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Refraction-angle resolution of diffraction enhanced imaging.

As a new method, x-ray diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) has extremely high sensitivity for weakly absorbing low-Z samples in medical and biological fields. Conventional performance parameters, such as spatial resolution and low-contrast resolution, are not enough to describe the characteristics of a DEI system. This paper focuses on refraction-angle resolution which describes the ability of a DEI system to differentiate the x-rays refracted by the sample. The analysis of refraction-angle resolution is composed of two parts: the analysis of the single DEI image measured in a certain position of the rocking curve and the analysis of the refraction-angle image calculated by extraction methods. A 2D computer simulation experiment is performed to prove the results of the analyses. The limitations and conclusions of refraction-angle resolution are described in the end.

Algorithms↗

Reconstruction of the refractive index gradient by x-ray diffraction enhanced computed tomography.

The computed tomography technique cannot easily be extended to diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) because, while from DEI we may extract the refractive index gradient in one dimension, from the conventional CT reconstruction algorithm we may reconstruct only a scalar quantity. However, recently we showed that changing the direction of the scan axis, and collecting a set of data related to the three-dimensional distribution of the refractive index gradient of the sample, a CT image was obtained. The algorithm we used is based on the conventional CT algorithm but with a specific pre-processing of the projection data. The mathematical framework of the procedure and a simple CT experiment are presented and discussed.

Algorithms↗

Refractive index measurement for biomaterial samples by total internal reflection.

The refractive index of biological tissue is a fundamental parameter in applications of optical diagnosis and laser treatments. In the present work, the refractive indices and thermo-optic coefficients of some basic biomaterials, such as blood plasma, haemoglobin solution and lipid membrane, were studied by the method of total internal reflection at the wavelengths of 532 and 632.8 nm that are the most frequently used laser wavelengths in the biomedical field. The effects of the sample concentration and the temperature on refractive index were measured, and empirical relationships were summarized, accompanied by a theoretical explanation based on molecular polarization theory. The results provide some fundamental data for the refractive indices of these biomaterials under variant conditions, and also demonstrate that the total internal reflection method is a feasible and reliable way to measure the refractive indices of biological samples.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Diffuse optical tomography through solving a system of quadratic equations: theory and simulations.

This paper discusses the iterative solution of the nonlinear problem of optical tomography. In the established forward model-based iterative image reconstruction (MOBIIR) method a linear perturbation equation containing the first derivative of the forward operator is solved to obtain the update vector for the optical properties. In MOBIIR, the perturbation equation is updated by recomputing the first derivative after each update of the optical properties. In the method presented here a nonlinear perturbation equation, containing terms up to the second derivative, is used to iteratively solve for the optical property updates. Through this modification, reconstructions with reasonable contrast recovery and accuracy are obtained without the need for updating the perturbation equation and therefore eliminating the outer iteration of the usual MOBIIR algorithm. To improve the performance of the algorithm the outer iteration is reintroduced in which the perturbation equation is recomputed without re-estimating the derivatives and with only updated computed data. The system of quadratic equations is solved using either a modified conjugate gradient descent scheme or a two-step linearized predictor-corrector scheme. A quick method employing the adjoint of the forward operator is used to estimate the derivatives. By solving the nonlinear perturbation equation it is shown that the iterative scheme is able to recover large contrast variations in absorption coefficient with improved noise tolerance in data. This ability has not been possible so far with linear algorithms. This is demonstrated by presenting results of numerical simulations from objects with inhomogeneous inclusions in absorption coefficient with different contrasts and shapes.

Algorithms↗

Refractive indices of human skin tissues at eight wavelengths and estimated dispersion relations between 300 and 1600 nm.

The refractive index of human skin tissues is an important parameter in characterizing the optical response of the skin. We extended a previously developed method of coherent reflectance curve measurement to determine the in vitro values of the complex refractive indices of epidermal and dermal tissues from fresh human skin samples at eight wavelengths between 325 and 1557 nm. Based on these results, dispersion relations of the real refractive index have been obtained and compared in the same spectral region.

Adult↗

Refractive index of carcinogen-induced rat mammary tumours.

