Sensitive Measurement Research Articles

Online Exercise Programs for Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial Reveals Comparable Effects of Global, Local, and Combined Approaches.

Specific neck exercises are recommended in the rehabilitation of chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNNP). They are unfortunately often accompanied by acute pain flare-ups. Global exercises might be a beneficial addition, as they activate endogenous analgesia without overloading painful structures. However, it is still unclear which type of exercise is most effective. This randomized controlled trial was done to evaluate the effect of an online blended program of global and specific neck exercises, compared to programs including only 1 of both types of exercise. Forty-eight patients with CNNP were randomized into 3 groups. Online questionnaires were collected at baseline, at midtreatment, immediately after treatment, and at the 3-month follow-up. Quantitative sensory testing and actigraphy were assessed at baseline and after treatment. Linear mixed-model analyses were performed to evaluate treatment effects within and between groups. Neck pain-related disability after treatment was considered the primary outcome. No time × treatment interaction effects were found. All groups improved in neck pain-related disability, pain intensity, self-reported symptoms of central sensitization, local pain sensitivity, physical activity, and pain medication use. No effects were found on quality of life, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, stress, widespread pain sensitivity, health economics, or actigraphy measurements. A higher global perceived effect was reported after performing the blended program, compared to the other groups. A blended exercise program was not superior to the stand-alone programs in reducing disability. Nevertheless, the global perceived effect of this type of exercise was higher. Future research necessitates larger sample sizes to adequately explore the optimal type of exercise for patients with CNNP. Exercise therapy should be an important part of the rehabilitation of patients with CNNP, regardless of the type of exercise.

A feasibility, randomised controlled trial of Club Connect: a group-based healthy brain ageing cognitive training program for older adults with major depression within an older people’s mental health service

BackgroundUsing the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework, we outline steps taken to implement an evidence-based cognitive training program, Club Connect, in older adults with major depressive disorder in an Older People’s Mental Health Service in Sydney, Australia. The primary aim was to explore feasibility (or ‘reach’), tolerability (or ‘implementation’), and acceptability (or ‘adoption’). The secondary aim was to explore the most sensitive clinical outcomes and measurement tools (i.e. ‘effectiveness’) to inform a formal randomised controlled trial, and to explore the healthcare resources used (i.e. costs) to assist decision-making by health care managers and policy-makers in relation to future resource allocation.MethodsUsing a single blinded feasibility design, 40 participants (mean age: 76.13 years, SD: 7.45, range: 65–95 years) were randomised to either (a) Club Connect, a 10-week group-based multifaceted program, comprising psychoeducation and computer-based cognitive training, or (b) a waitlist control group.ResultsImplementing group-based cognitive training within a clinical setting was feasible, well tolerated and accepted by participants. Further, cognitive training, in comparison to the waiting list control, was associated with moderate to very large effect size improvements in depression, stress and inhibition (ηp2 = 0.115–0.209). We also found moderate effect size improvements on measures of daily functioning, wellbeing and cognitive flexibility. Small effect size improvements for other cognitive and psychosocial outcomes were also observed. The average cost per person participating in in the intervention was AU$607.50.ConclusionsOur findings support the feasibility of implementing group-based cognitive training into a specialised clinical (public health) setting. This trial was registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12619000195156, 12/02/2019).

Compact Viscosity Sensors for Downhole Enhanced Oil Recovery Polymer Fluid Degradation Monitoring

