DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE OF A LOW COST NON-INVASIVE SCINTILLATION PROBE FOR PET QUANTITATION STUDIES

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) has been successfully applied and demonstrated to provide novel and non-invasive means for characterizing, manipulating, trapping, separating and isolating microscopic sized particles, including biological cells. In this article, we report on the design, fabrication and performance of a novel, low cost, integrated Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/DEP microfluidic device capable of controlled manipulation of microscopic sized cells and particles that can be simultaneously utilized both for DEP spectral analysis and cell sorting. We have prototyped microfluidic channels, with DEP microelectrodes incorporated within PDMS channels. Previously, we have evaluated the operation and performance of a prototype device using various dielectric and biological particles, including yeast cells and polystyrene latex beads. In this paper, we report initial experimental observations on malignant cancerous cells. Non-viable cells, due to positive DEP, were attracted to the planar electrodes at frequencies between 200–600 kHz and were clearly repelled from the electrodes, due to negative DEP, at frequencies above 10 MHz.

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Cyclomodulins and Hemolysis in E. coli as Potential Low-Cost Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Life ◽

10.3390/life11111165 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (11) ◽

pp. 1165

Author(s):

Kristýna Mezerová ◽

Lubomír Starý ◽

Pavel Zbořil ◽

Ivo Klementa ◽

Martin Stašek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Low Cost ◽

E Coli ◽

Crc Screening ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Detection Approach ◽

Gene Assay ◽

Immunochemical Test ◽

The Mean ◽

And Performance

The frequent occurrence of E. coli positive for cyclomodulins such as colibactin (CLB), the cytotoxic necrotizing factor (CNF), and the cytolethal distending factor (CDT) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients published so far provides the opportunity to use them as CRC screening markers. We examined the practicability and performance of a low-cost detection approach that relied on culture followed by simplified DNA extraction and PCR in E. coli isolates recovered from 130 CRC patients and 111 controls. Our results showed a statistically significant association between CRC and the presence of colibactin genes clbB and clbN, the cnf gene, and newly, the hemolytic phenotype of E. coli isolates. We also observed a significant increase in the mean number of morphologically distinct E. coli isolates per patient in the CRC cohort compared to controls, indicating that the cyclomodulin-producing E. coli strains may represent potentially preventable harmful newcomers in CRC patients. A colibactin gene assay showed the highest detection rate (45.4%), and males would benefit from the screening more than females. However, because of the high number of false positives, practical use of this marker must be explored. In our opinion, it may serve as an auxiliary marker to increase the specificity and/or sensitivity of the well-established fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in CRC screening.

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Adaptive Algorithm for Low-cost Single-frequency Positioning in Urban Environments: Design and Performance Analysis

Proceedings of the 2018 International Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation ◽

10.33012/2018.15573 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Ivan Smolyakov ◽

Richard B. Langley

Keyword(s):

Performance Analysis ◽

Adaptive Algorithm ◽

Low Cost ◽

Urban Environments ◽

Single Frequency ◽

And Performance

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Electrical Capacitance Volume Tomography (ECVT) for industrial and medical applications-An Overview

JOURNAL OF ADVANCES IN PHYSICS ◽

10.24297/jap.v11i1.577 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 2897-2908

Author(s):

Mohammed S.Aljohani

Keyword(s):

Imaging Technique ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Biological Processes ◽

Electrical Capacitance ◽

Image Reconstruction Techniques ◽

Phase Dynamics ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Electrical Capacitance Volume Tomography ◽

And Performance ◽

Optimization And Performance

Tomography is a non-invasive, non-intrusive imaging technique allowing the visualization of phase dynamics in industrial and biological processes. This article reviews progress in Electrical Capacitance Volume Tomography (ECVT). ECVT is a direct 3D visualizing technique, unlike three-dimensional imaging, which is based on stacking 2D images to obtain an interpolated 3D image. ECVT has recently matured for real time, non-invasive 3-D monitoring of processes involving materials with strong contrast in dielectric permittivity. In this article, ECVT sensor design, optimization and performance of various sensors seen in literature are summarized. Qualitative Analysis of ECVT image reconstruction techniques has also been presented.

