Microbubble Contrast Agents Improve Detection of Active Hemorrhage.

Assessment of trauma-induced hemorrhage with ultrasound is particularly challenging outside of the clinic, where its detection is crucial. The current clinical standard for hematoma detection - the focused assessment with sonography of trauma (FAST) exam - does not aim to detect ongoing blood loss, and thus is unable to detect injuries of increasing severity. To enhance detection of active bleeding, we propose the use of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs), together with a novel flow phantom and contrast-sensitive processing techniques, to facilitate efficient, practical characterization of internal bleeding.

Polygenic and transcriptional risk scores identify chronic obstructive pulmonary disease subtypes in the COPDGene and ECLIPSE cohort studies.

Background: Genetic variants and gene expression predict risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but their effect on COPD heterogeneity is unclear. We aimed to define high-risk COPD subtypes using genetics (polygenic risk score, PRS) and blood gene expression (transcriptional risk score, TRS) and assess differences in clinical and molecular characteristics.

Methods: We defined high-risk groups based on PRS and TRS quantiles by maximising differences in protein biomarkers in a COPDGene training set and identified these groups in COPDGene and ECLIPSE test sets.

A life cycle assessment of CCU process to produce a nanocomposite from ethanol plant CO emission.

The use of rubber septa for controlled release of semiochemicals has raised important discussions about their efficiency and environmental impact since they are composed of fossil raw material. The life cycle assessment (LCA) of the synthesis of a nanocomposite type calcium nanocarbonate/Kraft lignin (NC-CN-KL) obtained from CO capture aimed to quantify the environmental loads involved in the production process. The synthesis evaluated by the LCA was performed on a laboratory scale, since it is a synthetic route classified as technological readiness level 4 (TRL-4) and is in the study and development stage.

Broadband generation and tomography of non-Gaussian states for ultra-fast optical quantum processors.

Quantum information processors benefit from high clock frequencies to fully harness quantum advantages before they are lost to decoherence. All-optical systems offer unique benefits due to their inherent 100-THz carrier frequency, enabling the development of THz-clock frequency processors. However, the bandwidth of quantum light sources and measurement devices has been limited to the MHz range, with nonclassical state generation rates in the kHz range.

Electrochemical kinetic energy harvesting mediated by ion solvation switching in two-immiscible liquid electrolyte.

Kinetic energy harvesting has significant potential, but current methods, such as friction and deformation-based systems, require high-frequency inputs and highly durable materials. We report an electrochemical system using a two-phase immiscible liquid electrolyte and Prussian blue analogue electrodes for harvesting low-frequency kinetic energy. This system converts translational kinetic energy from the displacement of electrodes between electrolyte phases into electrical energy, achieving a peak power of 6.

Locating the suitable large-scale solar farms in China's deserts with environmental considerations.

Desert areas offer rich solar resources and low land use costs, ideal for large-scale new energy development. However, desert ecosystems are fragile, and large-scale photovoltaic (PV) power facilities pose ecological risks. Current assessments of PV plant sites in deserts lack consideration of wind-sand hazards and ecological impacts.

Regional ventilation dynamics of electrical impedance tomography validated with four-dimensional computed tomography: single-center, prospective, observational study.

Background: The dynamic regional accuracy of electrical impedance tomography has not yet been validated. We aimed to compare the regional accuracy of electrical impedance tomography with that of four-dimensional computed tomography during dynamic ventilation.

Methods: This single-center, prospective, observational study conducted in a general intensive care unit included adult patients receiving mechanical ventilation from July 2021 to February 2024.

Beyond Flexible: Unveiling the Next Era of Flexible Electronic Systems.

Flexible electronics are integral in numerous domains such as wearables, healthcare, physiological monitoring, human-machine interface, and environmental sensing, owing to their inherent flexibility, stretchability, lightweight construction, and low profile. These systems seamlessly conform to curvilinear surfaces, including skin, organs, plants, robots, and marine species, facilitating optimal contact. This capability enables flexible electronic systems to enhance or even supplant the utilization of cumbersome instrumentation across a broad range of monitoring and actuation tasks.

National Council on Radiation Protection (NCRP) 2024 annual meeting:.

On 25-26 March 2023, the U.S. National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) held its 2024 annual meeting in Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

Exploiting Spatial Ionic Dynamics in Solid-State Organic Electrochemical Transistors for Multi-Tactile Sensing and Processing.

The human nervous system inspires the next generation of sensory and communication systems for robotics, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), biomedical applications, and artificial intelligence. Neuromorphic approaches address processing challenges; however, the vast number of sensors and their large-scale distribution complicate analog data manipulation. Conventional digital multiplexers are limited by complex circuit architecture and high supply voltage.

Efficacy and Feasibility of Intradialytic Plantar Electrical Stimulation in Patients With Diabetes: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

Objective: This study investigates the efficacy and feasibility of electrical stimulation (E-Stim) on sensory fibers of the plantar region during hemodialysis sessions, aiming to improve mobility in patients with diabetes by providing a connection between E-Stim and enhanced mobility with minimal patient effort required.

Research Design And Methods: Participants aged ≥18 years with diabetes undergoing hemodialysis and able to walk at least 10 m with or without aid were recruited and divided into an intervention group receiving 1-h intradialytic E-Stim three times a week and a control group using an identical nonfunctional device for 12 weeks. Gait, physical activity, patient-reported outcomes, and the technology acceptance model were assessed to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness and acceptance.

Combustion visualization analysis of alternative fuels in the pulverized coal injection raceway through laminar flow reactor.

Currently, the steelmaking process uses a pulverized coal injection (PCI) system that serves as the heat source and reductant for ironmaking (blast furnace and FINEX) where system uses expensive high-grade coal and high operating costs. Hydrogen steelmaking is currently being developed to achieve carbon-free operation. To achieve a soft-landing during this phase of rapid change, the use of biomass and inexpensive, thermal coal, and coke dust is necessary.

Sensorless control in full speed domain of interior permanent magnet synchronous motor based on hybrid observer.

Aiming at the problem that an Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (IPMSM) cannot be smoothly started in zero-low speed range and smoothly transitioned to medium-high speed range by a single observer. This paper proposes a full-speed range control algorithm based on the fusion of pulsating high-frequency injection and back electromotive force (EMF) position error information. In the low-speed range or at start-up, a square-wave high-frequency signal is injected, and the obtained high-frequency current signal is processed to obtain the rotor position error information.