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Zhuo S, Zhang A, Tessier A, Williams C, Kabiri Ameri S. Solvent-Free and Cost-Efficient Fabrication of a High-Performance Nanocomposite Sensor for Recording of Electrophysiological Signals. Biosensors (Basel) 2024; 14:188. [PMID: 38667181 PMCID: PMC11048393 DOI: 10.3390/bios14040188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Carbon nanotube (CNT)-based nanocomposites have found applications in making sensors for various types of physiological sensing. However, the sensors' fabrication process is usually complex, multistep, and requires longtime mixing and hazardous solvents that can be harmful to the environment. Here, we report a flexible dry silver (Ag)/CNT/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanocomposite-based sensor made by a solvent-free, low-temperature, time-effective, and simple approach for electrophysiological recording. By mechanical compression and thermal treatment of Ag/CNT, a connected conductive network of the fillers was formed, after which the PDMS was added as a polymer matrix. The CNTs make a continuous network for electrons transport, endowing the nanocomposite with high electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and durability. This process is solvent-free and does not require a high temperature or complex mixing procedure. The sensor shows high flexibility and good conductivity. High-quality electroencephalography (EEG) and electrooculography (EOG) were performed using fabricated dry sensors. Our results show that the Ag/CNT/PDMS sensor has comparable skin-sensor interface impedance with commercial Ag/AgCl-coated dry electrodes, better performance for noninvasive electrophysiological signal recording, and a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) even after 8 months of storage. The SNR of electrophysiological signal recording was measured to be 26.83 dB for our developed sensors versus 25.23 dB for commercial Ag/AgCl-coated dry electrodes. Our process of compress-heating the functional fillers provides a universal approach to fabricate various types of nanocomposites with different nanofillers and desired electrical and mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyun Zhuo
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Anan Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Alexandre Tessier
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Chris Williams
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Shideh Kabiri Ameri
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
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Müller HP, Kassubek J. Toward diffusion tensor imaging as a biomarker in neurodegenerative diseases: technical considerations to optimize recordings and data processing. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1378896. [PMID: 38628970 PMCID: PMC11018884 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1378896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroimaging biomarkers have shown high potential to map the disease processes in the application to neurodegenerative diseases (NDD), e.g., diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). For DTI, the implementation of a standardized scanning and analysis cascade in clinical trials has potential to be further optimized. Over the last few years, various approaches to improve DTI applications to NDD have been developed. The core issue of this review was to address considerations and limitations of DTI in NDD: we discuss suggestions for improvements of DTI applications to NDD. Based on this technical approach, a set of recommendations was proposed for a standardized DTI scan protocol and an analysis cascade of DTI data pre-and postprocessing and statistical analysis. In summary, considering advantages and limitations of the DTI in NDD we suggest improvements for a standardized framework for a DTI-based protocol to be applied to future imaging studies in NDD, towards the goal to proceed to establish DTI as a biomarker in clinical trials in neurodegeneration.
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Weng C, Gu X, Jin H. Coded Excitation for Ultrasonic Testing: A Review. Sensors (Basel) 2024; 24:2167. [PMID: 38610378 PMCID: PMC11014118 DOI: 10.3390/s24072167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Originating in the early 20th century, ultrasonic testing has found increasingly extensive applications in medicine, industry, and materials science. Achieving both a high signal-to-noise ratio and high efficiency is crucial in ultrasonic testing. The former means an increase in imaging clarity as well as the detection depth, while the latter facilitates a faster refresh of the image. It is difficult to balance these two indicators with a conventional short pulse to excite the probe, so in general handling methods, these two factors have a trade-off. To solve the above problems, coded excitation (CE) can increase the pulse duration and offers great potential to improve the signal-to-noise ratio with equivalent or even higher efficiency. In this paper, we first review the fundamentals of CE, including signal modulation, signal transmission, signal reception, pulse compression, and optimization methods. Then, we introduce the application of CE in different areas of ultrasonic testing, with a focus on industrial bulk wave single-probe detection, industrial guided wave detection, industrial bulk wave phased array detection, and medical phased array imaging. Finally, we point out the advantages as well as a few future directions of CE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Haoran Jin
- The State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; (C.W.); (X.G.)
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Lu W, McBride MJ, Lee WD, Xing X, Xu X, Li X, Oschmann AM, Shen Y, Bartman C, Rabinowitz JD. Selected Ion Monitoring for Orbitrap-Based Metabolomics. Metabolites 2024; 14:184. [PMID: 38668312 PMCID: PMC11051813 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14040184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Orbitrap mass spectrometry in full scan mode enables the simultaneous detection of hundreds of metabolites and their isotope-labeled forms. Yet, sensitivity remains limiting for many metabolites, including low-concentration species, poor ionizers, and low-fractional-abundance isotope-labeled forms in isotope-tracing studies. Here, we explore selected ion monitoring (SIM) as a means of sensitivity enhancement. The analytes of interest are enriched in the orbitrap analyzer by using the quadrupole as a mass filter to select particular ions. In tissue extracts, SIM significantly enhances the detection of ions of low intensity, as indicated by improved signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios and measurement precision. In addition, SIM improves the accuracy of isotope-ratio measurements. SIM, however, must be deployed with care, as excessive accumulation in the orbitrap of similar m/z ions can lead, via space-charge effects, to decreased performance (signal loss, mass shift, and ion coalescence). Ion accumulation can be controlled by adjusting settings including injection time and target ion quantity. Overall, we suggest using a full scan to ensure broad metabolic coverage, in tandem with SIM, for the accurate quantitation of targeted low-intensity ions, and provide methods deploying this approach to enhance metabolome coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyun Lu
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; (W.L.)
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Matthew J. McBride
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; (W.L.)
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Won Dong Lee
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; (W.L.)
| | - Xi Xing
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; (W.L.)
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Xincheng Xu
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; (W.L.)
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Xi Li
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; (W.L.)
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Anna M. Oschmann
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; (W.L.)
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Yihui Shen
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; (W.L.)
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Caroline Bartman
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; (W.L.)
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Joshua D. Rabinowitz
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; (W.L.)
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ), Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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Tonape PB, Kishore J, Kopparthi RM, Tonape T, Bhamare DS, Desireddy S. Clinico-radiological outcome of Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Augmentation of Dehydrated Human Amnion Chorion Allograft Membrane using Peroneus Longus Autograft. Malays Orthop J 2024; 18:33-41. [PMID: 38638668 PMCID: PMC11023350 DOI: 10.5704/moj.2403.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction For many sportsmen, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are unfortunate but common injuries. Several growth factors, cytokine, chemokine, and protease inhibitors functions in stimulation of paracrine reactions in fibroblast, endothelial, and stem cells thereby promoting the tissue restorative processes. Augmented with dehydrated Human Amnion Chorion Membrane (dHACM) allograft reinforces the reconstructed ligament and aids in effective restoration. Materials and methods In this case control study 15 patients undertaking ACL reconstruction with tripled peroneus augmented dHACM (G1) were prospectively monitored up for a period of 8 months along with 15 control patients (G2) without dHACM augmentation. Clinical and radiological outcomes were analysed and assessed about effect of augmenting the peroneus longus graft using dHACM. Clinical analysis included pre-operative two, four, six, and eight months post-operative Tegnor-Lysholm score, and radiological analysis included the 6th month postoperative MRI signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurements by mean signal-value at femoral insertion, midsubstance and tibial insertion of ACL graft. Results Clinically, as a mean Lysholm score of all patients, they were revealed to be consecutively high in G1 than in Group 2 at four, six, and eight months. The signal-to-noise ratio from the MRI results showed majority having good healing in G1 group. Conclusions Based on 6-month MRI, an effective ligamentization (SNR<75) was noticed in 53.33% of patients in the dHACM allograft enhanced group on comparison with 33% in the controls. The overall results show that the augmentation of dHACM allograft to ACL reconstruction yields in good patient outcomes at post-operative follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- P B Tonape
- Department of Orthopedics, Sterling Multispeciality Hospital, Pune, India
| | - Jvs Kishore
- Department of Orthopedics, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, India
| | - R M Kopparthi
- Department of Radiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, India
| | - T Tonape
- Department of General Surgery, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, India
| | - D S Bhamare
- Department of Orthopedics, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, India
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Lin SY, Ahmad N, Jeffrey Kuo CF. Study of Synthesis of Dual-Curing Thermoplastic Polyurethane Hot-Melt Adhesive and Optimization by Using Gray Relational Analysis to Apply in Fabric Industry to Solve Seamless Bonding Issues. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:467. [PMID: 38399845 PMCID: PMC10892432 DOI: 10.3390/polym16040467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
People wear clothes for warmth, survival and necessity in modern life, but in the modern era, eco-friendliness, shortened production times, design and intelligence also matter. To determine the relationship between data series and verify the proximity of each data series, a gray relational analysis, or GRA, is applied to textiles, where seamless bonding technology enhances the bond between components. In this study, a polyurethane prepolymer, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (2-HEA) as an end-capping agent and n-octyl acrylate (ODA) as a photoinitiator were used to synthesize a dual-curing polyurethane hot-melt adhesive. Taguchi quality engineering and a gray relational analysis were used to discuss the influence of different mole ratios of NCO:OH and the effect of the molar ratio of the addition of octyl decyl acrylate on the mechanical strength. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed the termination of the prepolymer's polymerization reaction and the C=O peak intensity at 1730 cm-1, indicating efficient bonding to the main chain. Advanced Polymer Chromatography (APC) was used to investigate the high-molecular-weight (20,000-30,000) polyurethane polymer bonded with octyl decyl acrylate to achieve a photothermosetting effect. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed that the thermal decomposition temperature of the polyurethane hot-melt adhesive also increased, and they showed the highest pyrolysis temperature (349.89 °C) for the polyhydric alcohols. Furthermore, high peel strength (1.68 kg/cm) and shear strength (34.94 kg/cm2) values were detected with the dual-cure photothermosetting polyurethane hot-melt adhesive. The signal-to-noise ratio was also used to generate the gray relational degree. It was observed that the best parameter ratio of NCO:OH was 4:1 with five moles of monomer. The Taguchi quality engineering method was used to find the parameters of single-quality optimization, and then the gray relation calculation was used to obtain the parameter combination of multi-quality optimization for thermosetting the polyurethane hot-melt adhesive. The study aims to meet the requirements of seamless bonding in textile factories and optimize experimental parameter design by setting target values that can effectively increase production speed and reduce processing time and costs as well.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chung-Feng Jeffrey Kuo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan; (S.-Y.L.); (N.A.)
