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CCD Camera (ccd + camera)
Selected AbstractsCTK: A new CCD Camera at the University Observatory Jena,ASTRONOMISCHE NACHRICHTEN, Issue 5 2009M. Mugrauer Abstract The Cassegrain-Teleskop-Kamera (CTK) is a new CCD imager which is operated at the University Observatory Jena since begin of 2006. This article describes the main characteristics of the new camera. The properties of the CCD detector, the CTK image quality, as well as its detection limits for all filters are presented (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] 3D In-Vivo Optical Skin Imaging for Topographical Quantitative Assessment of Non-Ablative Laser TechnologyDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 3 2002Paul M. Friedman MD background. A new method for treating facial rhytides and acne scars with nonablative laser and light source techniques has recently been introduced. Given the inherent limitations of photographic and clinical evaluation to assess subtle changes in rhytides and surface topography, a new noninvasive objective assessment is required to accurately assess the outcomes of these procedures. objective. The purpose of this study was to measure and objectively quantify facial skin using a novel, noninvasive, In-vivo method for assessing three-dimensional topography. This device was used to quantify the efficacy of five treatment sessions with the 1064 nm QS Nd:YAG laser for rhytides and acne scarring, for up to six months following laser treatment. methods. Two subjects undergoing facial rejuvenation procedures were analyzed before and after therapy using a 30-mm, three-dimensional microtopography imaging system (PRIMOS, GFM, Teltow, Germany). The imaging system projects light on to a specific surface of the skin using a Digital Micromirror Device (DMDÔ Texas Instruments, Irving, TX) and records the image with a CCD camera. Skin Surface microtopography is reconstructed using temporal phase shift algorithms to generate three-dimensional images. Measurements were taken at baseline, at various times during the treatment protocol, and then at three and six-month follow-up visits. Silicone skin replicas (FLEXICO, Herts, England) were also made before and after the laser treatment protocol for comparison to In-vivo acquisition. results. Skin roughness decreased by 11% from baseline after three treatment sessions in the wrinkles subject, while a 26% improvement of skin roughness was recorded by 3D In-vivo assessment six months following the fifth treatment session. The subject with acne scarring demonstrated a 33% decrease in roughness analysis after three treatment sessions by 3D In-vivo assessment. A 61% improvement in surface topography was recorded 3-months following the fifth treatment session, which was maintained at the 6-month follow-up. conclusion. Three-dimensional In-vivo optical skin imaging provided a rapid and quantitative assessment of surface topography and facial fine lines following multiple treatment sessions with a 1064-nm QS Nd:YAG laser, correlating with clinical and subjective responses. This imaging technique provided objective verification and technical understanding of nonablative laser technology. Wrinkle depth and skin roughness decreased at the three and six-month follow-up evaluations by 3D In-vivo assessment, indicating ongoing dermal collagen remodeling after the laser treatment protocol. Future applications may include comparison of nonablative laser technology, optimization of treatment regimens, and objective evaluation of other aesthetic procedures performed by dermatologists. [source] Characteristics of N2/SF6 mixture gas in creeping discharge developing in narrow gap with backside electrodeELECTRICAL ENGINEERING IN JAPAN, Issue 2 2007Tomoyuki Hirata Abstract The flashover voltage with a backside electrode was found to be lower than that without the backside electrode. Under microsecond pulse voltage application, we describe the characteristics of a creeping discharge developed in the narrow gap with the backside electrode. Using a CCD camera and ultrahigh-speed camera, we observed the corona extension processes. The lowest flashover voltage was found to be obtained at positive polarity with a SF6 content D = 3%. In the corona extension obtained using an ultrahigh-speed camera, peculiar differences were observed in the corona extension process. The corona extension increased, and rapid flashover was observed at D = 3%. Using a CCD camera, small coronas were detected from the backside electrode. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 158(2): 31,38, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20431 [source] Influence of needle tip distance on barrier discharge and ozone generation for multiple needle-and-plane electrode configurationELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATIONS IN JAPAN, Issue 7 2010Hideki Ueno Abstract The relationship between the barrier discharge characteristics and ozone generation on application of an AC voltage in a triple needle-plane configuration has been investigated for various distances among the triple needle tips (d=0 to 7.0 mm) with a constant distance between the needle tip and the plane (g=3.0 mm) in dry air. The characteristics of the barrier discharge and ozone generation depend on the needle tip distance. It is considered that the influence is caused by the presence of space charge and accumulated charge, as suggested by discharge images taken by a still camera and a CCD camera. The ozone generation efficiency is also estimated from the power consumption and the ozone concentration. It is found that when the distance among the triple needle tips is small, the above influence is strengthened. In this case, the ozone generation efficiency is improved. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(7): 32,41, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10289 [source] A simple light-emitted diode-induced fluorescence detector using optical fibers and a charged coupled device for direct and indirect capillary electrophoresis methodsELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 9 2006David Arráez-Román Abstract We constructed a simple fluorescence detector for both direct and indirect CE methods using a blue light-emitted diode (470,nm) as excitation source, a bifurcated optical fiber as a waveguide, and a CCD camera as a detector. The connection of all the components is fairly easy even for nonexperts and the use of a CCD camera improves the applicability of this detector compared to the others using PMTs because it permits the recording of 2-D electropherograms or phosphorescence measurements. This detector provides a compact, low cost, and rapid system for the determination of native fluorescence compounds which have high quantum yields by CE with direct fluorescence detection, showing an LOD of 2.6×10,6,M for fluorescein; the determination of fluorescence derivative compounds by CE with direct fluorescence detection, showing an LOD of 1.6×10,7,M for FITC-labeled 1,6-diaminohexane; and nonfluorescence compounds by CE with indirect fluorescence detection with an LOD of 2.7×10,6,M for gallic acid. [source] Crack closure on rehydration of glass-ionomer materialsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 5 2004Sharanbir K. Sidhu Moisture-sensitivity of immature glass-ionomer cements suggests that hydration-induced volumetric expansion might close and potentially heal established cracks. Crack closure in glass-ionomer cements (GICs) was observed following rehydration. Circular cavities were prepared in 15 teeth: 10 were restored with resin-modified GICs (5 with Fuji II LC and 5 with Photac-Fil) and 5 were restored with a conventional GIC (Fuji IX); all were dehydrated for 1 min with air and imaged immediately by confocal microscopy. Crack formation in each was located, after which water was placed on the surface and observed for 15 min via a CCD camera. Dehydration caused cracks with measurable gaps, while rehydration resulted in varying degrees of closure: closure was limited in the conventional GIC, and complete or near complete along part/s of the crack in the resin-modified GICs. In all, closure movement became imperceptible after the first 10 min. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference between the closure behavior of all materials. However, the resin-modified GICs appeared to show a greater potential for closure of established cracks than the conventional GIC upon rehydration. [source] Optical Measurements of Platinum Based Electrocatalysts for the Electrooxidation of Methanol,FUEL CELLS, Issue 1-2 2003K. Gruber Abstract In a combinatorial electrochemistry experiment quinine was used as a pH sensitive fluorescing indicator to detect the catalytic activity of methanol oxidation catalysts. During electrochemical experiments the surface of the electrode array was monitored with a CCD camera. The dependence of the intensity of the fluorescence on the applied potential was used as an analytical tool; to investigate the electrochemical performance of Pt based electrocatalysts, for the electrooxidation of methanol, in both short and long term tests. [source] An experimental investigation on spreading of droplets with evaporation and nucleationHEAT TRANSFER - ASIAN RESEARCH (FORMERLY HEAT TRANSFER-JAPANESE RESEARCH), Issue 1 2009Gui Lu Abstract An experimental investigation was conducted to visually observe the dynamic characteristics of water droplets with evaporation and nucleation on stainless steel and polished silicon surfaces. The water droplet diameter, contact area, and spreading speed were measured using a high-speed CCD camera at surface temperatures ranging from 110°C to 190°C, and a model was proposed to describe the dynamic behavior of droplet spreading. The spreading of water droplets under evaporation and nucleate boiling is highly dependent on the dynamic bubble behavior in the droplets, particularly bubble volume, bubble interaction, as well as the surface properties and temperature. Water droplets were easiest to spread at the surface temperature of 130 °C, and the spreading tendency increased with increasing surface coarseness. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20231 [source] Intracanal temperature rise evaluation during the usage of the System B: replication of intracanal anatomyINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 4 2005J. C. Villegas Abstract Aim To evaluate and determine intracanal temperature rises at 2 and 4 mm from the working length (WL) necessary to obtain proper replication of intracanal anatomy with gutta-percha (GP) using the System B heat source during vertical condensation. Methodology A split-tooth model was prepared and artificial shallow depressions were cut in the buccal canal wall 2 and 4 mm from the WL. At the same level on the palatal wall holes were drilled to adapt two thermocouples. The canal was filled using GP in a vertical condensation technique by placing the System B plugger at 2 and 4 mm from the WL in groups A and B, respectively. Two control groups in which no GP was used were carried out placing the plugger 2 and 4 mm from the WL (groups A.c and B.c, respectively) and activating the heat source. Recording of temperature rise was carried out during the filling procedure for groups A and B and during activation for control groups A.c and B.c; the highest temperatures were recorded. After each