Relative Sensitivity Research Articles

Multiple optical thermometry and dynamic anti‐counterfeiting based on multicolor emission in Y2GaSbO7:Bi3+,Er3+ phosphor

AbstractOptical thermometric and anti‐counterfeiting multifunctional materials hold great promise for practical applications, yet their development continues to encounter considerable challenges. Here, we successfully developed a new Bi3+,Er3+ co‐doped Y2GaSbO7 powder with multicolor luminescence. Through adjusting the excitation wavelengths, emissions in violet, blue, green, and orange are achieved. The phosphor demonstrates remarkable thermochromism due to the distinct temperature‐dependent luminescence of Bi3+ and Er3+, confirmed under irradiation at 312 or 980 nm. By reducing the power of 980 nm laser or increasing the laser‐to‐sample distance, the emitting color can be precisely tuned from gold‒yellow or yellow‒green to orange‒red. These diverse luminescent characteristics enable the creation of a multilevel anti‐counterfeiting system. Moreover, a four‐mode optical thermometry with an optimal relative sensitivity of 1.98% K−1, a high thermal resolution of 0.15 K, and signal reversibility was established using fluorescence intensity ratio and fluorescence decay time. These results disclose that Y2GaSbO7:Bi3+,Er3+ phosphor is a promising candidate for temperature monitoring and dynamic anti‐counterfeiting applications.

Safety and accuracy of digitally supported primary and secondary urgent care telephone triage in England: an observational study using routine data

BackgroundEngland’s urgent care telephone triage system comprises non-clinician-led primary triage (NHS111) assessment followed, for approximately 50% patients, by clinician-led secondary triage. Digital decision support is utilised by both. We explore the system’s safety and accuracy relative to patients’ use of emergency departments (EDs) and in-patient care in the subsequent 24 h.MethodsDescriptive analyses were used to investigate outcomes of 98,946 calls that underwent primary and secondary triage. We investigated sensitivity (safety) and specificity (efficiency/accuracy) in relation to subsequent ED attendance and in-patient hospital admission. Mixed effects regression models were used to explore potential under-estimation of clinical risk (under-triage).ResultsSensitivity was greater in primary triage, whilst specificity was greater in secondary triage. The positive predictive value for attending ED after being assigned a triage urgency level of within 2 h was 46.0% for secondary triage compared to 20.7% for primary triage; for inpatient admission it was 18.0% and 9.2% respectively. 1.5% (n = 1468) patients triaged to same-day or less urgent care at secondary triage were subsequently admitted for in-patient care. In relation to in-patient admission within 24 h, there were greater odds of potential under-triage for calls made between midnight and 6am, and for shorter duration calls, respectively OR = 1.71; CI:1.32–2.21 and OR: 1.66, CI: 1.30–2.11. The service provider (e.g., service provider 2, OR = 5.61; CI:3.36–9.36) and individual clinician (OR covering the 95% midrange = 16.15) conducting triage were the characteristics most greatly associated with this potential under-triage; p < 0.001 for all.ConclusionsClinician-led urgent care triage is more accurate in identifying the likelihood of a need for ED or in-patient care than non-clinician triage. Non-clinician primary triage is risk averse, reflected in its high sensitivity but low specificity. Service and clinician characteristics associated with potential under-triage need further investigation to inform ways of improving the safety and effectiveness of urgent care telephone triage.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Designing Polychromatic Luminescence in Mn2+-Doped Cs2NaLuCl6 Double Perovskite Crystals via Energy Transfer Engineering for Optical Thermometry and X-ray Imaging.

Metal halide double perovskites with splendid optical features have been considerably investigated for optoelectronic applications. Herein, a series of Mn2+-doped Cs2NaLuCl6 double perovskite crystals were prepared. Via adopting the density functional theory calculation, the effect of Mn2+ doping on the electronic structure of the Cs2NaLuCl6 compound was discussed. It was found that the Cs2NaLuCl6 crystal can emit intense blue light from the host self-trapped exciton (STE) emission. Excited by 320 nm, the STE and Mn2+ emissions were simultaneously observed in the resulting crystals. Owing to the efficient energy transfer from the STE to Mn2+, polychromatic luminescence was observed in final products. Moreover, taking advantage of the various responses of the emission intensities of the STE and Mn2+ to temperature, the thermometric characteristics of resulting crystals were investigated, and their maximum relative sensitivity is 0.99% K-1, which is hardly impacted by Mn2+ content. Furthermore, the prepared crystals exhibit good X-ray radioluminescence properties, with a low detection limitation of 0.99 μGyair s-1. Additionally, utilizing the designed crystal, flexible X-ray imaging with a high resolution of 20 lp mm-1 that can be operated in a high-temperature environment was realized. These results indicated that the Mn2+-doped Cs2NaLuCl6 double perovskite crystals are suitable for optical thermometry and X-ray imaging.

