Instrument Performance Research Articles

Exploring local chlorine generation through seawater electrolysis to Extend optical sensor lifespan in marine environments

Biofouling in marine optical sensors poses a significant challenge as it can compromise data accuracy and instrument functionality. This study investigates the effectiveness of local chlorine generation by seawater electrolysis in mitigating biological fouling and extending the operational lifespan of optical oceanographic instruments. Eight similar turbidity probes integrated with a local chlorine generation system, along with a turbidity probe constructed from ABS and another from PLA with copper filament, were developed for testing in the marine environment. The chlorine probes were designed into two groups: four utilizing standard FTO glass and four featuring FTO glass coated with platinum nanoparticles. Each set of probes employed different excitation currents for chlorine generation. All probes underwent laboratory calibration using formazine before deployment in a coastal environment for 97 days. The findings demonstrate a correlation with higher electrical power leading to prolonged operation intervals free from biofouling interference. Additionally, probes coated with platinum nanoparticles demonstrate higher performance in comparison to those with standard FTO glass. The copper probe did not effectively shield the optical transducers from microfouling, although it effectively demonstrated its efficacy in protecting the structural housing of the device. Overall, this work offers a compelling in situ demonstration of local chlorine generation as a promising strategy for enhancing the performance and longevity of optical oceanographic instruments in marine environments.

Gemini High-resolution Optical Spectrograph (GHOST) at Gemini South: Instrument Performance and Integration, First Science, and Next Steps

The Gemini South telescope is now equipped with a new high-resolution spectrograph called the Gemini High-resolution Optical SpecTrograph (GHOST). This instrument provides high-efficiency, high-resolution spectra covering 347–1060 nm in a single exposure of either one or two targets simultaneously, along with precision radial velocity spectroscopy utilizing an internal calibration source. It can operate at a spectral element resolving power of either 76,000 or 56,000, and can reach a signal-to-noise ratio of ∼5 in a 1 hr exposure on a V ∼ 20.8 mag target in median site seeing and dark skies (per resolution element). GHOST was installed on-site in 2022 June, and we report performance after full integration to queue operations in 2023 November, in addition to scientific results enabled by the integration observing runs. These results demonstrate the ability to observe a wide variety of bright and faint targets with high efficiency and precision. With GHOST, new avenues to explore high-resolution spectroscopy have opened up to the astronomical community. These are described, along with the planned and potential upgrades to the instrument.

Comparison of arm cavity optical losses for the two wavelengths of the Einstein telescope gravitational wave detector

Abstract A new generation of gravitational wave detectors is currently being designed with the likely use of a different laser wavelength compared to current instruments. The estimation of the optical losses for this new wavelength is particularly relevant to derive the detector sensitivity and also to anticipate the optical performances of future instruments. In this article, we measured the absorption and angle-resolved scattering of several mirror samples in order to compare optical losses at a wavelength of 1064 and 1550 nm. In addition, we have carried out simulations of the Einstein Telescope arm cavities at 1064 and 1550 nm taking into account losses due to surface low-spatial frequency flatness. Our results suggest that optical losses as measured at 1064 nm are about twice as large as those at 1550 nm as predicted with a simple model.

Promising predictors of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundDiabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a growing issue, with controversial data in the terms of prevalence and evaluation timelines. Currently, there are no clear standards for its early detection. Therefore, our aim was to assess the contribution of the Michigan neuropathy screening instrument (MNSI), lipid profile, serum neuron specific enolase (NSE), and serum heat shock protein 27 (HSP 27) to the prediction of DPN in children and adolescents with T1DM.MethodsIn this case-control study, fifty children diagnosed with T1DM for at least five years were enrolled and evaluated through complete neurological examination, MNSI, and nerve conduction study (NCS). Additionally, HbA1c, lipid profile, serum NSE, and serum HSP 27 levels were measured for patients and controls.ResultsThe prevalence of DPN in our study was 24% by NCS, and electrophysiological changes showed a statistically significant lower conduction velocity for the posterior tibial and sural nerves, as well as a prolonged latency period for the common peroneal and sural nerves in neuropathic patients. In these patients, older age, earlier age of diabetes onset, longer disease duration, higher total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, HbA1c, serum NSE, and HSP27 levels were observed. The MNSI examination score ≥ 1.5 cutoff point had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.955, with 75% sensitivity and 94.74% specificity, according to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. However, the questionnaire’s cutoff point of ≥ 5 had an AUC of 0.720, 75% sensitivity, and 63% specificity, with improved overall instrument performance when combining both scores. Regarding blood biomarkers, serum NSE had greater sensitivity and specificity in discriminating neuropathic patients than HSP27 (92% and 74% versus 75% and 71%, respectively). Regression analysis revealed a substantial dependency for MNSI and serum NSE in predicting DPN in patients.ConclusionsDespite limited research in pediatrics, MNSI and serum NSE are promising predictive tools for DPN in children and adolescents with T1DM, even when they are asymptomatic. Poor glycemic control and lipid profile changes may play a critical role in the development of DPN in these patients, despite conflicting results in various studies.

