Microstructure Evolution of Sandstone Cemented by Microbe Cement Using X-ray Computed Tomography

The bio-sandstone, which was cemented by microbe cement, was firstly prepared, and then the microstructure evolution process was studied by X-ray computed tomography （X-CT） technique. The experimental results indicate that the microstructure of bio-sandstone becomes dense with the development of age. The evolution of inner structure at different positions is different due to the different contents of microbial induced precipitation calcite. Besides, the increase rate of microbial induced precipitation calcite gradually decreases because of the reduction of microbe absorption content with the decreasing pore size in bio-sandstone.

Use of high-resolution X-ray computed tomography and 3D image analysis to quantify mineral dissemination and pore space in oxide copper ore particles

Mineral dissemination and pore space distribution in ore particles are important features that influence heap leaching performance. To quantify the mineral dissemination and pore space distribution of an ore particle, a cylindrical copper oxide ore sample (I center dot 4.6 mm x 5.6 mm) was scanned using high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (HRXCT), a nondestructive imaging technology, at a spatial resolution of 4.85 mu m. Combined with three-dimensional (3D) image analysis techniques, the main mineral phases and pore space were segmented and the volume fraction of each phase was calculated. In addition, the mass fraction of each mineral phase was estimated and the result was validated with that obtained using traditional techniques. Furthermore, the pore phase features, including the pore size distribution, pore surface area, pore fractal dimension, pore centerline, and the pore connectivity, were investigated quantitatively. The pore space analysis results indicate that the pore size distribution closely fits a log-normal distribution and that the pore space morphology is complicated, with a large surface area and low connectivity. This study demonstrates that the combination of HRXCT and 3D image analysis is an effective tool for acquiring 3D mineralogical and pore structural data.

X-ray Computed Tomography Characterization of 3D Tufted Twill Textile Composite for Aerostructures

Damage assessments in three dimensional (3D) textile composites subjected to mechanical loading can be performed by non-destructive and destructive techniques.This paper applies the two techniques to investigate the fracture behavior of 3D tufted textile composites.X-ray computed tomography as a non-destructive evaluation method is appropriate to detect damage locations and identify their progression in 3D textile composites.Destructive methods such as sectioning toward observing damage provide valuable information about damage patterns.The results of this research could be utilized to evaluate the initial cause of rupture in 3D tufted composites used in aerospace structures and analyze fracture modes and damage progression.

In situ compression and X-ray computed tomography of flow battery electrodes

Redox flow batteries offer a potential solution to an increase in renewable energy generation on the grid by offering long-term, large-scale storage and regulation of power. However, they are currently un- derutilised due to cost and performance issues, many of which are linked to the microstructure of the porous carbon electrodes used. Here, for the first time, we offer a detailed study of the in situ effects of compression on a commercially available carbon felt electrode. Visualisation of electrode structure us- ing X-ray computed tomography shows the non-linear way that these materials compress and various metrics are used to elucidate the changes in porosity, pore size distribution and tortuosity factor under compressions from 0%-90%.

X-Ray Computed Tomography for Root Quantification

Soil cores from a field growing barley and barley mutants without root hairs under conventional and minimum tillage were sampled. They were X-ray scanned to produce a 3D image and then the roots were washed out and weight and length were determined by conventional means. Root volume and surface area were then calculated from the 3D images using state of the art software and methodology, and the measured and calculated measures were correlated. The only strong and significant correlation was between measured weight and calculated volume for mutants without root hairs. It is concluded that the software cannot segment out very small roots, but segmentation accuracy also depends on root structure in some unknown way. Any study using X-ray computed tomography to quantify roots as they grow in situ should start with a calibration for the conditions in question.

