Laser induced plasma spectroscopy has been applied to the analysis of element distribution mapping of polished rock sections. The plasma was generated by focusing a frequency-doubled second harmonic 532 nm Nd : YAG laser on the target under atmospheric conditions. The experimental parameters, such as laser energy, atomic emission line and time profile of the plasma spectrum, were characterized to obtain optimum experimental conditions and estimate the element composition of the target surface. For the element mapping of samples, an X-Y stage was used to move the sample and an element image of 50 3 50 mm could be made in 30 min. Using this technique, the element concentration distribution of Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Si and Sr in polished rock sections were obtained. Quantitative analysis was achieved by analyzing standard rock samples. Calibrated concentration versus plasma intensity was used for the color grading for the mapping of element concentration distribution.
Magnetic resonance image (MRI) is the most sensitive imaging test of the spine in routine clinical practice. Unlike conventional x-ray examinations and computed tomography scans, high-quality magnetic resonance images can be assured only if patients are able to remain perfectly still. However, some patients find it uncomfortable to remain still because of pain. In that condition, interlaminar cervical epidural injections can reduce pain and allow the procedure. When using air with the "loss of resistance" technique in epidural injections to identify the epidural space, there is the possibility of injected excessive air epidurally to mimic a herniated disc. We describe a case report of epidural air artifact in a cervical MRI after cervical epidural injections.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.