SUMMARY OF CHINA-MADE X-RAY THICKNESS GAUGES FOR STEEL INDUSTRIES

There are two kinds of China- made X- ray thickness gaugemeters i.e. dual beam- dual detector system and single beam- single detector system- SM series, the latter is used dominantly in Chinese steel industries. The performance comparison between domestic and foreign instruments as well as its developments and applications is presented in this paper.

Fast forward modeling of muon transmission tomography based on model voxelization ray energy loss projection

To solve the problems associated with low resolution and high computational effort infinite time,this paper proposes a fast forward modeling method for muon energy loss transmission tomography based on a model voxelization energy loss projection algorithm.First,the energy loss equation for muon transmission tomography is derived from the Bethe–Bloch formula,and the imaging region is then dissected into several units using the model voxelization method.Thereafter,the three-dimensional(3-D)imaging model is discretized into parallel and equally spaced two-dimensional(2-D)slices using the model layering method to realize a dimensional reduction of the 3-D volume data and accelerate the forward calculation speed.Subsequently,the muon energy loss transmission tomography equation is discretized using the ray energy loss projection method to establish a set of energy loss equations for the muon penetration voxel model.Finally,the muon energy loss values at the outgoing point are obtained by solving the projection coefficient matrix of the ray length-weighted model,achieving a significant reduction in the number of muons and improving the computational efficiency.A comparison of our results with the simulation results based on the Monte Carlo method verifies the accuracy and effectiveness of the algorithm proposed in this paper.The metallic mineral identification tests show that the proposed algorithm can quickly identify high-density metallic minerals.The muon energy loss response can accurately identify the boundary of the anomalies and their spatial distribution characteristics.

Measurement and analysis of defects in high-performance concrete with three-dimensional micro-computer tomography

In order to investigate the effects of two mineral admixtures （i. e., fly ash and ground slag）on initial defects existing in concrete microstructures, a high-resolution X-ray micro-CT（ micro-focus computer tomography）is employed to quantitatively analyze the initial defects in four series of highperformance concrete （HPC）specimens with additions of different mineral admixtures. The nigh-resolution 3D images of microstructures and filtered defects are reconstructed by micro- CT software. The size distribution and volume fractions of initial defects are analyzed based on 3D and 2D micro-CT images. The analysis results are verified by experimental results of watersuction tests. The results show that the additions of mineral admixtures in concrete as cementitious materials greatly change the geometrical properties of the microstructures and the spatial features of defects by physical-chemistry actions of these mineral admixtures. This is the major cause of the differences between the mechanical behaviors of HPC with and without mineral admixtures when the water-to-binder ratio and the size distribution of aggregates are constant.

Clinical significance of mesenteric panniculitis-like abnormalities on abdominal computerized tomography in patients with malignant neoplasms

AIM To clarify the association of malignancy with mesenteric panniculitis-like changes on computed tomography(CT).METHODS All abdominal CT scans performed at North Shore University HealthS ystem showing mesenteric panniculitis from January 2005 to August 2010 were identified in the Radnet(Rad Net Corporation, Los Angeles, CA) database. Patients with a new or known diagnosis of a malignancy were included for this analysis. Longitudinal clinical histories were obtained from electronic medical records.RESULTS In total, 147794 abdominal CT scans were performed during the study period. Three hundred and fiftynine patients had mesenteric panniculitis(MP)-like abnormalities on their abdominal CT. Of these patients, 81 patients(22.6%) had a known history of cancer at the time of their CT scan. Nineteen(5.3%) had a new diagnosis of cancer in concurrence with their CT, but the majority of these(14/19, 74%) were undergoing CT as part of a malignancy evaluation. Lymphomas were the most common cancers associated with MPlike findings on CT(36 cases, 36%), with follicular lymphoma being the most frequent subtype(17/36). A variety of solid tumors, most commonly prostate(7) and renal cell cancers(6) also were seen. CT follow up was obtained in 56 patients. Findings in the mesentery were unchanged in 45(80%), worsened in 6(11%), and improved in 5 patients(9%). Positron emission tomography(PET) scans performed in 44 patients only showed a positive uptake in the mesenteric mass in 2 patients(5%). CONCLUSION A new diagnosis of cancer is uncommon in patients with CT findings suggestive of MP. MP-like mesenteric abnormalities on CT generally remain stable in patients with associated malignancies. PET scanning is not recommended in the evaluation of patients with mesenteric panniculitis-like findings on CT.

