X-ray Plates Research Articles

Use of parametric X-ray radiation of electrons in crystals to determine the parameters of imaging-plates

Good agreement between experimental data and the results of calculations of the yield and angular distributions of parametric X-ray radiation of electrons in crystals within the framework of kinematic theory enables us to use the measurement results to determine the photon energy dependence of the sensitivity of X-ray plates. The results of measurements of the angular distributions of parametric X-ray radiation of electrons with an energy of 255 MeV in a Si crystal using imaging plates of several types were compared with the results of calculations that take into account all currently known experimental factors that influence the measurement results. The spectral dependence of the sensitivity of the studied X-ray plates was determined for photon energies of two orders of reflection and for the (111), (1̅1̅1), and (110) reflection planes.

Digital phenotyping of individual feed intake in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) with the X-ray method and image analysis

The primary barrier to research into feed efficiency of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is the lack of a reliable method to assess individual feed intake in large cohorts of fish over a growth period. A method with potential is the X-ray method, which images radio-opaque markers (beads) in feed consumed by fish. However, the time taken to count the markers in the digestive tract of fish is extremely onerous and the method has previously been shown to have low repeatability. Furthermore, the method has not been assessed and optimized for Atlantic salmon. Firstly, we made use of image analysis to count beads within the digital radiographs, which was highly correlated to manual counting by human observers (R2 = 0.99). Remarkably, image counting was up to 6 times faster than human counting when the number of beads per fish was high (> 300 per fish). We investigated the potential effect of different sources of error on the feed mass to bead count calibration equation and found the effects of X-ray exposure setting and the position of pellets on the X-ray plate to be negligible on the bead counts of both human and image analysis. We tested different feeding periods with the time of the X-ray images to minimize the loss of beads through defecation. We found that fish should be X-rayed within 6.5–11 hours of first being offered feed for a 6-hour feeding period which fed the entire daily ration. Lastly, we assessed the repeatability of feed intake over a 70-day growth period from 80–300 grams and found feed intake to be significantly and moderately repeatable (r = 0.45 ± 0.11), indicating developments in the method result in a consistent ranking of individual fish based on feed intake from three repeated measurements. The X-ray method combined with image analysis greatly reduces counting time without compromising accuracy, achieves promising repeatability, and is feasible in Atlantic salmon parr.

The Impact of Spinopelvic Alignment on the Facet Joint Degeneration.

Retrospective Cohort. This study aims to evaluate the relations between facet joint degeneration (FD) and sagittal spinopelvic parameters. Second, the association of FD with degenerative disc disease (DDD) and lumbar disc herniations (LDH) was assessed. The radiologic data of 192 patients was retrospectively analyzed. Total, proximal, and distal lumbar lordosis (LL, PLL, and DLL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), and sacral table angle (STA) were measured on lumbar x-ray plates. DDD and FD was graded on the MRI images. The apex of lumbar lordosis and PI-LL imbalance were noted in each patient. Correlation analyses were performed. Age and body mass index (BMI) were correlated with FD. LL and DLL are positively associated with upper-level FDs (L1-2 and L2-3) (P < 0,05). PLL were positively associated with lower level FD (L5-S1) (P < 0,05). A significant increase in PI was associated with FD in L2-3 and L4-5. A larger PT was found in FD in L4. The PI-LL imbalance was not correlated with the FD. Correlation between DDD and LDH and FD was observed in each level (P < 0,01). The level of FD is not affected by the apex of the curve. Age and BMI have a direct impact on FD. However, spinopelvic parameters influence the severity of FD rather than its occurrence. In addition to the effects of lumbar lordosis as a single entity, it is essential to consider separately the effects of proximal and distal lumbar lordosis at the FD level.

Surface Recombination and Space-Charge-Limited Photocurrent-Voltage (PC-V) Measurements in (Cd,Mn)Te Samples-Kinetics of Photocurrent (PC).

