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Scientific Reports Jun 2024Data-driven approaches are often utilized to model and generate vibrotactile feedback and sounds for rigid stylus-based interaction. Nevertheless, in prior research,...
Data-driven approaches are often utilized to model and generate vibrotactile feedback and sounds for rigid stylus-based interaction. Nevertheless, in prior research, these two modalities were typically addressed separately due to challenges related to synchronization and design complexity. To this end, we introduce a novel multimodal multitask deep learning framework. In this paper, we developed a comprehensive end-to-end data-driven system that encompasses the capture of contact acceleration signals and sound data from various texture surfaces. This framework introduces novel encoder-decoder networks for modeling and rendering vibrotactile feedback through an actuator while routing sound to headphones. The proposed encoder-decoder networks incorporate stacked transformers with convolutional layers to capture both local variability and overall trends within the data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to apply transformer-based data-driven approach for modeling and rendering of vibrotactile signals as well as sounds during tool-surface interactions. In numerical evaluations, the proposed framework demonstrates a lower RMS error compared to state-of-the-art models for both vibrotactile signals and sound data. Additionally, subjective similarity evaluation also confirm the superiority of proposed method over state-of-the-art.
PubMed: 38858511
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64376-y -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024In this work we demonstrate a miniaturised imaging system based around a time-gated SPAD array operating in a "chip-on-tip" manner. Two versions of the system are...
In this work we demonstrate a miniaturised imaging system based around a time-gated SPAD array operating in a "chip-on-tip" manner. Two versions of the system are demonstrated, each measuring 23 mm × 23 mm × 28 mm with differing fields of view and working distances. Initial tests demonstrate contrast between materials in widefield fluorescence imaging (WFLIm) mode, with frame rates of > 2 Hz achievable. Following this, WFLIm images of autofluorescence in ovine lung tissue are obtained at frame rates of ~ 1 Hz. Finally, the ability of the second system to perform simultaneous WFLIm and time of flight (aka Flourescence Lifetime Imaging Distance and Ranging, FLImDAR) is also tested. This shows that the system is capable of 4 mm resolution of object separation when tested on 3D printed samples. It is further demonstrated as being able to perform scene reconstruction on autofluorescent lung tissue. This system is, to date, the smallest chip on tip WFLIm system published, and is the first demonstration of the FLImDAR technique in a compact, portable system.
PubMed: 38858419
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63409-w -
Exploration of Medicine 2024Endothelial dysfunction has been associated with both cerebrovascular pathology and Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the connection between circulating endothelial...
AIM
Endothelial dysfunction has been associated with both cerebrovascular pathology and Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the connection between circulating endothelial cells and the risk of AD remains uncertain. The objective was to leverage data from the Framingham Heart Study to investigate various circulating endothelial subtypes and their potential correlations with the risk of AD.
METHODS
The study conducted data analyses using Cox proportional hazard regression and linear regression methods. Additionally, genome-wide association study (GWAS) was carried out to further explore the data.
RESULTS
Among the eleven distinct circulating endothelial subtypes, only circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) expressing CD34+CD133+ were found to be negatively and dose-dependently associated with reduced AD risk. This association persisted even after adjusting for age, sex, years of education, apolipoprotein E () ε4 status, and various vascular diseases. Particularly noteworthy was the significant association observed in individuals with hypertension and cerebral microbleeds. Consistently, positive associations were identified between CD34+CD133+ EPCs and specific brain regions, such as higher proportions of circulating CD34+CD133+ cells correlating with increased volumes of white matter and the hippocampus. Additionally, a GWAS study unveiled that CD34+CD133+ cells influenced AD risk specifically in individuals with homozygous genotypes for variants in two stem cell-related genes: kirre like nephrin family adhesion molecule 3 (, rs580382 CC and rs4144611 TT) and exocyst complex component 6B (, rs61619102 CC).
CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that circulating CD34+CD133+ EPCs possess a protective effect and may offer a new therapeutic avenue for AD, especially in individuals with vascular pathology and those carrying specific genotypes of and genes.
PubMed: 38854406
DOI: 10.37349/emed.2024.00216 -
Talanta Jun 2024Ammonia is a prevalent aquatic pollutant that disrupts cellular functions and energy metabolism in fish, posing significant environmental and health threats. This...
