The use of instantaneous phase for improving sparse arrays images

Sparse arrays have pitch larger than half-wavelength (lambda/2) and there is a reduced number of elements in comparison with a full-populated array. Consequently, there is a reduction in cost, data acquisition and processing. However, conventional beamforming techniques result in large side and grating lobes, and consequently in image artifacts. In this work the instantaneous phase of the signals is used in a beamforming technique instead of the instantaneous amplitudes to improve images obtained from sparse arrays configurations. A threshold based on a statistical analysis and the number of signals used for imaging is applied to each pixel, in order to determine if that pixel is related to a defect or not. Three sets of data are used to evaluate the technique, considering medical and non-destructive testing: a simulated point spread function, a medical phantom and an aluminum plate with 2 lambda-, 7 lambda- and lambda-pitch, respectively. The conventional amplitude image is superposed by the image improved by the instantaneous phase, increasing the reflectors detectability and reducing artifacts for all cases, as well as dead zone for the tested plate.

Reconstruction of the Environmental Quality Fuzzy Index

In the world stage, the environmental condition has been a big public policies issue. A clear understanding of the parameters that determine the state of the environment is essential for estimation of the quality of life of the population, not least since ecosystems are highly complex. Consequently, definition of public policies demands the use of evaluation tools that can combine and quantify information in a clear way. The use of indicators and indices that are able to translate the complexity of environmental conditions in cities into simpler terms has been increasingly effective in decision-making, since they assist in general evaluation of the situation in question, identification of priority actions and anticipation of future trends. In an attempt to evaluate the environmental conditions of the Brazilian city, Sorocaba, an Environmental Quality Fuzzy Index (IFQAmb) was proposed. In this work this methodology is improved. After reviewing the IFQAmb methodology, a number of changes in the index are proposed. Additional variables are suggested, derived from a State Environment Department program whose objective is to grant municipalities the title of Municipio Verde e Azul (Green and Blue City). In addition, a new rule base is being drafted to enable consideration of all possibilities, since in the existing version the use of specific criteria eliminates a significant number of rules. The changes seek to define with clarity and precision the conceptual aspects and structure of the IFQAmb, so that it can provide an even more effective evaluation of environmental performance, guiding future actions in order to improve the living conditions of the population of Sorocaba.

Cartilage Reconstruction Using Self-anchoring Implant with Functional Gradient

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Automatic Orientation of Multi-Scale Terrestrial Images for 3D Reconstruction

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Reconstruction of the gravitational wave signal h(t) during the Virgo science runs and independent validation with a photon calibrator

The Virgo detector is a kilometer-scale interferometer for gravitational wave detection located near Pisa (Italy). About 13 months of data were accumulated during four science runs (VSR1, VSR2, VSR3 and VSR4) between May 2007 and September 2011, with increasing sensitivity. In this paper, the method used to reconstruct, in the range 10 Hz-10 kHz, the gravitational wave strain time series h(t) from the detector signals is described. The standard consistency checks of the reconstruction are discussed and used to estimate the systematic uncertainties of the h(t) signal as a function of frequency. Finally, an independent setup, the photon calibrator, is described and used to validate the reconstructed h(t) signal and the associated uncertainties. The systematic uncertainties of the h(t) time series are estimated to be 8% in amplitude. The uncertainty of the phase of h(t) is 50 mrad at 10 Hz with a frequency dependence following a delay of 8 mu s at high frequency. A bias lower than 4 mu s and depending on the sky direction of the GW is also present.

Description and performance of track and primary-vertex reconstruction with the CMS tracker

A description is provided of the software algorithms developed for the CMS tracker both for reconstructing charged-particle trajectories in proton-proton interactions and for using the resulting tracks to estimate the positions of the LHC luminous region and individual primary-interaction vertices. Despite the very hostile environment at the LHC, the performance obtained with these algorithms is found to be excellent. For t (t) over bar events under typical 2011 pileup conditions, the average track-reconstruction efficiency for promptly-produced charged particles with transverse momenta of p(T) > 0.9GeV is 94% for pseudorapidities of vertical bar eta vertical bar < 0.9 and 85% for 0.9 < vertical bar eta vertical bar < 2.5. The inefficiency is caused mainly by hadrons that undergo nuclear interactions in the tracker material. For isolated muons, the corresponding efficiencies are essentially 100%. For isolated muons of p(T) = 100GeV emitted at vertical bar eta vertical bar < 1.4, the resolutions are approximately 2.8% in p(T), and respectively, 10 m m and 30 mu m in the transverse and longitudinal impact parameters. The position resolution achieved for reconstructed primary vertices that correspond to interesting pp collisions is 10-12 mu m in each of the three spatial dimensions. The tracking and vertexing software is fast and flexible, and easily adaptable to other functions, such as fast tracking for the trigger, or dedicated tracking for electrons that takes into account bremsstrahlung.

