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This paper introduces the Watermark Imaging System (WImSy) which can be used to photograph, document, and study sheets of paper. The WImSy provides surface images, raking light images, and transmitted light images of the paper, all in perfect alignment. We develop algorithms that exploit this alignment by combining several images together in a process that mimics both the “surface image removal” technique and the method of “high dynamic range” photographs. An improved optimization criterion and an automatic parameter selection procedure streamline the process and make it practical for art historians and conservators to extract the relevant information to study watermarks. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated in several experiments on images taken with the WImSy at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, and the results are compared with manually optimized images.

The difference in information display between using a projector (reflected light) and a display (transmitted light) is an essential issue. Marshal McLuhan proposed in his book "Laws of Media" the well-known hypothesis that "reflected light makes people analytical and transmitted light makes them emotional." In this study, we matched the display conditions of the projector and display as much as possible. Then we presented the subjects with emotional content (landscape video) and analytical content (threedigit multiplication) and asked them to evaluate their experiences. As a result, we found no statistical difference between the projector and the display evaluations., [The 29th International Display Workshops(IDW’22)]Organizing: The Society for Information Display(SID), Date; 14-16 December 2022, Location: Fukuoka International Congress Center, [第29回ディスプレイ国際ワークショップ(IDW’22)]主催: 映像情報メディア学会(ITE), 開催日: 2022年12月14日-16日, 会場: 福岡国際会議場

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the colour stability and mechanical resistance of orthodontic elastic ligature exposed to cigarette smoke. METHODS Four commercial brands were used: Aditek® (GA), Eurodonto® (GE), Morelli® (GM) and Orthometric® (GO). Eight elastic ligature rings (for mechanical analysis) and eight 5×5mm fragments of the material (for colour stability analysis) were separated from each commercial brand for the control group (C) (n=64) and experimental group (E) (n=64). The control group was not exposed to cigarette smoke. Colourimetric status (CIEL*a*b* System) and light transmittance (% transmitted light) were evaluated using Vita Easyshade Compact and CM2600 spectrophotometers, respectively. The mechanical resistance was evaluated using a universal testing machine (EMIC DL), performing tensile testing (speed 5mm/min). The analyses occurred at the following times: T0, before exposure to the smoke; T1, after the 1st exposure; and T2, after the 2nd exposure to cigarette smoke. Comparison between the groups and evaluation of the time effect were performed with the ANOVA/Tukey (a=0.05) and ANOVA-MR tests with Bonferroni correction (α=0.016). RESULTS Significant differences were only observed for colour stability in the GA-E (NBS T2: 15.94±1.88) and GM-E (NBS T2: 16.11±4.54) groups (P

Mosquito surveillance is the cornerstone for determining abundance, species diversity, pathogen infection rates, and temporal and spatial distribution of different life stages in an area. Various methods are available for assessing adult mosquito populations, including mechanical trap devices using different forms of attractant cues (chemical and visual) to lure mosquitoes to the trap. So-called “light traps” use various electromagnetic wavelengths to produce a variety of visible spectral colors to attract adult mosquitoes. However, this type of trapping technology has not been widely used in Thailand. This study compared the efficacy of 4 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (blue, green, yellow, and red) and 2 fluorescent (ultraviolet [UV] and white) lights for collecting mosquitoes in urban Bangkok. Using a Latin square experimental design, 6 light traps equipped with different lights were rotated between 6 trap site locations within the Kasetsart University (KU) campus. Each location received 6 replicate collections (6 consecutive trap-nights represented 1 replicate) over 36 collection nights for a total of 216 trap-nights. Traps were operated simultaneously (1800 to 0600 h), with captured mosquitoes removed at 3-h intervals. In total, 2,387 mosquitoes consisting of 11 species across 5 genera (Aedes, Anopheles, Armigeres, Culex, and Mansonia) were captured. Collectively, Culex species represented the predominant group sampled (2,252; 94.4%). The UV light source captured 1,544 (64.7%) of the total mosquitoes collected, followed by white 389 (16.3%), with the 4 LED sources collecting between 6.8% (blue) and 1.9% (yellow). Traps equipped with UV light were clearly the most effective for capturing nocturnally active mosquito species on the KU campus.