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Yi Y, Chi Z, Wang Y, Wu M, Wang L, Jiang D, He L, Qi Y, Li X, Zhao X, Meng Y, Zhou J, Zhao Q, Zheng Z. In vivo MRI of knee using a metasurface-inspired wireless coil. Magn Reson Med 2024; 91:530-540. [PMID: 37814581 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the application of a metasurface-inspired wireless coil and evaluate its performance in clinical knee MRI. METHODS A metasurface surface coil is designed for knee MRI at 1.5T. The image SNR and uniformity are assessed using a water phantom. In vivo studies are performed on 10 healthy volunteers (age range, 24-30 y; three males) and two patients (ages 31 and 76 y; two males) with knee conditions. A commercial 4-channel flexible coil and a 12-channel knee coil are used for comparison. The SNRs of different tissues on knee MRI images are evaluated and compared. The image quality is evaluated using a five-point Likert scale. RESULTS The SNRs of the images acquired by the metasurface coil with spine coil as receiving coil are similar to the 12-channel knee coil, whereas the uniformity from groups where the metasurface coil was used is higher than that acquired by conventional coils in phantom studies. For in vivo knee MRI, the SNRs of the images acquired by the metasurface coil with spine coil as receiving coil are between that of the 4- and 12-channel phased-array coils. The image quality scores evaluated by radiologists are higher when metasurface is used. CONCLUSION The metasurface-inspired wireless coil is applicable to clinical knee MRI. When used in conjunction with the spine coil, it provides a favorable SNR between that of the 4- and 12-channel phased-array coil at 1.5T MRI system. The metasurface coil improves image uniformity regardless of which coil is used as the receiving coil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yi
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhonghai Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yakui Wang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Maopeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lixue Wang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Deqing Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Li He
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingyi Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yonggang Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ji Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuozhao Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Wong YM, Ong CC, Liang CR, Tan CA, Teo LLS. Image quality, contrast enhancement and radiation dose of electrocardiograph- versus non-electrocardiograph-triggered computed tomography angiography of the aorta. Singapore Med J 2024; 65:84-90. [PMID: 34688230 PMCID: PMC10942131 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2021166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Computed tomography angiography of the aorta (CTAA) is the modality of choice for investigating aortic disease. Our aim was to evaluate the image quality, contrast enhancement and radiation dose of electrocardiograph (ECG)-triggered and non-ECG-triggered CTAA on a 256-slice single-source CT scanner. This allows the requesting clinician and the radiologist to balance radiation risk and image quality. METHODS We retrospectively assessed the data of 126 patients who had undergone CTAA on a single-source CT scanner using ECG-triggered (group 1, n = 77) or non-ECG-triggered (group 2, n = 49) protocols. Radiation doses were compared. Qualitative (4-point scale) and quantitative image quality assessments were performed. RESULTS The mean volume CT dose index, dose length product and effective dose in group 1 were 12.4 ± 1.9 mGy, 765.8 ± 112.4 mGy cm and 13.0 ± 1.9 mSv, respectively. These were significantly higher compared to group 2 values (9.1 ± 2.6 mGy, 624.1 ± 174.8 mGy cm and 10.6 ± 3.0 mSv, respectively) ( P < 0.001). Qualitative assessment showed the image quality at the aortic root-proximal ascending aorta was significantly higher in group 1 (median 3) than in group 2 (median 2, P < 0.001). Quantitative assessment showed significantly better mean arterial attenuation, signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio in ECG-triggered CTAA compared to non-ECG-triggered CTAA. CONCLUSION ECG-triggered CTAA in a single-source scanner has superior image quality and vessel attenuation of aortic root/ascending aorta, but a higher radiation dose of approximately 23%. Its use should be considered specifically when assessing aortic root/ascending aorta pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Mei Wong
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Ching Ching Ong
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Chong Ri Liang
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Choon Ann Tan
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Lynette Li San Teo
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital, Singapore
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Zhang G, Garrett DR, Luck SJ. Optimal filters for ERP research I: A general approach for selecting filter settings. Psychophysiology 2024:e14531. [PMID: 38297978 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Filtering plays an essential role in event-related potential (ERP) research, but filter settings are usually chosen on the basis of historical precedent, lab lore, or informal analyses. This reflects, in part, the lack of a well-reasoned, easily implemented method for identifying the optimal filter settings for a given type of ERP data. To fill this gap, we developed an approach that involves finding the filter settings that maximize the signal-to-noise ratio for a specific amplitude score (or minimizes the noise for a latency score) while minimizing waveform distortion. The signal is estimated by obtaining the amplitude score from the grand average ERP waveform (usually a difference waveform). The noise is estimated using the standardized measurement error of the single-subject scores. Waveform distortion is estimated by passing noise-free simulated data through the filters. This approach allows researchers to determine the most appropriate filter settings for their specific scoring methods, experimental designs, subject populations, recording setups, and scientific questions. We have provided a set of tools in ERPLAB Toolbox to make it easy for researchers to implement this approach with their own data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Zhang
- Center for Mind & Brain, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - David R Garrett
- Center for Mind & Brain, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Steven J Luck
- Center for Mind & Brain, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
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Noda T, Takahashi H. Stochastic resonance in sparse neuronal network: functional role of ongoing activity to detect weak sensory input in awake auditory cortex of rat. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhad428. [PMID: 37955660 PMCID: PMC10793590 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The awake cortex is characterized by a higher level of ongoing spontaneous activity, but it has a better detectability of weak sensory inputs than the anesthetized cortex. However, the computational mechanism underlying this paradoxical nature of awake neuronal activity remains to be elucidated. Here, we propose a hypothetical stochastic resonance, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of weak sensory inputs through nonlinear relations between ongoing spontaneous activities and sensory-evoked activities. Prestimulus and tone-evoked activities were investigated via in vivo extracellular recording with a dense microelectrode array covering the entire auditory cortex in rats in both awake and anesthetized states. We found that tone-evoked activities increased supralinearly with the prestimulus activity level in the awake state and that the SNR of weak stimulus representation was optimized at an intermediate level of prestimulus ongoing activity. Furthermore, the temporally intermittent firing pattern, but not the trial-by-trial reliability or the fluctuation of local field potential, was identified as a relevant factor for SNR improvement. Since ongoing activity differs among neurons, hypothetical stochastic resonance or "sparse network stochastic resonance" might offer beneficial SNR improvement at the single-neuron level, which is compatible with the sparse representation in the sensory cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Noda
- Department of Mechano-informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Takahashi
- Department of Mechano-informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
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Jang JH, Ha J, Choo OS, Kang YS, Park HY, Choung YH. Factors Predicting Subjective Satisfaction for Successful Hearing Aid Adaptation. J Clin Med 2024; 13:398. [PMID: 38256531 PMCID: PMC10817049 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: For successful hearing aid (HA) use during daily life, an objective parameter reflecting the subjective satisfaction is required. We explored the aided hearing status, hearing in noise test (HINT) scores, and subjective outcomes to predict performance improvements in everyday living. (2) Methods: A total of 406 patients with hearing loss (HL) who were prescribed HAs were included and were divided into two groups according to the symmetricity of HL. The relationship between audiometric data and subjective questionnaires under unaided and aided (3 months) conditions were investigated. (3) Results: Patients with symmetric HL showed a significant HINT signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) change and significant increase in their subjective satisfaction questionnaire score under the bilateral HA condition. On the other hand, the HINT SNR change and subjective questionnaire score showed various significances according to the side of HA (better or worse hearing) in asymmetric HL HINT SNR and was significantly correlated with the subjective questionnaire score in symmetric HL patients and AHL patients with unilateral HA in their better ear. (4) Conclusions: The HINT SNR improvement after long-term HA use could be an effective tool for predicting the subjective satisfaction of HA use and HA validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Hun Jang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungho Ha
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Oak-Sung Choo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Sook Kang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Hun Yi Park
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Hoon Choung
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
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Crop F, Robert C, Viard R, Dumont J, Kawalko M, Makala P, Liem X, El Aoud I, Ben Miled A, Chaton V, Patin L, Pasquier D, Guillaud O, Vandendorpe B, Mirabel X, Ceugnart L, Decoene C, Lacornerie T. Efficiency and Accuracy Evaluation of Multiple Diffusion-Weighted MRI Techniques Across Different Scanners. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 59:311-322. [PMID: 37335079 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The choice between different diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) techniques is difficult as each comes with tradeoffs for efficient clinical routine imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) accuracy. PURPOSE To quantify signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) efficiency, ADC accuracy, artifacts, and distortions for different DWI acquisition techniques, coils, and scanners. STUDY TYPE Phantom, in vivo intraindividual biomarker accuracy between DWI techniques and independent ratings. POPULATION/PHANTOMS NIST diffusion phantom. 51 Patients: 40 with prostate cancer and 11 with head-and-neck cancer at 1.5 T FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: Echo planar imaging (EPI): 1.5 T and 3 T Siemens; 3 T Philips. Distortion-reducing: RESOLVE (1.5 and 3 T Siemens); Turbo Spin Echo (TSE)-SPLICE (3 T Philips). Small field-of-view (FOV): ZoomitPro (1.5 T Siemens); IRIS (3 T Philips). Head-and-neck and flexible coils. ASSESSMENT SNR Efficiency, geometrical distortions, and susceptibility artifacts were quantified for different b-values in a phantom. ADC accuracy/agreement was quantified in phantom and for 51 patients. In vivo image quality was independently rated by four experts. STATISTICAL TESTS QIBA methodology for accuracy: trueness, repeatability, reproducibility, Bland-Altman 95% Limits-of-Agreement (LOA) for ADC. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank and student tests on P < 0.05 level. RESULTS The ZoomitPro small FOV sequence improved b-image efficiency by 8%-14%, reduced artifacts and observer scoring for most raters at the cost of smaller FOV compared to EPI. The TSE-SPLICE technique reduced artifacts almost completely at a 24% efficiency cost compared to EPI for b-values ≤500 sec/mm2 . Phantom ADC 95% LOA trueness were within ±0.03 × 10-3 mm2 /sec except for small FOV IRIS. The in vivo ADC agreement between techniques, however, resulted in 95% LOAs in the order of ±0.3 × 10-3 mm2 /sec with up to 0.2 × 10-3 mm2 /sec of bias. DATA CONCLUSION ZoomitPro for Siemens and TSE SPLICE for Philips resulted in a trade-off between efficiency and artifacts. Phantom ADC quality control largely underestimated in vivo accuracy: significant ADC bias and variability was found between techniques in vivo. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Crop
- Department of Medical Physics, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France
- University of Lille, IEMN, Lille, France
| | - Clémence Robert
- Department of Medical Physics, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France
| | - Romain Viard
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, PLBS UAR 2014-US 41, Lille, France
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172-LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Lille, France
| | - Julien Dumont
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, PLBS UAR 2014-US 41, Lille, France
| | - Marine Kawalko
- Department of Radiology, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France
| | - Pauline Makala
- Academic Department of Radiotherapy, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France
| | - Xavier Liem
- Academic Department of Radiotherapy, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France
| | - Imen El Aoud
- Department of Radiology, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France
| | - Aicha Ben Miled
- Department of Radiology, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France
| | - Victor Chaton
- Department of Radiology, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France
| | - Lucas Patin
- Department of Radiology, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France
| | - David Pasquier