Summary There are currently no technologies available to measure polymer solution viscosities at realistic downhole conditions in a well during enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In this paper, custom-made probes using quartz tuning fork (QTF) resonators are demonstrated for measurements of viscosity of polymer fluids in the laboratory. The electromechanical response of the resonators was calibrated in simple Newtonian fluids and in non-Newtonian polymer fluids at different concentrations. The responses were then used to measure field-collected samples of polymer injection fluids. In the polymer fluids, the measured viscosity values by tuning forks were lower than those measured by the conventional rheometer at 6.8 s−1, closer to the solvent viscosity values. However, the predicted rheometer viscosity vs. QTF-measured viscosity showed a distinct exponential correlation (R2=0.9997), allowing for an empirical calibration between the two viscometers for fluids having the same solvent and polymer compositions. The QTF sensors produced acceptable viscosity measurements of polymer fluids within the required polymer concentration ranges used in the field and predicted field sample viscosities with less than 1–2 cp (or 10–20%) error from the rheometer data. Results were validated based on separate independent tests where the devices were used to measure the viscosity of Newtonian fluids and non-Newtonian polymer fluids in a series of consecutive dip tests, simulating more realistic usage. These devices can be used to measure either the “relative” viscosity changes from a polymer solution prior and post-injection or to measure a “calibrated” viscosity via empirical exponential correlation. The compact QTF sensors developed in this study can be easily integrated into portable systems for laboratory or wellsite deployment as well as logging tools for downhole deployment. This work also demonstrates the ability of these QTF devices to make sensitive viscosity measurements at high-frequencies, opening opportunities for their use in high-frequency rheology studies of EOR fluids.

High enrichment and sensitive measurement of oxytetracycline in tea drinks by thermosensitive magnetic molecular imprinting based magnetic solid phase extraction coupled with boron doped carbon dots

As a typical kind of new pollutants, there are still some challenges in the rapid detection of antibiotics. In this work, a sensitive fluorescent probe based on boron-doped carbon dots (B-CDs) in combination with thermo-responsive magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (T-MMIPs) was constructed for the detection of oxytetracycline (OTC) in tea drinks. T-MMIPs were designed, fabricated and employed to enrich OTC at trace level from tea drinks, and B-CDs were utilized as the fluorescent probe to detect the concentration of OTC. The proposed method exhibited good linear relationship with OTC concentration from 0.2 to 60 μg L−1 and the limit of detection was 0.1 μg L−1. The established method has been successfully validated with tea beverages. Present work was the first attempt application of T-MMIPs in combination with CDs in detection of OTC, and demonstrated that the proposed method endowed the detection of OTC with high selectivity, sensitivity, reliability and wide application prospect, meanwhile offered a new strategy for the method establishment of rapid and sensitive detection of trace antibiotics in food and other matrices.

Development of low-radon ultra-pure water for the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory

The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is a state-of-the-art liquid scintillator-based neutrino physics experiment under construction in South China. To reduce the background from external radioactivities, a water Cherenkov detector composed of 35 kton ultra-pure water and 2,400 20-inch photomultiplier tubes is developed. Even after specialized treatment, ultra-pure water still contains trace levels of radioactive elements that can contribute to the detector background. Among which 222Rn is particularly significant. To address this, an online radon removal system based on the JUNO prototype has been developed. By integrating micro-bubble generators to enhance degasser’s radon removal efficiency, the radon concentration in water can be reduced to 1 mBq/m3 level, meeting the stringent requirements of JUNO. Additionally, a highly sensitive online radon concentration measurement system capable of detecting concentrations ∼1 mBq/m3 has been developed to monitor the radon concentration in water. In this paper, the details regarding both systems will be presented.

Highly sensitive fiber force sensor based on cascaded Fabry-Perot cavities and Vernier effect

In this article, we introduce a new concept for an in-line optical fiber force sensor probe, which is based on two cascaded Fabry-Perot (F-P) cavities to generate the Vernier effect and enhance sensitivity. Due to the significantly low Young’s modulus of UV-cured adhesive within the sensing cavity, extremely high force sensitivity is obtained. In our initial sample, we achieved an impressive force sensitivity of −61,301 nm/N. To improve that, the optical path difference between the two cavities is further reduced, exhibiting a remarkable increased force sensitivity of −140,813 nm/N. As an application, we conducted an experiment using this highly sensitive force sensor probe to measure the evaporation rate of ethanol, a common solvent, which is 7.79 × 10−5 g/s at room temperature. The proposed sensor features advantages of high sensitivity, simple structure, ease of fabrication, compactness, which is an ideal fiber sensor probe for sensitive force measurement.

