Exceptional Resolution Research Articles

Temperature profile measurement applications of moving webs and roll structures with intelligent roll embedded sensor technology

An intelligent roll for sheet and roll cover temperature profiles is a mechatronic system consisting of a roll in a web handling machine that is also used as a transducer for sensing cross-machine direction (CD) profiles. The embedded temperature sensor strips are mounted under or inside the roll cover, covering the full width of the roll’s cross-dimensional length. The sensor system offers new opportunities for online temperature measurement through exceptional sensitivity and resolution, without adding external measurement devices. The measurement is contacting, making it free from various disturbances affecting non-contacting temperature measurements, and it can show the roll cover’s internal temperatures. This helps create applications that have been impossible with traditional technology, with opportunities for process control and condition monitoring. An application used for process analysis services without adding a roll cover is made with “iRoll Portable Temperature” by mounting the sensor on the shell in a helical arrangement with special taping. The iRoll Temperature sensors are used for various purposes, depending on the application. The two main targets are the online temperature profile measurement of the moving web and the monitoring of the roll covers’ internal temperatures. The online sheet temperature profile has its main utilization in optimizing moisture profiles and drying processes. This enables the removal of speed and runnability bottlenecks by detecting inadequate drying capacity across the sheet CD width, the monitoring condition of the drying equipment, the optimization of drying energy consumption, the prevention of unnecessary over-drying, the optimization of the float drying of coating colors, and the detection of reasons for moisture profile errors. This paper describes this novel technology and its use cases in the paper, board, and tissue industry, but the application can be extended to pulp drying and industries outside pulp and paper, such as the converting and manufacture of plastic films.

A Point-Matching Method of Moment with Sparse Bayesian Learning Applied and Evaluated in Dynamic Lung Electrical Impedance Tomography.

Dynamic lung imaging is a major application of Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) due to EIT’s exceptional temporal resolution, low cost and absence of radiation. EIT however lacks in spatial resolution and the image reconstruction is very sensitive to mismatches between the actual object’s and the reconstruction domain’s geometries, as well as to the signal noise. The non-linear nature of the reconstruction problem may also be a concern, since the lungs’ significant conductivity changes due to inhalation and exhalation. In this paper, a recently introduced method of moment is combined with a sparse Bayesian learning approach to address the non-linearity issue, provide robustness to the reconstruction problem and reduce image artefacts. To evaluate the proposed methodology, we construct three CT-based time-variant 3D thoracic structures including the basic thoracic tissues and considering 5 different breath states from end-expiration to end-inspiration. The Graz consensus reconstruction algorithm for EIT (GREIT), the correlation coefficient (), the root mean square error () and the full-reference () metrics are applied for the image quality assessment. Qualitative and quantitative comparison with traditional and more advanced reconstruction techniques reveals that the proposed method shows improved performance in the majority of cases and metrics. Finally, the approach is applied to single-breath online in-vivo data to qualitatively verify its applicability.

Application of high-spatial-resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry for nanoscale chemical mapping of lithium in an Al-Li alloy

High-spatial-resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry offers a method for mapping lithium at nanoscale lateral resolution. Practical implementation of this technique offers significant potential for revealing the distribution of Li-containing nanoscale precipitates in Al-Li alloys with exceptional lateral resolution and elemental sensitivity. Here, two state-of-the-art methods are demonstrated on an aluminium-lithium alloy to visualise nanoscale Li-rich phases by mapping the 7 Li + secondary ion. NanoSIMS 50L analysis with a radio frequency O − plasma ion source enabled visualisation of needle-shaped T 1 (Al 2 CuLi) phases as small as 75 nm in width. A compact time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry detector added to a focused ion beam scanning electron microscope facilitated mapping of the T 1 phases down to 45 nm in width using a Ga + ion beam. Correlation with high resolution electron microscopy confirms the identification of T 1 precipitates, their sizes and distribution observed during SIMS mapping. • High-lateral-resolution SIMS was used to characterise Li distribution in nanoscale. • The observations from SIMS were validated using correlative electron microscopy. • NanoSIMS visualises Li-rich T 1 (Al 2 CuLi) phases as small as 75 nm in size. • FIB ToF-SIMS visualises intergranular T 1 precipitates as small as 45 nm in size. • STEM-EDX analysis provides complementary information of phase chemistry.