Photocurrent-voltage characteristic (PC-V) is a method of determining the critical parameter in X-ray and gamma-ray detector plates, i.e., the carrier mobility-lifetime product, μτ. We show for the (Cd,Mn)Te samples that the measurement results depend strongly on the surface treatment and the space charge distribution. The PC-V characteristics obtained for ħω > Eg and ħω ~ Eg indicated that etching with 20% HCl caused an appearance of a significant concentration of very shallow surface traps at the (Cd,Mn)Te sample surface. These traps seriously changed the results of measurements of PC-V characteristics and PC kinetics. We also noticed a small contribution of holes to photoconductivity in the PC kinetics. The measurements of PC-V characteristics for ħω > Eg may test the detector plate surface quality.

A Cross-sectional Radiological Study of Ossification at Lower End of Ulna and Tip of Olecranon among Children and Adolescents coming to Forensic Medicine Department, Medical College, Kolkata, for Age Estimation

Objectives: To study radiologically the ossification status of lower end of ulna and tip of olecranon andcompare with Galstaun chart and other standard charts.Material and Methods: A record based cross sectional study was performed in the department of Forensicand State Medicine, Medical College Kolkata for one month, on children and adolescent coming to thedepartment for age estimation over a span of past one year. Their chronological age was noted from birthcertificates. The X-Ray plates was looked for appearance and fusion of lower end of ulna and tip of olecranonand compared with Galstaun chart and other standard charts.Results: The records of 199 subjects (Male-142. Female-57) were examined, who belong to the age groupof 7yrs to 19yrs. After observing the appearance and fusion from X-Ray plates and comparing them withGalstaun chart it was seen that maximum deviation from mean age occurred in appearance of lower end ofulna. Appearance of tip of olecranon also had a wide deviation. Males were found to have more variationsthan females.

Study on Removal Technology of Nitrocellulose Membrane

The removal of a transition film from an ion-proof microchannel plate affects the performance and quality of the latter.In this paper,the removal technology of nitrocellulose transfer membrane is studied theoretically and experimentally.A nitrocellulose transition film was removed by hydrogen reduction heat treatment and ultraviolet irradiation.The surface composition and properties of the nitrocellulose were measured and analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,plate resistance,and current gain test.The removal of nitrocellulose and the performance of the microchannel are discussed.It is discovered that both hydrogen reduction heat treatment and ultraviolet irradiation can effectively remove the nitrocellulose membrane and sustain the stable performance of the microchannel plate.

A 3D journey on virtual surfaces and inner structure of ossa genitalia in Primates by means of a non-invasive imaging tool

Novel bio-imaging techniques such as micro-Computed Tomography provide an opportunity to investigate animal anatomy and morphology by overcoming limitations imposed by traditional anatomical drawings. The primate genital bones are complex anatomical structures whose occurrence in both male penis (baculum) and female clitoris (baubellum) may be difficult to assess in individual cadavers. We tested a 3-step methodological protocol, including different techniques ranging from inexpensive/simple to more expensive/sophisticated ones, by applying it to a sample of primate species, and resulting in different levels of data complexity: (1) presence/absence manual palpation method; (2) 2D X-ray plates; 3) 3D micro-CT scans. Manual palpation failed on 2 out of 23 specimens by detecting 1 false negative and 1 false positive; radiography failed once confirming the false positive, however firmly disproved by micro-CT; micro-CT analysis reported the presence of 9 bacula out of 11 male specimens and 1 baubellum out of 12 female specimens. A different baculum position was identified between strepsirrhine and haplorrhine species. We also aim to assess micro-CT as a non-invasive technique providing updated anatomical descriptions of primate ossa genitalia. Micro-CT 3D volumes showed the surface of some bones as rough, with a jagged appearance, whereas in others the surface appeared very smooth and coherent. In addition, four main types of bone internal structure were identified: 1) totally hollow; 2) hollow epiphyses and solid diaphysis with few or several channels inside; 3) totally solid with intricate Haversian channels; 4) totally solid with some channels (structure of single baubellum scanned). Ossa genitalia appeared as a living tissue having its own Haversian-like channels. The high resolution of micro-CT 3D-images of primate genital bones disclosed additional form variability to that available from genital bone 2D images of previous studies, and showed for the first time new internal and external morphological characters. Moreover, micro-CT non-invasive approach proved appropriate to recover much of scientific knowledge still hidden and often neglected in both museum specimens and primate cadavers only destined to necropsy.

