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Nature Communications Jun 2021Light-in-flight sensing has emerged as a promising technique in image reconstruction applications at various wavelengths. We report a microwave imaging system that uses...
Light-in-flight sensing has emerged as a promising technique in image reconstruction applications at various wavelengths. We report a microwave imaging system that uses an array of transmitters and a single receiver operating in continuous transmit-receive mode. Captures take a few microseconds and the corresponding images cover a spatial range of tens of square meters with spatial resolution of 0.1 meter. The images are the result of a dot product between a reconstruction matrix and the captured signal with no prior knowledge of the scene. The reconstruction matrix uses an engineered electromagnetic field mask to create unique random time patterns at every point in the scene and correlates it with the captured signal to determine the corresponding voxel value. We report the operation of the system through simulations and experiment in a laboratory scene. We demonstrate through-wall real-time imaging, tracking, and observe second-order images from specular reflections.
PubMed: 34172730
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24219-0 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2021This study determines the effect of walking backward on a treadmill on balance, speed of walking and cardiopulmonary fitness for patients with chronic stroke. Subjects... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
This study determines the effect of walking backward on a treadmill on balance, speed of walking and cardiopulmonary fitness for patients with chronic stroke. Subjects with chronic stroke for more than six months, whose level of Brunnstrom stage is greater than IV and who are able to walk more than eleven meters with or without assistive devices were recruited. After grouping for a single-blind clinical randomized controlled trial, the subjects were divided into two groups: eight in the control group and eight in the experimental group. All subjects were subjected to 30 min traditional physical therapy, three times a week for four weeks. The experimental group was subjected to an additional 30 min of walking backward on a treadmill. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were used to determine the functional balance and walking ability. The walking speed was evaluated using a timed 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), and the cardiopulmonary fitness was determined using a 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and a pulmonary function test (PFT). All assessments were made at baseline before training commenced (pre-training) and at the end of the four-week training period (post-training). A paired -test and an independent -test were used to determine the effect on balance, speed of walking and cardiopulmonary fitness before and after training. The level of significance α was 0.05. After four weeks of training, the experimental group showed significant differences ( < 0.05) on TUG, BBS, 10MWT, 6MWT, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). This pilot study shows that the 30 min of walking backward on a treadmill three times a week for four weeks increased balance, speed of walking and cardiopulmonary fitness. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials NCT02619110.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Humans; Pilot Projects; Postural Balance; Single-Blind Method; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Time and Motion Studies; Treatment Outcome; Walking
PubMed: 33804374
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052376 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Nov 2023Hydrofluorocarbons, the propellants used in metered dose inhalers, are powerful greenhouse gases. However, this review investigates the use of metered dose inhalers... (Review)
Review
Hydrofluorocarbons, the propellants used in metered dose inhalers, are powerful greenhouse gases. However, this review investigates the use of metered dose inhalers which continue to be on the rise in Denmark despite evidence that most patients are treated equally well with dry powder inhalers. If the use of metered dose inhalers in Denmark were reduced to approximately the level seen in Sweden it would lead to a reduction in CO2e comparable with the emissions from the electricity used in 16,500 typical Danish households.
Topics: Humans; Asthma; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Metered Dose Inhalers; Dry Powder Inhalers; Respiration Disorders; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Administration, Inhalation
PubMed: 37987432
DOI: No ID Found -
Current Biology : CB Oct 2021Marine biodiversity is the essential foundation for the structure and functioning of ocean ecosystems and for providing the full range of ecosystem services that benefit...
Marine biodiversity is the essential foundation for the structure and functioning of ocean ecosystems and for providing the full range of ecosystem services that benefit humans on local, regional, and global scales. These benefits include many visible as well as unseen functions and services such as the oxygen we breathe, the seafood we eat, the support of local livelihoods, the marine plants storing 'blue' carbon and protecting our shorelines, the medical and biochemical compounds found in marine species, the coral reefs we explore when scuba diving, and the charismatic creatures inspiring our lives. All these benefits are provided by the diversity and interplay of ocean life, from tiny plankton and bacteria to 30 metre whales and giant kelp.
Topics: Biodiversity; Conservation of Natural Resources; Coral Reefs; Ecosystem; Plankton; Plants
PubMed: 34637730
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.06.084 -
Nature Feb 2022The sensing of gravity has emerged as a tool in geophysics applications such as engineering and climate research, including the monitoring of temporal variations in...
