Applied Power Levels Research Articles

Treatment Planning Strategies for Interstitial Ultrasound Ablation of Prostate Cancer.

To develop patient-specific 3D models using Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) simulations and pre-treatment planning tools for the selective thermal ablation of prostate cancer with interstitial ultrasound. This involves the integration with a FDA 510(k) cleared catheter-based ultrasound interstitial applicators and delivery system. A 3D generalized "prostate" model was developed to generate temperature and thermal dose profiles for different applicator operating parameters and anticipated perfusion ranges. A priori planning, based upon these pre-calculated lethal thermal dose and iso-temperature clouds, was devised for iterative device selection and positioning. Full 3D patient-specific anatomic modeling of actual placement of single or multiple applicators to conformally ablate target regions can be applied, with optional integrated pilot-point temperature-based feedback control and urethral/rectum cooling. These numerical models were verified against previously reported ex-vivo experimental results obtained in soft tissues. For generic prostate tissue, 360 treatment schemes were simulated based on the number of transducers (1-4), applied power (8-20 W/cm2), heating time (5, 7.5, 10 min), and blood perfusion (0, 2.5, 5 kg/m3/s) using forward treatment modelling. Selectable ablation zones ranged from 0.8-3.0 cm and 0.8-5.3 cm in radial and axial directions, respectively. 3D patient-specific thermal treatment modeling for 12 Cases of T2/T3 prostate disease demonstrate applicability of workflow and technique for focal, quadrant and hemi-gland ablation. A temperature threshold (e.g., Tthres = 52 °C) at the treatment margin, emulating placement of invasive temperature sensing, can be applied for pilot-point feedback control to improve conformality of thermal ablation. Also, binary power control (e.g., Treg = 45 °C) can be applied which will regulate the applied power level to maintain the surrounding temperature to a safe limit or maximum threshold until the set heating time. Prostate-specific simulations of interstitial ultrasound applicators were used to generate a library of thermal-dose distributions to visually optimize and set applicator positioning and directivity during a priori treatment planning pre-procedure. Anatomic 3D forward treatment planning in patient-specific models, along with optional temperature-based feedback control, demonstrated single and multi-applicator implant strategies to effectively ablate focal disease while affording protection of normal tissues.

Shape memory effect in polyimide-based composites with multiple driving methods

Shape memory polymers and composites have potential in many application fields as a kind of smart materials with excellent shape memory properties. Herein, two shape memory polyimides (SMPIs) were prepared via thermal imidization process. Furthermore, shape memory composites (SMPCs) were obtained via solution impregnation and compression molding methods using SMPI as the polymer matrix and carbon plain weave fabric as the reinforcement. These polyimides and composites possessed superior shape memory behavior (shape memory recovery ratio, Rr, of SMPI 1 and HO-SMPC-40%: 99.1% and 90.6%). Remarkably, both of these samples maintained stable cyclic and bending shape memory performances. In addition, the composites were endowed with electrical-induced shape memory characteristics owing to their great conductivity. The SMPCs work effectively as deformable lightweight devices, which they could produce shape memory effect in different degrees reflecting to different applied power levels (Rr of HO-SMPC-40% under the power of 10 W and 20 W: 33% and 72%, respectively). These smart SMPIs and SMPCs exhibit flexible deformation properties that extend the potential use of polyimides and their composites to applications such as lightweight deformable sensors for the exploration industry.

