Reconstruction of fluorescence molecular tomography using a neighborhood regularization

In fluorescence molecular tomography, the highly scattering property of biological tissues leads to an ill-posed inverse problem and reduces the accuracy of detection and localization of fluorescent targets. Regularization technique is usually utilized to obtain a stable solution. Conventional Tikhonov regularization is based on singular value decomposition (SVD) and L-curve strategy, which attempts to find a tradeoff between the residual norm and image norm. It is computationally demanding and may fail when there is no optimal turning point in the L-curve plot. In this letter, a neighborhood regularization method is presented. It achieves a reliable solution by computing the geometric mean of multiple regularized solutions. These solutions correspond to different regularization parameters with neighbor orders of magnitude. The main advantages lie in three aspects. First, it can produce comparable or better results in comparison with the conventional Tikhonov regularization with L-curve routine. Second, it replaces the time-consuming SVD computation with a trace-based pseudoinverse strategy, thus greatly reducing the computational cost. Third, it is robust and practical even when the L-curve technique fails. Results from numerical and phantom experiments demonstrate that the proposed method is easy to implement and effective in improving the quality of reconstruction.     

A time domain fluorescence tomography system for small animal imaging

We describe the application of a time domain diffuse fluorescence tomography system for whole body small animal imaging. The key features of the system are the use of point excitation in free space using ultrashort laser pulses and noncontact detection using a gated, intensified charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. Mouse shaped epoxy phantoms, with embedded fluorescent inclusions, were used to verify the performance of a recently developed asymptotic lifetime-based tomography algorithm. The asymptotic algorithm is based on a multiexponential analysis of the decay portion of the data. The multiexponential model is shown to enable the use of a global analysis approach for a robust recovery of the lifetime components present within the imaging medium. The surface boundaries of the imaging volume were acquired using a photogrammetric camera integrated with the imaging system, and implemented in a Monte-Carlo model of photon propagation in tissue. The tomography results show that the asymptotic approach is able to separate axially located fluorescent inclusions centered at depths of 4 and 10 mm from the surface of the mouse phantom. The fluorescent inclusions had distinct lifetimes of 0.5 and 0.95 ns. The inclusions were nearly overlapping along the measurement axis and shown to be not resolvable using continuous wave (CW) methods. These results suggest the practical feasibility and advantages of a time domain approach for whole body small animal fluorescence molecular imaging, particularly with the use of lifetime as a contrast mechanism.      

Surface Reconstruction for Free-Space 360 ° Fluorescence Molecular Tomography and the Effects of Animal Motion

Complete projection (360deg) free-space fluorescence tomography of opaque media is poised to enable 3-D imaging through entire small animals in vivo with improved depth resolution compared to 360deg-projection fiber-based systems or limited-view angle systems. This approach can lead to a new generation of fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) performance since it allows high spatial sampling of photon fields propagating through tissue at any projection, employing nonconstricted animal surfaces. Herein, we employ a volume carving method to capture 3-D surfaces of diffusive objects and register the captured surface in the geometry of an FMT 360deg-projection acquisition system to obtain 3-D fluorescence image reconstructions. Using experimental measurements we evaluate the accuracy of the surface capture procedure by reconstructing the surfaces of phantoms of known dimensions. We then employ this methodology to characterize the animal movement of anaesthetized animals. We find that the effects of animal movement on the FMT reconstructed image were within system resolution limits (~0.07 cm).     

Reconstruction of three-dimensional data for electrical impedance tomography

A two-dimensional reconstruction algorithm based on a modified version of the method of sensitivity regions is used to reconstruct data obtained from a three-dimensional finite element model. By using data obtained from off-drive-plane measurements an improved image of changes in resistivity on the drive plane is obtained.<>     

Surface analysis of oligothiophene films using HREELS: molecular orientation effects

The surface of evaporated films of α-oligothiophenes—quaterthiophene (4T), quinquethiophene (5T) and sexithiophene (6T)—was studied by high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS), extending the common vibrational domain of energy loss to electronic excitation and secondary emission. Vibrational spectra show that the molecular orientation is not the same on graphite and gold substrates. HREELS results corroborate those obtained by reflection–absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS), confirming that graphite substrates induce films where molecules lie flat on the surface, whereas gold substrates generate a molecular orientation close to perpendicularity. Using these two differently oriented samples, we demonstrate the existence of two relaxation channels for the electron surface interaction: electronic excitation and ionisation. HREELS spectra recorded with incident electron energy between 2 and 7 eV reveal that secondary electron emission originating from ionisations is always more efficient for escape directions perpendicular to the plane of the molecule. This is here associated with the π orbital origin of this emission. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