Near-infrared optical techniques for clinical breast cancer screening in humans are rapidly advancing. Based on the computational inversion of the photon diffusion process through the breast, these techniques rely on optical tissue models for accurate image reconstruction. Recent interest has surfaced regarding the effect of refractive index variations on these reconstructions. Although many data exist regarding the scattering and absorption properties of normal and diseased tissue, no measurements of refractive index appear in the literature. In this paper, we present near-infrared refractive index data acquired from N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced rat mammary tumours, which are similar in pathology and disease progression to human ductal carcinoma. Eight animals, including one control, were employed in this study, yielding data from 32 tumours as well as adjacent adipose and connective tissues.

Animals↗

Wavelength, frequency, and color: absolute or relative concepts?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study is to call attention to well-established concepts in optics, which, however, are not necessarily known by medical laser users but may be important for interpretation of some data. BACKGROUND DATA: In reviewing some aspects of the physical concepts of wavelength, frequency, photon energy, and color, it was possible to establish, beyond doubt, the right conditions to use these terms to classify specific laser radiations. This may help in the correct interpretation of some low-level laser therapy (LLLT) experimental results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to achieve our objective--maintaining the reader's interest--we use the simplest physical concepts and equations necessary for nonphysicists to understand this subject. RESULTS: The most important result pointed out through this study is the fact that the numerical value for wavelength, normally assigned to commercial lasers, should not be used to describe the light propagation inside the tissue. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of the relation among the magnitudes discussed in the present study and their effects, although it does not add much to the use of a laser merely as a cutting instrument, becomes of fundamental significance when used to determine the effects that depend on light propagation within biological tissue and that do not result only from absorption of light energy. This will certainly help in the understanding of phenomena whose causes are attributed to the electric and magnetic polarization of laser radiation, as seems to be the case observed in laser biostimulation.

Biophysical Phenomena↗

Biophysical methods for monitoring cell-substrate interactions in drug discovery.

Cell-substrate interactions are implicated in a number of relevant pathways for drug targets such as angiogenesis, arteriosclerosis, chronic inflammatory diseases, and carcinogenesis. Moreover, cell adhesion and cytoskeletal activity have served as valuable indicators for cytotoxicity, cell density, and cell morphology. This review focuses on impedance, capacitance, resonant frequency, and refractive index measurements for monitoring cell adhesion in real time and without the use of cell labeling. ECIS, QCM, and OWLS deliver information about the cell-substrate interactions, cell-cell contact, and the strength of cell adhesion. Because of high sensitivity of these assays, events down to the single cell level have been observed, and resolutions at the nanometer level of cell-substrate distances have been achieved. The physical principles, including assay sensitivity and selectivity, are discussed in the context of cellular pathways of cell adhesion and migration. With the miniaturization of these types of sensors, cell migration and adhesion measurements in combination with specific fluorescent assays might thus deliver a high-content platform for drug development.

Biophysics↗

Changes in eye growth produced by drugs which affect retinal ON or OFF responses to light.

The interaction between drugs which affect ON and OFF responses to light and ocular growth was investigated in 154 eyes of newly-hatched chicks raised with normal vision or monocular occlusion with regular intravitreal injections of APB (2-amino-4 phosphonobutyric acid) or PDA (cis 2,3-piperidine-dicarboxylic acid). The experimental results indicate that APB, at a dose sufficient to abolish the b-wave of the electroretinogram (but not to show extensive damage to the retinal neurons at the light microscopic level), caused a significant decrease in the axial growth of the eyes when compared with normal eyes. APB did not result in a significant difference in the growth rates of the occluded eyes compared with occluded controls. By contrast, injection of PDA into occluded eyes at a dose which reduced the response at light offset in the electroretinogram (and also affected the ON-response), caused a dramatic reduction in elongation of those eyes compared with occluded controls. Injection of PDA into eyes raised in a normal visual environment did not induce a significant difference from the growth rate of normally reared control eyes. These growth changes support the hypothesis that drugs which affect the physiological function of the retina, in particular, the strength of the ON and OFF responses, interact with the visual rearing environment to cause a consistent pattern of changes to eye growth and refractive error.

