[en] The work of piping layout in the nuclear islands of nuclear power stations includes the pipe and the support designing, which shall satisfy the requirements of system, vibration, weight and flexibility. This paper have introduced the routing verification program during the basic design in Thane's project. The program is implemented in the whole design process, and the result shows that this program can effectively verify the mechanics of the layout of process pipelines, ensure the design quality, reduce the iterative work and improve the efficiency. (authors)

[en] Aim: To investigate the potential dose reduction in cardiovascular computed tomography angiography (CTA) in a swine model using 320-detector volume CT with adaptive iterative dose reduction in three dimensions (AIDR 3D) reconstruction to maintain a comparable image quality (IQ) to that reconstructed by a conventional filtered back projection (FBP) algorithm. Methods and materials: Twenty-four mini-pigs underwent cardiovascular CTA four times at 80 KVp and different tube currents. An automatic exposure control (AEC) system was used and the noise index (NI) was predetermined at a standard deviation (SD) of 20 (Method A, routine dose), and 25, 30, 35 (Methods B–D) to reduce the dose gradually. Method A was reconstructed with FBP. Methods B–D were reconstructed using AIDR 3D (strong). Two radiologists graded IQ by reviewing both cardiac and vascular structures using a five-point scale. Quantitative IQ parameters of image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured and compared. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to select a radiation reduction threshold and maintain comparable IQ (score ≥4). Results: Method B and C had significantly lower image noise (p<0.0001), higher CNR and SNR than Method A (p<0.0001). Compared with Method A (noise: 52.7±8.3; SNR: 11.7±2.8; and CNR: 9.9±2.7), Method C had comparable subjective IQ and higher objective IQ (noise: 38.9±6.1; SNR: 16.3±3.5; and CNR: 13.5±3.3). The results of the ROC curve showed that Method C (SD30) was the optimal dose threshold to maintain a comparable subjective IQ (AUC: 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80–0.90). The effective dose (ED) of Method C was reduced by 49%, compared to that of Method A (0.33±0.08 mSv versus 0.65±0.15 mSv). Conclusion: AIDR 3D at a strong level combined with an AEC system can potentially reduce the ED by 49% and maintain an IQ comparable to that achieved using a routine-dose and FBP reconstruction in mini-pig cardiovascular CTA. - Highlights: • 640-slice CT, AIDR 3D in combination with AEC system, can significantly reduce image noise and improve the image quality. • AIDR 3D (strong) can improve the image quality of cardiovascular CTA for swine with low body weight. • AIDR 3D (strong) with the AEC system can maintain image quality and has the potential to reduce the radiation dose by 49%.

[en] The erraticity in the random-cascading α model is investigated. It is found that, contrary to previous expectations, even in the pure single-α random-cascading model without putting in any particle, erraticity behaviour exists and the corresponding entropy indices do not vanish. this means that the dynamical fluctuations in a pure single-α model have already occurred event-by-event. The models with multiple-α strengthen this fluctuation. Taking the double-α model as example, the variation of the event-space fluctuation strength with the mixing ratio of the two αs is studied in some detail. The influence of the particle number on the results when the particles are put into the system is also investigated

[en] Objective: To determine the feasibility and the optimal dose reduction of AIDR 3D on piglet chest CT which can provide image quality (IQ) comparable to filtered back projection (FBP). Methods: Twenty-nine normal pigs with the weight of 3-12 kg underwent 640-slice MDCT chest CT (Aquilion one, Toshiba) for 5 times with 80 kvp and various mAs. SureExposure3D technique were used and the index of noise were set to SD 10.0, 12.5, 15.0, 17.5, 20.0(Group A, B, C, D, E) to reduce dose successively-Group A were reconstructed with FBP, Group B, C, D, E were reconstructed using AIDR 3D (strong level). Quantitative image noise and signal to noise ratio(SNR) were measured in each group. Two radiologists graded subject image quality on both lung images (artifacts, central airway, lung tissue) and mediastinal images (mediastinal structure) and overall image quality using a 5-point scale in a blinded manner. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and LSD test were used for comparisons of objective evaluation indices(CT value, noise, SNR) and radiation dose(CTDIvol, DLP, ED) among the five groups. The Friedman test and Wilcoxon test were used for comparisons of demographic data and for detection of differences in subjective evaluation of IQ among groups. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to establish a radiation reduction threshold up to which comparable IQ(score ≥ 4) was maintained. Results: Compared with Group A [noise(15.25 ± 3.14) HU, SNR 3.23 ± 1.07], Gimip B, C had significant lower noise and higher SNR[noise(12.11 ± 2.75), (13.18 ± 3.16)HU; SNR 4.13 ± 1.38, 3.80 ± 1.20; F = 7.38, 3.11, F < 0.05]. Group D, E showed no significantly different noise and SNR with Group A [noise(15.14 ± 4.51), (15.79 ± 4.17) HU; SNR 3.40 ± 1.56, 3.45 ± 1.70; P > 0.05], Group B, C had significant better subject image quality compared with Group A (P < 0.01). Group D had no significantly different subject image quality compared with Group A (P > 0.05). Group E had 5 pigs with overall image scores of < 3. The ROC curve of IQ established SD 17.5 (Group D) as optimal cut-off point (AUC 0.75, 95% Cl 0.58-0.92). Group D provided equivalent subjective image score and objective IQ measurements compared with FBP images in Group A. The ED of group D was 59% lower than that of group A[CTDIvol (1.14 ± 0.27) mGy vs (0.47 ± 0.16) mGy, F = 183.83, P < 0.01]. Conclusion: Using AIDR 3D technique, 80 kvp with SureExposure3D (SD 17. 5) can provide comparable IQ compared with routine dose with FBP reconstruction, and reduce 59% dose in piglet model. (authors)

