Correction strategy for diffusion-weighted images corrupted with motion: application to the DTI evaluation of infants' white matter

Objective

Diffusion imaging techniques such as DTI and HARDI are difficult to implement in infants because of their sensitivity to subject motion. A short acquisition time is generally preferred, at the expense of spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. Before estimating the local diffusion model, most pre-processing techniques only register diffusion-weighted volumes, without correcting for intra-slice artifacts due to motion or technical problems. Here, we propose a fully automated strategy, which takes advantage of a high orientation number and is based on spherical-harmonics decomposition of the diffusion signal.

Material and methods

The correction strategy is based on two successive steps: 1) automated detection and resampling of corrupted slices; 2) correction for eddy current distortions and realignment of misregistered volumes. It was tested on DTI data from adults and non-sedated healthy infants.

Results

The methodology was validated through simulated motions applied to an uncorrupted dataset and through comparisons with an unmoved reference. Second, we showed that the correction applied to an infant group enabled to improve DTI maps and to increase the reliability of DTI quantification in the immature cortico-spinal tract.

Conclusion

This automated strategy performed reliably on DTI datasets and can be applied to spherical single- and multiple-shell diffusion imaging.     

Investigations on vibration characteristics of two-layered piezoceramic disks

This paper investigates the transverse and planar vibration characteristics of two-layered piezoceramic disks for traction-free boundary conditions by theoretical analysis, finite element numerical calculation, and experimental measurements. Amplitude-fluctuation electronic speckle pattern interferometry (AF-ESPI), laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV), and impedance analysis were used to perform measurements and verify the theoretical solutions for extensional, tangential, and transverse vibrations. The poling direction of piezoelectric elements determines whether they are denoted as either of series- or parallel-type. This study observed that the resonant frequencies and mode shapes of the series- and parallel-type piezoceramic disks present different dynamic characteristics in resonance. Planar and transverse vibrations are coupled in series-type piezoceramic disks and uncoupled in those of parallel-type. Good agreements of dynamic characteristics determined by theoretical analysis, experimental measurements, and numerical calculation are presented for series- and parallel-type piezoceramic disks.     

基于DIS系统测定自制音叉振动频率的研究

利用自制装置将音叉的振动转换为感应电流,使用数字信息化系统(DIS)微电流传感器,变更测量参量,从而测定出待测音叉的频率.     

Nonlocal vibration of SWBNNT embedded in bundle of CNTs under a moving nanoparticle

In this study, an analytical method of the small scale parameter on the vibration of single-walled Boron Nitride nanotube (SWBNNT) under a moving nanoparticle is presented. SWBNNT is embedded in bundle of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) which is simulated as Pasternak foundation. Using Euler–Bernoulli beam (EBB) model, Hamilton's principle and nonlocal piezoelasticity theory, the higher order governing equation is derived. The effects of electric field, elastic medium, slenderness ratio and small scale parameter are investigated on the vibration behavior of SWBNNT under a moving nanoparticle. Results indicate the importance of using surrounding elastic medium in decrease of normalized dynamic deflection. Indeed, the normalized dynamic deflection decreases with the increase of the elastic medium stiffness values. The electric field has significant role on the nondimensional fundamental frequencies, as a smart controller. The results of this work is hoped to be of use in design and manufacturing of smart nano-electro-mechanical devices in advanced medical applications such as drug delivery systems with great applications in biomechanics.     

Using delayed damping to minimize transmitted vibrations

In Mokni et al. [Mokni L, Belhaq M, Lakrad F. Effect of fast parametric viscous damping excitation on vibration isolation in sdof systems. Commun Nonlinear Sci Numer Simulat 2011;16:1720-1724], it was shown that in a single degree of freedom system a fast nonlinear parametric damping enhances vibration isolation with respect to the case where the nonlinear damping is time-independent. The present work proposes additional enhancement of vibration isolation using delayed nonlinear damping. Attention is focused on assessing the contribution of a delayed nonlinear damping over a fast parametric damping in terms of minimizing transmissibility. The results show that a nonlinear damping with delay greatly improves vibration isolation.     

