Hippocampus shape analysis for temporal lobe epilepsy detection in magnetic resonance imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohan, Zohreh; Azmi, Reza

2016-03-01

There are evidences in the literature that Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) causes some lateralized atrophy and deformation on hippocampus and other substructures of the brain. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), due to high-contrast soft tissue imaging, is one of the most popular imaging modalities being used in TLE diagnosis and treatment procedures. Using an algorithm to help clinicians for better and more effective shape deformations analysis could improve the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. In this project our purpose is to design, implement and test a classification algorithm for MRIs based on hippocampal asymmetry detection using shape and size-based features. Our method consisted of two main parts; (1) shape feature extraction, and (2) image classification. We tested 11 different shape and size features and selected four of them that detect the asymmetry in hippocampus significantly in a randomly selected subset of the dataset. Then, we employed a support vector machine (SVM) classifier to classify the remaining images of the dataset to normal and epileptic images using our selected features. The dataset contains 25 patient images in which 12 cases were used as a training set and the rest 13 cases for testing the performance of classifier. We measured accuracy, specificity and sensitivity of, respectively, 76%, 100%, and 70% for our algorithm. The preliminary results show that using shape and size features for detecting hippocampal asymmetry could be helpful in TLE diagnosis in MRI.

Parahydrogen-enhanced zero-field nuclear magnetic resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Theis, T.; Ganssle, P.; Kervern, G.; Knappe, S.; Kitching, J.; Ledbetter, M. P.; Budker, D.; Pines, A.

2011-07-01

Nuclear magnetic resonance, conventionally detected in magnetic fields of several tesla, is a powerful analytical tool for the determination of molecular identity, structure and function. With the advent of prepolarization methods and detection schemes using atomic magnetometers or superconducting quantum interference devices, interest in NMR in fields comparable to the Earth's magnetic field and below (down to zero field) has been revived. Despite the use of superconducting quantum interference devices or atomic magnetometers, low-field NMR typically suffers from low sensitivity compared with conventional high-field NMR. Here we demonstrate direct detection of zero-field NMR signals generated through parahydrogen-induced polarization, enabling high-resolution NMR without the use of any magnets. The sensitivity is sufficient to observe spectra exhibiting 13C-1H scalar nuclear spin-spin couplings (known as J couplings) in compounds with 13C in natural abundance, without the need for signal averaging. The resulting spectra show distinct features that aid chemical fingerprinting.

Compact and controlled microfluidic mixing and biological particle capture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ballard, Matthew; Owen, Drew; Mills, Zachary Grant; Hesketh, Peter J.; Alexeev, Alexander

2016-11-01

We use three-dimensional simulations and experiments to develop a multifunctional microfluidic device that performs rapid and controllable microfluidic mixing and specific particle capture. Our device uses a compact microfluidic channel decorated with magnetic features. A rotating magnetic field precisely controls individual magnetic microbeads orbiting around the features, enabling effective continuous-flow mixing of fluid streams over a compact mixing region. We use computer simulations to elucidate the underlying physical mechanisms that lead to effective mixing and compare them with experimental mixing results. We study the effect of various system parameters on microfluidic mixing to design an efficient micromixer. We also experimentally and numerically demonstrate that orbiting microbeads can effectively capture particles transported by the fluid, which has major implications in pre-concentration and detection of biological particles including various cells and bacteria, with applications in areas such as point-of-care diagnostics, biohazard detection, and food safety. Support from NSF and USDA is gratefully acknowledged.

The Distribution and Behaviour of Photospheric Magnetic Features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parnell, C. E.; Lamb, D. A.; DeForest, C. E.

2014-12-01

Over the past two decades enormous amounts of data on the magnetic fields of the solar photosphere have been produced by both ground-based (Kitt Peak & SOLIS), as well as space-based instruments (MDI, Hinode & HMI). In order to study the behaviour and distribution of photospheric magnetic features, efficient automated detection routines need to be utilised to identify and track magnetic features. In this talk, I will discuss the pros and cons of different automated magnetic feature identification and tracking routines with a special focus on the requirements of these codes to deal with the large data sets produced by HMI. By patching together results from Hinode and MDI (high-res & full-disk), the fluxes of magnetic features were found to follow a power-law over 5 orders of magnitude. At the strong flux tail of this distribution, the power law was found to fall off at solar minimum, but was maintained over all fluxes during solar maximum. However, the point of deflection in the power-law distribution occurs at a patching point between instruments and so questions remain over the reasons for the deflection. The feature fluxes determined from the superb high-resolution HMI data covers almost all of the 5 orders of magnitude. Considering both solar mimimum and solar maximum HMI data sets, we investigate whether the power-law over 5 orders of magnitude in flux still holds. Furthermore, we investigate the behaviour of magnetic features in order to probe the nature of their origin. In particular, we analyse small-scale flux emergence events using HMI data to investigate the existence of a small-scale dynamo just below the solar photosphere.

Magnetic Feature Tracking in the SDO Era: Past Sacrifices, Recent Advances, and Future Possibilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamb, D. A.; DeForest, C. E.; Van Kooten, S.

2014-12-01

When implementing computer vision codes, a common reaction to the high angular resolution and the high cadence of SDO's image products has been to reduce the resolution and cadence of the data so that it "looks like" SOHO data. This can be partially justified on physical grounds: if the phenomenon that a computer vision code is trying to detect was characterized in low-resolution, low cadence data, then the higher quality data may not be needed. But sacrificing at least two, and sometimes all four main advantages of SDO's imaging data (the other two being a higher duty cycle and additional data products) threatens to also discard the perhaps more subtle discoveries waiting to be made: a classic baby-with-the-bath-water situation. In this presentation, we discuss some of the sacrifices made in implementing SWAMIS-EF, an automatic emerging magnetic flux region detection code for SDO/HMI, and how those sacrifices simultaneously simplified and complicated development of the code. SWAMIS-EF is a feature-finding code, and we will describe some situations and analyses in which a feature-finding code excels, and some in which a different type of algorithm may produce more favorable results. In particular, because the solar magnetic field is irreducibly complex at the currently observed spatial scales, searching for phenomena such as flux emergence using even semi-strict physical criteria often leads to large numbers of false or missed detections. This undesirable behavior can be mitigated by relaxing the imposed physical criteria, but here too there are tradeoffs: decreased numbers of missed detections may increase the number of false detections if the selection criteria are not both sensitive and specific to the searched-for phenomenon. Finally, we describe some recent steps we have taken to overcome these obstacles, by fully embracing the high resolution, high cadence SDO data, optimizing and partially parallelizing our existing code as a first step to allow fast magnetic feature tracking of full resolution HMI magnetograms. Even with the above caveats, if used correctly such a tool can provide a wealth of information on the positions, motions, and patterns of features, enabling large, cross-scale analyses that can answer important questions related to the solar dynamo and to coronal heating.

Efficacy Evaluation of Different Wavelet Feature Extraction Methods on Brain MRI Tumor Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nabizadeh, Nooshin; John, Nigel; Kubat, Miroslav

2014-03-01

Automated Magnetic Resonance Imaging brain tumor detection and segmentation is a challenging task. Among different available methods, feature-based methods are very dominant. While many feature extraction techniques have been employed, it is still not quite clear which of feature extraction methods should be preferred. To help improve the situation, we present the results of a study in which we evaluate the efficiency of using different wavelet transform features extraction methods in brain MRI abnormality detection. Applying T1-weighted brain image, Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT), Discrete Wavelet Packet Transform (DWPT), Dual Tree Complex Wavelet Transform (DTCWT), and Complex Morlet Wavelet Transform (CMWT) methods are applied to construct the feature pool. Three various classifiers as Support Vector Machine, K Nearest Neighborhood, and Sparse Representation-Based Classifier are applied and compared for classifying the selected features. The results show that DTCWT and CMWT features classified with SVM, result in the highest classification accuracy, proving of capability of wavelet transform features to be informative in this application.

Ultra-low field nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance imaging to discriminate and identify materials

DOEpatents

Matlashov, Andrei Nikolaevich; Urbaitis, Algis V.; Savukov, Igor Mykhaylovich; Espy, Michelle A.; Volegov, Petr Lvovich; Kraus, Jr., Robert Henry

2013-03-05

Method comprising obtaining an NMR measurement from a sample wherein an ultra-low field NMR system probes the sample and produces the NMR measurement and wherein a sampling temperature, prepolarizing field, and measurement field are known; detecting the NMR measurement by means of inductive coils; analyzing the NMR measurement to obtain at least one measurement feature wherein the measurement feature comprises T1, T2, T1.rho., or the frequency dependence thereof; and, searching for the at least one measurement feature within a database comprising NMR reference data for at least one material to determine if the sample comprises a material of interest.

Antiferromagnetic opto-spintronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Němec, P.; Fiebig, M.; Kampfrath, T.; Kimel, A. V.

2018-03-01

Control and detection of spin order in ferromagnetic materials is the main principle enabling magnetic information to be stored and read in current technologies. Antiferromagnetic materials, on the other hand, are far less utilized, despite having some appealing features. For instance, the absence of net magnetization and stray fields eliminates crosstalk between neighbouring devices, and the absence of a primary macroscopic magnetization makes spin manipulation in antiferromagnets inherently faster than in ferromagnets. However, control of spins in antiferromagnets requires exceedingly high magnetic fields, and antiferromagnetic order cannot be detected with conventional magnetometry. Here we provide an overview and illustrative examples of how electromagnetic radiation can be used for probing and modification of the magnetic order in antiferromagnets. We also discuss possible research directions that are anticipated to be among the main topics defining the future of this rapidly developing field.

Reducing Field Distortion in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eom, Byeong Ho; Penanen, Konstantin; Hahn, Inseob

2010-01-01

A concept for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system that would utilize a relatively weak magnetic field provides for several design features that differ significantly from the corresponding features of conventional MRI systems. Notable among these features are a magnetic-field configuration that reduces (relative to the conventional configuration) distortion and blurring of the image, the use of a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer as the detector, and an imaging procedure suited for the unconventional field configuration and sensor. In a typical application of MRI, a radio-frequency pulse is used to excite precession of the magnetic moments of protons in an applied magnetic field, and the decaying precession is detected for a short time following the pulse. The precession occurs at a resonance frequency proportional to the strengths of the magnetic field and the proton magnetic moment. The magnetic field is configured to vary with position in a known way; hence, by virtue of the aforesaid proportionality, the resonance frequency varies with position in a known way. In other words, position is encoded as resonance frequency. MRI using magnetic fields weaker than those of conventional MRI offers several advantages, including cheaper and smaller equipment, greater compatibility with metallic objects, and higher image quality because of low susceptibility distortion and enhanced spin-lattice-relaxation- time contrast. SQUID MRI is being developed into a practical MRI method for applied magnetic flux densities of the order of only 100 T

Changes in acoustic features and their conjunctions are processed by separate neuronal populations.

PubMed

Takegata, R; Huotilainen, M; Rinne, T; Näätänen, R; Winkler, I

2001-03-05

We investigated the relationship between the neuronal populations involved in detecting change in two acoustic features and their conjunction. Equivalent current dipole (ECD) models of the magnetic mismatch negativity (MMNm) generators were calculated for infrequent changes in pitch, perceived sound source location, and the conjunction of these two features. All of these three changes elicited MMNms that were generated in the vicinity of auditory cortex. The location of the ECD best describing the MMNm to the conjunction deviant was anterior to those for the MMNm responses elicited by either one of the constituent features. The present data thus suggest that at least partially separate neuronal populations are involved in detecting change in acoustic features and feature conjunctions.

Computer aided detection of tumor and edema in brain FLAIR magnetic resonance image using ANN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pradhan, Nandita; Sinha, A. K.

2008-03-01

This paper presents an efficient region based segmentation technique for detecting pathological tissues (Tumor & Edema) of brain using fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance (MR) images. This work segments FLAIR brain images for normal and pathological tissues based on statistical features and wavelet transform coefficients using k-means algorithm. The image is divided into small blocks of 4×4 pixels. The k-means algorithm is used to cluster the image based on the feature vectors of blocks forming different classes representing different regions in the whole image. With the knowledge of the feature vectors of different segmented regions, supervised technique is used to train Artificial Neural Network using fuzzy back propagation algorithm (FBPA). Segmentation for detecting healthy tissues and tumors has been reported by several researchers by using conventional MRI sequences like T1, T2 and PD weighted sequences. This work successfully presents segmentation of healthy and pathological tissues (both Tumors and Edema) using FLAIR images. At the end pseudo coloring of segmented and classified regions are done for better human visualization.

Wavelet detection of coherent structures in interplanetary magnetic flux ropes and its role in the intermittent turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muñoz, P. R.; Chian, A. C.

2013-12-01

We implement a method to detect coherent magnetic structures using the Haar discrete wavelet transform (Salem et al., ApJ 702, 537, 2009), and apply it to an event detected by Cluster at the turbulent boundary layer of an interplanetary magnetic flux rope. The wavelet method is able to detect magnetic coherent structures and extract main features of solar wind intermittent turbulence, such as the power spectral density and the scaling exponent of structure functions. Chian and Muñoz (ApJL 733, L34, 2011) investigated the relation between current sheets, turbulence, and magnetic reconnections at the leading edge of an interplanetary coronal mass ejection measured by Cluster upstream of the Earth's bow shock on 2005 January 21. We found observational evidence of two magnetically reconnected current sheets in the vicinity of a front magnetic cloud boundary layer, where the scaling exponent of structure functions of magnetic fluctuations exhibits multifractal behavior. Using the wavelet technique, we show that the current sheets associated to magnetic reconnection are part of the set of magnetic coherent structures responsible for multifractality. By removing them using a filtering criteria, it is possible to recover a self-similar scaling exponent predicted for homogeneous turbulence. Finally, we discuss an extension of the wavelet technique to study coherent structures in two-dimensional solar magnetograms.

Observability of atomic line features in strong magnetic fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wunner, G.; Ruder, H.; Herold, H.; Truemper, J.

1981-01-01

The physical properties of atoms in superstrong magnetic fields, characteristic of neutron stars, and the possibility of detecting magnetically strongly shifted atomic lines in the spectra of magnetized X-ray pulsars are discussed. It is suggested that it is recommendable to look for magnetically strongly shifted Fe 26 Lyman lines in rotating neutron stars of not too high luminosity using spectrometers working in the energy range 10 - 20 keV, with sensitivities to minus 4 power photons per sq cm and second, and resolution E/delta E approx. 10-100.

Magnetic field strength of a neutron-star-powered ultraluminous X-ray source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brightman, M.; Harrison, F. A.; Fürst, F.; Middleton, M. J.; Walton, D. J.; Stern, D.; Fabian, A. C.; Heida, M.; Barret, D.; Bachetti, M.

2018-04-01

Ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) are bright X-ray sources in nearby galaxies not associated with the central supermassive black hole. Their luminosities imply they are powered by either an extreme accretion rate onto a compact stellar remnant, or an intermediate mass ( 100-105M⊙) black hole1. Recently detected coherent pulsations coming from three bright ULXs2-5 demonstrate that some of these sources are powered by accretion onto a neutron star, implying accretion rates significantly in excess of the Eddington limit, a high degree of geometric beaming, or both. The physical challenges associated with the high implied accretion rates can be mitigated if the neutron star surface field is very high (1014 G)6, since this suppresses the electron scattering cross-section, reducing the radiation pressure that chokes off accretion for high luminosities. Surface magnetic field strengths can be determined through cyclotron resonance scattering features7,8 produced by the transition of charged particles between quantized Landau levels. Here, we present the detection at a significance of 3.8σ of an absorption line at 4.5 keV in the Chandra spectrum of a ULX in M51. This feature is likely to be a cyclotron resonance scattering feature produced by the strong magnetic field of a neutron star. Assuming scattering off electrons, the magnetic field strength is implied to be 1011 G, while protons would imply a magnetic field of B 1015 G.

Optic Nerve Assessment Using 7-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PubMed

Singh, Arun D; Platt, Sean M; Lystad, Lisa; Lowe, Mark; Oh, Sehong; Jones, Stephen E; Alzahrani, Yahya; Plesec, Thomas

2016-04-01

The purpose of this study was to correlate high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histologic findings in a case of juxtapapillary choroidal melanoma with clinical evidence of optic nerve invasion. With institutional review board approval, an enucleated globe with choroidal melanoma and optic nerve invasion was imaged using a 7-tesla MRI followed by histopathologic evaluation. Optical coherence tomography, B-scan ultrasonography, and 1.5-tesla MRI of the orbit (1-mm sections) could not detect optic disc invasion. Ex vivo, 7-tesla MRI detected optic nerve invasion, which correlated with histopathologic features. Our case demonstrates the potential to document the existence of optic nerve invasion in the presence of an intraocular tumor, a feature that has a major bearing on decision making, particularly for consideration of enucleation.

Improvement of charge-pumping electrically detected magnetic resonance and its application to silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hori, Masahiro; Tsuchiya, Toshiaki; Ono, Yukinori

2017-01-01

Charge-pumping electrically detected magnetic resonance (CP EDMR), or EDMR in the CP mode, is improved and applied to a silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). Real-time monitoring of the CP process reveals that high-frequency transient currents are an obstacle to signal amplification for EDMR. Therefore, we introduce cutoff circuitry, leading to a detection limit for the number of spins as low as 103 for Si MOS interface defects. With this improved method, we demonstrate that CP EDMR inherits one of the most important features of the CP method: the gate control of the energy window of the detectable interface defects for spectroscopy.

Slow dynamics in the geometrically frustrated magnet ZnFe2O4: Universal features of aging phenomena in spin glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mamiya, H.; Tsujii, N.; Terada, N.; Nimori, S.; Kitazawa, H.; Hoshikawa, A.; Ishigaki, T.

2014-07-01

To clarify the universal features of spin glasses, we carefully studied slow dynamics in a geometrically frustrated magnet ZnFe2O4 with slight disorders, regarded as an "unconventional" Heisenberg spin glass, using time-resolved neutron diffractometry and magnetometry. The results indicate that "aging" can be attributed not to growth of the short-range order detected by a diffuse scattering but to aging of a hidden aperiodic correlation, as expected from theories for spin glasses. Concerning aging, peculiar behavior was found; the decay of thermoremanent magnetization is extremely accelerated if the sample is heated/cooled briefly midway through the isothermal slow relaxation. Conversely, magnetization surprisingly increases despite the absence of a magnetic field when the temperature returns after the brief heating/cooling. The behavior can be explained as a destabilization of the aged spin configuration due to the thermal perturbations and subsequent spontaneous restoration of the original spin configuration after the destabilization. Whereas such destabilization and restoration do not occur during freezing into numerous metastable states in a fixed energy landscape, these are possible in an energy landscape with a temperature-sensitive funnel-like structure. These features, consistent with the ghost domain scenario of the droplet picture, are the same as for conventional Heisenberg spin glasses such as dilute magnetic alloys and dilute magnetic semiconductors. In other words, they are universal features in Heisenberg spin glasses including unconventional ones.

Real-time measurement of biomagnetic vector fields in functional syncytium using amorphous metal.

PubMed

Nakayama, Shinsuke; Uchiyama, Tusyoshi

2015-03-06

Magnetic field detection of biological electric activities would provide a non-invasive and aseptic estimate of the functional state of cellular organization, namely a syncytium constructed with cell-to-cell electric coupling. In this study, we investigated the properties of biomagnetic waves which occur spontaneously in gut musculature as a typical functional syncytium, by applying an amorphous metal-based gradio-magneto sensor operated at ambient temperature without a magnetic shield. The performance of differentiation was improved by using a single amorphous wire with a pair of transducer coils. Biomagnetic waves of up to several nT were recorded ~1 mm below the sample in a real-time manner. Tetraethyl ammonium (TEA) facilitated magnetic waves reflected electric activity in smooth muscle. The direction of magnetic waves altered depending on the relative angle of the muscle layer and magneto sensor, indicating the existence of propagating intercellular currents. The magnitude of magnetic waves rapidly decreased to ~30% by the initial and subsequent 1 mm separations between sample and sensor. The large distance effect was attributed to the feature of bioelectric circuits constructed by two reverse currents separated by a small distance. This study provides a method for detecting characteristic features of biomagnetic fields arising from a syncytial current.

Real-time Measurement of Biomagnetic Vector Fields in Functional Syncytium Using Amorphous Metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakayama, Shinsuke; Uchiyama, Tusyoshi

2015-03-01

Magnetic field detection of biological electric activities would provide a non-invasive and aseptic estimate of the functional state of cellular organization, namely a syncytium constructed with cell-to-cell electric coupling. In this study, we investigated the properties of biomagnetic waves which occur spontaneously in gut musculature as a typical functional syncytium, by applying an amorphous metal-based gradio-magneto sensor operated at ambient temperature without a magnetic shield. The performance of differentiation was improved by using a single amorphous wire with a pair of transducer coils. Biomagnetic waves of up to several nT were recorded ~1 mm below the sample in a real-time manner. Tetraethyl ammonium (TEA) facilitated magnetic waves reflected electric activity in smooth muscle. The direction of magnetic waves altered depending on the relative angle of the muscle layer and magneto sensor, indicating the existence of propagating intercellular currents. The magnitude of magnetic waves rapidly decreased to ~30% by the initial and subsequent 1 mm separations between sample and sensor. The large distance effect was attributed to the feature of bioelectric circuits constructed by two reverse currents separated by a small distance. This study provides a method for detecting characteristic features of biomagnetic fields arising from a syncytial current.

Influence of Magnetic Ordering between Cr Adatoms on the Yu-Shiba-Rusinov States of the β -Bi2Pd Superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Deung-Jang; Fernández, Carlos García; Herrera, Edwin; Rubio-Verdú, Carmen; Ugeda, Miguel M.; Guillamón, Isabel; Suderow, Hermann; Pascual, José Ignacio; Lorente, Nicolás

2018-04-01

We show that the magnetic ordering of coupled atomic dimers on a superconductor is revealed by their intragap spectral features. Chromium atoms on the superconductor β -Bi2Pd surface display Yu-Shiba-Rusinov bound states, detected as pairs of intragap excitations in tunneling spectra. By means of atomic manipulation with a scanning tunneling microscope's tip, we form Cr dimers with different arrangements and find that their intragap features appear either shifted or split with respect to single atoms. These spectral variations are associated with the magnetic coupling, ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic, of the dimer, as confirmed by density functional theory simulations. The striking qualitative differences between the observed tunneling spectra prove that intragap Shiba states are extremely sensitive to the magnetic ordering on the atomic scale.

Detection of magnetic microbeads and ferrofluid with giant magnetoresistance sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, J.; Wang, Y. Q.; Li, F. Q.; Shi, H. P.; Chen, X.

2011-01-01

Giant magnetoresistance sensors based on multilayers [Cu/NiFeCo]×10/ Ta were fabricated by microfabrication technology. A GMR-bridge was used to detect the magnetic MyOne beads and Ferro fluid. The dependence of the GMR-bridge signals on the surface coverage of MyOne beads was studied. The results show that the GMR sensor is capable of detecting the magnetic beads. The detectable limit of MyOne beads is about 100, and the corresponding signal output is 8 μV. The GMR bridge signal is proportional to the surface coverage of the MyOne beads. The sensitivity of the GMR bridge is inversely proportional to the feature size of the GMR sensor. The GMR bridge integrated with microfludic channel was also used for dynamic detection of ferrofluid (suspension of Fe3O4 particles). The results show that the GMR bridge is capable of detecting the flow of ferrofluid, and the sensor signals are proportional to the concentration of the ferrofluid. The detection limit of concentration of the ferrofluid is 0.56 mg/ml, and the corresponding signal is 6.2 μV.

Computerized detection of unruptured aneurysms in MRA images: reduction of false positives using anatomical location features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchiyama, Yoshikazu; Gao, Xin; Hara, Takeshi; Fujita, Hiroshi; Ando, Hiromichi; Yamakawa, Hiroyasu; Asano, Takahiko; Kato, Hiroki; Iwama, Toru; Kanematsu, Masayuki; Hoshi, Hiroaki

2008-03-01

The detection of unruptured aneurysms is a major subject in magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). However, their accurate detection is often difficult because of the overlapping between the aneurysm and the adjacent vessels on maximum intensity projection images. The purpose of this study is to develop a computerized method for the detection of unruptured aneurysms in order to assist radiologists in image interpretation. The vessel regions were first segmented using gray-level thresholding and a region growing technique. The gradient concentration (GC) filter was then employed for the enhancement of the aneurysms. The initial candidates were identified in the GC image using a gray-level threshold. For the elimination of false positives (FPs), we determined shape features and an anatomical location feature. Finally, rule-based schemes and quadratic discriminant analysis were employed along with these features for distinguishing between the aneurysms and the FPs. The sensitivity for the detection of unruptured aneurysms was 90.0% with 1.52 FPs per patient. Our computerized scheme can be useful in assisting the radiologists in the detection of unruptured aneurysms in MRA images.

Optic Nerve Assessment Using 7-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging

PubMed Central

Singh, Arun D.; Platt, Sean M.; Lystad, Lisa; Lowe, Mark; Oh, Sehong; Jones, Stephen E.; Alzahrani, Yahya; Plesec, Thomas

2016-01-01

Purpose The purpose of this study was to correlate high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histologic findings in a case of juxtapapillary choroidal melanoma with clinical evidence of optic nerve invasion. Methods With institutional review board approval, an enucleated globe with choroidal melanoma and optic nerve invasion was imaged using a 7-tesla MRI followed by histopathologic evaluation. Results Optical coherence tomography, B-scan ultrasonography, and 1.5-tesla MRI of the orbit (1-mm sections) could not detect optic disc invasion. Ex vivo, 7-tesla MRI detected optic nerve invasion, which correlated with histopathologic features. Conclusions Our case demonstrates the potential to document the existence of optic nerve invasion in the presence of an intraocular tumor, a feature that has a major bearing on decision making, particularly for consideration of enucleation. PMID:27239461

Detailed magnetic survey at Dahshour archeological sites Southwest Cairo, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mekkawi, Mahmoud; Arafa-Hamed, Tarek; Abdellatif, Tareq

2013-06-01

Dahshour area has recently shown a great potential of archeological findings. This was remarkable from the latest discovery of the causeway and the mortuary temple of the Pyramid of Amenemhat III using geophysical data. The main objective of the present work is to locate the buried archeological remains in the area of Dahshour, Southwest Cairo using magnetic survey for shallow investigations. Land magnetic data is acquired using proton magnetometer (two sensors) with a sensor separation of 0.8 m; i.e. gradiometer survey. The study area is located nearby the two known pyramids of Dahshour. The field data is processed and analyzed using Oasis Montaj Geosoft™ software. The processed data is presented in order to delineate the hidden artifacts causing the magnetic anomalies. The results indicated a distribution of the buried archeological features within the study area. These archeological features are detected according to the magnetic contrast between the magnetic archeological sources (such as mud bricks, basalt and granite) and the surroundings; mainly sandy soil. The delineated archeological features at Dahshour are probably dated back to the old kingdom having a depth reach up to 3.0 m. Consequently it is highly recommended to carry out excavation to precisely classify them and high light their nature and value.

Integration of minisolenoids in microfluidic device for magnetic bead-based immunoassays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yan-Jun; Guo, Shi-Shang; Zhang, Zhi-Ling; Huang, Wei-Hua; Baigl, Damien; Chen, Yong; Pang, Dai-Wen

2007-10-01

Microfluidic devices with integrated minisolenoids, microvalves, and channels have been fabricated for fast and low-volume immunoassay using superparamagnetic beads and well-known surface bioengineering protocols. A magnetic reaction area can be formed in the microchannel, featuring a high surface-to-volume ratio and low diffusion distances for the reagents to the bead surface. Such a method has the obvious advantage of easy implementation at low cost. Moreover, the minisolenoids can be switched on or off and the magnetic field intensity can be tuned on demand. Fluids can be manipulated by controlling the integrated air-pressure-actuated microvalves. Accordingly, magnetic bead-based immunoassay, as a typical example of biochemical detection and analysis, has been successfully performed on the integrated microfluidic device automatically in longitudinal mode. With a sample consumption of 0.5μl and a total assay time of less than 15min, goat immunoglobulin G was detected and the method exhibited a detection limit of 4.7ng/ml.

Detection of Focal Cortical Dysplasia Lesions in MRI Using Textural Features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loyek, Christian; Woermann, Friedrich G.; Nattkemper, Tim W.

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is a frequent cause of medically refractory partial epilepsy. The visual identification of FCD lesions on magnetic resonance images (MRI) is a challenging task in standard radiological analysis. Quantitative image analysis which tries to assist in the diagnosis of FCD lesions is an active field of research. In this work we investigate the potential of different texture features, in order to explore to what extent they are suitable for detecting lesional tissue. As a result we can show first promising results based on segmentation and texture classification.

Topography-Assisted Electromagnetic Platform for Blood-to-PCR in a Droplet

PubMed Central

Chiou, Chi-Han; Shin, Dong Jin; Zhang, Yi; Wang, Tza-Huei

2013-01-01

This paper presents an electromagnetically actuated platform for automated sample preparation and detection of nucleic acids. The proposed platform integrates nucleic acid extraction using silica-coated magnetic particles with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on a single cartridge. Extraction of genomic material was automated by manipulating magnetic particles in droplets using a series of planar coil electromagnets assisted by topographical features, enabling efficient fluidic processing over a variety of buffers and reagents. The functionality of the platform was demonstrated by performing nucleic acid extraction from whole blood, followed by real-time PCR detection of KRAS oncogene. Automated sample processing from whole blood to PCR-ready droplet was performed in 15 minutes. We took a modular approach of decoupling the modules of magnetic manipulation and optical detection from the device itself, enabling a low-complexity cartridge that operates in tandem with simple external instruments. PMID:23835223

Subsurface sounders

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

Airborne or spaceborne electromagnetic systems used to detect subsurface features are discussed. Data are given as a function of resistivity of ground material, magnetic permeability of free space, and angular frequency. It was noted that resistivities vary with the water content and temperature.

A primitive study of voxel feature generation by multiple stacked denoising autoencoders for detecting cerebral aneurysms on MRA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nemoto, Mitsutaka; Hayashi, Naoto; Hanaoka, Shouhei; Nomura, Yukihiro; Miki, Soichiro; Yoshikawa, Takeharu; Ohtomo, Kuni

2016-03-01

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a novel feature generation, which is based on multiple deep neural networks (DNNs) with boosting, for computer-assisted detection (CADe). It is hard and time-consuming to optimize the hyperparameters for DNNs such as stacked denoising autoencoder (SdA). The proposed method allows using SdA based features without the burden of the hyperparameter setting. The proposed method was evaluated by an application for detecting cerebral aneurysms on magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA). A baseline CADe process included four components; scaling, candidate area limitation, candidate detection, and candidate classification. Proposed feature generation method was applied to extract the optimal features for candidate classification. Proposed method only required setting range of the hyperparameters for SdA. The optimal feature set was selected from a large quantity of SdA based features by multiple SdAs, each of which was trained using different hyperparameter set. The feature selection was operated through ada-boost ensemble learning method. Training of the baseline CADe process and proposed feature generation were operated with 200 MRA cases, and the evaluation was performed with 100 MRA cases. Proposed method successfully provided SdA based features just setting the range of some hyperparameters for SdA. The CADe process by using both previous voxel features and SdA based features had the best performance with 0.838 of an area under ROC curve and 0.312 of ANODE score. The results showed that proposed method was effective in the application for detecting cerebral aneurysms on MRA.

Magnetic Sensors Based on Amorphous Ferromagnetic Materials: A Review

PubMed Central

Morón, Carlos; Cabrera, Carolina; Morón, Alberto; García, Alfonso; González, Mercedes

2015-01-01

Currently there are many types of sensors that are used in lots of applications. Among these, magnetic sensors are a good alternative for the detection and measurement of different phenomena because they are a “simple” and readily available technology. For the construction of such devices there are many magnetic materials available, although amorphous ferromagnetic materials are the most suitable. The existence in the market of these materials allows the production of different kinds of sensors, without requiring expensive manufacture investments for the magnetic cores. Furthermore, these are not fragile materials that require special care, favouring the construction of solid and reliable devices. Another important feature is that these sensors can be developed without electric contact between the measuring device and the sensor, making them especially fit for use in harsh environments. In this review we will look at the main types of developed magnetic sensors. This work presents the state of the art of magnetic sensors based on amorphous ferromagnetic materials used in modern technology: security devices, weapon detection, magnetic maps, car industry, credit cards, etc. PMID:26569244

Magnetic Sensors Based on Amorphous Ferromagnetic Materials: A Review.

PubMed

Morón, Carlos; Cabrera, Carolina; Morón, Alberto; García, Alfonso; González, Mercedes

2015-11-11

Currently there are many types of sensors that are used in lots of applications. Among these, magnetic sensors are a good alternative for the detection and measurement of different phenomena because they are a "simple" and readily available technology. For the construction of such devices there are many magnetic materials available, although amorphous ferromagnetic materials are the most suitable. The existence in the market of these materials allows the production of different kinds of sensors, without requiring expensive manufacture investments for the magnetic cores. Furthermore, these are not fragile materials that require special care, favouring the construction of solid and reliable devices. Another important feature is that these sensors can be developed without electric contact between the measuring device and the sensor, making them especially fit for use in harsh environments. In this review we will look at the main types of developed magnetic sensors. This work presents the state of the art of magnetic sensors based on amorphous ferromagnetic materials used in modern technology: security devices, weapon detection, magnetic maps, car industry, credit cards, etc.

On-the-fly detection of images with gastritis aspects in magnetically guided capsule endoscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mewes, P. W.; Neumann, D.; Juloski, A. L.; Angelopoulou, E.; Hornegger, J.

2011-03-01

Capsule Endoscopy (CE) was introduced in 2000 and has since become an established diagnostic procedure for the small bowel, colon and esophagus. For the CE examination the patient swallows the capsule, which then travels through the gastrointestinal tract under the influence of the peristaltic movements. CE is not indicated for stomach examination, as the capsule movements can not be controlled from the outside and the entire surface of the stomach can not be reliably covered. Magnetically-guided capsule endoscopy (MGCE) was introduced in 2010. For the MGCE procedure the stomach is filled with water and the capsule is navigated from the outside using an external magnetic field. During the examination the operator can control the motion of the capsule in order to obtain a sufficient number of stomach-surface images with diagnostic value. The quality of the examination depends on the skill of the operator and his ability to detect aspects of interest in real time. We present a novel computer-assisted diagnostic-procedure (CADP) algorithm for indicating gastritis pathologies in the stomach during the examination. Our algorithm is based on pre-processing methods and feature vectors that are suitably chosen for the challenges of the MGCE imaging (suspended particles, bubbles, lighting). An image is classified using an ada-boost trained classifier. For the classifier training, a number of possible features were investigated. Statistical evaluation was conducted to identify relevant features with discriminative potential. The proposed algorithm was tested on 12 video sequences stemming from 6 volunteers. A mean detection rate of 91.17% was achieved during leave-one out cross-validation.

Fiber-Optic Magnetometry and Thermometry Using Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance With Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers in Diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blakley, Sean Michael

Nitrogen--vacancy diamond (NVD) quantum sensors are an emerging technology that has shown great promise in areas like high-resolution thermometry and magnetometry. Optical fibers provide attractive new application paradigms for NVD technology. A detailed description of the fabrication processes associated with the development of novel fiber-optic NVD probes are presented in this work. The demonstrated probes are tested on paradigmatic model systems designed to ascertain their suitability for use in challenging biological environments. Methods employing optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) are used to accurately measure and map temperature distributions of small objects and to demonstrate emergent temperature-dependent phenomena in genetically modified living organisms. These methods are also used to create detailed high resolution spatial maps of both magnetic scalar and magnetic vector field distributions of spatially localized weak field features in the presence of a noisy, high-field background.

Computer Vision for the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martens, P. C. H.; Attrill, G. D. R.; Davey, A. R.; Engell, A.; Farid, S.; Grigis, P. C.; Kasper, J.; Korreck, K.; Saar, S. H.; Savcheva, A.; Su, Y.; Testa, P.; Wills-Davey, M.; Bernasconi, P. N.; Raouafi, N.-E.; Delouille, V. A.; Hochedez, J. F.; Cirtain, J. W.; Deforest, C. E.; Angryk, R. A.; de Moortel, I.; Wiegelmann, T.; Georgoulis, M. K.; McAteer, R. T. J.; Timmons, R. P.

2012-01-01

In Fall 2008 NASA selected a large international consortium to produce a comprehensive automated feature-recognition system for the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The SDO data that we consider are all of the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) images plus surface magnetic-field images from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI). We produce robust, very efficient, professionally coded software modules that can keep up with the SDO data stream and detect, trace, and analyze numerous phenomena, including flares, sigmoids, filaments, coronal dimmings, polarity inversion lines, sunspots, X-ray bright points, active regions, coronal holes, EIT waves, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), coronal oscillations, and jets. We also track the emergence and evolution of magnetic elements down to the smallest detectable features and will provide at least four full-disk, nonlinear, force-free magnetic field extrapolations per day. The detection of CMEs and filaments is accomplished with Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)/ Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) and ground-based Hα data, respectively. A completely new software element is a trainable feature-detection module based on a generalized image-classification algorithm. Such a trainable module can be used to find features that have not yet been discovered (as, for example, sigmoids were in the pre- Yohkoh era). Our codes will produce entries in the Heliophysics Events Knowledgebase (HEK) as well as produce complete catalogs for results that are too numerous for inclusion in the HEK, such as the X-ray bright-point metadata. This will permit users to locate data on individual events as well as carry out statistical studies on large numbers of events, using the interface provided by the Virtual Solar Observatory. The operations concept for our computer vision system is that the data will be analyzed in near real time as soon as they arrive at the SDO Joint Science Operations Center and have undergone basic processing. This will allow the system to produce timely space-weather alerts and to guide the selection and production of quicklook images and movies, in addition to its prime mission of enabling solar science. We briefly describe the complex and unique data-processing pipeline, consisting of the hardware and control software required to handle the SDO data stream and accommodate the computer-vision modules, which has been set up at the Lockheed-Martin Space Astrophysics Laboratory (LMSAL), with an identical copy at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO).

Spatial and temporal analysis of DIII-D 3D magnetic diagnostic data

DOE PAGES

Strait, E. J.; King, J. D.; Hanson, J. M.; ...

2016-08-11

An extensive set of magnetic diagnostics in DIII-D is aimed at measuring non-axisymmetric "3D" features of tokamak plasmas, with typical amplitudes ~10 -3 to 10 -5 of the total magnetic field. We describe hardware and software techniques used at DIII-D to condition the individual signals and analysis to estimate the spatial structure from an ensemble of discrete measurements. Lastly, applications of the analysis include detection of non-rotating MHD instabilities, plasma control, and validation of MHD stability and 3D equilibrium models.

The significance of vector magnetic field measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hagyard, M. J.

1990-01-01

Observations of four flaring solar active regions, obtained during 1980-1986 with the NASA Marshall vector magnetograph (Hagyard et al., 1982 and 1985), are presented graphically and characterized in detail, with reference to nearly simultaneous Big Bear Solar Observatory and USAF ASW H-alpha images. It is shown that the flares occurred where local photospheric magnetic fields differed most from the potential field, with initial brightening on either side of a magnetic-neutral line near the point of maximum angular shear (rather than that of maximum magnetic-field strength, typically 1 kG or greater). Particular emphasis is placed on the fact that these significant nonpotential features were detected only by measuring all three components of the vector magnetic field.

Towards quantitative magnetic particle imaging: A comparison with magnetic particle spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paysen, Hendrik; Wells, James; Kosch, Olaf; Steinhoff, Uwe; Trahms, Lutz; Schaeffter, Tobias; Wiekhorst, Frank

2018-05-01

Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) is a quantitative imaging modality with promising features for several biomedical applications. Here, we study quantitatively the raw data obtained during MPI measurements. We present a method for the calibration of the MPI scanner output using measurements from a magnetic particle spectrometer (MPS) to yield data in units of magnetic moments. The calibration technique is validated in a simplified MPI mode with a 1D excitation field. Using the calibrated results from MPS and MPI, we determine and compare the detection limits for each system. The detection limits were found to be 5.10-12 Am2 for MPS and 3.6.10-10 Am2 for MPI. Finally, the quantitative information contained in a standard MPI measurement with a 3D excitation is analyzed and compared to the previous results, showing a decrease in signal amplitudes of the odd harmonics related to the case of 1D excitation. We propose physical explanations for all acquired results; and discuss the possible benefits for the improvement of MPI technology.

Tracking Temperature-Dependent Relaxation Times of Ferritin Nanomagnets with a Wideband Quantum Spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schäfer-Nolte, Eike; Schlipf, Lukas; Ternes, Markus; Reinhard, Friedemann; Kern, Klaus; Wrachtrup, Jörg

2014-11-01

We demonstrate the tracking of the spin dynamics of ensemble and individual magnetic ferritin proteins from cryogenic up to room temperature using the nitrogen-vacancy color center in diamond as a magnetic sensor. We employ different detection protocols to probe the influence of the ferritin nanomagnets on the longitudinal and transverse relaxation of the nitrogen-vacancy center, which enables magnetic sensing over a wide frequency range from Hz to GHz. The temperature dependence of the observed spectral features can be well understood by the thermally induced magnetization reversals of the ferritin and enables the determination of the anisotropy barrier of single ferritin molecules.

Drift-Free Indoor Navigation Using Simultaneous Localization and Mapping of the Ambient Heterogeneous Magnetic Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chow, J. C. K.

2017-09-01

In the absence of external reference position information (e.g. surveyed targets or Global Navigation Satellite Systems) Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) has proven to be an effective method for indoor navigation. The positioning drift can be reduced with regular loop-closures and global relaxation as the backend, thus achieving a good balance between exploration and exploitation. Although vision-based systems like laser scanners are typically deployed for SLAM, these sensors are heavy, energy inefficient, and expensive, making them unattractive for wearables or smartphone applications. However, the concept of SLAM can be extended to non-optical systems such as magnetometers. Instead of matching features such as walls and furniture using some variation of the Iterative Closest Point algorithm, the local magnetic field can be matched to provide loop-closure and global trajectory updates in a Gaussian Process (GP) SLAM framework. With a MEMS-based inertial measurement unit providing a continuous trajectory, and the matching of locally distinct magnetic field maps, experimental results in this paper show that a drift-free navigation solution in an indoor environment with millimetre-level accuracy can be achieved. The GP-SLAM approach presented can be formulated as a maximum a posteriori estimation problem and it can naturally perform loop-detection, feature-to-feature distance minimization, global trajectory optimization, and magnetic field map estimation simultaneously. Spatially continuous features (i.e. smooth magnetic field signatures) are used instead of discrete feature correspondences (e.g. point-to-point) as in conventional vision-based SLAM. These position updates from the ambient magnetic field also provide enough information for calibrating the accelerometer bias and gyroscope bias in-use. The only restriction for this method is the need for magnetic disturbances (which is typically not an issue for indoor environments); however, no assumptions are required for the general motion of the sensor (e.g. static periods).

Detection of Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria using Bacteriophage Tail Spike Proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poshtiban, Somayyeh

Foodborne infections are worldwide health problem with tremendous social and financial impacts. Efforts are focused on developing accurate and reliable technologies for detection of food contaminations in early stages preferably on-site. This thesis focuses on interfacing engineering and biology by combining phage receptor binding proteins (RBPs) with engineered platforms including microresonator-based biosensors, magnetic particles and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to develop bacterial detection sensors. We used phage RBPs as target specific bioreceptors to develop an enhanced microresonator array for bacterial detection. These resonator beams are optimized to feature a high natural frequency while offer large surface area for capture of bacteria. Theoretical analysis indicates a high mass sensitivity with a threshold for the detection of a single bacterial cell. We used phage RBPs as target specific bioreceptors, and successfully demonstrated the application of these phage RBB-immobilized arrays for specific detection of C. jejuni cells. We also developed a RBP-derivatized magnetic pre-enrichment method as an upstream sample preparation method to improve sensitivity and specificity of PCR for detection of bacterial cells in various food samples. The combination of RBP-based magnetic separation and real-time PCR allowed the detection of small number of bacteria in artificially contaminated food samples without any need for time consuming pre-enrichment step through culturing. We also looked into integration of the RBP-based magnetic separation with PCR onto a single microfluidic lab-on-a-chip to reduce the overall turnaround time.

Phase-dependent absorption features in X-ray spectra of X-ray Dim Isolated Neutron Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borghese, A.; Rea, N.; Coti Zelati, F.; Turolla, R.; Tiengo, A.; Zane, S.

2017-12-01

A detailed phase-resolved spectroscopy of archival XMM-Newton observations of X-ray Dim Isolated Neutron Stars (XDINSs) led to the discovery of narrow and strongly phase-dependent absorption features in two of these sources. The first was discovered in the X-ray spectrum of RX J0720.4-3125, followed by a new possible candidate in RX J1308.6+2127. Both spectral lines have similar properties: they are detected for only ˜ 20% of the rotational cycle and appear to be stable over the timespan covered by the observations. We performed Monte Carlo simulations to test the significance of these phase-variable features and in both cases the outcome has confirmed the detection with a confidence level > 4.6σ. Because of the narrow width and the strong dependence on the pulsar rotational phase, the most likely interpretation for these spectral features is in terms of resonant proton cyclotron absorption scattering in a confined high-B structure close to the stellar surface. Within the framework of this interpretation, our results provide evidence for deviations from a pure dipole magnetic field on small scales for highly magnetized neutron stars and support the proposed scenario of XDINSs being aged magnetars, with a strong non-dipolar crustal B-field component.

PRE-ERUPTION OSCILLATIONS IN THIN AND LONG FEATURES IN A QUIESCENT FILAMENT

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

Joshi, Anand D.; Hanaoka, Yoichiro; Suematsu, Yoshinori

We investigate the eruption of a quiescent filament located close to an active region. Large-scale activation was observed in only half of the filament in the form of pre-eruption oscillations. Consequently only this half erupted nearly 30 hr after the oscillations commenced. Time-slice diagrams of 171 Å images from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly were used to study the oscillations. These were observed in several thin and long features connecting the filament spine to the chromosphere below. This study traces the origin of such features and proposes their possible interpretation. Small-scale magnetic flux cancellation accompanied by a brightening was observed atmore » the footpoint of the features shortly before their appearance, in images recorded by the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager. A slow rise of the filament was detected in addition to the oscillations, indicating a gradual loss of equilibrium. Our analysis indicates that a change in magnetic field connectivity between two neighbouring active regions and the quiescent filament resulted in a weakening of the overlying arcade of the filament, leading to its eruption. It is also suggested that the oscillating features are filament barbs, and the oscillations are a manifestation during the pre-eruption phase of the filaments.« less

Automated Coronal Loop Identification using Digital Image Processing Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, J. K.; Gary, G. A.; Newman, T. S.

2003-05-01

The results of a Master's thesis study of computer algorithms for automatic extraction and identification (i.e., collectively, "detection") of optically-thin, 3-dimensional, (solar) coronal-loop center "lines" from extreme ultraviolet and X-ray 2-dimensional images will be presented. The center lines, which can be considered to be splines, are proxies of magnetic field lines. Detecting the loops is challenging because there are no unique shapes, the loop edges are often indistinct, and because photon and detector noise heavily influence the images. Three techniques for detecting the projected magnetic field lines have been considered and will be described in the presentation. The three techniques used are (i) linear feature recognition of local patterns (related to the inertia-tensor concept), (ii) parametric space inferences via the Hough transform, and (iii) topological adaptive contours (snakes) that constrain curvature and continuity. Since coronal loop topology is dominated by the magnetic field structure, a first-order magnetic field approximation using multiple dipoles provides a priori information that has also been incorporated into the detection process. Synthesized images have been generated to benchmark the suitability of the three techniques, and the performance of the three techniques on both synthesized and solar images will be presented and numerically evaluated in the presentation. The process of automatic detection of coronal loops is important in the reconstruction of the coronal magnetic field where the derived magnetic field lines provide a boundary condition for magnetic models ( cf. , Gary (2001, Solar Phys., 203, 71) and Wiegelmann & Neukirch (2002, Solar Phys., 208, 233)). . This work was supported by NASA's Office of Space Science - Solar and Heliospheric Physics Supporting Research and Technology Program.

Observation of proton chorus waves close to the equatorial plane by Cluster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grison, B.; Pickett, J. S.; Santolik, O.; Robert, P.; Cornilleau-Wehrlin, N.; Engebretson, M. J.; Constantinescu, D. O.

2009-12-01

Whistler mode chorus waves are a widely studied phenomena. They are present in numerous regions of the magnetosphere and are presumed to originate in the magnetic equatorial region. In a spectrogram they are characterized by narrowband features with rise (or fall) in frequency over short periods of time. Being whistler mode waves around a few tenths of the electron cyclotron frequency they interact mainly with electrons. In the present study we report observations by the Cluster spacecraft of what we call proton chorus waves. They have spectral features with rising frequency, similar to the electron chorus waves, but they are detected in a frequency range that starts roughly at 0.50fH+ up to fH+ (the local proton gyro-frequency). The lower part of their spectrum seems to originate from monochromatic Pc 1 waves (1.5 Hz). Proton chorus waves are detected close to the magnetic equatorial plane in both hemispheres during the same event. Our interpretation of these waves as proton chorus is supported by polarization analysis with the Roproc procedures and the Prassadco software using both the magnetic (STAFF-SC) and electric (EFW) parts of the fluctuations spectrum.

Measuring surface magnetic fields of red supergiant stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tessore, B.; Lèbre, A.; Morin, J.; Mathias, P.; Josselin, E.; Aurière, M.

2017-07-01

Context. Red supergiant (RSG) stars are very massive cool evolved stars. Recently, a weak magnetic field was measured at the surface of α Ori and this is so far the only M-type supergiant for which a direct detection of a surface magnetic field has been reported. Aims: By extending the search for surface magnetic field in a sample of late-type supergiants, we want to determine whether the surface magnetic field detected on α Ori is a common feature among the M-type supergiants. Methods: With the spectropolarimeter Narval at Télescope Bernard-Lyot we undertook a search for surface magnetic fields in a sample of cool supergiant stars, and we analysed circular polarisation spectra using the least-squares deconvolution technique. Results: We detect weak Zeeman signatures of stellar origin in the targets CE Tau, α1 Her and μ Cep. For the latter star, we also show that cross-talk from the strong linear polarisation signals detected on this star must be taken into account. For CE Tau and μ Cep, the longitudinal component of the detected surface fields is at the Gauss-level, such as in α Ori. We measured a longitudinal field almost an order of magnitude stronger for α1 Her. We also report variability of the longitudinal magnetic field of CE Tau and α1 Her, with changes in good agreement with the typical atmospheric dynamics time-scales. We also report a non-detection of magnetic field at the surface of the yellow supergiant star ρ Cas. Conclusions: The two RSG stars of our sample, CE Tau and μ Cep, display magnetic fields very similar to that of α Ori. The non-detection of a magnetic field on the post-RSG star ρ Cas suggests that the magnetic field disappears, or at least becomes undetectable with present methods, at later evolutionary stages. Our analysis of α1 Her supports the proposed reclassification of the star as an M-type asymptotic giant branch star. Based on observations obtained at the Télescope Bernard Lyot (TBL) at the Observatoire du Pic du Midi, operated by the Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Université de Toulouse (Paul Sabatier), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique of France.

Ultrasensitive Immunosensor for Cancer Biomarker Proteins using Gold Nanoparticle Film Electrodes and Multienzyme-Particle Amplification

PubMed Central

Mani, Vigneshwaran; Chikkaveeraiah, Bhaskara V.; Patel, Vyomesh; Gutkind, J. Silvio; Rusling, James F.

2009-01-01

A densely packed gold nanoparticle platform combined with a multiple-enzyme labeled detection antibody-magnetic bead bioconjugate was used as the basis for an ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor to detect cancer biomarkers in serum. Sensitivity was greatly amplified by synthesizing magnetic bioconjugates particles containing 7500 horseradish peroxidase (HRP) labels along with detection antibodies (Ab2) attached to activated carboxyl groups on 1 µm diameter magnetic beads. These sensors had sensitivity of 31.5 µA mL ng−1 and detection limit (DL) of 0.5 pg mL−1 for prostate specific antigen (PSA) in 10 µL of undiluted serum. This represents an ultralow mass DL of 5 fg PSA, eight fold better than a previously reported carbon nanotube (CNT) forest immunosensor featuring multiple labels on carbon nanotubes, and near or below the normal serum levels of most cancer biomarkers. Measurements of PSA in cell lysates and human serum of cancer patients gave excellent correlations with standard ELISA assays. These easily fabricated AuNP immunosensors show excellent promise for future fabrication of bioelectronic arrays. PMID:19216571

Full Stokes IQUV spectropolarimetry of AGB and post-AGB stars: probing surface magnetism and atmospheric dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lèbre, Agnès; Aurière, Michel; Fabas, Nicolas; Gillet, Denis; Josselin, Eric; Mathias, Philippe; Petit, Pascal

2015-10-01

Full Stokes spectropolarimetric observations of a Mira star (χ Cyg) and a RV Tauri star (R Sct) are presented and analyzed comparatively. From their Stokes V data (circular polarization), we report the detection of a weak magnetic field at the surface of these cool and evolved radially pulsating stars. For both stars, we analyse this detection in the framework of their complex atmospheric dynamics, with the possibility that shock waves may imprint an efficient compressive effect on the surface magnetic field. We also report strong Stokes U and Stokes Q signatures associated to metallic lines (as a global trend), those linear polarimetric features appear to be time variable along the pulsating phase. More surprising, in the Stokes U and Stokes Q data, we also detect signatures associated to individual metallic lines (such as Sr i 460.7 nm, Na D2 588.9 nm), that are known (from the solar case) to be easily polarizable in case of a global asymmetry at the photospheric level.

The intermediate wavelength magnetic anomaly field of the north Pacific and possible source distributions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Labrecque, J. L.; Cande, S. C.; Jarrard, R. D. (Principal Investigator)

1983-01-01

A technique that eliminates external field sources and the effects of strike aliasing was used to extract from marine survey data the intermediate wavelength magnetic anomaly field for (B) in the North Pacific. A strong correlation exists between this field and the MAGSAT field although a directional sensitivity in the MAGSAT field can be detected. The intermediate wavelength field is correlated to tectonic features. Island arcs appear as positive anomalies of induced origin likely due to variations in crustal thickness. Seamount chains and oceanic plateaus also are manifested by strong anomalies. The primary contribution to many of these anomalies appears to be due to a remanent magnetization. The source parameters for the remainder of these features are presently unidentified ambiguous. Results indicate that the sea surface field is a valuable source of information for secular variation analysis and the resolution of intermediate wavelength source parameters.

Higher-order geodesic deviation for charged particles and resonance induced by gravitational waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heydari-Fard, M.; Hasani, S. N.

We generalize the higher-order geodesic deviation for the structure-less test particles to the higher-order geodesic deviation equations of the charged particles [R. Kerner, J. W. van Holten and R. Colistete Jr., Class. Quantum Grav. 18 (2001) 4725]. By solving these equations for charged particles moving in a constant magnetic field in the spacetime of a gravitational wave, we show for both cases when the gravitational wave is parallel and perpendicular to the constant magnetic field, a magnetic resonance appears at wg = Ω. This feature might be useful to detect the gravitational wave with high frequencies.

CNNEDGEPOT: CNN based edge detection of 2D near surface potential field data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aydogan, D.

2012-09-01

All anomalies are important in the interpretation of gravity and magnetic data because they indicate some important structural features. One of the advantages of using gravity or magnetic data for searching contacts is to be detected buried structures whose signs could not be seen on the surface. In this paper, a general view of the cellular neural network (CNN) method with a large scale nonlinear circuit is presented focusing on its image processing applications. The proposed CNN model is used consecutively in order to extract body and body edges. The algorithm is a stochastic image processing method based on close neighborhood relationship of the cells and optimization of A, B and I matrices entitled as cloning template operators. Setting up a CNN (continues time cellular neural network (CTCNN) or discrete time cellular neural network (DTCNN)) for a particular task needs a proper selection of cloning templates which determine the dynamics of the method. The proposed algorithm is used for image enhancement and edge detection. The proposed method is applied on synthetic and field data generated for edge detection of near-surface geological bodies that mask each other in various depths and dimensions. The program named as CNNEDGEPOT is a set of functions written in MATLAB software. The GUI helps the user to easily change all the required CNN model parameters. A visual evaluation of the outputs due to DTCNN and CTCNN are carried out and the results are compared with each other. These examples demonstrate that in detecting the geological features the CNN model can be used for visual interpretation of near surface gravity or magnetic anomaly maps.

Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Targeted Biopsy in Detection of Prostate Cancer Harboring Adverse Pathological Features of Intraductal Carcinoma and Invasive Cribriform Carcinoma.

PubMed

Prendeville, Susan; Gertner, Mark; Maganti, Manjula; Pintilie, Melania; Perlis, Nathan; Toi, Ants; Evans, Andrew J; Finelli, Antonio; van der Kwast, Theodorus H; Ghai, Sangeet

2018-07-01

The aim of this study was to compare biopsy detection of intraductal and cribriform pattern invasive prostate carcinoma in multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging positive and negative regions of the prostate. We queried a prospectively maintained, single institution database to identify patients who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound fusion targeted biopsy and concurrent systematic sextant biopsy of magnetic resonance imaging negative regions between January 2013 and May 2016. All multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging targets were reviewed retrospectively by 2 readers for the PI-RADS™ (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System), version 2 score, the maximum dimension, the apparent diffusion coefficient parameter and whether positive or negative on dynamic contrast enhancement sequence. Biopsy slides were reviewed by 2 urological pathologists for Gleason score/Grade Group and the presence or absence of an intraductal/cribriform pattern. A total of 154 patients were included in study. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound fusion targeted biopsy and systematic sextant biopsy of magnetic resonance imaging negative regions were negative for prostate carcinoma in 51 patients, leaving 103 available for the correlation of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and the intraductal/cribriform pattern. Prostate carcinoma was identified by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound fusion targeted biopsy in 93 cases and by systematic sextant biopsy of magnetic resonance imaging negative regions in 76 (p = 0.008). Intraductal/cribriform positive tumor was detected in 23 cases, including at the multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound fusion targeted biopsy site in 22 and at the systematic sextant biopsy of magnetic resonance imaging negative region site in 3 (p <0.001). The intraductal/cribriform pattern was significantly associated with a PI-RADS score of 5 and a decreasing apparent diffusion coefficient value (p = 0.008 and 0.005, respectively). In 19 of the 23 cases with the intraductal/cribriform pattern prior 12-core standard systematic biopsy was negative in 8 and showed Grade Group 1 disease in 11. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound fusion targeted biopsy was associated with significantly increased detection of intraductal/cribriform positive prostate carcinoma compared to systematic sextant biopsy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging negative regions. This supports the role of magnetic resonance imaging to enhance the detection of clinically aggressive intraductal/cribriform positive prostate carcinoma. Copyright © 2018 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Embedded Ring-like Feature and Star Formation Activities in G35.673-00.847

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dewangan, L. K.; Devaraj, R.; Ojha, D. K.

2018-02-01

We present a multiwavelength study to probe the star formation (SF) process in the molecular cloud linked with the G35.673-00.847 site (hereafter MCG35.6), which is traced in a velocity range of 53–62 km s‑1. Multiwavelength images reveal a semi-ring-like feature (associated with ionized gas emission) and an embedded face-on ring-like feature (without the NVSS 1.4 GHz radio emission, where 1σ ∼ 0.45 mJy beam‑1) in MCG35.6. The semi-ring-like feature is originated by the ionizing feedback from a star with spectral type B0.5V–B0V. The central region of the ring-like feature does not contain detectable ionized gas emission, indicating that the ring-like feature is unlikely to be produced by the ionizing feedback from a massive star. Several embedded Herschel clumps and young stellar objects (YSOs) are identified in MCG35.6, tracing the ongoing SF activities within the cloud. The polarization information from the Planck and GPIPS data trace the plane-of-sky magnetic field, which is oriented parallel to the major axis of the ring-like feature. At least five clumps (having M clump ∼ 740–1420 M ⊙) seem to be distributed in an almost regularly spaced manner along the ring-like feature and contain noticeable YSOs. Based on the analysis of the polarization and molecular line data, three subregions containing the clumps are found to be magnetically supercritical in the ring-like feature. Altogether, the existence of the ring-like feature and the SF activities on its edges can be explained by the magnetic field mediated process as simulated by Li & Nakamura.

A smart magnetic resonance contrast agent for selective copper sensing.

PubMed

Que, Emily L; Chang, Christopher J

2006-12-20

We describe the synthesis and properties of Copper-Gad-1 (CG1), a new type of smart magnetic resonance (MR) sensor for selective detection of copper. CG1 is composed of a gadolinium contrast agent core tethered to copper-selective recognition motif. Cu2+-induced modulation of inner-sphere water access to the Gd3+ center provides a sensing mechanism for reporting Cu2+ levels by reading out changes in longitudinal proton relaxivity values. CG1 features good selectivity for Cu2+ over abundant biological cations and a 41% increase in relaxivity upon Cu2+ binding and is capable of detecting micromolar changes in Cu2+ concentrations in aqueous media.

Magnetic sensor for high temperature using a laminate composite of magnetostrictive material and piezoelectric material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ueno, Toshiyuki; Higuchi, Toshiro

2005-05-01

A high sensitive and heat-resistive magnetic sensor using a magnetostrictive/piezoelectric laminate composite is investigated. The sensing principle is based on the magnetostrictive- and piezoelectric effect, whereby a detected yoke displacement is transduced into a voltage on the piezoelectric materials. The sensor is intended to detect the displacement of a ferromagnetic object in a high temperature environment, where conventional magnetic sensors are not useful. Such applications include sensors in engine of automobile and machinery used in material processing. The sensor features combination of a laminate composite of magnetostrictive/piezoelectric materials with high Curie temperatures and an appropriate magnetic circuit to convert mechanical displacement to sensor voltages and suppress temperature fluctuation. This paper describes the sensing principle and shows experimental results using a composite of Terfenol-D and Lithium Niobate to assure high sensitivity of 50V/mm at bias gap of 0.1mm and a temperature operating range over 200 °C.

A multilevel-ROI-features-based machine learning method for detection of morphometric biomarkers in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Peng, Bo; Wang, Suhong; Zhou, Zhiyong; Liu, Yan; Tong, Baotong; Zhang, Tao; Dai, Yakang

2017-06-09

Machine learning methods have been widely used in recent years for detection of neuroimaging biomarkers in regions of interest (ROIs) and assisting diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. The innovation of this study is to use multilevel-ROI-features-based machine learning method to detect sensitive morphometric biomarkers in Parkinson's disease (PD). Specifically, the low-level ROI features (gray matter volume, cortical thickness, etc.) and high-level correlative features (connectivity between ROIs) are integrated to construct the multilevel ROI features. Filter- and wrapper- based feature selection method and multi-kernel support vector machine (SVM) are used in the classification algorithm. T1-weighted brain magnetic resonance (MR) images of 69 PD patients and 103 normal controls from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) dataset are included in the study. The machine learning method performs well in classification between PD patients and normal controls with an accuracy of 85.78%, a specificity of 87.79%, and a sensitivity of 87.64%. The most sensitive biomarkers between PD patients and normal controls are mainly distributed in frontal lobe, parental lobe, limbic lobe, temporal lobe, and central region. The classification performance of our method with multilevel ROI features is significantly improved comparing with other classification methods using single-level features. The proposed method shows promising identification ability for detecting morphometric biomarkers in PD, thus confirming the potentiality of our method in assisting diagnosis of the disease. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tectonic Interpretation of CHAMP Geopotential Data over the Northern Adriatic Sea.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, P. T.; Kim, H. R.; Mayer-Gürr, T.

2006-05-01

Recent aeromagnetic anomaly compilations (Chiappini et al., 2000 and Tontini et al., 2004) show a large positive (>700 nT) northwest-southeast trending magnetic anomaly off the Dalmatian coast. Unfortunately these aeromagnetic data cover only a part of this anomaly. We wanted to investigate if this large magnetic anomaly could be detected at satellite altitude and what is the extent and source of this feature. Therefore, magnetic and gravity anomaly maps were made from the CHAMP geopotential data, measured at the current low altitude of 345-350 km over the northern Adriatic Sea. We made the magnetic anomaly map over this relatively small region using 36 descending and 85 ascending orbits screened to be at the lowest altitude and the most magnetically quietest data. We removed the main field component (i.e., IGRF-10 up to degree and order 13) and then demeaned individual tracks and subtracted a second order polynomial to remove regional and/or un-modeled external field features. The resulting map from these well-correlated anomalies revealed a positive magnetic anomaly (>2 nT). Reduction-to-the pole brought these CHAMP anomaly features into coincidence with the aeromagnetic data. Previously Cantini et al. (1999) compared the surface magnetic data with MAGSAT by continuing upward the former and downwards the latter to 100 km and found a good correlation for wavelengths of 300-500 km. We also investigated the CHAMP gravity data. They were reduced using the kinematic short-arc integration method (Ilk et al., 2005 and Mayer Gürr et al., 2005). However, no corresponding short-wavelength gravity anomaly was observed in our study area. This tectonically complex region is under horizontal stress and the source of the large magnetic anomaly can be modelled by an associated ophiolite melange.

Aeromagnetic Surveying with a Rotary-Wing Unmanned Aircraft System: A Case Study from a Zinc Deposit in Nash Creek, New Brunswick, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cunningham, Michael; Samson, Claire; Wood, Alan; Cook, Ian

2017-12-01

Unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) have been under rapid development for applications in the mineral exploration industry, mainly for aeromagnetic surveying. They provide improved detection of smaller, deeper and weaker magnetic targets. A traditional system flying an altitude of 100 m above ground level (AGL) can detect a spherical ore body with a radius of 16 m and a magnetic susceptibility of 10-4 buried at a depth of 40 m. A UAS flying at an altitude of 50 or 2 m AGL would require the radius to be 11 or 5 m, respectively. A demonstration survey was performed using the SkyLance rotary-wing UAS instrumented with a cesium vapour magnetometer in Nash Creek, New Brunswick, Canada. The UAS flew over a zinc deposit featuring three magnetic anomalies. It acquired repeatable data that compared well with upward continuation maps of ground magnetic data. Dykes or faults that are dipping eastward at 25° and are approximately 1.5 m wide fit the observed response of the three anomalies captured on the UAS magnetic data.

Mapping Curie temperature depth in the western United States with a fractal model for crustal magnetization

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bouligand, C.; Glen, J.M.G.; Blakely, R.J.

2009-01-01

We have revisited the problem of mapping depth to the Curie temperature isotherm from magnetic anomalies in an attempt to provide a measure of crustal temperatures in the western United States. Such methods are based on the estimation of the depth to the bottom of magnetic sources, which is assumed to correspond to the temperature at which rocks lose their spontaneous magnetization. In this study, we test and apply a method based on the spectral analysis of magnetic anomalies. Early spectral analysis methods assumed that crustal magnetization is a completely uncorrelated function of position. Our method incorporates a more realistic representation where magnetization has a fractal distribution defined by three independent parameters: the depths to the top and bottom of magnetic sources and a fractal parameter related to the geology. The predictions of this model are compatible with radial power spectra obtained from aeromagnetic data in the western United States. Model parameters are mapped by estimating their value within a sliding window swept over the study area. The method works well on synthetic data sets when one of the three parameters is specified in advance. The application of this method to western United States magnetic compilations, assuming a constant fractal parameter, allowed us to detect robust long-wavelength variations in the depth to the bottom of magnetic sources. Depending on the geologic and geophysical context, these features may result from variations in depth to the Curie temperature isotherm, depth to the mantle, depth to the base of volcanic rocks, or geologic settings that affect the value of the fractal parameter. Depth to the bottom of magnetic sources shows several features correlated with prominent heat flow anomalies. It also shows some features absent in the map of heat flow. Independent geophysical and geologic data sets are examined to determine their origin, thereby providing new insights on the thermal and geologic crustal structure of the western United States.

Biomechanical factors and physical examination findings in osteoarthritis of the knee: associations with tissue abnormalities assessed by conventional radiography and high-resolution 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Knoop, Jesper; Dekker, Joost; Klein, Jan-Paul; van der Leeden, Marike; van der Esch, Martin; Reiding, Dick; Voorneman, Ramon E; Gerritsen, Martijn; Roorda, Leo D; Steultjens, Martijn P M; Lems, Willem F

2012-10-05

We aimed to explore the associations between knee osteoarthritis (OA)-related tissue abnormalities assessed by conventional radiography (CR) and by high-resolution 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as biomechanical factors and findings from physical examination in patients with knee OA. This was an explorative cross-sectional study of 105 patients with knee OA. Index knees were imaged using CR and MRI. Multiple features from CR and MRI (cartilage, osteophytes, bone marrow lesions, effusion and synovitis) were related to biomechanical factors (quadriceps and hamstrings muscle strength, proprioceptive accuracy and varus-valgus laxity) and physical examination findings (bony tenderness, crepitus, bony enlargement and palpable warmth), using multivariable regression analyses. Quadriceps weakness was associated with cartilage integrity, effusion, synovitis (all detected by MRI) and CR-detected joint space narrowing. Knee joint laxity was associated with MRI-detected cartilage integrity, CR-detected joint space narrowing and osteophyte formation. Multiple tissue abnormalities including cartilage integrity, osteophytes and effusion, but only those detected by MRI, were found to be associated with physical examination findings such as crepitus. We observed clinically relevant findings, including a significant association between quadriceps weakness and both effusion and synovitis, detected by MRI. Inflammation was detected in over one-third of the participants, emphasizing the inflammatory component of OA and a possible important role for anti-inflammatory therapies in knee OA. In general, OA-related tissue abnormalities of the knee, even those detected by MRI, were found to be discordant with biomechanical and physical examination features.

Tuning the electrical and optical anisotropy of a monolayer black phosphorus magnetic superlattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, X. J.; Yu, J. H.; Luo, K.; Wu, Z. H.; Yang, W.

2018-04-01

We investigate theoretically the effects of modulated periodic perpendicular magnetic fields on the electronic states and optical absorption spectrum in monolayer black phosphorus (phosphorene). We demonstrate that different phosphorene magnetic superlattice (PMS) orientations can give rise to distinct energy spectra, i.e. tuning the intrinsic electronic anisotropy. Rashba spin-orbit coupling (RSOC) develops a spin-splitting energy dispersion in this phosphorene magnetic superlattice. Anisotropic momentum-dependent carrier distributions along/perpendicular to the magnetic strips are demonstrated. The manipulations of these exotic electronic properties by tuning superlattice geometry, magnetic field and the RSOC term are addressed systematically. Accordingly, we find bright-to-dark transitions in the ground-state electron-hole pair transition rate spectrum and the PMS orientation-dependent anisotropic optical absorption spectrum. This feature offers us a practical way of modulating the electronic anisotropy in phosphorene by magnetic superlattice configurations and detecting this modulation capability by using an optical technique.

A Bike Built for Magnetic Mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schattner, U.; Segev, A.; Lyakhovsky, V.

2017-12-01

Understanding the magnetic signature of the subsurface geology is crucial for structural, groundwater, earthquake propagation, and mineral studies. The cheapest measuring method is by walking with sensors. This approach yields high-resolution maps, yet its coverage is limited. We invented a new design that records magnetic data while riding a bicycle. The new concept offers an efficient, low-cost method of collecting high-resolution ground magnetic field data over rough terrain where conventional vehicles dare not venture. It improves the efficiency of the traditional method by more than five times. The Bike-magnetic scales up ground magnetism from a localized site survey to regional coverage. By now we covered 3300 square KM (about the size of Rhode Island) across northern Israel, in profile spacing of 1-2 km. Initial Total Magnetic Intensity maps reveal a myriad of new features that were not detected by the low-resolution regional aeromagnetic survey that collected data from 1000 m height.

Applicability of computer-aided comprehensive tool (LINDA: LINeament Detection and Analysis) and shaded digital elevation model for characterizing and interpreting morphotectonic features from lineaments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masoud, Alaa; Koike, Katsuaki

2017-09-01

Detection and analysis of linear features related to surface and subsurface structures have been deemed necessary in natural resource exploration and earth surface instability assessment. Subjectivity in choosing control parameters required in conventional methods of lineament detection may cause unreliable results. To reduce this ambiguity, we developed LINDA (LINeament Detection and Analysis), an integrated tool with graphical user interface in Visual Basic. This tool automates processes of detection and analysis of linear features from grid data of topography (digital elevation model; DEM), gravity and magnetic surfaces, as well as data from remote sensing imagery. A simple interface with five display windows forms a user-friendly interactive environment. The interface facilitates grid data shading, detection and grouping of segments, lineament analyses for calculating strike and dip and estimating fault type, and interactive viewing of lineament geometry. Density maps of the center and intersection points of linear features (segments and lineaments) are also included. A systematic analysis of test DEMs and Landsat 7 ETM+ imagery datasets in the North and South Eastern Deserts of Egypt is implemented to demonstrate the capability of LINDA and correct use of its functions. Linear features from the DEM are superior to those from the imagery in terms of frequency, but both linear features agree with location and direction of V-shaped valleys and dykes and reference fault data. Through the case studies, LINDA applicability is demonstrated to highlight dominant structural trends, which can aid understanding of geodynamic frameworks in any region.

