Retinal hyperspectral imaging in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Hyperspectral imaging of the retina has recently been posited as a potentially useful form of spectroscopy of amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein in the eyes of those with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The concept of using the retina as a biomarker for AD is an attractive one, as current screening tools for AD are either expensive or inaccessible. Recent studies have investigated hyperspectral imaging in Aβ models however these studies have been in younger mice. Here we characterised hyperspectral reflectance profile in 6 to 17 months old 5xFAD mice and compare this to Aβ in isolated preparations. Hyperspectral imaging was conducted across two preparations of Aβ using a custom built bench ophthalmoscope. In the in vitro condition, 1 mg of purified human Aβ42 was solubilised and left to aggregate for 72 h. This soluble/insoluble Aβ mixture was then imaged by suspending the solution at a pipette tip and compared against phosphate buffered saline (PBS) control (n = 10 ROIs / group). In the in vivo condition, a 5xFAD transgenic mouse model was used and retinae were imaged at the age of 6 (n = 9), 12 (n = 9) and 17 months (n = 8) with age matched wildtype littermates as control (n = 12, n = 13, n = 15 respectively). In the vitro condition, hyperspectral imaging of the solution showed greater reflectance compared with vehicle (p < 0.01), with the greatest differences occurring in the short visible spectrum (< 500 nm). In the in vivo preparation, 5xFAD showed greater hyperspectral reflectance at all ages (6, 12, 17 months, p < 0.01). These differences were noted most in the short wavelengths at younger ages, with an additional peak appearing at longer wavelengths (~ 550 nm) with advancing age. This study shows that the presence of Aβ (soluble/insoluble mixture) can increase the hyperspectral reflectance profile in vitro as well as in vivo. Differences were evident in the short wavelength spectrum (< 500 nm) in vitro and were preserved when imaged through the ocular media in the in vivo conditions. With advancing age a second hump around ~ 550 nm became more apparent. Hyperspectral imaging of the retina does not require the use of contrast agents and is a potentially useful and non-invasive biomarker for AD.

A STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF VIEWING ANGLE VARIATION IN SUGARCANE RADIOMETRIC MEASURES

Remote Sensing techniques, such as field spectroscopy provide information with a large level of detail about spectral characteristics of plants enabling the monitoring of crops. The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of viewing angle in estimating the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) for the case of sugarcane. The study on the variation of the spectral reflectance profile can help the improvement of algorithms for correction of BRDF in remote sensing images. Therefore, spectral measurements acquired on nadir and different off-nadir view angle directions were considered in the experiments. Change both anisotropy factor and anisotropy index was determined in order to evaluate the BRDF variability in the spectral data of sugarcane. BRDF correction was applied using the Walthall model, thus reducing the BRDF effects. From the results obtained in the experiments, the spectral signatures showed a similar spectral pattern varying mainly in intensity. The anisotropy factor which showed a similar pattern in all wavelengths. The visual analysis of the spectral reflectance profile of sugarcane showed variation mainly in intensity at different angles. The use of Walthall model reduced the BRDF effects and brought the spectral reflectance profiles acquired on different viewing geometry close to nadir viewing. Therefore, BRDF effects on remote sensing data of vegetation cover can be minimized by applying this model. This conclusion contributes to developing suitable algorithms to produce radiometrically calibrated mosaics with remote sensing images taken by aerial platforms.

A simplified two layer model for light diffuse reflectance in thin skin fruits

A simple model of light diffuse reflectance in thin skin fruits is presented. The model is based in a semi-infinite two-layer geometry (skin and flesh) and introduces simplifications due to the fact that the first layer is very thin. The flesh is described in terms of the usual reduced scattering and absorption coefficients µs′ and µa but the skin is modeled by simple reflection (R), absorption (A) and transmission (T) coefficients. The problem of diffuse reflectance is thus reduced to the problem of determining the four constants µs′, µa, R and T. It is shown that the problem can be solved by using absolute reflectance and spatially resolved reflectance measurements simultaneously. The coefficients µs′ and µa are determined by the usual fit of the diffuse reflectance profile (photons re-emitted from the flesh far from the incidence point) to the diffusion approximation. The coefficients R and T are determined by a second fit involving the total reflectance profile (photons reemitted both from skin and flesh), the incident beam profile and the diffuse reflectance profile calculated according to the previously determined values of µs′ and µa. The anisotropy of the light re-emitted by the fruit can also be roughly compared with the Lambertian expected behavior. In order to test the model we have followed a population of 22 ‘Rocha’ pears along a period of two weeks. We have then performed the population averages along the time and checked the plausibility of the values obtained for µs′, µa, R and T according to the expected fruit physiological changes along ripening. The results show that all parameters are physically acceptable and evolve in time according to the expected fruit ripening physiology.