White matter hyperintensities and dynamics of postural control

Background

White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on MRI have been associated with age, cardiovascular risk factors and falls in the elderly. This study evaluated the relationship between WMHs and dynamics of postural control in older adults without history of falls.

Methods

We studied 76 community-living subjects without history of falls (age 64.5±7.3 years). Brain and WMH volume calculations and clinical rating were done on fluid-attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) and MP-RAGE MR images on 3 T. Balance was assessed from the center of pressure displacement using the force platform during 3 min of quiet standing using traditional and dynamic measures (using stabilogram-diffusion analysis). Gait speed was measured from 12-min walk.

Results

Age-adjusted periventricular and focal WMHs were associated with changes in certain dynamic balance measures, including reduced range of postural sway in anteroposterior direction (fronto-temporal WMHs, P=.045; parieto-occipital WMHs, P=.009) and more irregular long-term mediolateral fluctuations (P=.046). Normal walking speed was not affected by WMHs.

Conclusions

Periventricular and focal WMHs affect long-term dynamics of postural control, which requires engagement of feedback mechanisms, and may contribute to mobility decline in the elderly.     

Surface profile measurement of moving objects by using an improved π phase-shifting Fourier transform profilometry

The π phase-shifting Fourier transform technique is introduced into the surface profile measurement of moving objects. A digital grating comprising two regions, which have a π phase shifting is projected onto the object. Two line-scan CCD cameras are used to capture two deformed fringe patterns with π phase shifting at the same time. As the object is moving, each point at the object surface can be captured twice. The digital correlation method is used to calibrate the experimental system. The zero-order component can be eliminated by subtracting intensities of the same surface point in two captured images. And then the phase can be extracted by Fourier transform without the disturbance of zero-order component. Experimental results demonstrate that this method is feasible for the moving surface profile detection and the measurable slope of height variation can be extended.     

The investigation of electrochemical properties and ionic motion of functionalized copolymer electrolytes based on polysiloxane

The effect of EO side chain functionalization on the transport and electrochemical properties of polysiloxane electrolytes has been examined in this report. First, a study of the electrochemical stability of the electrolytes by linear sweep voltammetry shows that the polymer electrolytes have a negligible effect on the electrolyte stability windows. In addition, the parameters of cation mobility in polysiloxane electrolytes, such as ionic transference numbers and diffusion coefficients, were increased by increasing the lengths of the EO side chain. However, cation mobility in polymer structures is quite different compared to liquid-based systems and is probably suppressed, resulting in their polymer structure. Therefore, Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS) was used to study the relationship between orthopositronium (o-Ps) lifetime, free volume radius, free volume of micro voids and EO side chain affection at different temperatures. Finally, a battery application with LiCoO₂ and LiFePO₄/polymer electrolyte/lithium metal electrode was monitored for its potential use in the future.     

In vivo study on the protection of indole‐3‐carbinol (I3C) against the mouse acute alcoholic liver injury by micro‐Raman spectroscopy

Micro‐Raman spectroscopy (MRS) was utilized for the first time to evaluate the effect of indole‐3‐carbinol (I3C) on acute alcoholic liver injury in vivo. In situ Raman analysis of tissue sections provided distinct spectra that can be used to distinguish alcoholic liver injury as well as ethanol‐induced liver fibrosis from the normal state. Sixteen mice with liver diseases including acute liver injury and chronic liver fibrosis, and eight mice with normal liver tissues, and eight remedial mice were studied employing the Raman spectroscopic technique in conjunction with biomedical assays. The biochemical changes in mouse liver tissue when liver injury/fibrosis occurs such as the loss of reduced glutathione (GSH), and the increase of collagen (α‐helix protein) were observed by MRS. The intensity ratio of two Raman peaks (I₁₄₅₀/I₆₆₆) and in combination with statistical analysis of the entire Raman spectrum was found capable of classifying liver tissues with different pathological features. Raman spectroscopy therefore is an important candidate for a nondestructive in vivo screening of the effect of drug treatment on liver disease, which potentially decreases the time‐consuming clinical trials. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

一种计算量子拍讯号强度的新方法

本文运用密度矩阵方程推导了V型三能级系统的荧光量子拍讯号强度,并对其结果进行了分析和讨论。     

金刚石膜的厚度及背表面过渡层对热导率的影响

 采用微波等离子体化学气相沉积（MWPCVD）方法制备金刚石膜，研究了金刚石膜的厚度以及生长初期的SiC过渡层对其热导率的影响，给出了膜厚和背表面SiC过渡层减薄厚度与金刚石膜热导率的关系。     

高温高压金刚石单晶生长界面的研究

 利用扫描电镜及Auger电子谱技术研究了高温高压下金刚石单晶生长界面的特性，观察到了金刚石单晶表面及金属膜表面的沟槽结构及金刚石-金属、金属-石墨两个主界面间的过渡层结构及界面间C原子电子组态的变化。     

电磁内爆的准一维数值模拟

 提出一个用于电磁内爆过程数值模拟的准一维模型，对1 MJ电容器组电磁内爆优化方案进行了计算，并将计算结果与零维模型和一维模型的结果进行了比较。     

C2H2 Overtones Near 12300 cm-1 Revisited with a Very Sensitive Cavity Ring-down Spectrometer

利用单模连续的钛宝石激光器, 构建了一台光腔衰荡光谱仪, 其可探测的最小吸收可达1.8×10^-10/cm. 该光谱仪被用来记录C₂H₂分子在12240～12350 cm^-1的泛频光谱. 与在同一波段测量的已报到的CRDS和激光腔内吸收光谱仪结果比较,本测量同时具有更好的灵敏度和精度. 由此,获得了乙炔分子在12290.12、12311.82和12350.61 cm^-1附近高泛频谱带更准确的振转参数     

基于DeltaE的驻波型热声发动机设计方法

在消化和吸收目前普遍接受的热声系统计算软件DeltaE(Design Environment for Low Amplitude Thermoacoustic Engines)的基础上,发展了驻波型热声发动机的结构设计方法;提出引入双参数评估法对发动机性能进行评估,以获取较高的热声转化效率。