Sparse interleaved sampling for high resolution focal construct geometry X-ray tomography.

We demonstrate interleaved sampling by multiplexing conical subshells within the tomosynthesis and raster scanning a phantom through a 150 kV shell X-ray beam. Each view comprises pixels sampled on a regular 1 mm grid, which is then upscaled by padding with null pixels before tomosynthesis. We show that upscaled views comprising 1% sample pixels and 99% null pixels increase the contrast transfer function (CTF) computed from constructed optical sections from approximately 0.6 line pairs/mm to 3 line pairs/mm. The driver of our method is to complement work concerning the application of conical shell beams to the measurement of diffracted photons for materials identification. Our approach is relevant to time-critical, and dose-sensitive analytical scanning applications in security screening, process control and medical imaging.

Mangrove sinkholes (cenotes) of the Yucatan Peninsula, a global hotspot of carbon sequestration.

Mangroves are among the most carbon-dense ecosystems on the planet. The capacity of mangroves to store and accumulate carbon has been assessed and reported at regional, national and global scales. However, small-scale sampling is still revealing 'hot spots' of carbon accumulation. This study reports one of these hotspots, with one of the largest-recorded carbon stocks in mangroves associated with sinkholes (cenotes) in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. We assessed soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, sequestration rates and carbon origin of deep peat soils (1 to 6 m). We found massive amounts of SOC up to 2792 Mg C ha-1, the highest value reported in the literature so far. This SOC is primarily derived from highly preserved mangrove roots and has changed little since its deposition, which started over 3220 years ago (±30 BP). Most cenotes are owned by Mayan communities and are threatened by increased tourism and the resulting extraction and pollution of groundwater. These hot spots of carbon sequestration, albeit small in area, require adequate protection and could provide valuable financial opportunities through carbon-offsetting mechanisms and other payments for ecosystem services.

Combined X-ray diffraction and absorption tomography using a conical shell beam.

We combine diffraction and absorption tomography by raster scanning samples through a hollow cone of pseudo monochromatic X-rays with a mean energy of 58.4 keV. A single image intensifier takes 90x90 (x,y) snapshots during the scan. We demonstrate a proof-of-principle of our technique using a heterogeneous three-dimensional (x,y,z) phantom (90x90x170 mm3) comprised of different material phases, i.e., copper and sodium chlorate. Each snapshot enables the simultaneous measurement of absorption contrast and diffracted flux. The axial resolution was ~1 mm along the (x,y) orthogonal scan directions and ~7 mm along the z-axis. The tomosynthesis of diffracted flux measurements enable the calculation of d-spacing values with ~0.1 Å full width at half maximum (FWHM) at ~2 Å. Thus the identified materials may be color-coded in the absorption optical sections. Characterization of specific material phases is of particular interest in security screening for the identification of narcotics and a wide range of homemade explosives concealed within complex "everyday objects." Other potential application areas include process control and biological imaging.

Confocal energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction tomography employing a conical shell beam.

We introduce a new high-energy X-ray diffraction tomography technique for volumetric materials characterization. In this method, a conical shell beam is raster scanned through the samples. A central aperture optically couples the diffracted flux from the samples onto a pixelated energy-resolving detector. Snapshot measurements taken during the scan enable the construction of depth-resolved dark-field section images. The calculation of d-spacing values enables the mapping of material phase in a volumetric image. We demonstrate our technique using five ~15 mm thick, axially separated samples placed within a polymer tray of the type used routinely in airport security stations. Our method has broad analytical utility due to scalability in both scan size and X-ray energy. Additional application areas include medical diagnostics, materials science, and process control.

Depth resolved snapshot energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction using a conical shell beam.

We demonstrate a novel imaging architecture to collect range encoded diffraction patterns from overlapping samples in a single conical shell projection. The patterns were measured in the dark area encompassed by the beam via a centrally positioned aperture optically coupled to a pixelated energy-resolving detector. We show that a single exposure measurement of 0.3 mAs enables d-spacing values to be calculated. The axial positions of the samples were not required and the resultant measurements were robust in the presence of crystallographic textures. Our results demonstrate rapid volumetric materials characterization and the potential for a direct imaging method, which is of great relevance to applications in medicine, non-destructive testing and security screening.

Reduced prevalence of pain and distress during 4 years of screening with QUICATOUCH in Australian oncology patients.

