Anisotropy of Trabecular Bone from Ultra-Distal Radius Digital X-Ray Imaging: Effects on Bone Mineral Density and Age

Background: When applied to trabecular bone X-ray images, the anisotropic properties of trabeculae located at ultra-distal radius were investigated by using the trabecular bone scores (TBS) calculated along directions parallel and perpendicular to the forearm. Methodology: Data from more than two hundred subjects were studied retrospectively. A DXA (GE Lunar Prodigy) scan of the forearm was performed on each subject to measure the bone mineral density (BMD) value at the location of ultra-distal radius, and an X-ray digital image of the same forearm was taken on the same day. The values of trabecular bone score along the direction perpendicular to the forearm, TBSx, and along the direction parallel to the forearm, TBSy, were calculated respectively. The statistics of TBSx and TBSy were calculated, and the anisotropy of the trabecular bone, which was defined as the ratio of TBSy to TBSx and changed with subjects’ BMD and age, was reported and analyzed. Results: The results show that the correlation coefficient between TBSx and TBSy was 0.72 (p BMD and age was reported. The results showed that decreased trabecular bone anisotropy was associated with deceased BMD and increased age in the subject group. Conclusions: This study shows that decreased trabecular bone anisotropy was associated with decreased BMD and increased age.

Full-field mapping of internal strain distribution in red sandstone specimen under compression using digital volumetric speckle photography and X-ray computed tomography

It is always desirable to know the interior deformation pattern when a rock is subjected to mechanicalload. Few experimental techniques exist that can represent full-field three-dimensional （3D） straindistribution inside a rock specimen. And yet it is crucial that this information is available for fully understandingthe failure mechanism of rocks or other geomaterials. In this study, by using the newlydeveloped digital volumetric speckle photography （DVSP） technique in conjunction with X-ray computedtomography （CT） and taking advantage of natural 3D speckles formed inside the rock due to materialimpurities and voids, we can probe the interior of a rock to map its deformation pattern under load andshed light on its failure mechanism. We apply this technique to the analysis of a red sandstone specimenunder increasing uniaxial compressive load applied incrementally. The full-field 3D displacement fieldsare obtained in the specimen as a function of the load, from which both the volumetric and the deviatoricstrain fields are calculated. Strain localization zones which lead to the eventual failure of the rock areidentified. The results indicate that both shear and tension are contributing factors to the failuremechanism. 2015 Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Production and hosting byElsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rapid digitalization and panoramic evaluation of weld X-ray film

The computer evaluation of weld X-ray film is an attractive technique for weld seam NDT （ nondestructive testing）. To achieve this target, digitalization of film is the first step and automatic defect identification is another key technique. In this paper, a weld X-ray film digitalizing system has been established with linear array CCD and highlight LED light source. Its space resolution can reach 0. 04 mm/pixel and scanning speed can reach 100 mm/s for an industrial film. The transfer function curves of the system have been measured and the results indicate that its image gray resolution can reach 88 G/D at 4. 5D, and its dynamic range can be wider than 2. OD. In order to facilitate the evaluation of large welded structure, a panoramic evaluation algorithm is developed also. The algorithm includes image matching, image fusion and panoramic evaluation of the long linked film image.

Application of X-ray digital tomosynthesis in knee joint trauma examination

Objective: To explore the clinical value of X-ray digital tomosynthesis(DTS)in the diagnosis of knee joint fractures. Methods: A total of 28 cases of thoracic trauma, X-ray film cannot be clearly diagnosed or can confirm the diagnosis but the need for further identification of forensic diagnosis of cases of DTS scan and three-dimensional reconstruction in order to control the study. Results: 1. The reconstructed images after DTS scanning showed that the knee joint fractures were clearly diagnosed, and the detection rate of 28 knee joint fractures was 92.86%. 2. DTS scanning could clearly detect the fresh knee joint fracture's fracture line, corresponding line and broken bones. For the old fracture, DTS scanning could clearly show the condition of the fracture end's healing. Conclusions: The technique is of great value in the diagnosis of knee joint fracture, especially in the examination of complex structure, thick body and review of internal fixation after fracture.