Ammonia is a prevalent aquatic pollutant that disrupts cellular functions and energy metabolism in fish, posing significant environmental and health threats. This research investigates the critical role of arginase 2 (ARG2) in mitigating ammonia toxicity in fish cells and its implications in adapting to nitrogen metabolism under high ammonia exposure. Through a CRISPR-Cas9 engineered ARG2 knockdown (KD) in the Epithelioma Papulosum Cyprini (EPC) cell line, we first investigated the biochemical responses of ARG2 KD and wild-type (WT) EPC cells to ammonia stress (NHCl treatment), showing diminished urea production and decreased cell viability in ARG2 KD cells. Subsequently, single-cell Raman spectroscopy analysis revealed that ARG2 KD cells exhibited profound metabolic shifts, including changes in protein, nucleic acids, lipid and sugar levels, showing the adjusting role of ARG2 in the balance of carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism. Furthermore, the upregulated responses of various amino acids, such as glutamine, arginine, alanine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, phenylalanine and valine, in WT cells after NHCl treatment diminished in ARG2 KD cells except for the decrease in aspartic acid, indicating a switching effect of ARG2 in nitrogen metabolism under ammonia stress. This study highlights ARG2's essential role in ammonia detoxification and emphasizes ARG2's protective function and its importance in metabolism, shedding light on the adaptive mechanisms fish cells deploy against high ammonia environments. These insights contribute to deep understanding of aquatic organisms' molecular responses to environmental ammonia pollution, offering potential strategies for their protection.
PubMed: 38852346
DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126389 -
Evidence-based Dentistry Jun 2024Interrupted time series analysis.
DESIGN
Interrupted time series analysis.
DATA ANALYSIS
An interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was conducted to determine if there was an association between the announcement and implementation of the soft drinks industry levy (SDIL) and rates of hospital admission for tooth extractions due to dental caries in children. Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) were used on hospital admissions for tooth extraction of one or more primary or permanent tooth due to a primary diagnosis of dental caries in children aged 0-18 years attending a National Health Service (NHS) hospital in England from January 2012 (pre-SDIL) to February 2020 (post-SDIL implementation). HES data were grouped and summarised by Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and age group.
RESULTS
There was an absolute reduction of 3.7% (95% CI 5.3% to 2.2%) per 100,000 population/month and a relative reduction of 12.1% (95% CI 17.0% to 7.2%) in hospital admissions for carious tooth extractions in all children (0-18 years) compared if there had been no announcement of the SDIL (counterfactual scenario). Reductions were observed in children living in most areas regardless of the level of deprivation and most notably in the youngest children (<10 years).
CONCLUSIONS
An ITS analysis of administrative data on hospital admissions found the announcement of the UK SDIL was associated with improvements (reduction) in the incidence of hospital admissions for tooth extractions due to dental caries. This study provides evidence of benefits of the UK SDIL to children's oral health.
Topics: Humans; Child; Dental Caries; Child, Preschool; Adolescent; Infant; Carbonated Beverages; Interrupted Time Series Analysis; United Kingdom; Male; Female; Tooth Extraction; Infant, Newborn; Hospitalization; Food Industry; England
PubMed: 38844545
DOI: 10.1038/s41432-024-01025-3 -
Chemosphere Jun 2024The discharge of heavy metals into the environment has adversely affected the aquatic ecosystem due to their toxic and non-biodegradable nature. In this research, a...
The discharge of heavy metals into the environment has adversely affected the aquatic ecosystem due to their toxic and non-biodegradable nature. In this research, a three-dimensional graphene oxide/carboxymethylcellulose/aluminium sulphate (GOCAS) aerogel was synthesised and evaluated as a novel means for lead and zinc removal. The GOCAS aerogel was prepared via ice-templating of graphene oxide with carboxymethylcellulose and aluminium sulphate as the crosslinking and functionalisation additives. Characterisation of the aerogel by various analytical techniques confirmed the successful integration of the chemical additives. The hydroxyl and sulphate groups in the aerogel were found to participate in the adsorption of both metals. The equilibrium of lead adsorption was found to correlate well to the Freundlich isotherm, while zinc adsorption fitted closely the Langmuir isotherm. The kinetic adsorption behaviour of both metals was best described as pseudo-second-order. The interactive influences of concentration, temperature, contact time and adsorbent dose on the metal removal were explored by a central composite design, and the optimum adsorption capacity for lead was determined to be 138.7 mg/g at a GOCAS dose of 20 mg, initial concentration of 100 mg/L, temperature of 50 °C and contact time of 45 min. The optimum adsorption capacity for zinc was 52.69 mg/g at 30 mg, 65 mg/L, 45 °C and 40 min. Furthermore, regeneration studies with hydrochloric acid eluant were successfully conducted for up to four adsorption-desorption cycles. Overall, this work demonstrates that GOCAS aerogel is a viable nanosorbent for the adsorption of lead and zinc from water systems.
PubMed: 38844101
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142537 -
Soft Matter Jun 2024Correction for 'Flax fibre reinforced alginate poloxamer hydrogel: assessment of mechanical and 4D printing potential' by Charles de Kergariou , , 2024, , 4021-4034,...
Correction for 'Flax fibre reinforced alginate poloxamer hydrogel: assessment of mechanical and 4D printing potential' by Charles de Kergariou , , 2024, , 4021-4034, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SM00135D.
PubMed: 38841883
DOI: 10.1039/d4sm90089h -
Frontiers in Chemistry 2024Kinetic hydrate inhibitor laboratory testing before field application is one of the key priorities in the oil and gas industry. The common induction-time-based technique...