Aminobutyrates↗

Cajal bodies, nucleoli, and speckles in the Xenopus oocyte nucleus have a low-density, sponge-like structure.

Nuclear organelles, unlike many cytoplasmic organelles, lack investing membranes and are thus in direct contact with the surrounding nucleoplasm. Because the properties of the nucleoplasm and nuclear organelles influence the exchange of molecules from one compartment to another, it is important to understand their physical structure. We studied the density of the nucleoplasm and the density and permeability of nucleoli, Cajal bodies (CBs), and speckles in the Xenopus oocyte nucleus or germinal vesicle (GV). Refractive indices were measured by interferometry within intact GVs isolated in oil. The refractive indices were used to estimate protein concentrations for nucleoplasm (0.106 g/cm3), CBs (0.136 g/cm3), speckles (0.162 g/cm3), and the dense fibrillar region of nucleoli (0.215 g/cm3). We determined similar protein concentrations for nuclear organelles isolated in aqueous media, where they are no longer surrounded by nucleoplasm. To examine the permeability of nuclear organelles, we injected fluorescent dextrans of various molecular masses (3-2000 kDa) into the cytoplasm or directly into the GV and measured the extent to which they penetrated the organelles. Together, the interferometry and dextran penetration data show that organelles in the Xenopus GV have a low-density, sponge-like structure that provides access to macromolecules from the nucleoplasm.

Animals↗

Evaluation of ames Multistix-SG for urine specific gravity versus refractometer specific gravity.

A comparison of urine specific gravity by a commercially available multiple reagent strip (Multistix-SG; Ames Division, Miles Laboratory) versus refractometer specific gravity (TS Meter; American Optical Corporation) was performed on 214 routine urine specimens. Agreement to +/- 0.005 was found in 72% of the specimens (r = 0.80). Urine specific gravity by the Multistix-SG showed a significant positive bias at urine pHs less than or equal to 6.0 and a negative bias at urine pHs greater than 7.0 in comparison to refractometer specific gravity. At concentrated (specific gravity greater than or equal to 1.020) specific gravities, up to 25% of urine specimens were misclassified as not concentrated by Multistix-SG specific gravity in comparison to refractometer specific gravity. The additional cost of the specific gravity reagent to a multiple reagent test strip in addition to the poor performance relative to refractometer specific gravity leads to the conclusion that including this specific gravity methodology on a multiple reagent strip is neither cost effective nor clinically useful.

Humans↗

Effects of carrier gas composition on the output of six anaesthetic vaporizers.

The effect of carrier gas composition on the output of six anaesthetic vaporizers was studied using oxygen, nitrous oxide, helium and argon as the carrier gases. Vaporizer output was measured with an MGA 200 mass spectrometer and a Riken refractometer and, in addition, the pressure decrease across each vaporizer was determined simultaneously. A change in carrier gas composition produced both a transient and a steady state change in vaporizer output. The possible reasons for the changes in steady state output are discussed in relation to the construction of each vaporizer. The addition of nitrous oxide to the carrier gas produced changes of clinical significance only when the vaporizers were used at extreme dial settings and flow rates.

Anesthesia, Inhalation↗

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of glycogen in sea urchin gonads with refractive index detection.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method using refractive index detection for the determination of glycogen in sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) gonads is developed. After alkaline digestion with sodium carbonate, samples are adjusted to pH 4.6 with citric acid and incubated with amyloglucosidase to hydrolyze the glycogen. The resulting glucose is determined using a Spherisorb NH2 column as the stationary phase and an acetonitrile-water mixture (80:20, v/v) as the mobile phase. The relative standard deviation (%) was 3.57, the limit of detection was 40.1 microg/mL, and the recovery percentage was 97.2%.

Animals↗

Determination of carboxylic acids, carbohydrates, glycerol, ethanol, and 5-HMF in beer by high-performance liquid chromatography and UV-refractive index double detection.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method is proposed for the simultaneous separation of main carboxylic acids, carbohydrates, ethanol, glycerol, and 5-HMF in beer by direct injection. A column packed with a sulfonated divinyl benzene-styrene copolymer and an isocratic elution with 0.0045N sulfuric acid and acetonitrile (6%, v/v) are employed. UV and refractive index detectors connected in series are also used to reduce the matrix interference of phenolic compounds. In conditions described, nine compounds are quantitated in a single chromatographic run without any pretreatment except for sample dilution and filtration before injection. Precision, accuracy, linearity of response, limit of detection, and limit of quantitation are also evaluated for each compound. Satisfactory results are obtained to justify the application of this method to all phases of beer production for process and quality control.