Acute and chronic toxicity of cationic polyquaterniums of varying charge density and molecular weight to Daphnia magna and Ceriodaphnia dubia.

Cationic polymers have the unique ability to neutralize negative charge with practical applications in personal care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, contact lens solutions, and as flocculants in wastewater treatment processes. Cationic polymers are a diverse class of materials varying in structural composition, cationic charge density (CD), and molecular weight (MW). In this study, we investigated three classes of polyquaternium cationic polymers (PQ-6, PQ-10, PQ-16) of varying CD and MW to characterize their toxicity to aquatic invertebrates. Although safety studies and environmental risk assessments have been conducted to support the use of polyquaterniums, further research was needed to adapt standard toxicity assays to account for the unique properties of cationic polymers. Standard acute OECD 202 assays were conducted with Daphnia magna and Ceriodaphnia dubia to explore relative species sensitivity. PQ-6 exhibited toxicity ranging from 0.09 to 2.50 mg/L, PQ-10 ranged from 21.29 to >1000 mg/L, and PQ-16 ranged from 0.05 to 14.91 mg/L. Toxicity was positively correlated with CD and not correlated with MW or polymeric backbone. C. dubia were more sensitive to PQ exposure than D. magna, and this trend was consistent across all exposures. Organic carbon (humic acid and algae) was found to mitigate PQ toxicity in a dose-dependent manner, highlighting the importance of robust exposure characterization when assessing environmental risk. Chronic reproductive toxicity assays were conducted on high and low MW PQ-6 materials with observed significant decreases in days to first clutch, average offspring per clutch, and body length. Robust acute to chronic (ACR) values were derived.

Nociceptor-localized KCC2 suppresses brachial plexus avulsion-induced neuropathic pain and related central sensitization

Lack in understanding of the mechanism on brachial plexus avulsion (BPA)-induced neuropathic pain (NP) is the key factor restricting its treatment. In the current investigation, we focused on the nociceptor-localized K+-Cl− cotransporter 2 (KCC2) to investigate its role in BPA-induced NP and related pain sensitization. A novel mice model of BPA on the middle trunk (C7) was established, and BPA mice showed a significant reduction in mechanical withdrawal threshold of the affected fore- and hind- paws without affecting the motor function through CatWalk Gait analysis. Decreased expression of KCC2 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was detected through Western blot and FISH technology after BPA. Overexpression of KCC2 in DRG could reverse the hyperexcitability of DRG neurons and alleviate the pain of BPA mice synchronously. Meanwhile, the calcium response signal of the affected SDH could be significantly reduced through above method using spinal cord fiber photometry. The synthesis and release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was also proved reduction through overexpression of KCC2 in DRG, which indicates BDNF can also act as the downstream role in this pain state. As in human-derived tissues, we found decreased expression of KCC2 and increased expression of BDNF and TrκB in avulsed roots of BPA patients compared with normal human DRGs. Our results indicate that nociceptor-localized KCC2 can suppress BPA-induced NP, and peripheral sensitization can be regulated to reverse central sensitization by targeting KCC2 in DRG at the peripheral level through BDNF signaling. The consistent results in both humanity and rodents endow great potential to future transformation of clinical practice.

Impact of Successive Sets of High-Intensity Leg Press on Cerebral Hemodynamics Across Menstrual Cycle Phases.