Fast ray tracing method in 3-D structure and its proof of positive definiteness

Based on Fermat’s principle, two-point ray tracing method was studied in three-dimensional structure. By means of first order Taylor’s incomplete series expansion (i.e. no expansion to the length of the ray), a symmetry block tridiagonal matrix equation set was deduced. Further, the positive definiteness of coefficient matrix was discussed, and the positive definiteness was accurately proved in a mathematical way. It assured that the algorithm was well-posed. Associated with iterative method, the solution to ray tracing can be got through step-by-step linearized iteration of the nonlinear problem. An algorithm of the whole path iterative ray tracing method in three-dimensional velocity structure was obtained. This method shows a clear and simple as well as explicit computation formula, which makes ray tracing computation easily applicable in practice. The correction vector is obtained through finding the solution to the positive definite block tridiagonal equation set, which ensures the method is robust convergence. This study offers a new kind of feasible and efficient ray tracing method for three dimensional seismic migration and tomography. Meanwhile, it also provides the prerequisite guarantee to design a fast algorithm.

P-wave tomography and relation between shallow and deep structures beneath the Songliao basin

We selected relative travel-time residuals from teleseismic waveform data using the waveform correction method and imaged the P wave velocity structure beneath Northeast China. In combination with other geophysical data, we discussed the relation between the shallow and deep structures of the area. The results show that there is a primary high-velocity zone with some high- and low-ve- locity distribution characters beneath the Songliao basin. The low-velocity anomalies may extend down to the upper mantle, and may be the result of material upwelling. The low-velocity anomaly beneath the southern part of the Songliao basin is connected to those beneath the Chang- baishan and A＇ershan volcanic areas. It may be an upwelling channel from the mantle beneath the Songliao basin and adjacent area. This finding indicates the Songliao basin was a result of asthenospheric upwelling caused by subduction of the Pacific plate under the Eurasian plate.

Temporal Trends in Radiation Dose Associated with Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography

Background: In 2010, the International Atomic Energy Agency launched the “3A’s campaign” as an effective tool for primary cancer prevention. In 2011, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine recommended the size specific dose estimate (SSDE). Objectives: To audit doses of Coronary CT Angiography (Coronary CTA) in tertiary care referral center. Methods: We reviewed 998 consecutive Coronary CTA (from 2007 to 2012). Doses (CTDIvol mGy), DLP (mGy*cm), effective dose (DLP*0.014, mSv) were on-line archived. SSDE was estimated retrospectively. Appropriateness score was evaluated for exams performed from the 2010. Results: Overall median dose per Coronary CTA was 49.7 mGy for CTDIvol, 55.5 mGy for SSDE, 994.96 mGy*cm for DLP, 13.9 mSv for effective dose. Median DLP decreased over time (1452.94 in 2007, 1605.56 in 2008, 1113.49 in 2009, 759.99 in 2010, 448.61 in 2011 and 497.88 mGy*cm in 2012, p < 0.0001). SSDE was proportional to the size dependent factor (SDF);in patients with SDF > 1 (88%) CTDIvol underestimated SSDE (48.49 vs 57.19 mGy), whilst in patients with SDF < 1 (12%) CTDIvol overestimated SSDE (56.46 vs 50.3 mGy). Scans were appropriate in 58%, uncertain in 24%, and inappropriate in 18% of cases. Doses were similar in appropriate, uncertain or inappropriate examinations and in excellent-to-good (81%) vs. sufficient-to-poor (19%) image quality exams. Conclusions: Coronary CTA reference doses can be very misleading. SSDE can allow individual technique optimization. The dose is similar in appropriate and inappropriate examinations, and unrelated to image quality. The rate of inappropriate examinations is still too high even after dissemination of guidelines.

