Retinal optical coherence tomography image enhancement via shrinkage denoising using double-density dual-tree complex wavelet transform.

PubMed

Chitchian, Shahab; Mayer, Markus A; Boretsky, Adam R; van Kuijk, Frederik J; Motamedi, Massoud

2012-11-01

ABSTRACT. Image enhancement of retinal structures, in optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans through denoising, has the potential to aid in the diagnosis of several eye diseases. In this paper, a locally adaptive denoising algorithm using double-density dual-tree complex wavelet transform, a combination of the double-density wavelet transform and the dual-tree complex wavelet transform, is applied to reduce speckle noise in OCT images of the retina. The algorithm overcomes the limitations of commonly used multiple frame averaging technique, namely the limited number of frames that can be recorded due to eye movements, by providing a comparable image quality in significantly less acquisition time equal to an order of magnitude less time compared to the averaging method. In addition, improvements of image quality metrics and 5 dB increase in the signal-to-noise ratio are attained.

Microseismic Velocity Imaging of the Fracturing Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, H.; Chen, Y.

2015-12-01

Hydraulic fracturing of low permeability reservoirs can induce microseismic events during fracture development. For this reason, microseismic monitoring using sensors on surface or in borehole have been widely used to delineate fracture spatial distribution and to understand fracturing mechanisms. It is often the case that the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) is determined solely based on microseismic locations. However, it is known that for some fracture development stage, long period long duration events, instead of microseismic events may be associated. In addition, because microseismic events are essentially weak and there exist different sources of noise during monitoring, some microseismic events could not be detected and thus located. Therefore the estimation of the SRV is biased if it is solely determined by microseismic locations. With the existence of fluids and fractures, the seismic velocity of reservoir layers will be decreased. Based on this fact, we have developed a near real time seismic velocity tomography method to characterize velocity changes associated with fracturing process. The method is based on double-difference seismic tomography algorithm to image the fracturing zone where microseismic events occur by using differential arrival times from microseismic event pairs. To take into account varying data distribution for different fracking stages, the method solves the velocity model in the wavelet domain so that different scales of model features can be obtained according to different data distribution. We have applied this real time tomography method to both acoustic emission data from lab experiment and microseismic data from a downhole microseismic monitoring project for shale gas hydraulic fracturing treatment. The tomography results from lab data clearly show the velocity changes associated with different rock fracturing stages. For the field data application, it shows that microseismic events are located in low velocity anomalies. By combining low velocity anomalies with microseismic events, we should better estimate the SRV.

Congenital anomalies of the left brachiocephalic vein detected in adults on computed tomography.

PubMed

Yamamuro, Hiroshi; Ichikawa, Tamaki; Hashimoto, Jun; Ono, Shun; Nagata, Yoshimi; Kawada, Shuichi; Kobayashi, Makiko; Koizumi, Jun; Shibata, Takeo; Imai, Yutaka

2017-10-01

Anomalous left brachiocephalic vein (BCV) is a rare and less known systemic venous anomaly. We evaluated congenital anomalies of the left BCV in adults detected during computed tomography (CT) examinations. This retrospective study included 81,425 patients without congenital heart disease who underwent chest CT. We reviewed the recorded reports and CT images for congenital anomalies of the left BCV including aberrant and supernumerary BCVs. The associated congenital aortic anomalies were assessed. Among 73,407 cases at a university hospital, 22 (16 males, 6 females; mean age, 59 years) with aberrant left BCVs were found using keyword research on recorded reports (0.03%). Among 8018 cases at the branch hospital, 5 (4 males, 1 female; mean age, 67 years) with aberrant left BCVs were found using CT image review (0.062%). There were no significant differences in incidences of aberrant left BCV between the two groups. Two cases had double left BCVs. Eleven cases showed high aortic arches. Two cases had the right aortic arch, one case had an incomplete double aortic arch, and one case was associated with coarctation. Aberrant left BCV on CT examination in adults was extremely rare. Some cases were associated with aortic arch anomalies.

Preliminary Analysis of Double Shell Tomography Data

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pascucci, V

2009-01-16

In this project we have collaborated with LLNL scientists Dr. Peer-Timo Bremer while performing our research work on algorithmic solutions for geometric processing, image segmentation and data streaming. The main deliverable has been a 3D viewer for high-resolution imaging data with particular focus on the presentation of orthogonal slices of the double shell tomography dataset. Basic probing capabilities allow querying single voxels in the data to study in detail the information presented to the user and compensate for the intrinsic filtering and imprecision due to visualization based on colormaps. On the algorithmic front we have studied the possibility of usingmore » of non-local means filtering algorithm to achieve noise removal from tomography data. In particular we have developed a prototype that implements an accelerated version of the algorithm that may be able to take advantage of the multi-resolution sub-sampling of the ViSUS format. We have achieved promising results. Future plans include the full integration of the non-local means algorithm in the ViSUS frameworks and testing if the accelerated method will scale properly from 2D images to 3D tomography data.« less

Seismicity and structure of Nazca Plate subduction zone in southern Peru

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, H.; Kim, Y.; Clayton, R. W.; Thurber, C. H.

2016-12-01

We define subducting plate geometries in the Nazca subduction zone by (re)locating intra-slab earthquakes in southern Peru (2-18°S) and taking previously published converted phase analysis results, to clarify the slab geometry and inferred relationships to the seismicity. We also provide both P- and S-wave velocities of the subducting Nazca Plate and mantle wedge portions close to the slab using double-difference tomography (Zhang and Thurber, 2003) to understand upper plate volcanism and subduction process. A total of 492 regional earthquakes from August 2008 to February 2013 recorded from the dense seismic array (PeruSE, 2013) are selected for the relocation and tomography. The relocated seismicity shows a smooth contortion in the slab-dip transition zone for 400 km between the shallow (25°)-to-flat dipping interface in the north and 40°-dipping interface in the south. We find a significant slab-dip difference (up to 10°) between our results and previously published slab models along the profile region sampling the normal-dip slab at depth (>100 km). Robust features in both P- and S-wave tomography inversions are dipping low-velocity slabs down to 100 km transitioning to higher-velocities at 100-140 km in both flat slab and dipping slab regions. Differences in the velocities of the mantle wedge between the two regions may indicate different hydration states in the wedge.

Double-difference tomography velocity structure in Northern Oklahoma: Evidence for reduced basement velocity in the Nemaha Uplift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stevens, N. T.; Keranen, K. M.; Lambert, C.

2016-12-01

Induced seismicity in northern Oklahoma presents risk for infrastructure, but also an opportunity to gain new insights to earthquake processes [Petersen et al., 2016]. Here we present a double-difference tomographic study using TomoDD [Zhang and Thurber, 2003] in northern Oklahoma utilizing records from a dense broadband network over a 1-year period, constituting a catalog of over 10,000 local seismic events. We image a shallow (depth < 4 km) high-velocity structure consistent with the Nemaha uplift [Gay, 2003a], bounded by shallow, lower-velocity regions on either side, likely sedimentary strata at this depth bounding uplifted basement. Velocities within the uplift are lower than expected in subjacent crystalline basement rock (depth > 4 km). We suggest that this low velocity anomaly stems from enhanced fracturing and/or weathering of the basement in the Nemaha uplift in northern Oklahoma. This velocity anomaly is not observed in basement off the shoulders of the structure, particularly to the southeast of the Nemaha bounding fault. Enhanced fracturing, and related increases to permeability, would ease pressure migration from injection wells linked to increased seismicity in the region, and may explain the relative absence of seismicity coincident with this structure compared to it periphery. References Gay, S. Parker, J. (2003), The Nemaha Trend-A System of Compressional Thrust-Fold, Strike-Slilp Structural Features in Kansas and Oklahoma, Part 1, Shale Shak., 9-49. Petersen, M. D., C. S. Mueller, M. P. Moschetti, S. M. Hoover, A. L. Llenos, W. L. Ellsworth, A. J. Michael, J. L. Rubinstein, A. F. McGarr, and K. S. Rukstales (2016), 2016 One-Year Seismic Hazard Forecast for the Central and Eastern United States from Induced and Natural Earthquakes, Open-File Rep., doi:10.3133/OFR20161035. Zhang, H., and C. H. Thurber (2003), Double-difference tomography: The method and its application to the Hayward Fault, California, Bull. Seismol. Soc. Am., 93(5), 1875-1889, doi:10.1785/0120020190.

Travel-time tomography in shallow water: experimental demonstration at an ultrasonic scale.

PubMed

Roux, Philippe; Iturbe, Ion; Nicolas, Barbara; Virieux, Jean; Mars, Jérôme I

2011-09-01

Acoustic tomography in a shallow ultrasonic waveguide is demonstrated at the laboratory scale between two source-receiver arrays. At a 1/1,000 scale, the waveguide represents a 1.1-km-long, 52-m-deep ocean acoustic channel in the kilohertz frequency range. Two coplanar arrays record the transfer matrix in the time domain of the waveguide between each pair of source-receiver transducers. A time-domain, double-beamforming algorithm is simultaneously performed on the source and receiver arrays that projects the multi-reflected acoustic echoes into an equivalent set of eigenrays, which are characterized by their travel times and their launch and arrival angles. Travel-time differences are measured for each eigenray every 0.1 s when a thermal plume is generated at a given location in the waveguide. Travel-time tomography inversion is then performed using two forward models based either on ray theory or on the diffraction-based sensitivity kernel. The spatially resolved range and depth inversion data confirm the feasibility of acoustic tomography in shallow water. Comparisons are made between inversion results at 1 and 3 MHz with the inversion procedure using ray theory or the finite-frequency approach. The influence of surface fluctuations at the air-water interface is shown and discussed in the framework of shallow-water ocean tomography. © 2011 Acoustical Society of America

Time-resolved seismic tomography at the EGS geothermal reservoir of Soultz-Sous-Forêts (France) during hydraulic stimulations. A comparison between different injection tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dorbath, C.; Calo, M.; Cornet, F.; Frogneux, M.

2011-12-01

One major goal of monitoring seismicity accompanying hydraulic fracturing of a reservoir is to recover the seismic velocity field in and around the geothermal site. Several studies have shown that the 4D (time dependent) seismic tomographies are very useful to illustrate and study the temporal variation of the seismic velocities conditioned by injected fluids. However, only an appropriate separation of the data in subsets and a reliable tomographic method allow studying representative variations of the seismic velocities during and after the injection periods. We present here new 4D seismic tomographies performed using datasets regarding some stimulation tests performed at the Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) site of Soultz-sous-Forêts (Alsace, France). The data used were recorded during the stimulation tests occurred in 2000, 2003 and 2004 that involved the wells GPK2, GPK3 and GPK4. For each set of events, the subsetting of the data was performed by taking into account the injection parameters of the stimulation tests (namely the injected flow rate and the wellhead pressure). The velocity models have been obtained using the Double-Difference tomographic method (Zhang and Thurber 2003) and further improved with the post-processing WAM technique (Calo' et al., 2009, 2011). This technique resulted very powerful because combines high resolution and reliablity of the seismic velocity fields calculated even with small datasets. In this work we show the complete sequence of the time-lapse tomographies and their variations in time and between different stimulation tests.

Determination of the 4D-Tropospheric Water Vapor Distribution by GPS for the Assimilation into Numerical Weather Prediction Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perler, D.; Geiger, A.; Rothacher, M.

2011-12-01

Water vapor is involved in many atmospheric processes and is therefore a crucial quantity in numerical weather prediction (NWP). Recent flood events in Switzerland have pointed out several deficiencies in planning and prediction methods used for flood risk mitigation. Investigations have shown that one of the limiting factors to forecast such events with NWP models is the insufficient knowledge of the water vapor distribution in the atmosphere. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) ground-based tomography is a technique to monitor the 4D distribution of water vapor in the troposphere and has the potential to considerably improve the initial water vapor field used in NWP. We developed a GNSS tomography software called AWATOS-2 which is based on the Kalman filter technique and provides different parameterizations of the tropospheric wet refractivity field (Perler et al., 2010; Perler et al., 2011). The software can be used for the assimilation of different observations such as GNSS zero-differences, GNSS double-differences and any kind of point observations (e.g. balloons, aircrafts). In this talk, we present the results of a long-term study where GPS double-difference delays have been processed. The tomographic solutions have been investigated in view of their assimilation into local NWP models. The data set comprises observations from 46 GPS stations collected during 1 year. The core area of the investigation is located in Central Europe. We analyzed the performance of different voxel parameterizations used in the tomographic reconstruction of the troposphere and developed a new bias correction model which minimizes systematic differences. The correction model reduces the root-mean-square error (RMSE) with respected to the NWP model from 4.6 ppm to 3.0 ppm. After bias correction, high-elevation stations still show high RMSEs. In the presentation, we will discuss the treatment of such stations in terms of assimilation into NWP models and will show how sophisticated voxel parameterizations improve the accuracy. Perler, D.; Hurter, F.; Brockmann, E.; Leuenberger, D.; Ruffieux, D.; Geiger, A. and Rothacher, M. (2010). In Proceedings of the 7th Management Committee (MC7) and Working Group (WG) Meeting, Colone (Germany), 8 pp. Perler, D.; Geiger, A. and Hurter, F. (2011). 4D GPS water vapor tomography: new parameterized approaches. J. Geodesy 85(8), pp. 539-550, DOI 10.1007/s00190-011-0454-2.

Source Repeatability of Time-Lapse Offset VSP Surveys for Monitoring CO2 Injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Z.; Huang, L.; Rutledge, J. T.; Denli, H.; Zhang, H.; McPherson, B. J.; Grigg, R.

2009-12-01

Time-lapse vertical seismic profiling (VSP) surveys have the potential to remotely track the migration of injected CO2 within a geologic formation. To accurately detect small changes due to CO2 injection, the sources of time-lapse VSP surveys must be located exactly at the same positions. However, in practice, the source locations can vary from one survey to another survey. Our numerical simulations demonstrate that a variation of a few meters in the VSP source locations can result in significant changes in time-lapse seismograms. To address the source repeatability issue, we apply double-difference tomography to downgoing waves of time-lapse offset VSP data to invert for the source locations and the velocity structures simultaneously. In collaboration with Resolute Natural Resources, Navajo National Oil and Gas Company, and the Southwest Regional Partnership on Carbon Sequestration under the support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory, one baseline and two repeat offset VSP datasets were acquired in 2007-2009 for monitoring CO2 injection at the Aneth oil field in Utah. A cemented geophone string was used to acquire the data for one zero-offset and seven offset source locations. During the data acquisition, there was some uncertainty in the repeatability of the source locations relative to the baseline survey. Our double-difference tomography results of the Aneth time-lapse VSP data show that the source locations for different surveys are separated up to a few meters. Accounting for these source location variations during VSP data analysis will improve reliability of time-lapse VSP monitoring.

Double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-ascending-dose study on the pharmacodynamics of ABIO-08/01, a new CNS drug with potential anxiolytic activity. 2. EEG-tomography findings based on LORETA (low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography).

PubMed

Saletu, Bernd; Anderer, Peter; Wolzt, Michael; Nosiska, Dorothea; Assandri, Alessandro; Noseda, Emanuele; Nannipieri, Fabrizio; Saletu-Zyhlarz, Gerda M

2009-01-01

Effects of ABIO-08/01, a new potentially anxiolytic isoxazoline, on regional electrical brain generators were investigated by 3-dimensional EEG tomography. In a double- blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-ascending-dose study, 16 healthy males (30.2 +/- 5.7 years) received 3 oral drug doses (10, 20, 40 mg) and placebo for 7 days (8-day wash-out) in a randomized non-balanced design for phase-1 studies. A 3-min vigilance-controlled (V) EEG, a 4-min resting (R) EEG with eyes closed, a 1-min eyes-open (EO) EEG and psychometric tests were performed 0, 1 and 6 h after taking the drug on days 1 and 5. Low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) was computed from the spectrally analyzed EEG data, and differences between drug and placebo were displayed as statistical parametric maps. Data were registered to the Talairach-Tournoux Human Brain Atlas available as a digitized MRI. An overall omnibus significance test followed by a voxel-by-voxel t test demonstrated significant regional EEG changes after ABIO-08/01 versus placebo, dependent on recording condition, dose and time. While in the EO-EEG specifically the lowest dose of ABIO-08/01 induced pronounced sedative effects (delta/theta and beta increase) 1 h after acute and slightly less so after superimposed administration, in the 6th hour a decrease in alpha and beta activity signaled less sedative and more relaxant action. In the V-EEG these changes were less pronounced, in the R-EEG partly opposite. Hemisphere-specific changes were observed, suggesting increases in LORETA power over the left temporal, parietal, superior frontal regions and decreases over the right prefrontal, temporal pole and occipital regions. These LORETA changes are discussed in the light of neuroimaging findings on anxiety and anxiolytics. 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Structure resolution by electron diffraction tomography of the complex layered iron-rich Fe-2234-type Sr{sub 5}Fe{sub 6}O{sub 15.4}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lepoittevin, Christophe, E-mail: christophe.lepoittevin@neel.cnrs.fr

2016-10-15

The crystal structure of the strontium ferrite Sr{sub 5}Fe{sub 6}O{sub 15.4}, was solved by direct methods on electron diffraction tomography data acquired on a transmission electron microscope. The refined cell parameters are a=27.4047(3) Å, b=5.48590(7) Å and c=42.7442(4) Å in Fm2m symmetry. Its structure is built up from the intergrowth sequence between a quadruple perovskite-type layer with a complex rock-salt (RS)-type block. In the latter iron atoms are found in two different environments : tetragonal pyramid and tetrahedron. The structural model was refined by Rietveld method based on the powder X-ray diffraction pattern. - Highlights: • Complex structure of Sr{submore » 5}Fe{sub 6}O{sub 15.4} solved by electron diffraction tomography. • Observed Fourier maps allow determining missing oxygen atoms in the structure. • Structural model refined from powder X-ray diffraction data. • Intergrowth between quadruple perovskite layer with double rock-salt-type layer.« less

Volume moiré tomography based on projection extraction by spatial phase shifting of double crossed gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jia; Guo, Zhenyan; Song, Yang; Han, Jun

2018-01-01

To realize volume moiré tomography (VMT) for the real three-dimensional (3D) diagnosis of combustion fields, according to 3D filtered back projection (FBP) reconstruction algorithm, the radial derivatives of the projected phase should be measured firstly. In this paper, a simple spatial phase-shifting moiré deflectometry with double cross gratings is presented to measure the radial first-order derivative of the projected phase. Based on scalar diffraction theory, the explicit analytical intensity distributions of moiré patterns on different diffracted orders are derived, and the spatial shifting characteristics are analyzed. The results indicate that the first-order derivatives of the projected phase in two mutually perpendicular directions are involved in moiré patterns, which can be combined to compute the radial first-order derivative. And multiple spatial phase-shifted moiré patterns can be simultaneously obtained; the phase-shifted values are determined by the parameters of the system. A four-step phase-shifting algorithm is proposed for phase extraction, and its accuracy is proved by numerical simulations. Finally, the moiré deflectometry is used to measure the radial first-order derivative of projected phase of a propane flame with plane incident wave, and the 3D temperature distribution is reconstructed.

Non-invasive imaging of skin cancer with fluorescence lifetime imaging using two photon tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patalay, Rakesh; Talbot, Clifford; Alexandrov, Yuriy; Munro, Ian; Breunig, Hans Georg; König, Karsten; Warren, Sean; Neil, Mark A. A.; French, Paul M. W.; Chu, Anthony; Stamp, Gordon W.; Dunsby, Christopher

2011-07-01

Multispectral fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) using two photon microscopy as a non-invasive technique for the diagnosis of skin lesions is described. Skin contains fluorophores including elastin, keratin, collagen, FAD and NADH. This endogenous contrast allows tissue to be imaged without the addition of exogenous agents and allows the in vivo state of cells and tissues to be studied. A modified DermaInspect® multiphoton tomography system was used to excite autofluorescence at 760 nm in vivo and on freshly excised ex vivo tissue. This instrument simultaneously acquires fluorescence lifetime images in four spectral channels between 360-655 nm using time-correlated single photon counting and can also provide hyperspectral images. The multispectral fluorescence lifetime images were spatially segmented and binned to determine lifetimes for each cell by fitting to a double exponential lifetime model. A comparative analysis between the cellular lifetimes from different diagnoses demonstrates significant diagnostic potential.

Trends in optical coherence tomography applied to medical imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podoleanu, Adrian G.

2014-01-01

The number of publications on optical coherence tomography (OCT) continues to double every three years. Traditionally applied to imaging the eye, OCT is now being extended to fields outside ophthalmology and optometry. Widening its applicability, progress in the core engine of the technology, and impact on development of novel optical sources, make OCT a very active and rapidly evolving field. Trends in the developments of different specific devices, such as optical sources, optical configurations and signal processing will be presented. Encompassing studies on both the configurations as well as on signal processing themes, current research in Kent looks at combining spectral domain with time domain imaging for long axial range and simultaneous imaging at several depths. Results of the collaborative work of the Applied Optics Group in Kent with organisers of this conference will be presented, with reference to 3D monitoring of abfraction.

Effect of Injector Geometry on Atomization of a Liquid-Liquid Double Swirl Coaxial Injector Using Non-invasive Laser, Optical and X-ray Techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Radke, C. R.; Meyer, T. R.

2014-01-01

The spray characteristics of a liquid-liquid double swirl coaxial injector were studied using non-invasive optical, laser, and X-ray diagnostics. A parametric study of injector exit geometry demonstrated that spray breakup time, breakup type and sheet stability could be controlled with exit geometry. Phase Doppler interferometry was used to characterize droplet statistics and non-dimensional droplet parameters over a range of inlet conditions and for various fluids allowing for a study on the role of specific fluid properties in atomization. Further, X-ray radiography allowed for investigation of sheet thickness and breakup length to be quantified for different recess exit diameters and inlet pressures. Finally, computed tomography scans revealed that the spray cone was distinctively non-uniform and comprised of several pockets of increased mass flux.

Effect of Injector Geometry on Atomization of a Liquid-Liquid Double Swirl Coaxial Injector using Non-Invasive Laser, Optical and X-ray Techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Radke, C. R.; Meyer, T. R.

2014-01-01

The spray characteristics of a Liquid-Liquid Double Swirl Coaxial Injector were studied using noninvasive Optical, Laser, and X-ray diagnostics. A parametric study of injector exit geometry demonstrated that spray breakup time, breakup type and sheet stability could be controlled with exit geometry. Phase Doppler Particle Analysis characterized droplet statistics and non-dimensional droplet parameters over a range of inlet conditions and for various fluids allowing for a study on the role of specific fluid properties in atomization. Further, x-ray radiographs allowed for investigations of sheet thickness and breakup length to be quantified for different recess exits and inlet pressures. Finally Computed Tomography scans revealed that the spray cone was distinctively non-uniform and comprised of several pockets of increased mass flux.

Laser tissue coagulation and concurrent optical coherence tomography through a double-clad fiber coupler.

PubMed

Beaudette, Kathy; Baac, Hyoung Won; Madore, Wendy-Julie; Villiger, Martin; Godbout, Nicolas; Bouma, Brett E; Boudoux, Caroline

2015-04-01

Double-clad fiber (DCF) is herein used in conjunction with a double-clad fiber coupler (DCFC) to enable simultaneous and co-registered optical coherence tomography (OCT) and laser tissue coagulation. The DCF allows a single channel fiber-optic probe to be shared: i.e. the core propagating the OCT signal while the inner cladding delivers the coagulation laser light. We herein present a novel DCFC designed and built to combine both signals within a DCF (>90% of single-mode transmission; >65% multimode coupling). Potential OCT imaging degradation mechanisms are also investigated and solutions to mitigate them are presented. The combined DCFC-based system was used to induce coagulation of an ex vivo swine esophagus allowing a real-time assessment of thermal dynamic processes. We therefore demonstrate a DCFC-based system combining OCT imaging with laser coagulation through a single fiber, thus enabling both modalities to be performed simultaneously and in a co-registered manner. Such a system enables endoscopic image-guided laser marking of superficial epithelial tissues or laser thermal therapy of epithelial lesions in pathologies such as Barrett's esophagus.

Laser tissue coagulation and concurrent optical coherence tomography through a double-clad fiber coupler

PubMed Central

Beaudette, Kathy; Baac, Hyoung Won; Madore, Wendy-Julie; Villiger, Martin; Godbout, Nicolas; Bouma, Brett E.; Boudoux, Caroline

2015-01-01

Double-clad fiber (DCF) is herein used in conjunction with a double-clad fiber coupler (DCFC) to enable simultaneous and co-registered optical coherence tomography (OCT) and laser tissue coagulation. The DCF allows a single channel fiber-optic probe to be shared: i.e. the core propagating the OCT signal while the inner cladding delivers the coagulation laser light. We herein present a novel DCFC designed and built to combine both signals within a DCF (>90% of single-mode transmission; >65% multimode coupling). Potential OCT imaging degradation mechanisms are also investigated and solutions to mitigate them are presented. The combined DCFC-based system was used to induce coagulation of an ex vivo swine esophagus allowing a real-time assessment of thermal dynamic processes. We therefore demonstrate a DCFC-based system combining OCT imaging with laser coagulation through a single fiber, thus enabling both modalities to be performed simultaneously and in a co-registered manner. Such a system enables endoscopic image-guided laser marking of superficial epithelial tissues or laser thermal therapy of epithelial lesions in pathologies such as Barrett’s esophagus. PMID:25909013

Velocity structures of Geothermal sites: A comparative study between different tomography techniques on the EGS-Soultz-sous-Forêts Site (France)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calo', M. C.; Dorbath, C.

2009-12-01

One major goal of monitoring seismicity accompanying hydraulic fracturing of a reservoir is to recover the seismic velocity field in and around the geothermal site. In many cases the seismicity induced by the hydraulic stimulations allows us to roughly describe the velocity anomalies close to the hypocentral location, but only during the time period of the stimulation. Several studies have shown that the 4D (time dependent) seismic tomographies are very useful to illustrate and study the temporal variation of the seismic velocities conditioned by injected fluids. Nevertheless in geothermal fields local earthquake tomography (LET) is often inadequate to study the seismic velocities during the inter-injection periods, due to the lack of seismicity. In July 2000 an injection test that lasted 15 days performed at the Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) site of Soultz-sous-Forêts (Alsace, France) produced about 7200 micro-earthquakes with Duration Magnitude ranging from -0.9 to 2.5. the earthquakes were located by down hole and surface seismic stations. We present here a comparison between three tomographic studies, 1) the “traditional” seismic tomography of Cuneot et al., 2008, 2) a Double Difference tomography using the TomoDD code of Zhang and Thurber (2003) and, 3) the models obtained by applying the Weighted Average Model method (WAM, Calo’ et al., 2009). the velocity models were obtained using the same dataset recorded during the stimulation. The WAM technique produces a more reliable reconstruction of the structures around and above the cluster of earthquakes, as demonstrated by the distribution of the velocity standard deviations. Although the velocity distributions obtained by the three tomographic approaches are qualitatively similar, the WAM results correlate better with independent data such the fracturing directions measured in the down-holes, the location of the clustered seimsicity) than those of the traditional and DD tomographies. To overcome the limits of LET during the inter-injection periods we plan to perform a seismic noise tomography study. In geothermal sites, the elastic characteristics of the volume at rest, i.e. during the inter-injection periods, are often poorly known.

Multidetector computed tomography shows reverse cardiac remodeling after double lung transplantation for pulmonary hypertension.

PubMed

Mandich Crovetto, D; Alonso Charterina, S; Jiménez López-Guarch, C; Pont Vilalta, M; Pérez Núñez, M; de Pablo Gafas, A; Escribano Subías, P

2016-01-01

To use multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) to evaluate the structural changes in the right heart and pulmonary arteries that occur in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension treated by double lung transplantation. This was a retrospective study of 21 consecutive patients diagnosed with severe pulmonary hypertension who underwent double lung transplantation at our center between 2010 and 2014. We analyzed the last MDCT study done before lung transplantation and the first MDCT study done after lung transplantation. We recorded the following variables: diameter of the pulmonary artery trunk, ratio of the diameter of the pulmonary artery trunk to the diameter of the ascending aorta, diameter of the right ventricle, ratio of the diameter of the left ventricle to the diameter of the right ventricle, and eccentricity index. Statistical analysis consisted of the comparison of the means of the variables recorded. In all cases analyzed, the MDCT study done a mean of 24±14 days after double lung transplantation showed a significant reduction in the size of the right heart chambers, with improved indices of ventricular interdependency index, and reduction in the size of the pulmonary artery trunk (p<0.001 for all the variables analyzed). Patients with pulmonary hypertension treated by double lung transplantation present early reverse remodeling of the changes in the structures of the right heart and pulmonary arterial tree. MDCT is useful for detecting these changes. Copyright © 2016 SERAM. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

The Combination of Diameters of Cricoid Ring and Left Main Bronchus for Selecting the "Best Fit" Double-Lumen Tube.

PubMed

Shiqing, Liu; Wenxu, Qi; Jin, Zhang; Youjing, Dong

2018-04-01

The aims of this study were to measure diameters of the cricoid ring and left main bronchus in Asian adult patients and to assess the accuracy of double lumen tube size selected according to cricoid and left main bronchus diameter, respectively. Retrospective observational study. Academic, tertiary care hospital. Preoperative CT scans from 87 men and 94 women who had undergone general anesthesia for lung operations. No intervention. The diameters of the cricoid ring and left main bronchus were measured from thoracic computed tomography images after correction of slant. The "best-fit" size of double lumen tube was determined by comparing diameter of the left main bronchus and cricoid ring with the diameter of the double lumen tube. Diameters of the cricoid ring and left main bronchus were both significantly greater in men compared with women (p < 0.0001). Shapes of cricoid rings were different between genders (p < 0.0001), while shapes of the left main bronchus were not significant different (p = 0.343). With reference to the "best fit" size, the rate of agreement of cricoid ring size, left main bronchus size, and height size for men were 100%, 100%, and 94.3%. For women, the rate of agreement of cricoid ring size, left main bronchus size, and height size were 94.7%, 63.8%, and 51.1%. The "best fit" size of a double lumen tube should be decided by a combination of diameters of the cricoid ring and the left main bronchus. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Transformation of Enterovirus Replication Structures: a Three-Dimensional Study of Single- and Double-Membrane Compartments

PubMed Central

Limpens, Ronald W. A. L.; van der Schaar, Hilde M.; Kumar, Darshan; Koster, Abraham J.; Snijder, Eric J.; van Kuppeveld, Frank J. M.; Bárcena, Montserrat

2011-01-01

ABSTRACT All positive-strand RNA viruses induce membrane structures in their host cells which are thought to serve as suitable microenvironments for viral RNA synthesis. The structures induced by enteroviruses, which are members of the family Picornaviridae, have so far been described as either single- or double-membrane vesicles (DMVs). Aside from the number of delimiting membranes, their exact architecture has also remained elusive due to the limitations of conventional electron microscopy. In this study, we used electron tomography (ET) to solve the three-dimensional (3-D) ultrastructure of these compartments. At different time points postinfection, coxsackievirus B3-infected cells were high-pressure frozen and freeze-substituted for ET analysis. The tomograms showed that during the exponential phase of viral RNA synthesis, closed smooth single-membrane tubules constituted the predominant virus-induced membrane structure, with a minor proportion of DMVs that were either closed or connected to the cytosol in a vase-like configuration. As infection progressed, the DMV number steadily increased, while the tubular single-membrane structures gradually disappeared. Late in infection, complex multilamellar structures, previously unreported, became apparent in the cytoplasm. Serial tomography disclosed that their basic unit is a DMV, which is enwrapped by one or multiple cisternae. ET also revealed striking intermediate structures that strongly support the conversion of single-membrane tubules into double-membrane and multilamellar structures by a process of membrane apposition, enwrapping, and fusion. Collectively, our work unravels the sequential appearance of distinct enterovirus-induced replication structures, elucidates their detailed 3-D architecture, and provides the basis for a model for their transformation during the course of infection. PMID:21972238

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of 0.5% indomethacin eye drops in uveitic macular edema.

PubMed

Allegri, Pia; Murialdo, Ugo; Peri, Simona; Carniglia, Rosanna; Crivelli, Maria Grazia; Compiano, Silvia; Autuori, Silvia; Mastromarino, Antonio; Zurria, Monia; Marrazzo, Giuseppina

2014-03-10

The aim of the present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of 0.5% indomethacin (INDOM) eye drops in adult patients suffering from macular edema (ME) related to different etiology uveitis. Forty-six eyes of 31 adult patients (20 females and 11 males) mean age 39 years, affected by inflammatory ME, were randomized to receive a dose of commercial 0.5% INDOM eye-drops four times per day (16 subjects = 23 eyes) or placebo (the vehicle of INDOM, 15 subjects = 23 eyes) during a 6-month active therapy follow-up. Study assessment at each visit included visual acuity testing (VA), slit-lamp examination, IOP evaluation, and Heidelberg Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT) central foveal thickness (CFT) measurement. Any variation in subjective symptoms and tolerability was also detected. Statistical analysis showed, from baseline to the 6-month visit, a significant reduction in CFT (P < 0.0001) and a significant improvement in VA only in the 0.5% INDOM-treated group; a global reduction of discomfort symptoms was present in both groups (P < 0.001). The four times per day administration of 0.5% INDOM eye drops in eyes affected with uveitic ME from different etiologies, compared with placebo, is associated with a significant reduction in ME at the 6-month follow-up visit, as measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). However, not all eyes showed a complete resolution of ME because of vitreoretinal traction. (https://eudract.ema.europa.eu/index.html number, EUDRACT 2011-001522-20.).

High Resolution Hypocenter Relocation for Events in Central Java, Indonesia using Double-Difference Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahara, D. P.; Widiyantoro, S.; Nugraha, A. D.; Sule, R.; Luehr, B. G.

2010-12-01

Seismic and volcanic activities in Central Java are highly related to the subduction of the Indo-Australian plate. In the MERapi AMphibious Experiments (MERAMEX), a network consisting of 169 seismographic stations was installed onshore and offshore in central Java and recorded 282 events during the operation. In this study, we present the results of relative hypocenters relocation by using Double Difference (DD) method to image the subduction beneath the volcanic chain in central Java. The DD method is an iterative procedure using Least Square optimization to determine high-resolution hypocenter locations over large distances. This relocation method uses absolute travel-time measurements and/or cross-correlation of P- and S-wave differential travel-time measurements. The preliminary results of our study showed that the algorithm could collapse the diffused event locations obtained from previous study into a sharp image of seismicity structure and reduce the residual travel time errors significantly (7 - 60%). As a result, narrow regions of a double seismic zone which correlated with the subducting slab can be determined more accurately. The dip angle of the slab increases gradually from almost horizontal beneath offshore to very steep (65-80 degrees) beneath the northern part of central Java. The aseismic gap at depths of 140 km - 185 km is also depicted clearly. The next step of the ongoing research is to provide detailed quantitative constraints on the structures of the mantle wedge and crust beneath central Java and to show the ascending paths of fluids and partially molten materials below the volcanic arc by applying Double-Difference Tomography method (TomoDD).

Towards combined optical coherence tomography and hyper-spectral imaging for gastrointestinal endoscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Attendu, Xavier; Crunelle, Camille; de Sivry-Houle, Martin Poinsinet; Maubois, Billie; Urbain, Joanie; Turrell, Chloe; Strupler, Mathias; Godbout, Nicolas; Boudoux, Caroline

2018-04-01

Previous works have demonstrated feasibility of combining optical coherence tomography (OCT) and hyper-spectral imaging (HSI) through a single double-clad fiber (DCF). In this proceeding we present the continued development of a system combining both modalities and capable of rapid imaging. We discuss the development of a rapidly scanning, dual-band, polygonal swept-source system which combines NIR (1260-1340 nm) and visible (450-800 nm) wavelengths. The NIR band is used for OCT imaging while visible light allows HSI. Scanning rates up to 24 kHz are reported. Furthermore, we present and discuss the fiber system used for light transport, delivery and collection, and the custom signal acquisition software. Key points include the use of a double-clad fiber coupler as well as important alignments and back-reflection management. Simultaneous and co-registered imaging with both modalities is presented in a bench-top system

Molecular imaging needles: dual-modality optical coherence tomography and fluorescence imaging of labeled antibodies deep in tissue

PubMed Central

Scolaro, Loretta; Lorenser, Dirk; Madore, Wendy-Julie; Kirk, Rodney W.; Kramer, Anne S.; Yeoh, George C.; Godbout, Nicolas; Sampson, David D.; Boudoux, Caroline; McLaughlin, Robert A.

2015-01-01

Molecular imaging using optical techniques provides insight into disease at the cellular level. In this paper, we report on a novel dual-modality probe capable of performing molecular imaging by combining simultaneous three-dimensional optical coherence tomography (OCT) and two-dimensional fluorescence imaging in a hypodermic needle. The probe, referred to as a molecular imaging (MI) needle, may be inserted tens of millimeters into tissue. The MI needle utilizes double-clad fiber to carry both imaging modalities, and is interfaced to a 1310-nm OCT system and a fluorescence imaging subsystem using an asymmetrical double-clad fiber coupler customized to achieve high fluorescence collection efficiency. We present, to the best of our knowledge, the first dual-modality OCT and fluorescence needle probe with sufficient sensitivity to image fluorescently labeled antibodies. Such probes enable high-resolution molecular imaging deep within tissue. PMID:26137379

Evidence for a low permeability fluid trap in the Nový Kostel Seismic Zone, Czech Republic, using double-difference tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexandrakis, C.; Calo, M.; Vavrycuk, V.

2012-12-01

The West Bohemia/Vogtland region is the border area between the Czech Republic and Germany known for frequent occurrences of earthquake swarms. The most prominent earthquake swarms occurred recently in 1985/86, 1997, 2000 (Fischer and Horálek, 2003) and 2008 (Fischer et al., 2010). They comprised thousands of microearthquakes, their duration was between 2 weeks to 2 months, and the activity focused typically at depths ranging from 7 to 12 km. The seismic activity is concentrated mostly at the same epicentral area, called the Nový Kostel Zone. This zone is located on the edge of the Cheb Basin, Eger Rift, and at the junction of the Mariánské-Lázně Fault with the Počátky-Plesná Shear Zone. Numerous gas vents and mineral springs within and around the Cheb Basin indicate that uprising magmatic fluids may act as a swarm trigger. In this study, we apply double-difference tomography to investigate the structure within and around the Nový Kostel focal zone. We use data from the 2008 earthquake swarm, as it has been extensively analyzed, and focal mechanisms, principal faults, tectonic stress, source migration and other basic characteristics are known. We selected about 500 microearthquakes recorded at 22 local seismic stations of the West Bohemia Network (WEBNET). The events were inverted for the 3-D seismic structure using the TomoDD code (Zhang and Thurber, 2003) and post-processed using the Weighted Average Model method (Calò et al., 2011). The application of double-difference tomography is advantageous for this setting as swarm foci are closely spaced and form a dense cluster. The geometry of the focal zone and the WEBNET network configuration offer good raypath coverage in all directions. Applying double-difference tomography we produce and interpret 3-D models of the P and S velocities. In this work, we interpret 3-D models of the P velocity and P-to-S ratio in and around the focal zone. The P-to-S model was obtained by calculating directly the ratio between the P and S velocity models. We find that average P velocities in the focal zone are higher than those around it. High values concentrate along the main active fault with strike of 169 degrees. The model of the P-to-S ratio shows several distinct structures. An area of high P-to-S ratio is mainly identified with the focal zone, and an area of low P-to-S ratio is above the focal zone. Past studies of the P-to-S ratio have linked high ratios with areas of high fracturing and fluid concentration, and low ratios with low permeability and low fluid content. Following this interpretation, the resolved P-to-S ratio model suggests a low permeability layer just above the focal zone. This layer probably acts as a low permeability cap, leading to a change in the stress field and subsequent fracturing. The base of this layer corresponds with the shallowest ruptures. In addition, high ratios follow the fault plane, suggesting high fluid concentration in the focal zone. References: Calò, M., C. Dorbath, F. H. Cornet and N. Cuenot, 2011. Geophys. J. Int., 186, 1295-1314. Fischer, T. and J. Horálek, 2003. J. Geodyn., 35, 125-144. Fischer, T., J. Horálek, J. Michálek and A. Boušková, 2010. J. Seismol., 14, 665-682. Zhang, H. and C. Thurber, 2003. Bull. Seism. Soc. Am. 93, 1875-1889.

Double lung point in an 18-month-old child: a case report and literature review

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Objective Double lung point is a rare sign of pneumothorax in clinical practice. In this report I presented an 18-month-old child who presented with bilateral pneumothorax. Data synthesis and case presentation Ultrasonography examination revealed conventional lung point sign on the right and double lung point on the left side. Thoracentesis was attempted and closed thoracic drainage was performed on the right side, but no gas was drawn on the left side. Clinical implication of double lung point sign found in chest ultrasonography is that the size of pneumothorax is limited and conservative treatment is enough. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of double lung point identified with ultrasonography in child. The strength of the case is that the double lung point sign is supported by computed tomography (CT). Furthermore, we propose that the presence of double lung point indicates limited pneumothorax and conservative management may well be attempted. PMID:25922750

Positron emission tomography assessment of effects of benzodiazepines on regional glucose metabolic rate in patients with anxiety disorder

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Buchsbaum, M.S.; Wu, J.; Haier, R.

1987-06-22

Patients with generalized anxiety disorder (n = 18) entered a 21-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled random assignment trial of clorazepate. Positron emission tomography with YF-deoxyglucose was carried out before and after treatment. Decreases in glucose metabolic rate in visual cortex and relative increases in the basal ganglia and thalamus were found. A correlation between regional changes in metabolic rate and regional benzodiazepine receptor binding density from other human autopsy studies was observed; brain regions highest in receptor density showed the greatest decrease in rate.

Double Gallbladder Originating from Left Hepatic Duct: A Case Report and Review of Literature

PubMed Central

Gorecki, Piotr J.; Andrei, Valeriu E; Musacchio, Tito

1998-01-01

Background: Double gallbladder is a rare anomaly of the biliary tract. Double gallbladder arising from the left hepatic duct was previously reported only once in the literature. Case Report: A case of symptomatic cholelithiasis in a double gallbladder, diagnosed on preoperative ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) is reported. At laparoscopic cholangiography via the accessory gallbladder no accessory cystic duct was visualized. After conversion to open cholecystectomy, the duplicated gallbladder was found to arise directly from the left hepatic duct; it was resected and the duct repaired. Conclusions: We emphasize that a careful intraoperative cholangiographic evaluation of the accessory gallbladder is mandatory in order to prevent inadvertent injury to bile ducts, since a large variety of ductal abnormality may exist. PMID:10036124

Application of double-layered skin phantoms for optical flow imaging during laser tattoo treatments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Byeong-il; Song, Woosub; Kim, Hyejin; Kang, Hyun Wook

2016-05-01

The feasible application of double-layered skin phantoms was evaluated to identify artificial blood flow with a Doppler optical coherence tomography (DOCT) system for laser tattoo treatments. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was used to fabricate the artificial phantoms with flow channels embedded. A double-integrating sphere system with an inverse adding-doubling method quantified both the absorption and the reduced scattering coefficients for epidermis and dermis phantoms. Both OCT and caliper measurements confirmed the double-layered phantom structure (epidermis = 136 ± 17 µm vs. dermis = 3.0 ± 0.1 mm). The DOCT method demonstrated that high flow rates were associated with high image contrast, visualizing the position and the shape of the flow channel. Application of the channel-embedded skin phantoms in conjunction with DOCT can be a reliable technique to assess dynamic variations in the blood flow during and after laser tattoo treatments.

Structure of crust and upper mantle beneath NW Himalayas, Pamir and Hindukush by multi-scale double-difference seismic tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhatti, Zahid Imran; Zhao, Junmeng; Khan, Nangyal Ghani; Shah, Syed Tallataf Hussain

2018-08-01

The India-Asia collision and subsequent subduction initiated the evolution of major tectonic features in the Western Syntaxis. The complex tectonic structure and shallow to deep seismicity have attracted geoscientists over the past two decades. The present research is based on a 3D tomographic inversion of P-wave arrival time data to constrain the crustal and upper mantle structure beneath the NW Himalayas and Pamir-Hindukush region using the Double-difference tomography. We utilized a very large multi-scale dataset comprising 19,080 earthquakes recorded at 397 local and regional seismic stations from 1950 to 2017. The northward dipping seismic zone coinciding with the low velocity anomaly suggests the subduction of the Indian lower crust beneath the Hindukush. The extent of the northward advancing Indian slab increases from east to west in this region. We observed no signs of northward subduction of the Indian plate under the Hindukush beyond 71°E longitude. The Indian plate overturns due south after interacting with the Asian plate beneath the southern Pamir, which correlates with the counter-clockwise rotation of the Indian plate. The Asian plate is also imaged as a southward subducting seismic zone beneath the southern Pamir. In the NW Himalayas, the northward subducting Indian plate appears as a gently dipping low velocity anomaly beneath the Karakoram Block. The stresses caused by the collision and subduction along the Shyok Suture and Indus Suture are translated to the south. The crustal scale seismicity and high velocity anomalies indicate an intense deformation in the crust, which is manifested by syntaxial bends and thrust faults to the south of the Main Mantle Thrust.

A California statewide three-dimensional seismic velocity model from both absolute and differential times

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lin, G.; Thurber, C.H.; Zhang, H.; Hauksson, E.; Shearer, P.M.; Waldhauser, F.; Brocher, T.M.; Hardebeck, J.

2010-01-01

We obtain a seismic velocity model of the California crust and uppermost mantle using a regional-scale double-difference tomography algorithm. We begin by using absolute arrival-time picks to solve for a coarse three-dimensional (3D) P velocity (VP) model with a uniform 30 km horizontal node spacing, which we then use as the starting model for a finer-scale inversion using double-difference tomography applied to absolute and differential pick times. For computational reasons, we split the state into 5 subregions with a grid spacing of 10 to 20 km and assemble our final statewide VP model by stitching together these local models. We also solve for a statewide S-wave model using S picks from both the Southern California Seismic Network and USArray, assuming a starting model based on the VP results and a VP=VS ratio of 1.732. Our new model has improved areal coverage compared with previous models, extending 570 km in the SW-NE directionand 1320 km in the NW-SE direction. It also extends to greater depth due to the inclusion of substantial data at large epicentral distances. Our VP model generally agrees with previous separate regional models for northern and southern California, but we also observe some new features, such as high-velocity anomalies at shallow depths in the Klamath Mountains and Mount Shasta area, somewhat slow velocities in the northern Coast Ranges, and slow anomalies beneath the Sierra Nevada at midcrustal and greater depths. This model can be applied to a variety of regional-scale studies in California, such as developing a unified statewide earthquake location catalog and performing regional waveform modeling.

Lithospheric Structure of Central Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, R. J.; Gulen, L.; Sun, Y.; Toksoz, M. N.

2009-12-01

The active tectonics of Central Asia is the result of ongoing, active continental collision between the Indian and the Eurasian plates. This geologically and tectonically complex area is also one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Previous studies in this region mostly depended on teleseismic data and the local and regional data from the stations located in China. In this study we used the local travel time data from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan to study the lithospheric structure in this region. We selected the events and stations between 32°N-65°E and 45°N-85°E and focused on the areas of Pamir and Tien Shan. In this data set, there are more than 3000 P and S arrivals received at 68 stations from about 220 events. The double difference tomography is applied to relocate events and to invert for seismic structure simultaneously. Our results provide accurate locations of earthquakes and high resolution lithospheric structure in this region. We use both; the local travel times, and also the regional travel times to invert the 3D lithospheric velocity structure in this region. More than 2200 P wave phase picks were used in the inversion. The average grid spacing is 100km and the inverted grids lay on six layers. Then we use the Double Difference Tomography method developed by Zhang and Thurber (2003, 2006) to invert the 3-D P-wave velocity structure. Our tomographic results show highly heterogeneous crust and upper mantle structure for Central Asia. Some crustal low velocity zones are found beneath Tien Shan, the northern Pamir, and the Tajik depression, while high velocity anomalies are found beneath the Kazakh shield, the southern Pamir, and the Tarim basin.

Complex Dynamic Development of Poliovirus Membranous Replication Complexes

PubMed Central

Nair, Vinod; Hansen, Bryan T.; Hoyt, Forrest H.; Fischer, Elizabeth R.; Ehrenfeld, Ellie

2012-01-01

Replication of all positive-strand RNA viruses is intimately associated with membranes. Here we utilize electron tomography and other methods to investigate the remodeling of membranes in poliovirus-infected cells. We found that the viral replication structures previously described as “vesicles” are in fact convoluted, branching chambers with complex and dynamic morphology. They are likely to originate from cis-Golgi membranes and are represented during the early stages of infection by single-walled connecting and branching tubular compartments. These early viral organelles gradually transform into double-membrane structures by extension of membranous walls and/or collapsing of the luminal cavity of the single-membrane structures. As the double-membrane regions develop, they enclose cytoplasmic material. At this stage, a continuous membranous structure may have double- and single-walled membrane morphology at adjacent cross-sections. In the late stages of the replication cycle, the structures are represented mostly by double-membrane vesicles. Viral replication proteins, double-stranded RNA species, and actively replicating RNA are associated with both double- and single-membrane structures. However, the exponential phase of viral RNA synthesis occurs when single-membrane formations are predominant in the cell. It has been shown previously that replication complexes of some other positive-strand RNA viruses form on membrane invaginations, which result from negative membrane curvature. Our data show that the remodeling of cellular membranes in poliovirus-infected cells produces structures with positive curvature of membranes. Thus, it is likely that there is a fundamental divergence in the requirements for the supporting cellular membrane-shaping machinery among different groups of positive-strand RNA viruses. PMID:22072780

En Face Optical Coherence Tomography for Visualization of the Choroid.

PubMed

Savastano, Maria Cristina; Rispoli, Marco; Savastano, Alfonso; Lumbroso, Bruno

2015-05-01

To assess posterior pole choroid patterns in healthy eyes using en face optical coherence tomography (OCT). This observational study included 154 healthy eyes of 77 patients who underwent en face OCT. The mean age of the patients was 31.2 years (standard deviation: 13 years); 40 patients were women, and 37 patients were men. En face imaging of the choroidal vasculature was assessed using an OCT Optovue RTVue (Optovue, Fremont, CA). To generate an appropriate choroid image, the best detectable vessels in Haller's layer below the retinal pigment epithelium surface parallel plane were selected. Images of diverse choroidal vessel patterns at the posterior pole were observed and recorded with en face OCT. Five different patterns of Haller's layer with different occurrences were assessed. Pattern 1 (temporal herringbone) represented 49.2%, pattern 2 (branched from below) and pattern 3 (laterally diagonal) represented 14.2%, pattern 4 (doubled arcuate) was observed in 11.9%, and pattern 5 (reticular feature) was observed in 10.5% of the reference plane. In vivo assessment of human choroid microvasculature in healthy eyes using en face OCT demonstrated five different patterns. The choroid vasculature pattern may play a role in the origin and development of neuroretinal pathologies, with potential importance in chorioretinal diseases and circulatory abnormalities. Copyright 2015, SLACK Incorporated.

High attenuation areas on chest computed tomography in community-dwelling adults: the MESA study.

PubMed

Podolanczuk, Anna J; Oelsner, Elizabeth C; Barr, R Graham; Hoffman, Eric A; Armstrong, Hilary F; Austin, John H M; Basner, Robert C; Bartels, Matthew N; Christie, Jason D; Enright, Paul L; Gochuico, Bernadette R; Hinckley Stukovsky, Karen; Kaufman, Joel D; Hrudaya Nath, P; Newell, John D; Palmer, Scott M; Rabinowitz, Dan; Raghu, Ganesh; Sell, Jessica L; Sieren, Jered; Sonavane, Sushil K; Tracy, Russell P; Watts, Jubal R; Williams, Kayleen; Kawut, Steven M; Lederer, David J

2016-11-01

Evidence suggests that lung injury, inflammation and extracellular matrix remodelling precede lung fibrosis in interstitial lung disease (ILD). We examined whether a quantitative measure of increased lung attenuation on computed tomography (CT) detects lung injury, inflammation and extracellular matrix remodelling in community-dwelling adults sampled without regard to respiratory symptoms or smoking.We measured high attenuation areas (HAA; percentage of lung voxels between -600 and -250 Hounsfield Units) on cardiac CT scans of adults enrolled in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.HAA was associated with higher serum matrix metalloproteinase-7 (mean adjusted difference 6.3% per HAA doubling, 95% CI 1.3-11.5), higher interleukin-6 (mean adjusted difference 8.8%, 95% CI 4.8-13.0), lower forced vital capacity (FVC) (mean adjusted difference -82 mL, 95% CI -119--44), lower 6-min walk distance (mean adjusted difference -40 m, 95% CI -1--80), higher odds of interstitial lung abnormalities at 9.5 years (adjusted OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.43-2.65), and higher all cause-mortality rate over 12.2 years (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.39-1.79).High attenuation areas are associated with biomarkers of inflammation and extracellular matrix remodelling, reduced lung function, interstitial lung abnormalities, and a higher risk of death among community-dwelling adults. Copyright ©ERS 2016.

Three-dimensional structural dynamics and fluctuations of DNA-nanogold conjugates by individual-particle electron tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lei; Lei, Dongsheng; Smith, Jessica M.; Zhang, Meng; Tong, Huimin; Zhang, Xing; Lu, Zhuoyang; Liu, Jiankang; Alivisatos, A. Paul; Ren, Gang

2016-03-01

DNA base pairing has been used for many years to direct the arrangement of inorganic nanocrystals into small groupings and arrays with tailored optical and electrical properties. The control of DNA-mediated assembly depends crucially on a better understanding of three-dimensional structure of DNA-nanocrystal-hybridized building blocks. Existing techniques do not allow for structural determination of these flexible and heterogeneous samples. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy and negative-staining electron tomography approaches to image, and three-dimensionally reconstruct a single DNA-nanogold conjugate, an 84-bp double-stranded DNA with two 5-nm nanogold particles for potential substrates in plasmon-coupling experiments. By individual-particle electron tomography reconstruction, we obtain 14 density maps at ~2-nm resolution. Using these maps as constraints, we derive 14 conformations of dsDNA by molecular dynamics simulations. The conformational variation is consistent with that from liquid solution, suggesting that individual-particle electron tomography could be an expected approach to study DNA-assembling and flexible protein structure and dynamics.

Simultaneous reconstruction of 3D refractive index, temperature, and intensity distribution of combustion flame by double computed tomography technologies based on spatial phase-shifting method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Zhenyan; Song, Yang; Yuan, Qun; Wulan, Tuya; Chen, Lei

2017-06-01

In this paper, a transient multi-parameter three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction method is proposed to diagnose and visualize a combustion flow field. Emission and transmission tomography based on spatial phase-shifted technology are combined to reconstruct, simultaneously, the various physical parameter distributions of a propane flame. Two cameras triggered by the internal trigger mode capture the projection information of the emission and moiré tomography, respectively. A two-step spatial phase-shifting method is applied to extract the phase distribution in the moiré fringes. By using the filtered back-projection algorithm, we reconstruct the 3D refractive-index distribution of the combustion flow field. Finally, the 3D temperature distribution of the flame is obtained from the refractive index distribution using the Gladstone-Dale equation. Meanwhile, the 3D intensity distribution is reconstructed based on the radiation projections from the emission tomography. Therefore, the structure and edge information of the propane flame are well visualized.

Pseudoaneurysm of the articular branch of the descending genicular artery following double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PubMed

Tsubosaka, Masanori; Matsushita, Takehiko; Kuroda, Ryosuke; Matsumoto, Tomoyuki; Kurosaka, Masahiro

2017-09-01

This report describes a case of a pseudoaneurysm of the articular branch of the descending genicular artery following double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. An 18-year-old male received double-bundle ACL reconstruction. During ACL reconstruction, a far anteromedial portal was created for femoral tunnel drilling. The patient presented with pulsatile swelling on the medial side of the knee on the second post-operative day. The pseudoaneurysm was diagnosed using contrast computed tomography and Doppler ultrasonography and was subsequently treated by embolization with a microcatheter. Although a vascular injury is a very rare complication of knee arthroscopy, it should be considered a possibility in patients who undergo such procedures. V.

How invasive is TMJ double-contrast arthrography in combination with cinematography? Patient discomfort versus known diagnostic gain.

PubMed

Engelke, W; Mommaerts, M

1990-04-01

There is no doubt that double-contrast TMJ fluoroscopic tomography enables a differential diagnosis and treatment in internal derangement pathosis. Its indication is, apart from the expected diagnostic gain, also determined by the degree of its invasiveness, and other alternative diagnostics being available (nuclear magnetic resonance). Data on patient discomfort and complications were gathered in 63 arthrotomographies; pain sensations and mandibular mobility, during and after the procedure in particular, were studied. We consider, along with Westesson, the procedure to be less invasive than commonly considered, once the surgeon-radiologist has gained enough experience.

Joint Inversion of Body-Wave Arrival Times and Surface-Wave Dispersion Data in the Wavelet Domain Constrained by Sparsity Regularization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, H.; Fang, H.; Yao, H.; Maceira, M.; van der Hilst, R. D.

2014-12-01

Recently, Zhang et al. (2014, Pure and Appiled Geophysics) have developed a joint inversion code incorporating body-wave arrival times and surface-wave dispersion data. The joint inversion code was based on the regional-scale version of the double-difference tomography algorithm tomoDD. The surface-wave inversion part uses the propagator matrix solver in the algorithm DISPER80 (Saito, 1988) for forward calculation of dispersion curves from layered velocity models and the related sensitivities. The application of the joint inversion code to the SAFOD site in central California shows that the fault structure is better imaged in the new model, which is able to fit both the body-wave and surface-wave observations adequately. Here we present a new joint inversion method that solves the model in the wavelet domain constrained by sparsity regularization. Compared to the previous method, it has the following advantages: (1) The method is both data- and model-adaptive. For the velocity model, it can be represented by different wavelet coefficients at different scales, which are generally sparse. By constraining the model wavelet coefficients to be sparse, the inversion in the wavelet domain can inherently adapt to the data distribution so that the model has higher spatial resolution in the good data coverage zone. Fang and Zhang (2014, Geophysical Journal International) have showed the superior performance of the wavelet-based double-difference seismic tomography method compared to the conventional method. (2) For the surface wave inversion, the joint inversion code takes advantage of the recent development of direct inversion of surface wave dispersion data for 3-D variations of shear wave velocity without the intermediate step of phase or group velocity maps (Fang et al., 2014, Geophysical Journal International). A fast marching method is used to compute, at each period, surface wave traveltimes and ray paths between sources and receivers. We will test the new joint inversion code at the SAFOD site to compare its performance over the previous code. We will also select another fault zone such as the San Jacinto Fault Zone to better image its structure.

Deformation and spallation of a magnesium alloy under high strain rate loading

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, M.; Lu, L.; Li, C.

2016-04-01

We investigate deformation and damage of a magnesium alloy, AZ91, under high strain rate (similar to 10(5) s(-1)) loading via planar impact. The soft-recovered specimens are examined with electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD). EBSD analysis reveals three types of twinning: {1012} extension, {10 (1) over bar1} contraction, and {10 (1) over bar1}-{10 (1) over bar2) double twinning, and their number density increases with increasing impact velocity. The extension twins dominate contraction and double twins in size and number. Dislocation densities of the recovered specimens are evaluated with x-ray diffraction, and increase with increasing impact velocity. X-ray tomography is used to resolvemore » three-dimensional microstructure of shock-recovered samples. The EBSD and tomography results demonstrate that the second phase, Mg17Al12, plays an important role in both deformation twinning and tensile cracking. Deformation twinning appears to be a common mechanism in deformation of magnesium alloys at low, medium and high strain rates, in addition to dislocation motion. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.« less

Drug delivery monitoring by photoacoustic tomography with an ICG encapsulated double emulsion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajian, Justin Rajesh; Fabiilli, Mario L.; Fowlkes, J. Brian; Carson, Paul L.; Wang, Xueding

2011-07-01

The absorption spectrum of indocyanine green (ICG), a nontoxic dye used for medical diagnostics, depends upon its concentration as well as the nature of its environment, i.e., the solvent medium into which it is dissolved. In blood, ICG binds with plasma proteins, thus causing changes in its photoacoustic spectrum. We successfully encapsulated ICG in an ultrasound-triggerable perfluorocarbon double emulsion that prevents ICG from binding with plasma proteins. Photoacoustic spectral measurements on point target as well as 2-D photoacoustic images of blood vessels revealed that the photoacoustic spectrum changes significantly in blood when the ICG-loaded emulsion undergoes acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV), which is the conversion of liquid droplets into gas bubbles using ultrasound. We propose that these changes in the photoacoustic spectrum of the ICG emulsion in blood, coupled with photoacoustic tomography, could be used to spatially and quantitatively monitor ultrasound initiated drug delivery. In addition, we suggest that the photoacoustic spectral change induced by ultrasound exposure could also be used as contrast in photoacoustic imaging to obtain a background free image.

STEM-EDX tomography of bimetallic nanoparticles: A methodological investigation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Slater, Thomas J. A.; Janssen, Arne; Camargo, Pedro H. C.

This paper presents an investigation of the limitations and optimization of energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) tomography within the scanning transmission electron microscope, focussing on application of the technique to characterising the 3D elemental distribution of bimetallic AgAu nanoparticles. The detector collection efficiency when using a standard tomography holder is characterised using a tomographic data set from a single nanoparticle and compared to a standard low background double tilt holder. Optical depth profiling is used to investigate the angles and origin of detector shadowing as a function of specimen field of view. A novel time-varied acquisition scheme is described to compensatemore » for variations in the intensity of spectrum images at each sample tilt. Lastly, the ability of EDX spectrum images to satisfy the projection requirement for nanoparticle samples is discussed, with consideration of the effect of absorption and shadowing variations« less

STEM-EDX tomography of bimetallic nanoparticles: A methodological investigation

DOE PAGES

Slater, Thomas J. A.; Janssen, Arne; Camargo, Pedro H. C.; ...

2015-10-22

This paper presents an investigation of the limitations and optimization of energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) tomography within the scanning transmission electron microscope, focussing on application of the technique to characterising the 3D elemental distribution of bimetallic AgAu nanoparticles. The detector collection efficiency when using a standard tomography holder is characterised using a tomographic data set from a single nanoparticle and compared to a standard low background double tilt holder. Optical depth profiling is used to investigate the angles and origin of detector shadowing as a function of specimen field of view. A novel time-varied acquisition scheme is described to compensatemore » for variations in the intensity of spectrum images at each sample tilt. Lastly, the ability of EDX spectrum images to satisfy the projection requirement for nanoparticle samples is discussed, with consideration of the effect of absorption and shadowing variations« less

Cryptococcus gattii Infection Presenting as an Aggressive Lung Mass.

PubMed

Zheng, Shuwei; Tan, Thuan Tong; Chien, Jaime Mei Fong

2018-06-01

Cryptococcus gattii is an endemic fungus predominantly isolated in the tropical and subtropical regions, causing predominantly pulmonary disease with a predilection for the central nervous system. Herein, we report a case of rapidly progressing C. gattii pneumonia in an immune-deficient but virologically suppressed host with underlying human immunodeficiency viral (HIV) infection, exhibiting various fungal morphologies from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytological specimens. A 51-year-old Chinese male with known HIV disease was admitted to the Singapore General Hospital for evaluation of functional decline, febrile episodes, and a left hilar mass on chest radiograph. Computed tomography (CT) showed consolidation in the apical segment of the left lower lobe. He underwent bronchoscopy and BAL. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography done 10 days after the initial CT showed approximate doubling of the pulmonary lesion. Cytological examination of the fluid revealed yeasts of varying sizes. Subsequent fungal culture from BAL fluid grew C. gattii 10 days later.

Slab seismicity in the Western Hellenic Subduction Zone: Constraints from tomography and double-difference relocation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halpaap, Felix; Rondenay, Stéphane; Ottemöller, Lars

2016-04-01

The Western Hellenic subduction zone is characterized by a transition from oceanic to continental subduction. In the southern oceanic portion of the system, abundant seismicity reaches intermediate depths of 100-120 km, while the northern continental portion rarely exhibits deep earthquakes. Our study aims to investigate how this oceanic-continental transition affects fluid release and related seismicity along strike, by focusing on the distribution of intermediate depth earthquakes. To obtain a detailed image of the seismicity, we carry out a tomographic inversion for P- and S-velocities and double-difference earthquake relocation using a dataset of unprecedented spatial coverage in this area. Here we present results of these analyses in conjunction with high-resolution profiles from migrated receiver function images obtained from the MEDUSA experiment. We generate tomographic models by inverting data from 237 manually picked, well locatable events recorded at up to 130 stations. Stations from the permanent Greek network and the EGELADOS experiment supplement the 3-D coverage of the modeled domain, which covers a large part of mainland Greece and surrounding offshore areas. Corrections for the sphericity of the Earth and our update to the SIMULR16 package, which now allows S-inversion, help improve our previous models. Flexible gridding focusses the inversion on the domains of highest gradient around the slab, and we evaluate the resolution with checker board tests. We use the resulting velocity model to relocate earthquakes via the Double-Difference method, using a large dataset of differential traveltimes obtained by crosscorrelation of seismograms. Tens of earthquakes align along two planes forming a double seismic zone in the southern, oceanic portion of the subduction zone. With increasing subduction depth, the earthquakes appear closer to the center of the slab, outlining probable deserpentinization of the slab and concomitant eclogitization of dry crustal rocks. Against expectations, we relocate one robust deep event at ≈70 km depth in the northern, continental part of the subduction zone.

Doppler optical coherence tomography of retinal circulation.

PubMed

Tan, Ou; Wang, Yimin; Konduru, Ranjith K; Zhang, Xinbo; Sadda, SriniVas R; Huang, David

2012-09-18

Noncontact retinal blood flow measurements are performed with a Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) system using a circumpapillary double circular scan (CDCS) that scans around the optic nerve head at 3.40 mm and 3.75 mm diameters. The double concentric circles are performed 6 times consecutively over 2 sec. The CDCS scan is saved with Doppler shift information from which flow can be calculated. The standard clinical protocol calls for 3 CDCS scans made with the OCT beam passing through the superonasal edge of the pupil and 3 CDCS scan through the inferonal pupil. This double-angle protocol ensures that acceptable Doppler angle is obtained on each retinal branch vessel in at least 1 scan. The CDCS scan data, a 3-dimensional volumetric OCT scan of the optic disc scan, and a color photograph of the optic disc are used together to obtain retinal blood flow measurement on an eye. We have developed a blood flow measurement software called "Doppler optical coherence tomography of retinal circulation" (DOCTORC). This semi-automated software is used to measure total retinal blood flow, vessel cross section area, and average blood velocity. The flow of each vessel is calculated from the Doppler shift in the vessel cross-sectional area and the Doppler angle between the vessel and the OCT beam. Total retinal blood flow measurement is summed from the veins around the optic disc. The results obtained at our Doppler OCT reading center showed good reproducibility between graders and methods (<10%). Total retinal blood flow could be useful in the management of glaucoma, other retinal diseases, and retinal diseases. In glaucoma patients, OCT retinal blood flow measurement was highly correlated with visual field loss (R(2)>0.57 with visual field pattern deviation). Doppler OCT is a new method to perform rapid, noncontact, and repeatable measurement of total retinal blood flow using widely available Fourier-domain OCT instrumentation. This new technology may improve the practicality of making these measurements in clinical studies and routine clinical practice.

Three-dimensional structural dynamics and fluctuations of DNA-nanogold conjugates by individual-particle electron tomography

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Lei; Lei, Dongsheng; Smith, Jessica M.; ...

2016-03-30

DNA base pairing has been used for many years to direct the arrangement of inorganic nanocrystals into small groupings and arrays with tailored optical and electrical properties. The control of DNA-mediated assembly depends crucially on a better understanding of three-dimensional structure of DNA-nanocrystal-hybridized building blocks. Existing techniques do not allow for structural determination of these flexible and heterogeneous samples. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy and negative-staining electron tomography approaches to image, and three-dimensionally reconstruct a single DNA-nanogold conjugate, an 84-bp double-stranded DNA with two 5-nm nanogold particles for potential substrates in plasmon-coupling experiments. By individual-particle electron tomography reconstruction, we obtainmore » 14 density maps at ~ 2-nm resolution . Using these maps as constraints, we derive 14 conformations of dsDNA by molecular dynamics simulations. The conformational variation is consistent with that from liquid solution, suggesting that individual-particle electron tomography could be an expected approach to study DNA-assembling and flexible protein structure and dynamics.« less

The crustal and mantle velocity structure in central Asia from 3D traveltime tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Y.; Martin, R. V.; Toksoz, M. N.; Pei, S.

2010-12-01

The lithospheric structure in central Asia features large blocks such as the Indian plate, the Afghan block, the Turan plate, and the Tarim block. This geologically and tectonically complicated area is also one of the most seismically active regions in the world. We developed P- and S- wave velocity structures of the central Asia in the crust using the traveltime data from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbek. We chose the events and stations between 32N65E and 45N85E and focused on the areas of Pamir and western Tianshan. In this data set, there are more than 6000 P and S arrivals received at 80 stations from about 300 events. The double difference tomography is applied to relocate events and to invert for seismic structures simultaneously. Our results provide accurate locations of earthquakes and high resolution crustal structure in this region. To extend the model deeper into the mantle through the upper mantle transition zone, ISC/EHB data for P and PP phases are combined with the ABCE data. To counteract the “smearing effect,” the crust and upper mantle velocity structure, derived from regional travel-times, is used. An adaptive grid method based on ray density is used in the inversion. A P-wave velocity model extending down to a depth of 2000 km is obtained. regional-teleseismic tomography provides a high-resolution, 3-D P-wave velocity model for the crust, upper mantle, and the transition zone. The crustal models correlate well with geologic and tectonic features. The upper mantle tomograms show the images of Tian Shan. The slab geometry is quite complex, reflecting the history of the changes in the plate motions and collision processes. Vp/Vs tomography was also determined in the study region, and an attenuation tomography was obtained as well.

Natural microseismicity investigated using double-difference tomography: a 3D look at the 2008 swarm in the Novy Kostel area, Czech Republic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexandrakis, C.; Calo, M.; Bouchaala, F.; Vavrycuk, V.

2012-04-01

The Novy Kostel region in West Bohemia is an area prone to periodic bursts of natural microseismic activity. In this study, we use 476 events from the October 2008 earthquake swarm recorded on the WEBNET seismic network. The foci occurred on the northern extension of the Marianske-Lazne Fault near the town of Novy Kostel in the Czech Republic. Initial source locations indicated a rupture zone approximately 3 km along the fault with the sources spread over 4 km depth, centered at 9 km. We use the double-difference tomography method to study the fault structure by relocating the sources and inverting for the P and S velocities in the rupture region. Events are first relocated using the HypoDD program (Waldhauser and Ellsworth, 2000) using both catalog and cross-correlated datasets. These datasets, along with the absolute time picks are then used by the TomoDD program (Zhang and Thurber, 2003) to iteratively relocate the sources and invert for the 3D seismic structure. This dataset is ideal for this procedure as the cluster is very condensed and the WEBNET network offers ray coverage in all directions. The relocated events flatten onto a fault plane striking at 169 degrees NE. This fault plane has three sections with distinct dip angles. At the shallowest (up to 8 km) and deepest (10 - 11 km) parts of the fault, the dip is shallow, whereas the middle section has a steep dip angle. Most events occur at the deeper part of the middle section. The inverted velocities correspond well to results from regional seismic refraction surveys (e.g., CELEBRATION 2000). Here, more details of the 3D velocity structure are revealed. As expected, velocities to the east of the fault are overall higher, corresponding to the uplifted northern margin of the Eger Rift. Finer structures surrounding the source region are also resolved.

Solid-state nanopores of controlled geometry fabricated in a transmission electron microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Hui; Egerton, Ray F.

2017-11-01

Energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy and electron tomography were applied to in situ studies of the formation, shape, and diameter of nanopores formed in a silicon nitride membrane in a transmission electron microscope. The nanopore geometry was observed in three dimensions by electron tomography. Drilling conditions, such as probe current, beam convergence angle, and probe position, affect the formation rate and the geometry of the pores. With a beam convergence semi-angle of α = 22 mrad, a conical shaped nanopore is formed but at α = 45 mrad, double-cone (hourglass-shaped) nanopores were produced. Nanopores with an effective diameter between 10 nm and 1.8 nm were fabricated by controlling the drilling time.

[One-stage Operation through the Same Skin Incision for Synchronous Double Primary Breast and Lung Cancer;Report of a Case].

PubMed

Takahashi, Noriyuki; Kuga, Yoko; Uno, Satoko; Saito, Keita

2018-02-01

A 75-year-old woman noticed a small mass in the right side breast and consulted our hospital. The results of the detailed examination indicated the synchronous double primary right breast cancer and the same side lung cancer (rS5). One-stage operation from the same skin incision was scheduled. Volume rendering (VR) of computed tomography (CT)-scan was very useful in deciding the position and the length of the skin incision. The breast tumor resection and the right middle lobe resection were successfully performed through 6.5 cm skin incision.

Detection of bladder metabolic artifacts in (18)F-FDG PET imaging.

PubMed

Roman-Jimenez, Geoffrey; Crevoisier, Renaud De; Leseur, Julie; Devillers, Anne; Ospina, Juan David; Simon, Antoine; Terve, Pierre; Acosta, Oscar

2016-04-01

Positron emission tomography using (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG-PET) is a widely used imaging modality in oncology. It enables significant functional information to be included in analyses of anatomical data provided by other image modalities. Although PET offers high sensitivity in detecting suspected malignant metabolism, (18)F-FDG uptake is not tumor-specific and can also be fixed in surrounding healthy tissue, which may consequently be mistaken as cancerous. PET analyses may be particularly hampered in pelvic-located cancers by the bladder׳s physiological uptake potentially obliterating the tumor uptake. In this paper, we propose a novel method for detecting (18)F-FDG bladder artifacts based on a multi-feature double-step classification approach. Using two manually defined seeds (tumor and bladder), the method consists of a semi-automated double-step clustering strategy that simultaneously takes into consideration standard uptake values (SUV) on PET, Hounsfield values on computed tomography (CT), and the distance to the seeds. This method was performed on 52 PET/CT images from patients treated for locally advanced cervical cancer. Manual delineations of the bladder on CT images were used in order to evaluate bladder uptake detection capability. Tumor preservation was evaluated using a manual segmentation of the tumor, with a threshold of 42% of the maximal uptake within the tumor. Robustness was assessed by randomly selecting different initial seeds. The classification averages were 0.94±0.09 for sensitivity, 0.98±0.01 specificity, and 0.98±0.01 accuracy. These results suggest that this method is able to detect most (18)F-FDG bladder metabolism artifacts while preserving tumor uptake, and could thus be used as a pre-processing step for further non-parasitized PET analyses. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Frequency doubling technique perimetry and spectral domain optical coherence tomography in patients with early glaucoma.

PubMed

Horn, F K; Mardin, C Y; Bendschneider, D; Jünemann, A G; Adler, W; Tornow, R P

2011-01-01

To assess the combined diagnostic power of frequency-doubling technique (FDT)-perimetry and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness measurements with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT). The study included 330 experienced participants in five age-related groups: 77 'preperimetric' open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients, 52 'early' OAG, 50 'moderate' OAG, 54 ocular hypertensive patients, and 97 healthy subjects. For glaucoma assessment in all subjects conventional perimetry, evaluation of fundus photographs, FDT-perimetry and RNFL thickness measurement with SDOCT was done. Glaucomatous visual field defects were classified using the Glaucoma Staging System. FDT evaluation used a published method with casewise calculation of an 'FDT-score', including all missed localized probability levels. SDOCT evaluation used mean RNFL thickness and a new individual SDOCT-score considering normal confidence limits in 32 sectors of a peripapillary circular scan. To examine the joined value of both methods a combined score was introduced. Significance of the difference between Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves was calculated for a specificity of 96%. Sensitivity in the preperimetric glaucoma group was 44% for SDOCT-score, 25% for FDT-score, and 44% for combined score, in the early glaucoma group 83, 81, and 89%, respectively, and in the moderate glaucoma group 94, 94, and 98%, respectively, all at a specificity of 96%. ROC performance of the newly developed combined score is significantly above single ROC curves of FDT-score in preperimetric and early OAG and above RNFL thickness in moderate OAG. Combination of function and morphology by using the FDT-score and the SDOCT-score performs equal or even better than each single method alone.

Frequency doubling technique perimetry and spectral domain optical coherence tomography in patients with early glaucoma

PubMed Central

Horn, F K; Mardin, C Y; Bendschneider, D; Jünemann, A G; Adler, W; Tornow, R P

2011-01-01

Purpose To assess the combined diagnostic power of frequency-doubling technique (FDT)-perimetry and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness measurements with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT). Methods The study included 330 experienced participants in five age-related groups: 77 ‘preperimetric' open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients, 52 ‘early' OAG, 50 ‘moderate' OAG, 54 ocular hypertensivepatients, and 97 healthy subjects. For glaucoma assessment in all subjects conventional perimetry, evaluation of fundus photographs, FDT-perimetry and RNFL thickness measurement with SDOCT was done. Glaucomatous visual field defects were classified using the Glaucoma Staging System. FDT evaluation used a published method with casewise calculation of an ‘FDT-score', including all missed localized probability levels. SDOCT evaluation used mean RNFL thickness and a new individual SDOCT-score considering normal confidence limits in 32 sectors of a peripapillary circular scan. To examine the joined value of both methods a combined score was introduced. Significance of the difference between Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves was calculated for a specificity of 96%. Results Sensitivity in the preperimetric glaucoma group was 44% for SDOCT-score, 25% for FDT-score, and 44% for combined score, in the early glaucoma group 83, 81, and 89%, respectively, and in the moderate glaucoma group 94, 94, and 98%, respectively, all at a specificity of 96%. ROC performance of the newly developed combined score is significantly above single ROC curves of FDT-score in preperimetric and early OAG and above RNFL thickness in moderate OAG. Conclusion Combination of function and morphology by using the FDT-score and the SDOCT-score performs equal or even better than each single method alone. PMID:21102494

Self-administered, inhaled methoxyflurane improves patient comfort during nasoduodenal intubation for computed tomography enteroclysis for suspected small bowel disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

PubMed

Moss, A; Parrish, F J; Naidoo, P; Upton, A; Prime, H; Leaney, B; Gibson, P R

2011-02-01

To determine the efficacy and safety of self-administered, inhaled analgesic, methoxyflurane, used to improve patient comfort during computed tomography enteroclysis (CTE). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed at two Australian hospitals (one tertiary referral public hospital and one private hospital). Patients were randomized to 3 ml methoxyflurane or saline (scented to maintain blindness) via hand-held inhaler. The main outcome measures were patient comfort during each stage of CTE and an overall rating as recorded by patients 1h post-procedure on a 10 cm visual analogue scale. Patient willingness to undergo repeat CTE, radiologist-rated ease of nasoduodenal intubation, and patient-rated ease of use of the inhaler were also assessed. Sixty patients (mean age 45 years; 41 women) were enrolled; 30 received methoxyflurane and were well matched to 30 receiving placebo. Procedural success was 98%. The mean dose of methoxyflurane consumed was 0.9 ml (SD 0.5). Patient comfort during nasoduodenal intubation was better with methoxyflurane {5.0 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 4.0-6.0]} than with placebo [2.7 (95% CI 1.8-3.7); p=0.002, t-test), but there were no significant differences for comfort levels at other times or overall. The inhaler was easy to use, was well tolerated, and there were no episodes of oxygen desaturation, aspiration, or anaphylaxis. Inhalational methoxyflurane safely improves patient comfort during nasoduodenal intubation, but does not improve overall procedure comfort. Copyright © 2010 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MDCT diagnosis of post-traumatic hepatic arterio-portal fistulas.

PubMed

Nguyen, Cuong T; Nguyen, Coung; Saksobhavivat, Nitima; Saksobahavivat, Nitima; Shanmuganathan, Kathirkamanathan; Steenburg, Scott D; Steenburg, Scott; Moeslein, Fred M; Moeslein, Fred; Mirvis, Stuart E; Chiu, William

2013-06-01

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in diagnosing arterioportal fistulas (APF) in high-grade liver injury. A retrospective analysis of catheter-based hepatic angiograms performed for major penetrating and blunt liver injuries identified 11 patients with APFs. Using the trauma registry, two additional demographically matched groups with and without liver injury were formed. A randomized qualitative consensus review of 33 MDCTs was performed by three trauma radiologists for the following MDCT findings of APF: transient hepatic parenchymal attenuation differences (THPAD), early increased attenuation of a peripheral or central portal vein compared with the main portal vein, and the "double-barrel" or "rail tract" signs. THPAD was the most sensitive finding and also had a high specificity for diagnosing APF. Both the early increased attenuation of a peripheral or central portal vein compared with the main portal vein and the double-barrel or rail tract signs had a100% specificity and a sensitivity of 64% and 36%, respectively. Measurement of differences in attenuation values between the APF and the contralateral central portal vein was most sensitive and specific in diagnosing APF. Traumatic APF of the liver can be optimally diagnosed with arterial phase imaging of solid organ using MDCT.