Usefulness of Chest Computed Tomography for Diagnosis of Idiopathic Pneumomediastinum with Negative Findings on Plain X-Ray

Idiopathic pneumomediastinum is rare in children. Few cases of patients with pneumomediastinum show negative findings on X-ray examination. Chest computed tomography (CT) was very useful for the diagnosis and evaluation of the extent of pneumomediastinum. We report here a case of idiopathic pneumomediastinum in a 15-year-old boy who exhibited no significant chest X-ray finding. The patient was referred to our institute for the further evaluation of pre-cordial pain and breathing difficulty. Precordial pain suddenly developed, when he was carrying a portable shrine on his shoulder (day of onset). He was admitted to another institute 3 days after onset because of worsening precordial pain. On admission, he presented with 98% saturation of hemoglobin in the peripheral blood under room air. Plain chest X-ray also revealed no abnormal findings. A half-dissolved gastrographin swallow showed no leakage of gastrographin from the pharynx and esophagus to the mediastinum, and no diverticulum within the esophagus. Plain chest CT revealed extensive emphysema around the trachea from the neck to the portion inferior to the carina of trachea. The patient was diagnosed with idiopathic pneumomediastinum because the cause was unclear. We decided to admit him to our institute under fasting conditions and rest. His symptoms improved 3 days after onset. The lesion had disap-peared 8 days after onset on chest CT. When young people experience precordial pain which increases on inspiration, we must consider pneumomediastinum in a differential diagnosis, and it is important to perform chest CT.

Computed tomography versus transthoracic echocardiography in the detection of complex congenial heart diseases in china:a meta-analysis

Objective:To perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography(CT) and transthoracic echocardiography(TTE) in complex congenital heart diseases(CHD) in China.Methods:MEDLINE,Cochrane library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI) database from January 1966 to October 2010,were searched for initial studies in China.All the studies,published in English or Chinese,used TTE,CT,or both as diagnostic tests for CHD and reported the rate of true-positive,true-negative,false-positive and false-negative diagnoses of CHD from TTE and CT findings with the surgical results as the 'gold-standard'(15 studies,XX patients) were collected.The statistic software package,'Meta-Disc 1.4',was used to conduct data analysis.A covariate analysis was used to evaluate the influence of patient or study-related factors on sensitivity.Results:Pooled sensitivity for diagnosis of CHD were 95% [95% confidence interval(CI):94%~96%] for CT studies and 87%(95% CI:85%~88%) for TTE studies.The difference between the pooled sensitivity of CT and that of TTE was statistically significant(P<0.001).TTE had higher sensitivity [0.96(95% CI:0.94~0.97)] for cardiac malformation but lower sensitivity [0.78(95% CI:0.76~0.81)] for extracardiac malformation than CT.Conclusion:CT can provide added diagnostic information compared with TTE in patients with CHD in China,especially for patients suspected of extracardiac malformation.

基于X-ray CT图像的沥青混合料车辙过程空隙分布评估

X射线计算机断层扫描(X-ray computed tomography,X-ray CT)技术作为一种无损测试方法,已被广泛用于评估沥青混合料中的空隙结构和与空隙有关的病害。基于X-ray CT和图像处理技术,从细观结构层面探讨了车辙变形过程中沥青混合料的空隙结构特征。提出了体积等效球棍模型来表征空隙连通性的变化,用改进的环扇分割变异系数、位置偏心率和球度分别描述了空隙的分布和形状特征。结果表明,车辙对沥青混合料空隙结构的影响机制因混合料类型而异。与密级配沥青混凝土(AC-13)相比,沥青玛蹄脂碎石混合料(SMA-13)中的空隙更加不均匀和离散,尤其是那些体积小于0.01 mm^(3)的空隙。此外,SMA-13中的空隙连通性和分布更容易受到外部荷载的影响,其粗集料在变形过程中往往会产生定向移动进而改变初始位置。尽管车辙变形同时增加了2种混合料中空隙的水平不均匀性,但AC-13的竖向不均匀性减少,而SMA-13的竖向不均匀性增加。加载使AC-13混合料的空隙几何形状变得复杂和分散,而SMA-13则相反,预示着与AC混合料相比,SMA混合料在加载1 h后仍保持抵抗车辙破坏的潜力。总体而言,沥青混合料中空隙的拓扑特征及其在车辙变形过程中的动态响应主要取决于混合料的级配形式。