Multidisciplinarity Is Critical to Unlock the Full Potential of Modern Light Microscopy.

Light microscopy has long been indispensable for many biologists as a tool to capture a visual representation of their biological sample. Lately, it has become an increasingly precise and quantitative technique where images are only an intermediate step, with the ultimate goal to extract statistically relevant data. Recent developments in microscope technology make it possible to, for example, image fragile organisms over long periods of time with exceptional resolution and minimal stress. Instead of manually imaging a few cells, scientists now want to automatically record images from hundreds of samples and extract statistically relevant data. However, such efforts require dedicated, reliable, and reproducible hard- and software that is often out of reach for biologists that rely on what microscope vendors have to offer. Multidisciplinary research laboratories are at the forefront of upgrading light microscopy to a quantitative technique, as this process requires experts from multiple fields that normally do not interact on a daily basis. The establishment of reliable microscopy workflows, the integration of 3rd-party hardware into commercial microscopes, or the development of custom microscope hard- and software is best achieved by a diverse group of collaborators, such as engineers, computer scientists, microscopists, and of course biologists. In this perspective, we highlight the impact of modern light microscopy on biological research and how multidisciplinary structures in research laboratories and institutions are a necessity to further develop microscopy technology and make it accessible for biologists.

Progress and Research Priorities in Imaging Genomics for Heart and Lung Disease: Summary of an NHLBI Workshop.

Imaging genomics is a rapidly evolving field that combines state-of-the-art bioimaging with genomic information to resolve phenotypic heterogeneity associated with genomic variation, improve risk prediction, discover prevention approaches, and enable precision diagnosis and treatment. Contemporary bioimaging methods provide exceptional resolution generating discrete and quantitative high-dimensional phenotypes for genomics investigation. Despite substantial progress in combining high-dimensional bioimaging and genomic data, methods for imaging genomics are evolving. Recognizing the potential impact of imaging genomics on the study of heart and lung disease, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened a workshop to review cutting-edge approaches and methodologies in imaging genomics studies, and to establish research priorities for future investigation. This report summarizes the presentations and discussions at the workshop. In particular, we highlight the need for increased availability of imaging genomics data in diverse populations, dedicated focus on less common conditions, and centralization of efforts around specific disease areas.

Clinical Validation of the Champagne Algorithm for Evoked Response Source Localization in Magnetoencephalography

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a robust method for non-invasive functional brain mapping of sensory cortices due to its exceptional spatial and temporal resolution. The clinical standard for MEG source localization of functional landmarks from sensory evoked responses is the equivalent current dipole (ECD) localization algorithm, known to be sensitive to initialization, noise, and manual choice of the number of dipoles. Recently many automated and robust algorithms have been developed, including the Champagne algorithm, an empirical Bayesian algorithm, with powerful abilities for MEG source reconstruction and time course estimation (Wipf et al. 2010; Owen et al. 2012). Here, we evaluate automated Champagne performance in a clinical population of tumor patients where there was minimal failure in localizing sensory evoked responses using the clinical standard, ECD localization algorithm. MEG data of auditory evoked potentials and somatosensory evoked potentials from 21 brain tumor patients were analyzed using Champagne, and these results were compared with equivalent current dipole (ECD) fit. Across both somatosensory and auditory evoked field localization, we found there was a strong agreement between Champagne and ECD localizations in all cases. Given resolution of 8mm voxel size, peak source localizations from Champagne were below 10mm of ECD peak source localization. The Champagne algorithm provides a robust and automated alternative to manual ECD fits for clinical localization of sensory evoked potentials and can contribute to improved clinical MEG data processing workflows.