[Influence of different designs and porcelain/glaze firing on the marginal and internal fit of implant-supported zirconia crowns].

PubMed

Cuiling, Liu; Xu, Gao; Yuping, Qi; Liyuan, Yang

2016-02-01

This study investigated the influence of different designs and porcelain/glaze firing on the marginal and internal fit of three kinds of computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) zirconia ceramic implant-supported crowns. Three groups of zirconia ceramic implant-supported crowns with different designs were produced from copings by using a Cercon CAD/CAM system (n = 8). The first two groups comprised double-layer crowns (zirconia coping + veneer) with regular (Group A) and full circumferential zirconia-collar marginal designs (Group B). The third group was composed of anatomic single-layer zirconia crowns without cores (Group C). Initially, the marginal and internal gaps of the copings and crowns were individually replicated by light-body silicon and then measured by micro-computed tomography scanning before and after porcelain/glaze firing. Five measurements were employed: vertical marginal gap (MG); horizontal marginal discrepancy (HMD); chamfer area (CA); axial wall (AW); and axial-occlusal transition area (AOT). Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS 17.0. HMD measurements in Group A were statistically higher than those in Groups B and C (P < 0.05), regardless of whether the values were obtained before or after porcelain/glaze firing. By contrast, the HIMD measurements in Groups B and C showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). Moreover, no differences were noted in MG, CA, AW, and AOT among the three groups (P > 0.05). All the measurements in the three groups showed no significant change after porcelain/glaze firing (P > 0.05), except for MG in Group A, which significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The marginal fits of the double-layer crowns with full circumferential zirconia-collar and the anatomic single-layer zirconia crowns were superior to that of the double-layer crowns with regular margins. The MG of the crowns with regular margins was obviously influenced by porcelain firing.

Timelapse ultrasonic tomography for measuring damage localization in geomechanics laboratory tests.

PubMed

Tudisco, Erika; Roux, Philippe; Hall, Stephen A; Viggiani, Giulia M B; Viggiani, Gioacchino

2015-03-01

Variation of mechanical properties in materials can be detected non-destructively using ultrasonic measurements. In particular, changes in elastic wave velocity can occur due to damage, i.e., micro-cracking and particles debonding. Here the challenge of characterizing damage in geomaterials, i.e., rocks and soils, is addressed. Geomaterials are naturally heterogeneous media in which the deformation can localize, so that few measurements of acoustic velocity across the sample are not sufficient to capture the heterogeneities. Therefore, an ultrasonic tomography procedure has been implemented to map the spatial and temporal variations in propagation velocity, which provides information on the damage process. Moreover, double beamforming has been successfully applied to identify and isolate multiple arrivals that are caused by strong heterogeneities (natural or induced by the deformation process). The applicability of the developed experimental technique to laboratory geomechanics testing is illustrated using data acquired on a sample of natural rock before and after being deformed under triaxial compression. The approach is then validated and extended to time-lapse monitoring using data acquired during plane strain compression of a sample including a well defined layer with different mechanical properties than the matrix.

Artefacts of PET/CT images

PubMed Central

Pettinato, C; Nanni, C; Farsad, M; Castellucci, P; Sarnelli, A; Civollani, S; Franchi, R; Fanti, S; Marengo, M; Bergamini, C

2006-01-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive imaging modality, which is clinically widely used both for diagnosis and accessing therapy response in oncology, cardiology and neurology. Fusing PET and CT images in a single dataset would be useful for physicians who could read the functional and the anatomical aspects of a disease in a single shot. The use of fusion software has been replaced in the last few years by integrated PET/CT systems, which combine a PET and a CT scanner in the same gantry. CT images have the double function to correct PET images for attenuation and can fuse with PET for a better visualization and localization of lesions. The use of CT for attenuation correction yields several advantages in terms of accuracy and patient comfort, but can also introduce several artefacts on PET-corrected images. PET/CT image artefacts are due primarily to metallic implants, respiratory motion, use of contrast media and image truncation. This paper reviews different types artefacts and their correction methods. PET/CT improves image quality and image accuracy. However, to avoid possible pitfalls the simultaneous display of both Computed Tomography Attenuation Corrected (CTAC) and non corrected PET images, side by side with CT images is strongly recommended. PMID:21614340

Monitoring of interaction of low-frequency electric field with biological tissues upon optical clearing with optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Peña, Adrián F; Doronin, Alexander; Tuchin, Valery V; Meglinski, Igor

2014-08-01

The influence of a low-frequency electric field applied to soft biological tissues ex vivo at normal conditions and upon the topical application of optical clearing agents has been studied by optical coherence tomography (OCT). The electro-kinetic response of tissues has been observed and quantitatively evaluated by the double correlation OCT approach, utilizing consistent application of an adaptive Wiener filtering and Fourier domain correlation algorithm. The results show that fluctuations, induced by the electric field within the biological tissues are exponentially increased in time. We demonstrate that in comparison to impedance measurements and the mapping of the temperature profile at the surface of the tissue samples, the double correlation OCT approach is much more sensitive to the changes associated with the tissues' electro-kinetic response. We also found that topical application of the optical clearing agent reduces the tissues' electro-kinetic response and is cooling the tissue, thus reducing the temperature induced by the electric current by a few degrees. We anticipate that dcOCT approach can find a new application in bioelectrical impedance analysis and monitoring of the electric properties of biological tissues, including the resistivity of high water content tissues and its variations.

Detection of cerebral amyloid angiopathy by 3-T magnetic resonance imaging and amyloid positron emission tomography in a patient with subcortical ischaemic vascular dementia.

PubMed

Kida, Hirotaka; Satoh, Masayuki; Ii, Yuichiro; Fukuyama, Hidenao; Maeda, Masayuki; Tomimoto, Hidekazu

2017-01-01

The patient was an 81-year-old man who had been treated for hypertension for several decades. In 2012, he developed gait disturbance and mild amnesia. One year later, his gait disturbance worsened, and he developed urinary incontinence. Conventional brain magnetic resonance imaging using T 2 -weighted images and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery showed multiple lacunar infarctions. These findings fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for subcortical ischaemic vascular dementia. However, susceptibility weighted imaging showed multiple lobar microbleeds in the bilateral occipitoparietal lobes, and double inversion recovery and 3-D fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images on 3-T magnetic resonance imaging revealed cortical microinfarctions in the left parietal-temporo-occipito region. Pittsburgh compound B-positron emission tomography revealed diffuse uptake in the cerebral cortex. Therefore, we diagnosed the patient with subcortical ischaemic vascular dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. The use of the double inversion recovery and susceptibility weighted imaging on 3-T magnetic resonance imaging may be a supplemental strategy for diagnosing cerebral amyloid angiopathy, which is closely associated with Alzheimer's disease. © 2016 The Authors. Psychogeriatrics © 2016 Japanese Psychogeriatric Society.

Improving lateral resolution and image quality of optical coherence tomography by the multi-frame superresolution technique for 3D tissue imaging.

PubMed

Shen, Kai; Lu, Hui; Baig, Sarfaraz; Wang, Michael R

2017-11-01

The multi-frame superresolution technique is introduced to significantly improve the lateral resolution and image quality of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Using several sets of low resolution C-scan 3D images with lateral sub-spot-spacing shifts on different sets, the multi-frame superresolution processing of these sets at each depth layer reconstructs a higher resolution and quality lateral image. Layer by layer processing yields an overall high lateral resolution and quality 3D image. In theory, the superresolution processing including deconvolution can solve the diffraction limit, lateral scan density and background noise problems together. In experiment, the improved lateral resolution by ~3 times reaching 7.81 µm and 2.19 µm using sample arm optics of 0.015 and 0.05 numerical aperture respectively as well as doubling the image quality has been confirmed by imaging a known resolution test target. Improved lateral resolution on in vitro skin C-scan images has been demonstrated. For in vivo 3D SD-OCT imaging of human skin, fingerprint and retina layer, we used the multi-modal volume registration method to effectively estimate the lateral image shifts among different C-scans due to random minor unintended live body motion. Further processing of these images generated high lateral resolution 3D images as well as high quality B-scan images of these in vivo tissues.

Usefulness of positron emission tomography in primary intestinal follicular lymphoma

PubMed Central

Tari, Akira; Asaoku, Hideki; Kunihiro, Masaki; Tanaka, Shinji; Yoshino, Tadashi

2013-01-01

Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and video capsule endoscopy are useful for the diagnosis of lymphoma in the small intestine. However, DBE cannot be safely performed in cases with passage disturbance due to wall thickening and stenosis. Additionally, video capsule endoscopy cannot be performed in such cases because of the risk of retention. Here, we report 4 cases of primary follicular lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract that could be detected using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET-CT). The endoscopic findings of these 4 cases included lesions with wall thickening, which comprised macroscopically clusters of nodules, dense clusters of whitish granules or small nodules, fold thickening and ulcers with irregular margins that occupied the whole lumen with edematous mucosa. All patients fulfilled the World Health Organization grade 1 criteria. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET-CT can help predict the risks that may result from certain endoscopic examinations, such as DBE and video capsule endoscopy. PMID:23569346

Hardening mechanisms in olivine single crystal deformed at 1090 °C: an electron tomography study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mussi, Alexandre; Cordier, Patrick; Demouchy, Sylvie; Hue, Benoit

2017-11-01

The dislocation microstructures in a single crystal of olivine deformed experimentally in uniaxial compression at 1090 °C and under a confining pressure of 300 MPa, have been investigated by transmission electron tomography in order to better understand deformation mechanisms at the microscale relevant for lithospheric mantle deformations. Investigation by electron tomography reveals microstructures, which are more complex than previously described, composed of ? and ? dislocations commonly exhibiting 3D configurations. Numerous mechanisms such as climb, cross-slip, double cross-slip as well as interactions like junction formations and collinear annihilations are the source of this complexity. The diversity observed advocates for microscale deformation of olivine significantly less simple than classic dislocation creep reported in metals or ice close to melting temperature. Deciphering mechanism of hardening in olivine at temperatures where ionic diffusion is slow and is then expected to play very little role is crucial to better understand and thus model deformation at larger scale and at temperatures (900-1100 °C) highly relevant for the lithospheric mantle.

Objective-function hybridization in adjoint seismic tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Yanhua O.; Bozdaǧ, Ebru; Simons, Frederik J.; Gao, Fuchun

2017-04-01

Seismic tomography is at the threshold of a new era of massive data sets. Improving the resolution and accuracy of the estimated Earth structure by assimilating as much information as possible from every seismogram, remains a challenge. We propose the use of the "exponentiated phase'', a type of measurement that robustly captures the information contained in the variation of phase with time in the seismogram. We explore its performance in both conventional and double-difference (Yuan, Simons & Tromp, Geophys. J. Intern, 2016) adjoint seismic tomography. We introduce a hybrid approach to combine different objective functions, taking advantage of both conventional and our new measurements. We initially focus on phase measurements in global tomography. Cross-correlation measurements are generally tailored by window selection algorithms, such as FLEXWIN, to balance amplitude differences between seismic phases. However, within selection windows, such measurements still favor the larger-amplitude phases. It is also difficult to select all usable portions of the seismogram in an optimal way, such that much information may be lost, particularly the scattered waves. Time-continuous phase measurements, which associate a time shift with each point in time, have the potential to extract information from every wiggle in the seismogram without cutting it into small pieces. One such type of measurement is the instantaneous phase (Bozdaǧ, Trampert & Tromp, Geophys. J. Intern, 2011), which thus far has not been implemented in realistic seismic-tomography experiments, given how difficult the computation of phase can sometimes be. The exponentiated phase, on the other hand, is computed on the basis of the normalized analytic signal, does not need an explicit measure of phase, and is thus much easier to implement, and more practical for real-world applications. Both types of measurements carry comparable structural information when direct measurements of the phase are not wrapped. To deal with cycle skips, we use the exponentiated phase to take into account relatively small-magnitude scattered waves at long periods, while using cross-correlation measurements on windows determined by FLEXWIN to select distinct body-wave arrivals without complicating measurements due to non-linearities at short periods. We present synthetic experiments to show how exponentiated-phase, cross-correlation measurements, and their hybridization affect tomographic results. We demonstrate the use of hybrid measurements on teleseismic seismograms, in which surface waves are prominent, for continental and global seismic imaging. It is clear that the exponentiated-phase measurements behave well and provide a better representation of the smaller phases in the adjoint sources required for the computation of the misfit gradient. The combination of two different types of phase measurements in a hybrid approach moves us towards using all of the available information in a data set, addressing data quality and measurement challenges simultaneously, while negligibly affecting computation time.

Combined optical coherence tomography and hyper-spectral imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Attendu, Xavier; Guay-Lord, Robin; Strupler, Mathias; Godbout, Nicolas; Boudoux, Caroline

2017-02-01

In this proceeding we demonstrate a system combining optical coherence tomography (OCT) and hyper-spectral imaging (HSI) into a single dual-clad fiber (DCF). Combining these modalities gives access to the sample morphology through OCT and to its molecular content through HSI. Both modalities have their illumination through the fiber core. The OCT is then collected through the core while the HSI is collected through the inner cladding of the DCF. A double-clad fiber coupler (DCFC) is used to address both channels separately. A scanning spectral filter was developed to successively inject narrow spectral bands of visible light into the fiber core and sweep across the entire visible spectrum. This allows for rapid HSI acquisition and high miniaturization potential.

Global Adjoint Tomography: Next-Generation Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bozdag, Ebru; Lefebvre, Matthieu; Lei, Wenjie; Orsvuran, Ridvan; Peter, Daniel; Ruan, Youyi; Smith, James; Komatitsch, Dimitri; Tromp, Jeroen

2017-04-01

The first-generation global adjoint tomography model GLAD-M15 (Bozdag et al. 2016) is the result of 15 conjugate-gradient iterations based on GPU-accelerated spectral-element simulations of 3D wave propagation and Fréchet kernels. For simplicity, GLAD-M15 was constructed as an elastic model with transverse isotropy confined to the upper mantle. However, Earth's mantle and crust show significant evidence of anisotropy as a result of its composition and deformation. There may be different sources of seismic anisotropy affecting both body and surface waves. As a first attempt, we initially tackle with surface-wave anisotropy and proceed iterations using the same 253 earthquake data set used in GLAD-M15 with an emphasize on upper-mantle. Furthermore, we explore new misfits, such as double-difference measurements (Yuan et al. 2016), to better deal with the possible artifacts of the uneven distribution of seismic stations globally and minimize source uncertainties in structural inversions. We will present our observations with the initial results of azimuthally anisotropic inversions and also discuss the next generation global models with various parametrizations. Meanwhile our goal is to use all available seismic data in imaging. This however requires a solid framework to perform iterative adjoint tomography workflows with big data on supercomputers. We will talk about developments in adjoint tomography workflow from the need of defining new seismic and computational data formats (e.g., ASDF by Krischer et al. 2016, ADIOS by Liu et al. 2011) to developing new pre- and post-processing tools together with experimenting workflow management tools, such as Pegasus (Deelman et al. 2015). All our simulations are performed on Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Cray XK7 "Titan" system. Our ultimate aim is to get ready to harness ORNL's next-generation supercomputer "Summit", an IBM with Power-9 CPUs and NVIDIA Volta GPU accelerators, to be ready by 2018 which will enable us to reduce the shortest period in our global simulations from 17 s to 9 s, and exascale systems will reduce this further to just a few seconds.

Status of the LIA-2. Double-pulse mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Starostenko, D. A.; Akimov, A. V.; Bak, P. A.; Batazova, M. A.; Batrakov, A. M.; Boimelshtein, Yu. M.; Bolkhovityanov, D. Yu.; Eliseev, A. A.; Korepanov, A. A.; Kuznetsov, G. I.; Kulenko, Ya. V.; Logatchev, P. V.; Ottmar, A. V.; Pavlenko, A. V.; Pavlov, O. A.; Panov, A. N.; Pachkov, A. A.; Fatkin, G. A.; Akhmetov, A. R.; Kolesnikov, P. A.; Nikitin, O. A.; Petrov, D. V.

2016-12-01

The LIA-2 linear induction accelerator has been designed in the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics as an electron-beam injector for a promising 20-MeV induction accelerator intended for tomography. Owing to the results of the first tests, it was decided to use the injector as an independent X-ray installation [1]. In 2014, the high-voltage power supply system of the LIA-2 was upgraded and tuned. The accelerator operates stably in the one-pulse mode at energies of up to 1.7 MeV; in the double-pulse mode it operates at energies of up to 1.5 MeV. The inhomogeneity in energy in each pulse does not exceed ±0.5%.

Architecture and biogenesis of plus-strand RNA virus replication factories

PubMed Central

Paul, David; Bartenschlager, Ralf

2013-01-01

Plus-strand RNA virus replication occurs in tight association with cytoplasmic host cell membranes. Both, viral and cellular factors cooperatively generate distinct organelle-like structures, designated viral replication factories. This compartmentalization allows coordination of the different steps of the viral replication cycle, highly efficient genome replication and protection of the viral RNA from cellular defense mechanisms. Electron tomography studies conducted during the last couple of years revealed the three dimensional structure of numerous plus-strand RNA virus replication compartments and highlight morphological analogies between different virus families. Based on the morphology of virus-induced membrane rearrangements, we propose two separate subclasses: the invaginated vesicle/spherule type and the double membrane vesicle type. This review discusses common themes and distinct differences in the architecture of plus-strand RNA virus-induced membrane alterations and summarizes recent progress that has been made in understanding the complex interplay between viral and co-opted cellular factors in biogenesis and maintenance of plus-strand RNA virus replication factories. PMID:24175228

Color sensitive silicon photomultiplers with micro-cell level encoding for DOI PET detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimazoe, Kenji; Koyama, Akihiro; Takahashi, Hiroyuki; Ganka, Thomas; Iskra, Peter; Marquez Seco, Alicia; Schneider, Florian; Wiest, Florian

2017-11-01

There have been many studies on Depth Of Interaction (DOI) identification for high resolution Positron Emission Tomography (PET) systems, including those on phoswich detectors, double-sided readout, light sharing methods, and wavelength discrimination. The wavelength discrimination method utilizes the difference in wavelength of stacked scintillators and requires a color sensitive photodetector. Here, a new silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) coupled to a color filter (colorSiPM) was designed and fabricated for DOI detection. The fabricated colorSiPM has two anode readouts that are sensitive to blue and green color. The colorSiPM's response and DOI identification capability for stacked GAGG and LYSO crystals are characterized. The fabricated colorSiPM is sensitive enough to detect a peak of 662 keV from a 137 Cs source.

LONG-TERM RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF VISUAL ACUITY AND OPTICAL COHERENCE TOPOGRAPHIC CHANGES AFTER SINGLE VERSUS DOUBLE PEELING DURING VITRECTOMY FOR MACULAR EPIRETINAL MEMBRANES.

PubMed

Jung, Jesse J; Hoang, Quan V; Ridley-Lane, Megan L; Sebrow, Dov B; Dhrami-Gavazi, Elona; Chang, Stanley

2016-11-01

To determine the long-term effect of internal limiting membrane with associated epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling versus single peeling alone in terms of best-corrected visual acuity and anatomical outcomes on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. This retrospective comparative cohort study of patients who had follow-up of >1 year and underwent surgery for ERM by a single surgeon (S.C.) from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2012 compared cases in which the internal limiting membrane was stained with brilliant blue G to facilitate double peeling (n = 42) and single peeling (n = 43) of the ERM alone for up to 3 years of follow-up. For continuous variables, an independent two-tailed t-test was performed. For binary variables, the Fisher's exact test was performed. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. Eighty-five of 142 patients fit the inclusion criteria. At the last follow-up, the single-peeling group were more likely to have ERM remaining in the central fovea postoperatively (P = 0.0020, becoming significant by postoperative Year 1, P = 0.022) and less likely to develop inner retinal dimpling (P = 0.000, becoming significant by postoperative Month 3, P = 0.015). At 3 years, central foveal thickness had decreased in the single-peeling group by -136.9 µm and by -84.1 μm in the double-peeling group, which was not significantly different (P = 0.08). Mean best-corrected visual acuity improved in both the groups at all time points. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups at 3 years (P = 0.44; single-peeling group, 0.32 ± 0.42, Snellen 20/42; double-peeling group, 0.23 ± 0.27, Snellen 20/34). Brilliant blue G-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling for ERM results in a more thorough removal of residual ERM around the paracentral fovea. However, there is no difference in long-term best-corrected visual acuity at 3 years and a greater likelihood of inner retinal dimpling.

hypoDD-A Program to Compute Double-Difference Hypocenter Locations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Waldhauser, Felix

2001-01-01

HypoDD is a Fortran computer program package for relocating earthquakes with the double-difference algorithm of Waldhauser and Ellsworth (2000). This document provides a brief introduction into how to run and use the programs ph2dt and hypoDD to compute double-difference (DD) hypocenter locations. It gives a short overview of the DD technique, discusses the data preprocessing using ph2dt, and leads through the earthquake relocation process using hypoDD. The appendices include the reference manuals for the two programs and a short description of auxiliary programs and example data. Some minor subroutines are presently in the c language, and future releases will be in c. Earthquake location algorithms are usually based on some form of Geiger’s method, the linearization of the travel time equation in a first order Taylor series that relates the difference between the observed and predicted travel time to unknown adjustments in the hypocentral coordinates through the partial derivatives of travel time with respect to the unknowns. Earthquakes can be located individually with this algorithm, or jointly when other unknowns link together the solutions to indivdual earthquakes, such as station corrections in the joint hypocenter determination (JHD) method, or the earth model in seismic tomography. The DD technique (described in detail in Waldhauser and Ellsworth, 2000) takes advantage of the fact that if the hypocentral separation between two earthquakes is small compared to the event-station distance and the scale length of velocity heterogeneity, then the ray paths between the source region and a common station are similar along almost the entire ray path (Fréchet, 1985; Got et al., 1994). In this case, the difference in travel times for two events observed at one station can be attributed to the spatial offset between the events with high accuracy. DD equations are built by differencing Geiger’s equation for earthquake location. In this way, the residual between observed and calculated travel-time difference (or double-difference) between two events at a common station are a related to adjustments in the relative position of the hypocenters and origin times through the partial derivatives of the travel times for each event with respect to the unknown. HypoDD calculates travel times in a layered velocity model (where velocity depends only on depth) for the current hypocenters at the station where the phase was recorded. The double-difference residuals for pairs of earthquakes at each station are minimized by weighted least squares using the method of singular value decomposition (SVD) or the conjugate gradients method (LSQR, Paige and Saunders, 1982). Solutions are found by iteratively adjusting the vector difference between nearby hypocentral pairs, with the locations and partial derivatives being updated after each iteration. Details about the algorithm can be found in Waldhauser and Ellsworth (2000). When the earthquake location problem is linearized using the double-difference equations, the common mode errors cancel, principally those related to the receiver-side structure. Thus we avoid the need for station corrections or high-accuracy of predicted travel times for the portion of the raypath that lies outside the focal volume. This approach is especially useful in regions with a dense distribution of seismicity, i.e. where distances between neighboring events are only a few hundred meters. The improvement of double-difference locations over ordinary JHD locations is shown in Figure 1 for about 10,000 earthquakes that occurred during the 1997 seismic crisis in the Long Valley caldera, California. While the JHD locations (left panel) show a diffuse picture of the seismicity, double-difference locations (right panel) bring structural details such as the location of active fault planes into sharp focus.

Behavioural impact of a double dopaminergic and serotonergic lesion in the non-human primate.

PubMed

Beaudoin-Gobert, Maude; Epinat, Justine; Météreau, Elise; Duperrier, Sandra; Neumane, Sara; Ballanger, Bénédicte; Lavenne, Franck; Liger, François; Tourvielle, Christian; Bonnefoi, Frédéric; Costes, Nicolas; Bars, Didier Le; Broussolle, Emmanuel; Thobois, Stéphane; Tremblay, Léon; Sgambato-Faure, Véronique

2015-09-01

Serotonergic (5-HT) neurons degenerate in Parkinson's disease. To determine the role of this 5-HT injury-besides the dopaminergic one in the parkinsonian symptomatology-we developed a new monkey model exhibiting a double dopaminergic/serotonergic lesion by sequentially using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine (MDMA, better known as ecstasy). By positron emission tomography imaging and immunohistochemistry, we demonstrated that MDMA injured 5-HT nerve terminals in the brain of MPTP monkeys. Unexpectedly, this injury had no impact on tremor or on bradykinesia, but altered rigidity. It abolished the l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia and neuropsychiatric-like behaviours, without altering the anti-parkinsonian response. These data demonstrate that 5-HT fibres play a critical role in the expression of both motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease, and highlight that an imbalance between the 5-HT and dopaminergic innervating systems is involved in specific basal ganglia territories for different symptoms. © The Author (2015). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Effects of Whole Grain Wheat Bread on Visceral Fat Obesity in Japanese Subjects: A Randomized Double-Blind Study.

PubMed

Kikuchi, Yosuke; Nozaki, Satomi; Makita, Miki; Yokozuka, Shoji; Fukudome, Shin-Ichi; Yanagisawa, Takashi; Aoe, Seiichiro

2018-04-18

Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and has become increasingly common in Japan. Epidemiological studies show inverse associations between intake of whole wheat grains and metabolic syndrome, but few dietary intervention trials have investigated the effect of whole wheat grain consumption. It was investigated whether a diet in which refined wheat bread (RW diet) was substituted by whole grain wheat bread (WW diet) would reduce visceral fat obesity in Japanese subjects. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled intervention study was conducted in 50 Japanese subjects with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 23 kg/m 2 . Subjects were randomly assigned WW (WW group) or RW diets (RW group) for 12 weeks. Blood samples and computed tomography scans were obtained every 6th week. The WW group showed decrease (-4 cm 2 ) in visceral fat area (VFA) (p < 0.05), whereas the RW group showed no significant changes. These time-dependent changes were significantly different between the groups. WW diet led to significant and safe reductions in VFA in subjects with BMI ≥ 23 kg/m 2 . WW diet may contribute to preventing visceral fat obesity.

EEG-tomographic studies with LORETA on vigilance differences between narcolepsy patients and controls and subsequent double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with modafinil.

PubMed

Saletu, M; Anderer, P; Saletu-Zyhlarz, G M; Mandl, M; Arnold, O; Zeitlhofer, J; Saletu, B

2004-11-01

The aim of the present study was to identify brain regions associated with vigilance in untreated and modafinil-treated narcoleptic patients by means of low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA). 16 drug-free narcoleptics and 16 normal controls were included in the baseline investigation. Subsequently patients participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study receiving a three-week fixed titration of modafinil (200, 300, 400 mg) and placebo. Measurements comprised LORETA, the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) obtained before and after three weeks' therapy. Statistical overall analysis by means of the omnibus significance test demonstrated significant inter-group differences in the resting (R-EEG), but not in the vigilance-controlled recordings (V-EEG). Subsequent univariate analysis revealed a decrease in alpha-2 and beta 1-3 power in prefrontal, temporal and parietal cortices, with the right hemisphere slightly more involved in this vigilance decrement. Modafinil 400 mg/d as compared with placebo induced changes opposite to the aforementioned baseline differences (key-lock principle) with a preponderance in the left hemisphere. This increase in vigilance resulted in an improvement in the MSLT and the ESS. LORETA provided evidence of a functional deterioration of the fronto-temporo-parietal network of the right-hemispheric vigilance system in narcolepsy and a therapeutic effect of modafinil on the left hemisphere, which is less affected by the disease.

Characteristics of Offshore Hawai';i Island Seismicity and Velocity Structure, including Lo';ihi Submarine Volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merz, D. K.; Caplan-Auerbach, J.; Thurber, C. H.

2013-12-01

The Island of Hawai';i is home to the most active volcanoes in the Hawaiian Islands. The island's isolated nature, combined with the lack of permanent offshore seismometers, creates difficulties in recording small magnitude earthquakes with accuracy. This background offshore seismicity is crucial in understanding the structure of the lithosphere around the island chain, the stresses on the lithosphere generated by the weight of the islands, and how the volcanoes interact with each other offshore. This study uses the data collected from a 9-month deployment of a temporary ocean bottom seismometer (OBS) network fully surrounding Lo';ihi volcano. This allowed us to widen the aperture of earthquake detection around the Big Island, lower the magnitude detection threshold, and better constrain the hypocentral depths of offshore seismicity that occurs between the OBS network and the Hawaii Volcano Observatory's land based network. Although this study occurred during a time of volcanic quiescence for Lo';ihi, it establishes a basis for background seismicity of the volcano. More than 480 earthquakes were located using the OBS network, incorporating data from the HVO network where possible. Here we present relocated hypocenters using the double-difference earthquake location algorithm HypoDD (Waldhauser & Ellsworth, 2000), as well as tomographic images for a 30 km square area around the summit of Lo';ihi. Illuminated by using the double-difference earthquake location algorithm HypoDD (Waldhauser & Ellsworth, 2000), offshore seismicity during this study is punctuated by events locating in the mantle fault zone 30-50km deep. These events reflect rupture on preexisting faults in the lower lithosphere caused by stresses induced by volcano loading and flexure of the Pacific Plate (Wolfe et al., 2004; Pritchard et al., 2007). Tomography was performed using the double-difference seismic tomography method TomoDD (Zhang & Thurber, 2003) and showed overall velocities to be slower than the regional velocity model (HG50; Klein, 1989) in the shallow lithosphere above 16 km depth. This is likely a result of thick deposits of volcaniclastic sediments and fractured pillow basalts that blanket the southern submarine flank of Mauna Loa, upon which Lo';ihi is currently superimposing (Morgan et al., 2003). A broad, low-velocity anomaly was observed from 20-40 km deep beneath the area of Pahala, and is indicative of the central plume conduit that supplies magma to the active volcanoes. A localized high-velocity body is observed 4-6 km deep beneath Lo';ihi's summit, extending 10 km to the North and South. Oriented approximately parallel to Lo';ihi's active rift zones, this high-velocity body is suggestive of intrusion in the upper crust, similar to Kilauea's high-velocity rift zones.

Multimodal ophthalmic imaging using handheld spectrally encoded coherence tomography and reflectometry (SECTR)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leeburg, Kelsey C.; El-Haddad, Mohamed T.; Malone, Joseph D.; Terrones, Benjamin D.; Tao, Yuankai K.

2018-02-01

Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) provides high-speed, noninvasive en face imaging of the retinal fundus. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is the current "gold-standard" for ophthalmic diagnostic imaging and enables depth-resolved visualization of ophthalmic structures and image-based surrogate biomarkers of disease. We present a compact optical and mechanical design for handheld spectrally encoded coherence tomography and reflectometry (SECTR) for multimodality en face spectrally encoded reflectometry (SER) and cross-sectional OCT imaging. We custom-designed a double-pass telecentric scan lens, which halves the size of 4-f optical relays and allowed us to reduce the footprint of our SECTR scan-head by a factor of >2.7x (volume) over our previous design. The double-pass scan lens was optimized for diffraction-limited performance over a +/-10° scan field. SECTR optics and optomechanics were combined in a compact rapid-prototyped enclosure with dimensions 87 x 141.8 x 137 mm (w x h x d). SECTR was implemented using a custom-built 400 kHz 1050 nm swept-source. OCT and SER were simultaneously digitized on dual input channels of a 4 GS/s digitizer at 1.4 GS/s per channel. In vivo human en face SER and cross-sectional OCT images were acquired at 350 fps. OCT volumes of 1000 B-scans were acquired in 2.86 s. We believe clinical translation of our compact handheld design will benefit point-of-care ophthalmic diagnostics in patients who are unable to be imaged on conventional slit-lamp based systems, such as infants and the bedridden. When combined with multi-volumetric registration methods, handheld SECTR will have advantages in motion-artifact free imaging over existing handheld technologies.

A new algorithm for three-dimensional joint inversion of body wave and surface wave data and its application to the Southern California plate boundary region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Hongjian; Zhang, Haijiang; Yao, Huajian; Allam, Amir; Zigone, Dimitri; Ben-Zion, Yehuda; Thurber, Clifford; van der Hilst, Robert D.

2016-05-01

We introduce a new algorithm for joint inversion of body wave and surface wave data to get better 3-D P wave (Vp) and S wave (Vs) velocity models by taking advantage of the complementary strengths of each data set. Our joint inversion algorithm uses a one-step inversion of surface wave traveltime measurements at different periods for 3-D Vs and Vp models without constructing the intermediate phase or group velocity maps. This allows a more straightforward modeling of surface wave traveltime data with the body wave arrival times. We take into consideration the sensitivity of surface wave data with respect to Vp in addition to its large sensitivity to Vs, which means both models are constrained by two different data types. The method is applied to determine 3-D crustal Vp and Vs models using body wave and Rayleigh wave data in the Southern California plate boundary region, which has previously been studied with both double-difference tomography method using body wave arrival times and ambient noise tomography method with Rayleigh and Love wave group velocity dispersion measurements. Our approach creates self-consistent and unique models with no prominent gaps, with Rayleigh wave data resolving shallow and large-scale features and body wave data constraining relatively deeper structures where their ray coverage is good. The velocity model from the joint inversion is consistent with local geological structures and produces better fits to observed seismic waveforms than the current Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) model.

Influence of Different Antioxidants on X-Ray Induced DNA Double-Strand Breaks (DSBs) Using γ-H2AX Immunofluorescence Microscopy in a Preliminary Study

PubMed Central

Brand, Michael; Sommer, Matthias; Ellmann, Stephan; Wuest, Wolfgang; May, Matthias S.; Eller, Achim; Vogt, Sabine; Lell, Michael M.; Kuefner, Michael A.; Uder, Michael

2015-01-01

Background Radiation exposure occurs in X-ray guided interventional procedures or computed tomography (CT) and γ-H2AX-foci are recognized to represent DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) as a biomarker for radiation induced damage. Antioxidants may reduce the induction of γ-H2AX-foci by binding free radicals. The aim of this study was to establish a dose-effect relationship and a time-effect relationship for the individual antioxidants on DSBs in human blood lymphocytes. Materials and Methods Blood samples from volunteers were irradiated with 10 mGy before and after pre-incubation with different antioxidants (zinc, trolox, lipoic acid, ß-carotene, selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and Q 10). Thereby, different pre-incubation times, concentrations and combinations of drugs were evaluated. For assessment of DSBs, lymphocytes were stained against the phosphorylated histone variant γ-H2AX. Results For zinc, trolox and lipoic acid regardless of concentration or pre-incubation time, no significant decrease of γ-H2AX-foci was found. However, ß-carotene (15%), selenium (14%), vitamin E (12%), vitamin C (25%), NAC (43%) and Q 10 (18%) led to a significant reduction of γ-H2AX-foci at a pre-incubation time of 1 hour. The combination of different antioxidants did not have an additive effect. Conclusion Antioxidants administered prior to irradiation demonstrated the potential to reduce γ-H2AX-foci in blood lymphocytes. PMID:25996998

Towards in vivo laser coagulation and concurrent optical coherence tomography through double-clad fiber devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beaudette, Kathy; Lo, William; Villiger, Martin; Shishkov, Milen; Godbout, Nicolas; Bouma, Brett E.; Boudoux, Caroline

2016-03-01

There is a strong clinical need for an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system capable of delivering concurrent coagulation light enabling image-guided dynamic laser marking for targeted collection of biopsies, as opposed to a random sampling, to reduce false-negative findings. Here, we present a system based on double-clad fiber (DCF) capable of delivering pulsed laser light through the inner cladding while performing OCT through the core. A previously clinically validated commercial OCT system (NVisionVLE, Ninepoint Medical) was adapted to enable in vivo esophageal image-guided dynamic laser marking. An optimized DCF coupler was implemented into the system to couple both modalities into the DCF. A DCF-based rotary joint was used to couple light to the spinning DCF-based catheter for helical scanning. DCF-based OCT catheters, providing a beam waist diameter of 62μm at a working distance of 9.3mm, for use with a 17-mm diameter balloon sheath, were used for ex vivo imaging of a swine esophagus. Imaging results using the DCF-based clinical system show an image quality comparable with a conventional system with minimal crosstalk-induced artifacts. To further optimize DCF catheter optical design in order to achieve single-pulse marking, a Zemax model of the DCF output and its validation are presented.

Improving diffuse optical tomography with structural a priori from fluorescence diffuse optical tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Wenjuan; Gao, Feng; Duan, Linjing; Zhu, Qingzhen; Wang, Xin; Zhang, Wei; Wu, Linhui; Yi, Xi; Zhao, Huijuan

2012-03-01

We obtain absorption and scattering reconstructed images by incorporating a priori information of target location obtained from fluorescence diffuse optical tomography (FDOT) into the diffuse optical tomography (DOT). The main disadvantage of DOT lies in the low spatial resolution resulting from highly scattering nature of tissue in the near-infrared (NIR), but one can use it to monitor hemoglobin concentration and oxygen saturation simultaneously, as well as several other cheomphores such as water, lipids, and cytochrome-c-oxidase. Up to date, extensive effort has been made to integrate DOT with other imaging modalities such as MRI, CT, to obtain accurate optical property maps of the tissue. However, the experimental apparatus is intricate. In this study, DOT image reconstruction algorithm that incorporates a prior structural information provided by FDOT is investigated in an attempt to optimize recovery of a simulated optical property distribution. By use of a specifically designed multi-channel time-correlated single photon counting system, the proposed scheme in a transmission mode is experimentally validated to achieve simultaneous reconstruction of the fluorescent yield, lifetime, absorption and scattering coefficient. The experimental results demonstrate that the quantitative recovery of the tumor optical properties has doubled and the spatial resolution improves as well by applying the new improved method.

Single photon emission computed tomography-guided Cerenkov luminescence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Zhenhua; Chen, Xueli; Liang, Jimin; Qu, Xiaochao; Chen, Duofang; Yang, Weidong; Wang, Jing; Cao, Feng; Tian, Jie

2012-07-01

Cerenkov luminescence tomography (CLT) has become a valuable tool for preclinical imaging because of its ability of reconstructing the three-dimensional distribution and activity of the radiopharmaceuticals. However, it is still far from a mature technology and suffers from relatively low spatial resolution due to the ill-posed inverse problem for the tomographic reconstruction. In this paper, we presented a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)-guided reconstruction method for CLT, in which a priori information of the permissible source region (PSR) from SPECT imaging results was incorporated to effectively reduce the ill-posedness of the inverse reconstruction problem. The performance of the method was first validated with the experimental reconstruction of an adult athymic nude mouse implanted with a Na131I radioactive source and an adult athymic nude mouse received an intravenous tail injection of Na131I. A tissue-mimic phantom based experiment was then conducted to illustrate the ability of the proposed method in resolving double sources. Compared with the traditional PSR strategy in which the PSR was determined by the surface flux distribution, the proposed method obtained much more accurate and encouraging localization and resolution results. Preliminary results showed that the proposed SPECT-guided reconstruction method was insensitive to the regularization methods and ignored the heterogeneity of tissues which can avoid the segmentation procedure of the organs.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Reusch, L. M., E-mail: lmmcguire@wisc.edu; Den Hartog, D. J.; Goetz, J.

The two-color soft x-ray (SXR) tomography diagnostic on the Madison Symmetric Torus is capable of making electron temperature measurements via the double-filter technique; however, there has been a 15% systematic discrepancy between the SXR double-filter (SXR{sub DF}) temperature and Thomson scattering (TS) temperature. Here we discuss calibration of the Be filters used in the SXR{sub DF} measurement using empirical measurements of the transmission function versus energy at the BESSY II electron storage ring, electron microprobe analysis of filter contaminants, and measurement of the effective density. The calibration does not account for the TS and SXR{sub DF} discrepancy, and evidence frommore » experiments indicates that this discrepancy is due to physics missing from the SXR{sub DF} analysis rather than instrumentation effects.« less

Quantification of cellular autofluorescence of human skin using multiphoton tomography and fluorescence lifetime imaging in two spectral detection channels

PubMed Central

Patalay, Rakesh; Talbot, Clifford; Alexandrov, Yuriy; Munro, Ian; Neil, Mark A. A.; König, Karsten; French, Paul M. W.; Chu, Anthony; Stamp, Gordon W.; Dunsby, Chris

2011-01-01

We explore the diagnostic potential of imaging endogenous fluorophores using two photon microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) in human skin with two spectral detection channels. Freshly excised benign dysplastic nevi (DN) and malignant nodular Basal Cell Carcinomas (nBCCs) were excited at 760 nm. The resulting fluorescence signal was binned manually on a cell by cell basis. This improved the reliability of fitting using a double exponential decay model and allowed the fluorescence signatures from different cell populations within the tissue to be identified and studied. We also performed a direct comparison between different diagnostic groups. A statistically significant difference between the median mean fluorescence lifetime of 2.79 ns versus 2.52 ns (blue channel, 300-500 nm) and 2.08 ns versus 1.33 ns (green channel, 500-640 nm) was found between nBCCs and DN respectively, using the Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.01). Further differences in the distribution of fluorescence lifetime parameters and inter-patient variability are also discussed. PMID:22162820

Improving lateral resolution and image quality of optical coherence tomography by the multi-frame superresolution technique for 3D tissue imaging

PubMed Central

Shen, Kai; Lu, Hui; Baig, Sarfaraz; Wang, Michael R.

2017-01-01

The multi-frame superresolution technique is introduced to significantly improve the lateral resolution and image quality of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Using several sets of low resolution C-scan 3D images with lateral sub-spot-spacing shifts on different sets, the multi-frame superresolution processing of these sets at each depth layer reconstructs a higher resolution and quality lateral image. Layer by layer processing yields an overall high lateral resolution and quality 3D image. In theory, the superresolution processing including deconvolution can solve the diffraction limit, lateral scan density and background noise problems together. In experiment, the improved lateral resolution by ~3 times reaching 7.81 µm and 2.19 µm using sample arm optics of 0.015 and 0.05 numerical aperture respectively as well as doubling the image quality has been confirmed by imaging a known resolution test target. Improved lateral resolution on in vitro skin C-scan images has been demonstrated. For in vivo 3D SD-OCT imaging of human skin, fingerprint and retina layer, we used the multi-modal volume registration method to effectively estimate the lateral image shifts among different C-scans due to random minor unintended live body motion. Further processing of these images generated high lateral resolution 3D images as well as high quality B-scan images of these in vivo tissues. PMID:29188089

Achromatic registration of quadrature components of the optical spectrum in spectral domain optical coherence tomography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shilyagin, P A; Gelikonov, G V; Gelikonov, V M

2014-07-31

We have thoroughly investigated the method of simultaneous reception of spectral components with the achromatised quadrature phase shift between two portions of a reference wave, designed for the effective suppression of the 'mirror' artefact in the resulting image obtained by means of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT). We have developed and experimentally tested a phase-shifting element consisting of a beam divider, which splits the reference optical beam into the two beams, and of delay lines being individual for each beam, which create a mutual phase difference of π/2 in the double pass of the reference beam. The phasemore » shift achromatism over a wide spectral range is achieved by using in the delay lines the individual elements with different dispersion characteristics. The ranges of admissible adjustment parameters of the achromatised delay line are estimated for exact and inexact conformity of the geometric characteristics of its components to those calculated. A possibility of simultaneous recording of the close-to-quadrature spectral components with a single linear photodetector element is experimentally confirmed. The suppression of the artefact mirror peak in the OCT-signal by an additional 9 dB relative to the level of its suppression is experimentally achieved when the air delay line is used. Two-dimensional images of the surface positioned at an angle to the axis of the probe beam are obtained with the correction of the 'mirror' artefact while maintaining the dynamic range of the image. (laser biophotonics)« less

Pretreatment of patients requiring oral contrast abdominal computed tomography with antiemetics: a randomized controlled trial of efficacy.

PubMed

Garra, Gregory; Singer, Adam J; Bamber, Danny; Chohan, Jasmine; Troxell, Regina; Thode, Henry C

2009-04-01

Ingestion of diatrizoate meglumine before abdominal computed tomography (CT) is time consuming. We hypothesized that pretreatment with metoclopramide or ondansetron would result in faster ingestion of diatrizoate meglumine than placebo. The study was a double-blind, randomized controlled trial on adults requiring oral contrast abdominal CT. Patients were randomized to placebo, metoclopramide 10 mg, or ondansetron 4 mg intravenously 15 minutes before ingesting 2 L of diatrizoate meglumine. The primary outcome was time to complete diatrizoate meglumine ingestion. Secondary outcome measures included volume of diatrizoate meglumine ingested, 100-mm visual analog scale for nausea at 15-minute intervals, time to CT, vomiting, and use of rescue antiemetics. The study was powered to detect a 60-minute difference in diatrizoate meglumine ingestion time between saline and medication groups. One hundred six patients were randomized; placebo (36), metoclopramide (35), and ondansetron (35). Groups were similar in baseline characteristics. Median (interquartile range) times for diatrizoate meglumine ingestion were placebo 109 minutes (82 to 135 minutes); metoclopramide 105 minutes (75 to 135 minutes); and ondansetron 110 minutes (79 to 140 minutes) (P=.67). Vomiting was less frequent with metoclopramide (3%) than placebo (18%) or ondansetron (9%) (P=.11). The visual analog scale for nausea at each point was not significantly different between groups (P=.11). The need for rescue antiemetics was lowest for metoclopramide (3%) compared with placebo (27%) and ondansetron (12%) (P=.02). Pretreatment with ondansetron or metoclopramide does not reduce oral contrast solution ingestion time.

Endoscopic high-resolution auto fluorescence imaging and optical coherence tomography of airways in vivo (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pahlevaninezhad, Hamid; Lee, Anthony; Hohert, Geoffrey; Schwartz, Carley; Shaipanich, Tawimas; Ritchie, Alexander J.; Zhang, Wei; MacAulay, Calum E.; Lam, Stephen; Lane, Pierre M.

2016-03-01

In this work, we present multimodal imaging of peripheral airways in vivo using an endoscopic imaging system capable of co-registered optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence imaging (OCT-AFI). This system employs a 0.9 mm diameter double-clad fiber optic-based catheter for endoscopic imaging of small peripheral airways. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can visualize detailed airway morphology in the lung periphery and autofluorescence imaging (AFI) can visualize fluorescent tissue components such as collagen and elastin, improving the detection of airway lesions. Results from in vivo imaging of 40 patients indicate that OCT and AFI offer complementary information that may increase the ability to identify pulmonary nodules in the lung periphery and improve the safety of biopsy collection by identifying large blood vessels. AFI can rapidly visualize in vivo vascular networks using fast scanning parameters resulting in vascular-sensitive imaging with less breathing/cardiac motion artifacts compared to Doppler OCT imaging. By providing complementary information about structure and function of tissue, OCT-AFI may improve site selection during biopsy collection in the lung periphery.

Pancreatic and Gastric Heterotopia with Associated Submucosal Lipoma Presenting as a 7-cm Obstructive Tumor of the Ileum: Resection with Double Balloon Enteroscopy.

PubMed

Jiang, Kun; Stephen, F Otis; Jeong, Daniel; Pimiento, Jose M

2015-01-01

Pancreatic and gastric heterotopias are rare clinical entities which have been identified throughout the entire length of the gastrointestinal tract. Combined gastric and pancreatic heterotopias, although unusual, have been described in the duodenum and jejunum, and in other structures, including Meckel's diverticulum and the ampulla of Vater. We report a novel case of pancreatic and gastric heterotopia with an associated submucosal lipoma in a 38-year-old female with a recent history of rectal cancer and chronic crampy abdominal pain. On computed tomography, a 7-cm luminal polypoid mass extending into the distal ileum was discovered. The mass was successfully resected using retrograde double balloon enteroscopy. We believe this is the first report of all three histological entities co-existing in an obstructive ileal lesion in an adult. It highlights endoscopic resection trough double enteroscopy as a safe alternative to more invasive surgical approaches for this type of lesion.

Fusion Imaging: A Novel Staging Modality in Testis Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

the anatomic precision of computed tomography. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first study of the effectiveness using fusion...imaging in evaluation of patients with testis cancer. Methods: A prospective study of 49 patients presenting to Walter Reed Army Medical Center with...incidence of testis cancer has been increasing at an annual rate of 3%, leading to a doubling in cases world-wide over the last 40 years. With the advent

Three-Dimensional P-wave Velocity Structure Beneath Long Valley Caldera, California, Using Local-Regional Double-Difference Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menendez, H. M.; Thurber, C. H.

2011-12-01

Eastern California's Long Valley Caldera (LVC) and the Mono-Inyo Crater volcanic systems have been active for the past ~3.6 million years. Long Valley is known to produce very large silicic eruptions, the last of which resulted in the formation of a 17 km by 32 km wide, east-west trending caldera. Relatively recent unrest began between 1978-1980 with five ML ≥ 5.7 non-double-couple (NDC) earthquakes and associated aftershock swarms. Similar shallow seismic swarms have continued south of the resurgent dome and beneath Mammoth Mountain, surrounding sites of increased CO2 gas emissions. Nearly two decades of increased volcanic activity led to the 1997 installation of a temporary three-component array of 69 seismometers. This network, deployed by the Durham University, the USGS, and Duke University, recorded over 4,000 high-frequency events from May to September. A local tomographic inversion of 283 events surrounding Mammoth Mountain yielded a velocity structure with low Vp and Vp/Vs anomalies at 2-3 km bsl beneath the resurgent dome and Casa Diablo hot springs. These anomalies were interpreted to be CO2 reservoirs (Foulger et al., 2003). Several teleseismic and regional tomography studies have also imaged low Vp anomalies beneath the caldera at ~5-15 km depth, interpreted to be the underlying magma reservoir (Dawson et al., 1990; Weiland et al., 1995; Thurber et al., 2009). This study aims to improve the resolution of the LVC regional velocity model by performing tomographic inversions using the local events from 1997 in conjunction with regional events recorded by the Northern California Seismic Network (NCSN) between 1980 and 2010 and available refraction data. Initial tomographic inversions reveal a low velocity zone at ~2 to 6 km depth beneath the caldera. This structure may simply represent the caldera fill. Further iterations and the incorporation of teleseismic data may better resolve the overall shape and size of the underlying magma reservoir.

Development of high energy micro-tomography system at SPring-8

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uesugi, Kentaro; Hoshino, Masato

2017-09-01

A high energy X-ray micro-tomography system has been developed at BL20B2 in SPring-8. The available range of the energy is between 20keV and 113keV with a Si (511) double crystal monochromator. The system enables us to image large or heavy materials such as fossils and metals. The X-ray image detector consists of visible light conversion system and sCMOS camera. The effective pixel size is variable by changing a tandem lens between 6.5 μm/pixel and 25.5 μm/pixel discretely. The format of the camera is 2048 pixels x 2048 pixels. As a demonstration of the system, alkaline battery and a nodule from Bolivia were imaged. A detail of the structure of the battery and a female mold Trilobite were successfully imaged without breaking those fossils.

Effect of the 5-HT(1A) partial agonist buspirone on regional brain electrical activity in man: a functional neuroimaging study using low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA).

PubMed

Anderer, P; Saletu, B; Pascual-Marqui, R D

2000-12-04

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the effects of 20 mg buspirone - a 5-HT(1A) partial agonist - on regional electrical generators within the human brain were investigated utilizing three-dimensional EEG tomography. Nineteen-channel vigilance-controlled EEG recordings were carried out in 20 healthy subjects before and 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after drug intake. Low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA; Key Institute for Brain-Mind Research, software: http://www.keyinst.unizh.ch) was computed from spectrally analyzed EEG data, and differences between drug- and placebo-induced changes were displayed as statistical parametric maps. Data were registered to the Talairach-Tournoux human brain atlas available as a digitized MRI (McConnell Brain Imaging Centre: http://www.bic.mni.mcgill.ca). At the pharmacodynamic peak (1st hour), buspirone increased theta and decreased fast alpha and beta sources. Areas of theta increase were mainly the left temporo-occipito-parietal and left prefrontal cortices, which is consistent with PET studies on buspirone-induced decreases in regional cerebral blood flow and fenfluramine-induced serotonin activation demonstrated by changes in regional cerebral glucose metabolism. In later hours (8th hour) with lower buspirone plasma levels, delta, theta, slow alpha and fast beta decreased, predominantly in the prefrontal and anterior limbic lobe. Whereas the results of the 1st hour speak for a slight CNS sedation (more in the sense of relaxation), those obtained in the 8th hour indicate activation. Thus, LORETA may provide useful and direct information on drug-induced changes in central nervous system function in man.

Capacity Building for Sustainable Seismological Networks in the Americas: A Pan-American Advanced Studies Institute on New Frontiers in Seismological Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cabello, O. A.; Meltzer, A.; Sandvol, E. A.; Yepes, H.; Ruiz, M. C.; Barrientos, S. E.; Willemann, R. J.

2011-12-01

During July 2011, a Pan-American Advanced Studies Institute, "New Frontiers in Seismological Research: Sustainable Networks, Earthquake Source Parameters, and Earth Structure" was conducted in Quito Ecuador with participants from the US, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean at early stages in their scientific careers. This advanced studies institute was imparted by fifteen volunteer senior faculty and investigators from the U.S. and the Americas. The curriculum addressed the importance of developing and maintaining modern seismological observatories, reviewed the principles of sustainable network operations, and explored recent advances in the analysis of seismological data in support of basic research, education, and hazard mitigation. An additional goal was to develop future international research collaborations. The Institute engaged graduate students, post-doctoral students, and new faculty from across the Americas in an interactive collaborative learning environment including modules on double-difference earthquake location and tomography, regional centroid-moment tensors, and event-based and ambient noise surface wave dispersion and tomography. Under the faculty guidance, participants started promising research projects about surface wave tomography in southeastern Brazil, near the Chilean triple junction, in central Chilean Andes, at the Peru-Chile border, within Peru, at a volcano in Ecuador, in the Caribbean Sea region, and near the Mendocino triple junction. Other participants started projects about moment tensors of earthquakes in or near Brazil, Chile and Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, western Mexico, and northern Mexico. In order to track the progress of the participants and measure the overall effectiveness of the Institute a reunion is planned where the PASI alumni will present the result of their research that was initiated in Quito

Cadmium-Aluminum Layered Double Hydroxide Microspheres for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction.

PubMed

Saliba, Daniel; Ezzeddine, Alaa; Sougrat, Rachid; Khashab, Niveen M; Hmadeh, Mohamad; Al-Ghoul, Mazen

2016-04-21

We report the synthesis of cadmium-aluminum layered double hydroxide (CdAl LDH) using the reaction-diffusion framework. As the hydroxide anions diffuse into an agar gel matrix containing the mixture of aluminum and cadmium salts at a given ratio, they react to give the LDH. The LDH self-assembles inside the pores of the gel matrix into a unique spherical-porous shaped microstructure. The internal and external morphologies of the particles are studied by electron microscopy and tomography revealing interconnected channels and a high surface area. This material is shown to exhibit a promising performance in the photoreduction of carbon dioxide using solar light. Moreover, the palladium-decorated version shows a significant improvement in its reduction potential at room temperature. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

High-resolution imaging of basal cell carcinoma: a comparison between multiphoton microscopy with fluorescence lifetime imaging and reflectance confocal microscopy.

PubMed

Manfredini, Marco; Arginelli, Federica; Dunsby, Christopher; French, Paul; Talbot, Clifford; König, Karsten; Pellacani, Giovanni; Ponti, Giovanni; Seidenari, Stefania

2013-02-01

The aim of this study was to compare morphological aspects of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) as assessed by two different imaging methods: in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and multiphoton tomography with fluorescence lifetime imaging implementation (MPT-FLIM). The study comprised 16 BCCs for which a complete set of RCM and MPT-FLIM images were available. The presence of seven MPT-FLIM descriptors was evaluated. The presence of seven RCM equivalent parameters was scored in accordance to their extension. Chi-squared test with Fisher's exact test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were determined between MPT-FLIM scores and adjusted-RCM scores. MPT-FLIM and RCM descriptors of BCC were coupled to match the descriptors that define the same pathological structures. The comparison included: Streaming and Aligned elongated cells, Streaming with multiple directions and Double alignment, Palisading (RCM) and Palisading (MPT-FLIM), Typical tumor islands, and Cell islands surrounded by fibers, Dark silhouettes and Phantom islands, Plump bright cells and Melanophages, Vessels (RCM), and Vessels (MPT-FLIM). The parameters that were significantly correlated were Melanophages/Plump Bright Cells, Aligned elongated cells/Streaming, Double alignment/Streaming with multiple directions, and Palisading (MPT-FLIM)/Palisading (RCM). According to our data, both methods are suitable to image BCC's features. The concordance between MPT-FLIM and RCM is high, with some limitations due to the technical differences between the two devices. The hardest difficulty when comparing the images generated by the two imaging modalities is represented by their different field of view. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

San Miguel Volcanic Seismic and Structure in Central America: Insight into the Physical Processes of Volcanoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patlan, E.; Velasco, A.; Konter, J. G.

2010-12-01

The San Miguel volcano lies near the city of San Miguel, El Salvador (13.43N and - 88.26W). San Miguel volcano, an active stratovolcano, presents a significant natural hazard for the city of San Miguel. In general, the internal state and activity of volcanoes remains an important component to understanding volcanic hazard. The main technology for addressing volcanic hazards and processes is through the analysis of data collected from the deployment of seismic sensors that record ground motion. Six UTEP seismic stations were deployed around San Miguel volcano from 2007-2008 to define the magma chamber and assess the seismic and volcanic hazard. We utilize these data to develop images of the earth structure beneath the volcano, studying the volcanic processes by identifying different sources, and investigating the role of earthquakes and faults in controlling the volcanic processes. We initially locate events using automated routines and focus on analyzing local events. We then relocate each seismic event by hand-picking P-wave arrivals, and later refine these picks using waveform cross correlation. Using a double difference earthquake location algorithm (HypoDD), we identify a set of earthquakes that vertically align beneath the edifice of the volcano, suggesting that we have identified a magma conduit feeding the volcano. We also apply a double-difference earthquake tomography approach (tomoDD) to investigate the volcano’s plumbing system. Our preliminary results show the extent of the magma chamber that also aligns with some horizontal seismicity. Overall, this volcano is very active and presents a significant hazard to the region.

Variable pixel size ionospheric tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Dunyong; Zheng, Hongwei; Wang, Yanjun; Nie, Wenfeng; Li, Chaokui; Ao, Minsi; Hu, Wusheng; Zhou, Wei

2017-06-01

A novel ionospheric tomography technique based on variable pixel size was developed for the tomographic reconstruction of the ionospheric electron density (IED) distribution. In variable pixel size computerized ionospheric tomography (VPSCIT) model, the IED distribution is parameterized by a decomposition of the lower and upper ionosphere with different pixel sizes. Thus, the lower and upper IED distribution may be very differently determined by the available data. The variable pixel size ionospheric tomography and constant pixel size tomography are similar in most other aspects. There are some differences between two kinds of models with constant and variable pixel size respectively, one is that the segments of GPS signal pay should be assigned to the different kinds of pixel in inversion; the other is smoothness constraint factor need to make the appropriate modified where the pixel change in size. For a real dataset, the variable pixel size method distinguishes different electron density distribution zones better than the constant pixel size method. Furthermore, it can be non-chided that when the effort is spent to identify the regions in a model with best data coverage. The variable pixel size method can not only greatly improve the efficiency of inversion, but also produce IED images with high fidelity which are the same as a used uniform pixel size method. In addition, variable pixel size tomography can reduce the underdetermined problem in an ill-posed inverse problem when the data coverage is irregular or less by adjusting quantitative proportion of pixels with different sizes. In comparison with constant pixel size tomography models, the variable pixel size ionospheric tomography technique achieved relatively good results in a numerical simulation. A careful validation of the reliability and superiority of variable pixel size ionospheric tomography was performed. Finally, according to the results of the statistical analysis and quantitative comparison, the proposed method offers an improvement of 8% compared with conventional constant pixel size tomography models in the forward modeling.

Grating-based tomography applications in biomedical engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulz, Georg; Thalmann, Peter; Khimchenko, Anna; Müller, Bert

2017-10-01

For the investigation of soft tissues or tissues consisting of soft and hard tissues on the microscopic level, hard X-ray phase tomography has become one of the most suitable imaging techniques. Besides other phase contrast methods grating interferometry has the advantage of higher sensitivity than inline methods and the quantitative results. One disadvantage of the conventional double-grating setup (XDGI) compared to inline methods is the limitation of the spatial resolution. This limitation can be overcome by removing the analyser grating resulting in a single-grating setup (XSGI). In order to verify the performance of XSGI concerning contrast and spatial resolution, a quantitative comparison of XSGI and XDGI tomograms of a human nerve was performed. Both techniques provide sufficient contrast to allow for the distinction of tissue types. The spatial resolution of the two-fold binned XSGI data set is improved by a factor of two in comparison to XDGI which underlies its performance in tomography of soft tissues. Another application for grating-based X-ray phase tomography is the simultaneous visualization of soft and hard tissues of a plaque-containing coronary artery. The simultaneous visualization of both tissues is important for the segmentation of the lumen. The segmented data can be used for flow simulations in order to obtain information about the three-dimensional wall shear stress distribution needed for the optimization of mechano-sensitive nanocontainers used for drug delivery.

Evaluation of Macular Ganglion Cell Complex and Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in Primary Craniopharyngioma by Fourier-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.

PubMed

Yang, Liu; Qu, Yuanzhen; Lu, Wen; Liu, Fengjun

2016-07-03

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to compare the differences in macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) in child and adult patients with primary craniopharyngioma by Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) and to evaluate their significance in the diagnosis of primary craniopharyngioma. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ninety-six participants were divided into 3 groups: 32 in the child craniopharyngioma group (CCG) and 32 in the adult craniopharyngioma group (ACG) who were treated in Beijing Tiantan Hospital between November 2013 and October 2014, and 32 in the normal group (NG). All subjects were scanned by FD-OCT to map GCC and pRNFL thicknesses. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between GCC and pRNFL thickness, and pRNFL thickness and optic nerve head (ONH) parameters, including horizontal cup-disc ratio (HCDR), vertical cup-disc ratio (VCDR), optic disc area (ODA), and cup area (CA), respectively. RESULTS The correlation between GCC and pRNFL thickness in the CCG was slightly stronger compared with the ACG. A significant difference in GCC thickness was observed among the CCG, ACG, and NG. Although the pRNFL thickness in both the CCG and ACG was significantly higher than that in NG, no significant difference in pRNFL thickness was detected between the 2 craniopharyngioma groups. The average, superior, and inferior pRNFL thicknesses were negatively correlated with VCDR in the CCG (in double eyes) and ACG (only in left eyes). CONCLUSIONS GCC was more sensitive than pRNFL in detecting optic nerve damage in the eyes of craniopharyngioma patients. A thinner pRNFL was especially correlated with VCDR in child craniopharyngioma patients.

Evaluation of Macular Ganglion Cell Complex and Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in Primary Craniopharyngioma by Fourier-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

PubMed Central

Yang, Liu; Qu, Yuanzhen; Lu, Wen; Liu, Fengjun

2016-01-01

Background The aim of this study was to compare the differences in macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) in child and adult patients with primary craniopharyngioma by Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) and to evaluate their significance in the diagnosis of primary craniopharyngioma. Material/Methods Ninety-six participants were divided into 3 groups: 32 in the child craniopharyngioma group (CCG) and 32 in the adult craniopharyngioma group (ACG) who were treated in Beijing Tiantan Hospital between November 2013 and October 2014, and 32 in the normal group (NG). All subjects were scanned by FD-OCT to map GCC and pRNFL thicknesses. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between GCC and pRNFL thickness, and pRNFL thickness and optic nerve head (ONH) parameters, including horizontal cup-disc ratio (HCDR), vertical cup-disc ratio (VCDR), optic disc area (ODA), and cup area (CA), respectively. Results The correlation between GCC and pRNFL thickness in the CCG was slightly stronger compared with the ACG. A significant difference in GCC thickness was observed among the CCG, ACG, and NG. Although the pRNFL thickness in both the CCG and ACG was significantly higher than that in NG, no significant difference in pRNFL thickness was detected between the 2 craniopharyngioma groups. The average, superior, and inferior pRNFL thicknesses were negatively correlated with VCDR in the CCG (in double eyes) and ACG (only in left eyes). Conclusions GCC was more sensitive than pRNFL in detecting optic nerve damage in the eyes of craniopharyngioma patients. A thinner pRNFL was especially correlated with VCDR in child craniopharyngioma patients. PMID:27372909

Rostral Anterior Cingulate Cortex Theta Current Density and Response to Antidepressants and Placebo in Major Depression

PubMed Central

Korb, Alexander S.; Hunter, Aimee M.; Cook, Ian A.; Leuchter, Andrew F.

2009-01-01

Objective To assess whether pretreatment theta current density in the rostral anterior cingulate (rACC) and medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) differentiates responders from non-responders to antidepressant medication or placebo in a double-blinded study. Methods Pretreatment EEGs were collected from 72 subjects with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who participated in one of three placebo-controlled trials. Subjects were randomized to receive treatment with fluoxetine, venlafaxine, or placebo. Low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) was used to assess theta current density in the rACC and mOFC. Results Medication responders showed elevated rACC and mOFC theta current density compared to medication non-responders (rACC: p=0.042; mOFC: p=0.039). There was no significant difference in either brain region between placebo responders and placebo non-responders. Conclusions Theta current density in the rACC and mOFC may be useful as a biomarker for prediction of response to antidepressant medication. Significance This is the first double-blinded treatment study to examine pretreatment rACC and mOFC theta current density in relation to antidepressant response and placebo response. Results support the potential clinical utility of this approach for predicting clinical outcome to antidepressant treatments in MDD. PMID:19539524

Synchronous Double Malignant Tumors Consisting of Stomach and Hodgkin's Lymphoma with Collision between Gastric Adenocarcinoma and Hodgkin's Lymphoma in the Stomach.

PubMed

Yanagawa, Naoki; Ogata, Shin-Ya; Fukushima, Norimasa; Maeda, Kunihiko; Tamura, Gen

2012-09-01

We report the rare case of a 72-year-old man with double cancers (gastric adenocarcinoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma) with collision between gastric adenocarcinoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma. Abdominal computed tomography showed increased wall thickness in the fundus region of the stomach and multiple lymph node swellings in the lesser curvature, periceliac and left cardial regions. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed an ulcer approximately 5 cm in diameter with a malignant appearance in the fundus region of the stomach. On histopathologic examination, two completely different tumors were recognized in the stomach. One tumor was a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma characterized by poorly developed tubular structures associated with prominent lymphoid infiltration of the stroma. The other tumor was found to have proliferated in the wall of the stomach, with diffuse granulomatous lesions and bordering the adenocarcinoma. Large atypical lymphoid cells with prominent nucleoli and enlarged mononuclei or multinuclei were seen in the latter tumor. Hodgkin's lymphoma was also found in the swollen lesser curvature lymph nodes. As a result, gastric adenocarcinoma and metastasis of Hodgkin's lymphoma were collided in the stomach. In conclusion, this case might be helpful in exploring the occurrence mechanism of tumor collision between lymphoma and carcinoma.

Multiple composite grafts (k, π or double-Y) in coronary artery surgery: a choice or a necessity?

PubMed

Mannacio, Vito; Cirillo, Plinio; Mannacio, Luigi; Antignano, Anita; Mottola, Michele; Vosa, Carlo

2015-01-01

Composite grafts allow complete arterial revascularization with minimal aortic manipulations. The Y-T configuration supplies all distal branches adequately, whereas it is unclear whether complex composite configurations (K, Π or double-Y) are equally at rest or when challenged by maximal requirements. Forty-seven patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery revascularization by multiple arterial composite grafts (K, Π or double-Y) were retrospectively evaluated. Indication for this surgical option was porcelain aorta or conduit unavailability. Composite systems were evaluated by intraoperative flow measurements and perioperative transthoracic Doppler ultrasonography, 12 months later also by exercise test, sestamibi scintigraphy at rest and during induced hyperaemia and by 64-slice multidetector CT angiography. A total of 141 distal anastomoses were implanted as composite grafts. Perioperative flow measurements and 12-month Doppler ultrasonography were adequate at rest. At stress test, chest pain and/or induced ECG evidence of ischaemia are found in 16 patients (39%). During dipyridamole-induced hyperaemia, single-photon emission computed tomography image revealed that mean summed stress score was 7.2 ± 5.7, summed difference score 5.3 ± 4.2 and coronary flow reserve 1.7 ± 0.2. Multiple composite grafts, albeit adequate at rest, were unable to meet flow requirements during maximal hyperaemia. In daily practice, their use must be not a choice but rather a necessity in those patients without alternative options. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

TNF-α Antagonist and Vascular Inflammation in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study.

PubMed

Bissonnette, Robert; Harel, François; Krueger, James G; Guertin, Marie-Claude; Chabot-Blanchet, Malorie; Gonzalez, Juana; Maari, Catherine; Delorme, Isabelle; Lynde, Charles W; Tardif, Jean-Claude

2017-08-01

Vascular inflammation is increased in patients with psoriasis. This randomized, double-blind, multicenter study evaluated the effects of tumor necrosis factor-α antagonist adalimumab on vascular inflammation in patients with psoriasis. A total of 107 patients were randomized (1:1) to receive adalimumab for 52 weeks or placebo for 16 weeks followed by adalimumab for 52 weeks. Vascular inflammation was assessed with positron emission tomography-computed tomography. There were no differences in the change from baseline in vessel wall target-to-background ratio (TBR) from the ascending aorta (primary endpoint) (adalimumab: TBR = 0.002, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.048 to 0.053; placebo: TBR = -0.002, 95% CI = -0.053 to 0.049; P = 0.916) and the carotids (adalimumab: TBR = 0.031, 95% CI = -0.005 to 0.066; placebo: TBR = 0.018, 95% CI = -0.019 to 0.055; P = 0.629) at week 16 between adalimumab and placebo. After 52 weeks of treatment with adalimumab there was no significant change from start of treatment in TBR from the ascending aorta (TBR = -0.006, 95% CI = -0.049 to 0.038; P = 0.796), but there was an increase in TBR in carotids (TBR = 0.027, 95% CI = 0.000 to 0.054; P = 0.046). This study showed no difference over 16 weeks in vascular inflammation in patients treated with a tumor necrosis factor-α antagonist or placebo and a modest increase in vascular inflammation in carotids after 52 weeks of treatment with adalimumab. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Wet refractivity tomography with an improved Kalman-Filter method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Yunchang; Chen, Yongqi; Li, Pingwha

2006-10-01

An improved retrieval method, which uses the solution with a Gaussian constraint as the initial state variables for the Kalman Filtering (KF) method, was developed to retrieve the wet refractivity profiles from slant wet delays (SWD) extracted by the double-differenced (DD) GPS method. The accuracy of the GPS-derived SWDs is also tested in this study against the measurements of a water vapor radiometer (WVR) and a weather model. It is concluded that the GPS-derived SWDs have similar accuracy to those measured with WVR and are much higher in quality than those derived from the weather model used. The developed method is used to retrieve the 3D wet refractivity distribution in the Hong Kong region. The retrieved profiles agree well with the radiosonde observations, with a difference of about 4 mm km-1 in the low levels. The accurate profiles obtained with this method are applicable in a number of meteorological applications.

Simultaneous multimodal ophthalmic imaging using swept-source spectrally encoded scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography

PubMed Central

Malone, Joseph D.; El-Haddad, Mohamed T.; Bozic, Ivan; Tye, Logan A.; Majeau, Lucas; Godbout, Nicolas; Rollins, Andrew M.; Boudoux, Caroline; Joos, Karen M.; Patel, Shriji N.; Tao, Yuankai K.

2016-01-01

Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) benefits diagnostic imaging and therapeutic guidance by allowing for high-speed en face imaging of retinal structures. When combined with optical coherence tomography (OCT), SLO enables real-time aiming and retinal tracking and provides complementary information for post-acquisition volumetric co-registration, bulk motion compensation, and averaging. However, multimodality SLO-OCT systems generally require dedicated light sources, scanners, relay optics, detectors, and additional digitization and synchronization electronics, which increase system complexity. Here, we present a multimodal ophthalmic imaging system using swept-source spectrally encoded scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography (SS-SESLO-OCT) for in vivo human retinal imaging. SESLO reduces the complexity of en face imaging systems by multiplexing spatial positions as a function of wavelength. SESLO image quality benefited from single-mode illumination and multimode collection through a prototype double-clad fiber coupler, which optimized scattered light throughput and reduce speckle contrast while maintaining lateral resolution. Using a shared 1060 nm swept-source, shared scanner and imaging optics, and a shared dual-channel high-speed digitizer, we acquired inherently co-registered en face retinal images and OCT cross-sections simultaneously at 200 frames-per-second. PMID:28101411

Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction-V Versus Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction: Impact on Dose Reduction and Image Quality in Body Computed Tomography.

PubMed

Gatti, Marco; Marchisio, Filippo; Fronda, Marco; Rampado, Osvaldo; Faletti, Riccardo; Bergamasco, Laura; Ropolo, Roberto; Fonio, Paolo

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact on dose reduction and image quality of the new iterative reconstruction technique: adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR-V). Fifty consecutive oncologic patients acted as case controls undergoing during their follow-up a computed tomography scan both with ASIR and ASIR-V. Each study was analyzed in a double-blinded fashion by 2 radiologists. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses of image quality were conducted. Computed tomography scanner radiation output was 38% (29%-45%) lower (P < 0.0001) for the ASIR-V examinations than for the ASIR ones. The quantitative image noise was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) for ASIR-V. Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V had a higher performance for the subjective image noise (P = 0.01 for 5 mm and P = 0.009 for 1.25 mm), the other parameters (image sharpness, diagnostic acceptability, and overall image quality) being similar (P > 0.05). Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V is a new iterative reconstruction technique that has the potential to provide image quality equal to or greater than ASIR, with a dose reduction around 40%.

Root canal morphology of primary molars: a micro-computed tomography study.

PubMed

Fumes, A C; Sousa-Neto, M D; Leoni, G B; Versiani, M A; da Silva, L A B; da Silva, R A B; Consolaro, A

2014-10-01

This was to investigate the root canal morphology of primary molar teeth using micro-computed tomography. Primary maxillary (n = 20) and mandibular (n = 20) molars were scanned at a resolution of 16.7 μm and analysed regarding the number, location, volume, area, structured model index (SMI), area, roundness, diameters, and length of canals, as well as the thickness of dentine in the apical third. Data were statistically compared by using paired-sample t test, independent sample t test, and one-way analysis of variance with significance level set as 5%. Overall, no statistical differences were found between the canals with respect to length, SMI, dentine thickness, area, roundness, and diameter (p > 0.05). A double canal system was observed in the mesial and mesio-buccal roots of the mandibular and maxillary molars, respectively. The thickness in the internal aspect of the roots was lower than in the external aspect. Cross-sectional evaluation of the roots in the apical third showed flat-shaped canals in the mandibular molars and ribbon- and oval-shaped canals in the maxillary molars. External and internal anatomy of the primary first molars closely resemble the primary second molars. The reported data may help clinicians to obtain a thorough understanding of the morphological variations of root canals in primary molars to overcome problems related to shaping and cleaning procedures, allowing appropriate management strategies for root canal treatment.

The spot sign and tranexamic acid on preventing ICH growth--AUStralasia Trial (STOP-AUST): protocol of a phase II randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial.

PubMed

Meretoja, Atte; Churilov, Leonid; Campbell, Bruce C V; Aviv, Richard I; Yassi, Nawaf; Barras, Christen; Mitchell, Peter; Yan, Bernard; Nandurkar, Harshal; Bladin, Christopher; Wijeratne, Tissa; Spratt, Neil J; Jannes, Jim; Sturm, Jonathan; Rupasinghe, Jayantha; Zavala, Jorge; Lee, Andrew; Kleinig, Timothy; Markus, Romesh; Delcourt, Candice; Mahant, Neil; Parsons, Mark W; Levi, Christopher; Anderson, Craig S; Donnan, Geoffrey A; Davis, Stephen M

2014-06-01

No evidence-based acute therapies exist for intracerebral hemorrhage. Intracerebral hemorrhage growth is an important determinant of patient outcome. Tranexamic acid is known to reduce hemorrhage in other conditions. The study aims to test the hypothesis that intracerebral hemorrhage patients selected with computed tomography angiography contrast extravasation 'spot sign' will have lower rates of hematoma growth when treated with intravenous tranexamic acid within 4.5-hours of stroke onset compared with placebo. The Spot sign and Tranexamic acid On Preventing ICH growth--AUStralasia Trial is a multicenter, prospective, 1:1 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, investigator-initiated, academic Phase II trial. Intracerebral hemorrhage patients fulfilling clinical criteria (e.g. Glasgow Coma Scale >7, intracerebral hemorrhage volume <70 ml, no identified secondary cause of intracerebral hemorrhage, no thrombotic events within the previous 12 months, no planned surgery) and demonstrating contrast extravasation on computed tomography angiography will receive either intravenous tranexamic acid 1 g 10-min bolus followed by 1 g eight-hour infusion or placebo. A second computed tomography will be performed at 24 ± 3 hours to evaluate intracerebral hemorrhage growth and patients followed up for three-months. The primary outcome measure is presence of intracerebral hemorrhage growth by 24 ± 3 hours, defined as either >33% or >6 ml increase from baseline, and will be adjusted for baseline intracerebral hemorrhage volume. Secondary outcome measures include growth as a continuous measure, thromboembolic events, and the three-month modified Rankin Scale score. This is the first trial to evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid in intracerebral hemorrhage patients selected based on an imaging biomarker of high likelihood of hematoma growth. The trial is registered as NCT01702636. © 2013 The Authors. International Journal of Stroke © 2013 World Stroke Organization.

Real-space evidence of the equilibrium ordered bicontinuous double diamond structure of a diblock copolymer.

PubMed

Chu, C Y; Jiang, X; Jinnai, H; Pei, R Y; Lin, W F; Tsai, J C; Chen, H L

2015-03-14

The ordered bicontinuous double diamond (OBDD) structure has long been believed to be an unstable ordered network nanostructure, which is relative to the ordered bicontinuous double gyroid (OBDG) structure for diblock copolymers. Using electron tomography, we present the first real-space observation of the thermodynamically stable OBDD structure in a diblock copolymer composed of a stereoregular block, syndiotactic polypropylene-block-polystyrene (sPP-b-PS), in which the sPP tetrapods are interconnected via a bicontinuous network with Pn3̄m symmetry. The OBDD structure underwent a thermally reversible order-order transition (OOT) to OBDG upon heating, and the transition was accompanied with a slight reduction of domain spacing, as demonstrated both experimentally and theoretically. The thermodynamic stability of the OBDD structure was attributed to the ability of the configurationally regular sPP block to form helical segments, even above its melting point, as the reduction of internal energy associated with the helix formation may effectively compensate the greater packing frustration in OBDD relative to that in the tripods of OBDG.

Compound double ileoileal and ileocecocolic intussusception caused by lipoma of the ileum in an adult patient: A case report

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Introduction The initial diagnosis of intussusception in adults very often can be missed and cause delayed treatment and possible serious complications. We report the case of an adult patient with complicated double ileoileal and ileocecocolic intussusception. Case presentation A 46-year-old Caucasian man was transferred from the gastroenterology service to the abdominal surgery service with severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. An abdominal ultrasound, barium enema, and abdominal computed tomography scan revealed an intraluminal obstruction of his ascending colon. Plain abdominal X-rays showed diffuse air-fluid levels in his small intestine. A double ileoileal and ileocecocolic intussusception was found during an emergent laparotomy. A right hemicolectomy, including resection of a long segment of his ileum, was performed. The postoperative period was complicated by acute renal failure, shock liver, and pulmonary thromboembolism. Our patient was discharged from the hospital after 30 days. An anatomical pathology examination revealed a lipoma of his ileum. Conclusions Intussusception in adults requires early surgical resection regardless of the nature of the initial cause. Delayed treatment can cause very serious complications. PMID:21910876

Differences between postmortem computed tomography and conventional autopsy in a stabbing murder case

PubMed Central

Zerbini, Talita; da Silva, Luiz Fernando Ferraz; Ferro, Antonio Carlos Gonçalves; Kay, Fernando Uliana; Junior, Edson Amaro; Pasqualucci, Carlos Augusto Gonçalves; do Nascimento Saldiva, Paulo Hilario

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present work is to analyze the differences and similarities between the elements of a conventional autopsy and images obtained from postmortem computed tomography in a case of a homicide stab wound. METHOD: Comparison between the findings of different methods: autopsy and postmortem computed tomography. RESULTS: In some aspects, autopsy is still superior to imaging, especially in relation to external examination and the description of lesion vitality. However, the findings of gas embolism, pneumothorax and pulmonary emphysema and the relationship between the internal path of the instrument of aggression and the entry wound are better demonstrated by postmortem computed tomography. CONCLUSIONS: Although multislice computed tomography has greater accuracy than autopsy, we believe that the conventional autopsy method is fundamental for providing evidence in criminal investigations. PMID:25518020

Fast automatic segmentation of anatomical structures in x-ray computed tomography images to improve fluorescence molecular tomography reconstruction.

