BACKGROUND Axial and coronal reformations have been a widely used image post-processing protocol for the ordinary multidetector computed tomography(MDCT)examination of patients with small bowel obstruction(SBO) or oth...BACKGROUND Axial and coronal reformations have been a widely used image post-processing protocol for the ordinary multidetector computed tomography(MDCT)examination of patients with small bowel obstruction(SBO) or other abdominal diseases. The diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for assessing SBO is expected to be further improved through the use of multiple post-processing techniques.AIM To systemically evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of an optimized protocol using multiple post-processing techniques for MDCT assessment of SBO and secondary bowel ischemia.METHODS This retrospective cross-sectional study included 106 patients with clinically suspected SBO. Two readers applied three protocols to image post-processing and interpretation of patients' MDCT volume data. We compared the three protocols based on time spent, number of images, diagnostic self-confidence,agreement, detection rate, and accuracy of detection of SBO and secondary bowel ischemia.RESULTS Protocol 2 resulted in more time spent and number of images than protocols 1 and 3(P < 0.01), but the results of the two readers using the same protocol were not different(P > 0.05). Using protocol 3, both readers added multiple postprocessing techniques at frequencies of 29.2% and 34.9%, respectively, for obstruction cause, and 32.1% and 30.2%, respectively, for secondary bowel ischemia. Protocols 2 and 3 had higher total detection rates of obstruction cause and secondary bowel ischemia than protocol 1(P < 0.01), but no difference was detected between protocols 2 and 3(P > 0.05). The accuracy, sensitivity,specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of protocols 2 and 3 were superior to those of protocol 1 for evaluating obstruction cause and secondary bowel ischemia.CONCLUSION Our optimized protocol of multiple post-processing techniques can both guarantee efficiency and improve diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for assessing SBO and secondary bowel ischemia.展开更多
Mining operation, especially underground coal mining, always has the remarkable risks of ground control. Passive seismic velocity tomography based on simultaneous iterative reconstructive technique （SIRT） inversion ...Mining operation, especially underground coal mining, always has the remarkable risks of ground control. Passive seismic velocity tomography based on simultaneous iterative reconstructive technique （SIRT） inversion is used to deduce the stress redistribution around the longwall mining panel. The mining-induced microseismic events were recorded by mounting an array of receivers on the surface, above the active panel. After processing and filtering the seismic data, the three-dimensional tomography images of the p-wave velocity variations by SIRT passive seismic velocity tomography were provided. To display the velocity changes on coal seam level and subsequently to infer the stress redistribution, these three-dimensional tomograms into the coal seam level were sliced. In addition, the boundary element method （BEM） was used to simulate the stress redistribution. The results show that the inferred stresses from the passive seismic tomograms are conformed to numerical models and theoretical concept of the stress redistribution around the longwall panel. In velocity tomograms, the main zones of the stress redistribution arotmd the panel, including front and side abutment pressures, and gob stress are obvious and also the movement of stress zones along the face advancement is evident. Moreover, the effect of the advance rate of the face on the stress redistribution is demonstrated in tomography images. The research result proves that the SIRT passive seismic velocity tomography has an ultimate potential for monitoring the changes of stress redistribution around the longwall mining panel continuously and subsequently to improve safety of mining operations.展开更多
Different sedimentary zones in coral reefs lead to significant anisotropy in the pore structure of coral reef limestone(CRL),making it difficult to study mechanical behaviors.With X-ray computed tomography(CT),112 CRL...Different sedimentary zones in coral reefs lead to significant anisotropy in the pore structure of coral reef limestone(CRL),making it difficult to study mechanical behaviors.With X-ray computed tomography(CT),112 CRL samples were utilized for training the support vector machine(SVM)-,random forest(RF)-,and back propagation neural network(BPNN)-based models,respectively.Simultaneously,the machine learning model was embedded into genetic algorithm(GA)for parameter optimization to effectively predict uniaxial compressive strength(UCS)of CRL.Results indicate that the BPNN model with five hidden layers presents the best training effect in the data set of CRL.The SVM-based model shows a tendency to overfitting in the training set and poor generalization