Fast X-ray imaging beamline at SSRF

The fast X-ray imaging beamline(BL16U2)at Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility(SSRF)is a new beamline that provides X-ray micro-imaging capabilities across a wide range of time scales,spanning from 100 ps toμs and ms.This beamline has been specifically designed to facilitate the investigation of a wide range of rapid phenomena,such as the deformation and failure of materials subjected to intense dynamic loads.In addition,it enables the study of high-pressure and high-speed fuel spray processes in automotive engines.The light source of this beamline is a cryogenic permanent magnet undulator(CPMU)that is cooled by liquid nitrogen.This CPMU can generate X-ray photons within an energy range of 8.7-30 keV.The beamline offers two modes of operation:monochromatic beam mode with a liquid nitrogen-cooled double-crystal monochromator(DCM)and pink beam mode with the first crystal of the DCM out of the beam path.Four X-ray imaging methods were implemented in BL16U2:single-pulse ultrafast X-ray imaging,microsecond-resolved X-ray dynamic imaging,millisecond-resolved X-ray dynamic micro-CT,and high-resolution quantitative micro-CT.Furthermore,BL16U2 is equipped with various in situ impact loading systems,such as a split Hopkinson bar system,light gas gun,and fuel spray chamber.Following the completion of the final commissioning in 2021 and subsequent trial operations in 2022,the beamline has been officially available to users from 2023.

Comparison of efficacy of lung ultrasound and chest X-ray in diagnosing pulmonary edema and pleural effusion in ICU patients: A single centre, prospective, observational study

Background and Aims While chest X-ray (CXR) has been a conventional tool in intensive care units (ICUs) to identify lung pathologies, computed tomography (CT) scan remains the gold standard. Use of lung ultrasound (LUS) in resource-rich ICUs is still under investigation. The present study compares the utility of LUS to that of CXR in identifying pulmonary edema and pleural effusion in ICU patients. In addition, consolidation and pneumothorax were analyzed as secondary outcome measures. Material and Methods This is a prospective, single centric, observational study. Patients admitted in ICU were examined for lung pathologies, using LUS by a trained intensivist;and CXR done within 4 hours of each other. The final diagnosis was ascertained by an independent senior radiologist, based on the complete medical chart including clinical findings and the results of thoracic CT, if available. The results were compared and analyzed. Results Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of LUS was 95%, 94.4%, 94.67% for pleural effusion;and 98.33%, 97.78%, 98.00% for pulmonary edema respectively. Corresponding values with CXR were 48.33%, 76.67%, 65.33% for pleural effusion;and 36.67%, 82.22% and 64.00% for pulmonary edema respectively. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of LUS was 91.30%, 96.85%, 96.00% for consolidation;and 100.00%, 79.02%, 80.00% for pneumothorax respectively. Corresponding values with CXR were 60.87%, 81.10%, 78.00% for consolidation;and 71.3%, 97.20%, 96.00% for pneumothorax respectively. Conclusion LUS has better diagnostic accuracy in diagnosis of pleural effusion and pulmonary edema when compared with CXR and is thus recommended as an effective alternative for diagnosis of these conditions in acute care settings. Our study recommends that a thoracic CT scan can be avoided in most of such cases.

Infective severe acute pancreatitis:A comparison of ^(99m)Tc-ciprofloxacin scintigraphy and computed tomography

