High Sensitivity Mode Research Articles

High-sensitivity lossy mode resonance sensor by deposition of perovskite nanofilms on the eccentric core quasi D-shaped photonic quasi-crystal fiber

High-sensitivity lossy mode resonance sensor by deposition of perovskite nanofilms on the eccentric core quasi D-shaped photonic quasi-crystal fiber

Hierarchical magneto-colorimetric labels for immediate lateral flow immunoassay of chlorothalonil residues

Quantitative detection of pesticide residues in food and environmental samples using an improved lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) is of considerable importance for real-time analysis. This paper proposes a highly sensitive LFIA platform based on a hierarchical magneto-colorimetric compact. This compact serves as both the target magnetic enrichment substrate and a photosensitive label. Initially, a large porous dendritic silica template is prepared and doped with superparamagnetic ferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) and colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) at high densities within its vertical channels. The sequential assembly of central–radial channels allow for the three-dimensional integration of these two components, enabling independent control of their discrete functions without mutual interference. Following alkyl organosilicon encapsulation and silica sealing, the composite spheres are then applied in LFIA to detect chlorothalonil residues. Fe3O4 NPs enhance the binding efficiency to target analytes, while AuNPs amplify the signal, leveraging their high loading densities and robust optical properties. The developed LFIA platform exhibited a detection limit of 0.34 ng/mL for chlorothalonil and a linear range of 0.0085–824 ng/mL. The recoveries varied between 85.1 % and 103.1 %, and the relative standard deviations were 1.25%–8.84 %. This LFIA approach demonstrates high sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility and flexible detection modes, making it highly suitable for the on-site monitoring of pesticide residues.

Martin-Puplett interferometer for studying THz and subTHz radiation

Abstract The design of a portable terahertz and subterahertz interferometer, manufactured according to the Martin-Puplett scheme, is presented. The possibility of using film polypropylene polarizers in interferometers of this type has been demonstrated. The provided possibility of using various types of radiation detectors makes it possible to perform measurements in high-performance or high-sensitivity modes. The presented interferometer is proposed to be used to measure the spectra of terahertz and subterahertz radiation produced during the interaction of bunched and continuous beams of charged particles with solid targets.

Optimization and impact of sensitivity mode on abbreviated scan protocols with population-based input function for parametric imaging of [18F]-FDG for a long axial FOV PET scanner

BackgroundThe long axial field of view, combined with the high sensitivity of the Biograph Vision Quadra PET/CT scanner enables the precise deviation of an image derived input function (IDIF) required for parametric imaging. Traditionally, this requires an hour-long dynamic PET scan for [18F]-FDG, which can be significantly reduced by using a population-based input function (PBIF). In this study, we expand these examinations and include the scanner’s ultra-high sensitivity (UHS) mode in comparison to the high sensitivity (HS) mode and evaluate the potential for further shortening of the scan time.MethodsPatlak Ki and DV estimates were determined by the indirect and direct Patlak methods using dynamic [18F]-FDG data of 6 oncological patients with 26 lesions (0–65 min p.i.). Both sensitivity modes for different number/duration of PET data frames were compared, together with the potential of using abbreviated scan durations of 20, 15 and 10 min by using a PBIF. The differences in parametric images and tumour-to-background ratio (TBR) due to the shorter scans using the PBIF method and between the sensitivity modes were assessed.ResultsA difference of 3.4 ± 7.0% (Ki) and 1.2 ± 2.6% (DV) was found between both sensitivity modes using indirect Patlak and the full IDIF (0–65 min). For the abbreviated protocols and indirect Patlak, the UHS mode resulted in a lower bias and higher precision, e.g., 45–65 min p.i. 3.8 ± 4.4% (UHS) and 6.4 ± 8.9% (HS), allowing shorter scan protocols, e.g. 50–65 min p.i. 4.4 ± 11.2% (UHS) instead of 7.3 ± 20.0% (HS). The variation of Ki and DV estimates for both Patlak methods was comparable, e.g., UHS mode 3.8 ± 4.4% and 2.7 ± 3.4% (Ki) and 14.4 ± 2.7% and 18.1 ± 7.5% (DV) for indirect and direct Patlak, respectively. Only a minor impact of the number of Patlak frames was observed for both sensitivity modes and Patlak methods. The TBR obtained with direct Patlak and PBIF was not affected by the sensitivity mode, was higher than that derived from the SUV image (6.2 ± 3.1) and degraded from 20.2 ± 12.0 (20 min) to 10.6 ± 5.4 (15 min). Ki and DV estimate images showed good agreement (UHS mode, RC: 6.9 ± 2.3% (Ki), 0.1 ± 3.1% (DV), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR): 64.5 ± 3.3 dB (Ki), 61.2 ± 10.6 dB (DV)) even for abbreviated scan protocols of 50–65 min p.i.ConclusionsBoth sensitivity modes provide comparable results for the full 65 min dynamic scans and abbreviated scans using the direct Patlak reconstruction method, with good Ki and DV estimates for 15 min short scans. For the indirect Patlak approach the UHS mode improved the Ki estimates for the abbreviated scans.