ability in the testing set.The RF-based model is suitable for training CRL samples with large data.Analysis of Pearson correlation coefficient matrix and the percentage increment method of performance metrics shows that the dry density,pore structure,and porosity of CRL are strongly correlated to UCS.However,the P-wave velocity is almost uncorrelated to the UCS,which is significantly distinct from the law for homogenous geomaterials.In addition,the pore tensor proposed in this paper can effectively reflect the pore structure of coral framework limestone(CFL)and coral boulder limestone(CBL),realizing the quantitative characterization of the heterogeneity and anisotropy of pore.The pore tensor provides a feasible idea to establish the relationship between pore structure and mechanical behavior of CRL.展开更多
Utilizing lightweight Al alloys in various industrial applications requires achieving precise pressure tightness and leak requirements.Vacuum pressure impregnation(VPI)with thermosetting polymers is commonly used to a...Utilizing lightweight Al alloys in various industrial applications requires achieving precise pressure tightness and leak requirements.Vacuum pressure impregnation(VPI)with thermosetting polymers is commonly used to address leakage defects in die-cast Al alloys.In this study,the efficacy of the VPI technique in sealing alloy parts was investigated using a combination of nondestructive micro X-ray computed tomography(micro XCT)and a standard leak test.The results demonstrate that the commonly used water leak test is insufficient for determining the sealing performance.Instead,micro XCT shows distinct advantages by enabling more comprehensive analysis.It reveals the presence of a low atomic number impregnates sealant within casting defects,which has low grey contrast and allows for visualizing primary leakage paths in 3D.The effective atomic number of impregnated resin is 6.75 and that of Al alloy is 13.69 by dual-energy X-ray CT.This research findings will contribute to enhancing the standard VPI process parameters and the properties of impregnating sealants to improve quality assurance for impregnation in industrial metals.展开更多
In order to ensure access to drinking water for Benin populations by 2021, the Emergency Measure program for the reinforcement of the drinking water supply system of Savalou city was initiated in 2018. This program fo...In order to ensure access to drinking water for Benin populations by 2021, the Emergency Measure program for the reinforcement of the drinking water supply system of Savalou city was initiated in 2018. This program focuses on densification and extension of hydraulic infrastructures. Therefore, it is prominent to use rigorous approach for implementation and execution of drilling activities. The present work has the advantage of combining the use of electrical resistivity tomography and borehole technique to locate ten high flow drilling in Savalou city. The electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) panels were made based on the dipole-dipole arrays with 48 electrodes with 5 m inter-electrode spacing. The drilling was carried out over ten selected points and in two stages: confirmation test using piezometer and borehole diameter enlargement. Moreover, only piezometers with flow rate greater than 10 m3/h were enlarged. The tomography processing has identified 10 fractured zones that are defined by 250 - 1000 ohm.m resistivity values and a width between 15 - 55 m. The confirmation test carried out over ten piezometers exhibits high flow rates ranging from 9 to 35 m3/h with depths of 30 to 68 m. Nine over the ten boreholes with a flow rate equal or greater than 10 m3/h, have improved their flow rates by 50% to 100% after the boring technique. Thus, the cumulative flow rate has reached 252. 7 m3/h for Savalou city and his surrounding areas.展开更多
BACKGROUND The auricle,or auricula,defines the visible boundaries of the external ear and is essential in forensic investigations,including facial reconstruction and human remains identification.Beyond its forensic si...BACKGROUND The auricle,or auricula,defines the visible boundaries of the external ear and is essential in forensic investigations,including facial reconstruction and human remains identification.Beyond its forensic significance,auricular morphology attracts interest from various fields,such as medicine and industry.The size of the ears is culturally associated with health and longevity,while surgical techniques for ear reconstruction address both congenital and aesthetic concerns.AIM To determine whether known correlations with various measurements and observations regarding sex and age could also be established through computed tomography(CT).METHODS Computed tomography scans of the head from 342 females and 329 males aged 18 to 97 years(mean=60±19 years)were included in this study.Different auricular lengths,widths and perimeters were measured for both sides.Additionally,the preauricular area was assessed using three-dimensional volume rendering tech-nique images.RESULTS The measured auricular dimensions