A reaction mechanism for plasma electrolysis of AgNO3 forming silver nanoclusters and nanoparticles

In plasma-driven solution electrolysis (PDSE), gas-phase plasma-produced species interact with an electrolytic solution to produce, for example, nanoparticles. An atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) directed onto a liquid solution containing a metallic salt will promote reduction of metallic ions in solution, generating metallic clusters that nucleate to form nanoparticles. In this article, results from a computational investigation are discussed of a PDSE process in which a radio-frequency APPJ sustained in helium impinges on a silver nitrate solution, resulting in growth of silver nanoparticles. A reaction mechanism was developed and implemented in a global plasma chemistry model to predict nanoparticle growth. To develop the reaction mechanism, density functional theory was used to generate probable silver growth pathways up to Ag9. Neutral clusters larger than Ag9 were classified as nanoparticles. Kinetic reaction rate coefficients for thermodynamically favorable growth pathways were estimated based on an existing, empirically determined base reaction mechanism for smaller Ag particle interactions. These rates were used in conjunction with diffusion-controlled reaction rate coefficients that were calculated for other Ag species. The role of anions in reduction of Agn ions in forming nanoparticles is also discussed. Oxygen containing impurities or admixtures to the helium, air entrainment into the APPJ, and dissociation of saturated water vapor above the solution can produce additional reactive oxygen species in solution, resulting in the production of anions and O2− in particular. For a given molarity, delivering a sufficient fluence of reducing species will produce similar nanoparticle densities and sizes for all applied power levels. Comparisons are made to alternate models for nanoparticle formation, including charged nanoparticles and use of direct current plasmas.

Influence of battery power setting on carbonyl emissions from electronic cigarettes.

INTRODUCTIONAlthough e-cigarettes share common features such as power units, heating elements and e-liquids, the variability in design and possibility for customization represent potential risks for consumers. A main health concern is the exposure to carbonyl compounds, which are formed from the main components of e-liquids, propylene glycol and glycerol, through thermal decomposition. Levels of carbonyl emissions in e-cigarette aerosols depend, amongst others, on the power supplied to the coil. Thus, e-cigarettes with adjustable power outputs might lead to high exposures to carbonyls if the users increase the power output excessively. The aim of this work was to elucidate the generation of carbonyls in relation to undue battery power setting.METHODSCarbonyl emissions were generated by two modular e-cigarettes equipped with two atomizers containing coils of different resistance following the ISO 20768:2018 method. The battery power output was increased from the lower wattage level to above the power range recommended by the producer. Carbonyls were trapped by a 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) solution and analysed by LC-MS/MS.RESULTSThe amount of carbonyl emissions increased with increasing power setting. An exponential incline was observed when the applied power level exceeded the recommended power range. Exceeding the recommended power range by just 5 watts resulted in up to twenty times the amount of carbonyls emitted at the recommended upper power level. Generation of acetaldehyde and acrolein next to other carbonyls was prominent at high power outputs.CONCLUSIONSE-cigarettes with customisable power setting might generate high amounts of carbonyls if the battery power output is set by the consumer to levels above the recommended range. This represents a high risk of exposure to carbonyls and thus should be avoided by integrating safety features in e-cigarette devices to limit the possible power settings to the range specified by the manufacturer.

Microbubble-assisted MRI-guided focused ultrasound for hyperthermia at reduced power levels

Purpose: Ultrasound contrast agent microbubbles were combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) as a means to achieve mild hyperthermia at reduced power levels.Methods: MRgFUS hyperthermia (42°C for 20 min) was evaluated in rabbit thigh muscle or Vx2 tumors using infusions of microbubbles (Definity, 20 µL/kg) or saline (sham) administered over 5 min. The impact of treatments on drug uptake was assessed with liposomal doxorubicin (Caelyx, 2.5 mg/kg). Applied power levels before and after the injection of microbubbles or saline were compared, and drug uptake was evaluated with fluorometry of tissues harvested 24 hr post-treatment.Results: MRgFUS hyperthermia in muscle and tumors resulted in accurate temperature control (mean =42.0°C, root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.3°C). The power dropped significantly following the injection of microbubbles in muscle and tumors compared to exposures without microbubbles (–21.9% ± 12.5% vs –5.9% ± 7.8%, p = .009 in muscle; –33.8% ± 9.9% vs –3.0% ± 7.2%, p < .001 in tumors). Cavitation monitoring indicated emission of subharmonic, ultraharmonic, and elevated levels of fourth to sixth harmonic frequencies following microbubble injection. The drug delivery was elevated significantly in muscle with the use of microbubble-assisted relative to conventional heating (0.5 ± 0.5 ng/mg vs 0.20 ± 0.04 ng/mg, p = .05), whereas in tumors similar levels were found (11 ± 3 ng/mg vs 16 ± 4 ng/mg, p = .13).Conclusions: The finding that microbubbles reduce the applied power requirements for hyperthermia has considerable clinical implications. The elevated levels of drug found in muscle but not tumor tissue suggest a complex interplay between the heating effects of microbubbles with those of enhanced permeabilization and possible vascular damage.

