Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Real time characterisation'

PLD catalyses hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) to produce phosphatidic acid (PtdOH) and choline. PtdOH is a second messenger responsible for a multitude of cell processes, ranging from cytoskeletal rearrangement to cell proliferation. Antigenic stimulation of RBL-2H3 mast cells and growth factor stimulation of endothelial HeLa cells results in PLD-dependent exocytosis and endocytosis, respectively. A novel fluorescent PtdCho (fPtdCho) was used to label both cell lines and Bligh-Dyer lipid extraction of fPtdCho-labelled RBL-2H3 cells showed the lipid was intact post-labelling. fPtdCho co-localised up to 50% with the lysosomal marker LysoTracker Red in RBL- 2H3 cells, and was not secreted in response to antigenic stimulation as recorded using real-time confocal microscopy. Primary alcohol treatment of fPtdCho-labelled RBL- 2H3 cells altered fPtdCho-labelling to diffuse from punctate distribution, suggesting PLD-generated PtdOH is responsible for retention of punctate fPtdCho staining. PLD isoforms 1b and 2a were labelled with Cherry (a red fluorescent protein) and transiently expressed in fPtdCho-labelled HeLa cells. Localisation was assessed using FRET by FRAP technology in live cells and showed that substrate and lipase were in close proximity. These findings will facilitate future development of a live real-time in vivo PLD assay. Furthermore, localisation of PLD and its activator Rac1 was assessed at rest and in EGF-stimulated HeLa cells in real-time. This showed co-localisation between PLD and Rac1 following stimulation. The fluorescent PtdCho was also used to develop a novel real-time in vitro PLD assay, monitoring fPtdCho metabolism at two second intervals. This in vitro assay is more sensitive than traditional end-point assays and will help clarify the relative rate of PLD activation in response to small G-protein activators and other co-factors in real-time.

We use seismic array methods (semblance analysis) to image areas of seismic energy release in the Sunda Arc region and world-wide. Broadband seismograms at teleseismic distances (30° ≤ Δ ≤ 100°) are compared at several subarrays. Semblance maps of different subarrays are multiplied. High semblance tracked over long time (10s of second to minutes) and long distances indicate locations of earthquakes. The method allows resolution of rupture characteristics important for tsunami early warning: start and duration, velocity and direction, length and area. The method has been successfully applied to recent and historic events (M>6.5) and is now operational in real time. Results are obtained shortly after source time, see http://www.geo.uni-potsdam.de/Forschung/Geophysik/GITEWS/tsunami.htm). Comparison of manual and automatic processing are in good agreement. Computational effort is small. Automatic results may be obtained within 15 - 20 minutes after event occurrence.

An der Universität Potsdam wird seit 2008 ein automatisiertes Verfahren angewandt, um Bruchparamter großer Erdbeben in quasi-Echtzeit, d.h. wenige Minuten nachdem sich das Beben ereignet hat, zu bestimmen und der Öffentlichkeit via Internet zur Verfügung zu stellen. Es ist vorgesehen, das System in das Deutsch-Indonesische Tsunamifrühwarnsystem (GITEWS) zu integrieren, für das es speziell konfiguriert ist. Wir bestimmen insbesondere die Dauer und die Ausdehnung des Erdbebens, sowie dessen Bruchgeschwindigkeit und -richtung. Dabei benutzen wir die Seismogramme der zuerst eintreffenden P Wellen vom Breitbandstationen in teleseimischer Entfernung vom Beben sowie herkömmliche Arrayverfahren in teilweise modifizierter Form. Die Semblance wir als Ähnlichkeitsmaß verwendet, um Seismogramme eines Stationsnetzes zu vergleichen. Im Falle eines Erdbebens ist die Semblance unter Berücksichtigung des Hypozentrums zur Herdzeit und während des Bruchvorgangs deutlich zeitlich und räumlich erhöht und konzentriert. Indem wir die Ergebnisse verschiedener Stationsnetzwerke kombinieren, erreichen wir Unabhängigkeit von der Herdcharakteristik und eine raum-zeitliche Auflösung, die es erlaubt die o.g. Parameter abzuleiten. In unserem Beitrag skizzieren wir die Methode. Anhand der beiden M8.0 Benkulu Erdbeben (Sumatra, Indonesien) vom 12.09.2007 und dem M8.0 Sichuan Ereignis (China) vom 12.05.2008 demonstrieren wir Auflösungsmöglichkeiten und vergleichen die Ergebnisse der automatisierten Echtzeitanwendung mit nachträglichen Berechnungen. Weiterhin stellen wir eine Internetseite zur Verfügung, die die Ergebnisse präsentiert und animiert. Diese kann z.B. in geowissenschaftlichen Einrichtungen an Computerterminals gezeigt werden. Die Internetauftritte haben die folgenden Adressen: http://www.geo.uni-potsdam.de/arbeitsgruppen/Geophysik_Seismologie/forschung/ruptrack/openday http://www.geo.uni-potsdam.de/arbeitsgruppen/Geophysik_Seismologie/forschung/ruptrack

