The response of a spherical tissue-equivalent proportional counter to iron particles from 200-1000 MeV/nucleon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gersey, B. B.; Borak, T. B.; Guetersloh, S. B.; Zeitlin, C.; Miller, J.; Heilbronn, L.; Murakami, T.; Iwata, Y.; Chatterjee, A. (Principal Investigator)

2002-01-01

The radiation environment on board the space shuttle and the International Space Station includes high-Z and high-energy (HZE) particles that are part of the galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) spectrum. Iron-56 particles are considered to be one of the most biologically important parts of the GCR spectrum. Tissue-equivalent proportional counters (TEPCs) are used as active dosimeters on manned space flights. These TEPCs are further used to determine the average quality factor for each space mission. A TEPC simulating a 1-microm-diameter sphere of tissue was exposed as part of a particle spectrometer to (56)Fe particles at energies from 200-1000 MeV/nucleon. The response of TEPCs in terms of mean lineal energy, y(F), and dose mean lineal energy, y(D), as well as the energy deposited at different impact parameters through the detector was determined for six different incident energies of (56)Fe particles in this energy range. Calculations determined that charged-particle equilibrium was achieved for each of the six experiments. Energy depositions at different impact parameters were calculated using a radial dose distribution model, and the results were compared to experimental data.

Optical equivalence of isotropic ensembles of ellipsoidal particles in the Rayleigh-Gans-Debye and anomalous diffraction approximations and its consequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paramonov, L. E.

2012-05-01

Light scattering by isotropic ensembles of ellipsoidal particles is considered in the Rayleigh-Gans-Debye approximation. It is proved that randomly oriented ellipsoidal particles are optically equivalent to polydisperse randomly oriented spheroidal particles and polydisperse spherical particles. Density functions of the shape and size distributions for equivalent ensembles of spheroidal and spherical particles are presented. In the anomalous diffraction approximation, equivalent ensembles of particles are shown to also have equal extinction, scattering, and absorption coefficients. Consequences of optical equivalence are considered. The results are illustrated by numerical calculations of the angular dependence of the scattering phase function using the T-matrix method and the Mie theory.

Aspherical bubble dynamics and oscillation times

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

Godwin, R.P.; Chapyak, E.J.; Noack, J.

1999-03-01

The cavitation bubbles common in laser medicine are rarely perfectly spherical and are often located near tissue boundaries, in vessels, etc., which introduce aspherical dynamics. Here, novel features of aspherical bubble dynamics are explored. Time-resolved experimental photographs and simulations of large aspect ratio (length:diameter {approximately}20) cylindrical bubble dynamics are presented. The experiments and calculations exhibit similar dynamics. A small high-pressure cylindrical bubble initially expands radially with hardly any axial motion. Then, after reaching its maximum volume, a cylindrical bubble collapses along its long axis with relatively little radial motion. The growth-collapse period of these very aspherical bubbles differs only sightlymore » from twice the Rayleigh collapse time for a spherical bubble with an equivalent maximum volume. This fact justifies using the temporal interval between the acoustic signals emitted upon bubble creation and collapse to estimate the maximum bubble volume. As a result, hydrophone measurements can provide an estimate of the bubble energy even for aspherical bubbles. The prolongation of the oscillation period of bubbles near solid boundaries relative to that of isolated spherical bubbles is also discussed.« less

The Correlation between Angle Kappa and Ocular Biometry in Koreans

PubMed Central

Choi, Se Rang

2013-01-01

Purpose To investigate normative angle kappa data and to examine whether correlations exist between angle kappa and ocular biometric measurements (e.g., refractive error, axial length) and demographic features in Koreans. Methods Data from 436 eyes (213 males and 223 females) were analyzed in this study. The angle kappa was measured using Orbscan II. We used ocular biometric measurements, including refractive spherical equivalent, interpupillary distance and axial length, to investigate the correlations between angle kappa and ocular biometry. The IOL Master ver. 5.02 was used to obtain axial length. Results The mean patient age was 57.5 ± 12.0 years in males and 59.4 ± 12.4 years in females (p = 0.11). Angle kappa averaged 4.70 ± 2.70 degrees in men and 4.89 ± 2.14 degrees in women (p = 0.48). Axial length and spherical equivalent were correlated with angle kappa (r = -0.342 and r = 0.197, respectively). The correlation between axial length and spherical equivalent had a negative correlation (r = -0.540, p < 0.001). Conclusions Angle kappa increased with spherical equivalent and age. Thus, careful manipulation should be considered in older and hyperopic patients when planning refractive or strabismus surgery. PMID:24311927

Difference of refraction values between standard autorefractometry and Plusoptix.

PubMed

Bogdănici, Camelia Margareta; Săndulache, Codrina Maria; Vasiliu, Rodica; Obadă, Otilia

2016-01-01

Aim: Comparison between the objective refraction measurement results determined with Topcon KR-8900 standard autorefractometer and Plusoptix A09 photo-refractometer in children. Material and methods: A prospective transversal study was performed in the Department of Ophthalmology of "Sf. Spiridon" Hospital in Iași on 90 eyes of 45 pediatric patients, with a mean age of 8,82 ± 3,52 years, examined with noncycloplegic measurements provided by Plusoptix A09 and cycloplegic and noncycloplegic measurements provided by Topcon KR-8900 standard autorefractometer. The clinical parameters compared were the following: spherical equivalent (SE), spherical and cylindrical values, and cylinder axis. Astigmatism was recorded and evaluated with the cylindrical value on minus after transposition. The statistical calculation was performed with paired t-tests and Pearson's correlation analysis. All the data were analyzed with SPSS statistical package 19 (SPSS for Windows, Chicago, IL). Results: Plusoptix A09 noncycloplegic values were relatively equal between the eyes, with slightly lower values compared to noncycloplegic auto refractometry. Mean (± SD) measurements provided by Plusoptix AO9 were the following: spherical power 1.11 ± 1.52, cylindrical power 0.80 ± 0.80, and spherical equivalent 0.71 ± 1.39. The noncycloplegic auto refractometer mean (± SD) measurements were spherical power 1.12 ± 1.63, cylindrical power 0.79 ± 0,77 and spherical equivalent 0.71 ± 1.58. The cycloplegic auto refractometer mean (± SD) measurements were spherical power 2.08 ± 1.95, cylindrical power 0,82 ± 0.85 and spherical equivalent 1.68 ± 1.87. 32% of the eyes were hyperopic, 2.67% were myopic, 65.33% had astigmatism, and 30% eyes had amblyopia. Conclusions: Noncycloplegic objective refraction values were similar with those determined by autorefractometry. Plusoptix had an important role in the ophthalmological screening, but did not detect higher refractive errors, justifying the cycloplegic autorefractometry.

High energy neutron dosimeter

DOEpatents

Sun, Rai Ko S.F.

1994-01-01

A device for measuring dose equivalents in neutron radiation fields. The device includes nested symmetrical hemispheres (forming spheres) of different neutron moderating materials that allow the measurement of dose equivalents from 0.025 eV to past 1 GeV. The layers of moderating material surround a spherical neutron counter. The neutron counter is connected by an electrical cable to an electrical sensing means which interprets the signal from the neutron counter in the center of the moderating spheres. The spherical shape of the device allows for accurate measurement of dose equivalents regardless of its positioning.

High energy neutron dosimeter

DOEpatents

Rai, K.S.F.

1994-01-11

A device for measuring dose equivalents in neutron radiation fields is described. The device includes nested symmetrical hemispheres (forming spheres) of different neutron moderating materials that allow the measurement of dose equivalents from 0.025 eV to past 1 GeV. The layers of moderating material surround a spherical neutron counter. The neutron counter is connected by an electrical cable to an electrical sensing means which interprets the signal from the neutron counter in the center of the moderating spheres. The spherical shape of the device allows for accurate measurement of dose equivalents regardless of its positioning. 2 figures.

Study of microdosimetric energy deposition patterns in tissue-equivalent medium due to low-energy neutron fields using a graphite-walled proportional counter.

PubMed

Waker, A J; Aslam

2011-06-01

To improve radiation protection dosimetry for low-energy neutron fields encountered in nuclear power reactor environments, there is increasing interest in modeling neutron energy deposition in metrological instruments such as tissue-equivalent proportional counters (TEPCs). Along with these computational developments, there is also a need for experimental data with which to benchmark and test the results obtained from the modeling methods developed. The experimental work described in this paper is a study of the energy deposition in tissue-equivalent (TE) medium using an in-house built graphite-walled proportional counter (GPC) filled with TE gas. The GPC is a simple model of a standard TEPC because the response of the counter at these energies is almost entirely due to the neutron interactions in the sensitive volume of the counter. Energy deposition in tissue spheres of diameter 1, 2, 4 and 8 µm was measured in low-energy neutron fields below 500 keV. We have observed a continuously increasing trend in microdosimetric averages with an increase in neutron energy. The values of these averages decrease as we increase the simulated diameter at a given neutron energy. A similar trend for these microdosimetric averages has been observed for standard TEPCs and the Rossi-type, TE, spherical wall-less counter filled with propane-based TE gas in the same energy range. This implies that at the microdosimetric level, in the neutron energy range we employed in this study, the pattern of average energy deposited by starter and insider proton recoil events in the gas is similar to those generated cumulatively by crosser and stopper events originating from the counter wall plus starter and insider recoil events originating in the sensitive volume of a TEPC.

Outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in low myopia.

PubMed

Reinstein, Dan Z; Carp, Glenn I; Archer, Timothy J; Gobbe, Marine

2014-12-01

To report the visual and refractive outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction for low myopia using the VisuMax femtosecond laser (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany). A retrospective analysis of 120 consecutive small incision lenticule extraction procedures was performed for low myopia. Inclusion criteria were preoperative spherical equivalent refraction up to -3.50 diopters (D), cylinder up to 1.50 D, and corrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better. Outcomes analysis was performed for all eyes with 1-year follow-up according to the Standard Graphs for Reporting Refractive Surgery, and also including mesopic contrast sensitivity. One-year data were available for 110 eyes (92%). Preoperatively, mean spherical equivalent refraction was -2.61 ± 0.54 D (range: -1.03 to -3.50 D) and mean cylinder was 0.55 ± 0.38 D (range: 0.00 to 1.50 D). Postoperatively, mean spherical equivalent refraction was -0.05 ± 0.36 D (range: -0.94 to +1.25 D) and mean cylinder was ± 0.50 D in 84% and ± 1.00 D in 99% of eyes. Uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 96% of eyes and 20/25 or better in 100% of eyes. One line of corrected distance visual acuity was lost in 9%, but no eyes lost two or more lines. There was an initial overcorrection in mean spherical equivalent refraction on day 1 (+0.37 D) as expected, which regressed to +0.10 D at 1 month and -0.05 D at 3 months, after which stability was reached (mean spherical equivalent refraction was -0.05 D at 1 year). Contrast sensitivity at 1 year was slightly increased at 3, 6, 12, and 18 cycles per degree (P < .05). Small incision lenticule extraction for low myopia was found to be safe and effective with outcomes similar to those previously reported for LASIK. Copyright 2014, SLACK Incorporated.

Effect of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy on refraction in multifocal apodized diffractive pseudophakia.

PubMed

Vrijman, Violette; van der Linden, Jan Willem; Nieuwendaal, Carla P; van der Meulen, Ivanka J E; Mourits, Maarten P; Lapid-Gortzak, Ruth

2012-08-01

To evaluate the effect on refraction of neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification (PCO), and to evaluate the correlation between automated and subjective refraction in multifocal apodized diffractive pseudophakia. A retrospective study of 75 pseudophakic eyes (50 patients) with multifocal apodized diffractive pseudophakia, treated for PCO with Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy, was performed. Pre- and postintervention values of refractive and visual parameters were compared. The outcomes of autorefraction and subjective refraction were also compared. Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity improved significantly after Nd:YAG capsulotomy (P<.001). No significant changes were noted in defocus equivalent, astigmatic power vectors J(0) and J(45), and overall blurring strength in subjective refraction and autorefraction. Spherical equivalent changed significantly in autorefraction (P=.008), but not in subjective refraction. Autorefraction and subjective refraction were highly correlated in spherical equivalent, defocus equivalent, and blurring strength (r(2)>0.59). In approximately 7% of eyes, a change of more than 0.50 diopters in spherical equivalent in subjective refraction occurred. In most cases, Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in patients with multifocal pseudophakia did not result in a change in refraction. However, 7% of eyes experienced a significant change in subjective refraction. Autorefraction correlated well with subjective refraction in apodized diffractive multifocal IOLs. Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.

OFF-CENTER SPHERICAL MODEL FOR DOSIMETRY CALCULATIONS IN CHICK BRAIN TISSUE

EPA Science Inventory

The paper presents calculations for the electric field and absorbed power density distribution in chick brain tissue inside a test tube, using an off-center spherical model. It is shown that the off-center spherical model overcomes many of the limitations of the concentric spheri...

Myopic refractive shift represents dense nuclear sclerosis and thin lens in lenticular myopia.

PubMed

Cho, Yang Kyung; Huang, Wei; Nishimura, Eiichi

2013-09-01

It is not rare to meet unilateral nuclear sclerotic cataracts with myopic refractive changes (lenticular myopia) compared with the fellow eye in the ophthalmic examination of patients with decreased visual acuity. To determine the relationship between the myopic refractive changes and interocular differences of parameters, we investigated the interocular differences of ocular parameters between a lenticular myopic eye and the fellow eye. This retrospective study included 68 eyes of 34 patients, who showed unilateral lenticular myopia. We compared the dimensions of ocular component, such as anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber volume, lens thickness, vitreous chamber depth, lens position, lens density of nuclear sclerosis, anterior lens curvature and myopic refractive changes (spherical equivalent refraction) between the lenticular myopic eye and the myopic refractive change were examined. Statistically significant differences were found between the lenticular myopic eye and the fellow eye for anterior chamber depth (p = 0.015) anterior chamber volume (p = 0.031), lens thickness (p < 0.001), lens density of the nuclear sclerosis (p < 0.001) and the spherical equivalent myopic refractive changes (p < 0.001). Based on univariate analysis, the interocular difference in spherical equivalent refraction was significantly correlated with interocular differences of the density of the nuclear sclerosis (r = 0.79, p < 0.001), lens thickness (r = -0.70, p < 0.001) and vitreous chamber depth (r = 0.43, p = 0.012). Based on multiple regression analysis, the interocular difference in spherical equivalent refraction was significantly correlated with interocular differences of density of nuclear sclerosis (p < 0.001) and lens thickness (p = 0.007). The difference in myopic spherical change reflects the differences in the severity of nuclear sclerosis and lens thickness between the lenticular myopic eye and the fellow eye. © 2013 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Optometry © 2013 Optometrists Association Australia.

Six-month clinical outcomes after hyperopic correction with the SCHWIND AMARIS Total-Tech laser

PubMed Central

Arbelaez, María Clara; Vidal, Camila; Arba Mosquera, Samuel

2011-01-01

Purpose To evaluate postoperative clinical outcomes, and corneal High Order Aberrations, among eyes with hyperopia up to +5 D of spherical equivalent, that have undergone LASIK treatments using the SCHWIND AMARIS laser system. Methods At six-month follow-up, 100 eyes with preoperative hyperopia or hyperopic astigmatism up to +5 D of spherical equivalent were retrospectively analysed. Standard examinations, pre- and postoperative wavefront analysis with a corneal-wavefront-analyzer (OPTIKON Scout) were performed. Aberration-Free aspheric treatments were planned with Custom Ablation Manager software and ablations performed using the SCHWIND AMARIS flying-spot excimer laser system (both SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions). LASIK flaps were created using a LDV femtosecond laser (Ziemer Group) in all cases. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in terms of predictability, refractive outcome, safety, and wavefront aberration. Results At six month, 90 % of eyes achieved ≥ 20/25 UCVA and 44 % achieved ≥ 20/16 UCVA. Seventy-four percent of eyes were within ± 0.25D of spherical equivalent and 89 % within ± 0.50D, with 94 % within 0.50D of astigmatism. Mean spherical equivalent was −0.12 ± 0.51D and 0.50 ± 0.51D for the astigmatism. Fifty-two percent of eyes improved BSCVA vs. only 19 % losing lines of BSCVA. Predictability slope for refraction was 1.03 and intercept +0.01 D. On average, negative corneal spherical aberrations were significantly increased by the treatments, no other aberration terms changed from pre- to postoperative values. Conclusions LASIK for hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism with SCHWIND AMARIS yields very satisfactory visual outcomes. Preoperative refractions were postoperatively reduced to subclinical values with no clinically relevant induction of corneal HOA.

Association of Axial Length With Risk of Uncorrectable Visual Impairment for Europeans With Myopia.

PubMed

Tideman, J Willem L; Snabel, Margaretha C C; Tedja, Milly S; van Rijn, Gwyneth A; Wong, King T; Kuijpers, Robert W A M; Vingerling, Johannes R; Hofman, Albert; Buitendijk, Gabriëlle H S; Keunen, Jan E E; Boon, Camiel J F; Geerards, Annette J M; Luyten, Gregorius P M; Verhoeven, Virginie J M; Klaver, Caroline C W

2016-12-01

Myopia (ie, nearsightedness) is becoming the most common eye disorder to cause blindness in younger persons in many parts of the world. Visual impairment due to myopia is associated with structural changes of the retina and the globe because of elongation of the eye axis. How axial length-a sum of the anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and vitreous chamber depth-and myopia relate to the development of visual impairment over time is unknown. To evaluate the association between axial length, spherical equivalent, and the risk of visual impairment and to make projections of visual impairment for regions with high prevalence rates. This cross-sectional study uses population-based data from the Rotterdam Study I (1990 to 1993), II (2000 to 2002), and III (2006 to 2008) and the Erasmus Rucphen Family Study (2002 to 2005) as well as case-control data from the Myopia Study (2010 to 2012) from the Netherlands. In total, 15 404 individuals with data on spherical equivalent and 9074 individuals with data on axial length were included in the study; right eyes were used for analyses. Data were analyzed from September 2014 to May 2016. Visual impairment and blindness (defined according to the World Health Organization criteria as a visual acuity less than 0.3) and predicted rates of visual impairment specifically for persons with myopia. Of the 15 693 individuals included in this study, the mean (SD) age was 61.3 (11.4) years, and 8961 (57.1%) were female. Axial length ranged from 15.3 to 37.8 mm; 819 individuals had an axial length of 26 mm or greater. Spherical equivalent ranged from -25 to +14 diopters; 796 persons had high myopia (ie, a spherical equivalent of -6 diopters or less). The prevalence of visual impairment varied from 1.0% to 4.1% in the population-based studies, was 5.4% in the Myopia Study, and was 0.3% in controls. The prevalence of visual impairment rose with increasing axial length and spherical equivalent, with a cumulative incidence (SE) of visual impairment of 3.8% (1.3) for participants aged 75 years with an axial length of 24 to less than 26 mm and greater than 90% (8.1) with an axial length of 30 mm or greater. The cumulative risk (SE) of visual impairment was 5.7% (1.3) for participants aged 60 years and 39% (4.9) for those aged 75 years with a spherical equivalent of -6 diopters or less. Projections of these data suggest that visual impairment will increase 7- to 13-fold by 2055 in high-risk areas. This study demonstrated that visual impairment is associated with axial length and spherical equivalent and may be unavoidable at the most extreme values in this population. Developing strategies to prevent the development of myopia and its complications could help to avoid an increase of visual impairment in the working-age population.

Influence of shape and gradient refractive index in the accommodative changes of spherical aberration in nonhuman primate crystalline lenses.

PubMed

de Castro, Alberto; Birkenfeld, Judith; Maceo, Bianca; Manns, Fabrice; Arrieta, Esdras; Parel, Jean-Marie; Marcos, Susana

2013-09-11

To estimate changes in surface shape and gradient refractive index (GRIN) profile in primate lenses as a function of accommodation. To quantify the contribution of surface shape and GRIN to spherical aberration changes with accommodation. Crystalline lenses from 15 cynomolgus monkeys were studied in vitro under different levels of accommodation produced by a stretching system. Lens shape was obtained from optical coherence tomography (OCT) cross-sectional images. The GRIN was reconstructed with a search algorithm using the optical path measured from OCT images and the measured back focal length. The spherical aberration of the lens was estimated as a function of accommodation using the reconstructed GRIN and a homogeneous refractive index. The lens anterior and posterior radii of curvature decreased with increasing lens power. Both surfaces exhibited negative asphericities in the unaccommodated state. The anterior surface conic constant shifted toward less negative values with accommodation, while the value of the posterior remained constant. GRIN parameters remained constant with accommodation. The lens spherical aberration with GRIN distribution was negative and higher in magnitude than that with a homogeneous equivalent refractive index (by 29% and 53% in the unaccommodated and fully accommodated states, respectively). Spherical aberration with the equivalent refractive index shifted with accommodation toward negative values (-0.070 μm/diopter [D]), but the reconstructed GRIN shifted it farther (-0.124 μm/D). When compared with the lens with the homogeneous equivalent refractive index, the reconstructed GRIN lens has more negative spherical aberration and a larger shift toward more negative values with accommodation.

Equivalent source modeling of the core magnetic field using magsat data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mayhew, M. A.; Estes, R. H.

1983-01-01

Experiments are carried out on fitting the main field using different numbers of equivalent sources arranged in equal area at fixed radii at and inside the core-mantle boundary. In fixing the radius for a given series of runs, the convergence problems that result from the extreme nonlinearity of the problem when dipole positions are allowed to vary are avoided. Results are presented from a comparison between this approach and the standard spherical harmonic approach for modeling the main field in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency. The modeling of the main field with an equivalent dipole representation is found to be comparable to the standard spherical harmonic approach in accuracy. The 32 deg dipole density (42 dipoles) corresponds approximately to an eleventh degree/order spherical harmonic expansion (143 parameters), whereas the 21 dipole density (92 dipoles) corresponds to approximately a seventeenth degree and order expansion (323 parameters). It is pointed out that fixing the dipole positions results in rapid convergence of the dipole solutions for single-epoch models.

Depth dose measurements with the Liulin-5 experiment inside the spherical phantom of the MATROSHKA-R project onboard the International Space Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semkova, J.; Koleva, R.; Maltchev, St.; Bankov, N.; Benghin, V.; Chernykh, I.; Shurshakov, V.; Petrov, V.; Drobyshev, S.; Nikolaev, I.

2012-02-01

The Liulin-5 experiment is a part of the international project MATROSHKA-R on the Russian segment of the ISS, which uses a tissue-equivalent spherical phantom equipped with a set of radiation detectors. The objective of the MATROSHKA-R project is to provide depth dose distribution of the radiation field inside the sphere in order to get more information on the distribution of dose in a human body. Liulin-5 is a charged particle telescope using three silicon detectors. It measures time resolved energy deposition spectra, linear energy transfer (LET) spectra, particle flux, and absorbed doses of electrons, protons and heavy ions, simultaneously at three depths along the radius of the phantom. Measurements during the minimum of the solar activity in cycle 23 show that the average absorbed daily doses at 40 mm depth in the phantom are between 180 μGy/day and 220 μGy/day. The absorbed doses at 165 mm depth in the phantom decrease by a factor of 1.6-1.8 compared to the doses at 40 mm depth due to the self-shielding of the phantom from trapped protons. The average dose equivalent at 40 mm depth is 590 ± 32 μSV/day and the galactic cosmic rays (GCR) contribute at least 70% of the total dose equivalent at that depth. Shown is that due to the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) trapped protons asymmetry and the direction of Liulin-5 lowest shielding zone the dose rates on ascending and descending nodes in SAA are different. The data obtained are compared to data from other radiation detectors on ISS.

Influence of Shape and Gradient Refractive Index in the Accommodative Changes of Spherical Aberration in Nonhuman Primate Crystalline Lenses

PubMed Central

de Castro, Alberto; Birkenfeld, Judith; Maceo, Bianca; Manns, Fabrice; Arrieta, Esdras; Parel, Jean-Marie; Marcos, Susana

2013-01-01

Purpose. To estimate changes in surface shape and gradient refractive index (GRIN) profile in primate lenses as a function of accommodation. To quantify the contribution of surface shape and GRIN to spherical aberration changes with accommodation. Methods. Crystalline lenses from 15 cynomolgus monkeys were studied in vitro under different levels of accommodation produced by a stretching system. Lens shape was obtained from optical coherence tomography (OCT) cross-sectional images. The GRIN was reconstructed with a search algorithm using the optical path measured from OCT images and the measured back focal length. The spherical aberration of the lens was estimated as a function of accommodation using the reconstructed GRIN and a homogeneous refractive index. Results. The lens anterior and posterior radii of curvature decreased with increasing lens power. Both surfaces exhibited negative asphericities in the unaccommodated state. The anterior surface conic constant shifted toward less negative values with accommodation, while the value of the posterior remained constant. GRIN parameters remained constant with accommodation. The lens spherical aberration with GRIN distribution was negative and higher in magnitude than that with a homogeneous equivalent refractive index (by 29% and 53% in the unaccommodated and fully accommodated states, respectively). Spherical aberration with the equivalent refractive index shifted with accommodation toward negative values (−0.070 μm/diopter [D]), but the reconstructed GRIN shifted it farther (−0.124 μm/D). Conclusions. When compared with the lens with the homogeneous equivalent refractive index, the reconstructed GRIN lens has more negative spherical aberration and a larger shift toward more negative values with accommodation. PMID:23927893

Heritability of myopia and ocular biometrics in Koreans: the healthy twin study.

PubMed

Kim, Myung Hun; Zhao, Di; Kim, Woori; Lim, Dong-Hui; Song, Yun-Mi; Guallar, Eliseo; Cho, Juhee; Sung, Joohon; Chung, Eui-Sang; Chung, Tae-Young

2013-05-01

To estimate the heritabilities of myopia and ocular biometrics among different family types among a Korean population. We studied 1508 adults in the Healthy Twin Study. Spherical equivalent, axial length, anterior chamber depth, and corneal astigmatism were measured by refraction, corneal topography, and A-scan ultrasonography. To see the degree of resemblance among different types of family relationships, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated. Variance-component methods were applied to estimate the genetic contributions to eye phenotypes as heritability based on the maximum likelihood estimation. Narrow sense heritability was calculated as the proportion of the total phenotypic variance explained by additive genetic effects, and linear and nonlinear effects of age, sex, and interactions between age and sex were adjusted. A total of 240 monozygotic twin pairs, 45 dizygotic twin pairs, and 938 singleton adult family members who were first-degree relatives of twins in 345 families were included in the study. ICCs for spherical equivalent from monozygotic twins, pooled first-degree pairs, and spouse pairs were 0.83, 0.34, and 0.20, respectively. The ICCs of other ocular biometrics were also significantly higher in monozygotic twins compared with other relative pairs, with greater consistency and conformity. The estimated narrow sense heritability (95% confidence interval) was 0.78 (0.71-0.84) for spherical equivalent; 0.86 (0.82-0.90) for axial length; 0.83 (0.76-0.91) for anterior chamber depth; and 0.70 (0.63-0.77) for corneal astigmatism. The estimated heritability of spherical equivalent and ocular biometrics in the Korean population suggests the compelling evidence that all traits are highly heritable.

Heritability of refractive error and ocular biometrics: the Genes in Myopia (GEM) twin study.

PubMed

Dirani, Mohamed; Chamberlain, Matthew; Shekar, Sri N; Islam, Amirul F M; Garoufalis, Pam; Chen, Christine Y; Guymer, Robyn H; Baird, Paul N

2006-11-01

A classic twin study was undertaken to assess the contribution of genes and environment to the development of refractive errors and ocular biometrics in a twin population. A total of 1224 twins (345 monozygotic [MZ] and 267 dizygotic [DZ] twin pairs) aged between 18 and 88 years were examined. All twins completed a questionnaire consisting of a medical history, education, and zygosity. Objective refraction was measured in all twins, and biometric measurements were obtained using partial coherence interferometry. Intrapair correlations for spherical equivalent and ocular biometrics were significantly higher in the MZ than in the DZ twin pairs (P < 0.05), when refraction was considered as a continuous variable. A significant gender difference in the variation of spherical equivalent and ocular biometrics was found (P < 0.05). A genetic model specifying an additive, dominant, and unique environmental factor that was sex limited was the best fit for all measured variables. Heritability of spherical equivalents of 88% and 75% were found in the men and women, respectively, whereas, that of axial length was 94% and 92%, respectively. Additive genetic effects accounted for a greater proportion of the variance in spherical equivalent, whereas the variance in ocular biometrics, particularly axial length was explained mostly by dominant genetic effects. Genetic factors, both additive and dominant, play a significant role in refractive error (myopia and hypermetropia) as well as in ocular biometrics, particularly axial length. The sex limitation ADE model (additive genetic, nonadditive genetic, and environmental components) provided the best-fit genetic model for all parameters.

Myopia correction in children: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Cui, Yanhui; Li, Li; Wu, Qian; Zhao, Junyang; Chu, Huihui; Yu, Gang; Wei, Wenbin

2017-06-26

The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis comparing rigid gas permeable lenses (RGP) with soft contact lenses (SCL), spectacles and orthokeratology (OK) lenses for myopia control with respect to axial length elongation, spherical equivalent and measures of corneal curvature. Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched to September 29, 2015 using the following keywords: rigid gas permeable contact lens; refractive error; and refractive abnormalities. Randomized controlled trials, two-arm prospective studies and retrospective studies of children with myopia treated with RGP lenses compared with spectacles, SCL, and OK lenses were included. Outcome measures were changes of axial length, spherical equivalent, flatter meridian, steeper meridian and corneal apical radius. Five studies were included. Three studies reported axial length change after 2-3 years of treatment with RGP lenses and SCL/spectacles and no difference between the groups was noted (pooled mean difference = -0.077, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.120 to 0.097, p = 0.840). Two studies reported a change of spherical equivalent after 2-3 years of treatment with RGP lenses and SCL/spectacles, and no difference between the groups was noted (pooled mean difference = 0.275, 95% CI: -0.390 to 0.941, p = 0.417). Two studies compared corneal curvature measures between RGP and OK lenses after 3-6 months of treatment and no differences in any measures of corneal curvature were seen. The effect of RGP lenses and SCL/spectacles on axial length elongation and spherical equivalent and of RGP and OK lenses on corneal curvature in children with myopia was similar.

A replacement for islet equivalents with improved reliability and validity.

PubMed

Huang, Han-Hung; Ramachandran, Karthik; Stehno-Bittel, Lisa

2013-10-01

Islet equivalent (IE), the standard estimate of isolated islet volume, is an essential measure to determine the amount of transplanted islet tissue in the clinic and is used in research laboratories to normalize results, yet it is based on the false assumption that all islets are spherical. Here, we developed and tested a new easy-to-use method to quantify islet volume with greater accuracy. Isolated rat islets were dissociated into single cells, and the total cell number per islet was determined by using computer-assisted cytometry. Based on the cell number per islet, we created a regression model to convert islet diameter to cell number with a high R2 value (0.8) and good validity and reliability with the same model applicable to young and old rats and males or females. Conventional IE measurements overestimated the tissue volume of islets. To compare results obtained using IE or our new method, we compared Glut2 protein levels determined by Western Blot and proinsulin content via ELISA between small (diameter≤100 μm) and large (diameter≥200 μm) islets. When normalized by IE, large islets showed significantly lower Glut2 level and proinsulin content. However, when normalized by cell number, large and small islets had no difference in Glut2 levels, but large islets contained more proinsulin. In conclusion, normalizing islet volume by IE overestimated the tissue volume, which may lead to erroneous results. Normalizing by cell number is a more accurate method to quantify tissue amounts used in islet transplantation and research.

Genome-wide association study for refractive astigmatism reveals genetic co-determination with spherical equivalent refractive error: the CREAM consortium.

PubMed

Li, Qing; Wojciechowski, Robert; Simpson, Claire L; Hysi, Pirro G; Verhoeven, Virginie J M; Ikram, Mohammad Kamran; Höhn, René; Vitart, Veronique; Hewitt, Alex W; Oexle, Konrad; Mäkelä, Kari-Matti; MacGregor, Stuart; Pirastu, Mario; Fan, Qiao; Cheng, Ching-Yu; St Pourcain, Beaté; McMahon, George; Kemp, John P; Northstone, Kate; Rahi, Jugnoo S; Cumberland, Phillippa M; Martin, Nicholas G; Sanfilippo, Paul G; Lu, Yi; Wang, Ya Xing; Hayward, Caroline; Polašek, Ozren; Campbell, Harry; Bencic, Goran; Wright, Alan F; Wedenoja, Juho; Zeller, Tanja; Schillert, Arne; Mirshahi, Alireza; Lackner, Karl; Yip, Shea Ping; Yap, Maurice K H; Ried, Janina S; Gieger, Christian; Murgia, Federico; Wilson, James F; Fleck, Brian; Yazar, Seyhan; Vingerling, Johannes R; Hofman, Albert; Uitterlinden, André; Rivadeneira, Fernando; Amin, Najaf; Karssen, Lennart; Oostra, Ben A; Zhou, Xin; Teo, Yik-Ying; Tai, E Shyong; Vithana, Eranga; Barathi, Veluchamy; Zheng, Yingfeng; Siantar, Rosalynn Grace; Neelam, Kumari; Shin, Youchan; Lam, Janice; Yonova-Doing, Ekaterina; Venturini, Cristina; Hosseini, S Mohsen; Wong, Hoi-Suen; Lehtimäki, Terho; Kähönen, Mika; Raitakari, Olli; Timpson, Nicholas J; Evans, David M; Khor, Chiea-Chuen; Aung, Tin; Young, Terri L; Mitchell, Paul; Klein, Barbara; van Duijn, Cornelia M; Meitinger, Thomas; Jonas, Jost B; Baird, Paul N; Mackey, David A; Wong, Tien Yin; Saw, Seang-Mei; Pärssinen, Olavi; Stambolian, Dwight; Hammond, Christopher J; Klaver, Caroline C W; Williams, Cathy; Paterson, Andrew D; Bailey-Wilson, Joan E; Guggenheim, Jeremy A

2015-02-01

To identify genetic variants associated with refractive astigmatism in the general population, meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies were performed for: White Europeans aged at least 25 years (20 cohorts, N = 31,968); Asian subjects aged at least 25 years (7 cohorts, N = 9,295); White Europeans aged <25 years (4 cohorts, N = 5,640); and all independent individuals from the above three samples combined with a sample of Chinese subjects aged <25 years (N = 45,931). Participants were classified as cases with refractive astigmatism if the average cylinder power in their two eyes was at least 1.00 diopter and as controls otherwise. Genome-wide association analysis was carried out for each cohort separately using logistic regression. Meta-analysis was conducted using a fixed effects model. In the older European group the most strongly associated marker was downstream of the neurexin-1 (NRXN1) gene (rs1401327, P = 3.92E-8). No other region reached genome-wide significance, and association signals were lower for the younger European group and Asian group. In the meta-analysis of all cohorts, no marker reached genome-wide significance: The most strongly associated regions were, NRXN1 (rs1401327, P = 2.93E-07), TOX (rs7823467, P = 3.47E-07) and LINC00340 (rs12212674, P = 1.49E-06). For 34 markers identified in prior GWAS for spherical equivalent refractive error, the beta coefficients for genotype versus spherical equivalent, and genotype versus refractive astigmatism, were highly correlated (r = -0.59, P = 2.10E-04). This work revealed no consistent or strong genetic signals for refractive astigmatism; however, the TOX gene region previously identified in GWAS for spherical equivalent refractive error was the second most strongly associated region. Analysis of additional markers provided evidence supporting widespread genetic co-susceptibility for spherical and astigmatic refractive errors.

Shielding implications for secondary neutrons and photons produced within the patient during IMPT.

PubMed

DeMarco, J; Kupelian, P; Santhanam, A; Low, D

2013-07-01

Intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) uses a combination of computer controlled spot scanning and spot-weight optimized planning to irradiate the tumor volume uniformly. In contrast to passive scattering systems, secondary neutrons and photons produced from inelastic proton interactions within the patient represent the major source of emitted radiation during IMPT delivery. Various published studies evaluated the shielding considerations for passive scattering systems but did not directly address secondary neutron production from IMPT and the ambient dose equivalent on surrounding occupational and nonoccupational work areas. Thus, the purpose of this study was to utilize Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the energy and angular distributions of secondary neutrons and photons following inelastic proton interactions within a tissue-equivalent phantom for incident proton spot energies between 70 and 250 MeV. Monte Carlo simulation methods were used to calculate the ambient dose equivalent of secondary neutrons and photons produced from inelastic proton interactions in a tissue-equivalent phantom. The angular distribution of emitted neutrons and photons were scored as a function of incident proton energy throughout a spherical annulus at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 m from the phantom center. Appropriate dose equivalent conversion factors were applied to estimate the total ambient dose equivalent from secondary neutrons and photons. A reference distance of 1 m from the center of the patient was used to evaluate the mean energy distribution of secondary neutrons and photons and the resulting ambient dose equivalent. For an incident proton spot energy of 250 MeV, the total ambient dose equivalent (3.6 × 10(-3) mSv per proton Gy) was greatest along the direction of the incident proton spot (0°-10°) with a mean secondary neutron energy of 71.3 MeV. The dose equivalent decreased by a factor of 5 in the backward direction (170°-180°) with a mean energy of 4.4 MeV. An 8 × 8 × 8 cm(3) volumetric spot distribution (5 mm FWHM spot size, 4 mm spot spacing) optimized to produce a uniform dose distribution results in an ambient dose equivalent of 4.5 × 10(-2) mSv per proton Gy in the forward direction. This work evaluated the secondary neutron and photon emission due to monoenergetic proton spots between 70 and 250 MeV, incident on a tissue equivalent phantom. Example calculations were performed to estimate concrete shield thickness based upon appropriate workload and shielding design assumptions. Although lower than traditional passive scattered proton therapy systems, the ambient dose equivalent from secondary neutrons produced by the patient during IMPT can be significant relative to occupational and nonoccupational workers in the vicinity of the treatment vault. This work demonstrates that Monte Carlo simulations are useful as an initial planning tool for studying the impact of the treatment room and maze design on surrounding occupational and nonoccupational work areas.

Inertial migrations of cylindrical particles in rectangular microchannels: Variations of equilibrium positions and equivalent diameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Jinghong; Chen, Xiaodong; Hu, Guoqing

2018-03-01

Inertial migration has emerged as an efficient tool for manipulating both biological and engineered particles that commonly exist with non-spherical shapes in microfluidic devices. There have been numerous studies on the inertial migration of spherical particles, whereas the non-spherical particles are still largely unexplored. Here, we conduct three-dimensional direct numerical simulations to study the inertial migration of rigid cylindrical particles in rectangular microchannels with different width/height ratios under the channel Reynolds numbers (Re) varying from 50 to 400. Cylindrical particles with different length/diameter ratios and blockage ratios are also concerned. Distributions of surface force with the change of rotation angle show that surface stresses acting on the particle end near the wall are the major contributors to the particle rotation. We obtain lift forces experienced by cylindrical particles at different lateral positions on cross sections of two types of microchannels at various Re. It is found that there are always four stable equilibrium positions on the cross section of a square channel, while the stable positions are two or four in a rectangular channel, depending on Re. By comparing the equilibrium positions of cylindrical particles and spherical particles, we demonstrate that the equivalent diameter of cylindrical particles monotonously increases with Re. Our work indicates the influence of a non-spherical shape on the inertial migration and can be useful for the precise manipulation of non-spherical particles.

Refractive error at birth and its relation to gestational age.

PubMed

Varughese, Sara; Varghese, Raji Mathew; Gupta, Nidhi; Ojha, Rishikant; Sreenivas, V; Puliyel, Jacob M

2005-06-01

The refractive status of premature infants is not well studied. This study was done to find the norms of refractive error in newborns at different gestational ages. One thousand two hundred three (1203) eyes were examined for refractive error by streak retinoscopy within the first week of life between June 2001 and September 2002. Tropicamide eye drops (0.8%) with phenylephrine 0.5% were used to achieve cycloplegia and mydriasis. The refractive error was measured in the vertical and horizontal meridia in both eyes and was recorded to the nearest dioptre (D). The neonates were grouped in five gestational age groups ranging from 24 weeks to 43 weeks. Extremely preterm babies were found to be myopic with a mean MSE (mean spherical equivalent) of -4.86 D. The MSE was found to progressively decrease (become less myopic) with increasing gestation and was +2.4 D at term. Astigmatism of more than 1 D spherical equivalent was seen in 67.8% of the eyes examined. Among newborns with > 1 D of astigmatism, the astigmatism was with-the-rule (vertical meridian having greater refractive power than horizontal) in 85% and against-the-rule in 15%. Anisometropia of more than 1 D spherical equivalent was seen in 31% babies. Term babies are known to be hypermetropic, and preterm babies with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) are known to have myopia. This study provides data on the mean spherical equivalent, the degree of astigmatism, and incidence of anisometropia at different gestational ages. This is the largest study in world literature looking at refractive errors at birth against gestational age. It should help understand the norms of refractive errors in preterm babies.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is associated with myopia in the Korea national health and nutrition examination survey.

PubMed

Kwon, Jin-Woo; Choi, Jin A; La, Tae Yoon

2016-11-01

The aim of this article was to assess the associations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and daily sun exposure time with myopia in Korean adults.This study is based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) of Korean adults in 2010-2012; multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations of serum 25(OH)D levels and daily sun exposure time with myopia, defined as spherical equivalent ≤-0.5D, after adjustment for age, sex, household income, body mass index (BMI), exercise, intraocular pressure (IOP), and education level. Also, multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels with spherical equivalent after adjustment for daily sun exposure time in addition to the confounding factors above.Between the nonmyopic and myopic groups, spherical equivalent, age, IOP, BMI, waist circumference, education level, household income, and area of residence differed significantly (all P < 0.05). Compared with subjects with daily sun exposure time <2 hour, subjects with sun exposure time ≥2 to <5 hour, and those with sun exposure time ≥5 hour had significantly less myopia (P < 0.001). In addition, compared with subjects were categorized into quartiles of serum 25(OH)D, the higher quartiles had gradually lower prevalences of myopia after adjustment for confounding factors (P < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analyses, spherical equivalent was significantly associated with serum 25(OH)D concentration after adjustment for confounding factors (P = 0.002).Low serum 25(OH)D levels and shorter daily sun exposure time may be independently associated with a high prevalence of myopia in Korean adults. These data suggest a direct role for vitamin D in the development of myopia.

Five-year change in refraction and its ocular components in the 40- to 64-year-old population of the Shahroud eye cohort study.

PubMed

Hashemi, Hassan; Khabazkhoob, Mehdi; Iribarren, Rafael; Emamian, Mohammad Hassan; Fotouhi, Akbar

2016-11-01

To assess 5-year refractive changes and their related factors in the 40- to 64-year-old population of Shahroud, Iran. Prospective cohort study. Of the 5190 participants of Phase I, 4737 participated in Phase II (response rate = 91.3%). Participants were tested by refraction, visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy and biometry. Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent more negative than -0.5 dioptre (D) and hyperopia as a spherical equivalent more positive than +0.5 D. Mean 5-year change in spherical equivalent refraction. The mean 5-year change in spherical equivalent refraction was +0.24 D (95% CI: +0.22 to +0.25). After 5 years, 4.77% (95% CI: 4.08 to 5.46) of subjects developed at least 0.5 D of myopia and 22.27% (95% CI: 20.97 to 23.57) developed at least 0.5 D of hyperopia. Five-year changes in refraction included a hyperopic shift in all age groups. The greatest hyperopic shift was seen in middle-aged women. The greatest loss of lens power was observed in hyperopic women and the least in myopic men. Nuclear cataract was associated with a myopic shift in refraction. The axial length and the corneal power had very small changes during this period. Myopes showed the greatest increase in axial length. Corneal power increased by a very small amount in all refractive groups. The most important biometric index related to hyperopic shifts, which were greater in magnitude in women, was loss of lens power, whereas nuclear cataract was associated with myopic shifts. © 2016 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Retinal sensitivity and choroidal thickness in high myopia.

PubMed

Zaben, Ahmad; Zapata, Miguel Á; Garcia-Arumi, Jose

2015-03-01

To estimate the association between choroidal thickness in the macular area and retinal sensitivity in eyes with high myopia. This investigation was a transversal study of patients with high myopia, all of whom had their retinal sensitivity measured with macular integrity assessment microperimetry. The choroidal thicknesses in the macular area were then measured by optical coherence tomography, and statistical correlations between their functionality and the anatomical structuralism, as assessed by both types of measurements, were analyzed. Ninety-six eyes from 77 patients with high myopia were studied. The patients had a mean age ± standard deviation of 38.9 ± 13.2 years, with spherical equivalent values ranging from -6.00 diopter to -20.00 diopter (8.74 ± 2.73 diopter). The mean central choroidal thickness was 159.00 ± 50.57. The mean choroidal thickness was directly correlated with sensitivity (r = 0.306; P = 0.004) and visual acuity but indirectly correlated with the spherical equivalent values and patient age. The mean sensitivity was not significantly correlated with the macular foveal thickness (r = -0.174; P = 0.101) or with the overall macular thickness (r = 0.103; P = 0.334); furthermore, the mean sensitivity was significantly correlated with visual acuity (r = 0.431; P < 0.001) and the spherical equivalent values (r = -0.306; P = 0.003). Retinal sensitivity in highly myopic eyes is directly correlated with choroidal thickness and does not seem to be associated with retinal thickness. Thus, in patients with high myopia, accurate measurements of choroidal thickness may provide more accurate information about this pathologic condition because choroidal thickness correlates to a greater degree with the functional parameters, patient age, and spherical equivalent values.

A method for the prescription of inexpensive spectacles by non-specialist healthcare workers: S-Glasses

PubMed Central

Treacy, M P; Treacy, M G; Dimitrov, B D; Seager, F E; Stamp, M A; Murphy, C C

2013-01-01

Purpose Globally, 153 million people are visually impaired from uncorrected refractive error. The aim of this research was to verify a method whereby autorefractors could be used by non-specialist health-workers to prescribe spectacles, which used a small stock of preformed lenses that fit frames with standardised apertures. These spectacles were named S-Glasses (Smart Glasses). Patients and methods This prospective, single-cohort exploratory study enrolled 53 patients with 94 eligible eyes having uncorrected vision of 6/18 or worse. Eyes with best-corrected vision worse than 6/12 were excluded. An autorefractor was used to obtain refractions, which were adjusted so that eyes with astigmatism less than 2.00 dioptres (D) received spherical equivalent lenses, and eyes with more astigmatism received toric lenses with a 2.50 D cylindrical element set at one of four meridians. The primary outcome was to compare S-Glasses vision with the WHO definition of visual impairment (6/18). Where astigmatism was 2.00 D or greater, comparison with spherical equivalent was made. Mixed-model analysis with repeated effect was used to account for possible correlation between the vision of fellow eyes of the same individual. Results S-Glasses corrected 100% of eyes with astigmatism less than 3.00 D and 69% of eyes with astigmatism of 3.00 D or greater. Spherical equivalent lenses corrected 25% of eyes with astigmatism of 2.00−2.99 D and 11% with astigmatism of at least 3.00 D. Discussion S-Glasses could be beneficial to resource-poor populations without trained refractionists. This novel approach, using approximate toric lenses, results in superior vision for astigmatic patients compared with the practice of providing spherical equivalent alone. PMID:23306732

Recent Developments in the Code RITRACKS (Relativistic Ion Tracks)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plante, Ianik; Ponomarev, Artem L.; Blattnig, Steve R.

2018-01-01

The code RITRACKS (Relativistic Ion Tracks) was developed to simulate detailed stochastic radiation track structures of ions of different types and energies. Many new capabilities were added to the code during the recent years. Several options were added to specify the times at which the tracks appear in the irradiated volume, allowing the simulation of dose-rate effects. The code has been used to simulate energy deposition in several targets: spherical, ellipsoidal and cylindrical. More recently, density changes as well as a spherical shell were implemented for spherical targets, in order to simulate energy deposition in walled tissue equivalent proportional counters. RITRACKS is used as a part of the new program BDSTracks (Biological Damage by Stochastic Tracks) to simulate several types of chromosome aberrations in various irradiation conditions. The simulation of damage to various DNA structures (linear and chromatin fiber) by direct and indirect effects has been improved and is ongoing. Many improvements were also made to the graphic user interface (GUI), including the addition of several labels allowing changes of units. A new GUI has been added to display the electron ejection vectors. The parallel calculation capabilities, notably the pre- and post-simulation processing on Windows and Linux machines have been reviewed to make them more portable between different systems. The calculation part is currently maintained in an Atlassian Stash® repository for code tracking and possibly future collaboration.

Nanoparticles generated by laser in liquids as contrast medium and radiotherapy intensifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Restuccia, Nancy; Torrisi, Lorenzo

2018-01-01

The synthesis of Au and Ag nanoparticles (NP) though laser ablation in liquids as a function the laser parameters is presented. Spherical NPs with diameter distribution within 1 and 100 nm were prepared by laser ablation in water. The nanoparticles characterization was performed using optical spectroscopy and electronic microscopy (SEM and TEM) measurements. Studies of the possible use of metallic nanoparticles as intensifier of diagnostics imaging contrast medium and absorbing dose from ionizing radiations in traditional radiotherapy and protontherapy are presented. Examples of in vitro (in tissue equivalent materials) and in vivo (in mice), were conducted thank to simulation programs permitting to evaluate the enhancement of efficiency in imaging and therapy as a function of the NPs concentrations and irradiation conditions.

Comparison of the visual results after SMILE and femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK for myopia.

PubMed

Lin, Fangyu; Xu, Yesheng; Yang, Yabo

2014-04-01

To perform a comparative clinical analysis of the safety, efficacy, and predictability of two surgical procedures (ie, small incision lenticule extraction [SMILE] and femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK [FS-LASIK]) to correct myopia. Sixty eyes of 31 patients with a mean spherical equivalent of -5.13 ± 1.75 diopters underwent myopia correction with the SMILE procedure. Fifty-one eyes of 27 patients with a mean spherical equivalent of -5.58 ± 2.41 diopters were treated with the FS-LASIK procedure. Postoperative uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, manifest refraction, and higher-order aberrations were analyzed statistically at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. No statistically significant differences were found at 1 and 3 months in parameters that included the percentage of eyes with an uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better (P = .556, .920) and mean spherical equivalent refraction (P = .055, .335). At 1 month, 4 SMILE-treated eyes and 1 FS-LASIK-treated eye lost one or more line of visual acuity (P = .214, chi-square test). At 3 months, 2 SMILE-treated eyes lost one or more line of visual acuity, whereas all FS-LASIK-treated eyes had an unchanged or corrected distance visual acuity. Higher-order aberrations and spherical aberration were significantly lower in the SMILE group than the FS-LASIK group at 1 (P = .007, .000) and 3 (P = .006, .000) months of follow-up. SMILE and FS-LASIK are safe, effective, and predictable surgical procedures to treat myopia. SMILE has a lower induction rate of higher-order aberrations and spherical aberration than the FS-LASIK procedure. Copyright 2014, SLACK Incorporated.

Autorefraction versus subjective refraction in a radially asymmetric multifocal intraocular lens.

PubMed

van der Linden, Jan Willem; Vrijman, Violette; Al-Saady, Rana; El-Saady, Rana; van der Meulen, Ivanka J; Mourits, Maarten P; Lapid-Gortzak, Ruth

2014-12-01

To evaluate whether the automated refraction (AR) correlates with subjective manifest (MR) refraction in eyes implanted with radially asymmetric multifocal intraocular lens (IOLs). This retrospective study evaluated 52 eyes (52 patients) implanted with a radially asymmetric multifocal IOL (LS-312 MF30, Oculentis, Germany). At 3 months postoperatively, the AR and MR values were compared to determine the correlation between the sphere (S), the spherical equivalent (SE) and the astigmatic components J0 and J45. The difference of mean spherical measurement was +0.98D ± 0.62, with the AR measuring more myopic. The difference of the mean spherical equivalent was +1.11D ± 0.57, again with AR being more myopic. Both these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The astigmatic components showed less differences, with the mean difference of the J0 being -0.09D ± 0.43, and the J45 of +0.04D ± 0.47, which were both not statistically significant (p = 0.123 and p = 0.531, respectively). Correlation analysis of the refractive parameters showed r(2) = 0.067, r(2) = 0.078, r(2) = 0.018 and r(2) = 0.015, respectively, all of which point to a low correlation between the AR and the MR. Autorefraction shows poor correlation to manifest subjective refraction with these radially asymmetric multifocal IOLs. The autorefraction systematically underestimates the spherical and spherical equivalent power, while the correlation between the astigmatic components was also low. Autorefraction seems not a valid starting point for manifest subjective refraction with these types of lenses, unless a corrective factor of about +1 dioptre is used. © 2014 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Does the month of birth influence the prevalence of refractive errors?

PubMed

Czepita, Maciej; Kuprjanowicz, Leszek; Safranow, Krzysztof; Mojsa, Artur; Majdanik, Ewa; Ustianowska, Maria; Czepita, Damian

2015-01-01

The aim of our study was to examine whether the month of birth influences the prevalence of refractive errors. A total of 5,601 schoolchildren were examined (2,688 boys and 2,913 girls, aged 6-18 years, mean age 11.9, SD 3.2 years). The children examined, students of elementary and secondary schools, were Polish and resided in and around Szczecin, Poland. Every examined subject underwent retinoscopy under cycloplegia using 1% tropicamide. Data analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Siegel and Castellan post-hoc test or the Mann-Whitney U-test. P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Students born in June had significantly higher spherical equivalents than schoolchildren born in May (0.66 ± 1.17 and 0.39 ± 1.17 respectively, p = 0.0058). The Mann-Whitney U-test showed that students born in June had significantly higher spherical equivalents than schoolchildren born in any other month (0.66 ± 1.17 and 0.50 ± 1.17 respectively, p = 0.0033). Besides that, we did not observe any other association between refractive errors and the month of birth. Children born in Poland in June may have a higher spherical equivalent.

A boundary condition to the Khokhlov-Zabolotskaya equation for modeling strongly focused nonlinear ultrasound fields

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

Rosnitskiy, P., E-mail: pavrosni@yandex.ru; Yuldashev, P., E-mail: petr@acs366.phys.msu.ru; Khokhlova, V., E-mail: vera@acs366.phys.msu.ru

2015-10-28

An equivalent source model was proposed as a boundary condition to the nonlinear parabolic Khokhlov-Zabolotskaya (KZ) equation to simulate high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) fields generated by medical ultrasound transducers with the shape of a spherical shell. The boundary condition was set in the initial plane; the aperture, the focal distance, and the initial pressure of the source were chosen based on the best match of the axial pressure amplitude and phase distributions in the Rayleigh integral analytic solution for a spherical transducer and the linear parabolic approximation solution for the equivalent source. Analytic expressions for the equivalent source parametersmore » were derived. It was shown that the proposed approach allowed us to transfer the boundary condition from the spherical surface to the plane and to achieve a very good match between the linear field solutions of the parabolic and full diffraction models even for highly focused sources with F-number less than unity. The proposed method can be further used to expand the capabilities of the KZ nonlinear parabolic equation for efficient modeling of HIFU fields generated by strongly focused sources.« less

Analysis of Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors and Their Interactions in Korean Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PubMed

Woo, Se Joon; Ahn, Jeeyun; Morrison, Margaux A; Ahn, So Yeon; Lee, Jaebong; Kim, Ki Woong; DeAngelis, Margaret M; Park, Kyu Hyung

2015-01-01

To investigate the association of genetic and environmental factors, and their interactions in Korean patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A total of 314 robustly characterized exudative AMD patients, including 111 PCV (polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy) and 154 typical choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and 395 control subjects without any evidence of AMD were enrolled. Full ophthalmologic examinations including fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were done, according to which patients were divided into either PCV or typical CNV. Standardized questionnaires were used to collect information regarding underlying systemic diseases, dietary habits, smoking history and body mass index (BMI). A total of 86 SNPs from 31 candidate genes were analyzed. Genotype association and logistic regression analyses were done and stepwise regression models to best predict disease for each AMD subtype were constructed. Age, spherical equivalent, myopia, and ever smoking were associated with exudative AMD. Age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, spherical equivalent, and myopia were risk factors for typical CNV, while increased education and ever smoking were significantly associated with PCV (p<.05 for all). Four SNPs, ARMS2/HTRA1 rs10490924, rs11200638, and rs2736911, and CFH rs800292, showed association with exudative AMD. Two of these SNPs, ARMS2/HTRA1 rs10490924 and rs11200638, showed significant association with typical CNV and PCV specifically. There were no significant interactions between environmental and genetic factors. The most predictive disease model for exudative AMD included age, spherical equivalent, smoking, CFH rs800292, and ARMS2 rs10490924 while that for typical CNV included age, hyperlipidemia, spherical equivalent, and ARMS2 rs10490924. Smoking, spherical equivalent, and ARMS2 rs10490924 were the most predictive variables for PCV. When comparing PCV cases to CNV cases, age, BMI, and education were the most predictive risk factors of PCV. Only one locus, the ARMS2/HTRA1 was a significant genetic risk factor for Korean exudative AMD, including its subtypes, PCV and typical CNV. Stepwise regression revealed that CFH was important to risk of exudative AMD in general but not to any specific subtype. While increased education was a unique risk factor to PCV when compared to CNV, this association was independent of refractive error in this homogenous population from South Korea. No significant interactions between environmental and genetic risk factors were observed.

Main Sources and Doses of Space Radiation during Mars Missions and Total Radiation Risk for Cosmonauts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitrikas, Victor; Aleksandr, Shafirkin; Shurshakov, Vyacheslav

This work contains calculation data of generalized doses and dose equivalents in critical organs and tissues of cosmonauts produces by galactic cosmic rays (GCR), solar cosmic rays (SCR) and the Earth’s radiation belts (ERB) that will impact crewmembers during a flight to Mars, while staying in the landing module and on the Martian surface, and during the return to Earth. Also calculated total radiation risk values during whole life of cosmonauts after the flight are presented. Radiation risk (RR) calculations are performed on the basis of a radiobiological model of radiation damage to living organisms, while taking into account reparation processes acting during continuous long-term exposure at various dose rates and under acute recurrent radiation impact. The calculations of RR are performed for crewmembers of various ages implementing a flight to Mars over 2 - 3 years in maximum and minimum of the solar cycle. The total carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic RR and possible life-span shortening are estimated on the basis of a model of the radiation death probability for mammals. This model takes into account the decrease in compensatory reserve of an organism as well as the increase in mortality rate and descent of the subsequent lifetime of the cosmonaut. The analyzed dose distributions in the shielding and body areas are applied to making model calculations of tissue equivalent spherical and anthropomorphic phantoms.

Analytical study of the effects of clouds on the light produced by lightning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phanord, Dieudonne D.

1990-01-01

Researchers consider the scattering of visible and infrared light due to lightning by cubic, cylindrical and spherical clouds. The researchers extend to cloud physics the work by Twersky for single and multiple scattering of electromagnetic waves. They solve the interior problem separately to obtain the bulk parameters for the scatterer equivalent to the ensemble of spherical droplets. With the interior solution or the equivalent medium approach, the multiple scattering problem is reduced to that of a single scatterer in isolation. Hence, the computing methods of Wiscombe or Bohren specialized to Mie scattering with the possibility for absorption were used to generate numerical results in short computer time.

Influence of refractive condition on retinal vasculature complexity in younger subjects.

PubMed

Azemin, Mohd Zulfaezal Che; Daud, Norsyazwani Mohamad; Ab Hamid, Fadilah; Zahari, Ilyanoon; Sapuan, Abdul Halim

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the retinal vasculature complexity between emmetropia, and myopia in younger subjects. A total of 82 patients (24.12 ± 1.25 years) with two types of refractive conditions, myopia and emmetropia were enrolled in this study. Refraction data were converted to spherical equivalent refraction. These retinal images (right eyes) were obtained from NAVIS Lite Image Filing System and the vasculature complexity was measured by fractal dimension (D f ), quantified using a computer software following a standardized protocol. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the value of D f between emmetropic (1.5666 ± 0.0160) and myopic (1.5588 ± 0.0142) groups. A positive correlation (rho = 0.260, P < 0.05) between the D f and the spherical equivalent refraction was detected in this study. Using a linear model, it was estimated that 6.7% of the variation in D f could be explained by spherical equivalent refraction. This study provides valuable findings about the effect of moderate to high myopia on the fractal dimension of the retinal vasculature network. These results show that myopic refraction in younger subjects was associated with a decrease in D f , suggesting a loss of retinal vessel density with moderate to high myopia.

Solid state microdosimetry.

PubMed

Bradley, P D; Rosenfeld, A B; Zaider, M

2001-09-01

A review of solid state microdosimetry is presented with an emphasis on silicon-based devices. The historical foundations and basics of microdosimetry are briefly provided. Various methods of experimental regional microdosimetry are discussed to facilitate a comparison with the more recent development of silicon microdosimetry. In particular, the performance characteristics of a proportional gas counter and a silicon microdosimeter are compared. Recent improvements in silicon microdosimetry address the issues of requirement specification, non-spherical shape, tissue equivalence, sensitive volume definition (charge collection complexity) and low noise requirements which have previously impeded the implementation of silicon-based microdosimetry. A prototype based on silicon-on-insulator technology is described along with some example results from clinical high LET radiotherapy facilities. A brief summary of the applications of microdosimetry is included. c2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Multiple regression analysis in nomogram development for myopic wavefront laser in situ keratomileusis: Improving astigmatic outcomes.

PubMed

Allan, Bruce D; Hassan, Hala; Ieong, Alvin

2015-05-01

To describe and evaluate a new multiple regression-derived nomogram for myopic wavefront laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom. Prospective comparative case series. Multiple regression modeling was used to derive a simplified formula for adjusting attempted spherical correction in myopic LASIK. An adaptation of Thibos' power vector method was then applied to derive adjustments to attempted cylindrical correction in eyes with 1.0 diopter (D) or more of preoperative cylinder. These elements were combined in a new nomogram (nomogram II). The 3-month refractive results for myopic wavefront LASIK (spherical equivalent ≤11.0 D; cylinder ≤4.5 D) were compared between 299 consecutive eyes treated using the earlier nomogram (nomogram I) in 2009 and 2010 and 414 eyes treated using nomogram II in 2011 and 2012. There was no significant difference in treatment accuracy (variance in the postoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent error) between nomogram I and nomogram II (P = .73, Bartlett test). Fewer patients treated with nomogram II had more than 0.5 D of residual postoperative astigmatism (P = .0001, Fisher exact test). There was no significant coupling between adjustments to the attempted cylinder and the achieved sphere (P = .18, t test). Discarding marginal influences from a multiple regression-derived nomogram for myopic wavefront LASIK had no clinically significant effect on treatment accuracy. Thibos' power vector method can be used to guide adjustments to the treatment cylinder alongside nomograms designed to optimize postoperative spherical equivalent results in myopic LASIK. mentioned. Copyright © 2015 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Coma of modified Gregorian and Cassegrainian mirror systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, R. T.

1976-01-01

The equivalence of the classical Newtonian, Cassegrainian, and Gregorian mirror systems with respect to the first two Seidel aberrations is rederived by means of a simple congruence. The effects of arbitrary small modifications of the two mirror systems are then studied and general formulas are derived for the effects of such modifications on the spherical aberration and coma. Spherical aberration is corrected to the third order if the amount of glass removed from one surface is replaced at the corresponding zone of the other surface. Modifications in which one surface is made spherical while the other is adjusted to eliminate spherical aberration result in large increases of coma for systems having the usual amplifying ratios.

Outcomes of LASIK and PRK in previous penetrating corneal transplant recipients.

PubMed

Kovoor, Timmy A; Mohamed, Engy; Cavanagh, H Dwight; Bowman, R Wayne

2009-09-01

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of excimer laser refractive surgery in correcting refractive error in eyes that have undergone previous penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Twenty-three keratorefractive procedures on 16 eyes from 16 consecutive subjects were evaluated between 2002 and 2008. Each patient presented a previous history of a PK with subsequent postoperative myopia and astigmatism. Keratometric value, manifest refraction, best-corrected visual acuity, uncorrected visual acuity, and complications were determined. There were a total of 14 photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) procedures performed on 11 eyes and 9 laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) procedures performed on 5 eyes. In the PRK group, the preoperative post-PK manifest refractive spherical equivalent and cylindrical error were -6.22 +/- 6.23 diopter and 5.23 +/- 2.26 D, respectively. The PRK postoperative manifest refractive spherical equivalent and cylindrical error were -3.61 +/- 4.23 D (P=0.25) and 3.21 +/- 1.78 D (P=0.02), respectively. In the LASIK group, the preoperative post-PK manifest refractive spherical equivalent and cylindrical error were -3.05 +/- 3.29 D and 4.11 +/- 2.38 D, respectively. The LASIK postoperative manifest refractive spherical equivalent and cylindrical error were -1.51 +/- 2.02 D (P=0.24) and 2.08 +/- 1.26 D (P=0.03), respectively. There was a 2-line or greater improvement of uncorrected visual acuity in 8 of the 14 PRK treatments and 5 of the 9 LASIK treatments. There were two episodes of acute graft rejection. One of the episodes resolved with topical and oral corticosteroids, and the other episode required a repeat corneal transplantation. PRK and LASIK are effective tools in reducing surgically induced astigmatism after penetrating corneal transplantation in most patients in this case series. The reduction of astigmatism may allow improved contact lens or spectacle fitting to achieve best-corrected binocular visual acuity.

Reduced vision in highly myopic eyes without ocular pathology: the ZOC-BHVI high myopia study.

PubMed

Jong, Monica; Sankaridurg, Padmaja; Li, Wayne; Resnikoff, Serge; Naidoo, Kovin; He, Mingguang

2018-01-01

The aim was to investigate the relationship of the magnitude of myopia with visual acuity in highly myopic eyes without ocular pathology. Twelve hundred and ninety-two highly myopic eyes (up to -6.00 DS both eyes, no astigmatic cut-off) with no ocular pathology from the ZOC-BHVI high myopia study in China, had cycloplegic refraction, followed by subjective refraction and visual acuities and axial length measurement. Two logistic regression models were undertaken to test the association of age, gender, refractive error, axial length and parental myopia with reduced vision. Mean group age was 19.0 ± 8.6 years; subjective spherical equivalent refractive error was -9.03 ± 2.73 D; objective spherical equivalent refractive error was -8.90 ± 2.60 D and axial length was 27.0 ± 1.3 mm. Using visual acuity, 82.4 per cent had normal vision, 16.0 per cent had mildly reduced vision, 1.2 per cent had moderately reduced vision, 0.3 per cent had severely reduced vision and no subjects were blind. The percentage with reduced vision increased with spherical equivalent to 74.5 per cent from -15.00 to -39.99 D, axial length to 67.7 per cent of eyes from 30.01 to 32.00 mm and age to 22.9 per cent of those 41 years and over. Spherical equivalent and axial length were significantly associated with reduced vision (p < 0.0001). Age and parental myopia were not significantly associated with reduced vision. Gender was significant for one model (p = 0.04). Mildly reduced vision is common in high myopia without ocular pathology and is strongly correlated with greater magnitudes of refractive error and axial length. Better understanding is required to minimise reduced vision in high myopes. © 2017 Optometry Australia.

Acoustic radiation force due to arbitrary incident fields on spherical particles in soft tissue

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

Treweek, Benjamin C., E-mail: btreweek@utexas.edu; Ilinskii, Yurii A.; Zabolotskaya, Evgenia A.

Acoustic radiation force is of interest in a wide variety of biomedical applications ranging from tissue characterization (e.g. elastography) to tissue treatment (e.g. high intensity focused ultrasound, kidney stone fragment removal). As tissue mechanical properties are reliable indicators of tissue health, the former is the focus of the present contribution. This is accomplished through an investigation of the acoustic radiation force on a spherical scatterer embedded in tissue. Properties of both the scatterer and the surrounding tissue are important in determining the magnitude and the direction of the force. As these properties vary, the force computation shows changes in magnitudemore » and direction, which may enable more accurate noninvasive determination of tissue properties.« less

Acoustic radiation force due to arbitrary incident fields on spherical particles in soft tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Treweek, Benjamin C.; Ilinskii, Yurii A.; Zabolotskaya, Evgenia A.; Hamilton, Mark F.

2015-10-01

Acoustic radiation force is of interest in a wide variety of biomedical applications ranging from tissue characterization (e.g. elastography) to tissue treatment (e.g. high intensity focused ultrasound, kidney stone fragment removal). As tissue mechanical properties are reliable indicators of tissue health, the former is the focus of the present contribution. This is accomplished through an investigation of the acoustic radiation force on a spherical scatterer embedded in tissue. Properties of both the scatterer and the surrounding tissue are important in determining the magnitude and the direction of the force. As these properties vary, the force computation shows changes in magnitude and direction, which may enable more accurate noninvasive determination of tissue properties.

Cryopreservation of Extracted Corneal Lenticules after Small Incision Lenticule Extraction for Potential Use in Human Subjects

PubMed Central

Ganesh, Sri; Rao, Pallavi A.

2014-01-01

Purpose: To describe the technique of cryopreservation of corneal lenticules extracted after small incision refractive lenticule extraction (ReLEx SMILE) and initial results of femtosecond laser intrastromal lenticular implantation for hyperopia. Methods: Lenticules were collected from patients undergoing ReLEx SMILE for the correction of myopia and subjected to a tissue processing technique and cryopreservation. These lenticules were subsequently used to treat 8 hyperopic eyes and 1 aphakic eye. A femtosecond laser was used to create a pocket into each patient's cornea, followed by implantation of a cryopreserved lenticule. The patients were monitored through follow-up examinations for a mean 155.4 days (38–310 days). Results: The mean interval from storage of lenticules to removal from liquid nitrogen was 96 days (range, 19–178 days). Mean spherical equivalent of hyperopic eyes treated was +4.50 ± 1.1 diopter (D). Mean keratometry and pachymetry changed from preoperative 43.9 D and 531.6 μm to 47.4 D and 605.2 μm, respectively, postoperatively. Mean residual spherical equivalent for hyperopic eyes was +0.6 D and +4.1 D for the aphakic eye. None of the eyes showed evidence of rejection or loss of best-corrected visual acuity at the end of the follow-up period. Conclusions: The cryopreservation technique seems to be a safe method of long-term storage of refractive lenticules extracted after ReLEx SMILE for use in allogeneic human subjects. It may potentially be a safe and effective alternative to excimer laser ablation for hyperopia because of the low risks of regression, haze, flap-related complications, postoperative dry eye, and higher-order aberrations. Clinical Trial Registration—URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: CTRI/2014/01/004331. PMID:25343698

Toric phakic implantable collamer lens for correction of astigmatism: 1-year outcomes

PubMed Central

Mertens, Erik L

2011-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess predictability, efficacy, safety and stability in patients who received a toric implantable collamer lens to correct moderate to high myopic astigmatism. Methods: Forty-three eyes of 23 patients underwent implantation of a toric implantable collamer lens (STAAR Surgical Inc) for astigmatism correction. Mean spherical refraction was −4. 98 ± 3.49 diopters (D) (range: 0 to −13 D), and mean cylinder was −2.62 ± 0.97 D (range: −1.00 to −5.00 D). Main outcomes measures evaluated during a 12-month follow-up included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), refraction, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), vault, and adverse events. Results: At 12 months the mean Snellen decimal UCVA was 0.87 ± 0.27 and mean BCVA was 0.94 ± 0.21, with an efficacy index of 1.05. More than 60% of the eyes gained ≥1 line of BCVA (17 eyes, safety index of 1.14). The treatment was highly predictable for spherical equivalent (r2 = 0.99) and astigmatic components: J0 (r2 = 0.99) and J45 (r2 = 0.90). The mean spherical equivalent dropped from −7.29 ± 3.4 D to −0.17 ± 0.40 D at 12 months. Of the attempted spherical equivalent, 76.7% of the eyes were within ±0.50 D and 97.7% eyes were within ±1.00 D, respectively. For J0 and J45, 97.7% and 83.7% were within ±0.50 D, respectively. Conclusion: The results of the present study support the safety, efficacy, and predictability of toric implantable collamer lens implantation to treat moderate to high myopic astigmatism. PMID:21468348

Response of a tissue equivalent proportional counter to neutrons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Badhwar, G. D.; Robbins, D. E.; Gibbons, F.; Braby, L. A.

2002-01-01

The absorbed dose as a function of lineal energy was measured at the CERN-EC Reference-field Facility (CERF) using a 512-channel tissue equivalent proportional counter (TEPC), and neutron dose equivalent response evaluated. Although there are some differences, the measured dose equivalent is in agreement with that measured by the 16-channel HANDI tissue equivalent counter. Comparison of TEPC measurements with those made by a silicon solid-state detector for low linear energy transfer particles produced by the same beam, is presented. The measurements show that about 4% of dose equivalent is delivered by particles heavier than protons generated in the conducting tissue equivalent plastic. c2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spherical subjective refraction with a novel 3D virtual reality based system.

PubMed

Pujol, Jaume; Ondategui-Parra, Juan Carlos; Badiella, Llorenç; Otero, Carles; Vilaseca, Meritxell; Aldaba, Mikel

To conduct a clinical validation of a virtual reality-based experimental system that is able to assess the spherical subjective refraction simplifying the methodology of ocular refraction. For the agreement assessment, spherical refraction measurements were obtained from 104 eyes of 52 subjects using three different methods: subjectively with the experimental prototype (Subj.E) and the classical subjective refraction (Subj.C); and objectively with the WAM-5500 autorefractor (WAM). To evaluate precision (intra- and inter-observer variability) of each refractive tool independently, 26 eyes were measured in four occasions. With regard to agreement, the mean difference (±SD) for the spherical equivalent (M) between the new experimental subjective method (Subj.E) and the classical subjective refraction (Subj.C) was -0.034D (±0.454D). The corresponding 95% Limits of Agreement (LoA) were (-0.856D, 0.924D). In relation to precision, intra-observer mean difference for the M component was 0.034±0.195D for the Subj.C, 0.015±0.177D for the WAM and 0.072±0.197D for the Subj.E. Inter-observer variability showed worse precision values, although still clinically valid (below 0.25D) in all instruments. The spherical equivalent obtained with the new experimental system was precise and in good agreement with the classical subjective routine. The algorithm implemented in this new system and its optical configuration has been shown to be a first valid step for spherical error correction in a semiautomated way. Copyright © 2016 Spanish General Council of Optometry. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Spherical-earth Gravity and Magnetic Anomaly Modeling by Gauss-legendre Quadrature Integration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vonfrese, R. R. B.; Hinze, W. J.; Braile, L. W.; Luca, A. J. (Principal Investigator)

1981-01-01

The anomalous potential of gravity and magnetic fields and their spatial derivatives on a spherical Earth for an arbitrary body represented by an equivalent point source distribution of gravity poles or magnetic dipoles were calculated. The distribution of equivalent point sources was determined directly from the coordinate limits of the source volume. Variable integration limits for an arbitrarily shaped body are derived from interpolation of points which approximate the body's surface envelope. The versatility of the method is enhanced by the ability to treat physical property variations within the source volume and to consider variable magnetic fields over the source and observation surface. A number of examples verify and illustrate the capabilities of the technique, including preliminary modeling of potential field signatures for Mississippi embayment crustal structure at satellite elevations.