Thawing of frozen food products in a staggered through-field electrode radio frequency system: A case study for frozen chicken breast meat with effects on drip loss and texture

Abstract Radio frequency (RF) processing has been widely used for thawing – tempering purposes, and electric field distribution due to electrode design of the RF systems has significant effects on temperature increase and temperature uniformity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the electric field distribution in a staggered through-field electrode RF system and thawing temperature uniformity with changes in quality parameters during RF thawing of frozen food products. For this purpose, frozen chicken breast samples were used. Electric field distribution in the staggered through-field electrode system (10 kW – 27.12 MHz) was determined as a function of electrode gap and applied power level. Higher electric field intensity was observed at center and middle edges of the bottom electrode of the system. Hence, thawing studies were carried out placing the frozen products at the center. Upon completion of thawing, texture changes and drip losses were determined and compared with conventional thawing at 4 °C refrigeration conditions. Complete RF thawing to −0.73 ± 0.79 °C using 65 mm electrode gap took 40 min compared to 18 h of conventional thawing with significantly reduced drip losses (0.32 compared to 4.84%).

Synthesis of disulphide-Schiff base derivatives, investigation of their antibacterial and anti-candidal activities

The initial growth of acoustic cavitation activity is important in some applications such as therapeutic and diagnostic medicine. The initial growth of cavitation activity has been investigated using sonoluminescence and sonochemical activity (sonochemiluminescence) at 358 kHz, 647 kHz and 1062 kHz and at 5 W, 15 W and 30 W applied power levels. The growth of sonochemically active bubble population is found to be much faster than that of sonoluminescence bubble population at 358 kHz and 647 kHz whereas almost similar growth rate is observed at 1062 kHz for both bubble populations. This suggests that the cavitation bubble resonance size ranges of sonoluminescence and sonochemically active bubbles are different at 358 kHz and 647 kHz, whereas they have similar size range at 1062 kHz. At 358 kHz and 647 kHz, relatively smaller bubbles become chemically active. Possible reasons for such observations have been discussed. The data presented and discussed in this study may be useful in controlling the growth of cavitation bubble population in addition to enhancing the knowledge base in cavitation science.

Initial growth of sonochemically active and sonoluminescence bubbles at various frequencies

The initial growth of acoustic cavitation activity is important in some applications such as therapeutic and diagnostic medicine. The initial growth of cavitation activity has been investigated using sonoluminescence and sonochemical activity (sonochemiluminescence) at 358kHz, 647kHz and 1062kHz and at 5W, 15W and 30W applied power levels. The growth of sonochemically active bubble population is found to be much faster than that of sonoluminescence bubble population at 358kHz and 647kHz whereas almost similar growth rate is observed at 1062kHz for both bubble populations. This suggests that the cavitation bubble resonance size ranges of sonoluminescence and sonochemically active bubbles are different at 358kHz and 647kHz, whereas they have similar size range at 1062kHz. At 358kHz and 647kHz, relatively smaller bubbles become chemically active. Possible reasons for such observations have been discussed. The data presented and discussed in this study may be useful in controlling the growth of cavitation bubble population in addition to enhancing the knowledge base in cavitation science.