Research on Influence of Electromagnetic Interference on X-Ray Digital Detection

X-ray digital imaging technology has found wide application owing to its advantages of real-time, visualization and rapid imaging. In substations the substantial electromagnetic interference has some influence on the live detection by the X-ray digital imaging technology, hindering the promotion of the technology in the detection of electric equipment. Based on a large number of field tests, the author carded out a series of researches on electromagnetic interference protection measures, image de-noising, and image enhancement algorithms.

Imaging Analysis of Trabecular Bone Texture Based on the Initial Slope of Variogram of Ultra-Distal Radius Digital X-Ray Imaging: Effects on Bone Mineral Density and Age

Background: When applied to trabecular bone X-ray images, a method for analyzing trabecular bone texture based on the initial slope of variogram (ISV) was used to assess the trabecular bone health. Methodology: Data from more than two hundred subjects were retrospectively studied. For each subject, a DXA (GE Lunar Prodigy) scan of the forearm was performed, and bone mineral density (BMD) value was measured at the location of ultra-distal radius, X-ray digital image of the same forearm was taken on the same day, and ISV value over the same location of ultra-distal radius was calculated. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the correlation between BMD and ISV of the trabecular bones located at the same ultra-distal radius. ISV values changed with subjects’ age were also reported. Results: The results show that ISV value was highly correlated with the DXA-measured BMD of the same trabecular bone located at the ultra-distal radius. The correlation coefficient between ISV and BMD with the 95% confident was 0.79 ± 0.09. They also demonstrated that the age-related changes in trabecular bone health and differentiated age patterns in males and females, respectively. The results showed that the decrease in BMD was accompanied by a decrease in the initial slope of variogram (ISV). Conclusions: This study suggests that ISV might be used to quantitatively evaluate trabecular health for osteoporosis and bone disease diagnosis.

Tracking the phase transformation and microstructural evolution of Sn anode using operando synchrotron X-ray energy-dispersive diffraction and X-ray tomography

Tin(Sn)holds great promise as an anode material for next-generation lithium(Li)ion batteries but suffers from massive volume change and poor cycling performance.To clarify the dynamic chemical and microstructural evolution of Sn anode during lithiation and delithiation,synchrotron X-ray energydispersive diffraction and X-ray tomography are simultaneously employed during Li/Sn cell operation.The intermediate Li-Sn alloy phases during de/lithiation are identified,and their dynamic phase transformation is unraveled which is further correlated with the volume variation of the Sn at particle-and electrode-level.Moreover,we find that the Sn particle expansion/shrinkage induced particle displacement is anisotropic:the displacement perpendicular to the electrode surface(z-axis)is more pronounced compared to the directions(x-and y-axis)along the electrode surface.This anisotropic particle displacement leads to an anisotropic volume variation at the electrode level and eventually generates a net electrode expansion towards the separator after cycling,which could be one of the root causes of mechanical detachment and delamination of electrodes during long-term operation.The unraveled chemical evolution of Li-Sn and deep insights into the microstructural evolution of Sn anode provided here could guide future design and engineering of Sn and other alloy anodes for high energy density Li-and Na-ion batteries.

Head dual energy-computed tomography angiography versus neuro-digital subtraction angiography

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry provides two modes of head computed tomography （CT） angiography scanning： neuro-digital subtraction angiography and dual-energy CT angiography （DE-CTA）. Previous studies have compared image quality, radiation exposure, and bone removal between neuro-digital subtraction angiography and DE-CTA. However, the number of cases was relatively small. The present study examined 300 suspected cases of cerebrovascular disease and observed the methods and duration of post-processing, examination time, and data volume. Results demonstrated similar image quality between the two methods, but lower radiation doses and shorter examination time in DE-CTA. DE-CTA allowed for faster and more stable scanning performance and post-processing methods, facilitating accurate and direct diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease.