PubMed

Freyer, Marcus; Ale, Angelique; Schulz, Ralf B; Zientkowska, Marta; Ntziachristos, Vasilis; Englmeier, Karl-Hans

2010-01-01

The recent development of hybrid imaging scanners that integrate fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) and x-ray computed tomography (XCT) allows the utilization of x-ray information as image priors for improving optical tomography reconstruction. To fully capitalize on this capacity, we consider a framework for the automatic and fast detection of different anatomic structures in murine XCT images. To accurately differentiate between different structures such as bone, lung, and heart, a combination of image processing steps including thresholding, seed growing, and signal detection are found to offer optimal segmentation performance. The algorithm and its utilization in an inverse FMT scheme that uses priors is demonstrated on mouse images.

Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy Reduces the Time Required for Localization and Resection of Lung Nodules.

PubMed

Bolton, William David; Cochran, Thomas; Ben-Or, Sharon; Stephenson, James E; Ellis, William; Hale, Allyson L; Binks, Andrew P

The aims of the study were to evaluate electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) and computed tomography-guided placement as localization techniques for minimally invasive resection of small pulmonary nodules and determine whether electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy is a safer and more effective method than computed tomography-guided localization. We performed a retrospective review of our thoracic surgery database to identify patients who underwent minimally invasive resection for a pulmonary mass and used either electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy or computed tomography-guided localization techniques between July 2011 and May 2015. Three hundred eighty-three patients had a minimally invasive resection during our study period, 117 of whom underwent electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy or computed tomography localization (electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy = 81; computed tomography = 36). There was no significant difference between computed tomography and electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy patient groups with regard to age, sex, race, pathology, nodule size, or location. Both computed tomography and electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy were 100% successful at localizing the mass, and there was no difference in the type of definitive surgical resection (wedge, segmentectomy, or lobectomy) (P = 0.320). Postoperative complications occurred in 36% of all patients, but there were no complications related to the localization procedures. In terms of localization time and surgical time, there was no difference between groups. However, the down/wait time between localization and resection was significant (computed tomography = 189 minutes; electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy = 27 minutes); this explains why the difference in total time (sum of localization, down, and surgery) was significant (P < 0.001). We found electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy to be as safe and effective as computed tomography-guided wire placement and to provide a significantly decreased down time between localization and surgical resection.

Operative correction of abdominal rectus diastasis (ARD) reduces pain and improves abdominal wall muscle strength: A randomized, prospective trial comparing retromuscular mesh repair to double-row, self-retaining sutures.

PubMed

Emanuelsson, Peter; Gunnarsson, Ulf; Dahlstrand, Ursula; Strigård, Karin; Stark, Birgit

2016-11-01

The primary aim of this prospective, randomized, clinical, 2-armed trial was to evaluate the risk for recurrence using 2 different operative techniques for repair of abdominal rectus diastasis. Secondary aims were comparison of pain, abdominal muscle strength, and quality of life and to compare those outcomes to a control group receiving physical training only. Eighty-six patients were enrolled. Twenty-nine patients were allocated to retromuscular polypropylene mesh and 27 to double-row plication with Quill technology. Thirty-two patients participated in a 3-month training program. Diastasis was evaluated with computed tomography scan and clinically. Pain was assessed using the ventral hernia pain questionnaire, a quality-of-life survey, SF-36, and abdominal muscle strength using the Biodex System-4. One early recurrence occurred in the Quill group, 2 encapsulated seromas in the mesh group, and 3 in the suture group. Significant improvements in perceived pain, the ventral hernia pain questionnaire, and quality of life appeared at the 1-year follow-up with no difference between the 2 operative groups. Significant muscular improvement was obtained in all groups (Biodex System-4). Patient perceived gain in muscle strength assessed with a visual analog scale improved similarly in both operative groups. This improvement was significantly greater than that seen in the training group. Patients in the training group still experienced bodily pain at follow-up. There was no difference between the Quill technique and retromuscular mesh in the effect on abdominal wall stability, with a similar complication rate 1 year after operation. An operation improves functional ability and quality of life. Training strengthens the abdominal muscles, but patients still experience discomfort and pain. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Microinterferometric optical phase tomography for measuring small, asymmetric refractive-index differences in the profiles of optical fibers and fiber devices.

PubMed

Bachim, Brent L; Gaylord, Thomas K

2005-01-20

A new technique, microinterferometric optical phase tomography, is introduced for use in measuring small, asymmetric refractive-index differences in the profiles of optical fibers and fiber devices. The method combines microscopy-based fringe-field interferometry with parallel projection-based computed tomography to characterize fiber index profiles. The theory relating interference measurements to the projection set required for tomographic reconstruction is given, and discrete numerical simulations are presented for three test index profiles that establish the technique's ability to characterize fiber with small, asymmetric index differences. An experimental measurement configuration and specific interferometry and tomography practices employed in the technique are discussed.

How Deep is Shallow? Improving Absolute and Relative Locations of Upper Crustal Seismicity in Switzerland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diehl, T.; Kissling, E. H.; Singer, J.; Lee, T.; Clinton, J. F.; Waldhauser, F.; Wiemer, S.

2017-12-01

Information on the structure of upper-crustal fault systems and their connection with seismicity is key to the understanding of neotectonic processes. Precisely determined focal depths in combination with structural models can provide important insight into deformation styles of the upper crust (e.g. thin- vs. versus thick-skinned tectonics). Detailed images of seismogenic fault zones in the upper crust, on the other hand, will contribute to the assessment of the hazard related to natural and induced earthquakes, especially in regions targeted for radioactive waste repositories or geothermal energy production. The complex velocity structure of the uppermost crust and unfavorable network geometries, however, often hamper precise locations (i.e. focal depth) of shallow seismicity and therefore limit tectonic interpretations. In this study we present a new high-precision catalog of absolute locations of seismicity in Switzerland. High-quality travel-time data from local and regional earthquakes in the period 2000-2017 are used to solve the coupled hypocenter-velocity structure problem in 1D. For this purpose, the well-known VELEST inversion software was revised and extended to improve the quality assessment of travel-time data and to facilitate the identification of erroneous picks in the bulletin data. Results from the 1D inversion are used as initial parameters for a 3D local earthquake tomography. Well-studied earthquakes and high-quality quarry blasts are used to assess the quality of 1D and 3D relocations. In combination with information available from various controlled-source experiments, borehole data, and geological profiles, focal depths and associated host formations are assessed through comparison with the resolved 3D velocity structure. The new absolute locations and velocity models are used as initial values for relative double-difference relocation of earthquakes in Switzerland. Differential times are calculated from bulletin picks and waveform cross-correlation. The resulting double-difference catalog is used as a regional background catalog for a real-time double-difference approach. We will present our implementation strategy and test its performance for local applications using examples from well-recorded natural and induced earthquake sequences in Switzerland.

Hand and nickel-titanium root canal instrumentation performed by dental students: a micro-computed tomographic study.

PubMed

Peru, M; Peru, C; Mannocci, F; Sherriff, M; Buchanan, L S; Pitt Ford, T R

2006-02-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate root canals instrumented by dental students using the modified double-flared technique, nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary System GT files and NiTi rotary ProTaper files by micro-computed tomography (MCT). A total of 36 root canals from 18 mesial roots of mandibular molar teeth were prepared; 12 canals were prepared with the modified double-flared technique, using K-flexofiles and Gates-Glidden burs; 12 canals were prepared using System GT and 12 using ProTaper rotary files. Each root was scanned using MCT preoperatively and postoperatively. At the coronal and mid-root sections, System GT and ProTaper files produced significantly less enlarged canal cross-sectional area, volume and perimeter than the modified double-flared technique (P < 0.05). In the mid-root sections there was significantly less thinning of the root structure towards the furcation with System GT and ProTaper (P < 0.05). The rotary techniques were both three times faster than the modified double-flared technique (P < 0.05). Qualitative evaluation of the preparations showed that both ProTaper and System GT were able to prepare root canals with little or no procedural error compared with the modified double-flared technique. Under the conditions of this study, inexperienced dental students were able to prepare curved root canals with rotary files with greater preservation of tooth structure, low risk of procedural errors and much quicker than with hand instruments.

Synchronous double primary cancers of the extrahepatic bile duct: A case report and literature review.

PubMed

Nishi, Takeshi; Sato, Yoshitoshi; Hanaoka, Takuya; Takahashi, Takuya; Miura, Hiroshi; Takubo, Kenji

2018-01-01

Double cancers of the biliary tract system are rare. Most of these cancers are synchronous double cancers of the gall bladder and bile duct, associated with pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM). Synchronous double cancers of the extrahepatic bile duct without PBM are especially rare, and only 4 cases have been reported. A 78-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for examination of hyperbilirubinemia and liver dysfunction. Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography, Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed 2 stenotic regions in the common bile duct: at its junction with the cystic duct and in the distal bile duct. No findings suggested PBM, such as a markedly long common channel. The diagnosis based on endoscopic brush cytology from both stricture portions was adenocarcinoma. The patient had a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with regional lymph node resection. Macroscopically, there were 2 stenotic regions at the cystic duct junction and in the distal bile duct. Microscopically, the tumor at the junction of the cystic duct was a well-to-moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. On the other hand, the tumor of the distal bile duct was a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. There was no evidence of communication between these 2 cancers. Double cancers of the extrahepatic bile duct without PBM are very rare. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis prior to surgery is necessary. Furthermore, this rare condition seems to be associated with a poor prognosis. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Quantum control and process tomography of a semiconductor quantum dot hybrid qubit.

PubMed

Kim, Dohun; Shi, Zhan; Simmons, C B; Ward, D R; Prance, J R; Koh, Teck Seng; Gamble, John King; Savage, D E; Lagally, M G; Friesen, Mark; Coppersmith, S N; Eriksson, Mark A

2014-07-03

The similarities between gated quantum dots and the transistors in modern microelectronics--in fabrication methods, physical structure and voltage scales for manipulation--have led to great interest in the development of quantum bits (qubits) in semiconductor quantum dots. Although quantum dot spin qubits have demonstrated long coherence times, their manipulation is often slower than desired for important future applications, such as factoring. Furthermore, scalability and manufacturability are enhanced when qubits are as simple as possible. Previous work has increased the speed of spin qubit rotations by making use of integrated micromagnets, dynamic pumping of nuclear spins or the addition of a third quantum dot. Here we demonstrate a qubit that is a hybrid of spin and charge. It is simple, requiring neither nuclear-state preparation nor micromagnets. Unlike previous double-dot qubits, the hybrid qubit enables fast rotations about two axes of the Bloch sphere. We demonstrate full control on the Bloch sphere with π-rotation times of less than 100 picoseconds in two orthogonal directions, which is more than an order of magnitude faster than any other double-dot qubit. The speed arises from the qubit's charge-like characteristics, and its spin-like features result in resistance to decoherence over a wide range of gate voltages. We achieve full process tomography in our electrically controlled semiconductor quantum dot qubit, extracting high fidelities of 85 per cent for X rotations (transitions between qubit states) and 94 per cent for Z rotations (phase accumulation between qubit states).

In vivo endoscopic Doppler optical coherence tomography imaging of the colon

PubMed Central

Welge, Weston A.; Barton, Jennifer K.

2017-01-01

Background and Objective Colorectal cancer remains the second deadliest cancer in the United States. Several screening methods exist, however detection of small polyps remains a challenge. Optical coherence tomography has been demonstrated to be capable of detecting lesions as small as 1 mm in the mouse colon, but detection is based on measuring a doubling of the mucosa thickness. The colon microvasculature may be an attractive biomarker of early tumor development because tumor vessels are characterized by irregular structure and dysfunction. Our goal was to develop an endoscopic method of detecting and segmenting colon vessels using Doppler optical coherence tomography to enable future studies for improving early detection and development of novel chemopreventive agents. Method We conducted in vivo colon imaging in an azoxymethane (AOM)-treated mouse model of colorectal cancer using a miniature endoscope and a swept-source OCT system at 1040 nm with a 16 kHz sweep rate. We applied the Kasai autocorrelation algorithm to laterally oversampled OCT B-scans to resolve vascular flow in the mucosa and submucosa. Vessels were segmented by applying a series of image processing steps: (1) intensity thresholding, (2) two-dimensional matched filtering, and (3) histogram segmentation. Results We observed differences in the vessels sizes and spatial distribution in a mature adenoma compared to surrounding undiseased tissue and compared the results with histology. We also imaged flow in four young mice (2 AOM-treated and 2 control) showing no significant differences, which is expected so early after carcinogen exposure. We also present flow images of adenoma in a living mouse and a euthanized mouse to demonstrate that no flow is detected after euthanasia. Conclusion We present, to the best of our knowledge, the first Doppler OCT images of in vivo mouse colon collected with a fiber-based endoscope. We also describe a fast and robust image processing method for segmenting vessels in the colon. These results suggest that Doppler OCT is a promising imaging modality for vascular imaging in the colon that requires no exogenous contrast agents. PMID:27546786

Optimizing PEEP by Electrical Impedance Tomography in a Porcine Animal Model of ARDS.

PubMed

Hochhausen, Nadine; Biener, Ingeborg; Rossaint, Rolf; Follmann, Andreas; Bleilevens, Christian; Braunschweig, Till; Leonhardt, Steffen; Czaplik, Michael

2017-03-01

Mechanical ventilation is necessary in diverse clinical circumstances. Especially in the context of ARDS, so-called protective ventilation strategies must be followed. It is already known that PEEP might enhance oxygenation in ARDS. However, determining the optimal PEEP settings in clinical routines is challenging. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a promising technique with which to adjust ventilator settings. We investigated whether the combination of different EIT parameters, namely the global inhomogeneity and hyperdistension indices, may lead to a feasible and safe PEEP setting. ARDS was induced by a double-hit approach in 18 pigs weighing, on average, 34.8 ± 3.97 kg. First, a surfactant washout was conducted; second, the tidal volume was increased to 20 mL/kg body weight, triggering a ventilator-induced lung injury. Subsequently, pigs were randomized to either the EIT or control groups, followed by an observation time of 24 h. In the control group, PEEP was set according to the ARDS network table. In the EIT group, a PEEP trial was conducted to determine an appropriate PEEP. At defined time points, hemodynamic measures, ventilation parameters, and EIT recordings, as well as blood samples, were taken. After euthanization, lungs were removed for subsequent histopathological and cytological examination. The combination of PEEP and F IO 2 differed between groups, although respiratory compliance, gas exchange, and histopathological examinations, as well as hemodynamics, did not show any statistical differences between the EIT and control groups. However, in the control group, the PEEP/F IO 2 settings followed the given coupling; in the EIT group, divergent individual combinations of PEEP and F IO 2 ranges occurred. PEEP setting by EIT facilitates a more individual ventilation therapy. However, in our relatively short ARDS observation period of 24 h, no significant differences appeared in common clinical parameters compared with a control group. Copyright © 2017 by Daedalus Enterprises.

Influence of knee flexion angle and transverse drill angle on creation of femoral tunnels in double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the transportal technique: Three-dimensional computed tomography simulation analysis.

PubMed

Choi, Chong Hyuk; Kim, Sung-Jae; Chun, Yong-Min; Kim, Sung-Hwan; Lee, Su-Keon; Eom, Nam-Kyu; Jung, Min

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study was to find appropriate flexion angle and transverse drill angle for optimal femoral tunnels of anteromedial (AM) bundle and posterolateral (PL) bundle in double-bundle ACL reconstruction using transportal technique. Thirty three-dimensional knee models were reconstructed. Knee flexion angles were altered from 100° to 130° at intervals of 10°. Maximum transverse drill angle (MTA), MTA minus 10° and 20° were set up. Twelve different tunnels were determined by four flexion angles and three transverse drill angles for each bundle. Tunnel length, wall breakage, inter-tunnel communication and graft-bending angle were assessed. Mean tunnel length of AM bundle was >30mm at 120° and 130° of flexion in all transverse drill angles. Mean tunnel length of PL bundle was >30mm during every condition. There were ≥1 cases of wall breakage except at 120° and 130° of flexion with MTA for AM bundle. There was no case of wall breakage for PL bundle. Considering inter-tunnel gap of >2mm without communication and obtuse graft-bending angle, 120° of flexion and MTA could be recommended as optimal condition for femoral tunnels of AM and PL bundles. Flexion angle and transverse drill angle had combined effect on femoral tunnel in double-bundle ACL reconstruction using transportal technique. Achieving flexion angle of 120° and transverse drill angle close to the medial femoral condyle could be recommended as optimal condition for femoral tunnels of AM and PL bundles to avoid insufficient tunnel length, wall breakage, inter-tunnel communication and acute graft-bending angle. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Utility of contrast-enhanced computed tomography in the evaluation of canine insulinoma location.

PubMed

Buishand, Floryne O; Vilaplana Grosso, Federico R; Kirpensteijn, Jolle; van Nimwegen, Sebastiaan A

2018-06-05

To determine 1) the sensitivity of contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) for detection of primary canine insulinomas and metastases 2) the sensitivity of CECT to locate canine insulinomas within the pancreas and 3) the CECT attenuation pattern of canine insulinomas and post-contrast phase in which insulinomas have the best visibility. A retrospective review was performed of the medical records of 27 canine insulinoma patients. Simultaneous occurrence of blood glucose < 3.5 mmol/L (reference interval: 4.2-5.8 mmol/L) and plasma insulin > 10 mIU/L (reference interval: 1.4-24.5 mIU/L) were considered diagnostic for insulinoma. The dogs had a mean age of 9.0 ± 1.7 (SD) years and comprised 11 males and 17 females. Using CECT-scans, 26/27 insulinomas were successfully detected. However, CECT-scans predicted the correct location of insulinomas within the pancreas in only 14/27 dogs. In 9/13 inaccurately located insulinoma cases, the location error was major. There was no significant difference between triple, double and single-phase CECT-scans with location accuracies of 54%, 50% and 50%, respectively. Also, there was no specific post-contrast phase in which insulinomas could be visualised best. Detection of lymph node metastases with CECT-scans had a sensitivity of 67% (10/15 lymph node metastases). Detection of liver metastases had a sensitivity of 75% (6/8 liver metastases). This study highlights that major location errors mainly occurred if single- or double-phase CECT-scans were used (6/9 cases). It is suggested that triple-phase CECT-scans have superior outcome over single- or double-phase CECT-scans in pre-operative imaging of canine insulinomas.

Attenuation-difference radar tomography: results of a multiple-plane experiment at the U.S. Geological Survey Fractured-Rock Research Site, Mirror Lake, New Hampshire

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lane, J.W.; Day-Lewis, F. D.; Harris, J.M.; Haeni, F.P.; Gorelick, S.M.

2000-01-01

Attenuation-difference, borehole-radar tomography was used to monitor a series of sodium chloride tracer injection tests conducted within the FSE, wellfield at the U.S. Geological Survey Fractured-Rock Hydrology Research Site in Grafton County, New Hampshire, USA. Borehole-radar tomography surveys were conducted using the sequential-scanning and injection method in three boreholes that form a triangular prism of adjoining tomographic image planes. Results indicate that time-lapse tomography methods provide high-resolution images of tracer distribution in permeable zones.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of itopride (100 and 200 mg three times daily) on gastric motor and sensory function in healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Choung, R S; Talley, N J; Peterson, J; Camilleri, M; Burton, D; Harmsen, W S; Zinsmeister, A R

2007-03-01

Itopride, a dopamine D2 antagonist and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, significantly improved symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia in one phase II randomized trial. However, the mechanisms by which itopride may improve symptoms are unknown. We aimed to compare the effects of two doses of itopride and placebo on gastric volumes, gastric emptying, small bowel transit and satiation in female and male healthy volunteers. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated gastric function before and after 7 days of itopride 100 mg (n = 16) or 200 mg (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15) t.i.d. Validated methods were used to study gastric accommodation (single photon emission computed tomography), gastric emptying and orocecal transit and satiation postnutrient challenge. The three arms were comparable with regard to age, gender and body mass index. There were no statistically significant effects of itopride on gastric emptying, orocecal transit, fasting gastric volume, maximum tolerated volume or aggregate symptom score with nutrient drink challenge. Postprandial (PP) change in gastric volume differed in the three groups (P = 0.019): 625[+/-28 (SEM)], 555(+/-26) and 512(+/-33) in placebo, itopride 100 and 200 mg groups, respectively. In healthy subjects, itopride reduced total PP gastric volume without accelerating gastric emptying or significantly altering gastric motor and sensory function in healthy individuals.

Determination of Sinkholes with Different Geophysical Techniques; A Case Study in Yarımburgaz, Küçükçekmece Lake NW Istanbul, Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karabulut, Savas; Cengiz Cinku, Mualla; Tezel, Okan; Dedecan, Hasan; Oygo, Azat

2016-04-01

The Yarımburgaz cave which is located in the city of Istanbul, NW Turkey plays an important host to the first human culture and preserve significant archaeological and paleontological resources. The cave was formed as a result of a subterranean stream erosion on the limestones of the Eocene Kırklareli formation. It has been reported that a double cave with upper and lower entrance chambers exist, although no geophysical research was conducted to detect the cave's trunk passages and the extend of the sediment fill inside the cave. The aim of this study was to test the preferred order for detection the response to different geophysical methods applied on the cave. We therefore carried out an a series of geophysical study to determine the size, position, and depth of sinkholes inside the caves. Integrated methodological approaches including multichannel analysis of surface wave (MASW) 2- microtremor array method, 3-single station microtremor measurements, 4- electrical tomography (ET) measuruments and 5-microgravity imaging showed that the geophysical response was succesfully applied. Based upon the flow-chart we concluded that the microgravity survey should be applied as a first step to detect the air-filled void and the geometry of the cave. The electric tomography method was well applied showing high resistivity values across the voids. The surface wave method showed that the low-velocity zones are detected in various locations of the cave. In addition we the results of MASW and ReMi methods showed clearly the density variation in the lateral direction. Fundamental frequency value above void decraese according the properties of geological units in lateral directional, especially when they are engineering rock like limestone.

Positron emission tomography in oncology: the most sophisticated imaging technology.

PubMed

Lacić, M; Maisey, M N; Kusić, Z

1997-01-01

The primary aim of this paper is to present a new nuclear medicine technology, which has just recently crossed over the clinical-research barrier. Positron emission tomography (PET) has become one of the routine functional imaging techniques in the most developed countries. The biggest advantage of PET is the usage of short-lived positron emission radionuclides, e.g., fluorine-18 (F-18), carbon-11 (C-11), nitrogen-13, and oxygen-15 (0-15). These radionuclides could be incorporated (H2O15) or linked (F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to different metabolically active molecules. In this way, it is possible to image and quantify the metabolic activity of various disorders and diseases including different types of tumors. The authors have concentrated on the PET rule in oncology. FDG and C-11 methionine are the most widely used PET radiopharmaceuticals in tumor imaging today, thus the results of human PET studies with FDG and C-11 methionine in the evaluation of tumors have been reviewed. The facts about the mechanism of uptake of both metabolic PET radiopharmaceuticals as well as the kinetics of tracers in normal and tumor tissue are described. The problem of accumulation of these tracers in some benign lesions is also mentioned. PET could be used for the evaluation of tumor response to therapy and duration of therapeutic effects in follow-up studies. PET offers a unique possibility to fully quantify the tumor metabolic activity, although semi-quantitative approaches are clinically more convenient. At the end, comparative studies of FDG and C-11 methionine in tumor evaluation are analyzed. A double-tracer FDG and C-11 methionine scanning protocol has been suggested as very useful for the assessment of brain tumor. This finding was also supported by the authors' data.

Photoreceptor Layer Thickness Changes During Dark Adaptation Observed With Ultrahigh-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography.

PubMed

Lu, Chen D; Lee, ByungKun; Schottenhamml, Julia; Maier, Andreas; Pugh, Edward N; Fujimoto, James G

2017-09-01

To examine outer retinal band changes after flash stimulus and subsequent dark adaptation with ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT). Five dark-adapted left eyes of five normal subjects were imaged with 3-μm axial-resolution UHR-OCT during 30 minutes of dark adaptation following 96%, 54%, 23%, and 0% full-field and 54% half-field rhodopsin bleach. We identified the ellipsoid zone inner segment/outer segment (EZ[IS/OS]), cone interdigitation zone (CIZ), rod interdigitation zone (RIZ), retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and Bruch's membrane (BM) axial positions and generated two-dimensional thickness maps of the EZ(IS/OS) to the four bands. The average thickness over an area of the thickness map was compared against that of the dark-adapted baselines. The time-dependent thickness changes (photoresponses) were statistically compared against 0% bleach. Dark adaptometry was performed with the same bleaching protocol. The EZ(IS/OS)-CIZ photoresponse was significantly different at 96% (P < 0.0001) and 54% (P = 0.006) bleach. At all three bleaching levels, the EZ(IS/OS)-RIZ, -RPE, and -BM responses were significantly different (P < 0.0001). The EZ(IS/OS)-CIZ and EZ(IS/OS)-RIZ time courses were similar to the recovery of rod- and cone-mediated sensitivity, respectively, measured with dark adaptometry. The maximal EZ(IS/OS)-CIZ and EZ(IS/OS)-RIZ response magnitudes doubled from 54% to 96% bleach. Both EZ(IS/OS)-RPE and EZ(IS/OS)-BM responses resembled dampened oscillations that were graded in amplitude and duration with bleaching intensity. Half-field photoresponses were localized to the stimulated retina. With noninvasive, near-infrared UHR-OCT, we characterized three distinct, spatially localized photoresponses in the outer retinal bands. These photoresponses have potential value as physical correlates of photoreceptor function.

DNA double strand break (DSB) induction and cell survival in iodine-enhanced computed tomography (CT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Streitmatter, Seth W.; Stewart, Robert D.; Jenkins, Peter A.; Jevremovic, Tatjana

2017-08-01

A multi-scale Monte Carlo model is proposed to assess the dosimetric and biological impact of iodine-based contrast agents commonly used in computed tomography. As presented, the model integrates the general purpose MCNP6 code system for larger-scale radiation transport and dose assessment with the Monte Carlo damage simulation to determine the sub-cellular characteristics and spatial distribution of initial DNA damage. The repair-misrepair-fixation model is then used to relate DNA double strand break (DSB) induction to reproductive cell death. Comparisons of measured and modeled changes in reproductive cell survival for ultrasoft characteristic k-shell x-rays (0.25-4.55 keV) up to orthovoltage (200-500 kVp) x-rays indicate that the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for DSB induction is within a few percent of the RBE for cell survival. Because of the very short range of secondary electrons produced by low energy x-ray interactions with contrast agents, the concentration and subcellular distribution of iodine within and near cellular targets have a significant impact on the estimated absorbed dose and number of DSB produced in the cell nucleus. For some plausible models of the cell-level distribution of contrast agent, the model predicts an increase in RBE-weighted dose (RWD) for the endpoint of DSB induction of 1.22-1.40 for a 5-10 mg ml-1 iodine concentration in blood compared to an RWD increase of 1.07  ±  0.19 from a recent clinical trial. The modeled RWD of 2.58  ±  0.03 is also in good agreement with the measured RWD of 2.3  ±  0.5 for an iodine concentration of 50 mg ml-1 relative to no iodine. The good agreement between modeled and measured DSB and cell survival estimates provides some confidence that the presented model can be used to accurately assess biological dose for other concentrations of the same or different contrast agents.

Frequencies of micronucleated reticulocytes, a dosimeter of DNA double-strand breaks, in infants receiving computed tomography or cardiac catheterization.

PubMed

Khattab, Mona; Walker, Dale M; Albertini, Richard J; Nicklas, Janice A; Lundblad, Lennart K A; Vacek, Pamela M; Walker, Vernon E

2017-08-01

The use of computed tomography (CT scans) has increased dramatically in recent decades, raising questions about the long-term safety of CT-emitted x-rays especially in infants who are more sensitive to radiation-induced effects. Cancer risk estimates for CT scans typically are extrapolated from models; therefore, new approaches measuring actual DNA damage are needed for improved estimations. Hence, changes in a dosimeter of DNA double-strand breaks, micronucleated reticulocytes (MN-RETs) measured by flow cytometry, were investigated in mice and infants exposed to CT scans. In male C57BL/6N mice (6-8 weeks-of-age), there was a dose-related increase in MN-RETs in blood samples collected 48h after CT scans delivering targeted exposures of 1-130 cGy x-rays (n=5-10/group, r=0.994, p=0.01), with significant increases occurring at exposure levels as low as 0.83 cGy x-rays compared to control mice (p=0.002). In paired blood specimens from infants with no history of a prior CT scan, there was no difference in MN-RET frequencies found 2h before (mean, 0.10±0.07%) versus 48h after (mean, 0.11±0.05%) a scheduled CT scan/cardiac catheterization. However, in infants having prior CT scan(s), MN-RET frequencies measured at 48h after a scheduled CT scan (mean=0.22±0.12%) were significantly higher than paired baseline values (mean, 0.17±0.07%; p=0.032). Increases in baseline (r=0.722, p<0.001) and 48-h post exposure (r=0.682, p<0.001) levels of MN-RETs in infants with a history of prior CT scans were significantly correlated with the number of previous CT scans. These preliminary findings suggest that prior CT scans increase the cellular responses to subsequent CT exposures. Thus, further investigation is needed to characterize the potential cancer risk from single versus repeated CT scans or cardiac catheterizations in infants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Three-dimensional Organization of pKi-67: A Comparative Fluorescence and Electron Tomography Study Using Fluoronanogold

PubMed Central

Cheutin, Thierry; O'Donohue, Marie-Françoise; Beorchia, Adrien; Klein, Christophe; Kaplan, Hervé; Ploton, Dominique

2003-01-01

The monoclonal antibody (MAb) Ki-67 is routinely used in clinical studies to estimate the growth fraction of tumors. However, the role of pKi-67, the protein detected by the Ki-67 MAb, remains elusive, although some biochemical data strongly suggest that it might organize chromatin. To better understand the functional organization of pKi-67, we studied its three-dimensional distribution in interphase cells by confocal microscopy and electron tomography. FluoroNanogold, a single probe combining a dense marker with a fluorescent dye, was used to investigate pKi-67 organization at the optical and ultrastructural levels. Observation by confocal microscopy followed by 3D reconstruction showed that pKi-67 forms a shell around the nucleoli. Double labeling experiments revealed that pKi-67 co-localizes with perinucleolar heterochromatin. Electron microscopy studies confirmed this close association and demonstrated that pKi-67 is located neither in the fibrillar nor in the granular components of the nucleolus. Finally, spatial analyses by electron tomography showed that pKi-67 forms cords 250–300 nm in diameter, which are themselves composed of 30–50-nm-thick fibers. These detailed comparative in situ analyses strongly suggest the involvement of pKi-67 in the higher-order organization of perinucleolar chromatin. PMID:14566014

Three-dimensional organization of pKi-67: a comparative fluorescence and electron tomography study using FluoroNanogold.

PubMed

Cheutin, Thierry; O'Donohue, Marie-Françoise; Beorchia, Adrien; Klein, Christophe; Kaplan, Hervé; Ploton, Dominique

2003-11-01

The monoclonal antibody (MAb) Ki-67 is routinely used in clinical studies to estimate the growth fraction of tumors. However, the role of pKi-67, the protein detected by the Ki-67 MAb, remains elusive, although some biochemical data strongly suggest that it might organize chromatin. To better understand the functional organization of pKi-67, we studied its three-dimensional distribution in interphase cells by confocal microscopy and electron tomography. FluoroNanogold, a single probe combining a dense marker with a fluorescent dye, was used to investigate pKi-67 organization at the optical and ultrastructural levels. Observation by confocal microscopy followed by 3D reconstruction showed that pKi-67 forms a shell around the nucleoli. Double labeling experiments revealed that pKi-67 co-localizes with perinucleolar heterochromatin. Electron microscopy studies confirmed this close association and demonstrated that pKi-67 is located neither in the fibrillar nor in the granular components of the nucleolus. Finally, spatial analyses by electron tomography showed that pKi-67 forms cords 250-300 nm in diameter, which are themselves composed of 30-50-nm-thick fibers. These detailed comparative in situ analyses strongly suggest the involvement of pKi-67 in the higher-order organization of perinucleolar chromatin.

Role of post-mapping computed tomography in virtual-assisted lung mapping.

PubMed

Sato, Masaaki; Nagayama, Kazuhiro; Kuwano, Hideki; Nitadori, Jun-Ichi; Anraku, Masaki; Nakajima, Jun

2017-02-01

Background Virtual-assisted lung mapping is a novel bronchoscopic preoperative lung marking technique in which virtual bronchoscopy is used to predict the locations of multiple dye markings. Post-mapping computed tomography is performed to confirm the locations of the actual markings. This study aimed to examine the accuracy of marking locations predicted by virtual bronchoscopy and elucidate the role of post-mapping computed tomography. Methods Automated and manual virtual bronchoscopy was used to predict marking locations. After bronchoscopic dye marking under local anesthesia, computed tomography was performed to confirm the actual marking locations before surgery. Discrepancies between marking locations predicted by the different methods and the actual markings were examined on computed tomography images. Forty-three markings in 11 patients were analyzed. Results The average difference between the predicted and actual marking locations was 30 mm. There was no significant difference between the latest version of the automated virtual bronchoscopy system (30.7 ± 17.2 mm) and manual virtual bronchoscopy (29.8 ± 19.1 mm). The difference was significantly greater in the upper vs. lower lobes (37.1 ± 20.1 vs. 23.0 ± 6.8 mm, for automated virtual bronchoscopy; p < 0.01). Despite this discrepancy, all targeted lesions were successfully resected using 3-dimensional image guidance based on post-mapping computed tomography reflecting the actual marking locations. Conclusions Markings predicted by virtual bronchoscopy were dislocated from the actual markings by an average of 3 cm. However, surgery was accurately performed using post-mapping computed tomography guidance, demonstrating the indispensable role of post-mapping computed tomography in virtual-assisted lung mapping.

Iterative methods for tomography problems: implementation to a cross-well tomography problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karadeniz, M. F.; Weber, G. W.

2018-01-01

The velocity distribution between two boreholes is reconstructed by cross-well tomography, which is commonly used in geology. In this paper, iterative methods, Kaczmarz’s algorithm, algebraic reconstruction technique (ART), and simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique (SIRT), are implemented to a specific cross-well tomography problem. Convergence to the solution of these methods and their CPU time for the cross-well tomography problem are compared. Furthermore, these three methods for this problem are compared for different tolerance values.

Endodontic Treatment of a Double-Rooted Maxillary Second Molar with Four Canals: A Case Report

PubMed Central

Ashraf, Hengameh; Dianat, Omid; Hajrezai, Reihaneh; Paymanpour, Payam; Azadnia, Sina

2014-01-01

A healthy female was referred to Endodontic Department. The referral letter from her dentist expressed that an emergency pulpotomy of tooth #27 had been carried out with probable perforation of the chamber floor which was due to the unusual anatomy of the chamber. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealed that the tooth had two mesial and two distal canals. Perforation site was repaired and endodontic treatment was completed. At 24-month follow-up, patient was asymptomatic and clinical and radiographic examinations showed successful outcomes. PMID:25386215

AIDS: The Role of Imaging Modalities and Infection Control Policies

PubMed Central

Moore-Stovall, Joyce

1988-01-01

The availability of imaging modalities, such as the chest radiograph, gallium scan, double-contrast barium enema, computed tomography, and nuclear magnetic resonance, are very helpful in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up evaluation of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Because this syndrome causes irreversible destruction of the immune system, patients are susceptible to a multitude of opportunistic infections and malignancies. Health care professionals and the general public would be less fearful and apprehensive of AIDS victims if properly informed about the communicability of this syndrome. PMID:3047412

Cone Beam X-Ray Luminescence Tomography Imaging Based on KA-FEM Method for Small Animals.

PubMed

Chen, Dongmei; Meng, Fanzhen; Zhao, Fengjun; Xu, Cao

2016-01-01

Cone beam X-ray luminescence tomography can realize fast X-ray luminescence tomography imaging with relatively low scanning time compared with narrow beam X-ray luminescence tomography. However, cone beam X-ray luminescence tomography suffers from an ill-posed reconstruction problem. First, the feasibility of experiments with different penetration and multispectra in small animal has been tested using nanophosphor material. Then, the hybrid reconstruction algorithm with KA-FEM method has been applied in cone beam X-ray luminescence tomography for small animals to overcome the ill-posed reconstruction problem, whose advantage and property have been demonstrated in fluorescence tomography imaging. The in vivo mouse experiment proved the feasibility of the proposed method.

Assessment of the Role of Different Imaging Modalities with Emphasis on Fdg Pet/Ct in the Management of Well Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (WDTC).

PubMed

Kendi A, Tuba Karagulle; Mudalegundi, Shwetha; Switchenko, Jeffrey; Lee, Daniel; Halkar, Raghuveer; Chen, Amy Y

2016-01-01

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography is suggested to have a role in detection of iodine negative recurrence in well differentiated thyroid cancer. The aim of this study is to identify role of different imaging modalities in the management of well differentiated thyroid cancer. We reviewed 900 well differentiated thyroid cancer patients after post-thyroidectomy who underwent recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone stimulated Sodium Iodide I 131 imaging. Out of 900 patients, 74 had positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Multivariate analysis was performed by controlling positron emission tomography/computed tomography, Sodium Iodide I 131 scan, neck ultrasonography, age, sex, primary tumor size, stage, histology, thyroglobulin. Patients were grouped according to results of Sodium Iodide I 131 scan and positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography was positive in 23 of 74 patients. The sensitivity for positron emission tomography was 11/11(100%), the specificity was 51/63 (81.0%), the positive predictive value was 11/23 (47.8%), and the negative predictive value was 51/51 (100%). The sensitivity for the neck ultrasonography was 4/8 (50%), the specificity was 53/60 (88.3%), positive predictive value was 4/11 (36.4%), and negative predictive value was 53/57 (93.0%). 50% of patients who had Sodium Iodide I 131 negative scan and positive positron emission tomography/computed tomography had a change in management. Thirty-six percent with positive neck ultrasonography had a change in management. Out of 11 recurrences, 6 had distant metastatic disease, and 5/11 had regional nodal disease. Neck ultrasonography showed nodal metastasis in 4/5 (80%). Positron emission tomography/computed tomography altered management in the presence of a high thyroglobulin level and a negative Sodium Iodide I 131 scan. Neck ultrasonography should be the first line of imaging with rising thyroglobulin levels. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography should be considered for cases with high thyroglobulin levels and normal neck ultrasonography to look for distant metastatic disease.

Development and validation of a biologically realistic tissue-mimicking material for photoacoustics and other bimodal optical-acoustic modalities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogt, William C.; Jia, Congxian; Wear, Keith A.; Garra, Brian S.; Pfefer, T. Joshua

2017-03-01

Recent years have seen rapid development of hybrid optical-acoustic imaging modalities with broad applications in research and clinical imaging, including photoacoustic tomography (PAT), photoacoustic microscopy, and ultrasound-modulated optical tomography. Tissue-mimicking phantoms are an important tool for objectively and quantitatively simulating in vivo imaging system performance. However, no standard tissue phantoms exist for such systems. One major challenge is the development of tissue-mimicking materials (TMMs) that are both highly stable and possess biologically realistic properties. To address this need, we have explored the use of various formulations of PVC plastisol (PVCP) based on varying mixtures of several liquid plasticizers. We developed a custom PVCP formulation with optical absorption and scattering coefficients, speed of sound, and acoustic attenuation that are tunable and tissue-relevant. This TMM can simulate different tissue compositions and offers greater mechanical strength than hydrogels. Optical properties of PVCP samples with varying composition were characterized using integrating sphere spectrophotometry and the inverse adding-doubling method. Acoustic properties were determined using a broadband pulse-transmission technique. To demonstrate the utility of this bimodal TMM, we constructed an image quality phantom designed to enable quantitative evaluation of PAT spatial resolution. The phantom was imaged using a custom combined PAT-ultrasound imaging system. Results indicated that this more biologically realistic TMM produced performance trends not captured in simpler liquid phantoms. In the future, this TMM may be broadly utilized for performance evaluation of optical, acoustic, and hybrid optical-acoustic imaging systems.

Efficient sweep buffering in swept source optical coherence tomography using a fast optical switch

PubMed Central

Dhalla, Al-Hafeez; Shia, Kevin; Izatt, Joseph A.

2012-01-01

We describe a novel buffering technique for increasing the A-scan rate of swept source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) systems employing low duty cycle swept source lasers. This technique differs from previously reported buffering techniques in that it employs a fast optical switch, capable of switching in 60 ns, instead of a fused fiber coupler at the end of the buffering stage, and is therefore appreciably more power efficient. The use of the switch also eliminates patient exposure to light that is not used for imaging that occurs at the end of the laser sweep, thereby increasing the system sensitivity. We also describe how careful management of polarization can remove undesirable artifacts due to polarization mode dispersion. In addition, we demonstrate how numerical compensation techniques can be used to modify the signal from a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) clock obtained from the original sweep to recalibrate the buffered sweep, thereby reducing the complexity of systems employing lasers with integrated MZI clocks. Combining these methods, we constructed an SSOCT system employing an Axsun technologies laser with a sweep rate of 100kHz and 6dB imaging range of 5.5mm. The sweep rate was doubled with sweep buffering to 200 kHz, and the imaging depth was extended to 9 mm using coherence revival. We demonstrated the feasibility of this system by acquiring images of the anterior segments and retinas of healthy human volunteers. PMID:23243559

Efficient sweep buffering in swept source optical coherence tomography using a fast optical switch.

PubMed

Dhalla, Al-Hafeez; Shia, Kevin; Izatt, Joseph A

2012-12-01

We describe a novel buffering technique for increasing the A-scan rate of swept source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) systems employing low duty cycle swept source lasers. This technique differs from previously reported buffering techniques in that it employs a fast optical switch, capable of switching in 60 ns, instead of a fused fiber coupler at the end of the buffering stage, and is therefore appreciably more power efficient. The use of the switch also eliminates patient exposure to light that is not used for imaging that occurs at the end of the laser sweep, thereby increasing the system sensitivity. We also describe how careful management of polarization can remove undesirable artifacts due to polarization mode dispersion. In addition, we demonstrate how numerical compensation techniques can be used to modify the signal from a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) clock obtained from the original sweep to recalibrate the buffered sweep, thereby reducing the complexity of systems employing lasers with integrated MZI clocks. Combining these methods, we constructed an SSOCT system employing an Axsun technologies laser with a sweep rate of 100kHz and 6dB imaging range of 5.5mm. The sweep rate was doubled with sweep buffering to 200 kHz, and the imaging depth was extended to 9 mm using coherence revival. We demonstrated the feasibility of this system by acquiring images of the anterior segments and retinas of healthy human volunteers.

Towards Crustal Structure of Java Island (Sunda Arc) from Ambient Seismic Noise Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Widiyantoro, Sri; Zulhan, Zulfakriza; Martha, Agustya; Saygin, Erdinc; Cummins, Phil

2015-04-01

In our previous studies, P- and S-wave velocity structures beneath the Sunda Arc were successfully imaged using a global data set and a nested regional-global tomographic method was employed. To obtain more detailed P- and S-wave velocity structures beneath Java, in the central part of the Sunda Arc, we then used local data sets, i.e. newline from the MErapi AMphibious EXperiment (MERAMEX) and the Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (MCGA), as well as employed a double-difference technique for tomographic imaging. The results of the imaging show e.g. that P- and S-wave velocities are significantly reduced in the uppermost mantle beneath central Java. In order to obtain detailed crustal structure information beneath Java, the Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) method was used. The application of this method to the MERAMEX data has produced a good crustal model beneath central Java. We continue our experiment to image crustal structure of eastern Java. We have used seismic waveform data recorded by 22 MCGA stationary seismographic stations and 25 portable seismographs installed for 2 to 8 weeks. The data were processed to obtain waveforms of cross-correlated noise between pairs of seismographic stations. Our preliminary results presented here indicate that the Kendeng zone, an area of low gravity anomaly, is associated with a low velocity zone. On the other hand, the southern mountain range, which has a high gravity anomaly, is related to a high velocity anomaly (as shown by our tomographic images). In future work we will install more seismographic stations in eastern Java as well as in western Java to conduct ANT imaging for the whole of Java Island. The expected result combined with the mantle velocity models resulting from our body wave tomography will allow for accurate location of earthquake hypocenters and determination of regional tectonic structures. Both of these are valuable for understanding seismic hazard in Java, the most densely populated island in the world.

Seismic velocity structure of the incoming Pacific Plate subducting into the central part of the Japan Trench revealed by traveltime tomography using OBS data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obana, K.; Fujie, G.; Kodaira, S.; Takahashi, T.; Yamamoto, Y.; Miura, S.; Shinohara, M.

2016-12-01

Subduction of oceanic plates plays an important role in the water transportation from the earth surface into the deep mantle. Recent active seismic survey studies succeed to image that the seismic velocities within the oceanic crust and the uppermost mantle in the outer rise region decreases toward the trench axis. These velocity changes are considered as an indication of the hydration and alteration of the incoming oceanic plates prior to the subduction. However, the area with sufficient resolution of the active seismic studies is often limited at depths corresponding to the oceanic crust and several km beneath the oceanic Moho. In this study, we have examined the seismic velocity structure of the incoming/subducting Pacific Plate beneath the trench axis and outer trench-slope of the central part of the Japan Trench. The seismicity in the Pacific Plate, including several M7-class intra-plate earthquakes, has been active since the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake in the study area. These activities were observed by the ocean bottom seismographs (OBS) deployed repeatedly. The data obtained from these OBS observations allow us to resolve the seismic velocity structures at greater depths compared to the active seismic surveys. We conducted 3-D traveltime tomography by using double-difference tomography method (Zhang and Thurber, 2003). The results show that the seismic velocities within the oceanic mantle decreased toward the trench axis. The velocity reduction begins at about 80 km seaward of the trench axis and extended to a depth of at least 30 km beneath the trench axis area. If the observed P-wave velocity reduction from 8.4 km/s to 7.7 km/s at a depth of 15 km below the oceanic Moho is caused by the serpentinization of the oceanic mantle (Carlson and Miller, 2003), roughly 2.5 weight per cent of water is expected in the low velocity anomalies in the oceanic mantle.

Induced polarization imaging of volcanoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Revil, Andre; Soueid Ahmed, Abdellahi

2017-04-01

The first part of the presentation is related to the petrophysics of induced polarization of volcanic rocks. We described induced polarization of these rocks using a dynamic Stern layer model describing the polarization of the electrical double layer around the mineral grains. This model shows that the normalized chargeability and quadrature conductivity of volcanic rocks is sensitive to the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of these materials and therefore to their alteration. In the second part pf the presentation, we use a geostatistical inversion framework to image chargeability in 2.5D or in 3D. This new framework is benchmarked using synthetic data and data from various volcanoes (Kilaua, Furnas, Yellowstone). We show that chargeability tomography is very complementary to the now classical electrical resistivity tomography in order to image volcanic structures and to separate the conduction in the bulk pore network from interfacial effects such as surface conductivity. This approach appears to be promising as a first step toward joint inversion with seismic and gravity data.

Effective properties of a fly ash geopolymer: Synergistic application of X-ray synchrotron tomography, nanoindentation, and homogenization models

DOE PAGES

Das, Sumanta; Yang, Pu; Singh, Sudhanshu S.; ...

2015-09-02

Microstructural and micromechanical investigation of a fly ash-based geopolymer using: (i) synchrotron x-ray tomography (XRT) to determine the volume fraction and tortuosity of pores that are influential in fluid transport, (ii) mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) to capture the volume fraction of smaller pores, (iii) scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with multi-label thresholding to identify and characterize the solid phases in the microstructure, and (iv) nanoindentation to determine the component phase elastic properties using statistical deconvolution, is reported in this paper. The phase volume fractions and elastic properties are used in multi-step mean field homogenization (Mori- Tanaka and double inclusion) modelsmore » to determine the homogenized macroscale elastic modulus of the composite. The homogenized elastic moduli are in good agreement with the flexural elastic modulus determined on macroscale paste beams. As a result, the combined use of microstructural and micromechanical characterization tools at multiple scales provides valuable information towards the material design of fly ash geopolymers.« less

Transverse Phase Space Reconstruction and Emittance Measurement of Intense Electron Beams using a Tomography Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stratakis, D.; Kishek, R. A.; Li, H.; Bernal, S.; Walter, M.; Tobin, J.; Quinn, B.; Reiser, M.; O'Shea, P. G.

2006-11-01

Tomography is the technique of reconstructing an image from its projections. It is widely used in the medical community to observe the interior of the human body by processing multiple x-ray images taken at different angles, A few pioneering researchers have adapted tomography to reconstruct detailed phase space maps of charged particle beams. Some questions arise regarding the limitations of tomography technique for space charge dominated beams. For instance is the linear space charge force a valid approximation? Does tomography equally reproduce phase space for complex, experimentally observed, initial particle distributions? Does tomography make any assumptions about the initial distribution? This study explores the use of accurate modeling with the particle-in-cell code WARP to address these questions, using a wide range of different initial distributions in the code. The study also includes a number of experimental results on tomographic phase space mapping performed on the University of Maryland Electron Ring (UMER).

Degradation of metallic materials studied by correlative tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burnett, T. L.; Holroyd, N. J. H.; Lewandowski, J. J.; Ogurreck, M.; Rau, C.; Kelley, R.; Pickering, E. J.; Daly, M.; Sherry, A. H.; Pawar, S.; Slater, T. J. A.; Withers, P. J.

2017-07-01

There are a huge array of characterization techniques available today and increasingly powerful computing resources allowing for the effective analysis and modelling of large datasets. However, each experimental and modelling tool only spans limited time and length scales. Correlative tomography can be thought of as the extension of correlative microscopy into three dimensions connecting different techniques, each providing different types of information, or covering different time or length scales. Here the focus is on the linking of time lapse X-ray computed tomography (CT) and serial section electron tomography using the focussed ion beam (FIB)-scanning electron microscope to study the degradation of metals. Correlative tomography can provide new levels of detail by delivering a multiscale 3D picture of key regions of interest. Specifically, the Xe+ Plasma FIB is used as an enabling tool for large-volume high-resolution serial sectioning of materials, and also as a tool for preparation of microscale test samples and samples for nanoscale X-ray CT imaging. The exemplars presented illustrate general aspects relating to correlative workflows, as well as to the time-lapse characterisation of metal microstructures during various failure mechanisms, including ductile fracture of steel and the corrosion of aluminium and magnesium alloys. Correlative tomography is already providing significant insights into materials behaviour, linking together information from different instruments across different scales. Multiscale and multifaceted work flows will become increasingly routine, providing a feed into multiscale materials models as well as illuminating other areas, particularly where hierarchical structures are of interest.

Efficacy of superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery double anastomoses in a patient with rapidly progressive moyamoya disease: case report.

PubMed

Yokosawa, Michiko; Hayashi, Toshiaki; Shirane, Reizo; Tominaga, Teiji

2014-01-01

Moyamoya disease can be associated with a rapidly progressive course in young patients. This report describes a patient with moyamoya disease who experienced rapid disease progression, resulting in cerebral infarction and a wide area of diminished cerebral perfusion. Double superficial temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) anastomoses were utilized to immediately increase cerebral perfusion in the affected area. This case involved a 5-year-old girl who had been diagnosed with moyamoya disease and had undergone STA-MCA anastomosis with indirect bypass in the right hemisphere at the age of 3. At the time of presentation, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed cerebral infarction at the left frontal lobe, and MR angiography showed rapidly progressive narrowing of the left MCA that had not been present 3 months prior. N-isopropyl-p-[I123] iodoamphetamine single-photon emission computed tomography (IMP-SPECT) showed markedly decreased uptake in the left hemisphere. She underwent emergent STA-MCA double anastomoses with indirect bypass on the left side. IMP-SPECT showed marked increase in uptake in the left hemisphere. The anterior cerebral artery (ACA) territory adjacent to the cerebral infarction also showed increased uptake on the SPECT. Postoperatively, there were no clinical or radiographic indications of ischemic or hemorrhagic complications. Double anastomoses are effective in quickly and significantly increasing blood flow. The postoperative course in this case was uneventful. Double anastomoses are a surgical option for patients with moyamoya disease who show rapid disease progression, even in those in the acute phase of cerebral infarction.

Efficacy of Superficial Temporal Artery-Middle Cerebral Artery Double Anastomoses in a Patient with Rapidly Progressive Moyamoya Disease: Case Report

PubMed Central

YOKOSAWA, Michiko; HAYASHI, Toshiaki; SHIRANE, Reizo; TOMINAGA, Teiji

2014-01-01

Moyamoya disease can be associated with a rapidly progressive course in young patients. This report describes a patient with moyamoya disease who experienced rapid disease progression, resulting in cerebral infarction and a wide area of diminished cerebral perfusion. Double superficial temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) anastomoses were utilized to immediately increase cerebral perfusion in the affected area. This case involved a 5-year-old girl who had been diagnosed with moyamoya disease and had undergone STA-MCA anastomosis with indirect bypass in the right hemisphere at the age of 3. At the time of presentation, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed cerebral infarction at the left frontal lobe, and MR angiography showed rapidly progressive narrowing of the left MCA that had not been present 3 months prior. N-isopropyl-p-[I123] iodoamphetamine single-photon emission computed tomography (IMP-SPECT) showed markedly decreased uptake in the left hemisphere. She underwent emergent STA-MCA double anastomoses with indirect bypass on the left side. IMP-SPECT showed marked increase in uptake in the left hemisphere. The anterior cerebral artery (ACA) territory adjacent to the cerebral infarction also showed increased uptake on the SPECT. Postoperatively, there were no clinical or radiographic indications of ischemic or hemorrhagic complications. Double anastomoses are effective in quickly and significantly increasing blood flow. The postoperative course in this case was uneventful. Double anastomoses are a surgical option for patients with moyamoya disease who show rapid disease progression, even in those in the acute phase of cerebral infarction. PMID:24584280

Modafinil improves information processing speed and increases energetic resources for orientation of attention in narcoleptics: double-blind, placebo-controlled ERP studies with low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA).

PubMed

Saletu, Michael; Anderer, Peter; Saletu-Zyhlarz, Gerda Maria; Mandl, Magdalena; Saletu, Bernd; Zeitlhofer, Josef

2009-09-01

Recent neuroimaging studies in narcolepsy discovered significant gray matter loss in the right prefrontal and frontomesial cortex, a critical region for executive processing. In the present study, event-related potential (ERP) low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) was used to investigate cognition before and after modafinil as compared with placebo. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over design, 15 patients were treated with a 3-week fixed titration scheme of modafinil and placebo. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) and auditory ERPs (odd-ball paradigm) were obtained before and after the 3 weeks of therapy. Latencies, amplitudes and LORETA sources were determined for standard (N1 and P2) and target (N2 and P300) ERP components. The ESS score improved significantly from 15.4 (+/- 4.0) under placebo to 10.2 (+/- 4.1) under 400mg modafinil (p=0.004). In the MWT, latency to sleep increased nonsignificantly after modafinil treatment (11.9+/-6.9 versus 13.3+/-7.1 min). In the ERP, N2 and P300 latencies were shortened significantly. While ERP amplitudes showed only minor changes, LORETA revealed increased source strengths: for N1 in the left auditory cortex and for P300 in the medial and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. LORETA revealed that modafinil improved information processing speed and increased energetic resources in prefrontal cortical regions, which is in agreement with other neuroimaging studies.

Discrimination between active and inactive neurocysticercosis by metacestode excretory/secretory antigens of Taenia solium in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

PubMed

Molinari, José L; García-Mendoza, Esperanza; de la Garza, Yazmin; Ramírez, José A; Sotelo, Julio; Tato, Patricia

2002-06-01

To detect IgG antibodies to Taenia solium, a controlled double-blind study was conducted using 91 coded cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with neurocysticercosis (NCC) and other neurologic disorders. Samples were tested in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using metacestode excretion/secretion antigens. The results were correlated with data from medical records on the diagnosis of NCC (based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging criteria) and other neurologic disorders. The ELISA results were positive in 22 of the 24 cases with active NCC. In contrast, six cases with calcified cysts (inactive NCC), as well as one case in a transitional stage, were negative. One case with a calcified granuloma and another with a granuloma plus calcifications (classified as inactive NCC) had positive results. The remaining negative results corresponded to other neurologic disorders (58 cases). The results of the ELISA showed a significant difference between active and inactive NCC (P = 0.0034).

The Case Mix of Patients Presenting with Full-Thickness Macular Holes and Progression before Surgery: Implications for Optimum Management.

PubMed

Madi, Haifa A; Dinah, Christiana; Rees, Jon; Steel, David H W

2015-01-01

Analysis of pre-operative spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) characteristics of full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) and effect on optimum management. We retrospectively reviewed SD-OCT characteristics of a consecutive cohort of patients waitlisted for FTMH surgery and categorized them by current evidence-based treatments. Out of the 106 holes analysed, 36 were small, 40 medium and 30 large. Initially, 33 holes had vitreomacular adhesion (VMA). 41 holes were analysed for change in characteristics with a median duration of 8 weeks between the scans. The number of small or medium holes decreased from 20 to 6 and that of large holes doubled. The number of holes with VMA halved. Smaller hole size (p = 0.014) and being phakic (p = 0.048) were associated with a larger increase in size. The strongest predictor of hole progression into a different surgical management category was the presence of VMA. FTMH characteristics can change significantly pre-operatively and affect optimal treatment choice.

Corneal thickness and elevation measurements using swept-source optical coherence tomography and slit scanning topography in normal and keratoconic eyes.

PubMed

Jhanji, Vishal; Yang, Bingzhi; Yu, Marco; Ye, Cong; Leung, Christopher K S

2013-11-01

To compare corneal thickness and corneal elevation using swept source optical coherence tomography and slit scanning topography. Prospective study. 41 normal and 46 keratoconus subjects. All eyes were imaged using swept source optical coherence tomography and slit scanning tomography during the same visit. Mean corneal thickness and best-fit sphere measurements were compared between the instruments. Agreement of measurements between swept source optical coherence tomography and scanning slit topography was analyzed. Intra-rater reproducibility coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient were evaluated. In normal eyes, central corneal thickness measured by swept source optical coherence tomography was thinner compared with slit scanning topography (p < 0.0001) and ultrasound pachymetry (p = < .0001). Ultrasound pachymetry readings had better 95% limits of agreement with swept source optical coherence tomography than slit scanning topography. In keratoconus eyes, central corneal thickness was thinner on swept source optical coherence tomography than slit scanning topography (p = 0.081) and ultrasound pachymetry (p = 0.001). There were significant differences between thinnest corneal thickness, and, anterior and posterior best-fit sphere measurements between both instruments (p < 0.05 for all). Overall, reproducibility coefficients and intraclass correlation coefficients were significantly better with swept source optical coherence tomography for measurement of central corneal thickness, anterior best-fit sphere and, posterior best-fit sphere (all p < 0.001). Corneal thickness and elevation measurements were significantly different between swept source optical coherence tomography and slit scanning topography. With better reproducibility coefficients and intraclass correlation coefficients, swept source optical coherence tomography may provide a reliable alternative for measurement of corneal parameters. © 2013 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology © 2013 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Imaging wet granules with different flow patterns by electrical capacitance tomography and microwave tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, H. G.; Zhang, J. L.; Ramli, M. F.; Mao, M. X.; Ye, J. M.; Yang, W. Q.; Wu, Z. P.

2016-11-01

The moisture content of granules in fluidised bed drying, granulation and coating processes can typically be between 1%~25%, resulting in the change of permittivity and conductivity during the processes. Electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) has been used for this purpose, but has a limit because too much water can cause a problem in capacitance measurement. Considering that microwave tomography (MWT) has a wide range of frequency (1~2.5 GHz) and can be used to measure materials with high permittivity and conductivity, the objective of this research is to combine ECT and MWT together to investigate the solids concentration with different moisture content and different flow patterns. The measurement results show that both ECT and MWT are functions of moisture content as well as flow patterns, and their measurements are complementary to each other. This is the first time that these two tomography modalities have been combined together and applied to image the complex solids distribution. The obtained information may be used for the process control of fluidised bed drying, granulation and coating to improve operation efficiency.

Imaging of 3-D seismic velocity structure of Southern Sumatra region using double difference tomographic method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lestari, Titik; Nugraha, Andri Dian

2015-04-01

Southern Sumatra region has a high level of seismicity due to the influence of the subduction system, Sumatra fault, Mentawai fault and stretching zone activities. The seismic activities of Southern Sumatra region are recorded by Meteorological Climatological and Geophysical Agency (MCGA's) Seismograph network. In this study, we used earthquake data catalog compiled by MCGA for 3013 events from 10 seismic stations around Southern Sumatra region for time periods of April 2009 - April 2014 in order to invert for the 3-D seismic velocities structure (Vp, Vs, and Vp/Vs ratio). We applied double-difference seismic tomography method (tomoDD) to determine Vp, Vs and Vp/Vs ratio with hypocenter adjustment. For the inversion procedure, we started from the initial 1-D seismic velocity model of AK135 and constant Vp/Vs of 1.73. The synthetic travel time from source to receiver was calculated using ray pseudo-bending technique, while the main tomographic inversion was applied using LSQR method. The resolution model was evaluated using checkerboard test and Derivative Weigh Sum (DWS). Our preliminary results show low Vp and Vs anomalies region along Bukit Barisan which is may be associated with weak zone of Sumatran fault and migration of partial melted material. Low velocity anomalies at 30-50 km depth in the fore arc region may indicated the hydrous material circulation because the slab dehydration. We detected low seismic seismicity in the fore arc region that may be indicated as seismic gap. It is coincides contact zone of high and low velocity anomalies. And two large earthquakes (Jambi and Mentawai) also occurred at the contact of contrast velocity.

Imaging of 3-D seismic velocity structure of Southern Sumatra region using double difference tomographic method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lestari, Titik, E-mail: t2klestari@gmail.com; Faculty of Earth Science and Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Jalan Ganesa No.10, Bandung 40132; Nugraha, Andri Dian, E-mail: nugraha@gf.itb.ac.id

2015-04-24

Southern Sumatra region has a high level of seismicity due to the influence of the subduction system, Sumatra fault, Mentawai fault and stretching zone activities. The seismic activities of Southern Sumatra region are recorded by Meteorological Climatological and Geophysical Agency (MCGA’s) Seismograph network. In this study, we used earthquake data catalog compiled by MCGA for 3013 events from 10 seismic stations around Southern Sumatra region for time periods of April 2009 – April 2014 in order to invert for the 3-D seismic velocities structure (Vp, Vs, and Vp/Vs ratio). We applied double-difference seismic tomography method (tomoDD) to determine Vp, Vsmore » and Vp/Vs ratio with hypocenter adjustment. For the inversion procedure, we started from the initial 1-D seismic velocity model of AK135 and constant Vp/Vs of 1.73. The synthetic travel time from source to receiver was calculated using ray pseudo-bending technique, while the main tomographic inversion was applied using LSQR method. The resolution model was evaluated using checkerboard test and Derivative Weigh Sum (DWS). Our preliminary results show low Vp and Vs anomalies region along Bukit Barisan which is may be associated with weak zone of Sumatran fault and migration of partial melted material. Low velocity anomalies at 30-50 km depth in the fore arc region may indicated the hydrous material circulation because the slab dehydration. We detected low seismic seismicity in the fore arc region that may be indicated as seismic gap. It is coincides contact zone of high and low velocity anomalies. And two large earthquakes (Jambi and Mentawai) also occurred at the contact of contrast velocity.« less

Non-double-couple microearthquakes at Long Valley caldera, California, provide evidence for hydraulic fracturing

USGS Publications Warehouse

Foulger, G.R.; Julian, B.R.; Hill, D.P.; Pitt, A.M.; Malin, P.E.; Shalev, E.

2004-01-01

Most of 26 small (0.4??? M ???3.1) microearthquakes at Long Valley caldera in mid-1997, analyzed using data from a dense temporary network of 69 digital three-component seismometers, have significantly non-double-couple focal mechanisms, inconsistent with simple shear faulting. We determined their mechanisms by inverting P - and S -wave polarities and amplitude ratios using linear-programming methods, and tracing rays through a three-dimensional Earth model derived using tomography. More than 80% of the mechanisms have positive (volume increase) isotropic components and most have compensated linear-vector dipole components with outward-directed major dipoles. The simplest interpretation of these mechanisms is combined shear and extensional faulting with a volume-compensating process, such as rapid flow of water, steam, or CO2 into opening tensile cracks. Source orientations of earthquakes in the south moat suggest extensional faulting on ESE-striking subvertical planes, an orientation consistent with planes defined by earthquake hypocenters. The focal mechanisms show that clearly defined hypocentral planes in different locations result from different source processes. One such plane in the eastern south moat is consistent with extensional faulting, while one near Casa Diablo Hot Springs reflects en echelon right-lateral shear faulting. Source orientations at Mammoth Mountain vary systematically with location, indicating that the volcano influences the local stress field. Events in a 'spasmodic burst' at Mammoth Mountain have practically identical mechanisms that indicate nearly pure compensated tensile failure and high fluid mobility. Five earthquakes had mechanisms involving small volume decreases, but these may not be significant. No mechanisms have volumetric moment fractions larger than that of a force dipole, but the reason for this fact is unknown. Published by Elsevier B.V.

A Controlled, Randomized Double-Blind Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Chitosan-N-Acetylcysteine for the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome.

PubMed

Schmidl, Doreen; Werkmeister, René; Kaya, Semira; Unterhuber, Angelika; Witkowska, Katarzyna J; Baumgartner, Renate; Höller, Sonja; O'Rourke, Maria; Peterson, Ward; Wolter, Annika; Prinz, Martin; Schmetterer, Leopold; Garhöfer, Gerhard

2017-06-01

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of chitosan-N-acetylcysteine (C-NAC) eye drops on tear film thickness (TFT) in patients with dry eye syndrome (DES). This was a controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical investigation with patients assigned to 2 cohorts. In Cohort I, 21 patients were randomized to receive 1 instillation of C-NAC eye drops in 1 eye and placebo (normal saline solution) in the contralateral eye. In Cohort II, 17 patients were randomized to receive C-NAC eye drops once (QD) or twice (BID) daily for 5 days. TFT was assessed with a custom-built ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography system. In Cohort I, mean TFT increased from 3.9 ± 0.5 μm predose to 4.8 ± 1.1 μm 10 min postdose after treatment with C-NAC. The increase was significantly different from placebo over time (P < 0.0001) and remained stable until 24 h postdose. In Cohort II, TFT increased with QD and BID instillation, with no significant difference between regimens. In both groups, Ocular Surface Disease Index scores improved, fewer patients presented with corneal damage, and symptoms of ocular discomfort/conjunctival redness were reduced. A single instillation of C-NAC significantly increased mean TFT in patients with DES as early as 10 min after instillation and lasted for 24 h. The magnitude of the increase in TFT following a single instillation was comparable with that after instillation twice daily over 5 days. Corneal damage improved in >60% of patients. C-NAC could be a viable treatment option for DES.

Clinical value of whole body fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the detection of metastatic bladder cancer.

PubMed

Yang, Zhongyi; Pan, Lingling; Cheng, Jingyi; Hu, Silong; Xu, Junyan; Ye, Dingwei; Zhang, Yingjian

2012-07-01

To investigate the value of whole-body fluorine-18 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography for the detection of metastatic bladder cancer. From December 2006 to August 2010, 60 bladder cancer patients (median age 60.5 years old, range 32-96) underwent whole body positron emission tomography/computed tomography positron emission tomography/computed tomography. The diagnostic accuracy was assessed by performing both organ-based and patient-based analyses. Identified lesions were further studied by biopsy or clinically followed for at least 6 months. One hundred and thirty-four suspicious lesions were identified. Among them, 4 primary cancers (2 pancreatic cancers, 1 colonic and 1 nasopharyngeal cancer) were incidentally detected, and the patients could be treated on time. For the remaining 130 lesions, positron emission tomography/computed tomography detected 118 true positive lesions (sensitivity = 95.9%). On the patient-based analysis, the overall sensitivity and specificity resulted to be 87.1% and 89.7%, respectively. There was no difference of sensitivity and specificity in patients with or without adjuvant treatment in terms of detection of metastatic sites by positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Compared with conventional imaging modality, positron emission tomography/computed tomography correctly changed the management in 15 patients (25.0%). Positron emission tomography/computed tomography has excellent sensitivity and specificity in the detection of metastatic bladder cancer and it provides additional diagnostic information compared to standard imaging techniques. © 2012 The Japanese Urological Association.

Seismic imaging of the southern California plate-boundary around the South-Central Transverse Ranges using double-difference tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Share, P. E.; Ben-Zion, Y.; Thurber, C. H.; Zhang, H.; Guo, H.

2017-12-01

We derive P and S seismic velocities within and around the South-Central Transverse Ranges section of the San Andreas Fault (SAF), using a new double-difference tomography algorithm incorporating both event-pair and station-pair differential times. The event-pair data can determine high-resolution relative earthquake locations and resolve fine-scale structure in seismogenic zones, whereas station-pair data allow for better absolute locations and higher resolution of structure near the surface where stations are most dense. The tomographic results are based on arrival times of P and S waves generated by 17,753 M>1 local events from 1/1/2010 to 6/30/2015 recorded by 259 stations within a 222 km x 164 km region. The resulting P and S velocity models include low velocities along major fault segments and across-fault velocity contrasts. For example, at depths <7 km, low velocity anomalies delineate the SAF from Cajon Pass to Coachella Valley, with the exception around San Gorgonio Pass (SGP) where a relatively fast rock body cuts across the fault. Extensive faulting and Pelona schist manifest as low velocities throughout the San Bernardino Basin (SBB). High velocity granites abut the SBB to the SW and NE, forming prominent velocity contrasts across the northern San Jacinto Fault Zone (SJFZ) and the SAF, respectively. At depths of 9-11 km, the models also show a velocity contrast with an areal extent of >50 km parallel to the SAF around Coachella Valley but offset to the NE by 13 km. This is interpreted to mark a dipping section of the SAF that separates granites at depth in the SW from gneisses and schists in the NE. Analysis of fault zone head waves propagating along these sections of the SAF and SJFZ show that major bimaterial interfaces are associated with the observed velocity contrasts. Additional features within the models include elongated low velocity anomalies extending from the SJFZ trifurcation area, which itself has associated low velocity at great depth (>14 km), to the Elsinore Fault in the SW. Moreover, a deep (>13 km) velocity contrast appears beneath the SBB with an east-west strike oblique to both the northern SJFZ and SAF traces. The latter is potentially related to the ancestral Banning Fault, which dips to the north, separating low velocity Pelona schist in the north from high velocity granites in the south.

Absent right common carotid artery associated with aberrant right subclavian artery.

PubMed

Uchino, Akira; Uwabe, Kazuhiko; Osawa, Iichiro

2018-06-01

Rarely, the external and internal carotid arteries arise separately from the brachiocephalic trunk and right subclavian artery (SA) or the aortic arch and reflect the absence of a common carotid artery (CCA). We report a 45-year-old man with absent right CCA associated with aberrant right SA, an extremely rare combination, diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) angiography during follow-up for postoperative aortic dissection. Retrospective careful observation of preoperative postcontrast CT revealed the absent right CCA. Previously reported arch variations associated with absent CCA include cervical aortic arch, double aortic arch, and right aortic arch.

Pseudolocal tomography

DOEpatents

Katsevich, Alexander J.; Ramm, Alexander G.

1996-01-01

Local tomographic data is used to determine the location and value of a discontinuity between a first internal density of an object and a second density of a region within the object. A beam of radiation is directed in a predetermined pattern through the region of the object containing the discontinuity. Relative attenuation data of the beam is determined within the predetermined pattern having a first data component that includes attenuation data through the region. The relative attenuation data is input to a pseudo-local tomography function, where the difference between the internal density and the pseudo-local tomography function is computed across the discontinuity. The pseudo-local tomography function outputs the location of the discontinuity and the difference in density between the first density and the second density.

Pseudolocal tomography

DOEpatents

Katsevich, A.J.; Ramm, A.G.

1996-07-23

Local tomographic data is used to determine the location and value of a discontinuity between a first internal density of an object and a second density of a region within the object. A beam of radiation is directed in a predetermined pattern through the region of the object containing the discontinuity. Relative attenuation data of the beam is determined within the predetermined pattern having a first data component that includes attenuation data through the region. The relative attenuation data is input to a pseudo-local tomography function, where the difference between the internal density and the pseudo-local tomography function is computed across the discontinuity. The pseudo-local tomography function outputs the location of the discontinuity and the difference in density between the first density and the second density. 7 figs.

Adult sail sign: radiographic and computed tomographic features.

PubMed

Lee, Yu-Jin; Han, Daehee; Koh, Young Hwan; Zo, Joo Hee; Kim, Sang-Hyun; Kim, Deog Kyeom; Lee, Jeong Sang; Moon, Hyeon Jong; Kim, Jong Seung; Chun, Eun Ju; Youn, Byung Jae; Lee, Chang Hyun; Kim, Sam Soo

2008-02-01

The sail sign is a well-known radiographic feature of the pediatric chest. This sign can be observed in an adult population as well, but for a different reason. To investigate the sail sign appearing in adult chest radiography. Based on two anecdotal adult cases in which frontal chest radiographs showed the sail sign, we prospectively screened radiographs of 10,238 patients to determine the incidence of the sail sign found in adults in their 40s or older. The cause of the sail sign was assessed using computed tomography (CT). The sail sign was revealed in 10 (seven males, three females; median age 60.6 years) of 10,238 patients. Of these 10 patients with a sail sign on frontal radiographs, eight underwent CT. The frontal radiographs of these 10 patients showed a concave superior margin toward the lung in nine patients, a concave inferior margin in five, and a double-lined inferior margin in three. Lateral radiographs disclosed a focal opacity over the minor fissure in five of six patients, which was either fuzzy (n = 4) or sharp (n = 1) in its upper margin, and was sometimes double lined in the inferior margin (n = 3). CT revealed the anterior mediastinal fat to be the cause of the radiographic sail sign, which stretched laterally from the mediastinum to insinuate into the minor fissure. The incidence of sail sign on adult chest radiographs is about 0.1%. The sign is specific enough to eliminate the need for more sophisticated imaging.

Peri-implant assessment via cone beam computed tomography and digital periapical radiography: an ex vivo study.

PubMed

Silveira-Neto, Nicolau; Flores, Mateus Ericson; De Carli, João Paulo; Costa, Max Dória; Matos, Felipe de Souza; Paranhos, Luiz Renato; Linden, Maria Salete Sandini

2017-11-01

This research evaluated detail registration in peri-implant bone using two different cone beam computer tomography systems and a digital periapical radiograph. Three different image acquisition protocols were established for each cone beam computer tomography apparatus, and three clinical situations were simulated in an ex vivo fresh pig mandible: buccal bone defect, peri-implant bone defect, and bone contact. Data were subjected to two analyses: quantitative and qualitative. The quantitative analyses involved a comparison of real specimen measures using a digital caliper in three regions of the preserved buccal bone - A, B and E (control group) - to cone beam computer tomography images obtained with different protocols (kp1, kp2, kp3, ip1, ip2, and ip3). In the qualitative analyses, the ability to register peri-implant details via tomography and digital periapical radiography was verified, as indicated by twelve evaluators. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). The quantitative assessment showed means statistically equal to those of the control group under the following conditions: buccal bone defect B and E with kp1 and ip1, peri-implant bone defect E with kp2 and kp3, and bone contact A with kp1, kp2, kp3, and ip2. Qualitatively, only bone contacts were significantly different among the assessments, and the p3 results differed from the p1 and p2 results. The other results were statistically equivalent. The registration of peri-implant details was influenced by the image acquisition protocol, although metal artifacts were produced in all situations. The evaluators preferred the Kodak 9000 3D cone beam computer tomography in most cases. The evaluators identified buccal bone defects better with cone beam computer tomography and identified peri-implant bone defects better with digital periapical radiography.

Application of Laser Plasma Sources of Soft X-rays and Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) in Imaging, Processing Materials and Photoionization Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fiedorowicz, H.; Bartnik, A.; Wachulak, P. W.; Jarocki, R.; Kostecki, J.; Szczurek, M.; Ahad, I. U.; Fok, T.; Szczurek, A.; Wȩgrzyński, Ł.

In the paper we present new applications of laser plasma sources of soft X-rays and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) in various areas of plasma physics, nanotechnology and biomedical engineering. The sources are based on a gas puff target irradiated with nanosecond laser pulses from commercial Nd: YAG lasers, generating pulses with time duration from 1 to 10 ns and energies from 0.5 to 10 J at a 10 Hz repetition rate. The targets are produced with the use of a double valve system equipped with a special nozzle to form a double-stream gas puff target which allows for high conversion efficiency of laser energy into soft X-rays and EUV without degradation of the nozzle. The sources are equipped with various optical systems to collect soft X-ray and EUV radiation and form the radiation beam. New applications of these sources in imaging, including EUV tomography and soft X-ray microscopy, processing of materials and photoionization studies are presented.

Ileal polypoid lymphangiectasia bleeding diagnosed and treated by double balloon enteroscopy

PubMed Central

Park, Min Seon; Lee, Beom Jae; Gu, Dae Hoe; Pyo, Jeung-Hui; Kim, Kyeong Jin; Lee, Yun Ho; Joo, Moon Kyung; Park, Jong-Jae; Kim, Jae Seon; Bak, Young-Tae

2013-01-01

Intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare disease characterized by focal or diffuse dilated enteric lymphatics with impaired lymph drainage. It causes protein-losing enteropathy and may lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. Commonly, lymphangiectasia presents as whitish spots or specks. To our knowledge, small bowel bleeding resulting from polypoid intestinal lymphangiectasia has not been reported. Here, we report a rare case of active bleeding from the small bowel caused by polypoid lymphangiectasia with a review of the relevant literature. An 80-year-old woman was hospitalized for melena. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy could not identify the source of bleeding. Subsequent colonoscopy showed fresh bloody material gushing from the small bowel. An abdominal-pelvic contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan did not reveal any abnormal findings. Video capsule endoscopy showed evidence of active and recent bleeding in the ileum. To localize the bleeding site, we performed double balloon enteroscopy by the anal approach. A small, bleeding, polypoid lesion was found in the distal ileum and was successfully removed using endoscopic snare electrocautery. PMID:24363538

Complete transposition of the great arteries with double outlet right ventricle in a dog.

PubMed

Koo, S T; LeBlanc, N L; Scollan, K F; Sisson, D D

2016-06-01

A 2-year old intact male Collie dog presented to the cardiology service at Oregon State University for evaluation of cyanosis and suspected congenital cardiac disease. Echocardiography revealed a constellation of cardiac abnormalities including a single large vessel exiting the right ventricle with a diminutive left ventricular outflow tract, a ventricular septal defect, and marked concentric right ventricular hypertrophy with moderate right atrial dilation. Cardiac-gated computed tomography confirmed the previous anomalies in addition to supporting a diagnosis of complete transposition of the great arteries, double outlet right ventricle, and pulmonic hypoplasia with a single coronary ostium. Prominent bronchoesophageal collateral vessels were concurrently identified. Clinically, the dog was stable despite mild cyanosis that worsened with exercise; no intervention was elected at the time. This case report describes a rare combination of congenital cardiac defects and the usefulness of cardiac-gated cross-sectional imaging in the anatomic diagnosis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Computer-assisted surgery in the lower jaw: double surgical guide for immediately loaded implants in postextractive sites-technical notes and a case report.

PubMed

De Santis, Daniele; Canton, Luciano Claudio; Cucchi, Alessandro; Zanotti, Guglielmo; Pistoia, Enrico; Nocini, Pier Francesco

2010-01-01

Computer-assisted surgery is based on computerized tomography (CT) scan technology to plan the placement of dental implants and a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology to create a custom surgical template. It provides guidance for insertion implants after analysis of existing alveolar bone and planning of implant position, which can be immediately loaded, therefore achieving esthetic and functional results in a surgical stage. The absence of guidelines to treat dentulous areas is often due to a lack of computer-assisted surgery. The authors have attempted to use this surgical methodology to replace residual teeth with an immediate implantoprosthetic restoration. The aim of this case report is to show the possibility of treating a dentulous patient by applying a computer-assisted surgical protocol associated with the use of a double surgical template: one before extraction and a second one after extraction of selected teeth.