- Academic Department of Radiotherapy, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France
- University of Lille, Centre de recherche en informatique, Signal et automatique de Lille, Lille, France
| | | | | | - Xavier Mirabel
- Academic Department of Radiotherapy, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France
| | - Luc Ceugnart
- Department of Radiology, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France
| | - Camille Decoene
- Department of Medical Physics, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France
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Chen X, Wu J, Yang Y, Chen H, Zhou Y, Lin L, Wei Z, Xu J, Chen Z, Chen L. Boosting quantification accuracy of chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI with a spatial-spectral redundancy-based denoising method. NMR Biomed 2024; 37:e5027. [PMID: 37644611 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.5027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) is a versatile technique that enables noninvasive detections of endogenous metabolites present in low concentrations in living tissue. However, CEST imaging suffers from an inherently low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) due to the decreased water signal caused by the transfer of saturated spins. This limitation challenges the accuracy and reliability of quantification in CEST imaging. In this study, a novel spatial-spectral denoising method, called BOOST (suBspace denoising with nOnlocal lOw-rank constraint and Spectral local-smooThness regularization), was proposed to enhance the SNR of CEST images and boost quantification accuracy. More precisely, our method initially decomposes the noisy CEST images into a low-dimensional subspace by leveraging the global spectral low-rank prior. Subsequently, a spatial nonlocal self-similarity prior is applied to the subspace-based images. Simultaneously, the spectral local-smoothness property of Z-spectra is incorporated by imposing a weighted spectral total variation constraint. The efficiency and robustness of BOOST were validated in various scenarios, including numerical simulations and preclinical and clinical conditions, spanning magnetic field strengths from 3.0 to 11.7 T. The results demonstrated that BOOST outperforms state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of noise elimination. As a cost-effective and widely available post-processing method, BOOST can be easily integrated into existing CEST protocols, consequently promoting accuracy and reliability in detecting subtle CEST effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinran Chen
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, National Model Microelectronics College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, National Model Microelectronics College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, National Model Microelectronics College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, National Model Microelectronics College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Magnetic Resonance and Multimodality Imaging of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Liangjie Lin
- Clinical & Technical Support, Philips Healthcare, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiliang Wei
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jiadi Xu
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, National Model Microelectronics College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, National Model Microelectronics College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Guerrieri D, Horvat M, Fan J, Wang J, Lemke L, Richter OV, Poetzl J. Signal-to-noise ratio to assess magnitude, kinetics and impact on pharmacokinetics of the immune response to an adalimumab biosimilar. Bioanalysis 2024; 16:33-48. [PMID: 38031738 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2023-0152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The antidrug antibody (ADA) signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio was explored as a novel immunogenicity measure to evaluate the immune response of healthy subjects to a single dose of GP2017, an adalimumab biosimilar. Methodology/results: Bioanalytical methods used for the analysis of ADA S/N ratios and ADA titers were validated for sensitivity, precision and drug interference. ADA S/N ratios strongly correlated with ADA titers. Correlations between ADA area under the curve and ADAmax and pharmacokinetics (PK) were stronger for ADA S/N ratio than for ADA titers. Conclusion: ADA S/N ratio allowed for a more sensitive evaluation of the magnitude and kinetics of the immune response, was better correlated with adalimumab PK and was superior to ADA titers in assessing the impact of the immune response on PK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Guerrieri
- Clinical Development Biopharmaceuticals, Hexal AG (A Sandoz company), D-83607 Holzkirchen, Germany
| | - Matej Horvat
- Biosimilar Technical Development, Sandoz, SI-1526 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jamie Fan
- Clinical Development Biopharmaceuticals, Sandoz Inc., NJ 08540 Princeton, USA
| | - Jessie Wang
- Clinical Development Biopharmaceuticals, Sandoz Inc., NJ 08540 Princeton, USA
| | - Lena Lemke
- Clinical Development Biopharmaceuticals, Hexal AG (A Sandoz company), D-83607 Holzkirchen, Germany
| | - Oliver von Richter
- Clinical Development Biopharmaceuticals, Hexal AG (A Sandoz company), D-83607 Holzkirchen, Germany
| | - Johann Poetzl
- Clinical Development Biopharmaceuticals, Hexal AG (A Sandoz company), D-83607 Holzkirchen, Germany
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15
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Abstract
Filtering plays an essential role in event-related potential (ERP) research, but filter settings are usually chosen on the basis of historical precedent, lab lore, or informal analyses. This reflects, in part, the lack of a well-reasoned, easily implemented method for identifying the optimal filter settings for a given type of ERP data. To fill this gap, we developed an approach that involves finding the filter settings that maximize the signal-to-noise ratio for a specific amplitude score (or minimizes the noise for a latency score) while minimizing waveform distortion. The signal is estimated by obtaining the amplitude score from the grand average ERP waveform (usually a difference waveform). The noise is estimated using the standardized measurement error of the single-subject scores. Waveform distortion is estimated by passing noise-free simulated data through the filters. This approach allows researchers to determine the most appropriate filter settings for their specific scoring methods, experimental designs, subject populations, recording setups, and scientific questions. We have provided a set of tools in ERPLAB Toolbox to make it easy for researchers to implement this approach with their own data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Zhang
- Center for Mind & Brain, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - David R Garrett
- Center for Mind & Brain, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Steven J Luck
- Center for Mind & Brain, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Yamamoto Y, Tanabe Y, Kurata A, Yamamoto S, Kido T, Uetani T, Ikeda S, Nakano S, Yamaguchi O, Kido T. Feasibility of four-dimensional similarity filter for radiation dose reduction in dynamic myocardial computed tomography perfusion imaging. Front Radiol 2023; 3:1214521. [PMID: 38105799 PMCID: PMC10722229 DOI: 10.3389/fradi.2023.1214521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Rationale and objectives We aimed to evaluate the impact of four-dimensional noise reduction filtering using a four-dimensional similarity filter (4D-SF) on radiation dose reduction in dynamic myocardial computed tomography perfusion (CTP). Materials and methods Forty-three patients who underwent dynamic myocardial CTP using 320-row computed tomography (CT) were included in the study. The original images were reconstructed using iterative reconstruction (IR). Three different CTP datasets with simulated noise, corresponding to 25%, 50%, and 75% reduction of the original dose (300 mA), were reconstructed using a combination of IR and 4D-SF. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were assessed, and CT-derived myocardial blood flow (CT-MBF) was quantified. The results were compared between the original and simulated images with radiation dose reduction. Results The median SNR (first quartile-third quartile) at the original, 25%-, 50%-, and 75%-dose reduced-simulated images with 4D-SF was 8.3 (6.5-10.2), 16.5 (11.9-21.7), 15.6 (11.0-20.1), and 12.8 (8.8-18.1) and that of CNR was 4.4 (3.2-5.8), 6.7 (4.6-10.3), 6.6 (4.3-10.1), and 5.5 (3.5-9.1), respectively. All the dose-reduced-simulated CTPs with 4D-SF had significantly higher image quality scores in SNR and CNR than the original ones (25%-, 50%-, and 75%-dose reduced vs. original images, p < 0.05, in each). The CT-MBF in 75%-dose reduced-simulated CTP was significantly lower than 25%-, 50%- dose-reduced-simulated, and original CTPs (vs. 75%-dose reduced-simulated images, p < 0.05, in each). Conclusion 4D-SF has the potential to reduce the radiation dose associated with dynamic myocardial CTP imaging by half, without impairing the robustness of MBF quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Yamamoto
- Department of Radiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Yuki Tanabe
- Department of Radiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Akira Kurata
- Department of Radiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
- Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Shuhei Yamamoto
- Department of Radiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Kido
- Department of Radiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Teruyoshi Uetani
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, Hypertension and Nephrology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Shuntaro Ikeda
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, Hypertension and Nephrology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Shota Nakano
- Canon Medical Systems Corporation, Otawara, Japan
| | - Osamu Yamaguchi
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, Hypertension and Nephrology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Teruhito Kido
- Department of Radiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
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17
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Abstract
Objectives. Gemstone polishers suffer from musculoskeletal problems due to constrained working postures, substantially influenced by the poor design of conventional gemstone polishing workstations. The present study investigated the effects of three workstation adjustment parameters (illumination at workstation, polishing height, tool post position) on postural angle, muscle activity and perceived postural discomfort in order to develop recommendations for new gemstone polishing workstations. Methods. Twelve professional gemstone polishers performed the polishing task on a prototype test-rig in 27 different test conditions. Taguchi's L27 orthogonal array was employed to estimate the optimum setting for gemstone polishing workstation design. Results. Study variables had a significant influence on postural angles. Polishing height substantially influenced muscle activity and perceived discomfort in the shoulder and lower back region. Tool post position was found to be the determinant factor for forearm muscle activity and perceived discomfort in the wrist/forearm region. Based on the findings, illumination of 1500 lux, polishing at 15 cm above the elbow height and a 20° tool position was recommended. Conclusions. Our findings present an alternative approach to using Taguchi's design of experiment for workstation improvement, which has received very little attention in ergonomics studies. A confirmation test was conducted to validate the study recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipayan Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Sikkim, India
| | - Ashish Kumar Singh
- Department of Fashion & Lifestyle Accessories, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bhopal, India
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Huang J, Zheng Z, Zhou Y, Tan Y, Wang C, Xu G, Zha B. Magnetic Anomaly Detection Based on a Compound Tri-Stable Stochastic Resonance System. Sensors (Basel) 2023; 23:9293. [PMID: 38005680 PMCID: PMC10674971 DOI: 10.3390/s23229293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
In the case of strong background noise, a tri-stable stochastic resonance model has higher noise utilization than a bi-stable stochastic resonance (BSR) model for weak signal detection. However, the problem of severe system parameter coupling in a conventional tri-stable stochastic resonance model leads to difficulty in potential function regulation. In this paper, a new compound tri-stable stochastic resonance (CTSR) model is proposed to address this problem by combining a Gaussian Potential model and the mixed bi-stable model. The weak magnetic anomaly signal detection system consists of the CTSR system and judgment system based on statistical analysis. The system parameters are adjusted by using a quantum genetic algorithm (QGA) to optimize the output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The experimental results show that the CTSR system performs better than the traditional tri-stable stochastic resonance (TTSR) system and BSR system. When the input SNR is -8 dB, the detection probability of the CTSR system approaches 80%. Moreover, this detection system not only detects the magnetic anomaly signal but also retains information on the relative motion (heading) of the ferromagnetic target and the magnetic detection device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbo Huang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China; (J.H.); (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Y.T.); (C.W.); (G.X.)
| | - Zhen Zheng
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China; (J.H.); (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Y.T.); (C.W.); (G.X.)
| | - Yu Zhou
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China; (J.H.); (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Y.T.); (C.W.); (G.X.)
| | - Yuran Tan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China; (J.H.); (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Y.T.); (C.W.); (G.X.)
| | - Chengjun Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China; (J.H.); (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Y.T.); (C.W.); (G.X.)
| | - Guangbo Xu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China; (J.H.); (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Y.T.); (C.W.); (G.X.)
| | - Bingting Zha
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China; (J.H.); (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Y.T.); (C.W.); (G.X.)