In this thesis a new approach for characterisation of digital mobile radio channels is investigated. The new approach is based on recognition of the fact that while the fading which is characteristic of the mobile radio channel is very rapid, the processes underlying this fading may vary much more slowly. The comparative stability of these underlying processes has not been exploited in system designs to date. Channel models are proposed which take account of the stability of the channel. Estimators for the parameters of the models are proposed, and their performance is analysed theoretically and by simulation and measurement. Bounds are derived for the extent to which the mobile channel can be predicted, and the critical factors which define these bounds are identified. Two main applications arise for these channel models. The first is the possibility of prediction of the overall system performance. This may be used to avoid channel fading (for instance by change of frequency), or compensate for it (by change of the signal rate or by power control). The second application is in channel equalisation. An equaliser based on a model which has parameters varying only very slowly can offer improved performance especially in the case of channels which appear to be varying so rapidly that the convergence rate of an equaliser based on the conventional model is not adequate. The first of these applications is explored, and a relationship is derived between the channel impulse response and the performance of a broadband system.

Bacteria can be said to be small particles in terms of their volume and can be modelled as near-index particles when the average refractive index of their body is close to that of the medium in which they are suspended. This is the case with water based environments whereas the bacterial scatterer is said to be a 'soft particle' and within the Rayleigh-Debye experimental bounds of applicability. However, discrepancies in the past have illustrated insufficiency of geometric assumptions, such as spherical symmetry and simplistic internal structures, as well as the assumption of 'transparency' of the particle. The aim of this work is to generalize the Rayleigh-Debye approximation in order to apply them to a wider class of not necessarily soft scatterers, hence departing from |m --- 1| < 1 to |m --- 1| < 1. We start by establishing a connection between the assumption on the functional expression of the internal field of small particles and that of the function of refractive index, to a generalisation for arbitrary number of layers within a particle of spherical symmetry. Based on the modification of the Rayleigh-Debye approximation (mRDG) with Bessel functions we proceed to formulate an extended version of the arbitrary layers particle for ellipsoidal forms. An application of this n-layer generalised mRDG to the bacterial domain optical properties via simulation, re-establishes the limits of the Rayleigh-Debye approximation as a result of the internal field modification. Finally, we consider the problem of populations of cells modelled as multilayered geometrical structure, consistent with assumptions from bacteriology concerning size distributions and their relationship to statistical frequency functions. The latter problem is examined both when the independent scattering condition is satisfied and when it is violated, leading to increased probability of multiple scattering. Examination of ensembles of inhomogeneous particles was possible due to our generalised approximation which is essentially acting on any infinitesimal volume, within the boundaries of the said layered structured particles, and is the main result of this work. The mathematical treatment presented within this thesis acts as an extension of the known near-index techniques in the theory of scattering for unlimited number of layers and internal distributions of refractive index.

For two components to be in contact, they must be physically touching. If two solids are touching, the contact is by definition inaccessible. How do engineers develop an understanding about a contact if the interface is inaccessible? Load, geometry and material properties govern the contact pressures of touching components. As they move against one another, the result is often wear and this inherently changes the contact behaviour. By understanding how interfaces interact in terms of contact pressure, contact area and wear, components can be optimised to reduce cost and maximise efficiency. Ultrasonic reflectometry has been widely used in medical imaging and non-destructive testing. It is a non-invasive technique that has the ability to probe deep into solid structures and extract information regarding the material and the interface. Two methods have been developed to measure wear in real-time based on ultrasonic time-of-flight and the resonant frequency model. The ultrasonic technique has also been applied to learn more about the contacting parts of machine elements. By analogising the interface asperities as springs, ultrasonic reflectometry can be used to calculate the interfacial stiffness and from this, contact pressure of a tribosystem. Previous work has been limited to laboratory based static measurements. This work builds on this technology to characterise dynamic machine elements with the hopes of developing industrial condition monitoring tools. This thesis is aimed to be a guide for those who wish to use ultrasound as a tool to measure and monitor a dry dynamic tribosystem. More specifically, this work highlights a series of recommendations and pitfalls for ultrasonic measurements of contact pressure and wear in industrial applications.