Time-lapse seismic tomography using the data of microseismic monitoring network and analysis of mine-induced events, seismic tomography results and technological data in Pyhäsalmi mine, Finland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nevalainen, Jouni; Kozlovskaya, Elena

2016-04-01

We present results of a seismic travel-time tomography applied to microseismic data from the Pyhäsalmi mine, Finland. The data about microseismic events in the mine is recorded since 2002 when the passive microseismic monitoring network was installed in the mine. Since that over 130000 microseismic events have been observed. The first target of our study was to test can the passive microseismic monitoring data be used with travel-time tomography. In this data set the source-receiver geometry is based on non-even distribution of natural and mine-induced events inside and in the vicinity of the mine and hence, is a non-ideal one for the travel-time tomography. The tomographic inversion procedure was tested with the synthetic data and real source-receiver geometry from Pyhäsalmi mine and with the real travel-time data of the first arrivals of P-waves from the microseismic events. The results showed that seismic tomography is capable to reveal differences in seismic velocities in the mine area corresponding to different rock types. For example, the velocity contrast between the ore body and surrounding rock is detectable. The velocity model recovered agrees well with the known geological structures in the mine area. The second target of the study was to apply the travel-time tomography to microseismic monitoring data recorded during different time periods in order to track temporal changes in seismic velocities within the mining area as the excavation proceeds. The result shows that such a time-lapse travel-time tomography can recover such changes. In order to obtain good ray coverage and good resolution, the time interval for a single tomography round need to be selected taking into account the number of events and their spatial distribution. The third target was to compare and analyze mine-induced event locations, seismic tomography results and mining technological data (for example, mine excavation plans) in order to understand the influence of mining technology to mining-induced seismicity. Acknowledgements: This study has been supported by ERDF SEISLAB project and Pyhäsalmi Mine Ltd.

Frequency Domain Ultrasound Waveform Tomography: Breast Imaging Using a Ring Transducer

PubMed Central

Sandhu, G Y; Li, C; Roy, O; Schmidt, S; Duric, N

2016-01-01

Application of the frequency domain acoustic wave equation on data acquired from ultrasound tomography scans is shown to yield high resolution sound speed images on the order of the wavelength of the highest reconstructed frequency. Using a signal bandwidth of 0.4–1 MHz and an average sound speed of 1500 m/s, the resolution is approximately 1.5 mm. The quantitative sound speed values and morphology provided by these images have the potential to inform diagnosis and classification of breast disease. In this study, we present the formalism, practical application, and in vivo results of waveform tomography applied to breast data gathered by two different ultrasound tomography scanners that utilize ring transducers. The formalism includes a review of frequency domain modeling of the wave equation using finite difference operators as well as a review of the gradient descent method for the iterative reconstruction scheme. It is shown that the practical application of waveform tomography requires an accurate starting model, careful data processing, and a method to gradually incorporate higher frequency information into the sound speed reconstruction. Following these steps resulted in high resolution quantitative sound speed images of the breast. These images show marked improvement relative to commonly used ray tomography reconstruction methods. The robustness of the method is demonstrated by obtaining similar results from two different ultrasound tomography devices. We also compare our method to MRI to demonstrate concordant findings. The clinical data used in this work was obtained from a HIPAA compliant clinical study (IRB 040912M1F). PMID:26110909

Correction of nonuniformity error of Gafchromic EBT2 and EBT3.

PubMed

Katsuda, Toshizo; Gotanda, Rumi; Gotanda, Tatsuhiro; Akagawa, Takuya; Tanki, Nobuyoshi; Kuwano, Tadao; Yabunaka, Kouichi

2016-05-08

This study investigates an X-ray dose measurement method for computed tomography using Gafchromic films. Nonuniformity of the active layer is a major problem in Gafchromic films. In radiotherapy, nonuniformity error is reduced by applying the double-exposure technique, but this is impractical in diagnostic radiology because of the heel effect. Therefore, we propose replacing the X-rays in the double-exposure technique with ultraviolet (UV)-A irradiation of Gafchromic EBT2 and EBT3. To improve the reproducibility of the scan position, Gafchromic EBT2 and EBT3 films were attached to a 3-mm-thick acrylic plate. The samples were then irradiated with a 10 W UV-A fluorescent lamp placed at a distance of 72cm for 30, 60, and 90 minutes. The profile curves were evaluated along the long and short axes of the film center, and the standard deviations of the pixel values were calculated over large areas of the films. Paired t-test was performed. UV-A irradiation exerted a significant effect on Gafchromic EBT2 (paired t-test; p = 0.0275) but not on EBT3 (paired t-test; p = 0.2785). Similarly, the homogeneity was improved in Gafchromic EBT2 but not in EBT3. Therefore, the double-exposure technique under UV-A irradiation is suitable only for EBT2 films.

Reorganization of the Endosomal System in Salmonella-Infected Cells: The Ultrastructure of Salmonella-Induced Tubular Compartments

PubMed Central

Krieger, Viktoria; Liebl, David; Zhang, Yuying; Rajashekar, Roopa; Chlanda, Petr; Giesker, Katrin; Chikkaballi, Deepak; Hensel, Michael

2014-01-01

During the intracellular life of Salmonella enterica, a unique membrane-bound compartment termed Salmonella-containing vacuole, or SCV, is formed. By means of translocated effector proteins, intracellular Salmonella also induce the formation of extensive, highly dynamic membrane tubules termed Salmonella-induced filaments or SIF. Here we report the first detailed ultrastructural analyses of the SCV and SIF by electron microscopy (EM), EM tomography and live cell correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM). We found that a subset of SIF is composed of double membranes that enclose portions of host cell cytosol and cytoskeletal filaments within its inner lumen. Despite some morphological similarities, we found that the formation of SIF double membranes is independent from autophagy and requires the function of the effector proteins SseF and SseG. The lumen of SIF network is accessible to various types of endocytosed material and our CLEM analysis of double membrane SIF demonstrated that fluid phase markers accumulate only between the inner and outer membrane of these structures, a space continual with endosomal lumen. Our work reveals how manipulation of the endosomal membrane system by an intracellular pathogen results in a unique tubular membrane compartmentalization of the host cell, generating a shielded niche permissive for intracellular proliferation of Salmonella. PMID:25254663

Seismic imaging: From classical to adjoint tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Q.; Gu, Y. J.

2012-09-01

Seismic tomography has been a vital tool in probing the Earth's internal structure and enhancing our knowledge of dynamical processes in the Earth's crust and mantle. While various tomographic techniques differ in data types utilized (e.g., body vs. surface waves), data sensitivity (ray vs. finite-frequency approximations), and choices of model parameterization and regularization, most global mantle tomographic models agree well at long wavelengths, owing to the presence and typical dimensions of cold subducted oceanic lithospheres and hot, ascending mantle plumes (e.g., in central Pacific and Africa). Structures at relatively small length scales remain controversial, though, as will be discussed in this paper, they are becoming increasingly resolvable with the fast expanding global and regional seismic networks and improved forward modeling and inversion techniques. This review paper aims to provide an overview of classical tomography methods, key debates pertaining to the resolution of mantle tomographic models, as well as to highlight recent theoretical and computational advances in forward-modeling methods that spearheaded the developments in accurate computation of sensitivity kernels and adjoint tomography. The first part of the paper is devoted to traditional traveltime and waveform tomography. While these approaches established a firm foundation for global and regional seismic tomography, data coverage and the use of approximate sensitivity kernels remained as key limiting factors in the resolution of the targeted structures. In comparison to classical tomography, adjoint tomography takes advantage of full 3D numerical simulations in forward modeling and, in many ways, revolutionizes the seismic imaging of heterogeneous structures with strong velocity contrasts. For this reason, this review provides details of the implementation, resolution and potential challenges of adjoint tomography. Further discussions of techniques that are presently popular in seismic array analysis, such as noise correlation functions, receiver functions, inverse scattering imaging, and the adaptation of adjoint tomography to these different datasets highlight the promising future of seismic tomography.

Diagnostic Yield of Transbronchial Biopsy in Comparison to High Resolution Computerized Tomography in Sarcoidosis Cases

PubMed

Akten, H Serpil; Kilic, Hatice; Celik, Bulent; Erbas, Gonca; Isikdogan, Zeynep; Turktas, Haluk; Kokturk, Nurdan

2018-04-25

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield of fiberoptic bronchoscopic (FOB) transbronchial biopsy and its relation with quantitative findings of high resolution computerized tomography (HRCT). A total of 83 patients, 19 males and 64 females with a mean age of 45.1 years diagnosed with sarcoidosis with complete records of high resolution computerized tomography were retrospectively recruited during the time period from Feb 2005 to Jan 2015. High resolution computerized tomography scans were retrospectively assessed in random order by an experienced observer without knowledge of the bronchoscopic results or lung function tests. According to the radiological staging with HRCT, 2.4% of the patients (n=2) were stage 0, 19.3% (n=16) were stage 1, 72.3% (n=60) were stage 2 and 6.0% (n=5) were stage 3. This study showed that transbronchial lung biopsy showed positive results in 39.7% of the stage I or II sarcoidosis patients who were diagnosed by bronchoscopy. Different high resolution computerized tomography patterns and different scores of involvement did make a difference in the diagnostic accuracy of transbronchial biopsy (p=0.007). Creative Commons Attribution License

Seismic moment tensor inversion using 3D velocity model and its application to the 2013 Lushan earthquake sequence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Lupei; Zhou, Xiaofeng

2016-10-01

Source inversion of small-magnitude events such as aftershocks or mine collapses requires use of relatively high frequency seismic waveforms which are strongly affected by small-scale heterogeneities in the crust. In this study, we developed a new inversion method called gCAP3D for determining general moment tensor of a seismic source using Green's functions of 3D models. It inherits the advantageous features of the ;Cut-and-Paste; (CAP) method to break a full seismogram into the Pnl and surface-wave segments and to allow time shift between observed and predicted waveforms. It uses grid search for 5 source parameters (relative strengths of the isotropic and compensated-linear-vector-dipole components and the strike, dip, and rake of the double-couple component) that minimize the waveform misfit. The scalar moment is estimated using the ratio of L2 norms of the data and synthetics. Focal depth can also be determined by repeating the inversion at different depths. We applied gCAP3D to the 2013 Ms 7.0 Lushan earthquake and its aftershocks using a 3D crustal-upper mantle velocity model derived from ambient noise tomography in the region. We first relocated the events using the double-difference method. We then used the finite-differences method and reciprocity principle to calculate Green's functions of the 3D model for 20 permanent broadband seismic stations within 200 km from the source region. We obtained moment tensors of the mainshock and 74 aftershocks ranging from Mw 5.2 to 3.4. The results show that the Lushan earthquake is a reverse faulting at a depth of 13-15 km on a plane dipping 40-47° to N46° W. Most of the aftershocks occurred off the main rupture plane and have similar focal mechanisms to the mainshock's, except in the proximity of the mainshock where the aftershocks' focal mechanisms display some variations.

Sensitivity to detect small coronary artery calcium lesions with varying slice thickness using electron beam tomography.

PubMed

Mao, Songshou; Child, Janis; Carson, Sivi; Liu, Steve C K; Oudiz, Ronald J; Budoff, Matthew J

2003-03-01

To estimate the sensitivity to find small coronary artery calcium lesions with use of different slice widths with electron beam tomography. Two studies were performed. Study 1 utilized double scanning of a stationary cork phantom with three different slice thickness (1.5, 3, and 6 mm). Fifty different calcific lesions (all <20 mm2 in area) fitted in 10 cork coronary arteries were utilized. The calcium foci area, peak value and score were measured and compared. In group 2, 30 patients underwent coronary artery calcium (CAC) screen studies. Each patient was scanned with both 3-mm and 6-mm scan widths in a same study time. Lesions with < 20 mm2 of area of CAC were measured on both 3-mm and 6-mm images. The mean and peak Hounsfield unit measure, and Agatston score were compared between both images. In the cork study, the sensitivity to detect small calcium foci were 96% (48/50), 82% (41/50), and 34% (17/50) in images with 1.5-, 3-, and 6-mm slice thickness, respectively. There is a smaller value in mass, and calcium volume in 6-mm images than 1.5-mm and 3-mm images ( P< 0.001). There was no significant difference between the true value and measured value from 1.5-mm and 3-mm images. In the human study, 18 (30%) of 60 CAC lesions with an area < 20 mm2 defined on 3 mm images were not visible on 6-mm images. Sensitivity of small lesions (P< 5 mm2) was 48% using 6-mm slices. There was a smaller value in CAC area, mean and peak Hounsfield units and score measured from 6-mm images, as compared with 3 mm slices ( P< 0.05). Thinner slice imaging has a higher sensitivity to detect small calcium focus. There was no significant change in score between 3 mm and 1.5 mm on the cork phantom study. However, the use of 6-mm slices should be discouraged, as this protocol both underestimates calcific mass and misses a significant number of calcific lesions in both a phantom and human study.

Bilastine vs. hydroxyzine: occupation of brain histamine H1-receptors evaluated by positron emission tomography in healthy volunteers

PubMed Central

Farré, Magí; Pérez-Mañá, Clara; Papaseit, Esther; Menoyo, Esther; Pérez, Marta; Martin, Soraya; Bullich, Santiago; Rojas, Santiago; Herance, José-Raúl; Trampal, Carlos; Labeaga, Luis; Valiente, Román

2014-01-01

Aim A close correlation exists between positron emission tomography (PET)-determined histamine H1-receptor occupancy (H1RO) and the incidence of sedation. Antihistamines with H1RO <20% are classified as non-sedating. The objective was to compare the H1RO of bilastine, a second generation antihistamine, with that of hydroxyzine. Methods This randomized, double-blind, crossover study used PET imaging with [11C]-doxepin to evaluate H1RO in 12 healthy males (mean age 26.2 years), after single oral administration of bilastine (20 mg), hydroxyzine (25 mg) or placebo. Binding potentials and H1ROs were calculated in five cerebral cortex regions of interest: frontal, occipital, parietal, temporal, insula. Plasma bilastine concentrations, subjective sedation (visual analogue scale), objective psychomotor performance (digital symbol substitution test), physiological variables and safety (adverse events, AEs), were also evaluated. Results The mean binding potential of all five regions of interest (total binding potential) was significantly greater with bilastine than hydroxyzine (mean value 0.26 vs. 0.13, P < 0.01; mean difference and 95% CI −0.130 [−0.155, 0.105]). There was no significant difference between bilastine and placebo. Overall H1RO by bilastine was significantly lower than that by hydroxyzine (mean value −3.92% vs. 53.95%, P < 0.01; mean difference and 95% CI 57.870% [42.664%, 73.075%]). There was no significant linear relationship between individual bilastine plasma concentrations and total binding potential values. No significant between-treatment differences were observed for sedation and psychomotor performance. Twenty-six non-serious AEs were reported. Sleepiness or sedation was not reported with bilastine but appeared in some subjects with hydroxyzine. Conclusions A single oral dose of bilastine 20 mg had minimal H1RO, was not associated with subjective sedation or objective impairment of psychomotor performance and was devoid of treatment-related sedative AEs, thus satisfying relevant subjective, objective and PET criteria as a non-sedating antihistamine. PMID:24833043

Bilastine vs. hydroxyzine: occupation of brain histamine H1 -receptors evaluated by positron emission tomography in healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Farré, Magí; Pérez-Mañá, Clara; Papaseit, Esther; Menoyo, Esther; Pérez, Marta; Martin, Soraya; Bullich, Santiago; Rojas, Santiago; Herance, José-Raúl; Trampal, Carlos; Labeaga, Luis; Valiente, Román

2014-11-01

A close correlation exists between positron emission tomography (PET)-determined histamine H1 -receptor occupancy (H1 RO) and the incidence of sedation. Antihistamines with H1 RO <20% are classified as non-sedating. The objective was to compare the H1 RO of bilastine, a second generation antihistamine, with that of hydroxyzine. This randomized, double-blind, crossover study used PET imaging with [(11) C]-doxepin to evaluate H1 RO in 12 healthy males (mean age 26.2 years), after single oral administration of bilastine (20 mg), hydroxyzine (25 mg) or placebo. Binding potentials and H1 ROs were calculated in five cerebral cortex regions of interest: frontal, occipital, parietal, temporal, insula. Plasma bilastine concentrations, subjective sedation (visual analogue scale), objective psychomotor performance (digital symbol substitution test), physiological variables and safety (adverse events, AEs), were also evaluated. The mean binding potential of all five regions of interest (total binding potential) was significantly greater with bilastine than hydroxyzine (mean value 0.26 vs. 0.13, P < 0.01; mean difference and 95% CI -0.130 [-0.155, 0.105]). There was no significant difference between bilastine and placebo. Overall H1 RO by bilastine was significantly lower than that by hydroxyzine (mean value -3.92% vs. 53.95%, P < 0.01; mean difference and 95% CI 57.870% [42.664%, 73.075%]). There was no significant linear relationship between individual bilastine plasma concentrations and total binding potential values. No significant between-treatment differences were observed for sedation and psychomotor performance. Twenty-six non-serious AEs were reported. Sleepiness or sedation was not reported with bilastine but appeared in some subjects with hydroxyzine. A single oral dose of bilastine 20 mg had minimal H1 RO, was not associated with subjective sedation or objective impairment of psychomotor performance and was devoid of treatment-related sedative AEs, thus satisfying relevant subjective, objective and PET criteria as a non-sedating antihistamine. © 2014 The British Pharmacological Society.

Comparison of Tissue Density in Hounsfield Units in Computed Tomography and Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

PubMed

Varshowsaz, Masoud; Goorang, Sepideh; Ehsani, Sara; Azizi, Zeynab; Rahimian, Sepideh

2016-03-01

Bone quality and quantity assessment is one of the most important steps in implant treatment planning. Different methods such as computed tomography (CT) and recently suggested cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) with lower radiation dose and less time and cost are used for bone density assessment. This in vitro study aimed to compare the tissue density values in Hounsfield units (HUs) in CBCT and CT scans of different tissue phantoms with two different thicknesses, two different image acquisition settings and in three locations in the phantoms. Four different tissue phantoms namely hard tissue, soft tissue, air and water were scanned by three different CBCT and a CT system in two thicknesses (full and half) and two image acquisition settings (high and low kVp and mA). The images were analyzed at three sites (middle, periphery and intermediate) using eFilm software. The difference in density values was analyzed by ANOVA and correction coefficient test (P<0.05). There was a significant difference between density values in CBCT and CT scans in most situations, and CBCT values were not similar to CT values in any of the phantoms in different thicknesses and acquisition parameters or the three different sites. The correction coefficients confirmed the results. CBCT is not reliable for tissue density assessment. The results were not affected by changes in thickness, acquisition parameters or locations.

Vasodilator Stress Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography or Contrast Stress Echocardiography Association with Hard Cardiac Events in Suspected Coronary Artery Disease.

PubMed

Gaibazzi, Nicola; Siniscalchi, Carmine; Porter, Thomas R; Crocamo, Antonio; Basaglia, Manuela; Boffetti, Francesca; Lorenzoni, Valentina

2018-06-01

We compared the long-term outcome of subjects without prior cardiac disease who underwent either vasodilator single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or contrast stress-echocardiography (cSE) for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Subjects who underwent vasodilator SPECT or cSE between 2008 and 2012 for suspected CAD but no history of cardiac disease were included. We retrospectively compared the association of each method with combined all-cause death and nonfatal myocardial infarction and their positive predictive value (PPV) for angiographically obstructive CAD. A total of 1,387 subjects were selected: 497 who underwent SPECT and 890 who underwent cSE. During 4 years of mean follow-up there were 78 hard events in the cSE group and 51 in the SPECT group. Event-free survival in subjects testing positive for ischemia, either with SPECT or cSE, was significantly worse both in the overall population and after propensity matching patients. In multivariable analyses, vasodilator SPECT or cSE demonstrated significant stratification capability with an ischemic test doubling (SPECT) or more than doubling (cSE) the risk of future hard events independently from other variables. PPV of vasodilator SPECT for the diagnosis of obstructive CAD was inferior to vasodilator cSE (PPV = 63% vs 89%, respectively; P < .001). Our study suggests that the associations of vasodilator SPECT or cSE with outcome are comparable, with cSE demonstrating better diagnostic PPV for CAD. The absence of ionizing radiation and anticipated lower costs from higher PPV suggest that vasodilator cSE is a valid alternative to vasodilator SPECT as a gatekeeper in subjects without a prior history of CAD. Copyright © 2018 American Society of Echocardiography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of Silexan on the Serotonin-1A Receptor and Microstructure of the Human Brain: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Cross-Over Study with Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging

PubMed Central

Baldinger, Pia; Höflich, Anna S.; Mitterhauser, Markus; Hahn, Andreas; Rami-Mark, Christina; Spies, Marie; Wadsak, Wolfgang; Lanzenberger, Rupert

2015-01-01

Background: Recently, Silexan, a patented active substance comprised of an essential oil produced from Lavandula angustifolia flowers, has been authorized in Germany as a medicinal product for the treatment of states of restlessness related to anxious mood. Its efficacy has been shown in several forms of anxiety disorders. Findings from preclinical and clinical studies attribute a major role to the serotonin-1A receptor in the pathogenesis and treatment of anxiety. Methods: To elucidate the effect of Silexan on serotonin-1A receptor binding, 17 healthy men underwent 2 positron emission tomography measurements using the radioligand [carbonyl-11C]WAY-100635 following the daily intake of 160mg Silexan or placebo for a minimum of 8 weeks (randomized, double-blind, cross-over design). Additionally, structural magnetic resonance imaging and voxel-based morphometry analysis was performed to determine potential effects on gray matter microstructure. Results: Serotonin-1A receptor binding potential was shown to be significantly reduced following the intake of Silexan compared with placebo in 2 large clusters encompassing the temporal gyrus, the fusiform gyrus and the hippocampus on one hand as well as the insula and anterior cingulate cortex on the other hand. No effects of Silexan on gray matter volume could be detected in this investigation. Conclusion: This positron emission tomography study proposes an involvement of the serotonin-1A receptor in the anxiolytic effects of Silexan. The study was registered in the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Register as ISRCTN30885829 (http://www.controlled-trials.com/isrctn/). PMID:25522403

68Ga-PSMA PET/CT for the detection of bone metastasis in recurrent prostate cancer and a PSA level <2 ng/ml: Two case reports and a literature review

PubMed Central

Petersen, Lars J.; Nielsen, Julie B.; Dettmann, Katja; Fisker, Rune V.; Haberkorn, Uwe; Stenholt, Louise; Zacho, Helle D.

2017-01-01

Localization of prostate cancer recurrence, particularly in the bones, is a major challenge with standard of care imaging in patients with biochemical recurrence following curatively intended treatment. Gallium-68-labeled prostate specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography (68Ga-PSMA PET/CT) is a novel and promising method for imaging in prostate cancer. The present study reports two cases of patients with prostate cancer with biochemical recurrence, with evidence of bone metastases on 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT images and low prostate specific antigen PSA levels (<2 ng/ml) and PSA doubling time >6 months. The bone metastases were verified by supplementary imaging with 18F-sodium fluoride PET/CT and magnetic resonance imaging as well as biochemical responses to androgen deprivation therapy. Therefore, 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT is promising for the restaging of patients with prostate cancer with biochemical recurrence, including patients with low PSA levels and low PSA kinetics. PMID:28685078

Ultra-high resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography using supercontinuum light source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Yiheng; Yatagai, Toyohiko; Otani, Yukitoshi

2016-04-01

An ultra-high resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was developed using a cost-effective supercontinuum laser. A spectral filter consists of a dispersive prism, a cylindrical lens and a right-angle prism was built to transmit the wavelengths in range 680-940 nm to the OCT system. The SD-OCT has achieved 1.9 μm axial resolution and the sensitivity was estimated to be 91.5 dB. A zero-crossing fringes matching method which maps the wavelengths to the pixel indices of the spectrometer was proposed for the OCT spectral calibration. A double sided foam tape as a static sample and the tip of a middle finger as a biological sample were measured by the OCT. The adhesive and the internal structure of the foam of the tape were successfully visualized in three dimensions. Sweat ducts was clearly observed in the OCT images at very high resolution. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of ultra-high resolution visualization of sweat duct by OCT.

Three-dimensional multifunctional optical coherence tomography for skin imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, En; Makita, Shuichi; Hong, Young-Joo; Kasaragod, Deepa; Sasaoka, Tomoko; Yamanari, Masahiro; Sugiyama, Satoshi; Yasuno, Yoshiaki

2016-02-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) visualizes cross-sectional microstructures of biological tissues. Recent developments of multifunctional OCT (MF-OCT) provides multiple optical contrasts which can reveal currently unknown tissue properties. In this contribution we demonstrate multifunctional OCT specially designed for dermatological investigation. And by utilizing it to measure four different body parts of in vivo human skin, three-dimensional scattering OCT, OCT angiography, polarization uniformity tomography, and local birefringence tomography images were obtained by a single scan. They respectively contrast the structure and morphology, vasculature, melanin content and collagen traits of the tissue.

Double-input compartmental modeling and spectral analysis for the quantification of positron emission tomography data in oncology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomasi, G.; Kimberley, S.; Rosso, L.; Aboagye, E.; Turkheimer, F.

2012-04-01

In positron emission tomography (PET) studies involving organs different from the brain, ignoring the metabolite contribution to the tissue time-activity curves (TAC), as in the standard single-input (SI) models, may compromise the accuracy of the estimated parameters. We employed here double-input (DI) compartmental modeling (CM), previously used for [11C]thymidine, and a novel DI spectral analysis (SA) approach on the tracers 5-[18F]fluorouracil (5-[18F]FU) and [18F]fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT). CM and SA were performed initially with a SI approach using the parent plasma TAC as an input function. These methods were then employed using a DI approach with the metabolite plasma TAC as an additional input function. Regions of interest (ROIs) corresponding to healthy liver, kidneys and liver metastases for 5-[18F]FU and to tumor, vertebra and liver for [18F]FLT were analyzed. For 5-[18F]FU, the improvement of the fit quality with the DI approaches was remarkable; in CM, the Akaike information criterion (AIC) always selected the DI over the SI model. Volume of distribution estimates obtained with DI CM and DI SA were in excellent agreement, for both parent 5-[18F]FU (R2 = 0.91) and metabolite [18F]FBAL (R2 = 0.99). For [18F]FLT, the DI methods provided notable improvements but less substantial than for 5-[18F]FU due to the lower rate of metabolism of [18F]FLT. On the basis of the AIC values, agreement between [18F]FLT Ki estimated with the SI and DI models was good (R2 = 0.75) for the ROIs where the metabolite contribution was negligible, indicating that the additional input did not bias the parent tracer only-related estimates. When the AIC suggested a substantial contribution of the metabolite [18F]FLT-glucuronide, on the other hand, the change in the parent tracer only-related parameters was significant (R2 = 0.33 for Ki). Our results indicated that improvements of DI over SI approaches can range from moderate to substantial and are more significant for tracers with a high rate of metabolism. Furthermore, they showed that SA is suitable for DI modeling and can be used effectively in the analysis of PET data.

The role of FDG-PET in detecting rejection after liver transplantation.

PubMed

Watson, Ashley M; Bhutiani, Neal; Philips, Prejesh; Davis, Eric G; Eng, Mary; Cannon, Robert M; Jones, Christopher M

2018-05-15

The activation and increased metabolic activity of T cells in acute cellular rejection could allow fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography to be utilized for detection of acute cellular rejection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography in detecting acute cellular rejection in the clinical setting. Fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography studies were performed on 88 orthotopic liver transplant patients at 7 and 17 days postoperatively (first positron emission tomography and second positron emission tomography, respectively). Additional studies were performed if patients had suspicion of rejection and at resolution of rejection (third positron emission tomography and fourth positron emission tomography, respectively). A circular region of interest was placed over the liver for semiquantitative evaluation of fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography images by means of standard uptake values. Eighteen of 88 patients in our study (20.5%) had histologically proven acute cellular rejection during a 16 ± 11 day follow-up. There was no significant difference between the standard uptake values of first positron emission tomography among non-rejecters versus rejecters (2.05 ±0.46 non-rejecters versus 1.82 ± 0.40 rejecters, P = .127). Within the rejection cohort, the standard uptake values from the third positron emission tomography (rejection) were higher compared to the first positron emission tomography (baseline) (2.41 ± 0.48 third positron emission tomography versus 1.82 ± 0.41 first positron emission tomography, P < .001). Increased signal on fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography over baseline is associated with acute cellular rejection in liver transplant recipients. Additional prospective validation studies are essential to define the role of fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan as an early marker for acute cellular rejection. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Computed tomography semiotics of osteonecrosis and sequestration in chronic hematogenic osteomyelitis].

PubMed

D'iachkova, G V; Mitina, Iu L

2007-01-01

Based on the data of computed tomography, radiography and densitometry in 39 patients the authors describe in detail the signs of osteonecrosis and sequestration of different localization and extension.

4D electron tomography.

PubMed

Kwon, Oh-Hoon; Zewail, Ahmed H

2010-06-25

Electron tomography provides three-dimensional (3D) imaging of noncrystalline and crystalline equilibrium structures, as well as elemental volume composition, of materials and biological specimens, including those of viruses and cells. We report the development of 4D electron tomography by integrating the fourth dimension (time resolution) with the 3D spatial resolution obtained from a complete tilt series of 2D projections of an object. The different time frames of tomograms constitute a movie of the object in motion, thus enabling studies of nonequilibrium structures and transient processes. The method was demonstrated using carbon nanotubes of a bracelet-like ring structure for which 4D tomograms display different modes of motion, such as breathing and wiggling, with resonance frequencies up to 30 megahertz. Applications can now make use of the full space-time range with the nanometer-femtosecond resolution of ultrafast electron tomography.

4D Electron Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Oh-Hoon; Zewail, Ahmed H.

2010-06-01

Electron tomography provides three-dimensional (3D) imaging of noncrystalline and crystalline equilibrium structures, as well as elemental volume composition, of materials and biological specimens, including those of viruses and cells. We report the development of 4D electron tomography by integrating the fourth dimension (time resolution) with the 3D spatial resolution obtained from a complete tilt series of 2D projections of an object. The different time frames of tomograms constitute a movie of the object in motion, thus enabling studies of nonequilibrium structures and transient processes. The method was demonstrated using carbon nanotubes of a bracelet-like ring structure for which 4D tomograms display different modes of motion, such as breathing and wiggling, with resonance frequencies up to 30 megahertz. Applications can now make use of the full space-time range with the nanometer-femtosecond resolution of ultrafast electron tomography.

Brain Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography Gender Differences in Tinnitus Patients.

PubMed

Shlamkovich, Nathan; Gavriel, Haim; Eviatar, Ephraim; Lorberboym, Mordechay; Aviram, Eliad

2016-10-01

Increased metabolism in the left auditory cortex has been reported in tinnitus patients. However, gender difference has not been addressed. To assess the differences in Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) results between the genders in tinnitus patients. Retrospective cohort. Included were patients referred to our clinic between January 2011 and August 2013 who complained of tinnitus and underwent fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET to assess brain metabolism. Univariate and multivariate nominal logistic regressions were used to evaluate the association between upper temporal gyrus (UTG; right and left) and gender. Included were 140 patients (87 males) with an average age of 52.5 yr (median = 53.1). Bilateral tinnitus was found in 85 patients (60.7%), left sided in 30 (21.4%), and right sided in 21(15%). Increased uptake in the UTG was found in 60% of the patients on either side. Males had a statistically significant increased uptake in the UTG in those with unilateral tinnitus and in the entire population. We present the largest study reported so far on tinnitus patients who have undergone FDG-PET-CT. We found a statistically significant difference between the genders in FDG uptake by the UTG. Further investigations should be undertaken to reveal the etiologies for these differences and to assess different therapeutic protocols according to gender. American Academy of Audiology

Breast ultrasound tomography with two parallel transducer arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Lianjie; Shin, Junseob; Chen, Ting; Lin, Youzuo; Gao, Kai; Intrator, Miranda; Hanson, Kenneth

2016-03-01

Breast ultrasound tomography is an emerging imaging modality to reconstruct the sound speed, density, and ultrasound attenuation of the breast in addition to ultrasound reflection/beamforming images for breast cancer detection and characterization. We recently designed and manufactured a new synthetic-aperture breast ultrasound tomography prototype with two parallel transducer arrays consisting of a total of 768 transducer elements. The transducer arrays are translated vertically to scan the breast in a warm water tank from the chest wall/axillary region to the nipple region to acquire ultrasound transmission and reflection data for whole-breast ultrasound tomography imaging. The distance of these two ultrasound transducer arrays is adjustable for scanning breasts with different sizes. We use our breast ultrasound tomography prototype to acquire phantom and in vivo patient ultrasound data to study its feasibility for breast imaging. We apply our recently developed ultrasound imaging and tomography algorithms to ultrasound data acquired using our breast ultrasound tomography system. Our in vivo patient imaging results demonstrate that our breast ultrasound tomography can detect breast lesions shown on clinical ultrasound and mammographic images.

Aortic biological valve thrombosis in an HIV positive patient.

PubMed

Achouh, Paul; Jemel, Amine; Chaudeurge, Aurélie; Redheuil, Alban; Zegdi, Rachid; Fabiani, Jean-Noël

2011-06-01

Biological aortic valve thrombosis is an exceptional complication. A 64-year-old patient positive for human immunodeficiency virus presented for syncope on exertion, 2 years after an aortic bioprosthetic valve replacement and double coronary artery bypass. Transvalvular aortic mean gradient was approximately 50 mm Hg on echocardiogram and catheterization. Cardiac computed tomography scan showed a limited opening of the bioprosthesis cusps. Surgical exploration revealed thrombosis of the three cusps on the aortic side, limiting the opening of the valve. No relation could be established between the patient's human immunodeficiency virus status and valve thrombosis. Copyright © 2011 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of blood vessels on light distribution in optogenetic stimulation of cortex.

PubMed

Azimipour, Mehdi; Atry, Farid; Pashaie, Ramin

2015-05-15

In this Letter, the impact of blood vessels on light distribution during photostimulation of cortical tissue in small rodents is investigated. Brain optical properties were extracted using a double-integrating sphere setup, and optical coherence tomography was used to image cortical vessels and capillaries to generate a three-dimensional angiogram of the cortex. By combining these two datasets, a complete volumetric structure of the cortical tissue was developed and linked to a Monte Carlo code which simulates light propagation in this inhomogeneous structure and illustrates the effect of blood vessels on the penetration depth and pattern preservation in optogenetic stimulation.

Multiple congenital PSS in a dog: case report and literature review.

PubMed

Leeman, Jessica J; Kim, Stanley E; Reese, David J; Risselada, Marije; Ellison, Gary W

2013-01-01

A 4 yr old spayed female mixed-breed dog presented with a 2 yr history of recurring increases in liver enzymes. Two congenital portosystemic shunts (PSSs) were identified using computed tomography (CT) angiography, which included a portoazygous and portorenal extrahepatic shunt. Double right renal veins were also identified. The shunts were successfully identified and attenuated with cellophane banding. Multiple congenital PSS is a rare phenomenon, but should be considered during exploratory laparotomy for PSS and in dogs with poor response to surgical attenuation of a single PSS. CT proved to be a crucial part of accurate diagnosis and surgical planning for this dog with multiple congenital PSS.

A perforated duodenal ulcer presenting as inferior lead ST elevation following amphetamine use.

PubMed

Jones, H G; Hopkins, L; Clayton, A; McKain, E

2012-05-01

Typical symptoms of duodenal ulcers include epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and shortness of breath. Here we present the case of a 39-year-old man who had a sudden onset of chest and epigastric pain following the use of recreational amphetamines. There were ST changes in the inferior leads of his electrocardiogram, indicating the possibility of a myocardial infarction. Following double contrast computed tomography of the abdomen and an urgent laparotomy, a diagnosis of a perforated duodenal ulcer was made. We discuss the aetiologies, presentation, investigation and treatment of the disorder, and make recommendations on the management.

Characterization of Light Lesion Paradigms and Optical Coherence Tomography as Tools to Study Adult Retina Regeneration in Zebrafish

PubMed Central

Weber, Anke; Hochmann, Sarah; Cimalla, Peter; Gärtner, Maria; Kuscha, Veronika; Hans, Stefan; Geffarth, Michaela; Kaslin, Jan; Koch, Edmund; Brand, Michael

2013-01-01

Light-induced lesions are a powerful tool to study the amazing ability of photoreceptors to regenerate in the adult zebrafish retina. However, the specificity of the lesion towards photoreceptors or regional differences within the retina are still incompletely understood. We therefore characterized the process of degeneration and regeneration in an established paradigm, using intense white light from a fluorescence lamp on swimming fish (diffuse light lesion). We also designed a new light lesion paradigm where light is focused through a microscope onto the retina of an immobilized fish (focused light lesion). Focused light lesion has the advantage of creating a locally restricted area of damage, with the additional benefit of an untreated control eye in the same animal. In both paradigms, cell death is observed as an immediate early response, and proliferation is initiated around 2 days post lesion (dpl), peaking at 3 dpl. We furthermore find that two photoreceptor subtypes (UV and blue sensitive cones) are more susceptible towards intense white light than red/green double cones and rods. We also observed specific differences within light lesioned areas with respect to the process of photoreceptor degeneration: UV cone debris is removed later than any other type of photoreceptor in light lesions. Unspecific damage to retinal neurons occurs at the center of a focused light lesion territory, but not in the diffuse light lesion areas. We simulated the fish eye optical properties using software simulation, and show that the optical properties may explain the light lesion patterns that we observe. Furthermore, as a new tool to study retinal degeneration and regeneration in individual fish in vivo, we use spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Collectively, the light lesion and imaging assays described here represent powerful tools for studying degeneration and regeneration processes in the adult zebrafish retina. PMID:24303018

Photoreceptor Layer Thickness Changes During Dark Adaptation Observed With Ultrahigh-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography

PubMed Central

Lu, Chen D.; Lee, ByungKun; Schottenhamml, Julia; Maier, Andreas; Pugh, Edward N.; Fujimoto, James G.

2017-01-01

Purpose To examine outer retinal band changes after flash stimulus and subsequent dark adaptation with ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT). Methods Five dark-adapted left eyes of five normal subjects were imaged with 3-μm axial-resolution UHR-OCT during 30 minutes of dark adaptation following 96%, 54%, 23%, and 0% full-field and 54% half-field rhodopsin bleach. We identified the ellipsoid zone inner segment/outer segment (EZ[IS/OS]), cone interdigitation zone (CIZ), rod interdigitation zone (RIZ), retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and Bruch's membrane (BM) axial positions and generated two-dimensional thickness maps of the EZ(IS/OS) to the four bands. The average thickness over an area of the thickness map was compared against that of the dark-adapted baselines. The time-dependent thickness changes (photoresponses) were statistically compared against 0% bleach. Dark adaptometry was performed with the same bleaching protocol. Results The EZ(IS/OS)-CIZ photoresponse was significantly different at 96% (P < 0.0001) and 54% (P = 0.006) bleach. At all three bleaching levels, the EZ(IS/OS)-RIZ, -RPE, and -BM responses were significantly different (P < 0.0001). The EZ(IS/OS)-CIZ and EZ(IS/OS)-RIZ time courses were similar to the recovery of rod- and cone-mediated sensitivity, respectively, measured with dark adaptometry. The maximal EZ(IS/OS)-CIZ and EZ(IS/OS)-RIZ response magnitudes doubled from 54% to 96% bleach. Both EZ(IS/OS)-RPE and EZ(IS/OS)-BM responses resembled dampened oscillations that were graded in amplitude and duration with bleaching intensity. Half-field photoresponses were localized to the stimulated retina. Conclusions With noninvasive, near-infrared UHR-OCT, we characterized three distinct, spatially localized photoresponses in the outer retinal bands. These photoresponses have potential value as physical correlates of photoreceptor function. PMID:28898357

Recent advances in electron tomography: TEM and HAADF-STEM tomography for materials science and semiconductor applications.

PubMed

Kübel, Christian; Voigt, Andreas; Schoenmakers, Remco; Otten, Max; Su, David; Lee, Tan-Chen; Carlsson, Anna; Bradley, John

2005-10-01

Electron tomography is a well-established technique for three-dimensional structure determination of (almost) amorphous specimens in life sciences applications. With the recent advances in nanotechnology and the semiconductor industry, there is also an increasing need for high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) structural information in physical sciences. In this article, we evaluate the capabilities and limitations of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-angle-annular-dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) tomography for the 3D structural characterization of partially crystalline to highly crystalline materials. Our analysis of catalysts, a hydrogen storage material, and different semiconductor devices shows that features with a diameter as small as 1-2 nm can be resolved in three dimensions by electron tomography. For partially crystalline materials with small single crystalline domains, bright-field TEM tomography provides reliable 3D structural information. HAADF-STEM tomography is more versatile and can also be used for high-resolution 3D imaging of highly crystalline materials such as semiconductor devices.

A positron emission tomography study of nigro-striatal dopaminergic mechanisms underlying attention: implications for ADHD and its treatment

PubMed Central

Fryer, Tim D.; Hong, Young T.; Smith, Rob; Brichard, Laurent; Acosta-Cabronero, Julio; Chamberlain, Samuel R.; Tait, Roger; Izquierdo, David; Regenthal, Ralf; Dowson, Jonathan; Suckling, John; Baron, Jean-Claude; Aigbirhio, Franklin I.; Robbins, Trevor W.; Sahakian, Barbara J.; Müller, Ulrich

2013-01-01

Through the combined use of 18F-fallypride positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging this study examined the neural mechanisms underlying the attentional deficits associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and their potential reversal with a single therapeutic dose of methylphenidate. Sixteen adult patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and 16 matched healthy control subjects were positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scanned and tested on a computerized sustained attention task after oral methylphenidate (0.5 mg/kg) and placebo administration in a within-subject, double-blind, cross-over design. Although patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder as a group showed significant attentional deficits and reduced grey matter volume in fronto-striato-cerebellar and limbic networks, they had equivalent D2/D3 receptor availability and equivalent increases in endogenous dopamine after methylphenidate treatment to that observed in healthy control subjects. However, poor attentional performers drawn from both the attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and the control groups had significantly reduced left caudate dopamine activity. Methylphenidate significantly increased dopamine levels in all nigro-striatal regions, thereby normalizing dopamine levels in the left caudate in low performers. Behaviourally, methylphenidate improved sustained attention in a baseline performance-dependent manner, irrespective of diagnosis. This finding was accompanied by an equally performance-dependent effect of the drug on dopamine release in the midbrain, whereby low performers showed reduced dopamine release in this region. Collectively, these findings support a dimensional model of attentional deficits and underlying nigro-striatal dopaminergic mechanisms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder that extends into the healthy population. Moreover, they confer midbrain dopamine autoreceptors a hitherto neglected role in the therapeutic effects of oral methylphenidate in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The absence of significant case–control differences in D2/D3 receptor availability (despite the observed relationships between dopamine activity and attention) suggests that dopamine dysregulation per se is unlikely to be the primary cause underlying attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder pathology in adults. This conclusion is reinforced by evidence of neuroanatomical changes in the same set of patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. PMID:24163364

Probing the structure of a caldera for geothermal assessment using enhanced passive seismic tomography. The example of the Campi Flregrei (Italy).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calo, M.; Tramelli, A.; Troise, C.; de Natale, G.

2015-12-01

Campi Flegrei (southern Italy) is one of the most studied calderas of the world due to its geothermal potential that was exploited since Romans' age, and its eruption and seismic risk, affecting a densely populated region. The caldera is marked by strong vertical deformations of the soil called bradyseisms, which are often accompanied by seismic crises. In particular the bradyseismic crises of 1982-84 are remembered for the large number of earthquakes that exceeded 16000 events recorded. Seismicity has been used to model the distribution of the elastic parameters with the aim to study the volcano behavior. However, till now seismic velocity models, calculated with standard tomography, failed in resolving small structures (<1.5-2km) located also at shallow depth, which could be responsible of small eruption as the last one that originated the Monte Nuovo monogenic cone in 1538. Here we show Vp and Vp/Vs models carried out by applying an enhanced seismic tomography that uses the Double Difference method (DD, Zhang and Thurber, 2003) complemented with the Weighted Average Model post-processing (WAM, Calò et al., 2009, Calò et al., 2011, 2013). The 3D models obtained with this procedure benefit of the high resolving power due to DD method, which uses both absolute and differential data, and of the improved reliability offered by WAM, which allows to overcome the drawbacks of the standard inversion methods. Our approach allowed to image structures with linear dimension of 0.5-1.2km, resulting in an improvement of the resolving power at least two times of the other published models (e.g. Priolo et al., 2012). Results show small bodies of high Vp and Vp/Vs at shallow depth (2.5-3.5 km) that could be associated either with magmatic intrusions or fluid saturated rocks, probably responsible of unrest episodes. At shallower depth (0.5-2.0 km), the Vp/Vs model is able to discern between water- and gas- bearing regions giving insight on the assessment of the potential of the geothermal reservoir.

Structure of the Sumatra-Andaman subduction zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pesicek, Jeremy Dale

We have conducted studies of the Sumatra-Andaman subduction zone using newly available teleseismic data resulting from the aftershock sequences of the 2004, 2005, and 2007 great earthquakes that occurred offshore of the island of Sumatra. In order to better exploit the new data, existing methodologies have been adapted and advanced in several ways to obtain results at a level of precision not previously possible from teleseismic data. Seismic tomography studies of the mantle were conducted using an improved iterative technique that accounts for fine-scale three-dimensional (3-D) velocity variations inside the study region and coarser global velocity variations outside the region. More precise earthquake locations were determined using a double-difference technique that has been extended to teleseismic distances using spherical ray tracing through the nested 3-D regional-global velocity models. Earthquake relocation was included in the iterative tomography scheme and was found to significantly enhance the recovery of slab velocity anomalies. Finally, because crustal structure is poorly constrained by the teleseismic data, 3-D density modeling of the crust was conducted using newly available satellite gravity data and a spherical prism gravity algorithm. The results of these studies better constrain the structure of the Sumatra-Andaman subduction zone, including the geometry of the mantle slab, position of the megathrust, and structural features of the downgoing plate. Tomography results reveal continuous upper mantle slab anomalies with significant variations in dip throughout the region. Broad curvature of the fast anomalies beneath northern Sumatra, similar to curvature of the trench and volcanic arc at the surface, is interpreted as folding of the upper mantle slab. Earthquake relocations show systematic shifts of the hypocenters to the northeast and to shallower depths, each with average changes of 5 km. Reduced scatter in the relocations better constrain the megathrust plate boundary and the regions of coseismic slip during the 2004 and 2005 great earthquakes. In addition, the relocations reveal discrete seismic features on the downgoing plate not previously visible in teleseismic catalogs. The new velocity model and earthquake locations provide the most comprehensive view of the deep structure of the Sumatra-Andaman subduction zone yet available.

Physically corrected forward operators for induced emission tomography: a simulation study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viganò, Nicola Roberto; Solé, Vicente Armando

2018-03-01

X-ray emission tomography techniques over non-radioactive materials allow one to investigate different and important aspects of the matter that are usually not addressable with the standard x-ray transmission tomography, such as density, chemical composition and crystallographic information. However, the quantitative reconstruction of these investigated properties is hindered by additional problems, including the self-attenuation of the emitted radiation. Work has been done in the past, especially concerning x-ray fluorescence tomography, but this has always focused on solving very specific problems. The novelty of this work resides in addressing the problem of induced emission tomography from a much wider perspective, introducing a unified discrete representation that can be used to modify existing algorithms to reconstruct the data of the different types of experiments. The direct outcome is a clear and easy mathematical description of the implementation details of such algorithms, despite small differences in geometry and other practical aspects, but also the possibility to express the reconstruction as a minimization problem, allowing the use of variational methods, and a more flexible modeling of the noise involved in the detection process. In addition, we look at the results of a few selected simulated data reconstructions that describe the effect of physical corrections like the self-attenuation, and the response to noise of the adapted reconstruction algorithms.

The Role of Chemistry in Positron Emission Tomography.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Feliu, Anthony L.

1988-01-01

Investigates use of positron emission tomography (PET) to study in-vivo metabolic processes. Discusses methodology of PET and medical uses. Outlines the production of different radioisotopes used in PET radiotracers. Includes selected bibliography. (ML)

Frequency-domain ultrasound waveform tomography breast attenuation imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandhu, Gursharan Yash Singh; Li, Cuiping; Roy, Olivier; West, Erik; Montgomery, Katelyn; Boone, Michael; Duric, Neb

2016-04-01

Ultrasound waveform tomography techniques have shown promising results for the visualization and characterization of breast disease. By using frequency-domain waveform tomography techniques and a gradient descent algorithm, we have previously reconstructed the sound speed distributions of breasts of varying densities with different types of breast disease including benign and malignant lesions. By allowing the sound speed to have an imaginary component, we can model the intrinsic attenuation of a medium. We can similarly recover the imaginary component of the velocity and thus the attenuation. In this paper, we will briefly review ultrasound waveform tomography techniques, discuss attenuation and its relations to the imaginary component of the sound speed, and provide both numerical and ex vivo examples of waveform tomography attenuation reconstructions.

Quantitative Comparison of Virtual Monochromatic Images of Dual Energy Computed Tomography Systems: Beam Hardening Artifact Correction and Variance in Computed Tomography Numbers: A Phantom Study.

PubMed

Wu, Rongli; Watanabe, Yoshiyuki; Satoh, Kazuhiko; Liao, Yen-Peng; Takahashi, Hiroto; Tanaka, Hisashi; Tomiyama, Noriyuki

2018-05-21

The aim of this study was to quantitatively compare the reduction in beam hardening artifact (BHA) and variance in computed tomography (CT) numbers of virtual monochromatic energy (VME) images obtained with 3 dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) systems at a given radiation dose. Five different iodine concentrations were scanned using dual-energy and single-energy (120 kVp) modes. The BHA and CT number variance were evaluated. For higher iodine concentrations, 40 and 80 mgI/mL, BHA on VME imaging was significantly decreased when the energy was higher than 50 keV (P = 0.003) and 60 keV (P < 0.001) for GE, higher than 80 keV (P < 0.001) and 70 keV (P = 0.002) for Siemens, and higher than 40 keV (P < 0.001) and 60 keV (P < 0.001) for Toshiba, compared with single-energy CT imaging. Virtual monochromatic energy imaging can decrease BHA and improve CT number accuracy in different dual-energy computed tomography systems, depending on energy levels and iodine concentrations.

3D imaging of nanomaterials by discrete tomography.

PubMed

Batenburg, K J; Bals, S; Sijbers, J; Kübel, C; Midgley, P A; Hernandez, J C; Kaiser, U; Encina, E R; Coronado, E A; Van Tendeloo, G

2009-05-01

The field of discrete tomography focuses on the reconstruction of samples that consist of only a few different materials. Ideally, a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of such a sample should contain only one grey level for each of the compositions in the sample. By exploiting this property in the reconstruction algorithm, either the quality of the reconstruction can be improved significantly, or the number of required projection images can be reduced. The discrete reconstruction typically contains fewer artifacts and does not have to be segmented, as it already contains one grey level for each composition. Recently, a new algorithm, called discrete algebraic reconstruction technique (DART), has been proposed that can be used effectively on experimental electron tomography datasets. In this paper, we propose discrete tomography as a general reconstruction method for electron tomography in materials science. We describe the basic principles of DART and show that it can be applied successfully to three different types of samples, consisting of embedded ErSi(2) nanocrystals, a carbon nanotube grown from a catalyst particle and a single gold nanoparticle, respectively.

Ambient noise adjoint tomography for a linear array in North China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, C.; Yao, H.; Liu, Q.; Yuan, Y. O.; Zhang, P.; Feng, J.; Fang, L.

2017-12-01

Ambient noise tomography based on dispersion data and ray theory has been widely utilized for imaging crustal structures. In order to improve the inversion accuracy, ambient noise tomography based on the 3D adjoint approach or full waveform inversion has been developed recently, however, the computational cost is tremendous. In this study we present 2D ambient noise adjoint tomography for a linear array in north China with significant computational efficiency compared to 3D ambient noise adjoint tomography. During the preprocessing, we first convert the observed data in 3D media, i.e., surface-wave empirical Green's functions (EGFs) from ambient noise cross-correlation, to the reconstructed EGFs in 2D media using a 3D/2D transformation scheme. Different from the conventional steps of measuring phase dispersion, the 2D adjoint tomography refines 2D shear wave speeds along the profile directly from the reconstructed Rayleigh wave EGFs in the period band 6-35s. With the 2D initial model extracted from the 3D model from traditional ambient noise tomography, adjoint tomography updates the model by minimizing the frequency-dependent Rayleigh wave traveltime misfits between the reconstructed EGFs and synthetic Green function (SGFs) in 2D media generated by the spectral-element method (SEM), with a preconditioned conjugate gradient method. The multitaper traveltime difference measurement is applied in four period bands during the inversion: 20-35s, 15-30s, 10-20s and 6-15s. The recovered model shows more detailed crustal structures with pronounced low velocity anomaly in the mid-lower crust beneath the junction of Taihang Mountains and Yin-Yan Mountains compared with the initial model. This low velocity structure may imply the possible intense crust-mantle interactions, probably associated with the magmatic underplating during the Mesozoic to Cenozoic evolution of the region. To our knowledge, it's first time that ambient noise adjoint tomography is implemented in 2D media. Considering the intensive computational cost and storage of 3D adjoint tomography, this 2D ambient noise adjoint tomography has potential advantages to get high-resolution 2D crustal structures with limited computational resource.

Supramolecular Nanocomposites Under Confinement: Chiral Optically Active Nanoparticle Assemblies and Beyond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Peter; Yang, Sui; Bao, Wei; Salmeron, Miquel; Zhang, Xiang; Xu, Ting

2015-03-01

Block copolymer-based supramolecules provide a versatile platform to direct the self-assembly of nanoparticles (NPs) into precisely controlled nanostructures in bulk and thin film geometries. A supramolecule, PS-b-P4VP(PDP), composed of the small molecule 3-pentadecylphenol (PDP) hydrogen bonded to a diblock copolymer, polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP), was subjected to 2-D volume confinement in cylindrical anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane pores. TEM and 3-D TEM tomography reveal that the morphologies accessible by the supramolecule and supramolecule/NP composites, such as NP clusters, arrays, stacked rings, and single and double helical ribbons, are significantly different from those in the bulk or thin film. Furthermore, single molecule dark field scattering measurements demonstrate strong chiral optical response of single helical Au NP ribbon nanostructures in the near infrared wavelength regime. These studies demonstrate 2-D confinement to be an effective means to tailor self-assembled NP structure within supramolecule nanocomposites and pave the way for this assembly approach to be applied towards next generation chiral metamaterials and optoelectronic devices.

Seismic evidence for hydration of the Central American slab: Guatemala through Costa Rica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syracuse, E. M.; Thurber, C. H.

2011-12-01

The Central American subduction zone exhibits a wide variability in along-arc slab hydration as indicated by geochemical studies. These studies generally show maximum slab contributions to magma beneath Nicaragua and minimum contributions beneath Costa Rica, while intermediate slab fluid contributions are found beneath El Salvador and Guatemala. Geophysical studies suggest strong slab serpentinization and fluid release beneath Nicaragua, and little serpentinization beneath Costa Rica, but the remainder of the subduction zone is poorly characterized seismically. To obtain an integrated seismic model for the Central American subduction zone, we combine 250,000 local seismic arrivals and 1,000,000 differential arrivals for 6,500 shallow and intermediate-depth earthquakes from the International Seismic Centre, the Central American Seismic Center, and the temporary PASSCAL TUCAN array. Using this dataset, we invert for Vp, Vs, and hypocenters using a variable-mesh double-difference tomography algorithm. By observing low-Vp areas within the normally high-Vp slab, we identify portions of the slab that are likely to contain serpentinized mantle, and thus contribute to higher degrees of melting and higher volatile components observable in arc lavas.

Interferometric tomography of continuous fields with incomplete projections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cha, Soyoung S.; Sun, Hogwei

1988-01-01

Interferometric tomography in the presence of an opaque object is investigated. The developed iterative algorithm does not need to augment the missing information. It is based on the successive reconstruction of the difference field, the difference between the object field to be reconstructed and its estimate, only in the difined region. The application of the algorithm results in stable convergence.

Association between diabetes and different components of coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden as measured by coronary multidetector computed tomography.

PubMed

Yun, Chun-Ho; Schlett, Christopher L; Rogers, Ian S; Truong, Quynh A; Toepker, Michael; Donnelly, Patrick; Brady, Thomas J; Hoffmann, Udo; Bamberg, Fabian

2009-08-01

The aim of the study was to assess differences in the presence, extent, and composition of coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden as detected by coronary multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) between patients with and without diabetes mellitus. We compared coronary atherosclerotic plaques (any plaque, calcified [CAP], non-calcified [NCAP, and mixed plaque [MCAP

Clinical cone beam computed tomography compared to high-resolution peripheral computed tomography in the assessment of distal radius bone.

PubMed

de Charry, C; Boutroy, S; Ellouz, R; Duboeuf, F; Chapurlat, R; Follet, H; Pialat, J B

2016-10-01

Clinical cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was compared to high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) for the assessment of ex vivo radii. Strong correlations were found for geometry, volumetric density, and trabecular structure. Using CBCT, bone architecture assessment was feasible but compared to HR-pQCT, trabecular parameters were overestimated whereas cortical ones were underestimated. HR-pQCT is the most widely used technique to assess bone microarchitecture in vivo. Yet, this technology has been only applicable at peripheral sites, in only few research centers. Clinical CBCT is more widely available but quantitative assessment of the bone structure is usually not performed. We aimed to compare the assessment of bone structure with CBCT (NewTom 5G, QR, Verona, Italy) and HR-pQCT (XtremeCT, Scanco Medical AG, Brüttisellen, Switzerland). Twenty-four distal radius specimens were scanned with these two devices with a reconstructed voxel size of 75 μm for Newtom 5G and 82 μm for XtremeCT, respectively. A rescaling-registration scheme was used to define the common volume of interest. Cortical and trabecular compartments were separated using a semiautomated double contouring method. Density and microstructure were assessed with the HR-pQCT software on both modality images. Strong correlations were found for geometry parameters (r = 0.98-0.99), volumetric density (r = 0.91-0.99), and trabecular structure (r = 0.94-0.99), all p < 0.001. Correlations were lower for cortical microstructure (r = 0.80-0.89), p < 0.001. However, absolute differences were observed between modalities for all parameters, with an overestimation of the trabecular structure (trabecular number, 1.62 ± 0.37 vs. 1.47 ± 0.36 mm(-1)) and an underestimation of the cortical microstructure (cortical porosity, 3.3 ± 1.3 vs. 4.4 ± 1.4 %) assessed on CBCT images compared to HR-pQCT images. Clinical CBCT devices are able to analyze large portions of distal bones with good spatial resolution and limited irradiation. However, compared to dedicated HR-pQCT, the assessment of microarchitecture by NewTom 5G dental CBCT showed some discrepancies, for density measurements mainly. Further technical developments are required to reach optimal assessment of bone characteristics.

Seismicity and seismic structure at Okmok Volcano, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ohlendorf, Summer J.; Thurber, Clifford H.; Pesicek, Jeremy D.; Prejean, Stephanie G.

2014-01-01

Okmok volcano is an active volcanic caldera located on the northeastern portion of Umnak Island in the Aleutian arc, with recent eruptions in 1997 and 2008. The Okmok area had ~900 locatable earthquakes between 2003 and June 2008, and an additional ~600 earthquakes from the beginning of the 2008 eruption to mid 2009, providing an adequate dataset for seismic tomography. To image the seismic velocity structure of Okmok, we apply waveform cross-correlation using bispectrum verification and double-difference tomography to a subset of these earthquakes. We also perform P-wave attenuation tomography using a spectral decay technique. We examine the spatio-temporal characteristics of seismicity in the opening sequence of the 2008 eruption to investigate the path of magma migration during the establishment of a new eruptive vent. We also incorporate the new earthquake relocations and three-dimensional (3D) velocity model with first-motion polarities to compute focal mechanisms for selected events in the 2008 pre-eruptive and eruptive periods. Through these techniques we obtain precise relocations, a well-constrained 3D P-wave velocity model, and a marginally resolved S-wave velocity model. We image a main low Vp and Vs anomaly directly under the caldera consisting of a shallow zone at 0–2 km depth connected to a larger deeper zone that extends to about 6 km depth. We find that areas of low Qp are concentrated in the central to southwestern portion of the caldera and correspond fairly well with areas of low Vp. We interpret the deeper part of the low velocity anomaly (4–6 km depth) beneath the caldera as a magma body. This is consistent with results from ambient noise tomography and suggests that previous estimates of depth to Okmok's magma chamber based only on geodetic data may be too shallow. The distribution of events preceding the 2008 eruption suggest that a combination of overpressure in the zone surrounding the magma chamber and the introduction of new material from below were jointly responsible for the explosive eruption. Magma escaping from the top of the main magma chamber likely reacted with both a smaller shallow pod of magma and groundwater on its way up below the Cone D area. The earthquakes in the 2008 pre-eruptive and eruptive periods are found to have a mixture of strike-slip, oblique normal, and oblique thrust mechanisms, with a dominant P-axis orientation that is nearly perpendicular to the regional tectonic stress. This may indicate that the stresses related to magmatic activity locally dominated regional tectonic forces during this time period.

Identification of different geologic units using fuzzy constrained resistivity tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Anand; Sharma, S. P.

2018-01-01

Different geophysical inversion strategies are utilized as a component of an interpretation process that tries to separate geologic units based on the resistivity distribution. In the present study, we present the results of separating different geologic units using fuzzy constrained resistivity tomography. This was accomplished using fuzzy c means, a clustering procedure to improve the 2D resistivity image and geologic separation within the iterative minimization through inversion. First, we developed a Matlab-based inversion technique to obtain a reliable resistivity image using different geophysical data sets (electrical resistivity and electromagnetic data). Following this, the recovered resistivity model was converted into a fuzzy constrained resistivity model by assigning the highest probability value of each model cell to the cluster utilizing fuzzy c means clustering procedure during the iterative process. The efficacy of the algorithm is demonstrated using three synthetic plane wave electromagnetic data sets and one electrical resistivity field dataset. The presented approach shows improvement on the conventional inversion approach to differentiate between different geologic units if the correct number of geologic units will be identified. Further, fuzzy constrained resistivity tomography was performed to examine the augmentation of uranium mineralization in the Beldih open cast mine as a case study. We also compared geologic units identified by fuzzy constrained resistivity tomography with geologic units interpreted from the borehole information.

Low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) identifies brain regions linked to psychometric performance under modafinil in narcolepsy.

PubMed

Saletu, Michael; Anderer, Peter; Semlitsch, Heribert V; Saletu-Zyhlarz, Gerda Maria; Mandl, Magdalena; Zeitlhofer, Josef; Saletu, Bernd

2007-01-15

Low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) showed a functional deterioration of the fronto-temporo-parietal network of the right hemispheric vigilance system in narcolepsy and a therapeutic effect of modafinil. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of modafinil on cognitive and thymopsychic variables in patients with narcolepsy and investigate whether neurophysiological vigilance changes correlate with cognitive and subjective vigilance alterations at the behavioral level. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, EEG-LORETA and psychometric data were obtained during midmorning hours in 15 narcoleptics before and after 3 weeks of placebo or 400 mg modafinil. Cognitive investigations included the Pauli Test and complex reaction time. Thymopsychic/psychophysiological evaluation comprised drive, mood, affectivity, wakefulness, depression, anxiety, the Symptom Checklist 90 and critical flicker frequency. The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were performed too. Cognitive performance (Pauli Test) was significantly better after modafinil than after placebo. Concerning reaction time and thymopsychic variables, no significant differences were observed. Correlation analyses revealed that a decrease in prefrontal delta, theta and alpha-1 power correlated with an improvement in cognitive performance. Moreover, drowsiness was positively correlated with theta power in parietal and medial prefrontal regions and beta-1 and beta-2 power in occipital regions. A less significant correlation was observed between midmorning EEG LORETA and the MSLT; between EEG LORETA and the ESS, the correlation was even weaker. In conclusion, modafinil did not influence thymopsychic variables in narcolepsy, but it significantly improved cognitive performance, which may be related to medial prefrontal activity processes identified by LORETA.

Tomographic imaging of Central Java, Indonesia: Preliminary result of joint inversion of the MERAMEX and MCGA earthquake data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rohadi, Supriyanto; Widiyantoro, Sri; Nugraha, Andri Dian; Masturyono

2013-09-01

The realization of local earthquake tomography is usually conducted by removing distant events outside the study region, because these events may increase errors. In this study, tomographic inversion has been conducted using the travel time data of local and regional events in order to improve the structural resolution, especially for deep structures. We used the local MERapi Amphibious EXperiments (MERAMEX) data catalog that consists of 292 events from May to October 2004. The additional new data of regional events in the Java region were taken from the Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (MCGA) of Indonesia, which consist of 882 events, having at least 10 recording phases at each seismographic station from April 2009 to February 2011. We have conducted joint inversions of the combined data sets using double-difference tomography to invert for velocity structures and to conduct hypocenter relocation simultaneously. The checkerboard test results of Vp and Vs structures demonstrate a significantly improved spatial resolution from the shallow crust down to a depth of 165 km. Our tomographic inversions reveal a low velocity anomaly beneath the Lawu - Merapi zone, which is consistent with the results from previous studies. A strong velocity anomaly zone with low Vp, low Vs and low Vp/Vs is also identified between Cilacap and Banyumas. We interpret this anomaly as a fluid content material with large aspect ratio or sediment layer. This anomaly zone is in a good agreement with the existence of a large dome containing sediment in this area as proposed by previous geological studies. A low velocity anomaly zone is also detected in Kebumen, where it may be related to the extensional oceanic basin toward the land.

Seismicity, Deformation, and Metamorphism in the Western Hellenic Subduction Zone: New Constraints From Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halpaap, Felix; Rondenay, Stéphane; Ottemöller, Lars

2018-04-01

The Western Hellenic Subduction Zone is characterized by a transition from oceanic to continental subduction. In the southern oceanic portion of the system, abundant seismicity reaches depths of 100 km to 190 km, while the northern continental portion rarely exhibits deep earthquakes. Our study investigates how this oceanic-continental transition affects fluid release and related seismicity along strike. We present results from local earthquake tomography and double-difference relocation in conjunction with published images based on scattered teleseismic waves. Our tomographic images recover both subducting oceanic and continental crusts as low-velocity layers on top of high-velocity mantle. Although the northern and southern trenches are offset along the Kephalonia Transform Fault, continental and oceanic subducting crusts appear to align at depth. This suggests a smooth transition between slab retreat in the south and slab convergence in the north. Relocated hypocenters outline a single-planed Wadati-Benioff Zone with significant along-strike variability in the south. Seismicity terminates abruptly north of the Kephalonia Transform Fault, likely reflecting the transition from oceanic to continental subducted crust. Near 90 km depth, the low-velocity signature of the subducting crust fades out and the Wadati-Benioff Zone thins and steepens, marking the outline of the basalt-eclogite transition. Subarc melting of the mantle is only observed in the southernmost sector of the oceanic subduction, below the volcanic part of the arc. Beneath the nonvolcanic part, the overriding crust appears to have undergone large-scale silica enrichment. This enrichment is observed as an anomalously low Vp/Vs ratio and requires massive transport of dehydration-derived fluids updip through the subducting crust.

Inverse relationship between brain glucose and ketone metabolism in adults during short-term moderate dietary ketosis: A dual tracer quantitative positron emission tomography study.

PubMed

Courchesne-Loyer, Alexandre; Croteau, Etienne; Castellano, Christian-Alexandre; St-Pierre, Valérie; Hennebelle, Marie; Cunnane, Stephen C

2017-07-01

Ketones (principally β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate (AcAc)) are an important alternative fuel to glucose for the human brain, but their utilisation by the brain remains poorly understood. Our objective was to use positron emission tomography (PET) to assess the impact of diet-induced moderate ketosis on cerebral metabolic rate of acetoacetate (CMRa) and glucose (CMRglc) in healthy adults. Ten participants (35 ± 15 y) received a very high fat ketogenic diet (KD) (4.5:1; lipid:protein plus carbohydrates) for four days. CMRa and CMRglc were quantified by PET before and after the KD with the tracers, 11 C-AcAc and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18 F-FDG), respectively. During the KD, plasma ketones increased 8-fold ( p = 0.005) while plasma glucose decreased by 24% ( p = 0.005). CMRa increased 6-fold ( p = 0.005), whereas CMRglc decreased by 20% ( p = 0.014) on the KD. Plasma ketones were positively correlated with CMRa (r = 0.93; p < 0.0001). After four days on the KD, CMRa represented 17% of whole brain energy requirements in healthy adults with a 2-fold difference across brain regions (12-24%). The CMR of ketones (AcAc and β-hydroxybutyrate combined) while on the KD was estimated to represent about 33% of brain energy requirements or approximately double the CMRa. Whether increased ketone availability raises CMR of ketones to the same extent in older people as observed here or in conditions in which chronic brain glucose hypometabolism is present remains to be determined.

Optical coherence tomography characteristics of different types of big bubbles seen in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty by the big bubble technique

PubMed Central

AlTaan, S L; Termote, K; Elalfy, M S; Hogan, E; Werkmeister, R; Schmetterer, L; Holland, S; Dua, H S

2016-01-01

Purpose To define optical coherence tomography (OCT) characteristics of type-1, type-2, and mixed big bubbles (BB) seen in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. Methods Human sclero-corneal discs were obtained from UK (30) and Canada (16) eye banks. Air was injected into corneal stroma until a BB formed. UK samples were fixed in formalin before scanning with Fourier-domain (FD-OCT). One pair of each type of BB was scanned fresh. All BB obtained from Canada were scanned fresh with time-domain (TD-OCT). For each OCT machine used, type-1 BB from which Descemets membrane (DM) was partially peeled, were also scanned. The morphological characteristics of the scans were studied. Results FD-OCT of the posterior wall of type-1 (Dua's layer (DL) with DM) and type-2 BB (DM alone) both revealed a double-contour hyper-reflective curvilinear image with a hypo-reflective zone in between. The anterior line of type-2 BB was thinner than that seen with type-1 BB. In mixed BB, FD-OCT showed two separate curvilinear images. The anterior image was a single hyper-reflective line (DL), whereas the posterior image, representing the posterior wall of type-2 BB (DM) was made of two hyper-reflective lines with a dark space in between. TD-OCT images were similar with less defined component lines, but the entire extent of the BB could be visualised. Conclusion On OCT examination the DM and DL present distinct features, which can help identify type-1, type-2, and mixed BB. These characteristics will help corneal surgeons interpret intraoperative OCT during lamellar corneal surgery. PMID:27472215

Longitudinal in vivo microcomputed tomography of mouse lungs: No evidence for radiotoxicity

PubMed Central

Vande Velde, Greetje; De Langhe, Ellen; Poelmans, Jennifer; Bruyndonckx, Peter; d'Agostino, Emiliano; Verbeken, Erik; Bogaerts, Ria; Himmelreich, Uwe

2015-01-01

Before microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) can be exploited to its full potential for longitudinal monitoring of transgenic and experimental mouse models of lung diseases, radiotoxic side effects such as inflammation or fibrosis must be considered. We evaluated dose and potential radiotoxicity to the lungs for long-term respiratory-gated high-resolution micro-CT protocols. Free-breathing C57Bl/6 mice underwent four different retrospectively respiratory gated micro-CT imaging schedules of repeated scans during 5 or 12 wk, followed by ex vivo micro-CT and detailed histological and biochemical assessment of lung damage. Radiation exposure, dose, and absorbed dose were determined by ionization chamber, thermoluminescent dosimeter measurements and Monte Carlo calculations. Despite the relatively large radiation dose delivered per micro-CT acquisition, mice did not show any signs of radiation-induced lung damage or fibrosis when scanned weekly during 5 and up to 12 wk. Doubling the scanning frequency and once tripling the radiation dose as to mimic the instant repetition of a failed scan also stayed without detectable toxicity after 5 wk of scanning. Histological analyses confirmed the absence of radiotoxic damage to the lungs, thereby demonstrating that long-term monitoring of mouse lungs using high-resolution micro-CT is safe. This opens perspectives for longitudinal monitoring of (transgenic) mouse models of lung diseases and therapeutic response on an individual basis with high spatial and temporal resolution, without concerns for radiation toxicity that could potentially influence the readout of micro-CT-derived lung biomarkers. This work further supports the introduction of micro-CT for routine use in the preclinical pulmonary research field where postmortem histological approaches are still the gold standard. PMID:26024893

Joint inversion for Vp, Vs, and Vp/Vs at SAFOD, Parkfield, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zhang, H.; Thurber, C.; Bedrosian, P.

2009-01-01

We refined the three-dimensional (3-D) Vp, Vs and Vp/Vs models around the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) site using a new double-difference (DD) seismic tomography code (tomoDDPS) that simultaneously solves for earthquake locations and all three velocity models using both absolute and differential P, S, and S-P times. This new method is able to provide a more robust Vp/Vs model than that from the original DD tomography code (tomoDD), obtained simply by dividing Vp by Vs. For the new inversion, waveform cross-correlation times for earthquakes from 2001 to 2002 were also used, in addition to arrival times from earthquakes and explosions in the region. The Vp values extracted from the model along the SAFOD trajectory match well with the borehole log data, providing in situ confirmation of our results. Similar to previous tomographic studies, the 3-D structure around Parkfield is dominated by the velocity contrast across the San Andreas Fault (SAF). In both the Vp and Vs models, there is a clear low-velocity zone as deep as 7 km along the SAF trace, compatible with the findings from fault zone guided waves. There is a high Vp/Vs anomaly zone on the southwest side of the SAF trace that is about 1-2 km wide and extends as deep as 4 km, which is interpreted to be due to fluids and fractures in the package of sedimentary rocks abutting the Salinian basement rock to the southwest. The relocated earthquakes align beneath the northeast edge of this high Vp/Vs zone. We carried out a 2-D correlation analysis for an existing resistivity model and the corresponding profiles through our model, yielding a classification that distinguishes several major lithologies. ?? 2009 by the American Geophysical Union.

Computed tomography landmark-based semi-automated mesh morphing and mapping techniques: generation of patient specific models of the human pelvis without segmentation.

PubMed

Salo, Zoryana; Beek, Maarten; Wright, David; Whyne, Cari Marisa

2015-04-13

Current methods for the development of pelvic finite element (FE) models generally are based upon specimen specific computed tomography (CT) data. This approach has traditionally required segmentation of CT data sets, which is time consuming and necessitates high levels of user intervention due to the complex pelvic anatomy. The purpose of this research was to develop and assess CT landmark-based semi-automated mesh morphing and mapping techniques to aid the generation and mechanical analysis of specimen-specific FE models of the pelvis without the need for segmentation. A specimen-specific pelvic FE model (source) was created using traditional segmentation methods and morphed onto a CT scan of a different (target) pelvis using a landmark-based method. The morphed model was then refined through mesh mapping by moving the nodes to the bone boundary. A second target model was created using traditional segmentation techniques. CT intensity based material properties were assigned to the morphed/mapped model and to the traditionally segmented target models. Models were analyzed to evaluate their geometric concurrency and strain patterns. Strains generated in a double-leg stance configuration were compared to experimental strain gauge data generated from the same target cadaver pelvis. CT landmark-based morphing and mapping techniques were efficiently applied to create a geometrically multifaceted specimen-specific pelvic FE model, which was similar to the traditionally segmented target model and better replicated the experimental strain results (R(2)=0.873). This study has shown that mesh morphing and mapping represents an efficient validated approach for pelvic FE model generation without the need for segmentation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous, Joint Inversion of Seismic Body Wave Travel Times and Satellite Gravity Data for Three-Dimensional Tomographic Imaging of Western Colombia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dionicio, V.; Rowe, C. A.; Maceira, M.; Zhang, H.; Londoño, J.

2009-12-01

We report on the three-dimensional seismic structure of western Colombia determined through the use of a new, simultaneous, joint inversion tomography algorithm. Using data recorded by the national Seismological Network of Colombia (RSNC), we have selected 3,609 earthquakes recorded at 33 sensors distributed throughout the country, with additional data from stations in neighboring countries. 20,338 P-wave arrivals and 17,041 S-wave arrivals are used to invert for structure within a region extending approximately 72.5 to 77.5 degrees West and 2 to 7.5 degrees North. Our algorithm is a modification of the Maceira and Ammon joint inversion code, in combination with the Zhang and Thurber TomoDD (double-difference tomography) program, with a fast LSQR solver operating on the gridded values jointly. The inversion uses gravity anomalies obtained during the GRACE2 satellite mission, and solves using these values with the seismic travel-times through application of an empirical relationship first proposed by Harkrider, mapping densities to Vp and Vs within earth materials. In previous work, Maceira and Ammon demonstrated that incorporation of gravity data predicts shear wave velocities more accurately than the inversion of surface waves alone, particularly in regions where the crust exhibits abrupt and significant lateral variations in lithology, such as the Tarim Basin. The significant complexity of crustal structure in Colombia, due to its active tectonic environment, makes it a good candidate for the application with gravity and body waves. We present the results of this joint inversion and compare it to results obtained using travel times alone

Macular hole: 10 and 20-MHz ultrasound and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Bottós, Juliana Mantovani; Torres, Virginia Laura Lucas; Kanecadan, Liliane Andrade Almeida; Martinez, Andrea Alejandra Gonzalez; Moraes, Nilva Simeren Bueno; Maia, Mauricio; Allemann, Norma

2012-01-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is valuable for macula evaluation. However, as this technique relies on light energy it cannot be performed in the presence of opaque media. In such cases, the ultrasound (US) may predict some macular features. The aim of this study was to characterize images obtained by ultrasound with 10 and 20-MHz transducers comparing to OCT, as well as to analyze the relationship between the vitreous and retina in eyes with macular hole (MH). 29 eyes of 22 patients with biomicroscopic evidence of MH at different stages were included. All patients were evaluated using ultrasonography with 10 and 20-MHz transducers and OCT. OCT identified signs of MH in 25 of 29 eyes. The remaining 4 cases not identified by US were pseudoholes caused by epiretinal membranes. In MH stages I (2 eyes) and II (1 eye), both transducers were not useful to analyze the macular thickening, but suggestive findings as macular irregularity, operculum or partial posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) were highlighted. In stages III (14 eyes) and IV (5 eyes), both transducers identified the double hump irregularity and thickening. US could measure the macular thickness and other suggestive findings for MH: operculum, vitreomacular traction and partial or complete PVD. In cases of pseudoholes, US identified irregularities macular contour and a discrete depression. 10-MHz US was useful for an overall assessment of the vitreous body as well as its relationship to the retina. The 20-MHz transducer allowed valuable information on the vitreomacular interface and macular contour. OCT provides superior quality for fine morphological study of macular area, except in cases of opaque media. In these cases, and even if OCT is not available, the combined US study is able to provide a valid evaluation of the macular area improving therapeutic approach.

Tomographic imaging of Central Java, Indonesia: Preliminary result of joint inversion of the MERAMEX and MCGA earthquake data

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rohadi, Supriyanto; Widiyantoro, Sri; Nugraha, Andri Dian

The realization of local earthquake tomography is usually conducted by removing distant events outside the study region, because these events may increase errors. In this study, tomographic inversion has been conducted using the travel time data of local and regional events in order to improve the structural resolution, especially for deep structures. We used the local MERapi Amphibious EXperiments (MERAMEX) data catalog that consists of 292 events from May to October 2004. The additional new data of regional events in the Java region were taken from the Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (MCGA) of Indonesia, which consist of 882 events,more » having at least 10 recording phases at each seismographic station from April 2009 to February 2011. We have conducted joint inversions of the combined data sets using double-difference tomography to invert for velocity structures and to conduct hypocenter relocation simultaneously. The checkerboard test results of Vp and Vs structures demonstrate a significantly improved spatial resolution from the shallow crust down to a depth of 165 km. Our tomographic inversions reveal a low velocity anomaly beneath the Lawu - Merapi zone, which is consistent with the results from previous studies. A strong velocity anomaly zone with low Vp, low Vs and low Vp/Vs is also identified between Cilacap and Banyumas. We interpret this anomaly as a fluid content material with large aspect ratio or sediment layer. This anomaly zone is in a good agreement with the existence of a large dome containing sediment in this area as proposed by previous geological studies. A low velocity anomaly zone is also detected in Kebumen, where it may be related to the extensional oceanic basin toward the land.« less

Quantification of dental prostheses on cone‐beam CT images by the Taguchi method

PubMed Central

Kuo, Rong‐Fu; Fang, Kwang‐Ming; TY, Wong

2016-01-01

The gray values accuracy of dental cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) is affected by dental metal prostheses. The distortion of dental CBCT gray values could lead to inaccuracies of orthodontic and implant treatment. The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of scanning parameters and dental metal prostheses on the accuracy of dental cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) gray values using the Taguchi method. Eight dental model casts of an upper jaw including prostheses, and a ninth prosthesis‐free dental model cast, were scanned by two dental CBCT devices. The mean gray value of the selected circular regions of interest (ROIs) were measured using dental CBCT images of eight dental model casts and were compared with those measured from CBCT images of the prosthesis‐free dental model cast. For each image set, four consecutive slices of gingiva were selected. The seven factors (CBCTs, occlusal plane canting, implant connection, prosthesis position, coping material, coping thickness, and types of dental restoration) were used to evaluate scanning parameter and dental prostheses effects. Statistical methods of signal to noise ratio (S/N) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with 95% confidence were applied to quantify the effects of scanning parameters and dental prostheses on dental CBCT gray values accuracy. For ROIs surrounding dental prostheses, the accuracy of CBCT gray values were affected primarily by implant connection (42%), followed by type of restoration (29%), prostheses position (19%), coping material (4%), and coping thickness (4%). For a single crown prosthesis (without support of implants) placed in dental model casts, gray value differences for ROIs 1–9 were below 12% and gray value differences for ROIs 13–18 away from prostheses were below 10%. We found the gray value differences set to be between 7% and 8% for regions next to a single implant‐supported titanium prosthesis, and between 46% and 59% for regions between double implant‐supported, nickel‐chromium alloys (Ni‐Cr) prostheses. Quantification of the effect of prostheses and scanning parameters on dental CBCT gray values was assessed. PACS numbers: 87.59.bd, 87.57Q PMID:26894354

Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Return to Sports After Arthroscopic Debridement and Microfracture of Osteochondral Talar Defects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial.