Integrating digital twins and deep learning for medical image analysis in the era of COVID-19

Background Digital twins are virtual representations of devices and processes that capture the physical properties of the environment and operational algorithms/techniques in the context of medical devices and tech-nologies.Digital twins may allow healthcare organizations to determine methods of improving medical processes,enhancing patient experience,lowering operating expenses,and extending the value of care.During the present COVID-19 pandemic,various medical devices,such as X-rays and CT scan machines and processes,are constantly being used to collect and analyze medical images.When collecting and processing an extensive volume of data in the form of images,machines and processes sometimes suffer from system failures,creating critical issues for hospitals and patients.Methods To address this,we introduce a digital-twin-based smart healthcare system in-tegrated with medical devices to collect information regarding the current health condition,configuration,and maintenance history of the device/machine/system.Furthermore,medical images,that is,X-rays,are analyzed by using a deep-learning model to detect the infection of COVID-19.The designed system is based on the cascade recurrent convolution neural network(RCNN)architecture.In this architecture,the detector stages are deeper and more sequentially selective against small and close false positives.This architecture is a multi-stage extension of the RCNN model and sequentially trained using the output of one stage for training the other.At each stage,the bounding boxes are adjusted to locate a suitable value of the nearest false positives during the training of the different stages.In this manner,the arrangement of detectors is adjusted to increase the intersection over union,overcoming the problem of overfitting.We train the model by using X-ray images as the model was previously trained on another dataset.Results The developed system achieves good accuracy during the detection phase of COVID-19.The experimental outcomes reveal the efficiency of the detection architecture,which yields a mean average precision rate of 0.94.

A cadaveric breast cancer tissue phantom for phase-contrast X-ray imaging applications

Background:As mammography X-ray imaging technologies advance and provide elevated contrast in soft tissues,a need has developed for reliable imaging phantoms for use in system design and component calibration.In advanced imaging modalities such as refraction-based methods,it is critical that developed phantoms capture the biological details seen in clinical precancerous and cancerous cases while minimizing artifacts that may be caused due to phantom production.This work presents the fabrication of a breast tissue imaging phantom from cadaveric breast tissue suitable for use in both transmission and refraction-enhanced imaging systems.Methods:Human cancer cell tumors were grown orthotopically in nude athymic mice and implanted into the fixed tissue while maintaining the native tumor/adipose tissue interface.Results:The resulting human–murine tissue hybrid phantom was mounted on a clear acrylic housing for absorption and refraction X-ray imaging.Digital breast tomosynthesis was also performed.Conclusion:Both attenuation-based imaging and refraction-based imaging of the phantom are presented to confirm the suitability of this phantom's use in both imaging modalities.

Three-dimensional finite element simulation and reconstruction of jointed rock models using CT scanning and photogrammetry

The geometry of joints has a significant influence on the mechanical properties of rocks.To simplify the curved joint shapes in rocks,the joint shape is usually treated as straight lines or planes in most laboratory experiments and numerical simulations.In this study,the computerized tomography (CT) scanning and photogrammetry were employed to obtain the internal and surface joint structures of a limestone sample,respectively.To describe the joint geometry,the edge detection algorithms and a three-dimensional (3D) matrix mapping method were applied to reconstruct CT-based and photogrammetry-based jointed rock models.For comparison tests,the numerical uniaxial compression tests were conducted on an intact rock sample and a sample with a joint simplified to a plane using the parallel computing method.The results indicate that the mechanical characteristics and failure process of jointed rocks are significantly affected by the geometry of joints.The presence of joints reduces the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS),elastic modulus,and released acoustic emission (AE) energy of rocks by 37%–67%,21%–24%,and 52%–90%,respectively.Compared to the simplified joint sample,the proposed photogrammetry-based numerical model makes the most of the limited geometry information of joints.The UCS,accumulative released AE energy,and elastic modulus of the photogrammetry-based sample were found to be very close to those of the CT-based sample.The UCS value of the simplified joint sample (i.e.38.5 MPa) is much lower than that of the CT-based sample (i.e.72.3 MPa).Additionally,the accumulative released AE energy observed in the simplified joint sample is 3.899 times lower than that observed in the CT-based sample.CT scanning provides a reliable means to visualize the joints in rocks,which can be used to verify the reliability of photogrammetry techniques.The application of the photogrammetry-based sample enables detailed analysis for estimating the mechanical properties of jointed rocks.