While psychosocial screening has been recommended in oncology for some time, widespread adoption in clinical practice has lagged. The QUICATOUCH program is one example of sustained clinic-level screening, assessment and referral. We examined whether this program was associated with reductions in pain or distress. Oncology outpatients completed a brief, computerised assessment using Distress and Pain Thermometers. We describe population levels of pain and distress and model pain and distress scores over 4 years of the program. 9,133 patients were screened on 26,385 occasions over 48 months (October 2007-September 2011). Pain over threshold (1/10) reduced over time, from 33% in the first 3 months to 16% in the final quarter of the evaluation. Distress over threshold (4/10) reduced from 28% to 10%. A reduction was also observed when restricted to patients screened for the first time. Our analysis demonstrated this effect was not explained by measured potential confounders (gender, age, treatment status) and was unlikely to be attributable to regression to the mean. Observational studies cannot prove causation. However, the significant reduction in pain and distress levels in the 48 months following commencement of QUICATOUCH is consistent with a beneficial effect of the program.

X-ray absorption tomography employing a conical shell beam.

We demonstrate depth-resolved absorption imaging by scanning an object through a conical shell of X-rays. We measure ring shaped projections and apply tomosynthesis to extract optical sections at different axial focal plane positions. Three-dimensional objects have been imaged to validate our theoretical treatment. The novel principle of our method is scalable with respect to both scan size and X-ray energy. A driver for this work is to complement previously reported methods concerning the measurement of diffracted X-rays for structural analysis. The prospect of employing conical shell beams to combine both absorption and diffraction modalities would provide enhanced analytical utility and has many potential applications in security screening, process control and diagnostic imaging.

Rat Cytomegalovirus Vaccine Prevents Accelerated Chronic Rejection in CMV-Naïve Recipients of Infected Donor Allograft Hearts.

Cytomegalovirus accelerates transplant vascular sclerosis (TVS) and chronic rejection (CR) in solid organ transplants; however, the mechanisms involved are unclear. We determined the efficacy of a CMV vaccine in preventing CMV-accelerated rat cardiac allograft rejection in naïve recipients of CMV+ donor hearts. F344 donor rats were infected with RCMV 5 days prior to heterotopic cardiac transplantation into CMV-naïve or H2 O2 -inactivated RCMV-vaccinated Lewis recipients. Recipients of RCMV-infected donor hearts rejected at POD59, whereas vaccinated recipients exhibited a significantly prolonged time to rejection-POD97, similar to recipients of uninfected donor hearts (POD108). Although all of the donor hearts were preinfected, the vaccinated recipients had lower graft and PBMC viral loads at POD 7 compared to unvaccinated controls. Adoptive T cell and passive antibody transfers from vaccinated Lewis rats into naïve recipients demonstrate that both T-cell and B-cell arms of the adaptive immune response provide protection against CMV-accelerated rejection. Similar findings were obtained when testing three different adjuvants in passive transfer experiments. We have determined that the timing of the vaccine prior to transplantation and the specific adjuvant play critical roles in mediating anti-viral responses and promoting graft survival. CMV vaccination prior to transplantation may effectively increase graft survival.

Energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction using an annular beam.

We demonstrate material phase identification by measuring polychromatic diffraction spots from samples at least 20 mm in diameter and up to 10 mm thick with an energy resolving point detector. Within our method an annular X-ray beam in the form of a conical shell is incident with its symmetry axis normal to an extended polycrystalline sample. The detector is configured to receive diffracted flux transmitted through the sample and is positioned on the symmetry axis of the annular beam. We present the experiment data from a range of different materials and demonstrate the acquisition of useful data with sub-second collection times of 0.5 s; equating to 0.15 mAs. Our technique should be highly relevant in fields that demand rapid analytical methods such as medicine, security screening and non-destructive testing.

Integration Technology with Thin Films Co-Fabricated in Laminated Composite Structures for Defect Detection and Damage Monitoring.

Despite the well-established nature of non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies, autonomous monitoring systems are still in high demand. The solution lies in harnessing the potential of intelligent structures, particularly in industries like aeronautics. Substantial downtime occurs due to routine maintenance, leading to lost revenue when aircraft are grounded for inspection and repairs. This article explores an innovative approach using intelligent materials to enhance condition-based maintenance, ultimately cutting life-cycle costs. The study emphasizes a paradigm shift toward structural health monitoring (SHM), utilizing embedded sensors for real-time monitoring. Active thin film piezoelectric materials are proposed for their integration into composite structures. The work evaluates passive sensing through acoustic emission (AE) signals and active sensing using Lamb wave propagation, presenting amplitude-based and frequency domain approaches for damage detection. A comprehensive signal processing approach is presented, and the damage index and damage size correlation function are introduced to enable continuous monitoring due to their sensitivity to changes in material properties and defect severity. Additionally, finite element modeling and experimental validation are proposed to enhance their understanding and applicability. This research contributes to developing more efficient and cost-effective aircraft maintenance approaches through SHM, addressing the competitive demands of the aeronautic industry.

