Orientador: Ivo Milton Raimundo Júnior / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Química / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T23:35:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Fontes_LaianedeMoura_D.pdf: 2914385 bytes, checksum: 3a68971b696f9f31967f1132ab348427 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: Este trabalho descreve o desenvolvimento de diferentes fases extratoras para a determinação de hidrocarbonetos aromáticos e de íons metálicos em água. Para o desenvolvimento das fases extratoras de polidimetilsiloxano e nanotubos de carbono (PDMS-NTC), os nanotubos foram tratados com ácido nítrico, octadecilamina e hipoclorito de sódio. Este último produziu grupos carboxílicos na superfície do nanomaterial, aumentando sua afinidade por hidrocarbonetos aromáticos. A fase extratora foi preparada pela dispersão dos NTC no PDMS e, depois de pronta, inserida num frasco preenchido com as soluções aquosas dos analitos. Após 60 minutos sob agitação, a fase extratora foi removida da solução, seca e inserida em um sistema de medidas, empregando-se um espectrofotômetro FT-NIR. A fase extratora com NTC oxidados com NaOCl possibilitou um aumento da capacidade de extração de 40% e 20% para tolueno e benzeno, respectivamente. No segundo momento, foram desenvolvidas membranas poliméricas plastificadas utilizando os reagentes complexantes Br-PADAP e TAN para a determinação de cobre e chumbo em água por espectroscopia de emissão óptica com plasma induzido por laser (LIBS). As membranas de PVC não forneceram resultados satisfatórios como fase extratora, pois a homogeneidade e estabilidade da superfície das membranas não puderam ser estabelecidas de maneira satisfatória. Papel de filtro analítico foi utilizado como fase extratora para a pré-concentração de íons cobre e chumbo em meio aquoso de forma eficiente, superando as desvantagens das medidas diretas de líquidos por LIBS. A capacidade de adsorção do papel de filtro foi favorecida pela utilização de soluções básicas, principalmente, entre pH 8,0 e 9,0. O tempo de extração foi de 30 minutos para cobre e 60 minutos para chumbo. Os limites de detecção encontrados foram de 0,22 e 0,53 mg L-1 para cobre e chumbo, respectivamente. Não foi observada interferência dos íons Ni (II), Zn (II), Cd (II) e Fe(III), tampouco influência da força iônica. O método proposto foi utilizado para a determinação de cobre e chumbo em amostra de água de torneira enriquecida em três níveis de concentrações. Recuperações na faixa de 98,8% - 114,3% foram obtidas indicando que a determinação direta de íons cobre e chumbo em amostras aquosas pela técnica LIBS utilizando papel de filtro como fase extratora apresenta potencial para a análise de amostras reais / Abstract: This work describes the development of extraction phases for determination of aromatic hydrocarbons and metal ions in water. For development of the phase based on polydimethilsiloxane and carbon nanotubes (PDMS-NTC), carbon nanotubes were previously functionalized with nitric acid, octadecylamine and sodium hypochlorite. The latter oxidizing agent produced carboxyl groups on the surface of the nanomaterial, increasing its affinity for aromatic hydrocarbons. The extraction phase was prepared by dispersing the functionalized NTC in PDMS, which was polymerized to form cylindrical monoliths. Extractions were performed by immersing the monolith in a flask filled with the aqueous solutions of analytes, containing 2.0 mol L-1 NaCl. After an extraction time of 60 min under constant stirring, the monolith was removed from the flask, dried and inserted in the measuring cell of the FT-NIR spectrophotometer. The extraction phase containing NTC oxidized by sodium hypochlorite allow an increase of the sensitivity of 40% and 20% for toluene and benzene, respectively. In the second part, plasticized polymeric membranes containing Br-PADAP or TAN as complexing reagents were developed for determination of lead and copper in water by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The PVC membranes did not provide satisfactory results, as the homogeneity and the stability of the membrane could not be attained. Analytical filter paper was then employed as an extraction phase to efficiently pre-concentrate lead and copper ions from aqueous solution, circumventing the disadvantages of direct measurements of liquid phase by LIBS. The sorption capacity of the filter paper was enhanced in basic solutions, mainly within pH 8.0 and 9.0. The ideal extraction time for Cu(II) was 30 minutes and 60 minutes for Pb(II). The detection limits were estimated as 0.22 and 0.53 mg L-1 for Cu(II) and Pb(II), respectively. Interference of Ni (II), Zn (II), Cd (II) and Fe(II) ions were not observed, as well as the influence of the ionic strength. The proposed method was employed for determination of cooper and lead in tap water fortified at three concentrations levels. Recoveries in the range from 98.8% to 114.3% were obtained, indicating that direct determination of these ions in aqueous samples by the LIBS using filter paper as an extraction phase has a potential for analysis of aqueous samples / Doutorado / Quimica Analitica / Doutora em Ciências