Modeling the pre-symptomatic stage of hemi-parkinsonian state in animals (rodents and monkeys)

The behavioral and functional states preceding the onset specific parkinsonian symptoms were studied at an early (pre-symptomatic) stage of hemi-parkinsonian syndrome development in rodents and monkeys. The pre-symptomatic stage of the hemi-parkinsonian syndrome was determined in rodents (mice and rats) treated by chronic administration of low doses of rotenone toxin. The consecutive steps of neuropathological traits development in rodents included the cognitive impairment at the 1st-2nd week of exposure to rotenone, minor movement disorders at the 3st-4nd week before the onset of severe motor dysfunction as well as some biochemical indicators. The latencies and amplitudes of visually guided saccades (VGS) while conditioned instrumental task performing were studied in nonhuman primates (Macaca mulatta) chronically treated with low doses of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The elongation of VGS latencies and the decline of their accuracy were revealed with development of MPTP-induces syndrome but conditioned instrumental performance was not affected. The negative behavioral effects manifested in animals at the pre-symptomatic stage of toxins induced disease both in the rotenone model in rodents and in MPTP model in monkeys suggesting them as early markers of a hemi-parkinsonian syndrome.

Instrumental and Lyrical Performance in the Components of the Author's Kurdish Singing

Instrumental and Lyrical Performance in the Components of the Author's Kurdish Singing

B-249 Assessing Targeted Mass Spectrometry Assay Performance for Putative Biomarker Proteins on a New Hybrid Nominal Mass Instrument

Abstract Background The development of targeted mass spectrometry-based proteomics assays that monitor biomedically relevant proteins is an important step in bridging discovery experiments to highly multi-analyte clinical studies. Targeted assays are currently unable to scale to thousands of peptide targets from hundreds of proteins, requiring extensive refinement down assays for the minimum useful analytes. Large parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) assays are now possible with a new hybrid nominal-mass instrument. The scale of assay is achievable with this instrument by using real-time alignment, while being sensitive and fast enough to handle many concurrent targets. To assess the performance of this new instrument we constructed a large scale PRM assay for proposed neurodegenerative disease marker proteins, and an assay for proteins associated with amyloid tissue typing. Methods To evaluate the performance of this instrument on proteins of interest in cerebrospinal fluid, we performed an analysis on a pool from individuals diagnosed as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or cognitively normal. A calibration curve of cerebrospinal fluid diluted into chicken serum at 14 dilutions and individual human cerebrospinal fluid were digested with a protein aggregation and capture based digestion protocol. CSF peptides were separated by 60 minute gradient on C18 IonOpticks column, and amyloid tissue peptides separated by 30 minute gradient on C18 PepMap column with a Vanquish Neo UHPLC and analyzed by data-independent acquisition (DIA) and PRM with a new hybrid nominal mass instrument designed for targeted tandem mass spectrometry (tMS2). Scheduled methods were generated using a Skyline external tool, transitions were refined to minimize interference and maximize the LLOQ. DIA data was searched, and data extracted and analyzed in Skyline. PRM data was extracted and quantified with Skyline; CSF calibration curve LLOQ is calculated by bilinear fit. Results For the large scale cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assay the selection of protein targets was based on literature from neurodegenerative disease cohort studies. We target 1065 peptides from 104 proteins, including proteins currently measured by ELISA in clinical research, e.g.: APP, TAU, and APOE. Sensitivity and reproducibility of the assay is assessed using figures of merit from replicate matched-matrix calibration curves. Over 80% of proteins have at least one peptide with a LLOQ below 30% dilution in the matched matrix, and of all targeted peptides over 55% had a LLOQ below 30% dilution. To demonstrate the application of the real-time alignment on the new instrument we constructed an assay for samples where not every analyte is shared. An assay for amyloidosis associated proteins was constructed for a total of 180 peptides mapping to 52 proteins. This includes 11 proteins most commonly associated with amyloid deposition; APCS, APOA4, APOE, CLU, LECT2, IGKC, IGLC2/4/7, SAA1, TTR, and VTN. From the preliminary set of 12 previously typed samples we observe peptide abundances consistent with the assigned type. Conclusions This novel instrument provides a new approach for building large targeted mass spectrometry assays. We demonstrate the ability of the real-time alignment to adjust scheduled retention time windows, ensuring that chromatographic shifts do not lead to a loss of peptide detection and quantification.