This study examined how successive sets of high-intensity leg press (LP) resistance exercise impact the cerebral pressure-flow relationship in untrained males and eumenorrheic females not taking oral contraceptives, and assessed how menstrual cycle (MC) phase influences the cerebral pressure-flow relationship and cerebral hemodynamics (middle cerebral artery blood velocity; MCAv; via transcranial Doppler ultrasound) during and after LP exercise in females. Young adults (11M;11F) performed three sets of leg-press exercises at 90% of their 1-repetition maximum. Data from males and females in early follicular phase were pooled together. Directional sensitivity of the cerebral pressure-flow relationship was calculated as the ratio of rate of changes in MCAv and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (ΔMCAvT/ΔMAPT) per transition between eccentric and concentric muscular contractions during each repetition of LP exercise. ΔMCAvT/ΔMAPT was higher during concentric than eccentric phases (p<0.001) in males and early follicular phase (EF) females. There were no effects of successive leg press sets on any systemic or cerebral hemodynamic measures. MC phase affected directional sensitivity and cerebral hemodynamics, with greater responses in the mid-luteal (ML) phase than EF. We observed a MAP direction by MC phase interaction on relative directional sensitivity, with greater sensitivity during concentric contractions in the ML phase (p=0.02). Our results suggest successive sets of LP exercise do not impact the cerebral pressure-flow relationship or cerebral hemodynamics during and immediately following LP exercise. MC phase appears to influence the cerebral pressure-flow relationship and cerebral hemodynamics both during and following LP exercise, mediated by vasoprotective effects of increased estrogen concentration in the ML phase compared to EF.

Inequality imbalance and its orderings based on relative and positional transfer sensitivity principles

Inequality imbalance and its orderings based on relative and positional transfer sensitivity principles

Correlation between metabolic response determined with [18F]FDG PET/CT and pathological response after neoadjuvant treatment and surgery in patients with esophageal cancer.

To assess the correlation between the result of the PET/CT study with [18 F]FDG and the histological outcome in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing chemoradiotherapy and subsequent surgery. 41 patients (35 men) diagnosed with esophageal cancer during a 10-year interval were retrospectively evaluated. PERCIST criteria and SULpeak (ΔSULpeak) variation between pre- and post-treatment PET/CT studies were used. After neoadjuvant treatment and subsequent surgery, histological response and patient survival were determined, correlating the findings with the result of the metabolic study. Different parameters related to patient and tumors lesion characteristics were compared with respect to histologic response. ROC curves and the Kaplan-Meier method were applied for the analysis of prognostic factors and survival curves. The mean follow-up was 34.9 months, with 21 relapses-progressions and 25 deaths. Significant differences were demonstrated between histologic responses regarding PERCIST criteria and ΔSULpeak. Both showed adequate sensitivity and moderate specificity in relation to their histological correlation. No significant differences were found with respect to other parameters studied. Survival analysis showed significantly different progression-free survival curves for the ΔSULpeak and histologic outcome. PERCIST criteria and ΔSULpeak differentiated between patients with and without histological response. ΔSULpeak and histological results proved to be prognostic factors. The results could help to personalize treatment and, together with other determinations, allow an active surveillance approach could be contemplated.

Hexagonal Hollow Core PCF-Based Blood Components Sensing: Design and Simulation.

Blood components play a crucial role in maintaining human health and accurately detecting them is essential for medical diagnostics. A cutting-edge sensor utilizing PCF revealed to precisely identify a wide range of blood components with WBCs (white blood cells), RBCs (red blood cells), HB (hemoglobin), platelets, and plasma. A numerical analysis was performed using COMSOL Multiphysics software to assess the capabilities of the sensor. The sensor design features a hexagonal hollow core-based PCF with a circled air hole operating wavelength from 1.0 μm to 3.0 μm. This innovative PCF sensor exhibits outstanding sensitivity, achieving relative sensitivity values of approximately 97.45% for WBCs, 99.13% for HB, 99.61% for RBCs, 93.44% for plasma, and an impressive 99.42% for platelets, all at a wavelength of 1 μm in its optimized design and this design ensures reliable and highly accurate measurements for various blood components. The corresponding effective areas are 3.32 × 10-11 m2 for WBCs, 2.91 × 10-11 m2 for HB, 2.72 × 10-11 m2 for RBCs, 3.74 × 10-11 m2 for plasma, and 2.79 × 10-11 m2 for platelets, respectively. Furthermore, The sensor demonstrates exceptional performance with remarkably low confinement loss values of 3.032 × 10-9 dB/m for WBCs, 2.947 × 10-9 dB/m for HB, 3.147 × 10-9 dB/m for RBCs, 3.112 × 10-9 dB/m for plasma, and 3.205 × 10-9 dB/m for platelets, respectively. Additionally, the effective material loss is 5.43 × 10-3 cm-1 for WBCs, 2.19 × 10-3 cm-1 for HB, 1.27 × 10-3 cm-1 for RBCs, 1.32 × 10-3 cm-1 for plasma, and 1.58 × 10-3 cm-1 for platelets. Therefore, this biosensor's outstanding sensing capabilities and innovative design make it ideal for industrial and medical applications, ensuring reliability and ease of use. The PCF-based sensor has great potential to transform optical communication applications. Its prosperity model and high sensitivity build it a valued device with the promise of addressing critical challenges in the place of biology, medicine, and communication systems. The sensor features Teflon (tetrafluoroethylene) as its background material, with air holes optimized in a five-ring structure for maximum efficiency and it is the ideal fiber material, offering excellent relative sensitivity and low confinement loss (CL). More than that, 3D printing is the ideal method for fabricating hexagonal hollow-core photonic crystal fiber (PCF) structures, allowing for the effective production of the advanced biosensor design.

