<p dir="ltr">The vagus nerve (VN) is the tenth cranial nerve that mediates most of the parasympathetic functions of the autonomic nervous system. The axons of the human VN comprise a mix of unmyelinated and myelinated axons, where ~80% of the axons are unmyelinated C fibers (Havton et al., 2021). Understanding that most VN axons are unmyelinated, there is a need to map the pathways of these axons to and from organs to understand their function(s) and whether C fiber morphology or signaling characteristics yield insights into their functions. Developing a machine learning model that detects and predicts the morphology of VN single fiber action potentials based on select fiber characteristics, e.g., diameter, myelination, and position within the VN, allows us to more readily categorize the nerve fibers with respect to their function(s). Additionally, the features of this machine learning model could help inform peripheral neuromodulation devices that aim to restore, replace, or augment one or more specific functions of the VN that have been lost due to injury, disease, or developmental abnormalities.</p><p dir="ltr">We designed and trained four types of Multi-layer Perceptron Artificial Deep Neural Networks (MLP-ANN) with 10,000 rat abdominal vagal C-fibers simulated via the peripheral neural interface model ViNERS. We analyze the accuracy of each MLP-ANN’s SFAP predictions by conducting normalized cross-correlation and morphology analyses with the ViNERS C-fiber SFAP counterparts. Our results showed that our best MLP predicted over 94% of the C-fiber SFAPs with strong normalized cross-correlation coefficients of 0.7 through 1 with the ViNERS SFAPs. Overall, this novel tool can use a C-fiber’s biophysical characteristics (i.e., fiber diameter size, fiber position on the x/y axis, etc.) to predict C-fiber SFAP morphology.</p>

No description available.

No description available.

Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV) is a planar measurement technique to measure the velocity within a fluid by correlating the motion of flow tracers over a sequence of images recorded with a camera-laser system. Sophisticated digital processing algorithms are required to provide a high enough accuracy for quantitative DPIV results. This study explores the potential of a variety of cross-correlation filters to improve the accuracy and robustness of the DPIV estimation. These techniques incorporate the use of the Phase Transform (PHAT) Generalized Cross Correlation (GCC) filter applied to the image cross-correlation. The use of spatial windowing is subsequently examined and shown to be ideally suited for the use of phase correlation estimators, due to their invariance to the loss of correlation effects. The Robust Phase Correlation (RPC) estimator is introduced, with the coupled use of the phase correlation and spatial windowing. The RPC estimator additionally incorporates the use of a spectral filter designed from an analytical decomposition of the DPIV Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). This estimator is validated in a variety of artificial image simulations, the JPIV standard image project, and experimental images, which indicate reductions in error on the order of 50% when correlating low SNR images. Two variations of the RPC estimator are also introduced, the Gaussian Transformed Phase Correlation (GTPC): designed to optimize the subpixel interpolation, and the Spectral Phase Correlation (SPC): estimates the image shift directly from the phase content of the correlation. While these estimators are designed for DPIV, the methodology described here provides a universal framework for digital signal correlation analysis, which could be extended to a variety of other systems. / Master of Science

自動化三維建模需要準確的三維點座標，而三維點的位置則依賴高精度的對應點，因此對應點的尋找一直是此領域的研究議題，而使用稀疏光束調整法(SBA：Sparse Bundle Adjustment)來優化相機參數也是常用的作法，然而若三維點當中有少數幾個誤差較大的點，則稀疏光束調整法會受到很大的影響。我們採用多視角影像做依據，找出對應點座標及幾何關係，在改善對應點位置的步驟中，我們藉由位移三維點法向量來取得各種不同位置的三維補綴面(3D patch)，並根據投影到影像上之補綴面的正規化相關匹配法(NCC：Normalized Cross Correlation)來改善對應點位置。利用這些改善過的點資訊，我們使用稀疏光束調整法來針對相機校正做進一步的優化，為了避免誤差較大的三維點影響到稀疏光束調整法的結果，我們使用穩健的計算方法來過濾這些三維點，藉由此方法來減少再投影誤差(reprojection error)，最後產生較精準的相機參數，使用此參數我們可以自動化建出外型架構較接近真實物體的模型。 / Automated 3D modeling of the need for accurate 3D points, and location of the 3D points depends on the accuracy of corresponding points, so the search for corresponding points in this area has been a research topic, and the use of SBA(Sparse Bundle Adjustment) to optimize the camera parameters is also a common practice, however, if there are a few more error 3D points, the SBA will be greatly affected. In this paper, we establish the corresponding points and their geometry relationship from multi-view images. And the 3D patches are used to refine point positions. We translate the normal to get many patches, and project them into visible images. The NCC(Normalized Cross Correlation) values between patches in reference image and patches in visible image are used to estimate the best correspondence points. And they are used to get better camera parameters by SBA(sparse bundle adjustment). Furthermore, it is because that it usually exist outliers in the data observed, and they will influence the results by using SBA. So, we use our robust estimation method to resist the outliers. In our experiment, SBA is used to filter some outliers to reduce the reprojection error. After getting more precise camera parameters, we use them to reconstruct the 3D model more realistic.