The postural control-cognition dual-task literature has demonstrated greater postural stability through the examination of multiple kinetic and kinematic measures. Recently, sample entropy (SampEn) and wavelet discrete transform have supported the claim of automaticity, as higher SampEn values and a shift toward higher contribution from automatic sensory systems have been demonstrated in dual-task settings. In order to understand the cortical component of postural control, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has been used to identify cortical activation under postural control conditions. However, the neural correlates of automatic postural behaviour have yet to be fully investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to confirm the presence of automatic postural control through static and dynamic measurements, and to investigate the prefrontal cortex activation (PFC) when concurrently performing quiet standing and auditory cognitive tasks. Eighteen healthy young adults (21,4 ± 3,96yo), 12 females and 6 males, with no balance deficits were recruited. Participants were instructed to either quietly stand on a force platform (SM), perform three cognitive tasks while seated (SC) and perform a combination of SM and SC concurrently (DT). Results revealed automatic postural control as evidenced by lower area and standard deviation of center-of-pressure in DT conditions. As for SampEn and the wavelet analysis, greater values and a shift from vision to the cerebellum contribution were demonstrated in DT conditions. For the DNS task, a trend toward significantly lower right hemisphere PFC activation compared to left hemisphere activation in DT was evidenced, which potentially reiterate the presence of automaticity. Therefore, as demonstrated by this experiment, the simultaneous performance of a difficult cognitive task and posture yields automatic postural behaviour, and provides insight into the neural correlates of automaticity.

La compréhension des mécanismes d’absorption de l’eau, ainsi que l’arrangement moléculaire adopté par le réseau de molécules d’eau lors du confinement à l’échelle nanométrique, est crucial que ce soit pour l’optimisation de plusieurs applications, telles que la production d’énergie propre, la purification et le dessalement de l’eau, ou pour élucider certains processus complexes qui ont lieu dans les systèmes biologiques. Dans le cadre de cette thèse, l’hydratation contrôlée de trois systèmes poreux modèles suivie par spectroscopie infrarouge montre les effets de la nature des surfaces et des limitations stériques qui, en altérant les liaisons hydrogène établies entre les molécules d’eau, déclenche la formation de réseaux atypiques. La brillance de la source de rayonnement synchrotron infrarouge, exploitée par la ligne de lumière AILES au sein du synchrotron SOLEIL, a permis l’étude d’échantillons très absorbants en permettant de mettre en évidence la faible contribution de monocouches de molécules d’eau voire même de chaînes linéaires. L'effet d'une surface hydrophile sur la structure, la densité et la dynamique des molécules d'eau à l'interface a été étudié en mesurant l’absorbance d’une lamelle de Vycor poreux (pores d’environ 5 nm) à l’équilibre avec une pression de vapeur d'eau donnant lieu à la formation d’un réseau d’eau bi-dimensionnel. Les interactions fortes entre l’eau interfaciale et la surface hydrophile provoquent plusieurs transitions structurales du réseau d’eau expliquant ainsi les observations par d’autres techniques. Des similitudes et des différences surprenantes ont été observés entre l’hydratation d’une surface hydrophile et celle d’un système hydrophobe dans des conditions de confinement extrême : les nanotubes de carbone à paroi unique (SWCNTs) ayant un diamètre de quelques Angstrom. Nos mesures ont montré que l’établissement d’un réseau de molécules d’eau unique peut être à l’origine du déplacement rapide des molécules d’eau à l’intérieur des nanotubes de carbone. Enfin, l’étude des mécanismes d’adsorption de la membrane Nafion, membrane modèle dans les piles à