SiON integrated optics elliptic couplers for Fizeau-based Optical Coherence Tomography

The use of integrated optics for Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) can offer significant cost reductions and new applications. We designed, fabricated, and characterized Silicon oxynitride (SiON) elliptic couplers that are used to focus light from a chip into the off-chip environment. Fizeau-based OCT measurements are performed and compared to calculations

Quality assessment of marketed eggs in Hanoi (Vietnam)

Poultry farming is the first sector of livestock that has been industrialized. The poultry sector plays an important role in the GDP of Vietnam. It is the second largest livestock after the pig livestock. The production and consumption of eggs in Vietnam is estimated as 5.64 billion and 102.6 eggs per person per year respectively. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of eggs in relation to the chicken breed and different marketing channels in Hanoi, Vietnam. In total, 431 chicken eggs were purchased from four different marketing channels in Hanoi, including households (89 eggs), supermarkets (152 eggs), public markets (130 eggs) and small grocery stores (50 eggs). Out of the 431 above-mentioned eggs, 119 eggs came from the commercial chicken breeds and 312 eggs from traditional local breeds. The quality of eggs for a consumer is represented by its cleanliness, nutritional quality, freshness, and price. A series of measurements is carried out just after their purchase. According to the breed and the marketing channel, highly significant differences (P 0.05) the freshness of the eggs, however, they have a significant effect (P <0.05) on the size of the eggs marketed in Hanoi. The results of this study show an important diversity in marketing channels and marketed eggs in Hanoi

Growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality and composition in pigs fed diets supplemented with medicinal plants (Bindens pilosa L., Urena lobata L. and Ramulus cinnamomi) powder

peer reviewedThe study was conducted to assess the effects of medicinal plants powder (MP) (60% Bindens pilosa L., 30% Urena lobata L. and 10% Ramulus cinnamomi) as a feed additive to promote growth performance and improve meat quality in pigs. Seventy-two crossbred pigs [Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire)], initial body weight 30.3 ± 1.66 kg, were randomly divided into 4 dietary groups, 3 replicates of 6 pigs each. Each group was randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments: a basal diet (control diet, T0) and three experimental diets (T20, T40 and T60) based on T0 diet supplemented with MP at 20, 40 and 60 g/kg of feed. The experiment lasted for 14 weeks, including 2 periods of feeding programmes (weeks 0–7 and 7–14). A reduced average daily feed intake (linear, P = 0.01) and a decreased trend in average daily gain (ADG) (linear, P = 0.08) were observed in pigs fed diets with 40 and 60 g/kg MP in comparison to the control diet in weeks 0–7. There was no statistical difference in ADG and feed conversion ratio between treatments over the entire trial period. Dietary MP supplementation decreased backfat thickness (quadratic, P = 0.04) and cholesterol content (linear, P = 0.02; quadratic, P = 0.01) in meat. The sensory quality of cooked meat was improved (P < 0.0001) by the inclusion of MP. So, dietary MP supplementation could have the potential to improve sensory quality and decrease backfat thickness and cholesterol content in meat without a negative effect on growth rate of pigs and technological quality of pork.2. Zero hunger1. No povert

Integrated spectrometers for spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

We present experimental results of a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography system based on integrated spectrometers. Spectrometers are realized in silicon-oxynitride waveguides and consist of arrayed waveguide gratings for 800 nm and 1300 nm

Toward Miniaturized Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a widely used optical imaging technology with an increasing number of applications [1]. It has particular importance in the medical field since it can provide non-invasive, sub-micrometer resolution diagnostic images. Current OCT systems contain fiber-based or free-space bulky components which make these instruments costly. A significant decrease in the size and cost of an OCT system is possible through integrated optics. With a suitable material technology and optimum design, one can fabricate extremely compact and low-cost OCT systems, especially suited for applications in which instrument size may play an important role. In the literature there is only limited data on the implementation of OCT systems on a chip [2-3]. In this work, we present the successful attempt toward miniaturization of a spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) system by designing an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) spectrometer in silicon-oxynitride (SiON) for the 1300-nm spectral range. The AWG spectrometer, with its excellent performance and compactness, has a high potential for various spectroscopic applications. The operation principle of an AWG is explained in detail in Ref. [4]

Examinations performed prior to PET/CT scan in patients included in retrospective study.

<p>Examinations performed prior to PET/CT scan in patients included in retrospective study.</p

Axial, coronal and sagittal PET/CT images showing increased FDG-uptake in the rib (A, red arrow), spine (B, red arrowhead), spleen (B, brown arrowhead) and pelvic bone (C, blue arrow) suggesting lymphoproliferative disease.

<p>This PET/CT diagnosis was histologically confirmed after a bone marrow biopsy was performed.</p

Flowchart retrospective study (ESR = Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate; FUO = Fever of Unknown Origin, PMR = Polymyalgia rheumatica, AML = acute myeloid leukemia, n.a. = not applicable).

<p>*This patient died 1 month after PET/CT, gastric cancer was confirmed pathologically. † Polyarteritis nodosa (diagnosed with angiography).</p

Axial PET/CT images showing physiological 18-FDG uptake in the bladder (green arrow) and increased peri-rectal 18-FDG uptake (A, red arrow).

<p>Additionally, the presence of air is detected on the low-dose CT (B). This was not present on an abdominal CT-scan that was performed prior to the PET/CT-scan. A diagnosis of peri-rectal abscess was confirmed during explorative surgery.</p