A Monte Carlo study of the energy dependence of Al2O3:C crystals for real-time in vivo dosimetry in mammography

In a previous experimental study, a novel method for in vivo dosimetry has been investigated, based on radioluminescence (RL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL). However, because of the large difference in atomic composition between the detector material and the breast tissue, relatively large energy dependence in low-energy X-ray beams can be expected. In the present work, the energy dependence of Al2O3:C crystals was modelled with the Monte Carlo code EGSnrc using three types of X-ray spectra. The results obtained (5.6-7.3%) agree with a previously determined experimental result (9%) within the combined standard uncertainty of the two methods. The influence of the size of the crystal on the energy dependence was investigated together with the effect of varying the thickness of the surrounding light-protective material. The results obtained indicate a minor effect owing to the thickness of the light-protective material, and a somewhat larger effect from reducing the diameter of the crystal. The outcome of this study can be used to improve the future design of the RL/OSL dosimetry system for use in mammography.     

A method for the analysis of low-mass molecules by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

We report a novel method termed matrix suppressed laser desorption/ionization to improve the analysis of low-mass molecules by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. In this method, the surfactant of cetrimonium bromide (CTAB) is added to the conventional matrix of alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid solution to prepare the MALDI samples. During the MALDI process, the presence of CTAB could substantially or even completely suppress the matrix-related ion background. As a result, very clean mass spectra can be routinely obtained in the low-mass range. In addition, the presence of CTAB can significantly improve the mass resolution of low-mass molecules. It is seen that high-quality spectra were routinely obtained at a matrix/CTAB ratio of 1000:1. This method has been successfully used to analyze a variety of low-mass molecules.     

工业钼靶X射线光机能谱的蒙特卡罗模拟

利用蒙特卡罗模拟程序EGSnrc,构建出工业钼靶X射线光机模型,进行了28 keV的电子束经过钼靶产生的光子在光机各组件中的传输模拟,得到距源焦点50 cm处, 射野半径为5 cm平面上的粒子相空间文件,通过对相空间文件分析得到粒子注量、能谱分布、角分布、平均能量等信息,模拟计算了过滤材料和管电压对钼靶X射线谱分布的影响。钼过滤下钼靶X射线的平均能量小于铑过滤,但对较高能量部分的影响要大于铑过滤;随着管电压的升高,钼靶光机的光子产生效率呈上升趋势,平均能量增加。25,28,30,35 kV 4组辐射质条件下,钼靶X射线能谱的平均能量分别为16.0,16.6,17.0,17.8 keV,与实验测量值接近,相对误差在1%以内。     

Quantitative determination of absolute organohalogen concentrations in environmental samples by X-ray absorption spectroscopy

An in situ procedure for quantifying total organic and inorganic Cl concentrations in environmental samples based on X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy has been developed. Cl 1s XANES spectra reflect contributions from all Cl species present in a sample, providing a definitive measure of total Cl concentration in chemically heterogeneous samples. Spectral features near the Cl K-absorption edge provide detailed information about the bonding state of Cl, whereas the absolute fluorescence intensity of the spectra is directly proportional to total Cl concentration, allowing for simultaneous determination of Cl speciation and concentration in plant, soil, and natural water samples. Absolute Cl concentrations are obtained from Cl 1s XANES spectra using a series of Cl standards in a matrix of uniform bulk density. With the high sensitivity of synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy, Cl concentration can be reliably measured down to the 5-10 ppm range in solid and liquid samples. Referencing the characteristic near-edge features of Cl in various model compounds, we can distinguish between inorganic chloride (Cl(inorg)) and organochlorine (Cl(org)), as well as between aliphatic Cl(org) and aromatic Cl(org), with uncertainties in the range of approximately 6%. In addition, total organic and inorganic Br concentrations in sediment samples are quantified using a combination of Br 1s XANES and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. Br concentration is detected down to approximately 1 ppm by XRF, and Br 1s XANES spectra allow quantification of the Br(inorg) and Br(org) fractions. These procedures provide nondestructive, element-specific techniques for quantification of Cl and Br concentrations that preclude extensive sample preparation.     