Role of Steel Plate Thickness on the Residual Stress Formation and Cracking Behavior During Flame Cutting

Thick wear-resistant steel plates are utilized in challenging applications, which require a high hardness and toughness. However, utilization of the thick plates is problematic as they often have nonuniform mechanical properties along the thickness direction due to the manufacturing-induced segregations. In addition, the processing of thick plates commonly involves flame cutting, which causes several challenges. Flame cutting forms a heat-affected zone and generates high residual stresses during the cutting process. In the worst case, flame cutting causes cracking of the cut edge. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of plate thickness on the residual stress formation and cracking behavior when utilizing flame cutting. Residual stress profiles are measured by X-ray diffraction, plates and cut edges and are mechanically tested and characterized by electron microscopy. The results show that thicker plates generate more unfavorable residual stress state during flame cutting. Thick plates also contain segregations, which have decreased mechanical properties. The combination of high residual tensile stresses and segregations increase the risk of cracking during flame cutting. To prevent the cracking, the residual stresses should be lowered by lower cutting speeds and preheating. In addition, manufacturing practices should be aimed at lowering segregation formation in thick plates.

Intravesical migration of female urethral dilator: a case report of a new urologic emergency in the era of e-commerce

BackgroundThe introduction of foreign bodies in the female urethra for auto-erotic stimulation or in case of psychiatric disorders is not uncommon. The occurrence of intravesical migration of these objects makes it necessary to remove it shortly after insertion, since after long term permanence complications are likely to occurr.Case presentationA 47-year-old white female was referred at our Urology department for migration inside the bladder of a metallic urethral dilator used for sexual stimulation. An ultrasound study and an X-ray plate of the pelvis clearly visualized the presence of an object shaped like a rifle bullet located in the bladder. Twenty-four hours later, the patient reported its spontaneous emission through the urethra during micturition. This was confirmed by US and X-ray imaging.ConclusionsThe retrieval of foreign objects introduced through body orifices with purpose of sexual gratification is a known urological expertise. Curiously, in the case reported, the patient was able to manipulate the object thus facilitating its correct orientation and passage outside the bladder during micturition. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case of documented spontaneous emission through the urethra of a sizable intravesical foreign body. Sexual gratification in females though the insertion of urethral dilators is a growing practice, as demonstrated by the broad proposal of such instruments on the web. Therefore, the occurrence of accidental intravesical displacement of such kind of foreign body is increasingly likely, and the Urologists must be aware of this possibility.

Novel technique to accurately measure femoral diameter using a Thomas splint

IntroductionDuring surgical management of femoral shaft fractures, difficulties arise when treating patients with narrow femoral diaphyseal canals, such as young patients and those with dysplastic femurs secondary to underlying pathology. Accurate pre-operative assessment of the femoral diaphyseal canal diameter would allow the surgeon to plan surgical technique and ensure appropriate equipment was available, such as narrow, unreamed or paediatric sized nails. TechniqueWhen secured to the patient both longitudinal rods of the main Thomas Splint component lie parallel with the femoral shaft and horizontal to the radiographic x-ray plate. The diameter of these rods are 13mm (Adult and paediatric). Using the calibration tool, we calibrate the diameter of the Thomas Splint to 13mm, accurately measuring any further detail on that radiograph, such as the diaphyseal canal diameter. ConclusionAccurate knowledge pre-operatively of radiographic measurements is highly valuable to the operating surgeon. This technique can accurately measure femoral canal diameter using the Thomas splint, negates the requirement for a calibration marker, is reproducible, easy to perform, and is indispensible when faced with a patient with a narrow femoral canal in a diaphyseal femoral fracture. (181 words)

The importance of HbA1C and erythrocyte sedimentation rate as prognostic factors in predicting the outcome of diabetic foot ulcer disease