Thermal effect on vibration of non-homogenous visco-elastic rectangular plate of linearly varying thickness

An analysis for vibration of non-homogenous visco-elastic rectangular plate of linearly varying thickness subjected to thermal gradient has been discussed in the present investigation. For visco-elastic, the basic elastic and viscous elements are combined. We have taken Kelvin model for visco-elasticity that is the combination of the elastic and viscous elements in parallel. Here the elastic element means the spring and the viscous element means the dashpot. The governing differential equation of motion has been solved by Galerkin’s technique. Deflection, time period and logarithmic decrement at different points for the first two modes of vibration are calculated for various values of thermal gradients, non homogeneity constant, taper constant and aspect ratio for non-homogenous visco-elastic rectangular plate which is clamped on two parallel edges and simply supported on remaining two edges. Comparison studies have been carried out with homogeneous visco-elastic rectangular plate to establish the accuracy and versatility.     

颗粒物质对风积沙压实特性影响研究

本文从颗粒物质的角度探讨了风积沙的压实特性和机理。研究表明,风积沙的重型击实试验曲线呈"双驼峰"形式,表明风积沙具有干压实的特性,水在风积沙的压实过程中扮演着不同的作用|室内振动试验表明振动加速度及振动时间影响着风积沙"巴西坚果效应"与"反巴西坚果效应"之间的转化,从而影响风积沙的振实密度,二者均存在一个产生最大振实干密度的最优值。现场试验通过控制机械参数(振幅A=0.4mm,频率f=48Hz)在压实5遍的时候,可使压实度达到96.8%,CBR值达到25.3,均能满足《公路路基设计规范》要求。     

Analytical modeling of fluid loaded orthogonally rib-stiffened sandwich structures: Sound transmission

An analytic model is developed to investigate the wave propagation and sound transmission characteristics of an infinite sandwich structure reinforced by two sets of orthogonal rib-stiffeners when subjected to convective fluid-loaded pressure. The rib-stiffeners are assumed to be identical and uniformly spaced, which can exert not only tensional forces and bending moments but also torsional moments on the facesheets. Inertial terms of the tensional forces, bending moments and torsional moments are introduced to account for inertial effects arising from the mass of the rib-stiffeners. With the surrounding acoustic fluids restricted by the acoustic wave equation, fluid-structure coupling is considered by imposing velocity continuity condition at fluid-panel interfaces. By applying the Bloch theorem for periodic structures, the structural and acoustic responses are expressed in a superposition form of space harmonics for a given wavenumber. The application of the virtual work principle for one periodic element yields two infinite sets of simultaneous algebraic coupled equations, which are numerically solved by truncating them in a finite range insofar as the solution converges. The validity and feasibility of the analytic model is qualified by comparing model predictions with existing results, in which the necessity and advantage of the exact modeling of rib-stiffener motions are also demonstrated. Specifically, the influences of inertial effects arising from rib-stiffener mass, the periodicity spacing of rib-stiffeners, and the airborne as well as structure-borne paths on the transmission of sound across the sandwich structure are quantified and conclusions of significant practical implications are drawn.     

Display of tilt information of vibrating object in time average mode using lateral shearing interferometry and interferometric grating

We have experimentally demonstrated vibration analysis of a reflecting object in time-average mode using shearing interferometry and interferometric grating. Experimental results show that time-average moiré fringes, formed between fringe pattern reflected from object and sinusoidal grating are modulated spatially by the amplitude of vibrating tilt. From the experimental results, information regarding tilt of vibrating objects can be determined.     

Design and evaluation of a low-power mobile shaker for vibration tests on heavy wheeled vehicles

In the field of mobile agricultural and off-road machinery, there is a growing interest to examine the dynamic behaviour of the vehicle under construction with a view to improve passenger comfort and machine performance. As many of these machine constructors are small sized, specialised companies are required to execute vibration tests and to evaluate vibration levels. Because most of these machines are heavy constructions with exceptional proportions, it is obvious to perform vibration tests on the factory floor by means of a low power mobile excitation device such as an electro-hydraulic shaker. This paper shows that an air spring, parallel to the actuator of an electro-hydraulic shaker, results in considerable power savings. The behaviour of the shaker is discussed at its resonance frequencies. For small band excitation signals, extra power savings can be achieved by tuning the spring stiffness and by using the air spring at constant pressure. Experiments on a one degree of freedom vertical shaker show good agreement with the theory and demonstrate that the different mode shapes of an agricultural tractor can be sufficiently excited with a nominal hydraulic power of 500 W.