Effect of Acoustic Excitation on R134a/Al2O3 Nanolubricant Mixture Boiling on a Reentrant Cavity Surface

This paper quantifies the influence of acoustic excitation of Al2O3 nanoparticles on the pool-boiling performance of R134a/polyolester mixtures on a commercial (Turbo-BII-HP) boiling surface. A nanolubricant with 10 nm diameter Al2O3 nanoparticles at a 5.1% volume fraction in the base polyolester lubricant was mixed with R134a at a 1% mass fraction. The study showed that high-frequency ultrasound at 1 MHz can improve R134a/nanolubricant boiling on a reentrant cavity surface by as much as 44%. This maximum enhancement occurred for an applied power level to the fluid of approximately 6 W and a heat flux of approximately 6.9 kW/m2. Applied power levels larger and smaller than 6 W resulted in smaller boiling heat transfer enhancements. In total, five different applied power levels were studied: 0 W, 4 W, 6 W, 8 W, and 12 W. The largest and smallest enhancement averaged over the tested heat flux range were approximately 12% and 2% for the applied power levels of 6 W and 4 W, respectively. In situ insonation at 1 MHz resulted in an improved dispersion of the nanolubricant on the test surface. An existing pool-boiling model for refrigerant/nanolubricant mixtures was modified to include the effect of acoustic excitation. For heat fluxes greater than 25 kW m−2, the model was within 4.5% of the measured heat flux ratios for mixtures, and the average agreement between measurements and predictions was approximately 1% for all power levels.

A Self-Tuning Adaptive Controller for 3-D Image-Guided Ultrasound Cancer Therapy

One of the challenges in MRI-controlled hyperthermia cancer treatment for localized tumor is that the tissue properties are dynamic and difficult to measure. Therefore, tuning the optimal gains for a constant gain controller can be challenging. In this paper, a new multi-input single-output adaptive controller strategy is proposed to address these problems. The inputs to the controller block are the frequency, rotation rate, and applied power level of an interstitial applicator, and the output is the boundary temperature during treatment. The time-varying gains of the new controller are updated over time using Lyapunov-based stability analysis. The robustness of the new controller to changes in the parameters of the tissue is investigated and compared to a constant gain controller through simulation studies. Simulations take into account changes in tissue properties and other conditions that may be encountered in a practical clinical situation. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed controller is validated through an experimental study.

Temperature uniformity analysis and development of open lightweight composite molds using carbon fibers as heating elements

One of the most critical steps in developing new composite products is the design and the manufacturing of molds. Especially in the high end composite materials manufacturing sector, the design of molds and tools comprises a major challenge. As far as the manufacturing of CFRPs is concerned, liquid composite molding processes and autoclave techniques are highly temperature-sensitive. The ability of carbon fibers (CFs) to conduct electric current can be used in heat transfer applications in the composites manufacturing industry. Using CFs as heating elements, ultra-light carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) sandwich-structured molds can be developed, in order to accelerate the resin flow via the Joule effect. In the present study, the manufacturing procedure of such CFRP sandwich-structured molds is provided. Using the thermal and electrical properties of the constituent materials, numerical models were built up to study the temperature field uniformity and the heating–cooling rates of the molds. A thermal camera as well as thermocouples were used in order to verify the numerical models, in the case of a flat mold and a hat-shaped mold for different applied power levels.

Compositional Control of Co-deposited TiAl Film using Dual Magnetron System

Titanium Aluminum (TiAl) films have been deposited by physical vapor deposition method using two unbalanced planar magnetrons. Pure Titanium (Ti) and Aluminum (Al) sputtering targets were used for the co-deposition of TiAl films of varying compositions. Precise control of the sputtering yields of target materials were achieved through optimization of applied power. This in turn controlled the composition of the Ti and Al in the grown films. The films were obtained at applied power levels of ‘50W to 900W’ and their compositions were established and affirmed by EDAX measurements. Amorphous TiAl films were formed for a higher Al composition (i.e. from 20 % to 50 Atomic %), while crystalline film was formed for low Al composition (i.e.10%). Crystallinity of the TiAl film was improved at post annealing temperature of 800 C.