C6脑胶质瘤动物模型肿瘤细胞的超微结构观察

本文对C6脑胶质瘤动物模型肿瘤标本进行了超微结构观察,以判定肿瘤生长方式及恶性程度。取成年雄性Wistar大鼠作为实验对象,采用立体定向方法将对数生长期的C6胶质瘤细胞悬液(1×106ml)注入靶点。2～3周后手术切除肿瘤并进行电镜标本制备,H600A型透射电镜观察。观察结果显示:肿瘤中心区有两种肿瘤细胞核型;不规则核型大于55%,细胞浆结构发育较差,核浆比例明显大于1。肿瘤与正常脑组织无明显边界,亦无包膜,呈浸润型生长,病理分级约有Grade～(WHO1993)。我们认为:C6细胞脑胶质瘤动物模型超微结构的观察,对进一步研究人类脑胶质瘤的恶性程度,预后判定及综合治疗具有指导意义     

面向乳腺肿瘤诊断的时域扩散荧光―光学层析成像系统

为了解决传统乳腺扩散光学层析成像可靠性低的问题,设计了一套基于多通道时间相关单光子计数的时域扩散荧光—光学层析成像系统.该系统采用32根同轴光纤均匀分布于组织体表面,作类似X射线层析工作方式的同层扫描,由此获得多角度下的时间分辨投影.通过测量不同仿体,应用相应的迭代图像重建算法,获得了可靠的重建结果.研究表明,该系统工作可靠,是进行乳腺肿瘤早期诊断研究的理想模式之一.     

顺序式波长色散X射线荧光光谱仪的运动系统控制

本文介绍了一种利用LPC1766微控制器实现顺序式波长色散X射线荧光光谱仪的电机系统控制方案.系统分析了顺序式波长色散X射线荧光光谱仪的电机系统控制需求,充分利用LPC1766丰富的PWM和GPIO中断功能,配合光电开关的逻辑顺序,控制直流电机运动,最终实现了光谱仪中晶体、准直器和滤光片的准确定位.测试结果符合《JJG 810-1993波长色散X射线荧光光谱仪检定规程》的要求.     

临近空间激光通信信道特性及系统分析

临近空间飞行技术的发展使临近空间激光通信的实现成为了可能。由于临近空间飞行器的飞行特点独特,故信道特性的不同成为临近空间激光通信与一般空间激光通信之间的重要差异之处,因此信道分析是临近空间激光通信的理论研究中的关键内容之一。在分析临近空间激光信道的特殊性的基础上,应用信道衰减和湍流模型,探讨斜程信道随天顶角的变化规律。同时应用光束数值仿真方法模拟临近空间激光信道及通信系统性能,讨论了天顶角变化时衰减和湍流对通信质量的影响,提出对临近空间激光通信系统的可能的重要影响因素。     

A Novel Surface Reconstruction and Display Method for Cardiac PET Imaging

Positron emission tomography (PET) allows the in vivo assessment of biochemical activity in humans. The newer PET cameras can create several imaging planes, or slices, through an organ inside the body. The interpretation of two-dimensional (2-D) slices of an organ is often difficult for the clinician since he or she has to form a three-dimensional (3-D) mental composite of the structure of interest. We have developed a set of algorithms to reconstruct a functional three-dimensional surface model of the cardiac left ventricle from a set of two-dimensional cross-sectional image slices generated by PET. The theoretical techniques for this reconstruction method are applicable to most organs provided that the appropriate models for the organs are considered. An automatic boundary detection algorithm outlines the surface of the left ventricle from the 2-D images and assigns intensity values to the surface points whose level is proportional to the local activity. A 3-D surface of the intensity levels, with pseudocolor enhancement, is then displayed with the long axis of the heart in a vertical position. Such a display allows the 3-D myocardial tracer uptake to be clearly visualized by the clinician for better diagnosis.     

