FPGA-based High-precision Measurement Algorithm for the Ultrasonic Echo Time of Flight

Based on the evaluation of advantages and disadvantages of high-precision digital time interval measuring algorithms, and combined with the principle of the typical time-difference ultrasonic flow measurement, the requirements for the measurement of echo time of flight put forward by the ultrasonic flow measurement are analyzed. A new high-precision time interval measurement algorithm is presented, which combines the pulse counting method with the phase delay interpolation. The pulse counting method is used to ensure a large dynamic measuring range, and a double-edge triggering counter is designed to improve the accuracy and reduce the counting quantization error. The phase delay interpolation is used to reduce the quantization error of pulse counting for further improving the time measurement resolution. Test data show that the systexn for the measurement of the ultrasonic echo time of flight based on this algorithm and implemented on an Field Programmable Gate Army（FleA） needs a relatively short time for measurement, and has a measurement error of less than 105 ps.

A New Method for Detecting Internal Defects in Composite Materials Based on Time of Flight

Carbon-fiber reinforced polymer composites have been widely used to achieve the light-weighted design and high performance due to superior performance. Internal defects in the composite materials are the main factors that determine their performance,which makes reliable and effective detection methods of internal defects essential. Nondestructive testing(NDT)methods are the most widely-used way due to their tremendous advantages. Though the theoretical background is found,experimental results could be quite complicated and confusing,especially for composite materials with complex defects characteristics. In this paper,experimental study on internal defects in composite materials based on the time of flight(ToF)are investigated. The Gaussian echo model and the parameter estimation methods are established to build a theoretical model for measurements. Then,the distance amplitude correction(DAC)method is proposed to effectively improve the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and to reduce distortion of the signal during measurements. Finally,the ToF is adopted to determine depth of internal defects. Experiment study is conducted to investigate the porosity defects and the anti-impact performance of composite materials,as well as defects in objects with various thicknesses. Experimental results show that the proposed method is quite helpful for obtaining the intuition and deep understanding of internal defects,thus contributing to the determination of product performance and its improvement.

A review of ToF-based LiDAR

In recent years,propelled by the rapid iterative advancements in digital imaging technology and the semiconductor industry,encompassing microelectronic design,manufacturing,packaging,and testing,time-of-flight(ToF)-based imaging systems for acquiring depth information have garnered considerable attention from both academia and industry.This technology has emerged as a focal point of research within the realm of 3D imaging.Owing to its relatively straightforward principles and exceptional performance,ToF technology finds extensive applications across various domains including human−computer interaction,autonomous driving,industrial inspection,medical and healthcare,augmented reality,smart homes,and 3D reconstruction,among others.Notably,the increasing maturity of ToF-based LiDAR systems is evident in current developments.This paper comprehensively reviews the fundamental principles of ToF technology and LiDAR systems,alongside recent research advancements.It elucidates the innovative aspects and technical challenges encountered in both transmitter(TX)and receiver(RX),providing detailed discussions on corresponding solutions.Furthermore,the paper explores prospective avenues for future research,offering valuable insights for subsequent investigations.

Calculation of the reactor neutron time of flight spectrum by convolution technique

It is a very complex and time-consuming process to simulate the nuclear reactor neutron spectrum from the reactor core to the export channel by applying a Monte Carlo program. This paper presents a new method to calculate the neutron spectrum by using the convolution technique which considers the channel transportation as a linear system and the transportation scattering as the response function. It also applies Monte Carlo Neutron and Photon Transport Code （MCNP） to simulate the response function numerically. With the application of convolution technique to calculate the spectrum distribution from the core to the channel, the process is then much more convenient only with the simple numerical integral numeration. This saves computer time and reduces some trouble in re-writing of the MCNP program.

A novel sample preparation method of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry for polystyrene

A novel sample preparation method of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry for polystyrene was reported. Compared to the conventional dried-droplet method, the efficiency of ionization and signal intensity of mass spectra were improved. The mechanism was also analyzed.

Screening for Plant Toxins in Honey and Herbal Beverage by Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Ion Mobility-Quadrupole Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry

The standards of plant toxins were separated by a C18 column with gradient elution with 0.1% formic acid/water (V/V) and 0.1% formic acid/acetonitrile (V/V) as mobile phase and acquired by ion mobility-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (IM-QTOF MS) in positive ion mode. A database of 308 plant toxins including retention time, collision cross-section (CCS) and its fragment ions was established. Honey dissolved in water or herbal beverage was extracted by acetonitrile and purified with PSA sorbent, and then acquired by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography IM-QTOFMS. The acquired data were processed by comparing with the database we established to confirm the target compounds. The average recoveries for samples at two levels ranged from 60.6% - 120.1%, with relative standard deviation (n = 6) less than 25%. The limit of quantitation for plant toxins ranged from 1 - 20 μg/kg. The developed screening method was used in determination of honey, herbal beverage and honey flavored tea beverage samples. The results showed that berberine was detected in one honey with 1 μg/kg and caffeine was present in some beverages with the concentration from 200 and 5500 μg/kg. This method could meet the requirement for rapid screening of plant toxins in honey and herbal beverage. It can be used for the quality control of honey and herbal beverage in enterprises or quality inspection departments. It also can be used in the rapid screening of food poisoning.