Radiation investigations with Liulin-5 charged particle telescope on the International Space Station: review of results for years 2007-2015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koleva, Rositza; Semkova, Jordanka; Krastev, Krasimir; Bankov, Nikolay; Malchev, Stefan; Benghin, Victor; Shurshakov, Vyacheslav

2017-04-01

The radiation field around the Earth is complex, composed of galactic cosmic rays, trapped particles of the Earth's radiation belts, solar energetic particles, albedo particles from the Earth's atmosphere and secondary radiation produced in the space vehicle shielding materials around the biological objects. Dose characteristics in near Earth and space radiation environment also depend on many other parameters such as the orbit parameters, solar cycle phase and current helio-and geophysical conditions. Since June 2007 till 2015 the Liulin-5 charged particle telescope has been observing the radiation characteristics in two different modules of the International Space Station (ISS). In the period from 2007 to 2009 measurements were conducted in the spherical tissue-equivalent phantom of MATROSHKA-R project located in the PIRS module of ISS. In the period from 2012 to 2015 measurements were conducted in and outside the phantom located in the Small Research Module of ISS. In this presentation attention is drawn to the obtained results for the dose rates, particle fluxes and dose equivalent rates in and outside the phantom from the galactic cosmic rays, trapped protons and solar energetic particle events which occurred in that period.

Applicability of the single equivalent point dipole model to represent a spatially distributed bio-electrical source

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Armoundas, A. A.; Feldman, A. B.; Sherman, D. A.; Cohen, R. J.

2001-01-01

Although the single equivalent point dipole model has been used to represent well-localised bio-electrical sources, in realistic situations the source is distributed. Consequently, position estimates of point dipoles determined by inverse algorithms suffer from systematic error due to the non-exact applicability of the inverse model. In realistic situations, this systematic error cannot be avoided, a limitation that is independent of the complexity of the torso model used. This study quantitatively investigates the intrinsic limitations in the assignment of a location to the equivalent dipole due to distributed electrical source. To simulate arrhythmic activity in the heart, a model of a wave of depolarisation spreading from a focal source over the surface of a spherical shell is used. The activity is represented by a sequence of concentric belt sources (obtained by slicing the shell with a sequence of parallel plane pairs), with constant dipole moment per unit length (circumferentially) directed parallel to the propagation direction. The distributed source is represented by N dipoles at equal arc lengths along the belt. The sum of the dipole potentials is calculated at predefined electrode locations. The inverse problem involves finding a single equivalent point dipole that best reproduces the electrode potentials due to the distributed source. The inverse problem is implemented by minimising the chi2 per degree of freedom. It is found that the trajectory traced by the equivalent dipole is sensitive to the location of the spherical shell relative to the fixed electrodes. It is shown that this trajectory does not coincide with the sequence of geometrical centres of the consecutive belt sources. For distributed sources within a bounded spherical medium, displaced from the sphere's centre by 40% of the sphere's radius, it is found that the error in the equivalent dipole location varies from 3 to 20% for sources with size between 5 and 50% of the sphere's radius. Finally, a method is devised to obtain the size of the distributed source during the cardiac cycle.

Methodological questions of creating tissue-equivalent phantoms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kolodkin, A. V.; Popov, V. I.; Sychkov, M. A.; Nikl, I.; Erdei, M.; Eyben, O.

1974-01-01

On the basis of analysis and generalization of literature data, the composition of tissue equivalent plastic was justified, parameters of a standard man were determined, plaster and metal forms were created for casting dummies, and an experimental model was produced from tissue equivalent material.

Empirical Relationships Between Optical Properties and Equivalent Diameters of Fractal Soot Aggregates at 550 Nm Wavelength.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pandey, Apoorva; Chakrabarty, Rajan K.; Liu, Li; Mishchenko, Michael I.

2015-01-01

Soot aggregates (SAs)-fractal clusters of small, spherical carbonaceous monomers-modulate the incoming visible solar radiation and contribute significantly to climate forcing. Experimentalists and climate modelers typically assume a spherical morphology for SAs when computing their optical properties, causing significant errors. Here, we calculate the optical properties of freshly-generated (fractal dimension Df = 1.8) and aged (Df = 2.6) SAs at 550 nm wavelength using the numericallyexact superposition T-Matrix method. These properties were expressed as functions of equivalent aerosol diameters as measured by contemporary aerosol instruments. This work improves upon previous efforts wherein SA optical properties were computed as a function of monomer number, rendering them unusable in practical applications. Future research will address the sensitivity of variation in refractive index, fractal prefactor, and monomer overlap of SAs on the reported empirical relationships.

Comparison of Manual Refraction Versus Autorefraction in 60 Diabetic Retinopathy Patients.

PubMed

Shirzadi, Keyvan; Shahraki, Kourosh; Yahaghi, Emad; Makateb, Ali; Khosravifard, Keivan

2016-07-27

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the comparison of manual refraction versus autorefraction in diabetic retinopathy patients. The study was conducted at the Be'sat Army Hospital from 2013-2015. In the present study differences between two common refractometry methods (manual refractometry and Auto refractometry) in diagnosis and follow up of retinopathy in patients affected with diabetes is investigated. Our results showed that there is a significant difference in visual acuity score of patients between manual and auto refractometry. Despite this fact, spherical equivalent scores of two methods of refractometry did not show a significant statistical difference in the patients. Although use of manual refraction is comparable with autorefraction in evaluating spherical equivalent scores in diabetic patients affected with retinopathy, but in the case of visual acuity results from these two methods are not comparable.

On the equivalence of spherical splines with least-squares collocation and Stokes's formula for regional geoid computation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ophaug, Vegard; Gerlach, Christian

2017-11-01

This work is an investigation of three methods for regional geoid computation: Stokes's formula, least-squares collocation (LSC), and spherical radial base functions (RBFs) using the spline kernel (SK). It is a first attempt to compare the three methods theoretically and numerically in a unified framework. While Stokes integration and LSC may be regarded as classic methods for regional geoid computation, RBFs may still be regarded as a modern approach. All methods are theoretically equal when applied globally, and we therefore expect them to give comparable results in regional applications. However, it has been shown by de Min (Bull Géod 69:223-232, 1995. doi: 10.1007/BF00806734) that the equivalence of Stokes's formula and LSC does not hold in regional applications without modifying the cross-covariance function. In order to make all methods comparable in regional applications, the corresponding modification has been introduced also in the SK. Ultimately, we present numerical examples comparing Stokes's formula, LSC, and SKs in a closed-loop environment using synthetic noise-free data, to verify their equivalence. All agree on the millimeter level.

Validity of the Aluminum Equivalent Approximation in Space Radiation Shielding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Badavi, Francis F.; Adams, Daniel O.; Wilson, John W.

2009-01-01

The origin of the aluminum equivalent shield approximation in space radiation analysis can be traced back to its roots in the early years of the NASA space programs (Mercury, Gemini and Apollo) wherein the primary radiobiological concern was the intense sources of ionizing radiation causing short term effects which was thought to jeopardize the safety of the crew and hence the mission. Herein, it is shown that the aluminum equivalent shield approximation, although reasonably well suited for that time period and to the application for which it was developed, is of questionable usefulness to the radiobiological concerns of routine space operations of the 21 st century which will include long stays onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and perhaps the moon. This is especially true for a risk based protection system, as appears imminent for deep space exploration where the long-term effects of Galactic Cosmic Ray (GCR) exposure is of primary concern. The present analysis demonstrates that sufficiently large errors in the interior particle environment of a spacecraft result from the use of the aluminum equivalent approximation, and such approximations should be avoided in future astronaut risk estimates. In this study, the aluminum equivalent approximation is evaluated as a means for estimating the particle environment within a spacecraft structure induced by the GCR radiation field. For comparison, the two extremes of the GCR environment, the 1977 solar minimum and the 2001 solar maximum, are considered. These environments are coupled to the Langley Research Center (LaRC) deterministic ionized particle transport code High charge (Z) and Energy TRaNsport (HZETRN), which propagates the GCR spectra for elements with charges (Z) in the range I <= Z <= 28 (H -- Ni) and secondary neutrons through selected target materials. The coupling of the GCR extremes to HZETRN allows for the examination of the induced environment within the interior' of an idealized spacecraft as approximated by a spherical shell shield, and the effects of the aluminum equivalent approximation for a good polymeric shield material such as genetic polyethylene (PE). The shield thickness is represented by a 25 g/cm spherical shell. Although one could imagine the progression to greater thickness, the current range will be sufficient to evaluate the qualitative usefulness of the aluminum equivalent approximation. Upon establishing the inaccuracies of the aluminum equivalent approximation through numerical simulations of the GCR radiation field attenuation for PE and aluminum equivalent PE spherical shells, we Anther present results for a limited set of commercially available, hydrogen rich, multifunctional polymeric constituents to assess the effect of the aluminum equivalent approximation on their radiation attenuation response as compared to the generic PE.

Hybrid simplified spherical harmonics with diffusion equation for light propagation in tissues.

PubMed

Chen, Xueli; Sun, Fangfang; Yang, Defu; Ren, Shenghan; Zhang, Qian; Liang, Jimin

2015-08-21

Aiming at the limitations of the simplified spherical harmonics approximation (SPN) and diffusion equation (DE) in describing the light propagation in tissues, a hybrid simplified spherical harmonics with diffusion equation (HSDE) based diffuse light transport model is proposed. In the HSDE model, the living body is first segmented into several major organs, and then the organs are divided into high scattering tissues and other tissues. DE and SPN are employed to describe the light propagation in these two kinds of tissues respectively, which are finally coupled using the established boundary coupling condition. The HSDE model makes full use of the advantages of SPN and DE, and abandons their disadvantages, so that it can provide a perfect balance between accuracy and computation time. Using the finite element method, the HSDE is solved for light flux density map on body surface. The accuracy and efficiency of the HSDE are validated with both regular geometries and digital mouse model based simulations. Corresponding results reveal that a comparable accuracy and much less computation time are achieved compared with the SPN model as well as a much better accuracy compared with the DE one.

Calibration of optical particle-size analyzer

DOEpatents

Pechin, William H.; Thacker, Louis H.; Turner, Lloyd J.

1979-01-01

This invention relates to a system for the calibration of an optical particle-size analyzer of the light-intercepting type for spherical particles, wherein a rotary wheel or disc is provided with radially-extending wires of differing diameters, each wire corresponding to a particular equivalent spherical particle diameter. These wires are passed at an appropriate frequency between the light source and the light detector of the analyzer. The reduction of light as received at the detector is a measure of the size of the wire, and the electronic signal may then be adjusted to provide the desired signal for corresponding spherical particles. This calibrator may be operated at any time without interrupting other processing.

Computational analysis of non-spherical particle transport and deposition in shear flow with application to lung aerosol dynamics--a review.

PubMed

Kleinstreuer, Clement; Feng, Yu

2013-02-01

All naturally occurring and most man-made solid particles are nonspherical. Examples include air-pollutants in the nano- to micro-meter range as well as blood constituents, drug particles, and industrial fluid-particle streams. Focusing on the modeling and simulation of inhaled aerosols, theories for both spherical and nonspherical particles are reviewed to analyze the contrasting transport and deposition phenomena of spheres and equivalent spheres versus ellipsoids and fibers.

A Unique Procedure to Identify Cell Surface Markers Through a Spherical Self-Organizing Map Applied to DNA Microarray Analysis.

PubMed

Sugii, Yuh; Kasai, Tomonari; Ikeda, Masashi; Vaidyanath, Arun; Kumon, Kazuki; Mizutani, Akifumi; Seno, Akimasa; Tokutaka, Heizo; Kudoh, Takayuki; Seno, Masaharu

2016-01-01

To identify cell-specific markers, we designed a DNA microarray platform with oligonucleotide probes for human membrane-anchored proteins. Human glioma cell lines were analyzed using microarray and compared with normal and fetal brain tissues. For the microarray analysis, we employed a spherical self-organizing map, which is a clustering method suitable for the conversion of multidimensional data into two-dimensional data and displays the relationship on a spherical surface. Based on the gene expression profile, the cell surface characteristics were successfully mirrored onto the spherical surface, thereby distinguishing normal brain tissue from the disease model based on the strength of gene expression. The clustered glioma-specific genes were further analyzed by polymerase chain reaction procedure and immunocytochemical staining of glioma cells. Our platform and the following procedure were successfully demonstrated to categorize the genes coding for cell surface proteins that are specific to glioma cells. Our assessment demonstrates that a spherical self-organizing map is a valuable tool for distinguishing cell surface markers and can be employed in marker discovery studies for the treatment of cancer.

Calculation of Thermally-Induced Displacements in Spherically Domed Ion Engine Grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soulas, George C.

2006-01-01

An analytical method for predicting the thermally-induced normal and tangential displacements of spherically domed ion optics grids under an axisymmetric thermal loading is presented. A fixed edge support that could be thermally expanded is used for this analysis. Equations for the displacements both normal and tangential to the surface of the spherical shell are derived. A simplified equation for the displacement at the center of the spherical dome is also derived. The effects of plate perforation on displacements and stresses are determined by modeling the perforated plate as an equivalent solid plate with modified, or effective, material properties. Analytical model results are compared to the results from a finite element model. For the solid shell, comparisons showed that the analytical model produces results that closely match the finite element model results. The simplified equation for the normal displacement of the spherical dome center is also found to accurately predict this displacement. For the perforated shells, the analytical solution and simplified equation produce accurate results for materials with low thermal expansion coefficients.

Medical consequences of terrorist bombs containing spherical metal pellets: analysis of a suicide terrorism event.

PubMed

Kluger, Yoram; Mayo, Ami; Hiss, Jehuda; Ashkenazi, Eitamar; Bendahan, Jose; Blumenfeld, Amir; Michaelson, Moshe; Stein, Michael; Simon, Daniel; Schwartz, Ivan; Alfici, Ricardo

2005-02-01

Various metal objects added to explosives increase and diversify the wounding from bombing; especially favoured are spherical missiles for their special injuring characteristics. Our objective was to study the medical consequences and ballistic effects on human tissue of spherical metal pellets used in terrorist bombings. The clinical and forensic data of all bodily injured casualties of a suicide terrorist bombing in a crowded hotel dining room were analysed retrospectively. Of the 250 people at the scene, 164 were injured, with 91 (55.5%) suffering bodily injuries; 30 of them died. The immediately deceased had disseminated tissue damage and their bodies were saturated with steel spheres. Thirty-two immediate survivors sustained severe injuries (Injury Severity Score > or =16), and all suffered tissue penetration by the pellets. Twenty-three (32%) underwent surgery and 15 (21%) required intensive care. Metal pellets propelled by the explosion enhanced the secondary pattern of injury and injured even patients remote from the origin. Tissue destruction and specific organ injuries among survivors were limited. To evaluate and manage victims of terrorist bombings properly, medical teams should become familiar with these severe injuries.

Comparison of Manual Refraction Versus Autorefraction in 60 Diabetic Retinopathy Patients

PubMed Central

Shirzadi, Keyvan; Shahraki, Kourosh; Yahaghi, Emad; Makateb, Ali; Khosravifard, Keivan

2016-01-01

Aim: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the comparison of manual refraction versus autorefraction in diabetic retinopathy patients. Material and Methods: The study was conducted at the Be’sat Army Hospital from 2013-2015. In the present study differences between two common refractometry methods (manual refractometry and Auto refractometry) in diagnosis and follow up of retinopathy in patients affected with diabetes is investigated. Results: Our results showed that there is a significant difference in visual acuity score of patients between manual and auto refractometry. Despite this fact, spherical equivalent scores of two methods of refractometry did not show a significant statistical difference in the patients. Conclusion: Although use of manual refraction is comparable with autorefraction in evaluating spherical equivalent scores in diabetic patients affected with retinopathy, but in the case of visual acuity results from these two methods are not comparable. PMID:27703289

Spherical-earth gravity and magnetic anomaly modeling by Gauss-Legendre quadrature integration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Von Frese, R. R. B.; Hinze, W. J.; Braile, L. W.; Luca, A. J.

1981-01-01

Gauss-Legendre quadrature integration is used to calculate the anomalous potential of gravity and magnetic fields and their spatial derivatives on a spherical earth. The procedure involves representation of the anomalous source as a distribution of equivalent point gravity poles or point magnetic dipoles. The distribution of equivalent point sources is determined directly from the volume limits of the anomalous body. The variable limits of integration for an arbitrarily shaped body are obtained from interpolations performed on a set of body points which approximate the body's surface envelope. The versatility of the method is shown by its ability to treat physical property variations within the source volume as well as variable magnetic fields over the source and observation surface. Examples are provided which illustrate the capabilities of the technique, including a preliminary modeling of potential field signatures for the Mississippi embayment crustal structure at 450 km.

Calculations of absorbed fractions in small water spheres for low-energy monoenergetic electrons and the Auger-emitting radionuclides (123)Ι and (125)Ι.

PubMed

Bousis, Christos; Emfietzoglou, Dimitris; Nikjoo, Hooshang

2012-12-01

To calculate the absorbed fraction (AF) of low energy electrons in small tissue-equivalent spherical volumes by Monte Carlo (MC) track structure simulation and assess the influence of phase (liquid water versus density-scaled water vapor) and of the continuous-slowing-down approximation (CSDA) used in semi-analytic calculations. An event-by-event MC code simulating the transport of electrons in both the vapor and liquid phase of water using appropriate electron-water interaction cross sections was used to quantify the energy deposition of low-energy electrons in spherical volumes. Semi-analytic calculations within the CSDA using a convolution integral of the Howell range-energy expressions are also presented for comparison. The AF for spherical volumes of radii from 10-1000 nm are presented for monoenergetic electrons over the energy range 100-10,000 eV and the two Auger-emitting radionuclides (125)I and (123)I. The MC calculated AF for the liquid phase are found to be smaller than those of the (density scaled) gas phase by up to 10-20% for the monoenergetic electrons and 10% for the two Auger-emitters. Differences between the liquid-phase MC results and the semi-analytic CSDA calculations are up to ∼ 55% for the monoenergetic electrons and up to ∼ 35% for the two Auger-emitters. Condensed-phase effects in the inelastic interaction of low-energy electrons with water have a noticeable but relatively small impact on the AF for the energy range and target sizes examined. Depending on the electron energies, the semi-analytic approach may lead to sizeable errors for target sizes with linear dimensions below 1 micron.

SU-E-T-409: Evaluation of Tissue Composition Effect On Dose Distribution in Radiotherapy with 6 MV Photon Beam of a Medical Linac

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

Ghorbani, M; Tabatabaei, Z; Noghreiyan, A Vejdani

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate soft tissue composition effect on dose distribution for various soft tissues and various depths in radiotherapy with 6 MV photon beam of a medical linac. Methods: A phantom and Siemens Primus linear accelerator were simulated using MCNPX Monte Carlo code. In a homogeneous cubic phantom, six types of soft tissue and three types of tissue-equivalent materials were defined separately. The soft tissues were muscle (skeletal), adipose tissue, blood (whole), breast tissue, soft tissue (9-component) and soft tissue (4-component). The tissue-equivalent materials included: water, A-150 tissue-equivalent plastic and perspex. Photon dose relativemore » to dose in 9-component soft tissue at various depths on the beam’s central axis was determined for the 6 MV photon beam. The relative dose was also calculated and compared for various MCNPX tallies including,F8, F6 and,F4. Results: The results of the relative photon dose in various materials relative to dose in 9-component soft tissue and using different tallies are reported in the form of tabulated data. Minor differences between dose distributions in various soft tissues and tissue-equivalent materials were observed. The results from F6 and F4 were practically the same but different with,F8 tally. Conclusion: Based on the calculations performed, the differences in dose distributions in various soft tissues and tissue-equivalent materials are minor but they could be corrected in radiotherapy calculations to upgrade the accuracy of the dosimetric calculations.« less

Early outcomes after small incision lenticule extraction and photorefractive keratectomy for correction of high myopia

PubMed Central

Chan, Tommy C. Y.; Yu, Marco C. Y.; Ng, Alex; Wang, Zheng; Cheng, George P. M.; Jhanji, Vishal

2016-01-01

We prospectively compared visual and refractive outcomes in patients with high myopia and myopic astigmatism after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and photorefractive keratetctomy (PRK) with mitomycin C. Sixty-six eyes of 33 patients (mean age, 29.7 ± 5.6 years) were included (SMILE: 34 eyes, PRK 32 eyes). Preoperatively, no significant difference was noted in manifest spherical equivalent (p = 0.326), manifest sphere (p = 0.277), and manifest cylinder (p = 0.625) between both groups. At 1 month, there were significant differences in logMAR uncorrected distance visual acuity, efficacy index and manifest refraction spherical equivalent between SMILE and PRK (p ≤ 0.029). At 6 months, the logMAR corrected distance visual acuity (p = 0.594), logMAR uncorrected visual acuity (p = 0.452), efficacy index (p = 0.215) and safety index was (p = 0.537) was comparable between SMILE and PRK. Significant differences were observed in postoperative manifest spherical equivalent (p = 0.044) and manifest cylinder (p = 0.014) between both groups. At the end of 6 months, 100% of the eyes in SMILE group and 69% of the eyes in PRK group were within ±0.50 D of the attempted cylindrical correction. The postoperative difference vector, magnitude of error and absolute angle of error were significantly smaller after SMILE compared to PRK (p ≤ 0.040) implying a trend towards overcorrection of cylindrical correction following PRK. PMID:27601090

Nano-analytical electron microscopy reveals fundamental insights into human cardiovascular tissue calcification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertazzo, Sergio; Gentleman, Eileen; Cloyd, Kristy L.; Chester, Adrian H.; Yacoub, Magdi H.; Stevens, Molly M.

2013-06-01

The accumulation of calcified material in cardiovascular tissue is thought to involve cytochemical, extracellular matrix and systemic signals; however, its precise composition and nanoscale architecture remain largely unexplored. Using nano-analytical electron microscopy techniques, we examined valves, aortae and coronary arteries from patients with and without calcific cardiovascular disease and detected spherical calcium phosphate particles, regardless of the presence of calcific lesions. We also examined lesions after sectioning with a focused ion beam and found that the spherical particles are composed of highly crystalline hydroxyapatite that crystallographically and structurally differs from bone mineral. Taken together, these data suggest that mineralized spherical particles may play a fundamental role in calcific lesion formation. Their ubiquitous presence in varied cardiovascular tissues and from patients with a spectrum of diseases further suggests that lesion formation may follow a common process. Indeed, applying materials science techniques to ectopic and orthotopic calcification has great potential to lend critical insights into pathophysiological processes underlying calcific cardiovascular disease.

Light propagation from fluorescent probes in biological tissues by coupled time-dependent parabolic simplified spherical harmonics equations

PubMed Central

Domínguez, Jorge Bouza; Bérubé-Lauzière, Yves

2011-01-01

We introduce a system of coupled time-dependent parabolic simplified spherical harmonic equations to model the propagation of both excitation and fluorescence light in biological tissues. We resort to a finite element approach to obtain the time-dependent profile of the excitation and the fluorescence light fields in the medium. We present results for cases involving two geometries in three-dimensions: a homogeneous cylinder with an embedded fluorescent inclusion and a realistically-shaped rodent with an embedded inclusion alike an organ filled with a fluorescent probe. For the cylindrical geometry, we show the differences in the time-dependent fluorescence response for a point-like, a spherical, and a spherically Gaussian distributed fluorescent inclusion. From our results, we conclude that the model is able to describe the time-dependent excitation and fluorescent light transfer in small geometries with high absorption coefficients and in nondiffusive domains, as may be found in small animal diffuse optical tomography (DOT) and fluorescence DOT imaging. PMID:21483606

Comparison of sequential vs same-day simultaneous collagen cross-linking and topography-guided PRK for treatment of keratoconus.

PubMed

Kanellopoulos, Anastasios John

2009-09-01

The safety and efficacy of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) and topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using a different sequence and timing were evaluated in consecutive keratoconus cases. This study included a total of 325 eyes with keratoconus. Eyes were divided into two groups. The first group (n=127 eyes) underwent CXL with subsequent topography-guided PRK performed 6 months later (sequential group) and the second group (n=198 eyes) underwent CXL and PRK in a combined procedure on the same day (simultaneous group). Statistical differences were examined for pre- to postoperative changes in uncorrected (UCVA, logMAR) and best-spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA, logMAR), manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), keratometry (K), topography, central corneal thickness, endothelial cell count, corneal haze, and ectatic progression. Mean follow-up was 36+/-18 months (range: 24 to 68 months). At last follow-up in the sequential group, the mean UCVA improved from 0.9+/-0.3 logMAR to 0.49+/-0.25 logMAR, and mean BSCVA from 0.41+/-0.25 logMAR to 0.16+/-0.22 logMAR. Mean reduction in spherical equivalent refraction was 2.50+/-1.20 diopters (D), mean haze score was 1.2+/-0.5, and mean reduction in K was 2.75+/-1.30 D. In the simultaneous group, mean UCVA improved from 0.96+/-0.2 logMAR to 0.3+/-0.2 logMAR, and mean BSCVA from 0.39+/-0.3 logMAR to 0.11+/-0.16 logMAR. Mean reduction in spherical equivalent refraction was 3.20+/-1.40 D, mean haze score was 0.5+/-0.3, and mean reduction in K was 3.50+/-1.3 D. Endothelial cell count preoperatively and at last follow-up was unchanged (P<.05) in both groups. Statistically, the simultaneous group did better (P<.05) in all fields evaluated, with improvement in UCVA and BSCVA, a greater mean reduction in spherical equivalent refraction and keratometry, and less corneal haze. Same-day simultaneous topography-guided PRK and CXL appears to be superior to sequential CXL with later PRK in the visual rehabilitation of progressing keratoconus. Copyright 2009, SLACK Incorporated.

Tensor spherical harmonics theories on the exact nature of the elastic fields of a spherically anisotropic multi-inhomogeneous inclusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shodja, H. M.; Khorshidi, A.

2013-04-01

Eshelby's theories on the nature of the disturbance strains due to polynomial eigenstrains inside an isotropic ellipsoidal inclusion, and the form of homogenizing eigenstrains corresponding to remote polynomial loadings in the equivalent inclusion method (EIM) are not valid for spherically anisotropic inclusions and inhomogeneities. Materials with spherically anisotropic behavior are frequently encountered in nature, for example, some graphite particles or polyethylene spherulites. Moreover, multi-inclusions/inhomogeneities/inhomogeneous inclusions have abundant engineering and scientific applications and their exact theoretical treatment would be of great value. The present work is devoted to the development of a mathematical framework for the exact treatment of a spherical multi-inhomogeneous inclusion with spherically anisotropic constituents embedded in an unbounded isotropic matrix. The formulations herein are based on tensor spherical harmonics having orthogonality and completeness properties. For polynomial eigenstrain field and remote applied loading, several theorems on the exact closed-form expressions of the elastic fields associated with the matrix and all the phases of the inhomogeneous inclusion are stated and proved. Several classes of impotent eigenstrain fields associated to a generally anisotropic inclusion as well as isotropic and spherically anisotropic multi-inclusions are also introduced. The presented theories are useful for obtaining highly accurate solutions of desired accuracy when the constituent phases of the multi-inhomogeneous inclusion are made of functionally graded materials (FGMs).

Safety and efficacy of overnight orthokeratology in myopic children.

PubMed

Mika, Renée; Morgan, Bruce; Cron, Michael; Lotoczky, Josh; Pole, John

2007-05-01

This prospective case series was conducted to describe the safety and efficacy of orthokeratology with the Emerald Contact Lens for Overnight Orthokeratology (Oprifocon A; Euclid Systems Corporation, Herndon, Virginia) among young myopes. Twenty subjects (ages 10 to 16) were enrolled in the 6-month pilot study. Subjects were fit empirically with overnight orthokeratology lenses and evaluated at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, and 6 months. Sixteen subjects completed the study. The mean baseline spherical equivalent refraction (SER) was -2.06 diopters (D) (+/-0.75). The mean SER at 6 months was -0.16 D (+/-0.38). The mean baseline uncorrected acuity was 0.78 (+/-0.28) logarithmic minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) equivalent (20/100 Snellen). The mean logMAR equivalent at 6 months was -0.03 +/- 0.12 (<20/20 Snellen). On average, 40% of eyes showed some type of corneal staining between the 1-week and 6-month visits. No serious adverse events occurred during the study. In contrast to previously published studies that reported maximum results at 2 weeks, subjects reached maximum reduction in myopia at the 1-week visit and, on average, obtained a 92.2% reduction in spherical equivalent refractive error at 6 months. This pilot study lends to a growing body of evidence that short-term correction of mild to moderate myopia with overnight orthokeratology is safe and efficacious in children and adolescents.

New Objective Refraction Metric Based on Sphere Fitting to the Wavefront

PubMed Central

Martínez-Finkelshtein, Andreí

2017-01-01

Purpose To develop an objective refraction formula based on the ocular wavefront error (WFE) expressed in terms of Zernike coefficients and pupil radius, which would be an accurate predictor of subjective spherical equivalent (SE) for different pupil sizes. Methods A sphere is fitted to the ocular wavefront at the center and at a variable distance, t. The optimal fitting distance, topt, is obtained empirically from a dataset of 308 eyes as a function of objective refraction pupil radius, r0, and used to define the formula of a new wavefront refraction metric (MTR). The metric is tested in another, independent dataset of 200 eyes. Results For pupil radii r0 ≤ 2 mm, the new metric predicts the equivalent sphere with similar accuracy (<0.1D), however, for r0 > 2 mm, the mean error of traditional metrics can increase beyond 0.25D, and the MTR remains accurate. The proposed metric allows clinicians to obtain an accurate clinical spherical equivalent value without rescaling/refitting of the wavefront coefficients. It has the potential to be developed into a metric which will be able to predict full spherocylindrical refraction for the desired illumination conditions and corresponding pupil size. PMID:29104804

New Objective Refraction Metric Based on Sphere Fitting to the Wavefront.

PubMed

Jaskulski, Mateusz; Martínez-Finkelshtein, Andreí; López-Gil, Norberto

2017-01-01

To develop an objective refraction formula based on the ocular wavefront error (WFE) expressed in terms of Zernike coefficients and pupil radius, which would be an accurate predictor of subjective spherical equivalent (SE) for different pupil sizes. A sphere is fitted to the ocular wavefront at the center and at a variable distance, t . The optimal fitting distance, t opt , is obtained empirically from a dataset of 308 eyes as a function of objective refraction pupil radius, r 0 , and used to define the formula of a new wavefront refraction metric (MTR). The metric is tested in another, independent dataset of 200 eyes. For pupil radii r 0 ≤ 2 mm, the new metric predicts the equivalent sphere with similar accuracy (<0.1D), however, for r 0 > 2 mm, the mean error of traditional metrics can increase beyond 0.25D, and the MTR remains accurate. The proposed metric allows clinicians to obtain an accurate clinical spherical equivalent value without rescaling/refitting of the wavefront coefficients. It has the potential to be developed into a metric which will be able to predict full spherocylindrical refraction for the desired illumination conditions and corresponding pupil size.

Feasibility of Equivalent Dipole Models for Electroencephalogram-Based Brain Computer Interfaces.

PubMed

Schimpf, Paul H

2017-09-15

This article examines the localization errors of equivalent dipolar sources inverted from the surface electroencephalogram in order to determine the feasibility of using their location as classification parameters for non-invasive brain computer interfaces. Inverse localization errors are examined for two head models: a model represented by four concentric spheres and a realistic model based on medical imagery. It is shown that the spherical model results in localization ambiguity such that a number of dipolar sources, with different azimuths and varying orientations, provide a near match to the electroencephalogram of the best equivalent source. No such ambiguity exists for the elevation of inverted sources, indicating that for spherical head models, only the elevation of inverted sources (and not the azimuth) can be expected to provide meaningful classification parameters for brain-computer interfaces. In a realistic head model, all three parameters of the inverted source location are found to be reliable, providing a more robust set of parameters. In both cases, the residual error hypersurfaces demonstrate local minima, indicating that a search for the best-matching sources should be global. Source localization error vs. signal-to-noise ratio is also demonstrated for both head models.

Parameter identification of hyperelastic material properties of the heel pad based on an analytical contact mechanics model of a spherical indentation.

PubMed

Suzuki, Ryo; Ito, Kohta; Lee, Taeyong; Ogihara, Naomichi

2017-01-01

Accurate identification of the material properties of the plantar soft tissue is important for computer-aided analysis of foot pathologies and design of therapeutic footwear interventions based on subject-specific models of the foot. However, parameter identification of the hyperelastic material properties of plantar soft tissues usually requires an inverse finite element analysis due to the lack of a practical contact model of the indentation test. In the present study, we derive an analytical contact model of a spherical indentation test in order to directly estimate the material properties of the plantar soft tissue. Force-displacement curves of the heel pads are obtained through an indentation experiment. The experimental data are fit to the analytical stress-strain solution of the spherical indentation in order to obtain the parameters. A spherical indentation approach successfully predicted the non-linear material properties of the heel pad without iterative finite element calculation. The force-displacement curve obtained in the present study was found to be situated lower than those identified in previous studies. The proposed framework for identifying the hyperelastic material parameters may facilitate the development of subject-specific FE modeling of the foot for possible clinical and ergonomic applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SU-E-T-353: Verification of Water Equivalent Thickness (WET) and Water Equivalent Spreadness (WES) of Proton Beam

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

Demez, N; Lee, T; Keppel, Cynthia

Purpose: To verify calculated water equivalent thickness (WET) and water equivalent spreadness (WES) in various tissue equivalent media for proton therapy Methods: Water equivalent thicknesses (WET) of tissue equivalent materials have been calculated using the Bragg-Kleeman rule. Lateral spreadness and fluence reduction of proton beams both in those media were calculated using proton loss model (PLM) algorithm. In addition, we calculated lateral spreadness ratios with respect to that in water at the same WET depth and so the WES was defined. The WETs of those media for different proton beam energies were measured using MLIC (Multi-Layered Ionization Chamber). Also, fluencemore » and field sizes in those materials of various thicknesses were measured with ionization chambers and films Results: Calculated WETs are in agreement with measured WETs within 0.5%. We found that water equivalent spreadness (WES) is constant and the fluence and field size measurements verify that fluence can be estimated using the concept of WES. Conclusions: Calculation of WET based on the Bragg-Kleeman rule as well as the constant WES of proton beams for tissue equivalent phantoms can be used to predict fluence and field sizes at the depths of interest both in tissue equivalent media accurately for clinically available protonenergies.« less

Water and tissue equivalence of a new PRESAGE{sup Registered-Sign} formulation for 3D proton beam dosimetry: A Monte Carlo study

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

Gorjiara, Tina; Kuncic, Zdenka; Doran, Simon

2012-11-15

Purpose: To evaluate the water and tissue equivalence of a new PRESAGE{sup Registered-Sign} 3D dosimeter for proton therapy. Methods: The GEANT4 software toolkit was used to calculate and compare total dose delivered by a proton beam with mean energy 62 MeV in a PRESAGE{sup Registered-Sign} dosimeter, water, and soft tissue. The dose delivered by primary protons and secondary particles was calculated. Depth-dose profiles and isodose contours of deposited energy were compared for the materials of interest. Results: The proton beam range was found to be Almost-Equal-To 27 mm for PRESAGE{sup Registered-Sign }, 29.9 mm for soft tissue, and 30.5 mmmore » for water. This can be attributed to the lower collisional stopping power of water compared to soft tissue and PRESAGE{sup Registered-Sign }. The difference between total dose delivered in PRESAGE{sup Registered-Sign} and total dose delivered in water or tissue is less than 2% across the entire water/tissue equivalent range of the proton beam. The largest difference between total dose in PRESAGE{sup Registered-Sign} and total dose in water is 1.4%, while for soft tissue it is 1.8%. In both cases, this occurs at the distal end of the beam. Nevertheless, the authors find that PRESAGE{sup Registered-Sign} dosimeter is overall more tissue-equivalent than water-equivalent before the Bragg peak. After the Bragg peak, the differences in the depth doses are found to be due to differences in primary proton energy deposition; PRESAGE{sup Registered-Sign} and soft tissue stop protons more rapidly than water. The dose delivered by secondary electrons in the PRESAGE{sup Registered-Sign} differs by less than 1% from that in soft tissue and water. The contribution of secondary particles to the total dose is less than 4% for electrons and Almost-Equal-To 1% for protons in all the materials of interest. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the new PRESAGE{sup Registered-Sign} formula may be considered both a tissue- and water-equivalent 3D dosimeter for a 62 MeV proton beam. The results further suggest that tissue-equivalent thickness may provide better dosimetric and geometric accuracy than water-equivalent thickness for 3D dosimetry of this proton beam.« less

Experimental and theoretical investigation of intratumoral nanoparticle distribution to enhance magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Attaluri, Anilchandra

Magnetic nanoparticles have gained prominence in recent years for use in clinical applications such as imaging, drug delivery, and hyperthermia. Magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia is a minimally invasive and effective approach for confined heating in tumors with little collateral damage. One of the major problems in the field of magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia is irregular heat distribution in tumors which caused repeatable heat distribution quite impossible. This causes under dosage in tumor area and overheating in normal tissue. In this study, we develop a unified approach to understand magnetic nanoparticle distribution and temperature elevations in gel and tumors. A microCT imaging system is first used to visualize and quantify nanoparticle distribution in both tumors and tissue equivalent phantom gels. The microCT based nanoparticle concentration is related to specific absorption rate (SAR) of the nanoparticles and is confirmed by heat distribution experiments in tissue equivalent phantom gels. An optimal infusion protocol is identified to generate controllable and repeatable nanoparticle distribution in tumors. In vivo animal experiments are performed to measure intratumoral temperature elevations in PC3 xenograft tumors implanted in mice during magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia. The effect of nanofluid injection parameters on the resulted temperature distribution is studied. It shows that the tumor temperatures can be elevated above 50°C using very small amounts of ferrofluid with a relatively low magnetic field. Slower ferrofluid infusion rates result in smaller nanoparticle distribution volumes in the tumors, however, it gives the much required controllability and repeatability when compared to the higher infusion rates. More nanoparticles occupy a smaller volume in the vicinity of the injection site with slower infusion rates, causing higher temperature elevations in the tumors. Based on the microCT imaging analyses of nanoparticles in tumors, a mass transport model is developed to simulate nanoparticle convection and diffusion in tumors, heat-induced tumor structural changes, as well as nanoparticle re-distribution during nanoparticle hyperthermia procedures. The modeled thermal damage induced nanoparticle redistribution predicts a 20% increase in the radius of the spherical tissue region containing nanoparticles. The developed model has demonstrated the feasibility of enhancing nanoparticle dispersion from injection sites using targeted thermal damage.

Anisometropia of spherical equivalent and astigmatism among myopes: a 23-year follow-up study of prevalence and changes from childhood to adulthood.

PubMed

Pärssinen, Olavi; Kauppinen, Markku

2017-08-01

To study anisometropia of spherical equivalent and astigmatism from the onset of myopia at school age to adulthood. A total of 240 myopic schoolchildren (mean age 10.9 years), with no previous spectacles, were recruited during 1983-1984 to a randomized 3-year clinical trial of bifocal treatment of myopia. Examinations with subjective cyclopedic refraction were repeated 3 years later (follow-up 1) for 238 subjects and thereafter at the mean ages of 23.2 (follow-up 2) and 33.9 years (follow-up 3) for 178 and 134 subjects. After exclusions, the 102 subjects who attended all three follow-ups were included in the analyses. Corneal refractive power and astigmatism and anterior chamber depth was measured with Pentacam topography and axial length with IOL master at study end. Prevalence and changes in anisometropia of spherical equivalent (AnisoSE) and astigmatism (AnisoAST) and their relationships with refractive and axial measures were studied. Mean (±SD) of spherical equivalent (SE), AnisoSE and AnisoAST increased from baseline to follow-up end from -1.44 ± 0.57 D to -5.11 ± 2.23 D, from 0.28 ± 0.30 D to 0.68 ± 0.69 D and from 0.14 ± 0.18 D to 0.37 ± 0.36 D, respectively. Prevalence of AnioSE, ≥1 D, increased from 5% to 22.6% throughout follow-up. Higher AnisoSE was associated with SE in the less myopic eye at baseline and at follow-up 1, and with SE in the more myopic eye in follow-ups 2 and 3 in adulthood. At study end, AnisoSE was associated with the interocular difference in axial length (AL) (r = 0.612, p < 0.001) but not with the interocular difference in corneal refraction (CR) (r = -0.122, p = 0.266). In cases of low AnisoSE(≤1.00 D), the negative correlation between the real interocular differences (value of right eye minus value of left eye) in CR and AL (r = -0.427, p < 0.001) decreased the influence of the interocular difference in AL on AnisoSE, causing emmetropization in AnisoSE. The interocular difference in corneal astigmatism was the main factor associated with AnisoAST (r = 0.231, p = 0.020). No significant relationship was found between AnisoAST and level of SE. Anisometropia of the spherical equivalent (AnisoSE) increased along with the myopic progression and at study end was mainly associated with the interocular difference in AL. AnisoAST was mainly explained by the interocular difference in corneal astigmatism. In cases with low AnisoSE (≤1.0 D), the interrelationship between CR and AL decreased AnisoSE causing emmetropization in AnisoSE. © 2017 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Pseudo-magnetic fields of strongly-curved graphene nanobubbles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Li-Chi

2018-04-01

We use the π-orbital axis vector (POAV) analysis to deal with large curvature effect of graphene in the tight-binding model. To test the validities of pseudo-magnetic fields (PMFs) derived from the tight-binding model and the model with Dirac equation coupled to a curved surface, we propose two types of spatially constant-field topographies for strongly-curved graphene nanobubbles, which correspond to these two models, respectively. It is shown from the latter model that the PMF induced by any spherical graphene nanobubble is always equivalent to the magnetic field caused by one magnetic monopole charge distributed on a complete spherical surface with the same radius. Such a PMF might be attributed to the isometry breaking of a graphene layer attached conformably to a spherical substrate with adhesion.

29 CFR 1926.1003 - Overhead protection for operators of agricultural and industrial tractors used in construction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

.... (2) A solid steel sphere or material of equivalent spherical dimension weighing 100 lb (45.4 kg... derived from, and restates, in part, the portions of Society of Automotive Engineers (“SAE”) standard J167...

29 CFR 1926.1003 - Overhead protection for operators of agricultural and industrial tractors used in construction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

.... (2) A solid steel sphere or material of equivalent spherical dimension weighing 100 lb (45.4 kg... derived from, and restates, in part, the portions of Society of Automotive Engineers (“SAE”) standard J167...

29 CFR 1926.1003 - Overhead protection for operators of agricultural and industrial tractors used in construction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

.... (2) A solid steel sphere or material of equivalent spherical dimension weighing 100 lb (45.4 kg... derived from, and restates, in part, the portions of Society of Automotive Engineers (“SAE”) standard J167...

29 CFR 1926.1003 - Overhead protection for operators of agricultural and industrial tractors used in construction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

.... (2) A solid steel sphere or material of equivalent spherical dimension weighing 100 lb (45.4 kg... derived from, and restates, in part, the portions of Society of Automotive Engineers (“SAE”) standard J167...

29 CFR 1926.1003 - Overhead protection for operators of agricultural and industrial tractors used in construction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

.... (2) A solid steel sphere or material of equivalent spherical dimension weighing 100 lb (45.4 kg... derived from, and restates, in part, the portions of Society of Automotive Engineers (“SAE”) standard J167...

The Role of Magnesium Ion Substituted Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Spherical Micro-Scaffolds in Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

PubMed

Kim, Dong-Hyun; Shin, Keun-Koo; Jung, Jin Sup; Chun, Ho Hwan; Park, Seong Soo; Lee, Jong Kook; Park, Hong-Chae; Yoon, Seog-Young

2015-08-01

This study was investigated the role of magnesium (Mg2+) ion substituted biphasic calcium phosphate (Mg-BCP) spherical micro-scaffolds in osteogenic differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAT-MSCs). Mg-BCP micro-scaffolds with spherical morphology were successfully prepared using in situ co-precipitation and spray drying atomization process. The in vitro cell proliferation and differentiation of hAT-MSCs were determined up to day 14. After in vitro biological tests, Mg-BCP micro-scaffolds with hAT-MSCs showed more enhanced osteogenicity than pure hAT-MSCs as control group by unique biodegradation of TCP phase and influence of substituted Mg2+ ion in biphasic nanostructure. Therefore, these results suggest that Mg-BCP micro-scaffolds promote osteogenic differentiation of hAT-MSCs.

Adipose-derived stromal cells for the reconstruction of a human vesical equivalent.

PubMed

Rousseau, Alexandre; Fradette, Julie; Bernard, Geneviève; Gauvin, Robert; Laterreur, Véronique; Bolduc, Stéphane

2015-11-01

Despite a wide panel of tissue-engineering models available for vesical reconstruction, the lack of a differentiated urothelium remains their main common limitation. For the first time to our knowledge, an entirely human vesical equivalent, free of exogenous matrix, has been reconstructed using the self-assembly method. Moreover, we tested the contribution of adipose-derived stromal cells, an easily available source of mesenchymal cells featuring many potential advantages, by reconstructing three types of equivalent, named fibroblast vesical equivalent, adipose-derived stromal cell vesical equivalent and hybrid vesical equivalent--the latter containing both adipose-derived stromal cells and fibroblasts. The new substitutes have been compared and characterized for matrix composition and organization, functionality and mechanical behaviour. Although all three vesical equivalents displayed adequate collagen type I and III expression, only two of them, fibroblast vesical equivalent and hybrid vesical equivalent, sustained the development of a differentiated and functional urothelium. The presence of uroplakins Ib, II and III and the tight junction marker ZO-1 was detected and correlated with impermeability. The mechanical resistance of these tissues was sufficient for use by surgeons. We present here in vitro tissue-engineered vesical equivalents, built without the use of any exogenous matrix, able to sustain mechanical stress and to support the formation of a functional urothelium, i.e. able to display a barrier function similar to that of native tissue. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation: Refractive Outcome and Safety in Patients with Anterior Chamber Depth between 2.8 and 3.0 versus ≥3.0 mm.

PubMed

Guerra, Marta G; Silva, Andreia M M; Marques, Sara H M; Melo, Sofia H; Póvoa, João A; Lobo, Conceição; Murta, Joaquim Neto

2017-01-01

To compare endothelial cell (EC) variation after anterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (AC-pIOL) implantation in highly myopic patients with a preoperative anterior chamber depth (ACD) between 2.8 and 3.0 versus ≥3.0 mm. A total of 280 eyes submitted to primary AC-pIOL implantation were analyzed. Pre- and postoperative values for uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, spherical equivalent, ACD (endothelial surface), and EC count were collected. The eyes were divided into 2 groups: group A - ACD between 2.8 and 3.0 mm; group B - ACD ≥3.0 mm. Mean global EC loss (ECL) and loss for each ACD group, according to pIOL type, were analyzed. Significant improvement of the spherical equivalent (-11.38 ± 4.57 vs. -0.49 ± 0.79; p = 0.000) and a significant decrease in EC density (2,810.95 ± 343.88 vs. 2,584.09 ± 374.88 cells/mm2; p = 0.000) were noted. The mean annual ECL was -2.19 ± 3.97%. Regarding group A (n = 80), a mean annual ECL of -2.06 ± 3.88% was registered, higher for the Acrysof Cachet® subtype, while group B (n = 200) showed -2.25 ± 4.01% ECL, higher for the Verisyse® subtype. There was no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.96). AC-pIOL implantation significantly improves the spherical equivalent in myopic patients. The mean annual ECL after pIOL implantation was higher in the larger ACD group, but this value was not statistically significant. A 2.8-mm ACD value seems to be a safe cutoff for AC-pIOL implantation. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The Safety and Predictability of Implanting Autologous Lenticule Obtained by SMILE for Hyperopia.

PubMed

Sun, Ling; Yao, Peijun; Li, Meiyan; Shen, Yang; Zhao, Jing; Zhou, Xingtao

2015-06-01

To evaluate the safety, effectiveness, stability, and predictability of implanting autologous lenticules obtained from small incision lenticule extraction for the treatment of hyperopia. Five patients (10 eyes) with one myopic eye and one hyperopic eye were enrolled. The myopic eye was treated with small incision lenticule extraction; a lenticule was extracted and subsequently implanted in the hyperopic eye. Follow-up was at 1 day, 1, 3, 6, and 9 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Patients received a complete ophthalmologic examination at each visit, including uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and corneal topography. There were no complications in any eye during follow-up. Compared with preoperative levels, at the last follow-up visit the eyes with lenticule implantation showed mean spherical equivalent reduced by 5.53 diopters (residual spherical equivalent was +1.13 to -2.63 diopters), mean uncorrected distance visual acuity increased approximately two lines (approximately 20/63 to 20/40 Snellen), and corrected distance visual acuity in 4 (80%) eyes gained one line, 2 (40%) eyes gained two lines, and 1 (20%) eye gained more than two lines. There was no significant difference (P > .05) in spherical equivalent compared with 1 day postoperatively and the last follow-up visit. Corneal topography showed that the lenticule was uniform and located well; anterior segment optical coherence tomography images showed that the lenticule was transparent and the demarcation line was visible. Implanting an autologous lenticule obtained by small incision lenticule extraction for hyperopia might be safe, effective, and stable, but its predictability should be improved in the future. Copyright 2015, SLACK Incorporated.

Linkage analysis of quantitative refraction and refractive errors in the Beaver Dam Eye Study.

PubMed

Klein, Alison P; Duggal, Priya; Lee, Kristine E; Cheng, Ching-Yu; Klein, Ronald; Bailey-Wilson, Joan E; Klein, Barbara E K

2011-07-13

Refraction, as measured by spherical equivalent, is the need for an external lens to focus images on the retina. While genetic factors play an important role in the development of refractive errors, few susceptibility genes have been identified. However, several regions of linkage have been reported for myopia (2q, 4q, 7q, 12q, 17q, 18p, 22q, and Xq) and for quantitative refraction (1p, 3q, 4q, 7p, 8p, and 11p). To replicate previously identified linkage peaks and to identify novel loci that influence quantitative refraction and refractive errors, linkage analysis of spherical equivalent, myopia, and hyperopia in the Beaver Dam Eye Study was performed. Nonparametric, sibling-pair, genome-wide linkage analyses of refraction (spherical equivalent adjusted for age, education, and nuclear sclerosis), myopia and hyperopia in 834 sibling pairs within 486 extended pedigrees were performed. Suggestive evidence of linkage was found for hyperopia on chromosome 3, region q26 (empiric P = 5.34 × 10(-4)), a region that had shown significant genome-wide evidence of linkage to refraction and some evidence of linkage to hyperopia. In addition, the analysis replicated previously reported genome-wide significant linkages to 22q11 of adjusted refraction and myopia (empiric P = 4.43 × 10(-3) and 1.48 × 10(-3), respectively) and to 7p15 of refraction (empiric P = 9.43 × 10(-4)). Evidence was also found of linkage to refraction on 7q36 (empiric P = 2.32 × 10(-3)), a region previously linked to high myopia. The findings provide further evidence that genes controlling refractive errors are located on 3q26, 7p15, 7p36, and 22q11.

Changes in Keratometric Values and Corneal High Order Aberrations After Hydrogel Inlay Implantation.

PubMed

Whang, Woong-Joo; Yoo, Young-Sik; Joo, Choun-Ki; Yoon, Geunyoung

2017-01-01

We sought to analyze surgically induced refractive change (SIRC) and change in high-order aberration after Raindrop corneal inlay insertion (ReVision Optics, Lake Forest, CA), and assess the extent to which Raindrop corneal inlay insertion could correct presbyopia. Interventional case series. Seventeen patients were included if they had a corneal thickness ≥500 μm and a stable manifest spherical equivalent refraction between 0.50 and +1.00 diopters (D). The Raindrop corneal inlay was implanted on the stromal bed of a femtosecond laser-assisted generated flap of nondominant eyes. Manifest refraction, corneal powers, and corneal high-order aberrations were measured preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. The SIRC by manifest refraction was 0.99 ± 0.26 D. The changes derived from simulated keratometry (K), true net power, and equivalent K reading (EKR) at 1.0-4.0 mm were greater than the SIRC (all P < .01) while the change in EKR at 6.0 mm was less than the SIRC (P < .01). The changes in EKR 5.0 mm, automated K, and EKR 4.5 mm did not differ significantly from the SIRC (P = .81, .29, and .09, respectively), and the difference was the least for EKR 5.0 mm. In analysis of high-order aberrations, only spherical aberration showed statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative on both anterior cornea and total cornea (all P < .01). Raindrop corneal inlay corrects presbyopia via increasing negative spherical aberration. The equivalent K reading at 5.0 mm accurately reflected the SIRC, and would be applicable for intraocular power prediction before cataract surgery. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Performance of Photoscreener in Detection of Refractive Error in All Age Groups and Amblyopia Risk Factors in Children in a Tribal District of Odisha: The Tribal Odisha Eye Disease Study (TOES) # 3

PubMed Central

Panda, Lapam; Barik, Umasankar; Nayak, Suryasmita; Barik, Biswajit; Behera, Gyanaranjan; Kekunnaya, Ramesh

2018-01-01

Purpose To evaluate effectiveness of Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener in detecting refractive error in all age groups and amblyopia risk factors in children in a tribal district of India. Methods All participants received dry retinoscopy and photorefraction; children also received cycloplegic retinoscopy. Statistical analysis included Bland-Altman and coefficient of determination (R2). Results Photoscreener could not elicit a response in 113 adults and 5 children of 580 recruited participants. In Bland-Altman analysis mean difference of Spot screener spherical equivalent (SSSE) and dry retinoscopy spherical equivalent (DRSE) was 0.32 diopters (D) in adults and 0.18 D in children; this was an overestimation of hyperopia and underestimation of myopia. In Bland-Altman analysis of SSSE and cycloplegic retinoscopy spherical equivalent (CRSE) the mean difference was −0.30 D in children; this was an overestimation of myopia and underestimation of hyperopia. In regression analysis the relationship between SSSE and DRSE was poor in adults (R2 = 0.50) and good in children (R2 = 0.92). Cubic regression model for Spot versus cycloretinoscopy in children was: CRSE = 0.34 + 0.85 SSSE − 0.01 SSSE2 + 0.006 SSSE3. It was 87% accurate. Sensitivity and specificity of Spot in detecting amblyopia risk factors (2013 American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus [AAPOS] criteria) was 93.3% and 96.9% respectively. Sensitivity of Spot screener in detection of amblyopia was 72%. Conclusions Photoscreener has 87% accuracy in refraction in children. Its value could be used for subjective correction tests. Translational Relevance Photoscreening could complement traditional retinoscopy to address refractive error in children in a resource-limited facility region. PMID:29881649

Longitudinal comparison of outcomes after sub-Bowman keratomileusis and laser in situ keratomileusis: randomized, double-masked study.

PubMed

Wong, Rachel Chung Yin; Yu, Marco; Chan, Tommy C Y; Chong, Kelvin K L; Jhanji, Vishal

2015-05-01

To compare the outcomes of sub-Bowman keratomileusis (100-μm flap) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) (120-μm flap) using 150-kHz femtosecond laser. Randomized, double-masked, contralateral clinical trial. One hundred patients (200 eyes) with myopia or myopic astigmatism were included. Postoperative examinations were performed at week 1 and months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Main outcome measures included postoperative uncorrected (UCVA) and best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCVA); manifest refraction spherical equivalent; efficacy and safety indices; corneal thickness; and complications. The mean age of patients was 33.9 ± 7.9 years. Overall, the preoperative UCVA, BCVA, and manifest refraction spherical equivalent were 1.349 ± 0.332, -0.022 ± 0.033, and -5.81 ± 1.61 diopters, respectively. No significant difference was observed in preoperative (P ≥ .226) or intraoperative parameters (P ≥ .452) between both groups, except residual stromal thickness (P < .001). The UCVA, manifest refraction spherical equivalent, and central corneal thickness stabilized by 1 week, while the thinnest corneal thickness stabilized by 3 months postoperatively. There was no significant difference between both groups for any parameter during all follow-up visits (P ≥ .132) except the 3-month safety index, which was better in the sub-Bowman keratomileusis group (P = .007). Soft opaque bubble layer was noted intraoperatively in 12 cases (7, 100-μm group; 5, 120-μm group; P = .577). No postoperative complications were observed. Our study did not find any differences in the visual and refractive outcomes between femtosecond-assisted sub-Bowman keratomileusis and LASIK. Both surgeries resulted in quick visual recovery as early as 1 week postoperatively. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Refractive errors in 3-6 year-old Chinese children: a very low prevalence of myopia?

PubMed

Lan, Weizhong; Zhao, Feng; Lin, Lixia; Li, Zhen; Zeng, Junwen; Yang, Zhikuan; Morgan, Ian G

2013-01-01

To examine the prevalence of refractive errors in children aged 3-6 years in China. Children were recruited for a trial of a home-based amblyopia screening kit in Guangzhou preschools, during which cycloplegic refractions were measured in both eyes of 2480 children. Cycloplegic refraction (from 3 to 4 drops of 1% cyclopentolate to ensure abolition of the light reflex) was measured by both autorefraction and retinoscopy. Refractive errors were defined as followed: myopia (at least -0.50 D in the worse eye), hyperopia (at least +2.00 D in the worse eye) and astigmatism (at least 1.50 D in the worse eye). Different definitions, as specified in the text, were also used to facilitate comparison with other studies. The mean spherical equivalent refractive error was at least +1.22 D for all ages and both genders. The prevalence of myopia for any definition at any age was at most 2.5%, and lower in most cases. In contrast, the prevalence of hyperopia was generally over 20%, and declined slightly with age. The prevalence of astigmatism was between 6% and 11%. There was very little change in refractive error with age over this age range. Previous reports of less hyperopic mean spherical equivalent refractive error, and more myopia and less hyperopia in children of this age may be due to problems with achieving adequate cycloplegia in children with dark irises. Using up to 4 drops of 1% cyclopentolate may be necessary to accurately measure refractive error in paediatric studies of such children. Our results suggest that children from all ethnic groups may follow a similar pattern of early refractive development, with little myopia and a hyperopic mean spherical equivalent over +1.00 D up to the age of 5-6 years in most conditions.

Prevalence of the refractive errors by age and gender: the Mashhad eye study of Iran.

PubMed

Ostadimoghaddam, Hadi; Fotouhi, Akbar; Hashemi, Hassan; Yekta, Abbasali; Heravian, Javad; Rezvan, Farhad; Ghadimi, Hamidreza; Rezvan, Bijan; Khabazkhoob, Mehdi

2011-11-01

Refractive errors are a common eye problem. Considering the low number of population-based studies in Iran in this regard, we decided to determine the prevalence rates of myopia and hyperopia in a population in Mashhad, Iran. Cross-sectional population-based study. Random cluster sampling. Of 4453 selected individuals from the urban population of Mashhad, 70.4% participated. Refractive error was determined using manifest (age > 15 years) and cycloplegic refraction (age ≤ 15 years). Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent of -0.5 diopter or worse. An spherical equivalent of +0.5 diopter or worse for non-cycloplegic refraction and an spherical equivalent of +2 diopter or worse for cycloplegic refraction was used to define hyperopia. Prevalence of refractive errors. The prevalence of myopia and hyperopia in individuals ≤ 15 years old was 3.64% (95% CI: 2.19-5.09) and 27.4% (95% CI: 23.72-31.09), respectively. The same measurements for subjects > 15 years of age was 22.36% (95% CI: 20.06-24.66) and 34.21% (95% CI: 31.57-36.85), respectively. Myopia was found to increase with age in individuals ≤ 15 years and decrease with age in individuals > 15 years of age. The rate of hyperopia showed a significant increase with age in individuals > 15 years. The prevalence of astigmatism was 25.64% (95% CI: 23.76-27.51). In children and the elderly, hyperopia is the most prevalent refractive error. After hyperopia, astigmatism is also of importance in older ages. Age is the most important demographic factor associated with different types of refractive errors. © 2011 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology © 2011 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Spherical aberrations of human astigmatic corneas.

PubMed

Zhao, Huawei; Dai, Guang-Ming; Chen, Li; Weeber, Henk A; Piers, Patricia A

2011-11-01

To evaluate whether the average spherical aberration of human astigmatic corneas is statistically equivalent to human nonastigmatic corneas. Spherical aberrations of 445 astigmatic corneas prior to laser vision correction were retrospectively investigated to determine Zernike coefficients for central corneal areas 6 mm in diameter using CTView (Sarver and Associates). Data were divided into groups according to cylinder power (0.01 to 0.25 diopters [D], 0.26 to 0.75 D, 0.76 to 1.06 D, 1.07 to 1.53 D, 1.54 to 2.00 D, and >2.00 D) and according to age by decade. Spherical aberrations were correlated with age and astigmatic power among groups and the entire population. Statistical analyses were conducted, and P<.05 was considered statistically significant. Mean patient age was 42.6±11 years. Astigmatic corneas had an average astigmatic power of 0.78±0.58 D and mean spherical aberration was 0.25±0.13 μm for the entire population and approximately the same (0.27 μm) for individual groups, ranging from 0.23 to 0.29 μm (P>.05 for all tested groups). Mean spherical aberration of astigmatic corneas was not correlated significantly with cylinder power or age (P>.05). Spherical aberrations are similar to those of nonastigmatic corneas, permitting the use of these additional data in the design of aspheric toric intra-ocular lenses. Copyright 2011, SLACK Incorporated.

SEDIDAT: A BASIC program for the collection and statistical analysis of particle settling velocity data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wright, Robyn; Thornberg, Steven M.

SEDIDAT is a series of compiled IBM-BASIC (version 2.0) programs that direct the collection, statistical calculation, and graphic presentation of particle settling velocity and equivalent spherical diameter for samples analyzed using the settling tube technique. The programs follow a menu-driven format that is understood easily by students and scientists with little previous computer experience. Settling velocity is measured directly (cm,sec) and also converted into Chi units. Equivalent spherical diameter (reported in Phi units) is calculated using a modified Gibbs equation for different particle densities. Input parameters, such as water temperature, settling distance, particle density, run time, and Phi;Chi interval are changed easily at operator discretion. Optional output to a dot-matrix printer includes a summary of moment and graphic statistical parameters, a tabulation of individual and cumulative weight percents, a listing of major distribution modes, and cumulative and histogram plots of a raw time, settling velocity. Chi and Phi data.

Distribution and elimination of [14C] sarafloxacin hydrochloride from tissues of juvenile channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gingerich, W.H.; Meinertz, J.R.; Dawson, V.K.; Gofus, J.E.; Delaney, L.J.; Bunnell, P.R.

1995-01-01

The distribution and loss of radioactivity from tissues were determined in 60 juvenile channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) following oral dosing with the candidate fish therapeutant Sarafin® ([14C] sarafloxacin hydrochloride) at 10 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days. Twelve groups of 5 fish each were sampled at selected times ranging from 3 to 240 h after the last dose was administered, The concentration and content of sarafloxacin-equivalent activity was determined in liver, gallbladder, kidney, skin, and skinless fillet by sample oxidation and liquid scintillation counting; content of sarafloxacin-equivalent activity was determined in stomach and anterior and posterior intestines, Skinless fillet tissues were also analyzed for sarafloxacin and for potential metabolites by gradient-elution high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with in-line radiometric and fluorescence detection, Loss of radioactivity from the whole body conformed to a bimodal elimination pattern with a rapid initial phase (t1/2=11 h) and a slower secondary phase (t1/2=222 h). Tissue and contents of the gastrointestinal tract (i.e. stomach and anterior and posterior intestines) were a principal depot of activity during the first four sample times (3, 6, 12, and 24 h); the combined head, skeleton, and fins (i.e. residual carcass) were the principal depot of activity in samples taken after 24 h. Of those tissues sampled 3 h after the last dose, relative sarafloxacin concentration was greatest in the liver (4.06 μg equivalents/g) and least in the residual carcass (1.13 μg equivalents/g), Intermediate concentrations were found in the kidney (2.04 μg equivalents/g), skinless fillet (1.71 μg equivalents/ g), and the skin (1.51 μg equivalents/g). Concentrations of sarafloxacin-equivalent residues in edible skinless fillet were consistently among the lowest of all tissues examined. The highest mean concentration of parent-equivalent material in the fillet tissue was found 12 h after administration of the last dose (2.27 μg equivalents/g) and declined thereafter, Sarafloxacin constituted between 80 and 90% of the extractable radioactive residues from the fillet homogenates. No other peaks were resolved in any of the fillet tissue samples analyzed by HPLC with in-line radiometric detection.

Communication—indentation of Li-ion pouch cell: Effect of material homogenization on prediction of internal short circuit

DOE PAGES

Kumar, A.; Kalnaus, Sergiy; Simunovic, Srdjan; ...

2016-09-12

We performed finite element simulations of spherical indentation of Li-ion pouch cells. Our model fully resolves different layers in the cell. The results of the layer resolved models were compared to the models available in the literature that treat the cell as an equivalent homogenized continuum material. Simulations were carried out for different sizes of the spherical indenter. Here, we show that calibration of a failure criterion for the cell in the homogenized model depends on the indenter size, whereas in the layer-resoled model, such dependency is greatly diminished.

Removal of pinned scroll waves in cardiac tissues by electric fields in a generic model of three-dimensional excitable media.

PubMed

Pan, De-Bei; Gao, Xiang; Feng, Xia; Pan, Jun-Ting; Zhang, Hong

2016-02-24

Spirals or scroll waves pinned to heterogeneities in cardiac tissues may cause lethal arrhythmias. To unpin these life-threatening spiral waves, methods of wave emission from heterogeneities (WEH) induced by low-voltage pulsed DC electric fields (PDCEFs) and circularly polarized electric fields (CPEFs) have been used in two-dimensional (2D) cardiac tissues. Nevertheless, the unpinning of scroll waves in three-dimensional (3D) cardiac systems is much more difficult than that of spiral waves in 2D cardiac systems, and there are few reports on the removal of pinned scroll waves in 3D cardiac tissues by electric fields. In this article, we investigate in detail the removal of pinned scroll waves in a generic model of 3D excitable media using PDCEF, AC electric field (ACEF) and CPEF, respectively. We find that spherical waves can be induced from the heterogeneities by these electric fields in initially quiescent excitable media. However, only CPEF can induce spherical waves with frequencies higher than that of the pinned scroll wave. Such higher-frequency spherical waves induced by CPEF can be used to drive the pinned scroll wave out of the cardiac systems. We hope this remarkable ability of CPEF can provide a better alternative to terminate arrhythmias caused by pinned scroll waves.

Precise SAR measurements in the near-field of RF antenna systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hakim, Bandar M.

Wireless devices must meet specific safety radiation limits, and in order to assess the health affects of such devices, standard procedures are used in which standard phantoms, tissue-equivalent liquids, and miniature electric field probes are used. The accuracy of such measurements depend on the precision in measuring the dielectric properties of the tissue-equivalent liquids and the associated calibrations of the electric-field probes. This thesis describes work on the theoretical modeling and experimental measurement of the complex permittivity of tissue-equivalent liquids, and associated calibration of miniature electric-field probes. The measurement method is based on measurements of the field attenuation factor and power reflection coefficient of a tissue-equivalent sample. A novel method, to the best of the authors knowledge, for determining the dielectric properties and probe calibration factors is described and validated. The measurement system is validated using saline at different concentrations, and measurements of complex permittivity and calibration factors have been made on tissue-equivalent liquids at 900MHz and 1800MHz. Uncertainty analysis have been conducted to study the measurement system sensitivity. Using the same waveguide to measure tissue-equivalent permittivity and calibrate e-field probes eliminates a source of uncertainty associated with using two different measurement systems. The measurement system is used to test GSM cell-phones at 900MHz and 1800MHz for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) compliance using a Specific Anthropomorphic Mannequin phantom (SAM).

XFEM with equivalent eigenstrain for matrix-inclusion interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benvenuti, Elena

2014-05-01

Several engineering applications rely on particulate composite materials, and numerical modelling of the matrix-inclusion interface is therefore a crucial part of the design process. The focus of this work is on an original use of the equivalent eigenstrain concept in the development of a simplified eXtended Finite Element Method. Key points are: the replacement of the matrix-inclusion interface by a coating layer with small but finite thickness, and its simulation as an inclusion with an equivalent eigenstrain. For vanishing thickness, the model is consistent with a spring-like interface model. The problem of a spherical inclusion within a cylinder is solved. The results show that the proposed approach is effective and accurate.

The Intravitreal Autologous Platelet Concentrate Injection as an Adjunct of Vitrectomy for the Treatment of Refractory Macular Holes

ClinicalTrials.gov

2014-03-06

Macular Hole With High Myopia (Spherical Equivalent ≤ -6.0 Diopters) or,; Large Size Macular Hole (Diameter > 600 Microns) or; Recurred or Failed Macular Hole From Previous Surgery; or Chronic Macular Hole (Symptom Duration > 6 Months)

Clinical results of the laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Hai-ke; Yao, Da-qing; Gui, Lu-ping

1998-11-01

To observe and analyze the refractive and complications of the LASIK for corrections of myopia. With the microlamellar keratoplasty and the excimer laser, LASIK was performed on 194 cases. According to the preoperative spherical equivalent refraction, divide the patients into three groups.

Spherical D-brane by tachyon condensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asakawa, Tsuguhiko; Matsuura, So

2018-03-01

We find a novel tachyon condensation which provides a D-brane system with spherical worldvolume in the flat spacetime. The tachyon profile is a deformation of a known D0-brane solution on non-BPS D3-branes in type IIA superstring theory, which realizes a bound state of a spherical D2-brane and a D0-brane. The D0-brane is resolved into the sphere as a U(1) monopole flux of the unit magnetic charge. We show that the system has the correct tension and the RR-coupling. Although the low-energy effective action of the system is the same as that of the dual description of the fuzzy sphere solution of multiple D0-branes, our system cannot be equivalent to the fuzzy sphere. The use of projective modules in describing the tachyon condensation is emphasized.

Development of a tissue-engineered human oral mucosa equivalent based on an acellular allogeneic dermal matrix: a preliminary report of clinical application to burn wounds.

PubMed

Iida, Takuya; Takami, Yoshihiro; Yamaguchi, Ryo; Shimazaki, Shuji; Harii, Kiyonori

2005-01-01

Tissue-engineered skin equivalents composed of epidermal and dermal components have been widely investigated for coverage of full-thickness skin defects. We developed a tissue-engineered oral mucosa equivalent based on an acellular allogeneic dermal matrix and investigated its characteristics. We also tried and assessed its preliminary clinical application. Human oral mucosal keratinocytes were separated from a piece of oral mucosa and cultured in a chemically-defined medium. The keratinocytes were seeded on to the acellular allogeneic dermal matrix and cultured. Histologically, the mucosa equivalent had a well-stratified epithelial layer. Immunohistochemical study showed that it was similar to normal oral mucosa. We applied this equivalent in one case with an extensive burn wound. The equivalent was transplanted three weeks after the harvest of the patient's oral mucosa and about 30% of the graft finally survived. We conclude that this new oral mucosa equivalent could become a therapeutic option for the treatment of extensive burns.

Particle size and morphology of UHMWPE wear debris in failed total knee arthroplasties--a comparison between mobile bearing and fixed bearing knees.

PubMed

Huang, Chun-Hsiung; Ho, Fang-Yuan; Ma, Hon-Ming; Yang, Chan-Tsung; Liau, Jiann-Jong; Kao, Hung-Chan; Young, Tai-Horng; Cheng, Cheng-Kung

2002-09-01

Osteolysis induced by ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene wear debris has been recognized as the major cause of long-term failure in total joint arthroplasties. In a previous study, the prevalence of intraoperatively identified osteolysis during primary revision surgery was much higher in mobile bearing knee replacements (47%) than in fixed bearing knee replacements (13%). We postulated that mobile bearing knee implants tend to produce smaller sized particles. In our current study, we compared the particle size and morphology of polyethylene wear debris between failed mobile bearing and fixed bearing knees. Tissue specimens from interfacial and lytic regions were extracted during revision surgery of 10 mobile bearing knees (all of the low contact stress (LCS) design) and 17 fixed bearing knees (10 of the porous-coated anatomic (PCA) and 7 of the Miller/Galante design). Polyethylene particles were isolated from the tissue specimens and examined using both scanning electron microscopy and light-scattering analyses. The LCS mobile bearing knees produced smaller particulate debris (mean equivalent spherical diameter: 0.58 microm in LCS, 1.17 microm in PCA and 5.23 microm in M/G) and more granular debris (mean value: 93% in LCS, 77% in PCA and 15% in M/G).

Evaluation of dose delivery accuracy of gamma knife using MRI polymer gel dosimeter in an inhomogeneous phantom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pourfallah T, A.; Alam N, Riahi; M, Allahverdi; M, Ay; M, Zahmatkesh

2009-05-01

Polymer gel dosimetry is still the only dosimetry method for directly measuring three-dimensional dose distributions. MRI Polymer gel dosimeters are tissue equivalent and can act as a phantom material. Because of high dose response sensitivity, the MRI was chosen as readout device. In this study dose profiles calculated with treatment-planning software (LGP) and measurements with the MR polymer gel dosimeter for single-shot irradiations were compared. A custom-built 16 cm diameter spherical plexiglas head phantom was used in this study. Inside the phantom, there is a cubic cutout for insertion of gel phantoms and another cutout for inserting the inhomogeneities. The phantoms were scanned with a 1.5T MRI (Siemens syngo MR 2004A 4VA25A) scanner. The multiple spin-echo sequence with 32 echoes was used for the MRI scans. Calibration relations between the spin-spin relaxation rate and the absorbed dose were obtained by using small cylindrical vials, which were filled with the PAGAT polymer gel from the same batch as for the spherical phantom. 1D and 2D data obtained using gel dosimeter for homogeneous and inhomogeneous phantoms were compared with dose obtained using LGP calculation. The distance between relative isodose curves obtained for homogeneous phantom and heterogeneous phantoms exceed the accepted total positioning error (>±2mm). The findings of this study indicate that dose measurement using PAGAT gel dosimeter can be used for verifying dose delivering accuracy in GK unit in presence of inhomogeneities.

Light scattering by nonspherical particles: Remote sensing and climatic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liou, K. N.; Takano, Y.