Zigbee is a relatively new wireless mesh networking standard with emphasis on low cost and energy conservation. It is intended to be used in wireless monitoring and control applications such as sensors and remotely operated switches where the end devices are battery powered. Because it is a recent technology there is not sufficient understanding on how network architecture and configuration affect power consumption of the battery powered devices. This research investigates the power consumption and delivery ratio of Zigbee wireless mesh and star networks for a single sink real time monitoring system at varying traffic rates and the beacon and non beacon mode operation of its underlying standard IEEE 802.15.4 in the star network architecture. To evaluate the performance of Zigbee, the network operation was simulated using the simulation tool NS-2. NS-2 is capable of simulating the entire network operation including traffic generation and energy consumption of each node in the network. After first running the simulation it was obvious that there were problems in the configuration of the simulator as well as some unexpected behaviour. After performing several modifications to the simulator the results improved significantly. To validate the operation of the simulator and to give insight on the operation of Zigbee, a real Zigbee wireless network was constructed and the same experiments that were conducted on the simulator were repeated on the Zigbee network. The research showed that the modified simulator produced good results that were close to the experimental results. It was found that the non beacon mode of operation had the lowest power consumption and best delivery ratio at all tested traffic rates. The operation of Zigbee mesh and star networks were compared to the results for IEEE 802.15.4 star networks in non beacon mode which revealed that the extra routing traffic sent by the Zigbee networking layers does contribute significantly to the power consumption, however even with the extra routing traffic, power consumption is still so low that it the battery life of the device would be limited by the shelf life of the battery, not by the energy consumption of the device. This research has successfully achieved its objectives and identified areas for future development. The simulator model for NS-2 could be improved to further increase the accuracy of the results as well as include the Zigbee routing layers and the experimental results could be improved by a more accurate power consumption data acquisition method.

Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006.
In order to rapidly detect, monitor and predict changes in milk as it ferments, sensors would need to be designed specifically for milk. To this end, invasive surgical stainless steel probes were investigated and the probe impedances were characterised according to measurements made in various saline concentrations. Based on these findings, specific probes were designed that were robust and easy to use in milk. To measure multiple probe sensors continuously and accurately, an automatic measurement device was designed and manufactured. The device was self-sustaining, portable and calculated and stored all probe impedance data internally, allowing experimental runs to take place in controlled laboratory environments. The probes designed in this thesis were consequently tested in various milk fermentation experiments and it was found that surgical stainless steel probes were effective at detecting and monitoring fermentation changes. The probe impedance changes also lead the pH changes in milk, giving it a predictive element. The probe sensor studies provided enough data so that studies could be done into potential non-invasive sensors. Therefore, capacitive sensors were investigated and a fringe field capacitor was presented as a potential non-invasive milk fermentation sensor.

Thesis (MSc (Genetics))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa is regarded as one of the top wine producing countries in the world. One of the threats to the sustainability of the wine industry is viral diseases of which Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3) and Grapevine virus A (GVA) are considered to be the most important and wide spread. Scion material is regularly tested for viruses; however scion material is often grafted onto rootstocks that have questionable phytosanitary status. Virus detection in rootstocks is challenging due to low and varying titres, but is imperative as a viral control mechanism. An additional viral control mechanism is the use of transgenic grapevine material which offers resistance to grapevine infection. The objective of this project was to establish a detection system using real time PCR (qPCR) techniques, to accurately and routinely detect GLRaV-3 and GVA in rootstock propagation material. qPCR would furthermore be used to perform molecular characterisation of transgenic plants containing a GLRaV-3 antiviral ΔHSP-Mut construct. A severely infected vineyard (Nietvoorbij farm) in the Stellenbosch area was screened throughout the grapevine growing season to investigate virus prevalence throughout the season and to determine the optimal time for sensitive virus detection. A large scale screening of nursery propagation material for GLRaV-3 infection was also conducted. The qRT-PCR results were compared to DAS-ELISA results to compare the efficacy and sensitivity of the two techniques. For the severely infected vineyard, the ability to detect GLRaV-3 increased as the season progressed towards winter. qRT-PCR was more