Comparison of the efficacy of biodegradable and non-biodegradable scintillation liquids on the counting of tritium- and [14C]-labeled compounds

The widespread use of ³H and 14C in research has generated a large volume of waste mixed with scintillation liquid, requiring an effective control and appropriate storage of liquid radioactive waste. In the present study, we compared the efficacy of three commercially available scintillation liquids, Optiphase HiSafe 3, Ultima-Gold AB (biodegradable) and Insta-Gel-XF (non-biodegradable), in terms of [14C]-glucose and [³H]-thymidine counting efficiency. We also analyzed the effect of the relative amount of water (1.6 to 50%), radioisotope concentration (0.1 to 100 nCi/ml), pH (2 to 10) and color of the solutions (samples containing 0.1 to 1.0 mg/ml of Trypan blue) on the counting efficiency in the presence of these scintillation liquids. There were few significant differences in the efficiency of 14C and ³H counting obtained with biodegradable or non-biodegradable scintillation liquids. However, there was an 83 and 94% reduction in the efficiency of 14C and ³H counting, respectively, in samples colored with 1 mg/ml Trypan blue, but not with 0.1 mg/ml, independent of the scintillation liquid used. Considering the low cost of biodegradable scintillation cocktails and their efficacy, these results show that traditional hazardous scintillation fluids may be replaced with the new safe biodegradable fluids without impairment of ³H and 14C counting efficiency. The use of biodegradable scintillation cocktails minimizes both human and environmental exposure to hazardous solvents. In addition, some biodegradable scintillation liquids can be 40% less expensive than the traditional hazardous cocktails.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Unidade de Proteção RadiológicaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Departamento de FarmacologiaUNIFESP, EPM, Unidade de Proteção RadiológicaUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de FarmacologiaSciEL

Analisi metrica in ambiente digitale di due carte pregeodetiche coeve condotta con metodologie non convenzionali

La cartografia storica digitalizzata e opportunamente georeferenziata risulta uno strumento fondamentale per l’analisi quantitativa dell’antico assetto del territorio e per lo studio delle relative dinamiche evolutive. Purtroppo però, la georeferenziazione non è sempre immediata per via di varie deformazioni contenute nelle carte, particolarmente quelle pregeodetiche. In questi casi risulta indispensabile una analisi metrica preventiva degli esemplari per l’individuazione delle principali problematiche presenti, analisi che può essere condotta con i moderni approcci digitali e supportata quando possibile da uno studio delle tecniche e delle strumentazioni di rilievo adottate dai cartografi autori. Il presente lavoro riguarda l’analisi di due carte coeve dell’area deltizia del fiume Po, redatte alla fine del XVI secolo da Ottavio Fabri (forse inventore della squadra zoppa, strumento la cui costruzione ed il cui utilizzo sono descritti in un manuale tecnico redatto dal medesimo), che in uno dei due esemplari ha operato insieme al collega Gerolamo Pontara. Sulla base delle informazioni deducibili sia dal manuale del Fabri sia dalle carte analizzate, nonché da un ulteriore esemplare redatto dai medesimi autori, è possibile ipotizzare che il rilievo sia stato sviluppato per sub-aree, rilevate con differenti metodi e strumenti, e forse anche in tempi differenti. Ciò suggerisce la necessità di adottare modalità non convenzionali per l’analisi e la georeferenziazione degli originali cartografici, per un’affidabile utilizzazione del prodotto-derivato ai fini di ulteriori studi territoriali di tipo geo-ambientale o storico ed economico in senso stretto.Digitized and georeferenced historical cartography is a fundamental tool for quantitative analysis and study of the ancient territory and its dynamics. Unfortunately, the georeferencing process is not always immediate due to some deformations that can affect the maps, especially the pre-geodetic ones. Therefore, in these cases most of all, a preventive metric analysis of the maps, combined with recognition of deformations, results necessary; the task can be performed by means of modern digital tools, and supported from preliminary studies on the original surveying instruments and methods. In this study, two contemporary late sixteenth century map of the Po delta area (Italy) are analyzed; they were made by Ottavio Fabri (author of a technical book, in which he describes construction modalities and use of the squadra zoppa, a mobile square maybe invented by him), with the colleague Gerolamo Pontara in one of the two samples. On the basis of information that can be deduced from the manual, and these maps and another map made by the same authors, a multi-stage survey can be inferred; in this case the survey could have be done in sub-areas, where different methods and instruments were used, maybe in different times. The fact suggests the necessity of adopting non-conventional modalities for the georeferencing of the map samples; in this way the new products can be effectively used for territorial researches of geo-environmental, historical and economic significance