Calculations of the scattering and adsorption properties of ice crystals and aerosols, which are usually nonspherical, require specific methodologies. There is no unique theoretical solution for the scattering by nonspherical particles. Practically, all the numerical solutions for the scattering of nonspherical particles, including the exact wave equation approach, integral equation method, and discrete-dipole approximation, are applicable only to size parameters less than about 20. Thus, these methods are useful for the study of radiation problems involving nonspherical aerosols and small ice crystals in the thermal infrared wavelengths. The geometric optics approximation has been used to evaluate the scattering, absorption and polarization properties of hexagonal ice crystals whose sizes are much larger than the incident wavelength. This approximation is generally valid for hexagonal ice crystals with size parameters larger than about 30. From existing laboratory data and theoretical results, we illustrate that nonspherical particles absorb less and have a smaller asymmetry factor than the equal-projected area/volume spherical counterparts. In particular, we show that hexagonal ice crystals exhibit numerous halo and arc features that cannot be obtained from spherical particles; and that ice crystals scatter more light in the 60° to 140° scattering angle regions than the spherical counterparts. Satellite remote sensing of the optical depth and height of cirrus clouds using visible and IR channels must use appropriate phase functions for ice crystals. Use of an equivalent sphere model would lead to a significant overestimation and underestimation of the cirrus optical depth and height, respectively. Interpretation of the measurements for polarization reflected from sunlight involving cirrus clouds cannot be made without an appropriate ice crystal model. Large deviations exist for the polarization patterns between spheres and hexagonal ice crystals. Interpretation of lidar backscattering and depolarization signals must also utilize the scattering characteristics of hexagonal ice crystals. Equivalent spherical models substantially underestimate the broadband solar albedos of ice crystal clouds because of stronger forward scattering and larger absorption by spherical particles than hexagonal ice crystals. We illustrate that the net cloud radiative forcing at the top of the atmosphere involving most cirrus clouds is positive, implying that the IR greenhouse effect outweighs the solar albedo effect. If the radiative properties of equivalent spheres are used, a significant increase in cloud radiative forcing occurs. Using a one-dimensional cloud and climate model, we further demonstrate that there is sufficient model sensitivity, in terms of temperature increase, to the use of ice crystal models in radiation calculations.

Outcomes of topography-guided versus wavefront-optimized laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia in virgin eyes.

PubMed

Jain, Arun Kumar; Malhotra, Chintan; Pasari, Anand; Kumar, Pawan; Moshirfar, Majid

2016-09-01

To compare the outcomes of topography-guided and wavefront-optimized treatment in patients having laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia. Advanced Eye Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. Prospective contralateral-eye case study. Patients had topography-guided LASIK in 1 eye and wavefront-optimized LASIK in the contralateral eye using the Customized Refractive Surgery Master software and Mel 80 excimer laser. Refractive (residual manifest refraction spherical equivalent [MRSE], higher-order aberrations [HOAs]), and visual (uncorrected distance visual acuity [UDVA] and photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity) outcomes were prospectively analyzed 6 months postoperatively. The study comprised 35 patients. The UDVA was 0.0 logMAR or better and the postoperative residual MRSE was ±0.50 diopter in 94.29% of eyes in the topography-guided group and 85.71% of eyes in the wavefront-optimized group (P = .09). More eyes in the topography-guided group than in the wavefront-optimized group had a UDVA of -0.1 logMAR or better (P = .04). Topography-guided LASIK was associated with less deterioration of mesopic contrast sensitivity at higher spatial frequencies (12 cycles per degree [cpd] and 18 cpd) and lower amounts of induced coma (P = .04) and spherical aberration (P = .04). Less stromal tissue was ablated in the topography-guided group (mean 61.57 μm ± 16.23 [SD]) than in the wavefront-optimized group (mean 79.71 ± 14.81 μm) (P < .001). Although topography-guided LASIK and wavefront-optimized LASIK gave excellent results, topography-guided LASIK was associated with better contrast sensitivity, lower induction of HOAs, and a smaller amount of tissue ablation. None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. Copyright © 2016 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prevalence and associations of anisometropia with spherical ametropia, cylindrical power, age, and sex in refractive surgery candidates.

PubMed

Linke, Stephan J; Richard, Gisbert; Katz, Toam

2011-09-29

To analyze the prevalence and associations of anisometropia with spherical ametropia, astigmatism, age, and sex in a refractive surgery population. Medical records of 27,070 eyes of 13,535 refractive surgery candidates were reviewed. Anisometropia, defined as the absolute difference in mean spherical equivalent powers between right and left eyes, was analyzed for subjective (A(subj)) and cycloplegic refraction (A(cycl)). Correlations between anisometropia (>1 diopter) and spherical ametropia, cylindrical power, age, and sex, were analyzed using χ² and nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis or Mann-Whitney tests and binomial logistic regression analyses. Power vector analysis was applied for further analysis of cylindrical power. Prevalence of A(subj) was 18.5% and of A(cycl) was 19.3%. In hyperopes, logistic regression analysis revealed that only spherical refractive error (odds ratio [OR], 0.72) and age (OR, 0.97) were independently associated with anisometropia. A(subj) decreased with increasing spherical ametropia and advancing age. Cylindrical power and sex did not significantly affect A(subj). In myopes all explanatory variables (spherical power OR, 0.93; cylindrical power OR, 0.75; age OR, 1.02; sex OR, 0.8) were independently associated with anisometropia. Cylindrical power was most strongly associated with anisometropia. Advancing age and increasing spherical/cylindrical power correlated positively with increasing anisometropia in myopic subjects. Female sex was more closely associated with anisometropia. This large-scale retrospective analysis confirmed an independent association between anisometropia and both spherical ametropia and age in refractive surgery candidates. Notably, an inverse relationship between these parameters in hyperopes was observed. Cylindrical power and female sex were independently associated with anisometropia in myopes.

Distance vision after bilateral implantation of AcrySof toric intraocular lenses: a randomized, controlled, prospective trial

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jin-Song; Zhao, Jiang-Yue; Sun, Qi; Ma, Li-Wei

2011-01-01

AIM To evaluate the distance vision of Chinese patients with cataracts and corneal astigmatism after implantation of bilateral AcrySof toric intraocular lens (IOL) versus bilateral AcrySof spherical IOL. METHODS This study randomized 60 patients into equal groups to receive toric IOL or spherical IOL. IOL powers targeting emmetropia were selected for 93% of toric IOL patients and for 90% of spherical IOL patients. Assessments included monocular and binocular distance vision, with and without best correction. Patients also completed surveys about their distance vision. RESULTS Preoperatively, the two study groups were similar in age, in distance visual acuity, and in the magnitude of corneal astigmatism. At 6 months postoperative, binocular uncorrected distance vision was 0.06±0.14 logMAR in the AcrySof toric IOL group, significantly better than the 0.14±0.11 logMAR in the spherical IOL group (P<0.05). For eyes with emmetropia as a target, the equivalent of 20/20 uncorrected vision was more likely (P<0.001) in the toric IOL group (36% of eyes) than in the spherical IOL group (4% of eyes). No patients in the emmetropia/toric IOL group used distance glasses, as compared to 52% of patients in the emmetropia/spherical IOL group. All patients were satisfied or highly satisfied. Quality of distance vision was rated higher by toric IOL patients than by spherical IOL patients (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Bilateral AcrySof toric IOL is superior to bilateral spherical IOL in providing uncorrected distance vision to cataract patients with corneal astigmatism. PMID:22553636

A restricted proof that the weak equivalence principle implies the Einstein equivalence principle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lightman, A. P.; Lee, D. L.

1973-01-01

Schiff has conjectured that the weak equivalence principle (WEP) implies the Einstein equivalence principle (EEP). A proof is presented of Schiff's conjecture, restricted to: (1) test bodies made of electromagnetically interacting point particles, that fall from rest in a static, spherically symmetric gravitational field; (2) theories of gravity within a certain broad class - a class that includes almost all complete relativistic theories that have been found in the literature, but with each theory truncated to contain only point particles plus electromagnetic and gravitational fields. The proof shows that every nonmentric theory in the class (every theory that violates EEP) must violate WEP. A formula is derived for the magnitude of the violation. It is shown that WEP is a powerful theoretical and experimental tool for constraining the manner in which gravity couples to electromagnetism in gravitation theories.

Light-weight spherical mirrors for Cherenkov detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cisbani, E.; Colilli, S.; Crateri, R.; Cusanno, F.; Fratoni, R.; Frullani, S.; Garibaldi, F.; Giuliani, F.; Gricia, M.; Iodice, M.; Iommi, R.; Lucentini, M.; Mostarda, A.; Pierangeli, L.; Santavenere, F.; Urciuoli, G. M.; De Leo, R.; Lagamba, L.; Nappi, E.; Braem, A.; Vernin, P.

2003-01-01

Light-weight spherical mirrors have been appositely designed and built for the gas threshold Cherenkov detectors of the two Hall A spectrometers. The mirrors are made of a 1 mm thick aluminized plexiglass sheet, reinforced by a rigid backing consisting of a phenolic honeycomb sandwiched between two carbon fiber mats epoxy glued. The produced mirrors have a thickness equivalent to 0.55% of radiation length, and an optical slope error of about 5.5 mrad. These characteristics make these mirrors suitable for the implementation in Cherenkov threshold detectors. Ways to improve the mirror features are also discussed in view of their possible employment in RICH detectors.

Nekrasov and Argyres-Douglas theories in spherical Hecke algebra representation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rim, Chaiho; Zhang, Hong

2017-06-01

AGT conjecture connects Nekrasov instanton partition function of 4D quiver gauge theory with 2D Liouville conformal blocks. We re-investigate this connection using the central extension of spherical Hecke algebra in q-coordinate representation, q being the instanton expansion parameter. Based on AFLT basis together with intertwiners we construct gauge conformal state and demonstrate its equivalence to the Liouville conformal state, with careful attention to the proper scaling behavior of the state. Using the colliding limit of regular states, we obtain the formal expression of irregular conformal states corresponding to Argyres-Douglas theory, which involves summation of functions over Young diagrams.

Removal of pinned scroll waves in cardiac tissues by electric fields in a generic model of three-dimensional excitable media

PubMed Central

Pan, De-Bei; Gao, Xiang; Feng, Xia; Pan, Jun-Ting; Zhang, Hong

2016-01-01

Spirals or scroll waves pinned to heterogeneities in cardiac tissues may cause lethal arrhythmias. To unpin these life-threatening spiral waves, methods of wave emission from heterogeneities (WEH) induced by low-voltage pulsed DC electric fields (PDCEFs) and circularly polarized electric fields (CPEFs) have been used in two-dimensional (2D) cardiac tissues. Nevertheless, the unpinning of scroll waves in three-dimensional (3D) cardiac systems is much more difficult than that of spiral waves in 2D cardiac systems, and there are few reports on the removal of pinned scroll waves in 3D cardiac tissues by electric fields. In this article, we investigate in detail the removal of pinned scroll waves in a generic model of 3D excitable media using PDCEF, AC electric field (ACEF) and CPEF, respectively. We find that spherical waves can be induced from the heterogeneities by these electric fields in initially quiescent excitable media. However, only CPEF can induce spherical waves with frequencies higher than that of the pinned scroll wave. Such higher-frequency spherical waves induced by CPEF can be used to drive the pinned scroll wave out of the cardiac systems. We hope this remarkable ability of CPEF can provide a better alternative to terminate arrhythmias caused by pinned scroll waves. PMID:26905367

Tissue Equivalents Based on Cell-Seeded Biodegradable Microfluidic Constructs

PubMed Central

Borenstein, Jeffrey T.; Megley, Katie; Wall, Kimberly; Pritchard, Eleanor M.; Truong, David; Kaplan, David L.; Tao, Sarah L.; Herman, Ira M.

2010-01-01

One of the principal challenges in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is the formation of functional microvascular networks capable of sustaining tissue constructs. Complex tissues and vital organs require a means to support oxygen and nutrient transport during the development of constructs both prior to and after host integration, and current approaches have not demonstrated robust solutions to this challenge. Here, we present a technology platform encompassing the design, construction, cell seeding and functional evaluation of tissue equivalents for wound healing and other clinical applications. These tissue equivalents are comprised of biodegradable microfluidic scaffolds lined with microvascular cells and designed to replicate microenvironmental cues necessary to generate and sustain cell populations to replace dermal and/or epidermal tissues lost due to trauma or disease. Initial results demonstrate that these biodegradable microfluidic devices promote cell adherence and support basic cell functions. These systems represent a promising pathway towards highly integrated three-dimensional engineered tissue constructs for a wide range of clinical applications.

Tissue grown in space in NASA Bioreactor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

Dr. Lisa E. Freed of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her colleagues have reported that initially disc-like specimens of cartilage tend to become spherical in space, demonstrating that tissues can grow and differentiate into distinct structures in microgravity. The Mir Increment 3 (Sept. 16, 1996 - Jan. 22, 1997) samples were smaller, more spherical, and mechanically weaker than Earth-grown control samples. These results demonstrate the feasibility of microgravity tissue engineering and may have implications for long human space voyages and for treating musculoskeletal disorders on earth. Constructs grown on Mir (A) tended to become more spherical, whereas those grown on Earth (B) maintained their initial disc shape. These findings might be related to differences in cultivation conditions, i.e., videotapes showed that constructs floated freely in microgravity but settled and collided with the rotating vessel wall at 1g (Earth's gravity). In particular, on Mir the constructs were exposed to uniform shear and mass transfer at all surfaces such that the tissue grew equally in all directions, whereas on Earth the settling of discoid constructs tended to align their flat circular areas perpendicular to the direction of motion, increasing shear and mass transfer circumferentially such that the tissue grew preferentially in the radial direction. A and B are full cross sections of constructs from Mir and Earth groups shown at 10-power. C and D are representative areas at the construct surfaces enlarged to 200-power. They are stained red with safranin-O. NASA-sponsored bioreactor research has been instrumental in helping scientists to better understand normal and cancerous tissue development. The work is sponsored by NASA's Office of Biological and Physical Research. The bioreactor is managed by the Biotechnology Cell Science Program at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC). Photo credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Comparison between Measured and Simulated Radiation Doses in the Matoroshka-R Spherical phantom Experiment#1 and Area Monitoring aboard International Space Station using PADLES from May - Sep. 2012

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagamatsu, Aiko; Tolochek, Raisa; Shurshakov, Vyacheslav; Nikolaev, Igor; Tawara, Hiroko; Kitajo, Keiichi; Shimada, Ken

The measurement of radiation environmental parameters in space is essential to support radiation risk assessments for astronauts and establish a benchmark for space radiation models for present and future human space activities. Since Japanese Experiment Module ‘KIBO’ was attached to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2008, we have been performing continuous space radiation dosimetery using a PADLES (Passive Dosimeter for Life-Science Experiments in Space) consisting of CR-39 PNTDs (Plastic Nuclear track detectors) and TLD-MSOs (Mg2SiO4:Tb) for various space experiments onboard the ‘KIBO’ part of the ISS. The MATROSHKA-R experiments aims to verify of dose distributions in a human body during space flight. The phantom consists of tissue equivalent material covered by a poncho jacket with 32 pockets on the surface. 20 container rods with dosimeters can be struck into the spherical phantom. Its diameter is 370 mm and it is 32 kg in weight. The first experiment onboard the KIBO at Forward No.2 area (JPM1F2 Rack2) was conducted over 114 days from 21 May to 12 September 2012 (the installation schedule inside the phantom) on the way to solar cycle 24th upward curve. 16 PADLES packages were deployed into 16 poncho pockets on the surface of the spherical phantom. Another 12 PADLES packages were deployed inside 4 rods (3 packages per rod in the outer, middle and inner side). Area monitoring in the KIBO was conducted in the same period (Area PADLES series #8 from 15 May to 16 September, 2012). Absorbed doses were measured at 17 area monitoring points in the KIBO and 28 locations (16 packages in poncho pockets and 12 inside 4 rods) in the phantom. The maximum value measured with the PADLES in the poncho pockets on the surface of the spherical phantom facing the outer wall was 0.43 mGy/day and the minimum value measured with the PADLES in the poncho pockets on the surface of the spherical phantom facing the KIBO interior was 0.30 mGy/day. The maximum absorbed doses measured inside rods was 0.28 mGy/day and the minimum value was 0.19 mGy/day. This indicates doses measured from the dosimeters placed in the outer side of each rod are relatively high compared to the doses placed in the center of rod. At this time, we also would like to show the preliminary results of comparative study between measured and Simulated Radiation Doses using the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS) calculations with well developed shielding model of the KIBO and numerical spherical phantom inside.

49 CFR 572.183 - Neck assembly.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... subpart E pendulum test fixture as shown in Figure U2-A in appendix A to this subpart, so that the... pendulum longitudinal centerline shown in Figure U2-A. Torque the half-spherical screws (175-2004) located... equivalent; (3) Release the pendulum from a height sufficient to allow it to fall freely to achieve an impact...

49 CFR 572.183 - Neck assembly.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... subpart E pendulum test fixture as shown in Figure U2-A in appendix A to this subpart, so that the... pendulum longitudinal centerline shown in Figure U2-A. Torque the half-spherical screws (175-2004) located... equivalent; (3) Release the pendulum from a height sufficient to allow it to fall freely to achieve an impact...

49 CFR 572.183 - Neck assembly.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... subpart E pendulum test fixture as shown in Figure U2-A in appendix A to this subpart, so that the... pendulum longitudinal centerline shown in Figure U2-A. Torque the half-spherical screws (175-2004) located... equivalent; (3) Release the pendulum from a height sufficient to allow it to fall freely to achieve an impact...

49 CFR 572.183 - Neck assembly.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... subpart E pendulum test fixture as shown in Figure U2-A in appendix A to this subpart, so that the... pendulum longitudinal centerline shown in Figure U2-A. Torque the half-spherical screws (175-2004) located... equivalent; (3) Release the pendulum from a height sufficient to allow it to fall freely to achieve an impact...

49 CFR 572.183 - Neck assembly.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... subpart E pendulum test fixture as shown in Figure U2-A in appendix A to this subpart, so that the... pendulum longitudinal centerline shown in Figure U2-A. Torque the half-spherical screws (175-2004) located... equivalent; (3) Release the pendulum from a height sufficient to allow it to fall freely to achieve an impact...

Approximating lens power.

PubMed

Kaye, Stephen B

2009-04-01

To provide a scalar measure of refractive error, based on geometric lens power through principal, orthogonal and oblique meridians, that is not limited to the paraxial and sag height approximations. A function is derived to model sections through the principal meridian of a lens, followed by rotation of the section through orthogonal and oblique meridians. Average focal length is determined using the definition for the average of a function. Average univariate power in the principal meridian (including spherical aberration), can be computed from the average of a function over the angle of incidence as determined by the parameters of the given lens, or adequately computed from an integrated series function. Average power through orthogonal and oblique meridians, can be similarly determined using the derived formulae. The widely used computation for measuring refractive error, the spherical equivalent, introduces non-constant approximations, leading to a systematic bias. The equations proposed provide a good univariate representation of average lens power and are not subject to a systematic bias. They are particularly useful for the analysis of aggregate data, correlating with biological treatment variables and for developing analyses, which require a scalar equivalent representation of refractive power.

Infrared backscattering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bohren, Craig F.; Nevitt, Timothy J.; Singham, Shermila Brito

1989-01-01

All particles in the atmosphere are not spherical. Moreover, the scattering properties of randomly oriented nonspherical particles are not equivalent to those of spherical particles no matter how the term equivalent is defined. This is especially true for scattering in the backward direction and at the infrared wavelengths at which some atmospheric particles have strong absorption bands. Thus calculations based on Mie theory of infrared backscattering by dry or insoluble atmospheric particles are suspect. To support this assertion, it was noted that peaks in laboratory-measured infrared backscattering spectra show appreciable shifts compared with those calculated using Mie theory. One example is ammonium sulfate. Some success was had in modeling backscattering spectra of ammonium sulfate particles using a simple statistical theory called the continuous distribution of ellipsoids (CDE) theory. In this theory, the scattering properties of an ensemble are calculated. Recently a modified version of this theory was applied to measured spectra of scattering by kaolin particles. The particles were platelike, so the probability distribution of ellipsoidal shapes was chosen to reflect this. As with ammonium sulfate, the wavelength of measured peak backscattering is shifted longward of that predicted by Mie theory.

Genetic effects on refraction and correlation with hemodynamic variables: a twin study.

PubMed

Toth, G Zs; Tarnoki, Adam Domonkos; Tarnoki, D L; Racz, A; Szekelyhidi, Z; Littvay, L; Karlinger, K; Lannert, A; Molnar, A A; Garami, Zs; Berczi, V; Suveges, I; Nemeth, J

2014-09-01

Spherical equivalent (SE) has not been linked to increased cardiovascular morbidity. Methods: 132 Hungarian twins(age 43.3±16.9 years) underwent refraction measurements (Huvitz MRK-3100 Premium AutoRefractokeratometer)and oscillometry (TensioMed Arteriograph). Results: Heritability analysis indicated major role for genetic components in the presence of right and left SE (82.7%, 95%CI, 62.9 to 93.7%, and 89.3%, 95%CI, 72.8 to 96.6%),while unshared environmental effects accounted for 17% (95%CI, 6.3% to 37%), and 11% (95%CI, 3.4% to 26.7%)of variations adjusted for age and sex. Bilateral SE showed weak age-dependent correlations with augmentation index (AIx), aortic pulse wave velocity (r ranging between 0.218 and 0.389, all p < 0.01), aortic systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure (r between 0.188 and 0.289, p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings support heritability of spherical equivalent, which does not coexist with altered hemodynamics (e.g. accelerated arterial aging).Accordingly, SE and the investigated hemodynamic parameters seem neither phenotypically nor genetically associated.

Prevalence of refractive errors in Möbius sequence.

PubMed

Cronemberger, Monica Fialho; Polati, Mariza; Debert, Iara; Mendonça, Tomás Scalamandré; Souza-Dias, Carlos; Miller, Marilyn; Ventura, Liana Oliveira; Nakanami, Célia Regina; Goldchmit, Mauro

2013-01-01

To assess the prevalence of refractive errors in Möbius sequence. This study was carried out during the Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Möbius Society in November 2008. Forty-four patients diagnosed with the Möbius sequence were submitted to a comprehensive assessment, on the following specialties: ophthalmology, neurology, genetics, psychiatry, psychology and dentistry. Forty-three patients were cooperative and able to undertake the ophthalmological examination. Twenty-two (51.2 %) were male and 21 (48.8%) were female. The average age was 8.3 years (from 2 to 17 years). The visual acuity was evaluated using a retro-illuminated logMAR chart in cooperative patients. All children were submitted to exams on ocular motility, cyclopegic refraction, and fundus examination. From the total of 85 eyes, using the spherical equivalent, the major of the eyes (57.6%) were emmetropics (>-0.50 D and <+2.00 D). The prevalence of astigmatism greater than or equal to 0.75 D was 40%. The prevalence of refractive errors, by the spherical equivalent, was 42.4% in this studied group.

Equivalent mechanical model of large-amplitude liquid sloshing under time-dependent lateral excitations in low-gravity conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nan, Miao; Junfeng, Li; Tianshu, Wang

2017-01-01

Subjected to external lateral excitations, large-amplitude sloshing may take place in propellant tanks, especially for spacecraft in low-gravity conditions, such as landers in the process of hover and obstacle avoidance during lunar soft landing. Due to lateral force of the order of gravity in magnitude, the amplitude of liquid sloshing becomes too big for the traditional equivalent model to be accurate. Therefore, a new equivalent mechanical model, denominated the "composite model", that can address large-amplitude lateral sloshing in partially filled spherical tanks is established in this paper, with both translational and rotational excitations considered. The hypothesis of liquid equilibrium position following equivalent gravity is first proposed. By decomposing the large-amplitude motion of a liquid into bulk motion following the equivalent gravity and additional small-amplitude sloshing, a better simulation of large-amplitude liquid sloshing is presented. The effectiveness and accuracy of the model are verified by comparing the slosh forces and moments to results of the traditional model and CFD software.

Testing Moderating Detection Systems with {sup 252}Cf-Based Reference Neutron Fields

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

Hertel, Nolan E.; Sweezy, Jeremy; Sauber, Jeremiah S.

Calibration measurements were carried out on a probe designed to measure ambient dose equivalent in accordance with ICRP Pub 60 recommendations. It consists of a cylindrical {sup 3}He proportional counter surrounded by a 25-cm-diameter spherical polyethylene moderator. Its neutron response is optimized for dose rate measurements of neutrons between thermal energies and 20 MeV. The instrument was used to measure the dose rate in four separate neutron fields: unmoderated {sup 252}Cf, D{sub 2}O-moderated {sup 252}Cf, polyethylene-moderated {sup 252}Cf, and WEP neutron howitzer with {sup 252}Cf at its center. Dose equivalent measurements were performed at source-detector centerline distances from 50 tomore » 200 cm. The ratio of air-scatter- and room-return-corrected ambient dose equivalent rates to ambient dose equivalent rates calculated with the code MCNP are tabulated.« less

NASA Bioreactor tissue culture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

Dr. Lisa E. Freed of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her colleagues have reported that initially disc-like specimens tend to become spherical in space, demonstrating that tissues can grow and differentiate into distinct structures in microgravity. The Mir Increment 3 (Sept. 16, 1996 - Jan. 22, 1997) samples were smaller, more spherical, and mechanically weaker than Earth-grown control samples. These results demonstrate the feasibility of microgravity tissue engineering and may have implications for long human space voyages and for treating musculoskeletal disorders on earth. The work is sponsored by NASA's Office of Biological and Physical Research. The bioreactor is managed by the Biotechnology Cell Science Program at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC). NASA-sponsored bioreactor research has been instrumental in helping scientists to better understand normal and cancerous tissue development. In cooperation with the medical community, the bioreactor design is being used to prepare better models of human colon, prostate, breast and ovarian tumors. Cartilage, bone marrow, heart muscle, skeletal muscle, pancreatic islet cells, liver and kidney are just a few of the normal tissues being cultured in rotating bioreactors by investigators.

Comparison of myopia control between toric and spherical periphery design orthokeratology in myopic children with moderate-to-high corneal astigmatism.

PubMed

Zhang, Yu; Chen, Yue-Guo

2018-01-01

To compare clinical results between toric and spherical periphery design orthokeratology (ortho-k) in myopic children with moderate-to-high corneal astigmatism. This retrospective study enrolled 62 eyes of 62 subjects using toric ortho-k lenses. These subjects were assigned to the toric group. Based on the one-to-one match principle (same age, proximate spherical equivalence and corneal astigmatism), 62 eyes of 62 subjects were enrolled and included in the spherical group. At one-year follow-up visit, visual acuity, corneal astigmatism, treatment zone decentration, axial elongation and adverse reaction were compared between these two groups. At the one-year visit, corneal astigmatism was significantly lower in the toric group (1.22±0.76 D) than in the spherical group (2.05±0.85 D) ( P =0.012). The mean magnitude of the treatment zone decentration was 0.62±0.42 mm in the toric group and 1.07±0.40 mm in the spherical group ( P =0.004). Axial elongation was significantly slower in the toric group (0.04±0.13 mm) than in the spherical group (0.09±0.13 mm) ( P =0.001). The one-year axial elongation was significantly correlated with initial age ( r =-0.487, P <0.001) and periphery design of ortho-k lens ( r =0.315, P <0.001). The incidence of corneal staining was lower in the toric group (8.1%) than in the spherical group (19.4%) ( P <0.001). Toric periphery design ortho-k lenses may provide lower corneal astigmatism, better centration, slower axial elongation and lower incidence of corneal staining in myopic children with moderate-to-high corneal astigmatism.

Enhancement After Myopic Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) Using Surface Ablation.

PubMed

Siedlecki, Jakob; Luft, Nikolaus; Kook, Daniel; Wertheimer, Christian; Mayer, Wolfgang J; Bechmann, Martin; Wiltfang, Rainer; Priglinger, Siegfried G; Sekundo, Walter; Dirisamer, Martin

2017-08-01

To report the feasibility and outcomes of surface ablation after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). In this retrospective evaluation of 1,963 SMILE procedures, 43 eyes (2.2%) were re-treated at three separate clinics. Of these, 40 eyes of 28 patients with a follow-up of at least 3 months were included in the analysis. During surface ablation, mitomycin C was applied for haze prevention. Spherical equivalent was -6.35 ± 1.31 diopters (D) before SMILE and -0.86 ± 0.43 D before surface ablation. Surface ablation was performed after a mean of 9.82 ± 5.27 months and resulted in a spherical equivalent of 0.03 ± 0.57 D at 3 months (P < .0001). The number of patients within ±0.50 and ±1.00 D of target refraction increased from 22.5% to 80% and from 72.5% to 92.5%, respectively. Mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) improved from 0.23 ± 0.20 to 0.08 ± 0.15 logMAR (P < .0001); 65% of patients gained at least one line. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) remained unchanged with 0.01 ± 0.07 logMAR before versus -0.01 ± 0.05 logMAR after re-treatment (P = .99). Six eyes (15.0%) lost one line of CDVA, but final CDVA was 0.00 logMAR in four and 0.10 logMAR in two of these cases. The safety and efficacy indices were 1.06 and 0.90 at 3 months, respectively. Three of the four surface ablation profiles (Triple-A, tissue-saving algorithm, and topography-guided) resulted in equally good results, whereas enhancement with the aspherically optimized profile (ASA), used in two eyes, resulted in overcorrection (+1.38 and +1.75 D). Combined with the intraoperative application of mitomycin C, surface ablation seems to be a safe and effective method of secondary enhancement after SMILE. Due to the usually low residual myopia, the ASA profile is not recommended in these cases. [J Refract Surg. 2017;33(8):513-518.]. Copyright 2017, SLACK Incorporated.

X-ray phase contrast imaging of the breast: Analysis of tissue simulating materials

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

Vedantham, Srinivasan; Karellas, Andrew

Purpose: Phase contrast imaging, particularly of the breast, is being actively investigated. The purpose of this work is to investigate the x-ray phase contrast properties of breast tissues and commonly used breast tissue substitutes or phantom materials with an aim of determining the phantom materials best representative of breast tissues. Methods: Elemental compositions of breast tissues including adipose, fibroglandular, and skin were used to determine the refractive index, n= 1 -{delta}+i {beta}. The real part of the refractive index, specifically the refractive index decrement ({delta}), over the energy range of 5-50 keV were determined using XOP software (version 2.3, Europeanmore » Synchrotron Radiation Facility, France). Calcium oxalate and calcium hydroxyapatite were considered to represent the material compositions of microcalcifications in vivo. Nineteen tissue substitutes were considered as possible candidates to represent adipose tissue, fibroglandular tissue and skin, and four phantom materials were considered as possible candidates to represent microcalcifications. For each material, either the molecular formula, if available, or the elemental composition based on weight fraction, was used to determine {delta}. At each x-ray photon energy, the absolute percent difference in {delta} between the breast tissue and the substitute material was determined, from which three candidates were selected. From these candidate tissue substitutes, the material that minimized the absolute percent difference in linear attenuation coefficient {mu}, and hence {beta}, was considered to be best representative of that breast tissue. Results: Over the energy range of 5-50 keV, while the {delta} of CB3 and fibroglandular tissue-equivalent material were within 1% of that of fibroglandular tissue, the {mu} of fibroglandular tissue-equivalent material better approximated the fibroglandular tissue. While the {delta} of BR10 and adipose tissue-equivalent material were within 1% of that of adipose tissue, the tissue-equivalent material better approximated the adipose tissue in terms of {mu}. Polymethyl methacrylate, a commonly used tissue substitute, exhibited {delta} greater than fibroglandular tissue by {approx}12%. The A-150 plastic closely approximated the skin. Several materials exhibited {delta} between that of adipose and fibroglandular tissue. However, there was an energy-dependent mismatch in terms of equivalent fibroglandular weight fraction between {delta} and {mu} for these materials. For microcalcifications, aluminum and calcium carbonate were observed to straddle the {delta} and {mu} of calcium oxalate and calcium hydroxyapatite. Aluminum oxide, commonly used to represent microcalcifications in the American College of Radiology recommended phantoms for accreditation exhibited {delta} greater than calcium hydroxyapatite by {approx}23%. Conclusions: A breast phantom comprising A-150 plastic to represent the skin, commercially available adipose and fibroglandular tissue-equivalent formulations to represent adipose and fibroglandular tissue, respectively, was found to be best suited for x-ray phase-sensitive imaging of the breast. Calcium carbonate or aluminum can be used to represent microcalcifications.« less

X-ray phase contrast imaging of the breast: Analysis of tissue simulating materials1

PubMed Central

Vedantham, Srinivasan; Karellas, Andrew

2013-01-01

Purpose: Phase contrast imaging, particularly of the breast, is being actively investigated. The purpose of this work is to investigate the x-ray phase contrast properties of breast tissues and commonly used breast tissue substitutes or phantom materials with an aim of determining the phantom materials best representative of breast tissues. Methods: Elemental compositions of breast tissues including adipose, fibroglandular, and skin were used to determine the refractive index, n = 1 − δ + i β. The real part of the refractive index, specifically the refractive index decrement (δ), over the energy range of 5–50 keV were determined using XOP software (version 2.3, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, France). Calcium oxalate and calcium hydroxyapatite were considered to represent the material compositions of microcalcifications in vivo. Nineteen tissue substitutes were considered as possible candidates to represent adipose tissue, fibroglandular tissue and skin, and four phantom materials were considered as possible candidates to represent microcalcifications. For each material, either the molecular formula, if available, or the elemental composition based on weight fraction, was used to determine δ. At each x-ray photon energy, the absolute percent difference in δ between the breast tissue and the substitute material was determined, from which three candidates were selected. From these candidate tissue substitutes, the material that minimized the absolute percent difference in linear attenuation coefficient μ, and hence β, was considered to be best representative of that breast tissue. Results: Over the energy range of 5–50 keV, while the δ of CB3 and fibroglandular tissue-equivalent material were within 1% of that of fibroglandular tissue, the μ of fibroglandular tissue-equivalent material better approximated the fibroglandular tissue. While the δ of BR10 and adipose tissue-equivalent material were within 1% of that of adipose tissue, the tissue-equivalent material better approximated the adipose tissue in terms of μ. Polymethyl methacrylate, a commonly used tissue substitute, exhibited δ greater than fibroglandular tissue by ∼12%. The A-150 plastic closely approximated the skin. Several materials exhibited δ between that of adipose and fibroglandular tissue. However, there was an energy-dependent mismatch in terms of equivalent fibroglandular weight fraction between δ and μ for these materials. For microcalcifications, aluminum and calcium carbonate were observed to straddle the δ and μ of calcium oxalate and calcium hydroxyapatite. Aluminum oxide, commonly used to represent microcalcifications in the American College of Radiology recommended phantoms for accreditation exhibited δ greater than calcium hydroxyapatite by ∼23%. Conclusions: A breast phantom comprising A-150 plastic to represent the skin, commercially available adipose and fibroglandular tissue-equivalent formulations to represent adipose and fibroglandular tissue, respectively, was found to be best suited for x-ray phase-sensitive imaging of the breast. Calcium carbonate or aluminum can be used to represent microcalcifications. PMID:23556900

Study of Theories about Myopia Progression (STAMP) Design and Baseline Data

PubMed Central

Berntsen, David A.; Mutti, Donald O.; Zadnik, Karla

2011-01-01

Purpose The Study of Theories about Myopia Progression (STAMP) is a two-year, double-masked, randomized clinical trial of myopic children 6 to 11 years old. STAMP will evaluate the one-year effect of progressive addition lenses (PALs) compared to single vision lenses (SVLs) on central refraction, peripheral refraction in four quadrants, and accommodative response and convergence. STAMP will also evaluate any changes one year after discontinuing PALs. Baseline characteristics of enrolled children are reported. Methods Eligible children had a high accommodative lag and either: (1) low myopia (less myopic than −2.25 D spherical equivalent) or (2) high myopia (more myopic that −2.25 D spherical equivalent) and esophoria at near. Children were randomly assigned to wear either PALs or SVLs for one year to determine the difference in myopia progression in the PAL group relative to the SVL group. All children will then wear SVLs for the second year to evaluate the permanence of any treatment effect. Complete ocular biometric data are collected at six-month intervals. Results Over 17 months, 192 children were screened, and 85 (44%) were eligible and enrolled. Of these 85 children, 44 (52%) were female, and 54 (64%) were esophoric at near. The mean age (± SD) was 9.8 ± 1.3 years. The right eye mean cycloplegic spherical equivalent refractive error was −1.95 ± 0.78 D. Horizontal relative peripheral hyperopia (30° nasal retina +0.56 ± 0.59 D; 30° temporal retina +0.61 ± 0.77 D) and vertical relative peripheral myopia (30° superior retina −0.36 ± 0.92 D; 20° inferior retina −0.48 ± 0.83 D) were found. Conclusions The baseline data for STAMP are reported. Asymmetry between vertical and horizontal meridian relative peripheral refraction was found. STAMP will utilize the ocular biometric changes associated with the PAL-treatment effect to attempt to elucidate the mechanism responsible for the treatment effect. PMID:20935586

Linkage Analysis of Quantitative Refraction and Refractive Errors in the Beaver Dam Eye Study

PubMed Central

Duggal, Priya; Lee, Kristine E.; Cheng, Ching-Yu; Klein, Ronald; Bailey-Wilson, Joan E.; Klein, Barbara E. K.

2011-01-01

Purpose. Refraction, as measured by spherical equivalent, is the need for an external lens to focus images on the retina. While genetic factors play an important role in the development of refractive errors, few susceptibility genes have been identified. However, several regions of linkage have been reported for myopia (2q, 4q, 7q, 12q, 17q, 18p, 22q, and Xq) and for quantitative refraction (1p, 3q, 4q, 7p, 8p, and 11p). To replicate previously identified linkage peaks and to identify novel loci that influence quantitative refraction and refractive errors, linkage analysis of spherical equivalent, myopia, and hyperopia in the Beaver Dam Eye Study was performed. Methods. Nonparametric, sibling-pair, genome-wide linkage analyses of refraction (spherical equivalent adjusted for age, education, and nuclear sclerosis), myopia and hyperopia in 834 sibling pairs within 486 extended pedigrees were performed. Results. Suggestive evidence of linkage was found for hyperopia on chromosome 3, region q26 (empiric P = 5.34 × 10−4), a region that had shown significant genome-wide evidence of linkage to refraction and some evidence of linkage to hyperopia. In addition, the analysis replicated previously reported genome-wide significant linkages to 22q11 of adjusted refraction and myopia (empiric P = 4.43 × 10−3 and 1.48 × 10−3, respectively) and to 7p15 of refraction (empiric P = 9.43 × 10−4). Evidence was also found of linkage to refraction on 7q36 (empiric P = 2.32 × 10−3), a region previously linked to high myopia. Conclusions. The findings provide further evidence that genes controlling refractive errors are located on 3q26, 7p15, 7p36, and 22q11. PMID:21571680

Refractive Errors in 3–6 Year-Old Chinese Children: A Very Low Prevalence of Myopia?

PubMed Central

Lin, Lixia; Li, Zhen; Zeng, Junwen; Yang, Zhikuan; Morgan, Ian G.

2013-01-01

Purpose To examine the prevalence of refractive errors in children aged 3–6 years in China. Methods Children were recruited for a trial of a home-based amblyopia screening kit in Guangzhou preschools, during which cycloplegic refractions were measured in both eyes of 2480 children. Cycloplegic refraction (from 3 to 4 drops of 1% cyclopentolate to ensure abolition of the light reflex) was measured by both autorefraction and retinoscopy. Refractive errors were defined as followed: myopia (at least −0.50 D in the worse eye), hyperopia (at least +2.00 D in the worse eye) and astigmatism (at least 1.50 D in the worse eye). Different definitions, as specified in the text, were also used to facilitate comparison with other studies. Results The mean spherical equivalent refractive error was at least +1.22 D for all ages and both genders. The prevalence of myopia for any definition at any age was at most 2.5%, and lower in most cases. In contrast, the prevalence of hyperopia was generally over 20%, and declined slightly with age. The prevalence of astigmatism was between 6% and 11%. There was very little change in refractive error with age over this age range. Conclusions Previous reports of less hyperopic mean spherical equivalent refractive error, and more myopia and less hyperopia in children of this age may be due to problems with achieving adequate cycloplegia in children with dark irises. Using up to 4 drops of 1% cyclopentolate may be necessary to accurately measure refractive error in paediatric studies of such children. Our results suggest that children from all ethnic groups may follow a similar pattern of early refractive development, with little myopia and a hyperopic mean spherical equivalent over +1.00 D up to the age of 5–6 yearsin most conditions. PMID:24205064

Studies of intrastromal corneal ring segments for the correction of low to moderate myopic refractive errors.

PubMed Central

Schanzlin, D J

1999-01-01

PURPOSE: Intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) were investigated for safety and reliability in the correction of low to moderate myopic refractive errors. METHODS: Initially, 74 patients with spherical equivalent refractive errors between -1.00 and -4.25 diopters (D) received the ICRS in 1 eye. After 6 months, 51 of these patients received the ICRS in the contralateral eye. The total number of eyes investigated was 125. The outcome measures were uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity, predictability and stability of the refraction, refractive astigmatism, contrast sensitivity, and endothelial cell morphology. RESULTS: The 89 eyes with 12-month follow-up showed significant improvement with uncorrected visual acuities of 20/16 or better in 37%, 20/20 or better in 62%, and 20/40 or better in 97%. Cycloplegic refraction spherical equivalents showed that 68% of the eyes were within +/- 0.50 D and 90% within +/- 1.00 D of the intended correction. Refractive stability was present by 3 months after the surgery. Only 1 patients had a loss greater than 2 lines or 10 letters of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, but the patient's acuity was 20/20. Refractive cylinder, contrast sensitivity, and endothelial cell morphology were not adversely affected. The ICRS was removed from the eyes of 6 patients. Three removals were prompted by glare and double images occurring at night; 3 were for nonmedical reasons. All patients returned to within +/- 1.00 D of their preoperative refractive spherical equivalent, and no patients lost more than 1 line of best corrected visual acuity by 3 months after ICRS removal. CONCLUSION: The ICRS safely and reliably corrects myopic refractive errors between -1.00 and -4.50 D. Images FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7 FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9 FIGURE 10 FIGURE 11 FIGURE 12 PMID:10703146

Heterogeneous nucleation on convex spherical substrate surfaces: A rigorous thermodynamic formulation of Fletcher's classical model and the new perspectives derived.

PubMed

Qian, Ma; Ma, Jie

2009-06-07

Fletcher's spherical substrate model [J. Chem. Phys. 29, 572 (1958)] is a basic model for understanding the heterogeneous nucleation phenomena in nature. However, a rigorous thermodynamic formulation of the model has been missing due to the significant complexities involved. This has not only left the classical model deficient but also likely obscured its other important features, which would otherwise have helped to better understand and control heterogeneous nucleation on spherical substrates. This work presents a rigorous thermodynamic formulation of Fletcher's model using a novel analytical approach and discusses the new perspectives derived. In particular, it is shown that the use of an intermediate variable, a selected geometrical angle or pseudocontact angle between the embryo and spherical substrate, revealed extraordinary similarities between the first derivatives of the free energy change with respect to embryo radius for nucleation on spherical and flat substrates. Enlightened by the discovery, it was found that there exists a local maximum in the difference between the equivalent contact angles for nucleation on spherical and flat substrates due to the existence of a local maximum in the difference between the shape factors for nucleation on spherical and flat substrate surfaces. This helps to understand the complexity of the heterogeneous nucleation phenomena in a practical system. Also, it was found that the unfavorable size effect occurs primarily when R<5r( *) (R: radius of substrate and r( *): critical embryo radius) and diminishes rapidly with increasing value of R/r( *) beyond R/r( *)=5. This finding provides a baseline for controlling the size effects in heterogeneous nucleation.

Averaged ratio between complementary profiles for evaluating shape distortions of map projections and spherical hierarchical tessellations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Jin; Song, Xiao; Gong, Guanghong

2016-02-01

We describe a metric named averaged ratio between complementary profiles to represent the distortion of map projections, and the shape regularity of spherical cells derived from map projections or non-map-projection methods. The properties and statistical characteristics of our metric are investigated. Our metric (1) is a variable of numerical equivalence to both scale component and angular deformation component of Tissot indicatrix, and avoids the invalidation when using Tissot indicatrix and derived differential calculus for evaluating non-map-projection based tessellations where mathematical formulae do not exist (e.g., direct spherical subdivisions), (2) exhibits simplicity (neither differential nor integral calculus) and uniformity in the form of calculations, (3) requires low computational cost, while maintaining high correlation with the results of differential calculus, (4) is a quasi-invariant under rotations, and (5) reflects the distortions of map projections, distortion of spherical cells, and the associated distortions of texels. As an indicator of quantitative evaluation, we investigated typical spherical tessellation methods, some variants of tessellation methods, and map projections. The tessellation methods we evaluated are based on map projections or direct spherical subdivisions. The evaluation involves commonly used Platonic polyhedrons, Catalan polyhedrons, etc. Quantitative analyses based on our metric of shape regularity and an essential metric of area uniformity implied that (1) Uniform Spherical Grids and its variant show good qualities in both area uniformity and shape regularity, and (2) Crusta, Unicube map, and a variant of Unicube map exhibit fairly acceptable degrees of area uniformity and shape regularity.

The role of microscaffold properties in controlling the collagen assembly in 3D dermis equivalent using modular tissue engineering.

PubMed

Imparato, Giorgia; Urciuolo, Francesco; Casale, Costantino; Netti, Paolo A

2013-10-01

The realization of thick and viable tissues equivalents in vitro is one of the mayor challenges in tissue engineering, in particular for their potential use in tissue-on-chip technology. In the present study we succeeded in creating 3D viable dermis equivalent tissue, via a bottom-up method, and proved that the final properties, in terms of collagen assembly and organization of the 3D tissue, are tunable and controllable by micro-scaffold properties and degradation rate. Gelatin porous microscaffolds with controlled stiffness and degradation rate were realized by changing the crosslinking density through different concentrations of glyceraldehyde. Results showed that by modulating the crosslinking density of the gelatin microscaffolds it is possible to guide the process of collagen deposition and assembly within the extracellular space and match the processes of scaffold degradation, cell traction and tissue maturation to obtain firmer collagen network able to withstand the effect of contraction. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Computerized ultrasound risk evaluation system

DOEpatents

Duric, Nebojsa; Littrup, Peter J.; Holsapple, III, Earle; Barter, Robert Henry; Moore, Thomas L.; Azevedo, Stephen G.; Ferguson, Sidney W.

2007-10-23

A method and system for examining tissue are provided in which the tissue is maintained in a position so that it may be insonified with a plurality of pulsed spherical or cylindrical acoustic waves. The insonifying acoustic waves are scattered by the tissue so that scattered acoustic radiation including a mix of reflected and transmitted acoustic waves is received. A representation of a portion of the tissue is then derived from the received scattered acoustic radiation.

Novel three-dimensional autologous tissue-engineered vaginal tissues using the self-assembly technique.

PubMed

Orabi, Hazem; Saba, Ingrid; Rousseau, Alexandre; Bolduc, Stéphane

2017-02-01

Many diseases necessitate the substitution of vaginal tissues. Current replacement therapies are associated with many complications. In this study, we aimed to create bioengineered neovaginas with the self-assembly technique using autologous vaginal epithelial (VE) and vaginal stromal (VS) cells without the use of exogenous materials and to document the survival and incorporation of these grafts into the tissues of nude female mice. Epithelial and stromal cells were isolated from vaginal biopsies. Stromal cells were driven to form collagen sheets, 3 of which were superimposed to form vaginal stromas. VE cells were seeded on top of these stromas and allowed to mature in an air-liquid interface. The vaginal equivalents were implanted subcutaneously in female nude mice, which were sacrificed after 1 and 2 weeks after surgery. The in vitro and animal-retrieved equivalents were assessed using histologic, functional, and mechanical evaluations. Vaginal equivalents could be handled easily. VE cells formed a well-differentiated epithelial layer with a continuous basement membrane. The equivalent matrix was composed of collagen I and III and elastin. The epithelium, basement membrane, and stroma were comparable to those of native vaginal tissues. The implanted equivalents formed mature vaginal epithelium and matrix that were integrated into the mice tissues. Using the self-assembly technique, in vitro vaginal tissues were created with many functional and biological similarities to native vagina without any foreign material. They formed functional vaginal tissues after in vivo animal implantation. It is appropriate for vaginal substitution and disease modeling for infectious studies, vaginal applicants, and drug testing. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Calculation of Absorbed Dose in Target Tissue and Equivalent Dose in Sensitive Tissues of Patients Treated by BNCT Using MCNP4C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zamani, M.; Kasesaz, Y.; Khalafi, H.; Pooya, S. M. Hosseini

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is used for treatment of many diseases, including brain tumors, in many medical centers. In this method, a target area (e.g., head of patient) is irradiated by some optimized and suitable neutron fields such as research nuclear reactors. Aiming at protection of healthy tissues which are located in the vicinity of irradiated tissue, and based on the ALARA principle, it is required to prevent unnecessary exposure of these vital organs. In this study, by using numerical simulation method (MCNP4C Code), the absorbed dose in target tissue and the equiavalent dose in different sensitive tissues of a patiant treated by BNCT, are calculated. For this purpose, we have used the parameters of MIRD Standard Phantom. Equiavelent dose in 11 sensitive organs, located in the vicinity of target, and total equivalent dose in whole body, have been calculated. The results show that the absorbed dose in tumor and normal tissue of brain equal to 30.35 Gy and 0.19 Gy, respectively. Also, total equivalent dose in 11 sensitive organs, other than tumor and normal tissue of brain, is equal to 14 mGy. The maximum equivalent doses in organs, other than brain and tumor, appear to the tissues of lungs and thyroid and are equal to 7.35 mSv and 3.00 mSv, respectively.

Equivalent source modeling of the main field using MAGSAT data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

The software was considerably enhanced to accommodate a more comprehensive examination of data available for field modeling using the equivalent sources method by (1) implementing a dynamic core allocation capability into the software system for the automatic dimensioning of the normal matrix; (2) implementing a time dependent model for the dipoles; (3) incorporating the capability to input specialized data formats in a fashion similar to models in spherical harmonics; and (4) implementing the optional ability to simultaneously estimate observatory anomaly biases where annual means data is utilized. The time dependence capability was demonstrated by estimating a component model of 21 deg resolution using the 14 day MAGSAT data set of Goddard's MGST (12/80). The equivalent source model reproduced both the constant and the secular variation found in MGST (12/80).

Early post-mortem formation of carbonate concretions around tusk-shells over week-month timescales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Hidekazu; Ujihara, Atsushi; Minami, Masayo; Asahara, Yoshihiro; Katsuta, Nagayoshi; Yamamoto, Koshi; Sirono, Sin-Iti; Maruyama, Ippei; Nishimoto, Shoji; Metcalfe, Richard

2015-09-01

Carbonate concretions occur in sedimentary rocks of widely varying geological ages throughout the world. Many of these concretions are isolated spheres, centered on fossils. The formation of such concretions has been variously explained by diffusion of inorganic carbon and organic matter in buried marine sediments. However, details of the syn-depositional chemical processes by which the isolated spherical shape developed and the associated carbon sources are little known. Here we present evidence that spherical carbonate concretions (diameters φ : 14 ~ 37 mm) around tusk-shells (Fissidentalium spp.) were formed within weeks or months following death of the organism by the seepage of fatty acid from decaying soft body tissues. Characteristic concentrations of carbonate around the mouth of a tusk-shell reveal very rapid formation during the decay of organic matter from the tusk-shell. Available observations and geochemical evidence have enabled us to construct a ‘Diffusion-growth rate cross-plot’ that can be used to estimate the growth rate of all kinds of isolated spherical carbonate concretions identified in marine formations. Results shown here suggest that isolated spherical concretions that are not associated with fossils might also be formed from carbon sourced in the decaying soft body tissues of non-skeletal organisms with otherwise low preservation potential.

A deep learning model observer for use in alterative forced choice virtual clinical trials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alnowami, M.; Mills, G.; Awis, M.; Elangovanr, P.; Patel, M.; Halling-Brown, M.; Young, K. C.; Dance, D. R.; Wells, K.

2018-03-01

Virtual clinical trials (VCTs) represent an alternative assessment paradigm that overcomes issues of dose, high cost and delay encountered in conventional clinical trials for breast cancer screening. However, to fully utilize the potential benefits of VCTs requires a machine-based observer that can rapidly and realistically process large numbers of experimental conditions. To address this, a Deep Learning Model Observer (DLMO) was developed and trained to identify lesion targets from normal tissue in small (200 x 200 pixel) image segments, as used in Alternative Forced Choice (AFC) studies. The proposed network consists of 5 convolutional layers with 2x2 kernels and ReLU (Rectified Linear Unit) activations, followed by max pooling with size equal to the size of the final feature maps and three dense layers. The class outputs weights from the final fully connected dense layer are used to consider sets of n images in an n-AFC paradigm to determine the image most likely to contain a target. To examine the DLMO performance on clinical data, a training set of 2814 normal and 2814 biopsy-confirmed malignant mass targets were used. This produced a sensitivity of 0.90 and a specificity of 0.92 when presented with a test data set of 800 previously unseen clinical images. To examine the DLMOs minimum detectable contrast, a second dataset of 630 simulated backgrounds and 630 images with simulated lesion and spherical targets (4mm and 6mm diameter), produced contrast thresholds equivalent to/better than human observer performance for spherical targets, and comparable (12 % difference) for lesion targets.

Analysis of space radiation exposure levels at different shielding configurations by ray-tracing dose estimation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kartashov, Dmitry; Shurshakov, Vyacheslav

2018-03-01

A ray-tracing method to calculate radiation exposure levels of astronauts at different spacecraft shielding configurations has been developed. The method uses simplified shielding geometry models of the spacecraft compartments together with depth-dose curves. The depth-dose curves can be obtained with different space radiation environment models and radiation transport codes. The spacecraft shielding configurations are described by a set of geometry objects. To calculate the shielding probability functions for each object its surface is composed from a set of the disjoint adjacent triangles that fully cover the surface. Such description can be applied for any complex shape objects. The method is applied to the space experiment MATROSHKA-R modeling conditions. The experiment has been carried out onboard the ISS from 2004 to 2016. Dose measurements were realized in the ISS compartments with anthropomorphic and spherical phantoms, and the protective curtain facility that provides an additional shielding on the crew cabin wall. The space ionizing radiation dose distributions in tissue-equivalent spherical and anthropomorphic phantoms and for an additional shielding installed in the compartment are calculated. There is agreement within accuracy of about 15% between the data obtained in the experiment and calculated ones. Thus the calculation method used has been successfully verified with the MATROSHKA-R experiment data. The ray-tracing radiation dose calculation method can be recommended for estimation of dose distribution in astronaut body in different space station compartments and for estimation of the additional shielding efficiency, especially when exact compartment shielding geometry and the radiation environment for the planned mission are not known.

Equal-Curvature X-ray Telescope Designs for Constellation-X Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saha, Timo T.; Content, David A.; Zhang, William W.

2003-01-01

We study grazing incidence Equal-Curvature telescope designs for the Constellation-X mission. These telescopes have nearly spherical axial surfaces. The telescopes are designed so that the axial curvature is the same on the primary and secondary. The optical performance of these telescopes is for all practical purposes identical to the equivalent Wolter telescopes.

Application of electrical stimulation for functional tissue engineering in vitro and in vivo

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, Hyoungshin (Inventor); Freed, Lisa (Inventor); Vunjak-Novakovic, Gordana (Inventor); Langer, Robert (Inventor); Radisic, Milica (Inventor)

2013-01-01

The present invention provides new methods for the in vitro preparation of bioartificial tissue equivalents and their enhanced integration after implantation in vivo. These methods include submitting a tissue construct to a biomimetic electrical stimulation during cultivation in vitro to improve its structural and functional properties, and/or in vivo, after implantation of the construct, to enhance its integration with host tissue and increase cell survival and functionality. The inventive methods are particularly useful for the production of bioartificial equivalents and/or the repair and replacement of native tissues that contain electrically excitable cells and are subject to electrical stimulation in vivo, such as, for example, cardiac muscle tissue, striated skeletal muscle tissue, smooth muscle tissue, bone, vasculature, and nerve tissue.

Comparison of digital breast tomosynthesis and 2D digital mammography using a hybrid performance test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cockmartin, Lesley; Marshall, Nicholas W.; Van Ongeval, Chantal; Aerts, Gwen; Stalmans, Davina; Zanca, Federica; Shaheen, Eman; De Keyzer, Frederik; Dance, David R.; Young, Kenneth C.; Bosmans, Hilde

2015-05-01

This paper introduces a hybrid method for performing detection studies in projection image based modalities, based on image acquisitions of target objects and patients. The method was used to compare 2D mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in terms of the detection performance of spherical densities and microcalcifications. The method starts with the acquisition of spheres of different glandular equivalent densities and microcalcifications of different sizes immersed in a homogeneous breast tissue simulating medium. These target objects are then segmented and the subsequent templates are fused in projection images of patients and processed or reconstructed. This results in hybrid images with true mammographic anatomy and clinically relevant target objects, ready for use in observer studies. The detection study of spherical densities used 108 normal and 178 hybrid 2D and DBT images; 156 normal and 321 hybrid images were used for the microcalcifications. Seven observers scored the presence/absence of the spheres/microcalcifications in a square region via a 5-point confidence rating scale. Detection performance in 2D and DBT was compared via ROC analysis with sub-analyses for the density of the spheres, microcalcification size, breast thickness and z-position. The study was performed on a Siemens Inspiration tomosynthesis system using patient acquisitions with an average age of 58 years and an average breast thickness of 53 mm providing mean glandular doses of 1.06 mGy (2D) and 2.39 mGy (DBT). Study results showed that breast tomosynthesis (AUC = 0.973) outperformed 2D (AUC = 0.831) for the detection of spheres (p  <  0.0001) and this applied for all spherical densities and breast thicknesses. By way of contrast, DBT was worse than 2D for microcalcification detection (AUC2D = 0.974, AUCDBT = 0.838, p  <  0.0001), with significant differences found for all sizes (150-354 µm), for breast thicknesses above 40 mm and for heights above the detector of 20 mm and above. In conclusion, the hybrid method was successfully used to produce images for a detection study; results showed breast tomosynthesis outperformed 2D for spherical densities while further optimization of DBT for microcalcifications is suggested.

Outcomes of Corneal Cross-Linking Correlate With Cone-Specific Lysyl Oxidase Expression in Patients With Keratoconus.

PubMed

Shetty, Rohit; Rajiv Kumar, Nimisha; Pahuja, Natasha; Deshmukh, Rashmi; Vunnava, KrishnaPoojita; Abilash, Valsala Gopalakrishnan; Sinha Roy, Abhijit; Ghosh, Arkasubhra

2018-03-01

To evaluate the correlation of visual and keratometry outcomes after corneal cross-linking (CXL) in patients with keratoconus with cone epithelium-specific gene expression levels. Corneal epithelium was obtained from 35 eyes that underwent accelerated CXL (KXLII, 9 mW/cm for 10 min). Using corneal topography, epithelium over the cone and periphery was obtained separately from each subject. The ratio of gene expression for lysyl oxidase (LOX), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), bone morphogenic protein 7, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, collagen, type I, alpha 1, and collagen, type IV, alpha 1 (COL IVA1) from the cone and peripheral cornea was correlated with the outcome of cross-linking surgery. Patients were assessed for visual acuity, keratometry, refraction, and corneal densitometry before and 6 months after surgery. Based on the change in corneal flattening indicated by ΔKmax, the outcomes were classified as a higher response or lower response. Reduction in keratometric indices correlated with improved spherical equivalent after CXL. Preoperative levels of cone-specific LOX expression in cases with a higher response were significant (P = 0.001). COL IVA1, bone morphogenic protein 7, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 gene expressions were reduced in the cones of the subjects with a lower response. MMP9 levels were relatively lower in cases with a higher response compared with those with a lower response. Our study demonstrates that preoperative levels of molecular factors such as LOX, MMP9, and COL IVA1 aid in understanding CXL outcomes at the tissue level.

INTACS before or after laser in situ keratomileusis: correction of thin corneas with moderately high myopia.

PubMed

Ito, Mitsutoshi; Arai, Hiroyuki; Fukumoto, Teruki; Toda, Ikuko; Tsubota, Kazuo

2004-01-01

Intrastromal corneal ring segments (INTACS Micro-Thin Prescription Inserts by Addition Technologies, Fremont, Calif) were inserted as a combined surgery with laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in six eyes with thin corneas to correct moderately high myopia. INTACS were implanted before LASIK (INTACS-LASIK) in three eyes and after LASIK (LASIK-INTACS) in three eyes. Mean preoperative manifest spherical equivalent refraction was -7.88 diopters. Mean follow-up was 306 days. No intraoperative complications occurred. The LASIK-INTACS eyes were slightly more overcorrected than the INTACS-LASIK eyes because of the enhanced performance of INTACS in the thinned corneal tissue. Induced astigmatism by INTACS per se was less in the LASIK-INTACS eyes than in the INTACS-LASIK eyes. At last examination, uncorrected visual acuity was better than 20/25 in all eyes. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was within 1 line of the preoperative value in all eyes. Both methods resulted in significant improvement in visual acuity and refraction. Based on our limited experience, however, LASIK followed by INTACS is preferred for reasons of safety, convenience, and lower induced cylinder.

In vitro 3D full thickness skin equivalent tissue model using silk and collagen biomaterials

PubMed Central

Bellas, Evangelia; Seiberg, Miri; Garlick, Jonathan; Kaplan, David L.

2013-01-01

Current approaches to develop skin equivalents often only include the epidermal and dermal components. Yet, full thickness skin includes the hypodermis, a layer below the dermis of adipose tissue containing vasculature, nerves and fibroblasts, necessary to support the epidermis and dermis. In the present study, we developed a full thickness skin equivalent including an epidermis, dermis and hypodermis that could serve as an in vitro model for studying skin development, disease or as a platform for consumer product testing as a means to avoid animal testing. The full thickness skin equivalent was easy to handle and was maintained in culture for greater than 14 days while expressing physiologically relevant morphologies of both the epidermis and dermis, as seen by keratin 10, collagen I and collagen IV expression. The skin equivalent produced glycerol and leptin, markers of adipose tissue metabolism. This work serves as a foundation for our understanding of some of the necessary factors needed to develop a stable, functional model of full-thickness skin. PMID:23161763

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-01

Dr. Lisa E. Freed of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her colleagues have reported that initially disc-like specimens of cartilage tend to become spherical in space, demonstrating that tissues can grow and differentiate into distinct structures in microgravity. The Mir Increment 3 (Sept. 16, 1996 - Jan. 22, 1997) samples were smaller, more spherical, and mechanically weaker than Earth-grown control samples. These results demonstrate the feasibility of microgravity tissue engineering and may have implications for long human space voyages and for treating musculoskeletal disorders on earth. Constructs grown on Mir (A) tended to become more spherical, whereas those grown on Earth (B) maintained their initial disc shape. These findings might be related to differences in cultivation conditions, i.e., videotapes showed that constructs floated freely in microgravity but settled and collided with the rotating vessel wall at 1g (Earth's gravity). In particular, on Mir the constructs were exposed to uniform shear and mass transfer at all surfaces such that the tissue grew equally in all directions, whereas on Earth the settling of discoid constructs tended to align their flat circular areas perpendicular to the direction of motion, increasing shear and mass transfer circumferentially such that the tissue grew preferentially in the radial direction. A and B are full cross sections of constructs from Mir and Earth groups shown at 10-power. C and D are representative areas at the construct surfaces enlarged to 200-power. They are stained red with safranin-O. NASA-sponsored bioreactor research has been instrumental in helping scientists to better understand normal and cancerous tissue development. The work is sponsored by NASA's Office of Biological and Physical Research. The bioreactor is managed by the Biotechnology Cell Science Program at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC). Photo credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Effects of selected materials and geometries on the beta dose equivalent rate in a tissue equivalent phantom immersed in infinite clouds of 133Xe

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

Piltingsrud, H.V.; Gels, G.L.

1986-06-01

Most calculations of dose equivalent (D.E.) rates at 70-micron tissue depths in tissue equivalent (T.E.) phantoms from infinite clouds (radius exceeds maximum beta range in air) of /sup 133/Xe do not consider the possible effects of clothing overlays. Consequently, a series of measurements were made using a 1-mm-thick plastic scintillation detector assembly mounted in a tissue equivalent (T.E.) phantom with an overlay of 70 micron of T.E. material. This assembly was placed in an infinite cloud containing a known concentration of /sup 133/Xe. Material samples were placed at selected distances from the detector phantom, both individually and in various combinations.more » Pulse-height spectra resulting from beta radiations were converted to relative D.E. rates at a 70-micron tissue depth. The relative D.E. rates were reduced from values with no clothing cover by as little as 45% when placing a single thin nylon cloth 1 cm from the phantom, to 94% for a T-shirt material plus wool material plus denim placed 1/2, 1 and 3 cm, respectively, from the phantom. The results indicate that even loosely fitting clothing can have an important effect on reducing the D.E. rate. Close-fitting clothing appears to provide better protection.« less

Characterization of Particle Size Standard NIST 1019b with SynchrotronX-ray Microtomography and Digital Data Extraction

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

Friedrich, Jon M.; Rivers, Mark L.; Perlowitz, Michael A.

We show that synchrotron x-ray microtomography ({mu}CT) followed by digital data extraction can be used to examine the size distribution and particle morphologies of the polydisperse (750 to 2450 {micro}m diameter) particle size standard NIST 1019b. Our size distribution results are within errors of certified values with data collected at 19.5 {micro}m/voxel. One of the advantages of using {mu}CT to investigate the particles examined here is that the morphology of the glass beads can be directly examined. We use the shape metrics aspect ratio and sphericity to examine of individual standard beads morphologies as a function of spherical equivalent diameters.more » We find that the majority of standard beads possess near-spherical aspect ratios and sphericities, but deviations are present at the lower end of the size range. The majority (> 98%) of particles also possess an equant form when examined using a common measure of equidimensionality. Although the NIST 1019b standard consists of loose particles, we point out that an advantage of {mu}CT is that coherent materials comprised of particles can be examined without disaggregation.« less

Comparison of three techniques in measuring progressive addition lenses.

PubMed

Huang, Ching-Yao; Raasch, Thomas W; Yi, Allen Y; Sheedy, James E; Andre, Brett; Bullimore, Mark A

2012-11-01

To measure progressive addition lenses (PALs) by three techniques and to compare the differences across techniques. Five contemporary PALs (Varilux Comfort Enhanced, Varilux Physio Enhanced, Hoya Lifestyle, Shamir Autograph, and Zeiss individual) with plano distance power and a +2.00 diopters (D) add were evaluated under the condition of lateral displacement of the lens (no rotation and no tilt) using three methods. A Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor (HSWFS) on a custom-built optical bench was used to capture and measure wavefront aberrations. A Rotlex Class Plus lens analyzer operating as a moiré interferometer was used to measure spherical and cylindrical powers. A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) was used to measure front and back surfaces of PALs and converted to desired optical properties. The data were analyzed with MATLAB programs. Contour plots of spherical equivalent power, cylindrical power, and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) in all PALs were generated to compare their differences. The differences in spherical equivalent and cylinder at distance, near, and progressive corridor areas among the HSWFS, Rotlex, and CMM methods were close to zero in all five PALs. The maximum differences are approximately 0.50 D and located below the near power zone and the edge areas of the lens when comparing the HSWFS and CMM with the Rotlex. HOAs measured both by the HSWFS and CMM were highest in the corridor area and the area surrounding the near zone in all PALs. The HOAs measured by the CMM were lower than those from the HSWFS by 0.02 to 0.04 μm. The three measurement methods are comparable for measuring spherical and cylindrical power across PALs. The non-optical method, CMM, can be used to evaluate the optical properties of a PAL by measuring front and back surface height measurements, although its estimates of HOAs are lower than those from the HSWFS.

Navier-Stokes structure of merged layer flow on the spherical nose of a space vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jain, A. C.; Woods, G. H.

1988-01-01

Hypersonic merged layer flow on the forepart of a spherical surface of a space vehicle has been investigated on the basis of the full steady-state Navier-Stokes equations using slip and temperature jump boundary conditions at the surface and free-stream conditions far from the surface. The shockwave-like structure was determined as part of the computations. Using an equivalent body concept, computations were carried out under conditions that the Aeroassist Flight Experiment (AFE) Vehicle would encounter at 15 and 20 seconds in its flight path. Emphasis was placed on understanding the basic nature of the flow structure under low density conditions. Particular attention was paid to the understanding of the structure of the outer shockwave-like region as the fluid expands around the sphere. Plots were drawn for flow profiles and surface characteristics to understand the role of dissipation processes in the merged layer of the spherical nose of the vehicle.

Variational extension of the mean spherical approximation to arbitrary dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velázquez, Esov S.; Blum, Lesser; Frisch, Harry L.

1997-10-01

We generalize a variational principle for the mean spherical approximation for a system of charged hard spheres in 3D to arbitrary dimensions. We first construct a free energy variational trial function from the Debye-Hückel excess charging internal energy at a finite concentration and an entropy obtained at the zero-concentration limit by thermodynamic integration. In three dimensions the minimization of this expression with respect to the screening parameter leads to the mean spherical approximation, usually obtained by solution of the Ornstein-Zernike equation. This procedure, which interpolates naturally between the zero concentration/coupling limit and the high-concentration/ coupling limit, is extended to arbitrary dimensions. We conjecture that this result is also equivalent to the MSA as originally defined, although a technical proof of this point is left for the future. The Onsager limit T ΔS MSA / ΔE MSA → 0 for infinite concentration/coupling is satisfied for all d ≠ 2, while for d=2 this limit is 1.

Magnetic Inertial Confinement Fusion (MICF)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miao, Feng; Zheng, Xianjun; Deng, Baiquan; Liu, Wei; Ou, Wei; Huang, Yi

2016-11-01

Based on the similarity in models of the early Sun and the 3-D common focal region of the micro-pinch in X-pinch experiments, a novel hybrid fusion configuration by continuous focusing of multiple Z-pinched plasma beams on spatially symmetric plasma is proposed. By replacing gravity with Lorentz force with subsequent centripetal spherical pinch, the beam-target fusion reactivity is enhanced in a quasi-spherical converging region, thus achieving MICF. An assessment, presented here, suggests that a practical fusion power source could be achieved using deuterium alone. Plasma instabilities can be suppressed by fast rotation resulting from an asymmetric tangential torsion in the spherical focal region of this configuration. Mathematical equivalence with the Sun allows the development of appropriate equations for the focal region of MICF, which are solved numerically to provide density, temperature and pressure distributions that produce net fusion energy output. An analysis of MICF physics and a preliminary experimental demonstration of a single beam are also carried out. supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 11374217 and 11176020)

Patient satisfaction and acceptance of spherical equivalent spectacles correction wear in rural India.

PubMed

Reddy, B Sandeep; Das, Taraprasad; Mirdha, Ghansyam S; Reddy, Nagavardhan

2017-08-01

The aim of this study was to explore the possibilities of acceptance of a ready-to-dispense spherical equivalent (SE) of spherocylindrical (SC) correction spectacles in rural India. Snellen visual acuity with SE power of refracted SC lenses was prospectively collected from all individuals visiting vision centers in Phase 1 (vision correction accuracy) of the study conducted in two South Indian districts. The satisfaction level was recorded by asking one standard question. The SE spectacles were dispensed in vision centers of one district in Phase 2 (SE acceptance) with a suggestion to return, if unsatisfied, for free exchange of spectacles within a month of dispensing. In Phase 1, 929 of 3529 patients were refracted and it was found that 320 patients and one eye of one patient (641 eyes) had astigmatism. The average age was 41 (±16; range: 7-84) years. There was no reduction of visual acuity in SE of 0.25 Dcyl (100% satisfaction) and progressive decrease in satisfaction to 43%, 26%, and 19% with SE correction of 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 Dcyl, respectively. In Phase 2, 988 of 6168 patients needed refraction and 240 had astigmatism. A total of 103 patients (206 eyes) accepted SE equivalent spectacles. No client returned for the free exchange of spectacles. Dispensing SE power up to 1 Dcyl in ready - made spectacles could be considered in remote rural populations in resource-poor economic conditions.

Cartilage microindentation using cylindrical and spherical optical fiber indenters with integrated Bragg gratings as force sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marchi, G.; Canti, O.; Baier, V.; Micallef, W.; Hartmann, B.; Alberton, P.; Aszodi, A.; Clausen-Schaumann, H.; Roths, J.

2018-02-01

Fiber optic microindentation sensors that have the potential to be integrated into arthroscopic instruments and to allow localizing degraded articular cartilage are presented in this paper. The indenters consist of optical fibers with integrated Bragg gratings as force sensors. In a basic configuration, the tip of the fiber optic indenter consists of a cleaved fiber end, forming a cylindrical flat punch indenter geometry. When using this indenter geometry, high stresses at the edges of the cylinder are present, which can disrupt the tissue structure. This is avoided with an improved version of the indenter. A spherical indenter tip that is formed by melting the end of the glass fiber. The spherical fiber tip shows the additional advantage of strongly reducing reflections from the fiber end. This allows a reduction of the length of the fiber optic sensor element from 65 mm of the flat punch type to 27 mm of the spherical punch. In order to compare the performance of both indenter types, in vitro stress-relaxation indentation experiments were performed on bovine articular cartilage with both indenter types, to assess biomechanical properties of bovine articular cartilage. For indentation depths between 60 μm and 300 μm, the measurements with both indenter types agreed very well with each other. This shows that both indenter geometries are suitable for microindentation measuremnts . The spherical indenter however has the additional advantage that it minimizes the risk to damage the surface of the tissue and has less than half dimensions than the flat indenter.

Diagnostic Analysis Of Ultrasound Data

DOEpatents

Chambers, David H.; Mast, Jeffrey; Azevedo, Stephen G.; Wuebbeling, Frank; Natterer, Frank; Duric, Neb; Littrup, Peter J.; Holsapple, Earle

2006-01-10

A method and apparatus are provided for investigating tissue in which acoustic data are derived from scattering a plurality of pulsed spherical or cylindrical acoustic waves from a plurality of transmission elements through the tissue to a plurality of receiving elements. The acoustic data, which include a mix of reflected and transmitted acoustic waves, are received and digitized, and a representation of a portion of the tissue is generated from the digitized acoustic data.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-01

Dr. Lisa E. Freed of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her colleagues have reported that initially disc-like specimens tend to become spherical in space, demonstrating that tissues can grow and differentiate into distinct structures in microgravity. The Mir Increment 3 (Sept. 16, 1996 - Jan. 22, 1997) samples were smaller, more spherical, and mechanically weaker than Earth-grown control samples. These results demonstrate the feasibility of microgravity tissue engineering and may have implications for long human space voyages and for treating musculoskeletal disorders on earth. The work is sponsored by NASA's Office of Biological and Physical Research. The bioreactor is managed by the Biotechnology Cell Science Program at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC). NASA-sponsored bioreactor research has been instrumental in helping scientists to better understand normal and cancerous tissue development. In cooperation with the medical community, the bioreactor design is being used to prepare better models of human colon, prostate, breast and ovarian tumors. Cartilage, bone marrow, heart muscle, skeletal muscle, pancreatic islet cells, liver and kidney are just a few of the normal tissues being cultured in rotating bioreactors by investigators.