La scoliose idiopathique de l’adolescence (SIA) est une pathologie de cause inconnue impliquant une déformation tridimensionnelle de la colonne vertébrale et de la cage thoracique. Cette pathologie affecte, entre autres, les vertèbres ainsi que les muscles paraspinaux. Ces composantes de la colonne vertébrale jouent un rôle important lors de la marche. Dix sujets témoins et neuf sujets SIA ont effectué dix essais de marche à vitesse normale sur un corridor de marche de dix mètres dans lequel était inséré deux plates-formes de force. De plus, un système de huit caméras (VICON) a permis de calculer les coordonnées tridimensionnelles des 30 marqueurs utilisés afin d’analyser la cinématique des sujets. Les variables faisant l’objet de cette étude sont les amplitudes totales, minimales et maximales des rotations des ceintures pelvienne et scapulaire dans les plans transverse et frontal de même que les coefficients de corrélation et de variation de ces segments. Des tests de Student ont été utilisés pour l’analyse statistique. Malgré le fait qu’aucune différence significative n’a été observée, dans aucun des plans, entre les amplitudes des rotations des ceintures pelvienne et scapulaire entre les groupes témoin et SIA, une différence significative en ce qui a trait aux minimums de rotations pelviennes et scapulaires, dans le plan transverse, a été observée. Cette différence suggère une asymétrie dans les rotations effectuées par ces segments à la marche à vitesse naturelle chez une population atteinte de SIA. / Idiopathic scoliosis is a tridimensional deformation of the spine and of the rib cage. The cause of this pathology is still unknown but its consequences affected different structures including vertebras and spinal muscles. These structures are essential in locomotion activities and this is why it is important to understand well consequences of having a scoliosis on walking. Ten control subjects and nine scoliotic subjects were asked to do ten walking trials at natural speed on a ten-meter walkway with two embedded force-plates. A 3D system (VICON) was also used to record kinematics of 30 body markers. Total, minimal and maximal range of motion (ROM) of pelvic and shoulder rotations, coefficients of variation and correlation were points of interest of this study. Student tests were used to compare groups. No statistically significant difference was observed between group’s total ROM in any planes but some differences were noticed between minimal ROM in coronal plane for pelvis and shoulders. That suggests an asymmetric rotation during natural speed walking in scoliotic group.