sensitive and accurate in detecting GLRaV-3 than DASELISA, as the latter technique delivered numerous false positive results later in the season. The best time to screen for GLRaV-3 in the Western Cape region was from the end of July to September. For the nursery screenings, our qRT-PCR results were compared to the results of the DAS-ELISA performed by the specific nurseries. No GLRaV-3 infection was detected in the specific samples received from the two different nurseries. The results for all the samples correlated between the two techniques. This confirms that the propagation material of these nurseries has a healthy phytosanitary status with regards to GLRaV-3. However, the detection of GVA in the severely infected vineyard yielded inconsistent results. Detection ability fluctuated throughout the season and no specific trend in seasonal variation and virus titre fluctuation could be established. The highest percentage of GVA infected samples were detected during September, April and the end of July. Previously published universal primers were used for the detection of GVA, but further investigation indicated that they might not be suitable for sensitive detection of specific GVA variants present in South Africa. Vitis vinifera was transformed with a GLRaV-3 antiviral construct, ΔHSP-Mut. SYBR Green Real time PCR (qPCR) and qRT-PCR were utilised as alternative methods for molecular characterisation of transgenic plants. The qPCR and Southern blot results correlated for 76.5% of the samples. This illustrated the ability of qPCR to accurately estimate transgene copy numbers. Various samples were identified during qRT-PCR amplification that exhibited high mRNA expression levels of the transgene. These samples are ideal for further viral resistance studies. This study illustrated that the versatility of real time PCR renders it a valuable tool for accurate virus detection as well as copy number determination.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Suid Afrika word geag as een van die top wyn produserende lande ter wereld. Die volhoubaarheid van die wynbedryf word onder andere bedreig deur virus-infeksies. Grapevine leafroll associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3) en Grapevine virus A (GVA) is van die mees belangrike virusse wat siektes veroorsaak in Suid-Afrikaanse wingerde. Wingerd bo-stok materiaal word gereeld getoets vir hierdie virusse, maar hierdie materiaal word meestal geënt op onderstokmateriaal waarvan die virus status onbekend is. Virus opsporing in onderstokke word egter gekompliseer deur baie lae en variërende virus konsentrasies, maar opsporing in voortplantingsmateriaal is ‘n noodsaaklike beheermeganisme vir virus-infeksie. Die doel van die projek was om ‘n opsporingsisteem te ontwikkel via kwantitatiewe PCR (qPCR) tegnieke vir akkurate en gereelde toetsing van GLRaV-3 en GVA in onderstokmateriaal. qPCR sal ook verder gebruik word vir molekulêre karakterisering van transgeniese plante wat ‘n GLRaV-3 antivirale ΔHSP-Mut konstruk bevat. ‘n Hoogs geïnfekteerde wingerd was regdeur die seisoen getoets om seisoenale fluktuasies in viruskonsentrasie te ondersoek en om die optimale tydstip vir sensitiewe virus opsporing te bepaal. ‘n Grootskaalse toetsing van kwekery voortplantingsmateriaal vir GLRaV-3 infeksie was ook uitgevoer. Die qRT-PCR resultate is met die DAS-ELISA resultate vergelyk om die effektiwiteit en sensitiwiteit van die twee tegnieke te vergelyk. Vir die hoogs geïnfekteerde wingerd het die GLRaV-3 opsporing toegeneem met die verloop van die seisoen tot en met winter. qRT-PCR was meer sensitief en akkuraat as DAS-ELISA in die opsporing van GLRaV-3, weens verskeie vals positiewe resultate wat later in die seisoen deur die laasgenoemde tegniek verkry is. Die beste tyd om vir GLRaV-3 te toets is vanaf einde Julie tot September. Tydens die kwekery toetsings was qRT-PCR resultate met die DAS-ELISA resultate van die spesifieke kwekerye vergelyk. Geen GLRaV-3 infeksie was waargeneem in die spesifieke monsters wat vanaf die kwekerye ontvang is nie. Die resultate van die twee tegnieke het ooreengestem vir al die monsters wat v getoets is. Dit het bevestig dat die voortplantingsmateriaal van hierdie kwekerye gesonde fitosanitêre status met betrekking tot GLRaV-3 gehad het. Die opsporing van GVA in die geïnfekteerde wingerd het egter wisselvallige resultate gelewer. Opsporing van die virus het ook regdeur die seisoen gefluktueer en geen spesifieke neiging in seisoenale opsporingsvermoë kon gemaak word nie. Die hoogste persentasie GVA geïnfekteerde monsters was waargeneem tydens September, April en die einde van Julie. Voorheen gepubliseerde universele inleiers was gebruik vir die opsporing van GVA, maar verdere ondersoeke het getoon dat hierdie inleiers nie noodwendig geskik is vir sensitiewe opsporing van GVA variante wat teenwoordig is in Suid-Afrika nie. Vitis vinifera was getransformeer met ‘n GLRaV-3 antivirale konstruct, ΔHSP-Mut. SYBR Green Real time PCR (qPCR) en qRT-PCR was ingespan as alternatiewe metodes vir molekulêre karaterisering van transgeniese plante. Die qPCR en Southern-klad resultate het ooreengestem vir 76.5% van die monsters. Dit illustreer die vermoë van qPCR om akkurate kopie-getalle van transgene te bepaal. Verskeie plante is geïdentifiseer tydens qRT-PCR amplifisering wat hoë vlakke van transgeen mRNA uitdrukking getoon het. Hierdie monsters is ideaal vir verdere virus weerstandbiedendheids studies. Hierdie studie het die veelsydigheid van real time PCR bewys en getoon dat dit ‘n kosbare tegniek is vir akkurate virus opsporing sowel as kopie-getal bepaling.