Using radiance predicted by the P3 approximation in a spherical geometry to predict tissue optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dickey, Dwayne J.; Moore, Ronald B.; Tulip, John

2001-01-01

For photodynamic therapy of solid tumors, such as prostatic carcinoma, to be achieved, an accurate model to predict tissue parameters and light dose must be found. Presently, most analytical light dosimetry models are fluence based and are not clinically viable for tissue characterization. Other methods of predicting optical properties, such as Monet Carlo, are accurate but far too time consuming for clinical application. However, radiance predicted by the P3-Approximation, an anaylitical solution to the transport equation, may be a viable and accurate alternative. The P3-Approximation accurately predicts optical parameters in intralipid/methylene blue based phantoms in a spherical geometry. The optical parameters furnished by the radiance, when introduced into fluence predicted by both P3- Approximation and Grosjean Theory, correlate well with experimental data. The P3-Approximation also predicts the optical properties of prostate tissue, agreeing with documented optical parameters. The P3-Approximation could be the clinical tool necessary to facilitate PDT of solid tumors because of the limited number of invasive measurements required and the speed in which accurate calculations can be performed.

Surface ablation with iris recognition and dynamic rotational eye tracking-based tissue saving treatment with the Technolas 217z excimer laser.

PubMed

Prakash, Gaurav; Agarwal, Amar; Kumar, Dhivya Ashok; Jacob, Soosan; Agarwal, Athiya; Maity, Amrita

2011-03-01

To evaluate the visual and refractive outcomes and expected benefits of Tissue Saving Treatment algorithm-guided surface ablation with iris recognition and dynamic rotational eye tracking. This prospective, interventional case series comprised 122 eyes (70 patients). Pre- and postoperative assessment included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refraction, and higher order aberrations. All patients underwent Tissue Saving Treatment algorithm-guided surface ablation with iris recognition and dynamic rotational eye tracking using the Technolas 217z 100-Hz excimer platform (Technolas Perfect Vision GmbH). Follow-up was performed up to 6 months postoperatively. Theoretical benefit analysis was performed to evaluate the algorithm's outcomes compared to others. Preoperative spherocylindrical power was sphere -3.62 ± 1.60 diopters (D) (range: 0 to -6.75 D), cylinder -1.15 ± 1.00 D (range: 0 to -3.50 D), and spherical equivalent -4.19 ± 1.60 D (range: -7.75 to -2.00 D). At 6 months, 91% (111/122) of eyes were within ± 0.50 D of attempted correction. Postoperative UDVA was comparable to preoperative CDVA at 1 month (P=.47) and progressively improved at 6 months (P=.004). Two eyes lost one line of CDVA at 6 months. Theoretical benefit analysis revealed that of 101 eyes with astigmatism, 29 would have had cyclotorsion-induced astigmatism of ≥ 10% if iris recognition and dynamic rotational eye tracking were not used. Furthermore, the mean percentage decrease in maximum depth of ablation by using the Tissue Saving Treatment was 11.8 ± 2.9% over Aspheric, 17.8 ± 6.2% over Personalized, and 18.2 ± 2.8% over Planoscan algorithms. Tissue saving surface ablation with iris recognition and dynamic rotational eye tracking was safe and effective in this series of eyes. Copyright 2011, SLACK Incorporated.

Equivalent Quantum Equations in a System Inspired by Bouncing Droplets Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borghesi, Christian

2017-07-01

In this paper we study a classical and theoretical system which consists of an elastic medium carrying transverse waves and one point-like high elastic medium density, called concretion. We compute the equation of motion for the concretion as well as the wave equation of this system. Afterwards we always consider the case where the concretion is not the wave source any longer. Then the concretion obeys a general and covariant guidance formula, which leads in low-velocity approximation to an equivalent de Broglie-Bohm guidance formula. The concretion moves then as if exists an equivalent quantum potential. A strictly equivalent free Schrödinger equation is retrieved, as well as the quantum stationary states in a linear or spherical cavity. We compute the energy (and momentum) of the concretion, naturally defined from the energy (and momentum) density of the vibrating elastic medium. Provided one condition about the amplitude of oscillation is fulfilled, it strikingly appears that the energy and momentum of the concretion not only are written in the same form as in quantum mechanics, but also encapsulate equivalent relativistic formulas.

A fast algorithm for forward-modeling of gravitational fields in spherical coordinates with 3D Gauss-Legendre quadrature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, G.; Liu, J.; Chen, B.; Guo, R.; Chen, L.

2017-12-01

Forward modeling of gravitational fields at large-scale requires to consider the curvature of the Earth and to evaluate the Newton's volume integral in spherical coordinates. To acquire fast and accurate gravitational effects for subsurface structures, subsurface mass distribution is usually discretized into small spherical prisms (called tesseroids). The gravity fields of tesseroids are generally calculated numerically. One of the commonly used numerical methods is the 3D Gauss-Legendre quadrature (GLQ). However, the traditional GLQ integration suffers from low computational efficiency and relatively poor accuracy when the observation surface is close to the source region. We developed a fast and high accuracy 3D GLQ integration based on the equivalence of kernel matrix, adaptive discretization and parallelization using OpenMP. The equivalence of kernel matrix strategy increases efficiency and reduces memory consumption by calculating and storing the same matrix elements in each kernel matrix just one time. In this method, the adaptive discretization strategy is used to improve the accuracy. The numerical investigations show that the executing time of the proposed method is reduced by two orders of magnitude compared with the traditional method that without these optimized strategies. High accuracy results can also be guaranteed no matter how close the computation points to the source region. In addition, the algorithm dramatically reduces the memory requirement by N times compared with the traditional method, where N is the number of discretization of the source region in the longitudinal direction. It makes the large-scale gravity forward modeling and inversion with a fine discretization possible.

In-vivo viscous properties of the heel pad by stress-relaxation experiment based on a spherical indentation.

PubMed

Suzuki, Ryo; Ito, Kohta; Lee, Taeyong; Ogihara, Naomichi

2017-12-01

Identifying the viscous properties of the plantar soft tissue is crucial not only for understanding the dynamic interaction of the foot with the ground during locomotion, but also for development of improved footwear products and therapeutic footwear interventions. In the present study, the viscous and hyperelastic material properties of the plantar soft tissue were experimentally identified using a spherical indentation test and an analytical contact model of the spherical indentation test. Force-relaxation curves of the heel pads were obtained from the indentation experiment. The curves were fit to the contact model incorporating a five-element Maxwell model to identify the viscous material parameters. The finite element method with the experimentally identified viscoelastic parameters could successfully reproduce the measured force-relaxation curves, indicating the material parameters were correctly estimated using the proposed method. Although there are some methodological limitations, the proposed framework to identify the viscous material properties may facilitate the development of subject-specific finite element modeling of the foot and other biological materials. Copyright © 2017 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Comparison of refraction with or without cycloplegia using Retinomax® or Plusoptix® devices].

PubMed

Bui Quoc, E; Guilmin Crepon, S; Tinguely, S; Lavallee, G; Busquet, G; Angot, M; Vera, L

2017-03-01

To evaluate the refraction in children measured with Plusoptix ® without cycloplegia vs. Retinomax ® apparatus with cycloplegia. Measure of refraction with Plusoptix ® in children>1year old referred for systematic vision screening, then measurement after cycloplegia with cyclopentolate by the Retinomax ® device. Thirty-three children were included, i.e. 66eyes. Mean age was 40.7months (minimum 12; maximum 114). The Spearman correlation coefficient for the spherical equivalent was 0.52 (Plusoptix ® vs. Retinomax ® comparison; P<0.0001=moderate correlation). The Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.73 for astigmatism (Plusoptix ® vs. Retinomax ® comparison; P<0.0001=strong correlation). The Plusoptix ® sensitivity for measurement of refraction was 57%, 43% and 43% respectively for spherical equivalent, sphere and astigmatism. The correlation of astigmatism values is strong, whereas the correlation of sphere values is moderate. Plusoptix ® seems to be unable to measure the exact refraction, because there is too large a dispersion of refraction measurements with Plusoptix ® , compared to the exact refraction measured with the Retinomax ® . Moreover, the sensitivity of Plusoptix ® is low. Cycloplegic refraction remains indispensable in children. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Achieving target refraction after cataract surgery.

PubMed

Simon, Shira S; Chee, Yewlin E; Haddadin, Ramez I; Veldman, Peter B; Borboli-Gerogiannis, Sheila; Brauner, Stacey C; Chang, Kenneth K; Chen, Sherleen H; Gardiner, Matthew F; Greenstein, Scott H; Kloek, Carolyn E; Chen, Teresa C

2014-02-01

To evaluate the difference between target and actual refraction after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation at an academic teaching institution's Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service. Retrospective study. We examined 1275 eye surgeries for this study. All consecutive cataract surgeries were included if they were performed by an attending or resident surgeon from January through December 2010. Postoperative refractions were compared with preoperative target refractions. Patients were excluded if they did not have a preoperative target refraction documented or if they did not have a recorded postoperative manifest refraction within 90 days. The main outcome measure was percentage of cases achieving a postoperative spherical equivalent ± 1.0 diopter (D) of target spherical equivalent. We performed 1368 cataract surgeries from January through December of 2010. Of these, 1275 (93%) had sufficient information for analysis. Of the included cases, 94% (1196 of 1275) achieved ± 1.0 D of target refraction by 90 days after cataract surgery. This paper establishes a new benchmark for a teaching hospital, where 94% of patients achieved within 1.0 D of target refraction after cataract surgery. The refractive outcomes after cataract surgery at this academic teaching institution were higher than average international benchmarks. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

On the Relation Between Spherical Harmonics and Simplified Spherical Harmonics Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coppa, G. G. M.; Giusti, V.; Montagnini, B.; Ravetto, P.

2010-03-01

The purpose of the paper is, first, to recall the proof that the AN method and, therefore, the SP2N-1 method (of which AN was shown to be a variant) are equivalent to the odd order P2N-1, at least for a particular class of multi-region problems; namely the problems for which the total cross section has the same value for all the regions and the scattering is supposed to be isotropic. By virtue of the introduction of quadrature formulas representing first collision probabilities, this class is then enlarged in order to encompass the systems in which the regions may have different total cross sections. Some examples are reported to numerically validate the procedure.

Extraction of membrane structure in eyeball from MR volumes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oda, Masahiro; Kin, Taichi; Mori, Kensaku

2017-03-01

This paper presents an accurate extraction method of spherical shaped membrane structures in the eyeball from MR volumes. In ophthalmic surgery, operation field is limited to a small region. Patient specific surgical simulation is useful to reduce complications. Understanding of tissue structure in the eyeball of a patient is required to achieve patient specific surgical simulations. Previous extraction methods of tissue structure in the eyeball use optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. Although OCT images have high resolution, imaging regions are limited to very small. Global structure extraction of the eyeball is difficult from OCT images. We propose an extraction method of spherical shaped membrane structures including the sclerotic coat, choroid, and retina. This method is applied to a T2 weighted MR volume of the head region. MR volume can capture tissue structure of whole eyeball. Because we use MR volumes, out method extracts whole membrane structures in the eyeball. We roughly extract membrane structures by applying a sheet structure enhancement filter. The rough extraction result includes parts of the membrane structures. Then, we apply the Hough transform to extract a sphere structure from the voxels set of the rough extraction result. The Hough transform finds a sphere structure from the rough extraction result. An experimental result using a T2 weighted MR volume of the head region showed that the proposed method can extract spherical shaped membrane structures accurately.

Evaluation of a Myopic Normative Database for Analysis of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness.

PubMed

Biswas, Sayantan; Lin, Chen; Leung, Christopher K S

2016-09-01

Analysis of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) abnormalities with optical coherence tomography in eyes with high myopia has been complicated by high rates of false-positive errors. An understanding of whether the application of a myopic normative database can improve the specificity for detection of RNFL abnormalities in eyes with high myopia is relevant. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a myopic normative database for detection of RNFL abnormalities in eyes with high myopia (spherical equivalent, -6.0 diopters [D] or less). In this cross-sectional study, 180 eyes with high myopia (mean [SD] spherical equivalent, -8.0 [1.8] D) from 180 healthy individuals were included in the myopic normative database. Another 46 eyes with high myopia from healthy individuals (mean [SD] spherical equivalent, -8.1 [1.8] D) and 74 eyes from patients with high myopia and glaucoma (mean [SD] spherical equivalent, -8.3 [1.9] D) were included for evaluation of specificity and sensitivity. The 95th and 99th percentiles of the mean and clock-hour circumpapillary RNFL thicknesses and the individual superpixel thicknesses of the RNFL thickness map measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were calculated from the 180 eyes with high myopia. Participants were recruited from January 2, 2013, to December 30, 2015. The following 6 criteria of RNFL abnormalities were examined: (1) mean circumpapillary RNFL thickness below the lower 95th or (2) the lower 99th percentile; (3) one clock-hour or more for RNFL thickness below the lower 95th or (4) the lower 99th percentile; and (5) twenty contiguous superpixels or more of RNFL thickness in the RNFL thickness map below the lower 95th or (6) the lower 99th percentile. Specificities and sensitivities for detection of RNFL abnormalities. Of the 46 healthy eyes and 74 eyes with glaucoma studied (from 39 men and 38 women), the myopic normative database showed a higher specificity (63.0%-100%) than did the built-in normative database of the optical coherence tomography instrument (8.7%-87.0%) for detection of RNFL abnormalities across all the criteria examined (differences in specificities between 13.0% [95% CI, 1.1%-24.9%; P = .01] and 54.3% [95% CI, 37.8%-70.9%; P < .001]) except for the criterion of mean RNFL thickness below the lower 99th percentile, in which both normative databases had the same specificities (100%) but the myopic normative database exhibited a higher sensitivity (71.6% vs 86.5%; difference in sensitivities, 14.9% [95% CI, 4.6%-25.1%; P = .002]). The application of a myopic normative database improved the specificity without compromising the sensitivity compared with the optical coherence tomography instrument's built-in normative database for detection of RNFL abnormalities in eyes with high myopia. Inclusion of myopic normative databases should be considered in optical coherence tomography instruments.

Multiwalled carbon nanotube monoliths prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) and their mechanical properties.

PubMed

Uo, Motohiro; Hasegawa, Tomoka; Akasaka, Tsukasa; Tanaka, Isao; Munekane, Fuminori; Omori, Mamoru; Kimura, Hisamichi; Nakatomi, Reiko; Soga, Kohei; Kogo, Yasuo; Watari, Fumio

2009-01-01

Three types of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) monoliths without any binders were obtained by spark plasma sintering (SPS) treatment at 2000 degrees C under 80 MPa sintering pressure. Three MWCNTs with different diameters: thin (slashed circle20-30 nm, CNT Co., Ltd., Korea), thick (slashed circle100 nm, Nano Carbon Technologies Co., Ltd., Japan) and spherical thin (slashed circle20-30 nm, granulated diameter = 1-3 microm, Shimizu Corporation, Japan) were employed for SPS. SEM observation confirmed that these materials maintained the nanosized tube microstructure of raw CNT powder after SPS treatment. The densest monolith was prepared with the spherical MWCNTs. The mechanical properties of this material were estimated by the dynamic hardness test. The elastic modulus of the monolith did not depend on the difference of MWCNTs, but the hardness of spherical MWCNTs was higher than that of thick MWCNTs. The high density and hardness of the spherical MWCNTs were caused by the high packing density during the SPS process because of its spherical granulation. Thus, the spherical MWCNTs were most useful for the MWCNT monolith preparation with the SPS process and its application as a bone substitute material and a bone tissue engineering scaffold material was suggested.

Determination of shielding requirements for mammography.

PubMed

Okunade, Akintunde Akangbe; Ademoroti, Olalekan Albert

2004-05-01

Shielding requirements for mammography when considerations are to be given to attenuation by compression paddle, breast tissue, grid and image receptor (intervening materials) has been investigated. By matching of the attenuation and hardening properties, comparisons are made between shielding afforded by breast tissue materials (water, Lucite and 50%-50% adipose-glandular tissue) and some materials considered for shielding diagnostic x-ray beams, namely lead, steel and gypsum wallboard. Results show that significant differences exist between the thickness required to produce equal attenuation and that required to produce equal hardening of a given incident beam. While attenuation equivalent thickness produces equal exposure, it does not produce equal hardening. For shielding purposes, equivalence in exposure reduction without equivalence in penetrating power of an emerging beam does not amount to equivalence in shielding affordable by two different materials. Presented are models and results of sample calculations of additional shielding requirements apart from that provided by intervening materials. The shielding requirements for the integrated beam emerging from intervening materials are different from those for the integrated beam emerging from materials (lead/steel/gypsum wallboard) with attenuation equivalent thicknesses of these intervening materials.

Fundamental solutions to the bioheat equation and their application to magnetic fluid hyperthermia.

PubMed

Giordano, Mauricio A; Gutierrez, Gustavo; Rinaldi, Carlos

2010-01-01

Methods of predicting temperature profiles during local hyperthermia treatment are very important to avoid damage to healthy tissue. With this aim, fundamental solutions of Pennes' bioheat equation are derived in rectangular, cylindrical, and spherical coordinates. The medium is idealised as isotropic with effective thermal properties. Temperature distributions due to space- and time-dependent heat sources are obtained by the solution method presented. Applications of the fundamental solutions are addressed with emphasis on a particular problem of Magnetic Fluid Hyperthermia (MFH) consisting of a thin shell of magnetic nanoparticles in the outer surface of a spherical solid tumour. It is observed from the solution of this particular problem that the temperature profiles are strongly dependent on the distribution of the magnetic nanoparticles within the tissue. An almost uniform temperature profile is obtained inside the tumour with little penetration of therapeutic temperatures to the outer region of healthy tissue. The fundamental solutions obtained can be used to develop boundary element methods to predict temperature profiles with more complicated geometries.

A waveform diversity method for optimizing 3-d power depositions generated by ultrasound phased arrays.

PubMed

Zeng, Xiaozheng Jenny; Li, Jian; McGough, Robert J

2010-01-01

A waveform-diversity-based approach for 3-D tumor heating is compared to spot scanning for hyperthermia applications. The waveform diversity method determines the excitation signals applied to the phased array elements and produces a beam pattern that closely matches the desired power distribution. The optimization algorithm solves the covariance matrix of the excitation signals through semidefinite programming subject to a series of quadratic cost functions and constraints on the control points. A numerical example simulates a 1444-element spherical-section phased array that delivers heat to a 3-cm-diameter spherical tumor located 12 cm from the array aperture, and the results show that waveform diversity combined with mode scanning increases the heated volume within the tumor while simultaneously decreasing normal tissue heating. Whereas standard single focus and multiple focus methods are often associated with unwanted intervening tissue heating, the waveform diversity method combined with mode scanning shifts energy away from intervening tissues where hotspots otherwise accumulate to improve temperature localization in deep-seated tumors.

Extended Finite Element Method with Simplified Spherical Harmonics Approximation for the Forward Model of Optical Molecular Imaging

PubMed Central

Li, Wei; Yi, Huangjian; Zhang, Qitan; Chen, Duofang; Liang, Jimin

2012-01-01

An extended finite element method (XFEM) for the forward model of 3D optical molecular imaging is developed with simplified spherical harmonics approximation (SPN). In XFEM scheme of SPN equations, the signed distance function is employed to accurately represent the internal tissue boundary, and then it is used to construct the enriched basis function of the finite element scheme. Therefore, the finite element calculation can be carried out without the time-consuming internal boundary mesh generation. Moreover, the required overly fine mesh conforming to the complex tissue boundary which leads to excess time cost can be avoided. XFEM conveniences its application to tissues with complex internal structure and improves the computational efficiency. Phantom and digital mouse experiments were carried out to validate the efficiency of the proposed method. Compared with standard finite element method and classical Monte Carlo (MC) method, the validation results show the merits and potential of the XFEM for optical imaging. PMID:23227108

Extended finite element method with simplified spherical harmonics approximation for the forward model of optical molecular imaging.

PubMed

Li, Wei; Yi, Huangjian; Zhang, Qitan; Chen, Duofang; Liang, Jimin

2012-01-01

An extended finite element method (XFEM) for the forward model of 3D optical molecular imaging is developed with simplified spherical harmonics approximation (SP(N)). In XFEM scheme of SP(N) equations, the signed distance function is employed to accurately represent the internal tissue boundary, and then it is used to construct the enriched basis function of the finite element scheme. Therefore, the finite element calculation can be carried out without the time-consuming internal boundary mesh generation. Moreover, the required overly fine mesh conforming to the complex tissue boundary which leads to excess time cost can be avoided. XFEM conveniences its application to tissues with complex internal structure and improves the computational efficiency. Phantom and digital mouse experiments were carried out to validate the efficiency of the proposed method. Compared with standard finite element method and classical Monte Carlo (MC) method, the validation results show the merits and potential of the XFEM for optical imaging.

Determination of tissue equivalent materials of a physical 8-year-old phantom for use in computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akhlaghi, Parisa; Miri Hakimabad, Hashem; Rafat Motavalli, Laleh

2015-07-01

This paper reports on the methodology applied to select suitable tissue equivalent materials of an 8-year phantom for use in computed tomography (CT) examinations. To find the appropriate tissue substitutes, first physical properties (physical density, electronic density, effective atomic number, mass attenuation coefficient and CT number) of different materials were studied. Results showed that, the physical properties of water and polyurethane (as soft tissue), B-100 and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (as bone) and polyurethane foam (as lung) agree more with those of original tissues. Then in the next step, the absorbed doses in the location of 25 thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) as well as dose distribution in one slice of phantom were calculated for original and these proposed materials by Monte Carlo simulation at different tube voltages. The comparisons suggested that at tube voltages of 80 and 100 kVp using B-100 as bone, water as soft tissue and polyurethane foam as lung is suitable for dosimetric study in pediatric CT examinations. In addition, it was concluded that by considering just the mass attenuation coefficient of different materials, the appropriate tissue equivalent substitutes in each desired X-ray energy range could be found.

[Measurement of the electric field of the heart in a homogeneous volume conductor].

PubMed

Tsukerman, B M; Titomir, L I

1975-01-01

The paper describes a technique and some results of experimental measurements of electrical potentials generated by an isolated dog heart in homogeneous conductor, drawing equipotential maps of the field, and calculating the characteristics of the dipole equivalent generator of the heart. The form of potential distribution on a spherical surface around the heart and its ideal orthogonal vectorcardiograms are discussed.

Associations of Anisometropia with Unilateral Amblyopia, Interocular Acuity Difference and Stereoacuity in Preschoolers

PubMed Central

Ying, Gui-shuang; Huang, Jiayan; Maguire, Maureen; Quinn, Graham; Kulp, Marjean Taylor; Ciner, Elise; Cyert, Lynn; Orel-Bixler, Deborah

2012-01-01

Purpose To evaluate the relation of anisometropia with unilateral amblyopia, interocular acuity difference (IAD) and stereoacuity, among Head Start preschoolers, using both clinical notation and vector notation analyses. Design Multicenter, cross-sectional study. Participants 3- to 5-year-old participants in the Vision In Preschoolers (VIP) Study (N=4040). Methods Secondary analysis of VIP data from participants who had comprehensive eye examinations including monocular visual acuity (VA) testing, stereoacuity testing, and cycloplegic refraction. VA was retested with full cycloplegic correction when retest criteria were met. Unilateral amblyopia was defined as IAD ≥2 lines in logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (logMAR). Anisometropia was defined as ≥0.25 D (diopter) difference in spherical equivalent (SE) or in cylinder power, and also two approaches using power vector notation. The percentage with unilateral amblyopia, mean IAD, and mean stereoacuity were compared between anisometropic and isometropic children. Main Outcomes Measures The percentage with unilateral amblyopia, mean IAD, and mean stereoacuity. Results Compared with isometropic children, anisometropic children had a higher percentage of unilateral amblyopia (8% vs. 2%), larger mean IAD (0.07 vs. 0.05 logMAR) and worse mean stereoacuity (145 vs.117 arc sec) (all p<0.0001). Larger amounts of anisometropia were associated with higher percentages of unilateral amblyopia, larger IAD, and worse stereoacuity (trend p<0.001). Percentage of unilateral amblyopia was significantly increased with spherical equivalent (SE) anisometropia >0.5 D, cylindrical anisometropia >0.25 D, the vertical/horizontal meridian (J0) or oblique meridian (J45) >0.125 D, or vector dioptric distance (VDD) >0.35 D (all p<0.001). VDD had higher ability in detecting unilateral amblyopia than cylinder, SE, J0 and J45 (p<0.001). Conclusions The presence of and amount of anisometropia were associated with the presence of unilateral amblyopia, larger IAD and worse stereoacuity. The threshold level of anisometropia at which unilateral amblyopia becomes significant was lower than current guidelines. VDD is more accurate than spherical equivalent anisometropia or cylindrical anisometropia in identifying preschoolers with unilateral amblyopia. PMID:23174398

Association of ocular, cardiovascular, morphometric and lifestyle parameters with retinal nerve fibre layer thickness.

PubMed

Lamparter, Julia; Schmidtmann, Irene; Schuster, Alexander K; Siouli, Angeliki; Wasielica-Poslednik, Joanna; Mirshahi, Alireza; Höhn, René; Unterrainer, Josef; Wild, Philipp S; Binder, Harald; Lackner, Karl; Beutel, Manfred E; Münzel, Thomas; Pfeiffer, Norbert; Hoffmann, Esther M

2018-01-01

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease, leading to thinning of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL). The exact influence of ocular, cardiovascular, morphometric, lifestyle and cognitive factors on RNFL thickness (RNFLT) is unknown and was analysed in a subgroup of the Gutenberg Health Study (GHS). Global peripapillary RNFLT was measured in 3224 eyes of 1973 subjects (49% female) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The association of age, sex, ocular, cardiovascular, morphometric, lifestyle and cognitive factors on RNFLT was analysed using Pearson correlation coefficient and fitting a linear mixed model. In the univariable analysis highest correlations were found for axial length (r = -0.27), spherical equivalent (r = 0.24), and glaucoma (r = -0.15) (p<0.0001, respectively). Other significant correlations with RNFLT were found for age, sex, intraocular pressure, systemic hypertension and systolic blood pressure, previous eye surgery, cholesterol, homocysteine, history of coronary artery disease, history of myocardial infarction, apnoea, diabetes and alcohol intake, p<0.05, respectively. Body length, body weight, BMI, diastolic blood pressure, blood glucose, HbA1c, history of apoplexy, cognitive function, peripheral artery disease, tinnitus, migraine, nicotine intake, central corneal thickness, and pseudophakia were not significantly correlated with RNFLT. The regression model revealed a significant relationship between RNFLT and age in decades (p<0.02), spherical equivalent (p<0.0001), axial length (p<0.0001), glaucoma (p<0.0001), tinnitus (p = 0.04), apnoea (p = 0.047), homocysteine (p = 0.05) and alcohol intake >10g/d for women and >20g/d for men (p = 0.02). Glaucoma, apnoea, higher homocysteine, higher alcohol intake and higher axial length as well as age were related to decreased RNFLT while higher spherical equivalent or history for tinnitus were related to thicker RNFL. RNFLT is related to age, ocular parameters and lifestyle factors. Considering these parameters in normative databases could improve the evaluation of peripapillary RNFLT. It is necessary to evaluate if a reduction of alcohol intake as well as the therapy of apnea or high homocysteine levels could positively influence RNFLT.

Scattering properties of normal and cancerous tissues from human stomach based on phase-contrast microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hui; Li, Zhifang; Li, Hui

2012-12-01

In order to study scattering properties of normal and cancerous tissues from human stomach, we collect images for human gastric specimens by using phase-contrast microscope. The images were processed by the way of mathematics morphology. The equivalent particle size distribution of tissues can be obtained. Combining with Mie scattering theory, the scattering properties of tissues can be calculated. Assume scattering of light in biological tissue can be seen as separate scattering events by different particles, total scattering properties can be equivalent to as scattering sum of particles with different diameters. The results suggest that scattering coefficient of the cancerous tissue is significantly higher than that of normal tissue. The scattering phase function is different especially in the backscattering area. Those are significant clinical benefits to diagnosis cancerous tissue

Size- and shape-dependent clinical and mycological efficacy of silver nanoparticles on dandruff.

PubMed

Anwar, Mohammad F; Yadav, Deepak; Jain, Swati; Kapoor, Sumeet; Rastogi, Shweta; Arora, Indu; Samim, Mohammed

2016-01-01

Dandruff is a prominent scalp problem caused by the growth of fungus Malassezia furfur, potentially cascading into dermal inflammation, itching, and tissue damage. The present work outlines a detailed analysis of the treatment of scalp infection using silver nanomaterials (Ag NMs), and focuses on biocidal activity owing to manipulation of size, shape, and structure. Monodisperse silver spherical nanoparticles (NPs) and nanorods (NRs) were synthesized by chemical routes that were characterized using analytical and spectroscopic techniques. Ag NMs demonstrated enhanced biocidal tendencies compared to market available drugs, itracanozole and ketoconazole, showing greater zones of inhibition. The obtained 20 nm and 50 nm spherical-shaped NPs and 50 nm NRs showed concentration-, size-, and shape-dependent antifungal activity, with 20 nm spherical-shaped NPs exhibiting excellent potency. Minimum inhibitory concentration for 20 nm was lowest at 0.2 mg/mL in comparison to 0.3 mg/mL for NRs. Primary irritation index was 0.33 and 0.16 for 20 nm and 50 nm spherical-shaped NPs, respectively, while 50 nm rod-shaped NMs exhibited negligible redness. An in vivo model for M. furfur infection was generated by passing fungi subcutaneously in rats' skin. Again, 20 nm particles showed best normalization of skin after 10 days on regular dosing, in comparison with bigger and rod-shaped particles. The statistical clinical score was highest for Ag nanorods, followed by 50 nm Ag NPs-treated animals. It was observed that 20 nm spherical particles exhibited the lowest score (0) compared with others as well as with antifungal drugs. Biochemical analysis performed by checking antioxidant enzymatic activities indicated tissue repair and normalization of enzymes and protein concentration by Ag NPs.

Size- and shape-dependent clinical and mycological efficacy of silver nanoparticles on dandruff

PubMed Central

Anwar, Mohammad F; Yadav, Deepak; Jain, Swati; Kapoor, Sumeet; Rastogi, Shweta; Arora, Indu; Samim, Mohammed

2016-01-01

Dandruff is a prominent scalp problem caused by the growth of fungus Malassezia furfur, potentially cascading into dermal inflammation, itching, and tissue damage. The present work outlines a detailed analysis of the treatment of scalp infection using silver nanomaterials (Ag NMs), and focuses on biocidal activity owing to manipulation of size, shape, and structure. Monodisperse silver spherical nanoparticles (NPs) and nanorods (NRs) were synthesized by chemical routes that were characterized using analytical and spectroscopic techniques. Ag NMs demonstrated enhanced biocidal tendencies compared to market available drugs, itracanozole and ketoconazole, showing greater zones of inhibition. The obtained 20 nm and 50 nm spherical-shaped NPs and 50 nm NRs showed concentration-, size-, and shape-dependent antifungal activity, with 20 nm spherical-shaped NPs exhibiting excellent potency. Minimum inhibitory concentration for 20 nm was lowest at 0.2 mg/mL in comparison to 0.3 mg/mL for NRs. Primary irritation index was 0.33 and 0.16 for 20 nm and 50 nm spherical-shaped NPs, respectively, while 50 nm rod-shaped NMs exhibited negligible redness. An in vivo model for M. furfur infection was generated by passing fungi subcutaneously in rats’ skin. Again, 20 nm particles showed best normalization of skin after 10 days on regular dosing, in comparison with bigger and rod-shaped particles. The statistical clinical score was highest for Ag nanorods, followed by 50 nm Ag NPs-treated animals. It was observed that 20 nm spherical particles exhibited the lowest score (0) compared with others as well as with antifungal drugs. Biochemical analysis performed by checking antioxidant enzymatic activities indicated tissue repair and normalization of enzymes and protein concentration by Ag NPs. PMID:26792991

Rotationally invariant clustering of diffusion MRI data using spherical harmonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liptrot, Matthew; Lauze, François

2016-03-01

We present a simple approach to the voxelwise classification of brain tissue acquired with diffusion weighted MRI (DWI). The approach leverages the power of spherical harmonics to summarise the diffusion information, sampled at many points over a sphere, using only a handful of coefficients. We use simple features that are invariant to the rotation of the highly orientational diffusion data. This provides a way to directly classify voxels whose diffusion characteristics are similar yet whose primary diffusion orientations differ. Subsequent application of machine-learning to the spherical harmonic coefficients therefore may permit classification of DWI voxels according to their inferred underlying fibre properties, whilst ignoring the specifics of orientation. After smoothing apparent diffusion coefficients volumes, we apply a spherical harmonic transform, which models the multi-directional diffusion data as a collection of spherical basis functions. We use the derived coefficients as voxelwise feature vectors for classification. Using a simple Gaussian mixture model, we examined the classification performance for a range of sub-classes (3-20). The results were compared against existing alternatives for tissue classification e.g. fractional anisotropy (FA) or the standard model used by Camino.1 The approach was implemented on both two publicly-available datasets: an ex-vivo pig brain and in-vivo human brain from the Human Connectome Project (HCP). We have demonstrated how a robust classification of DWI data can be performed without the need for a model reconstruction step. This avoids the potential confounds and uncertainty that such models may impose, and has the benefit of being computable directly from the DWI volumes. As such, the method could prove useful in subsequent pre-processing stages, such as model fitting, where it could inform about individual voxel complexities and improve model parameter choice.

TH-AB-209-12: Tissue Equivalent Phantom with Excised Human Tissue for Assessing Clinical Capabilities of Coherent Scatter Imaging Applications

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

Albanese, K; Morris, R; Spencer, J

Purpose: Previously we reported the development of anthropomorphic tissue-equivalent scatter phantoms of the human breast. Here we present the first results from the scatter imaging of the tissue equivalent breast phantoms for breast cancer diagnosis. Methods: A breast phantom was designed to assess the capability of coded aperture coherent x-ray scatter imaging to classify different types of breast tissue (adipose, fibroglandular, tumor). The phantom geometry was obtained from a prone breast geometry scanned on a dedicated breast CT system. The phantom was 3D printed using the segmented DICOM breast CT data. The 3D breast phantom was filled with lard (asmore » a surrogate for adipose tissue) and scanned in different geometries alongside excised human breast tissues (obtained from lumpectomy and mastectomy procedures). The raw data were reconstructed using a model-based reconstruction algorithm and yielded the location and form factor (i.e., momentum transfer (q) spectrum) of the materials that were imaged. The measured material form factors were then compared to the ground truth measurements acquired by x-ray diffraction (XRD) imaging. Results: Our scatter imaging system was able to define the location and composition of the various materials and tissues within the phantom. Cancerous breast tissue was detected and classified through automated spectral matching and an 86% correlation threshold. The total scan time for the sample was approximately 10 minutes and approaches workflow times for clinical use in intra-operative or other diagnostic tasks. Conclusion: This work demonstrates the first results from an anthropomorphic tissue equivalent scatter phantom to characterize a coherent scatter imaging system. The functionality of the system shows promise in applications such as intra-operative margin detection or virtual biopsy in the diagnosis of breast cancer. Future work includes using additional patient-derived tissues (e.g., human fat), and modeling additional organs (e.g., lung).« less

Classification of Stellar Orbits in Axisymmetric Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Baile; Holley-Bockelmann, Kelly; Khan, Fazeel Mahmood

2015-09-01

It is known that two supermassive black holes (SMBHs) cannot merge in a spherical galaxy within a Hubble time; an emerging picture is that galaxy geometry, rotation, and large potential perturbations may usher the SMBH binary through the critical three-body scattering phase and ultimately drive the SMBH to coalesce. We explore the orbital content within an N-body model of a mildly flattened, non-rotating, SMBH-embedded elliptical galaxy. When used as the foundation for a study on the SMBH binary coalescence, the black holes bypassed the binary stalling often seen within spherical galaxies and merged on gigayear timescales. Using both frequency-mapping and angular momentum criteria, we identify a wealth of resonant orbits in the axisymmetric model, including saucers, that are absent from an otherwise identical spherical system and that can potentially interact with the binary. We quantified the set of orbits that could be scattered by the SMBH binary, and found that the axisymmetric model contained nearly six times the number of these potential loss cone orbits compared to our equivalent spherical model. In this flattened model, the mass of these orbits is more than three times that of the SMBH, which is consistent with what the SMBH binary needs to scatter to transition into the gravitational wave regime.

CLASSIFICATION OF STELLAR ORBITS IN AXISYMMETRIC GALAXIES

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

Li, Baile; Holley-Bockelmann, Kelly; Khan, Fazeel Mahmood, E-mail: baile.li@vanderbilt.edu, E-mail: k.holley@vanderbilt.edu, E-mail: khanfazeel.ist@gmail.com

2015-09-20

It is known that two supermassive black holes (SMBHs) cannot merge in a spherical galaxy within a Hubble time; an emerging picture is that galaxy geometry, rotation, and large potential perturbations may usher the SMBH binary through the critical three-body scattering phase and ultimately drive the SMBH to coalesce. We explore the orbital content within an N-body model of a mildly flattened, non-rotating, SMBH-embedded elliptical galaxy. When used as the foundation for a study on the SMBH binary coalescence, the black holes bypassed the binary stalling often seen within spherical galaxies and merged on gigayear timescales. Using both frequency-mapping andmore » angular momentum criteria, we identify a wealth of resonant orbits in the axisymmetric model, including saucers, that are absent from an otherwise identical spherical system and that can potentially interact with the binary. We quantified the set of orbits that could be scattered by the SMBH binary, and found that the axisymmetric model contained nearly six times the number of these potential loss cone orbits compared to our equivalent spherical model. In this flattened model, the mass of these orbits is more than three times that of the SMBH, which is consistent with what the SMBH binary needs to scatter to transition into the gravitational wave regime.« less

Family of spherical models with special gravitational properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondratyev, B. P.

2015-03-01

A new method for studying the structural and gravitational properties of spherical systems based on an analysis of the ratio of the potentials for their subsystems and shells has been developed. It has been proven for the first time that the gravitational virial Z( r) of the subsystem without allowance for the influence of the outer shell is equal to twice the work done to disperce the subsystem's matter to infinity. A new class of spherical models has been constructed in which: (1) the ratio of the contribution to the potential at point r from the spherical subsystem to the contribution from the outer shell does not depend on radius and is equal to a constant γ; (2) the ratio of the gravitational energy W( r) to Z( r) for the spherical subsystem does not depend on r; and (3) the models are described by a power law of the density ρ = cr - κ and potential . Expressions for the gravitational energy W( r) and virial Z( r) have been found for the subsystem. The limiting case of ρ( r) ∝ r -5/2, where the subsystem's potential at any sampling point is exactly equal to the potential from the outer shell and Z( r) is equivalent to its gravitational energy W( r), is considered in detail. The results supplement the classical potential theory. The question about the application of the models to the superdense nuclear star cluster in the center of the Milky Way is discussed.

Mechanical collapse of confined fluid membrane vesicles.

PubMed

Rim, Jee E; Purohit, Prashant K; Klug, William S

2014-11-01

Compact cylindrical and spherical invaginations are common structural motifs found in cellular and developmental biology. To understand the basic physical mechanisms that produce and maintain such structures, we present here a simple model of vesicles in confinement, in which mechanical equilibrium configurations are computed by energy minimization, balancing the effects of curvature elasticity, contact of the membrane with itself and the confining geometry, and adhesion. For cylindrical confinement, the shape equations are solved both analytically and numerically by finite element analysis. For spherical confinement, axisymmetric configurations are obtained numerically. We find that the geometry of invaginations is controlled by a dimensionless ratio of the adhesion strength to the bending energy of an equal area spherical vesicle. Larger adhesion produces more concentrated curvatures, which are mainly localized to the "neck" region where the invagination breaks away from its confining container. Under spherical confinement, axisymmetric invaginations are approximately spherical. For extreme confinement, multiple invaginations may form, bifurcating along multiple equilibrium branches. The results of the model are useful for understanding the physical mechanisms controlling the structure of lipid membranes of cells and their organelles, and developing tissue membranes.

Investigation of scattering coefficients and anisotropy factors of human cancerous and normal prostate tissues using Mie theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pu, Yang; Chen, Jun; Wang, Wubao

2014-02-01

The scattering coefficient, μs, the anisotropy factor, g, the scattering phase function, p(θ), and the angular dependence of scattering intensity distributions of human cancerous and normal prostate tissues were systematically investigated as a function of wavelength, scattering angle and scattering particle size using Mie theory and experimental parameters. The Matlab-based codes using Mie theory for both spherical and cylindrical models were developed and applied for studying the light propagation and the key scattering properties of the prostate tissues. The optical and structural parameters of tissue such as the index of refraction of cytoplasm, size of nuclei, and the diameter of the nucleoli for cancerous and normal human prostate tissues obtained from the previous biological, biomedical and bio-optic studies were used for Mie theory simulation and calculation. The wavelength dependence of scattering coefficient and anisotropy factor were investigated in the wide spectral range from 300 nm to 1200 nm. The scattering particle size dependence of μs, g, and scattering angular distributions were studied for cancerous and normal prostate tissues. The results show that cancerous prostate tissue containing larger size scattering particles has more contribution to the forward scattering in comparison with the normal prostate tissue. In addition to the conventional simulation model that approximately considers the scattering particle as sphere, the cylinder model which is more suitable for fiber-like tissue frame components such as collagen and elastin was used for developing a computation code to study angular dependence of scattering in prostate tissues. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to deal with both spherical and cylindrical scattering particles in prostate tissues.

Potential contribution of exposed resin to ecosystem emissions of monoterpenes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eller, Allyson S. D.; Harley, Peter; Monson, Russell K.

2013-10-01

Conifers, especially pines, produce and store under pressure monoterpene-laden resin in canals located throughout the plant. When the plants are damaged and resin canals punctured, the resin is exuded and the monoterpenes are released into the atmosphere, a process that has been shown to influence ecosystem-level monoterpene emissions. Less attention has been paid to the small amounts of resin that are exuded from branches, expanding needles, developing pollen cones, and terminal buds in the absence of any damage. The goal of this study was to provide the first estimate of the potential of this naturally-exposed resin to influence emissions of monoterpenes from ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) ecosystems. When resin is first exuded as small spherical beads from undamaged tissues it emits monoterpenes to the atmosphere at a rate that is four orders of magnitude greater than needle tissue with an equivalent exposed surface area and the emissions from exuded beads decline exponentially as the resin dries. We made measurements of resin beads on the branches of ponderosa pine trees in the middle of the growing season and found, on average, 0.15 cm2 of exposed resin bead surface area and 1250 cm2 of total needle surface area per branch tip. If the resin emerged over the course of 10 days, resin emissions would make up 10% of the ecosystem emissions each day. Since we only accounted for exposed resin at a single point in time, this is probably an underestimate of how much total resin is exuded from undamaged pine tissues over the course of a growing season. Our observations, however, reveal the importance of this previously unrecognized source of monoterpenes emitted from pine forests and its potential to influence regional atmospheric chemistry dynamics.

Effect of orientational ordering of magnetic nanoemulsions immobilized in agar gel on magnetic hyperthermia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lahiri, B. B.; Ranoo, Surojit; Philip, John

2018-04-01

Magnetic nanoemulsions of droplet size ∼200 nm, loaded with single domain superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNP), are potential candidates for multimodal hyperthermia due to availability of large loading volume and enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) in the cancerous tissues. In such nanoemulsions, radio frequency alternating magnetic field induced heating occur at two entirely different length scales, viz. Neel-Brown relaxation of the dispersed MNP and Brownian relaxation of emulsion droplets. Here we study the effects of orientation ordering or texturing of droplets, immobilized in a tissue mimicking agar matrix, on the field induced heating efficiency. A higher specific absorption rate (maximum ∼73 ± 2 W/gFe) is observed for droplets orientated parallel to the direction of the alternating magnetic field because of the enhancement of effective uniaxial anisotropy energy density and increased effective relaxation time. For identical and non-interacting MNP oriented parallel to the external DC magnetic field, a threefold increase in the effective uniaxial anisotropy energy density and ∼20-30% increased specific absorption rate are observed as compared to those oriented perpendicular to the magnetic field. Magnetic force microscopy images showed that the spherical morphology of the droplets remains intact even after orientational ordering and average topographic height of the droplets are found to be ∼220 (±17) nm, which is in good agreement with the most probable size obtained from dynamic light scattering. The residual volume magnetization of the emulsion droplets is found to be 1.1 × 10-6 emu/cc, indicating the superparamagnetic nature of the droplets in tissue equivalent environment. The observed increase in heating efficiency of the immobilized and oriented emulsion droplets shows promising applications in multimodal hyperthermia therapy because of the requirement of lower dose of MNP and shorter treatment time.

SU-D-BRC-04: Development of Proton Tissue Equivalent Materials for Calibration and Dosimetry Studies

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

Olguin, E; Flampouri, S; Lipnharski, I

Purpose: To develop new proton tissue equivalent materials (PTEM), urethane and fiberglass based, for proton therapy calibration and dosimetry studies. Existing tissue equivalent plastics are applicable only for x-rays because they focus on matching mass attenuation coefficients. This study aims to create new plastics that match mass stopping powers for proton therapy applications instead. Methods: New PTEMs were constructed using urethane and fiberglass resin materials for soft, fat, bone, and lung tissue. The stoichiometric analysis method was first used to determine the elemental composition of each unknown constituent. New initial formulae were then developed for each of the 4 PTEMsmore » using the new elemental compositions and various additives. Samples of each plastic were then created and exposed to a well defined proton beam at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute (UFHPTI) to validate its mass stopping power. Results: The stoichiometric analysis method revealed the elemental composition of the 3 components used in creating the PTEMs. These urethane and fiberglass based resins were combined with additives such as calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, and phenolic micro spheres to achieve the desired mass stopping powers and densities. Validation at the UFHPTI revealed adjustments had to be made to the formulae, but the plastics eventually had the desired properties after a few iterations. The mass stopping power, density, and Hounsfield Unit of each of the 4 PTEMs were within acceptable tolerances. Conclusion: Four proton tissue equivalent plastics were developed: soft, fat, bone, and lung tissue. These plastics match each of the corresponding tissue’s mass stopping power, density, and Hounsfield Unit, meaning they are truly tissue equivalent for proton therapy applications. They can now be used to calibrate proton therapy treatment planning systems, improve range uncertainties, validate proton therapy Monte Carlo simulations, and assess in-field and out-of-field organ doses.« less

Clinical outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction versus femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK for myopia: a Meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Yan, Huan; Gong, Li-Yan; Huang, Wei; Peng, Yan-Li

2017-01-01

AIM To evaluate the possible differences in visual quality between small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) for myopia. METHODS A Meta-analysis was performed. Patients were from previously reported comparative studies treated with SMILE versus FS-LASIK. The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science and Chinese databases (i.e. WANFANG and CNKI) were searched in Nov. of 2016 using RevMan 5.1 version software. The differences in visual acuity, aberration and biomechanical effects within six months postoperatively were showed. Twenty-seven studies including 4223 eyes were included. RESULTS No significant differences were observed between SMILE and FS-LASIK in terms of the proportion of eyes that lost one or more lines of corrected distance visual acuity after surgery (P=0.14), the proportion of eyes achieving an uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better (P=0.43), the final refractive spherical equivalent (P=0.89), the refractive spherical equivalent within ±1.00 diopter of the target values (P=0.80), vertical coma (P=0.45) and horizontal coma (P=0.06). Compared with the FS-LASIK group, total higher-order aberration (P<0.001) and spherical aberration (P<0.001) were higher and the decrease in corneal hysteresis (P=0.0005) and corneal resistance factor (P=0.02) were lower in the SMILE group. CONCLUSION SMILE and FS-LASIK are comparable in efficacy, safety and predictability for correcting myopia. However, the aberration in the SMILE group is superior to that in the FS-LASIK group, and the loss of biomechanical effects may occur less frequently after SMILE than after FS-LASIK. PMID:28944205

Refraction and the axial length of the eyeball in patients with the optic disc drusen.

PubMed

Obuchowska, Iwona; Mariak, Zofia

2009-01-01

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the relationship between the optic disc drusen (ODD) and the axial length of the eyeball as well as refractive error. We examined prospectively 40 patients with ODD, 18 men and 22 women, age range from 34 to 69 years. All subjects underwent full ophthalmic examination, visual field testing and color-coded duplex sonography of the ocular vessels. Refraction was determined with an autorefractometer (Topcon RM-8000B) and further refined subjectively. Spherical equivalent refraction was calculated as the spherical dioptre plus one half of the cylindrical dioptre. Axial lengths were measured with a Sonomed ultrasound scanner model E-Z Scan AB5500. Clinical signs were observed in 65% of the eyes with drusen, among them, 38% had symptoms of visual acuity loss and all had visual fields defects. There were 21 eyes (18 eyes with and 3 without drusen), with a recorded refractive error. Significant differences in hyperopia were observed between the eyes with and without drusen (p = 0.048). The rate of occurrence of myopia did not differ significantly between affected and unaffected eyes (p = 0.06). The mean spherical equivalent refraction and axial dimensions of the eye differed significantly among the groups of eyes with and without drusen (p < 0.05). Significant differences in mean values of peak-systolic and end-diastolic velocities (p < 0.001) as well as in the resistivity index (p = 0.047) were observed between eyes with and without drusen. The optic disc drusen are often associated with shorter and hyperopic eyes. This anatomical conditions and vascular factors may contribute to pathogenesis of drusen.

Aspheric photorefractive keratectomy for myopia and myopic astigmatism with the SCHWIND AMARIS laser: 2 years postoperative outcomes

PubMed Central

Aslanides, Ioannis M.; Padroni, Sara; Arba-Mosquera, Samuel

2012-01-01

Purpose To evaluate mid-term refractive outcomes and higher order aberrations of aspheric PRK for low, moderate and high myopia and myopic astigmatism with the AMARIS excimer laser system (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions GmbH, Kleinostheim, Germany). Methods This prospective longitudinal study evaluated 80 eyes of 40 subjects who underwent aspheric PRK. Manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) of up to −10.00 diopters (D) at the spectacle plane with cylinder up to 3.25 was treated. Refractive outcomes and corneal wavefront data (6 mm pupil to the 7th Zernike order) were evaluated out to 2 years postoperatively. Statistical significance was indicated by P < 0.05. Results The mean manifest spherical equivalent refraction (MRSE) was −4.77 ± 2.45 (range, −10.00 D to −0.75 D) preoperatively and −0.12 ± 0.35 D (range, −1.87 D to +0.75 D) postoperatively (P < 0.0001). Postoperatively, 91% (73/80) of eyes had an MRSE within ±0.50 D of the attempted. No eyes lost one or more lines of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and CDVA increased by one or more lines in 26% (21/80) of eyes. Corneal trefoil and corneal higher order aberration root mean square did not statistically change postoperatively compared to preoperatively (P > 0.05, both cases). There was a statistical increase in postoperative coma (+0.12 μm) and spherical aberration (+0.14 μm) compared to preoperatively (P < 0.001, both cases). Conclusion Aspheric PRK provides excellent visual and refractive outcomes with induction in individual corneal aberrations but not overall corneal aberrations.

Toric focusing for radiation force applications using a toric lens coupled to a spherically focused transducer.

PubMed

Arnal, Bastien; Nguyen, Thu-Mai; O'Donnell, Matthew

2014-12-01

Dynamic elastography using radiation force requires that an ultrasound field be focused during hundreds of microseconds at a pressure of several megapascals. Here, we address the importance of the focal geometry. Although there is usually no control of the elevational focal width in generating a tissue mechanical response, we propose a tunable approach to adapt the focus geometry that can significantly improve radiation force efficiency. Several thin, in-house-made polydimethylsiloxane lenses were designed to modify the focal spot of a spherical transducer. They exhibited low absorption and the focal spot widths were extended up to 8-fold in the elevation direction. Radiation force experiments demonstrated an 8-fold increase in tissue displacements using the same pressure level in a tissue-mimicking phantom with a similar shear wave spectrum, meaning it does not affect elastography resolution. Our results demonstrate that larger tissue responses can be obtained for a given pressure level, or that similar response can be reached at a much lower mechanical index (MI). We envision that this work will impact 3-D elastography using 2-D phased arrays, where such shaping can be achieved electronically with the potential for adaptive optimization.

Organ shielding and doses in Low-Earth orbit calculated for spherical and anthropomorphic phantoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matthiä, Daniel; Berger, Thomas; Reitz, Günther

2013-08-01

Humans in space are exposed to elevated levels of radiation compared to ground. Different sources contribute to the total exposure with galactic cosmic rays being the most important component. The application of numerical and anthropomorphic phantoms in simulations allows the estimation of dose rates from galactic cosmic rays in individual organs and whole body quantities such as the effective dose. The male and female reference phantoms defined by the International Commission on Radiological Protection and the hermaphrodite numerical RANDO phantom are voxel implementations of anthropomorphic phantoms and contain all organs relevant for radiation risk assessment. These anthropomorphic phantoms together with a spherical water phantom were used in this work to translate the mean shielding of organs in the different anthropomorphic voxel phantoms into positions in the spherical phantom. This relation allows using a water sphere as surrogate for the anthropomorphic phantoms in both simulations and measurements. Moreover, using spherical phantoms in the calculation of radiation exposure offers great advantages over anthropomorphic phantoms in terms of computational time. In this work, the mean shielding of organs in the different voxel phantoms exposed to isotropic irradiation is presented as well as the corresponding depth in a water sphere. Dose rates for Low-Earth orbit from galactic cosmic rays during solar minimum conditions were calculated using the different phantoms and are compared to the results for a spherical water phantom in combination with the mean organ shielding. For the spherical water phantom the impact of different aluminium shielding between 1 g/cm2 and 100 g/cm2 was calculated. The dose equivalent rates were used to estimate the effective dose rate.

Absorption and scattering by fractal aggregates and by their equivalent coated spheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kandilian, Razmig; Heng, Ri-Liang; Pilon, Laurent

2015-01-01

This paper demonstrates that the absorption and scattering cross-sections and the asymmetry factor of randomly oriented fractal aggregates of spherical monomers can be rapidly estimated as those of coated spheres with equivalent volume and average projected area. This was established for fractal aggregates with fractal dimension ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 and composed of up to 1000 monodisperse or polydisperse monomers with a wide range of size parameter and relative complex index of refraction. This equivalent coated sphere approximation was able to capture the effects of both multiple scattering and shading among constituent monomers on the integral radiation characteristics of the aggregates. It was shown to be superior to the Rayleigh-Debye-Gans approximation and to the equivalent coated sphere approximation proposed by Latimer. However, the scattering matrix element ratios of equivalent coated spheres featured large angular oscillations caused by internal reflection in the coating which were not observed in those of the corresponding fractal aggregates. Finally, the scattering phase function and the scattering matrix elements of aggregates with large monomer size parameter were found to have unique features that could be used in remote sensing applications.

Clay-clast aggregates: A new textural evidence for seismic fault sliding?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boutareaud, Sébastien; Calugaru, Dan-Gabriel; Han, Raehee; Fabbri, Olivier; Mizoguchi, Kazuo; Tsutsumi, Akito; Shimamoto, Toshihiko

2008-03-01

To determine the processes responsible for slip-weakening in clayey gouge zones, rotary-shear experiments were conducted at seismic slip rates (equivalent to 0.9 and 1.3 m/s) at 0.6 MPa normal stress on a natural clayey gouge for saturated and non-saturated initial conditions. The mechanical behavior of the simulated faults shows a reproducible slip-weakening behavior, whatever initial moisture conditions. Examination of gouge obtained at the residual friction stage in saturated and non-saturated initial conditions allows the definition of two types of microstructures: a foliated type reflecting strain localization, and a non-foliated type composed of spherical aggregates. Friction experiments demonstrate that liquid-vapor transition of water within gouge due to frictional heating has a high capacity to explain the formation of spherical aggregates in the first meters of displacement. This result suggests that the occurrence of spherical aggregates in natural clayey fault gouges can constitute a new textural evidence for shallow depth pore water phase transition at seismic slip velocity and consequently for past seismic fault sliding.

Porous poly-ether ether ketone (PEEK) manufactured by a novel powder route using near-spherical salt bead porogens: characterisation and mechanical properties.

PubMed

Siddiq, Abdur R; Kennedy, Andrew R

2015-02-01

Porous PEEK structures with approximately 85% open porosity have been made using PEEK-OPTIMA® powder and a particulate leaching technique using porous, near-spherical, sodium chloride beads. A novel manufacturing approach is presented and compared with a traditional dry mixing method. Irrespective of the method used, the use of near-spherical beads with a fairly narrow size range results in uniform pore structures. However the integration, by tapping, of fine PEEK into a pre-existing network salt beads, followed by compaction and "sintering", produces porous structures with excellent repeatability and homogeneity of density; more uniform pore and strut sizes; an improved and predictable level of connectivity via the formation of "windows" between the cells; faster salt removal rates and lower levels of residual salt. Although tapped samples show a compressive yield stress >1 MPa and stiffness >30 MPa for samples with 84% porosity, the presence of windows in the cell walls means that tapped structures show lower strengths and lower stiffnesses than equivalent structures made by mixing. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A new method for gravity field recovery based on frequency analysis of spherical harmonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Lin; Zhou, Zebing

2017-04-01

All existing methods for gravity field recovery are mostly based on the space-wise and time-wise approach, whose core processes are constructing the observation equations and solving them by the least square method. It's should be pointed that the least square method means the approximation. On the other hand, we can directly and precisely obtain the coefficients of harmonics by computing the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) when we do 1-D data (time series) analysis. So the question whether we directly and precisely obtain the coefficients of spherical harmonic by computing 2-D FFT of measurements of satellite gravity mission is of great significance, since this may guide us to a new understanding of the signal components of gravity field and make us determine it quickly by taking advantage of FFT. Like the 1-D data analysis, the 2-D FFT of measurements of satellite can be computed rapidly. If we can determine the relationship between spherical harmonics and 2-D Fourier frequencies and the transfer function from measurements to spherical coefficients, the question mentioned above can be solved. So the objective of this research project is to establish a new method based on frequency analysis of spherical harmonic, which directly compute the confidents of spherical harmonic of gravity field, which is differ from recovery by least squares. There is a one to one correspondence between frequency spectrum and the time series in 1-D FFT. The 2-D FFT has a similar relationship to 1-D FFT. Owing to the fact that any degree or order (higher than one) of spherical function has multi frequencies and these frequencies may be aliased. Fortunately, the elements and ratio of these frequencies of spherical function can be determined, and we can compute the coefficients of spherical function from 2-D FFT. This relationship can be written as equations and equivalent to a matrix, which is solid and can be derived in advance. Until now the relationship has be determined. Some preliminary results, which only compute lower degree spherical harmonics, indicates that the difference between the input (EGM2008) and output (coefficients from recovery) is smaller than 5E-17, while the minimal precision of computer software (Matlab) is 2.2204E-16.

Tunable-Bandwidth Filter System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, John W.

2004-01-01

A tunable-bandwidth filter system (TBFS), now undergoing development, is intended to be part of a remote sensing multispectral imaging system that will operate in the visible and near infrared spectral region (wavelengths from 400 to 900 nm). Attributes of the TBFS include rapid tunability of the pass band over a wide wavelength range and high transmission efficiency. The TBFS is based on a unique integration of two pairs of broadband Raman reflection holographic filters with two rotating spherical lenses. In experiments, a prototype of the TBFS, was shown to be capable of spectral sampling of images in the visible range over a 200 nm spectral range with a spectral resolution of 30 nm. The figure depicts the optical layout of a prototype of the TBFS as part of a laboratory multispectral imaging system for the spectral sampling of color test images in two orthogonal polarizations. Each pair of broadband Raman reflection holographic filters is mounted at an equatorial plane between two halves of a spherical lens. The two filters in each pair are characterized by steep spectral slopes (equivalently, narrow spectral edges), no ripple or side lobes in their pass bands, and a few nanometers of non-overlapping wavelength range between their pass bands. Each spherical lens and thus the filter pair within it is rotated in order to rapidly tune its pass band. The rotations of are effected by electronically controlled, programmable, high-precision rotation stages. The rotations are coordinated by electronic circuits operating under overall supervision of a personal computer in order to obtain the desired variation of the overall pass bands with time. Embedding the filters inside the spherical lenses increases the range of the hologram incidence angles, making it possible to continuously tune the pass and stop bands of the filters over a wider wavelength range. In addition, each spherical lens also serves as part of the imaging optics: The telephoto lens focuses incoming light to a field stop that is also a focal point of each spherical lens. A correcting lens in front of the field stop compensates for the spherical aberration of the spherical lenses. The front surface of each spherical lens collimates the light coming from the field stop. After the collimated light passes through the filter in the spherical lens, the rear surface of the lens focuses the light onto a charge-coupled-device image detector.

Tunable-Bandwidth Filter System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aye, Tin; Yu, Kevin; Dimov, Fedor; Savant, Gajendra

2006-01-01

A tunable-bandwidth filter system (TBFS), now undergoing development, is intended to be part of a remote-sensing multispectral imaging system that will operate in the visible and near infrared spectral region (wavelengths from 400 to 900 nm). Attributes of the TBFS include rapid tunability of the pass band over a wide wavelength range and high transmission efficiency. The TBFS is based on a unique integration of two pairs of broadband Raman reflection holographic filters with two rotating spherical lenses. In experiments, a prototype of the TBFS was shown to be capable of spectral sampling of images in the visible range over a 200-nm spectral range with a spectral resolution of .30 nm. The figure depicts the optical layout of a prototype of the TBFS as part of a laboratory multispectral imaging system for the spectral sampling of color test images in two orthogonal polarizations. Each pair of broadband Raman reflection holographic filters is mounted at an equatorial plane between two halves of a spherical lens. The two filters in each pair are characterized by steep spectral slopes (equivalently, narrow spectral edges), no ripple or side lobes in their pass bands, and a few nanometers of non-overlapping wavelength range between their pass bands. Each spherical lens and thus the filter pair within it is rotated in order to rapidly tune its pass band. The rotations of the lenses are effected by electronically controlled, programmable, high-precision rotation stages. The rotations are coordinated by electronic circuits operating under overall supervision of a personal computer in order to obtain the desired variation of the overall pass bands with time. Embedding the filters inside the spherical lenses increases the range of the hologram incidence angles, making it possible to continuously tune the pass and stop bands of the filters over a wider wavelength range. In addition, each spherical lens also serves as part of the imaging optics: The telephoto lens focuses incoming light to a field stop that is also a focal point of each spherical lens. A correcting lens in front of the field stop compensates for the spherical aberration of the spherical lenses. The front surface of each spherical lens collimates the light coming from the field stop. After the collimated light passes through the filter in the spherical lens, the rear surface of the lens focuses the light onto a charge-coupled-device image detector.

Effects of snow grain shape on climate simulations: sensitivity tests with the Norwegian Earth System Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Räisänen, Petri; Makkonen, Risto; Kirkevåg, Alf; Debernard, Jens B.

2017-12-01

Snow consists of non-spherical grains of various shapes and sizes. Still, in radiative transfer calculations, snow grains are often treated as spherical. This also applies to the computation of snow albedo in the Snow, Ice, and Aerosol Radiation (SNICAR) model and in the Los Alamos sea ice model, version 4 (CICE4), both of which are employed in the Community Earth System Model and in the Norwegian Earth System Model (NorESM). In this study, we evaluate the effect of snow grain shape on climate simulated by NorESM in a slab ocean configuration of the model. An experiment with spherical snow grains (SPH) is compared with another (NONSPH) in which the snow shortwave single-scattering properties are based on a combination of three non-spherical snow grain shapes optimized using measurements of angular scattering by blowing snow. The key difference between these treatments is that the asymmetry parameter is smaller in the non-spherical case (0.77-0.78 in the visible region) than in the spherical case ( ≈ 0.89). Therefore, for the same effective snow grain size (or equivalently, the same specific projected area), the snow broadband albedo is higher when assuming non-spherical rather than spherical snow grains, typically by 0.02-0.03. Considering the spherical case as the baseline, this results in an instantaneous negative change in net shortwave radiation with a global-mean top-of-the-model value of ca. -0.22 W m-2. Although this global-mean radiative effect is rather modest, the impacts on the climate simulated by NorESM are substantial. The global annual-mean 2 m air temperature in NONSPH is 1.17 K lower than in SPH, with substantially larger differences at high latitudes. The climatic response is amplified by strong snow and sea ice feedbacks. It is further demonstrated that the effect of snow grain shape could be largely offset by adjusting the snow grain size. When assuming non-spherical snow grains with the parameterized grain size increased by ca. 70 %, the climatic differences to the SPH experiment become very small. Finally, the impact of assumed snow grain shape on the radiative effects of absorbing aerosols in snow is discussed.

Orthodontic soft-tissue parameters: a comparison of cone-beam computed tomography and the 3dMD imaging system.

PubMed

Metzger, Tasha E; Kula, Katherine S; Eckert, George J; Ghoneima, Ahmed A

2013-11-01

Orthodontists rely heavily on soft-tissue analysis to determine facial esthetics and treatment stability. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the equivalence of soft-tissue measurements between the 3dMD imaging system (3dMD, Atlanta, Ga) and the segmented skin surface images derived from cone-beam computed tomography. Seventy preexisting 3dMD facial photographs and cone-beam computed tomography scans taken within minutes of each other for the same subjects were registered in 3 dimensions and superimposed using Vultus (3dMD) software. After reliability studies, 28 soft-tissue measurements were recorded with both imaging modalities and compared to analyze their equivalence. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess interexaminer and intraexaminer repeatability and agreement. Summary statistics were calculated for all measurements. To demonstrate equivalence of the 2 methods, the difference needed a 95% confidence interval contained entirely within the equivalence limits defined by the repeatability results. Statistically significant differences were reported for the vermilion height, mouth width, total facial width, mouth symmetry, soft-tissue lip thickness, and eye symmetry. There are areas of nonequivalence between the 2 imaging methods; however, the differences are clinically acceptable from the orthodontic point of view. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Deep circulations under simple classes of stratification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salby, Murry L.

1989-01-01

Deep circulations where the motion field is vertically aligned over one or more scale heights are studied under barotropic and equivalent barotropic stratifications. The study uses two-dimensional equations reduced from the three-dimensional primitive equations in spherical geometry. A mapping is established between the full primitive equations and general shallow water behavior and the correspondence between variables describing deep atmospheric motion and those of shallow water behavior is established.

Air Blast Calculations

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-01

composition C-4 (C4), a polymer-bonded explosive (PBXN-109), and nitromethane (NM). Each charge diameter (CD) is assumed to be 17.46 cm (equivalent to a 10-lb... explosive detonates, the rapid expansion of reaction gases generates a shock wave that propagates into the surrounding medium. The pressure history at a...spherical explosive charge suspended in air. A comparison of the results obtained using CTH are made to ones generated using the Friedlander

Antimicrobial activity of spherical silver nanoparticles prepared using a biocompatible macromolecular capping agent: evidence for induction of a greatly prolonged bacterial lag phase

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

We have evaluated the antimicrobial properties of Ag-based nanoparticles (Np) using two solid platform-based bioassays and found that 10-20 uL of 0.3-3 uM keratin-based Nps (depending on the starting bacteria concentration = CI) completely inhibited the growth of an equivalent volume of ca. 1,000 to...

Structure, thermodynamic properties, and phase diagrams of few colloids confined in a spherical pore.

PubMed

Paganini, Iván E; Pastorino, Claudio; Urrutia, Ignacio

2015-06-28

We study a system of few colloids confined in a small spherical cavity with event driven molecular dynamics simulations in the canonical ensemble. The colloidal particles interact through a short range square-well potential that takes into account the basic elements of attraction and excluded-volume repulsion of the interaction among colloids. We analyze the structural and thermodynamic properties of this few-body confined system in the framework of inhomogeneous fluids theory. Pair correlation function and density profile are used to determine the structure and the spatial characteristics of the system. Pressure on the walls, internal energy, and surface quantities such as surface tension and adsorption are also analyzed for a wide range of densities and temperatures. We have characterized systems from 2 to 6 confined particles, identifying distinctive qualitative behavior over the thermodynamic plane T - ρ, in a few-particle equivalent to phase diagrams of macroscopic systems. Applying the extended law of corresponding states, the square well interaction is mapped to the Asakura-Oosawa model for colloid-polymer mixtures. We link explicitly the temperature of the confined square-well fluid to the equivalent packing fraction of polymers in the Asakura-Oosawa model. Using this approach, we study the confined system of few colloids in a colloid-polymer mixture.

Relationship between lenticular power and refractive error in children with hyperopia.

PubMed

Tomomatsu, Takeshi; Kono, Shinjiro; Arimura, Shogo; Tomomatsu, Yoko; Matsumura, Takehiro; Takihara, Yuji; Inatani, Masaru; Takamura, Yoshihiro

2013-01-01

To evaluate the contribution of axial length, and lenticular and corneal power to the spherical equivalent refractive error in children with hyperopia between 3 and 13 years of age, using noncontact optical biometry. There were 62 children between 3 and 13 years of age with hyperopia (+2 diopters [D] or more) who underwent automated refraction measurement with cycloplegia, to measure spherical equivalent refractive error and corneal power. Axial length was measured using an optic biometer that does not require contact with the cornea. The refractive power of the lens was calculated using the Sanders-Retzlaff-Kraff formula. Single regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation among the optical parameters. There was a significant positive correlation between age and axial length (P = 0.0014); however, the degree of hyperopia did not decrease with aging (P = 0.59). There was a significant negative correlation between age and the refractive power of the lens (P = 0.0001) but not that of the cornea (P = 0.43). A significant negative correlation was observed between the degree of hyperopia and lenticular power (P < 0.0001). Although this study is small scale and cross sectional, the analysis, using noncontact biometry, showed that lenticular power was negatively correlated with refractive error and age, indicating that lower lens power may contribute to the degree of hyperopia.

Interocular symmetry in macular choroidal thickness in children.

PubMed

Al-Haddad, Christiane; El Chaar, Lama; Antonios, Rafic; El-Dairi, Mays; Noureddin, Baha'

2014-01-01

Objective. To report interocular differences in choroidal thickness in children using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and correlate findings with biometric data. Methods. This observational cross-sectional study included 91 (182 eyes) healthy children aged 6 to 17 years with no ocular abnormality except refractive error. After a comprehensive eye exam and axial length measurement, high definition macular scans were performed using SD-OCT. Two observers manually measured the choroidal thickness at the foveal center and at 1500 µm nasally, temporally, inferiorly, and superiorly. Interocular differences were computed; correlations with age, gender, refractive error, and axial length were performed. Results. Mean age was 10.40 ± 3.17 years; mean axial length and refractive error values were similar between fellow eyes. There was excellent correlation between the two observers' measurements. No significant interocular differences were observed at any location. There was only a trend for right eyes to have higher values in all thicknesses, except the superior thickness. Most of the choroidal thickness measurements correlated positively with spherical equivalent but not with axial length, age, or gender. Conclusion. Choroidal thickness measurements in children as performed using SD-OCT revealed a high level of interobserver agreement and consistent interocular symmetry. Values correlated positively with spherical equivalent refraction.

Structure, thermodynamic properties, and phase diagrams of few colloids confined in a spherical pore

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

Paganini, Iván E.; Pastorino, Claudio, E-mail: pastor@cnea.gov.ar; Urrutia, Ignacio, E-mail: iurrutia@cnea.gov.ar

2015-06-28

We study a system of few colloids confined in a small spherical cavity with event driven molecular dynamics simulations in the canonical ensemble. The colloidal particles interact through a short range square-well potential that takes into account the basic elements of attraction and excluded-volume repulsion of the interaction among colloids. We analyze the structural and thermodynamic properties of this few-body confined system in the framework of inhomogeneous fluids theory. Pair correlation function and density profile are used to determine the structure and the spatial characteristics of the system. Pressure on the walls, internal energy, and surface quantities such as surfacemore » tension and adsorption are also analyzed for a wide range of densities and temperatures. We have characterized systems from 2 to 6 confined particles, identifying distinctive qualitative behavior over the thermodynamic plane T − ρ, in a few-particle equivalent to phase diagrams of macroscopic systems. Applying the extended law of corresponding states, the square well interaction is mapped to the Asakura-Oosawa model for colloid-polymer mixtures. We link explicitly the temperature of the confined square-well fluid to the equivalent packing fraction of polymers in the Asakura-Oosawa model. Using this approach, we study the confined system of few colloids in a colloid-polymer mixture.« less

The estimation of galactic cosmic ray penetration and dose rates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burrell, M. O.; Wright, J. J.

1972-01-01

This study is concerned with approximation methods that can be readily applied to estimate the absorbed dose rate from cosmic rays in rads - tissue or rems inside simple geometries of aluminum. The present work is limited to finding the dose rate at the center of spherical shells or behind plane slabs. The dose rate is calculated at tissue-point detectors or for thin layers of tissue. This study considers cosmic-rays dose rates for both free-space and earth-orbiting missions.

Spherical grating based x-ray Talbot interferometry.

PubMed

Cong, Wenxiang; Xi, Yan; Wang, Ge

2015-11-01

Grating interferometry is a state-of-the-art x-ray imaging approach, which can acquire information on x-ray attenuation, phase shift, and small-angle scattering simultaneously. Phase-contrast imaging and dark-field imaging are very sensitive to microstructural variation and offers superior contrast resolution for biological soft tissues. However, a common x-ray tube is a point-like source. As a result, the popular planar grating imaging configuration seriously restricts the flux of photons and decreases the visibility of signals, yielding a limited field of view. The purpose of this study is to extend the planar x-ray grating imaging theory and methods to a spherical grating scheme for a wider range of preclinical and clinical applications. A spherical grating matches the wave front of a point x-ray source very well, allowing the perpendicular incidence of x-rays on the grating to achieve a higher visibility over a larger field of view than the planer grating counterpart. A theoretical analysis of the Talbot effect for spherical grating imaging is proposed to establish a basic foundation for x-ray spherical gratings interferometry. An efficient method of spherical grating imaging is also presented to extract attenuation, differential phase, and dark-field images in the x-ray spherical grating interferometer. Talbot self-imaging with spherical gratings is analyzed based on the Rayleigh-Sommerfeld diffraction formula, featuring a periodic angular distribution in a polar coordinate system. The Talbot distance is derived to reveal the Talbot self-imaging pattern. Numerical simulation results show the self-imaging phenomenon of a spherical grating interferometer, which is in agreement with the theoretical prediction. X-ray Talbot interferometry with spherical gratings has a significant practical promise. Relative to planar grating imaging, spherical grating based x-ray Talbot interferometry has a larger field of view and improves both signal visibility and dose utilization for pre-clinical and clinical applications.

