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At least 703 records · Page 39

Telerobotic Surgery: An Intelligent Systems Approach to Mitigate the Adverse Effects of Communication Delay

An extremely innovative approach has been presented, which is to have the surgeon operate through a simulator running in real-time enhanced with an intelligent controller component to enhance the safety and efficiency of a remotely conducted operation. The use of a simulator enables the surgeon to operate in a virtual environment free from the impediments of telecommunication delay. The simulator functions as a predictor and periodically the simulator state is corrected with truth data. Three major research areas must be explored in order to ensure achieving the objectives. They are: simulator as predictor, image processing, and intelligent control. Each is equally necessary for success of the project and each of these involves a significant intelligent component in it. These are diverse, interdisciplinary areas of investigation, thereby requiring a highly coordinated effort by all the members of our team, to ensure an integrated system. The following is a brief discussion of those areas. Simulator as a predictor: The delays encountered in remote robotic surgery will be greater than any encountered in human-machine systems analysis, with the possible exception of remote operations in space. Therefore, novel compensation techniques will be developed. Included will be the development of the real-time simulator, which is at the heart of our approach. The simulator will present real-time, stereoscopic images and artificial haptic stimuli to the surgeon. Image processing: Because of the delay and the possibility of insufficient bandwidth a high level of novel image processing is necessary. This image processing will include several innovative aspects, including image interpretation, video to graphical conversion, texture extraction, geometric processing, image compression and image generation at the surgeon station. Intelligent control: Since the approach we propose is in a sense predictor based, albeit a very sophisticated predictor, a controller, which not only optimizes end effector trajectory but also avoids error, is essential. We propose to investigate two different approaches to the controller design. One approach employs an optimal controller based on modern control theory; the other one involves soft computing techniques, i.e. fuzzy logic, neural networks, genetic algorithms and hybrids of these.

Cardullo, Frank M.↗

Fabrication of a Point-Like Transmission Target for Reducing Computed Tomography Imaging Artifacts

In this study, we address the challenge of enhancing image quality and spatial resolution in computed tomography (CT) imaging by introducing simulation and fabrication of high aspect ratio, point-like transmission targets. Utilizing advanced electroplating techniques, traditionally employed in the fabrication of Through Substrate Via (TSV) interconnects for CMOS circuitry, we successfully embed copper targets within silicon substrates. This method allows us to create high-aspect-ratio features specifically designed for X-ray transmission targets, resulting in micro targets that exhibit a volume increase compared to conventional evaporated surface targets. Furthermore, we present simulation results of the X-ray spectrum generated by these targets, demonstrating their potential to significantly improve both image quality and spatial resolution in CT applications. Our findings suggest that leveraging advanced fabrication techniques can open new avenues for the development of enhanced imaging technologies in medical diagnostics and beyond.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Structure of unsteady flows at leading- and trailing-edges: Flow visualization and its interpretation

Unsteady two- and three-dimensional flow structure at leading and trailing edges of bodies can be characterized effectively using recently developed techniques for acquisition and interpretation of flow visualization. The techniques addressed here include: flow image/surface pressure correlations; 3-D reconstruction of flow structure from flow images; and interactive interpretation of flow images with theoretical simulations. These techniques can be employed in conjunction with: visual correlation and ensemble-averaging, both within a given image and between images; recognition of patterns from images; and estimates of velocity eigenfunctions from images.

Rockwell, D.↗

A Scintillation-Fiber Based Cosmic-ray Muon Tomography System for Imaging Dry Storage Cask

Because of the growth of the nuclear power industry in the United States and the policy decision to ban reprocessing of commercial spent nuclear fuel, the spent fuel inventory at commercial reactor sites has been increasing. Spent nuclear fuel presents extra complexity of security and proliferation issues. These fuel assemblies are practically inaccessible for inspection purposes, as reopening a DSC would require special facilities and would be tremendously expensive. Cosmic-ray muon Tomography has been studied in the past for various applications and was demonstrated to be a good non-destructive assay technique for high-Z materials, such as spent nuclear fuel assemblies in dry storage casks (DSC). Compared to conventional imaging techniques, muon imaging has some advantages due to its negligible health risk and high penetrating power. In this paper, we report our simulation study on imaging a DSC using muon Tomography technique. The Point of Closest Approach (POCA) and the Maximum-Likelihood Expectation- Maximization (ML-EM) algorithms are implemented and evaluated. A scaled-down prototype muon tomography system is proposed and studied. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Simulation Of Satellite Imagery From Aerial Imagery