水生动物病毒的电镜和荧光显微镜观察

应用透射电镜和荧光显微镜对三种水生动物病毒粒子形态、病毒感染细胞的超微结构变化及亚细胞定位进行比较和研究。负染电镜观察显示:鳜鱼弹状病毒(SCRV)粒子呈典型的子弹状形态,长约76～118 nm,直径约29～52 nm;鲈鱼呼肠孤病毒(LJRV)粒子呈正二十面体结构,具有双层衣壳,直径约70～80 nm;蛙虹彩病毒(RGV)粒子呈正二十面体结构,具有囊膜,直径大小约150 nm。超薄切片观察表明,宿主细胞的基本结构遭到不同程度的破坏,成熟病毒粒子分布在胞质中或以出芽的方式释放到胞外,且RGV增殖后在胞质中聚集形成晶格状结构。免疫荧光观察进一步显示,RGV感染细胞后能产生多个直径大小不一的包涵体。本研究结果有助于了解和认识水生动物病毒的超微形态特征、复制过程及致病机理。     

一种基于稳态光子计数模式的面向乳腺扩散荧光光学联合层析成像方法

为增强乳腺扩散光学层析(Diffuse Optical Tomography,DOT)方法的实用性,提出了一套稳态扩散荧光-光学联合断层成像系统与算法.系统采用基于光开关切换的串-并混合门控光子计数检测模式,可有效实现测量时间、灵敏度和系统性价比之间的平衡;算法以图形处理器加速的蒙特卡洛光子输运模型为基础,采用了荧光DOT"导航"的血氧DOT图像重建策略,通过利用高对比度荧光DOT的先验位置信息,可有效改善血氧DOT图像重建的不适定性.仿体实验结果表明,与单独DOT方法相比,此联合方法可明显提高图像重建的定位准确度和定量性.     

A comparison of exact and approximate adjoint sensitivities in fluorescence tomography

Many approaches to fluorescence tomography utilize some form of regularized nonlinear least-squares algorithm for data inversion, thus requiring repeated computation of the Jacobian sensitivity matrix relating changes in observable quantities, such as emission fluence, to changes in underlying optical parameters, such as fluorescence absorption. An exact adjoint formulation of these sensitivities comprises three terms, reflecting the individual contributions of 1) sensitivities of diffusion and decay coefficients at the emission wavelength, 2) sensitivities of diffusion and decay coefficients at the excitation wavelength, and 3) sensitivity of the emission source term. Simplifying linearity assumptions are computationally attractive in that they cause the first and second terms to drop out of the formulation. The relative importance of the three terms is thus explored in order to determine the extent to which these approximations introduce error. Computational experiments show that, while the third term of the sensitivity matrix has the largest magnitude, the second term becomes increasingly significant as target fluorophore concentration or volume increases. Image reconstructions from experimental data confirm that neglecting the second term results in overestimation of sensitivities and consequently overestimation of the value and volume of the fluorescent target, whereas contributions of the first term are so low that they are probably not worth the additional computational costs.     

一种人体体表三维温度场的融合重建方法

重建人体体表三维温度场能够为包括诊断在内的多项人体医学分析提供可靠数据.由于红外成像具有温度测量精度低、成像分辨率不足以及显示效果较差等缺陷,导致重建的目标三维温度场的可靠性存在不足.针对这些问题,提出一种针对人体体表的三维温度场的融合重建方法.即首先采用黑体测温标定的方法,对红外热像仪的测温结果进行误差修正;其次对红...     

An estimation method for the free-space antenna factor of VHF EMI antennas

A novel numerical method is developed for theoretically estimating the free-space antenna factor of an electromagnetic interference (EMI) antenna, especially for the very high frequency (VHF) range where traditional methods are difficult to apply. It requires conventional EMI antenna calibration such as the standard antenna method to obtain the antenna factor of an antenna under calibration as a function of the antenna height. Then, a nonlinear least-squares method is applied to the calibration results to estimate the free-space antenna factor. It is found that the proposed method can yield more accurate estimates of the free-space antenna factor than the averaging method. Attainable accuracy of this method is better than 0.2 dB for tuned dipole antennas and 0.1 dB for biconical antennas and biconi-log antennas. The paper outlines the theoretical background and the validity of this method, with the attainable accuracy demonstrated using method of moments simulations.     

