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At least 217 records · Page 12

Nuclear Canister Corrosion Detection

The software titled "nccd" is used for running residual neural networks (ResNets) on images of nuclear canisters. The software provides only the code for the implementation (based on the fastai library), but it does not share the image data. The compute code allows the use of residual nets (and more generally of other deep learning models) for classifying images from nuclear canisters as corroded. or intact. An image is considered to be corroded if it contains pitting or stress corrosion cracks. The code trains ResNets on image tiles extracted from original images from nuclear canisters, and then implements a classification rule, which can be applied to a validation set to decide if each original image is corroded or intact. The software automates the process of using images taken from nuclear canisters to detect corrosion. It provides also scope for future research directions on the basis of the existing research and code.

Papamarkou, Theodore↗

Three-Dimensional Shapes of Spinning Helium Nanodroplets

This repository contains data from an experiment at the LDM end station at FERMI FEL-1. The experimental details are described in Phys. Rev. Lett. 121, 255301; Langbehn et al (2018). In addition to the scattering data, the data file contains labels for a supervised machine learning task. These labels are subject of an upcoming publication about the applicability of neural networks within the domain of coherent diffraction imaging. The accompanying Python code for this paper can already be found at https://github.com/julian-carpenter/airynet.

Coherent Diffraction Imaging↗

Embedded image processing engine using ARM cortex-M4 based STM32F407 microcontroller

Due to advancement in low cost, easily available, yet powerful hardware and revolution in open source software, urge to make newer, more interactive machines and electronic systems have increased manifold among engineers. To make system more interactive, designers need easy to use sensor systems. Giving the boon of vision to machines was never easy, though it is not impossible these days; it is still not easy and expensive. This work presents a low cost, moderate performance and programmable Image processing engine. This Image processing engine is able to capture real time images, can store the images in the permanent storage and can perform preprogrammed image processing operations on the captured images.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Multi-beam X-ray ptychography using coded probes for rapid non-destructive high resolution imaging of extended samples

Imaging large areas of a sample non-destructively and with high resolution is of great interest for both science and industry. For scanning coherent X-ray diffraction microscopy, i. e., ptychography, the achievable scan area at a given spatial resolution is limited by the coherent photon flux of modern X-ray sources. Multibeam X-ray ptychography can improve the scanning speed by scanning the sample with several parallel mutually incoherent beams, e. g., generated by illuminating multiple focusing optics in parallel by a partially coherent beam. The main difficulty with this scheme is the robust separation of the superimposed signals from the different beams, especially when the beams and the illuminated sample areas are quite similar. We overcome this difficulty by encoding each of the probing beams with its own X-ray phase plate. This helps the algorithm to robustly reconstruct the multibeam data. We compare the coded multibeam scans to uncoded multibeam and single beam scans, demonstrating the enhanced performance on a microchip sample with regular and repeating structures.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Patient-Centered Radiology with FHIR: an Introduction to the Use of FHIR to Offer Radiology a Clinically Integrated Platform

Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) is an open interoperability standard that allows external software to quickly search for and access clinical information from the electronic medical record (EMR) in a method that is developer-friendly, using current internet technology standards. In this article, we highlight the new FHIR standard and illustrate how FHIR can be used to offer the field of radiology a more clinically integrated and patient-centered system, opening the EMR to external radiology software in ways unfeasible with traditional standards. We explain how to construct FHIR queries relevant to medical imaging using the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) Hackathon application programming interface (API), provide sample queries for use, and suggest solutions to offer a patient-centered, rather than an image-centered, workflow that remains clinically relevant.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Progress Toward Gamma-Ray Imaging for Automated Holdup Measurement in Gloveboxes

Shielded gloveboxes are currently being constructed to facilitate dilution and disposal of many tons of excess plutonium oxide. Measuring holdup in these gloveboxes is expected to be challenging because of the limited available lines of sight through the glovebox shielding. A system of gamma-ray imagers is being developed to provide localization and quantification for holdup. The system will be mounted above the glovebox, where there is minimal shielding. Multiple imagers with overlapping coded-aperture fields of view are employed to enable three-dimensional reconstruction. Compton reconstruction is also available to localize sources outside the coded-aperture field of view. Improved uncertainties with respect to current techniques are expected by virtue of the fixed installation, spectroscopic performance of the detectors, and iterative image reconstruction techniques. Measurement campaigns have been undertaken at an active glovebox at Savannah River Site to test the gamma-ray imaging system in an operational environment, providing a simple test of a single imager that mimics the geometry of the installation proposed for future shielded gloveboxes. Data taken during quiescent periods in the glovebox were used to measure the buildup of material on an outlet filter and record a trend over time. Calibration data was taken with known sources to simplify analysis and provide a reliable assay of the filter. Resulting images make it possible to isolate the filter from other sources and recognize compromised data. This paper will present details of the measurement and analysis methods.

