Three-dimensional photon counting integral imaging using moving array lens technique

In this Letter, we present three-dimensional (3D) photon counting integral imaging using the moving array-lens technique (MALT) to improve the visualization of a reconstructed 3D scene. In 3D scene reconstruction of photon counting integral imaging, various techniques such as maximum likelihood estimation may be used. However, the visual quality depends on the number of scene photons or detector pixels activated by photons. We show that MALT may improve the viewing resolution of integral imaging for reconstructed 3D scene under photon-starved conditions.

3D passive photon counting automatic target recognition using advanced correlation filters

In this Letter, we present results for detecting and recognizing 3D objects in photon counting images using integral imaging with maximum average correlation height filters. We show that even under photon starved conditions objects may be automatically recognized in passively sensed 3D images using advanced correlation filters. We show that the proposed filter synthesized with ideal training images can detect and recognize a 3D object in photon counting images, even in the presence of occlusions and obscuration.

Effect of filler geometry on coefficient of thermal expansion in carbon nanofiber reinforced epoxy composites

This study involves the investigation of the geometry effect of nano-fillers on thermally induced dimensional stability of epoxy composites by experimentally evaluating the linear coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Carbon nanofibers (CNF) were chosen as the filler in epoxy matrix to investigate the effect of an aspect ratio on the CTE of the nanocomposites at three different volume fractions of 0.5, 1, and 2% of the nano-filler. The composites were fabricated using a mechanical mixing method. The CTE values were evaluated by measuring thermal strains of the composites and also compared with a micromechanics model. It was observed that the composites with short CNF (average L/d = 10) show better thermal stability than one of the composites with long CNF (average L/d = 70), and the thermal stability of the composites was proportional to the volume fraction of the filler in each composite. In addition, the CTE of mutliwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) reinforced epoxy composites was evaluated and compared with the CTE of the CNF reinforced composites. Interestingly, the MWNT reinforced composites show the greatest thermal stability with an 11.5% reduction in the CTE over the pure epoxy. The experimental data was compared with micromechanics model.

Information authentication using photon-counting double-random-phase encrypted images

Photon-counting imaging is integrated with optical encryption for information authentication. An image is double-random-phase encrypted, and a photon-limited encrypted image is obtained. The photon-counting encrypted image is generated with few photons and appears sparse; however, we show that it has sufficient information for decryption and authentication. The decrypted image cannot be easily visualized so that an additional layer of information protection is achieved. The authentication is carried out by recognition algorithms. This approach may make the verification process more robust against attacks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on integrating photon-counting imaging and encryption for authentication.

Expression and localization of MCsialec, a sialic acid-specific lectin in the marine bivalve Manila clam, Ruditapes philppinarum

A novel sialic acid-specific lectin (MCsialec) was detected from an expressed sequenced tag (EST) sequence from Manila clam haemocytes infected with Perkinsus olseni. The cDNA of the lectin was cloned using gene-specific primers based on a previously determined EST and characterized. The full-length cDNA of MCsialec is 603 bp in length and encodes a polypeptide of 200 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 21.928 kDa. Sequence alignment and protein motif analyses showed that MCsialec shares identity with sialic acid-specific invertebrate lectins from Cepaea hortensis, Helix pomatia and Haliotis discus discus. The lectin was expressed in Escherichia coli M15 cells and purified using a Ni-NTA His-binding resin matrix for antibody production. The presence of the lectin in various tissues of Perkinsus-infected and uninfected Manila clams was analysed by both PCR and immunohistochemical localization assays. MCsialec was detected in each tissue of the clams; however, upon infection, the level of expression of the lectin increased in each tissue. Vibrio tapetis infection also induced high-level expression of MCsialec in the haemocytes. These data suggest that MCsialec plays a crucial role in the immune system of the Manila clam during pathogenic infection.

Three-dimensional optical microscopy using axially distributed image sensing

We propose three-dimensional (3D) optical microscopy using axially distributed image sensing. In the proposed method, the micro-objects are optically magnified and their axially distributed images are recorded by moving the image sensor along a common optical axis. The 3D volumetric images are generated from the recorded axial image set using a computational reconstruction algorithm based on ray backprojection. Preliminary experimental results are presented. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on 3D optical microscopy using axially distributed sensing.