Thunder-DDA-PASEF enables high-coverage immunopeptidomics and is boosted by MS2Rescore with MS2PIP timsTOF fragmentation prediction model

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I peptide ligands (HLAIps) are key targets for developing vaccines and immunotherapies against infectious pathogens or cancer cells. Identifying HLAIps is challenging due to their high diversity, low abundance, and patient individuality. Here, we develop a highly sensitive method for identifying HLAIps using liquid chromatography-ion mobility-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-IMS-MS/MS). In addition, we train a timsTOF-specific peak intensity MS2PIP model for tryptic and non-tryptic peptides and implement it in MS2Rescore (v3) together with the CCS predictor from ionmob. The optimized method, Thunder-DDA-PASEF, semi-selectively fragments singly and multiply charged HLAIps based on their IMS and m/z. Moreover, the method employs the high sensitivity mode and extended IMS resolution with fewer MS/MS frames (300 ms TIMS ramp, 3 MS/MS frames), doubling the coverage of immunopeptidomics analyses, compared to the proteomics-tailored DDA-PASEF (100 ms TIMS ramp, 10 MS/MS frames). Additionally, rescoring boosts the HLAIps identification by 41.7% to 33%, resulting in 5738 HLAIps from as little as one million JY cell equivalents, and 14,516 HLAIps from 20 million. This enables in-depth profiling of HLAIps from diverse human cell lines and human plasma. Finally, profiling JY and Raji cells transfected to express the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein results in 16 spike HLAIps, thirteen of which have been reported to elicit immune responses in human patients.

FDG imaging with long-axial field-of-view PET/CT in patients with high blood glucose—a matched pair analysis