Sensitive Electrochemical Biosensor Using Gold and Manganese (IV) Oxide Nanomaterials on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for the Determination of Homocysteine With a Portable Potentiostat

Serum homocysteine (Hcy) is considered to be a reliable biomarker of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and neurological diseases. Therefore, rapid, specific and sensitive measurement of homocysteine is crucial for prevention and diagnosis. Electrochemical methods, which benefit from simplicity, low-cost and quick response, have been widely utilized in the determination of targeted biomolecules. In this work, based upon a portable mini-potentiostat, a homocysteine electrochemical biosensor has been successfully developed combined with the modification of gold and manganese (IV) nanomaterials on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (denoted as Au@MnO2/MWCNTs) on screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). Due to the excellent electrochemical activity and catalytic capability of Au@MnO2/MWCNTs, the proposed electrochemical biosensor exhibited wide-linear range (5–125 μmol L−1), high sensitivity (0.01110 μA (μmol L−1)−1) and low detection limit (0.6173 μmol L−1) for homocysteine, requiring only 400 s to complete detection. It was effectively applied in the determination of serum homocysteine, and the results were consistent with those of an automated clinical chemistry analyzer. Furthermore, the simple and portable electrochemical device offers a promising manner for on-site analysis and home health monitoring.

Accelerometry as a tool for measuring the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation

ObjectiveWe predicted that accelerometry would be a viable alternative to electromyography (EMG) for assessing fundamental Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) measurements (e.g. Resting Motor Threshold (RMT), recruitment curves, latencies). New Method21 participants were tested. TMS evoked responses were recorded with EMG on the First Dorsal Interosseus muscle and an accelerometer on the index fingertip. TMS was used to determine the (EMG-defined) RMT, then delivered at a range of intensities allowing determination of both the accelerometry-defined RMT and measurement of recruitment curves. ResultsRMT assessed by EMG was significantly lower than for accelerometry (t(19)=-3.84, p<.001, mean±SD EMG = 41.1±5.28% MSO (maximum stimulator output), Jerk = 44.55±5.82% MSO), though RMTs calculated for each technique were highly correlated (r(18)=.72, p<.001). EMG/Accelerometery recruitment curves were strongly correlated (r(14)=.98, p<.001), and Bayesian model comparison indicated they were equivalent (BF01>9). Latencies measured with EMG were lower and more consistent than those identified using accelerometry (χ2(1)=80.38, p<.001, mean±SD EMG=27.01±4.58 ms, Jerk=48.4±15.33 ms). Comparison with existing methodsEMG is used as standard by research groups that study motor control and neurophysiology, but accelerometry has not yet been considered as a potential tool to assess measurements such as the overall magnitude and latency of the evoked response. ConclusionsWhile EMG provides more sensitive and reliable measurements of RMT and latency, accelerometry provides a reliable alternative to measure of the overall magnitude of TMS evoked responses.

Comparative study on fluorescence intensity ratio and chromatic coordinate temperature measurement using CsPbBr3-Eu3+ co-doped glass

We have fabricated CsPbBr3-Eu3+ co-doped glass for optical temperature measurement. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra, PL excitation (PLE) spectra and PL decay have been measured. The CsPbBr3 and Eu3+ show distinguishable PL spectra and different temperature dependences. Fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) and chromatic coordinate temperature measurements are investigated. Absolute sensitivity (Sa), relative sensitivity (Sr) and temperature measurement accuracy (UT) are analyzed. For the FIR method, the Sa and Sr are better in comparison with other temperature sensing materials. The chromatic coordinate is calculated by using PL spectra. Comparing with FIR method, the chromatic coordinate method has smaller Sa and Sr, but better UT due to small uncertainty Ur(x). In addition, the chromatic coordinate method has linear temperature dependence, good compatibility and universality. Both FIR mode and chromatic coordinate mode have excellent temperature cycle characteristics..