CHANG-ES. VII. Magnetic Outflows from the Virgo Cluster Galaxy NGC 4388

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Damas-Segovia, A.; Beck, R.; Vollmer, B.; Wiegert, T.; Krause, M.; Irwin, J.; Weżgowiec, M.; Li, J.; Dettmar, R.-J.; English, J.; Wang, Q. D.

2016-06-01

We investigate the effects of ram pressure on the ordered magnetic field of a galaxy hosting a radio halo and strong nuclear outflows. New radio images in total and polarized intensity of the edge-on Virgo galaxy NGC 4388 were obtained within the CHANG-ES EVLA project. The unprecedented noise level reached allows us to detect striking new features of the ordered magnetic field. The nuclear outflow extends far into the halo to about 5 kpc from the center and is spatially correlated with the {{H}}α and X-ray emission. For the first time, the southern outflow is detected. Above and below both spiral arms we find extended blobs of polarized emission with an ordered field oriented perpendicular to the disk. The synchrotron lifetime of the cosmic-ray electrons (CREs) in these regions yields a mean outflow velocity of 270+/- 70 {km} {{{s}}}-1, in agreement with a galactic wind scenario. The observed symmetry of the polarized halo features in NGC 4388 excludes a compression of the halo gas by the ram pressure of the intracluster medium (ICM). The assumption of equilibrium between the halo pressure and the ICM ram pressure yields an estimate of the ICM density that is consistent with both the ICM density derived from X-ray observations and the recent Planck Sunyaev-Zel’dovich measurements. The detection of a faint radio halo around cluster galaxies could thus be used for an estimate of ICM ram pressure.

Pathologic Findings of Breast Lesions Detected on Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PubMed

Jabbar, Seema B; Lynch, Beverly; Seiler, Stephen; Hwang, Helena; Sahoo, Sunati

2017-11-01

- Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now used routinely for high-risk screening and in the evaluation of the extent of disease in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Morphologic characteristics and the kinetic pattern largely determine how suspicious a breast lesion is on MRI. Because of its high sensitivity, MRI identifies a large number of suspicious lesions. However, the low to moderate specificity and the additional cost have raised questions regarding its frequent use. - To identify the pathologic entities that frequently present as suspicious enhancing lesions and to identify specific MRI characteristics that may be predictive of malignancy. - One hundred seventy-seven MRI-guided biopsies from 152 patients were included in the study. The indication for MRI, MRI features, pathologic findings, and patient demographics were recorded. The MRI findings and the pathology slides were reviewed by a dedicated breast radiologist and breast pathologists. - Seventy-one percent (126 of 177) of MRI-guided breast biopsies were benign, 11% (20 of 177) showed epithelial atypia, and 18% (31 of 177) showed malignancy. The vast majority (84%; 62 of 74) of MRI lesions with persistent kinetics were benign. However, 57% (17 of 30) of lesions with washout kinetics and 65% (62 of 95) of mass lesions were also benign. - Magnetic resonance imaging detects malignancies undetected by other imaging modalities but also detects a wide variety of benign lesions. Benign and malignant lesions identified by MRI share similar morphologic and kinetic features, necessitating biopsy for histologic confirmation.

Application of metal magnetic memory technology on defects detection of jack-up platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Changhang; Cheng, Liping; Xie, Jing; Yin, Xiaokang; Chen, Guoming

2016-02-01

Metal magnetic memory test (MMMT), which is an effective way in evaluating early damages of ferrimagnets, can determine the existence of material stresses concentration and premature defects. As one of offshore oil exploration and development equipment, jack-up platform always generate stress concentration during its life-cycle due to complicated loading condition and the hash marine environment, which will decline the bearing capacity and cause serious consequences. The paper conducts in situ experiments of defects detection on some key structural components of jack-up platform using MMMT. The signals acquired by MMM-System are processed for feature extraction to evaluate the severity of structure stress concentration. The results show that the method presented in this paper based on MMMT can provide an effective and convenient way of defect detection and structural health monitoring for Jack-up Platform.

Magnetic and Velocity Field Changes Related to the Solar Flares of 28 and 29 October 2003

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maurya, R. A.; Ambastha, A.

Magnetic and velocity field measurements of solar active regions suffer from ambiguities caused by the change in spectral line profiles that occur during the impulsive phase of a major flare. This leads to difficulties in correct interpretation of any flare-related changes. Using magnetic and Doppler movies taken with GONG and MDI, we have detected transient, "moving" features around the peak phases of the X17.2/4B flare observed on 28 October 2003 and the X10/2B flare observed on 29 October 2003 in super-active region NOAA 10486. These features were located near the compact acoustic sources reported earlier by Donea and Lindsey (2005) and the seismic sources reported by Zharkova and Zharkov (2007).We find a moving feature, spatially and temporally associated with the flare ribbons, that separates away at speeds ranging from 30 to 50 km s-1 as observed in photospheric white light and in temperature-minimum (1600 Å), chromospheric (Hα), and transition-region (284Å ) intensities.We suggest that such moving features arise from the line-profile changes attributed to downward electron jets associated with the flare, and do not reflect real changes in the photospheric magnetic and velocity fields. However, abrupt and persistent changes in the pre- and post-flare phases were also found, which do not seem to be affected by line-profile changes. The detailed results have been appeared in Maurya and Ambastha (2009).

[Clinical features and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of encephalopathy in high-risk late preterm infants].

PubMed

Zhu, Yan; Zhang, Ke; Hu, Lan; Xiao, Mi-Li; Li, Zhi-Hua; Chen, Chao

2017-05-01

To investigate the risk factors, clinical features, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes of encephalopathy in high-risk late preterm infants. Head MRI scan was performed for late preterm infants with high-risk factors for brain injury who were hospitalized between January 2009 and December 2014. The risk factors, clinical features, and head MRI features of encephalopathy in late preterm infants were analyzed. A total of 1 007 late preterm infants underwent MRI scan, among whom 313 (31.1%) had imaging features in accordance with the features of encephalopathy of prematurity. Of all infants, 76.7% had white matter damage. There was no association between the development of encephalopathy and gestational age in late preterm infants, but the detection rate of encephalopathy gradually increased with the increasing birth weight (P<0.05). The logistic regression analysis showed that a history of resuscitation was an independent risk factor for encephalopathy of prematurity (P<0.01). Encephalopathy of prematurity is commonly seen in high-risk late preterm infants, especially white matter damage. A history of resuscitation is an independent risk factor for encephalopathy in late preterm infants.

Terahertz response in the quantum-Hall-effect regime of a quantum-well-based charge-sensitive infrared phototransistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakagawa, Daisuke; Takizawa, Kazuhiro; Ikushima, Kenji; Kim, Sunmi; Patrashin, Mikhail; Hosako, Iwao; Komiyama, Susumu

2018-04-01

The characteristics of a charge-sensitive infrared phototransistor (CSIP) based on a GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum-well (QW) structure are studied under a magnetic field. In the CSIP, the upper QWs serve as a floating gate that is charged by photoexcitation. The photoinduced charges are detected using the resistance of the lowest QW conducting channel. The conducting channel exhibits the integer quantum Hall effect (QHE) in a perpendicular high magnetic field, yielding the magnetic field dependence of the terahertz (THz) response ΔR. We found two different features of ΔR. One is that ΔR switches sign across the QHE plateau, which is explained simply by an increased electron density in the conducting channel. The other feature is observed as an enhanced positive ΔR when a potential barrier is formed in the conducting channel. The latter mechanism can be interpreted as the promotion of edge/bulk scattering due to photoinduced charges. These findings suggest ways to enhance the THz response by using magnetic fields and potential barriers.

Development of a cross-polarization scattering system for the measurement of internal magnetic fluctuations in the DIII-D tokamak

DOE PAGES

Rhodes, Terry L.; Peebles, William A.; Crocker, Neal A.; ...

2014-08-05

The design and performance of a new cross-polarization scattering (CPS) system for the localized measurement of internal magnetic fluctuations is presented. CPS is a process whereby magnetic fluctuations scatter incident electromagnetic radiation into a perpendicular polarization which is subsequently detected. A new CPS design that incorporates a unique scattering geometry was laboratory tested, optimized, and installed on the DIII-D tokamak. Plasma tests of signal-to-noise, polarization purity, and frequency response indicate proper functioning of the system. Lastly, CPS data show interesting features related to internal MHD perturbations known as sawteeth that are not observed on density fluctuations.

Advances in Neutron Spectroscopy and High Magnetic Field Instrumentation for studies of Correlated Electron Systems

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

Granroth, Garrett E

2011-01-01

Neutron Spectroscopy has provided critical information on the magnetism in correlated electron systems. Specifically quantum magnets, superconductors, and multi-ferroics are areas of productive research. A discussion of recent measurements on the SEQUOIA spectrometer will provide examples of how novel instrumentation concepts are used on the latest generation of spectrometers to extend our knowledge in such systems. The now ubiquitous function of sample rotation allows for full mapping of volumes ofmore » $Q$ and $$\\omega$$ space. An instrument focused on low angles could extend these maps to cover more of the first Brillioun zone. Innovative chopper cascades allow two unique modes of operation. Multiplexed measurements allow the simultaneous measurement of high and low energy features in an excitation spectrum. Alternatively by limiting the neutron bandwidth incident on the Fermi Chopper, background from subsequent time frames is removed, enabling the observation of weak, large energy transfer features. Finally the implementation of event-based detection for neutron experiments is time correlated experiments. Diffraction studies of the high field spin states in MnWO$$_4$$ using magnetic fields up to 30 T, provided by a pulsed magnet, illustrate this method. Expanding the high field studies to spectroscopy will require a novel instrument, focused around a world class DC magnet, like Zeemans proposed for the SNS.« less

Hemorrhage detection in MRI brain images using images features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moraru, Luminita; Moldovanu, Simona; Bibicu, Dorin; Stratulat (Visan), Mirela

2013-11-01

The abnormalities appear frequently on Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) of brain in elderly patients presenting either stroke or cognitive impairment. Detection of brain hemorrhage lesions in MRI is an important but very time-consuming task. This research aims to develop a method to extract brain tissue features from T2-weighted MR images of the brain using a selection of the most valuable texture features in order to discriminate between normal and affected areas of the brain. Due to textural similarity between normal and affected areas in brain MR images these operation are very challenging. A trauma may cause microstructural changes, which are not necessarily perceptible by visual inspection, but they could be detected by using a texture analysis. The proposed analysis is developed in five steps: i) in the pre-processing step: the de-noising operation is performed using the Daubechies wavelets; ii) the original images were transformed in image features using the first order descriptors; iii) the regions of interest (ROIs) were cropped from images feature following up the axial symmetry properties with respect to the mid - sagittal plan; iv) the variation in the measurement of features was quantified using the two descriptors of the co-occurrence matrix, namely energy and homogeneity; v) finally, the meaningful of the image features is analyzed by using the t-test method. P-value has been applied to the pair of features in order to measure they efficacy.

GMR-based eddy current probe for weld seam inspection and its non-scanning detection study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Peng; Wang, Chao; Li, Yang; Wang, Libin; Cong, Zheng; Zhi, Ya

2017-04-01

Eddy current testing is one of the most important non-destructive testing methods for welding defects detection. This paper presents the use of a probe consisting of 4 giant magneto-resistive (GMR) sensors to detect weld defects. Information from four measuring points above and on both sides of the weld seam is collected at the same time. By setting the GMR sensors' sensing axes perpendicular to the direction of the excitation magnetic field, the information collected mainly reflects the change in the eddy current which is caused by defects. Digital demodulation technology is applied to extract the real part and imaginary part of the GMR sensors' output signals. The variables containing directional information of the magnetic field are introduced. Based on the data from the four GMR (4-GMR) sensors' output signals, four values, Ran, Mean, Var and k are selected as the feature quantities for defect recognition. Experiments are carried out on weld seams with and without defects, and the detection outputs are given in this paper. The 4-GMR probe is also employed to investigate non-scanning weld defect detection and the four feature quantities (Ran, Mean, Var and k) are studied to evaluate weld quality. The non-scanning weld defect detection is presented. A support vector machine is used to classify and discriminate welds with and without defects. Experiments carried out show that through the method in this paper, the recognition rate is 92% for welds without defects and 90% for welds with defects, with an overall recognition rate of 90.9%, indicating that this method could effectively detect weld defects.

Non-magnetic photospheric bright points in 3D simulations of the solar atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calvo, F.; Steiner, O.; Freytag, B.

2016-11-01

Context. Small-scale bright features in the photosphere of the Sun, such as faculae or G-band bright points, appear in connection with small-scale magnetic flux concentrations. Aims: Here we report on a new class of photospheric bright points that are free of magnetic fields. So far, these are visible in numerical simulations only. We explore conditions required for their observational detection. Methods: Numerical radiation (magneto-)hydrodynamic simulations of the near-surface layers of the Sun were carried out. The magnetic field-free simulations show tiny bright points, reminiscent of magnetic bright points, only smaller. A simple toy model for these non-magnetic bright points (nMBPs) was established that serves as a base for the development of an algorithm for their automatic detection. Basic physical properties of 357 detected nMBPs were extracted and statistically evaluated. We produced synthetic intensity maps that mimic observations with various solar telescopes to obtain hints on their detectability. Results: The nMBPs of the simulations show a mean bolometric intensity contrast with respect to their intergranular surroundings of approximately 20%, a size of 60-80 km, and the isosurface of optical depth unity is at their location depressed by 80-100 km. They are caused by swirling downdrafts that provide, by means of the centripetal force, the necessary pressure gradient for the formation of a funnel of reduced mass density that reaches from the subsurface layers into the photosphere. Similar, frequently occurring funnels that do not reach into the photosphere, do not produce bright points. Conclusions: Non-magnetic bright points are the observable manifestation of vertically extending vortices (vortex tubes) in the photosphere. The resolving power of 4-m-class telescopes, such as the DKIST, is needed for an unambiguous detection of them. The movie associated to Fig. 1 is available at http://www.aanda.org

New Understanding of Mercury's Magnetosphere from MESSENGER'S First Flyby

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slavin, James A.; Acuna, Mario H.; Anderson, Brian J.; Baker, Daniel N.; Benna, Mehdi; Gloeckler, George; Gold, Robert E.; Ho, George C.; Killen, M.; Korth, Haje;

Magnetic Property in Large Array Niobium Antidot Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tinghui, Chen; Hsiang-Hsi, Kung; Wei-Li, Lee; Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan Team

2014-03-01

In a superconducting ring, the total flux inside the ring is required to be an integer number of the flux quanta. Therefore, a supercurrent current can appear within the ring in order to satisfy this quantization rule, which gives rise to certain magnetic response. By using a special monolayer polymer/nanosphere hybrid we developed previously, we fabricated a series of superconducting niobium antidot thin films with different antidot diameters. The antidots form well-ordered triangular lattice with a lattice spacing about 200 nm and extend over an area larger than 1 cm2, which enables magnetic detections simply by a SQUID magnetometer. We observed magnetization oscillation with external magnetic field due to the supercurrent screening effect, where different features for large and small antidot thin films were found. Detailed size and temperature dependencies of the magnetization in niobium antidot nanostructures will be presented.

Technical and experimental features of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of brain glycogen metabolism.

PubMed

Soares, Ana Francisca; Gruetter, Rolf; Lei, Hongxia

2017-07-15

In the brain, glycogen is a source of glucose not only in emergency situations but also during normal brain activity. Altered brain glycogen metabolism is associated with energetic dysregulation in pathological conditions, such as diabetes or epilepsy. Both in humans and animals, brain glycogen levels have been assessed non-invasively by Carbon-13 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ( 13 C-MRS) in vivo. With this approach, glycogen synthesis and degradation may be followed in real time, thereby providing valuable insights into brain glycogen dynamics. However, compared to the liver and muscle, where glycogen is abundant, the sensitivity for detection of brain glycogen by 13 C-MRS is inherently low. In this review we focus on strategies used to optimize the sensitivity for 13 C-MRS detection of glycogen. Namely, we explore several technical perspectives, such as magnetic field strength, field homogeneity, coil design, decoupling, and localization methods. Furthermore, we also address basic principles underlying the use of 13 C-labeled precursors to enhance the detectable glycogen signal, emphasizing specific experimental aspects relevant for obtaining kinetic information on brain glycogen. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and a Polydiacetylene Coating to Create a Biocompatible and Stable Molecule for Use in Cancer Diagnostics and Early Detection in Molecular Medicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhatnagar, Shweta

Earlier cancer detection and diagnosis is essential to prevent cancer mortality in nanomedicine and nanotechnology. Fluorescence and magnetic signals provide a way for earlier detection through imaging systems. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have a superparamagnetism feature that allows them to act as contrast agents that can be detected through a magnetic resonance imaging system. These iron oxide cores have a polymer coating around them to provide stability, prevent aggregation, and allow for biocompatibility within the body. In addition, these functional coatings can have ligands and peptides for detection and therapy purposes. One functional coating is a polydiacetylene coating due to its chromatic and optical properties. When polymerized, it has the ability to change color in the visible spectrum to blue (not a fluorescent signal) and when heated, it changes to a red color (fluorescent signal). This way a strong and stable layer is formed around the iron oxide cores. These coatings are placed on the iron cores using a modified dual solvent exchange method, in which DMSO is slowly replaced by water without the use of organic solvents previous used. In addition, these nanoparticles can then be PEGylated, which provides a more stable and water soluble compound in aqueous solutions. Measurements can be taken through dynamic light scattering for size distributions and zeta potential and the Nanodrop for absorbance. Ideal sizes are about 30 nm for MNPs. Moreover, for future directions, there can be more molecules attached to the coated layers to use for molecular detection and analysis.

FIRST ZEEMAN DOPPLER IMAGING OF A COOL STAR USING ALL FOUR STOKES PARAMETERS

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

Rosén, L.; Kochukhov, O.; Wade, G. A.

Magnetic fields are ubiquitous in active cool stars, but they are in general complex and weak. Current Zeeman Doppler imaging (ZDI) studies of cool star magnetic fields chiefly employ circular polarization observations because linear polarization is difficult to detect and requires a more sophisticated radiative transfer modeling to interpret. But it has been shown in previous theoretical studies, and in the observational analyses of magnetic Ap stars, that including linear polarization in the magnetic inversion process makes it possible to correctly recover many otherwise lost or misinterpreted magnetic features. We have obtained phase-resolved observations in all four Stokes parameters ofmore » the RS CVn star II Peg at two separate epochs. Here we present temperature and magnetic field maps reconstructed for this star using all four Stokes parameters. This is the very first such ZDI study of a cool active star. Our magnetic inversions reveal a highly structured magnetic field topology for both epochs. The strength of some surface features is doubled or even quadrupled when linear polarization is taken into account. The total magnetic energy of the reconstructed field map also becomes about 2.1–3.5 times higher. The overall complexity is also increased as the field energy is shifted toward higher harmonic modes when four Stokes parameters are used. As a consequence, the potential field extrapolation of the four Stokes parameter ZDI results indicates that magnetic field becomes weaker at a distance of several stellar radii due to a decrease of the large-scale field component.« less

Small-scale Magnetic Flux Emergence in the Quiet Sun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moreno-Insertis, F.; Martinez-Sykora, J.; Hansteen, V. H.; Muñoz, D.

2018-06-01

Small bipolar magnetic features are observed to appear in the interior of individual granules in the quiet Sun, signaling the emergence of tiny magnetic loops from the solar interior. We study the origin of those features as part of the magnetoconvection process in the top layers of the convection zone. Two quiet-Sun magnetoconvection models, calculated with the radiation-magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Bifrost code and with domain stretching from the top layers of the convection zone to the corona, are analyzed. Using 3D visualization as well as a posteriori spectral synthesis of Stokes parameters, we detect the repeated emergence of small magnetic elements in the interior of granules, as in the observations. Additionally, we identify the formation of organized horizontal magnetic sheets covering whole granules. Our approach is twofold, calculating statistical properties of the system, like joint probability density functions (JPDFs), and pursuing individual events via visualization tools. We conclude that the small magnetic loops surfacing within individual granules in the observations may originate from sites at or near the downflows in the granular and mesogranular levels, probably in the first 1 or 1.5 Mm below the surface. We also document the creation of granule-covering magnetic sheet-like structures through the sideways expansion of a small subphotospheric magnetic concentration picked up and pulled out of the interior by a nascent granule. The sheet-like structures that we found in the models may match the recent observations of Centeno et al.

Deep learning approaches for detection and removal of ghosting artifacts in MR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Kyathanahally, Sreenath P; Döring, André; Kreis, Roland

2018-09-01

To make use of deep learning (DL) methods to detect and remove ghosting artifacts in clinical magnetic resonance spectra of human brain. Deep learning algorithms, including fully connected neural networks, deep-convolutional neural networks, and stacked what-where auto encoders, were implemented to detect and correct MR spectra containing spurious echo ghost signals. The DL methods were trained on a huge database of simulated spectra with and without ghosting artifacts that represent complex variations of ghost-ridden spectra, transformed to time-frequency spectrograms. The trained model was tested on simulated and in vivo spectra. The preliminary results for ghost detection are very promising, reaching almost 100% accuracy, and the DL ghost removal methods show potential in simulated and in vivo spectra, but need further refinement and quantitative testing. Ghosting artifacts in spectroscopy are problematic, as they superimpose with metabolites and lead to inaccurate quantification. Detection and removal of ghosting artifacts using traditional machine learning approaches with feature extraction/selection is difficult, as ghosts appear at different frequencies. Here, we show that DL methods perform extremely well for ghost detection if the spectra are treated as images in the form of time-frequency representations. Further optimization for in vivo spectra will hopefully confirm their "ghostbusting" capacity. Magn Reson Med 80:851-863, 2018. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Intelligent and automatic in vivo detection and quantification of transplanted cells in MRI.

PubMed

Afridi, Muhammad Jamal; Ross, Arun; Liu, Xiaoming; Bennewitz, Margaret F; Shuboni, Dorela D; Shapiro, Erik M

2017-11-01

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based cell tracking has emerged as a useful tool for identifying the location of transplanted cells, and even their migration. Magnetically labeled cells appear as dark contrast in T2*-weighted MRI, with sensitivities of individual cells. One key hurdle to the widespread use of MRI-based cell tracking is the inability to determine the number of transplanted cells based on this contrast feature. In the case of single cell detection, manual enumeration of spots in three-dimensional (3D) MRI in principle is possible; however, it is a tedious and time-consuming task that is prone to subjectivity and inaccuracy on a large scale. This research presents the first comprehensive study on how a computer-based intelligent, automatic, and accurate cell quantification approach can be designed for spot detection in MRI scans. Magnetically labeled mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were transplanted into rats using an intracardiac injection, accomplishing single cell seeding in the brain. T2*-weighted MRI of these rat brains were performed where labeled MSCs appeared as spots. Using machine learning and computer vision paradigms, approaches were designed to systematically explore the possibility of automatic detection of these spots in MRI. Experiments were validated against known in vitro scenarios. Using the proposed deep convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture, an in vivo accuracy up to 97.3% and in vitro accuracy of up to 99.8% was achieved for automated spot detection in MRI data. The proposed approach for automatic quantification of MRI-based cell tracking will facilitate the use of MRI in large-scale cell therapy studies. Magn Reson Med 78:1991-2002, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Non-linear dynamics and alternating 'flip' solutions in ferrofluidic Taylor-Couette flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altmeyer, Sebastian

2018-04-01

This study treats with the influence of a symmetry-breaking transversal magnetic field on the nonlinear dynamics of ferrofluidic Taylor-Couette flow - flow confined between two concentric independently rotating cylinders. We detected alternating 'flip' solutions which are flow states featuring typical characteristics of slow-fast-dynamics in dynamical systems. The flip corresponds to a temporal change in the axial wavenumber and we find them to appear either as pure 2-fold axisymmetric (due to the symmetry-breaking nature of the applied transversal magnetic field) or involving non-axisymmetric, helical modes in its interim solution. The latter ones show features of typical ribbon solutions. In any case the flip solutions have a preferential first axial wavenumber which corresponds to the more stable state (slow dynamics) and second axial wavenumber, corresponding to the short appearing more unstable state (fast dynamics). However, in both cases the flip time grows exponential with increasing the magnetic field strength before the flip solutions, living on 2-tori invariant manifolds, cease to exist, with lifetime going to infinity. Further we show that ferrofluidic flow turbulence differ from the classical, ordinary (usually at high Reynolds number) turbulence. The applied magnetic field hinders the free motion of ferrofluid partials and therefore smoothen typical turbulent quantities and features so that speaking of mildly chaotic dynamics seems to be a more appropriate expression for the observed motion.

Mapping feature-sensitivity and attentional modulation in human auditory cortex with functional magnetic resonance imaging

PubMed Central

Paltoglou, Aspasia E; Sumner, Christian J; Hall, Deborah A

2011-01-01

Feature-specific enhancement refers to the process by which selectively attending to a particular stimulus feature specifically increases the response in the same region of the brain that codes that stimulus property. Whereas there are many demonstrations of this mechanism in the visual system, the evidence is less clear in the auditory system. The present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study examined this process for two complex sound features, namely frequency modulation (FM) and spatial motion. The experimental design enabled us to investigate whether selectively attending to FM and spatial motion enhanced activity in those auditory cortical areas that were sensitive to the two features. To control for attentional effort, the difficulty of the target-detection tasks was matched as closely as possible within listeners. Locations of FM-related and motion-related activation were broadly compatible with previous research. The results also confirmed a general enhancement across the auditory cortex when either feature was being attended to, as compared with passive listening. The feature-specific effects of selective attention revealed the novel finding of enhancement for the nonspatial (FM) feature, but not for the spatial (motion) feature. However, attention to spatial features also recruited several areas outside the auditory cortex. Further analyses led us to conclude that feature-specific effects of selective attention are not statistically robust, and appear to be sensitive to the choice of fMRI experimental design and localizer contrast. PMID:21447093

Occurrence and persistence of magnetic elements in the quiet Sun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giannattasio, F.; Berrilli, F.; Consolini, G.; Del Moro, D.; Gošić, M.; Bellot Rubio, L.

2018-03-01

Context. Turbulent convection efficiently transports energy up to the solar photosphere, but its multi-scale nature and dynamic properties are still not fully understood. Several works in the literature have investigated the emergence of patterns of convective and magnetic nature in the quiet Sun at spatial and temporal scales from granular to global. Aims: To shed light on the scales of organisation at which turbulent convection operates, and its relationship with the magnetic flux therein, we studied characteristic spatial and temporal scales of magnetic features in the quiet Sun. Methods: Thanks to an unprecedented data set entirely enclosing a supergranule, occurrence and persistence analysis of magnetogram time series were used to detect spatial and long-lived temporal correlations in the quiet Sun and to investigate their nature. Results: A relation between occurrence and persistence representative for the quiet Sun was found. In particular, highly recurrent and persistent patterns were detected especially in the boundary of the supergranular cell. These are due to moving magnetic elements undergoing motion that behaves like a random walk together with longer decorrelations ( 2 h) with respect to regions inside the supergranule. In the vertices of the supegranular cell the maximum observed occurrence is not associated with the maximum persistence, suggesting that there are different dynamic regimes affecting the magnetic elements.

Bursty, Broadband Electromagnetic Waves Associated with Three-Dimensional Nulls Observed in Turbulent Magnetosheath Reconnection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adrian, Mark L.; Wendel, D. E.

2012-01-01

We investigate observations of intense bursts of electromagnetic wave energy in association with the thin current layers of turbulent magnetosheath reconnection. These observed emissions - typically detected in the layers immediately outside of the current layer proper - form two distinct types: (i) broadband emissions that extend continuously to lOs of Hertz; and (ii) structured bursts of emitted energy that occur above 80-Hz, often displaying features reminiscent of absorption bands and are observed near the local minima in the magnetic field. We present detailed analyses of these intense bursts of electromagnetic energy and quantify their proximity to X-IO-nulls and magnetic spine connected null pairs, as well as their correlation - if any - to the amount of magnetic energy converted by the process of magnetic reconnection.

Multifunctional Fluorescent-Magnetic Polymeric Colloidal Particles: Preparations and Bioanalytical Applications.

PubMed

Kaewsaneha, Chariya; Tangboriboonrat, Pramuan; Polpanich, Duangporn; Elaissari, Abdelhamid

2015-10-28

Fluorescent-magnetic particles (FMPs) play important roles in modern materials, especially as nanoscale devices in the biomedical field. The interesting features of FMPs are attributed to their dual detection ability, i.e., fluorescent and magnetic modes. Functionalization of FMPs can be performed using several types of polymers, allowing their use in various applications. The synergistic potentials for unique multifunctional, multilevel targeting nanoscale devices as well as combination therapies make them particularly attractive for biomedical applications. However, the synthesis of FMPs is challenging and must be further developed. In this review article, we summarized the most recent representative works on polymer-based FMP systems that have been applied particularly in the bioanalytical field.

Possibility of testing the light dark matter hypothesis with the alpha magnetic spectrometer.

PubMed

Hooper, Dan; Xue, Wei

2013-01-25

The spectrum and morphology of gamma rays from the Galactic center and the spectrum of synchrotron emission observed from the Milky Way's radio filaments have each been interpreted as possible signals of ∼ 7-10 GeV dark matter particles annihilating in the inner Galaxy. In dark matter models capable of producing these signals, the annihilations should also generate significant fluxes of ∼ 7-10 GeV positrons which can lead to a distinctive bumplike feature in a local cosmic ray positron spectrum. In this Letter, we show that while such a feature would be difficult to detect with PAMELA, it would likely be identifiable by the currently operating Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer experiment. As no known astrophysical (i.e., nondark matter) sources or mechanisms are likely to produce such a sharp feature, the observation of a positron bump at around 7-10 GeV would significantly strengthen the case for a dark matter interpretation of the reported gamma-ray and radio anomalies.

A supervised learning approach for Crohn's disease detection using higher-order image statistics and a novel shape asymmetry measure.

PubMed

Mahapatra, Dwarikanath; Schueffler, Peter; Tielbeek, Jeroen A W; Buhmann, Joachim M; Vos, Franciscus M

2013-10-01

Increasing incidence of Crohn's disease (CD) in the Western world has made its accurate diagnosis an important medical challenge. The current reference standard for diagnosis, colonoscopy, is time-consuming and invasive while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as the preferred noninvasive procedure over colonoscopy. Current MRI approaches assess rate of contrast enhancement and bowel wall thickness, and rely on extensive manual segmentation for accurate analysis. We propose a supervised learning method for the identification and localization of regions in abdominal magnetic resonance images that have been affected by CD. Low-level features like intensity and texture are used with shape asymmetry information to distinguish between diseased and normal regions. Particular emphasis is laid on a novel entropy-based shape asymmetry method and higher-order statistics like skewness and kurtosis. Multi-scale feature extraction renders the method robust. Experiments on real patient data show that our features achieve a high level of accuracy and perform better than two competing methods.

A Solar Eruption from a Weak Magnetic Field Region with Relatively Strong Geo-Effectiveness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, R.

2017-12-01

A moderate flare eruption giving rise to a series of geo-effectiveness on 2015 November 4 caught our attentions, which originated from a relatively weak magnetic field region. The associated characteristics near the Earth are presented, which indicates that the southward magnetic field in the sheath and the ICME induced a geomagnetic storm sequence with a Dst global minimum of 90 nT. The ICME is indicated to have a small inclination angle by using a Grad-Shafranov technique, and corresponds to the flux rope (FR) structure horizontally lying on the solar surface. A small-scale magnetic cancelling feature was detected which is beneath the FR and is co-aligned with the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) EUV brightening prior to the eruption. Various magnetic features for space-weather forecasting are computed by using a data product from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) called Space-weather HMI Active Region Patches (SHARPs), which help us identify the changes of the photospheric magnetic fields during the magnetic cancellation process and prove that the magnetic reconnection associated with the flux cancellation is driven by the magnetic shearing motion on the photosphere. An analysis on the distributions at different heights of decay index is carried out. Combining with a filament height estimation method, the configurations of the FR is identified and a decay index critical value n = 1 is considered to be more appropriate for such a weak magnetic field region. Through a comprehensive analysis to the trigger mechanisms and conditions of the eruption, a clearer scenario of a CME from a relatively weak region is presented.

Activity Analyses for Solar-type Stars Observed with Kepler. II. Magnetic Feature versus Flare Activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Han; Wang, Huaning; Zhang, Mei; Mehrabi, Ahmad; Yan, Yan; Yun, Duo

2018-05-01

The light curves of solar-type stars present both periodic fluctuation and flare spikes. The gradual periodic fluctuation is interpreted as the rotational modulation of magnetic features on the stellar surface and is used to deduce magnetic feature activity properties. The flare spikes in light curves are used to derive flare activity properties. In this paper, we analyze the light curve data of three solar-type stars (KIC 6034120, KIC 3118883, and KIC 10528093) observed with Kepler space telescope and investigate the relationship between their magnetic feature activities and flare activities. The analysis shows that: (1) both the magnetic feature activity and the flare activity exhibit long-term variations as the Sun does; (2) unlike the Sun, the long-term variations of magnetic feature activity and flare activity are not in phase with each other; (3) the analysis of star KIC 6034120 suggests that the long-term variations of magnetic feature activity and flare activity have a similar cycle length. Our analysis and results indicate that the magnetic features that dominate rotational modulation and the flares possibly have different source regions, although they may be influenced by the magnetic field generated through a same dynamo process.

A new debris sensor based on dual excitation sources for online debris monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Wei; Wang, Shaoping; Tomovic, Mileta M.; Liu, Haokuo; Wang, Xingjian

2015-09-01

Mechanical systems could be severely damaged by loose debris generated through wear processes between contact surfaces. Hence, debris detection is necessary for effective fault diagnosis, life prediction, and prevention of catastrophic failures. This paper presents a new in-line debris sensor for hydraulic systems based on dual excitation sources. The proposed sensor makes magnetic lines more concentrated while at the same time improving magnetic field uniformity. As a result the sensor has higher sensitivity and improved precision. This paper develops the sensor model, discusses sensor structural features, and introduces a measurement method for debris size identification. Finally, experimental verification is presented indicating that that the sensor can effectively detect 81 μm (cube) or larger particles in 12 mm outside diameter (OD) organic glass pipe.

Detection of Second Order Melting Transitions in the HTSC's by Specific Heat Measurements?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pierson, Stephen W.; Valls, Oriol T.

1997-03-01

The finite magnetic field phase transition in the high-temperature superconductors from the solid vortex lattice to the liquid has been under intense study recently. Detection of this melting is difficult but has been seen in magnetization and resistivity measurements. It has also been reported recently in specific heat measurements. In particular, in one case, evidence for a second order melting phase transition has been presented based on specific heat measurements.(M. Roulin, A. Junod, and E. Walker. Science 273), 1210 (1996). However, we present evidence that the feature in the specific heat data can be explained using a theory derived using the lowest-Landau-level approximation(Z. Tes)anović and A. V. Andreev, Phys. Rev. B 49, 4064 (1994) that does not invoke flux lattice melting arguments.

Magnetoelectric coupling of a magnetoelectric flux gate sensor in vibration noise circumstance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Zhaoqiang; Shi, Huaduo; Gao, Xiangyu; Wu, Jingen; Dong, Shuxiang

2018-01-01

A magnetoelectric (ME) flux gate sensor (MEFGS) consisting of piezoelectric PMN-PT single crystals and ferromagnetic amorphous alloy ribbon in a self-differential configuration is featured with the ability of weak magnetic anomaly detection. Here, we further investigated its ME coupling and magnetic field detection performance in vibration noise circumstance, including constant frequency, impact, and random vibration noise. Experimental results show that the ME coupling coefficient of MEFGS is as high as 5700 V/cm*Oe at resonant frequency, which is several orders magnitude higher than previously reported differential ME sensors. It was also found that under constant and impact vibration noise circumstance, the noise reduction and attenuation factor of MEFGS are over 17 and 85.7%, respectively. This work is important for practical application of MEFGS in real environment.

Streaming reversal of energetic particles in the magnetotail during a substorm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lui, A. T. Y.; Williams, D. J.; Eastman, T. E.; Frank, L. A.; Akasofu, S.-I.

1984-01-01

A case of reversal in the streaming anisotropy of energetic ions and in the plasma flow observed from the IMP 8 spacecraft during a substorm on February 8, 1978 is studied in detail using measurements of energetic particles, plasma, and magnetic field. Four new features emerge when high time resolution data are examined in detail. The times of streaming reversal of energetic particles in different energy ranges do not coincide with the time of plasma flow reversal. Qualitatively different velocity distributions are observed in earthward and tailward plasma flows during the observed flow reversal intervals. Strong tailward streaming of energetic particles can be detected during northward magnetic field environments and, conversely, earthward streaming in southward field environments. During the period of tailward streaming of energetic particles, earthward streaming fluxes are occasionally detected.

Simultaneous Observations of p-mode Light Walls and Magnetic Reconnection Ejections above Sunspot Light Bridges

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

Hou, Yijun; Zhang, Jun; Li, Ting

Recent high-resolution observations from the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph reveal bright wall-shaped structures in active regions (ARs), especially above sunspot light bridges. Their most prominent feature is the bright oscillating front in the 1400/1330 Å channel. These structures are named light walls and are often interpreted to be driven by p-mode waves. Above the light bridge of AR 12222 on 2014 December 06, we observed intermittent ejections superimposed on an oscillating light wall in the 1400 Å passband. At the base location of each ejection, the emission enhancement was detected in the Solar Dynamics Observatory 1600 Å channel. Thus, wemore » suggest that in wall bases (light bridges), in addition to the leaked p-mode waves consistently driving the oscillating light wall, magnetic reconnection could happen intermittently at some locations and eject the heated plasma upward. Similarly, in the second event occurring in AR 12371 on 2015 June 16, a jet was simultaneously detected in addition to the light wall with a wave-shaped bright front above the light bridge. At the footpoint of this jet, lasting brightening was observed, implying magnetic reconnection at the base. We propose that in these events, two mechanisms, p-mode waves and magnetic reconnection, simultaneously play roles in the light bridge, and lead to the distinct kinetic features of the light walls and the ejection-like activities, respectively. To illustrate the two mechanisms and their resulting activities above light bridges, in this study we present a cartoon model.« less

The quantum needle of the avian magnetic compass

PubMed Central

Hiscock, Hamish G.; Worster, Susannah; Kattnig, Daniel R.; Steers, Charlotte; Jin, Ye; Manolopoulos, David E.; Mouritsen, Henrik; Hore, P. J.

2016-01-01

Migratory birds have a light-dependent magnetic compass, the mechanism of which is thought to involve radical pairs formed photochemically in cryptochrome proteins in the retina. Theoretical descriptions of this compass have thus far been unable to account for the high precision with which birds are able to detect the direction of the Earth's magnetic field. Here we use coherent spin dynamics simulations to explore the behavior of realistic models of cryptochrome-based radical pairs. We show that when the spin coherence persists for longer than a few microseconds, the output of the sensor contains a sharp feature, referred to as a spike. The spike arises from avoided crossings of the quantum mechanical spin energy-levels of radicals formed in cryptochromes. Such a feature could deliver a heading precision sufficient to explain the navigational behavior of migratory birds in the wild. Our results (i) afford new insights into radical pair magnetoreception, (ii) suggest ways in which the performance of the compass could have been optimized by evolution, (iii) may provide the beginnings of an explanation for the magnetic disorientation of migratory birds exposed to anthropogenic electromagnetic noise, and (iv) suggest that radical pair magnetoreception may be more of a quantum biology phenomenon than previously realized. PMID:27044102

Analysis of suprathermal electron properties at the magnetic pile-up boundary of Comet P/Halley

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazelle, C.; Reme, H.; Sauvaud, J. A.; D'Uston, C.; Carlson, C. W.

1989-01-01

Among the plasma discontinuities detected by the Giotto spacecraft around Comet P/Halley, the magnetic pile-up boundary, located at about 135,000 km from the nucleus, has a sharpness which was not foreseen by theoretical models. At this boundary, which marks the beginning of the region where the field lines draped around the nucleus have been piled up, the magnetic field jumps sharply. Electron measurements provided by the RPA experiment show that a clear plasma discontinuity coincides with this magnetic feature. Significant changes occur here in the suprathermal electron distribution function. A magneto-plasma sheet is clearly defined after the boundary. Inside this sheet, close correlations exist between the parameters describing the magnetic field and the electron population. The polytropic equation of state governing the suprathermal electrons in the sheet has been deduced from RPA measurements. Some implications of this law are discussed.

Gold nanoparticles-coated magnetic microspheres as affinity matrix for detection of hemoglobin A1c in blood by microfluidic immunoassay.

PubMed

Chen, Shao-Peng; Yu, Xiao-Dong; Xu, Jing-Juan; Chen, Hong-Yuan

2011-08-15

A novel microfluidic immunoassay system for specific detection of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was developed based on a three-component shell/shell/core structured magnetic nanocomposite Au/chitosan/Fe(3)O(4), which was synthesized with easy handling feature of Fe(3)O(4) by magnet, high affinity for gold nanoparticles of chitosan and good immobilization ability for anti-human hemoglobin-A1c antibody (HbA1c mAb) of assembled colloidal gold nanoparticles. The resulting HbA1c mAb/Au/chitosan/Fe(3)O(4) magnetic nanoparticles were then introduced into microfluidic devices coupled with a gold nanoband microelectrode as electrochemical detector. After that, three-step rapid immunoreactions were carried out in the sequence of HbA1c, anti-human hemoglobin antibodies (Hb mAb) and the secondary alkaline phosphatase (AP)-conjugated antibody within 20 min. The current response of 1-naphtol obtained from the reaction between the secondary AP-conjugated antibody and 1-naphthyl phosphate (1-NP) increased proportionally to the HbA1c concentration. Under optimized electrophoresis and detection conditions, HbA1c responded linearly in the concentration of 0.05-1.5 μg mL(-1), with the detection limit of 0.025 μg mL(-1). This system was successfully employed for detection of HbA1c in blood with good accuracy and renewable ability. The proposed method proved its potential use in clinical immunoassay of HbA1c. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Magnetic solid phase extraction combined with gas chromatography-flame photometric detection for the determination of organophosphorus pesticides in juice samples].

PubMed

Huang, Qian; He, Man; Chen, Beibei; Hu, Bin

2014-10-01

A novel method for the determination of organophosphorous pesticides (OPPs) in fresh juice samples was developed. Fe3O4 @ P (St-co-MAA) magnetic microparticles were synthesized and modified with styrene (St) and methacrylic acid (MAA) by coating St and MAA on magnetic particles and characterized by a series of techniques. The results indicated that Fe3 O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been successfully modified with St and MAA. Based on the prepared FeO4 @ P (St-co-MAA) magnetic microparticles, a novel method of magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE)-gas chromatography (GC)-flame photometric detection (FPD) was developed for the determination of OPPs. The extraction/desorption conditions of MSPE were optimized, and the analytical performance was evaluated under the optimal conditions. The limits of detection (LODs, S/N = 3) for target OPPs were in the range of 0.013-0.305 μg/L with the RSDs (n = 7) ranging from 3.1% to 8.8%. The enrichment factors varied from 406 to 951. The linear ranges were over three orders of magnitudes (R2 > 0.99) and the reproducibilities were 7.4%-14.5% (n = 5). Finally, the proposed MSPE-GC-FPD method was successfully applied to the analysis of the five OPPs in fresh tomato and strawberry juice samples, with the recoveries of target OPPs in the range of 85.4%-118.9% for the spiked samples. The proposed MSPE-GC-FPD method is featured with low cost, fast separation and high enrichment factor.

Pulsed magnetic flux leakage method for hairline crack detection and characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okolo, Chukwunonso K.; Meydan, Turgut

2018-04-01

The Magnetic Flux leakage (MFL) method is a well-established branch of electromagnetic Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), extensively used for evaluating defects both on the surface and far-surface of pipeline structures. However the conventional techniques are not capable of estimating their approximate size, location and orientation, hence an additional transducer is required to provide the extra information needed. This research is aimed at solving the inevitable problem of granular bond separation which occurs during manufacturing, leaving pipeline structures with miniature cracks. It reports on a quantitative approach based on the Pulsed Magnetic Flux Leakage (PMFL) method, for the detection and characterization of the signals produced by tangentially oriented rectangular surface and far-surface hairline cracks. This was achieved through visualization and 3D imaging of the leakage field. The investigation compared finite element numerical simulation with experimental data. Experiments were carried out using a 10mm thick low carbon steel plate containing artificial hairline cracks with various depth sizes, and different features were extracted from the transient signal. The influence of sensor lift-off and pulse width variation on the magnetic field distribution which affects the detection capability of various hairline cracks located at different depths in the specimen is explored. The findings show that the proposed technique can be used to classify both surface and far-surface hairline cracks and can form the basis for an enhanced hairline crack detection and characterization for pipeline health monitoring.

On the edge of periodicity: Unconventional magnetism of Gd 117Co 56.4Sn 114.3

DOE PAGES

Liu, J.; Mudryk, Yaroslav; Ryan, D. H.; ...

2017-08-04

Magnetization measurements reveal the onset of magnetic ordering at T C = 65 K followed by three additional magnetic anomalies at T 1 = 47 K, T 2 = 28 K, and T 3 = 11 K in Gd 117Co 56.4Sn 114.3 – a compound with a giant cubic unit cell that crystallizes in the Dy 117Co 56Sn 112 structure type with space group Fm3¯m and lattice parameter a = 30.186 Å. The magnetic ordering temperature increases with applied magnetic field; however, the analysis of magnetic data indicates that antiferromagnetic interactions also play a role in the ground state. ACmore » magnetic susceptibility confirms multiple magnetic anomalies and shows minor frequency dependence. The local magnetic ordering below 60 K is supported by the Mössbauer spectroscopy. A single broad anomaly is detected at T 3 in the heat capacity; we suggest that magnetic domains form below this temperature. Furthermore, these data highlight unique features of magnetism in this and, potentially, other rare-earth intermetallics crystallizing with giant unit-cells where the exchange correlation lengths are much shorter when compared to the periodicity of the crystal lattice.« less

Brain tumour classification and abnormality detection using neuro-fuzzy technique and Otsu thresholding.

PubMed

Renjith, Arokia; Manjula, P; Mohan Kumar, P

2015-01-01

Brain tumour is one of the main causes for an increase in transience among children and adults. This paper proposes an improved method based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain image classification and image segmentation approach. Automated classification is encouraged by the need of high accuracy when dealing with a human life. The detection of the brain tumour is a challenging problem, due to high diversity in tumour appearance and ambiguous tumour boundaries. MRI images are chosen for detection of brain tumours, as they are used in soft tissue determinations. First of all, image pre-processing is used to enhance the image quality. Second, dual-tree complex wavelet transform multi-scale decomposition is used to analyse texture of an image. Feature extraction extracts features from an image using gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM). Then, the Neuro-Fuzzy technique is used to classify the stages of brain tumour as benign, malignant or normal based on texture features. Finally, tumour location is detected using Otsu thresholding. The classifier performance is evaluated based on classification accuracies. The simulated results show that the proposed classifier provides better accuracy than previous method.

Magnetic Flux Leakage Sensing and Artificial Neural Network Pattern Recognition-Based Automated Damage Detection and Quantification for Wire Rope Non-Destructive Evaluation.

PubMed

Kim, Ju-Won; Park, Seunghee

2018-01-02

In this study, a magnetic flux leakage (MFL) method, known to be a suitable non-destructive evaluation (NDE) method for continuum ferromagnetic structures, was used to detect local damage when inspecting steel wire ropes. To demonstrate the proposed damage detection method through experiments, a multi-channel MFL sensor head was fabricated using a Hall sensor array and magnetic yokes to adapt to the wire rope. To prepare the damaged wire-rope specimens, several different amounts of artificial damages were inflicted on wire ropes. The MFL sensor head was used to scan the damaged specimens to measure the magnetic flux signals. After obtaining the signals, a series of signal processing steps, including the enveloping process based on the Hilbert transform (HT), was performed to better recognize the MFL signals by reducing the unexpected noise. The enveloped signals were then analyzed for objective damage detection by comparing them with a threshold that was established based on the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution. The detected MFL signals that exceed the threshold were analyzed quantitatively by extracting the magnetic features from the MFL signals. To improve the quantitative analysis, damage indexes based on the relationship between the enveloped MFL signal and the threshold value were also utilized, along with a general damage index for the MFL method. The detected MFL signals for each damage type were quantified by using the proposed damage indexes and the general damage indexes for the MFL method. Finally, an artificial neural network (ANN) based multi-stage pattern recognition method using extracted multi-scale damage indexes was implemented to automatically estimate the severity of the damage. To analyze the reliability of the MFL-based automated wire rope NDE method, the accuracy and reliability were evaluated by comparing the repeatedly estimated damage size and the actual damage size.

A consensus embedding approach for segmentation of high resolution in vivo prostate magnetic resonance imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viswanath, Satish; Rosen, Mark; Madabhushi, Anant

2008-03-01

Current techniques for localization of prostatic adenocarcinoma (CaP) via blinded trans-rectal ultrasound biopsy are associated with a high false negative detection rate. While high resolution endorectal in vivo Magnetic Resonance (MR) prostate imaging has been shown to have improved contrast and resolution for CaP detection over ultrasound, similarity in intensity characteristics between benign and cancerous regions on MR images contribute to a high false positive detection rate. In this paper, we present a novel unsupervised segmentation method that employs manifold learning via consensus schemes for detection of cancerous regions from high resolution 1.5 Tesla (T) endorectal in vivo prostate MRI. A significant contribution of this paper is a method to combine multiple weak, lower-dimensional representations of high dimensional feature data in a way analogous to classifier ensemble schemes, and hence create a stable and accurate reduced dimensional representation. After correcting for MR image intensity artifacts, such as bias field inhomogeneity and intensity non-standardness, our algorithm extracts over 350 3D texture features at every spatial location in the MR scene at multiple scales and orientations. Non-linear dimensionality reduction schemes such as Locally Linear Embedding (LLE) and Graph Embedding (GE) are employed to create multiple low dimensional data representations of this high dimensional texture feature space. Our novel consensus embedding method is used to average object adjacencies from within the multiple low dimensional projections so that class relationships are preserved. Unsupervised consensus clustering is then used to partition the objects in this consensus embedding space into distinct classes. Quantitative evaluation on 18 1.5 T prostate MR data against corresponding histology obtained from the multi-site ACRIN trials show a sensitivity of 92.65% and a specificity of 82.06%, which suggests that our method is successfully able to detect suspicious regions in the prostate.

Expectation and Surprise Determine Neural Population Responses in the Ventral Visual Stream

PubMed Central

Egner, Tobias; Monti, Jim M.; Summerfield, Christopher

2014-01-01

Visual cortex is traditionally viewed as a hierarchy of neural feature detectors, with neural population responses being driven by bottom-up stimulus features. Conversely, “predictive coding” models propose that each stage of the visual hierarchy harbors two computationally distinct classes of processing unit: representational units that encode the conditional probability of a stimulus and provide predictions to the next lower level; and error units that encode the mismatch between predictions and bottom-up evidence, and forward prediction error to the next higher level. Predictive coding therefore suggests that neural population responses in category-selective visual regions, like the fusiform face area (FFA), reflect a summation of activity related to prediction (“face expectation”) and prediction error (“face surprise”), rather than a homogenous feature detection response. We tested the rival hypotheses of the feature detection and predictive coding models by collecting functional magnetic resonance imaging data from the FFA while independently varying both stimulus features (faces vs houses) and subjects’ perceptual expectations regarding those features (low vs medium vs high face expectation). The effects of stimulus and expectation factors interacted, whereby FFA activity elicited by face and house stimuli was indistinguishable under high face expectation and maximally differentiated under low face expectation. Using computational modeling, we show that these data can be explained by predictive coding but not by feature detection models, even when the latter are augmented with attentional mechanisms. Thus, population responses in the ventral visual stream appear to be determined by feature expectation and surprise rather than by stimulus features per se. PMID:21147999

Biomarker detection of global infectious diseases based on magnetic particles.

PubMed

Carinelli, Soledad; Martí, Mercè; Alegret, Salvador; Pividori, María Isabel

2015-09-25

Infectious diseases affect the daily lives of millions of people all around the world, and are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths, mostly in the developing world. Although most of these major infectious diseases are treatable, the early identification of individuals requiring treatment remains a major issue. The incidence of these diseases would be reduced if rapid diagnostic tests were widely available at the community and primary care level in low-resource settings. Strong research efforts are thus being focused on replacing standard clinical diagnostic methods, such as the invasive detection techniques (biopsy or endoscopy) or expensive diagnostic and monitoring methods, by affordable and sensitive tests based on novel biomarkers. The development of new methods that are needed includes solid-phase separation techniques. In this context, the integration of magnetic particles within bioassays and biosensing devices is very promising since they greatly improve the performance of a biological reaction. The diagnosis of clinical samples with magnetic particles can be easily achieved without pre-enrichment, purification or pretreatment steps often required for standard methods, simplifying the analytical procedures. The biomarkers can be specifically isolated and preconcentrated from complex biological matrixes by magnetic actuation, increasing specificity and the sensitivity of the assay. This review addresses these promising features of the magnetic particles for the detection of biomarkers in emerging technologies related with infectious diseases affecting global health, such as malaria, influenza, dengue, tuberculosis or HIV. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

OH masers towards IRAS 19092+0841

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edris, K. A.; Fuller, G. A.; Etoka, S.; Cohen, R. J.

2017-12-01

Context. Maser emission is a strong tool for studying high-mass star-forming regions and their evolutionary stages. OH masers in particular can trace the circumstellar material around protostars and determine their magnetic field strengths at milliarcsecond resolution. Aims: We seek to image OH maser emission towards high-mass protostellar objects to determine their evolutionary stages and to locate the detected maser emission in the process of high-mass star formation. Methods: In 2007, we surveyed OH maser emission towards 217 high-mass protostellar objects to study its presence. In this paper, we present follow-up MERLIN observations of a ground-state OH maser emission towards one of these objects, IRAS 19092+0841. Results: We detect emissions from the two OH main spectral lines, 1665 and 1667 MHz, close to the central object. We determine the positions and velocities of the OH maser features. The masers are distributed over a region of 5'' corresponding to 22 400 AU (or 0.1 pc) at a distance of 4.48 kpc. The polarization properties of the OH maser features are determined as well. We identify three Zeeman pairs from which we inferred a magnetic field strength of 4.4 mG pointing towards the observer. Conclusions: The relatively small velocity spread and relatively wide spacial distribution of the OH maser features support the suggestion that this object could be in an early evolutionary state before the presence of disk, jets or outflows.

Chemical compass model of avian magnetoreception.

PubMed

Maeda, Kiminori; Henbest, Kevin B; Cintolesi, Filippo; Kuprov, Ilya; Rodgers, Christopher T; Liddell, Paul A; Gust, Devens; Timmel, Christiane R; Hore, P J

2008-05-15

Approximately 50 species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, crustaceans and insects, are known to use the Earth's magnetic field for orientation and navigation. Birds in particular have been intensively studied, but the biophysical mechanisms that underlie the avian magnetic compass are still poorly understood. One proposal, based on magnetically sensitive free radical reactions, is gaining support despite the fact that no chemical reaction in vitro has been shown to respond to magnetic fields as weak as the Earth's ( approximately 50 muT) or to be sensitive to the direction of such a field. Here we use spectroscopic observation of a carotenoid-porphyrin-fullerene model system to demonstrate that the lifetime of a photochemically formed radical pair is changed by application of < or =50 microT magnetic fields, and to measure the anisotropic chemical response that is essential for its operation as a chemical compass sensor. These experiments establish the feasibility of chemical magnetoreception and give insight into the structural and dynamic design features required for optimal detection of the direction of the Earth's magnetic field.

Aerial gamma ray and magnetic survey, Mississippi and Florida airborne survey: Baton Rouge quadrangle, Louisiana and Mississippi. Final report

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

Not Available

1980-10-01

The Baton Rouge quadrangle covers 8250 square miles in the Mississippi River delta area. The area overlies thick sections of the Gulf of Mexico Basin. Surficial exposures are dominated by Recent and Pleistocene sediment. A search of available literature revealed no known uranium deposits. A total of 87 uranium anomalies were detected and are discussed briefly in this report. None were considered significant and all appear to relate to cultural features. Magnetic data appears to be in agreement with existing structural interpretations of the area.

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

Hentschke, Clemens M., E-mail: clemens.hentschke@gmail.com; Tönnies, Klaus D.; Beuing, Oliver

Purpose: The early detection of cerebral aneurysms plays a major role in preventing subarachnoid hemorrhage. The authors present a system to automatically detect cerebral aneurysms in multimodal 3D angiographic data sets. The authors’ system is parametrizable for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA), time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA), and computed tomography angiography (CTA). Methods: Initial volumes of interest are found by applying a multiscale sphere-enhancing filter. Several features are combined in a linear discriminant function (LDF) to distinguish between true aneurysms and false positives. The features include shape information, spatial information, and probability information. The LDF can either be parametrized bymore » domain experts or automatically by training. Vessel segmentation is avoided as it could heavily influence the detection algorithm. Results: The authors tested their method with 151 clinical angiographic data sets containing 112 aneurysms. The authors reach a sensitivity of 95% with CE-MRA data sets at an average false positive rate per data set (FP{sub DS}) of 8.2. For TOF-MRA, we achieve 95% sensitivity at 11.3 FP{sub DS}. For CTA, we reach a sensitivity of 95% at 22.8 FP{sub DS}. For all modalities, the expert parametrization led to similar or better results than the trained parametrization eliminating the need for training. 93% of aneurysms that were smaller than 5 mm were found. The authors also showed that their algorithm is capable of detecting aneurysms that were previously overlooked by radiologists. Conclusions: The authors present an automatic system to detect cerebral aneurysms in multimodal angiographic data sets. The system proved as a suitable computer-aided detection tool to help radiologists find cerebral aneurysms.« less

A compact permanent magnet cyclotrino for accelerator mass spectrometry

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

Young, A.T.; Clark, D.J.; Kunkel, W.B.

1995-02-01

The authors describe the development of a new instrument for the detection of trace amounts of rare isotopes, a Cyclotron Mass Spectrometer (CMS). A compact low energy cyclotron optimized for high mass resolution has been designed and has been fabricated. The instrument has high sensitivity and is designed to measure carbon-14 at abundances of < 10{sup {minus}12}. A novel feature of the instrument is the use of permanent magnets to energize the iron poles of the cyclotron. The instrument uses axial injection, employing a spiral inflector. The instrument has been assembled and preliminary measurements of the magnetic field show thatmore » it has a uniformity on the order of 2 parts in 10{sup 4}.« less

Automated Coronal Loop Identification Using Digital Image Processing Techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Jong K.; Gary, G. Allen; Newman, Timothy S.

2003-01-01

The results of a master thesis project on a study of computer algorithms for automatic identification of optical-thin, 3-dimensional solar coronal loop centers from extreme ultraviolet and X-ray 2-dimensional images will be presented. These center splines are proxies of associated magnetic field lines. The project is pattern recognition problems in which there are no unique shapes or edges and in which photon and detector noise heavily influence the images. The study explores extraction techniques using: (1) linear feature recognition of local patterns (related to the inertia-tensor concept), (2) parametric space via the Hough transform, and (3) topological adaptive contours (snakes) that constrains curvature and continuity as possible candidates for digital loop detection schemes. We have developed synthesized images for the coronal loops to test the various loop identification algorithms. Since the topology of these solar features is dominated by the magnetic field structure, a first-order magnetic field approximation using multiple dipoles provides a priori information in the identification process. Results from both synthesized and solar images will be presented.

Para-hydrogen induced polarization of amino acids, peptides and deuterium-hydrogen gas.

PubMed

Glöggler, Stefan; Müller, Rafael; Colell, Johannes; Emondts, Meike; Dabrowski, Martin; Blümich, Bernhard; Appelt, Stephan

2011-08-14

Signal Amplification by Reversible-Exchange (SABRE) is a method of hyperpolarizing substrates by polarization transfer from para-hydrogen without hydrogenation. Here, we demonstrate that this method can be applied to hyperpolarize small amounts of all proteinogenic amino acids and some chosen peptides down to the nanomole regime and can be detected in a single scan in low-magnetic fields down to 0.25 mT (10 kHz proton frequency). An outstanding feature is that depending on the chemical state of the used catalyst and the investigated amino acid or peptide, hyperpolarized hydrogen-deuterium gas is formed, which was detected with (1)H and (2)H NMR spectroscopy at low magnetic fields of B(0) = 3.9 mT (166 kHz proton frequency) and 3.2 mT (20 kHz deuterium frequency).

Evaluation of magnetic field's uniformity inside electromagnetic coils using graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amanatiadis, Stamatios A.; Kantartzis, Nikolaos V.; Ohtani, Tadao; Kanai, Yasushii

2018-05-01

The distribution of the magnetic field in electromagnetic coils, such as those employed in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is evaluated in this paper, through graphene gyrotropic properties. Initially, the rotation of an incident linearly polarized plane wave, due to an infinite graphene layer, is studied theoretically via the extraction of the perpendicular, to the polarization, electric component of the transmitted wave. Moreover, the influence of the magnetic bias field strength on this component is, also, examined, indicating the eligibility of graphene to detect magnetostatic field variations. To this aim, a specific device is proposed, consisting of a high frequency source, an electric field detector, and a finite graphene sheet that differs from the infinite one of the analytical case. To quantify the distance that the gyrotropic effects are detectable, the effective region is introduced and extracted via a properly modified finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm. The featured device is verified through a setup comprising a uniform electromagnetic coil, where the generated magnetostatic field is calculated at several cross-sections of the coil and compared to actual field values. Results indicate the accuracy and sensitivity of the designed device for the unambiguous regions.

Persistent magnetic vortex flow at a supergranular vertex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Requerey, Iker S.; Cobo, Basilio Ruiz; Gošić, Milan; Bellot Rubio, Luis R.

2018-03-01

Context. Photospheric vortex flows are thought to play a key role in the evolution of magnetic fields. Recent studies show that these swirling motions are ubiquitous in the solar surface convection and occur in a wide range of temporal and spatial scales. Their interplay with magnetic fields is poorly characterized, however. Aims: We study the relation between a persistent photospheric vortex flow and the evolution of a network magnetic element at a supergranular vertex. Methods: We used long-duration sequences of continuum intensity images acquired with Hinode and the local correlation-tracking method to derive the horizontal photospheric flows. Supergranular cells are detected as large-scale divergence structures in the flow maps. At their vertices, and cospatial with network magnetic elements, the velocity flows converge on a central point. Results: One of these converging flows is observed as a vortex during the whole 24 h time series. It consists of three consecutive vortices that appear nearly at the same location. At their core, a network magnetic element is also detected. Its evolution is strongly correlated to that of the vortices. The magnetic feature is concentrated and evacuated when it is caught by the vortices and is weakened and fragmented after the whirls disappear. Conclusions: This evolutionary behavior supports the picture presented previously, where a small flux tube becomes stable when it is surrounded by a vortex flow. A movie attached to Fig. 2 is available at http://https://www.aanda.org

Automatic detection of magnetic flux emergings in the solar atmosphere from full-disk magnetogram sequences.

PubMed

Fu, Gang; Shih, Frank Y; Wang, Haimin

2008-11-01

In this paper, we present a novel method to detect Emerging Flux Regions (EFRs) in the solar atmosphere from consecutive full-disk Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) magnetogram sequences. To our knowledge, this is the first developed technique for automatically detecting EFRs. The method includes several steps. First, the projection distortion on the MDI magnetograms is corrected. Second, the bipolar regions are extracted by applying multiscale circular harmonic filters. Third, the extracted bipolar regions are traced in consecutive MDI frames by Kalman filter as candidate EFRs. Fourth, the properties, such as positive and negative magnetic fluxes and distance between two polarities, are measured in each frame. Finally, a feature vector is constructed for each bipolar region using the measured properties, and the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier is applied to distinguish EFRs from other regions. Experimental results show that the detection rate of EFRs is 96.4% and of non-EFRs is 98.0%, and the false alarm rate is 25.7%, based on all the available MDI magnetograms in 2001 and 2002.

Theoretical analysis of flux amplification by soft magnetic material in a putative biological magnetic-field receptor.

PubMed

Shcherbakov, Valera P; Winklhofer, Michael

2010-03-01

Birds are endowed with a magnetic sense that allows them to detect Earth's magnetic field and to use it for orientation. Physiological and behavioral experiments have shown the upper beak to host a magnetoreceptor. Putative magnetoreceptive structures in the beak are nerve terminals that each contain a dozen or so of micrometer-sized clusters of superparamagnetic nanocrystals made of magnetite/maghemite and numerous electron-opaque platelets filled with a so far unidentified, amorphous ferric iron compound. The platelets typically form chainlike structures, which have been proposed to function as magnetic flux focusers for detecting the intensity of the geomagnetic field. Here, we test that proposition from first principles and develop an unconstrained model to determine the equilibrium distribution of magnetization along a linear chain of platelets which we assume to behave magnetically soft and to have no magnetic remanence. Our analysis, which is valid for arbitrary values of the intrinsic magnetic susceptibility chi , shows that chi needs to be much greater than unity to amplify the external field by two orders of magnitude in a chain of platelets. However, the high amplification is confined to the central region of the chain and subsides quadratically toward the ends of the chain. For large values of chi , the possibility opens up of realizing magnetoreceptor mechanisms on the basis of attraction forces between adjacent platelets in a linear chain. The force in the central region of the chain may amount to several pN, which would be sufficient to convert magnetic input energy into mechanical output energy. The striking feature of an ensemble of platelets is its ability to organize into tightly spaced chains under the action of an external field of given strength. We discuss how this property can be exploited for a magnetoreception mechanism.

Machine learning vortices at the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beach, Matthew J. S.; Golubeva, Anna; Melko, Roger G.

2018-01-01

Efficient and automated classification of phases from minimally processed data is one goal of machine learning in condensed-matter and statistical physics. Supervised algorithms trained on raw samples of microstates can successfully detect conventional phase transitions via learning a bulk feature such as an order parameter. In this paper, we investigate whether neural networks can learn to classify phases based on topological defects. We address this question on the two-dimensional classical XY model which exhibits a Kosterlitz-Thouless transition. We find significant feature engineering of the raw spin states is required to convincingly claim that features of the vortex configurations are responsible for learning the transition temperature. We further show a single-layer network does not correctly classify the phases of the XY model, while a convolutional network easily performs classification by learning the global magnetization. Finally, we design a deep network capable of learning vortices without feature engineering. We demonstrate the detection of vortices does not necessarily result in the best classification accuracy, especially for lattices of less than approximately 1000 spins. For larger systems, it remains a difficult task to learn vortices.

A fast field-cycling device for high-resolution NMR: Design and application to spin relaxation and hyperpolarization experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiryutin, Alexey S.; Pravdivtsev, Andrey N.; Ivanov, Konstantin L.; Grishin, Yuri A.; Vieth, Hans-Martin; Yurkovskaya, Alexandra V.

2016-02-01

A device for performing fast magnetic field-cycling NMR experiments is described. A key feature of this setup is that it combines fast switching of the external magnetic field and high-resolution NMR detection. The field-cycling method is based on precise mechanical positioning of the NMR probe with the mounted sample in the inhomogeneous fringe field of the spectrometer magnet. The device enables field variation over several decades (from 100 μT up to 7 T) within less than 0.3 s; progress in NMR probe design provides NMR linewidths of about 10-3 ppm. The experimental method is very versatile and enables site-specific studies of spin relaxation (NMRD, LLSs) and spin hyperpolarization (DNP, CIDNP, and SABRE) at variable magnetic field and at variable temperature. Experimental examples of such studies are demonstrated; advantages of the experimental method are described and existing challenges in the field are outlined.

A Model for AR Scorpii: Emission from Relativistic Electrons Trapped by Closed Magnetic Field Lines of Magnetic White Dwarfs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takata, J.; Yang, H.; Cheng, K. S.

2017-12-01

AR Scorpii is an intermediate polar binary system composed of a magnetic white dwarf (WD) and an M-type star and shows nonthermal, pulsed, and highly linearly polarized emission. The radio/optical emission modulates with the WD’s spin and shows the double-peak structure in the light curves. In this paper, we discuss a possible scenario for the radiation mechanism of AR Scorpii. The magnetic interaction on the surface of the companion star produces an outflow from the companion star, the heating of the companion star surface, and the acceleration of electrons to a relativistic energy. The accelerated electrons, whose typical Lorentz factor is ∼50–100, from the companion star move along the magnetic field lines toward the WD surface. The electrons injected with the pitch angle of \\sin {θ }p,0> 0.05 are subject to the magnetic mirror effect and are trapped in the closed magnetic field line region. We find that the emission from the first magnetic mirror points mainly contributes to the observed pulsed emission and the formation of the double-peak structure in the light curve. For the inclined rotator, the pulse peak in the calculated light curve shifts the position in the spin phase, and a Fourier analysis exhibits a beat frequency feature, which are consistent with the optical/UV observations. The pulse profile also evolves with the orbital phase owing to the effect of the viewing geometry. The model also interprets the global features of the observed spectral energy distribution in radio to X-ray energy bands. We also discuss the curvature radiation and the inverse-Compton scattering process in the outer gap accelerator of the WD in AR Scorpii and the possibility of the detection by future high-energy missions.

Progress in magnetic sensor technology for sea mine detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clem, Ted R.

1997-07-01

A superconducting magnetic-field gradiometer developed in the 1980's has been demonstrated infusion with acoustic sensors to enhance shallow water sea mine detection and classification, especially for buried mine detection and the reduction of acoustic false alarm rates. This sensor incorporated niobium bulk and wire superconducting components cooled by liquid helium to a temperature of 4 degrees K. An advanced superconducting gradiometer prototype is being developed to increase sensitivity and detection range. This sensor features all thin film niobium superconducting components and a new liquid helium cooling concept. In the late 1980's, a new class of 'high Tc' superconductors was discovered with critical temperatures above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen. The use of liquid nitrogen refrigeration offers new opportunities for this sensor technology, providing significant reduction in the size of sensor packages and in the requirements for cryogenic support and logistics. As a result of this breakthrough, a high Tc sensor concept using liquid nitrogen refrigeration has been developed for mine reconnaissance applications and a test article of that concept is being fabricated and evaluated. In addition to these developments in sensor technology, new signal processing approaches and recent experimental results have ben obtained to demonstrate an enhanced D/C capability. In this paper, these recent advances in sensor development and new results for an enhanced D/C capability will be reviewed and a current perspective on the role of magnetic sensors for mine detection and classification will be addressed.

Eddy current probe and method for flaw detection in metals

DOEpatents

Watjen, J.P.

1987-06-23

A flaw detecting system is shown which includes a probe having a pair of ferrite cores with in-line gaps in close proximity to each other. An insulating, non-magnetic, non-conducting holder fills the gaps and supports the ferrite cores in a manner such that the cores form a generally V-shape. Each core is provided with an excitation winding and a detection winding. The excitation windings are connected in series or parallel with an rf port for connection thereof to a radio frequency source. The detection windings, which are differentially wound, are connected in series circuit to a detector port for connection to a voltage measuring instrument. The ferrite cores at the in-line gaps directly engage the metal surface of a test piece, and the probe is scanned along the test piece. In the presence of a flaw in the metal surface the detection winding voltages are unbalanced, and the unbalance is detected by the voltage measuring instrument. The insulating holder is provided with a profile which conforms to that of a prominent feature of the test piece to facilitate movement of the probe along the feature, typically an edge or a corner. 9 figs.

Eddy current probe and method for flaw detection in metals

DOEpatents

Watjen, John P.

1987-06-23

A flaw detecting system is shown which includes a probe having a pair of ferrite cores with in-line gaps in close proximity to each other. An insulating, non-magnetic, non-conducting holder fills the gaps and supports the ferrite cores in a manner such that the cores form a generally V-shape. Each core is provided with an excitation winding and a detection winding. The excitation windings are connected in series or parallel with an rf port for connection thereof to a radio frequency source. The detection windings, which are differentially wound, are connected in series circuit to a detector port for connection to a voltage measuring instrument. The ferrite cores at the in-line gaps directly engage the metal surface of a test piece, and the probe is scanned along the test piece. In the presence of a flaw in the metal surface the detection winding voltages are unbalanced, and the unbalance is detected by the voltage measuring instrument. The insulating holder is provided with a profile which conforms to that of a prominent feature of the test piece to facilitate movement of the probe along the feature, typically an edge or a corner.

