In Vivo Simultaneous Analysis of Gene Expression by Dual-Color Luciferases in Caenorhabditis elegans

Both fluorescent and luminescent observation are widely used to examine real-time gene expression patterns in living organisms. Several fluuorescent and luminescent proteins with specific optical properties have been developed and applied for simultaneous, multi-color observation of more than two gene expression profiles. Compared to fluorescent proteins, however, the application of multi-color luminescent imaging in living organisms is still limited. In this study, we introduced two-color luciferases into the soil nematode C. elegans and performed simultaneous analysis of two gene expression profiles. Using a green-emitting luciferase Eluc (emerald luciferase) and red-emitting luciferase SLR (stable luciferase red), the expression patterns of two genes were simultaneously observed in single animals from embryonic to adult stages over its whole life span. In addition, dual gene activities were observed at the single embryo level, with the simultaneous observation of morphological changes. These are the first application of a two-color luciferase system into a whole animal and suggest that precise relationship of expression patterns of multiple genes of interest can be analyzed over the whole life of the animal, dependent on the changes in genetic and/or environmental conditions.     

Adaptive Discretization for Computerized Tomography

Two adaptive discretization frameworks are tested for computerized tomography (CT) data reconstruction. Removal of inactive pixels is primary motivation. Efficient and user independent entropy optimized masking is employed for spatial filtering purposes. Density of nodes at high gradient of reconstructed physical property is used as adaptation criterion. An alternative option, independent from noisy projection data and nature of the physical properties, is also discussed. Sensitivity analysis between the uniform and nonuniform (evolved via adaptive route) reconstruction grid reveals the utility of nonuniform grids. Iterative and transform based reconstruction techniques are used. Outcomes are tested successfully on three real world projection data from two different compact CT setups and one commercial high-resolution micro-CT scanner.     

Functional organisation of the endomembrane network in the digestive gland of the Venus flytrap: revisiting an old story with a new microscopy toolbox

Up-to-date imaging approaches were used to address the spatiotemporal organisation of the endomembrane system in secretory cells of Dionaea muscipula. Different ‘slice and view’ methodologies were performed on resin-embedded samples to finally achieve a 3D reconstruction of the cell architecture, using ultrastructural tomography, array tomography, serial block face-scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM), correlation, and volume rendering at the light microscopy level. Observations of cryo-fixed samples by high-pressure freezing revealed changes of the endomembrane system that occur after trap activation and prey digestion. They provide evidence for an original strategy that adapts the secretory machinery to a specific and unique case of stimulated exocytosis in plant cells. A first secretion peak is part of a rapid response to deliver digestive fluids to the cell surface, which delivers the needed stock of digestive materials ‘on site’. The second peak of activity could then be associated with the reconstruction of the Golgi apparatus (GA), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and vacuolar machinery, in order to prepare for a subsequent round of prey capture. Tubular continuum between ER and Golgi stacks observed on ZIO-impregnated tissues may correspond to an efficient transfer mechanism for lipids and/or proteins, especially for use in rapidly resetting the molecular GA machinery. The occurrence of one vacuolar continuum may permit continuous adjustment of cell homeostasy. The subcellular features of the secretory cells of Dionaea muscipula outline key innovations in the organisation of plant cell compartmentalisation that are used to cope with specific cell needs such as the full use of the GA as a protein factory, and the ability to create protein reservoirs in the periplasmic space. Shape-derived forces of the pleiomorphic vacuole may act as signals to accompany the sorting and entering flows of the cell.     

宇宙线缪子散射成像模拟与算法研究

本文验证了基于Micromegas探测器的宇宙线缪子散射成像系统进行快速核材料检测的可行性，并对实验室宇宙线缪子成像系统原型进行参数估算。基于Geant4程序开发了用于模拟宇宙线缪子物理过程、传输径迹及Micromegas探测器响应的模拟程序。在模拟数据的基础上，实现并改进了两种主要的宇宙线缪子散射成像算法。根据模拟和成像结果，1 m×1 m成像系统可在10 min内检测到被重元素屏蔽的核材料。10 cm×10 cm成像系统的缪子事例触发率为0.16 s^-1，要获得较为清晰的成像结果，要求探测器位置分辨率达到300 μm，探测器增益为1 000时实际测量事例至少需要20 h。     

基于多层感知器的气液两相流流型识别方法

通过对电阻层析成像数据采集原理和深度学习网络的研究,提出了一种基于阵列电阻值和多层感知器深度学习网络相结合的流型识别方法。利用电阻层析成像系统中的16个电极传感器来获取流型样本数据,并构建出流型识别数据库,然后对多层感知器深度学习网络进行训练,获得可以识别不同流型的网络。实验结果表明,采用阵列电阻值结合多层感知器网络对流型进行学习和识别的方法,流型识别准确率可以达到95%,解决了流型图像生成过程与数据特征预选过程中流型特征损失的问题,流型识别性能得到了提高。     