Spherical grating based x-ray Talbot interferometry

PubMed Central

Cong, Wenxiang; Xi, Yan; Wang, Ge

2015-01-01

Purpose: Grating interferometry is a state-of-the-art x-ray imaging approach, which can acquire information on x-ray attenuation, phase shift, and small-angle scattering simultaneously. Phase-contrast imaging and dark-field imaging are very sensitive to microstructural variation and offers superior contrast resolution for biological soft tissues. However, a common x-ray tube is a point-like source. As a result, the popular planar grating imaging configuration seriously restricts the flux of photons and decreases the visibility of signals, yielding a limited field of view. The purpose of this study is to extend the planar x-ray grating imaging theory and methods to a spherical grating scheme for a wider range of preclinical and clinical applications. Methods: A spherical grating matches the wave front of a point x-ray source very well, allowing the perpendicular incidence of x-rays on the grating to achieve a higher visibility over a larger field of view than the planer grating counterpart. A theoretical analysis of the Talbot effect for spherical grating imaging is proposed to establish a basic foundation for x-ray spherical gratings interferometry. An efficient method of spherical grating imaging is also presented to extract attenuation, differential phase, and dark-field images in the x-ray spherical grating interferometer. Results: Talbot self-imaging with spherical gratings is analyzed based on the Rayleigh–Sommerfeld diffraction formula, featuring a periodic angular distribution in a polar coordinate system. The Talbot distance is derived to reveal the Talbot self-imaging pattern. Numerical simulation results show the self-imaging phenomenon of a spherical grating interferometer, which is in agreement with the theoretical prediction. Conclusions: X-ray Talbot interferometry with spherical gratings has a significant practical promise. Relative to planar grating imaging, spherical grating based x-ray Talbot interferometry has a larger field of view and improves both signal visibility and dose utilization for pre-clinical and clinical applications. PMID:26520741

Spherical grating based x-ray Talbot interferometry

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

Cong, Wenxiang, E-mail: congw@rpi.edu, E-mail: xiy2@rpi.edu, E-mail: wangg6@rpi.edu; Xi, Yan, E-mail: congw@rpi.edu, E-mail: xiy2@rpi.edu, E-mail: wangg6@rpi.edu; Wang, Ge, E-mail: congw@rpi.edu, E-mail: xiy2@rpi.edu, E-mail: wangg6@rpi.edu

2015-11-15

Purpose: Grating interferometry is a state-of-the-art x-ray imaging approach, which can acquire information on x-ray attenuation, phase shift, and small-angle scattering simultaneously. Phase-contrast imaging and dark-field imaging are very sensitive to microstructural variation and offers superior contrast resolution for biological soft tissues. However, a common x-ray tube is a point-like source. As a result, the popular planar grating imaging configuration seriously restricts the flux of photons and decreases the visibility of signals, yielding a limited field of view. The purpose of this study is to extend the planar x-ray grating imaging theory and methods to a spherical grating scheme formore » a wider range of preclinical and clinical applications. Methods: A spherical grating matches the wave front of a point x-ray source very well, allowing the perpendicular incidence of x-rays on the grating to achieve a higher visibility over a larger field of view than the planer grating counterpart. A theoretical analysis of the Talbot effect for spherical grating imaging is proposed to establish a basic foundation for x-ray spherical gratings interferometry. An efficient method of spherical grating imaging is also presented to extract attenuation, differential phase, and dark-field images in the x-ray spherical grating interferometer. Results: Talbot self-imaging with spherical gratings is analyzed based on the Rayleigh–Sommerfeld diffraction formula, featuring a periodic angular distribution in a polar coordinate system. The Talbot distance is derived to reveal the Talbot self-imaging pattern. Numerical simulation results show the self-imaging phenomenon of a spherical grating interferometer, which is in agreement with the theoretical prediction. Conclusions: X-ray Talbot interferometry with spherical gratings has a significant practical promise. Relative to planar grating imaging, spherical grating based x-ray Talbot interferometry has a larger field of view and improves both signal visibility and dose utilization for pre-clinical and clinical applications.« less

10 CFR 60.136 - Preclosure controlled area.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... limiting of a total effective dose equivalent of 0.05 Sv (5 rem), or the sum of the deep-dose equivalent and the committed dose equivalent to any individual organ or tissue (other than the lens of the eye) of 0.5 Sv (50 rem). The eye dose equivalent shall not exceed 0.15 Sv (15 rem), and the shallow dose...

10 CFR 60.136 - Preclosure controlled area.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... limiting of a total effective dose equivalent of 0.05 Sv (5 rem), or the sum of the deep-dose equivalent and the committed dose equivalent to any individual organ or tissue (other than the lens of the eye) of 0.5 Sv (50 rem). The eye dose equivalent shall not exceed 0.15 Sv (15 rem), and the shallow dose...

10 CFR 60.136 - Preclosure controlled area.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... limiting of a total effective dose equivalent of 0.05 Sv (5 rem), or the sum of the deep-dose equivalent and the committed dose equivalent to any individual organ or tissue (other than the lens of the eye) of 0.5 Sv (50 rem). The eye dose equivalent shall not exceed 0.15 Sv (15 rem), and the shallow dose...

10 CFR 60.136 - Preclosure controlled area.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... limiting of a total effective dose equivalent of 0.05 Sv (5 rem), or the sum of the deep-dose equivalent and the committed dose equivalent to any individual organ or tissue (other than the lens of the eye) of 0.5 Sv (50 rem). The eye dose equivalent shall not exceed 0.15 Sv (15 rem), and the shallow dose...

10 CFR 60.136 - Preclosure controlled area.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... limiting of a total effective dose equivalent of 0.05 Sv (5 rem), or the sum of the deep-dose equivalent and the committed dose equivalent to any individual organ or tissue (other than the lens of the eye) of 0.5 Sv (50 rem). The eye dose equivalent shall not exceed 0.15 Sv (15 rem), and the shallow dose...

Space Shuttle drops down the SAA doses on ISS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dachev, T. P.; Semkova, J.; Tomov, B.; Matviichuk, Yu.; Dimitrov, Pl.; Koleva, R.; Malchev, St.; Reitz, G.; Horneck, G.; De Angelis, G.; Häder, D.-P.; Petrov, V.; Shurshakov, V.; Benghin, V.; Chernykh, I.; Drobyshev, S.; Bankov, N. G.

2011-06-01

Long-term analysis of data from two radiation detection instruments on the International Space Station (ISS) shows that the docking of the Space Shuttle drops down the measured dose rates in the region of the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) by a factor of 1.5-3. Measurements either by the R3DE detector, which is outside the ISS at the EuTEF facility on the Columbus module behind a shielding of less than 0.45 g cm -2, and by the three detectors of the Liulin-5 particle telescope, which is inside the Russian PEARS module in the spherical tissue equivalent phantom behind much heavier shielding demonstrate that effect. Simultaneously the estimated averaged incident energies of the incoming protons rise up from about 30 to 45 MeV. The effect is explained by the additional shielding against the SAA 30-150 MeV protons, provided by the 78 tons Shuttle to the instruments inside and outside of the ISS. An additional reason is the ISS attitude change (performed for the Shuttle docking) leading to decreasing of dose rates in two of Liulin-5 detectors because of the East-West proton fluxes asymmetry in SAA. The Galactic Cosmic Rays dose rates are practically not affected.

MCNP modelling of the wall effects observed in tissue-equivalent proportional counters.

PubMed

Hoff, J L; Townsend, L W

2002-01-01

Tissue-equivalent proportional counters (TEPCs) utilise tissue-equivalent materials to depict homogeneous microscopic volumes of human tissue. Although both the walls and gas simulate the same medium, they respond to radiation differently. Density differences between the two materials cause distortions, or wall effects, in measurements, with the most dominant effect caused by delta rays. This study uses a Monte Carlo transport code, MCNP, to simulate the transport of secondary electrons within a TEPC. The Rudd model, a singly differential cross section with no dependence on electron direction, is used to describe the energy spectrum obtained by the impact of two iron beams on water. Based on the models used in this study, a wall-less TEPC had a higher lineal energy (keV.micron-1) as a function of impact parameter than a solid-wall TEPC for the iron beams under consideration. An important conclusion of this study is that MCNP has the ability to model the wall effects observed in TEPCs.

Controlling human corneal stromal stem cell contraction to mediate rapid cell and matrix organization of real architecture for 3-dimensional tissue equivalents.

PubMed

Mukhey, Dev; Phillips, James B; Daniels, Julie T; Kureshi, Alvena K

2018-02-01

The architecture of the human corneal stroma consists of a highly organized extracellular matrix (ECM) interspersed with keratocytes. Their progenitor cells; corneal stromal stem cells (CSSC) are located at the periphery, in the limbal stroma. A highly organized corneal ECM is critical for effective transmission of light but this structure may be compromised during injury or disease, resulting in loss of vision. Re-creating normal organization in engineered tissue equivalents for transplantation often involves lengthy culture times that are inappropriate for clinical use or utilisation of synthetic substrates that bring complications such as corneal melting. CSSC have great therapeutic potential owing to their ability to reorganize a disorganized matrix, restoring transparency in scarred corneas. We examined CSSC contractile behavior to assess whether this property could be exploited to rapidly generate cell and ECM organization in Real Architecture For 3D Tissues (RAFT) tissue equivalents (TE) for transplantation. Free-floating collagen gels were characterized to assess contractile behavior of CSSC and establish optimum cell density and culture times. To mediate cell and collagen organization, tethered collagen gels seeded with CSSC were cultured and subsequently stabilized with the RAFT process. We demonstrated rapid creation of biomimetic RAFT TE with tunable structural properties. These displayed three distinct regions of varying degrees of cellular and collagen organization. Interestingly, increased organization coincided with a dramatic loss of PAX6 expression in CSSC, indicating rapid differentiation into keratocytes. The organized RAFT TE system could be a useful bioengineering tool to rapidly create an organized ECM while simultaneously controlling cell phenotype. For the first time, we have demonstrated that human CSSC exhibit the phenomenon of cellular self-alignment in tethered collagen gels. We found this mediated rapid co-alignment of collagen fibrils and thus subsequently exploited this property in vitro to improve the architecture of engineered RAFT tissue equivalents of the corneal stroma. Existing techniques are extremely lengthy and carry significant risk and cost for GMP manufacture. This rapid and tunable technique takes just 8 h of culture and is therefore ideal for clinical manufacture, creating biomimetic tissue equivalents with both cellular and ECM organization. Thus, cellular self-alignment can be a useful bioengineering tool for the development of organized tissue equivalents in a variety of applications. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Antigen Retrieval Methods on Nonspecific Binding of Antibody-Metal Nanoparticle Conjugates on Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue.

PubMed

Zhang, Yuying; Wang, Xin-Ping; Perner, Sven; Bankfalvi, Agnes; Schlücker, Sebastian

2018-01-02

Immunohistochemical analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues provides important diagnostic and prognostic information in pathology. Metal nanoparticles (NPs) and, in particular, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanotags as a new class of labeling reagents are promising to be used for multiplexed protein profiling on tissue sections. However, nonspecific binding of NPs onto the tissue specimens greatly hampers their clinical applications. In this study, we found that the antigen retrieval method strongly influences the extent of nonspecific binding of the antibody-SERS NP conjugates to the tissue. Our SERS labels comprised ca. 70 nm Au nanostars coated with ethylene glycol-modified Raman reporter molecules for hydrophilic stabilization and subsequent covalent bioconjugation to antibodies. We systematically investigated the influence of heat- and protease-induced epitope retrieval (HIER and PIER, respectively) on the immunostaining quality of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) on human prostate tissue sections. The best staining results were obtained with PIER. Pretreatment of the tissue sections by HIER led to selective but nonspecific adsorption of the antibody-Au nanostar conjugates onto epithelial cells, while enzymatic treatment within PIER did not. In addition to gold nanostars, also other types of metal NPs with different shapes and sizes (including ca. 20 nm quasi-spherical Au NPs and ca. 60 nm quasi-spherical Au/Ag nanoshells) as well as tissue sections from different organs (including prostate and breast) were tested; in each case the same tendency was observed, i.e., PIER yielded better results than HIER. Therefore, we recommend PIER for future NP-based tissue immunostaining such as immuno-SERS microscopy. Alternatively, for antigens that can only be unmasked by heating, PEGylation of the NPs is recommended to avoid nonspecific binding.

Accumulation of subcutaneous fat, but not visceral fat, is a predictor of adiponectin levels in preterm infants at term-equivalent age.

PubMed

Nakano, Yuya; Itabashi, Kazuo; Sakurai, Motoichiro; Aizawa, Madoka; Dobashi, Kazushige; Mizuno, Katsumi

2014-05-01

Preterm infants have altered fat tissue development, including a higher percentage of fat mass and increased volume of visceral fat. They also have altered adiponectin levels, including a lower ratio of high-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMW-Ad) to total adiponectin (T-Ad) at term-equivalent age, compared with term infants. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between adiponectin levels and fat tissue accumulation or distribution in preterm infants at term-equivalent age. Cross-sectional clinical study. Study subjects were 53 preterm infants born at ≤34weeks gestation with a mean birth weight of 1592g. Serum levels of T-Ad and HMW-Ad were measured and a computed tomography (CT) scan was performed at the level of the umbilicus at term-equivalent age to analyze how fat tissue accumulation or distribution was correlated with adiponectin levels. T-Ad (r=0.315, p=0.022) and HMW-Ad levels (r=0.338, p=0.013) were positively associated with subcutaneous fat area evaluated by performing CT scan at term-equivalent age, but were not associated with visceral fat area in simple regression analyses. In addition, T-Ad (β=0.487, p=0.003) and HMW-Ad levels (β=0.602, p<0.001) were positively associated with subcutaneous fat tissue area, but they were not associated with visceral fat area also in multiple regression analyses. Subcutaneous fat accumulation contributes to increased levels of T-Ad and HMW-Ad, while visceral fat accumulation does not influence adiponectin levels in preterm infants at term-equivalent age. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

From Microscale Devices to 3D Printing: Advances in Fabrication of 3D Cardiovascular Tissues

PubMed Central

Borovjagin, Anton V.; Ogle, Brenda; Berry, Joel; Zhang, Jianyi

2016-01-01

Current strategies for engineering cardiovascular cells and tissues have yielded a variety of sophisticated tools for studying disease mechanisms, for development of drug therapies, and for fabrication of tissue equivalents that may have application in future clinical use. These efforts are motivated by the need to extend traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems into 3D to more accurately replicate in vivo cell and tissue function of cardiovascular structures. Developments in microscale devices and bioprinted 3D tissues are beginning to supplant traditional 2D cell cultures and pre-clinical animal studies that have historically been the standard for drug and tissue development. These new approaches lend themselves to patient-specific diagnostics, therapeutics, and tissue regeneration. The emergence of these technologies also carries technical challenges to be met before traditional cell culture and animal testing become obsolete. Successful development and validation of 3D human tissue constructs will provide powerful new paradigms for more cost effective and timely translation of cardiovascular tissue equivalents. PMID:28057791

Standing adult human phantoms based on 10th, 50th and 90th mass and height percentiles of male and female Caucasian populations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cassola, V. F.; Milian, F. M.; Kramer, R.; de Oliveira Lira, C. A. B.; Khoury, H. J.

2011-07-01

Computational anthropomorphic human phantoms are useful tools developed for the calculation of absorbed or equivalent dose to radiosensitive organs and tissues of the human body. The problem is, however, that, strictly speaking, the results can be applied only to a person who has the same anatomy as the phantom, while for a person with different body mass and/or standing height the data could be wrong. In order to improve this situation for many areas in radiological protection, this study developed 18 anthropometric standing adult human phantoms, nine models per gender, as a function of the 10th, 50th and 90th mass and height percentiles of Caucasian populations. The anthropometric target parameters for body mass, standing height and other body measures were extracted from PeopleSize, a well-known software package used in the area of ergonomics. The phantoms were developed based on the assumption of a constant body-mass index for a given mass percentile and for different heights. For a given height, increase or decrease of body mass was considered to reflect mainly the change of subcutaneous adipose tissue mass, i.e. that organ masses were not changed. Organ mass scaling as a function of height was based on information extracted from autopsy data. The methods used here were compared with those used in other studies, anatomically as well as dosimetrically. For external exposure, the results show that equivalent dose decreases with increasing body mass for organs and tissues located below the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer, such as liver, colon, stomach, etc, while for organs located at the surface, such as breasts, testes and skin, the equivalent dose increases or remains constant with increasing body mass due to weak attenuation and more scatter radiation caused by the increasing adipose tissue mass. Changes of standing height have little influence on the equivalent dose to organs and tissues from external exposure. Specific absorbed fractions (SAFs) have also been calculated with the 18 anthropometric phantoms. The results show that SAFs decrease with increasing height and increase with increasing body mass. The calculated data suggest that changes of the body mass may have a significant effect on equivalent doses, primarily for external exposure to organs and tissue located below the adipose tissue layer, while for superficial organs, for changes of height and for internal exposures the effects on equivalent dose are small to moderate.

Dielectric properties of biological tissues in which cells are connected by communicating junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asami, Koji

2007-06-01

The frequency dependence of the complex permittivity of biological tissues has been simulated using a simple model that is a cubic array of spherical cells in a parallel plate capacitor. The cells are connected by two types of communicating junctions: one is a membrane-lined channel for plasmodesmata in plant tissues, and the other is a conducting patch of adjoining plasma membranes for gap junctions in animal tissues. Both junctions provided similar effects on the dielectric properties of the tissue model. The model without junction showed a dielectric relaxation (called β-dispersion) that was expected from an interfacial polarization theory for a concentrated suspension of spherical cells. The dielectric relaxation was the same as that of the model in which neighbouring cells were connected by junctions perpendicular to the applied electric field. When neighbouring cells were connected by junctions parallel to the applied electric field or in all directions, a dielectric relaxation appeared at a lower frequency side in addition to the β-dispersion, corresponding to the so called α-dispersion. When junctions were randomly introduced at varied probabilities Pj, the low-frequency (LF) relaxation curve became broader, especially at Pj of 0.2-0.5, and its intensity was proportional to Pj up to 0.7. The intensity and the characteristic frequency of the LF relaxation both decreased with decreasing junction conductance. The simulations indicate that communicating junctions are important for understanding the LF dielectric relaxation in tissues.

Nocturnal Accumulation of Malic Acid Occurs in Mesophyll Tissue without Proton Transport to Epidermal Tissue in the Inducible Crassulacean Acid Metabolism Plant Mesembryanthemum crystallinum1

PubMed Central

Winter, Klaus; Edwards, Gerald E.; Holtum, Joseph A. M.

1981-01-01

The inducible Crassulacean acid metabolism plant, Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, accumulates malic acid, i.e. equivalent amounts of malate anions and protons in the mesophyll cells at night. Levels of malate and titratable acidity are low in the epidermal tissue and do not change significantly during the day/night cycle. This result is in contrast to a recent report (Bloom 1979 Plant Physiol 64: 919-923) that the synthesis of malic acid during dark CO2 fixation is associated with an equivalent exchange of inorganic cations from epidermal tissue with protons in the mesophyll cells. PMID:16661916

A poroelastic finite element model of the bone-cartilage unit to determine the effects of changes in permeability with osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Stender, Michael E; Regueiro, Richard A; Ferguson, Virginia L

2017-02-01

The changes experienced in synovial joints with osteoarthritis involve coupled chemical, biological, and mechanical processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the consequences of increasing permeability in articular cartilage (AC), calcified cartilage (CC), subchondral cortical bone (SCB), and subchondral trabecular bone (STB) as observed with osteoarthritis. Two poroelastic finite element models were developed using a depth-dependent anisotropic model of AC with strain-dependent permeability and poroelastic models of calcified tissues (CC, SCB, and STB). The first model simulated a bone-cartilage unit (BCU) in uniaxial unconfined compression, while the second model simulated spherical indentation of the AC surface. Results indicate that the permeability of AC is the primary determinant of the BCU's poromechanical response while the permeability of calcified tissues exerts no appreciable effect on the force-indentation response of the BCU. In spherical indentation simulations with osteoarthritic permeability properties, fluid velocities were larger in magnitude and distributed over a smaller area compared to normal tissues. In vivo, this phenomenon would likely lead to chondrocyte death, tissue remodeling, alterations in joint lubrication, and the progression of osteoarthritis. For osteoarthritic and normal tissue permeability values, fluid flow was predicted to occur across the osteochondral interface. These results help elucidate the consequences of increases in the permeability of the BCU that occur with osteoarthritis. Furthermore, this study may guide future treatments to counteract osteoarthritis.

10 CFR Appendix B to Part 20 - Annual Limits on Intake (ALIs) and Derived Air Concentrations (DACs) of Radionuclides for...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...) a committed effective dose equivalent of 5 rems (stochastic ALI) or (2) a committed dose equivalent of 50 rems to an organ or tissue (non-stochastic ALI). The stochastic ALIs were derived to result in... equivalent to the whole body of 5 rems. The derivation includes multiplying the committed dose equivalent to...

10 CFR Appendix B to Part 20 - Annual Limits on Intake (ALIs) and Derived Air Concentrations (DACs) of Radionuclides for...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...) a committed effective dose equivalent of 5 rems (stochastic ALI) or (2) a committed dose equivalent of 50 rems to an organ or tissue (non-stochastic ALI). The stochastic ALIs were derived to result in... equivalent to the whole body of 5 rems. The derivation includes multiplying the committed dose equivalent to...

10 CFR Appendix B to Part 20 - Annual Limits on Intake (ALIs) and Derived Air Concentrations (DACs) of Radionuclides for...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

...) a committed effective dose equivalent of 5 rems (stochastic ALI) or (2) a committed dose equivalent of 50 rems to an organ or tissue (non-stochastic ALI). The stochastic ALIs were derived to result in... equivalent to the whole body of 5 rems. The derivation includes multiplying the committed dose equivalent to...

10 CFR Appendix B to Part 20 - Annual Limits on Intake (ALIs) and Derived Air Concentrations (DACs) of Radionuclides for...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...) a committed effective dose equivalent of 5 rems (stochastic ALI) or (2) a committed dose equivalent of 50 rems to an organ or tissue (non-stochastic ALI). The stochastic ALIs were derived to result in... equivalent to the whole body of 5 rems. The derivation includes multiplying the committed dose equivalent to...

10 CFR Appendix B to Part 20 - Annual Limits on Intake (ALIs) and Derived Air Concentrations (DACs) of Radionuclides for...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

...) a committed effective dose equivalent of 5 rems (stochastic ALI) or (2) a committed dose equivalent of 50 rems to an organ or tissue (non-stochastic ALI). The stochastic ALIs were derived to result in... equivalent to the whole body of 5 rems. The derivation includes multiplying the committed dose equivalent to...

On the interpretations of Langevin stochastic equation in different coordinate systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martínez, E.; López-Díaz, L.; Torres, L.; Alejos, O.

2004-01-01

The stochastic Langevin Landau-Lifshitz equation is usually utilized in micromagnetics formalism to account for thermal effects. Commonly, two different interpretations of the stochastic integrals can be made: Ito and Stratonovich. In this work, the Langevin-Landau-Lifshitz (LLL) equation is written in both Cartesian and Spherical coordinates. If Spherical coordinates are employed, the noise is additive, and therefore, Ito and Stratonovich solutions are equal. This is not the case when (LLL) equation is written in Cartesian coordinates. In this case, the Langevin equation must be interpreted in the Stratonovich sense in order to reproduce correct statistical results. Nevertheless, the statistics of the numerical results obtained from Euler-Ito and Euler-Stratonovich schemes are equivalent due to the additional numerical constraint imposed in Cartesian system after each time step, which itself assures that the magnitude of the magnetization is preserved.

Laser diffraction of acicular particles: practical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scott, David M.; Matsuyama, Tatsushi

2014-08-01

Commercial laser diffraction instruments are widely used to measure particle size distribution (PSD), but the results are distorted for non-spherical (acicular) particles often encountered in practical applications. Consequently the distribution, which is reported in terms of equivalent spherical diameter, requires interpretation. For rod-like and plate-like particles, the PSD tends to be bi-modal, with the two modal sizes closely related to the median length and width, or width and thickness, of the particles. Furthermore, it is found that the bi-modal PSD for at least one instrument can typically be approximated by a bi-lognormal distribution. By fitting such a function to the reported distribution, one may extract quantitative information useful for process or product development. This approach is illustrated by examples of such measurement on industrial samples of polymer particles, crystals, bacteria, and clays.

Outwardly Propagating Flames at Elevated Pressures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Law, C. K.; Rozenchan, G.; Tse, S. D.; Zhu, D. L.

2001-01-01

Spherical, outwardly-propagating flames of CH4-O2-inert and H2-O2-inert mixtures were experimentally studied in a high pressure apparatus. Stretch-free flame speeds and Markstein lengths were extracted for a wide range of pressures and equivalence ratios for spherically-symmetric, smooth flamefronts and compared to numerical computations with detailed chemistry and transport, as well as existing data in the literature. Wrinkle development was examined for propagating flames that were unstable under our experimental conditions. Hydrodynamic cells developed for most H2-air and CH4-air flames at elevated pressures, while thermal-diffusive instabilities were also observed for lean and near-stoichiometric hydrogen flames at pressures above atmospheric. Strategies in suppressing or delaying the onset of cell formation have been assessed. Buoyancy effects affected sufficiently off-stoichiometric CH4 mixtures at high pressures.

Tissue Equivalent Phantom Design for Characterization of a Coherent Scatter X-ray Imaging System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albanese, Kathryn Elizabeth

Scatter in medical imaging is typically cast off as image-related noise that detracts from meaningful diagnosis. It is therefore typically rejected or removed from medical images. However, it has been found that every material, including cancerous tissue, has a unique X-ray coherent scatter signature that can be used to identify the material or tissue. Such scatter-based tissue-identification provides the advantage of locating and identifying particular materials over conventional anatomical imaging through X-ray radiography. A coded aperture X-ray coherent scatter spectral imaging system has been developed in our group to classify different tissue types based on their unique scatter signatures. Previous experiments using our prototype have demonstrated that the depth-resolved coherent scatter spectral imaging system (CACSSI) can discriminate healthy and cancerous tissue present in the path of a non-destructive x-ray beam. A key to the successful optimization of CACSSI as a clinical imaging method is to obtain anatomically accurate phantoms of the human body. This thesis describes the development and fabrication of 3D printed anatomical scatter phantoms of the breast and lung. The purpose of this work is to accurately model different breast geometries using a tissue equivalent phantom, and to classify these tissues in a coherent x-ray scatter imaging system. Tissue-equivalent anatomical phantoms were designed to assess the capability of the CACSSI system to classify different types of breast tissue (adipose, fibroglandular, malignant). These phantoms were 3D printed based on DICOM data obtained from CT scans of prone breasts. The phantoms were tested through comparison of measured scatter signatures with those of adipose and fibroglandular tissue from literature. Tumors in the phantom were modeled using a variety of biological tissue including actual surgically excised benign and malignant tissue specimens. Lung based phantoms have also been printed for future testing. Our imaging system has been able to define the location and composition of the various materials in the phantom. These phantoms were used to characterize the CACSSI system in terms of beam width and imaging technique. The result of this work showed accurate modeling and characterization of the phantoms through comparison of the tissue-equivalent form factors to those from literature. The physical construction of the phantoms, based on actual patient anatomy, was validated using mammography and computed tomography to visually compare the clinical images to those of actual patient anatomy.

Predictive modeling of multicellular structure formation by using Cellular Particle Dynamics simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCune, Matthew; Shafiee, Ashkan; Forgacs, Gabor; Kosztin, Ioan

2014-03-01

Cellular Particle Dynamics (CPD) is an effective computational method for describing and predicting the time evolution of biomechanical relaxation processes of multicellular systems. A typical example is the fusion of spheroidal bioink particles during post bioprinting structure formation. In CPD cells are modeled as an ensemble of cellular particles (CPs) that interact via short-range contact interactions, characterized by an attractive (adhesive interaction) and a repulsive (excluded volume interaction) component. The time evolution of the spatial conformation of the multicellular system is determined by following the trajectories of all CPs through integration of their equations of motion. CPD was successfully applied to describe and predict the fusion of 3D tissue construct involving identical spherical aggregates. Here, we demonstrate that CPD can also predict tissue formation involving uneven spherical aggregates whose volumes decrease during the fusion process. Work supported by NSF [PHY-0957914]. Computer time provided by the University of Missouri Bioinformatics Consortium.

The burden of pure anisometropic amblyopia: a cross-sectional study on 2800 Iranians.

PubMed

Akbarzadeh, Siamak; Vahabi, Reihaneh; Bazzazi, Nooshin; Roshanaei, Ghodratollah; Heydarian, Samira; Fouladi, Daniel F

2018-02-01

To assess the proportion of pure anisometropic amblyopia in a sample Iranian (white) population. A total of 2800 consecutive individuals who presented at a referral eye clinic for any reason were examined for the presence of pure anisometropic amblyopia. Anisometropia was reported when a spherical equivalent refraction difference of at least 1.0 D with or without a cylinder refraction difference of at least 1.0 D was present between the two eyes. Amblyopia was defined as the best-corrected visual acuity of 20/30 or worse or a two-line interocular visual acuity difference between eyes that could not be attributed to any structural ocular pathology or visual pathway abnormality. Subjects were 1528 females and 1272 males with a mean age of 30.25 ± 14.93 years (range, 5-65). Amblyopia was diagnosed in 192 cases (6.9%), significantly more frequent among females (7.9 vs. 5.7%, p = 0.02). Pure anisometropic amblyopia was present in 6.1% of the study population, significantly more common in patients with spherical hyperopic anisometropia (37.7%) compared to patients with spherical myopic anisometropia (21.3%), cylindrical myopic anisometropia (4.1%), and cylindrical hyperopic anisometropia (15%) (p < 0.001). Pure anisometropic amblyopia is a common finding in Caucasians seeking eye care, particularly when anisometropia is of spherical hyperopic subtype.

The drag and lift of different non-spherical particles from low to high Re

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanjeevi, Sathish K. P.; Padding, Johan

2017-11-01

The present work investigates a simplified drag and lift model that can be used for different non-spherical particles. The flow around different non-spherical particles is studied using a multi-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann method. We compute the mean drag coefficient CD , ϕ at different incident angles ϕ for a wide range of Reynolds numbers (Re). We show that the sine-squared drag law CD , ϕ =CD , ϕ =0° +(CD , ϕ =90° -CD , ϕ =0°) sin2 ϕ holds up to large Reynolds numbers Re = 2000 . The sine-squared dependence of CD occurs at Stokes flow (very low Re) due to linearity of the flow fields. We explore the physical origin behind the sine-squared law at high Re , and reveal that surprisingly, this does not occur due to linearity of flow fields. Instead, it occurs due to an interesting pattern of pressure distribution contributing to the drag, at higher Re , for different incident angles. Similarly, we find that the equivalent theoretical equation of lift coefficient CL can provide a decent approximation, even at high Re , for elongated particles. Such a drag and lift law valid at high Re is very much useful for Euler-Lagrangian fluidization simulations of the non-spherical particles. European Research Council (ERC) consolidator Grant scheme, Contract No. 615096 (NonSphereFlow).

Refractive astigmatism and the toricity of ocular components in human infants.

PubMed

Mutti, Donald O; Mitchell, G Lynn; Jones, Lisa A; Friedman, Nina E; Frane, Sara L; Lin, Wendy K; Moeschberger, Melvin L; Zadnik, Karla

2004-10-01

Many studies have characterized astigmatism in infancy, but few have been longitudinal or contained ocular component data. This study characterized the frequency, orientation, and longitudinal change with age of infant astigmatism. Additional factors investigated were the influence of early astigmatism on emmetropization and its relation to corneal and lenticular toricity. Three hundred two infants were enrolled in the study. Of these, 298 provided data for at least one visit at 3 +/- 1 months, 9 +/- 1 months, 18 +/- 2 months, and 36 +/- 3 months. Testing included cycloplegic retinoscopy (cyclopentolate 1%), video-based keratophakometry, and ultrasonography over the closed eyelid. Astigmatism > or =1.00 DC was common at 3 months of age (41.6%) but decreased in prevalence to 4.1% by 36 months (p < 0.0001). The most common orientation was with-the-rule at 3 months (37.0% compared with 2.7% for against-the-rule) but against-the-rule at 36 months (3.2% compared with 0.9% for with-the-rule). Most of the change in the average value of the horizontal/vertical component of astigmatism (J0) occurred between 3 and 9 months (-0.26 +/- 0.36 D; p < 0.0001) with no significant change between 9 and 36 months (-0.05 +/- 0.36 D; p=0.09). Spherical equivalent refractive error was not correlated with J0 at 3 and 9 months (R=0.002, p=0.48 and R=0.001, p=0.56, respectively). The two were only weakly correlated at 18 and 36 months (R=0.06 for each age, p <0.0001, p=0.0002, respectively). Changes in spherical equivalent between 3 and 9 months were unrelated to either the initial value of J0 (partial R for J0=0.0001; p=0.85) or the change in J0 (partial R for change in J0=0.0031; p=0.31). Across all the ages, corneal toricity was with-the-rule, and lenticular toricity was against-the-rule (produced by the toricity of the posterior lens surface). The cornea and anterior lens surface became more spherical with age, contributing to the shift away from with-the-rule refractive astigmatism. Toricity of all the refractive surfaces became less variable with age. Consistent with many reports, astigmatism was common in early infancy but decreased in prevalence with age, particularly when with-the-rule in orientation. The reduction in percentage of infants with astigmatism appeared to be caused by decreases in the toricity of the cornea and the anterior lens combined with decreases in the variability of corneal and lenticular surfaces. Astigmatism in infancy appeared to be unrelated to emmetropization of spherical equivalent refractive error.

The Infrared & Electro-Optical Systems Handbook. Emerging Systems and Technologies, Volume 8

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

usually associated with turbulence in the intervening path or to significant nonuniformities in com- position or temperature of the air within the field of...cause beam quality to be less than perfect. Coatings on the mirrors can also be nonuniform , leading to further OPD effects. Resonator misalignment...despite an undesired spherical error). Coatings can be nonuniform in their thickness. This thickness nonuniform - ity is equivalent to a mirror fabrication

Deconstruction of the Maldacena Núñez compactification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrews, R. P.; Dorey, N.

2006-09-01

We demonstrate a classical equivalence between the large- N limit of the higgsed N=1 SUSY U(N) Yang-Mills theory and the Maldacena-Núñez twisted compactification of a six-dimensional gauge theory on a two-sphere. A direct comparison of the actions and spectra of the two theories reveals them to be identical. We also propose a gauge theory limit which should describe the corresponding spherical compactification of little string theory.

Development of Commercially Useable Codes to Simulate Aluminized Propellant Combustion and Related Issues

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-03

functions and the second derivative of Green’s function. We exploit the geometrical characteristics of our integrand, i.e., we use spherical coordinates...statistically equivalent medium. Both the fully resolved probability spectrum and the geometrically exact particle shapes are considered in this...18 Buckmaster Research A1-18 FA9550-07-C-0123 References [1] B.D. Lubachevsky and F.H. Stillinger. “ Geometric properties of random disk packings”, J

Dose equivalent near the bone-soft tissue interface from nuclear fragments produced by high-energy protons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shavers, M. R.; Poston, J. W.; Cucinotta, F. A.; Wilson, J. W.

1996-01-01

During manned space missions, high-energy nucleons of cosmic and solar origin collide with atomic nuclei of the human body and produce a broad linear energy transfer spectrum of secondary particles, called target fragments. These nuclear fragments are often more biologically harmful than the direct ionization of the incident nucleon. That these secondary particles increase tissue absorbed dose in regions adjacent to the bone-soft tissue interface was demonstrated in a previous publication. To assess radiological risks to tissue near the bone-soft tissue interface, a computer transport model for nuclear fragments produced by high energy nucleons was used in this study to calculate integral linear energy transfer spectra and dose equivalents resulting from nuclear collisions of 1-GeV protons transversing bone and red bone marrow. In terms of dose equivalent averaged over trabecular bone marrow, target fragments emitted from interactions in both tissues are predicted to be at least as important as the direct ionization of the primary protons-twice as important, if recently recommended radiation weighting factors and "worst-case" geometry are used. The use of conventional dosimetry (absorbed dose weighted by aa linear energy transfer-dependent quality factor) as an appropriate framework for predicting risk from low fluences of high-linear energy transfer target fragments is discussed.

Anisometropia of ocular refractive and biometric measures among 66- to 79-year-old female twins.

PubMed

Pärssinen, Olavi; Kauppinen, Markku; Kaprio, Jaakko; Rantanen, Taina

2016-12-01

To examine the prevalence of anisometropia of spherical refraction (AnisoSR), astigmatism (AnisoAST) and spherical equivalent (AnisoSE) and their associations with spherical refraction (SR), refractive astigmatism (AST), spherical equivalent (SE) and interocular differences of ocular biometric parameters among elderly female twins. Refraction of 117 monozygotic (MZ) and 116 dizygotic (DZ) female twin subjects aged 66-79 years was assessed with an auto-refractor (Topcon AT) and controlled by subjective refraction. Corneal refraction, anterior chamber depth and axial length were measured with a Zeiss IOL Master. Participants with eyes operated for cataract or glaucoma were excluded, but the grade of nuclear opacity was not recorded. The associations between the absolute values of AnisoSR, AnisoAST and AnisoSE with SR, AST, SE, corneal refractive power (CR), corneal astigmatism (CAST), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and axial length (AL) and with their interocular differences were calculated. When calculating the interdependencies of the differences, the real and absolute differences between the right and left eye were used. Means ± standard deviations for AnisoSR, AnisoAST and AnisoSE were 0.67 ± 0.92 D, 0.42 ± 0.41 D and 0.65 ± 0.71 D, respectively. AnisoSR, AnisoAST and AnisoSE >1.0 D were present in 14.7%, 4.2% and 17.7% of cases, respectively. Anisometropia of spherical refraction (AnisoSR), AnisoAST and AnisoSE were higher the more negative the values of SR or SE. Hyperopic ametropia did not increase these anisometropia values. The correlations of AnisoSR and AnisoSE with the absolute values of interocular differences in CR and AL were non-significant. Using the real values of the interocular differences, the respective correlations were significant. The correlation between the real interocular differences in CR and AL was negative (r = -0.258, p < 0.001). Thus, the combined effect of the real interocular differences in CR and AL was a decrease in AnisoSR and AnisoSE (emmetropization). Higher AnisoSR and AnisoSE were associated with more myopic refraction and longer AL. Higher AnisoAST was associated with more negative SR and higher AST and CAST. The negative correlation between real interocular differences in CR and AL indicated their influence of emmetropization in AnisoSR and AnisoSE. © 2016 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

42 CFR 81.4 - Definition of terms used in this part.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...]. (e) Equivalent dose means the absorbed dose in a tissue or organ multiplied by a radiation weighting... dose means the portion of the equivalent dose that is received from radiation sources outside of the... pattern and level of radiation exposure. (h) Internal dose means the portion of the equivalent dose that...

Microfluidic perfusion culture system for multilayer artery tissue models.

PubMed

Yamagishi, Yuka; Masuda, Taisuke; Matsusaki, Michiya; Akashi, Mitsuru; Yokoyama, Utako; Arai, Fumihito

2014-11-01

We described an assembly technique and perfusion culture system for constructing artery tissue models. This technique differed from previous studies in that it does not require a solid biodegradable scaffold; therefore, using sheet-like tissues, this technique allowed the facile fabrication of tubular tissues can be used as model. The fabricated artery tissue models had a multilayer structure. The assembly technique and perfusion culture system were applicable to many different sizes of fabricated arteries. The shape of the fabricated artery tissue models was maintained by the perfusion culture system; furthermore, the system reproduced the in vivo environment and allowed mechanical stimulation of the arteries. The multilayer structure of the artery tissue model was observed using fluorescent dyes. The equivalent Young's modulus was measured by applying internal pressure to the multilayer tubular tissues. The aim of this study was to determine whether fabricated artery tissue models maintained their mechanical properties with developing. We demonstrated both the rapid fabrication of multilayer tubular tissues that can be used as model arteries and the measurement of their equivalent Young's modulus in a suitable perfusion culture environment.

Blueberry latent spherical virus

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

‘Blueray’ tissue was mechanically inoculated onto Chenopodium quinoa indicator plants as part of a study to determine virus presence in blueberries at Iwate University, Japan. Plants developed chlorosis indicative of virus presence and after virus purification and genome characterization it was dete...

The carbohydrate deposits detected by histochemical methods in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus in the hippocampal formation of patients with schizophrenia, Down's syndrome and dementia, and aged person.

PubMed

Nishimura, A; Ikemoto, K; Satoh, K; Yamamoto, Y; Rand, S; Brinkmann, B; Nishi, K

2000-11-01

Post-mortem brain tissue was obtained from 28 patients with brain disorders, of which 15 had clinically diagnosed schizophrenia, 6 Alzheimer type dementia, 5 dementia with tangles and 2 cases of Down's syndrome. The controls were 22 cases from autopsies without brain disorders or with no known episodes of brain disorder. The tissues were stained for the detection of carbohydrate deposits in the hippocampal formation, using lectin, immunohistochemical and conventional staining methods. The staining revealed the existence of spherical deposits in the inner and middle molecular layers of the dentate gyrus in the hippocampal formation which contained fucose, galactose, N-acetyl galactosamine, N-acetyl glucosamine, sialic acid, mannose and chondroitin sulfate. The number of the deposits was higher in patients with brain disorder such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer type dementia, dementia with tangles or Down's syndrome, and in some aged individuals, in comparison to those in younger individuals. No deposits were detected in a few younger or aged individuals. Spherical deposits 3-10 microm in diameter may be an immature form of the corpora amylacea, since they were similar in the histochemical characteristics with lectin, immunohistochemical and conventional staining methods. However, differing staining ability by hematoxylin, periodic acid Schiff's reagent and antibodies against the intracellular degraded proteins such as ubiquitin and tau-protein was observed. The antibodies against ubiquitin and tau-protein showed clear reactivity with the corpora amylacea and no reactivity with spherical deposits, indicating that the corpora amylacea has an intracellular origin and spherical deposits an extracellular matrix origin. The results obtained in this study indicate that not only neuronal degeneration but also unusual glycometabolism in neurons may disturb the neuronal function and cause brain disorders, and that spherical deposits may cause dysfunction of the neuronal network in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus which is closely linked with recognition and memory functions.

Elastic medium equivalent to Fresnel's double-refraction crystal.

PubMed

Carcione, José M; Helbig, Klaus

2008-10-01

In 1821, Fresnel obtained the wave surface of an optically biaxial crystal, assuming that light waves are vibrations of the ether in which longitudinal vibrations (P waves) do not propagate. An anisotropic elastic medium mathematically analogous to Fresnel's crystal exists. The medium has four elastic constants: a P-wave modulus, associated with a spherical P wave surface, and three elastic constants, c(44), c(55), and c(66), associated with the shear waves, which are mathematically equivalent to the three dielectric permittivity constants epsilon(11), epsilon(22), and epsilon(33) as follows: mu(0)epsilon(11)<==>rho/c(44), mu(0)epsilon(22)<==>rho/c(55), mu(0)epsilon(33)<==>rho/c(66), where mu(0) is the magnetic permeability of vacuum and rho is the mass density. These relations also represent the equivalence between the elastic and electromagnetic wave velocities along the principal axes of the medium. A complete mathematical equivalence can be obtained by setting the P-wave modulus equal to zero, but this yields an unstable elastic medium (the hypothetical ether). To obtain stability the P-wave velocity has to be assumed infinite (incompressibility). Another equivalent Fresnel's wave surface corresponds to a medium with anomalous polarization. This medium is physically unstable even for a nonzero P-wave modulus.

Refractive Errors Affect the Vividness of Visual Mental Images

PubMed Central

Palermo, Liana; Nori, Raffaella; Piccardi, Laura; Zeri, Fabrizio; Babino, Antonio; Giusberti, Fiorella; Guariglia, Cecilia

2013-01-01

The hypothesis that visual perception and mental imagery are equivalent has never been explored in individuals with vision defects not preventing the visual perception of the world, such as refractive errors. Refractive error (i.e., myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism) is a condition where the refracting system of the eye fails to focus objects sharply on the retina. As a consequence refractive errors cause blurred vision. We subdivided 84 individuals according to their spherical equivalent refraction into Emmetropes (control individuals without refractive errors) and Ametropes (individuals with refractive errors). Participants performed a vividness task and completed a questionnaire that explored their cognitive style of thinking before their vision was checked by an ophthalmologist. Although results showed that Ametropes had less vivid mental images than Emmetropes this did not affect the development of their cognitive style of thinking; in fact, Ametropes were able to use both verbal and visual strategies to acquire and retrieve information. Present data are consistent with the hypothesis of equivalence between imagery and perception. PMID:23755186

Refractive errors affect the vividness of visual mental images.

PubMed

Palermo, Liana; Nori, Raffaella; Piccardi, Laura; Zeri, Fabrizio; Babino, Antonio; Giusberti, Fiorella; Guariglia, Cecilia

2013-01-01

The hypothesis that visual perception and mental imagery are equivalent has never been explored in individuals with vision defects not preventing the visual perception of the world, such as refractive errors. Refractive error (i.e., myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism) is a condition where the refracting system of the eye fails to focus objects sharply on the retina. As a consequence refractive errors cause blurred vision. We subdivided 84 individuals according to their spherical equivalent refraction into Emmetropes (control individuals without refractive errors) and Ametropes (individuals with refractive errors). Participants performed a vividness task and completed a questionnaire that explored their cognitive style of thinking before their vision was checked by an ophthalmologist. Although results showed that Ametropes had less vivid mental images than Emmetropes this did not affect the development of their cognitive style of thinking; in fact, Ametropes were able to use both verbal and visual strategies to acquire and retrieve information. Present data are consistent with the hypothesis of equivalence between imagery and perception.

Efficient molecular density functional theory using generalized spherical harmonics expansions.

PubMed

Ding, Lu; Levesque, Maximilien; Borgis, Daniel; Belloni, Luc

2017-09-07

We show that generalized spherical harmonics are well suited for representing the space and orientation molecular density in the resolution of the molecular density functional theory. We consider the common system made of a rigid solute of arbitrary complexity immersed in a molecular solvent, both represented by molecules with interacting atomic sites and classical force fields. The molecular solvent density ρ(r,Ω) around the solute is a function of the position r≡(x,y,z) and of the three Euler angles Ω≡(θ,ϕ,ψ) describing the solvent orientation. The standard density functional, equivalent to the hypernetted-chain closure for the solute-solvent correlations in the liquid theory, is minimized with respect to ρ(r,Ω). The up-to-now very expensive angular convolution products are advantageously replaced by simple products between projections onto generalized spherical harmonics. The dramatic gain in speed of resolution enables to explore in a systematic way molecular solutes of up to nanometric sizes in arbitrary solvents and to calculate their solvation free energy and associated microscopic solvent structure in at most a few minutes. We finally illustrate the formalism by tackling the solvation of molecules of various complexities in water.

Ocular higher-order aberrations and axial eye growth in young Hong Kong children.

PubMed

Lau, Jason K; Vincent, Stephen J; Collins, Michael J; Cheung, Sin-Wan; Cho, Pauline

2018-04-30

This retrospective longitudinal analysis aimed to investigate the association between ocular higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and axial eye growth in Hong Kong children. Measures of axial length and ocular HOAs under cycloplegia were obtained annually over a two-year period from 137 subjects aged 8.8 ± 1.4 years with mean spherical equivalent refraction of -2.04 ± 2.38 D. A significant negative association was observed between the RMS of total HOAs and axial eye growth (P = 0.03), after adjusting for other significant predictors of axial length including age, sex and refractive error. Similar negative associations with axial elongation were found for the RMS of spherical aberrations ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] combined) (P = 0.037). Another linear mixed model also showed that greater levels of vertical trefoil [Formula: see text], primary spherical aberration [Formula: see text] and negative oblique trefoil [Formula: see text] were associated with slower axial elongation and longer axial length (all P < 0.05). These findings support the potential role of HOAs, image quality and a vision-dependent mechanism in childhood eye growth.

Two space scatterer formalism calculation of bulk parameters of thunderclouds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phanord, Dieudonne D.

1994-01-01

In a previous study, we used a modified two-space scatterer formalism of Twersky to establish for a cloud modeled as a statistically homogeneous distribution of spherical water droplets, the dispersion relations that determine its bulk propagation numbers and bulk indexes of refraction in terms of the vector equivalent scattering amplitude and the dyadic scattering amplitude of the single water droplet in isolation. The results were specialized to the forward direction of scattering while demanding that the scatterers preserve the incident polarization. We apply this approach to obtain specific numerical values for the macroscopic parameters of the cloud. We work with a cloud of density rho = 100 cm(exp -3), a wavelength lambda = 0.7774 microns, and with spherical water droplets of common radius alpha = 10 microns. In addition, the scattering medium is divided into three parts, the medium outside the cloud, moist air (the medium inside the cloud but outside the droplets), and the medium inside the spherical water droplets. The results of this report are applicable to a cloud of any geometry since the boundary does not interfere with the calculations. Also, it is important to notice the plane wave nature of the incidence wave in the moist atmosphere.

Shear wave induced resonance elastography of spherical masses with polarized torsional waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadj Henni, Anis; Schmitt, Cédric; Trop, Isabelle; Cloutier, Guy

2012-03-01

Shear wave induced resonance (SWIR) is a technique for dynamic ultrasound elastography of confined mechanical inclusions. It was developed for breast tumor imaging and tissue characterization. This method relies on the polarization of torsional shear waves modeled with the Helmholtz equation in spherical coordinates. To validate modeling, an invitro set-up was used to measure and image the first three eigenfrequencies and eigenmodes of a soft sphere. A preliminary invivo SWIR measurement on a breast fibroadenoma is also reported. Results revealed the potential of SWIR elastography to detect and mechanically characterize breast lesions for early cancer detection.

Shear wave induced resonance elastography of spherical masses with polarized torsional waves.

PubMed

Henni, Anis Hadj; Schmitt, Cédric; Trop, Isabelle; Cloutier, Guy

2012-03-26

Shear Wave Induced Resonance (SWIR) is a technique for dynamic ultrasound elastography of confined mechanical inclusions. It was developed for breast tumor imaging and tissue characterization. This method relies on the polarization of torsional shear waves modeled with the Helmholtz equation in spherical coordinates. To validate modeling, an in vitro set-up was used to measure and image the first three eigenfrequencies and eigenmodes of a soft sphere. A preliminary in vivo SWIR measurement on a breast fibroadenoma is also reported. Results revealed the potential of SWIR elastography to detect and mechanically characterize breast lesions for early cancer detection.

From Microscale Devices to 3D Printing: Advances in Fabrication of 3D Cardiovascular Tissues.

PubMed

Borovjagin, Anton V; Ogle, Brenda M; Berry, Joel L; Zhang, Jianyi

2017-01-06

Current strategies for engineering cardiovascular cells and tissues have yielded a variety of sophisticated tools for studying disease mechanisms, for development of drug therapies, and for fabrication of tissue equivalents that may have application in future clinical use. These efforts are motivated by the need to extend traditional 2-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems into 3D to more accurately replicate in vivo cell and tissue function of cardiovascular structures. Developments in microscale devices and bioprinted 3D tissues are beginning to supplant traditional 2D cell cultures and preclinical animal studies that have historically been the standard for drug and tissue development. These new approaches lend themselves to patient-specific diagnostics, therapeutics, and tissue regeneration. The emergence of these technologies also carries technical challenges to be met before traditional cell culture and animal testing become obsolete. Successful development and validation of 3D human tissue constructs will provide powerful new paradigms for more cost effective and timely translation of cardiovascular tissue equivalents. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Verlet scheme non-conservativeness for simulation of spherical particles collisional dynamics and method of its compensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savin, Andrei V.; Smirnov, Petr G.

2018-05-01

Simulation of collisional dynamics of a large ensemble of monodisperse particles by the method of discrete elements is considered. Verle scheme is used for integration of the equations of motion. Non-conservativeness of the finite-difference scheme is discovered depending on the time step, which is equivalent to a pure-numerical energy source appearance in the process of collision. Compensation method for the source is proposed and tested.

The role of axial length-corneal radius of curvature ratio in refractive state categorization in a nigerian population.

PubMed

Iyamu, Eghosasere; Iyamu, Joy; Obiakor, Christian Izuchukwu

2011-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of axial length (AL)/corneal radius of curvature (CRC) ratio (AL/CRC) with spherical equivalent refractive state (SER) in young adults. A total of seventy (n = 70) subjects consisting of 31 males and 39 females participated in this study. Subjects were categorized into emmetropia, hyperopia and myopia using the spherical equivalent refraction. The axial length was measured with I-2100 A-Scan ultrasonography/Biometer (CIMA Technology, USA), the corneal radius of curvature with Bausch & Lomb H-135A (Bausch & Lomb Corp., USA), and the refractive state by static retinoscopy and subjective refraction. The mean AL, CRC and AL/CRC ratio of all subjects were 23.74 ± 0.70 mm, 7.84 ± 0.19 mm, and 3.03 ± 0.14, respectively. Myopes had significantly longer AL, steeper CRC and higher AL/CRC ratio than the emmetropes and hyperopes. There was statistically significant inverse correlation between AL and CRC (r = -0.53, P < 0.0001), SER (r = -0.64, P < 0.0001), and between SER and AL/CRC (r = -0.78, P < 0.0001). A significant positive correlation was found between CRC and SER (r = -0.69, P < 0.0001). The categorization of the refractive state of an individual is better done by using the AL/CRC ratio index.

Relationship between lenticular power and refractive error in children with hyperopia

PubMed Central

Tomomatsu, Takeshi; Kono, Shinjiro; Arimura, Shogo; Tomomatsu, Yoko; Matsumura, Takehiro; Takihara, Yuji; Inatani, Masaru; Takamura, Yoshihiro

2013-01-01

Objectives To evaluate the contribution of axial length, and lenticular and corneal power to the spherical equivalent refractive error in children with hyperopia between 3 and 13 years of age, using noncontact optical biometry. Methods There were 62 children between 3 and 13 years of age with hyperopia (+2 diopters [D] or more) who underwent automated refraction measurement with cycloplegia, to measure spherical equivalent refractive error and corneal power. Axial length was measured using an optic biometer that does not require contact with the cornea. The refractive power of the lens was calculated using the Sanders-Retzlaff-Kraff formula. Single regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation among the optical parameters. Results There was a significant positive correlation between age and axial length (P = 0.0014); however, the degree of hyperopia did not decrease with aging (P = 0.59). There was a significant negative correlation between age and the refractive power of the lens (P = 0.0001) but not that of the cornea (P = 0.43). A significant negative correlation was observed between the degree of hyperopia and lenticular power (P < 0.0001). Conclusion Although this study is small scale and cross sectional, the analysis, using noncontact biometry, showed that lenticular power was negatively correlated with refractive error and age, indicating that lower lens power may contribute to the degree of hyperopia. PMID:23576859

An evaluation of the accuracy of the ORange (Gen II) by comparing it to the IOLMaster in the prediction of postoperative refraction.

PubMed

Chen, Ming

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of ORange(®) Gen II (WaveTec Vision, Aliso Viejo, CA). The Surgical Suites, Honolulu, HI. The prospective 28 consecutive cataract surgical cases were selected from 85 cataract surgical cases between December 16, 2010 and February 24, 2011. With the same intraocular lens implantation, the predicted spherical equivalent refraction from IOLMaster(®) (Carl Zeiss AG, Oberkochen, Germany) and ORange Gen II were statistically compared and verified with 1-month postoperative manifest refraction. The data were put into IBM SPSS 19 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL) for analysis of variance. Pearson's correlation coefficient was also calculated to evaluate the correlation between the IOLMaster, ORange Gen II, and 1-month postoperative manifest refraction. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean spherical equivalent refraction from the IOLMaster, ORange Gen II, and 1-month postoperative manifest refraction (IOLMaster -0.40 diopters, P = 0.07; ORange Gen II -0.43 diopters, P = 0.16; 1-month refraction -0.41 diopters, P = 0.07). Pearson's correlation study demonstrated that all three were positively correlated (P < 0.05), with the strongest correlation between the ORange Gen II and 1-month postoperative manifest refraction (r = +0.6, P < 0.01). The ORange Gen II can be considered as an alternative method for intraocular lens selection for cataract patients.

Relationship between refractive error and ocular biometrics in twin children: the Guangzhou Twin Eye Study.

PubMed

Wang, Decai; Liu, Bin; Huang, Shengsong; Huang, Wenyong; He, Mingguang

2014-09-01

A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the relationship between refractive error and ocular biometrics in children from the Guangzhou twin eye study. Twin participants aged 7-15 years were selected from Guangzhou Twin Eye Study. Ocular examinations included visual acuity measurement, ocular motility evaluation, autorefraction under cycloplegia, and anterior segment, media, and fundus examination. Axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and corneal curvature radius were measured using partial coherence laser interferometry. A multivariate linear regression model was used for statistical analysis. Twin children from Guangzhou city showed a decreased spherical equivalent with age, whereas both AL and ACD were increased and corneal curvature radius remained unchanged. When adjusted by age and gender, the data from 77% of twins presenting with spherical equivalent changes indicated that these were caused by predictable variables (R2 = 0.77, P < 0.001). Primary factors affecting children's refraction included axial length (β = -0.97,P < 0.001), ACD (β = 0.33, P < 0.001), and curvature radius (β = 2.10, P < 0.001). Girls had a higher tendency for myopic status than did boys (β = -0.26, P < 0.001). Age exerted no effect upon the changes in refraction (β = -0.01, P = 0.25). Refraction is correlated with ocular biometrics. Refractive status is largely determined by axial length as the major factor.

Limiting diffusion current at rotating disk electrode with dense particle layer.

PubMed

Weroński, P; Nosek, M; Batys, P

2013-09-28

Exploiting the concept of diffusion permeability of multilayer gel membrane and porous multilayer we have derived a simple analytical equation for the limiting diffusion current at rotating disk electrode (RDE) covered by a thin layer with variable tortuosity and porosity, under the assumption of negligible convection in the porous film. The variation of limiting diffusion current with the porosity and tortuosity of the film can be described in terms of the equivalent thickness of stagnant solution layer, i.e., the average ratio of squared tortuosity to porosity. In case of monolayer of monodisperse spherical particles, the equivalent layer thickness is an algebraic function of the surface coverage. Thus, by means of cyclic voltammetry of RDE with a deposited particle monolayer we can determine the monolayer surface coverage. The effect of particle layer adsorbed on the surface of RDE increases non-linearly with surface coverage. We have tested our theoretical results experimentally by means of cyclic voltammetry measurements of limiting diffusion current at the glassy carbon RDE covered with a monolayer of 3 μm silica particles. The theoretical and experimental results are in a good agreement at the surface coverage higher than 0.7. This result suggests that convection in a monolayer of 3 μm monodisperse spherical particles is negligibly small, in the context of the coverage determination, in the range of very dense particle layers.

The Comparison of Regional RNFL and Fundus Vasculature by OCTA in Chinese Myopia Population.

PubMed

Li, Yuanjun; Miara, Hamza; Ouyang, Pingbo; Jiang, Bing

2018-01-01

To determine the correlations between peripapillary vessel density, retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness, and myopic indices at retina quadrants with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in Chinese. Fifty-six subjects with a mean spherical equivalent (MSE) of -3.63 ± 0.29 D were included. Peripapillary RNFL thickness and retinal vessel density in four sectors (superior, nasal, inferior, and temporal quadrants) were determined by OCTA, and correlations of the main outcomes were analyzed. Negative correlations were found between the peripapillary RNFL thickness and axial length (AL) at superior ( r = -0.335, P = 0.001) and inferior ( r = -0.551, P < 0.001) quadrants. There was a significant positive correlation with spherical equivalent (SE) at the corresponding quadrants as well as at the nasal quadrant ( r = 0.339, P = 0.001; r = 0.379, P < 0.001; and r = 0.209, P = 0.039, resp.). Peripapillary retinal vessel density was also negatively correlated with AL at the nasal quadrant ( r = -0.392, P < 0.001), and only at the nasal quadrant, there was a positive correlation between the peripapillary vessel density and SE ( r = 0.319, P = 0.001). The degree of myopia and elongation of AL were negatively correlated with peripapillary RNFL thickness at superior and inferior quadrants and with peripapillary retinal vessel density at the nasal quadrant.

The Comparison of Regional RNFL and Fundus Vasculature by OCTA in Chinese Myopia Population

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Purpose To determine the correlations between peripapillary vessel density, retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness, and myopic indices at retina quadrants with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in Chinese. Methods Fifty-six subjects with a mean spherical equivalent (MSE) of −3.63 ± 0.29 D were included. Peripapillary RNFL thickness and retinal vessel density in four sectors (superior, nasal, inferior, and temporal quadrants) were determined by OCTA, and correlations of the main outcomes were analyzed. Results Negative correlations were found between the peripapillary RNFL thickness and axial length (AL) at superior (r = −0.335, P = 0.001) and inferior (r = −0.551, P < 0.001) quadrants. There was a significant positive correlation with spherical equivalent (SE) at the corresponding quadrants as well as at the nasal quadrant (r = 0.339, P = 0.001; r = 0.379, P < 0.001; and r = 0.209, P = 0.039, resp.). Peripapillary retinal vessel density was also negatively correlated with AL at the nasal quadrant (r = −0.392, P < 0.001), and only at the nasal quadrant, there was a positive correlation between the peripapillary vessel density and SE (r = 0.319, P = 0.001). Conclusions The degree of myopia and elongation of AL were negatively correlated with peripapillary RNFL thickness at superior and inferior quadrants and with peripapillary retinal vessel density at the nasal quadrant. PMID:29651341

Isotropic non-white matter partial volume effects in constrained spherical deconvolution.

PubMed

Roine, Timo; Jeurissen, Ben; Perrone, Daniele; Aelterman, Jan; Leemans, Alexander; Philips, Wilfried; Sijbers, Jan

2014-01-01

Diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging method, which can be used to investigate neural tracts in the white matter (WM) of the brain. Significant partial volume effects (PVEs) are present in the DW signal due to relatively large voxel sizes. These PVEs can be caused by both non-WM tissue, such as gray matter (GM) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and by multiple non-parallel WM fiber populations. High angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) methods have been developed to correctly characterize complex WM fiber configurations, but to date, many of the HARDI methods do not account for non-WM PVEs. In this work, we investigated the isotropic PVEs caused by non-WM tissue in WM voxels on fiber orientations extracted with constrained spherical deconvolution (CSD). Experiments were performed on simulated and real DW-MRI data. In particular, simulations were performed to demonstrate the effects of varying the diffusion weightings, signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), fiber configurations, and tissue fractions. Our results show that the presence of non-WM tissue signal causes a decrease in the precision of the detected fiber orientations and an increase in the detection of false peaks in CSD. We estimated 35-50% of WM voxels to be affected by non-WM PVEs. For HARDI sequences, which typically have a relatively high degree of diffusion weighting, these adverse effects are most pronounced in voxels with GM PVEs. The non-WM PVEs become severe with 50% GM volume for maximum spherical harmonics orders of 8 and below, and already with 25% GM volume for higher orders. In addition, a low diffusion weighting or SNR increases the effects. The non-WM PVEs may cause problems in connectomics, where reliable fiber tracking at the WM-GM interface is especially important. We suggest acquiring data with high diffusion-weighting 2500-3000 s/mm(2), reasonable SNR (~30) and using lower SH orders in GM contaminated regions to minimize the non-WM PVEs in CSD.

Wideband and multi-frequency infrared cloaking of spherical objects by using the graphene-based metasurface.

PubMed

Shokati, Elnaz; Granpayeh, Nosrat; Danaeifar, Mohammad

2017-04-10

The ultrathin graphene metasurface is proposed as a mantle cloak to achieve wideband tunable scattering reduction around the spherical (three-dimensional) objects. The cloaking shell over the metallic or dielectric sphere is structured by a periodic array of graphene nanodisks that operate at infrared frequencies. By using the polarizability of the graphene nanodisks and equivalent conductivity method, the metasurface reactance is obtained. To achieve the cloaking shell for both dielectric and conducting spheres, the metasurface reactance as a function of nanodisks dimensions, graphene's Fermi energy, and permittivity of the surrounding areas can be tuned from the inductive to capacitive situation. Inhomogeneous metasurfaces including graphene nanodisks with different radii provide wideband invisibility due to extra resonances. We could significantly increase the 3-dB bandwidth more than the homogenous case by simpler realistic designs compared to the multi-layer structures. The analytical results are confirmed with full-wave numerical simulations.

High-resolution Local Gravity Model of the South Pole of the Moon from GRAIL Extended Mission Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goossens, Sander Johannes; Sabaka, Terence J.; Nicholas, Joseph B.; Lemoine, Frank G.; Rowlands, David D.; Mazarico, Erwan; Neumann, Gregory A.; Smith, David E.; Zuber, Maria T.

2014-01-01

We estimated a high-resolution local gravity field model over the south pole of the Moon using data from the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory's extended mission. Our solution consists of adjustments with respect to a global model expressed in spherical harmonics. The adjustments are expressed as gridded gravity anomalies with a resolution of 1/6deg by 1/6deg (equivalent to that of a degree and order 1080 model in spherical harmonics), covering a cap over the south pole with a radius of 40deg. The gravity anomalies have been estimated from a short-arc analysis using only Ka-band range-rate (KBRR) data over the area of interest. We apply a neighbor-smoothing constraint to our solution. Our local model removes striping present in the global model; it reduces the misfit to the KBRR data and improves correlations with topography to higher degrees than current global models.

Thermodynamic stability in elastic systems: Hard spheres embedded in a finite spherical elastic solid.

PubMed

Solano-Altamirano, J M; Goldman, Saul

2015-12-01

We determined the total system elastic Helmholtz free energy, under the constraints of constant temperature and volume, for systems comprised of one or more perfectly bonded hard spherical inclusions (i.e. "hard spheres") embedded in a finite spherical elastic solid. Dirichlet boundary conditions were applied both at the surface(s) of the hard spheres, and at the outer surface of the elastic solid. The boundary conditions at the surface of the spheres were used to describe the rigid displacements of the spheres, relative to their initial location(s) in the unstressed initial state. These displacements, together with the initial positions, provided the final shape of the strained elastic solid. The boundary conditions at the outer surface of the elastic medium were used to ensure constancy of the system volume. We determined the strain and stress tensors numerically, using a method that combines the Neuber-Papkovich spherical harmonic decomposition, the Schwartz alternating method, and Least-squares for determining the spherical harmonic expansion coefficients. The total system elastic Helmholtz free energy was determined by numerically integrating the elastic Helmholtz free energy density over the volume of the elastic solid, either by a quadrature, or a Monte Carlo method, or both. Depending on the initial position of the hard sphere(s) (or equivalently, the shape of the un-deformed stress-free elastic solid), and the displacements, either stationary or non-stationary Helmholtz free energy minima were found. The non-stationary minima, which involved the hard spheres nearly in contact with one another, corresponded to lower Helmholtz free energies, than did the stationary minima, for which the hard spheres were further away from one another.

[Intercellular relationship of notochord determination of Xenopus laevis].

PubMed

Zeng, M B; Zhou, M Y; Wang, Y

1995-09-01

During the process of determination, the presumptive notochord is situated beneath neuroepithelium, flanked at two sides by presumptive somites and underlain with archenteron roof ventrally. Among these neighbouring embryonic tissues, presumptive somites were found to exert the main influence on notochord determination. By electron microscopic observations, the presumptive notochord and somite cells were seen to situate either close to each other (plate I, Fig. 1) or connected by cytoplasmic processes forming intercellular lumen (plate I, Fig. 5). Coated pits and coated vesicles appeared at the outer surface of both types of cells (plate I, Figs. 1-4). For the presumptive somite cells, spherical bodies of different sizes and variable contents were observed either near or protruding from the outer surface (plate II, Figs. 6-10). The spherical bodies were also found in the intercellular lumen (plate III, Fig. 11). These spherical bodies were mainly composed of granules, loosely scattered or densely packed. The granules were of similar size and similar shade of electron staining as those of ribosomes of the presumptive somite cells. For the presumptive notochord cells, no spherical bodies of the above mentioned type were found, but phenomenon of engulfing luminal material was observed (plate III, Fig. 12). The significance of the appearance of these spherical bodies in the determination of notochord cells has been discussed.

Correction factors to convert microdosimetry measurements in silicon to tissue in 12C ion therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolst, David; Guatelli, Susanna; Tran, Linh T.; Chartier, Lachlan; Lerch, Michael L. F.; Matsufuji, Naruhiro; Rosenfeld, Anatoly B.

2017-03-01

Silicon microdosimetry is a promising technology for heavy ion therapy (HIT) quality assurance, because of its sub-mm spatial resolution and capability to determine radiation effects at a cellular level in a mixed radiation field. A drawback of silicon is not being tissue-equivalent, thus the need to convert the detector response obtained in silicon to tissue. This paper presents a method for converting silicon microdosimetric spectra to tissue for a therapeutic 12C beam, based on Monte Carlo simulations. The energy deposition spectra in a 10 μm sized silicon cylindrical sensitive volume (SV) were found to be equivalent to those measured in a tissue SV, with the same shape, but with dimensions scaled by a factor κ equal to 0.57 and 0.54 for muscle and water, respectively. A low energy correction factor was determined to account for the enhanced response in silicon at low energy depositions, produced by electrons. The concept of the mean path length < {{l}\\text{Path}}> to calculate the lineal energy was introduced as an alternative to the mean chord length < l> because it was found that adopting Cauchy’s formula for the < l> was not appropriate for the radiation field typical of HIT as it is very directional. < {{l}\\text{Path}}> can be determined based on the peak of the lineal energy distribution produced by the incident carbon beam. Furthermore it was demonstrated that the thickness of the SV along the direction of the incident 12C ion beam can be adopted as < {{l}\\text{Path}}> . The tissue equivalence conversion method and < {{l}\\text{Path}}> were adopted to determine the RBE10, calculated using a modified microdosimetric kinetic model, applied to the microdosimetric spectra resulting from the simulation study. Comparison of the RBE10 along the Bragg peak to experimental TEPC measurements at HIMAC, NIRS, showed good agreement. Such agreement demonstrates the validity of the developed tissue equivalence correction factors and of the determination of < {{l}\\text{Path}}> .

Quantification of biological tissue and construction of patient equivalent phantom (skull and chest) for infants (1-5 years old)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alves, A. F.; Pina, D. R.; Bacchim Neto, F. A.; Ribeiro, S. M.; Miranda, J. R. A.

2014-03-01

Our main purpose in this study was to quantify biological tissue in computed tomography (CT) examinations with the aim of developing a skull and a chest patient equivalent phantom (PEP), both specific to infants, aged between 1 and 5 years old. This type of phantom is widely used in the development of optimization procedures for radiographic techniques, especially in computed radiography (CR) systems. In order to classify and quantify the biological tissue, we used a computational algorithm developed in Matlab ®. The algorithm performed a histogram of each CT slice followed by a Gaussian fitting of each tissue type. The algorithm determined the mean thickness for the biological tissues (bone, soft, fat, and lung) and also converted them into the corresponding thicknesses of the simulator material (aluminum, PMMA, and air). We retrospectively analyzed 148 CT examinations of infant patients, 56 for skull exams and 92 were for chest. The results provided sufficient data to construct a phantom to simulate the infant chest and skull in the posterior-anterior or anterior-posterior (PA/AP) view. Both patient equivalent phantoms developed in this study can be used to assess physical variables such as noise power spectrum (NPS) and signal to noise ratio (SNR) or perform dosimetric control specific to pediatric protocols.

Spatiotemporal Evolution of the Wound Repairing Process in a 3D Human Dermis Equivalent.

PubMed

Lombardi, Bernadette; Casale, Costantino; Imparato, Giorgia; Urciuolo, Francesco; Netti, Paolo Antonio

2017-07-01

Several skin equivalent models have been developed to investigate in vitro the re-epithelialization process occurring during wound healing. Although these models recapitulate closure dynamics of epithelial cells, they fail to capture how a wounded connective tissue rebuilds its 3D architecture until the evolution in a scar. Here, the in vitro tissue repair dynamics of a connective tissue is replicated by using a 3D human dermis equivalent (3D-HDE) model composed of fibroblasts embedded in their own extracellular matrix (ECM). After inducing a physical damage, 3D-HDE undergoes a series of cellular and extracellular events quite similar to those occurring in the native dermis. In particular, fibroblasts differentiation toward myofibroblasts phenotype and neosynthesis of hyaluronic acid, fibronectin, and collagen during the repair process are assessed. Moreover, tissue reorganization after physical damage is investigated by measuring the diameter of bundles and the orientation of fibers of the newly formed ECM network. Finally, the ultimate formation of a scar-like tissue as physiological consequence of the repair and closure process is demonstrated. Taking together, the results highlight that the presence of cell-assembled and responsive stromal components enables quantitative and qualitative in vitro evaluation of the processes involved in scarring during wound healing. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Choroidal Thickness in 3001 Chinese Children Aged 6 to 19 Years Using Swept-Source OCT

PubMed Central

Xiong, Shuyu; He, Xiangui; Deng, Junjie; Lv, Minzhi; Jin, Jiali; Sun, Sifei; Yao, Chunxia; Zhu, Jianfeng; Zou, Haidong; Xu, Xun

2017-01-01

The purpose of the cross-sectional study is to describe the values and distribution of choroidal thickness and to explore its related factors, especially age, in Chinese children. A total of 3001 Chinese school children aged 6 to 19 years underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, including axial length and cycloplegic refraction. Choroidal thickness was measured by swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). There was a greater difference in the more central regions between the myopes and emmetropes. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the associated factors of choroidal thickness. The results demonstrated that age was independently positively related to choroidal thickness for emmetropes (β = 3.859, p < 0.001), and mild myopes with spherical equivalent greater than −2.00 D (−1.25 D < spherical equivalent ≤ −0.50 D: β = 3.476, p = 0.006; −2.00 D < spherical equivalent ≤ −1.25 D: β = 3.232, p = 0.020). However, no significant relationship between age and choroidal thickness was found in children with spherical equivalent ≤ −2.00 D, suggesting that the protective effect of physiologic choroidal growth with age against rapid axial elongation disappeared while axial elongation becomes the dominant determinant of choroidal thickness among children with myopia worse than −2.00 D. PMID:28327553

Electron Density Calibration for Radiotherapy Treatment Planning

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

Herrera-Martinez, F.; Rodriguez-Villafuerte, M.; Martinez-Davalos, A.

2006-09-08

Computed tomography (CT) images are used as basic input data for most modern radiosurgery treatment planning systems (TPS). CT data not only provide anatomic information to delineate target volumes, but also allow the introduction of corrections for tissue inhomogeneities into dose calculations during the treatment planning procedure. These corrections involve the determination of a relationship between tissue electron density ({rho}e) and their corresponding Hounsfield Units (HU). In this work, an elemental analysis of different commercial tissue equivalent materials using Scanning Electron Microscopy was carried out to characterize their chemical composition. The tissue equivalent materials were chosen to ensure a largemore » range of {rho}e to be included in the CT scanner calibration. A phantom was designed and constructed with these materials to simulate the size of a human head.« less

Portable neutron spectrometer and dosimeter

DOEpatents

Waechter, D.A.; Erkkila, B.H.; Vasilik, D.G.

The disclosure relates to a battery operated neutron spectrometer/dosimeter utilizing a microprocessor, a built-in tissue equivalent LET neutron detector, and a 128-channel pulse height analyzer with integral liquid crystal display. The apparatus calculates doses and dose rates from neutrons incident on the detector and displays a spectrum of rad or rem as a function of keV per micron of equivalent tissue and also calculates and displays accumulated dose in millirads and millirem as well as neutron dose rates in millirads per hour and millirem per hour.