PubMed

Reilingh, Mikel L; van Bergen, Christiaan J A; Gerards, Rogier M; van Eekeren, Inge C; de Haan, Rob J; Sierevelt, Inger N; Kerkhoffs, Gino M M J; Krips, Rover; Meuffels, Duncan E; van Dijk, C N; Blankevoort, Leendert

2016-05-01

Osteochondral defects (OCDs) of the talus usually affect athletic patients. The primary surgical treatment consists of arthroscopic debridement and microfracture. Various possibilities have been suggested to improve the recovery process after debridement and microfracture. A potential solution to obtain this goal is the application of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs), which stimulate the repair process of bone and cartilage. The use of PEMFs after arthroscopic debridement and microfracture of an OCD of the talus leads to earlier resumption of sports and an increased number of patients that resume sports. Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. A total of 68 patients were randomized to receive either PEMFs (n = 36) or placebo (n = 32) after arthroscopic treatment of an OCD of the talus. The primary outcomes (ie, the number of patients who resumed sports and time to resumption of sports) were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier curves as well as Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and log-rank tests. Secondary functional outcomes were assessed with questionnaires (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, EuroQol, and numeric rating scales for pain and satisfaction) at multiple time points up to 1-year follow-up. To assess bone repair, computed tomography scans were obtained at 2 weeks and 1 year postoperatively. Almost all outcome measures improved significantly in both groups. The percentage of sport resumption (PEMF, 79%; placebo, 80%; P = .95) and median time to sport resumption (PEMF, 17 weeks; placebo, 16 weeks; P = .69) did not differ significantly between the treatment groups. Likewise, there were no significant between-group differences with regard to the secondary functional outcomes and the computed tomography results. PEMF does not lead to a higher percentage of patients who resume sports or to earlier resumption of sports after arthroscopic debridement and microfracture of talar OCDs. Furthermore, no differences were found in bone repair between groups. Netherlands Trial Register NTR1636. © 2016 The Author(s).

Electron temperature differences and double layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, C.; Hershkowitz, N.; Lonngren, K. E.

1983-01-01

Electron temperature differences across plasma double layers are studied experimentally. It is shown that the temperature differences across a double layer can be varied and are not a result of thermalization of the bump-on-tail distribution. The implications of these results for electron thermal energy transport in laser-pellet and tandem-mirror experiments are also discussed.

Ileal polypoid lymphangiectasia bleeding diagnosed and treated by double balloon enteroscopy.

PubMed

Park, Min Seon; Lee, Beom Jae; Gu, Dae Hoe; Pyo, Jeung-Hui; Kim, Kyeong Jin; Lee, Yun Ho; Joo, Moon Kyung; Park, Jong-Jae; Kim, Jae Seon; Bak, Young-Tae

2013-12-07

Intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare disease characterized by focal or diffuse dilated enteric lymphatics with impaired lymph drainage. It causes protein-losing enteropathy and may lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. Commonly, lymphangiectasia presents as whitish spots or specks. To our knowledge, small bowel bleeding resulting from polypoid intestinal lymphangiectasia has not been reported. Here, we report a rare case of active bleeding from the small bowel caused by polypoid lymphangiectasia with a review of the relevant literature. An 80-year-old woman was hospitalized for melena. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy could not identify the source of bleeding. Subsequent colonoscopy showed fresh bloody material gushing from the small bowel. An abdominal-pelvic contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan did not reveal any abnormal findings. Video capsule endoscopy showed evidence of active and recent bleeding in the ileum. To localize the bleeding site, we performed double balloon enteroscopy by the anal approach. A small, bleeding, polypoid lesion was found in the distal ileum and was successfully removed using endoscopic snare electrocautery. © 2013 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.

Chelator-Free Labeling of Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles for in Vivo PET Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Sixiang; Fliss, Brianne C.; Gu, Zi; Zhu, Yian; Hong, Hao; Valdovinos, Hector F.; Hernandez, Reinier; Goel, Shreya; Luo, Haiming; Chen, Feng; Barnhart, Todd E.; Nickles, Robert J.; Xu, Zhi Ping; Cai, Weibo

2015-11-01

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanomaterial has emerged as a novel delivery agent for biomedical applications due to its unique structure and properties. However, in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with LDH nanoparticles has not been achieved. The aim of this study is to explore chelator-free labeling of LDH nanoparticles with radioisotopes for in vivo PET imaging. Bivalent cation 64Cu2+ and trivalent cation 44Sc3+ were found to readily label LDH nanoparticles with excellent labeling efficiency and stability, whereas tetravalent cation 89Zr4+ could not label LDH since it does not fit into the LDH crystal structure. PET imaging shows that prominent tumor uptake was achieved in 4T1 breast cancer with 64Cu-LDH-BSA via passive targeting alone (7.7 ± 0.1%ID/g at 16 h post-injection; n = 3). These results support that LDH is a versatile platform that can be labeled with various bivalent and trivalent radiometals without comprising the native properties, highly desirable for PET image-guided drug delivery.

Study for the dispersion of double-diffraction spectrometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pang, Yajun; Zhang, Yinxin; Yang, Huaidong; Huang, Zhanhua; Xu, Mingming; Jin, Guofan

2018-01-01

Double-cascade spectrometers and double-pass spectrometers can be uniformly called double-diffraction spectrometers. In current double-diffraction spectrometers design theory, the differences of the incident angles in the second diffraction are ignored. There is a significant difference between the design in theory and the actual result. In this study, based on the geometries of the double-diffraction spectrometers, we strictly derived the theoretical formulas of their dispersion. By employing the ZEMAX simulation software, verification of our theoretical model is implemented, and the simulation results show big agreement with our theoretical formulas. Based on the conclusions, a double-pass spectrometer was set up and tested, and the experiment results agree with the theoretical model and the simulation.

3D Imaging with Holographic Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheppard, Colin J. R.; Kou, Shan Shan

2010-04-01

There are two main types of tomography that enable the 3D internal structures of objects to be reconstructed from scattered data. The commonly known computerized tomography (CT) give good results in the x-ray wavelength range where the filtered back-projection theorem and Radon transform can be used. These techniques rely on the Fourier projection-slice theorem where rays are considered to propagate straight through the object. Another type of tomography called `diffraction tomography' applies in applications in optics and acoustics where diffraction and scattering effects must be taken into account. The latter proves to be a more difficult problem, as light no longer travels straight through the sample. Holographic tomography is a popular way of performing diffraction tomography and there has been active experimental research on reconstructing complex refractive index data using this approach recently. However, there are two distinct ways of doing tomography: either by rotation of the object or by rotation of the illumination while fixing the detector. The difference between these two setups is intuitive but needs to be quantified. From Fourier optics and information transformation point of view, we use 3D transfer function analysis to quantitatively describe how spatial frequencies of the object are mapped to the Fourier domain. We first employ a paraxial treatment by calculating the Fourier transform of the defocused OTF. The shape of the calculated 3D CTF for tomography, by scanning the illumination in one direction only, takes on a form that we might call a 'peanut,' compared to the case of object rotation, where a diablo is formed, the peanut exhibiting significant differences and non-isotropy. In particular, there is a line singularity along one transverse direction. Under high numerical aperture conditions, the paraxial treatment is not accurate, and so we make use of 3D analytical geometry to calculate the behaviour in the non-paraxial case. This time, we obtain a similar peanut, but without the line singularity.

Regional three-dimensional seismic velocity model of the crust and uppermost mantle of northern California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thurber, C.; Zhang, H.; Brocher, T.; Langenheim, V.

2009-01-01

We present a three-dimensional (3D) tomographic model of the P wave velocity (Vp) structure of northern California. We employed a regional-scale double-difference tomography algorithm that incorporates a finite-difference travel time calculator and spatial smoothing constraints. Arrival times from earthquakes and travel times from controlled-source explosions, recorded at network and/or temporary stations, were inverted for Vp on a 3D grid with horizontal node spacing of 10 to 20 km and vertical node spacing of 3 to 8 km. Our model provides an unprecedented, comprehensive view of the regional-scale structure of northern California, putting many previously identified features into a broader regional context and improving the resolution of a number of them and revealing a number of new features, especially in the middle and lower crust, that have never before been reported. Examples of the former include the complex subducting Gorda slab, a steep, deeply penetrating fault beneath the Sacramento River Delta, crustal low-velocity zones beneath Geysers-Clear Lake and Long Valley, and the high-velocity ophiolite body underlying the Great Valley. Examples of the latter include mid-crustal low-velocity zones beneath Mount Shasta and north of Lake Tahoe. Copyright 2009 by the American Geophysical Union.

Y2O3:Yb,Er@mSiO2-CuxS double-shelled hollow spheres for enhanced chemo-/photothermal anti-cancer therapy and dual-modal imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Dan; Yang, Guixin; Wang, Xingmei; Lv, Ruichan; Gai, Shili; He, Fei; Gulzar, Arif; Yang, Piaoping

2015-07-01

Multifunctional composites have gained significant interest due to their unique properties which show potential in biological imaging and therapeutics. However, the design of an efficient combination of multiple diagnostic and therapeutic modes is still a challenge. In this contribution, Y2O3:Yb,Er@mSiO2 double-shelled hollow spheres (DSHSs) with up-conversion fluorescence have been successfully prepared through a facile integrated sacrifice template method, followed by a calcination process. It is found that the double-shelled structure with large specific surface area and uniform shape is composed of an inner shell of luminescent Y2O3:Yb,Er and an outer mesoporous silica shell. Ultra small CuxS nanoparticles (about 2.5 nm) served as photothermal agents, and a chemotherapeutic agent (doxorubicin, DOX) was then attached onto the surface of mesoporous silica, forming a DOX-DSHS-CuxS composite. The composite exhibits high anti-cancer efficacy due to the synergistic photothermal therapy (PTT) induced by the attached CuxS nanoparticles and the enhanced chemotherapy promoted by the heat from the CuxS-based PTT when irradiated by 980 nm near-infrared (NIR) light. Moreover, the composite shows excellent in vitro and in vivo X-ray computed tomography (CT) and up-conversion fluorescence (UCL) imaging properties owing to the doped rare earth ions, thus making it possible to achieve the target of imaging-guided synergistic therapy.Multifunctional composites have gained significant interest due to their unique properties which show potential in biological imaging and therapeutics. However, the design of an efficient combination of multiple diagnostic and therapeutic modes is still a challenge. In this contribution, Y2O3:Yb,Er@mSiO2 double-shelled hollow spheres (DSHSs) with up-conversion fluorescence have been successfully prepared through a facile integrated sacrifice template method, followed by a calcination process. It is found that the double-shelled structure with large specific surface area and uniform shape is composed of an inner shell of luminescent Y2O3:Yb,Er and an outer mesoporous silica shell. Ultra small CuxS nanoparticles (about 2.5 nm) served as photothermal agents, and a chemotherapeutic agent (doxorubicin, DOX) was then attached onto the surface of mesoporous silica, forming a DOX-DSHS-CuxS composite. The composite exhibits high anti-cancer efficacy due to the synergistic photothermal therapy (PTT) induced by the attached CuxS nanoparticles and the enhanced chemotherapy promoted by the heat from the CuxS-based PTT when irradiated by 980 nm near-infrared (NIR) light. Moreover, the composite shows excellent in vitro and in vivo X-ray computed tomography (CT) and up-conversion fluorescence (UCL) imaging properties owing to the doped rare earth ions, thus making it possible to achieve the target of imaging-guided synergistic therapy. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: XRD patterns, zeta potential and FT-IR spectra of the samples obtained in different steps. N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm and the pore size distribution of Y2O3:Yb,Er@mSiO2-CuxS. Confocal images of HeLa cancer cells dyed with calcein AM and propidium iodide co-stained cells after treatment of Y2O3:Yb,Er@mSiO2-CuxS without or with 980 nm laser irradiation. CLSM images of HeLa cells incubated with DOX-Y2O3:Yb,Er@mSiO2-NH2-FA-CuxS-PEG and DOX-Y2O3:Yb,Er@mSiO2-NH2-CuxS-PEG for different times. The digital photographs of the H22 tumor-bearing Balb/c mice injected in situ with DOX-Y2O3:Yb,Er@mSiO2-NH2-FA-CuxS-PEG and DOX-Y2O3:Yb,Er@mSiO2-NH2-CuxS-PEG and the corresponding tumor sizes. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr02269j

The challenge of determining handedness in electron tomography and the use of DNA origami gold nanoparticle helices as molecular standards

PubMed Central

Briegel, Ariane; Pilhofer, Martin; Mastronarde, David N.; Jensen, Grant J.

2013-01-01

The apparent handedness of an EM-tomography reconstruction depends on a number of conventions and can be confused in many ways. As the number of different hardware and software combinations being used for electron tomography continue to climb, and the reconstructions being produced reach higher and higher resolutions, the need to verify the hand of the results has increased. Here we enumerate various steps in a typical tomography experiment that affect handedness and show that DNA origami gold nanoparticle helices can be used as convenient and fail-safe handedness standards. PMID:23639902

Evaluation of white-to-white distance and anterior chamber depth measurements using the IOL Master, slit-lamp adapted optical coherence tomography and digital photographs in phakic eyes.

PubMed

Wilczyński, Michał; Pośpiech-Zabierek, Aleksandra

2015-01-01

The accurate measurement of the anterior chamber internal diameter and depth is important in ophthalmic diagnosis and before some eye surgery procedures. The purpose of the study was to compare the white-to-white distance measurements performed using the IOL-Master and photography with internal anterior chamber diameter determined using slit lamp adapted optical coherence tomography in healthy eyes, and to compare anterior chamber depth measurements by IOL-Master and slit lamp adapted optical coherence tomography. The data were gathered prospectively from a non-randomized consecutive series of patients. The examined group consisted of 46 eyes of 39 patients. White-to-white was measured using IOL-Master and photographs of the eye were taken with a digital camera. Internal anterior chamber diameter was measured with slit-lamp adapted optical coherence tomography. Anterior chamber depth was measured using the IOL Master and slit-lamp adapted optical coherence tomography. Statistical analysis was performed using parametric tests. A Bland-Altman plot was drawn. White-to-white distance by the IOL Master was 11.8 +/- 0.40 mm, on photographs it was 11.29 +/- 0.58 mm and internal anterior chamber diameter by slit-lamp adapted optical coherence tomography was 11.34?0.54 mm. A significant difference was found between IOL-Master and slit-lamp adapted optical coherence tomography (p<0.01), as well as between IOL Master and digital photographs (p<0.01). There was no difference between SL-OCT and digital photographs (p>0.05). All measurements were correlated (Spearman p<0.001). Mean anterior chamber depth determined using the IOL-Master was 2.99 +/- 0.50 mm and by slit-lamp adapted optical coherence tomography was 2.56 +/- 0.46 mm. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). The correlation between the values was also statistically significant (Spearman, p<0.001). Automated measurements using IOL-Master yield constantly higher values than measurements based on direct eye visualization slit-lamp adapted optical coherence tomography and digital photographs. In order to obtain accurate measurements of the internal anterior chamber diameter and anterior chamber depth, a method involving direct visualization of intraocular structures should be used.

Development of a GNSS water vapour tomography system using algebraic reconstruction techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bender, Michael; Dick, Galina; Ge, Maorong; Deng, Zhiguo; Wickert, Jens; Kahle, Hans-Gert; Raabe, Armin; Tetzlaff, Gerd

2011-05-01

A GNSS water vapour tomography system developed to reconstruct spatially resolved humidity fields in the troposphere is described. The tomography system was designed to process the slant path delays of about 270 German GNSS stations in near real-time with a temporal resolution of 30 min, a horizontal resolution of 40 km and a vertical resolution of 500 m or better. After a short introduction to the GPS slant delay processing the framework of the GNSS tomography is described in detail. Different implementations of the iterative algebraic reconstruction techniques (ART) used to invert the linear inverse problem are discussed. It was found that the multiplicative techniques (MART) provide the best results with least processing time, i.e., a tomographic reconstruction of about 26,000 slant delays on a 8280 cell grid can be obtained in less than 10 min. Different iterative reconstruction techniques are compared with respect to their convergence behaviour and some numerical parameters. The inversion can be considerably stabilized by using additional non-GNSS observations and implementing various constraints. Different strategies for initialising the tomography and utilizing extra information are discussed. At last an example of a reconstructed field of the wet refractivity is presented and compared to the corresponding distribution of the integrated water vapour, an analysis of a numerical weather model (COSMO-DE) and some radiosonde profiles.

Diverticular Disease of the Colon: News From Imaging.

PubMed

Flor, Nicola; Soldi, Simone; Zanchetta, Edoardo; Sbaraini, Sara; Pesapane, Filippo

2016-10-01

Different scenarios embrace computed tomography imaging and diverticula, including asymptomatic (diverticulosis) and symptomatic patients (acute diverticulitis, follow-up of acute diverticulitis, chronic diverticulitis). If the role of computed tomography is validated and widely supported by evidence in case of acute diverticulitis, this is not the case of patients in their follow-up for acute diverticulitis or with symptoms related to diverticula, but without acute inflammation. In these settings, computed tomography colonography is gaining consensus as the preferred radiologic test.

Advances in equine computed tomography and use of contrast media.

PubMed

Puchalski, Sarah M

2012-12-01

Advances in equine computed tomography have been made as a result of improvements in software and hardware and an increasing body of knowledge. Contrast media can be administered intravascularly or intrathecally. Contrast media is useful to differentiate between tissues of similar density. Equine computed tomography can be used for many different clinical conditions, including lameness diagnosis, fracture identification and characterization, preoperative planning, and characterization of skull diseases. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of acrylic polymer adhesive tapes and silicone optical grease in light sharing detectors for positron emission tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Elburg, Devin J.; Noble, Scott D.; Hagey, Simone; Goertzen, Andrew L.

2018-03-01

Optical coupling is an important factor in detector design as it improves optical photon transmission by mitigating internal reflections at light-sharing boundaries. In this work we compare optical coupling materials, namely double-sided acrylic polymer tapes and silicone optical grease (SiG), in the context of positron emission tomography. Four double-sided tapes from 3 M of varying thicknesses (0.229 mm-1.016 mm) and adhesive materials (‘100MP’, ‘A100’, and ‘GPA’) were characterized with spectrophotometer measurements as well as photopeak amplitude and energy resolution measurements using lutetium-yttrium oxy-orthosilicate (LYSO) coupled to photomultiplier tubes (PMT) or silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). Transmission spectra from the spectrophotometer showed over 80% transmission for all tapes at 420 nm and above, with 89.6% and 88.8% transmission for the 0.508 mm and 1.016 mm thick GPA tapes, respectively, at 420 nm. Measurements with single-pixel LYSO-PMT and 4  ×  4 array (one-to-one coupled) LYSO-SiPM setups determined that SiG had the greatest photopeak amplitude, with tapes showing 2.1%-14.8% reduction in photopeak amplitude with respect to SiG. Energy resolution changed by less than 4% on a relative basis between tapes and SiG with PMT measurements, however for the SiPM array measurements the energy resolution improved from 15.6%  ±  2.7% full-width at half-maximum to 11.4%  ±  1.2% for SiG and 1 mm GPA respectively. Data acquired with dual-layer offset LYSO arrays (light sharing detector designs) demonstrated that a detector coupled with 1 mm thick GPA tape produced equivalent detector flood histograms to those from a design coupled with SiG and a 1 mm thick glass lightguide. No significant degradation in photopeak amplitude and energy resolution was observed over five months of measurements, indicating the tapes maintain their coupling integrity over several months. Though minimal photopeak amplitude degradation compared to SiG occurs, double-sided tapes are convenient alternatives for optical coupling materials since they diffuse light intrinsically, acting as a light guide, offer mechanical support and durability, are easily applied and removed from scintillators/photodetectors, and are relatively inexpensive and readily available.

Did low tube voltage CT combined with low contrast media burden protocols accomplish the goal of "double low" for patients? An overview of applications in vessels and abdominal parenchymal organs over the past 5 years.

PubMed

Shen, Yaqi; Hu, Xuemei; Zou, Xianlun; Zhu, Di; Li, Zhen; Hu, Daoyu

2016-09-01

Imaging communities have already reached a consensus that the radiation dose of computed tomography (CT) should be reduced as much as reasonably achievable to lower population risks. Increasing attention is being paid to iodinated contrast media (CM) induced nephrotoxicity (CIN); a decrease in the intake of iodinated CM is required by increasingly more radiologists. Theoretically, the radiation dose varies with the tube current time and square of the tube voltage, with higher iodine contrast at low photon energies (Huda et al. [2000] Radiology, 21 7, 430-435).The use of low tube voltage is a promising strategy to reduce both the radiation dose and CM burden. The term 'double low' has been coined to describe scanning protocols that reduce radiation dose and iodine intake synchronously. These protocols are becoming increasingly popular in the clinical setting. The aim of this review was to describe all original studies using the 'double low' strategy in the last 5 years. We searched an online electronic database (PubMed) from January 2011 to December 2015 for original studies published on the relationship of low tube voltage with low radiation dose and low iodine contrast media burden in patients undergoing CT scans. Studies that failed to reduce radiation dose or iodine CM burden were excluded in this study. Thirty-seven studies aimed at reducing radiation dose using low tube voltage combined with iodine CM reduced protocols were included in this study. Most studies evaluated conditions associated with arteries. Four were cerebral and neck computed tomography angiography (CTA) studies, 15 were pulmonary CTA (pCTA) and coronary CTA (cCTA) studies, one concerned myocardial perfusion, five studies focused on the thoracic and abdominal aorta, and one investigated renal arteries. Three studies consisted of CT venography (CTV) of the pelvis and lower extremities. Six publications examined the liver, and two focused on the kidney. Overall, this review demonstrates that the low tube voltage CT protocol is a powerful tool to reduce the radiation dose in CTA, especially with pCTA and cCTA. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Comparison of acrylic polymer adhesive tapes and silicone optical grease in light sharing detectors for positron emission tomography.

PubMed

Van Elburg, Devin J; Noble, Scott D; Hagey, Simone; Goertzen, Andrew L

2018-02-26

Optical coupling is an important factor in detector design as it improves optical photon transmission by mitigating internal reflections at light-sharing boundaries. In this work we compare optical coupling materials, namely double-sided acrylic polymer tapes and silicone optical grease (SiG), in the context of positron emission tomography. Four double-sided tapes from 3 M of varying thicknesses (0.229 mm-1.016 mm) and adhesive materials ('100MP', 'A100', and 'GPA') were characterized with spectrophotometer measurements as well as photopeak amplitude and energy resolution measurements using lutetium-yttrium oxy-orthosilicate (LYSO) coupled to photomultiplier tubes (PMT) or silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). Transmission spectra from the spectrophotometer showed over 80% transmission for all tapes at 420 nm and above, with 89.6% and 88.8% transmission for the 0.508 mm and 1.016 mm thick GPA tapes, respectively, at 420 nm. Measurements with single-pixel LYSO-PMT and 4  ×  4 array (one-to-one coupled) LYSO-SiPM setups determined that SiG had the greatest photopeak amplitude, with tapes showing 2.1%-14.8% reduction in photopeak amplitude with respect to SiG. Energy resolution changed by less than 4% on a relative basis between tapes and SiG with PMT measurements, however for the SiPM array measurements the energy resolution improved from 15.6%  ±  2.7% full-width at half-maximum to 11.4%  ±  1.2% for SiG and 1 mm GPA respectively. Data acquired with dual-layer offset LYSO arrays (light sharing detector designs) demonstrated that a detector coupled with 1 mm thick GPA tape produced equivalent detector flood histograms to those from a design coupled with SiG and a 1 mm thick glass lightguide. No significant degradation in photopeak amplitude and energy resolution was observed over five months of measurements, indicating the tapes maintain their coupling integrity over several months. Though minimal photopeak amplitude degradation compared to SiG occurs, double-sided tapes are convenient alternatives for optical coupling materials since they diffuse light intrinsically, acting as a light guide, offer mechanical support and durability, are easily applied and removed from scintillators/photodetectors, and are relatively inexpensive and readily available.

[18F]-Fluoromisonidazole Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Visualization of Tumor Hypoxia in Patients With Chordoma of the Mobile and Sacrococcygeal Spine

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cheney, Matthew D., E-mail: mcheney@lroc.harvard.edu; Chen, Yen-Lin; Lim, Ruth

2014-12-01

Purpose: To investigate [18F]-fluoromisonidazole positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FMISO-PET/CT) detection of targetable hypoxic subvolumes (HSVs) in chordoma of the mobile or sacrococcygeal spine. Methods and Materials: A prospective, pilot study of 20 patients with primary or locally recurrent chordoma of the mobile or sacrococcygeal spine treated with proton or combined proton/photon radiation therapy (RT) with or without surgery was completed. The FMISO-PET/CT was performed before RT and after 19.8-34.2 GyRBE (relative biologic effectiveness). Gross tumor volumes were delineated and HSVs defined including voxels with standardized uptake values ≥1.4 times the muscle mean. Clinical characteristics and treatments received were compared betweenmore » patients with and without HSVs. Results: The FMISO-PET/CT detected HSVs in 12 of 20 patients (60%). Baseline and interval HSV spatial concordance varied (0%-94%). Eight HSVs were sufficiently large (≥5 cm{sup 3}) to potentially allow an intensity modulated proton therapy boost. Patients with HSVs had significantly larger gross tumor volumes (median 410.0 cm{sup 3} vs 63.4 cm{sup 3}; P=.02) and were significantly more likely to have stage T2 tumors (5 of 12 vs 0 of 8; P=.04). After a median follow-up of 1.8 years (range, 0.2-4.4 years), a local recurrence has yet to be observed. Three patients developed metastatic disease, 2 with HSVs. Conclusions: Detection of targetable HSVs by FMISO-PET/CT within patients undergoing RT with or without surgery for treatment of chordoma of the mobile and sacrococcygeal spine is feasible. The study's inability to attribute interval HSV changes to treatment, rapidly changing hypoxic physiology, or imaging inconsistencies is a limitation. Further study of double-baseline FMISO-PET/CT and hypoxia-directed RT dose escalation, particularly in patients at high risk for local recurrence, is warranted.« less

X-ray micro-tomography for investigations of brain tissues on cellular level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khimchenko, Anna; Schulz, Georg; Deyhle, Hans; Thalmann, Peter; Zanette, Irene; Zdora, Marie-Christine; Bikis, Christos; Hipp, Alexander; Hieber, Simone E.; Schweighauser, Gabriel; Hench, Jürgen; Müller, Bert

2016-10-01

X-ray imaging in absorption contrast mode is well established for hard tissue visualization. However, performance for lower density materials is limited due to a reduced contrast. Our aim is three-dimensional (3D) characterization of micro-morphology of human brain tissues down to (sub-)cellular resolution within a laboratory environment. Using the laboratory-based microtomography (μCT) system nanotom m (GE Sensing and Inspection Technologies GmbH, Wunstorf, Germany) and synchrotron radiation at the Diamond-Manchester Imaging Branchline I13-2 (Diamond Light Source, Didcot, UK), we have acquired 3D data with a resolution down to 0.45 μm for visualization of a human cerebellum specimen down to cellular level. We have shown that all selected modalities, namely laboratory-based absorption contrast micro-tomography (LBμCT), synchrotron radiation based in-line single distance phase contrast tomography (SDPR) and synchrotron radiation based single-grating interferometry (GI), can reach cellular resolution for tissue samples with a size in the mm-range. The results are discussed qualitatively in comparison to optical microscopy of haematoxylin and eosin (HE) stained sections. As phase contrast yields to a better data quality for soft tissues and in order to overcome restrictions of limited beamline access for phase contrast measurements, we have equipped the μCT system nanotom m with a double-grating phase contrast set-up. Preliminary experimental results of a knee sample consisting of a bony part and a cartilage demonstrate that phase contrast data exhibits better quality compared to absorption contrast. Currently, the set-up is under adjustment. It is expected that cellular resolution would also be achieved. The questions arise (1) what would be the quality gain of laboratory-based phase contrast in comparison to laboratory-based absorption contrast tomography and (2) could laboratory-based phase contrast data provide comparable results to synchrotron radiation based phase contrast data.

Comparison of Online 6 Degree-of-Freedom Image Registration of Varian TrueBeam Cone-Beam CT and BrainLab ExacTrac X-Ray for Intracranial Radiosurgery.

PubMed

Li, Jun; Shi, Wenyin; Andrews, David; Werner-Wasik, Maria; Lu, Bo; Yu, Yan; Dicker, Adam; Liu, Haisong

2017-06-01

The study was aimed to compare online 6 degree-of-freedom image registrations of TrueBeam cone-beam computed tomography and BrainLab ExacTrac X-ray imaging systems for intracranial radiosurgery. Phantom and patient studies were performed on a Varian TrueBeam STx linear accelerator (version 2.5), which is integrated with a BrainLab ExacTrac imaging system (version 6.1.1). The phantom study was based on a Rando head phantom and was designed to evaluate isocenter location dependence of the image registrations. Ten isocenters at various locations representing clinical treatment sites were selected in the phantom. Cone-beam computed tomography and ExacTrac X-ray images were taken when the phantom was located at each isocenter. The patient study included 34 patients. Cone-beam computed tomography and ExacTrac X-ray images were taken at each patient's treatment position. The 6 degree-of-freedom image registrations were performed on cone-beam computed tomography and ExacTrac, and residual errors calculated from cone-beam computed tomography and ExacTrac were compared. In the phantom study, the average residual error differences (absolute values) between cone-beam computed tomography and ExacTrac image registrations were 0.17 ± 0.11 mm, 0.36 ± 0.20 mm, and 0.25 ± 0.11 mm in the vertical, longitudinal, and lateral directions, respectively. The average residual error differences in the rotation, roll, and pitch were 0.34° ± 0.08°, 0.13° ± 0.09°, and 0.12° ± 0.10°, respectively. In the patient study, the average residual error differences in the vertical, longitudinal, and lateral directions were 0.20 ± 0.16 mm, 0.30 ± 0.18 mm, 0.21 ± 0.18 mm, respectively. The average residual error differences in the rotation, roll, and pitch were 0.40°± 0.16°, 0.17° ± 0.13°, and 0.20° ± 0.14°, respectively. Overall, the average residual error differences were <0.4 mm in the translational directions and <0.5° in the rotational directions. ExacTrac X-ray image registration is comparable to TrueBeam cone-beam computed tomography image registration in intracranial treatments.

Microwave-driven coherent operation of a semiconductor quantum dot charge qubit

DOE PAGES

Kim, Dohun; Ward, D. R.; Simmons, C. B.; ...

2015-02-16

An intuitive realization of a qubit is an electron charge at two well-defined positions of a double quantum dot. The qubit is simple and has the potential for high-speed operation because of its strong coupling to electric fields. But, charge noise also couples strongly to this qubit, resulting in rapid dephasing at all but one special operating point called the ‘sweet spot’. In previous studies d.c. voltage pulses have been used to manipulate semiconductor charge qubits but did not achieve high-fidelity control, because d.c. gating requires excursions away from the sweet spot. Here, by using resonant a.c. microwave driving wemore » achieve fast (greater than gigahertz) and universal single qubit rotations of a semiconductor charge qubit. The Z-axis rotations of the qubit are well protected at the sweet spot, and we demonstrate the same protection for rotations about arbitrary axes in the X–Y plane of the qubit Bloch sphere. We characterize the qubit operation using two tomographic approaches: standard process tomography and gate set tomography. Moreover, both methods consistently yield process fidelities greater than 86% with respect to a universal set of unitary single-qubit operations.« less

Extracting cardiac shapes and motion of the chick embryo heart outflow tract from four-dimensional optical coherence tomography images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Xin; Liu, Aiping; Thornburg, Kent L.; Wang, Ruikang K.; Rugonyi, Sandra

2012-09-01

Recent advances in optical coherence tomography (OCT), and the development of image reconstruction algorithms, enabled four-dimensional (4-D) (three-dimensional imaging over time) imaging of the embryonic heart. To further analyze and quantify the dynamics of cardiac beating, segmentation procedures that can extract the shape of the heart and its motion are needed. Most previous studies analyzed cardiac image sequences using manually extracted shapes and measurements. However, this is time consuming and subject to inter-operator variability. Automated or semi-automated analyses of 4-D cardiac OCT images, although very desirable, are also extremely challenging. This work proposes a robust algorithm to semi automatically detect and track cardiac tissue layers from 4-D OCT images of early (tubular) embryonic hearts. Our algorithm uses a two-dimensional (2-D) deformable double-line model (DLM) to detect target cardiac tissues. The detection algorithm uses a maximum-likelihood estimator and was successfully applied to 4-D in vivo OCT images of the heart outflow tract of day three chicken embryos. The extracted shapes captured the dynamics of the chick embryonic heart outflow tract wall, enabling further analysis of cardiac motion.

Electron tomography of early melanosomes: Implications for melanogenesis and the generation of fibrillar amyloid sheets

PubMed Central

Hurbain, Ilse; Geerts, Willie J. C.; Boudier, Thomas; Marco, Sergio; Verkleij, Arie J.; Marks, Michael S.; Raposo, Graç

2008-01-01

Melanosomes are lysosome-related organelles (LROs) in which melanins are synthesized and stored. Early stage melanosomes are characterized morphologically by intralumenal fibrils upon which melanins are deposited in later stages. The integral membrane protein Pmel17 is a component of the fibrils, can nucleate fibril formation in the absence of other pigment cell-specific proteins, and forms amyloid-like fibrils in vitro. Before fibril formation Pmel17 traffics through multivesicular endosomal compartments, but how these compartments participate in downstream events leading to fibril formation is not fully known. By using high-pressure freezing of MNT-1 melanoma cells and freeze substitution to optimize ultrastructural preservation followed by double tilt 3D electron tomography, we show that the amyloid-like fibrils begin to form in multivesicular compartments, where they radiate from the luminal side of intralumenal membrane vesicles. The fibrils in fully formed stage II premelanosomes organize into sheet-like arrays and exclude the remaining intralumenal vesicles, which are smaller and often in continuity with the limiting membrane. These observations indicate that premelanosome fibrils form in association with intralumenal endosomal membranes. We suggest that similar processes regulate amyloid formation in pathological models. PMID:19033461

Electron tomography of early melanosomes: implications for melanogenesis and the generation of fibrillar amyloid sheets.

PubMed

Hurbain, Ilse; Geerts, Willie J C; Boudier, Thomas; Marco, Sergio; Verkleij, Arie J; Marks, Michael S; Raposo, Graç

2008-12-16

Melanosomes are lysosome-related organelles (LROs) in which melanins are synthesized and stored. Early stage melanosomes are characterized morphologically by intralumenal fibrils upon which melanins are deposited in later stages. The integral membrane protein Pmel17 is a component of the fibrils, can nucleate fibril formation in the absence of other pigment cell-specific proteins, and forms amyloid-like fibrils in vitro. Before fibril formation Pmel17 traffics through multivesicular endosomal compartments, but how these compartments participate in downstream events leading to fibril formation is not fully known. By using high-pressure freezing of MNT-1 melanoma cells and freeze substitution to optimize ultrastructural preservation followed by double tilt 3D electron tomography, we show that the amyloid-like fibrils begin to form in multivesicular compartments, where they radiate from the luminal side of intralumenal membrane vesicles. The fibrils in fully formed stage II premelanosomes organize into sheet-like arrays and exclude the remaining intralumenal vesicles, which are smaller and often in continuity with the limiting membrane. These observations indicate that premelanosome fibrils form in association with intralumenal endosomal membranes. We suggest that similar processes regulate amyloid formation in pathological models.

[Effectiveness and tolerance of fenspiride treatment in chronic sinusitis. Results of the Polish multicenter study].

PubMed

Zawisza, Edward

2005-01-01

During this randomized, double blind study versus placebo efficacy of 3 month treatment of patients with chronic sinusitis was assessed. Main efficacy criterion was defined as the change in computed tomography of paranasal sinuses, measured in V. Lund scale. In fenspiride group, overall score changed from 8.54 to 7.57 points (0.97 points i.e. 11.4% decrease, p=0.008), while in placebo group no statistically significant change was observed (change from 9.25 to 9.27 points--0.02 points i.e. 0.2% increase). Percentage of patients who experienced worsening (defined as at least 1 point increase between the beginning and the end of the study) in the placebo group was twice as big as in the fenspiride group (35.4% and 15.2% respectively; p=0.025). Clinical symptoms of chronic sinusitis--sneezing, itchy nose and purulent character of sputum--were decreasing in the fenspiride group significantly more than in the placebo group. Data from previous studies demonstrated beneficial effect of fenspiride treatment of patients with chronic sinusitis. During this study fenspiride treatment was proved to be relatively effective in terms of computed tomography results, and well tolerated during three month therapy.

ACP Best Practice No 166

PubMed Central

Cruickshank, A

2001-01-01

After subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), cerebral angiography is usually performed to establish a site of bleeding, which may then be treated surgically to prevent a potentially catastrophic re-bleed. The investigation of choice in the diagnosis of SAH is computerised tomography (CT). However, because CT can miss some patients with SAH, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spectrophotometry should be performed in those patients with negative or equivocal CT scans or those who have presented several days after the suspected bleed. Spectrophotometry should aim to detect the presence of both oxyhaemoglobin and bilirubin because either one or both of these pigments may contribute to xanthochromia following SAH. CSF supernatant is scanned using a double beam spectrophotometer at wavelengths between 350 nm and 650 nm. Oxyhaemoglobin alone produces an absorption peak at 413–415 nm, bilirubin alone produces a broad peak at 450–460 nm, and bilirubin together with oxyhaemoglobin produce a shoulder at 450–460 nm on the downslope of the oxyhaemoglobin peak. To minimise the frequency of false positive and false negative results, a protocol has been developed, which is described. Key Words: subarachnoid haemorrhage • computerised tomography • cerebrospinal fluid • spectrophotometry • oxyhaemoglobin • bilirubin • xanthochromia PMID:11684714

In vivo thickness and birefringence determination of the human retinal nerve fiber layer using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Cense, B; Chen, T C; de Boer, J F

2006-01-01

Thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer and changes in retinal nerve fiber layer birefringence may both precede clinically detectable glaucomatous vision loss. We present in vivo thickness and depth-resolved birefringence measurements of the human retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) by use of polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT). Using a fiber-based PS-OCT setup real-time images of the human retina in vivo were recorded, co-registered with retinal video images of the location of PS-OCT scans. PS-OCT scans around the optic nerve head (ONH) of two healthy young volunteers were made using 10 concentric circles of increasing radius. Both the mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and mean retinal nerve fiber birefringence for each of 48 sectors on a circle were determined. The retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and birefringence varied as a function of sector around the ONH. Measured double pass phase retardation per unit depth values around the ONH range between 0.10 and 0.35 degrees/microm. The retinal nerve fiber layer becomes thinner with increasing distance from the ONH. In contrast, the birefringence does not vary significantly with increasing distance from the ONH.

Three-dimensional analysis of the microstructure and bio-corrosion of Mg–Zn and Mg–Zn–Ca alloys

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, Y.; Chiu, Y.L.; Jones, I.P.

2016-02-15

The effects of the morphology and the distribution of secondary phases on the bio-corrosion properties of magnesium (Mg) alloys are significant. Focused Ion Beam (FIB) tomography and Micro X-Ray computed tomography (Micro-CT) have been used to characterise the morphology and distribution of (α-Mg + MgZn) and (α-Mg + Ca{sub 2} + Mg{sub 6} + Zn{sub 3}) eutectic phase mixtures in as-cast Mg–3Zn and Mg–3Zn–0.3Ca alloys, respectively. There were two different 3D distributions: (i) an interconnected network and (ii) individual spheres. The tomography informed our understanding of the relationship between the distribution of secondary phases and the development of localized corrosionmore » in magnesium alloys. - Highlights: • Multi-scale tomography was used to characterise the morphology and distribution of secondary phases in Mg alloys. • The development of localized corrosion was investigated using tomography. • An improved understanding of the microstructure and corrosion was achieved using Micro-CT tomography.« less

imaging volcanos with gravity and muon tomography measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jourde, Kevin; Gibert, Dominique; Marteau, Jacques; Deroussi, Sébastien; Dufour, Fabrice; de Bremond d'Ars, Jean; Ianigro, Jean-Christophe; Gardien, Serge; Girerd, Claude

2015-04-01

Both muon tomography and gravimetry are geohysical methods that provide information on the density structure of the Earth's subsurface. Muon tomography measures the natural flux of cosmic muons and its attenuation produced by the screening effect of the rock mass to image. Gravimetry generally consists in measurements of the vertical component of the local gravity field. Both methods are linearly linked to density, but their spatial sensitivity is very different. Muon tomography essentially works like medical X-ray scan and integrates density information along elongated narrow conical volumes while gravimetry measurements are linked to density by a 3-dimensional integral encompassing the whole studied domain. We show that gravity data are almost useless to constrain the density structure in regions sampled by more than two muon tomography acquisitions. Interestingly the resolution in deeper regions not sampled by muon tomography is significantly improved by joining the two techniques. Examples taken from field experiments performed on La Soufrière of Guadeloupe volcano are discussed.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair With Single/Double Chimney Technique for Aortic Arch Pathologies.

PubMed

Wang, Tun; Shu, Chang; Li, Ming; Li, Quan-Ming; Li, Xin; Qiu, Jian; Fang, Kun; Dardik, Alan; Yang, Chen-Zi

2017-06-01

To summarize a single-center experience using the single/double chimney technique in association with thoracic endovascular aortic repairs (TEVAR) for aortic arch pathologies. From November 2007 to March 2016, 122 patients (mean age 50.4±12.7 years, range 29-80; 92 men) with aortic arch pathologies underwent TEVAR combined with single (n=101) or double (n=21) chimney grafts to reconstruct the supra-aortic branches: 21 innominate arteries, 114 left common carotid arteries, and 8 left subclavian arteries (LSA). Pathologies included type B aortic dissection (n=47), aortic arch dissection (n=49), retrograde type A aortic dissection (n=8), thoracic aortic aneurysm (n=7), penetrating aortic arch ulcer (n=9), and post-TEVAR type I endoleak (n=2). Follow-up examinations included computed tomography at 0.5, 3, 6, and 12 months and yearly thereafter. The aortic stent-grafts were deployed in zone 0 (n=21), zone 1 (n=93), and zone 2 (n=8). One (0.8%) of the 122 patients died at 4 days due to a perforated peptic ulcer. Type Ia endoleaks were found intraoperatively in 13 (10.7%) patients, including 3 with the double chimney technique. Type II endoleaks occurred in 6 (4.9%) patients; 3 were treated with duct occluders in the LSA. Postoperative chimney graft migration occurred in 1 (0.8%) patient with double chimneys; additional stent-grafts were deployed in both chimneys. Median follow-up was 32.3 months, during which 1 (0.8%) patient died after a stroke at 3 months. Chimney stent-graft patency was observed in the remaining 120 patients. Two (1.7%) secondary TEVARs were performed for distal aortic dissection. Nine asymptomatic type Ia endoleaks and 1 type II endoleak persisted in follow-up; a type II endoleak in 1 patient with Marfan syndrome sealed in 52 months. TEVAR with the chimney technique provides a safe, minimally invasive alternative with good chimney graft patency and low postoperative mortality during midterm follow-up. The double chimney technique should be used judiciously owing to its potential complications.

A Detailed 3D Seismic Velocity Structure of the Subducting Pacific Slab Beneath Hokkaido, Tohoku and Kanto, Japan, by Double-Difference Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuji, Y.; Nakajima, J.; Kita, S.; Okada, T.; Matsuzawa, T.; Hasegawa, A.

2007-12-01

Three-dimensional heterogeneous structure beneath northeastern (NE) Japan has been investigated by previous studies and an inclined seismic low-velocity zone is imaged in the mantle wedge sub-parallel to the down-dip direction of the subducting slab (Zhao et al., 1992, Nakajima et al., 2001). However, the heterogeneous structure within the slab has not been well studied even though it is very important to understand the whole process of water transportation from the slab to the surface. Here we show a detailed 3D seismic velocity structure within the subducted Pacific slab around Japan and propose a water-transportation path from the slab to the mantle wedge. In this study, we estimated 3D velocity structure within the Pacific slab by the double-difference tomography (Zhang and Thurber, 2003). We divided the study area, from Hokkaido to Kanto, into 6 areas due to the limitation of memory and computation time. In each area, arrival-time data of 7,500-17,000 events recorded at 70-170 stations were used in the analysis. The total number of absolute travel-time data was about 140,000-312,000 for P wave and 123,000-268,000 for S wave, and differential data were about 736,000-1,920,000 for P wave and 644,000-1,488,000 for S wave. Horizontal and vertical grid separations are 10-25 km and 6.5 km, respectively. RMS residuals of travel times for P wave decreased from 0.23s to 0.09s and for S wave from 0.35s to 0.13s. The obtained results are as follows: (1) a remarkable low-Vs zone exists in the uppermost part of the subducting slab, (2) it extends down to a depth of about 80 km, (3) the termination of this low-Vs zone almost corresponds to the "seismic belt" recently detected in the upper plane of the double seismic zone (Kita et al.,2006; Hasegawa et al., 2007), (4) at depths deeper than 80 km, a low-Vs and high-Vp/Vs zone is apparently distributed in the mantle wedge, immediately above the slab crust. We consider that these features reflect water-transportation processes from the slab to the mantle wedge. A low- Vs zone in the uppermost part of the subducting slab corresponds to the hydrous oceanic crust since its absolute velocity is about 4.0 km/s, comparable to that expected for the oceanic crust (Hacker et al., 2003). Dehydration reactions occur in the oceanic crust as temperature and pressure increase, and a relatively large amount of water is released at depths of about 80-100 km. The water generated by dehydration reactions could migrate upward and react peridotite at the base of the mantle wedge, forming a thin-serpentine layer there. Then, the layer is dragged by the subducting slab to deeper depths (e.g. Iwamori, 1998). Such water-transportation processes from the slab to the mantle wedge are partly constrained by a recent receiver function analysis (Kawakatsu and Watada, 2007). We further found an along-arc variation of the termination depth of the low-velocity oceanic crust, suggesting the along-arc variation in the amount of fluids released from the slab.

Transrectal EUS-guided FNA biopsy of a presacral chordoma-report of a case and review of the literature

PubMed Central

Gottlieb, Klaus; Lin, Paul H; Liu, David M; Anders, Karl

2008-01-01

Chordomas are rare tumors which originate from the remnants of the notochord. These tumors are locally aggressive and have a predilection for the ends of the axial skeleton. An important prerequisite for optimal management of these tumors is a correct preoperative diagnosis. The present case is the first report of the use of endoscopic ultrasound to obtain transrectal fine needle aspiration biopsy of a presacral chordoma. A review of the prior computer tomography (CT) scans allowed us to calculate the tumor volume doubling time (18.3 mo). Transrectal biopsy of chordomas is controversial, however we believe that such concerns are not justified. PMID:18442211

Membranous Replication Factories Induced by Plus-Strand RNA Viruses

PubMed Central

Romero-Brey, Inés; Bartenschlager, Ralf

2014-01-01

In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the membranous replication factories of members of plus-strand (+) RNA viruses. We discuss primarily the architecture of these complex membrane rearrangements, because this topic emerged in the last few years as electron tomography has become more widely available. A general denominator is that two “morphotypes” of membrane alterations can be found that are exemplified by flaviviruses and hepaciviruses: membrane invaginations towards the lumen of the endoplasmatic reticulum (ER) and double membrane vesicles, representing extrusions also originating from the ER, respectively. We hypothesize that either morphotype might reflect common pathways and principles that are used by these viruses to form their membranous replication compartments. PMID:25054883

Determining and Controlling the Magnesium Composition in CdTe/CdMgTe Heterostructures

DOE PAGES

LeBlanc, E. G.; Edirisooriya, M.; Ogedengbe, O. S.; ...

2017-06-05

The relationships between Mg composition, band gap, and lattice characteristics are investigated for Cd 1-xMg xTe barrier layers using a combination of cathodoluminescence, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, variable angle spectral ellipsometry, and atom probe tomography. The use of a simplified, yet accurate, variable angle spectral ellipsometry analysis is shown to be appropriate for fast determination of composition in thin Cd 1-xMg xTe layers. The validity of using high-resolution x-ray diffraction for CdTe/Cd 1-xMg xTe double heterostructures is discussed. Furthermore, the stability of CdTe/Cd 1-xMg xTe heterostructures are investigated with respect to thermal processing.

Determining and Controlling the Magnesium Composition in CdTe/CdMgTe Heterostructures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

LeBlanc, E. G.; Edirisooriya, M.; Ogedengbe, O. S.

The relationships between Mg composition, band gap, and lattice characteristics are investigated for Cd 1-xMg xTe barrier layers using a combination of cathodoluminescence, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, variable angle spectral ellipsometry, and atom probe tomography. The use of a simplified, yet accurate, variable angle spectral ellipsometry analysis is shown to be appropriate for fast determination of composition in thin Cd 1-xMg xTe layers. The validity of using high-resolution x-ray diffraction for CdTe/Cd 1-xMg xTe double heterostructures is discussed. Furthermore, the stability of CdTe/Cd 1-xMg xTe heterostructures are investigated with respect to thermal processing.

Analysis of DNA Double-Strand Breaks and Cytotoxicity after 7 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Isolated Human Lymphocytes

PubMed Central

Guttek, Karina; Hartig, Roland; Godenschweger, Frank; Roggenbuck, Dirk; Ricke, Jens; Reinhold, Dirk; Speck, Oliver

2015-01-01

The global use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is constantly growing and the field strengths increasing. Yet, only little data about harmful biological effects caused by MRI exposure are available and published research analyzing the impact of MRI on DNA integrity reported controversial results. This in vitro study aimed to investigate the genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of 7 T ultra-high-field MRI on isolated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Hence, unstimulated mononuclear blood cells were exposed to 7 T static magnetic field alone or in combination with maximum permissible imaging gradients and radiofrequency pulses as well as to ionizing radiation during computed tomography and γ-ray exposure. DNA double-strand breaks were quantified by flow cytometry and automated microscopy analysis of immunofluorescence stained γH2AX. Cytotoxicity was studied by CellTiter-Blue viability assay and [3H]-thymidine proliferation assay. Exposure of unstimulated mononuclear blood cells to 7 T static magnetic field alone or combined with varying gradient magnetic fields and pulsed radiofrequency fields did not induce DNA double-strand breaks, whereas irradiation with X- and γ-rays led to a dose-dependent induction of γH2AX foci. The viability assay revealed a time- and dose-dependent decrease in metabolic activity only among samples exposed to γ-radiation. Further, there was no evidence for altered proliferation response after cells were exposed to 7 T MRI or low doses of ionizing radiation (≤ 0.2 Gy). These findings confirm the acceptance of MRI as a safe non-invasive diagnostic imaging tool, but whether MRI can induce other types of DNA lesions or DNA double-strand breaks during altered conditions still needs to be investigated. PMID:26176601

Double Purse-String Telescoped Pancreaticogastro stomy using an Atraumatic Self-retaining Ring Retractor in a Subtotal Stomach-Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PubMed

Narita, Masato; Matsusue, Ryo; Hata, Hiroaki; Yamaguchi, Takashi; Otani, Tetsushi; Ikai, Iwao

2016-03-01

Pancreatoenteric anastomotic failure is the main cause of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Double purse-string telescoped pancreaticogastrostomy, reported by Addeo et al., is an easy and safe procedure.1 The aim of this article was to introduce our technique of pancreaticogastrostomy using an atraumatic self-retaining ring retractor (Alexis Wound Retractor) in a patient undergoing subtotal stomach-preserving PD (SSPPD). An 82-year-old woman presented with pancreatic cancer located in the uncinate process of pancreas. She underwent SSPPD with resection of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and double purse-string telescoped pancreaticogastrostomy using an Alexis wound retractor. The pancreas was transected on the portal vein and the remnant pancreas was separated from the splenic vein and artery. After extirpation of specimens and reconstruction of the SMV, two seromuscular purse-string sutures were placed on the posterior wall of the upper stomach. The anterior wall of the upper stomach was incised and opened using an Alexis wound retractor. The remnant pancreas was inserted into the gastric cavity through the posterior wall of the stomach and sutured circumferentially with running stitches to fix on the gastric muco-muscular layer. After closure of the anterior wall of the stomach, purse-string sutures were tightened and pancreaticogastrostomy was completed. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful and a computed tomography imaging study revealed no fluid collection around the pancreaticogastrostomy. This patient was discharged on the 14th postoperative day. Use of an Alexis wound retractor makes it easier to perform a double purse-string telescoped pancreaticogastrostomy by a self-expanding property to allow a wide operative view.

Quantification of Wear and Deformation in Different Configurations of Polyethylene Acetabular Cups Using Micro X-ray Computed Tomography

PubMed Central

Affatato, Saverio; Zanini, Filippo; Carmignato, Simone

2017-01-01

Wear is currently quantified as mass loss of the bearing materials measured using gravimetric methods. However, this method does not provide other information, such as volumetric loss or surface deviation. In this work, we validated a technique to quantify polyethylene wear in three different batches of ultrahigh-molecular-polyethylene acetabular cups used for hip implants using nondestructive microcomputed tomography. Three different configurations of polyethylene acetabular cups, previously tested under the ISO 14242 parameters, were tested on a hip simulator for an additional 2 million cycles using a modified ISO 14242 load waveform. In this context, a new approach was proposed in order to simulate, on a hip joint simulator, high-demand activities. In addition, the effects of these activities were analyzed in terms of wear and deformations of those polyethylenes by means of gravimetric method and micro X-ray computed tomography. In particular, while the gravimetric method was used for weight loss assessment, microcomputed tomography allowed for acquisition of additional quantitative information about the evolution of local wear and deformation through three-dimensional surface deviation maps for the entire cups’ surface. Experimental results showed that the wear and deformation behavior of these materials change according to different mechanical simulations. PMID:28772616

Nano-Computed Tomography: Technique and Applications.

PubMed

Kampschulte, M; Langheinirch, A C; Sender, J; Litzlbauer, H D; Althöhn, U; Schwab, J D; Alejandre-Lafont, E; Martels, G; Krombach, G A

2016-02-01

Nano-computed tomography (nano-CT) is an emerging, high-resolution cross-sectional imaging technique and represents a technical advancement of the established micro-CT technology. Based on the application of a transmission target X-ray tube, the focal spot size can be decreased down to diameters less than 400 nanometers (nm). Together with specific detectors and examination protocols, a superior spatial resolution up to 400 nm (10 % MTF) can be achieved, thereby exceeding the resolution capacity of typical micro-CT systems. The technical concept of nano-CT imaging as well as the basics of specimen preparation are demonstrated exemplarily. Characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques (intraplaque hemorrhage and calcifications) in a murine model of atherosclerosis (ApoE (-/-)/LDLR(-/-) double knockout mouse) are demonstrated in the context of superior spatial resolution in comparison to micro-CT. Furthermore, this article presents the application of nano-CT for imaging cerebral microcirculation (murine), lung structures (porcine), and trabecular microstructure (ovine) in contrast to micro-CT imaging. This review shows the potential of nano-CT as a radiological method in biomedical basic research and discusses the application of experimental, high resolution CT techniques in consideration of other high resolution cross-sectional imaging techniques. Nano-computed tomography is a high resolution CT-technology for 3D imaging at sub-micrometer resolution. The technical concept bases on a further development of the established ex-vivo-micro-CT technology. By improvement of the spatial resolution, structures at a cellular level become visible (e.g. osteocyte lacunae). © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Evaluation of 3D airway imaging of obstructive sleep apnea with cone-beam computed tomography.

PubMed

Ogawa, Takumi; Enciso, Reyes; Memon, Ahmed; Mah, James K; Clark, Glenn T

2005-01-01

This study evaluates the use of cone-beam Computer Tomography (CT) for imaging the upper airway structure of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients. The total airway volume and the anteroposterior dimension of oropharyngeal airway showed significant group differences between OSA and gender-matched controls, so if we increase sample size these measurements may distinguish the two groups. We demonstrate the utility of diagnosis of anatomy with the 3D airway imaging with cone-beam Computed Tomography.

White Paper of the Society of Computed Body Tomography and Magnetic Resonance on Dual-Energy CT, Part 1: Technology and Terminology.

PubMed

Siegel, Marilyn J; Kaza, Ravi K; Bolus, David N; Boll, Daniel T; Rofsky, Neil M; De Cecco, Carlo N; Foley, W Dennis; Morgan, Desiree E; Schoepf, U Joseph; Sahani, Dushyant V; Shuman, William P; Vrtiska, Terri J; Yeh, Benjamin M; Berland, Lincoln L

This is the first of a series of 4 white papers that represent Expert Consensus Documents developed by the Society of Computed Body Tomography and Magnetic Resonance through its task force on dual-energy computed tomography (DECT). This article, part 1, describes the fundamentals of the physical basis for DECT and the technology of DECT and proposes uniform nomenclature to account for differences in proprietary terms among manufacturers.

[The clinical economic analysis of the methods of ischemic heart disease diagnostics].

PubMed

Kalashnikov, V Iu; Mitriagina, S N; Syrkin, A L; Poltavskaia, M G; Sorokina, E G

2007-01-01

The clinical economical analysis was applied to assess the application of different techniques of ischemic heart disease diagnostics - the electro-cardiographic monitoring, the treadmill-testing, the stress-echo cardiographic with dobutamine, the single-photon computerized axial tomography with load, the multi-spiral computerized axial tomography with coronary arteries staining in patients with different initial probability of disease occurrence. In all groups, the best value of "cost-effectiveness" had the treadmill-test. The patients with low risk needed 17.4 rubles to precise the probability of ischemic heart disease occurrence at 1%. In the group with medium and high risk this indicator was 9.4 and 24.7 rubles correspondingly. It is concluded that to precise the probability of ischemic heart disease occurrence after tredmil-test in the patients with high probability it is appropriate to use the single-photon computerized axial tomography with load and in the case of patients with low probability the multi-spiral computerized axial tomography with coronary arteries staining.

Studies on muon tomography for archaeological internal structures scanning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gómez, H.; Carloganu, C.; Gibert, D.; Jacquemier, J.; Karyotakis, Y.; Marteau, J.; Niess, V.; Katsanevas, S.; Tonazzo, A.

2016-05-01

Muon tomography is a potential non-invasive technique for internal structure scanning. It has already interesting applications in geophysics and can be used for archaeological purposes. Muon tomography is based on the measurement of the muon flux after crossing the structure studied. Differences on the mean density of these structures imply differences on the detected muon rate for a given direction. Based on this principle, Monte Carlo simulations represent a useful tool to provide a model of the expected muon rate and angular distribution depending on the composition of the studied object, being useful to estimate the expected detected muons and to better understand the experimental results. These simulations are mainly dependent on the geometry and composition of the studied object and on the modelling of the initial muon flux at surface. In this work, the potential of muon tomography in archaeology is presented and evaluated with Monte Carlo simulations by estimating the differences on the muon rate due to the presence of internal structures and its composition. The influence of the chosen muon model at surface in terms of energy and angular distributions in the final result has been also studied.

Optimization design and dynamic analysis on the drive mechanisms of flapping-wing air vehicles based on flapping trajectories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Lingwang; Zhang, Xingwei; Luo, Pan; Huang, Panpan

2017-10-01

The optimization designs and dynamic analysis on the driving mechanism of flapping-wing air vehicles on base of flapping trajectory patterns is carried out in this study. Three different driving mechanisms which are spatial double crank-rocker, plane five-bar and gear-double slider, are systematically optimized and analysed by using the Mat lab and Adams software. After a series debugging on the parameter, the comparatively ideal flapping trajectories are obtained by the simulation of Adams. Present results indicate that different drive mechanisms output different flapping trajectories and have their unique characteristic. The spatial double crank-rocker mechanism can only output the arc flapping trajectory and it has the advantages of small volume, high flexibility and efficient space utilization. Both planar five-bar mechanism and gear-double slider mechanism can output the oval, figure of eight and double eight flapping trajectories. Nevertheless, the gear-double slider mechanism has the advantage of convenient parameter setting and better performance in output double eight flapping trajectory. This study can provide theoretical basis and helpful reference for the design of the drive mechanisms of flapping-wing air vehicles with different output flapping trajectories.

Quantitative X-ray fluorescence computed tomography for low-Z samples using an iterative absorption correction algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Rong; Limburg, Karin; Rohtla, Mehis

2017-05-01

X-ray fluorescence computed tomography is often used to measure trace element distributions within low-Z samples, using algorithms capable of X-ray absorption correction when sample self-absorption is not negligible. Its reconstruction is more complicated compared to transmission tomography, and therefore not widely used. We describe in this paper a very practical iterative method that uses widely available transmission tomography reconstruction software for fluorescence tomography. With this method, sample self-absorption can be corrected not only for the absorption within the measured layer but also for the absorption by material beyond that layer. By combining tomography with analysis for scanning X-ray fluorescence microscopy, absolute concentrations of trace elements can be obtained. By using widely shared software, we not only minimized the coding, took advantage of computing efficiency of fast Fourier transform in transmission tomography software, but also thereby accessed well-developed data processing tools coming with well-known and reliable software packages. The convergence of the iterations was also carefully studied for fluorescence of different attenuation lengths. As an example, fish eye lenses could provide valuable information about fish life-history and endured environmental conditions. Given the lens's spherical shape and sometimes the short distance from sample to detector for detecting low concentration trace elements, its tomography data are affected by absorption related to material beyond the measured layer but can be reconstructed well with our method. Fish eye lens tomography results are compared with sliced lens 2D fluorescence mapping with good agreement, and with tomography providing better spatial resolution.

Petamenophis (Padiamenemipet), an Egyptian Child Mummy Protected for Eternity: Revelation by Multidetector Computed Tomography.

PubMed

Martina, Maria Cristina; Cesarani, Federico; Boano, Rosa; Fiore Marochetti, Elisa; Gandini, Giovanni

The objective of our work was to report the most recent findings obtained with multidetector computed tomography of a child mummy from the Roman period (119-123 CE) housed at the Egyptian Museum in Turin, Italy. Multidetector computed tomography and postprocessing were applied to understand the embalming techniques, the nature of a foreign object, and anthropometrical values. The information was compared with that from other mummies that were buried in the same tomb, but today housed in different museums. New information regarding the embalming technique was revealed. Multidetector computed tomography allowed the identification of a knife-like metallic object, probably an amulet for the child's protection in the afterlife. Multidetector computed tomography and image postprocessing confirm their valuable role in noninvasive studies in ancient mummies and provided evidence of a unique cultural practice in the late history of Ancient Egypt such as placing a knife possibly as an amulet.

Evaluation of PET Imaging Resolution Using 350 mu{m} Pixelated CZT as a VP-PET Insert Detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Yongzhi; Chen, Ximeng; Li, Chongzheng; Wu, Heyu; Komarov, Sergey; Guo, Qingzhen; Krawczynski, Henric; Meng, Ling-Jian; Tai, Yuan-Chuan

2014-02-01

A cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) detector with 350 μm pitch pixels was studied in high-resolution positron emission tomography (PET) imaging applications. The PET imaging system was based on coincidence detection between a CZT detector and a lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO)-based Inveon PET detector in virtual-pinhole PET geometry. The LSO detector is a 20 ×20 array, with 1.6 mm pitches, and 10 mm thickness. The CZT detector uses ac 20 ×20 ×5 mm substrate, with 350 μm pitch pixelated anodes and a coplanar cathode. A NEMA NU4 Na-22 point source of 250 μm in diameter was imaged by this system. Experiments show that the image resolution of single-pixel photopeak events was 590 μm FWHM while the image resolution of double-pixel photopeak events was 640 μm FWHM. The inclusion of double-pixel full-energy events increased the sensitivity of the imaging system. To validate the imaging experiment, we conducted a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation for the same PET system in Geant4 Application for Emission Tomography. We defined LSO detectors as a scanner ring and 350 μm pixelated CZT detectors as an insert ring. GATE simulated coincidence data were sorted into an insert-scanner sinogram and reconstructed. The image resolution of MC-simulated data (which did not factor in positron range and acolinearity effect) was 460 μm at FWHM for single-pixel events. The image resolutions of experimental data, MC simulated data, and theoretical calculation are all close to 500 μm FWHM when the proposed 350 μm pixelated CZT detector is used as a PET insert. The interpolation algorithm for the charge sharing events was also investigated. The PET image that was reconstructed using the interpolation algorithm shows improved image resolution compared with the image resolution without interpolation algorithm.

Influence of off-great-circle propagation of Rayleigh waves on event-based surface wave tomography in Northeast China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Haopeng; Ni, Sidao; Chu, Risheng; Chong, Jiajun; Liu, Zhikun; Zhu, Liangbao

2018-05-01

Surface waves are generally assumed to propagate along great-circle paths in most surface-wave tomography. However, when lateral heterogeneity is strong, off-great-circle propagation may occur and deteriorate surface wave tomography results based on the great-circle assumption. In this study, we used teleseismic waveforms recorded by the NECESSArray in Northeast China to study off-great-circle propagation of Rayleigh waves using the beamforming method and evaluated the influence of off-great-circle propagation on event-based surface wave tomography. The results show that arrival angle anomalies generally increase with decreasing period. The arrival angle anomalies at 60 and 50 s periods are smaller than that at 40 and 30 s periods, which indicates that the off-great-circle propagation is relatively weak for longer periods. At 30 s period, the arrival angle anomalies are relatively larger and some of the measurements can exceed 20°, which represents a strong off-great-circle propagation effect. In some areas, the arrival angle anomalies of adjacent events differ significantly, which may be attributed to multipathing propagation of surface waves. To evaluate the influence of off-great-circle propagation on event-based surface wave tomography, we used measured arrival angle anomalies to correct two-station phase velocity measurements, and performed azimuthal anisotropy tomography using dispersion datasets with and without the arrival angle correction. At longer periods, such as 60 s, the influence of off-great-circle propagation on surface wave tomography is weak even though the corrected model has better data fit than the uncorrected model. However, the influence of off-great-circle propagation is non-negligible at short periods. The tomography results at 30 s period show that the differences in phase velocity, the strength of anisotropy and the fast direction can be as large as 1.5 per cent, 1.0 per cent and 30°, respectively. Furthermore, the corrected phase velocity is systematically lower than that without correction. This study illustrates the necessity of studying the off-great-circle propagation of surface waves to improve the accuracy of event-based surface wave tomography, especially for shorter periods.

Laser optoacoustic tomography for medical diagnostics: principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oraevsky, Alexander A.; Esenaliev, Rinat O.; Jacques, Steven L.; Tittel, Frank K.

1996-04-01

This paper is to describe principles of laser optoacoustic tomography for medical diagnostics. Two types of imaging modes are presented. The first is the tomography in transmission mode, which utilizes detection of stress transients transmitted from the laser-excited volume toward the depth through thick layers of tissue. The second is the tomography in reflection mode which utilizes detection of stress transients generated in superficial tissue layer and reflected back toward tissue surface. To distinguish the two modes, we have abbreviated them as (1) laser optoacoustic tomography in transmission mode, LOATT, and (2) time-resolved stress detection tomography of light absorption, TRSDTLA, in reflection mode where emphasis is made on high spatial resolution of images. The basis for laser optoacoustic tomography is the time-resolved detection of laser-induced transient stress waves, selectively generated in absorbing tissues of diagnostic interest. Such a technique allows one to visualize absorbed light distribution in turbid biological tissues irradiated by short laser pulses. Laser optoacoustic tomography can be used for detection of tissue pathological changes that result in either increased concentration of various tissue chromophores such as hemoglobin or in development of enhanced microcirculation in diseased tissue. Potential areas of applications are diagnosis of cancer, brain hemorrhages, arterial atherosclerotic plaques, and other diseased tissues. In addition, it can provide feedback information during medical treatments. Both LOATT and TRSDTLA utilize laser excitation of biological tissues and sensitive detection of laser-induced stress waves. Optical selectivity is based upon differences in optical properties of pathologically different tissues. Sensitivity comes from stress generation under irradiation conditions of temporal stress confinement. The use of sensitive wide-band lithium niobate acoustic transducers expands limits of laser optoacoustic tomography. The technology allows us to determine directly temperature distributions in tissues and locate tissues volumes with different absorption. To demonstrate principles of TRSDTLA, experiments were conducted in vivo with mice-model for breast cancer using specially designed front-surface transducers- reflectometers. To present advantages and limitation of LOATT, experiments were performed in phantoms made of gel with polystyrene spheres colored with copper sulfate. Our experimental results and theoretical calculations show that TRSDTLA can be applied for non- invasive histology of layered tissues with in-depth resolution of up to 2 microns. TRSDTLA in acoustic reflection mode is promising for diagnostics of skin and ocular diseases. LOATT in acoustic transmission mode can be applied for detection of small tissue volumes with enhanced absorption located inside organs at the depth of up to 10 cm.

Independent information from cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-β and florbetapir imaging in Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Mattsson, Niklas; Insel, Philip S; Donohue, Michael; Landau, Susan; Jagust, William J; Shaw, Leslie M; Trojanowski, John Q; Zetterberg, Henrik; Blennow, Kaj; Weiner, Michael W

2015-03-01

Reduced cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-β42 and increased retention of florbetapir positron emission tomography are biomarkers reflecting cortical amyloid load in Alzheimer's disease. However, these measurements do not always agree and may represent partly different aspects of the underlying Alzheimer's disease pathology. The goal of this study was therefore to test if cerebrospinal fluid and positron emission tomography amyloid-β biomarkers are independently related to other Alzheimer's disease markers, and to examine individuals who are discordantly classified by these two biomarker modalities. Cerebrospinal fluid and positron emission tomography amyloid-β were measured at baseline in 769 persons [161 healthy controls, 68 subjective memory complaints, 419 mild cognitive impairment and 121 Alzheimer's disease dementia, mean age 72 years (standard deviation 7 years), 47% females] and used to predict diagnosis, APOE ε4 carriage status, cerebral blood flow, cerebrospinal fluid total-tau and phosphorylated-tau levels (cross-sectionally); and hippocampal volume, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography results and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale scores (longitudinally). Cerebrospinal fluid and positron emission tomography amyloid-β were highly correlated, but adjusting one of these predictors for the other revealed that they both provided partially independent information when predicting diagnosis, APOE ε4, hippocampal volume, metabolism, cognition, total-tau and phosphorylated-tau (the 95% confidence intervals of the adjusted effects did not include zero). Cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-β was more strongly related to APOE ε4 whereas positron emission tomography amyloid-β was more strongly related to tau levels (P < 0.05). Discordance (mainly isolated cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-β positivity) differed by diagnostic group (P < 0.001) and was seen in 21% of cognitively healthy people but only 6% in dementia patients. The finding that cerebrospinal fluid and positron emission tomography amyloid-β provide partially independent information about a wide range of Alzheimer's measures supports the theory that these modalities represent partly different aspects of Alzheimer's pathology. The fact that mismatch, with positive cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-β but normal positron emission tomography amyloid-β, is relatively common in cognitively healthy people may be considered when using these biomarkers to identify early stage Alzheimer's disease. Reduced cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-β may be more strongly related to early stage Alzheimer's disease, whereas increased positron emission tomography amyloid-β may be more strongly related to disease progression. © The Author (2014). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Effect of valsartan on systemic right ventricular function: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial.

PubMed

van der Bom, Teun; Winter, Michiel M; Bouma, Berto J; Groenink, Maarten; Vliegen, Hubert W; Pieper, Petronella G; van Dijk, Arie P J; Sieswerda, Gertjan T; Roos-Hesselink, Jolien W; Zwinderman, Aeilko H; Mulder, Barbara J M

2013-01-22

The role of angiotensin II receptor blockers in patients with a systemic right ventricle has not been elucidated. We conducted a multicenter, double-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial of angiotensin II receptor blocker valsartan 160 mg twice daily compared with placebo in patients with a systemic right ventricle caused by congenitally or surgically corrected transposition of the great arteries. The primary end point was change in right ventricular ejection fraction during 3-year follow-up, determined by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging or, in patients with contraindication for magnetic resonance imaging, multirow detector computed tomography. Secondary end points were change in right ventricular volumes and mass, Vo(2)peak, and quality of life. Primary analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. A total of 88 patients (valsartan, n=44; placebo, n=44) were enrolled in the trial. No serious adverse effects occurred in either group. There was no significant effect of 3-year valsartan therapy on systemic right ventricular ejection fraction (treatment effect, 1.3%; 95% confidence interval, -1.3% to 3.9%; P=0.34), maximum exercise capacity, or quality of life. There was a larger increase in right ventricular end-diastolic volume (15 mL; 95% confidence interval, 3-28 mL; P<0.01) and mass (8 g; 95% confidence interval, 2-14 g; P=0.01) in the placebo group than in the valsartan group. There was no significant treatment effect of valsartan on right ventricular ejection fraction, exercise capacity, or quality of life. Valsartan was associated with a similar frequency of significant clinical events as placebo. Small but significant differences between valsartan and placebo were present for change in right ventricular volumes and mass. URL: http://www.controlled-trials.com. Unique identifier: ISRCTN52352170.

A compact multi-wavelength optoacoustic system based on high-power diode lasers for characterization of double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) for biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leggio, Luca; de Varona, Omar; Escudero, Pedro; Carpintero del Barrio, Guillermo; Osiński, Marek; Lamela Rivera, Horacio

2015-06-01

During the last decade, Optoacoustic Imaging (OAI), or Optoacoustic Tomography (OAT), has evolved as a novel imaging technique based on the generation of ultrasound waves with laser light. OAI may become a valid alternative to techniques currently used for the detection of diseases at their early stages. It has been shown that OAI combines the high contrast of optical imaging techniques with high spatial resolution of ultrasound systems in deep tissues. In this way, the use of nontoxic biodegradable contrast agents that mark the presence of diseases in near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths range (0.75-1.4 um) has been considered. The presence of carcinomas and harmful microorganisms can be revealed by means of the fluorescence effect exhibited by biopolymer nanoparticles. A different approach is to use carbon nanotubes (CNTs) which are a contrast agent in NIR range due to their absorption characteristics in the range between 800 to 1200 nm. We report a multi-wavelength (870 and 905 nm) laser diode-based optoacoustic (OA) system generating ultrasound signals from a double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) solution arranged inside a tissue-like phantom, mimicking the scattering of a biological soft tissue. Optoacoustic signals obtained with DWCNTs inclusions within a tissue-like phantom are compared with the case of ink-filled inclusions, with the aim to assess their absorption. These measurements are done at both 870 and 905 nm, by using high power laser diodes as light sources. The results show that the absorption is relatively high when the inclusion is filled with ink and appreciable with DWCNTs.

Computed Tomographic Window Setting for Bronchial Measurement to Guide Double-Lumen Tube Size.

PubMed

Seo, Jeong-Hwa; Bae, Jinyoung; Paik, Hyesun; Koo, Chang-Hoon; Bahk, Jae-Hyon

2018-04-01

The bronchial diameter measured on computed tomography (CT) can be used to guide double-lumen tube (DLT) sizes objectively. The bronchus is known to be measured most accurately in the so-called bronchial CT window. The authors investigated whether using the bronchial window results in the selection of more appropriately sized DLTs than using the other windows. CT image analysis and prospective randomized study. Tertiary hospital. Adults receiving left-sided DLTs. The authors simulated selection of DLT sizes based on the left bronchial diameters measured in the lung (width 1,500 Hounsfield unit [HU] and level -700 HU), bronchial (1,000 HU and -450 HU), and mediastinal (400 HU and 25 HU) CT windows. Furthermore, patients were randomly assigned to undergo imaging with either the bronchial or mediastinal window to guide DLT sizes. Using the underwater seal technique, the authors assessed whether the DLT was appropriately sized, undersized, or oversized for the patient. On 130 CT images, the bronchial diameter (9.9 ± 1.2 mm v 10.5 ± 1.3 mm v 11.7 ± 1.3 mm) and the selected DLT size were different in the lung, bronchial, and mediastinal windows, respectively (p < 0.001). In 13 patients (17%), the bronchial diameter measured in the lung window suggested too small DLTs (28 Fr) for adults. In the prospective study, oversized tubes were chosen less frequently in the bronchial window than in the mediastinal window (6/110 v 23/111; risk ratio 0.38; 95% CI 0.19-0.79; p = 0.003). No tubes were undersized after measurements in these two windows. The bronchial measurement in the bronchial window guided more appropriately sized DLTs compared with the lung or mediastinal windows. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

White spot lesion remineralization by sugar-free chewing gum containing bio-available calcium and fluoride: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Sugiura, Miho; Kitasako, Yuichi; Sadr, Alireza; Shimada, Yasushi; Sumi, Yasunori; Tagami, Junji

2016-11-01

To assess the effect of chewing gum containing phosphoryl oligosaccharides of calcium (POs-Ca) and fluoride on white spot lesion (WSL) remineralization in comparison with POs-Ca or placebo (control) chewing gums, in double- blind, randomized, controlled trial. Thirty-seven healthy subjects, who had at least one WSL, with an ICDAS score of 2 or 1, were recruited for this study. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups (control, POs-Ca, POs-Ca+F) and chewed two slabs of each gum three times every day for 3 months. WSLs were assessed using ICDAS criteria and optical boundary depth (BD) by optical coherence tomography (OCT) system at a monthly recall. Data were analyzed by Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Wilcoxon signed rank test with Bonferroni corrections at 0.05 significance level. Visual score changes from ICDAS score 2 to score 1 over the course of the study were observed; control (30%), POs-Ca (48%) and POs-Ca+F (45%). Unlike the control gum, chewing POs-Ca and POs-Ca+F gums resulted in significant changes in the mean value of BD over the 3 months course of the study (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in mean value of BD after first month between POs-Ca+F and control groups (p<0.05). This study highlighted the importance of calcium and fluoride ion bioavailability in the reinforcement of demineralized enamel lesions by chewing gums. Furthermore, adding fluoride to POs-Ca might speed up the remineralization progress on natural WSL. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Early Dose Response to Yttrium-90 Microsphere Treatment of Metastatic Liver Cancer by a Patient-Specific Method Using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography and Positron Emission Tomography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Campbell, Janice M.; Department of Radiation Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; Wong, C. Oliver

2009-05-01

Purpose: To evaluate a patient-specific single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)-based method of dose calculation for treatment planning of yttrium-90 ({sup 90}Y) microsphere selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT). Methods and Materials: Fourteen consecutive {sup 90}Y SIRTs for colorectal liver metastasis were retrospectively analyzed. Absorbed dose to tumor and normal liver tissue was calculated by partition methods with two different tumor/normal liver vascularity ratios: an average 3:1 and a patient-specific ratio derived from pretreatment technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin SPECT. Tumor response was quantitatively evaluated from fluorine-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography scans. Results: Positron emission tomography showed a significant decrease in total tumor standardizedmore » uptake value (average, 52%). There was a significant difference in the tumor absorbed dose between the average and specific methods (p = 0.009). Response vs. dose curves fit by linear and linear-quadratic modeling showed similar results. Linear fit r values increased for all tumor response parameters with the specific method (+0.20 for mean standardized uptake value). Conclusion: Tumor dose calculated with the patient-specific method was more predictive of response in liver-directed {sup 90}Y SIRT.« less

The role of positron emission tomography and positron emission tomography/computed tomography in thyroid tumours: an overview.

PubMed

Treglia, Giorgio; Muoio, Barbara; Giovanella, Luca; Salvatori, Massimo

2013-05-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) with different tracers have been increasingly used in patients with thyroid tumours. The aim of this article is to perform an overview based on literature data about the usefulness of PET imaging in this setting. The role of Fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET and PET/CT in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is well established, particularly in patients presenting with elevated serum thyroglobulin levels and negative radioiodine whole-body scan. Iodine-124 PET and PET/CT may serve a role in staging DTC and obtaining lesional dosimetry for a better and more rationale planning of treatment with Iodine-131. FDG-PET and PET/CT are useful in the post-thyroidectomy staging of high-risk patients with less differentiated histological subtypes. PET and PET/CT with different tracers seem to be useful methods in localizing the source of elevated calcitonin levels in patients with recurrent medullary thyroid carcinoma. Incorporation of FDG-PET or PET/CT into the initial workup of patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules at fine needle aspiration biopsy deserves further investigation. FDG-PET report should suggest further evaluation when focal thyroid incidentalomas are described because these findings are associated with a significant risk of cancer.

