Inverse transport problem in fluorescence ultrasound modulated optical tomography with angularly averaged measurements

We consider an inverse transport problem in fluorescence ultrasound modulated optical tomography (fUMOT) with angularly averaged illuminations and measurements. We study the uniqueness and stability of the reconstruction of the absorption coefficient and the quantum efficiency of the fluorescent probes. Reconstruction algorithms are proposed and numerical validations are performed as well. This paper is an extension of arXiv:1804.01135, where a diffusion model for this problem was considered.Comment: 21 page

Understanding cellular internalization pathways of silicon nanowires

BACKGROUND: Understanding how cells interact with nanomaterials is important for rational design of nanomaterials for nanomedicine and transforming them for clinical applications. Particularly, the mechanism for one-dimensional (1D) nanomaterials with high aspect ratios still remains unclear. RESULTS: In this work, we present amine-functionalized silicon nanowires (SiNW-NH2) entering CHO-β cells via a physical membrane wrapping mechanism. By utilizing optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and confocal fluorescence microscopy, we successfully visualized the key steps of internalization of SiNW-NH2 into cells. CONCLUSION: Our results provide insight into the interaction between 1D nanomaterials and confirm that these materials can be used for understanding membrane mechanics through physical stress exerted on the membrane

Comparison of electrohysterogram characteristics during uterine contraction and non-contraction during labor

Uterine contraction is one of the most important indication in the labor progression. Electrohysterogram (EHG) is a promising method for monitoring uterine contraction and discriminating efficient and inefficient contractions. This study aims to analyze the difference of EHG signals between two groups. EHG signals are recorded with abdominal electrodes from 20 pregnant women, including 10 in term labor group and 10 in non-labor group. Typical linear and nonlinear characteristics of EHG signals, including root mean square (RMS), peak frequency (PF), median frequency (MDF), mean frequency (MNF), parameters from wavelet decomposition (W4, W5) and time reversibility (Tr) are extracted. These characteristics are compared between contraction and non-contraction in term labor group and non-labor group. The result shows that RMS, W4 and W5 of contraction are significantly larger than non-contraction both within term labor group and between two groups (all p<;0.001). However, MDF and MNF are significantly smaller (all p<;0.05). Furthermore, all characteristics of non-contraction show no significant difference between two groups, except MNF. The variability of RMS, W4, W5 and Tr of contraction are significantly larger than non-contraction both within term labor group and between two groups (all p<;0.05, with p<;0.001 for W5 and Tr). However, the variability of MDF, PF and MNF are significantly smaller (all p<;0.05). Moreover, the variability of all characteristics of non-contraction shows no significant difference between two groups, except MNF. We have shown that characteristics of EHG signals and their variability during contraction are quite different from non-contraction. Therefore, it is feasible to separate uterine contractions and monitor uterine activity with EHG signals