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.

A Method to Improve Photographing Function of Common Digital Camera to Small Flowers and Fruits

[ Objective] The aim of this study was to solve the problem of photographing small flowers and fruits with a common digital camera in field. [Method] Firstly, the photographic mode of a common digital camera was set as ＂macro＂ （or ＂soft snap＂ ） and ＂flash off＂. Secondly, the small flower or fruit was magnified with a magnifying glass, and then the magnified flower or fruit was automatically focused with the digital camera lens. After automatic focusing, the shutter button was pressed and the photograph finished. [Result] With this method, the clear inflo- rescence or floral photographs of Eragrostis pilosa （ Gramineae ） , Bidens biternata （Compositae） and Tribulus terrester （Zygophllaceae） were obtained in field. [ Conclusion] The optical system of a digital camera has been changed by the magnifying glass, which improves the photographic function of a common digital camera to small flowers and fruits, and also easily gets their clear photographs.

A Paraffin Sectioning Method Without Using the Microtome and an Analysis Method for Optical Information of the Plant Anatomical Digital Photographs

[Objective] The research aimed to study a paraffin method without using the microtome,and also introduced an analysis method for optical information of the plant anatomical digital photographs.[Method] The plant material softened or not was embedded in paraffin according to the paraffin method.Cut the thin paraffin sections from the paraffin block with a sharp two-sided blade under anatomical lens.The thin material sections rolled up when they were cut off.Took the section rolls to a slide,and then heated them to melt the paraffin section roll.When the paraffin melted,the sections of plant material were rolled out.After the common or simplified procedures of staining and mounting,the preparations were finished.When an anatomical digital photograph was processed,copy it into the word file and two copies of the original photograph were obtained.One copy was selected to make it to be a negative photograph,and then press the key ＂Press Screen＂ to copy the screen frame.After it was copied into the word file,cut of the unnecessary parts and other operations were carried out,then processed photograph was obtained.[Results] The anatomical preparation for research was gotten.The analyzed digital photograph of the leaf structure of Salix matsudana var.matsudana f.tortuosa has some a three-dimensional effect,and the different leaf structures and cells,e.g.cuticle,cell wall,protoplast,vein,etc.can be identified easily.[Conclusion]The paraffin method without using the microtome has advantages of low cost and higher efficiency,which could be applied by the beginner or in the time without a microtome to be used.The analysis of the plant anatomical digital photographs can acquire more structural information than the original digital photographs,which shows the potentiality and prospects of the optical information analysis of the microscopic imagery and its digital photograph.

A Digital Photographic Technique for Knee Range of Motion Measurement: Performance in a Total Knee Arthroplasty Clinical Population

Background: Knee range of motion is an essential outcome measure following total knee arthroplasty and it is important to measure this outcome with a simple and accurate tool. Measurement from digital photographs could provide a superior clinical alternative to the common goniometer as devices for capturing digital photographs are becoming more accessible, measurement accuracy is assisted with the associated software and images can be saved and stored for later reference. This ability to store images with measurements could be particularly useful in research involving knee range of motion. This study evaluated the validity and reliability of a simple photographic measurement technique to measure knee flexion and extension of patients following knee arthroplasty.Methods: Knee flexion and extension of 38 subjects who had undergone total knee arthroplasty were assessed at the one year post-operative review with the digital technique and a universal goniometer as the criterion reference. Digital measurements were repeated one month later by the first assessor (intra-tester reliability) and another independent assessor (inter-tester reliability).Results: Validity: the digital technique was found to have a high level of agreement with the universal goniometer measurements (all MAD sion with almost perfect Intra-Class Correlations (Intra-tester;flexion 0.99, extension 0.96;inter-tester;flexion 0.97, extension 0.93).Conclusion: Measurement of knee range of motion from digital photographs can be used in routine clinical total knee arthroplasty follow-up instead of, or interchangeably with the universal goniometer.

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.