Application of optical longitudinal tomography for dental introscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levin, Gennady G.; Burgansky, Alexander A.; Levandovski, Alexei G.

1997-08-01

A new method of dental introscopy in-vitro is suggested by the authors. This method implies the usage of longitudinal tomography techniques and is characterized by non-invasive and non-harmful diagnostics features, as well as interactive regime of image reconstruction which lets an operator (doctor) to control the diagnostics process in real time. He-Ne laser emission is used for obtaining of the projections. By the means of longitudinal tomography, images of different sections of an object (tooth) can be reconstructed. An experiment was held by the authors in which 100 projections of a tooth (premolar) were obtained and images of 10 different sections were reconstructed. These images were later compared to real sections of the tooth. This experiment proved that optical longitudinal tomography can be successfully used for dental introscopy. Authors claim that optical tomographic methods can be used for diagnostics of other biological objects as well. Such objects are characterized by spatial geometrical anisotropy (tubular bones, phalanxes of fingers, penis, etc.). It is especially promising to use this method for children's dentistry. the authors discuss some features of the data acquisition system for optical longitudinal tomography. Reconstruction algorithms are described. The results of experimental reconstruction are presented and advantages of this diagnostics method are discussed.

Double-input compartmental modeling and spectral analysis for the quantification of positron emission tomography data in oncology.

PubMed

Tomasi, G; Kimberley, S; Rosso, L; Aboagye, E; Turkheimer, F

2012-04-07

In positron emission tomography (PET) studies involving organs different from the brain, ignoring the metabolite contribution to the tissue time-activity curves (TAC), as in the standard single-input (SI) models, may compromise the accuracy of the estimated parameters. We employed here double-input (DI) compartmental modeling (CM), previously used for [¹¹C]thymidine, and a novel DI spectral analysis (SA) approach on the tracers 5-[¹⁸F]fluorouracil (5-[¹⁸F]FU) and [¹⁸F]fluorothymidine ([¹⁸F]FLT). CM and SA were performed initially with a SI approach using the parent plasma TAC as an input function. These methods were then employed using a DI approach with the metabolite plasma TAC as an additional input function. Regions of interest (ROIs) corresponding to healthy liver, kidneys and liver metastases for 5-[¹⁸F]FU and to tumor, vertebra and liver for [¹⁸F]FLT were analyzed. For 5-[¹⁸F]FU, the improvement of the fit quality with the DI approaches was remarkable; in CM, the Akaike information criterion (AIC) always selected the DI over the SI model. Volume of distribution estimates obtained with DI CM and DI SA were in excellent agreement, for both parent 5-[¹⁸F]FU (R(2) = 0.91) and metabolite [¹⁸F]FBAL (R(2) = 0.99). For [¹⁸F]FLT, the DI methods provided notable improvements but less substantial than for 5-[¹⁸F]FU due to the lower rate of metabolism of [¹⁸F]FLT. On the basis of the AIC values, agreement between [¹⁸F]FLT K(i) estimated with the SI and DI models was good (R² = 0.75) for the ROIs where the metabolite contribution was negligible, indicating that the additional input did not bias the parent tracer only-related estimates. When the AIC suggested a substantial contribution of the metabolite [¹⁸F]FLT-glucuronide, on the other hand, the change in the parent tracer only-related parameters was significant (R² = 0.33 for K(i)). Our results indicated that improvements of DI over SI approaches can range from moderate to substantial and are more significant for tracers with a high rate of metabolism. Furthermore, they showed that SA is suitable for DI modeling and can be used effectively in the analysis of PET data.

Effect of single- and double-row rotator cuff repair at the tendon-to-bone interface: preliminary results using an in vivo sheep model.

PubMed

Baums, M H; Schminke, B; Posmyk, A; Miosge, N; Klinger, H-M; Lakemeier, S

2015-01-01

The clinical superiority of the double-row technique is still a subject of controversial debate in rotator cuff repair. We hypothesised that the expression of different collagen types will differ between double-row and single-row rotator cuff repair indicating a faster healing response by the double-row technique. Twenty-four mature female sheep were randomly assembled to two different groups in which a surgically created acute infraspinatus tendon tear was fixed using either a modified single- or double-row repair technique. Shoulder joints from female sheep cadavers of identical age, bone maturity, and weight served as untreated control cluster. Expression of type I, II, and III collagen was observed in the tendon-to-bone junction along with recovering changes in the fibrocartilage zone after immunohistological tissue staining at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 26 weeks postoperatively. Expression of type III collagen remained positive until 6 weeks after surgery in the double-row group, whereas it was detectable for 12 weeks in the single-row group. In both groups, type I collagen expression increased after 12 weeks. Type II collagen expression was increased after 12 weeks in the double-row versus single-row group. Clusters of chondrocytes were only visible between week 6 and 12 in the double-row group. The study demonstrates differences regarding the expression of type I and type III collagen in the tendon-to-bone junction following double-row rotator cuff repair compared to single-row repair. The healing response in this acute repair model is faster in the double-row group during the investigated healing period.

A Feasibility Study of a New Unibody Branched Stent Graft Applied to Reconstruct the Canine Aortic Arch.

PubMed

Li, W; Zhai, S; Xu, K; Li, Q; Zhong, H; Li, T; Zhang, Z

2018-06-01

The aim was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a new unibody branched stent graft for the reconstruction of the canine aortic arch. The unibody branched stent grafts included single branched stent grafts and double branched stent grafts. The main stent graft and branched limbs were sutured together. The branched stent grafts were folded into the introducer system, which consisted of a double channel catheter, a detachable sleeve, and an introducer sheath. The branched stent grafts were introduced and deployed into the aortic arch by the delivery system. Twenty adult mongrel dogs were used for the experiments. Ten dogs were implanted with single branched stent grafts; the other 10 were implanted with double branched stent grafts. The surviving animals were followed up for 3 months. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) was performed to observe the status of the branched stent grafts. All the unibody branched stent grafts were successfully implanted into the canine aortic arches. The technical success rate was 100%. There was no cerebral infarction, paraplegia or incision infection. CTA showed that all the branched stent grafts were patent; there was no endoleak or stent migration. The unibody branched stent graft system could be used to reconstruct the aortic arch. The animal experimental procedures demonstrated the safety and feasibility of the unibody branched stent graft system. Copyright © 2018 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Projection Quality-Driven Tube Current Modulation Method in Cone-Beam CT for IGRT: Proof of Concept.

PubMed

Men, Kuo; Dai, Jianrong

2017-12-01

To develop a projection quality-driven tube current modulation method in cone-beam computed tomography for image-guided radiotherapy based on the prior attenuation information obtained by the planning computed tomography and then evaluate its effect on a reduction in the imaging dose. The QCKV-1 phantom with different thicknesses (0-400 mm) of solid water upon it was used to simulate different attenuation (μ). Projections were acquired with a series of tube current-exposure time product (mAs) settings, and a 2-dimensional contrast to noise ratio was analyzed for each projection to create a lookup table of mAs versus 2-dimensional contrast to noise ratio, μ. Before a patient underwent computed tomography, the maximum attenuation [Formula: see text] within the 95% range of each projection angle (θ) was estimated according to the planning computed tomography images. Then, a desired 2-dimensional contrast to noise ratio value was selected, and the mAs setting at θ was calculated with the lookup table of mAs versus 2-dimensional contrast to noise ratio,[Formula: see text]. Three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography images were reconstructed using the projections acquired with the selected mAs. The imaging dose was evaluated with a polymethyl methacrylate dosimetry phantom in terms of volume computed tomography dose index. Image quality was analyzed using a Catphan 503 phantom with an oval body annulus and a pelvis phantom. For the Catphan 503 phantom, the cone-beam computed tomography image obtained by the projection quality-driven tube current modulation method had a similar quality to that of conventional cone-beam computed tomography . However, the proposed method could reduce the imaging dose by 16% to 33% to achieve an equivalent contrast to noise ratio value. For the pelvis phantom, the structural similarity index was 0.992 with a dose reduction of 39.7% for the projection quality-driven tube current modulation method. The proposed method could reduce the additional dose to the patient while not degrading the image quality for cone-beam computed tomography. The projection quality-driven tube current modulation method could be especially beneficial to patients who undergo cone-beam computed tomography frequently during a treatment course.

Local X-ray Computed Tomography Imaging for Mineralogical and Pore Characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mills, G.; Willson, C. S.

2015-12-01

Sample size, material properties and image resolution are all tradeoffs that must be considered when imaging porous media samples with X-ray computed tomography. In many natural and engineered samples, pore and throat sizes span several orders of magnitude and are often correlated with the material composition. Local tomography is a nondestructive technique that images a subvolume, within a larger specimen, at high resolution and uses low-resolution tomography data from the larger specimen to reduce reconstruction error. The high-resolution, subvolume data can be used to extract important fine-scale properties but, due to the additional noise associated with the truncated dataset, it makes segmentation of different materials and mineral phases a challenge. The low-resolution data of a larger specimen is typically of much higher-quality making material characterization much easier. In addition, the imaging of a larger domain, allows for mm-scale bulk properties and heterogeneities to be determined. In this research, a 7 mm diameter and ~15 mm in length sandstone core was scanned twice. The first scan was performed to cover the entire diameter and length of the specimen at an image voxel resolution of 4.1 μm. The second scan was performed on a subvolume, ~1.3 mm in length and ~2.1 mm in diameter, at an image voxel resolution of 1.08 μm. After image processing and segmentation, the pore network structure and mineralogical features were extracted from the low-resolution dataset. Due to the noise in the truncated high-resolution dataset, several image processing approaches were applied prior to image segmentation and extraction of the pore network structure and mineralogy. Results from the different truncated tomography segmented data sets are compared to each other to evaluate the potential of each approach in identifying the different solid phases from the original 16 bit data set. The truncated tomography segmented data sets were also compared to the whole-core tomography segmented data set in two ways: (1) assessment of the porosity and pore size distribution at different scales; and (2) comparison of the mineralogical composition and distribution. Finally, registration of the two datasets will be used to show how the pore structure and mineralogy details at the two scales can be used to supplement each other.

Meta-analysis of Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes After Arthroscopic Single-Row Versus Double-Row Rotator Cuff Repair

PubMed Central

Perser, Karen; Godfrey, David; Bisson, Leslie

2011-01-01

Context: Double-row rotator cuff repair methods have improved biomechanical performance when compared with single-row repairs. Objective: To review clinical outcomes of single-row versus double-row rotator cuff repair with the hypothesis that double-row rotator cuff repair will result in better clinical and radiographic outcomes. Data Sources: Published literature from January 1980 to April 2010. Key terms included rotator cuff, prospective studies, outcomes, and suture techniques. Study Selection: The literature was systematically searched, and 5 level I and II studies were found comparing clinical outcomes of single-row and double-row rotator cuff repair. Coleman methodology scores were calculated for each article. Data Extraction: Meta-analysis was performed, with treatment effect between single row and double row for clinical outcomes and with odds ratios for radiographic results. The sample size necessary to detect a given difference in clinical outcome between the 2 methods was calculated. Results: Three level I studies had Coleman scores of 80, 74, and 81, and two level II studies had scores of 78 and 73. There were 156 patients with single-row repairs and 147 patients with double-row repairs, both with an average follow-up of 23 months (range, 12-40 months). Double-row repairs resulted in a greater treatment effect for each validated outcome measure in 4 studies, but the differences were not clinically or statistically significant (range, 0.4-2.2 points; 95% confidence interval, –0.19, 4.68 points). Double-row repairs had better radiographic results, but the differences were also not statistically significant (P = 0.13). Two studies had adequate power to detect a 10-point difference between repair methods using the Constant score, and 1 study had power to detect a 5-point difference using the UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) score. Conclusions: Double-row rotator cuff repair does not show a statistically significant improvement in clinical outcome or radiographic healing with short-term follow-up. PMID:23016017

Meta-analysis of Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes After Arthroscopic Single-Row Versus Double-Row Rotator Cuff Repair.

PubMed

Perser, Karen; Godfrey, David; Bisson, Leslie

2011-05-01

Double-row rotator cuff repair methods have improved biomechanical performance when compared with single-row repairs. To review clinical outcomes of single-row versus double-row rotator cuff repair with the hypothesis that double-row rotator cuff repair will result in better clinical and radiographic outcomes. Published literature from January 1980 to April 2010. Key terms included rotator cuff, prospective studies, outcomes, and suture techniques. The literature was systematically searched, and 5 level I and II studies were found comparing clinical outcomes of single-row and double-row rotator cuff repair. Coleman methodology scores were calculated for each article. Meta-analysis was performed, with treatment effect between single row and double row for clinical outcomes and with odds ratios for radiographic results. The sample size necessary to detect a given difference in clinical outcome between the 2 methods was calculated. Three level I studies had Coleman scores of 80, 74, and 81, and two level II studies had scores of 78 and 73. There were 156 patients with single-row repairs and 147 patients with double-row repairs, both with an average follow-up of 23 months (range, 12-40 months). Double-row repairs resulted in a greater treatment effect for each validated outcome measure in 4 studies, but the differences were not clinically or statistically significant (range, 0.4-2.2 points; 95% confidence interval, -0.19, 4.68 points). Double-row repairs had better radiographic results, but the differences were also not statistically significant (P = 0.13). Two studies had adequate power to detect a 10-point difference between repair methods using the Constant score, and 1 study had power to detect a 5-point difference using the UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) score. Double-row rotator cuff repair does not show a statistically significant improvement in clinical outcome or radiographic healing with short-term follow-up.

Non-Double-Couple Component Analysis of Induced Microearthquakes in the Val D'Agri Basin (Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roselli, P.; Improta, L.; Saccorotti, G.

2017-12-01

In recent years it has become accepted that earthquake source can attain significant Non-Double-Couple (NDC) components. Among the driving factors of deviation from normal double-couple (DC) mechanisms there is the opening/closing of fracture networks and the activation of pre-existing faults by pore fluid pressure perturbations. This observation makes the thorough analysis of source mechanism of key importance for the understanding of withdrawal/injection induced seismicity from geothermal and hydrocarbon reservoirs, as well as of water reservoir induced seismicity. In addition to the DC component, seismic moment tensor can be decomposed into isotropic (ISO) and compensated linear vector dipole (CLVD) components. In this study we performed a careful analysis of the seismic moment tensor of induced microseismicity recorded in the Val d'Agri (Southern Apennines, Italy) focusing our attention on the NDC component. The Val d'Agri is a Quaternary extensional basin that hosts the largest onshore European oil field and a water reservoir (Pertusillo Lake impoundment) characterized by severe seasonal level oscillations. Our input data-set includes swarm-type induced micro-seismicity recorded between 2005-2006 by a high-performance network and accurately localized by a reservoir-scale local earthquake tomography. We analyze two different seismicity clusters: (i) a swarm of 69 earthquakes with 0.3 ≤ ML ≤ 1.8 induced by a wastewater disposal well of the oilfield during the initial daily injection tests (10 days); (ii) 526 earthquakes with -0.2 ≤ ML ≤ 2.7 induced by seasonal volume changes of the artificial lake. We perform the seismic moment tensor inversion by using HybridMT code. After a very accurate signal-to-noise selection and hand-made picking of P-pulses, we obtain %DC, %ISO, %CLVD for each event. DC and NDC components are analyzed and compared with the spatio-temporal distribution of seismicity, the local stress field, the injection parameters and the water level in the impoundment. We find significant NDC components and abrupt temporal variations in the %DC and %ISO components that appear linked to the extremely variable parameters of the injection tests into the disposal well.

Towards Omni-Tomography—Grand Fusion of Multiple Modalities for Simultaneous Interior Tomography

PubMed Central

Wang, Ge; Zhang, Jie; Gao, Hao; Weir, Victor; Yu, Hengyong; Cong, Wenxiang; Xu, Xiaochen; Shen, Haiou; Bennett, James; Furth, Mark; Wang, Yue; Vannier, Michael

2012-01-01

We recently elevated interior tomography from its origin in computed tomography (CT) to a general tomographic principle, and proved its validity for other tomographic modalities including SPECT, MRI, and others. Here we propose “omni-tomography”, a novel concept for the grand fusion of multiple tomographic modalities for simultaneous data acquisition in a region of interest (ROI). Omni-tomography can be instrumental when physiological processes under investigation are multi-dimensional, multi-scale, multi-temporal and multi-parametric. Both preclinical and clinical studies now depend on in vivo tomography, often requiring separate evaluations by different imaging modalities. Over the past decade, two approaches have been used for multimodality fusion: Software based image registration and hybrid scanners such as PET-CT, PET-MRI, and SPECT-CT among others. While there are intrinsic limitations with both approaches, the main obstacle to the seamless fusion of multiple imaging modalities has been the bulkiness of each individual imager and the conflict of their physical (especially spatial) requirements. To address this challenge, omni-tomography is now unveiled as an emerging direction for biomedical imaging and systems biomedicine. PMID:22768108

Applications of emerging transmission electron microscopy technology in PCD research and diagnosis.

PubMed

Shoemark, Amelia

2017-01-01

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a heterogeneous genetic condition characterized by dysfunction of motile cilia. Patients suffer from chronic infection and inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Diagnosis of PCD is confirmed by identification of a hallmark defect of ciliary ultrastructure or by identification of biallelic pathogenic mutations in a known PCD gene. Since the first description of PCD in 1976, assessment of ciliary ultrastructure by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been central to diagnosis and research. Electron tomography is a technique whereby a series of transmission electron micrographs are collected at different angles and reconstructed into a single 3D model of a specimen. Electron tomography provides improved spatial information and resolution compared to a single micrograph. Research by electron tomography has revealed new insight into ciliary ultrastructure and consequently ciliary function at a molecular and cellular level. Gene discovery studies in PCD have utilized electron tomography to define the structural consequences of variants in cilia genes. Modern transmission electron microscopes capable of electron tomography are increasingly being installed in clinical laboratories. This presents the possibility for the use of tomography technique in a diagnostic setting. This review describes the electron tomography technique, the contribution tomography has made to the understanding of basic cilia structure and function and finally the potential of the technique for use in PCD diagnosis.

Brain Swelling and Loss of Gray and White Matter Differentiation in Human Postmortem Cases by Computed Tomography.

PubMed

Shirota, Go; Gonoi, Wataru; Ishida, Masanori; Okuma, Hidemi; Shintani, Yukako; Abe, Hiroyuki; Takazawa, Yutaka; Ikemura, Masako; Fukayama, Masashi; Ohtomo, Kuni

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the brain by postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) versus antemortem computed tomography (AMCT) using brains from the same patients. We studied 36 nontraumatic subjects who underwent AMCT, PMCT, and pathological autopsy in our hospital between April 2009 and December 2013. PMCT was performed within 20 h after death, followed by pathological autopsy including the brain. Autopsy confirmed the absence of intracranial disorders that might be related to the cause of death or might affect measurements in our study. Width of the third ventricle, width of the central sulcus, and attenuation in gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) from the same area of the basal ganglia, centrum semiovale, and high convexity were statistically compared between AMCT and PMCT. Both the width of the third ventricle and the central sulcus were significantly shorter in PMCT than in AMCT (P < 0.0001). GM attenuation increased after death at the level of the centrum semiovale and high convexity, but the differences were not statistically significant considering the differences in attenuation among the different computed tomography scanners. WM attenuation significantly increased after death at all levels (P<0.0001). The differences were larger than the differences in scanners. GM/WM ratio of attenuation was significantly lower by PMCT than by AMCT at all levels (P<0.0001). PMCT showed an increase in WM attenuation, loss of GM-WM differentiation, and brain swelling, evidenced by a decrease in the size of ventricles and sulci.

Terahertz wide aperture reflection tomography.

PubMed

Pearce, Jeremy; Choi, Hyeokho; Mittleman, Daniel M; White, Jeff; Zimdars, David

2005-07-01

We describe a powerful imaging modality for terahertz (THz) radiation, THz wide aperture reflection tomography (WART). Edge maps of an object's cross section are reconstructed from a series of time-domain reflection measurements at different viewing angles. Each measurement corresponds to a parallel line projection of the object's cross section. The filtered backprojection algorithm is applied to recover the image from the projection data. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a reflection computed tomography technique using electromagnetic waves. We demonstrate the capabilities of THz WART by imaging the cross sections of two test objects.

Near-Infrared Fluorescence-Enhanced Optical Tomography

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Fluorescence-enhanced optical imaging using near-infrared (NIR) light developed for in vivo molecular targeting and reporting of cancer provides promising opportunities for diagnostic imaging. The current state of the art of NIR fluorescence-enhanced optical tomography is reviewed in the context of the principle of fluorescence, the different measurement schemes employed, and the mathematical tools established to tomographically reconstruct the fluorescence optical properties in various tissue domains. Finally, we discuss the recent advances in forward modeling and distributed memory parallel computation to provide robust, accurate, and fast fluorescence-enhanced optical tomography. PMID:27803924

Near-Infrared Fluorescence-Enhanced Optical Tomography.

PubMed

Zhu, Banghe; Godavarty, Anuradha

2016-01-01

Fluorescence-enhanced optical imaging using near-infrared (NIR) light developed for in vivo molecular targeting and reporting of cancer provides promising opportunities for diagnostic imaging. The current state of the art of NIR fluorescence-enhanced optical tomography is reviewed in the context of the principle of fluorescence, the different measurement schemes employed, and the mathematical tools established to tomographically reconstruct the fluorescence optical properties in various tissue domains. Finally, we discuss the recent advances in forward modeling and distributed memory parallel computation to provide robust, accurate, and fast fluorescence-enhanced optical tomography.

Double layer drainage performance of porous asphalt pavement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Yangyang; Xie, Jianguang; Liu, Mingxi

2018-06-01

In order to improve the design reliability of the double layer porous asphalt pavement, the 3D seepage finite element method was used to study the drainage capacity of double layer PAC pavements with different geometric parameters. It revealed that the effect of pavement drainage length, slope, permeability coefficient and structure design on the drainage capacity. The research of this paper can provide reference for the design of double layer porous asphalt pavement in different rainfall intensity areas, and provide guides for the related engineering design.

Spatial Distribution of the Earthquakes beneath the Pamir-Hindu Kush Region: Implications for the Collision between two Oppositely Subducted Slabs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ning, J.; Lou, X.; Cai, C.; Yu, C.

2009-12-01

We employed a double-difference algorithm (hypoDD) to relocate the Earthquakes reported by the International Seismological Center within the region bounded by 66~78°E and 32~42°N between 1964 and 2003. Among the listed 10224 events in the catalog, 7655 events have at least six P-wave arrival times recorded by 279 stations in the region within 60~90°E and 20~50°N. Totally we have about 135,000 P wave arrival picks and 42,000 S wave arrival picks. 269,365 P-phase pairs and 212,354 S-phase pairs are selected. The average offset between linked events is 10.74 km. The double-difference travel time match in the hypoDD program retains 6018 out of the 7655 events. Then 4751 events are grouped into 182 clusters recorded by 80 stations. The other 1267 events are outliers. Finally 2134 events are successfully relocated and 1479 of them have depth greater than 70 km. There is a distinct feature beneath Hindu Kush region, a double-layered Wadati-Benioff zone which has never been revealed before. Both layers are composed of two parts: the upper part and the lower part. However, the Wadati-Benioff zone in the Pamir region is totally different: it does not have double-layered structure. The Wadati-Benioff zone beneath the Hindu Kush region and the one beneath the Pamir region meet with each other at depth of about 130 km and form back-to-back bow shapes at the boundary region. This explicit feature not only gainsays the statement that a gap exists between the Wadati-Benioff zones beneath the Hindu Kush and the Pamir, but also gainsays the statement that the two Wadati-Benioff zones have geometrical coherence. Based upon above results, along with Harvard CMT solutions, seismological tomography results and geochemical evidences, we propose that beneath the Pamir-Hindu Kush region there exist two oppositely subducted slabs which are colliding with each other at depth of about 130 km. This new model is different from the tear model. It can reasonably explain the Harvard CMT solutions. It naturally relates the intermediate-depth earthquakes under the Pamir with both the intense shallow earthquakes along the northern boundary of the Pamir in Tajikistan and the Ophiolite belt facing south in northern Pamir zone. It also helps us find a way out of the difficulty that Punjab Wedge could not supply enough material diversely subducting into the deep Earth’s interior of Pamir region although it can exert strong extrusion to Pamir zone. When the plate coming from south does not have enough material deeply subducting into the Pamir region, south-concaved northern Pamir arc is indeed the right place for supplying enough material. This new model is also different from the traditional opposing subduction model. It is not based on chanciness. It supplies a reasonable solution to overcome the difficulty that we will face when we find that the seismic gap between the two Wadati-Benioff zones does not exist. When there are no strong evidences for the traditional opposing subduction model, “collision” is the key to reconcile all observations.

Tomographic reconstruction of melanin structures of optical coherence tomography via the finite-difference time-domain simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Shi-Hao; Wang, Shiang-Jiu; Tseng, Snow H.

2015-03-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides high resolution, cross-sectional image of internal microstructure of biological tissue. We use the Finite-Difference Time-Domain method (FDTD) to analyze the data acquired by OCT, which can help us reconstruct the refractive index of the biological tissue. We calculate the refractive index tomography and try to match the simulation with the data acquired by OCT. Specifically, we try to reconstruct the structure of melanin, which has complex refractive indices and is the key component of human pigment system. The results indicate that better reconstruction can be achieved for homogenous sample, whereas the reconstruction is degraded for samples with fine structure or with complex interface. Simulation reconstruction shows structures of the Melanin that may be useful for biomedical optics applications.

DOUBLE ENDOR with a linearly and a circularly polarized radiofrequency field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schweiger, A.; Rudin, M.; Forrer, J.; Günthard, Hs. H.

The combination of the two spectroscopical techniques, DOUBLE ENDOR and ENDOR with a circularly polarized radiofrequency field (CP-ENDOR), is described. with this new method, termed by the acronym CP-DOUBLE ENDOR, the selective induction of transitions of different types of nuclei and of different paramagnetic species allows a drastic reduction of the number of observed ENDOR lines. With this technique, analysis of hitherto not interpretable ENDOR spectra is often made possible. The experimental setup of the CP-DOUBLE ENDOR spectrometer is described. The advantage of using circularly polarized rf fields in DOUBLE ENDOR spectroscopy is illustrated by two applications on transition metal complexes in single crystals.

Quantum beats in conductance oscillations in graphene-based asymmetric double velocity wells and electrostatic wells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Lei; Department of Medical Physics, Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017; Li, Yu-Xian

2014-01-14

The transport properties in graphene-based asymmetric double velocity well (Fermi velocity inside the well less than that outside the well) and electrostatic well structures are investigated using the transfer matrix method. The results show that quantum beats occur in the oscillations of the conductance for asymmetric double velocity wells. The beating effect can also be found in asymmetric double electrostatic wells, but only if the widths of the two wells are different. The beat frequency for the asymmetric double well is exactly equal to the frequency difference between the oscillation rates in two isolated single wells with the same structuresmore » as the individual wells in the double well structure. A qualitative interpretation is proposed based on the fact that the resonant levels depend upon the sizes of the quantum wells. The beating behavior can provide a new way to identify the symmetry of double well structures.« less

Biomechanical evaluation of knotless anatomical double-layer double-row rotator cuff repair: a comparative ex vivo study.

PubMed

Hepp, Pierre; Osterhoff, Georg; Engel, Thomas; Marquass, Bastian; Klink, Thomas; Josten, Christoph

2009-07-01

The layered configuration of the rotator cuff tendon is not taken into account in classic rotator cuff tendon repair techniques. The mechanical properties of (1) the classic double-row technique, (2) a double-layer double-row (DLDR) technique in simple suture configuration, and (3) a DLDR technique in mattress suture configuration are significantly different. Controlled laboratory study. Twenty-four sheep shoulders were assigned to 3 repair groups of full-thickness infraspinatus tears: group 1, traditional double-row repair; group 2, DLDR anchor repair with simple suture configuration; and group 3, DLDR knotless repair with mattress suture configuration. After ultrasound evaluation of the repair, each specimen was cyclically loaded with 10 to 100 N for 50 cycles. Each specimen was then loaded to failure at a rate of 1 mm/s. There were no statistically significant differences among the 3 testing groups for the mean footprint area. The cyclic loading test revealed no significant difference among the 3 groups with regard to elongation. For the load-to-failure test, groups 2 and 3 showed no differences in ultimate tensile load when compared with group 1. However, when compared to group 2, group 3 was found to have significantly higher values regarding ultimate load, ultimate elongation, and energy absorbed. The DLDR fixation techniques may provide strength of initial repair comparable with that of commonly used double-row techniques. When compared with the knotless technique with mattress sutures, simple suture configuration of DLDR repair may be too weak. Knotless DLDR rotator cuff repair may (1) restore the footprint by the use of double-row principles and (2) enable restoration of the shape and profile. Double-layer double-row fixation in mattress suture configuration has initial fixation strength comparable with that of the classic double-row fixation and so may potentially improve functional results of rotator cuff repair.

Seismic structure beneath Mt Vesuvius from receiver function analysis and local earthquakes tomography: evidences for location and geometry of the magma chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agostinetti, N. Piana; Chiarabba, C.

2008-12-01

The recognition and localization of magmatic fluids are pre-requisites for evaluating the volcano hazard of the highly urbanized area of Mt Vesuvius. Here we show evidence and constraints for the volumetric estimation of magmatic fluids underneath this sleeping volcano. We use Receiver Functions for teleseismic data recorded at a temporary broad-band station installed on the volcano to constrain the S-wave velocity structure in the crust. Receiver Functions are analysed and inverted using the Neighbourhood Algorithm approach. The 1-D S-velocity profile is jointly interpreted and discussed with a new Vp and Vp/Vs image obtained by applying double difference tomographic techniques to local earthquakes. Seismologic data define the geometry of an axial, cylindrical high Vp, high Vs body consisting of a shallow solidified materials, probably the remnants of the caldera, and ultramafic rocks paving the crustal magma chamber. Between these two anomalies, we find a small region where the shear wave velocity drops, revealing the presence of magma at relatively shallow depths. The volume of fluids (30 km3) is sufficient to contribute future explosive eruptions.

Tomographic evidence for enhanced fracturing and permeability within the relatively aseismic Nemaha Fault Zone, Oklahoma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stevens, N. T.; Keranen, K. M.; Lambert, C.

2017-12-01

Recent earthquakes in north central Oklahoma are dominantly hosted on unmapped basement faults away from and outside of the largest regional structure, the Nemaha Fault Zone (NFZ) [Lambert, 2016]. The NFZ itself remains largely aseismic, despite the presence of disposal wells and numerous faults. Here we present results from double-difference tomography using TomoDD [Zhang and Thurber, 2003] for the NFZ and the surrounding region, utilizing a seismic catalog of over 10,000 local events acquired by 144 seismic stations deployed between 2013 and 2017. Inversion results for shallow crustal depth, beneath the 2-3 km sedimentary cover, show compressional wavespeeds (Vp) of >6 km/sec and shear wavespeeds (Vs) >4 km/sec outside the NFZ, consistent with crystalline rock. Along the western margin of the NFZ, both Vp and Vs are reduced, and Vp/Vs gradients parallel the trend of major faults, suggesting enhanced fault density and potentially enhanced fluid pressure within the study region. Enhanced fracture density within the NFZ, and associated permeability enhancement, could reduce the effect of regional fluid pressurization from injection wells, contributing to the relative aseismicity of the NFZ.

Bridging suture makes consistent and secure fixation in double-row rotator cuff repair.

PubMed

Fukuhara, Tetsutaro; Mihata, Teruhisa; Jun, Bong Jae; Neo, Masashi

2017-09-01

Inconsistent tension distribution may decrease the biomechanical properties of the rotator cuff tendon after double-row repair, resulting in repair failure. The purpose of this study was to compare the tension distribution along the repaired rotator cuff tendon among three double-row repair techniques. In each of 42 fresh-frozen porcine shoulders, a simulated infraspinatus tendon tear was repaired by using 1 of 3 double-row techniques: (1) conventional double-row repair (no bridging suture); (2) transosseous-equivalent repair (bridging suture alone); and (3) compression double-row repair (which combined conventional double-row and bridging sutures). Each specimen underwent cyclic testing at a simulated shoulder abduction angle of 0° or 40° on a material-testing machine. Gap formation and tendon strain were measured during the 1st and 30th cycles. To evaluate tension distribution after cuff repair, difference in gap and tendon strain between the superior and inferior fixations was compared among three double-row techniques. At an abduction angle of 0°, gap formation after either transosseous-equivalent or compression double-row repair was significantly less than that after conventional double-row repair (p < 0.01). During the 30th cycle, both transosseous-equivalent repair (p = 0.02) and compression double-row repair (p = 0.01) at 0° abduction had significantly less difference in gap formation between the superior and inferior fixations than did conventional double-row repair. After the 30th cycle, the difference in longitudinal strain between the superior and inferior fixations at 0° abduction was significantly less with compression double-row repair (2.7% ± 2.4%) than with conventional double-row repair (8.6% ± 5.5%, p = 0.03). Bridging sutures facilitate consistent and secure fixation in double-row rotator cuff repairs, suggesting that bridging sutures may be beneficial for distributing tension equally among all sutures during double-row repair of rotator cuff tears. Copyright © 2017 The Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Real-time Graphics Processing Unit Based Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography and Surgical Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Kang

2011-12-01

In this dissertation, real-time Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) capable of multi-dimensional micrometer-resolution imaging targeted specifically for microsurgical intervention applications was developed and studied. As a part of this work several ultra-high speed real-time FD-OCT imaging and sensing systems were proposed and developed. A real-time 4D (3D+time) OCT system platform using the graphics processing unit (GPU) to accelerate OCT signal processing, the imaging reconstruction, visualization, and volume rendering was developed. Several GPU based algorithms such as non-uniform fast Fourier transform (NUFFT), numerical dispersion compensation, and multi-GPU implementation were developed to improve the impulse response, SNR roll-off and stability of the system. Full-range complex-conjugate-free FD-OCT was also implemented on the GPU architecture to achieve doubled image range and improved SNR. These technologies overcome the imaging reconstruction and visualization bottlenecks widely exist in current ultra-high speed FD-OCT systems and open the way to interventional OCT imaging for applications in guided microsurgery. A hand-held common-path optical coherence tomography (CP-OCT) distance-sensor based microsurgical tool was developed and validated. Through real-time signal processing, edge detection and feed-back control, the tool was shown to be capable of track target surface and compensate motion. The micro-incision test using a phantom was performed using a CP-OCT-sensor integrated hand-held tool, which showed an incision error less than +/-5 microns, comparing to >100 microns error by free-hand incision. The CP-OCT distance sensor has also been utilized to enhance the accuracy and safety of optical nerve stimulation. Finally, several experiments were conducted to validate the system for surgical applications. One of them involved 4D OCT guided micro-manipulation using a phantom. Multiple volume renderings of one 3D data set were performed with different view angles to allow accurate monitoring of the micro-manipulation, and the user to clearly monitor tool-to-target spatial relation in real-time. The system was also validated by imaging multiple biological samples, such as human fingerprint, human cadaver head and small animals. Compared to conventional surgical microscopes, GPU-based real-time FD-OCT can provide the surgeons with a real-time comprehensive spatial view of the microsurgical region and accurate depth perception.

Development of a State-Wide 3-D Seismic Tomography Velocity Model for California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thurber, C. H.; Lin, G.; Zhang, H.; Hauksson, E.; Shearer, P.; Waldhauser, F.; Hardebeck, J.; Brocher, T.

2007-12-01

We report on progress towards the development of a state-wide tomographic model of the P-wave velocity for the crust and uppermost mantle of California. The dataset combines first arrival times from earthquakes and quarry blasts recorded on regional network stations and travel times of first arrivals from explosions and airguns recorded on profile receivers and network stations. The principal active-source datasets are Geysers-San Pablo Bay, Imperial Valley, Livermore, W. Mojave, Gilroy-Coyote Lake, Shasta region, Great Valley, Morro Bay, Mono Craters-Long Valley, PACE, S. Sierras, LARSE 1 and 2, Loma Prieta, BASIX, San Francisco Peninsula and Parkfield. Our beta-version model is coarse (uniform 30 km horizontal and variable vertical gridding) but is able to image the principal features in previous separate regional models for northern and southern California, such as the high-velocity subducting Gorda Plate, upper to middle crustal velocity highs beneath the Sierra Nevada and much of the Coast Ranges, the deep low-velocity basins of the Great Valley, Ventura, and Los Angeles, and a high- velocity body in the lower crust underlying the Great Valley. The new state-wide model has improved areal coverage compared to the previous models, and extends to greater depth due to the data at large epicentral distances. We plan a series of steps to improve the model. We are enlarging and calibrating the active-source dataset as we obtain additional picks from investigators and perform quality control analyses on the existing and new picks. We will also be adding data from more quarry blasts, mainly in northern California, following an identification and calibration procedure similar to Lin et al. (2006). Composite event construction (Lin et al., in press) will be carried out for northern California for use in conventional tomography. A major contribution of the state-wide model is the identification of earthquakes yielding arrival times at both the Northern California Seismic Network and the Southern California Seismic Network. These events are critical to the determination of the seismic velocity model in central California, in the former `no-mans-land' between the Northern and Southern California networks. Ultimately, a combination of active-source datasets, composite events, original catalog picks, and differential times from both waveform cross-correlation and catalog picks will be used in a double-difference tomography inversion.

How bright planets became dim stars: planetary speculations in John Herschel's double star astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Case, S.

2014-03-01

Previous research on the origins of double star astronomy in the early nineteenth century emphasized the role mathematical methods and instrumentation played in motivating early observations of these objects. The work of the British astronomer John Herschel, however, shows that questions regarding the physical nature of double stars were also important. In particular, an analysis of John Herschel's early work on double stars illustrates the way in which speculations regarding these objects were shaped by assumptions of the properties of stars themselves. For Herschel, a major consideration in double star astronomy was distinguishing between types of double stars. Optical doubles were useful in determining parallax while binary doubles were not. In practice, classification of a specific double star pair into one of these categories was based on the assumption that stars were of approximately the same luminosity and thus differences in relative brightness between stars were caused by difference in distances. Such assumptions, though ultimately abandoned, would lead Herschel in the 1830s to advance the possibility that the dim companion stars in certain double star pairs were not stars at all but in fact planets.

How bright planets became dim stars: planetary speculations in John Herschel's double star astronomy.

PubMed

Case, Stephen

2014-03-01

Previous research on the origins of double star astronomy in the early nineteenth century emphasized the role mathematical methods and instrumentation played in motivating early observations of these objects. The work of the British astronomer John Herschel, however, shows that questions regarding the physical nature of double stars were also important. In particular, an analysis of John Herschel's early work on double stars illustrates the way in which speculations regarding these objects were shaped by assumptions of the properties of stars themselves. For Herschel, a major consideration in double star astronomy was distinguishing between types of double stars. Optical doubles were useful in determining parallax while binary doubles were not. In practice, classification of a specific double star pair into one of these categories was based on the assumption that stars were of approximately the same luminosity and thus differences in relative brightness between stars were caused by difference in distances. Such assumptions, though ultimately abandoned, would lead Herschel in the 1830s to advance the possibility that the dim companion stars in certain double star pairs were not stars at all but in fact planets. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

21 CFR 892.1750 - Computed tomography x-ray system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Computed tomography x-ray system. 892.1750 Section 892.1750 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... same axial plane taken at different angles. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and...

21 CFR 892.1750 - Computed tomography x-ray system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Computed tomography x-ray system. 892.1750 Section 892.1750 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... same axial plane taken at different angles. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and...

21 CFR 892.1750 - Computed tomography x-ray system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Computed tomography x-ray system. 892.1750 Section 892.1750 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... same axial plane taken at different angles. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and...

21 CFR 892.1750 - Computed tomography x-ray system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Computed tomography x-ray system. 892.1750 Section 892.1750 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... same axial plane taken at different angles. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and...

21 CFR 892.1750 - Computed tomography x-ray system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Computed tomography x-ray system. 892.1750 Section 892.1750 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... same axial plane taken at different angles. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and...

APPLICATION OF COMPUTER-AIDED TOMOGRAPHY TO VISUALIZE AND QUANTIFY BIOGENIC STRUCTURES IN MARINE SEDIMENTS

EPA Science Inventory

We used computer-aided tomography (CT) for 3D visualization and 2D analysis of

marine sediment cores from 3 stations (at 10, 75 and 118 m depths) with different environmental

impact. Biogenic structures such as tubes and burrows were quantified and compared among st...

A case of penetration of the intestinal wall by a soft-shelled turtle bone successfully removed with double-balloon endoscopy.

PubMed

Sawada, Mizuho; Sekigawa, Kenichiro; Mitsui, Hiroshi; Kobayashi, Katsuya; Okubo, Masao; Yamaguchi, Hajime; Hashimoto, Naoaki

2015-10-01

A 62-year-old male was admitted to our hospital due to left lower abdominal pain. Three days before admission, he ate seafood in a Japanese restaurant. Two days before admission, he suffered from intermittent left lower abdominal pain. One day before admission, he developed a high fever and subsequently visited our hospital the following day. Localized tenderness and rebound pain were observed in the left lower abdomen, and C-reactive protein was elevated. Computed tomography revealed a linear high-density object in the distal portion of the small intestine accompanied by edema of the wall, suggesting penetration by something like a fishbone. On the ninth hospital day, double-balloon endoscopy was performed via the transanal route. Yellow foreign material was found in the ileum and was then successfully removed with biopsy forceps. The removed material measured 3 mm in width, 3 cm in length and was slightly curved. It proved to be a bone of the forefoot of a soft-shelled turtle, which had been included on the menu of the restaurant. The patient was completely cured and discharged on the 14th hospital day.

Fast Bayesian experimental design: Laplace-based importance sampling for the expected information gain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beck, Joakim; Dia, Ben Mansour; Espath, Luis F. R.; Long, Quan; Tempone, Raúl

2018-06-01

In calculating expected information gain in optimal Bayesian experimental design, the computation of the inner loop in the classical double-loop Monte Carlo requires a large number of samples and suffers from underflow if the number of samples is small. These drawbacks can be avoided by using an importance sampling approach. We present a computationally efficient method for optimal Bayesian experimental design that introduces importance sampling based on the Laplace method to the inner loop. We derive the optimal values for the method parameters in which the average computational cost is minimized according to the desired error tolerance. We use three numerical examples to demonstrate the computational efficiency of our method compared with the classical double-loop Monte Carlo, and a more recent single-loop Monte Carlo method that uses the Laplace method as an approximation of the return value of the inner loop. The first example is a scalar problem that is linear in the uncertain parameter. The second example is a nonlinear scalar problem. The third example deals with the optimal sensor placement for an electrical impedance tomography experiment to recover the fiber orientation in laminate composites.

In vivo growth of 60 non-screening detected lung cancers: a computed tomography study.

PubMed

Mets, Onno M; Chung, Kaman; Zanen, Pieter; Scholten, Ernst T; Veldhuis, Wouter B; van Ginneken, Bram; Prokop, Mathias; Schaefer-Prokop, Cornelia M; de Jong, Pim A

2018-04-01

Current pulmonary nodule management guidelines are based on nodule volume doubling time, which assumes exponential growth behaviour. However, this is a theory that has never been validated in vivo in the routine-care target population. This study evaluates growth patterns of untreated solid and subsolid lung cancers of various histologies in a non-screening setting.Growth behaviour of pathology-proven lung cancers from two academic centres that were imaged at least three times before diagnosis (n=60) was analysed using dedicated software. Random-intercept random-slope mixed-models analysis was applied to test which growth pattern most accurately described lung cancer growth. Individual growth curves were plotted per pathology subgroup and nodule type.We confirmed that growth in both subsolid and solid lung cancers is best explained by an exponential model. However, subsolid lesions generally progress slower than solid ones. Baseline lesion volume was not related to growth, indicating that smaller lesions do not grow slower compared to larger ones.By showing that lung cancer conforms to exponential growth we provide the first experimental basis in the routine-care setting for the assumption made in volume doubling time analysis. Copyright ©ERS 2018.

Phase Tomography Reconstructed by 3D TIE in Hard X-ray Microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Gung-Chian; Chen, Fu-Rong; Pyun, Ahram; Je, Jung Ho; Hwu, Yeukuang; Liang, Keng S.

2007-01-01

X-ray phase tomography and phase imaging are promising ways of investigation on low Z material. A polymer blend of PE/PS sample was used to test the 3D phase retrieval method in the parallel beam illuminated microscope. Because the polymer sample is thick, the phase retardation is quite mixed and the image can not be distinguished when the 2D transport intensity equation (TIE) is applied. In this study, we have provided a different approach for solving the phase in three dimensions for thick sample. Our method involves integration of 3D TIE/Fourier slice theorem for solving thick phase sample. In our experiment, eight sets of de-focal series image data sets were recorded covering the angular range of 0 to 180 degree. Only three set of image cubes were used in 3D TIE equation for solving the phase tomography. The phase contrast of the polymer blend in 3D is obviously enhanced, and the two different groups of polymer blend can be distinguished in the phase tomography.

Effect of a Starting Model on the Solution of a Travel Time Seismic Tomography Problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanovskaya, T. B.; Medvedev, S. V.; Gobarenko, V. S.

2018-03-01

In the problems of three-dimensional (3D) travel time seismic tomography where the data are travel times of diving waves and the starting model is a system of plane layers where the velocity is a function of depth alone, the solution turns out to strongly depend on the selection of the starting model. This is due to the fact that in the different starting models, the rays between the same points can intersect different layers, which makes the tomography problem fundamentally nonlinear. This effect is demonstrated by the model example. Based on the same example, it is shown how the starting model should be selected to ensure a solution close to the true velocity distribution. The starting model (the average dependence of the seismic velocity on depth) should be determined by the method of successive iterations at each step of which the horizontal velocity variations in the layers are determined by solving the two-dimensional tomography problem. An example illustrating the application of this technique to the P-wave travel time data in the region of the Black Sea basin is presented.

Morphometric analysis - Cone beam computed tomography to predict bone quality and quantity.

PubMed

Hohlweg-Majert, B; Metzger, M C; Kummer, T; Schulze, D

2011-07-01

Modified quantitative computed tomography is a method used to predict bone quality and quantify the bone mass of the jaw. The aim of this study was to determine whether bone quantity or quality was detected by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) combined with image analysis. MATERIALS AND PROCEDURES: Different measurements recorded on two phantoms (Siemens phantom, Comac phantom) were evaluated on images taken with the Somatom VolumeZoom (Siemens Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany) and the NewTom 9000 (NIM s.r.l., Verona, Italy) in order to calculate a calibration curve. The spatial relationships of six sample cylinders and the repositioning from four pig skull halves relative to adjacent defined anatomical structures were assessed by means of three-dimensional visualization software. The calibration curves for computer tomography (CT) and cone beam computer tomography (CBCT) using the Siemens phantom showed linear correlation in both modalities between the Hounsfield Units (HU) and bone morphology. A correction factor for CBCT was calculated. Exact information about the micromorphology of the bone cylinders was only available using of micro computer tomography. Cone-beam computer tomography is a suitable choice for analysing bone mass, but, it does not give any information about bone quality. 2010 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Visibility of Different Intraorbital Foreign Bodies Using Plain Radiography, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: An In Vitro Study.

PubMed

Javadrashid, Reza; Golamian, Masoud; Shahrzad, Maryam; Hajalioghli, Parisa; Shahmorady, Zahra; Fouladi, Daniel F; Sadrarhami, Shohreh; Akhoundzadeh, Leila

2017-05-01

The study sought to compare the usefulness of 4 imaging modalities in visualizing various intraorbital foreign bodies (IOFBs) in different sizes. Six different materials including metal, wood, plastic, stone, glass. and graphite were cut in cylindrical shapes in 4 sizes (dimensions: 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mm) and placed intraorbitally in the extraocular space of fresh sheep's head. Four skilled radiologists rated the visibility of the objects individually using plain radiography, spiral computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in accordance with a previously described grading system. Excluding wood, all embedded foreign bodies were best visualized in CT and CBCT images with almost equal accuracies. Wood could only be detected using MRI, and then only when fragments were more than 2 mm in size. There were 3 false-positive MRI reports, suggesting air bubbles as wood IOFBs. Because of lower cost and using less radiation in comparison with conventional CT, CBCT can be used as the initial imaging technique in cases with suspected IOFBs. Optimal imaging technique for wood IOFBs is yet to be defined. Copyright © 2016 Canadian Association of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Off-axis full-field swept-source optical coherence tomography using holographic refocusing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hillmann, Dierck; Franke, Gesa; Hinkel, Laura; Bonin, Tim; Koch, Peter; Hüttmann, Gereon

2013-03-01

We demonstrate a full-field swept-source OCT using an off-axis geometry of the reference illumination. By using holographic refocusing techniques, a uniform lateral resolution is achieved over the measurement depth of approximately 80 Rayleigh lengths. Compared to a standard on-axis setup, artifacts and autocorrelation signals are suppressed and the measurement depth is doubled by resolving the complex conjugate ambiguity. Holographic refocusing was done efficiently by Fourier-domain resampling as demonstrated before in inverse scattering and holoscopy. It allowed to reconstruct a complete volume with about 10μm resolution over the complete measurement depth of more than 10mm. Off-axis full-field swept-source OCT enables high measurement depths, spanning many Rayleigh lengths with reduced artifacts.

A Combination of Two Rare Coronary Anomalies Makes It Even Rarer: Right Sided Single Coronary Artery with Dual Left Anterior Descending Artery

PubMed Central

Addai, Theodore; Kola, Monahar; Raqeem, Muhammad Wajih; Barsamyan, Sergey; Mirrakhimov, Aibek E.

2016-01-01

An 82-year-old female with history of hyperlipidemia and hypertension presented to the clinic with chief complaint of nonradiating chest tightness accompanied by exertional dyspnea. Cardiac catheterization showed the absence of left coronary system; the entire coronary system originated from the right aortic sinus as a common trunk which then gave off the right coronary artery and the left main coronary artery. Cardiac catheterization demonstrated also another rare coronary anomaly: dual left anterior descending artery. Patient underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and subsequent multidetector computed tomography angiography confirmed the above angiography findings. Patient was subsequently discharged home on double antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel and has been asymptomatic since then. PMID:27293909

Orbito-Masticatory Syndrome

PubMed Central

Mettu, Pradeep; Bhatti, M. Tariq; El-Dairi, Mays; Price, Evan B.; Lin, Amy Y.; Alaraj, Ali; Setabutr, Pete; Moss, Heather E.

2016-01-01

We describe two unique cases of visual symptoms occurring during mastication in patients with lateral orbital wall defects. A 57-year old male reported intermittent double vision and oscillopsia after a right fronto-temporal-orbito-zygomatic craniotomy with osteotomy of the lesser wing of the sphenoid for a complex invasive pituitary adenoma. Proptosis of the right globe was present only during mastication. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a bony defect in the right lateral orbital wall. A 48-year-old man presented with transient diplopia and scotoma in the right eye elicited by chewing. CT and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a bilobed lesion connecting the temporal fossa to the orbit through a defect in the right lateral orbital wall. The regional neuroanatomy and pathophysiology as pertaining to the cases are discussed. PMID:26919071

Novel anatomic variation: heptafurcation of the celiac trunk.

PubMed

Rusu, M C; Manta, B A

2018-04-01

We report here anatomic variants which were found during a retrospective study of a male patient, 54 years old, evaluated in computed tomography: heptafurcation of the celiac trunk (CT) and bilateral double renal arteries. The seven branches of the heptafurcated CT were the (1) left and (2) right inferior phrenic arteries, the (3) splenic and (4) left gastric artery, the (5) common hepatic artery, further sending off the (a) proper, continued as left, hepatic artery and (b) the gastroduodenal artery, (6) a replaced right hepatic artery and (7) the dorsal pancreatic artery. To our knowledge, heptafurcation of the CT was not reported previously. The arterial variants have great importance during various surgical and interventional procedures and should be documented prior to respective procedures.

Quantification of pericardial effusions by echocardiography and computed tomography.

PubMed

Leibowitz, David; Perlman, Gidon; Planer, David; Gilon, Dan; Berman, Philip; Bogot, Naama

2011-01-15

Echocardiography is a well-accepted tool for the diagnosis and quantification of pericardial effusion (PEff). Given the increasing use of computed tomographic (CT) scanning, more PEffs are being initially diagnosed by computed tomography. No study has compared quantification of PEff by computed tomography and echocardiography. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of quantification of PEff by 2-dimensional echocardiography and computed tomography compared to the amount of pericardial fluid drained at pericardiocentesis. We retrospectively reviewed an institutional database to identify patients who underwent chest computed tomography and echocardiography before percutaneous pericardiocentesis with documentation of the amount of fluid withdrawn. Digital 2-dimensional echocardiographic and CT images were retrieved and quantification of PEff volume was performed by applying the formula for the volume of a prolate ellipse, π × 4/3 × maximal long-axis dimension/2 × maximal transverse dimension/2 × maximal anteroposterior dimension/2, to the pericardial sac and to the heart. Nineteen patients meeting study qualifications were entered into the study. The amount of PEff drained was 200 to 1,700 ml (mean 674 ± 340). Echocardiographically calculated pericardial effusion volume correlated relatively well with PEff volume (r = 0.73, p <0.001, mean difference -41 ± 225 ml). There was only moderate correlation between CT volume quantification and actual volume drained (r = 0.4, p = 0.004, mean difference 158 ± 379 ml). In conclusion, echocardiography appears a more accurate imaging technique than computed tomography in quantitative assessment of nonloculated PEffs and should continue to be the primary imaging in these patients. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Linear Array Ambient Noise Adjoint Tomography Reveals Intense Crust-Mantle Interactions in North China Craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chao; Yao, Huajian; Liu, Qinya; Zhang, Ping; Yuan, Yanhua O.; Feng, Jikun; Fang, Lihua

2018-01-01

We present a 2-D ambient noise adjoint tomography technique for a linear array with a significant reduction in computational cost and show its application to an array in North China. We first convert the observed data for 3-D media, i.e., surface-wave empirical Green's functions (EGFs) to the reconstructed EGFs (REGFs) for 2-D media using a 3-D/2-D transformation scheme. Different from the conventional steps of measuring phase dispersion, this technology refines 2-D shear wave speeds along the profile directly from REGFs. With an initial model based on traditional ambient noise tomography, adjoint tomography updates the model by minimizing the frequency-dependent Rayleigh wave traveltime delays between the REGFs and synthetic Green functions calculated by the spectral-element method. The multitaper traveltime difference measurement is applied in four-period bands: 20-35 s, 15-30 s, 10-20 s, and 6-15 s. The recovered model shows detailed crustal structures including pronounced low-velocity anomalies in the lower crust and a gradual crust-mantle transition zone beneath the northern Trans-North China Orogen, which suggest the possible intense thermo-chemical interactions between mantle-derived upwelling melts and the lower crust, probably associated with the magmatic underplating during the Mesozoic to Cenozoic evolution of this region. To our knowledge, it is the first time that ambient noise adjoint tomography is implemented for a 2-D medium. Compared with the intensive computational cost and storage requirement of 3-D adjoint tomography, this method offers a computationally efficient and inexpensive alternative to imaging fine-scale crustal structures beneath linear arrays.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve Stenosis and the Effect of Vitamin K2 on Calcification Using 18F-Sodium Fluoride Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance: The BASIK2 Rationale and Trial Design.

PubMed

Peeters, Frederique E C M; van Mourik, Manouk J W; Meex, Steven J R; Bucerius, Jan; Schalla, Simon M; Gerretsen, Suzanne C; Mihl, Casper; Dweck, Marc R; Schurgers, Leon J; Wildberger, Joachim E; Crijns, Harry J G M; Kietselaer, Bas L J H

2018-03-21

BASIK2 is a prospective, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial investigating the effect of vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7;MK7) on imaging measurements of calcification in the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS). BAV is associated with early development of CAVS. Pathophysiologic mechanisms are incompletely defined, and the only treatment available is valve replacement upon progression to severe symptomatic stenosis. Matrix Gla protein (MGP) inactivity is suggested to be involved in progression. Being a vitamin K dependent protein, supplementation with MK7 is a pharmacological option for activating MGP and intervening in the progression of CAVS. Forty-four subjects with BAV and mild-moderate CAVS will be included in the study, and baseline 18 F-sodiumfluoride ( 18 F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET)/ magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) assessments will be performed. Thereafter, subjects will be randomized (1:1) to MK7 (360 mcg/day) or placebo. During an 18-month follow-up period, subjects will visit the hospital every 6 months, undergoing a second 18 F-NaF PET/MR after 6 months and CT after 6 and 18 months. The primary endpoint is the change in PET/MR 18 F-NaF uptake (6 months minus baseline) compared to this delta change in the placebo arm. The main secondary endpoints are changes in calcium score (CT), progression of the left ventricularremodeling response and CAVS severity (echocardiography). We will also examine the association between early calcification activity (PET) and later changes in calcium score (CT).

Development of a Double Glass Mounting Method Using Formaldehyde Alcohol Azocarmine Lactophenol (FAAL) and its Evaluation for Permanent Mounting of Small Nematodes.

PubMed

Zahabiun, Farzaneh; Sadjjadi, Seyed Mahmoud; Esfandiari, Farideh

2015-01-01

Permanent slide preparation of nematodes especially small ones is time consuming, difficult and they become scarious margins. Regarding this problem, a modified double glass mounting method was developed and compared with classic method. A total of 209 nematode samples from human and animal origin were fixed and stained with Formaldehyde Alcohol Azocarmine Lactophenol (FAAL) followed by double glass mounting and classic dehydration method using Canada balsam as their mounting media. The slides were evaluated in different dates and times, more than four years. Different photos were made with different magnification during the evaluation time. The double glass mounting method was stable during this time and comparable with classic method. There were no changes in morphologic structures of nematodes using double glass mounting method with well-defined and clear differentiation between different organs of nematodes in this method. Using this method is cost effective and fast for mounting of small nematodes comparing to classic method.

Development of a Double Glass Mounting Method Using Formaldehyde Alcohol Azocarmine Lactophenol (FAAL) and its Evaluation for Permanent Mounting of Small Nematodes

PubMed Central

ZAHABIUN, Farzaneh; SADJJADI, Seyed Mahmoud; ESFANDIARI, Farideh

2015-01-01

Background: Permanent slide preparation of nematodes especially small ones is time consuming, difficult and they become scarious margins. Regarding this problem, a modified double glass mounting method was developed and compared with classic method. Methods: A total of 209 nematode samples from human and animal origin were fixed and stained with Formaldehyde Alcohol Azocarmine Lactophenol (FAAL) followed by double glass mounting and classic dehydration method using Canada balsam as their mounting media. The slides were evaluated in different dates and times, more than four years. Different photos were made with different magnification during the evaluation time. Results: The double glass mounting method was stable during this time and comparable with classic method. There were no changes in morphologic structures of nematodes using double glass mounting method with well-defined and clear differentiation between different organs of nematodes in this method. Conclusion: Using this method is cost effective and fast for mounting of small nematodes comparing to classic method. PMID:26811729

Fourier domain preconditioned conjugate gradient algorithm for atmospheric tomography.

PubMed

Yang, Qiang; Vogel, Curtis R; Ellerbroek, Brent L

2006-07-20

By 'atmospheric tomography' we mean the estimation of a layered atmospheric turbulence profile from measurements of the pupil-plane phase (or phase gradients) corresponding to several different guide star directions. We introduce what we believe to be a new Fourier domain preconditioned conjugate gradient (FD-PCG) algorithm for atmospheric tomography, and we compare its performance against an existing multigrid preconditioned conjugate gradient (MG-PCG) approach. Numerical results indicate that on conventional serial computers, FD-PCG is as accurate and robust as MG-PCG, but it is from one to two orders of magnitude faster for atmospheric tomography on 30 m class telescopes. Simulations are carried out for both natural guide stars and for a combination of finite-altitude laser guide stars and natural guide stars to resolve tip-tilt uncertainty.

Seismic velocity variations at the EGS geothermal reservoir of Soultz-Sous-Forêts (France): Some observations for understanding stress regime changes during hydraulic stimulations using 4D tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calo, M.; Dorbath, C.; Cornet, F.; Cuenot, N.

2011-12-01

During the last decade three deep wells (GPK2, GPK3, and GPK4) were drilled to a depth of about 5000 m at the Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) site of Soultz-sous-Forêts (Alsace, France). All the wells were stimulated through high-pressure hydraulic injections. Several thousands of micro-earthquakes with Duration Magnitude ranging from -0.9 to 2.9 were produced. The induced earthquakes were located by downhole and surface seismic stations. The wells behaved differently during and after the stimulations, as shown by several authors. We present here a comparison between new 4D seismic tomographies performed for the above mentioned stimulation tests. The velocity models have been obtained using the Double-Difference tomographic method (Zhang and Thurber 2003) and have been further improved with the post-processing WAM technique (Calo' et al., 2009, 2011). For each stimulation test, the subsetting of the data was performed by taking into account injection parameters (the injected flow rate and the wellhead pressure). In this work we discuss some important steps observed during and after the injections. A first observation is that low velocity anomalies were centered around the wells when stimulations started and then disappeared just after strong changes in the injected flow rate. We interpret these changes in seismic properties as transient changes in the stress regime during the stimulations. Furthermore, as shown by the seismic velocity models, pre-existing fracture network played a fundamental role on the intensity and distribution of the observed velocity anomalies. Indeed we observe that low velocity anomalies are much less evident and moved away from the well when documented large pre-exiting fractures cross the openhole part of the well. In particular, we observed this pattern for the models calculated with the data of the GPK3 stimulation. Thanks to the improvement and the reliability of these new velocity models, new discussions about the mechanical processes that occurred during the stimulations has been opened.

[Comparative assessment of MR-semiotics of acutest intracerebral hematomas in low- and extra high-field frequency magnetic resonance tomography].

PubMed

Skvortsova, V I; Burenchev, D V; Tvorogova, T V; Guseva, O I; Prokhorov, A V; Smirnov, A M; Kupriianov, D A; Pirogov, Iu A

2009-01-01

An objective of the study was to compare sensitivity of low- and extra high-field frequency magnetic resonance (MR) tomography of acutest intracerebral hematomas (ICH) and to assess differences between symptoms in obtained images. A study was conducted using experimental ICH in rats (n=6). Hematomas were formed by two injections of autologic blood into the brain. MR-devices "Bio Spec 70/30" with magnetic field strength of 7 T and "Ellipse-150" with magnetic field strength of 0,15 T were used in the study. MR-tomography was carried out 3-5 h after the injections. Both MR-devices revealed the presence of pathological lesion in all animals. Extra highfield frequency MR-tomography showed the specific signs of ICH caused by the paramagnetic effect of deoxyhemoglobin in T2 and T2*-weighted images (WI) and low frequency MR-tomography - in T2*-WI only. The comparable sensitivity of low- and extra high-field frequency MR-devices in acutest ICH was established.

Diagnostic ability of computed tomography using DentaScan software in endodontics: case reports.

PubMed

Siotia, Jaya; Gupta, Sunil K; Acharya, Shashi R; Saraswathi, Vidya

2011-01-01

Radiographic examination is essential in diagnosis and treatment planning in endodontics. Conventional radiographs depict structures in two dimensions only. The ability to assess the area of interest in three dimensions is advantageous. Computed tomography is an imaging technique which produces three-dimensional images of an object by taking a series of two-dimensional sectional X-ray images. DentaScan is a computed tomography software program that allows the mandible and maxilla to be imaged in three planes: axial, panoramic, and cross-sectional. As computed tomography is used in endodontics, DentaScan can play a wider role in endodontic diagnosis. It provides valuable information in the assessment of the morphology of the root canal, diagnosis of root fractures, internal and external resorptions, pre-operative assessment of anatomic structures etc. The aim of this article is to explore the clinical usefulness of computed tomography and DentaScan in endodontic diagnosis, through a series of four cases of different endodontic problems.

In Vitro Validation of an Artefact Suppression Algorithm in X-Ray Phase-Contrast Computed Tomography.

PubMed

Sunaguchi, Naoki; Yuasa, Tetsuya; Hirano, Shin-Ichi; Gupta, Rajiv; Ando, Masami

2015-01-01

X-ray phase-contrast tomography can significantly increase the contrast-resolution of conventional attenuation-contrast imaging, especially for soft-tissue structures that have very similar attenuation. Just as in attenuation-based tomography, phase contrast tomography requires a linear dependence of aggregate beam direction on the incremental direction alteration caused by individual voxels along the path of the X-ray beam. Dense objects such as calcifications in biological specimens violate this condition. There are extensive beam deflection artefacts in the vicinity of such structures because they result in large distortion of wave front due to the large difference of refractive index; for such large changes in beam direction, the transmittance of the silicon analyzer crystal saturates and is no longer linearly dependent on the angle of refraction. This paper describes a method by which these effects can be overcome and excellent soft-tissue contrast of phase tomography can be preserved in the vicinity of such artefact-producing structures.

Optimized x-ray source scanning trajectories for iterative reconstruction in high cone-angle tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kingston, Andrew M.; Myers, Glenn R.; Latham, Shane J.; Li, Heyang; Veldkamp, Jan P.; Sheppard, Adrian P.

2016-10-01

With the GPU computing becoming main-stream, iterative tomographic reconstruction (IR) is becoming a com- putationally viable alternative to traditional single-shot analytical methods such as filtered back-projection. IR liberates one from the continuous X-ray source trajectories required for analytical reconstruction. We present a family of novel X-ray source trajectories for large-angle CBCT. These discrete (sparsely sampled) trajectories optimally fill the space of possible source locations by maximising the degree of mutually independent information. They satisfy a discrete equivalent of Tuy's sufficiency condition and allow high cone-angle (high-flux) tomog- raphy. The highly isotropic nature of the trajectory has several advantages: (1) The average source distance is approximately constant throughout the reconstruction volume, thus avoiding the differential-magnification artefacts that plague high cone-angle helical computed tomography; (2) Reduced streaking artifacts due to e.g. X-ray beam-hardening; (3) Misalignment and component motion manifests as blur in the tomogram rather than double-edges, which is easier to automatically correct; (4) An approximately shift-invariant point-spread-function which enables filtering as a pre-conditioner to speed IR convergence. We describe these space-filling trajectories and demonstrate their above-mentioned properties compared with a traditional helical trajectories.

Directional sinogram interpolation for sparse angular acquisition in cone-beam computed tomography.

PubMed

Zhang, Hua; Sonke, Jan-Jakob

2013-01-01

Cone-beam (CB) computed tomography (CT) is widely used in the field of medical imaging for guidance. Inspired by Betram's directional interpolation (BDI) methods, directional sinogram interpolation (DSI) was implemented to generate more CB projections by optimized (iterative) double-orientation estimation in sinogram space and directional interpolation. A new CBCT was subsequently reconstructed with the Feldkamp algorithm using both the original and interpolated CB projections. The proposed method was evaluated on both phantom and clinical data, and image quality was assessed by correlation ratio (CR) between the interpolated image and a gold standard obtained from full measured projections. Additionally, streak artifact reduction and image blur were assessed. In a CBCT reconstructed by 40 acquired projections over an arc of 360 degree, streak artifacts dropped 20.7% and 6.7% in a thorax phantom, when our method was compared to linear interpolation (LI) and BDI methods. Meanwhile, image blur was assessed by a head-and-neck phantom, where image blur of DSI was 20.1% and 24.3% less than LI and BDI. When our method was compared to LI and DI methods, CR increased by 4.4% and 3.1%. Streak artifacts of sparsely acquired CBCT were decreased by our method and image blur induced by interpolation was constrained to below other interpolation methods.

Evaluation of Root Canal Configuration of Mandibular First Molars in a Palestinian Population by Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: An Ex Vivo Study

PubMed Central

Mukhaimer, Raed Hakam

2014-01-01

Aim. The purpose of this study was to investigate the number of canals and variations in root canal configuration in the mandibular permanent first molar teeth of a Palestinian population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods. A sample of 320 extracted double-rooted mandibular permanent first molars from Palestinian population was collected for this study and scanned with CBCT scanner. The following observations were made: number of root canals per root and canal configuration in each root based on Vertucci's classification. Results. Of the 320 mandibular first molars analyzed, 174 (54.4%) had three canals, 132 teeth (41.3%) had four canals, and only four teeth had two canals. The most common canal configuration in the mesial roots was Vertucci type IV (53.8%) followed by type II (38.8%). In the distal roots, the most prevalent canal configuration was Vertucci type I (57.5%) followed by type II ( 22.5%) and type III (10.6%). Conclusion. Our results showed that the number of canals and canal configuration in Palestinian population were consistent with previously reported data. The present study also indicates that CBCT is helpful as a diagnostic tool for the investigation of root canal morphology. PMID:27379321

A fast rebinning algorithm for 3D positron emission tomography using John's equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Defrise, Michel; Liu, Xuan

1999-08-01

Volume imaging in positron emission tomography (PET) requires the inversion of the three-dimensional (3D) x-ray transform. The usual solution to this problem is based on 3D filtered-backprojection (FBP), but is slow. Alternative methods have been proposed which factor the 3D data into independent 2D data sets corresponding to the 2D Radon transforms of a stack of parallel slices. Each slice is then reconstructed using 2D FBP. These so-called rebinning methods are numerically efficient but are approximate. In this paper a new exact rebinning method is derived by exploiting the fact that the 3D x-ray transform of a function is the solution to the second-order partial differential equation first studied by John. The method is proposed for two sampling schemes, one corresponding to a pair of infinite plane detectors and another one corresponding to a cylindrical multi-ring PET scanner. The new FORE-J algorithm has been implemented for this latter geometry and was compared with the approximate Fourier rebinning algorithm FORE and with another exact rebinning algorithm, FOREX. Results with simulated data demonstrate a significant improvement in accuracy compared to FORE, while the reconstruction time is doubled. Compared to FOREX, the FORE-J algorithm is slightly less accurate but more than three times faster.

Intravascular optical coherence tomography light scattering artifacts: merry-go-rounding, blooming, and ghost struts

PubMed Central

Mancuso, J. Jacob; Halaney, David L.; Elahi, Sahar; Ho, Derek; Wang, Tianyi; Ouyang, Yongjian; Dijkstra, Jouke; Milner, Thomas E.; Feldman, Marc D.

2014-01-01

Abstract. We sought to elucidate the mechanisms underlying two common intravascular optical coherence tomography (IV-OCT) artifacts that occur when imaging metallic stents: “merry-go-rounding” (MGR), which is an increase in strut arc length (SAL), and “blooming,” which is an increase in the strut reflection thickness (blooming thickness). Due to uncontrollable variables that occur in vivo, we performed an in vitro assessment of MGR and blooming in stented vessel phantoms. Using Xience V and Driver stents, we examined the effects of catheter offset, intimal strut coverage, and residual blood on SAL and blooming thickness in IV-OCT images. Catheter offset and strut coverage both caused minor MGR, while the greatest MGR effect resulted from light scattering by residual blood in the vessel lumen, with 1% hematocrit (Hct) causing a more than fourfold increase in SAL compared with saline (p<0.001). Residual blood also resulted in blooming, with blooming thickness more than doubling when imaged in 0.5% Hct compared with saline (p<0.001). We demonstrate that a previously undescribed mechanism, light scattering by residual blood in the imaging field, is the predominant cause of MGR. Light scattering also results in blooming, and a newly described artifact, three-dimensional-MGR, which results in “ghost struts” in B-scans. PMID:25545341

Computed tomography characteristics of fibrosarcoma -- a histological subtype of feline injection-site sarcoma.

PubMed

Travetti, Olga; di Giancamillo, Mauro; Stefanello, Damiano; Ferrari, Roberta; Giudice, Chiara; Grieco, Valeria; Saunders, Jimmy H

2013-06-01

Feline injection-site sarcoma (FISS) may be a consequence of subcutaneous injection. In the present study, the medical records and the computed tomography (CT) features of 22 cats with a FISS, histopathological subtype fibrosarcoma, were used. The majority of the fibrosarcomas (45%) were located in the interscapular region. All fibrosarcomas, except one with mild enhancement, showed strong contrast uptake, characterised as ring (42%), heterogeneous (36%), homogeneous (9%), heterogeneous/ring (6.5%) or mixed heterogeneous/homogeneous enhancement (6.5%). The longest axis of the mass was in a cranio-caudal (68%) or dorso-ventral (32%) direction. The median volume calculated on CT was 7.57 cm(3). Common features were a marked local invasiveness of the musculature and heterogeneity of the tissue in the periphery of the neoplasia. When the fibrosarcoma was interscapular, performing an additional post-contrast scan with the forelimbs positioned caudally along the body, in addition to the standard protocol with the forelimbs extended cranially, allowed better evaluation of the actual relationship between the tumour and the surrounding tissues. The mean number of muscles involved with the tumour was 2.09 with extended and 1.95 with flexed forelimbs. When a lower number of structures was considered infiltrated through the double positioning, a less invasive surgical approach to underlying muscles and scapula was performed.

4D in situ visualization of electrode morphology changes during accelerated degradation in fuel cells by X-ray computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, Robin T.; Wu, Alex; Najm, Marina; Orfino, Francesco P.; Dutta, Monica; Kjeang, Erik

2017-05-01

A four-dimensional visualization approach, featuring three dimensions in space and one dimension in time, is proposed to study local electrode degradation effects during voltage cycling in fuel cells. Non-invasive in situ micro X-ray computed tomography (XCT) with a custom fuel cell fixture is utilized to track the same cathode catalyst layer domain throughout various degradation times from beginning-of-life (BOL) to end-of-life (EOL). With this unique approach, new information regarding damage features and trends are revealed, including crack propagation and catalyst layer thinning being quantified by means of image processing and analysis methods. Degradation heterogeneities as a result of local environmental variations under land and channel are also explored, with a higher structural degradation rate under channels being observed. Density and compositional changes resulting from carbon corrosion and catalyst layer collapse and thinning are observed by changes in relative X-ray attenuation from BOL to EOL, which also indicate possible vulnerable regions where crack initiation and propagation may occur. Electrochemical diagnostics and morphological features observed by micro-XCT are correlated by additionally collecting effective catalyst surface area, double layer capacitance, and polarization curves prior to imaging at various stages of degradation.

[Latest advances in acute pancreatitis].

PubMed

de-Madaria, Enrique

2015-09-01

The present article analyses the main presentations on acute pancreatitis at Digestive Disease Week 2015. Arterial pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon complication of acute pancreatitis (incidence 0.7%) and mortality from this cause is currently anecdotal. Diabetes mellitus has little impact on the clinical course of acute pancreatitis, unlike cirrhosis, which doubles the risk of mortality. Intake of unsaturated fat could be associated with an increased severity of acute pancreatitis and is a confounding factor in studies evaluating the relationship between obesity and morbidity and mortality. PET-CT (positron emission tomography-computed tomography) could be a non-invasive tool to detect infection of collections in acute pancreatitis. Peripancreatic fat necrosis is less frequent than pancreatic fat necrosis and is associated with a better clinical course. If the clinical course is poor, increasing the calibre of the percutaneous drains used in the treatment of infected necrosis can avoid surgery in 20% of patients. The use of low molecular-weight heparin in moderate or severe pancreatitis could be associated with a better clinical course, specifically with a lower incidence of necrosis. In acute recurrent pancreatitis, simvastatin is a promising drug for prophylaxis of new episodes of acute pancreatitis. Nutritional support through a nasogastric tube does not improve clinical course compared with oral nutrition. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Delayed enhancement cardiac computed tomography for the assessment of myocardial infarction: from bench to bedside

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

A large number of studies support the increasingly relevant prognostic value of the presence and extent of delayed enhancement (DE), a surrogate marker of fibrosis, in diverse etiologies. Gadolinium and iodinated based contrast agents share similar kinetics, thus leading to comparable myocardial characterization with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac computed tomography (CT) at both first-pass perfusion and DE imaging. We review the available evidence of DE imaging for the assessment of myocardial infarction (MI) using cardiac CT (CTDE), from animal to clinical studies, and from 16-slice CT to dual-energy CT systems (DECT). Although both CMR and gadolinium agents have been originally deemed innocuous, a number of concerns (though inconclusive and very rare) have been recently issued regarding safety issues, including DNA double-strand breaks related to CMR, and gadolinium-associated nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and deposition in the skin and certain brain structures. These concerns have to be considered in the context of non-negligible rates of claustrophobia, increasing rates of patients with implantable cardiac devices, and a number of logistic drawbacks compared with CTDE, such as higher costs, longer scanning times, and difficulties to scan patients with impaired breath-holding capabilities. Overall, these issues might encourage the role of CTDE as an alternative for DE-CMR in selected populations. PMID:28540211

ODTbrain: a Python library for full-view, dense diffraction tomography.

PubMed

Müller, Paul; Schürmann, Mirjam; Guck, Jochen

2015-11-04

Analyzing the three-dimensional (3D) refractive index distribution of a single cell makes it possible to describe and characterize its inner structure in a marker-free manner. A dense, full-view tomographic data set is a set of images of a cell acquired for multiple rotational positions, densely distributed from 0 to 360 degrees. The reconstruction is commonly realized by projection tomography, which is based on the inversion of the Radon transform. The reconstruction quality of projection tomography is greatly improved when first order scattering, which becomes relevant when the imaging wavelength is comparable to the characteristic object size, is taken into account. This advanced reconstruction technique is called diffraction tomography. While many implementations of projection tomography are available today, there is no publicly available implementation of diffraction tomography so far. We present a Python library that implements the backpropagation algorithm for diffraction tomography in 3D. By establishing benchmarks based on finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations, we showcase the superiority of the backpropagation algorithm over the backprojection algorithm. Furthermore, we discuss how measurment parameters influence the reconstructed refractive index distribution and we also give insights into the applicability of diffraction tomography to biological cells. The present software library contains a robust implementation of the backpropagation algorithm. The algorithm is ideally suited for the application to biological cells. Furthermore, the implementation is a drop-in replacement for the classical backprojection algorithm and is made available to the large user community of the Python programming language.

Spent nuclear fuel assembly inspection using neutron computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pope, Chad Lee

The research presented here focuses on spent nuclear fuel assembly inspection using neutron computed tomography. Experimental measurements involving neutron beam transmission through a spent nuclear fuel assembly serve as benchmark measurements for an MCNP simulation model. Comparison of measured results to simulation results shows good agreement. Generation of tomography images from MCNP tally results was accomplished using adapted versions of built in MATLAB algorithms. Multiple fuel assembly models were examined to provide a broad set of conclusions. Tomography images revealing assembly geometric information including the fuel element lattice structure and missing elements can be obtained using high energy neutrons. A projection difference technique was developed which reveals the substitution of unirradiated fuel elements for irradiated fuel elements, using high energy neutrons. More subtle material differences such as altering the burnup of individual elements can be identified with lower energy neutrons provided the scattered neutron contribution to the image is limited. The research results show that neutron computed tomography can be used to inspect spent nuclear fuel assemblies for the purpose of identifying anomalies such as missing elements or substituted elements. The ability to identify anomalies in spent fuel assemblies can be used to deter diversion of material by increasing the risk of early detection as well as improve reprocessing facility operations by confirming the spent fuel configuration is as expected or allowing segregation if anomalies are detected.

Copper foils with gradient structure in thickness direction and different roughnesses on two surfaces fabricated by double rolling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xi-yong; Liu, Xue-feng; Zou, Wen-jiang; Xie, Jian-xin

2013-12-01

Copper foils with gradient structure in thickness direction and different roughnesses on two surfaces were fabricated by double rolling. The two surface morphologies of double-rolled copper foils are quite different, and the surface roughness values are 61 and 1095 nm, respectively. The roughness value of matt surface can meet the requirement for bonding the resin matrix with copper foils used for flexible printed circuit boards, thus may omit traditional roughening treatment; the microstructure of double-rolled copper foils demonstrates an obviously asymmetric gradient feature. From bright surface to matt surface in thickness direction, the average grain size first increases from 2.3 to 7.4 μm and then decreases to 3.6 μm; compared with conventional rolled copper foils, the double-rolled copper foils exhibit a remarkably increased bending fatigue life, and the increased range is about 16.2%.

Climate change and the middle atmosphere. I - The doubled CO2 climate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rind, D.; Prather, M. J.; Suozzo, R.; Balachandran, N. K.