Enterococci are versatile Gram-positive bacteria that can survive under extreme conditions. Most enterococci are non-virulent and found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Other strains are opportunistic pathogens that contribute to a large number of nosocomial infections globally. Epidemiological studies demonstrated a direct relationship between the density of enterococci in surface waters and the risk of swimmer-associated gastroenteritis. The distribution of infectious enterococcal strains from the hospital environment or other sources to environmental water bodies through sewage discharge or other means, could increase the prevalence of these strains in the human population. Environmental water quality studies may benefit from focusing on a subset of Enterococcus spp. that are consistently associated with sources of faecal pollution such as domestic sewage, rather than testing for the entire genus. E. faecalis and E. faecium are potentially good focal species for such studies, as they have been consistently identified as the dominant Enterococcus spp. in human faeces and sewage. On the other hand enterococcal infections are predominantly caused by E. faecalis and E. faecium. The characterisation of E. faecalis and E. faecium is important in studying their population structures, particularly in environmental samples. In developing and implementing rapid, robust molecular genotyping techniques, it is possible to more accurately establish the relationship between human and environmental enterococci. Of particular importance, is to determine the distribution of high risk enterococcal clonal complexes, such as E. faecium clonal complex 17 and E. faecalis clonal complexes 2 and 9 in recreational waters. These clonal complexes are recognized as particularly pathogenic enterococcal genotypes that cause severe disease in humans globally. The Pimpama-Coomera watershed is located in South East Queensland, Australia and was investigated in this study mainly because it is used intensively for agriculture and recreational purposes and has a strong anthropogenic impact. The primary aim of this study was to develop novel, universally applicable, robust, rapid and cost effective genotyping methods which are likely to yield more definitive results for the routine monitoring of E. faecalis and E. faecium, particularly in environmental water sources. To fullfill this aim, new genotyping methods were developed based on the interrogation of highly informative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in housekeeping genes of both E. faecalis and E. faecium. SNP genotyping was successfully applied in field investigations of the Coomera watershed, South-East Queensland, Australia. E. faecalis and E. faecium isolates were grouped into 29 and 23 SNP profiles respectively. This study showed the high longitudinal diversity of E. faecalis and E. faecium over a period of two years, and both human-related and human-specific SNP profiles were identified. Furthermore, 4.25% of E. faecium strains isolated from water was found to correspond to the important clonal complex-17 (CC17). Strains that belong to CC17 cause the majority of hospital outbreaks and clinical infections globally. Of the six sampling sites of the Coomera River, Paradise Point had the highest number of human-related and human-specific E. faecalis and E. faecium SNP profiles. The secondary aim of this study was to determine the antibiotic-resistance profiles and virulence traits associated with environmental E. faecalis and E. faecium isolates compared to human pathogenic E. faecalis and E. faecium isolates. This was performed to predict the potential health risks associated with coming into contact with these strains in the Coomera watershed. In general, clinical isolates were found to be more resistant to all the antibiotics tested compared to water isolates and they harbored more virulence traits. Multi-drug resistance was more prevalent in clinical isolates (71.18% of E. faecalis and 70.3 % of E. faecium) compared to water isolates (only 5.66 % E. faecium). However, tetracycline, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and ampicillin resistance was observed in water isolates. The virulence gene esp was the most prevalent virulence determinant observed in clinical isolates (67.79% of E. faecalis and 70.37 % of E. faecium), and this gene has been described as a human-specific marker used for microbial source tracking (MST). The presence of esp in water isolates (16.36% of E. faecalis and 19.14% of E. faecium) could be indicative of human faecal contamination in these waterways. Finally, in order to compare overall gene expression between environmental and clinical strains of E. faecalis, a comparative gene hybridization study was performed. The results of this investigation clearly demonstrated the up-regulation of genes associated with pathogenicity in E. faecalis isolated from water. The expression study was performed at physiological temperatures relative to ambient temperatures. The up-regulation of virulence genes demonstrates that environmental strains of E. faecalis can pose an increased health risk which can lead to serious disease, particularly if these strains belong to the virulent CC17 group. The genotyping techniques developed in this study not only provide a rapid, robust and highly discriminatory tool to characterize E. faecalis and E. faecium, but also enables the efficient identification of virulent enterococci that are distributed in environmental water sources.