Schmitt, Kyle↗

SU-E-J-16: Automatic Image Contrast Enhancement Based On Automatic Parameter Optimization for Radiation Therapy Setup Verification

Purpose: In RT patient setup 2D images, tissues often cannot be seen well due to the lack of image contrast. Contrast enhancement features provided by image reviewing software, e.g. Mosaiq and ARIA, require manual selection of the image processing filters and parameters thus inefficient and cannot be automated. In this work, we developed a novel method to automatically enhance the 2D RT image contrast to allow automatic verification of patient daily setups as a prerequisite step of automatic patient safety assurance. Methods: The new method is based on contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) and high-pass filtering algorithms. The most important innovation is to automatically select the optimal parameters by optimizing the image contrast. The image processing procedure includes the following steps: 1) background and noise removal, 2) hi-pass filtering by subtracting the Gaussian smoothed Result, and 3) histogram equalization using CLAHE algorithm. Three parameters were determined through an iterative optimization which was based on the interior-point constrained optimization algorithm: the Gaussian smoothing weighting factor, the CLAHE algorithm block size and clip limiting parameters. The goal of the optimization is to maximize the entropy of the processed Result. Results: A total 42 RT images were processed. The results were visually evaluated by RT physicians and physicists. About 48% of the images processed by the new method were ranked as excellent. In comparison, only 29% and 18% of the images processed by the basic CLAHE algorithm and by the basic window level adjustment process, were ranked as excellent. Conclusion: This new image contrast enhancement method is robust and automatic, and is able to significantly outperform the basic CLAHE algorithm and the manual window-level adjustment process that are currently used in clinical 2D image review software tools.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

A Monte Carlo study on {sup 223}Ra imaging for unsealed radionuclide therapy

Purpose: Radium-223 ({sup 223}Ra), an α-emitting radionuclide, is used in unsealed radionuclide therapy for metastatic bone tumors. The demand for qualitative {sup 223}Ra imaging is growing to optimize dosimetry. The authors simulated {sup 223}Ra imaging using an in-house Monte Carlo simulation code and investigated the feasibility and utility of {sup 223}Ra imaging. Methods: The Monte Carlo code comprises two modules, HEXAGON and NAI. The HEXAGON code simulates the photon and electron interactions in the tissues and collimator, and the NAI code simulates the response of the NaI detector system. A 3D numeric phantom created using computed tomography images of a chest phantom was installed in the HEXAGON code. {sup 223}Ra accumulated in a part of the spine, and three x-rays and 19 γ rays between 80 and 450 keV were selected as the emitted photons. To evaluate the quality of the {sup 223}Ra imaging, the authors also simulated technetium-99m ({sup 99m}Tc) imaging under the same conditions and compared the results. Results: The sensitivities of the three photopeaks were 147 counts per unit of source activity (cps MBq{sup −1}; photopeak: 84 keV, full width of energy window: 20%), 166 cps MBq{sup −1} (154 keV, 15%), and 158 cps MBq{sup −1} (270 keV, 10%) for a low-energy general-purpose (LEGP) collimator, and those for the medium-energy general-purpose (MEGP) collimator were 33, 13, and 8.0 cps MBq{sup −1}, respectively. In the case of {sup 99m}Tc, the sensitivity was 55 cps MBq{sup −1} (141 keV, 20%) for LEGP and 52 cps MBq{sup −1} for MEGP. The fractions of unscattered photons of the total photons reflecting the image quality were 0.09 (84 keV), 0.03 (154 keV), and 0.02 (270 keV) for the LEGP collimator and 0.41, 0.25, and 0.50 for the MEGP collimator, respectively. Conversely, this fraction was approximately 0.65 for the simulated {sup 99m}Tc imaging. The sensitivity with the LEGP collimator appeared very high. However, almost all of the counts were because of photons that penetrated or were scattered in the collimator; therefore, the proportions of unscattered photons were small. Conclusions: Their simulation study revealed that the most promising scheme for {sup 223}Ra imaging is an 84-keV window using an MEGP collimator. The sensitivity of the photopeaks above 100 keV is too low for {sup 223}Ra imaging. A comparison of the fractions of unscattered photons reveals that the sensitivity and image quality are approximately two-thirds of those for {sup 99m}Tc imaging.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Maximum Likelihood Expectation-Maximization Algorithms Applied to Localization and Identification of Radioactive Sources with Recent Coded Mask Gamma Cameras