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Male Terminalia and Its Application to Species Recognition and Phylogenetic Reconstruction in the Drosophila saltans Group

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Calvarial Autogenous Bone Graft for Maxillary Ridge and Sinus Reconstruction for Rehabilitation With Dental Implants

Autogenous bone grafting is the gold-standard technique for bone augmentation procedures prior to implant placement. If the amount of available intraoral donor bone is insufficient, it is necessary to harvest bone graft from extraoral sites, such as calvaria. Although this technique is well established, only a few case reports show the histological analysis of the grafted bone at the moment of implant placement. This article reports the case of a 48-year-old female patient with a critical atrophic maxillary ridge reconstructed using autogenous calvarial bone graft prior to implant placement, with clinical and histological evaluation. Bone was collected under general anesthesia from the parietal bone. The outer cortical originated the bone blocks, and the medullar bone layer between was collected to be used in the sinus augmentation procedure, together with 5 of the bone blocks triturated. Six months after bone augmentation, 8 implants were placed in the grafted area and 2 biopsies were retrieved (anterior and the posterior regions), allowing the visualization of the bone-remodeling process in the grafted areas. The patient had a stable recovery. Our results showed that although necrotic bone could still be seen in the outer layer of the grafted area, the interface between this necrotic bone and the already remodeled bone was consistent with biocompatibility. Two-year radiographic evaluation showed success of the grafts and the implants in supporting an esthetic and functionally stable prosthesis. Summarizing, calvarial bone grafts are a viable alternative for the attainment of adequate bone volume prior to implant placement.

Water mass reconstruction by Nd isotopic analysis from Mid Atlantic oceanic sediments

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Orbital wall reconstruction with titanium mesh:Retrospective study of 24 patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of traumatic orbital defect reconstruction with titanium mesh. A retrospective study was made. Evaluations were made after a minimum postoperative follow-up of 12 months, looking for the main complications. Twenty-four patients were included in this evaluation; 19 were male (79.1%) and 5 (20.8%) were female. The main injury etiology was vehicle accidents (50%) followed by other causes. Fourteen patients (58.3%) presented orbital floor fractures, and 10 had more than one wall fractured (41.6%). Permanent infraorbital nerve hypoesthesia was observed in two patients (8.3%), enophthalmos occurred in five patients (20.8%), and exophthalmos was found in two patients (8.3%). Four patients (16.6%) still presented evidence of residual prolapsed intraorbital content, and one of those needed further surgical correction; sinusitis occurred in one patient (4.1%). Titanium mesh is a reliable option for orbital reconstruction, despite some complications found in this sample.

Reconstruction of the Alveolar Buccal Bone Plate in Compromised Fresh Socket after Immediate Implant Placement Followed by Immediate Provisionalization

ObjectiveThe aim of this clinical report was to reestablish the buccal bone wall after immediate implant placement. The socket defect was corrected with autogenous bone, and a connective tissue graft was removed from the maxillary tuberosity to increase the thickness, height, and width of the buccal bone and gingival tissue followed by immediate provisionalization of the crown during the same operation.Clinical ConsiderationsA 66-year-old patient presented with a hopeless maxillary left central incisor with loss of the buccal bone wall. Atraumatic, flapless extraction was performed, and an immediate implant was placed in the extraction socket followed by preparation of an immediate provisional restoration. Subsequently, immediate reconstruction of the buccal bone plate was performed, using the tuberosity as the donor site, to obtain block bone and connective tissue grafts, as well as particulate bone. Finally, immediate provisionalization of the crown followed by simple sutures was performed. Cone-beam computed tomography and periapical radiographs were taken before and after surgery. After 4 months, the final prosthetic crown was made. After a 2-year follow-up, a satisfactory aesthetic result was achieved with lower treatment time and morbidity.ConclusionThis case demonstrates the effective use of immediate reconstruction of the buccal bone wall for the treatment of a hopeless tooth in the maxillary aesthetic area. This procedure efficiently promoted harmonious gingival and bone architecture, recovered lost anatomical structures with sufficient width and thickness, and maintained the stability of the alveolar bone crest in a single procedure.Clinical SignificanceIf appropriate clinical conditions exist, immediate dentoalveolar restoration may be the most conservative means of reconstructing the buccal bone wall after immediate implant placement followed by immediate provisionalization with predictable healing and lower treatment time.