Multiple applicator hepatic ablation with interstitial ultrasound devices: Theoretical and experimental investigation

To evaluate multiple applicator implant configurations of interstitial ultrasound devices for large volume ablation of liver tumors. A 3D bioacoustic-thermal model using the finite element method was implemented to assess multiple applicator implant configurations for thermal ablation with interstitial ultrasound energy. Interstitial applicators consist of linear arrays of up to four 10 mm-long tubular ultrasound transducers, each under separate and dynamic power control, enclosed within a water-cooled delivery catheter (2.4 mm OD). The authors considered parallel implants with two and three applicators (clustered configuration), spaced 2-3 cm apart, to simulate open surgical placement. In addition, the authors considered two applicator implants with applicators converging and diverging at angles of ∼20°, 30°, and 45° to simulate percutaneous placement. Heating experiments (10-15 min) were performed and compared against simulations employing the same experimental parameters. To estimate the performance of parallel, multiple applicator configurations in an in vivo setting, simulations were performed taking into account a range of blood perfusion levels (0, 5, 12, and 15 kg m(-3) s(-1)) that may occur in tumors of varying vascularity. The impact of tailoring the power supplied to individual transducer elements along the length of applicators is explored for applicators inserted in non-parallel (converging and diverging) configurations. Thermal dose (t(43) > 240 min) and temperature thresholds (T > 52 °C) were used to define the ablation zones, with dynamic changes to tissue acoustic and thermal properties incorporated within the model. Experiments in ex vivo bovine liver yielded ablation zones ranging between 4.0-5.6 cm × 3.2-4.9 cm, in cross section. Ablation zone dimensions predicted by simulations with similar parameters to the experiments were in close agreement (within 5 mm). Simulations of in vivo heating showed that 15 min heating and interapplicator spacing less than 3 cm are required to obtain contiguous, complete ablation zones. The ability to create complete ablation zone profiles for nonparallel implants was illustrated by tailoring applied power levels along the length of applicators. Parallel implants consisting of three interstitial ultrasound applicators in a triangular configuration yield complete ablation zones measuring up to 6.2 cm × 5.7 cm after 15 min heating. At larger interapplicator spacing, the level of blood perfusion in the tumor may yield indentations along the periphery of the ablation zone. Tailoring applied power along the length of the applicator can accommodate for nonparallel implants, without compromising safety.

Temperature profile of the multilayer structure irradiated by pulsed laser

Two programs are developed to calculate the tem- perature profile, as well as the reflectance, transmittance and absorption of a given multilayer film structure, in order to better understand the laser energy distribution between the reflectance, transmittance and absorption in each film layer. An inorganic Blu-ray recordable disc (BD-R) structure is used as a practical demonstration of the multilayer struc- ture. The reflectance and absorption of the BD-R structure exhibit opposite trends and oscillate repeatedly with varying lower or upper dielectric layer thickness while the rest of the film thickness remains unchanged. The energy absorption in an absorbed layer depends on the thickness of the dielectric layers, its relative position in the structure and the extinction coefficient of its optical constant. The total absorption ratio of its maximum to minimum can be over 3 when changing the lower dielectric layer thickness of the studied structure. The layer thickness acts as an energy valve to control the energy flow into the multilayer structure. The thermal pro- file of the multilayer film structure irradiated by a pulsed laser is calculated at different positions in the film layers with time. The calculated temperatures in the recording al- loy layer exhibit linear relationship with the applied power level. The effect of the laser duration time on the tempera- ture increase in the recording layer is significant in the first few nanoseconds and becomes saturated if the heat balance is established in the structure. The calculated temperature is consistent with the experimental recording result when the structure is recorded at 4-time BD-R recording speed.