In this work, we tested Maximum likelihood expectation-maximization (MLEM) algorithms optimized for gamma imaging applications on two recent coded mask gamma cameras. We respectively took advantage of the characteristics of the GAMPIX and Caliste HD-based gamma cameras: noise reduction thanks to mask/anti-mask procedure but limited energy resolution for GAMPIX, high energy resolution for Caliste HD. One of our short-term perspectives is the test of MAPEM algorithms integrating specific prior values for the data to reconstruct adapted to the gamma imaging topic. (authors)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

TomoTwin: A simple digital twin for synchrotron tomography

A digital twin for synchrotron-based tomography for generating synthetic datasets from ground-truth phantoms. The code outputs greyscale projection images / tomographic volumes with realistic artifacts such as noise and phase-contrast and emulates their dependence on the acquisition parameters defining the beam and detector configuration. Some ground-truth phantoms are included with the code.

TEKAWADE, ANIKET↗

A D-term Modeling Code (DMC) for Simultaneous Calibration and Full-Stokes Imaging of Very Long Baseline Interferometric Data

In this paper we present DMC, a model and associated tool for polarimetric imaging of very long baseline interferometry data sets that simultaneously reconstructs the full-Stokes emission structure along with the station-based gain and leakage calibration terms. DMC formulates the imaging problem in terms of posterior exploration, which is achieved using Hamiltonian Monte Carlo sampling. The resulting posterior distribution provides a natural quantification of uncertainty in both the image structure and the data calibration. We run DMC on both synthetic and real data sets, the results of which demonstrate its ability to accurately recover both the image structure and calibration quantities, as well as to assess their corresponding uncertainties. The framework underpinning DMC is flexible, and its specific implementation is under continued development.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

WE-H-207A-07: Image-Based Versus Atlas-Based Internal Dosimetry

Purpose: Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is known as the gold standard method for internal dosimetry. It requires radionuclide distribution from PET or SPECT and body structure from CT for accurate dose calculation. The manual or semi-automatic segmentation of organs from CT images is a major obstacle. The aim of this study is to compare the dosimetry results based on patient’s own CT and a digital humanoid phantom as an atlas with pre-specified organs. Methods: SPECT-CT images of a 50 year old woman who underwent bone pain palliation with Samarium-153 EDTMP for osseous metastases from breast cancer were used. The anatomical date and attenuation map were extracted from SPECT/CT and three XCAT digital phantoms with different BMIs (i.e. matched (38.8) and unmatched (35.5 and 36.7) with patient’s BMI that was 38.3). Segmentation of patient’s organs in CT image was performed using itk-SNAP software. GATE MC Simulator was used for dose calculation. Specific absorbed fractions (SAFs) and S-values were calculated for the segmented organs. Results: The differences between SAFs and S-values are high using different anatomical data and range from −13% to 39% for SAF values and −109% to 79% for S-values in different organs. In the spine, the clinically important target organ for Samarium Therapy, the differences in the S-values and SAF values are higher between XCAT phantom and CT when the phantom with identical BMI is employed (53.8% relative difference in S-value and 26.8% difference in SAF). However, the whole body dose values were the same between the calculations based on the CT and XCAT with different BMIs. Conclusion: The results indicated that atlas-based dosimetry using XCAT phantom even with matched BMI for patient leads to considerable errors as compared to image-based dosimetry that uses the patient’s own CT Patient-specific dosimetry using CT image is essential for accurate results.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Path-Integrated X-Ray Images for Multi-Surface Digital Image Correlation (PI-DIC)

X-ray imaging offers unique possibilities for Digital Image Correlation (DIC), opening the door for full-field deformation measurements of a test article in complex environments where optical DIC suffers severe biases or is impossible. While X-ray DIC has been performed in the past with standard DIC codes designed for optical images, the path-integrated nature of X-ray images places constraints on the experimental setup, predominantly that only a single surface of interest moves/deforms. These requirements are difficult to realize for many practical situations and limit the amount of information that can be garnered in a single test. Other X-ray based diagnostics such as Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) and Projection DVC (P-DVC) overcome these obstacles, but DVC is limited to quasi-static tests, and both DVC and P-DVC necessitate high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scan(s) and often require a potentially invasive pattern throughout the volume of the specimen. Here this work presents a novel approach to measure time-resolved displacements and strains on multiple surfaces from a single series of 2D, path-integrated (PI) X-ray images, called PI-DIC. The principle of optical flow or conservation of intensity—the foundation of DIC—was reframed for path-integrated images, for an exemplar setup comprised of two plates moving and deforming independently. Synthetic images were generated for rigid translations, rigid rotations, and uniform stretches, where each plate underwent a unique motion/deformation. Experimental specimens were fabricated (either an aluminum plate with tantalum features or a plastic plate with steel features) and the two specimens were independently translated. PI-DIC was successfully demonstrated with the synthetic images and validated with the experimental images. Prescribed displacements were recovered for each plate from the single set of path-integrated, deformed images. Errors were approximately 0.02 px for the synthetic images with 1.5% image noise, and 0.05 px for the experimental images. These results provide the foundation for PI-DIC to measure motion and deformation of multiple, independent surfaces with subpixel accuracy from a single series of path-integrated X-ray images.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

