To develop a screening tool for the detection of interstitial lung disease (ILD) patterns using a deep-learning method.
A fully convolutional network was used for semantic segmentation of several ILD ...patterns. Improved segmentation of ILD patterns was achieved using multi-scale feature extraction. Dilated convolution was used to maintain the resolution of feature maps and to enlarge the receptive field. The proposed method was evaluated on a publicly available ILD database (MedGIFT) and a private clinical research database. Several metrics, such as success rate, sensitivity, and false positives per section were used for quantitative evaluation of the proposed method.
Sections with fibrosis and emphysema were detected with a similar success rate and sensitivity for both databases but the performance of detection was lower for consolidation compared to fibrosis and emphysema.
Automatic identification of ILD patterns in a high-resolution computed tomography (CT) image was implemented using a deep-learning framework. Creation of a pre-trained model with natural images and subsequent transfer learning using a particular database gives acceptable results.
•A FCN has been used to detect the presence of ILD patterns on a HRCT slice.•It can detect the presence of ILD patterns without doing lung filed segmentation.•It has been evaluated on three ILD patterns consolidation, emphysema, and fibrosis.•It could be used to develop a fully automated screening tool for ILD patterns.
Aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) of thiolated gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) has emerged as an attractive and alternative strategy to improve their brightness. This study demonstrates ...Ce(iii)-triggered AIEE of glutathione-capped AuNCs (GSH-AuNCs) through the coordination between two carboxylic groups of GSH and Ce(iii). The cluster size and valence state of GSH-AuNCs are almost identical to those of a Ce(iii)-induced assembly of GSH-AuNCs (named Ce(iii)-GSH-AuNCs). More importantly, the as-prepared Ce(iii)-GSH-AuNCs exhibit a higher quantum yield (up to 13%), longer luminescence lifetime, and shorter maximum luminescence peak than GSH-AuNCs. Additionally, Ce(iii)-GSH-AuNCs possess redox-switchable luminescence, high salt stability, and long-term storage stability. These findings provide clear evidence that the Ce(iii)-triggered aggregation of GSH-AuNCs is a crucial factor to improve the luminescence property of GSH-AuNCs. Intriguingly, the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) switches off the luminescence of Ce(iii)-GSH AuNCs through the significant formation of Ce(iii)-ATP complexes. Furthermore, the ATP-induced luminescence quenching of Ce(iii)-GSH-AuNCs can be paired with the alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-ATP system to design a turn-on luminescent probe for ALP; the limit of detection for ALP is estimated to be 0.03 U L-1. Also, the biocompatibility of Ce(iii)-GSH-AuNCs enables the proposed system to detect ALP in human serum and HeLa cells.
Background & objectives: The National Tuberculosis (TB) Control Programme has transitioned from thrice-weekly to daily drug treatment regimens in India. This preliminary study was conceived to ...compare the pharmacokinetics of rifampicin (RMP), isoniazid (INH) and pyrazinamide (PZA) in TB patients being treated with daily and thrice weekly anti-TB treatment (ATT).
Methods: This prospective observational study was undertaken in 49 newly diagnosed adult TB patients receiving either daily ATT (n=22) or thrice-weekly ATT (n=27). Plasma RMP, INH and PZA were estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography.
Results: The peak concentration (Cmax) of RMP was significantly higher (RMP: 8.5 μg/ml vs. 5.5 μg/ml; P=0.003) and Cmax of INH was significantly lower (INH: 4.8 μg/ml vs. 10.9 μg/ml; P<0.001) in case of daily dosing compared to thrice-weekly ATT. Cmax of drugs and doses was significantly correlated. A higher proportion of patients had subtherapeutic RMP Cmax (8.0 μg/ml) during thrice-weekly compared to daily ATT (78% vs. 36%; P=0.004). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that Cmax of RMP was significantly influenced by the dosing rhythm, pulmonary TB and Cmax of INH and PZA by the mg/kg doses.
Interpretation & conclusions: RMP concentrations were higher and INH concentrations were lower during daily ATT, suggesting that INH doses may need to be increased in case of a daily regimen. Larger studies are, however, required using higher INH doses when monitoring for adverse drug reactions and treatment outcomes.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
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•Biomass composition, structural variability are key players in lignocellulosic biorefinery.•Cellulosic ethanol production has immense potential to be use as transportation ...fuels.•Efficient pretreatment and achieving high sugar/ ethanol titer are critical challenge.•State-of-the-art technology development, genetic engineering key area for exploration.