Beer↗

Influence of elution conditions on HPLC retention index values of selected acidic and basic drugs measured in the 1-nitroalkane scale.

The retention indices (RI) of 62 acidic, neutral, and basic drugs were determined by HPLC under isocratic conditions (20, 40, and 60% acetonitrile-phosphate buffer, pH 3.2, containing 0.05% nonylamine) and with gradient elution (5-70% acetonitrile-phosphate buffer pH 3.2, containing 0.05% nonylamine). The RI values of acidic drugs and earlier-eluting basic drugs decreased distinctly with increasing concentrations of acetonitrile. For the later-eluting basic drugs, the opposite trend was observed. The RI data obtained with different isocratic conditions and with gradient elution were not transferable. The study shows the importance of careful standardization of elution conditions for interlaboratory comparison.

Acetonitriles↗

Reflectance of Alaskan black spruce and white spruce foliage in relation to elevation and latitude.

Leaf reflectance at visible and near-infrared wavelengths (400-1000 nm) is related primarily to pigmentation, leaf structure and water content, and is an important tool for studying stress physiology and relationships between plants and their growth environment. We studied reflectance of two co-occurring Alaskan conifers, black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) and white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss), at elevations from 60 to 930 m a.s.l. along a latitudinal gradient from 61 degrees to 68 degrees N. Black spruce samples were collected from 24 sites and white spruce from 30 sites. Overall, reflectance spectra of the two species were similar, but from 400 to 700 nm, needle reflectance was consistently higher in black spruce than in white spruce (all P <or= 0.05). This difference is probably related to differences in epicuticular wax morphology or amount, and may represent a photoprotective mechanism in black spruce. Reflectance at visible wavelengths generally increased with elevation and latitude in both species, consistent with a general stress response. However, in a multiple regression, latitude and elevation explained only 25-45% of the total variation in the indices studied. Reflectance indices suggested that needle yellowness increased, whereas chlorophyll content and photochemical efficiency decreased with both elevation and latitude. These trends were consistent between species, but white spruce generally showed a much smaller (and insignificant) reflectance response to latitude compared with black spruce. Differences between species could be related to black spruce's ability to colonize more stressful sites and white spruce's greater competitiveness on less stressful sites, coupled with the effects of drainage and microtopography (which may vary less predictably with latitude than elevation) on species distribution. The black spruce results suggest that a 1000-m increase in elevation is roughly comparable with a 6 degrees increase in latitude.

Altitude↗

Termination of gonadal refractoriness in Turkish hamsters, Mesocricetus brandti.

The Turkish hamster (Mesocricetus brandti) is a photoperiodic species. In this investigation, we characterized the photoperiodic requirements for termination of gonadal refractoriness, defined as the inability of the animal to respond to short-day treatment with gonadal regression. Paired testes weights were reduced to less than 20% of their original weight by 10 wk of 12L:12D treatment. This was followed by spontaneous testicular recrudescence (completed by Week 25 of 12L:12D treatment), the overt indication of refractoriness to short photoperiods. Next, the period of long-day exposure sufficient for termination of refractoriness was determined. Refractory males were exposed to 16L:8D for 5 to 20 wk. Ten weeks of 16L:8D treatment was enough for the animals to regain the sensitivity to a second challenge of 12L:12D treatment. Fifteen weeks of 20L:4D or 16L:8D terminated refractoriness in female Turkish hamsters; 20L:4D therefore was not interpreted as a short day by refractory hamsters. This was unexpected because in photosensitive animals this photoperiod acts like a short day, causing gonadal regression. These results suggest that Turkish hamsters are similar to Syrian hamsters in that both species require two or more months of long days in summer to recover sensitivity to the short days of the following fall.

Activity Cycles↗