Surface-modified carbon quantum dot for enhanced fluorescent-sensing of hexagonal valent chromium.

As one of the most harmful heavy metal pollutants, hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) is becoming a serious threat to human health. Thus pursuing a remarkably sensitive method to monitor the Cr(VI) concentration in natural conditions is favored for the fast response to prevent harm. In the present work, an ethylenediamine (En) and SiO2-modified wool keratin-based carbon quantum dot (CQD)(En@CQDs@SiO2) fluorescent sensor is prepared, and the En is found to improve the discrimination ability by binding the Cr(VI) with the surface carboxyl groups. Based on these designs, the En@CQDs@SiO2 achieves a significant improvement in the Cr(VI) detection ability, with a detection limit of 6.08 × 10-4mg/L, which succeeded 6 times over CQDs, and is better than conventional UV-Vis and flame atomic absorption (AAS) techniques. Furthermore, the fluorescent sensor has good relative sensitivity, selectivity, good spectral reproducibility, and excellent structural stability. These properties make the sensor suitable for environmental Cr(VI) detection, which undoubtedly improves the economy and environmental friendliness of the fluorescent sensor.

Tunable luminescence in Eu3+/Sm3+ doped Na2YMg2V3O12 for WLEDs and optical thermometry.

In recent years, it has become a development trend to design multi-application luminescent materials with rare earth ion doping. In this work, a series of Eu3+/Sm3+ doped self-activated Na2YMg2V3O12 (NYMVO) phosphors were synthesized through a simple high-temperature solid-state reaction method. Interestingly, due to the energy transfer (ET) from the matrix to the activators, the luminescence color of the phosphors changed from turquoise to orange-red and yellow-green under near-ultraviolet (n-UV) 365nm excitation. Based on the fluorescence intensity ratio of the matrix to Eu3+/Sm3+, the optical thermometry performances of the NYMVO:0.20Eu3+ and NYMVO:0.06Sm3+ phosphors were described. Notably, the maximum absolute sensitivity (Sa) values for NYMVO:0.20Eu3+ and NYMVO:0.06Sm3+ phosphors were 0.30K-1 and 0.032K-1, respectively. Correspondingly, the maximum relative sensitivity (Sr) values were 2.17%K-1 and 1.22%K-1, respectively. Moreover, the light-emitting devices based on NYMVO:0.20Eu3+ and NYMVO:0.06Sm3+ phosphors had excellent optical properties, with correlated color temperature (CCT) of 4552 K and 4470 K, and color-rendering index (CRI) of 84.6 and 88.5. These results suggested that the two vanadate phosphors prepared had potential applications in both warm white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) and optical thermometry.