This thesis aimed at identifying cytokine markers associated with chlamydial infection and disease in koalas which is facing many threats to its survival, Chlamydia pecorum infections being a major one. To identify immunological markers associated with chlamydial infection and disease in koalas, key cytokines such as TNF alpha, IL10, IFN gamma and IL17A were cloned and sequenced and subsequently developed Quantitative Real Time PCR (qrtPCR) assays. The thesis provides preliminary data on the role of these cytokines in koala chlamydial disease and further longitudinal studies are required to confirm the role played by cytokines in pathology and protection against C. pecorum infection in the koala.

La present tesi doctoral s’ha centrat en el repte d’aconseguir, mitjançant Fabricació Additiva (FA), models per a assaig quirúrgic, sota la premissa que els equips per fer-los haurien de ser accessibles a l’àmbit hospitalari. L’objectiu és facilitar l’extensió de l’ús dels prototips com a eina de preparació d’operacions quirúrgiques, transformant la pràctica mèdica actual de la mateixa manera que en el seu moment ho van fer tecnologies com les que van facilitar l’ús de radiografies. El motiu d’utilitzar FA, en lloc de tecnologies més tradicionals, és la seva capacitat de materialitzar de forma directa les dades digitals obtingudes de l’anatomia del pacient mitjançant sistemes d’escanejat tridimensional, fent possible l’obtenció de models personalitzats. Els resultats es centren en la generació de nou coneixement sobre com aconseguir equipaments d’impressió 3D multimaterials accessibles que permetin l’obtenció de models mimètics respecte als teixits vius. Per facilitar aquesta buscada extensió de la tecnologia, s’ha focalitzat en les tecnologies de codi obert com la Fabricació per Filament Fos (FFF) i similars basades en líquids catalitzables. La recerca s’alinea dins l’activitat de desenvolupament de la FA al CIM UPC, i en aquest àmbit concret amb la col·laboració amb l’Hospital Sant Joan de Déu de Barcelona (HSJD). El primer bloc de la tesi inclou la descripció de l’estat de l’art, detallant les tecnologies existents i la seva aplicació a l’entorn mèdic. S’han establert per primer cop unes bases de caracterització dels teixits vius -sobretot tous- per donar suport a la selecció de materials que els puguin mimetitzar en un procés de FA, a efectes de millorar l’experiència d’assaig dels cirurgians. El caràcter rígid dels materials majoritàriament usats en impressió 3D els fa poc útils per simular tumors i altres referències anatòmiques. De forma successiva, es tracten paràmetres com la densitat, la viscoelasticitat, la caracterització dels materials tous a la indústria, l’estudi del mòdul elàstic de teixits tous i vasos, la duresa d’aquests, i requeriments com l’esterilització dels models. El segon bloc comença explorant la impressió 3D mitjançant FFF. Es classifiquen les variants del procés des del punt de vista de la multimaterialitat, essencial per fer models d’assaig quirúrgic, diferenciant entre solucions multibroquet i de barreja al capçal. S’ha inclòs l’estudi de materials (filaments i líquids) que serien més útils per mimetitzar teixits tous. Es constata com en els líquids, en comparació amb els filaments, la complexitat del treball en processos de FA és més elevada, i es determinen formes d’imprimir materials molt tous. Per acabar, s’exposen sis casos reals de col·laboració amb l’HJSD, una selecció d’aquells en els que el doctorand ha intervingut en els darrers anys. L’origen es troba en la dificultat de l’abordatge d’operacions de resecció de tumors infantils com el neuroblastoma, i a la iniciativa del Dr. Lucas Krauel. Finalment, el Bloc 3 té per objecte explorar nombrosos conceptes (fins a 8), activitat completada al llarg dels darrers cinc anys amb el suport dels mitjans del CIM UPC i de l’activitat associada a treballs finals d’estudis d’estudiants de la UPC, arribant-se a materialitzar equipaments experimentals per validar-los. La recerca ampla i sistemàtica al respecte fa que s’estigui més a prop de disposar d’una solució d’impressió 3D multimaterial de sobretaula. Es determina que la millor via de progrés és la de disposar d’una pluralitat de capçals independents a fi de capacitar la impressora 3D per integrar diversos conceptes estudiats, materialitzant-se una possible solució. Cloent la tesi, es planteja com seria un equipament d’impressió 3D per a models d’assaig quirúrgic, a fi de servir de base per a futurs desenvolupaments.