Three-dimensional photon counting integral imaging using Bayesian estimation

We propose a new estimation method for 3D object reconstruction using photon-counting integral imaging. Earlier studies used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) as a classical statistical method to reconstruct 3D images from photon-counting elemental images. We use an alternative statistical method known as the Bayesian method, which is more flexible and may perform better than MLE in terms of the mean square error (MSE) metric. The performance of the new reconstruction method is illustrated and compared with MLE by using the MSE. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to use the Bayesian method for 3D reconstruction of photon-counting integral imaging.

The effect of mosapride (5HT-4 receptor agonist) on insulin sensitivity and GLUT4 translocation

AIMS

We investigated the effect of mosapride, 5HT-4 (5-hydroxytryptamine) agonist, on blood glucose level and insulin sensitivity in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and conducted an in vitro study to evaluate the action mechanism.

METHODS

Thirty IGT patients were randomly assigned to receive either mosapride or placebo for 2 weeks. Biochemical profiles and insulin sensitivity index from euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp test were assessed before and after treatment. In cultured myotubes from human skeletal muscle cells, insulin- and mosapride-induced GLUT4 translocation and tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 were determined.

RESULTS

After 2 weeks of treatment with mosapride, glucose disposal rates were significantly increased up to those of control (mosapride 5.47+/-1.72 vs 7.06+/-2.13, P=0.004, placebo 5.42+/-1.85 vs 5.23+/-1.53mgkg(-1)min(-1)). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and insulin levels were decreased. Mosapride increased the contents of GLUT4 in plasma membrane representing the increased recruitment of glucose transporters from intracellular pool. While insulin treatment on human skeletal muscle cell resulted in an increased tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1, mosapride did not have any effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Mosapride is effective in decreasing FPG without stimulating insulin secretion in IGT subjects, possibly by inducing GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscles.

The effect of rosiglitazone on insulin sensitivity and mid-thigh low-density muscle in patients with Type 2 diabetes

AIMS

We examined the effect of rosiglitazone on insulin sensitivity, abdominal fat and mid-thigh intramuscular fat distribution, and plasma concentrations of adipocytokines in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Rosiglitazone was administered at a daily dose of 4 mg to 42 Type 2 diabetes patients [age 32-70 years, body mass index (BMI) 17.5-32.6 kg/m(2), 15 women, 27 men] for 12 weeks. Various anthropometric and metabolic profiles, plasma adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels were measured, and insulin resistance was calculated from the short insulin tolerance test. Body fat composition was assessed by computed tomography.

RESULTS

Twelve weeks' rosiglitazone treatment resulted in improved insulin resistance despite increases in body weight and BMI. There was a significant decrease in abdominal visceral adipose tissue area (145 +/- 65.6 vs. 129 +/- 73.1 cm(2), P = 0.049). Mid-thigh low-density muscle area (TLDMA) increased from 23 +/- 9.6 to 26 +/- 8.2 cm(2) (P = 0.009). There were significant changes in plasma adipocytokines, but they were not significantly correlated with changes in insulin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Rosiglitazone treatment resulted in an improvement of insulin responsiveness in Type 2 diabetic subjects, which was associated with the redistribution of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue, an increase in TLDMA, and changes in serum adipocytokine levels. Further studies are needed to elucidate the insulin sensitizing mechanism of rosiglitazone on peripheral skeletal muscles.

A longitudinal evaluation of oral mucositis in patients receiving radiation therapy (IMRT) with/without chemotherapy (CTX)

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Background: Oral mucositis is a major side effect of RT ± CTX to the head and neck. A variety of instruments and techniques have been used to quantify oral cavity changes during treatment. Few studies have reported on the evaluation of oral mucositis using both subjective and objective methods. A secondary aim in our study testing an innovative mouthwash is to increase our understanding of using subjective and objective methods for measuring oral mucositis, functional status, and weight changes over time. Methods: Patients reported functional status, pain and investigators measured oral mucositis and weight at four times (beginning of RT [T1], onset of mucositis [T2], end of RT [T3], and healing of mucositis [T4]) over a 10 - 15 week period, using the Karnofsky Performance Status [KPS]) and the Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale (OMAS). The OMAS measures researcher-evaluated ulceration/pseudomembrane formation and erythema in specific sites in the mouth, and self-report by patients, rating severity of mouth pain, ability to swallow and chew. Results: Of 51 head and neck cancer patients enrolled, 3 never developed mucositis. Mean days to onset of mucositis was 15.58 (SD 6.85), and mean days to healing of mucositis was 77.86 (SD 40.1). Mucositis pain scores (possible range 0–45) were moderate at T2 (x=6.25, SD 3.5) and T3 (x=12, SD 5.0). Subjective pain, chewing, and swallowing scores were positively correlated with each other (r= .31 - .73, p<.05) and objective oral mucositis scores were positively correlated with each other (r= .49 - .77, p<.01), however, no significant correlations were obtained between the subjective and objective scores. In both the RT-only group as well as the RT+CTX group, weight significantly decreased from T1 to T4, and KPS significantly decreased from T1 to T3. RT+CTX patients showed lower KPS and greater weight loss from T1 to T4 (X=10lbs) compared to the RT-only group (X=3 lbs), but neither was significantly different. Conclusions: During RT+CTX, patients need more supportive care to maintain functional status and avoid weight loss. Lack of correlations between the subjective and objective scores is interesting in that they are measuring something quite different, which may provide some insight into underlying mechanisms.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Three-dimensional tracking of occluded objects using integral imaging