Nesta pesquisa, é proposta uma metodologia para detectar e classificar os distúrbios observados em um Sistema Elétrico Industrial (SEI), além de estimar de forma não intrusiva, o torque eletromagnético e a velocidade associada ao Motor de Indução Trifásico (MIT) em análise. A metodologia proposta está baseada na utilização da Transformada Wavelet (TW) para a detecção e a localização no tempo dos afundamentos e interrupções de tensão, e na aplicação da Função Densidade de Probabilidade (FDP) e Correlação Cruzada (CC) para a classificação dos eventos. Após o processo de classificação dos eventos, a metodologia como implementada proporciona a estimação do torque eletromagnético e a velocidade do MIT por meio das tensões e correntes trifásicas via Redes Neurais Artificiais (RNAs). As simulações computacionais necessárias sobre um sistema industrial real, assim como a modelagem do MIT, foram realizadas utilizando-se do software DIgSILENT PowerFactory. Cabe adiantar que a lógica responsável pela detecção e a localização no tempo detectou corretamente 93,4% das situações avaliadas. Com relação a classificação dos distúrbios, o índice refletiu 100% de acerto das situações avaliadas. As RNAs associadas à estimação do torque eletromagnético e à velocidade no eixo do MIT apresentaram um desvio padrão máximo de 1,68 p.u. e 0,02 p.u., respectivamente. / This study proposes a methodology to detect and classify the disturbances observed in an Industrial Electric System (IES), in addition to, non-intrusively, estimate the electromagnetic torque and speed associated with the Three-Phase Induction Motor (TPIM) under analysis. The proposed methodology is based on the use of the Wavelet Transform WT) for the detection and location in time of voltage sags and interruptions, and on the application of the Probability Density Function (PDF) and Cross Correlation (CC) for the classification of events. After the process of events classification, the methodology, as implemented, provides the estimation of the electromagnetic torque and the TPIM speed through the three-phase voltages and currents via Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The necessary computer simulations of a real industrial system, as well as the modeling of the TPIM, were performed by using the DIgSILENT PowerFactory software. The logic responsible for the detection and location in time correctly detected 93.4% of the assessed situations. Regarding the classification of disturbances, the index reflected 100% accuracy of the assessed situations. The ANN associated with the estimation of the electromagnetic torque and speed at the TPIM shaft showed a maximum standard deviation of 1.68 p.u. and 0.02 p.u., respectively.

Analisamos aproximadamente três anos de dados correntográficos, em toda a coluna d\'água, e de temperatura junto ao fundo, a fim de avaliar o comportamento hidrodinâmico e termal nas proximidades da Quebra da Plataforma Continental (QPC) de Cabo Frio (CF, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil - 23° 20\'S). A Corrente do Brasil (CB) força movimentos apontando para sudoeste, paralelos à isóbata, em todos os níveis verticais, com variação sazonal das intensidades: médias máximas para o verão (58,7 cm/s) e primavera (41,4 cm/s) e mínimas para inverno (31,0 cm/s) e outono (22,8 cm/s). Foram obtidos máximos significativos de correlação entre as correntes paralelas à isóbata, em toda a coluna d\'água, e o vento na mesma direção, com defasagem na resposta das correntes da ordem do período inercial local (31 h). Também foram obtidos máximos significativos de correlação entre as correntes de fundo normais à isóbata, e a componente paralela do vento, concordantes com mecanismos de intrusões de Água Central do Atlântico Sul (ACAS) na plataforma continental, as quais antecedem a conhecida ressurgência costeira de CF. Sazonalmente, os resultados concordaram principalmente com as variações de posicionamento da frente da CB na QPC e, secundariamente, com a variabilidade dos ventos. Os dados de temperatura indicaram presença quase permanente da ACAS no fundo, e os máximos de correlação obtidos com as correntes paralelas à isóbata indicam que águas mais quentes, oriundas do núcleo da CB (Água Tropical), se aproximam do fundo da QPC, principalmente durante o verão. As correntes de maré se mostraram fracas em todo o período avaliado, com importância decrescendo da superfície para o fundo (20 e 10% da variância, respectivamente) / Current data throughout the water column and temperatures at the bottom from about three years have been analyzed in order to evaluate the hydrodynamic and thermal behavior near the Cabo Frio (CF) continental shelf break (23° 20\'S - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The Brazil Current (BC) forces movements pointing to SW, isobath-aligned, on all vertical levels. The speed varies seasonally, with surface mean currents maximum on summer (58.7 cm/s) and spring (41.4 cm/s), and minimum on winter (31.0 cm/s) and autumn (22.8 cm/s). Significant maximum correlation was found between subinertial winds and driven-wind currents, both isobath-aligned, with a delay next to the local inertial period (31 hours). Significant maximum correlation were also obtained between bottom cross-isobath currents and the isobath-aligned component of the wind, consistent with the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) transport towards the continental shelf, which antedates the well-known coastal CF upwelling. Seasonally, the results agreed mainly with the positioning variations of the BC to the shelf break and, secondly, with the local winds variability. The temperature values below the 18ºC (SACW thermohaline index) was almost permanent on the bottom of the shelf break, and the maximum correlation obtained with current along the isobath indicates that the warmer water of the BC nucleus (Tropical Water) approaches to the bottom of the shelf break, especially during the summer. Tidal currents were weak during the entire sampling period, decreasing the relative strength from the surface to the bottom (20% and 10% of the variance, respectively)