combustible à membrane échangeuse de protons (PEMFCs), a permis de clarifier les processus en jeu lors de l’ionisation et la formation d’espèces protonique responsable de la remarquable conductivité ionique propre à cette famille de membranes.Cette méthodologie pourra être étendue à des systèmes plus complexes, tels que les réseaux de molécules d’eau dans les systèmes biologiques. / Understanding the water absorption mechanisms, and the molecular arrangement adopted by the water molecules upon confinement at the nanoscale is crucial both for technological applications, such as clean energy production, purification and desalination of water, and to unveil some of the complex processes occurring in biological systems.In this thesis, the controlled hydration of three porous model systems monitored by infrared spectroscopy shows the effects of surfaces forces and steric limitations that triggers the formation atypical networks by altering the hydrogen bonds established between water molecules. The brightness of the infrared synchrotron radiation source on the AILES beamline at synchrotron SOLEIL allowed to highlight the low contribution coming from water molecules arranged as monolayer or linear chains in highly infrared absorbent matrices. The effect of a hydrophilic surface on structure, density and dynamic of water molecules at interfaces was examined by measuring the absorbance of a porous Vycor slab (pores of about 5 nm) at equilibrium with the water vapor pressure needed to obtain a two-dimensional water network. The strong interfacial interactions between water and the hydrophilic surface cause several structural transitions on the water network elucidating the observations made by other techniques. Surprising similarities and differences are observed between the hydration of a hydrophilic surface and that of a hydrophobic system under extreme confinement: single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) having a diameter of several Angstroms. Our measurements have shown that the arrangement of a peculiar water network may be the origin of the enhanced water flux in carbon nanotubes. Finally, the study of the adsorption mechanisms of the Nafion membrane, the benchmark electrolyte in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), has shed new light on the processes involved in the ionization and the formation of protonic species, accountable for the remarkable ionic conductivity typical of these membranes.This approach may be also extended to more complex systems, such as water molecules networks in biological systems.

Modern three-dimensional integrated circuit design is rapidly evolving to more complex architecture. With continuous downscaling of devices, there is a pressing need for metrology tool development for rapid but efficient process and material characterization. In this dissertation work, application of a novel multiple internal reflection infrared spectroscopy metrology is discussed in various semiconductor fabrication process development. Firstly, chemical bonding structure of thin fluorocarbon polymer film deposited on patterned nanostructures was elucidated. Different functional groups were identified by specific derivatization reactions and model bonding configuration was proposed for the first time. In a continued effort, wet removal of these fluorocarbon polymer was investigated in presence of UV light. Mechanistic hypothesis for UV-assisted enhanced polymer cleaning efficiency was put forward supported by detailed theoretical consideration and experimental evidence. In another endeavor, plasma-induced damage to porous low-dielectric constant interlayer dielectric material was studied. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses of dielectric degradation in terms of increased silanol content and carbon depletion provided directions towards less aggressive plasma etch and strip process development. Infrared spectroscopy metrology was also utilized in surface functionalization evaluation of very thin organic films deposited by wet and dry chemistries. Palladium binding by surface amine groups was examined in plasma-polymerized amorphous hydrocarbon films and in self-assembled aminosilane thin films. Comparison of amine concentration under different deposition conditions guided effective process optimization. A time- and cost-effective method such as current FTIR metrology that provides in-depth chemical information about thin films, surfaces, interfaces and bulk layers can be increasingly valuable as critical dimensions continue to scale down and subtle process variances begin to have a significant impact on device performance.