- China and the Science and Technology on Electromechanical Dynamic Control Laboratory, Xi’an 710065, China
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Liu S, Patel KS, Peeters S, Lin J, DiRisio AC, Vinters HV, Candler RN, Sung K, Bergsneider M. Flexible in-cavity MRI receiving coil for ultra-high-resolution imaging of the pituitary gland. J Neurosurg 2023:1-8. [PMID: 37922548 DOI: 10.3171/2023.7.jns231096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was the preclinical design and construction of a flexible intrasphenoid coil aiming for submillimeter resolution of the human pituitary gland. METHODS Sphenoid sinus measurements determined coil design constraints for use in > 95% of adult patients. Temperature safety parameters were tested. The 2-cm-diameter coil prototype was positioned in the sphenoid sinus of cadaveric human heads utilizing the transnasal endoscopic approach that is used clinically. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was estimated for the transnasal coil prototype compared with a standard clinical head coil. One cadaveric pituitary gland was explanted and histologically examined for correlation to the imaging findings. RESULTS With the coil positioned directly atop the sella turcica at a 0° angle of the B0 static field, the craniocaudal distance (21.2 ± 0.8 mm) was the limiting constraint. Phantom experiments showed no detectable change in temperature at two sites over 15 minutes. The flexible coil was placed transnasally in cadaveric specimens using an endoscopic approach. The image quality was subjectively superior at higher spatial resolutions relative to that with the commercial 20-channel head coil. An average 17-fold increase in the SNR was achieved within the pituitary gland. Subtle findings visualized only with the transnasal coil had potential pathological correlation with immunohistochemical findings. CONCLUSIONS A transnasal radiofrequency coil feasibly provides a 17-fold boost in the SNR at 3 T. The ability to safely improve the quality of pituitary imaging may be helpful in the identification and subsequent resection of small functional pituitary lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Liu
- 1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Samueli School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Kunal S Patel
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
- 3Department of Radiological Sciences, Brain Tumor Imaging Laboratory, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Sophie Peeters
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Jiahao Lin
- 1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Samueli School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles
- Departments of4Radiological Sciences and
| | - Aislyn C DiRisio
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | | | - Rob N Candler
- 1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Samueli School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles
- 6California NanoSystems Institute, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Marvin Bergsneider
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
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Abel F, Tan ET, Lunenburg M, van Leeuwen C, van Hooren T, van Uden M, Arteaga C, Vincent J, Robb F, Sneag DB. Flexible array coil for cervical and extraspinal (FACE) MRI at 3.0 Tesla. Phys Med Biol 2023; 68:215011. [PMID: 37816375 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ad0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Objective.High-resolution MRI of the cervical spine (c-spine) and extraspinal neck region requires close-fitting receiver coils to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Conventional, rigid C-spine receiver coils do not adequately contour to the neck to accommodate varying body shapes, resulting in suboptimal SNR. Recent innovations in flexible surface coil array designs may provide three-dimensional (3D) bendability and conformability to optimize SNR, while improving capabilities for higher acceleration factors.Approach.This work describes the design, implementation, and preliminaryin vivotesting of a novel, conformal 23-channel receive-only flexible array for cervical and extraspinal (FACE) MRI at 3-Tesla (T), with use of high-impedance elements to enhance the coil's flexibility. Coil performance was tested by assessing SNR and geometry factors (g-factors) in a phantom compared to a conventional 21-channel head-neck-unit (HNU).In vivoimaging was performed in healthy human volunteers and patients using high-resolution c-spine and neck MRI protocols at 3T, including MR neurography (MRN).Main results.Mean SNR with the FACE was 141%-161% higher at left, right, and posterior off-isocenter positions and 4% higher at the isocenter of the phantom compared to the HNU. Parallel imaging performance was comparable for an acceleration factor (R) = 2 × 2 between the two coils, but improved forR= 3 × 3 with meang-factors ranging from 1.46-2.15 with the FACE compared to 2.36-3.62 obtained with the HNU. Preliminary human volunteer and patient testing confirmed that equivalent or superior image quality could be obtained for evaluation of osseous and soft tissue structures of the cervical region with the FACE.Significance.A conformal and highly flexible cervical array with high-impedance coil elements can potentially enable higher-resolution imaging for cervical imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Abel
- Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th Street, NY 10021, United States of America
| | - Ek T Tan
- Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th Street, NY 10021, United States of America
| | - Martijn Lunenburg
- Tesla Dynamic Coils, Schimminck 12, 5301 Zaltbommel, The Netherlands
| | - Carel van Leeuwen
- Tesla Dynamic Coils, Schimminck 12, 5301 Zaltbommel, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs van Hooren
- Tesla Dynamic Coils, Schimminck 12, 5301 Zaltbommel, The Netherlands
| | - Mark van Uden
- Tesla Dynamic Coils, Schimminck 12, 5301 Zaltbommel, The Netherlands
| | - Catalina Arteaga
- Tesla Dynamic Coils, Schimminck 12, 5301 Zaltbommel, The Netherlands
| | - Jana Vincent
- GE HealthCare, 1515 Danner Dr, 44202 Aurora, OH, United States of America
| | - Fraser Robb
- GE HealthCare, 1515 Danner Dr, 44202 Aurora, OH, United States of America
| | - Darryl B Sneag
- Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th Street, NY 10021, United States of America
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Sun K, Szatmari TI, Pasta A, Bramsløw L, Wendt D, Christensen JH, Pontoppidan NH. Daily sound exposure of hearing aids users during COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1091706. [PMID: 37905241 PMCID: PMC10613490 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1091706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to investigate the daily sound exposure of hearing aid (HA) users during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a specific focus on the impact of different governance intervention levels. Methods Modern HA technology was employed to measure and compare the sound exposure of HA users in three distinct periods: pre-pandemic, and two 14-day periods during the pandemic, corresponding to varying levels of governance interventions. The study sample comprised a total of 386 HA users in Europe during the pandemic, with daily sound exposure data collected as part of the main dataset. Results The results revealed that, during the pandemic, the equivalent continuous sound pressure level (SPL) experienced by HA users decreased, while the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) increased compared to the pre-pandemic period. Notably, this impact was found to be more pronounced (p < 0.05) when individuals were subjected to stronger governance intervention levels, characterized by lower SPL and higher SNR. Discussion This study highlights the changes in daily sound exposure experienced by HA users during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly influenced by the extent of governance interventions that restricted social activities. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the effects of pandemic-related governance measures on the sound environments of HA users and have implications for audiological interventions and support strategies during similar crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Sun
- Eriksholm Research Centre, Snekkersten, Denmark
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tiberiu-Ioan Szatmari
- Eriksholm Research Centre, Snekkersten, Denmark
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Alessandro Pasta
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Demant A/S, Smørum, Denmark
| | | | - Dorothea Wendt
- Eriksholm Research Centre, Snekkersten, Denmark
- Hearing Systems, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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22
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Mittelstadt JK, Kanold PO. Orbitofrontal cortex conveys stimulus and task information to the auditory cortex. Curr Biol 2023; 33:4160-4173.e4. [PMID: 37716349 PMCID: PMC10602585 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.08.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Auditory cortical neurons modify their response profiles in response to numerous external factors. During task performance, changes in primary auditory cortex (A1) responses are thought to be driven by top-down inputs from the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), which may lead to response modification on a trial-by-trial basis. While OFC neurons respond to auditory stimuli and project to A1, the function of OFC projections to A1 during auditory tasks is unknown. Here, we observed the activity of putative OFC terminals in A1 in mice by using in vivo two-photon calcium imaging of OFC terminals under passive conditions and during a tone detection task. We found that behavioral activity modulates but is not necessary to evoke OFC terminal responses in A1. OFC terminals in A1 form distinct populations that exclusively respond to either the tone, reward, or error. Using tones against a background of white noise, we found that OFC terminal activity was modulated by the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in both the passive and active conditions and that OFC terminal activity varied with SNR, and thus task difficulty in the active condition. Therefore, OFC projections in A1 are heterogeneous in their modulation of auditory encoding and likely contribute to auditory processing under various auditory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonah K Mittelstadt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Patrick O Kanold
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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23
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Brundavani P, Vardhan DV. A novel approach for minimising anti-aliasing effects in EEG data acquisition. Open Life Sci 2023; 18:20220664. [PMID: 37800116 PMCID: PMC10549983 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroencephalography (EEG) waves and other biological signals can be deciphered with a deeper understanding of the human body. The benefits of EEG are growing. EEG studies have expanded globally. Research on EEG covers data gathering, analysis, energy renewal, and more. EEG-gathering devices include encoding, digital transfer, head sensor placement, and separate amplifiers. The EEG detects periodic noise. Head movement, sensor lines, and hair sweat produce low-frequency noise. Low-frequency noise alters EEG signals over time. Muscle actions and electromagnetic waves create high-frequency noise (especially in the facial and neck muscles). EEG shifts are saw-toothed by high-frequency noise. High- and low-frequency noises are usually lower and higher than human EEG, respectively. Lowering signal power above and below the testing level without altering the signs of interest lowers noise. Aliasing may affect low-frequency impacts in the original data because high-frequency noise is mirrored in the data. This work designed a non-binary Complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) Consecutive guesstimate register (CGR) reconfigurable analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) integrated with the instrumental amplifier. CGR ADC model comprises the bio-signal device monitoring for the EEG signals. This study focused on acquiring the EEG signals for amplification. The model uses the AC-coupled chopper stabilisation model with 1 A low power with a noise level of 1 A. The neural amplifier uses an optimised current technique to maximise the transconductance for a good noise efficiency factor. The simulation analysis estimates a bandwidth range of 0.05-120 Hz with a power consumption level of 0.271 µW. The computed noise level is observed as 1.1 µVrms and a gain of 45 dB. The comparative analysis of the proposed ADC model achieves the minimal energy consumption value of ∼12%, which is minimal than the nonlinear and switch-end capacitor. Also, the time consumed is ∼9% less than the nonlinear and switch-end Capacitor.18 nm CMOS technology is used to implement the proposed data acquisition system for low-power and density-optimised applications.
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24
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Abstract
Robust transcranial ultrasound imaging is difficult due to poor image quality. In particular, low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) limits sensitivity to blood flow and has hindered clinical translation of transcranial functional ultrasound neuroimaging thus far. In this work, we present a coded excitation framework to increase SNR in transcranial ultrasound without negatively impacting frame rate or image quality. We applied this coded excitation framework in phantom imaging and showed SNR gains as large as 24.78 dB and signal-to-clutter ratio gains as high as 10.66 dB with a 65 bit code. We also analyzed how imaging sequence parameters can impact image quality and showed how coded excitation sequences can be designed to maximize image quality for a given application. In particular, we show that considering the number of active transmit elements and the transmit voltage is critical for coded excitation with long codes. Finally, we applied our coded excitation technique in transcranial imaging of ten adult subjects and showed an average SNR gain of 17.91 ± 0.96 dB without a significant increase in clutter using a 65 bit code. We also performed transcranial power Doppler imaging in three adult subjects and showed contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio improvements of 27.32 ± 8.08 dB and 7.25 ± 1.61 dB, respectively with a 65 bit code. These results show that transcranial functional ultrasound neuroimaging may be possible using coded excitation.