E-textile based wearable thermometer from WS2-quantum dots

We report here the successful operation of WS2-QD/RGO hybrid temperature sensor, which performs instant measurement like thermometer in a wide temperature range: 77–398 K, in both static- and instant mode. All this was possible by embedding WS2-QDs on electrically conducting RGO layer, synthesized on cotton textile fabric. The device is simple, scalable, flexible and cost-effective. Successful trial to monitor human body temperature is conducted with fast response- and recovery time ∼0.60 and 11.3 s with an exceptional resolution ∼0.06 K. Crucial parameters such as temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and thermal hysteresis (H th) were theoretically analyzed to understand the intricate mechanism behind the working of a temperature sensor; temperature sensing data at both high- and low temperatures are outstanding as well as competitive. To mention, a few of these parameters are found comparable and even superior to some of the devices as reported. This sensor device proved its flexibility and stability under various in situ mechanical deformation tests, showing its promising potential for future generation wearable health monitoring devices. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on WS2 in general, and WS2-QDs, in specific, based temperature sensing device and its operational demonstration as of now.

Photoacoustic Impulse Response of Lipid-Coated Ultrasound Contrast Agents.

The utility of ultrasound imaging and therapy with microbubbles may be greatly enhanced by determining their impulse-response dynamics as a function of size and composition. Prior methods for microbubble characterization utilizing high-speed cameras, acoustic transducers and laser-based techniques typically scan a limited frequency range. Here, we report on the use of a novel photoacoustic technique to measure the impulse response of single microbubbles. Individual microbubbles are driven with a broadband photoacoustic wave generated by a nanosecond-pulse laser illuminating an optical absorber. The resulting microbubble oscillations were detected by following transmission of a second laser as it passes twice through the microbubble. The system could even resolve oscillations resulting from a single-shot. As a proof-of-concept study, the size-dependent, linear impulse response of lipid-coated microbubbles was characterized using this technique. This unique method of microbubble characterization with exceptional spatiotemporal resolution opens new avenues for capturing and analyzing microbubble system dynamics.

Transformative Planetary Science with the US ELT Program

The proposed US Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) Program would secure national open access to at least 25% of the observing time on the Thirty Meter Telescope in the north and the Giant Magellan Telescope in the south. ELTs would advance solar system science via exceptional angular resolution, sensitivity, and advanced instrumentation. ELT contributions would include the study of interstellar objects, giant planet systems and ocean worlds, the formation of the solar system traced through small objects in the asteroid and Kuiper belts, and the active support of planetary missions. We recommend that (1) the US ELT Program be listed as critical infrastructure for solar system science, that (2) some support from NASA be provided to ensure mission support capabilities, and that (3) the US ELT Program expand solar-system community participation in development, planning, and operations.

The Volatile Composition of the Inner Coma of Comet 46P/Wirtanen: Coordinated Observations Using iSHELL at the NASA-IRTF and Keck/NIRSPEC-2

Abstract The 2018 perihelion passage of comet 46P/Wirtanen afforded an opportunity to measure the abundances and spatial distributions of coma volatiles in a Jupiter-family comet with exceptional spatial resolution for several weeks surrounding its closest approach to Earth (Δmin ∼0.078 au on UT December 16). We conducted near-infrared spectroscopic observations of 46P/Wirtanen using iSHELL at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility on UT 2018 December 18 in direct coordination with observations using the newly upgraded NIRSPEC-2 instrument at the W. M. Keck Observatory, and securely detected fluorescent emission from CH3OH, C2H6, and H2O. This coordinated campaign utilizing the two premier near-infrared facilities in the northern hemisphere enabled us to sample distinct projections of the coma into the plane of the sky simultaneously, and provided an unprecedented view into the inner coma of 46P/Wirtanen near closest approach. We report rotational temperatures, production rates, and abundance ratios (i.e., mixing ratios) for all sampled species and compare our iSHELL results to simultaneous (or near-simultaneous) measurements taken with NIRSPEC-2. We demonstrate the extraordinary synergy of coordinated measurements using iSHELL and NIRSPEC-2, and advocate for future cometary studies that jointly leverage the capabilities of these two facilities.

