Non-invasive methods for identifying oocysts of Sarcocystis spp. from definitive hosts

Because the excreted sporocysts and/or oocysts of various species of Sarcocystis may not be discriminated morphologically, we sought to validate a diagnostic technique based on variation in the 18S rDNA sequence. Oocysts and/or sporocysts; from three taxa

Structural analysis of plate-type fuel assemblies and development of a non-destructive method to assess their integrity

This work is concerned with the structural behaviour and the integrity of parallel plate-type nuclear fuel assemblies. A plate-type assembly consists of several thin plates mounted in a box-like structure and is subjected to a coolant flow that can result in a considerable drag force. A finite element model of an assembly is presented to study the sensitivity of the natural frequencies to the stiffness of the plates' junctions. It is shown that the shift in the natural frequencies of the torsional modes can be used to check the global integrity of the fuel assembly while the local natural frequencies of the inner plates can be used to estimate the maximum drag force they can resist. Finally a non-destructive method is developed to assess the resistance of the inner plates to bear an applied load. Extensive computational and experimental results are presented to prove the applicability of the method presented. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Computer vision tools for the non-invasive assessment of autism-related behavioral markers

The early detection of developmental disorders is key to child outcome, allowing interventions to be initiated that promote development and improve prognosis. Research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suggests behavioral markers can be observed late in the first year of life. Many of these studies involved extensive frame-by-frame video observation and analysis of a child's natural behavior. Although non-intrusive, these methods are extremely time-intensive and require a high level of observer training; thus, they are impractical for clinical and large population research purposes. Diagnostic measures for ASD are available for infants but are only accurate when used by specialists experienced in early diagnosis. This work is a first milestone in a long-term multidisciplinary project that aims at helping clinicians and general practitioners accomplish this early detection/measurement task automatically. We focus on providing computer vision tools to measure and identify ASD behavioral markers based on components of the Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI). In particular, we develop algorithms to measure three critical AOSI activities that assess visual attention. We augment these AOSI activities with an additional test that analyzes asymmetrical patterns in unsupported gait. The first set of algorithms involves assessing head motion by tracking facial features, while the gait analysis relies on joint foreground segmentation and 2D body pose estimation in video. We show results that provide insightful knowledge to augment the clinician's behavioral observations obtained from real in-clinic assessments.

Non-invasive in vivo imaging in small animal research

Non-invasive real time in vivo molecular imaging in small animal models has become the essential bridge between in vitro data and their translation into clinical applications. The tremendous development and technological progress, such as tumour modelling, monitoring of tumour growth and detection of metastasis, has facilitated translational drug development. This has added to our knowledge on carcinogenesis. The modalities that are commonly used include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), bioluminescence imaging, fluorescence imaging and multi-modality imaging systems. The ability to obtain multiple images longitudinally provides reliable information whilst reducing animal numbers. As yet there is no one modality that is ideal for all experimental studies. This review outlines the instrumentation available together with corresponding applications reported in the literature with particular emphasis on cancer research. Advantages and limitations to current imaging technology are discussed and the issues concerning small animal care during imaging are highlighted.

Non-invasive VHF monitoring of low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma

A real-time VHF swept frequency (20–300 MHz) reflectometry measurement for radio-frequency capacitive-coupled atmospheric pressure plasmas is described. The measurement is scalar, non-invasive and deployed on the main power line of the plasma chamber. The purpose of this VHF signal injection is to remotely interrogate in real-time the frequency reflection properties of plasma. The information obtained is used for remote monitoring of high-value atmospheric plasma processing. Measurements are performed under varying gas feed (helium mixed with 0–2% oxygen) and power conditions (0–40 W) on two contrasting reactors. The first is a classical parallel-plate chamber driven at 16 MHz with well-defined electrical grounding but limited optical access and the second is a cross-field plasma jet driven at 13.56 MHz with open optical access but with poor electrical shielding of the driven electrode. The electrical measurements are modelled using a lumped element electrical circuit to provide an estimate of power dissipated in the plasma as a function of gas and applied power. The performances of both reactors are evaluated against each other. The scalar measurements reveal that 0.1% oxygen admixture in helium plasma can be detected. The equivalent electrical model indicates that the current density between the parallel-plate reactor is of the order of 8–20 mA cm-2 . This value is in accord with 0.03 A cm-2 values reported by Park et al (2001 J. Appl. Phys. 89 20–8). The current density of the cross-field plasma jet electrodes is found to be 20 times higher. When the cross-field plasma jet unshielded electrode area is factored into the current density estimation, the resultant current density agrees with the parallel-plate reactor. This indicates that the unshielded reactor radiates electromagnetic energy into free space and so acts as a plasma antenna.