La presente tesis doctoral se ha centrado en el reto de conseguir, mediante Fabricación Aditiva (FA), modelos para ensayo quirúrgico, bajo la premisa que los equipos para obtenerlos tendrían que ser accesibles al ámbito hospitalario. El objetivo es facilitar la extensión del uso de modelos como herramienta de preparación de operaciones quirúrgicas, transformando la práctica médica actual de la misma manera que, en su momento, lo hicieron tecnologías como las que facilitaron el uso de radiografías. El motivo de utilizar FA, en lugar de tecnologías más tradicionales, es su capacidad de materializar de forma directa los datos digitales obtenidos de la anatomía del paciente mediante sistemas de escaneado tridimensional, haciendo posible la obtención de modelos personalizados. Los resultados se centran en la generación de nuevo conocimiento para conseguir equipamientos de impresión 3D multimateriales accesibles que permitan la obtención de modelos miméticos respecto a los tejidos vivos. Para facilitar la buscada extensión de la tecnología, se ha focalizado en las tecnologías de código abierto como la Fabricación por Hilo Fundido (FFF) y similares basadas en líquidos catalizables. Esta investigación se alinea dentro de la actividad de desarrollo de la FA en el CIM UPC, y en este ámbito concreto con la colaboración con el Hospital Sant Joan de Déu de Barcelona (HSJD). El primer bloque de la tesis incluye la descripción del estado del arte, detallando las tecnologías existentes y su aplicación al entorno médico. Se han establecido por primera vez unas bases de caracterización de los tejidos vivos – principalmente blandos – para dar apoyo a la selección de materiales que los puedan mimetizar en un proceso de FA, a efectos de mejorar la experiencia de ensayo de los cirujanos. El carácter rígido de los materiales mayoritariamente usados en impresión 3D los hace poco útiles para simular tumores y otras referencias anatómicas. De forma sucesiva, se tratan parámetros como la densidad, la viscoelasticidad, la caracterización de materiales blandos en la industria, el estudio del módulo elástico de tejidos blandos y vasos, la dureza de los mismos, y requerimientos como la esterilización de los modelos. El segundo bloque empieza explorando la impresión 3D mediante FFF. Se clasifican las variantes del proceso desde el punto de vista de la multimaterialidad, esencial para hacer modelos de ensayo quirúrgico, diferenciando entre soluciones multiboquilla y de mezcla en el cabezal. Se ha incluido el estudio de materiales (filamentos y líquidos) que serían más útiles para mimetizar tejidos blandos. Se constata como en los líquidos, en comparación con los filamentos, la complejidad del trabajo en procesos de FA es más elevada, y se determinan formas de imprimir materiales muy blandos. Para acabar, se exponen seis casos reales de colaboración con el HJSD, una selección de aquellos en los que el doctorando ha intervenido en los últimos años. El origen se encuentra en la dificultad del abordaje de operaciones de resección de tumores infantiles como el neuroblastoma, y en la iniciativa del Dr. Lucas Krauel. Finalmente, el Bloque 3 desarrolla numerosos conceptos (hasta 8), actividad completada a lo largo de los últimos cinco años con el apoyo de los medios del CIM UPC y de la actividad asociada a trabajos finales de estudios de estudiantes de la UPC, llegándose a materializar equipamientos experimentales para validarlos. La investigación amplia y sistemática al respecto hace que se esté más cerca de disponer de una solución de impresión 3D multimaterial de sobremesa. Se determina que la mejor vía de progreso es la de disponer de una pluralidad de cabezales independientes, a fin de capacitar la impresora 3D para integrar diversos conceptos estudiados, materializándose una posible solución. Para cerrar la tesis, se plantea cómo sería un equipamiento de impresión 3D para modelos de ensayo quirúrgico, a fin de servir de base para futuros desarrollos.