in centimeters are presented as mean values(right/left)for males(length 16.91±0.51/6.93±0.52;length 22.83±0.35/2.84±0.34;width 13.94±0.32/4.01±0.36;width 23.51±0.34/3.46±0.31;perimeter 17.66±1.25/17.71±1.28)and females(length 16.44±0.5/6.48±0.51;length 22.7±0.32/2.71±0.33;width 13.6±0.32/3.68±0.31;width 23.3±0.3/3.26±0.27;perimeter 16.36±1.2/16.46±1.2).A positive correlation with age was shown in all measurements,with the highest value for perimeter in both,males(r-value:right/left:0.49/0.47)and females(r-value:right/left:0.53/0.53).After confounding factors were excluded,the preauricular vertical line was first seen at 45 years.The mean age for males with preauricular vertical lines was 66.65±10.92 years(95%CI:63.99-69.3),while without vertical lines,it was 44.48±16.15 years(95%CI:41.21-47.74);for females,it was 70.18±12.44 years(95%CI:68.9-71.46)with and 47.87±17.09 years(95%CI:45.96-49.78)without vertical lines.CONCLUSION In this study,we pioneered the use of CT volumetric data to examine human auricle morphology and we achieved a precise 3D(pre-)auricular assessment.Sex-specific positive correlations between ear dimensions and age,as well as the mean age for the appearance of preauricular lines,were identified,providing valuable insights into the capabilities of modern CT devices.展开更多
BACKGROUND Coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)is the preferred noninvasive examination method for coronary heart disease.However,the radiation from computed tomography has become a concern since public awar...BACKGROUND Coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)is the preferred noninvasive examination method for coronary heart disease.However,the radiation from computed tomography has become a concern since public awareness of radiation hazards continue to increase.AIM To explore the value of multiple dose reduction techniques for CCTA.METHODS Consecutive normal and overweight patients were prospectively divided into two groups:Group A1,patients who received multiple dose reduction scans(n=82);and group A2,patients who received conventional scans(n=39).The scan parameters for group A1 were as follows:Isocentric scan,tube voltage=80 kV,and tube current control using 80%smart milliampere.The scan parameters for group A2 were as follows:Normal position,tube voltage=100 kV,and smart milliampere.RESULTS The average effective doses(EDs)for groups A1 and A2 were 1.13±0.35 and 3.36±1.30 mSv,respectively.There was a statistically significant difference in ED between the two groups(P<0.01).Furthermore,noise was significantly lower,and both signal-to-noise ratio and contrast signal-to-noise ratio were higher in group A2 when compared to group A1(P<0.01).Moreover,the subjective image quality(IQ)scores were excellent in both groups,in which there was no significant difference in subjective IQ score between the two groups(P=0.12).CONCLUSION Multiple dose reduction scan techniques can significantly decrease the ED of patients receiving CCTA examinations for clinical diagnosis.展开更多
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81671943
文摘BACKGROUND Axial and coronal reformations have been a widely used image post-processing protocol for the ordinary multidetector computed tomography(MDCT)examination of patients with small bowel obstruction(SBO) or other abdominal diseases. The diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for assessing SBO is expected to be further improved through the use of multiple post-processing techniques.AIM To systemically evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of an optimized protocol using multiple post-processing techniques for MDCT assessment of SBO and secondary bowel ischemia.METHODS This retrospective cross-sectional study included 106 patients with clinically suspected SBO. Two readers applied three protocols to image post-processing and interpretation of patients' MDCT volume data. We compared the three protocols based on time spent, number of images, diagnostic self-confidence,agreement, detection rate, and accuracy of detection of SBO and secondary bowel ischemia.RESULTS Protocol 2 resulted in more time spent and number of images than protocols 1 and 3(P < 0.01), but the results of the two readers using the same protocol were not different(P > 0.05). Using protocol 3, both readers added multiple postprocessing techniques at frequencies of 29.2% and 34.9%, respectively, for obstruction cause, and 32.1% and 30.2%, respectively, for secondary bowel ischemia. Protocols 2 and 3 had higher total detection rates of obstruction cause and secondary bowel ischemia than protocol 1(P < 0.01), but no difference was detected between protocols 2 and 3(P > 0.05). The accuracy, sensitivity,specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of protocols 2 and 3 were superior to those of protocol 1 for evaluating obstruction cause and secondary bowel ischemia.CONCLUSION Our optimized protocol of multiple post-processing techniques can both guarantee efficiency and improve diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for assessing SBO and secondary bowel ischemia.
