This PDF file contains the front matter associated with SPIE Proceedings Volume 8337, including the Title Page, Copyright information, Table of Contents, Introduction, and Conference Committee listing.

We present an object oriented GPU-accelerated Monte Carlo tool for the online simulation of reflectance spectra and color of the human skin in visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectral region. Human skin is represented as multi-layered medium. The variations in spatial distribution of blood, pheomelanin, eumelanin, index of blood oxygen saturation, hematocrit, and volume fraction of water are taken into account. The optical properties of skin tissues and the results of simulation of skin reflectance spectra and corresponding skin colors are presented.

An increasingly popular area of interest in biomedical diagnostics is the high sensitivity of scattered polarized light to subtle alterations in tissue morphology. Insight in to these interactions has lead to the development of real time non-invasive diagnostic and therapy methods, and will continue to do so, improving both the detection of diseases, and treatment responses in early stages. Here, the fundamental properties of circular polarized light, and its application to observe morphologic changes in biological tissues has been studied. The optical properties of biological tissues have been altered with the use of optical clearing agents and the polarization state of their scattered light analyzed. Following these observations, research into the feasibility of distinguishing changes in optical parameters of the media has been carried out. The results showed that using the specific polarimetry system, alterations to the phantom medium and biological tissues were resolvable, furthermore a particular dependence on the anisotropy of the scattering medium was found. This method provides a good foundation for future work implementing non-invasive diagnostic techniques for early disease detection, as many forms of cancerous growths alter the scattering anisotropy of the affected tissue.

The phenomenon of luminescence in tooth hard tissues under the hits of electrons accelerated up to 3keV has been investigated and the nature of luminescence has been described. It has been discovered that the change in luminescence color depends on the place of the impingement of primary electrons. The latter could be explained by different chemical compositions of compounds and complexes where luminescence is observed. Based on the analysis of RGB color bar charts, the correlation between the color of luminescence and calcium-phosphorus ratio in tooth hard tissues has been investigated. Thus, cathodoluminescence can be considered as a tool for in vitro quantitative assessment of tooth hard tissues compositions.

Optical characterization and internal structure of biological tissues is highly important for biomedical optics. In particular for optical clearing processes, such information is of vital importance to understand the mechanisms involved through the variation of the refractive indices of tissue components. The skeletal muscle presents a fibrous structure with an internal arrangement of muscle fiber cords surrounded by interstitial fluid that is responsible for strong light scattering. To determine the refractive index of muscle components we have used a simple method of measuring tissue mass and refractive index during dehydration. After performing measurements for natural and ten dehydration states of the muscle samples, we have determined the dependence between the refractive index of the muscle and its water content. Also, we have joined our measurements with some values reported in literature to perform some calculations that have permitted to determine the refractive index of the dried muscle fibers and their corresponding volume percentage inside the natural muscle.

Immunization is one of the most efficient and cost-effective means for the prevention of diseases, but most vaccines have to be administered invasively. A novel strategy of inducing an immune response is topical application of vaccines to intact skin. Apart from being a non-invasive route of drug delivery, skin delivery also offers an advantageous mode of immunization due to the ability of skin immune cells to present antigens to the immune system. Topical vaccine penetration through the outermost layers of skin is based on the percutaneous diffusion of lipid-based nano-particles. In the current study we investigate the applicability of Optical Coherence Tomography for monitoring transcutaneous delivery of a peptide vaccine into the skin in vivo.

Theoretical analysis of stratified media imaging with a Linnik-type low-coherence interference microscope is presented. Expressions describing the interference microscope image formation in the case of arbitrary coherence properties of illumination are derived. The particular case of spatially incoherent illumination is further analyzed and the effects of numerical aperture size and spectral properties of illumination are shown. The derived theory can be useful for determination of optimal parameters of the interference microscope system for the object fine structure visualization. The theory can also be applied for analysis of other types of interference microscopes.

When recording holograms with a digital image sensor, the sampling theorem is to be fulfilled. This requirement limits possible values of the angle between the object and reference waves. However there is a theoretical possibility of reconstruction of finite-sized object image, even when spatial frequencies of hologram structure are above the Nyquist limit. In this paper such a possibility is experimentally verified and investigated by example of lensless Fourier transform digital holography. It is shown, that excess of the Nyquist frequency by spatial frequencies of the hologram structure does not necessarily lead to object image disappearance. However, it leads to gradual degradation of the object image.