Aeromagnetic data in the UK: a study of the information content of baseline and modern surveys across Anglesey, North Wales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beamish, David; White, James C.

2011-01-01

A number of modern, multiparameter, high resolution airborne geophysical surveys (termed HiRES) have been conducted over the past decade across onshore UK. These were undertaken, in part, as a response to the limited resolution of the existing UK national baseline magnetic survey data set acquired in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Modern magnetic survey data, obtained with higher precision and reduced line spacing and elevation, provide an improved data set; however the distinctions between the two available resources, existing and new, are rarely quantified. In this contribution we demonstrate and quantify the improvements that can be anticipated using the new data. The information content of the data sets is examined using a series of modern processing and modelling procedures that provide a full assessment of their resolution capabilities. The framework for the study involves two components. The first relates to the definition of the shallow magnetic structure in relation to an ongoing 1:10 k and 1:50 k geological map revision. The second component relates to the performance of the datasets in defining maps of magnetic basement and assisting with larger scale geological and structural interpretation. One of the smaller HiRES survey areas, the island of Anglesey (Ynys Môn), off the coast of NW Wales is used to provide a series of comparative studies. The geological setting here is both complex and debated and cultural interference is prevalent in the low altitude modern survey data. It is demonstrated that successful processing and interpretation can be carried out on data that have not been systematically corrected (decultured) for non-geological perturbations. Across the survey area a wide number of near-surface magnetic features are evident and are dominated by a reversely magnetized Palaeogene dyke swarm that extends offshore. The average depth to the upper surfaces of the dykes is found to be 44 m. The existing baseline data are necessarily limited in resolving features <1 km in scale; however a detailed comparison of the existing and new data reveals the extent to which these quasi-linear features can be resolved and mapped. The precise limitations of the baseline data in terms of detection, location and estimated depth are quantified. The spectral content of both data sets is examined and the longest wavelength information is extracted to estimate the resolution of magnetic basement features in the two data sets. A significant finding is the lack of information in the baseline data set across wavelengths of between 1 and ˜10 km. Here the HiRES data provide a detailed mapping of shallow magnetic basement features (1-3 km) that display a relevance to current understanding of the fault-bounded terranes that cross the survey area. Equally, the compact scale of the modern survey does not provide deeper (>3 km to upper surface) assessments of magnetic basement. This further assessment is successfully provided by the larger scale baseline data which locates and defines a mid-crustal magnetic basement feature, centred beneath the Snowdon Massif, and illustrates that basement of similar characteristic extends beneath much of Anglesey.

Neuroimaging Evidence for 2 Types of Plasticity in Association with Visual Perceptual Learning.

PubMed

Shibata, Kazuhisa; Sasaki, Yuka; Kawato, Mitsuo; Watanabe, Takeo

2016-09-01

Visual perceptual learning (VPL) is long-term performance improvement as a result of perceptual experience. It is unclear whether VPL is associated with refinement in representations of the trained feature (feature-based plasticity), improvement in processing of the trained task (task-based plasticity), or both. Here, we provide empirical evidence that VPL of motion detection is associated with both types of plasticity which occur predominantly in different brain areas. Before and after training on a motion detection task, subjects' neural responses to the trained motion stimuli were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging. In V3A, significant response changes after training were observed specifically to the trained motion stimulus but independently of whether subjects performed the trained task. This suggests that the response changes in V3A represent feature-based plasticity in VPL of motion detection. In V1 and the intraparietal sulcus, significant response changes were found only when subjects performed the trained task on the trained motion stimulus. This suggests that the response changes in these areas reflect task-based plasticity. These results collectively suggest that VPL of motion detection is associated with the 2 types of plasticity, which occur in different areas and therefore have separate mechanisms at least to some degree. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press.

GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AT THE POWELL STAGE STATION

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

Hollie K. Gilbert; Julie B. Braun; Brenda R. Pace

2009-04-01

Within the boundaries of the Idaho National Laboratory, an ongoing archaeological investigation of a late 19th century stage station was expanded with the use of Electro-Magnetic and Magnetic geophysical surveying. The station known as the Powell Stage Station was a primary transportation hub on the Snake River Plain, bridging the gap between railroad supply depots in Blackfoot, Idaho and booming mining camps throughout Central Idaho. Initial investigations have shown a strong magnetic signature from a buried road and previously unknown features that were not detected by visual surface surveys. Data gained from this project aids in federally directed cultural resourcemore » and land management and use requirements and has contributed additional information for archeological interpretation and cultural resource preservation.« less

The Zeeman effect in astrophysical water masers and the observation of strong magnetic fields in regions of star formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nedoluha, Gerald E.; Watson, William D.

1992-01-01

The present study solves the transfer equations for the polarized radiation of astrophysical 22-GHz water masers in the presence of a magnetic field which causes a Zeeman splitting that is much smaller than the spectral line breadth. The emphasis is placed on the relationship between the recently detected circular polarization in this maser radiation and the strength of the magnetic field. When the observed spectral line breadth is smaller than about 0.8 km/s (FWHM), it is calculated that the uncertainty is less than a factor of about 2. The accuracy is improved significantly when the angle between the line of sight and the direction of the magnetic field does not exceed about 45 deg. Uncertainty in the strength of the magnetic field due to lack of knowledge about which hyperfine transition is the source of the 22-GHz masers is removed. The 22-GHz maser feature is found to be the result of a merger of the three strongest hyperfine components.

Detection of Chorus Elements and other Wave Signatures Using Geometric Computational Techniques in the Van Allen radiation belts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sengupta, A.; Kletzing, C.; Howk, R.; Kurth, W. S.

2017-12-01

An important goal of the Van Allen Probes mission is to understand wave particle interactions that can energize relativistic electron in the Earth's Van Allen radiation belts. The EMFISIS instrumentation suite provides measurements of wave electric and magnetic fields of wave features such as chorus that participate in these interactions. Geometric signal processing discovers structural relationships, e.g. connectivity across ridge-like features in chorus elements to reveal properties such as dominant angles of the element (frequency sweep rate) and integrated power along the a given chorus element. These techniques disambiguate these wave features against background hiss-like chorus. This enables autonomous discovery of chorus elements across the large volumes of EMFISIS data. At the scale of individual or overlapping chorus elements, topological pattern recognition techniques enable interpretation of chorus microstructure by discovering connectivity and other geometric features within the wave signature of a single chorus element or between overlapping chorus elements. Thus chorus wave features can be quantified and studied at multiple scales of spectral geometry using geometric signal processing techniques. We present recently developed computational techniques that exploit spectral geometry of chorus elements and whistlers to enable large-scale automated discovery, detection and statistical analysis of these events over EMFISIS data. Specifically, we present different case studies across a diverse portfolio of chorus elements and discuss the performance of our algorithms regarding precision of detection as well as interpretation of chorus microstructure. We also provide large-scale statistical analysis on the distribution of dominant sweep rates and other properties of the detected chorus elements.

Creating Concepts from Converging Features in Human Cortex

PubMed Central

Coutanche, Marc N.; Thompson-Schill, Sharon L.

2015-01-01

To make sense of the world around us, our brain must remember the overlapping features of millions of objects. Crucially, it must also represent each object's unique feature-convergence. Some theories propose that an integration area (or “convergence zone”) binds together separate features. We report an investigation of our knowledge of objects' features and identity, and the link between them. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to record neural activity, as humans attempted to detect a cued fruit or vegetable in visual noise. Crucially, we analyzed brain activity before a fruit or vegetable was present, allowing us to interrogate top-down activity. We found that pattern-classification algorithms could be used to decode the detection target's identity in the left anterior temporal lobe (ATL), its shape in lateral occipital cortex, and its color in right V4. A novel decoding-dependency analysis revealed that identity information in left ATL was specifically predicted by the temporal convergence of shape and color codes in early visual regions. People with stronger feature-and-identity dependencies had more similar top-down and bottom-up activity patterns. These results fulfill three key requirements for a neural convergence zone: a convergence result (object identity), ingredients (color and shape), and the link between them. PMID:24692512

The simulation of a propulsive jet and force measurement using a magnetically suspended wind tunnel model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garbutt, K. S.; Goodyer, M. J.

1994-01-01

Models featuring the simulation of exhaust jets were developed for magnetic levitation in a wind tunnel. The exhaust gas was stored internally producing a discharge of sufficient duration to allow nominal steady state to be reached. The gas was stored in the form of compressed gas or a solid rocket propellant. Testing was performed with the levitated models although deficiencies prevented the detection of jet-induced aerodynamic effects. Difficulties with data reduction led to the development of a new force calibration technique, used in conjunction with an exhaust simulator and also in separate high incidence aerodynamic tests.

Detection of Unilateral Hearing Loss by Stationary Wavelet Entropy.

PubMed

Zhang, Yudong; Nayak, Deepak Ranjan; Yang, Ming; Yuan, Ti-Fei; Liu, Bin; Lu, Huimin; Wang, Shuihua

2017-01-01

Sensorineural hearing loss is correlated to massive neurological or psychiatric disease. T1-weighted volumetric images were acquired from fourteen subjects with right-sided hearing loss (RHL), fifteen subjects with left-sided hearing loss (LHL), and twenty healthy controls (HC). We treated a three-class classification problem: HC, LHL, and RHL. Stationary wavelet entropy was employed to extract global features from magnetic resonance images of each subject. Those stationary wavelet entropy features were used as input to a single-hidden layer feedforward neuralnetwork classifier. The 10 repetition results of 10-fold cross validation show that the accuracies of HC, LHL, and RHL are 96.94%, 97.14%, and 97.35%, respectively. Our developed system is promising and effective in detecting hearing loss. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Association between background parenchymal enhancement of breast MRI and BIRADS rating change in the subsequent screening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aghaei, Faranak; Mirniaharikandehei, Seyedehnafiseh; Hollingsworth, Alan B.; Stoug, Rebecca G.; Pearce, Melanie; Liu, Hong; Zheng, Bin

2018-03-01

Although breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used as a breast cancer screening modality for high-risk women, its cancer detection yield remains low (i.e., <= 3%). Thus, increasing breast MRI screening efficacy and cancer detection yield is an important clinical issue in breast cancer screening. In this study, we investigated association between the background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) of breast MRI and the change of diagnostic (BIRADS) status in the next subsequent breast MRI screening. A dataset with 65 breast MRI screening cases was retrospectively assembled. All cases were rated BIRADS-2 (benign findings). In the subsequent screening, 4 cases were malignant (BIRADS-6), 48 remained BIRADS-2 and 13 were downgraded to negative (BIRADS-1). A computer-aided detection scheme was applied to process images of the first set of breast MRI screening. Total of 33 features were computed including texture feature and global BPE features. Texture features were computed from either a gray-level co-occurrence matrix or a gray level run length matrix. Ten global BPE features were also initially computed from two breast regions and bilateral difference between the left and right breasts. Box-plot based analysis shows positive association between texture features and BIRADS rating levels in the second screening. Furthermore, a logistic regression model was built using optimal features selected by a CFS based feature selection method. Using a leave-one-case-out based cross-validation method, classification yielded an overall 75% accuracy in predicting the improvement (or downgrade) of diagnostic status (to BIRAD-1) in the subsequent breast MRI screening. This study demonstrated potential of developing a new quantitative imaging marker to predict diagnostic status change in the short-term, which may help eliminate a high fraction of unnecessary repeated breast MRI screenings and increase the cancer detection yield.

Aptamer-conjugated nanoparticles for cancer cell detection.

PubMed

Medley, Colin D; Bamrungsap, Suwussa; Tan, Weihong; Smith, Joshua E

2011-02-01

Aptamer-conjugated nanoparticles (ACNPs) have been used for a variety of applications, particularly dual nanoparticles for magnetic extraction and fluorescent labeling. In this type of assay, silica-coated magnetic and fluorophore-doped silica nanoparticles are conjugated to highly selective aptamers to detect and extract targeted cells in a variety of matrixes. However, considerable improvements are required in order to increase the selectivity and sensitivity of this two-particle assay to be useful in a clinical setting. To accomplish this, several parameters were investigated, including nanoparticle size, conjugation chemistry, use of multiple aptamer sequences on the nanoparticles, and use of multiple nanoparticles with different aptamer sequences. After identifying the best-performing elements, the improvements made to this assay's conditional parameters were combined to illustrate the overall enhanced sensitivity and selectivity of the two-particle assay using an innovative multiple aptamer approach, signifying a critical feature in the advancement of this technique.

MODELING THE EARLY AFTERGLOW IN THE SHORT AND HARD GRB 090510

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

Fraija, N.; Lee, W. H.; Veres, P.

2016-11-01

The bright, short, and hard GRB 090510 was detected by all instruments aboard the Fermi and Swift satellites. The multiwavelength observations of this burst presented similar features to the Fermi -LAT-detected gamma-ray bursts. In the framework of the external shock model of early afterglow, a leptonic scenario that evolves in a homogeneous medium is proposed to revisit GRB 090510 and explain the multiwavelength light curve observations presented in this burst. These observations are consistent with the evolution of a jet before and after the jet break. The long-lasting LAT, X-ray, and optical fluxes are explained in the synchrotron emission frommore » the adiabatic forward shock. Synchrotron self-Compton emission from the reverse shock is consistent with the bright LAT peak provided that the progenitor environment is entrained with strong magnetic fields. It could provide compelling evidence of magnetic field amplification in the neutron star merger.« less

Modeling the Early Afterglow in the Short and Hard GRB 090510

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fraija, N.; Lee, W. H.; Veres, P.; Barniol Duran, R.

2016-11-01

The bright, short, and hard GRB 090510 was detected by all instruments aboard the Fermi and Swift satellites. The multiwavelength observations of this burst presented similar features to the Fermi-LAT-detected gamma-ray bursts. In the framework of the external shock model of early afterglow, a leptonic scenario that evolves in a homogeneous medium is proposed to revisit GRB 090510 and explain the multiwavelength light curve observations presented in this burst. These observations are consistent with the evolution of a jet before and after the jet break. The long-lasting LAT, X-ray, and optical fluxes are explained in the synchrotron emission from the adiabatic forward shock. Synchrotron self-Compton emission from the reverse shock is consistent with the bright LAT peak provided that the progenitor environment is entrained with strong magnetic fields. It could provide compelling evidence of magnetic field amplification in the neutron star merger.

Evaluation of cracks with different hidden depths and shapes using surface magnetic field measurements based on semi-analytical modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Feng; Liu, Shulin

2018-03-01

In this paper, we present a feasibility study for detecting cracks with different hidden depths and shapes using information contained in the magnetic field excited by a rectangular coil with a rectangular cross section. First, we solve for the eigenvalues and the unknown coefficients of the magnetic vector potential by imposing artificial and natural boundary conditions. Thus, a semi-analytical solution for the magnetic field distribution around the surface of a conducting plate that contains a long hidden crack is formulated. Next, based on the proposed modelling, the influences of the different hidden depth cracks on the surface magnetic field are analysed. The results show that the horizontal and vertical components of the magnetic field near the crack are becoming weaker and that the phase information of the magnetic field can be used to qualitatively determine the hidden depth of the crack. In addition, the model is optimised to improve its accuracy in classifying crack types. The relationship between signal features and crack shapes is subsequently established. The modified model is validated by using finite element simulations, visually indicating the change in the magnetic field near the crack.

Vortex flows in the solar chromosphere. I. Automatic detection method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kato, Y.; Wedemeyer, S.

2017-05-01

Solar "magnetic tornadoes" are produced by rotating magnetic field structures that extend from the upper convection zone and the photosphere to the corona of the Sun. Recent studies show that these kinds of rotating features are an integral part of atmospheric dynamics and occur on a large range of spatial scales. A systematic statistical study of magnetic tornadoes is a necessary next step towards understanding their formation and their role in mass and energy transport in the solar atmosphere. For this purpose, we develop a new automatic detection method for chromospheric swirls, meaning the observable signature of solar tornadoes or, more generally, chromospheric vortex flows and rotating motions. Unlike existing studies that rely on visual inspections, our new method combines a line integral convolution (LIC) imaging technique and a scalar quantity that represents a vortex flow on a two-dimensional plane. We have tested two detection algorithms, based on the enhanced vorticity and vorticity strength quantities, by applying them to three-dimensional numerical simulations of the solar atmosphere with CO5BOLD. We conclude that the vorticity strength method is superior compared to the enhanced vorticity method in all aspects. Applying the method to a numerical simulation of the solar atmosphere reveals very abundant small-scale, short-lived chromospheric vortex flows that have not been found previously by visual inspection.

A new real-time method for investigation of affinity properties and binding kinetics of magnetic nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orlov, Alexey V.; Nikitin, Maxim P.; Bragina, Vera A.; Znoyko, Sergey L.; Zaikina, Marina N.; Ksenevich, Tatiana I.; Gorshkov, Boris G.; Nikitin, Petr I.

2015-04-01

A method for quantitative investigation of affinity constants of receptors immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles (MP) is developed based on spectral correlation interferometry (SCI). The SCI records with a picometer resolution the thickness changes of a layer of molecules or nanoparticles due to a biochemical reaction on a cover slip, averaged over the sensing area. The method is compatible with other types of sensing surfaces employed in biosensing. The measured values of kinetic association constants of magnetic nanoparticles are 4 orders of magnitude higher than those of molecular antibody association with antigen. The developed method also suggests highly sensitive detection of antigens in a wide dynamic range. The limit of detection of 92 pg/ml has been demonstrated for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) with 50-nm MP employed as labels, which produce 3-order amplification of the SCI signals. The calibration curve features high sensitivity (slope) of 3-fold signal raise per 10-fold increase of PSA concentration within 4-order dynamic range, which is an attractive compromise for precise quantitative and highly sensitive immunoassay. The proposed biosensing technique offers inexpensive disposable sensor chips of cover slips and represents an economically sound alternative to traditional immunoassays for disease diagnostics, detection of pathogens in food and environmental monitoring.

Aptamer-based detection of plasma proteins by an electrochemical assay coupled to magnetic beads.

PubMed

Centi, Sonia; Tombelli, Sara; Minunni, Maria; Mascini, Marco

2007-02-15

The DNA thrombin aptamer has been extensively investigated, and the coupling of this aptamer to different transduction principles has demonstrated the wide applicability of aptamers as bioreceptors in bioanalytical assays. The goal of this work was to design an aptamer-based sandwich assay with electrochemical detection for thrombin analysis in complex matrixes, using a simple target capturing step by aptamer-functionalized magnetic beads. The conditions for the aptamer immobilization and for the protein binding have been first optimized by surface plasmon resonance, and then transferred to the electrochemical-based assay performed onto screen-printed electrodes. The assay was then applied to the analysis of thrombin in buffer, spiked serum, and plasma and high sensitivity and specificity were found. Moreover, thrombin was generated in situ in plasma by the conversion of its precursor prothrombin, and the formation of thrombin was followed at different times. The concentrations detected by the electrochemical assay were in agreement with a simulation software that mimics the formation of thrombin over time (thrombogram). The proposed work demonstrates that the high specificity of aptamers together with the use of magnetic beads are the key features for aptamer-based analysis in complex matrixes, opening the possibility of a real application to diagnostics or medical investigation.

Characterization of aging-induced microstructural changes in M250 maraging steel using magnetic parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajkumar, K. V.; Vaidyanathan, S.; Kumar, Anish; Jayakumar, T.; Raj, Baldev; Ray, K. K.

2007-05-01

The best combinations of mechanical properties (yield stress and fracture toughness) of M250 maraging steel is obtained through short-term thermal aging (3-10 h) at 755 K. This is attributed to the microstructure containing precipitation of intermetallic phases in austenite-free low-carbon martensite matrix. Over-aged microstructure, containing reverted austenite degrades the mechanical properties drastically. Hence, it necessitates identification of a suitable non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technique for detecting any reverted austenite unambiguously during aging. The influence of aging on microstructure, room temperature hardness and non-destructive magnetic parameters such as coercivity ( Hc), saturation magnetization ( Ms) and magnetic Barkhausen emission (MBE) RMS peak voltage is studied in order to derive correlations between these parameters in aged M250 maraging steel. Hardness was found to increase with precipitation of intermetallics during initial aging and decrease at longer durations due to austenite reversion. Among the different magnetic parameters studied, MBE RMS peak voltage was found to be very sensitive to austenite reversion (non-magnetic phase) as they decreased drastically up on initiation of austenite reversion. Hence, this parameter can be effectively utilized to detect and quantify the reverted austenite in maraging steel specimen. The present study clearly indicates that the combination of MBE RMS peak voltage and hardness can be used for unambiguous characterization of microstructural features of technological and practical importance (3-10 h of aging duration at 755 K) in M250 grade maraging steel.

Detection of Polarized Infrared Emission by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the MWC 1080 Nebula

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

Zhang, Han; Telesco, Charles M.; Pantin, Eric

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous in astrophysical environments, as revealed by their pronounced emission features at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, 11.3, and 12.7 μ m commonly ascribed to the C–H and C–C vibrational modes. Although these features have long been predicted to be polarized, previous searches for PAH polarization led to null or, at best, tentative detections. Here we report the definite detection of polarized PAH emission at 11.3 μ m in the nebula associated with the Herbig Be star MWC 1080. We measure a polarization degree of 1.9% ± 0.2%, which is unexpectedly high compared to models. Thismore » poses a challenge in the current understanding of the alignment of PAHs, which is required to polarize the PAH emission but thought to be substantially suppressed. PAH alignment with a magnetic field via a resonance paramagnetic relaxation process may account for such a high level of polarization.« less

Electromagnetic pulsed thermography for natural cracks inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Yunlai; Tian, Gui Yun; Wang, Ping; Wang, Haitao; Gao, Bin; Woo, Wai Lok; Li, Kongjing

2017-02-01

Emerging integrated sensing and monitoring of material degradation and cracks are increasingly required for characterizing the structural integrity and safety of infrastructure. However, most conventional nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods are based on single modality sensing which is not adequate to evaluate structural integrity and natural cracks. This paper proposed electromagnetic pulsed thermography for fast and comprehensive defect characterization. It hybrids multiple physical phenomena i.e. magnetic flux leakage, induced eddy current and induction heating linking to physics as well as signal processing algorithms to provide abundant information of material properties and defects. New features are proposed using 1st derivation that reflects multiphysics spatial and temporal behaviors to enhance the detection of cracks with different orientations. Promising results that robust to lift-off changes and invariant features for artificial and natural cracks detection have been demonstrated that the proposed method significantly improves defect detectability. It opens up multiphysics sensing and integrated NDE with potential impact for natural understanding and better quantitative evaluation of natural cracks including stress corrosion crack (SCC) and rolling contact fatigue (RCF).

Detection of Polarized Infrared Emission by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the MWC 1080 Nebula

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Han; Telesco, Charles M.; Hoang, Thiem; Li, Aigen; Pantin, Eric; Wright, Christopher M.; Li, Dan; Barnes, Peter

2017-07-01

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous in astrophysical environments, as revealed by their pronounced emission features at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, 11.3, and 12.7 μm commonly ascribed to the C-H and C-C vibrational modes. Although these features have long been predicted to be polarized, previous searches for PAH polarization led to null or, at best, tentative detections. Here we report the definite detection of polarized PAH emission at 11.3 μm in the nebula associated with the Herbig Be star MWC 1080. We measure a polarization degree of 1.9% ± 0.2%, which is unexpectedly high compared to models. This poses a challenge in the current understanding of the alignment of PAHs, which is required to polarize the PAH emission but thought to be substantially suppressed. PAH alignment with a magnetic field via a resonance paramagnetic relaxation process may account for such a high level of polarization.

Global Characteristics of Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron Waves Deduced From Swarm Satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyangpyo; Hwang, Junga; Park, Jaeheung; Bortnik, Jacob; Lee, Jaejin

2018-02-01

It is well known that electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves play an important role in controlling particle dynamics inside the Earth's magnetosphere, especially in the outer radiation belt. In order to understand the results of wave-particle interactions due to EMIC waves, it is important to know how the waves are distributed and what features they have. In this paper, we present some statistical analyses on the spatial distribution of EMIC waves in the low Earth orbit by using Swarm satellites from December 2013 to June 2017 ( 3.5 years) as a function of magnetic local time, magnetic latitude, and magnetic longitude. We also study the wave characteristics such as ellipticity, wave normal angle, peak frequency, and wave power using our automatic wave detection algorithm based on the method of Bortnik et al. (2007, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006JA011900). We also investigate the geomagnetic control of the EMIC waves by comparing with geomagnetic activity represented by Kp and Dst indices. We find that EMIC waves are detected with a peak occurrence rate at midlatitude including subauroral region, dawn sector (3-7 magnetic local time), and linear polarization dominated with an oblique propagating direction to the background magnetic field. In addition, our result shows that the waves have some relation with geomagnetic activity; that is, they occur preferably during the geomagnetic storm's late recovery phase at low Earth orbit.

A SVM-based quantitative fMRI method for resting-state functional network detection.

PubMed

Song, Xiaomu; Chen, Nan-kuei

2014-09-01

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) aims to measure baseline neuronal connectivity independent of specific functional tasks and to capture changes in the connectivity due to neurological diseases. Most existing network detection methods rely on a fixed threshold to identify functionally connected voxels under the resting state. Due to fMRI non-stationarity, the threshold cannot adapt to variation of data characteristics across sessions and subjects, and generates unreliable mapping results. In this study, a new method is presented for resting-state fMRI data analysis. Specifically, the resting-state network mapping is formulated as an outlier detection process that is implemented using one-class support vector machine (SVM). The results are refined by using a spatial-feature domain prototype selection method and two-class SVM reclassification. The final decision on each voxel is made by comparing its probabilities of functionally connected and unconnected instead of a threshold. Multiple features for resting-state analysis were extracted and examined using an SVM-based feature selection method, and the most representative features were identified. The proposed method was evaluated using synthetic and experimental fMRI data. A comparison study was also performed with independent component analysis (ICA) and correlation analysis. The experimental results show that the proposed method can provide comparable or better network detection performance than ICA and correlation analysis. The method is potentially applicable to various resting-state quantitative fMRI studies. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Agreement among Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRI-MRCP) and Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) in the evaluation of morphological features of Branch Duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (BD-IPMN).

PubMed

Uribarri-Gonzalez, Laura; Keane, Margaret G; Pereira, Stephen P; Iglesias-García, Julio; Dominguez-Muñoz, J Enrique; Lariño-Noia, Jose

2018-03-01

To evaluate the agreement between the imaging modalities MRI-MRCP and EUS in cystic lesions of the pancreas which were thought to be a BD-IPMN. Multicenter retrospective study included all patients between 2010 and 2015 with a suspected BD-IPMN who underwent an EUS and MRI-MRCP within 6 months or less of each other. Location, number, size, worrisome features and high-risk stigmata were evaluated. Interobserver agreement was evaluated by Kappa score. 173 patients were included (97 UHSC, 76 UCLH-RFH), mean age 65 (range 25-87 years), 66 males. When comparing both modalities there was good agreement for the location of the cyst. The median lesion size was larger by MRI-MRCP than EUS although it was not significant. With regards to worrisome features, there was moderate agreement for main PD of 5-9 mm and abrupt change (k = 0.45 and 0.52). Fair agreement was seen for the cyst wall thickening (k = 0.25). No agreement was seen between the presence of non-enhanced mural nodules or lymphadenopathy (k < 0). With regards to high-risk stigmata, poor agreement was obtained for the detection of an enhanced solid component (k = 0.12). No agreement was observed for main PD > 10 mm (k < 0). In this multicentre study of patients with a BD-IPMN under active surveillance, most disagreement between these modalities was seen in the proximal pancreas. There was generally only minimal concordance between the imaging findings of EUS and MRI-MRCP for the detection of high-risk stigmata and worrisome features. Copyright © 2018 IAP and EPC. All rights reserved.

Evidence of Plume on Europa from Galileo Magnetic and Plasma Density Signatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, X.; Kivelson, M.; Khurana, K. K.; Kurth, W. S.

2017-12-01

The icy surface of Jupiter's moon, Europa, is thought to lie on top of a global ocean [Khurana et al., 1998; Kivelson et al., 2000]. Water plumes rising 200 kilometers above the disk of the solid body in some Hubble Space Telescope images have been identified through emission spectra of hydrogen and oxygen [Roth et al., 2016] and through absorption in the far ultraviolet of sunlight reflected off of Jupiter [Sparks et al., 2016, 2017]. Plume activity appears to be intermittent, although Sparks et al. [2017] identified a plume at a location where one had been detected in an earlier study. While the detections appear to be valid within statistical uncertainty, they are all close to the limit of detection, making it desirable to find other evidence of the presence of localized vapor above Europa's surface. In this presentation, we examine magnetometer and electromagnetic wave data acquired by the Galileo spacecraft on a close encounter with Europa on December 16, 1997. We identify distinct features in the data that have the characteristics expected if the spacecraft went through magnetic flux tubes that pass around a plume, close to the location proposed for one of the plumes observed by Sparks et al. [2016]. 3D magnetohydrodynamic simulations have been conducted to model the interaction of plume with Europa's plasma and magnetic environment. Our simulations confirm that the magnetic and plasma signatures identified in the Galileo data are consistent with perturbations associated with a localized plume source.

Solar Flare Prediction Model with Three Machine-learning Algorithms using Ultraviolet Brightening and Vector Magnetograms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishizuka, N.; Sugiura, K.; Kubo, Y.; Den, M.; Watari, S.; Ishii, M.

2017-02-01

We developed a flare prediction model using machine learning, which is optimized to predict the maximum class of flares occurring in the following 24 hr. Machine learning is used to devise algorithms that can learn from and make decisions on a huge amount of data. We used solar observation data during the period 2010-2015, such as vector magnetograms, ultraviolet (UV) emission, and soft X-ray emission taken by the Solar Dynamics Observatory and the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite. We detected active regions (ARs) from the full-disk magnetogram, from which ˜60 features were extracted with their time differentials, including magnetic neutral lines, the current helicity, the UV brightening, and the flare history. After standardizing the feature database, we fully shuffled and randomly separated it into two for training and testing. To investigate which algorithm is best for flare prediction, we compared three machine-learning algorithms: the support vector machine, k-nearest neighbors (k-NN), and extremely randomized trees. The prediction score, the true skill statistic, was higher than 0.9 with a fully shuffled data set, which is higher than that for human forecasts. It was found that k-NN has the highest performance among the three algorithms. The ranking of the feature importance showed that previous flare activity is most effective, followed by the length of magnetic neutral lines, the unsigned magnetic flux, the area of UV brightening, and the time differentials of features over 24 hr, all of which are strongly correlated with the flux emergence dynamics in an AR.

Solar Flare Prediction Model with Three Machine-learning Algorithms using Ultraviolet Brightening and Vector Magnetograms

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

Nishizuka, N.; Kubo, Y.; Den, M.

We developed a flare prediction model using machine learning, which is optimized to predict the maximum class of flares occurring in the following 24 hr. Machine learning is used to devise algorithms that can learn from and make decisions on a huge amount of data. We used solar observation data during the period 2010–2015, such as vector magnetograms, ultraviolet (UV) emission, and soft X-ray emission taken by the Solar Dynamics Observatory and the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite . We detected active regions (ARs) from the full-disk magnetogram, from which ∼60 features were extracted with their time differentials, including magnetic neutralmore » lines, the current helicity, the UV brightening, and the flare history. After standardizing the feature database, we fully shuffled and randomly separated it into two for training and testing. To investigate which algorithm is best for flare prediction, we compared three machine-learning algorithms: the support vector machine, k-nearest neighbors (k-NN), and extremely randomized trees. The prediction score, the true skill statistic, was higher than 0.9 with a fully shuffled data set, which is higher than that for human forecasts. It was found that k-NN has the highest performance among the three algorithms. The ranking of the feature importance showed that previous flare activity is most effective, followed by the length of magnetic neutral lines, the unsigned magnetic flux, the area of UV brightening, and the time differentials of features over 24 hr, all of which are strongly correlated with the flux emergence dynamics in an AR.« less

Multifractal texture estimation for detection and segmentation of brain tumors.

PubMed

Islam, Atiq; Reza, Syed M S; Iftekharuddin, Khan M

2013-11-01

A stochastic model for characterizing tumor texture in brain magnetic resonance (MR) images is proposed. The efficacy of the model is demonstrated in patient-independent brain tumor texture feature extraction and tumor segmentation in magnetic resonance images (MRIs). Due to complex appearance in MRI, brain tumor texture is formulated using a multiresolution-fractal model known as multifractional Brownian motion (mBm). Detailed mathematical derivation for mBm model and corresponding novel algorithm to extract spatially varying multifractal features are proposed. A multifractal feature-based brain tumor segmentation method is developed next. To evaluate efficacy, tumor segmentation performance using proposed multifractal feature is compared with that using Gabor-like multiscale texton feature. Furthermore, novel patient-independent tumor segmentation scheme is proposed by extending the well-known AdaBoost algorithm. The modification of AdaBoost algorithm involves assigning weights to component classifiers based on their ability to classify difficult samples and confidence in such classification. Experimental results for 14 patients with over 300 MRIs show the efficacy of the proposed technique in automatic segmentation of tumors in brain MRIs. Finally, comparison with other state-of-the art brain tumor segmentation works with publicly available low-grade glioma BRATS2012 dataset show that our segmentation results are more consistent and on the average outperforms these methods for the patients where ground truth is made available.

Multifractal Texture Estimation for Detection and Segmentation of Brain Tumors

PubMed Central

Islam, Atiq; Reza, Syed M. S.

2016-01-01

A stochastic model for characterizing tumor texture in brain magnetic resonance (MR) images is proposed. The efficacy of the model is demonstrated in patient-independent brain tumor texture feature extraction and tumor segmentation in magnetic resonance images (MRIs). Due to complex appearance in MRI, brain tumor texture is formulated using a multiresolution-fractal model known as multifractional Brownian motion (mBm). Detailed mathematical derivation for mBm model and corresponding novel algorithm to extract spatially varying multifractal features are proposed. A multifractal feature-based brain tumor segmentation method is developed next. To evaluate efficacy, tumor segmentation performance using proposed multifractal feature is compared with that using Gabor-like multiscale texton feature. Furthermore, novel patient-independent tumor segmentation scheme is proposed by extending the well-known AdaBoost algorithm. The modification of AdaBoost algorithm involves assigning weights to component classifiers based on their ability to classify difficult samples and confidence in such classification. Experimental results for 14 patients with over 300 MRIs show the efficacy of the proposed technique in automatic segmentation of tumors in brain MRIs. Finally, comparison with other state-of-the art brain tumor segmentation works with publicly available low-grade glioma BRATS2012 dataset show that our segmentation results are more consistent and on the average outperforms these methods for the patients where ground truth is made available. PMID:23807424

CAWSES November 7-8, 2004, Superstorm: Complex Solar and Interplanetary Features in the Post-Solar Maximum Phase

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsurutani, Bruce T.; Echer, Ezequiel; Guarnieri, Fernando L.; Kozyra, J. U.

2008-01-01

The complex interplanetary structures during 7 to 8 Nov 2004 are analyzed to identify their properties as well as resultant geomagnetic effects and the solar origins. Three fast forward shocks, three directional discontinuities and two reverse waves were detected and analyzed in detail. The three fast forward shocks 'pump' up the interplanetary magnetic field from a value of approx.4 nT to 44 nT. However, the fields after the shocks were northward, and magnetic storms did not result. The three ram pressure increases were associated with major sudden impulses (SI + s) at Earth. A magnetic cloud followed the third forward shock and the southward Bz associated with the latter was responsible for the superstorm. Two reverse waves were detected, one at the edge and one near the center of the magnetic cloud (MC). It is suspected that these 'waves' were once reverse shocks which were becoming evanescent when they propagated into the low plasma beta MC. The second reverse wave caused a decrease in the southward component of the IMF and initiated the storm recovery phase. It is determined that flares located at large longitudinal distances from the subsolar point were the most likely causes of the first two shocks without associated magnetic clouds. It is thus unlikely that the shocks were 'blast waves' or that magnetic reconnection eroded away the two associated MCs. This interplanetary/solar event is an example of the extremely complex magnetic storms which can occur in the post-solar maximum phase.

Self-assembly with orthogonal-imposed stimuli to impart structure and confer magnetic function to electrodeposited hydrogels.

PubMed

Li, Ying; Liu, Yi; Gao, Tieren; Zhang, Boce; Song, Yingying; Terrell, Jessica L; Barber, Nathan; Bentley, William E; Takeuchi, Ichiro; Payne, Gregory F; Wang, Qin

2015-05-20

A magnetic nanocomposite film with the capability of reversibly collecting functionalized magnetic particles was fabricated by simultaneously imposing two orthogonal stimuli (electrical and magnetic). We demonstrate that cathodic codeposition of chitosan and Fe3O4 nanoparticles while simultaneously applying a magnetic field during codeposition can (i) organize structure, (ii) confer magnetic properties, and (iii) yield magnetic films that can perform reversible collection/assembly functions. The magnetic field triggered the self-assembly of Fe3O4 nanoparticles into hierarchical "chains" and "fibers" in the chitosan film. For controlled magnetic properties, the Fe3O4-chitosan film was electrodeposited in the presence of various strength magnetic fields and different deposition times. The magnetic properties of the resulting films should enable broad applications in complex devices. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate the reversible capture and release of green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-conjugated magnetic microparticles by the magnetic chitosan film. Moreover, antibody-functionalized magnetic microparticles were applied to capture cells from a sample, and these cells were collected, analyzed, and released by the magnetic chitosan film, paving the way for applications such as reusable biosensor interfaces (e.g., for pathogen detection). To our knowledge, this is the first report to apply a magnetic field during the electrodeposition of a hydrogel to generate magnetic soft matter. Importantly, the simple, rapid, and reagentless fabrication methodologies demonstrated here are valuable features for creating a magnetic device interface.

X-ray Characterization of Oxide-based Magnetic Semiconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Idzerda, Yves

2008-05-01

Although the evidence for magnetic semiconductors (not simply semiconductors which are ferromagnetic) is compelling, there is much uncertainty in the mechanism for the polarization of the carriers, suggesting that it must be quite novel. Recent experimental evidence suggests that this mechanism is similar to the polaron percolation theory proposed by Kaminski and Das Sarma,ootnotetextKaminski and S. Das Sarma, Physical Review Letters 88, 247202 (2002). which was recently applied specifically to doped oxides by Coey et al.ootnotetextJ. M. D. Coey, M. Venkatesan, and C. B. Fitzgerald, Nature Materials 4, 173 (2005). where the ferromagnetism is driven by the percolation of polarons generated by defects or dopants. We have used X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the L-edges and K-edges for low concentrations transition metal (TM) doped magnetic oxides (including TiO2, La1-xSrxO3, HfO2, and In2O3). We have found that in most cases, the transition metal assumes a valence consistent with being at a substitutional, and not interstitial site. We have also measured the X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism spectra. Although these materials show strong bulk magnetization, we are unable to detect a robust dichroism feature associated with magnetic elements in the host semiconductor. In the cases where a dichroism signal was observed, it was very weak and could be ascribed to a distinct ferromagnetic phase (TM metal cluster, TM oxide particulate, etc.) separate from the host material. This fascinating absence of a dichroic signal and its significant substantiation of important features of the polaron percolation model may help to finally resolve the issue of ferromagnetism in magnetically doped oxides.

Combining single-molecule manipulation and single-molecule detection.

PubMed

Cordova, Juan Carlos; Das, Dibyendu Kumar; Manning, Harris W; Lang, Matthew J

2014-10-01

Single molecule force manipulation combined with fluorescence techniques offers much promise in revealing mechanistic details of biomolecular machinery. Here, we review force-fluorescence microscopy, which combines the best features of manipulation and detection techniques. Three of the mainstay manipulation methods (optical traps, magnetic traps and atomic force microscopy) are discussed with respect to milestones in combination developments, in addition to highlight recent contributions to the field. An overview of additional strategies is discussed, including fluorescence based force sensors for force measurement in vivo. Armed with recent exciting demonstrations of this technology, the field of combined single-molecule manipulation and single-molecule detection is poised to provide unprecedented views of molecular machinery. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electronic structure and Landé g-factor of a quantum ring in the presence of spin-orbit coupling: Temperature and Zeeman effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zamani, A.; Setareh, F.; Azargoshasb, T.; Niknam, E.

2017-10-01

A wide variety of semiconductor nanostructures have been fabricated experimentally and both theoretical and experimental investigations of their features imply the great role they have in new generation technological devices. However, mathematical modeling provide a powerful means due to definitive goal of predicting the features and understanding of such structures behavior under different circumstances. Therefore, effective Hamiltonian for an electron in a quantum ring with axial symmetry in the presence of both Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit interactions (SOI) is derived. Here we report our study of the electronic structure and electron g-factor in the presence of spin-orbit (SO) couplings under the influence of external magnetic field at finite temperature. This investigation shows that, when Rashba and Dresselhaus couplings are simultaneously present, the degeneracy is removed and energy levels split into two branches. Furthermore, with enhancing the applied magnetic field, separation of former degenerate levels increases and also avoided crossings (anti-crossing) in the energy spectra is detected. It is also discussed how the energy levels of the system can be adjusted with variation of temperature as well as the magnetic field and geometrical sizes.

Constraints on lithospheric structure from satellite potential field data: Africa and Asia. Analysis and interpretation of MAGSAT anomalies over North Africa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, R. J.

1986-01-01

Crustal anomaly detection with MAGSAT data is frustrated by the inherent resolving power of the data and by contamination from the external and core fields. The quality of the data might be tested by modeling specific tectonic features which produce anomalies that fall within the proposed resolution and crustal amplitude capabilities of the MAGSAT fields. To test this hypothesis, the north African hotspots associated with Ahaggar, Tibestia and Darfur have been modeled as magnetic induction anomalies due solely to shallower depth to the Curie isotherm surface beneath these features. The MAGSAT data were reduced by subtracting the external and core fields to isolate the scalar and vertical component crustal signals. The predicted model magnetic signal arising from the surface topography of the uplift and the Curie isotherm surface was calculated at MAGSAT altitudes by the Fourier transform technique modified to allow for variable magnetization. In summary it is suggested that the region beneath Ahaggar is associated with a strong thermal anomaly and the predicted anomaly best fits the associated MAGSAT anomaly if the African plate is moving in a northeasterly direction.

Constraining Large-Scale Solar Magnetic Field Models with Optical Coronal Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uritsky, V. M.; Davila, J. M.; Jones, S. I.

2015-12-01

Scientific success of the Solar Probe Plus (SPP) and Solar Orbiter (SO) missions will depend to a large extent on the accuracy of the available coronal magnetic field models describing the connectivity of plasma disturbances in the inner heliosphere with their source regions. We argue that ground based and satellite coronagraph images can provide robust geometric constraints for the next generation of improved coronal magnetic field extrapolation models. In contrast to the previously proposed loop segmentation codes designed for detecting compact closed-field structures above solar active regions, we focus on the large-scale geometry of the open-field coronal regions located at significant radial distances from the solar surface. Details on the new feature detection algorithms will be presented. By applying the developed image processing methodology to high-resolution Mauna Loa Solar Observatory images, we perform an optimized 3D B-line tracing for a full Carrington rotation using the magnetic field extrapolation code presented in a companion talk by S.Jones at al. Tracing results are shown to be in a good qualitative agreement with the large-scalie configuration of the optical corona. Subsequent phases of the project and the related data products for SSP and SO missions as wwll as the supporting global heliospheric simulations will be discussed.

Magnetic Labeling of Activated Microglia in Experimental Gliomas1

PubMed Central

Fleige, Gerrit; Nolte, Christiane; Synowitz, Michael; Seeberger, Florian; Kettenmann, Helmut; Zimmer, Claus

2001-01-01

Abstract Microglia, as intrinsic immunoeffector cells of the central nervous system (CNS), play a very sensitive, crucial role in the response to almost any brain pathology where they are activated to a phagocytic state. Based on the characteristic features of activated microglia, we investigated whether these cells can be visualized with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxides (USPIOs). The hypothesis of this study was that MR microglia visualization could not only reveal the extent of the tumor, but also allow for assessing the status of immunologic defense. Using USPIOs in cell culture experiments and in a rat glioma model, we showed that microglia can be labeled magnetically. Labeled microglia are detected by confocal microscopy within and around tumors in a typical border-like pattern. Quantitative in vitro studies revealed that microglia internalize amounts of USPIOs that are significantly higher than those incorporated by tumor cells and astrocytes. Labeled microglia can be detected and quantified with MRI in cell phantoms, and the extent of the tumor can be seen in glioma-bearing rats in vivo. We conclude that magnetic labeling of microglia provides a potential tool for MRI of gliomas, which reflects tumor morphology precisely. Furthermore, the results suggest that MRI may yield functional data on the immunologic reaction of the CNS. PMID:11774031

Voxel-based automated detection of focal cortical dysplasia lesions using diffusion tensor imaging and T2-weighted MRI data.

PubMed

Wang, Yanming; Zhou, Yawen; Wang, Huijuan; Cui, Jin; Nguchu, Benedictor Alexander; Zhang, Xufei; Qiu, Bensheng; Wang, Xiaoxiao; Zhu, Mingwang

2018-05-21

The aim of this study was to automatically detect focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) lesions in patients with extratemporal lobe epilepsy by relying on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. We implemented an automated classifier using voxel-based multimodal features to identify gray and white matter abnormalities of FCD in patient cohorts. In addition to the commonly used T2-weighted image intensity feature, DTI-based features were also utilized. A Gaussian processes for machine learning (GPML) classifier was tested on 12 patients with FCD (8 with histologically confirmed FCD) scanned at 1.5 T and cross-validated using a leave-one-out strategy. Moreover, we compared the multimodal GPML paradigm's performance with that of single modal GPML and classical support vector machine (SVM). Our results demonstrated that the GPML performance on DTI-based features (mean AUC = 0.63) matches with the GPML performance on T2-weighted image intensity feature (mean AUC = 0.64). More promisingly, GPML yielded significantly improved performance (mean AUC = 0.76) when applying DTI-based features to multimodal paradigm. Based on the results, it can also be clearly stated that the proposed GPML strategy performed better and is robust to unbalanced dataset contrary to SVM that performed poorly (AUC = 0.69). Therefore, the GPML paradigm using multimodal MRI data containing DTI modality has promising result towards detection of the FCD lesions and provides an effective direction for future researches. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Detection of superparamagnetic particles in soils developed on basalts using frequency- and amplitude-dependent magnetic susceptibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grison, H.; Petrovsky, E.; Kapicka, A.

2016-12-01

In rock, soil and environmental studies dealing with magnetic methods, the frequency-dependent magnetic susceptibility (κFD%) is parameter generally accepted as a tool for identification of ultrafine superparamagnetic (SP) particles. This parameter became an indicator of pedogenic magnetic fraction (increased pedogenesis). Despite the number of studies using this parameter, knowledge about threshold values of κFD% is not clear enough and this parameter may be misinterpreted. Moreover, in strongly magnetic soils, magnetic signal of the SP (mostly pedogenic) minerals may be masked by dominant lithological signal, carried by coarse-grain mineral fraction; therefore, influence of pedogenesis is hard to detect. The aim of this contribution is to compare results in determination of ultrafine SP magnetic particles in soils determined using different instruments: (a) Bartington MS2B dual-frequency meter, and (b) more sensitive AGICO Kappameter MFK1-FA. The values of the κFD % obtained by the Bartington MS2B varied from 0.9 to 5.8% (mass-specific magnetic susceptibility from 119 to 1533 × 10-8 m3/kg) while the AGICO MFK1-FA varied from 3.7 to 8.2% (mass-specific magnetic susceptibility from 295 to 1843 × 10-8 m3/kg). Although both instruments suggest significant portion of SP magnetic particles, the results can't be interpreted using the generally accepted threshold values based on Bartington data. However, our results suggest that relation between the mass-specific magnetic susceptibility and κFD% along whole soil profile may serve as suitable tool in discriminating between lithogenic and pedogenic control of magnetic fraction in the soil profile. Moreover, we propose new concept of identification of SP particles, based on field-dependent magnetic susceptibility. Its behaviour shows distinct features with significant change at amplitudes of about 100 A/m. Below this value, susceptibility decreases with increasing amplitude, reflecting saturation of magnetization due to rotation of SP magnetic moments, while above 100 A/m it increases due to magnetization of MD particles.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Guided versus Surrogate-Based Motion Tracking in Liver Radiation Therapy: A Prospective Comparative Study

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

Paganelli, Chiara, E-mail: chiara.paganelli@polimi.it; Seregni, Matteo; Fattori, Giovanni

Purpose: This study applied automatic feature detection on cine–magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) liver images in order to provide a prospective comparison between MRI-guided and surrogate-based tracking methods for motion-compensated liver radiation therapy. Methods and Materials: In a population of 30 subjects (5 volunteers plus 25 patients), 2 oblique sagittal slices were acquired across the liver at high temporal resolution. An algorithm based on scale invariant feature transform (SIFT) was used to extract and track multiple features throughout the image sequence. The position of abdominal markers was also measured directly from the image series, and the internal motion of each featuremore » was quantified through multiparametric analysis. Surrogate-based tumor tracking with a state-of-the-art external/internal correlation model was simulated. The geometrical tracking error was measured, and its correlation with external motion parameters was also investigated. Finally, the potential gain in tracking accuracy relying on MRI guidance was quantified as a function of the maximum allowed tracking error. Results: An average of 45 features was extracted for each subject across the whole liver. The multi-parametric motion analysis reported relevant inter- and intrasubject variability, highlighting the value of patient-specific and spatially-distributed measurements. Surrogate-based tracking errors (relative to the motion amplitude) were were in the range 7% to 23% (1.02-3.57mm) and were significantly influenced by external motion parameters. The gain of MRI guidance compared to surrogate-based motion tracking was larger than 30% in 50% of the subjects when considering a 1.5-mm tracking error tolerance. Conclusions: Automatic feature detection applied to cine-MRI allows detailed liver motion description to be obtained. Such information was used to quantify the performance of surrogate-based tracking methods and to provide a prospective comparison with respect to MRI-guided radiation therapy, which could support the definition of patient-specific optimal treatment strategies.« less

A food contaminant detection system based on high-Tc SQUIDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Saburo; Fujita, H.; Hatsukade, Y.; Nagaishi, T.; Nishi, K.; Ota, H.; Otani, T.; Suzuki, S.

2006-05-01

We have designed and constructed a computer controlled food contaminant detection system for practical use, based on high-Tc SQUID detectors. The system, which features waterproof stainless steel construction, is acceptable under the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) programme guidelines. The outer dimensions of the system are 1500 mm length × 477 mm width × 1445 mm height, and it can accept objects up to 200 mm wide × 80 mm high. An automatic liquid nitrogen filling system was installed in the standard model. This system employed a double-layered permeable metallic shield with a thickness of 1 mm as a magnetically shielded box. The distribution of the magnetic field in the box was simulated by FEM; the gap between each shield layer was optimized before fabrication. A shielding factor of 732 in the Z-component was achieved. This value is high enough to safely operate the system in a non-laboratory environment, i.e., a factory. During testing, we successfully detected a steel contaminant as small as 0.3 mm in diameter at a distance of 75 mm.

Segmentation of photospheric magnetic elements corresponding to coronal features to understand the EUV and UV irradiance variability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zender, J. J.; Kariyappa, R.; Giono, G.; Bergmann, M.; Delouille, V.; Damé, L.; Hochedez, J.-F.; Kumara, S. T.

2017-09-01

Context. The magnetic field plays a dominant role in the solar irradiance variability. Determining the contribution of various magnetic features to this variability is important in the context of heliospheric studies and Sun-Earth connection. Aims: We studied the solar irradiance variability and its association with the underlying magnetic field for a period of five years (January 2011-January 2016). We used observations from the Large Yield Radiometer (LYRA), the Sun Watcher with Active Pixel System detector and Image Processing (SWAP) on board PROBA2, the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA), and the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). Methods: The Spatial Possibilistic Clustering Algorithm (SPoCA) is applied to the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) observations obtained from the AIA to segregate coronal features by creating segmentation maps of active regions (ARs), coronal holes (CHs) and the quiet sun (QS). Further, these maps are applied to the full-disk SWAP intensity images and the full-disk (FD) HMI line-of-sight (LOS) magnetograms to isolate the SWAP coronal features and photospheric magnetic counterparts, respectively. We then computed full-disk and feature-wise averages of EUV intensity and line of sight (LOS) magnetic flux density over ARs/CHs/QS/FD. The variability in these quantities is compared with that of LYRA irradiance values. Results: Variations in the quantities resulting from the segmentation, namely the integrated intensity and the total magnetic flux density of ARs/CHs/QS/FD regions, are compared with the LYRA irradiance variations. We find that the EUV intensity over ARs/CHs/QS/FD is well correlated with the underlying magnetic field. In addition, variations in the full-disk integrated intensity and magnetic flux density values are correlated with the LYRA irradiance variations. Conclusions: Using the segmented coronal features observed in the EUV wavelengths as proxies to isolate the underlying magnetic structures is demonstrated in this study. Sophisticated feature identification and segmentation tools are important in providing more insights into the role of various magnetic features in both the short- and long-term changes in the solar irradiance. The movie associated to Fig. 2 is available at http://www.aanda.org

Neuroanatomic organization of sound memory in humans.

PubMed

Kraut, Michael A; Pitcock, Jeffery A; Calhoun, Vince; Li, Juan; Freeman, Thomas; Hart, John

2006-11-01

The neural interface between sensory perception and memory is a central issue in neuroscience, particularly initial memory organization following perceptual analyses. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to identify anatomic regions extracting initial auditory semantic memory information related to environmental sounds. Two distinct anatomic foci were detected in the right superior temporal gyrus when subjects identified sounds representing either animals or threatening items. Threatening animal stimuli elicited signal changes in both foci, suggesting a distributed neural representation. Our results demonstrate both category- and feature-specific responses to nonverbal sounds in early stages of extracting semantic memory information from these sounds. This organization allows for these category-feature detection nodes to extract early, semantic memory information for efficient processing of transient sound stimuli. Neural regions selective for threatening sounds are similar to those of nonhuman primates, demonstrating semantic memory organization for basic biological/survival primitives are present across species.

Unconventional superconductivity in CaFe0.85Co0.15AsF evidenced by torque measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Hong; Li, X. J.; Mu, G.; Hu, T.

Out-of-plane angular dependent torque measurements were performed on CaFe0.85Co0.15AsF single crystals. Abnormal superconducting fluctuation, featured by enhanced diamagnetism with magnetic field, is detected up to about 1.5 times superconducting transition temperature Tc. Compared to cuprate superconductors, the fluctuation effect in iron-based superconductor is less pronounced. Anisotropy parameter γ is obtained from the mixed state torque data and it is found that γ shows both magnetic field and temperature depenence, pointing to multiband superconductivity. The temperature dependence of penetration depth λ (T) suggests unconventional superconductivity in CaFe0.85Co0.15AsF.

Multiwavelength Characteristics of Microflares

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poduval, Bala; Schmelz, J. T.

2016-10-01

We present the multiwavelength characteristic of microflare detected in the SDO/AIA and IRIS images using the Automated Microevent-finding Code (AMC). We have catalogued independent events with information such as location on the disk, size, lifetime and peak flux, and obtained their frequency distribution. We mapped these events to other wavelengths, using their location information, to study their associated features, and infer the temperature characteristics and evolution. Moreover, we obtained their magnetic topologies by mapping the microflare locations on to the HMI photospheric magnetic field synoptic maps. Further, we analyzed the filtered brightness profiles and light curves for each event to classify them. Finally, we carried out a differential emission measure (DEM) analysis to study their temperature characteristics.

Semi-automated scar detection in delayed enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morisi, Rita; Donini, Bruno; Lanconelli, Nico; Rosengarden, James; Morgan, John; Harden, Stephen; Curzen, Nick

2015-06-01

Late enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance images (MRI) has the ability to precisely delineate myocardial scars. We present a semi-automated method for detecting scars in cardiac MRI. This model has the potential to improve routine clinical practice since quantification is not currently offered due to time constraints. A first segmentation step was developed for extracting the target regions for potential scar and determining pre-candidate objects. Pattern recognition methods are then applied to the segmented images in order to detect the position of the myocardial scar. The database of late gadolinium enhancement (LE) cardiac MR images consists of 111 blocks of images acquired from 63 patients at the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UK). At least one scar was present for each patient, and all the scars were manually annotated by an expert. A group of images (around one third of the entire set) was used for training the system which was subsequently tested on all the remaining images. Four different classifiers were trained (Support Vector Machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), Bayesian and feed-forward neural network) and their performance was evaluated by using Free response Receiver Operating Characteristic (FROC) analysis. Feature selection was implemented for analyzing the importance of the various features. The segmentation method proposed allowed the region affected by the scar to be extracted correctly in 96% of the blocks of images. The SVM was shown to be the best classifier for our task, and our system reached an overall sensitivity of 80% with less than 7 false positives per patient. The method we present provides an effective tool for detection of scars on cardiac MRI. This may be of value in clinical practice by permitting routine reporting of scar quantification.

Thermography based diagnosis of ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in canines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lama, Norsang; Umbaugh, Scott E.; Mishra, Deependra; Dahal, Rohini; Marino, Dominic J.; Sackman, Joseph

2016-09-01

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in canines is a common orthopedic injury in veterinary medicine. Veterinarians use both imaging and non-imaging methods to diagnose the disease. Common imaging methods such as radiography, computed tomography (CT scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have some disadvantages: expensive setup, high dose of radiation, and time-consuming. In this paper, we present an alternative diagnostic method based on feature extraction and pattern classification (FEPC) to diagnose abnormal patterns in ACL thermograms. The proposed method was experimented with a total of 30 thermograms for each camera view (anterior, lateral and posterior) including 14 disease and 16 non-disease cases provided from Long Island Veterinary Specialists. The normal and abnormal patterns in thermograms are analyzed in two steps: feature extraction and pattern classification. Texture features based on gray level co-occurrence matrices (GLCM), histogram features and spectral features are extracted from the color normalized thermograms and the computed feature vectors are applied to Nearest Neighbor (NN) classifier, K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) classifier and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier with leave-one-out validation method. The algorithm gives the best classification success rate of 86.67% with a sensitivity of 85.71% and a specificity of 87.5% in ACL rupture detection using NN classifier for the lateral view and Norm-RGB-Lum color normalization method. Our results show that the proposed method has the potential to detect ACL rupture in canines.

Ischemic stroke lesion segmentation in multi-spectral MR images with support vector machine classifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maier, Oskar; Wilms, Matthias; von der Gablentz, Janina; Krämer, Ulrike; Handels, Heinz

2014-03-01

Automatic segmentation of ischemic stroke lesions in magnetic resonance (MR) images is important in clinical practice and for neuroscientific trials. The key problem is to detect largely inhomogeneous regions of varying sizes, shapes and locations. We present a stroke lesion segmentation method based on local features extracted from multi-spectral MR data that are selected to model a human observer's discrimination criteria. A support vector machine classifier is trained on expert-segmented examples and then used to classify formerly unseen images. Leave-one-out cross validation on eight datasets with lesions of varying appearances is performed, showing our method to compare favourably with other published approaches in terms of accuracy and robustness. Furthermore, we compare a number of feature selectors and closely examine each feature's and MR sequence's contribution.

Nanosystems Based on Magnetic Nanoparticles and Thermo- or pH-Responsive Polymers: An Update and Future Perspectives.

PubMed

Mai, Binh T; Fernandes, Soraia; Balakrishnan, Preethi B; Pellegrino, Teresa

2018-05-15

Combining hard matter, like inorganic nanocrystals, and soft materials, like polymers, can generate multipurpose materials with a broader range of applications with respect to the individual building blocks. Given their unique properties at the nanoscale, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have drawn a great deal of interest due to their potential use in the biomedical field, targeting several applications such as heat hubs in magnetic hyperthermia (MHT, a heat-damage based therapy), contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. At the same time, polymers, with their versatile macromolecular structure, can serve as flexible platforms with regard to constructing advanced functional materials. Advances in the development of novel polymerization techniques has enabled the preparation of a large portfolio of polymers that have intriguing physicochemical properties; in particular, those polymers that can undergo conformational and structural changes in response to their surrounding environmental stimuli. Therefore, merging the unique features of MNPs with polymer responsive properties, such as pH and thermal stimuli activation, enables smart control of polymer properties operated by the MNPs and vice versa at an unprecedented level of sophistication. These magnetic-stimuli-responsive nanosystems will impact the cancer field by combining magnetic hyperthermia with stimuli-dependent controlled drug delivery toward multimodal therapies. In this approach, a malignant tumor may be destroyed by a combination of the synergic effects of thermal energy generated by MNPs and the controlled release of antitumoral agents, activated by means of either heat or pH changes, finally leading to a much more effective cancer treatment than those available today. Also, taking advantage of such a triggered chemotherapy will overcome the notorious drawbacks of classic chemotherapy. Nevertheless, tracking the changes in the magnetic properties of such pH-responsive magnetic nanoparticles, which are provided by changes in relaxation signals of water molecules surrounding the nanoplatform, is a novel approach to the detection of pathological conditions (such as pH-changes at the ischemic and tumor sites). Despite great efforts by chemists to fabricate different featured materials, there have been few successful preclinical studies to date. A clinical translation of magnetic stimuli-responsive systems would require overcoming the actual nanosystem limitations and the joint efforts of an interdisciplinary scientific community. In this Account, we have framed state of the art magnetic stimuli-responsive systems, focusing on thermo- and pH-responsive behavior, following an organization based on the response mechanisms of polymers. By evaluating the features of the most representative and advanced nanosystems that already exist in literature, we present the challenges to overcome, the future directions to undertake for the development of magnetic stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms that will work under clinical operating conditions and have biodegradable and biocompatible features, and a consideration of the technical aspects.

Magnetically aligned H I fibers and the rolling hough transform

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

Clark, S. E.; Putman, M. E.; Peek, J. E. G.

2014-07-01

We present observations of a new group of structures in the diffuse Galactic interstellar medium (ISM): slender, linear H I features we dub 'fibers' that extend for many degrees at high Galactic latitude. To characterize and measure the extent and strength of these fibers, we present the Rolling Hough Transform, a new machine vision method for parameterizing the coherent linearity of structures in the image plane. With this powerful new tool we show that the fibers are oriented along the interstellar magnetic field as probed by starlight polarization. We find that these low column density (N{sub H} {sub I}≃5×10{sup 18}more » cm{sup –2}) fiber features are most likely a component of the local cavity wall, about 100 pc away. The H I data we use to demonstrate this alignment at high latitude are from the Galactic Arecibo L-Band Feed Array H I (GALFA-H I) Survey and the Parkes Galactic All Sky Survey. We find better alignment in the higher resolution GALFA-H I data, where the fibers are more visually evident. This trend continues in our investigation of magnetically aligned linear features in the Riegel-Crutcher H I cold cloud, detected in the Southern Galactic Plane Survey. We propose an application of the RHT for estimating the field strength in such a cloud, based on the Chandrasekhar-Fermi method. We conclude that data-driven, quantitative studies of ISM morphology can be very powerful predictors of underlying physical quantities.« less

Creation, transport and detection of imprinted magnetic solitons stabilized by spin-polarized current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loreto, R. P.; Moura-Melo, W. A.; Pereira, A. R.; Zhang, X.; Zhou, Y.; Ezawa, M.; de Araujo, C. I. L.

2018-06-01

With the recent proposition of skyrmion utilization in racetrack memories at room temperature, skyrmionics has become a very attractive field. However, for the stability of skyrmions, it is essential to incorporate the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) and the out-of-plane magnetic field into the system. In this work, we explore a system without these interactions. First, we propose a controlled way for the creation of magnetic skyrmions and skyrmioniums imprinted on a ferromagnetic nanotrack via a nanopatterned nanodisk with the magnetic vortex state. Then we investigate the detachment of the imprinted spin textures from the underneath of the nanodisk, as well as its transport by the spin-transfer torque imposed by spin-polarized current pulses applied in the nanotrack. A prominent feature of the moving imprinted spin texture is that its topological number Q is oscillating around the averaged value of Q = 0 as if it is a resonant state between the skyrmions with Q = ± 1 and the bubble with Q = 0 . We may call it a resonant magnetic soliton (RMS). A RMS moves along a straight line since it is free from the skyrmion Hall effect. In our studied device, the same electrodes are employed to realize the imprinted spin texture detachment and its transport. In addition, we have investigated the interaction between the RMS and a magnetic tunnel junction sensor, where the passing of the RMS in the nanotrack can be well detected. Our results would be useful for the development of novel spintronic devices based on moveable spin textures.

Detection of different reconnection regions from kinetic simulations during island coalescence after asymmetric magnetic reconnection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cazzola, Emanuele; Berchem, Jean; Innocenti, Maria Elena; Goldman, Martin V.; Newman, David L.; Zhou, Meng; Lapenta, Giovanni

2017-04-01

In this work we present new results from fully kinetic simulations of the magnetic islands coalescence dynamics after asymmetric magnetic reconnection. In a previous work, we have shown that three different reconnection regions can be identified when a new frame of reference based on the local magnetic field is set. These regions were marked as X, D and M whether they describe, respectively, a traditional X-line event, an event between two diverging islands or an event between two merging islands [1, 2]. The results shown here extend the previous analysis to a more realistic regime, including a remarkable temperature transition across the current sheet. In particular, regions X, D, and M are also observed within this new regime, featuring yet new interesting characteristics. Special attention is given to the particles agyrotropic and anisotropic behavior as fundamental signatures for the detection of these regions with satellites. These results are timely for the ongoing MMS mission, whose data from the magnetopause crossing are presently being analyzed. In fact, data revealed that an intense flux-ropes activity takes place in this region of the magnetosphere, which makes the presence of this set of reconnection regions highly expected. [1] Cazzola, E., et al. "On the electron dynamics during island coalescence in asymmetric magnetic reconnection." Physics of Plasmas (1994-present) 22.9 (2015): 092901. [2] Cazzola, E., et al. "On the electron agyrotropy during rapid asymmetric magnetic island coalescence in presence of a guide field." Geophysical Research Letters 43.15 (2016): 7840-7849.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SEPTEMBER 2017 MARS GLOBAL AURORA EVENT AND CRUSTAL MAGNETIC FIELDS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasr, Camella-Rosa; Schneider, Nick; Connour, Kyle; Jain, Sonal; Deighan, Justin; Jakosky, Bruce; MAVEN/IUVS Team

2018-01-01

In September 2017, the Imaging UltraViolet Spectrograph (IUVS) on the MAVEN spacecraft observed global aurora on Mars caused by a surprisingly strong solar energetic particle event. Widespread “diffuse aurora” have previously been detected on Mars through more limited observations (Schneider et al., Science 350, (2015); DOI: 10.1126/science.aad0313), but recent observations established complete coverage of the observable portion of Mars’ nightside. The aurora was global due to Mars’s lack of a global magnetic field, which allowed energetic electrons from the Sun to directly precipitate into the atmosphere. On September 11th, IUVS detected aurora more than 25 times brighter than any prior IUVS observation, with high SNR detections of aurora at the limb and against the disk of the planet. Fainter auroral emission was seen around the nightside limb over 13 orbits spanning nearly 3 days.On September 14th, during the declining phase of the event, faint linear features and patches were detected by the spacecraft, which were higher than the noise floor, with a similar spatial distribution to “discrete aurora” patches observed on Mars by the SPICAM instrument on the Mars Express spacecraft (Bertaux et al., Nature 435, doi :10.1038/nature03603). Discrete aurora occur near areas of the crust affected by the magnetism left over from Mars’ once-strong dipole field. Emission is limited to regions of the crustal magnetic field where the field lines are likely to be open to solar wind interactions. Those regions are concentrated in Mars’ southern hemisphere centered on 180 degrees east longitude.We studied the localized emissions on 14 September to determine whether there might be a connection between the observed diffuse aurora event and discrete auroral processes. First, we investigated the localized emissions to confirm that the observed signal was consistent with expected auroral spectra. Second, their locations were projected on a map of the crustal magnetic fields to determine if they occurred near open magnetic field lines. We will report on the results of these two studies, and the ramifications for Mars auroral processes.

Scanning SQUID sampler with 40-ps time resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Zheng; Kirtley, John R.; Wang, Yihua; Kratz, Philip A.; Rosenberg, Aaron J.; Watson, Christopher A.; Gibson, Gerald W.; Ketchen, Mark B.; Moler, Kathryn. A.

2017-08-01

Scanning Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID) microscopy provides valuable information about magnetic properties of materials and devices. The magnetic flux response of the SQUID is often linearized with a flux-locked feedback loop, which limits the response time to microseconds or longer. In this work, we present the design, fabrication, and characterization of a novel scanning SQUID sampler with a 40-ps time resolution and linearized response to periodically triggered signals. Other design features include a micron-scale pickup loop for the detection of local magnetic flux, a field coil to apply a local magnetic field to the sample, and a modulation coil to operate the SQUID sampler in a flux-locked loop to linearize the flux response. The entire sampler device is fabricated on a 2 mm × 2 mm chip and can be scanned over macroscopic planar samples. The flux noise at 4.2 K with 100 kHz repetition rate and 1 s of averaging is of order 1 mΦ0. This SQUID sampler will be useful for imaging dynamics in magnetic and superconducting materials and devices.

Scanning SQUID sampler with 40-ps time resolution.

PubMed

Cui, Zheng; Kirtley, John R; Wang, Yihua; Kratz, Philip A; Rosenberg, Aaron J; Watson, Christopher A; Gibson, Gerald W; Ketchen, Mark B; Moler, Kathryn A

2017-08-01

Scanning Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID) microscopy provides valuable information about magnetic properties of materials and devices. The magnetic flux response of the SQUID is often linearized with a flux-locked feedback loop, which limits the response time to microseconds or longer. In this work, we present the design, fabrication, and characterization of a novel scanning SQUID sampler with a 40-ps time resolution and linearized response to periodically triggered signals. Other design features include a micron-scale pickup loop for the detection of local magnetic flux, a field coil to apply a local magnetic field to the sample, and a modulation coil to operate the SQUID sampler in a flux-locked loop to linearize the flux response. The entire sampler device is fabricated on a 2 mm × 2 mm chip and can be scanned over macroscopic planar samples. The flux noise at 4.2 K with 100 kHz repetition rate and 1 s of averaging is of order 1 mΦ 0 . This SQUID sampler will be useful for imaging dynamics in magnetic and superconducting materials and devices.

Open Technologies at Athabasca University's Geospace Observatories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Connors, M. G.; Schofield, I. S.

2012-12-01

Athabasca University Geophysical Observatories feature two auroral observation sites situated in the subauroral zone of western Canada, separated by approximately 25 km. These sites are both on high-speed internet and ideal for observing phenomena detectable from this latitude, which include noctilucent clouds, meteors, and magnetic and optical aspects of the aurora. General aspects of use of Linux in observatory management are described, with emphasis on recent imaging projects involving control of high resolution digital SLR cameras at low cadence, and inexpensive white light analog video cameras at 30 Hz. Linux shell scripts are extensively used, with image capture controlled by gphoto2, the ivtv-utils package, x264 video coding library, and ffmpeg. Imagemagick allows processing of images in an automated fashion. Image archives and movies are created and can be correlated with magnetic data. Much of the magnetic data stream also uses GMT (Generic Mapping Tools) within shell scripts for display. Additionally, SPASE metadata are generated for most of the magnetic data, thus allowing users of our AUTUMN magnetic data repository to perform SPASE queries on the dataset. Visualization products from our twin observatories will be presented.

Low and room temperature magnetic features of the traffic related urban airborne PM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winkler, A.; Sagnotti, L.

2012-04-01

We used magnetic measurements and analyses - such as hysteresis loops and FORCs both at room temperature and at 10K, isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) vs temperature curves (from 10K to 293K) and IRM vs time decay curves - to characterize the magnetic properties of the traffic related airborne particulate matter (PM) in Rome. This study was specifically addressed to the identification of the ultrafine superparamagnetic (SP) particles, which are particularly sensitive to thermal relaxation effects, and on the eventual detection of low temperature phase transitions which may affect various magnetic minerals. We compared the magnetic properties at 10K and at room temperature of Quercus ilex leaves, disk brakes, diesel and gasoline exhaust pipes powders collected from vehicles circulating in Rome. The magnetic properties of the investigated powders significantly change upon cooling, and no clear phase transition occurs, suggesting that the thermal dependence is mainly triggered by the widespread presence of ultrafine SP particles. The contribution of the SP fraction to the total remanence of traffic related PM samples was quantified at room temperature measuring the decay of a IRM 100 s after the application of a saturation magnetic field. This same method has been also tested at 10K to investigate the temperature dependence of the observed time decay.