El diagnóstico final de la mayoría de tipos de cáncer lo realiza un médico experto en anatomía patológica que examina muestras tisulares o celulares sospechosas extraídas del paciente. Actualmente, esta evaluación depende en gran medida de la experiencia del médico y se lleva a cabo de forma cualitativa mediante técnicas de imagen tradicionales como la microscopía óptica. Esta tarea tediosa está sujeta a altos grados de subjetividad y da lugar a niveles de discordancia inadecuados entre diferentes patólogos, especialmente en las primeras etapas de desarrollo del cáncer. La espectroscopía infrarroja por Transformada de Fourier (siglas FTIR en inglés) es una tecnología ampliamente utilizada en la industria que recientemente ha demostrado una capacidad creciente para mejorar el diagnóstico de diferentes tipos de cáncer. Esta técnica aprovecha las propiedades del infrarrojo medio para excitar los modos vibratorios de los enlaces químicos que forman las muestras biológicas. La principal señal generada consiste en un espectro de absorción que informa sobre la composición química de la muestra iluminada. Los microespectrómetros FTIR modernos, compuestos por complejos componentes ópticos y detectores matriciales de alta sensibilidad, permiten capturar en un laboratorio de investigación común imágenes hiperespectrales de alta calidad que aúnan información química y espacial. Las imágenes FTIR son estructuras de datos ricas en información que se pueden analizar individualmente o junto con otras modalidades de imagen para realizar diagnósticos patológicos objetivos. Por lo tanto, esta técnica de imagen emergente alberga un alto potencial para mejorar la detección y la graduación del riesgo del paciente en el cribado y vigilancia de cáncer. Esta tesis estudia e implementa diferentes metodologías y algoritmos de los campos interrelacionados de procesamiento de imagen, visión por ordenador, aprendizaje automático, reconocimiento de patrones, análisis multivariante y quimiometría para el procesamiento y análisis de imágenes hiperespectrales FTIR. Estas imágenes se capturaron con un moderno microscopio FTIR de laboratorio a partir de muestras de tejidos y células afectadas por cáncer colorrectal y de piel, las cuales se prepararon siguiendo protocolos alineados con la práctica clínica actual. Los conceptos más relevantes de la espectroscopía FTIR se investigan profundamente, ya que deben ser comprendidos y tenidos en cuenta para llevar a cabo una correcta interpretación y tratamiento de sus señales especiales. En particular, se revisan y analizan diferentes factores fisicoquímicos que influyen en las mediciones espectroscópicas en el caso particular de muestras biológicas y pueden afectar críticamente su análisis posterior. Todos estos conceptos y estudios preliminares entran en juego en dos aplicaciones principales. La primera aplicación aborda el problema del registro o alineación de imágenes hiperespectrales FTIR con imágenes en color adquiridas con microscopios tradicionales. El objetivo es fusionar la información espacial de distintas muestras de tejido medidas con esas dos modalidades de imagen y centrar la discriminación en las regiones seleccionadas por los patólogos, las cuales se consideran más relevantes para el diagnóstico de cáncer colorrectal. En la segunda aplicación, la espectroscopía FTIR se lleva a sus límites de detección para el estudio de las entidades biomédicas más pequeñas. El objetivo es evaluar las capacidades de las señales FTIR para discriminar de manera fiable diferentes tipos de células de piel que contienen fenotipos malignos. Los estudios desarrollados contribuyen a la mejora de métodos de decisión objetivos que ayuden al patólogo en el diagnóstico final del cáncer. Además, revelan las limitaciones de los protocolos actuales y los problemas intrínsecos de la tecnología FTIR moderna, que deberían abordarse para permit / The final diagnosis of most types of cancers is performed by an expert clinician in anatomical pathology who examines suspicious tissue or cell samples extracted from the patient. Currently, this assessment largely relies on the experience of the clinician and is accomplished in a qualitative manner by means of traditional imaging techniques, such as optical microscopy. This tedious task is subject to high degrees of subjectivity and gives rise to suboptimal levels of discordance between different pathologists, especially in early stages of cancer development. Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a technology widely used in industry that has recently shown an increasing capability to improve the diagnosis of different types of cancer. This technique takes advantage of the ability of mid-infrared light to excite the vibrational modes of the chemical bonds that form the biological samples. The main generated signal consists of an absorption spectrum that informs of the chemical composition of the illuminated specimen. Modern FTIR microspectrometers, composed of complex optical components and high-sensitive array detectors, allow the acquisition of high-quality hyperspectral images with spatially-resolved chemical information in a common research laboratory. FTIR images are information-rich data structures that can be analysed alone or together with other imaging modalities to provide objective pathological diagnoses. Hence, this emerging imaging technique presents a high potential to improve the detection and risk stratification in cancer screening and surveillance. This thesis studies and implements different methodologies and algorithms from the related fields of image processing, computer vision, machine learning, pattern recognition, multivariate analysis and chemometrics for the processing and analysis of FTIR hyperspectral images. Those images were acquired with a modern benchtop FTIR microspectrometer from tissue and cell samples affected by colorectal and skin cancer, which were prepared by following protocols close to the current clinical practise. The most relevant concepts of FTIR spectroscopy are thoroughly investigated, which ought to be understood and considered to perform a correct interpretation and treatment of its special signals. In particular, different physicochemical factors are reviewed and analysed, which influence the spectroscopic measurements for the particular case of biological samples and can critically affect their later analysis. All these knowledge and preliminary studies come into play in two main applications. The first application tackles the problem of registration or alignment of FTIR hyperspectral images with colour images acquired with traditional microscopes. The aim is to fuse the spatial information of distinct tissue samples measured by those two imaging modalities and focus the discrimination on regions selected by the pathologists, which are meant to be the most relevant areas for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer. In the second application, FTIR spectroscopy is pushed to their limits of detection for the study of the smallest biomedical entities. The aim is to assess the capabilities of FTIR signals to reliably discriminate different types of skin cells containing malignant phenotypes. The developed studies contribute to the improvement of objective decision methods to support the pathologist in the final diagnosis of cancer. In addition, they reveal the limitations of current protocols and intrinsic problems of modern FTIR technology, which should be tackled in order to enable its transference to anatomical pathology laboratories in the future. / El diagnòstic final de la majoria de tipus de càncer ho realitza un metge expert en anatomia patològica que examina mostres tissulars o cel¿lulars sospitoses extretes del pacient. Actualment, aquesta avaluació depèn en gran part de l'experiència del metge i es porta a terme de forma qualitativa mitjançant tècniques d'imatge tradicionals com la microscòpia òptica. Aquesta tasca tediosa està subjecta a alts graus de subjectivitat i dóna lloc a nivells de discordança inadequats entre diferents patòlegs, especialment en les primeres etapes de desenvolupament del càncer. L'espectroscòpia infraroja per Transformada de Fourier (sigles FTIR en anglès) és una tecnologia àmpliament utilitzada en la indústria que recentment ha demostrat una capacitat creixent per millorar el diagnòstic de diferents tipus de càncer. Aquesta tècnica aprofita les propietats de l'infraroig mitjà per excitar els modes vibratoris dels enllaços químics que formen les mostres biològiques. El principal senyal generat consisteix en un espectre d'absorció que informa sobre la composició química de la mostra il¿luminada. Els microespectrómetres FTIR moderns, compostos per complexos components òptics i detectors matricials d'alta sensibilitat, permeten capturar en un laboratori d'investigació comú imatges hiperespectrals d'alta qualitat que uneixen informació química i espacial. Les imatges FTIR són estructures de dades riques en informació que es poden analitzar individualment o juntament amb altres modalitats d'imatge per a realitzar diagnòstics patològics objectius. Per tant, aquesta tècnica d'imatge emergent té un alt potencial per a millorar la detecció i la graduació del risc del pacient en el cribratge i vigilància de càncer. Aquesta tesi estudia i implementa diferents metodologies i algoritmes dels camps interrelacionats de processament d'imatge, visió per ordinador, aprenentatge