Nesta pesquisa, é proposta uma metodologia para detectar e classificar os distúrbios observados em um Sistema Elétrico Industrial (SEI), além de estimar de forma não intrusiva, o torque eletromagnético e a velocidade associada ao Motor de Indução Trifásico (MIT) em análise. A metodologia proposta está baseada na utilização da Transformada Wavelet (TW) para a detecção e a localização no tempo dos afundamentos e interrupções de tensão, e na aplicação da Função Densidade de Probabilidade (FDP) e Correlação Cruzada (CC) para a classificação dos eventos. Após o processo de classificação dos eventos, a metodologia como implementada proporciona a estimação do torque eletromagnético e a velocidade do MIT por meio das tensões e correntes trifásicas via Redes Neurais Artificiais (RNAs). As simulações computacionais necessárias sobre um sistema industrial real, assim como a modelagem do MIT, foram realizadas utilizando-se do software DIgSILENT PowerFactory. Cabe adiantar que a lógica responsável pela detecção e a localização no tempo detectou corretamente 93,4% das situações avaliadas. Com relação a classificação dos distúrbios, o índice refletiu 100% de acerto das situações avaliadas. As RNAs associadas à estimação do torque eletromagnético e à velocidade no eixo do MIT apresentaram um desvio padrão máximo de 1,68 p.u. e 0,02 p.u., respectivamente. / This study proposes a methodology to detect and classify the disturbances observed in an Industrial Electric System (IES), in addition to, non-intrusively, estimate the electromagnetic torque and speed associated with the Three-Phase Induction Motor (TPIM) under analysis. The proposed methodology is based on the use of the Wavelet Transform WT) for the detection and location in time of voltage sags and interruptions, and on the application of the Probability Density Function (PDF) and Cross Correlation (CC) for the classification of events. After the process of events classification, the methodology, as implemented, provides the estimation of the electromagnetic torque and the TPIM speed through the three-phase voltages and currents via Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The necessary computer simulations of a real industrial system, as well as the modeling of the TPIM, were performed by using the DIgSILENT PowerFactory software. The logic responsible for the detection and location in time correctly detected 93.4% of the assessed situations. Regarding the classification of disturbances, the index reflected 100% accuracy of the assessed situations. The ANN associated with the estimation of the electromagnetic torque and speed at the TPIM shaft showed a maximum standard deviation of 1.68 p.u. and 0.02 p.u., respectively.

