Translation of Synchrotron-based Research into the Clinic: Assessing the Current Clinical Potential of Diffraction Enhanced Imaging

Diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI), also called analyzer-based imaging (ABI), cultivated within the synchrotron community, has the potential to revolutionize medical imaging through reduced dose and enhanced contrast imaging.     

Fighting against diffraction: apodization and near field diffraction structures

Diffraction is a natural phenomenon, which occurs when waves propagate or encounter an obstacle. Diffraction is also a fundamental aspect of modern optics: all imaging systems are diffraction systems. However, like a coin has two sides, diffraction also leads to some unfavorable effects, such as an increase in the size of a beam during propagation, and a limited minimal beam size after focusing. To overcome these disadvantages set by diffraction, many techniques have been developed by various groups, including apodization techniques to reduce the divergence of a laser beam and increase the resolution, and time reversal, STED microscopy, super lenses and optical antennas to obtain resolution down to nano‐scale. This review concentrates on the diffraction of electromagnetic waves, and the ways to overcome beam divergence and the diffraction limit.     

CONUSS and PHOENIX: Evaluation of nuclear resonant scattering data

Evaluation methods for data obtained by nuclear resonant scattering techniques are discussed. The CONUSS software package for the interpretation of time or energy spectra from coherent elastic nuclear resonant scattering, i.e., forward scattering and Bragg/Laue scattering, is presented. The analysis of phonon spectra obtained by incoherent nuclear resonant scattering is demonstrated using the PHOENIX software.     

衍射增强成像方法在计算机断层成像中的应用

衍射增强成像是X射线相位衬度成像方法之一，这种方法具有较高的衬度和空间分辨率. 利用它对由轻元素组成的生物、医学样品成像可以观察到常规吸收成像无法观察到的内部微细结构. 这种方法在生物、医学、材料科学等无损检测领域中的应用研究，已成为当前国际上X射线成像领域中的研究热点. 讨论衍射增强成像方法和该方法在计算机断层成像中的应用. 实验结果表明，使用衍射增强成像方法获得的数据源能够重建出微米级的生物组织结构，这些组织结构信息在常规X射线断层成像中是难以得到的. 关键词： 衍射增强成像 CT重建 同步辐射 微细结构     

Computer controlled spreading resistance system for measurement of carrier concentration profiles of silicon structures

A new computer controlled equipment for carrier concentration profile determination of silicon structures by a spreading resistance technique is presented. The required data and plots can easily be obtained by means of a new software package, which has been specially developed for this purpose. Measurements have been performed on different structures in order to verify the suitability of both the measuring system and the software package. The reproducibility has been found to be within 5% for the investigated structures.     

Deformation textures produced in diamond anvil experiments, analysed in radial diffraction geometry

Diamond anvil cells may not only impose pressure upon a sample but also a compressive stress that produces elastic and plastic deformation of polycrystalline samples. The plastic deformation may result in texture development if the material deforms by slip or mechanical twinning, or if grains have a non-equiaxed shape. In radial diffraction geometry, texture is revealed by variation of intensity along Debye rings relative to the compression direction. Diffraction images (obtained by CCD or image plate) can be used to extract quantitative texture information. Currently the most elegant and powerful method is a modified Rietveld technique as implemented in the software package MAUD. From texture data one can evaluate the homogeneity of strain in a diamond anvil cell, the strain magnitude and deformation mechanisms, the latter by comparing observed texture patterns with results from polycrystal plasticity simulations. Some examples such as olivine, magnesiowuestite, MgSiO(3) perovskite and ε-iron are discussed.     

Event reconstruction with MarlinReco at the International Linear Collider

After an overview of the modular analysis and reconstruction framework Marlin an introduction on the functionality of the Marlin-based reconstruction package MarlinReco is given. This package includes a full set of modules for event reconstruction based on the particle flow approach. The status of the software is reviewed and recent results using this software package for event reconstruction are presented.      

亚像元几何图像成像与超分辨恢复算法

随着光学成像到光电数字成像的转变,如何提高CCD的几何分辨率已成为研制高分辨光电成像系统亟待解决的问题。从研究现状入手,给出了现有算法并指出不足之处`,建立了亚像元超分辨成像数学模型,提出了亚像元的CCD几何超分辨方法:将两片线阵CCD集成在同一器件中,在线阵方向上错开半个像元,同时读出时间减半,最终交织重组图像数据,合成高分辨率图像。利用MATLAB软件对双线性插值方法及亚像元成像方法进行了仿真,并定性定量地分析了两种方法的效果。结果表明:亚像元方法合成图像分辨率约为低分辨率图像的2倍,且两组仿真图像中的峰值信噪比比双线性插值图像分别高出1.4864dB和2.2070dB,该方法可以显著地减轻欠采样引起的图像模糊,且实时性优于双线性插值方法。     

Software and hardware integration of a microprogrammable state machine for NMR imaging.

