Deep-learning-based attenuation map generation in kidney single photon emission computed tomography.

Background: Accurate attenuation correction (AC) is vital in nuclear medicine, particularly for quantitative single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging. This study aimed to establish a CT-free quantification technology in kidney SPECT imaging using deep learning to generate synthetic attenuation maps (μ-maps) from SPECT data, thereby reducing radiation exposure and eliminating the need for CT scans.

Results: A dataset of 1000 Tc-99m DTPA SPECT/CT scans was analyzed for training (n = 800), validation (n = 100), and testing (n = 100) using a modified 3D U-Net for deep learning.

Carbon Dioxide Concentration Estimation in Nonuniform Temperature Fields Based on Single-Pass Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy.

We propose a novel technique to accurately predict carbon dioxide (CO) concentrations even in flow fields with temperature gradients based on a single laser path absorption spectrum measurement and machine learning. Concentration measurements in typical tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy are based on a ratio of two integrated absorbances, each from a spectral line with different temperature dependence. However, the inferred concentrations can deviate significantly from the actual concentrations in the presence of temperature gradients.

CT-free quantitative SPECT for automatic evaluation of %thyroid uptake based on deep-learning.

Purpose: Quantitative thyroid single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) requires computed tomography (CT)-based attenuation correction and manual thyroid segmentation on CT for %thyroid uptake measurements. Here, we aimed to develop a deep-learning-based CT-free quantitative thyroid SPECT that can generate an attenuation map (μ-map) and automatically segment the thyroid.

Methods: Quantitative thyroid SPECT/CT data (n = 650) were retrospectively analyzed.

Quantification of Elevated Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) Concentration Typical in a Residential Fire Environment Using Mid-IR Tunable Diode Laser.

A versatile portable tunable diode laser based measurement system for measuring elevated concentrations of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in a time-resolved manner is developed for application in the fire environment. The direct absorption tunable diode laser spectroscopy (DA-TDLAS) technique is employed using the R11 absorption line centered at 3345.3 cm (2989.

Serum Exosomal miRNA-1915-3p Is Correlated With Disease Activity of Korean Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background/aim: It has been found that microRNAs (miRNA) affect rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathophysiology. This study aimed to identify novel serum exosomal miRNAs related to RA disease activity in patients with an inadequate treatment response.

Patients And Methods: The sample population comprised clinical remission (CR) and non-clinical remission (non-CR) groups of RA patients.

Combined use of TDLAS and LIBS for reconstruction of temperature and concentration fields.

A new technique is developed for reconstructing the temperature and species-concentration fields by employing tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) on axisymmetric combustion fields. For two-line thermometry, the uncertainties in linestrengths of the absorption lines may cause systematic errors in temperature and species concentration estimations. Thus, the radial profiles of water vapor concentration are obtained first using the LIBS, assuming that the combustion is complete; then, the radial temperature profiles are estimated from the radial profiles of absorption coefficient, as reconstructed from the absorbance profiles obtained using the TDLAS.

Long-term Treatment with Anti-platelet Agents for Collagen-induced Arthritis Improves Radiological Findings.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the long-term effect of anti-platelet treatment on the radiological progression of collagen-induced arthritis in rats.

Methods: Female Lewis rats with collagen-induced arthritis were divided into three experimental groups: saline, aspirin monotherapy (n = 12), and aspirin-clopidogrel dual therapy (n = 12). Drugs were administered daily and continued up to 70 days after the induction of arthritis.

Exosomal amyloid A and lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronic acid receptor-1 proteins are associated with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: Exosomes are thought to play an important role in exchanging information between cells. The proteins and lipids in exosomes play roles in mediating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to identify exosomal candidate proteins that are related to other inflammatory parameters in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

High-Speed Multiplexed Spatiotemporally Resolved Measurements of Exhaust Gas Recirculation Dynamics in a Multi-Cylinder Engine Using Laser Absorption Spectroscopy.

The need for more environmentally friendly and efficient energy conversion is of paramount importance in developing and designing next-generation internal combustion (IC) engines for transportation applications. One effective solution to reducing emissions of mono-nitrogen oxides (NOx) is exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), which has been widely implemented in modern vehicles. However, cylinder-to-cylinder and cycle-to-cycle variations in the charge-gas uniformity can be a major barrier to optimum EGR implementation on multi-cylinder engines, and can limit performance, stability, and efficiency.

Minute Concentration Measurements of Simple Hydrocarbon Species Using Supercontinuum Laser Absorption Spectroscopy.

Minute concentration measurements of simple hydrocarbon gases are demonstrated using near-infrared supercontinuum laser absorption spectroscopy. Absorption-based gas sensors, particularly when combined with optical fiber components, can significantly enhance diagnostic capabilities to unprecedented levels. However, these diagnostic techniques are subject to limitations under certain gas sensing applications where interference and harsh conditions dominate.

Fast spatially resolved exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) distribution measurements in an internal combustion engine using absorption spectroscopy.

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in internal combustion engines is an effective method of reducing NOx emissions while improving efficiency. However, insufficient mixing between fresh air and exhaust gas can lead to cycle-to-cycle and cylinder-to-cylinder non-uniform charge gas mixtures of a multi-cylinder engine, which can in turn reduce engine performance and efficiency. A sensor packaged into a compact probe was designed, built and applied to measure spatiotemporal EGR distributions in the intake manifold of an operating engine.