Portable neutron spectrometer and dosimeter

DOEpatents

Waechter, David A.; Erkkila, Bruce H.; Vasilik, Dennis G.

1985-01-01

The disclosure relates to a battery operated neutron spectrometer/dosimeter utilizing a microprocessor, a built-in tissue equivalent LET neutron detector, and a 128-channel pulse height analyzer with integral liquid crystal display. The apparatus calculates doses and dose rates from neutrons incident on the detector and displays a spectrum of rad or rem as a function of keV per micron of equivalent tissue and also calculates and displays accumulated dose in millirads and millirem as well as neutron dose rates in millirads per hour and millirem per hour.

Emergence and Utility of Nonspherical Particles in Biomedicine

PubMed Central

Fish, Margaret B.; Thompson, Alex J.; Fromen, Catherine A.; Eniola-Adefeso, Omolola

2016-01-01

The importance of the size of targeted, spherical drug carriers has been previously explored and reviewed. Particle shape has emerged as an equally important parameter in determining the in vivo journey and efficiency of drug carrier systems. Researchers have invented techniques to better control the geometry of particles of many different materials, which have allowed for exploration of the role of particle geometry in the phases of drug delivery. The important biological processes include clearance by the immune system, trafficking to the target tissue, margination to the endothelial surface, interaction with the target cell, and controlled release of a payload. The review of current literature herein supports that particle shape can be altered to improve a system’s targeting efficiency. Non-spherical particles can harness the potential of targeted drug carriers by enhancing targeted site accumulation while simultaneously decreasing side effects and mitigating some limitations faced by spherical carriers. PMID:27182109

Fate of inhaled azodicarbonamide in rats

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

Mewhinney, J.A.; Ayres, P.H.; Bechtold, W.E.

Azodicarbonamide (ADA) is widely used as a blowing agent in the manufacture of expanded foam plastics, as an aging and bleaching agent in flour, and as a bread dough conditioner. Human exposures have been reported during manufacture as well as during use. Groups of male F344/N rats were administered ADA by gavage, by intratracheal instillation, and by inhalation exposure to determine the disposition and modes of excretion of ADA and its metabolites. At 72 hr following gavage, 30% of the administered ADA was absorbed whereas following intratracheal instillation, absorption was 90%. Comparison between groups of rats exposed by inhalation tomore » ADA to achieve body burdens of 24 or 1230 micrograms showed no significant differences in modes or rates of excretion of (/sup 14/C)ADA equivalents. ADA was readily converted to biurea under physiological conditions and biurea was the only /sup 14/C-labeled compound present in excreta. (/sup 14/C)ADA equivalents were present in all examined tissues immediately after inhalation exposure, and clearance half-times on the order of 1 day were evident for all tissues investigated. Storage depots for (/sup 14/C)ADA equivalents were not observed. The rate of buildup of (/sup 14/C)ADA equivalents in blood was linearly related to the lung content as measured from rats withdrawn at selected times during a 6-hr inhalation exposure at an aerosol concentration of 25 micrograms ADA/liter. In a study extending 102 days after exposure, retention of (/sup 14/C)ADA equivalents in tissues was described by a two-component negative exponential function. The results from this study indicate that upon inhalation, ADA is rapidly converted to biurea and that biurea is then eliminated rapidly from all tissues with the majority of the elimination via the urine.« less

Further Evidence for Increasing Pressure and a Non-spherical Shape in Triton's Atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Person, M. J.; Elliot, J. L.; McDonald, S. W.; Buie, M. W.; Dunham, E. W.; Millis, R. L.; Nye, R. A.; Olkin, C. B.; Wasserman, L. H.; Young, L. A.; Hubbard, W. B.; Hill, R.; Reitsema, H. J.; Pasachoff, J. M.; Babcock, B. A.; McConnochie, T. M.; Stone, R. C.

2000-10-01

An occultation by Triton of a star denoted as Tr176 by McDonald & Elliot (AJ 109, 1352), was observed on 1997 July 18 from various locations in Australia and North America. After an extensive prediction effort, two complete chords of the occultation were recorded by our PCCD portable data systems. These chords were combined with three others recorded by another group (Sicardy et al., BAAS 30, 1107) to provide an overall geometric solution for Triton's atmosphere at the occultation pressure. A simple circular fit to these five chords yielded a half-light radius of 1439 +/- 10 km, however least squares fitting revealed a significant deviation from the simple circular projection of a spherical atmosphere. The best fitting ellipse (a first order deviation from the circular solution) yielded a mean radius of 1440 +/- 6 km and an ellipticity of 0.040 +/- 0.003. To further characterize the non-spherical solutions to the geometric fits, methods were developed to analyze the data assuming both circular and elliptical profiles. Circular and elliptically focused light curve models corresponding to the best fitting circular and elliptical geometric solutions were fit to the data. Using these light curve fits, the mean pressure at the 1400 km radius (48 km altitude) derived from all the data was 2.23 +/- 0.28 microbar for the circular model and 2.45 +/- 0.32 microbar for the elliptical model. These pressures agree with those for the Tr180 occultation (which occurred a few months later), so these results are consistent with the conclusions of Elliot et al. (Icarus 143, 425) that Triton's surface pressure has increased from 14.0 microbar at the time of the Voyager encounter to 19.0 microbar in 1997. The mean equivalent-isothermal temperature at 1400 km was 43.6 +/- 3.7 K for the circular model and 42.0 +/- 3.6 K for the elliptical model. Within their calculated errors, the equivalent-isothermal temperatures were the same for all Triton latitudes probed.

Profile of refractive errors in European Caucasian children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder; increased prevalence and magnitude of astigmatism.

PubMed

Anketell, Pamela M; Saunders, Kathryn J; Gallagher, Stephen; Bailey, Clare; Little, Julie-Anne

2016-07-01

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by impairment of communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviours. Only a small number of studies have investigated fundamental clinical measures of vision including refractive error. The aim of this study was to describe the refractive profile of a population of children with ASD compared to typically developing (TD) children. Refractive error was assessed using the Shin-Nippon NVision-K 5001 open-field autorefractor following the instillation of cyclopentolate hydrochloride 1% eye drops. A total of 128 participants with ASD (mean age 10.9 ± 3.3 years) and 206 typically developing participants (11.5 ± 3.1 years) were recruited. There was no significant difference in median refractive error, either by spherical equivalent or most ametropic meridian between the ASD and TD groups (Spherical equivalent, Mann-Whitney U307 = 1.15, p = 0.25; Most Ametropic Meridian, U305 = 0.52, p = 0.60). Median refractive astigmatism was -0.50DC (range 0.00 to -3.50DC) for the ASD group and -0.50DC (Range 0.00 to -2.25DC) for the TD group. Magnitude and prevalence of refractive astigmatism (defined as astigmatism ≥1.00DC) was significantly greater in the ASD group compared to the typically developing group (ASD 26%, TD 8%, magnitude U305 = 3.86, p = 0.0001; prevalence (χ12=17.71 , p < 0.0001). This is the first study to describe the refractive profile of a population of European Caucasian children with ASD compared to a TD population of children. Unlike other neurodevelopmental conditions, there was no increased prevalence of spherical refractive errors in ASD but astigmatic errors were significantly greater in magnitude and prevalence. This highlights the need to examine refractive errors in this population. © 2016 The Authors Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics © 2016 The College of Optometrists.

10 CFR 72.106 - Controlled area of an ISFSI or MRS.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... controlled area may not receive from any design basis accident the more limiting of a total effective dose equivalent of 0.05 Sv (5 rem), or the sum of the deep-dose equivalent and the committed dose equivalent to any individual organ or tissue (other than the lens of the eye) of 0.5 Sv (50 rem). The lens dose...

10 CFR 72.106 - Controlled area of an ISFSI or MRS.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... controlled area may not receive from any design basis accident the more limiting of a total effective dose equivalent of 0.05 Sv (5 rem), or the sum of the deep-dose equivalent and the committed dose equivalent to any individual organ or tissue (other than the lens of the eye) of 0.5 Sv (50 rem). The lens dose...

10 CFR 72.106 - Controlled area of an ISFSI or MRS.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... controlled area may not receive from any design basis accident the more limiting of a total effective dose equivalent of 0.05 Sv (5 rem), or the sum of the deep-dose equivalent and the committed dose equivalent to any individual organ or tissue (other than the lens of the eye) of 0.5 Sv (50 rem). The lens dose...

10 CFR 72.106 - Controlled area of an ISFSI or MRS.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... controlled area may not receive from any design basis accident the more limiting of a total effective dose equivalent of 0.05 Sv (5 rem), or the sum of the deep-dose equivalent and the committed dose equivalent to any individual organ or tissue (other than the lens of the eye) of 0.5 Sv (50 rem). The lens dose...

10 CFR 72.106 - Controlled area of an ISFSI or MRS.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... controlled area may not receive from any design basis accident the more limiting of a total effective dose equivalent of 0.05 Sv (5 rem), or the sum of the deep-dose equivalent and the committed dose equivalent to any individual organ or tissue (other than the lens of the eye) of 0.5 Sv (50 rem). The lens dose...

Non-spherical Lobate Chondrules in CO3.0 Y-81020: General Implications for the Formation of Low-FeO Porphyritic Chondrules in CO Chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rubin, Alan E.; Wasson, John T.

2006-01-01

Non-spherical chondrules (arbitrarily defined as having aspect ratios greater than or equal to 1.20) in CO3.0 chondrites comprise multi-lobate, distended, and highly irregular objects with rounded margins; they constitute approx. 70% of the type-I (low-FeO) porphyritic chondrules in Y-81020, approx. 75% of such chondrules in ALHA77307, and approx. 60% of those in Colony. Although the proportion of non-spherical type-I chondrules in LL3.0 Semarkona is comparable (approx. 60%), multi-lobate OC porphyritic chondrules (with lobe heights equivalent to a significant fraction of the mean chondrule diameter) are rare. If the non-spherical type-I chondrules in CO chondrites had formed from totally molten droplets, calculations indicate that they would have collapsed into spheres within approx. 10(exp -3) s, too little time for their 20-micrometer-size olivine phenocrysts to have grown from the melt. These olivine grains must therefore be relicts from an earlier chondrule generation; the final heating episode experienced by the non-spherical chondrules involved only minor amounts of melting and crystallization. The immediate precursors of the individual non-spherical chondrules may have been irregularly shaped chondrule fragments whose fracture surfaces were rounded during melting. Because non-spherical chondrules and circular chondrules form a continuum in shape and have similar grain sizes, mineral and mesostasis compositions, and modal abundances of non-opaque phases, they must have formed by related processes. We conclude that a large majority of low-FeO chondrules in CO3 chondrites experienced a late, low-degree melting event. Previous studies have shown that essentially all type-II (high-FeO) porphyritic chondrules in Y-81020 formed by repeated episodes of low-degree melting. It thus appears that the type-I and type-II porphyritic chondrules in Y-81020 (and, presumably, all CO3 chondrites) experienced analogous formation histories. Because these two types constitute approx. 95% of all CO chondrules, it is clear that chondrule recycling was the rule in the CO chondrule-formation region and that most melting events produced only low degrees of melting. The rarity of significantly non-spherical, multi-lobate chondrules in Semarkona may reflect more-intense heating of chondrule precursors in the ordinary-chondrite region of the solar nebula.

A MULTI-ELEMENT THICK GAS ELECTRON MULTIPLIER-BASED MICRODOSEMETER FOR MEASUREMENT OF NEUTRONS DOSE-EQUIVALENT: A MONTE CARLO STUDY.

PubMed

Moslehi, A; Raisali, G

2017-11-01

To determine the dose-equivalent of neutrons in an extended energy range, in the present work a multi-element thick gas electron multiplier-based microdosemeter made of PMMA (Perspex) walls of 10 mm in thickness is designed. Each cavity is filled with the propane-based tissue-equivalent (TE) gas simulating 1 µm of tissue. Also, a few weight fractions of 3He are assumed to be added to the TE gas. The dose-equivalents are determined for 11 neutron energies between thermal and 14 MeV using the lineal energy distributions calculated by Geant4 simulation toolkit and also the lineal energy-based quality factors. The results show that by adding 0.04% of 3He to the TE gas in each cavity, an energy-independent dose-equivalent response within 30% uncertainty around a median value of 0.91 in the above energy range is achieved. It is concluded that after its construction, the studied microdosemeter can be used to measure the dose-equivalent of neutrons, favorably. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Pickett angles and Cremer-Pople coordinates as collective variables for the enhanced sampling of six-membered ring conformations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sega, M.; Autieri, E.; Pederiva, F.

2011-01-01

Although completely equivalent for the description of puckered ring conformers, the two popular coordinates sets of Strauss-Pickett dihedral angles and Cremer-Pople spherical coordinates are shown to have contrasting features when employed as collective variables in free-energy calculations with accelerated sampling techniques. Results from a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation at conformational equilibrium and from combined metadynamics/umbrella sampling calculations of glucose are exploited to elucidate these differences.

General Relativity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hobson, M. P.; Efstathiou, G. P.; Lasenby, A. N.

2006-02-01

1. The spacetime of special relativity; 2. Manifolds and coordinates; 3. Vector calculus on manifolds; 4. Tensor calculus on manifolds; 5. Special relativity revisited; 6. Electromagnetism; 7. The equivalence principle and spacetime curvature; 8. The gravitational field equations; 9. The Schwarzschild geometry; 10. Experimental tests of general relativity; 11. Schwarzschild black holes; 12. Further spherically-symmetric geometries; 13. The Kerr geometry; 14. The Friedmann-Robertson-Walker geometry; 15. Cosmological models; 16. Inflationary cosmology; 17. Linearised general relativity; 18. Gravitational waves; 19. A variational approach to general relativity.

Primary angle closure glaucoma in a myopic kinship.

PubMed

Hagan, J C; Lederer, C M

1985-03-01

Three related myopic individuals with primary angle closure glaucoma are reported. They had true myopia and not pseudomyopia secondary to increased lenticular index of refraction. We believe one of these individuals (-8.62 spherical equivalent) to have the most myopic case of primary angle closure glaucoma reported in the literature. Although myopia is associated with anatomical factors that offer considerable protection from primary angle closure glaucoma, its presence does not eliminate the possibility of this disease. Laser iridectomy was effective in the treatment of these patients.

A method of inversion of satellite magnetic anomaly data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mayhew, M. A.

1977-01-01

A method of finding a first approximation to a crustal magnetization distribution from inversion of satellite magnetic anomaly data is described. Magnetization is expressed as a Fourier Series in a segment of spherical shell. Input to this procedure is an equivalent source representation of the observed anomaly field. Instability of the inversion occurs when high frequency noise is present in the input data, or when the series is carried to an excessively high wave number. Preliminary results are given for the United States and adjacent areas.

Hamiltonian 3-D Ray Tracing in the Oceanic Waveguide on the Ellipsoidal Earth

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-12-01

equivalent to Eq. (B 1). I The ionosphere has a uniform refractive index (the isovelocity acoustic analogue) in this con- Using the ray invariant (the...spherical coordinates in NOAA’s 3-D ray tracer HARPO, are adapted to ellipsoidal coordinates in the oceanic waveguide. The ensuing modified HARPO is used to...objective of this modeling is to extract the predictable part of the travel-time trend and fluctua- tions along several long paths that will be used to

Classical dynamics on curved Snyder space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivetić, B.; Meljanac, S.; Mignemi, S.

2014-05-01

We study the classical dynamics of a particle in nonrelativistic Snyder-de Sitter space. We show that for spherically symmetric systems, parameterizing the solutions in terms of an auxiliary time variable, which is a function only of the physical time and of the energy and angular momentum of the particles, one can reduce the problem to the equivalent one in classical mechanics. We also discuss a relativistic extension of these results, and a generalization to the case in which the algebra is realized in flat space.

The uptake, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of methyl tertiary-butyl ether inhaled alone and in combination with gasoline vapor.

PubMed

Benson, Janet M; Tibbetts, Brad M; Barr, Edward B

2003-06-13

The purpose of these studies was to evaluate the tissue uptake, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) in rats and to determine the effects of coinhalation of the volatile fraction of unleaded gasoline on these parameters. Male F344 rats were exposed nose-only once for 4 h to 4, 40, or 400 ppm 14C-MTBE and to 20 and 200 ppm of the light fraction of unleaded gasoline (LFG) containing 4 and 40 ppm 14C-MTBE, respectively. To evaluate the effects of repeated inhalation of LFG on the fate of inhaled MTBE, rats were exposed for 7 consecutive days to 20 and 200 ppm LFG followed on d 8 by exposure to LFG containing 14C-MTBE. Three subgroups of rats were included for evaluation of respiratory parameters, rates and routes of excretion, and tissue distribution and elimination. MTBE and its chief metabolite, tertiary-butyl alcohol, were quantitated in blood and kidney (immediately after exposure), and the major urinary metabolites, 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid and 2-methyl-1,2- propanediol, were identified and quantified in urine. Inhalation of MTBE alone or as a component of LFG had no concentration-dependent effect on respiratory minute volume. The initial body burdens (IBBs) of MTBE equivalents achieved after 4 h of exposure to MTBE did not increase linearly with exposure concentration. MTBE equivalents rapidly distributed to all tissues examined, with the largest percentages distributed to liver. Between 40 and 400 ppm, there was a significant reduction in percentage of the IBB present in the major organs examined, both immediately and 72 h after exposure. At 400 ppm, the elimination rates of MTBE equivalents from tissues changed significantly. Furthermore, at 400 ppm there was a significant decrease in the elimination half-time of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath and a significant increase in the percentage of the IBB of MTBE equivalents eliminated as VOCs in breath. LFG coexposure significantly decreased the percentage of the MTBE equivalent IBBs in tissues and increased rates of elimination of MTBE equivalents. The study results indicate that the uptake and fate of inhaled MTBE are altered upon increasing exposure levels from 4 to 400 ppm, suggesting that toxic effects observed previously upon repeated inhalation of concentrations of 400 ppm or greater may not necessarily be linearly extrapolated to effects that might occur at lower concentrations. Furthermore, coexposure to LFG, whether acute or repeated, decreases tissue burdens of MTBE equivalents and enhances the elimination rate of MTBE and its metabolites, thereby potentially reducing the toxic effects of the MTBE compared to when it is inhaled alone.

Precise dielectric property measurements and E-field probe calibration for specific absorption rate measurements using a rectangular waveguide

PubMed Central

Hakim, B M; Beard, B B; Davis, C C

2018-01-01

Specific absorption rate (SAR) measurements require accurate calculations of the dielectric properties of tissue-equivalent liquids and associated calibration of E-field probes. We developed a precise tissue-equivalent dielectric measurement and E-field probe calibration system. The system consists of a rectangular waveguide, electric field probe, and data control and acquisition system. Dielectric properties are calculated using the field attenuation factor inside the tissue-equivalent liquid and power reflectance inside the waveguide at the air/dielectric-slab interface. Calibration factors were calculated using isotropicity measurements of the E-field probe. The frequencies used are 900 MHz and 1800 MHz. The uncertainties of the measured values are within ±3%, at the 95% confidence level. Using the same waveguide for dielectric measurements as well as calibrating E-field probes used in SAR assessments eliminates a source of uncertainty. Moreover, we clearly identified the system parameters that affect the overall uncertainty of the measurement system. PMID:29520129

Obtaining source current density related to irregularly structured electromagnetic target field inside human body using hybrid inverse/FDTD method.

PubMed

Han, Jijun; Yang, Deqiang; Sun, Houjun; Xin, Sherman Xuegang

2017-01-01

Inverse method is inherently suitable for calculating the distribution of source current density related with an irregularly structured electromagnetic target field. However, the present form of inverse method cannot calculate complex field-tissue interactions. A novel hybrid inverse/finite-difference time domain (FDTD) method that can calculate the complex field-tissue interactions for the inverse design of source current density related with an irregularly structured electromagnetic target field is proposed. A Huygens' equivalent surface is established as a bridge to combine the inverse and FDTD method. Distribution of the radiofrequency (RF) magnetic field on the Huygens' equivalent surface is obtained using the FDTD method by considering the complex field-tissue interactions within the human body model. The obtained magnetic field distributed on the Huygens' equivalent surface is regarded as the next target. The current density on the designated source surface is derived using the inverse method. The homogeneity of target magnetic field and specific energy absorption rate are calculated to verify the proposed method.

Antifungal Effect of a Dental Tissue Conditioner Containing Nystatin-Loaded Alginate Microparticles.

PubMed

Kim, Hyun-Jin; Son, Jun Sik; Kwon, Tae-Yub

2018-02-01

In this in vitro study, nystatin-alginate microparticles were successfully fabricated to control the release of nystatin from a commercial dental tissue conditioner. These nystatin-alginate microparticles were spherical and had a slightly rough surface. The microparticles incorporated into the tissue conditioner were distributed homogeneously throughout the tissue conditioner matrix. The incorporation of the microparticles did not deteriorate the mechanical properties of the original material. The agar diffusion test results showed that the tissue conditioner containing the microparticles had a good antifungal effect against Candida albicans. The nystatin-alginate microparticles efficiently controlled the release of nystatin from the tissue conditioner matrix over the experimental period of 14 days. Moreover, the nystatin-alginate microparticles incorporated in the tissue conditioner showed effective antifungal function even at lower concentrations of nystatin. The current study suggests that the tissue conditioner containing the nystatin-alginate microparticle carrier system has potential as an effective antifungal material.

Fast tomosynthesis for lung cancer detection using the SBDX geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fahrig, Rebecca; Pineda, Angel R.; Solomon, Edward G.; Leung, Ann N.; Pelc, Norbert J.

2003-06-01

Radiology-based lung-cancer detection is a high-contrast imaging task, consisting of the detection of a small mass of tissue within much lower density lung parenchyma. This imaging task requires removal of confounding image details, fast image acquisition (< 0.1 s for pericardial region), low dose (comparable to a chest x-ray), high resolution (< 0.25 mm in-plane) and patient positioning flexibility. We present an investigation of tomosynthesis, implemented using the Scanning-Beam Digital X-ray System (SBDX), to achieve these goals. We designed an image-based computer model of tomosynthesis using a high-resolution (0.15-mm isotropic voxels), low-noise CT volume image of a lung phantom, numerically added spherical lesions and convolution-based tomographic blurring. Lesion visibility was examined as a function of half-tomographic angle for 2.5 and 4.0 mm diameter lesions. Gaussian distributed noise was added to the projected images. For lesions 2.5 mm and 4.0 mm in diameter, half-tomographic angles of at least 6° and 9° respectively were necessary before visualization of the lesions improved. The addition of noise for a dose equivalent to 1/10 that used for a standard chest radiograph did not significantly impair lesion detection. The results are promising, indicating that lung-cancer detection using a modified SBDX system is possible.

Laser-induced scleral shrinkage for refractive surgery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Qiushi; Simon, Gabriel; Parel, Jean-Marie A.; Shen, Jin-Hui

1994-06-01

We investigate the laser refractive scleroplasty (LRS) as a potential minimal-invasive method for correcting post-operative astigmatism. The scleral shrinkage near limbus was induced on 6 cadaver eyes using a 200 micrometers fiber optic probe coupled to a pulsed Ho:YAG laser. The diameter of the treatment spot was 0.8 mm. The output energy measured at tip was 60.2+/- 0.6 mJ. The treatments consisted of multiple sector patterns placed along the major axis of astigmatism parallel to the limbus, and round patterns placed along the limbus. Three treatment spots were applied on each side of the sector. The separation among sectors and limbus is 1 mm. Keratometry and topography of the cornea were measured after each sector or round pattern treatment. Effect of 5 and 10 pulses at each treatment spot were compared. Histology was performed to evaluate laser tissue damage. The major axis of astigmatism was shifted 90 degrees after the sector pattern treatment and amount of dioptric change increased when adding a new treatment or using more treatment pulses. However, the spherical equivalent of the eyes was essentially unchanged. The keratometry of the corneas remained the same after the round pattern treatment. Laser refractive scleroplasty may be applied for the correction of post-operative astigmatism.

Radiobiological characterization of post-lumpectomy focal brachytherapy with lipid nanoparticle-carried radionuclides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hrycushko, Brian A.; Gutierrez, Alonso N.; Goins, Beth; Yan, Weiqiang; Phillips, William T.; Otto, Pamela M.; Bao, Ande

2011-02-01

Post-operative radiotherapy has commonly been used for early stage breast cancer to treat residual disease. The primary objective of this work was to characterize, through dosimetric and radiobiological modeling, a novel focal brachytherapy technique which uses direct intracavitary infusion of β-emitting radionuclides (186Re/188Re) carried by lipid nanoparticles (liposomes). Absorbed dose calculations were performed for a spherical lumpectomy cavity with a uniformly injected activity distribution using a dose point kernel convolution technique. Radiobiological indices were used to relate predicted therapy outcome and normal tissue complication of this technique with equivalent external beam radiotherapy treatment regimens. Modeled stromal damage was used as a measure of the inhibition of the stimulatory effect on tumor growth driven by the wound healing response. A sample treatment plan delivering 50 Gy at a therapeutic range of 2.0 mm for 186Re-liposomes and 5.0 mm for 188Re-liposomes takes advantage of the dose delivery characteristics of the β-emissions, providing significant EUD (58.2 Gy and 72.5 Gy for 186Re and 188Re, respectively) with a minimal NTCP (0.046%) of the healthy ipsilateral breast. Modeling of kidney BED and ipsilateral breast NTCP showed that large injected activity concentrations of both radionuclides could be safely administered without significant complications.

Risk Assessment for Corneal Ectasia following Photorefractive Keratectomy

PubMed Central

Kaiserman, Igor; Domniz, Yuval; Sela, Tzahi; Munzer, Gur

2017-01-01

Purpose To analyze the risk factors associated with a series of ectasia cases following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and all published cases. Methods In a retrospective study on post-PRK ectasia patients, 9 eyes of 7 patients were included, in addition to 20 eyes of 13 patients from the literature. Risk of post-PRK ectasia was calculated using the ectasia risk score system (ERSS) for laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) patients. The percent tissue altered (PTA) was also evaluated. Results ERSS scoring of zero for age, RSB, and spherical equivalent was found in 66%, 86%, and 86% of the eyes, respectively. Pachymetry risk score was 2 in 60% of the eyes and 3 or 4 in 16% of the eyes. Topography risk score was 3 in 41% of the eyes and 4 in 21% of the eyes. Cumulative ectasia risk score was ≥4 (high risk) in 77% of the eyes and ≥3 (medium and high risk) in 86% of the eyes. Average PTA was 23.2 ± 7.0%. All eyes but one had a PTA < 40%. Conclusions Preoperative corneal topographic abnormalities and thin corneas may be significant risk factors for developing ectasia following PRK. Post-LASIK ectasia risk scoring also has relevance in the risk for developing post-PRK ectasia. PMID:28815089

[Oral mucosa analog allografts in non-consanguineous rats].

PubMed

González, Luis; Padrón, Karla; Salmen, Siham; Jerez, Elsy; Dávila, Lorena; Solórzano, Eduvigis

2017-01-24

Although there are therapeutic options for the treatment of oral mucosa defects, the need for functional, anatomical and aesthetically similar substitutes persists, as well as for solutions to reduce autologous grafts morbidity. To determine clinical and histological compatibility of equivalent oral mucosa allografts generated through tissue engineering in non-consanguineous rats. We used a sample of oral mucosa from Sprague Dawley rats to obtain a fibroblast culture and a keratinocytes and fibroblasts co-culture. In both cases, we used a commercial collagen membrane as "scaffold". After ten weeks of culture, we grafted the resulting membranes into four Wistar rats. The first phase of the study was the development of the oral mucosa equivalents generated by tissue engineering. Then, we implanted them in immunocompetent Wistar rats, and finallywe evaluated the clinical and histological features of the allografts. In vivo evaluation of mucosal substitutes showed a correct integration of artificial oral mucosa in immunocompetent hosts, with an increase in periodontal biotype and the creation of a zone with increased keratinization. Histologically, the tissue was similar to the control oral mucosa sample with no inflammatory reaction nor clinical or histological rejection signs. The equivalent oral mucosa allografts generated by tissue engineering showed clinical and histological compatibility.

10 CFR 63.111 - Performance objectives for the geologic repository operations area through permanent closure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... of the deep dose equivalent and the committed dose equivalent to any individual organ or tissue (other than the lens of the eye) of 0.5 Sv (50 rem). The lens dose equivalent may not exceed 0.15 Sv (15... TEDE (hereafter referred to as “dose”) to any real member of the public located beyond the boundary of...

10 CFR 63.111 - Performance objectives for the geologic repository operations area through permanent closure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... of the deep dose equivalent and the committed dose equivalent to any individual organ or tissue (other than the lens of the eye) of 0.5 Sv (50 rem). The lens dose equivalent may not exceed 0.15 Sv (15... TEDE (hereafter referred to as “dose”) to any real member of the public located beyond the boundary of...

10 CFR 63.111 - Performance objectives for the geologic repository operations area through permanent closure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... of the deep dose equivalent and the committed dose equivalent to any individual organ or tissue (other than the lens of the eye) of 0.5 Sv (50 rem). The lens dose equivalent may not exceed 0.15 Sv (15... TEDE (hereafter referred to as “dose”) to any real member of the public located beyond the boundary of...

10 CFR 63.111 - Performance objectives for the geologic repository operations area through permanent closure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... of the deep dose equivalent and the committed dose equivalent to any individual organ or tissue (other than the lens of the eye) of 0.5 Sv (50 rem). The lens dose equivalent may not exceed 0.15 Sv (15... TEDE (hereafter referred to as “dose”) to any real member of the public located beyond the boundary of...

Decomposition of the Multistatic Response Matrix and Target Characterization

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

Chambers, D H

2008-02-14

Decomposition of the time-reversal operator for an array, or equivalently the singular value decomposition of the multistatic response matrix, has been used to improve imaging and localization of targets in complicated media. Typically, each singular value is associated with one scatterer even though it has been shown in several cases that a single scatterer can generate several singular values. In this paper we review the analysis of the time-reversal operator (TRO), or equivalently the multistatic response matrix (MRM), of an array system and a small target. We begin with two-dimensional scattering from a small cylinder then show the results formore » a small non-spherical target in three dimensions. We show that the number and magnitudes of the singular values contain information about target composition, shape, and orientation.« less

Metal-cluster ionization energy: A profile-insensitive exact expression for the size effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seidl, Michael; Perdew, John P.; Brajczewska, Marta; Fiolhais, Carlos

1997-05-01

The ionization energy of a large spherical metal cluster of radius R is I(R)=W+(+c)/R, where W is the bulk work function and c~-0.1 is a material-dependent quantum correction to the electrostatic size effect. We present 'Koopmans' and 'displaced-profile change-in-self-consistent-field' expressions for W and c within the ordinary and stabilized-jellium models. These expressions are shown to be exact and equivalent when the exact density profile of a large neutral cluster is employed; these equivalences generalize the Budd-Vannimenus theorem. With an approximate profile obtained from a restricted variational calculation, the 'displaced-profile' expressions are the more accurate ones. This profile insensitivity is important, because it is not practical to extract c from solutions of the Kohn-Sham equations for small metal clusters.

Induced Higher-order aberrations after Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) Performed with Wavefront-Guided IntraLase Femtosecond Laser in moderate to high Astigmatism.

PubMed

Al-Zeraid, Ferial M; Osuagwu, Uchechukwu L

2016-03-22

Wavefront-guided Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a widespread and effective surgical treatment for myopia and astigmatic correction but whether it induces higher-order aberrations remains controversial. The study was designed to evaluate the changes in higher-order aberrations after wavefront-guided ablation with IntraLase femtosecond laser in moderate to high astigmatism. Twenty-three eyes of 15 patients with moderate to high astigmatism (mean cylinder, -3.22 ± 0.59 dioptres) aged between 19 and 35 years (mean age, 25.6 ± 4.9 years) were included in this prospective study. Subjects with cylinder ≥ 1.5 and ≤2.75 D were classified as moderate astigmatism while high astigmatism was ≥3.00 D. All patients underwent a femtosecond laser-enabled (150-kHz IntraLase iFS; Abbott Medical Optics Inc) wavefront-guided ablation. Uncorrected (UDVA), corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuity in logMAR, keratometry, central corneal thickness (CCT) and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) over a 6 mm pupil, were assessed before and 6 months, postoperatively. The relationship between postoperative change in HOA and preoperative mean spherical equivalent refraction, mean astigmatism, and postoperative CCT were tested. At the last follow-up, the mean UDVA was increased (P < 0.0001) but CDVA remained unchanged (P = 0.48) and no eyes lost ≥2 lines of CDVA. Mean spherical equivalent refraction was reduced (P < 0.0001) and was within ±0.50 D range in 61% of eyes. The average corneal curvature was flatter by 4 D and CCT was reduced by 83 μm (P < 0.0001, for all), postoperatively. Coma aberrations remained unchanged (P = 0.07) while the change in trefoil (P = 0.047) postoperatively, was not clinically significant. The 4th order HOAs (spherical aberration and secondary astigmatism) and the HOA root mean square (RMS) increased from -0.18 ± 0.07 μm, 0.04 ± 0.03 μm and 0.47 ± 0.11 μm, preoperatively, to 0.33 ± 0.19 μm (P = 0.004), 0.21 ± 0.09 μm (P < 0.0001) and 0.77 ± 0.27 μm (P < 0.0001), six months postoperatively. The change in spherical aberration after the procedure increased with an increase in the degree of preoperative myopia. Wavefront-guided IntraLASIK offers a safe and effective option for vision and visual function improvement in astigmatism. Although, reduction of HOA is possible in a few eyes, spherical-like aberrations are increased in majority of the treated eyes.

Effect of Supragingival Irrigation with Aerosolized 0.5% Hydrogen Peroxide on Clinical Periodontal Parameters, Markers of Systemic Inflammation, and Morphology of Gingival Tissues in Patients with Periodontitis

PubMed Central

Žekonis, Gediminas; Žekonis, Jonas; Gleiznys, Alvydas; Noreikienė, Viktorija; Balnytė, Ingrida; Šadzevičienė, Renata; Narbutaitė, Julija

2016-01-01

Background Various studies have shown that non-surgical periodontal treatment is correlated with reduction in clinical parameters and plasma levels of inflammatory markers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long-term weekly supragingival irrigations with aerosolized 0.5% hydrogen peroxide as maintenance therapy followed by non-surgical periodontal treatment on clinical parameters, plasma levels of inflammatory markers, and morphological changes in gingival tissues of patients with periodontitis. Material/Methods In total, 43 patients with chronic periodontitis were randomly allocated to long-term maintenance therapy. The patients’ periodontal status was assessed using clinical parameters of approximal plaque index, modified gingival index, bleeding index, pocket probing depth, and plasma levels of inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and white blood cell count) at baseline and after 1, 2, and 3 years. The morphological status of gingival tissues (immediately after supragingival irrigation) was assessed microscopically. Results Complete data were obtained on 34 patients. A highly statistically significant and consistent reduction was observed in all long-term clinical parameters and plasma levels of inflammatory markers. Morphological data showed abundant spherical bubbles in gingival tissues. Conclusions 1. The present study showed that non-surgical periodontal treatment with long-term weekly supragingival irrigations with aerosolized 0.5% hydrogen peroxide improved clinical periodontal status and plasma levels of inflammatory markers and may be a promising method in periodontology. 2. We found that supragingival irrigation with aerosolized 0.5% hydrogen peroxide created large numbers of spherical bubbles in gingival tissues. PMID:27743448

High-energy neutron depth-dose distribution experiment.

PubMed

Ferenci, M S; Hertel, N E

2003-01-01

A unique set of high-energy neutron depth-dose benchmark experiments were performed at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center/Weapons Neutron Research (LANSCE/WNR) complex. The experiments consisted of filtered neutron beams with energies up to 800 MeV impinging on a 30 x 30 x 30 cm3 liquid, tissue-equivalent phantom. The absorbed dose was measured in the phantom at various depths with tissue-equivalent ion chambers. This experiment is intended to serve as a benchmark experiment for the testing of high-energy radiation transport codes for the international radiation protection community.

Optical aberrations induced by subclinical decentrations of the ablation pattern

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mrochen, Michael; Kaemmerer, Maik; Riedel, Peter; Mierdel, Peter; Krinke, Hans-Eberhard; Seiler, Theo

2000-06-01

Purpose: The aim of this work was to study the effect of currently used ablation profiles along with eccentric ablations on the increase of higher order aberrations observed after PRK. Material and Methods: The optical aberrations of 10 eyes were tested before and after PRK. Refractive surgery was performed using a ArF-excimer laser system. In all cases, the ablation zone was 6 mm or larger. The spherical equivalent of the correction was ranging from -2.5 D to -6.0 D. The measured wavefront error was compared to numerical simulations done with the reduced eye model and currently used ablation profiles as well as compared with experimental results obtained from ablation on PMMA balls. Results: The aberration measurements result in a considerable change of the spherical- and coma-like wavefront errors. This result was in good correlation with the numerical simulations and the experimental results. Furthermore, it has been derived that the major contribution on the induced higher order aberrations are a result of the small decentration (less than 1.0 mm) of the ablation zone. Conclusions: Higher order spherical- and coma-like aberrations after PRK are mainly determined by the decentration of the ablation zone during laser refractive surgery. However, future laser systems should use efficient eye-tracking systems and aspherical ablation profiles to overcome this problem.

Introduction of argon beam coagulation functionality to robotic procedures using the ABC D-Flex probe: equivalency to an existing laparoscopic instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merchel, Renée. A.; Barnes, Kelli S.; Taylor, Kenneth D.

2015-03-01

INTRODUCTION: The ABC® D-Flex Probe utilizes argon beam coagulation (ABC) technology to achieve hemostasis during minimally invasive surgery. A handle on the probe allows for integration with robotic surgical systems and introduces ABC to the robotic toolbox. To better understand the utility of D-Flex, this study compares the performance of the D-Flex probe to an existing ABC laparoscopic probe through ex vivo tissue analysis. METHODS: Comparisons were performed to determine the effect of four parameters: ABC device, tissue type, activation duration, and distance from tissue. Ten ABC D-Flex probes were used to create 30 burn samples for each comparison. Ex vivo bovine liver and porcine muscle were used as tissue models. The area and depth of each burn was measured using a light microscope. The resulting dimensional data was used to correlate tissue effect with each variable. RESULTS: D-Flex created burns which were smaller in surface area than the laparoscopic probe at all power levels. Additionally, D-Flex achieved thermal penetration levels equivalent to the laparoscopic probe. CONCLUSION: D-Flex implements a small 7F geometry which creates a more focused beam. When used with robotic precision, quick localized superficial hemostasis can be achieved with minimal collateral damage. Additionally, D-Flex achieved equivalent thermal penetration levels at lower power and argon flow-rate settings than the laparoscopic probe.

Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and phenolic and anthocyanin concentrations in fruit and leaf tissues of highbush blueberry.

PubMed

Ehlenfeldt, M K; Prior, R L

2001-05-01

Antioxidant capacity, as measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and total phenolic and total anthocyanin contents were evaluated in fruit tissues of 87 highbush blueberry (Vacciniumcorymbosum L.) and species-introgressed highbush blueberry cultivars. ORAC and phenolic levels were evaluated in leaf tissues of the same materials. Average values for ORAC, phenolics, and anthocyanins in fruit were 15.9 ORAC units, 1.79 mg/g (gallic acid equivalents), and 0.95 mg/g (cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents), respectively. Cv. Rubel had the highest ORAC per gram of fresh weight values, at 31.1 units, and cv. Elliott had the highest values on the basis of ORAC per square centimeter of surface area. In leaf tissue, values for both ORAC and phenolics were significantly higher than in fruit tissue, with mean values of 490 ORAC units and 44.80 mg/g (gallic acid equivalents), respectively. Leaf ORAC had a low, but significant, correlation with fruit phenolics and anthocyanins, but not with fruit ORAC. An analysis of ORAC values versus calculated midparent values in 11 plants from the 87-cultivar group in which all parents were tested suggested that, across cultivars, ORAC inheritance is additive. An investigation of ORAC values in a family of 44 cv. Rubel x Duke seedlings showed negative epistasis for ORAC values, suggesting Rubel may have gene combinations contributing to ORAC that are broken up during hybridization.

Analysis of various factors affecting pupil size in patients with glaucoma.

PubMed

Park, Ji Woong; Kang, Bong Hui; Kwon, Ji Won; Cho, Kyong Jin

2017-09-16

Pupil size is an important factor in predicting post-operative satisfaction. We assessed the correlation between pupil size, measured by Humphrey static perimetry, and various affecting factors in patients with glaucoma. In total, 825 eyes of 415 patients were evaluated retrospectively. Pupil size was measured with Humphrey static perimetry. Comparisons of pupil size according to the presence of glaucoma were evaluated, as were correlations between pupil size and various factors, including age, logMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, spherical equivalent, intraocular pressure, axial length, central corneal thickness, white-to-white, and the kappa angle. Pupil size was significantly smaller in glaucoma patients than in glaucoma suspects (p < 0.001) or the normal group (p < 0.001). Pupil size decreased significantly as age (p < 0.001) and central cornea thickness (p = 0.007) increased, and increased significantly as logMAR BCVA (p = 0.02) became worse and spherical equivalent (p = 0.007) and RNFL thickness (p = 0.042) increased. In patients older than 50 years, pupil size was significantly larger in eyes with a history of cataract surgery. Humphrey static perimetry can be useful in measuring pupil size. Pupil size was significantly smaller in eyes with glaucoma. Other factors affecting pupil size can be used in a preoperative evaluation when considering cataract surgery or laser refractive surgery.

The Relationship between Crystalline Lens Power and Refractive Error in Older Chinese Adults: The Shanghai Eye Study.

PubMed

He, Jiangnan; Lu, Lina; He, Xiangui; Xu, Xian; Du, Xuan; Zhang, Bo; Zhao, Huijuan; Sha, Jida; Zhu, Jianfeng; Zou, Haidong; Xu, Xun

2017-01-01

To report calculated crystalline lens power and describe the distribution of ocular biometry and its association with refractive error in older Chinese adults. Random clustering sampling was used to identify adults aged 50 years and above in Xuhui and Baoshan districts of Shanghai. Refraction was determined by subjective refraction that achieved the best corrected vision based on monocular measurement. Ocular biometry was measured by IOL Master. The crystalline lens power of right eyes was calculated using modified Bennett-Rabbetts formula. We analyzed 6099 normal phakic right eyes. The mean crystalline lens power was 20.34 ± 2.24D (range: 13.40-36.08). Lens power, spherical equivalent, and anterior chamber depth changed linearly with age; however, axial length, corneal power and AL/CR ratio did not vary with age. The overall prevalence of hyperopia, myopia, and high myopia was 48.48% (95% CI: 47.23%-49.74%), 22.82% (95% CI: 21.77%-23.88%), and 4.57% (95% CI: 4.05-5.10), respectively. The prevalence of hyperopia increased linearly with age while lens power decreased with age. In multivariate models, refractive error was strongly correlated with axial length, lens power, corneal power, and anterior chamber depth; refractive error was slightly correlated with best corrected visual acuity, age and sex. Lens power, hyperopia, and spherical equivalent changed linearly with age; Moreover, the continuous loss of lens power produced hyperopic shifts in refraction in subjects aged more than 50 years.

Does endothelial cell density correlate with corneal diameter in a group of young adults?

PubMed

Giasson, Claude J; Gosselin, Lucie; Masella, Aviva; Forcier, Pierre

2008-07-01

In children, but not in the elderly, an association exists between corneal diameter and endothelial cell density (ECD). We tested whether such an association also held true in young adults. The eyes of 35 healthy subjects (mean age, 23.1 +/- 3.1 years) were photographed by using a video camera and a noncontact endothelial microscope. Both sets of images were analyzed with image software and the contour method to measure corneal diameter, ECD, and endothelial coefficients. Axial lengths, refractive errors, and corneal curvatures were measured by using an A-scan ultrasonic biometer and kerato-refractometer. Measurements, averaged for the right and left eyes, were analyzed depending on (1) use of contact lenses, (2) ametropia, and on whether (3) axial length or (4) corneal diameter was above or below group means. Differences were tested for statistical significance with independent t tests and association with the Pearson correlation coefficient. ECD, corneal diameter, and spherical equivalent refraction were 3022 +/- 262 cells/mm2, 12.0 +/- 0.5 mm, and -3.1 +/- 2.5 D, respectively. The only significant differences between wearers and nonwearers of contact lenses were the spherical refractive equivalent and axial length. There was no correlation between ECD and corneal diameter or axial length. As opposed to previously reported results in children, but as found in the elderly, there is no correlation between ECD and corneal diameter in young adults. Therefore, corneal size cannot be considered a determinant of ECD in young adults.

Depth-dose equivalent relationship for cosmic rays at various solar minima

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Badhwar, G. D.; Cucinotta, F. A.; O'Neill, P. M.

1993-01-01

Galactic cosmic rays (GCR) pose a serious radiation hazard for long-duration missions. In designing a lunar habitat or a Mars transfer vehicle, the radiation exposure determines the GCR shielding thickness, and hence the weight of spacecraft. Using the spherically symmetric diffusion theory of the solar modulation of GCR, and data on the differential energy spectra of H, He, O, and Fe, from 1965 to 1989, it has been shown that (1) the flux is determined by the diffusion parameter which is a function of the time in the solar cycle, and (2) the fluxes in the 1954 and 1976-1977 solar minima were similar and higher than those in 1965. In this paper, we have extended the spherical solar modulation theory back to 1954. The 1954-1955 GCR flux was nearly the same as that from 1976 to 1977; the 1965 flux values were nearly the same as those in 1986. Using this theory we have obtained the GCR spectra for all the nuclei, and calculated the depth dose as a function of Al thickness. It is shown that the shielding required to stay below 0.5 Sv is 17.5 -3/+8 g/sq cm of Al, and 9 -1.5/+5 g/sq cm to stay below 0.6 Sv. The calculated dose equivalent using the ICRP 60 values for quality factors is about 15 percent higher than that calculated using the ICRP 26 value.

Scleral birefringence as measured by polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography and ocular biometric parameters of human eyes in vivo.

PubMed

Yamanari, Masahiro; Nagase, Satoko; Fukuda, Shinichi; Ishii, Kotaro; Tanaka, Ryosuke; Yasui, Takeshi; Oshika, Tetsuro; Miura, Masahiro; Yasuno, Yoshiaki

2014-05-01

The relationship between scleral birefringence and biometric parameters of human eyes in vivo is investigated. Scleral birefringence near the limbus of 21 healthy human eyes was measured using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography. Spherical equivalent refractive error, axial eye length, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured in all subjects. IOP and scleral birefringence of human eyes in vivo was found to have statistically significant correlations (r = -0.63, P = 0.002). The slope of linear regression was -2.4 × 10(-2) deg/μm/mmHg. Neither spherical equivalent refractive error nor axial eye length had significant correlations with scleral birefringence. To evaluate the direct influence of IOP to scleral birefringence, scleral birefringence of 16 ex vivo porcine eyes was measured under controlled IOP of 5-60 mmHg. In these ex vivo porcine eyes, the mean linear regression slope between controlled IOP and scleral birefringence was -9.9 × 10(-4) deg/μm/mmHg. In addition, porcine scleral collagen fibers were observed with second-harmonic-generation (SHG) microscopy. SHG images of porcine sclera, measured on the external surface at the superior side to the cornea, showed highly aligned collagen fibers parallel to the limbus. In conclusion, scleral birefringence of healthy human eyes was correlated with IOP, indicating that the ultrastructure of scleral collagen was correlated with IOP. It remains to show whether scleral collagen ultrastructure of human eyes is affected by IOP as a long-term effect.

TEPC Response Functions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shinn, J. L.; Wilson, J. W.

2003-01-01

The tissue equivalent proportional counter had the purpose of providing the energy absorbed from a radiation field and an estimate of the corresponding linear energy transfer (LET) for evaluation of radiation quality to convert to dose equivalent. It was the recognition of the limitations in estimating LET which lead to a new approach to dosimetry, microdosimetry, and the corresponding emphasis on energy deposit in a small tissue volume as the driver of biological response with the defined quantity of lineal energy. In many circumstances, the average of the lineal energy and LET are closely related and has provided a basis for estimating dose equivalent. Still in many cases the lineal is poorly related to LET and brings into question the usefulness as a general purpose device. These relationships are examined in this paper.

MTBE inhaled alone and in combination with gasoline vapor: uptake, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in rats.

PubMed

Benson, J M; Barr, E B; Krone, J R

2001-05-01

The purpose of these studies was to extend previous evaluation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)* tissue distribution, metabolism, and excretion in rats to include concentrations more relevant to human exposure (4 and 40 ppm) and to determine the effects of coinhalation of the volatile fraction of unleaded gasoline on the tissue distribution, metabolism, and excretion of MTBE. Groups of male F344 rats were exposed nose-only for 4 hours to 4, 40, or 400 ppm 14C-MTBE or to 20 or 200 ppm of the light fraction of unleaded gasoline (LFG) containing 4 or 40 ppm 14C-MTBE, respectively. To evaluate the effects of repeated inhalation of LFG on MTBE tissue distribution, metabolism, and excretion, rats were exposed for 4 hours on each of 7 consecutive days to 20 or 200 ppm LFG with MTBE (4 or 40 ppm) followed on the eighth day by a similar exposure to LFG containing 14C-MTBE. Subgroups of rats were evaluated for respiratory parameters, initial body burdens, rates and routes of excretion, and tissue distribution and elimination. The concentrations of MTBE and its chief metabolite, tert-butyl alcohol (TBA), were measured in blood and kidney immediately after exposure, and the major urinary metabolites-2-hydroxyisobutyric acid (IBA) and 2-methyl-1,2-propanediol (2MePD)-were measured in urine. Inhalation of MTBE alone or as a component of LFG had no concentration-dependent effect on respiratory minute volume. The initial body burdens of MTBE equivalents achieved after 4 hours of exposure to MTBE did not increase linearly with exposure concentration. MTBE equivalents rapidly distributed to all tissues examined, with the largest percentages distributed to liver. The observed initial body burden did not increase linearly between 4 and 400 ppm. At 400 ppm, elimination half-times of MTBE equivalents from liver increased and from lung, kidney, and testes decreased compared with the two smaller doses. Furthermore, at 400 ppm the elimination half-time for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath was significantly shorter and the percentage of the initial body burden of MTBE equivalents eliminated as VOCs in breath increased significantly. These changes probably reflect a saturation of blood with MTBE at 400 ppm and strongly suggest that the uptake and fate of MTBE are notably different at exposure concentrations above and below 400 ppm. Single and repeated coexposure to 20 and 200 ppm LFG with MTBE had opposite effects on the total body burden of MTBE equivalents present at the end of exposures compared with those achieved after 4 and 40 ppm MTBE exposures: 20 ppm LFG increased and 200 ppm LFG significantly decreased the burdens of MTBE equivalents present. The effects of coexposure to LFG on blood levels of MTBE equivalents paralleled the effects on body burden. These differences in overall uptake of MTBE equivalents cannot be attributed to alterations of minute volume. The reason for the increase in overall uptake after 20-ppm LFG exposure is not clear. Decreased MTBE absorption (uptake) after single and repeated coexposure to 200 ppm LFG may be due to a decrease in solubility of MTBE in blood caused by inhalation of other hydrocarbons. Investigations on the blood/air partition coefficient of MTBE in the absence and presence of LFG would be needed to confirm this hypothesis. Single and repeated coexposure to either 20 or 200 ppm LFG significantly decreased the percentage of the initial body burden from MTBE equivalents in tissues, including liver, kidney, and testes, immediately and 72 hours after

Solar system and equivalence principle constraints on f(R) gravity by the chameleon approach

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

Capozziello, Salvatore; Tsujikawa, Shinji

2008-05-15

We study constraints on f(R) dark energy models from solar system experiments combined with experiments on the violation of the equivalence principle. When the mass of an equivalent scalar field degree of freedom is heavy in a region with high density, a spherically symmetric body has a thin shell so that an effective coupling of the fifth force is suppressed through a chameleon mechanism. We place experimental bounds on the cosmologically viable models recently proposed in the literature that have an asymptotic form f(R)=R-{lambda}R{sub c}[1-(R{sub c}/R){sup 2n}] in the regime R>>R{sub c}. From the solar system constraints on the post-Newtonianmore » parameter {gamma}, we derive the bound n>0.5, whereas the constraints from the violations of the weak and strong equivalence principles give the bound n>0.9. This allows a possibility to find the deviation from the {lambda}-cold dark matter ({lambda}CDM) cosmological model. For the model f(R)=R-{lambda}R{sub c}(R/R{sub c}){sup p} with 0

Dynamic mechanism of equivalent conductivity minimum of electrolyte solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamaguchi, T.; Matsuoka, T.; Koda, S.

2011-10-01

The theory on electric conductivity of electrolyte solutions we have developed [T. Yamaguchi, T. Matsuoka, and S. Koda, J. Chem. Phys. 127, 064508 (2007)] is applied to a model electrolyte solution that shows a minimum of equivalent conductivity as the function of concentration [T. Yamaguchi, T. Akatsuka, and S. Koda, J. Chem. Phys. 134, 244506 (2011)]. The theory succeeds in reproducing the equivalent conductivity minimum, whereas the mode-coupling theory (MCT) underestimates the conductivity in the low-concentration regime. The theory can also reproduce the decrease in the relaxation time of conductivity with increasing the concentration we have demonstrated with a Brownian dynamics simulation. A detailed analysis shows that the relaxation of the conductivity occurs through two processes. The faster one corresponds to the collision between a cation and an anion, and the slower one does to the polarization of the ionic atmosphere. The increase in the equivalent conductivity with concentration is attributed to the decrease in the effect of the ionic atmosphere, which is in turn explained by the fact that the counter ion cannot penetrate into the repulsive core when the Debye screening length is compatible or smaller than the ionic diameter. The same mechanism is also observed in MCT calculation with static structure factor determined by mean-spherical approximation.

Design on the wide band absorber with low density based on the particle distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Dianliang; Liu, Ting; Liu, Longbin; Xu, Yonggang

2018-04-01

In order to widen the absorbing band, an equivalent gradient structure absorber was designed based on the particle distribution. Firstly, the electromagnetic parameter of the absorbent with uniform dispersion was tested using the vector network analyzer in 8-18 GHz. Three different equivalent materials of the spherical, square and hexagon empty shape were designed. The scattering parameters and the monostatic reflection loss (RL) of the periodic structural materials were simulated in the commercial software. Then the effective permittivity and the permeability was derived by the Nicolson-Ross-Weir algorithm and fitted by Maxwell-Garnett mixing rule. The results showed that the simulated reflectance and transmission parameters of equivalent composites with the different shapes were very close. The derived effective permittivity and permeability of the composite with different absorbent content was also close, and the average deviation was about 0.52 + j0.15 and 0.15 + j0.01 respectively. Finally, the wide band absorbing material was designed using the genetic algorithm. The optimized RL result showed that the absorbing composites with thickness 3 mm had an excellent absorbing property (RL <-10 dB) in 8-18 GHz, the equivalent absorber density could be decreased 30.7% compared with the uniform structure.

SU-F-J-172: Hybrid MR/CT Compatible Phantom for MR-Only Based Radiotherapy

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

Kim, M; Lee, S; Song, K

2016-06-15

Purpose: Development of hybrid MR/CT compatible phantom was introduced to fully establish MR image only radiation treatment and this suggested technique using in-house developed hybrid MR/CT compatible phantom image would utilize to generate radiation treatment planning and perform dose calculation without multi-modal registration process or generation of pseudo CT. Methods: Fundamental characteristics for “hybrid MR/CT compatible phantom” was established: Relaxation times equivalent to human tissue, dielectric properties, homogeneous relaxation times, sufficient strength to fabricate a torso, ease of handling, a wide variety of density material for calibration, chemical and physical stability over an extended time. For this requirements, chemical componentmore » in each tested plug which would be tissue equivalent to human tissue on MR and CT image and production of phantom body and plug was performed. Chemical component has described below: Agaros, GdCl{sub 3}, NaN{sub 3}, NaCl, K{sub 2}Co{sub 3}, deionized-distilled water. Various mixture of chemical component to simulate human tissue on both MR and CT image was tested by measuring T1, T2 relaxation time and signal intensity (SI) on MR image and Hounsfield unit (HU) on CT and each value was compared. The hybrid MR/CT compatible phantom with 14 plugs was designed and has made. Total height and external diameter was decided by internal size of 32 channel MR head-coil. Results: Tissue-equivalent chemical component materials and hybrid MR/CT compatible phantom was developed. The range of T1, T2 relaxation time and SI on MR image, HU on CT was acquired and could be adjusted to correspond to simulated human tissue. Conclusion: Current result shows its possibility for MR-only based radiotherapy and the best mixing rate of chemical component for tissue-equivalent image on MR and CT was founded. However, additional technical issues remain to be overcome. Conversion of SI on MR image into HU and dose calculation based on converted MRI will be progressing.« less

Correction factors to convert microdosimetry measurements in silicon to tissue in 12C ion therapy.

PubMed

Bolst, David; Guatelli, Susanna; Tran, Linh T; Chartier, Lachlan; Lerch, Michael L F; Matsufuji, Naruhiro; Rosenfeld, Anatoly B

2017-03-21

Silicon microdosimetry is a promising technology for heavy ion therapy (HIT) quality assurance, because of its sub-mm spatial resolution and capability to determine radiation effects at a cellular level in a mixed radiation field. A drawback of silicon is not being tissue-equivalent, thus the need to convert the detector response obtained in silicon to tissue. This paper presents a method for converting silicon microdosimetric spectra to tissue for a therapeutic 12 C beam, based on Monte Carlo simulations. The energy deposition spectra in a 10 μm sized silicon cylindrical sensitive volume (SV) were found to be equivalent to those measured in a tissue SV, with the same shape, but with dimensions scaled by a factor κ equal to 0.57 and 0.54 for muscle and water, respectively. A low energy correction factor was determined to account for the enhanced response in silicon at low energy depositions, produced by electrons. The concept of the mean path length [Formula: see text] to calculate the lineal energy was introduced as an alternative to the mean chord length [Formula: see text] because it was found that adopting Cauchy's formula for the [Formula: see text] was not appropriate for the radiation field typical of HIT as it is very directional. [Formula: see text] can be determined based on the peak of the lineal energy distribution produced by the incident carbon beam. Furthermore it was demonstrated that the thickness of the SV along the direction of the incident 12 C ion beam can be adopted as [Formula: see text]. The tissue equivalence conversion method and [Formula: see text] were adopted to determine the RBE 10 , calculated using a modified microdosimetric kinetic model, applied to the microdosimetric spectra resulting from the simulation study. Comparison of the RBE 10 along the Bragg peak to experimental TEPC measurements at HIMAC, NIRS, showed good agreement. Such agreement demonstrates the validity of the developed tissue equivalence correction factors and of the determination of [Formula: see text].

In Ovo Electroporation for Targeting the Somitic Mesoderm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohata, Emi; Takahashi, Yoshiko

The somite is a transient structure present in early vertebrate embryos, giving rise to a variety of essential tissues including skeletal muscles, dermis, axial bones and blood vessels. The term “somite” refers to a tissue of spherical structure that forms by pinching off from the continuous tissue called presomitic mesoderm (PSM, also called segmental plate in avian embryos). The PSM is recognized as a pair of longitudinal stripes along the midline of the body. Thus, each somite forms at the anterior end of PSM, and this process recurs periodically in time and space, gener ating the segmented pattern of the body along the antero-posterior axis.

Comparison of photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia of -6 D or less using the Nidek EC-5000 laser.

PubMed

Fernández, A P; Jaramillo, J; Jaramillo, M

2000-01-01

We compared the efficacy, predictability, and safety of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the surgical correction of low and moderate myopia. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate uncorrected and spectacle-corrected visual acuity, and manifest refraction 1 year after PRK or LASIK. All procedures were done using an automatic microkeratome (Chiron Ophthalmic) and the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser. PRK was performed in 75 eyes of 45 patients and LASIK in 133 eyes of 77 patients. Mean age for PRK patients was 32.8 years (range, 18 to 52 yr) and LASIK patients was 29.6 years (range, 18 to 49 yr). Mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction for PRK patients was -3.28 D (range, -1.00 to -6.00 D) and LASIK, -3.86 D (range, -1.00 to -6.00 D). One year after surgery, mean spherical equivalent refraction for Group 1 (baseline, -1.00 to -3.00 D) PRK eyes was -0.18 +/- 0.61 D (range, -1.50 to +0.75 D) and for LASIK eyes, -0.08 +/- 0.61 D (range, -1.50 to +1.62 D), with no statistically significant difference. For Group 2 eyes (baseline, -3.25 to -6.00 D), mean spherical equivalent refraction for PRK eyes was -0.44 +/- 0.87 D (range, -2.00 to +2.12 D) and for LASIK eyes, -0.09 +/- 0.83 D (range, -1.50 to +1.75 D), with no statistically significant difference. The antilogarithm of the mean UCVA (antilogUCVA) in Group 1 for PRK was 0.79 +/- 0.21 (20/25) and for LASIK was 0.87 +/- 0.19 (20/23), with no statistically significant difference. The antilogUCVA in Group 2 for PRK eyes was 0.70 +/- 0.24 (20/28) and for LASIK eyes was 0.83 +/- 0.18 (20/24), with a statistically significant difference (0.7 vs. 0.83, P < .005). The percentage of eyes with a postoperative UCVA >20/40 in Group 1 for PRK was 91.5% (38 eyes) and for LASIK was 95% (50 eyes) (no statistically significant difference), and in Group 2 for PRK eyes, it was 82% (27 eyes) and 97.5% (78 eyes) for LASIK (statistically significant difference, P < .05). PRK and LASIK with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser are effective and safe for correcting low to moderate myopia, but LASIK eyes showed better results for moderate myopia in terms of uncorrected visual acuity.

Population-based assessment of sensitivity and specificity of a pinhole for detection of significant refractive errors in the community.

PubMed

Marmamula, Srinivas; Keeffe, Jill E; Narsaiah, Saggam; Khanna, Rohit C; Rao, Gullapalli N

2014-11-01

Measurements of refractive errors through subjective or automated refraction are not always possible in rapid assessment studies and community vision screening programs; however, measurements of vision with habitual correction and with a pinhole can easily be made. Although improvements in vision with a pinhole are assumed to mean that a refractive error is present, no studies have investigated the magnitude of improvement in vision with pinhole that is predictive of refractive error. The aim was to measure the sensitivity and specificity of 'vision improvement with pinhole' in predicting the presence of refractive error in a community setting. Vision and vision with pinhole were measured using a logMAR chart for 488 of 582 individuals aged 15 to 50 years. Refractive errors were measured using non-cycloplegic autorefraction and subjective refraction. The presence of refractive error was defined using spherical equivalent refraction (SER) at two levels: SER greater than ± 0.50 D sphere (DS) and SER greater than ±1.00 DS. Three definitions for significant improvement in vision with a pinhole were used: 1. Presenting vision less than 6/12 and improving to 6/12 or better, 2. Improvement in vision of more than one logMAR line and 3. Improvement in vision of more than two logMAR lines. For refractive error defined as spherical equivalent refraction greater than ± 0.50 DS, the sensitivities and specificities for the pinhole test predicting the presence of refractive error were 83.9 per cent (95% CI: 74.5 to 90.9) and 98.8 per cent (95% CI: 97.1 to 99.6), respectively for definition 1. Definition 2 had a sensitivity 89.7 per cent (95% CI: 81.3 to 95.2) and specificity 88.0 per cent (95% CI: 4.4 to 91.0). Definition 3 had a sensitivity of 75.9 per cent (95% CI: 65.5 to 84.4) and specificity of 97.8 per cent (95% CI: 95.8 to 99.0). Similar results were found with spherical equivalent refraction greater than ±1.00 DS, when tested against the three pinhole-based definitions. Refractive error definitions based on improvement in vision with the pinhole shows good sensitivity and specificity at predicting the presence of significant refractive errors. These definitions can be used in rapid assessment surveys and community-based vision screenings. © 2014 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Optometry © 2014 Optometrists Association Australia.

Refractive errors in students from Middle Eastern backgrounds living and undertaking schooling in Australia.

PubMed

Azizoglu, Serap; Junghans, Barbara M; Barutchu, Ayla; Crewther, Sheila G

2011-01-01

  Environmental factors associated with schooling systems in various countries have been implicated in the rising prevalence of myopia, making the comparison of prevalence of refractive errors in migrant populations of interest. This study aims to determine the prevalence of refractive errors in children of Middle Eastern descent, raised and living in urban Australia but actively maintaining strong ties to their ethnic culture, and to compare them with those in the Middle East where myopia prevalence is generally low.   A total of 354 out of a possible 384 late primary/early secondary schoolchildren attending a private school attracting children of Middle Eastern background in Melbourne were assessed for refractive error and visual acuity. A Shin Nippon open-field NVision-K5001 autorefractor was used to carry out non-cycloplegic autorefraction while viewing a distant target. For statistical analyses students were divided into three age groups: 10-11 years (n = 93); 12-13 years (n = 158); and 14-15 years (n = 102).   All children were bilingual and classified as of Middle Eastern (96.3 per cent) or Egyptian (3.7 per cent) origin. Ages ranged from 10 to 15 years, with a mean of 13.17 ± 0.8 (SEM) years. Mean spherical equivalent refraction (SER) for the right eye was +0.09 ± 0.07 D (SEM) with a range from -7.77 D to +5.85 D. The prevalence of myopia, defined as a spherical equivalent refraction 0.50 D or more of myopia, was 14.7 per cent. The prevalence of hyperopia, defined as a spherical equivalent refraction of +0.75 D or greater, was 16.4 per cent, while hyperopia of +1.50 D or greater was 5.4 per cent. A significant difference in SER was seen as a function of age; however, no significant gender difference was seen.   This is the first study to report the prevalence of refractive errors for second-generation Australian schoolchildren coming from a predominantly Lebanese Middle Eastern Arabic background, who endeavour to maintain their ethnic ties. The relatively low prevalence of myopia is similar to that found for other metropolitan Australian school children but higher than that reported in the Middle East. These results suggest that lifestyle and educational practices may be a significant influence in the progression of myopic refractive errors. © 2010 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Optometry © 2010 Optometrists Association Australia.

Comparison of localized retinal nerve fiber layer defects between a low-teen intraocular pressure group and a high-teen intraocular pressure group in normal-tension glaucoma patients.

PubMed

Kim, Dong Myung; Seo, Je Hyun; Kim, Seok Hwan; Hwang, Seung-Sik

2007-05-01

To compare the features of localized retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects between a low-teen intraocular pressure (IOP) group and a high-teen IOP group in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) patients. Seventy-seven eyes of 77 NTG patients showing localized RNFL defects on RNFL photographs and corresponding visual filed defects at the initial visit to a glaucoma specialist were selected for this study. Patients with range of diurnal IOP within low-teen or high-teen in both eyes were included. All participants completed refraction, diurnal IOP measurement, central corneal thickness (CCT) measurement, stereoscopic disc photography, RNFL photography, and automated perimetry. On RNFL photograph, approximation of the defect to the macula (angle alpha) and width of the defects (angle beta) were measured to represent RNFL defects. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the level of IOP. A low-teen group had highest IOP of 15 mm Hg (group B). Age at diagnosis, percentage of male patients, systemic disease, refraction, CCT, highest IOP, angle alpha, angle beta, and mean deviation and pattern standard deviation of visual field were compared between the 2 groups. Age at diagnosis of NTG, age distribution, percentage of male patients, systemic disease, spherical equivalent of refraction, CCT, mean deviation, and pattern standard deviation were not different between the 2 groups. Highest IOP was 13.8+/-1.2 mm Hg in group A and 19.2+/-1.4 mm Hg in group B (P<0.001). Angle alpha was significantly smaller in group A than in group B (37.0+/-14.0 vs. 56.5+/-21.2 degrees, P<0.001), whereas angle beta was not different between the 2 groups (39.9+/-17.9 vs. 37.5+/-15.9 degrees, P=0.54). There were no significant correlations between spherical equivalent and angle alpha (r=-0.03, P=0.82), between spherical equivalent and angle beta (r=-0.04, P=0.74), and between angle alpha and angle beta (r=-0.21, P=0.07). Localized RNFL defect was closer to the center of the macula in group A than in group B, whereas width of defects was not different between the 2 groups. These findings provide indirect evidence to suggest that more than one pathogenic mechanism may exist in the development of RNFL defects in NTG.

Mathematical modeling of acid-base physiology

PubMed Central

Occhipinti, Rossana; Boron, Walter F.

2015-01-01

pH is one of the most important parameters in life, influencing virtually every biological process at the cellular, tissue, and whole-body level. Thus, for cells, it is critical to regulate intracellular pH (pHi) and, for multicellular organisms, to regulate extracellular pH (pHo). pHi regulation depends on the opposing actions of plasma-membrane transporters that tend to increase pHi, and others that tend to decrease pHi. In addition, passive fluxes of uncharged species (e.g., CO2, NH3) and charged species (e.g., HCO3− , NH4+) perturb pHi. These movements not only influence one another, but also perturb the equilibria of a multitude of intracellular and extracellular buffers. Thus, even at the level of a single cell, perturbations in acid-base reactions, diffusion, and transport are so complex that it is impossible to understand them without a quantitative model. Here we summarize some mathematical models developed to shed light onto the complex interconnected events triggered by acids-base movements. We then describe a mathematical model of a spherical cell–which to our knowledge is the first one capable of handling a multitude of buffer reaction–that our team has recently developed to simulate changes in pHi and pHo caused by movements of acid-base equivalents across the plasma membrane of a Xenopus oocyte. Finally, we extend our work to a consideration of the effects of simultaneous CO2 and HCO3− influx into a cell, and envision how future models might extend to other cell types (e.g., erythrocytes) or tissues (e.g., renal proximal-tubule epithelium) important for whole-body pH homeostasis. PMID:25617697

40 CFR Appendix B to Part 191 - Calculation of Annual Committed Effective Dose

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... the proportion of the stochastic risk resulting from irradiation of the tissue or organ to the total... of HE. III. Annual Committed Tissue or Organ Equivalent Dose For internal irradiation from...

40 CFR Appendix B to Part 191 - Calculation of Annual Committed Effective Dose

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... the proportion of the stochastic risk resulting from irradiation of the tissue or organ to the total... of HE. III. Annual Committed Tissue or Organ Equivalent Dose For internal irradiation from...

40 CFR Appendix B to Part 191 - Calculation of Annual Committed Effective Dose

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... the proportion of the stochastic risk resulting from irradiation of the tissue or organ to the total... of HE. III. Annual Committed Tissue or Organ Equivalent Dose For internal irradiation from...

40 CFR Appendix B to Part 191 - Calculation of Annual Committed Effective Dose

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... the proportion of the stochastic risk resulting from irradiation of the tissue or organ to the total... of HE. III. Annual Committed Tissue or Organ Equivalent Dose For internal irradiation from...

40 CFR Appendix B to Part 191 - Calculation of Annual Committed Effective Dose

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... the proportion of the stochastic risk resulting from irradiation of the tissue or organ to the total... of HE. III. Annual Committed Tissue or Organ Equivalent Dose For internal irradiation from...

Space Radiation Dosimetry to Evaluate the Effect of Polyethylene Shielding in the Russian Segment of the International Space Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagamatsu, Aiko; Casolino, Marco; Larsson, Oscar; Ito, Tsuyoshi; Yasuda, Nakahiro; Kitajo, Keiichi; Shimada, Ken; Takeda, Kazuo; Tsuda, Shuichi; Sato, Tatsuhiko

As a part of the Alteino Long Term Cosmic Ray measurements on board the International Space Station (ALTCRISS) project, the shielding effect of polyethylene (PE) were evaluated in the Russian segment of the ISS, using active and passive dosimeter systems covered with or without PE shielding. For the passive dosimeter system, PADLES (Passive Dosimeter for Life-Science and Experiments in Space) was used in the project, which consists of a Thermo-Luminescent Dosimeters (TLD) and CR-39 Plastic Nuclear Track Detectors (PNTDs) attached to a radiator. Not only CR-39 PNTD itself but also a tissue equivalent material, NAN-JAERI, were employed as the radiator in order to investigate whether CR-39 PNTD can be used as a surrogate of tissue equivalent material in space dosimetry or not. The agreements between the doses measured by PADLES with CR-39 PNTD and NAN-JAERI radiators were quite satisfactorily, indicating the tissue-equivalent dose can be measured by conventional PADLES even though CR-39 PNTD is not perfect tissue-equivalent material. It was found that the shielding effect of PE varies with location inside the spacecraft: it became less significant with an increase of the mean thickness of the wall. This tendency was also verified by Monte Carlo simulation using the PHITS code. Throughout the flight experiments, in a series of four phases in the ALTCRISS project from December 2005 to October 2007, we assessed the ability of PE to decrease radiation doses in Low Earth Orbit(LEO).

Application of alternative fixatives to formalin in diagnostic pathology

PubMed Central

Gatta, L. Benerini; Cadei, M.; Balzarini, P.; Castriciano, S.; Paroni, R.; Verzeletti, A.; Cortellini, V.; De Ferrari, F.; Grigolato, P.

2012-01-01

Fixation is a critical step in the preparation of tissues for histopathology. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different fixatives vs formalin on proteins and DNA, and to evaluate alternative fixation for morphological diagnosis and nucleic acid preservation for molecular methods. Forty tissues were fixed for 24 h with six different fixatives: the gold standard fixative formalin, the historical fixatives Bouin and Hollande, and the alternative fixatives Greenfix, UPM and CyMol. Tissues were stained (Haematoxylin-Eosin, Periodic Acid Schiff, Trichromic, Alcian-blue, High Iron Diamine stainings), and their antigenicity was determined by immunohistochemistry (performed with PAN-CK, CD31, Ki-67, S100, CD68, AML antibodies). DNA extraction, KRAS sequencing, FISH for CEP-17, and flow cytometry analysis of nuclear DNA content were applied. For cell morphology the alternative fixatives (Greenfix, UPM, CyMol) were equivalent to formalin. As expected, Hollande proved to be the best fixative for morphology. The morphology obtained with Bouin was comparable to the one with formalin. Hollande was the best fixative for histochemistry. Bouin proved to be equivalent to formalin. The alternative fixatives were equivalent to formalin, although with greater variability in haematoxylin-eosin staining. It proved the possibility to obtain immunohistochemical staining largely equivalent to that following formalin-fixation with the following fixatives: Greenfix, Hollande, UPM and CyMol. The tissues fixed in Bouin did not provide results comparable to those obtained with formalin. The DNA extracted from samples fixed with alternative fixatives was found to be suitable for molecular analysis. PMID:22688293

A micromethod for the enzymatic estimation of the degree of glycogen ramification.

