Additional Spot Research Articles

Experimental demonstration of positioning the cooperation terminal for underwater wireless optical communication based on visual navigation

Underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) is a useful way to transmit a large volume of data in ocean engineering. In application, one of the UWOC terminals is usually carried on an underwater robot to actively adjust its orientation and position to establish an optical link, which requires the mobile terminal to locate the cooperation partner. At a short communication distance, visual navigation is a preferred method to measure the position. In this method, a camera is installed on the mobile terminal while several light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are in the cooperation one. In the image of the camera, by capturing the pattern formed of LEDs light spots, the relative position and orientation between terminals could be calculated. However, in a UWOC system, visual navigation is interfered with by the UWOC transmitter since it forms an additional light spot in the camera’s image. To solve this issue, we present a UWOC-compatible visual navigation method, in which the UWOC light spot is distinguished with the hue, saturation, and value (HSV) color model. Then, we experimentally demonstrate the effectiveness of the method in a pool, applying signals with different bitrates and power on the transmitter. The results show that, while the distance between terminals is within 350 cm and the yaw angle is within 5°, the measured errors are within 1.77 cm and 0.92°, respectively, which is accurate enough for most UWOC applications. The method presented in this paper is simple, pragmatic, and useful for establishing a UWOC link.

Dynamic stress prediction for a Pump-Turbine in Low-Load Conditions: Experimental validation and phenomenological analysis

To meet the increasing demand for higher flexibility in hydropower, an operating range extension in an existing hydroelectric powerplant is considered. To this end, the dynamic flow and structural behavior of the low-head pump-turbine is investigated in turbine mode in partial load and deep partial load conditions, to evaluate the feasibility of this flexibilization due to the increased high cycle fatigue damage. In a first step, different numerical simulation approaches that combine fluid dynamics and structural dynamics are applied and compared to in-situ dynamic strain and pressure measurements on the impeller. As a result, the modelling requirements for a numerical workflow that leads to unmatched accuracy in predicting the broad-band dynamic stresses of deep partial load are identified. In a second step, the operating-point-dependent fatigue crack initiation spots are identified based on dynamic stresses. Herein, the emergence of an additional dominant critical spot near the blade leading edge is observed, which is unexpected for low-head pump turbines. Thanks to the detailed numerical flow and structural analyses, the root cause for the dynamic stress concentration is studied and the emergence of the new critical spot is understood. It turns out in deep partial load, that the main source of pressure oscillations on the impeller blade surfaces is the vortex-dominated flow detachment zone around the blade leading edge, which, in combination with the geometry of the investigated impeller, translates into the main stress oscillations. The results of this work were later used to extend the operating range of the hydroelectric powerplant from initially 25% to 100% power output to now 0% to 100%.

Ultrafast evanescently coupled waveguide MUTC-PDs with high responsivity

Novel evanescently coupled waveguide modified uni-traveling carrier photodiodes (MUTC-PDs) employing a thick multi-layer coupling waveguide are reported. To improve the optical-to-electrical (O/E) conversion efficiency, a thick multi-layer coupling waveguide with a gradually increased refractive index from the bottom layer to the absorption layer is utilized. The refractive index profile facilitates the upward transmission of incident light into the absorption region, thereby enhancing the evanescent coupling efficiency. Meanwhile, the coupling waveguide, with a total thickness of 1.75 µm, expands the mode field diameter, thereby reducing the input coupling loss. Additionally, the top layer of the coupling waveguide also serves as the drift layer. This configuration facilitates efficient light absorption within a short PD length, thus ensuring ultrawide bandwidth and high O/E conversion efficiency simultaneously. Without an additional spot size coupler or anti-reflection coating, the measured responsivity is as high as 0.38 A/W for the PD with an active area of 5 × 6 µm2. Meanwhile, an ultrawide 3-dB bandwidth of 153 GHz has been demonstrated.