Impact of random and scattered coincidences from outside of field of view on positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging with different reconstruction protocols

Image quality in positron emission tomography(PET)is affected by random and scattered coincidences and reconstruction protocols.In this study,we investigated the effects of scattered and random coincidences from outside the field of view(FOV)on PET image quality for different reconstruction protocols.Imaging was performed on the Discovery 690 PET/CT scanner,using experimental configurations including the NEMA phantom(a body phantom,with six spheres of different sizes)with a signal background ratio of 4:1.The NEMA phantom(phantom I)was scanned separately in a one-bed position.To simulate the effect of random and scatter coincidences from outside the FOV,six cylindrical phantoms with various diameters were added to the NEMA phantom(phantom II).The 18 emission datasets with mean intervals of 15 min were acquired(3 min/scan).The emission data were reconstructed using different techniques.The image quality parameters were evaluated by both phantoms.Variations in the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)in a 28-mm(10-mm)sphere of phantom II were 37.9%(86.5%)for ordered-subset expectation maximization(OSEM-only),36.8%(81.5%)for point spread function(PSF),32.7%(80.7%)for time of flight(TOF),and 31.5%(77.8%)for OSEM+PSF+TOF,respectively,indicating that OSEM+PSF+TOF reconstruction had the lowest noise levels and lowest coefficient of variation(COV)values.Random and scatter coincidences from outside the FOV induced lower SNR,lower contrast,and higher COV values,indicating image deterioration and significantly impacting smaller sphere sizes.Amongst reconstruction protocols,OSEM+PSF+TOF and OSEM+PSF showed higher contrast values for sphere sizes of 22,28,and 37 mm and higher contrast recovery coefficient values for smaller sphere sizes of 10 and 13 mm.

Experimental and Theoretical Study of Hydrogen Atom Abstraction from C2H6 and C4H10 by Zirconium Oxide Clusters Anions

The reactions of anionic zirconium oxide clusters ZrxOy- with C2H6 and C4H10 are investi-gated by a time of flight mass spectrometer coupled with a laser vaporization cluster source.Hydrogen containing products Zr2O5H- and Zr3O7H- are observed after the reaction. Den-sity functional theory calculations indicate that the hydrogen abstraction is favorable in the reaction of Zr2O5- with C2H6, which supports that the observed Zr2O5H- and Zr3O7H- are due to hydrogen atom abstraction from the alkane molecules. This work shows a newpossible pathway in the reaction of zirconium oxide cluster anions with alkane molecules.

Time calibration of barrel TOF system at BESIII

Purpose In the BESIII experiment,a conventional least square method is currently used to calibrate the time-of-flight(TOF)system,aiming to achieve optimal time resolution.However,it is intricate for conventional methods to handle electronics saturation and boundary effect which affect the time resolution.Methods A novel method based on machine learning techniques for time calibration of barrel TOF system is implemented in this paper.Results and conclusion With the application of boosted decision tree(BDT)algorithm,the overall time resolution of barrel TOF is found to be 64 ps.Compared with conventional method,a notable improvement in time resolution is achieved in the boundary range of the scintillator bar using BDT method.

Source Rock Classification and the Basic Structure of Coal and Kerogen

In accordance with the confusion on classification of source rocks, the authors raised a source rock classification for its enriched and dispersed organic matter types based on both Alpern’s idea and maceral genesis/composition. The determined rock type is roughly similar to palynofacies of Combaz , whereas it is "rock maceral facies (for coal viz. coal facies)" in strictly speaking. Therefore, it is necessary to use the organic ingredients classification proposed by the authors so that it can be used for both maceral analysis and environment research . This source rock classification not only shows sedimentology and diagenetic changes but also acquires organic matter type even if hydrocarbon potential derived from maceral’s geochemical parameters. So, it is considered as genetic classification. The "rock maceral facies" may be transformed to sedimentary organic facies , which is used as quantitative evaluation means if research being perfect.Now, there are many models in terms of structure either for coal or for kerogen. In our opinion, whatever coal or kerogen ought be polymer, then we follow Combaz’s thought and study structure of amorphous kerogens which are accordance with genetic mechanism showing biochemical and geochemical process perfectly. Here, we use the time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOFSIMS) to expand Combaz’s models from three to five. They are also models for coal.