Microstructural Characteristics of Asphalt Concrete with Different Gradations by X-ray CT

The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the effects of asphalt concrete types on the microstructural characteristics at high-temperature. Suspend-dense structure and Skeleton-dense structure were selected to investigate the deformation of pavement at meso-scale. The internal microstructures of typical asphalt concretes, AC, SUP and SMA, were scanned by X-ray CT device, and microstructural changes before and after high-temperature damage were researched by digital image processing. Adaptive threshold segmentation algorithm（ATSA） based on image radius was developed and utilized to obtain the binary images of aggregates, air-voids and asphalt mastic. Then the shape and distribution of air-voids and aggregates were analyzed. The results show that the ATSA can distinguish the target and background effectively. Gradation and coarse aggregate size of asphalt mixtures have an obvious influence on the distribution of air-voids. The movements of aggregate particles are complex and aggregates with elliptic sharp show great rotation. The effect of gradation on microstructure during high-temperature damage promotes the research about the failure mechanism of asphalt concrete pavement.

3D anisotropy in shear failure of a typical shale

It is inadequate to study the shear failure anisotropy of shale in only 2D space.Aiming at a 3D analysis,a series of direct shear tests was conducted on Longmaxi shale with three typical bedding orientations:arrester,divider and short-transverse orientations.During testing,acoustic emission(AE)and digital image correlation(DIC)techniques were simultaneously employed to monitor failure development,after testing,X-ray computed tomography(CT)scanning was adopted to acquire and reconstruct the fractures inside typical ruptured samples for more detailed analysis.The results indicated that the shear strength parameters exhibited 3D anisotropies and those of the arrester sample did not have equivalent shear strength parameters to the shale matrix.The maximum(minimum)shear strength and cohesion were obtained with the divider(short-transverse)orientation,and the internal friction angle reached its maximum(minimum)with the divider(arrester)orientation.Combining the AE,DIC and CT techniques,four characteristic stress levels that can capture the progressive shear failure process of shale rocks were identified,and the onset and accelerated development of shear damage-induced dilation were observed at the crack initiation and coalesce stress thresholds,respectively.During the crack coalescence stage,the dominated microcracking mechanism transferred from tensile-mode to shear-mode.For the arrester and divider orientations,more tensile-mode AE events were generated due to the microcracking along the vertical beddings.Compared with the divider samples,a more complex fracture network with a larger fracture area and volume was obtained in the arrester samples,whose strengths were smaller.

Determination of representative elementary volume of digital coal based on fractal theory with X-ray CT data and its application in fractal permeability predication model

Representative elementary volume(REV)is the key to study the heterogeneity of digital coal and characterize its macroscopic and microscopic properties.The permeability evolution law of digital coal based on REV analysis can provide theoretical support for the application of permeability prediction model in multi-scale reservoirs.This study takes typical coal samples from Bofang and Sihe coal mines in Qinshui Basin as research object.First,the nondestructive information of two samples is scanned and visualized.Secondly,the calculation methods of two-dimensional(2D)and threedimensional(3D)fractal dimensions of pores and fractures are illustrated.Then,the determination methods of REV based on porosity and fractal dimension are compared.Finally,the distribution pattern of fractal dimension and porosity curves is studied,the relationship between 2D and 3D fractal dimension is characterized,and the application of fractal permeability model in permeability analysis of multi-scale reservoir is further discussed.The REV size varies greatly in different vertex directions of the same sample and between samples,so REV analysis can only be performed in specific directions.When the REV based on fractal dimension is determined,the porosity curve continues to maintain a downward trend and then tends to be stable.The 2D fractal dimension has a positive linear correlation with the 3D fractal dimension,and the porosity can be expressed as a linear function of the fractal dimension.The permeability through REV analysis domain is mainly affected by fractal dimension,dip angle,azimuth angle and maximum fracture length,which is of great significance for exploring permeability evolution law of coal reservoir at different scales.This study is of great significance for enriching the determination methods of REV in digital coal and exploring the permeability evolution law of multi-scale reservoirs.

Development and application of a high energy X-ray digital radiography nondestructive testing system for a driving mechanism

A high energy X-ray digital radiography(DR)nondestructive testing(NDT)system has been developed to detect the operating state of a driving mechanism.The system consists of five main subsystems,namely,X-ray generator,image intensifier,image processor,mechanical platform and control subsystem.Owning to the mechanical platform,the X-ray generator and image intensifier are able to rotate around the vertical axis from 0°to 360°in 35 s and move along vertical axis within the range of 500 mm in 20 s.The 450 kV X-ray generator provides a maximum 100 mm penetration depth and a coverage angle of 40°,and the resolution of the scanned image is 66 lp/cm.As is indicated by its applications,the system is featured with fast scanning speed,wide detection range and high imaging quality.It can be applied to inspect the defects in the driving mechanism as well.