Background: The study is to determine the relation between the high HbA1c and ESR as prognostic factors with the severity of the diabetic foot ulcer disease, particularly, in predicting the final outcome in the form of higher incidence of lower extremity amputation (LEA) and/or prolonged hospital stay. The study explored the importance of increased level of serum HbA1c and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in determining the final outcome of the disease. It revealed that the severity of diabetic foot ulcer disease is more in patients who had concomitant high levels of baseline HbA1c and ESR on admission.Methods: This observational study was done in 89 patients who were admitted in the surgical wards of the two teaching hospitals in India. The cohort consisted of patients from the age of 26 to 83 years of age who presented with clinically infected foot ulcers. Routine blood tests were done which include HbA1C on the day of admission and fasting ESR (1st hour) on the next day morning. The standard X-ray plates were routinely taken on the first day for determination of the involvement of underlying bones and soft tissues. The outcome of the diabetic foot ulcer was assessed from the severity of the disease according to Meggit-Wagner classification, the incidence of lower extremity amputation and the duration of hospital stay.Results: The high levels of baseline HbA1C (more than 7.0%) in blood on the first day of admission was found in all of the 89 patients who were included in this study but the criteria for consideration of high risk was more than 9% which was found in 41 patients. The criteria for consideration of high ESR in this study was set to be 50 mm/h. High ESR of more than 50 mm was found in 63 patients. We had subdivided 31 patients into a High Risk Group whose baseline levels of HbA1C &gt; 9% and ESR &gt; 50 mm/h. The incidence of amputation was 79.31% and 44.44% with HbA1c of more than 9.0% and ESR of more than 50 mm respectively and was considerably increased (83.87%) when both HbA1c and ESR were more than the critical value as set in the study. Similarly, the incidence of prolonged hospital stay of more than 14 days was 58.54% in patients with HbA1C level of greater than 9 %, 51.85% in patients with baseline ESR &gt; 50 mm/h and 93.55% in presence of high levels of both HbA1C (&gt;9%) and ESR (&gt;50 mm/h)..Conclusions: The study observed that the patients who presented with baseline high levels of HbA1C, ESR or both on admission had unfavourable prognosis with increased incidence of lower extremity amputation and prolonged hospital stay than the other patients in the cohort.

Comparative Study on Insall-Salvati Index by Radiological and Clinical Methods in a Tertiary Care Centre of North Bengal, India.

Patellar height is an important parameter of patellar stability. Its importance is evident from various attempts to measure it, by different scientists from time to time and many indices have been derived among which Insall-Salvati index (IS index) is the most simple, accurate and easy to measure. In this study a new clinical method has been tried to measure patellar height by applying the same principle of IS index. To compare clinical method of measurement of IS index with the one derived radiologically and to establish the higher cut off value of the clinical method. In the present study 186 knee joints (93 subjects) were subjected to measurement of patellar height by both clinical and radiological methods. The IS index was measured bilaterally from lateral view of X-ray plates and it was measured clinically in every knee joint. Both the values were compared using students t-test and higher cut off values were set for normal knee joint for the clinical method. Among 93 study participants majority were females (54.83%), age of the patients varied from 10-68 years with mean age of 28 years and Standard deviation (SD) of 16.4. It was found that, there was no statistically significant difference between the mean values obtained by clinical method of measurement, compared to conventional one (IS Index) for both the genders and age groups on both the sides. A cut off value of 0.98 cm by clinical method gives sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 36% with area under the ROC curve 0.596. The subjects with patellar height of less than cut off value by clinical method can avoid radiological investigation as there was no statistically significant difference of IS index between radiological and clinical methods.

Correlations between the feature of sagittal spinopelvic alignment and facet joint degeneration: a retrospective study.