Historical stocking data and 19th century DNA reveal human-induced changes to native diversity and distribution of cutthroat trout.

Many species are threatened with extinction and efforts are underway worldwide to restore imperilled species to their native ranges. Restoration requires knowledge of species' historical diversity and distribution. For some species, many populations were extirpated or individuals moved beyond their native range before native diversity and distribution were documented, resulting in a lack of accurate information for establishing restoration goals. Moreover, traditional taxonomic assessments often failed to accurately capture phylogenetic diversity. We illustrate a general approach for estimating regional native diversity and distribution for cutthroat trout in the Southern Rocky Mountains. We assembled a large archive of historical records documenting human-mediated change in the distribution of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) and combined these data with phylogenetic analysis of 19th century samples from museums collected prior to trout stocking activities and contemporary DNA samples. Our study of the trout in the Southern Rocky Mountains uncovered six divergent lineages, two of which went extinct, probably in the early 20th century. A third lineage, previously declared extinct, was discovered surviving in a single stream outside of its native range. Comparison of the historical and modern distributions with stocking records revealed that the current distribution of trout largely reflects intensive stocking early in the late 19th and early 20th century from two phylogenetically and geographically distinct sources. Our documentation of recent extinctions, undescribed lineages, errors in taxonomy and dramatic range changes induced by human movement of fish underscores the importance of the historical record when developing and implementing conservation plans for threatened and endangered species.

Bone mineral crystallisation kinetics.

The kinetics of bone apatite crystallisation are examined using a novel approach to obtain quantitative, direction dependence features such as growth rate and activation energy. X-ray diffraction was employed for analysis of bovine, porcine and 'anorganic' bone specimens. Apatite coherence length was utilised as the independent variable within a Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (JMA) model. A direction averaged crystallisation activation energy of 183 ± 8 kJ mol(-1) was observed for the three bone groups. The Johnson-Mehl-Avrami 'n' exponent decreased with increasing temperature for all bone groups, indicating that apatite crystallisation changes to a diffusion limited process at higher temperatures. The results revealed little evidence to support any organic component 'protective' effect, and, on the contrary indicated that the organic matrix promotes apatite crystallisation.

Effect of acclimation temperature on the upper thermal tolerance of Colorado River cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii pleuriticus: thermal limits of a North American salmonid.

In an effort to explore the thermal limitations of Colorado River cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii pleuriticus, the critical thermal maxima (T(cmax) ) of 1+ year Lake Nanita strain O. c. pleuriticus were evaluated when acclimated to 10, 15 and 20° C. The mean ±s.d.T(cmax) for O. c. pleuriticus acclimated to 10° C was 24·6 ± 2·0°C (n = 30), for 15° C-acclimated fish was 26·9 ± 1·5° C (n = 23) and for 20° C-acclimated fish was 29·4 ± 1·1° C (n = 28); these results showed a marked thermal acclimation effect (Q10 = 1·20). Interestingly, there was a size effect within treatments, wherein the T(cmax) of larger fish was significantly lower than that of smaller fish acclimated to the same temperature. The critical thermal tolerances of age 0 year O. c. pleuriticus were also evaluated from three separate populations: Lake Nanita, Trapper Creek and Carr Creek reared under 'common-garden' conditions prior to thermal acclimation. The Trapper Creek population had significantly warmer T(cmax) than the Lake Nanita population, but that of the Carr Creek fish had T(cmax) similar to both Trapper Creek and Lake Nanita fish. A comparison of these O. c. pleuriticus T(cmax) results with those of other stream-dwelling salmonids suggested that O. c. pleuriticus are less resistant to rapid thermal fluctuations when acclimated to cold temperatures, but can tolerate similar temperatures when acclimated to warmer temperatures.

Organic synthesis associated with serpentinization and carbonation on early Mars.

Water-rock interactions are relevant to planetary habitability, influencing mineralogical diversity and the production of organic molecules. We examine carbonates and silicates in the martian meteorite Allan Hills 84001 (ALH 84001), using colocated nanoscale analyses, to characterize the nature of water-rock reactions on early Mars. We find complex refractory organic material associated with mineral assemblages that formed by mineral carbonation and serpentinization reactions. The organic molecules are colocated with nanophase magnetite; both formed in situ during water-rock interactions on Mars. Two potentially distinct mechanisms of abiotic organic synthesis operated on early Mars during the late Noachian period (3.9 to 4.1 billion years ago).