PurposeHigh blood glucose (hBG) in patients undergoing [18F]FDG PET/CT scans often results in rescheduling the examination, which may lead to clinical delay for the patient and decrease productivity for the department. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether long-axial field-of-view (LAFOV) PET/CT can minimize the effect of altered bio-distribution in hBG patients and is able to provide diagnostic image quality in hBG situations.Materials and methodsOncologic patients with elevated blood glucose (≥ 8.0 mmol/l) and normal blood glucose (< 8.0 mmol/l, nBG) levels were matched for tumor entity, gender, age, and BMI. hBG patients were further subdivided into two groups (BG 8–11 mmol/l and BG > 11 mmol/l). Tracer uptake in the liver, muscle, and tumor was evaluated. Furthermore, image quality was compared between long acquisitions (ultra-high sensitivity mode, 360 s) on a LAFOV PET/CT and routine acquisitions equivalent to a short-axial field-of-view scanner (simulated (sSAFOV), obtained with high sensitivity mode, 120 s). Tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were used as the main image quality criteria.ResultsThirty-one hBG patients met the inclusion criteria and were matched with 31 nBG patients. Overall, liver uptake was significantly higher in hBG patients (SUVmean, 3.07 ± 0.41 vs. 2.37 ± 0.33; p = 0.03), and brain uptake was significantly lower (SUVmax, 7.58 ± 0.74 vs. 13.38 ± 3.94; p < 0.001), whereas muscle (shoulder/gluteal) uptake showed no statistically significant difference. Tumor uptake was lower in hBG patients, resulting in a significantly lower TBR in the hBG cohort (3.48 ± 0.74 vs. 5.29 ± 1.48, p < 0.001). CNR was higher in nBG compared to hBG patients (12.17 ± 4.86 vs. 23.31 ± 12.22, p < 0.001). However, subgroup analysis of nBG 8–11 mmol/l on sSAFOV PET/CT compared to hBG (> 11 mmol/l) patients examined with LAFOV PET/CT showed no statistical significant difference in CNR (19.84 ± 8.40 vs. 17.79 ± 9.3, p = 0.08).ConclusionWhile elevated blood glucose (> 11 mmol) negatively affected TBR and CNR in our cohort, the images from a LAFOV PET-scanner had comparable CNR to PET-images acquired from nBG patients using sSAFOV PET/CT. Therefore, we argue that oncologic patients with increased blood sugar levels might be imaged safely with LAFOV PET/CT when rescheduling is not feasible.

Performance evaluation of resolution and sensitivity of C-SPECT's variable slat-stack collimator.

Myocardial perfusion imaging is commonly performed using SPECT, where both general-purpose and dedicated scanners are available. A limitation with general-purpose systems has been the inability to image dynamically since different projections are obtained far apart in time due to scanner rotation. Dedicated systems can have this capability since they acquire completely sampled projections (i.e., those with enough angular views for reconstruction) with short time frames. C-SPECT, does not need any scanner or patient motion to obtain complete projections, allowing fast dynamics. When imaging fast dynamics, the optimal collimator settings are not necessarily the same as for static imaging, where longer acquisitions can be utilized. Thus, C-SPECT offers adaptive collimation in the transverse and axial directions. The performance of adaptation in the axial direction was characterized herein. The ratio of the resolution metric in high-sensitivity mode to that in the high-resolution mode, termed resolution boost factor, was determined. Analogously, the sensitivity boost factor was also determined. Comparisons were made with theory and simulations. The boost factors for resolution and sensitivity, averaged over the 14 modules of the system, were determined to be 1.72 and 1.75, respectively. The boost factors, which ideally would be two, were between 10% and 15% below optimal values and tracked each other, suggesting mechanical challenges in the apparatus, such as incomplete closure of adjacent slats, but show reasonably successful adaptation between modes.

Image Quality and Quantitative PET Parameters of Low-Dose [18F]FDG PET in a Long Axial Field-of-View PET/CT Scanner.

PET/CT scanners with a long axial field-of-view (LAFOV) provide increased sensitivity, enabling the adjustment of imaging parameters by reducing the injected activity or shortening the acquisition time. This study aimed to evaluate the limitations of reduced [18F]FDG activity doses on image quality, lesion detectability, and the quantification of lesion uptake in the Biograph Vision Quadra, as well as to assess the benefits of the recently introduced ultra-high sensitivity mode in a clinical setting. A number of 26 patients who underwent [18F]FDG-PET/CT (3.0 MBq/kg, 5 min scan time) were included in this analysis. The PET raw data was rebinned for shorter frame durations to simulate 5 min scans with lower activities in the high sensitivity (HS) and ultra-high sensitivity (UHS) modes. Image quality, noise, and lesion detectability (n = 82) were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. The coefficient of variation (CoV), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), tumor-to-background ratio (TBR), and standardized uptake values (SUV) including SUVmean, SUVmax, and SUVpeak were evaluated. Subjective image ratings were generally superior in UHS compared to the HS mode. At 0.5 MBq/kg, lesion detectability decreased to 95% (HS) and to 98% (UHS). SNR was comparable at 1.0 MBq/kg in HS (5.7 ± 0.6) and 0.5 MBq/kg in UHS (5.5 ± 0.5). With lower doses, there were negligible reductions in SUVmean and SUVpeak, whereas SUVmax increased steadily. Reducing the [18F]FDG activity to 1.0 MBq/kg (HS/UHS) in a LAFOV PET/CT provides diagnostic image quality without statistically significant changes in the uptake parameters. The UHS mode improves image quality, noise, and lesion detectability compared to the HS mode.