BackgroundSagittal spinopelvic alignment changes associated with degenerative facet joint arthritis have been assessed in a few studies. It has been documented that patients with facet joint degeneration have higher pelvic incidence, but the relationship between facet joint degeneration and other sagittal spinopelvic alignment parameters is still disputed. Our purpose was to evaluate the correlation between the features of sagittal spinopelvic alignment and facet joint degeneration.MethodsImaging data of 140 individuals were retrospectively analysed. Lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope, and height of the lumbar intervertebral disc were measured on lumbar X-ray plates. Grades of facet joint degeneration were evaluated from the L2 to S1 on CT scans. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and Student’s t-test were used for statistical analyses, and a P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsPI was positively associated with degeneration of the facet joint at lower lumbar levels (p < 0.001 r = 0.50 at L5/S1 and P = 0.002 r = 0.25 at L4/5). A significant increase of PT was found in the severe degeneration group compared with the mild degeneration group: 22.0° vs 15.7°, P = 0.034 at L2/3;21.4°vs 15.1°, P = 0.006 at L3/4; 21.0° vs 13.5°, P = 0.000 at L4/5; 20.8° vs 12.1°, P = 0.000 at L5/S1.ConclusionOur results indicate that a high PI is a predisposing factor for facet joint degeneration at the lower lumbar spine, and that severe facet joint degeneration may accompany with greater PT at lumbar spine.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-016-1193-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Optical property of CR-39 synthesized by doping with methylviologen-encapsulated SiO2 nanocapsules as a solid-state X-ray plate detector

A CR-39 plate synthesized by doping with methylviologen-encapsulated SiO2 nanocapsules was firstly demonstrated as a solid-state X-ray (80kV) detector for diagnostic examination without etching using an alkali solution. The X-ray-irradiated area was clearly observed as an emission image by exciting with a laser in FLA-9000. The maximum intensity was obtained using a 532nm laser. The emission intensity at the X-ray-irradiated area increased linearly from 0.5 to 3Gy with increasing thickness from 1 to 5mm. In 15-nm-diameter silica nanocapsules and 4–5-mm-thick CR-39, the maximum intensity was observed by X-ray irradiation.

A study on the relation of the severity of diabetic foot ulcers with the type of bacterial flora isolated from the wounds

Background: The study is to determine the relation between severity of the diabetic foot ulcers and the organisms isolated from the wounds; its implications and prognosis with particular reference to the differences in the final outcome depending upon the type of organism infecting the wound. The study try to correlate the severity of the diabetic foot infection according to Meggit-Wagner classification, the incidence of amputation and the impact on the hospital stay with the difference of bacterial flora isolated from the wounds. This is an observational study done in 53 patients who were admitted in the surgical ward of a large private medical college in Jadavpur, India. It has been found from this study that the incidence and severity of diabetic foot ulcer is more in patients with some particular type of bacteria found in their wounds. A strong correlation is found in patients whose wounds were infected with some particular bacteria had resulted in more severe type of foot ulcers with higher incidence of amputation and concomitant longer hospital stay. Methods: An observational study was done in 53 patients who were admitted in the surgical ward of a teaching hospital in Kolkata, India. The youngest patient was aged 28 years and the oldest patient was 83 years of age. All of them presented with clinically infected foot ulcers. The patients were explained about the study methods in their own language and due consent was taken. A standardized proforma in English, Hindi and the vernacular languages was made for recording the necessary data. The standard X-ray plates were taken into consideration for determination of the involvement of underlying bones. The microbiological studies were done in all patients from the wound swabs of the foot ulcers. The outcome of the diabetic foot ulcer was assessed from the severity of the disease, the presence of the different bacterial flora in their wounds, the incidence of amputation and the duration of hospital stay. Results: The positive wound culture was found in 67.92 of patients, Methicillin resistant Staph. aureus (MRSA) was the commonest isolated organism (44.44%) followed by mixed bacterial flora ( Staph. aureus, Streptococcus epidermidis, Peptococcus, and Bacteroides fragilis ) in 16.98% of patients. ESBL Klebsiella was found in 13.89% of patients, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus feacalis were isolated in 8.33% of patients. 80% of ESBL infected wounds presented with Grade IV ulcers. The incidence of amputation was highest in patients whose wounds were colonized by MRSA and 60% of patients with ESBL Klebsiella infected wounds had hospital stay of more than three weeks. Conclusions: The study observed that the prognosis and outcome of a diabetic foot ulcer vary considerably with the specific type of bacteria colonizing the wound.

Radiology’sLegacy: Rummaging through the Attic

Early articles in Radiology are based on conventional radiography and provide the foundation for both the way we think about extracting diagnostically important information from images and the spectacular technologic achievements in the decades that followed; therefore, we decided to include in this issue of Radiology a pictorial essay of select figures and our thoughts on the articles themselves to give a taste of the beginnings of so many of our current imaging and research activities.