B-018 Design and Development of MASTM Diabetes Max Controls, Ready-to-Use Plastic Tube Format

Abstract Background The Thermo Scientific™ MAS™ Controls are assayed controls to monitor assay performance within clinical laboratory settings. The user can compare observed results of controls with their expected ranges as a means of assuring consistent performance of both reagent and instrument. The objective of developing MAS™ Ready-to-Use Tube Controls is to provide MAS™ controls in a new automation-friendly plastic tube format, as an alternative to the current glass vials. Diabetes Max Control is the first MAS™ product designed and developed in this ready-to-use format to be placed directly on the analyzer. The new format will increase efficiency and allow for on-board refrigerated storage, and it is expected to reduce material loss and contamination. It contains Hemoglobin A1c formulated in whole blood matrix to mimic patient specimens. In this presentation we summarize the Feasibility, Development, Verification, and Validation results of MAS™ Diabetes Max Controls. Methods The performance was assessed by conducting the following studies for MAS™ Diabetes Max Tube Controls. The analyte Hemoglobin A1c was measured in functional studies to evaluate and verify the product performance. Other studies were also designed and performed to assess the product usability. Results MAS™ Diabetes Max Control results demonstrated comparable performance and Fit/Form/Function criterion on specified platforms, particularly the TOSOH™ platform. All feasibility studies provided very promising results passing per protocol criterion. Design Verification and Validation studies ensured product integrity and passed specifications for proposed claims. Process Validation is in progress with data being collected for both Value Assignments and Real Time Stability. Conclusions MAS™ Diabetes Max Controls provided in ready-to-use tubes met the design specification criteria. We believe that MAS™ Diabetes Max Controls will contribute to the increased efficiency of core lab workflow by allowing the analyzer(s) to aspirate controls directly from the tube and allow for control storage in an on-board refrigeration unit.

A-323 Advancing Point-of-Care Testing: Independent Evaluation of the Truvian Platform