A bioavailable strontium (87Sr/86Sr) isoscape for Aotearoa New Zealand: Implications for food forensics and biosecurity.

As people, animals and materials are transported across increasingly large distances in a globalized world, threats to our biosecurity and food security are rising. Aotearoa New Zealand is an island nation with many endemic species, a strong local agricultural industry, and a need to protect these from pest threats, as well as the economy from fraudulent commodities. Mitigation of such threats is much more effective if their origins and pathways for entry are understood. We propose that this may be addressed in Aotearoa using strontium isotope analysis of both pests and products. Bioavailable radiogenic isotopes of strontium are ubiquitous markers of provenance that are increasingly used to trace the origin of animals and plants as well as products, but currently a baseline map across Aotearoa is lacking, preventing use of this technique. Here, we have improved an existing methodology to develop a regional bioavailable strontium isoscape using the best available geospatial datasets for Aotearoa. The isoscape explains 53% of the variation (R2 = 0.53 and RMSE = 0.00098) across the region, for which the primary drivers are the underlying geology, soil pH, and aerosol deposition (dust and sea salt). We tested the potential of this model to determine the origin of cow milk produced across Aotearoa. Predictions for cow milk (n = 33) highlighted all potential origin locations that share similar 87Sr/86Sr values, with the closest predictions averaging 7.05 km away from their true place of origin. These results demonstrate that this bioavailable strontium isoscape is effective for tracing locally produced agricultural products in Aotearoa. Accordingly, it could be used to certify the origin of Aotearoa's products, while also helping to determine if new pest detections were of locally breeding populations or not, or to raise awareness of imported illegal agricultural products.

Automated external defibrillator use at NCAA Division II and III universities.

OBJECTIVE: The placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at collegiate sporting venues is a growing trend. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, location and past utilisation of AEDs at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II and III universities. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: NCAA Division II and III universities. PARTICIPANTS: Questionnaires were mailed to the head athletic trainer at NCAA Division II and III (N=711) colleges and universities in the fall of 2003. Findings were compared to previously published results at Division I institutions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Prevalence, location and past utilisation of AEDs. RESULTS: Completed surveys were returned by 254 NCAA Division II and III institutions for a 35.7% response rate (254/711). 205 (81%) institutions had at least one AED in the university athletic setting, with a median of 2 AEDs per institution (range 1-9). Athletic training rooms (75%) were the most likely location to place an AED. Twelve cases of AED use for sudden cardiac arrest were reported with 67% (8/12) occurring in older non-students, 16% (2/12) in intercollegiate athletes and 16% (2/12) in students (non-intercollegiate athletes). The AED deployed a shock in eight cases. 8 of 12 (66%) victims were immediately resuscitated, but only 4 survived to hospital discharge (overall survival 33%). None of the intercollegiate athletes or students survived. CONCLUSIONS: Most NCAA Division II and III institutions that responded to the survey have implemented AEDs in their athletic programs, although they have a lower prevalence of AEDs than previously reported at Division I universities. Although no benefit was demonstrated in a small number of intercollegiate athletes, AEDs were successfully used in older individuals on campus with cardiac arrest.

Coastal flood risk within a peri-urban area: Sussex Inlet district, SE Australia.

The peri-urban interface (PUI) exhibits characteristic qualities of both urban and rural regions, and this complexity has meant that risk assessments and long-term planning for PUI are lagging, despite these areas representing new developing settlement frontiers. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by modifying an existing approach to quantify and assess flood risk. The risk triangle framework was used to map exposure, vulnerability and biophysical variables; however, in a novel application, the risk triangle framework was adapted by presuming that there is a variation in the degree of exposure, vulnerability and biophysical variables. Within Australia and globally, PUIs are often coastal, and flood risk associated with rainfall and coastal inundation poses considerable risk to communities in the PUI; these risks will be further exacerbated should projections of increasing frequency of extreme rainfall events and accelerating sea-level rise eventuate. An indicator-based approach using the risk triangle framework that maps flood hazard, exposure and vulnerability was used to integrate the biophysical and socio-economic flooding risk for communities in PUI of the St Georges Basin and Sussex Inlet catchments of south-eastern Australia. Integrating the flood risk triangle with future scenarios of demographic and climate change, and considering factors that contribute to PUI flood risk, facilitated the identification of planning strategies that would reduce the future rate of increase in flood risk. These planning strategies are useful for natural resource managers and land use planners across Australia and globally, who are tasked with balancing socio-economic prosperity for a changing population, whilst maintaining and enhancing ecosystem services and values. The indicator-based approach used in this study provides a cost-effective first-pass risk assessment and is a valuable tool for decision makers planning for flood risk across PUIs in NSW and globally.