High-resolution-image data convolved with point-spread function. Report describes use of higher-resolution-image data from aerial photographs or electronic scans of ground to simulate lower resolution images obtained if same area of ground viewed from imaging system in orbit. Simulation technique helpful in analysis of data received from operating satellites and in design of future satellite-borne imaging systems.

Hlavka, Christine A.↗

SU-F-J-204: Carbon Digitally Reconstructed Radiography (CDRR): A GPU Based Tool for Fast and Versatile Carbonimaging Simulation

Purpose: Research in carbon imaging has been growing over the past years, as a way to increase treatment accuracy and patient positioning in carbon therapy. The purpose of this tool is to allow a fast and flexible way to generate CDRR data without the need to use Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. It can also be used to predict future clinically measured data. Methods: A python interface has been developed, which uses information from CT or 4DCT and thetreatment calibration curve to compute the Water Equivalent Path Length (WEPL) of carbon ions. A GPU based ray tracing algorithm computes the WEPL of each individual carbon traveling through the CT voxels. A multiple peak detection method to estimate high contrast margin positioning has been implemented (described elsewhere). MC simulations have been used to simulate carbons depth dose curves in order to simulate the response of a range detector. Results: The tool allows the upload of CT or 4DCT images. The user has the possibility to selectphase/slice of interested as well as position, angle…). The WEPL is represented as a range detector which can be used to assess range dilution and multiple peak detection effects. The tool also provides knowledge of the minimum energy that should be considered for imaging purposes. The multiple peak detection method has been used in a lung tumor case, showing an accuracy of 1mm in determine the exact interface position. Conclusion: The tool offers an easy and fast way to simulate carbon imaging data. It can be used for educational and for clinical purposes, allowing the user to test beam energies and angles before real acquisition. An analysis add-on is being developed, where the used will have the opportunity to select different reconstruction methods and detector types (range or energy). Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT), PhD Grant number SFRH/BD/85749/2012.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Population-level Dark Energy Constraints from Strong Gravitational Lensing using Simulation-Based Inference

In this work, we present a scalable approach for inferring the dark energy equation-of-state parameter ($w$) from a population of strong gravitational lens images using Simulation-Based Inference (SBI). Strong gravitational lensing offers crucial insights into cosmology, but traditional Monte Carlo methods for cosmological inference are computationally prohibitive and inadequate for processing the thousands of lenses anticipated from future cosmic surveys. New tools for inference, such as SBI using Neural Ratio Estimation (NRE), address this challenge effectively. By training a machine learning model on simulated data of strong lenses, we can learn the likelihood-to-evidence ratio for robust inference. Our scalable approach enables more constrained population-level inference of $w$ compared to individual lens analysis, constraining $w$ to within $1\sigma$.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Population-level Dark Energy Constraints from Strong Gravitational Lensing using Simulation-Based Inference

In this work, we present a scalable approach for inferring the dark energy equation-of-state parameter ($w$) from a population of strong gravitational lens images using Simulation-Based Inference (SBI). Strong gravitational lensing offers crucial insights into cosmology, but traditional Monte Carlo methods for cosmological inference are computationally prohibitive and inadequate for processing the thousands of lenses anticipated from future cosmic surveys. New tools for inference, such as SBI using Neural Ratio Estimation (NRE), address this challenge effectively. By training a machine learning model on simulated data of strong lenses, we can learn the likelihood-to-evidence ratio for robust inference. Our scalable approach enables more constrained population-level inference of $w$ compared to individual lens analysis, constraining $w$ to within $1\sigma$. Our model can be used to provide cosmological constraints from forthcoming strong lens surveys, such as the 4MOST Strong Lensing Spectroscopic Legacy Survey (4SLSLS), which is expected to observe 10,000 strong lenses.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Population-level Dark Energy Constraints from Strong Gravitational Lensing using Simulation-Based Inference