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Programmable Integrated Photonics

10.1093/oso/9780198844402.001.0001 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

José Capmany ◽

Daniel Pérez

Keyword(s):

Integrated Circuit ◽

Performance Monitoring ◽

Low Cost ◽

Limiting Factors ◽

External Control ◽

Integrated Photonics ◽

New Paradigm ◽

Photonic Integrated Circuit ◽

And Performance ◽

Application Fields

Programmable Integrated Photonics (PIP) is a new paradigm that aims at designing common integrated optical hardware configurations, which by suitable programming can implement a variety of functionalities that, in turn, can be exploited as basic operations in many application fields. Programmability enables by means of external control signals both chip reconfiguration for multifunction operation as well as chip stabilization against non-ideal operation due to fluctuations in environmental conditions and fabrication errors. Programming also allows activating parts of the chip, which are not essential for the implementation of a given functionality but can be of help in reducing noise levels through the diversion of undesired reflections. After some years where the Application Specific Photonic Integrated Circuit (ASPIC) paradigm has completely dominated the field of integrated optics, there is an increasing interest in PIP justified by the surge of a number of emerging applications that are and will be calling for true flexibility, reconfigurability as well as low-cost, compact and low-power consuming devices. This book aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to this emergent field covering aspects that range from the basic aspects of technologies and building photonic component blocks to the design alternatives and principles of complex programmable photonics circuits, their limiting factors, techniques for characterization and performance monitoring/control and their salient applications both in the classical as well as in the quantum information fields. The book concentrates and focuses mainly on the distinctive features of programmable photonics as compared to more traditional ASPIC approaches.

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The Use of Microcomputer Simulations in Undergraduate Neurophysiology Experiments

Alternatives to Laboratory Animals ◽

10.1177/026119298701400303 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

pp. 134-140 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

K.A. Clarke

Keyword(s):

Low Cost ◽

Animal Experiments ◽

Theoretical Background ◽

General Purpose ◽

Microcomputer System ◽

Laboratory Equipment ◽

Teaching Objectives ◽

Compound Action Potentials ◽

Experimental Management ◽

And Performance

Practical classes in neurophysiology reinforce and complement the theoretical background in a number of ways, including demonstration of concepts, practice in planning and performance of experiments, and the production and maintenance of viable neural preparations. The balance of teaching objectives will depend upon the particular group of students involved. A technique is described which allows the embedding of real compound action potentials from one of the most basic introductory neurophysiology experiments—frog sciatic nerve, into interactive programs for student use. These retain all the elements of the “real experiment” in terms of appearance, presentation, experimental management and measurement by the student. Laboratory reports by the students show that the experiments are carefully and enthusiastically performed and the material is well absorbed. Three groups of student derive most benefit from their use. First, students whose future careers will not involve animal experiments do not spend time developing dissecting skills they will not use, but more time fulfilling the other teaching objectives. Second, relatively inexperienced students, struggling to produce viable neural material and master complicated laboratory equipment, who are often left with little time or motivation to take accurate readings or ponder upon neurophysiological concepts. Third, students in institutions where neurophysiology is taught with difficulty because of the high cost of equipment and lack of specific expertise, may well have access to a low cost general purpose microcomputer system.