The sensing of gravity has emerged as a tool in geophysics applications such as engineering and climate research, including the monitoring of temporal variations in aquifers and geodesy. However, it is impractical to use gravity cartography to resolve metre-scale underground features because of the long measurement times needed for the removal of vibrational noise. Here we overcome this limitation by realizing a practical quantum gravity gradient sensor. Our design suppresses the effects of micro-seismic and laser noise, thermal and magnetic field variations, and instrument tilt. The instrument achieves a statistical uncertainty of 20 E (1 E = 10 s) and is used to perform a 0.5-metre-spatial-resolution survey across an 8.5-metre-long line, detecting a 2-metre tunnel with a signal-to-noise ratio of 8. Using a Bayesian inference method, we determine the centre to ±0.19 metres horizontally and the centre depth as (1.89 -0.59/+2.3) metres. The removal of vibrational noise enables improvements in instrument performance to directly translate into reduced measurement time in mapping. The sensor parameters are compatible with applications in mapping aquifers and evaluating impacts on the water table, archaeology, determination of soil properties and water content, and reducing the risk of unforeseen ground conditions in the construction of critical energy, transport and utilities infrastructure, providing a new window into the underground.
PubMed: 35197616
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04315-3 -
Micromachines Jul 2023The detection of nucleic acids as specific markers of infectious diseases is commonly implemented in molecular biology laboratories. The translation of these benchtop...
The detection of nucleic acids as specific markers of infectious diseases is commonly implemented in molecular biology laboratories. The translation of these benchtop assays to a lab-on-a-chip format demands huge efforts of integration and automation. The present work is motivated by a strong requirement often posed by molecular assays that combine isothermal amplification and CRISPR/Cas-based detection: after amplification, a 2-8 microliter aliquot of the reaction products must be taken for the subsequent reaction. In order to fulfill this technical problem, we have designed and prototyped a microfluidic device that is able to meter and aliquot in the required range during the stepped assay. The operation is achieved by integrating a porous material that retains the desired amount of liquid after removing the excess reaction products, an innovative solution that avoids valving and external actuation. The prototypes were calibrated and experimentally tested to demonstrate the overall performance (general fluidics, metering, aliquoting, mixing and reaction). The proposed aliquoting method is fully compatible with additional functions, such as sample concentration or reagent storage, and could be further employed in alternative applications beyond molecular diagnosis.
PubMed: 37512736
DOI: 10.3390/mi14071425 -
Journal of Diabetes Science and... May 2020When used in hospital settings, glucose meter performance issues involve analytic comparability to lab-based testing, patient and sample variables, and clinical affects... (Review)
Review
When used in hospital settings, glucose meter performance issues involve analytic comparability to lab-based testing, patient and sample variables, and clinical affects such as insulin treatment protocol outcomes and morbidity or outcome risk factors. Different tools are available to assess these issues, including accuracy and precision statistics along with clinical risk measures such as error grids or simulation testing. Regulatory, guidance, and professional bodies have advocated a number of varying recommendations for glucose meter performance in different situations and under different patient conditions. These are summarized and compared, but reconciling these guidelines can be confusing or difficult for providers. Blood glucose meters are useful in the management of patients in acute or assisted care facilities, but users must appreciate the variables that affect measurements and provide for oversight that can manage risk factors and maintain meter performance expectations.
Topics: Biomarkers; Blood Chemical Analysis; Blood Glucose; Equipment Design; Guideline Adherence; Hospitals; Humans; Point-of-Care Systems; Point-of-Care Testing; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Predictive Value of Tests; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 31983225
DOI: 10.1177/1932296819898277 -
Annals of Clinical and Translational... Dec 2023We explored various prognostic factors of motor outcomes in corticosteroid-naive boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
OBJECTIVE
We explored various prognostic factors of motor outcomes in corticosteroid-naive boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
METHODS
The associations between parent-reported neurodevelopmental concerns (speech delay, speech and language difficulties (SLD), and learning difficulties), DMD mutation location, and motor outcomes (6-minute walk distance (6MWD), North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) total score, 10-meter walk/run velocity, and rise from floor velocity) were studied in 196 corticosteroid-naive boys from ages 4 to less than 8 years.
RESULTS
Participants with SLD walked 25.8 fewer meters in 6 minutes than those without SLD (p = 0.005) but did not demonstrate statistical differences in NSAA total score, 10-meter walk/run velocity, and rise from floor velocity. Participants with distal DMD mutations with learning difficulties walked 51.8 fewer meters in 6 minutes than those without learning difficulties (p = 0.0007). Participants with distal DMD mutations were slower on 10-meter walk/run velocity, and rise from floor velocity (p = 0.02) than those with proximal DMD mutations. Participants with distal DMD mutations, who reported speech delay or learning difficulties, were slower on rise from floor velocity (p = 0.04, p = 0.01) than those with proximal DMD mutations. The mean NSAA total score was lower in participants with learning difficulties than in those without (p = 0.004).