filling was completed, 3 min were allowed for the GP to cool and the model divided to reveal the filling. Images of the GP were taken with a CCD camera to evaluate the presence of replication of artificial round depressions. In control groups, the temperature was recorded for 20 s after a 3 s activation of the heat source. The rise in temperature was compared between the groups individually at each level (2 or 4 mm) and statistically analysed using one-way anova and Fisher PLSD tests at 5% of significance level (P < 0.05). Results Mean temperature rises of 14 ± 3 and 12 ± 2 °C at 2 and 4 mm from the WL, respectively, were observed in group A fillings, and 4 ± 1 and 6 ± 1 °C at 2 and 4 mm, respectively, in group B fillings. Recordings at 2 mm showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher temperature rises with group A.c when compared with groups B and B.c. Replication of intracanal anatomy with GP was always found in group A fillings at both levels but only 4 mm from the WL in group B fillings. Conclusions Positioning the plugger close to WL and a temperature rise of 6 °C were necessary to obtain replication of intracanal anatomy. A mean temperature rise of 4 °C at 2 mm from WL (group B) resulted in no replication of intracanal anatomy. Further studies simulating clinical conditions are necessary. [source] Conoscopic method for determination of main refractive indices and thickness of a uniaxial crystal cut out parallel to its optical axisJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 5 2009Leonas Dumitrascu This paper presents a simplified data acquisition and analysis technique for use in determining the main refractive indices and thickness of a uniaxial anisotropic layer cut out parallel to the optical axis, by processing the conoscopic interference figures obtained using a polarizing microscope equipped with a CCD camera. For negative uniaxial crystals, the equations used permit the calculation of the optical sign of the studied material so it is not necessary to insert a quartz wedge into the conoscopic beam. The technique can also be applied to the study of liquid crystal layers in a planar orientation. [source] Effect of die geometry on foaming behaviors of high-melt-strength polypropylene with CO2JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2008Patrick C. Lee Abstract This article reports on a systematic study that was conducted to investigate the effects of die geometry (i.e., pressure and pressure drop rate) on the cell nucleation and growth behaviors of noncrosslinked high-melt-strength (HMS) polypropylene (PP) foams blown with supercritical CO2. The experimental results showed that the cellular morphologies of PP foams were sensitive to the die geometry. Furthermore, the initial expansion behavior of the foam extrudate at the die exit was recorded using a high-speed CCD camera. This enabled us to achieve a more thorough understanding of the effect of die geometry on both the initial expansion behavior and the final cellular morphology of HMS PP foams. The effect of die temperature on cell morphology was also studied. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008 [source] Spectral Imaging Microscopy Can Define Hyperchromasia in Small Lymphoid CellsJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2005N.S. McNutt Spectral Imaging Microscopy (SIM) is a technique for performing image-enabled spectroscopic analysis using a standard light microscope. We employed a prototype to a current, commercially available, spectral imaging system (NuanceTM, CRI, Inc.) that electro-optically selects narrow bands of light to be collected by a cooled, monochrome CCD camera. For each sample, images were taken every 10 nm from 420 nm to 720 nm to create a spectral image "stack." Analysis of the images with a prototype to the Nuance TM Analyze software (CRI, Inc.) gave both standard color (RGB) and spectral information at each pixel of the images. A representative 40x field was spectrally imaged from H&E slides of 104 biopsy specimens of mycosis fungoides (MF). Optical densities and spectral properties of small lymphocytes were determined. Hyperchromatic cells were pseudocolored to show their distribution. In addition to the important architectural features of MF, SIM can define whether hyperchromatic or normochromatic small lymphocytes are epidermotropic in the lesion by setting appropriate threshold values. Hyperchromasia can be attributed to increased nuclear eosinophilia or basophilia. These differences are difficult to estimate by eye. Since lymphoblasts have enlarged nuclei with dispersed chromatin, a combination of spectral and spatial data is required for their analysis. [source] Application of a Service Climbing Robot with Motion Planning and Visual SensingJOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS (FORMERLY JOURNAL OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS), Issue 4 2003Jian Zhu This paper describes an application of a service climbing robot aimed to clean the glass wall of high-rise buildings. The robot utilizes suction cups to adhere to the glass and moves with a translational mechanism to follow a predetermined path in cleaning the whole glass surface. By a flexible waist, the robot can adjust its posture. The robot has the ability to cross the window frame to clean different sections of the glass wall. A visual sensing system, composed of an omnidirectional CCD camera and two laser diodes, enables the robot to measure its orientation and the distance between the robot and the window frame. The real-time applications and some experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed system. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Hydrodynamics and mass transfer of gas,liquid flow in a falling film microreactorAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 5 2009Haocui Zhang Abstract In this article, flow pattern of liquid film and flooding phenomena of a falling film microreactor (FFMR) were investigated using high-speed CCD camera. Three flow regimes were identified as "corner rivulet flow," "falling film flow with dry patches," and "complete falling film flow" when liquid flow rate increased gradually. Besides liquid film flow in microchannels, a flooding presented as the flow of liquid along the side wall of gas chamber in FFMR was found at high liquid flow rate. Moreover, the flooding could be initiated at lower flow rate with the reduction of the depth of the gas chamber. CO2 absorption was then investigated under the complete falling flow regime in FFMR, where the effects of liquid viscosity and surface tension on mass transfer were demonstrated. The experimental results indicate that kL is in the range of 5.83 to 13.4 × 10,5 m s,1 and an empirical correlation was proposed to predict kL in FFMR. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009 [source] In vivo molecular imaging of adenoviral versus lentiviral gene therapy in two bone formation modelsJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 8 2006Brian T. Feeley Abstract Regional gene therapy techniques are promising methods to enhance bone formation in large bone defects that would be difficult to treat with allograft or autograft bone stock. In this study, we compared in vivo temporal expression patterns of adenoviral- and lentiviral-mediated gene therapy in two bone formation models. Primary rat bone marrow cells (RBMC) were transduced with lentiviral or adenoviral vectors containing luciferase (Luc) or BMP-2 cDNA, or cotransduced with vectors containing Luc and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2). In vitro protein production was determined with luciferase assay or ELISA (for BMP-2 production) weekly for 12 weeks. Two bone formation models were used,a hind limb muscle pouch or radial defect,in SCID mice. A cooled charged-coupled device (CCD) camera was used to image in vivo luciferase expression weekly for 12 weeks. In vitro, adenoviral expression of BMP-2 and luciferase was detected by ELISA or luciferase assay, respectively, for 4 weeks. Lentiviral expression of BMP-2 and luciferase was sustained in culture for 3 months. Using the CCD camera, we found that adenoviral vectors expressed luciferase expression for up to 21 days, but lentiviral vectors expressed target gene expression for 3 months in vivo in both bone formation models. There was no detectable difference in the amount of bone formed between the adenoviral and lentiviral groups. Lentiviral-mediated delivery of BMP-2 can induce long term in vitro and in vivo gene expression, which may be beneficial when developing tissue engineering strategies to heal large bone defects or defects with a compromised biologic environment. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1709,1721, 2006 [source] The Dynamic Interaction of Water with Four Dental Impression Materials During CureJOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTICS, Issue 4 2009Dariush Hosseinpour PhD Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this work was to investigate the interaction of water with four different dental impression materials: Aquasil (Ultra XLV Type 3), Take 1 (Wash Regular Set), Genie (Light Body, Standard Set), and Impregum Garant (Soft Light Bodied Consistency). Materials and Methods: Apparent contact angles of de-ionized water made against thin horizontal sample films of the different materials under different conditions were measured from analysis of profile images of symmetrical sessile drops of water placed on the sample films using a Model FTÅ200 dynamic drop shape analysis system, which included a JAI M30 high speed CCD camera combined with a zoom microscope. Data were taken for specimens of dry ages (times following mixing) from a minimum of 20 seconds up to 1220 seconds. Imaging was started before the initial water/impression material contact, and lasted for at least 420 seconds in each case. The interval at the beginning of each run was 0.033 second, and then increased by a factor of 1.012 to the end. During the initial 3 seconds following the drop deposition, the drop's shape oscillated due to inertial effects, so apparent contact angle data during this period were neglected in all cases. All measurements were made at room temperature. The drops were enclosed in a humidified chamber that suppressed evaporation. All data were repeated at least five times, and results were analyzed where appropriate using one-way ANOVA. Microscopic images of the water/impression material interactions for fresh (uncured) materials were acquired to reveal the destructive interactions that resulted from such contact. Finally, surface tension measurements were made of water that had been contacted with material of varying dry age using the pendant drop method capability of the drop shape analysis system. These helped to assess the origin of hydrophilicity development for the different materials. Results: For short curing times (dry ages), water showed a destructive effect on the integrity of all of the impression materials, as evidenced by the formation of a crater beneath the water drop and a scum of material at its surface. These effects diminished with dry age until a critical curing time was reached, beyond which such destructive interactions were no longer detectable. These critical curing times were determined to be 80, 140, 110, and 185 seconds for Aquasil, Take 1, Genie, and Impregum, respectively. The initial contact angle