Digital reconstruction of ancient Egyptian tombs

From the pyramids of Giza to the tombs of Thebes at Luxor, the glorious ancient Egyptian history has produced remarkable architecture. Sadly, tourists, numbering nearly four million per year, have taken a heavy toll on many of these ancient structures. Of particular concern are many of tombs located opposite Luxor on the western bank of the Nile. Digital reconstruction of these tombs has the potential of helping to document and preserve these important historical structures. Issues concernng new and unique problems involving the photographing and digital reconstruction of these tombs are addressed. Techniques for removing image distortions, recovering 3-D shapes and correcting for lighting imbalances are discussed. A complete reconstruction of the tomb of Sennediem is shown.

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.

Photo Socialization in Digital Natives

In the following work of research, we shall present the results of a study on forms of digital photographic socialization as carried out by the so-called ＂digital natives＂ in order to explore their competence in managing digital photographic output and cultural practices. This shall be done under the following categories of analysis： snapshot, organization, socialization, reception, privacy, and copyrights in digital photography. The study explores the forms of digital photography production, technical problems of photographic management and the final uses that digital photographers give to their photos in terms of web tools 2.0, mobile telephones and social networks. Digital photography technology, compact cameras, mobile phones with cameras, specialized websites in photography and the lnternet generate new forms of production and emerging styles of digital photographic socialization. The study is carried out using a defined sample of university students, those digital natives who create and use digital photography.

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.

摄影艺术设计在数字媒体展示中的融入策略

新时代的民众,艺术水平日渐提升,对视觉层面的要求也随之提高,传统的摄影艺术已难以满足民众的需求。数字媒体的出现推动摄影艺术创新发展,可促进摄影作品动态化展示,弥补传统摄影艺术的不足,更好地保障民众的视觉需求获得满足。基于此,本文对摄影艺术和数字媒体展示的关系进行分析,指出摄影艺术设计和数字媒体展示融合的条件,提出摄影艺术设计在数字媒体展示中的融入策略。

人工智能口腔实景图像识别技术用于龋齿筛查的效能研究

目的基于人工智能(AI)图像识别技术,评估智能手机(Sp)和数字化单反相机(DSLR)两种设备采集的口内实景照片用于龋齿筛查的效能研究。方法建设“益生牙kid”AI龋齿筛查云平台,通过AI图像识别深度学习算法不断迭代学习口腔临床医生筛查龋齿的方法,并用混合矩阵验证其识别效果。使用Sp及DSLR两种设备,同时采集27位受试者口内照片。每位受试者按照采集标准,Sp和DSLR分别获取3张、5张不同牙位照片,两组照片提取上传至龋齿筛查云平台,分别获得359、480个牙位龋齿筛查结果。受试者同时接受口腔医师使用WHO龋齿分级评判标准进行临床龋齿筛查。采用敏感度、特异度及曲线下面积(AUC)等作为AI龋齿图像识别效果的评价指标。结果混淆矩阵结果显示低风险早期龋和高风险成洞龋识别准确度高达90%以上,而中风险釉质轻度缺损龋齿识别准确度仅为32%。口腔医师采用WHO龋齿评判标准与AI筛查龋齿结果比较,Sp拍摄的口内照片诊断龋齿敏感度、特异度及AUC值分别为75.6%、85.8%及0.849;DSLR拍摄的口内照片诊断龋齿敏感度、特异度及AUC值分别为80.0%、86.2%及0.859。结论AI口腔实景图像识别龋齿筛查技术与临床医生龋齿诊断结果接近。Sp拍摄龋齿照片更便捷高效,与临床DSLR相比筛查正确率接近,实际推广应用价值更高。

电影的“本来”与“未来”:再论巴赞电影“本体论”

“电影是什么”是巴赞电影本体论的核心问题,摄影影像是“电影—存在”的前电影形态,以空间真实性为核心的电影真实性是“电影—存在”的必要前提,“完整电影”是“电影—存在”的未来想象。巴赞的本体论思考贯穿了“电影—存在”的过去、现在和未来,其提出的一些假设与论断和21世纪数字影像、数字电影的发展状况相当吻合,其电影理论和思考远未破产,在当下依旧能带来启示和思考。

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.