Kinetic hydrate inhibitor laboratory testing before field application is one of the key priorities in the oil and gas industry. The common induction-time-based technique is often used to evaluate and screen for kinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHIs). However, the main challenge relates to the stochastic nature of hydrate nucleation observed in fresh systems, which often results in scattered data on hydrate formation with unacceptable uncertainties. A much more precise KHI evaluation method, called crystal growth inhibition (CGI), provides comprehensive insights into the inhibitory behavior of a kinetic hydrate inhibitor, including both hydrate formation and decomposition. Given that industry does not require this much information, it is not feasible to expend either much time or cash on this strategy. This study aims to provide a cost-effective technique that presents maximum data accuracy and precision with relatively little time and cost expenditure. Hence, the impact of water-hydrate memory on improving the accuracy and repeatability of the results of the induction-time-based technique (IT method) was examined. First, the concept of water-hydrate memory, which contains information about how it is created, was reviewed, and then, the factors influencing it were identified and experimentally investigated, like the heating rate of hydrate dissociation and the water-hydrate memory target temperature during heating. Finally, a procedure was developed based on the background information in the earlier sections to compare the consistency of the results, originating from the conjunction of water-hydrate memory with the IT technique. The results of replications at KHI evaluation target temperatures of 12.3-12.4°C and 11.5-11.7°C showed that more repeatable data were obtained by applying water-hydrate memory, and a more conclusive decision was made in evaluating KHI performance than with an IT method. It seems that combining the IT method with water-hydrate memory, introduced as the "HME method", can lead to more definitive evaluations of KHIs. This approach is expected to gain in popularity, even surpassing the accurate but complex and time-consuming CGI method.
PubMed: 38841336
DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1396862 -
BJU International Jun 2024To report the long-term outcomes from a longitudinal psychosocial study that forms part of the 'Identification of Men with a genetic predisposition to ProstAte Cancer:...
OBJECTIVES
To report the long-term outcomes from a longitudinal psychosocial study that forms part of the 'Identification of Men with a genetic predisposition to ProstAte Cancer: Targeted Screening in men at higher genetic risk and controls' (IMPACT) study. The IMPACT study is a multi-national study of targeted prostate cancer (PrCa) screening in individuals with a known germline pathogenic variant (GPV) in either the BReast CAncer gene 1 (BRCA1) or the BReast CAncer gene 2 (BRCA2).
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Participants enrolled in the IMPACT study were invited to complete a psychosocial questionnaire prior to each annual screening visit for a minimum of 5 years. The questionnaire included questions on sociodemographics and the following measures: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Impact of Event Scale, 36-item Short-Form Health Survey, Memorial Anxiety Scale for PrCa, Cancer Worry Scale, risk perception and knowledge.
RESULTS
A total of 760 participants completed questionnaires: 207 participants with GPV in BRCA1, 265 with GPV in BRCA2 and 288 controls (non-carriers from families with a known GPV). We found no evidence of clinically concerning levels of general or cancer-specific distress or poor health-related quality of life in the cohort as a whole. Individuals in the control group had significantly less worry about PrCa compared with the carriers; however, all mean scores were low and within reported general population norms, where available. BRCA2 carriers with previously high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels experience a small but significant increase in PrCa anxiety (P = 0.01) and PSA-specific anxiety (P < 0.001). Cancer risk perceptions reflected information provided during genetic counselling and participants had good levels of knowledge, although this declined over time.
CONCLUSION
This is the first study to report the longitudinal psychosocial impact of a targeted PrCa screening programme for BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers. The results reassure that an annual PSA-based screening programme does not have an adverse impact on psychosocial health or health-related quality of life in these higher-risk individuals. These results are important as more PrCa screening is targeted to higher-risk groups.
PubMed: 38839570
DOI: 10.1111/bju.16432 -
Science Advances Jun 2024Short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) light detection plays a key role in modern technologies. Emerging solution-processed organic semiconductors are promising for...
Short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) light detection plays a key role in modern technologies. Emerging solution-processed organic semiconductors are promising for cost-effective, flexible, and large-area SWIR organic photodiodes (OPDs). However, the spectral responsivity () and specific detectivity (*) of SWIR OPDs are restricted by insufficient exciton dissociation and high noise current. In this work, we synthesized an SWIR small molecule with a spectral coverage of 0.3 to 1.3 micrometers peaking at 1100 nanometers. The photodiode, with optimized exciton dissociation, charge injection, and SWIR transmittance, achieves a record high of 0.53 ampere per watt and * of 1.71 × 10 Jones at 1110 nanometers under zero bias. The * at 1 to 1.2 micrometers surpasses that of the uncooled commercial InGaAs photodiode. Furthermore, large-area semitransparent all-organic upconversion devices integrating the SWIR photodiode realized static and dynamic SWIR-to-visible imaging, along with excellent upconversion efficiency and spatial resolution. This work provides alternative insights for developing sensitive organic SWIR detection.
PubMed: 38838154
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adm9631