1990-01-01

The effect of doubling the atmospheric content of CO2 on the middle-atmosphere climate is investigated using the GISS global climate model. In the standard experiment, the CO2 concentration is doubled both in the stratosphere and troposphere, and the SSTs are increased to match those of the doubled CO2 run of the GISS model. Results show that the doubling of CO2 leads to higher temperatures in the troposphere, and lower temperatures in the stratosphere, with a net result being a decrease of static stability for the atmosphere as a whole. The middle atmosphere dynamical differences found were on the order of 10-20 percent of the model values for the current climate. These differences, along with the calculated temperature differences of up to about 10 C, may have a significant impact on the chemistry of the future atmosphere, including that of stratospheric ozone, the polar ozone 'hole', and basic atmospheric composition.

Recovery and normalization of triple coincidences in PET.

PubMed

Lage, Eduardo; Parot, Vicente; Moore, Stephen C; Sitek, Arkadiusz; Udías, Jose M; Dave, Shivang R; Park, Mi-Ae; Vaquero, Juan J; Herraiz, Joaquin L

2015-03-01

Triple coincidences in positron emission tomography (PET) are events in which three γ-rays are detected simultaneously. These events, though potentially useful for enhancing the sensitivity of PET scanners, are discarded or processed without special consideration in current systems, because there is not a clear criterion for assigning them to a unique line-of-response (LOR). Methods proposed for recovering such events usually rely on the use of highly specialized detection systems, hampering general adoption, and/or are based on Compton-scatter kinematics and, consequently, are limited in accuracy by the energy resolution of standard PET detectors. In this work, the authors propose a simple and general solution for recovering triple coincidences, which does not require specialized detectors or additional energy resolution requirements. To recover triple coincidences, the authors' method distributes such events among their possible LORs using the relative proportions of double coincidences in these LORs. The authors show analytically that this assignment scheme represents the maximum-likelihood solution for the triple-coincidence distribution problem. The PET component of a preclinical PET/CT scanner was adapted to enable the acquisition and processing of triple coincidences. Since the efficiencies for detecting double and triple events were found to be different throughout the scanner field-of-view, a normalization procedure specific for triple coincidences was also developed. The effect of including triple coincidences using their method was compared against the cases of equally weighting the triples among their possible LORs and discarding all the triple events. The authors used as figures of merit for this comparison sensitivity, noise-equivalent count (NEC) rates and image quality calculated as described in the NEMA NU-4 protocol for the assessment of preclinical PET scanners. The addition of triple-coincidence events with the authors' method increased peak NEC rates of the scanner by 26.6% and 32% for mouse- and rat-sized objects, respectively. This increase in NEC-rate performance was also reflected in the image-quality metrics. Images reconstructed using double and triple coincidences recovered using their method had better signal-to-noise ratio than those obtained using only double coincidences, while preserving spatial resolution and contrast. Distribution of triple coincidences using an equal-weighting scheme increased apparent system sensitivity but degraded image quality. The performance boost provided by the inclusion of triple coincidences using their method allowed to reduce the acquisition time of standard imaging procedures by up to ∼25%. Recovering triple coincidences with the proposed method can effectively increase the sensitivity of current clinical and preclinical PET systems without compromising other parameters like spatial resolution or contrast.

Institute for Science and Engineering Simulation (ISES)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-18

performance and other functionalities such as electrical , magnetic, optical, thermal, biological, chemical, and so forth. Structural integrity...transmission electron microscopy (HRSTEM) and three-dimensional atom probe (3DAP) tomography , the true atomic scale structure and change in chemical...atom probe tomography (3DAP) techniques, has permitted characterizing and quantifying the multimodal size distribution of different generations of γ

Laser-Assisted Atom Probe Tomography of Deformed Minerals: A Zircon Case Study.

PubMed

La Fontaine, Alexandre; Piazolo, Sandra; Trimby, Patrick; Yang, Limei; Cairney, Julie M

2017-04-01

The application of atom probe tomography to the study of minerals is a rapidly growing area. Picosecond-pulsed, ultraviolet laser (UV-355 nm) assisted atom probe tomography has been used to analyze trace element mobility within dislocations and low-angle boundaries in plastically deformed specimens of the nonconductive mineral zircon (ZrSiO4), a key material to date the earth's geological events. Here we discuss important experimental aspects inherent in the atom probe tomography investigation of this important mineral, providing insights into the challenges in atom probe tomography characterization of minerals as a whole. We studied the influence of atom probe tomography analysis parameters on features of the mass spectra, such as the thermal tail, as well as the overall data quality. Three zircon samples with different uranium and lead content were analyzed, and particular attention was paid to ion identification in the mass spectra and detection limits of the key trace elements, lead and uranium. We also discuss the correlative use of electron backscattered diffraction in a scanning electron microscope to map the deformation in the zircon grains, and the combined use of transmission Kikuchi diffraction and focused ion beam sample preparation to assist preparation of the final atom probe tip.

HAADF-STEM atom counting in atom probe tomography specimens: Towards quantitative correlative microscopy.

PubMed

Lefebvre, W; Hernandez-Maldonado, D; Moyon, F; Cuvilly, F; Vaudolon, C; Shinde, D; Vurpillot, F

2015-12-01

The geometry of atom probe tomography tips strongly differs from standard scanning transmission electron microscopy foils. Whereas the later are rather flat and thin (<20 nm), tips display a curved surface and a significantly larger thickness. As far as a correlative approach aims at analysing the same specimen by both techniques, it is mandatory to explore the limits and advantages imposed by the particular geometry of atom probe tomography specimens. Based on simulations (electron probe propagation and image simulations), the possibility to apply quantitative high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy to of atom probe tomography specimens has been tested. The influence of electron probe convergence and the benefice of deconvolution of electron probe point spread function electron have been established. Atom counting in atom probe tomography specimens is for the first time reported in this present work. It is demonstrated that, based on single projections of high angle annular dark field imaging, significant quantitative information can be used as additional input for refining the data obtained by correlative analysis of the specimen in APT, therefore opening new perspectives in the field of atomic scale tomography. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dark and white lesions observed in central serous chorioretinopathy on optical coherence tomography angiography.

PubMed

De Bats, Flore; Cornut, Pierre-Loïc; Wolff, Benjamin; Kodjikian, Laurent; Mauget-Faÿsse, Martine

2018-03-01

To describe abnormal dark (hyposignal) and white (hypersignal) lesions observed on optical coherence tomography angiography in central serous chorioretinopathy. Prospective, multicenter, and descriptive study including patients with active or quiescent central serous chorioretinopathy. All patients had undergone a complete ophthalmic examination. Abnormal dark lesions were detected as "dark spots" and "dark areas" on optical coherence tomography angiography. A "dark spot" could correspond to six different abnormalities: pigment epithelium detachment, subretinal deposit, "Lucency" within surrounding subretinal fibrin, choroidal cavitation, choroidal excavation, and choroidal fluid. A "dark area" could be related to a serous retinal detachment or choriocapillary compression. Abnormal white lesions were also detected: A "white spot" could correspond with the leaking point on fluorescein angiography or with hyper-reflective dots; A "white filamentous pattern" at the Brüch's membrane level corresponded to abnormal choroidal neovascular vessels. A semiology is described using optical coherence tomography angiography in central serous chorioretinopathy as abnormal dark and white lesions. Multimodal imaging is mandatory in addition to optical coherence tomography angiography to diagnose non-neovascular retinal and choroidal central serous chorioretinopathy lesions. However, optical coherence tomography angiography alone is helpful in detecting choroidal neovascular membrane in central serous chorioretinopathy.

Multiscale GPS tomography during COPS: validation and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Champollion, Cédric; Flamant, Cyrille; Masson, Frédéric; Gégout, Pascal; Boniface, Karen; Richard, Evelyne

2010-05-01

Accurate 3D description of the water vapour field is of interest for process studies such as convection initiation. None of the current techniques (LIDAR, satellite, radio soundings, GPS) can provide an all weather continuous 3D field of moisture. The combination of GPS tomography with radio-soundings (and/or LIDAR) has been used for such process studies using both advantages of vertically resolved soundings and high temporal density of GPS measurements. GPS tomography has been used at short scale (10 km horizontal resolution but in a 50 km² area) for process studies such as the ESCOMPTE experiment (Bastin et al., 2005) and at larger scale (50 km horizontal resolution) during IHOP_2002. But no extensive statistical validation has been done so far. The overarching goal of the COPS field experiment is to advance the quality of forecasts of orographically induced convective precipitation by four-dimensional observations and modeling of its life cycle for identifying the physical and chemical processes responsible for deficiencies in QPF over low-mountain regions. During the COPS field experiment, a GPS network of about 100 GPS stations has been continuously operating during three months in an area of 500 km² in the East of France (Vosges Mountains) and West of Germany (Black Forest). If the mean spacing between the GPS is about 50 km, an East-West GPS profile with a density of about 10 km is dedicated to high resolution tomography. One major goal of the GPS COPS experiment is to validate the GPS tomography with different spatial resolutions. Validation is based on additional radio-soundings and airborne / ground-based LIDAR measurement. The number and the high quality of vertically resolved water vapor observations give an unique data set for GPS tomography validation. Numerous tests have been done on real data to show the type water vapor structures that can be imaging by GPS tomography depending of the assimilation of additional data (radio soundings), the resolution of the tomography grid and the density of GPS network. Finally some applications to different cases studies will be shortly presented.

Does double-row rotator cuff repair improve functional outcome of patients compared with single-row technique? A systematic review.

PubMed

DeHaan, Alexander M; Axelrad, Thomas W; Kaye, Elizabeth; Silvestri, Lorenzo; Puskas, Brian; Foster, Timothy E

2012-05-01

The advantage of single-row versus double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair techniques has been a controversial issue in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. There is biomechanical evidence that double-row techniques are superior to single-row techniques; however, there is no clinical evidence that the double-row technique provides an improved functional outcome. When compared with single-row rotator cuff repair, double-row fixation, although biomechanically superior, has no clinical benefit with respect to retear rate or improved functional outcome. Systematic review. The authors reviewed prospective studies of level I or II clinical evidence that compared the efficacy of single- and double-row rotator cuff repairs. Functional outcome scores included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder scale, the Constant shoulder score, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale. Radiographic failures and complications were also analyzed. A test of heterogeneity for patient demographics was also performed to determine if there were differences in the patient profiles across the included studies. Seven studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The test of heterogeneity across these studies showed no differences. The functional ASES, Constant, and UCLA outcome scores revealed no difference between single- and double-row rotator cuff repairs. The total retear rate, which included both complete and partial retears, was 43.1% for the single-row repair and 27.2% for the double-row repair (P = .057), representing a trend toward higher failures in the single-row group. Through a comprehensive literature search and meta-analysis of current arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs, we found that the single-row repairs did not differ from the double-row repairs in functional outcome scores. The double-row repairs revealed a trend toward a lower radiographic proven retear rate, although the data did not reach statistical significance. There may be a concerning trend toward higher retear rates in patients undergoing a single-row repair, but further studies are required.

Double-layer versus single-layer bone-patellar tendon-bone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective randomized study with 3-year follow-up.

PubMed

Mei, Xiaoliang; Zhang, Zhenxiang; Yang, Jingwen

2016-12-01

To evaluate the clinical results of a randomized controlled trial of single-layer versus double-layer bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Fifty-eight subjects who underwent primary ACL reconstruction with a BPTB allograft were prospectively randomized into two groups: single-layer reconstruction (n = 31) and double-layer reconstruction (n = 27). The following evaluation methods were used: clinical examination, KT-1000 arthrometer measurement, muscle strength, Tegner activity score, Lysholm score, subjective rating scale regarding patient satisfaction and sports performance level, graft retear, contralateral ACL tear, and additional meniscus surgery. Forty-eight subjects (24 in single-layer group and 24 in double-layer group) who were followed up for 3 years were evaluated. Preoperatively, there were no differences between the groups. At 3-year follow-up, the Lachman and pivot-shift test results were better in the double-layer group (P = 0.019 and P < 0.0001, respectively). KT measurements were better in the double-layer group (mean 2.9 versus 1.5 mm; P = 0.0025). The Tegner score was also better in the double-layer group (P = 0.024). There were no significant differences in range of motion, muscle strength, Lysholm score, subjective rating scale, graft retear, and secondary meniscal tear. In ACL reconstruction, double-layer BPTB reconstruction was significantly better than single-layer reconstruction regarding anterior and rotational stability at 3-year follow-up. The results of KT measurements and the Lachman and pivot-shift tests were significantly better in the double-layer group, whereas there was no difference in the anterior drawer test results. The Tegner score was also better in the double-layer group; however, there were no differences in the other subjective findings.

A multimodal imaging platform with integrated simultaneous photoacoustic microscopy, optical coherence tomography, optical Doppler tomography and fluorescence microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dadkhah, Arash; Zhou, Jun; Yeasmin, Nusrat; Jiao, Shuliang

2018-02-01

Various optical imaging modalities with different optical contrast mechanisms have been developed over the past years. Although most of these imaging techniques are being used in many biomedical applications and researches, integration of these techniques will allow researchers to reach the full potential of these technologies. Nevertheless, combining different imaging techniques is always challenging due to the difference in optical and hardware requirements for different imaging systems. Here, we developed a multimodal optical imaging system with the capability of providing comprehensive structural, functional and molecular information of living tissue in micrometer scale. This imaging system integrates photoacoustic microscopy (PAM), optical coherence tomography (OCT), optical Doppler tomography (ODT) and fluorescence microscopy in one platform. Optical-resolution PAM (OR-PAM) provides absorption-based imaging of biological tissues. Spectral domain OCT is able to provide structural information based on the scattering property of biological sample with no need for exogenous contrast agents. In addition, ODT is a functional extension of OCT with the capability of measurement and visualization of blood flow based on the Doppler effect. Fluorescence microscopy allows to reveal molecular information of biological tissue using autofluoresce or exogenous fluorophores. In-vivo as well as ex-vivo imaging studies demonstrated the capability of our multimodal imaging system to provide comprehensive microscopic information on biological tissues. Integrating all the aforementioned imaging modalities for simultaneous multimodal imaging has promising potential for preclinical research and clinical practice in the near future.

Single- versus Double-Scoring of Trend Responses in Trend Score Equating with Constructed-Response Tests. Research Report. ETS RR-10-12

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tan, Xuan; Ricker, Kathryn L.; Puhan, Gautam

2010-01-01

This study examines the differences in equating outcomes between two trend score equating designs resulting from two different scoring strategies for trend scoring when operational constructed-response (CR) items are double-scored--the single group (SG) design, where each trend CR item is double-scored, and the nonequivalent groups with anchor…

Review of inversion techniques using analysis of different tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smaglichenko, T. A.

2012-04-01

Tomographic techniques are tools, which estimate the Earth's deep interior by inverting seismic data. Reliability of visualization provides adequate understanding of geodynamic processes for prediction of natural hazard and protection of environment. This presentation focuses on two interrelated factors, which affect on the reliability namely: particularities of geophysical medium and strategy for choice of inversion method. Three main techniques are under review. First, the standard LSQR algorithm is derived directly by the Lanczos algebraic application. The Double Difference tomography widely incorporates this algorithm and its expansion. Next, the CSSA technique, or method of subtraction has been introduced into seismology by Nikolaev et al. in 1985. This method got farther development in 2003 (Smaglichenko et al.) as the coordinate method of possible directions, which has been already known in the theory of numerical methods. And finally, the new Differentiated Approach (DA) tomography that has been recently developed by the author for seismology and introduced into applied mathematics as the modification of Gaussian elimination. Different test models are presented by detecting various properties of the medium and having a value for the mining sector as well for prediction of seismic activity. They are: 1) checker-board resolution test; 2) the single anomalous block surrounded by an uniform zone; 3) the large-size structure; 4) the most complicated case, when the model consist of contrast layers and the observation response is equal zero value. The geometry of experiment for all models is given in the note of Leveque et al., 1993. It was assumed that errors in experimental data are in limits of pre-assigned accuracy. The testing showed that LSQR is effective, when the small-size structure (1) is retrieved, while CSSA works faster under reconstruction of the separated anomaly (2). The large-size structure (3) can be reconstructed applying DA, which uses both Lanczos's method and CSSA as composed parts of the inversion process. Difficulty of the model of contrast layers (4) can be overcome with a priori information that could allow the DA implementation. The testing leads us to the following conclusion. Careful analyze and weighted assumptions about characteristics of the being investigated medium should be done before start of data inversion. The choice of suitable technique will provide reliability of solution. Nevertheless, DA is preferred in the case of noisy and large data.

The design and performance of the nano-carbon based double layers flexible coating for tunable and high-efficiency microwave absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Danfeng; Hao, Zhifeng; Qian, Yannan; Zeng, Bi; Zhu, Haiping; Wu, Qibai; Yan, Chengjie; Chen, Muyu

2018-05-01

Nanocarbon-based materials are outstanding microwave absorbers with good dielectric properties. In this study, double-layer silicone resin flexible absorbing coatings, composed of carbon-coated nickel nanoparticles (Ni@C) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), with low loading and a total thickness of 2 mm, were prepared. The reflection loss (RL) of the double-layer absorbing coatings has measured for frequencies between 2 and 18 GHz using the Arch reflecting testing method. The effects of the thickness and electromagnetic parameters of each layer and of the layer sequence on the absorbing properties were investigated. It is found that the measured bandwidth (RL ≤ - 10 dB) of the optimum double-layer structure in our experiment range achieves 3.70 GHz. The results indicated that the double coating structure composed of different materials has greater synergistic absorption effect on impedance matching than that of same materials with different loading. The maximum RL of S1 (5 wt% CNTs)/S3 (60 wt% Ni@C) double-layer absorbing coating composed of different materials (S1 and S3) was larger than the one achieved using either S1 or S3 alone with the same thickness. This was because double-layer coating provided a suitable matching layer and improve the interfacial impedance. It was also shown that absorbing peak value and frequency position can be adjusted by double-layer coating structure.

Usefulness of CA125 and their kinetic parameters and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F] FDG) in the detection of recurrent ovarian cancer levels.

PubMed

Palomar Muñoz, Azahara; Cordero García, José Manuel; Talavera Rubio, Prado; García Vicente, Ana M; González García, Beatriz; Bellón Guardia, María Emiliana; Soriano Castrejón, Ángel; Aranda Aguilar, Enrique

2017-12-21

To assess the usefulness of cancer antigen 125 (CA125) serum levels and kinetic values, velocity (CA125vel) and doubling time (CA125dt), as well as fluorodeoxyglucose ([ 18 F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), in the detection of ovarian cancer recurrence. To assess the optimal cut-off for CA125, CA125vel and CA125dt to detect relapse with [ 18 F]FDG-PET/CT. A retrospective analysis was performed of 59 [ 18 F]FDG-PET/CT (48 patients) for suspected recurrence of ovarian cancer. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted and area-under-the curve (AUC) statistics were computed for CA125, CA125vel and CA125dt. The results obtained in the group with normal and high (>35U/ml) CA125 levels were compared. Forty-four cases of recurrence were diagnosed (7 had CA125 ≤35U/ml), whereas 15 showed no disease. All of them were correctly catalogued by PET/CT. In ROC analysis, the discriminatory power of CA125 was relatively high (AUC 0.835) and the optimal cut-off point to reflect active disease was 23.9U/ml. The ROC analyses for the CA125vel and CA125dt showed an AUC of 0.849 and 0.728, respectively, with an optimal cut-off point of 1.96U/ml/month and 0.76 months, respectively. In patients with normal CA125 and recurrence of ovarian cancer, the CA125vel was significantly higher than in patients without recurrence (p=0.029). [ 18 F]FDG-PET/CT is more accurate than CA125 parameters in the detection of ovarian cancer recurrence. CA125 serum levels are essential; nevertheless, CA125 kinetic values must be considered to detect relapse. Particularly in patients with CA125 within normal values, in which a higher CA125vel is indicative of recurrence. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

{sup 18}F-Choline Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography and Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Detection of Early Local Recurrence of Prostate Cancer Initially Treated by Radiation Therapy: Comparison With Systematic 3-Dimensional Transperineal Mapping Biopsy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kanoun, Salim, E-mail: Salim.kanoun@gmail.com; LE2I UMR6306, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Arts et Métiers, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon; MRI Unit, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Dijon

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic performance of {sup 18}F-fluorocholine positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FCH-PET/CT), multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), and a combination of both techniques for the detection of local recurrence of prostate cancer initially treated by radiation therapy. Methods and Materials: This was a retrospective, single-institution study of 32 patients with suspected prostate cancer recurrence who underwent both FCH-PET/CT and 3T mpMRI within 3 months of one another for the detection of recurrence. All included patients had to be cleared for metastatic recurrence. The reference procedure was systematic 3-dimensional (3D)-transperineal prostate biopsy for the final assessment of local recurrence.more » Both imaging modalities were analyzed by 2 experienced readers blinded to clinical data. The analysis was made per-patient and per-segment using a 4-segment model. Results: The median prostate-specific antigen value at the time of imaging was 2.92 ng/mL. The mean prostate-specific antigen doubling time was 14 months. Of the 32 patients, 31 had a positive 3D-transperineal mapping biopsy for a local relapse. On a patient-based analysis, the detection rate was 71% (22 of 31) for mpMRI and 74% (23 of 31) for FCH-PET/CT. On a segment-based analysis, the sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 32% and 87% for mpMRI, 34% and 87% for FCH-PET/CT, and 43% and 83% for the combined analysis of both techniques. Accuracy was 64%, 65%, and 66%, respectively. The interobserver agreement was κ = 0.92 for FCH-PET/CT and κ = 0.74 for mpMRI. Conclusions: Both mpMRI and FCH-PET/CT show limited sensitivity but good specificity for the detection of local cancer recurrence after radiation therapy, when compared with 3D-transperineal mapping biopsy. Prostate biopsy still seems to be mandatory to diagnose local relapse and select patients who could benefit from local salvage therapy.« less

Comparison of light and x-ray sensitometric responses of double-emulsion films for different processing conditions.

PubMed

Blendl, C; Buhr, E

2001-12-01

The effects of different film processing conditions on light and x-ray sensitometric responses were compared for a variety of double-emulsion x-ray films. The processing conditions were altered by changes of the developer temperature. Three different exposure variants were applied: x-ray sensitometry using two stepped neutral density attenuators between film and screens, simultaneous double-sided light sensitometry, and single-sided light sensitometry. 13 different types of double-emulsion x-ray films were investigated, among them three asymmetric films. In the special case of exposing the asymmetric films with the single-sided light sensitometer, a method was investigated where each side of the film is exposed at different locations and the sum effect is analyzed. From each sensitometric curve shape two parameters, the logarithmic speed (logS) and the average gradient (G), were evaluated. The results of this study can be summarized as follows: (1) Single-sided and double-sided light sensitometers revealed almost equal changes of logS when the processing conditions are altered. Thus, single-sided light sensitometers can serve as a substitute for double-sided light sensitometers provided that suited exposure methods are used and appropriate sensitometric parameters are evaluated. (2) Light sensitometry quantitatively indicated changes of the film processing that affect the x-ray speed. Hence, light sensitometry is a useful method to monitor changes in film processing.

Breast ultrasound tomography with two parallel transducer arrays: preliminary clinical results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Lianjie; Shin, Junseob; Chen, Ting; Lin, Youzuo; Intrator, Miranda; Hanson, Kenneth; Epstein, Katherine; Sandoval, Daniel; Williamson, Michael

2015-03-01

Ultrasound tomography has great potential to provide quantitative estimations of physical properties of breast tumors for accurate characterization of breast cancer. We design and manufacture a new synthetic-aperture breast ultrasound tomography system with two parallel transducer arrays. The distance of these two transducer arrays is adjustable for scanning breasts with different sizes. The ultrasound transducer arrays are translated vertically to scan the entire breast slice by slice and acquires ultrasound transmission and reflection data for whole-breast ultrasound imaging and tomographic reconstructions. We use the system to acquire patient data at the University of New Mexico Hospital for clinical studies. We present some preliminary imaging results of in vivo patient ultrasound data. Our preliminary clinical imaging results show promising of our breast ultrasound tomography system with two parallel transducer arrays for breast cancer imaging and characterization.

Integrated structural model for active arc-continental collision from southern Taiwan to central Taiwan inferred from seismogenic views

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagai, S.; Wang, Y.; Ma, K.; Wu, Y.; Huang, H.

2010-12-01

The Taiwan Island is located in ongoing arc-continent collision zone between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Numerous geophysical and geological studies have explained the tectonic processes and developed various models. There are two end-member models for Taiwan collision; Thin-skinned model [e.g. Suppe, 1987] and Lithospheric collision model [Wu et al., 1997]. One of most important issue is that collision in Taiwan involves and contributes deformation to what depth. We have presented on this point in central Taiwan through seismological views, including both observed facts and results of tomographic inversion [Nagai et al., 2010 in WPGM 2010]. We have concluded that orogenic process should involve and contribute to depth of 30 km at least in central Taiwan, and suggested ’Upper Crustal Stacking Model’. We have indicated that existence of low-velocity blocks under Central Mountain Range (CMR) is one of the most important factors to understand Taiwan arc-continental collision process. We extend this idea to southern and northern Taiwan and to connect with balanced cross-sections proposed in Ustaszewski et al. [2010]. In this talk, we focused on the structural variation from southern Taiwan to central Taiwan. We have been performing the local double-difference tomography [Zhang and Thurber, 2003] in southern and northern Taiwan using the Central Weather Bureau Seismic Network with temporary array observations. These results in seismic tomography show variation of seismic velocity under the CMR like in central Taiwan. Low-velocity anomalies are also detected. Although it should be checked carefully, velocity blocks segmented some parts and seismic activities seem to be located on their boundaries. The Jiaxian earthquake on 4th Mar, 2010 occurred on one of these segmentation boundaries. The tectonic process in Taiwan arc-continental collision consists of different-scale structures, which means finer resolution structures may be nested with the larger ones. The thin-skinned model is the first step and the finest structural model in collision process, dominated in south and western Taiwan. After thin-skinned process, processes in the UCS model deformed and pushed up these finest structures in thin-skinned model, and then eroded on the CMR. Although this idea for integrated model for Taiwan orogeny should be verified more through geological and geophysical views both, it is pretty simple and can explain many features among various models between two end-members. Previous presentation for central Taiwan Nagai et al., (2010), Integrated structural model for arc-continent collision in Taiwan inferred from seismic velocity, relocated seismicity, and attenuation inverted by seismic tomography, Eos Trans. AGU, 91(26), West. Pac. Geophys. Meet. Suppl., Abstract T22A-06.

Computerized tomography magnified bone windows are superior to standard soft tissue windows for accurate measurement of stone size: an in vitro and clinical study.

PubMed

Eisner, Brian H; Kambadakone, Avinash; Monga, Manoj; Anderson, James K; Thoreson, Andrew A; Lee, Hang; Dretler, Stephen P; Sahani, Dushyant V

2009-04-01

We determined the most accurate method of measuring urinary stones on computerized tomography. For the in vitro portion of the study 24 calculi, including 12 calcium oxalate monohydrate and 12 uric acid stones, that had been previously collected at our clinic were measured manually with hand calipers as the gold standard measurement. The calculi were then embedded into human kidney-sized potatoes and scanned using 64-slice multidetector computerized tomography. Computerized tomography measurements were performed at 4 window settings, including standard soft tissue windows (window width-320 and window length-50), standard bone windows (window width-1120 and window length-300), 5.13x magnified soft tissue windows and 5.13x magnified bone windows. Maximum stone dimensions were recorded. For the in vivo portion of the study 41 patients with distal ureteral stones who underwent noncontrast computerized tomography and subsequently spontaneously passed the stones were analyzed. All analyzed stones were 100% calcium oxalate monohydrate or mixed, calcium based stones. Stones were prospectively collected at the clinic and the largest diameter was measured with digital calipers as the gold standard. This was compared to computerized tomography measurements using 4.0x magnified soft tissue windows and 4.0x magnified bone windows. Statistical comparisons were performed using Pearson's correlation and paired t test. In the in vitro portion of the study the most accurate measurements were obtained using 5.13x magnified bone windows with a mean 0.13 mm difference from caliper measurement (p = 0.6). Measurements performed in the soft tissue window with and without magnification, and in the bone window without magnification were significantly different from hand caliper measurements (mean difference 1.2, 1.9 and 1.4 mm, p = 0.003, <0.001 and 0.0002, respectively). When comparing measurement errors between stones of different composition in vitro, the error for calcium oxalate calculi was significantly different from the gold standard for all methods except bone window settings with magnification. For uric acid calculi the measurement error was observed only in standard soft tissue window settings. In vivo 4.0x magnified bone windows was superior to 4.0x magnified soft tissue windows in measurement accuracy. Magnified bone window measurements were not statistically different from digital caliper measurements (mean underestimation vs digital caliper 0.3 mm, p = 0.4), while magnified soft tissue windows were statistically distinct (mean underestimation 1.4 mm, p = 0.001). In this study magnified bone windows were the most accurate method of stone measurements in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we recommend the routine use of magnified bone windows for computerized tomography measurement of stones. In vitro the measurement error in calcium oxalate stones was greater than that in uric acid stones, suggesting that stone composition may be responsible for measurement inaccuracies.

Stability comparison between commercially available mini-implants and a novel design: part 1.

PubMed

Hong, Christine; Lee, Haofu; Webster, Richard; Kwak, Jinny; Wu, Benjamin M; Moon, Won

2011-07-01

To compare mechanical stability among five mini-implant designs--a newly invented design and four commercially available designs that vary by shape and threading; to calculate external surface area of each design using high-resolution micro-computed tomography; and to evaluate the relationship between surface area and stability results. The four commercially available mini-implants--single-threaded and cylindrical (SC), single-threaded and tapered (ST), double-threaded and cylindrical (DC), double-threaded and tapered (DT)--and a new implant that is designed to engage mostly in cortical bone with shorter and wider dimensions (N1) were inserted in simulated bone with cortical and trabecular bone layers. The mechanical study consisted of torque measurements and lateral displacement tests. External surface area was computed using a 25-µm micro-CT. Maximum insertion torque, maximum removal torque, and force levels for displacements were the highest in N1, followed by DT, ST, DC, and SC (α  =  .05). The surface area was largest in DT, followed by N1, ST, DC, and SC. Surface area engaged in cortical bone, however, was the greatest in N1. The surface area of mini-implants had positive correlation with stability. Among commercial designs, both added tapering and double threading improved stability. N1 was the most stable design within this research design. The new design has the potential to be clinically superior; it has enhanced stability and there is diminished risk of endangering nearby anatomic structures during placement and orthodontic treatment, but the design requires refinements to reduce insertion torque to avoid clinical difficulty and patient discomfort.

TEST FUSION IN ADULT FORAMINIFERA: A REVIEW WITH NEW OBSERVATIONS OF AN EARLY EOCENE NUMMULITES SPECIMEN

PubMed Central

Ferràndez-Cañadell, Carles; Briguglio, Antonino; Hohenegger, Johann; Wöger, Julia

2015-01-01

In foraminifera, so-called “double tests” usually arise due to abnormal growth originating mainly from twinning, but may also be caused by irregularities in the early chambers and by regeneration after test injury that modifies the direction of growth. A fourth cause of double tests has only rarely been reported: the fusion of the tests of two adult individuals. We studied an early Eocene Nummulites double test consisting of two adult individuals that fused after an extended period of independent growth. The specimen was studied using computed tomography with micrometric resolution (micro-CT) that allowed bi- and three-dimensional visualization of the internal structure. Before fusion each individual test had 30–36 chambers, which, by comparison with growth rates in recent nummulitids, implies at least three months of independent growth. After fusion, the compound test grew in two spirals that fused after about one whorl and then continued in a single spiral. To fuse their tests, either adult individuals have to be forced to do so or the allorecognition (ability to distinguish between self and another individual) mechanisms must fail. A possible explanation for the merged Nummulites tests in this study is forced fusion in attached individuals after surviving ingestion and digestion by a metazoan. Alternatively, environmental stress could lead to a failure of allorecognition mechanisms and/or foraminiferal motility. Once fused, subsequent growth seems to be determined mainly by the relative orientation of individual tests. In any case, the frequency in which adult fusion occurs remains unknown. PMID:26166916

Double-planting can affect gains from weed control treatments

Treesearch

David B. South

2010-01-01

Double-planting is the practice of planting two seedlings at every planting spot. When both seedlings survive, then either the less vigorous seedling is removed or each seedling is given an equal chance of being removed. Some researchers double-plant so that tree growth among experimental plots is not affected by initial differences in stocking. However, double-...

UTILIZATION OF FUNDUS AUTOFLUORESCENCE, SPECTRAL DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY, AND ENHANCED DEPTH IMAGING IN THE CHARACTERIZATION OF BIETTI CRYSTALLINE DYSTROPHY IN DIFFERENT STAGES.

PubMed

Li, Qian; Li, Yang; Zhang, Xiaohui; Xu, Zhangxing; Zhu, Xiaoqing; Ma, Kai; She, Haicheng; Peng, Xiaoyan

2015-10-01

To characterize Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD) in different stages using multiple imaging modalities. Sixteen participants clinically diagnosed as BCD were included in the retrospective study and were categorized into 3 stages according to fundus photography. Eleven patients were genetically confirmed. Fundus autofluorescence, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and enhanced depth imaging features of BCD were analyzed. On fundus autofluorescence, the abnormal autofluorescence was shown to enlarge in area and decrease in intensity with stages. Using spectral domain optical coherence tomography, the abnormalities in Stage 1 were observed to localize in outer retinal layers, whereas in Stage 2 and Stage 3, more extensive retinal atrophy was seen. In enhanced depth imaging, the subfoveal choroidal layers were delineated clearly in Stage 1; in Stage 2, destructions were primarily found in the choriocapillaris with associated alterations in the outer vessels; Stage 3 BCD displayed severe choroidal thinning. Choroidal neovascularization and macular edema were exhibited with high incidence. IVS6-8del17bp/inGC of the CYP4V2 gene was the most common mutant allele. Noninvasive fundus autofluorescence, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and enhanced depth imaging may help to characterize the chorioretinal pathology of BCD at different degrees, and therefore, we propose staging of BCD depending on those methods. Physicians should be cautious of the vision-threatening complications of the disease.

How Well Does Dual-Energy Computed Tomography With Metal Artifact Reduction Software Improve Image Quality and Quantify Computed Tomography Number and Iodine Concentration?

PubMed

Ohira, Shingo; Kanayama, Naoyuki; Wada, Kentaro; Karino, Tsukasa; Nitta, Yuya; Ueda, Yoshihiro; Miyazaki, Masayoshi; Koizumi, Masahiko; Teshima, Teruki

2018-04-02

The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of the quantitative measurements obtained using dual-energy computed tomography with metal artifact reduction software (MARS). Dual-energy computed tomography scans (fast kV-switching) are performed on a phantom, by varying the number of metal rods (Ti and Pb) and reference iodine materials. Objective and subjective image analyses are performed on retroreconstructed virtual monochromatic images (VMIs) (VMI at 70 keV). The maximum artifact indices for VMI-Ti and VMI-Pb (5 metal rods) with MARS (without MARS) were 17.4 (166.7) and 34.6 (810.6), respectively; MARS significantly improved the mean subjective 5-point score (P < 0.05). The maximum differences between the measured Hounsfield unit and theoretical values for 5 mg/mL iodine and 2-mm core rods were -42.2% and -68.5%, for VMI-Ti and VMI-Pb (5 metal rods), respectively, and the corresponding differences in the iodine concentration were -64.7% and -73.0%, respectively. Metal artifact reduction software improved the objective and subjective image quality; however, the quantitative values were underestimated.

Using of electrical impedance tomography for diagnostics of the cervix uteri diseases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trokhanova, O. V.; Chijova, Y. A.; Okhapkin, M. B.; Korjenevsky, A. V.; Tuykin, T. S.

2010-04-01

The report presents results of investigation of the neck of the womb (cervix) of 64 women aged from 19 to 70, that formed 4 clinical groups (1st group: 15 women without any pathology of the cervix, 2nd group: 27 women with the erosion, 3rd group: 11 women with dysplasia, 4th group: 11 women with cancer of the cervix). The aim of this research is to assess the capabilities of electrical impedance tomography in the diagnostics of the cervix diseases. The methods of the research were: visual examination with the speculum, colposcopy, and biopsy of the cervix. Also the new method of visualization of the cervix was used - electrical impedance tomography with the help of gynecological impedance tomograph (GIT). The following results were obtained. The electrical conductivity of the cervix in norm and in different pathology has different indices, which allow differential diagnostics of benign and malignant diseases. Summary: the method of electrical impedance tomography allows not only visually estimate portio vaginalis, but receive indices of electrical conductivity of the cervix on the depth up to 0.8 cm and thereby reveal pathological changes in epithelium without invasive and operative intervention.

Improving early diagnosis of pulmonary infections in patients with febrile neutropenia using low-dose chest computed tomography.

PubMed

Gerritsen, M G; Willemink, M J; Pompe, E; van der Bruggen, T; van Rhenen, A; Lammers, J W J; Wessels, F; Sprengers, R W; de Jong, P A; Minnema, M C

2017-01-01

We performed a prospective study in patients with chemotherapy induced febrile neutropenia to investigate the diagnostic value of low-dose computed tomography compared to standard chest radiography. The aim was to compare both modalities for detection of pulmonary infections and to explore performance of low-dose computed tomography for early detection of invasive fungal disease. The low-dose computed tomography remained blinded during the study. A consensus diagnosis of the fever episode made by an expert panel was used as reference standard. We included 67 consecutive patients on the first day of febrile neutropenia. According to the consensus diagnosis 11 patients (16.4%) had pulmonary infections. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 36%, 93%, 50% and 88% for radiography, and 73%, 91%, 62% and 94% for low-dose computed tomography, respectively. An uncorrected McNemar showed no statistical difference (p = 0.197). Mean radiation dose for low-dose computed tomography was 0.24 mSv. Four out of 5 included patients diagnosed with invasive fungal disease had radiographic abnormalities suspect for invasive fungal disease on the low-dose computed tomography scan made on day 1 of fever, compared to none of the chest radiographs. We conclude that chest radiography has little value in the initial assessment of febrile neutropenia on day 1 for detection of pulmonary abnormalities. Low-dose computed tomography improves detection of pulmonary infiltrates and seems capable of detecting invasive fungal disease at a very early stage with a low radiation dose.

Improving early diagnosis of pulmonary infections in patients with febrile neutropenia using low-dose chest computed tomography

PubMed Central

Pompe, E.; van der Bruggen, T.; van Rhenen, A.; Lammers, J. W. J.; Wessels, F.; Sprengers, R. W.; de Jong, P. A.; Minnema, M. C.

2017-01-01

We performed a prospective study in patients with chemotherapy induced febrile neutropenia to investigate the diagnostic value of low-dose computed tomography compared to standard chest radiography. The aim was to compare both modalities for detection of pulmonary infections and to explore performance of low-dose computed tomography for early detection of invasive fungal disease. The low-dose computed tomography remained blinded during the study. A consensus diagnosis of the fever episode made by an expert panel was used as reference standard. We included 67 consecutive patients on the first day of febrile neutropenia. According to the consensus diagnosis 11 patients (16.4%) had pulmonary infections. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 36%, 93%, 50% and 88% for radiography, and 73%, 91%, 62% and 94% for low-dose computed tomography, respectively. An uncorrected McNemar showed no statistical difference (p = 0.197). Mean radiation dose for low-dose computed tomography was 0.24 mSv. Four out of 5 included patients diagnosed with invasive fungal disease had radiographic abnormalities suspect for invasive fungal disease on the low-dose computed tomography scan made on day 1 of fever, compared to none of the chest radiographs. We conclude that chest radiography has little value in the initial assessment of febrile neutropenia on day 1 for detection of pulmonary abnormalities. Low-dose computed tomography improves detection of pulmonary infiltrates and seems capable of detecting invasive fungal disease at a very early stage with a low radiation dose. PMID:28235014

PET/CT in paediatric malignancies - An update

PubMed Central

Padma, Subramanyam; Sundaram, Palaniswamy Shanmuga; Tewari, Anshu

2016-01-01

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is a well-established imaging modality in adult oncological practice. Its role in childhood malignancies needs to be discussed as paediatric malignancies differ from adults in tumor subtypes and they have different tumor biology and FDG uptake patterns. This is also compounded by smaller body mass, dosimetric restrictions, and physiological factors that can affect the FDG uptake. It calls for careful planning of the PET study, preparing the child, the parents, and expertise of nuclear physicians in reporting pediatric positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) studies. In a broad perspective, FDG-PET/CT has been used in staging, assessment of therapy response, identifying metastases and as a follow-up tool in a wide variety of pediatric malignancies. This review outlines the role of PET/CT in childhood malignancies other than hematological malignancies such as lymphoma and leukemia. PMID:27688605

High-resolution coded-aperture design for compressive X-ray tomography using low resolution detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mojica, Edson; Pertuz, Said; Arguello, Henry

2017-12-01

One of the main challenges in Computed Tomography (CT) is obtaining accurate reconstructions of the imaged object while keeping a low radiation dose in the acquisition process. In order to solve this problem, several researchers have proposed the use of compressed sensing for reducing the amount of measurements required to perform CT. This paper tackles the problem of designing high-resolution coded apertures for compressed sensing computed tomography. In contrast to previous approaches, we aim at designing apertures to be used with low-resolution detectors in order to achieve super-resolution. The proposed method iteratively improves random coded apertures using a gradient descent algorithm subject to constraints in the coherence and homogeneity of the compressive sensing matrix induced by the coded aperture. Experiments with different test sets show consistent results for different transmittances, number of shots and super-resolution factors.

Forward problem studies of electrical resistance tomography system on concrete materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ang, Vernoon; Rahiman, M. H. F.; Rahim, R. A.; Aw, S. R.; Wahab, Y. A.; Thomas W. K., T.; Siow, L. T.

2017-03-01

Electrical resistance tomography (ERT) is well known as non-invasive imaging technique, inexpensive, radiation free, visualization measurements of the multiphase flows and frequently applied in geophysical, medical and Industrial Process Tomography (IPT) applications. Application of ERT in concrete is a new exploration field, which can be used in monitoring and detecting the health and condition of concrete without destroying it. In this paper, ERT model under the condition of concrete is studied in which the sensitivity field model is produced and simulated by using COMSOL software. The affects brought by different current injection values with different concrete conductivity are studied in detail. This study able to provide the important direction for the further study of inverse problem in ERT system. Besides, the results of this technique hopefully can open a new exploration in inspection method of concrete structures in order to maintain the health of the concrete structure for civilian safety.

Accuracy of Corneal Thickness by Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography and Scheimpflug Camera in Virgin and Treated Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy.

PubMed

Arnalich-Montiel, Francisco; Ortiz-Toquero, Sara; Auladell, Clara; Couceiro, Ana

2018-06-01

To assess intraobserver repeatability, intersession reproducibility, and agreement of swept-source Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and the Scheimpflug camera in measuring corneal thickness in virgin and grafted eyes with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Thirty-six control eyes, 35 FECD eyes, 30 FECD with corneal edema eyes, 25 Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) eyes, and 29 Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) eyes were included. The apical center, pupillary center, and thinnest corneal thickness were determined in 3 consecutive images and repeated 2 weeks later. Repeatability and reproducibility coefficients, intraclass correlation coefficients, and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) between measurements were calculated. Agreement between devices was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis. Corneal thickness measurements were highly reproducible and repeatable with both systems. SS-OCT showed better repeatability in all corneal locations in the normal, FECD, FECD with edema, DSAEK, and DMEK groups (coefficient of variation ≤0.60%, ≤0.36%, ≤0.43%, ≤1.09%, and ≤0.48%, respectively) than the Scheimpflug (coefficient of variation ≤1.15%, ≤0.92%, ≤1.10%, ≤1.25%, and ≤1.14%, respectively). Between-session 95% LOA for SS-OCT was less than 3% for all groups except for the FECD with edema group, being almost double using the Scheimpflug camera. Differences between instruments were statistically significant in all groups and locations (P < 0.01) except in the DSAEK group (P ≤ 0.51); however, SS-OCT underestimated all measurements. SS-OCT provides better reproducible and repeatable measurements of corneal thickness than those obtained with the Scheimpflug camera in patients with FECD or an endothelial transplant. Variations between examinations higher than the 95% LOA observed in our study should raise awareness of changes in the endothelial function.

Tear film thickness after treatment with artificial tears in patients with moderate dry eye disease.

PubMed

Schmidl, Doreen; Schmetterer, Leopold; Witkowska, Katarzyna J; Unterhuber, Angelika; dos Santos, Valentin Aranha; Kaya, Semira; Nepp, Johannes; Baar, Carina; Rosner, Peter; Werkmeister, René M; Garhofer, Gerhard

2015-04-01

This study was designed to investigate the effect of a single-drop instillation of different lacrimal substitutes on tear film thickness (TFT) assessed with optical coherence tomography in patients with mild to moderate dry eye disease. The study was performed in a randomized, double-masked, controlled parallel group design. Patients received a single dose of either unpreserved trehalose 30 mg/mL and sodium hyaluronate 1.5 mg/mL (TH-SH, Thealoz Duo), unpreserved sodium hyaluronate, 0.15% (HA, Hyabak) or sodium chloride, 0.9% (NaCl, Hydrabak) eye drops. Sixty patients finished the study according to the protocol. TFT was measured with a custom-built ultrahigh-resolution Fourier domain optical coherence tomography system providing a resolution of 1.2 μm. The mean TFT before treatment was 2.5 ± 0.4 μm. Ten minutes after instillation, TFT significantly increased in the TH-SH group from 2.4 ± 0.4 to 3.1 ± 0.9 μm (P < 0.01) and in the HA group from 2.4 ± 0.3 to 2.9 ± 0.5 μm (P < 0.01), whereas no significant change was observed in the NaCl group (from 2.6 ± 0.4 to 2.7 ± 0.4 μm, P = 0.76). The increase in TFT remained statistically significant up to 240 minutes after administration of TH-SH. In contrast, the increase in TFT after administration of HA was only statistically significant at 10, 20, and 40 minutes after drop instillation. The findings of this study indicate that single instillation of TH-SH and HA eye drops increases TFT in patients with dry eye disease. The data also indicate longer corneal residence of the TH-containing eye drops. The effect of multiple instillation and long-term use of artificial tears on TFT warrants further investigation.

Advanced Multivariate Inversion Techniques for High Resolution 3D Geophysical Modeling (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maceira, M.; Zhang, H.; Rowe, C. A.

2009-12-01

We focus on the development and application of advanced multivariate inversion techniques to generate a realistic, comprehensive, and high-resolution 3D model of the seismic structure of the crust and upper mantle that satisfies several independent geophysical datasets. Building on previous efforts of joint invesion using surface wave dispersion measurements, gravity data, and receiver functions, we have added a fourth dataset, seismic body wave P and S travel times, to the simultaneous joint inversion method. We present a 3D seismic velocity model of the crust and upper mantle of northwest China resulting from the simultaneous, joint inversion of these four data types. Surface wave dispersion measurements are primarily sensitive to seismic shear-wave velocities, but at shallow depths it is difficult to obtain high-resolution velocities and to constrain the structure due to the depth-averaging of the more easily-modeled, longer-period surface waves. Gravity inversions have the greatest resolving power at shallow depths, and they provide constraints on rock density variations. Moreover, while surface wave dispersion measurements are primarily sensitive to vertical shear-wave velocity averages, body wave receiver functions are sensitive to shear-wave velocity contrasts and vertical travel-times. Addition of the fourth dataset, consisting of seismic travel-time data, helps to constrain the shear wave velocities both vertically and horizontally in the model cells crossed by the ray paths. Incorporation of both P and S body wave travel times allows us to invert for both P and S velocity structure, capitalizing on empirical relationships between both wave types’ seismic velocities with rock densities, thus eliminating the need for ad hoc assumptions regarding the Poisson ratios. Our new tomography algorithm is a modification of the Maceira and Ammon joint inversion code, in combination with the Zhang and Thurber TomoDD (double-difference tomography) program.

Effect of Vegan Fecal Microbiota Transplantation on Carnitine- and Choline-Derived Trimethylamine-N-Oxide Production and Vascular Inflammation in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome.

PubMed

Smits, Loek P; Kootte, Ruud S; Levin, Evgeni; Prodan, Andrei; Fuentes, Susana; Zoetendal, Erwin G; Wang, Zeneng; Levison, Bruce S; Cleophas, Maartje C P; Kemper, E Marleen; Dallinga-Thie, Geesje M; Groen, Albert K; Joosten, Leo A B; Netea, Mihai G; Stroes, Erik S G; de Vos, Willem M; Hazen, Stanley L; Nieuwdorp, Max

2018-03-26

Intestinal microbiota have been found to be linked to cardiovascular disease via conversion of the dietary compounds choline and carnitine to the atherogenic metabolite TMAO (trimethylamine-N-oxide). Specifically, a vegan diet was associated with decreased plasma TMAO levels and nearly absent TMAO production on carnitine challenge. We performed a double-blind randomized controlled pilot study in which 20 male metabolic syndrome patients were randomized to single lean vegan-donor or autologous fecal microbiota transplantation. At baseline and 2 weeks thereafter, we determined the ability to produce TMAO from d 6 -choline and d 3 -carnitine (eg, labeled and unlabeled TMAO in plasma and 24-hour urine after oral ingestion of 250 mg of both isotope-labeled precursor nutrients), and fecal samples were collected for analysis of microbiota composition. 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans of the abdominal aorta, as well as ex vivo peripheral blood mononuclear cell cytokine production assays, were performed. At baseline, fecal microbiota composition differed significantly between vegans and metabolic syndrome patients. With vegan-donor fecal microbiota transplantation, intestinal microbiota composition in metabolic syndrome patients, as monitored by global fecal microbial community structure, changed toward a vegan profile in some of the patients; however, no functional effects from vegan-donor fecal microbiota transplantation were seen on TMAO production, abdominal aortic 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake, or ex vivo cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Single lean vegan-donor fecal microbiota transplantation in metabolic syndrome patients resulted in detectable changes in intestinal microbiota composition but failed to elicit changes in TMAO production capacity or parameters related to vascular inflammation. URL: http://www.trialregister.nl. Unique identifier: NTR 4338. © 2018 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

Different magnesium release profiles from W/O/W emulsions based on crystallized oils.

PubMed

Herzi, Sameh; Essafi, Wafa

2018-01-01

Water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsions based on crystallized oils were prepared and the release kinetics of magnesium ions from the internal to the external aqueous phase was investigated at T=4°C, for different crystallized lipophilic matrices. All the emulsions were formulated using the same surface-active species, namely polyglycerol polyricinoleate (oil-soluble) and sodium caseinate (water-soluble). The external aqueous phase was a lactose or glucose solution at approximately the same osmotic pressure as that of the inner droplets, in order to avoid osmotic water transfer phenomena. We investigated two types of crystallized lipophilic systems: one based on blends of cocoa butter and miglyol oil, exploring a solid fat content from 0 to 90% and the other system based on milk fat fractions for which the solid fat content varies between 54 and 86%. For double emulsions based on cocoa butter/miglyol oil, the rate of magnesium release was gradually lowered by increasing the % of fat crystals i.e. cocoa butter, in agreement with a diffusion/permeation mechanism. However for double emulsions based on milk fat fractions, the rate of magnesium release was independent of the % of fat crystals and remains the one at t=0. This difference in diffusion patterns, although the solid content is of the same order, suggests a different distribution of fat crystals within the double globules: a continuous fat network acting as a physical barrier for the diffusion of magnesium for double emulsions based on cocoa butter/miglyol oil and double globule/water interfacial distribution for milk fat fractions based double emulsions, through the formation of a crystalline shell allowing an effective protection of the double globules against diffusion of magnesium to the external aqueous phase. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Immunomodulatory activity of interleukin-27 in human chronic periapical diseases.

PubMed

Li, Juan; Wang, Rong; Huang, Shi-Guang

2017-01-01

This study aims to observe expression of IL-27 on different cells in periapical tissues of different types of human chronic periapical diseases. Periapical tissue specimens of 60 donors, including healthy control (n=20), periapical granuloma group (n=20) and radicular cysts group (n=20), were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathology. Then specimens were stained with double- immuno-fluorescence assay for identification of IL-27-tryptase (mast cells, MCs), IL-27-CD14 (mononuclear phagocyte cells, MPs) and IL-27-CD31 (endothelial cells, ECs) double-positive cells in periapical tissues. The results indicated that compared with healthy control, the densities (cells/mm 2 ) of IL-27-tryptase, IL-27-CD14 and IL-27-CD31 double-positive cells were significantly increased in human chronic periapical diseases (periapical granuloma group and radicular cysts group) ( P <0.001). The density of IL-27-tryptase double positive cells in radicular cysts group was significantly higher than those in periapical granuloma group ( P <0.001). Densities of IL-27-CD14 and IL-27-CD31 double-positive cells in periapical granuloma group had no significant difference with those in radicular cysts group ( P =0.170 and 0.138, respectively). IL-27-CD14 double positive cells density achieved to peak among three cell groups in radicular cysts groups. In conclusion, IL-27 expressed in MCs, MPs and ECs of human chronic periapical diseases with different degrees. IL-27-tryptase double-positive cells may participate in pathogenic mechanism of chronic periapical diseases, especially for formation of fibrous in periapical cysts. IL-27-CD14 and IL-27-CD31 double-positive cells may participate in immunologic response to resist periapical infection, and they may play an dual role in pathogenesis and localization of periapical diseases.

Tissue-like phantoms

DOEpatents

Frangioni, John V.; De Grand, Alec M.

2007-10-30

The invention is based, in part, on the discovery that by combining certain components one can generate a tissue-like phantom that mimics any desired tissue, is simple and inexpensive to prepare, and is stable over many weeks or months. In addition, new multi-modal imaging objects (e.g., beads) can be inserted into the phantoms to mimic tissue pathologies, such as cancer, or merely to serve as calibration standards. These objects can be imaged using one, two, or more (e.g., four) different imaging modalities (e.g., x-ray computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence) simultaneously.

VISUALIZATION FROM INTRAOPERATIVE SWEPT-SOURCE MICROSCOPE-INTEGRATED OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY IN VITRECTOMY FOR COMPLICATIONS OF PROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY.

PubMed

Gabr, Hesham; Chen, Xi; Zevallos-Carrasco, Oscar M; Viehland, Christian; Dandrige, Alexandria; Sarin, Neeru; Mahmoud, Tamer H; Vajzovic, Lejla; Izatt, Joseph A; Toth, Cynthia A

2018-01-10

To evaluate the use of live volumetric (4D) intraoperative swept-source microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography in vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy complications. In this prospective study, we analyzed a subgroup of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy complications who required vitrectomy and who were imaged by the research swept-source microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography system. In near real time, images were displayed in stereo heads-up display facilitating intraoperative surgeon feedback. Postoperative review included scoring image quality, identifying different diabetic retinopathy-associated pathologies and reviewing the intraoperatively documented surgeon feedback. Twenty eyes were included. Indications for vitrectomy were tractional retinal detachment (16 eyes), combined tractional-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (2 eyes), and vitreous hemorrhage (2 eyes). Useful, good-quality 2D (B-scans) and 4D images were obtained in 16/20 eyes (80%). In these eyes, multiple diabetic retinopathy complications could be imaged. Swept-source microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography provided surgical guidance, e.g., in identifying dissection planes under fibrovascular membranes, and in determining residual membranes and traction that would benefit from additional peeling. In 4/20 eyes (20%), acceptable images were captured, but they were not useful due to high tractional retinal detachment elevation which was challenging for imaging. Swept-source microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography can provide important guidance during surgery for proliferative diabetic retinopathy complications through intraoperative identification of different complications and facilitation of intraoperative decision making.

Cosmology with photometric weak lensing surveys: Constraints with redshift tomography of convergence peaks and moments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petri, Andrea; May, Morgan; Haiman, Zoltán

2016-09-01

Weak gravitational lensing is becoming a mature technique for constraining cosmological parameters, and future surveys will be able to constrain the dark energy equation of state w . When analyzing galaxy surveys, redshift information has proven to be a valuable addition to angular shear correlations. We forecast parameter constraints on the triplet (Ωm,w ,σ8) for a LSST-like photometric galaxy survey, using tomography of the shear-shear power spectrum, convergence peak counts and higher convergence moments. We find that redshift tomography with the power spectrum reduces the area of the 1 σ confidence interval in (Ωm,w ) space by a factor of 8 with respect to the case of the single highest redshift bin. We also find that adding non-Gaussian information from the peak counts and higher-order moments of the convergence field and its spatial derivatives further reduces the constrained area in (Ωm,w ) by factors of 3 and 4, respectively. When we add cosmic microwave background parameter priors from Planck to our analysis, tomography improves power spectrum constraints by a factor of 3. Adding moments yields an improvement by an additional factor of 2, and adding both moments and peaks improves by almost a factor of 3 over power spectrum tomography alone. We evaluate the effect of uncorrected systematic photometric redshift errors on the parameter constraints. We find that different statistics lead to different bias directions in parameter space, suggesting the possibility of eliminating this bias via self-calibration.

Giant kidney worm (Dioctophyma renale) infection mimicking retroperitoneal neoplasm.

PubMed

Sun, T; Turnbull, A; Lieberman, P H; Sternberg, S S

1986-07-01

A 50-year-old Chinese man was found by ultrasound and computed tomography to have a retroperitoneal mass in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. At operation, a hemorrhagic cyst was detected at the upper pole of the right kidney adjacent to the adrenal gland. Microscopic examination revealed that the cyst wall was composed of granulomatous tissue loaded with eggs and cross-sections of parasites, identified as Dioctophyma renale. The eggs were characterized by a birefringent striated double wall. The presence of cross sections of adult worms of D. renale in human tissue has not been previously described. Another unique feature of this case was that the right kidney was intact, as examined grossly at laparotomy and by intravenous pyelography. Eggs were not detected in the urine.

Unusual arterial pattern of the gastrointestinal tract: inferior mesenteric artery arising from the iliac artery and corkscrew external iliac.

PubMed

Nassar, Lara; Atweh, Lamya Ann; Jurjus, Abdo; Al Kutoubi, Aghiad

2012-07-01

Anatomical variations of the digestive system arteries are important due to their clinical significance. However, anomalies in the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) are the least common compared with the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery. This report describes the case of a 67-year-old man with an extremely rare variant in which the IMA arises from the left common iliac artery, and the ipsilateral external iliac artery has a corkscrew pattern. These findings were depicted during computed tomography angiography of the abdomen and pelvis. This case is the first report of such a variation associated with a left external iliac artery turning into a double loop before forming the femoral artery. The embryological and clinical significance of such an anomaly are discussed.

Biological applications of phase-contrast electron microscopy.

PubMed

Nagayama, Kuniaki

2014-01-01

Here, I review the principles and applications of phase-contrast electron microscopy using phase plates. First, I develop the principle of phase contrast based on a minimal model of microscopy, introducing a double Fourier-transform process to mathematically formulate the image formation. Next, I explain four phase-contrast (PC) schemes, defocus PC, Zernike PC, Hilbert differential contrast, and schlieren optics, as image-filtering processes in the context of the minimal model, with particular emphases on the Zernike PC and corresponding Zernike phase plates. Finally, I review applications of Zernike PC cryo-electron microscopy to biological systems such as protein molecules, virus particles, and cells, including single-particle analysis to delineate three-dimensional (3D) structures of protein and virus particles and cryo-electron tomography to reconstruct 3D images of complex protein systems and cells.

Effect of object location on the density measurement in cone-beam computed tomography versus multislice computed tomography

PubMed Central

Eskandarloo, Amir; Abdinian, Mehrdad; Salemi, Fatemeh; Hashemzadeh, Zahra; Safaei, Mehran

2012-01-01

Background: Bone density measurement in a radiographic view is a valuable method for evaluating the density of bone quality before performing some dental procedures such as, dental implant placements. It seems that Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) can be used as a diagnostic tool for evaluating the density of the bone, prior to any treatment, as the reported radiation dose in this method is minimal. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of object location on the density measurement in CBCT versus Multislice computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: In an experimental study, three samples with similar dimensions, but different compositions, different densities (Polyethylene, Polyamide, Polyvinyl Chloride), and three bone pieces of different parts of the mandibular bone were imaged in three different positions by CBCT and Multislice CT sets. The average density value was computed for each sample in each position. Then the data obtained from each CBCT was converted to a Hounsfield unit and evaluated using a single variable T analysis. A P value <0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: The density in a Multislice CT is stable in the form of a Hounsfield Number, but this density is variable in the images acquired through CBCT, and the change in the position results in significant changes in the density. In this study, a statistically significant difference (P value = 0.000) has been observed for the position of the sample and its density in CBCT in comparison to Multislice CT. Conclusions: Density values in CBCT are not real because they are affected by the position of the object in the machine. PMID:23814567

Double emulsion solvent evaporation techniques used for drug encapsulation.

PubMed

Iqbal, Muhammad; Zafar, Nadiah; Fessi, Hatem; Elaissari, Abdelhamid

2015-12-30

Double emulsions are complex systems, also called "emulsions of emulsions", in which the droplets of the dispersed phase contain one or more types of smaller dispersed droplets themselves. Double emulsions have the potential for encapsulation of both hydrophobic as well as hydrophilic drugs, cosmetics, foods and other high value products. Techniques based on double emulsions are commonly used for the encapsulation of hydrophilic molecules, which suffer from low encapsulation efficiency because of rapid drug partitioning into the external aqueous phase when using single emulsions. The main issue when using double emulsions is their production in a well-controlled manner, with homogeneous droplet size by optimizing different process variables. In this review special attention has been paid to the application of double emulsion techniques for the encapsulation of various hydrophilic and hydrophobic anticancer drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotic drugs, proteins and amino acids and their applications in theranostics. Moreover, the optimized ratio of the different phases and other process parameters of double emulsions are discussed. Finally, the results published regarding various types of solvents, stabilizers and polymers used for the encapsulation of several active substances via double emulsion processes are reported. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Virtopsy: postmortem imaging of laryngeal foreign bodies.

PubMed

Oesterhelweg, Lars; Bolliger, Stephan A; Thali, Michael J; Ross, Steffen

2009-05-01

Death from corpora aliena in the larynx is a well-known entity in forensic pathology. The correct diagnosis of this cause of death is difficult without an autopsy, and misdiagnoses by external examination alone are common. To determine the postmortem usefulness of modern imaging techniques in the diagnosis of foreign bodies in the larynx, multislice computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and postmortem full-body computed tomography-angiography were performed. Three decedents with a suspected foreign body in the larynx underwent the 3 different imaging techniques before medicolegal autopsy. Multislice computed tomography has a high diagnostic value in the noninvasive localization of a foreign body and abnormalities in the larynx. The differentiation between neoplasm or soft foreign bodies (eg, food) is possible, but difficult, by unenhanced multislice computed tomography. By magnetic resonance imaging, the discrimination of the soft tissue structures and soft foreign bodies is much easier. In addition to the postmortem multislice computed tomography, the combination with postmortem angiography will increase the diagnostic value. Postmortem, cross-sectional imaging methods are highly valuable procedures for the noninvasive detection of corpora aliena in the larynx.

Recent Advances and Field Trial Results Integrating Cosmic Ray Muon Tomography with Other Data Sources for Mineral Exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schouten, D.

2015-12-01

CRM GeoTomography Technologies, Inc. is leading the way in applying muon tomography to discovery and definition of dense ore bodies for mineral exploration and resource estimation. We have successfully imaged volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits at mines in North America using our suite of field-proven muon tracking detectors, and are at various stages of development for other applications. Recently we developed in-house inversion software that integrates data from assays, surface and borehole gravity, and underground muon flux measurements. We have found that the differing geophysical data sources provide complementary information and that dramatic improvements in inversion results are attained using various inversion performance metrics related to the excess tonnage of the mineral deposits, as well as their spatial extents and locations. This presentation will outline field tests of muon tomography performed by CRM Geotomography in some real world examples, and will demonstrate the effectiveness of joint muon tomography, assay and gravity inversion techniques in field tests (where data are available) and in simulations.

Effects of thermal loading and hydrostatic pressure on reflecting wavelengths of double-coated fiber Bragg grating with different coating-layer thickness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seraji, Faramarz E.; Toutian, Golnoush

2017-10-01

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) of different configurations used as sensing devices are vulnerable to environmental factors, such as static pressures and thermal loading, which cause their characteristic Bragg reflecting wavelengths to up/down-shift. In this paper, by considering double-coated FBG with different primary and secondary coating materials, the effects of thermal loading and hydrostatic pressure on FBG with different coating-layer thicknesses are analyzed to find design criteria for controlling the Bragg wavelength shift. The obtained results of the analysis may be employed as criteria to design pressure and temperature sensors when using double-coated FBGs.

A biomechanical comparison of 2 transosseous-equivalent double-row rotator cuff repair techniques using bioabsorbable anchors: cyclic loading and failure behavior.

PubMed

Spang, Jeffrey T; Buchmann, Stefan; Brucker, Peter U; Kouloumentas, Panos; Obst, Tobias; Schröder, Manuel; Burgkart, Rainer; Imhoff, Andreas B

2009-08-01

A novel double-row configuration was compared with a traditional double-row configuration for rotator cuff repair. In 10 matched-pair sheep shoulders in vitro repair was performed with either a double-row technique with corkscrew suture anchors for the medial row and insertion anchors for the lateral row (group A) or a double-row technique with a new tape-like suture material with insertion anchors for both the medial and lateral rows (group B). Each specimen underwent cyclic loading from 10 to 150 N for 100 cycles, followed by unidirectional failure testing. Gap formation and strain within the repair area for the first and last cycles were analyzed with a video digitizing system, and stiffness and failure load were determined from the load-elongation curve. The results were similar for the 2 repair types. There was no significant difference between the ultimate failure loads of the 2 techniques (421 +/- 150 N in group A and 408 +/- 66 N in group B, P = .31) or the stiffness of the 2 techniques (84 +/- 26 N/mm in group A and 99 +/- 20 N/mm in group B, P = .07). In addition, gap formation was not different between the repair types. Strain over the repair area was also not different between the repair types. Both tested rotator cuff repair techniques had high failure loads, limited gap formation, and acceptable strain patterns. No significant difference was found between the novel and conventional double-row repair types. Two double-row techniques-one with corkscrew suture anchors for the medial row and insertion anchors for the lateral row and one with insertion anchors for both the medial and lateral rows-provided excellent biomechanical profiles at time 0 for double-row repairs in a sheep model. Although the sheep model may not directly correspond to in vivo conditions, all-insertion anchor double-row constructs are worthy of further investigation.

Optimal Tikhonov Regularization in Finite-Frequency Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Y.; Yao, Z.; Zhou, Y.

2017-12-01

The last decade has witnessed a progressive transition in seismic tomography from ray theory to finite-frequency theory which overcomes the resolution limit of the high-frequency approximation in ray theory. In addition to approximations in wave propagation physics, a main difference between ray-theoretical tomography and finite-frequency tomography is the sparseness of the associated sensitivity matrix. It is well known that seismic tomographic problems are ill-posed and regularizations such as damping and smoothing are often applied to analyze the tradeoff between data misfit and model uncertainty. The regularizations depend on the structure of the matrix as well as noise level of the data. Cross-validation has been used to constrain data uncertainties in body-wave finite-frequency inversions when measurements at multiple frequencies are available to invert for a common structure. In this study, we explore an optimal Tikhonov regularization in surface-wave phase-velocity tomography based on minimization of an empirical Bayes risk function using theoretical training datasets. We exploit the structure of the sensitivity matrix in the framework of singular value decomposition (SVD) which also allows for the calculation of complete resolution matrix. We compare the optimal Tikhonov regularization in finite-frequency tomography with traditional tradeo-off analysis using surface wave dispersion measurements from global as well as regional studies.

X-ray Micro-Tomography of Ablative Heat Shield Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Panerai, Francesco; Ferguson, Joseph; Borner, Arnaud; Mansour, Nagi N.; Barnard, Harold S.; MacDowell, Alastair A.; Parkinson, Dilworth Y.

2016-01-01

X-ray micro-tomography is a non-destructive characterization technique that allows imaging of materials structures with voxel sizes in the micrometer range. This level of resolution makes the technique very attractive for imaging porous ablators used in hypersonic entry systems. Besides providing a high fidelity description of the material architecture, micro-tomography enables computations of bulk material properties and simulations of micro-scale phenomena. This presentation provides an overview of a collaborative effort between NASA Ames Research Center and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, aimed at developing micro-tomography experiments and simulations for porous ablative materials. Measurements are carried using x-rays from the Advanced Light Source at Berkeley Lab on different classes of ablative materials used in NASA entry systems. Challenges, strengths and limitations of the technique for imaging materials such as lightweight carbon-phenolic systems and woven textiles are discussed. Computational tools developed to perform numerical simulations based on micro-tomography are described. These enable computations of material properties such as permeability, thermal and radiative conductivity, tortuosity and other parameters that are used in ablator response models. Finally, we present the design of environmental cells that enable imaging materials under simulated operational conditions, such as high temperature, mechanical loads and oxidizing atmospheres.Keywords: Micro-tomography, Porous media, Ablation

Modelling of Lunar Laser Ranging in the Geocentric Frame and Comparison with the Common-View Double-Difference Lunar Laser Ranging Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svehla, D.; Rothacher, M.

2016-12-01

Is it possible to process Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR) measurements in the geocentric frame in a similar way SLR measurements are modelled for GPS satellites and estimate all global reference frame parameters like in the case of GPS? The answer is yes. We managed to process Lunar laser measurements to Apollo and Luna retro-reflectors on the Moon in a similar way we are processing SLR measurements to GPS satellites. We make use of the latest Lunar libration models and DE430 ephemerides given in the Solar system baricentric frame and model uplink and downlink Lunar laser ranges in the geocentric frame as one way measurements, similar to SLR measurements to GPS satellites. In the first part of this contribution we present the estimation of the Lunar orbit as well as the Earth orientation parameters (including UT1 or UT0) with this new formulation. In the second part, we form common-view double-difference LLR measurements between two Lunar retro-reflectors and two LLR telescopes to show the actual noise of the LLR measurements. Since, by forming double-differences of LLR measurements, all range biases are removed and orbit errors are significantly reduced (the Lunar orbit is much farther away than the GPS orbits), one can consider double-difference LLR as an "orbit-free" and "bias-free" differential approach. In the end, we make a comparison with the SLR double-difference approach with Galileo satellites, where we already demonstrated submillimeter precision, and discuss possible combination of LLR and SLR to GNSS satellites using double-difference approach.

Cone-beam computed tomography analysis of curved root canals after mechanical preparation with three nickel-titanium rotary instruments

PubMed Central

Elsherief, Samia M.; Zayet, Mohamed K.; Hamouda, Ibrahim M.

2013-01-01

Cone beam computed tomography is a 3-dimensional high resolution imaging method. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 3 different NiTi rotary instruments used to prepare curved root canals on the final shape of the curved canals and total amount of root canal transportation by using cone-beam computed tomography. A total of 81 mesial root canals from 42 extracted human mandibular molars, with a curvature ranging from 15 to 45 degrees, were selected. Canals were randomly divided into 3 groups of 27 each. After preparation with Protaper, Revo-S and Hero Shaper, the amount of transportation and centering ability that occurred were assessed by using cone beam computed tomography. Utilizing pre- and post-instrumentation radiographs, straightening of the canal curvatures was determined with a computer image analysis program. Canals were metrically assessed for changes (surface area, changes in curvature and transportation) during canal preparation by using software SimPlant; instrument failures were also recorded. Mean total widths and outer and inner width measurements were determined on each central canal path and differences were statistically analyzed. The results showed that all instruments maintained the original canal curvature well with no significant differences between the different files (P = 0.226). During preparation there was failure of only one file (the protaper group). In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, all instruments maintained the original canal curvature well and were safe to use. Areas of uninstrumented root canal wall were left in all regions using the various systems. PMID:23885273

Impacts of biological and procedural factors on semiquantification uptake value of liver in fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging.

PubMed

Mahmud, Mohd Hafizi; Nordin, Abdul Jalil; Ahmad Saad, Fathinul Fikri; Azman, Ahmad Zaid Fattah

2015-10-01

Increased metabolic activity of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in tissue is not only resulting of pathological uptake, but due to physiological uptake as well. This study aimed to determine the impacts of biological and procedural factors on FDG uptake of liver in whole body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging. Whole body fluorine-18 ((18)F) FDG PET/CT scans of 51 oncology patients have been reviewed. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of lesion-free liver was quantified in each patient. Pearson correlation was performed to determine the association between the factors of age, body mass index (BMI), blood glucose level, FDG dose and incubation period and liver SUVmax. Multivariate regression analysis was established to determine the significant factors that best predicted the liver SUVmax. Then the subjects were dichotomised into four BMI groups. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was established for mean difference of SUVmax of liver between those BMI groups. BMI and incubation period were significantly associated with liver SUVmax. These factors were accounted for 29.6% of the liver SUVmax variance. Statistically significant differences were observed in the mean SUVmax of liver among those BMI groups (P<0.05). BMI and incubation period are significant factors affecting physiological FDG uptake of liver. It would be recommended to employ different cut-off value for physiological liver SUVmax as a reference standard for different BMI of patients in PET/CT interpretation and use a standard protocol for incubation period of patient to reduce variation in physiological FDG uptake of liver in PET/CT study.

Effect of field-of-view size on gray values derived from cone-beam computed tomography compared with the Hounsfield unit values from multidetector computed tomography scans.

PubMed

Shokri, Abbas; Ramezani, Leila; Bidgoli, Mohsen; Akbarzadeh, Mahdi; Ghazikhanlu-Sani, Karim; Fallahi-Sichani, Hamed

2018-03-01

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of field-of-view (FOV) size on the gray values derived from conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) compared with the Hounsfield unit values from multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scans as the gold standard. A radiographic phantom was designed with 4 acrylic cylinders. One cylinder was filled with distilled water, and the other 3 were filled with 3 types of bone substitute: namely, Nanobone, Cenobone, and Cerabone. The phantom was scanned with 2 CBCT systems using 2 different FOV sizes, and 1 MDCT system was used as the gold standard. The mean gray values (MGVs) of each cylinder were calculated in each imaging protocol. In both CBCT systems, significant differences were noted in the MGVs of all materials between the 2 FOV sizes ( P <.05) except for Cerabone in the Cranex3D system. Significant differences were found in the MGVs of each material compared with the others in both FOV sizes for each CBCT system. No significant difference was seen between the Cranex3D CBCT system and the MDCT system in the MGVs of bone substitutes on images obtained with a small FOV. The size of the FOV significantly changed the MGVs of all bone substitutes, except for Cerabone in the Cranex3D system. Both CBCT systems had the ability to distinguish the 3 types of bone substitutes based on a comparison of their MGVs. The Cranex3D CBCT system used with a small FOV had a significant correlation with MDCT results.

The Development of Engineering Tomography for Monolithic and Composite Materials and Components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hemann, John

1997-01-01

The research accomplishments under this grant were very extensive in the areas of the development of engineering tomography for monolithic and composite materials and components. Computed tomography was used on graphite composite pins and bushings to find porosity, cracks, and delaminations. It supported the following two programs: Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) and Southern Research institute (SRI). Did research using CT and radiography on Nickel based Superalloy dogbones and found density variations and gas shrinkage porosity. Did extensive radiography and CT of PMC composite flywheels and found delamination and non-uniform fiber distribution. This grant supported the Attitude Control Energy Storage Experiment (ACESE) program. Found broken fibers and cracks of outer stainless steel fibers using both radiographic and CT techniques on Pratt and Whitney fuel lines; Supported the Pratt & Whitney and Aging Aircraft engines program. Grant research helped identify and corroborate thickness variations and density differences in a silicon nitride "ROTH" tube using computed tomography.

Combined spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and hyperspectral imaging applied for tissue analysis: Preliminary results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dontu, S.; Miclos, S.; Savastru, D.; Tautan, M.

2017-09-01

In recent years many optoelectronic techniques have been developed for improvement and the development of devices for tissue analysis. Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) is a new medical interferometric imaging modality that provides depth resolved tissue structure information with resolution in the μm range. However, SD-OCT has its own limitations and cannot offer the biochemical information of the tissue. These data can be obtained with hyperspectral imaging, a non-invasive, sensitive and real time technique. In the present study we have combined Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) with Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for tissue analysis. The Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) and Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) are two methods that have demonstrated significant potential in this context. Preliminary results using different tissue have highlighted the capabilities of this technique of combinations.

Tomography with energy dispersive diffraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stock, S. R.; Okasinski, J. S.; Woods, R.; Baldwin, J.; Madden, T.; Quaranta, O.; Rumaiz, A.; Kuczewski, T.; Mead, J.; Krings, T.; Siddons, P.; Miceli, A.; Almer, J. D.

2017-09-01

X-ray diffraction can be used as the signal for tomographic reconstruction and provides a cross-sectional map of the crystallographic phases and related quantities. Diffraction tomography has been developed over the last decade using monochromatic x-radiation and an area detector. This paper reports tomographic reconstruction with polychromatic radiation and an energy sensitive detector array. The energy dispersive diffraction (EDD) geometry, the instrumentation and the reconstruction process are described and related to the expected resolution. Results of EDD tomography are presented for two samples containing hydroxyapatite (hAp). The first is a 3D-printed sample with an elliptical crosssection and contains synthetic hAp. The second is a human second metacarpal bone from the Roman-era cemetery at Ancaster, UK and contains bio-hAp which may have been altered by diagenesis. Reconstructions with different diffraction peaks are compared. Prospects for future EDD tomography are also discussed.

Correlative Tomography

PubMed Central

Burnett, T. L.; McDonald, S. A.; Gholinia, A.; Geurts, R.; Janus, M.; Slater, T.; Haigh, S. J.; Ornek, C.; Almuaili, F.; Engelberg, D. L.; Thompson, G. E.; Withers, P. J.

2014-01-01

Increasingly researchers are looking to bring together perspectives across multiple scales, or to combine insights from different techniques, for the same region of interest. To this end, correlative microscopy has already yielded substantial new insights in two dimensions (2D). Here we develop correlative tomography where the correlative task is somewhat more challenging because the volume of interest is typically hidden beneath the sample surface. We have threaded together x-ray computed tomography, serial section FIB-SEM tomography, electron backscatter diffraction and finally TEM elemental analysis all for the same 3D region. This has allowed observation of the competition between pitting corrosion and intergranular corrosion at multiple scales revealing the structural hierarchy, crystallography and chemistry of veiled corrosion pits in stainless steel. With automated correlative workflows and co-visualization of the multi-scale or multi-modal datasets the technique promises to provide insights across biological, geological and materials science that are impossible using either individual or multiple uncorrelated techniques. PMID:24736640

Advanced three-dimensional electron microscopy techniques in the quest for better structural and functional materials

PubMed Central

Schryvers, D; Cao, S; Tirry, W; Idrissi, H; Van Aert, S

2013-01-01

After a short review of electron tomography techniques for materials science, this overview will cover some recent results on different shape memory and nanostructured metallic systems obtained by various three-dimensional (3D) electron imaging techniques. In binary Ni–Ti, the 3D morphology and distribution of Ni4Ti3 precipitates are investigated by using FIB/SEM slice-and-view yielding 3D data stacks. Different quantification techniques will be presented including the principal ellipsoid for a given precipitate, shape classification following a Zingg scheme, particle distribution function, distance transform and water penetration. The latter is a novel approach to quantifying the expected matrix transformation in between the precipitates. The different samples investigated include a single crystal annealed with and without compression yielding layered and autocatalytic precipitation, respectively, and a polycrystal revealing different densities and sizes of the precipitates resulting in a multistage transformation process. Electron tomography was used to understand the interaction between focused ion beam-induced Frank loops and long dislocation structures in nanobeams of Al exhibiting special mechanical behaviour measured by on-chip deposition. Atomic resolution electron tomography is demonstrated on Ag nanoparticles in an Al matrix. PMID:27877554

Numerical study on dusty shock reflection over a double wedge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Jingyue; Ding, Juchun; Luo, Xisheng

2018-01-01

The dusty shock reflection over a double wedge with different length scales is systematically studied using an adaptive multi-phase solver. The non-equilibrium effect caused by the particle relaxation is found to significantly influence the shock reflection process. Specifically, it behaves differently for double wedges with different length scales of the first wedge L1. For a double wedge with L1 relatively longer than the particle relaxation length λ, the equilibrium shock dominates the shock reflection and seven typical reflection processes are obtained, which is similar to the pure gas counterpart. For a double wedge with L1 shorter than λ, the non-equilibrium effect manifests more evidently, i.e., three parts of the dusty shock system including the frozen shock, the relaxation zone, and the equilibrium shock together dominate the reflection process. As a result, the shock reflection is far more complicated than the pure gas counterpart and eleven transition processes are found under various wedge angles. These findings give a complete description of all possible processes of dusty shock reflection over a double wedge and may be useful for better understanding the non-equilibrium shock reflection over complex structures.

A retrospective comparative study of arthroscopic fixation in acute Rockwood type IV acromioclavicular joint dislocation: single versus double paired Endobutton technique.