We present experiments to illustrate tracking of occluded objects using three-dimensional (3D) integral imaging (II). Tracking of heavily occluded objects by conventional two-dimensional (2D) image processing may be difficult owing to the superposition of occlusion noise and object details. The effects of occlusion are remedied by 3D computational II reconstruction. We use a summation of absolute difference (SAD) algorithm between pixels of consecutive frames of a moving object for 3D tracking. SAD algorithm is not robust for 2D images of occluded objects; 3D computation reconstruction of the scene allows implementation of a SAD algorithm by reducing occlusion effects. Experimental results demonstrate 3D tracking of occluded objects. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on 3D tracking of objects using II.

Formulation and process parameters affecting protein encapsulation into PLGA microspheres during ethyl acetate-based microencapsulation process

The objective of this study was to investigate formulation and process parameters affecting protein encapsulation into PLGA microspheres during an ethyl acetate-based double emulsion microencapsulation process. Lysozyme was used as a model protein throughout this study. An aqueous lysozyme solution was emulsified in ethyl acetate containing 0.6 approximately 1.2 g PLGA75 : 25. The primary emulsion was then transferred quickly to an aqueous phase to make a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion. Ethyl acetate quenching was performed on the double emulsion stirred for 5, 15, 30 or 45 min. The resultant microspheres were further hardened, collected and dried overnight under vacuum. The bicinchoninic acid assay was carried out to determine the quantity of lysozyme present in the aqueous continuous phase and inside the microspheres. While the primary emulsion was stirred without quenching, lysozyme in the inner water phase continued diffusing across the ethyl acetate phase into the aqueous continuous phase. Emulsion droplets were also broken into smaller ones with ongoing stirring; this event also contributed to lysozyme leaking out of the inner water phase. The amount of lysozyme leaching to the aqueous continuous phase ranged from 4.79 +/- 2.1 to 51.9 +/- 5.3% under the experimental condition. Ethyl acetate quenching stopped the primary emulsion droplets from being fragmented into smaller ones and caused PLA75 : 25 precipitation to form microspheres. As a result, the rate of ethyl acetate removal influenced lysozyme encapsulation efficiency, as well as microsphere size. Depending on the timing of ethyl acetate quenching, lysozyme encapsulation efficiencies were found to be 9.89 +/- 4.53 approximately 75.82 +/- 6.55%. Optimization of the onset of ethyl acetate quenching and formulations could permit attainment of a desirable protein encapsulation efficiency.

Measurement of OH radical CT for inactivating Cryptosporidium parvum using photo/ferrioxalate and photo/TiO2 systems

AIM

This study investigates the inactivation of Cryptosporidium parvum using the OH radical and reports the OH radical CT (OH radical concentration x contact time) values for C. parvum inactivation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Although a wealth of information has demonstrated the efficacy of the microbial inactivation activity of the OH radical, no studies have performed a quantitative estimation of the OH radical for C. parvum inactivation. The CT value of the OH radical required for 2 log C. parvum inactivation was measured with two OH radical-generating systems, photo/ferrioxalate and photo/TiO2. The OH radical was approx. 10(4)-10(7)-fold more effective for microbial inactivation than other popular chemical disinfectants such as ozone, chlorine dioxide and free chlorine.

CONCLUSIONS

The OH radical appears to be suitable for microbial inactivation with a calculated CT value required for 2 log C. parvum inactivation of 9.3 x 10(-5) mg min l(-1).