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25
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Yang J, Wang F, Wang Z, Zhang W, Xie L, Wang L. Evaluation of late gadolinium enhancement cardiac MRI using deep learning reconstruction. Acta Radiol 2023; 64:2714-2721. [PMID: 37700572 DOI: 10.1177/02841851231192786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deep learning (DL)-based methods have been used to improve the imaging quality of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by denoising. PURPOSE To assess the effects of DL-based MR reconstruction (DLR) method on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) image quality. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 85 patients who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) examination, including LGE imaging using conventional construction and DLR with varying levels of noise reduction (NR) levels, were included. Both magnitude LGE (MLGE) and phase-sensitive LGE (PSLGE) images were reviewed independently by double-blinded observers who used a 5-point Likert scale for multiple measures regarding image quality. Meanwhile, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and edge sharpness of images were calculated and compared between conventional LGE imaging and DLR LGE imaging. RESULTS Both MLGE and PSLGE with DLR at 50% and 75% noise reduction levels received significantly higher scores than conventional imaging for overall imaging quality (all P < 0.01). In addition, the SNR, CNR, and edge sharpness of all DLR LGE imaging are higher than conventional imaging (all P < 0.01). The highest subjective score and best image quality is obtained when the DLR noise reduction level is at 75%. CONCLUSION DLR reduced image noise while improving image contrast and sharpness in the cardiovascular LGE imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, PR China
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Cangzhou, PR China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Cangzhou, PR China
| | - Zhirong Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Cangzhou, PR China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Cangzhou, PR China
| | - Lizhi Xie
- GE Healthcare, MR Research China, Beijing, PR China
| | - LiXin Wang
- Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, PR China
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Cangzhou, PR China
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26
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Yin S, Li Y, Lu R, Guo L, Wang Y, Liu C, Li J. A cell-electrode interface signal-to-noise ratio model for 3D micro-nano electrode. J Neural Eng 2023; 20:046034. [PMID: 37473750 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ace933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Objective. Three-dimensional micro-nano electrodes (MNEs) with the vertical nanopillar array distributed on the surface play an increasingly important role in neural science research. The geometric parameters of the nanopillar array and the cell adhesion state on the nanopillar array are the factors that may affect the MNE recording. However, the quantified relationship between these parameters and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is still unclear. This paper establishes a cell-MNE interface SNR model and obtains the mathematical relationship between the above parameters and SNR.Approach. The equivalent electrical circuit and numerical simulation are used to study the sensing performance of the cell-electrode interface. The adhesion state of cells on MNE is quantified as engulfment percentage, and an equivalent cleft width is proposed to describe the signal loss caused by clefts between the cell membrane and the electrode surface.Main results. Whether the planar substrate is insulated or not, the SNR of MNE is greater than planar microelectrode only when the engulfment percentage is greater than a certain value. Under the premise of maximum engulfment percentage, the spacing and height of nanopillars should be minimized, and the radius of the nanopillar should be maximized for better signal quality.Significance. The model can clarify the mechanism of improving SNR by nanopillar arrays and provides the theoretical basis for the design of such nanopillar neural electrodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqing Yin
- Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Technology and System of Liaoning Province, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Technology and System of Liaoning Province, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruoyu Lu
- Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Technology and System of Liaoning Province, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihua Guo
- Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Technology and System of Liaoning Province, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Yansheng Wang
- Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Technology and System of Liaoning Province, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong Liu
- Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Technology and System of Liaoning Province, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Precision and Non-Traditional Machining Technology of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingmin Li
- Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Technology and System of Liaoning Province, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
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27
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Ryu J, Ryu H, Liang S, Hong S, Lian Y, Zheng Z. Spatial averaging method based on adaptive weight for imaging photoplethysmography. J Biomed Opt 2023; 28:085003. [PMID: 37655213 PMCID: PMC10466051 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.28.8.085003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Significance Imaging photoplethysmography (iPPG) is a non-contact measuring technology for several physiological parameters reflecting personal health status without a special sensor. However, the pulse signal obtained using the iPPG usually is contaminated by various noises, and the intensity of the interesting pulse signal is relatively weak compared to the noises, emphasizing the necessity of obtaining high-quality pulse signals to measure physiological parameters correctly. Aim Various regions of the face harbor distinct pulse information. We propose a spatial averaging method based on adaptive weights, which can obtain high-quality pulse signals by applying different weights to facial sub-regions of interest (sub-ROIs; sROIs). Approach First, the facial ROI is divided into seven sROIs and the coarse heart rate (HR) is calculated from them. Next, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the raw signal obtained from each sROI is calculated using the coarse HR, and then a high-quality pulse signal is obtained by assigning positive or negative weights to each sROI based on the SNRs. Results We compare our method with others through the quality analysis of the obtained pulse signals using the self-collected database and the public database PURE. The comparison results show that the proposed method can provide a better pulse signal compared to other methods under various resolutions and states. Conclusions This proposed method can obtain the pulse signal with better quality, which is helpful to accurately measure physiological parameters, such as HR and HR variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- JongSong Ryu
- Northeast Normal University, School of Physics, Changchun, China
- University of Science, Faculty of Physics, Pyongyang, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
| | - HyonSam Ryu
- State Academy of Sciences, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Pyongyang, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
| | - Shili Liang
- Northeast Normal University, School of Physics, Changchun, China
| | - SunChol Hong
- Academy of Ultramodern Science, Kim Il Sung University, Pyongyang, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
| | - Yueqi Lian
- Northeast Normal University, School of Physics, Changchun, China
| | - Zong Zheng
- Northeast Normal University, School of Physics, Changchun, China
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28
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Blaney G, Ivich F, Sassaroli A, Niedre M, Fantini S. Dual-ratio approach for detection of point fluorophores in biological tissue. J Biomed Opt 2023; 28:077001. [PMID: 37484977 PMCID: PMC10362801 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.28.7.077001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Significance Diffuse in vivo flow cytometry (DiFC) is an emerging fluorescence sensing method to non-invasively detect labeled circulating cells in vivo. However, due to signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) constraints largely attributed to background tissue autofluorescence (AF), DiFC's measurement depth is limited. Aim The dual ratio (DR)/dual slope is an optical measurement method that aims to suppress noise and enhance SNR to deep tissue regions. We aim to investigate the combination of DR and near-infrared (NIR) DiFC to improve circulating cells' maximum detectable depth and SNR. Approach Phantom experiments were used to estimate the key parameters in a diffuse fluorescence excitation and emission model. This model and parameters were implemented in Monte Carlo to simulate DR DiFC while varying noise and AF parameters to identify the advantages and limitations of the proposed technique. Results Two key factors must be true to give DR DiFC an advantage over traditional DiFC: first, the fraction of noise that DR methods cannot cancel cannot be above the order of 10% for acceptable SNR. Second, DR DiFC has an advantage, in terms of SNR, if the distribution of tissue AF contributors is surface-weighted. Conclusions DR cancelable noise may be designed (e.g., through the use of source multiplexing), and indications point to the AF contributors' distribution being truly surface-weighted in vivo. Successful and worthwhile implementation of DR DiFC depends on these considerations, but results point to DR DiFC having possible advantages over traditional DiFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giles Blaney
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medford, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Fernando Ivich
- Northeastern University, Department of Bioengineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Angelo Sassaroli
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medford, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Mark Niedre
- Northeastern University, Department of Bioengineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Sergio Fantini
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medford, Massachusetts, United States
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29
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Bhogadia M, Edgar M, Hunwin K, Page G, Grootveld M. Detection and Quantification of Ammonia as the Ammonium Cation in Human Saliva by 1H NMR: A Promising Probe for Health Status Monitoring, with Special Reference to Cancer. Metabolites 2023; 13:792. [PMID: 37512499 PMCID: PMC10383521 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) has been shown to be a key biomarker for a wide variety of diseases, such as hepatic and chronic kidney diseases (CKD), and cancers. It also has relevance to the oral health research area, and, hence, its determination in appropriate biofluids and tissues is of much importance. However, since it contains exchangeable >N-H protons, its analysis via 1H NMR spectroscopy, which is a widely employed technique in untargeted metabolomic studies, is rendered complicated. In this study, we focused on the 1H NMR analysis of this biomarker in less invasively collected human saliva samples, and we successfully identified and quantified it as ammonium cation (NH4+) in post-collection acidulated forms of this biofluid using both the standard calibration curve and standard addition method (SAM) approaches. For this purpose, n = 27 whole mouth saliva (WMS) samples were provided by healthy human participants, and all donors were required to follow a fasting/oral environment abstention period of 8 h prior to collection. Following acidification (pH 2.00), diluted WMS supernatant samples treated with 10% (v/v) D2O underwent 1H NMR analysis (600 MHz). The acquired results demonstrated that NH4+ can be reliably determined in these supernatants via integration of the central line of its characteristic 1:1:1 intensity triplet resonance (complete spectral range δ = 6.97-7.21 ppm). Experiments performed also demonstrated that any urease-catalysed NH3 generation occurring post-sampling in WMS samples did not affect the results acquired during the usual timespan of laboratory processing required prior to analysis. Further experiments demonstrated that oral mouth-rinsing episodes conducted prior to sample collection, as reported in previous studies, gave rise to major decreases in salivary NH4+ levels thereafter, which renormalised to only 50-60% of their basal control concentrations at the 180-min post-rinsing time point. Therefore, the WMS sample collection method employed significantly affected the absolute levels of this analyte. The LLOD was 60 μmol/L with 128 scans. The mean ± SD salivary NH4+ concentration of WMS supernatants was 11.4 ± 4.5 mmol/L. The potential extension of these analytical strategies to the screening of other metabolites with exchangeable 1H nuclei is discussed, as is their relevance to the monitoring of human disorders involving the excessive generation and/or uptake of cellular/tissue material, or altered homeostasis, in NH3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Bhogadia
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
| | - Mark Edgar
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
| | - Kayleigh Hunwin
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
| | - Georgina Page
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
| | - Martin Grootveld
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
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30
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Giovannetti G, Flori A, Frijia F. Conductor Losses in Radiofrequency Coils for Magnetic Resonance below 3T: Estimation Methods and Minimization Strategies. Sensors (Basel) 2023; 23:5586. [PMID: 37420752 DOI: 10.3390/s23125586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
The design of optimized radiofrequency (RF) coils is a fundamental task for maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) applications. An efficient coil should be designed by minimizing the coil noise with respect to the sample noise, since coil conductor resistance affects data quality by reducing the SNR, especially for coils tuned to a low frequency. Such conductor losses strongly depend on the frequency (due to the skin effect) and on the conductor cross-sectional shape (strip or wire). This paper reviews the different methods for estimating conductor losses in RF coils for MRI/MRS applications, comprising analytical formulations, theoretical/experimental hybrid approaches and full-wave simulations. Moreover, the different strategies for minimizing such losses, including the use of Litz wire, cooled and superconducting coils, are described. Finally, recent emerging technologies in RF coil design are briefly reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Giovannetti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (CNR), Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Flori
- U.O.C. Bioingegneria e Ingegneria Clinica, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Frijia
- U.O.C. Bioingegneria e Ingegneria Clinica, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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31
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Portugal N, Poling GL, Dreisbach L. Rethinking the clinical utility of distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) signal-to-noise ratio. Int J Audiol 2023:1-9. [PMID: 37267054 PMCID: PMC10692308 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2215943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) levels are repeatable over time in normal-hearing individuals making DPOAE levels an ideal measurement for monitoring cochlear status in clinic and research applications. However, if DPOAE signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values instead of levels are used for monitoring, the repeatability of this value needs to be established. This retrospective, cross-sectional study sought to determine DPOAE SNR repeatability in younger children, older children, young adults and a patient population with normal hearing. DESIGN Each participant attended four sessions where DPOAE discrete frequency sweeps were collected at conventional (≤ 8 kHz) and/or extended-high frequencies (> 8 kHz). To examine the extent of variability to be expected for DPOAE SNR, average absolute SNR differences-between-trials were determined and compared to average absolute DPOAE level differences-between-trials. STUDY SAMPLES One hundred forty-five participants, incorporating four different groups from three different studies. Ages ranged from 3 to 55 years. RESULTS Average SNR differences-between-trials across all frequencies are greater than differences for average DPOAE levels. Improved calibration methods result in SNR differences-between-trials that are similar across all frequencies. CONCLUSIONS When monitoring cochlear health over an extended bandwidth, DPOAE levels are less variable across trials than SNR values, thus allowing earlier indicators of cochlear damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Portugal
- School of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Gayla L. Poling
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Audiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Laura Dreisbach
- School of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
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32