Machine-Learned Algorithms to Predict the Risk of Pneumothorax Requiring Chest Tube Placement after Lung Biopsy

PurposeTo develop a machine-learned algorithm to predict the risk of postlung biopsy pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement (CTP) to facilitate preprocedural decision making, optimize patient care, and improve resource allocation. Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study collected clinical and imaging features of biopsy samples obtained from patients with lung nodule biopsy and included information from 59 procedures resulting in pneumothorax requiring CTP and randomly selected 67 procedures without CTP (convenience sample). The data were divided into 70 and 30 as training and testing sets, respectively. Conventional machine-learned binary classifiers were explored with preprocedural imaging and clinical data as input features and CTP as the output. ResultsThere was no single pathognomonic imaging or predictive clinical feature. For the independent test set under the high-specificity mode, a decision tree, logistic regression, and Naïve Bayes classifier achieved accuracies of identifying CTP at 0.79, 0.93, and 0.89 and area under receiver operating curves (AUROCs) of 0.68, 0.76, and 0.82, respectively. Under high-sensitivity mode, a decision tree, logistic regression, and Naïve Bayes achieved accuracies of identifying CTP of 0.60, 0.45, and 0.60 with AUROCs of 0.71, 0.81, and 0.82, respectively. High importance features included lesion character, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lesion depth, and age. A coarse decision tree requiring 4 inputs achieved comparable performance as other methods and previous machine learning prediction studies. ConclusionsThe results support the possibility of predicting pneumothorax requiring CTP after biopsy based on an automated decision support, reliant on readily available preprocedural information.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and High Sensitive Doppler for Monitoring Outcomes of Uterine Artery Embolization

To monitor fibroid microvascularity using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and a new high-sensitive Doppler mode (SMI) for assessment of uterine artery embolization (UAE) outcomes. Forty women with symptomatic uterine fibroids scheduled for UAE were enrolled in this Institutional Review Board-approved study. Subjects underwent three examinations (day 0, 15, and 90 post-UAE) with Color Doppler (CDI), power Doppler (PDI), color and monochrome SMI (cSMI and mSMI), and CEUS imaging of the fibroids. Clips were assessed by two radiologists classifying fibroids based on their vascularity. Fibroid fractional vascularity (FV; % of enhanced pixels within the fibroid) and flow intensity (as mean brightness level of the enhanced pixels) were quantified. Results were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and nonparametric Wilcoxon sign rank tests. Inter-reader agreement was assessed with κ-values. There was overall agreement between readers for all imaging modalities and examination times (P=.25; κ=0.70). The FV analysis showed statistically significant differences between CEUS and the Doppler imaging modes (CDI, PDI, cSMI, and mSMI) for the three examination times were compared (P<.0001). The comparison using CDI, PDI, and cSMI showed no statistically significant difference (P=.53). The flow intensity analysis comparison between the Doppler imaging modes (CDI, PDI, cSMI and mSMI) and examination times showed statistically significant differences between all the Doppler imaging modalities (P=.02), except for the 90days post-UAE (P=.34). When the comparison was made for CDI, PDI, and cSMI there was no statistically significant differences (P<.47). CEUS and SMI can accurately evaluate fibroid microvascularity, and therefore, can be a noninvasive and accurate method for monitoring outcomes following UAE treatment.

A Low-Noise Micromachined Accelerometer with Reconfigurable Electrodes for Resonance Suppression.