Designing ultra-broadband terahertz polarization converters based on the transformer model

Polarization, a fundamental property of terahertz (THz) waves, can be controlled using metasurfaces for signal transmission and sensitive measurements. However, conventional methods for designing polarization-conversion metasurfaces require numerous numerical simulation iterations and trial and error attempts that are computationally intensive and time-consuming, necessitating a more rapid and efficient approach. This study proposes a transformer-based method for the inverse design of terahertz polarization converters; the approach can accurately design the corresponding metasurface based on the target spectrum. The model also comprises a forward network that can precisely and intuitively predict the meta-atoms spectra with high simulation speed and reduced computational cost. Using this approach, two ultra-broadband polarization conversion devices were designed in approximately 0.006 s within a target frequency range of 0.5–4 THz, with polarization conversion ratios greater than 90% within 1.23–3.19 THz and 1.18–3.24 THz. Additionally, the average cross-polarization ratio was greater than 50%. This study provides insights into designing terahertz polarization converters, which are applicable in terahertz communications, polarization imaging, and biomedical procedures.

Sinusoidal transmission grating spectrometer for extreme ultraviolet measurement.

Spectral measurements play a vital role in understanding laser-plasma interactions. The ability to accurately measure the spectrum of radiation sources is crucial for unraveling the underlying physics. In this article, we introduce a novel approach that significantly enhances the efficiency of binary sinusoidal transmission grating spectrometers . The grating was tailored especially for Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) measurements. The new design, High Contrast Sinusoidal Transmission Grating (HCSTG), not only suppresses high diffraction orders and retains the advantageous properties of previous designs but also exhibits a fourfold improvement in first-order efficiency. In addition, the HCSTG offers exceptional purity in the first order due to effectively eliminating half-order contributions from the diffraction pattern. The HCSTG spectrometer was employed to measure the emission of laser-produced Sn plasma in the 1-50nm spectral range, achieving a spectral resolution of λ/Δλ = 60. We provide a comprehensive analysis comparing the diffraction patterns of different STGs, highlighting the advantages offered by the HCSTG design. This novel, efficiency-enhanced HCSTG spectrometer opens up new possibilities for accurate and sensitive EUV spectral measurements.

Electrochemical DNA-based sensors for measuring cell-generated forces

Mechanical forces play an important role in cellular communication and signaling. We developed in this study novel electrochemical DNA-based force sensors for measuring cell-generated adhesion forces. Two types of DNA probes, i.e., tension gauge tether and DNA hairpin, were constructed on the surface of a smartphone-based electrochemical device to detect piconewton-scale cellular forces at tunable levels. Upon experiencing cellular tension, the unfolding of DNA probes induces the separation of redox reporters from the surface of the electrode, which results in detectable electrochemical signals. Using integrin-mediated cell adhesion as an example, our results indicated that these electrochemical sensors can be used for highly sensitive, robust, simple, and portable measurements of cell-generated forces.

Frailty, Seasonal Sensitivity and Health-related Quality of Life in Older People Living in High Southern Latitudes: a Bayesian Analysis.

In older people, a notable research gap exists regarding the intricate dynamics between frailty, seasonal sensitivity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to determine the association between frailty, seasonal sensitivity, and HRQoL in older people from high southern latitudes. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. Frailty, seasonal sensitivity, and HRQoL measurements were self-reported by participants through questionnaires. A total of 118 older people were recruited from a local community. The participants were selected through intentional non-probabilistic sampling. The adjusted models showed a trend where lower education was associated with a higher risk of frailty (BF = 0.218). For frailty and HRQoL, we observed a trend suggesting that HRQoL decreases with increasing severity of frailty (BF = 1.76). In addition, we observed a linear effect based on the severity of seasonal sensitivity, meaning that older people with higher perceived severity report a proportional decrease in HRQoL (BF = 6.66). Sociodemographic factors, such as lower education levels, have increased the risk of frailty. At the same time, frailty and seasonal sensitivity perceived severity were associated with a lower HRQoL in older people.