Efficient Representation Learning of Satellite Image Time Series and Their Fusion for Spatiotemporal Applications

Satellite data bolstered by their increasing accessibility is leading to many endeavors of automated monitoring of the earth's surface for various applications. Such applications demand high spatial resolution images at a temporal resolution of a few days which entails the challenge of processing a huge volume of image time series data. To overcome this computing bottleneck, we present PatchNet, a bespoke adaptation of beam search and attention mechanism. PatchNet is an automated patch selection neural network that requires only a partial spatial traversal of an image time series and yet achieves impressive results. Satellite systems face a trade-off between spatial and temporal resolutions due to budget/technical constraints e.g., Landsat-8/9 or Sentinel-2 have high spatial resolution whereas, MODIS has high temporal resolution. To deal with the limitation of coarse temporal resolution, we propose FuSITSNet, a twofold feature-based generic fusion model with multimodal learning in a contrastive setting. It produces a learned representation after fusion of two satellite image time series leveraging finer spatial resolution of Landsat and finer temporal resolution of MODIS. The patch alignment module of FuSITSNet aligns the PatchNet processed patches of Landsat-8 with the corresponding MODIS regions to incorporate its finer resolution temporal features. The untraversed patches are handled by the cross-modality attention which highlights additional hot spot features from the two modalities. We conduct extensive experiments on more than 2000 counties of US for crop yield, snow cover, and solar energy prediction and show that even one-fourth spatial processing of image time series produces state-of-the-art results. FuSITSNet outperforms the predictions of single modality and data obtained using existing generative fusion models and allows for monitoring of dynamic phenomena using freely accessible images, thereby unlocking new opportunities.

Streamlined determination of 3-O-methyldopa in dried blood spots: Prospective screening for aromatic l-amino-acid decarboxylase deficiency

BackgroundAromatic L-amino-acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency diagnosis is often delayed by low disease awareness and specific laboratory examinations. We demonstrated that an elevated concentration of L-dopa metabolite 3-O-methyldopa (3-OMD) in dried blood spots could be integrated into a newborn screening program to detect AADC deficiency. MethodsDBS samples for amino acid and acylcarnitine analysis using NeoBase™2 reagents were also analyzed for the 3-OMD concentration using 13C6-phenylalanine as an internal standard. For samples exceeding the pre-defined cutoffs, an additional spot was punched from the original filter paper for second-tier 3-OMD measurement by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-MS/MS assay. Newborns with a 3-OMD concentration exceeding 500 ng/mL were referred for confirmatory testing. ResultsFrom Feb. 2020 to Dec. 2022, 157,371 newborns were screened for AADC deficiency. Eight newborns exhibited an elevated 3-OMD concentration (839–5170 ng/mL). Among them, six newborns were confirmed to carry two pathogenic DDC variants, indicating an incidence of AADC deficiency of ∼1:26,000 (95% confidence interval: 1 in 12,021 to 1 in 57,228). During the follow-up period, all six patients developed typical symptoms of AADC deficiency. ConclusionThe screening for 3-OMD, a target for AADC deficiency, could be easily integrated into the existing newborn screening programs and facilitate the future application for early diagnosis and effective treatment.

Incidental detection of acquired unilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction on I-131 whole body scan following I-131 therapy for thyroid cancer: a case report

BackgroundRadioactive iodine 131 (I-131) is used in the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer after thyroidectomy; however, its accumulation in non-thyroidal regions may give false positive results on iodine whole body scan (WBS). Only a few cases of radioiodine uptake in the orbital region in patients with thyroid cancer have been reported, which could be due to metastasis or false positive causes resulting from contamination or inflammatory etiology.Case presentationWe describe a case of 49-year-old male with history of papillary thyroid carcinoma. The follow-up I-131 whole body scan showed a focus of increased radiotracer uptake in the region of left orbit. Correlative single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT-CT) showed that uptake was due to stenosis of the left nasolacrimal duct causing obstructive symptoms on left side. Dacryoscintigraphy also demonstrated significant obstruction of left nasolacrimal system.ConclusionsThe nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a rare adverse event after I-131 therapy that can result in an accumulation of radioiodine on whole body scan, mimicking metastasis. The use of additional spot views and SPECT-CT images along with thyroglobulin levels can help physicians in clarifying the situation in these uncertain cases.

Pressure Distributions in Deep Drawing with a Passive Cardanic Blank Holder

Deep drawing processes are strongly influenced by the blank holder forces, as well as their local distribution. In current deep drawing tools, this pressure distribution is dominated by the compliance of the specific machine the tool is mounted on. Therefore, each tool must be manually polished to enable the desired distribution of the blank holder pressure. This regularly causes problems when transferring tools from one machine to another, for example from a try-out press to a regular press line. As both machines have unique compliances, the pressure distribution on the flange of the drawn part changes. Additional manual spot grinding is needed to achieve the desired pressure distribution on the flange. To counteract this problem, the use of a passive cardanic blank holder is proposed in this paper. The cardanic blank holder can freely tilt around two axes, which leads to an auto-leveling effect of the blank holder on the sheet, resulting in a more uniform blank holder pressure. This effect is demonstrated experimentally using pressure sensitive film on the same tool with two different blank holders, one equipped with a conventional blank holder, the other with a cardanic blank holder. To demonstrate transferability, the experiments are repeated on multiple single acting presses. The contribution will present and discuss the resulting pressure distributions.