文摘Mining operation, especially underground coal mining, always has the remarkable risks of ground control. Passive seismic velocity tomography based on simultaneous iterative reconstructive technique （SIRT） inversion is used to deduce the stress redistribution around the longwall mining panel. The mining-induced microseismic events were recorded by mounting an array of receivers on the surface, above the active panel. After processing and filtering the seismic data, the three-dimensional tomography images of the p-wave velocity variations by SIRT passive seismic velocity tomography were provided. To display the velocity changes on coal seam level and subsequently to infer the stress redistribution, these three-dimensional tomograms into the coal seam level were sliced. In addition, the boundary element method （BEM） was used to simulate the stress redistribution. The results show that the inferred stresses from the passive seismic tomograms are conformed to numerical models and theoretical concept of the stress redistribution around the longwall panel. In velocity tomograms, the main zones of the stress redistribution arotmd the panel, including front and side abutment pressures, and gob stress are obvious and also the movement of stress zones along the face advancement is evident. Moreover, the effect of the advance rate of the face on the stress redistribution is demonstrated in tomography images. The research result proves that the SIRT passive seismic velocity tomography has an ultimate potential for monitoring the changes of stress redistribution around the longwall mining panel continuously and subsequently to improve safety of mining operations.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.41877267 and 41877260)the Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDA13010201).
文摘Different sedimentary zones in coral reefs lead to significant anisotropy in the pore structure of coral reef limestone(CRL),making it difficult to study mechanical behaviors.With X-ray computed tomography(CT),112 CRL samples were utilized for training the support vector machine(SVM)-,random forest(RF)-,and back propagation neural network(BPNN)-based models,respectively.Simultaneously,the machine learning model was embedded into genetic algorithm(GA)for parameter optimization to effectively predict uniaxial compressive strength(UCS)of CRL.Results indicate that the BPNN model with five hidden layers presents the best training effect in the data set of CRL.The SVM-based model shows a tendency to overfitting in the training set and poor generalization ability in the testing set.The RF-based model is suitable for training CRL samples with large data.Analysis of Pearson correlation coefficient matrix and the percentage increment method of performance metrics shows that the dry density,pore structure,and porosity of CRL are strongly correlated to UCS.However,the P-wave velocity is almost uncorrelated to the UCS,which is significantly distinct from the law for homogenous geomaterials.In addition,the pore tensor proposed in this paper can effectively reflect the pore structure of coral framework limestone(CFL)and coral boulder limestone(CBL),realizing the quantitative characterization of the heterogeneity and anisotropy of pore.The pore tensor provides a feasible idea to establish the relationship between pore structure and mechanical behavior of CRL.
文摘Utilizing lightweight Al alloys in various industrial applications requires achieving precise pressure tightness and leak requirements.Vacuum pressure impregnation(VPI)with thermosetting polymers is commonly used to address leakage defects in die-cast Al alloys.In this study,the efficacy of the VPI technique in sealing alloy parts was investigated using a combination of nondestructive micro X-ray computed tomography(micro XCT)and a standard leak test.The results demonstrate that the commonly used water leak test is insufficient for determining the sealing performance.Instead,micro XCT shows distinct advantages by enabling more comprehensive analysis.It reveals the presence of a low atomic number impregnates sealant within casting defects,which has low grey contrast and allows for visualizing primary leakage paths in 3D.The effective atomic number of impregnated resin is 6.75 and that of Al alloy is 13.69 by dual-energy X-ray CT.This research findings will contribute to enhancing the standard VPI process parameters and the properties of impregnating sealants to improve quality assurance for impregnation in industrial metals.
文摘In order to ensure access to drinking water for Benin populations by 2021, the Emergency Measure program for the reinforcement of the drinking water supply system of Savalou city was initiated in 2018. This program focuses on densification and extension of hydraulic infrastructures. Therefore, it is prominent to use rigorous approach for implementation and execution of drilling activities. The present work has the advantage of combining the use of electrical resistivity tomography and borehole technique to locate ten high flow drilling in Savalou city. The electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) panels were made based on the dipole-dipole arrays with 48 electrodes with 5 m inter-electrode spacing. The drilling was carried out over ten selected points and in two stages: confirmation test using piezometer and borehole diameter enlargement. Moreover, only piezometers with flow rate greater than 10 m3/h were enlarged. The tomography processing has identified 10 fractured zones that are defined by 250 - 1000 ohm.m resistivity values and a width between 15 - 55 m. The confirmation test carried out over ten piezometers exhibits high flow rates ranging from 9 to 35 m3/h with depths of 30 to 68 m. Nine over the ten boreholes with a flow rate equal or greater than 10 m3/h, have improved their flow rates by 50% to 100% after the boring technique. Thus, the cumulative flow rate has reached 252. 7 m3/h for Savalou city and his surrounding areas.
