Evaluation of Patient Positioning during Digital Tomosynthesis and Reconstruction Algorithms for Ilizarov Frames: A Phantom Study

Aim: Metallic components from circular external fixators, including the Ilizarov frame, cause artefacts on X-rays and obstruct clear visualisation of bone detail. We evaluated the ability of tomosynthesis to reduce interference on radiographs caused by metal artefacts and developed an optimal image acquisition method for such cases. Materials and methods: An Ilizarov frame phantom was constructed using rods placed on the bone for the purpose to evaluate the benefits of tomosynthesis. Distances between the rod and bone and the angle between the rod and X-ray tube orbit were set at three different levels. Filtered backprojection images were reconstructed using two different features of the reconstruction function: THICKNESS−− (CONTRAST4) and THICKNESS++ (METAL4); the first is suitable for improving contrast and the second is suitable for metal artefacts. The peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) was used during image evaluation to determine the influence of the metallic rod on bone structure visibility. Results: The PSNR increased as the angle between the metal rod and the X-ray tube orbit and the distance between the metallic rod and bone increased. The PSNR was larger when using THICKNESS−− (CONTRAST4) than when using THICKNESS++ (METAL4). Conclusion: The optimal reconstruction function and image acquisition determined using the metallic rod in this study suggest that quality equal to that without the metallic rod can be obtained. Clinical significance: We describe an optimised method for image acquisition without unnecessary acquisition repetition and unreasonable posture changes when the bone cannot be adequately visualised

Optical response of C60_{60} and C70_{70} fullerenes:

Molecular exciton effects in the neutral and maximally doped C$_{60}$ (C$_{70}$) are considered using a tight binding model with long-range Coulomb interactions and bond disorder. By comparing calculated and observed optical spectra, we conclude that relevant Coulomb parameters for the doped cases are about half of those of the neutral systems. The broadening of absorption peaks is well simulated by the bond disorder model.Comment: Proceedings paper of ICSM9

Preliminary Report on the Geotechnical Aspects of the Philippine Earthquake of July 16, 1990

The Philippine earthquake of July 16, 1990 (MS = 7.8), of which epicenter is about 100 km north of Manila city, was one of the most costly single natural disasters in Philippine history. The loss of life of over 1,600 persons resulted. Extensive damage to buildings, roads, embankments, natural slopes, and bridges was observed in a widespread area of approximately 20,000 square kilometers. One of the major causes of the damage was liquefaction of various sandy soils including artificially fills, alluvial deposits of river delta, and sandbars. This paper presents a preliminary overview of damage aspects of the earthquake, with emphasis on liquefaction-induced damage of various structures

Considerations to Damage Patterns in the Marina District During the Loma Prieta Earthquake Based on Rayleigh Wave Investigation

Rayleigh wave investigation is made in the Marina District to study geotechnical factors controlling the damage patterns in the Loma Prieta earthquake. A portable system has been developed for determining a Rayleigh wave dispersion curve based on the measurements of artificially induced ground vibration or microtremor. Five sites are selected along a line crossing the hydraulic fill zone in which structures and/or buried utilities were significantly damaged. An inverse analysis on the measured dispersion curves results in a cross section of shear wave velocity profiles in the District. Site amplification and liquefaction potential of each site are estimated and discussed based on the Vs-profiles. It is shown that soil liquefaction is likely to have occurred throughout the fill zone, and that the predominant period of ground motions in the zone of structural damage is longer than and closer to the natural period of structures with soft first story than that in the non-damaged zone. These results appear to be consistent with the damage patterns in the District, indicating that the proposed investigation is effective for seismic zonation

Spatiotemporal variability of surface mass balance along the JARE traverse route for 1992-2018

The Tenth Symposium on Polar Science/Ordinary sessions: [OM] Polar Meteorology and Glaciology, Wed. 4 Dec. / Entrance Hall (1st floor) , National Institute of Polar Researc