We present a high-performance capacitive accelerometer with a sub-µg noise limit and 1.2 kHz bandwidth for particle acceleration detection applications. The low noise of the accelerometer is achieved through a combination of device design optimization and operation under vacuum to reduce the effects of air damping. Operation under vacuum, however, causes amplification of signals around the resonance region, potentially resulting in incapacitating it through saturation of interface electronics or nonlinearities and even damage. The device has thus been designed with two sets of electrodes for high and low electrostatic coupling efficiency. During normal operation, the open-loop device utilizes its high-sensitivity electrodes to provide the best resolution. When a strong signal near resonance is detected, the electrodes with low sensitivity are used for signal monitoring, while the high-sensitivity electrodes are used to apply feedback signals efficiently. A closed-loop electrostatic feedback control architecture is designed to counteract the large displacements of the proof mass near resonance frequency. Therefore, the ability to reconfigure electrodes lets the device be used in high-sensitivity or high-resiliency modes. Several experiments were conducted with DC and AC excitation at different frequencies to verify the effectiveness of the control strategy. The results showed a ten-fold reduction of displacement at resonance in the closed-loop arrangement compared to the open-loop system with a quality factor of 120.

ISFET Pixel Array With Selectable Sensitivity and Bulk-Based Offset-Drift Nullification Capability for Reduction of Non-Ideality Effects

This article presents a monolithic, cost-effective, label free, low power, robust <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$3\times2$ </tex-math></inline-formula> fully differential ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) pixel array aimed at pH sensing. Each pixel is based on a differential readout architecture which eliminates need for additional non-ideality compensation circuitry. Additionally, the design offers the capability to correct for residual drift and trapped charge offset through substrate-based voltage adjustment during calibration. The design also provides a unique ability for selecting pH sensitivity according to the desired mode of operation which has not been demonstrated previously. We present experimental results obtained from the pixel array fabricated in an unmodified AMS <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$0.35~\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> CMOS process using a 3.3 V power supply. Each pixel demonstrates a differential sensitivity of 61 mV/pH when operated in high sensitivity mode and 25 mV/pH when operated in high non-ideality rejection mode over the entire pH range, with the ability to remove the already small drift of 0.3 mV/min and any offset mismatch by adjusting the substrate voltage.

High-Sensitivity Resonant Cavity Modes Excited in a Low Contrast Grating Layer With Large Aspect-Ratio

The resonant modes in a low contrast grating-waveguide structure with a larger aspect ratio possesses unique characteristics, observed under theoretical investigations. Subsequently, a photoresist grating with similar dimensions is realized over a dielectric waveguide to experimentally observe the resonant guided modes (GMR) and cavity modes (CM). In particular, the cavity mode exhibits remarkable characteristics of high sensitivity towards cover index variation, thus with a probable application for environmental index monitoring. In addition, the waveguide-supported GMR mode is negligibly sensitive and may serve as a reference line for such sensing experiments. The spectral responses analyzed in sugar solution with different concentrations as analytes demonstrate a high bulk sensitivity of ~300 nm/RIU in the visible spectrum. Thus, the study opens up possibilities of using optimized grating-based geometry for designing simple yet highly-sensitive handheld sensor devices.

Comparative study of two methods for rare earth elements analysis in human urine samples using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

The application of rare earth elements (REEs) in several areas, including high-tech technology, agriculture, medicine, and fuels, has made them an essential component of our everyday life. This extensive use of REEs in several technologies is expected to potentially impact human health. Even if several studies investigated the levels of REEs in human matrices, until now no standard method has been established for analyzing these elements in human matrices. The sample analysis should be of high quality, and the methods should be validated properly to ensure the quality of the procedure and traceability of the analytical data. In this research, we compared the validation and effectiveness of two different methods of sample preparation for human urine samples: a simple dilution of the sample (DIL) was compared with microwave assisted-acid decomposition (MIN) for tracing REE levels in human urine samples. The analysis was carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The working conditions have been set in high-sensitivity mode. Accuracy of the proposed method was evaluated by spiking the sample matrix with known concentrations of analyte standards. Both methods showed adequate precision of repeatability and intra-laboratory reproducibility, with the DIL method showing better precision of both repeatability and reproducibility than the MIN method. The CVr% values of repeatability range from 1.5 to 12% for the DIL and from 8.4 to 16% for the MIN method. The CVr% values of reproducibility range from 6.2–23% for the DIL and from 8.6 to 24% for the MIN method. REE recoveries for both methods were very close to 100%. Both methods proved to be effective for the determination of REE levels in human urine matrices.

