score gradually increased between the third and sixth month, and continued to increase between the sixth and twelfth month. Conclusions: DTI outcomes three months post-operation could offer greater predictability compared to current strategies. This would enable faster decision-making regarding the need for a potential re-operation in cases of inadequate early reinnervation.

Improving the Accuracy of mmWave Radar for Ethical Patient Monitoring in Mental Health Settings.

Monitoring patient safety in high-risk mental health environments is a challenge for clinical staff. There has been a recent increase in the adoption of contactless sensing solutions for remote patient monitoring. mmWave radar is a technology that has high potential in this field due it its low cost and protection of privacy; however, it is prone to multipath reflections and other sources of environmental noise. This paper discusses some of the challenges in mmWave remote sensing applications for patient safety in mental health wards. In line with these challenges, we propose a novel low-data solution to mitigate the impact of multipath reflections and other sources of noise in mmWave sensing. Our solution uses an unscented Kalman filter for target tracking over time and analyses features of movement to determine whether targets are human or not. We chose a commercial off-the-shelf radar and compared the accuracy and reliability of sensor measurements before and after applying our solution. Our results show a marked decrease in false positives and false negatives during human target tracking, as well as an improvement in spatial location detection in a two-dimensional space. These improvements demonstrate how a simple low-data solution can improve existing mmWave sensors, making them more suitable for patient safety solutions in high-risk environments.

Adapting the Early Communication Indicator as a Social Communication Outcome Measure for Young Autistic Children: A Pilot Study.

We sought to conduct a pilot investigation of the reliability and administration fidelity of a new play-based measure of social communication for infants and toddlers with an autism diagnosis. Our team adapted an existing measure, the Early Communication Indicator (ECI), for use with young autistic children in clinical and research contexts. In this brief report, we detail our adaptation process including administration and scoring of the final adapted measure based on data from a two-phase pilot study with young autistic children (N = 17). This adapted measure, the Early Communication Indicator-Autism (ECI-A), captured a range of scores for the ECI, Initiation of Joint Attention, and Directed Communication in pilot testing. Interrater reliability was moderate to strong across the scored behaviors. Finally, parents were able to administer the ECI-A with high fidelity with support from the research staff. This two-phase pilot study demonstrated promise for the ECI-A as a brief measure of social communication that can be administered by parents and reliably scored by trained staff with limited background in autism assessments. Validation of the ECI-A is presently underway. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.26042077.

Characterization of strongly coupled quartz tuning fork sensors for precision force measurement in atomic force microscopy

Miniaturized quartz tuning forks (QTFs) have been adopted as force sensors for non-contact atomic force microscopy (AFM). However, the coupled oscillation behaviors of the QTF prongs are not well understood, preventing quantitative measurement of the nanoscale tip-sample interaction forces. This article presents a lumped model that accurately delineates the coupled mechanical oscillations of QTF prongs, establishing rigorous relationships between experimental observables and tip-sample interaction forces. The first-order resonance spectra of a commercial QTF were fully characterized by correlating its piezoelectric response with the actual mechanical oscillation measured with a Fabry-Pérot interferometer. In order to uniquely determine the modeling parameters (i.e., the effective masses, spring constants, and damping constants), the experimental results were compared with the lumped model predictions while masses were added to one prong. The results reveal that the QTF’s center of mass is highly damped, preventing the observation of a symmetric resonance mode. In addition, the mass loading experiment demonstrates that the mechanical oscillations of the QTF prongs are strongly coupled, accounting for 59% (84%) of the effective stiffness at the in-plane (out-of-plane), antisymmetric resonance mode. We believe that the obtained QTF characterization results will pave the way for quantitative measurements of non-contact interaction forces in QTF-based AFM platforms, significantly improving the precision and reliability of nanoscale force measurements.

Intrarater and Interrater Reliability of Quantitative Ultrasound Speed of Sound by Trained Raters at the Distal Radius in Postmenopausal Women.