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study is the first report of an investigation on the role of the OH radical in the photo/ferrioxalate and photo/TiO2 systems and on the OH radical CT required for C. parvum inactivation.

Highly birefringent terahertz polarization maintaining plastic photonic crystal fibers

Guided-wave propagation of sub-ps terahertz (THz) pulses in a highly birefringent plastic photonic crystal fiber was studied by using a THz time domain spectroscopy technique. The plastic photonic crystal fiber was fabricated by using high density polyethylene tubes and solid filaments. The fabricated THz plastic photonic crystal fibers exhibit an extremely large birefringence of ~ 2.1 x 10(-2), which is almost one order of magnitude larger than that of previously reported photonic crystal fibers.

In dementia with Lewy bodies, Braak stage determines phenotype, not Lewy body distribution

We used an autopsy series to determine whether the newest dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) consensus pathologic classification correlates with premortem diagnosis of DLB. Neocortical sections from a total of 95 cases with Lewy bodies were stained with alpha-synuclein antibodies. We assigned cases according to the DLB consensus' categories and found a significant association with the premortem clinical diagnosis of DLB. Clinical diagnosis of DLB, however, depended on the presence of low Alzheimer disease pathology (by Braak staging) rather than on Lewy body distribution.

Content-Adaptive Finite Element Mesh Generation of 3-D Complex MR Volumes for Bioelectromagnetic Problems

In studying bioelectromagnetic problems, finite element method offers several advantages over other conventional methods such as boundary element method. It allows truly volumetric analysis and incorporation of material properties such as anisotropy. Mesh generation is the first requirement in the finite element analysis and there are many different approaches in mesh generation. However conventional approaches offered by commercial packages and various algorithms do not generate content-adaptive meshes, resulting in numerous elements in the smaller volume regions, thereby increasing computational load and demand. In this work, we present an improved content-adaptive mesh generation scheme that is efficient and fast along with options to change the contents of meshes. For demonstration, mesh models of the head from a volume MRI are presented in 2-D and 3-D.

Quantitative evaluation and application of Cryptosporidium parvum inactivation with ozone treatment

Despite a wealth of studies concerning the factors affecting the inactivation of Cryptosporidium parvum on ozone disinfection, practical approaches for predicting the inactivation level on ozone treatment system and determining the required ozone dose or contact time to achieve the required inactivation level remain unclear. When modified version of the "Delayed Chick-Watson model" was applied, the results show that Cryptosporidium parvum inactivation was well fitted with one unique line as "CTlag" and "inactivation slope" for several water parameters and water types. Thus, this study suggests quantitative methodology for predicting the Cryptosporidium parvum inactivation level with observation for the contact time of ozone and Cryptosporidium parvum and ozone residual.

Prognostic significance of CD44s expression in bile duct carcinomas

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Background: CD44 is a surface glycoprotein and has a key role for surface hyaluronan receptor, which is associated with adhesion and metastasis in many solid tumors. There are CD44 standard isoform (CD44s) and ten variant isoforms (CD44v1–10). CD44s and CD44 variant 6 (CD44v6) were evaluated to clarify the applicable prognostic factor in patients with bile duct carcinomas. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in bile duct carcinomas. Immunohistochemical stain was done with primary antibodies for CD44 (Novocastra, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK) and CD44v6 (Novocastra) using automated machine (Vision Biosystems, Mount Waverley, VIC, Australia) and bond polymer detection system with counterstain (Vision Biosystems) in paraffin embedded tissues. The extent of staining categorized as 0% (none), <10% (weak), 10%-50% (moderate), and >50% (strong). Clinical characteristics including age, sex, stage, grade and overall survival were reviewed. Results: Ninety six patients (M:F=35:61) were evaluated and the median age of these patients was 64 years old (37∼86). The rate of overexpression (>10%) of CD44s was 50% and the rate of CD44v6 expression was 16.9%. With median 34.2 months of follow up, the overall survival of total 96 patients was 12.2 months. The Cox proportional hazards test identified CD44s overexpression. (HR:2.379, 95% CI:1.195–4.736, p=0.014) and the stage as prognostic factors. But the expression of CD44v6 (weak vs. moderate to strong, HR:3.983, 95%CI:0.295–1.588, p=0.377) showed no prognostic significance on overall survival. Conclusion: CD44s overexpression can be a poor prognostic marker in bile duct carcinomas. And there is a potential to apply postoperative investigational or aggressive therapy in this poor prognostic group.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.