Polarization mapping: a method to improve sum frequency generation spectral analysis

A "polarization mapping" method has been applied to improve the fitting quality of sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectra of complicated systems and validate the data analysis of simple SFG spectra. Using such a method, two-dimensional SFG spectra can be constructed, from which more reliable spectral information can be obtained from a surface/interface. Model calculations as well as experiments have been employed to illustrate the power of the polarization mapping method for spectral analysis of SFG spectra. By using a deuterated polystyrene surface and interfacial protein molecules as examples, we demonstrate that this method is especially important for complicated molecules, such as polymers and proteins.     

Structural and optical characterisation of ZnO nanocrystals embedded in bulk KBr single crystal

The ZnO nanocrystals (NCs) embedded in KBr single crystal matrix has been fabricated using the Czochralski (Cz) method. X-ray diffraction has confirmed the embedding of ZnO nanocrystals inside the bulk KBr matrix. A blue shift of the absorption edge of the obtained samples has been observed. Moreover, ZnO nanocrystals embedded in bulk KBr single crystals, present photoluminescence (PL) bands, at 1.6 K, associated with free and bound excitons. These results confirm that bulk KBr single crystal is a suitable matrix-host for ZnO nanocrystals.     

X-ray spectral determination by successive modifications of the beam intensity

A simple and practical indirect method to determine spectra from X-ray tubes has been developed on the basis of successive modifications of beam flux. The beam is either scattered at different angles or attenuated by metal foils and the intensity is measured by an ionization chamber. The data are analyzed by means of an iterative program that solves a system of equations whose unknowns define a parametric fit of the X-ray spectrum. We have checked this method with simulated measurements of tabulated spectra, as well as with our own measurements on available X-ray apparatus and for several different applied voltages.     

Trace chemical characterization using monochromatic X-ray undulator radiation

An efficient Johansson-type X-ray fluorescence spectrometer has been developed for advanced X-ray spectroscopic analysis with third-generation synchrotron radiation. Kalpha and Kbeta X-ray fluorescence spectra for trace metals have been collected by a Ge(220) analyzing crystal with a Rowland radius of 150 mm, under monochromatic X-ray excitation at the undulator beamline at the SPring-8. The energy resolution is approximately 10 eV for most of the K lines for 3d transition metals. In light of the greatly improved efficiency, as well as the excellent signal-to-background ratio, the relative and absolute detection limits achieved are 1 ppm and 1.2 ng of copper in a carbon matrix, respectively. The energy resolution of the present spectrometer permits the observation of some chemical effects in Kbeta spectra. It has been demonstrated that the changes in Kbeta5 and Kbeta' intensity for iron and cobalt compounds can be used for the analysis of chemical states. Resonant X-ray fluorescent spectra are another important application of monochromatic excitation. In view of trace chemical characterization, the present spectrometer can be a good alternative to a conventional Si(Li) detector system when combined with highly brilliant X-rays.     

Measurement of X-ray tube accelerating potential by differentialbeam filtration

Indirect determination of X-ray generator kilovoltage (kV) using the ratio of differentially filtered beam measurements has been known for 20 years. Measurement of generator potentials used for diagnostic computed tomography (CT), conventional X-ray, and mammography typically requires filter cassettes or special instruments in the X-ray beam; the resulting readings are usually accurate within ±2%. A related technique, free of many theoretical and practical restrictions, provides simplified generator potential measurements with significantly improved accuracy. Curve fitting provides a simple relationship predicting generator kV from a measured filter response ratio. Routine use has established that this technique is robust, reliable, repeatable, and more accurate than most working standards     

Dose to population as a metric in the design of optimised exposure control in digital mammography