Smart Self-Assembly Amphiphilic Cyclopeptide-Dye for Near-Infrared Window-II Imaging.

Development of novel nanomaterials for disease theranostics represents an important direction in chemistry and precision medicine. Fluorescent molecular probes in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 1000-1700nm) show high promise because of their exceptional high detection sensitivity, resolution, and deep imaging depth. Here, a sharp pH-sensitive self-assembling cyclopeptide-dye, SIMM1000, as a smart nanoprobe for NIR-II imaging of diseases in living animals, is reported. This small molecule assembled nanoprobe exhibits smart properties by responding to a sharp decrease of pH in the tumor microenvironment (pH 7.0 to 6.8), aggregating from small nanoprobe (80nm at pH 7.0) into large nanoparticles (>500nm at pH 6.8) with ≈20-30 times enhanced fluorescence compared with the non-self-assembled CH-4T. It yields micrometer-scale resolution in blood vessel imaging and high contrast and resolution in bone and tumor imaging in mice. Because of its self-aggregation in acidic tumor microenvironments in situ, SIMM1000 exhibits high tumor accumulation and extremely long tumor retention (>19 days), while being excretable from normal tissues and safe. This smart self-assembling small molecule strategy can shift the paradigm of designing new nanomaterials for molecular imaging and drug development.

On Divide&Conquer in Image Processing of Data Monster

The steadily improving resolution power of sensors results in larger and larger data objects, which cannot be analysed in a reasonable amount of time on single workstations. To speed up the analysis the Divide and Conquer method can be used by splitting (large) data objects into smaller pieces where each piece is analysed on a single node and, finally, the partial results are collected and combined. We apply this method to the validated bio–medical framework Ki67–Analysis that determines the amount of cancer cells in high–resolution images from breast examinations. In previous work, we observed an anomalous behaviour when the framework is applied to subtiles of an image. To this end, we determined for each subtile a so–called Ki67–Analysis score parameter, which is given by the ratio of the number of identified cancer cells and the total number of cells. This parameter turns out to be underestimated the more the smaller the subtiles. The anomaly prevents a direct application of the Divide and Conquer method. In this work, we suggest a novel grey–box testing method for understanding the origin of the anomaly. It allows to identify a class of subtiles for which the Ki67–Analysis score parameter can be determined reasonably well, i.e. for which the Divide and Conquer method can be applied. By demanding the stability of the framework with regard to small additive noise in brightness, “ghost cells” are identified that turn out to be an artefact of the framework. Finally, the challenge of analysing huge single data objects is considered. The upcoming observatory Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will consist of thousands of antennas and telescopes. Due to the exceptional resolution power of SKA, single images from the Universe may be as large as one Petabyte. “Data monster” of that huge size cannot be analysed reasonably fast on traditional computing architectures. The relatively small throughput rates when reading data from disks is a serious bottleneck (memory–wall problem). Memory–based computing offers a change in paradigm: the current processor–centric architecture is replaced by a memory–based architecture. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) developed a prototype with 48 Terabyte of memory, called Sandbox . Counting words in large files can be considered as a first step towards simulating image processing of “Data Monster” at SKA. We run the big data framework Thrill on the Sandbox and determine the speedup of different setups for distributed word counting.

Atomic scale characterization of three-dimensional structure, magnetic properties and dynamic evolutions of materials by transmission electron microscopy

Atomic scale characterization and manipulation is one of the physical bottlenecks, which needs to be broken when realizing atom manufacturing. The aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a powerful tool for structural characterization due to its exceptional spatial resolution. Therefore, it is very crucial to co-characterize atomic-scale three-dimensional structure and properties of atomic manufacturing materials by using TEM, which allows us to further understand the physics mechanism of atomic manipulation of materials. Nano-clusters and nanoparticles are two of the main objects in the studies of atomic manufacturing materials and devices, and possess rich physical and chemical properties and high manoeuverability. In this paper, we summarize the recent progress of quantitatively determining three-dimensional structures and magnetic properties of nanocluster, nanoparticles and nanograins, as well as their dynamic evolutions under the working conditions. The methodological breakthrough and development of electron microscopy techniques provide a solid foundation for precisely controlling atomic manufacturing materials.