Cellulosic ethanol production has received global attention to use as transportation fuels with gasoline blending virtue of carbon benefits and decarbonization. However, due to changing feedstock composition, natural resistance, and a lack of cost-effective pretreatment and downstream processing, contemporary cellulosic ethanol biorefineries are facing major sustainability issues. As a result, we've outlined the global status of present cellulosic ethanol facilities, as well as main roadblocks and technical challenges for sustainable and commercial cellulosic ethanol production. Additionally, the article highlights the technical and non-technical barriers, various R&D advancements in biomass pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation strategies that have been deliberated for low-cost sustainable fuel ethanol. Moreover, selection of a low-cost efficient pretreatment method, process simulation, unit integration, state-of-the-art in one pot saccharification and fermentation, system microbiology/ genetic engineering for robust strain development, and comprehensive techno-economic analysis are all major bottlenecks that must be considered for long-term ethanol production in the transportation sector.
Thin‐walled structures with good energy absorption capability can significantly use as energy absorbers in passive vehicle safety systems. The present study deals with designing and developing ...thin‐walled carbon fiber (CF) reinforced PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) composite tubes with octagonal corrugated lattice structures on the lateral surfaces. The FFF (fused filament fabrication) factors such as layer height, nozzle temperature, printing speed, line width, and infill density were optimized. The experiment outcomes such as compressive strength and dimensional length error, are measured for the respective octagonal corrugated lattice structure incorporated in 3D printed CF/PETG composite tubes. The results proclaimed that, the optimum factors for improved compressive strength in the octagonal corrugated lattice‐structured CF/PETG composite will be 0.1 mm layer height, 220°C nozzle temperature, 20 mm/sec printing speed, 0.1 mm line width and 100% infill density. Furthermore, the R‐square value for the compressive strength and dimensional length error is within an acceptable limit of 91.25% and 93.31%. So, the developed mathematical models are in good form for practical acceptance. The optimized condition3D printed samples exhibit better compressive strength and lower dimensional length deviation, which is essential for considering it in the safety protection application in automotive components.
Highlights
• 3D printed octagonal shaped lattice structured PETG/CF composite tube.
• Process parameters were optimized in terms of compressive strength.
• Layer height has contributed a major impact on the compressive strength response.
Schematic layout of 3D‐printed carbon fiber reinforced PETG composite and its optimal compressive results
In this paper, the authors propose a two-dimensional (2D), wide dynamic range, linear displacement sensor based on the microwave resonator principle. The sensor employs a cylindrical dielectric ...resonator (DR) proximity coupled to a pair of 50 Ω microstrip lines that are laid orthogonally over a microwave substrate. The DR is free to move on the substrate in the 2D space between the microstrips so that the coupling strength of the excited DR mode varies with the DR's proximity to the microstrips. This variation in coupling strength can be measured in terms of the two-port scattering (S) parameters of the circuit, from which the DR's displacement can be estimated. The above circuit operates at a fixed frequency determined by the resonant frequency of the particular mode of the DR. Initial one-dimensional (1D) analysis using the |S 21 | sensitivity of the DR displacement reveals a dynamic range of more than 23 mm for the horizontal, vertical and diagonal displacements. To enable full 2D scanning by differentiating the horizontal and vertical displacements, the |S 11 | and |S 22 | parameters are also taken into account in addition to |S 21 |. Note that in all the above measurements, the sensor's operating frequency remains constant at 3.67 GHz which is the resonant frequency of the DR. Such single-frequency sensors are highly robust to frequency offsets and are also cost-effective in practical realisation compared to variable frequency sensors. This aspect as well as other performance parameters of the proposed sensor are compared with that of existing 2D sensors.
Elevated serum uric acid (sUA) concentrations are common in the general population and are associated with chronic metabolic conditions and adverse clinical outcomes. We evaluated secular trends in ...the burden of hyperuricaemia from 2006-2014 within the Irish health system.
Data from the National Kidney Disease Surveillance Programme was used to determine the prevalence of elevated sUA in adults, age > 18 years, within the Irish health system. Hyperuricaemia was defined as sUA > 416.4 μmol/L in men and > 339.06 μmol/L in women, and prevalence was calculated as the proportion of patients per year with mean sUA levels above sex-specific thresholds. Temporal trends in prevalence were compared from 2006 to 2014 while general estimating equations (GEE) explored variation across calendar years expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence intervals (CI).