This paper describes a method for automatic optimisation of parameters (AOP) in digital mammography systems. Using a model of the image chain, contrast to noise ratio (CNR) and average glandular dose (AGD) are computed for possible X-ray parameters and breast types. The optimisation process consists of the determination of the operating points providing the lowest possible AGD for each CNR level and breast type. The proposed metric for the dose used in the design of an AOP mode is the resulting dose to the population, computed by averaging the AGD values over the distribution of breast types in the population. This method has been applied to the automatic exposure control of new digital mammography equipment. Breast thickness and composition are estimated from a low dose pre-exposure and used to index tables containing sets of optimised operating points. The resulting average dose to the population ranges from a level comparable to state-of-the-art screen/film mammography to a reduction by a factor of two. Using this method, both CNR and dose are kept under control for all breast types, taking into consideration both individual and collective risk.     

Study of Size Distribution in Nanostructured Se<Subscript>58</Subscript>Ge<Subscript>39</Subscript>Pb<Subscript>3</Subscript> Glass Using Various Characterization Methods

The present paper aims at the study of size distribution of particles in nanostructured Se₅₈Ge₃₉Pb₃ glass using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–visible spectrophotometer. The thin film sample has been prepared using melt quenching technique and inert gas consolidation method. The particle size distribution obtained from XRD and UV–Vis spectrophotometer shows more uncertainty than the results obtained from TEM measurements. The absorption spectra recorded on UV–Vis spectrophotometer is employed to get band gap values corresponding to different size distribution in sample. Further, it is concluded that TEM is the best measurement technique for size distribution as it has less uncertainty in the obtained results.     

PVDF-HFP基复合多孔聚合物电解质膜的研制

聚偏氟乙烯-六氟丙烯共聚物(PVDF-HFP)多微孔膜在锂离子电池领域中具有很好的应用前景.采用Bellcore制膜法,用纳米材料对PVDF-HFP为基质的聚合物微孔膜材料进行了改性.利用XRD,SEM,交流阻抗等测试手段对电解质膜的晶体结构、微观形貌、电化学性能等进行了表征.结果表明:改性后聚合物电解质膜的孔隙率增加、结晶度降低,PVDF-HFP/SiO2和PVDF-HFP/Al2O3聚合物电解质隔膜的电导率(20℃)分别达到2.762×10-3S/cm和3.517×10-3S/cm,相应的离子迁移数分别为0.80和0.82.     

Evaluation of a novel method of noise reduction using computer-simulated mammograms

A novel method of noise reduction has been tested for mammography using computer-simulated images for which the truth is known exactly. This method is based on comparing two images. The images are compared at different scales, using a cross-correlation function as a measure of similarity to define the image modifications in the wavelet domain. The computer-simulated images were calculated for noise-free primary radiation using a quasi-realistic voxel phantom. Two images corresponding to slightly different geometry were produced. Gaussian noise was added with certain properties to simulate quantum noise. The added noise could be reduced by >70% using the proposed method without any noticeable corruption of the structures. It is possible to save 50% dose in mammography by producing two images (each 25% of the dose for a standard mammogram). Additionally, a reduction of the anatomical noise and, therefore, better detection rates of breast cancer in mammography are possible.     

Optical, structural and surface morphological studies of bean-like triethylamine capped zinc selenide nanostructures

Synthesis of triethylamine capped ZnSe nanostructures with bean-like morphology distribution by a simple and inexpensive wet chemical method has been investigated. The main advantage of this method is the use of non-toxic precursors. The synthesized nanostructures have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet visible spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence and atomic force microscopy. The absorption features obtained in the UV absorption spectrum reveal the formation of nanostructures. A significant blue shift from the bulk material was observed from UV absorption and photoluminescence spectra.     

A technique for obtaining matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectra of poorly soluble and insoluble aromatic polyamides

Wet grinding methods for obtaining matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectra of poorly soluble and insoluble low molecular mass oligomers (<4600 Da) of Nomex and Kevlar are described. Optimum conditions for sample preparation are given along with a detailed analysis of the spectra obtained. Two matrix materials were employed in this analysis, 1,8-dihydroxyanthrone (dithranol) and 3-aminoquinoline with potassium trifluoroacetate used as the cationizing agent. The spectra obtained in this study are sensitive to the matrix, molar mixing ratios of matrix/polymer/cationizing agent, and the sample preparation method.     