X线数字断层融合技术在泌尿系统结石定位诊断中的应用

目的探讨X线数字断层融合技术(Tomos技术)在泌尿系结石定位诊断中的应用价值。方法选取确诊的泌尿系结石患者69例,均行肾-输尿管-膀胱摄影(kidney-ureter-bladder,KUB)、Tomos技术及双源CT平扫后重建检查,由影像诊断医师对3种影像进行分级判定和比较。结果双源CT和Tomos技术的图像质量优于KUB平片,双源CT的图像质量优于Tomos技术,双源CT和Tomos技术阳性检出率和确诊率高于KUB平片,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 Tomos技术提高了结石的阳性检出率,且影像质量显著提升,对结石的定位诊断起到有益的补充。

数字断层融合技术对隐匿性骨折的诊断价值

目的:探讨数字断层融合技术对隐匿性骨折的临床诊断价值。方法:对86例DR未能显示骨折或仅可疑骨折患者进行数字断层融合技术检查。结果:86例患者经数字断层融合技术检查后,重建图像均可明显显示骨折征象。结论:数字断层融合技术检查可显示DR检查所不能显示的隐匿性骨折,是X线平片及CT、MRI检查的重要延伸和补充,对于临床治疗具有重要的指导作用。

Evolution of cracks in the shear bands of granite residual soil

The evolution of shear bands and cracks plays an important role in landslides.However,there is no systematic method for classification of the cracks,which can be used to analyze the evolution of cracks in shear bands.In this study,X-ray computed tomography(CT)is used to observe the behavior of granite residual soil during a triaxial shear process.Based on the digital volume correlation(DVC)method,a crack classification method is established according to the connectivity characteristics of cracks before and after loading.Cracks are then divided into six classes:obsolete,brand-new,isolated,split,combined,and compound.With evolution of the shear bands,a large number of brand-new cracks accelerate the damages of materials at the mesoscale,resulting in a sharp decrease in strength.The volume of brandnew cracks increases rapidly with increasing axial strain,and their volume is greater than 50%when the strain reaches 12%,while the volume of compound cracks decreases from 54%to 21%.As cracks are the weakest areas in a material,brand-new cracks accelerate the development of shear bands.Finally,the coupling effect of shear bands and cracks destroys the soil strength.

Comparison in Diagnosing the Postoperative Recurrence of Hepatocarcinoma between MSCT and DSA

Objective： To evaluate the value of MSCT and DSA in diagnosing the postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma by analyzing the results of these two image examinations. Methods： Seventytwo patients with postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma were subjected to MSCT and DSA of their livers. The interval of two examinations was 2 to 14 days. Results： In 51 cases （70.83%）, the recurrent lesions were multiple small nodules （type Ⅰ）, 9 cases （12.36%） were single nodule （type Ⅱ）, and the remaining 12 cases （16.81%） were unequal nodules （type Ⅲ）. The results of two examinations were discrepancy in 10 patients. In 7 cases having positive results in DSA, the number of small nodules in 5 cases displayed by DSA was more than that by MSCT, and 2 cases had negative results in MSCT. In 3 patients having positive results in MSCT, number of small nodules in 2 cases displayed by MSCT was more than that by DSA and 1 case had negative results in DSA. Conclusion： MSCT and DSA had difference in displaying the postoperative recurrent lesions of hepatocellular carcinoma. The combined application of MSCT and DSA would be beneficial to improve the diagnosis of recurrent lesions.

Micromechanical analysis of damage evolution in splitting test of asphalt mixtures

A methodology was presented relating the microstructure of asphalt mixtures to their damage behavior. Digital image techniques were used to capture the asphalt mixture microstructure, and the finite element method was used to simulate the damage evolution of asphalt mixture through splitting test. Aggregates were modeled to be linearly elastic, and the mastics were modeled to be plastically damaged. The splitting test simulation results show that the material heterogeneity, the properties of aggregates and air voids have significant effects on the damage evolution approach. The damage behavior of asphalt mixture considering material heterogeneity is quite different from that of the conventional hypothesis of homogeneous material. The results indicate that the proposed method can be extended to the numerical analysis for the other micromechanical behaviors of asphalt concrete.