The influence of convective blueshift on radial velocities of F, G, and K stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, F. F.; Reiners, A.; Beeck, B.; Jeffers, S. V.

2018-02-01

Context. Apparent radial velocity (RV) signals induced by stellar surface features such as spots and plages can result in a false planet detection or hide the presence of an orbiting planet. Our ability to detect rocky exoplanets is currently limited by our understanding of such stellar signals. Aims: We model RV variations caused by active regions on the stellar surface of typical exoplanet-hosting stars of spectral type F, G, and K. We aim to understand how the stellar magnetic field strength, convective blueshift, and spot temperatures can influence RV signals caused by active regions. Methods: We use magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) simulations for stars with spectral types F3V, a G2V, and a K5V. We quantify the impact of the magnetic field strength inside active regions on the RV measurement using the magnetic and non-magnetic FeI lines at 6165 Å and 6173 Å. We also quantify the impact of spot temperature and convective blueshift on the measured RV values. Results: Increasing the magnetic field strength increases the efficiency to suppress convection in active regions which results in an asymmetry between red- and blueshifted parts of the RV curves. A stronger suppression of convection also leads to an observed increase in RV amplitude for stronger magnetic fields. The MHD simulations predict convective motions to be faster in hotter stars. The suppression of faster convection leads to a stronger RV amplitude increase in hotter stars when the magnetic field is increased. While suppression of convection increases the asymmetry in RV curves,c a decreasing spot temperature counteracts this effect. When using observed temperatures for dark spots in our simulations we find that convective blueshift effects are negligible.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound features of hepatocellular carcinoma not detected during the screening procedure.

PubMed

Dong, Yi; Wang, Wen-Ping; Mao, Feng; Dietrich, Christoph

2017-08-01

Aim  The aim of this retrospective study is to report on the characteristics of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of primarily not detected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during the screening procedure of patients at risk. Methods  Sixty-four patients with a finally solitary and histologically proven HCC not detected HCC during the screening procedure were retrospectively analyzed. Most of HCC lesions (90.6 %, 58/64) measured < 20 mm in diameter. All HCC lesions were not detected during the initial screening procedure but suspected using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. The final gold standard was biopsy or surgery with histological examination. Results  On CEUS, 62/64 (96.8 %) of HCC were characterized as an obviously hyperenhanced lesion in arterial phase, and 41/64 (64.1 %) of HCC were characterized as hypoenhancing lesions in the portal venous and late phases. During the arterial phase of CEUS, 96.8 % of HCC displayed homogeneous hyperenhancement. Knowing the CEUS and magnetic resonance imaging findings, 45/64 (70.3 %) could have been detected using B-mode ultrasound (BMUS). Conclusion  BMUS as a screening procedure is generally accepted. Contrast-enhanced imaging modalities have improved detection and characterization of HCC. Homogeneous hyperenhancement during the arterial phase and mild washout are indicative for HCC in liver cirrhosis. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Detection of an anomalous pressure on a magneto-inertial-fusion load current diagnostic

DOE PAGES

Hess, Mark Harry; Hutsel, Brian Thomas; Jennings, Christopher Ashley; ...

2017-01-30

Recent Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion experiments at the Sandia National Laboratories Z pulsed power facility have featured a PDV (Photonic Doppler Velocimetry) diagnostic in the final power feed section for measuring load current. In this paper, we report on an anomalous pressure that is detected on this PDV diagnostic very early in time during the current ramp. Early time load currents that are greater than both B-dot upstream current measurements and existing Z machine circuit models by at least 1 MA would be necessary to describe the measured early time velocity of the PDV flyer. This leads us to infermore » that the pressure producing the early time PDV flyer motion cannot be attributed to the magnetic pressure of the load current but rather to an anomalous pressure. Using the MHD code ALEGRA, we are able to compute a time-dependent anomalous pressure function, which when added to the magnetic pressure of the load current, yields simulated flyer velocities that are in excellent agreement with the PDV measurement. As a result, we also provide plausible explanations for what could be the origin of the anomalous pressure.« less

Shipboard surveys track magnetic sources in marine sediments--geophysical studies of the Stono and North Edisto Inlets near Charleston, South Carolina

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shah, Anjana K.; Harris, M. Scott

2012-01-01

Magnetic field data are traditionally used to analyze igneous and metamorphic rocks, but recent efforts have shown that magnetic sources within sediments may be detectable, suggesting new applications for high-resolution magnetic field surveys. Candidates for sedimentary sources include heavy mineral sand concentrations rich in magnetite or hematite, alteration-induced glauconite, or biogenic magnetite. Magnetic field surveys can be used to map the distributions of such sources with much denser and more widespread coverage than possible by sampling. These data can then provide constraints on the composition history of local sediments. Mapping such sediments requires the sensor to be relatively close to the source, and filtering approaches may be needed to distinguish signals from both system noise and deeper basement features. Marine geophysical surveys conducted in July, 2010, over the Stono and North Edisto River inlets and their riverine inputs south of Charleston, South Carolina, showed 10- to 40-m-wide, 1- to 6-nT magnetic anomalies associated with shallow, sand-covered seabed. These anomalies are distinct from system noise but are too narrow to represent basement features. The anomalies are present mostly in shallow areas where river sediments originating from upland areas enter the inlets. Surface grab samples from the North Edisto River contain trace amounts of heavy mineral sediments including hematite, maghemite, ilmenite, and magnetite, as well as garnet, epidote, zircon, and rutile. Previous stream sediment analyses show enhanced titanium over much of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The combined data suggest that the anomalies are generated by titanium- and iron-rich heavy mineral sands ultimately originating from the Piedmont and Blue Ridge provinces, which are then reworked and concentrated by tidal currents.

State-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging of pancreatic cancer.

PubMed

Schima, Wolfgang; Ba-Ssalamah, Ahmed; Goetzinger, Peter; Scharitzer, Martina; Koelblinger, Claus

2007-12-01

Technical advances of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including ultrahigh-field magnetic resonance at 3.0 T, parallel imaging techniques, and multichannel receive coils of the abdomen, have promoted MRI of the pancreas. For adenocarcinoma, which is the most common malignant pancreatic tumor, helical CT has been most often used for detection and staging, but it has limitations in the detection of small cancers 2 cm in diameter or less (sensitivity, 63%). Moreover, it is not very accurate in determining nonresectability, because small liver metastases, peritoneal carcinomatosis, and subtle signs of vascular infiltration may be missed. At ultrahigh field at 3.0 T, gadolinium-enhanced MRI using volume-interpolated 3-dimensional gradient-recalled echo pulse sequences with near-isotropic voxels are very useful for detection of subtle abnormalities. Mangafodipir-enhanced MRI reveals a very high tumor-pancreas contrast, which helps to diagnose small cancers. Contrast-enhanced MRI is a problem-solving tool in case of equivocal CT: it helps to differentiate between cancer and focal pancreatitis. Neuroendocrine carcinoma may present with a spectrum of appearances at MRI, but the primary tumor and liver metastases are hypervascular in approximately 70%. In this article, pancreas imaging protocols for 1.5 and 3.0 T are explained. We present the imaging features of pancreatic cancer and the important questions in staging, which should be addressed by the radiologist.

Magnetic lineations in the ancient crust of mars

PubMed

Connerney; Acuna; Wasilewski; Ness; Reme; Mazelle; Vignes; Lin; Mitchell; Cloutier

1999-04-30

The Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft, in a highly elliptical polar orbit, obtained vector magnetic field measurements above the surface of Mars (altitudes >100 kilometers). Crustal magnetization, mainly confined to the most ancient, heavily cratered martian highlands, is frequently organized in east-west-trending linear features, the longest extending over 2000 kilometers. Crustal remanent magnetization exceeds that of terrestrial crust by more than an order of magnitude. Groups of quasi-parallel linear features of alternating magnetic polarity were found. They are reminiscent of similar magnetic features associated with sea floor spreading and crustal genesis on Earth but with a much larger spatial scale. They may be a relic of an era of plate tectonics on Mars.

Probability mapping of scarred myocardium using texture and intensity features in CMR images

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The myocardium exhibits heterogeneous nature due to scarring after Myocardial Infarction (MI). In Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) imaging, Late Gadolinium (LG) contrast agent enhances the intensity of scarred area in the myocardium. Methods In this paper, we propose a probability mapping technique using Texture and Intensity features to describe heterogeneous nature of the scarred myocardium in Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) images after Myocardial Infarction (MI). Scarred tissue and non-scarred tissue are represented with high and low probabilities, respectively. Intermediate values possibly indicate areas where the scarred and healthy tissues are interwoven. The probability map of scarred myocardium is calculated by using a probability function based on Bayes rule. Any set of features can be used in the probability function. Results In the present study, we demonstrate the use of two different types of features. One is based on the mean intensity of pixel and the other on underlying texture information of the scarred and non-scarred myocardium. Examples of probability maps computed using the mean intensity of pixel and the underlying texture information are presented. We hypothesize that the probability mapping of myocardium offers alternate visualization, possibly showing the details with physiological significance difficult to detect visually in the original CMR image. Conclusion The probability mapping obtained from the two features provides a way to define different cardiac segments which offer a way to identify areas in the myocardium of diagnostic importance (like core and border areas in scarred myocardium). PMID:24053280

Aeromagnetic maps of the Uinta and Piceance Basins and vicinity, Utah and Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Grauch, V.J.S.; Plesha, Joseph L.

1989-01-01

In order to understand the evolution of sedimentary basins, it is important to understand their tectonic setting. In a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study of the Uinta and Piceance basins in Utah and Colorado, this understanding is approached through characterization of subsurface structure and lithology of a large region encompassing the basins. An important tool for interpreting these subsurface features is aeromagnetic data. Aeromagnetic anomalies represent variations in the strength and direction of the Earth's magnetic field that are produced by rocks containing a significant number of magnetic minerals (commonly magnetite). The shape and magnitude of an anomaly produced by one body of rock are complexly related to the amount of magnetic minerals present, the magnetic properties of those minerals (determined by a number of factors, including the history of the rock), and the shape of the rock body. In the study area, only crystalline basement rocks and volcanic rocks are likely to contain enough magnetic minerals to produce anomalies; sedimentary rocks and metasediments are generally so poor in magnetic minerals that their magnetic effects cannot be detected by the types of surveys presented in this report. Patterns of anomalies on aeromagnetic maps can reveal not only lithologic differences related to magnetite content, but structural features as well, such as faults that have juxtaposed crystalline rocks against sedimentary rocks, and upwarps of crystalline basement underlying sedimentary sequences. Tectonic features of regional extent may not become apparent until a number of aeromagnetic surveys have been compiled and plotted at the same scale. Commonly the compilation involves piecing together data from surveys that were flown at different times and have widely disparate flight specifications and data reduction procedures. The data may be compiled into a composite map, where all the pieces are plotted onto one map without regard to the differences in flight elevation and datum, or they may be compiled into a merged map, where all survey data are analytically reduced to a common flight elevation and datum, and then digitally merged at the survey boundaries. The composite map retains the original resolution of all survey data, but computer methods to enhance or model regional features crossing the survey boundaries cannot be applied. On the other hand, these computer methods can be applied to the merged data, but the resolution of the data may be somewhat diminished. This report presents both composite and merged aeromagnetic maps for a large region that includes the Uinta Basin in Utah and the Piceance basin in Colorado (fig. 1).

Mars Crustal Remanent Magnetism: An Extinct Dynamo Leaves a Record of Field Reversals in the Heavily Cratered Highlands

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connerney, John E.; Acuna, Mario H.; Ness, Norman F.; Wasilewski, Peter J.

1999-01-01

The Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft, in a highly elliptical polar orbit about Mars, obtained vector magnetic field measurements just above the surface of Mars (altitudes > 100 kilometers). Crustal magnetization, largely confined to the most ancient, heavily cratered Mars highlands, is frequently organized in east-west trending linear features, the largest of which extends over 2000 km. A representative set of survey passes are modeled using uniformly magnetized thin plates and a generalized inverse methodology. Crustal remanent magnetization exceeds that deduced for the largest terrestrial magnetic anomalies by more than an order of magnitude. Groups of quasi-parallel linear features of alternating magnetic polarity are found. They are reminiscent of similar magnetic features associated with sea floor spreading and crustal genesis on Earth but with a much larger spatial scale.

Rational Design of a Lanthanide-Based Complex Featuring Different Single-Molecule Magnets.

PubMed

Pointillart, F; Guizouarn, T; Lefeuvre, B; Golhen, S; Cador, O; Ouahab, L

2015-11-16

The rational synthesis of the 2-{1-methylpyridine-N-oxide-4,5-[4,5-bis(propylthio)tetrathiafulvalenyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl}pyridine ligand (L) is described. It led to the tetranuclear complex [Dy4(tta)12(L)2] (Dy-Dy2-Dy) after coordination reaction with the precursor Dy(tta)3⋅2 H2O (tta(-) = 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetonate). The X-ray structure of Dy-Dy2-Dy can be described as two terminal mononuclear units bridged by a central antiferromagnetically coupled dinuclear complex. The terminal N2O6 and central O8 environments are described as distorted square antiprisms. The ac magnetism measurements revealed a strong out-of-phase signal of the magnetic susceptibility with two distinct sets of data. The high- and low-frequency components were attributed to the two terminal mononuclear single-molecule magnets (SMMs) and the central dinuclear SMM, respectively. A magnetic hysteresis loop was detected at very low temperature. From both structural and magnetic points of view, the tetranuclear SMM Dy-Dy2-Dy is a self-assembly of two known mononuclear SMMs bridged by a known dinuclear SMM. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Investigation of complexity dynamics in a DC glow discharge magnetized plasma using recurrence quantification analysis

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

Mitra, Vramori; Sarma, Bornali; Sarma, Arun

Recurrence is an ubiquitous feature which provides deep insights into the dynamics of real dynamical systems. A suitable tool for investigating recurrences is recurrence quantification analysis (RQA). It allows, e.g., the detection of regime transitions with respect to varying control parameters. We investigate the complexity of different coexisting nonlinear dynamical regimes of the plasma floating potential fluctuations at different magnetic fields and discharge voltages by using recurrence quantification variables, in particular, DET, L{sub max}, and Entropy. The recurrence analysis reveals that the predictability of the system strongly depends on discharge voltage. Furthermore, the persistent behaviour of the plasma time seriesmore » is characterized by the Detrended fluctuation analysis technique to explore the complexity in terms of long range correlation. The enhancement of the discharge voltage at constant magnetic field increases the nonlinear correlations; hence, the complexity of the system decreases, which corroborates the RQA analysis.« less

Performance of a short 'magnetic bottle' electron spectrometer

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

Mucke, M.; Lischke, T.; Arion, T.

2012-06-15

In this article, a newly constructed electron spectrometer of the magnetic bottle type is described. The instrument is part of an apparatus for measuring the electron spectra of free clusters using synchrotron radiation. Argon and helium outer valence photoelectron spectra have been recorded in order to investigate the characteristic features of the spectrometer. The energy resolution (E/{Delta}E) has been found to be {approx}30. Using electrostatic retardation of the electrons, it can be increased to at least 110. The transmission as a function of kinetic energy is flat, and is not impaired much by retardation with up to 80% of themore » initial kinetic energy. We have measured a detection efficiency of most probably 0.6{sub -0.1}{sup +0.05}, but at least of 0.4. Results from testing the alignment of the magnet, and from trajectory simulations, are also discussed.« less

Sonar target enhancement by shrinkage of incoherent wavelet coefficients.

PubMed

Hunter, Alan J; van Vossen, Robbert

2014-01-01

Background reverberation can obscure useful features of the target echo response in broadband low-frequency sonar images, adversely affecting detection and classification performance. This paper describes a resolution and phase-preserving means of separating the target response from the background reverberation noise using a coherence-based wavelet shrinkage method proposed recently for de-noising magnetic resonance images. The algorithm weights the image wavelet coefficients in proportion to their coherence between different looks under the assumption that the target response is more coherent than the background. The algorithm is demonstrated successfully on experimental synthetic aperture sonar data from a broadband low-frequency sonar developed for buried object detection.

A fuzzy feature fusion method for auto-segmentation of gliomas with multi-modality diffusion and perfusion magnetic resonance images in radiotherapy.

PubMed

Guo, Lu; Wang, Ping; Sun, Ranran; Yang, Chengwen; Zhang, Ning; Guo, Yu; Feng, Yuanming

2018-02-19

The diffusion and perfusion magnetic resonance (MR) images can provide functional information about tumour and enable more sensitive detection of the tumour extent. We aimed to develop a fuzzy feature fusion method for auto-segmentation of gliomas in radiotherapy planning using multi-parametric functional MR images including apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA) and relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV). For each functional modality, one histogram-based fuzzy model was created to transform image volume into a fuzzy feature space. Based on the fuzzy fusion result of the three fuzzy feature spaces, regions with high possibility belonging to tumour were generated automatically. The auto-segmentations of tumour in structural MR images were added in final auto-segmented gross tumour volume (GTV). For evaluation, one radiation oncologist delineated GTVs for nine patients with all modalities. Comparisons between manually delineated and auto-segmented GTVs showed that, the mean volume difference was 8.69% (±5.62%); the mean Dice's similarity coefficient (DSC) was 0.88 (±0.02); the mean sensitivity and specificity of auto-segmentation was 0.87 (±0.04) and 0.98 (±0.01) respectively. High accuracy and efficiency can be achieved with the new method, which shows potential of utilizing functional multi-parametric MR images for target definition in precision radiation treatment planning for patients with gliomas.

TIME-RESOLVED SPECTROSCOPY OF THE POLAR EU CANCRI IN THE OPEN CLUSTER MESSIER 67

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

Williams, Kurtis A.; Howell, Steve B.; Liebert, James

2013-05-15

We present time-resolved spectroscopic and polarimetric observations of the AM Her system EU Cnc. EU Cnc is located near the core of the old open cluster Messier 67; new proper motion measurements indicate that EU Cnc is indeed a member of the star cluster, and this system therefore is useful to constrain the formation and evolution of magnetic cataclysmic variables. The spectra exhibit two-component emission features with independent radial velocity variations as well as time-variable cyclotron emission indicating a magnetic field strength of 41 MG. The period of the radial velocity and cyclotron hump variations are consistent with the previouslymore » known photometric period, and the spectroscopic flux variations are consistent in amplitude with previous photometric amplitude measurements. The secondary star is also detected in the spectrum. We also present polarimetric imaging measurements of EU Cnc that show a clear detection of polarization, and the degree of polarization drops below our detection threshold at phases when the cyclotron emission features are fading or not evident. The combined data are all consistent with the interpretation that EU Cnc is a low-state polar in the cluster Messier 67. The mass function of the system gives an estimate of the accretor mass of M{sub WD} {>=} 0.68 M{sub Sun} with M{sub WD} Almost-Equal-To 0.83 M{sub Sun} for an average inclination. We are thus able to place a lower limit on the progenitor mass of the accreting white dwarf of {>=}1.43 M{sub Sun }.« less

ISSLS PRIZE IN BIOENGINEERING SCIENCE 2017: Automation of reading of radiological features from magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of the lumbar spine without human intervention is comparable with an expert radiologist.

PubMed

Jamaludin, Amir; Lootus, Meelis; Kadir, Timor; Zisserman, Andrew; Urban, Jill; Battié, Michele C; Fairbank, Jeremy; McCall, Iain

2017-05-01

Investigation of the automation of radiological features from magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of the lumbar spine. To automate the process of grading lumbar intervertebral discs and vertebral bodies from MRIs. MR imaging is the most common imaging technique used in investigating low back pain (LBP). Various features of degradation, based on MRIs, are commonly recorded and graded, e.g., Modic change and Pfirrmann grading of intervertebral discs. Consistent scoring and grading is important for developing robust clinical systems and research. Automation facilitates this consistency and reduces the time of radiological analysis considerably and hence the expense. 12,018 intervertebral discs, from 2009 patients, were graded by a radiologist and were then used to train: (1) a system to detect and label vertebrae and discs in a given scan, and (2) a convolutional neural network (CNN) model that predicts several radiological gradings. The performance of the model, in terms of class average accuracy, was compared with the intra-observer class average accuracy of the radiologist. The detection system achieved 95.6% accuracy in terms of disc detection and labeling. The model is able to produce predictions of multiple pathological gradings that consistently matched those of the radiologist. The model identifies 'Evidence Hotspots' that are the voxels that most contribute to the degradation scores. Automation of radiological grading is now on par with human performance. The system can be beneficial in aiding clinical diagnoses in terms of objectivity of gradings and the speed of analysis. It can also draw the attention of a radiologist to regions of degradation. This objectivity and speed is an important stepping stone in the investigation of the relationship between MRIs and clinical diagnoses of back pain in large cohorts. Level 3.

Electromagnetic pulsed thermography for natural cracks inspection

PubMed Central

Gao, Yunlai; Tian, Gui Yun; Wang, Ping; Wang, Haitao; Gao, Bin; Woo, Wai Lok; Li, Kongjing

2017-01-01

Emerging integrated sensing and monitoring of material degradation and cracks are increasingly required for characterizing the structural integrity and safety of infrastructure. However, most conventional nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods are based on single modality sensing which is not adequate to evaluate structural integrity and natural cracks. This paper proposed electromagnetic pulsed thermography for fast and comprehensive defect characterization. It hybrids multiple physical phenomena i.e. magnetic flux leakage, induced eddy current and induction heating linking to physics as well as signal processing algorithms to provide abundant information of material properties and defects. New features are proposed using 1st derivation that reflects multiphysics spatial and temporal behaviors to enhance the detection of cracks with different orientations. Promising results that robust to lift-off changes and invariant features for artificial and natural cracks detection have been demonstrated that the proposed method significantly improves defect detectability. It opens up multiphysics sensing and integrated NDE with potential impact for natural understanding and better quantitative evaluation of natural cracks including stress corrosion crack (SCC) and rolling contact fatigue (RCF). PMID:28169361

Inhomogeneous ensembles of radical pairs in chemical compasses

PubMed Central

Procopio, Maria; Ritz, Thorsten

2016-01-01

The biophysical basis for the ability of animals to detect the geomagnetic field and to use it for finding directions remains a mystery of sensory biology. One much debated hypothesis suggests that an ensemble of specialized light-induced radical pair reactions can provide the primary signal for a magnetic compass sensor. The question arises what features of such a radical pair ensemble could be optimized by evolution so as to improve the detection of the direction of weak magnetic fields. Here, we focus on the overlooked aspect of the noise arising from inhomogeneity of copies of biomolecules in a realistic biological environment. Such inhomogeneity leads to variations of the radical pair parameters, thereby deteriorating the signal arising from an ensemble and providing a source of noise. We investigate the effect of variations in hyperfine interactions between different copies of simple radical pairs on the directional response of a compass system. We find that the choice of radical pair parameters greatly influences how strongly the directional response of an ensemble is affected by inhomogeneity. PMID:27804956

Induced electric currents in the Alaska oil pipeline measured by gradient, fluxgate, and SQUID magnetometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, W. H.; Zimmerman, J. E.

1979-01-01

The field gradient method for observing the electric currents in the Alaska pipeline provided consistent values for both the fluxgate and SQUID method of observation. These currents were linearly related to the regularly measured electric and magnetic field changes. Determinations of pipeline current were consistent with values obtained by a direct connection, current shunt technique at a pipeline site about 9.6 km away. The gradient method has the distinct advantage of portability and buried- pipe capability. Field gradients due to the pipe magnetization, geological features, or ionospheric source currents do not seem to contribute a measurable error to such pipe current determination. The SQUID gradiometer is inherently sensitive enough to detect very small currents in a linear conductor at 10 meters, or conversely, to detect small currents of one amphere or more at relatively great distances. It is fairly straightforward to achieve imbalance less than one part in ten thousand, and with extreme care, one part in one million or better.

Quantum metrology with a single spin-3/2 defect in silicon carbide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soykal, Oney O.; Reinecke, Thomas L.

We show that implementations for quantum sensing with exceptional sensitivity and spatial resolution can be made using the novel features of semiconductor high half-spin multiplet defects with easy-to-implement optical detection protocols. To achieve this, we use the spin- 3 / 2 silicon monovacancy deep center in hexagonal silicon carbide based on our rigorous derivation of this defect's ground state and of its electronic and optical properties. For a single VSi- defect, we obtain magnetic field sensitivities capable of detecting individual nuclear magnetic moments. We also show that its zero-field splitting has an exceptional strain and temperature sensitivity within the technologically desirable near-infrared window of biological systems. Other point defects, i.e. 3d transition metal or rare-earth impurities in semiconductors, may also provide similar opportunities in quantum sensing due to their similar high spin (S >= 3 / 2) configurations. This work was supported in part by ONR and by the Office of Secretary of Defense, Quantum Science and Engineering Program.

Inhomogeneous ensembles of radical pairs in chemical compasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Procopio, Maria; Ritz, Thorsten

2016-11-01

The biophysical basis for the ability of animals to detect the geomagnetic field and to use it for finding directions remains a mystery of sensory biology. One much debated hypothesis suggests that an ensemble of specialized light-induced radical pair reactions can provide the primary signal for a magnetic compass sensor. The question arises what features of such a radical pair ensemble could be optimized by evolution so as to improve the detection of the direction of weak magnetic fields. Here, we focus on the overlooked aspect of the noise arising from inhomogeneity of copies of biomolecules in a realistic biological environment. Such inhomogeneity leads to variations of the radical pair parameters, thereby deteriorating the signal arising from an ensemble and providing a source of noise. We investigate the effect of variations in hyperfine interactions between different copies of simple radical pairs on the directional response of a compass system. We find that the choice of radical pair parameters greatly influences how strongly the directional response of an ensemble is affected by inhomogeneity.

Comparison of direct 13C and indirect 1H-[13C] MR detection methods for the study of dynamic metabolic turnover in the human brain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hao; De Feyter, Henk M.; Brown, Peter B.; Rothman, Douglas L.; Cai, Shuhui; de Graaf, Robin A.

2017-10-01

A wide range of direct 13C and indirect 1H-[13C] MR detection methods exist to probe dynamic metabolic pathways in the human brain. Choosing an optimal detection method is difficult as sequence-specific features regarding spatial localization, broadband decoupling, spectral resolution, power requirements and sensitivity complicate a straightforward comparison. Here we combine density matrix simulations with experimentally determined values for intrinsic 1H and 13C sensitivity, T1 and T2 relaxation and transmit efficiency to allow selection of an optimal 13C MR detection method for a given application and magnetic field. The indirect proton-observed, carbon-edited (POCE) detection method provides the highest accuracy at reasonable RF power deposition both at 4 T and 7 T. The various polarization transfer methods all have comparable performances, but may become infeasible at 7 T due to the high RF power deposition. 2D MR methods have limited value for the metabolites considered (primarily glutamate, glutamine and γ-amino butyric acid (GABA)), but may prove valuable when additional information can be extracted, such as isotopomers or lipid composition. While providing the lowest accuracy, the detection of non-protonated carbons is the simplest to implement with the lowest RF power deposition. The magnetic field homogeneity is one of the most important parameters affecting the detection accuracy for all metabolites and all acquisition methods.

Combined PET/MRI scanner

DOEpatents

Schlyer, David; Woody, Craig L.; Rooney, William; Vaska, Paul; Stoll, Sean; Pratte, Jean-Francois; O'Connor, Paul

2007-10-23

A combined PET/MRI scanner generally includes a magnet for producing a magnetic field suitable for magnetic resonance imaging, a radiofrequency (RF) coil disposed within the magnetic field produced by the magnet and a ring tomograph disposed within the magnetic field produced by the magnet. The ring tomograph includes a scintillator layer for outputting at least one photon in response to an annihilation event, a detection array coupled to the scintillator layer for detecting the at least one photon outputted by the scintillator layer and for outputting a detection signal in response to the detected photon and a front-end electronic array coupled to the detection array for receiving the detection signal, wherein the front-end array has a preamplifier and a shaper network for conditioning the detection signal.

Evaluation of Imaging Methods in Tick-Borne Encephalitis.

PubMed

Zawadzki, Radosław; Garkowski, Adam; Kubas, Bożena; Zajkowska, Joanna; Hładuński, Marcin; Jurgilewicz, Dorota; Łebkowska, Urszula

2017-01-01

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is caused by a virus that belongs to the Flaviviridae family and is transmitted by tick bites. The disease has a biphasic course. Diagnosis is based on laboratory examinations because of non-specific clinical features, which usually entails the detection of specific IgM antibodies in either blood or cerebrospinal fluid that appear in the second phase of the disease. Neurological symptoms, time course of the disease, and imaging findings are multifaceted. During the second phase of the disease, after the onset of neurological symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities are observed in a limited number of cases. However, imaging features may aid in predicting the prognosis of the disease.

Detection of white matter lesions in cerebral small vessel disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riad, Medhat M.; Platel, Bram; de Leeuw, Frank-Erik; Karssemeijer, Nico

2013-02-01

White matter lesions (WML) are diffuse white matter abnormalities commonly found in older subjects and are important indicators of stroke, multiple sclerosis, dementia and other disorders. We present an automated WML detection method and evaluate it on a dataset of small vessel disease (SVD) patients. In early SVD, small WMLs are expected to be of importance for the prediction of disease progression. Commonly used WML segmentation methods tend to ignore small WMLs and are mostly validated on the basis of total lesion load or a Dice coefficient for all detected WMLs. Therefore, in this paper, we present a method that is designed to detect individual lesions, large or small, and we validate the detection performance of our system with FROC (free-response ROC) analysis. For the automated detection, we use supervised classification making use of multimodal voxel based features from different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences, including intensities, tissue probabilities, voxel locations and distances, neighborhood textures and others. After preprocessing, including co-registration, brain extraction, bias correction, intensity normalization, and nonlinear registration, ventricle segmentation is performed and features are calculated for each brain voxel. A gentle-boost classifier is trained using these features from 50 manually annotated subjects to give each voxel a probability of being a lesion voxel. We perform ROC analysis to illustrate the benefits of using additional features to the commonly used voxel intensities; significantly increasing the area under the curve (Az) from 0.81 to 0.96 (p<0.05). We perform the FROC analysis by testing our classifier on 50 previously unseen subjects and compare the results with manual annotations performed by two experts. Using the first annotator results as our reference, the second annotator performs at a sensitivity of 0.90 with an average of 41 false positives per subject while our automated method reached the same level of sensitivity at approximately 180 false positives per subject.

Coronal Holes and Solar f -Mode Wave Scattering Off Linear Boundaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hess Webber, Shea A.

2016-11-01

Coronal holes (CHs) are solar atmospheric features that have reduced emission in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectrum due to decreased plasma density along open magnetic field lines. CHs are the source of the fast solar wind, can influence other solar activity, and track the solar cycle. Our interest in them deals with boundary detection near the solar surface. Detecting CH boundaries is important for estimating their size and tracking their evolution through time, as well as for comparing the physical properties within and outside of the feature. In this thesis, we (1) investigate CHs using statistical properties and image processing techniques on EUV images to detect CH boundaries in the low corona and chromosphere. SOHO/EIT data is used to locate polar CH boundaries on the solar limb, which are then tracked through two solar cycles. Additionally, we develop an edge-detection algorithm that we use on SDO/AIA data of a polar hole extension with an approximately linear boundary. These locations are used later to inform part of the helioseismic investigation; (2) develop a local time-distance (TD) helioseismology technique that can be used to detect CH boundary signatures at the photospheric level. We employ a new averaging scheme that makes use of the quasi-linear topology of elongated scattering regions, and create simulated data to test the new technique and compare results of some associated assumptions. This method enhances the wave propagation signal in the direction perpendicular to the linear feature and reduces the computational time of the TD analysis. We also apply a new statistical analysis of the significance of differences between the TD results; and (3) apply the TD techniques to solar CH data from SDO/HMI. The data correspond to the AIA data used in the edge-detection algorithm on EUV images. We look for statistically significant differences between the TD results inside and outside the CH region. In investigation (1), we found that the polar CH areas did not change significantly between minima, even though the magnetic field strength weakened. The results of (2) indicate that TD helioseismology techniques can be extended to make use of feature symmetry in the domain. The linear technique used here produces results that differ between a linear scattering region and a circular scattering region, shown using the simulated data algorithm. This suggests that using usual TD methods on scattering regions that are radially asymmetric may produce results with signatures of the anisotropy. The results of (1) and (3) indicate that the TD signal within our CH is statistically significantly different compared to unrelated quiet sun results. Surprisingly, the TD results in the quiet sun near the CH boundary also show significant differences compared to the separate quiet sun.

Label-free voltammetric detection of MicroRNAs at multi-channel screen printed array of electrodes comparison to graphite sensors.

PubMed

Erdem, Arzum; Congur, Gulsah

2014-01-01

The multi-channel screen-printed array of electrodes (MUX-SPE16) was used in our study for the first time for electrochemical monitoring of nucleic acid hybridization related to different miRNA sequences (miRNA-16, miRNA-15a and miRNA-660, i.e, the biomarkers for Alzheimer disease). The MUX-SPE16 was also used for the first time herein for the label-free electrochemical detection of nucleic acid hybridization combined magnetic beads (MB) assay in comparison to the disposable pencil graphite electrode (PGE). Under the principle of the magnetic beads assay, the biotinylated inosine substituted DNA probe was firstly immobilized onto streptavidin coated MB, and then, the hybridization process between probe and its complementary miRNA sequence was performed at MB surface. The voltammetric transduction was performed using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique in combination with the single-use graphite sensor technologies; PGE and MUX-SPE16 for miRNA detection by measuring the guanine oxidation signal without using any external indicator. The features of single-use sensor technologies, PGE and MUX-SPE16, were discussed concerning to their reproducibility, detection limit, and selectivity compared to the results in the earlier studies presenting the electrochemical miRNA detection related to different miRNA sequences. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Small white matter lesion detection in cerebral small vessel disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghafoorian, Mohsen; Karssemeijer, Nico; van Uden, Inge; de Leeuw, Frank E.; Heskes, Tom; Marchiori, Elena; Platel, Bram

2015-03-01

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is a common finding on magnetic resonance images of elderly people. White matter lesions (WML) are important markers for not only the small vessel disease, but also neuro-degenerative diseases including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Volumetric measurements such as the "total lesion load", have been studied and related to these diseases. With respect to SVD we conjecture that small lesions are important, as they have been observed to grow over time and they form the majority of lesions in number. To study these small lesions they need to be annotated, which is a complex and time-consuming task. Existing (semi) automatic methods have been aimed at volumetric measurements and large lesions, and are not suitable for the detection of small lesions. In this research we established a supervised voxel classification CAD system, optimized and trained to exclusively detect small WMLs. To achieve this, several preprocessing steps were taken, which included a robust standardization of subject intensities to reduce inter-subject intensity variability as much as possible. A number of features that were found to be well identifying small lesions were calculated including multimodal intensities, tissue probabilities, several features for accurate location description, a number of second order derivative features as well as multi-scale annular filter for blobness detection. Only small lesions were used to learn the target concept via Adaboost using random forests as its basic classifiers. Finally the results were evaluated using Free-response receiver operating characteristic.

Thermographic image analysis as a pre-screening tool for the detection of canine bone cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subedi, Samrat; Umbaugh, Scott E.; Fu, Jiyuan; Marino, Dominic J.; Loughin, Catherine A.; Sackman, Joseph

2014-09-01

Canine bone cancer is a common type of cancer that grows fast and may be fatal. It usually appears in the limbs which is called "appendicular bone cancer." Diagnostic imaging methods such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT scan), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are more common methods in bone cancer detection than invasive physical examination such as biopsy. These imaging methods have some disadvantages; including high expense, high dose of radiation, and keeping the patient (canine) motionless during the imaging procedures. This project study identifies the possibility of using thermographic images as a pre-screening tool for diagnosis of bone cancer in dogs. Experiments were performed with thermographic images from 40 dogs exhibiting the disease bone cancer. Experiments were performed with color normalization using temperature data provided by the Long Island Veterinary Specialists. The images were first divided into four groups according to body parts (Elbow/Knee, Full Limb, Shoulder/Hip and Wrist). Each of the groups was then further divided into three sub-groups according to views (Anterior, Lateral and Posterior). Thermographic pattern of normal and abnormal dogs were analyzed using feature extraction and pattern classification tools. Texture features, spectral feature and histogram features were extracted from the thermograms and were used for pattern classification. The best classification success rate in canine bone cancer detection is 90% with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 80% produced by anterior view of full-limb region with nearest neighbor classification method and normRGB-lum color normalization method. Our results show that it is possible to use thermographic imaging as a pre-screening tool for detection of canine bone cancer.

Magnetically Driven Accretion Disk Winds and Ultra-fast Outflows in PG 1211+143

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukumura, Keigo; Tombesi, Francesco; Kazanas, Demosthenes; Shrader, Chris; Behar, Ehud; Contopoulos, Ioannis

2015-05-01

We present a study of X-ray ionization of MHD accretion-disk winds in an effort to constrain the physics underlying the highly ionized ultra-fast outflows (UFOs) inferred by X-ray absorbers often detected in various sub classes of Seyfert active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Our primary focus is to show that magnetically driven outflows are indeed physically plausible candidates for the observed outflows accounting for the AGN absorption properties of the present X-ray spectroscopic observations. Employing a stratified MHD wind launched across the entire AGN accretion disk, we calculate its X-ray ionization and the ensuing X-ray absorption-line spectra. Assuming an appropriate ionizing AGN spectrum, we apply our MHD winds to model the absorption features in an XMM-Newton/EPIC spectrum of the narrow-line Seyfert, PG 1211+143. We find, through identifying the detected features with Fe Kα transitions, that the absorber has a characteristic ionization parameter of log (ξc[erg cm s-1]) ≃ 5-6 and a column density on the order of NH ≃ 1023 cm-2 outflowing at a characteristic velocity of vc/c ≃ 0.1-0.2 (where c is the speed of light). The best-fit model favors its radial location at rc ≃ 200 Ro (Ro is the black hole’s innermost stable circular orbit), with an inner wind truncation radius at Rt ≃ 30 Ro. The overall K-shell feature in the data is suggested to be dominated by Fe xxv with very little contribution from Fe xxvi and weakly ionized iron, which is in good agreement with a series of earlier analyses of the UFOs in various AGNs, including PG 1211+143.

The PHOBOS detector at RHIC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Back, B. B.; Baker, M. D.; Barton, D. S.; Basilev, S.; Baum, R.; Betts, R. R.; Białas, A.; Bindel, R.; Bogucki, W.; Budzanowski, A.; Busza, W.; Carroll, A.; Ceglia, M.; Chang, Y.-H.; Chen, A. E.; Coghen, T.; Connor, C.; Czyż, W.; Dabrowski, B.; Decowski, M. P.; Despet, M.; Fita, P.; Fitch, J.; Friedl, M.; Gałuszka, K.; Ganz, R.; Garcia, E.; George, N.; Godlewski, J.; Gomes, C.; Griesmayer, E.; Gulbrandsen, K.; Gushue, S.; Halik, J.; Halliwell, C.; Haridas, P.; Hayes, A.; Heintzelman, G. A.; Henderson, C.; Hollis, R.; Hołyński, R.; Hofman, D.; Holzman, B.; Johnson, E.; Kane, J.; Katzy, J.; Kita, W.; Kotuła, J.; Kraner, H.; Kucewicz, W.; Kulinich, P.; Law, C.; Lemler, M.; Ligocki, J.; Lin, W. T.; Manly, S.; McLeod, D.; Michałowski, J.; Mignerey, A.; Mülmenstädt, J.; Neal, M.; Nouicer, R.; Olszewski, A.; Pak, R.; Park, I. C.; Patel, M.; Pernegger, H.; Plesko, M.; Reed, C.; Remsberg, L. P.; Reuter, M.; Roland, C.; Roland, G.; Ross, D.; Rosenberg, L.; Ryan, J.; Sanzgiri, A.; Sarin, P.; Sawicki, P.; Scaduto, J.; Shea, J.; Sinacore, J.; Skulski, W.; Steadman, S. G.; Stephans, G. S. F.; Steinberg, P.; Straczek, A.; Stodulski, M.; Strek, M.; Stopa, Z.; Sukhanov, A.; Surowiecka, K.; Tang, J.-L.; Teng, R.; Trzupek, A.; Vale, C.; van Nieuwenhuizen, G. J.; Verdier, R.; Wadsworth, B.; Wolfs, F. L. H.; Wosiek, B.; Woźniak, K.; Wuosmaa, A. H.; Wysłouch, B.; Zalewski, K.; Żychowski, P.; Phobos Collaboration

2003-03-01

This manuscript contains a detailed description of the PHOBOS experiment as it is configured for the Year 2001 running period. It is capable of detecting charged particles over the full solid angle using a multiplicity detector and measuring identified charged particles near mid-rapidity in two spectrometer arms with opposite magnetic fields. Both of these components utilize silicon pad detectors for charged particle detection. The minimization of material between the collision vertex and the first layers of silicon detectors allows for the detection of charged particles with very low transverse momenta, which is a unique feature of the PHOBOS experiment. Additional detectors include a time-of-flight wall which extends the particle identification range for one spectrometer arm, as well as sets of scintillator paddle and Cherenkov detector arrays for event triggering and centrality selection.

Apparatus for detecting a magnetic anomaly contiguous to remote location by squid gradiometer and magnetometer systems

DOEpatents

Overton, Jr., William C.; Steyert, Jr., William A.

1984-01-01

A superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetic detection apparatus detects magnetic fields, signals, and anomalies at remote locations. Two remotely rotatable SQUID gradiometers may be housed in a cryogenic environment to search for and locate unambiguously magnetic anomalies. The SQUID magnetic detection apparatus can be used to determine the azimuth of a hydrofracture by first flooding the hydrofracture with a ferrofluid to create an artificial magnetic anomaly therein.

Apparatus and method for detecting a magnetic anomaly contiguous to remote location by SQUID gradiometer and magnetometer systems

DOEpatents

Overton, W.C. Jr.; Steyert, W.A. Jr.

1981-05-22

A superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetic detection apparatus detects magnetic fields, signals, and anomalies at remote locations. Two remotely rotatable SQUID gradiometers may be housed in a cryogenic environment to search for and locate unambiguously magnetic anomalies. The SQUID magnetic detection apparatus can be used to determine the azimuth of a hydrofracture by first flooding the hydrofracture with a ferrofluid to create an artificial magnetic anomaly therein.

Honeycombs of triangles and magnetic frustration in SrL{sub 2}O{sub 4} (L=Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb)

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

Karunadasa, H.; Regan, K.A.; Cava, R.J.

2005-04-01

The crystal structures, magnetic order, and susceptibility have been investigated for magnetically frustrated SrDy{sub 2}O{sub 4}, SrHo{sub 2}O{sub 4}, SrEr{sub 2}O{sub 4}, SrTm{sub 2}O{sub 4}, and SrYb{sub 2}O{sub 4}. Powder neutron-diffraction structural refinements reveal columns of LO{sub 6} octahedra that run along one crystallographic direction, with Sr-O polyhedra in the interstices. The lanthanide sublattice displays multiple triangular interconnections: one-dimensional strings form the backbones of four types of chains of lanthanide triangles sharing edges arranged in a honeycomb pattern. This crystal structure produces strong geometric frustration for the magnetic system that is evidenced in both magnetic susceptibility and neutron-scattering data atmore » low temperatures. The susceptibility measurements for the series, including SrGd{sub 2}O{sub 4} for which data are also reported, lack the sharp features characteristic of three-dimensional long-range magnetic ordering. Metamagnetic behavior is observed in the magnetization vs applied field data at 1.8 K for the cases of L=Dy, Er, and Ho. Magnetic neutron-scattering studies for the Dy and Er materials show only very broad magnetic scattering at low temperatures, while the Ho system exhibits long-range two-dimensional order. Any magnetic scattering in the Tm and Yb compounds, if present, was too weak to be detected in these measurements.« less

A general prediction model for the detection of ADHD and Autism using structural and functional MRI.

PubMed

Sen, Bhaskar; Borle, Neil C; Greiner, Russell; Brown, Matthew R G

2018-01-01

This work presents a novel method for learning a model that can diagnose Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as Autism, using structural texture and functional connectivity features obtained from 3-dimensional structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 4-dimensional resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans of subjects. We explore a series of three learners: (1) The LeFMS learner first extracts features from the structural MRI images using the texture-based filters produced by a sparse autoencoder. These filters are then convolved with the original MRI image using an unsupervised convolutional network. The resulting features are used as input to a linear support vector machine (SVM) classifier. (2) The LeFMF learner produces a diagnostic model by first computing spatial non-stationary independent components of the fMRI scans, which it uses to decompose each subject's fMRI scan into the time courses of these common spatial components. These features can then be used with a learner by themselves or in combination with other features to produce the model. Regardless of which approach is used, the final set of features are input to a linear support vector machine (SVM) classifier. (3) Finally, the overall LeFMSF learner uses the combined features obtained from the two feature extraction processes in (1) and (2) above as input to an SVM classifier, achieving an accuracy of 0.673 on the ADHD-200 holdout data and 0.643 on the ABIDE holdout data. Both of these results, obtained with the same LeFMSF framework, are the best known, over all hold-out accuracies on these datasets when only using imaging data-exceeding previously-published results by 0.012 for ADHD and 0.042 for Autism. Our results show that combining multi-modal features can yield good classification accuracy for diagnosis of ADHD and Autism, which is an important step towards computer-aided diagnosis of these psychiatric diseases and perhaps others as well.

Switch-on fluorescence scheme for antibiotics based on a magnetic composite probe with aptamer and hemin/G-quadruplex coimmobilized nano-Pt-luminol as signal tracer.

PubMed

Miao, Yang-Bao; Gan, Ning; Ren, Hong-Xia; Li, Tianhua; Cao, Yuting; Hu, Futao; Chen, Yinji

2016-01-15

A selective and facile fluorescence "switch-on" scheme is developed to detect antibiotics residues in food, using chloramphenicol (CAP) as model, based on a novel magnetic aptamer probe (aptamer-Pt-luminol nanocomposite labeled with hemin/G-quadruplex). Firstly, the composite probe is prepared through the immuno-reactions between the capture beads (anti-dsDNA antibody labeled on magnetic Dynabeads) and the nanotracer (nano-Pt-luminol labeled with double-strand aptamer, as ds-Apt, and hemin/G-quadruplex). When the composite probe is mixed with CAP, the aptamer preferentially reacted with CAP to decompose the double-strand aptamer to ssDNA, which cannot be recognized by the anti-dsDNA antibody on the capture probes. Thus, after magnetic separation, the nanotracer can be released into the supernatant. Because the hemin/G-quadruplex and PtNPs in nanotracer can catalyze luminol-H2O2 system to emit fluorescence. Thus a dual-amplified "switch-on" signal appeared, of which intensity is proportional to the concentration of CAP between 0.001 and 100ng mL(-1) with detection limit of 0.0005ng mL(-1) (S/N=3). Besides, our method has good selectivity and was employed for CAP detection in real milk samples. The results agree well with those from conventional gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The switch-on signal is produced by one-step substitution reaction between aptamer in nanotracer and target. When the analyte is changed, the probe can be refabricated only by changing the corresponding aptamer. Thus, all features above prove our strategy to be a facile, feasible and selective method in antibiotics screening for food safety. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Selective fluorescence response and magnetic separation probe for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene based on iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles.

PubMed

Zou, Wen-Sheng; Wang, Ya-Qin; Wang, Feng; Shao, Qun; Zhang, Jun; Liu, Jin

2013-05-01

Despite the rapid development of nanomaterials and nanotechnology, it is still desirable to develop novel nanoparticle-based techniques which are cost-effective, timesaving, and environment-friendly, and with ease of operation and procedural simplicity, for assay of target analytes. In the work discussed in this paper, the dye fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) was conjugated to 1,6-hexanediamine (HDA)-capped iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (FITC-HDA Fe3O4 MNPs), and the product was characterized. HDA ligands on the surface of Fe3O4 MNPs can bind 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) to form TNT anions by acid-base pairing interaction. Formation of TNT anions, and captured TNT substantially affect the emission of FITC on the surface of the Fe3O4 MNPs, resulting in quenching of the fluorescence at 519 nm. A novel FITC-HDA Fe3O4 MNPs-based probe featuring chemosensing and magnetic separation has therefore been constructed. i.e. FITC-HDA Fe3O4 MNPs had a highly selective fluorescence response and enabled magnetic separation of TNT from other nitroaromatic compounds by quenching of the emission of FITC and capture of TNT in aqueous solution. Very good linearity was observed for TNT concentrations in the range 0.05-1.5 μmol L(-1), with a detection limit of 37.2 nmol L(-1) and RSD of 4.7 % (n = 7). Approximately 12 % of the total amount of TNT was captured. The proposed methods are well-suited to trace detection and capture of TNT in aqueous solution.

Geological and structural interpretation of Peninsular Malaysia by marine and aeromagnetic data: Some preliminary results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahrudin, Nurul Fairuz Diyana Binti; Hamzah, Umar

2016-11-01

Magnetic data were processed to interpret the geology of Peninsular Malaysia especially in delineating the igneous bodies and structural lineament trends by potential field geophysical method. A total of about 32000 magnetic intensity data were obtained from Earth Magnetic Anomaly Grid (EMAG2) covering an area of East Sumatra to part of South China Sea within 99° E to 105° E Longitude and 1° N to 7°N Latitude. These data were used in several processing stages in generating the total magnetic intensity (TMI), reduce to equator (RTE), total horizontal derivative (THD) and total vertical derivative (TVD). Values of the possible surface and subsurface magnetic sources associated to the geological features of the study area. The magnetic properties are normally corresponding to features like igneous bodies and faults structures. The anomalies obtained were then compared to the geological features of the area. In general, the high magnetic anomalies of the TMI-RTE are closely matched with major igneous intrusion of Peninsular Malaysia such as the Main Range, Eastern Belt and the Mersing-Johor Bahru stretch. More dense lineaments of magnetic structures were observed in the THD and TVD results indicating the presence of more deep and shallow magnetic rich geological features. The positions of Bukit Tinggi, Mersing and Lepar faults are perfectly matched with the magnetic highs while the presence of Lebir and Bok Bak faults are not clearly observed in the magnetic results. The high magnetic values of igneous bodies may have concealed and obscured the magnetic values representing these faults.

Magnetic-Particle-Sensing Based Diagnostic Protocols and Applications

PubMed Central

Takamura, Tsukasa; Ko, Pil Ju; Sharma, Jaiyam; Yukino, Ryoji; Ishizawa, Shunji; Sandhu, Adarsh

2015-01-01

Magnetic particle-labeled biomaterial detection has attracted much attention in recent years for a number of reasons; easy manipulation by external magnetic fields, easy functionalization of the surface, and large surface-to-volume ratio, to name but a few. In this review, we report on our recent investigations into the detection of nano-sized magnetic particles. First, the detection by Hall magnetic sensor with lock-in amplifier and alternative magnetic field is summarized. Then, our approach to detect sub-200 nm diameter target magnetic particles via relatively large micoro-sized “columnar particles” by optical microscopy is described. Subsequently, we summarize magnetic particle detection based on optical techniques; one method is based on the scattering of the magnetically-assembled nano-sized magnetic bead chain in rotating magnetic fields and the other one is based on the reflection of magnetic target particles and porous silicon. Finally, we report recent works with reference to more familiar industrial products (such as smartphone-based medical diagnosis systems and magnetic removal of unspecific-binded nano-sized particles, or “magnetic washing”). PMID:26053747

Imaging Review of Skeletal Tumors of the Pelvis Malignant Tumors and Tumor Mimics

PubMed Central

Girish, Gandikota; Finlay, Karen; Fessell, David; Pai, Deepa; Dong, Qian; Jamadar, David

2012-01-01

Malignant lesions of the pelvis are not uncommon and need to be differentiated from benign lesions and tumor mimics. Appearances are sometimes nonspecific leading to consideration of a broad differential diagnosis. Clinical history, anatomic location, and imaging characterization can help narrow the differential diagnosis. The focus of this paper is to demonstrate the imaging features and the role of plain films, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging for detecting and characterizing malignant osseous pelvic lesions and their common mimics. PMID:22593667

Magnetic force microscopy method and apparatus to detect and image currents in integrated circuits

DOEpatents

Campbell, Ann. N.; Anderson, Richard E.; Cole, Jr., Edward I.

1995-01-01

A magnetic force microscopy method and improved magnetic tip for detecting and quantifying internal magnetic fields resulting from current of integrated circuits. Detection of the current is used for failure analysis, design verification, and model validation. The interaction of the current on the integrated chip with a magnetic field can be detected using a cantilevered magnetic tip. Enhanced sensitivity for both ac and dc current and voltage detection is achieved with voltage by an ac coupling or a heterodyne technique. The techniques can be used to extract information from analog circuits.

Magnetic force microscopy method and apparatus to detect and image currents in integrated circuits

DOEpatents

Campbell, A.N.; Anderson, R.E.; Cole, E.I. Jr.

1995-11-07

A magnetic force microscopy method and improved magnetic tip for detecting and quantifying internal magnetic fields resulting from current of integrated circuits are disclosed. Detection of the current is used for failure analysis, design verification, and model validation. The interaction of the current on the integrated chip with a magnetic field can be detected using a cantilevered magnetic tip. Enhanced sensitivity for both ac and dc current and voltage detection is achieved with voltage by an ac coupling or a heterodyne technique. The techniques can be used to extract information from analog circuits. 17 figs.

Role of early visual cortex in trans-saccadic memory of object features.

PubMed

Malik, Pankhuri; Dessing, Joost C; Crawford, J Douglas

2015-08-01

Early visual cortex (EVC) participates in visual feature memory and the updating of remembered locations across saccades, but its role in the trans-saccadic integration of object features is unknown. We hypothesized that if EVC is involved in updating object features relative to gaze, feature memory should be disrupted when saccades remap an object representation into a simultaneously perturbed EVC site. To test this, we applied transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over functional magnetic resonance imaging-localized EVC clusters corresponding to the bottom left/right visual quadrants (VQs). During experiments, these VQs were probed psychophysically by briefly presenting a central object (Gabor patch) while subjects fixated gaze to the right or left (and above). After a short memory interval, participants were required to detect the relative change in orientation of a re-presented test object at the same spatial location. Participants either sustained fixation during the memory interval (fixation task) or made a horizontal saccade that either maintained or reversed the VQ of the object (saccade task). Three TMS pulses (coinciding with the pre-, peri-, and postsaccade intervals) were applied to the left or right EVC. This had no effect when (a) fixation was maintained, (b) saccades kept the object in the same VQ, or (c) the EVC quadrant corresponding to the first object was stimulated. However, as predicted, TMS reduced performance when saccades (especially larger saccades) crossed the remembered object location and brought it into the VQ corresponding to the TMS site. This suppression effect was statistically significant for leftward saccades and followed a weaker trend for rightward saccades. These causal results are consistent with the idea that EVC is involved in the gaze-centered updating of object features for trans-saccadic memory and perception.

Microfluidic platform for detection and quantification of magnetic markers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kokkinis, Georgios; Cardoso, Susana; Giouroudi, Ioanna

2017-05-01

This paper reports on a microfluidic platform with an integrated spin valve giant magneto-resistance (GMR) sensor used for the detection and quantification of single magnetic micromarkers. A microfluidic channel containing the magnetic fluid, microconductors (MCs) for collection of the magnetic markers and a spin valve GMR sensor for detecting the presence of their magnetic stray field were integrated on a single chip. The results show that the sensor is capable of detecting a single magnetic marker with 2.8 μm diameter.

Analysis and interpretation of MAGSAT anomalies over north Africa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, R. J.

1985-01-01

Crustal anomaly detection with MAGSAT data is frustrated by inherent resolving power of the data and by contamination from external and core fields. Quality of the data might be tested by modeling specific tectonic features which produce anomalies that fall within proposed resolution and crustal amplitude capabilities of MAGSAT fields. To test this hypothesis, north African hotspots associated with Ahaggar, Tibesti and Darfur were modeled as magnetic induction anomalies. MAGSAT data were reduced by subtracting external and core fields to isolate scalar and vertical component crustal signals. Of the three volcanic areas, only the Ahaggar region had an associated anomaly of magnitude above error limits of the data. Hotspot hypothesis was tested for Ahaggar by seeing if predicted magnetic signal matched MAGSAT anomaly. Predicted model magnetic signal arising from surface topography of the uplift and the Curie isothermal surface was calculated at MAGSAT altitudes by Fourier transform technique modified to allow for variable magnetization. Curie isotherm surface was calculated using a method for temperature distribution in a moving plate above a fixed hotspot. Magnetic signal was calculated for a fixed plate as well as a number of plate velocities and directions.

Coupled multiferroic domain switching in the canted conical spin spiral system Mn2GeO4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honda, T.; White, J. S.; Harris, A. B.; Chapon, L. C.; Fennell, A.; Roessli, B.; Zaharko, O.; Murakami, Y.; Kenzelmann, M.; Kimura, T.

2017-06-01

Despite remarkable progress in developing multifunctional materials, spin-driven ferroelectrics featuring both spontaneous magnetization and electric polarization are still rare. Among such ferromagnetic ferroelectrics are conical spin spiral magnets with a simultaneous reversal of magnetization and electric polarization that is still little understood. Such materials can feature various multiferroic domains that complicates their study. Here we study the multiferroic domains in ferromagnetic ferroelectric Mn2GeO4 using neutron diffraction, and show that it features a double-Q conical magnetic structure that, apart from trivial 180o commensurate magnetic domains, can be described by ferromagnetic and ferroelectric domains only. We show unconventional magnetoelectric couplings such as the magnetic-field-driven reversal of ferroelectric polarization with no change of spin-helicity, and present a phenomenological theory that successfully explains the magnetoelectric coupling. Our measurements establish Mn2GeO4 as a conceptually simple multiferroic in which the magnetic-field-driven flop of conical spin spirals leads to the simultaneous reversal of magnetization and electric polarization.

Spectropathology-corroborated multimodal quantitative imaging biomarkers for neuroretinal degeneration in diabetic retinopathy

PubMed Central

Guha Mazumder, Arpan; Chatterjee, Swarnadip; Chatterjee, Saunak; Gonzalez, Juan Jose; Bag, Swarnendu; Ghosh, Sambuddha; Mukherjee, Anirban; Chatterjee, Jyotirmoy

2017-01-01

Introduction Image-based early detection for diabetic retinopathy (DR) needs value addition due to lack of well-defined disease-specific quantitative imaging biomarkers (QIBs) for neuroretinal degeneration and spectropathological information at the systemic level. Retinal neurodegeneration is an early event in the pathogenesis of DR. Therefore, development of an integrated assessment method for detecting neuroretinal degeneration using spectropathology and QIBs is necessary for the early diagnosis of DR. Methods The present work explored the efficacy of intensity and textural features extracted from optical coherence tomography (OCT) images after selecting a specific subset of features for the precise classification of retinal layers using variants of support vector machine (SVM). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were also performed to confirm the spectropathological attributes of serum for further value addition to the OCT, fundoscopy, and fluorescein angiography (FA) findings. The serum metabolomic findings were also incorporated for characterizing retinal layer thickness alterations and vascular asymmetries. Results Results suggested that OCT features could differentiate the retinal lesions indicating retinal neurodegeneration with high sensitivity and specificity. OCT, fundoscopy, and FA provided geometrical as well as optical features. NMR revealed elevated levels of ribitol, glycerophosphocholine, and uridine diphosphate N-acetyl glucosamine, while the FTIR of serum samples confirmed the higher expressions of lipids and β-sheet-containing proteins responsible for neoangiogenesis, vascular fragility, vascular asymmetry, and subsequent neuroretinal degeneration in DR. Conclusion Our data indicated that disease-specific spectropathological alterations could be the major phenomena behind the vascular attenuations observed through fundoscopy and FA, as well as the variations in the intensity and textural features observed in OCT images. Finally, we propose a model that uses spectropathology corroborated with specific QIBs for detecting neuroretinal degeneration in early diagnosis of DR. PMID:29200821

Effect of magnetic field on spoke behaviour in HiPIMS plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hnilica, J.; Klein, P.; Šlapanská, M.; Fekete, M.; Vašina, P.

2018-03-01

The objective of this paper is to study the effect of magnetic field strength on spoke behaviour in a high power impulse magnetron sputtering discharge. In three magnetic field configurations, a broad range of experimental conditions was investigated by high-speed camera imaging. The dual image feature of the employed camera enabled us to determine the shape and spoke mode number, as well as the velocity of the spokes. Five distinct spoke shapes were detected. For each magnetic field, a map was created relating the occurrence of the spoke shape with the discharge conditions. Similarly, the spoke mode number, as well as the spoke velocity, was found to be strongly dependent on the discharge conditions. Based on the optical emission results, it was proposed that the trailing edge of the triangular spoke is related to the production of secondary electrons created by argon ions on the spoke edges, while in the case of a round spoke shape, the secondary electrons are mainly created by multiple charged titanium ions in the centre of the spoke.

Magnetic Ghosts: Mineral Magnetic Measurements On Roman and Anglo-saxon Graves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linford, N.

The location of inhumations, in the absence of ferrous grave goods, often presents a considerable challenge to archaeological geophysics given the small physical size of the features and the slight contrast between the fill of the grave and the surround- ing subsoil. Even during excavation, the identification of graves may be complicated where site conditions do not favour the preservation of human skeletal remains and often only a subtle soil stain is likely to survive. A recent initiative in the United King- dom has seen the formation of the Buried Organic Matter Decomposition Integrated with Elemental Status (BODIES) research group, to examine the decomposition of organic artefacts in ancient graves with respect to localised changes in pH, redox po- tential and nutrient status. This paper presents initial results from a limited mineral magnetic study of two grave sites in an attempt to ascertain whether the decomposi- tion of organic remains may lead to a detectable magnetic signature within the soil. Results from a series of isothermal, hysteresis and magneto-thermal experiments will be presented together with surface magnetometer and topsoil susceptibility surveys.

NuSTAR Observation of the Symbiotic System GX 1+4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolff, Michael Thomas; Becker, Peter A.; Enoto, Teruaki; Pottschmidt, Katja; Wood, Kent

2017-08-01

We report on a NuSTAR observation of the symbiotic binary system GX 1+4. GX 1+4 is one of a small number of systems with a red giant mass donor and a magnetic neutron star in orbit around each other. The accreting pulsar in GX 1+4 has a spin period of ~150 seconds with epochs of both spin-up and spin-down. The orbital period that has not been determined. Magnetic accretion theory in such systems suggests that the neutron star has a magnetic field in the range 1013-1014 Gauss although this is not settled because no cyclotron absorption feature has been observed in the X-ray spectrum. The NuSTAR spectrum shows broad Fe-line emission near ~6.5 keV and also shows a broad power law shape detected up to ~60 keV. We analyze and discuss the NuSTAR X-ray data with particular attention to the question of what can the spectrum tell us about the structure of the accretion flow onto the neutron star and the magnetic field strength.

Multi-Sectional Views Textural Based SVM for MS Lesion Segmentation in Multi-Channels MRIs

PubMed Central

Abdullah, Bassem A; Younis, Akmal A; John, Nigel M

2012-01-01

In this paper, a new technique is proposed for automatic segmentation of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions from brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. The technique uses a trained support vector machine (SVM) to discriminate between the blocks in regions of MS lesions and the blocks in non-MS lesion regions mainly based on the textural features with aid of the other features. The classification is done on each of the axial, sagittal and coronal sectional brain view independently and the resultant segmentations are aggregated to provide more accurate output segmentation. The main contribution of the proposed technique described in this paper is the use of textural features to detect MS lesions in a fully automated approach that does not rely on manually delineating the MS lesions. In addition, the technique introduces the concept of the multi-sectional view segmentation to produce verified segmentation. The proposed textural-based SVM technique was evaluated using three simulated datasets and more than fifty real MRI datasets. The results were compared with state of the art methods. The obtained results indicate that the proposed method would be viable for use in clinical practice for the detection of MS lesions in MRI. PMID:22741026

NuSTAR Observations of X-Ray Bursts from the Magnetar 1E 1048.1-5937

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

An, Hongjun; Kaspi, Victoria M.; Beloborodov, Andrei M.; Kouveliotou, Chryssa; Archibald, Robert T.; Boggs, Steven E.; Christensen, Finn E.; Craig, William W.; Gotthelf, Eric V.; Stern, Daniel;

Improved biliary detection and diagnosis through intelligent machine analysis.

PubMed

Logeswaran, Rajasvaran

2012-09-01

This paper reports on work undertaken to improve automated detection of bile ducts in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) images, with the objective of conducting preliminary classification of the images for diagnosis. The proposed I-BDeDIMA (Improved Biliary Detection and Diagnosis through Intelligent Machine Analysis) scheme is a multi-stage framework consisting of successive phases of image normalization, denoising, structure identification, object labeling, feature selection and disease classification. A combination of multiresolution wavelet, dynamic intensity thresholding, segment-based region growing, region elimination, statistical analysis and neural networks, is used in this framework to achieve good structure detection and preliminary diagnosis. Tests conducted on over 200 clinical images with known diagnosis have shown promising results of over 90% accuracy. The scheme outperforms related work in the literature, making it a viable framework for computer-aided diagnosis of biliary diseases. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magnetic Signature of the Lunar South Pole-Aitken Basin: Character, Origin, and Age

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Purucker, Michael E.; Head, James W., III; Wilson, Lionel

2012-01-01

A new magnetic map of the Moon, based on Lunar Prospector (LP) magnetometer observations, sheds light on the origin of the South Pole-Aitken Basin (SPA), the largest and oldest of the recognized lunar basins. A set of WNW-trending linear to arcuate magnetic features, evident in both the radial and scalar observations, covers much of a 1000 km wide region centered on the NW portion of SPA. The source bodies are not at the surface because the magnetic features show no first-order correspondence to any surface topographic or structural feature. Patchy mare basalts of possible late Imbrianage are emplaced within SPA and are inferred to have been emplaced through dikes, directly from mantle sources. We infer that the magnetic features represent dike swarms that served as feeders for these mare basalts, as evident from the location of the Thomson/ Mare Ingenii, Van de Graaff, and Leeuwenhoek mare basalts on the two largest magnetic features in the region. Modeling suggests that the dike zone is between 25 and 50 km wide at the surface, and dike magnetization contrasts are in the range of 0.2 A/m. We theorize that the basaltic dikes were emplaced in the lunar crust when a long-lived dynamo was active. Based on pressure, temperature, and stress conditions prevalent in the lunar crust, dikes are expected to be a dominantly subsurface phenomenon, consistent with the observations reported here.

Statistical evolution of quiet-Sun small-scale magnetic features using Sunrise observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anusha, L. S.; Solanki, S. K.; Hirzberger, J.; Feller, A.

2017-02-01

The evolution of small magnetic features in quiet regions of the Sun provides a unique window for probing solar magneto-convection. Here we analyze small-scale magnetic features in the quiet Sun, using the high resolution, seeing-free observations from the Sunrise balloon borne solar observatory. Our aim is to understand the contribution of different physical processes, such as splitting, merging, emergence and cancellation of magnetic fields to the rearrangement, addition and removal of magnetic flux in the photosphere. We have employed a statistical approach for the analysis and the evolution studies are carried out using a feature-tracking technique. In this paper we provide a detailed description of the feature-tracking algorithm that we have newly developed and we present the results of a statistical study of several physical quantities. The results on the fractions of the flux in the emergence, appearance, splitting, merging, disappearance and cancellation qualitatively agrees with other recent studies. To summarize, the total flux gained in unipolar appearance is an order of magnitude larger than the total flux gained in emergence. On the other hand, the bipolar cancellation contributes nearly an equal amount to the loss of magnetic flux as unipolar disappearance. The total flux lost in cancellation is nearly six to eight times larger than the total flux gained in emergence. One big difference between our study and previous similar studies is that, thanks to the higher spatial resolution of Sunrise, we can track features with fluxes as low as 9 × 1014 Mx. This flux is nearly an order of magnitude lower than the smallest fluxes of the features tracked in the highest resolution previous studies based on Hinode data. The area and flux of the magnetic features follow power-law type distribution, while the lifetimes show either power-law or exponential type distribution depending on the exact definitions used to define various birth and death events. We have also statistically determined the evolution of the flux within the features in the course of their lifetime, finding that this evolution depends very strongly on the birth and death process that the features undergo.

Turbulent Magnetic Relaxation in Pulsar Wind Nebulae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zrake, Jonathan; Arons, Jonathan

2017-09-01

We present a model for magnetic energy dissipation in a pulsar wind nebula. A better understanding of this process is required to assess the likelihood that certain astrophysical transients may be powered by the spin-down of a “millisecond magnetar.” Examples include superluminous supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, and anticipated electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave detections of binary neutron star coalescence. Our model leverages recent progress in the theory of turbulent magnetic relaxation to specify a dissipative closure of the stationary magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) wind equations, yielding predictions of the magnetic energy dissipation rate throughout the nebula. Synchrotron losses are self-consistently treated. To demonstrate the model’s efficacy, we show that it can reproduce many features of the Crab Nebula, including its expansion speed, radiative efficiency, peak photon energy, and mean magnetic field strength. Unlike ideal MHD models of the Crab (which lead to the so-called σ-problem), our model accounts for the transition from ultra to weakly magnetized plasma flow and for the associated heating of relativistic electrons. We discuss how the predicted heating rates may be utilized to improve upon models of particle transport and acceleration in pulsar wind nebulae. We also discuss implications for the Crab Nebula’s γ-ray flares, and point out potential modifications to models of astrophysical transients invoking the spin-down of a millisecond magnetar.

Object representation and magnetic moments in thin alkali films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garrett, Douglas C.

2008-10-01

This thesis is broken into two parts a computer vision part and a solid state physics part. In the computer vision part of the thesis (chapters 1 through 5), the concept of an architecture is discussed with a review of what is known about the brain's visual architecture as it applies to object representation. With this in mind we review the two main types of architectures that are used in computer vision for object representation. A specific object representation is then implemented and optimized to solve a problem in object tracking. This representation is then used to derive the fiducial points of a face using two distinct methods. One using evolutionary algorithms and another by a Bayesian analysis of the feature responses drawn from a gallery of faces. The evolved fiducial representation is tested as a facial detection system. It is shown that the Bayesian analysis of facial images gives an entropy measure that can be used to further improve detection results in the facial detection system. In addition, two similarity metrics are explored in the context of facial detection. It is found that a normalized vector dot product substantially outperforms the Euclidean distance measure. The solid state part of the thesis is composed of two self contained chapters. An effort has been made to reduce the redundancies between the material but some will necessarily remain (i.e., short descriptions of the experimental setup). Both chapters deal with the phenomenon of magnetism of atomic impurities in and on thin metal host films. The important difference between the chapters, besides the results, lies in the experimental technique used to measure the magnetism. In chapter 6, thin films of Pb are covered in situ with sub monolayers of V, Mo and Co in the range between 0.01 and 1 monolayers. If the surface impurities are magnetic they will reduce the superconducting transition temperature of the Pb film. From the reduction of Tc the magnetic dephasing rate of the surface impurities 1/taus and their magnetic cross section sigmas are calculated. We find that single V surface impurities are magnetic while single Mo and Co impurities are non-magnetic. Co surface clusters are magnetic. In chapter 7, thin films of Na, K, Rb and Cs are quench condensed, then covered with 1/100 of a mono-layer of Ti and finally covered with the original host. The magnetization of the films is measured by means of the anomalous Hall effect. An anomalous Hall resistance RAHE is observed for Ti on the surface of K, Rb and Cs and for Ti inside of Cs. Essentially the RAHE varies linearly with the magnetic field and is inversely proportional to the inverse temperature. A small non-linearity of RAHE suggests a Ti moment of about 1microB.

Neutral-Line Magnetic Shear and Enhanced Coronal Heating in Solar Active Regions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Falconer, D. A.; Moore, R. L.; Porter, J. G.; Gary, G. A.; Shimizu, T.