Photoactivatable AMPA for the study of glutamatergic neuronal transmission using two-photon excitation.

We report a photoactivatable agonist of the AMPA subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors, TMP-CyHQ-AMPA, which was designed to study the fast excitatory transmission between neurons. Upon visible light excitation, TMP-CyHQ-AMPA quantitatively released AMPA in high quantum yield on an ultra-short timescale. Intriguingly, the photolyisis can be carried out using 2-photon excitation (2PE) with remarkable efficiency, giving a two-photon uncaging action cross section (δu) value of 1.71 GM. TMP-CyHQ-AMPA is soluble in pysiological buffer and no hydrolysis was detected in the absence of light. Molecular docking experiments indicated that the photocaging strategy abolishes the affinity of AMPA for the GluR2 receptor and no GABAergic effects (as commonly observed in caged glutamates) are expected. TMP-CyHQ-AMPA can be used to study glutamatergic neuronal transmission with exceptional spatial-temporal resolution in complex tissue preparations.

AIE-active two-photon fluorescent nanoprobe with NIR-II light excitability for highly efficient deep brain vasculature imaging.

Aggregation induced emission (AIE)-active bright two-photon fluorescent probes with second near-infrared (NIR-II) light excitability can be used for efficient brain bioimaging studies, wherein the fabrication of water-dispersible nanoparticles by encapsulating the hydrophobic probes with amphiphilic polymer holds the key to ensuring biocompatibility and in vivo adaptability. However, barely any study has evaluated the structural requirements that can substantially affect the water-dispersible nanoparticle formation ability of an organic AIE-active dye with amphiphilic polymers. The present study systematically assessed the structural dependency of a well-known acrylonitrile based AIE system/fluorogenic core upon the formation of water-dispersible nanoparticles and elucidated how the structural modifications can impact the in vivo two-photon imaging.Methods: A total of four acrylonitrile-based aggregation induced emission (AIE)-active two-photon (TP) fluorescent probes (AIETP, AIETP C1, AIETP C2 and AIETP C3) have been judiciously designed and synthesized with structural variations to realize how the structural alterations could substantially influence the water-dispersible nanoparticle formation ability (with amphiphilic polymers) and photo-stability to impact the in vivo imaging.Results: It has been found that the incorporation of the phenyl-thiazole unit in AIETP, AIETP C2 and AIETP C3 facilitated the formation of water-dispersible nanoparticles (NPs) with amphiphilic polymers (Pluronic F127) whereas the presence of only phenyl moiety instead in AIETP C1 could not meet the suitable condition to form the NPs with good aqueous dispersibility. Rationally designed AIETP NPs that exhibited higher brightness, improved photostability and good two-photon absorption cross section was successfully employed for in vivo brain vasculature imaging.Conclusions: Robust noninvasive 2D and 3D two-photon (NIR-II light, 1040 nm) brain vasculature imaging with beneficial attributes such as outstanding penetration depth (800 µm) and exceptional spatial resolution (1.92 µm), were achieved by utilizing AIETP NPs in this study.

Order-disorder behavior at thin film oxide interfaces

Order-disorder processes fundamentally determine the structure and properties of many important oxide systems for energy and computing applications. While these processes have been intensively studied in bulk materials, they are less investigated and understood for nanostructured oxides in highly non-equilibrium conditions. These systems can now be realized through a range of deposition techniques and probed at exceptional spatial and chemical resolution, leading to a greater focus on interface dynamics. Here we survey a selection of recent studies of order-disorder behavior at thin film oxide interfaces, with a particular emphasis on the emergence of order during synthesis and disorder in extreme irradiation environments. We summarize key trends and identify directions for future study in this growing research area.

Hyperpolarized NMR Metabolomics at Natural 13C Abundance.