[en] The radiation-induced inflammatory response is involved in radiation damage to the cochlea and causes sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). NF-κB, as the master switch of the inflammatory response, regulates the expression of many inflammation-related genes and thus the inflammatory response. Therefore, in this study we used a mouse model to determine whether radiation-induced NF-κB activation is involved in damage to the cochlea and to investigate the underlying mechanism. Eventually, we found that NF-κB was activated after radiation of the cochleae and the activation reached a maximum at 2-6 h after radiation. And morphological analysis showed severe damage to the cochleae after radiation, but this damage was significantly ameliorated by JSH-23 (an inhibitor of NF-κB) pretreatment. Along with these morphological changes, the expression levels of proinflammatory molecules (including proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2 and inflammation-related proteins VCAM-1, MIP-1β) in the cochlear tissues were significantly increased after radiation, but were significantly decreased by JSH-23 pretreatment compared to radiation alone. Therefore, these results indicated that radiation-induced NF-κB activation was involved in damage to the cochleae and resultant SNHL via its promotion of the inflammatory response mediated by overexpression of some proinflammatory molecules in cochlear tissues, and inhibition of radiation-induced NF-κB was conducive to preventing such damage.

[en] Highlights: • Solving a multi-objective optimization problem for electric vehicle using NSGA-II. • Considering the influence of the number and the variation trend of accelerations. • Analyzing the difference between energy consumption and battery capacity loss. • Analyzing the reasons for the difference in energy consumption. -- Abstract: The existing research of electric vehicle acceleration curves optimization mainly focuses on minimum energy consumption, without considering the battery life. This paper focuses on solving a multi-objective optimization problem with two conflicting objectives: minimization of energy consumption per kilometer and minimization of percentage of battery capacity loss per kilometer during acceleration process. The influence of the number and the variation trend of accelerations on these two objectives are simultaneously considered, and the acceleration curves are optimized using the fast elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm. The results obtained are selected by using the fuzzy theory. The results show that for the acceleration condition with zero initial velocity, the energy consumption per kilometer and the percentage of battery capacity loss per kilometer of multiple accelerations curves above the original acceleration curves all decreases. While for the high acceleration condition where initial velocity is not zero, the energy saving effect of the optimized multiple accelerations curves above the original condition is not obvious. Then, we analyze the reasons for energy consumption difference, and it is found that energy consumption per kilometer in overcoming accelerating resistance for optimization curves is much less than original condition for low velocity. It is also found that energy consumption per kilometer in accelerating resistance and aerodynamic resistance is large for high velocity, and there is little difference between optimized multiple accelerations curves and original condition.

[en] To unravel the interplay between the strong electronic correlation and itinerant-localized dual nature in typical f electron systems, we employed the density functional theory in combination with the single-site dynamical mean-field theory to systematically investigate the electronic structures of CeSb and USb. We find that the 4f states in CeSb are mostly localized with a weak quasi-particle resonance peak near the Fermi level. Conversely, the 5f electrons in USb display partially itinerant features, accompanied by mixed-valence behavior and prominent valence state fluctuations. Particularly, the 4f electronic correlations in CeSb are orbital-selective with strikingly renormalized 4f_5/2 states, according to the low-energy behaviors of 4f self-energy functions. It is believed that the strong electronic correlation and fantastic bonding of f states contribute to elucidating the magnetism. (paper)