Abstract Background To address the deficiencies of long turnaround time, increased cost and delayed medical intervention in the current paradigm of routine blood testing, Truvian has developed an automated blood testing platform that provides timely and lab-accurate results at the point of care. With 300 µL from a single Lithium Heparin blood sample, the Truvian solution generates 34 test results, including CMP, Lipid, HbA1c, TSH and CBC in under 30 minutes (TruWellness PanelTM).The present study focused on rigorous evaluation of the reliability and accuracy of Truvian's platform in a real-world clinical setting by untrained operators. Platform precision was measured over time on multiple Truvian instruments under standardized protocol. Accuracy and reliability were assessed independently at the UC San Diego Anti-Viral Research Center (AVRC) by testing samples from donors with chronic medical conditions and comparing against FDA cleared devices, Roche Cobas and Sysmex-XN. Methods Precision was assessed using the control workflow where three commercially available controls, were loaded as sample inputs into the Truvian consumables to perform the TruWellness Panel(TM). Three levels of controls were run in quadruplicate daily on 4 instruments (N > 100 per instrument). Within and between run, day, instrument, and consumable lot variance components were assessed.Accuracy was assessed as part of an IRB-approved method comparison study at AVRC by untrained operators. A total of 50 unique donors representing various disease states were consented and enrolled. Three 4-mL blood samples were collected from each donor: one Lithium Heparin (LiHep) sample for the Truvian System's TruWellness PanelTM, another LiHep gel tube for Roche Cobas clinical chemistry and TSH assays, and an EDTA sample for the Sysmex complete blood count with 3-part differential and HbA1c. All samples were tested on the Truvian System within an hour of collection or processed for central lab testing. Concordance to comparator devices was assessed via relative difference plots, Passing-Bablok and/or Deming regression analyses. Results Our results indicated that the performance of Truvian's instrument met pre-specified reliability, precision and accuracy criteria (per preliminary analysis of the first 50 patients). Reproducibility results showed 100% (69/69) of all tests met specifications. Interim analysis of the first 50 patients in the method comparison study indicates a robust concordance with predicate devices with 20 out of 23 tests showing a correlation coefficient of ≥ 0.9. During donor testing, the instrument demonstrated 96% (48/50) run reliability with only a single operator-induced error where the blood tube was not loaded correctly, highlighting the robustness and ease of use of the platform. Conclusions The present evaluation underscores Truvian's instrument as an easy-to-operate platform that can be run by untrained operators, maintain reliability in real-world clinical settings, and deliver accurate and precise results. Enrollment and sample testing are ongoing, with plans to expand the sample size to 200 donors and study completion planned for May 2024. Broadening the study to encompass a wider range of analyte measurements among chronic disease patients is expected to enhance performance data. This independent evaluation provided confidence in Truvian Platform’s performance and suitability for practical healthcare applications.

A-358 Extended linearity studies for pO2, pCO2, K+ Cl- on GEM 5000 blood gas analyzers using a combination of verification materials

Abstract Background Blood gas analyzers (BGA) measure blood gases pO2,pCO2,O2Hb,COHb,MetHb, and several analytes in the workup and management of acid-base disorders. GEM 5000 BGA (Instrumentation Laboratory, a Werfen Company) have very broad reportable ranges for the measured analytes. However, manufacturer’s current linearity materials do not cover the entire reportable ranges claims. This poses challenge to clinical laboratories, especially for pO2 and pCO2 to comply with College of American Pathologists (CAP) requirements to verify instruments performance every six months through the entire reportable range. We evaluated secondary materials in combination with manufacturer’s primary linearity materials for pO2, pCO2, K+ and Cl- for an extended linearity verification. Methods Routine linearity studies was performed with PVP (5-levels), a primary material provided by the GEM 5000 analyzer manufacturer. Hypoxic (pO2: 5-25mmHg) and hyperbaric (pO2: 600-670mmHg) materials obtained from Eurotrol Inc. and VK-R5 linearity material (Radiometer America Inc.) for pCO2, K+ and Cl- were processed on GEM 5000. All materials at all levels were assayed in duplicate. Results from PVP, Eurotrol and VK-R5 were combined from low to high levels to assess linearity verification. Results Linearity range of 15-630mmHg with r2=0.99 was verified for pO2. Using a combination of VK-R5 with PVP, a linearity range of 14-127 mmHg (r2=0.99) for pCO2, 1.1-14.1 mmol/L (r2=1.00) for K+, and 51-153 mmol/L (r2=1.00) for Cl-were verified. See table for details. Conclusions A combination of BGA manufacturer’s primary linearity material with secondary vendors material was useful in addressing linearity verification for blood gases pO2, pCO2, and electrolytes K+Cl- over an extended range close to the manufacturer’s claims. We recommend other laboratories that experience similar BGA linearity verification challenges to consider this approach for verification of the manufacturer’s claims. It would have been very helpful if manufacturer can provide materials that cover both the lower and upper limits of their claims.