Strategic synthesis of trimetallic Au@Ag–Pt nanorattles for ultrasensitive colorimetric detection in lateral flow immunoassay

Achieving metal nanoparticles with high peroxidase activity and visible-light plasmonic property for lateral flow immunoassay has attracted extensive attention in the industry. However, the major challenge lies in establishing a general and robust preparation strategy. In this contribution, we developed a citrate-capped trimetallic Au@Ag–Pt nanorattle by employing seed-mediated growth and galvanic replacement reaction under a convenient condition, which can be translated directly to industrialized production. The rattle-like architecture empowers the Au@Ag–Pt NPs peroxidase-like activity while retaining the plasmonic property with intense color in the visible-light range. According to testing requirements, Au@Ag–Pt NPs-LFIA provides two colorimetric modes: low-sensitivity mode based on the color from their intrinsic plasmonic property and the high-sensitivity mode based on the nanozyme-triggered chromogenic reaction. Human cardiac troponin I (cTnI), one of the most specific markers for cardiac injury, was chosen as the detection model. Mainly, ultrasensitive colorimetric detection of human cTnI was successfully achieved as low as ∼20 pg mL−1. This strategy is robust to guarantee the stability and repeatability of the peroxidase activity without exact control, which can directly dock with the industrialized production of traditional LFIA strips and be readily adapted for on-demand clinical diagnosis.

Insulin like protein from camel milk and similarity with human insulin

From experimental studies, clinical studies and epidemiological studies it is proved beyond doubt that camel milk has potential role in prevention and treatment of diabetes. The main purpose of the study to isolate camel milk protein and compare its similarity with human insulin so that camel milk can be used as an adjunct therapy for diabetes. Raw camel milk (30 ml) was used for isolation of protein and peptides. The complete process included trypsin digestion, peptide fractionation and LC-MS technique. Digested and fractionized peptide sample was processed further for liquid chromatography and mass spectra/ tandem mass spectra were recorded in positive-ion and high sensitivity mode. MS/MS spectra were automatically calibrated during dynamic LC-MS. Raw data files were converted to Mascot Generic Format (MGF) and these MGF files were searched against UniPort, NCBI and common MS contaminant database. In our study 13 proteins and 22 peptide sequences were found similar to insulin/ insulin like growth factor and isoform. In our study some very large peptide sequence were identified which were seen similar to NUAK family SNF1-like kinase and this peptide sequence gives evidence of role of camel milk in cancer treatment. Observing so many similar peptides in camel milk sample with human insulin, isoform of insulin, receptors and others give strong evidence that camel milk have proteins/ peptides of such proteins similar to human insulin and give support to finding that camel milk contains insulin like molecule that mimics insulin interaction with its receptors.

Recent progress in electrochemiluminescence microscopy analysis of single cells.

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is produced by chemiluminescence reactions initiated by electrochemical methods. On this basis, ECL microscopy (ECLM) is an emerging visualization tool to directly study local electrochemical features with good spatial and temporal resolution. Recent progress in ECLM demonstrates that it is particularly important in single-cell studies on the morphological structures and functional characteristics of cells due to the unique heterogeneity of cells. Compared with other single-cell imaging methods, ECLM possesses advantages such as a low optical background, high sensitivity, simple instrumentation and surface-confined mode. In this mini-review, we discuss the recent development of single-cell ECLM and classify these works according to different ECL routes. Because ECL routes significantly influence the features of ECLM, such as the thickness of the emitting layer and the brightness of emitters, it is necessary to provide a new insight to revisit these works and discuss what ECL routes can be chosen to study single-cell processes from different perspectives. Considering the gradual growth in single-cell ECLM, we show the developmental trajectory and how these works connect with one another. In addition, the coexisting challenges as well as opportunities inspire us to design more ECLM methods to investigate local electrochemical phenomena.