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Turri C, Di Dona G, Santoni A, Zamfira DA, Franchin L, Melcher D, Ronconi L. Periodic and Aperiodic EEG Features as Potential Markers of Developmental Dyslexia. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1607. [PMID: 37371702 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental Dyslexia (DD) is a neurobiological condition affecting the ability to read fluently and/or accurately. Analyzing resting-state electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in DD may provide a deeper characterization of the underlying pathophysiology and possible biomarkers. So far, studies investigating resting-state activity in DD provided limited evidence and did not consider the aperiodic component of the power spectrum. In the present study, adults with (n = 26) and without DD (n = 31) underwent a reading skills assessment and resting-state EEG to investigate potential alterations in aperiodic activity, their impact on the periodic counterpart and reading performance. In parieto-occipital channels, DD participants showed a significantly different aperiodic activity as indexed by a flatter and lower power spectrum. These aperiodic measures were significantly related to text reading time, suggesting a link with individual differences in reading difficulties. In the beta band, the DD group showed significantly decreased aperiodic-adjusted power compared to typical readers, which was significantly correlated to word reading accuracy. Overall, here we provide evidence showing alterations of the endogenous aperiodic activity in DD participants consistently with the increased neural noise hypothesis. In addition, we confirm alterations of endogenous beta rhythms, which are discussed in terms of their potential link with magnocellular-dorsal stream deficit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Turri
- School of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Dona
- School of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Santoni
- School of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Denisa Adina Zamfira
- School of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Franchin
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - David Melcher
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
- Psychology Program, Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi 129188, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Brain and Health, NYUAD Research Institute, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Luca Ronconi
- School of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
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33
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Fooladi M, Rezaei S, Aghahosseini F, Salehi Y, Kasraie N, Sheikhzadeh P. Impact of Region-of-Interest Delineation on Stability and Reproducibility of Liver SNR Measurements in 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT. World J Nucl Med 2023; 22:124-129. [PMID: 37223627 PMCID: PMC10202577 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1768446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims to assess the impact of various regions of interest (ROIs) and volumes of interest (VOIs) delineations on the reproducibility of liver signal-to-noise-ratio (SNRliver) measurements, as well as to find the most reproducible way to estimate it in gallium-68 positron emission tomography ( 68 Ga-PET) imaging. We also investigated the SNRliver-weight relationship for these ROIs and VOIs delineations. Methods A cohort of 40 patients (40 males; mean weight: 76.5 kg [58-115 kg]) with prostate cancer were included. 68 Ga-PET/CT imaging (mean injected activity: 91.4 MBq [51.2 MBq to 134.1 MBq] was performed on a 5-ring bismuth germanium oxide-based Discovery IQ PET/CT using ordered subset expectation maximization image reconstruction algorithm. Afterward, circular ROIs and spherical VOIs with two different diameters of 30 and 40 mm were drawn on the right lobe of the livers. The performance of the various defined regions was evaluated by the average standardized uptake value (SUV mean ), standard deviation (SD) of the SUV (SUV SD ), SNR liver , and SD of the SNR liver metrics. Results There were no significant differences in SUV mean among the various ROIs and VOIs ( p > 0.05). On the other hand, the lower SUV SD was obtained by spherical VOI with diameter of 30 mm. The largest SNR liver was obtained by ROI (30 mm). The SD of SNR liver with ROI (30 mm) was also the largest, while the lowest SD of SNR liver was observed for VOI (40 mm). There is a higher correlation coefficient between the patient-dependent parameter of weight and the image quality parameter of SNRliver for both VOI (30 mm) and VOI (40 mm) compared to the ROIs. Conclusion Our results indicate that SNR liver measurements are affected by the size and shape of the respective ROIs and VOIs. The spherical VOI with a 40 mm diameter leads to more stable and reproducible SNR measurement in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoomeh Fooladi
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Rezaei
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Imam Reza General Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farahnaz Aghahosseini
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yalda Salehi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Kasraie
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Peyman Sheikhzadeh
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Wang F, Wu J, Liang R, Wang Q, Wei Y, Cheng Y, Li Q, Cao D, Xue Q. Ultra-Stable Temperature Controller-Based Laser Wavelength Locking for Improvement in WMS Methane Detection. Sensors (Basel) 2023; 23:s23115107. [PMID: 37299833 DOI: 10.3390/s23115107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In the wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) gas detection system, the laser diode is usually stabilized at a constant temperature and driven by current injection. So, a high-precision temperature controller is indispensable in every WMS system. To eliminate wavelength drift influence and improve detection sensitivity and response speed, laser wavelength sometimes needs to be locked at the gas absorption center. In this study, we develop a temperature controller to an ultra-high stability level of 0.0005 °C, based on which a new laser wavelength locking strategy is proposed to successfully lock the laser wavelength at a CH4 absorption center of 1653.72 nm with a fluctuation of fewer than 19.7 MHz. For 500 ppm CH4 sample detection, the 1σ SNR is increased from 71.2 dB to 80.5 dB and the peak-to-peak uncertainty is improved from 1.95 ppm down to 0.17 ppm with the help of a locked laser wavelength. In addition, the wavelength-locked WMS also has the absolute advantage of fast response over a conventional wavelength-scanned WMS system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fupeng Wang
- Faculty of Information Science and Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Advanced Marine Physical Instruments and Equipment, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Jinghua Wu
- Faculty of Information Science and Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Advanced Marine Physical Instruments and Equipment, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Rui Liang
- Faculty of Information Science and Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Advanced Marine Physical Instruments and Equipment, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Yubin Wei
- Laser Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250102, China
| | - Yaopeng Cheng
- Faculty of Information Science and Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Advanced Marine Physical Instruments and Equipment, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Qian Li
- Faculty of Information Science and Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Advanced Marine Physical Instruments and Equipment, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Diansheng Cao
- Faculty of Information Science and Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Advanced Marine Physical Instruments and Equipment, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Qingsheng Xue
- Faculty of Information Science and Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Advanced Marine Physical Instruments and Equipment, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
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Feizollah S, Tardif CL. High-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging at 7 Tesla: single-shot readout trajectories and their impact on signal-to-noise ratio, spatial resolution and accuracy. Neuroimage 2023; 274:120159. [PMID: 37150332 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffusion MRI (dMRI) is a valuable imaging technique to study the connectivity and microstructure of the brain in vivo. However, the resolution of dMRI is limited by the low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of this technique. Various multi-shot acquisition strategies have been developed to achieve sub-millimeter resolution, but they require long scan times which can be restricting for patient scans. Alternatively, the SNR of single-shot acquisitions can be increased by using a spiral readout trajectory to minimize the sequence echo time. Imaging at ultra-high fields (UHF) could further increase the SNR of single-shot dMRI; however, the shorter T2* of brain tissue and the greater field non-uniformities at UHFs will degrade image quality, causing image blurring, distortions, and signal loss. In this study, we investigated the trade-off between the SNR and resolution of different k-space trajectories, including echo planar imaging (EPI), partial Fourier EPI, and spiral trajectories, over a range of dMRI resolutions at 7T. The effective resolution, spatial specificity and sharpening effect were measured from the point spread function (PSF) of the simulated diffusion sequences for a nominal resolution range of 0.6-1.8 mm. In-vivo partial brain scans at a nominal resolution of 1.5 mm isotropic were acquired using the three readout trajectories to validate the simulation results. Field probes were used to measure dynamic magnetic fields offline up to the 3rd order of spherical harmonics. Image reconstruction was performed using static ΔB0 field maps and the measured trajectories to correct image distortions and artifacts, leaving T2* effects as the primary source of blurring. The effective resolution was examined in fractional anisotropy (FA) maps calculated from a multi-shell dataset with b-values of 300, 1000, and 2000 s/mm2 in 5, 16, and 48 directions, respectively. In-vivo scans at nominal resolutions of 1, 1.2, and 1.5 mm were acquired and the SNR of the different trajectories calculated using the multiple replica method to investigate the SNR. Finally, in-vivo whole brain scans with an effective resolution of 1.5 mm isotropic were acquired to explore the SNR and efficiency of different trajectories at a matching effective resolution. FA and intra-cellular volume fraction (ICVF) maps calculated using neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) were used for the comparison. The simulations and in vivo imaging results showed that for matching nominal resolutions, EPI trajectories had the highest specificity and effective resolution with maximum image sharpening effect. However, spirals have a significantly higher SNR, in particular at higher resolutions and even when the effective image resolutions are matched. Overall, this work shows that the higher SNR of single-shot spiral trajectories at 7T allows us to achieve higher effective resolutions compared to EPI and PF-EPI to map the microstructure and connectivity of small brain structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Feizollah
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 3801 Rue University, Montreal, QC, Canada; McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 Rue University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Christine L Tardif
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 3801 Rue University, Montreal, QC, Canada; McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 Rue University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Duff Medical Building, 3775 Rue University, Suite 316, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Kelly EM, Egan MJ, Colόn A, Angel SM, Sharma SK. Remote Raman Sensing Using a Single-Grating Monolithic Spatial Heterodyne Raman Spectrometer: A Potential Tool for Planetary Exploration. Appl Spectrosc 2023; 77:534-549. [PMID: 36223496 DOI: 10.1177/00037028221121304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Advances in Raman instrumentation have led to the implementation of a remote dispersive Raman spectrometer on the Perseverance rover on Mars, which is used for remote sensing. For remote applications, dispersive spectrometers suffer from a few setbacks such as relatively larger sizes, low light throughput, limited spectral ranges, relatively low resolutions for small devices, and high sensitivity to misalignment. A spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer (SHRS), which is a fixed grating interferometer, helps overcome some of these problems. Most SHRS devices that have been described use two fixed diffraction gratings, but a variance of the SHRS called the one-grating SHRS (1g-SHRS) replaces one of the gratings with a mirror, which makes it more compact. In a recent paper we described monolithic two-gratings SHRS, and in this paper, we investigate a single-grating monolithic SHRS (1g-mSHRS), which combines the 1g-SHRS with a monolithic setup previously tested at the University of South Carolina. This setup integrates the beamsplitter, grating, and mirror into a single monolithic device. This reduces the number of adjustable components, allows for easier alignment, and reduces the footprint of the device (35 × 35 × 25 mm with a weight of 80 g). This instrument provides a high spectral resolution (∼9 cm-1) and large spectral range (7327 cm-1) while decreasing the sensitivity to alignment with a field of view of 5.61 mm at 3m. We discuss the characteristics of the 1g-mSHRS by measuring the time-resolved remote Raman spectra of a few inorganic salts, organics, and minerals at 3 m. The 1g-mSHRS makes a good candidate for planetary exploration because of its large spectral range, greater sensitivity, competitively higher spectral resolution, low alignment sensitivity, and high light throughput in a compact easily aligned system with no moving parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M Kelly
- Hawaii Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Miles J Egan
- Hawaii Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Arelis Colόn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - S Michael Angel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Shiv K Sharma
- Hawaii Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Traechtler J, Fuetterer M, Albannay MM, Hoh T, Kozerke S. Considerations for hyperpolarized 13 C MR at reduced field: Comparing 1.5T versus 3T. Magn Reson Med 2023; 89:1945-1960. [PMID: 36598063 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In contrast to conventional MR, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is not linearly dependent on field strength in hyperpolarized MR, as polarization is generated outside the MR system. Moreover, field inhomogeneity-induced artifacts and other practical limitations associated with field strengths ≥ $$ \ge $$ 3T are alleviated at lower fields. The potential of hyperpolarized 13 $$ {}^{13} $$ C spectroscopy and imaging at 1.5T versus 3T is demonstrated in silico, in vitro, and in vivo for applications on clinical MR systems. THEORY AND METHODS Theoretical noise and SNR behavior at different field strengths are investigated based on simulations. A thorough field comparison between 1.5T and 3T is performed using thermal and hyperpolarized 13 $$ {}^{13} $$ C spectroscopy and imaging. Cardiac in vivo data is obtained in pigs using hyperpolarized [1- 13 $$ {}^{13} $$ C]pyruvate spectroscopy and imaging at 1.5T and 3T. RESULTS Based on theoretical considerations and simulations, the SNR of hyperpolarized MR at identical acquisition bandwidths is independent of the field strength for typical coil setups, while adaptively changing the acquisition bandwidth proportional to the static magnetic field allows for net SNR gains of up to 40% at 1.5T compared to 3T. In vitro 13 $$ {}^{13} $$ C data verified these considerations with less than 7% deviation. In vivo feasibility of hyperpolarized [1- 13 $$ {}^{13} $$ C]pyruvate dynamic metabolic spectroscopy and imaging at 1.5T is demonstrated in the pig heart with comparable SNR between 1.5T and 3T while B 0 $$ {}_0 $$ artifacts are noticeably reduced at 1.5T. CONCLUSION Hyperpolarized 13 $$ {}^{13} $$ C MR at lower field strengths is favorable in terms of SNR and off-resonance effects, which makes 1.5T a promising alternative to 3T, especially for clinical cardiac metabolic imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Traechtler
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maximilian Fuetterer
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mohammed M Albannay
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Hoh
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Kozerke
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Xiang J, Yu X, Bonnette S, Anand M, Riehm CD, Schlink B, Diekfuss JA, Myer GD, Jiang Y. Improved Biomagnetic Signal-To-Noise Ratio and Source Localization Using Optically Pumped Magnetometers with Synthetic Gradiometers. Brain Sci 2023; 13:663. [PMID: 37190628 PMCID: PMC10136792 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13040663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) can capture brain activity but are susceptible to magnetic noise. The objective of this study was to evaluate a novel methodology used to reduce magnetic noise in OPM measurements. A portable magnetoencephalography (MEG) prototype was developed with OPMs. The OPMs were divided into primary sensors and reference sensors. For each primary sensor, a synthetic gradiometer (SG) was constructed by computing a secondary sensor that simulated noise with signals from the reference sensors. MEG data from a phantom with known source signals and six human participants were used to assess the efficacy of the SGs. Magnetic noise in the OPM data appeared predominantly in a low frequency range (<4 Hz) and varied among OPMs. The SGs significantly reduced magnetic noise (p < 0.01), enhanced the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) (p < 0.001) and improved the accuracy of source localization (p < 0.02). The SGs precisely revealed movement-evoked magnetic fields in MEG data recorded from human participants. SGs provided an effective method to enhance SNR and improve the accuracy of source localization by suppressing noise. Software-simulated SGs may provide new opportunities regarding the use of OPM measurements in various clinical and research applications, especially those in which movement is relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xiang
- MEG Center, Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Xiaoqian Yu