automàtic, reconeixement de patrons, anàlisi multivariant i quimiometria per al processament i anàlisi d'imatges hiperespectrals FTIR. Aquestes imatges es van capturar amb un modern microscopi FTIR de laboratori a partir de mostres de teixits i cèl¿lules afectades per càncer colorectal i de pell, les quals es van preparar seguint protocols alineats amb la pràctica clínica actual. Els conceptes més rellevants de l'espectroscòpia FTIR s'investiguen profundament, ja que han de ser compresos i tinguts en compte per dur a terme una correcta interpretació i tractament dels seus senyals especials. En particular, es revisen i analitzen diferents factors fisicoquímics que influeixen en els mesuraments espectroscòpiques en el cas particular de mostres biològiques i poden afectar críticament la seua anàlisi posterior. Tots aquests conceptes i estudis preliminars entren en joc en dues aplicacions principals. La primera aplicació aborda el problema del registre o alineació d'imatges hiperespectrals FTIR amb imatges en color adquirides amb microscopis tradicionals. L'objectiu és fusionar la informació espacial de diferents mostres de teixit mesurades amb aquestes dues modalitats d'imatge i centrar la discriminació en les regions seleccionades pels patòlegs, les quals es consideren més rellevants per al diagnòstic de càncer colorectal. En la segona aplicació, l'espectroscòpia FTIR es porta als seus límits de detecció per a l'estudi de les entitats biomèdiques més xicotetes. L'objectiu és avaluar les capacitats dels senyals FTIR per discriminar de manera fiable diferents tipus de cèl¿lules de pell que contenen fenotips malignes. Els estudis desenvolupats contribueixen a la millora de mètodes de decisió objectius que ajuden el patòleg en el diagnòstic final del càncer. A més, revelen les limitacions dels protocols actuals i els problemes intrínsecs de la tecnologia FTIR moderna, que haurien d'abordar per permetre la seva transferència als laboratoris d'anatomia patològica en el futur. / Peñaranda Gómez, FJ. (2018). Application of artificial vision algorithms to images of microscopy and spectroscopy for the improvement of cancer diagnosis [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/99748 / TESIS

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) require modification of ectopic electrical activity to avoid potentially fatal health complications. Catheter ablation therapy is a minimally invasive procedure to create tissue necrosis, called lesion, in areas of abnormal electrical activity. However, significant proportion of patients require repeat treatment from AF recurrences in part by electrical reconnection from incomplete lesions and conduction recovery. Current therapeutic approaches are limited by reliable methods to assess AF structural substrates and validate lesion sufficiency during procedures. In recent years, development of near-infrared optical spectroscopy has provided a non-invasive method to evaluate biological tissue. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is an optical technique that enables direct characterization of pathological tissue based on the absorption of major chromophores and light scattering. In this thesis, we explore the use of near-infrared optical spectroscopy to identify AF substrates and quantify lesion formation to improve treatment efficacy. First, we developed a near-infrared multispectral imaging system and present a model to assess lesion adequacy by direct visualization of cardiac lesions through an endoscope-integrated probe. Then, a custom single fiber integrated radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheter was fabricated to track irrigated lesion progression real-time on ex vivo swine hearts. A machine learning model was introduced to predict lesion size and transmurality. Additionally, we assess the feasibility of near-infrared spectroscopy by fabricating a NIRS-integrated open-irrigation RF ablation catheter and an algorithm to assess lesion dimensions based on key features derived from NIRS measurements. Using this model, we demonstrate real-time tracking of irrigated lesion delivery in both ex vivo and in vivo swine model. Lastly, we show left atrial endocardial mapping with NIRS-integrated RF mapping catheter to assess AF structural substrates. We present a classification algorithm for important AF structural substrates, such as pulmonary vein sleeve, normal myocardium, ablated tissue, and fibrosis, and a regression model to validate lesion adequacy. A near-infrared spectroscopy-based techniques to localize structural complexities and validate lesion sufficiency at the catheter tip could enhance the understanding of underlying AF substrates and improve treatment efficacy.

