scholarly journals FINAL REPORT: A Non-Invasive Approach for Elucidating the Spatial Distribution of In-Situ Stress in Deep Subsurface Geologic Formations Considered for CO2 Storage

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Kelley ◽  
Bob Hardage ◽  
Andrew Bunger ◽  
Odd Andersen
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1010
Author(s):  
Deepika Konakanchi ◽  
Amy L. de Jongh Curry ◽  
Robert S. Waters ◽  
Shalini Narayana

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a promising, non-invasive approach in the diagnosis and treatment of several neurological conditions. However, the specific results in the cortex of the magnitude and spatial distribution of the secondary electrical field (E-field) resulting from TMS at different stimulation sites/orientations and varied TMS parameters are not clearly understood. The objective of this study is to identify the impact of TMS stimulation site and coil orientation on the induced E-field, including spatial distribution and the volume of activation in the cortex across brain areas, and hence demonstrate the need for customized optimization, using a three-dimensional finite element model (FEM). A considerable difference was noted in E-field values and distribution at different brain areas. We observed that the volume of activated cortex varied from 3000 to 7000 mm3 between the selected nine clinically relevant coil locations. Coil orientation also changed the induced E-field by a maximum of 10%, and we noted the least optimal values at the standard coil orientation pointing to the nose. The volume of gray matter activated varied by 10% on average between stimulation sites in homologous brain areas in the two hemispheres of the brain. This FEM simulation model clearly demonstrates the importance of TMS parameters for optimal results in clinically relevant brain areas. The results show that TMS parameters cannot be interchangeably used between individuals, hemispheres, and brain areas. The focality of the TMS induced E-field along with its optimal magnitude should be considered as critical TMS parameters that should be individually optimized.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Octavio López-Albors ◽  
Pedro José Llamas-López ◽  
Joaquín Ángel Ortuño ◽  
Rafael Latorre ◽  
Francisco Alberto García-Vázquez

AbstractThe pH–CO2–HCO3− system is a ubiquitous biological regulator with important functional implications for reproduction. Knowledge of the physiological values of its components is relevant for reproductive biology and the optimization of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs). However, in situ measurements of these parameters in the uterus are scarce or null. This study describes a non-invasive method for in situ time-lapse recording of pH and CO2 within the uterus of non-anesthetized sows. Animals were at three different reproductive conditions, estrous with no insemination and two hours after insemination, and diestrous. From pH and CO2 data, HCO3− concentration was estimated. The non-invasive approach to the porcine uterus with novel optical probes allowed the obtaining of in situ physiological values of pH, CO2, and HCO3−. Variable oscillatory patterns of pH, CO2 and HCO3− were found independently of the estrous condition. Insemination did not immediately change the levels of uterine pH, CO2 (%) and HCO3− concentration, but all the values were affected by the estrous cycle decreasing significantly at diestrous condition. This study contributes to a better understanding of the in vivo regulation of the pH-CO2-HCO3− system in the uterus and may help to optimize the protocols of sperm treatment for in vitro fertilization.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Josef Scholz ◽  
Nathalie Roiser ◽  
Eva-Maria Braig ◽  
Christian Petrich ◽  
Lorenz Birnbacher ◽  
...  

AbstractGout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, caused by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in peripheral joints and tissue. Detection of MSU crystals is essential for definitive diagnosis, however the gold standard is an invasive process which is rarely utilized. In fact, most patients are diagnosed or even misdiagnosed based on manifested clinical signs, as indicated by the unchanged premature mortality among gout patients over the past decade, although effective treatment is now available. An alternative, non-invasive approach for the detection of MSU crystals is X-ray dark-field radiography. In our work, we demonstrate that dark-field X-ray radiography can detect naturally developed gout in animals with high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity based on the in situ measurement of MSU crystals. With the results of this study as a potential basis for further research, we believe that X-ray dark-field radiography has the potential to substantially improve gout diagnostics.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Casula ◽  
Silvana Fais ◽  
Francesco Cuccuru ◽  
Maria Giovanna Bianchi ◽  
Paola Ligas ◽  
...  