Optimisation-based thermal treatment planning for catheter-based ultrasound hyperthermia

A patient-specific optimisation-based hyperthermia treatment planning program for catheter-based ultrasound technology was developed for a priori evaluation of proposed applicator implant strategies and determination of initial applied power settings. The interstitial and endocavity heating applicators, designed for delivering 3-D controllable hyperthermia within High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy implants, consist of linear and sectored arrays of ultrasound transducers with variable power control in both length and angle. A 3D biothermal model, which incorporates relevant anatomical structures and implant geometries based upon HDR treatment planning, has been developed to simulate the temperature distributions induced by these ultrasound applicators within the catheter implants. A temperature-based constrained optimisation algorithm was devised and integrated within the finite-element thermal solver to determine the optimal applied power levels. A temperature-expressed objective function and constraints were employed to limit maximum temperature (Tmax), maximise target coverage (Ttarget), and minimise thermal exposure to normal tissue and surrounding organs. The optimisation-based treatment planning was applied on representative examples of clinical HDR implants for endocavity treatment of cervix (n = 3) and interstitial treatment of prostate (n = 3). Applicator positioning and orientation, Tmax, and Ttarget, were varied, and temperature volume and thermal dose volume histograms calculated for each plan. The optimisation approach provided optimal applied power levels (4–24 independent transducer sections) leading to conforming or tailored temperature distributions for all cases, as indicated with improved temperature index T90 in the target volume and negligible temperature and thermal dose (t43,max < 1 min) exposure in surrounding non-targeted tissues, such as bladder and rectum. The precision of the optimised power estimates was shown to be within <5% for a range of starting levels and were similarly convergent. The execution times of this optimisation (<16 min) and forward thermal treatment planning (<22 min) is sufficiently fast to be integrated into the clinical setting. This optimisation-based treatment planning platform for catheter-based ultrasound applicators is a useful tool to provide feedback for applicator selection (sector angle, number of transducer sections along length), positioning (angle or orientation), optimal initial power settings, and has potential to significantly improve the delivery of hyperthermia in conjunction with HDR brachytherapy.

Solvent-Induced Porosity in Ultrathin Amine Plasma Polymer Coatings

Plasma polymers deposited from n-heptylamine onto silicon wafers have been found to form a porous microstructure when immersed in water and other solvents, with pores of dimensions and densities that vary considerably between coatings deposited under different plasma conditions. This solvent-induced pore formation was found to correlate with the observed percentage of extractable material. With low radio frequency (rf) power inputs, the resultant softer coatings possess considerably more extractable material than coatings deposited at higher applied power levels. The porosity is thus proposed to result from the formation of voids created by the extraction of soluble low-molecular-weight polymeric material, which produces shrinkage stress that the coating, firmly attached to the substrate, cannot relieve by macroscopic contraction. The microscopic contraction of plasma polymer volume creates voids that appear to span the entire film thickness. The effect of aging plasma polymers in air was also investigated. For films deposited at low power it led to reduced extraction of soluble material and different pore morphology, whereas for films deposited at higher rf power levels, the extracted amounts and pore formation were the same for aged coatings. It was also found that the density of surface amine groups was lower for films deposited under the two lowest power settings, in contrast to the commonly held belief that the use of minimal applied rf power aids retention of functional groups. These porous plasma polymer coatings with surface groups suitable for further interfacial chemical immobilization reactions may be useful for various membrane and biotechnology applications.