In this study the methodology of biological sample preparation for dental research using SEM/EDX has been elaborated. (1)The original cutting equipment supplied with 3D user-controlled sample fixation and an adjustable cooling system has been designed and evaluated. (2) A new approach to the root dentine drying procedure has been developed to preserve structure peculiarities of root dentine. (3) A novel adhesive system with embedded X-Ray nanoparticulate markers has been designed. (4)The technique allowing for visualization of bonding resins, interfaces and intermediate layers between tooth hard tissues and restorative materials of endodontically treated teeth using the X-ray nano-particulate markers has been developed and approved. These methods and approaches were used to compare the objective depth of penetration of adhesive systems of different generations in root dentine. It has been shown that the depth of penetration in dentine is less for adhesive systems of generation VI in comparison with bonding resins of generation V, which is in agreement with theoretical evidence. The depth of penetration depends on the correlation between the direction of dentinal tubules, bonding resin delivery and gravity.

Interrelation of skin temperature and blood flow oscillations of fingers under normal conditions in healthy subjects has been investigated. Oscillations of a blood flow were measured by means of photoplethysmography; oscillations of a temperature were registered by means of thermal imaging camera. The method of blood flow reconstruction by temperature oscillations with the use of the Pennes bioheat transfer equation and a definition of delay time of a temperature in relation to blood flow signal has been described. Temperature oscillations have a lag in relation to blood flow oscillations of approximately 10-20 seconds. Delay time of temperature waves can be used for the definition of an effective thickness of a tissue layer separating blood vessels and skin surface. Use of the described technique of comparison of finger blood flow and temperature oscillations allows to raise correlation coefficient of the signals from 0.35 to 0.63 on average, which testifies of high degree of conditionality of temperature oscillations by blood flow oscillations. The considered method of non-contact restoration of blood flow oscillations by means of temperature oscillation measurements might find practical application in skin thermal lesions research, research of influence of physical and chemical factors on a skin microcirculation.

Method t-LASCA has been adopted for diagnostics of malignant tissue on animal models. Investigations of tumors on inbred mice (line BALB/c) after the inoculation of syngeneic myeloma cells (line Sp.2/0-Ag.8) have been carried out. The efficiency of application of t-LASCA for tumor investigations has been proven. It has been also found that map of time-averaged speckles is more informative rather than LASCA-image.

The optical system consisting of a laser, a thin three-dimensional diffuser, lens and image plane of the diffuser was considered. Theoretically the dynamics of speckle, which arises when you make a dynamic phase object between the diffuser and the lens was investigated. An expressions for the time correlation function and time spectral function of intensity of the scattered radiation was obtained. It is shown that output of the correlation function on the plateau, the peak position and width of the spectral function are the values by which one can control the parameters of the dynamic phase object. In the experiment, the dynamics of speckles by moving the glass plate having surface roughness Ra = 0,01 μm was created. The correctness of the formulas for the time autocorrelation function was tested. It is shown that variations in the optical path lengths found from the plateau value and roughness differ by 5%. The possibility of applying the theoretical results for the control of biological and technical objects are discussed.

In our research we brought out the age difference in the group of long-livers and the continuous character of the biochemical basal metabolism indexes changing. The results allowed us to carry out the polynominal high-powered approximation to study the dynamics of laboratory indexes. We revealed the progressive reduction of the cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and creatinine levels starting from 90 years of age, and this reduction showed the non-linear character with interchange of local minimums and maximums. During the speed characteristics analysis we revealed the cooccurrence of the speed maximums of all the examined biochemical indexes, except the speed of changing the concentration of cholesterol, which maximum took the lead over the other indexes by four years. The phase-plane portrait analysis of the regulatory systems on the plane "time - speed" showed the unfulfilled attempt of system stabilization by all the searched parameters nearby the special spot - "stable focus". The standard deviation values analysis of the researched parameters showed their progressive reduction in the long-livers. That fact can be considered as the regulatory systems physiological "backlash" reduction among the centenarians.

Laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy and photodynamic therapy (PDT) are techniques currently introduced in clinical applications for visualization and local destruction of malignant tumours as well as premalignant lesions. During the laser irradiation of tissues for the diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, the absorbed optical energy generates heat, although the power density of the treatment light for surface illumination is normally low enough not to cause any significantly increased tissue temperature. In this work we tried to evaluate the utility of Monte Carlo modeling for simulating the temperature fields and the dynamics of heat conduction into the skin tissue under several laser irradiation conditions with both a pulsed UV laser and a continuous wave visible laser beam. The analysis of the results showed that heat is not localized on the surface, but it is collected inside the tissue. By varying the boundary conditions on the surface and the type of the laser radiation (continuous or pulsed) we can reach higher than normal temperature inside the tissue without simultaneous formation of thermally damaged tissue (e.g. coagulation or necrosis zone).

The influence of bacterial lectin on photochemically induced fat cell lipolysis was studied. Resulting capsules were tested for ICG absorption by optical spectra measurements. To separate released and encapsulated ICG supernatant was removed and capsules were redispered in pure deionized water. Supernatant and capsule suspension spectra were measured separately. It was also found that pretreatment of tissue by lectin leads to acceleration of lipolysis at photochemical treatment. The data obtained can be used to enhance efficiency of photochemical therapy.