<p>The diagnosis of the conservation state of monumental structures from constraints to the spatial distribution of their physical properties on shallow and inner materials represents one of the key objectives in the application of non-invasive techniques. <em>In situ</em>, CRP and 3D ultrasonic tomography can provide an effective coverage of stone materials in space and time. The intrinsic characteristics of the materials that make up a monumental structure and affect the two properties (i.e., reflectivity, longitudinal velocity) through the above methods substantially differ. Consequently, the content of their information is mainly complementary rather than redundant.</p><p>In this study we present the integrated application of different non-destructive techniques i.e., Close Range Photogrammetry (CRP), and low frequency (24 KHz) ultrasonic tomography complemented by petrographycal analysis based essentially on Optical Microscopy (OM). This integrated methodology has been applied to a Carrara marble column of the <em>Basilica of San Saturnino</em>, in Byzantine-Proto-Romanesque style, which is part of the Paleo Christian complex of the V-VI century. This complex also includes the adjacent Christian necropolis in the square of <em>San Cosimo</em> in the city of Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy. The column under study is made of bare material dating back probably to the first century A.D., it was subjected to various traumas due to disassembly and transport to the site, including damage caused by the close blast of a WWII fragmentation bomb.</p><p>High resolution 3D modelling of the studied artifact was computed starting from the integration of proximal sensing techniques such as CRP based on Structure from Motion (SfM), with which information about the geometrical anomalies and reflectivity of the investigated marble column surface was obtained. On the other hand, the inner parts of the studied body were successfully inspected in a non-invasive way by computing the velocity pattern of the ultrasonic signal through the investigated materials using 3D ultrasonic tomography. This technique gives information on the elastic properties of the material related with mechanical properties and a number of factors, such as presence of fractures, voids, and flaws. Extracting information on such factors from the elastic wave velocity using 3D tomography provides a non-invasive approach to analyse the property changes of the inner material of the ancient column. The integrated application of <em>in situ</em> CRP and ultrasonic techniques provides a full 3D high resolution model of the investigated artifact. This model enhanced by the knowledge of the petrographic characteristics of the materials, improves the diagnostic process and affords reliable information on the state of conservation of the materials used in the construction processes of the studied monumental structure. The integrated use of the non-destructive techniques described above also provides suitable data for a possible restoration and future preservation.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Acknowledgments: </strong>This work was partially supported by FIR (Fondi integrativi per la Ricerca) funded by the University of Cagliari (Italy). The authors would also like to thank the Ministero dei Beni e delle Attività Culturali. Polo Museale della Sardegna and Arch. Alessandro Sitzia for their kind permission to work on the <em>San Saturnino Basilica</em>.</p>


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Octavio López Albors ◽  
Pedro José Llamas-López ◽  
Joaquín Ortuño ◽  
Rafael Latorre ◽  
Francisco Alberto García Vázquez

Abstract Background The pH-CO2-HCO3− system is a ubiquitous biological regulator with important functional implications for reproduction. Knowledge of the physiological values of its components is relevant for reproductive biology and the optimization of Assistant Reproductive Techniques (ARTs). In vivo pH of the oviduct and uterus has been estimated by direct in situ measurements in a few species. However, regarding the levels of CO2 and HCO3−, information is very scarce and, when available, it comes from fluid samples instead of in vivo estimations. This study describes a non-invasive method to measure pH and % of CO2 in the uterus of sows with cutting-edge technology and no medication. Sows were at three different reproductive conditions, estrous with no insemination E(-)AI and after insemination E(+)AI, and diestrous (non-estrous, NE). From pH and CO2 data, HCO3− concentration was estimated. Results The designed methodology allowed for in situ time-lapse recording of pH and % of CO2 within the uterus of non-anesthetized sows. Variable oscillatory patterns of pH, CO2 and HCO3− were found independently of the estrous condition. Insemination did not changed the levels of uterine pH, % of CO2 and HCO3− concentration, -E(-)AI = E(+)AI-, but all the values were affected by the estrous cycle in a way that decreased significantly at diestrous condition - E(-)AI and E(+)AI > NE-. Conclusions A non-invasive approach to the porcine uterus with novel optical probes allowed the obtaining of in situ physiological values of pH, CO2, and HCO3− at different reproductive conditions. While the short-time presence of sperm in the uterus did not change the physiological milieu, the whole pH-CO2-HCO3− system was affected by the estrous cycle. This study contributes to a better understanding of the in vivo regulation of the pH/CO2/HCO3− system in the uterus and may help to optimize the protocols of sperm treatment for in vitro fertilization.