PubMed

Serafini, M T; Alemany, M

1987-10-01

A comparison of methods for the evaluation of glycogen content in liver tissue of rats has been carried out by determining the recoveries in the differential ethanol precipitation of glycogen from alkaline tissue digests as well as the actual quantitative equivalence between glycogen content and actual glucose measured. Hydrolytic/enzymatic methods gave lower results than non-specific chemical methods such as anthrone. These lower values, combined with the losses in the purification process resulted in much lower glycogen estimations than the actual estimated tissue content. A method has been devised for the measurement of glycogen ramification in small liver tissue samples, using neutral periodate oxidation of the molecule, followed by determination of the formic acid evolved from the branch ends with formic acid dehydrogenase. The method gave results very similar to the classical methods in which the acid formed is measured titrimetrically. Rat liver tissue contained a mean 323 +/- 69 mmol of glucose equivalents of glycogen per gram of tissue; this glycogen had a mean chain length of 11.4 +/- 0.8 units.

Energy absorption buildup factors of human organs and tissues at energies and penetration depths relevant for radiotherapy and diagnostics

PubMed Central

Hanagodimath, S. M.; Gerward, L.

2011-01-01

Energy absorption geometric progression (GP) fitting parameters and the corresponding buildup factors have been computed for human organs and tissues, such as adipose tissue, blood (whole), cortical bone, brain (grey/white matter), breast tissue, eye lens, lung tissue, skeletal muscle, ovary, testis, soft tissue, and soft tissue (4‐component), for the photon energy range 0.015–15 MeV and for penetration depths up to 40 mfp (mean free path). The chemical composition of human organs and tissues is seen to influence the energy absorption buildup factors. It is also found that the buildup factor of human organs and tissues changes significantly with the change of incident photon energy and effective atomic number, Zeff. These changes are due to the dominance of different photon interaction processes in different energy regions and different chemical compositions of human organs and tissues. With the proper knowledge of buildup factors of human organs and tissues, energy absorption in the human body can be carefully controlled. The present results will help in estimating safe dose levels for radiotherapy patients and also useful in diagnostics and dosimetry. The tissue‐equivalent materials for skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, cortical bone, and lung tissue are also discussed. It is observed that water and MS20 are good tissue equivalent materials for skeletal muscle in the extended energy range. PACS numbers: 32.80‐t, 87.53‐j, 78.70‐g, 78.70‐Ck PMID:22089011

The Effect of gadolinium on the ESR response of alanine and ammonium tartrate exposed to thermal neutrons.

PubMed

Marrale, Maurizio; Brai, Maria; Gennaro, Gaetano; Bartolotta, Antonio; D'Oca, Maria Cristina

2008-02-01

Many efforts have been made to develop neutron capture therapy (NCT) for cancer treatment. Among the challenges in using NCT is the characterization of the features of the mixed radiation field and of its components. In this study, we examined the enhancement of the ESR response of pellets of alanine and ammonium tartrate with gadolinium oxide exposed to a thermal neutron beam. In particular, the ESR response of these dosimeters as a function of the gadolinium content inside the dosimeter was analyzed. We found that the addition of gadolinium improves the sensitivity of both alanine and ammonium tartrate. However, the use of gadolinium reduces or abolishes tissue equivalence because of its high atomic number (Z(Gd) = 64). Therefore, it is necessary to find the optimum compromise between the sensitivity to thermal neutrons and the reduction of tissue equivalence. Our analysis showed that a low concentration of gadolinium oxide (of the order of 5% of the total mass of the dosimeter) can enhance the thermal neutron sensitivity more than 13 times with an insignificant reduction of tissue equivalence.

Improving axial resolution in confocal microscopy with new high refractive index mounting media.

PubMed

Fouquet, Coralie; Gilles, Jean-François; Heck, Nicolas; Dos Santos, Marc; Schwartzmann, Richard; Cannaya, Vidjeacoumary; Morel, Marie-Pierre; Davidson, Robert Stephen; Trembleau, Alain; Bolte, Susanne

2015-01-01

Resolution, high signal intensity and elevated signal to noise ratio (SNR) are key issues for biologists who aim at studying the localisation of biological structures at the cellular and subcellular levels using confocal microscopy. The resolution required to separate sub-cellular biological structures is often near to the resolving power of the microscope. When optimally used, confocal microscopes may reach resolutions of 180 nm laterally and 500 nm axially, however, axial resolution in depth is often impaired by spherical aberration that may occur due to refractive index mismatches. Spherical aberration results in broadening of the point-spread function (PSF), a decrease in peak signal intensity when imaging in depth and a focal shift that leads to the distortion of the image along the z-axis and thus in a scaling error. In this study, we use the novel mounting medium CFM3 (Citifluor Ltd., UK) with a refractive index of 1.518 to minimize the effects of spherical aberration. This mounting medium is compatible with most common fluorochromes and fluorescent proteins. We compare its performance with established mounting media, harbouring refractive indices below 1.500, by estimating lateral and axial resolution with sub-resolution fluorescent beads. We show furthermore that the use of the high refractive index media renders the tissue transparent and improves considerably the axial resolution and imaging depth in immuno-labelled or fluorescent protein labelled fixed mouse brain tissue. We thus propose to use those novel high refractive index mounting media, whenever optimal axial resolution is required.

Refractive index measurements of single, spherical cells using digital holographic microscopy.

PubMed

Schürmann, Mirjam; Scholze, Jana; Müller, Paul; Chan, Chii J; Ekpenyong, Andrew E; Chalut, Kevin J; Guck, Jochen

2015-01-01

In this chapter, we introduce digital holographic microscopy (DHM) as a marker-free method to determine the refractive index of single, spherical cells in suspension. The refractive index is a conclusive measure in a biological context. Cell conditions, such as differentiation or infection, are known to yield significant changes in the refractive index. Furthermore, the refractive index of biological tissue determines the way it interacts with light. Besides the biological relevance of this interaction in the retina, a lot of methods used in biology, including microscopy, rely on light-tissue or light-cell interactions. Hence, determining the refractive index of cells using DHM is valuable in many biological applications. This chapter covers the main topics that are important for the implementation of DHM: setup, sample preparation, and analysis. First, the optical setup is described in detail including notes and suggestions for the implementation. Following that, a protocol for the sample and measurement preparation is explained. In the analysis section, an algorithm for the determination of quantitative phase maps is described. Subsequently, all intermediate steps for the calculation of the refractive index of suspended cells are presented, exploiting their spherical shape. In the last section, a discussion of possible extensions to the setup, further measurement configurations, and additional analysis methods are given. Throughout this chapter, we describe a simple, robust, and thus easily reproducible implementation of DHM. The different possibilities for extensions show the diverse fields of application for this technique. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Geopotential Field Anomaly Continuation with Multi-Altitude Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Jeong Woo; Kim, Hyung Rae; von Frese, Ralph; Taylor, Patrick; Rangelova, Elena

2012-01-01

Conventional gravity and magnetic anomaly continuation invokes the standard Poisson boundary condition of a zero anomaly at an infinite vertical distance from the observation surface. This simple continuation is limited, however, where multiple altitude slices of the anomaly field have been observed. Increasingly, areas are becoming available constrained by multiple boundary conditions from surface, airborne, and satellite surveys. This paper describes the implementation of continuation with multi-altitude boundary conditions in Cartesian and spherical coordinates and investigates the advantages and limitations of these applications. Continuations by EPS (Equivalent Point Source) inversion and the FT (Fourier Transform), as well as by SCHA (Spherical Cap Harmonic Analysis) are considered. These methods were selected because they are especially well suited for analyzing multi-altitude data over finite patches of the earth such as covered by the ADMAP database. In general, continuations constrained by multi-altitude data surfaces are invariably superior to those constrained by a single altitude data surface due to anomaly measurement errors and the non-uniqueness of continuation.

Geopotential Field Anomaly Continuation with Multi-Altitude Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Jeong Woo; Kim, Hyung Rae; vonFrese, Ralph; Taylor, Patrick; Rangelova, Elena

2011-01-01

Conventional gravity and magnetic anomaly continuation invokes the standard Poisson boundary condition of a zero anomaly at an infinite vertical distance from the observation surface. This simple continuation is limited, however, where multiple altitude slices of the anomaly field have been observed. Increasingly, areas are becoming available constrained by multiple boundary conditions from surface, airborne, and satellite surveys. This paper describes the implementation of continuation with multi-altitude boundary conditions in Cartesian and spherical coordinates and investigates the advantages and limitations of these applications. Continuations by EPS (Equivalent Point Source) inversion and the FT (Fourier Transform), as well as by SCHA (Spherical Cap Harmonic Analysis) are considered. These methods were selected because they are especially well suited for analyzing multi-altitude data over finite patches of the earth such as covered by the ADMAP database. In general, continuations constrained by multi-altitude data surfaces are invariably superior to those constrained by a single altitude data surface due to anomaly measurement errors and the non-uniqueness of continuation.

Comment on the Exterior Solutions and Their Geometry in Scalar-Tensor Theories of Gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuchida, T.; Watanabe, K.

1999-01-01

We study series of stationary solutions with asymptotic flatness properties in the Einstein-Maxwell-free scalar system because they are locally equivalent to the exterior solutions in some class of scalar-tensor theories of gravity. First, we classify spherical exterior solutions into two types of solutions, an apparently black hole type solution and an apparently worm hole type solution. The solutions contain three parameters, and we clarify their physical significance. Second, we reduce the field equations for the axisymmetric exterior solutions. We find that the reduced equations are partially the same as the Ernst equations. As simple examples, we derive new series of static, axisymmetric exterior solutions, which correspond to Voorhees's solutions. We then establish a non-trivial relation between the spherical exterior solutions and our new solutions. Finally, since null geodesics have conformally invariant properties, we study the local geometry of the exterior solutions by using the optical scalar equations and find some anomalous behavior of the null geodesics.

Mixed Lubrication Simulation of Hydrostatic Spherical Bearings for Hydraulic Piston Pumps and Motors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazama, Toshiharu

Mixed and fluid film lubrication characteristics of hydrostatic spherical bearings for swash-plate-type axial piston pumps and motors are studied theoretically under non-steady-state conditions. The basic equations incorporating interference and contact of surface roughness are derived fundamentally through combination of the GW and PC models. Furthermore, a programming code that is applicable to the caulked-socket-type and open-socket-type bearings is developed. Effects of caulking, operating conditions, and the bearing dimension on the motion of the sphere and tribological performance of the bearings are examined. Salient conclusions are the following: The sphere's eccentricity increases in the low supply pressure period. The time-lag of the load change engenders greater motion of the sphere. Caulking of the bearing socket suppresses the sphere's motion. The bearing stiffness increases and power loss decreases for smaller recess angles. Minimum power loss is given under the condition that the bearing socket radius nearly equals the equivalent load radius.

FAST TRACK COMMUNICATION: Gas liquid phase coexistence in a tetrahedral patchy particle model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romano, Flavio; Tartaglia, Piero; Sciortino, Francesco

2007-08-01

We evaluate the location of the gas-liquid coexistence line and of the associated critical point for the primitive model for water (PMW), introduced by Kolafa and Nezbeda (1987 Mol. Phys. 61 161). Besides being a simple model for a molecular network forming liquid, the PMW is representative of patchy proteins and novel colloidal particles interacting with localized directional short-range attractions. We show that the gas-liquid phase separation is metastable, i.e. it takes place in the region of the phase diagram where the crystal phase is thermodynamically favoured, as in the case of particles interacting via short-range attractive spherical potentials. We do not observe crystallization close to the critical point. The region of gas-liquid instability of this patchy model is significantly reduced as compared to that from equivalent models of spherically interacting particles, confirming the possibility of observing kinetic arrest in a homogeneous sample driven by bonding as opposed to packing.

Shock waves from non-spherically collapsing cavitation bubbles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Supponen, Outi; Obreschkow, Danail; Farhat, Mohamed

2017-11-01

Combining simultaneous high-speed imaging and hydrophone measurements, we uncover details of the multiple shock wave emission from laser-induced cavitation bubbles collapsing in a non-spherical way. For strongly deformed bubbles collapsing near a free surface, we identify the distinct shock waves caused by the jet impact onto the opposite bubble wall and by the individual collapses of the remaining bubble segments. The energy carried by each of these shocks depends on the level of bubble deformation, quantified by the anisotropy parameter ζ, the dimensionless equivalent of the Kelvin impulse. For jetting bubbles, at ζ < 0.01 , the jet impact hammer pressure is found to be the most energetic shock. Through statistical analysis of the experimental data and theoretical derivations, and by comparing bubbles deformed by different sources (variable gravity achieved on parabolic flights, and neighboring free and rigid surfaces), we find that the shock peak pressure may be approximated as the jet impact-induced water hammer as ph = 0.45 (ρc2 Δp) 1 / 2ζ-1 .

10 CFR 76.4 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... to the Act. Administrative controls means the provisions relating to organization and management... agreement under subsection 274b. of the Act. Non-Agreement State means any other State. Alert means events... equivalent means the sum of the products of the dose equivalent to the body organ or tissue and the weighting...

10 CFR 76.4 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... to the Act. Administrative controls means the provisions relating to organization and management... agreement under subsection 274b. of the Act. Non-Agreement State means any other State. Alert means events... equivalent means the sum of the products of the dose equivalent to the body organ or tissue and the weighting...

10 CFR 76.4 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... to the Act. Administrative controls means the provisions relating to organization and management... agreement under subsection 274b. of the Act. Non-Agreement State means any other State. Alert means events... equivalent means the sum of the products of the dose equivalent to the body organ or tissue and the weighting...

10 CFR 76.4 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... to the Act. Administrative controls means the provisions relating to organization and management... agreement under subsection 274b. of the Act. Non-Agreement State means any other State. Alert means events... equivalent means the sum of the products of the dose equivalent to the body organ or tissue and the weighting...

10 CFR 76.4 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... to the Act. Administrative controls means the provisions relating to organization and management... agreement under subsection 274b. of the Act. Non-Agreement State means any other State. Alert means events... equivalent means the sum of the products of the dose equivalent to the body organ or tissue and the weighting...

10 CFR 30.4 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Commission has entered into an effective agreement under subsection 274b. of the Act. Non-agreement State... access control measures that are not related to the safe use of, or security of, radiological materials... equivalent means the sum of the products of the dose equivalent to the organ or tissue and the weighting...

Simulating the blast wave from detonation of a charge using a balloon of compressed air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blanc, L.; Santana Herrera, S.; Hanus, J. L.

2018-07-01

This paper investigates a simple numerical method, based on the release of a pressurized spherical air volume, to predict or reproduce the main characteristics of the blast environment from the detonation of solid or gaseous charges. This approach aims to give an alternative to the use of a steady-state detonation model and a Jones-Wilkins-Lee equation of state to describe the expansion of the detonation products, especially when the explosive parameters are unknown and a TNT equivalent is used. The validity of the proposed approach is assessed through the comparison of predicted overpressure and impulse at different distances from the explosion with that of TNT and stoichiometric propane-oxygen explosions. It is also shown that, for gaseous detonations, a better agreement is obtained with the rationally optimized compressed balloon than with the use of a Jones-Wilkins-Lee model and a TNT equivalent mass.

Simulating the blast wave from detonation of a charge using a balloon of compressed air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blanc, L.; Santana Herrera, S.; Hanus, J. L.

2017-11-01

This paper investigates a simple numerical method, based on the release of a pressurized spherical air volume, to predict or reproduce the main characteristics of the blast environment from the detonation of solid or gaseous charges. This approach aims to give an alternative to the use of a steady-state detonation model and a Jones-Wilkins-Lee equation of state to describe the expansion of the detonation products, especially when the explosive parameters are unknown and a TNT equivalent is used. The validity of the proposed approach is assessed through the comparison of predicted overpressure and impulse at different distances from the explosion with that of TNT and stoichiometric propane-oxygen explosions. It is also shown that, for gaseous detonations, a better agreement is obtained with the rationally optimized compressed balloon than with the use of a Jones-Wilkins-Lee model and a TNT equivalent mass.

Validation of Slosh Model Parameters and Anti-Slosh Baffle Designs of Propellant Tanks by Using Lateral Slosh Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perez, Jose G.; Parks, Russel A.; Lazor, Daniel R.

2012-01-01

The slosh dynamics of propellant tanks can be represented by an equivalent pendulum-mass mechanical model. The parameters of this equivalent model, identified as slosh model parameters, are slosh mass, slosh mass center of gravity, slosh frequency, and smooth-wall damping. They can be obtained by both analysis and testing for discrete fill heights. Anti-slosh baffles are usually needed in propellant tanks to control the movement of the fluid inside the tank. Lateral slosh testing, involving both random testing and free-decay testing, are performed to validate the slosh model parameters and the damping added to the fluid by the anti-slosh baffles. Traditional modal analysis procedures are used to extract the parameters from the experimental data. Test setup of sub-scale test articles of cylindrical and spherical shapes will be described. A comparison between experimental results and analysis will be presented.

A new class of sonic composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munteanu, Ligia; Chiroiu, Veturia; Donescu, Ştefania; Brişan, Cornel

2014-03-01

Transformation acoustics opens a new avenue towards the architecture, modeling and simulation of a new class of sonic composites with scatterers made of various materials and having various shapes embedded in an epoxy matrix. The design of acoustic scatterers is based on the property of Helmholtz equations to be invariant under a coordinate transformation, i.e., a specific spatial compression is equivalent to a new material in a new space. In this paper, the noise suppression for a wide full band-gap of frequencies is discussed for spherical shell scatterers made of auxetic materials (materials with negative Poisson's ratio). The original domain consists of spheres made from conventional foams with positive Poisson's ratio. The spatial compression is controlled by the coordinate transformation, and leads to an equivalent domain filled with an auxetic material. The coordinate transformation is strongly supported by the manufacturing of auxetics which is based on the pore size reduction through radial compression molds.

Imploding spherical and cylindrical shocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yousaf, M.

1986-03-01

In this paper it is shown that the value of the similarity exponent α derived analytically by Fujimoto and Mishkin [J. Fluid Mech. 89, 61 (1978); Phys. Fluids 21, 1933 (1978)] is exactly the same as that found by Stanyukovich [Unsteady Motion of Continuous Media, (Academic, New York, 1960)]. Since the result found by Stanyukovich is an approximation to α, Fujimoto and Mishkin's claim to have an exact expression of α is false. The two methods are outlined and Stanyukovich's result is simplified to show its equivalence to the work of Fujimoto and Mishkin.

Coherent electromagnetic waves in the presence of a half space of randomly distributed scatterers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karam, M. A.; Fung, A. K.

1988-01-01

The present investigation of coherent field propagation notes, upon solving the Foldy-Twersky integral equation for a half-space of small spherical scatterers illuminated by a plane wave at oblique incidence, that the coherent field for a horizontally-polarized incident wave exhibits reflectivity and transmissivity consistent with the Fresnel formula for an equivalent continuous effective medium. In the case of a vertically polarized incident wave, both the vertical and longitudinal waves obtained for the coherent field have reflectivities and transmissivities that do not agree with the Fresnel formula.

Condition Survey of Lock Number 2, Monongahela River

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-08-01

locks structure. The condition survey of the much older dam was not part of this effort. The dam is submerged at all times and did not lend itself to a...TAmEN MBR WES L-2-86 I& TOTAL PUMER come BoxesL MARC OF ORILLEi’ Gene Warhurst IS. L.[LVATION GROUNo WATEN N. DIRECTION OP ,OLE Feb 86 "OLE Feb 86 SES...Equivalent Spherical Diameter ** See References at the end of the main text. D3 It remained intact when submerged in water. The rock had some iron

Convergence of quantum electrodynamics in a curved modification of Minkowski space.

PubMed Central

Segal, I E; Zhou, Z

1994-01-01

The interaction and total hamiltonians for quantum electrodynamics, in the interaction representation, are entirely regular self-adjoint operators in Hilbert space, in the universal covering manifold M of the conformal compactification of Minkowski space Mo. (M is conformally equivalent to the Einstein universe E, in which Mo may be canonically imbedded.) In a fixed Lorentz frame this may be expressed as convergence in a spherical space with suitable periodic boundary conditions in time. The traditional relativistic theory is the formal limit of the present variant as the space curvature vanishes. PMID:11607455

Contribution of the gradient refractive index and shape to the crystalline lens spherical aberration and astigmatism.

PubMed

Birkenfeld, Judith; de Castro, Alberto; Ortiz, Sergio; Pascual, Daniel; Marcos, Susana

2013-06-28

The optical properties of the crystalline lens are determined by its shape and refractive index distribution. However, to date, those properties have not been measured together in the same lens, and therefore their relative contributions to optical aberrations are not fully understood. The shape, the optical path difference, and the focal length of ten porcine lenses (age around 6 months) were measured in vitro using Optical Coherence Tomography and laser ray tracing. The 3D Gradient Refractive Index distribution (GRIN) was reconstructed by means of an optimization method based on genetic algorithms. The optimization method searched for the parameters of a 4-variable GRIN model that best fits the distorted posterior surface of the lens in 18 different meridians. Spherical aberration and astigmatism of the lenses were estimated using computational ray tracing, with the reconstructed GRIN lens and an equivalent homogeneous refractive index. For all lenses the posterior radius of curvature was systematically steeper than the anterior one, and the conic constant of both the anterior and posterior positive surfaces was positive. In average, the measured focal length increased with increasing pupil diameter, consistent with a crystalline lens negative spherical aberration. The refractive index of nucleus and surface was reconstructed to an average value of 1.427 and 1.364, respectively, for 633 nm. The results of the GRIN reconstruction showed a wide distribution of the index in all lens samples. The GRIN shifted spherical aberration towards negative values when compared to a homogeneous index. A negative spherical aberration with GRIN was found in 8 of the 10 lenses. The presence of GRIN also produced a decrease in the total amount of lens astigmatism in most lenses, while the axis of astigmatism was only little influenced by the presence of GRIN. To our knowledge, this study is the first systematic experimental study of the relative contribution of geometry and GRIN to the aberrations in a mammal lens. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Renormalizable Quantum Field Theories in the Large -n Limit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guruswamy, Sathya

1995-01-01

In this thesis, we study two examples of renormalizable quantum field theories in the large-N limit. Chapter one is a general introduction describing physical motivations for studying such theories. In chapter two, we describe the large-N method in field theory and discuss the pioneering work of 't Hooft in large-N two-dimensional Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD). In chapter three we study a spherically symmetric approximation to four-dimensional QCD ('spherical QCD'). We recast spherical QCD into a bilocal (constrained) theory of hadrons which in the large-N limit is equivalent to large-N spherical QCD for all energy scales. The linear approximation to this theory gives an eigenvalue equation which is the analogue of the well-known 't Hooft's integral equation in two dimensions. This eigenvalue equation is a scale invariant one and therefore leads to divergences in the theory. We give a non-perturbative renormalization prescription to cure this and obtain a beta function which shows that large-N spherical QCD is asymptotically free. In chapter four, we review the essentials of conformal field theories in two and higher dimensions, particularly in the context of critical phenomena. In chapter five, we study the O(N) non-linear sigma model on three-dimensional curved spaces in the large-N limit and show that there is a non-trivial ultraviolet stable critical point at which it becomes conformally invariant. We study this model at this critical point on examples of spaces of constant curvature and compute the mass gap in the theory, the free energy density (which turns out to be a universal function of the information contained in the geometry of the manifold) and the two-point correlation functions. The results we get give an indication that this model is an example of a three-dimensional analogue of a rational conformal field theory. A conclusion with a brief summary and remarks follows at the end.

Tensor Based Representation and Analysis of Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Images

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barmpoutis, Angelos

2009-01-01

Cartesian tensor bases have been widely used to model spherical functions. In medical imaging, tensors of various orders can approximate the diffusivity function at each voxel of a diffusion-weighted MRI data set. This approximation produces tensor-valued datasets that contain information about the underlying local structure of the scanned tissue.…

Allometric scaling in-vitro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahluwalia, Arti

2017-02-01

About two decades ago, West and coworkers established a model which predicts that metabolic rate follows a three quarter power relationship with the mass of an organism, based on the premise that tissues are supplied nutrients through a fractal distribution network. Quarter power scaling is widely considered a universal law of biology and it is generally accepted that were in-vitro cultures to obey allometric metabolic scaling, they would have more predictive potential and could, for instance, provide a viable substitute for animals in research. This paper outlines a theoretical and computational framework for establishing quarter power scaling in three-dimensional spherical constructs in-vitro, starting where fractal distribution ends. Allometric scaling in non-vascular spherical tissue constructs was assessed using models of Michaelis Menten oxygen consumption and diffusion. The models demonstrate that physiological scaling is maintained when about 5 to 60% of the construct is exposed to oxygen concentrations less than the Michaelis Menten constant, with a significant concentration gradient in the sphere. The results have important implications for the design of downscaled in-vitro systems with physiological relevance.

Observation of interaction of shock wave with gas bubble by image converter camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshii, M.; Tada, M.; Tsuji, T.; Isuzugawa, Kohji

1995-05-01

When a spark discharge occurs at the first focal point of a semiellipsoid or a reflector located in water, a spherical shock wave is produced. A part of the wave spreads without reflecting on the reflector and is called direct wave in this paper. Another part reflects on the semiellipsoid and converges near the second focal point, that is named the focusing wave, and locally produces a high pressure. This phenomenon is applied to disintegrators of kidney stone. But it is concerned that cavitation bubbles induced in the body by the expansion wave following the focusing wave will injure human tissue around kidney stone. In this paper, in order to examine what happens when shock waves strike bubbles on human tissue, the aspect that an air bubble is truck by the spherical shock wave or its behavior is visualized by the schlieren system and its photographs are taken using an image converter camera. Besides,the variation of the pressure amplitude caused by the shock wave and the flow of water around the bubble is measured with a pressure probe.

Tunable geometry of bacterial inclusion bodies as substrate materials for tissue engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Fruitós, Elena; Seras-Franzoso, Joaquín; Vazquez, Esther; Villaverde, Antonio

2010-05-01

A spectrum of materials for biomedical applications is produced in bacteria, and some of them, such as metals or polyhydroxyalkanoates, are straightforwardly obtained as particulate entities. We have explored the biofabrication process of bacterial inclusion bodies, particulate proteinaceous materials (ranging from 50 to 500 nm in diameter) recently recognized as suitable for surface topographical modification and tissue engineering. Inclusion bodies have been widely described as spherical or pseudo-spherical particles with only minor morphological variability, mostly restricted to their size. Here we have identified a cellular gene in Escherichia coli (clpP) that controls the in vivo fabrication process of inclusion bodies. In the absence of the encoded protease, the dynamics of protein deposition is perturbed, resulting in unusual tear-shaped particles with enhanced surface-volume ratios. This fact modifies the ability of inclusion bodies to promote mammalian cell attachment and differentiation upon surface decoration. The implications of the genetic control of inclusion body geometry are discussed in the context of their biological fabrication and regarding the biomedical potential of these protein clusters in regenerative medicine.

Tapered fiber optic applicator for laser ablation: Theoretical and experimental assessment of thermal effects on ex vivo model.

PubMed

Saccomandi, P; Di Matteo, F M; Schena, E; Quero, G; Massaroni, C; Giurazza, F; Costamagna, G; Silvestri, S

2017-07-01

Laser Ablation (LA) is a minimally invasive technique for tumor removal. The laser light is guided into the target tissue by a fiber optic applicator; thus the physical features of the applicator tip strongly influence size and shape of the tissue lesion. This study aims to verify the geometry of the lesion achieved by a tapered-tip applicator, and to investigate the percentage of thermally damaged cells induced by the tapered-tip fiber optic applicator. A theoretical model was implemented to simulate: i) the distribution of laser light fluence rate in the tissue through Monte Carlo method, ii) the induced temperature distribution, by means of the Bio Heat Equation, iii) the tissue injury, by Arrhenius integral. The results obtained by the implementation of the theoretical model were experimentally assessed. Ex vivo porcine liver underwent LA with tapered-tip applicator, at different laser settings (laser power of 1 W and 1.7 W, deposited energy equal to 330 J and 500 J, respectively). Almost spherical volume lesions were produced. The thermal damage was assessed by measuring the diameter of the circular-shaped lesion. The comparison between experimental results and theoretical prediction shows that the thermal damage discriminated by visual inspection always corresponds to a percentage of damaged cells of 96%. A tapered-tip applicator allows obtaining localized and reproducible damage close to spherical shape, whose diameter is related to the laser settings, and the simple theoretical model described is suitable to predict the effects, in terms of thermal damage, on ex vivo liver. Further trials should be addressed to adapt the model also on in vivo tissue, aiming to develop a tool useful to support the physician in clinical application of LA.

Phase II Clinical Trial of Intraoral Grafting of Human Tissue-Engineered Oral Mucosa

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-01

Group 1), or standard of care, the palatal oral mucosa (POM) graft (Group 2). The study population will include non -smoking adults (ages 18 and older...high velocity battlefield injuries (BI). The development of an oral mucosa equivalent is necessary to fulfill this clinical need. The environment of...similarly designed skin equivalents . To be useful within the intricate confines of the oral cavity an oral mucosa equivalent must possess mechanical and

Avian mercury exposure and toxicological risk across western North America: A synthesis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ackerman, Joshua T.; Eagles-Smith, Collin A.; Herzog, Mark; Hartman, Christopher; Peterson, Sarah; Evers, David C.; Jackson, Allyson K.; Elliott, John E.; Vander Pol, Stacy S.; Bryan, Colleen E.

2016-01-01

Methylmercury contamination of the environment is an important issue globally, and birds are useful bioindicators for mercury monitoring programs. The available data on mercury contamination of birds in western North America were synthesized. Original data from multiple databases were obtained and a literature review was conducted to obtain additional mercury concentrations. In total, 29219 original bird mercury concentrations from 225 species were compiled, and an additional 1712 mean mercury concentrations, representing 19998 individuals and 176 species, from 200 publications were obtained. To make mercury data comparable across bird tissues, published equations of tissue mercury correlations were used to convert all mercury concentrations into blood-equivalent mercury concentrations. Blood-equivalent mercury concentrations differed among species, foraging guilds, habitat types, locations, and ecoregions. Piscivores and carnivores exhibited the greatest mercury concentrations, whereas herbivores and granivores exhibited the lowest mercury concentrations. Bird mercury concentrations were greatest in ocean and salt marsh habitats and lowest in terrestrial habitats. Bird mercury concentrations were above toxicity benchmarks in many areas throughout western North America, and multiple hotspots were identified. Additionally, published toxicity benchmarks established in multiple tissues were summarized and translated into a common blood-equivalent mercury concentration. Overall, 66% of birds sampled in western North American exceeded a blood-equivalent mercury concentration of 0.2 μg/g wet weight (ww; above background levels), which is the lowest-observed effect level, 28% exceeded 1.0 μg/g ww (moderate risk), 8% exceeded 3.0 μg/g ww (high risk), and 4% exceeded 4.0 μg/g ww (severe risk). Mercury monitoring programs should sample bird tissues, such as adult blood and eggs, that are most-easily translated into tissues with well-developed toxicity benchmarks and that are directly relevant to bird reproduction. Results indicate that mercury contamination of birds is prevalent in many areas throughout western North America, and large-scale ecological attributes are important factors influencing bird mercury concentrations.

Avian mercury exposure and toxicological risk across western North America: A synthesis

PubMed Central

Ackerman, Joshua T.; Eagles-Smith, Collin A.; Herzog, Mark P.; Hartman, C. Alex; Peterson, Sarah H.; Evers, David C.; Jackson, Allyson K.; Elliott, John E.; Vander Pol, Stacy S.; Bryan, Colleen E.

2017-01-01

Methylmercury contamination of the environment is an important issue globally and birds are useful bioindicators for mercury monitoring programs. The available data on mercury contamination of birds in western North America were synthesized. Original data from multiple databases were obtained and a literature review was conducted to obtain additional mercury concentrations. In total, 29219 original bird mercury concentrations from 225 species were compiled, and an additional 1712 mean mercury concentrations, representing 19998 individuals and 176 species, from 200 publications were obtained. To make mercury data comparable across bird tissues, published equations of tissue mercury correlations were used to convert all mercury concentrations into blood-equivalent mercury concentrations. Blood-equivalent mercury concentrations differed among species, foraging guilds, habitat types, locations, and ecoregions. Piscivores and carnivores exhibited the greatest mercury concentrations, whereas herbivores and granivores exhibited the lowest mercury concentrations. Bird mercury concentrations were greatest in ocean and salt marsh habitats and lowest in terrestrial habitats. Bird mercury concentrations were above toxicity benchmarks in many areas throughout western North America, and multiple hotspots were identified. Additionally, published toxicity benchmarks established in multiple tissues were summarized and translated into a common blood-equivalent mercury concentration. Overall, 66% of birds sampled in western North American exceeded a blood-equivalent mercury concentration of 0.2 μg/g wet weight (ww; above background levels), which is the lowest-observed effect level, 28% exceeded 1.0 μg/g ww (moderate risk), 8% exceeded 3.0 μg/g ww (high risk), and 4% exceeded 4.0 μg/g ww (severe risk). Mercury monitoring programs should sample bird tissues, such as adult blood and eggs, that are most-easily translated into tissues with well-developed toxicity benchmarks and that are directly relevant to bird reproduction. Results indicate that mercury contamination of birds is prevalent in many areas throughout western North America, and large-scale ecological attributes are important factors influencing bird mercury concentrations. PMID:27093907

The Auckland Cataract Study: co-morbidity, surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes in a public hospital service

PubMed Central

Riley, Andrew F; Malik, Tahira Y; Grupcheva, Christina N; Fisk, Michael J; Craig, Jennifer P; McGhee, Charles N

2002-01-01

Aim: To prospectively assess cataract surgery in a major New Zealand public hospital by defining presenting clinical parameters and surgical and clinical outcomes in a cohort of subjects just below threshold for treatment, based upon a points based prioritisation system. Methods: The prospective observational study comprised 488 eyes of 480 subjects undergoing consecutive cataract operations at Auckland Hospital. All subjects underwent extensive ophthalmic examination before and after surgery. Details of the surgical procedure, including any intraoperative difficulties or complications, were documented. Postoperative review was performed at 1 day and 4 weeks after surgery. Demographic data, clinical outcomes, and adverse events were correlated by an independent assessor. Results: The mean age at surgery was 74.9 (SD 9.6) years with a female predominance (62%). Significant systemic disease affected 80% of subjects, with 20% of the overall cohort exhibiting diabetes mellitus. 26% of eyes exhibited coexisting ocular disease and in 7.6% this affected best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA). A mean spherical equivalent of −0.49 (1.03) D and mean BSCVA of 0.9 (0.6) log MAR units (Snellen equivalent approximately 6/48) was noted preoperatively. Local anaesthesia was employed in 99.8% of subjects (94.9% sub-Tenon's). The majority of procedures (97.3%) were small incision phacoemulsification with foldable lens implant. Complications included: 4.9% posterior capsule tears, 3.8% cystoid macular oedema, and one case (0.2%) of endophthalmitis. Mean BSCVA after surgery was 0.1 (0.2) log MAR units (6/7.5 Snellen equivalent), with a mean spherical equivalent of −0.46 (0.89) D, and was 6/12 or better in 88% of all eyes. A drop in BSCVA, thought to be directly attributable to the surgical intervention, was recorded in a small percentage of eyes (1.5%) after surgery. Conclusion: This study provides a representative assessment of the management of cataract in the New Zealand public hospital system. A predominantly elderly, female population, frequently exhibiting significant systemic illness and coexisting ocular disease, relatively advanced cataracts, and poor BSCVA, presented for cataract surgery. The majority of subjects underwent small incision, phacoemulsification, day case surgery. While almost 90% achieved at least 6/12 BSCVA post-surgery, approximately 5% sustained an adverse intraoperative event and 1.5% of eyes exhibited a reduction in BSCVA postoperatively. PMID:11815345

The Auckland Cataract Study: 2 year postoperative assessment of aspects of clinical, visual, corneal topographic and satisfaction outcomes

PubMed Central

Thompson, A M; Sachdev, N; Wong, T; Riley, A F; Grupcheva, C N; McGhee, C N

2004-01-01

Aim: To assess clinical, visual, computerised corneal topographic, and subjective satisfaction with visual acuity, in a cohort of subjects 2 years after phacoemulsification surgery in a public hospital in New Zealand. Methods: Prospective study of a representative sample of 97 subjects (20%) randomly selected from 480 subjects in the original Auckland Cataract Study (ACS) cohort. The clinical assessment protocol was identical to the ACS and included an extensive questionnaire to enable direct comparisons to be made between the two groups. Results: The study population was predominantly female (66%) with a mean age of 76.3 (SD 9.9) years. New systemic and ocular disease affected 18.4% and 10.3% of subjects respectively, and 10.3% required referral to either a general practitioner (2.1%) or ophthalmologist (8.2%). Mean best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) was 0.2 (0.2) logMAR units (6/9 Snellen equivalent), with mean spherical equivalent −0.37 (1.01) dioptres (D) and astigmatism −1.07 (0.70) D 2 years postoperatively, compared to mean BSCVA 0.1 (0.2) logMAR units (6/7.5 Snellen equivalent), spherical equivalent −0.59 (1.07) D, and astigmatism −1.14 (0.77) D 4 weeks after surgery. 94.9% of subjects retained a BSCVA of 6/12 or better, irrespective of pre-existing ocular disease. The overall posterior capsule opacification (PCO) rate was 20.4% and this was visually insignificant in all but 3.1% of eyes that had already undergone Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy. Orbscan II elevation technology demonstrated corneal stability 2 years after uncomplicated phacoemulsification. Although corneal astigmatism was eliminated in approximately half of the subjects 1 month postoperatively, astigmatism showed a tendency to regress towards the preoperative level with local corneal thickening at the site of incision 2 years after cataract surgery. Of fellow eyes, 61.2% had undergone cataract surgery. Overall, 75.3% of subjects were moderately to very satisfied with their current level of visual acuity. Conclusion: Two years after cataract surgery subjects are generally satisfied with their current level of vision and distance BSCVA is 6/12 or better in the majority of eyes. Although only a minority of eyes develop sufficient PCO to require capsulotomy 10.3% of eyes develop new vision threatening ocular pathology. PMID:15258022

Label-free three-dimensional imaging of cell nucleus using third-harmonic generation microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Jian; Zheng, Wei; Wang, Zi; Huang, Zhiwei

2014-09-01

We report the implementation of the combined third-harmonic generation (THG) and two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) microscopy for label-free three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of cell nucleus morphological changes in liver tissue. THG imaging shows regular spherical shapes of normal hepatocytes nuclei with inner chromatin structures while revealing the condensation of chromatins and nuclear fragmentations in hepatocytes of diseased liver tissue. Colocalized THG and TPEF imaging provides complementary information of cell nuclei and cytoplasm in tissue. This work suggests that 3-D THG microscopy has the potential for quantitative analysis of nuclear morphology in cells at a submicron-resolution without the need for DNA staining.

Optimal conditions for tissue perforation using high intensity focused ultrasound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mochizuki, Takashi; Kihara, Taizo; Ogawa, Kouji; Tanabe, Ryoko; Yosizawa, Shin; Umemura, Shin-ichiro; Kakimoto, Takashi; Yamashita, Hiromasa; Chiba, Toshio

2012-10-01

To perforate tissue lying deep part in body, a large size transducer was assembled by combining four spherical-shaped transducers, and the optimal conditions for tissue perforation have studied using ventricle muscle of chicken as a target. The ex vivo experiments showed that ventricle muscle was successfully perforated both when it was exposed to High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) directly and when it was exposed to HIFU through atrial muscle layer. Moreover, it was shown that calculated acoustic power distributions are well similar to the perforation patterns, and that the acoustic energy distributes very complexly near the focus. Lastly, perforation on the living rabbit bladder wall was demonstrated as a preliminary in vivo experiment.

Label-free three-dimensional imaging of cell nucleus using third-harmonic generation microscopy

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

Lin, Jian; Zheng, Wei; Wang, Zi

2014-09-08

We report the implementation of the combined third-harmonic generation (THG) and two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) microscopy for label-free three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of cell nucleus morphological changes in liver tissue. THG imaging shows regular spherical shapes of normal hepatocytes nuclei with inner chromatin structures while revealing the condensation of chromatins and nuclear fragmentations in hepatocytes of diseased liver tissue. Colocalized THG and TPEF imaging provides complementary information of cell nuclei and cytoplasm in tissue. This work suggests that 3-D THG microscopy has the potential for quantitative analysis of nuclear morphology in cells at a submicron-resolution without the need for DNA staining.

SU-E-T-756: Tissue Inhomogeneity Corrections in Intra-Operative Radiotherapy

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

Sethi, A; Chinsky, B; Gros, S

Purpose: Investigate the impact of tissue inhomogeneities on dose distributions produced by low-energy X-rays in intra-operative radiotherapy (IORT). Methods: A 50-kV INTRABEAM X-ray device with superficial (Flat and Surface) applicators was commissioned at our institution. For each applicator, percent depth-dose (PDD), dose-profiles (DP) and output factors (OF) were obtained. Calibrated GaFchromic (EBT3) films were used to measure dose distributions in solid water phantom at various depths (2, 5, 10, and 15 mm). All recommended precautions for film-handling, film-exposure and scanning were observed. The effects of tissue inhomogeneities on dose distributions were examined by placing air-cavities and bone and tissue equivalentmore » materials of different density (ρ), atomic number (Z), and thickness (t = 0–4mm) between applicator and film detector. All inhomogeneities were modeled as a cylindrical cavity (diameter 25 mm). Treatment times were calculated to deliver 1Gy dose at 5mm depth. Film results were verified by repeat measurements with a thin-window parallel plate ion-chamber (PTW 34013A) in a water tank. Results: For a Flat-4cm applicator, the measured dose rate at 5mm depth in solid water was 0.35 Gy/min. Introduction of a cylindrical air-cavity resulted in an increased dose past the inhomogeneity. Compared to tissue equivalent medium, dose enhancement due to 1mm, 2mm, 3mm and 4mm air cavities was 10%, 16%, 24%, and 35% respectively. X-ray attenuation by 2mm thick cortical bone resulted in a significantly large (58%) dose decrease. Conclusion: IORT dose calculations assume homogeneous tissue equivalent medium. However, soft X-rays are easily affected by non-tissue equivalent materials. The results of this study may be used to estimate and correct IORT dose delivered in the presence of tissue inhomogeneities.« less

10 CFR 835.203 - Combining internal and external equivalent doses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Combining internal and external equivalent doses. 835.203 Section 835.203 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY OCCUPATIONAL RADIATION PROTECTION Standards for Internal and... the radiation and tissue weighting factor values provided in § 835.2. [72 FR 31926, June 8, 2007] ...

10 CFR 835.203 - Combining internal and external equivalent doses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Combining internal and external equivalent doses. 835.203 Section 835.203 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY OCCUPATIONAL RADIATION PROTECTION Standards for Internal and... the radiation and tissue weighting factor values provided in § 835.2. [72 FR 31926, June 8, 2007] ...

10 CFR 835.203 - Combining internal and external equivalent doses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Combining internal and external equivalent doses. 835.203 Section 835.203 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY OCCUPATIONAL RADIATION PROTECTION Standards for Internal and... the radiation and tissue weighting factor values provided in § 835.2. [72 FR 31926, June 8, 2007] ...

10 CFR 835.203 - Combining internal and external equivalent doses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Combining internal and external equivalent doses. 835.203 Section 835.203 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY OCCUPATIONAL RADIATION PROTECTION Standards for Internal and... the radiation and tissue weighting factor values provided in § 835.2. [72 FR 31926, June 8, 2007] ...

The relationship between central corneal thickness and optic disc size in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma in a hospital-based population.

PubMed

Terai, Naim; Spoerl, Eberhard; Pillunat, Lutz E; Kuhlisch, Eberhard; Schmidt, Eckart; Boehm, Andreas G

2011-09-01

To investigate the relationship between central corneal thickness (CCT) and optic disc size in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in a hospital-based population. Data for the right eyes of 1435 White patients with POAG were included in a retrospective hospital-based study. All eyes underwent optic nerve head imaging using Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II (HRT II; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) and CCT measurement by ultrasound corneal pachymetry. Eyes with prior intraocular or corneal surgery were excluded. Low-quality HRT II images were also excluded. The impact of age, gender, CCT, intraocular pressure, cylindrical and spherical refractive error as independent factors on optic disc size was investigated in a multiple linear regression analysis. The data for 1104 right eyes qualified for participation in the study. The median age of these patients was 65 years. The median CCT was 547 μm (25th-75th percentile 522-575 μm). The median optic disc size was 2.21 mm(2) (25th-75th percentile 1.89-2.60 mm(2)). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age (p = 0.001), CCT (p = 0.001) and spherical equivalent (p = 0.049) were correlated to disc size according to the following formula: disc area = -0.004 × age - 0.001 × CCT - 0.014 × spherical equivalent +3.290. R(2) of the whole model was 0.021. Univariate regression analysis between age and disc area provided R(2) = 0.008 with p = 0.002. Univariate regression analysis between disc area and CCT provided R(2) = 0.005 with p = 0.02. In this retrospective hospital-based study we could not detect a clinically relevant correlation between optic disc size and CCT. The correlation between CCT and disc size and between age and disc size were statistically significant, but the R(2) values were very low. The results of the study are biased because of its hospital-based design, so the results of the study need to be confirmed in a large population-based study. © 2009 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2009 Acta Ophthalmol.

TU-H-CAMPUS-IeP2-05: Breast and Soft Tissue-Equivalent 3D Printed Phantoms for Imaging and Dosimetry

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

Hintenlang, D; Terracino, B

Purpose: The study has the goal to demonstrate that breast and soft tissue-equivalent phantoms for dosimetry applications in the diagnostic energy range can be fabricated using common 3D printing methods. Methods: 3D printing provides the opportunity to rapidly prototype uniquely designed objects from a variety of materials. Common 3D printers are usually limited to printing objects based on thermoplastic materials such as PLA, or ABS. The most commonly available plastic is PLA, which has a density significantly greater than soft tissue. We utilized a popular 3D printer to demonstrate that tissue specific phantom materials can be generated through the carefulmore » selection of 3D printing parameters. A series of stepwedges were designed and printed using a Makerbot Replicator2 3D printing system. The print file provides custom adjustment of the infill density, orientation and position of the object on the printer stage, selection of infill patterns, and other control parameters. The x-ray attenuation and uniformity of fabricated phantoms were evaluated and compared to common tissue-equivalent phantom materials, acrylic and BR12. X-ray exposure measurements were made using narrow beam geometry on a clinical mammography unit at 28 kVp on the series of phantoms. The 3D printed phantoms were imaged at 28 kVp to visualize the internal structure and uniformity in different planes of the phantoms. Results: By utilizing specific in-fill density and patterns we are able to produce a phantom closely matching the attenuation characteristics of BR12 at 28 kVp. The in-fill patterns used are heterogeneous, so a judicious selection of fill pattern and the orientation of the fill pattern must be made in order to obtain homogenous attenuation along the intended direction of beam propagation. Conclusions: By careful manipulation of the printing parameters, breast and soft tissue-equivalent phantoms appropriate for use at imaging energies can be fabricated using 3D printing techniques.« less

Irregular Astigmatism After Corneal Transplantation--Efficacy and Safety of Topography-Guided Treatment.

PubMed

Laíns, Inês; Rosa, Andreia M; Guerra, Marta; Tavares, Cristina; Lobo, Conceição; Silva, Maria F L; Quadrado, Maria J; Murta, Joaquim N

2016-01-01

To analyze the efficacy and safety of topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (TG-PRK) to treat irregular astigmatism after corneal transplantation. This was a retrospective observational case series. Eyes with irregular astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty treated with TG-PRK (Allegretto Wave Eye-Q) with the topography-guided customized ablation treatment protocol were included. All treatments had been planned to correct the topographic irregularities, as well as to reduce the refractive error after neutralizing the induced refractive change. Clinical records, treatment plan, and the examinations performed were reviewed and the following data were collected: corrected and uncorrected distance visual acuities; manifest refraction; topographic parameters, and corneal endothelial cell count. We included 31 eyes [30 patients; mean age 45.0 ± 13.4 (SD) years]. At the last postoperative follow-up (mean 9.2 ± 8.2 months), we observed a significant improvement in corrected (P = 0.001) and uncorrected distance visual acuities (P < 0.001). There was a gain of ≥1 uncorrected distance visual acuity line in 96.8% (n = 30) of the eyes. Similarly, the refractive parameters also improved (cylinder P < 0.001; spherical equivalent P = 0.002). At the last visit, 54.8% (n = 17) of the patients presented a spherical equivalent of ±1 D. The 3-mm topographic irregularity also decreased significantly (P < 0.001). There was no significant variation of the corneal endothelial cell count. This is the largest case series of TG-PRK to treat irregular astigmatism in postcorneal transplantation eyes. Our results confirm that TG-PRK is an efficient treatment, associated with significant improvements of both visual acuity and refractive parameters.

Clinical Assessment of Mirror Artifacts in Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

PubMed Central

Ho, Joseph; Castro, Dinorah P. E.; Castro, Leonardo C.; Chen, Yueli; Liu, Jonathan; Mattox, Cynthia; Krishnan, Chandrasekharan; Fujimoto, James G.; Schuman, Joel S.

2010-01-01

Purpose. To investigate the characteristics of a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) image phenomenon known as the mirror artifact, calculate its prevalence, analyze potential risk factors, measure severity, and correlate it to spherical equivalent and central visual acuity (VA). Methods. OCT macular cube 512 × 128 scans taken between January 2008 and February 2009 at the New England Eye Center were analyzed for the presence of mirror artifacts. Artifact severity was determined by the degree of segmentation breakdown that it caused on the macular map. A retrospective review was conducted of the medical records of patients with artifacts and of a random control group without artifacts. Results. Of 1592 patients, 9.3% (148 patients, 200 eyes) had scans that contained mirror artifacts. A significantly more myopic spherical equivalent (P < 0.001), worse VA (P < 0.001), longer axial lengths (P = 0.004), and higher proportions of moderate to high myopia (P < 0.001) were found in patients with mirror artifacts than in patients without artifacts. Worse VA was associated with increased artifact severity (P = 0.04). Conclusions. In all scans analyzed, a high prevalence of mirror artifacts was found. This image artifact was often associated with patients with moderate to high myopia. Improvements in instrumentation may be necessary to resolve this problem in moderately and highly myopic eyes. Operators should be advised to properly position the retina when scanning eyes. In cases in which peripheral abnormalities in topographic measurements of retinal thickness are found, corresponding OCT scans should be examined for the presence of mirror artifacts. PMID:20181840

The Relationship between Crystalline Lens Power and Refractive Error in Older Chinese Adults: The Shanghai Eye Study

PubMed Central

He, Jiangnan; Lu, Lina; He, Xiangui; Xu, Xian; Du, Xuan; Zhang, Bo; Zhao, Huijuan; Sha, Jida; Zhu, Jianfeng; Zou, Haidong; Xu, Xun

2017-01-01

Purpose To report calculated crystalline lens power and describe the distribution of ocular biometry and its association with refractive error in older Chinese adults. Methods Random clustering sampling was used to identify adults aged 50 years and above in Xuhui and Baoshan districts of Shanghai. Refraction was determined by subjective refraction that achieved the best corrected vision based on monocular measurement. Ocular biometry was measured by IOL Master. The crystalline lens power of right eyes was calculated using modified Bennett-Rabbetts formula. Results We analyzed 6099 normal phakic right eyes. The mean crystalline lens power was 20.34 ± 2.24D (range: 13.40–36.08). Lens power, spherical equivalent, and anterior chamber depth changed linearly with age; however, axial length, corneal power and AL/CR ratio did not vary with age. The overall prevalence of hyperopia, myopia, and high myopia was 48.48% (95% CI: 47.23%–49.74%), 22.82% (95% CI: 21.77%–23.88%), and 4.57% (95% CI: 4.05–5.10), respectively. The prevalence of hyperopia increased linearly with age while lens power decreased with age. In multivariate models, refractive error was strongly correlated with axial length, lens power, corneal power, and anterior chamber depth; refractive error was slightly correlated with best corrected visual acuity, age and sex. Conclusion Lens power, hyperopia, and spherical equivalent changed linearly with age; Moreover, the continuous loss of lens power produced hyperopic shifts in refraction in subjects aged more than 50 years. PMID:28114313

Comparison of self-refraction using a simple device, USee, with manifest refraction in adults.

PubMed

Annadanam, Anvesh; Varadaraj, Varshini; Mudie, Lucy I; Liu, Alice; Plum, William G; White, J Kevin; Collins, Megan E; Friedman, David S

2018-01-01

The USee device is a new self-refraction tool that allows users to determine their own refractive error. We evaluated the ease of use of USee in adults, and compared the refractive error correction achieved with USee to clinical manifest refraction. Sixty adults with uncorrected visual acuity <20/30 and spherical equivalent between -6.00 and +6.00 diopters completed manifest refraction and self-refraction. Subjects had a mean (±SD) age of 53.1 (±18.6) years, and 27 (45.0%) were male. Mean (±SD) spherical equivalent measured by manifest refraction and self-refraction were -0.90 D (±2.53) and -1.22 diopters (±2.42), respectively (p = 0.001). The proportion of subjects correctable to ≥20/30 in the better eye was higher for manifest refraction (96.7%) than self-refraction (83.3%, p = 0.005). Failure to achieve visual acuity ≥20/30 with self-refraction in right eyes was associated with increasing age (per year, OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.00-1.10) and higher cylindrical power (per diopter, OR: 7.26; 95% CI: 1.88-28.1). Subjectively, 95% of participants thought USee was easy to use, 85% thought self-refraction correction was better than being uncorrected, 57% thought vision with self-refraction correction was similar to their current corrective lenses, and 53% rated their vision as "very good" or "excellent" with self-refraction. Self-refraction provides acceptable refractive error correction in the majority of adults. Programs targeting resource-poor settings could potentially use USee to provide easy on-site refractive error correction.

Autorefraction, Retinoscopy, Javal's Rule, and Grosvenor's Modified Javal's Rule: The Best Predictor of Refractive Astigmatism

PubMed Central

Asiedu, Kofi; Ampiah, Emmanuel Ekow

2016-01-01

The aim of the study was to determine the level of agreement between Javal's rule, autorefraction, retinoscopy, and refractive astigmatism and to determine which technique is the most suitable substitute when subjective refraction is not applicable using a clinical sample. A total of 36 subjects, 14 males and 22 females, were involved in this study. The intraclass correlation coefficients between subjective refraction, autorefraction, and retinoscopy were 0.895 and 0.989, respectively, for the spherical equivalent. The Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement between subjective refraction and autorefraction; subjective refraction and retinoscopy; and autorefraction and retinoscopy were −2.84 to 3.58, −0.88 to 1.12, and −3.01 to 3.53, respectively, for the spherical equivalent. The intraclass correlation coefficients between spectacle total astigmatism and the following techniques were as follows: retinoscopy (0.85); autorefraction (0.92); Javal's rule (0.82); and Grosvenor et al. version (0.85). The Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement between subjective refraction and autorefraction; subjective refraction and retinoscopy; subjective refraction and Javal's rule; and subjective refraction and Grosvenor et al. version were −0.87 to 1.25, −1.49 to 1.99, −0.73 to 1.93, and −0.89 to 1.7, respectively, for the total astigmatism. The study showed that autorefraction and Javal's rule may provide a starting point for subjective refraction cylinder power determination but only retinoscopy may satisfactorily replace subjective refraction total astigmatism when subjective refraction is not applicable. PMID:27803811

Trial Frame Refraction versus Autorefraction among New Patients in a Low-Vision Clinic

PubMed Central

DeCarlo, Dawn K.; McGwin, Gerald; Searcey, Karen; Gao, Liyan; Snow, Marsha; Waterbor, John; Owsley, Cynthia

2013-01-01

Purpose. To determine the relationship between refractive error as measured by autorefraction and that measured by trial frame refraction among a sample of adults with vision impairment seen in a university-based low-vision clinic and to determine if autorefraction might be a suitable replacement for trial frame refraction. Methods. A retrospective chart review of all new patients 19 years or older seen over an 18-month period was conducted and the following data collected: age, sex, primary ocular diagnosis, entering distance visual acuity, habitual correction, trial frame refraction, autorefraction, and distance visual acuity measured after trial frame refraction. Trial frame refraction and autorefraction were compared using paired t-tests, intraclass correlations, and Bland-Altman plots. Results. Final analyses included 440 patients for whom both trial frame refraction and autorefraction data were available for the better eye. Participants were mostly female (59%) with a mean age of 68 years (SD = 20). Age-related macular degeneration was the most common etiology for vision impairment (44%). Values for autorefraction and trial frame refraction were statistically different, but highly correlated for the spherical equivalent power (r = 0.92), the cylinder power (r = 0.80) and overall blurring strength (0.89). Although the values of the cross-cylinders J0 and J45 were similar, they were poorly correlated (0.08 and 0.15, respectively). The range of differences in spherical equivalent power was large (−8.6 to 4.9). Conclusions. Autorefraction is highly correlated with trial frame refraction. Differences are sometimes substantial, making autorefraction an unsuitable substitute for trial frame refraction. PMID:23188726

Effectiveness study of atropine for progressive myopia in Europeans.

PubMed

Polling, J R; Kok, R G W; Tideman, J W L; Meskat, B; Klaver, C C W

2016-07-01

PurposeRandomized controlled trials have shown the efficacy of atropine for progressive myopia, and this treatment has become the preferred pattern for this condition in Taiwan. This study explores the effectiveness of atropine 0.5% treatment for progressive high myopia and adherence to therapy in a non-Asian country.MethodsAn effectiveness study was performed in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Overall 77 children (mean age 10.3 years±2.3), of European (n=53), Asian (n=18), and African (n=6) descent with progressive myopia were prescribed atropine 0.5% eye drops daily. Both parents and children filled in a questionnaire regarding adverse events and adherence to therapy. A standardized eye examination including cycloplegic refraction and axial length was performed at baseline and 1, 4, and 12 months after initiation of therapy.ResultsMean spherical equivalent at baseline was -6.6D (±3.3). The majority (60/77, 78%) of children adhered to atropine treatment for 12 months; 11 of the 17 children who discontinued therapy did so within 1 month after the start of therapy. The most prominent reported adverse events were photophobia (72%), followed by reading problems (38%), and headaches (22%). The progression rate of spherical equivalent before treatment (-1.0D/year±0.7) diminished substantially during treatment (-0.1D/year±0.7) compared to those who ceased therapy (-0.5D/year±0.6; P=0.03).ConclusionsDespite the relatively high occurrence of adverse events, our study shows that atropine can be an effective and sustainable treatment for progressive high myopia in Europeans.

Safety, efficacy, predictability and stability of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with a 1000-Hz scanning spot excimer laser.

PubMed

Khoramnia, Ramin; Salgado, Josefina P; Wuellner, Christian; Donitzky, Christof; Lohmann, Chris P; Winkler von Mohrenfels, Christoph

2012-09-01

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, predictability and stability of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with a 1000-Hz scanning spot excimer laser (Concept System 1000; WaveLight GmbH, Erlangen, Germany). LASIK was performed on twenty eyes with myopia or myopic astigmatism (mean spherical equivalent refraction: -3.97±1.72 dioptres (D); mean cylinder: -0.84±0.77 D) using a microkeratome for flap creation and the Concept System 1000 for photoablation. Patients were examined preoperatively as well as 1, 3 and 6 months after the treatment. Manifest sphere and cylinder, uncorrected (UCDVA) and best corrected (BCDVA) distance visual acuity, corneal topography and pachymetry were analysed. We observed no adverse events that might have been associated with the use of a repetition rate of 1000 Hz. All eyes maintained or had improved BCDVA at 6 months after treatment when compared to preoperative values. Six months after LASIK, UCDVA was 20/20 or better in 85% and 20/25 or better in 100% of the eyes. The spherical equivalent refraction was within ±0.50 D in 95% of the eyes at 6 months after surgery. The refraction stayed stable over time; 95% of the eyes changed<0.5 D postoperatively. LASIK with the prototype 1000-Hz excimer laser was safe, efficient and predictable. The postoperative refraction was stable over time. There were no specific clinical side-effects that might be associated with the use of such a high repetition rate. © 2011 The Authors. Acta Ophthalmologica © 2011 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation.

Relative Proportion Of Different Types Of Refractive Errors In Subjects Seeking Laser Vision Correction.

PubMed

Althomali, Talal A

2018-01-01

Refractive errors are a form of optical defect affecting more than 2.3 billion people worldwide. As refractive errors are a major contributor of mild to moderate vision impairment, assessment of their relative proportion would be helpful in the strategic planning of health programs. To determine the pattern of the relative proportion of types of refractive errors among the adult candidates seeking laser assisted refractive correction in a private clinic setting in Saudi Arabia. The clinical charts of 687 patients (1374 eyes) with mean age 27.6 ± 7.5 years who desired laser vision correction and underwent a pre-LASIK work-up were reviewed retrospectively. Refractive errors were classified as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) was applied to define refractive errors. Distribution percentage of different types of refractive errors; myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The mean spherical equivalent for 1374 eyes was -3.11 ± 2.88 D. Of the total 1374 eyes, 91.8% (n = 1262) eyes had myopia, 4.7% (n = 65) eyes had hyperopia and 3.4% (n = 47) had emmetropia with astigmatism. Distribution percentage of astigmatism (cylinder error of ≥ 0.50 D) was 78.5% (1078/1374 eyes); of which % 69.1% (994/1374) had low to moderate astigmatism and 9.4% (129/1374) had high astigmatism. Of the adult candidates seeking laser refractive correction in a private setting in Saudi Arabia, myopia represented greatest burden with more than 90% myopic eyes, compared to hyperopia in nearly 5% eyes. Astigmatism was present in more than 78% eyes.

Prevalence of refractive errors in children in Equatorial Guinea.

PubMed

Soler, Margarita; Anera, Rosario G; Castro, José J; Jiménez, Raimundo; Jiménez, José R

2015-01-01

The aim of this work is to evaluate the epidemiological aspects of the refractive errors in school-aged children in Malabo (Island of Bioko), Equatorial Guinea (western-central Africa). A total of 425 schoolchildren (209 male subjects and 216 female subjects, aged between 6 and 16 years) were examined to evaluate their refraction errors in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea (western-central Africa). The examination included autorefraction with cycloplegia, measurement of visual acuity (VA) for far vision, and the curvature radii of the main meridians of the anterior surface of the cornea. A low prevalence of myopia was found (≤-0.50 diopters [D] spherical equivalent), with unilateral and bilateral myopia being 10.4 and 5.2%, respectively. The prevalence of unilateral and bilateral hypermetropia (≥2.0 D spherical equivalent) was 3.1 and 1.6%, respectively. Astigmatism (≤-0.75 D) was found in unilateral form in 32.5% of these children, whereas bilateral astigmatism was found in 11.8%. After excluding children having any ocular pathology, the low prevalence of high refractive errors signified good VA in these children. Significant differences were found in the distribution of the refractive errors by age and type of schooling (public or private) but not by sex. In general, the radii of the anterior of the cornea did not vary significantly with age. The mean refractive errors found were low and therefore VA was high in these children. There was a low prevalence of myopia, with significantly higher values in those who attended private schools (educationally and socioeconomically more demanding). Astigmatism was the most frequent refractive error.

Refractive error among the elderly in rural Southern Harbin, China.

PubMed

Li, Zhijian; Sun, Dianjun; Cuj, Hao; Zhang, Liqiong; Lju, Ping; Yang, Hongbin; Baj, Jie

2009-01-01

To estimate the prevalence and associated factors of refractive errors among the elderly in a rural area of Southern Harbin, China. Five thousand and fifty seven subjects (age > or = 50 years) were enumerated for a population-based study. All participants underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation. Refraction was performed by ophthalmic personnel trained in the study procedures. Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent worse than -0.50 diopters (D) and hyperopia as spherical equivalent worse than +0.50 D. Astigmatism was defined as a cylindrical error worse than 0.75D. Association of refractive errors with age, sex, and education were analyzed. Of the 5,057 responders (91.0%), 4,979 were eligible. The mean age was 60.5 (range 50-96) years old. The prevalence of myopia was 9.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.5-10.1) and of hyperopia was 8.9% (95% CI, 7.9-9.5). Astigmatism was evident in 7.6% of the subjects. Myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism increased with increasing age (p<0.001, respectively). Myopia and astigmatism were more common in males, whereas hyperopia was more common in females. We also found that prevalence of refractive error weas associated with education. Myopia was more common in those with higher degrees of education, whereas hyperopia and astigmatism were more common in those with no formal education. This report has provided details of the refractive status in a rural population of Harbin. The prevalence of refractive errors in this population is lower than those reported in other regions of the world.

Prevalence of Visual Impairment among 4- to 6-years-old Children in Khon Kaen City Municipality, Thailand.

PubMed

Wongwai, Phanthipha; Anupongongarch, Pacharapan; Suwannaraj, Sirinya; Asawaphureekorn, Somkiat

2016-08-01

To evaluate the prevalence of visual impairment of children aged four to six years in Khon Kaen City Municipality, Thailand. The visual acuity test was performed on 1,286 children in kindergarten schools located in Khon Kaen Municipality. The first test of visual acuity was done by trained teachers and the second test by the pediatric ophthalmologist. The prevalence of visual impairment of both tests was recorded including sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, and predictive value of the test by teachers. The causes of visual impairment were also recorded. There were 39 children with visual impairment from the test by the teacher and 12 children from the test by the ophthalmologist. Myopia is the single cause of visual impairment. Mean spherical equivalence is 1.375 diopters (SD = 0.53). Median spherical equivalence is 1.375 diopters (minimum = 0.5, maximum =4). The detection of visual impairment by trained teachers had a sensitivity of 1.00 (95% CI 0.76-1.00), specificity of 0.98 (95% CI 0.97-0.99), likelihood ratio for a positive test 44.58 (95% CI 30.32-65.54), likelihood ratio for a negative test 0.04 (95% CI 0.003-0.60), positive predictive value of 0.31 (95% CI 0.19-0.47), and negative predictive value of 1.00 (95% CI 0.99-1.00). The prevalence of visual impairment among children aged four to six year old is 0.9%. Trained teachers can be examiners for screening purpose.

Determinants of ocular deviation in esotropic subjects under general anesthesia.

PubMed

Daien, Vincent; Turpin, Chloé; Lignereux, François; Belghobsi, Riadh; Le Meur, Guylene; Lebranchu, Pierre; Pechereau, Alain

2013-01-01

The authors attempted to identify the determinants of ocular deviation in a population of patients with esotropia under general anesthesia. Forty-one patients with esotropia were included. Horizontal ocular deviation was evaluated by the photographic Hirschberg test both in the awakened state and under general anesthesia before surgery. Changes in ocular deviation were measured and a multivariate analysis was used to assess its clinical determinants. The mean age (± standard deviation [SD]) of study subjects was 13 ± 11 years and 51% were females. The mean spherical equivalent refraction of the right eye was 2.44 ± 2.50 diopters (D), with no significant difference between eyes (P = .26). The mean ocular deviation changed significantly, from 33.5 ± 12.5 prism diopters (PD) at preoperative examination to 8.8 ± 11.4 PD under general anesthesia (P = .0001). The changes in ocular deviation positively correlated with the pre-operative ocular deviation (correlation coefficient r = 0.59, P = .0001) and negatively correlated with patient age (correlation coefficient r = -0.53, P = .0001). These two determinants remained significant after multivariate adjustment of the following variables: preoperative ocular deviation; age; gender; spherical equivalent refraction; and number of previous strabismus surgeries (model r(2) = 0.49, P = .0001). The ocular position under general anesthesia was reported as a key factor in the surgical treatment of subjects with esotropia; therefore, its clinical determinants were assessed. The authors observed that preoperative ocular deviation and patient age were the main factors that influenced the ocular position under general anesthesia. Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.

Numerical investigation on the Ångström exponent of black carbon aerosol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ji; Liu, Chao; Yin, Yan; Kumar, K. Raghavendra

2016-04-01

Black carbon (BC) plays an important role on the global and regional climate, whereas there are significant uncertainties on its optical properties. Among various optical properties, the Ångström exponent (AE) indicates the spectral variation of the particle-optic interaction and is widely used to understand the aerosol properties. We consider the influence of BC geometry on its optical properties and assess the sensitivity of the AE to particle geometry and size distribution. The fractal aggregates with different fractal dimensions are used to represent realistic BC particles, and popular equivalent volume spherical and spheroidal models are also considered for comparison. Even if the fractal aggregates become highly compact and spherical, their optical properties are still significantly different from those of equivalent volume spheres or spheroids. Meanwhile, the Rayleigh-Debye-Gans approximation can hardly provide accurate results for all optical quantities of aggregates with different dimensions. The extinction Ångström exponent (EAE) and absorption Ångström exponent (AAE) are sensitive to both particle geometry and size distribution. With BC becoming more compact (from fractal aggregate to spheroid and to sphere), the AE becomes more sensitive to particle size distribution. The EAE and AAE of aggregates with different size distributions vary between 1.10-1.63 and 0.87-1.50, respectively, whereas those of the spheres or spheroids have wider ranges. Furthermore, the AE at smaller wavelengths (between 0.35 µm and 0.55 µm) is more sensitive to geometry and size distribution than that given by optical properties at larger wavelengths (between 0.55 µm and 0.88 µm).

Trial frame refraction versus autorefraction among new patients in a low-vision clinic.

PubMed

DeCarlo, Dawn K; McGwin, Gerald; Searcey, Karen; Gao, Liyan; Snow, Marsha; Waterbor, John; Owsley, Cynthia

2013-01-02

To determine the relationship between refractive error as measured by autorefraction and that measured by trial frame refraction among a sample of adults with vision impairment seen in a university-based low-vision clinic and to determine if autorefraction might be a suitable replacement for trial frame refraction. A retrospective chart review of all new patients 19 years or older seen over an 18-month period was conducted and the following data collected: age, sex, primary ocular diagnosis, entering distance visual acuity, habitual correction, trial frame refraction, autorefraction, and distance visual acuity measured after trial frame refraction. Trial frame refraction and autorefraction were compared using paired t-tests, intraclass correlations, and Bland-Altman plots. Final analyses included 440 patients for whom both trial frame refraction and autorefraction data were available for the better eye. Participants were mostly female (59%) with a mean age of 68 years (SD = 20). Age-related macular degeneration was the most common etiology for vision impairment (44%). Values for autorefraction and trial frame refraction were statistically different, but highly correlated for the spherical equivalent power (r = 0.92), the cylinder power (r = 0.80) and overall blurring strength (0.89). Although the values of the cross-cylinders J(0) and J(45) were similar, they were poorly correlated (0.08 and 0.15, respectively). The range of differences in spherical equivalent power was large (-8.6 to 4.9). Autorefraction is highly correlated with trial frame refraction. Differences are sometimes substantial, making autorefraction an unsuitable substitute for trial frame refraction.

MICRODOSIMETRIC MEASUREMENT OF SECONDARY RADIATION IN THE PASSIVE SCATTERED PROTON THERAPY ROOM OF iTHEMBA LABS USING A TISSUE-EQUIVALENT PROPORTIONAL COUNTER.

PubMed

Chiriotti, S; Parisi, A; Vanhavere, F; De Saint-Hubert, M; Vandevoorde, C; Slabbert, J; Beukes, P; de Kock, E; Symons, J

2018-04-13

Measurements of the dose equivalent at different distances from the isocenter of the proton therapy center at iThemba LABS were previously performed with a tissue-equivalent proportional counter (TEPC). These measurements showed that the scattered radiation levels were one or two orders of magnitude higher in comparison to other passive scattering delivery systems. In order to reduce these radiation levels, additional shielding was installed shortly after the measurements were done. Therefore, the aim of this work is to quantify and assess the reduction of the secondary doses delivered in the proton therapy room at iThemba LABS after the installation of the additional shielding. This has been performed by measuring microdosimetric spectra with a TEPC at 11 locations around the isocenter when a clinical modulated beam of 200 MeV proton was impinging onto a water phantom placed at the isocenter.

The point spread function of the human head and its implications for transcranial current stimulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dmochowski, Jacek P.; Bikson, Marom; Parra, Lucas C.

2012-10-01

Rational development of transcranial current stimulation (tCS) requires solving the ‘forward problem’: the computation of the electric field distribution in the head resulting from the application of scalp currents. Derivation of forward models has represented a major effort in brain stimulation research, with model complexity ranging from spherical shells to individualized head models based on magnetic resonance imagery. Despite such effort, an easily accessible benchmark head model is greatly needed when individualized modeling is either undesired (to observe general population trends as opposed to individual differences) or unfeasible. Here, we derive a closed-form linear system which relates the applied current to the induced electric potential. It is shown that in the spherical harmonic (Fourier) domain, a simple scalar multiplication relates the current density on the scalp to the electric potential in the brain. Equivalently, the current density in the head follows as the spherical convolution between the scalp current distribution and the point spread function of the head, which we derive. Thus, if one knows the spherical harmonic representation of the scalp current (i.e. the electrode locations and current intensity to be employed), one can easily compute the resulting electric field at any point inside the head. Conversely, one may also readily determine the scalp current distribution required to generate an arbitrary electric field in the brain (the ‘backward problem’ in tCS). We demonstrate the simplicity and utility of the model with a series of characteristic curves which sweep across a variety of stimulation parameters: electrode size, depth of stimulation, head size and anode-cathode separation. Finally, theoretically optimal montages for targeting an infinitesimal point in the brain are shown.

[Clinical results of the aspheric intraocular lens FY-60AD (Hoya) with particular respect to decentration and tilt].

PubMed

Mester, U; Heinen, S; Kaymak, H

2010-09-01

Aspheric intraocular lenses (IOLs) aim to improve visual function and particularly contrast vision by neutralizing spherical aberration. One drawback of such IOLs is the enhanced sensitivity to decentration and tilt, which can deteriorate image quality. A total of 30 patients who received bilateral phacoemulsification before implantation of the aspheric lens FY-60AD (Hoya) were included in a prospective study. In 25 of the patients (50 eyes) the following parameters could be assessed 3 months after surgery: visual acuity, refraction, contrast sensitivity, pupil size, wavefront errors and decentration and tilt using a newly developed device. The functional results were very satisfying and comparable to results gained with other aspheric IOLs. The mean refraction was sph + 0.1 D (±0.7 D) and cyl 0.6 D (±0.8 D). The spherical equivalent was −0.2 D (±0.6 D). Wavefront measurements revealed a good compensation of the corneal spherical aberration but vertical and horizontal coma also showed opposing values in the cornea and IOL. The assessment of the lens position using the Purkinje meter demonstrated uncritical amounts of decentration and tilt. The mean amount of decentration was 0.2 mm±0.2 mm in the horizontal and vertical directions. The mean amount of tilt was 4.0±2.1° in horizontal and 3.0±2.5° in vertical directions. In a normal dioptric power range the aspheric IOL FY-60AD compensates the corneal spherical aberration very well with only minimal decentration. The slight tilt is symmetrical in both eyes and corresponds to the position of the crystalline lens in young eyes. This may contribute to our findings of compensated corneal coma.

3D Functional Corneal Stromal Tissue Equivalent Based on Corneal Stromal Stem Cells and Multi-Layered Silk Film Architecture.