We have integrated a commercially available microprogrammable state machine (Tecmag PULSkit) for use as a magnetic resonance pulse programmer. Providing the capability for active research environment imaging protocols, it features timing resolution of 100 nsec, ten 16-bit loop counters, and individually addressable look-up tables. This integration involved hardware and software integration with a VAX 11/750 at several levels. Hardware: Each of the three gradient channels employs three digital-to-analog converters (DACs). An 8-bit, 4-quadrant, multiplying DAC generates the gradient waveform shape. A 12-bit DAC generates the multiplying DAC scaling voltage, controlling gradient amplitude and sign. A third 12-bit DAC produces a gradient offset (shim) voltage. An eddy current compensation network is present for each gradient channel. Software: The software design philosophy was to create a flexible interface (interactive window environment), while not constraining complex manipulation of the hardware (direct use of the pulse-sequence compiler primitives and microprogramming). The software levels include (a) pulse-sequence microprogramming, (b) pulse-sequence compiler, (c) interactive parameter specification, and (d) canned pulse-sequence microcode library.     

Quantitative modal analysis using electronic speckle pattern interferometry

Existing modal analysis techniques based on pointwise methods such as accelerometers and laser vibrometers, suffer from the compromises required to infer whole field vibration behaviour from a predetermined number of discrete measurement data points. The measurement grid is normally chosen before the most sensitive areas of the test piece have been identified and this can lead to a requirement for further grid refinement, with the consequent spatial and temporal disadvantages. Whole-field modal analysis using electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) has been developed, and focuses on the manipulation of optical information to provide a grid of data points which is transferred to a modal analysis software package for comparison with traditional point wise modal data sets. The advantages of obtaining the initial whole-field vibration picture in real time and subsequently overlaying a chosen measurement data grid, are demonstrated. Modal analysis of a steel plate is presented, which demonstrates single displacement vector measurements. Data is transferred into modal analysis software allowing ESPI mode shape information to be directly compared with measurements using other pointwise techniques and finite element analysis (FEA), through a modal assurance criterion (MAC) calculation. Further results are presented for multiple displacement vector analysis of high-power ultrasonic components, demonstrating the ability to accurately measure the modal characteristics of complex dynamic components.     

一个用于肿瘤研究中灌流和扩散成像参数分析的应用软件

A software package has been developed to process perfusion, relaxation times and diffusion MRI dat a acquired in cancer research. This software package was written on MATLAB platf orm (Version 6.0). Parameter maps, such as permeability, apparent diffusion coef ficient and T₁ were generated from original MRI data. The features of para metric analysis include ROI analysis, contrast adjust, statistical information generat ion, false color image and zoom in display. Since it was written in Matlab fun ct ions, this package can be used on almost all operation systems (Microsoft window s, Unix, Mac OS & Linux) and it is easy to expand the features.     

L波段三维ESR成像系统的研制(Ⅵ)--三维ESR成像系统软件

在L波段三维ESR成像系统的研制中,以Matlab 为平台,建立了包括谱数据自动化处理、ESR空间（1D、2D、3D）成像和ESR谱-空间成像为一体的系统应用软件,可方便清晰地显示谱和物体自旋密度分布的各种图像,为深入研究顺磁性物种自旋密度分布的特征及其化学反应过程中氧的扩散过程,提供了很好的可视化信息. 实验表明,该系统软件具有广泛的应用前景.     

Single‐crystal diffraction at the Extreme Conditions beamline P02.2: procedure for collecting and analyzing high‐pressure single‐crystal data

Fast detectors employed at third‐generation synchrotrons have reduced collection times significantly and require the optimization of commercial as well as customized software packages for data reduction and analysis. In this paper a procedure to collect, process and analyze single‐crystal data sets collected at high pressure at the Extreme Conditions beamline (P02.2) at PETRA III, DESY, is presented. A new data image format called `Esperanto' is introduced that is supported by the commercial software package CrysAlis^Pro (Agilent Technologies UK Ltd). The new format acts as a vehicle to transform the most common area‐detector data formats via a translator software. Such a conversion tool has been developed and converts tiff data collected on a Perkin Elmer detector, as well as data collected on a MAR345/555, to be imported into the CrysAlis^Pro software. In order to demonstrate the validity of the new approach, a complete structure refinement of boron‐mullite (Al₅BO₉) collected at a pressure of 19.4 (2) GPa is presented. Details pertaining to the data collections and refinements of B‐mullite are presented.     

Computational anatomy with the SPM software

An overview of computational procedures for examining neuroanatomical variability is presented. The review focuses on approaches that can be applied using the SPM software package, beginning by explaining briefly how statistical parametric mapping is usually applied to functional imaging data. The review then proceeds to discuss volumetry, with an emphasis on voxel-based morphometry, and the pre-processing steps involved using the SPM software. Most volumetric studies involve univariate approaches, with a correction for some global measure, such as total brain volume. In contrast, the overall form of the brain may be more accurately modeled using multivariate approaches. Such models of anatomical variability may prove accurate enough for computer assisted diagnoses.     