Transition edge sensors for bolometric applications: responsivity and saturation

Microstrip-coupled transition edge sensors (TESs) combined with waveguide-horn technology produce sensitive bolometric detectors with well-defined, single-mode beam patterns and excellent polarization characteristics. These devices are now being deployed for astronomical observations. In bolometric applications, where power levels are monitored, the critical parameter that characterizes the detection is the power-to-current responsivity sI(ω), where ω is the postdetection angular frequency. In real applications, such as on a ground-based telescope, the signal of interest is superimposed on a background such as the thermal emission from the atmosphere. The power emitted by the atmosphere changes slowly in time and these changes may change the responsivity of the detector. A detailed understanding of how sI(ω) changes as a function of applied power levels and how the TES response saturates is vital for accurate calibration of astronomical data. In this paper we describe measurements of the changes in the current flowing through a TES as a function of the circuit bias and the applied power. From these measurements we calculate the efficiency of the coupling of power into the TES from a closely thermally coupled microstrip termination resistor and we determine the zero frequency responsivity sI(0) as a function of both the circuit bias and power. The variation of the responsivity is compared with predictions of a small-signal model: for the case when the loop gain LI is high, when simplifying approximations to the full solution to the electrothermal equations apply; and using the electrothermal parameters of the TES, determined by impedance measurements, as inputs to the full model solution. We find good agreement between theory and measurement in both cases in the relevant regimes.

Acoustic power calibration of high-intensity focused ultrasound transducers using a radiation force technique

To address the challenges associated with measuring the ultrasonic power from high-intensity focused ultrasound transducers via radiation force, a technique based on pulsed measurements was developed and analyzed. Two focused ultrasound transducers were characterized in terms of an effective duty factor, which was then used to calculate the power during the pulse at high applied power levels. Two absorbing target designs were used, and both gave comparable results and displayed no damage and minimal temperature rise if placed near the transducer and away from the focus. The method yielded reproducible results up to the maximum pulse power generated of approximately 230 W, thus allowing the radiated power to be calibrated in terms of the peak-to-peak voltage applied to the transducer.

Method for MRI-guided conformal thermal therapy of prostate with planar transurethral ultrasound heating applicators

A method for conformal prostate thermal therapy using transurethral ultrasound heating applicators incorporating planar transducers is described. The capability to shape heating patterns to the geometry of the prostate gland from a single element in a multi-element heating applicator was evaluated using Bioheat transfer modelling. Eleven prostate geometries were obtained from patients who underwent MR imaging of the prostate gland prior to radical prostatectomy. Results indicate that ultrasound heating applicators incorporating multi-frequency planar transducers (4 × 20 mm, f = 4.7 MHz, 9.7 MHz) are capable of shaping thermal damage patterns to the geometry of individual prostates. A temperature feedback control algorithm has been developed to control the frequency, rotation rate and applied power level from transurethral heating applicators based on measurements of the boundary temperature during heating. The discrepancy between the thermal damage boundary and the target boundary was less than 5 mm, and the transition distance between coagulation and normal tissue was less than 1 cm. Treatment times for large prostate volumes were less than 50 min, and perfusion did not have significant impact on the control algorithm. Rectal cooling will play an important role in reducing undesired heating near the rectal wall. Experimental validation of the simulations in a tissue-mimicking gel phantom demonstrated good agreement between the predicted and generated patterns of thermal damage.

Analysis of the topochemical effects of dielectric-barrier discharge on cellulosic fibers

This study investigates the fundamental topochemical effects of dielectric-barrier discharge treatment on bleached chemical pulp and unbleached mechanical pulp fiber surfaces. Fibers were treated with various levels of dielectric-barrier discharge treatment ranging from 0 to 9.27 kw/m2/min. Changes to the fiber surface topochemistry were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The AFM studies were complemented by inverse gas chromatography (IGC), contact angle evaluation, poly-electrolyte titration, viscosity testing and determination of water retention value (WRV). The static coefficient of friction and zero-span tensile index of sheets were also evaluated. Low dielectric-barrier discharge treatment levels resulted in increased surface energy and roughness. Fibers treated at high applied power levels showed surface energies and roughness levels near that of reference samples as well as evidence of degradation and decreased fiber swelling.