In this work, we present a scalable approach for inferring the dark energy equation-of-state parameter ($w$) from a population of strong gravitational lens images using Simulation-Based Inference (SBI). Strong gravitational lensing offers crucial insights into cosmology, but traditional Monte Carlo methods for cosmological inference are computationally prohibitive and inadequate for processing the thousands of lenses anticipated from future cosmic surveys. New tools for inference, such as SBI using Neural Ratio Estimation (NRE), address this challenge effectively. By training a machine learning model on simulated data of strong lenses, we can learn the likelihood-to-evidence ratio for robust inference. Our scalable approach enables more constrained population-level inference of $w$ compared to individual lens analysis, constraining $w$ to within 1$\sigma$. Our model can be used to provide cosmological constraints from forthcoming strong lens surveys, such as the 4MOST Strong Lensing Spectroscopic Legacy Survey (4SLSLS), which is expected to observe 10,000 strong lenses.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Resolution recovery for Compton camera using origin ensemble algorithm

Purpose: Compton cameras (CCs) use electronic collimation to reconstruct the images of activity distribution. Although this approach can greatly improve imaging efficiency, due to complex geometry of the CC principle, image reconstruction with the standard iterative algorithms, such as ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM), can be very time-consuming, even more so if resolution recovery (RR) is implemented. We have previously shown that the origin ensemble (OE) algorithm can be used for the reconstruction of the CC data. Here we propose a method of extending our OE algorithm to include RR. Methods: To validate the proposed algorithm we used Monte Carlo simulations of a CC composed of multiple layers of pixelated CZT detectors and designed for imaging small animals. A series of CC acquisitions of small hot spheres and the Derenzo phantom placed in air were simulated. Images obtained from (a) the exact data, (b) blurred data but reconstructed without resolution recovery, and (c) blurred and reconstructed with resolution recovery were compared. Furthermore, the reconstructed contrast-to-background ratios were investigated using the phantom with nine spheres placed in a hot background. Results: Our simulations demonstrate that the proposed method allows for the recovery of the resolution loss that is due to imperfect accuracy of event detection. Additionally, tests of camera sensitivity corresponding to different detector configurations demonstrate that the proposed CC design has sensitivity comparable to PET. When the same number of events were considered, the computation time per iteration increased only by a factor of 2 when OE reconstruction with the resolution recovery correction was performed relative to the original OE algorithm. We estimate that the addition of resolution recovery to the OSEM would increase reconstruction times by 2–3 orders of magnitude per iteration. Conclusions: The results of our tests demonstrate the improvement of image resolution provided by the OE reconstructions with resolution recovery. The quality of images and their contrast are similar to those obtained from the OE reconstructions from scans simulated with perfect energy and spatial resolutions.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Information-Theoretic Exploration of Multivariate Time-Varying Image Databases

Modern scientific simulations produce very large datasets, making interactive exploration of such data computationally prohibitive. An increasingly common data reduction technique is to store visualizations and other data extracts in a database. The Cinema project is one such approach, storing visualizations in an image database for post hoc exploration and interactive image-based analysis. This work focuses on developing efficient algorithms that can quantify various types of multivariate dependencies existing within multi-variable datasets. It applies specific mutual information measures for the quantification of salient regions from multivariate image data. Here, using such information measures, the opacity of the images is modulated so that the salient regions are automatically highlighted and the domain scientists can interactively explore the most relevant regions for scientific discovery.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Confidence range estimate of extended source imagery acquisition algorithms via computer simulations

Spatial acquisition using the sun-lit Earth as a beacon source provides several advantages over active beacon-based systems for deep-space optical communication systems. However, since the angular extend of the Earth image is large compared to the laser beam divergence, the acquisition subsystem must be capable of resolving the image to derive the proper pointing orientation. The algorithms used must be capable of deducing the receiver location given the blurring introduced by the imaging optics and the large Earth albedo fluctuation. Furthermore, because of the complexity of modelling the Earth and the tracking algorithms, an accurate estimate of the algorithm accuracy can only be made via simulation using realistic Earth images. An image simulator was constructed for this purpose, and the results of the simulation runs are reported.

