The use of associated particle timing based on the D + D reaction for elemental analysis of bulk samples such as the human body

Oxidative stress-induced calreticulin expression and translocation: new insights into the destruction of melanocytes

Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to melanocyte apoptosis and the development of cutaneous diseases or disorders via autoimmunity. However, the mechanisms and interrelationships between ROS and autoimmunity are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of calreticulin (CRT) in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced apoptosis in melanocytes. Total CRT levels increased in a time-dependent manner in human immortalized normal and vitiligo melanocytes exposed to H2O2-induced oxidative stress, and surface levels of CRT were increased. Moreover, CRT overexpression increased H2O2-induced apoptosis, whereas knockdown showed the opposite results. Furthermore, CRT-treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or stressed melanocytes expressed higher levels of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) than untreated cells (P<0.05); this effect was inhibited with CRT knockdown. In an in vivo model, CRT levels were positively correlated with lesion area (R=0.7582, P<0.0001) and duration of vitiligo in patients (P<0.001). ELISA analyses revealed that CRT expression was higher in vitiligo patients as compared with healthy subjects (P<0.05). These data demonstrate that CRT exposure via H2O2-induced oxidative stress plays a significant role in melanocyte apoptosis and suggest a relationship between apoptosis and immune reactions during melanocyte destruction.

The use of associated particle timing based on the D + D reaction for imaging a solid object

Associated particle timing based on the D + D reaction has been applied for imaging a bulk sample, namely an aluminium box. The relatively low neutron energy, 2.8 MeV, allows a better spatial resolution from time-of-flight measurements. A combination of a Si detector for charged particles and an NaI(Tl) scintillator for inelastic-scatter gamma rays yielded an overall time resolution of 0.4 ns, giving a spatial resolution of better than 1 cm. A new reconstruction program was developed, yielding an image free from major artefacts.

The elemental analysis of the human body using associated particle timing based on the D + D reaction

Fast (approximately 2.8 MeV) neutrons are generated in the 2H(d,n)3He reaction, and are used for excitation of sample materials via inelastic scattering. Nanosecond timing identifies the spatial origin of the measured gamma radiation, making possible three-dimensional imaging and improved detection sensitivity. Several elements have been measured, and it is estimated that a clinical device, with equivalent dose of 10 mSv, will be capable of detecting the order of 10-100 mg.

Prospects of imaging by associated particle timing with D + D and D + T neutrons

The optimum parameters and limits are predicted for the performance of an associated particle imaging system on the basis of recently completed projects studying the use of timing with neutrons for elemental analysis of bulk samples such as the human body or traveling trunks.