SU-C-201-01: Investigation of the Effects of Scintillator Surface Treatment On Light Output Measurements with SiPM Detectors

Purpose: To examine the effect of different scintillator surface treatments (BGO crystals) on the fraction of scintillation photons that exit the crystal and reach the photodetector (SiPM). Methods: Positron Emission Tomography is based on the detection of light that exits scintillator crystals, after annihilation photons deposit energy inside these crystals. A considerable fraction of the scintillation light gets trapped or absorbed after going through multiple internal reflections on the interfaces surrounding the crystals. BGO scintillator crystals generate considerably less scintillation light than crystals made of LSO and its variants. Therefore, it is crucial that the small amount of light produced by BGO exits towards the light detector. The surface treatment of scintillator crystals is among the factors affecting the ability of scintillation light to reach the detectors. In this study, we analyze the effect of different crystal surface treatments on the fraction of scintillation light that is detected by the solid state photodetector (SiPM), once energy is deposited inside a BGO crystal. Simulations were performed by a Monte Carlo based software named GATE, and validated by measurements from individual BGO crystals coupled to Philips digital-SiPM sensor (DPC-3200). Results: The results showed an increment in light collection of about 4 percent when only the exit face of the BGO crystal, is unpolished; compared to when all the faces are polished. However, leaving several faces unpolished caused a reduction of at least 10 percent of light output when the interaction occurs as far from the exit face of the crystal as possible compared to when it occurs very close to the exit face. Conclusion: This work demonstrates the advantages on light collection from leaving unpolished the exit face of BGO crystals. The configuration with best light output will be used to obtain flood images from BGO crystal arrays coupled to SiPM sensors.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Motion correction for passive radiation imaging of small vessels in ship-to-ship inspections

Passive radiation detection remains one of the most acceptable means of ascertaining the presence of illicit nuclear materials. In maritime applications it is most effective against small to moderately sized vessels, where attenuation in the target vessel is of less concern. Unfortunately, imaging methods that can remove source confusion, localize a source, and avoid other systematic detection issues cannot be easily applied in ship-to-ship inspections because relative motion of the vessels blurs the results over many pixels, significantly reducing system sensitivity. This is particularly true for the smaller watercraft, where passive inspections are most valuable. We have developed a combined gamma-ray, stereo visible-light imaging system that addresses this problem. Data from the stereo imager are used to track the relative location and orientation of the target vessel in the field of view of a coded-aperture gamma-ray imager. Using this information, short-exposure gamma-ray images are projected onto the target vessel using simple tomographic back-projection techniques, revealing the location of any sources within the target. Here,the complex autonomous tracking and image reconstruction system runs in real time on a 48-core workstation that deploys with the system.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

What can we learn from in-soil imaging of a live plant: X-ray Computed Tomography and 3D numerical simulation of root-soil system

Plant roots play a critical role in plant-soil-microbe interactions that occur in the rhizosphere, as well as processes with important implications to farming, forest management and climate change. X-ray computed tomography (XCT) has been proven to be an effective tool for non-invasive root imaging and analysis. A combination of XCT, open-source software, and our own code was used to noninvasively image a prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) specimen, segment the root data to obtain a 3D image of the root structure at 31µm resolution, and extract quantitative information (root volume and surface area) from the 3D data, respectively. Based on the mesh generated from the root structure, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were applied to numerically investigate the root-soil-groundwater system. The plant root conductivity, soil hydraulic conductivity and transpiration rate were shown to control the groundwater distribution. The flow variability and soil water distributions under different scenarios were investigated. Parameterizations were evaluated to show their impacts on the average conductivity. The pore-scale modeling approach provides realistic simulations of rhizosphere flow processes and provides useful information that can be linked to upscaled models.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