Designing a terahertz optical sensor based on helically twisted photonic crystal fiber for toxic gas sensing

A novel helically twisted photonic crystal fiber (PCF) is designed and proposed for sensing toxic gases with refractive indices ranging from 1.00 to 1.08. The PCF consists of twelve hollow pipes arranged circularly around the hollow core to support THz radiation propagation. Low-loss polymer Topas is used as the background material of cladding. The fiber is twisted 360° over 50 cm to enhance anti-resonance in the THz region. The fundamental LP01 mode is analyzed using the finite-difference eigenmode (FDE) method. The sensor operates across four frequency bands (0.2 to 3.0 THz) with minimal transmission loss (~ 10⁻⁴ 1/cm). Key parameters such as refractive index sensitivity, relative sensitivity, resolution, and figure of merit (FOM) are evaluated. The average refractive index sensitivities are 1450, 2250, 3000, and 2550 for Bands 1 to 4, respectively, with 100% relative sensitivity across all bands. The sensor detects refractive index changes as small as 10⁻⁴. The FOM, defined as the inverse of the full width at half maximum, exceeds 30 1/RIU, reaching up to 250 1/RIU due to sharp resonance peaks. Compared to other THz sensors, this design offers enhanced performance in sensing gases like SOx, NOx, and CO, while maintaining a simple structure.

Total-Body PET System Designs with Axial and Transverse Gaps: A Study of Lesion Quantification and Detectability.

High-sensitivity total-body PET enables faster scans, lower doses, and dynamic multiorgan imaging. However, the higher system cost of a scanner with a long axial field of view (AFOV) hinders its wider application. This paper investigates the impact on the lesion quantification and detectability of cost-effective total-body PET sparse designs. Methods: Using the PennPET Explorer (PPEx) as a model, 3 sparse configurations with the same 142-cm AFOV were considered, including designs with only axial gaps (AGs), only transverse gaps (TGs), and a mixture of AGs and TGs (MG), with retained detector fractions (DFs) ranging from 71% to 40%. Human data from the PPEx were used to emulate sparse designs by discarding lines of response as a proxy for missing detectors. We embedded lesion events in the resultant list data with varying uptakes in the lung and liver before reconstruction. A generalized scan statistics methodology was used to measure lesion detectability and quantification as a function of lesion uptake and scan duration. Results: Relative to a fully populated system, an AG design with 71% performs well but is susceptible to image artifacts as the DF decreases to 58%. A TG design performs well with a DF of 58% but requires twice the scan time to achieve similar lesion detectability and is susceptible to transverse field-of-view truncation below 60 cm as the DF is further decreased. An MG design with a DF of 58% requires 3 times the scan time to achieve similar lesion detectability, and with no evidence of artifacts even as the DF is decreased to 40%. Conclusion: Sparse designs with artifact-free images can provide comparable lesion quantification and detectability to the fully populated PPEx after compensating for the reduced sensitivity with increased scan time. Because an AG design is more susceptible to image artifacts with a lower DF, a system with only AGs is not an optimal choice for dramatic cost reduction. A TG design provides a higher relative sensitivity than AG or MG designs for a given DF, leading to a shorter scan time to achieve comparable lesion detectability. However, the increased truncation of the transverse field of view with decreasing DF limits this design choice. An MG design allows for the greatest cost reduction (lowest DF) if the scan duration is increased to compensate for the higher loss in sensitivity. Sparse designs of PET with a long AFOV provide a technologic solution for introducing such systems at reduced cost into routine clinical use.

Comparative Sensitivity of MRI Indices for Myelin Assessment in Spinal Cord Regions.

Background/Objectives: Although multiple magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indices are known to be sensitive to the noninvasive assessment of myelin integrity, their relative sensitivities have not been directly compared. This study aimed to identify the most sensitive MRI index for characterizing myelin composition in the spinal cord's gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM). Methods: MRI was performed on a deer's ex vivo cervical spinal cord. Quantitative indices known to be sensitive to myelin, including the myelin water fraction (MWF), magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), the signal ratio between T1- and T2-weighted images (T1W/T2W), fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), electrical conductivity (σ), and T1, T2, and T1ρ relaxation times were calculated. Their mean values were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Bonferroni tests or Friedman and post hoc Wilcoxon tests to identify differences across GM and WM columns possessing distinct myelin distributions, as revealed by histological analysis. Relationships among the indices were examined using Spearman's rank-order correlation analysis. Corrected p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: All indices except σ differed significantly between GM and all WM columns. Two of the three WM columns had significantly different MWF, FA, MD, and T2, whereas one WM column had significantly different MTR, σ, T1, and T1ρ from the others. A significant moderate to very strong correlation was observed among most indices. Conclusions: The sensitivity of MRI indices in distinguishing spinal cord regions varied. A strategic combination of two or more indices may allow the accurate differentiation of spinal cord regions.