Metabolomics plays a pivotal role in systems biology, and NMR is a central tool with high precision and exceptional resolution of chemical information. Most NMR metabolomic studies are based on 1H 1D spectroscopy, severely limited by peak overlap. 13C NMR benefits from a larger signal dispersion but is barely used in metabolomics due to ca. 6000-fold lower sensitivity. We introduce a new approach, based on hyperpolarized 13C NMR at natural abundance, that circumvents this limitation. A new untargeted NMR-based metabolomic workflow based on dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (d-DNP) for the first time enabled hyperpolarized natural abundance 13C metabolomics. Statistical analysis of resulting hyperpolarized 13C data distinguishes two groups of plant (tomato) extracts and highlights biomarkers, in full agreement with previous results on the same biological model. We also optimize parameters of the semiautomated d-DNP system suitable for high-throughput studies.

A high‐resolution speleothem proxy record of the Late Glacial in the European Alps: extending the NALPS19 record until the beginning of the Holocene

ABSTRACTPrevious research has shown that speleothems from the northern rim of the European Alps captured submillennial‐scale climate change during the last glacial period with exceptional sensitivity and resolution, mimicking Greenland ice‐core records. Here we extend this so‐called NALPS19 record across the Late Glacial using two stalagmites which grew continuously into the Holocene. Both specimens show the same high‐amplitude δ18O signal as Greenland ice cores down to decadal resolution. The start of the warming at the onset of the equivalent of Greenland Interstadial (GI) GI‐1e at 14.66 ± 0.18 ka agrees with the North Greenland Ice Core Project (NGRIP) (14.64 ± 0.28 ka) and comprised a temperature rise of about 5–6 °C. The transition from the equivalent of GI‐1a into the equivalent of Greenland Stadial (GS) GS‐1 (broadly equivalent to the Younger Dryas) commenced at 13.02 ± 0.13 ka which is consistent with NGRIP (12.80 ± 0.26 ka) within errors. The onset of the Holocene started at 11.78 ± 0.14 ka (11.65 ± 0.10 ka at NGRIP) and involved a warming of about 4–5 °C. In contrast to δ18O, δ13C values show no response to (sub)millennial climate shifts due to strong rock‐buffering and only record a long‐term trend of soil development starting with the rapid warming at 14.7 ka.

Experimental verification of consistency of micro-silica glass bead thermoluminescent detectors for mixed gamma/neutron irradiation

The thermoluminescent response of micro-silica glass beads has prompted their use as dosimeters across a variety of incident ionising radiations. This work presents the latest of a campaign to investigate, and confirm, the suitability of glass beads for neutron dosimetry applications. The impressive spatial resolution coupled with the linearity of dose response over a large dynamic range makes their use especially appropriate for applications requiring high levels of sensitivity. Data has been taken within the mixed radiation field of an americium-beryllium (241AmBe) source for two contrasting geometric configurations, investigating the fall-off of counts with respect to distance and the bead-to-bead variability to a uniform radiation dose from a mixed neutron/gamma radiation field. The study also considers the effect of experimental variations due to ambient light levels and the bead mounting itself.The exceptional spatial resolution previously demonstrated allows for observation of fine detail in the plot of dose versus distance from the source. Additionally, fine resolution peaks similar to those observed in previous simulations and data are observed again here. In this work, we can exclude the possibility that these response peaks are related to the source-bead distance.

Metabolic Imaging of Brain Tumor Recurrence.

OBJECTIVE. Diagnosing brain tumor recurrence, especially with changes that occur after treatment, is a challenge. MRI has an exceptional structural resolution, which is important from the perspective of treatment planning. However, its reliability in diagnosing recurrence is relatively lower, when compared to metabolic imaging. The latter is more sensitive to the early changes associated with recurrence and relatively immune to confounding by treatment related changes. CONCLUSION. There is no one-stop shop for the diagnosis of recurrence in brain tumors. The sensitivity of metabolic imaging is not a substitute for the resolution of the MRI, making a multi-modal approach the only way forward.