Observed Correlation Between Local Topography and Passive Neutron Measurements From the Dynamic Albedo of Neutrons (DAN) Instrument on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Rover

AbstractThe Dynamic Albedo of Neutrons (DAN) instrument on the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover primarily measures neutrons that have undergone interactions with rocks and materials in the rover's local environment. As the rover ascends Aeolis Mons, it may encounter more extreme local topography (e.g., cliffs, gullies, canyons). We present three parts of the rover's traverse in which local topography, expressed as the average local relief relative to the rover, is moderately to strongly correlated with an increase in passive thermal neutron count rates. These increases in count rates are consistent with results from radiation transport models of the instrument's performance near simulated topographic features. Additional DAN measurements in areas of high average local relief (>0.25 m) within 5 m of the instrument could bolster this correlation. DAN's sensitivity to topography in its passive mode could be utilized as a new measurement capability and has implications for the operation of future landed missions carrying neutron spectrometers (e.g., VIPER, MoonRanger, Lunar‐VISE).

Towards multi-messenger observations of core-collapse supernovae harbouring choked jets

Context. Over the past decade, choked jets have attracted particular attention as potential sources of high-energy cosmic neutrinos. It is challenging to test this hypothesis because of the missing gamma-ray counterpart. An identification of other electromagnetic signatures is therefore crucial. Extended H envelopes surrounding collapsing massive stars might choke launched jets. In addition, the same progenitors are expected to produce a shock-breakout signal in the ultraviolet (UV) and optical that lasts several days. Early UV radiation in particular carries important information about the presence and nature of choked jets. Aims. While UV observations of core-collapse supernovae have so far been limited, the full potential of observations in this spectral band will soon be transformed by the ULTRASAT satellite mission with its unprecedented field of view. We investigated the detection prospects of choked jet progenitors by ULTRASAT in relation to their visibility in the optical band by the currently operating telescope ZTF. In addition, as choked jets can produce neutrinos via hadronic and photohadronic interactions in choked jets, we also investigated how neutrino observations by existing Cherenkov high-energy neutrino telescopes (e.g. IceCube and KM3NeT) can be used in association with electromagnetic signals from shock-breakout events. Methods. By considering fiducial parameters of the source population and instrument performances, we estimated the maximum redshift up to which ULTRASAT and ZTF are able to detect ultraviolet and optical signals from these explosions, respectively. Furthermore, we discuss coordinated multi-messenger observations using ULTRASAT, ZTF, and high-energy neutrino telescopes. Results. We find that ULTRASAT will double the volume of the sky that is currently visible by ZTF for the same emitting sources. This will enlarge the sample of observed Type II supernovae by ∼60%. For optimised multi-messenger detections, the delay between neutrinos produced at the shock breakout (during the jet propagation inside the stellar envelope) and ULTRASAT observations should be of ∼4 (5) days, with subsequent follow-up by instruments such as ZTF about one week later. We estimate that fewer than 1% of the core-collapse supernovae from red supergiant stars that are detectable in UV with ULTRASAT might host a choked jet and release TeV neutrinos. Electromagnetic and neutrino detections, if accompanied by additional photometric and spectroscopic follow-up with compelling evidence for a relativistic jet launched by the central engine of the source, would suggest that core-collapse supernovae harbouring choked jets are the main contributors to the diffuse astrophysical high-energy neutrino flux.

Design and Performance of the Upgraded Mid-infrared Spectrometer and Imager (MIRSI) on the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility

We describe the new design and current performance of the Mid-InfraRed Spectrometer and Imager (MIRSI) on the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF). The system has been converted from a liquid nitrogen/liquid helium cryogen system to one that uses a closed-cycle cooler, which allows it to be kept on the telescope at operating temperature and available for observing on short notice, requiring less effort by the telescope operators and day crew to maintain operating temperature. Several other enhancements have been completed, including new detector readout electronics, an IRTF-style standard instrument user interface, new stepper motor driver electronics, and an optical camera that views the same field as the mid-IR instrument using a cold dichroic mirror, allowing for guiding and/or simultaneous optical imaging. The instrument performance is presented, both with an engineering-grade array used from 2021 to 2023, and a science-grade array installed in the fall of 2023. Some sample astronomical results are also shown. The upgraded MIRSI is a facility instrument at the IRTF available to all users.