Chen, CHIEN-C.↗

Three-dimensional model of intracellular and intercellular Ca2+ waves propagation in endothelial cells

Highlights: • Image-based 3D simulation model for intercellular and intracellular Ca{sup 2+} waves. • Metabolic reactions were divided into membrane and cytoplasm domains. • Ca{sup 2+} and IP{sub 3} diffused across the cell and gap junctions. • Ca{sup 2+} waves are propagated from focal stimulated point in numerical simulation. • Ca{sup 2+} wave speed was in agreement with those from cell culture experiments. Intracellular and intercellular Ca{sup 2+} waves play key roles in cellular functions, and focal stimulation triggers Ca{sup 2+} wave propagation from stimulation points to neighboring cells, involving localized metabolism reactions and specific diffusion processes. Among these, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP{sub 3}) is produced at membranes and diffuses into the cytoplasm to release Ca{sup 2+} from endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In this study, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) simulation model for intercellular and intracellular Ca{sup 2+} waves in endothelial cells (ECs). 3D model of 2 cells was reconstructed from confocal microscopic images and was connected via gap junctions. Cells have membrane and cytoplasm domains, and metabolic reactions were divided into each domain. Finally, the intracellular and intercellular Ca{sup 2+} wave propagations were induced using microscopic stimulation and were compared between numerical simulations and experiments. The experiments showed that initial sharp increases in intracellular Ca{sup 2+} occurred approximately 0.3 s after application of stimuli. In addition, Ca{sup 2+} wave speeds remained constant in cells, with intracellular and intercellular speeds of approximately 35 and 15 μm/s, respectively. Simulations indicated initial increases in Ca{sup 2+} concentrations at points of stimulation, and these were then propagated across stimulated and neighboring cells. In particular, initial rapid increases in intracellular Ca{sup 2+} were delayed and subsequent intracellular and intercellular Ca{sup 2+} wave speeds were approximately 25 and 12 μm/s, respectively. Simulation results were in agreement with those from cell culture experiments, indicating the utility of our 3D model for investigations of intracellular and intercellular messaging in ECs.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

CME Flux Rope and Shock Identifications and Locations: Comparison of White Light Data, Graduated Cylindrical Shell Model, and MHD Simulations

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are major transient phenomena in the solar corona that are observed with ground-based and spacecraft-based coronagraphs in white light or with in situ measurements by spacecraft. CMEs transport mass and momentum and often drive shocks. In order to derive the CME and shock trajectories with high precision, we apply the graduated cylindrical shell (GCS) model to fit a flux rope to the CME directed toward STEREO A after about 19:00 UT on 29 November 2013 and check the quality of the heliocentric distance-time evaluations by carrying out a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation of the same CME with the Block Adaptive Tree Solar-Wind Roe Upwind Scheme (BATS-R-US) code. Heliocentric distances of the CME and shock leading edges are determined from the simulated white light images and magnetic field strength data. We find very good agreement between the predicted and observed heliocentric distances, showing that the GCS model and the BATS-R-US simulation approach work very well and are consistent. In order to assess the validity of CME and shock identification criteria in coronagraph images, we also compute synthetic white light images of the CME and shock. We find that the outer edge of a cloud-like illuminated area in the observed and predicted images in fact coincides with the leading edge of the CME flux rope and that the outer edge of a faint illuminated band in front of the CME leading edge coincides with the CME-driven shock front.

Schmidt, J. M.↗

Classification of computed thermal tomography images with deep learning convolutional neural network