Identificação de parâmetros de qualidade de impressão para a garantia da detecção de estruturas presentes na mamografia digital

Objective To develop procedures to ensure consistency of printing quality of digital images, by means of hardcopy quantitative analysis based on a standard image. Materials and Methods Characteristics of mammography DI-ML and general purpose DI-HL films were studied through the QC-Test utilizing different processing techniques in a FujiFilm®-DryPix4000 printer. A software was developed for sensitometric evaluation, generating a digital image including a gray scale and a bar pattern to evaluate contrast and spatial resolution. Results Mammography films showed maximum optical density of 4.11 and general purpose films, 3.22. The digital image was developed with a 33-step wedge scale and a high-contrast bar pattern (1 to 30 lp/cm) for spatial resolution evaluation. Conclusion Mammographic films presented higher values for maximum optical density and contrast resolution as compared with general purpose films. The utilized digital processing technique could only change the image pixels matrix values and did not affect the printing standard. The proposed digital image standard allows greater control of the relationship between pixels values and optical density obtained in the analysis of films quality and printing systems.Objetivo Desenvolver procedimentos que garantam a constância e qualidade de impressão das imagens digitais, mediante análise quantitativa das imagens impressas utilizando um padrão de imagem. Materiais e Métodos Foram estudadas as características dos filmes mamográficos (DI-ML) e de uso geral (DI-HL) por meio do teste QC-Test sob diferentes processamentos utilizando a impressora FujiFilm®-DryPix4000. Foi criado um software para avaliação sensitométrica que gera uma imagem digital contendo uma escala de níveis de cinza e um padrão de barras para avaliação das resoluções de contraste e espacial. Resultados Filmes mamográficos apresentaram valores de densidade óptica máxima 4,11, enquanto os comuns apresentaram valores 3,22. A imagem digital foi desenvolvida com 33 passos de enegrecimento e um padrão de barras de alto contraste (1 a 30 pl/cm) para avaliação da resolução espacial. Conclusão Verificou-se que o filme mamográfico apresenta um maior valor de densidade máxima e maior índice de contraste, comparado ao filme de uso geral. O processamento digital utilizado apenas alterou os valores da matriz de pixels da imagem e não influenciou o padrão de impressão. O padrão de imagem digital proposto permite maior controle da relação entre os valores de pixel e densidade ótica obtida na verificação da qualidade dos filmes e do sistema de impressão.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Department of Diagnostic ImagingUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Department of Information Technology in HealthEspecialista em Física Médica, Mestre, Departamento de Diagnóstico por Imagem da Escola Paulista de Medicina – Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São PauloDoutor, Professor Adjunto do Departamento de Informática em Saúde da Escola Paulista de Medicina – Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São PauloDoutora, Professora Associada do Departamento de Diagnóstico por Imagem da Escola Paulista de Medicina – Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São PauloUNIFESP, EPM, Department of Diagnostic ImagingUNIFESP, EPM, Department of Information Technology in HealthEspecialista em Física Médica, Mestre, Depto. de Diagnóstico por Imagem da Escola Paulista de Medicina – Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São PauloDoutor, Professor Adjunto do Depto. de Informática em Saúde da Escola Paulista de Medicina – Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São PauloDoutora, Professora Associada do Depto. de Diagnóstico por Imagem da Escola Paulista de Medicina – Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São PauloSciEL

Neuroethologic differences in sleep deprivation induced by the single- and multiple-platform methods