基于改进维纳逆滤波的衍射成像光谱仪数据误差分析与重构

衍射成像光谱仪探测到的高光谱数据需要进行计算与反演才可以得到成像光谱数据,本文对衍射成像光谱仪的成像过程及数据误差产生的原理从空间维和光谱维两方面进行了分析,并针对其光谱重构过程中系统点扩散函数标准差较大时重构结果清晰度较低、存在振铃等问题,提出了基于改进维纳逆滤波的光谱数据重构算法,该方法在分析衍射成像光谱仪数据特点与误差的基础上,将每一次维纳逆滤波的重构结果视为新的模糊图像,利用成像过程及维纳逆滤波的基本原理确定新的模糊图像对应的点扩散函数,反复进行维纳逆滤波达到提高图像清晰度的效果,再根据图像自身的空间和光谱特征分布,进行自适应性的噪声去除.利用模拟的衍射成像光谱数据进行验证,在系统点扩散函数的标准差为2.5的情况下,能得到无振铃的重构结果,且与传统维纳逆滤波法的重构结果进行比较,清晰度、细节能力等指标均有所提高,满足了衍射成像光谱数据应用需求.     

Simple, inexpensive mass spectrometric analyzer for thermogravimetry

A low-cost mass spectrometer attachment for thermogravimetric analysis has been constructed from readily available commercial instruments and components. The benefits of this set-up include excellent mass-flow repeatability, simple design, and significantly lower adoption cost as opposed to ready-built commercial solutions. The inclusion of an open source software package allows semi-automated, highly simplified data analysis. The results from the instrument show excellent sensitivity for small volumes of evolved gas, as well as highly reproducible signal strengths. The GUI-based software package provides data analysis in a way that is very intuitive and that can be easily modified to work with a broad range of TG instruments.     

Partial wave analysis for p̄ p and e+ e− annihilation processes

A new highly modular and generic Partial Wave Analysis (PWA) software package including a general framework for future hadron spectroscopy experiments like PANDA is currently under development. The aims and present status of the software package are summarized and the first PWA results obtained with the already existing tools are presented. These analyses are mainly focused on important aspects of antiproton proton annihilation processes with relevance for the PANDA experiment. For this purpose Crystal Barrel LEAR data are currently under investigation in order to gain a deeper insight to the production mechanisms of vector mesons. In addition analyses for the identification of resonances in radiative J / ψ decays from BESIII data are summarized.     

Simulation of Space Shuttle neutron measurements with FLUKA

FLUKA is an integrated particle transport code that has enhanced multigroup low-energy neutron transport capability similar to the well-known MORSE transport code. Gammas are produced in groups but many important individual lines are specifically included, and subsequently transported by the main FLUKA routines which use a modified version of EGS4 for electromagnetic (EM) transport. Recoil protons are also transported by the primary FLUKA transport simulation. The neutron cross-section libraries employed within FLUKA were supplied by Giancarlo Panini (ENEA, Italy) based upon the most recent data from JEF-1, JEF-2.2, ENDF/B-VI, JENDL-3, etc. More than 60 different materials are included in the FLUKA databases with temperature ranges including down to cryogenic temperatures. This code has been used extensively to model the neutron environments near high-energy physics experiment shielding. A simulation of the Space Shuttle based upon a spherical aluminum equivalent shielding distribution has been performed with reasonable results. There are good prospects for extending this calculation to a more realistic 3-D geometrical representation of the Shuttle including an accurate representation of its composition, which is an essential ingredient for the improvement of the predictions. A proposed project to develop a combined analysis and simulation package based upon FLUKA and the analysis infrastructure provided by the ROOT software is under active consideration. The code to be developed for this project will be of direct application to the problem of simulating the neutron environment in space, including the albedo effects.     

Software package for modeling spin–orbit motion in storage rings

A software package providing a graphical user interface for computer experiments on the motion of charged particle beams in accelerators, as well as analysis of obtained data, is presented. The software package was tested in the framework of the international project on electric dipole moment measurement JEDI (Jülich Electric Dipole moment Investigations). The specific features of particle spin motion imply the requirement to use a cyclic accelerator (storage ring) consisting of electrostatic elements, which makes it possible to preserve horizontal polarization for a long time. Computer experiments study the dynamics of 10⁶–10⁹ particles in a beam during 10⁹ turns in an accelerator (about 10¹²–10¹⁵ integration steps for the equations of motion). For designing an optimal accelerator structure, a large number of computer experiments on polarized beam dynamics are required. The numerical core of the package is COSY Infinity, a program for modeling spin–orbit dynamics.