PubMed

Ghezzi, Chiara E; Marelli, Benedetto; Omenetto, Fiorenzo G; Funderburgh, James L; Kaplan, David L

2017-01-01

The worldwide need for human cornea equivalents continues to grow. Few clinical options are limited to allogenic and synthetic material replacements. We hypothesized that tissue engineered human cornea systems based on mechanically robust, patterned, porous, thin, optically clear silk protein films, in combination with human corneal stromal stem cells (hCSSCs), would generate 3D functional corneal stroma tissue equivalents, in comparison to previously developed 2D approaches. Silk film contact guidance was used to control the alignment and distribution of hCSSCs on RGD-treated single porous silk films, which were then stacked in an orthogonally, multi-layered architecture and cultured for 9 weeks. These systems were compared similar systems generated with human corneal fibroblasts (hCFs). Both cell types were viable and preferentially aligned along the biomaterial patterns for up to 9 weeks in culture. H&E histological sections showed that the systems seeded with the hCSSCs displayed ECM production throughout the entire thickness of the constructs. In addition, the ECM proteins tested positive for keratocyte-specific tissue markers, including keratan sulfate, lumican, and keratocan. The quantification of hCSSC gene expression of keratocyte-tissue markers, including keratocan, lumican, human aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 (ALDH3A1), prostaglandin D2 synthase (PTDGS), and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, isozyme 4 (PDK4), within the 3D tissue systems demonstrated upregulation when compared to 2D single silk films and to the systems generated with the hCFs. Furthermore, the production of ECM from the hCSSC seeded systems and subsequent remodeling of the initial matrix significantly improved cohesiveness and mechanical performance of the constructs, while maintaining transparency after 9 weeks.

On the inflation of poro-hyperelastic annuli

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selvadurai, A. P. S.; Suvorov, A. P.

2017-10-01

The paper presents the radially and spherically symmetric problems associated with the inflation of poro-hyperelastic regions. The theory of poro-hyperelasticity is a convenient framework for modelling the mechanical behaviour of highly deformable materials in which the pore space is saturated with fluids. Including the coupled mechanical responses of both the hyperelastic porous skeleton and the fluid is regarded as an important consideration for the application of the results, particularly to soft tissues encountered in biomechanical applications. The analytical solutions for radially and spherically symmetric problems involving annular domains are used to benchmark the accuracy of a standard computational approach. The paper also generates results applicable to the hyperelastic solutions when coupling is eliminated through the presence of a highly permeable pore structure.

Red light accelerates the formation of a human dermal equivalent.

PubMed

Oliveira, Anna Cb; Morais, Thayz Fl; Bernal, Claudia; Martins, Virginia Ca; Plepis, Ana Mg; Menezes, Priscila Fc; Perussi, Janice R

2018-04-01

Development of biomaterials' substitutes and/or equivalents to mimic normal tissue is a current challenge in tissue engineering. Thus, three-dimensional cell culture using type I collagen as a polymeric matrix cell support designed to promote cell proliferation and differentiation was employed to create a dermal equivalent in vitro, as well to evaluate the photobiomodulation using red light. Polymeric matrix cell support was prepared from porcine serous collagen (1.1%) hydrolyzed for 96 h. The biomaterial exhibited porosity of 95%, a median pore of 44 µm and channels with an average distance between the walls of 78 ± 14 µm. The absorption of culture medium was 95%, and the sponge showed no cytotoxicity to Vero cells, a non-tumor cell line. Additionally, it was observed that irradiation with light at 630 nm (fluency 30 J cm -2 ) leads to the cellular photobiomodulation in both monolayer and human dermal equivalent (three-dimensional cell culture system). It was also verified that the cells cultured in the presence of the polymeric matrix cell support, allows differentiation and extracellular matrix secretion. Therefore, the results showed that the collagen sponge used as polymeric matrix cell support and the photobiomodulation at 630 nm are efficient for the production of a reconstructed human dermal equivalent in vitro.

The measurement of liver fat from single-energy quantitative computed tomography scans

PubMed Central

Cheng, Xiaoguang; Brown, J. Keenan; Guo, Zhe; Zhou, Jun; Wang, Fengzhe; Yang, Liqiang; Wang, Xiaohong; Xu, Li

2017-01-01

Background Studies of soft tissue composition using computed tomography (CT) scans are often semi-quantitative and based on Hounsfield units (HU) measurements that have not been calibrated with a quantitative CT (QCT) phantom. We describe a study to establish the water (H2O) and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (K2HPO4) basis set equivalent densities of fat and fat-free liver tissue. With this information liver fat can be accurately measured from any abdominal CT scan calibrated with a suitable phantom. Methods Liver fat content was measured by comparing single-energy QCT (SEQCT) HU measurements of the liver with predicted HU values for fat and fat-free liver tissue calculated from their H2O and K2HPO4 equivalent densities and calibration data from a QCT phantom. The equivalent densities of fat were derived from a listing of its constituent fatty acids, and those of fat-free liver tissue from a dual-energy QCT (DEQCT) study performed in 14 healthy Chinese subjects. This information was used to calculate liver fat from abdominal SEQCT scans performed in a further 541 healthy Chinese subjects (mean age 62 years; range, 31–95 years) enrolled in the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) Study. Results The equivalent densities of fat were 941.75 mg/cm3 H2O and –43.72 mg/cm3 K2HPO4, and for fat-free liver tissue 1,040.13 mg/cm3 H2O and 21.34 mg/cm3 K2HPO4. Liver fat in the 14 subjects in the DEQCT study varied from 0–17.9% [median: 4.5%; interquartile range (IQR): 3.0–7.9%]. Liver fat in the 541 PURE study subjects varied from –0.3–29.9% (median: 4.9%; IQR: 3.4–6.9%). Conclusions We have established H2O and K2HPO4 equivalent densities for fat and fat-free liver tissue that allow a measurement of liver fat to be obtained from any abdominal CT scan acquired with a QCT phantom. Although radiation dose considerations preclude the routine use of QCT to measure liver fat, the method described here facilitates its measurement in patients having CT scans performed for other purposes. Further studies comparing the results with magnetic resonance (MR) measurements of liver fat are required to validate the method as a useful clinical tool. PMID:28811994

Nuclear reaction measurements on tissue-equivalent materials and GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulations for hadrontherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Napoli, M.; Romano, F.; D'Urso, D.; Licciardello, T.; Agodi, C.; Candiano, G.; Cappuzzello, F.; Cirrone, G. A. P.; Cuttone, G.; Musumarra, A.; Pandola, L.; Scuderi, V.

2014-12-01

When a carbon beam interacts with human tissues, many secondary fragments are produced into the tumor region and the surrounding healthy tissues. Therefore, in hadrontherapy precise dose calculations require Monte Carlo tools equipped with complex nuclear reaction models. To get realistic predictions, however, simulation codes must be validated against experimental results; the wider the dataset is, the more the models are finely tuned. Since no fragmentation data for tissue-equivalent materials at Fermi energies are available in literature, we measured secondary fragments produced by the interaction of a 55.6 MeV u-1 12C beam with thick muscle and cortical bone targets. Three reaction models used by the Geant4 Monte Carlo code, the Binary Light Ions Cascade, the Quantum Molecular Dynamic and the Liege Intranuclear Cascade, have been benchmarked against the collected data. In this work we present the experimental results and we discuss the predictive power of the above mentioned models.

Nuclear emulsion measurements of the dose contribution from tissue disintegration stars on the apollo-soyuz mission. Technical report No. 2, Jul 76--Mar 77

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

Schaefer, H.J.

1977-03-15

Analysis of the prong number distribution of a population of disintegration stars in nuclear emulsion allows a quantitative estimate of the fraction of stars originating in the gelatin matrix and thereby an assessment of the tissue-equivalent dose from stars. 996 stars were prong-counted in two 100 micron llford K.2 emulsions from the dosimeter of the Docking Pilot on Apollo-Soyuz and furnished a tissue star dose of 7.8 millirad or 45 millirem. Since star-produced neutrons do not leave visible prongs in emulsion, their dose contribution is not included. Nuclear theory as well as earlier measurements of galactic radiation in the Earth'smore » atmosphere indicate that the dose equivalent from neutrons is about equal to the one from all ionizing secondaries from stars. This would set the total tissue star dose for Apollo-Soyuz at approximately 90 millirem. (Author)« less

Cross Section Calculations and Comparison to Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Townsend, L. W.; Ford, W. P.; Dewet, W. C.; Werneth, C. M.

2016-01-01

Understanding fragmentation of galactic cosmic ray nuclei in collisions within spacecraft structures and human tissues is an important element in assessing biological risk to crew members from this radiation source. Over the past four decades, various models have been developed to describe these important processes. Some models invoke semi-classical concepts based upon geometric descriptions of collisions between spherical nuclei.

The materials used in bone tissue engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tereshchenko, V. P.; Kirilova, I. A.; Sadovoy, M. A.; Larionov, P. M.

2015-11-01

Bone tissue engineering looking for an alternative solution to the problem of skeletal injuries. The method is based on the creation of tissue engineered bone tissue equivalent with stem cells, osteogenic factors, and scaffolds - the carriers of these cells. For production of tissue engineered bone equivalent is advisable to create scaffolds similar in composition to natural extracellular matrix of the bone. This will provide optimal conditions for the cells, and produce favorable physico-mechanical properties of the final construction. This review article gives an analysis of the most promising materials for the manufacture of cell scaffolds. Biodegradable synthetic polymers are the basis for the scaffold, but it alone cannot provide adequate physical and mechanical properties of the construction, and favorable conditions for the cells. Addition of natural polymers improves the strength characteristics and bioactivity of constructions. Of the inorganic compounds, to create cell scaffolds the most widely used calcium phosphates, which give the structure adequate stiffness and significantly increase its osteoinductive capacity. Signaling molecules do not affect the physico-mechanical properties of the scaffold, but beneficial effect is on the processes of adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of cells. Biodegradation of the materials will help to fulfill the main task of bone tissue engineering - the ability to replace synthetic construct by natural tissues that will restore the original anatomical integrity of the bone.

On the Rule of Mixtures for Predicting Stress-Softening and Residual Strain Effects in Biological Tissues and Biocompatible Materials

PubMed Central

Elías-Zúñiga, Alex; Baylón, Karen; Ferrer, Inés; Serenó, Lídia; Garcia-Romeu, Maria Luisa; Bagudanch, Isabel; Grabalosa, Jordi; Pérez-Recio, Tania; Martínez-Romero, Oscar; Ortega-Lara, Wendy; Elizalde, Luis Ernesto

2014-01-01

In this work, we use the rule of mixtures to develop an equivalent material model in which the total strain energy density is split into the isotropic part related to the matrix component and the anisotropic energy contribution related to the fiber effects. For the isotropic energy part, we select the amended non-Gaussian strain energy density model, while the energy fiber effects are added by considering the equivalent anisotropic volumetric fraction contribution, as well as the isotropized representation form of the eight-chain energy model that accounts for the material anisotropic effects. Furthermore, our proposed material model uses a phenomenological non-monotonous softening function that predicts stress softening effects and has an energy term, derived from the pseudo-elasticity theory, that accounts for residual strain deformations. The model’s theoretical predictions are compared with experimental data collected from human vaginal tissues, mice skin, poly(glycolide-co-caprolactone) (PGC25 3-0) and polypropylene suture materials and tracheal and brain human tissues. In all cases examined here, our equivalent material model closely follows stress-softening and residual strain effects exhibited by experimental data. PMID:28788466

On the Rule of Mixtures for Predicting Stress-Softening and Residual Strain Effects in Biological Tissues and Biocompatible Materials.

PubMed

Elías-Zúñiga, Alex; Baylón, Karen; Ferrer, Inés; Serenó, Lídia; García-Romeu, Maria Luisa; Bagudanch, Isabel; Grabalosa, Jordi; Pérez-Recio, Tania; Martínez-Romero, Oscar; Ortega-Lara, Wendy; Elizalde, Luis Ernesto

2014-01-16

In this work, we use the rule of mixtures to develop an equivalent material model in which the total strain energy density is split into the isotropic part related to the matrix component and the anisotropic energy contribution related to the fiber effects. For the isotropic energy part, we select the amended non-Gaussian strain energy density model, while the energy fiber effects are added by considering the equivalent anisotropic volumetric fraction contribution, as well as the isotropized representation form of the eight-chain energy model that accounts for the material anisotropic effects. Furthermore, our proposed material model uses a phenomenological non-monotonous softening function that predicts stress softening effects and has an energy term, derived from the pseudo-elasticity theory, that accounts for residual strain deformations. The model's theoretical predictions are compared with experimental data collected from human vaginal tissues, mice skin, poly(glycolide-co-caprolactone) (PGC25 3-0) and polypropylene suture materials and tracheal and brain human tissues. In all cases examined here, our equivalent material model closely follows stress-softening and residual strain effects exhibited by experimental data.

Improving Axial Resolution in Confocal Microscopy with New High Refractive Index Mounting Media

PubMed Central

Fouquet, Coralie; Gilles, Jean-François; Heck, Nicolas; Dos Santos, Marc; Schwartzmann, Richard; Cannaya, Vidjeacoumary; Morel, Marie-Pierre; Davidson, Robert Stephen; Trembleau, Alain; Bolte, Susanne

2015-01-01

Resolution, high signal intensity and elevated signal to noise ratio (SNR) are key issues for biologists who aim at studying the localisation of biological structures at the cellular and subcellular levels using confocal microscopy. The resolution required to separate sub-cellular biological structures is often near to the resolving power of the microscope. When optimally used, confocal microscopes may reach resolutions of 180 nm laterally and 500 nm axially, however, axial resolution in depth is often impaired by spherical aberration that may occur due to refractive index mismatches. Spherical aberration results in broadening of the point-spread function (PSF), a decrease in peak signal intensity when imaging in depth and a focal shift that leads to the distortion of the image along the z-axis and thus in a scaling error. In this study, we use the novel mounting medium CFM3 (Citifluor Ltd., UK) with a refractive index of 1.518 to minimize the effects of spherical aberration. This mounting medium is compatible with most common fluorochromes and fluorescent proteins. We compare its performance with established mounting media, harbouring refractive indices below 1.500, by estimating lateral and axial resolution with sub-resolution fluorescent beads. We show furthermore that the use of the high refractive index media renders the tissue transparent and improves considerably the axial resolution and imaging depth in immuno-labelled or fluorescent protein labelled fixed mouse brain tissue. We thus propose to use those novel high refractive index mounting media, whenever optimal axial resolution is required. PMID:25822785

Ex Vivo Liver Experiment of Hydrochloric Acid-Infused and Saline-Infused Monopolar Radiofrequency Ablation: Better Outcomes in Temperature, Energy, and Coagulation.

PubMed

Jiang, Xiong-ying; Gu, Yang-kui; Huang, Jin-hua; Gao, Fei; Zou, Ru-hai; Zhang, Tian-qi

2016-04-01

To compare temperature, energy, and coagulation between hydrochloric acid-infused radiofrequency ablation (HAIRFA) and normal saline-infused radiofrequency ablation (NSIRFA) in ex vivo porcine liver model. 30 fresh porcine livers were excised in 60 lesions, 30 with HAIRFA and the other 30 with NSIRFA. Both modalities used monopolar perfusion electrode connected to a RF generator set at 103 °C and 30 W. In each group, ablation time was set at 10, 20, or 30 min (10 lesions from each group at each time). We compared tissue temperatures (at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 cm away from the electrode tip), average power, deposited energy, deposited energy per coagulation volume (DEV), coagulation diameters, coagulative volume, and spherical ratio between the two groups. Temperature-time curves showed that HAIRFA provided progressively greater heating than that of NSIRFA. At 30 min, mean average power, deposited energy, coagulation volumes (113.67 vs. 12.28 cm(3)) and diameters, and increasing in tissue temperature were much greater with HAIRFA (P < 0.001 for all), except DEV was lower (456 vs. 1396 J/cm(3), P < 0.001). The spherical ratio was closer to 1 with HAIRFA (1.23 vs. 1.46). Coagulation diameters, volume, and average power of HAIRFA increased significantly with longer ablation times. While with NSIRFA, these characteristics were stable till later 20 min, except the power decreased with longer ablation times. HAIRFA creates much larger and more spherical lesions by increasing overall energy deposition, modulating thermal conductivity, and transferring heat during ablation.

Effective dose equivalent on the ninth Shuttle--Mir mission (STS-91)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yasuda, H.; Badhwar, G. D.; Komiyama, T.; Fujitaka, K.

2000-01-01

Organ and tissue doses and effective dose equivalent were measured using a life-size human phantom on the ninth Shuttle-Mir Mission (STS-91, June 1998), a 9.8-day spaceflight at low-Earth orbit (about 400 km in altitude and 51.65 degrees in inclination). The doses were measured at 59 positions using a combination of thermoluminescent dosimeters of Mg(2)SiO(4):Tb (TDMS) and plastic nuclear track detectors (PNTD). In correcting the change in efficiency of the TDMS, it was assumed that reduction of efficiency is attributed predominantly to HZE particles with energy greater than 100 MeV nucleon(-1). A conservative calibration curve was chosen for determining LET from the PNTD track-formation sensitivities. The organ and tissue absorbed doses during the mission ranged from 1.7 to 2.7 mGy and varied by a factor of 1.6. The dose equivalent ranged from 3.4 to 5.2 mSv and varied by a factor of 1.5 on the basis of the dependence of Q on LET in the 1990 recommendations of the ICRP. The effective quality factor (Q(e)) varied from 1.7 to 2.4. The dose equivalents for several radiation-sensitive organs, such as the stomach, lung, gonad and breast, were not significantly different from the skin dose equivalent (H(skin)). The effective dose equivalent was evaluated as 4.1 mSv, which was about 90% of the H(skin).

Nonwoven-Based Gelatin/Polycaprolactone Membrane Proves Suitability in a Preclinical Assessment for Treatment of Soft Tissue Defects

PubMed Central

Schulz, Simon; Angarano, Marco; Fabritius, Martin; Mülhaupt, Rolf; Dard, Michel; Obrecht, Marcel; Tomakidi, Pascal

2014-01-01

Standard preclinical assessments in vitro often have limitations regarding their transferability to human beings, mainly evoked by their nonhuman and tissue-different/nontissue-specific source. Here, we aimed at employing tissue-authentic simple and complex interactive fibroblast-epithelial cell systems and their in vivo-relevant biomarkers for preclinical in vitro assessment of nonwoven-based gelatin/polycaprolactone membranes (NBMs) for treatment of soft tissue defects. NBMs were composed of electrospun gelatin and polycaprolactone nanofiber nonwovens. Scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with actin/focal contact integrin fluorescence revealed successful adhesion and proper morphogenesis of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, along with cells' derived extracellular matrix deposits. The “feel-good factor” of cells under study on the NBM was substantiated by forming a confluent connective tissue entity, which was concomitant with a stratified epithelial equivalent. Immunohistochemistry proved tissue authenticity over time by abundance of the biomarker vimentin in the connective tissue entity, and chronological increase of keratins KRT1/10 and involucrin expression in epithelial equivalents. Suitability of the novel NBM as wound dressing was evidenced by an almost completion of epithelial wound closure in a pilot mini-pig study, after a surgical intervention-caused gingival dehiscence. In summary, preclinical assessment by tissue-authentic cell systems and the animal pilot study revealed the NBM as an encouraging therapeutic medical device for prospective clinical applications. PMID:24494668

SPHERICAL DIE

DOEpatents

Livingston, J.P.

1959-01-27

A die is presented for pressing powdered materials into a hemispherical shape of uniforin density and wall thickness comprising a fcmale and male die element held in a stationary spaced relation with the space being equivalent to the wall thickness and defining the hemispherical shape, a pressing ring linearly moveable along the male die element, an inlet to fill the space with powdered materials, a guiding system for moving the pressing ring along the male die element so as to press the powdered material and a heating system for heating the male element so that the powdered material is heated while being pressed.

The transmission or scattering of elastic waves by an inhomogeneity of simple geometry: A comparison of theories

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sheu, Y. C.; Fu, L. S.

1983-01-01

The extended method of equivalent inclusions is applied to study the specific wave problems: (1) the transmission of elastic waves in an infinite medium containing a layer of inhomogeneity, and (2) the scattering of elastic waves in an infinite medium containing a perfect spherical inhomogeneity. Eigenstrains are expanded as a geometric series and a method of integration based on the inhomogeneous Helmholtz operator is adopted. This study compares results, obtained by using limited number of terms in the eigenstrain expansion, with exact solutions for the layer problem and that for a perfect sphere.

Departure of microscopic friction from macroscopic drag in molecular fluid dynamics

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

Hanasaki, Itsuo; Fujiwara, Daiki; Kawano, Satoyuki, E-mail: kawano@me.es.osaka-u.ac.jp

2016-03-07

Friction coefficient of the Langevin equation and drag of spherical macroscopic objects in steady flow at low Reynolds numbers are usually regarded as equivalent. We show that the microscopic friction can be different from the macroscopic drag when the mass is taken into account for particles with comparable scale to the surrounding fluid molecules. We illustrate it numerically by molecular dynamics simulation of chloride ion in water. Friction variation by the atomistic mass effect beyond the Langevin regime can be of use in the drag reduction technology as well as the electro or thermophoresis.

Paired Pulse Basis Functions for the Method of Moments EFIE Solution of Electromagnetic Problems Involving Arbitrarily-shaped, Three-dimensional Dielectric Scatterers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

MacKenzie, Anne I.; Rao, Sadasiva M.; Baginski, Michael E.

2007-01-01

A pair of basis functions is presented for the surface integral, method of moment solution of scattering by arbitrarily-shaped, three-dimensional dielectric bodies. Equivalent surface currents are represented by orthogonal unit pulse vectors in conjunction with triangular patch modeling. The electric field integral equation is employed with closed geometries for dielectric bodies; the method may also be applied to conductors. Radar cross section results are shown for dielectric bodies having canonical spherical, cylindrical, and cubic shapes. Pulse basis function results are compared to results by other methods.

Effects of freezing-induced cell-fluid-matrix interactions on the cells and extracellular matrix of engineered tissues.

PubMed

Teo, Ka Yaw; DeHoyos, Tenok O; Dutton, J Craig; Grinnell, Frederick; Han, Bumsoo

2011-08-01

The two most significant challenges for successful cryopreservation of engineered tissues (ETs) are preserving tissue functionality and controlling highly tissue-type dependent preservation outcomes. In order to address these challenges, freezing-induced cell-fluid-matrix interactions should be understood, which determine the post-thaw cell viability and extracellular matrix (ECM) microstructure. However, the current understanding of this tissue-level biophysical interaction is still limited. In this study, freezing-induced cell-fluid-matrix interactions and their impact on the cells and ECM microstructure of ETs were investigated using dermal equivalents as a model ET. The dermal equivalents were constructed by seeding human dermal fibroblasts in type I collagen matrices with varying cell seeding density and collagen concentration. While these dermal equivalents underwent an identical freeze/thaw condition, their spatiotemporal deformation during freezing, post-thaw ECM microstructure, and cellular level cryoresponse were characterized. The results showed that the extent and characteristics of freezing-induced deformation were significantly different among the experimental groups, and the ETs with denser ECM microstructure experienced a larger deformation. The magnitude of the deformation was well correlated to the post-thaw ECM structure, suggesting that the freezing-induced deformation is a good indicator of post-thaw ECM structure. A significant difference in the extent of cellular injury was also noted among the experimental groups, and it depended on the extent of freezing-induced deformation of the ETs and the initial cytoskeleton organization. These results suggest that the cells have been subjected to mechanical insult due to the freezing-induced deformation as well as thermal insult. These findings provide insight on tissue-type dependent cryopreservation outcomes, and can help to design and modify cryopreservation protocols for new types of tissues from a pre-developed cryopreservation protocol. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hydrogels in endovascular embolization. IV. Effect of radiopaque spherical particles on the living tissue.

PubMed

Horák, D; Svec, F; Kálal, J; Adamyan, A; Skuba, N; Titova, M; Dan, V; Varava, B; Trostenyuk, N; Voronkova, O

1988-07-01

In this study we report the results of toxicological, histological and haematological experiments on radiopaque spherical particles based on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate). These particles have been developed for endovascular occlusion of various organs. Radiopacity was attained by two independent methods: the chemical attachment of radiopaque substances to the hydrogel or the precipitation of radiopaque substances in the hydrogel network. The first method yields particles that appear to have uniformly-distributed contrast material, but in the particles prepared by the second procedure the contrast material is predominantly located on the surface. The visibility of such particles by X-rays makes possible controlled embolus introduction and inspection of the polymer for long periods after embolization. Radiopaque contrasting changes the morphology and reduces the porosity of the material but supports quick thrombus formation. Embolic material implanted in rabbits becomes surrounded by a thin fibrous capsule and undergoes partial organization. This and other results of medico-biological investigations have fully demonstrated the biocompatibility of radiopaque spherical emboli, which can now be used clinically.

Diffusion-mediated dephasing in the dipole field around a single spherical magnetic object.

PubMed

Buschle, Lukas R; Kurz, Felix T; Kampf, Thomas; Triphan, Simon M F; Schlemmer, Heinz-Peter; Ziener, Christian Herbert

2015-11-01

In this work, the time evolution of the free induction decay caused by the local dipole field of a spherical magnetic perturber is analyzed. The complicated treatment of the diffusion process is replaced by the strong-collision-approximation that allows a determination of the free induction decay in dependence of the underlying microscopic tissue parameters such as diffusion coefficient, sphere radius and susceptibility difference. The interplay between susceptibility- and diffusion-mediated effects yields several dephasing regimes of which, so far, only the classical regimes of motional narrowing and static dephasing for dominant and negligible diffusion, respectively, were extensively examined. Due to the asymmetric form of the dipole field for spherical objects, the free induction decay exhibits a complex component in contradiction to the cylindrical case, where the symmetric local dipole field only causes a purely real induction decay. Knowledge of the shape of the corresponding frequency distribution is necessary for the evaluation of more sophisticated pulse sequences and a detailed understanding of the off-resonance distribution allows improved quantification of transverse relaxation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prediction and Measurement of Temperature Rise Induced by High Intensity Focused Ultrasound in a Tissue-Mimicking Phantom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kang Il

2018-06-01

The present study aims to predict the temperature rise induced by high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in soft tissues to assess tissue damage during HIFU thermal therapies. With the help of a MATLAB-based software package developed for HIFU simulation, the HIFU field was simulated by solving the axisymmetric Khokhlov-Zabolotskaya-Kuznetsov (KZK) equation from the frequency-domain perspective, and the HIFU-induced temperature rise in a tissue-mimicking phantom was simulated by solving Pennes' bioheat transfer (BHT) equation. In order to verify the simulation results, we performed in-vitro heating experiments on a tissue-mimicking phantom by using a 1.1-MHz, single-element, spherically focused HIFU transducer. The temperature rise near the focal spot obtained from the HIFU simulator was in good agreement with that from the in-vitro experiments. This confirms that the HIFU simulator based on the KZK and the BHT equations captures the HIFU-induced temperature rise in soft tissues well enough to make it suitable for HIFU treatment planning.

Cells of the connective tissue differentiate and migrate into pollen sacs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iqbal, M. C. M.; Wijesekara, Kolitha B.

2002-01-01

In angiosperms, archesporial cells in the anther primordium undergo meiosis to form haploid pollen, the sole occupants of anther sacs. Anther sacs are held together by a matrix of parenchyma cells, the connective tissue. Cells of the connective tissue are not known to differentiate. We report the differentiation of parenchyma cells in the connective tissue of two Gordonia species into pollen-like structures (described as pseudopollen), which migrate into the anther sacs before dehiscence. Pollen and pseudopollen were distinguishable by morphology and staining. Pollen were tricolpate to spherical while pseudopollen were less rigid and transparent with a ribbed surface. Both types were different in size, shape, staining and surface architecture. The ratio of the number of pseudopollen to pollen was 1:3. During ontogeny in the connective tissue, neither cell division nor tetrad formation was observed and hence pseudopollen were presumed to be diploid. Only normal pollen germinated on a germination medium. Fixed preparations in time seemed to indicate that pseudopollen migrate from the connective tissue into the anther sac.

Efficient computation of PDF-based characteristics from diffusion MR signal.

PubMed

Assemlal, Haz-Edine; Tschumperlé, David; Brun, Luc

2008-01-01

We present a general method for the computation of PDF-based characteristics of the tissue micro-architecture in MR imaging. The approach relies on the approximation of the MR signal by a series expansion based on Spherical Harmonics and Laguerre-Gaussian functions, followed by a simple projection step that is efficiently done in a finite dimensional space. The resulting algorithm is generic, flexible and is able to compute a large set of useful characteristics of the local tissues structure. We illustrate the effectiveness of this approach by showing results on synthetic and real MR datasets acquired in a clinical time-frame.

Geometrically complex 3D-printed phantoms for diffuse optical imaging.

PubMed

Dempsey, Laura A; Persad, Melissa; Powell, Samuel; Chitnis, Danial; Hebden, Jeremy C

2017-03-01

Tissue-equivalent phantoms that mimic the optical properties of human and animal tissues are commonly used in diffuse optical imaging research to characterize instrumentation or evaluate an image reconstruction method. Although many recipes have been produced for generating solid phantoms with specified absorption and transport scattering coefficients at visible and near-infrared wavelengths, the construction methods are generally time-consuming and are unable to create complex geometries. We present a method of generating phantoms using a standard 3D printer. A simple recipe was devised which enables printed phantoms to be produced with precisely known optical properties. To illustrate the capability of the method, we describe the creation of an anatomically accurate, tissue-equivalent premature infant head optical phantom with a hollow brain space based on MRI atlas data. A diffuse optical image of the phantom is acquired when a high contrast target is inserted into the hollow space filled with an aqueous scattering solution.

Photoprotection by pistachio bioactives in a 3-dimensional human skin equivalent tissue model.

PubMed

Chen, C-Y Oliver; Smith, Avi; Liu, Yuntao; Du, Peng; Blumberg, Jeffrey B; Garlick, Jonathan

2017-09-01

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during ultraviolet (UV) light exposure can induce skin damage and aging. Antioxidants can provide protection against oxidative injury to skin via "quenching" ROS. Using a validated 3-dimensional (3D) human skin equivalent (HSE) tissue model that closely mimics human skin, we examined whether pistachio antioxidants could protect HSE against UVA-induced damage. Lutein and γ-tocopherol are the predominant lipophilic antioxidants in pistachios; treatment with these compounds prior to UVA exposure protected against morphological changes to the epithelial and connective tissue compartments of HSE. Pistachio antioxidants preserved overall skin thickness and organization, as well as fibroblast morphology, in HSE exposed to UVA irradiation. However, this protection was not substantiated by the analysis of the proliferation of keratinocytes and apoptosis of fibroblasts. Additional studies are warranted to elucidate the basis of these discordant results and extend research into the potential role of pistachio bioactives promoting skin health.

Geometrically complex 3D-printed phantoms for diffuse optical imaging

PubMed Central

Dempsey, Laura A.; Persad, Melissa; Powell, Samuel; Chitnis, Danial; Hebden, Jeremy C.

2017-01-01

Tissue-equivalent phantoms that mimic the optical properties of human and animal tissues are commonly used in diffuse optical imaging research to characterize instrumentation or evaluate an image reconstruction method. Although many recipes have been produced for generating solid phantoms with specified absorption and transport scattering coefficients at visible and near-infrared wavelengths, the construction methods are generally time-consuming and are unable to create complex geometries. We present a method of generating phantoms using a standard 3D printer. A simple recipe was devised which enables printed phantoms to be produced with precisely known optical properties. To illustrate the capability of the method, we describe the creation of an anatomically accurate, tissue-equivalent premature infant head optical phantom with a hollow brain space based on MRI atlas data. A diffuse optical image of the phantom is acquired when a high contrast target is inserted into the hollow space filled with an aqueous scattering solution. PMID:28663863

Variational treatment of electron-polyatomic-molecule scattering calculations using adaptive overset grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greenman, Loren; Lucchese, Robert R.; McCurdy, C. William

2017-11-01

The complex Kohn variational method for electron-polyatomic-molecule scattering is formulated using an overset-grid representation of the scattering wave function. The overset grid consists of a central grid and multiple dense atom-centered subgrids that allow the simultaneous spherical expansions of the wave function about multiple centers. Scattering boundary conditions are enforced by using a basis formed by the repeated application of the free-particle Green's function and potential Ĝ0+V ̂ on the overset grid in a Born-Arnoldi solution of the working equations. The theory is shown to be equivalent to a specific Padé approximant to the T matrix and has rapid convergence properties, in both the number of numerical basis functions employed and the number of partial waves employed in the spherical expansions. The method is demonstrated in calculations on methane and CF4 in the static-exchange approximation and compared in detail with calculations performed with the numerical Schwinger variational approach based on single-center expansions. An efficient procedure for operating with the free-particle Green's function and exchange operators (to which no approximation is made) is also described.

Light scattering and random lasing in aqueous suspensions of hexagonal boron nitride nanoflakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Brien, S. A.; Harvey, A.; Griffin, A.; Donnelly, T.; Mulcahy, D.; Coleman, J. N.; Donegan, J. F.; McCloskey, D.

2017-11-01

Liquid phase exfoliation allows large scale production of 2D materials in solution. The particles are highly anisotropic and strongly scatter light. While spherical particles can be accurately and precisely described by a single parameter—the radius, 2D nanoflakes, however, cannot be so easily described. We investigate light scattering in aqueous solutions of 2D hexagonal boron nitride nanoflakes in the single and multiple scattering regimes. In the single scattering regime, the anisotropic 2D materials show a much stronger depolarization of light when compared to spherical particles of similar size. In the multiple scattering regime, the scattering as a function of optical path for hexagonal boron nitride nanoflakes of a given lateral length was found to be qualitatively equivalent to scattering from spheres with the same diameter. We also report the presence of random lasing in high concentration suspensions of aqueous h-BN mixed with Rhodamine B dye. The h-BN works as a scattering agent and Rhodamine B as a gain medium for the process. We observed random lasing at 587 nm with a threshold energy of 0.8 mJ.

Light scattering and random lasing in aqueous suspensions of hexagonal boron nitride nanoflakes.

PubMed

O'Brien, S A; Harvey, A; Griffin, A; Donnelly, T; Mulcahy, D; Coleman, J N; Donegan, J F; McCloskey, D

2017-11-24

Liquid phase exfoliation allows large scale production of 2D materials in solution. The particles are highly anisotropic and strongly scatter light. While spherical particles can be accurately and precisely described by a single parameter-the radius, 2D nanoflakes, however, cannot be so easily described. We investigate light scattering in aqueous solutions of 2D hexagonal boron nitride nanoflakes in the single and multiple scattering regimes. In the single scattering regime, the anisotropic 2D materials show a much stronger depolarization of light when compared to spherical particles of similar size. In the multiple scattering regime, the scattering as a function of optical path for hexagonal boron nitride nanoflakes of a given lateral length was found to be qualitatively equivalent to scattering from spheres with the same diameter. We also report the presence of random lasing in high concentration suspensions of aqueous h-BN mixed with Rhodamine B dye. The h-BN works as a scattering agent and Rhodamine B as a gain medium for the process. We observed random lasing at 587 nm with a threshold energy of 0.8 mJ.

Multi-optical-axis measurement of freeform progressive addition lenses using a Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiang, Huazhong; Guo, Hang; Fu, Dongxiang; Zheng, Gang; Zhuang, Songlin; Chen, JiaBi; Wang, Cheng; Wu, Jie

2018-05-01

To precisely measure the whole-surface characterization of freeform progressive addition lenses (PALs), considering the multi-optical-axis conditions is becoming particularly important. Spherical power and astigmatism (cylinder) measurements for freeform PALs, using a Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor (HSWFS) are proposed herein. Conversion formulas for the optical performance results were provided as HSWFS Zernike polynomial expansions. For each selected zone, the studied PALs were placed and tilted to simulate the multi-optical-axis conditions. The results of two tested PALs were analyzed using MATLAB programs and represented as contour plots of the spherical equivalent and cylinder of the whole-surface. The proposed experimental setup can provide a high accuracy as well as a possibility of choosing 12 lines and positions of 193 measurement zones on the entire surface. This approach to PAL analysis is potentially an efficient and useful method to objectively evaluate the optical performances, in which the full lens surface is defined and expressed as the contour plots of power in different regions (i.e., the distance region, progressive region, and near region) of the lens for regions of interest.

Demonstration of Numerical Equivalence of Ensemble and Spectral Averaging in Electromagnetic Scattering by Random Particulate Media

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mishchenko, Michael I.; Dlugach, Janna M.; Zakharova, Nadezhda T.

2016-01-01

The numerically exact superposition T-matrix method is used to model far-field electromagnetic scattering by two types of particulate object. Object 1 is a fixed configuration which consists of N identical spherical particles (with N 200 or 400) quasi-randomly populating a spherical volume V having a median size parameter of 50. Object 2 is a true discrete random medium (DRM) comprising the same number N of particles randomly moving throughout V. The median particle size parameter is fixed at 4. We show that if Object 1 is illuminated by a quasi-monochromatic parallel beam then it generates a typical speckle pattern having no resemblance to the scattering pattern generated by Object 2. However, if Object 1 is illuminated by a parallel polychromatic beam with a 10 bandwidth then it generates a scattering pattern that is largely devoid of speckles and closely reproduces the quasi-monochromatic pattern generated by Object 2. This result serves to illustrate the capacity of the concept of electromagnetic scattering by a DRM to encompass fixed quasi-random particulate samples provided that they are illuminated by polychromatic light.

Continuous-feed optical sorting of aerosol particles

PubMed Central

Curry, J. J.; Levine, Zachary H.

2016-01-01

We consider the problem of sorting, by size, spherical particles of order 100 nm radius. The scheme we analyze consists of a heterogeneous stream of spherical particles flowing at an oblique angle across an optical Gaussian mode standing wave. Sorting is achieved by the combined spatial and size dependencies of the optical force. Particles of all sizes enter the flow at a point, but exit at different locations depending on size. Exiting particles may be detected optically or separated for further processing. The scheme has the advantages of accommodating a high throughput, producing a continuous stream of continuously dispersed particles, and exhibiting excellent size resolution. We performed detailed Monte Carlo simulations of particle trajectories through the optical field under the influence of convective air flow. We also developed a method for deriving effective velocities and diffusion constants from the Fokker-Planck equation that can generate equivalent results much more quickly. With an optical wavelength of 1064 nm, polystyrene particles with radii in the neighborhood of 275 nm, for which the optical force vanishes, may be sorted with a resolution below 1 nm. PMID:27410570

A Finite-Element Method Model of Soft Tissue Response to Impulsive Acoustic Radiation Force

PubMed Central

Palmeri, Mark L.; Sharma, Amy C.; Bouchard, Richard R.; Nightingale, Roger W.; Nightingale, Kathryn R

2010-01-01

Several groups are studying acoustic radiation force and its ability to image the mechanical properties of tissue. Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging is one modality using standard diagnostic ultrasound scanners to generate localized, impulsive, acoustic radiation forces in tissue. The dynamic response of tissue is measured via conventional ultrasonic speckle-tracking methods and provides information about the mechanical properties of tissue. A finite-element method (FEM) model has been developed that simulates the dynamic response of tissues, with and without spherical inclusions, to an impulsive acoustic radiation force excitation from a linear array transducer. These FEM models were validated with calibrated phantoms. Shear wave speed, and therefore elasticity, dictates tissue relaxation following ARFI excitation, but Poisson’s ratio and density do not significantly alter tissue relaxation rates. Increased acoustic attenuation in tissue increases the relative amount of tissue displacement in the near field compared with the focal depth, but relaxation rates are not altered. Applications of this model include improving image quality, and distilling material and structural information from tissue’s dynamic response to ARFI excitation. Future work on these models includes incorporation of viscous material properties and modeling the ultrasonic tracking of displaced scatterers. PMID:16382621

Equivalence between short-time biphasic and incompressible elastic material responses.

PubMed

Ateshian, Gerard A; Ellis, Benjamin J; Weiss, Jeffrey A

2007-06-01

Porous-permeable tissues have often been modeled using porous media theories such as the biphasic theory. This study examines the equivalence of the short-time biphasic and incompressible elastic responses for arbitrary deformations and constitutive relations from first principles. This equivalence is illustrated in problems of unconfined compression of a disk, and of articular contact under finite deformation, using two different constitutive relations for the solid matrix of cartilage, one of which accounts for the large disparity observed between the tensile and compressive moduli in this tissue. Demonstrating this equivalence under general conditions provides a rationale for using available finite element codes for incompressible elastic materials as a practical substitute for biphasic analyses, so long as only the short-time biphasic response is sought. In practice, an incompressible elastic analysis is representative of a biphasic analysis over the short-term response deltat

A nanotectonics approach to produce hierarchically organized bioactive glass nanoparticles-based macrospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luz, Gisela M.; Mano, João F.

2012-09-01

Bioactive particles have been widely used in a series of biomedical applications due to their ability to promote bone-bonding and elicit favorable biological responses in therapies associated with the replacement and regeneration of mineralized tissues. In this work hierarchical architectures are prepared by an innovative methodology using SiO2-CaO sol-gel based nanoparticles. Inspired by colloidal crystals, spherical aggregates were formed on biomimetic superhydrophobic surfaces using bioactive glass nanoparticles (BG-NPs) able to promote bone regeneration. A highly ordered organization, a common feature of mineralized structures in Nature, was achieved at both nano- and microlevels, being the crystallization degree of the structures controlled by the evaporation rates taking place at room temperature (RT) or at 4 °C. The crystallization degree of the structures influenced the Ca/P ratio of the apatitic film formed at their surface, after 7 days of immersion in SBF. This allows the regulation of bioactive properties and the ability to release potential additives that could be also incorporated in such particles with a high efficiency. Such a versatile method to produce bioactive particles with controlled size and internal structure could open new possibilities in designing new spherical devices for orthopaedic applications, including tissue engineering.

Generalized moment analysis of magnetic field correlations for accumulations of spherical and cylindrical magnetic pertubers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurz, Felix; Kampf, Thomas; Buschle, Lukas; Schlemmer, Heinz-Peter; Bendszus, Martin; Heiland, Sabine; Ziener, Christian

2016-12-01

In biological tissue, an accumulation of similarly shaped objects with a susceptibility difference to the surrounding tissue generates a local distortion of the external magnetic field in magnetic resonance imaging. It induces stochastic field fluctuations that characteristically influence proton spin diffusion in the vicinity of these magnetic perturbers. The magnetic field correlation that is associated with such local magnetic field inhomogeneities can be expressed in the form of a dynamic frequency autocorrelation function that is related to the time evolution of the measured magnetization. Here, an eigenfunction expansion for two simple magnetic perturber shapes, that of spheres and cylinders, is considered for restricted spin diffusion in a simple model geometry. Then, the concept of generalized moment analysis, an approximation technique that is applied in the study of (non-)reactive processes that involve Brownian motion, allows to provide analytical expressions for the correlation function for different exponential decay forms. Results for the biexponential decay for both spherical and cylindrical magnetized objects are derived and compared with the frequently used (less accurate) monoexponential decay forms. They are in asymptotic agreement with the numerically exact value of the correlation function for long and short times.

Quality factor and dose equivalent investigations aboard the Soviet Space Station Mir

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouisset, P.; Nguyen, V. D.; Parmentier, N.; Akatov, Ia. A.; Arkhangel'Skii, V. V.; Vorozhtsov, A. S.; Petrov, V. M.; Kovalev, E. E.; Siegrist, M.

1992-07-01

Since Dec 1988, date of the French-Soviet joint space mission 'ARAGATZ', the CIRCE device, had recorded dose equivalent and quality factor values inside the Mir station (380-410 km, 51.5 deg). After the initial gas filling two years ago, the low pressure tissue equivalent proportional counter is still in good working conditions. Some results of three periods are presented. The average dose equivalent rates measured are respectively 0.6, 0.8 and 0.6 mSv/day with a quality factor equal to 1.9. Some detailed measurements show the increasing of the dose equivalent rates through the SAA and near polar horns. The real time determination of the quality factors allows to point out high linear energy transfer events with quality factors in the range 10-20.

Eye patches: Protein assembly of index-gradient squid lenses

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

Cai, J.; Townsend, J. P.; Dodson, T. C.

A parabolic relationship between lens radius and refractive index allows spherical lenses to avoid spherical aberration. We show that in squid, patchy colloidal physics resulted from an evolutionary radiation of globular S-crystallin proteins. Small-angle x-ray scattering experiments on lens tissue show colloidal gels of S-crystallins at all radial positions. Sparse lens materials form via low-valence linkages between disordered loops protruding from the protein surface. The loops are polydisperse and bind via a set of hydrogen bonds between disordered side chains. Peripheral lens regions with low particle valence form stable, volume-spanning gels at low density, whereas central regions with higher averagemore » valence gel at higher densities. The proteins demonstrate an evolved set of linkers for self-assembly of nanoparticles into volumetric materials.« less

Nucleation of hydroxyapatite on Antheraea pernyi (A. pernyi) silk fibroin film.

PubMed

Yang, Mingying; Shuai, Yajun; Zhou, Guanshan; Mandal, Namita; Zhu, Liangjun

2014-01-01

Antheraea pernyi (A. pernyi) silk fibroin, which is spun from a wild silkworm, has increasingly attracted interest in the field of tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to investigate the nucleation of hydroxyapatite (HAp) on A. pernyi fibroin film. Von Kossa staining proved that A. pernyi fibroin had Ca binding activity. The A. pernyi fibroin film was mineralized with HAp crystals by alternative soaking in calcium and phosphate solutions. Spherical crystals were nucleated on the A. pernyi fibroin film according to scanning electron microscopeimaging results. The FT-IR and X-ray diffraction spectra confirmed that these spherical crystals were HAp. The results of in vitro cell culture using MG-63 cells demonstrated that the mineralized A. pernyi fibroin film showed excellent cytocompatibility and sound improvement of the MG-63 cellviability.

Review of the Microdosimetric Studies for High-Energy Charged Particle Beams Using a Tissue-Equivalent Proportional Counter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuda, Shuichi; Sato, Tatsuhiko; Ogawa, Tatsuhiko; Sasaki, Shinichi

Lineal energy (y) distributions were measured for various types of charged particles such as protons and iron, with kinetic energies of up to 500 MeV/u, via the use of a wall-less tissue-equivalent proportional counter (TEPC). Radial dependencies of y distributions were also experimentally evaluated to investigate the track structures of protons, carbon, and iron beams. This paper reviews a series of measured data using the aforementioned TEPC as well as assesses the systematic verification of a microdosimetric calculation model of a y distribution incorporated into the particle and heavy ion transport code system (PHITS) and associated track structure models.

A volumetric conformal mapping approach for clustering white matter fibers in the brain

PubMed Central

Gupta, Vikash; Prasad, Gautam; Thompson, Paul

2017-01-01

The human brain may be considered as a genus-0 shape, topologically equivalent to a sphere. Various methods have been used in the past to transform the brain surface to that of a sphere using harmonic energy minimization methods used for cortical surface matching. However, very few methods have studied volumetric parameterization of the brain using a spherical embedding. Volumetric parameterization is typically used for complicated geometric problems like shape matching, morphing and isogeometric analysis. Using conformal mapping techniques, we can establish a bijective mapping between the brain and the topologically equivalent sphere. Our hypothesis is that shape analysis problems are simplified when the shape is defined in an intrinsic coordinate system. Our goal is to establish such a coordinate system for the brain. The efficacy of the method is demonstrated with a white matter clustering problem. Initial results show promise for future investigation in these parameterization technique and its application to other problems related to computational anatomy like registration and segmentation. PMID:29177252

The calculation of electromagnetic fields in the Fresnel and Fraunhofer regions using numerical integration methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmidt, R. F.

1971-01-01

Some results obtained with a digital computer program written at Goddard Space Flight Center to obtain electromagnetic fields scattered by perfectly reflecting surfaces are presented. For purposes of illustration a paraboloidal reflector was illuminated at radio frequencies in the simulation for both receiving and transmitting modes of operation. Fields were computed in the Fresnel and Fraunhofer regions. A dual-reflector system (Cassegrain) was also simulated for the transmitting case, and fields were computed in the Fraunhofer region. Appended results include derivations which show that the vector Kirchhoff-Kottler formulation has an equivalent form requiring only incident magnetic fields as a driving function. Satisfaction of the radiation conditions at infinity by the equivalent form is demonstrated by a conversion from Cartesian to spherical vector operators. A subsequent development presents the formulation by which Fresnel or Fraunhofer patterns are obtainable for dual-reflector systems. A discussion of the time-average Poynting vector is also appended.

The materials used in bone tissue engineering

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

Tereshchenko, V. P., E-mail: tervp@ngs.ru; Kirilova, I. A.; Sadovoy, M. A.

Bone tissue engineering looking for an alternative solution to the problem of skeletal injuries. The method is based on the creation of tissue engineered bone tissue equivalent with stem cells, osteogenic factors, and scaffolds - the carriers of these cells. For production of tissue engineered bone equivalent is advisable to create scaffolds similar in composition to natural extracellular matrix of the bone. This will provide optimal conditions for the cells, and produce favorable physico-mechanical properties of the final construction. This review article gives an analysis of the most promising materials for the manufacture of cell scaffolds. Biodegradable synthetic polymers aremore » the basis for the scaffold, but it alone cannot provide adequate physical and mechanical properties of the construction, and favorable conditions for the cells. Addition of natural polymers improves the strength characteristics and bioactivity of constructions. Of the inorganic compounds, to create cell scaffolds the most widely used calcium phosphates, which give the structure adequate stiffness and significantly increase its osteoinductive capacity. Signaling molecules do not affect the physico-mechanical properties of the scaffold, but beneficial effect is on the processes of adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of cells. Biodegradation of the materials will help to fulfill the main task of bone tissue engineering - the ability to replace synthetic construct by natural tissues that will restore the original anatomical integrity of the bone.« less

Tissue grown in space in NASA Bioreactor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

Dr. Lisa E. Freed of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her colleagues have reported that initially disc-like specimens tend to become spherical in space, demonstrating that tissues can grow and differentiate into distinct structures in microgravity. The Mir Increment 3 (Sept. 16, 1996 - Jan. 22, 1997) samples were smaller, more spherical, and mechanically weaker than Earth-grown control samples. These results demonstrate the feasibility of microgravity tissue engineering and may have implications for long human space voyages and for treating musculoskeletal disorders on earth. Final samples from Mir and Earth appeared histologically cartilaginous throughout their entire cross sections (5-8 mm thick), with the exception of fibrous outer capsules. Constructs grown on Earth (A) appeared to have a more organized extracellular matrix with more uniform collagen orientation as compared with constructs grown on Mir (B), but the average collagen fiber diameter was similar in the two groups (22 +- 2 nm) and comparable to that previously reported for developing articular cartilage. Randomly oriented collagen in Mir samples would be consistent with previous reports that microgravity disrupts fibrillogenesis. These are transmission electron micrographs of constructs from Mir (A) and Earth (B) groups at magnifications of x3,500 and x120,000 (Inset). The work is sponsored by NASA's Office of Biological and Physical Research. The bioreactor is managed by the Biotechnology Cell Science Program at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC). NASA-sponsored bioreactor research has been instrumental in helping scientists to better understand normal and cancerous tissue development. In cooperation with the medical community, the bioreactor design is being used to prepare better models of human colon, prostate, breast and ovarian tumors. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

A genome-wide association study of corneal astigmatism: The CREAM Consortium.

PubMed

Shah, Rupal L; Li, Qing; Zhao, Wanting; Tedja, Milly S; Tideman, J Willem L; Khawaja, Anthony P; Fan, Qiao; Yazar, Seyhan; Williams, Katie M; Verhoeven, Virginie J M; Xie, Jing; Wang, Ya Xing; Hess, Moritz; Nickels, Stefan; Lackner, Karl J; Pärssinen, Olavi; Wedenoja, Juho; Biino, Ginevra; Concas, Maria Pina; Uitterlinden, André; Rivadeneira, Fernando; Jaddoe, Vincent W V; Hysi, Pirro G; Sim, Xueling; Tan, Nicholas; Tham, Yih-Chung; Sensaki, Sonoko; Hofman, Albert; Vingerling, Johannes R; Jonas, Jost B; Mitchell, Paul; Hammond, Christopher J; Höhn, René; Baird, Paul N; Wong, Tien-Yin; Cheng, Chinfsg-Yu; Teo, Yik Ying; Mackey, David A; Williams, Cathy; Saw, Seang-Mei; Klaver, Caroline C W; Guggenheim, Jeremy A; Bailey-Wilson, Joan E

2018-01-01

To identify genes and genetic markers associated with corneal astigmatism. A meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of corneal astigmatism undertaken for 14 European ancestry (n=22,250) and 8 Asian ancestry (n=9,120) cohorts was performed by the Consortium for Refractive Error and Myopia. Cases were defined as having >0.75 diopters of corneal astigmatism. Subsequent gene-based and gene-set analyses of the meta-analyzed results of European ancestry cohorts were performed using VEGAS2 and MAGMA software. Additionally, estimates of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based heritability for corneal and refractive astigmatism and the spherical equivalent were calculated for Europeans using LD score regression. The meta-analysis of all cohorts identified a genome-wide significant locus near the platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha ( PDGFRA ) gene: top SNP: rs7673984, odds ratio=1.12 (95% CI:1.08-1.16), p=5.55×10 -9 . No other genome-wide significant loci were identified in the combined analysis or European/Asian ancestry-specific analyses. Gene-based analysis identified three novel candidate genes for corneal astigmatism in Europeans-claudin-7 ( CLDN7 ), acid phosphatase 2, lysosomal ( ACP2 ), and TNF alpha-induced protein 8 like 3 ( TNFAIP8L3 ). In addition to replicating a previously identified genome-wide significant locus for corneal astigmatism near the PDGFRA gene, gene-based analysis identified three novel candidate genes, CLDN7 , ACP2 , and TNFAIP8L3 , that warrant further investigation to understand their role in the pathogenesis of corneal astigmatism. The much lower number of genetic variants and genes demonstrating an association with corneal astigmatism compared to published spherical equivalent GWAS analyses suggest a greater influence of rare genetic variants, non-additive genetic effects, or environmental factors in the development of astigmatism.

Myopia is Inversely Associated With the Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in the South Korean Population.

PubMed

Chao, Daniel L; Lin, Shuai-Chun; Chen, Rebecca; Lin, Shan C

2016-12-01

Diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of irreversible vision loss. Recent studies have suggested that myopia may be negatively correlated with the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy. We sought to further investigate the association between refractive error and the likelihood of having diabetic retinopathy in a cross-sectional, population-based study of the South Korean population. Cross-sectional study. Data were included from right eyes of 13 424 participants who were 40 years and older with gradable fundus photographs of the Fourth and the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Diabetic retinopathy was graded using standard fundus photographs. Autorefraction data were collected to calculate spherical equivalent of refraction in diopters (D) and further classified into 4 groups: hyperopia (≥1.0 D), emmetropia (-0.99 D to 0.99 D), mild myopia (-1.0 D to -2.99 D), and moderate to high myopia (≤-3.0 D). Demographic, comorbidity, and health-related behavior information was obtained via interview. A multivariate model was used to evaluate the association between the diagnosis of any diabetic retinopathy and the refractive status. Mild myopia and moderate to high myopia groups were negatively associated with development of any diabetic retinopathy (odds ratio [OR] 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18-0.97 and OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.02-0.88, respectively). In addition, for every 1 D increase in spherical equivalent, there was a 30% increase of having diabetic retinopathy (OR 1.30; 95% CI, 1.08-1.58). Our results from a population-based study suggest that myopic status is associated with lower odds of having diabetic retinopathy in the South Korean population. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Corneal densitometry and its correlation with age, pachymetry, corneal curvature, and refraction.

PubMed

Garzón, Nuria; Poyales, Francisco; Illarramendi, Igor; Mendicute, Javier; Jáñez, Óscar; Caro, Pedro; López, Alfredo; Argüeso, Francisco

2017-12-01

To determine normative corneal densitometry values in relation to age, sex, refractive error, corneal thickness, and keratometry, measured using the Oculus Pentacam system. Three hundred and thirty-eight healthy subjects (185 men; 153 women) with no corneal disease underwent an exhaustive ocular examination. Corneal densitometry was expressed in standardized grayscale units (GSU). The mean corneal densitometry over the total area was 16.46 ± 1.85 GSU. The Pearson correlation coefficient for total densitometry was r = 0.542 (p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences were found between men and women for the total area (p = 0.006), with readings of 16.22 ± 1.54 GSU and 16.60 ± 1.83 GSU, respectively. When the cornea was divided into layers of different depths, a significant correlation was found for all layers and age: r = 0.447 (p < 0.001), r = 0.563 (p < 0.001), and r = 0.520 (p < 0.001) for the anterior, central, and posterior layers, respectively. However, when the cornea was divided into concentric annuli starting from the center of the cornea, densitometry was strongly correlated only with age in the 6-10-mm annulus (p < 0.001). Neither mean keratometry nor spherical equivalent was correlated with corneal densitometry in any zone of the cornea (p > 0.05). This is the first report of normative corneal densitometry values in relation to keratometry, corneal thickness, and spherical equivalent measured with the latest Oculus Pentacam software. Corneal densitometry increases with age, but corneal keratometry and refractive parameters do not affect light scattering in the human cornea.

Automated refraction is stable 1 week after uncomplicated cataract surgery.

PubMed

Ostri, Christoffer; Holfort, Stig K; Fich, Marianne S; Riise, Per

2018-03-01

To compare automated refraction 1 week and 1 month after uncomplicated cataract surgery. In this prospective cohort study, we recruited patients in a 2-month period and included consecutive patients scheduled for bilateral small-incision phacoemulsification cataract surgery. The exclusion criteria were (i) corneal and/or retinal pathology that could lead to automated refraction miscalculation and (ii) surgery complications. Automated refraction was measured 1 week and 1 month after surgery. Ninety-five patients met the in- and exclusion criteria and completed follow-up. The mean refractive shift in spherical equivalent was -0.02 dioptre (D) between 1 week and 1 month after surgery and not statistical significant (p = 0.78, paired t-test). The magnitude of refractive shift in either myopic or hyperopic direction was neither correlated to age, preoperative corneal astigmatism, axial length nor phacoemulsification energy used during surgery (p > 0.05 for all variables, regression analysis). The refractive target was missed with 1.0 D or more in 11 (12%) patients. In this subgroup, the mean refractive shift in spherical equivalent was 0.49 D between 1 week and 1 month after surgery with a trend towards statistical significance (p = 0.07, paired t-test). There was no difference in age, preoperative corneal astigmatism, axial length or phacoemulsification energy used during surgery compared to the remainder of the patients (p > 0.05 for all variables, unpaired t-test). Automated refraction is stabile 1 week after uncomplicated cataract surgery, but there is a trend towards instability, if the refractive target is missed with 1.0 D or more. © 2017 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effectiveness study of atropine for progressive myopia in Europeans

PubMed Central

Polling, J R; Kok, R G W; Tideman, J W L; Meskat, B; Klaver, C C W

2016-01-01

Purpose Randomized controlled trials have shown the efficacy of atropine for progressive myopia, and this treatment has become the preferred pattern for this condition in Taiwan. This study explores the effectiveness of atropine 0.5% treatment for progressive high myopia and adherence to therapy in a non-Asian country. Methods An effectiveness study was performed in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Overall 77 children (mean age 10.3 years±2.3), of European (n=53), Asian (n=18), and African (n=6) descent with progressive myopia were prescribed atropine 0.5% eye drops daily. Both parents and children filled in a questionnaire regarding adverse events and adherence to therapy. A standardized eye examination including cycloplegic refraction and axial length was performed at baseline and 1, 4, and 12 months after initiation of therapy. Results Mean spherical equivalent at baseline was −6.6D (±3.3). The majority (60/77, 78%) of children adhered to atropine treatment for 12 months; 11 of the 17 children who discontinued therapy did so within 1 month after the start of therapy. The most prominent reported adverse events were photophobia (72%), followed by reading problems (38%), and headaches (22%). The progression rate of spherical equivalent before treatment (−1.0D/year±0.7) diminished substantially during treatment (−0.1D/year±0.7) compared to those who ceased therapy (−0.5D/year±0.6; P=0.03). Conclusions Despite the relatively high occurrence of adverse events, our study shows that atropine can be an effective and sustainable treatment for progressive high myopia in Europeans. PMID:27101751

Near work, outdoor activity, and their association with refractive error.

PubMed

Lin, Zhong; Vasudevan, Balamurali; Jhanji, Vishal; Mao, Guang Yun; Gao, Tie Ying; Wang, Feng Hua; Rong, Shi Song; Ciuffreda, Kenneth J; Liang, Yuan Bo

2014-04-01

To assess the relationship between near work, outdoor activity, and refractive error in schoolchildren in Beijing. The Beijing Myopia Progression Study is a hospital-based myopia study, in which 386 students from primary (aged 6 to 12 years) and secondary (aged 13 to 17 years) schools in the inner city of Beijing were enrolled. Cycloplegic refraction and a detailed questionnaire probing near, intermediate, and distance visual activities were completed. Three hundred seventy (95.9%) of 386 students with complete cycloplegic autorefraction and myopia questionnaire data were enrolled in this study. Children with more near work time did not exhibit a significantly more myopic refraction in both the primary and secondary school levels after adjusting for the children's gender, outdoor activity time, and average parental refractive error. A significant association between outdoor activity time (in hours per day) and the children's spherical equivalent (in diopters) was found in the primary school students (β = 0.27, p = 0.03) but not in the secondary school students (β = 0.04, p = 0.70) after adjusting for similar confounders. The time spent on outdoor sports and outdoor leisure in the primary school students was also significantly associated with the children's spherical equivalent (β = 0.46, p = 0.04 and β = 0.31, p = 0.02, respectively). Primary school students with more time outdoors exhibited relatively less myopic refraction than their peers (ptrend = 0.0003), but this relation was not demonstrated in the secondary school children (ptrend = 0.53) after adjusting for similar confounders. Higher levels of outdoor activity were associated with less myopic refraction in primary school students in the inner city of Beijing. Near work activity was not found to be associated with refraction at either school level.

Changes in biomechanical properties of the cornea and intraocular pressure after myopic laser in situ keratomileusis using a femtosecond laser for flap creation determined using ocular response analyzer and Goldmann applanation tonometry.

PubMed

Shin, Jonghoon; Kim, Tae Won; Park, Soo Jeong; Yoon, Min; Lee, Ji Woong

2015-03-01

To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements before and after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using a femtosecond laser for flap creation, and to identify factors that may influence the preoperative and postoperative IOP, and the change in IOP after LASIK. Forty eyes from 20 patients who underwent treatment for myopia using a femtosecond laser for flap creation were enrolled in this study. The IOP and corneal biomechanical markers were prospectively measured preoperatively and 1 month after LASIK with Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and the ocular response analyzer (ORA). Manifest refraction spherical equivalent, central corneal thickness, ablation depth, and mean corneal curvature (K reading) were also recorded. After LASIK, there was a significant reduction in the IOP measurement with respect to the corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc) (Δ=-0.67±2.07 mm Hg), Goldmann-correlated pressure (IOPg) (Δ=-3.92±2.19 mm Hg), and GAT (Δ=-2.6±2.51). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) are statistically significant predictors of IOPcc, IOPg, and GAT (P<0.000). In this analysis, the preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent, CH, and CRF were significant predictors of ΔIOPcc (adjusted R²=0.401) and ΔIOPg (adjusted R²=0.386). The preoperative SE and central corneal thickness significantly predicted ΔGAT (adjusted R²=0.464). ORA provides a more complete measurement of IOP after LASIK with a femtosecond laser than GAT because ORA provides greater knowledge of the corneal biomechanics in terms of CH and CRF.

Wavefront-optimized laser in situ keratomileusis with the Allegretto Wave Eye-Q excimer laser and the FEMTO LDV Crystal Line femtosecond laser: 6 month visual and refractive results.

PubMed

Ziaei, Mohammed; Mearza, Ali A; Allamby, David

2015-08-01

To present the first reported series of patients undergoing myopic LASIK with the FEMTO LDV Crystal Line femtosecond laser and the WaveLight Allegretto Eye-Q excimer laser. We report the uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA), refractive predictability, efficacy and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) performed with the above laser platforms. This prospective interventional case series study evaluated consecutive eyes with low to moderate myopic astigmatism that underwent LASIK with the FEMTO LDV Crystal Line femtosecond laser and the WaveLight Allegretto Eye-Q 400 Hz excimer laser. Visual and refractive changes as well as complications were evaluated after wavefront-optimized laser treatment. Four hundred and forty four patients (887 eyes) reached the 6-month time gate. Mean age at time of procedure was 31 years (range: 20-59). Mean pre-op spherical-equivalent (SE) was -3.44 diopters (D)±1.34D (range: -0.50 to -7.00) whilst the postoperative spherical equivalent decreased to -0.08±0.31D (range -2.25 to 1.00). At 6-month follow up, 96.9% of patients had monocular uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better with 95.2% of patients within ±0.5D of intended refractive outcome. All patients achieved 20/20 binocular distance uncorrected visual acuity. No significant intra-operative or postoperative complications were encountered during the 6-month follow-up period. The combination of the above laser platforms provides safe, effective and predictable results in correcting compound myopic astigmatism with excellent visual outcomes. Copyright © 2015 British Contact Lens Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Relative Proportion Of Different Types Of Refractive Errors In Subjects Seeking Laser Vision Correction

PubMed Central

Althomali, Talal A.

2018-01-01

Background: Refractive errors are a form of optical defect affecting more than 2.3 billion people worldwide. As refractive errors are a major contributor of mild to moderate vision impairment, assessment of their relative proportion would be helpful in the strategic planning of health programs. Purpose: To determine the pattern of the relative proportion of types of refractive errors among the adult candidates seeking laser assisted refractive correction in a private clinic setting in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The clinical charts of 687 patients (1374 eyes) with mean age 27.6 ± 7.5 years who desired laser vision correction and underwent a pre-LASIK work-up were reviewed retrospectively. Refractive errors were classified as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) was applied to define refractive errors. Outcome Measures: Distribution percentage of different types of refractive errors; myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Results: The mean spherical equivalent for 1374 eyes was -3.11 ± 2.88 D. Of the total 1374 eyes, 91.8% (n = 1262) eyes had myopia, 4.7% (n = 65) eyes had hyperopia and 3.4% (n = 47) had emmetropia with astigmatism. Distribution percentage of astigmatism (cylinder error of ≥ 0.50 D) was 78.5% (1078/1374 eyes); of which % 69.1% (994/1374) had low to moderate astigmatism and 9.4% (129/1374) had high astigmatism. Conclusion and Relevance: Of the adult candidates seeking laser refractive correction in a private setting in Saudi Arabia, myopia represented greatest burden with more than 90% myopic eyes, compared to hyperopia in nearly 5% eyes. Astigmatism was present in more than 78% eyes. PMID:29872484

Refractive errors and ocular biometry components in thalassemia major patients.

PubMed

Heydarian, Samira; Jafari, Reza; Karami, Hosein

2016-04-01

The aim of this study is to determine and compare biometric and refractive characteristics of thalassemia major patients and normal individuals. In this cross-sectional study, 54 thalassemia major patients were selected randomly as case group, and 54 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were regarded as control group. Refractive errors, corneal curvature and ocular components were measured by autokeratorefractometery and A-scan ultrasonography, respectively. Mean spherical equivalent was -0.0093 ± 0.86 D in thalassemia patients and -0.22 ± 1.33 D in the normal group. The prevalence of myopia, Hyperopia, and emmetropia among thalassemia patients was 16.7, 19.4, and 63.9 %, respectively. While in the control group, 26.9 % were myopic, 25 % were hyperopic, and 48.1 % were emmetropic. The prevalence of astigmatism in case group was 22.2 %, which was not significantly different from that in control group, (27.8 %, p = 0.346). Mean axial length in thalassemia patients was 22.89 ± 0.70 which was significantly lower than that in normal group (23.37 ± 0.91, p = 0.000). The flattest meridian of the cornea (R1) was significantly steeper in thalassemia patients (7.77 ± 0.24) in comparison to normal individuals (7.85 ± 0.28). Although thalassemic patients had significantly smaller axial length and vitreous chamber depth in comparison to normal group, which could be due to their abnormal physical growth, there was no significant difference between the mean of spherical equivalent among two groups. This can be due to their steeper corneal curvature that overcomes the refractive disadvantage of their shorter axial length.

Proportion of refractive errors in a Polish immigrant population in Chicago.

PubMed

Allison, Christine L

2010-08-01

This retrospective record review was conducted to investigate the proportion of patients with refractive error in a Polish immigrant population residing in an urban environment. Illinois has more than 1 million people of Polish descent as citizens, and Chicago is considered to have the second largest population of Polish descent in the world, outside of Warsaw, Poland. Six hundred seventy-five records (271 men/404 women) of Polish immigrants were reviewed from a practice with >92% Polish immigrants in the patient base. The patients ranged in age from 3 to 94 years. Refractive status for each eye, and the existence of any strabismus or amblyopia, was recorded. The proportion of myopia [spherical equivalent at least -0.75 diopter (D)] was found to be 35.1%, whereas the proportion of hyperopia (spherical equivalent > or =+0.75 D) was found to be 38.4%. Fifteen percent of the patients exhibited astigmatism > or =1.00 D. Amblyopia was present in 9% of the patients, whereas the prevalence of strabismus was found to be 3%, with 76% of the strabismics exhibiting esotropia. In the 0- to 18-year age range and the 19- to 45-year age range, the most common refractive error was low myopia (43.9 and 36.9%), whereas in the patients >45 years of age, it was low hyperopia (31.2%). Refractive error data are presented for a population base that has not been previously reported, although Polish Americans comprise 3% of the US population. Myopia is more common in young Polish patients than in the general US population. The strong hyperopic shift in older patients may either be normal aging or the product of increased near work in the young. The high rates of amblyopia call for more aggressive education and treatment.

The prevalence of refractive conditions in Puerto Rican adults attending an eye clinic system

PubMed Central

Rodriguez, Neisha M.; Romero, Angel. F.

2014-01-01

Purpose To determine the prevalence of refractive conditions in the adult population that visited primary care optometry clinics in Puerto Rico. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study of patients examined at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry Eye Institute Clinics between 2004 and 2010. Subjects considered had best corrected visual acuity by standardized subjective refraction of 20/40 or better. The refractive errors were classified by the spherical equivalent (SE): sphere+½ cylinder. Myopia was classified as a SE>−0.50 D, hyperopia as a SE>+0.50  D, and emmetropia as a SE between −0.50 and +0.50, both included. Astigmatism equal or higher than 0.25 D in minus cylinder form was used. Patients with documented history of cataract extraction (pseudophakia or aphakia), amblyopia, refractive surgery or other corneal/ocular surgery were excluded from the study. Results A total of 784 randomly selected subjects older than 40 years of age were selected. The estimated prevalence (95%, confidence interval) among all subjects was hyperopia 51.5% (48.0–55.0), emmetropia 33.8% (30.5–37.2), myopia 14.7% (12.1–17.2) and astigmatism 69.6% (68.8–73.3). Hyperopia was more common in females than males although the difference was not statistically significant. The mean spherical equivalent values was hyperopic until 70 y/o and decreased slightly as the population ages. Conclusion Hyperopia is the most common refractive error and its prevalence and seems to increase among the aging population who visited the clinics. Further programs and studies must be developed to address the refractive errors needs of the adult Puerto Rican population. PMID:25000872

Age-Specific Prevalence of Visual Impairment and Refractive Error in Children Aged 3-10 Years in Shanghai, China.

PubMed

Ma, Yingyan; Qu, Xiaomei; Zhu, Xiaofeng; Xu, Xun; Zhu, Jianfeng; Sankaridurg, Padmaja; Lin, Senlin; Lu, Lina; Zhao, Rong; Wang, Ling; Shi, Huijing; Tan, Hui; You, Xiaofang; Yuan, Hong; Sun, Sifei; Wang, Mingjin; He, Xiangui; Zou, Haidong; Congdon, Nathan

2016-11-01

We assessed changes in age-specific prevalence of refractive error at the time of starting school, by comparing preschool and school age cohorts in Shanghai, China. A cross-sectional study was done in Jiading District, Shanghai during November and December 2013. We randomly selected 7 kindergartens and 7 primary schools, with probability proportionate to size. Chinese children (n = 8398) aged 3 to 10 years were enumerated, and 8267 (98.4%) were included. Children underwent distance visual acuity assessment and refraction measurement by cycloplegic autorefraction and subjective refraction. The prevalence of uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), presenting visual acuity, and best-corrected visual acuity in the better eye of ≤20/40 was 19.8%, 15.5%, and 1.7%, respectively. Among those with UCVA ≤ 20/40, 93.2% could achieve visual acuity of ≥20/32 with refraction. Only 28.7% (n = 465) of children with UCVA in the better eye of ≤20/40 wore glasses. Prevalence of myopia (spherical equivalent ≤-0.5 diopters [D] in at least one eye) increased from 1.78% in 3-year-olds to 52.2% in 10-year-olds, while prevalence of hyperopia (spherical equivalent ≥+2.0 D) decreased from 17.8% among 3-year-olds to 2.6% by 10 years of age. After adjusting for age, attending elite "high-level" school was statistically associated with greater myopia prevalence. The prevalence of myopia was lower or comparable to that reported in other populations from age 3 to 5 years, but increased dramatically after 6 years, consistent with a strong environmental role of schooling on myopia development.

Comparison of self-refraction using a simple device, USee, with manifest refraction in adults

PubMed Central

Annadanam, Anvesh; Mudie, Lucy I.; Liu, Alice; Plum, William G.; White, J. Kevin; Collins, Megan E.; Friedman, David S.

2018-01-01

Background The USee device is a new self-refraction tool that allows users to determine their own refractive error. We evaluated the ease of use of USee in adults, and compared the refractive error correction achieved with USee to clinical manifest refraction. Methods Sixty adults with uncorrected visual acuity <20/30 and spherical equivalent between –6.00 and +6.00 diopters completed manifest refraction and self-refraction. Results Subjects had a mean (±SD) age of 53.1 (±18.6) years, and 27 (45.0%) were male. Mean (±SD) spherical equivalent measured by manifest refraction and self-refraction were –0.90 D (±2.53) and –1.22 diopters (±2.42), respectively (p = 0.001). The proportion of subjects correctable to ≥20/30 in the better eye was higher for manifest refraction (96.7%) than self-refraction (83.3%, p = 0.005). Failure to achieve visual acuity ≥20/30 with self-refraction in right eyes was associated with increasing age (per year, OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.00–1.10) and higher cylindrical power (per diopter, OR: 7.26; 95% CI: 1.88–28.1). Subjectively, 95% of participants thought USee was easy to use, 85% thought self-refraction correction was better than being uncorrected, 57% thought vision with self-refraction correction was similar to their current corrective lenses, and 53% rated their vision as “very good” or “excellent” with self-refraction. Conclusion Self-refraction provides acceptable refractive error correction in the majority of adults. Programs targeting resource-poor settings could potentially use USee to provide easy on-site refractive error correction. PMID:29390026