AIM:To evaluate 99mTc-ciprofloxacin scintigraphy compared with computed tomography(CT)for detecting secondary infections associated with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)in swine.METHODS:Six healthy swine were assigned to a normal control group(group A,n = 6).SAP was induced in group B(n = 9)and C(n = 18),followed by inoculation of the resulting pancreatic necroses with inactive Escherichia coli(E.coli)(group B)and active E.coli(group C),respectively.At 7 d after inoculation,a CT scan and a series of analyses using infecton imaging(at 0.5,1,2,3,4 and 6 h after the administration of 370 MBq of intravenous infecton)were performed.The scintigrams were visually evaluated and semi-quantitatively analyzed using region of interest assignments.The differences in infecton uptake and changes in the lesion-background radioactive count ratios(L/B)in the 3 groups were recorded and compared.After imaging detection,histopathology and bacterial examinations were performed,and infected SAP was regarded as positive.The imaging findings were compared with histopathological and bacteriological results.RESULTS:In group A,6 animals survived without infection in the pancreas.In group B,7/9 swine survived and one suffered from infection.In group C,15/18 animals survived with infection.Hence,the number of normal,non-infected and infected SAP swine was 6,6 and 16,respectively.The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the infecton method were 93.8%(15/16),91.7%(11/12),92.9%(26/28),93.8%(15/16)and 91.7%(11/12),whereas these values for CT were 12.5%(2/16),100.0%(12/12),50.0%(14/28),100.0%(2/2)and 46.2%(12/26),respectively.The changes in L/B for the infected SAP were significantly different from those of the non-infected and normal swine(P < 0.001).The mean L/B of the infectious foci at 0.5,1,2,3,4 and 6 h was 1.17 ± 0.10,1.71 ± 0.30,2.46 ± 0.45,3.36 ± 0.33,2.04 ± 0.37 and 1.1988 ± 0.09,respectively.At 3 h,the radioactive counts(2350.25 ± 602.35 k)and the mean L/B of the infectious foci were significantly higher than that at 0.5 h(P = 0.000),1 h(P = 0.000),2 h(P = 0.04),4 h(P = 0.000)and 6 h(P = 0.000).CONCLUSION:99m Tc-ciprofloxacin scintigraphy may be an effective procedure for detecting SAP secondary infections with higher sensitivity and accuracy than CT.

A Derived Exposure Chart for Computed Radiography in a Negroid Population

Background: Computed radiography has a wider exposure latitude when compared with film-screen imaging system. Consequently, the risk of dose creep is high. A conscientious effort is there-fore, needed by the radiographer to keep exposure as low as reasonably achievable. Objective: To derive a computed radiography exposure chart for a negroid population using AGFA photostimulable phosphor plates and a GE static X-ray machine. Materials and Method: A static X-ray machine, a digitizer, and photostimulable phosphor plates were used for the X-ray examination. Chest examinations were done at a Focus-Film-Distance (FFD) of 150 - 180 cm while all other examinations were conducted at 90 - 100 cm FFD. The range of exposure factors (kVp, mA and mAs) used by radiog-raphers in the centre was noted and the 90th percentile calculated. Over a three-month period, the patients were examined with the 90th percentile of tube potential (kVp) while keeping other factors constant. The kVp was gradually decreased and halted if radiologists and radiographers uncon-nected with the work expressed misgivings about the quality of the image. A similar procedure was adopted for the tube current (mA). The threshold adopted as low as reasonably achievable was the factor preceding the point of observation by other personnel. Metrics for central tendency from the statistical packages for social sciences, version 17.0 was used to analyze the data. Results: 335 subjects of both gender aged 0 - 92 years were examined by the researchers. Adult exposure factors used by the radiographers (and those derived by the researchers) had a range of 45 - 130 kVp (62 - 94 kVp), 63 - 320 mA (100 - 250 mA) and 4.0 - 25.0 mAs (5.0 - 20.0 mAs) respectively. Pediatric chest (and researchers-derived) factors were 50 - 75 kVp (52 - 65 kVp), 50 - 250 mA (100 - 220 mA) and 3.20 - 10.0 mAs (3.2 - 6.5 mAs) respectively. Conclusion: Upper threshold of adult (and paediatric) exposure factors in computed radiography with comparable equipment and accessories should not exceed 94 kVp (65 kVp), 250 mA (220 mA) and 20.0 mAs (6.5 mAs) respectively. The derived exposure chart is also adequate to address motion unsharpness in chest examinations.