Secondary ion mass spectrometry relative sensitivity factor of 69Ga in ZnS

Multispectral zinc sulfide (MS-ZnS) is an important broadband optical material used in various imaging and sensing technologies. To address the challenge of withstanding aerodynamic loads during operational use, surface hardening treatments of MS-ZnS using Ga2S3 have demonstrated effectiveness while preserving optimal optical properties. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is particularly well-suited for analyzing Ga incorporation in the subsurface of post-treated ZnS windows. Herein, we report the determination of the relative sensitivity factor (RSF) for Ga in a ZnS matrix to calibrate Ga concentration profiles. The RSFs of 69Ga in ZnS were obtained from multiple SIMS measurements on three 69Ga-implanted ZnS coupons at doses of 0.5 × 1015, 2.5 × 1015, and 5.1 × 1015 (at. cm−2). We found that the elemental RSF values are 1.78 × 1020 (±17%), 1.76 × 1020 (±21%), and 1.48 × 1020 (±13%) (at. cm−3), indicating a proportional relationship with the amount of Ga as deduced from standard analysis versus the ratio of 69Ga and 64Zn count rates. These RSF determinations provide a reliable tool for analytical and process optimization purposes.

Impacts of β-diketonate terminal ligands on slow magnetic relaxation and luminescence thermometry in dinuclear DyIII single-molecule magnets.

Lanthanide-based Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) with optical and magnetic properties provide a means to understand intrinsic energy levels of 4f ions and their influence on optical and magnetic behaviour. Fundamental understanding of their luminescent and slow relaxation of the magnetization behaviour is critical for targeting and designing SMMs with multiple functionalities. Herein, we seek to investigate the role of DyIII coordination environment and fine electronic structure on the slow magnetic relaxation and luminescence thermometry. Our findings are illustrated through two distinct DyIII complexes, [Dy2(bpm)(hexd)6] (1) and [Dy2(bpm)(hpd)6] (2), (bpm = 2,20-bipyrimidine, hexd = 2,4-hexanedione, hpd = 3,5-heptanedione), by comparing their features with a family of DyIII dinuclear species bridged by bpm. These findings highlight that the hexd- and hpd- ligands exhibit a similar effective barrier to the reversal of magnetization (280-290 K). The values are among the highest for dinuclear DyIII complexes bridged by bpm, due to the low distortion of the DyIII coordination polyhedra and the long Dy-N equatorial bonds. Furthermore, the luminescence performance is affected by the triplet state energy of the terminal ligand, influencing ligand-to-DyIII energy transfer. The hpd- ligand's higher T1 state energy leads to poor ligand-to-DyIII energy transfer, limiting the use of 2 for luminescence thermometry. Conversely, this issue is absent in 1, which offers a relative thermal sensitivity of 0.1 to 0.7% K-1 (10 to 60 K) with a temperature uncertainty below 1 K. These findings contribute to our understanding of lanthanide-based SMMs and facilitate the design of multifunctional materials with tailored magnetic and luminescent properties for molecular electronics and beyond.

Bi24Al2O39:Mn5+-phosphor-based single-emission ratiometric thermometer

Both excitation and single emission of Bi24Al2O39:Mn5+ phosphors are possible in the near-infrared (NIR) region, which can be simultaneously detected. Monitoring the excitation radiation allows us to prevent its fluctuations from affecting the luminescence. Single emission is a technique that involves the luminescence intensity ratio, so fluctuations in the intensity of the excitation radiation do not affect the result. This technique has the advantage of involving conventional methods and is not affected by optical dispersion, so it provides reliable results suitable for practical applications. Using this method, we investigate the temperature-sensing characteristics of Bi24Al2O39:0.5%Mn5+ phosphors from 300 to 380 K. Under 970 nm excitation, the maximal relative sensitivity is 3.54% K−1 in the physiological temperature range (300–330 K) and reaches 3.98% K−1 at 351 K. The excellent temperature sensing and NIR excitation and emission suggest that this NIR thermometer can be used for biological applications.