基于三维重建的软组织面模型研究

在虚拟手术仿真中,建立几何模型中的面模型是实现真实感的关键技术之一。目前构建面模型主要采用等值面算法。文中在等值面算法基础上,添加较为成熟的图像分割算法来提取组织器官的边缘,从而降低在进行三角剖分时出现的狭长三角形的可能性,避免面模型出现空洞,使组织器官模型更加形象逼真。     

Insights into the molecular organization of the neuron by cryo-electron tomography

Despite great progress in the identification and characterization of the key molecular players in neuronal function, remarkably little is known about their supramolecular organization. Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), providing three-dimensional views of the molecular components of the cell in their native, fully hydrated environment, is uniquely positioned to elucidate the native architecture of the molecular machinery of the neuron. In our laboratory, we employ cryo-ET to study neuronal morphology in a variety of experimental systems and develop methods to extract quantitative and functional information from tomographic data. This approach has allowed us to shed light onto the intricate organization of the molecules of the synaptic cleft and the presynaptic cytomatrix, providing evidence for their functional roles. Also, cryo-ET of cultured neurons is beginning to open new perspectives on neuronal ultrastructure and the architecture of synaptic complexes in situ. Here, we will review these findings and discuss future directions towards the elucidation of the molecular landscape of the neuron.     

Outage analysis of the hybrid free-space optical and radio-frequency channel

We study the hybrid free-space optical (FSO) and radio-frequency (RF) channel from an information theoretic perspective. Since both links operate at vastly different carrier frequencies, we model the hybrid channel as a pair of parallel channels. Moreover, since the FSO channel signals at a higher rate than the RF channel, we incorporate this key feature in the parallel channel model. Both channels experience fading due to scintillation, which is slow compared to typical signalling rates. Under this framework, we study the fundamental limits of the hybrid channel. In particular, we analyse the outage probability in the large signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime, and obtain the outage diversity or SNR exponent of the hybrid system. First we consider the case when only the receiver has perfect channel state information (CSIR case), and obtain the exponents for general scintillation distributions. These exponents relate key system design parameters to the asymptotic outage performance and illustrate the benefits of using hybrid systems with respect to independent FSO or RF links. We next consider the case when perfect CSI is known at both the receiver and transmitter, and derive the optimal power allocation strategy that minimises the outage probability subject to peak and average power constraints. The optimal solution involves non-convex optimisation, which is intractable in practical systems. We therefore propose a suboptimal algorithm that achieves significant power savings (on the order of tens of dBs) over uniform power allocation. We show that the suboptimal algorithm has the same diversity as the optimal power allocation strategy.     

A linear correction for principal component analysis of dynamic fluorescence diffuse optical tomography images

The analysis of dynamic fluorescence diffuse optical tomography (D-FDOT) is important both for drug delivery research and for medical diagnosis and treatment. The low spatial resolution and complex kinetics, however, limit the ability of FDOT in resolving drug distributions within small animals. Principal component analysis (PCA) provides the capability of detecting and visualizing functional structures with different kinetic patterns from D-FDOT images. A particular challenge in using PCA is to reduce the level of noise in D-FDOT images. This is particularly relevant in drug study, where the time-varying fluorophore concentration (drug concentration) will result in the reconstructed images containing more noise and, therefore, affect the performance of PCA. In this paper, a new linear corrected method is proposed for modeling these time-varying fluorescence measurements before performing PCA. To evaluate the performance of the new method in resolving drug biodistribution, the metabolic processes of indocyanine green within mouse is dynamically simulated and used as the input data of PCA. Simulation results suggest that the principal component (PC) images generated using the new method improve SNR and discrimination capability, compared to the PC images generated using the uncorrected D-FDOT images.     

Investigation of X-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) and K-edge imaging

This work provides a comprehensive Monte Carlo study of X-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) and K-edge imaging system, including the system design, the influence of various imaging components, the sensitivity and resolution under various conditions. We modified the widely used EGSnrc/DOSXYZnrc code to simulate XFCT images of two acrylic phantoms loaded with various concentrations of gold nanoparticles and Cisplatin for a number of XFCT geometries. In particular, reconstructed signal as a function of the width of the detector ring, its angular coverage and energy resolution were studied. We found that XFCT imaging sensitivity of the modeled systems consisting of a conventional X-ray tube and a full 2-cm-wide energy-resolving detector ring was 0.061% and 0.042% for gold nanoparticles and Cisplatin, respectively, for a dose of ～ 10 cGy. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of XFCT images of the simulated acrylic phantoms was higher than that of transmission K-edge images for contrast concentrations below 0.4%.