1997-01-01

By examining the magnetic structure at sites in the bright coronal interiors of active regions that are not flaring but exhibit persistent strong coronal heating, we establish some new characteristics of the magnetic origins of this heating. We have examined the magnetic structure of these sites in five active regions, each of which was well observed by both the Yohkoh SXT and the Marshall Space Flight Center Vector Magnetograph and showed strong shear in its magnetic field along part of at least one neutral line (polarity inversion). Thus, we can assess whether this form of nonpotential field structure in active regions is a characteristic of the enhanced coronal heating and vice versa. From 27 orbits' worth of Yohkoh SXT images of the five active regions, we have obtained a sample of 94 persistently bright coronal features (bright in all images from a given orbit), 40 long (greater than or approximately equals 20,000 km) neutral-line segments having strong magnetic shear throughout (shear angle greater than 45 deg), and 39 long neutral-line segments having weak magnetic shear throughout (shear angle less than 45 deg). From this sample, we find that: (1) all of our persistently bright coronal features are rooted in magnetic fields that are stronger than 150 G; (2) nearly all (95%) of these enhanced coronal features are rooted near neutral lines (closer than 10,000 km); (3) a great majority (80%) of the bright features are rooted near strong-shear portions of neutral lines; (4) a great majority (85%) of long strong-shear segments of neutral lines have persistently bright coronal features rooted near them; (5) a large minority (40%) of long weak-shear segments of neutral lines have persistently bright coronal features rooted near them; and (6) the brightness of a persistently bright Coronal feature often changes greatly over a few hours. From these results, we conclude that most persistent enhanced heating of coronal loops in active regions: (1) requires the presence of a polarity inversion in the magnetic field near at least one of the loop footpoints; (2) is greatly aided by the presence of strong shear in the core magnetic field along that neutral line; and (3) is controlled by some variable process that acts in this magnetic environment. We infer that this variable process is low-lying reconnection accompanying flux cancellation.

Multimodal Image-Based Virtual Reality Presurgical Simulation and Evaluation for Trigeminal Neuralgia and Hemifacial Spasm.

PubMed

Yao, Shujing; Zhang, Jiashu; Zhao, Yining; Hou, Yuanzheng; Xu, Xinghua; Zhang, Zhizhong; Kikinis, Ron; Chen, Xiaolei

2018-05-01

To address the feasibility and predictive value of multimodal image-based virtual reality in detecting and assessing features of neurovascular confliction (NVC), particularly regarding the detection of offending vessels, degree of compression exerted on the nerve root, in patients who underwent microvascular decompression for nonlesional trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm (HFS). This prospective study includes 42 consecutive patients who underwent microvascular decompression for classic primary trigeminal neuralgia or HFS. All patients underwent preoperative 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with T2-weighted three-dimensional (3D) sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts by using different flip angle evolutions, 3D time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography, and 3D T1-weighted gadolinium-enhanced sequences in combination, whereas 2 patients underwent extra experimental preoperative 7.0-T MRI scans with the same imaging protocol. Multimodal MRIs were then coregistered with open-source software 3D Slicer, followed by 3D image reconstruction to generate virtual reality (VR) images for detection of possible NVC in the cerebellopontine angle. Evaluations were performed by 2 reviewers and compared with the intraoperative findings. For detection of NVC, multimodal image-based VR sensitivity was 97.6% (40/41) and specificity was 100% (1/1). Compared with the intraoperative findings, the κ coefficients for predicting the offending vessel and the degree of compression were >0.75 (P < 0.001). The 7.0-T scans have a clearer view of vessels in the cerebellopontine angle, which may have significant impact on detection of small-caliber offending vessels with relatively slow flow speed in cases of HFS. Multimodal image-based VR using 3D sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts by using different flip angle evolutions in combination with 3D time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography sequences proved to be reliable in detecting NVC and in predicting the degree of root compression. The VR image-based simulation correlated well with the real surgical view. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A MEMS torsion magnetic sensor with reflective blazed grating integration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, Liang; Zhong, Shaolong

2016-07-01

A novel magnetic sensor based on a permanent magnet and blazed grating is presented in this paper. The magnetic field is detected by measuring the diffracted wavelength of the blazed grating which is changed by the torsion motion of a torsion sensitive micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) structure with a permanent magnet attached. A V-shape grating structure is obtained by wet etching on a (1 0 0) SOI substrate. When the magnet is magnetized in different directions, the in-plane or out-of-plane magnetic field is detected by a sensor. The MEMS magnetic sensor with a permanent magnet is fabricated after analytical design and bulk micromachining processes. The magnetic-sensing capability of the sensor is tested by fiber-optic detection system. The result shows the sensitivities of the in-plane and out-of-plane magnetic fields are 3.6 pm μT-1 and 5.7 pm μT-1, respectively. Due to utilization of the permanent magnet and fiber-optic detection, the sensor shows excellent capability of covering the high-resolution detection of low-frequency signals. In addition, the sensitive direction of the magnetic sensor can be easily switched by varying the magnetized direction of the permanent magnet, which offers a simple way to achieve tri-axis magnetic sensor application.

Linear Polarization Properties of Parsec-Scale AGN Jets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pushkarev, Alexander; Kovalev, Yuri; Lister, Matthew; Savolainen, Tuomas; Aller, Margo; Aller, Hugh; Hodge, Mary

2017-12-01

We used 15 GHz multi-epoch Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) polarization sensitive observations of 484 sources within a time interval 1996--2016 from the MOJAVE program, and also from the NRAO data archive. We have analyzed the linear polarization characteristics of the compact core features and regions downstream, and their changes along and across the parsec-scale active galactic nuclei (AGN) jets. We detected a significant increase of fractional polarization with distance from the radio core along the jet as well as towards the jet edges. Compared to quasars, BL Lacs have a higher degree of polarization and exhibit more stable electric vector position angles (EVPAs) in their core features and a better alignment of the EVPAs with the local jet direction. The latter is accompanied by a higher degree of linear polarization, suggesting that compact bright jet features might be strong transverse shocks, which enhance magnetic field regularity by compression.

Atomic magnetic gradiometer for room temperature high sensitivity magnetic field detection

DOEpatents

Xu, Shoujun [Berkeley, CA; Lowery, Thomas L [Belmont, MA; Budker, Dmitry [El Cerrito, CA; Yashchuk, Valeriy V [Richmond, CA; Wemmer, David E [Berkeley, CA; Pines, Alexander [Berkeley, CA

2009-08-11

A laser-based atomic magnetometer (LBAM) apparatus measures magnetic fields, comprising: a plurality of polarization detector cells to detect magnetic fields; a laser source optically coupled to the polarization detector cells; and a signal detector that measures the laser source after being coupled to the polarization detector cells, which may be alkali cells. A single polarization cell may be used for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) by prepolarizing the nuclear spins of an analyte, encoding spectroscopic and/or spatial information, and detecting NMR signals from the analyte with a laser-based atomic magnetometer to form NMR spectra and/or magnetic resonance images (MRI). There is no need of a magnetic field or cryogenics in the detection step, as it is detected through the LBAM.

Using unmanned aerial vehicle-borne magnetic sensors to detect and locate improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trammell, Hoke S., III; Perry, Alexander R.; Kumar, Sankaran; Czipott, Peter V.; Whitecotton, Brian R.; McManus, Tobin J.; Walsh, David O.

2005-05-01

Magnetic sensors configured as a tensor magnetic gradiometer not only detect magnetic targets, but also determine their location and their magnetic moment. Magnetic moment information can be used to characterize and classify objects. Unexploded ordnance (UXO) and thus many types of improvised explosive device (IED) contain steel, and thus can be detected magnetically. Suitable unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms, both gliders and powered craft, can enable coverage of a search area much more rapidly than surveys using, for instance, total-field magnetometers. We present data from gradiometer passes over different shells using a gradiometer mounted on a moving cart. We also provide detection range and speed estimates for aerial detection by a UAV.

Outflow of chromospheric emission features from the rim of a sunspot

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, S.-Y.

1973-01-01

In viewing a 16 mm movie made from a time sequence of spectroheliograms, some of these emission features are found to move outward from the rim of the sunspot until they are eventually lost in the small plage. There are two interpretations for the streaming of the magnetic features. It is possible that kinks in the line of force propagate along a horizontal extension of the penumbral magnetic field. Alternatively, fragments of the sunspot magnetic field are carried away by the photospheric velocity field.

Measurement of magnetic field aligned potential differences using high resolution conjugate photoelectron energy spectra

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peterson, W. K.; Doering, J. P.; Potemra, T. A.; Bostrom, C. O.; Brace, L. H.; Heelis, R. A.; Hanson, W. B.

1977-01-01

Simultaneous high-resolution observations of a distinctive feature in the energy spectrum of conjugate photoelectrons and spacecraft potential relative to the local ionosphere have allowed the net potential difference between magnetic conjugate points at latitudes below the region of low-energy (i.e., lower than 100 eV) auroral electron precipitation to be determined. Measurements made at 300 km from Atmosphere Explorer C show that there is normally no net potential difference between hemispheres in this region, which extended up to invariant latitudes as high as 74 deg. Two types of apparently related anomalous behavior were infrequently observed at high latitudes. During these periods the incident flux of conjugate photoelectrons was either decelerated by about 3 eV or was not detected.

Elevated thyroid peroxidase antibodies with encephalopathy in MELAS syndrome.

PubMed

Chan, Derrick W S; Lim, C C Tchoyoson; Tay, Stacey K H; Choong, Chew-Thye; Phuah, Huan Kee

2007-06-01

Both the syndrome of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS syndrome) and Hashimoto's encephalopathy can present with nonspecific encephalopathy. Hashimoto's encephalopathy is an association of steroid-responsive encephalopathy with elevated thyroid peroxidase antibodies. Steroid-responsive encephalopathy, however, is not characteristic of the MELAS syndrome, which typically presents with stroke-like episodes and lactic acidosis in cerebrospinal fluid and blood. Here, a patient is described with goiter, recurrent encephalopathy and elevated thyroid peroxidase antibodies who apparently responded to steroid therapy; however, magnetic resonance imaging was atypical for Hashimoto's encephalopathy, and she was diagnosed with MELAS syndrome. This syndrome can present with apparent steroid-responsive encephalopathy and elevated thyroid peroxidase antibodies, mimicking Hashimoto's encephalopathy, and should be suspected if lactic acidosis is present and typical features are detected on magnetic resonance imaging.

Preliminary Results from an Integrated Airborne EM and Aeromagnetic Survey in Yellowstone National Park

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dickey, K.; Holbrook, W. S.; Finn, C.; Auken, E.; Carr, B.; Sims, K. W. W.; Bedrosian, P.; Lowenstern, J. B.; Hurwitz, S.; Pedersen, J. B. B.

2017-12-01

Yellowstone National Park hosts over 10,000 thermal features (e.g. geysers, fumaroles, mud pots, and hot springs), yet little is known about the circulation depth of meteoric water feeding these features, nor the lithological and structural bounds on the pathways that guide deep, hot fluids to the surface. Previous near-surface geophysical studies have been effective in imaging shallow hydrothermal pathways in some areas of the park, but these methods are difficult to conduct over the large areas needed to characterize entire hydrothermal systems. Transient electromagnetic (TEM) soundings and 2D direct current (DC) resistivity profiles show that hydrothermal fluids at active sites have a higher electrical conductivity than the surrounding hydrothermally inactive areas. For that reason, airborne TEM is an effective method to characterize large areas and identify hydrothermally active and inactive zones using electrical conductivity. Aeromagnetic data have been useful in mapping faults that localize hot springs, making the integration of aeromagnetic and EM data effective for structurally characterizing fluid pathways. Here we present the preliminary results from an airborne transient electromagnetic (TEM) and magnetic survey acquired jointly by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the University of Wyoming (UW) in November 2016. We integrate the EM and magnetic data for the purpose of edge detection of rhyolite flow boundaries as well as source depth of hydrothermal features. The maximum horizontal gradient technique applied on magnetic data is a useful tool that used to estimate source depth as well as indicate faults and fractures. The integration of EM with magnetics allows us to distinguish hydrothermally altered fault systems that guide fluids in the subsurface. We have used preliminary 2D inversions of EM from Aarhus Workbench to delineate rhyolite flow edges in the upper 300-600 meters and cross-checked those boundaries with the aeromagnetic map.

Measuring Magnetic Declination With Compass, GPS and Virtual Globes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Brien, W. P.

2006-12-01

Using virtual globe (VG) imagery to determine geographic bearing and a compass to determine magnetic bearing yielded acceptable experimental magnetic declination values for large linear physical features at 13 sites in the western continental United States. The geographic bearing of each feature was determined from measurements involving the latitude/longitude coordinate system associated with the VG image (from World Wind or Google Earth). The corresponding magnetic bearing was measured on the ground at the feature with a hand-bearing compass calibrated in 1-degree subdivisions. A sequence of GPS trackpoints, recorded while traveling along the feature either in an automobile or on foot, unambiguously identified the pertinent portion of the feature (a straight segment of a road, for example) when plotted on the VG image. For each physical feature located on a VG image, its geographic bearing was determined directly using on-screen measurement tools available with the VG program or by hand using ruler/protractor methods with printed copies of the VG image. An independent (no use of VG) geographic bearing was also extracted from the slope of a straight-line fit to a latitude/longitude plot of each feature's GPS coordinates, a value that was the same (to within the inherent uncertainty of the data) as the VG-determined bearing, thus validating this procedure for finding geographic bearings. Differences between the VG bearings and the magnetic bearings yielded experimental magnetic declination values within one degree (8 within 0.5 degree) of expected values. From the point of view of physics and geophysics pedagogy, this project affords students a simple magnetism/geodesy field experiment requiring only a good compass and a GPS receiver with memory and a data port. The novel and straightforward data analysis with VG software yields reliable experimental values for an important abstract geophysical quantity, magnetic declination. Just as the compass has long provided easy access to Magnetic North, the coordinate systems inherent in recently-developed VG and GPS satellite technologies now provide easy access (i.e., no astronomical measurements involving Polaris or the Sun) to Geographic North for this and future applications.

A meta-classifier for detecting prostate cancer by quantitative integration of in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viswanath, Satish; Tiwari, Pallavi; Rosen, Mark; Madabhushi, Anant

2008-03-01

Recently, in vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) have emerged as promising new modalities to aid in prostate cancer (CaP) detection. MRI provides anatomic and structural information of the prostate while MRS provides functional data pertaining to biochemical concentrations of metabolites such as creatine, choline and citrate. We have previously presented a hierarchical clustering scheme for CaP detection on in vivo prostate MRS and have recently developed a computer-aided method for CaP detection on in vivo prostate MRI. In this paper we present a novel scheme to develop a meta-classifier to detect CaP in vivo via quantitative integration of multimodal prostate MRS and MRI by use of non-linear dimensionality reduction (NLDR) methods including spectral clustering and locally linear embedding (LLE). Quantitative integration of multimodal image data (MRI and PET) involves the concatenation of image intensities following image registration. However multimodal data integration is non-trivial when the individual modalities include spectral and image intensity data. We propose a data combination solution wherein we project the feature spaces (image intensities and spectral data) associated with each of the modalities into a lower dimensional embedding space via NLDR. NLDR methods preserve the relationships between the objects in the original high dimensional space when projecting them into the reduced low dimensional space. Since the original spectral and image intensity data are divorced from their original physical meaning in the reduced dimensional space, data at the same spatial location can be integrated by concatenating the respective embedding vectors. Unsupervised consensus clustering is then used to partition objects into different classes in the combined MRS and MRI embedding space. Quantitative results of our multimodal computer-aided diagnosis scheme on 16 sets of patient data obtained from the ACRIN trial, for which corresponding histological ground truth for spatial extent of CaP is known, show a marginally higher sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value compared to corresponding CAD results with the individual modalities.

Biological cell as a soft magnetoelectric material: Elucidating the physical mechanisms underpinning the detection of magnetic fields by animals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krichen, S.; Liu, L.; Sharma, P.

2017-10-01

Sharks, birds, bats, turtles, and many other animals can detect magnetic fields. Aside from using this remarkable ability to exploit the terrestrial magnetic field map to sense direction, a subset is also able to implement a version of the so-called geophysical positioning system. How do these animals detect magnetic fields? The answer to this rather deceptively simple question has proven to be quite elusive. The currently prevalent theories, while providing interesting insights, fall short of explaining several aspects of magnetoreception. For example, minute magnetic particles have been detected in magnetically sensitive animals. However, how is the detected magnetic field converted into electrical signals given any lack of experimental evidence for relevant electroreceptors? In principle, a magnetoelectric material is capable of converting magnetic signals into electricity (and vice versa). This property, however, is rare and restricted to a rather small set of exotic hard crystalline materials. Indeed, such elements have never been detected in the animals studied so far. In this work we quantitatively outline the conditions under which a biological cell may detect a magnetic field and convert it into electrical signals detectable by biological cells. Specifically, we prove the existence of an overlooked strain-mediated mechanism and show that most biological cells can act as nontrivial magnetoelectric materials provided that the magnetic permeability constant is only slightly more than that of a vacuum. The enhanced magnetic permeability is easily achieved by small amounts of magnetic particles that have been experimentally detected in magnetosensitive animals. Our proposed mechanism appears to explain most of the experimental observations related to the physical basis of magnetoreception.

The Efficacy of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Targeted Biopsy in Risk Classification for Patients with Prostate Cancer on Active Surveillance.

PubMed

Recabal, Pedro; Assel, Melissa; Sjoberg, Daniel D; Lee, Daniel; Laudone, Vincent P; Touijer, Karim; Eastham, James A; Vargas, Hebert A; Coleman, Jonathan; Ehdaie, Behfar

2016-08-01

We determined whether multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsies may replace systematic biopsies to detect higher grade prostate cancer (Gleason score 7 or greater) and whether biopsy may be avoided based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging among men with Gleason 3+3 prostate cancer on active surveillance. We identified men with previously diagnosed Gleason score 3+3 prostate cancer on active surveillance who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and a followup prostate biopsy. Suspicion for higher grade cancer was scored on a standardized 5-point scale. All patients underwent a systematic biopsy. Patients with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging regions of interest also underwent magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy. The detection rate of higher grade cancer was estimated for different multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging scores with the 3 biopsy strategies of systematic, magnetic resonance imaging targeted and combined. Of 206 consecutive men on active surveillance 135 (66%) had a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging region of interest. Overall, higher grade cancer was detected in 72 (35%) men. A higher multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging score was associated with an increased probability of detecting higher grade cancer (Wilcoxon-type trend test p <0.0001). Magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy detected higher grade cancer in 23% of men. Magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy alone missed higher grade cancers in 17%, 12% and 10% of patients with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging scores of 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsies increased the detection of higher grade cancer among men on active surveillance compared to systematic biopsy alone. However, a clinically relevant proportion of higher grade cancer was detected using only systematic biopsy. Despite the improved detection of disease progression using magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy, systematic biopsy cannot be excluded as part of surveillance for men with low risk prostate cancer. Copyright © 2016 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An economic passive sampling method to detect particulate pollutants using magnetic measurements.

PubMed

Cao, Liwan; Appel, Erwin; Hu, Shouyun; Ma, Mingming

2015-10-01

Identifying particulate matter (PM) emitted from industrial processes into the atmosphere is an important issue in environmental research. This paper presents a passive sampling method using simple artificial samplers that maintains the advantage of bio-monitoring, but overcomes some of its disadvantages. The samplers were tested in a heavily polluted area (Linfen, China) and compared to results from leaf samples. Spatial variations of magnetic susceptibility from artificial passive samplers and leaf samples show very similar patterns. Scanning electron microscopy suggests that the collected PM are mostly in the range of 2-25 μm; frequent occurrence of spherical shape indicates industrial combustion dominates PM emission. Magnetic properties around power plants show different features than other plants. This sampling method provides a suitable and economic tool for semi-quantifying temporal and spatial distribution of air quality; they can be installed in a regular grid and calibrate the weight of PM. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magnetic resonance imaging of granular materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stannarius, Ralf

2017-05-01

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has become one of the most important tools to screen humans in medicine; virtually every modern hospital is equipped with a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) tomograph. The potential of NMR in 3D imaging tasks is by far greater, but there is only "a handful" of MRI studies of particulate matter. The method is expensive, time-consuming, and requires a deep understanding of pulse sequences, signal acquisition, and processing. We give a short introduction into the physical principles of this imaging technique, describe its advantages and limitations for the screening of granular matter, and present a number of examples of different application purposes, from the exploration of granular packing, via the detection of flow and particle diffusion, to real dynamic measurements. Probably, X-ray computed tomography is preferable in most applications, but fast imaging of single slices with modern MRI techniques is unmatched, and the additional opportunity to retrieve spatially resolved flow and diffusion profiles without particle tracking is a unique feature.

Long-term stellar variability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pagano, Isabella

2010-02-01

Stars with significant subsurface convection zones develop magnetic loop structures that, arising from the surface upward to the external atmospheres, cause flux variability detectable throughout the whole electromagnetic spectrum. In fact, diagnostics of magnetic activity are in radio wavelengths, where gyrosincrotron radiation arises from the quiescent and flaring corona; in the optical region, where important signatures are the Balmer lines, the Ca ii IRT and H&K lines; in the UV and X ray domains, the latter mainly due to coronal thermal plasma. The zoo of different magnetic features observed for the Sun - spots, faculae, flares, CMEs - are characterized by different temporal evolution and energetics, both in quantity and quality. As a consequence, the time scale of variability, the amount of involved energy and the quality of the involved photons are used as fingerprints in interpreting the observed stellar variability in the framework of the solar-stellar analogy. Here I review main results from long-term multiwavelength observations of cool star atmospheres, with emphasis to similarities and differences with the solar case.

Synthesis of immunotargeted magneto-plasmonic nanoclusters.

PubMed

Wu, Chun-Hsien; Sokolov, Konstantin

2014-08-22

Magnetic and plasmonic properties combined in a single nanoparticle provide a synergy that is advantageous in a number of biomedical applications including contrast enhancement in novel magnetomotive imaging modalities, simultaneous capture and detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and multimodal molecular imaging combined with photothermal therapy of cancer cells. These applications have stimulated significant interest in development of protocols for synthesis of magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles with optical absorbance in the near-infrared (NIR) region and a strong magnetic moment. Here, we present a novel protocol for synthesis of such hybrid nanoparticles that is based on an oil-in-water microemulsion method. The unique feature of the protocol described herein is synthesis of magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles of various sizes from primary blocks which also have magneto-plasmonic characteristics. This approach yields nanoparticles with a high density of magnetic and plasmonic functionalities which are uniformly distributed throughout the nanoparticle volume. The hybrid nanoparticles can be easily functionalized by attaching antibodies through the Fc moiety leaving the Fab portion that is responsible for antigen binding available for targeting.

Tactile sensor of hardness recognition based on magnetic anomaly detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Lingyun; Zhang, Dongfang; Chen, Qingguang; Rao, Huanle; Xu, Ping

2018-03-01

Hardness, as one kind of tactile sensing, plays an important role in the field of intelligent robot application such as gripping, agricultural harvesting, prosthetic hand and so on. Recently, with the rapid development of magnetic field sensing technology with high performance, a number of magnetic sensors have been developed for intelligent application. The tunnel Magnetoresistance(TMR) based on magnetoresistance principal works as the sensitive element to detect the magnetic field and it has proven its excellent ability of weak magnetic detection. In the paper, a new method based on magnetic anomaly detection was proposed to detect the hardness in the tactile way. The sensor is composed of elastic body, ferrous probe, TMR element, permanent magnet. When the elastic body embedded with ferrous probe touches the object under the certain size of force, deformation of elastic body will produce. Correspondingly, the ferrous probe will be forced to displace and the background magnetic field will be distorted. The distorted magnetic field was detected by TMR elements and the output signal at different time can be sampled. The slope of magnetic signal with the sampling time is different for object with different hardness. The result indicated that the magnetic anomaly sensor can recognize the hardness rapidly within 150ms after the tactile moment. The hardness sensor based on magnetic anomaly detection principal proposed in the paper has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, rapid response and it has shown great application potential in the field of intelligent robot.

Microstrip resonators for electron paramagnetic resonance experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torrezan, A. C.; Mayer Alegre, T. P.; Medeiros-Ribeiro, G.

2009-07-01

In this article we evaluate the performance of an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) setup using a microstrip resonator (MR). The design and characterization of the resonator are described and parameters of importance to EPR and spin manipulation are examined, including cavity quality factor, filling factor, and microwave magnetic field in the sample region. Simulated microwave electric and magnetic field distributions in the resonator are also presented and compared with qualitative measurements of the field distribution obtained by a perturbation technique. Based on EPR experiments carried out with a standard marker at room temperature and a MR resonating at 8.17 GHz, the minimum detectable number of spins was found to be 5×1010 spins/GHz1/2 despite the low MR unloaded quality factor Q0=60. The functionality of the EPR setup was further evaluated at low temperature, where the spin resonance of Cr dopants present in a GaAs wafer was detected at 2.3 K. The design and characterization of a more versatile MR targeting an improved EPR sensitivity and featuring an integrated biasing circuit for the study of samples that require an electrical contact are also discussed.

NUSTAR AND XMM-Newton Observations of the Neutron Star X-Ray Binary 1RXS J180408.9-34205

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ludlam, Renee; Miller, Jon M.; Cackett, Edward; Fabian, Andrew C.; Bachetti, Matteo; Parker, Michael; Tomsick, John; Barret, Didier; Natalucci, Lorenzo; Rana, Vikram; Harrison, Fiona

2016-04-01

We report on observations of the neutron star (NS) residing in the low-mass X-ray binary 1RXS J180408.9-34205 taken 2015 March by NuSTAR and XMM-Newton while the source was in the hard spectral state. We findmultiple reflection features (Fe Kα detected with NuSTAR N VII, O VII, and O VIII detected in the RGS) fromdifferent ionization zones. Through joint fits using the self consistent relativistic reflection model RELXILL,we determine the inner radius to be 6.6(+13.2,-0.6) Rg. We find the inclination of the system to be between 18-29 degrees.If the disk is truncated at a radius greater than the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO), then the position at which the inner disk terminates likely corresponds to the magnetospheric radius. For a spin parameter of a = 0, we estimate a conservative upper limit on the strength of the magnetic field to be B ≤ (0.9 - 3.0) × 109 G at the magnetic poles depending on the choice of conversion factor between spherical and disk accretion.

Membrane-based lateral flow immunochromatographic strip with nanoparticles as reporters for detection: A review.

PubMed

Huang, Xiaolin; Aguilar, Zoraida P; Xu, Hengyi; Lai, Weihua; Xiong, Yonghua

2016-01-15

Membrane-based lateral flow immunochromatographic strip (LFICS) is widely used in various fields because of its simplicity, rapidity (detection within 10min), and low cost. However, early designs of membrane-based LFICS for preliminary screening only provide qualitative ("yes/no" signal) or semi-quantitative results without quantitative information. These designs often suffer from low-signal intensity and poor sensitivity and are only capable of single analyte detection, not simultaneous multiple detections. The performance of existing techniques used for detection using LFICS has been considerably improved by incorporating different kinds of nanoparticles (NPs) as reporters. NPs can serve as alternative labels and improve analytical sensitivity or limit of detection of LFICS because of their unique properties, such as optical absorption, fluorescence spectra, and magnetic properties. The controlled manipulation of NPs allows simultaneous or multiple detections by using membrane-based LFICS. In this review, we discuss how colored (e.g., colloidal gold, carbon, and colloidal selenium NPs), luminescent (e.g., quantum dots, up-converting phosphor NPs, and dye-doped NPs), and magnetic NPs are integrated into membrane-based LFICS for the detection of target analytes. Gold NPs are also featured because of their wide applications. Different types and unique properties of NPs are briefly explained. This review focuses on examples of NP-based LFICS to illustrate novel concepts in various devices with potential applications as screening tools. This review also highlights the superiority of NP-based approaches over existing conventional strategies for clinical analysis, food safety, and environmental monitoring. This paper is concluded by a short section on future research trends regarding NP-based LFICS. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Correlation between Clinical Features and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Lumbar Disc Prolapse.

PubMed

Thapa, S S; Lakhey, R B; Sharma, P; Pokhrel, R K

2016-05-01

Magnetic resonance imaging is routinely done for diagnosis of lumbar disc prolapse. Many abnormalities of disc are observed even in asymptomatic patient.This study was conducted tocorrelate these abnormalities observed on Magnetic resonance imaging and clinical features of lumbar disc prolapse. A This prospective analytical study includes 57 cases of lumbar disc prolapse presenting to Department of Orthopedics, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital from March 2011 to August 2012. All patientshad Magnetic resonance imaging of lumbar spine and the findings regarding type, level and position of lumbar disc prolapse, any neural canal or foraminal compromise was recorded. These imaging findings were then correlated with clinical signs and symptoms. Chi-square test was used to find out p-value for correlation between clinical features and Magnetic resonance imaging findings using SPSS 17.0. This study included 57 patients, with mean age 36.8 years. Of them 41(71.9%) patients had radicular leg pain along specific dermatome. Magnetic resonance imaging showed 104 lumbar disc prolapselevel. Disc prolapse at L4-L5 and L5-S1 level constituted 85.5%.Magnetic resonance imaging findings of neural foramina compromise and nerve root compression were fairly correlated withclinical findings of radicular pain and neurological deficit. Clinical features and Magnetic resonance imaging findings of lumbar discprolasehad faircorrelation, but all imaging abnormalities do not have a clinical significance.

Partial spin absorption induced magnetization switching and its voltage-assisted improvement in an asymmetrical all spin logic device at the mesoscopic scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yue; Zhang, Zhizhong; Wang, Lezhi; Nan, Jiang; Zheng, Zhenyi; Li, Xiang; Wong, Kin; Wang, Yu; Klein, Jacques-Olivier; Khalili Amiri, Pedram; Zhang, Youguang; Wang, Kang L.; Zhao, Weisheng

2017-07-01

Beyond memory and storage, future logic applications put forward higher requirements for electronic devices. All spin logic devices (ASLDs) have drawn exceptional interest as they utilize pure spin current instead of charge current, which could promise ultra-low power consumption. However, relatively low efficiencies of spin injection, transport, and detection actually impede high-speed magnetization switching and challenge perspectives of ASLD. In this work, we study partial spin absorption induced magnetization switching in asymmetrical ASLD at the mesoscopic scale, in which the injector and detector have the nano-fabrication compatible device size (>100 nm) and their contact areas are different. The enlarged contact area of the detector is conducive to the spin current absorption, and the contact resistance difference between the injector and the detector can decrease the spin current backflow. Rigorous spin circuit modeling and micromagnetic simulations have been carried out to analyze the electrical and magnetic features. The results show that, at the fabrication-oriented technology scale, the ferromagnetic layer can hardly be switched by geometrically partial spin current absorption. The voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) effect has been applied on the detector to accelerate the magnetization switching by modulating magnetic anisotropy of the ferromagnetic layer. With a relatively high VCMA coefficient measured experimentally, a voltage of 1.68 V can assist the whole magnetization switching within 2.8 ns. This analysis and improving approach will be of significance for future low-power, high-speed logic applications.

Investigating the Causal Role of rOFA in Holistic Detection of Mooney Faces and Objects: An fMRI-guided TMS Study.

PubMed

Bona, Silvia; Cattaneo, Zaira; Silvanto, Juha

2016-01-01

The right occipital face area (rOFA) is known to be involved in face discrimination based on local featural information. Whether this region is also involved in global, holistic stimulus processing is not known. We used fMRI-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to investigate whether rOFA is causally implicated in stimulus detection based on holistic processing, by the use of Mooney stimuli. Two studies were carried out: In Experiment 1, participants performed a detection task involving Mooney faces and Mooney objects; Mooney stimuli lack distinguishable local features and can be detected solely via holistic processing (i.e. at a global level) with top-down guidance from previously stored representations. Experiment 2 required participants to detect shapes which are recognized via bottom-up integration of local (collinear) Gabor elements and was performed to control for specificity of rOFA's implication in holistic detection. In Experiment 1, TMS over rOFA and rLO impaired detection of all stimulus categories, with no category-specific effect. In Experiment 2, shape detection was impaired when TMS was applied over rLO but not over rOFA. Our results demonstrate that rOFA is causally implicated in the type of top-down holistic detection required by Mooney stimuli and that such role is not face-selective. In contrast, rOFA does not appear to play a causal role in detection of shapes based on bottom-up integration of local components, demonstrating that its involvement in processing non-face stimuli is specific for holistic processing. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Integrated microchip incorporating atomic magnetometer and microfluidic channel for NMR and MRI

DOEpatents

Ledbetter, Micah P [Oakland, CA; Savukov, Igor M [Los Alamos, NM; Budker, Dmitry [El Cerrito, CA; Shah, Vishal K [Plainsboro, NJ; Knappe, Svenja [Boulder, CO; Kitching, John [Boulder, CO; Michalak, David J [Berkeley, CA; Xu, Shoujun [Houston, TX; Pines, Alexander [Berkeley, CA

2011-08-09

An integral microfluidic device includes an alkali vapor cell and microfluidic channel, which can be used to detect magnetism for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Small magnetic fields in the vicinity of the vapor cell can be measured by optically polarizing and probing the spin precession in the small magnetic field. This can then be used to detect the magnetic field of in encoded analyte in the adjacent microfluidic channel. The magnetism in the microfluidic channel can be modulated by applying an appropriate series of radio or audio frequency pulses upstream from the microfluidic chip (the remote detection modality) to yield a sensitive means of detecting NMR and MRI.

Research for Key Techniques of Geophysical Recognition System of Hydrocarbon-induced Magnetic Anomalies Based on Hydrocarbon Seepage Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, L.; Hao, T.; Zhao, B.

2009-12-01

Hydrocarbon seepage effects can cause magnetic alteration zones in near surface, and the magnetic anomalies induced by the alteration zones can thus be used to locate oil-gas potential regions. In order to reduce the inaccuracy and multi-resolution of the hydrocarbon anomalies recognized only by magnetic data, and to meet the requirement of integrated management and sythetic analysis of multi-source geoscientfic data, it is necessary to construct a recognition system that integrates the functions of data management, real-time processing, synthetic evaluation, and geologic mapping. In this paper research for the key techniques of the system is discussed. Image processing methods can be applied to potential field images so as to make it easier for visual interpretation and geological understanding. For gravity or magnetic images, the anomalies with identical frequency-domain characteristics but different spatial distribution will reflect differently in texture and relevant textural statistics. Texture is a description of structural arrangements and spatial variation of a dataset or an image, and has been applied in many research fields. Textural analysis is a procedure that extracts textural features by image processing methods and thus obtains a quantitative or qualitative description of texture. When the two kinds of anomalies have no distinct difference in amplitude or overlap in frequency spectrum, they may be distinguishable due to their texture, which can be considered as textural contrast. Therefore, for the recognition system we propose a new “magnetic spots” recognition method based on image processing techniques. The method can be divided into 3 major steps: firstly, separate local anomalies caused by shallow, relatively small sources from the total magnetic field, and then pre-process the local magnetic anomaly data by image processing methods such that magnetic anomalies can be expressed as points, lines and polygons with spatial correlation, which includes histogram-equalization based image display, object recognition and extraction; then, mine the spatial characteristics and correlations of the magnetic anomalies using textural statistics and analysis, and study the features of known anomalous objects (closures, hydrocarbon-bearing structures, igneous rocks, etc.) in the same research area; finally, classify the anomalies, cluster them according to their similarity, and predict hydrocarbon induced “magnetic spots” combined with geologic, drilling and rock core data. The system uses the ArcGIS as the secondary development platform, inherits the basic functions of the ArcGIS, and develops two main sepecial functional modules, the module for conventional potential-field data processing methods and the module for feature extraction and enhancement based on image processing and analysis techniques. The system can be applied to realize the geophysical detection and recognition of near-surface hydrocarbon seepage anomalies, provide technical support for locating oil-gas potential regions, and promote geophysical data processing and interpretation to advance more efficiently.

[Evaluation of three dimensional orthodontic force produced by magnet of fix appliance].

PubMed

Dai, Xin; Hou, Zhi-ming; Yao, Ge; Wen, Jing-long

2008-12-01

To analyze the feature and magnitude of three dimensional orthodontic force produced by the magnet of fix appliance. Forces detected by universal fatigue test system included the attractive and repulsive,the inclined and rotated orthodontic forces of two magnets in different air gaps, and the integrated inclined and rotated orthodontic forces of two magnets and NiTi wire. The attractive and repulsive forces of two magnets were 4.68 to 0.45 N and 3.00 to 0.40 N respectively in the air gaps of 0 to 5 mm. The inclined orthodontic forces were 1.54 to 1.67 N, 0.63 to 0.69 N, 0.47 to 0.54 N when the magnets were vertically inclined 10 degrees to 40 degrees in the air gaps of 0, 1, 2mm. The rotated orthodontic forces were 0.97 to 1.32 N, 0.53 to 0.59 N, 0.39 to 0.48 N when the magnets were horizontally rotated 10 degrees to 40 degrees in the air gaps of 0, 1, 2mm. The integrated orthodontic force of two magnets and 0.014-inch NiTi wire was 0.32 to 0.5 N when the magnets was vertically inclined 10 degrees to 40 degrees in the air gap of 4 mm. The integrated orthodontic force of two magnets and 0.012-inch NiTi wire was 0.32 to 0.39 N when the magnets were horizontally rotated 10 degrees to 40 degrees in the air gap of 3 mm. Magnets made into orthodontic brackets to some extent could replace the mechanical orthodontic force produced by orthodontic wires and elastics.

Electrochemical genosensing of Salmonella, Listeria and Escherichia coli on silica magnetic particles.

PubMed

Liébana, Susana; Brandão, Delfina; Cortés, Pilar; Campoy, Susana; Alegret, Salvador; Pividori, María Isabel

2016-01-21

A magneto-genosensing approach for the detection of the three most common pathogenic bacteria in food safety, such as Salmonella, Listeria and Escherichia coli is presented. The methodology is based on the detection of the tagged amplified DNA obtained by single-tagging PCR with a set of specific primers for each pathogen, followed by electrochemical magneto-genosensing on silica magnetic particles. A set of primers were selected for the amplification of the invA (278 bp), prfA (217 bp) and eaeA (151 bp) being one of the primers for each set tagged with fluorescein, biotin and digoxigenin coding for Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes and E. coli, respectively. The single-tagged amplicons were then immobilized on silica MPs based on the nucleic acid-binding properties of silica particles in the presence of the chaotropic agent as guanidinium thiocyanate. The assessment of the silica MPs as a platform for electrochemical magneto-genosensing is described, including the main parameters to selectively attach longer dsDNA fragments instead of shorter ssDNA primers based on their negative charge density of the sugar-phosphate backbone. This approach resulted to be a promising detection tool with sensing features of rapidity and sensitivity very suitable to be implemented on DNA biosensors and microfluidic platforms. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spinal dysraphism

PubMed Central

Venkataramana, N. K.

2011-01-01

To review the clinical features and current understanding of spina bifida with an emphasis on the Indian Scenario. Selected articles and current English language texts were reviewed. The authors experience was also reviewed and analysed. Spina bifida is a common congenital anomaly encompassing a wide spectrum of neural tube defects.It is broadly classified as spina bifida aperta and occulta. With the prenatal screening, the incidence of aperta is gradually declining, whereas the detection of occulta has increased with the advent of magnetic resonance imaging. Over the years, the understanding of pathophysiology has made a significant changein the management of these anomalies. Early detection and complete correction can significantly reduce the neurological disability. This article is an overview of spina bifida with a special emphasis on Indian scenario. PMID:22069428

Detecting endotoxin with a flow cytometry-based magnetic aptasensor.

PubMed

Zuo, Ming-Yan; Chen, Li-Juan; Jiang, Hao; Tan, Lin; Luo, Zhao-Feng; Wang, Yan-Mei

2014-12-01

Endotoxin, which is also known as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), is a marker for intruding gram-negative pathogens. It is essential to detect endotoxin quickly and sensitively in a complex milieu. A new flow cytometry (FCM)-based magnetic aptasensor assay that employs two endotoxin-binding aptamers and magnetic beads has been developed to detect endotoxin. The endotoxin-conjugated sandwich complex on magnetic beads was observed by scanning confocal laser microscopy. The resulting magnetic aptasensor rapidly detected (<1 min) endotoxin within a broad dynamic detection range of 10(-8) to 10(0)mg/ml in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA), RNA, sucrose, and glucose, which are most likely to coexist with endotoxin in the majority of biological liquids. Only 2 μl of magnetic aptasensor was required to quantify the endotoxin solution. Furthermore, the magnetic aptasensor could be regenerated seven times and still presented an outstanding response to the endotoxin solution. Therefore, the magnetic aptasensor exhibited high sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility, thereby serving as a powerful tool for the quality control and high-throughput detection of endotoxin in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lens-free imaging of magnetic particles in DNA assays.

PubMed

Colle, Frederik; Vercruysse, Dries; Peeters, Sara; Liu, Chengxun; Stakenborg, Tim; Lagae, Liesbet; Del-Favero, Jurgen

2013-11-07

We present a novel opto-magnetic system for the fast and sensitive detection of nucleic acids. The system is based on a lens-free imaging approach resulting in a compact and cheap optical readout of surface hybridized DNA fragments. In our system magnetic particles are attracted towards the detection surface thereby completing the labeling step in less than 1 min. An optimized surface functionalization combined with magnetic manipulation was used to remove all nonspecifically bound magnetic particles from the detection surface. A lens-free image of the specifically bound magnetic particles on the detection surface was recorded by a CMOS imager. This recorded interference pattern was reconstructed in software, to represent the particle image at the focal distance, using little computational power. As a result we were able to detect DNA concentrations down to 10 pM with single particle sensitivity. The possibility of integrated sample preparation by manipulation of magnetic particles, combined with the cheap and highly compact lens-free detection makes our system an ideal candidate for point-of-care diagnostic applications.

Delayed diagnosis of Gorlin syndrome: Learning from mistakes!

PubMed

Ramanathan, Subramaniyan; Kumar, Devendra; Al Heidous, Mahmoud; Palaniappan, Yegu

2015-01-01

Gorlin syndrome (GS) is a rare inherited multisystem disorder with predisposition to basal cell carcinomas and various other neoplasms. Characteristic features include falx calcification, multiple odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs), early onset medulloblastoma, craniofacial and skeletal malformations, cardiac and ovarian fibroma. We present a case of GS in a 9-year-old girl with recurrent dental infections which was overlooked for 8 years. Diagnosis was finally suggested by the incidental detection of multiple OKCs and ovarian fibromas on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging performed for surveillance of previous operated brain tumor.

Correlates of figure-ground segregation in fMRI.

PubMed

Skiera, G; Petersen, D; Skalej, M; Fahle, M

2000-01-01

We investigated which correlates of figure-ground-segregation can be detected by means of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Five subjects were scanned with a Siemens Vision 1.5 T system. Motion, colour, and luminance-defined checkerboards were presented with alternating control conditions containing one of the two features of the checkerboard. We find a segregation-specific activation in V1 for all subjects and all stimuli and conclude that neural mechanisms exist as early as in the primary visual cortex that are sensitive to figure-ground segregation.

Rapid detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 using tunneling magnetoresistance biosensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yuanzhao; Liu, Yiwei; Zhan, Qingfeng; Liu, J. Ping; Li, Run-Wei

2017-05-01

A rapid method for the sensitive detection of bacteria using magnetic immunoassay, which are measured with a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor, is described. For the measurement of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) bacteria, the target was labeled by magnetic beads through magnetic immunoassay. The magnetic beads produce a weak magnetic fringe field when external field is applied, thus induce the magnetoresistance change of TMR sensor. A detection limit of 100 CFU/mL E. coli O157:H7 bacteria in 5 hours was obtained. With its high sensitive and rapid detection scheme based on the TMR biosensor, the detection system is an excellent candidate suitable and promising for food safety and biomedical detection.

Detection Techniques for Biomolecules using Semi-Conductor Nanocrystals and Magnetic Beads as Labels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatterjee, Esha

Continued interest in the development of miniaturized and portable analytical platforms necessitates the exploration of sensitive methods for the detection of trace analytes. Nanomaterials, on account of their unique physical and chemical properties, are not only able to overcome many limitations of traditional detection reagents but also enable the exploration of many new signal transduction technologies. This dissertation presents a series of investigations of alternative detection techniques for biomolecules, involving the use of semi-conductor nanocrystals and magnetic beads as labels. Initial research focused on the development of quantum dot-encapsulating liposomes as a novel fluorescent label for immunoassays. This hybrid nanomaterial was anticipated to overcome the drawbacks presented by traditional fluorophores as well as provide significant signal amplification. Quantum dot-encapsulating liposomes were synthesized by the method of thin film hydration and characterized. The utility of these composite nanostructures for bioanalysis was demonstrated. However, the longterm instability of the liposomes hampered quantitative development. A second approach for assay development exploited the ability of gold nanoparticles to quench the optical signals obtained from quantum dots. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of using aptamer-linked nanostructures in FRET-based quenching for the detection of proteins. Thrombin was used as the model analyte in this study. Experimental parameters for the assay were optimized. The assay simply required the mixing of the sample with the reagents and could be completed in less than an hour. The limit of detection for thrombin by this method was 5 nM. This homogeneous assay can be easily adapted for the detection of a wide variety of biochemicals. The novel technique of ferromagnetic resonance generated in magnetic bead labels was explored for signal transduction. This inductive detection technique lends itself to miniaturization, is capable of mass production and is inexpensive to fabricate. The device consisted of a microwave circuit in which a slotline and a coplanar waveguide were integrated with a biochemically activated sensor area. The magnetic beads were immobilized at the sensor area by bio-specific reactions. Experiments conducted on this prototype show promising results for using ferromagnetic resonance -based detection of magnetic labels for fabrication of portable and inexpensive sensor devices. The next stage of work addresses the issue of patterning of sensing surfaces with biomolecules. The ability to selectively immobilize biomolecules on surfaces has far-reaching applications, including sensor development. A simple and widely applicable method for the photopatterning of chitosan films with biotin was presented. Chitosan is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer. The proposed method was capable of forming spatially defined biotin features on the order of tens of microns, together with a significant reduction of non-specific protein binding and increase in hydrophilicity of the sensor surface. The entire patterning process, inclusive of the blocking step, could be completed in under an hour. This straightforward method for the selective patterning of the biocompatible polymer chitosan is expected to be widely useful in the field of bioanalysis.

Self-authentication of value documents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayosh, Thomas D.

1998-04-01

To prevent fraud it is critical to distinguish an authentic document from a counterfeit or altered document. Most current technologies rely on difficult-to-print human detectable features which are added to a document to prevent illegal reproduction. Fraud detection is mostly accomplished by human observation and is based upon the examiner's knowledge, experience and time allotted for examination of a document. Another approach to increasing the security of a value document is to add a unique property to each document. Data about that property is then encoded on the document itself and finally secured using a public key based digital signature. In such a scheme, machine readability of authenticity is possible. This paper describes a patent-applied-for methodology using the unique property of magnetic ink printing, magnetic remanence, that provides for full self- authentication when used with a recordable magnetic stripe for storing a digital signature and other document data. Traditionally the authenticity of a document is determined by physical examination for color, background printing, paper texture, printing resolution, and ink characteristics. On an initial level, there may be numerous security features present on a value document but only a few can be detected and evaluated by the untrained individual. Because security features are normally not standardized except on currency, training tellers and cashiers to do extensive security evaluation is not practical, even though these people are often the only people who get a chance to closely examine the document in a payment system which is back-end automated. In the context of this paper, one should be thinking about value documents such as commercial and personal checks although the concepts presented here can easily be applied to travelers cheques, credit cards, event tickets, passports, driver's licenses, motor vehicle titles, and even currency. For a practical self-authentication system, the false alarms should be less than 1% on the first read pass. Causes of false alarms could be the lack of robustness of the taggant discrimination algorithm, excessive document skew as it is being read, or errors in reading the recordable stripe. The false alarm rate is readily tested by reading the magnetic tags and digitally signing documents in one reader and performing authentication in at least two other reading devices. When reading the same check in the same reader where signed, the error metric is typically in the range of 0.0600. When comparing different checks in different readers, the error metric generally reports values in the range of 0.3930. It is clear from tests to date that the taggant patterns are randomly different for checks even when printed serially one after another using the same printing process. Testing results to date on the robustness of the taggant comparison and discrimination algorithms indicate that it is probable that low false alarms and very low false accept rates will be achieved.

Magnetic Properties of Submarine and Subaerial Basaltic Glass From the Emperor Seamounts (ODP Leg 197)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smirnov, A. V.; Tarduno, J. A.

2002-12-01

To evaluate the magnetic properties of submarine and subaerial basaltic glass recovered by drilling during ODP Leg 197 at Detroit Seamount (ODP Site 1203) and Koko Seamount (ODP Site 1206) we have conducted a series of rock magnetic measurements and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. These glass samples have very low natural remanent magnetizations (NRM < 50 nAm2/g) and their magnetic hysteresis properties are dominated by paramagnetism. After correction for the large paramagnetic signal, samples which show a ferromagnetic component have pseudo-single domain behavior, implying magnetic grain sizes larger than those reported for Holocene glasses. Transmission electron microscopy confirms a very low concentration of crystalline inclusions in the glass. A striking feature often observed during the TEM analyses is the partial (or complete) melting of samples by the electron beam and the apparent formation of new crystalline particles. Thellier experiments on submarine basaltic glass (SBG) show a rapid acquisition of thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) with respect to NRM demagnetization which, taken at face value, implies magnetization in a very weak (<17 μT) ambient field. Yet monitoring of magnetic hysteresis properties during the Thellier experiments (on splits used for paleointensity determinations) indicates a systematic variation in values over the same temperature range where rapid TRM acquisition is observed. We suggest that the experimental data can be explained by the partial melting and neocrystallization of magnetic grains in our SBG samples during the thermal treatments required by the Thellier method, resulting in paleointensity values biased to low values. Magnetic hysteresis monitoring may provide a straight-forward means of detecting partial melting during Thellier experiments.

Multiscale Magnetic Underdense Regions on the Solar Surface: Granular and Mesogranular Scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berrilli, F.; Scardigli, S.; Giordano, S.

2013-02-01

The Sun is a non-equilibrium, dissipative system subject to an energy flow that originates in its core. Convective overshooting motions create temperature and velocity structures that show a temporal and spatial multiscale evolution. As a result, photospheric structures are generally considered to be a direct manifestation of convective plasma motions. The plasma flows in the photosphere govern the motion of single magnetic elements. These elements are arranged in typical patterns, which are observed as a variety of multiscale magnetic patterns. High-resolution magnetograms of the quiet solar surface revealed the presence of multiscale magnetic underdense regions in the solar photosphere, commonly called voids, which may be considered to be a signature of the underlying convective structure. The analysis of such patterns paves the way for the investigation of all turbulent convective scales, from granular to global. In order to address the question of magnetic structures driven by turbulent convection at granular and mesogranular scales, we used a voids-detection method. The computed distribution of void length scales shows an exponential behavior at scales between 2 and 10 Mm and the absence of features at mesogranular scales. The absence of preferred scales of organization in the 2 - 10 Mm range supports the multiscale nature of flows on the solar surface and the absence of a mesogranular convective scale.

Measurement of metallic contaminants in food with a high-Tc SQUID

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Saburo; Natsume, Miyuki; Uchida, Masashi; Hotta, Naoki; Matsuda, Takemasa; Spanut, Zarina A.; Hatsukade, Yoshimi

2004-04-01

We have proposed and demonstrated a high-Tc SQUID system for detecting metallic contaminants in foodstuffs. There is a demand for the development of systems for detecting not only magnetic materials but also non-magnetic materials such as Cu and aluminium in foodstuffs to ensure food safety. The system consists of a SQUID magnetometer, an excitation coil and a permanent magnet. For a non-magnetic sample, an AC magnetic field is applied during detection to induce an eddy current in the sample. For a magnetizable sample, a strong magnetic field is applied to the sample prior to the detection attempt. We were able to detect a stainless steel ball with a diameter of 0.1 mm and a Cu ball less than 1 mm in diameter, for example.

A magnetoelectric flux gate: new approach for weak DC magnetic field detection.

PubMed

Chu, Zhaoqiang; Shi, Huaduo; PourhosseiniAsl, Mohammad Javad; Wu, Jingen; Shi, Weiliang; Gao, Xiangyu; Yuan, Xiaoting; Dong, Shuxiang

2017-08-17

The magnetic flux gate sensors based on Faraday's Law of Induction are widely used for DC or extremely low frequency magnetic field detection. Recently, as the fast development of multiferroics and magnetoelectric (ME) composite materials, a new technology based on ME coupling effect is emerging for potential devices application. Here, we report a magnetoelectric flux gate sensor (MEFGS) for weak DC magnetic field detection for the first time, which works on a similar magnetic flux gate principle, but based on ME coupling effect. The proposed MEFGS has a shuttle-shaped configuration made of amorphous FeBSi alloy (Metglas) serving as both magnetic and magnetostrictive cores for producing a closed-loop high-frequency magnetic flux and also a longitudinal vibration, and one pair of embedded piezoelectric PMN-PT fibers ([011]-oriented Pb(Mg,Nb)O 3 -PbTiO 3 single crystal) serving as ME flux gate in a differential mode for detecting magnetic anomaly. In this way, the relative change in output signal of the MEFGS under an applied DC magnetic anomaly of 1 nT was greatly enhanced by a factor of 4 to 5 in comparison with the previous reports. The proposed ME flux gate shows a great potential for magnetic anomaly detections, such as magnetic navigation, magnetic based medical diagnosis, etc.

Large-scale solar magnetic fields and H-alpha patterns

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcintosh, P. S.

1972-01-01

Coronal and interplanetary magnetic fields computed from measurements of large-scale photospheric magnetic fields suffer from interruptions in day-to-day observations and the limitation of using only measurements made near the solar central meridian. Procedures were devised for inferring the lines of polarity reversal from H-alpha solar patrol photographs that map the same large-scale features found on Mt. Wilson magnetograms. These features may be monitored without interruption by combining observations from the global network of observatories associated with NOAA's Space Environment Services Center. The patterns of inferred magnetic fields may be followed accurately as far as 60 deg from central meridian. Such patterns will be used to improve predictions of coronal features during the next solar eclipse.

Magnetic and electronic properties of Nd--La and Ce--La alloys

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

Petersen, T.S.

1979-05-01

The electrical resistivity, thermoelectric power and magnetic susceptibility on Nd single crystals and polycrystalline dhcp Nd--La and Ce--La alloys have been measured at low temperatures. The measurements on the Nd--La alloys show features at the Neel temperatures and also show additional magnetic ordering phenomena. Some of these other features are dependent on the thermal history of the sample. Magnetic field studies are needed to correlate these features with observed neutron diffraction effects. Several magnetic features are seen in the Ce--La alloy system also, although the measurements are plagued with the problem of fcc contamination. In addition, alloys containing Ce showmore » Kondo effects. The logarithmic term in the resistivity is explained well by the theory of Liu et al. which uses a mean field to approximate the 4f-4f interactions in the nondilute alloys. The large peak in the thermopower of Ce--La alloys is explained well by the theory of Bhattacharjee and Coqblin which incorporates Kondo scattering from excited crystal field levels.« less

Impact of iron-site defects on superconductivity in LiFeAs

DOE PAGES

Chi, Shun; Aluru, Ramakrishna; Singh, Udai Raj; ...

2016-10-19

In conventional s -wave superconductors, only magnetic impurities exhibit impurity bound states, whereas for an s ± order parameter they can occur for both magnetic and nonmagnetic impurities. Impurity bound states in superconductors can thus provide important insight into the order parameter. We present a combined experimental and theoretical study of native and engineered iron-site defects in LiFeAs. A detailed comparison of tunneling spectra measured on impurities with spin-fluctuation theory reveals a continuous evolution from negligible impurity-bound-state features for weaker scattering potential to clearly detectable states for somewhat stronger scattering potentials. Furthermore, all bound states for these intermediate strengthmore » potentials are pinned at or close to the gap edge of the smaller gap, a phenomenon that we explain and ascribe to multiorbital physics.« less

A Magnetoresistive Tactile Sensor for Harsh Environment Applications

PubMed Central

Alfadhel, Ahmed; Khan, Mohammed Asadullah; Cardoso, Susana; Leitao, Diana; Kosel, Jürgen

2016-01-01

A magnetoresistive tactile sensor is reported, which is capable of working in high temperatures up to 140 °C. Hair-like bioinspired structures, known as cilia, made out of permanent magnetic nanocomposite material on top of spin-valve giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensors are used for tactile sensing at high temperatures. The magnetic nanocomposite, consisting of iron nanowires incorporated into the polymer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), is very flexible, biocompatible, has high remanence, and is also resilient to antagonistic sensing ambient. When the cilia come in contact with a surface, they deflect in compliance with the surface topology. This yields a change of the GMR sensor signal, enabling the detection of extremely fine features. The spin-valve is covered with a passivation layer, which enables adequate performance in spite of harsh environmental conditions, as demonstrated in this paper for high temperature. PMID:27164113

The metal-insulator transition in a phase-separated manganite studied by in situ STS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snijders, P. C.; Gao, M.; Guo, H.; Ward, T. Z.; Gao, H.-J.; Shen, J.; Gai, Z.

2012-02-01

Electronic phase separation (EPS) is a key feature at the heart of the wide variety of electronic and magnetic properties in complex oxides. One consequence of EPS is that electronic transport experiments in bulk materials or 2D films mostly probe the low resistivity electronic phases due to the percolative path of the current. We study oxygen deficient La5/8-xPrxCa3/8M nO3 (LPCMO) thin films using both in situ scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) and ex situ transport experiments. The oxygen deficiency is known to decrease the metal-insulator transition (MIT) temperature or even completely suppress the MIT in conventional transport experiments. We show that in situ STS is able to detect the MIT even in systems where conventional transport experiments do not show an MIT at zero magnetic field.

Broadband Spectroscopy Using Two Suzaku Observations of the HMXB GX 301-2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suchy, Slawomir; Fürst, Felix; Pottschmidt, Katja; Caballero, Isabel; Kreykenbohm, Ingo; Wilms, Jörn; Markowitz, Alex; Rothschild, Richard E.

2012-02-01

We present the analysis of two Suzaku observations of GX 301-2 at two orbital phases after the periastron passage. Variations in the column density of the line-of-sight absorber are observed, consistent with accretion from a clumpy wind. In addition to a cyclotron resonance scattering feature (CRSF), multiple fluorescence emission lines were detected in both observations. The variations in the pulse profiles and the CRSF throughout the pulse phase have a signature of a magnetic dipole field. Using a simple dipole model we calculated the expected magnetic field values for different pulse phases and were able to extract a set of geometrical angles, loosely constraining the dipole geometry in the neutron star. From the variation of the CRSF width and energy, we found a geometrical solution for the dipole, making the inclination consistent with previously published values.

Spatial association analysis between hydrocarbon fields and sedimentary residual magnetic anomalies using Weights of Evidence: An example from the Triassic Province of Algeria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allek, Karim; Boubaya, Djamel; Bouguern, Abderrahmane; Hamoudi, Mohamed

2016-12-01

The presence of near-surface magnetic anomalies over oil and gas accumulations and their contribution to exploration remain somewhat controversial despite encouraging results and an improved understanding of genetic links between hydrocarbon seepage-induced alterations and near-surface magnetic minerals. This controversy is likely to remain since the cause of shallow-sourced sedimentary magnetic anomalies may well be microseepage related, but could also result from other sources such as cultural features and detrital magnetite. The definite way of discriminating between them remains a challenge. In this paper we examine means to deal with this particular purpose using a Bayesian technique known as 'Weights-of-Evidence'. The technique is implemented in GIS to explore spatial associations between known hydrocarbon fields within the central Triassic province of Algeria and sedimentary residual magnetic anomalies. We use the results to show possible application of the method to the recognition of some characteristics (amplitude and width) of anomalies assumed to be induced by hydrocarbon microseepages. Our results reveal strong spatial association with certain typical class of anomalies, confirming therefore hypothesis that hydrocarbon microseepages may result in detectable magnetic anomalies. It is possible to use the anomalies occurring outside the known gas and oil fields to make informed decisions in the selection of new targets for more detailed hydrocarbon exploration.

Turbulent Magnetic Relaxation in Pulsar Wind Nebulae

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

Zrake, Jonathan; Arons, Jonathan

We present a model for magnetic energy dissipation in a pulsar wind nebula. A better understanding of this process is required to assess the likelihood that certain astrophysical transients may be powered by the spin-down of a “millisecond magnetar.” Examples include superluminous supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, and anticipated electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave detections of binary neutron star coalescence. Our model leverages recent progress in the theory of turbulent magnetic relaxation to specify a dissipative closure of the stationary magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) wind equations, yielding predictions of the magnetic energy dissipation rate throughout the nebula. Synchrotron losses are self-consistently treated. To demonstratemore » the model’s efficacy, we show that it can reproduce many features of the Crab Nebula, including its expansion speed, radiative efficiency, peak photon energy, and mean magnetic field strength. Unlike ideal MHD models of the Crab (which lead to the so-called σ -problem), our model accounts for the transition from ultra to weakly magnetized plasma flow and for the associated heating of relativistic electrons. We discuss how the predicted heating rates may be utilized to improve upon models of particle transport and acceleration in pulsar wind nebulae. We also discuss implications for the Crab Nebula’s γ -ray flares, and point out potential modifications to models of astrophysical transients invoking the spin-down of a millisecond magnetar.« less

Ferrofluid patterns in a radial magnetic field: linear stability, nonlinear dynamics, and exact solutions.

PubMed

Oliveira, Rafael M; Miranda, José A; Leandro, Eduardo S G

2008-01-01

The response of a ferrofluid droplet to a radial magnetic field is investigated, when the droplet is confined in a Hele-Shaw cell. We study how the stability properties of the interface and the shape of the emerging patterns react to the action of the magnetic field. At early linear stages, it is found that the radial field is destabilizing and determines the growth of fingering structures at the interface. In the weakly nonlinear regime, we have verified that the magnetic field favors the formation of peaked patterned structures that tend to become sharper and sharper as the magnitude of the magnetic effects is increased. A more detailed account of the pattern morphology is provided by the determination of nontrivial exact stationary solutions for the problem with finite surface tension. These solutions are obtained analytically and reveal the development of interesting polygon-shaped and starfishlike patterns. For sufficiently large applied fields or magnetic susceptibilities, pinch-off phenomena are detected, tending to occur near the fingertips. We have found that the morphological features obtained from the exact solutions are consistent with our linear and weakly nonlinear predictions. By contrasting the exact solutions for ferrofluids under radial field with those obtained for rotating Hele-Shaw flows with ordinary nonmagnetic fluids, we deduce that they coincide in the limit of very small susceptibilities.

Electromagnetic Remote Sensing. Low Frequency Electromagnetics

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-01

biased superconducting point - contact quantum devices", J.Appl.Phys. 41, p.1572, 1970. [40] A.Yariv and H.Winsor, "Proposal for detection of magnetic ... magnetics , electromagnetic induc- tion, electrostatics) 2. Nondestructive testing (electromagnetic induction, neutron tomography, x-ray imaging) 3...Detection of submarines from aircraft or ships ( magnetics , electromagnetic induction) 4. Detection of land vehicles using buried sensors ( magnetics

Algorithm for Automatic Detection, Localization and Characterization of Magnetic Dipole Targets Using the Laser Scalar Gradiometer

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

TECHNICAL REPORT Algorithm for Automatic Detection, Localization and Characterization of Magnetic Dipole Targets Using the Laser Scalar...Automatic Detection, Localization and Characterization of Magnetic Dipole Targets Using the Laser Scalar Gradiometer Leon Vaizer, Jesse Angle, Neil...of Magnetic Dipole Targets Using LSG i June 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION

A delivery device for presentation of tactile stimuli during functional magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Dykes, Robert W; Miqueé, Aline; Xerri, Christian; Zennou-Azogui, Yoh'i; Rainville, Constant; Dumoulin, André; Marineau, Daniel

2007-01-30

We describe a novel stimulus delivery system designed to present tactile stimuli to a subject in the tunnel of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. Using energy from an air-driven piston to turn a wheel, the device advances a conveyor belt with a pre-determined sequence of stimuli that differ in their spatial features into the tunnel of the MRI. The positioning of one or several stimulus objects in a window near the subject's hand is controlled by a photoelectric device that detects periodic openings in the conveyor belt. Using this electric signal to position each presentation avoids cumulative positioning errors and provides a signal related to the progression of the experiment. We used a series of shapes that differed in their spatial features but the device could carry stimuli with a diversity of shapes and textures. This flexibility allows the experimenter to design a wide variety of psychophysical experiments in the haptic world and possibly to compare and contrast these stimuli with the cognitive treatment of similar stimuli delivered to the other senses. Appropriate experimental design allows separation of motor, sensory and memory storage phases of mental processes.

The Magnetic Field Toward the Young Planetary Nebula K 3-35

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gómez, Y.; Tafoya, D.; Anglada, G.; Miranda, L. F.; Torrelles, J. M.; Patel, N. A.; Hernández, R. Franco

2009-04-01

K 3-35 is a planetary nebula (PN) where H2O maser emission has been detected, suggesting that it departed from the proto-PNe phase only some decades ago. Interferometric VLA observations of the OH 18 cm transitions in K 3-35 are presented. OH maser emission is detected in all four ground state lines (1612, 1665, 1667, and 1720 MHz). All the masers appear blueshifted with respect to the systemic velocity of the nebula and have different spatial and kinematic distributions. The OH 1665 and 1720 MHz masers appear spatially coincident with the core of the nebula, while the OH 1612 and 1667 MHz ones exhibit a more extended distribution. We suggest that the 1665 and 1720 masers arise from a region close to the central star, possibly in a torus, while the 1612 and 1667 lines originate mainly from the extended northern lobe of the outflow. It is worth noting that the location and velocity of the OH 1720 MHz maser emission are very similar to those of the H2O masers (coinciding within 0farcs1 and ~ 2 km s-1, respectively). We suggest that the pumping mechanism in the H2O masers could be produced by the same shock that is exciting the OH 1720 MHz transition. A high degree of circular polarization (> 50%) was found to be present in some features of the 1612, 1665, and 1720 MHz emission. For the 1665 MHz transition at ~ +18 km s-1 the emission with left and right circular polarizations (LCP and RCP) coincide spatially within a region of ~ 0farcs03 in diameter. Assuming that these RCP and LCP 1665 features come from a Zeeman pair, we estimate a magnetic field of ~ 0.9 mG within 150 AU from the 1.3 cm continuum peak. This value is in agreement with a solar-type magnetic field associated with evolved stars.

Permanent-Magnet Meissner Bearing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robertson, Glen A.

1994-01-01

Permanent-magnet meissner bearing features inherently stable, self-centering conical configuration. Bearing made stiffer or less stiff by selection of magnets, springs, and spring adjustments. Cylindrical permanent magnets with axial magnetization stacked coaxially on rotor with alternating polarity. Typically, rare-earth magnets used. Magnets machined and fitted together to form conical outer surface.

TIME STRUCTURE OF GAMMA-RAY SIGNALS GENERATED IN LINE-OF-SIGHT INTERACTIONS OF COSMIC RAYS FROM DISTANT BLAZARS

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

Prosekin, Anton; Aharonian, Felix; Essey, Warren

2012-10-01

Blazars are expected to produce both gamma rays and cosmic rays. Therefore, observed high-energy gamma rays from distant blazars may contain a significant contribution from secondary gamma rays produced along the line of sight by the interactions of cosmic-ray protons with background photons. Unlike the standard models of blazars that consider only the primary photons emitted at the source, models that include the cosmic-ray contribution predict that even {approx}10 TeV photons should be detectable from distant objects with redshifts as high as z {>=} 0.1. Secondary photons contribute to signals of point sources only if the intergalactic magnetic fields aremore » very small, B {approx}< 10{sup -14} G, and their detection can be used to set upper bounds on magnetic fields along the line of sight. Secondary gamma rays have distinct spectral and temporal features. We explore the temporal properties of such signals using a semi-analytical formalism and detailed numerical simulations, which account for all the relevant processes, including magnetic deflections. In particular, we elucidate the interplay of time delays coming from the proton deflections and from the electromagnetic cascade, and we find that, at multi-TeV energies, secondary gamma rays can show variability on timescales of years for B {approx} 10{sup -15} G.« less

Observation and excitation of magnetohydrodynamic waves in numerical models of Earth's core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teed, R.; Hori, K.; Tobias, S.; Jones, C. A.

2017-12-01

Several types of magnetohydrodynamic waves are theorised to operate in Earth's outer core but their detection is limited by the inability to probe the fluid core directly. Secular variation data and periodic changes in Earth's length-of-day provide evidence for the possible existence of waves. Numerical simulations of core dynamics enable us to search directly for waves and determine their properties. With this information it is possible to consider whether they can be the origin of features observed in observational data. We focus on two types of wave identified in our numerical experiments: i) torsional waves and ii) slow magnetic Rossby waves. Our models display periodic, Earth-like torsional waves that travel outwards from the tangent cylinder circumscribing the inner core. We discuss the properties of these waves and their similarites to observational data. Excitation is via a matching of the Alfvén frequency with that of small modes of convection focused at the tangent cylinder. The slow magnetic Rossby waves observed in our simulations show that these waves may account for some geomagnetic westward drifts observed at mid-latitudes. We present analysis showing excitation of waves by the convective instability and we discuss how the detection of these waves could also provide an estimate of the strength of the toroidal component of the magnetic field within the planetary fluid core.

Cusp and LLBL as Sources of the Isolated Dayside Auroral Feature During Northward IMF

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, S.; Gallagher, D. L.; Spann, J. F., Jr.; Mende, S.; Greenwald, R.; Newell, P. T.

2004-01-01

An intense dayside proton aurora was observed by IMAGE FUV for an extensive period of northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) on 17 and 18 September, 2000. This aurora partially coincided with the auroral oval and intruded farther poleward into the polar cap, and it showed longitudinal motions in response to IMF $B-y$ variation. Intense magnetosheath-like electron and ion precipitations have been simultaneously detected by DMSP above the poleward portion of the high-latitude dayside aurora. They resemble the typical plasmas observed in the low-altitude cusp. However, less intense electrons and more intense energetic ions were detected over the equatorward part of the aurora. These plasmas are closer to the low-latitude boundary layer (LLBL) plasmas. Under strongly northward IMF, global ionospheric convection derived from SuperDARN radar measurements showed a 4-cell pattern with sunward convection in the middle of the dayside polar cap and the dayside aurora corresponded to two different convection cells. This result further supports two source regions for the aurora. The cusp proton aurora is on open magnetic field lines convecting sunward whereas the LLBL proton aurora is on closed field lines convecting antisunward. These IMAGE, DMSP and SuperDARN observations reveal the structure and dynamics of the aurora and provide strong evidence for magnetic merging occurring at the high-latitude magnetopause poleward from the cusp. This merging process was very likely quasi-stationary.

Generation of flat-top pulsed magnetic fields with feedback control approach.

PubMed

Kohama, Yoshimitsu; Kindo, Koichi

2015-10-01

We describe the construction of a simple, compact, and cost-effective feedback system that produces flat-top field profiles in pulsed magnetic fields. This system is designed for use in conjunction with a typical capacitor-bank driven pulsed magnet and was tested using a 60-T pulsed magnet. With the developed feedback controller, we have demonstrated flat-top magnetic fields as high as 60.64 T with an excellent field stability of ±0.005 T. The result indicates that the flat-top pulsed magnetic field produced features high field stability and an accessible field strength. These features make this system useful for improving the resolution of data with signal averaging.

Universal features underlying the magnetism in diluted magnetic semiconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andriotis, Antonis N.; Menon, Madhu

2018-04-01

Investigation of a diverse variety of wide band gap semiconductors and metal oxides that exhibit magnetism on substitutional doping has revealed the existence of universal features that relate the magnetic moment of the dopant to a number of physical properties inherent to the dopants and the hosts. The investigated materials consist of ZnO, GaN, GaP, TiO2, SnO2, Sn3N4, MoS2, ZnS and CdS doped with 3d-transition metal atoms. The primary physical properties contributing to magnetism include the orbital hybridization and charge distribution, the d-band filling, d-band center, crystal field splitting, electron pairing energy and electronegativity. These features specify the strength of the spin-polarization induced by the dopants on their first nearest neighboring anions which in turn specify the long range magnetic coupling among the dopants through successively induced spin polarizations (SSP) on neighboring dopants. The proposed local SSP process for the establishment of the magnetic coupling among the TM-dopants appears as a competitor to other classical processes (superexchange, double exchange, etc). Furthermore, these properties can be used as a set of descriptors suitable for developing statistical predictive theories for a much larger class of magnetic materials.

Detection of Her2-overexpressing cancer cells using keyhole shaped chamber array employing a magnetic droplet-handling system.