Effective Atomic Number Measurement with Energy-Resolved Computed Tomography Using Two-Dimensional “transXend” Detector

Introduction: We have previously developed an effective atomic number (Zeff) measurement method using linear attenuation coefficients (LACs) obtained by energy-resolved computed tomography (CT) with one-dimensional (1D) detector. The energy-resolved CT was performed with a “transXend” detector, which measured X-rays as electric current and then gave X-ray energy distribution with unfolding analysis using pre-estimated response function (RF). The purpose of this study is to measure Zeff by the energy-resolved CT using a flat panel detector (FPD). Methods: To demonstrate a 2D transXend detector, we developed the stripe absorbers for the FPD. Eleven human tissue-equivalent material rods which were grouped into four material categories were measured by X-rays with 120 kVp tube voltage, 2.3 mA tube current, and 1.0 s exposure time. Zeff is measured by the ratio of LACs with two different pseudo-monochromatic X-ray energies. RFs of each rod material were estimated by numerical calculation. First, we employed the RF estimated for the same rod material (self-RF scenario). Second, we employed the RF estimated for the different rod materials in the same material category (cross-RF scenario). The purpose of the cross-RF scenario was to find representative rod materials in each material category. Results: Upon the self-RF scenario, measured Zeffs were systematically underestimated. Median relative error to theoretical Zeff was -6.92% (range: -7.89% - -4.60%). After normalizing measured Zeffs to the theoretical one for Breast, median relative error improved to -0.75% (range: -1.79% - +1.73%). Upon the cross-RF scenario, the representative rod materials were found in two material categories. Conclusion: Zeff measurements were performed by energy-resolved CT using 2D transXend detector with numerically-estimated RF data. Normalized Zeffs for all rod materials in the self-RF scenario were in good agreement with the theoretical ones.

Computer-Aided Design of X-Ray Microtomographic Scanners

The article is to study the development of computer-aided design of X-ray microtomography—the device for investigating the structure and construction of three-dimensional images of organic and inorganic objects on the basis of shadow projections. This article provides basic information regarding CAD of X-ray microtomography and a scheme consisting of three levels. The article also shows basic relations of X-ray computed tomography, the generalized scheme of an X-ray microtomographic scanner. The methods of X-ray imaging of the spatial microstructure and morphometry of materials are described. The main characteristics of an X-ray microtomographic scanner, the X-ray source, X-ray optical elements and mechanical components of the positioning system are shown. The block scheme and software functional scheme for intelligent neural network system of analysis of the internal microstructure of objects are presented. The method of choice of design parameters of CAD of X-ray microtomography aims at improving the quality of design and reducing costs of it. It is supposed to reduce the design time and eliminate the growing number of engineers involved in development and construction of X-ray microtomographic scanners.

Reduction of the Beam Hardening Artifacts in the X-Ray Computer Tomography: Energy Discrimination with a Photon-Counting Detector

The material identification is a pressing requirement for the sensitive security applications. Dual-energy X-ray computer tomography (DXCT) has been investigated for material identification in the medical and security fields. It requires two tomographic images at sufficiently different energies. To discriminate dangerous materials of light elements such as plastic bombs in luggage, it is needed to measure accurately with several tens of kilo electron volts where such materials exhibit significant spectral differences. However, CT images in that energy region often include artifacts from beam hardening. To reduce these artifacts, a novel reconstruction method has been investigated. It is an extension of the Al-gebraic Reconstruction Technique and Total Variation (ART-TV) method that reduces the artifacts in a lower-energy CT image by referencing it to an image obtained at higher energy. The CT image of a titanium sample was recon-structed using this method in order to demonstrate the artifact reduction capability.