Neutron tomographic reconstructions, macrophotography, transmitted light microscopy and fluorescence microscopy are employed to assess the quality of organic preservation, determine organ associations,identify insect damage, and document fungal interactions with selected Santonian–lower Campanian plant fossils from the northern Kristianstad Basin, southern Sweden. Fricia nathorstii (Conwentz) comb. nov., is proposed for a composite fossil comprising an anatomically preserved (permineralized) cupressacean conifer cone and its subtending, concealed, leafy axis (preserved asa mould) in the Ryedal Sandstone. Several other impressions of conifer and angiosperm leaf-bearing axes and isolated leaves are described under open nomenclature. Three cuticle types are described from the non-marine plant-bearing beds in the basal part of the succession exposed at Åsen, but these are only assigned to informal morphotypes pending a comprehensive review of the extensive fossil cuticle flora. Two species of ascomycote epiphyllous fungi from Åsen are established: Stomiopeltites ivoeensis sp. nov. (Micropeltidales) and Meliolinites scanicus sp. nov. (Meliolales). The latter provides an important calibration point for dating the divergence of Meliolales, being the first pre-Cenozoic representative of the order. Various additional fungal remains, including thyriothecia, scolecospores, chlamydospores, putative germlings, and hyphae, are described from the cuticular surfaces of conifer and angiosperm leaves from Åsen. Insect herbivory is expressed in the form of both margin-feeding and piercing-and-sucking damage on angiosperm leaves. The Santonian–early Campanian vegetation is inferred to have grown in strongly humid, mid-latitude, coastal plain settings based on the depositional context of the assemblages, leaf morphology, and the pervasive distribution of epiphyllous fungi. The stay of ATH in Stockholm was financed by the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007–2013) under grant agreement No. 226506 (SYNTHESYS). The authors acknowledge the support of ANSTO grant P5521 to CM.

Background. Pediatric endodontics is a field with constant evolution, resulting in the shifting of paradigms from the use of conventional hand files to rotary files for biomechanical preparation in primary teeth. Biomechanical preparation plays a crucial role in the success of root canal treatment. Primary teeth need special attention since they differ from permanent teeth in root canal morphology. Cleaning and shaping of the canals damage the root dentin, leading to dentinal cracks. Newer techniques for root canal preparation, including Ni-Ti rotary files and SAF system, have been developed for use in pediatric endodontics to overcome the drawbacks of conventional methods. The present study compared dentinal defects formed by rotary systems in primary teeth. Methods. Eighty primary teeth were included. The teeth were decoronated with a diamond disc. All the roots were inspected for any pre-existing cracks or craze lines under transmitted light under a stereomicroscope. The specimens were then divided into four groups (n=20): group 1: control, group 2: hand files (HF), group 3: ProTaper files, and group IV: SAF files. The samples were instrumented according to the group they were assigned to. Results. The HF and SAF groups exhibited fewer microcracks. Dentinal microcracks were observed in roots prepared with rotary ProTaper files. There were significant differences between HF/SAF and rotary files (P

In general, considering standard production, as well as coconut oil production, in oil consumption industries is an important factor. Oil color is an important element, as it is an important factor for consumers or buyers in selecting coconut oil. In the process of producing coconut oil, the cold-pressed method has been chosen to maintain the essential quality of coconut oil. The quality of the coconut oil is inspected from the production process by means of light passing through the coconut oil. Then, the production staff compares the turbidity of coconut oil with the master sample. The turbidity of coconut oil in every production must be compared with a master sample to maintain standards control. According to previous studies, there are many methods for determining coconut oil turbidity. One method that has been utilized is determining turbidity from light passing through the medium in which the transmitted light can be absorbed through the turbidity of the variable medium. This process is applied together with image processing to determine the coconut oil turbidity. In this research, we propose a method for measuring coconut oil turbidity by the Moving Average Median of Hue (MAMoH), which is better in detecting the coconut oil turbidity than the Median of Gray Scale (MoGS) method, Median of Hue (MoH) method, and Random Position Median of Hue (RPMoH) method. In terms of the percentage accuracy of the efficiency test; the MAMoH method has 99 percent accuracy, while the MoGS method is not applicable, the MoH method has 88.04 percent accuracy, and the RPMoH method has 85.91 percent accuracy. Thus, the MAMoH method is considered an appropriate method for measuring coconut oil turbidity.