INTERPRETATION
Corticosteroid-naive boys with DMD with distal DMD mutations may perform worse on some timed function tests, and that those with learning difficulties may perform worse on the NSAA. Pending confirmatory studies, our data underscore the importance of considering co-existing neurodevelopmental symptoms on motor outcome measures.
Topics: Male; Humans; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne; Walking; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Language Development Disorders
PubMed: 37804000
DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51914 -
PloS One 2021This study investigated the accuracy of sixteen models of commercial dental radiometers (DR) in measuring the output of thirty-eight LED light curing units (LCUs)... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
This study investigated the accuracy of sixteen models of commercial dental radiometers (DR) in measuring the output of thirty-eight LED light curing units (LCUs) compared with a 'gold standard' laboratory-grade spectrometer integrating-sphere (IS) assembly. Nineteen Type I (fiber-bundle light guide) and nineteen Type II (light source in head) LED LCUs were tested, some using different output modes and light guides, resulting in 61 test subsets per radiometer. Gold standard (GS) output measurements (n = 3) were taken using the IS and confirmed with two types of laboratory-grade power meter (PowerMax-Pro 150 HD and PM10-19C; Coherent). One DR (Bluephase Meter II, Ivoclar; BM II) allowed power (mW) as well as irradiance (mW/cm2) recordings. Irradiance readings (n = 3) for each DR/LCU were compared with the IS derived irradiance. Individual LCU irradiance values were normalized against IS data. The GS method yielded reproducible data with a 0.4% pooled coefficient of variation for the LCUs. Mean power values ranged from 0.19 W to 2.40 W. Overall power values for the laboratory-grade power meters were within 5% of GS values. Individual LCU/DR normalized irradiance values ranged from 7% to 535% of the GS; an order of magnitude greater than previous reports. BM II was the only radiometer to average within 20% of normalized pooled GS irradiance values, whereas other radiometers differed by up to 85%. Ten radiometers failed to provide any reading for 1 LCU. When tested with the PowerMax-Pro in high speed (20 kHz) mode, eight LCUs demonstrated pulsing outputs undetectable at the standard (10 Hz) data acquisition rate. Sufficient light exposure is critical for the successful curing of dental resin-based materials. Substantial discrepancies may occur between actual and estimated radiometric data using current DRs. More accurate DRs need to be developed. Manufacturers' accuracy claims for DRs should specify compatible LCUs and testing parameters.
Topics: Curing Lights, Dental; Radiometry; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 33513153
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245830 -
Journal of the International Society of... Jan 2021Accurate and reliable monitoring of blood ketone and glucose levels is useful for athletes adhering to a ketogenic diet who want to verify that they are in a state of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Accurate and reliable monitoring of blood ketone and glucose levels is useful for athletes adhering to a ketogenic diet who want to verify that they are in a state of ketosis and, therefore, accruing performance adaptations. However, the cost of devices and testing materials may prohibit their use. More affordable field testing systems are available, but their accuracy and reliability remain in question. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the agreement between a previously validated ketone and glucose meter (Meter 1 - Precision Xtra) and a more affordable meter that has not been validated (Meter 2 - Keto-Mojo), and also to assess the diagnostic performance of Meter 2 for identifying nutritional ketosis.
METHODS
Thirteen participants (7 females and 6 males; 21.6 ± 3.0 years old) visited the laboratory three times in this randomized, double-blind cross-over design study. Ketone and glucose levels were measured with Meter 1 and Meter 2 twice before and twice after ingestion of a racemic ketone, natural ketone, or maltodextrin supplement. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) estimates and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate interrater reliability for Meter 1 and Meter 2. Bland-Altman plots were constructed to visually assess the agreement between devices. Area under the ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic ability of Meter 2 to detect nutritional ketosis at a threshold ketone level of 0.5 mM as identified by Meter 1.
RESULTS
Reliability between the meters was excellent for measuring ketones (ICC = .968; .942-.981) and good for measuring glucose (ICC = .809; .642-.893), though the Bland-Altman plot revealed substantial differences in agreement for measuring glucose. Area under the ROC curve (Area = 0.913; 0.828-0.998) was excellent for diagnosing nutritional ketosis.
CONCLUSIONS
Both Meter 1 and Meter 2 displayed excellent agreement between each other for ketone measurement. Meter 2 also displayed an excellent level of accuracy for diagnosing nutritional ketosis at a threshold value of 0.5 mM, making it an effective and affordable alternative to more expensive testing devices.
Topics: 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid; Area Under Curve; Athletes; Blood Glucose; Cross-Over Studies; Diagnostic Equipment; Diet, Ketogenic; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Ketone Bodies; Ketones; Ketosis; Male; Polysaccharides; Reproducibility of Results; Young Adult
PubMed: 33413456
DOI: 10.1186/s12970-020-00404-2