following the respective critical curing time was lowest for Impregum, at 66°; while values for Aquasil, Genie, and Take 1 were 93°, 104°, and 110°, respectively. Beyond the critical curing times for the different materials, different degrees of hydrophilicity were observed. Aquasil showed the lowest final contact angle (<10°), with Impregum, Take 1, and Genie showing 31°, 34°, and 40°, respectively. Measurements of the surface tension of water after contact with the different materials suggested that for Aquasil, hydrophilicity appears to be developed through the leaching of surfactant from the material, whereas for Impregum, Take 1, and Genie, hydrophilicity is developed at least in part through a change in surface structure in contact with water. Impregum and Aquasil materials of dry ages well beyond the critical curing time exhibited a stick-slip behavior in their interline movement or contact angle evolution. This was believed to be due to the slowness in the leaching of surfactant (in the case of Aquasil) or the re-orientation of unleachable surface groups (in the case of the other materials) in comparison to the inherent kinetics of water drop spreading. Conclusions: All materials investigated in the fresh, uncured state showed qualitative decomposition when put in contact with water through the formation of a crater beneath the water drop and a scum of material at its surface. These effects diminished with curing time until beyond a critical value, no such effects were evident. The initial hydrophilicity of the materials as determined by the contact angles obtained at their respective critical dry ages was greatest for Impregum. Beyond the critical curing time, different degrees of hydrophilicity were observed, with Aquasil showing the lowest final contact angle. [source] Experimental observation of a strange temporal oscillation of X-ray Pendellösung fringesJOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION, Issue 5 2009Jun-ichi Yoshimura As a strange property not explained by existing theories, it has been known from experiment that X-ray moiré and Pendellösung interference fringes show a small spatial oscillation in the beam path in free space that the diffraction image carrying those fringes is propagated after emerging from the crystal. In connection with the investigation into this strange fringe oscillation, it has been found, by an experiment successively recording Pendellösung-fringe topographs using an X-ray CCD camera, that X-ray Pendellösung fringes also show a small temporal oscillation. Characteristics of this temporal Pendellösung-fringe oscillation, namely irregularities in the fringe profile, the manner of fringe oscillation and a reciprocal correlation between oscillation amplitude and fringe contrast, are shown to be very similar to those of the previously reported spatial oscillation of moiré and Pendellösung fringes. Therefore this temporal oscillation is supposed to have the same origin as the spatial oscillation, revealing another section of the same phenomenon. This discovery of the temporal oscillation advances a step nearer to the full understanding of this strange phenomenon, while disclosing a new property of Pendellösung fringes. As well as the above, a three-dimensional profile representation (surface plot) is given of the image of Pendellösung fringes, to make it clear that unidentified fine intensity modulations, called subfringes in this paper, are produced superposed on the main fringe system. Overall inspection of the intensity profiles of the fringe-imaged topographs suggests that temporal intensity oscillations also occur on a more global scale than the extension of individual fringes, as an unidentified action of the wavefield. [source] Combined application of dynamic light scattering imaging and fluorescence intravital microscopy in vascular biologyLASER PHYSICS LETTERS, Issue 8 2010V. Kalchenko Abstract The dynamic light scattering imaging (DLSI) system combined with the conventional fluorescence intravital microscope (FIM) has been applied for the examination of blood and lymph vessels in the mouse ear in vivo. While the CCD camera can be shared by both techniques the combined application of DLSI and FIM allows rapid switching between the modalities. In current study temporal speckles fluctuations are used for rendering blood vessels structure and monitoring blood perfusion with the higher spatial resolution, whereas FIM provides the images of lymphatic vessels. The results clearly demonstrate that combined application of DLSI and FIM approaches provides synchronic in vivo images of blood and lymph vessels with higher contrast and specificity. The use of this new dual-modal diagnostic system is particularly important and has a great potential to significantly expand the capabilities of vascular diagnostics providing synchronic in vivo images of blood and lymph vessels. (© 2010 by Astro Ltd., Published exclusively by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA) [source] Near-infrared photo-excited emission from tissues treated at different temperature levelsLASERS IN SURGERY AND MEDICINE, Issue 1 2001Jing Tang MD Abstract Background and Objective There is a lack of methods to evaluate the extent of thermal treatment of biological tissue. The intensity of the near-infrared (NIR) emission photo-excitation was investigated from tissue undergoing different levels of heat treatment. Study Design/Materials and Methods Chicken muscle was heated in an oven at different temperature levels ranging from 40°C until burn-off. The spectral emission intensity from these heat-treated tissues was measured with a CCD camera and the intensity was calculated. Results The emission intensity increased proportionally with respect to the extent of treatment temperature until burning. Linear relationships between treatment temperature and the emission intensity from tissue samples were found in three temperature ranges: from 40 to 160°C, from 165 to 220°C, and from 225 to 250°C. Conclusions The change in tissue damage after heat treatment could be detected by measuring the NIR emission intensity from the thermally damaged tissues. Lasers Surg. Med. 29:18,22, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Application of a microfluidic device for counting of bacteriaLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2006K.