Analysis of variabilities of serum proteomic spectra in patients with gastric cancer before and after operation

AIM： To study the variabilities of serum proteomic spectra in patients with gastric cancer before and after operation in order to detect the specific protein markers that can be used for quick diagnosis of gastric cancer. METHODS： Proteomic spectra of 46 serum samples from patients with gastric cancer before and after operation and 40 from normal individuals were generated by IMAC-Cu protein chip and surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. RESULTS： Fourteen differentially expressed proteins in serum were screened by analysis of proteomic spectra of preoperative patients and normal individuals. We obtained 4 proteins （heat shock protein 27, glucoseregulated protein, prohibitin, protein disulfide isomerase A3） making up marker pattern which was able to class the patient-team and normal-team. These marker patterns yielded 95.7% sensitivity and 92.5% specificity, respectively. The proteins over-expressed in serum of preoperative patients were obviously down-regulated. CONCLUSION： Specific protein markers of gastric cancer can be used for the quick diagnosis of gastric cancer and judgment of prognosis. SELDI-TOF-MS is a useful tool for the detection and identification of new protein markers in serum.

Background removal and weld defect detection based on energy distribution of image

The lateral wave in ultrasonic TOFD （time of flight diffraction） image has a tail in transit time, which disturbs the detection and evaluation of shallow weld defect. Meanwhile, the lateral wave and back-wall echo that act as background add redundant data in digital image processing. In order to separate defect wave from lateral wave and prepare the way for following image processing, an algorithm of background removal method named as mean-subtraction is developed. Based on this, an improved method by statistic of the energy distribution in the image is proposed. The results show that by choosing proper threshold value according to the axial energy distribution of the image, the background can be removed automatically and the defect section becomes predominant. Meanwhile, diffractive wave of shallow weld defect can be separated from lateral wave effectively.

Determination and stress studies on YK-1101,a potential histone deacetylase,by HPLC-UV and HPLC-TOF/MS methods

YK- 1101, with its structure as S-（（E）-4-（（7S, 10S,Z）-4-ethylidene-7-isopropyl-2,5,8,12- tetraoxo -9-oxa- 16-thia-3,6,13,18-tetraazabicyclo[ 13.2.1 ]octadeca- 1 （17）, 15（ 18）-dien- 10-yl）but-3-en- 1 -y l） ethanethioate, is synthesized as a potential histone deacetylase inhibitor. Its quality and stability under various stress conditions are not fully understood. In this study, a high performance liquid chromatographic （HPLC） method was established and validated for the analysis of YK-1101 bulk drug samples. The chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column with acetonitrile and water as mobile phase in a gradient elution. Based on the established method, the stability studies of YK-1101 under various stress conditions were carried out. YK-1101 was shown to undergo degradation under basic and acidic stress conditions, while it was stable under oxidative, photolytic and thermal conditions. In addition~ a time of flight mass spectrometer （TOF/MS） was coupled to HPLC for the characterization of major degradation products produced under basic and acidic stress conditions. Their degradation pathways were also discussed.

Identification of serum biomarkers for diagnosing stage Ⅰ lung adenocarcinoma by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

Objective To identify specific biomarkers that could improve early diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) technology. Methods Serum samples were isolated from 17 patients with stage Ⅰ lung adenocarcinoma and 17 age-and sex-matched healthy controls,and the serum proteomic profiles were obtained by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Results Compared with healthy control group,two highly expressed potential biomarkers were identified with the relative molecular weights of 6 631.64 Da and 4 964.21 Da. The two best novel protein peaks were automatically chosen for the system training and the development of the constructed model. The constructed model was then used to test an independent set of masked serum samples from 15 lung adenocarcinoma patients and 22 healthy individuals. The analysis yielded a sensitivity of 93.3%,and a specificity of 95.5%. Conclusion These results suggest that MALDI-TOF-MS ProteinChip technology is a quick,convenient,and high-output analyzing method that is capable of selecting several relatively potential biomarkers from the serum of lung adenocarcinoma patients and may have a clinical value in the future,and will provide clues to identifying new serologic biomarkers of lung adenocarcinoma.

Establishment and Preliminary Application of Two dimensional Electrophoresis and Mass Spectrometry in Ovary Study

Objective To apply two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry in the ovary proteome researchMethods Protein extractions from mouse ovaries were run in IPGphor isoelectric focus system with 11 cm and 24 cm IPG strips respectively (pH 3～10, 0.3 mm thick), then the protein spots were identified by mass spectrometry.Results The ovary protein exactions separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis have got high resolution, and identifing protein by mass spectrometry was highly efficient and facilitly. These two techniques should facilitate further investigation of female reproduction proteome research.Conclusion These two rapid high resolutions and efficient techniques have a variety of applications foreground in female reproduction proteome pattern research.

