Correction for photon attenuation in SPECT: analytical framework, average attenuation factors, and a new hybrid approach

We provide a unified framework for the investigation of convergence properties of the iterative algorithms for photon attenuation correction in SPECT, including the iterative Chang method--a commonly used approach in which an average attenuation factor calculated over all projection angles is employed in a pointwise correction scheme. A new average attenuation factor calculated along the projection line is introduced, which can compensate exactly for the attenuation effect in the case of a uniform activity distribution. We propose a new hybrid approach in which we use this new average attenuation factor initially and then shift to the iterative Chang method in later iterations. This hybrid approach was evaluated in a simulation study by use of a computer-generated phantom with both non-uniform activity and non-uniform attenuation distributions. The results demonstrate that this hybrid approach improves the convergence speed of the iterative Chang method and produces reconstructed images of high quality.     

Optic flow field segmentation and motion estimation using a robustgenetic partitioning algorithm

Optic flow motion analysis represents an important family of visual information processing techniques in computer vision. Segmenting an optic flow field into coherent motion groups and estimating each underlying motion is a very challenging task when the optic flow field is projected from a scene of several independently moving objects. The problem is further complicated if the optic flow data are noisy and partially incorrect. In this paper, the authors present a novel framework for determining such optic flow fields by combining the conventional robust estimation with a modified genetic algorithm. The baseline model used in the development is a linear optic flow motion algorithm due to its computational simplicity. The statistical properties of the generalized linear regression (GLR) model are thoroughly explored and the sensitivity of the motion estimates toward data noise is quantitatively established. Conventional robust estimators are then incorporated into the linear regression model to suppress a small percentage of gross data errors or outliers. However, segmenting an optic flow field consisting of a large portion of incorrect data or multiple motion groups requires a very high robustness that is unattainable by the conventional robust estimators. To solve this problem, the authors propose a genetic partitioning algorithm that elegantly combines the robust estimation with the genetic algorithm by a bridging genetic operator called self-adaptation     

Synthesis of Diamond Thin Films on TC4 by Using a Scanning Linear Flame

A scanning linear flame is used to deposit diamond films over a large area, and with high quality and good continuity by employing appropriate cooling means for the substrate. It is found that the structure and morphology of the deposited films mainly depend on the substrate temperature, the ratio of 0₂ to C₂H₂ flow rate and the relative position of the substrate with respect to the flame. These factors affecting the structure and morphology of diamond films are interrelated. Moreover, the influences of surface pretreatments on nucleation and growth of diamond films are also studied. The experimental results show that the nucleation density of diamond films is enhanced by scratching the surface of the substrate with diamond grit and initially coating a mechanical pump oil layer. For the substrate surface etched with metallographic etching acid, the nucleation and growth of diamond films are very uniform. In addition, the adhesion between the film and substrate is enhanced. Nucleation is favored on the prominent features of the substrate, i.e. scratch and crystal boundary.     

Three-node, 40 Gbit/s OTDM network experiment using electro-opticswitches

The authors demonstrate, for the first time, a three node optically time division multiplexed network with a maximum capacity of 40 Gbit/s. Electro-optical switches were used for both `drop and insert' and demultiplexing, and electronic clock recovery provided synchronisation throughout the network     

液晶光阀用ZnSSe薄膜的光电特性研究

用分子束外延法(MBE),在铟锡氧化物(ITO)导电玻璃衬底上生长了ZnSSe薄膜,详细研究了薄膜的光电特性.通过控制反应时的生长参数,制备出了符合紫外液晶光阀设计要求的光导层薄膜.室温下,该薄膜光谱响应截止边的响应度为0.01A/W,紫外/可见光响应对比度大于103.薄膜的暗电阻率随薄膜晶粒增大而减小,在衬底温度为2900C时,所获得的ZnSSe薄膜具有4.3×1011Ω@cm的暗电阻率.频率从40Hz到4000Hz的交流特性测试,也证实该薄膜符合器件紫外成像的工作要求.     

AC hot-carrier effects in MOSFETs with furnaceN2O-nitrided gate oxides

AC hot-carrier effects in n-MOSFETs with thin (~85 Å) N₂O-nitrided gate oxides have been studied and compared with control devices with gate oxides grown in O₂. Results show that furnace N₂O-nitrided oxide devices exhibit significantly reduced AC-stress-induced degradation. In addition, they show weaker dependences of device degradation on applied gate pulse frequency and pulse width. Results suggest that the improved AC-hot-carrier immunity of the N₂O-nitrided oxide device may be due to the significantly suppressed interface state generation and neutral electron trap generation during stressing     

High-Pressure (up to 140 MPa) Dynamic Viscosity of the Methane and Toluene System: Measurements and Comparative Study of Some Representative Models

The dynamic viscosity of toluene and methane mixtures containing 25.03, 37.19, 49.95, 64.11, and 95.00 mol% methane has been measured using a falling-body viscometer. The measurements (280 data points) have been performed in the temperature range 293.15 to 373.15 K and at pressures up to 140 MPa. The data have been discussed in the framework of recent representative models (hard-sphere scheme, friction theory, and free-volume model) as well as with simple mixing laws and empirical models (particularly the LBC model and the self-referencing model) used in the literature. This comparative study shows that the average absolute deviation of the models is between 4.9 and 26.8%, and the maximum deviation is between 11.6 and 49.5%.     

EBSD investigation of SiC for HTR fuel particles

Electron back-scattering diffraction (EBSD) can be successfully performed on SiC coatings for HTR fuel particles. EBSD grain maps obtained from thick and thin unirradiated samples are presented, along with pole figures showing textures and a chart showing the distribution of grain aspect ratios. This information is of great interest, and contributes to improving the process parameters and ensuring the reproducibility of coatings.