It has been proposed that the multiple-platform method (MP) for desynchronized sleep (DS) deprivation eliminates the stress induced by social isolation and by the restriction of locomotion in the single-platform (SP) method. MP, however, induces a higher increase in plasma corticosterone and ACTH levels than SP. Since deprivation is of heuristic value to identify the functional role of this state of sleep, the objective of the present study was to determine the behavioral differences exhibited by rats during sleep deprivation induced by these two methods. All behavioral patterns exhibited by a group of 7 albino male Wistar rats submitted to 4 days of sleep deprivation by the MP method (15 platforms, spaced 150 mm apart) and by 7 other rats submitted to sleep deprivation by the SP method were recorded in order to elaborate an ethogram. The behavioral patterns were quantitated in 10 replications by naive observers using other groups of 7 rats each submitted to the same deprivation schedule. Each quantification session lasted 35 min and the behavioral patterns presented by each rat over a period of 5 min were counted. The results obtained were: a) rats submitted to the MP method changed platforms at a mean rate of 2.62 ± 1.17 platforms h-1 animal-1; b) the number of episodes of noninteractive waking patterns for the MP animals was significantly higher than that for SP animals (1077 vs 768); c) additional episodes of waking patterns (26.9 ± 18.9 episodes/session) were promoted by social interaction in MP animals; d) the cumulative number of sleep episodes observed in the MP test (311) was significantly lower (chi-square test, 1 d.f., P<0.05) than that observed in the SP test (534); e) rats submitted to the MP test did not show the well-known increase in ambulatory activity observed after the end of the SP test; f) comparison of 6 MP and 6 SP rats showed a significantly shorter latency to the onset of DS in MP rats (7.8 ± 4.3 and 29.0 ± 25.0 min, respectively; Student t-test, P<0.05). We conclude that the social interaction occurring in the MP test generates additional stress since it increases the time of forced wakefulness and reduces the time of rest promoted by synchronized sleep.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)Universidade Estadual PaulistaUNIFESPSciEL

Seeing into the past: integrating 3D documentation and non-invasive prospecting methods for the analysis, understanding and reconstruction of the ancient Pompeii. The case of the House of Obellio Firmo (IX, 14)

In 2015 the Department of History and Cultures of the Bologna University took part in the Grande Progetto Pompei - Piano della Conoscenza, with the task of providing a modern and complete documentation of the so-called Lotto 3 in Pompeii. The new survey was carried out by means of integrated innovative diagnostic survey techniques in order to provide a total documentary research of the whole sector. In 2016 a new project was started in agreement with the competent Superintendency, and focused on the study and preservation of the House of Obellio Firmo, included in the Lotto 3 of the Roman city. The new research contemplates an in-depth analysis of the building, employing systematic laser scanning and photogrammetry methods to generate an accurate 3D model of the house. This model is going to constitute the starting point for the further analysis of the wall stratigraphies and for the mapping and monitoring of the structures’ state of decay. The full-scale analytical documentation of the building also includes a detailed geophysical mapping of all the accessible domestic spaces, by using the ground penetrating radar technique. The preliminary results achieved by the non-invasive prospecting survey, integrated with the analysis of the surviving walls and building techniques, supply valid information for the archaeological interpretation of the house’s history. In order to allow the management and sharing of the information collected, the data are going to be organised within a building information model (BIM) with a triple objective: the reconstruction of a fragment of the ancient urban landscape in Pompeii during the oldest phase, with particular attention directed to the Samnitic period; the outlining of a precise strategy of intervention for the restoration and preservation of the House of Obellio Firmo; the re-opening of the building to sightseeing tours and its restitution to public use

From laser scanning to finite element analysis of complex buildings by using a semi-automatic procedure

In this paper a new semi-automatic procedure to transform three-dimensional point clouds of complex objects to three-dimensional finite element models is presented and validated. The procedure (CLOUD2FEM) conceives the point cloud as a stacking of point sections. The complexity of the clouds is arbitrary since the procedure is designed for terrestrial laser scanner surveys applied to buildings with irregular geometry, such as historical buildings. The proposed method allows to always produce a filled three-dimensional model ready to use for structural analysis purpose. A comparison analysis with a CAD based model is carried out on a historical building damaged by a seismic event

Evaluation of two 99mTc-DTPA radioaerosols with different characteristics in lung ventilation studies

Two radioaerosol preparations, TechneScan®-DTPA (99mTc-DTPA, 40 mCi/3 ml; IPEN-CNEN, São Paulo, SP, Brazil) and TechneScan®-DTPA/AEROSOL (99mTc-DTPA/A, 15 mCi/1.5 ml with 0.5 ml ethanol; Mallinckrodt Medical, St. Louis, MO, USA), were compared in pulmonary ventilation studies in terms of total radiocounts and clearance after inhalation. An aerosol with ethanol is supposed to better distribute the radioparticles in the lungs. Twenty normal nonsmoking volunteers (10 men and 10 women), mean age of 23.2 years (range: 20 to 35 years), were studied. Images were obtained immediately and 30, 60 and 90 min after inhalation. Total and regional counts were obtained and the clearance half-lives of both lungs were determined. There was no difference in total counts between the two types of radioaerosol at any time (mean of ~188,000 cpm for male and female subjects at time zero in both aerosols). The highest count was obtained in the middle region of both lungs (P<0.001) with both preparations. The clearance half-life did not differ between aerosols (mean of ~80-88 min for male and female subjects for both aerosols). Small nonsignificant regional differences were observed. No differences between genders or between right and left lung were observed. 99mTc-DTPA/A generated the highest output of radioaerosol. 99mTc-DTPA with alcohol costs approximately five times more than the aerosol without alcohol. The present results show that either kind of aerosol may be adopted routinely for use in pulmonary examinations without affecting diagnosis. We suggest that the amount of 740 mBq (20 mCi) of 99mTc-DTPA in 1.5 ml saline can be used for routine examinations resulting in reduction of costs in pulmonary ventilation studies without diagnostic impairment.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Centro de Reabilitação PulmonarUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de Diagnóstico por ImagemUNIFESP, Centro de Reabilitação PulmonarUNIFESP, Depto. de Diagnóstico por ImagemSciEL