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, 6655 S Yale Ave., Tulsa, OK 74136, USA
| | - Scott Bonnette
- Division of Sports Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Manish Anand
- Emory Sport Performance and Research Center (SPARC), Emory University, Flowery Branch, GA 30542, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 45267, USA
| | - Christopher D. Riehm
- Emory Sport Performance and Research Center (SPARC), Emory University, Flowery Branch, GA 30542, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 45267, USA
| | - Bryan Schlink
- Emory Sport Performance and Research Center (SPARC), Emory University, Flowery Branch, GA 30542, USA
| | - Jed A. Diekfuss
- Emory Sport Performance and Research Center (SPARC), Emory University, Flowery Branch, GA 30542, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 45267, USA
| | - Gregory D. Myer
- Emory Sport Performance and Research Center (SPARC), Emory University, Flowery Branch, GA 30542, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 45267, USA
- The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - Yang Jiang
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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Shetty HN, Kumar SD, Vijayasarathy S. Bluetooth Coupling in Hearing Aids: Effect on Audiovisual Speech Recognition and Quality Rating of Compressed Speech in Older Individuals with Sloping Hearing Loss. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 27:e302-e308. [PMID: 37125373 PMCID: PMC10147467 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1744170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Older individuals often report that they find it difficulty in enjoying watching television since they find it hard to follow the rapid intensity variations, and voice changes from scene to scene. Objective The present study investigated the effect of coupling the hearing aid with the television via Bluetooth on audiovisual speech recognition and quality rating of compressed speech in older individuals with hearing loss. Method Twenty participants in the age range of 60 to 75 years who had moderate to moderately severe sloping sensorineural hearing loss were bilaterally fitted with digital receiver in the canal hearing aids. The hearing aid was coupled with a television via Bluetooth using a streamer. The video recorded stimuli were presented at 65 dB SPL at normal rate, 35% compression and 45% compression conditions. Speech recognition scores and quality ratings were obtained for each condition with and without the Bluetooth streamer connected to the hearing aids. Results Speech recognition scores were significantly better with Bluetooth coupling compared with conventional hearing aid use at 40% compressed speech rate. The quality was also rated higher in almost all parameters across speech rates when Bluetooth was used. Conclusions The improved clarity and nullification of room reverberation offered by Bluetooth coupling can potentially compensate for the age-related temporal processing deficit contributing to ease of listening.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shubhaganga Dhrruva Kumar
- Department of Speech and Hearing, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal
| | - Srikar Vijayasarathy
- Department of Audiology, JSS Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
- Address for correspondence Srikar Vijayasarathy, MSc Department of Audiology, JSS Institute of Speech and HearingMysuru 570004, KarnatakaIndia
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Yao Q, Xie L, Guo X, Yu F, Zhao X. PVDF Membrane-Based Dual-Channel Acoustic Sensor Integrating the Fabry-Pérot and Piezoelectric Effects. Sensors (Basel) 2023; 23:3444. [PMID: 37050504 PMCID: PMC10099085 DOI: 10.3390/s23073444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
A resonant acoustic wave detector combined with Fabry-Pérot interference (FPI) and piezoelectric (PE) effects based on a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric film was proposed to enhance the ability of the sensor to detect acoustic signals in a specific frequency band. The deformation of circular thin films was indicated by the interference and piezoelectric effects simultaneously, and the noise level was decreased by the real-time convolution of the two-way parallel signal. This study reveals that, at the film's resonance frequency, the minimum detection limits for the FPI and piezoelectric impacts on acoustic waves are 3.39 μPa/Hz1/2 and 20.8 μPa/Hz1/2, respectively. The convolution result shows that the background noise was reduced by 98.81% concerning the piezoelectric signal, and by 85.21% concerning the FPI signal. The convolution's signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was several times greater than the other two signals at 10 mPa. Therefore, this resonance sensor, which the FPI and the piezoelectric effect synergistically enhance, can be applied to scenarios of acoustic wave detection in a specific frequency band and with ultrahigh sensitivity requirements.
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Di Gioia M, Lombardi L, Marzocca C, Matarrese G, Menduni G, Patimisco P, Spagnolo V. Signal-to-Noise Ratio Analysis for the Voltage-Mode Read-Out of Quartz Tuning Forks in QEPAS Applications. Micromachines (Basel) 2023; 14:619. [PMID: 36985025 PMCID: PMC10051664 DOI: 10.3390/mi14030619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Quartz tuning forks (QTFs) are employed as sensitive elements for gas sensing applications implementing quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy. Therefore, proper design of the QTF read-out electronics is required to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and in turn, the minimum detection limit of the gas concentration. In this work, we present a theoretical study of the SNR trend in a voltage-mode read-out of QTFs, mainly focusing on the effects of (i) the noise contributions of both the QTF-equivalent resistor and the input bias resistor RL of the preamplifier, (ii) the operating frequency, and (iii) the bandwidth (BW) of the lock-in amplifier low-pass filter. A MATLAB model for the main noise contributions was retrieved and then validated by means of SPICE simulations. When the bandwidth of the lock-in filter is sufficiently narrow (BW = 0.5 Hz), the SNR values do not strongly depend on both the operating frequency and RL values. On the other hand, when a wider low-pass filter bandwidth is employed (BW = 5 Hz), a sharp SNR peak close to the QTF parallel-resonant frequency is found for large values of RL (RL > 2 MΩ), whereas for small values of RL (RL < 2 MΩ), the SNR exhibits a peak around the QTF series-resonant frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Di Gioia
- PolySense Lab, Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica, University and Politecnico of Bari, Via Amendola 173, 70126 Bari, Italy
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica e Dell’Informazione, Politecnico of Bari, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Lombardi
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica e Dell’Informazione, Politecnico of Bari, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Cristoforo Marzocca
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica e Dell’Informazione, Politecnico of Bari, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Gianvito Matarrese
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica e Dell’Informazione, Politecnico of Bari, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Giansergio Menduni
- PolySense Lab, Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica, University and Politecnico of Bari, Via Amendola 173, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Pietro Patimisco
- PolySense Lab, Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica, University and Politecnico of Bari, Via Amendola 173, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Spagnolo
- PolySense Lab, Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica, University and Politecnico of Bari, Via Amendola 173, 70126 Bari, Italy
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica e Dell’Informazione, Politecnico of Bari, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
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Li G, Ma X, Li S, Ye X, Börnert P, Zhou XJ, Guo H. Comparison of uniform-density, variable-density, and dual-density spiral samplings for multi-shot DWI. Magn Reson Med 2023; 90:133-149. [PMID: 36883748 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the performances of uniform-density spiral (UDS), variable-density spiral (VDS), and dual-density spiral (DDS) samplings in multi-shot diffusion imaging, and determine a sampling strategy that balances reliability of shot navigator and overall DWI image quality. THEORY AND METHODS UDS, VDS, and DDS trajectories were implemented to achieve four-shot diffusion-weighted spiral imaging. First, the static B0 off-resonance effects in UDS, VDS, and DDS acquisitions were analyzed based on a signal model. Then, in vivo experiments were performed to verify the theoretical analyses, and fractional anisotropy (FA) fitting residuals were used to quantitatively assess the quality of spiral diffusion data for tensor estimation. Finally, the SNR performances and g-factor behavior of the three spiral samplings were evaluated using a Monte Carlo-based pseudo multiple replica method. RESULTS Among the three spiral trajectories with the same readout duration, UDS sampling exhibited the least off-resonance artifacts. This was most evident when the static B0 off-resonance effect was severe. The UDS diffusion images had higher anatomical fidelity and lower FA fitting residuals than the other two counterparts. Furthermore, the four-shot UDS acquisition achieved the best SNR performance in diffusion imaging with 12.11% and 40.85% improvements over the VDS and DDS acquisitions with the same readout duration, respectively. CONCLUSION UDS sampling is an efficient spiral acquisition scheme for high-resolution diffusion imaging with reliable navigator information. It provides superior off-resonance performance and SNR efficiency over the VDS and DDS samplings for the tested scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangqi Li
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Sisi Li
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Ye
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Peter Börnert
- Radiology, C.J. Gorter Center for High-Field MRI, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Philips Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Xiaohong Joe Zhou
- Center for MR Research and Departments of Radiology, Neurosurgery, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hua Guo
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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He M, Shi W, Lu C, Chen G, Qiu F, Zhu Y, Liu Y. Application of Pulse Compression Technique in High-Temperature Carbon Steel Forgings Crack Detection with Angled SV-Wave EMATs. Sensors (Basel) 2023; 23:2685. [PMID: 36904887 PMCID: PMC10007273 DOI: 10.3390/s23052685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In order to solve the difficulty in localization and poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the angled shear vertical wave (SV wave) electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) in cracks detection of high-temperature carbon steel forgings, a finite element (FE) model of the angled SV wave EMAT detection process was established, and the influence of specimen temperature on the EMAT excitation, propagation, and reception processes was analyzed. A high-temperature resistant angled SV wave EMAT was designed to detect carbon steel from 20 °C to 500 °C, and the influence law of the angled SV wave at different temperatures was analyzed. Then a circuit-field coupled FE model of angled SV wave EMAT in the carbon steel detection process based on the Barker code pulse compression technique was established, and the effects of the Barker code element length, impedance matching method, and matching component parameters on the pulse compression effect were analyzed. In addition, the noise suppression effect and the SNR of the crack-reflected wave in the tone-burst excitation method and the Barker code pulse compression technique were compared. The results show that the amplitude of the block-corner reflected wave decreases from 556 mV to 195 mV, and the SNR decreases from 34.9 dB to 23.5 dB when the specimen temperature increases from 20 °C to 500 °C. When the temperature is 500 °C, the SNR of the crack-reflected wave obtained by the Barker code pulse compression technique can be improved by 9.2 dB compared to the tone-burst excitation method with 16 synchronous averages. The study can provide technical and theoretical guidance for online crack detection for high-temperature carbon steel forgings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min He
- Key Laboratory of Non-Destructive Testing, Ministry of Education, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, China
| | - Wenze Shi
- Key Laboratory of Non-Destructive Testing, Ministry of Education, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, China
| | - Chao Lu
- Key Laboratory of Non-Destructive Testing, Ministry of Education, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, China
| | - Guo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Non-Destructive Testing, Ministry of Education, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, China
| | - Fasheng Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Non-Destructive Testing, Ministry of Education, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Non-Destructive Testing, Ministry of Education, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, China
- State Key Laboratory of Acoustics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Non-Destructive Testing, Ministry of Education, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, China
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Dillinger D, Overhoff D, Booz C, Kaatsch HL, Piechotka J, Hagen A, Froelich MF, Vogl TJ, Waldeck S. Impact of CT Photon-Counting Virtual Monoenergetic Imaging on Visualization of Abdominal Arterial Vessels. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13050938. [PMID: 36900082 PMCID: PMC10000913 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13050938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The novel photon-counting detector (PCD) technique acquires spectral data for virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) in every examination. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the impact of VMI of abdominal arterial vessels on quantitative and qualitative subjective image parameters. METHODS A total of 20 patients that underwent an arterial phase computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen with a novel PCD CT (Siemens NAEOTOM alpha) were analyzed regarding attenuation at different energy levels in virtual monoenergetic imaging. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were calculated and compared between the different virtual monoenergetic (VME) levels with correlation to vessel diameter. In addition, subjective image parameters (overall subjective image quality, subjective image noise and vessel contrast) were evaluated. RESULTS Our research showed decreasing attenuation levels with increasing energy levels in virtual monoenergetic imaging regardless of vessel diameter. CNR showed best overall results at 60 keV, and SNR at 70 keV with no significant difference to 60 keV (p = 0.294). Subjective image quality was rated best at 70 keV for overall image quality, vessel contrast and noise. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that VMI at 60-70 keV provides the best objective and subjective image quality concerning vessel contrast irrespective of vessel size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Dillinger
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Surgery, Bundeswehr Central Hospital, Rübenacher Straße 170, 56072 Koblenz, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Daniel Overhoff
- Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, Bundeswehr Central Hospital, Rübenacher Straße 170, 56072 Koblenz, Germany
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christian Booz
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hanns L. Kaatsch
- Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, Bundeswehr Central Hospital, Rübenacher Straße 170, 56072 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Joel Piechotka
- Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, Bundeswehr Central Hospital, Rübenacher Straße 170, 56072 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Achim Hagen
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Surgery, Bundeswehr Central Hospital, Rübenacher Straße 170, 56072 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Matthias F. Froelich
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Thomas J. Vogl
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stephan Waldeck
- Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, Bundeswehr Central Hospital, Rübenacher Straße 170, 56072 Koblenz, Germany
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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Berlin L, Galyaev A, Lysenko P. Comparison of Information Criteria for Detection of Useful Signals in Noisy Environments. Sensors (Basel) 2023; 23:2133. [PMID: 36850735 PMCID: PMC9966083 DOI: 10.3390/s23042133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper considers the appearance of indications of useful acoustic signals in the signal/noise mixture. Various information characteristics (information entropy, Jensen-Shannon divergence, spectral information divergence and statistical complexity) are investigated in the context of solving this problem. Both time and frequency domains are studied for the calculation of information entropy. The effectiveness of statistical complexity is shown in comparison with other information metrics for different signal-to-noise ratios. Two different approaches for statistical complexity calculations are also compared. In addition, analytical formulas for complexity and disequilibrium are obtained using entropy variation in the case of signal spectral distribution. The connection between the statistical complexity criterion and the Neyman-Pearson approach for hypothesis testing is discussed. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is shown for different types of acoustic signals and noise models, including colored noises, and different signal-to-noise ratios, especially when the estimation of additional noise characteristics is impossible.