Numerical Study of Sedimentation and Flow Pattern at the Open Channel Intake

Generally, open channel lateral intake structures are extensively used in the water and environmental projects. The passing flow at side intakes is mostly turbulence containing vertical and horizontal spiral currents causing sediment problems. The flow separation region in the intake channel is critical for sediment and water distribution during the diversion. It denotes a large reduction in the possible breadth of the lateral branch's incoming flow, as well as a place where sediment has collected, obstructing the deviated flow. This study aims to reduce and control sediment problems at the lateral intake by improving the flow pattern at this area using three-dimensional numerical models simulated in CFD, ANSYS Fluent software. The correctness of the three-dimensional numerical model was validated by a previous experimental study that showed good accuracy. Different discharge ratios and a range of shape designs were used to simulate the flow pattern at the intake channel junction. The findings demonstrated that the separation zone measurements minimize as the discharge ratio increases. Based on the changing the intake entrance shape results, cutting the outer boundary of the canal entrance widens the separation area, as well as an additional separation spot as the cutting size grows. In contrast with the internal chamfered angle models of the intake inlet, the separation area dimensions are reduced. The chamfered and rounded inner intake edge model with 30o angle to the main channel flow direction and the length of the chamfered side that normal to the flow direction (c value ) equal to three-quarters of the intake width was noticed to be the best design for lessening separation extent in this study. Thereby, the reduction ratio of the separation area width and length reaches in this case to 90% and 72%, respectively.

Urine test strips and iodine contamination: a tricky trick in iodine nutrition surveys

Objective A recent report from the Faroe Islands suggested mild iodine deficiency among women aged 40 years and older. New preliminary results showed an average urinary iodine concentration of 457 µg/L. This spurious finding encouraged the present report. Methods A subset of 17 consecutive pregnant women from an ongoing study provided an additional morning spot urine sample; one part was tested for a few seconds with a test strip for glucose, protein, and erythrocytes, and the other was left untouched. The women recorded the previous week’s intake of iodine-rich foods. Additionally, 12 tap water samples were collected such that three samples were sealed immediately, the remaining were strip tested for 10, 30 and 60 s, respectively. Urine and water samples were analysed using the ceri/arsen method after alkaline ashing. Results Median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in pristine urine samples was 116 µg/L (IQR 79–204 µg/L; range 26–475 µg/L), and positively associated with iodine-rich food intake. UIC increase with test-strip dip varied from 10 to 94 times the non-dip value. In tap water, the pristine samples had an iodine concentration of 2–4 µg/L, which increased to 10,000 µg/L after 60 s. Conclusion Urine samples exposed to test strips can be contaminated within a few seconds leading to unreliable iodine results. Therefore, it is crucial that the study protocol clearly states the procedure for urine sample collection and handling, strict adherence to protocol, and that utensils used are dedicated to collecting urine to measure iodine.

Spatial profile of accelerated electrons from ponderomotive scattering in hydrogen cluster targets

We study the laser-driven acceleration of electrons from overdense hydrogen clusters to energies of up to 13 MeV in laser forward direction and several hundreds of keV in an outer ring-structure. The use of cryogenic hydrogen allows for high repetition-rate operation and examination of the influence of source parameters like temperature and gas flow. The outer ring-structure of accelerated electrons, originating from the interaction, that is robust against the change of laser and target parameters can be observed for low electron densities of ca 3 × 1016 cm−3. For higher electron densities, an additional central spot of electrons in the laser forward direction can be observed. Utilizing 3D particle-in-cell simulations, it is revealed that both electron populations mainly stem from ponderomotive scattering.

Estimating 24-hour urinary excretion using spot urine measurements in kidney stone formers.