We have studied experimentally a series of samples of layered MoS2 flakes with thicknesses varying from 1 to 10 μm and observed their strong in-plane optical anisotropy, which we attribute to the effects of strain in combination with fluctuations in the direction of the C-axis. This optical anisotropy allows us to convert the polarization of transmitted light from linear to circular with the degree up to 15%.

Asphaltene onset pressure (AOP) is a significant parameter for determining the flow assurance of live oils. The solid detection system (SDS) is one of the prevalent techniques used by service laboratories to evaluate the stability of asphaltenes under reservoir conditions. The determination of AOP based on this technique entails the interpretation of recorded data, making the accuracy of the result prone to error. Accordingly, this research aimed to provide a robust computational method for determining AOP by wavelet analysis of SDS data. Changes in the curvature of transmitted light (CTL) were considered a diagnostic criterion to detect AOP. To substantiate this hypothesis, CTL was first calculated at each pressure. The discrete wavelet transform was then applied to decompose the CTL curve and compute the CTL entropy $$\left( {E_{\text{CTL}} } \right)$$ based on the decomposition results. Finally, a relation was established between AOP and the entropy variations of CTL $$\left( {\Delta E_{\text{CTL}} } \right)$$ , leading to the AOP determination model. This model indicated that the maximum value of $$\Delta E_{\text{CTL}}$$ is at AOP. Put differently, the onset of asphaltene precipitation pressure corresponds to the highest variation in the CTL entropy. The results obtained from the AOP determination model in various reservoirs are consistent with the experimental findings.

Ancient buildings are important components of the Italian Cultural Heritage and, since the Etruscan Period, Bologna (north-eastern Italy) has always been one of the most flourishing cities both culturally and economically in the Italian and European panorama. The Orsi-Marconi Palace in Bologna presents a monumental fa&ccedil, ade decorated with many sandstone ornaments of the 16th century. Different samples from different parts of the fa&ccedil, ade of the building were collected and firstly characterised by macroscopic observations to determine the structural aspect. A petro-mineralogical study on the surfaces of the samples was conducted using a stereomicroscope and Optical Transmitted Light Polarized Microscopy. In addition, X-Ray Fluorescence and X-Ray Powder Diffractometer analyses were carried out to better understand the mineralogical composition of the sandstone materials used and the degradation products from the fa&ccedil, ades of this historical building. The aim of this work was to better understand how to revalue the sandstone decorations severely affected by deterioration phenomena.

This work provides an approach for simplifying and teaching of the confusing topic of Polarisation of light and relating Malus’s Law. Teaching Polarisation and the Malus’s Law are modestly achieved by means of smartphones with a convenient light meter application. The apparatus is designed so that the polarizer, the analyser, the laser light source and the smartphone are precisely aligned on a rail. During the performance, the angle of the analyser is basically varied with respect to the polariser and the transmitted light intensity is measured by the light meter application. The results clearly show that the transmitted light intensity is directly proportional to the squared polarization angle. The approach surely provides accessibility for physics teachers and would help students to learn and internalize Polarisation and relating Malus’s Law in a better manner.

Purpose: improve color match of full anatomical high translucency zirconia restorations using framework modifications. Materials and methods: Full anatomical high translucency zirconia frameworks (Cercon HT) received three modifications in framework design to allow room for layering conventional porcelain material: buccal window, extended buccal window, and occlusal clearance. Conventional porcelain was manually built according to manufacturer instructions. Color match of each framework design was compared to target color (A2, Vita classic shade guide) using a dental spectrophotometer (Vita Easy shade Advance). Delta E equation was used to measure color match of each framework design. Amount of transmitted light passing through each design was used to calculate translucency coefficient. Results: all framework modifications improved color match (∆E

The practice of cremation is often interpreted as an alternative to inhumation, taking place shortly after an individual’s death. However, cremation could be a final stage in complex mortuary practices, with previous steps that are obscured due to the heating process. This project reports on experimental scoping research on a set of experimentally heated femoral fragments from modern and archaeological collections of the University of Coimbra. Sixteen recent femur samples from eight individuals, as well as five femur samples from an archaeological skeleton from the medieval-modern cemetery found at the Hospital de Santo António (Porto), were included in this research. Samples presented five different conditions: unburnt, and burnt at maximum temperatures of 300 °C, 500 °C, 700 °C and 900 °C. Each sample was prepared to allow observation using binocular transmitted light microscopes with ×10, ×25 and ×40 magnifications. Results indicated that, if burial led to bioerosion, this will remain visible despite burning, as could be in cases where cremation was used as a funerary practice following inhumation. From this, we conclude that the observation of bioerosion lesions in histological thin sections of cremated bone can be used to interpret potential pre-cremation treatment of the body, with application possibilities for both archaeological and forensic contexts. However, the effect on bioerosion of substances such as bacterial- or enzymatic-based products often used to accelerate decomposition should be investigated.