A Mediation Appraisal of Neuropathic-like Symptoms, Pain Catastrophizing, and Central Sensitization-Related Signs in Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective. To investigate the relationships among neuropathic pain (NP), pain catastrophizing (PC), and central sensitization (CS) in relation to functional status and radiological damage in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. This cross-sectional study included knee OA patients derived from an observational cohort. The Spearman correlation test was used to analyze the relationship between the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the PainDetect Questionnaire (PDQ), Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). The Kruskal-Wallis test was employed to compare WOMAC scores according to CSI categories. A multivariate analysis was conducted to identify predictors of functional ability, with the WOMAC score as the dependent variable and the independent variables including pain-related indices such as PCS, PDQ, and CSI, along with Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading and demographic characteristics. Results. This study included 149 patients (76.5% female; mean age 71.5 years; mean duration of pain 8.1 years). In total, 23.5% exhibited NP, 30.9% showed PC, and 33.6% had CS. Higher mean values of WOMAC were correlated with CSI categories (p < 0.0001). WOMAC showed a significant relationship with CSI (rho = 0.791; p < 0.0001), PDQ (rho = 0.766; p < 0.0001), and PCS (rho = 0.536; p < 0.0001). In the multiple regression analysis, WOMAC was independently associated with CSI (p < 0.0001), PDQ (p < 0.0001), and PC (p = 0.0001). No association was observed between the K-L grading and the other variables. Conclusions. A reduced functional capacity in patients with knee OA is correlated with the presence of NP, PC and CS, without being significantly associated with radiological damage.

Mapping simulated visual field defects with movie-viewing pupil perimetry.

Assessing the quality of the visual field is important for the diagnosis of ophthalmic and neurological diseases and, consequently, for rehabilitation. Visual field defects (VFDs) are typically assessed using standard automated perimetry (SAP). However, SAP requires participants to understand instructions, maintain fixation and sustained attention, and provide overt responses. These aspects make SAP less suitable for very young or cognitively impaired populations. Here we investigate the feasibility of a new and less demanding form of perimetry. This method assesses visual sensitivity based on pupil responses while performing the perhaps simplest task imaginable: watching movies. We analyzed an existing dataset, with healthy participants (n = 70) freely watching movies with or without gaze-contingent simulated VFDs, either hemianopia (left- or right-sided) or glaucoma (large nasal arc, small nasal arc, and tunnel vision). Meanwhile, their gaze and pupil size were recorded. Using a recently published toolbox (Open-DPSM), we modeled the relative contribution of visual events to the pupil responses to indicate relative visual sensitivity across the visual field and to dissociate between conditions with and without simulated VFDs. Conditions with and without simulated VFDs could be dissociated, with an AUC ranging from 0.85 to 0.97, depending on the specific simulated VFD condition. In addition, the dissociation was better when including more movies in the modeling but the model with as few movies as 10 movies was sufficient for a good classification (AUC ranging from 0.84 to 0.96). Movie-viewing pupil perimetry is promising in providing complementary information for the diagnosis of VFDs, especially for those who are unable to perform conventional perimetry.

NIR‐to‐NIR Lifetime Based Thermometry with the Thermally Elongated Luminescence Kinetics Driven by Structural Phase Transition in LiYO2:Yb3+

AbstractAmong the various techniques used in luminescence thermometry, luminescence kinetics is considered the least sensitive to perturbations related to the optical properties of the medium containing the phosphor. For this reason, temperature sensing and imaging using lifetime‐based luminescence thermometers are of high interest for a wide range of specific applications. However, for most such thermometers, an increase in temperature leads to a shortening in lifetime, which can hinder the specificity and accuracy of the readout. In this work, an approach is presented that utilizes a thermally induced increase in the symmetry of the host material associated with a structural phase transition in LiYO2:Yb3+. Consequently, the lifetime of the excited level 2F5/2 of the Yb3+ ion is thermally prolonged, achieving a relative sensitivity of 0.5%/K. The phase transition temperature can be controlled by adjusting the dopant concentration. Additionally, thermal changes in the emission spectrum enable the use of LiYO2:Yb3+ for ratiometric temperature readout with a relative sensitivity of 5.3%/K at 280K for LiYO2:5%Yb3+.