上海光源储存环X-ray针孔相机系统设计

上海光源(SSRF)储存环X-ray针孔相机系统主要由X-ray引出前端、衰减片、小孔、靶片、相机、PXI控制器及图像采集等构成,数据采集处理软件在LabVIEW平台上开发,与控制系统的接口通过EPICS Shared Memory IOCcore技术实现。2009年8月开始的长时间在线运行证明引出前端是安全的,在300mA运行时,测量引出窗的最高温度≤36℃。该系统设计合理、性能稳定,可在线实时测量数十μm束团横向截面尺寸,从而实现3.9nm·rad发射度的测量。

Soft X ray Diagnosis on Seed Development and Observation on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth in Artificial Hybridization in Cunninghamia and Cryptomeria

An intergeneric artificial hybridization was conducted between Cunninghamia R. Br. and Cryptomeria D.Don The results are as follows:1. A considerable number of hybrid seeds shed from 76 pollinated cones were empty and a total of 628 looks plump. Soft X ray radiographs showed that, still and all, a majority of the “plump" seeds were embryoless (597, 95.6%) whereas some were partially developed (17,2.7%) and only a few were really full (14, 2.2%). 2. Germination test showed that all of the radiographed hybrid seeds with fully developed embryos were germinable whereas those with partially developed embryos were ungerminable. 3. Physiologically, the growth rate of hypocotyl, the date for shedding of seed coat and spreading of cotyledons, the elongation of epicotyl, and the branching of shoot of the 11 month old seedlings showed a tendency to fall behind those of the female parent; morphologically, the 11 month old hybrid seedlings with linear leaves appeared rather short, slender and weak, whereas the seedlings of the female parents with linear_lanceolate leaves appeared rather tall, stout and strong. 4. It is considered that the hybrid may be true and the crossability reveals a close phylogenetic affinity of Cunninghamia with Cryptomeria.

基于X-rayCT的古土壤孔裂隙识别与表征

[目的]对古土壤内部孔隙裂隙结构的形态、类型、孔径分布进行精确表征,为斜坡中古土壤水力学性质的研究提供重要依据。[方法]利用X-ray CT对泾阳南塬S5古土壤原状试样进行扫描,利用VG studio Max和AVIZO三维可视化软件,经过滤波处理、阈值分割、三维重建得到了三维可视化数字古土壤模型,计算了二三维孔隙度,基于形状因子提取了古土壤中孔隙和裂隙并进行分类,提出了各类空隙的孔径表征算法。[结果](1)古土壤中孔裂隙并存,在空间上具有显著的垂向性和空间异质性,在空间形态上可由形状因子(SF)区分为裂隙(SF>40.18)、枝杈状孔隙(7.01<SF≤40.18)、长柱状孔隙(2.0<SF≤7.01)、椭球状孔隙(1<SF≤2)和球状孔隙(SF≤1);(2)大孔隙度(等效直径大于100μm)为9.86%,占总孔隙度(41.18%)的23.94%,表明古土壤中以等效直径为100μm以下的孔裂隙为主;(3)孔径分布在0.1～5mm之间,以0.1～0.7 mm为主,而体积贡献率上以0.7～1.0 mm为主,裂隙最大开度5.1 mm。[结论]古土壤是一种以中小微孔隙为主,(特)大孔隙和(微)裂隙伴生的双重介质土体,X-ray CT和三维可视化重建技术为古土壤孔裂隙识别和表征提供了一种有效的途径。

定向钢纤维混凝土中的钢纤维分布X-ray CT分析

为分析定向钢纤维混凝土中钢纤维的分布,通过X-CT扫描原位测试确定了混凝土中所有钢纤维的空间位置坐标,根据钢纤维空间坐标,分析计算钢纤维的角度分布及纤维方向效应系数。结果表明,定向钢纤维混凝土中,与设计的目标方向夹角<30°的钢纤维根数占总数量的比例达85%,定向钢纤维的定向效果较好;定向钢纤维混凝土中纤维方向效应系数增加25%,增强效率显著提高。

粉晶X射线衍射理论计算和CIF数据转换软件——XRAY

本文简要介绍一个进行粉晶X射线理论计算和CIF文件转换的计算机软件——XRAY。其输入内容仅要求X射线波长、晶胞参数、空间群和原子坐标等。输出内容包括衍射图谱的图形方式和一个包含2θ、d值、相对强度和指标化的列表,并可进行CIF文件的输出转换。它可作为科学研究的辅助工具以及用于X射线结晶学的教学演示。