The Different Patterns of Coronary Artery Calcification in Acute and Chronic Coronary Syndromes Determined by Electron Beam Computed Tomography

Objectives To compare the different patterns of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in acute and chronic coronary syndromes utilizing electron beam computed tomography. Background Pathologic, angiographic, and intracoronary ultrasound studies revealed sharp differences in the plaque morphology between patients with acute versus chronic coronary syndromes. Whether there are different patterns of coronary artery calcification in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) and in those with unstable angina pectoris (UAP) or acute myocardial infarction (AMI), however, remains unclear. Methods Two hundred and sixty - four patients, including 67 with SAP, 94 with UAP and 103 with AMI were studied with electron beam computed tomography for analysis of coronary artery calcification and with selective coronary angiography for determination of atherosclerotic lesions. CAC prevalence and calcium score were compared among three groups, and relation of CAC to the severity of atherosclerotic disease in the SAP and UAP patients was separately analyzed. Results Prevalence of CAC was 100 % in the SAP patients, significantly higher than the 87. 23 % in UAP patients and 86. 41 % among the patients with AMI ( P < 0. 05) . More patients and arteries in the SAP group had severe forms of calcium than those in the UAP and AMI group ( P < 0. 01), and the mean LN [CS + 1] (natural logarithm transformation of calcium score) of the SAP patients was much greater than that of the UAP and AMI patients (P < 0.001). The distribution of vessels with various CAC by luminal stenosis was different between SAP and UAP patients. The average CAC extent of the infarct - related arteries was less severe than that of the noninfarct - related arteries. Conclusions U-tilizing electron beam computed tomography, we demonstrated that there exist different patterns of coronary artery calcification in patients with acute versus chronic coronary syndromes, which may provide insight into the differences observed in the clinical and pathologic development between these two types of coronary artery disease.

基于多声源波速结构成像的岩体异常区域超前辨识方法

异常区域超前辨识对于预防地下岩土工程灾害具有重要作用。为了满足地下工程高精度探测的需求,本文提出一种层析成像方法以辨识复杂岩体结构中的异常区域,结合了走时层析、阻尼最小二乘和高斯滤波等技术。该方法克服了空洞区域辨识中速度差限制,减轻了迭代中孤立速度突变所带来的影响。我们开展了数值和室内实验量化评估最短路径法(Shortest-Path Method,SPM)、动态最短路径法(Dynamic Shortest-Path Method,DSPM)和快速扫描法(Fast Sweeping Method,FSM)等正演模拟的识别精度和计算效率。结果表明,在数值和室内实验中DSPM和FSM均能清晰地辨识出异常区域。陕西震奥矿山现场应用结果证明了该方法可利用矿山开采中爆破、微震等多类声源对矿山内部未知结构进行波速场成像。本研究不仅实现了走时层析成像方法在异常区域识别中的应用,而且为地下岩土工程中潜在风险源的探测提供了新的思路。

A new solid-conversion gas detector for high energy X-ray industrial computed tomography

A new type of solid-conversion gas detector is investigated for high energy X-ray industrial computed tomography (HECT). The conversion efficiency is calculated by using the EGSnrc Monte Carlo code on the Linux platform to simulate the transport process of photons and electrons in the detector. The simulation results show that the conversion efficiency could be more than 65%, if the X-ray beam width is less than about 0.2 mm, and a tungsten slab with 0.2 mm thickness and 30 mm length is employed as a radiation conversion medium. Meanwhile the results indicate that this new detector has higher conversion efficiency as well as less volume. Theoretically this new kind of detector could take place of the traditional scintillation detector for HECT.