PubMed

Okochi, Mina; Koike, Shinji; Tanaka, Masayoshi; Honda, Hiroyuki

2017-07-15

An on-chip gene expression analysis compartmentalized in droplets was developed for detection of cancer cells at a single-cell level. The chip consists of a keyhole-shaped reaction chamber with hydrophobic modification employing a magnetic bead-droplet-handling system with a gate for bead separation. Using three kinds of water-based droplets in oil, a droplet with sample cells, a lysis buffer with magnetic beads, and RT-PCR buffer, parallel magnetic manipulation and fusion of droplets were performed using a magnet-handling device containing small external magnet patterns in an array. The actuation with the magnet offers a simple system for droplet manipulation that allows separation and fusion of droplets containing magnetic beads. After reverse transcription and amplification by thermal cycling, fluorescence was obtained for detection of overexpressing genes. For clinical detection of gastric cancer cells in peritoneal washing, the Her2-overexpressing gastric cancer cells spiked within normal cells was detected by gene expression analysis of droplets containing an average of 2.5 cells. Our developed droplet-based cancer detection system manipulated by external magnetic force without pumps or valves offers a simple and flexible set-up for transcriptional detection of cancer cells, and will be greatly advantageous for less-invasive clinical diagnosis and prognostic prediction. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Theory and Application of Magnetic Flux Leakage Pipeline Detection.

PubMed

Shi, Yan; Zhang, Chao; Li, Rui; Cai, Maolin; Jia, Guanwei

2015-12-10

Magnetic flux leakage (MFL) detection is one of the most popular methods of pipeline inspection. It is a nondestructive testing technique which uses magnetic sensitive sensors to detect the magnetic leakage field of defects on both the internal and external surfaces of pipelines. This paper introduces the main principles, measurement and processing of MFL data. As the key point of a quantitative analysis of MFL detection, the identification of the leakage magnetic signal is also discussed. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of different identification methods are analyzed. Then the paper briefly introduces the expert systems used. At the end of this paper, future developments in pipeline MFL detection are predicted.

Theory and Application of Magnetic Flux Leakage Pipeline Detection

PubMed Central

Shi, Yan; Zhang, Chao; Li, Rui; Cai, Maolin; Jia, Guanwei

2015-01-01

Magnetic flux leakage (MFL) detection is one of the most popular methods of pipeline inspection. It is a nondestructive testing technique which uses magnetic sensitive sensors to detect the magnetic leakage field of defects on both the internal and external surfaces of pipelines. This paper introduces the main principles, measurement and processing of MFL data. As the key point of a quantitative analysis of MFL detection, the identification of the leakage magnetic signal is also discussed. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of different identification methods are analyzed. Then the paper briefly introduces the expert systems used. At the end of this paper, future developments in pipeline MFL detection are predicted. PMID:26690435

Spinmotive force due to domain wall motion in high field regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ieda, Jun'ichi; Yamane, Yuta; Maekawa, Sadamichi

2012-02-01

Spinmotive force associated with a moving vortex domain wall is investigated numerically. Dynamics of magnetization textures such as a domain wall exerts a non-conservative spin-force on conduction electrons [1], offering a new concept of magnetic devices [2]. This spinmotive force in permalloy nanowires has been detected by voltage measurement [3] where magnitude of the signal is limited less than 500 nV. Theoretically it is suggested that the spinmotive force signal increases as a function of external magnetic fields. At higher magnetic fields, however, the wall propagation mode becomes rather chaotic involving transformations of the wall structure and it remains to be seen how the spinmotive force appears. Numerical simulations show that the spinmotive force scales with the field even in a field range where the wall motion is no longer associated coherent precession. This feature has been tested in a recent experiment [4]. Further enhancement of the spinmotive force is explored by designing ferromagnetic nanostructures [5] and materials. [1] S. Barnes and S. Maekawa, PRL (2007). [2] S. Barnes, J. Ieda, and S. Maekawa, APL (2006). [3] S. A. Yang et al., PRL (2009). [4] M. Hayashi, J. Ieda et al., submitted. [5] Y. Yamane, J. Ieda et al., APEX (2011).

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

Chitta, L. P.; Peter, H.; Solanki, S. K.

How and where are coronal loops rooted in the solar lower atmosphere? The details of the magnetic environment and its evolution at the footpoints of coronal loops are crucial to understanding the processes of mass and energy supply to the solar corona. To address the above question, we use high-resolution line-of-sight magnetic field data from the Imaging Magnetograph eXperiment instrument on the Sunrise balloon-borne observatory and coronal observations from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory of an emerging active region. We find that the coronal loops are often rooted at the locations with minor small-scale but persistentmore » opposite-polarity magnetic elements very close to the larger dominant polarity. These opposite-polarity small-scale elements continually interact with the dominant polarity underlying the coronal loop through flux cancellation. At these locations we detect small inverse Y-shaped jets in chromospheric Ca ii H images obtained from the Sunrise Filter Imager during the flux cancellation. Our results indicate that magnetic flux cancellation and reconnection at the base of coronal loops due to mixed polarity fields might be a crucial feature for the supply of mass and energy into the corona.« less

Intense Current Structures Observed at Electron Kinetic Scales in the Near-Earth Magnetotail During Dipolarization and Substorm Current Wedge Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grigorenko, E. E.; Dubyagin, S.; Malykhin, A. Yu.; Khotyaintsev, Yu V.; Kronberg, E. A.; Lavraud, B.; Ganushkina, N. Yu

2018-01-01

We use data from the 2013-2014 Cluster Inner Magnetosphere Campaign, with its uniquely small spacecraft separations (less than or equal to electron inertia length, λe), to study multiscale magnetic structures in 14 substorm-related prolonged dipolarizations in the near-Earth magnetotail. Three time scales of dipolarization are identified: (i) a prolonged growth of the BZ component with duration ≤20 min; (ii) BZ pulses with durations ≤1 min during the BZ growth; and (iii) strong magnetic field gradients with durations ≤2 s during the dipolarization growth. The values of these gradients observed at electron scales are several dozen times larger than the corresponding values of magnetic gradients simultaneously detected at ion scales. These nonlinear features in magnetic field gradients denote the formation of intense and localized (approximately a few λe) current structures during the dipolarization and substorm current wedge formation. These observations highlight the importance of electron scale processes in the formation of a 3-D substorm current system.

Biogenic magnetite as a paleomagnetic recorder of the ferromanganese crust in the West Pacific

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, W.; Shin, J. Y.; Kim, J.

2017-12-01

Various magnetic measurements were carried out to diagnose magnetic mineralogy of the ferromanganese crust obtained in the Magellan Seamounts, the West Pacific ( 20°N). Thermal demagnetization revealed a Curie temperature of 560oC, corresponding to (titano)magnetite. Component analysis of isothermal remanent magnetization identified a presence of two types of magnetite. Measurements of first order reverse curve showed a dominance of non-interacting single-domain magnetite, which is one of the intrinsic feature of biogenic magnetite. Although most of the magnetic particles on transmitted electron microscopy are covered by amorphous Fe-Mn minerals, some are observed as a prototype of biogenic magnetite showing a chain of 10 nm sized cubes. However, a magnetite signal (i.e., Verway transition at -120 oC) was not detected in low-temperature treatment probably due to surface oxidation of magnetite. Contribution of interacting magnetite of detrital origin is <30% throughout a crust. Interestingly, contribution of detrital magnetite is almost three times higher since 10 Ma. At this boundary, a growth rate of the crust is double up and flux of other detrital signals, including Al, Mg, Ti and Zr, are also increased.

Acquisition and processing of advanced sensor data for ERW and UXO detection and classification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schultz, Gregory M.; Keranen, Joe; Miller, Jonathan S.; Shubitidze, Fridon

2014-06-01

The remediation of explosive remnants of war (ERW) and associated unexploded ordnance (UXO) has seen improvements through the injection of modern technological advances and streamlined standard operating procedures. However, reliable and cost-effective detection and geophysical mapping of sites contaminated with UXO such as cluster munitions, abandoned ordnance, and improvised explosive devices rely on the ability to discriminate hazardous items from metallic clutter. In addition to anthropogenic clutter, handheld and vehicle-based metal detector systems are plagued by natural geologic and environmental noise in many post conflict areas. We present new and advanced electromagnetic induction (EMI) technologies including man-portable and towed EMI arrays and associated data processing software. While these systems feature vastly different form factors and transmit-receive configurations, they all exhibit several fundamental traits that enable successful classification of EMI anomalies. Specifically, multidirectional sampling of scattered magnetic fields from targets and corresponding high volume of unique data provide rich information for extracting useful classification features for clutter rejection analysis. The quality of classification features depends largely on the extent to which the data resolve unique physics-based parameters. To date, most of the advanced sensors enable high quality inversion by producing data that are extremely rich in spatial content through multi-angle illumination and multi-point reception.

High-latitude Conic Current Sheets in the Solar Wind

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khabarova, Olga V.; Malova, Helmi V.; Kislov, Roman A.; Zelenyi, Lev M.; Obridko, Vladimir N.; Kharshiladze, Alexander F.; Tokumaru, Munetoshi; Sokół, Justyna M.; Grzedzielski, Stan; Fujiki, Ken'ichi

2017-02-01

We provide observational evidence for the existence of large-scale cylindrical (or conic-like) current sheets (CCSs) at high heliolatitudes. Long-lived CCSs were detected by Ulysses during its passages over the South Solar Pole in 1994 and 2007. The characteristic scale of these tornado-like structures is several times less than a typical width of coronal holes within which the CCSs are observed. CCS crossings are characterized by a dramatic decrease in the solar wind speed and plasma beta typical for predicted profiles of CCSs. Ulysses crossed the same CCS at different heliolatitudes at 2-3 au several times in 1994, as the CCS was declined from the rotation axis and corotated with the Sun. In 2007, a CCS was detected directly over the South Pole, and its structure was strongly highlighted by the interaction with comet McNaught. Restorations of solar coronal magnetic field lines reveal the occurrence of conic-like magnetic separators over the solar poles in both 1994 and 2007. Such separators exist only during solar minima. Interplanetary scintillation data analysis confirms the presence of long-lived low-speed regions surrounded by the typical polar high-speed solar wind in solar minima. Energetic particle flux enhancements up to several MeV/nuc are observed at edges of the CCSs. We built simple MHD models of a CCS to illustrate its key features. The CCSs may be formed as a result of nonaxiality of the solar rotation axis and magnetic axis, as predicted by the Fisk-Parker hybrid heliospheric magnetic field model in the modification of Burger and coworkers.

High-latitude Conic Current Sheets in the Solar Wind

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

Khabarova, Olga V.; Obridko, Vladimir N.; Kharshiladze, Alexander F.

We provide observational evidence for the existence of large-scale cylindrical (or conic-like) current sheets (CCSs) at high heliolatitudes. Long-lived CCSs were detected by Ulysses during its passages over the South Solar Pole in 1994 and 2007. The characteristic scale of these tornado-like structures is several times less than a typical width of coronal holes within which the CCSs are observed. CCS crossings are characterized by a dramatic decrease in the solar wind speed and plasma beta typical for predicted profiles of CCSs. Ulysses crossed the same CCS at different heliolatitudes at 2–3 au several times in 1994, as the CCSmore » was declined from the rotation axis and corotated with the Sun. In 2007, a CCS was detected directly over the South Pole, and its structure was strongly highlighted by the interaction with comet McNaught. Restorations of solar coronal magnetic field lines reveal the occurrence of conic-like magnetic separators over the solar poles in both 1994 and 2007. Such separators exist only during solar minima. Interplanetary scintillation data analysis confirms the presence of long-lived low-speed regions surrounded by the typical polar high-speed solar wind in solar minima. Energetic particle flux enhancements up to several MeV/ nuc are observed at edges of the CCSs. We built simple MHD models of a CCS to illustrate its key features. The CCSs may be formed as a result of nonaxiality of the solar rotation axis and magnetic axis, as predicted by the Fisk–Parker hybrid heliospheric magnetic field model in the modification of Burger and coworkers.« less

Detecting molecules and cells labeled with magnetic particles using an atomic magnetometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Dindi; Ruangchaithaweesuk, Songtham; Yao, Li; Xu, Shoujun

2012-09-01

The detection of magnetically labeled molecules and cells involves three essential parameters: sensitivity, spatial resolution, and molecular specificity. We report on the use of atomic magnetometry and its derivative techniques to achieve high performance in terms of all these parameters. With a sensitivity of 80 fT/√Hz for dc magnetic fields, we show that 7,000 streptavidin-conjugated magnetic microparticles magnetized by a permanent magnet produce a magnetic field of 650 pT; this result predicts that a single such particle can be detected during one second of signal averaging. Spatial information is obtained using a scanning magnetic imaging scheme. The spatial resolution is 20 μm with a detection distance of more than 1 cm; this distance is much longer than that in previous reports. The molecular specificity is achieved using force-induced remnant magnetization spectroscopy, which currently uses an atomic magnetometer for detection. As an example, we perform measurement of magnetically labeled human CD4+ T cells, whose count in the blood is the diagnostic criterion for human immunodeficiency virus infection. Magnetic particles that are specifically bound to the cells are resolved from nonspecifically bound particles and quantitatively correlate with the number of cells. The magnetic particles have an overall size of 2.8 μm, with a magnetic core in nanometer regime. The combination of our techniques is predicted to be useful in molecular and cellular imaging.

Magnetic bead-quantum dot assay for detection of a biomarker for traumatic brain injury

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Chloe; Searson, Peter C.

2015-10-01

Current diagnostic methods for traumatic brain injury (TBI), which accounts for 15% of all emergency room visits, are limited to neuroimaging modalities. The challenges of accurate diagnosis and monitoring of TBI have created the need for a simple and sensitive blood test to detect brain-specific biomarkers. Here we report on an assay for detection of S100B, a putative biomarker for TBI, using antibody-conjugated magnetic beads for capture of the protein, and antibody-conjugated quantum dots for optical detection. From Western Blot, we show efficient antigen capture and concentration by the magnetic beads. Using magnetic bead capture and quantum dot detection in serum samples, we show a wide detection range and detection limit below the clinical cut-off level.Current diagnostic methods for traumatic brain injury (TBI), which accounts for 15% of all emergency room visits, are limited to neuroimaging modalities. The challenges of accurate diagnosis and monitoring of TBI have created the need for a simple and sensitive blood test to detect brain-specific biomarkers. Here we report on an assay for detection of S100B, a putative biomarker for TBI, using antibody-conjugated magnetic beads for capture of the protein, and antibody-conjugated quantum dots for optical detection. From Western Blot, we show efficient antigen capture and concentration by the magnetic beads. Using magnetic bead capture and quantum dot detection in serum samples, we show a wide detection range and detection limit below the clinical cut-off level. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr05608j

Development of force-detected THz-ESR measurement system and its application to metal porphyrin complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, Hideyuki; Okamoto, Tsubasa; Ohmichi, Eiji; Ohta, Hitoshi

Electron spin resonance spectroscopy in the terahertz region (THz-ESR) is a promising technique to study biological materials such as metalloproteins because it directly probes the metal ion sites that play an important role in the emergence of functionality. By combining THz-ESR with force detection, the samples mass is reduced to the order of ng. This feature is of great advantage because the sample preparation process of biological materials is time-consuming. We developed a force-detected THz-ESR system utilizing optical interferometry for precise cantilever displacement measurement. In order to suppress the sensitivity fluctuation and instability of cantilever dynamics under high magnetic field, the tuning of interferometer is feedback-controlled during a measurement. By using this system, we successfully observed the ESR signal of hemin, which is a model substance of hemoglobin and myoglobin, in THz region.

Transverse magnetic field impact on waveguide modes of photonic crystals.

PubMed

Sylgacheva, Daria; Khokhlov, Nikolai; Kalish, Andrey; Dagesyan, Sarkis; Prokopov, Anatoly; Shaposhnikov, Alexandr; Berzhansky, Vladimir; Nur-E-Alam, Mohammad; Vasiliev, Mikhail; Alameh, Kamal; Belotelov, Vladimir

2016-08-15

This Letter presents a theoretical and experimental study of waveguide modes of one-dimensional magneto-photonic crystals magnetized in the in-plane direction. It is shown that the propagation constants of the TM waveguide modes are sensitive to the transverse magnetization and the spectrum of the transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect has resonant features at mode excitation frequencies. Two types of structures are considered: a non-magnetic photonic crystal with an additional magnetic layer on top and a magneto-photonic crystal with a magnetic layer within each period. We found that the magneto-optical non-reciprocity effect is greater in the first case: it has a magnitude of δ∼10^-4, while the second structure type demonstrates δ∼10^-5 only, due to the higher asymmetry of the claddings of the magnetic layer. Experimental observations show resonant features in the optical and magneto-optical Kerr effect spectra. The measured dispersion properties are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. An amplitude of light intensity modulation of up to 2.5% was observed for waveguide mode excitation within the magnetic top layer of the non-magnetic photonic crystal structure. The presented theoretical approach may be utilized for the design of magneto-optical sensors and modulators requiring pre-determined spectral features.

Tunable evolutions of shock absorption and energy partitioning in magnetic granular chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leng, Dingxin; Liu, Guijie; Sun, Lingyu

2018-01-01

In this paper, we investigate the tunable characteristics of shock waves propagating in one-dimensional magnetic granular chains at various chain lengths and magnetic flux densities. According to the Hertz contact theory and Maxwell principle, a discrete element model with coupling elastic and field-induced interaction potentials of adjacent magnetic grains is proposed. We also present hard-sphere approximation analysis to describe the energy partitioning features of magnetic granular chains. The results demonstrate that, for a fixed magnetic field strength, when the chain length is greater than two times of the wave width of the solitary wave, the chain length has little effect on the output energy of the system; for a fixed chain length, the shock absorption and energy partitioning features of magnetic granular chains are remarkably influenced by varying magnetic flux densities. This study implies that the magnetic granular chain is potential to construct adaptive shock absorption components for impulse mitigation.

Threat as a feature in visual semantic object memory.

PubMed

Calley, Clifford S; Motes, Michael A; Chiang, H-Sheng; Buhl, Virginia; Spence, Jeffrey S; Abdi, Hervé; Anand, Raksha; Maguire, Mandy; Estevez, Leonardo; Briggs, Richard; Freeman, Thomas; Kraut, Michael A; Hart, John

2013-08-01

Threatening stimuli have been found to modulate visual processes related to perception and attention. The present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study investigated whether threat modulates visual object recognition of man-made and naturally occurring categories of stimuli. Compared with nonthreatening pictures, threatening pictures of real items elicited larger fMRI BOLD signal changes in medial visual cortices extending inferiorly into the temporo-occipital (TO) "what" pathways. This region elicited greater signal changes for threatening items compared to nonthreatening from both the natural-occurring and man-made stimulus supraordinate categories, demonstrating a featural component to these visual processing areas. Two additional loci of signal changes within more lateral inferior TO areas (bilateral BA18 and 19 as well as the right ventral temporal lobe) were detected for a category-feature interaction, with stronger responses to man-made (category) threatening (feature) stimuli than to natural threats. The findings are discussed in terms of visual recognition of processing efficiently or rapidly groups of items that confer an advantage for survival. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Overview of the magnetic signatures of the Palaeoproterozoic Rustenburg Layered Suite, Bushveld Complex, South Africa

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cole, Janine; Finn, Carol A.; Webb, Susan J.

2013-01-01

Aeromagnetic data clearly delineate the mafic rocks of the economically significant Bushveld Igneous Complex. This is mainly due to the abundance of magnetite in the Upper Zone of the Rustenburg Layered Suite of the Bushveld, but strongly remanently magnetised rocks in the Main Zone also contribute significantly in places. In addition to delineating the extent of the magnetic rocks in the complex, the magnetic anomalies also provide information about the dip and depth of these units. The presence of varying degrees of remanent magnetisation in most of the magnetic lithologies of the Rustenburg Layered Suite complicates the interpretation of the data. The combination of available regional and high resolution airborne magnetic data with published palaeomagnetic data reveals characteristic magnetic signatures associated with the different magnetic lithologies in the Rustenburg Layered Suite. As expected, the ferrogabbros of the Upper Zone cause the highest amplitude magnetic anomalies, but in places subtle features within the Main Zone can also be detected. A marker with strong remanent magnetisation located in the Main Zone close to the contact with the Upper Zone is responsible for very high amplitude negative anomalies in the southern parts of both the eastern and western lobes of the Bushveld Complex. Prominent anomalies are not necessarily related to a specific lithology, but can result from the interaction between anomalies caused by differently magnetised bodies.The magnetic data provided substantial information at different levels of detail, ranging from contacts between zones, and layering within zones, to magnetite pipes dykes and faults that can have an impact on mine planning. Finally, simple modelling of the magnetic data supports the concept of continuous mafic rocks between the western and eastern lobes.

Magnetic nanoparticles formed in glasses co-doped with iron and larger radius elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edelman, I.; Ivanova, O.; Ivantsov, R.; Velikanov, D.; Zabluda, V.; Zubavichus, Y.; Veligzhanin, A.; Zaikovskiy, V.; Stepanov, S.; Artemenko, A.; Curély, J.; Kliava, J.

2012-10-01

A new type of nanoparticle-containing glasses based on borate glasses co-doped with low contents of iron and larger radius elements, Dy, Tb, Gd, Ho, Er, Y, and Bi, is studied. Heat treatment of these glasses results in formation of magnetic nanoparticles, radically changing their physical properties. Transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron radiation-based techniques: x-ray diffraction, extended x-ray absorption fine structure, x-ray absorption near-edge structure, and small-angle x-ray scattering, show a broad distribution of nanoparticle sizes with characteristics depending on the treatment regime; a crystalline structure of these nanoparticles is detected in heat treated samples. Magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) studies of samples subjected to heat treatment as well as of maghemite, magnetite, and iron garnet allow to unambiguously assign the nanoparticle structure to maghemite, independently of co-dopant nature and of heat treatment regime used. Different features observed in the MCD spectra are related to different electron transitions in Fe3+ ions gathered in the nanoparticles. The static magnetization in heat treated samples has non-linear dependence on the magnetizing field with hysteresis. Zero-field cooled magnetization curves show that at higher temperatures the nanoparticles occur in superparamagnetic state with blocking temperatures above 100 K. Below ca. 20 K, a considerable contribution to both zero field-cooled and field-cooled magnetizations occurs from diluted paramagnetic ions. Variable-temperature electron magnetic resonance (EMR) studies unambiguously show that in as-prepared glasses paramagnetic ions are in diluted state and confirm the formation of magnetic nanoparticles already at earlier stages of heat treatment. Computer simulations of the EMR spectra corroborate the broad distribution of nanoparticle sizes found by "direct" techniques as well as superparamagnetic nanoparticle behaviour demonstrated in the magnetization studies.

Non-enhanced MR imaging of cerebral aneurysms: 7 Tesla versus 1.5 Tesla.

PubMed

Wrede, Karsten H; Dammann, Philipp; Mönninghoff, Christoph; Johst, Sören; Maderwald, Stefan; Sandalcioglu, I Erol; Müller, Oliver; Özkan, Neriman; Ladd, Mark E; Forsting, Michael; Schlamann, Marc U; Sure, Ulrich; Umutlu, Lale

2014-01-01

To prospectively evaluate 7 Tesla time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in comparison to 1.5 Tesla TOF MRA and 7 Tesla non-contrast enhanced magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient-echo (MPRAGE) for delineation of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA). Sixteen neurosurgical patients (male n = 5, female n = 11) with single or multiple UIA were enrolled in this trial. All patients were accordingly examined at 7 Tesla and 1.5 Tesla MRI utilizing dedicated head coils. The following sequences were obtained: 7 Tesla TOF MRA, 1.5 Tesla TOF MRA and 7 Tesla non-contrast enhanced MPRAGE. Image analysis was performed by two radiologists with regard to delineation of aneurysm features (dome, neck, parent vessel), presence of artifacts, vessel-tissue-contrast and overall image quality. Interobserver accordance and intermethod comparisons were calculated by kappa coefficient and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient. A total of 20 intracranial aneurysms were detected in 16 patients, with two patients showing multiple aneurysms (n = 2, n = 4). Out of 20 intracranial aneurysms, 14 aneurysms were located in the anterior circulation and 6 aneurysms in the posterior circulation. 7 Tesla MPRAGE imaging was superior over 1.5 and 7 Tesla TOF MRA in the assessment of all considered aneurysm and image quality features (e.g. image quality: mean MPRAGE7T: 5.0; mean TOF7T: 4.3; mean TOF1.5T: 4.3). Ratings for 7 Tesla TOF MRA were equal or higher over 1.5 Tesla TOF MRA for all assessed features except for artifact delineation (mean TOF7T: 4.3; mean TOF1.5T 4.4). Interobserver accordance was good to excellent for most ratings. 7 Tesla MPRAGE imaging demonstrated its superiority in the detection and assessment of UIA as well as overall imaging features, offering excellent interobserver accordance and highest scores for all ratings. Hence, it may bear the potential to serve as a high-quality diagnostic tool for pretherapeutic assessment and follow-up of untreated UIA.

Non-Enhanced MR Imaging of Cerebral Aneurysms: 7 Tesla versus 1.5 Tesla

PubMed Central

Wrede, Karsten H.; Dammann, Philipp; Mönninghoff, Christoph; Johst, Sören; Maderwald, Stefan; Sandalcioglu, I. Erol; Müller, Oliver; Özkan, Neriman; Ladd, Mark E.; Forsting, Michael; Schlamann, Marc U.; Sure, Ulrich; Umutlu, Lale

2014-01-01

Purpose To prospectively evaluate 7 Tesla time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in comparison to 1.5 Tesla TOF MRA and 7 Tesla non-contrast enhanced magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient-echo (MPRAGE) for delineation of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA). Material and Methods Sixteen neurosurgical patients (male n = 5, female n = 11) with single or multiple UIA were enrolled in this trial. All patients were accordingly examined at 7 Tesla and 1.5 Tesla MRI utilizing dedicated head coils. The following sequences were obtained: 7 Tesla TOF MRA, 1.5 Tesla TOF MRA and 7 Tesla non-contrast enhanced MPRAGE. Image analysis was performed by two radiologists with regard to delineation of aneurysm features (dome, neck, parent vessel), presence of artifacts, vessel-tissue-contrast and overall image quality. Interobserver accordance and intermethod comparisons were calculated by kappa coefficient and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient. Results A total of 20 intracranial aneurysms were detected in 16 patients, with two patients showing multiple aneurysms (n = 2, n = 4). Out of 20 intracranial aneurysms, 14 aneurysms were located in the anterior circulation and 6 aneurysms in the posterior circulation. 7 Tesla MPRAGE imaging was superior over 1.5 and 7 Tesla TOF MRA in the assessment of all considered aneurysm and image quality features (e.g. image quality: mean MPRAGE7T: 5.0; mean TOF7T: 4.3; mean TOF1.5T: 4.3). Ratings for 7 Tesla TOF MRA were equal or higher over 1.5 Tesla TOF MRA for all assessed features except for artifact delineation (mean TOF7T: 4.3; mean TOF1.5T 4.4). Interobserver accordance was good to excellent for most ratings. Conclusion 7 Tesla MPRAGE imaging demonstrated its superiority in the detection and assessment of UIA as well as overall imaging features, offering excellent interobserver accordance and highest scores for all ratings. Hence, it may bear the potential to serve as a high-quality diagnostic tool for pretherapeutic assessment and follow-up of untreated UIA. PMID:24400100

Supervised learning based multimodal MRI brain tumour segmentation using texture features from supervoxels.

PubMed

Soltaninejad, Mohammadreza; Yang, Guang; Lambrou, Tryphon; Allinson, Nigel; Jones, Timothy L; Barrick, Thomas R; Howe, Franklyn A; Ye, Xujiong

2018-04-01

Accurate segmentation of brain tumour in magnetic resonance images (MRI) is a difficult task due to various tumour types. Using information and features from multimodal MRI including structural MRI and isotropic (p) and anisotropic (q) components derived from the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) may result in a more accurate analysis of brain images. We propose a novel 3D supervoxel based learning method for segmentation of tumour in multimodal MRI brain images (conventional MRI and DTI). Supervoxels are generated using the information across the multimodal MRI dataset. For each supervoxel, a variety of features including histograms of texton descriptor, calculated using a set of Gabor filters with different sizes and orientations, and first order intensity statistical features are extracted. Those features are fed into a random forests (RF) classifier to classify each supervoxel into tumour core, oedema or healthy brain tissue. The method is evaluated on two datasets: 1) Our clinical dataset: 11 multimodal images of patients and 2) BRATS 2013 clinical dataset: 30 multimodal images. For our clinical dataset, the average detection sensitivity of tumour (including tumour core and oedema) using multimodal MRI is 86% with balanced error rate (BER) 7%; while the Dice score for automatic tumour segmentation against ground truth is 0.84. The corresponding results of the BRATS 2013 dataset are 96%, 2% and 0.89, respectively. The method demonstrates promising results in the segmentation of brain tumour. Adding features from multimodal MRI images can largely increase the segmentation accuracy. The method provides a close match to expert delineation across all tumour grades, leading to a faster and more reproducible method of brain tumour detection and delineation to aid patient management. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High Temperature, Permanent Magnet Biased, Fault Tolerant, Homopolar Magnetic Bearing Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palazzolo, Alan; Tucker, Randall; Kenny, Andrew; Kang, Kyung-Dae; Ghandi, Varun; Liu, Jinfang; Choi, Heeju; Provenza, Andrew

2008-01-01

This paper summarizes the development of a magnetic bearing designed to operate at 1,000 F. A novel feature of this high temperature magnetic bearing is its homopolar construction which incorporates state of the art high temperature, 1,000 F, permanent magnets. A second feature is its fault tolerance capability which provides the desired control forces with over one-half of the coils failed. The construction and design methodology of the bearing is outlined and test results are shown. The agreement between a 3D finite element, magnetic field based prediction for force is shown to be in good agreement with predictions at room and high temperature. A 5 axis test rig will be complete soon to provide a means to test the magnetic bearings at high temperature and speed.

Effective Heart Disease Detection Based on Quantitative Computerized Traditional Chinese Medicine Using Representation Based Classifiers.

PubMed

Shu, Ting; Zhang, Bob; Tang, Yuan Yan

2017-01-01

At present, heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide. Traditionally, heart disease is commonly detected using blood tests, electrocardiogram, cardiac computerized tomography scan, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and so on. However, these traditional diagnostic methods are time consuming and/or invasive. In this paper, we propose an effective noninvasive computerized method based on facial images to quantitatively detect heart disease. Specifically, facial key block color features are extracted from facial images and analyzed using the Probabilistic Collaborative Representation Based Classifier. The idea of facial key block color analysis is founded in Traditional Chinese Medicine. A new dataset consisting of 581 heart disease and 581 healthy samples was experimented by the proposed method. In order to optimize the Probabilistic Collaborative Representation Based Classifier, an analysis of its parameters was performed. According to the experimental results, the proposed method obtains the highest accuracy compared with other classifiers and is proven to be effective at heart disease detection.

Densities and abundances of hot cometary ions in the coma of P/Halley

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neugebauer, M.; Goldstein, R.; Goldstein, B. E.; Fuselier, S. A.; Balsiger, H.; Ip, W.-H.

1991-01-01

On its flight by P/Halley, the Giotto spacecraft carried a High Energy Range Spectrometer (HERS) for measuring the properties of cometary ions picked up by the solar wind in the nearly collisionless regions of the coma. Preliminary estimates of the ion densities observed by HERS were reevaluated and extended; density profiles along the Giotto trajectory are presented for 13 values of ion mass/charge. Comparison with the physical-chemical model of the interaction of sunlight and the solar wind with the comet by other researchers reveals that, with the exception of protons and H2(+), all ion densities were at least an order of magnitude higher than predicted. The high ion densities cannot be explained on the basis of compression of the plasma, but require additional or stronger ionization mechanisms. Ratios of the densities of different ion species reveal an overabundance of carbonaceous material and an underabundance of H2(+) compared to the predictions of the Schmidt. While the densities of solar wind ions (H(+) and He(++)) changed sharply across a magnetic discontinuity located 1.35(10)(exp 5) km from the comet, this feature, which has been called both the 'cometopause' and the 'magnetic pileup boundary' was barely distinguishable in the density profiles of hot cometary ions. This result is consistent with the interpretation that the magnetic pileup boundary detected by Giotto was caused by a discontinuity in the solar wind and is not an intrinsic feature of the interaction of the solar wind with an active comet.

Noninvasive valve monitor using constant magnetic and/or DC electromagnetic field

DOEpatents

Casada, D.A.; Haynes, H.D.

1993-08-17

One or more sources of steady magnetic field are carefully located on the outside of a valve body. The constant magnetic field is transmitted into the valve body and valve internals. A magnetic field detector carefully located on the outside of the valve body detects the intensity of the magnetic field at its location. As the position of a valve internal part is changed, there is an alteration in the magnetic field in the valve, and a consequent change in the detected magnetic field. Changes in the detected signal provide an indication of the position and motion of the valve internals.

Noninvasive valve monitor using constant magnetic and/or DC electromagnetic field

DOEpatents

Casada, Donald A.; Haynes, Howard D.

1993-01-01

One or more sources of steady magnetic field are carefully located on the outside of a valve body. The constant magnetic field is transmitted into the valve body and valve internals. A magnetic field detector carefully located on the outside of the valve body detects the intensity of the magnetic field at its location. As the position of a valve internal part is changed, there is an alteration in the magnetic field in the valve, and a consequent change in the detected magnetic field. Changes in the detected signal provide an indication of the position and motion of the valve internals.

Geophysical identification and geological Implications of the Southern Alaska Magnetic Trough

USGS Publications Warehouse

Saltus, R.W.; Hudson, T.L.; Wilson, Frederic H.

2003-01-01

The southern Alaska magnetic trough (SAMT) is one of the fundamental, crustal-scale, magnetic features of Alaska. It is readily recognized on 10 km upward-continued aeromagnetic maps of the state. The arcuate SAMT ranges from 30 to 100 km wide and extends in two separate segments along the southern Alaska margin for about 1200 km onshore (from near the Alaska/Canada border at about 60 degrees north latitude to the Bering Sea) and may continue an additional 500 km or more offshore (in the southern Bering Sea). The SAMT is bordered to the south by the southern Alaska magnetic high (SAMH) produced by strongly magnetic crust and to the north by a magnetically quiet zone that reflects weakly magnetic interior Alaska crust. Geophysically, the SAMT is more than just the north-side dipole low associated with the SAMH. Several modes of analysis, including examination of magnetic potential (pseudogravity) and profile modeling, indicate that the source of this magnetic trough is a discrete, crustal-scale body. Geologically, the western portion of the SAMT coincides to a large degree with collapsed Mesozoic Kahiltna flysch basin. This poster presents our geophysical evidence for the extent and geometry of this magnetic feature as well as initial geological synthesis and combined geologic/geophysical modeling to examine the implications of this feature for the broad scale tectonic framework of southern Alaska.

Synovial Inflammation Drives Structural Damage in Hand Osteoarthritis: a Narrative Literature Review.

PubMed

Mancarella, Luana; Addimanda, Olga; Cavallari, Carlotta; Meliconi, Riccardo

2017-01-01

Ultrasound is one of the most promising candidates for the detection of inflammation and structural damage in hand osteoarthritis. To evaluate new advances of US as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in hand osteoarthritis assessment. We conducted a Medline on PubMed search for articles about "ultrasonography" and "hand OA" published between January 2012 and 15th April 2016, limiting our search to articles on human adults in English, excluding those involving systemic inflammatory diseases, visualization of joints other than hands, ultrasound guided injections and surgical procedures. Reviews, case reports, letters, position statements and ex vivo studies were excluded. Concordance between ultrasound and conventional radiography and magnetic resonance imaging was evaluated. Total 46 records were identified, and 16 articles were selected: four showed only ultrasound structural damage (osteophytes, cartilage pathology), six only ultrasound inflammatory variables (synovial thickness, effusion and power Doppler signal), six should considered both ultrasound structural and inflammatory features as well as erosions and two were epidemiological studies. Ultrasound synovitis and power Doppler signal were more frequent in erosive hand osteoarthritis. Followup studies found that ultrasound inflammatory features at baseline are independently associated with radiographic progression; power Doppler signal was the strongest predictor of structural damage. Ultrasound is a reliable tool for cartilage and osteophyte assessment (when performed with static images) and shows a good concordance with magnetic resonance imaging for osteophytes, erosions and synovitis. Ultrasound detected inflammation may predict radiographic progression and may be used in prospective clinical trials of hand osteoarthritis and in everyday clinical practice. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Optical Hydrogen Absorption Consistent with a Thin Bow Shock Leading the Hot Jupiter HD 189733b

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cauley, P. Wilson; Redfield, Seth; Jensen, Adam G.; Barman, Travis; Endl, Michael; Cochran, William D.

2015-09-01

Bow shocks are ubiquitous astrophysical phenomena resulting from the supersonic passage of an object through a gas. Recently, pre-transit absorption in UV metal transitions of the hot Jupiter (HJ) exoplanets HD 189733b and WASP12-b have been interpreted as being caused by material compressed in a planetary bow shock. Here we present a robust detection of a time-resolved pre-transit, as well as in-transit absorption signature around the HJ exoplanet HD 189733b using high spectral resolution observations of several hydrogen Balmer lines. The line shape of the pre-transit feature and the shape of the timeseries absorption provide the strongest constraints on the morphology and physical characteristics of extended structures around an exoplanet. The in-transit measurements confirm the previous exospheric Hα detection, although the absorption depth measured here is ∼50% lower. The pre-transit absorption feature occurs 125 minutes before the predicted optical transit, a projected linear distance from the planet to the stellar disk of 7.2 Rp. The absorption strength observed in the Balmer lines indicates an optically thick, but physically small, geometry. We model this signal as the early ingress of a planetary bow shock. If the bow shock is mediated by a planetary magnetosphere, the large standoff distance derived from the model suggests a large planetary magnetic field strength of Beq = 28 G. Better knowledge of exoplanet magnetic field strengths is crucial to understanding the role these fields play in planetary evolution and the potential development of life on planets in the habitable zone.

Electron spin resonance for the detection of long-range spin nematic order

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furuya, Shunsuke C.; Momoi, Tsutomu

2018-03-01

Spin nematic phase is a quantum magnetic phase characterized by a quadrupolar order parameter. Since the quadrupole operators are directly coupled to neither the magnetic field nor the neutron, currently, it is an important issue to develop a method for detecting the long-range spin nematic order. In this paper, we propose that electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements enable us to detect the long-range spin nematic order. We show that the frequency of the paramagnetic resonance peak in the ESR spectrum is shifted by the ferroquadrupolar order parameter together with other quantities. The ferroquadrupolar order parameter is extractable from the angular dependence of the frequency shift. In contrast, the antiferroquadrupolar order parameter is usually invisible in the frequency shift. Instead, the long-range antiferroquadrupolar order yields a characteristic resonance peak in the ESR spectrum, which we call a magnon-pair resonance peak. This resonance corresponds to the excitation of the bound magnon pair at the wave vector k =0 . Reflecting the condensation of bound magnon pairs, the field dependence of the magnon-pair resonance frequency shows a singular upturn at the saturation field. Moreover, the intensity of the magnon-pair resonance peak shows a characteristic angular dependence and it vanishes when the magnetic field is parallel to one of the axes that diagonalize the weak anisotropic interactions. We confirm these general properties of the magnon-pair resonance peak in the spin nematic phase by studying an S =1 bilinear-biquadratic model on the square lattice in the linear flavor-wave approximation. In addition, we argue applications to the S =1/2 frustrated ferromagnets and also the S =1/2 orthogonal dimer spin system SrCu2(BO3)2, both of which are candidate materials of spin nematics. Our theory for the antiferroquadrupolar ordered phase is consistent with many features of the magnon-pair resonance peak experimentally observed in the low-magnetization regime of SrCu2(BO3)2.

Squid detected NMR and MRI at ultralow fields

DOEpatents

Clarke, John [Berkeley, CA; McDermott, Robert [Louisville, CO; Pines, Alexander [Berkeley, CA; Trabesinger, Andreas Heinz [CH-8006 Zurich, CH

2007-05-15

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals are detected in microtesla fields. Prepolarization in millitesla fields is followed by detection with an untuned dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Because the sensitivity of the SQUID is frequency independent, both signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution are enhanced by detecting the NMR signal in extremely low magnetic fields, where the NMR lines become very narrow even for grossly inhomogeneous measurement fields. MRI in ultralow magnetic field is based on the NMR at ultralow fields. Gradient magnetic fields are applied, and images are constructed from the detected NMR signals.

Squid detected NMR and MRI at ultralow fields

DOEpatents

Clarke, John; McDermott, Robert; Pines, Alexander; Trabesinger, Andreas Heinz

2006-05-30

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals are detected in microtesla fields. Prepolarization in millitesla fields is followed by detection with an untuned dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Because the sensitivity of the SQUID is frequency independent, both signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution are enhanced by detecting the NMR signal in extremely low magnetic fields, where the NMR lines become very narrow even for grossly inhomogeneous measurement fields. MRI in ultralow magnetic field is based on the NMR at ultralow fields. Gradient magnetic fields are applied, and images are constructed from the detected NMR signals.

Squid detected NMR and MRI at ultralow fields

DOEpatents

Clarke, John [Berkeley, CA; Pines, Alexander [Berkeley, CA; McDermott, Robert F [Monona, WI; Trabesinger, Andreas H [London, GB

2008-12-16

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals are detected in microtesla fields. Prepolarization in millitesla fields is followed by detection with an untuned dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Because the sensitivity of the SQUID is frequency independent, both signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution are enhanced by detecting the NMR signal in extremely low magnetic fields, where the NMR lines become very narrow even for grossly inhomogeneous measurement fields. MRI in ultralow magnetic field is based on the NMR at ultralow fields. Gradient magnetic fields are applied, and images are constructed from the detected NMR signals.

SQUID detected NMR and MRI at ultralow fields

DOEpatents

Clarke, John; McDermott, Robert; Pines, Alexander; Trabesinger, Andreas Heinz

2006-10-03

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals are detected in microtesla fields. Prepolarization in millitesla fields is followed by detection with an untuned dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Because the sensitivity of the SQUID is frequency independent, both signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution are enhanced by detecting the NMR signal in extremely low magnetic fields, where the NMR lines become very narrow even for grossly inhomogeneous measurement fields. MRI in ultralow magnetic field is based on the NMR at ultralow fields. Gradient magnetic fields are applied, and images are constructed from the detected NMR signals.

Francisella tularensis detection using magnetic labels and a magnetic biosensor based on frequency mixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, Martin H. F.; Krause, Hans-Joachim; Hartmann, Markus; Miethe, Peter; Oster, Jürgen; Keusgen, Michael

2007-04-01

A biosensor that uses resonant coils with a special frequency-mixing technique and magnetic beads as detectable labels has been established for the detection of Francisella tularensis, the causative agent for tularemia. The detection principle is based on a sandwich immunoassay using an anti-Ft antibody for immunofiltration immobilized to ABICAP ® polyethylene filters, and biotinylated with streptavidin-coated magnetic beads as labels. The linear detection range of this biosensor was found to be 10 4-10 6 cfu F. tularensis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) per ml. Tested sample matrices were physiological PBS buffer and rabbit serum.

Pulmonary nodule characterization, including computer analysis and quantitative features.

PubMed

Bartholmai, Brian J; Koo, Chi Wan; Johnson, Geoffrey B; White, Darin B; Raghunath, Sushravya M; Rajagopalan, Srinivasan; Moynagh, Michael R; Lindell, Rebecca M; Hartman, Thomas E

2015-03-01

Pulmonary nodules are commonly detected in computed tomography (CT) chest screening of a high-risk population. The specific visual or quantitative features on CT or other modalities can be used to characterize the likelihood that a nodule is benign or malignant. Visual features on CT such as size, attenuation, location, morphology, edge characteristics, and other distinctive "signs" can be highly suggestive of a specific diagnosis and, in general, be used to determine the probability that a specific nodule is benign or malignant. Change in size, attenuation, and morphology on serial follow-up CT, or features on other modalities such as nuclear medicine studies or MRI, can also contribute to the characterization of lung nodules. Imaging analytics can objectively and reproducibly quantify nodule features on CT, nuclear medicine, and magnetic resonance imaging. Some quantitative techniques show great promise in helping to differentiate benign from malignant lesions or to stratify the risk of aggressive versus indolent neoplasm. In this article, we (1) summarize the visual characteristics, descriptors, and signs that may be helpful in management of nodules identified on screening CT, (2) discuss current quantitative and multimodality techniques that aid in the differentiation of nodules, and (3) highlight the power, pitfalls, and limitations of these various techniques.

Stationary Wavelet Transform and AdaBoost with SVM Based Pathological Brain Detection in MRI Scanning.

PubMed

Nayak, Deepak Ranjan; Dash, Ratnakar; Majhi, Banshidhar

2017-01-01

This paper presents an automatic classification system for segregating pathological brain from normal brains in magnetic resonance imaging scanning. The proposed system employs contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization scheme to enhance the diseased region in brain MR images. Two-dimensional stationary wavelet transform is harnessed to extract features from the preprocessed images. The feature vector is constructed using the energy and entropy values, computed from the level- 2 SWT coefficients. Then, the relevant and uncorrelated features are selected using symmetric uncertainty ranking filter. Subsequently, the selected features are given input to the proposed AdaBoost with support vector machine classifier, where SVM is used as the base classifier of AdaBoost algorithm. To validate the proposed system, three standard MR image datasets, Dataset-66, Dataset-160, and Dataset- 255 have been utilized. The 5 runs of k-fold stratified cross validation results indicate the suggested scheme offers better performance than other existing schemes in terms of accuracy and number of features. The proposed system earns ideal classification over Dataset-66 and Dataset-160; whereas, for Dataset- 255, an accuracy of 99.45% is achieved. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Magnetic gradiometer for underwater detection applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, S.; Skvoretz, D. C.; Moeller, C. R.; Ebbert, M. J.; Perry, A. R.; Ostrom, R. K.; Tzouris, A.; Bennett, S. L.; Czipott, P. V.; Sulzberger, G.; Allen, G. I.; Bono, J.; Clem, T. R.

2006-05-01

We have designed and constructed a magnetic gradiometer for underwater mine detection, location and tracking. The United States Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC PC) in Panama City, FL has conducted sea tests of the system using an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV). The Real-Time Tracking Gradiometer (RTG) measures the magnetic field gradients caused by the presence of a mine in the Earth's magnetic field. These magnetic gradients can then be used to detect and locate a target with the UUV in motion. Such a platform can also be used for other applications, including the detection and tracking of vessels and divers for homeland (e.g., port) security and the detection of underwater pipelines. Data acquired by the RTG in sea tests is presented in this paper.

The spread of attention across features of a surface

PubMed Central

Ernst, Zachary Raymond; Jazayeri, Mehrdad

2013-01-01

Contrasting theories of visual attention have emphasized selection by spatial location, individual features, and whole objects. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to ask whether and how attention to one feature of an object spreads to other features of the same object. Subjects viewed two spatially superimposed surfaces of random dots that were segregated by distinct color-motion conjunctions. The color and direction of motion of each surface changed smoothly and in a cyclical fashion. Subjects were required to track one feature (e.g., color) of one of the two surfaces and detect brief moments when the attended feature diverged from its smooth trajectory. To tease apart the effect of attention to individual features on the hemodynamic response, we used a frequency-tagging scheme. In this scheme, the stimulus features (color and direction of motion) are modulated periodically at distinct frequencies so that the contribution of each feature to the hemodynamics can be inferred from the harmonic response at the corresponding frequency. We found that attention to one feature (e.g., color) of one surface increased the response modulation not only to the attended feature but also to the other feature (e.g., motion) of the same surface. This attentional modulation was evident in multiple visual areas and was present as early as V1. The spread of attention to the behaviorally irrelevant features of a surface suggests that attention may automatically select all features of a single object. Thus object-based attention may be supported by an enhancement of feature-specific sensory signals in the visual cortex. PMID:23883860

Design of Degaussing System and Demonstration of Signature Reduction on Ship Model through Laboratory Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varma, R. A. Raveendra

Magnetic fields of naval vessels are widely used all over the world for detection and localization of naval vessel. Magnetic Anomaly Detectors (MADs) installed on air borne vehicles are used to detect submarine operating in shallow waters. Underwater mines fitted with magnetic sensor are used for detection and destruction of naval vessels in the times of conflict. Reduction of magnetic signature of naval vessels is carried out by deperming and installation of degaussing system onboard the vessel. Present paper elaborates details of studies carried out at Magnetics Division of Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) for minimizing the magnetic signature of naval vessels by designing a degaussing system. Magnetic fields of a small ship model are predicted and a degaussing system is designed for reducing magnetic detection. The details of the model, methodology used for estimation of magnetic signature of the vessel and design of degaussing system is brought out in this paper with details of experimental setup and results.

Eruption mechanism as inferred from geomagnetic changes with special attention to the 1989 1990 activity of Aso volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Yoshikazu

1993-06-01

Geomagnetic changes associated with the volcanic activity of Aso volcano were detected with a dense network of continuously recording proton-precession magnetometers during the period from June 1989 to June 1990. Magnetic date clearly indicate that changes in the magnetization within the volcano are most probably caused by temperature changes. This activity can be divided into five stages, which are characterized by magnetization and demagnetization of the volcano. These magnetic changes with durations of a few months are definitely correlated with some typical volcanic events at the crater as well as the volcanic tremor activity. The demagnetization stage appears when the vent is covered by a water pool or the volcanic activity is enhanced. The magnetization stage follows the opening of a vent and several large explosions which make the vent permeable. The source of magnetic changes lies at a depth of about 200 m below the crater rim in the southwestern part of the active crater. Magnetic moments responsible for observed magnetic changes at stages 1, 2 and 4 are 3.4, -5.2 and -2.2 Wbm, respectively. The corresponding source volume is estimated as a single sphere of radius 40-50 m or a spherical shell of 100 m or so. An effective mechanism of rapid heating/cooling exists, which is ascribed to the interaction of groundwater and superheated vapor, i.e., a shallow hydrothermal system. This hydrothermal system driven by the surface cap of the vent, controls every feature of the eruptions at the final outlet of Aso volcano.

Aptamer-based hydrogel barcodes for the capture and detection of multiple types of pathogenic bacteria.

PubMed

Xu, Yueshuang; Wang, Huan; Luan, Chengxin; Liu, Yuxiao; Chen, Baoan; Zhao, Yuanjin

2018-02-15

Rapid and sensitive diagnosing hematological infections based on the separation and detection of pathogenic bacteria in the patient's blood is a significant challenge. To address this, we herein present a new barcodes technology that can simultaneously capture and detect multiple types of pathogenic bacteria from a complex sample. The barcodes are poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel inverse opal particles with characteristic reflection peak codes that remain stable during bacteria capture on their surfaces. As the spherical surface of the particles has ordered porous nanostructure, the barcodes can provide not only more surface area for probe immobilization and reaction, but also a nanopatterned platform for highly efficient bioreactions. In addition, the PEG hydrogel scaffold could decrease the non-specificity adsorption by its anti-adhesive effect, and the decorated aptamer probes in the scaffolds could increase the sensitivity, reliability, and specificity of the bacteria capture and detection. Moreover, the tagged magnetic nanoparticles in the PEG scaffold could impart the barcodes with controllable movement under magnetic fields, which can be used to significantly increase the reaction speed and simplify the processing of the bioassays. Based on the describe barcodes, it was demonstrated that the bacteria could be captured and identified even at low bacterial concentrations (100 CFU mL -1 ) within 2.5h, which is effectively shortened in comparison with the "gold standard" in clinic. These features make the barcodes ideal for capturing and detecting multiple bacteria from clinical samples for hematological infection diagnostics. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Biosensing Using Magnetic Particle Detection Techniques

PubMed Central

Chen, Yi-Ting; Kolhatkar, Arati G.; Zenasni, Oussama; Xu, Shoujun

2017-01-01

Magnetic particles are widely used as signal labels in a variety of biological sensing applications, such as molecular detection and related strategies that rely on ligand-receptor binding. In this review, we explore the fundamental concepts involved in designing magnetic particles for biosensing applications and the techniques used to detect them. First, we briefly describe the magnetic properties that are important for bio-sensing applications and highlight the associated key parameters (such as the starting materials, size, functionalization methods, and bio-conjugation strategies). Subsequently, we focus on magnetic sensing applications that utilize several types of magnetic detection techniques: spintronic sensors, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensors, superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), sensors based on the atomic magnetometer (AM), and others. From the studies reported, we note that the size of the MPs is one of the most important factors in choosing a sensing technique. PMID:28994727

Comparative Effectiveness of Targeted Prostate Biopsy Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Ultrasound Fusion Software and Visual Targeting: a Prospective Study.

PubMed

Lee, Daniel J; Recabal, Pedro; Sjoberg, Daniel D; Thong, Alan; Lee, Justin K; Eastham, James A; Scardino, Peter T; Vargas, Hebert Alberto; Coleman, Jonathan; Ehdaie, Behfar

2016-09-01

We compared the diagnostic outcomes of magnetic resonance-ultrasound fusion and visually targeted biopsy for targeting regions of interest on prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. Patients presenting for prostate biopsy with regions of interest on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging underwent magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy. For each region of interest 2 visually targeted cores were obtained, followed by 2 cores using a magnetic resonance-ultrasound fusion device. Our primary end point was the difference in the detection of high grade (Gleason 7 or greater) and any grade cancer between visually targeted and magnetic resonance-ultrasound fusion, investigated using McNemar's method. Secondary end points were the difference in detection rate by biopsy location using a logistic regression model and the difference in median cancer length using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. We identified 396 regions of interest in 286 men. The difference in the detection of high grade cancer between magnetic resonance-ultrasound fusion biopsy and visually targeted biopsy was -1.4% (95% CI -6.4 to 3.6, p=0.6) and for any grade cancer the difference was 3.5% (95% CI -1.9 to 8.9, p=0.2). Median cancer length detected by magnetic resonance-ultrasound fusion and visually targeted biopsy was 5.5 vs 5.8 mm, respectively (p=0.8). Magnetic resonance-ultrasound fusion biopsy detected 15% more cancers in the transition zone (p=0.046) and visually targeted biopsy detected 11% more high grade cancer at the prostate base (p=0.005). Only 52% of all high grade cancers were detected by both techniques. We found no evidence of a significant difference in the detection of high grade or any grade cancer between visually targeted and magnetic resonance-ultrasound fusion biopsy. However, the performance of each technique varied in specific biopsy locations and the outcomes of both techniques were complementary. Combining visually targeted biopsy and magnetic resonance-ultrasound fusion biopsy may optimize the detection of prostate cancer. Copyright © 2016 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topological edge states and impurities: Manifestation in the local static and dynamical characteristics of dimerized quantum chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zvyagin, A. A.

2018-04-01

Based on the results of exact analytic calculations, we show that topological edge states and impurities in quantum dimerized chains manifest themselves in various local static and dynamical characteristics, which can be measured in experiments. In particular, topological edge states can be observed in the magnetic field behavior of the local magnetization or magnetic susceptibility of dimerized spin chains as jumps (for the magnetization) and features (for the static susceptibility) at zero field. In contrast, impurities reveal themselves in similar jumps and features, however, at nonzero values of the critical field. We also show that dynamical characteristics of dimerized quantum chains also manifest the features, related to the topological edge states and impurities. Those features, as a rule, can be seen more sharply than the manifestation of bulk extended states in, e.g., the dynamical local susceptibility. Such peculiarities can be observed in one-dimensional dimerized spin chains, e.g., in NMR experiments, or in various realizations of quantum dimerized chains in optical experiments.

Probing stochastic inter-galactic magnetic fields using blazar-induced gamma ray halo morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duplessis, Francis; Vachaspati, Tanmay

2017-05-01

Inter-galactic magnetic fields can imprint their structure on the morphology of blazar-induced gamma ray halos. We show that the halo morphology arises through the interplay of the source's jet and a two-dimensional surface dictated by the magnetic field. Through extensive numerical simulations, we generate mock halos created by stochastic magnetic fields with and without helicity, and study the dependence of the halo features on the properties of the magnetic field. We propose a sharper version of the Q-statistics and demonstrate its sensitivity to the magnetic field strength, the coherence scale, and the handedness of the helicity. We also identify and explain a new feature of the Q-statistics that can further enhance its power.

Neural Determinants of Task Performance during Feature-Based Attention in Human Cortex

PubMed Central

Gong, Mengyuan

2018-01-01

Abstract Studies of feature-based attention have associated activity in a dorsal frontoparietal network with putative attentional priority signals. Yet, how this neural activity mediates attentional selection and whether it guides behavior are fundamental questions that require investigation. We reasoned that endogenous fluctuations in the quality of attentional priority should influence task performance. Human subjects detected a speed increment while viewing clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CCW) motion (baseline task) or while attending to either direction amid distracters (attention task). In an fMRI experiment, direction-specific neural pattern similarity between the baseline task and the attention task revealed a higher level of similarity for correct than incorrect trials in frontoparietal regions. Using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), we disrupted posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and found a selective deficit in the attention task, but not in the baseline task, demonstrating the necessity of this cortical area during feature-based attention. These results reveal that frontoparietal areas maintain attentional priority that facilitates successful behavioral selection. PMID:29497703

Sensing position and speed by recording magnetization transitions on mechanically functional machine members (abstract)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garshelis, I. J.

1997-04-01

Conventional means of sensing position and speed of moving machine members for control purposes typically requires the use of supplementary, ad hoc devices. Many mechanically functional moving machine members are fabricated from ferromagnetic steels and may, thus, provide an opportunity to themselves carry positionally relevant information in the form of local regions of deliberately instilled remanent magnetization, Mr. To avoid ambiguities associated with the imprecise borders of such regions as well as their possibly preexisting presence, information is more reliably carried in the form of local transitions in the polarity of Mr from a quiescent bias. The presence and physical location of such transitions relative to reference features either on the member itself or on other members undergoing correlated motion constitutes stored information. The presence of a transition is signaled by the transitory appearance of the external field associated with ∇ṡMr as the transition containing region passes by a magnetic-field detecting device fixed to the machine frame. Implanting and removing transitions from parts while in motion is readily accomplished by pulsed currents and biasing magnets. While the whole process of storing, reading, and erasing bits of information in magnetic form follows the concepts and principles of conventional magnetic recording, profoundly different quantitative factors, conditions, and performance requirements affect the implementation of the described sensing system. In particular, the coercivity, Hc, of commonly used steels is 3-30 Oe versus 300-1200 Oe in recording media and both the thickness of the media and the air gaps separating the media surface from the heads used in conventional systems are each 2-3 orders of magnitude smaller than their counterparts in the described system, where speed may also be variable down to zero. While the combined effect of these factors is to greatly diminish the attainable density of recorded information, this has only modest impact on the ability of the system to fulfill its purpose by effectively providing a dynamically adjustable "magnetic cam." The magnetic and operational details of an experimental sensing system were explored using a "timing" belt as the mechanically functional member. The molded polyurethane belt incorporated cabled steel wires (nine cold drawn carbon steel 0.08 mm diam) wound in an 0.8 mm pitch helix around the belt circumference; 13 full turns in the 10 mm wide belt. An isolated cable showed 4πM=15 kG in a 100 Oe field, 4πMr=11.9 kG with Hc=17 Oe. The belt was driven at surface speeds from 0-10 m/s. Bias was provided by a small barium ferrite magnet, magnetic transitions were recorded by current pulses through a coil wound on a gapped core and detected by a Hall-effect field sensor located at a fixed distance downstream. Fields of ±10 Oe with gradients >1 Oe/mm were detected at distances of 1.5 mm from the belt surface. Speed was determined from the elapsed time between a recording pulse and its detection.

Structural MRI-based detection of Alzheimer's disease using feature ranking and classification error.

PubMed

Beheshti, Iman; Demirel, Hasan; Farokhian, Farnaz; Yang, Chunlan; Matsuda, Hiroshi

2016-12-01

This paper presents an automatic computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system based on feature ranking for detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) using structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) data. The proposed CAD system is composed of four systematic stages. First, global and local differences in the gray matter (GM) of AD patients compared to the GM of healthy controls (HCs) are analyzed using a voxel-based morphometry technique. The aim is to identify significant local differences in the volume of GM as volumes of interests (VOIs). Second, the voxel intensity values of the VOIs are extracted as raw features. Third, the raw features are ranked using a seven-feature ranking method, namely, statistical dependency (SD), mutual information (MI), information gain (IG), Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC), t-test score (TS), Fisher's criterion (FC), and the Gini index (GI). The features with higher scores are more discriminative. To determine the number of top features, the estimated classification error based on training set made up of the AD and HC groups is calculated, with the vector size that minimized this error selected as the top discriminative feature. Fourth, the classification is performed using a support vector machine (SVM). In addition, a data fusion approach among feature ranking methods is introduced to improve the classification performance. The proposed method is evaluated using a data-set from ADNI (130 AD and 130 HC) with 10-fold cross-validation. The classification accuracy of the proposed automatic system for the diagnosis of AD is up to 92.48% using the sMRI data. An automatic CAD system for the classification of AD based on feature-ranking method and classification errors is proposed. In this regard, seven-feature ranking methods (i.e., SD, MI, IG, PCC, TS, FC, and GI) are evaluated. The optimal size of top discriminative features is determined by the classification error estimation in the training phase. The experimental results indicate that the performance of the proposed system is comparative to that of state-of-the-art classification models. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Methods, systems and devices for detecting and locating ferromagnetic objects

DOEpatents

Roybal, Lyle Gene [Idaho Falls, ID; Kotter, Dale Kent [Shelley, ID; Rohrbaugh, David Thomas [Idaho Falls, ID; Spencer, David Frazer [Idaho Falls, ID

2010-01-26

Methods for detecting and locating ferromagnetic objects in a security screening system. One method includes a step of acquiring magnetic data that includes magnetic field gradients detected during a period of time. Another step includes representing the magnetic data as a function of the period of time. Another step includes converting the magnetic data to being represented as a function of frequency. Another method includes a step of sensing a magnetic field for a period of time. Another step includes detecting a gradient within the magnetic field during the period of time. Another step includes identifying a peak value of the gradient detected during the period of time. Another step includes identifying a portion of time within the period of time that represents when the peak value occurs. Another step includes configuring the portion of time over the period of time to represent a ratio.

Envelope detection using temporal magnetization dynamics of resonantly interacting spin-torque oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, Y.; Nishikawa, M.; Osawa, H.; Okamoto, Y.; Kanao, T.; Sato, R.

2018-05-01

In this article, we propose the detection method of the recorded data pattern by the envelope of the temporal magnetization dynamics of resonantly interacting spin-torque oscillator on the microwave assisted magnetic recording for three-dimensional magnetic recording. We simulate the envelope of the waveform from recorded dots with the staggered magnetization configuration, which are calculated by using a micromagnetic simulation. We study the data detection methods for the envelope and propose a soft-output Viterbi algorithm (SOVA) for partial response (PR) system as a signal processing system for three dimensional magnetic recording.

Pulse-driven magnetoimpedance sensor detection of cardiac magnetic activity.

PubMed

Nakayama, Shinsuke; Sawamura, Kenta; Mohri, Kaneo; Uchiyama, Tsuyoshi

2011-01-01

This study sought to establish a convenient method for detecting biomagnetic activity in the heart. Electrical activity of the heart simultaneously induces a magnetic field. Detection of this magnetic activity will enable non-contact, noninvasive evaluation to be made. We improved the sensitivity of a pulse-driven magnetoimpedance (PMI) sensor, which is used as an electric compass in mobile phones and as a motion sensor of the operation handle in computer games, toward a pico-Tesla (pT) level, and measured magnetic fields on the surface of the thoracic wall in humans. The changes in magnetic field detected by this sensor synchronized with the electric activity of the electrocardiogram (ECG). The shape of the magnetic wave was largely altered by shifting the sensor position within 20 mm in parallel and/or perpendicular to the thoracic wall. The magnetic activity was maximal in the 4th intercostals near the center of the sterna. Furthermore, averaging the magnetic activity at 15 mm in the distance between the thoracic wall and the sensor demonstrated magnetic waves mimicking the P wave and QRS complex. The present study shows the application of PMI sensor in detecting cardiac magnetic activity in several healthy subjects, and suggests future applications of this technology in medicine and biology.

Detection, localization and classification of multiple dipole-like magnetic sources using magnetic gradient tensor data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gang, Yin; Yingtang, Zhang; Hongbo, Fan; Zhining, Li; Guoquan, Ren

2016-05-01

We have developed a method for automatic detection, localization and classification (DLC) of multiple dipole sources using magnetic gradient tensor data. First, we define modified tilt angles to estimate the approximate horizontal locations of the multiple dipole-like magnetic sources simultaneously and detect the number of magnetic sources using a fixed threshold. Secondly, based on the isotropy of the normalized source strength (NSS) response of a dipole, we obtain accurate horizontal locations of the dipoles. Then the vertical locations are calculated using magnitude magnetic transforms of magnetic gradient tensor data. Finally, we invert for the magnetic moments of the sources using the measured magnetic gradient tensor data and forward model. Synthetic and field data sets demonstrate effectiveness and practicality of the proposed method.

Detection of biomolecular interaction between biotin and streptavidin on a self-assembled monolayer using magnetic nanoparticles.

PubMed

Arakaki, Atsushi; Hideshima, Sho; Nakagawa, Takahito; Niwa, Daisuke; Tanaka, Tsuyoshi; Matsunaga, Tadashi; Osaka, Tetsuya

2004-11-20

For developing a magnetic bioassay system, an investigation to determine the presence of a specific biomolecular interaction between biotin and streptavidin was done using magnetic nanoparticles and a silicon substrate with a self-assembled monolayer. Streptavidin was immobilized on the magnetic particles, and biotin was attached to the monolayer-modified substrate. The reaction of streptavidin-modified magnetic particles on the biotin-modified substrate was clearly observed under an optical microscope. The magnetic signals from the particles were detected using a magnetic force microscope. The results of this study demonstrate that the combination of a monolayer-modified substrate with biomolecule-modified magnetic particles is useful for detecting biomolecular interactions in medical and diagnostic analyses. (c) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

High-resolution Observation of Moving Magnetic Features in Active Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qin; Deng, Na; Jing, Ju; Wang, Haimin

2017-08-01

Moving magnetic features (MMFs) are small photospheric magnetic elements that emerge and move outward toward the boundary of moat regions mostly during a sunspot decaying phase, in a serpent wave-like magnetic topology. Studies of MMFs and their classification (e.g., unipolar or bipolar types) strongly rely on the high spatiotemporal-resolution observation of photospheric magnetic field. In this work, we present a detailed observation of a sunspot evolution in NOAA active region (AR) 12565, using exceptionally high resolution Halpha images from the 1.6 New Solar telescope (NST) at Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) and the UV images from the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS). The spectropolarimetric measurements of photospheric magnetic field are obtained from the NST Near InfraRed Imaging Spectropolarimeter (NIRIS) at Fe I 1.56 um line. We investigate the horizontal motion of the classified MMFs and discuss the clustering patterns of the geometry and motion of the MMFs. We estimate the rate of flux generation by appearance of MMFs and the role MMFs play in sunspot decaying phase. We also study the interaction between the MMFs and the existing magnetic field features and its response to Ellerman bombs and IRIS bombs respectively at higher layers.

Distribution of the Crustal Magnetic Field in Sichuan-Yunnan Region, Southwest China

PubMed Central

Bai, Chunhua; Kang, Guofa; Gao, Guoming

2014-01-01

Based on the new and higher degree geomagnetic model NGDC-720-V3, we have investigated the spatial distribution, the altitude decay characteristics of the crustal magnetic anomaly, the contributions from different wavelength bands to the anomaly, and the relationship among the anomaly, the geological structure, and the geophysical field in Sichuan-Yunnan region of China. It is noted that the most outstanding feature in this area is the strong positive magnetic anomaly in Sichuan Basin, a geologically stable block. Contrasting with this feature, a strong negative anomaly can be seen nearby in Longmen Mountain block, an active block. This contradiction implies a possible relationship between the magnetic field and the geological activity. Completely different feature in magnetic field distribution is seen in the central Yunnan block, another active region, where positive and negative anomalies distribute alternatively, showing a complex magnetic anomaly map. Some fault belts, such as the Longmen Mountain fault, Lijiang-Xiaojinhe fault, and the Red River fault, are the transitional zones of strong and weak or negative and positive anomalies. The corresponding relationship between the magnetic anomaly and the geophysical fields was confirmed. PMID:25243232

Ultrasensitive detection enabled by nonlinear magnetization of nanomagnetic labels.

PubMed

Nikitin, M P; Orlov, A V; Sokolov, I L; Minakov, A A; Nikitin, P I; Ding, J; Bader, S D; Rozhkova, E A; Novosad, V

2018-06-21

Geometrically confined magnetic particles due to their unique response to external magnetic fields find a variety of applications, including magnetic guidance, heat and drug delivery, magneto-mechanical actuation, and contrast enhancement. Highly sensitive detection and imaging techniques based on the nonlinear properties of nanomagnets were recently proposed as innovative strong-translational potential methods applicable in complex, often opaque, biological systems. Here we report on the significant enhancement of the detection capability using optical-lithography-defined, ferromagnetic iron-nickel alloy disk-shaped particles. We show that an irreversible transition between strongly non-collinear (vortex) and single domain states, driven by an alternating magnetic field, translates into a nonlinear magnetic response that enables ultrasensitive detection of these particles. The record sensitivity of ∼3.5 × 10-9 emu, which is equivalent to ∼39 pg of magnetic material is demonstrated at room temperature for arrays of patterned disks. We also show that unbound disks suspended in the aqueous buffer can be successfully detected and quantified in real-time when administered into a live animal allowing for tracing of their biodistribution. The use of nanoscale ferromagnetic particles with engineered nonlinear properties opens prospects for further enhancing the sensitivity, scalability, and tunability of noise-free magnetic tag detection in high-background environments for various applications spanning from biosensing and medical imaging to anti-counterfeiting technologies.

Skylab

NASA Image and Video Library

1973-09-01

This Earth Resource Experiment Package (EREP) photograph of the Uncompahgre area of Colorado was electronically acquired in September of 1973 by the Multi-spectral Scarner, Skylab Experiment S192. EREP images were used to analyze the vegetation conditions and landscape characteristic of this area. Skylab's Earth sensors played the dual roles of gathering information about the planet and perfecting instruments and techniques for future satellites and manned stations. An array of six fixed cameras, another for high resolution, and the astronauts' handheld cameras photographed surface features. Other instruments, recording on magnetic tape, measured the reflectivity of plants, soils, and water. Radar measured the altitude of land and water surfaces. The sensors' objectives were to survey croplands and forests, identify soils and rock types, map natural features and urban developments, detect sediments and the spread of pollutants, study clouds and the sea, and determine the extent of snow and ice cover.

Spectral features of solar plasma flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barkhatov, N. A.; Revunov, S. E.

2014-11-01

Research to the identification of plasma flows in the Solar wind by spectral characteristics of solar plasma flows in the range of magnetohydrodynamics is devoted. To do this, the wavelet skeleton pattern of Solar wind parameters recorded on Earth orbit by patrol spacecraft and then executed their neural network classification differentiated by bandwidths is carry out. This analysis of spectral features of Solar plasma flows in the form of magnetic clouds (MC), corotating interaction regions (CIR), shock waves (Shocks) and highspeed streams from coronal holes (HSS) was made. The proposed data processing and the original correlation-spectral method for processing information about the Solar wind flows for further classification as online monitoring of near space can be used. This approach will allow on early stages in the Solar wind flow detect geoeffective structure to predict global geomagnetic disturbances.

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

Hess, Mark Harry; Hutsel, Brian Thomas; Jennings, Christopher Ashley

Recent Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion experiments at the Sandia National Laboratories Z pulsed power facility have featured a PDV (Photonic Doppler Velocimetry) diagnostic in the final power feed section for measuring load current. In this paper, we report on an anomalous pressure that is detected on this PDV diagnostic very early in time during the current ramp. Early time load currents that are greater than both B-dot upstream current measurements and existing Z machine circuit models by at least 1 MA would be necessary to describe the measured early time velocity of the PDV flyer. This leads us to infermore » that the pressure producing the early time PDV flyer motion cannot be attributed to the magnetic pressure of the load current but rather to an anomalous pressure. Using the MHD code ALEGRA, we are able to compute a time-dependent anomalous pressure function, which when added to the magnetic pressure of the load current, yields simulated flyer velocities that are in excellent agreement with the PDV measurement. As a result, we also provide plausible explanations for what could be the origin of the anomalous pressure.« less

Radical-pair based avian magnetoreception

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Procopio, Maria; Ritz, Thorsten

2014-03-01

Behavioural experiments suggest that migratory birds possess a magnetic compass sensor able to detect the direction of the geomagnetic. One hypothesis for the basis of this remarkable sensory ability is that the coherent quantum spin dynamics of photoinduced radical pair reactions transduces directional magnetic information from the geomagnetic field into changes of reaction yields, possibly involving the photoreceptor cryptochrome in the birds retina. The suggested radical-pair based avian magnetoreception has attracted attention in the field of quantum biology as an example of a biological sensor which might exploit quantum coherences for its biological function. Investigations on such a spin-based sensor have focussed on uncovering the design features for the design of a biomimetic magnetic field sensor. We study the effects of slow fluctuations in the nuclear spin environment on the directional signal. We quantitatively evaluate the robustness of signals under fluctuations on a timescale longer than the lifetime of a radical pair, utilizing two models of radical pairs. Our results suggest design principles for building a radical-pair based compass sensor that is both robust and highly directional sensitive.

