No abstract

Due to the relatively complex nature of spectral measurements from x-ray machines, many researchers use mathematical models to simulate the spectra they need. However, there is concern over their accuracy, and hence the impact that their accuracy may have, on subsequent calculations that rely upon the spectra modelled. With this in mind spectral measurements have been performed on a mammography machine and a comparison with spectra calculated using several different models is presented. Several different techniques have been investigated in the spectral measurements to allow for pulse pileup and other effects of high count rate. Comparison with half value layer (HVL) measurements shows that the use of a gating signal in conjunction with the air-free path provides accurate results without the need for a pinhole collimator. Comparison of the measured spectra with those calculated using different models proposed in the literature suggests that accurate results can be produced by all models, but only if the user attempts to match the calculated HVL of the modelled spectrum with the physically measured HVL. If this is not done the modelled spectra may be in error. The impact of such an error is demonstrated in calculations of mean glandular dose, which indicate a possible underestimate of the dose by up to 20%.

Summary. New methods are described for platelet isolation and buoyant density determination using low‐speed centrifugation in continuous density gradients of Percoll. The conditions used do not induce loss of granule or cytoplasmic markers and enable reproducible platelet frequency distributions to be obtained in linear density gradients. Such frequency distributions are normal with a mode of 1·0645 ± 0·0015 g cm−3 (mean ± SD, n= 20). Platelets fixed in 0·1% glutaraldehyde show a modal density of 1·0712 ± 0·0005 g cm−3. Content of protein, lactate dehydrogenase, beta‐thromboglobulin and 3H‐serotonin correlate closely with platelet numbers throughout the density distribution. The frequency distribution of platelet volume between 2·2 and 21 fl fits a log normal model and cell volume in density subfractions from the most dense to the least dense also approximate log normality. There is a positive correlation between mean platelet volume and buoyant density with a small increment between the least and the most dense extremes. Platelet subfractions separated by volume using a FACS II cell sorter differ substantially from each other in cell volume but the difference in mean density of four different volume fractions is negligible. In discontinuous density gradients of Stractan factors other than platelet density must influence the separation of platelets, as rebanding of platelets from interfaces shows a wide variation in buoyant density when analysed in continuous gradients. It is concluded that analysis of platelet buoyant density in continuous Percoll gradients supports the view that platelet density, like platelet volume, is determined primarily during thrombocytopoiesis and that volume and density are largely independent elements of platelet heterogeneity.

New methods are described for platelet isolation and buoyant density determination using low-speed centrifugation in continuous density gradients of Percoll. The conditions used do not induce loss of granule or cytoplasmic markers and enable reproducible platelet frequency distributions to be obtained in linear density gradients. Such frequency distributions are normal with a mode of 1.0645 +/- 0.0015 g cm-3 (mean +/- SD, n=20). Platelets fixed in 0.1% glutaraldehyde show a modal density of 1.0712 +/- 0.0005 g cm-3. Content of protein, lactate dehydrogenase, beta-thromboglobulin and 3H-serotonin correlate closely with platelet numbers throughout the density distribution. The frequency distribution of platelet volume between 2.2 and 21 fl fits a log normal model and cell volume in density subfractions from the most dense to the least dense also approximate log normality. There is a positive correlation between mean platelet volume and buoyant density with a small increment between the least and the most dense extremes. Platelet subfractions separated by volume using a FACS II cell sorter differ substantially from each other in cell volume but the difference in mean density of four different volume fractions in negligible. In discontinuous density gradients of Stractan factors other than platelet density must influence the separation of platelets, as rebanding of platelets from interfaces shows a wide variation in buoyant density when analysed in continuous gradients. It is concluded that analysis of platelet buoyant density in continuous Percoll gradients supports the view that platelet density, like platelet volume, is determined primarily during thrombocytopoiesis and that volume and density are largely independent elements of platelet heterogeneity.