Thermal tomography (TT) is a computational method for the reconstruction of depth profile of the internal material defects from Pulsed Infrared Thermography (PIT) nondestructive evaluation. Here, the PIT method consists of recording material surface temperature transients with a fast frame infrared camera, following thermal pulse deposition on the material surface with a flashlamp and heat diffusion into material bulk. TT algorithm obtains depth reconstructions of thermal effusivity, which has been shown to provide visualization of the subsurface internal defects in metals. In many applications, one needs to determine the defect shape and orientation from reconstructed effusivity images. Interpretation of TT images is non-trivial because of blurring, which increases with depth due to the heat diffusion-based nature of image formation. We have developed a deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN) to classify the size and orientation of subsurface material defects in TT images. CNN was trained with TT images produced with computer simulations of 2D metallic structures (thin plates) containing elliptical subsurface voids. The performance of CNN was investigated using test TT images developed with computer simulations of plates containing elliptical defects, and defects with shapes imported from scanning electron microscopy images. CNN demonstrated the ability to classify radii and angular orientation of elliptical defects in previously unseen test TT images. We have also demonstrated that CNN trained on the TT images of elliptical defects is capable of classifying the shape and orientation of irregular defects.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Ocean Energy Sandia TEAMER WEC Simulation Results

Computational fluid simulations for wave energy converters and supporting materials from Ocean Energy's WEC Buoy TEAMER project in collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories. Each file includes images and video of simulation along with the simulation files for the case. The videos and images include air and water simulations of the buoy in 2D and 3D views. Data spreadsheets of the simulation outputs are also included in the files. The data are represented as different cases in which the wave height(Hs) and peak period(Tp) were different.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Automatic Imagery Data Analysis for Proactive Computer-Based Workflow Management during Nuclear Power Plant Outages

This report is being submitted for the task “Final Report” of DOE NEUP Project 15-8121 “Automatic Imagery Data Analysis for Proactive Computer-Based Workflow Management during Nuclear Power Plant Outages.” Typical nuclear power plant (NPP) outages always involve thousands of maintenance and refueling activities and a large number of workers in limited workspaces, while having tight schedules and zero-tolerance for accidents. During an outage, thousands of workers will be working in various workspaces across the NPP. High outage costs and expensive delays (approximately 1.5 million dollars of loss per day of delay) in NPP maintenance demand tight outage schedules. In packed workspaces, an automatic system that monitors human behaviors in real-time and provides insights about current and pending schedule deviations from the plan is critical for ensuring: 1) effective collaboration among workers and worker teams from different trades; 2) less waste of time and resources due to the lack of situational awareness; and 3) proactive outage project control. The overall goal of this project is to test the hypothesis that real-time imagery-based object tracking and spatial analysis, as well as human behavior modeling of outage participants, will significantly improve the efficiency of outage control while lowering the rates of accidents and incidents. Three objectives of this project are: 1) Establish real-time object tracking and spatiotemporal analysis methods that automatically assess the productivity of field activities and detect anomalous spatiotemporal relationships among activities that cause inefficiencies and risks; 2) Establish realtime human tracking and human factor modeling methods for automatically diagnosing unexpected actions of and interactions between outage participants, those which cause inefficient collaborations between Advanced Outage Control Center (AOCC), satellite outage centers, NPP workers, and maintenance service providers; and 3) Test the proposed automated object tracking, human behavior modeling, and spatiotemporal analysis methods in outage control case studies in order to characterize the effectiveness of automated imagery-data-driven methods in proactively improving the efficiency and safety of workflows in outage coordination and risk management. Recent studies of detailed human behavior monitoring on construction sites have examined the potential of applying advanced computer vision algorithms in detecting and tracking anomalous workers (i.e., workers who do not wear hard hats or safety vests) for ensuring job site safety. Some studies of human factor studies revealed the importance of modeling detailed interactions between individuals within and across teams in better understanding the impact of human in proactive project control. Other studies in the construction domain have developed computational simulation frameworks that formalize detailed spatiotemporal interactions between tasks in order to simulate the impacts of individual tasks on the performance of workflows. While integrated analyses that combine human factor assessment, as well as image processing and simulation, are in demand for effective decision-making, limited studies have examined the potential of such integrated analyses in NPP outage control. This research project has examined an automatic outage monitoring and control system that integrates human factor analysis, computer vision techniques, and simulation methods in order to enable engineers to better understand the interactions between humans, resources, and workflows during outage processes. The project aims at providing NPP maintenance agencies insights into more efficient use of limited resources in extending the life of a nuclear plant, as well as reducing waste while ensuring sufficient generation of electricity. This study is significant for the safety of nuclear plants, sustainable electricity generation for livable communities, and cost savings for maintaining electricity infrastructures in the United States.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