In this thesis a new approach for characterisation of digital mobile radio channels is investigated. The new approach is based on recognition of the fact that while the fading which is characteristic of the mobile radio channel is very rapid, the processes underlying this fading may vary much more slowly. The comparative stability of these underlying processes has not been exploited in system designs to date. ¶ Channel models are proposed which take account of the stability of the channel. Estimators for the parameters of the models are proposed, and their performance is analysed theoretically and by simulation and measurement. ¶ Bounds are derived for the extent to which the mobile channel can be predicted, and the critical factors which define these bounds are identified. ¶ Two main applications arise for these channel models. The first is the possibility of prediction of the overall system performance. This may be used to avoid channel fading (for instance by change of frequency), or compensate for it (by change of the signal rate or by power control). The second application is in channel equalisation. An equaliser based on a model which has parameters varying only very slowly can offer improved performance especially in the case of channels which appear to be varying so rapidly that the convergence rate of an equaliser based on the conventional model is not adequate. ¶ The first of these applications is explored, and a relationship is derived between the channel impulse response and the performance of a broadband system.

M.A.--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Humanities, Film and Television
Scholarly discourses on documentary film have focused on the debate between documentary’s claims of ‘objectivity’ and ‘truthfulness’ versus the reality of its subjective ontology. At the turn of the 21st century, there seems to be appreciation of the constructiveness of documentary film. This development is taking place at the backdrop of emergence of more subjective documentary films produced by a new crop of filmmakers who do not shy away from exposing their subjective production thoughts and processes, contrary to earlier documentary filmmakers. This renewed interest is interesting and points to something that calls for an investigation in order to understand fundamental reasons behind it. In this report, I investigate the relationship between this development and the concept of ‘Creative Imagination’ normally associated with fiction film. Particularly, the paper investigates why ‘Creative Imagination’ may be understood to deploy aspects of realism style which manipulates time, space, character, and characterisation, in the production and analysis of documentary films. Through a production of a documentary film The Zulu Mask, this report hypothesises that documentary just like fiction film utilises the logic of creative imagination of the mind and aspects of realism style’ to mimic the real. Documentary and fiction, I argue are thus the products of the same thought process and desire.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and disability in people under 40 years of age, with motor vehicle incidents accounting for the majority of severe TBI cases. Despite the public health burden of TBI, there are no effective treatment options available, with survivors often left with debilitating long-term deficits. Following TBI, a cascade of pathophysiological processes is initiated in the central nervous system, including oedema, inflammation, magnesium decline and oxidative stress. These factors play a role in the high morbidity and mortality following TBI, however, their underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease and affects approximately 1 % of the population over 65 years of age. PD is characterised by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to a reduction of dopamine levels in the striatum. The pathogenesis of PD is poorly understood, but is likely to involve oxidative stress and inflammatory processes. Current treatments that replace dopamine lose efficacy after several years. Treatments for TBI and PD are thus urgently required; this requires a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of these disorders at a molecular level. Recent studies from our laboratory have demonstrated a link between the neuropeptide, substance P (SP), and the development of cerebral oedema and neurologic deficits following TBI, which are attenuated with the administration of an NK-1 (neurokinin-1, SP receptor) antagonist. In addition, studies using a rat model of PD have similarly established a putative role for SP in this disease process. Transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) channels are a diverse family of ion channels, many of which are highly expressed in the brain. It is likely that TRPM7 and TRPM6 regulate cellular magnesium homeostasis. TRPM7 and TRPM2 are critical mediators of ischaemic neuronal death, and mutations in the TRPM7 and TRPM2 genes confer a genetic susceptibility to parkinsonism. The function of TRPM3 is not well understood, but evidence suggests it may be involved in brain function. The aims of the present thesis were to: quantify the mRNA level and protein expression of SP, TRPM2, TRPM3, TRPM6 and TRPM7 channels following TBI in human clinical cases and over a time course of experimental TBI in rats; and to characterise the mRNA level of SP, TRPM2, TRPM3 and TRPM7 channels in both clinical PD cases and two rodent models of PD (early and late disease stage), and the protein expression of TRPM channels in early experimental PD. We demonstrate an upregulation of SP expression in clinical and experimental TBI, supporting our previous studies implicating SP release with TBI pathophysiology. Changes in TRPM channel expression at both the transcript and protein level were also observed following both TBI and in PD, suggesting that TRPM channels may contribute to the oxidative stress, inflammation and neuronal death associated with these disorders. This thesis provides novel information regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying TBI and PD, which is relevant to the development of effective treatment strategies.
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Medical Sciences, 2010