Stick Based Speckle Reduction for Real-Time Processing of OCT Images on an FPGA

This paper presents an FPGA based real-time implementation of an adaptive speckle reduction algorithm. Applied to the log-compressed image of a high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) system, all related signal processing steps from envelope detection to VGA video signal generation are executed on a single chip. Images from measured OCT data show that the chosen algorithm produces a smooth, detailed image with fewer image artifacts than comparable approaches. An estimation of the hardware effort, the possible throughput rate and the resulting image frame rate is given for different window sizes used here in speckle reduction.

Design and Implementation of Real Time Wireless Biomedical System Based on ZigBee-GSM interactive module:

We present a framework for a wireless health monitoring system using ZigBee technology. It has the capability to monitor vital signals from multiple biosensors. Biomedical signals are collected and processed using 2-tiered subsystems. The first stage is the mobile device carried on the body that runs a number of biosensors (internal subsystem). At the second stage, further processing is performed by a local base station (external subsystem) using the raw data transmitted on-request by the mobile device. The raw data is also stored at this base station. The processed data as well as the analysis results are then monitored and diagnosed through

Virtual Prototyping (VP) In Construction

ABSTRACT: VP means virtual prototyping is a computer aided design process. It is the latest and cost effective way to visualize real circumstances that enhance effective communication of design and ideas without manufacturing physical samples. Virtual prototyping involves the integration of different design softwares during each and every stages of a construction process, visualizing the construction site environment in different stages. This process enhance the capability of engineers to detect the problem areas. Now a days construction safety is a serious problem in construction industry worldwide, especially in the case of large scale construction projects. We can adopt the VP technology to improve the safety management performance through the identification of key factors that cause accident.. This report is an overview of virtual prototyping technique, its application for simulating construction process for the easy and effective execution, life cycle management of a construction process and to improve the safety management in construction projects

Two Pattern Test Cubes for Transition Path Delay Faults Test for ISCAS-85 C432

ABSTRACT: Considering full-scan circuits, incompletely-specified tests, or test cubes, are used for test data compression. When considering path delay faults, certain specified input values in a test cube are needed only for determining the lengths of the paths associated with detected faults. Path delay faults, and therefore, small delay defects, would still be detected if such values are unspecified. The goal of this paper is to explore the possibility of increasing the number of unspecified input values in a test set for path delay faults by un specifying such values in order to make the test set more amenable to test data compression. Experimental results indicate that significant numbers of such values exist. The proposed procedure unspecified them gradually to obtain a series of test sets with increasing numbers of unspecified values and decreasing path lengths. Experimental results also indicate that filling the unspecified values randomly (as with some test data compression methods) recovers some or all of the path lengths associated with detected path delay faults. The procedure uses a matching of the sets of detected faults for the comparison of path lengths

The XMM-BCS galaxy cluster survey: I. The X-ray selected cluster catalog from the initial 6 deg2^2

The XMM-Newton - Blanco Cosmology Survey project (XMM-BCS) is a coordinated X-ray, optical and mid-infrared cluster survey in a field also covered by Sunyaev-Zel dovich effect (SZE) surveys by the South Pole Telescope and the Atacama Cosmology Telescope. The aim of the project is to study the cluster population in a 14 deg{sup 2} field (center: {alpha} {approx} 23:29:18.4, {delta} {approx} -54:40:33.6). The uniform multi-wavelength coverage will also allow us for the first time to comprehensively compare the selection function of the different cluster detection approaches in a single test field and perform a cross-calibration of cluster scaling relations. In this work, we present a catalog of 46 X-ray selected clusters from the initial 6 deg{sup 2} survey core.We describe the XMM-BCS source detection pipeline and derive physical properties of the clusters. We provide photometric redshift estimates derived from the BCS imaging data and spectroscopic redshift measurements for a low redshift subset of the clusters. The photometric redshift estimates are found to be unbiased and in good agreement with the spectroscopic values. Our multi-wavelength approach gives us a comprehensive look at the cluster and group population up to redshifts z {approx} 1. The median redshift of the sample is 0.47 and the median mass M{sub 500} {approx} 1 x 10{sup 14} M{sub {circle_dot}} ({approx} 2 keV). From the sample, we derive the cluster log N - log S using an approximation to the survey selection function and find it in good agreement with previous studies. We compare optical mass estimates from the Southern Cosmology Survey available for part of our cluster sample with our estimates derived from the X-ray luminosity. Weak lensing masses available for a subset of the cluster sample are in agreement with our estimates. Optical masses based on cluster richness and total optical luminosity are found to be significantly higher than the X-ray values. The present results illustrate the excellent potential of medium-deep, X-ray surveys to deliver cluster samples for cosmological modelling. In combination with available multi-wavelength data in optical, near-infrared and SZE, this will allow us to probe the dependence of the selection functions on relevant cluster observables and provide thus an important input for upcoming large-area multi-wavelength cluster surveys

Numerical Model of a Variable-Combined-Cycle Engine for Dual Subsonic and Supersonic Cruise

Efficient high speed propulsion requires exploiting the cooling capability of the cryogenic fuel in the propulsion cycle. This paper presents the numerical model of a combined cycle engine while in air turbo-rocket configuration. Specific models of the various heat exchanger modules and the turbomachinery elements were developed to represent the physical behavior at off-design operation. The dynamic nature of the model allows the introduction of the engine control logic that limits the operation of certain subcomponents and extends the overall engine operational envelope. The specific impulse and uninstalled thrust are detailed while flying a determined trajectory between Mach 2.5 and 5 for varying throttling levels throughout the operational envelope

Chemosensitivity of IDH1-Mutated Gliomas Due to an Impairment in PARP1-Mediated DNA Repair

Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) are the most prevalent genetic abnormalities in lower grade gliomas. The presence of these mutations in glioma is prognostic for better clinical outcomes with longer patient survival. In the present study, we found that defects in oxidative metabolism and 2-HG production confer chemosensitization in IDH1-mutated glioma cells. In addition, temozolomide (TMZ) treatment induced greater DNA damage and apoptotic changes in mutant glioma cells. The PARP1-associated DNA repair pathway was extensively compromised in mutant cells due to decreased NAD+ availability. Targeting the PARP DNA repair pathway extensively sensitized IDH1-mutated glioma cells to TMZ. Our findings demonstrate a novel molecular mechanism that defines chemosensitivity in IDH-mutated gliomas. Targeting PARP-associated DNA repair may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for gliomas