电阻层析成像技术及其在水合物开采模拟实验中的应用

电阻层析成像是一种可视化的无损测量手段,可以为天然气水合物开采过程室内模拟实验提供有效的监测途径。首先介绍了电阻层析成像技术的工作原理、发展历程与应用现状,重点对电阻层析成像技术在天然气水合物室内模拟实验方面的主要应用进行了综述,并分析了存在的问题,在此基础上给出了解决问题的建议,为下一步开展水合物的电阻层析成像实验提供参考。     

柴达木盆地三湖坳陷横波勘探中的低幅异常消除技术

近年来,在柴达木盆地三湖坳陷开展了横波地震勘探,但是由于该区低幅度构造发育,横波静校正引起的"低幅"异常与上述低幅度构造相互混杂,难以区分。为此,针对该区横波表层调查难以控制表层横波速度模型的变化、横波近偏移距初至污染严重、横波折射层发育导致高速界面难以确定等问题,首先采用曲线拟合技术预测污染区横波初至时间确保初至完整性,然后采用面波模型与多层折射分层联合约束反演横波表层速度,最后通过基于速度谱分析的层位匹配建模技术确定合理的横波速度界面,形成了横波表层"低幅"异常消除技术,并进行了现场应用及效果评价。研究结果表明:①曲线拟合技术可以弥补近道污染区横波初至空白,保证层析反演模型的完整性;②基于瑞雷波的频散特性反演建模可以为确定该区浅层横波速度提供可靠的资料,提高浅层模型精度;③面波模型与多层折射分层联合约束反演能够更准确的反演该区表层横波速度场,较好地建立横波速度模型,消除横波剖面上"低幅"异常现象。结论认为,所形成的横波地震勘探低幅异常消除技术消除了横波静校正引起的"低幅"异常现象,提高了横波地震资料的成像品质。     

Comparison between the use of thermoplasticized gutta‐percha and a polydimethyl siloxane‐based material in filling internal resorptive cavities using spiral computed tomography

To evaluate the fill of internal resorption cavities obturated with thermoplasticized gutta‐percha and GuttaFlow2 using CT scan. Twenty human maxillary anterior teeth were selected and root canals were prepared using ProTaper system to size F3. Irrigation was performed with 5 ml of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 5 ml of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Each root was then sectioned horizontally into two halves and semicircular cavities were prepared around the periphery of the root canal opening of each root half, using a round bur. Both the root halves were then fixed using cyanoacrylate glue. All the specimens were subjected to preoperative CT scan analysis to determine the volume of internal cavities. The samples were then randomly divided into two groups. In Group 1, the specimens were obturated with thermoplasticized gutta‐percha (E&Q system) and specimens in Group 2 were obturated using GuttaFlow2. All specimens were then subjected to postoperative CT scan analysis. The volume of voids in internal resorptive cavities were calculated, which was then used to estimate the amount of gutta‐percha filled. There was no significant difference in volume of internal resorptive cavities between thermoplasticized gutta‐percha and GuttaFlow2 groups before obturation (p = 0.466). However, after obturation there was a significant difference between both the groups, in which GuttaFlow2 demonstrated better fill (p = .014). Thermoplasticized gutta‐percha filled 81% of internal resorptive cavity while GuttaFlow2 filled 91%, respectively. GuttaFlow2 showed better fill than thermoplasticized gutta‐percha in the filling of internal resorptive cavities.     

Structure–Function Relationship of Retinal Ganglion Cells in Multiple Sclerosis

The retinal ganglion cells (RGC) may be considered an easily accessible pathophysiological site of degenerative processes in neurological diseases, such as the RGC damage detectable in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with (HON) and without a history of optic neuritis (NON). We aimed to assess and interrelate RGC functional and structural damage in different retinal layers and retinal sites. We included 12 NON patients, 11 HON patients and 14 healthy controls for cross-sectional multifocal pattern electroretinography (mfPERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements. Amplitude and peak times of the mfPERG were assessed. Macula and disc OCT scans were acquired to determine macular retinal layer and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness. In both HON and NON patients the foveal N2 amplitude of the mfPERG was reduced compared to controls. The parafoveal P1 peak time was significantly reduced in HON only. For OCT, parafoveal (pfGCL) and perifoveal (pGCL) ganglion cell layer thicknesses were decreased in HON vs. controls, while pRNFL in the papillomacular bundle sector (PMB) showed reductions in both NON and HON. As the mfPERG derived N2 originates from RGC axons, these findings suggest foveal axonal dysfunction not only in HON, but also in NON patients.