Even though Glycymeris longior is a clam widely distributed in the SW Atlantic Ocean, little is known about its biology and life history. The present study assessed the periodicity of the internal growth increments of G. longior using thin shell sections. Each internal growth increment was composed of two alternating bands: A translucent band (light-coloured when viewed with transmitted light) and an opaque band (dark-coloured). Annual formation for each pair of bands was demonstrated. The formation of the annual growth increments was synchronous among individuals. Growth was determined from live clams collected at El Sótano, Argentine Sea (age range = 29 to 69 years). According to the growth model, G. longior grows fast during the first 5 years of life and then growth becomes slower in later years; individuals reached 50% and 90% of maximum size at 5 and 13 years of age, respectively. High variability was found in shell height for the first 10 years: Differences up to 5-7 mm among individuals were registered for the first 2 years of age, and up to 11 mm between the ages of 3 and 9 years. The growth performance index phi-prime (φ′) and the index of growth performance (P) of G. longior were compared with those of other Glycymeris species. Our results indicate that G. longior is a slow-growing species with a long lifespan (maximum longevity = 69 years). Fil: Gimenez, Lucas Hernán. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Escuela Superior de Ciencias Marinas; Argentina. Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción; Chile Fil: Doldan, María del Socorro. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Escuela Superior de Ciencias Marinas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". - Provincia de Río Negro. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni"; Argentina Fil: Zaidman, Paula Cecilia. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Escuela Superior de Ciencias Marinas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". - Provincia de Río Negro. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni"; Argentina Fil: Morsan, Enrique Mario. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Escuela Superior de Ciencias Marinas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". - Provincia de Río Negro. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni"; Argentina

Ground stone tool (GST) technology includes artefacts utilized in pounding or grinding activities and characterized by long life cycles and multiple uses. The introduction of such technology dates back to early prehistory, and for this reason, it is used as prime evidence for tackling a wide range of archaeological questions such as the origins of technology, patterns of daily subsistence and lifeways. In this paper, we contribute to the field of study of GSTs by discussing the application of a novel multi-level analytical approach combining use wear and residue observations at low and high magnification with residue spatial distribution investigated using GIS. We aim to assess the potential of a combined use wear and residue approach to (1) discriminate specific gestures and worked materials on sandstone GSTs and (2) understand the potential of residue distributions for reconstructing ancient GST functions and, more specifically, the role of GSTs recovered at Mesolithic sites of the Danube Gorges region in the Central Balkans. We identified diagnostic surface modifications associated with the use of GSTs in different activities involving both animal and plant materials. Morphological characteristics of residues have been described under reflected and transmitted light and characterized using biochemical staining. Finally, we mapped residues across the utilized surfaces of experimental tools to link patterns of residue spatial distribution to specific materials and gestures. We expect our methodological approach will be taken up by other researchers in order to produce comparable datasets on GSTs and improve our understanding of their ancient functional biographies.

This paper analyzed the characteristics of the transmitted light of SPSC by a numerical model and simulation program. The measured daylight illuminances during the summer of 2016 were combined with the numerical model to assess the efficiency of this separate natural lighting system. The results showed that the average efficiency of the emerging sunlight that was transmitted from the undersides of the sunlight collector during the day were more than 64% for SPSCs with both a 70° apex and a 110° apex. The measured results showed that the average sunlight illuminance was more than 80 kLux under both clear sky and scattered sky conditions during the day at New Taipei city during the summer of 2016. This study also evaluated the splitting ratio of light beam when daylight illuminating different apex SPSC at different time. The distribution of the incident sunlight of an SPSC could improve the flexibility of using solar energy in separate hybrid natural lighting systems.