月经前期发作的鼻源性头痛

随着鼻窦CT诊断和鼻内镜诊疗技术的发展，大量鼻部疾病导致的头痛得以治愈。根据2004年国际头痛协会的分类，鼻源性头痛的第二种类型——黏膜接触点性头痛（mucosa contact point headache），因为缺少典型的鼻部症状，而分散就诊于其他学科，长期得不到合理诊疗。我们近期总结了多例临床上没有典型的鼻部症状，而是以各种类型的头痛为主诉就诊于神经内科等专科的患者，经过会诊筛查，确诊为鼻源性黏膜接触点性头痛，通过鼻内镜手术治愈。其中包括1组女性患者，长期被误认为是月经前期头痛，通过治疗证明是黏膜接触点性头痛的一种特殊存在形式，撰文总结如下。

食管黏膜下异物的CT诊断

总结1995-2004年10年间治疗的351例食管异物患者其中首次手术未发现异物12例，X线透视检查无阳性表现15例。此27例患者．经CT薄层扫描确诊，行食管镜检查取出并治愈，现报道如下。

Construction of a database of average cross-sections in Chinese proximal femurs

The process of constructing a database of average cross-sections in Chinese proximal femurs is described. The main goal of creating the database is for designing hip stems for Chinese patients. Methods for constructing the database are introduced. According to some existing software and programs developed by the authors, a database of average cross-sections in Chinese proximal femurs was built based on CT images of eighty femur-specimens. 3-D shape of a patient's proximal femurs can be reconstructed according to the database and X-ray radiographs. Theoretical analyses and results of clinical application indicate that the database can be used to design hip stems for Chinese patients.

Characterization of Ga NAs/ Ga As and Ga In NAs/ Ga As Quantum Wells Grown by Plasma-Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy: Effects of Ion Damage

The effects of ion damage on Ga NAs/Ga As and Ga In NAs/Ga As quantum wells ( QWs) grown by plas- ma- assisted molecular beam epitaxy have been investigated. Itis found thation damage is a key factor affecting the quality of Ga NAs and Ga In NAs QWs. Obvious appearance of pendello¨ sung fringes in X- ray diffraction pattern and remarkable im provement in the optical properties of the samples grown with ion removal magnets are observed.By removing nitrogen ions,the PL intensity of the Ga In NAs QW is improved so as to be comparable with that of Ga In As QW. The stronger is the magnetic field,the m ore obvious the PL intensity im provement would be.

A CT-based radiomics nomogram for prediction of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status in patients with gastric cancer

Objective: To develop and validate a computed tomography(CT)-based radiomics nomogram for predicting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2) status in patients with gastric cancer.Methods: This retrospective study included 134 patients with gastric cancer(HER2-negative: n=87;HER2-positive: n=47) from April 2013 to March 2018, who were then randomly divided into training(n=94) and validation(n=40) cohorts. Radiomics features were obtained from the CT images showing gastric cancer. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO) regression analysis was utilized for building the radiomics signature. A multivariable logistic regression method was applied to develop a prediction model incorporating the radiomics signature and independent clinicopathologic risk predictors, which were then visualized as a radiomics nomogram. The predictive performance of the nomogram was assessed in the training and validation cohorts.Results: The radiomics signature was significantly associated with HER2 status in both training(P<0.001) and validation(P=0.023) cohorts. The prediction model that incorporated the radiomics signature and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) level demonstrated good discriminative performance for HER2 status prediction,with an area under the curve(AUC) of 0.799 [95% confidence interval(95% CI): 0.704-0.894] in the training cohort and 0.771(95% CI: 0.607-0.934) in the validation cohort. The calibration curve of the radiomics nomogram also showed good calibration. Decision curve analysis showed that the radiomics nomogram was useful.Conclusions: We built and validated a radiomics nomogram with good performance for HER2 status prediction in gastric cancer. This radiomics nomogram could serve as a non-invasive tool to predict HER2 status and guide clinical treatment.

Findings of non-pathologic perfusion defects by CT arterial portography and non-pathologic enhancement of CT hepatic arteriography

AIM To recognize the characteristic findings of non pathologic perfusion defects with CT arterial portography (CTAP) and nonpathologic enhancement found in CT hepatic arteriography (CTHA). METHODS The manifestations of nonpathologic perfusion defects with CTAP and non pathologic enhancement found in CTHA were analyzed in 50 patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS The false positive rate of perfusion defects detected in CTAP was 15 1%. The shapes of perfusion defects were peripheral wedge, small, round, and patchy. The occurrence rate of non pathologic enhancement found in CTHA was 22 0%. The shapes of non pathologic enhancement were small, round, irregular, and wedge. CONCLUSION There was a high frequency of non pathologic perfusion defects detected with CTAP and non pathologic enhancement found in CTHA. The simultaneous use of both procedures may help decrease the false positive rate, and increase the veracity of diagnosis for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Chemical and molecular characterization of Hong Dangshen,a unique medicinal material for diarrhea in Hong Kong