Synthesis of Immunotargeted Magneto-plasmonic Nanoclusters

PubMed Central

Wu, Chun-Hsien; Sokolov, Konstantin

2014-01-01

Magnetic and plasmonic properties combined in a single nanoparticle provide a synergy that is advantageous in a number of biomedical applications including contrast enhancement in novel magnetomotive imaging modalities, simultaneous capture and detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and multimodal molecular imaging combined with photothermal therapy of cancer cells. These applications have stimulated significant interest in development of protocols for synthesis of magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles with optical absorbance in the near-infrared (NIR) region and a strong magnetic moment. Here, we present a novel protocol for synthesis of such hybrid nanoparticles that is based on an oil-in-water microemulsion method. The unique feature of the protocol described herein is synthesis of magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles of various sizes from primary blocks which also have magneto-plasmonic characteristics. This approach yields nanoparticles with a high density of magnetic and plasmonic functionalities which are uniformly distributed throughout the nanoparticle volume. The hybrid nanoparticles can be easily functionalized by attaching antibodies through the Fc moiety leaving the Fab portion that is responsible for antigen binding available for targeting. PMID:25177973

Modulation of structural, electrical, and magnetic features with dilute Zr substitution in Bi0.8La0.2Fe1-xZrxO3 system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Usama, Hasan M.; Akter, Ayesha; Zubair, M. A.

2017-12-01

A significant structural modification and enhancement of the electrical and magnetic properties with dilute substitution of Zr (≤1 mol. %) in the Bi0.8La0.2Fe1-xZrxO3 system has been reported. A mixture of rhombohedral and orthorhombic phases was detected in these conventionally sintered ceramics. Transition from a leaky state to an insulating state was observed upon Zr substitution. This is the first time that a drop in the electrical conductivity as large as 6 orders of magnitude for doping as small as 0.25 mol. % in bismuth ferrite systems has been reported. An investigation on the nature of this abrupt transition revealed the dominant role of defects. A proper consideration of possible defect reactions taking place during and after sintering satisfactorily accounts for the observed modulation in the electrical properties. Both AC and DC measurements indicate that, before Zr substitution, p-type hopping conduction prevails with an activation energy as low as ˜0.57 eV, whereas the Zr substitution makes oxide ion migration the central mechanism for conduction with the activation energy of ˜0.96-1.08 eV. In contrast to that, the magnetic properties of the compounds experience a more subtle effect; a gradual modification of saturation magnetization and coercivity with Zr substitution is observed. Curve fitting of the magnetic hysteresis loops not only allowed extraction of three separate contributions from the magnetic response but also helped to explain the effects of Zr on the magnetic properties. Modifications of structural characteristics and magnetic anisotropy of the samples are believed to be the primary driving force behind the improvement in the magnetic properties.

RECURRENT SOLAR JETS INDUCED BY A SATELLITE SPOT AND MOVING MAGNETIC FEATURES

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

Chen, Jie; Su, Jiangtao; Yin, Zhiqiang

2015-12-10

Recurrent and homologous jets were observed to the west edge of active region NOAA 11513 at the boundary of a coronal hole. We find two kinds of cancellations between opposite polarity magnetic fluxes, inducing the generation of recurrent jets. First, a satellite spot continuously collides with a pre-existing opposite polarity magnetic field and causes recurrent solar jets. Second, moving magnetic features, which emerge near the sunspot penumbra, pass through the ambient plasma and eventually collide with the opposite polarity magnetic field. Among these recurrent jets, a blowout jet that occurred around 21:10 UT is investigated. The rotation of the pre-existingmore » magnetic field and the shear motion of the satellite spot accumulate magnetic energy, which creates the possibility for the jet to experience blowout right from the standard.« less

Magneto-Radar Hidden Metal Detector

DOEpatents

McEwan, Thomas E.

2005-07-05

A varying magnetic field excites slight vibrations in an object and a radar sensor detects the vibrations at a harmonic of the excitation frequency. The synergy of the magnetic excitation and radar detection provides increased detection range compared to conventional magnetic metal detectors. The radar rejects background clutter by responding only to reflecting objects that are vibrating at a harmonic excitation field, thereby significantly improving detection reliability. As an exemplary arrangement, an ultra-wideband micropower impulse radar (MIR) is capable of being employed to provide superior materials penetration while providing range information. The magneto-radar may be applied to pre-screening magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patients, landmine detection and finding hidden treasures.

Chromospheric impact of an exploding solar granule

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fischer, C. E.; Bello González, N.; Rezaei, R.

2017-06-01

Context. Observations of multi-wavelength and therefore height-dependent information following events throughout the solar atmosphere and unambiguously assigning a relation between these rapidly evolving layers are rare and difficult to obtain. Yet, they are crucial for our understanding of the physical processes that couple the different regimes in the solar atmosphere. Aims: We characterize the exploding granule event with simultaneous observations of Hinode spectroplarimetric data in the solar photosphere and Hinode broadband Ca II H images combined with Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) slit spectra. We follow the evolution of an exploding granule and its connectivity throughout the atmosphere and analyze the dynamics of a magnetic element that has been affected by the abnormal granule. Methods: In addition to magnetic flux maps we use a local correlation tracking method to infer the horizontal velocity flows in the photosphere and apply a wavelet analysis on several IRIS chromospheric emission features such as Mg II k2v and Mg II k3 to detect oscillatory phenomena indicating wave propagation. Results: During the vigorous expansion of the abnormal granule we detect radially outward horizontal flows, causing, together with the horizontal flows from the surrounding granules, the magnetic elements in the bordering intergranular lanes to be squeezed and elongated. In reaction to the squeezing, we detect a chromospheric intensity and velocity oscillation pulse which we identify as an upward traveling hot shock front propagating clearly through the IRIS spectral line diagnostics of Mg II h&k. Conclusions: Exploding granules can trigger upward-propagating shock fronts that dissipate in the chromosphere. Movies associated to Figs. A.1 and A.2 are available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

Imaging inert fluorinated gases in cracks: perhaps in David's ankles.

PubMed

Kuethe, Dean O; Scholz, Markus D; Fantazzini, Paola

2007-05-01

Inspired by the challenge of determining the nature of cracks on the ankles of Michelangelo's statue David, we discovered that one can image SF(6) gas in cracks in marble samples with alacrity. The imaging method produces images of gas with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 100-250, which is very high for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in general, let alone for an image of a gas at thermal equilibrium polarization. To put this unusual SNR in better perspective, we imaged SF(6) in a crack in a marble sample and imaged the lung tissue of a live rat (a more familiar variety of sample to many MRI scientists) using the same pulse sequence, the same size coils and the same MRI system. In both cases, we try to image subvoxel thin sheets of material that should appear bright against a darker background. By choosing imaging parameters appropriate for the different relaxation properties of SF(6) gas versus lung tissue and by choosing voxel sizes appropriate for the different goals of detecting subvoxel cracks on marble versus resolving subvoxel thin sheets of tissue, the SNR for voxels full of material was 220 and 14 for marble and lung, respectively. A major factor is that we chose large voxels to optimize SNR for detecting small cracks and we chose small voxels for resolving lung features at the expense of SNR. Imaging physics will cooperate to provide detection of small cracks on marble, but David's size poses a challenge for magnet designers. For the modest goal of imaging cracks in the left ankle, we desire a magnet with an approximately 32-cm gap and a flux density of approximately 0.36 T that weighs <500 kg.

Wave-function description of conductance mapping for a quantum Hall electron interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolasiński, K.; Szafran, B.

2014-04-01

Scanning gate microscopy of quantum point contacts (QPC) in the integer quantum Hall regime is considered in terms of the scattering wave functions with a finite-difference implementation of the quantum transmitting boundary approach. Conductance (G) maps for a clean QPC as well as for a system including an antidot within the QPC constriction are evaluated. The steplike locally flat G maps for clean QPCs turn into circular resonances that are reentrant in an external magnetic field when the antidot is introduced to the constriction. The current circulation around the antidot and the spacing of the resonances at the magnetic field scale react to the probe approaching the QPC. The calculated G maps with a rigid but soft antidot potential reproduce the features detected recently in the electron interferometer [F. Martins et al., Sci. Rep. 3, 1416 (2013), 10.1038/srep01416].

Long-term magnetic field stability of Vega

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alina, D.; Petit, P.; Lignières, F.; Wade, G. A.; Fares, R.; Aurière, M.; Böhm, T.; Carfantan, H.

2012-05-01

We present new spectropolarimetric observations of the normal A-type star Vega, obtained during the summer of 2010 with NARVAL at Télescope Bernard Lyot (Pic du Midi Observatory). This new time-series is constituted of 615 spectra collected over 6 different nights. We use the Least-Square-Deconvolution technique to compute, from each spectrum, a mean line profile with a signal-to-noise ratio close to 20,000. After averaging all 615 polarized observations, we detect a circularly polarized Zeeman signature consistent in shape and amplitude with the signatures previously reported from our observations of 2008 and 2009. The surface magnetic geometry of the star, reconstructed using the technique of Zeeman-Doppler Imaging, agrees with the maps obtained in 2008 and 2009, showing that most recognizable features of the photospheric field of Vega are only weakly distorted by large-scale surface flows (differential rotation or meridional circulation).

Anomalous Hall effect in ZrTe 5

DOE PAGES

Liang, Tian; Lin, Jingjing; Gibson, Quinn; ...

2018-03-19

Research in topological matter has expanded to include the Dirac and Weyl semimetals which feature three-dimensional Dirac states protected by symmetry. Zirconium pentatelluride has been of recent interest as a potential Dirac or Weyl semimetal material. Here, we report the results of experiments performed by in situ three-dimensional double-axis rotation to extract the full 4π solid angular dependence of the transport properties. A clear anomalous Hall effect is detected in every sample studied, with no magnetic ordering observed in the system to the experimental sensitivity of torque magnetometry. Large anomalous Hall signals develop when the magnetic field is rotated inmore » the plane of the stacked quasi-two-dimensional layers, with the values vanishing above about 60 K, where the negative longitudinal magnetoresistance also disappears. Finally, this suggests a close relation in their origins, which we attribute to the Berry curvature generated by the Weyl nodes.« less

Anomalous Hall effect in ZrTe5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Tian; Lin, Jingjing; Gibson, Quinn; Kushwaha, Satya; Liu, Minhao; Wang, Wudi; Xiong, Hongyu; Sobota, Jonathan A.; Hashimoto, Makoto; Kirchmann, Patrick S.; Shen, Zhi-Xun; Cava, R. J.; Ong, N. P.

2018-05-01

Research in topological matter has expanded to include the Dirac and Weyl semimetals1-10, which feature three-dimensional Dirac states protected by symmetry. Zirconium pentatelluride has been of recent interest as a potential Dirac or Weyl semimetal material. Here, we report the results of experiments performed by in situ three-dimensional double-axis rotation to extract the full 4π solid angular dependence of the transport properties. A clear anomalous Hall effect is detected in every sample studied, with no magnetic ordering observed in the system to the experimental sensitivity of torque magnetometry. Large anomalous Hall signals develop when the magnetic field is rotated in the plane of the stacked quasi-two-dimensional layers, with the values vanishing above about 60 K, where the negative longitudinal magnetoresistance also disappears. This suggests a close relation in their origins, which we attribute to the Berry curvature generated by the Weyl nodes.

Anomalous Hall effect in ZrTe 5

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

Liang, Tian; Lin, Jingjing; Gibson, Quinn

Research in topological matter has expanded to include the Dirac and Weyl semimetals which feature three-dimensional Dirac states protected by symmetry. Zirconium pentatelluride has been of recent interest as a potential Dirac or Weyl semimetal material. Here, we report the results of experiments performed by in situ three-dimensional double-axis rotation to extract the full 4π solid angular dependence of the transport properties. A clear anomalous Hall effect is detected in every sample studied, with no magnetic ordering observed in the system to the experimental sensitivity of torque magnetometry. Large anomalous Hall signals develop when the magnetic field is rotated inmore » the plane of the stacked quasi-two-dimensional layers, with the values vanishing above about 60 K, where the negative longitudinal magnetoresistance also disappears. Finally, this suggests a close relation in their origins, which we attribute to the Berry curvature generated by the Weyl nodes.« less

Investigation of a low-cost magneto-inductive magnetometer for space science applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Regoli, Leonardo H.; Moldwin, Mark B.; Pellioni, Matthew; Bronner, Bret; Hite, Kelsey; Sheinker, Arie; Ponder, Brandon M.

2018-03-01

A new sensor for measuring low-amplitude magnetic fields that is ideal for small spacecraft is presented. The novel measurement principle enables the fabrication of a low-cost sensor with low power consumption and with measuring capabilities that are comparable to recent developments for CubeSat applications. The current magnetometer, a software-modified version of a commercial sensor, is capable of detecting fields with amplitudes as low as 8.7 nT at 40 Hz and 2.7 nT at 1 Hz, with a noise floor of 4 pT/Hz at 1 Hz. The sensor has a linear response to less than 3 % over a range of ±100 000 nT. All of these features make the magneto-inductive principle a promising technology for the development of magnetic sensors for both space-borne and ground-based applications to study geomagnetic activity.

Modeling of Mutiscale Electromagnetic Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Interactions near Discrete Auroral Arcs Observed by the MICA Sounding Rocket

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Streltsov, A. V.; Lynch, K. A.; Fernandes, P. A.; Miceli, R.; Hampton, D. L.; Michell, R. G.; Samara, M.

2012-12-01

The MICA (Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling in the Alfvén Resonator) sounding rocket was launched from Poker Flat on February 19, 2012. The rocket was aimed into the system of discrete auroral arcs and during its flight it detected small-scale electromagnetic disturbances with characteristic features of dispersive Alfvén waves. We report results from numerical modeling of these observations. Our simulations are based on a two-fluid MHD model describing multi-scale interactions between magnetic field-aligned currents carried by shear Alfven waves and the ionosphere. The results from our simulations suggest that the small-scale electromagnetic structures measured by MICA indeed can be interpreted as dispersive Alfvén waves generated by the active ionospheric response (ionopspheric feedback instability) inside the large-scale downward magnetic field-aligned current interacting with the ionosphere.

Quantitative Inspection of Remanence of Broken Wire Rope Based on Compressed Sensing.

PubMed

Zhang, Juwei; Tan, Xiaojiang

2016-08-25

Most traditional strong magnetic inspection equipment has disadvantages such as big excitation devices, high weight, low detection precision, and inconvenient operation. This paper presents the design of a giant magneto-resistance (GMR) sensor array collection system. The remanence signal is collected to acquire two-dimensional magnetic flux leakage (MFL) data on the surface of wire ropes. Through the use of compressed sensing wavelet filtering (CSWF), the image expression of wire ropes MFL on the surface was obtained. Then this was taken as the input of the designed back propagation (BP) neural network to extract three kinds of MFL image geometry features and seven invariant moments of defect images. Good results were obtained. The experimental results show that nondestructive inspection through the use of remanence has higher accuracy and reliability compared with traditional inspection devices, along with smaller volume, lighter weight and higher precision.

pH-responsive poly(aspartic acid) hydrogel-coated magnetite nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

PubMed

Vega-Chacón, Jaime; Arbeláez, María Isabel Amaya; Jorge, Janaina Habib; Marques, Rodrigo Fernando C; Jafelicci, Miguel

2017-08-01

A novel multifunctional nanosystem formed by magnetite nanoparticles coated with pH-responsive poly(aspartic acid) hydrogel was developed. Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 ) have been intensively investigated for biomedical applications due to their magnetic properties and dimensions similar to the biostructures. Poly(aspartic acid) is a water-soluble, biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, which features makes it a potential candidate for biomedical applications. The nanoparticles surface modification was carried out by crosslinking polysuccinimide on the magnetite nanoparticles surface and hydrolyzing the succinimide units in mild alkaline medium to obtain the magnetic poly(aspartic acid) hydrogel. The surface modification in each step was confirmed by DRIFTS, TEM and zeta potential measurements. The hydrodynamic diameter of the nanosystems decreases as the pH value decreases. The nanosystems showed high colloidal stability in water and no cytotoxicity was detected, which make these nanosystems suitable for biomedical applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantitative Inspection of Remanence of Broken Wire Rope Based on Compressed Sensing

PubMed Central

Zhang, Juwei; Tan, Xiaojiang

2016-01-01

Most traditional strong magnetic inspection equipment has disadvantages such as big excitation devices, high weight, low detection precision, and inconvenient operation. This paper presents the design of a giant magneto-resistance (GMR) sensor array collection system. The remanence signal is collected to acquire two-dimensional magnetic flux leakage (MFL) data on the surface of wire ropes. Through the use of compressed sensing wavelet filtering (CSWF), the image expression of wire ropes MFL on the surface was obtained. Then this was taken as the input of the designed back propagation (BP) neural network to extract three kinds of MFL image geometry features and seven invariant moments of defect images. Good results were obtained. The experimental results show that nondestructive inspection through the use of remanence has higher accuracy and reliability compared with traditional inspection devices, along with smaller volume, lighter weight and higher precision. PMID:27571077

BROADBAND SPECTROSCOPY USING TWO SUZAKU OBSERVATIONS OF THE HMXB GX 301-2

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

Suchy, Slawomir; Markowitz, Alex; Rothschild, Richard E.

2012-02-01

We present the analysis of two Suzaku observations of GX 301-2 at two orbital phases after the periastron passage. Variations in the column density of the line-of-sight absorber are observed, consistent with accretion from a clumpy wind. In addition to a cyclotron resonance scattering feature (CRSF), multiple fluorescence emission lines were detected in both observations. The variations in the pulse profiles and the CRSF throughout the pulse phase have a signature of a magnetic dipole field. Using a simple dipole model we calculated the expected magnetic field values for different pulse phases and were able to extract a set ofmore » geometrical angles, loosely constraining the dipole geometry in the neutron star. From the variation of the CRSF width and energy, we found a geometrical solution for the dipole, making the inclination consistent with previously published values.« less

Bats Use Magnetite to Detect the Earth's Magnetic Field

PubMed Central

Holland, Richard A.; Kirschvink, Joseph L.; Doak, Thomas G.; Wikelski, Martin

2008-01-01

While the role of magnetic cues for compass orientation has been confirmed in numerous animals, the mechanism of detection is still debated. Two hypotheses have been proposed, one based on a light dependent mechanism, apparently used by birds and another based on a “compass organelle” containing the iron oxide particles magnetite (Fe3O4). Bats have recently been shown to use magnetic cues for compass orientation but the method by which they detect the Earth's magnetic field remains unknown. Here we use the classic “Kalmijn-Blakemore” pulse re-magnetization experiment, whereby the polarity of cellular magnetite is reversed. The results demonstrate that the big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus uses single domain magnetite to detect the Earths magnetic field and the response indicates a polarity based receptor. Polarity detection is a prerequisite for the use of magnetite as a compass and suggests that big brown bats use magnetite to detect the magnetic field as a compass. Our results indicate the possibility that sensory cells in bats contain freely rotating magnetite particles, which appears not to be the case in birds. It is crucial that the ultrastructure of the magnetite containing magnetoreceptors is described for our understanding of magnetoreception in animals. PMID:18301753

Bats use magnetite to detect the earth's magnetic field.

PubMed

Holland, Richard A; Kirschvink, Joseph L; Doak, Thomas G; Wikelski, Martin

2008-02-27

While the role of magnetic cues for compass orientation has been confirmed in numerous animals, the mechanism of detection is still debated. Two hypotheses have been proposed, one based on a light dependent mechanism, apparently used by birds and another based on a "compass organelle" containing the iron oxide particles magnetite (Fe(3)O(4)). Bats have recently been shown to use magnetic cues for compass orientation but the method by which they detect the Earth's magnetic field remains unknown. Here we use the classic "Kalmijn-Blakemore" pulse re-magnetization experiment, whereby the polarity of cellular magnetite is reversed. The results demonstrate that the big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus uses single domain magnetite to detect the Earths magnetic field and the response indicates a polarity based receptor. Polarity detection is a prerequisite for the use of magnetite as a compass and suggests that big brown bats use magnetite to detect the magnetic field as a compass. Our results indicate the possibility that sensory cells in bats contain freely rotating magnetite particles, which appears not to be the case in birds. It is crucial that the ultrastructure of the magnetite containing magnetoreceptors is described for our understanding of magnetoreception in animals.

Long term effects of cocaine on the heart assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance at 3T

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Cocaine is an addictive, sympathomimetic drug with potentially lethal effects. The prevalence and features of cocaine cardiotoxicity are not well known. We aimed to assess these effects using a comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) protocol in a large group of asymptomatic cocaine users. Methods Consecutive (n = 94, 81 males, 36.6 ±7 years), non-selected, cocaine abusers were recruited and had a medical history, examination, ECG, blood test and CMR. The CMR study included measurement of left and right ventricular (LV, RV) dimensions and ejection fraction (EF), sequences for detection of myocardial oedema and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Images were compared to a cohort of healthy controls. Results Years of regular cocaine use were 13.9 ± 9. When compared to the age-matched healthy cohort, the cocaine abusers had increased LV end-systolic volume, LV mass index and RV end-systolic volume, with decreased LVEF and RVEF. No subject had myocardial oedema, but 30% had myocardial LGE indicating myocardial damage. Conclusions CMR detected cardiovascular disease in 71% of this cohort of consecutive asymptomatic cocaine abusers and mean duration of abuse was related to probability of LV systolic dysfunction. PMID:24758161

Filamentary field-aligned currents at the polar cap region during northward interplanetary magnetic field derived with the Swarm constellation

PubMed Central

Lühr, Hermann; Huang, Tao; Wing, Simon; Kervalishvili, Guram; Rauberg, Jan; Korth, Haje

2017-01-01

ESA’s Swarm constellation mission makes it possible for the first time to determine field-aligned currents (FACs) in the ionosphere uniquely. In particular at high latitudes, the dual-satellite approach can reliably detect some FAC structures which are missed by the traditional single-satellite technique. These FAC events occur preferentially poleward of the auroral oval and during times of northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) orientation. Most events appear on the nightside. They are not related to the typical FAC structures poleward of the cusp, commonly termed NBZ. Simultaneously observed precipitating particle spectrograms and auroral images from Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites are consistent with the detected FACs and indicate that they occur on closed field lines mostly adjacent to the auroral oval. We suggest that the FACs are associated with Sun-aligned filamentary auroral arcs. Here we introduce in an initial study features of the high-latitude FAC structures which have been observed during the early phase of the Swarm mission. A more systematic survey over longer times is required to fully characterize the so far undetected field aligned currents. PMID:29056833

Microstrip resonators for electron paramagnetic resonance experiments.

PubMed

Torrezan, A C; Mayer Alegre, T P; Medeiros-Ribeiro, G

2009-07-01

In this article we evaluate the performance of an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) setup using a microstrip resonator (MR). The design and characterization of the resonator are described and parameters of importance to EPR and spin manipulation are examined, including cavity quality factor, filling factor, and microwave magnetic field in the sample region. Simulated microwave electric and magnetic field distributions in the resonator are also presented and compared with qualitative measurements of the field distribution obtained by a perturbation technique. Based on EPR experiments carried out with a standard marker at room temperature and a MR resonating at 8.17 GHz, the minimum detectable number of spins was found to be 5 x 10(10) spins/GHz(1/2) despite the low MR unloaded quality factor Q0=60. The functionality of the EPR setup was further evaluated at low temperature, where the spin resonance of Cr dopants present in a GaAs wafer was detected at 2.3 K. The design and characterization of a more versatile MR targeting an improved EPR sensitivity and featuring an integrated biasing circuit for the study of samples that require an electrical contact are also discussed.

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

Miyasaka, Hiromasa; Harrison, Fiona A.; Fürst, Felix

The Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array hard X-ray telescope observed the transient Be/X-ray binary GS 0834–430 during its 2012 outburst—the first active state of this system observed in the past 19 yr. We performed timing and spectral analysis and measured the X-ray spectrum between 3-79 keV with high statistical significance. We find the phase-averaged spectrum to be consistent with that observed in many other magnetized, accreting pulsars. We fail to detect cyclotron resonance scattering features that would allow us to constrain the pulsar's magnetic field in either phase-averaged or phase-resolved spectra. Timing analysis shows a clearly detected pulse period of ∼12.29more » s in all energy bands. The pulse profiles show a strong, energy-dependent hard phase lag of up to 0.3 cycles in phase, or about 4 s. Such dramatic energy-dependent lags in the pulse profile have never before been reported in high-mass X-ray binary pulsars. Previously reported lags have been significantly smaller in phase and restricted to low energies (E < 10 keV). We investigate the possible mechanisms that might produce this energy-dependent pulse phase shift. We find the most likely explanation for this effect is a complex beam geometry.« less

Novel methods for detecting buried explosive devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kercel, Stephen W.; Burlage, Robert S.; Patek, David R.; Smith, Cyrus M.; Hibbs, Andrew D.; Rayner, Timothy J.

1997-07-01

Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Quantum Magnetics, Inc. are exploring novel landmine detection technologies. Technologies considered here include bioreporter bacteria, swept acoustic resonance, nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR), and semiotic data fusion. Bioreporter bacteria look promising for third-world humanitarian applications; they are inexpensive, and deployment does not require high-tech methods. Swept acoustic resonance may be a useful adjunct to magnetometers in humanitarian demining. For military demining, NQR is a promising method for detecting explosive substances; of 50,000 substances that have been tested, one has an NQR signature that can be mistaken for RDX or TNT. For both military and commercial demining, sensor fusion entails two daunting tasks, identifying fusible features in both present-day and emerging technologies, and devising a fusion algorithm that runs in real-time on cheap hardware. Preliminary research in these areas is encouraging. A bioreporter bacterium for TNT detection is under development. Investigation has just started in swept acoustic resonance as an approach to a cheap mine detector for humanitarian use. Real-time wavelet processing appears to be a key to extending NQR bomb detection into mine detection, including TNT-based mines. Recent discoveries in semiotics may be the breakthrough that will lead to a robust fused detection scheme.

Satellite measurements of the earth's crustal magnetic field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schnetzler, C. C.

1989-01-01

The literature associated with the Magsat mission has evaluated the capabilities and limitations of satellite measurements of the earth's crustal magnetic field, and demonstrated that there exists a 300-3000 km magnetic field, related to major features in the earth's crust, which is primarily caused by induction. Due to its scale and sensitivity, satellite data have been useful in the development of models for such large crustal features as subduction zones, submarine platforms, continental accretion boundaries, and rifts. Attention is presently given to the lack of agreement between laboratory and satellite estimates of lower crustal magnetization.

Contactless and absolute linear displacement detection based upon 3D printed magnets combined with passive radio-frequency identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Windl, Roman; Abert, Claas; Bruckner, Florian; Huber, Christian; Vogler, Christoph; Weitensfelder, Herbert; Suess, Dieter

2017-11-01

Within this work a passive and wireless magnetic sensor, to monitor linear displacements, is proposed. We exploit recent advances in 3D printing and fabricate a polymer bonded magnet with a spatially linear magnetic field component corresponding to the length of the magnet. Regulating the magnetic compound fraction during printing allows specific shaping of the magnetic field distribution. A giant magnetoresistance magnetic field sensor is combined with a radio-frequency identification tag in order to passively monitor the exerted magnetic field of the printed magnet. Due to the tailored magnetic field, a displacement of the magnet with respect to the sensor can be detected within the sub-mm regime. The sensor design provides good flexibility by controlling the 3D printing process according to application needs. Absolute displacement detection using low cost components and providing passive operation, long term stability, and longevity renders the proposed sensor system ideal for structural health monitoring applications.

First detection of equatorial dark dust lane in a protostellar disk at submillimeter wavelength

PubMed Central

Lee, Chin-Fei; Li, Zhi-Yun; Ho, Paul T. P.; Hirano, Naomi; Zhang, Qizhou; Shang, Hsien

2017-01-01

In the earliest (so-called “Class 0”) phase of Sun-like (low-mass) star formation, circumstellar disks are expected to form, feeding the protostars. However, these disks are difficult to resolve spatially because of their small sizes. Moreover, there are theoretical difficulties in producing these disks in the earliest phase because of the retarding effects of magnetic fields on the rotating, collapsing material (so-called “magnetic braking”). With the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), it becomes possible to uncover these disks and study them in detail. HH 212 is a very young protostellar system. With ALMA, we not only detect but also spatially resolve its disk in dust emission at submillimeter wavelength. The disk is nearly edge-on and has a radius of ~60 astronomical unit. It shows a prominent equatorial dark lane sandwiched between two brighter features due to relatively low temperature and high optical depth near the disk midplane. For the first time, this dark lane is seen at submillimeter wavelength, producing a “hamburger”-shaped appearance that is reminiscent of the scattered-light image of an edge-on disk in optical and near infrared light. Our observations open up an exciting possibility of directly detecting and characterizing small disks around the youngest protostars through high-resolution imaging with ALMA, which provides strong constraints on theories of disk formation. PMID:28439561

Detecting the Lμ-Lτ gauge boson at Belle II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Araki, Takeshi; Hoshino, Shihori; Ota, Toshihiko; Sato, Joe; Shimomura, Takashi

2017-03-01

We discuss the feasibility of detecting the gauge boson of the U (1 )Lμ-Lτ symmetry, which possesses a mass in the range between MeV and GeV, at the Belle-II experiment. The kinetic mixing between the new gauge boson Z' and photon is forbidden at the tree level and is radiatively induced. The leptonic force mediated by such a light boson is motivated by the discrepancy in muon anomalous magnetic moment and also the gap in the energy spectrum of cosmic neutrino. Defining the process e+e-→γ Z'→γ ν ν ¯ (missing energy) to be the signal, we estimate the numbers of the signal and the background events and show the parameter region to which the Belle-II experiment will be sensitive. The signal process in the Lμ-Lτ model is enhanced with a light Z', which is a characteristic feature differing from the dark photon models with a constant kinetic mixing. We find that the Belle-II experiment with the design luminosity will be sensitive to the Z' with the mass MZ'≲1 GeV and the new gauge coupling gZ'≳8 ×10-4 , which covers a half of the unconstrained parameter region that explains the discrepancy in muon anomalous magnetic moment. The possibilities to improve the significance of the detection are also discussed.

Measurement of the Neutron Lifetime with Ultra-cold Neutrons Stored in a Magneto-gravitational Trap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ezhov, V. F.; Andreev, A. Z.; Ban, G.; Bazarov, B. A.; Geltenbort, P.; Glushkov, A. G.; Knyazkov, V. A.; Kovrizhnykh, N. A.; Krygin, G. B.; Naviliat-Cuncic, O.; Ryabov, V. L.

2018-05-01

We report a measurement of the neutron lifetime using ultra-cold neutrons stored in a magneto-gravitational trap made of permanent magnets. Neutrons surviving in the trap after fixed storage times have been counted and the trap losses have continuously been monitored during storage by detecting neutrons leaking from the trap. The value of the neutron lifetime resulting from this measurement is τ n = (878.3 ± 1.6stat ± 1.0syst) s. A unique feature of this experiment is the monitoring of leaking neutrons providing a robust control of the main systematic loss.

Helical quantum states in HgTe quantum dots with inverted band structures.

PubMed

Chang, Kai; Lou, Wen-Kai

2011-05-20

We investigate theoretically the electron states in HgTe quantum dots (QDs) with inverted band structures. In sharp contrast to conventional semiconductor quantum dots, the quantum states in the gap of the HgTe QD are fully spin-polarized and show ringlike density distributions near the boundary of the QD and spin-angular momentum locking. The persistent charge currents and magnetic moments, i.e., the Aharonov-Bohm effect, can be observed in such a QD structure. This feature offers us a practical way to detect these exotic ringlike edge states by using the SQUID technique.

Radiology of pancreatic neoplasms: An update

PubMed Central

de la Santa, Luis Gijón; Retortillo, José Antonio Pérez; Miguel, Ainhoa Camarero; Klein, Lea Marie

2014-01-01

Diagnostic imaging is an important tool to evaluate pancreatic neoplasms. We describe the imaging features of pancreatic malignancies and their benign mimics. Accurate detection and staging are essential for ensuring appropriate selection of patients who will benefit from surgery and for preventing unnecessary surgeries in patients with unresectable disease. Ultrasound, multidetector computed tomography with multiplanar reconstruction and magnetic resonance imaging can help to do a correct diagnosis. Radiologists should be aware of the wide variety of anatomic variants and pathologic conditions that may mimic pancreatic neoplasms. The knowledge of the most important characteristic key findings may facilitate the right diagnosis. PMID:25232458

Radiology of pancreatic neoplasms: An update.

PubMed

de la Santa, Luis Gijón; Retortillo, José Antonio Pérez; Miguel, Ainhoa Camarero; Klein, Lea Marie

2014-09-15

Diagnostic imaging is an important tool to evaluate pancreatic neoplasms. We describe the imaging features of pancreatic malignancies and their benign mimics. Accurate detection and staging are essential for ensuring appropriate selection of patients who will benefit from surgery and for preventing unnecessary surgeries in patients with unresectable disease. Ultrasound, multidetector computed tomography with multiplanar reconstruction and magnetic resonance imaging can help to do a correct diagnosis. Radiologists should be aware of the wide variety of anatomic variants and pathologic conditions that may mimic pancreatic neoplasms. The knowledge of the most important characteristic key findings may facilitate the right diagnosis.

Experimental Demonstration of Observability and Operability of Robustness of Coherence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Wenqiang; Ma, Zhihao; Wang, Hengyan; Fei, Shao-Ming; Peng, Xinhua

2018-06-01

Quantum coherence is an invaluable physical resource for various quantum technologies. As a bona fide measure in quantifying coherence, the robustness of coherence (ROC) is not only mathematically rigorous, but also physically meaningful. We experimentally demonstrate the witness-observable and operational feature of the ROC in a multiqubit nuclear magnetic resonance system. We realize witness measurements by detecting the populations of quantum systems in one trial. The approach may also apply to physical systems compatible with ensemble or nondemolition measurements. Moreover, we experimentally show that the ROC quantifies the advantage enabled by a quantum state in a phase discrimination task.

Probing stochastic inter-galactic magnetic fields using blazar-induced gamma ray halo morphology

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

Duplessis, Francis; Vachaspati, Tanmay, E-mail: fdupless@asu.edu, E-mail: tvachasp@asu.edu

Inter-galactic magnetic fields can imprint their structure on the morphology of blazar-induced gamma ray halos. We show that the halo morphology arises through the interplay of the source's jet and a two-dimensional surface dictated by the magnetic field. Through extensive numerical simulations, we generate mock halos created by stochastic magnetic fields with and without helicity, and study the dependence of the halo features on the properties of the magnetic field. We propose a sharper version of the Q-statistics and demonstrate its sensitivity to the magnetic field strength, the coherence scale, and the handedness of the helicity. We also identify andmore » explain a new feature of the Q-statistics that can further enhance its power.« less

New perspectives on the supernova remnant Puppis A based on a radio polarization study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reynoso, E. M.; Velázquez, P. F.; Cichowolski, S.

2018-06-01

We present a polarization study towards the supernova remnant (SNR) Puppis A based on original observations performed with the Australia Telescope Compact Array. Based on the analysis of a feature detected outside the SNR shell (called `the tail' throughout the paper), it was possible to disentangle the emission with origin in Puppis A itself from that coming from the foreground Vela SNR. We found a very low polarization fraction, of about 3 per cent on average. The upper limit of the magnetic field component parallel to the line of sight is estimated to be B∥ ˜ 20 μG. The statistical behaviour of the magnetic vectors shows two preferential directions, almost perpendicular to each other, which are approximately aligned with the flat edges of Puppis A. A third, narrow peak oriented perpendicular to the Galactic plane suggests the existence of an interstellar magnetic field locally aligned in this direction. There is evidence that the magnetic vectors along the shell are aligned with the shock front direction. The low polarization fraction and the statistical behaviour of the magnetic vectors are compatible with a scenario where the SNR evolves inside a stellar wind bubble with a box-like morphology, produced by the interaction of the different stellar winds, one of them magnetized, launched by the SN progenitor. This scenario can furthermore explain the morphology of Puppis A, rendering little support to the previously accepted picture which involved strong density gradients to explain the flat, eastern edge of the shell.

Ultrahigh Sensitive and Flexible Magnetoelectronics with Magnetic Nanocomposites: Toward an Additional Perception of Artificial Intelligence.

PubMed

Cai, Shu-Yi; Chang, Cheng-Han; Lin, Hung-I; Huang, Yuan-Fu; Lin, Wei-Ju; Lin, Shih-Yao; Liou, Yi-Rou; Shen, Tien-Lin; Huang, Yen-Hsiang; Tsao, Po-Wei; Tzou, Chen-Yang; Liao, Yu-Ming; Chen, Yang-Fang

2018-05-23

In recent years, flexible magnetoelectronics has attracted a great attention for its intriguing functionalities and potential applications, such as healthcare, memory, soft robots, navigation, and touchless human-machine interaction systems. Here, we provide the first attempt to demonstrate a new type of magneto-piezoresistance device, which possesses an ultrahigh sensitivity with several orders of resistance change under an external magnetic field (100 mT). In our device, Fe-Ni alloy powders are embedded in the silver nanowire-coated micropyramid polydimethylsiloxane films. Our devices can not only serve as an on/off switch but also act as a sensor that can detect different magnetic fields because of its ultrahigh sensitivity, which is very useful for the application in analog signal communication. Moreover, our devices contain several key features, including large-area and easy fabrication processes, fast response time, low working voltage, low power consumption, excellent flexibility, and admirable compatibility onto a freeform surface, which are the critical criteria for the future development of touchless human-machine interaction systems. On the basis of all of these unique characteristics, we have demonstrated a nontouch piano keyboard, instantaneous magnetic field visualization, and autonomous power system, making our new devices be integrable with magnetic field and enable to be implemented into our daily life applications with unfamiliar human senses. Our approach therefore paves a useful route for the development of wearable electronics and intelligent systems.

Electromagnetic packable technology (EMPACT) for detection and characterization of ordnance in post-conflict areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schultz, Gregory; Miller, Jonathan; Keranen, Joe

2013-06-01

Land reclamation efforts in post-conflict regions are often hampered by the presence of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) or other Explosive Remnants of War (ERW). Surface geophysical methods, such as Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) and magnetometry, are typically applied to screen rehabilitation areas for UXO prior to excavation; however, the prevalence of innocuous magnetic clutter related to indigenous scrap, fragmentation, or geology can severely impede the progress and efficiency of these remediation efforts. Additionally, the variability in surface conditions and local topography necessitates the development of sensor technologies that can be applied to a range of sites including those that prohibit the use of vehicle-mounted or large array systems. We present a man-portable EMI sensor known as the Electromagnetic Packable Technology (EMPACT) system that features a multi-axis sensor configuration in a compact form factor. The system is designed for operation in challenging site conditions and can be used in low ground-standoff modes to detect small and low-metal content objects. The EMPACT acquires high spatial density, multi-axis data that enable high resolution of small objects. This high density data can also be used to provide characterization of target physical features, such as size, material content, and shape. We summarize the development of this system for humanitarian demining operations and present results from preliminary system evaluations against a range of target types. Specifically, we assess the general detection capabilities of the EMPACT system and we evaluate the potential for target classification based on analysis of data and target model features.

Segmentation and classification of brain images using firefly and hybrid kernel-based support vector machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selva Bhuvaneswari, K.; Geetha, P.

2017-05-01

Magnetic resonance imaging segmentation refers to a process of assigning labels to set of pixels or multiple regions. It plays a major role in the field of biomedical applications as it is widely used by the radiologists to segment the medical images input into meaningful regions. In recent years, various brain tumour detection techniques are presented in the literature. The entire segmentation process of our proposed work comprises three phases: threshold generation with dynamic modified region growing phase, texture feature generation phase and region merging phase. by dynamically changing two thresholds in the modified region growing approach, the first phase of the given input image can be performed as dynamic modified region growing process, in which the optimisation algorithm, firefly algorithm help to optimise the two thresholds in modified region growing. After obtaining the region growth segmented image using modified region growing, the edges can be detected with edge detection algorithm. In the second phase, the texture feature can be extracted using entropy-based operation from the input image. In region merging phase, the results obtained from the texture feature-generation phase are combined with the results of dynamic modified region growing phase and similar regions are merged using a distance comparison between regions. After identifying the abnormal tissues, the classification can be done by hybrid kernel-based SVM (Support Vector Machine). The performance analysis of the proposed method will be carried by K-cross fold validation method. The proposed method will be implemented in MATLAB with various images.

Improved parameter extraction and classification for dynamic contrast enhanced MRI of prostate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haq, Nandinee Fariah; Kozlowski, Piotr; Jones, Edward C.; Chang, Silvia D.; Goldenberg, S. Larry; Moradi, Mehdi

2014-03-01

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) imaging, has shown great potential in prostate cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The time course of the DCE images provides measures of the contrast agent uptake kinetics. Also, using pharmacokinetic modelling, one can extract parameters from the DCE-MR images that characterize the tumor vascularization and can be used to detect cancer. A requirement for calculating the pharmacokinetic DCE parameters is estimating the Arterial Input Function (AIF). One needs an accurate segmentation of the cross section of the external femoral artery to obtain the AIF. In this work we report a semi-automatic method for segmentation of the cross section of the femoral artery, using circular Hough transform, in the sequence of DCE images. We also report a machine-learning framework to combine pharmacokinetic parameters with the model-free contrast agent uptake kinetic parameters extracted from the DCE time course into a nine-dimensional feature vector. This combination of features is used with random forest and with support vector machine classi cation for cancer detection. The MR data is obtained from patients prior to radical prostatectomy. After the surgery, wholemount histopathology analysis is performed and registered to the DCE-MR images as the diagnostic reference. We show that the use of a combination of pharmacokinetic parameters and the model-free empirical parameters extracted from the time course of DCE results in improved cancer detection compared to the use of each group of features separately. We also validate the proposed method for calculation of AIF based on comparison with the manual method.

Understanding the Tectonic Features in the South China Sea By Analyzing Magnetic Anomalies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, L.; Meng, X.; Shi, L.; Yao, C.

2011-12-01

The South China Sea (SCS) is surrounded by the Eurasia, Pacific and India-Australia plates. It formed during Late Oligocene-Early Miocene, and is one of the largest marginal seas in the Western Pacific. The collision of Indian subcontinent and Eurasian plate in the northwest, back-arc spreading in the centre and subduction beneath the Philippine plate along Manila trench in the east and along Palawan trough in the south had produced the complex tectonic features in the SCS that we can see today. In the past few decades, a variety of geophysical methods were conducted to study geological tectonics and evolution of the SCS. Here, we analyzed the magnetic data of this area using new data enhancement techniques to understand the regional tectonic features. We assembled the magnetic anomalies data with a resolution of two arc-minute from the World Digital Magnetic Anomaly Map, and then gridded the data on a regular grid. Then we used the method of reduction to the pole at low latitude with varying magnetic inclinations to stably reduce the magnetic anomalies. Then we used the preferential continuation method based on Wiener filtering and Green's equivalence principle to separate the reduced-to-pole (RTP) magnetic anomalies, and subsequently analyze the regional and residual anomalies. We also calculated the directional horizontal derivatives and the tilt-angle derivative of the data to derive clearer geological structures with more details. Then we calculated the depth of the magnetic basement surface in the area by 3D interface inversion. From the results of the preliminary processing, we analyzed the main faults, geological structures, magma distribution and tectonic features in the SCS. In the future, the integrated interpretation of the RTP magnetic anomalies, Bouguer gravity anomalies and other geophysical methods will be performed for better understanding the deep structure , the tectonic features and evolution of the South China Sea. Acknowledgment: We acknowledge the financial support of the SinoProbe project (201011039), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2010ZY26, 2011PY0184), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (40904033, 41074095).

Deep learning of joint myelin and T1w MRI features in normal-appearing brain tissue to distinguish between multiple sclerosis patients and healthy controls.

PubMed

Yoo, Youngjin; Tang, Lisa Y W; Brosch, Tom; Li, David K B; Kolind, Shannon; Vavasour, Irene; Rauscher, Alexander; MacKay, Alex L; Traboulsee, Anthony; Tam, Roger C

2018-01-01

Myelin imaging is a form of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that measures myelin content and can potentially allow demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) to be detected earlier. Although focal lesions are the most visible signs of MS pathology on conventional MRI, it has been shown that even tissues that appear normal may exhibit decreased myelin content as revealed by myelin-specific images (i.e., myelin maps). Current methods for analyzing myelin maps typically use global or regional mean myelin measurements to detect abnormalities, but ignore finer spatial patterns that may be characteristic of MS. In this paper, we present a machine learning method to automatically learn, from multimodal MR images, latent spatial features that can potentially improve the detection of MS pathology at early stage. More specifically, 3D image patches are extracted from myelin maps and the corresponding T1-weighted (T1w) MRIs, and are used to learn a latent joint myelin-T1w feature representation via unsupervised deep learning. Using a data set of images from MS patients and healthy controls, a common set of patches are selected via a voxel-wise t -test performed between the two groups. In each MS image, any patches overlapping with focal lesions are excluded, and a feature imputation method is used to fill in the missing values. A feature selection process (LASSO) is then utilized to construct a sparse representation. The resulting normal-appearing features are used to train a random forest classifier. Using the myelin and T1w images of 55 relapse-remitting MS patients and 44 healthy controls in an 11-fold cross-validation experiment, the proposed method achieved an average classification accuracy of 87.9% (SD = 8.4%), which is higher and more consistent across folds than those attained by regional mean myelin (73.7%, SD = 13.7%) and T1w measurements (66.7%, SD = 10.6%), or deep-learned features in either the myelin (83.8%, SD = 11.0%) or T1w (70.1%, SD = 13.6%) images alone, suggesting that the proposed method has strong potential for identifying image features that are more sensitive and specific to MS pathology in normal-appearing brain tissues.

Improving UXO Detection and Discrimination in Magnetic Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-01

Krahenbuhl, Todd Meglich Center for Gravity, Electrical , & Magnetic Studies Department of Geophysics Colorado School of Mines Doug Oldenburg, Len...NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Colorado School of Mines,Department of Geophysics,Center for Gravity, Electrical , & Magnetic Studies,Golden,CO,80401 8...SERDP Project MM-1414 Improving UXO Detection and Discrimination in Magnetic Environments Final Report Center for Gravity, Electrical , & Magnetic Studies

Magneto-motive detection of tissue-based macrophages by differential phase optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Oh, Junghwan; Feldman, Marc D; Kim, Jihoon; Kang, Hyun Wook; Sanghi, Pramod; Milner, Thomas E

2007-03-01

A novel method to detect tissue-based macrophages using a combination of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles and differential phase optical coherence tomography (DP-OCT) with an external oscillating magnetic field is reported. Magnetic force acting on iron-laden tissue-based macrophages was varied by applying a sinusoidal current to a solenoid containing a conical iron core that substantially focused and increased magnetic flux density. Nanoparticle motion was detected with DP-OCT, which can detect tissue movement with nanometer resolution. Frequency response of iron-laden tissue movement was twice the modulation frequency since the magnetic force is proportional to the product of magnetic flux density and gradient. Results of our experiments indicate that DP-OCT can be used to identify tissue-based macrophage when excited by an external focused oscillating magnetic field. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc

Motionally-induced electromagnetic fields generated by idealized ocean currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tyler, R. H.; Mysak, L. A.

Using the induction equation, we investigate the generation of electromagnetic fields by the motional electromagnetic induction due to ocean currents. In this paper, solutions are presented for a linear induction equation for the magnetic flux density vector which contains prescribed time-independent ocean current and conductivity fields. Once the magnetic flux density is known, the electric field and electric current density are easily obtained by differentiation. Solutions are given for several examples of idealized flow which include: 1) Vertically and horizontally sheared plane-parallel flow with depth-dependent conductivity; 2) A simple Stommel circulation gyre; and 3) Symmetric gyres. The results indicate that typical ocean current features induce magnetic fields with magnitudes reaching 100's of nT within the water and about 1-10 outside of the water. For the case of a field of gyres, the ocean-induced magnetic fields decay away from the ocean on spatial scales set by the horizontal scale of the ocean feature. At the altitudes of magnetic field satellite surveys, ocean-induced magnetic fields may retain values of a few nT, which are strong enough to be detected. Thus it is concluded that satellite observations of the earth's main magnetic field and, in particular, the observed temporal variations, could be affected by the ocean circulation. Summary and discussion In Section 3, we found exact solutions to the induction equation for idealized flows. The results gave magnitudes of about tens to hundreds of nT for the magnetic fields bH, about 10-5 V/m for the electric fields E, and about 10-5 A/m2 for the electric current density J induced by the ocean currents. These figures are in general agreement with the calculations of Lilley et al. (1993). In Section 4.2 we obtained solutions for the magnetic field above the ocean surface for the case of a Stommel gyre and a field of symmetric gyres. It was found in the last case that ocean gyres with a total transport of 100 Sv would have field magnitudes above the ocean of up to 23 nT and more typically between about 1 and 10 nT. The results also indicate that the decay scales for the magnetic field away from the ocean are of the same order as the horizontal scale of the flow. We calculated that flow features with scales of 100 km or more may retain magnitudes that are strong enough (a few nT) to be detected at satellite altitudes (300-500 km). Flows of smaller scale, however, would probably not be detected by current satellites. We have not explicitly solved for the magnetic fields that would be observed at magnetic observations on land since we have only treated cases of horizontally homogeneous conductivity. However, we conjecture that inland magnetic observations will also be affected by the ocean induction. The spatial decay inland from the ocean would again be set by the horizontal scale of the flow except when the electric currents involved in the induction are close to the coast. In this case there is a coastal effect, with the stronger fields decaying over a shorter scale. We have presented arguments which indicate that for uniform ocean conductivity s over a sediment layer of low conductivity, barotropic currents are efficient generators of electric fields but poor generators of electrical current and magnetic fields, while baroclinic currents are efficient generators of electrical current and magnetic fields, and (in our simple examples) poor generators of electric fields. When, however, s varies in the vertical, it appears that virtually all realistic forms of ocean circulation will be reasonably efficient generators of electrical current and magnetic fields. It is conceivable that the geomagnetic record from land and satellite observatories has captured oceanic signals. Another task before ocean and geomagnetic records can be linked, however, is to isolate the oceanic signal from the records which are known to be swarmed with magnetic signals from many other sources. How can we know that measured magnetic variations are due to variations in the ocean induction and not due to sources in the ionosphere or earth's core? This is a difficult problem, but there may be some ways to resolve it. Variations in ocean circulation or conductivity are rather slow compared to the rapid magnetic storms and most other variations due to external sources. Also the external effects at the earth's surface tend to have large spatial scales which allows removal using techniques such as 'remote referencing' as done by Lilley et al. (1993). With regard to sources in the earth's core, the geometric and electromagnetic filtering by the mantle are thought to prevent all but the lowest frequencies from reaching the earth's surface. Hence, it is conceivable that at the earth's surface, magnetic fields due to the earth's core can only appear as relatively smooth, slowly-varying fields with periods of decadal scale and longer. Hence, there is probably a fortuitous 'spectral window' through which we can view interannual variations in the ocean-induced fields. It is also important that the accuracy in measuring the time rate of change of the magnetic field on these time scales is greater than the accuracy of the field values (at least at the land observatories). This is because when differencing the magnetic series, errors in the baseline drift are reduced. Hence, it is probable that fluctuations in the ocean-induced magnetic fields would be easier to detect than the steady-state fields. The results presented here should also be helpful in designing future strategies for numerically modelling the ocean-induced electromagnetic fields. As we mentioned, (73) is similar in principle to the two-dimensional equation solved by Stephenson and Bryan (1992) but is more general, allowing for a more realistic description of conductivity and allowing for horizontal divergence in the conductivity transport. Other results in this paper may be helpful in finding new approaches to the problem of numerically modelling the oceanic induction. The flux form of the induction equation (18) could be a more convenient form to be used in established numerical algorithms using flux conservation. Also, (11) or (18) could be used with the Stokes or Divergence theorems to create a box-model description of global oceanic induction. When the scalar fluid property Λ described in Section 4.2.3 is taken to be a function of the conductivity, equation (76) is greatly simplified, suggesting that a three-dimensional numerical model using constant conductivity layers [similar in essence to the constant-density layer approach used in the OPYC ocean-circulation model written by Joseph Oberhuber (1993)] may be profitably exploited.

Cusp and LLBL as Sources of the Isolated Dayside Auroral Feature During Northward IMF

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, S.-W.; Gallagher, D. L.; Spann, J. F.; Mende, S. B.; Greenwald, R. A.; Newell, P. T.

2004-01-01

An intense dayside proton aurora was observed by Imager for Magnetopause-to- Aurora Global Exploration Far Ultra-Violet imager (IMAGE FUV) for an extensive period of northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) on 17 and 18 September 2000. This aurora partially coincided with the auroral oval and intruded farther poleward into the polar cap, and it showed longitudinal motions in response to IMF By variation. Intense magnetosheath-like electron and ion precipitations have been simultaneously detected by Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) above the poleward portion of the high-latitude dayside aurora. They resemble the typical plasmas observed in the low-altitude cusp. However, less intense electrons and more energetic ions were detected over the equatonvard part of the aurora. These plasmas are closer to the low-latitude boundary layer (LLBL) plasmas. Under strongly northward IMF, global ionospheric convection derived from Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radar measurements showed a four-cell pattern with sunward convection in the middle of the dayside polar cap and the dayside aurora corresponded to two different convection cells. This result further supports two source regions for the aurora. The cusp proton aurora is on open magnetic field lines convecting sunward whereas the LLBL proton aurora is on closed field lines convecting antisunward. These IMAGE, DMSP, and SuperDARN observations reveal the structure and dynamics of the aurora and provide strong evidence for magnetic merging occurring at the high-latitude magnetopause poleward from the cusp. This merging process was very likely quasi-stationary.

Magnetic characterization of Daphnia resting eggs.

PubMed

Sakata, Masanobu; Kawasaki, Tamami; Shibue, Toshimichi; Takada, Atsushi; Yoshimura, Hideyuki; Namiki, Hideo

2006-12-15

This study characterized the magnetic materials found within Daphnia resting eggs by measuring static magnetization with a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer, after forming two types of conditions, each of which consists of zero-field cooling (ZFC) and field cooling (FC). Magnetic ions, such as Fe(3+), contained in Daphnia resting eggs existed as (1) paramagnetic and superparamagnetic particles, demonstrated by a magnetization and temperature dependence of the magnetic moments under an applied magnetic field after ZFC and FC, and (2) ferromagnetic particles with definite magnetic moments, the content of which was estimated to be very low, demonstrated by the Moskowitz test. Conventionally, biomagnets have been directly detected by transmission electron microscopes (TEM). As demonstrated in this study, it is possible to nondestructively detect small biomagnets by magnetization measurement, especially after two types of ZFC and FC. This nondestructive method can be applied in detecting biomagnets in complex biological organisms.

Brain Morphometry Using Anatomical Magnetic Resonance Imaging

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bansal, Ravi; Gerber, Andrew J.; Peterson, Bradley S.

2008-01-01

The efficacy of anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in studying the morphological features of various regions of the brain is described, also providing the steps used in the processing and studying of the images. The ability to correlate these features with several clinical and psychological measures can help in using anatomical MRI to…

Ultrasensitive detection enabled by nonlinear magnetization of nanomagnetic labels

DOE PAGES

Nikitin, M. P.; Orlov, A. V.; Sokolov, I. L.; ...

2018-01-01

The magnetically soft, disk-shaped particles reveal a strong nonlinearity of the magnetization process due to irreversible transitions from the spin vortex to single-domain configuration, enabling their ultrasensitive detection in high-background environments.

Visible region MCD and MLD spectra of nitrosylferrohemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin.

PubMed

Pearce, Linda L; Bominaar, Emile L; Peterson, Jim

2002-09-20

Magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and magnetic linear dichroism (MLD) spectroscopies at various applied magnetic fields (0-6T) and temperatures (2.0-31K) have been used to investigate the electronic properties of the visible (Q(0-0), or alpha band) region of oxy- and nitrosylferrohemoglobin (HbNO). OxyHb, a d(6) (S=0) diamagnet, exhibits the expected pseudo-first derivative MCD and pseudo-second derivative MLD temperature-independent features centered at 574nm. HbNO, a d(7) (S=1/2) paramagnet, also exhibits a temperature-independent pseudo-first derivative MCD spectrum, but centered at 571nm. So far as we are aware, this behavior is unprecedented in the MCD spectra of paramagetic iron-porphyrins, which are expected to be dominated by temperature-dependent C(0) terms. The HbNO MCD spectrum does, however, demonstrate limited field-dependent saturation magnetization behavior and the MLD spectrum is currently below the detection limit. In addition, an MCD signal from reoxygenated venous blood is reported and compared with MCD signals from oxy- and HbNO derivatives. Finally, a combination of MCD and MLD spectroscopies has been used to estimate the orbital angular momentum (M(L)) value of the alpha band excited state of oxyHb as 4.2 (+/-0.7).

Bi-Modal Micro-Cathode Arc Thruster for Cube Satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiu, Dereck

A new concept design, named the Bi-Modal Micro-Cathode Arc Thruster (BM-muCAT), has been introduced utilizing features from previous generations of muCATs and incorporating a multi-propellant functionality. This arc thruster is a micro-Newton level thruster based off of vacuum arc technology utilizing an enhanced magnetic field. Adjusting the magnetic field allows the thrusters performance to be varied. The goal of this thesis is to present a new generation of micro-cathode arc thrusters utilizing a bi-propellant, nickel and titanium, system. Three experimental procedures were run to test the new designs capabilities. Arc rotation experiment was used as a base experiment to ensure erosion was occurring uniformly along each electrode. Ion utilization efficiency was found, using an ion collector, to be up to 2% with the nickel material and 2.5% with the titanium material. Ion velocities were also studied using a time-of-flight method with an enhanced ion detection system. This system utilizes double electrostatic probes to measure plasma propagation. Ion velocities were measured to be 10km/s and 20km/s for nickel and titanium without a magnetic field. With an applied magnetic field of 0.2T, nickel ion velocities almost doubled to about 17km/s, while titanium ion velocities also increased to about 30km/s.

Latitudinal variation rate of geomagnetic cutoff rigidity in the active Chilean convergent margin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cordaro, Enrique G.; Venegas, Patricio; Laroze, David

2018-03-01

We present a different view of secular variation of the Earth's magnetic field, through the variations in the threshold rigidity known as the variation rate of geomagnetic cutoff rigidity (VRc). As the geomagnetic cutoff rigidity (Rc) lets us differentiate between charged particle trajectories arriving at the Earth and the Earth's magnetic field, we used the VRc to look for internal variations in the latter, close to the 70° south meridian. Due to the fact that the empirical data of total magnetic field BF and vertical magnetic field Bz obtained at Putre (OP) and Los Cerrillos (OLC) stations are consistent with the displacement of the South Atlantic magnetic anomaly (SAMA), we detected that the VRc does not fully correlate to SAMA in central Chile. Besides, the lower section of VRc seems to correlate perfectly with important geological features, like the flat slab in the active Chilean convergent margin. Based on this, we next focused our attention on the empirical variations of the vertical component of the magnetic field Bz, recorded in OP prior to the Maule earthquake in 2010, which occurred in the middle of the Chilean flat slab. We found a jump in Bz values and main frequencies from 3.510 to 5.860 µHz, in the second derivative of Bz, which corresponds to similar magnetic behavior found by other research groups, but at lower frequency ranges. Then, we extended this analysis to other relevant subduction seismic events, like Sumatra in 2004 and Tohoku in 2011, using data from the Guam station. Similar records and the main frequencies before each event were found. Thus, these results seem to show that magnetic anomalies recorded on different timescales, as VRc (decades) and Bz (days), may correlate with some geological events, as the lithosphere-atmosphere-ionosphere coupling (LAIC).

Computer-aided detection of breast lesions in DCE-MRI using region growing based on fuzzy C-means clustering and vesselness filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

B. Shokouhi, Shahriar; Fooladivanda, Aida; Ahmadinejad, Nasrin

2017-12-01

A computer-aided detection (CAD) system is introduced in this paper for detection of breast lesions in dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). The proposed CAD system firstly compensates motion artifacts and segments the breast region. Then, the potential lesion voxels are detected and used as the initial seed points for the seeded region-growing algorithm. A new and robust region-growing algorithm incorporating with Fuzzy C-means (FCM) clustering and vesselness filter is proposed to segment any potential lesion regions. Subsequently, the false positive detections are reduced by applying a discrimination step. This is based on 3D morphological characteristics of the potential lesion regions and kinetic features which are fed to the support vector machine (SVM) classifier. The performance of the proposed CAD system is evaluated using the free-response operating characteristic (FROC) curve. We introduce our collected dataset that includes 76 DCE-MRI studies, 63 malignant and 107 benign lesions. The prepared dataset has been used to verify the accuracy of the proposed CAD system. At 5.29 false positives per case, the CAD system accurately detects 94% of the breast lesions.

Rapid detection of Salmonella in milk by electrochemical magneto-immunosensing.

PubMed

Liébana, Susana; Lermo, Anabel; Campoy, Susana; Cortés, María Pilar; Alegret, Salvador; Pividori, María Isabel

2009-10-15

A very simple and rapid method for the detection of Salmonella in milk is reported. In this approach, the bacteria are captured and preconcentrated from milk samples with magnetic beads through an immunological reaction. A second polyclonal antibody labeled with peroxidase is used as serological confirmation with electrochemical detection based on a magneto-electrode. The 'IMS/m-GEC electrochemical immunosensing' approach shows a limit of detection of 5 x 10(3) and 7.5 x 10(3)CFU mL(-1) in LB and in milk diluted 1/10 in LB broth, respectively, in 50 min without any pretreatment. If the skimmed-milk is preenriched for 6h, the method is able to detect as low as 1.4 CFU mL(-1), while if it is preenriched for 8h, as low as 0.108 x CFU mL(-1) (2.7 x CFU in 25 g of milk, in 5 samples of 5 mL) are detected accordingly with the legislation. Moreover, the method is able to clearly distinguish between food pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli. The features of this approach are discussed and compared with classical culture methods.

Signals of ENPEMF Used in Earthquake Prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, G.; Dong, H.; Zeng, Z.; Wu, G.; Zabrodin, S. M.

2012-12-01

The signals of Earth's natural pulse electromagnetic field (ENPEMF) is a combination of the abnormal crustal magnetic field pulse affected by the earthquake, the induced field of earth's endogenous magnetic field, the induced magnetic field of the exogenous variation magnetic field, geomagnetic pulsation disturbance and other energy coupling process between sun and earth. As an instantaneous disturbance of the variation field of natural geomagnetism, ENPEMF can be used to predict earthquakes. This theory was introduced by A.A Vorobyov, who expressed a hypothesis that pulses can arise not only in the atmosphere but within the Earth's crust due to processes of tectonic-to-electric energy conversion (Vorobyov, 1970; Vorobyov, 1979). The global field time scale of ENPEMF signals has specific stability. Although the wave curves may not overlap completely at different regions, the smoothed diurnal ENPEMF patterns always exhibit the same trend per month. The feature is a good reference for observing the abnormalities of the Earth's natural magnetic field in a specific region. The frequencies of the ENPEMF signals generally locate in kilo Hz range, where frequencies within 5-25 kilo Hz range can be applied to monitor earthquakes. In Wuhan, the best observation frequency is 14.5 kilo Hz. Two special devices are placed in accordance with the S-N and W-E direction. Dramatic variation from the comparison between the pulses waveform obtained from the instruments and the normal reference envelope diagram should indicate high possibility of earthquake. The proposed detection method of earthquake based on ENPEMF can improve the geodynamic monitoring effect and can enrich earthquake prediction methods. We suggest the prospective further researches are about on the exact sources composition of ENPEMF signals, the distinction between noise and useful signals, and the effect of the Earth's gravity tide and solid tidal wave. This method may also provide a promising application in mineral deposits detecting, surface relics pipeline surveying and safety resonance monitoring on reservoir dam.

An integrated model for Jupiter's dynamo action and mean jet dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gastine, Thomas; Wicht, Johannes; Duarte, Lucia; Heimpel, Moritz

2014-05-01

Data from various space crafts revealed that Jupiter's large scale interior magnetic field is very Earth-like. This is surprising since numerical simulations have demonstrated that, for example, the radial dependence of density, electrical conductivity and other physical properties, which is only mild in the iron cores of terrestrial planets but very drastic in gas planets, can significantly affect the interior dynamics. Jupiter's dynamo action is thought to take place in the deeper envelope where hydrogen, the main constituent of Jupiter's atmosphere, assumes metallic properties. The potential interaction between the observed zonal jets and the deeper dynamo region is an unresolved problem with important consequences for the magnetic field generation. Here we present the first numerical simulation that is based on recent interior models and covers 99% of the planetary radius (below the 1 bar level). A steep decease in the electrical conductivity over the outer 10% in radius allowed us to model both the deeper metallic region and the outer molecular layer in an integrated approach. The magnetic field very closely reproduces Jupiter's known large scale field. A strong equatorial zonal jet remains constrained to the molecular layer while higher latitude jets are suppressed by Lorentz forces. This suggests that Jupiter's higher latitude jets remain shallow and are driven by an additional effect not captured in our deep convection model. The dynamo action of the equatorial jet produces a band of magnetic field located around the equator. The unprecedented magnetic field resolution expected from the Juno mission will allow to resolve this feature allowing a direct detection of the equatorial jet dynamics at depth. Typical secular variation times scales amount to around 750 yr for the dipole contribution but decrease to about 5 yr at the expected Juno resolution (spherical harmonic degree 20). At a nominal mission duration of one year Juno should therefore be able to directly detect secular variation effects in the higher field harmonics.

Jupiter's non-auroral Ionosphere and Thermosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stallard, T.; Melin, H.; Burrell, A. G.; Hsu, V.; Johnson, R.; Moore, L.; O'Donoghue, J.; Thayer, J. P.

2017-12-01

Until recently, our understanding of the non-auroral ionosphere of Jupiter was very limited. However, with the arrival of the Juno spacecraft at Jupiter, we have begun to revise past observations of this region, as well as utilizing modern telescope facilities, in order to reveal a complex array of ionospheric features that show strong coupling with both the local magnetic field and dynamics within the underlying thermosphere. The first feature that was identified was an apparent `Great Dark Spot' in the sub-auroral ionosphere, almost as large as the Great Red Spot. This was observed well away from the northern magnetic pole, mapping to only 2.4 jovian radii. Spectra of the feature showed that it was produced by a 150K cooling in the thermosphere. However, images taken between 1995-2000 showed this feature was consistently observed over two decades at similar magnetic longitudes, but appeared to vary in size, morphology and exact location on a timescale of only days. This suggests that the Great Dark Spot is a large thermospheric vortex driven by auroral heating, similar to transitory features observed at Earth, forming in sub-auroral regions during periods of active aurora. Careful analysis of the Jupiter images then allowed us to measure ionospheric emission down to the equator. This revealed the location of Jupiter's magnetic equator for the first time, appearing as a dark sinusoidal ribbon. This feature appears to be produced as photo-electrons are pushed poleward of the equator when magnetic fields are parallel with the planet's surface, a different process than the dominant plasma fountain that drives Earth's equatorial anomaly. Also revealed were a series of dark spots. Recent Juno magnetometer measurements show that two of these spots appear in regions of high radial magnetic field, suggesting that these regions of the ionosphere are shielded, an inversion of the same process that drives higher ionization in the South Atlantic Anomaly.

Superelastic stress-strain behavior in ferrogels with different types of magneto-elastic coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cremer, Peet; Löwen, Hartmut; Menzel, Andreas M.

Colloidal magnetic particles embedded in an elastic polymer matrix constitute a smart material called ferrogel. It responds to an applied external magnetic field by changes in elastic properties, which can be exploited for various applications like dampers, vibration absorbers, or actuators. Under appropriate conditions, the stress-strain behavior of a ferrogel can display a fascinating feature: superelasticity, the capability to reversibly deform by a huge amount while barely altering the applied load. In a previous work, using numerical simulations, we investigated this behavior assuming that the magnetic moments carried by the embedded particles can freely reorient to minimize their magnetic interaction energy. Here, we extend the analysis to ferrogels where restoring torques by the surrounding matrix hinder rotations towards a magnetically favored configuration. For example, the particles can be chemically cross-linked into the polymer matrix and the magnetic moments can be fixed to the particle axes. We demonstrate that these systems still feature a superelastic regime. As before, the nonlinear stress-strain behavior can be reversibly tailored during operation by external magnetic fields. Yet, the different coupling of the magnetic moments causes different types of response to external stimuli. For instance, an external magnetic field applied parallel to the stretching axis hardly affects the superelastic regime but stiffens the system beyond it. Other smart materials featuring superelasticity, e.g. metallic shape-memory alloys, have already found widespread applications. Our soft polymer systems offer many additional advantages like a typically higher deformability and enhanced biocompatibility combined with high tunability.

Influence of a magnetic field during directional solidification of MAR-M 246 + Hf superalloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andrews, J. Barry; Alter, Wendy; Schmidt, Dianne

1991-01-01

An area that has been almost totally overlooked in the optimization of properties in directionally solidified superalloys is the control of microstructural features through the application of a magnetic field during solidification. The influence of a magnetic field on the microstructural features of a nickel-base superalloys is investigated. Studies were performed on the dendritic MAR-M 246+Hf alloy, which was solidified under both a 5 K gauss magnetic field and under no-applied-field conditions. The possible influences of the magnetic field on the solidification process were observed by studying variations in microstructural features including volume fraction, surface area, number, and shape of the carbide particles. Stereological factors analyzed also included primary and secondary dendrite arm spacing and the volume fraction of the interdendritic eutectic constituent. Microprobe analysis was performed to determine the chemistry of the carbides, dendrites, and interdendritic constituents, and how it varied between field and no-field solidification samples. Experiments involving periodic application and removal of the magnetic field were also performed in order to permit a comparison with structural variations observed in a MAR-M 246+Hf alloy solidified during KC-135 high-g, low-g maneuvers.

Sub-Audio Magnetics: Miniature Sensor Technology for Simultaneous Magnetic and Electromagnetic Detection of UXO

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-07-01

is comprised of 4 x 40 m lengths of braided copper wire (Figure 29) with a diameter of 15 mm, capable of passing a 500 amp current. In normal...fuel tank and rubber hoses . Sub-Audio Magnetics: Technology for Simultaneous Magnetic and Electromagnetic Detection 77 Figure 31 Quad

Atomic magnetometer-based ultra-sensitive magnetic microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Young Jin; Savukov, Igor

2016-03-01

An atomic magnetometer (AM) based on lasers and alkali-metal vapor cells is currently the most sensitive non-cryogenic magnetic-field sensor. Many applications in neuroscience and other fields require high resolution, high sensitivity magnetic microscopic measurements. In order to meet this need we combined a cm-size spin-exchange relaxation-free AM with a flux guide (FG) to produce an ultra-sensitive FG-AM magnetic microscope. The FG serves to transmit the target magnetic flux to the AM thus enhancing both the sensitivity and resolution for tiny magnetic objects. In this talk, we will describe a prototype FG-AM device and present experimental and numerical tests of its sensitivity and resolution. We also demonstrate that an optimized FG-AM achieves high resolution and high sensitivity sufficient to detect a magnetic field of a single neuron in a few seconds, which would be an important milestone in neuroscience. We anticipate that this unique device can be applied to the detection of a single neuron, the detection of magnetic nano-particles, which in turn are very important for detection of target molecules in national security and medical diagnostics, and non-destructive testing.

Method Apparatus And System For Detecting Seismic Waves In A Borehole

DOEpatents

West, Phillip B.; Sumstine, Roger L.

2006-03-14

A method, apparatus and system for detecting seismic waves. A sensing apparatus is deployed within a bore hole and may include a source magnet for inducing a magnetic field within a casing of the borehole. An electrical coil is disposed within the magnetic field to sense a change in the magnetic field due to a displacement of the casing. The electrical coil is configured to remain substantially stationary relative to the well bore and its casing along a specified axis such that displacement of the casing induces a change within the magnetic field which may then be sensed by the electrical coil. Additional electrical coils may be similarly utilized to detect changes in the same or other associated magnetic fields along other specified axes. The additional sensor coils may be oriented substantially orthogonally relative to one another so as to detect seismic waves along multiple orthogonal axes in three dimensional space.