From 2006 to 2014, prevalence of hyperuricaemia increased from 19.7% to 25.0% in men and from 20.5% to 24.1% in women, P<0.001. The corresponding sUA concentrations increased significantly from 314.6 (93.9) in 2006 to 325.6 (96.2) in 2014, P<0.001. Age-specific prevalence increased in all groups from 2006 to 2014, and the magnitude of increase was similar for each age category. Adjusting for baseline demographic characteristics and illness indicators, the likelihood of hyperuricemia was greatest for patients in 2014; OR 1.45 (1.26-1.65) for men and OR 1.47 (1.29-1.67) in women vs 2006 (referent). Factors associated with hyperuricaemia included: worsening kidney function, elevated white cell count, raised serum phosphate and calcium levels, elevated total protein and higher haemoglobin concentrations, all P<0.001.
The burden of hyperuricaemia is substantial in the Irish health system and has increased in frequency over the past decade. Advancing age, poorer kidney function, measures of nutrition and inflammation, and regional variation all contribute to increasing prevalence, but these do not fully explain emerging trends.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
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•Hydraulic and Habitation models were coupled to assess the Environmental Flow Requirements (EFRs).•Hydrological alteration analysis indicates possible reasons for non-attainment of ...EFR due to the presence of the dams.•The presence of dam controls flows for anthropogenic activities and affects ecology and biodiversity.
Anthropogenic activities in the Krishna River have altered its flow regime and affected the ecosystems in the river. It is essential to maintain an optimum Environmental Flow (EF) in the river to recover from its deteriorated ecosystem. The present study is to estimate Environment Flow Requirement (EFRs) and the Hydrological Alteration (HA) (Flow changes) that take place on the Krishna River at five dam sites. Pre and post construction impact flow data are collected at five gauge stations which are located downstream of these five dams. The flow data which are impacted by climate variability are removed and the study is focussed on the impact of human activities. These EFRs are estimated using statistical relationships between the Krishna River flow regime and ecological indicator with the help of the Global Environmental Flow Calculator (GEFC). HA is used to analyse how the recommended EFRs are different in the post-impact period (after the dam construction). Hydraulic indicators like water depth and velocity are determined by importing estimated EF values into a Hydrologic Engineering Centre’s - River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) model. The habitation analysis is carried out to check whether the hydraulic indicators are providing an acceptable habitation for aquatic species in the study area. The results from HA analysis showed that the required EFRs in the Krishna River were not maintained for almost 43% of the time in the post impact period. The hydraulic analysis showed that recommended EFR is providing velocity in the range of 0.12 m/s to 1.08 m/s and water depth in the range of 0.23 m to 3.16 m throughout the basin. From the habitation study, it is observed that the results obtained from the GEFC approach is providing excellent habitation under the dams of Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar. Good habitation conditions are seen under Narayanapur, Ujjani, and PD Jurala dams.
The strontium–aluminium–hexaferrite was substituted with the divalent ions (Mg/Cu) with the chemical formula of Sr
1–
x
M
x
Al
2
Fe
10
O
19
(M = Mg, Cu;
x
= 0.1, 0.2), and all the samples were ...synthesized via sol–gel auto combustion method. The thermal studies disclosed endothermic and exothermic peaks and showed magnetic phase transition behaviour in the range of 350–450 °C. The particles are shaped in a hexagonal structure with space group P63/mmc and the crystallize size ranges between 44 and 53 nm. The field-emission scanning microscopy revealed the platelet-like morphology of the particles. The magnetic studies disclosed the fine range of magnetic saturation (40.87–49.76 emu/g) and coercivity values (4619–7647 Oe). The particles own single-domain arrangement and decent energy product value (0.32–0.38 MGO
e
), implying their potential application in permanent magnets. The lower dielectric constant values at high-frequency range suggest their potential employment in microwave applications.
This paper presents the design and development of a novel, linear, eddy current-based noncontact angle sensor with 360° range. Although the eddy current proximity sensors are known for high ...reliability, resolution, and insensitivity to moisture and oil, the approach has not been exploited to develop full-circle range angle sensors with such features. The proposed sensor consists of a rotary conducive hollow tube (e.g., made of aluminum) part and a stationary part with four identical flexible coils. The tube has a simple but special groove. The position of the groove modifies the value of the inductance of the stationary coil as a function of the sensing angle. The design is such that the inductance of each coil varies linearly for a specified range of the angle. From this piecewise linear characteristic, an output that is linear for the full-circle range is obtained using a simple yet effective algorithm. A suitable signal conditioning circuit is developed to obtain an output that is proportional to the change in the inductance of the coil. In order to optimize the design, first, the sensor structure was studied using finite-element analysis. Then, a prototype of the sensor was built and tested in the laboratory. The prototype sensor has a resolution of 0.08° and a maximum nonlinearity of 0.25%. The possible sources of error of the sensor have been analyzed and quantified. The sensor has no electrical contact to the rotary part and its output is immune to moisture, dust, and oil.
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