Optimization of ray-tracing simulations to confirm performance of the GP-SANS instrument at the High-Flux Isotope Reactor

The CG-2 beamline at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) exhibits a notable discrepancy between observed count rates and the count rates we would expect based on a Monte-Carlo neutron ray-trace simulation. These simulations consistently predict count rates approximately five times greater than those observed in four separate experimental runs involving different instrument configurations. This discrepancy suggests that certain factors are causing losses in measurements that are not adequately accounted for in the simulation, in particular guide reflectivity or misalignment.To investigate these discrepancies, a high-dimensional simulation parameter approach is applied in order to understand the losses. Region of Interest (ROI) groups along the instrument are assigned to different surfaces of the guide components within the simulation. This allows the parameters of those guide components to be varied as a group to minimize the complexity of the search space. The result is an optimization of simulation parameters using an iterative scheme that aims to minimize the difference between experimentally measured count rates and simulated count rates across all tested collimator combinations.This proposed methodology holds the potential to reveal previously unrecognized sources of intensity loss in the CG-2 beamline at HFIR and improve the accuracy of simulations, leading to enhanced understanding and performance of the beamline for various scientific applications.

Multicentre study to assess the performance of an artificial intelligence instrument to support qualitative diagnosis of colorectal polyps

ObjectiveComputer-aided diagnosis (CAD) using artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to support the characterisation of colorectal lesions, which is clinically relevant for efficient colorectal cancer prevention. We conducted this study to...

Influence of Blowing Musical Instruments on Geometrical Face Changes: 3D Evaluation Study.

This study examined changes in facial geometry while playing wind instruments. Nine musicians participated (6 men, 3 women, mean age 52 years) in part 1 of the study, and 3 musicians participated (3 women, mean age 41 years) in part 2. In part 1, the high and low notes of each instrument were selected as test sounds. Facial geometry data were recorded using a 3D scanner. In part 2, facial geometry data were recorded using a 4D scanner while a melody was played. Data were superimposed and analyzed using 3D analysis software. Numerical values and color maps of deviations were obtained. The results of part 1 revealed that the median 3D deviation was 1.1 mm (range 0.42-1.45 mm), indicating that facial geometry while playing high and low notes was varied. The results of part 2 showed that the stable part was the frontal region and dorsal part of the nose. The approach used in this study has potential applications for evaluating facial geometry during musical instrument performances.

Quantifying Uncertainty in Atmospheric Winds Retrieved from Optical Flow: Dependence on Weather Regime

Abstract This study explores the performance of a dense optical flow method in comparison to pattern-matching techniques for retrieving atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs) from water vapor images. Using high-resolution simulated datasets that represent various weather phenomena, we assess the performance of these methods across different weather regimes, time intervals, and pressure levels and quantify the uncertainties associated with retrieved winds. The optical flow algorithm consistently outperforms the feature matching approach. Notably, it produces wind speeds and AMVs that closely resemble the wind fields from the simulations, and unlike the feature matching algorithm, the optical flow algorithm exhibits consistent performance across different time intervals. In contrast, the feature matching approach yields vector fields that exhibit oversmoothing in certain areas and erratic behavior in others, while also producing less detailed, regionally constant speed maps. Furthermore, unlike feature matching, the optical flow method effectively calculates AMV near regions with missing data, generating a dense AMV field for every pixel in a pair of images. This superior performance and flexibility significantly influence the planning for future satellite missions aimed at retrieving atmospheric winds. As such, our work plays a critical role in determining the mission architecture and projected instrument performance for future atmospheric wind retrieval satellite missions. The study underscores the potential of the optical flow algorithm as a robust and efficient approach for atmospheric motion retrieval, thus contributing to advances in climate research and weather prediction. Significance Statement This research investigates the efficacy of two methods, optical flow and feature matching, for detecting atmospheric winds, referred to as atmospheric motion vectors, from satellite images of water vapor. Employing detailed simulated datasets that replicate real-world weather patterns, we found that optical flow consistently outperforms feature matching in various aspects. Notably, the optical flow method is not only more precise but also maintains its accuracy across different scenarios. These insights are critical for the design of future satellite missions focused on advancing our understanding of the atmosphere and enhancing weather predictions. This study contributes to advancements in climate research and supports improved weather forecasting, benefiting both scientific and societal needs.