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Gadella MC, Dulfer SE, Absalom AR, Lange F, Scholtens-Henzen CHM, Groen RJM, Wapstra FH, Faber C, Tamási K, Sahinovic MM, Drost G. Comparing Motor-Evoked Potential Characteristics of NEedle versus suRFACE Recording Electrodes during Spinal Cord Monitoring-The NERFACE Study Part I. J Clin Med 2023; 12. [PMID: 36835940 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscle-recorded transcranial electrical stimulation motor-evoked potentials (mTc-MEPs) are used to assess the spinal cord integrity. They are commonly recorded with subcutaneous needle or surface electrodes, but the different characteristics of mTc-MEP signals recorded with the two types of electrodes have not been formally compared yet. In this study, mTc-MEPs were simultaneously recorded from the tibialis anterior (TA) muscles using surface and subcutaneous needle electrodes in 242 consecutive patients. Elicitability, motor thresholds, amplitude, area under the curve (AUC), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the variability between mTc-MEP amplitudes were compared. Whereas amplitude and AUC were significantly higher in subcutaneous needle recordings (p < 0.01), motor thresholds and elicitability were similar for surface and subcutaneous needle recordings. Moreover, the SNRs were >2 in more than 99.5% of the surface and subcutaneous needle recordings, and the variability between consecutive amplitudes was not significantly different between the two recording electrode types (p = 0.34). Surface electrodes appear to be a good alternative to needle electrodes for spinal cord monitoring. They are non-invasive, can record signals at similar threshold intensities, have adequately high SNRs, and record signals with equivalent variability. Whether surface electrodes are non-inferior to subcutaneous needle electrodes in detecting motor warnings is investigated in part II of the NERFACE study.
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Gao P, Jin C, Wagn L, Wu T, Li J, Gao X, Chen Y, Wang Q, Wang YH, Xue HD, Jin ZY. [Quality Evaluation of Temporomandibular Joint Images from 3 High-resolution Dynamic Sequences]. Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao 2023; 45:50-56. [PMID: 36861155 DOI: 10.3881/j.issn.1000-503x.15078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective To compare the image quality of three high-resolution dynamic MRI methods for evaluating the motion of temporomandibular joint disc and condyle. Methods Twenty-five patients with suspected temporomandibular joint disorders were examined by single-shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE),fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA),and spoiled gradient echo (SPGR) on the oblique sagittal position.Two radiologists performed subjective and objective evaluation on the images with double-blind method.The subjective evaluation included the signal intensity of mandibular condyle,articular disc,soft tissue around articular disc,and lateral pterygoid muscle,the contrast between articular disc and condyle,the contrast between articular disc and surrounding soft tissue,condylar motion,and disc movement.The objective evaluation indexes included image signal intensity,signal-to-noise ratio (SNR),and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR).The subjective and objective indexes of the image quality were compared between the three sequences. Results The SSFSE sequence had lower signal intensity of articular disc and higher signal intensity of condyle and surrounding soft tissue than FIESTA and SPGR sequences (all P<0.001).The SPGR sequence showed higher signal intensity of lateral pterygoid muscle than the SSFSE and FIESTA sequences (P=0.017,P<0.001).Among the three sequences,SSFSE sequence showed the clearest articular disc structure (χ2=41.952,P<0.001),the strongest contrast between articular disc and condyle (χ2=35.379,P<0.001),the strongest contrast between articular disc and surrounding soft tissue (χ2=27.324,P<0.001),and the clearest movement of articular disc (χ2=44.655,P<0.001).SSFSE and FIESTA sequences showed higher proportion of disc displacement and reduction than SPGR sequence (all P<0.001).The CNR (χ2=21.400,P<0.001),SNR (χ2=34.880,P<0.001),and condyle signal intensity (F=337.151,P<0.001) demonstrated differences among SSFSE,FIESTA,and SPGR sequences.The CNR of SSFSE sequence was higher than that of FIESTA sequence (P<0.001),while it had no significant difference between SSFSE and SPGR sequences (P=0.472).In addition,the SSFSE sequence had higher SNR and signal intensity than FIESTA and SPGR sequences (all P<0.001). Conclusion The best image quality can be observed from SSFSE sequence where both the structure and movement of temporomandibular joint are well displayed.Therefore,SSFSE is preferred for the examination of temporomandibular joint movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Gao
- Department of Radiology,PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100032,China
| | - Chuan Jin
- Department of Radiology,PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100032,China
| | - Lei Wagn
- Department of Radiology,PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100032,China
| | - Tao Wu
- GE Healthcare MR Clinical Marketing,Beijing 100176,China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Radiology,PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100032,China
| | - Xin Gao
- Department of Radiology,PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100032,China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Radiology,PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100032,China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Stomatology,PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100032,China
| | - Yu-Hong Wang
- Department of Radiology,PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100032,China
| | - Hua-Dan Xue
- Department of Radiology,PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100032,China
| | - Zheng-Yu Jin
- Department of Radiology,PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100032,China
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Vimala BB, Srinivasan S, Mathivanan SK, Muthukumaran V, Babu JC, Herencsar N, Vilcekova L. Image Noise Removal in Ultrasound Breast Images Based on Hybrid Deep Learning Technique. Sensors (Basel) 2023; 23:s23031167. [PMID: 36772207 PMCID: PMC9920830 DOI: 10.3390/s23031167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Rapid improvements in ultrasound imaging technology have made it much more useful for screening and diagnosing breast problems. Local-speckle-noise destruction in ultrasound breast images may impair image quality and impact observation and diagnosis. It is crucial to remove localized noise from images. In the article, we have used the hybrid deep learning technique to remove local speckle noise from breast ultrasound images. The contrast of ultrasound breast images was first improved using logarithmic and exponential transforms, and then guided filter algorithms were used to enhance the details of the glandular ultrasound breast images. In order to finish the pre-processing of ultrasound breast images and enhance image clarity, spatial high-pass filtering algorithms were used to remove the extreme sharpening. In order to remove local speckle noise without sacrificing the image edges, edge-sensitive terms were eventually added to the Logical-Pool Recurrent Neural Network (LPRNN). The mean square error and false recognition rate both fell below 1.1% at the hundredth training iteration, showing that the LPRNN had been properly trained. Ultrasound images that have had local speckle noise destroyed had signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) greater than 65 dB, peak SNR ratios larger than 70 dB, edge preservation index values greater than the experimental threshold of 0.48, and quick destruction times. The time required to destroy local speckle noise is low, edge information is preserved, and image features are brought into sharp focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiju Babu Vimala
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India
| | - Saravanan Srinivasan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600062, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar Mathivanan
- School of Information Technology and Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India
| | - Venkatesan Muthukumaran
- Department of Mathematics, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, India
| | - Jyothi Chinna Babu
- Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering, Annamacharya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Rajampet 516126, India
| | - Norbert Herencsar
- Department of Telecommunications, Faculty of Electrical and Communication Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Technicka 12, 616 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Vilcekova
- Faculty of Management, Comenius University Bratislava, Odbojarov 10, 820 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Lim SW, Choi WK, Kim S. Evaluation of the Effects of Differences in Metal Artifact Type and Location on Image Quality in Computed Tomography Scans. J Med Phys 2023; 48:80-84. [PMID: 37342606 PMCID: PMC10277293 DOI: 10.4103/jmp.jmp_87_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Artifacts in computed tomography scans distort anatomical information and prevent an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, this study aims to determine the most effective method for reducing metal-induced artifacts by evaluating the effects of the metal artifact type and location, and the tube voltage on the image quality. Fe and Cu wires were inserted into a Virtual Water™ phantom at 6.5 and 11 cm distances from the center point (DPs). The contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) and signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) were calculated to compare the images. The results reveal higher CNRs and SNRs when using standard and Smart metal artifact reduction (Smart MAR) algorithms for Cu and Fe insertions, respectively. The standard algorithm leads to a higher CNR and SNR for Fe and Cu at DPs of 6.5 and 11 cm, respectively. The Smart MAR algorithm provides effective outcomes at voltages of 100 and 120 kVp for wires located at 11 and 6.5 cm DP, respectively. The most effective imaging conditions for MAR is generated by the Smart MAR algorithm with a tube voltage for 100 kVp for Fe located at a DP of 11 cm. MAR can be improved by setting suitable tube voltage conditions according to the type and location of inserted metal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Won Lim
- Department of Radiological Science, Gachon University Medical Campus, Hambangmoe-ro, Incheon, Korea
| | - Woo-Keun Choi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sungchul Kim
- Department of Radiological Science, Gachon University Medical Campus, Hambangmoe-ro, Incheon, Korea
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50
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Lu M, Chai S, Zhu H, Yan X. Low-cost inductively coupled stacked wireless RF coil for MRI at 3 T. NMR Biomed 2023; 36:e4818. [PMID: 35994526 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Inductively coupled RF coils are an inexpensive and simple method to realize wireless RF coils in MRI. They are low cost and can greatly ease the MR scan setup and improve patient comfort, since they do not require bulky components such as cables, baluns, preamplifiers, and connectors. Previous works have typically used single-layer loops as wireless coils. In this work, we present a novel wireless coil, where two loops are stacked and decoupled with a shared capacitor. We found that such a stacked structure could increase the coil efficiency and SNR. Compared with the single-layer wireless coil, both electromagnetic simulation and MR experiment results demonstrate that the stacked wireless coil has a considerable SNR improvement of approximately 35%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Lu
- College of Nuclear Equipment and Nuclear Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai, China
| | - Shuyang Chai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Haoqin Zhu
- SINO Canada Health Institute Inc., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Xinqiang Yan
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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