Sensor Network Architecture for a Fully Digital and Scalable SPAD based PET System

Digital SiPMs in the recent past have emerged as a viable low cost alternative to PMTs providing higher granularity and MRI compatibility. The rich dataset generated by digital SiPM sensors have posed a challenge, especially at the system level when a multitude of such sensors are to be used. In this paper we present a sensor network based solution for data acquisition, scalable to multi-ring based pre-clinical, clinical and brain PET

High-energy sub-nanosecond optical pulse generation with a semiconductor laser diode for pulsed TOF laser ranging utilizing the single photon detection approach

Bulk and quantum well laser diodes with a large equivalent spot size of da/Γa ≈ 3 µm and stripe width/cavity length of 30 µm/3 mm were realized and tested. They achieved a pulse energy and pulse length of the order of ~1 nJ and ~100 ps, respectively, with a peak pulse current of 6–8 A and a current pulse width of 1 ns. The 2D characteristics of the optical output power versus wavelength and time were also analyzed with a monochromator/streak camera set-up. The far-field characteristics were studied with respect to the time-homogeneity and energy distribution. The feasibility of a laser diode with a large equivalent spot size in single photon detection based laser ranging was demonstrated to a non-cooperative target at a distance of a few tens of meters

A Trial Installation of High Voltage Composite Cross-arms

Four high voltage composite cross-arms have been installed as part of a non-energised trial taking place in the Scottish Highlands. The non-cylindrical geometry of their two main structural members offers improved mechanical strength-to-weight ratio compared to cylindrically-shaped insulators of similar cross-sectional area. The instrumentation system aims to monitor mechanical performance through the use of embedded strain gauges and a combination of a load cell, accelerometer and inclinometer at the cross-arm nose. An industrial data capture and control platform is used to capture sensor outputs and store them until retrieval. Networked cameras with local storage capabilities are used to capture video recordings of the cross-arms. The trial has helped establish handling, transportation and installation procedures. The first results from the instrumentation system indicate the resilience of the cross-arms to winds reaching up to 151 mph (243 km/h) while no irregularities regarding snow and ice accretion have been observed

Toward allele-specific targeting therapy and pharmacodynamic marker for spinocerebellar ataxia type 3

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the ataxin-3 gene (ATXN3), is characterized by neuronal polyglutamine (polyQ) ATXN3 protein aggregates. Although there is no cure for SCA3, gene-silencing approaches to reduce toxic polyQ ATXN3 showed promise in preclinical models. However, a major limitation in translating putative treatments for this rare disease to the clinic is the lack of pharmacodynamic markers for use in clinical trials. Here, we developed an immunoassay that readily detects polyQ ATXN3 proteins in human biological fluids and discriminates patients with SCA3 from healthy controls and individuals with other ataxias. We show that polyQ ATXN3 serves as a marker of target engagement in human fibroblasts, which may bode well for its use in clinical trials. Last, we identified a single-nucleotide polymorphism that strongly associates with the expanded allele, thus providing an exciting drug target to abrogate detrimental events initiated by mutant ATXN3. Gene-silencing strategies for several repeat diseases are well under way, and our results are expected to improve clinical trial preparedness for SCA3 therapies