Aim To investigate the plant origin and the identity of the red substance on the surface of Hong Dangshen, a unique medicinal material for diarrhea in Hong Kong. Methods The HPLC fingerprints and 5S rRNA gene spacer sequences of Hong Dangshen were obtained and compared with those of genuine species of Radix Codonopsis. The X-ray diffraction spectrum of the red substance was analyzed and compared with that of Halloysitum fingerprints to the Codonopsis species and the highest similarity to Rubrum. Results Hong Dangshen showed very similar HPLC Codonopsis pilosula var. modesta in terms of 5S rRNA gene spacer sequences. The X-ray diffraction spectrum of the red substance was consistent with that of Halloysitum Rubrum. Conclusion The source plant of Hong Dangshen was suggested to be Codonopsis pilosula var. modesta, one of the genuine original plants of Radix Codonopsis （Dangshen） in the China Pharmacopoeia （2005 edition）. The red substance on the surface of Hong Dangshen was indicated to be Halloysitum Rubrum, a traditional medicinal mineral for chronic diarrhea. Our data suggest that Hong Dangshen is derived from the roots of Codonopsis pilosula var. modesta which has been processed with Halloysitum Rubrum, and the name is suggested to be Radix Codonopsis Praeparata Halloysita Rubra.

Role of cardiac CTA in estimating left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction

Left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)is an impor-tant predictor of cardiac outcome and helps in makingimportant diagnostic and therapeutic decisions suchas the treatment of different types of congestive heartfailure or implantation of devices like cardiac resynchro-nization therapy-defibrillator.LVEF can be measuredby various techniques such as transthoracic echo-cardiography,contrast ventriculography,radionuclidetechniques,cardiac magnetic resonance imaging andcardiac computed tomographic angiography(CTA).Thedevelopment of cardiac CTA using multi-detector rowCT(MDCT)has seen a very rapid improvement in thetechnology for identifying coronary artery stenosis andcoronary artery disease in the last decade.During theacquisition,processing and analysis of data to studycoronary anatomy,MDCT provides a unique opportunityto measure left ventricular volumes and LVEF simulta-neously with the same data set without the need foradditional contrast or radiation exposure.The develop-ment of semi-automated and automated software to measure LVEF has now added uniformity,efficiency and reproducibility of practical value in clinical practice rather than just being a research tool.This article will address the feasibility,the accuracy and the limitations of MDCT in measuring LVEF.

A high-position-resolution trajectory detector system for cosmic ray muon tomography:Monte Carlo simulation

Purpose The research focuses on the related designing and simulating the high-position-resolution trajectory detector system based on cosmic ray muon tomography.Methods The energy deposition of muon in the detector varies with the length of the ionization path.Results The simulation of the submillimeter detector system was designed for muon imaging.The optimal position resolution of the detector reached 0.6 mm.Conclusions The entire research process includes the selection of analysis of parameters affecting system design,designing of two high-position-resolution detectors based on plastic scintillators,implementation of different imaging algorithms and image quality assessment based on different imaging models.It provides a solution based on high positional resolution plastic scintillator detectors for cosmic ray muon scattering imaging.

Application of polycapillary x ray lens to eliminate both the effect of x ray source size and scatter of the sample in laboratory tomography

A tomography device based on a conventional laboratory x ray source, polycapillary parallel x ray lens （PPXRL）, and polycapillary collimating x ray lens （PCXRL） is designed. The PPXRL can collect the divergent x ray beam from the source and focus it into a quasi-parallel x ray beam with a divergence of 4.7 rarad. In the center of quasi-parallel x ray beam, there is a plateau region with an average gain in power density of 13.8 and a diameter of 630μm. The contrast of the image can be improved from 28.9% to 56.0% after adding the PCXRL between the sample and the detector.