ABSTRACTBackgroundOne limitation of the use of 24-hour collection is impracticality. We analysed the performance of spot urine measurements to estimate 24-hour excretion in patients with kidney stones.MethodsA total of 74 adult patients from two centres performed a 24-hour urine collection. A sample of the last micturition was sent for spot urine analysis. Twenty patients were asked to collect two additional spot urine samples, one before dinner and the other after dinner. Urinary concentrations of creatinine, calcium, oxalate, uric acid, citrate and magnesium were measured in the 24-hour and each of the spot urine samples. Four approaches were used to estimate 24-hour urinary excretion, multiplying the ratio of the spot urinary analyte to creatinine concentration by (i) measured 24-hour urinary creatinine excretion (Prediction 1), (ii) estimated 24-hour urinary creatinine excretion (Prediction 2), (iii) assumed 1-g 24-hour urinary creatinine excretion (Prediction 3) or (iv) assumed 1.5-g 24-hour urinary creatinine excretion (Prediction 4). For each parameter we computed Lin's concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs), Bland–Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement.ResultsThe performance of estimates obtained with Prediction 1 and Prediction 2 was similar, except for citrate and uric acid, for which Prediction 2 performed worse. Both approaches performed moderately well: citrate CCC {0.82 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75–0.90]}, oxalate [0.66 (95% CI 0.55–0.78)], magnesium [0.66 (95% CI 0.54–0.77)], calcium [0.63 (95% CI 0.50–0.75)] and uric acid [0.52 (95% CI 0.36–0.68)]. The performance of Predictions 3 and 4 was worse.ConclusionsAlthough spot urine samples may hold promise for clinical and population-based research, at present they have limited utility in clinical practice. Measuring or estimating 24-hour creatinine, rather than assuming a given creatinine excretion, will be necessary in future studies of spot urine samples.

Feeding Brassica vegetables to rats leads to the formation of characteristic DNA adducts (from 1-methoxy-3-indolylmethyl glucosinolate) in many tissues

Juices of Brassica vegetables are mutagenic and form characteristic DNA adducts in bacteria and mammalian cells. In this study, we examined whether such adducts are also formed in vivo in animal models. Rats fed raw broccoli ad libitum in addition to normal laboratory chow for 5 weeks showed one major adduct spot and sometimes an additional minor adduct spot in liver, kidney, lung, blood and the gastrointestinal tract, as determined by 32P-postlabelling/thin-layer chromatography. Adducts with the same chromatographic properties were formed when herring sperm DNA (or dG-3’-phosphate) was incubated with 1-methoxy-3-indolylmethyl glucosinolate (phytochemical present in Brassica plants), in the presence of myrosinase (plant enzyme that hydrolyses glucosinolates to bioactive breakdown products). UPLC–MS/MS analysis corroborated this finding: 1-Methoxy-3-indolylmethyl-substituted purine nucleosides were detected in the hepatic DNA of broccoli-fed animals, but not in control animals. Feeding raw cauliflower led to the formation of the same adducts. When steamed rather than raw broccoli was used, the adduct levels were essentially unchanged in liver and jejunum, but elevated in large intestine. Due to inactivation of myrosinase by the steaming, higher levels of the glucosinolates may have reached the large bowl to be activated by glucosidases from intestinal bacteria. In conclusion, the consumption of common Brassica vegetables can lead to the formation of substantial levels of DNA adducts in animal models. The adducts can be attributed to a specific phytochemical, neoglucobrassicin (1-methoxy-3-indolylmethyl glucosinolate).

Rapid Molecular Detection of Antifungal-Resistant Strains of Malassezia pachydermatis.

Azole resistance in Malassezia pachydermatis has been reported in isolates from canine skin worldwide. Decreased susceptibility of M. pachydermatis to azoles has been hypothesized to potentially result from mutations in the ERG11 gene, which encodes lanosterol 14α-demethylase. To sequence the mutation hotspots of ERG11 in the isolates, we prepared primers (MPERG11hot2S and MPERG11hot2R) based on the conserved sequences of M. pachydermatis ERG11. DNA samples from azole-resistant and -susceptible strains were amplified by PCR using the primer pair. PCR amplicons were sequenced and analyzed for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the target gene. Seven of the tested azole-resistant strains (16 strains) harbored ERG11 SNPs at nucleotide 904 (G→A) or 905 (C→T), resulting in the replacement of Ala 302 with Thr or Val (Ala302Thr or Val). None of the tested azole-susceptible strains had a mutation at either of those residues. Our PCR method detected SNPs at the nucleotide-905 (C→T) hotspot mutation site in M. pachydermatis ERG11. Moreover, we discovered an additional hot spot site at nucleotide 904 (G→A).