A highly sensitive epidermal sensor based on triple-bonded hydrogels for strain/pressure sensing

Hydrogels as a kind of soft material have received tremendous interests which are great promising candidate for wearable epidermal sensors to integrate prominent mechanical strength, high sensitivity and multiple detection mode. Herein, we proposed the synthesis strategy of a novel double network (DN) structure based on covalently crosslinked polyacrylic acid (PAA) network and ionic sodium alginate (SA) network to fabricate SAA (SA/PAA)/Al3+/MXene highly sensitive hydrogels for strain and pressure sensing. The strain sensors acquired a maximum gauge factor (GF) of 4.3 and fast response time of 210 ms, also displayed a good pressure sensitivity (0.075 kPa-1). Moreover, this epidermal sensor can monitor human motions by resistance or capacitance signals. We anticipated that this work can pave the way for designing wearable electric skins in the application of human motion monitoring and healthcare diagnosis.

A Wideband Sub-㎓ Receiver Front-end Supporting High Sensitivity and Selectivity Mode

A low noise and highly linear wideband RF front-end circuit for sub-㎓ Internet of Things (IoT) applications is proposed. The proposed frontend is composed of a broadband single-ended LNA, a wideband differential LNA employing thermal noise cancellation technique, and an in-phase and quadrature (I/Q) linearized harmonic rejection mixer (HRM). Depending on the interference environment, the proposed front-end supports two operation modes having high sensitivity and selectivity performance by enabling or disabling the first building block of the single-ended LNA. At high sensitivity mode, the frontend shows a voltage gain (A<SUB>v</SUB>) of greater than 38 ㏈, a noise figure (NF) of less than 2.1 ㏈, an input-referred third-order intercept point (IIP3) of greater than -23 ㏈m, and an input-referred second-order intercept point (IIP2) of greater than +15 ㏈m in the sub-㎓ frequency band. Concerning for high selectivity mode, it achieves an Av of greater than 22.5 ㏈, a NF of less than 4.7 ㏈, an IIP3 of greater than – 6.8 ㏈m, and an IIP2 of greater than +50 ㏈m over the same operating frequency range.

Impact of Original and Artificially Improved Artificial Intelligence-based Computer-aided Diagnosis on Breast US Interpretation.

For breast US interpretation, to assess impact of computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) in original mode or with improved sensitivity or specificity. In this IRB approved protocol, orthogonal-paired US images of 319 lesions identified on screening, including 88 (27.6%) cancers (median 7 mm, range 1-34 mm), were reviewed by 9 breast imaging radiologists. Each observer provided BI-RADS assessments (2, 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5) before and after CADx in a mode-balanced design: mode 1, original CADx (outputs benign, probably benign, suspicious, or malignant); mode 2, artificially-high-sensitivity CADx (benign or malignant); and mode 3, artificially-high-specificity CADx (benign or malignant). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was estimated under each modality and for standalone CADx outputs. Multi-reader analysis accounted for inter-reader variability and correlation between same-lesion assessments. AUC of standalone CADx was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.72-0.83). For mode 1, average reader AUC was 0.82 (range 0.76-0.84) without CADx and not significantly changed with CADx. In high-sensitivity mode, all observers' AUCs increased: average AUC 0.83 (range 0.78-0.86) before CADx increased to 0.88 (range 0.84-0.90), P < 0.001. In high-specificity mode, all observers' AUCs increased: average AUC 0.82 (range 0.76-0.84) before CADx increased to 0.89 (range 0.87-0.92), P < 0.0001. Radiologists responded more frequently to malignant CADx cues in high-specificity mode (42.7% vs 23.2% mode 1, and 27.0% mode 2, P = 0.008). Original CADx did not substantially impact radiologists' interpretations. Radiologists showed improved performance and were more responsive when CADx produced fewer false-positive malignant cues.