Beta 2-microglobulin-dependent T cells are dispensable for allergen-induced T helper 2 responses.

CD4+ and CD8+ alpha/beta+ T cells of the T helper cell (Th)2 phenotype produce the cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 that promote IgE production and eosinophilic inflammation. IL-4 may play an important role in mediating the differentiation of antigenically naive alpha/beta+ T cells into Th2 cells. Murine NK1.1+ (CD4+ or CD4-CD8-) alpha/beta+ T cells comprise a beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m)-dependent cell population that rapidly produces IL-4 after cell activation in vitro and in vivo and has been proposed as a source of IL-4 for Th2 cell differentiation. alpha/beta+ CD8+ T cells, most of which require beta 2m for their development, have also been proposed as positive regulators of allergen-induced Th2 responses. We tested whether beta 2m-dependent T cells were essential for Th2 cell-mediated allergic reactions by treating wild-type, beta 2m-deficient (beta 2m -/-), and IL-4-deficient (IL-4 -/-) mice of the C57BL/6 genetic background with ovalbumin (OVA), using a protocol that induces robust allergic pulmonary disease in wild-type mice. OVA-treated beta 2m -/- mice had circulating levels of total and OVA-specific IgE, pulmonary eosinophilia, and expression of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 mRNA in bronchial lymph node tissue similar to that of OVA-treated wild-type mice. In contrast, these responses in OVA-treated IL-4 -/- mice were all either undetectable or markedly reduced compared with wild-type mice, confirming that IL-4 was required in this allergic model. These results indicate that the NK1.1+ alpha/beta+ T cell population, as well as other beta 2m-dependent populations, such as most peripheral alpha/beta+ CD8+ T cells, are dispensable for the Th2 pulmonary response to protein allergens.

New relationships between breast microcalcifications and cancer.

BACKGROUND: Breast microcalcifications are key diagnostically significant radiological features for localisation of malignancy. This study explores the hypothesis that breast calcification composition is directly related to the local tissue pathological state. METHODS: A total of 236 human breast calcifications from 110 patients were analysed by mid-Fouries transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy from three different pathology types (112 invasive carcinoma (IC), 64 in-situ carcinomas and 60 benign). The biochemical composition and the incorporation of carbonate into the hydroxyapatite lattice of the microcalcifications were studied by infrared microspectroscopy. This allowed the spectrally identified composition to be directly correlated with the histopathology grading of the surrounding tissue. RESULTS: The carbonate content of breast microcalcifications was shown to significantly decrease when progressing from benign to malignant disease. In this study, we report significant correlations (P<0.001) between microcalcification chemical composition (carbonate content and protein matrix : mineral ratios) and distinct pathology grades (benign, in-situ carcinoma and ICs). Furthermore, a significant correlation (P<0.001) was observed between carbonate concentrations and carcinoma in-situ sub-grades. Using the two measures of pathology-specific calcification composition (carbonate content and protein matrix : mineral ratios) as the inputs to a two-metric discriminant model sensitivities of 79, 84 and 90% and specificities of 98, 82 and 96% were achieved for benign, ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive malignancies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We present the first demonstration of a direct link between the chemical nature of microcalcifications and the grade of the pathological breast disease. This suggests that microcalcifications have a significant association with cancer progression, and could be used for future objective analytical classification of breast pathology. A simple two-metric model has been demonstrated, more complex spectral analysis may yeild greater discrimination performance. Furthermore there appears to be a sequential progression of calcification composition.

Fixed dose (555 MBq; 15 mCi) radioiodine for the treatment of hyperthyroidism: outcome and its predictors.

Radioiodine therapy (RIT) is an accepted treatment for hyperthyroidism and a 555-MBq (15-mCi) dose is frequently used. We aimed to assess treatment outcome with this dose, and to identify predictors of successful treatment. An analysis of 478 treated patients demonstrated an overall four-month cure rate of 79.5%; success rate was higher in patients with toxic multinodular goitre, solitary toxic adenoma, a smaller thyroid or less severe disease. This information may be of further assistance if variation in the dose of RIT is considered.