Detection of Alzheimer's Disease by Three-Dimensional Displacement Field Estimation in Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PubMed

Wang, Shuihua; Zhang, Yudong; Liu, Ge; Phillips, Preetha; Yuan, Ti-Fei

2016-01-01

Within the past decade, computer scientists have developed many methods using computer vision and machine learning techniques to detect Alzheimer's disease (AD) in its early stages. However, some of these methods are unable to achieve excellent detection accuracy, and several other methods are unable to locate AD-related regions. Hence, our goal was to develop a novel AD brain detection method. In this study, our method was based on the three-dimensional (3D) displacement-field (DF) estimation between subjects in the healthy elder control group and AD group. The 3D-DF was treated with AD-related features. The three feature selection measures were used in the Bhattacharyya distance, Student's t-test, and Welch's t-test (WTT). Two non-parallel support vector machines, i.e., generalized eigenvalue proximal support vector machine and twin support vector machine (TSVM), were then used for classification. A 50 × 10-fold cross validation was implemented for statistical analysis. The results showed that "3D-DF+WTT+TSVM" achieved the best performance, with an accuracy of 93.05 ± 2.18, a sensitivity of 92.57 ± 3.80, a specificity of 93.18 ± 3.35, and a precision of 79.51 ± 2.86. This method also exceled in 13 state-of-the-art approaches. Additionally, we were able to detect 17 regions related to AD by using the pure computer-vision technique. These regions include sub-gyral, inferior parietal lobule, precuneus, angular gyrus, lingual gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, third ventricle, superior parietal lobule, thalamus, middle temporal gyrus, precentral gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, superior occipital gyrus, cingulate gyrus, culmen, and insula. These regions were reported in recent publications. The 3D-DF is effective in AD subject and related region detection.

Joint interpretation of geophysical data using Image Fusion techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karamitrou, A.; Tsokas, G.; Petrou, M.

2013-12-01

Joint interpretation of geophysical data produced from different methods is a challenging area of research in a wide range of applications. In this work we apply several image fusion approaches to combine maps of electrical resistivity, electromagnetic conductivity, vertical gradient of the magnetic field, magnetic susceptibility, and ground penetrating radar reflections, in order to detect archaeological relics. We utilize data gathered from Arkansas University, with the support of the U.S. Department of Defense, through the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP-CS1263). The area of investigation is the Army City, situated in Riley Country of Kansas, USA. The depth of the relics is estimated about 30 cm from the surface, yet the surface indications of its existence are limited. We initially register the images from the different methods to correct from random offsets due to the use of hand-held devices during the measurement procedure. Next, we apply four different image fusion approaches to create combined images, using fusion with mean values, wavelet decomposition, curvelet transform, and curvelet transform enhancing the images along specific angles. We create seven combinations of pairs between the available geophysical datasets. The combinations are such that for every pair at least one high-resolution method (resistivity or magnetic gradiometry) is included. Our results indicate that in almost every case the method of mean values produces satisfactory fused images that corporate the majority of the features of the initial images. However, the contrast of the final image is reduced, and in some cases the averaging process nearly eliminated features that are fade in the original images. Wavelet based fusion outputs also good results, providing additional control in selecting the feature wavelength. Curvelet based fusion is proved the most effective method in most of the cases. The ability of curvelet domain to unfold the image in terms of space, wavenumber, and orientation, provides important advantages compared with the rest of the methods by allowing the incorporation of a-priori information about the orientation of the potential targets.

Functional connectivity supporting the selective maintenance of feature-location binding in visual working memory

PubMed Central

Takahama, Sachiko; Saiki, Jun

2014-01-01

Information on an object's features bound to its location is very important for maintaining object representations in visual working memory. Interactions with dynamic multi-dimensional objects in an external environment require complex cognitive control, including the selective maintenance of feature-location binding. Here, we used event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate brain activity and functional connectivity related to the maintenance of complex feature-location binding. Participants were required to detect task-relevant changes in feature-location binding between objects defined by color, orientation, and location. We compared a complex binding task requiring complex feature-location binding (color-orientation-location) with a simple binding task in which simple feature-location binding, such as color-location, was task-relevant and the other feature was task-irrelevant. Univariate analyses showed that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), hippocampus, and frontoparietal network were activated during the maintenance of complex feature-location binding. Functional connectivity analyses indicated cooperation between the inferior precentral sulcus (infPreCS), DLPFC, and hippocampus during the maintenance of complex feature-location binding. In contrast, the connectivity for the spatial updating of simple feature-location binding determined by reanalyzing the data from Takahama et al. (2010) demonstrated that the superior parietal lobule (SPL) cooperated with the DLPFC and hippocampus. These results suggest that the connectivity for complex feature-location binding does not simply reflect general memory load and that the DLPFC and hippocampus flexibly modulate the dorsal frontoparietal network, depending on the task requirements, with the infPreCS involved in the maintenance of complex feature-location binding and the SPL involved in the spatial updating of simple feature-location binding. PMID:24917833

Functional connectivity supporting the selective maintenance of feature-location binding in visual working memory.

PubMed

Takahama, Sachiko; Saiki, Jun

2014-01-01

Information on an object's features bound to its location is very important for maintaining object representations in visual working memory. Interactions with dynamic multi-dimensional objects in an external environment require complex cognitive control, including the selective maintenance of feature-location binding. Here, we used event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate brain activity and functional connectivity related to the maintenance of complex feature-location binding. Participants were required to detect task-relevant changes in feature-location binding between objects defined by color, orientation, and location. We compared a complex binding task requiring complex feature-location binding (color-orientation-location) with a simple binding task in which simple feature-location binding, such as color-location, was task-relevant and the other feature was task-irrelevant. Univariate analyses showed that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), hippocampus, and frontoparietal network were activated during the maintenance of complex feature-location binding. Functional connectivity analyses indicated cooperation between the inferior precentral sulcus (infPreCS), DLPFC, and hippocampus during the maintenance of complex feature-location binding. In contrast, the connectivity for the spatial updating of simple feature-location binding determined by reanalyzing the data from Takahama et al. (2010) demonstrated that the superior parietal lobule (SPL) cooperated with the DLPFC and hippocampus. These results suggest that the connectivity for complex feature-location binding does not simply reflect general memory load and that the DLPFC and hippocampus flexibly modulate the dorsal frontoparietal network, depending on the task requirements, with the infPreCS involved in the maintenance of complex feature-location binding and the SPL involved in the spatial updating of simple feature-location binding.

Noise canceling in-situ detection

DOEpatents

Walsh, David O.

2014-08-26

Technologies applicable to noise canceling in-situ NMR detection and imaging are disclosed. An example noise canceling in-situ NMR detection apparatus may comprise one or more of a static magnetic field generator, an alternating magnetic field generator, an in-situ NMR detection device, an auxiliary noise detection device, and a computer.

Improvement of immunoassay detection system by using alternating current magnetic susceptibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawabata, R.; Mizoguchi, T.; Kandori, A.

2016-03-01

A major goal with this research was to develop a low-cost and highly sensitive immunoassay detection system by using alternating current (AC) magnetic susceptibility. We fabricated an improved prototype of our previously developed immunoassay detection system and evaluated its performance. The prototype continuously moved sample containers by using a magnetically shielded brushless motor, which passes between two anisotropic magneto resistance (AMR) sensors. These sensors detected the magnetic signal in the direction where each sample container passed them. We used the differential signal obtained from each AMR sensor's output to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the magnetic signal measurement. Biotin-conjugated polymer beads with avidin-coated magnetic particles were prepared to examine the calibration curve, which represents the relation between AC magnetic susceptibility change and polymer-bead concentration. For the calibration curve measurement, we, respectively, measured the magnetic signal caused by the magnetic particles by using each AMR sensor installed near the upper or lower part in the lateral position of the passing sample containers. As a result, the SNR of the prototype was 4.5 times better than that of our previous system. Moreover, the data obtained from each AMR sensor installed near the upper part in the lateral position of the passing sample containers exhibited an accurate calibration curve that represented good correlation between AC magnetic susceptibility change and polymer-bead concentration. The conclusion drawn from these findings is that our improved immunoassay detection system will enable a low-cost and highly sensitive immunoassay.

Improvement of immunoassay detection system by using alternating current magnetic susceptibility.

PubMed

Kawabata, R; Mizoguchi, T; Kandori, A

2016-03-01

A major goal with this research was to develop a low-cost and highly sensitive immunoassay detection system by using alternating current (AC) magnetic susceptibility. We fabricated an improved prototype of our previously developed immunoassay detection system and evaluated its performance. The prototype continuously moved sample containers by using a magnetically shielded brushless motor, which passes between two anisotropic magneto resistance (AMR) sensors. These sensors detected the magnetic signal in the direction where each sample container passed them. We used the differential signal obtained from each AMR sensor's output to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the magnetic signal measurement. Biotin-conjugated polymer beads with avidin-coated magnetic particles were prepared to examine the calibration curve, which represents the relation between AC magnetic susceptibility change and polymer-bead concentration. For the calibration curve measurement, we, respectively, measured the magnetic signal caused by the magnetic particles by using each AMR sensor installed near the upper or lower part in the lateral position of the passing sample containers. As a result, the SNR of the prototype was 4.5 times better than that of our previous system. Moreover, the data obtained from each AMR sensor installed near the upper part in the lateral position of the passing sample containers exhibited an accurate calibration curve that represented good correlation between AC magnetic susceptibility change and polymer-bead concentration. The conclusion drawn from these findings is that our improved immunoassay detection system will enable a low-cost and highly sensitive immunoassay.

Dynamic detection of spin accumulation in ferromagnet-semiconductor devices by ferromagnetic resonance (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crowell, Paul A.; Liu, Changjiang; Patel, Sahil; Peterson, Tim; Geppert, Chad C.; Christie, Kevin; Stecklein, Gordon; Palmstrøm, Chris J.

2016-10-01

A distinguishing feature of spin accumulation in ferromagnet-semiconductor devices is its precession in a magnetic field. This is the basis for detection techniques such as the Hanle effect, but these approaches become ineffective as the spin lifetime in the semiconductor decreases. For this reason, no electrical Hanle measurement has been demonstrated in GaAs at room temperature. We show here that by forcing the magnetization in the ferromagnet to precess at resonance instead of relying only on the Larmor precession of the spin accumulation in the semiconductor, an electrically generated spin accumulation can be detected up to 300 K. The injection bias and temperature dependence of the measured spin signal agree with those obtained using traditional methods. We further show that this new approach enables a measurement of short spin lifetimes (< 100 psec), a regime that is not accessible in semiconductors using traditional Hanle techniques. The measurements were carried out on epitaxial Heusler alloy (Co2FeSi or Co2MnSi)/n-GaAs heterostructures. Lateral spin valve devices were fabricated by electron beam and photolithography. We compare measurements carried out by the new FMR-based technique with traditional non-local and three-terminal Hanle measurements. A full model appropriate for the measurements will be introduced, and a broader discussion in the context of spin pumping experimenments will be included in the talk. The new technique provides a simple and powerful means for detecting spin accumulation at high temperatures. Reference: C. Liu, S. J. Patel, T. A. Peterson, C. C. Geppert, K. D. Christie, C. J. Palmstrøm, and P. A. Crowell, "Dynamic detection of electron spin accumulation in ferromagnet-semiconductor devices by ferromagnetic resonance," Nature Communications 7, 10296 (2016). http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ncomms10296

OPTICAL HYDROGEN ABSORPTION CONSISTENT WITH A THIN BOW SHOCK LEADING THE HOT JUPITER HD 189733B

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

Cauley, P. Wilson; Redfield, Seth; Jensen, Adam G.

Bow shocks are ubiquitous astrophysical phenomena resulting from the supersonic passage of an object through a gas. Recently, pre-transit absorption in UV metal transitions of the hot Jupiter (HJ) exoplanets HD 189733b and WASP12-b have been interpreted as being caused by material compressed in a planetary bow shock. Here we present a robust detection of a time-resolved pre-transit, as well as in-transit absorption signature around the HJ exoplanet HD 189733b using high spectral resolution observations of several hydrogen Balmer lines. The line shape of the pre-transit feature and the shape of the timeseries absorption provide the strongest constraints on themore » morphology and physical characteristics of extended structures around an exoplanet. The in-transit measurements confirm the previous exospheric Hα detection, although the absorption depth measured here is ∼50% lower. The pre-transit absorption feature occurs 125 minutes before the predicted optical transit, a projected linear distance from the planet to the stellar disk of 7.2 R{sub p}. The absorption strength observed in the Balmer lines indicates an optically thick, but physically small, geometry. We model this signal as the early ingress of a planetary bow shock. If the bow shock is mediated by a planetary magnetosphere, the large standoff distance derived from the model suggests a large planetary magnetic field strength of B{sub eq} = 28 G. Better knowledge of exoplanet magnetic field strengths is crucial to understanding the role these fields play in planetary evolution and the potential development of life on planets in the habitable zone.« less

Atypical β-Catenin Activated Child Hepatocellular Tumor

PubMed Central

Unlu, Havva Akmaz; Karakus, Esra; Yazal Erdem, Arzu; Yakut, Zeynep Ilerisoy

2015-01-01

Hepatocellular adenomas are a benign, focal, hepatic neoplasm that have been divided into four subtypes according to the genetic and pathological features. The β-catenin activated subtype accounts for 10-15% of all hepatocellular adenomas and specific magnetic resonance imaging features have been defined for different hepatocellular adenomas subtypes. The current study aimed to report the magnetic resonance imaging features of a well differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma that developed on the basis of β-catenin activated hepatocellular adenomas in a child. In this case, atypical diffuse steatosis was determined in the lesion. In the literature, diffuse steatosis, which is defined as a feature of the hepatocyte nuclear factor-1α-inactivated hepatocellular adenomas subtype, has not been previously reported in any β-catenin activated hepatocellular adenomas case. Interlacing magnetic resonance imaging findings between subtypes show that there are still many mysteries about this topic and larger studies are warranted. PMID:26157702

Image partitioning and illumination in image-based pose detection for teleoperated flexible endoscopes.

PubMed

Bell, Charreau S; Obstein, Keith L; Valdastri, Pietro

2013-11-01

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the world, although it can be effectively treated if detected early. Teleoperated flexible endoscopes are an emerging technology to ease patient apprehension about the procedure, and subsequently increase compliance. Essential to teleoperation is robust feedback reflecting the change in pose (i.e., position and orientation) of the tip of the endoscope. The goal of this study is to first describe a novel image-based tracking system for teleoperated flexible endoscopes, and subsequently determine its viability in a clinical setting. The proposed approach leverages artificial neural networks (ANNs) to learn the mapping that links the optical flow between two sequential images to the change in the pose of the camera. Secondly, the study investigates for the first time how narrow band illumination (NBI) - today available in commercial gastrointestinal endoscopes - can be applied to enhance feature extraction, and quantify the effect of NBI and white light illumination (WLI), as well as their color information, on the strength of features extracted from the endoscopic camera stream. In order to provide the best features for the neural networks to learn the change in pose based on the image stream, we investigated two different imaging modalities - WLI and NBI - and we applied two different spatial partitions - lumen-centered and grid-based - to create descriptors used as input to the ANNs. An experiment was performed to compare the error of these four variations, measured in root mean square error (RMSE) from ground truth given by a robotic arm, to that of a commercial state-of-the-art magnetic tracker. The viability of this technique for a clinical setting was then tested using the four ANN variations, a magnetic tracker, and a commercial colonoscope. The trial was performed by an expert endoscopist (>2000 lifetime procedures) on a colonoscopy training model with porcine blood, and the RMSE of the ANN output was calculated with respect to the magnetic tracker readings. Using the image stream obtained from the commercial endoscope, the strength of features extracted was evaluated. In the first experiment, the best ANNs resulted from grid-based partitioning under WLI (2.42mm RMSE) for position, and from lumen-centered partitioning under NBI (1.69° RMSE) for rotation. By comparison, the performance of the tracker was 2.49mm RMSE in position and 0.89° RMSE in rotation. The trial with the commercial endoscope indicated that lumen-centered partitioning was the best overall, while NBI outperformed WLI in terms of illumination modality. The performance of lumen-centered partitioning with NBI was 1.03±0.8mm RMSE in positional degrees of freedom (DOF), and 1.26±0.98° RMSE in rotational DOF, while with WLI, the performance was 1.56±1.15mm RMSE in positional DOF and 2.45±1.90° RMSE in rotational DOF. Finally, the features extracted under NBI were found to be twice as strong as those extracted under WLI, but no significance in feature strengths was observed between a grayscale version of the image, and the red, blue, and green color channels. This work demonstrates that both WLI and NBI, combined with feature partitioning based on the anatomy of the colon, provide valid mechanisms for endoscopic camera pose estimation via image stream. Illumination provided by WLI and NBI produce ANNs with similar performance which are comparable to that of a state-of-the-art magnetic tracker. However, NBI produces features that are stronger than WLI, which enables more robust feature tracking, and better performance of the ANN in terms of accuracy. Thus, NBI with lumen-centered partitioning resulted the best approach among the different variations tested for vision-based pose estimation. The proposed approach takes advantage of components already available in commercial gastrointestinal endoscopes to provide accurate feedback about the motion of the tip of the endoscope. This solution may serve as an enabling technology for closed-loop control of teleoperated flexible endoscopes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

System theory in medical diagnostic devices: an overview.

PubMed

Baura, Gail D

2006-01-01

Medical diagnostics refers to testing conducted either in vitro or in vivo to provide critical health care information for risk assessment, early diagnosis, treatment, or disease management. Typical in vivo diagnostic tests include the computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, and blood pressure screening. Typical in vitro diagnostic tests include cholesterol, Papanicolaou smear, and conventional glucose monitoring tests. Historically, devices associated with both types of diagnostics have used heuristic curve fitting during signal analysis. However, since the early 1990s, a few enterprising engineers and physicians have used system theory to improve their core processing for feature detection and system identification. Current applications include automated Pap smear screening for detection of cervical cancer and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Future applications, such as disease prediction before symptom onset and drug treatment customization, have been catalyzed by the Human Genome Project.

Magnetic sensor technology for detecting mines, UXO, and other concealed security threats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czipott, Peter V.; Iwanowski, Mark D.

1997-01-01

Magnetic sensors have been the sensor of choice in the detection and classification of buried mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), both on land and underwater, Quantum Magnetics (QM), together with its research partner IBM, have developed a variety of advanced, very high sensitivity superconducting and room temperature magnetic sensors to meet military needs. This work has led to the development and utilization of a three-sensor gradiometer (TSG) patented by IBM, which cannot only detect, but also localize mines and ordnance. QM is also working with IBM and the U.S. Navy to develop an advanced superconducting gradiometer for buried underwater mine detection. The ability to both detect and classify buried non-metallic mines is virtually impossible with existing magnetic sensors. To solve this problem, Quantum Magnetics, building on work of the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), is pioneering work in the development of quadrupole resonance (QR) methods which can be used to detect the explosive material directly. Based on recent laboratory work done at QM and previous work done in the U.S., Russia and the United Kingdom, we are confident that QR can be effectively applied to the non-metallic mine identification problem.

Resolution Enhanced Magnetic Sensing System for Wide Coverage Real Time UXO Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zalevsky, Zeev; Bregman, Yuri; Salomonski, Nizan; Zafrir, Hovav

2012-09-01

In this paper we present a new high resolution automatic detection algorithm based upon a Wavelet transform and then validate it in marine related experiments. The proposed approach allows obtaining an automatic detection in a very low signal to noise ratios. The amount of calculations is reduced, the magnetic trend is depressed and the probability of detection/ false alarm rate can easily be controlled. Moreover, the algorithm enables to distinguish between close targets. In the algorithm we use the physical dependence of the magnetic field of a magnetic dipole in order to define a Wavelet mother function that later on can detect magnetic targets modeled as dipoles and embedded in noisy surrounding, at improved resolution. The proposed algorithm was realized on synthesized targets and then validated in field experiments involving a marine surface-floating system for wide coverage real time unexploded ordinance (UXO) detection and mapping. The detection probability achieved in the marine experiment was above 90%. The horizontal radial error of most of the detected targets was only 16 m and two baseline targets that were immersed about 20 m one to another could easily be distinguished.

A mobile ferromagnetic shape detection sensor using a Hall sensor array and magnetic imaging.

PubMed

Misron, Norhisam; Shin, Ng Wei; Shafie, Suhaidi; Marhaban, Mohd Hamiruce; Mailah, Nashiren Farzilah

2011-01-01

This paper presents a mobile Hall sensor array system for the shape detection of ferromagnetic materials that are embedded in walls or floors. The operation of the mobile Hall sensor array system is based on the principle of magnetic flux leakage to describe the shape of the ferromagnetic material. Two permanent magnets are used to generate the magnetic flux flow. The distribution of magnetic flux is perturbed as the ferromagnetic material is brought near the permanent magnets and the changes in magnetic flux distribution are detected by the 1-D array of the Hall sensor array setup. The process for magnetic imaging of the magnetic flux distribution is done by a signal processing unit before it displays the real time images using a netbook. A signal processing application software is developed for the 1-D Hall sensor array signal acquisition and processing to construct a 2-D array matrix. The processed 1-D Hall sensor array signals are later used to construct the magnetic image of ferromagnetic material based on the voltage signal and the magnetic flux distribution. The experimental results illustrate how the shape of specimens such as square, round and triangle shapes is determined through magnetic images based on the voltage signal and magnetic flux distribution of the specimen. In addition, the magnetic images of actual ferromagnetic objects are also illustrated to prove the functionality of mobile Hall sensor array system for actual shape detection. The results prove that the mobile Hall sensor array system is able to perform magnetic imaging in identifying various ferromagnetic materials.

A Mobile Ferromagnetic Shape Detection Sensor Using a Hall Sensor Array and Magnetic Imaging

PubMed Central

Misron, Norhisam; Shin, Ng Wei; Shafie, Suhaidi; Marhaban, Mohd Hamiruce; Mailah, Nashiren Farzilah

2011-01-01

This paper presents a Mobile Hall Sensor Array system for the shape detection of ferromagnetic materials that are embedded in walls or floors. The operation of the Mobile Hall Sensor Array system is based on the principle of magnetic flux leakage to describe the shape of the ferromagnetic material. Two permanent magnets are used to generate the magnetic flux flow. The distribution of magnetic flux is perturbed as the ferromagnetic material is brought near the permanent magnets and the changes in magnetic flux distribution are detected by the 1-D array of the Hall sensor array setup. The process for magnetic imaging of the magnetic flux distribution is done by a signal processing unit before it displays the real time images using a netbook. A signal processing application software is developed for the 1-D Hall sensor array signal acquisition and processing to construct a 2-D array matrix. The processed 1-D Hall sensor array signals are later used to construct the magnetic image of ferromagnetic material based on the voltage signal and the magnetic flux distribution. The experimental results illustrate how the shape of specimens such as square, round and triangle shapes is determined through magnetic images based on the voltage signal and magnetic flux distribution of the specimen. In addition, the magnetic images of actual ferromagnetic objects are also illustrated to prove the functionality of Mobile Hall Sensor Array system for actual shape detection. The results prove that the Mobile Hall Sensor Array system is able to perform magnetic imaging in identifying various ferromagnetic materials. PMID:22346653

Wavelet Entropy and Directed Acyclic Graph Support Vector Machine for Detection of Patients with Unilateral Hearing Loss in MRI Scanning

PubMed Central

Wang, Shuihua; Yang, Ming; Du, Sidan; Yang, Jiquan; Liu, Bin; Gorriz, Juan M.; Ramírez, Javier; Yuan, Ti-Fei; Zhang, Yudong

2016-01-01

Highlights We develop computer-aided diagnosis system for unilateral hearing loss detection in structural magnetic resonance imaging.Wavelet entropy is introduced to extract image global features from brain images. Directed acyclic graph is employed to endow support vector machine an ability to handle multi-class problems.The developed computer-aided diagnosis system achieves an overall accuracy of 95.1% for this three-class problem of differentiating left-sided and right-sided hearing loss from healthy controls. Aim: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is correlated to many neurodegenerative disease. Now more and more computer vision based methods are using to detect it in an automatic way. Materials: We have in total 49 subjects, scanned by 3.0T MRI (Siemens Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany). The subjects contain 14 patients with right-sided hearing loss (RHL), 15 patients with left-sided hearing loss (LHL), and 20 healthy controls (HC). Method: We treat this as a three-class classification problem: RHL, LHL, and HC. Wavelet entropy (WE) was selected from the magnetic resonance images of each subjects, and then submitted to a directed acyclic graph support vector machine (DAG-SVM). Results: The 10 repetition results of 10-fold cross validation shows 3-level decomposition will yield an overall accuracy of 95.10% for this three-class classification problem, higher than feedforward neural network, decision tree, and naive Bayesian classifier. Conclusions: This computer-aided diagnosis system is promising. We hope this study can attract more computer vision method for detecting hearing loss. PMID:27807415

Wavelet Entropy and Directed Acyclic Graph Support Vector Machine for Detection of Patients with Unilateral Hearing Loss in MRI Scanning.

PubMed

Wang, Shuihua; Yang, Ming; Du, Sidan; Yang, Jiquan; Liu, Bin; Gorriz, Juan M; Ramírez, Javier; Yuan, Ti-Fei; Zhang, Yudong

2016-01-01

Highlights We develop computer-aided diagnosis system for unilateral hearing loss detection in structural magnetic resonance imaging.Wavelet entropy is introduced to extract image global features from brain images. Directed acyclic graph is employed to endow support vector machine an ability to handle multi-class problems.The developed computer-aided diagnosis system achieves an overall accuracy of 95.1% for this three-class problem of differentiating left-sided and right-sided hearing loss from healthy controls. Aim: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is correlated to many neurodegenerative disease. Now more and more computer vision based methods are using to detect it in an automatic way. Materials: We have in total 49 subjects, scanned by 3.0T MRI (Siemens Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany). The subjects contain 14 patients with right-sided hearing loss (RHL), 15 patients with left-sided hearing loss (LHL), and 20 healthy controls (HC). Method: We treat this as a three-class classification problem: RHL, LHL, and HC. Wavelet entropy (WE) was selected from the magnetic resonance images of each subjects, and then submitted to a directed acyclic graph support vector machine (DAG-SVM). Results: The 10 repetition results of 10-fold cross validation shows 3-level decomposition will yield an overall accuracy of 95.10% for this three-class classification problem, higher than feedforward neural network, decision tree, and naive Bayesian classifier. Conclusions: This computer-aided diagnosis system is promising. We hope this study can attract more computer vision method for detecting hearing loss.

Unique, Non-Earthlike, Meteoritic Ion Behavior in Upper Atmosphere of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grebowsky, J. M.; Benna, M.; Plane, J. M. C.; Collinson, G. A.; Mahaffy, P. R.; Jakosky, B. M.

2017-01-01

Abstract Interplanetary dust particles have long been expected to produce permanent ionospheric metal ion layers at Mars, as on Earth, but the two environments are so different that uncertainty existed as to whether terrestrial-established understanding would apply to Mars. The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission made the first in situ detection of the continuous presence of Na+, Mg+, and Fe+ at Mars and indeed revealed non-Earthlike features/processes. There is no separation of the light Mg+ and the heavy Fe+ with increasing altitude as expected for gravity control. The metal ions are well-mixed with the neutral atmosphere at altitudes where no mixing process is expected. Isolated metal ion layers mimicking Earths sporadic E layers occur despite the lack of a strong magnetic field as required at Earth. Further, the metal ion distributions are coherent enough to always show atmospheric gravity wave signatures. All features and processes are unique to Mars.

A search for the coronal origins of fast solar wind streams during the whole sun month period

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lazarus, A. J.; Steinberg, J. T.; Biesecker, D. A.; Forsyth, R. J.; Galvin, A. B.; Ipavich, F. M.; Gibson, S. E.; Lecinski, A.; Hassler, D. M.; Hoeksema, J. T.;

Hepatocellular carcinoma: Advances in diagnostic imaging.

PubMed

Sun, Haoran; Song, Tianqiang

2015-10-01

Thanks to the growing knowledge on biological behaviors of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), as well as continuous improvement in imaging techniques and experienced interpretation of imaging features of the nodules in cirrhotic liver, the detection and characterization of HCC has improved in the past decade. A number of practice guidelines for imaging diagnosis have been developed to reduce interpretation variability and standardize management of HCC, and they are constantly updated with advances in imaging techniques and evidence based data from clinical series. In this article, we strive to review the imaging techniques and the characteristic features of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with cirrhotic liver, with emphasis on the diagnostic value of advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques and utilization of hepatocyte-specific MRI contrast agents. We also briefly describe the concept of liver imaging reporting and data systems and discuss the consensus and controversy of major practice guidelines.

Nonequilibrium fluctuations as a distinctive feature of weak localization

PubMed Central

Barone, C.; Romeo, F.; Pagano, S.; Attanasio, C.; Carapella, G.; Cirillo, C.; Galdi, A.; Grimaldi, G.; Guarino, A.; Leo, A.; Nigro, A.; Sabatino, P.

2015-01-01

Two-dimensional materials, such as graphene, topological insulators, and two-dimensional electron gases, represent a technological playground to develop coherent electronics. In these systems, quantum interference effects, and in particular weak localization, are likely to occur. These coherence effects are usually characterized by well-defined features in dc electrical transport, such as a resistivity increase and negative magnetoresistance below a crossover temperature. Recently, it has been shown that in magnetic and superconducting compounds, undergoing a weak-localization transition, a specific low-frequency 1/f noise occurs. An interpretation in terms of nonequilibrium universal conductance fluctuations has been given. The universality of this unusual electric noise mechanism has been here verified by detailed voltage-spectral density investigations on ultrathin copper films. The reported experimental results validate the proposed theoretical framework, and also provide an alternative methodology to detect weak-localization effects by using electric noise spectroscopy. PMID:26024506

Electron Energization and Mixing Observed by MMS in the Vicinity of an Electron Diffusion Region During Magnetopause Reconnection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Li-Jen; Hesse, Michael; Wang, Shan; Gershman, Daniel; Ergun, Robert; Pollock, Craig; Torbert, Roy; Bessho, Naoki; Daughton, William; Dorelli, John;

Electron energization and mixing observed by MMS in the vicinity of an electron diffusion region during magnetopause reconnection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Li-Jen; Hesse, Michael; Wang, Shan; Gershman, Daniel; Ergun, Robert; Pollock, Craig; Torbert, Roy; Bessho, Naoki; Daughton, William; Dorelli, John; Giles, Barbara; Strangeway, Robert; Russell, Christopher; Khotyaintsev, Yuri; Burch, Jim; Moore, Thomas; Lavraud, Benoit; Phan, Tai; Avanov, Levon

2016-06-01

Measurements from the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission are reported to show distinct features of electron energization and mixing in the diffusion region of the terrestrial magnetopause reconnection. At the ion jet and magnetic field reversals, distribution functions exhibiting signatures of accelerated meandering electrons are observed at an electron out-of-plane flow peak. The meandering signatures manifested as triangular and crescent structures are established features of the electron diffusion region (EDR). Effects of meandering electrons on the electric field normal to the reconnection layer are detected. Parallel acceleration and mixing of the inflowing electrons with exhaust electrons shape the exhaust flow pattern. In the EDR vicinity, the measured distribution functions indicate that locally, the electron energization and mixing physics is captured by two-dimensional reconnection, yet to account for the simultaneous four-point measurements, translational invariant in the third dimension must be violated on the ion-skin-depth scale.

Segmenting Brain Tissues from Chinese Visible Human Dataset by Deep-Learned Features with Stacked Autoencoder

PubMed Central

Zhao, Guangjun; Wang, Xuchu; Niu, Yanmin; Tan, Liwen; Zhang, Shao-Xiang

2016-01-01

Cryosection brain images in Chinese Visible Human (CVH) dataset contain rich anatomical structure information of tissues because of its high resolution (e.g., 0.167 mm per pixel). Fast and accurate segmentation of these images into white matter, gray matter, and cerebrospinal fluid plays a critical role in analyzing and measuring the anatomical structures of human brain. However, most existing automated segmentation methods are designed for computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging data, and they may not be applicable for cryosection images due to the imaging difference. In this paper, we propose a supervised learning-based CVH brain tissues segmentation method that uses stacked autoencoder (SAE) to automatically learn the deep feature representations. Specifically, our model includes two successive parts where two three-layer SAEs take image patches as input to learn the complex anatomical feature representation, and then these features are sent to Softmax classifier for inferring the labels. Experimental results validated the effectiveness of our method and showed that it outperformed four other classical brain tissue detection strategies. Furthermore, we reconstructed three-dimensional surfaces of these tissues, which show their potential in exploring the high-resolution anatomical structures of human brain. PMID:27057543

Segmenting Brain Tissues from Chinese Visible Human Dataset by Deep-Learned Features with Stacked Autoencoder.

PubMed

Zhao, Guangjun; Wang, Xuchu; Niu, Yanmin; Tan, Liwen; Zhang, Shao-Xiang

2016-01-01

Cryosection brain images in Chinese Visible Human (CVH) dataset contain rich anatomical structure information of tissues because of its high resolution (e.g., 0.167 mm per pixel). Fast and accurate segmentation of these images into white matter, gray matter, and cerebrospinal fluid plays a critical role in analyzing and measuring the anatomical structures of human brain. However, most existing automated segmentation methods are designed for computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging data, and they may not be applicable for cryosection images due to the imaging difference. In this paper, we propose a supervised learning-based CVH brain tissues segmentation method that uses stacked autoencoder (SAE) to automatically learn the deep feature representations. Specifically, our model includes two successive parts where two three-layer SAEs take image patches as input to learn the complex anatomical feature representation, and then these features are sent to Softmax classifier for inferring the labels. Experimental results validated the effectiveness of our method and showed that it outperformed four other classical brain tissue detection strategies. Furthermore, we reconstructed three-dimensional surfaces of these tissues, which show their potential in exploring the high-resolution anatomical structures of human brain.

One-pot synthesis of magnetic nanoclusters enabling atherosclerosis-targeted magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Kukreja, Aastha; Lim, Eun-Kyung; Kang, Byunghoon; Choi, Yuna; Lee, Taeksu; Suh, Jin-Suck; Huh, Yong-Min; Haam, Seungjoo

2014-01-01

In this study, dextran-encrusted magnetic nanoclusters (DMNCs) were synthesized using a one-pot solution phase method for detection of atherosclerosis by magnetic resonance imaging. Pyrenyl dextran was used as a surfactant because of its electron-stabilizing effect and its amphiphilic nature, rendering the DMNCs stable and water-dispersible. The DMNCs were 65.6±4.3 nm, had a narrow size distribution, and were superparamagnetic with a high magnetization value of 60.1 emu/g. Further, they showed biocompatibility and high cellular uptake efficiency, as indicated by a strong interaction between dextran and macrophages. In vivo magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the ability of DMNCs to act as an efficient magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent capable of targeted detection of atherosclerosis. In view of these findings, it is concluded that DMNCs can be used as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents to detect inflammatory disease.

Decoding Reveals Plasticity in V3A as a Result of Motion Perceptual Learning

PubMed Central

Shibata, Kazuhisa; Chang, Li-Hung; Kim, Dongho; Náñez, José E.; Kamitani, Yukiyasu; Watanabe, Takeo; Sasaki, Yuka

2012-01-01

Visual perceptual learning (VPL) is defined as visual performance improvement after visual experiences. VPL is often highly specific for a visual feature presented during training. Such specificity is observed in behavioral tuning function changes with the highest improvement centered on the trained feature and was originally thought to be evidence for changes in the early visual system associated with VPL. However, results of neurophysiological studies have been highly controversial concerning whether the plasticity underlying VPL occurs within the visual cortex. The controversy may be partially due to the lack of observation of neural tuning function changes in multiple visual areas in association with VPL. Here using human subjects we systematically compared behavioral tuning function changes after global motion detection training with decoded tuning function changes for 8 visual areas using pattern classification analysis on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals. We found that the behavioral tuning function changes were extremely highly correlated to decoded tuning function changes only in V3A, which is known to be highly responsive to global motion with human subjects. We conclude that VPL of a global motion detection task involves plasticity in a specific visual cortical area. PMID:22952849

Comparison of optomagnetic and AC susceptibility readouts in a magnetic nanoparticle agglutination assay for detection of C-reactive protein.

PubMed

Fock, Jeppe; Parmvi, Mattias; Strömberg, Mattias; Svedlindh, Peter; Donolato, Marco; Hansen, Mikkel Fougt

2017-02-15

There is an increasing need to develop biosensor methods that are highly sensitive and that can be combined with low-cost consumables. The use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is attractive because their detection is compatible with low-cost disposables and because application of a magnetic field can be used to accelerate assay kinetics. We present the first study and comparison of the performance of magnetic susceptibility measurements and a newly proposed optomagnetic method. For the comparison we use the C-reactive protein (CRP) induced agglutination of identical samples of 100nm MNPs conjugated with CRP antibodies. Both methods detect agglutination as a shift to lower frequencies in measurements of the dynamics in response to an applied oscillating magnetic field. The magnetic susceptibility method probes the magnetic response whereas the optomagnetic technique probes the modulation of laser light transmitted through the sample. The two techniques provided highly correlated results upon agglutination when they measure the decrease of the signal from the individual MNPs (turn-off detection strategy), whereas the techniques provided different results, strongly depending on the read-out frequency, when detecting the signal due to MNP agglomerates (turn-on detection strategy). These observations are considered to be caused by differences in the volume-dependence of the magnetic and optical signals from agglomerates. The highest signal from agglomerates was found in the optomagnetic signal at low frequencies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mercury's Internal Magnetic Field: Results from MESSENGER's Search for Remanent Crustal Magnetization Associated with Impact Basins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purucker, M. E.; Johnson, C. L.; Nicholas, J. B.; Philpott, L. C.; Korth, H.; Anderson, B. J.; Head, J. W., III; Phillips, R. J.; Solomon, S. C.

2014-12-01

Magnetic field measurements obtained by the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft in orbit around Mercury have entered a new phase since April 2014, with periapsis altitudes below 200 km. MESSENGER is now obtaining magnetic profiles across large impact features at altitudes less than the horizontal scale of those features. We use data from this latest phase to investigate evidence for remanent crustal magnetization specifically associated with impact basins and large craters. The spatial resolution of magnetic field measurements for investigating crustal magnetization is approximately equal to the altitude of the observations. We focus on large impact features because their relative ages provide a powerful chronological tool for interpreting any associated magnetic signatures. We examine profiles across large impact basins such as Caloris, Shakespeare, Budh-Sobkou and Goethe. For example, coverage over Caloris during the last year of the mission will be largely at night and will comprise 18 profiles with altitudes between 125 and 200 km and 12 profiles with altitudes between 50 and 125 km over the northern part of the basin. We use large-scale magnetospheric models developed with MESSENGER data to remove contributions from the offset axial dipole, magnetopause, and magnetotail. The residual magnetic fields above 200 km are still dominated by poorly understood magnetospheric fields such as those from the cusp and from Birkeland currents. We empirically average, or exclude observations from these local times, in order to search for repeatable internal field signals. We use local basis functions such as equivalent source dipoles, applied with regularization tools, in order to map the altitude-normalized magnetic field from internal sources. These internal sources may comprise both crustal and core contributions, and we use the information from the along-track magnetic gradient in order to separate these contributions.

A prototype of injector to control and to detect the release of magnetic beads within the constraints of multibifurcation magnetic resonance navigation procedures.

PubMed

Bigot, Alexandre; Soulez, Gilles; Martel, Sylvain

2017-01-01

An injector equipped with a bead capture and a bead detection system is presented. In the context of magnetic resonance navigation (MRN), in which MRI gradients are used to steer intravascular therapeutic carriers, fast and reliable injection is essential. In this paper, we present a prototype of injector to control and to detect the release of magnetic beads. The injector relies on two distinct subsystems: (1) the capture subsystem, which creates local magnetic force to stop the flow of magnetic beads; and (2) the detection subsystem, which detects flowing beads and generates a trigger signal to start MRI gradient pulses. Both systems rely on small microcoils wound on the tubing. Five-turn microcoils show the best compromise between size and performance. Less than 5 mW of power is required to capture 0.8-mm beads moving in a flow above 5 mL min -1 or when a gradient above 200 mT m -1 is applied. The detection system is not sensitive to noise and detects every 0.8-mm bead in flow rates up to 14 mL m -1 . The prototype of injector shows performance above the requirements inherent to magnetic resonance navigation. This system is a step toward in vivo multibifurcation MRN. Magn Reson Med 77:444-452, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pathological brain detection based on wavelet entropy and Hu moment invariants.

PubMed

Zhang, Yudong; Wang, Shuihua; Sun, Ping; Phillips, Preetha

2015-01-01

With the aim of developing an accurate pathological brain detection system, we proposed a novel automatic computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) to detect pathological brains from normal brains obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning. The problem still remained a challenge for technicians and clinicians, since MR imaging generated an exceptionally large information dataset. A new two-step approach was proposed in this study. We used wavelet entropy (WE) and Hu moment invariants (HMI) for feature extraction, and the generalized eigenvalue proximal support vector machine (GEPSVM) for classification. To further enhance classification accuracy, the popular radial basis function (RBF) kernel was employed. The 10 runs of k-fold stratified cross validation result showed that the proposed "WE + HMI + GEPSVM + RBF" method was superior to existing methods w.r.t. classification accuracy. It obtained the average classification accuracies of 100%, 100%, and 99.45% over Dataset-66, Dataset-160, and Dataset-255, respectively. The proposed method is effective and can be applied to realistic use.

Scanning Electron Microscope-Cathodoluminescence Analysis of Rare-Earth Elements in Magnets.

PubMed

Imashuku, Susumu; Wagatsuma, Kazuaki; Kawai, Jun

2016-02-01

Scanning electron microscope-cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL) analysis was performed for neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) and samarium-cobalt (Sm-Co) magnets to analyze the rare-earth elements present in the magnets. We examined the advantages of SEM-CL analysis over conventional analytical methods such as SEM-energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and SEM-wavelength-dispersive X-ray (WDX) spectroscopy for elemental analysis of rare-earth elements in NdFeB magnets. Luminescence spectra of chloride compounds of elements in the magnets were measured by the SEM-CL method. Chloride compounds were obtained by the dropwise addition of hydrochloric acid on the magnets followed by drying in vacuum. Neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, and dysprosium were separately detected in the NdFeB magnets, and samarium was detected in the Sm-Co magnet by the SEM-CL method. In contrast, it was difficult to distinguish terbium and dysprosium in the NdFeB magnet with a dysprosium concentration of 1.05 wt% by conventional SEM-EDX analysis. Terbium with a concentration of 0.02 wt% in an NdFeB magnet was detected by SEM-CL analysis, but not by conventional SEM-WDX analysis. SEM-CL analysis is advantageous over conventional SEM-EDX and SEM-WDX analyses for detecting trace rare-earth elements in NdFeB magnets, particularly dysprosium and terbium.

Apparatus and method for handling magnetic particles in a fluid

DOEpatents

Holman, David A.; Grate, Jay W.; Bruckner-Lea, Cynthia J.

2000-01-01

The present invention is an apparatus and method for handling magnetic particles suspended in a fluid, relying upon the known features of a magnetic flux conductor that is permeable thereby permitting the magnetic particles and fluid to flow therethrough; and a controllable magnetic field for the handling. The present invention is an improvement wherein the magnetic flux conductor is a monolithic porous foam.

Cloud-enabled microscopy and droplet microfluidic platform for specific detection of Escherichia coli in water.

PubMed

Golberg, Alexander; Linshiz, Gregory; Kravets, Ilia; Stawski, Nina; Hillson, Nathan J; Yarmush, Martin L; Marks, Robert S; Konry, Tania

2014-01-01

We report an all-in-one platform - ScanDrop - for the rapid and specific capture, detection, and identification of bacteria in drinking water. The ScanDrop platform integrates droplet microfluidics, a portable imaging system, and cloud-based control software and data storage. The cloud-based control software and data storage enables robotic image acquisition, remote image processing, and rapid data sharing. These features form a "cloud" network for water quality monitoring. We have demonstrated the capability of ScanDrop to perform water quality monitoring via the detection of an indicator coliform bacterium, Escherichia coli, in drinking water contaminated with feces. Magnetic beads conjugated with antibodies to E. coli antigen were used to selectively capture and isolate specific bacteria from water samples. The bead-captured bacteria were co-encapsulated in pico-liter droplets with fluorescently-labeled anti-E. coli antibodies, and imaged with an automated custom designed fluorescence microscope. The entire water quality diagnostic process required 8 hours from sample collection to online-accessible results compared with 2-4 days for other currently available standard detection methods.

Automatic bone detection and soft tissue aware ultrasound-CT registration for computer-aided orthopedic surgery.

PubMed

Wein, Wolfgang; Karamalis, Athanasios; Baumgartner, Adrian; Navab, Nassir

2015-06-01

The transfer of preoperative CT data into the tracking system coordinates within an operating room is of high interest for computer-aided orthopedic surgery. In this work, we introduce a solution for intra-operative ultrasound-CT registration of bones. We have developed methods for fully automatic real-time bone detection in ultrasound images and global automatic registration to CT. The bone detection algorithm uses a novel bone-specific feature descriptor and was thoroughly evaluated on both in-vivo and ex-vivo data. A global optimization strategy aligns the bone surface, followed by a soft tissue aware intensity-based registration to provide higher local registration accuracy. We evaluated the system on femur, tibia and fibula anatomy in a cadaver study with human legs, where magnetically tracked bone markers were implanted to yield ground truth information. An overall median system error of 3.7 mm was achieved on 11 datasets. Global and fully automatic registration of bones aquired with ultrasound to CT is feasible, with bone detection and tracking operating in real time for immediate feedback to the surgeon.

Stochastic Resonance in an Underdamped System with Pinning Potential for Weak Signal Detection

PubMed Central

Zhang, Haibin; He, Qingbo; Kong, Fanrang

2015-01-01

Stochastic resonance (SR) has been proved to be an effective approach for weak sensor signal detection. This study presents a new weak signal detection method based on a SR in an underdamped system, which consists of a pinning potential model. The model was firstly discovered from magnetic domain wall (DW) in ferromagnetic strips. We analyze the principle of the proposed underdamped pinning SR (UPSR) system, the detailed numerical simulation and system performance. We also propose the strategy of selecting the proper damping factor and other system parameters to match a weak signal, input noise and to generate the highest output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Finally, we have verified its effectiveness with both simulated and experimental input signals. Results indicate that the UPSR performs better in weak signal detection than the conventional SR (CSR) with merits of higher output SNR, better anti-noise and frequency response capability. Besides, the system can be designed accurately and efficiently owing to the sensibility of parameters and potential diversity. The features also weaken the limitation of small parameters on SR system. PMID:26343662

Stochastic Resonance in an Underdamped System with Pinning Potential for Weak Signal Detection.

PubMed

Zhang, Haibin; He, Qingbo; Kong, Fanrang

2015-08-28

Stochastic resonance (SR) has been proved to be an effective approach for weak sensor signal detection. This study presents a new weak signal detection method based on a SR in an underdamped system, which consists of a pinning potential model. The model was firstly discovered from magnetic domain wall (DW) in ferromagnetic strips. We analyze the principle of the proposed underdamped pinning SR (UPSR) system, the detailed numerical simulation and system performance. We also propose the strategy of selecting the proper damping factor and other system parameters to match a weak signal, input noise and to generate the highest output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Finally, we have verified its effectiveness with both simulated and experimental input signals. Results indicate that the UPSR performs better in weak signal detection than the conventional SR (CSR) with merits of higher output SNR, better anti-noise and frequency response capability. Besides, the system can be designed accurately and efficiently owing to the sensibility of parameters and potential diversity. The features also weaken the limitation of small parameters on SR system.

Cloud-Enabled Microscopy and Droplet Microfluidic Platform for Specific Detection of Escherichia coli in Water

PubMed Central

Kravets, Ilia; Stawski, Nina; Hillson, Nathan J.; Yarmush, Martin L.; Marks, Robert S.; Konry, Tania

2014-01-01

We report an all-in-one platform – ScanDrop – for the rapid and specific capture, detection, and identification of bacteria in drinking water. The ScanDrop platform integrates droplet microfluidics, a portable imaging system, and cloud-based control software and data storage. The cloud-based control software and data storage enables robotic image acquisition, remote image processing, and rapid data sharing. These features form a “cloud” network for water quality monitoring. We have demonstrated the capability of ScanDrop to perform water quality monitoring via the detection of an indicator coliform bacterium, Escherichia coli, in drinking water contaminated with feces. Magnetic beads conjugated with antibodies to E. coli antigen were used to selectively capture and isolate specific bacteria from water samples. The bead-captured bacteria were co-encapsulated in pico-liter droplets with fluorescently-labeled anti-E. coli antibodies, and imaged with an automated custom designed fluorescence microscope. The entire water quality diagnostic process required 8 hours from sample collection to online-accessible results compared with 2–4 days for other currently available standard detection methods. PMID:24475107

Salient object detection method based on multiple semantic features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chunyang; Yu, Chunyan; Song, Meiping; Wang, Yulei

2018-04-01

The existing salient object detection model can only detect the approximate location of salient object, or highlight the background, to resolve the above problem, a salient object detection method was proposed based on image semantic features. First of all, three novel salient features were presented in this paper, including object edge density feature (EF), object semantic feature based on the convex hull (CF) and object lightness contrast feature (LF). Secondly, the multiple salient features were trained with random detection windows. Thirdly, Naive Bayesian model was used for combine these features for salient detection. The results on public datasets showed that our method performed well, the location of salient object can be fixed and the salient object can be accurately detected and marked by the specific window.

Four Years of Venus Express Magnetic Field Observations: Variable Bow Shock Location and Other Features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Tielong; Baumjohann, Wolfgang; Russell, C. T.

Since the Venus Express insertion into a highly elliptical polar orbit with a period of 24 h around the planet Venus, the magnetometer has operated continuously for about 4 years and obtained a wealth of data in the solar minimum at rather low altitude, which was not reached by earlier missions. In this paper, we review the magnetic field observations by Venus Express emphasizing on the variable bow shock location and other space environment features such as the magnetic barrier and the magnetotail.

The magnetic sense and its use in long-distance navigation by animals.

PubMed

Walker, Michael M; Dennis, Todd E; Kirschvink, Joseph L

2002-12-01

True navigation by animals is likely to depend on events occurring in the individual cells that detect magnetic fields. Minimum thresholds of detection, perception and 'interpretation' of magnetic field stimuli must be met if animals are to use a magnetic sense to navigate. Recent technological advances in animal tracking devices now make it possible to test predictions from models of navigation based on the use of variations in magnetic intensity.

Development of dual field magnetic flux leakage (MFL) inspection technology to detect mechanical damage.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-03-01

This report details the development and testing of a dual magnetization in-line inspection (ILI) : tool for detecting mechanical damage in operating pipelines, including the first field trials of a : fully operational dual-field magnetic flux leakage...

Topological crystalline magnets: Symmetry-protected topological phases of fermions

DOE PAGES

Watanabe, Haruki; Fu, Liang

2017-02-27

Here, we introduce a novel class of interaction-enabled topological crystalline insulators in two- and three-dimensional electronic systems, which we call “topological crystalline magnet.” It is protected by the product of the time-reversal symmetry T and a mirror symmetry or a rotation symmetry R. A topological crystalline magnet exhibits two intriguing features: (i) it cannot be adiabatically connected to any Slater insulator and (ii) the edge state is robust against coupling electrons to the edge. These features are protected by the anomalous symmetry transformation property ( RT) 2 = -1 of the edge state. Finally, an anisotropic response to the externalmore » magnetic field can be an experimental signature.« less

Topological crystalline magnets: Symmetry-protected topological phases of fermions

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

Watanabe, Haruki; Fu, Liang

Here, we introduce a novel class of interaction-enabled topological crystalline insulators in two- and three-dimensional electronic systems, which we call “topological crystalline magnet.” It is protected by the product of the time-reversal symmetry T and a mirror symmetry or a rotation symmetry R. A topological crystalline magnet exhibits two intriguing features: (i) it cannot be adiabatically connected to any Slater insulator and (ii) the edge state is robust against coupling electrons to the edge. These features are protected by the anomalous symmetry transformation property ( RT) 2 = -1 of the edge state. Finally, an anisotropic response to the externalmore » magnetic field can be an experimental signature.« less

The Maximum Entropy Limit of Small-scale Magnetic Field Fluctuations in the Quiet Sun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorobets, A. Y.; Berdyugina, S. V.; Riethmüller, T. L.; Blanco Rodríguez, J.; Solanki, S. K.; Barthol, P.; Gandorfer, A.; Gizon, L.; Hirzberger, J.; van Noort, M.; Del Toro Iniesta, J. C.; Orozco Suárez, D.; Schmidt, W.; Martínez Pillet, V.; Knölker, M.

2017-11-01

The observed magnetic field on the solar surface is characterized by a very complex spatial and temporal behavior. Although feature-tracking algorithms have allowed us to deepen our understanding of this behavior, subjectivity plays an important role in the identification and tracking of such features. In this paper, we continue studies of the temporal stochasticity of the magnetic field on the solar surface without relying either on the concept of magnetic features or on subjective assumptions about their identification and interaction. We propose a data analysis method to quantify fluctuations of the line-of-sight magnetic field by means of reducing the temporal field’s evolution to the regular Markov process. We build a representative model of fluctuations converging to the unique stationary (equilibrium) distribution in the long time limit with maximum entropy. We obtained different rates of convergence to the equilibrium at fixed noise cutoff for two sets of data. This indicates a strong influence of the data spatial resolution and mixing-polarity fluctuations on the relaxation process. The analysis is applied to observations of magnetic fields of the relatively quiet areas around an active region carried out during the second flight of the Sunrise/IMaX and quiet Sun areas at the disk center from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory satellite.

Characterization of pyrogenic organic matter by 2-dimenstional HETeronucleus CORelation solid-state 13C NMR (HETCOR) spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knicker, Heike

2016-04-01

During the last years, increasing evidences are provided that the common view of charcoal as a polyaromatic network is too much simplified. Experiments with model compounds indicated that it represents a heterogeneous mixture of thermally altered biomacromolecules with N, O and likely also S substitutions as common features. If produced from a N-rich feedstock, the so called black nitrogen (BN) has to be considered as an integral part of the aromatic charcoal network. In order to study this network one-dimensional (1D) solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is often applied. However, this technique suffers from broad resonance lines and low resolution. Applying 2D techniques can help but until recently, this was unfeasible for natural organic matter (NOM) due to sensitivity problems and the high complexity of the material. On the other hand, during the last decade, the development of stronger magnetic field instruments and advanced pulse sequences has put them into reach for NOM research. Although 2D NMR spectroscopy has many different applications, all pulse sequences are based on the introduction of a preparation time during which the magnetization of a spin system is adjusted into a state appropriate to whatever properties are to be detected in the indirect dimension. Then, the spins are allowed to evolve with the given conditions and after their additional manipulation during a mixing period the modulated magnetization is detected. Assembling several 1D spectra with incrementing evolution time creates a data set which is two-dimensional in time (t1, t2). Fourier transformation of both dimensions leads to a 2D contour plot correlating the interactions detected in the indirect dimension t1 with the signals detected in the direct dimension t2. The so called solid-state heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) NMR spectroscopy represents a 2D technique allows the determination which protons are interacting with which carbons. In the present work this technique was used for monitoring the chemical changes occurring during charring of biomass derived from model compounds, fire-affected and unaffected NOM. The 2D 13C HETCOR NMR spectrum of the fire- unaffected soils revealed that most of the carboxyl C occurs as ester or amide. Aside from cross peaks typically seen in spectra of NOM, the spectrum of the respective fire-affected counterpart shows additional signals assignable to PyOM.

NMR and MRI apparatus and method

DOEpatents

Clarke, John; Kelso, Nathan; Lee, SeungKyun; Moessle, Michael; Myers, Whittier; McDermott, Robert; ten Haken, Bernard; Pines, Alexander; Trabesinger, Andreas

2007-03-06

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals are detected in microtesla fields. Prepolarization in millitesla fields is followed by detection with an untuned dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Because the sensitivity of the SQUID is frequency independent, both signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution are enhanced by detecting the NMR signal in extremely low magnetic fields, where the NMR lines become very narrow even for grossly inhomogeneous measurement fields. Additional signal to noise benefits are obtained by use of a low noise polarization coil, comprising litz wire or superconducting materials. MRI in ultralow magnetic field is based on the NMR at ultralow fields. Gradient magnetic fields are applied, and images are constructed from the detected NMR signals.

Strain-induced macroscopic magnetic anisotropy from smectic liquid-crystalline elastomer-maghemite nanoparticle hybrid nanocomposites.

PubMed

Haberl, Johannes M; Sánchez-Ferrer, Antoni; Mihut, Adriana M; Dietsch, Hervé; Hirt, Ann M; Mezzenga, Raffaele

2013-06-21

We combine tensile strength analysis and X-ray scattering experiments to establish a detailed understanding of the microstructural coupling between liquid-crystalline elastomer (LCE) networks and embedded magnetic core-shell ellipsoidal nanoparticles (NPs). We study the structural and magnetic re-organization at different deformations and NP loadings, and the associated shape and magnetic memory features. In the quantitative analysis of a stretching process, the effect of the incorporated NPs on the smectic LCE is found to be prominent during the reorientation of the smectic domains and the softening of the nanocomposite. Under deformation, the soft response of the nanocomposite material allows the organization of the nanoparticles to yield a permanent macroscopically anisotropic magnetic material. Independent of the particle loading, the shape-memory properties and the smectic phase of the LCEs are preserved. Detailed studies on the magnetic properties demonstrate that the collective ensemble of individual particles is responsible for the macroscopic magnetic features of the nanocomposite.

Longitudinal magnetization dynamics in Heisenberg magnets: Spin Green functions approach (Review Article)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krivoruchko, V. N.

2017-11-01

In spite of the fact that dynamical properties of magnets have been extensively studied over the past years, the longitudinal magnetization dynamics is still much less understood than transverse one even in the equilibrium state of a system. In this paper, we give a review of existing, based on quantum-mechanical approach, theoretical descriptions of the longitudinal magnetization dynamics for ferro-, ferri- and antiferromagnetic dielectrics. The aim is to reveal specific features of this type of magnetization vibrations under description a system within the framework of one of the basic model theory of magnetism—the Heisenberg model. Related experimental investigations as well as open questions are also briefly discussed. We hope that understanding of the longitudinal magnetization dynamics distinctive features in the equilibrium state have to be a reference point for a theory uncovering the physical mechanisms that govern ultrafast spin dynamics after femtosecond laser pulse demagnetization when a system is far beyond an equilibrium state.

Design of a superconducting 28 GHz ion source magnet for FRIB using a shell-based support structure

DOE PAGES

Felice, H.; Rochepault, E.; Hafalia, R.; ...

2014-12-05

The Superconducting Magnet Program at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is completing the design of a 28 GHz NbTi ion source magnet for the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). The design parameters are based on the parameters of the ECR ion source VENUS in operation at LBNL since 2002 featuring a sextupole-in-solenoids configuration. Whereas most of the magnet components (such as conductor, magnetic design, protection scheme) remain very similar to the VENUS magnet components, the support structure of the FRIB ion source uses a different concept. A shell-based support structure using bladders and keys is implemented in themore » design allowing fine tuning of the sextupole preload and reversibility of the magnet assembly process. As part of the design work, conductor insulation scheme, coil fabrication processes and assembly procedures are also explored to optimize performance. We present the main features of the design emphasizing the integrated design approach used at LBNL to achieve this result.« less

Analysis of dual tree M-band wavelet transform based features for brain image classification.

PubMed

Ayalapogu, Ratna Raju; Pabboju, Suresh; Ramisetty, Rajeswara Rao

2018-04-29

The most complex organ in the human body is the brain. The unrestrained growth of cells in the brain is called a brain tumor. The cause of a brain tumor is still unknown and the survival rate is lower than other types of cancers. Hence, early detection is very important for proper treatment. In this study, an efficient computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system is presented for brain image classification by analyzing MRI of the brain. At first, the MRI brain images of normal and abnormal categories are modeled by using the statistical features of dual tree m-band wavelet transform (DTMBWT). A maximum margin classifier, support vector machine (SVM) is then used for the classification and validated with k-fold approach. Results show that the system provides promising results on a repository of molecular brain neoplasia data (REMBRANDT) with 97.5% accuracy using 4 th level statistical features of DTMBWT. Viewing the experimental results, we conclude that the system gives a satisfactory performance for the brain image classification. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Neural Correlates of the Perception for Novel Objects

PubMed Central

Zhang, Hao; Liu, Jia; Zhang, Qinglin

2013-01-01

Perception of novel objects is of enormous importance in our lives. People have to perceive or understand novel objects when seeing an original painting, admiring an unconventional construction, and using an inventive device. However, very little is known about neural mechanisms underlying the perception for novel objects. Perception of novel objects relies on the integration of unusual features of novel objects in order to identify what such objects are. In the present study, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was employed to investigate neural correlates of perception of novel objects. The neuroimaging data on participants engaged in novel object viewing versus ordinary object viewing revealed that perception of novel objects involves significant activation in the left precuneus (Brodmann area 7) and the right visual cortex. The results suggest that the left precuneus is associated with the integration of unusual features of novel objects, while the right visual cortex is sensitive to the detection of such features. Our findings highlight the left precuneus as a crucial component of the neural circuitry underlying perception of novel objects. PMID:23646167

THE NAKED EMERGENCE OF SOLAR ACTIVE REGIONS OBSERVED WITH SDO/HMI

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

Centeno, Rebecca

We take advantage of the HMI/SDO instrument to study the naked emergence of active regions (ARs) from the first imprints of the magnetic field on the solar surface. To this end, we followed the first 24 hr in the life of two rather isolated ARs that appeared on the surface when they were about to cross the central meridian. We analyze the correlations between Doppler velocities and the orientation of the vector magnetic field, consistent finding that the horizontal fields connecting the main polarities are dragged to the surface by relatively strong upflows and are associated with elongated granulation thatmore » is, on average, brighter than its surroundings. The main magnetic footpoints, on the other hand, are dominated by vertical fields and downflowing plasma. The appearance of moving dipolar features (MDFs, of opposite polarity to that of the AR) in between the main footpoints is a rather common occurrence once the AR reaches a certain size. The buoyancy of the fields is insufficient to lift up the magnetic arcade as a whole. Instead, weighted by the plasma that it carries, the field is pinned down to the photosphere at several places in between the main footpoints, giving life to the MDFs and enabling channels of downflowing plasma. MDF poles tend to drift toward each other, merge and disappear. This is likely to be the signature of a reconnection process in the dipped field lines, which relieves some of the weight allowing the magnetic arcade to finally rise beyond the detection layer of the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager spectral line.« less

Magnetic resonance and computed tomographic features of 4 cases of canine congenital thoracic vertebral anomalies

PubMed Central

Berlanda, Michele; Zotti, Alessandro; Brandazza, Giada; Poser, Helen; Calò, Pietro; Bernardini, Marco

2011-01-01

Magnetic resonance and computed tomography features of 4 cases of canine congenital vertebral anomalies (CVAs) are discussed. Two of the cases represent unusual presentations for such anomalies that commonly affect screw-tail or toy breeds. Moreover, the combination of CVAs and a congenital peritoneo-pericardial diaphragmatic hernia has never before been imaged. PMID:22654139

Magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient echo magnetic resonance imaging signal and texture features for the prediction of mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease progression.

PubMed

Martinez-Torteya, Antonio; Rodriguez-Rojas, Juan; Celaya-Padilla, José M; Galván-Tejada, Jorge I; Treviño, Victor; Tamez-Peña, Jose

2014-10-01

Early diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease (AD) would confer many benefits. Several biomarkers have been proposed to achieve such a task, where features extracted from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have played an important role. However, studies have focused exclusively on morphological characteristics. This study aims to determine whether features relating to the signal and texture of the image could predict mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to AD progression. Clinical, biological, and positron emission tomography information and MRI images of 62 subjects from the AD neuroimaging initiative were used in this study, extracting 4150 features from each MRI. Within this multimodal database, a feature selection algorithm was used to obtain an accurate and small logistic regression model, generated by a methodology that yielded a mean blind test accuracy of 0.79. This model included six features, five of them obtained from the MRI images, and one obtained from genotyping. A risk analysis divided the subjects into low-risk and high-risk groups according to a prognostic index. The groups were statistically different ([Formula: see text]). These results demonstrated that MRI features related to both signal and texture add MCI to AD predictive power, and supported the ongoing notion that multimodal biomarkers outperform single-modality ones.

Polyradiculopathies from schwannomatosis.

PubMed

Jia, Yuxia; Kraus, James A; Reddy, Hasini; Groff, Michael; Wong, Eric T

2011-01-01

We describe a case of schwannomatosis presenting as radicular pain and numbness in multiple radicular nerve distributions. There were multiple peripheral nerve tumors detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the left vestibular nerve, cauda equina, right radial nerve, thoracic paraspinal nerve, and brachial plexi. Several resected tumors have features of schwannomas, including hypercellular Antoni A areas, hypocellular Antoni B areas, Verocay bodies, and hyalinized blood vessels. The specimens are also positive for immunohistochemical staining for INI1 with diffuse nuclear staining. The findings are consistent with sporadic form of schwannomatosis. This case highlights the importance of using MRI and INI1 immunohistochemistry to differentiate familial schwannomatosis, neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2)-associated schwannomatosis, and sporadic schwannomatosis.

Magnetic resonance enterography in pediatric celiac disease.

PubMed

Koc, Gonca; Doganay, Selim; Sevinc, Eylem; Deniz, Kemal; Chavhan, Govind; Gorkem, Sureyya B; Karacabey, Neslihan; Dogan, Mehmet S; Coskun, Abdulhakim; Aslan, Duran

To assess if magnetic resonance enterography is capable of showing evidence/extent of disease in pediatric patients with biopsy-proven celiac disease by comparing with a control group, and to correlate the magnetic resonance enterography findings with anti-endomysial antibody level, which is an indicator of gluten-free dietary compliance. Thirty-one pediatric patients (mean age 11.7±3.1 years) with biopsy-proven celiac disease and 40 pediatric patients as a control group were recruited in the study. The magnetic resonance enterography images of both patients with celiac disease and those of the control group were evaluated by two pediatric radiologists in a blinded manner for the mucosal pattern, presence of wall thickening, luminal distention of the small bowel, and extra-intestinal findings. Patient charts were reviewed to note clinical features and laboratory findings. The histopathologic review of the duodenal biopsies was re-conducted. The mean duration of the disease was 5.6±1.8 years (range: 3-7.2 years). In 24 (77%) of the patients, anti-endomysial antibody levels were elevated (mean 119.2±66.6RU/mL). Magnetic resonance enterography revealed normal fold pattern in all the patients. Ten (32%) patients had enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes. Although a majority of the patients had elevated anti-endomysial antibody levels indicating poor dietary compliance, magnetic resonance enterography did not show any mucosal abnormality associated with the inability of magnetic resonance enterography to detect mild/early changes of celiac disease in children. Therefore, it may not be useful for the follow-up of pediatric celiac disease. Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Solar Active Region Coronal Jets. II. Triggering and Evolution of Violent Jets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sterling, Alphonse C.; Moore, Ronald L.; Falconer, David A.; Panesar, Navdeep K.; Martinez, Francisco

2017-07-01

We study a series of X-ray-bright, rapidly evolving active region coronal jets outside the leading sunspot of AR 12259, using Hinode/X-ray telescope, Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)/Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) and Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI), and Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) data. The detailed evolution of such rapidly evolving “violent” jets remained a mystery after our previous investigation of active region jets. The jets we investigate here erupt from three localized subregions, each containing a rapidly evolving (positive) minority-polarity magnetic-flux patch bathed in a (majority) negative-polarity magnetic-flux background. At least several of the jets begin with eruptions of what appear to be thin (thickness ≲ 2\\prime\\prime ) miniature-filament (minifilament) “strands” from a magnetic neutral line where magnetic flux cancelation is ongoing, consistent with the magnetic configuration presented for coronal-hole jets in Sterling et al. (2016). Some jets strands are difficult/impossible to detect, perhaps due to, e.g., their thinness, obscuration by surrounding bright or dark features, or the absence of erupting cool-material minifilaments in those jets. Tracing in detail the flux evolution in one of the subregions, we find bursts of strong jetting occurring only during times of strong flux cancelation. Averaged over seven jetting episodes, the cancelation rate was ˜ 1.5× {10}19 Mx hr-1. An average flux of ˜ 5× {10}18 Mx canceled prior to each episode, arguably building up ˜1028-1029 erg of free magnetic energy per jet. From these and previous observations, we infer that flux cancelation is the fundamental process responsible for the pre-eruption build up and triggering of at least many jets in active regions, quiet regions, and coronal holes.

Magnet-induced temporary superhydrophobic coatings from one-pot synthesized hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles.

PubMed

Fang, Jian; Wang, Hongxia; Xue, Yuhua; Wang, Xungai; Lin, Tong

2010-05-01

In this paper, we report on the production of superhydrophobic coatings on various substrates (e.g., glass slide, silicon wafer, aluminum foil, plastic film, nanofiber mat, textile fabrics) using hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles and a magnet-assembly technique. Fe(3)O(4) magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with a thin layer of fluoroalkyl silica on the surface were synthesized by one-step coprecipitation of Fe(2+)/Fe(3+) under an alkaline condition in the presence of a fluorinated alkyl silane. Under a magnetic field, the magnetic nanoparticles can be easily deposited on any solid substrate to form a thin superhydrophobic coating with water contact angle as high as 172 degrees , and the surface superhydrophobicity showed very little dependence on the substrate type. The particulate coating showed reasonable durability because of strong aggregation effect of nanoparticles, but the coating layer can be removed (e.g., by ultrasonication) to restore the original surface feature of the substrates. By comparison, the thin particle layer deposited under no magnetic field showed much lower hydrophobicity. The main reason for magnet-induced superhydrophobic surfaces is the formation of nano- and microstructured surface features. Such a magnet-induced temporary superhydrophobic coating may have wide applications in electronic, biomedical, and defense-related areas.

Paleomagnetic evidence of 1811--1812 liquefaction along the Reelfoot scarp, New Madrid seismic zone, Tennessee

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

Salyards, S.L.

1992-01-01

A trench excavated across the Reelfoot scarp revealed liquefaction features probably of seismic origin. Two prominent liquefaction bodies show diapiric structure but no sign of eruption onto the ground surface and no definitive stratigraphic control on age. Based upon the historic seismic record and the available stratigraphic relationships they interpreted these bodies as having been produced in the 1811--1812 New Madrid earthquakes. A paleomagnetic test of he age of these features was conducted to see if the magnetic directions agreed with the magnetic direction measured in St. Louis in 1819, supporting their origin in 1811--1812. Both features have magnetic directionsmore » consistent with this direction, but one of the sandbodies has a much better quality magnetic direction for 6 stable samples of 8 samples total. Rock-magnetic measurements indicate the magnetic remanence is carried by single-domain magnetite suggesting the mean magnetic direction is not a viscous remanent magnetic moment of the present field direction. That the mean direction is due to the present magnetic field is not considered likely but can not be ruled out. The magnetic susceptibility, NRM intensity, and saturation IRM all increase downward in the sandbody showing an increasing magnetite content. The reason for susceptibility increases is not yet determined but preferred explanations are (1) downward settling of magnetite during diapiric emplacement or (2) entrainment of increasing amounts of magnetite with transport of the liquefied sand. These results suggest that the sampled sandbodies were produced in the historic 1811--1812 earthquakes and that paleomagnetics provides a correlation tool useful in paleoseismological studies of prehistoric earthquakes.« less

Magnetic resonance imaging with an optical atomic magnetometer

PubMed Central

Xu, Shoujun; Yashchuk, Valeriy V.; Donaldson, Marcus H.; Rochester, Simon M.; Budker, Dmitry; Pines, Alexander

2006-01-01

We report an approach for the detection of magnetic resonance imaging without superconducting magnets and cryogenics: optical atomic magnetometry. This technique possesses a high sensitivity independent of the strength of the static magnetic field, extending the applicability of magnetic resonance imaging to low magnetic fields and eliminating imaging artifacts associated with high fields. By coupling with a remote-detection scheme, thereby improving the filling factor of the sample, we obtained time-resolved flow images of water with a temporal resolution of 0.1 s and spatial resolutions of 1.6 mm perpendicular to the flow and 4.5 mm along the flow. Potentially inexpensive, compact, and mobile, our technique provides a viable alternative for MRI detection with substantially enhanced sensitivity and time resolution for various situations where traditional MRI is not optimal. PMID:16885210