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Experiments with Neural Networks in the Identification and Control of a Magnetic Levitation System Using a Low-Cost Platform

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11062535 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 2535

Author(s):

Bruno E. Silva ◽

Ramiro S. Barbosa

Keyword(s):

Neural Networks ◽

Neural Control ◽

Magnetic Levitation ◽

Low Cost ◽

Training Data ◽

Neural Controllers ◽

Levitation System ◽

Internal Model Controller ◽

Magnetic Levitation System ◽

And Performance

In this article, we designed and implemented neural controllers to control a nonlinear and unstable magnetic levitation system composed of an electromagnet and a magnetic disk. The objective was to evaluate the implementation and performance of neural control algorithms in a low-cost hardware. In a first phase, we designed two classical controllers with the objective to provide the training data for the neural controllers. After, we identified several neural models of the levitation system using Nonlinear AutoRegressive eXogenous (NARX)-type neural networks that were used to emulate the forward dynamics of the system. Finally, we designed and implemented three neural control structures: the inverse controller, the internal model controller, and the model reference controller for the control of the levitation system. The neural controllers were tested on a low-cost Arduino control platform through MATLAB/Simulink. The experimental results proved the good performance of the neural controllers.

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The grades and freshness assessment of eggs based on density detection using machine vision and weighing sensor

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-96140-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Supakorn Harnsoongnoen ◽

Nuananong Jaroensuk

Keyword(s):

Machine Vision ◽

Vision System ◽

Low Cost ◽

Measuring System ◽

Coefficient Of Determination ◽

Water Displacement ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Future Potential ◽

Non Destructive ◽

Egg Freshness

AbstractThe water displacement and flotation are two of the most accurate and rapid methods for grading and assessing freshness of agricultural products based on density determination. However, these techniques are still not suitable for use in agricultural inspections of products such as eggs that absorb water which can be considered intrusive or destructive and can affect the result of measurements. Here we present a novel proposal for a method of non-destructive, non-invasive, low cost, simple and real—time monitoring of the grading and freshness assessment of eggs based on density detection using machine vision and a weighing sensor. This is the first proposal that divides egg freshness into intervals through density measurements. The machine vision system was developed for the measurement of external physical characteristics (length and breadth) of eggs for evaluating their volume. The weighing system was developed for the measurement of the weight of the egg. Egg weight and volume were used to calculate density for grading and egg freshness assessment. The proposed system could measure the weight, volume and density with an accuracy of 99.88%, 98.26% and 99.02%, respectively. The results showed that the weight and freshness of eggs stored at room temperature decreased with storage time. The relationship between density and percentage of freshness was linear for the all sizes of eggs, the coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9982, 0.9999, 0.9996, 0.9996 and 0.9994 for classified egg size classified 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. This study shows that egg freshness can be determined through density without using water to test for water displacement or egg flotation which has future potential as a measuring system important for the poultry industry.

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Fabrication and Compressive Behavior of a Micro-Lattice Composite by High Resolution DLP Stereolithography

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13050785 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 785

Author(s):

Chow Shing Shin ◽

Yu Chia Chang

Keyword(s):

High Resolution ◽

Lattice Structure ◽

Low Cost ◽

Hierarchical Structures ◽

Dip Coating ◽

Unit Cell ◽

Digital Light Processing ◽

Unit Cell Size ◽

Wide Range ◽

And Performance

Lattice structures are superior to stochastic foams in mechanical properties and are finding increasing applications. Their properties can be tailored in a wide range through adjusting the design and dimensions of the unit cell, changing the constituent materials as well as forming into hierarchical structures. In order to achieve more levels of hierarchy, the dimensions of the fundamental lattice have to be small enough. Although lattice size of several microns can be fabricated using the two-photon polymerization technique, sophisticated and costly equipment is required. To balance cost and performance, a low-cost high resolution micro-stereolithographic system has been developed in this work based on a commercial digital light processing (DLP) projector. Unit cell lengths as small as 100 μm have been successfully fabricated. Decreasing the unit cell size from 150 to 100 μm increased the compressive stiffness by 26%. Different pretreatments to facilitate the electroless plating of nickel on the lattice structure have been attempted. A pretreatment of dip coating in a graphene suspension is the most successful and increased the strength and stiffness by 5.3 and 3.6 times, respectively. Even a very light and incomplete nickel plating in the interior has increase the structural stiffness and strength by more than twofold.

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