[en] Objective: To investigate characteristic CT manifestations of primary pulmonary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods: CT images of 14 patients [10 males and 4 females, age (54 ± 2) years old, range 32 to 91] with pathologically-proved pulmonary DLBCL lymphoma were retrospectively analyzed. Plain CT and contrast enhanced CT imaging were performed in all 14 patients. Image characteristics including lesion size, locations and distribution, morphology and margin, density and enhancement degrees, bronchia and lesion surroundings, other thoracic extra-pulmonary manifestations, as well as distant metastasis were analyzed and recorded. The maximal diameter of mass and/or nodules, pre and post-contrast CT values were measured. Among all 14 cases, 8 cases were initially diagnosed as lung carcinoma, 5 cases as infection, one case as lymphoma. Results: Among all 14 primary lung DLBCL cases, there were 10 case with multiple lesions and 4 with single lesion. Masses and/or nodules were found in 12 cases, with the maximum diameter of the lesions as 0.8-8.2 cm, the median value as 5.3 (2.9, 7.8) cm. Two cases showed simple consolidation. The margins of the lesions were clear and smooth in 12 cases, and fuzzy in 2 cases. The density of the lesions on pre-contrast CT was relatively uniform, with mean CT value (35.1 ± 1.0) HU. After contrast, 10 cases displayed mild to moderate homogeneous enhancement, 4 cases showed heterogenous enhancement. The mean CT value of post-contrast images was (61.8 ± 1.5) HU. In arterial phase, the mean CT value was (50.9 ± 1.3) HU. Angiographic sign was found in 9 cases in arterial phase. Of the 14 cases, bronchus was clear and smooth in 5 cases. In 4 cases, bronchus was found slight compressed or stenosis;and 5 cases showed intra-lesion bronchi invasion or occlusion. Interstitial tissue around the lesion was found slightly thickened in 8 cases. The pleura showed unevenly thickened and invaded in 8 cases. Mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy and fusion were found in 10 cases, with 3 cases involving mediastinal large blood vessels, and 7 cases displaying infiltrative growth pattern. There were 4 cases with pleural effusion. CT follow-up after treatment in 8 cases showed no distant metastasis (7 cases showed good prognosis, with lesions disappearing after radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgical resection; 1 case showed progressed with lesion increased after chemotherapy). Six patients abandoned the treatment and discharged from the hospital. Conclusions: Primary DLBCL is a high invasive and malignant entity with certain CT characteristics. The confirmed diagnosis of pulmonary DLBCL depends on pathological results. (authors)

[en] Three sequential extraction procedures (SEPs), modified Tessier, modified BCR, and CIEMAT, were compared for mercury fractionation in polluted soils. With satisfactory total mercury recovery, the modified Tessier and modified BCR SEPs were comparable with each other in terms of extraction efficiency in equivalent mercury fractions, whereas both SEPs were not as efficient as the CIEMAT SEP. However, the CIEMAT SEP might underestimate the oxidizable mercury fractions due to the humic and fulvic complexes instead of the organic matter of the other two SEPs. For mercury bioavailability identification, based on Pearson correlation analysis, all fractions in each SEP were significantly correlated with mercury uptake in Ipomoea aquatica, causing difficulty in comparison. Partial correlation analysis indicated that the mobile mercury fractions extracted by the first step in all three SEPs had a positive correlation with mercury uptake by plant, while mercury bound to organic matter extracted by both modified Tessier and modified BCR SEPs presented negative correlation with mercury uptake by plant which was in contrast to CIEMAT SEP. Meanwhile, clearly positive correlations between mercury fractions extracted by the former three steps of CIEMAT SEP and mercury uptake in Ipomoea aquatica were observed, demonstrating that CIEMAT SEP provided more accurate results related to Hg bioavailability than did the other two SEPs.

[en] Using scanning tunneling spectroscopy, we have studied the interface effect on quantum well states of Pb thin films grown on various metal-terminated (Pb, Ag, and Au) n-type Si(111) surfaces and on two different p-type Si(111) surfaces. The dispersion relation E(k) of the electrons of the Pb film and the phase shift at the substrate interface were determined by applying the quantization rule to the measured energy positions of the quantum well states. Characteristic features in the phase shift versus energy curves were identified and were correlated to the directional conduction band of the silicon substrate and to the Schottky barrier formed between the metal film and the semiconductor. A model involving the band structure of the substrate, the Schottky barrier, and the effective thickness of the interface was introduced to qualitatively but comprehensively explain all the observed features of the phase shift at the substrate interface. Our physical understanding of the phase shift is critically important for using interface modification to control the quantum well states. (paper)