Comparison of two detection systems to reveal AFLP markers in plants

Since their development, AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) markers have been used for a wide variety of analyses and, up to this day, are considered highly informative, robust, and reproducible molecular markers. Originally, the visualization of the amplified fragments was done in polyacrylamide gels, followed by silver staining or by developing in an X-ray plate, when radioactivity is used. In the last 14 years, capillary electrophoresis of fluorescently labeled fragments has been gradually replacing gel-based systems. However, the latter continue to be better for isolating and cloning AFLP fragments. In this report, we compare the results obtained by capillary electrophoresis with those from silver staining. We found that if fluorescence-labeled amplification products are loaded in a polyacrylamide gel, duplicated bands (doublets) are seen. This phenomenon is probably due to a delay in the migration of the strand that carries the fluorophore. Therefore, we recommend a minimum separation of 4 bp from the nearest fragment to the target fragment for its unambiguous identification and isolation. If this requirement is not fulfilled, an alternative is to make new amplifications using the same primer combination, but with unlabeled primers.

A 7-Year-Old Extrauterine Pregnancy in a Cat

This paper describes a 7-year-old extrauterine pregnancy in a spayed cat. Three extrauterine fetuses were accidentally found in the abdomen of a 12-year-old domestic short hair cat that had ovariohysterectomy about 7 years before. The animal was under evaluation for a recent history of increased thirst, urination, and poor appetite. Biochemical analysis revealed high plasmatic levels of urea, creatinine, and phosphorus consistent with renal insufficiency. X-ray plates showed three calcified fetuses in the abdomen, apparently unrelated to the reported clinical signs. Despite intensive therapy, the cat died one day later. At necropsy, ovaries and uterus were not found but the presence of three well-developed, mummified, and mineralized fetuses loosely attached to the omentum was evident. Careful dissection of fetuses confirmed the diagnosis of extrauterine pregnancy. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a 7-year lasting ectopic pregnancy in an ovariohysterectomized cat. The absence of related clinical signs seems to confirm that such conditions are compatible with a normal healthy life.

Characterization of Thermo- and Detergent Stable Antigenic Glycosylated Cysteine Protease ofEuphorbia nivuliaBuch.-Ham. and Evaluation of Its Ecofriendly Applications

An antigenic glycosylated cysteine protease has been purified from the latex of Euphorbia nivulia Buch.-Ham. It exhibits remarkable protease activity in the presence of metal ions, oxidizing agents, organic solvents, and detergents. This enzyme showed potential role in leather processing industry due to its dehairing activity for animal hide without hydrolyzing fibrous proteins, producing, by this way, a better quality product. The enzyme can also be used for silver recovering from X-ray plates. In addition, the stability (temperature and surfactants) and hydrolysis of blood stain data also revealed its application in detergent industries. Agriculturally, this protease finds application in biocontrol process against the infectious management of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Biologically, it shows noticeable wound healing, haemostatic and antibacterial activity.

X-ray Knee as a Screening Tool for Osteoporosis

Cortical thickness (Cor-Th) of tibia varies considerably on X-ray knees. It was hypothesized that Cor-Th can be used for preliminary prediction of BMD. Ninety nine patients underwent a digital X-ray left knee fixed flexion PA view with an external calibration scale attached to X-ray plate and BMD by DXA using GE lunar machine (Madison, Wisconsin.). Cor-Th was measured at 5 selected levels (A,B,C,D, and E) ranging from 5–7cm below the tibial plateau on its medial aspect. T-scores were recorded for BMD at AP spine, left forearm and left femur. Cor-Th of tibia at each level significantly correlated with each site of BMD measurement namely AP spine, left femur and left forearm. This correlation varied in the range from 0.241 to 0.426. For AP spine, it was maximum at level C (r=0.347, p<0.001) whereas for left femur and forearm sites, it was maximum at level B (r=0.426 &r=0.373 respectively, p<0.001). The correlation of Cor-Th with BMD varied with age. Above 56 years of age, Cor-Th at each level significantly correlated to BMD at each site. Medial tibial cortical thickness, 6cm (level C) below tibial plateau can be used as preliminary predictor of patients who need a DXA scan.