Identification of cell phenotypic states within heterogeneous populations, along with elucidation of their switching dynamics, is a central challenge in modern biology. Conventional single-cell analysis methods typically provide only indirect, static phenotypic readouts. Transmitted light images, on the other hand, provide direct morphological readouts and can be acquired over time to provide a rich data source for dynamic cell phenotypic state identification. Here, we describe an end-to-end deep learning platform, UPSIDE (Unsupervised Phenotypic State IDEntification), for discovering cell states and their dynamics from transmitted light movies. UPSIDE uses the variational auto-encoder architecture to learn latent cell representations, which are then clustered for state identification, decoded for feature interpretation, and linked across movie frames for transition rate inference. Using UPSIDE, we identified distinct blood cell types in a heterogeneous dataset. We then analyzed movies of patient-derived acute myeloid leukemia cells, from which we identified stem-cell associated morphological states as well as the transition rates to and from these states. UPSIDE opens up the use of transmitted light movies for systematic exploration of cell state heterogeneity and dynamics in biology and medicine., Author summary The human body contains hundreds of different cell types, each with distinctive identities and functions. Identifying these cellular identities and functional states is one of the great challenges in contemporary biology. We have addressed this challenge by developing UPSIDE, a machine learning approach for discovering cell types and cell states from time-resolved live cell imaging data, which provides a richly detailed source of information. Key distinguishing features of UPSIDE include the ability to directly learn cell type-defining features from brightfield images without prior knowledge; and an ability to visualize and interpret these machine-learned features to understand why they were chosen. UPSIDE can distinguish different human blood cell types despite their visual similarity and can use morphologic clues to identify and follow cell states. In a disease-relevant example, we used UPSIDE to identify stem-like and more mature cell subpopulations in patient-derived acute myelogenous leukemia cells, and to determine the speed at which these cell types inter-convert. UPSDIDE provides a general-purpose tool for the unbiased identification and analysis of cell types and state transitions in heterogeneous cell populations.

We improved the dry-etching process for Nb 2 O 5 horizontal slot waveguides to suppress roughness in etched surfaces. We have also fabricated horizontal slot waveguides by the improved process. In the fabricated waveguides, the smooth etched surface and the transmitted light were successfully obtained.

We experimentally demonstrated the plasmonic color modulation by dynamically controlling the interparticle distance of the crystalline Ag nanocube monolayer on the stretchable substrate. The transmitted light color modulated from magenta, orange to yellow by stretching of the substrate under random polarization incidence.

In this research, photonic simulation is done using Lumerical FDTD software to observe the effect of visible light passing through the Al2O3 and Au nanorod layers. The observed simulation output is the intensity of transmitted light and electric field that has been normalized to the light source. Observations show that there are various phenomena that occur after the light is passed on the Al2O3 and Au nanorod layers, such as changing intensity, wavelength- shifting, and polarization of light wave.

Background In cardiovascular research small pigs breeds like Gottingen® minipigs (GM) are established animal models, but systematic data about the micromorphology of the GM vasculature at different ages are scarce. Objective The study was aimed at gaining knowledge about the micromorphology of the femoral artery (FA) from German Landrace pigs (DL) and GM during the period of growth over a body weight range of 10-40 kg. Methods FA samples from DL aged two or three months were compared to GM ones, aged 18 or 40 months using transmitted light microscopy. Results All FA samples showed typical characteristics of muscular arteries. Growth was associated with increased vessel wall thickness. In the GM this resulted in a slight decrease of the luminal diameter (LD), while in the DL pigs, an increase of the LD and smooth muscle cell content (10%) with decreased elastic fiber content (10%) has been detected. In contrast, within the 22 months lasting growth period of the GM, the tunica media content of smooth muscle cells and elastic fibers remained stable. Conclusions FA maturation strongly depends on the pig breed and age. It can be different from what is described in humans.

