Performance evaluation of adaptive meshing algorithms for fluorescence diffuse optical tomography using experimental data

Fluorescence diffuse optical tomography (FDOT) is a computationally demanding imaging problem. The discretizations of FDOT forward and inverse problems pose a trade-off between the accuracy and the computational efficiency of the image reconstruction. To address this trade-off, we analyzed the effect of discretization on the accuracy of FDOT imaging and proposed novel adaptive meshing algorithms for FDOT in a series of studies. In this Letter, we apply these new adaptive meshing algorithms to FDOT imaging using real data from a phantom experiment to demonstrate the practical advantages of our algorithms in FDOT image reconstruction.     

Isothermal soot oxidation experiments with intermediate gas change in a Perkin-Elmer TGA6

Two isothermal soot oxidation protocols were tested in a Perkin-Elmer TGA6: (1) the sample was heated under N₂ and then the reaction gas was introduced and (2) the sample was introduced after the empty furnace was heated under the reaction gas. The first protocol is common in soot oxidation studies, it gives a measure of the volatiles and is easier to handle, but as it is shown the determined reaction rate may be falsified by the O₂ concentration. Using gas analysis it was found that ∼2000 s are necessary for the complete gas change in the instrument. An instrument specific correction function involving the O₂ concentration and reaction order n with respect to O₂ was developed which allowed the correlation of the rates measured with both protocols.     

Imager that combines near-infrared diffusive light and ultrasound

We introduce an imaging technique that combines complementary features of ultrasound and near-infrared diffusive light imaging. We achieve the combined technology experimentally by mounting an ultrasound array together with multiple laser source and optical detector fibers upon a hand-held probe. The technique is demonstrated with tissue phantoms wherein both acoustic and optical sensors image the volume underneath the probe. Coregistration of acoustic and optical images is achieved with an accuracy of 0.27+/-0.20cm, approximately half of the image pixel size of our prototype. Accurate determination of target optical absorption is also achieved by use of image segmentation on the ultrasound reconstruction. The combined technique may provide improved breast-cancer detection sensitivity and specificity.     

Coumarin‐containing poly(fluorenediylvinylene)s: Synthesis,photophysics, and electroluminescence

Two new poly(fluorenediylvinylene)s (CV and CF) with coumarin side chains were synthesized via Heck coupling. The coumarin segments were attached to the C‐9 of fluorene through alkyl spacers. The polymers were soluble in common organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran (THF), chloroform, dichloromethane, and toluene. The photoluminescence (PL), electroluminescence (EL), and electrochemical behavior of these polymers were studied. CV and CF thin films exhibited broad‐band, bluish‐green and orange PL emissions, with maxima at 475 and 585 nm, respectively. These PL maxima were redshifted in comparison with those measured in THF solutions. Aggregate formation played an important role in the solid state. The aggregation was more pronounced in CF thin films than CV thin films. Both polymers oxidized and reduced irreversibly. Light‐emitting devices (LEDs) with indium tin oxide hole‐injecting and aluminum electron‐injecting electrodes were prepared and studied. The LEDs made of CV emitted green light, and the LEDs made of CF exhibited an orange EL emissions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5750–5762, 2006     

Complete-angle projection diffuse optical tomography by use of early photons

We present the first, to our knowledge, experimental images of complex-shaped phantoms embedded in diffuse media by use of optical tomography. Imaging is based on a complete-angle projection tomographic technique that utilizes transmitted early photons. Results are contrasted with measurements obtained at later gates as well as pseudocontinuous-wave data. The scanning system developed employs noncontact illumination and detection technologies that allow for high spatial sampling of transmitted photons. Combining this system with complete-angle illumination is found to be an important strategy toward improved imaging performance, resulting in a better-posed inversion problem. The appropriateness of reconstruction algorithms similar to those employed in x-ray computed tomography are showcased, and suggestions for model improvements are provided.     

Multispectral optoacoustic tomography by means of normalized spectral ratio

Quantification of biomarkers using multispectral optoacoustic tomography can be challenging due to photon fluence variations with depth and spatially heterogeneous tissue optical properties. Herein we introduce a spectral ratio approach that accounts for photon fluence variations. The performance and imaging improvement achieved with the proposed method is showcased both numerically and experimentally in phantoms and mice.     

Generalized Pearson Distributions and Related Characterization Problems

This paper is concerned with a Rodrigues' formula for generating new classes of polynomials. The associated density functions belong to the family of generalized Pearson curves, which extends the classical Pearson family. Various properties of these polynomials (degree, orthogonality ...) are investigated and then exploited to derive several related results, especially characterizations, in probability.     

Ultrafast Photophysics of Regioisomeric Triphenylamine Dyes Having Dipolar D-π-A-A and Octupolar D-(π-A-A)3 Character with a Benzothiazole Unit in Matched or Mismatched Orientation

Benzothiazole is among prominent electron-withdrawing heteroarene moieties used in a variety of π-conjugated molecules. Its relative orientation with respect to the principal dipole vector(s) of chromophores derived thereof is crucial, affecting photophysical and nonlinear optical properties. Here we compare the photophysics and ultrafast dynamics of dipolar and octupolar molecules comprising a triphenylamine electron-donating core, ethynylene π-conjugated linker(s) and benzothiazole acceptor(s) having the matched or mismatched orientation (with respect to the direction of intramolecular charge transfer), while a carbaldehyde group is attached as an auxiliary acceptor. Among chromophores without the auxiliary acceptor, stronger fluorescence solvatochromism and faster excited state dynamics are exhibited for the derivatives with the mismatched geometry. On the contrary, introduction of the auxiliary acceptor to the benzothiazole unit enhances the intramolecular charge transfer ICT (featuring ultrafast dynamics of the excited state) for the matched geometry. The data confirm the crucial role of the relative orientation of asymmetric heteroaromatic unit (regioisomeric effect) in dipolar as well as in multipolar molecules in tuning linear and nonlinear optical properties as well as excited state dynamics.