Development of a new rain attenuation model for tropical location

This study proposes a new rain attenuation prediction model (RAM) based on the rain cell concept for tropical locations. The new model addresses the research gap in the international telecommunications union (ITU) model. Results obtained show that the proposed RAM predicted the possibility of signal across seven (7) out of thirteen (13) stations monitored. The predicted attenuation values were 18.3427 dB, 18.8106 dB, 18.3921 dB, 13.8062 dB, 20.8803 dB, 9.4519 dB, and 19.6018 dB for Jalingo, Jos, Makurdi, Mubi, Otukpo, Sokoto, and Abuja respectively. However, the RAM predicted outage across six stations with predicted attenuation values of 31.7040 dB, 26.8302 dB, 28.6635 dB, 29.6562 dB, 28.8827 dB, and 30.0614 dB for Akwa-Ibom, Benin, Donga, Port-Harcourt, Owerri, and Aba respectively. The proposed RAM hence suggests an additional Ku-band spot beam power of at least 331.97 watts for Nigeria's Nigerian communication satellite-1 (NIGCOMSAT-1R) Ku-band transponder to overcome the predicted attenuation across the six stations which recorded signal outage. The results from this study can be used by network engineers for the implementation of fade mitigation techniques (FMTs) such as site diversity and power control to aid telecommunication networks anticipate changes and allocate resources accordingly.

De novo mutation in KITLG gene causes a variant of Familial Progressive Hyper- and Hypo-pigmentation (FPHH).

Familial Progressive Hyper‐ and Hypopigmentation is a pigmentary disorder characterized by a mix of hypo‐ and hyperpigmented lesions, café‐au‐lait spots and hypopigmented ash‐leaf macules. The disorder was previously linked to KITLG and various mutations have been reported to segregate in different families. Furthermore, association between KITLG mutations and malignancies was also suggested. Exome and SANGER sequencing were performed for identification of KITLG mutations. Functional in silico analyses were additionally performed to assess the findings. We identified a de novo mutation in exon 4 of KITLG gene causing NM_000899.4:c.[329A>T] (chr12:88912508A>T) leading to NP_000890.1:p.(Asp110Val) substitution in the 3rd alpha helix. It was predicted as pathogenic, located in a conserved region and causing an increase in hydrophobicity in the KITLG protein. Our findings clearly confirm an additional hot spot of KITLG mutations in the 3rd alpha helix, which very likely increases the risk of malignancies. To our knowledge the present study provides the strongest evidence of association of the KITLG mutation with both Familial Progressive Hyper‐ and Hypopigmentation and malignancy due to its’ location on somatic cancer mutation locus. Additionally we also address difficulties with classification of the unique phenotype and propose a subtype within broader diagnosis.

An in-vitro medical device material biocompatibility study using primary cell cultures of rat osteoblasts

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> We questioned if simple chemical methods could be applied as a possible biocompatibility test for biomaterials.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> In a qualitative experiment, osteoblasts cells harvested from newly born (3-5) day old sprague-dawley rats were cultivated in growth medium in a controlled environment in the presence of titanium (Ti) (American Elements®), cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) (Nobilium®), bio-activated rattan wood, orthopaedic bone cement (CEMEX®), implant fixtures (Astra TDC), and resorbable suture material (Poly-Gly-Lac) (VICRYL®). Sample aliquots were withdrawn periodically over 16 days. One and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) as well as isoelectric focusing (IEF) produced spots that were subjected to enzyme digestion and molecular weight determination. In a follow-up quantitative experiment, the same samples, except for those containing CEMEX and VICRYL, were prepared. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was monitored continuously using the colorimetric Stanbio® kits. The ALP activities at days 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16, designated as a longitudinal variable, TIME, were analysed, using SPSS V.22, as a mixed ANOVA model with TIME as a repeated measure and the material type as an independent factor.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The IEF and second dimension PAGE produced an additional spot for Ti at pH(I) of 5-6. This was identified as IQUB_RAT IQ, a ubiquitin-like domain, molecular weight 2.6 kDa. This method was able to find finite differences in osteoblast activity after initial exposure to a foreign body. Both the ALP activity changes from one day to the next for all materials and the TIME-material type interaction effects were significant (p=0.000).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> This technique is suitable for use with human cell lines or clones. Experiments like these reduce the need for animal testing. </p>

The sales effect of in-store product displays: The special case of total product relocation