-I. Inatomi Abstract Aims:, To develop a miniaturized analytical system for counting of bacteria. Methods and Results:,Escherichia coli cells were used throughout the experiments. The system consists of a microfluidic chamber, a fluorescence microscope with a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera and syringe pumps. The chamber was made of a silicone rubber (30 × 30 mm and 4 mm high). The E. coli cells were flowed from a micro-nozzle fabricated in the chamber and detected with the CCD camera. The individual cells were indicated as signal peaks on a computer. The cell counts showed a good correlation compared with that of a conventional plate counting method, and results of the simultaneous detection of live and dead cells were also presented. Conclusions, Significance and Impact of the Study:, The system having a small disposable nozzle has the advantages for low cost and safe medical or environmental analysis, when compared with a conventional flow cytometer. This is the first step of the development of a one-chip microbe analyzer. [source] Non-enzymatic aqueous peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence immune detection using a CCD camera and a CMOS deviceLUMINESCENCE: THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL LUMINESCENCE, Issue 5 2008Brian Filanoski Abstract A new method for non-enzymatic aqueous peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence (POCL) biomolecular detection using imaging chip-based devices has been developed. A water-soluble amide of oxalic acid was synthesized and used in the investigation and characterization of POCL immunodetection in an aqueous environment. Six fluorescent dyes commonly used in biological detection were tested, and the intensity of light generated from the aqueous POCL reactions was characterized in the liquid phase. Direct detection sensitivity comparisons between a standard fluorescent method and this POCL method were performed in both liquid and solid phases. Results showed that detection sensitivity using the POCL method is comparable to that of the fluorescent method. POCL biomolecular detection on a nitrocellulose membrane was also investigated using a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. Again, POCL detection sensitivity proved to be comparable to that using the fluorescent detection method. In an application of aqueous POCL biomolecular detection, Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) and its antibody were used to demonstrate immuno- and affinity detection. For further applications, such as DNA and protein arrays, simultaneous detection of biomolecules labelled with different fluorescent labels was investigated, using a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) colour imaging chip. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Fast measurements of photoreflectance spectra by using multi-channel detectorPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 5 2009R. Kudrawiec Abstract Photoreflectance (PR) measurements were performed on GaAs- and GaN-based structures in the so called ,bright configuration' where the sample was illuminated by white light (probing beam) instead of monochromatic light as it takes place in the standard configuration, i.e., so-called ,dark configuration'. Within this concept the whole PR spectrum can be measured/processed at the same time using a multi-channel detector (i.e., CCD camera) instead the phase sensitive lock-in detection system with the one-channel detector. In this work PR spectra for Si ,-doped GaAs structure have been measured using both the CCD detector system as well as the standard lock-in technique with the one-channel detector system. GaAs-related Franz,Keldysh oscillations, which are typical of Si ,-doped GaAs structure, have been clearly observed in PR spectra measured by using the two detection systems. In addition, the PR system with the CCD detector has been used to measure PR spectra in the UV spectral region for an InGaN/GaN/Al2O3 structure. In this case, PR resonances related to InGaN and GaN band gap absorption have been clearly observed. Using the PR system with CCD detector the time of PR measurements was reduced to few seconds for both GaAs- and GaN-based structures. It shows that the bright configuration of PR set-up with multi-channel detection system is very promising and perspective in the fast diagnostic of semiconductor structures. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Localization of single-copy T-DNA insertion in transgenic shallots (Allium cepa) by using ultra-sensitive FISH with tyramide signal amplificationTHE PLANT JOURNAL, Issue 6 2001Ludmila I. Khrustaleva Summary The sensitivity of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for mapping plant chromosomes of single-copy DNA sequences is limited. We have adapted for plant cytogenetics a new signal-amplification method termed tyramide-FISH (Tyr-FISH). Until present this technique has only been applied to human chromosomes. The method is based on enzymatic deposition of fluorochrome-conjugated tyramide. With Tyr-FISH it was possible to detect target T-DNA sequences on plant metaphase chromosomes as small as 710 bp without using a cooled CCD camera. Short detection time and high sensitivity, in combination with a low background, make the Tyr-FISH method very suitable for routine application in plant cytogenetic research. With Tyr-FISH we analysed the position of T-DNA inserts in transgenic shallots. We found that the inserts were preferentially located in the distal region of metaphase chromosomes. Sequential fluorescence in situ hybridization with a 375 bp satellite sequence suggested that a specific T-DNA insert was located within the satellite sequence hybridization region on a metaphase chromosome. Analysis of less-condensed prophase and interphase chromosomes revealed that the T-DNA was integrated outside the satellite DNA-hybridization region in a more proximal euchromatin region. [source] Population of Follicles and Luteal Structures during the Oestrous Cycle of Mares Detected by Three-Dimensional Internal Structure MicroscopyANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 3 2009Y. Hirano Summary The structure of the equine ovary is different from that of other mammals in its extremely large size, the presence of ovarian fossa and the inverted location of its cortex and medulla. A three-dimensional internal structure microscopy (3D-ISM), which consists of a computer-controlled slicer, a CCD camera, a laser disc recorder and a PC, is very useful for the observation of the internal structures in equine ovaries. In addition, the three-dimensional images of follicles and corpus luteum (CL) reconstructed by the segmentation technique can clarify the spatial arrangement in the equine ovary. In this study, to understand the changes in the ovarian internal structures of the mare during the oestrous cycle, the size and numbers of follicles and luteal structures were analysed by 3D-ISM in addition to the concentrations of progesterone (P4) and oestradiol-17,. As a result, many small follicles (<10 mm in diameter) were detected. It was recognized that the luteal structures were distinguished into three types, such as the corpus haemorragicum (CH), which is formed by blood elements at the cavity after ovulation, CL and corpus albican (CA). There were some CHs and CL in the group, which had the concentration of P4 > 1 ng/ml. CHs were also observed in the group, which had low level of P4 (P4 < 1 ng/ml). CAs were found regardless of the P4 level. In conclusion, 3D-ISM enabled the internal observation of the ovarian structures in detail, and estimation of the stage of the ovarian cycle with complementary physiological information. The findings by 3D-ISM provide basic information for clinical applications. [source] Near-infrared lymphatic imaging demonstrates the dynamics of lymph flow and lymphangiogenesis during the acute versus chronic phases of arthritis in miceARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 7 2010Quan Zhou Objective To develop an in vivo imaging method to assess lymphatic draining function in the K/BxN mouse model of inflammatory arthritis. Methods Indocyanine green, a near-infrared fluorescent dye, was injected intradermally into the footpads of wild-type mice, mouse limbs were illuminated with an 806-nm near-infrared laser, and the movement of indocyanine green from the injection site to the draining popliteal lymph node (LN) was recorded with a CCD camera. Indocyanine green near-infrared images were analyzed to obtain 5 measures of lymphatic function across time. Images of K/BxN arthritic mice and control nonarthritic littermates were obtained at 1 month of age, when acute joint inflammation commenced, and again at 3 months of age, when joint inflammation became chronic. Lymphangiogenesis in popliteal LNs was assessed by immunochemistry. Results Indocyanine green and its transport within lymphatic vessels were readily visualized, and quantitative measures were derived. During the acute phase of arthritis, the lymphatic vessels were dilated, with increased indocyanine green signal intensity and lymphatic pulses, and popliteal LNs became fluorescent quickly. During the chronic phase, new lymphatic vessels were present near the foot. However, the appearance of indocyanine green in lymphatic vessels was delayed. The size and area of popliteal LN lymphatic sinuses progressively increased in the K/BxN mice. Conclusion Our findings indicate that indocyanine green near-infrared lymphatic imaging is a valuable method for assessing the lymphatic draining function in mice with inflammatory arthritis. Indocyanine green,near-infrared imaging of K/BxN mice identified 2 distinct lymphatic phenotypes during the acute and chronic phase of inflammation. This technique can be used to assess new therapies for lymphatic disorders. [source] STK: A new CCD camera at the University Observatory Jena,ASTRONOMISCHE NACHRICHTEN, Issue 4 2010M. Mugrauer Abstract The Schmidt-Teleskop-Kamera (STK) is a new CCD-imager, which is operated since begin of 2009 at the University Observatory Jena. This article describes the main characteristics of the new camera. The properties of the STK detector, the astrometry and image quality of the STK, as well as its detection limits at the 0.9 m telescope of the University Observatory Jena are presented (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Monitoring the scale factor of the PICARD SODISM instrumentASTRONOMISCHE NACHRICHTEN, Issue 5 2008P. Assus Abstract The SODISM Telescope of the PICARD Space mission will perform diameter measurements by directly imaging the Sun on a CCD camera. An internal calibration system allows us to follow scale factor variations induced by instrument deformations resulting from temperature fluctuations on orbit or from others causes. We present this calibration system in this paper as well as some simulations on how to correct observations. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry: A Tool for Determining Diffusion and Partition Coefficients for Proteins in GelsBIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 6 2002David Karlsson The aim of this study was to demonstrate electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) as a powerful tool in determining diffusion coefficients and partition coefficients for proteins in gels. ESPI employs a CCD camera instead of a holographic plate as in conventional holographic interferometry. This gives the advantage of being able to choose the reference state freely. If a hologram at the reference state is taken and compared to a hologram during the diffusion process, an interferometric picture can be generated that describes the refraction index gradients and thus the concentration gradients in the gel as well as in the liquid. MATLAB is then used to fit Fick's law to the experimental data to obtain the diffusion coefficients in gel and liquid. The partition coefficient is obtained from the same experiment from the flux condition at the interface between gel and liquid. This makes the comparison between the different diffusants more reliable than when the measurements are performed in separate experiments. The diffusion and partitioning coefficients of lysozyme, BSA, and IgG in 4% agarose gel at pH 5.6 and in 0.1 M NaCl have been determined. In the gel the diffusion coefficients were 11.2 ± 1.6, 4.8 ± 0.6, and 3.0 ± 0.3 m2/s for lysozyme, BSA, and IgG, respectively. The partition coefficients were determined to be 0.65 ± 0.04, 0.44 ± 0.06, and 0.51 ± 0.04 for lysozyme, BSA, and IgG, respectively. The current study shows that ESPI is easy to use and gives diffusion coefficients and partition coefficients for proteins with sufficient accuracy from the same experiment. [source] 3426: Straylight and corneal edemaACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010IG PENTARI Purpose It is known that corneal edema is associated to increased light scatter. It was the purpose of this study to calculate the intensity and angular distribution of scattered light in a series of corneal samples at different hydration, using a sensitive optical technique. Methods Sixteen fresh porcine eyes were obtained from a local abattoir. To isolate the role of corneal stroma the the epithelium was carefully removed with a mechanical brush. The central 8 mm of each cornea was harvested using a Barron's PKP trephine. To establish corneal hydration, corneal buttons were immersed in Dextran (300kDa) solutions, with concentrations ranging from 5 to 20% w/w, for at least 3 hours. The intensity and angular distribution of scattered light was measured for all corneas by means of a purposely-developed camera lens that incorporated excised corneas between its glass elements. This lens was used with a CCD camera to record images projected on a computer screen. Before scatter measurements the thichness of each corneal sample was measured by means of a mechanical pachymeter (Mitutoyo IDC 112T, Japan). Results The mean scatter coefficients for the corneas at normal hydration levels was 0.22 (SD=0.059). This value was effectively double (0.46 ; SD= 0.048) at a moderate increase of stromal thickness by 17% and reached a value of 0.56 (SD=0.079) at a relative increase of corneal thickness of 62%. The angular distribution did not significantly deppend on hydration. Conclusion Scattered light intensity increases with corneal edema. Even small changes in corneal hydration affect significantly the narrow angle light scattering properties of corneal stroma. [source] 2322: Reproducibility of retinal vessel hemoglobin oxygenation saturation in healthy subjectsACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010M LASTA Purpose Only recently systems for the measurement of hemoglobin oxygenation saturation in retinal vessels became commercially available. In the present study a fundus camera equipped with a dual wavelength transmission filter and a CCD camera was used (Imedos, Jena, Germany). Two monochromatic fundus images at 548 and 610 nm were recorded simultaneously and the oxygen saturation (SaO2) was calculated based on the optical density ratio. Methods A study on test/retest, short-term and day-to-day reproducibility of the technique was done in 14 healthy subjects. To assess test/retest variability fundus images were taken at each measurement cycle. To assess short-term reproducibility 2 such cycles of 3 fundus images were done within 15 minutes. Finally, this cycle of measurements was done on the next day to assess day-to-day reproducibility. Data were evaluated separately for retinal branch arteries and branch veins. The reproducibility was calculated using the standard deviation (SD) of the measurements. Results In retinal branch veins the SaO2 was 49±9% (range 32-69%, 38 vessels) and in retinal branch arteries 91±8% (range 77-112%, 40 vessels). The test/retest SD was 5.4±3.7% in retinal veins and 3.0±2.3% in retinal arteries. The short term SD was 4.7±3.7% in retinal veins and 2.9±2.1% in retinal arteries. The day-to-day SD was 6.2±4.1% in retinal veins and 4.0±2.8% in retinal arteries. Conclusion Our data indicate that the test/retest, short-term and day-to-day reproducibility of the technique is acceptable. Hence, the system may be adequate to follow oxygen saturation during disease processes. The data obtained in retinal branch arteries indicates, however, that the validity of measurements requires further studies. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||