Large-Range and Highly Sensitive Displacement Measurement With an Optical Carrier-Based Microwave Interferometry

Large-Range and Highly Sensitive Displacement Measurement With an Optical Carrier-Based Microwave Interferometry

Development and validation of a DNA-based multi-species biomonitoring toolkit using a high-throughput qPCR platform: A case study of Irish shellfish species.

Biomonitoring of marine life has been enhanced in recent years by the integration of innovative DNA-based approaches, which offer advantages over more laborious techniques (e.g. microscopy). However, trade-offs between throughput, sensitivity and quantitative measurements must be made when choosing between the prevailing molecular methodologies (i.e. metabarcoding or qPCR/dPCR). Thus, the aim of the present study was to demonstrate the utility of a microfluidic-enabled high-throughput quantitative PCR platform (HTqPCR) for the rapid and cost-effective development and validation of a DNA-based multi-species biomonitoring toolkit, using larvae of 23 commercially targeted bivalve and crustacean species as a case study. The workflow was divided into three main phases: definition of (off-) target taxa and establishment of reference databases (PHASE 1); selection/development and assessment of molecular assays (PHASE 2); and protocol optimization and field validation (PHASE 3). 42 assays were eventually chosen and validated. Genetic signal not only showed good correlation with direct visual counts by microscopy but also showed the ability to provide quantitative data at the highest taxonomic resolution (species level) in a time- and cost-effective fashion. This study developed a biomonitoring toolkit, demonstrating the considerable advantages of this state-of-the-art technology in boosting the developmental testing and application of panels of molecular assays for the monitoring and management of natural resources. Once developed, this approach provides a cost and time-effective alternative compared to other multi-species approaches (e.g. metabarcoding). In addition, it is transferable to a wide range of species and will aid future monitoring programmes.

DEVELOPMENT OF A CROSS-CULTURAL ITEM BANK FOR MEASURING ENTREPRENEURIAL PERSONALITY TRAITS ASSOCIATED WITH VENTURE SUCCESS

This study aims to create a cross-cultural item bank that enables accurate, specific and comprehensive measurement of entrepreneurial personality traits associated with successful businesses. The traits were identified through a literature review, a panel of experts and entrepreneurs. Forty-four experts were used for the content analysis of the item bank and 35 entrepreneurs were interviewed to analyze and validate the item bank with considerable evidence. We identified sixteen entrepreneurial personality traits grounded in theory, each linked to entrepreneurial success, constructed a cross-cultural item bank customized to five Spanish-speaking countries to enable a more culturally sensitive measurement, and provided evidence of both content and response process validities. The item bank advances the measurement of entrepreneurial personality traits, transcending the constraints of conventional psychometric tests to offer a less intrusive, yet more accurate and efficient, alternative. A foundation is provided for a computerized adaptive test capable of assessing a range of entrepreneur-specific constructs for a better alignment between project stakeholders and a reduced risk of failure.

On the sensitivity and noise of acousto-optic sensing: Exploring the detection limits

Acousto-optic sensing has garnered increasing attention in recent years due to its non-contact nature, gaining importance in a range of acoustic measurement applications. Although its potential is widely recognized, the signal-to-noise ratio often requires enhancement in practical applications, which can impede further development. While more sensitive measurement methods have been evolving, the discussion around noise and detection limits in acousto-optic sensing remains limited. This presentation will highlight the author's recent findings on sensitivity and noise in acousto-optic sensing. It aims to illuminate the achievable detection limits through a detailed analysis of optical and acoustic noises. The insights provided will offer a deeper understanding of the complexities involved and potentially guide future advancements in this field.

Communication of individuals with CDKL5 deficiency disorder as observed by caregivers: A descriptive qualitative study.

CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a genetically caused developmental epileptic encephalopathy that causes severe communication impairments. Communication of individuals with CDD is not well understood in the literature and currently available measures are not well validated in this population. Accurate and sensitive measurement of the communication of individuals with CDD is important for understanding this condition, clinical practice, and upcoming interventional trials. The aim of this descriptive qualitative study was to understand how individuals with CDD communicate, as observed by caregivers. Participants were identified through the International CDKL5 Disorder Database and invited to take part if their child had a pathogenic variant of the CDKL5 gene and they had previously completed the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Checklist (CSBS-DP ITC). The sample comprised caregivers of 23 individuals with CDD, whose ages ranged from 2 to 30 years (median 13 years), 15 were female, and most did not use words. Semistructured interviews were conducted via videoconference and analyzed using a conventional content analysis. Three overarching categories were identified: mode, purpose and meaning, and reciprocal exchanges. These categories described the purposes and mechanism of how some individuals with CDD communicate, including underpinning influential factors. Novel categories included expressing a range of emotions, and reciprocal exchanges (two-way interactions that varied in complexity). Caregivers observed many communication modes for multiple purposes. Understanding how individuals with CDD communicate improves understanding of the condition and will guide research to develop accurate measurement for clinical practice and upcoming medication trials.

Constipated patients with functional defecatory disorder have secondary rectal hyposensitivity due to altered rectal biomechanics.

Rectal hyposensitivity (RH) is common in constipation and often coexists with functional defecatory disorder (FDD). Rectal sensory thresholds are routinely evaluated with the anorectal manometry probe; however, the gold standard for the assessment of rectal sensitivity is with a barostat, use of which is limited by time constraints and availability. A novel rapid barostat bag (RBB) may facilitate measurements of rectal sensitivity. The aim is to evaluate the relationship between RH (measured by the RBB) and FDD (defined as any minor disorder of rectoanal coordination by the London classification) in constipated patients. Consecutive constipated patients referred for anorectal function testing underwent anorectal manometry with the 3D-HDAM probe as well as rectal sensation testing with the RBB pump. RH was defined by volume to first sensation >30%, urge to defecate >80%, or discomfort >100% (normalized to rectal capacity). Fifty-three percent of constipated patients had RH. Patients with FDD had a significantly increased volume to first sensation (134.5mL vs 102.0, P=0.02), urge to defecate (187.0mL vs 149.0, P=0.04), and rectal capacity (253.5mL vs 209.0, P=0.04) compared to constipated patients without FDD. There was no difference in normalized sensory thresholds (percent of rectal capacity) nor the prevalence of hyposensitivity to each sensory threshold nor overall hyposensitivity. Patients with FDD, when measured with the RBB, have increased sensory thresholds on volumetric distension, but RH was not observed when sensory threshold volume were normalized to rectal capacity. This may reflect "secondary" RH due to altered rectal biomechanics.

A novel capacitive sensor featuring surface microstructure and hydrogels for measuring full pressure with high-sensitivity

Compared with positive pressure measurement, which is widely used in many fields, negative pressure measurement is often ignored. However, realizing full pressure measurement, that is, positive and negative pressure measurement, with high sensitivity and wide measurement range, is one of the most urgent development directions and key challenges faced by flexible pressure sensors. To overcome this challenging problem, a highly sensitive full-pressure capacitive sensor with surface microstructure and hydrogels is introduced in this paper. The sensing mechanism of the sensor is implemented by detecting the capacitance change caused by the change in the contact area between the hydrogel and the electrode due to the internal and external pressure difference. The PVA/KOH basic gel material is used to resist shear deformation, and the uniform microstructure on the gel surface is achieved by the template method. How to maximize the sensitivity of positive and negative pressure measurements is discussed by carefully evaluating the design parameters of the sensor. The fabricated sensor has a wide measurement range (-100–250 kPa) with high sensitivity (S = 15.6 nF/kPa) in the negative pressure region and (S = 5.2 nF/kPa) in the positive pressure region. In addition, the sensor exhibits fast response, cycle stability, and low measurement limit, which further enhances its performance advantages. In order to validate the application potential of the sensor, the paper conducts experimental verification using the relationship between wind pressure measurement results and the angle of contact with the sensor, as well as the relationship between vehicle speed and wind pressure magnitude. The results show that the designed sensor has potential application prospects in full pressure measurement.