基金Supported by Schulz B received funding from Guerbet AG,No.8050.
文摘BACKGROUND The auricle,or auricula,defines the visible boundaries of the external ear and is essential in forensic investigations,including facial reconstruction and human remains identification.Beyond its forensic significance,auricular morphology attracts interest from various fields,such as medicine and industry.The size of the ears is culturally associated with health and longevity,while surgical techniques for ear reconstruction address both congenital and aesthetic concerns.AIM To determine whether known correlations with various measurements and observations regarding sex and age could also be established through computed tomography(CT).METHODS Computed tomography scans of the head from 342 females and 329 males aged 18 to 97 years(mean=60±19 years)were included in this study.Different auricular lengths,widths and perimeters were measured for both sides.Additionally,the preauricular area was assessed using three-dimensional volume rendering tech-nique images.RESULTS The measured auricular dimensions in centimeters are presented as mean values(right/left)for males(length 16.91±0.51/6.93±0.52;length 22.83±0.35/2.84±0.34;width 13.94±0.32/4.01±0.36;width 23.51±0.34/3.46±0.31;perimeter 17.66±1.25/17.71±1.28)and females(length 16.44±0.5/6.48±0.51;length 22.7±0.32/2.71±0.33;width 13.6±0.32/3.68±0.31;width 23.3±0.3/3.26±0.27;perimeter 16.36±1.2/16.46±1.2).A positive correlation with age was shown in all measurements,with the highest value for perimeter in both,males(r-value:right/left:0.49/0.47)and females(r-value:right/left:0.53/0.53).After confounding factors were excluded,the preauricular vertical line was first seen at 45 years.The mean age for males with preauricular vertical lines was 66.65±10.92 years(95%CI:63.99-69.3),while without vertical lines,it was 44.48±16.15 years(95%CI:41.21-47.74);for females,it was 70.18±12.44 years(95%CI:68.9-71.46)with and 47.87±17.09 years(95%CI:45.96-49.78)without vertical lines.CONCLUSION In this study,we pioneered the use of CT volumetric data to examine human auricle morphology and we achieved a precise 3D(pre-)auricular assessment.Sex-specific positive correlations between ear dimensions and age,as well as the mean age for the appearance of preauricular lines,were identified,providing valuable insights into the capabilities of modern CT devices.
基金Supported by Zhuhai Medical Research Fund,No.ZH3310200001PJL.
文摘BACKGROUND Coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)is the preferred noninvasive examination method for coronary heart disease.However,the radiation from computed tomography has become a concern since public awareness of radiation hazards continue to increase.AIM To explore the value of multiple dose reduction techniques for CCTA.METHODS Consecutive normal and overweight patients were prospectively divided into two groups:Group A1,patients who received multiple dose reduction scans(n=82);and group A2,patients who received conventional scans(n=39).The scan parameters for group A1 were as follows:Isocentric scan,tube voltage=80 kV,and tube current control using 80%smart milliampere.The scan parameters for group A2 were as follows:Normal position,tube voltage=100 kV,and smart milliampere.RESULTS The average effective doses(EDs)for groups A1 and A2 were 1.13±0.35 and 3.36±1.30 mSv,respectively.There was a statistically significant difference in ED between the two groups(P<0.01).Furthermore,noise was significantly lower,and both signal-to-noise ratio and contrast signal-to-noise ratio were higher in group A2 when compared to group A1(P<0.01).Moreover,the subjective image quality(IQ)scores were excellent in both groups,in which there was no significant difference in subjective IQ score between the two groups(P=0.12).CONCLUSION Multiple dose reduction scan techniques can significantly decrease the ED of patients receiving CCTA examinations for clinical diagnosis.