QualIM®: a software for training in the reading of digital medical images

OBJECTIVE: A software called QualIM® - Qualificação de Imagens Médicas was developed for training of practitioners in the interpretation of digital mammograms classified according to BI-RADS® categories, utilizing images manipulation tools on state-of-the-art displays. MATERIALS ANDMETHODS: A Delphi 7-based system stores data resulting from mammographic findings interpretation during the training, comparing them with a golden-standard data set. The database includes computed radiography, direct radiography and digitized images. The software converts computed radiography and direct radiography images into TIFF format, preserving their original spatial and contrast resolution. During the training, the images are manipulated with the aid of the software tools (zoom, inversion, digital rulers and others). Depending on the image complexity, up to eight mammographic views, six ultrasonography images and two anatomopathological images can be displayed. RESULTS: The training was initiated in 2007 and is currently included in the radiology residency program. Based on data entered by the practitioner, the software automatically generates a BI-RADS compliant text that is compared with a database. CONCLUSION: The QualIM software is a digital educational tool aimed at assisting practitioners in the recognition of visual patterns on mammographic images as well as in the interpretation of mammograms based on the BI-RADS classification.OBJETIVO: Foi desenvolvido um software denominado QualIM® - Qualificação de Imagens Médicas para treinamento de profissionais na interpretação de exames digitais de mamografias utilizando ferramentas de manipulação de imagens, em monitores específicos, classificadas em BI-RADS®. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: O sistema, desenvolvido em Delphi 7, armazena as respostas da interpretação de imagens mamográficas durante o treinamento e compara aos dados inseridos denominados padrão-ouro. O sistema contém imagens de computed radiography, direct radiography e digitalizadas. O software converte as imagens do computed radiography e direct radiography para o formato TIFF, mantendo as resoluções espacial e de contraste originais. Profissionais em treinamento manipulam o realce da imagem utilizando ferramentas de software (zoom, inversão, réguas digitais, outras). Dependendo da complexidade, são apresentadas até oito incidências mamográficas, seis imagens de ultra-som e duas de anatomopatológico. RESULTADOS: O treinamento iniciou em 2007 e atualmente faz parte do programa de residência em radiologia. O software compõe o texto, de forma automática, das informações inseridas pelo profissional, baseado nas categorias BI-RADS, e compara com a base de dados. CONCLUSÃO: O software QualIM é uma ferramenta digital de ensino que auxilia profissionais no reconhecimento de padrões visuais de uma imagem mamográfica, bem como na interpretação de exames mamográficos, utilizando a classificação BI-RADS.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Departamento de Diagnóstico por ImagemUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de MedicinaUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de Diagnóstico por ImagemUNIFESP, EPMSciEL

Metric documentation of cultural heritage: Research directions from the Italian gamher project

GAMHer is a collaborative project that aims at exploiting and validating Geomatics algorithms, methodologies and procedures in the framework of new European regulations, which require a more extensive and productive use of digital information, as requested by the Digital Agenda for Europe as one of the seven pillars of the Europe 2020 Strategy. To this aim, GAMHer focuses on the need of a certified accuracy for surveying and monitoring projects with photogrammetry and laser scanning technologies, especially when used in a multiscale approach for landscape and built heritage documentation, conservation, and management. The approach used follows a multi-LoD (level of detail) transition that exploits GIS systems at the landscape scale, BIM technology and "point cloud based" 3d modelling for the scale of the building, and an innovative BIM/GIS integrated approach to foster innovation, promote users' collaboration and encourage communication between users. The outcomes of GAMHer are not intended to be used only by a community of Geomatics specialists, but also by a heterogeneous user community that exploit images and laser scans in their professional activities