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) performed at the distal radius shows potential as an effective tool for evaluating fracture risk, especially in postmenopausal women, but the reliability of this tool has not been reported in this patient population. This study investigated the within-day intrarater and interrater reliability of trained raters performing QUS measures at the distal radius of postmenopausal community-dwelling women. Eighteen women between the ages of 56 and 87years were recruited from senior centers in the Greenville area of South Carolina and consented to participate. A QUS bone sonometer was used in this study; the trained raters performed 3 repeated speed of sound (SOS) measures at the nondominant radius of each participant on the same day. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated (model 3,1 for intrarater and 2,3 for interrater reliability) to determine the reliability within and between raters. In addition, we calculated the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimal detectable change at 95% confidence interval (MDC 95 ). The within-day intrarater reliability was excellent for both physical therapist raters (ICC (3,1) ranging from 0.93 to 0.91). The SEM and MDC for the within-day intrarater reliability measures were small for both raters (SEM=36.79-38.75 or 0.92%-0.97% of the pooled mean; MDC 95 =101.99-107.40). The interrater reliability for SOS measurements using radial QUS was good with an ICC (2,3) of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.36-0.92) for 3 averaged measures. The SEM and MDC were larger for the interrater reliability measures (SEM=62.79 or 1.57% of the pooled mean; MDC 95 =174.05). Quantitative ultrasound SOS measurement at the distal radius showed excellent within-day intrarater and good interrater (when 3 measures were averaged) reliability in community-dwelling postmenopausal women. The SEM and MDC 95 were also low for interrater reliability when a mean of 3 trials was used. This study is the first to demonstrate that this particular QUS device at the radius may be a reliable fracture risk screening tool for postmenopausal women.

Metoda pomiaru parametrów kamer termowizyjnych za pomocą zautomatyzowanego stanowiska pomiarowego

To achieve precise and repeatable measurements of thermal camera’s parameters, it is essential to eliminate human error. For this purpose, an automated test bench has been developed that allows fully automatic, semi-automatic and manual control of the measurement process. The designed stand supports remote control via Ethernet interface or USB connection. The developed software enables control, data recording and parameter determination of thermal cameras. The test bench ensures high quality and reliability of thermal measurements, enabling controlled examination of camera characteristics with minimal operator involvement.

Hybrid virtual flow metering on arbitrary well patterns for transient multiphase prediction driven by mechanistic and data model

Virtual Flow Meters (VFMs) have garnered considerable attention due to their substantial benefits in curtailing the expenses associated with multiphase flow measurement. To overcome the constraints of current technologies, we introduce the Distributed Hybrid Virtual Flow Meter (HVFM-Fleet) method. This innovative approach leverages a data-driven model that integrates multi-scale features, significantly enhancing the accuracy of flow characteristic identification. Moreover, a mechanical model is crafted to translate arbitrary well networks into a virtual layout, thereby amplifying the system's adaptability to a variety of scenarios. The HVFM-Fleet capitalizes on distributed computing to reduce computational costs in large-scale simulations, establishing a database that surpasses a thousand multi-well cases—the most extensive in the transient multiphase flow simulation sector. Case studies integrate simulation data with actual measurement data from oil fields in the North Sea of the UK, with a detailed analysis of key elements such as individual wells, multiple wells, and flow allocation. The HVFM-Fleet has notably reduced the mean absolute percentage error and achieved a remarkable 140% improvement in performance compared to existing models. Furthermore, this research pioneers new metrics for assessing the volatility of predictions, setting a new standard in the evaluation of flow measurement reliability.

Retraction Note: Validity and Reliability of Sensor-based Measures of Lower Limb Range of Motion in Soccer Players: a Cross-sectional Study.

Retraction Note: Validity and Reliability of Sensor-based Measures of Lower Limb Range of Motion in Soccer Players: a Cross-sectional Study.

