Compton scattering in a large-aperture positron imaging system

Compton scattering of gamma rays within the image volume has been assessed for a large-aperture positron-emission-tomography imaging system. The Compton scattered attenuation and the Compton scattered background were both modeled and measured for point sources centered in scattering spheres up to 10 cm in diameter. Good agreement was obtained between simulations and measurements. The attenuation problem is independent of the detector system, but its correction is more difficult in a large-aperture system. The scattered coincidence background is large in this system (43% for a 10-cm-diameter scattering sphere), but the background overlap is reduced with 3D imaging.     

Effect of a direct magnetic field on the interfacial microstructure between molten aluminium and solid iron

Many processing techniques, such as hot dip aluminizing, bimetal formation, liquid metal corrosion, cementing, welding and diffusion bonding, are basically dependent on interfacial reactions [1-3]. It is therefore important to investigate the formation and growth of intermetallic layers at the interface. There have been several studies carried out to examine chemical compositions and growth kinetics of intermetallic layers in the Al-Fe system [4-9]. Most authors have come to an agreement that…     

Impact of dietary n−3 FA deficiency on rat bone tissue FA composition

The effect of dietary n−3 FA deficiency on bone tissue FA composition was evaluated in growing rats. Two mixtures combining hydrogenated coconut oil with safflower oil served as the n−3-deficient dietary treatments and provided two levels of linoleic acid (LA). The n−3 treatments were formulated with added α-linolenic acid (LNA) from flaxseed oil (diet LNA) or LNA plus DHA, and both were balanced for LA. This study showed that bone is sensitive to changes in dietary n−3 FA and that DHA is more effective than LNA in maintaining DHA levels in these tissues.     

泥页岩地层区域三维地质力学建模与应用

印尼A油田在钻井过程中泥页岩地层井壁坍塌严重,为安全快速钻井,减少复杂事故,文章提出了一种多源地质力学建模方法,该方法综合利用岩心实验数据、已钻井测井数据、地震反演数据和泥页岩失稳机理,对印尼A油田的地质力学参数进行了精细刻画,并建立了该油田三维孔隙压力空间分布、三维弹性模量空间分布、三维泊松比空间分布等三维属性体;利用有限元的方法,计算了该油田三维地应力分布,得到三维安全钻井液密度窗口。该模型有效耦合测井数据、岩心数据、地震数据等多源数据,可在钻井设计和钻井施工过程中根据目标井的坐标位置和井眼轨迹准确获取目标井的安全钻井液密度窗口,已在该油田B-8井中现场应用,模型所得到的安全钻井液密度窗口满足现场实际需要,实钻过程中无复杂,钻井周期相对油田前期平均钻井周期缩短40%。本模型为钻井设计及现场施工确定合理钻井液安全密度窗口提供了技术支撑,为解决泥页岩等易坍塌地层的井壁失稳提供一套地质工程一体化的解决方案。     

A comparison of posture and muscle activity during tablet computer, desktop computer and paper use by young children

Computers are now widely used by children. Tablet computers are becoming widely available and promoted for use by school children. The primary objective of this study was to compare the posture and muscle activity of children using a tablet computer to the posture and muscle activity of children using a desktop computer and paper technology. Eighteen children (mean age 5.6 years) performed a colouring-in task in tablet, desktop and paper conditions. 3-D posture and muscle activity around the neck and shoulder was assessed. Tablet computer use was similar to paper use, with less neutral spinal posture, more elevated scapular posture and greater upper trapezius and cervical erector spinae activity. This was offset by greater variability of posture and muscle activity. Tablet computer use clearly results in different musculoskeletal stresses than desktop computer use. Computer use guidelines need to be appropriate to traditional and emerging technologies. Tablet computers are being promoted for use by adults and children. However, the physical impact of using this type of technology is not known. The findings of this study provide the first tablet-specific evidence to inform guidelines on wise use of tablet computers by children.