Prospects for a survey of the galactic plane with the Cherenkov Telescope Array

Approximately one hundred sources of very-high-energy (VHE) gamma rays are known in the Milky Way, detected with a combination of targeted observations and surveys. A survey of the entire Galactic Plane in the energy range from a few tens of GeV to a few hundred TeV has been proposed as a Key Science Project for the upcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO). This article presents the status of the studies towards the Galactic Plane Survey (GPS). We build and make publicly available a sky model that combines data from recent observations of known gamma-ray emitters with state-of-the-art physically-driven models of synthetic populations of the three main classes of established Galactic VHE sources (pulsar wind nebulae, young and interacting supernova remnants, and compact binary systems), as well as of interstellar emission from cosmic-ray interactions in the Milky Way. We also perform an optimisation of the observation strategy (pointing pattern and scheduling) based on recent estimations of the instrument performance. We use the improved sky model and observation strategy to simulate GPS data corresponding to a total observation time of 1620 hours spread over ten years. Data are then analysed using the methods and software tools under development for real data. Under our model assumptions and for the realisation considered, we show that the GPS has the potential to increase the number of known Galactic VHE emitters by almost a factor of five. This corresponds to the detection of more than two hundred pulsar wind nebulae and a few tens of supernova remnants at average integral fluxes one order of magnitude lower than in the existing sample above 1 TeV, therefore opening the possibility to perform unprecedented population studies. The GPS also has the potential to provide new VHE detections of binary systems and pulsars, to confirm the existence of a hypothetical population of gamma-ray pulsars with an additional TeV emission component, and to detect bright sources capable of accelerating particles to PeV energies (PeVatrons). Furthermore, the GPS will constitute a pathfinder for deeper follow-up observations of these source classes. Finally, we show that we can extract from GPS data an estimate of the contribution to diffuse emission from unresolved sources, and that there are good prospects of detecting interstellar emission and statistically distinguishing different scenarios.Thus, a survey of the entire Galactic plane carried out from both hemispheres with CTAO will ensure a transformational advance in our knowledge of Galactic VHE source populations and interstellar emission.

Proposal of Music Therapy Protocol for Ataxic Patients

Neurologic music therapy has been studied as an alternative methodology to stimulate neurological patients in a motor rehabilitation process. It uses music and its elements in a feedback-feedforward system, promoting an environment for neuroplasticity and re-learning of movements. Research to evaluate the use of neurologic music therapy in patients with ataxia due to Parkinson's and Stroke diseases has shown positive impacts on function rehabilitation, resulting in improvements in activities of daily living and life quality self-perception. The main goals for patients with ataxia described in available research are related to the positive impact on gait function, limb movements, speech, and postural impairment. The most commonly used techniques in neurologic music therapy research are Therapeutical Instrumental Music Performance (TIMP) and Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS). Literature indicates that both techniques are typically studied independently. Research on the application of neurologic music therapy to ataxic patients, whether due to genetic factors or acquired cerebellar damage, as well as protocols to assist music therapists in implementing these methodologies, are not available. The objective of this study is to propose a music therapy protocol for patients with ataxia from any disease or acquired, using neurologic music therapy and its techniques (TIMP and RAS), to measure the contribution in reducing impacts of ataxia in motor functions, improving patients’ autonomy in daily living activities and as a consequence higher life quality self-perception, also contributing to increasing literature availability regarding this theme. For protocol application feasibility and considering ataxia prevalence in the total population, an experimental group of 15 patients diagnosed with ataxia without impairment on auditory systems will be designed.

The Application of Alexander Techniques in Music

Instrumental performance is a process of matching the brain and body, especially when facing the piano. Beginners may encounter various problems during the piano learning period, such as memorizing scores, posture, sight singing and ear training. Incorrect playing posture often lays many hidden dangers, ranging from affecting the sound of the instrument to causing serious joint damage and interrupting the playing career. The "Alexander Technique" is a discipline that combines medical human body knowledge to help us understand the direction and working principle of body muscles, so as to correct incorrect playing posture and make the player's career go further and broader This paper will be based on the practical application of the "Alexander technique" in piano teaching, explaining the benefits this technique brings to piano learners