Diplomová práca sa zaoberá novou kvalitatívnou analýzou kolagénových vrstiev pomocou cirkulárneho dichroizmu v pevnej fáze. Teoretická časť opisuje kolagén a jeho sekundárnu štruktúru, spektroskopické metódy cirkulárneho dichroizmu (CD) a zoslabenej úplnej reflektancie (ATR). Experimentálna časť sa zaoberá prípravou homogénnych a transparentných kolagénových filmov a optimalizáciou objemu, koncentrácie a sušenia. Následne sa zmerala a vyhodnotila kalibračná krivka s rôznymi pomermi kolagénu a želatíny. Získaná rovnica lineárnej regresie sa použila na stanovenie obsahu kolagénu v modifikovaných vzorkách. Výsledky hodnotených modifikovaných vzoriek boli porovnané s meraniami ATR spektroskopie. Merania ATR ukázali vyšší obsah kolagénu ako CD merania. Vzorky s najnižším a najvyšším obsahom kolagénu sú pre obe metódy rovnaké. Dokazuje to, že môžme porovnávať vzorky s rôznym obsahom kolagénu navzájom, ale nemôžeme určiť presný obsah kolagénu pripojením týchto dvoch metód. Optimalizovaná metóda CD sa môže použiť na prípravu a meranie presného obsahu kolagénu vo vzorkách, najmä v rámci výroby kolagénu, aby sa dosiahla konštantná kvalita kolagénu v každom kroku výroby.

The goal of this study is to determine the intentional movement direction based on the neural signals recorded from the motor cortex using optical brain imaging techniques. Towards this goal, we developed a cross-correlation analysis technique to determine the movement direction from the hemodynamic signals recorded from the motor cortex. Healthy human subjects were asked to perform a two-dimensional hand movement in two orthogonal directions while the hemodynamic signals were recorded from the motor cortex simultaneously with the movements. The movement directions were correlated with the hemodynamic signals to establish the cross-correlation patterns of firings among these neurons. Based on the specific cross-correlation patterns with respect to the different movement directions, we can distinguish the different intentional movement directions between front-back and right-left movements. This is based on the hypothesis that different movement directions can be determined by different cooperative firings among various groups of neurons. By identifying the different correlation patterns of brain activities with each group of neurons for each movement, we can decode the specific movement direction based on the hemodynamic signals. By developing such a computational method to decode movement direction, it can be used to control the direction of a wheelchair for paralyzed patients based on the changes in hemodynamic signals recorded using non-invasive optical imaging techniques.

Routine non-destructive analyses of rocks and minerals in slab or powder form maybe practicable by the application of the technique of attenuated total reflection [ATR] in infrared [IR] spectrophotometry. An atlas of spectra would serve the analytical chemist and geologist, who in turn would serve the miner, the lapidarist, and other groups interested in rocks and minerals. No effort has been made to produce an atlas of spectra of rocks and minerals by ATR. No ATR spectra of rocks and minerals were found in the literature. The history of ATR indicates that it is still in its early stages of development. The application of all phases of IR to the study of minerals has been employed much less than to the study of organics. For the analysis of rocks and minerals, ATR is more versatile and more convenient than most methods. It is applicable for both opaque and transparent materials of thick or thin films. It is often requires no sample preparation. This study of ATR of minerals involves the development of an atlas of mineral powder spectra and of mineral slab spectra, the comparison of the two sets of spectra with each other, and the comparison of powder spectra from ATR with transmission spectra in the literature. the study is confined to the spectral range of 0.5 - 15.5 microns.

The aim of this diploma thesis was identification of urinary concrements by the infrared spectroscopy and study of conditions of formation of the most frequent urinary stones (calcium oxalates) by the thermodynamic simulation. The theoretical part of this study includes basic information about problems with urolithiasis and technique of identification of urinary concrements. Important part has been devoted to the thermodynamic simulation of formation of calcium oxalate concrements and on this simulation were determinated the conditions for formation of urinary stones. The experimental part contains analysis of real urinary concrements by the infrared spectroscopy and statistical evaluation of the file of 50 149 samples, which were analysed in years 1994 - 2010.