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) analyzes the fluctuations in the fluorescence intensity, which is emitted from a tiny excition volume, to obtain information about the concentration, the mobility, and the molecular interactions of labeled molecules. The more advanced fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS) increases the precision in the determination of fl ow velocities and binding constants compared to standard FCS. The miniaturization in biomedical and chemical engineering has been developing rapidly, propelled by the vision of a fully functional laboratory on a single chip and its use in human therapeutics, for example, as implanted drug delivery system. A key requirement to fulfill this vision is the ability to handle small fl uid volumes. Handling liquids using the electrohydrodynamical principle circumvents many of the disadvantages of other systems. The complex flow pattern in the active region of such a pump could not be resolved by common tracking techniques. In this thesis, two-focus FCCS (2f-FCCS) was used to map the flow pro file inside a micropump. The high precision of 2f-FCCS in the determination of fl ow measurements even with small fluorescent particles allowed the measurement of the flow velocities induced by electrohydrodynamic forces acting on the solvent, while excluding the effects of dielectrophoretic forces acting on larger particles. Analysis of the fl ow data indicates a fl ow pattern that consists of two vortices of different size and opposite direction of rotation. The flow pattern derived by 2f-FCCS explains the observed complex particle trajectories in the force field and the accumulation of particles in well-de fined regions above the microelectrode array. In the second part of this thesis, the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi) was studied by dual-color FCCS in vivo. RNAi is an evolutionary conserved gene silencing mechanism, which uses short double-stranded RNA molecules, called short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), as effector molecules. Due to its speci city and simplicity, RNAi yields a great potential for a widespread therapeutic use. To broaden the therapeutic applications, the in vivo stability of siRNAs has to be improved by chemical modi cations, but some of these modi fications inhibit the gene silencing mechanism. The presented FCCS assays are very well suited to investigate the individual assembly steps of RNAi machinery with very high specifi city and sensitivity in real time and to study the cleavage activity of the activated RNAi machinery. A direct correlation between activity of the RNAi machinery and the results from the FCCS measurements could be shown. The in fluence of several chemical modi cations on the assembly and activity of the RNAi machinery was investigated with these assays. / Fluoreszenz-Korrelations-Spektroskopie (FCS) analysiert die Fluktuationen im Fluoreszenzsignal eines kleinen angeregten Volumens, um Informationen über die Konzentration, die Bewegung und die Interaktionen der markierten Moleküle zu erhalten. Die Fluoreszenz-Kreuzkorrelations-Spektroskopie (FCCS) erhöht die Genauigkeit bei der Messung von Fließgeschwindigkeiten und Bindungskonstanten im Vergleich zur Standard-FCS. Die Miniaturisierung der Biomedizin und Chemie hat sich rapide entwickelt, angetrieben von der Vision eines kompletten Labors auf einem Chip und dem Einsatz dieses in der medizinischen Therapie, zum Beispiel als implantierter Medikamentenspender. Ein Schlüsselelement zur Erfüllung dieser Vision ist der Transport von kleinsten Flüssigkeitsmengen in diesen miniaturisierten Systemen. Der Transport von Flüssigkeiten mittels des elektrohydrodynamischen Prinzips umgeht viele Nachteile von anderen Systemen, allerdings zeigt eine solche Pumpe ein kompliziertes Strömungsbild in der aktiven Region, welches sich mit herkömmlichen Methoden wie Teilchenverfolgung nicht vermessen ließ. Hier wurde Zwei-Fokus-FCCS (2f-FCCS) genutzt, um das Strömungsbild in der Pumpe zu vermessen. Die hohe Genauigkeit der 2f-FCCS bei der Bestimmung von Fließgeschwindigkeiten auch mit kleinen fluoreszierenden Teilchen ermöglichte die Messung der Fließgeschwindigkeiten, aufgrund der auf das Lösungsmittel wirkenden elektrohydrodynamischen Kräfte, unter Ausschluss der auf größere Teilchen wirkenden dielektrophoretischen Kräfte. Die Analyse der Daten ergab, dass das Strömungsbild aus zwei entgegengesetzt rotierenden unterschiedlich großen Wirbeln besteht. Dieses Strömungsbild erklärt die komplizierten Teilchenbewegungsbahnen und die Anreicherung der Teilchen in klar abgegrenzten Bereichen über den Mikroelektroden. Im zweiten Teil dieser Arbeit wurde der RNAi-Mechanismus in lebenden Zellen mittels Zwei-Farben-FCCS untersucht. RNA Interferenz (RNAi) ist ein evolutionär erhaltener Geninaktivierungsmechanismus, der kurze doppelsträngige RNA Moleküle, so genannte kurze interferierende RNAs (siRNAs), als Effektormoleküle nutzt. Die Spezifi tät und Einfachheit der RNAi hat ihr ein weites Feld in der medikamentösen Therapie geöffnet. Zur Erweiterung dieses Feldes ist es nötig die Stabilität der siRNAs im Körper mittels chemischer Modi fikationen zu erhöhen. Einige dieser Modifikationen hemmen aber den RNAi-Mechanismus. Die hier vorgestellten FCCS Experimente sind sehr gut geeignet, um die einzelnen Schritte des Zusammenbaus der RNAi Maschinerie mit hoher Empfi ndlichkeit und Spezi fität in Echtzeit zu untersuchen und die Aktivität der RNAi Maschinerie zu studieren. Es konnte ein Zusammenhang zwischen der Aktivität der RNAi Maschinerie und den Ergebnissen der FCCS Messungen hergestellt werden. Der Einfluss von verschiedenen chemischen Modikationen auf den Zusammenbau und die Aktivität der RNAi Maschinerie wurde mit diesen neuartigen Methoden untersucht.