PubMed

Xu, Jian; Liu, Haifeng; Lu, Wei; Li, Dingfu; Zhu, Weimin; Ouyang, Kan; Wu, Bing; Peng, Liangquan; Wang, Daping

2018-05-24

Rockwood type IV acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation is a trauma usually needs surgical treatment. Paired EndoButton technique (PET) is used in treating such condition. However, the effect of using different types of PET (single versus double PET) for fixation remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of single and double PET and to provide a suitable option for the surgeons. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients with acute Rockwood type IV ACJ dislocation who had undergone arthroscopic fixation using single or double PET fixation between March 2009 and March 2015. Seventy-eight consecutive patients identified from chart review were picked and were divided into the single and double PET group with 39 cases in each group. The indexes of visual analog scale score (VAS) for pain, the radiographs of the affected shoulder at different time points of the follow-up, the time of return to activities and sports, the constant functional score, and the Karlsson acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) score, were assessed in a minimum of 2 years postoperation. The average coracoclavicular (CC) and acromioclavicular (AC) distances of the affected joints in the double PET group were significantly smaller than those of the single PET group 2 years postoperation (P < 0.05). The average AC and CC distances in the healthy shoulder joints were significantly smaller than those of the affected joints in the single PET group (P < 0.05); however, these values were not significantly different from those of the affected joints in the double PET group (P > 0.05). The mean VAS pain score was not significantly different, while significant difference was found for the number and times of cases return to activities and sports, constant functional score, and Karlsson ACJ score (P < 0.05) between the two groups. Therefore, the double PET group has better outcome than the single PET group. Complications including redislocation, button slippage, erosion, or AC joint instability occurred in the single PET group, while the complication in the double PET group was rare. Compared with the single PET, the double PET group achieved better outcome with less complications in arthroscopically treating acute Rockwood type IV ACJ dislocation.

Noise adaptive wavelet thresholding for speckle noise removal in optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Zaki, Farzana; Wang, Yahui; Su, Hao; Yuan, Xin; Liu, Xuan

2017-05-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is based on coherence detection of interferometric signals and hence inevitably suffers from speckle noise. To remove speckle noise in OCT images, wavelet domain thresholding has demonstrated significant advantages in suppressing noise magnitude while preserving image sharpness. However, speckle noise in OCT images has different characteristics in different spatial scales, which has not been considered in previous applications of wavelet domain thresholding. In this study, we demonstrate a noise adaptive wavelet thresholding (NAWT) algorithm that exploits the difference of noise characteristics in different wavelet sub-bands. The algorithm is simple, fast, effective and is closely related to the physical origin of speckle noise in OCT image. Our results demonstrate that NAWT outperforms conventional wavelet thresholding.

An Anatomic and Biomechanical Comparison of Bankart Repair Configurations.

PubMed

Judson, Christopher H; Voss, Andreas; Obopilwe, Elifho; Dyrna, Felix; Arciero, Robert A; Shea, Kevin P

2017-11-01

Suture anchor repair for anterior shoulder instability can be performed using a number of different repair techniques, but none has been proven superior in terms of anatomic and biomechanical properties. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to compare the anatomic footprint coverage and biomechanical characteristics of 4 different Bankart repair techniques: (1) single row with simple sutures, (2) single row with horizontal mattress sutures, (3) double row with sutures, and (4) double row with labral tape. The hypotheses were as follows: (1) double-row techniques would improve the footprint coverage and biomechanical properties compared with single-row techniques, (2) horizontal mattress sutures would increase the footprint coverage compared with simple sutures, and (3) repair techniques with labral tape and sutures would not show different biomechanical properties. Controlled laboratory study. Twenty-four fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were dissected. The native labrum was removed and the footprint marked and measured. Repair for each of the 4 groups was performed, and the uncovered footprint was measured using a 3-dimensional digitizer. The strength of the repair sites was assessed using a servohydraulic testing machine and a digital video system to record load to failure, cyclic displacement, and stiffness. The double-row repair techniques with sutures and labral tape covered 73.4% and 77.0% of the footprint, respectively. These percentages were significantly higher than the footprint coverage achieved by single-row repair techniques using simple sutures (38.1%) and horizontal mattress sutures (32.8%) ( P < .001). The footprint coverage of the simple suture and horizontal mattress suture groups was not significantly different ( P = .44). There were no significant differences in load to failure, cyclic displacement, or stiffness between the single-row and double-row groups or between the simple suture and horizontal mattress suture techniques. Likewise, there was no difference in the biomechanical properties of the double-row repair techniques with sutures versus labral tape. Double-row repair techniques provided better coverage of the native footprint of the labrum but did not provide superior biomechanical properties compared with single-row repair techniques. There was no difference in footprint coverage or biomechanical strength between the simple suture and horizontal mattress suture repair techniques. Although the double-row repair techniques had no difference in initial strength, they may improve healing in high-risk patients by improving the footprint coverage.

Laboratory and exterior decay of wood plastic composite boards: voids analysis and computed tomography

Treesearch

Grace Sun; Rebecca E. Ibach; Meghan Faillace; Marek Gnatowski; Jessie A. Glaeser; John Haight

2016-01-01

After exposure in the field and laboratory soil block culture testing, the void content of wood–plastic composite (WPC) decking boards was compared to unexposed samples. A void volume analysis was conducted based on calculations of sample density and from micro-computed tomography (microCT) data. It was found that reference WPC contains voids of different sizes from...

Use of borehole radar tomography to monitor steam injection in fractured limestone

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gregoire, C.; Joesten, P.K.

2006-01-01

Borehole radar tomography was used as part of a pilot study to monitor steam-enhanced remediation of a fractured limestone contaminated with volatile organic compounds at the former Loring Air Force Base, Maine, USA. Radar tomography data were collected using 100-MHz electric-dipole antennae before and during steam injection to evaluate whether cross-hole radar methods could detect changes in medium properties resulting from the steam injection. Cross-hole levelrun profiles, in which transmitting and receiving antennae are positioned at a common depth, were made before and after the collection of each full tomography data set to check the stability of the radar instruments. Before tomographic inversion, the levelrun profiles were used to calibrate the radar tomography data to compensate for changes in traveltime and antenna power caused by instrument drift. Observed changes in cross-hole radar traveltime and attenuation before and during steam injection were small. Slowness- and attenuation-difference tomograms indicate small increases in radar slowness and attenuation at depths greater than about 22 m below the surface, consistent with increases in water temperature observed in the boreholes used for the tomography. Based on theoretical modelling results, increases in slowness and attenuation are interpreted as delineating zones where steam injection heating increased the electrical conductivity of the limestone matrix and fluid. The results of this study show the potential of cross-hole radar tomography methods to monitor the effects of steam-induced heating in fractured rock environments. ?? 2006 European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers.

Self-spectral calibration for spectral domain optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xianling; Gao, Wanrong; Bian, Haiyi; Chen, Chaoliang; Liao, Jiuling

2013-06-01

A different real-time self-wavelength calibration method for spectral domain optical coherence tomography is presented in which interference spectra measured from two arbitrary points on the tissue surface are used for calibration. The method takes advantages of two favorable conditions of optical coherence tomography (OCT) signal. First, the signal back-scattered from the tissue surface is generally much stronger than that from positions in the tissue interior, so the spectral component of the surface interference could be extracted from the measured spectrum. Second, the tissue surface is not a plane and a phase difference exists between the light reflected from two different points on the surface. Compared with the zero-crossing automatic method, the introduced method has the advantage of removing the error due to dispersion mismatch or the common phase error. The method is tested experimentally to demonstrate the improved signal-to-noise ratio, higher axial resolution, and slower sensitivity degradation with depth when compared to the use of the zero-crossing method and applied to two-dimensional cross-sectional images of human finger skin.

Imaging lung perfusion

PubMed Central

Wielpütz, Mark O.; Kauczor, Hans-Ulrich

2012-01-01

From the first measurements of the distribution of pulmonary blood flow using radioactive tracers by West and colleagues (J Clin Invest 40: 1–12, 1961) allowing gravitational differences in pulmonary blood flow to be described, the imaging of pulmonary blood flow has made considerable progress. The researcher employing modern imaging techniques now has the choice of several techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). These techniques differ in several important ways: the resolution of the measurement, the type of contrast or tag used to image flow, and the amount of ionizing radiation associated with each measurement. In addition, the techniques vary in what is actually measured, whether it is capillary perfusion such as with PET and SPECT, or larger vessel information in addition to capillary perfusion such as with MRI and CT. Combined, these issues affect quantification and interpretation of data as well as the type of experiments possible using different techniques. The goal of this review is to give an overview of the techniques most commonly in use for physiological experiments along with the issues unique to each technique. PMID:22604884

Three-dimensional compressional wavespeed model, earthquake relocations, and focal mechanisms for the Parkfield, California, region

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thurber, C.; Zhang, H.; Waldhauser, F.; Hardebeck, J.; Michael, A.; Eberhart-Phillips, D.

2006-01-01

We present a new three-dimensional (3D) compressional vvavespeed (V p) model for the Parkfield region, taking advantage of the recent seismicity associated with the 2003 San Simeon and 2004 Parkfield earthquake sequences to provide increased model resolution compared to the work of Eberhart-Phillips and Michael (1993) (EPM93). Taking the EPM93 3D model as our starting model, we invert the arrival-time data from about 2100 earthquakes and 250 shots recorded on both permanent network and temporary stations in a region 130 km northeast-southwest by 120 km northwest-southeast. We include catalog picks and cross-correlation and catalog differential times in the inversion, using the double-difference tomography method of Zhang and Thurber (2003). The principal Vp features reported by EPM93 and Michelini and McEvilly (1991) are recovered, but with locally improved resolution along the San Andreas Fault (SAF) and near the active-source profiles. We image the previously identified strong wavespeed contrast (faster on the southwest side) across most of the length of the SAF, and we also improve the image of a high Vp body on the northeast side of the fault reported by EPM93. This narrow body is at about 5- to 12-km depth and extends approximately from the locked section of the SAP to the town of Parkfield. The footwall of the thrust fault responsible for the 1983 Coalinga earthquake is imaged as a northeast-dipping high wavespeed body. In between, relatively low wavespeeds (<5 km/sec) extend to as much as 10-km depth. We use this model to derive absolute locations for about 16,000 earthquakes from 1966 to 2005 and high-precision double-difference locations for 9,000 earthquakes from 1984 to 2005, and also to determine focal mechanisms for 446 earthquakes. These earthquake locations and mechanisms show that the seismogenic fault is a simple planar structure. The aftershock sequence of the 2004 mainshock concentrates into the same structures defined by the pre-2004 seismicity, confirming earlier observations (Waldhauser et al., 2004) that the seismicity pattern at Parkfield is long lived and persists through multiple cycles of mainshocks.

Multicenter study of quantitative computed tomography analysis using a computer-aided three-dimensional system in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

PubMed

Iwasawa, Tae; Kanauchi, Tetsu; Hoshi, Toshiko; Ogura, Takashi; Baba, Tomohisa; Gotoh, Toshiyuki; Oba, Mari S

2016-01-01

To evaluate the feasibility of automated quantitative analysis with a three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided system (i.e., Gaussian histogram normalized correlation, GHNC) of computed tomography (CT) images from different scanners. Each institution's review board approved the research protocol. Informed patient consent was not required. The participants in this multicenter prospective study were 80 patients (65 men, 15 women) with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Their mean age was 70.6 years. Computed tomography (CT) images were obtained by four different scanners set at different exposures. We measured the extent of fibrosis using GHNC, and used Pearson's correlation analysis, Bland-Altman plots, and kappa analysis to directly compare the GHNC results with manual scoring by radiologists. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the association between the CT data and forced vital capacity (FVC). For each scanner, the extent of fibrosis as determined by GHNC was significantly correlated with the radiologists' score. In multivariate analysis, the extent of fibrosis as determined by GHNC was significantly correlated with FVC (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the results obtained using different CT scanners. Gaussian histogram normalized correlation was feasible, irrespective of the type of CT scanner used.

Single-row versus double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in small- to medium-sized tears.

PubMed

Aydin, Nuri; Kocaoglu, Baris; Guven, Osman

2010-07-01

Double-row rotator cuff repair leads to superior cuff integrity and clinical results compared with single-row repair. The study enrolled 68 patients with a full-thickness rotator cuff tear who were divided into 2 groups of 34 patients according to repair technique. The patients were followed-up for at least 2 years. The results were evaluated by Constant score. Despite the biomechanical studies and cadaver studies that proved the superiority of double-row fixation over single-row fixation, our clinical results show no difference in functional outcome between the two methods. It is evident that double-row repair is more technically demanding, expensive, and time-consuming than single-row repair, without providing a significant improvement in clinical results. Comparison between groups did not show significant differences. At the final follow-up, the Constant score was 82.2 in the single-row group and 78.8 in the double-row group. Functional outcome was improved in both groups after surgery, but the difference between the 2 groups was not significant. At long-term follow-up, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with the double-row technique showed no significant difference in clinical outcome compared with single-row repair in small to medium tears. 2010 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Microarchitectural Deterioration of Cortical and Trabecular Bone: Differing Effects of Denosumab and Alendronate

PubMed Central

Seeman, Ego; Delmas, Pierre D; Hanley, David A; Sellmeyer, Deborah; Cheung, Angela M; Shane, Elizabeth; Kearns, Ann; Thomas, Thierry; Boyd, Steven K; Boutroy, Stephanie; Bogado, Cesar; Majumdar, Sharmila; Fan, Michelle; Libanati, Cesar; Zanchetta, Jose

2015-01-01

The intensity of bone remodeling is a critical determinant of the decay of cortical and trabecular microstructure after menopause. Denosumab suppresses remodeling more than alendronate, leading to greater gains in areal bone mineral density (aBMD). These greater gains may reflect differing effects of each drug on bone microarchitecture and strength. In a phase 2 double-blind pilot study, 247 postmenopausal women were randomized to denosumab (60mg subcutaneous 6 monthly), alendronate (70mg oral weekly), or placebo for 12 months. All received daily calcium and vitamin D. Morphologic changes were assessed using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) at the distal radius and distal tibia and QCT at the distal radius. Denosumab decreased serum C-telopeptide more rapidly and markedly than alendronate. In the placebo arm, total, cortical, and trabecular BMD and cortical thickness decreased (−2.1% to −0.8%) at the distal radius after 12 months. Alendronate prevented the decline (−0.6% to 2.4%, p = .051 to < .001 versus placebo), whereas denosumab prevented the decline or improved these variables (0.3% to 3.4%, p < .001 versus placebo). Changes in total and cortical BMD were greater with denosumab than with alendronate (p ≤ .024). Similar changes in these parameters were observed at the tibia. The polar moment of inertia also increased more in the denosumab than alendronate or placebo groups (p < .001). Adverse events did not differ by group. These data suggest that structural decay owing to bone remodeling and progression of bone fragility may be prevented more effectively with denosumab. PMID:20222106

Target detection and localization in shallow water: an experimental demonstration of the acoustic barrier problem at the laboratory scale.

PubMed

Marandet, Christian; Roux, Philippe; Nicolas, Barbara; Mars, Jérôme

2011-01-01

This study demonstrates experimentally at the laboratory scale the detection and localization of a wavelength-sized target in a shallow ultrasonic waveguide between two source-receiver arrays at 3 MHz. In the framework of the acoustic barrier problem, at the 1/1000 scale, the waveguide represents a 1.1-km-long, 52-m-deep ocean acoustic channel in the kilohertz frequency range. The two coplanar arrays record in the time-domain the transfer matrix of the waveguide between each pair of source-receiver transducers. Invoking the reciprocity principle, a time-domain double-beamforming algorithm is simultaneously performed on the source and receiver arrays. This array processing projects the multireverberated acoustic echoes into an equivalent set of eigenrays, which are defined by their launch and arrival angles. Comparison is made between the intensity of each eigenray without and with a target for detection in the waveguide. Localization is performed through tomography inversion of the acoustic impedance of the target, using all of the eigenrays extracted from double beamforming. The use of the diffraction-based sensitivity kernel for each eigenray provides both the localization and the signature of the target. Experimental results are shown in the presence of surface waves, and methodological issues are discussed for detection and localization.

Left crossed fused renal ectopia L-shaped kidney type, with double nutcracker syndrome (anterior and posterior).

PubMed

Pupca, Gheorghe; Miclăuş, Graţian Dragoslav; Bucuraş, Viorel; Iacob, Nicoleta; Sas, Ioan; Matusz, Petru; Tubbs, R Shane; Loukas, Marios

2014-01-01

Crossed fused renal ectopia (CFRE) is the second most common fusion anomalies (FAs) of the kidneys after horseshoe kidney. Crossed fused renal ectopia (CFRE) results from one kidney crossing over to the opposite side and subsequent fusion of the parenchyma of the two kidneys. We report, by multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) angiography, an extremely rare case of a left CFRE (L-shaped kidney type), consisting of multiple renal arteries (one main renal artery for the upper renal parenchyma, and three renal arteries (one main and two additional) for the lower renal parenchyma) and two left renal veins, which produced a double nutcracker syndrome (both anterior and posterior). The L-shaped left kidney has a maximum length of 18.5 cm, a maximum width of 10.2 cm, and a maximum thickness of 5.3 cm. The upper pole of the kidney is located at the level of the lower third of T12 vertebral body (4.6 cm left to the mediosagittal plan); the lower pole is located along the lower half of the L5 vertebral body (1.5 cm left to the mediosagittal plan). The following case will focus on the relevant anatomy, embryology, and the clinical significance of this entity.

Soft X-ray studies on MST: Measuring the effects of toroidicity on tearing mode phase and installation of a multi-energy camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vanmeter, Patrick; Reusch, Lisa; Franz, Paolo; Sarff, John; Goetz, John; Delgado-Aparicio, Louis; den Hartog, Daniel

2017-10-01

The soft X-ray tomography (SXT) system on MST uses four cameras in a double-filter configuration to measure the emitted brightness along forty distinct lines of sight. These measurements can then be inverted to determine the emissivity, which depends on physical properties such as temperature, density, and impurity content. The SXR emissivity should correspond to the structure of the magnetic field; however, there is a discrepancy between the phase of the emissivity inversions and magnetic field reconstructions when using the typical cylindrical approximation to interpret the signal from the toroidal magnetics array. This discrepancy was measured for two distinct plasma conditions using all four SXT cameras, with results supporting the interpretation that it emerges from physical effects of the toroidal geometry. In addition, a new soft x-ray measurement system based on the PILATUS3 photon counting detector will be installed on MST. Emitted photons are counted by an array of pixels with individually adjustable energy cutoffs giving the device more spectral information than the double-filter system. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Fusion Energy Sciences program under Award Numbers DE-FC02-05ER54814 and DE-SC0015474.

In vivo spectroscopic photoacoustic tomography imaging of a far red fluorescent protein expressed in the exocrine pancreas of adult zebrafish

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Mengyang; Schmitner, Nicole; Sandrian, Michelle G.; Zabihian, Behrooz; Hermann, Boris; Salvenmoser, Willi; Meyer, Dirk; Drexler, Wolfgang

2014-03-01

Fluorescent proteins brought a revolution in life sciences and biological research in that they make a powerful tool for researchers to study not only the structural and morphological information, but also dynamic and functional information in living cells and organisms. While green fluorescent proteins (GFP) have become a common labeling tool, red-shifted or even near infrared fluorescent proteins are becoming the research focus due to the fact that longer excitation wavelengths are more suitable for deep tissue imaging. In this study, E2-Crimson, a far red fluorescent protein whose excitation wavelength is 611 nm, was genetically expressed in the exocrine pancreas of adult zebrafish. Using spectroscopic all optical detection photoacoustic tomography, we mapped the distribution of E2-Crimson in 3D after imaging the transgenic zebrafish in vivo using two different wavelengths. With complementary morphological information provided by imaging the same fish using a spectral domain optical coherence tomography system, the E2-Crimson distribution acquired from spectroscopic photoacoustic tomography was confirmed in 2D by epifluorescence microscopy and in 3D by histology. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time a far red fluorescent protein is imaged in vivo by spectroscopic photoacoustic tomography. Due to the regeneration feature of zebrafish pancreas, this work preludes the longitudinal studies of animal models of diseases such as pancreatitis by spectroscopic photoacoustic tomography. Since the effective penetration depth of photoacoustic tomography is beyond the transport mean free path length, other E2-Crimson labeled inner organs will also be able to be studied dynamically using spectroscopic photoacoustic tomography.

APCAP--activated protein C in acute pancreatitis: a double-blind randomized human pilot trial.

PubMed

Pettilä, Ville; Kyhälä, Lea; Kylänpää, Marja-Leena; Leppäniemi, Ari; Tallgren, Minna; Markkola, Antti; Puolakkainen, Pauli; Repo, Heikki; Kemppainen, Esko

2010-01-01

Previous human studies have shown low activity of protein C (APC) in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). This, together with the findings in animal models, suggests that activated protein C (APC) may protect against pancreatic injury and ameliorate the disease. We, therefore, evaluated its effect on multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) measured by the SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) and on organ-failure-free days, and the safety of APC in SAP. A prospective double blind randomized pilot study was use. The study occurred in one university hospital tertiary intensive care unit (ICU) with eight beds. The patients were chosen according to the following inclusion criteria: 1) Those admitted to the hospital < 96 h from the onset of pain, 2) Those who had a three-fold increase in serum amylase over normal upper range or/and in whom computed tomography (CT) verification of SAP was noted, 3) Those who had one or more organ dysfunction (OD), and 4) Those in whom less than 48 hours had passed since their first OD. Of a total of 215 adult patients with SAP screened between June 2003 and August 2007, 158 fulfilled the study inclusion criteria. After exclusions 32 patients were randomized to the study. The intervention consisted of APC (N = 16) administered intravenously for 96 hours with a dose of 24 μg/kg/hour or placebo (N = 16) with a similar infusion rate. The sample size for the study was calculated according to the primary end-point: the change in SOFA during study drug infusion (Days 0 and 5). Comparisons between the study groups were performed using patient-related changes and calculation of difference in means (DIM, 95% CIs) and regarding categorical variables with Fisher's exact test. For all comparisons P < 0.05 was considered significant. No serious bleeding was detected clinically or by CT scans in either group. No significant difference in SOFA score change between the APC and placebo groups was found (difference in means (DIM) +2.3, 95% CI -0.7 to +5.3). Treatment with APC was associated with an increase in serum levels of both total and conjugated bilirubin. No differences in ventilator-free days, in renal replacement therapy-free days, in vasopressor-free days, or in days alive outside the hospital were detected. No serious bleeding or differences in the evolution of MOD were detected between APC and the placebo. Instead we found an increase in serum bilirubin in the APC group compared to the placebo group in patients with SAP. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01017107.

[EEG source localization using LORETA (low resolution electromagnetic tomography)].

PubMed

Puskás, Szilvia

2011-03-30

Eledctroencephalography (EEG) has excellent temporal resolution, but the spatial resolution is poor. Different source localization methods exist to solve the so-called inverse problem, thus increasing the accuracy of spatial localization. This paper provides an overview of the history of source localization and the main categories of techniques are discussed. LORETA (low resolution electromagnetic tomography) is introduced in details: technical informations are discussed and localization properties of LORETA method are compared to other inverse solutions. Validation of the method with different imaging techniques is also discussed. This paper reviews several publications using LORETA both in healthy persons and persons with different neurological and psychiatric diseases. Finally future possible applications are discussed.

Visual and tactile information in double bass intonation control.

PubMed

Lage, Guilherme Menezes; Borém, Fausto; Vieira, Maurílio Nunes; Barreiros, João Pardal

2007-04-01

Traditionally, the teaching of intonation on the non-tempered orchestral strings (violin, viola, cello, and double bass) has resorted to the auditory and proprioceptive senses only. This study aims at understanding the role of visual and tactile information in the control of the non-tempered intonation of the acoustic double bass. Eight musicians played 11 trials of an atonal sequence of musical notes on two double basses of different sizes under different sensorial constraints. The accuracy of the played notes was analyzed by measuring their frequencies and comparing them with respective target values. The main finding was that the performance which integrated visual and tactile information was superior in relation to the other performances in the control of double bass intonation. This contradicts the traditional belief that proprioception and hearing are the most effective feedback information in the performance of stringed instruments.

Positron emission tomography with additional γ-ray detectors for multiple-tracer imaging.

PubMed

Fukuchi, Tomonori; Okauchi, Takashi; Shigeta, Mika; Yamamoto, Seiichi; Watanabe, Yasuyoshi; Enomoto, Shuichi

2017-06-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a useful imaging modality that quantifies the physiological distributions of radiolabeled tracers in vivo in humans and animals. However, this technique is unsuitable for multiple-tracer imaging because the annihilation photons used for PET imaging have a fixed energy regardless of the selection of the radionuclide tracer. This study developed a multi-isotope PET (MI-PET) system and evaluated its imaging performance. Our MI-PET system is composed of a PET system and additional γ-ray detectors. The PET system consists of pixelized gadolinium orthosilicate (GSO) scintillation detectors and has a ring geometry that is 95 mm in diameter with an axial field of view of 37.5 mm. The additional detectors are eight bismuth germanium oxide (BGO) scintillation detectors, each of which is 50 × 50 × 30 mm 3 , arranged into two rings mounted on each side of the PET ring with a 92-mm-inner diameter. This system can distinguish between different tracers using the additional γ-ray detectors to observe prompt γ-rays, which are emitted after positron emission and have an energy intrinsic to each radionuclide. Our system can simultaneously acquire double- (two annihilation photons) and triple- (two annihilation photons and a prompt γ-ray) coincidence events. The system's efficiency for detecting prompt de-excitation γ-rays was measured using a positron-γ emitter, 22 Na. Dual-radionuclide ( 18 F and 22 Na) imaging of a rod phantom and a mouse was performed to demonstrate the performance of the developed system. Our system's basic performance was evaluated by reconstructing two images, one containing both tracers and the other containing just the second tracer, from list-mode data sets that were categorized by the presence or absence of the prompt γ-ray. The maximum detection efficiency for 1275 keV γ-rays emitted from 22 Na was approximately 7% at the scanner's center, and the minimum detection efficiency was 5.1% at the edge of the field of view. Dual-radionuclide imaging of the point sources and rod phantom revealed that our system maintained PET's intrinsic spatial resolution and quantitative nature for the second tracer. We also successfully acquired simultaneous double- and triple-coincidence events from a mouse containing 18 F-fluoro-deoxyglucose and 22 Na dissolved in water. The dual-tracer distributions in the mouse obtained by our MI-PET were reasonable from the viewpoints of physiology and pharmacokinetics. This study demonstrates the feasibility of multiple-tracer imaging using PET with additional γ-ray detectors. This method holds promise for enabling the reconstruction of quantitative multiple-tracer images and could be very useful for analyzing multiple-molecular dynamics. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Stability of Y–Ti–O precipitates in friction stir welded nanostructured ferritic alloys

DOE PAGES

Yu, Xinghua; Mazumder, B.; Miller, M. K.; ...

2015-01-19

Nanostructured ferritic alloys, which have complex microstructures which consist of ultrafine ferritic grains with a dispersion of stable oxide particles and nanoclusters, are promising materials for fuel cladding and structural applications in the next generation nuclear reactor. This paper evaluates microstructure of friction stir welded nanostructured ferritic alloys using electron microscopy and atom probe tomography techniques. Atom probe tomography results revealed that nanoclusters are coarsened and inhomogeneously distributed in the stir zone and thermomechanically affected zone. Three hypotheses on coarsening of nanoclusters are presented. Finally, the hardness difference in different regions of friction stir weld has been explained.

Optimization and evaluation of metal injection molding by using X-ray tomography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Shidi; Zhang, Ruijie; Qu, Xuanhui, E-mail: quxh@ustb.edu.cn

2015-06-15

6061 aluminum alloy and 316L stainless steel green bodies were obtained by using different injection parameters (injection pressure, speed and temperature). After injection process, the green bodies were scanned by X-ray tomography. The projection and reconstruction images show the different kinds of defects obtained by the improper injection parameters. Then, 3D rendering of the Al alloy green bodies was used to demonstrate the spatial morphology characteristics of the serious defects. Based on the scanned and calculated results, it is convenient to obtain the proper injection parameters for the Al alloy. Then, reasons of the defect formation were discussed. During moldmore » filling, the serious defects mainly formed in the case of low injection temperature and high injection speed. According to the gray value distribution of projection image, a threshold gray value was obtained to evaluate whether the quality of green body can meet the desired standard. The proper injection parameters of 316L stainless steel can be obtained efficiently by using the method of analyzing the Al alloy injection. - Highlights: • Different types of defects in green bodies were scanned by using X-ray tomography. • Reasons of the defect formation were discussed. • Optimization of the injection parameters can be simplified greatly by the way of X-ray tomography. • Evaluation standard of the injection process can be obtained by using the gray value distribution of projection image.« less

Single versus double-row repair of the rotator cuff: does double-row repair with improved anatomical and biomechanical characteristics lead to better clinical outcome?

PubMed

Pauly, Stephan; Gerhardt, Christian; Chen, Jianhai; Scheibel, Markus

2010-12-01

Several techniques for arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff defects have been introduced over the past years. Besides established techniques such as single-row repairs, new techniques such as double-row reconstructions have gained increasing interest. The present article therefore provides an overview of the currently available literature on both repair techniques with respect to several anatomical, biomechanical, clinical and structural endpoints. Systematic literature review of biomechanical, clinical and radiographic studies investigating or comparing single- and double-row techniques. These results were evaluated and compared to provide an overview on benefits and drawbacks of the respective repair type. Reconstructions of the tendon-to-bone unit for full-thickness tears in either single- or double-row technique differ with respect to several endpoints. Double-row repair techniques provide more anatomical reconstructions of the footprint and superior initial biomechanical characteristics when compared to single-row repair. With regard to clinical results, no significant differences were found while radiological data suggest a better structural tendon integrity following double-row fixation. Presently published clinical studies cannot emphasize a clearly superior technique at this time. Available biomechanical studies are in favour of double-row repair. Radiographic studies suggest a beneficial effect of double-row reconstruction on structural integrity of the reattached tendon or reduced recurrent defect rates, respectively.

Lack of efficacy of L-759274, a novel neurokinin 1 (substance P) receptor antagonist, for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.

PubMed

Michelson, David; Hargreaves, Richard; Alexander, Robert; Ceesay, Paulette; Hietala, Jarmo; Lines, Christopher; Reines, Scott

2013-02-01

Preclinical studies suggest that substance P acting at neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors may be involved in stress responses and NK1 receptor antagonists show activity in tests of anxiety. These data raise the possibility that NK1 receptor antagonists could be potential anxiolytic treatments in humans. We evaluated this hypothesis clinically using the NK1 antagonist L-759274. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled, multicentre, proof-of-concept trial. Patients with generalized anxiety disorder were randomized 1:1:1 to 6 wk of treatment with 40 mg L-759274 (n = 73), 1-6 mg lorazepam (n = 69) or placebo (n = 71). Efficacy was assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). A positron emission tomography (PET) study was also performed in 16 healthy subjects to determine the relationship between NK1 receptor occupancy and plasma levels of L-759274 to verify adequate target engagement by the doses tested during the clinical trial. No statistically significant difference in mean change from baseline HAMA score at 6 wk was seen for L-759274 vs. placebo [difference = 1.0 (95% confidence intervals (CI) -1.2 to 3.2), p = 0.359] whereas the lorazepam group did show a significant improvement vs. placebo (difference = -2.7, 95% CI -5.0 to -0.4, p = 0.020) and L-759274 (difference = 3.7, 95% CI 1.5-6.0, p = 0.001]. Results from the PET study indicated that the L-759274 dosing regimen used in the clinical trial likely provided high levels of NK1 receptor occupancy (>90%), supporting the view that it was an adequate proof-of-concept trial. The NK1 receptor antagonist L-759274 does not appear to be efficacious for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.

Non-Conventional Applications of Computerized Tomography: Analysis of Solid Dosage Forms Produced by Pharmaceutical Industry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Martins de Oliveira, Jose Jr.; Germano Martins, Antonio Cesar

X-ray computed tomography (CT) refers to the cross-sectional imaging of an object measuring the transmitted radiation at different directions. In this work, we describe a non-conventional application of computerized tomography: visualization and improvements in the understanding of some internal structural features of solid dosage forms. A micro-CT X-ray scanner, with a minimum resolution of 30 mum was used to characterize some pharmaceutical tablets, granules, controlled-release osmotic tablet and liquid-filled soft-gelatin capsules. The analysis presented in this work are essentially qualitative, but quantitative parameters, such as porosity, density distribution, tablets dimensions, etc. could also be obtained using the related CT techniques.

Impact of Dynamic Specimen Shape Evolution on the Atom Probe Tomography Results of Doped Epitaxial Oxide Multilayers: Comparison of Experiment and Simulation

DOE PAGES

Madaan, Nitesh; Bao, Jie; Nandasiri, Manjula I.; ...

2015-08-31

The experimental atom probe tomography results from two different specimen orientations (top-down and side-ways) of a high oxygen ion conducting Samaria-doped-ceria/Scandia-stabilized-zirconia multilayer thin film solid oxide fuel cell electrolyte was correlated with level-set method based field evaporation simulations for the same specimen orientations. This experiment-theory correlation explains the dynamic specimen shape evolution and ion trajectory aberrations that can induce density artifacts in final reconstruction leading to inaccurate estimation of interfacial intermixing. This study highlights the need and importance of correlating experimental results with field evaporation simulations when using atom probe tomography for studying oxide heterostructure interfaces.

Correction for specimen movement and rotation errors for in-vivo Optical Projection Tomography

PubMed Central

Birk, Udo Jochen; Rieckher, Matthias; Konstantinides, Nikos; Darrell, Alex; Sarasa-Renedo, Ana; Meyer, Heiko; Tavernarakis, Nektarios; Ripoll, Jorge

2010-01-01

The application of optical projection tomography to in-vivo experiments is limited by specimen movement during the acquisition. We present a set of mathematical correction methods applied to the acquired data stacks to correct for movement in both directions of the image plane. These methods have been applied to correct experimental data taken from in-vivo optical projection tomography experiments in Caenorhabditis elegans. Successful reconstructions for both fluorescence and white light (absorption) measurements are shown. Since no difference between movement of the animal and movement of the rotation axis is made, this approach at the same time removes artifacts due to mechanical drifts and errors in the assumed center of rotation. PMID:21258448

Minimax Quantum Tomography: Estimators and Relative Entropy Bounds.

PubMed

Ferrie, Christopher; Blume-Kohout, Robin

2016-03-04

A minimax estimator has the minimum possible error ("risk") in the worst case. We construct the first minimax estimators for quantum state tomography with relative entropy risk. The minimax risk of nonadaptive tomography scales as O(1/sqrt[N])-in contrast to that of classical probability estimation, which is O(1/N)-where N is the number of copies of the quantum state used. We trace this deficiency to sampling mismatch: future observations that determine risk may come from a different sample space than the past data that determine the estimate. This makes minimax estimators very biased, and we propose a computationally tractable alternative with similar behavior in the worst case, but superior accuracy on most states.

Optical Coherence Tomography and Autofluorescence Imaging of Human Tonsil

PubMed Central

Pahlevaninezhad, Hamid; Lee, Anthony M. D.; Rosin, Miriam; Sun, Ivan; Zhang, Lewei; Hakimi, Mehrnoush; MacAulay, Calum; Lane, Pierre M.

2014-01-01

For the first time, we present co-registered autofluorescence imaging and optical coherence tomography (AF/OCT) of excised human palatine tonsils to evaluate the capabilities of OCT to visualize tonsil tissue components. Despite limited penetration depth, OCT can provide detailed structural information about tonsil tissue with much higher resolution than that of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and Ultrasound. Different tonsil tissue components such as epithelium, dense connective tissue, lymphoid nodules, and crypts can be visualized by OCT. The co-registered AF imaging can provide matching biochemical information. AF/OCT scans may provide a non-invasive tool for detecting tonsillar cancers and for studying the natural history of their development. PMID:25542010

Structural and energetic processes related to P300: LORETA findings in depression and effects of antidepressant drugs.

PubMed

Anderer, P; Saletu, B; Semlitsch, H V; Pascual-Marqui, R D

2002-01-01

Noninvasive electrophysiological neuroimaging applied to cognitive components of event-related potentials (ERPs) may differentiate between structural and energetic processes related to information processing. The structural level, revealed by the location of the local maxima of the current source density distribution, describes the time-dependent network of activated brain areas. The magnitude of the source strength, a measure of the energetic component, describes the allocation of processing resources. ERPs were recorded in an odd-ball paradigm and low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) was applied for standard and target ERP components. In a group of 60 menopausal depressed patients of 45-60 years of age, reduced P300 source strength was observed bilaterally, temporally and medially prefrontally reaching to rostal parts of the anterior cingulate, compared with 29 age-matched controls. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 2 mg of the antidepressant citalopram induced a significant increase of P300 source strength in the (left) prefrontal cortex and precuneus compared with placebo, reaching to the posterior cingulate. Similar increases were observed after 800 mg S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) administered intravenously in ten young healthy subjects aged 22-33, and they were even more pronounced in ten elderly healthy subjects aged 56-71. Thus, ERP-tomography identified changes in energetic sources in brain areas predominantly involved in depression and in antidepressant action.

Pretreatment with diphenoxylate hydrochloride/atropine sulfate (Lomotil) does not decrease physiologic bowel FDG activity on PET/CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis.

PubMed

Murphy, Robert; Doerger, Kirk M; Nathan, Mark A; Lowe, Val J

2009-01-01

Physiologic uptake of 2-[(18)F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D: -glucose (FDG) by bowel can confound positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) assessment for abdominal pathology, particularly within the bowel itself. We wished to determine if oral administration of the antimotility agent, Lomotil (5 mg diphenoxylate hydrochloride/0.05 mg atropine sulfate; G.D. Searle and Company, a division of Pfizer), prior to PET/CT scanning would reduce physiologic uptake of FDG by the small bowel and colon (lower gastrointestinal [GI] tract). Patients undergoing PET/CT scans for lymphoma were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study and received either 10 mL water (control group) or 10 mL Lomotil (experimental group) orally 30-60 min prior to scanning. Scans were reviewed independently by two blinded experienced readers and scored for the degree of FDG activity in the lower GI tract relative to liver activity. The administration of Lomotil prior to PET/CT scanning did not reduce physiologic FDG activity in the small bowel and colon. In contrast, increased radiotracer uptake by the lower GI tract was observed in the Lomotil group compared to the control group. Pretreatment with Lomotil prior to PET/CT scanning confers no benefit toward the reduction of physiologic FDG uptake by the small bowel and colon.

The effect of extracapsular injuries on growth and development of the mandible condyle: an experimental study in growing dogs.

PubMed

Liu, Siying; Tian, Lei; Ding, Mingchao; Liu, Yanpu; Li, Guiyu; Chen, Jinwu; Ding, Yin

2016-11-01

To investigate the effects of condylar extracapsular injuries on the development of the mandibular condyle and try to find a way to treat condylar hyperplasia by electively using such injuries to restrict the overdeveloped mandibular condyle. Sixty 6-month-old beagle puppies were divided randomly into five groups: blank control; unilateral fracture to the condylar neck; unilateral fracture to the condylar neck treated with rigid internal fixation; unilateral periosteum injury; unilateral decortication of the condylar neck. Computed tomography, 99 m Tc single-photon emission computed tomography, and tetracycline-calcein double-labeling were performed after surgery. The puppies were sacrificed 12 and 24 weeks after surgery. Morphologic analyses and examination of growth activity were done. Unilateral fracture of the condylar neck without fixation caused local morphologic changes during the early postoperative period, but compensatory growth of the condyle altered such changes after healing. The other types of injury failed to inhibit the growth of the condyle and the mandible, whereas functional deviation of the chin was found after unilateral fracture of the condylar neck with or without fixation. The four types of extracapsular injury described here failed to inhibit the growth of the mandibular condyle and could not be selected as alternatives to treat condylar hyperplasia. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Assessment of human brown adipose tissue density during daily ingestion of thermogenic capsinoids using near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nirengi, Shinsuke; Homma, Toshiyuki; Inoue, Naohiko; Sato, Hitoshi; Yoneshiro, Takeshi; Matsushita, Mami; Kameya, Toshimitsu; Sugie, Hiroki; Tsuzaki, Kokoro; Saito, Masayuki; Sakane, Naoki; Kurosawa, Yuko; Hamaoka, Takafumi

2016-09-01

F18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) is widely used as a standard method for evaluating human brown adipose tissue (BAT), a recognized therapeutic target of obesity. However, a longitudinal BAT study using FDG-PET/CT is lacking owing to limitations of the method. Near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy (NIRTRS) is a technique for evaluating human BAT density noninvasively. This study aimed to test whether NIRTRS could detect changes in BAT density during or after long-term intervention. First, using FDG-PET/CT, we confirmed a significant increase (+48.8%, P<0.05) in BAT activity in the supraclavicular region after 6-week treatment with thermogenic capsaicin analogs, capsinoids. Next, 20 volunteers were administered either capsinoids or placebo daily for 8 weeks in a double-blind design, and BAT density was measured using NIRTRS every 2 weeks during the 8-week treatment period and an 8-week period after stopping treatment. Consistent with FDG-PET/CT results, NIRTRS successfully detected an increase in BAT density during the 8-week treatment (+46.4%, P<0.05), and a decrease in the 8-week follow-up period (-12.5%, P=0.07), only in the capsinoid-treated, but not the placebo, group. Thus, NIRTRS can be applied for quantitative assessment of BAT in longitudinal intervention studies in humans.

[Management of suicidal orbital gunshot wounds to the temple].

PubMed

Schargus, M; Kawa, D; Elling, M; Kunkel, M

2014-10-01

Orbital gunshot wounds are rarely found after suicide. A gunshot fired at point blank range into the temple has devastating effects on all intraorbital and neighboring structures. This article reports on two cases of gunshot wounds to the lateral orbit in attempted suicides with different weapons from 2012 and 2013 and treated at the Ruhr University Eye Hospital in Bochum. In both cases treatment was carried out in cooperation with the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, Ruhr University Hospital, Bochum. In the first case a 7.65 mm gun was used. The patient presented with a double penetration of both orbits with total destruction of both globes and a reconstruction was not possible. The second patient presented with multiple shots to the head from a small caliber gun (5.6 mm) where one bullet entered the right orbit behind the globe. The bullet could be localized using computed tomography (CT) and surgically removed with preservation of the globe and with a postoperative visual acuity of 20/60. The preservation of visual function after orbital gunshot wounds depends on both the projectile channel and the characteristics of the gun and bullet. Close collaboration in surgical management between ophthalmologists, maxillofacial surgeons and neurosurgeons in specialized centers is necessary because patients often present with multiple trauma and prompt interdisciplinary treatment is needed.

Beamlines of the Biomedical Imaging and Therapy Facility at the Canadian Light Source - Part 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wysokinski, T. W.; Chapman, D.; Adams, G.; Renier, M.; Suortti, P.; Thomlinson, W.

2013-03-01

The BioMedical Imaging and Therapy (BMIT) facility provides a world class facility with unique synchrotron-specific imaging and therapy capabilities. This paper describes Insertion Device (ID) beamline 05ID-2 with the beam terminated in the first experimental hutch: POE-2. The experimental methods available in POE-2 include: Microbeam Radiation Therapy (MRT), Synchrotron Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SSRT) and absorption imaging (projection and Computed Tomography (CT)). The source for the ID beamline is a multi-pole superconductive 4.3 T wiggler, which can generate ~30 kW of radiative power and deliver dose as high as 3000 Gy/s required for MRT program. The optics in POE-1 hutch prepares either monochromatic or filtered white beam that is used in POE-2. The Double Crystal (DC), bent Laue monochromator will prepare a beam over 10 cm wide at sample point, while spanning an energy range appropriate for imaging studies of animals (20-100+ keV). The experimental hutch will have a flexible positioning system that can handle subjects up to 120 kg. Several different cameras will be available with resolutions ranging from 4 μm to 150 μm. The latest update on the status of 05B1-1 bending magnet (BM) beamline, described in Part 1 [1], is also included.

Phase-contrast tomography of sciatic nerves: image quality and experimental parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Töpperwien, M.; Krenkel, M.; Ruhwedel, T.; Möbius, W.; Pacureanu, A.; Cloetens, P.; Salditt, T.

2017-06-01

We present propagation-based phase-contrast tomography of mouse sciatic nerves stained with osmium, leading to an enhanced contrast in the myelin sheath around the axons, in order to visualize the threedimensional (3D) structure of the nerve. We compare different experimental parameters and show that contrast and resolution are high enough to identify single axons in the nerve, including characteristic functional structures such as Schmidt-Lanterman incisures.

Frequency multiplexed long range swept source optical coherence tomography

PubMed Central

Zurauskas, Mantas; Bradu, Adrian; Podoleanu, Adrian Gh.

2013-01-01

We present a novel swept source optical coherence tomography configuration, equipped with acousto-optic deflectors that can be used to simultaneously acquire multiple B-scans originating from different depths. The sensitivity range of the configuration is evaluated while acquiring five simultaneous B-scans. Then the configuration is employed to demonstrate long range B-scan imaging by combining two simultaneous B-scans from a mouse head sample. PMID:23760762

Cardiac metastases of Ewing sarcoma detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT.

PubMed

Coccia, Paola; Ruggiero, Antonio; Rufini, Vittoria; Maurizi, Palma; Attinà, Giorgio; Marano, Riccardo; Natale, Luigi; Leccisotti, Lucia; Calcagni, Maria L; Riccardi, Riccardo

2012-04-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) is widely used in the diagnostic evaluation and staging of different malignant tumors. The role of PET/computed tomographic scan in detecting distant metastases in the workup of Ewing sarcoma in children or young adults is less well defined. We report a case of a boy affected by a metastatic Ewing sarcoma with cardiac asymptomatic metastasis detected by F-FDG PET/computed tomography.

Distributed RF Tomography for Tunnel Detection: Suitable Inversion Schemes

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

methods, ranging from seismic to electromagnetic waves, or from gravity to optics, from impedance tomography to magnetotellurics, no technique...unclassified b. ABSTRACT unclassified c. THIS PAGE unclassified Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98) Prescribed by ANSI Std Z39-18 Borehole GPR, which may...one manner to different targets (when targets are well-resolved). In particular, the wavefront generated by the array , when excited by one of these

Computerized tomography as a diagnostic aid in acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis.

PubMed

Rothstein, T L; Shaw, C M

1983-03-01

Computerized tomography (CT) in a pathologically proven case of acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHL) showed a mass effect and increased absorption coefficient in the right hemisphere within 18 hours of the onset of neurological symptoms. The changes corresponded to the site of white matter edema, necrosis, and petechial hemorrhages demonstrated postmortem. The early changes of CT reflect the hyperacute nature of AHL and differ from those of herpes simplex encephalitis.

Application of process tomography in gas-solid fluidised beds in different scales and structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, H. G.; Che, H. Q.; Ye, J. M.; Tu, Q. Y.; Wu, Z. P.; Yang, W. Q.; Ocone, R.

2018-04-01

Gas-solid fluidised beds are commonly used in particle-related processes, e.g. for coal combustion and gasification in the power industry, and the coating and granulation process in the pharmaceutical industry. Because the operation efficiency depends on the gas-solid flow characteristics, it is necessary to investigate the flow behaviour. This paper is about the application of process tomography, including electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) and microwave tomography (MWT), in multi-scale gas-solid fluidisation processes in the pharmaceutical and power industries. This is the first time that both ECT and MWT have been applied for this purpose in multi-scale and complex structure. To evaluate the sensor design and image reconstruction and to investigate the effects of sensor structure and dimension on the image quality, a normalised sensitivity coefficient is introduced. In the meantime, computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis based on a computational particle fluid dynamic (CPFD) model and a two-phase fluid model (TFM) is used. Part of the CPFD-TFM simulation results are compared and validated by experimental results from ECT and/or MWT. By both simulation and experiment, the complex flow hydrodynamic behaviour in different scales is analysed. Time-series capacitance data are analysed both in time and frequency domains to reveal the flow characteristics.

TVR-DART: A More Robust Algorithm for Discrete Tomography From Limited Projection Data With Automated Gray Value Estimation.

PubMed

Xiaodong Zhuge; Palenstijn, Willem Jan; Batenburg, Kees Joost

2016-01-01

In this paper, we present a novel iterative reconstruction algorithm for discrete tomography (DT) named total variation regularized discrete algebraic reconstruction technique (TVR-DART) with automated gray value estimation. This algorithm is more robust and automated than the original DART algorithm, and is aimed at imaging of objects consisting of only a few different material compositions, each corresponding to a different gray value in the reconstruction. By exploiting two types of prior knowledge of the scanned object simultaneously, TVR-DART solves the discrete reconstruction problem within an optimization framework inspired by compressive sensing to steer the current reconstruction toward a solution with the specified number of discrete gray values. The gray values and the thresholds are estimated as the reconstruction improves through iterations. Extensive experiments from simulated data, experimental μCT, and electron tomography data sets show that TVR-DART is capable of providing more accurate reconstruction than existing algorithms under noisy conditions from a small number of projection images and/or from a small angular range. Furthermore, the new algorithm requires less effort on parameter tuning compared with the original DART algorithm. With TVR-DART, we aim to provide the tomography society with an easy-to-use and robust algorithm for DT.

Complementary use of optical coherence tomography and 5-aminolevulinic acid induced fluorescent spectroscopy for diagnosis of neoplastic processes in cervix and vulva

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sapozhnikova, Veronika V.; Shakhova, Natalia M.; Kamensky, Vladislav A.; Kuranov, Roman V.; Loshenov, Victor B.; Petrova, Svetlana A.

2003-07-01

A new approach to improving the diagnostic value of optical methods is suggested, which is based on a complementary investigation of different optical parameters of biotissues. The aim of this paper is comparative study of the feasibility of two optical methods - fluorescence spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography - for visualization of borders of neoplastic processes in the uterine cervix and vulva. Fluorescence spectroscopy is based on the detection of biochemical and optical coherence tomography on backscattering properties in norm and pathological changes of tissues. By means of these optical methods changes in biochemical and morphological properties of tissues were investigated. A parallel analysis of these two optical methods and histology from the center of tumors and their optical borders was made. Thirteen female patients with neoplastic changes in uterine cervix and vulva were enrolled in this study. The borders of the tumor determined by optical methods (fluorescence spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography) are coinciding with the biopsy proved ones. In addition, OCT and fluorescence borders of tumor in the uterine cervix and vulva exceeds colposcopically detectable borders, the averaging difference 2 mm. In future optical methods would considerably enhance diagnostic accuracy of conventional methods used in oncogynecology.

Dual-energy computed tomography for the detection of focal liver lesions.

PubMed

Lago, K N; Vallejos, J; Capuñay, C; Salas, E; Reynoso, E; Carpio, J B; Carrascosa, P M

To qualitatively and quantitatively explore the spectral study of focal liver lesions, comparing it with the usual polychromatic assessment with single-energy computed tomography. We prospectively studied 50 patients with at least one focal liver lesion who were referred for abdominal multidetector computed tomography with intravenous contrast material. The portal phase was acquired with dual energy sources. The density of the lesions and of the surrounding liver parenchyma was measured both in the baseline polychromatic acquisition and in the posterior monochromatic reconstructions at 40 keV, 70 keV, and 140 keV. Spectral curves were traced and the dual-energy indices and contrast-to-noise ratio were calculated. Lastly, the quality of the images and the detectability of the lesions were assessed qualitatively. Densitometric differences between the different types of lesions (avascular and vascularized) and the liver were greater at low energy levels (left side of the spectral curve) than in the polychromatic evaluation. In the subjective assessment, the 40keV energy level had the greatest lesion detectability. Monochromatic spectral study with dual-energy computed tomography provides better lesion detectability at 40keV compared to that provided by the ordinary polychromatic evaluation. Copyright © 2017 SERAM. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Room temperature synthesis of water-dispersible Ln3+:CeF3 (Ln = Nd, Tb) nanoparticles with different morphology as bimodal probes for fluorescence and CT imaging.

PubMed

González-Mancebo, Daniel; Becerro, Ana I; Rojas, T Cristina; Olivencia, Andrés; Corral, Ariadna; Balcerzyk, Marcin; Cantelar, Eugenio; Cussó, Fernando; Ocaña, Manuel

2018-06-15

The singular properties of lanthanide-based inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) has raised the attention of the scientific community in biotechnological applications. In particular, those systems with two or more functionalities are especially interesting. In this work, an effective and commercially attractive procedure has been developed that renders uniform, water-dispersible Ln 3+ :CeF 3 (Ln = Tb, Nd) NPs with different shapes and size. The method consists of the homogeneous precipitation, in a mixture of polyol and water, of cations and anions using precursors that allow the controlled release of the latter. The advantages of the reported method are related to the absence of surfactants, dispersing agents or corrosive precursors as well as to the room temperature of the process. The obtained Tb:CeF 3 NPs produce an intense emission after excitation through the Ce-Tb energy transfer band located in the UV spectral region, thus being potentially useful as phosphors for in-vitro imaging purposes. On the other hand, the synthesized Nd:CeF 3 NPs are good candidates for in-vivo imaging because their excitation and emission wavelengths lie in the biological windows. Finally, the excellent X-ray attenuation efficacy of the Nd:CeF 3 NPs is shown, which confers double functionality to this material as both luminescence bioprobe and contrast agent for X-ray computed-tomography. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Stereo-tomography in triangulated models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Kai; Shao, Wei-Dong; Xing, Feng-yuan; Xiong, Kai

2018-04-01

Stereo-tomography is a distinctive tomographic method. It is capable of estimating the scatterer position, the local dip of scatterer and the background velocity simultaneously. Building a geologically consistent velocity model is always appealing for applied and earthquake seismologists. Differing from the previous work to incorporate various regularization techniques into the cost function of stereo-tomography, we think extending stereo-tomography to the triangulated model will be the most straightforward way to achieve this goal. In this paper, we provided all the Fréchet derivatives of stereo-tomographic data components with respect to model components for slowness-squared triangulated model (or sloth model) in 2D Cartesian coordinate based on the ray perturbation theory for interfaces. A sloth model representation means a sparser model representation when compared with conventional B-spline model representation. A sparser model representation leads to a smaller scale of stereo-tomographic (Fréchet) matrix, a higher-accuracy solution when solving linear equations, a faster convergence rate and a lower requirement for quantity of data space. Moreover, a quantitative representation of interface strengthens the relationships among different model components, which makes the cross regularizations among these model components, such as node coordinates, scatterer coordinates and scattering angles, etc., more straightforward and easier to be implemented. The sensitivity analysis, the model resolution matrix analysis and a series of synthetic data examples demonstrate the correctness of the Fréchet derivatives, the applicability of the regularization terms and the robustness of the stereo-tomography in triangulated model. It provides a solid theoretical foundation for the real applications in the future.

Cosmology with photometric weak lensing surveys: Constraints with redshift tomography of convergence peaks and moments

DOE PAGES

Petri, Andrea; May, Morgan; Haiman, Zoltán

2016-09-30

Weak gravitational lensing is becoming a mature technique for constraining cosmological parameters, and future surveys will be able to constrain the dark energy equation of state w. When analyzing galaxy surveys, redshift information has proven to be a valuable addition to angular shear correlations. We forecast parameter constraints on the triplet (Ω m,w,σ 8) for a LSST-like photometric galaxy survey, using tomography of the shear-shear power spectrum, convergence peak counts and higher convergence moments. Here we find that redshift tomography with the power spectrum reduces the area of the 1σ confidence interval in (Ω m,w) space by a factor ofmore » 8 with respect to the case of the single highest redshift bin. We also find that adding non-Gaussian information from the peak counts and higher-order moments of the convergence field and its spatial derivatives further reduces the constrained area in (Ω m,w) by factors of 3 and 4, respectively. When we add cosmic microwave background parameter priors from Planck to our analysis, tomography improves power spectrum constraints by a factor of 3. Adding moments yields an improvement by an additional factor of 2, and adding both moments and peaks improves by almost a factor of 3 over power spectrum tomography alone. We evaluate the effect of uncorrected systematic photometric redshift errors on the parameter constraints. In conclusion, we find that different statistics lead to different bias directions in parameter space, suggesting the possibility of eliminating this bias via self-calibration.« less

SU-E-P-10: Establishment of Local Diagnostic Reference Levels of Routine Exam in Computed Tomography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yeh, M; Wang, Y; Weng, H

Introduction National diagnostic reference levels (NDRLs) can be used as a reference dose of radiological examination can provide radiation dose as the basis of patient dose optimization. Local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs) by periodically view and check doses, more efficiency to improve the way of examination. Therefore, the important first step is establishing a diagnostic reference level. Computed Tomography in Taiwan had been built up the radiation dose limit value,in addition, many studies report shows that CT scan contributed most of the radiation dose in different medical. Therefore, this study was mainly to let everyone understand DRL’s international status. Formore » computed tomography in our hospital to establish diagnostic reference levels. Methods and Materials: There are two clinical CT scanners (a Toshiba Aquilion and a Siemens Sensation) were performed in this study. For CT examinations the basic recommended dosimetric quantity is the Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI). Each exam each different body part, we collect 10 patients at least. Carried out the routine examinations, and all exposure parameters have been collected and the corresponding CTDIv and DLP values have been determined. Results: The majority of patients (75%) were between 60–70 Kg of body weight. There are 25 examinations in this study. Table 1 shows the LDRL of each CT routine examination. Conclusions: Therefore, this study would like to let everyone know DRL’s international status, but also establishment of computed tomography of the local reference levels for our hospital, and providing radiation reference, as a basis for optimizing patient dose.« less

[Evaluation of diabetic microangiopathy using optical coherence tomography angiography].

PubMed

Czakó, Cecília; Sándor, Gábor László; Ecsedy, Mónika; Szepessy, Zsuzsanna; Borbándy, Ágnes; Resch, Miklós; Papp, András; Récsán, Zsuzsa; Horváth, Hajnalka; Nagy, Zoltán Zsolt; Kovács, Illés

2018-02-01

Optical coherence tomography angiography is a non-invasive imaging technique that is able to visualize the different retinal vascular layers using motion contrast to detect blood flow without intravenous dye injection. This method might help to assess microangiopathy in diabetic retinopathy during screening and follow-up. To quantify retinal microvasculature alterations in both eyes of diabetic patients in relation to systemic risk factors using optical coherence tomography angiography. Both eyes of 36 diabetic patients and 45 individuals without diabetes were examined. Duration of diabetes, insulin therapy, blood pressure, HbA 1c , dyslipidemia, axial length and the presence of diabetic retinopathy were recorded. Retinal vessel density was measured by optical coherence tomography angiography. The effect of risk factors on vessel density and between-eye asymmetry was assessed using multivariable regression analysis. Vessel density was significantly lower and between-eye difference was significantly higher in diabetic patients compared to controls (p<0.05). Both vessel density and between-eye asymmetry significantly correlated with diabetes duration (p<0.05) after controlling for the effect of risk factors. The between-eye asymmetry in vessel density was significantly higher in patients without clinically detectable diabetic retinopathy compared to control subjects (p<0.001). There is a decrease in retinal vessel density and an increase in between-eye asymmetry in patients with diabetes compared to healthy subjects. By using optical coherence tomography angiography, the detection of these microvascular alterations is possible before clinically detectable diabetic retinopathy and might serve as a useful tool in both screening and timing of treatment. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(8): 320-326.

Comparative study of cranial anthropometric measurement by traditional calipers to computed tomography and three-dimensional photogrammetry.

PubMed

Mendonca, Derick A; Naidoo, Sybill D; Skolnick, Gary; Skladman, Rachel; Woo, Albert S

2013-07-01

Craniofacial anthropometry by direct caliper measurements is a common method of quantifying the morphology of the cranial vault. New digital imaging modalities including computed tomography and three-dimensional photogrammetry are similarly being used to obtain craniofacial surface measurements. This study sought to compare the accuracy of anthropometric measurements obtained by calipers versus 2 methods of digital imaging.Standard anterior-posterior, biparietal, and cranial index measurements were directly obtained on 19 participants with an age range of 1 to 20 months. Computed tomographic scans and three-dimensional photographs were both obtained on each child within 2 weeks of the clinical examination. Two analysts measured the anterior-posterior and biparietal distances on the digital images. Measures of reliability and bias between the modalities were calculated and compared.Caliper measurements were found to underestimate the anterior-posterior and biparietal distances as compared with those of the computed tomography and the three-dimensional photogrammetry (P < 0.001). Cranial index measurements between the computed tomography and the calipers differed by up to 6%. The difference between the 2 modalities was statistically significant (P = 0.021). The biparietal and cranial index results were similar between the digital modalities, but the anterior-posterior measurement was greater with the three-dimensional photogrammetry (P = 0.002). The coefficients of variation for repeated measures based on the computed tomography and the three-dimensional photogrammetry were 0.008 and 0.007, respectively.In conclusion, measurements based on digital modalities are generally reliable and interchangeable. Caliper measurements lead to underestimation of anterior-posterior and biparietal values compared with digital imaging.

Pre-coding method and apparatus for multiple source or time-shifted single source data and corresponding inverse post-decoding method and apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yeh, Pen-Shu (Inventor)

1997-01-01

A pre-coding method and device for improving data compression performance by removing correlation between a first original data set and a second original data set, each having M members, respectively. The pre-coding method produces a compression-efficiency-enhancing double-difference data set. The method and device produce a double-difference data set, i.e., an adjacent-delta calculation performed on a cross-delta data set or a cross-delta calculation performed on two adjacent-delta data sets, from either one of (1) two adjacent spectral bands coming from two discrete sources, respectively, or (2) two time-shifted data sets coming from a single source. The resulting double-difference data set is then coded using either a distortionless data encoding scheme (entropy encoding) or a lossy data compression scheme. Also, a post-decoding method and device for recovering a second original data set having been represented by such a double-difference data set.

Pre-coding method and apparatus for multiple source or time-shifted single source data and corresponding inverse post-decoding method and apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yeh, Pen-Shu (Inventor)

1998-01-01

A pre-coding method and device for improving data compression performance by removing correlation between a first original data set and a second original data set, each having M members, respectively. The pre-coding method produces a compression-efficiency-enhancing double-difference data set. The method and device produce a double-difference data set, i.e., an adjacent-delta calculation performed on a cross-delta data set or a cross-delta calculation performed on two adjacent-delta data sets, from either one of (1) two adjacent spectral bands coming from two discrete sources, respectively, or (2) two time-shifted data sets coming from a single source. The resulting double-difference data set is then coded using either a distortionless data encoding scheme (entropy encoding) or a lossy data compression scheme. Also, a post-decoding method and device for recovering a second original data set having been represented by such a double-difference data set.

Effect of gender on glucose utilization rates in healthy humans: A positron emission tomography study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miura, S.A.; Schapiro, M.B.; Grady, C.L.

Positron emission tomography (PET) was used with 18fluorodeoxyglucose to see if gender differences in resting cerebral glucose utilization could be detected. Thirty-two healthy subjects (15 women and 17 men; age range: 21-38 yr) were examined using a high-resolution PET scanner to determine the regional cerebral metabolic rate for glucose (CMRglc) in 65 gray matter regions of interest. Whole brain CMRglc did not differ significantly between the two genders, nor did any of the regional CMRglc values. Only 1 of 65 ratios of regional-to-whole brain CMRglc differed significantly between men and women, which is consistent with chance. These results indicate thatmore » there are no differences in resting regional cerebral glucose utilization between young men and women.« less

11C-Methionine Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Versus 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Evaluation of Residual or Recurrent World Health Organization Grades II and III Meningioma After Treatment.

PubMed

Tomura, Noriaki; Saginoya, Toshiyuki; Goto, Hiromi

2018-04-02

The aim of this study was to determine the assessment of positron emission tomography-computed tomography using C-methionine (MET PET/CT) for World Health Organization (WHO) grades II and III meningiomas; MET PET/CT was compared with PET/CT using F-fluorodeoxy glucose (FDG PET/CT). This study was performed in 17 cases with residual and/or recurrent WHO grades II and III meningiomas. Two neuroradiologists reviewed both PET/CT scans. For agreement, the κ coefficient was measured. Difference in tumor-to-normal brain uptake ratios (T/N ratios) between 2 PET/CT scans was analyzed. Correlation between the maximum tumor size and T/N ratio in PET/CT was studied. For agreement by both reviewers, the κ coefficient was 0.51 (P < 0.05). The T/N ratio was significantly higher for MET PET/CT (3.24 ± 1.36) than for FDG PET/CT (0.93 ± 0.44) (P < 0.01). C-methionine ratio significantly correlated with tumor size (y = 8.1x + 16.3, n = 22, P < 0.05), but FDG ratio did not CONCLUSIONS: C-methionine PET/CT has superior potential for imaging of WHO grades II and III meningiomas with residual or recurrent tumors compared with FDG PET/CT.

Investigating line- versus point-laser excitation for three-dimensional fluorescence imaging and tomography employing a trimodal imaging system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Liji; Peter, Jörg

2013-06-01

The adoption of axially oriented line illumination patterns for fluorescence excitation in small animals for fluorescence surface imaging (FSI) and fluorescence optical tomography (FOT) is being investigated. A trimodal single-photon-emission-computed-tomography/computed-tomography/optical-tomography (SPECT-CT-OT) small animal imaging system is being modified for employment of point- and line-laser excitation sources. These sources can be arbitrarily positioned around the imaged object. The line source is set to illuminate the object along its entire axial direction. Comparative evaluation of point and line illumination patterns for FSI and FOT is provided involving phantom as well as mouse data. Given the trimodal setup, CT data are used to guide the optical approaches by providing boundary information. Furthermore, FOT results are also being compared to SPECT. Results show that line-laser illumination yields a larger axial field of view (FOV) in FSI mode, hence faster data acquisition, and practically acceptable FOT reconstruction throughout the whole animal. Also, superimposed SPECT and FOT data provide additional information on similarities as well as differences in the distribution and uptake of both probe types. Fused CT data enhance further the anatomical localization of the tracer distribution in vivo. The feasibility of line-laser excitation for three-dimensional fluorescence imaging and tomography is demonstrated for initiating further research, however, not with the intention to replace one by the other.

The impact of different cone beam computed tomography and multi-slice computed tomography scan parameters on virtual three-dimensional model accuracy using a highly precise ex vivo evaluation method.

PubMed

Matta, Ragai-Edward; von Wilmowsky, Cornelius; Neuhuber, Winfried; Lell, Michael; Neukam, Friedrich W; Adler, Werner; Wichmann, Manfred; Bergauer, Bastian

2016-05-01

Multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) are indispensable imaging techniques in advanced medicine. The possibility of creating virtual and corporal three-dimensional (3D) models enables detailed planning in craniofacial and oral surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of different scan protocols for CBCT and MSCT on virtual 3D model accuracy using a software-based evaluation method that excludes human measurement errors. MSCT and CBCT scans with different manufacturers' predefined scan protocols were obtained from a human lower jaw and were superimposed with a master model generated by an optical scan of an industrial noncontact scanner. To determine the accuracy, the mean and standard deviations were calculated, and t-tests were used for comparisons between the different settings. Averaged over 10 repeated X-ray scans per method and 19 measurement points per scan (n = 190), it was found that the MSCT scan protocol 140 kV delivered the most accurate virtual 3D model, with a mean deviation of 0.106 mm compared to the master model. Only the CBCT scans with 0.2-voxel resolution delivered a similar accurate 3D model (mean deviation 0.119 mm). Within the limitations of this study, it was demonstrated that the accuracy of a 3D model of the lower jaw depends on the protocol used for MSCT and CBCT scans. Copyright © 2016 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Intra-tumour 18F-FDG uptake heterogeneity decreases the reliability on target volume definition with positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging.

PubMed

Dong, Xinzhe; Wu, Peipei; Sun, Xiaorong; Li, Wenwu; Wan, Honglin; Yu, Jinming; Xing, Ligang

2015-06-01

This study aims to explore whether the intra-tumour (18) F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake heterogeneity affects the reliability of target volume definition with FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and squamous cell oesophageal cancer (SCEC). Patients with NSCLC (n = 50) or SCEC (n = 50) who received (18)F-FDG PET/CT scanning before treatments were included in this retrospective study. Intra-tumour FDG uptake heterogeneity was assessed by visual scoring, the coefficient of variation (COV) of the standardised uptake value (SUV) and the image texture feature (entropy). Tumour volumes (gross tumour volume (GTV)) were delineated on the CT images (GTV(CT)), the fused PET/CT images (GTV(PET-CT)) and the PET images, using a threshold at 40% SUV(max) (GTV(PET40%)) or the SUV cut-off value of 2.5 (GTV(PET2.5)). The correlation between the FDG uptake heterogeneity parameters and the differences in tumour volumes among GTV(CT), GTV(PET-CT), GTV(PET40%) and GTV(PET2.5) was analysed. For both NSCLC and SCEC, obvious correlations were found between uptake heterogeneity, SUV or tumour volumes. Three types of heterogeneity parameters were consistent and closely related to each other. Substantial differences between the four methods of GTV definition were found. The differences between the GTV correlated significantly with PET heterogeneity defined with the visual score, the COV or the textural feature-entropy for NSCLC and SCEC. In tumours with a high FDG uptake heterogeneity, a larger GTV delineation difference was found. Advance image segmentation algorithms dealing with tracer uptake heterogeneity should be incorporated into the treatment planning system. © 2015 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.

The effect of in situ/in vitro three-dimensional quantitative computed tomography image voxel size on the finite element model of human vertebral cancellous bone.

PubMed

Lu, Yongtao; Engelke, Klaus; Glueer, Claus-C; Morlock, Michael M; Huber, Gerd

2014-11-01

Quantitative computed tomography-based finite element modeling technique is a promising clinical tool for the prediction of bone strength. However, quantitative computed tomography-based finite element models were created from image datasets with different image voxel sizes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an influence of image voxel size on the finite element models. In all 12 thoracolumbar vertebrae were scanned prior to autopsy (in situ) using two different quantitative computed tomography scan protocols, which resulted in image datasets with two different voxel sizes (0.29 × 0.29 × 1.3 mm(3) vs 0.18 × 0.18 × 0.6 mm(3)). Eight of them were scanned after autopsy (in vitro) and the datasets were reconstructed with two voxel sizes (0.32 × 0.32 × 0.6 mm(3) vs. 0.18 × 0.18 × 0.3 mm(3)). Finite element models with cuboid volume of interest extracted from the vertebral cancellous part were created and inhomogeneous bilinear bone properties were defined. Axial compression was simulated. No effect of voxel size was detected on the apparent bone mineral density for both the in situ and in vitro cases. However, the apparent modulus and yield strength showed significant differences in the two voxel size group pairs (in situ and in vitro). In conclusion, the image voxel size may have to be considered when the finite element voxel modeling technique is used in clinical applications. © IMechE 2014.

Effect of field-of-view size on gray values derived from cone-beam computed tomography compared with the Hounsfield unit values from multidetector computed tomography scans

PubMed Central

Shokri, Abbas; Bidgoli, Mohsen; Akbarzadeh, Mahdi; Ghazikhanlu-Sani, Karim; Fallahi-Sichani, Hamed

2018-01-01

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the effect of field-of-view (FOV) size on the gray values derived from conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) compared with the Hounsfield unit values from multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scans as the gold standard. Materials and Methods A radiographic phantom was designed with 4 acrylic cylinders. One cylinder was filled with distilled water, and the other 3 were filled with 3 types of bone substitute: namely, Nanobone, Cenobone, and Cerabone. The phantom was scanned with 2 CBCT systems using 2 different FOV sizes, and 1 MDCT system was used as the gold standard. The mean gray values (MGVs) of each cylinder were calculated in each imaging protocol. Results In both CBCT systems, significant differences were noted in the MGVs of all materials between the 2 FOV sizes (P<.05) except for Cerabone in the Cranex3D system. Significant differences were found in the MGVs of each material compared with the others in both FOV sizes for each CBCT system. No significant difference was seen between the Cranex3D CBCT system and the MDCT system in the MGVs of bone substitutes on images obtained with a small FOV. Conclusion The size of the FOV significantly changed the MGVs of all bone substitutes, except for Cerabone in the Cranex3D system. Both CBCT systems had the ability to distinguish the 3 types of bone substitutes based on a comparison of their MGVs. The Cranex3D CBCT system used with a small FOV had a significant correlation with MDCT results. PMID:29581947

The 2010-2011 Microearthquake Swarm in Krýsuvík, SW Iceland: Was it Triggered by Crustal Magma Injection?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, J.; Michael, F.; Hager, B. H.

2013-12-01

Iceland, the on-land continuation of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, is the result of the interaction between the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the North-Atlantic mantle plume. The superposition and relative motion of the spreading plate boundary over the mantle plume are manifested by the volcanism and seismicity in Iceland. The Krýsuvík geothermal field is one of the most active geothermal fields in southwest Iceland. In 2010, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Reykjanes University, Uppsala University, and the Iceland Geosurvey (ISOR) deployed 38 temporary seismic stations on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Using data from 18 of the temporary seismic stations and from 5 stations of the South Iceland Lowland network around Krýsuvík, we captured an earthquake swarm that occurred between November, 2010 and February, 2011. We applied double difference tomography to relocate the events and determine the velocity structure in the region. Activity is clustered around the center of the Krýsuvík volcano system. Our seismic tomography result indicates a low velocity zone at a depth of about 6 km, right under the earthquake swarm. We consider that this low velocity zone contains some crustal magma that may be the thermal source for the geothermal field. At the same time, our relocated events delineate faults above and around this magma chamber. The system is within the stress field of a combination of left-lateral shear and extension; the majority of the strike-slip faults are right-lateral and most dip-slip faults are normal faults. Published geodetic measurements for the time period between 2009 and 2012 show a few centimeters uplift and extension in the area of the seismic swarm. We modeled the observed deformation using the Coulomb 3.3 software (U.S. Geological Survey). Our result indicates that a Mogi source of about 20×10^6 m^3 at a depth of about 6 km, consistent with the location and size of the tomography result, can explain the main deformation. The normal and the right-lateral strike-slip faults that are delineated by the earthquake relocations, consistent with the local stress induced by magma intrusion and the regional stress field caused by the interaction of the spreading plate boundary and mantle plume, explain the observed second order deformation. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that seismicity in the Krýsuvík area in 2010-2011 might be triggered by magmatic activity.

64 slice-coronary computed tomography sensitivity and specificity in the evaluation of coronary artery bypass graft stenosis: A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Barbero, Umberto; Iannaccone, Mario; d'Ascenzo, Fabrizio; Barbero, Cristina; Mohamed, Abdirashid; Annone, Umberto; Benedetto, Sara; Celentani, Dario; Gagliardi, Marco; Moretti, Claudio; Gaita, Fiorenzo

2016-08-01

A non-invasive approach to define grafts patency and stenosis in the follow-up of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients may be an interesting alternative to coronary angiography. 64-slice-coronary computed tomography is nowadays a diffused non-invasive method that permits an accurate evaluation of coronary stenosis, due to a high temporal and spatial resolution. However, its sensitivity and specificity in CABG evaluation has to be clearly defined, since published studies used different protocols and scanners. We collected all studies investigating patients with stable symptoms and previous CABG and reporting the comparison between diagnostic performances of invasive coronary angiography and 64-slice-coronary computed tomography. As a result, sensitivity and specificity of 64-slice-coronary computed tomography for CABG occlusion were 0.99 (95% CI 0.97-1.00) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.99-1.00) with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.99. 64-slice-coronary computed tomography sensitivity and specificity for the presence of any CABG stenosis >50% were 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97-0.99) and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96-0.98), while AUC was 0.99. At meta-regression, neither the age nor the time from graft implantation had effect on sensitivity and specificity of 64-slice-coronary computed tomography detection of significant CABG stenosis or occlusion. In conclusion 64-slice-coronary computed tomography confirmed its high sensitivity and specificity in CABG stenosis or occlusion evaluation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Three-dimensional printing enhances preparation for repair of double outlet right ventricular surgery.

PubMed

Zhao, Liyun; Zhou, Sijie; Fan, Taibing; Li, Bin; Liang, Weijie; Dong, Haoju

2018-01-01

To assess the clinical value of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology for treatment strategies for complex double outlet right ventricle (DORV). Twenty-five patients with complex double outlet right ventricle were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: 3D printing group (eight patients) and a non-3-D printing control group (17 patients). The cardiac images of patients in the 3D printing group were transformed to Digital Imaging and Communications and were segmented and reconstructed to create a heart model. No cardiac models were created in the control group. A Pearson coefficient analysis was used to assess the correlation between measurements of 3D printed models and computed tomography angiography (CTA) data. Pre-operative assessment and planning were performed with 3D printed models, and then operative time and recovery time were compared between the two groups. There was good correlation (r = 0.977) between 3D printed models and CTA data. Patients in the 3D printing group had shorter aortic cross-clamp time (102.88 vs 127.76 min, P = 0.094) and cardiopulmonary bypass time (151.63 vs 184.24 min; P = 0.152) than patients in the control group. Patients with 3D printed models had significantly lower mechanical ventilation time (56.43 vs 96.76 h, P = 0.040) and significantly shorter intensive care unit time (99.04 vs 166.94 h, P = 0.008) than patients in the control group. 3D printed models can accurately demonstrate anatomic structures and are useful for pre-operative treatment strategies in DORV. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

18F-FDG positron emission tomography in oncology: main indications.

PubMed

Vercher-Conejero, J L; Gámez Cenzano, C

2016-01-01

The development of molecular and functional imaging with new imaging techniques such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography (PET) among others, has greatly improved the detection of tumors, tumor staging, and the detection of possible recurrences. Furthermore, the combination of these different imaging modalities and the continual development of radiotracers for PET have advanced our understanding and knowledge of the different pathophysiological processes in cancer, thereby helping to make treatment more efficacious, improving patients' quality of life, and increasing survival. PET is one of the imaging techniques that has attracted the most interest in recent years for its diagnostic capabilities. Its ability to anatomically locate pathologic foci of metabolic activity has revolutionized the detection and staging of many tumors, exponentially broadening its potential indications not only in oncology but also in other fields such as cardiology, neurology, and inflammatory and infectious diseases. Copyright © 2016 SERAM. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

A LabVIEW® based generic CT scanner control software platform.

PubMed

Dierick, M; Van Loo, D; Masschaele, B; Boone, M; Van Hoorebeke, L

2010-01-01

UGCT, the Centre for X-ray tomography at Ghent University (Belgium) does research on X-ray tomography and its applications. This includes the development and construction of state-of-the-art CT scanners for scientific research. Because these scanners are built for very different purposes they differ considerably in their physical implementations. However, they all share common principle functionality. In this context a generic software platform was developed using LabVIEW® in order to provide the same interface and functionality on all scanners. This article describes the concept and features of this software, and its potential for tomography in a research setting. The core concept is to rigorously separate the abstract operation of a CT scanner from its actual physical configuration. This separation is achieved by implementing a sender-listener architecture. The advantages are that the resulting software platform is generic, scalable, highly efficient, easy to develop and to extend, and that it can be deployed on future scanners with minimal effort.

Use of positron emission tomography (PET) for the diagnosis of large-vessel vasculitis.

PubMed

Loricera, J; Blanco, R; Hernández, J L; Martínez-Rodríguez, I; Carril, J M; Lavado, C; Jiménez, M; González-Vela, C; González-Gay, M Á

2015-01-01

The term vasculitis encompasses a heterogeneous group of diseases that share the presence of inflammatory infiltrates in the vascular wall. The diagnosis of large-vessel vasculitis is often a challenge because the presenting clinical features are nonspecific in many cases and they are often shared by different types of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases including other systemic vasculitides. Moreover, the pathogenesis of large-vessel vasculitis is not fully understood. Nevertheless, the advent of new imaging techniques has constituted a major breakthrough to establish an early diagnosis and a promising tool to monitor the follow-up of patients with largevessel vasculitis. This is the case of the molecular imaging with the combination of positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT) using different radiotracers, especially the (18)F-fluordeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG). In this review we have focused on the contribution of (18)F-FDG PET in the diagnosis of large-vessel vasculitis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and SEMNIM. All rights reserved.

Development of a 3D muon disappearance algorithm for muon scattering tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blackwell, T. B.; Kudryavtsev, V. A.

2015-05-01

Upon passing through a material, muons lose energy, scatter off nuclei and atomic electrons, and can stop in the material. Muons will more readily lose energy in higher density materials. Therefore multiple muon disappearances within a localized volume may signal the presence of high-density materials. We have developed a new technique that improves the sensitivity of standard muon scattering tomography. This technique exploits these muon disappearances to perform non-destructive assay of an inspected volume. Muons that disappear have their track evaluated using a 3D line extrapolation algorithm, which is in turn used to construct a 3D tomographic image of the inspected volume. Results of Monte Carlo simulations that measure muon disappearance in different types of target materials are presented. The ability to differentiate between different density materials using the 3D line extrapolation algorithm is established. Finally the capability of this new muon disappearance technique to enhance muon scattering tomography techniques in detecting shielded HEU in cargo containers has been demonstrated.