Lipid peroxidation (LP) of blood serum of laboratory animals after in vivo photodynamic treatment was investigated. To determine changes in LP the standard colorimetric test OXYSTAT was used. The results indicate an increase in the intensity of free radical generation in tissues induced by photodynamic treatment.

On the basis of two developed and experimentally tested models of gas class A lasers, we consider by what way the longitudinal magnetic field, multimode operation, competition between active medium and empty cavity anisotropies, linear coupling, as well as random fluctuations, influence the dynamical behavior of solutions with chiral and achiral symmetry.

Absorption spectra of sixteen polymers have been examined using terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy system in THz frequency range (0.1 - 3 THz). All the experimental data showed a characteristic wide absorption peak at the frequencies around 2.5 THz accompanied by smoothly decreasing of refraction (except "transparent" polymers). Such behavior could be described by a modified Debye model. We also tried to clarify the impact of flexibility, polymerization, crystalline degree and number of monomer end groups on polymer dielectric properties. We suggest that the absorption mechanism in spectral range lower than 3 THz is related with relaxation and amorphous state of polymers.

In this work carbon nanostructures synthesis method opportunity under impact of Glass: Yb, Er laser beam with wavelength 1.54 μm on graphite surface, and its size dependence on laser radiation parameters were investigated.

The growing interest in monitoring ecological change has been stimulated by a global climate change, combined with the day-to-day human anthropogenic activities, that heavily influence the environment. A global warming accompanied by a anthropogenic activities falling within the freshwater ecosystem result a dramatic enhance of the overall stress for most of aquatic organisms. We explore the applicability of optical spectroscopy and advanced non-invasive imaging techniques, that have been used earlier in various biomedical applications, to study an influence of climatic changes on the physiological and biochemical processes that take place in living aquatic organisms. In current report we demonstrate that optical spectroscopy and modern imaging techniques can be successfully used to observe and evaluate thermal and/or hypoxic stress, experienced by freshwater organisms, such as Baikal amphipods.

Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between the production and detoxification of reactive oxygen spices (ROS). ROS are natural byproducts of normal metabolism of oxygen and have important roles in cell signaling and homeostasis. Many heart related diseases like heart failure and myocardial infarction develop as a result of oxidative stress. Current treatment cannot improve the progressive decline in heart function experienced by all patients. Therefore heart failure is the cause of around 25% of all deaths in the Asia Pacific region. Thus any step taken to address the oxidative stress problem is essential for enhancing human health and improve their quality of life. Current approach is dedicated to develop micron-size oxidation stress-sensor for in-vivo measuring level of ROS in KillerRed expressing transgenic zebrafish larvae. Central to our investigation is the light-inducible heart failure animal model we developed in zebrafish that expressed KillerRed in the heart. By utilizing the photosensitizer properties of KillerRed to produce ROS upon green light illumination, heart failure can be repeatedly induced in a non-invasive manner. Importantly, the use of this biological platform permits the development of physiologically sensitive ROS sensor and identifies efficient antioxidants that improve heart contractility. The biosensor approach is based on utilizing biocompatible polyelectrolyte microcapsules as a carry of fluorescent dyes sensitive to amount of reactive oxygen spices. Microcapsule prevents dye diffusion in tissue that makes use toxic dyes possible. Microcapsule's wall is permeable for environment with size less than 500 Da. The oxidation stress-sensors are injected directly in zebrafish pericardium with further circulation along blood system. Detecting of ROS is obtained by using laser scanning microscopy by illuminating oxidation stress-sensors and detecting changing excitation signal from the fluorescent dye.

TEK-Momentum is the Business Innovation and Technology Department in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense. Since its establishment in 2010 the Department has adopted an exploratory technology transfer, open business development and co-creation strategy that goes beyond traditional technology transfer activities. This is an emerging strategy that has been shaped for the last 5 years even before the formal establishment of TEKMomentum. It emerged out of multiple dialog-based interactions with small- and medium-sized companies by focusing on matching real life problems with potential problem solvers. The main priority of such strategy is maximizing the value of the potential contributions from the multiple stakeholders and not on the technology development issues per se. In this paper we will present an overview of TEK-Momentum's approach by using as case studies two recent successful projects. The first one focuses on the commercialization of an LED illumination system. The second one focuses on the commercialization of an optical ring resonator-based temperature sensor.

Academic spin-offs are an important mechanism to develop the regional economy and support their parent institutions. This research applies the lessons learned from an action research project focusing on the development of a model and 10 hypotheses that examine university spin-off efficiency. The formation of the academic spin-off is conceptualized to be embedded in a collective that includes entrepreneurs and those who help them transform their ideas into ventures. Ten factors organized into two constructs - idea-venture path and collective structure, are identified as determinants of academic spin-off efficiency.