Purpose of the research: Special product displays are expected to increase sales of the products they contain. Opposite to the rich existing literature on the impact of product in-store displays, we investigate the case of total product relocation instead of using the display location as an additional sales spot (secondary location strategy). Design/methodology: In our setting, products are fully taken off the usual shelf and put into special displays close to the checkout area. We use data from a field experiment conducted in 214 stores of a German perfumery chain, in which eight products were moved to an in-store display. Results/findings: Compared to the control group, the treated products placed in display boxes show a statistically significant increase in sales. The precise effect differs markedly between the investigated products, ranging from 80% to 478%. Accumulated sales increased by 217.69€ per week on average due to the installation of product displays. We can conclude that complete relocation, indeed, boosts sales, but the precise magnitude seems to be driven by factors not covered in this study. Practical implications and Conclusions: Based on the product selection, the results seem transferable to both other perfumery stores as well as general supermarkets. However, given the low additional revenues, retailers must consider all the additional costs associated with the implementation of product displays such as the costs of installing and maintaining the display, the costs of removing tags and rearranging the former shelf, and any opportunity costs. If these costs do not exceed the estimated effect, then the installation could be of economic importance.

Willing to Pay? Spatial Heterogeneity of e-Vehicle Charging Preferences in Germany

In this paper, we spatially map the willingness to pay for e-vehicle charging options according to the availability of public charging spots. We combine a Discrete Choice Experiment on charging preferences with a data set of public charging spots. Our results show spatial heterogeneity, i.e. respondents’ choices depend on the quantity of public charging spots available to them. Non-availability of public charging spots in the vicinity has a larger effect on the choice probability than 1, 2, or 3 charging spots have. This could be evidence for charging infrastructure awareness. For the charging locations, we find marked spatial heterogeneity in the willingness to pay subject to the number of available public charging spots. The interaction of charging location with the number of public charging spots reveals a strong preference for charging at home rather than at work or charging on the road. However, with every additional public charging spot, respondents are more likely to charge away from home. This holds until the number of charging spots has reached a tipping point at which respondents become indifferent between home and work charging. When the tipping point is exceeded, respondents rather charge at work than at home. Thus, with increasing numbers of charging spots, public chargers near home are less relevant than those near work. Eventually, public chargers away from home become more attractive. Also, with increasing numbers of charging spots our results reveal a fivefold greater willingness to pay for reducing waiting time (for a charging spot to become available) than for accelerating charging speed. Thus, charging point operators could surcharge by implementing a booking scheme than by implementing fast-charging. From the findings, we derive further implications for charging infrastructure policy, business models, and infrastructure planning, e.g. regarding the expected break-even points for rolling out charging infrastructure and the provision of green energy.

Precise building deformation measurement using holographic multipoint replication.

For the active control of large-scale structures, especially high-rise buildings and bridges, fast and accurate measurement of local deformations is required. We present a highly accurate and fast vision-based measurement technique and, to the best of our knowledge, first experimental results for the control of an adaptive-structures prototype frame, equipped with hydraulic actuators. Deformations are detected at multiple discrete points, based on a photogrammetric approach with additional holographic spot replication. The replication leads to effective averaging of most error contributions, especially discretization and photon noise. Measurements over a distance of 11.4 m result in a measurement uncertainty of 0.0077 pixel (corresponding to 0.055 mm in object space).

Current state of bone scintigraphy protocols and practice in Japan.

Nuclear medicine technologists in Japan often perform additional single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with or without computed tomography (CT) after whole-body imaging for bone scintigraphy. In this study, we wanted to identify the bone scanning protocols used in Japan, together with the current clinical practices. The study was conducted between October and December 2017. We created a web survey that was hosted by the Japanese Society of Radiological Technology. The questionnaire included 12 items regarding the demographics of the responders, their scan protocols, and the imaging added to, or omitted from, routine protocols. In total, 228 eligible responses were collected from participants with a mean of 11.6±8.4 years' experience in nuclear medicine examination. All responders reported using routine scan protocols that included whole-body imaging. However, only 2%, 4%, 20%, and 14% of the responders also acquired single-field SPECT, single-field SPECT/CT, multi-field SPECT, and multi-field SPECT/CT, respectively. Our survey results indicate that nuclear medicine practice in Japan is beginning to shift from planar whole-body imaging with additional spot planar images to additional SPECT or SPECT/CT. Further study is required to examine the optimal protocols for bone scintigraphy.