Sonoanatomy of the Finger Synovio-Entheseal Complexes

ObjectivesThe objectives of this ultrasound and anatomical study were: (1) To evaluate the reliability of ultrasound identification of the enthesis of the central slip of the extensor digitorum tendon (CSET) using cadaver specimens; (2) To assess the concordance of the measurement of the CSET thickness by ultrasound and gross anatomy; (3) To evaluate the variation in ultrasound identification of the CSET enthesis in a cadaveric experimental model of PIP synovitis. MethodsFour rheumatologist ultrasonographers blindly and independently measured by ultrasound the CSET enthesis thickness in the second to fifth fingers of 8 hands from fresh-frozen human cadavers in two rounds. These fingers were dissected and the thickness of the CSET measured by the anatomist. In addition, an artificial synovitis was created in the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of a different cadaveric hand. The ultrasonographic CSET enthesis thickness was measured by the four investigators before and after intra-articular ultrasound guided injection of material. ResultsIntra- and inter-observer reliability of CSET enthesis thickness measurement were good to excellent (ICC 0.93 for intra-observer agreement and 0.89–0.92 for inter-observer agreement). Ultrasound measurements were consistent and only slightly smaller than the anatomical ones (µ = -0.039 mm). The differences between the measurements of CSET enthesis thickness before and after the synovitis model were not statistically significant. ConclusionUltrasound demonstrated high multiobserver reliability and agreement with gross anatomy in identifying the CSET enthesis and discriminated it from the capsular tissue of the PIP. Furthermore, an experimental model of PIP synovitis did not interfere with its identification.

Development of a Novel High Temperature Continuous Particle Mass Flow Measurement Device for Particle-Based CSP Applications

Particle-based concentrating solar power (CSP) technology is one of the generation three (Gen3) CSP technologies that has potential for lowering the levelized cost of electricity produced by this solar thermal power systems. Commercially available ceramic particles, which are rated for high temperature applications up to 1200 °C, were selected for this study. This medium is commonly used as an energy carrier or heat transfer medium in Gen3 CSP research and development efforts [1]. Prior studies at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF) have investigated and evaluated various mass flow measurement methods, and a simple gravimetric temporal load measurement method was chosen as the best candidate for the research purpose [2]. This mass flow measurement method is a batch process and is not a viable solution for commercial-scale power generation applications based on cost, space, process control, and practical system integration factors. In-line and continuous particle mass flow measurement will play an integral role in efficient and cost effective Gen3 CSP particle technologies. Process parameters, including energy absorbed by the particles, receiver efficiency, temperature dependent flow phenomena, and general high temperature measurement reliability are all rely on repeatable and accurate measurement of particle mass flow under various operating conditions. Ceramic particles, like those used in this application, are not conventionally used as an energy carrier. A novel concept for continuous particle mass flow at a wide range of operating temperatures is currently under development and planned to be tested at the NSTTF, called the Particle In-LinE (PILE) mass flow sensor.

Application of Weighting Algorithm for Enhanced Broadband Vector Network Analyzer Measurements

A weighting algorithm for application in the Thru-Reflect-Line (TRL) calibration technique is presented to enhance the accuracy and reliability of vector network analyzer (VNA) measurements over broad frequency bands. The method addresses the inherent limitations of the traditional TRL calibration, particularly the step changes observed in banded-TRL approaches when multiple Line standards are used. By introducing a bespoke weighting function that assigns phase-dependent weights to each Line standard, smoother transitions and improved S-parameter measurements can be achieved. Experimental validation using measurements of both 3.5 mm and Type-N devices demonstrates the effectiveness of the weighted-TRL method in eliminating discontinuities and calibration artifacts across a wide range of frequencies. The results reveal the improved calibration of S-parameters this approach can yield compared to traditional TRL calibration methods. The developed weighted-TRL calibration technique offers a significant advancement in metrology-grade measurements, enabling more precise characterization of high-frequency devices across broad frequency bands. By mitigating a key limitation of the TRL calibration, this method provides a valuable tool for enhancing the accuracy and reliability of VNA measurements for precision metrology applications.