Since the first attempts to the petrographic analysis on pottery, a multitude of archaeometric studies have been carried out to solve important issues on provenance, production technology, dating, functionality and conservation state of ancient ceramic materials. According to the scientists’ background, the period when the investigations were done, destructive versus non-destructive analyses (also in relation to the unicity of the studied objects), as well as the purpose of the research, numerous analytical methods, typically used in various disciplines such as geology, physics and chemistry, have been applied. This contribution focuses on the use of innovative approaches to solve archaeological issues on pottery provenance, production technology and post-depositional alteration, reporting some examples of new methods applied to perform mineralogical, petrographic and chemical analyses. The traditional microscopic characterisation of ceramic pastes, for instance, can now be easily coupled with quantitative analysis of abundance and size distribution of their textural features, through the application of digital image analysis. This method, applied to images acquired by polarised transmitted light microscope, scanning electron microscope in back-scattered mode and microchemical mapping, can quantitatively and quickly describe production recipes, contributing to the definition of the pottery production choices and changes over time. As for the mineralogical analysis, the possibility of simultaneously processing numerous X-ray diffraction patterns by statistical tools, such as cluster analysis on raw data, is another example of a modern way to analyse ancient pottery and interpreting, with an objective comparison method, possible differences or analogies in the production recipes and/or firing technology of groups of ceramics. Moreover, modern microdiffraction techniques, both using conventional (X-ray tubes) and advanced sources (synchrotron radiation), also coupled with micro-Raman spectroscopy, allow the determination of mineralogical composition of small-sized phases both in ceramic bodies and slips/glazes, supplying important information on the production technology and possible post-deposition processes. As for the provenance issue, especially on fine ware, constraining relationships between far away communities/societies can now be evaluated not only on the basis of conventional bulk chemistry but also by isotope analysis. These new methodological approaches give rise to the new concept of archaeometric analysis on ancient ceramic materials that can be defined as “archaeo-ceramic 2.0”.

Mucormycoses are life-threatening infections that affect patients suffering from immune deficiencies. We performed phagocytosis assays confronting various strains of Lichtheimia species with alveolar macrophages, which form the first line of defence of the innate immune system. To investigate 17 strains from four different continents in a comparative fashion, transmitted light and confocal fluorescence microscopy was applied in combination with automated image analysis. This interdisciplinary approach enabled the objective and quantitative processing of the big volume of image data. Applying machine-learning supported methods, a spontaneous clustering of the strains was revealed in the space of phagocytic measures. This clustering was not driven by measures of fungal morphology but rather by the geographical origin of the fungal strains. Our study illustrates the crucial contribution of machine-learning supported automated image analysis to the qualitative discovery and quantitative comparison of major factors affecting host-pathogen interactions. We found that the phagocytic vulnerability of Lichtheimia species depends on their geographical origin, where strains within each geographic region behaved similarly, but strongly differed amongst the regions. Based on this clustering, we were able to also classify clinical isolates with regard to their potential geographical origin.

Residue analysis can be a useful way to determine the past functions of archaeological tools, particularly when teamed with other functional investigations such as usewear and technological analyses. The most common approach for residue analysis is through the use of optical microscopes, which can be used to visually identify in situ residues directly from the tool surface (with reflected light microscopes, RLM), as well as in water extractions sampled from the utilised tool edges (with transmitted light microscopes, TLM). Recently, the scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) has shown great potential for archaeological residue analysis as it can provide high-resolution images at very high magnifications as well as elemental analysis of adhering material. An advantage of this instrument is that it is capable of operating in low vacuum or “environmental” mode, allowing specimens to be examined uncoated and without additional preparation, so that residues can be documented/analysed in situ on the stone. In this paper, we propose a sequential protocol for the identification of tool residues using various optical light microscopes in combination with the SEM-EDS, on residues documented both in situ on stone tools and those removed from the stone substrate in solvent extractions. We also propose a new method for analysing extracted residues using the SEM-EDS that permits high resolution images of micro-residues, particularly starch and other fibres. We argue that, although both methods have limitations and instrumental challenges, when used in combination, provide a complementary means for documenting tool residues.

We have developed a flexible optical imaging system (FOIS) to assess systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) arthritis in the finger joints. While any part of the body can be affected, arthritis in the finger joints is one of the most common SLE manifestations. There is an unmet need for accurate, low-cost assessment of lupus arthritis that can be easily performed at every clinic visit. Current imaging methods are imprecise, expensive, and time consuming to allow for frequent monitoring. Our FOIS can be wrapped around joints, and multiple light sources and detectors gather reflected and transmitted light intensities. Using data from two SLE patients and two healthy volunteers, we demonstrate the potential of this FOIS for assessment of arthritis in SLE patients.