Development and performance characterization of a compact plasma focus based portable fast neutron generator

The design details and performance characterization results of a newly developed plasma focus based compact and portable system(0.5 m×0.5 m×1.2 m,weighing≈100 kg)that produces an average neutron yield of^2×10^8 neutrons/shot(of fast D-D neutrons with typical energy^2.45 Me V)at^1.8 k J energy discharge are reported.From the detailed analysis of the experimental characterization and simulation results of this system,it has been conclusively revealed that specifically in plasma focus devices with larger static inductance:(i)pinch current is a reliable and more valid neutron yield scaling parameter than peak current,(ii)the ratio of pinch/peak current improves as static inductance of the system reduces,(iii)the benign role of the higher static/pinch inductance ratio enables the supply of inductively stored energy in densely pinched plasma with a larger time constant and it is well depicted by the extended dip observed in the discharge current trace,(iv)there is the need to redefine existing index values of the pinch(Ipinch^4.7)and peak(Ipeak^3.9)currents in neutron yield scaling equations to higher values.

Energy and flux measurements of laser-induced silver plasma ions by using Faraday cup

Silver(Ag)plasma has been generated by employing Nd:YAG laser(532 nm,6 ns)laser irradiation.The energy and flux of ions have been evaluated by using Faraday cup(FC)using time of flight(TOF)measurements.The dual peak signals of fast and slow Ag plasma ions have been identified.Both energy and flux of fast and slow ions tend to increase with increasing irradiance from 7 GW cm-2 to 17.9 GW cm-2 at all distances of FC from the target surface.Similarly a decreasing trend of energies and flux of ions has been observed with increasing distance of FC from the target.The maximum value of flux of the fast component is21.2×10^(10) cm^(-2),whereas for slow ions the maximum energy and flux values are 8.8 keV,8.2×10^(10) cm^(-2) respectively.For the analysis of plume expansion dynamics,the angular distribution of ion flux measurement has also been performed.The overall analysis of both spatial and angular distributions of Ag ions revealed that the maximum flux of Ag plasma ions has been observed at an optimal angle of~15°.In order to confirm the ion acceleration by ambipolar field,the self-generated electric field(SGEF)measurements have also been performed by electric probe;these SGEF measurements tend to increase by increasing laser irradiance.The maximum value of 232 V m^(-1) has been obtained at a maximum laser irradiance of 17.9 GW cm^(-2).

Suppression of Photoinduced BBO Defects Generation on TIO2（110） by Water

We have investigated creation of variable concentrations of defects on TIO2（110）-（1×1） surface by 266 nm laser using temperature programmed desorption technique. Oxygen-vacancy defects can be easily induced by ultraviolet light, the defects concentration has a linear dependence on power density higher than 50 mW/cm2 for 90 s irradiation. No observation of O2 molecule and Ti atom desorption suggests that UV induced defects creation on TiO2（110）-（1×1） is an effective and gentle method. With pre-dosage of thin films of water, the rate of defects creation on TiO2（110）-（1×1） is slower at least by two orders of magnitude than bare TiO2（110）-（1×1） surface. Further investigations show that water can be more easily desorbed by UV light, and thus desorption of bridging oxygen is depressed.

Diagnosis of Tumor-Like Polypoid Lesions of Gallbladder by Serum Proteomic Fingerprint

Objective： To search the specific serum proteins in tumor-like polypoid lesions of the gallbladder（PLG） patients. Methods： Surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry （SELDI-TOF-MS） technique and WCX Magnetic Beads were used to detect the serum proteomic fingerprint of 23 patients with tumor-like PLG, 21 patients with non tumor-like PLG and 26 normal persons. Biomarker Wizard and Biomarker Patterns Software were used in combination to analyze the data. Results： In the preliminary screening, 22 representative specific proteins for tumor-like PLG were found. Seven specific proteins showed increased expression and 15 specific proteins showed decreased expression in the tumor-like PLG patients. Three specific proteins are selected for the diagnosis of the tumor-like PLG.. Conclusion： SELDI-TOF-MS technique can be used to select specific proteins for tumor-like PLG patients, which may be useful for the diagnosis of the tumor-like PLG and the differential diagnosis with the non tumor-like PLG.

Stark spectrum of barium in highly excited Rydberg states

We present observations of Stark spectra of barium in highly excited Rydberg states in the energy region around n = 35. The one-photon excitation concerns the π transition. The observed Stark spectra at electric fields ranging from 0 to 60 V.cm-1 are well explained by the diagonalization of the Hamiltonian incorporating the core effects. From the Stark maps, the anti-crossings between energy levels are identified experimentally and theoretically. The time of flight spectra at the specified Stark states are recorded, where the deceleration and acceleration of barium atoms are observed. This is very consistent with the prediction derived from the Stark maps from the point of view of energy conservation.