2015 ◽  
Vol 1656 ◽  
pp. 75-93
Author(s):  
José Luis Ruvalcaba-Sil ◽  
Malinalli Wong-Rueda ◽  
Maria Angelica Garcia-Bucio ◽  
Edgar Casanova-Gonzalez ◽  
Mayra Dafne Manrique-Ortega ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTColonial mural painting developed in Mexico in XVI century after the conquest of the pre-Hispanic cultures following the evangelization process little information exists about the chronology of the paintings and workshops, the painters, the pictorial techniques or the materiality of this art work.In this work, we present the non-invasive methodology of study of the pigments and other components of nine mural paintings in three colonial Augustinian ex-convents located in Epazoyucan, Actopan and Ixmiquilpan, in the state of Hidalgo, central Mexico. These places were selected not only because of the inherent value and iconographic characteristics of the paintings, which date to the XVI and XVII century, but also because they are in the same region and are well preserved and in good condition. Then it is possible to compare their materiality and get new information to answer to some of questions related to these paintings.X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy were conducted using portable equipment on scaffolds after a global examination under ultraviolet light. We were able to distinguish between different pigments used for different colors such as vermillion, orpiment, and a copper pigment, for the bright red, gold yellow, and green, respectively. These pigments are characteristic of the known Mexican Colonial color palette. Apart from this, we also found the presence of indigo in the blues, minium, and cochineal. A first comparison among the mural paintings of the three sites indicates different palettes and painting periods.


ACTA IMEKO ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 241
Author(s):  
Leila Es Sebar ◽  
Leonardo Iannucci ◽  
Caterina Gori ◽  
Alessandro Re ◽  
Marco Parvis ◽  
...  

<p class="Abstract">This paper presents a long-term in-situ campaign to monitor contemporary bronze statuary exposed outdoors. The case study relates to the characterisation of three sculptures belonging to the Gori Art Collection, located in the Fattoria di Celle: ‘Cavaliere’ and ‘Miracolo – Composizione’ by Marino Marini and ‘Due forme o due ombre n°2’ by Luciano Minguzzi. The overall conservation state of the sculptures was investigated by means of a multi-analytical and non-invasive approach, involving different techniques. Three-dimensional photogrammetry was performed to fully document the artworks. The chemical and microstructural features of the corrosion patinas were then characterised through X-ray fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, the stability and the protective effectiveness of the corrosion products were assessed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Thanks to the combined use of these specific techniques, the information extracted through the different analyses could be correlated with each other and with the exposure conditions. The different corrosion products were identified as being primarily copper sulphates and phosphates, and they were correlated with the different microclimate conditions related to their location on the statues. The information gathered from the presented multi-analytical approach represents the fundamental knowledge required to develop a tailored conservation project to assure the long-lasting preservation of these artworks.</p>


2017 ◽  
Vol 133 ◽  
pp. 104-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina García-Florentino ◽  
Maite Maguregui ◽  
Héctor Morillas ◽  
Iker Marcaida ◽  
Juan Manuel Madariaga

Author(s):  
Emilio Catelli ◽  
Lise Randeberg ◽  
Helena Strandberg ◽  
Bjørn Alsberg ◽  
Assimo Maris ◽  
...  

The application of hyperspectral imaging in the field of cultural heritage investigation is growing rapidly. In this study, short wavelength infrared hyperspectral imaging (960–2500 nm) has been explored as a potential non-invasive technique for in situ mapping of corrosion products on bronze sculptures. Two corrosion products, brochantite and antlerite, commonly found on the surfaces of outdoor bronze monuments, were considered. Their spatial distribution was investigated on the surface of the bronze sculpture The Man with the Key by Auguste Rodin in Oslo. The results demonstrate that hyperspectral imaging combined with image analysis algorithms can display the distribution of the two corrosion products in different areas (unsheltered and partially sheltered) of the sculpture.


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