A study of nanocrystalline NiFe2O4 in a silica matrix

The present work deals with the synthesis of nickel ferrite/SiO₂ nanocomposites, obtained by embedding nickel ferrite nanoparticles in a silica matrix, through sol-gel method based on hydrolysis and condensation of a silicon alkoxide and thermal treatment. Methods employed in characterization of the materials obtained at different ferrite concentration and at suitable thermal treatments were differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), mid-infrared (IR) spectra and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In purpose to evaluate magnetic properties of these nanocomposites, static magnetic measurements using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were carried out.     

Nanostructure and internal strain distribution in porous silicon

Porous silicon (PS) layers with different degrees of porosity have been fabricated and their nanostructure has been investigated using complementary methods as FE-SEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy), SAXS (small-angle X-ray scattering), and Raman spectroscopy. Correlation of these results with strain analyses is also required for envisaged applications in MEMS technology. Symmetrical and asymmetrical rocking curves obtained by high-resolution X-ray diffraction completed with reciprocal space maps (RSMs) explain the features observed in Raman spectra: the PS film in-depth contains two layers-bulk and highly strained superficial layer, between them being a graded strain layer.     

Organisational aspects of mammography screening in digital settings: first experiences of Luxembourg

Luxembourg has been conducting a breast cancer screening programme since 1992, like a large number of other European countries, as early detection and treatment of breast cancer have been proven to reduce mortality. The majority of these screening programmes are based on analogue X-ray technology and have optimised their organisation of transporting, archiving and reading with respect to films. Last decade is marked by enormous developments in digital mammography. Different technologies such as flat panel-, computed radiography- and scanning systems became available. Digital mammography is expected to have a major impact on quality and organisation of breast cancer screening programmes. Screening programmes are now faced with a huge challenge of incorporating the digital technology, including implementation of electronic image exchange, conception of new electronic workflow, establishing adapted quality assurance programmes and training of radiologists and technical personnel. Initial experiences of the Luxembourg approach in organising digital mammography screening and its quality assurance are reported.     

Ultrasound-induced capping of polystyrene on TiO2 nanoparticles by precipitation with compressed CO2 as antisolvent

In this work, a route for the synthesis of inorganic/polymer core/shell composite nanoparticles was proposed, which can be called the antisolvent-ultrasound method. Compressed CO2 was used as antisolvent to precipitate the polymer from its solution dispersed with inorganic nanoparticles, during which ultrasonic irradiation was used to induce the coating of precipitated polymers on the surfaces of the inorganic nanoparticles. TiO2/polystyrene (PS) core/shell nanocomposites have been successfully prepared using this method. The transmission electronic micrographs (TEM) of the obtained nanocomposites show that the TiO2 nanoparticles are coated by the PS shells, of which the thickness can be tuned by the pressure of CO2. The phase structure, absorption properties, and thermal stability of the composite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectra, and thermogravimetry, respectively. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) indicate the formation of a strong interaction between PS and TiO2 nanoparticles in the resultant products. This method has some potential advantages for applications and may be easily applied to the preparation of a range of inorganic/polymer core/shell composite nanoparticles.     

The performance of commercial photodiodes for dosimetry in mammography

This paper reports the results of an investigation carried out to determine the suitability of using a commercially available photodiode for dosimetry in mammography thereby providing a low cost dosemeter with a direct reading of the radiation dose. A mammographic X-ray generator (Siemens Mammomat 1000) with tube potential in the 23-30 kV range and a constant potential X-ray generator (Pantak) with a W/Mo anode/filter combination were used in this study. The results showed that the photodiode response is highly linear within mammographic dose ranges and that the energy dependence was <3% at tube potentials of 25-30 kV. Good agreement was observed between the incident air kerma measured with both the photodiode and the ionization chamber. These results show the viability of using the photodiode as a dosemeter system in mammography.